Crow Wing County Historical Society (webpage header)


BUILDINGS and PARKS of SOME HISTORICAL
SIGNIFICANCE to the CITY of BRAINERD


1874-1950 Brainerd Buildings Map
(Adapted from the 1874 Andreas Historical Atlas of Minnesota)
(Click on map to download 900 KB High-resolution PDF file)
A glance backward reveals the fact that Brainerd has experienced some very severe setbacks, a condition quite natural in a railroad town. The Jay Cooke failure of 1873 left the little city flat on its back. The boom of 1881 to 1883 was followed by a reaction. Then came the removal of passenger car repair work to the Como Shops in St. Paul and then the Staples cut-off, removing Brainerd from the main line of the Northern Pacific from St. Paul to the coast. The Northern Pacific hospital was taken away. In 1922 a prolonged strike cost the city one-half million dollars. A great lumber industry came—but left in 1905.

Furthermore, fires have destroyed dozens of large business blocks and scores of homes. Among them were: the Headquarters, Villard, Arlington, Commercial, Antlers, and Earl/Carlson Hotels, Bly’s Block, Sleeper’s Opera House, Columbian Block, and the Northern Pacific Depot. If these buildings were restored to us, they would constitute quite a city. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923; pp. 65 & 66)

The companion map to this document is adapted from the Historical Atlas of Minnesota, published in 1874 by A. T. Andreas, Chicago, Illinois. It has been modified to show the locations of the key buildings of early Brainerd. The MAP numbers in the sections below refer to the numbered buildings on this map.

Ann M. Nelson


— — — — — — — — BUILDINGS — — — — — — — —

ACE HARDWARE STORE
A & P GROCERY STORE / GREAT ATLANTIC & PACIFIC TEA COMPANY
ALDERMAN-MAGHAN HARDWARE COMPANY
AMERICAN HOUSE
ANNA BLOCK
ANTLERS HOTEL
ARLINGTON HOTEL
ARMORY
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD TABERNACLE
BAEHR BUILDING
BANE BLOCK
BANK OF BRAINERD
BARN
BEST THEATRE
BIJOU THEATRE
BLY’S BLOCK
BRAINERD BREWERY COMPANY
BRAINERD FOUNDRY
BRAINERD FRUIT COMPANY
BRAINERD HIGH SCHOOL (First)
BRAINERD HIGH SCHOOL (Second)
BRAINERD HOUSE
BRAINERD ICE COMPANY
BRAINERD JUNIOR COLLEGE
BRAINERD LUMBER COMPANY MAIN OFFICE BUILDING / VAN’S CAFE
BRAINERD MODEL LAUNDRY
BRAINERD SASH & DOOR FACTORY / KAMPMANN & SONS
BRAINERD SCHOOLS MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
BRAINERD SELECT SCHOOL AND OTHER PRIVATE NONSECTARIAN SCHOOLS
BRAINERD STATE BANK / SECURITY STATE BANK
BRAINERD STEAM BRICKYARD / SCHWARTZ BRICKYARD
BRAINERD WHOLESALE GROCERY / NASH-FINCH BUILDING
BYE (JOHN M.) CLOTHING COMPANY
CALE BLOCK
CALEY (MATTIE) RESTAURANT AND BAKERY
CARLSON, JOHN & SON CLOTHING
CARNEGIE PUBLIC LIBRARY
CASS COUNTY COURTHOUSE
CEMENT BLOCK DUPLEX HOUSES
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH
CITIZENS STATE BANK
CITY HALL
CITY HOTEL
CITY JAIL (Second)
COATES (JOHN) LIQUOR COMPANY
COHEN (HENRY I.) DRY GOODS STORE
COLUMBIA THEATRE
COLUMBIAN BLOCK
COUNTY / CITY JAIL (First)
COUNTY JAIL / SHERIFF’S RESIDENCE (First)
COUNTY JAIL / SHERIFF’S RESIDENCE (Second)
COURTHOUSE (First)
COURTHOUSE (Second)
COURTNEY HOUSE
CULLEN BLOCK
DAVIS (MARTHA P.) ICE CREAM PARLOR / BOOKSTORE / MUSIC STORE
DOLLY VARDEN SALOON
DRESSEN BLOCK
DUCLOS BRICKYARD
DUNN DRUG STORE
EARL / CARLSON HOTEL
EBINGER BRICKYARD
ELKS BUILDING
ELKS BUILDING BOWLING ALLEYS
EMPRESS THEATRE
EVANGELICAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
FIRE HALLS
FIRST SWEDISH BAPTIST / TEMPLE BAPTIST CHURCH
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
FIRST NATIONAL BANK BUILDING
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
FRANKLIN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
GARDEN THEATER
GARDNER BLOCK
GARFIELD, EDISON, RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
GARVEY’S CAFE
GLOBE HOTEL
GOTENBORG SALOON
GRANDELMYER (CAROLINE) MILLINERY & DRESSMAKING SHOP
GRAND THEATRE
GREYHOUND BUS DEPOT
GRUENHAGEN BLOCK
HARRISON GRADE SCHOOLS
HARTLEY BANK BUILDING
HARTLEY BLOCK
HAYES BLOCK
HEADQUARTERS HOTEL
HEMSTEAD HOUSE
HERBERGER'S
HICKERSON GARMENT FACTORY
IDEAL HOTEL
IMGRUND AUTO COMPANY
IMPERIAL BLOCK
IRON EXCHANGE BUILDING
JOHNSON’S PHARMACY AND DRUG STORE
JUEL BLOCK
KING LOUIS DRIVE-IN
KOOP BLOCKS
LAST TURN SALOON
LAUREL BLOCK
LE BON TON SALOON
LELAND HOUSE / COMMERCIAL HOTEL
LINCOLN GRADE SCHOOLS
LIVELY BUILDING
LOSEY & DEAN UNDERTAKERS
LOWELL GRADE SCHOOLS
LUKEN (FRED) & COMPANY
LUMBERMAN’S EXCHANGE BANK
LUMBERMAN’S EXCHANGE HOTEL
LUMBERMEN’S HOSPITAL
LYCEUM THEATRE
MAHLUM BLOCK
MAHLUM HOTEL
MCDONALD’S
MCFADDEN DRUG STORE and WESTFALL CLOTHING STORE
MCNAMARA (BERNARD C.) UNDERTAKER
MERCHANTS HOTEL
MICHAEL’S STORE
MIDWAY SALOON
MILT ASKEW’S BILLIARD HALL
MONTGOMERY WARD
MURPHY BLOCK
MURPHY’S DRY GOODS STORE
NATIONAL TEA GROCERY STORE
NEVERS CLOTHING STORE
NICOLLET HOUSE
NORTHERN PACIFIC BANK
NORTHERN PACIFIC COLONISTS’ RECEPTION HOUSE
NORTHERN PACIFIC DEPOT (First)
NORTHERN PACIFIC DEPOT (Second)
NORTHERN PACIFIC FOUNDRY
NORTHERN PACIFIC FREIGHT DEPOT
NORTHERN PACIFIC HOSPITAL
NORTHERN PACIFIC HOTEL
NORTHERN PACIFIC HOUSE
NORTHERN PACIFIC SHOPS
NORTHERN PACIFIC TIE PLANT
NORTHERN PACIFIC YMCA
NORTHWESTERN HOSPITAL
NUMBER ONE SALOON
O’BRIEN BLOCK
O’BRIEN DEPARTMENT STORE
OHIO BLOCK
OLYMPIA CANDY KITCHEN / SUGAR BOWL / FOUNTAIN INN
OLYMPIA CONFECTIONERY & CAFE
OLYMPIC THEATRE
PALACE HOTEL
PALACE THEATRE
PARK OPERA HOUSE / PARAMOUNT THEATRE
PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
PARKER BLOCK
PEARCE BLOCK
PENNEY (J. C.) STORE
PHILLIPS BLOCK
POST OFFICE
PRINCESS CANDY KITCHEN
RANSFORD HOTEL
RED OWL GROCERY STORE
REILLY BLOCK
ROSKO BROTHERS
RUSSELL BUILDING
SAINT FRANCIS CATHOLIC CHURCHES
SAINT FRANCIS CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
SAINT JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL
SAINT PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
SCHAEFER’S MODEL MARKETS
SCHWARTZ BLOCK
SCOTT STORE
SHERWOOD DRUG STORE
SIXTH STREET SCHOOL
SLEEPER BLOCK
SLEEPER OPERA HOUSE
SLEEPER RESIDENCE
SLIPP BLOCK
STANDARD OIL COMPANY
STARLITE CLUB
STRATTON HOUSE
THEVIOT (BERTHA) MILLINERY SHOP / BROADWAY CAFE
THEVIOT BLOCK
TRADING POST 1870
TRUDELL’S RESTAURANT
UNIQUE THEATRE
VEON (ANDREW E.) CABINET MAKER / UNDERTAKER
VILLARD HOTEL
WALKER BLOCK
WALKER HALL
WALVERMAN BLOCK
WEBB BLOCK
WESTGATE MALL
WHITE BROTHER’S HARDWARE & CONTRACTORS
WHITE’S BRICKYARD
WHITTIER GRADE SCHOOLS
WINDSOR HOTEL / NORWOOD HOUSE
WISE BLOCK
WOOLWORTH (F. W.) STORE
MISCELLANEOUS BUILDING / BUSINESS INFORMATION
STREETS RENAMED

— — — — — — — — — PARKS — — — — — — — — —

BANE PARK
DEPOT PARK
GREGORY PARK
LUM PARK
PARK DIMENSIONS
PUBLIC PARK
WOODLAND PARK
WRIGHT’S / WHITE’S PARK / BRAINERD TOURIST CAMP
IMAGE CREDITS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS


— — — — — — — — BUILDINGS — — — — — — — —


ACE HARDWARE STORE

Ace Hardware Store Slates Huge 3-Day Grand Opening

_____


7th Business to Open at Tyrol Hills


An exterior view of the new Ace Hardware Store, 19 November 1958.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch
An interior view of the new Ace Hardware Store, 19 November 1958.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch
Another interior view of the new Ace Hardware Store, 19 November 1958.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Grand opening for the seventh business to open under the single roof of the Tyrol Hills Shopping Center—the Ace Hardware Store—will be held Thursday, Friday and Saturday and will feature over $500 in prizes including a grand prize drawing for a $70 mattress.

The huge new hardware store measures 57 by 130 feet. It has been stocked with a complete line of hardware, electrical and plumbing fixtures, sporting goods and a mammoth toy department with special purchases made for the rapidly-approaching Christmas season.

Store manager Ed Nelson, a lifetime Brainerd resident, said today that the store will be open every night of the week except Sunday until 9 p. m. this will also include the three nights of the grand opening.

DRAWING FOR the prizes will be held Saturday night at 8 p. m.

In addition to manager Nelson, Ace Hardware will also employ an assistant manager, Wally Anderson, and clerks Jim Graham, Mrs. Delia Johnson, Bernida Gurius and Marie Bond.

The hardware store is located on the extreme east end of the block-long shopping center and is constructed of concrete block with a facing of plate glass overhung by a large aluminum canopy. A large sign atop the building identifies it as Ace Hardware.

Originally the Tyrol Hills Shopping Center consisted only of the Brainerd Super Value store, begun in 1955. Later Service Drug and the Brainerd Clinic which houses three local doctors was added.

LAST YEAR a Gold Bond stamp redemption center was incorporated into the Super Valu, along with an on-the-premises baker. Earlier this year Ben Franklin Variety store held a mammoth grand opening while work was still progressing on the Ace Hardware Store.

The total frontage of the shopping center is now 300 feet and the depth varies to a maximum of 132 feet. It was pointed out today by builder Joe Gustafson that there is still room for a 38 by 130 foot addition to the west end of the building with an approximate floor space of 5,500 square feet.

No plans have been announced for construction of further additions.

To complete the attractiveness of the shopping center is a large free parking lot directly in front of the building which can easily park several hundred cars.

According to Gustafson, there are now about 64 persons employed by the seven businesses of the Tyrol Hills Shopping Center. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 November 1958, p. 17, c. 3)


A & P GROCERY STORE / GREAT ATLANTIC & PACIFIC TEA COMPANY

Chain Stores

George H. Hartford, engaged in the hide and leather business, added tea as a sideline in 1859. Within a few years he had 25 shops in New York and Brooklyn, and in 1917, when he died, the Atlantic and Pacific Tea company was operating 3,232 stores. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 August 1927, p. 6, c. 2)


Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. Sales for Year

Over Billion Dollars

_____


New York, April 15.—(UP)—Sales of the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea company for the fiscal year ended February 28, 1930, were in excess of a billion dollars for the first time in its 70-year history, the company announced today.

Sales in the year ended February 28 totaled $1,053,692,882, an increase of $80,985,697 over those of the preceding year and $927,690,318 over those of 1917. Profits in the period were approximately 2 1/2 cents per dollar sales volume, totaling $26,219,631 or $11.78 a share. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 April 1930, p. 1, c. 1)


A & P TEA CO. LEASE STORE HERE

_____


The Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company will open a grocery store at the location formerly occupied by the F. W. Woolworth Company on Front street within the next two months, it was announced today.

A lease was said to have been taken by the company completing the time in the lease of the Woolworth Company and additional time given by Henry I. Cohen, owner of the building.

The store will be one of a large grocery chain operation from coast-to-coast. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 April 1930, p. 3, c. 2)


NEW A & P STORE OPENS IN CITY

_____


Is One of 15,000 Operating in Country;

to be Combination Food

Service Shop


The first ad for the new A & P Store in Brainerd, 28 May 1930. A 1231x2070 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

The Brainerd store of the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company opened at 618 Front street today.

The local store is one of a group of 15,000 branch stores operating throughout the country from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the first store being opened by John Hartford in New York 71 years ago.

The present owners of the chain are John and George Hartford, sons of the original owner.

Announcement was made by E. W. Sutliff, superintendent of stores for Minnesota, here for the opening, that the company purchased last year from Minnesota farmers over $23 million dollars worth of dairy products and other food products bring the total up to over $30 million dollars.

William I. Yde, assistant superintended for Northern Minnesota, assisted in the opening plans.

N. D. Angell, formerly of Austin, is local manager of the grocery department and R. W. Ruedy of Minneapolis is in charge of the meat department. Both are married and will move their families here within the next two weeks.

The Brainerd store is known as a combination food shop handling groceries, meats, fruits and vegetables and operates as a service store. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 May 1930, p. 7, c. 2)


NOTE: The A & P store operated in Brainerd until sometime between 1956-1959 when it left the city.


ALDERMAN-MAGHAN HARDWARE COMPANY

WHITE BROS. SELL THEIR BUSINESS

_____


Purchased by a New Corporation

Formed, the Alderman-Maghan

Corporation of City

_____


TRANSFER OCCURS ON MAY 1ST

_____


White Brothers to Retire After Years

of Merchandising, New Firm are

Young Business Men


Alderman-Maghan Ad, 28 December 1922.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

White Brothers, the oldest, and one of the leading hardware firms in the city have just closed negotiations for the sale of their entire business and good will, to become effective May 1st. With its passing, goes a firm connected with the very earliest history of the city, both I. U. White and C. B. White being numbered among the oldest residents. They have always maintained a reputation for quality merchandise and fair dealing which is unassailable.

The purchasers are James H. Alderman, Amos J. Maghan and Henry C. Mills, all of them prominent and successful business men of this city. Mr. Alderman and Mr. Maghan were connected for a number of years with D. M. Clark and Company and their ability and popularity contributed to a large extent to the success of that firm. They will give their personal attention to the business, and as they have a host of friends, the future outlook for the business is bright. Mr. Mills will devote a portion of his time to the business, but for the present will continue his traveling position as jobbers’ representative. A corporation is being formed, under which the new company will operate as the Alderman-Maghan Hardware Company. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 April 1920, p. 2, c. 5)


The Alderman-Maghan Company, as stated by the firm members, is now a member of the largest association of independent hardware dealers in the country. Through the Marshall-Wells Company and hundreds of other independent hardware dealers, the greatest hardware buying in the world is at their command. James H. Alderman and Amos Maghan started business in Brainerd in 1920, dealing in hardware and furniture. They purchased the business from White Brothers in May, 1920. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 March 1930, p. 3)


14 April 1936. James Alderman and Amos Maghan are in the Twin Cities and Duluth this week, purchasing a new stock of hardware and furniture for the re-opening of their Alderman-Maghan store in May. The store on Laurel St. is being repaired after the fire earlier this year. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 14 April 2016)


SEE: White Brother’s Hardware & Contractors


Fire animation On February 26, 1987 a fire swept through Alderman’s Hardware and several other businesses and apartments located in the 600 block of Laurel Street causing upwards of a million dollars in damages.


SEE: 1987 Walker Block / Alderman’s Hardware Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


AMERICAN HOUSE

American House Ad, 29 June 1872.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

Capt. Russell has been making extensive improvements in the American House during the past week, and has it splendidly fitted up, and no mistake. He has added a billiard table, etc., and other attractions and is now especially prepared to entertain travelers and transient custom generally. Give the “American” a call. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 April 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


The American House with two lots of ground, billiard table and hotel outfit is offered for sale—Capt. Russell, the proprietor, designing to change his location. This is one of the most desirable business corners in Brainerd, and is beautifully located—corner Fifth and Laurel. A great bargain can be had for ready cash. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 April 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


NOTE: The American House was where the first business office of the Brainerd Tribune was located before the Tribune moved to the north side of Laurel Street, midway between Fifth and Sixth Streets as of 06 April 1872. Captain Edward U. Russell was the brother of Morris C. Russell, founder, editor and publisher of the Brainerd Tribune.


THE AMERICAN HOUSE


Changed hands this week—Capt. E. U. Russell having disposed of that property to a Mr. Kiefer, from Shakopee, giving immediate possession. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 July 1872, p. 4, c. 1)


OPENING.—Mr. Ed. Morse, who we mentioned recently as remodeling the American House building, has the same completed, and has opened out a fashionable saloon. The house, as it now stands, is a beauty in its inside arrangement, and is a fine looking building externally. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 October 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


Dr. Winthrop has taken charge of the building known as the Academy of Music, and is fitting it up as a hotel. It is to be known as the American House. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 December 1881, p. 6, c. 4)


Fire animation On January 23 1882, a lamp left burning in the Le Bon Ton Saloon exploded burning the American House, Spalding’s Saloon, Hagberg’s blacksmith shop, Perley’s wagon shop and Hendrickson’s gun shop. The damages were estimated at $17,500.


SEE: 1882 Le Bon Ton Saloon Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


ANNA BLOCK (MAP #61)

Built by Ransford R. Wise in 1918 and named for his wife, Anna, it houses several stores and fifteen apartments, located on the southwest corner of Front and Seventh Streets. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 51)


NEW $18,000 BUSINESS BLOCK

_____


R. R. Wise Starts Erection of Same,

50 by 80 Feet, Two Stories High

at 7th and Front

_____


STORES ON THE MAIN FLOOR

_____


Teams Are Busy Excavating—Plans

Were Drawn by Alex Nelson,

Perham Contractor


R. R. Wise has commenced the erection of a brick and stucco two story business block on his lots corner Front and South Seventh streets measuring 50 by 80 feet, the improvement to cost $18,000 or more.

Plans drawn by Alex Nelson of Perham show the main floor arranged for stores. Teams are busy excavating and workmen are laying floor joists and breaking down much of the old walls as considered unfit for use.

The building will greatly improve a corner which suffered heavily in the fire of the winter months. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 March 1918, p. 5, c. 3)


BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS

_____


R. R. Wise Erecting a Most Substan-

tial Block at Corner of South

Seventh and Front

_____


BUYS CALE LOT TO THE WEST

_____


Will Make a Structure With Almost

Equal Frontage on Seventh

and Front Streets


Olaf Peterson's Clothing store located in the Anna Block, ca. 1930s. A 850x674 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society, Courtesy of the Birney Wilkins Family
Anna Block on the northwest corner of Front and Seventh Streets, ca. 1930s. A 850x614 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society, Courtesy of the Birney Wilkins Family

R. R. Wise is building at the corner of South Seventh and Front Streets and the building will be larger than originally intended as he recently bought the lot to the west of him owned by the L. J. Cale estate.

The building designed by Alex Nelson, Perham contractor, is to be of brick, cement and stucco and will be a model of its kind and a wonderful improvement for the business section.

At the National hotel property of Mr. Wise located on Laurel street masons are today at work replacing a pillar and other sections of the front. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 April 1918, p. 5, c. 2)


SEE: Cale Block


Alex Nelson, of Perham, contractor in charge of the construction of the R. R. Wise building, corner of South Seventh and Front streets, is in the city on construction matters. He has several other large contracts in the west on which he will build. (Brainerd Daily Daily Dispatch, 23 May 1918, p. 2, c. 3)


Fire animation On 05 January 1924, five businesses were ruined and ten families were displaced as fire caused about $50,000 in damage to the Anna Block at the corner of Front and South Seventh Streets.


SEE: 1924 Anna Block Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


Fire animation On 21 October 1991, eight businesses were ruined and more than 30 people were left without homes as fire destroyed the Anna Block at the corner of Front and South Seventh Streets. Damage from the fire was estimated at over $1 million, according to owner Dave Pueringer.


SEE: 1991 Anna Block Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


ANTLERS HOTEL (MAP #14)

Antlers Hotel at 418 Front Street, ca. 1909.
Source: Carl Faust
Looking southeast on Front Street near Fourth Street. Buildings left to right: Globe Hotel, Antlers Hotel Schlange Cigar Factory, ca. Unknown (Before 1917). A 1438x802 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

This hotel, which becomes a Mecca for the last of the loggers later in its life, is located on Front Street [418 Front Street] next door and just to the west of the Globe Hotel [422 Front Street], which is located on the southwest corner of Fifth and Front Streets between Fourth and Fifth Streets, it burns in 1910. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 90 & 111)


NOTE: This hotel did NOT burn in 1910 as stated by Zapffe. It burned on 23 January 1917.


NOTE: The Lumberman’s Exchange Hotel/Antlers Hotel was rebuilt by John Bubar in 1888 after the huge fire of June 30, 1888; its proprietor in 1909 was A. A. Armstrong.


NOTE: This hotel was originally known as the Lumberman’s Exchange Hotel.


Ed. Chamberlain has sold his interest in the Exchange hotel to E. K. Woodin, who is making extensive improvements, and fitting it up in first-class shape. The name will be changed to “The Antlers.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 October 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


SEE: Lumberman’s Exchange Hotel


Ed. K. Woodin, who at one time carried on extensive logging operations in this neck of the woods, he belonging as a member of the old firm of Fales & Woodin, was in town this week on a visit to his cousin, Martin Watson. Since leaving Aitkin, Ed. has engaged in the steamboat business on the lower Mississippi, but his love for the North Star state was ever dominant, and disposing of his shipping interests, came back to the state of sunny clime and bracing atmosphere, locating at Brainerd, and for over a year has been Mine Host of the Hotel Antlers at Brainerd.—Age. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 June 1897, p. 1, c. 5)


ORTH FINED.

_____


The First Conviction Under the Ordinance

Regulating the City’s Sanitary

Conditions.


Monday morning the case of the city against Peter Orth, came up for trial before Judge Mantor. Several witnesses were put on the stand by the defendant, to prove that his place of business, the Antlers hotel, had always been kept in a sanitary condition and the premises regularly cleaned.

The testimony of the city officials had more weight with the judge than that given by the other witnesses and the defendant was fined $10.

The garbage about his place had been cleaned up, however, and it is likely that in the future, the provisions of the ordinance will be strictly adhered to. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 July 1901, p. 2, c. 1)


SUBSTANTIAL ADDITION

_____


Adam Armstrong Starts the Erection of a

Good Building to be Used as Saloon

Adjoining Hotel.


The ground is being broken for a substantial brick building on the lot west of the Antlers hotel which will be used by Adam Armstrong as a saloon. The building will be adjoined to the hotel and the present room where the saloon is will be utilized as a waiting room. Other changes are also to be made by Landlord Armstrong in the dining room. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 July 1903, p. 3, c. 2)


15 April 1913. On complaint of J. E. Robinson of Minneapolis, who is a detective of the Burns National Agency, several arrests were made for gambling on the 2nd floor of the Antlers Hotel and the B. F. Floyd confectionary store. Seven of the card players paid fines of $15 plus costs. (This was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 15 April 2013)


17 April 1913. To date, seven card players have paid fines in court. P. D. O’Brien demanded a jury trial and was found guilty. He appealed. A Burns detective was roughed up by three men in a saloon and he filed charges. One man pled guilty and was fined $50. The others seek a trial. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 17 April 2013)


18 May 1915. After their successful raid on the Ideal Hotel yielded liquor, Sheriff Theorin and Police Chief Squires went to the Antlers Hotel and seized a wagon load of beer and whiskey. Brainerd has been dry since the April 19 election, the first time since "Pussyfoot" Johnson closed saloons for 30 days. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 18 May 2015)


12 September 1916. Special Indian agents and city police made a second raid on the Antlers Hotel and, after a lengthy search, found a 52-gallon barrel of whiskey hidden under the cement walk leading to the kitchen. A pipe by the walk was used to fill it and a loose brick in the basement hid the drain tap. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 12 September 2016)


ANTLERS OPENS THIS MORNING

_____


Hotel of Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Le-

Moine Has Been Remodeled and

Elegantly Fitted Up

_____


CONTRACTOR IS J. C. CLAUSEN

_____


Decorating Done by Frank H. McCaff-

rey, Hotel is Supplied With

Gas for Kitchen


The Hotel Antlers will be opened to the public on Monday morning. Contractor J. C. Clausen, under the direction of the proprietors, Mr. and Mrs. Maurice LeMoine, has made changes which have worked wonders in the interior appearance of the popular place.

The lobby, dining room and kitchen have been newly decorated by Frank H. McCaffrey. The lobby walls are paneled and painted a light golden brown shade.

The dining room is in blue and white. The kitchen is as bright as a dollar. Gas ranges have been added and a new steam table. A chef from Minneapolis has been engaged. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 November 1916, p. 5, c. 3)


Fire animation On January 23, 1917, a fire destroyed the Antlers Hotel, the Ideal Hotel, formerly the Globe Hotel, and a couple of other buildings, causing an estimated loss of $50,000. William Deering, a boilermaker, and Thomas F. Lamb, 76 years old, a flagman, employed by the Northern Pacific railroad, roomers at the Antlers Hotel, lost their lives in the fire.


SEE: 1917 Antlers Hotel Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


ARLINGTON HOTEL (MAP #16)

Arlington Hotel at the southwest corner of 6th and Washington, ca. 1889.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

In 1889 Ransford R. Wise builds a hotel in a city in North Dakota, when business fails there, he dismantles his hotel and transfers it by trains, a distance of 322 miles, and reconstructs it in Brainerd without breaking a light or a glass. Each piece is marked to correspond with memoranda showing where it goes, the reconstruction not varying in any detail from the original plan. He operates the Arlington Hotel, located on the southwest corner of Sixth and Washington Streets, until it burns on 01 January 1904. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 51)


The Headquarters Hotel built early in 1871 by the railroad company had been superseded in 1889 by Wise’s Arlington Hotel on almost the same premises. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 86)


Minnewaukan Had Bright Future as Resort Town on Devils Lake


[...]


One who felt Minnewaukan had a tremendous future was R. R. Wise, who built an immense hotel, the Arlington, to cater to summer tourists. The hotel was located on Main Street facing the street on the west side of the railroad tracks. The front of the hotel faced east and was located exactly where three evergreens now grow. The east front of the hotel was 190 feet long, extending north past the south front of the steel building which now houses Helland Welding. The Arlington was approximately 76 feet wide. It was three stories high, had 55 rooms and could accommodate 300 guests. It cost $20,000 to build, more than a small fortune at that time.

The hotel had a bar and billiard room, a barber shop and commercial travelers’ rooms. Mrs. William Plummer furnished much of the support for a free reading room (library) in the hotel. All rooms had electric bells, high ceilings, marble washstands and good ventilation.

The hotel was built in 1884. When the Benson County Commissioners hiked the liquor license to $1,000 annually, payable in advance, Wise closed the hotel and dismantled all but the southwest corner in 1888, shipping it to Brainerd, Minnesota, where he rebuilt it.

There must have been some prohibitionists on the county commission because $1,000 was a tremendous price for a liquor license at the time. If the purpose was to close his liquor business, they were successful. But the town lost a landmark building. However, the lake going down undoubtedly had some effect on Wise’s decision.

The southwest corner of the Arlington which remained was leased to the county for offices.... The last portion of the Arlington Hotel was torn down in 1969....

But in its heyday, the Arlington was really something. R. R. Wise built it and the tourists came. The September 12, 1885 issue of The Siftings stated, “Three trains and the Minnie H arrived at the West Shore metropolis Wednesday. Over 200 people packed in four elegant coaches came up from Jamestown Thursday on an intended excursion to Fort Totten. The excursion was attended by the usual heavenly weep in which part of the program there was no change until late in the afternoon. There were more excursionists than the Arlington could accommodate and the other hotels were all filled....”

The Arlington also hosted church services. An item in the September 5, 1885 issue of The Siftings reported, “A nickel entertainment, consisting of vocal and instrumental music, was given by the ladies at the corner room of the Arlington Saturday evening for the benefit of the church.” (Richard Peterson, Benson County Farmers Press, Wednesday, 30 August 1995, Minnewaukan, North Dakota)


The New Hotel Scheme.


Mr. John [sic] Wise, of Minnewaukan, D. T., was in the city several days this week looking over the city with a view of bringing his hotel here. He has a first-class hotel at that place but when it was constructed the future of the city was overestimated and it has proved a financial failure. He now proposes to take it to some place where it can be run as a paying institution. In these days of modern improvements and appliances it is possible to move a building of its magnitude and replace it in as good shape as when first constructed. It will cost the gentleman $6,500 to have it taken down, transported to Brainerd and put together again. The building is a 60-room frame house and presents a very handsome appearance, the front of the lower portion of it being largely composed of plate glass. The gentleman is a thorough hotel man with ample means and if he removes to Brainerd it will be of considerable importance to our city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 May 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


New Hotel Scheme.


The Board of Trade was called together on Monday evening to consider the matter of aiding the new hotel enterprise, and the members voted to give $300 out of the money in the treasurer’s hands towards the bonus of $4,000, which Mr. Wise asks to bring his hotel from Minnewaukan, D. T., to Brainerd. This practically settles the matter and assures to this city the erection of the structure. The building will be located on the site of the old Headquarters hotel and will be equipped with all modern conveniences, steam heat, electric bells and electric lighting. Of this $4,000 the Northern Pacific company have agreed to pay $1,000 and otherwise encourage the proprietor of the hotel to make the change. The bonus is not to be paid to Mr. Wise until the building is under way, and then in three installments, the last one when the plastering is completed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 October 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


The new hotel is being rushed with all possible speed. Several car loads of the material is already here and has been placed in shape. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 November 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


The brick work on the new hotel is progressing rapidly, and is already up to the top of the second story. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 December 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


The new hotel is being pushed forward very rapidly. The brick work was completed yesterday noon and the lathers have nearly completed their labors and the building is ready to put the plastering on. The wires to connect with the electric bell system were put into place on Tuesday. Mr. Wise expects to get things in shape to open up by February 1st. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 December 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


The new hotel, which will be known as the Arlington, has been opened for business. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 February 1889, p. 4, c. 3)


Built the Arlington and Ransford Hotels, ca. 1915.
Source: Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan

St. Paul Daily News: Ever since the destruction by fire of the fine hotel which adorned the enterprising city of Brainerd, Minn., that place has felt the need of more and better hotel accommodations. The city now rejoices in having that want supplied by the opening of the Arlington, under the proprietorship of R. R. Wise, who is a thorough hotel man in every respect. Mr. Wise formerly resided at Minnewaukan, D. T., and moved his hotel from that point, rebuilding at Brainerd. He has made it first class in every respect with all modern improvements. Every room is supplied with an incandescent electric light—water and sewerage appointments are perfect, and in fact, nothing lacks to make “The Arlington” a complete hostelry. The meals are equal to any first class hotel and superior to most. The News congratulates both Mr. Wise and the citizens of Brainerd upon “The Arlington.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 April 1889, p. 4, c. 6)


The Arlington has two elegant new signs. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 May 1889, p. 4, c. 3)


BRAINERD has a hotel to be proud of in the Arlington. The formal opening last night would have done credit to a much larger and more pretentious city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 June 1889, p. 1, c. 2)


The Arlington Opening.

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Arlington Hotel, 1903. A 1130x924 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
Men’s Retail Clerks’ Union in front of the Arlington Hotel, ca. 1900. A 1992x1280 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The event of the season occurred last night at the opening of the Arlington hotel. Without any doubt it was the most brilliant event that has occurred here in many seasons. The house was beautifully decorated with flowers throughout, brought here from St. Paul, Minneapolis, and even from Tacoma, on the Pacific coast. The Third Regiment Band occupied the balcony and discoursed sweet music during the evening and until the banquet was at an end. The guests arrived as early as 9:30 and were shown to the parlors of the hotel on the second floor until the announcement was made that the banquet hall was in readiness. When the guests had been seated, President C. L. Spaulding, of the city council, opened with a speech as follows:

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: In behalf of the host and hostess I welcome you to this banquet with all the cordiality that the word welcome can imply. I welcome you as citizens whose every interest is identified with Brainerd, who are ever ready to encourage any enterprise that will result to our prosperity and conduce to the reputation of the city abroad. I behold here tonight many of our citizens whose remembrance takes them back to early days when the location of our churches, school houses, dwellings and business blocks was covered by the forests primeval when the majority of our habitations was represented by the wigwams and tepees of the savage Indian. I also see the familiar faces of distinguished guests from neighboring cities and towns, who have laid aside their usual vocations for a time that they might be with us tonight and enjoy these festivities. Among this number I observe Mr. B. S. Russell, who is thoroughly conversant with the development of the northwest, having lived to see the claims of Proctor Knott that this section was an arid waste proven false by the country being made into farms now dotted by the bleating flocks, the lowing herd and the waving grain—one who has been identified with the N. P. R. R. for the past twenty years—that magnificent system that has made us a city and developed the whole northwest, which at no distant date will run its limited trains from New York or the Atlantic to Portland or the Pacific. I observe several former citizens, some who have left behind them evidences of their energy in the form of blocks of buildings that are the pride of our city. But while I welcome you in behalf of our hosts, I in behalf of our citizens welcome you, Mr. and Mrs. Wise, to our city, and congratulate you upon the establishment of this enterprise that has filled a long felt want. We trust that your success may be such that you will be warranted in remaining with us for years to come, and that we shall appreciate your efforts in making this a hotel second to none in the state. As citizens we welcome you.

Then came on the eatables and drinkables in the following order:


MENU.


Chateau Yquem

Blue Points

Bouillon

Small Patties of Chickens

_____


Amontillado

Plank Shad, Maitre D’hotel

Shoe String Potatoes

Sliced Cucumbers

_____


Pontet Canet

Tenderloin of Beef, with Truffles

Asparagus

Sweet Breads Glace

Green Peas

_____


Pomery Sec

Broiled Plover on Toast

Baked Mashed Potatoes

Lettuce Salad

_____


Roman Punch

Charlotte Russe

Angel Cake

Ornamented Pyramid Confections

Wine Jelly

Vanilla Ice Cream

Water Crackers

Roquefort Cheese

Coffee

The toasts which came between the different courses were as happily served as was the magnificent menu. To the toast “Our City,” Rev. Geo. H. Davis responded in a very pleasing manner, and we would be pleased to publish his remarks, as well as those of the other gentlemen following him did space permit. B. S. Russell, of Valley City, responded to “N. P. Railway and Improvements,” and a very entertaining talk he gave the assembled audience. To “Mechanical Arts and Sciences,” J. E. Phalen, formerly of this city but now of Mandan, responded and his remarks were closely followed by his hearers. Bro. Stivers, of the Journal, took the subject “The State,” and although his remarks were impromptu he succeeded in interesting the listeners at that late hour. Remarks were also made by W. S. Martin, Hon. L. P. White and others, and at 1 o’clock the guests left the banquet hall and repaired to the armory where dancing was indulged in until the wee sma’ hours.

The Arlington is a hotel that the city need never blush for, and under the management of Mr. Wise, the proprietor, a thorough hotel man, it will continue to take a front rank among the popular hostelries of the state and the northwest. The building is a handsome brick structure and is centrally located. Its accommodations are first-class in every particular and all the modern improvements of the age are included in its make-up. There are sixty rooms and the furnishings are new throughout. The house was moved here from Minnewaukan, Dakota, by Mr. Wise, where it was originally built as a summer resort hotel. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 June 1889, p. 1, c. 3)


Although a very large and roomy hotel, the Arlington seems inadequate for the business that it is receiving and a new addition 18x24 is being built onto the west end to be used as sample rooms for commercial men, which will make six rooms for this class of custom when completed. The Arlington is a credit to the city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 July 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


The Presto Change says that Messrs. Petrie & Sitherwood have taken charge of the bar at the Arlington. It will be re-fitted in elegant style and supplied with the very best of everything in the line of fluid refreshments. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 November 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


The Chenquatana Club will give a hop on Christmas night at the Arlington Hotel. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 December 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


A leap year party is on the tapis to take place next Friday evening, the 8th inst., at the Arlington, and it bids fair to be the society event of the season. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 January 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


THE LEAP YEAR BALL.

__________


The Ladies Show Their Ability at Managing a Party.


The leap year party, given by the ladies of Brainerd at the Arlington [Hotel] on Friday evening, was an occasion which will long be remembered by the members of the sterner sex as an exquisite affair in every detail. It seems that the ladies had determined to outdo anything that had ever been attempted in the line of leap year parties, and to show the gentlemen that they knew how to manage an affair of the kind—and they succeeded. The gentlemen were served with notice by their escorts to be dressed and in readiness at not later than 8:10 p.m., as the grand march was set for 8:30, but an observer could easily see that many of the gentlemen kept their partners waiting, a thing never heard of on the other hand, as it was fully nine o’clock before the last of the invited guests arrived. The reception committee, consisting of Mrs. D. D. Smith, Mrs. N. H. Ingersoll and Mrs. Dr. Howes, who were stationed at the entrance of the reception rooms up-stairs, did the honors in the latest approved style and took care of the company with ease and grace. It was here that many of the gentlemen discovered for the first time that the ladies had practiced a unique joke on them by appearing in the calico dresses fashioned after the style worn by their great grandmothers. The secret, however, had leaked out to some—a little bird had probably told it—and about 20 of the gentlemen had full dress calico suits in their inside pockets, which were slipped on quietly in the dressing room after they arrived. The grand march was announced, and when they marched out the fun began. Miss Lottie Grandelmyer and Mr. George N. Day led the grand march in which some 60 people participated, those not caring to dance amusing themselves at cards in the reception rooms. The party was without exception the most enjoyable and most successful affair ever given in the city, and this without flattery to the ladies. A fine list of dances were arranged, the floor being admirably managed by Misses Flora Merrell [sic], Bertie Robinson and Lotta Grandelmyer [sic], and nearly all in attendance tripped the light fantastic toe until supper was announced at midnight. The supper deserves especial mention as it was served according to directions furnished by the ladies, and was one of the crowning features of the evening. At 2 a.m. the ladies escorted their gentlemen to their homes, and we doubt if any ever enjoyed a more pleasant evening. The following are the names of those present:

Miss Mary Small, Allie Fitch, Lotta Grandelmyer, Flora Merrell [sic], Bertie Robinson, Gertrude Morser, Nellie Howe, Charlotte Cahoon, Minta Holmes, Bessie Small, Lillie Wilson, May Clark, and Mesdames. G. W. Craine, O. C. Foster, G. W. Alexander, E. O. Webb, N. H. Ingersoll, D. D. Smith, Geo. Forsyth [sic], Ed. Breheny, J. C. Rosser, A. P. Farrar, N. D. Root, W. Courtney, Joe Howe, I. E. Fox, Fannie Mulrine, J. E. Goodman, A. F. Ferris, W. A. Fleming and J. R. Howes.

Messrs. Geo. N. Day, W. A. M. Johnston [sic] [Johnstone], F. A. Farrar, Horace Stedman, G. F. Watson, J. R. Westfall, Mark Root, C. E. Chipperfield, H. Linnemann [sic], N. McFadden, Geo. Forsyth [sic], G. W. Craine, N. H. Ingersoll, O. O. Foster, G. W. Alexander, D. D. Smith, Ed. Breheny, A. P. Farrar, A. F. Ferris, W. A. Fleming, Dr. Howes, Dr. Courtney, Dr. Camp, Dr. Groves, Dr. McPherson, Dr. McGregor, J. M. Elder, J. A. Wilson, Leon E. Lum, J. R. Smith, W. B. Heath, C. E. Dickinson and R. J. Hartley. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 January 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


The people had scarcely quit voting Tuesday night before the improvements began to show up. R. R. Wise on Wednesday morning had a force of men at work on an addition to the Arlington. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 June 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


The department was called out Saturday night at 12 o’clock by an alarm turned in from the Arlington, but its services were not required. A blaze had been started in the oil house in the rear of the hotel by a careless employee who lit a match in order to draw some gasoline. A pail of water extinguished the blaze. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 July 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


The dance at the Arlington on Monday evening by the Chenquatana Club was a very pleasant social event, and was greatly enjoyed by the fortunate ones present. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 January 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


Invitations have been issued by Mr. and Mrs. R. R. Wise, of the Hotel Arlington, for a masquerade Ball to take place on the evening of Jan. 19th. It will undoubtedly be the social event of the season, and society people are anticipating an evening of great pleasure. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 January 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


A new oak sidewalk has been placed in front of the Arlington this week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 August 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


A barber shop has been opened in the lobby at the Arlington. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 October 1893, p. 4, c. 5)


Negotiations are pending between R. R. Wise and G. W. Ingraham for a lease of the Arlington hotel to the latter gentleman for a term of years. Mr. Ingraham was a resident of Brainerd ten years ago. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 January 1894, p. 4, c. 4)


R. R. Wise has constructed a fine cement sidewalk in front of the Arlington Hotel, and will build one in front of his property at the corner of 6th and Front streets. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 June 1900, p. 10, c. 1)


Fire animation On May 1, 1895, a fire occurred in the Arlington Hotel. The building was saved from destruction, but not until somewhere in the neighborhood of $600 damage had been done, the water causing as much destruction as the fire.


SEE: 1895 Arlington Hotel Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


The Western Union telegraph office will occupy new quarters in the office of the Arlington Hotel within a few days, Manager Craig having received orders to that effect. The railroad office will handle the night business after 8 o’clock, as heretofore. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 August 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


A leap year party will be given at the Arlington this evening, which bids fair to outdo anything of the kind ever attempted in Brainerd. The young ladies who have charge of the details will see that the gentlemen are given all possible attention and undoubtedly the occasion will be a very enjoyable affair. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 December 1896, p. 4, c. 6)


IMPROVING THE ARLINGTON HOTEL.

_____


A New Steam Heating Plant and Bath

Rooms Being Put In.

_____


Extensive improvements are underway at the Arlington Hotel. Excavations are now in progress for a large basement under the hotel, and a big 60 foot chimney is being constructed preparatory to putting in a complete steam heating plant, the contract for which will be let in a day or two. The local plumbers are figuring on the work, also J. W. Moore, representing the Moore Steam Heating Co., of Minneapolis, and Allan Black and H. E. Stevens, of St. Paul. The work will be pushed to completion as soon as possible. Over 100 steam registers will be necessary to heat the building. In addition seven complete bath outfits will be put in, two for public use, and five in connection with private rooms. Mr. Wise is sparing no expense to make the Arlington one of the very best hotels in the northwest. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 December 1896, p. 4, c. 5)


A Society Event.


A very pretty social affair was the reception given Tuesday evening at the Arlington by Mr. and Mrs. R. R. Wise in honor of their guest Miss Edna Bonebreak, of Louisville, Kentucky, assisted by Mrs. C. J. Wilson, of Jamestown, N. D., and Mrs. Gov. D. M. Clough, of St. Paul. The hours were from 9 to 11 o’clock, during which time the house was thronged with callers. The reception room was decorated with carnations and roses. The refreshment rooms were trimmed in pink and green, and the color effect was also produced in the refreshments served. A table beautifully decorated stood under the arch between portieres of asparagus fern and from the top of the arch smilax and pink ribbon fell to each corner caught up with a bunch of pink roses. The halls were trimmed in smilax, and in a parlor decorated with chrysanthemums frappe was served by Mrs. R. E. Berry. The other ladies who assisted in entertaining the guests were Mesdames E. M. Westfall, Fannie E. Smith, Misses Amy Lowey, Flo Halsted, and Eloise Smith. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 October 1897, p. 1, c. 3)


SERIOUSLY INJURED.

_____


William Delsworth, Porter at the Arling-

ton, Falls Down a Flight of Stairs

Wednesday.


William Delsworth, porter at the Arlington, had a narrow escape from death Wednesday and the injuries which he received from falling down a flight of stairs at the rear of the hotel, may yet prove fatal.

It is thought that he was somewhat under the influence of liquor and was seated at the top of the outside stairway, and that he finally fell asleep while seated in this position and toppled over. The distance which he fell was about thirty feet, and besides being badly injured during the fall, he struck face downward on a pile of stone and other hard material.

Several large gashes were cut about his face, the flesh of his nose having been almost torn off. Dr. Groves was called and seventeen stitches were taken in the different gashes. While he is resting quietly today, it is thought that the wounds will be painful, and if he recovers at all, it will be a long time before he will be able to be out again. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 September 1897, p. 4, c. 2)


Mr. and Mrs. R. R. Wise gave a Thanksgiving supper at the Arlington last evening in honor of Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Westfall, who expect to leave the city shortly. The banquet was a very elaborate affair. Among those present were Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Halsted, Mr. and Mrs. S. L. Bean, Mr. and Mrs. O. O. Winter, Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Patek, Mr. and Mrs. H. I. Cohen, Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Farrar, Mr. and Mrs. E. M. Westfall, Mr. and Mrs. F. S. Parker, Mrs. J. R. Westfall, Mrs. R. E. Berry, Mrs. Scoville, C. N. Parker, Jay and Harry Patek. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 December 1899, p. 8, c. 2)


WILL LEASE THE ARLINGTON.

_____


Negotiations Pending for the Lease of

Brainerd’s Leading Hotel.

_____


Negotiations are pending for the lease of the Arlington Hotel. Mr. Wise stated to a DISPATCH representative that he had determined to be relieved of some of his business cares which were weighing too heavily on him as his interests grew, and with this end in view he had concluded to lease the Arlington property, provided the right man could be found and suitable terms can be made. He has offers from more than a dozen parties, but a partial understanding has been reached with Wm. Matthews, of Aberdeen, S. D., a hotel man of experience, who will come here about June 1st, and if an agreement can be reached will lease the property for five years.

Mr. Wise will retain his rooms in the hotel and make his home there, although he expects to spend most of his time at his farm a few miles west of the city, where he expects to get complete rest. He says he has been in the harness for over thirty years, and feels that he ought to be relieved from active business cares. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 May 1901, p. 1, c. 4)


HOTEL CHANGES HANDS.

_____


Landlord R. R. Wise to Retire from the

Active Management of the

Arlington Hotel.


Within a day or two the Arlington Hotel, so long managed and owned by R. R. Wise, will have a new man at its head, unless something unforeseen happens in the interim.

Last week Mr. Wise spent considerable time in St. Paul consulting with N. P. officials regarding the lease, and the transfer of the same to his successor.

The gentleman who comes to the Arlington is William [sic] [Sam] Matthews, well known throughout the northwest as a hotel man, having been connected for years with the Metropole hotel at Fargo. Mr. Matthews is expected in the city today and the final transfer will be made as soon as an inventory of the furnishings of the hotel can be taken. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 June 1901, p. 6, c. 2)


Landlord R. R. Wise is making some extensive improvements in the lobby of the Arlington. The walls are being re-papered and renovated. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 December 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


Fire animation On January 1, 1904, the Arlington Hotel, almost in the twinkling of an eye, was gutted by fire and reduced to ashes. A large amount of the furnishings of the building had been carried out into the street and piled up. Most of the stock of wines and liquors in the bar room were saved, although there was a heavy loss from breakage in handling the bottles. There were no fatalities and the amount of damages was estimated at about $50,000.


SEE: 1904 Arlington Hotel Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


ARMORY (MAP #64)

The City to Support Them.


The members of Co. K, of this city, are feeling somewhat jubilant over the fact that the recent legislature passed a bill which compels the cities in which military companies are located to support them. The law provides that whenever it shall appear by the certificate of the commander of the regiment or battalion to which any company, organized under the provisions of the General Laws of the State of Minnesota (the military code), and the amendments thereof, belongs, that such battery or company reached the minimum number of enlisted men who regularly attend the drills and parades of such battery and company, the commanding officer of the regiment or battalion, the mayor and the treasurer of the city, town or village, or where there is no mayor, then the proper authorities of the town or village in which such battery or company is located, shall constitute a board to erect or rent, within the bounds of such city, town or village, for the use of such battery or company, a suitable or convenient armory, drill room and place of deposit for the safe keeping of the arms, uniforms, equipments, accouterments and camp equipage furnished under the provisions of this act. And whenever, in the opinion of the officer in permanent command or in permanent charge of any armory, the same shall be unfit for the uses for which it is designed, he may make complaint in writing thereof to said board, which board shall forthwith examine into the condition of such armory and shall have power thereupon to direct the alteration, repair, enlargement or abandonment of the same, and in case of abandonment, to provide another suitable armory. The expenses of altering, repairing, enlarging or renting armories, purchasing lands for the erection of armories, and for providing the necessary camp stools, apparatus and fixtures for heating and lighting and the fuel and gas or oil for the same, and water closets in such building, and for the proper preserving from injury the arms, equipments, uniforms and records stored therein by the construction of suitable lockers, closets, gun racks and cases for uniforms, equipments, arms and records, and for the maintenance thereof in good and safe repair, shall be a portion of the charges of such city, town or village, and shall be levied, collected and paid in the same manner as other city, town or village charges are levied, collected and paid.

The law also provides that a janitor shall be appointed who shall care for the armory, and in case it is heated by steam, an engineer, the compensation for such person not to exceed $2 per day for actual time, and that he shall be paid monthly and be a charge upon the city, town or village in which said armory is situated.

The cost of maintaining Co. K will probably not exceed $900 a year, and as soon as things can be adjusted the city will be asked to either build or rent them a suitable place. The roller rink has been used by them and with some internal improvements can be made suitable for their use and satisfactory to the officers. Should the company desire to have new quarters, and the city be obliged to build, the expense entailed will be quite heavy. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 May 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


Mayor Hagberg informs us that a formal demand has been made upon him to furnish an armory for Co. K. This demand is made in accordance with the law passed at the recent legislature, and the mayor would like to listen to suggestions from the people before he goes into the matter. There is no doubt about the request being as the law requires and that the City of Brainerd will have to bear the expense until the next legislature meets at least. The law is unjust to any city in which a military company is located as the state should provide for the support of its national guards. As it is now Brainerd has to support Co. K, while the state has full control of them and can call them to any part of its border. We think that if the state desires a militia that the whole state should contribute to their support. Any mention of the law was kept from newspaper publicity during the time that its passage was pending in the legislature for fear it would be killed did it get before the people, this we have from a gentleman who was there. Every company in the state should be supported in good style, but by the state. Company K has been self-supporting up to the present day, and the boys have worked hard to sustain the organization for which they are entitled to much credit. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 May 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


NOTE: In January 1891 the roller rink also became known unofficially as the armory. On November 1, 1898 Gardner’s Hall became the armory through a lease of three years, expiring in 1901.


Armory at the northwest corner of 5th and Laurel, ca. 1936.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
Interior of the armory at the northwest corner of 5th and Laurel, ca. 1936. A 640x447 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society
Armory at the northwest corner of 5th and Laurel, ca. 1970’s.
Source: Julie Nesheim

Built in 1936 it stands on the northwest corner of Fifth and Laurel Streets. [This building is demolished in 1996 and replaced by a strip mall containing offices.] (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 149)


18 April 1933. An imposing memorial building or armory in memory of Brainerd’s war veterans became possible with presentation of a deed to city property given by Mrs. Sarah Gardner to the American Legion. The property is 75 X 140 feet and lies opposite city hall. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 18 April 2013)


14 September 1935. Moving swiftly, the city council fulfilled all conditions necessary to establish an armory. The council pledged a half-mill levy to pay its share of the $40,000 in bonds to construct the building. The site at the NW corner of 5th and Laurel streets will be purchased from Sarah Gardner for $2,500. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 14 September 2015)


12 November 1935. The Brainerd Dispatch has learned from usually reliable sources that the $100,000 Brainerd armory project will be approved by WPA officials in Washington, DC, in a week to 10 days. Organization of a tank corps unit of 60 to 65 men is assured with support of veterans groups. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 12 November 2015)


20 November 1935. The last hurdle in the path of constructing Brainerd’s new $100,000 armory was cleared today when the WPA authorized work to begin. Federal money is now on deposit in St. Paul. The huge building will be built across from city hall. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 20 November 1935)


30 November 1935. Workmen have virtually completed tearing down the log palisade which surrounded the midway of last summer’s Paul Bunyan Exposition at 5th and Laurel Streets. Once that is complete, construction will begin on the new $100,000 armory building. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 30 November 2015)


29 January 1936. A trace of carbon monoxide gas sickened several men pouring concrete into forms at the new armory site. The problem occurred in the early hours today as men worked all night to complete the job. The areas were enclosed by canvas because of cold weather, and heaters caused the problem. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 January 2015)


08 April 1936. A crew of bricklayers, under the supervision of Ben Samuelson, local contractor, have taken over the show at the big armory project here. The brick walls are arising from the foundations put in during the cold months of winter, as the building will add to the Laurel Street skyline next summer. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 08 April 2016)


11 December 1936. A New Year’s Eve military ball combining brilliantly uniformed military personnel and formally dressed civilians will serve at the informal dedication of the new armory. Sponsored by Brainerd’s National Guard unit, the 134th Tank Co., the ball has been endorsed by the adjutant general. This was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 11 December 2016)


SEE: 1938 Summary of WPA Activities in Brainerd for 1937 in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.


15 May 1995. Do you have $78,000 and a burning desire to save one of Brainerd’s significant buildings? If so, the city council has a deal for you. By a unanimous 7-0 vote the council decided to put the old National Guard Armory on the selling block until November. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 15 May 2015)


04 January 1996. The city council has learned that developers of the old Brainerd armory property have decided to raze the building. Gordy Winzenburg, representing the developers, said they intended to renovate the building but the cost was too great compared to the assessed value. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 04 January 2016)


22 May 1996. (Photo) A heavy equipment operator tears a beam from the old Brainerd Armory on Laurel Street as the structure begins to crumble. The landmark, host to hundreds of events through the years, will be replaced by a one-story office building. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 22 May 2016)


ASSEMBLIES OF GOD TABERNACLE

The Swedish Methodist Church, located on the corner of Washington Street NE and Gillis Avenue, was purchased by the Assemblies of God in 1922. This church was torn down in the summer of 1932 and replaced with a new Assemblies of God Tabernacle built in 1932 and dedicated on January 10 & 11, 1933.
Source: The Word, a Century with Our Churches, Brainerd, Minnesota 1871-1971, p. 36

It was in the summer of 1921 that the Rev. Frank Lindquist and the Rev. James Menzie came to the Brainerd area from McKeesport, Pennsylvania. These two men began to hold tent meetings in the city of Brainerd. Interest in the community was good so it was decided to secure a building for worship purposes. The old Swedish Methodist Church, which had long been closed, was purchased and after some needed repairs and cleaning was opened for services. The local assembly received their Certificate of Incorporation on May 17, 1922. The church was incorporated under the name “FULL GOSPEL ASSEMBLY.” There were 11 charter members and a Sunday School of 18 members. The Swedish Methodist Church then became the regular place of worship for the members of the “FULL GOSPEL ASSEMBLY.” This church occupied the site of the present Assemblies of God Church on the corner of Washington Street and Gillis Avenue. The Brainerd Assembly was the first church of the Assemblies of God denomination to be established in the state of Minnesota. The church building was constructed in the heart of the then young city of Brainerd.

The Assemblies of God Tabernacle erected in 1932 and dedicated on January 10 & 11, 1933. This building replaced the old Swedish Methodist Church, on the same location, which was torn down in the summer of 1932. A 1343x952 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: The Word, a Century with Our Churches, Brainerd, Minnesota 1871-1971, p. 36
Assemblies of God Tabernacle, ca. Unknown. A 1445x1025 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Denny Olson
Assemblies of God Tabernacle and parsonage, 1993. A 2592x939 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Denny Olson
Assemblies of God Tabernacle demolition and move of parsonage to a location on Gillis Avenue, 1993. A 1019x447 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Denny Olson
Assemblies of God Tabernacle demolition, 1993. A 1017x723 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Denny Olson

About the year 1930, the congregation saw the need of constructing a larger building. The edifice they occupied at that time had been outgrown, and age had taken its toll; so plans were made to build a larger and better one. The old Swedish Methodist church was torn down and the present edifice was built on its site. The construction of the building began on June 17, 1932. On January 10 and 11, 1933, the present church building was dedicated. The Rev. Ivan O. Miller was pastor at the time. Pastor Miller, with the help of the church board and others, designed the building. Upon the completion of the building, the church had a debt of only $4,400. This in itself was a miracle during the days of the depression. During the ministry of the Rev. Stanley Clarke, an educational unit was added to the rear of the church in 1951. The present parsonage was also built during Mr. Clarke’s ministry.

The Brainerd Assemblies of God Tabernacle has had 16 pastors since its inception. The Rev. Frank Lindquist and James Menzie (co-founders) left Brainerd in 1924 and the Rev. Roy Fyles was asked to serve as pastor, which he did until 1925. At this time the Rev. Henry H. Ness was called to serve the church. After Mr. Ness left in April, 1926, the Rev. Herman Johnson served as pastor for about one year. The Rev. Harry Johnson served for a very short time also and after his departure, Miss Mary Chase served as interim pastor until the Rev. Ivan O. Miller arrived. It was during Mr. Miller’s ministry in Brainerd that the present church building was erected. He drew the plans and supervised the construction of the building. When Mr. Miller left, the Rev. Wallace G. Ross was called and he was succeeded by the Rev. Stanley Comstock. Next came the Rev. R. D. E. Smith who pastored the church for approximately seven years and was succeeded by the Rev. David Hastie. Next in succession was the Rev. Rangnos S. Peterson. During his stay in Brainerd a fine addition was made to the church building, but it was during the Rev. Stanley H. Clarke’s ministry that the educational building was finished (1951). Mr. Clarke was succeeded by the Rev. Melford Olson and he in turn by the present pastor, the Rev. Raymond W. Schaible.

These are some of the names that were associated with the Assemblies of God Tabernacle in the year 1933: Ashel, Benson, Cass, Cook, Crawford, Campbell, Dufresne, Flaata, Foster, Gilmore, Henderson, Holman, Jackson, Jenson, Jones, Kunde, Mason, Miller, Nelson, Newman, Peterson, Rose, Shanks, Speed, Spencer, Sterud, Walters, and Williams.

The Assemblies of God Tabernacle has just recently voted to begin a building program. The present facilities are inadequate and there is a serious lack of Sunday School space. (The Word, a Century with Our Churches, Brainerd, Minnesota 1871-1971, pp. 36 & 37)


BAEHR BUILDING

Baehr Building at the northeast corner of 6th and Front, ca. 1948.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Built in 1936 [sic] by the Baehr Theaters Company at a cost of $150,000. It is located on the northeast corner of Sixth and Front Streets where the Depot Park, also known as Hobo Park, is located. It houses apartments, offices and the Brainerd Theater, which begins operation in 1938. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 156)


15 January 1938. Brainerd’s newest structure, the 1,100 seat Brainerd Theatre, will open tomorrow night. The Baehr brothers, A. W. and E. J., started their theater company five years ago and will move their headquarters from Bemidji to Brainerd with the opening of this new attraction. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 January 2018)


24 November 1939. Opening of the Credit Clothing Store in the Baehr Building was announced today by Norman C. Hall, owner. A feature of the store will be its credit policy, offering merchandise for sale on a time payment plan. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 November 1999)


21 November 1948. Mr. and Mrs. Bennyhoff are planning the opening of their office supply shop at 615 Front Street tomorrow. Located in the Baehr Building. Mr. and Mrs. Bennyhoff have lived in Brainerd 10 years. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 November 2008)


30 September 1959. Rod and Marge Couture plan a grand opening of Couture Jewelry in Brainerd the first of October. Their lovely new shop is located in the Baehr Building. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 September 1999)


Fire animation On December 28, 1964, a $400,000 fire guts the Baehr building which contained the Brainerd Theater, eleven apartments, nine of which were occupied, and several offices. Four people were injured, one lost his foot. Three tenants were rescued by ladder.


SEE: 1964 Baehr Building Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


31 December 1964. The Brainerd Theater will be back in operation within a month and a new one-story office building will replace the gutted Baehr Building here. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 December 2004)


23 December 1985. The Brainerd Twin Theatre, at 6th and Front Streets, is being remodeled into a roller skating rink. A victim of competition from chain-owned theaters, the 1938 theater was the last movie house in downtown Brainerd, following the closing of the Paramount last September. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 23 December 2015)


NOTE: In the first week of February 1999 the Brainerd Theater building is torn down and the lot sits empty until it becomes a parking lot.


Brainerd Road Projects Draw Opposition


...Heard a report from City Planner Al Cottingham that the clean-up of the old Baehr building site on South Sixth Street was nearly complete when a 5,000 gallon fuel oil tank was discovered buried under the former location of the sidewalk near the building. He said that the discovery may increase the cost of site clean-up, and that he would keep the council posted. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 March 1999)


Hair Stylists File Suit on City


John Imgrund, owner of the Barber Shop, and Marlys Waddell, owner of the Beauty Nook, businesses previously housed in the former Baehr building in downtown Brainerd, have filed a civil lawsuit against the city of Brainerd.

The city purchased the building in the fall of 1998 and had it torn down earlier this year.

Imgrund and Waddell rented space in the building from the previous building owners, Floyd and Maxine Bunnell.

The plaintiffs, who both vacated the building in the summer of 1998, are seeking relocation expenses.

The Beauty Nook has closed. The Barber Shop relocated.

The civil lawsuit has been filed in Crow Wing District Court. A scheduling conference before Judge Richard Zimmerman is set for Sept. 27. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 July 1999)


Brainerd May Limit Brush Burning to Outlying Areas


...Council members met in closed session with attorney Tom Fitzpatrick and representatives from former business occupants in the now demolished Baehr Building. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 September 1999)


BANE BLOCK

Located at 220 South Seventh Street in 1905.


Located on South Seventh Street, the Brainerd Arena is published from this building until about December 1910. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 154)


April 1904. For rent—Two fine suites of office rooms, steam heated, electric lighted, $9 and $11 per month. Bane Block. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Sunday, 18 April 2004)


ALTERATIONS MADE

_____


The Bane Block Main Floor has a

Cross Partition Put In. Making Two Store Rooms


E. C. Bane has just completed putting in a cross partition, running east and west, which divides the main floor of the Bane block, formerly used as a skating rink, into two handsome store rooms measuring 25x100 feet each.

The room next to C. M. Patek, 216 South Seventh street, has been secured by Mr. Patek and will be used by him as a furniture display room. The business of this popular furniture house has increased so rapidly that more floor space was necessary. Mr. Bane is having a large archway chiseled through the brick wall in order to connect the two rooms.

The remaining room, size 25x100 is vacant at present but Mr. Bane will soon have a tenant for this part too. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 May 1910, p. 2, c. 5)


NOTE: The skating rink referred to above was a roller skating rink called the Casino Rink.


NEW BOWLING ALLEYS

_____


Ralph A. Campbell Alleys in Bane

Block Opened to Public on

Saturday Evening


From Wednesday’s Daily:—

The opening of the new alleys, four Koehler & Hinrich alleys at the Bane Block and managed by Ralph A. Campbell, brought to the place one of the largest gatherings of bowlers seen in the city.

Interest centered on the man who made the biggest score as he was rewarded with a special prize in the shape of a box of cigars. The winner was R. G. Jenkins, who scored 199 pins.

The next high men were G. P. O’Brien, Mr. Dwyer and Art Drogseth, all bankers, and Clark Henry and up to 11:30 these four tied at 197 pins.

The alleys are the acme of elegance and convenience, are scientifically correct and in the finest shape and a delight to any man who wishes to try a game in the king of indoor sports. Mr. Campbell received many compliments regarding his alleys and they made a hit with the boys. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 February 1914, p. 1, c. 2)


Fire animation On December 16, 1914 a fire believed to have started from a defective furnace completely destroyed the E. C. Bane block and damaged the C. M. Patek building and the Citizens State Bank buildings. The Journal Press newspaper lost everything.


SEE: 1914 Bane Block Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


BANK OF BRAINERD (MAP #5)

Bank of Brainerd Ad, 29 May 1880.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

Chartered and built by William A. Ferris and George W. Holland in 1879, it is located in a small frame building on the southeast corner of Front and Fifth Streets. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 13)


Since the transfer of the express business to the Northern Pacific company and the removal of the United States and American offices from this city, Mr. Ferris, the ex-U. S. agent, has decided to open a bank and engage in general banking business in Brainerd. He has accordingly changed his sign to “The Bank of Brainerd,” and will hereafter be a full-fledged banker, prepared to accommodate all comers, and Brainerd has a bank. Success to it. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 January 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


Fixing up is the order of the day. Just call in and see our genial jeweler and banker, Mr. Wm. Ferris, and see for yourself. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 February 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


William A. Ferris, ca. Unknown.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

W. C. Hickox, agent for the Mosler Safe and Lock Co., of Cincinnati, was in the city on Monday and sold the Bank of Brainerd a time lock for the new burglar-proof vault Mr. Ferris is making preparations to have put in his building and while here, Mr. H. improved the opportunity to outfit a number of our businessmen with safes, among whom the Leland House and the Post Office are to each receive a large double-door Mosler. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 May 1880, p. 4, c. 2)


The third building on the left will become the Bank of Brainerd located at the southeast corner of South Fifth and Front Streets looking west on Front Street, 1872. A 849x538 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
William Ferris and his son Allen F. Ferris, age 15, 1880. A 817x474 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
William A. Ferris ad for jewelry, watches, clocks, silverware and spectacles, 17 January1880.
Source: Brainerd Tribune
Bank of Brainerd located at the southeast corner of South Fifth and Front Streets looking south from Front Street, bank under construction, ca. 1880. A 847x654 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
Bank of Brainerd at the southeast corner of 5th and Front, ca. 1881.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

The brick is on the ground for the new brick vault about to be constructed by Wm. Ferris & Co. for their bank. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 June 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


Wm. Ferris & Co., bankers have their capacious brick vault completed and it is the heaviest and best one of the kind in the State. They have also purchased a burglar proof safe with a time lock to put inside of that again, after which the Brainerd Bank will be the safest of the safest. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 July 1880, p. 1, c. 3)


The building on the corner of Front and Sixth streets occupied by Miss Caley’s restaurant is being removed two lots east to make room for the new brick building, 50x75 feet and two stories high that is to go up on the corner. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 July 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


NOTE: This new brick building became the First National Bank building.


SEE: Caley (Mattie) Restaurant and Bakery


Brainerd Ahead.


Wm. Ferris & Co., of the Brainerd Bank, received this week from the Mosler Safe & Lock Co., of Cincinnati, Ohio, their new burglar proof safe and time lock and it is a beauty. They have placed it in their large brick vault, and the vault shelving and other fixtures are being put in place today. This constitutes the Brainerd Bank an absolutely safe depository, and we congratulate the proprietors upon the amount of business which enables them to afford the outlay and our citizens upon the security it affords them. Brainerd moves. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 November 1880, p. 4, c. 2)


The interior of the Brainerd Bank is being remodeled and fitted up in a first-class manner, and will soon be in shape for comfort as well as convenience. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 June 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


Bankers’ Association.


Mr. F. Weaverson, the general agent of the Bankers’ Association of Minnesota, is in town this week, and has organized the Bank of Brainerd as a permanent depository of this section. The plan of work is a new one, and under the management of some of the best known businessmen of Minnesota. It is operated through the banks as depositories and its capital is invested in U. S. Registered bonds exclusively. The above association in furtherance of its plan to build up throughout this State a system of mutual insurance for business and professional men that will endure for all time, is organizing local boards providing nineteen members are secured, after which the board can elect officers, and the secretary can do business after the departure of the general agent. It is the only strictly mutual plan of insurance backed up by a capital, and with equitable rates for different ages. This, together with the most rigid of medical examinations, makes it the most perfect system of life insurance ever devised. Having been in operation nearly a year without making an assessment for a death loss, very forcibly illustrates the care taken in admitting applicants for membership. Mr. Weaverson says Brainerd displays as healthy a boom as any city in the northwest, and hopes to make the Bankers’ Association boom accordingly. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 May 1881, p. 1, c. 2)


Mr. Henry H. Barber, clerk at the Millers River National Bank, has accepted the offer of a responsible clerkship in a private banking house at Brainerd, Minn., an important and growing junction town on the Northern Pacific railroad where Dr. A. W. Parsons is now successfully located. Mr. Barber has been a very useful, efficient and trustworthy clerk in the Millers River bank, and well earned this handsome promotion.—[Athol (Mass.) Transcript. Mr. Barber arrived in Brainerd last Thursday noon, and has already assumed official duties at the Brainerd Bank. Mr. Ferris is to be congratulated upon securing the services of so valuable an assistant. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 May 1881, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: First National Bank Building

SEE: Hartley Bank Building

SEE: 1880 Brainerd-2 in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.


BARN

New Sandwich Shop Will Open April 27

_____


Maid-Rite shop ad, 26 April 1946.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch
The Barn located on the north side of Washington Street between Seventh and Eight Streets, 1955.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
Exterior view of the Barn, 2017. A 1263x691 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Andy Walsh
Karen and Gary Kinney, owners of the Barn, an interior view, 2017. Gary purchased the Barn in 1970 when he was 19 years old. A 1266x687 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Andy Walsh

The Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop, located at 711 Washington street, owned and operated by Earl West and John W. Warren, both of Marshalltown, Iowa, will officially open for business at 6 a. m., Saturday, April 27.

The foundation was laid November 15, and the building was completed this week.

This shop will specialize in sandwiches and hamburgers and will carry a complete line of soft drinks, cookies, doughnuts, coffee and cigarettes. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 April 1946, p. 5, c. 8)


21 November 1956. Sale of two Brainerd restaurants was announced today. The Barn on Washington Street has been owned for several years by Leonard Boeder and was sold to Don Bennyhoff. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 November 2016)


NOTE: The old barn in the 1910 Carnegie Library picture background.


SEE: Carnegie Public Library


BEST THEATRE

The “Best Theatre” has had its front nicely renovated and painted. The interior of this play house, formerly the Columbia, has been decorated and new seats installed and the opening will soon occur. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 October 1915, p. 2, c. 3)


J. J. Price, of Minneapolis, connected with the “Best Theatre” arrived in the city today. The opening of the new picture house will soon be announced. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 October 1915, p. 2, c. 3)


“BEST THEATRE” OPENS SATURDAY

_____


Former Columbia Theatre to be Con-

ducted by R. L. Livingston and

J. J. Price of Minneapolis

_____


A SEATING CAPACITY OF 464

_____


Quality and Comfort the Motto of the

New Theatre. Remodeled

and Decorated


The new “Best Theatre” will open Saturday with a matinee and evening performance. Located at the former Columbia theatre, the new owners, R. L. Livingston and J. J. Price, of Minneapolis, and the owner of the building, J. M. Hayes have remodeled and decorated the house and formed one of the most modern picture houses.

New seats have been installed, large, roomy, comfortable seats, each big enough to contain Tom Wood. They have been arranged in a half circle, thus enabling each one of the audience to gain a good view of the pictures. The aisles are broad so that a man and his family need not walk down in single file. The seating capacity is 464.

“The motto of the “Best Theatre,” said Mr. Price, “is Quality and Comfort.”

The house opens Saturday with “Graustark” in which Francis X. Bushman stars. This picture is direct from the Garrick in Minneapolis. Other feature films booked for the near future are “The Juggernaut,” “The Blindness of Virtue,” “Fool There Was.”

The “Best Theatre,” said Mr. Price will be a ten cent house. It will be best if money and ingenuity and experience count for anything, said he. The house will be practically a daylight one. During the performance one will be able to see each seat clearly and any possible accidents will be reduced to a minimum. Two ushers will be provided. Art Johnson, formerly with the Columbia, has been engaged as operator and Miss Cecil Witham as pianist. The piano is being installed today.

Wednesday nights are to be “Travelogue Nights,” at which time pictures of England, France, Peru, etc., will be shown. The Northwest Weekly service has been secured and Mr. Price announces that the town will soon be pictured in the movies and then shown all over the northwest.

A new Powers 6 B picture machine has been installed. The booth in which it is placed is fireproof and it, as well as every other part of the house, conforms to the rules of the insurance underwriters board.

The “Best Theatre,” said Mr. Price, is the first of a chain of popular priced houses to be established where people of the smaller cities will be able to see at moderate price the best pictures Minneapolis is favored with. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 October 1915, p. 5, c. 1)


The Best Theatre


While finishing touches were being added to various departments of the “Best Theatre,” it was discovered that the screen could be improved. At considerable expense Messrs. Price and Livingston immediately had the screen removed and started its improvements. When finished the screen will offer the public the best possible projection.

The theatre will be opened Saturday, Oct. 22, at 2:30 P. M., complete with every detail carefully inspected and ready to serve the public with those things that go to make a moving picture theatre a place of amusement, combined with the best music and accommodations.

A steady stream of visitors have already passed opinion that the “Best Theatre” opening will be a tremendous success. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 October 1915, p. 3, c. 3)


The “Best Theatre” will feature a three piece orchestra. Julius Witham, of the Bergh Violin school, has been selected as leader. Mr. Witham’s rapid progress and the increasing demand for his services reflect credit where it is due. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 October 1915, p. 3, c. 2)


“BEST THEATRE” OPENING DAY

_____


New Theatre Presents “Graustark”

to Large Matinee Attendance

This Afternoon

_____


ARRANGEMENTS ARE PLEASING

_____


Ushers at the Outer Doors and In-

side. Theatre Personifies Cour-

tesy and Comfort


The new “Best Theatre” of Brainerd opened its doors to the public this afternoon and the matinee was largely attended.

“Graustark” was the picture shown and pleased the patrons of the “Best Theatre” immensely. The trials of young Mr. Lowry and his courtship of Miss Guggenstocker were admirably portrayed.

Lighting and other arrangements of the theatre are of the best and were appreciated by the audience in which women largely predominated. An usher at the entrance opens the doors for patrons. The exit on South Sixth street is used so that there is no confusion.

“Our motto is courtesy, comfort and quality,” said the owners, Messrs. Price and Livingston. At the gala performance tonight crowds are expected which will tax the capacity of the house.

The orchestra includes Miss Cecil Witham pianist and Julius Witham, violinist. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 October 1915, p. 2, c. 5)


A SUCCESSFUL OPENING

_____


New “Best Theatre” Starts Out With

a Record Attendance of Over

2,500 in Two Days


The new “Best Theatre” started out with over 2,500 attendance for six performances Saturday and Sunday and the owners, Messrs. Price and Livingston, are highly pleased with their success.

A fine performance was given of “Graustark” and many who have seen the play and read the book were charmed by the wonderful film story. At a time when the interest of the world is centered on Austria and Germany, “Graustark” and its legendary Austrian history come with particular significance and the little principality and its beautiful queen, who traveled incognito as Miss Guggenstocker, form scenes and incidents which even now can find their counterpart in history.

There is an American in the cast and he fights his way to the throne and wins his beloved in spite of warring princes about him.

At the theatre an orchestra of three pieces led by Julius Witham discoursed pleasing music which like a mosaic fit in with the spirit of the pictures. The “Best Theatre” ushers were in evidence and looked after the comfort of the big audiences. The rear door opening on South Sixth street is also used as an exit, thus preventing congestion when one show closes and another is about to begin. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 October 1915, p. 5, c. 2)


At the Best


An ad for Charlie Chaplin’s movie, A Night Out, 03 November 1915.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Tonight the “Best Theatre” will show the incomparable laugh making king, Charlie Chaplin, in that side splitting comedy, “A Night Out” in two reels. Holmes will be seen in the “Limited’s Peril,” a thrilling one reel railroad drama. The Paramount Travelogue, the most interesting of all travelogues also will be shown and for the news weekly this week the latest release of the Ford Weekly will be shown. News from all parts of the world. The management again requests the public to come early in order to secure seats. Last night not even standing room could be had. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 November 1915, p. 6, c. 3)


BRAINERD WAS FILMED FRIDAY

_____


Best Theatre Co. has Fred C. Place

of Northwest Reel News Service

Photograph City

_____


HIGH SCHOOL MAKES A RECORD

_____


Pupils Walk Out of School in Fire

Drill in Just One Minute and

Two Seconds


Fred C. Place of the Northwest Reel News Service filmed Brainerd for the Best Theatre Co., J. J. Price and R. L. Livingston making a special trip to Minneapolis to get the service here at their expense. Mr. Place secured fine pictures of Brainerd.

The high school is shown emptying the big building in a fire drill executed in just 1 minute 2 seconds and that beats the record, the nearest best figures of a school of Brainerd’s size being 1 minute 45 seconds.

Two hundred and fifty members of rural school boards of Crow Wing county and over 100 pretty school teachers are shown as they held their convention in Brainerd.

There was filmed the power site of the Northwest Paper Co. where within a year there will be in operation the $300,000 paper and pulp mill of the Northwest Paper Co.

Brainerd’s football team is shown in practice work preparatory to the game with Akeley. The big motor fire truck of the Brainerd fire department is shown in action. Streets, shops, parks, etc. are faithfully portrayed. Post office, new city hall, new fire station and new city jail are shown.

Ten years ago Fred Place was a printer on the Brainerd Dispatch. Since then he was with the Minneapolis Journal and Chicago Tribune and his news photographs are known throughout the United States. Mr. Place’s parents reside near Brainerd.

The pictures will be shown at the Best Theatre next Saturday, Nov. 13, which illustrates how quickly the Northwest Weekly Reel News Service operates. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 November 1915, p. 5, c. 3)


DULUTH MEN IN THEATRE FIELD

_____


Messrs. Wm. P. Meyers and J. B. Clin-

ton Lease the Best Theatre Build-

ing for 15 Years

_____


TO OPEN UP AT CHRISTMAS TIME

_____


Brainerd Will be the Twelfth Thea-

tre of a Chain They Control in

Duluth, Superior, Etc.


Wm. P. Meyers and J. B. Clinton of Duluth have closed a lease for 15 years with the option of purchase of the property of the Best Theatre building in Brainerd owned by J. M. Hayes.

The theatre vacated by the Brainerd Theatre & Amusement Co., is to be remodeled and decorated and the new firm expects to open for business for the Christmas holidays.

Messrs. Meyers and Clinton head a syndicate controlling and operating a dozen theatres and moving picture shows. These are the Lyceum, Strand, Sunbeam and Doric of Duluth; the Orpheum at Proctor; the Plaza and Rialto in Superior, Wis. The Brainerd moving picture theatre will be the twelfth of their chain of houses.

Mr. Meyers is well known on the iron ranges of the county where he has many interests. They have leased in Brainerd the whole theatre building which includes basement, theatre main floor and the second floor devoted to offices. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 December 1920, p. 5, c. 1)


Best Theatre Changes Policy


The management of the Best Theatre having given the 10 cent admission price a fair trial and finding that it is impossible to show the better class of feature films for this price, without losing money; they have decided to change the price of admission to 5 and 15 cents, they have also installed a $400 mercury rectifier and made other expensive improvements for the comfort of patrons.

These prices are very reasonable considering the class of films to be shown, these same films commanding the admission of from 15c to 50c in the larger cities, while in Brainerd they are to be shown at 5 and 15 cents. The class of feature pictures to be shown from now on at the theatre are of a better grade than heretofore shown, the bookings including “The Raven,” “Mortmain,” “The Heights of Hazard” and many other films which are so popular in the larger cities and having the long runs of two months and more.

The advance in admission will take effect Friday evening, Dec. 24th, starting with “The Christian” the eight reel Vitagraph-Leibes production of unexcelled merit by Hall Caines. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 December 1915, p. 4, c. 5)


NOTE: The Columbia Theatre became the Best Theatre.


SEE: Columbia Theatre

SEE: Lyceum Theatre

SEE: Hayes Block


BIJOU THEATRE

An ad for the Bijou Theatre, 27 June 1907.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch
An ad for the Bijou Theatre, 31 December 1907.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch


The Bijou is installing an electric gong which will be placed over the street door and will ring two minutes before the commencement of each show every evening. People can thus, in the summer, loiter on the street until just before the program commences and know they are not missing any of it. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 July 1904, p. 2, c. 3)


NOTE: There was another Bijou theatre before the one below opened on August 21, 1906, location unknown.


The Bijou theatre was opened August 21, 1906 and was located at 514 Front Street in 1906.


01 August 1906. F. E. Low of this city and L. H. Low, of Fargo, have rented the store room in the Towne-McFadden block and are going to fit it up for a popular priced theatre. The performances will be continuous and will consist of moving pictures and illustrated songs. The place is to be re-painted and re-papered and smoking and all rowdyism will be absolutely prohibited. The price will be only 10 cents for adults and 5 cents for children. The name of the new enterprise will be the Bijou, and a handsome electric sign will be placed in front. (Brainerd 25 Years Ago, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 August 1931, p. 2, c. 4)


NOTE: Fred E. Low became the operator of the Grand Theatre in 1910.


SEE: Grand Theatre


11 August 1906. The new Bijou theatre is rapidly assuming the appearance of a play house, from the front at least. There will be two large doors in the building, one for entrance and the other for exit. The electric sign, which will be the finest in Brainerd, is expected tomorrow. It will be installed at a cost of $100. The opening of the theatre will be in a couple of days. (Brainerd 25 Years Ago, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 August 1931, p. 2, c. 3)


F. G. Ohmert, operator at the Bijou for several months when it first started, returned to this city last night and has accepted a position with Mr. Low. Mr. Smith will continue to run the machine, while Mr. Ohmert will act as lecturer, stage manager, etc. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 March 1908, p. 2, c. 3)


Bijou


The attractions at this theatre are far above the ordinary, DeMonde and Dinsmore, novelty comedy singing duo are the headliners, and are attracting large crowds nightly. Mr. Paul Morton, baritone late of the Prince of Pilsen Opera Co., is still amusing the patrons with his repertoire of the latest song hits. This together with three thousand feet of motion pictures and beautiful illustrated songs makes an entertainment lasting one hour and fifteen minutes. The patrons of this most popular place of amusement are certainly getting their money’s worth. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 March 1909, p. 3, c. 2)


The vaudeville act at the Bijou this week is the well-known aerial gymnastic work of the marvelous Cowles family, consisting of Manager Cowles, Mr. Cowles and little Marguerite. Their work is all high-class and that of little Marguerite, the physical culture child wonder is of a class seldom seen in cities of this size. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 June 1909, p. 3, c. 2)


The council granted permission for the transfer of the license of the Bijou theatre from Al Cowles to the present proprietor. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 March 1910, p. 3, c. 2)


At the Bijou


The Bijou management is putting on an extra bill for this week. The vaudeville features and the motion pictures are claimed to be exceptionally good. The management is trying to do everything possible looking to the entertainment, comfort and safety of its patrons. The ventilating system installed is operating with good success.

Hopkins & Vogt appear in a special engagement. Gerald E. Evans, assisted by T. Lloyd Truss sings the beautiful song, “When I Dream in the Gloaming of You.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 May 1910, p. 5, c. 4)


At the Bijou


One of the headliners at the Bijou is the act put on by the Stevens. They are good singers. Mr. Stevens is especially good in his Hebraic character imitations. “Rose Mare” is sung by Gerald E. Evans and he displays a good voice and clear enunciation. The pictures are very good this week. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 May 1910, p. 2, c. 5)


Bijou Closes During Summer


The Bijou theatre has been closed for the summer months and T. Lloyd Truss, the manager, has gone to Fargo to look after affairs of the Webster Theatrical agency. The theatre will be opened by Mr. Truss again in the fall season about Sept. 10th, by which time the play house will be remodeled, a grotto front attached, an ice cooling system of ventilation put in and other improvements made, guaranteeing to make this, as Mr. Truss states, one of the most popular and fashionable theatres in the city. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 July 1910, p. 3, c. 4)


“Fatty” Woods and Mose DeRocher, of Brainerd, gave a vaudeville act at the Bijou theatre on Tuesday evening. The two boys made a hit with their stunt. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 February 1914, p. 3, c. 1)


BLY’S BLOCK (MAP #1)

(Top) Bly’s Block at the southwest corner of 6th and Front, ca. 1904. (Bottom) An ad from the 1888 Brainerd City Directory.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

An early 1871 [sic] [1872] business block, standing on the southwest corner of Front and Sixth Streets, is a frame building measuring 50' x 70'. E. H. Bly, the owner, carries on a general merchandise business on the main floor. Bly’s Hall, on the second floor, is the center of all social and recreational functions from church suppers and sales to public and private dances and parties. Every old timer recalls pleasurable events at Bly’s Hall. The building also contains several offices on the second floor and Masonic lodge rooms in the attic. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 15)


In September of 1871 comes Eber H. Bly. On Sixth and Front Streets, he erects the first general mercantile store. Bly's store is on the first floor; the second is used for theatricals, dances, and political rallies; the attic is used by lodges. This building remains until fire destroys it in June 1904. “Bly’s Hall” is a true landmark for thirty years. Eber Bly is the first mayor. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 7)


Another Splendid Business House.


We are pleased to know that our esteemed fellow-citizen, Mr. E. H. Bly, is about to commence the construction of his mammoth new store-house, on the corner of Front and Sixth street—fronting the Headquarters Hotel. Mr. Bly is the successor to the old and reliable business firm here of Fletcher, Bly & Co. The new building is to be a high two-story building, fifty by seventy feet, and will contain two grand store-rooms below, fitted up in the most modern and convenient style. The two store rooms will both be used to carry on Mr. Bly’s extensive business as a general dealer and supply merchant, and will have a large arched passage way between the two, about the center of the partition. Extensive glass fronts will be put in and there will be a commodious business office and counting room in the rear, communicating with both store-rooms. The upper portion will be finished off in fine style, containing a public Hall, forty by fifty feet in size, with high ceiling and good ventilation. This of itself will be a grand addition to the town. The location is one of the most convenient and beautiful in the city, and deserves the creditable structure it is to receive. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 March 1872, p. 3, c. 1)


The splendid business house of Mr. Bly, to which we referred in our last, is now under full headway, the mechanical supervision being under the direction of that thorough mechanic and gentleman, Mr. Doner, Mr. Lyman P. White having the general oversight of the fine structure. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 April 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


MR. E. H. Bly’s mammoth store building is gradually approaching completion, and in truth it is a “whale!” The front elevation is to be quite as tasty and neatly organized as would become the most dignified of business blocks. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 May 1872, 1, c. 5)


Improvements.


[...]


E. H. BLY’s new and mammoth store house and public Hall, is among the greatest and most important in the list. This building is fifty feet front and seventy deep—two beautiful storehouses below, a grand public hall in the second story, besides private offices, and a fine room the full length in the attic story, finely adapted for a lodge room. This building has been put up in the most substantial manner, from cellar to attic, and Mr. Bly deserves more than a passing notice for his great enterprise and liberal public spirit, as so prominently and creditably displayed in this fine structure. The location of the building is one of the very finest, too, in the city—on the corner of Front and Sixth, fronting the Headquarters Hotel. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 May 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


MR. E. H. BLY’S REMOVAL.


Bly’s store at the southwest corner of 6th and Front, 1873.
Source: Hoard & Tenney

On Monday and Tuesday last a force of men were engaged in removing the goods of Mr. E. H. Bly from the old store of Fletcher, Bly & Co., down near the river up to the grand new store block on the corner of Front and Sixth—opposite the Headquarters House and depot. Mr. Bly has finished up in truly metropolitan style his new building, which we have heretofore described. With the fifty foot front, ornamented with rich cornices and great windows, heavy doors and all other things in proportion, beside the rich coating of white paint it is receiving renders it a lasting ornament to our town, and speaks volumes in favor of the proprietor’s unselfish liberality. The inside of the grand structure—70 feet in length—is plastered with hard finish, and divided into two beautiful store rooms all countered and shelved in fine style. The two long rooms, however, are connected by a richly arched passage way about midway of their length, while at the rear end another archway is made where will be the counting room projecting out into either storeroom, and which will be an ornament to the inside arrangement. Each of these rooms will have distinct classes of goods, one from the other, and while they will be separate rooms, yet they will be one to all intents and purposes by many of the archways before referred to—one will contain the heavier, coarser classes of goods, the other the more showy, fancy classes. Above, is the public hall, fifty feet square, and a suite of private offices rooms in the rear, while in the third story is a fine hall 25 by 70 feet, finely adapted for a lodge room. We tender Mr. Bly our best wishes for continued success in businesses in his palatial new quarters. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 June 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


SWING STAGE.


A receipt for the purchase of supplies from Eber Bly's store dated 29 August 1872. A 2544x3149 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Andy Walsh

Messrs. Stearns & Louis, the painters who are doing the work on Mr. E. H. Bly’s new mammoth building, have a genuine city rigged swing stage, worked by rope and tackle and suspended from aloft by heavy hooks. It works like a charm in its way. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 June 1872, p. 4, c. 1)


FUN, FUN, FUN!--Under the auspices of the Brainerd Dancing Club, at Bly’s Hall, on the evening of the 24th of this month, there will be given a first-class Masquerade Ball, with tickets $2.00 per couple, and the invitations are authorized to extend to all the good people from Little Falls and Duluth to the Red River Valley to come and join in the grand affair. The ball is to be gotten up on the most dignified and elaborate scale, so that that the best and most fastidious classes can join enthusiastically in the entertainment. A committee in the ante-room will require everyone to unmask and show themselves before entering the hall, so that no questionable characters of either sex can gain admission. Masks to furnish 200 couples will be provided at the News Depot, next to the Drug Store. Let everybody make calculation to join in, and have at least one jubilee for the winter. All parties coming from abroad will be welcomed by a committee and shown to comfortable quarters.

Papers west and east of Brainerd will please notice. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 December 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


MR. E. H. BLY is fencing in and cleaning up his beautiful premises, and very soon will have a handsome home and fine business location all combined. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 May 1874, p. 1, c. 6)


Improvements.


Our fellow townsman, Eber H. Bly, Esq., is making many fine improvements in the city this fall. He owns a large number of residence and other buildings, and for the past two months he has had a corps of workmen—carpenters, plasterers, painters, and laborers—engaged in overhauling them. Some have had fine additions put on, while all have been repaired, plastered, newly sided up, painted, etc. This is a laudable work on the part of Mr. Bly, and while with his mammoth store he is doing an immense trade, he turns himself about and expends his money in improving and beautifying the town; and therefore deserves the thanks of all owning interest in our beautiful little city. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 November 1874, p. 1, c. 4)


EBER H. BLY has sold his stock of dry goods to W. H. Leland and W. A. Smith, who will continue the business in the old stand. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 March 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


E. H. BLY, of Brainerd, will erect a $25,000 hotel at Bismarck within the next four months if the townsite question is settled at an early day. The building will be probably placed on the rise of ground in front of Dunn’s drug store, and will be modeled to some extent after the railroad hotels at Fargo and Brainerd.—[Bismarck Tribune.

THIS is news to Mr. Bly. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 April 1876, p. 1, c. 5)


THE Ladies’ Leap Year Party, given at Bly’s Hall last evening, was largely attended, and, in fact, THE party of the season. The managers, Mrs. H. A. Towne, Mrs. A. A. White and Mrs. T. C. Bivins, are entitled to great credit for the very efficient manner in which they conducted the affair with uniform pleasure to all. The old established rules of etiquette were reversed with a good grace and few mistakes, though the way the ladies forgot their engagements, expecting the gentlemen to “come around,” and blushed when they asked a gentleman to see his programme, was not unobserved; but in that the gentlemen had little to boast of, for they were not infrequently caught without a ready answer to invitations, etc., and exhibited no little confusion. Upon the whole everything passed off in fine style, everyone enjoyed themselves, and the change was considered by all excellent for a change. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 February 1876, p. 1, c. 2)


BUSINESS Changes.—We learn today that W. A. Smith and Co. have dissolved partnership, that H. A. Campbell has entered into partnership with Mr. Smith and bought the stock of Smith & Co., and will consolidate the two stocks in the room at present occupied by Smith & Co.; and that N. McFadden, the druggist, has purchased the building occupied by Mr. Campbell, and will remove his stock of drugs, etc., into it. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 July 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


A NEW floor is being laid by Mr. Bly in his hall, the old one being worn a considerable amount in places, making it rough and uncomfortable for dancing. He is also building a stage at the west end, calculated for theatrical exhibitions, and we are informed that a local amateur troupe is now practicing, and will soon treat our citizens to an exhibition of the talent of some of our home tragedians. This is certainly a step in the right direction, and we second the motion with both hands and feet, and will guarantee that a movement of this kind will be highly appreciated, and help wonderfully to pass pleasantly the long winter evenings before us. If the young folks, and old folks too, would organize in connection with, or in addition to, this, a literary society, so much the better. Let our home talent arise and shake its limbs and show to the world that it has not been shorn of its strength, and a pleasant winter to all will certainly be the result, saying nothing of the general improvement it will effect in the best way. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 December 1876, p. 1, c. 5)


Bismarck Hotel.


Mr. E. H. Bly, of this place, has finally perfected negotiations with the Northern Pacific company for the erection of a first-class hotel at Bismarck. He receives a bonus from both the company and the city in lands, and is to have special rates on freight on the material. He has not let the contract yet for its construction, but operations will commence as soon as the foundation can be laid. The plans are already drawn, and are somewhat after the style of the Headquarters at Fargo, though some marked improvements are made. Mr. Bly has no intention of taking the role of landlord and conducting the hotel in person after its completion, but proposes to lease it to good hands. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 February 1877, p. 1, c. 5)


THE DROP.—The painters have completed the drop curtain in Bly’s Opera House, and it is, of a truth, “a thing of beauty.”

A rich landscape view adorns the mean, showing the estuary of a broad river, dotted here and there with sails of various sizes, and skirted on either side by jagged rocks, precipices, ravines and promontories; a rocky eminence in the far distance—a miniature Gibraltar—is capped by a quaint old castle of medieval mien; a moss-covered church of Gothic type graces a little plateau between the hills in the foreground; on the left a peasant’s or fisherman’s cottage, suggestive of romance, nestles between the rocks in a quiet nook opposite, and the halo of a mellow Italian twilight on a balmy summer’s evening hovers over the scene, which for beauty, elegance and artistic skill, excels an oil chromo, and is equal to a $500 oil painting. A rich curtain of crimson damask, heavily fringed, is looped back on either side of the scenery in perfect imitation of the real, and capped by a heavy, rich drapery heading, which gives tone and prominence to the picture, unequaled.

The whole design—which was entirely impromptu—is chaste, and its execution, which was off-hand, is superbly grand, and adds the only missing link required to make this as complete and convenient a stage as the State affords.

The work was designed and the painting done by Messrs. J. C. Congdon and Chas. Netterberg, of the Northern Pacific paint shops, and they have certainly distinguished themselves in their fine art and Bly’s Opera House for its beautiful drop. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 January 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


IMPROVEMENT.—Another improvement is being made in Bly’s already very convenient Opera House. A graded floor is being laid raising the seats, one row above another in purely amphitheatrical style, which will rend the furthermost corner of the hall as desirable a location as the immediate vicinity of the stage. No more cries of “Down in front” will be heard, a change that will be appreciated by our citizens. What we shall do for a ballroom hereafter has not been stated. Bro. Weed [Headquarters Hotel] will probably be called upon to clear his dining room occasionally. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 January 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


CORRECTION.—Since our last we have learned that the new raised floor in Bly’s Opera House is movable, being made in sections like benches, and can be readily carried out in case the hall is needed for dancing purposes. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 January 1877, p. 1, c. 7)


THE THEATRE.—The second appearance of the Brainerd Dramatic Club at Bly’s Opera House on Thursday evening, was witnessed by a large audience from far and near, the hall being crowded to its utmost capacity, and was a grand success, far exceeding the hopes of the most sanguine, and gave the pleasing evidences of rapid improvement upon the part of the actors, who would compare favorably with professionals. It would be impossible, if we so desired, to criticize the exhibition in any of its features, and equally difficult to particularize any of the characters for peculiar merit without naming all, for all had their parts well committed and rendered them very appropriately, and with admirable adroitness and precision. The plays selected were the interesting and laughable dramas, Poor Pillicody, and The Two Buzzards, and brought forth round after round of applause, and kept the audience convulsed in laughter like an undulating sea during the whole evening. Brainerd is certainly to be congratulated upon so valuable an acquisition in the line of amusements. The gross receipts of the evening were a little over $80, which after defraying expenses goes to the M. I. O. I. Y. C. society, for the benefit of St. Paul’s church. The club proposes to give another entertainment about the 12th of February. Every week would suit the people best, however. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 January 1877, 1, c. 6)


E. H. BLY’s mammoth hotel at Bismarck is nearly completed. It is the intention now to open it on July 4th with a grand ball. Mr. Bly is negotiating with Col. Hull, of Duluth, to take charge of it when completed, and for the furniture of the Clark House. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 June 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


MR. E. H. BLY, one of the early residents of Brainerd, and for the seven years of its existence its leading business man is, we regret to observe, disposing of his interests here and elsewhere on the line of the N. P. as rapidly as possible, with a view to accepting one of two offers held open to him in the city of Minneapolis to invest in a heavy business enterprise. He has already disposed of his lumber at this place to Messrs. Clark & McClure for the round sum of $11,000, and has closed out his grocery and provision store and stock to Messrs. Smith & Campbell of this place, who are adding that branch to their already extensive line. He is now negotiating a sale of his hotel at Bismarck—the Sheridan House—and his steam saw mill at this place, and will doubtless close the bargain soon.

Mr. Bly has been a large public benefactor to our town in the past in a business point of view. Always having the capital to take hold of any business enterprise that offered, and conduct it successfully, he has established a substantial reputation for the town—in fact has been its backbone, and his departure from our midst will be an event in its history to be regretted. We are pleased, however, to see the young firm of Smith & Campbell able to step so promptly into his shoes, and can only say that we wish abundant success to all concerned in the changes. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 December 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


A Change in the Sheridan.


E. H. Bly, the owner of the Sheridan House, has assumed the personal management of that well known hotel and will hereafter make Bismarck his home, and his hotel investment the best paying property of the kind in the northwest. We anticipate a reputation and business for the Sheridan, the coming season, that will make investors wonder why they hadn’t hit upon the Sheridan. W. H. Hurd, of the Merchants hotel, St. Paul, will arrive this evening, to take charge of the dining hall and kitchen. He is reputed to be a first-class hotel man—none better in his line.—[Bismarck Tribune. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 February 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


Col. E. H. Bly, of the Sheridan, Bismarck, arrived in Brainerd on Monday with his wife, daughter and servant, and took possession of his beautiful residence once more. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 March 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


A grand prize ball, gotten up by a number of leading citizens of Brainerd, will be given at Bly’s Opera House in this city on New Year’s night, January 1st, 1879, at which a number of valuable prizes will be distributed to the ticket holders. Among them are a span of horses worth $350; a beaver overcoat worth $100; a gold watch and chain worth $100; a breech-loading shot gun; lot 24 of block 42 of Brainerd; a town lot in West Brainerd; a set of furs, and a Winchester rifle. The total value of the prizes to be distributed is $785. Tickets per couple, including supper at Headquarters Hotel and a chance in the distribution of prizes, $5. First-class music and a grand affair are assured. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 December 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


The grand prize ball, advertised for New Year’s evening, has been postponed to the eve of Washington’s birthday, Saturday, February 21st, 1879, and several valuable prizes have been added to the list, which will be published in due time. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 December 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: Bly’s Sawmill in the Bridges, Mills, etc. in Brainerd page.


Members of the Five Charlies’ Club. Back, left to right: Charlie B. White, Charlie King. Front, left to right: Charlie Pegg, Charlie D. Johnson, Charlie Wadham, ca. 1880’s. A 677x766 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Nikki Shoutz

The Five Charlie Club, under the management of Charlie Johnson, Charlie Wadham, Charlie Brinkerhoff, Charlie Pegg, and Charlie White, gave a grand ball at Bly's Hall on Thursday evening. The company was quite recherche, being composed of the elite of the town, and a gay time was enjoyed. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 January 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


An invitation to a dance held in Bly’s Hall and sponsored by the Five Charlies’ Club, 22 January 1880. A 720x960 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Nikki Shoutz

THE FIVE CHARLEY'S RECEPTION AND BALL Thursday evening was one of the most enjoyable affairs, for our young folks, of the season. These young gentlemen spared no trouble or expense to please their guests, and the eminent satisfaction of those in attendance is sure evidence that they know how to do these things. Dancing commenced promptly at 9 o'clock and was kept up until the "wee sma' hours ayant the twal." The music was excellent and everyone in joyous spirits. The five Charleys have carried the day, and are unanimously elected "d—ish good fellows." (Brainerd Tribune, 24 January 1880, p. 4, c.'s 1 & 2


Bal Masque.


The first annual masquerade of the season will be given in Bly’s Hall, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 1880. Now then, ye young folks, here is lots of fun. The gentlemen connected with this entertainment insure its success. All are going in for a good time, and the excellent opportunity to obtain masks and costumes is a feature never presented to the good little folks of Brainerd before. It’s too jolly, isn’t it? (Brainerd Tribune, 14 February 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


The Bal Masque.


“There was revelry by night.” It was at Bly’s Hall, Wednesday evening, the 18th inst. Deity was there: a god of ridicule and raillery, whom the Greeks called Momus, and if he was ever fantastically represented it was on this occasion. From a pair of white knit cotton drawers to Indian calico every conceivable fabric was represented, and the mannerisms of kings, princes, potentates, fools, idiots and clowns, apes, monkeys and side shows were prevalent. The tableaux were varied, the acting heterogeneous, and where all performed well in their respective roles it would be offensive to discriminate and praise. There was a homogeneity in ridiculousness, scintillating all over the hall; throwing off jets here and there, and painfully disturbing the gravity of the numerous spectators. Had there been more costuming a better spectacle would have been presented. But it was sufficiently spectacular to satisfy the curious. As a bal masque it was a success, and all thought it “awfully jolly.” The affair passed off pleasantly, everybody pleased, some more so, and all congratulated themselves that they at least had contributed largely to the “hilarity of the occasion.” The music was good, the dancing good, costumes good, and a good time all around. Voila tout. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 February 1880, p. 1, c. 2)


Col. E. H. Bly of the Sheridan House Bismarck was in Brainerd several days this week.... While in Brainerd Mr. Bly let the contract for putting a brick foundation under his business block corner of Front and Sixth Streets and for changing the stairway from the east side to the rear, and enlarging the hall in the second story to meet the growing demands of our city. It is well. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 May 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


Mr. Bly is greatly improving his block of buildings, corner of Fifth [sic] [Sixth] and Front Streets. The old wood foundation is being taken out and brick inserted, making it firmer; new floors will be put in the store-rooms; and the hall will be subsequently modified and enlarged by removing the partition and having no ante-room thus converting the whole of the second floor into the public hall, removing the stage from the west to the south side, and placing the stairway in the rear instead of at the side. A new plank walk will be built around the entire block. Mr. Bly’s enterprise should be seconded by our businessmen. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 June 1880, p. 1, c. 2)


AROUND THE STATE.

_____


BRAINERD.


BRAINERD, July 17.—Bly’s opera house is undergoing repairs. A brick foundation is being laid. The hall is to be re-plastered; it has been made twelve feet larger. The stage has also been enlarged, which will be an inducement for the best troupes to visit Brainerd, and they will be assured of sufficient room to display their talent and ability. The building will undoubtedly be painted inside and out. (Minneapolis Tribune, 19 July 1880, p. 8)


B. F. Hartley today purchased of E. H. Bly his block, consisting of ten lots, two stores and house. Consideration, $8,500. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 January 1881, p. 1, c. 3)


The large double-store building, with hall above, known as Bly’s Hall, on the corner of Front and Sixth streets, together with the warehouse in the rear and the lots from the corner to Schwartz’s store, on Front street, was sold by Mr. Bly this week to B. F. Hartley, whose grocery store now occupies the corner store, for the sum of $8,500. This property comprises the best business corner in Brainerd, and Mr. Hartley is to be congratulated upon its acquisition. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 January 1881, p. 4, c. 1)


AROUND THE STATE.

_____


BRAINERD.


BRAINERD, Feb. 8.—The A. O. U. W. [Ancient Order of United Workmen] will give a grand ball at Bly’s Hall the 17th instant. The Wadena lodge, with their ladies will be in attendance, and a “huge” time is anticipated. (Minneapolis Tribune, 10 February 1881, p. 5)


AROUND THE STATE.


BRAINERD.


BRAINERD, Feb. 17.—The A. O. U. W. [Ancient Order of United Workmen] gave their annual ball at Bly’s Hall last evening, and was the crowing event of the season. The St. Cloud band was in attendance, and its enchanting music died away not until the gray morn put it its appearance. (Minneapolis Tribune, 19 February 1881, p. 5)


SEE: Leland House / Commercial Hotel


...At the corner of south Sixth and Front Streets, where the Ransford Hotel now stands and over a general store was Bly’s Hall. The formal dances of the year were the one’s given by the Volunteer Fire Department, the Locomotive Firemen and the O. R. C. (Order of Railway Conductors). After Bly’s Hall was converted into a roller skating rink, Gardner’s Hall was used for dances. Dreskell’s orchestra furnished the music. Dances usually began at eight, at midnight an hour’s intermission for lunch, generally in J. T. Sanborn’s City Hotel, then the dance continued until morning. Winter sleigh ride parties to Toting places, the forerunners of our present day roadhouses and resorts, provided frequent country dances. (As I Remember, Dr. Werner Hemstead, born April 1860; came to Brainerd in 1882)


The double store of W. A. Smith & Co. on Front street is one of the tastiest and neatest in the city. The business is divided into two parts—in one the clothing and gent’s furnishings are kept and a finer array of goods is hard to run across. In the other room is the dry goods department which is replete with everything in that line. Everything about the establishment has an air of cleanliness and general harmony, and the clerks are gentlemanly and obliging, making it pleasant for their patrons, and they are deserving of the large custom which they are receiving. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 09 August 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


The building occupied by T. McMaster at the corner of Front and Sixth streets is being raised to a level with the other buildings on the street and will be otherwise improved. Lon. Everett has the contract. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 September 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


Large Property Sale.


The most important sale of real estate that has taken place in Brainerd for some time was closed the latter part of last week through the real estate agency of Keene & McFadden. The property sold is at the corner of Front and Sixth streets, known as the Harrison [Bly’s Block] property, 50 feet front and running back to the alley, and the buildings are at present occupied by R. F. Walters, T. McMaster, Peter Johnson, Wm. Dresskell and Bane & Co. The purchaser is R. R. Wise of the Arlington hotel, the price paid being $16,000, half cash and the balance in four years. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 September 1895, p. 4, c. 6)


Bly’s building burns in June 1904. (100th Anniversary, Aurora Lodge, No. 100—A. F. & A. M., 1973; containing 75th Anniversary History, 1947; Carl Zapffe, p. 11)


NOTE: Bly’s building did NOT burn in June of 1904 as stated above by Zapffe. The building burned on 30 January 1905.


Fire animation On January 30, 1905, Bly’s Block aka the Wise Block, owned by Ransford R. Wise, and two other buildings burned. From $15,000 to $20,000 worth of property was consumed. At the time it burned, it was probably the oldest building in Brainerd.


SEE: 1905 Bly’s Block Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


Bly, Eber H.

Arrived in Brainerd in September of 1871 and erected the first mercantile store. In 1874 Bly purchased the first sawmill located in Brainerd from Barrows, Prescott and Bassett relocating it to the north shore of Boom Lake and adding a planing mill. From 01 January 1873 to May 1874, Eber Bly served as Brainerd’s first Mayor. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 5, 9, 199)

When the railroad was built westward from Carlton in 1870, one of the contractors who built the road was Eber H. Bly. We need to say something about him because Bly was probably the best businessman in Brainerd in his days. He seems to have been born and raised to pitch in and do things. When events moved too slowly, he would pull out and go elsewhere because for one like him there is always something to do. He was a builder. He is dead—the year being 1901, and lies buried in Superior, Wisconsin. [sic] [He was buried in Fairview Cemetery, Bismarck, Burleigh County, North Dakota.] His only daughter, Harriet S. Bly, still resides in Minneapolis.

He was born in Ticonderoga, New York, in 1830. He married Francis [sic] [Frances] R. Baker, of Pulaski, New York, in 1856. His arrival in Brainerd is dated September 1871, although due to his work he had been here before that. He came from Superior, Wisconsin. In 1877 Bly moved his enterprises to Bismarck, North Dakota. Without a doubt Bly had done Brainerd much good during the few years he was here. (It Happened Here, Carl Zapffe, Brainerd Journal Press: 1948, p. 18)


Smith, W. A.

Is a native of Franklin county, New York, where he was reared until eighteen years of age, when he went to Syracuse and attended school for some time. He was then employed as a clerk in various mercantile houses until September, 1874, when he came to Brainerd and entered the employ of Mr. Bly, and became a partner the following spring. H. A. Campbell purchased the interest of Mr. Bly soon after, and the business was conducted by Smith & Campbell until March, 1880, when Mr. Campbell retired from the firm. Subsequently, Mr. Smith formed a partnership with W. E. Campbell, under the firm name of W. A. Smith & Company. Their business is quite extensive, carrying a stock of $20,000, and employing four salesmen. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Winchell, Neill, Williams and Bryant, Minnesota Historical Company, Minneapolis: 1881, p. 653)


SEE: Wise Block

SEE: Ransford Hotel


BRAINERD BREWERY COMPANY

A brewery was started in 1872 but it was about 1880 that Peter Ort built a small brewery on the east shore of Boom Lake, or what would be Fourth or Fifth Street if extended that far south. Soon, however, it became idle. In 1882 or 1883 [sic] [1894] George Donant [sic] bought and re-opened the plant. Before long, which we believe would be about 1884 [sic] [1897], Fred Hoffman purchased the plant. It grew to larger proportion as more lumbermen, more loggers, more lumberjacks and more river drivers came to town to “hoist a few,” in the parlance of that day. Ed Boppel next became a partner. After the institution changed ownership again in 1906, with Boppel and Hemstead as owners, it became Brainerd Brewing Company. Again it grew, having in 1910 a capacity of 10,000 barrels per year. Breweries in this area met their doom when in 1914 enforcement of an 1859 [sic] Indian Treaty was invoked. Although making and selling beer was made legal again, a brewery has never since been operated in Brainerd. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 44)


As near as can be determined, a brewery is started in 1872; but it is about 1880 that Peter Ort builds a small brewery on the east shore of Boom Lake, near what would be South Fourth or Fifth Streets if extended that far south. Soon, however, it becomes idle. In 1882 or 1883 [1894] George Donant [sic] buys and re-opens the plant. Before long, about 1884 [1897], Fred Hoffman purchases the plant. It grows larger as more lumbermen, loggers, lumberjacks and river drivers come to town. Werner Hemstead and Edward Boppel become partners in 1889. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 90)


John Hoffman opens the Brainerd Brewery in 1872. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 16)


Mr. Hofman’s [sic] new brewery is being pushed toward completion with all possible dispatch. Lovers of good beer will “tally one.” (Brainerd Tribune, 10 February 1872, p. 3, c. 1)


The Brewery.


Brainerd Brewery Ad, 02 March 1872.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

On Thursday last Mr. Hofman [sic] commenced operations in his new brewery, and is now prepared to “grind out” lager beer wholesale and retail. If more good quality lager beer was drunk, and less whisky, there would be a better understanding between the stomach and head, and folks’ legs would not become tangled so badly as is too common now-a days. But as for us, give us—liberty or give us the “Wine of Tar.” (Brainerd Tribune, 02 March 1872, p. 3, c. 2)


Peter Ort, of Sheboygan, Wis., who will be remembered by our townsmen and the traveling public generally, as the most popular clerk the Headquarters Hotel ever had, appeared to us this week. The supposition is that he will remain in Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 August 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


A fine a stock of pure wines, liquors and cigars as is to be found in the town or city is kept constantly on hand at P. Ort’s new place, corner of 5th and Laurel Streets and Peter is ever ready with a smile and a good word to draw you a glass of fresh beer or something stronger if you wish it. Drop in as you pass. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 April 1880, p. 4, c. 2)


SEE: Woodland Park


Peter Ort, corner Fifth and Laurel streets, has recently added a fine Brunswick & Balke Co. billiard table to the attractions of his parlors, and it seems to be the popular attraction of the town. Pete keeps first-class liquors and cigars and good cool refreshing beer, and the man with soul so dead as not to be able to enjoy and hour’s visit at his place—does not visit saloons. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 August 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


Peter Ort, proprietor of the Billiard Parlors, corner 5th and Laurel streets, set a crew at work this morning tearing down the old stable and dwelling in the rear, on the lot adjoining his saloon, on the north and proposes to clean the entire premises up in good shape. He will merit the eternal gratitude of his neighbors and in fact of the entire town in removing that old barn which has stood in danger of burning the town up for a good many years and in improving the appearance of that part of the town. The lumber taken from the buildings removed he will use in the erection of a new dwelling on South Fifth street on a lot he has recently purchased between Maple and Norwood and next spring he expects to remove the building on the corner, at present occupied by his saloon and replace it with a substantial brick block. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 October 1880, p. 4, c. 2)


Ort, Peter

Was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, in the year 1849. He came to Brainerd in 1870, and was employed at the carpenter trade for five years. Was then clerk in the “Headquarters Hotel” until January, 1880, when he opened a billiard hall on the corner of Fifth and Laurel streets, of which, he is now the proprietor. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Winchell, Neill, Williams and Bryant, Minnesota Historical Company, Minneapolis: 1881, p. 652)


THE CASUALTY RECORD.

___________


Buried Alive.


BRAINERD, July 14.—A terrible accident, attended with the loss of two lives, occurred here yesterday afternoon. Four men were excavating for the foundations of the new brewery, near the east bank of the Mississippi, south of the bridge, and had dug some distance into the bank, when a large mass of earth fell, covering them all. Two, who were nearest the outer edge of the super-incumbent mass, managed to crawl out with but little injury. Workmen were soon on the spot, but it was several hours before the remains of the other two men were reached. They were both dead when taken out. The victims were single men, one of them being an American and the other a German. Their names are not known. (Minneapolis Tribune, 15 July 1882, p. 2)


Peter Ort has opened a bottling department in connection with his Brainerd brewery. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 July 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


Peter Ort is in Milwaukee for the purpose of engaging a first class brewer to take charge of his brewery. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 October 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


According to the Brainerd Tribune, 16 Jul 1886, Peter Ort’s brewery on the east shore of Boom Lake burned down. (Town of Brainerd, Township 45, Range 31, Anna Himrod, WPA Writer’s Project; Crow Wing County Historical Society, Brainerd, Minnesota: circa 1936, p. 24)


Fire animation On July 12, 1886, a fire burned Ort’s Brewery aka the Brainerd Brewery building worth about $22,000 and $2,000 worth of beer stored in the building. Since there was no fire hydrant nearby the entire brewery burned. There was $5,200 insurance on the building.


SEE: 1886 Brainerd Brewery Company Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


Peter Ort will begin operations at his brewery at once. It has been standing idle for some months. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 December 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


The Brainerd brewery seems to be doing a very prosperous business at present. It seems that Brainerd people are bound to have beer and such being the case it is much better for the prosperity of the town to have it manufactured here rather than to send the money to outside places. The aggregate paid out by the saloonkeepers of this city in the course of a year for beer would astonish most anyone not conversant with the facts. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 May 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


Fire animation On March 24, 1892, a fire again burned the Brainerd Brewery Company resulting in about $5,000 in damages. The nearest fire hydrant was too far away to save the brewery building but the manufactured beer on hand was saved.


SEE: 1892 Brainerd Brewery Company Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


A New Brewery.


Jacob Dobmeier, of Grand Forks, is in the city making arrangements for the erection of a new brewery and if arrangements can be made Brainerd will have as fine an institution of this kind as there is in the northwest, Mr. Dobmeier proposes to form a stock company and asks that the saloon keepers of this city take stock to the amount of $2,000 in the aggregate. This is simply as a matter of good faith that the product of the brewery will be used in this city, and to get them interested in the concern. At a meeting held last evening a committee was appointed and to-day are endeavoring to fix the matter, and we have no doubt but that they will be successful. The new institution will be located on the flat near the old Northern Pacific pumping station just north of the railroad bridge and will be of solid brick, the cost of the building to be $10,000. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 April 1892, p. 4, c. 5)


There is a prospect ahead for a new brewery in this city, J. M. Engelhart [sic], and Geo. Donat [sic], of Little Falls, being the gentlemen who are interesting themselves in the matter. If satisfactory arrangements as to site, etc., can be made, they will locate here and erect suitable buildings for carrying on that branch of industry. Both gentlemen are practical brewers. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 January 1894, p 4, c. 4)


The city council in special session last evening heard the first reading of an ordinance permitting the cutting of ice in Boom lake for cooling purposes, the ice to be used in the district named. It is expected that work on the new brewery will begin at once. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 February 1894, p. 4, c. 4)


The City Council.


[...]


Englehorn [sic] & Donat [sic] petitioned the city council to be allowed to cut ice in Boom lake for cooling purposes, the ice to be used in a brewery proposed to be erected by these gentlemen was referred to the committee on health, sewerage and police, they to confer with the board of health. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 February 1894, p. 4, c. 7)


Peter Ort has the contract for putting up the buildings for the new brewery on the site of the one destroyed by fire near Howe’s mill, and the work will be done as speedily as possible. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 February 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


Bought the Brainerd Brewery.


Fred Hoffman and Edward Boppel ad, 1903.
Source: 1903 Brainerd City Directory, p. 5

The brewery in this city has been purchased by Little Falls parties, who will take charge May 1st. Concerning the men the Transcript says:

Little Falls will soon lose one of its most esteemed citizens, Frederick Hoffman, who has been one of our leading business men for the past seventeen years, has, with Edward Boppel, brewer for the Little Falls Brewery, secured control of the plant of the Brainerd Brewing company in that city, and will take charge of the business the first of next month.

It is Mr. Hoffman’s intention to remove his family to Brainerd sometime this summer, and their departure will be regretted by the many friends they have made in this community.

Mr. Hoffman has, besides his handsome residence property on Fourth street southeast, considerable property interests here, some of which he will dispose of, but he intends keeping his home, for the reason that he has lived here so long that he looks upon it as his only home, and may some time decide to return here to live.

However Mr. Hoffman thinks that the business into which he has just embarked will prove a paying investment. Brainerd is not only a good town itself but there are several smaller towns tributary to it, which Mr. Hoffman thinks he can do business in, by paying strict attention to the quality of the article they manufacture.

Mr. Hoffman is not only a man of good business ability, but has had five years experience in the brewing business at Red Wing, before coming to this city. Mr. Boppel, who will have charge of the brewing, is a first class brewer, and the out look is certainly good for the new firm’s success.

While we regret to see a gentleman as enterprising as Mr. Hoffman leave our city, we wish him prosperity in his new location. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 April 1897, p. 1, c. 4)


Brainerd Brewery Company on the eastern shore of Boom Lake, ca. 1890.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
Brainerd Brewery site with picnic table, 2016. A 1000x750 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Carl Faust
Brainerd Brewery site historical marker, 2016. A 1000x750 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Carl Faust

Fred Hoffmann [sic] returned from Brainerd Tuesday, where he had been for several days, completing the purchase of the Brainerd brewery by himself and Mr. Boppel. They took possession of the property May 1, and are now operating it. Mr. Hoffmann [sic] reports the property in good condition, supplied with good appliances for making beer, but needing a few additions to increase its capacity and add to the convenience of operating. He says there is no doubt of the enterprise paying fairly well, and he is well pleased with Brainerd. The large number of men employed in the railroad shops and the saw mill bring large amounts of money in circulation monthly, and the business men generally report a good volume of trade. The people of Brainerd will find Mr. Hoffmann [sic] to be an excellent citizen, reliable and trustworthy in every particular. He is held in high esteem in Little Falls and has served several terms on the city council and board of education.—Little Falls Transcript. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 May 1897, p. 4, c. 4)


The institution changes ownership again in 1906, with Edward Boppel and Werner Hemstead as owners, it becomes Brainerd Brewing Company. It continues to grow, having a capacity of 10,000 barrels a year in 1910. Breweries are doomed in 1914 with the enforcement of an 1859 [sic] Indian Treaty. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 44)


02 May 1906. Dr. Werner Hemstead purchases the interests of Fred Hoffman in the Brainerd Brewery Company. The amount of the consideration is not given but is reported on the streets to be $20,000. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 02 May 2006)


BRAINERD BREWERY


The Brainerd Brewing Company, of which Dr. Werner Hemstead and Edward Boppel are the principal stockholders, has a good sized plant in the south side of the city and is planning extensive improvements, a part of which will be made this year. They will consist of a wash house 50x28 feet, one story high, and a racking room 14x25, two stories high. Both buildings will be of solid brick construction and equipped with first-class, up-to-date machinery. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 January 1908, p. 4, c. 5)


BRAINERD BREWING COMPANY.


Brainerd Brewing Company, illustration of new building being built in 1910, owned by Edward Boppel and Werner Hemstead, a partnership formed in 1906, located at Boom Lake, ca. 1910.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 16, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher, Brainerd Tribune

The accompanying view illustrates the new buildings of the Brainerd Brewing Company, now partially completed. The new plant will be a model of its kind and will add greatly to the producing capacity of the company and give employment to a number more people. The bottling department will establish a new feature, and in the near future the people of Brainerd may secure the product of this Brainerd institution bottled and delivered to their homes.

This organization was formed four years ago, succeeding the firm of Hoffman & Boppel, which had previously carried on the business. The capacity and equipment of the brewery have been increased and about 10,000 barrels of beer are manufactured annually. The beverage turned out here is of a superior quality and finds a ready market in Brainerd and adjacent towns in Crow Wing, Aitkin, Cass and Todd counties.

The growing reputation of this product is chiefly due to the care exercised in its manufacture and the fact that only the purest and best ingredients are used. The malt is produced in Minnesota and the best domestic hops are obtained from the Pacific coast, while a considerable quantity of German hops is also imported each season. A supply of the purest water, so essential to the production of the best beer, is obtained from an artesian well extending a number of feet below the bed of the Mississippi river. The ice used is cut from Boom lake, which adjoins the premises and is fed by living springs. (Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 16, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher)


Brainerd Woman Dead.


Brainerd, Minn., Nov. 20—(Special.)—Mrs. Edward [Louise] Boppel, wife of a leading resident of Brainerd, died very suddenly yesterday morning of typhoid fever, having been sick only a few days. She leaves a husband and eight children. (Minneapolis Morning Tribune, 20 November 1909, p. 23)


Fire animation On October 19, 1914, a fire gutted the interior of the brick two-story, twenty-five by forty foot Brainerd Brewery building located near Boom Lake. There was no fire used in the building since the machinery was run by electricity. The next day the wreck in the interior was still smoking and piles of glass bottles lay melted in heaps. The remains were allowed to cool slowly so as not to crack the heavy cement floor.


SEE: 1914 Brainerd Brewery Company Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


William “Pussyfoot” Johnson, ca. 1920.
Source: Unknown

Most unique in the annals of any city is the incident that arose in 1911. Brainerd was not alone in this instance. It was a feature in the activities of the Prohibitionists throughout the nation. The Federal Department of Indian Service had in its employ a man named “Pussyfoot” Johnson [William Eugene Johnson 1862-1945]. He came to Minnesota to stop the sale of liquor to Indians and the introduction of liquor into those lands which the federal government had acquired by treaty with Indians. Brainerd was in an area so covered by a treaty made in 1855 [sic]. The experience need not be related beyond the fact that in 1914 the United States Supreme Court also rendered a decision on the matter and the prohibition lid was clamped on tight. Saloons were raided. In some cities beer and liquor were dumped into the gutters in the smashing-up campaign which the federal agents had to pursue to enforce the edict.

In Brainerd the court decision closed twenty-six saloons, which was a very heavy loss of revenue for the city, as the license fee was $750. The money so collected had been put into the general revenue fund prescribed by the charter of 1908. That charter did not prescribe a special fund for the payment of street lighting, hydrant rental and use of water in public buildings and parks. Being deprived of license fees, the council began not paying the bills it had contracted to pay the Water and Light Board; whereupon the Board cut out the lights. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 112 & 113)


BREWERY GETS AN EXTENSION

_____


Closing Order Prohibiting Manufac-

ture of Beer Made by Indian

Department Extended

_____


FOR A PERIOD OF THIRTY DAYS

_____


Brewing Company is Producing Non-

Alcohol, Temperance Beverage

Meeting with Good Sale


Ordered closed July 30, the Brainerd Brewing Co. has secured an extension of 30 days from Special Agent H. A. Larson of the Indian department, which will enable the brewing company to dispose of most of its manufactured product.

In the meantime, the brewing company has worked up quite a trade in non-alcohol, a temperance beverage. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 July 1915, p. 5, c. 2)


02 August 1915. Exploding a charge of nitroglycerin, robbers last night broke open the safe at the Brainerd Brewing Co. and stole $125 in currency and $75 in silver. A window was forced to gain entrance and a buggy pulled by a large horse was used for the escape shortly after midnight. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 02 August 2015)


05 November 1915. If there is any advocate of prohibition who drank beer before 1855, let him speak out and save the government’s case in trying to close the Brainerd Brewing Co. The firm is fighting closure under the 1855 Indian Treaty, saying beer cannot be banned as there was none here in 1855. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 November 2015)


BRAINERD FOUNDRY

Charles N. Parker arrives to make Brainerd his permanent home. He had come in 1872 to build the foundry for the Northern Pacific Railroad and get the operation started, but in 1885 he and his partner H. A [sic]. [Herbert W.] Topping leased the plant and named it Parker-Topping Foundry Company. It depends essentially on a contract entered into by the railroad for all its castings. That business grows to employ up to 150 men. In the course of time E. O. Webb and the grandson Clyde E. Parker became part of the organization. In 1888 the Northern Pacific foundry, being as aforesaid leased to Parker-Topping Foundry Company, is supplying castings for the entire system west of Spokane, Washington and provides a payroll that year amounting to $60,000. Sometime around 1917 the Northern Pacific replaces its old foundry building with a new one of double capacity. During the railroad strike of 1922-23, the railroad discontinues its contract with the Parker & Topping Foundry, the strike scatters the employees and the firm ceases to exist. In 1924 a few former participants, such as the grandson, Clyde E. Parker, and Fred E. Kinsmiller and E. O. Webb join their experiences into a partnership. They name it Brainerd Foundry Company and erect a building of their own at 801-807 South Tenth Street. With two employees they begin work at casting grey iron. In 1925 this new company makes its first brass castings and on 01 January 1928, negotiates its first contract with the Northern Pacific Railroad Company for brass castings. Things pick up enough to justify incorporation in 1930 by Parker and Kinsmiller. As of 1945 the company employs about thirty men and makes 2,200,000 pounds of brass castings and 400,000 pounds of grey iron castings per year. Much of its work is for Cuyuna iron mines; more goes to the pulp and paper mill at International Falls; and most of it goes to the Northern Pacific Railway Company for use between here and Spokane, Washington. [Many years later the foundry is torn down, the site is fenced and declared a hazardous waste site. To my knowledge it is still hazardous and has never been properly cleaned up.] (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 50, 51, 55, 112, 131, 132)


BRAINERD FOUNDRY IN IMPROVEMENTS

_____


2 New Additions Built for Pattern

Storage and Machinery

Building

_____


OUTPUT IS INCREASED

_____


Recently the Foundry Made a Bronze

Casting Weighing 1,295

Pounds


Brainerd Foundry, ca. Unknown. A 1248x711 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The Brainerd Foundry located on South Tenth street have added two new additions to their building, one of them being for the storage of patterns and the other a new machinery building which gives them more room to increase their output. They have also installed some new core ovens.

Recently the foundry cast a bronze casting weighing net 1,295 pounds. This undoubtedly is one of the largest bronze castings made by any foundry in the state. The foundry is working on a number of contracts and at the present time are employing about 15 men. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 November 1925, p. 8, c. 5)


NOTE: This foundry was no longer leased from the Northern Pacific Railroad.


28 December 1984. The defunct Brainerd Foundry a city landmark, went under the blade of a bulldozer today. The Water & Light Board cleared the way for demolition by the EDA when it agreed to waive a lien for unpaid utility bills. A PCB spill at the site will also be cleaned up. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 28 December 2014)


Old Brainerd Foundry Superfund Site

Lead Cleanup Begins


Lead contamination in a south Brainerd neighborhood left by a foundry shut down nearly 35 years ago is slated for cleanup next month.

The areas marked by dotted lines are those the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency intends to excavate this summer to eliminate lead-contaminated soil. The solid line in the center of the map shows the outline of the original foundry building and the shaded area shows where soil was previously excavated nearly 20 years ago.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency intends to break ground June 15 at eight excavation sites around the intersection of Quince and South 10th streets to remove soil laced with high concentrations of lead. The areas surround the site of the former Brainerd Foundry, where the casting of bronze, brass and iron parts for the railroad industry caused heavy metals to spew from its smokestacks for 45 years.

About 20 people attended a community meeting hosted by the MPCA Tuesday night at the First Lutheran Church in Brainerd to learn about the upcoming cleanup. As part of the first phase of the $600,000 project, the agency plans to remove contaminated soil up to 4 feet deep from residents' yards and other property adjacent to the empty lot where the foundry once stood.

The foundry began operations at its South 10th Street location in 1925, although its history dates back to 1872, according to an article from the Brainerd Dispatch's 1971 centennial edition. One of its primary products was brass journal bearings used on the axles of railcars and its primary customer was Burlington Northern, although they also made products for the paper mill and other industrial customers.

The foundry operated until 1981. Over its lifetime, the MPCA estimates about 162,000 pounds of lead were emitted from its smokestacks. The emissions were greatly reduced in 1970, however, when clean air regulations required the addition of air filters to the stacks.

The site has been on the agency's radar since 1983. In response to resident complaints, the MPCA investigated contamination from polychlorinated biphenyl, also known as PCB, two years after the business was abandoned. Since then, numerous investigations have revealed soil lead concentrations several times higher than those considered safe by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. About 640 cubic yards of contaminated soil were removed from the site in 1996, although not any from surrounding properties.

The MPCA listed the foundry site on its Superfund priority list in 2010 and dedicated funding toward its cleanup this year. It joined five other Superfund sites in the Brainerd area, including the former city dump and the Burlington Northern shops.

Lead is toxic to humans and can cause behavior, learning and health problems in children along with high blood pressure, kidney damage and fertility problems in adults, the Minnesota Department of Health reports. Children are at the greatest risk of lead poisoning from ingesting sources of lead, including lead-based paint chips and contaminated soil.

Daniel Peña, MDH environmental research scientist, conducted a health assessment of the neighborhood in 2001. His findings noted non-industrial land use around the foundry site increased the likelihood of residential lead exposure. This includes Washington Middle School, where classes took place until 2004 and student programs continue to run.

"There is the potential for lead exposure via ingestion of contaminated soil and inhalation of contaminated dusts," Peña wrote. "These data do indicate the existence of children and adults with elevated blood lead in the vicinity. There is a vulnerable population that could be exposed to off-site soils."

Stephanie Yendell works with the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at MDH in St. Paul. Yendell told those in attendance she evaluated blood lead records from the last 20 years in Brainerd and found those living near the foundry site were at no greater risk than those living elsewhere in the city.

"The percentage of people that come up with high levels of lead was very similar in the area right around the foundry as it was in the rest of Brainerd," Yendell said. "There are sources of lead exposure in the area, but we can't say whether it's from one exposure or another."

Marlys Peterson and Raymond Comeau own one of the contaminated properties. Peterson, who purchased the home from her aunt, was aware the property was contaminated when she bought it but has concerns about whether the cleanup efforts will fully eliminate the problem.

Her front yard, which contains some of the heaviest contamination in the area based on sampling, also has two large trees. The MPCA said they would not be removing any trees as part of their excavation efforts.

"It's beautiful and it provides wonderful shade, but in the long run I would prefer clean soil," Peterson said.

Doug Beckwith, MPCA site remediation supervisor based in Duluth, said the agency planned to avoid tree removal as a benefit to residents. Beckwith said they could talk about removing the trees in Peterson's yard but because of the use of state funds, could not make improvements to the property.

Although the foundry owners were found responsible for the pollution, they filed for bankruptcy in 1982, leaving the U.S. Economic Development Administration in possession of the land. The city of Brainerd now owns the land after the EDA gave it to them several years ago. State funds are used to remediate abandoned sites where the responsible party can no longer be assessed the costs.

Jennifer Jevnisek, project manager, said she is discussing with the contractor whether any landscaping will be included beyond replacing the dirt and reseeding the grass.

"We are managing state funds, yet we also acknowledge the fact that homeowners have a preference for how their lawn looks," Jevnisek said.

The first phase of the project is set for completion by July. The MPCA will treat the contaminated soil as hazardous waste, which will be deposited at the Crow Wing County Landfill.

Jevnisek said the agency is planning to implement the second phase of the project next year. The second phase will include wind modeling to determine whether there are additional sites at risk for high lead concentrations, more soil sampling and possible groundwater sampling. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 May 2015, p. 1)


NOTE: For more information on the early history of this foundry:


SEE: 1872 A Monster Manufactory in the Northern Pacific R. R. in Brainerd page.


BRAINERD FRUIT COMPANY

Hugh Brandon is the new clerk employed by the Brainerd Fruit Co. in the Gardner block. In summer the company will erect its own building at some point convenient to Northern Pacific railway trackage. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 May 1914, p. 2, c. 3)


SEE: Gardner Block


The Brainerd Fruit Co. is handling three cars or more of fruit a week. There has just been received from California a carload of Elberta peaches, fine for canning. Plums, blue and red, promise to be cheap at this season. A carload of watermelon was sold in Brainerd and another is coming before the end of this week. In apples the Wealthies arriving are of the best quality. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 August 1914, p. 2, c. 5)


“PEACH WEEK” COMING

_____


Brainerd Fruit Co. Inaugurates New

Departure of Pleasant Antici-

pation for Housewives


“Peach Week” starts next Monday and will be a new departure for the Brainerd Fruit Company of this city, which through its manager, J. C. Higbe, has bought three carloads of peaches which will be handled by local merchants.

Now that sugar has dropped, housewives will find that the peaches of the Brainerd Fruit Company will prove fine canning and Mr. Higbe anticipates no difficulty in disposing locally of the entire three carloads order. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 August 1914, p. 3, c. 3)


The Brainerd Fruit Co. landed a carload of cabbages in the city and is distributing them among the merchants. They are good, hardy heads. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22, July 1915, p. 5, c. 1)


BUY POTATO WAREHOUSE

_____


Brainerd Fruit Co. Buys the Farmers’

Produce Co. Warehouse on

Front Street


The Brainerd Fruit Co. has purchased the potato or storage warehouse of the Farmers’ Produce Co. and will install an elevator, ice box and put in other improvements. Their headquarters will be established there on November 1.

The Brainerd Fruit Co. is managed by J. C. Higbe of Brainerd and operating from Brainerd a large territory is supplied with fruit and vegetables. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 October 1914, p. 5, c. 3)


IN THEIR NEW QUARTERS OCT. 28

_____


Brainerd Fruit Company Buys Ware-

house on Front Street From

Brainerd Produce Co.

_____


OPEN UP THERE TOMORROW

_____


Alterations Being Made, Platform

Near Track Side, New Offices.

Bracket Roof in Front


Brainerd Fruit Company located at 809 Front Street, ca. 1920’s. A 1986x1110 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The Brainerd Fruit Company, formerly of the Gardner block, Laurel street, has acquired the Brainerd Produce Co. warehouse on Front street near the W. F. Holst machinery depot and on Thursday, Oct. 28, open up in their new quarters which are being rapidly remodeled to suit their convenience.

The warehouse has a full basement with high ceiling and measures 40 by 60 feet. The basement offers storage for five carloads of apples. A freight elevator will be installed.

On the main floor the office has been partitioned off and occupies floor space 15 by 20 feet. The banana section takes up 10 by 14 feet. A platform has been built on the track side, permitting the easy handling of supplies and the new location does away with drayage costs.

J. M. Jones and A. Snell are the carpenters putting in the changes. A bracket roof will be built on the Front street side measuring 8 by 60 feet.

J. C. Higbe is the manager in charge of the Brainerd Fruit Co. and he invites all friends of the company to view their nice quarters, merchants especially, so as to familiarize themselves with the clean, sanitary arrangements of the warehouse and the facilities of the company in handling orders and executing them with dispatch and satisfaction. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 October 1915, p. 5, c. 3)


The Brainerd Fruit Co. was granted permission to install three-phase service at their warehouse on Front street. Mr. Higbe was given to understand that the minimum motor service will be $1 per horsepower. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 October 1915, p. 5, c. 1)


A. B. Loye, associated with the S. G. Palmer Co., inspected the new headquarters of the Brainerd Fruit Co. on Front street and was pleased with the same. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 November 1915, p. 2, c. 3)


A. C. Ebert, of Minneapolis, has succeeded J. C. Higbe as manager of the Brainerd Fruit Co. His family will remove to Brainerd in the spring. The present office force will be retained. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 December 1915, p. 2, c. 3)


A. B. Loye, Minneapolis, of the Palmer Co. fruit and commission house, was in the city and at the Ransford conferred with A. C. Ebert, the local manager of the Brainerd Fruit Co. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 July 1917, p. 5, c. 1)


DRIVER HURT

_____


Steve Nichols Victim of a Runaway,

Just Started to Work for the

Brainerd Fruit Co.


Young Steve Nichols, just starting to work for the Brainerd Fruit Co., was tossed from the wagon when his team ran away and landed on his head on the cement paving. He was taken to a hospital where it was found no bones had been broken. He was badly bruised and unconscious when picked up. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 July 1917, p. 5, c. 3)


A. C. Ebert, manager of the Brainerd Fruit Co., accompanied the Minneapolis trade tour, joining A. B. Lloyd of the S. G. Palmer Co., of Minneapolis at Brainerd. He is expected back home today. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 June 1919, p. 2, c. 3)


The Brainerd Fruit Company has put on a selling campaign for California Sunkist Navel oranges. “Buy them by the box,” is the slogan of the company. Retailers of the city are cooperating with the wholesale house in the sale of the fruit. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 April 1920, p. 2, c.’s 2 & 3)


The campaign of the Brainerd Fruit Co. selling Sunkist oranges by the box has yielded results from the very start. The carload of oranges was received Saturday at 8:30 in the morning and by 1:30 P. M. the company had sold 139 boxes. Merchants in turn reported splendid sales and the idea of buying oranges by the box is meeting with favor among their clientage. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 April 1920, p. 2, c. 3)


BRAINERD FRUIT CO. PICNIC

_____


Company Entertains Its Employees at

Rocky Point Resort on Wed-

nesday


An ad for the Brainerd Fruit Company advertising fresh Elberta peaches from California, 03 August 1920.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

The Brainerd Fruit company entertained its employees at a picnic on Wednesday. On account of the stores being closed for the day the company voted to close for the day also. The party, eighteen in number, left Brainerd at 9:30 a. m. and motored to Rocky Point resort in Nisswa, arriving there just in time to do justice to a picnic dinner that had been furnished by the company. There was no limit to the amount of ice cream cones, pop and Cracker Jack. Boats were hired for the day for the entire party so everyone could enjoy the lake breezes of beautiful Gull Lake.

After a picnic supper the party left via Pillager all expressing their appreciation of the hospitality extended them by Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, but most of all did they appreciate the kindness shown them by the company in giving them an opportunity to spend such a pleasant day. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 August 1920, p. 5, c. 5)


BIG SALES REPORTED

_____


Elberta Peaches and Luscious Grapes

Being Supplied by Brainerd

Fruit Company


The Brainerd Fruit Company report an exceptionally large sale on grapes this week. The company, through its local grocers, are distributing a carload of luscious Concords, and they are being eagerly snapped up by Brainerd housewives.

Grape jelly is now the order of the day, and a great many of the kitchen windows of the city are decorated with glasses of this toothsome delicacy.

Manager Ebert of the Brainerd Fruit Company declined to commit himself on the quantity of grapes being sold for beverage purposes but stated the supply was going fast, and orders should be placed immediately to insure their filling.

The Brainerd Fruit Company have also lately received another carload of Elberta peaches, the last one of the season, and though they are being picked up rapidly, a number of eleventh-hour orders can still be taken care of . There will be no excuse for friend wife not having plenty of canned fruit and jellies set by for this winter’s use. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 September 1922, p. 5, c. 4)


ANNUAL PICNIC

_____


Brainerd Fruit Co., to Entertain

Employees Saturday at Big

Pelican Lake


The fifth annual picnic of the employees of the Brainerd Fruit Company will be held on Saturday of this week at Pelican lake. Each year the company entertains its employees with a picnic and this year the event is expected to be bigger and better than any previous judging from the provisions already in store for the occasion.

The wholesale house and office will close promptly at 10 A. M. so as to allow its employees to enjoy the day to the fullest extent. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 July 1924, p. 7, c. 4)


BRAINERD HIGH SCHOOL (First) (MAP #51)

(Top) Brainerd High School without the 1903 addition, ca. 1884. (Bottom) Brainerd High School on the south side of Oak between 8th and 9th with the 1903 addition, ca. 1905.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society and Postcard

The School Board authorizes a vote on a bond issue of $40,000 for a new high school on 04 February 1884, the proposal carries by a vote of 106 to 3. A lot on the south side of Oak Street between Eighth and Ninth Streets is purchased for $5,200 and the bid to build the building at $27,000 by F. B. King and Company of Minneapolis is accepted. The building is built from Brainerd-made Schwartz cream brick. On 12 January 1885 the board accepts the new building. In February of 1929 [30 March 1928], the school burns down. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 38, 47, 135, 139)


NOTE: The building did NOT burn in “February of 1929” as Zapffe stated above, it burned on 30 March 1928.


A call has been issued for a special school meeting of the school district of Brainerd on the 4th of February, Monday evening next to vote bonds for the purpose of purchasing a site and erecting a high school building. It is proposed to build a fine edifice that the city will not be ashamed of and one that will be adapted to our growing city. The proposed building will be built of brick and heated with steam, having all the modern improvements. It is hoped that the people will turn out to the meeting and see that the vote carries for if there is one thing that Brainerd needs more than another it is a suitable place of instruction for the young. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 January 1884, p. 3, c. 4)


A High School Building for Brainerd.


The first Brainerd High School, 1885. A 974x878 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The meeting called on Monday night to see about voting bonds with which to purchase a site and erect a high school building for the independent school district of the city of Brainerd was called to order at 7:30 p.m. and the object of the meeting stated, and a motion made to vote by acclamation and also one to vote by ballot for the bonds were made, the latter carrying. When the votes were counted it was found that there was 106 in favor a bonding the district and three against it. The action of this meeting isa big thing for the city, for with the $40,000 voted a fine site will be purchased and an elegant high school building erected thereon which will add much to the city not only at home, but in the estimation of the people in other places. Heretofore Brainerd has made no pretensions in this respect and the public can well congratulate themselves upon this valuable acquisition. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 February 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


The school board have selected an architect to draw the plans for the new school house, and will meet Friday night for the purpose of selecting a site for the same. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 March 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


The High School Contract.


The bids for the construction of the high school building were opened last evening by the school board. They were as follows:

Haglin & Morse, $28,295.

F. A. B. King & Co., $27,525.

Enos Baker, of Marshalltown, Iowa, $26,200.

Contract awarded to Enos Baker. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 May 1884, p. 3, c. 5)


F. A. B. King & Co., have been awarded the contract to build the new school house, which is to be completed Jan. 1st, 1885. This insures a fine structure for Brainerd, for as a builder Mr. King is considered to be of the best. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 June 1884, p. 3, c. 5)


Contractor King, is busily engaged in getting the material on the ground for the construction of the new school house. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 June 1884, p. 3, c. 1)


Many are the complimentary remarks that the new school house is receiving as it nears completion. The building is an elegant one and will be a credit to the town, both in appearance and from an educational point of view. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 September 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


School Meeting.


The board of education met at the office of W. W. Hartley on Monday night with a full attendance. The meeting was for the purpose of accepting the new high school building which was done on motion of W. W. Hartley, seconded by J. S. Gardner, with the promise that contractor F. A. B. King put in the rostrum which had been overlooked. The president, treasurer and clerk were authorized to settle with the contractor on the building contract, and storm doors were ordered to be put up on the new building. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 January 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


The new school house will be occupied next Monday [26 January] for the first time. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 January 1885, p. 3, c. 2)


An alarm of fire at the new school house called the department out in a hurry on Friday afternoon. The cause of alarm was from some rubbish in the furnace room that had caught on fire but was put out without damage. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 January 1885, p. 3, c. 2)


“On the last day of January, [26 January] 1885, the teachers and pupils of the Sixth Street School formed in procession headed by the city band and school board, marched over with band playing and flags flying, and took possession of the new high school building just completed. Principal J. A. Wilson...and others made speeches. That day was an epoch in the progress of education in Brainerd. Everybody was proud of the fine new building. It was the most complete and finest furnished school building in Northern Minnesota.” (J. A. Wilson) (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 31)


School in the New Building.


Monday morning, of this week was an occasion long to be remembered by the pupils of the public schools of this city. It was the occasion of the removal from the old school building, on Sixth street, to the elegant high school building which has just been completed. The building, just vacated, has long been too small and cramped to accommodate the scholars, and for the teachers to do justice to the pupils. Therefore, the thoughts of the coming removal to their now elegant quarters, with its modern improvements, spacious apartments, etc., had made the average pupil “too full for utterance,” and Monday morning, although the weather was bitter cold, the scholars were at their old quarters at an early hour getting in readiness for the removal. At nine o’clock the different teachers formed their scholars in line, and marched in a body to the new building. The citizens of Brainerd had been invited to attend the exercises that were to take place, and a fair representation was in attendance. The scholars were marched up the broad stairway into the room that is to be occupied by the high school scholars, where they were formed into rows and packed closely together, and by tight squeezing, they were all gotten in, three hundred in all. The exercises were opened by prayer from Rev. Dr. Hawley, who was followed by Rev. N. B. Kelly, in a few very pleasing and instructive remarks to the pupils. W. A. Fleming , county superintendent of schools, was called upon for remarks in honor of the occasion, and he responded in his usual easy and suave manner. Editor Stivers also gave the scholars a few, short remarks, complimenting them on their new quarters, pleasant surroundings and the superior advantages the pupil of the present day had over those enjoyed by their parents. A. W. Frater, on behalf of the school board, was called upon and in a few words he impressed upon the minds of the scholars the necessity of education, the pride which they should have in keeping the building in good condition, and explained how the board had exerted themselves in giving to them the fine surroundings which had been that day turned over to their keeping. Prof. Wilson followed these speakers in a reply, on behalf of the different schools, after which came singing by the pupils of Miss Hawley’s school, and then from the scholars of the high school. After the exercises were finished, the teachers conducted the pupils to their several rooms, where they were assigned their places, after which they were dismissed for noon.

The school building is one of the finest in the northwest, and the scholars of Brainerd, as well as their parents, should feel proud of the structure, which they undoubtedly do. The building is heated by furnaces in the basement, and it supplied with water from the water works. The principal has an elegant office, on the second floor, which will also be used for meetings of the board. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 January 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


Let the Contract.

_____


...The school board appointed a committee to confer with C. F. Kindred in regard to having the grading of the Eighth street school grounds finished in thirty days. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 August 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


The Brainerd Council.

_____


The regular meeting of the city council occurred on Monday evening. On roll call all the aldermen were found present except Percy and Graham. The report of city surveyor Whiteley on the grade of the high school grounds was read and on motion accepted.... (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 October 1885, p. 3, c. 5)


The school board have concluded to put a neat iron fence around the block, on which the high school building stands. The contract for putting the fence in position will be awarded next Wednesday evening to the lowest bidder. This improvement will cost $1,200. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 July 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


At the meeting of the school board on Wednesday evening the contract was let for putting iron fence around the school grounds, for the sum of $1,100 to the Herzog Manufacturing Co., of Minneapolis, this including one coat of paint. The fence will be put into position September 1st. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 July 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


Board of Education.


The Board of Education met Tuesday evening. After the usual routine business had been transacted Prof. Dresskell appeared before the body and stated that he would furnish the high school building with an electric clock and system of bells, for calling all classes throughout the building simultaneously, for $100. That he would place the appliance in the building for three months, and if not satisfactory at the end of that time, he would remove it without cost. The board accepted his proposition.... (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 February 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


A new furnace has been received by the board of education which will be placed in the High School to heat the hall. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 February 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


A large new addition is completed in 1903. (Brainerd's Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 32)


CONTRACT AWARDED MINNEAPOLIS FIRM

_____


For Heating and Ventilating New

Additions to Washington

and Lowell.

_____


LET TO MOORE HEATING CO.

_____


For $7497—All Bids Were Close

There Being $200 Between

Lowest and Highest


There was a meeting of the board of education on Saturday evening called for the purpose of letting the contract for putting the heating and ventilating plants in the new additions to the Washington and Lowell school buildings.

A communication was received from Architect Wangenstein stating that it would be impossible for him to be present. A communication was also received from the building committee in which it recommended that the secretary be instructed to advertise for the bids for the plumbing in the additions.

The following bids were then opened for the heating and ventilating:

American Heating Co., Minneapolis—$7675

Moore Heating Co., Minneapolis—$7497

F. E. Kreatz, St. Cloud—&7725

Murphy & Sherlund, Brainerd—$7800

The Moore Heating company, of Minneapolis, being the lowest bidders, they were awarded the contract. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 July 1903, p. 3, c. 3)


Most of the brick work on the new addition to the Washington school building as been done and Contractor Rowley has started work on the interior. The addition to the Lowell school is also being rushed and it is hoped that both improvements will be completed by the first of November. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 October 1903, p. 2, c. 3)


Supt. Hartley: The new high school addition will be all ready Jan. 4. It is completed now all but the blackboards and it will not take long to put these up. We expect to start in with everything in fine shape the first of the year. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 December 1903, p. 3, c. 3)


NOTE: Both the Park Opera House/Paramount Theatre and the 1903 addition to the high school were designed by J. J. Wangenstein, of Duluth, and both buildings were built by Charles B. Rowley, Brainerd contractor, who also built the Carnegie Library, Grandelmyer Block, Brainerd Wholesale Grocery building, the Central Hotel, the Juel Block and the first St. Francis Catholic School.


HIGH SCHOOL NOTES

_____


The second week of school is ended and now we fully realize that work is our first duty.

The assembly room is well filled and in every other seat the beaming face of some little freshman is visible, and now they seem to be better acquainted with their new surroundings, some quickly, others more slowly.

This year the freshmen will study the Thomas & Howe English book, instead of the Herrick & Damon; the juniors will use an American literature as the basis of their English work.

The seniors commenced experimenting in the laboratory this week, but no accidents have occurred.

The football team has been allowed to practice on the school grounds and about twenty candidates appear every evening. The team is unusually light but will endeavor to make up for this deficiency in speed. Alderman, Mahlum, Trent, Purdy and Brady are the old members, and the boys are being coached by A. T. Larson and Walter Wieland. If we only had a gymnasium then the girls could get some athletic practice also.

The members of the chorus miss Mrs. Dial very much and we hope that someone will soon be secured to fill her place. In the high school this year there is plenty of material for glee clubs as well as for a good chorus. In many of the leading high schools, music is as much a part of the course of study as science or mathematics, and as much time is devoted to it. We hope that the time is not far off, when the ways and means may be found for making music a study of as much importance, as any other, in our course.

Teacher—”Have you any conflicts?” Freshie, stammering—”No-o-I don’t take that this year.”

High school lament, “I love the grass, but oh! you high board fence.”

This week William Barker and Richard Johnson returned to school after their trip through the great lakes. Miss Nettie Fogleberg, of Montevideo, enrolled also.

Prof. McCarthy’s puzzle—Why?

In classes he’s so brilliant

And blushes at their praise;

He never sassed the teacher,

In all his high school days.


To skip a class, or even a day,

Would be an awful crime,

But still on all his absent notes

We read this little rhyme:

So sorry he’s been absent,

But he was sick again.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 September 1910, p. 3, c. 4)


31 August 1915. A statement from school superintendent W. C. Cobb says that school will open next Tuesday, Sept. 7. He encourages parents to make sure students start on opening day. High school students who desire may rent books for 75 cents a semester instead of purchasing them. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 31 August 2015)


Fire animation On March 30, 1928, the Brainerd High School building was completely destroyed by fire. The yellow gray walls that housed Brainerd students for the past 43 years was all that remained. Estimate of the damage placed it close to $150,000.


SEE: 1928 Brainerd High School Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


BRAINERD HIGH SCHOOL (Second) (Washington) (MAP #51)

SCHOOL BOARD CONSIDERS BIDS

_____


Many Bids Submitted for Contracts

on New High School

Construction

_____


NO AWARDS YET MADE

_____


Farmers Room of Court House

Crowded to Doors as

Bids Are Opened


Up to the time of going to press no awards had been made by the Brainerd School Board, which last night opened bids for the construction work, etc., of the new high school. The farmers room in the court house was crowded with contractors bidding on the various contracts.

The complete board was in attendance. Bids were read by Architect Croft of the firm of Croft and Boerner and the figures were tabulated by Secretary Louis Hohman. In addition all board members kept tally as well as all the contractors.

Bids as read in order on construction work came first. In addition, tallies covering nine alternates, for inclusion in these general bids, substituting fir for oak, omitting steel doors, etc., which will all be taken into consideration by the board in awarding contracts.

The general construction bids:

Klippers & Husted, Duluth, $344,000

Pfeffer Construction Company, Duluth, $339,800

G. Schwartz & Co., Rochester, $323,000

Edward Hirt & Son, St. Cloud, $254,500

J. B. Nelson, Mankato, $293,682

J. H. Olson, Willmar, $311,200

Devereaux & Olson, Minneapolis, $298,440

Redlinger & Hanson, Minneapolis, $218,700

Madsen & Simonson, Minneapolis, $234,600

Dohm Building Co., Hibbing, $331,000

S. W. Jonason, Aberdeen, S. D., $329,400

R. S. Billingsly Co., Minneapolis, $280,790

Bracker Construction Co., Minneapolis, $294,990

Standard Construction Co., Minneapolis, $285,396

Lindh Gustafson Klopfer, Minneapolis, $297,635

Phelps Drake Co., Minneapolis, $328,000

Field Martin Co., Minneapolis, $303,205

Pehrson Bros., Minneapolis, $308,800

J. C. Nelson & Son, Minneapolis, $311,900

Alex Nelson, Perham, $321,000

Askov Construction Co., Askov, $307,000

Mada Madsen, Minneapolis, $328,700

R. C. Elim, Minneapolis, $312,400

Two bids were offered for temperature control work:

National Regulator Co., Minneapolis, $7,865

Johnson Service Co., Minneapolis, $7,380

The 11 electrical bids were:

Calhoun Lighting Co., Minneapolis, $19,780

H. A. Brown & Son, Waseca, $13,200

Brainerd Electric Co., $18,905.27

Central Service Co., Fargo, $15,800

Industrial Electric Co., Minneapolis, $16,550

Aberdeen, S. D., Engineering Co., $15,900

Sterling Electric Co., Minneapolis, $16,550

Grosse Electric Co., St. Cloud, $14,098

Gateway Electric Co., Brainerd, $17,436

Twin City Electric Co., Minneapolis, $15,300

Noble Electric Co., Minneapolis, $15,342

Further bids follow:

Schirmer Co., Hibbing, heating, $41,025; ventilation, $26,534; plumbing, $28,214

M. J. O’Neil, St. Paul, heating, $35,000; ventilation $23,800; plumbing, $25,000

Heating, Plumbing and Ventilation Co., St. Paul, heating, $34,297; ventilation, $24,215; plumbing, $25,993

Ruben Anderson, St. Paul, heating, $36,267; plumbing, $23,982

Martin Wold Co., Duluth, heating, $42,900; ventilation, $26,300; plumbing, $24,400

Cubey Heating Co., Mankato, heating, $32,780; ventilation, $21,870; plumbing, $22,420

Sherlund Co., Brainerd, heating, $37,400; plumbing, $27,00

Gates and Wise, Grand Rapids, heating, $35,724; plumbing, $23,547

Robb Co., Minneapolis, heating $34,498; plumbing, $24,887

Gruenhagen Co., Brainerd, heating, $34,845; plumbing, $21,970; combined bid, $54,500

B. J. Gallagher and Sons, Faribault, heating, $33,50; ventilation, $23,360; plumbing, $22,990

Benson and Bretz, St. Cloud, heating, $35,128; plumbing, $23,658

H. Gazette, Duluth, heating $37,450; ventilation, $27,800; plumbing, $22,445

Elmer E. Johnson, St. Paul, heating, $36,426; plumbing, $23,034

Charles Conner Co., Minneapolis, heating, $37,000; plumbing, $33,000

Pharo Heating Co., Madison, Wis., heating, $38,800; plumbing, $27,700

American Mechanical Engineer Co., Minneapolis, heating, $39,495; plumbing, $31,350

W. H. Eddy and Co., Superior, Wis., heating, $37,490; ventilation, $26,915; plumbing $25,540

Belvin Porter Co., Minneapolis, heating $38,111; plumbing, $29,614

Individual bids on ventilation follow: L. Pancratz, Little Falls, $23,470; Capitol City, St. Paul, $22,000; Broman Cook Co., Minneapolis, $23,247; Carlson Brothers, Superior, Wis., $25,565; Bartl Brothers, South St. Paul, $23,569; J. Henning and Son, Minneapolis,$27,152; Grand Forks Tin Shop, Grand Forks, N. D., $20,987; Minneapolis Roofing and Cornice Co., Minneapolis, $27,777; A. E. Holms Co., Superior, Wis., $23,534; Walker Jamar Co., Duluth, $26,980.

The school board was in session this afternoon to consider further outstanding bids. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 December 1928, p. 6, c.’s 1 & 2)


CONTRACTS ARE LET FOR HIGH SCHOOL

_____


General Construction Bid Awarded to

Ed Hirt & Son, St. Cloud,

Plus 4 Alternates

_____


COMPLETE SCHOOL OCT. 1, 1929

_____


Heating and Plumbing Awarded M.

J. O’Neil, St. Paul, Electric

Work to Waseca Firm


The school board of Brainerd late Saturday awarded the contracts for the construction of the new Junior-Senior high school totaling $371,021, which plus architects’ fees estimated will leave a surplus of approximately $30,000 for equipment.

The contract for general construction was awarded Ed Hirt & Son of St. Cloud at their basic bid of $254,500 plus four alternates which bring the total to $266,765. These extras added are tile floors in toilets, music floors in laboratory, terrazzo floors in corridor and Stevens sound proof floor system.

Heating and plumbing was awarded M. J. O’Neil, St. Paul, at the basic bid of $54,800 plus two alternates in heating and three in plumbing, making a total of $57,835. The heating alternates are a Nash vacuum pump and Webster traps. In plumbing the alternates are the sewer on Pine street, a soap dispensing system and a hydraulic lift.

Temperature control work was awarded the Johnson Service Co., of Minneapolis, who bid $7,380.

Electric construction was awarded H. A. Brown & Son of Waseca who bid the basic figure of $13,200 and plus four alternates made a total of $15,204. The alternates are a laboratory panel, standard time master clock, standard secondary clocks and a telephone apparatus.

The ventilating contract was awarded the Grand Forks Tin Shop of Grand Forks, N. D., whose basic figure was $20,987, plus the alternate of an American blower washer making a total of $23,837, with the further option of accepting within two months of the contract date alternate ventilating No. 2, a Sturdevant fan, which will reduce the total price in the amount of $600.

According to contract and specifications, building operations are to start immediately and the building is to be completed by October 1, 1929. The construction and other contractors, of course, are given time to supply necessary bonds and conform to other details.

Croft & Boerner of Minneapolis are the architects and will exercise general supervision over the structure.

The site for the building is the block now occupied by the ruins of the burned high school, a square bounded by Oak, South Broadway, South Ninth and Pine streets. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 December 1928, p. 3, c. 1)


BOARD APPROVES CONTRACT FORMS

_____


Bonds and Contracts of New School

to be Approved at Meeting

Monday


At a special meeting last evening the Brainerd Board of Education approved forms of contract awarded to contractors for the construction of the new junior-senior high school.

The board will meet again next Monday to accept bonds and contracts if approved by the attorneys of the board. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 December 1928, p. 7, c. 2)


CONTRACTORS START SCHOOL JOB MONDAY

_____


Sheds to be Erected Preparatory to

Excavation of Base-

ment

_____


TO USE STEAM SHOVEL

_____


Tearing Down of Ruins to Start

Early Part of Next Week

At Washington Site


First actual work towards the construction of the new Brainerd high school at the site of the ruins of the old Washington building will be started Monday morning when the contractors, Ed. Hirt and Son, St. Cloud, will place on the ground tool sheds, construction office, and storage buildings, according to word received here today.

Work of tearing down the ruins of the former school will be started within the opening days of next week with excavation work to follow immediately.

It is expected that labor to a large extent will be allowed Brainerd workmen.

Modern machinery will be employed in the construction work. A steam shovel will be used in the excavation work and a sewer digging machine will be brought here for the street sewer work. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 December 1928, p. 7, c. 1)


BOARD CONSIDERS BONDS TONIGHT

_____


National Surety Co. Furnishes Bond

for Ed. Hirt and Son,

Contractors

_____


OTHER BONDS RECEIVED

_____


Preparatory Work to Construction

Expected to Start

Immediately


The Brainerd board of Education will meet this evening in the city hall at which time bonds of contractors for the new high school work will be presented for consideration.

Ed. Hirt and Son, St. Cloud, who were awarded the general contract will be bonded by the National Surety Co. to the amount of $266,765. The bond which was received here this morning will be presented to the board this evening. The bond was placed through A. M. Opsahl, Brainerd.

Bonds to the amount of $23,837 for the Grand Forks Tin Shop, ventilating contractors, have been furnished through William Graham, Brainerd.

This morning close to 100 men seeking employment lined up at the site of the new school. It was announced today that while preparatory work to the construction is expected to start immediately, workmen will not be employed on a general scale for a few days. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 December 1928, p. 7, c. 3)


BOARD TO CONSIDER BONDS TOMORROW

_____


Defer Action on Bonds and Contract

Forms to Straighten

Technicalities

_____


SELECT CLOCK TYPE

_____


Actual Construction of New School

to Start When Bonds,

Contracts Accepted


Action of acceptance or rejection of bonds and contracts for the construction of the new high school was deferred by the Brainerd Board of Education at its meeting last evening to Wednesday evening.

The bonds and contract forms were being returned today to the successful bidders for corrections in technicalities as reported by the attorneys of the board.

Actual construction work on the school will start as soon as the contracts and bonds are accepted by the board, Louis F. Hohman, secretary of the board reported today.


[...]


A communication was received from Croft and Boerner, architects, recommending the changing of the type of clock system in the proposed new high school building. The type selected by the board was the Standard. The architects recommended that the change be made from the Standard to the International Time Recording Co. The recommendation of the architects was concurred in.


[...]


The old city jail temporarily being utilized for classroom purposes is proving very satisfactory and is used every hour in the day for science classes. It is one of the most satisfactory temporary rooms that we now have in use. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 December 1928, p. 7, c.’s 4-6)


EMPLOY MEN FOR SCHOOL BUILDING

_____


Ed. Hirt and Son Give Employment

to Carpenters to Erect Supply

Buildings

_____


SIGNED CONTRACT ACCEPTED

_____


Error in Bond Forces School Board

to Await Correction Before

Acceptance


Ed. Hirt and Son, general contractors for the construction of the new Brainerd high school this morning hired a number of carpenters to erect storage structures and office headquarters at the site of the construction.

Work of tearing down the ruins of the old school is expected to start within a few days.

The school board last evening accepted the signed contracts of the general contractors, Ed. Hirt and Son, of St. Cloud.

The board did not accept the bond due to a typographical error whereby the word contracts was noted in place of contractors as desired.

The bond which was placed through the local agent A. M. Opsahl was returned to the St. Paul office of the National Surety Co. for correction. It will undoubtedly be accepted when returned in the corrected form. The board will meet again tomorrow evening to receive the bond and pass on it. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 December 1928, p. 7, c. 4)


SCHOOL BUILDING PROGRESS SHOWN

_____


G. D. LaBar, School Board President,

Reviews Steps Made Towards

Construction

_____


OBSTACLES WERE MET

_____


Architects Give Assurance That

Building Will be Completed

by October 1, 1929


George D. LaBar, president of the Brainerd Board of Education gave an interesting talk on the progress of the Brainerd high school building, reviewed the history of the school, and explained a few of the obstacles which the board and school were forced to meet before arrangements could be completed for the start of construction.

His talk was given Wednesday evening at the Lions club meeting.

Mr. LaBar said in part:

Mr. Chairman, members and guests of the Lions club:

Your chairman asked me to speak on the new school, but I have a habit of changing such subject assignments to suit my own fancy and will therefore change it to “School Affairs and the New Building” which I believe more suitable. I am dividing the subject as follows:

The Difficulties Encountered.

The Progress Made.

Criticisms.

Present Status of the Schools and Building Program.

The new Building.

Prospects of Occupancy and the Future.

The difficulties encountered have been many and they not only apply to the time since the loss of the Washington building during the latter part of March but for a considerable period prior thereto. After the fire there was the question of housing the high school, then the adjustment of the insurance and then followed the problem that has confronted the board for years: the matter of location which has frequently been a disturbing factor on the board but after the fire in a far more complicated form than ever. It required many meetings in order to work out propositions to be submitted to the voters. You all know the results of these elections—just an unfortunate lack of a few votes to carry out a full and complete educational building program for the city of Brainerd. The site for the Junior High on the North Side was authorized but the lack of a few votes authorizing the bonds seems to stand in the way of carrying out the project. A Junior-Senior high school on the old Washington site, however, was authorized and bonds to the amount of $150,000.00 voted for the balance required. The total expenditure authorized by the vote was $425,000.00 which includes building, equipment, and architects’ fees.

The progress made consisted of numerous meeting of the board in the selection of an architect. A vast number of applications were received and about eight or ten given personal hearings, and finally, on June 27, or thereabouts, the selection of Croft & Boerner as architects. These men were architects of the Minneapolis auditorium and in addition have had a vast amount of school experience, their work extending over a great many years. They are highly recommended.

The architects made preliminary sketches and submitted their estimates of costs of a building of fireproof construction about as follows:

Building—$469,000.00

Equipment—$35,000.00

Architect’s fees—$19,000.00

Total—$423,000.00

And it will be interesting to note how close these estimates were to the total of low bids recently received on the building.

Whatever criticisms that have been directed at the board for delays are not justified. The architects promised the plans in two months but the plans were not completed until nearly November 1. If you are familiar with plans and specifications you realize there is a vast difference between complete and perfect plans and incomplete and imperfect plans, and the plans as now complete seem to indicate a very wonderful building. In an effort to hasten the work bids were taken for wrecking the old building, cleaning the brick and cleaning the grounds with the result of one bid for $9,500.00 the board to retain the good, cleaned brick; and another bid of $8,450.00 the contractor to take everything. The bids were considered excessive and consequently were rejected, with the expectation of including the wrecking with the general contract for the new building and the recent bids vindicated this conclusion as this expense was entirely absorbed in the general contract—a substantial saving.

The present status of our schools is all that can be expected; rather inconvenient for teachers and pupils, but we believe all are making the best of the situation. We are positively doing all we can in providing temporary quarters by utilizing the old court house, and part of the city hall, and people should be thankful that we have these quarters available.

The new building program can best be illustrated by certain unfinished blueprints that I have in my possession and which I will show you. The building is to be of fireproof construction. The building faces North on Oak street, about 50 feet back from the street with a frontage of 221’ 2 1/2”; the length from north to south 238’ 3”. The building is intended to have a capacity of between 900 and 1,000 pupils. It contains administration offices, library, study and classrooms, and other facilities required for a Junior-Senior high for the number of pupils indicated. The entrances and exits are well placed as are the convenient corridors and stairways. Located in the basement you note that a lunch room and kitchen have been placed in addition to the heating plant, fans, air washers and other mechanical equipment together with considerable storage and other useful space. On the ground floor you will find the auditorium with a seating capacity of 1,035, and separated from this by a wall, we have the gymnasium with two playing floors 42x66, one for boys and one for girls. The doors between these two gyms can be folded back in the wall for big games and you have and an unusually large floor 66x84. The gym has a seating capacity of nearly 1,500 and in an emergency 500 to 1,000 more can be added on the playing floor. The second and third floors can be best explained by the blueprints.

The prospects for the future are simply that the architects assure us that the greater part of this building will be completed and ready for occupancy October 1, 1929, and I believe when finished the public will be more than satisfied with its new, modern, fireproof school building.

Bids for the new building were received on November 30 and from the vast number received the following low bids were accepted:


Ed. Hirt & Son, St. Cloud

Bid—$254,500.00

Tile Floor Toilets—$1,900.00

Mastic Floor Lab—$400.00

Terrazzo Corridors—$7,845.00

Sound Proof Floor—$2,120.00

Total—$266,765.00


M. J. O’Neil, St. Paul

Heating and plumbing combined—$54,800.00

Sewer—$1,900.00

Soap dispensers—$160.00

Hydraulic lift—$975.00

Total—$57,835.00


Johnson Service Co., Minneapolis & Milwaukee

Temperature control—$7,380.00


H. A. Brown & Son, Waseca

Electric system—$13,200

Lab. panel—$300.00

International—$629.00

Total—$14,129.00

Telephone—$1,075.00

Total—$15,204.00


Grand Forks Tin Shop

Ventilation—$20,987.00

V6—$2,850.00

Total—$23,837.00

Total—$371,021.00


I would like particularly at this time to call your attention to the total which only slightly exceeds the architects estimate of $369,000.000 with several improved features added and the entire cost of wrecking the old building absorbed. The entire cost of the new building including equipment and architects’ fees should not exceed to any great extent the amount authorized by the voters of $425,000.00 unless we may decide to add stokers to our heating plant costing about about $4,000.00 which our investigation thus far seems to indicate will pay for themselves in only a few years.

I sincerely hope that the full and complete building program for the Brainerd schools, which definitely includes a Junior high school on the North Side, may be carried out at a not very distant day. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 December 1928, p. 6, c.’s 1 & 2)


SCHOOL RUINS BEING WRECKED

_____


Crew Cleans up Wreckage on Inside

of Old Washington

High

_____


BOARD OKAYS BONDS

_____


First Load of Lumber Unloaded by

Joe Bloomstrom of

Hayes-Lucas


Rapid strides were seen today in the construction of tool sheds, and office building as the tearing down of the ruins of the old Washington high school building started.

First steps in actual construction caused considerable excitement as the first of a number of loads of lumber was unloaded at the site of construction Thursday afternoon by Joe Bloomstrom, driver of the Hayes-Lucas Lumber Co.

A large group of citizens gathered to witness the unloading, significant of the official commencement of work in the long awaited start of construction of the new junior-senior high school building.

Officials of the Ed. Hirt and Son, contractors, in charge of the general construction gave instructions as to the location of unloading of material and where the tool sheds and office were to be located.

The main office which will house time-keepers, checkers, and officials on the job will be located on the grounds facing Oak street.

A crew today was engaged in clearing up the wreckage on the inside of the building. It is expected that on Monday work on tearing down the walls will start. A crane will be used in the work, it is reported. A carload of machinery was shipped by rail yesterday to Brainerd by the contractors. It was unloaded today.

The Board of Education last evening placed its official O. K. on the bonds of the National Surety Co. furnished Ed. Hirt and Son for the general contract. The bonds of the Johnson Service Co., temperature control contractors, were also approved. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 December 1928, p. 6, c. 3)


STEAM SHOVEL USED FOR EXCAVATING

_____


Dahlquist Construction Co. Gets

Excavation Work Contract

From General Contractors

_____


USE FOUR HEAVY TRUCKS

_____


Ed. Hirt and Son Continue to Tear

Down Old Walls; 50 Men

Now on Job


Progress is shown today in the work at the new Brainerd high school site in excavation work of a section of the basement and the tearing down of the walls of the ruins of the old building.

Ed. Hirt and Son, general contractors, have sublet the contract for the excavation of the basement to the Dahlquist Construction Co., of Minneapolis.

An Erie steam shovel is being used in the excavation work with four five ton trucks hauling the excavation dirt to South 9th street between Pine and Quince streets to build up the roadway. At the present time a trench is being dug on the grounds facing Oak street where the north basement wall will be located.

Fifty men have been employed on the work at the school site to date.

The general contractors continued today to tear down the walls of the old school. Reclaimed material is being piled while waste material is being hauled away in trucks. After cleaning, the bricks will be used as “backing” on the inside walls of the building. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 December 1928, p. 7, c. 5)


WORKED SIX HOURS WITH BROKEN WRIST

_____


Walter Bringman, Pillager, is First

Injured at Work on New

Brainerd High School

_____


FALLS FROM LADDER

_____


Lands in Pile of Bricks; Although

Experiencing Pains Continued

Work All Day


Walter Bringman, Pillager, worked six hours with a fractured wrist and didn’t know it.

It was the first accident case in the construction of the new Brainerd high school building. At 9 A. M. Thursday, Bringman fell off a ladder 20 feet to a pile of bricks. He picked himself up and continued his work even though he did experience considerable pain in his right wrist. That evening he went to a doctor who informed him after X-Ray pictures had been taken that he had fractured his wrist.

Besides the fracture Bringman suffered abrasions on both of his legs. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 December 1928, p. 7, c. 7)


BOARD APPROVES RECOMMENDATIONS

_____


Detroit Stokers, New Type of Boilers,

Sturdevant Fan, Electric Lift

to be Installed

_____


IN NEW HIGH SCHOOL

_____


Recommendations for the installation of a Sturdevant fan, the installation of Detroit stokers for three boilers, the changing of the boilers from the proposed 322 type to the 421 Kewanee type, the substitution of an electric lift in place of a hydraulic, as made by Mr. Croft of the firm of Croft and Boerner, architects for the construction of the new Brainerd high school building were received and approved by the Brainerd Board of Education at the meeting this week.

The installation of the Sturdevant fan will mean a saving of $540 from other offers made, Mr. Croft explained.

The changing of the boiler types will give the boilers a 150 percent rating. The changing of the boilers will be considered as an extra to the contract price of M. J. O’Neil as provided in the general conditions of the contract.

In view of the exceptional figure quoted for the electric lift the board decided to accept it in place of the hydraulic lift at a cost not to exceed $450.

The board set the date of January 19 at 2 p. m. for a meeting at which time the members will view and take action on the selection of face brick for the Washington high school building.

In allowing claims the board issued an order for the payment of $12,000 to Ed. Hirt and Son general contracts of the high school and $2,600 to the architects, Croft and Boerner.

The building committee reported that additional radiation had been placed and two storm sheds contracted at the two entrances of the school in the old court house building. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 January 1929, p. 7, c.’s 5 & 6)


ORDERS PAYMENT OF $150,000 LOAN

_____


State Investment Board Approves

Loan for Construction of

Brainerd High School


The State Investment Board yesterday ordered the payment of $150,000 in a loan to Brainerd for school building purposes.

The money will be used to assist in the payment of the cost of the construction of the new high school to replace the one destroyed last year by fire. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 January 1929, p. 3, c. 3)


BOARD SELECTS SCHOOL BRICK

_____


Favors Sample Submitted by A. C.

Ochs Brick and Tile Co.,

Springfield, Minn.

_____


PICKED FROM 20 SAMPLES

_____


200,000 Face Brick Needed by Con-

tractor for New High School;

Price $28 a Thousand


The Brainerd Board of Education last evening picked the face brick for the Washington high school building now under construction.

Of the 20 samples submitted by different concerns the one by the A. C. Ochs Brick and Tile Co., of Springfield, Minn., was selected by the board as the brick for the new building.

The brick is a variation of five different shades of red and black. It is not smooth, but has a slightly rough face.

It was estimated by the general contractors, Ed. Hirt and Son that approximately 200,000 face brick would be needed for the building. The price stipulated by the architects which meets that of the brick company is $28 a thousand. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 January 1929, p. 5, c. 3)


BASEMENT OF HIGH SCHOOL NEARS COMPLETION

_____


Construction Work at New School

Building Proceeds With

All Speed

_____


60 MEN EMPLOYED

_____


Brick Laying to Start About April

1; Boilers to be Installed

Next Week


Construction of Brainerd’s new high school building continues with all speed with indications that brick laying will be underway before April 1.

Officials of Ed. Hirt and Son, general contractors, announced today that practically the entire basement of the building was completed and that the boiler room would be completed within two weeks. Work of placing the boiler in the room will be started within a week.

In addition to the general contract work, ventilation men, electricians and plumbers are on the job doing preliminary work. At the present time plumbing sleeves are being put in.

Sixty men are at present employed on the construction. Eight carpenters in addition to those already working will be employed next week, a member of the general contract firm announced today.

The basement when completed will be 225 feet by 250 feet with the boiler room to the south and main entrance to the north on Oak street.

In spite of the severe winter work was delayed only four days. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 February 1929, p. 5, c. 4)


RIVETERS AT HIGH SCHOOL

_____


IT is worth one’s while to visit the high school construction work and see the steel workers and riveters at work. Bolts are heated on the ground and tossed up and no big league battery ever worked with finer cooperation or “clicked” better with a less percentage of errors than the riveter in the air and his companion on the ground.

The steel men are accustomed to working at great heights. No dizziness ever assails them. They walk with greater freedom and more certainty on the steel work, lacy filaments, than the average Brainerd man does on the ground.

Sunday afternoon, before a select group of spectators, one of the steel workers did various stunts on one of the girders and culminated his “act” by standing on his head. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 April 1929, p. 4, c. 1)


HIGH SCHOOL WORK PUSHED RAPIDLY

_____


Steel Work Nearing Completion;

Brick Surrounds Build-

ing One Story


The ornamental entrance to the new Brainerd high school is now complete and the steel work of the new building is nearing completion. Work on the new school to finish by October is rapidly being pushed.

The brick work on the first story has already been completed. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 May 1929, p. 7, c. 5)


WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL BIDS

CLOSE JUNE 4, 1929

Brainerd, Minn.


Notice is hereby given that the Board of Education of the School District of Brainerd, Minn., will received sealed proposals up to the hour of ten o’clock P. M., Tuesday, June 4. 1929, at the office of the undersigned for furnishing and installation of the following furniture and equipment in accordance with plans and specifications prepared therefor by Croft & Boerner, Architects and Engineers, 1004 Marquette Ave., Minneapolis, Minn.

Separate bids will be received for the following:

1. Auditorium Seating.

2. Laboratory and Vocational Furniture.

3. Steel Lockers.

4. Electrical Fixtures.

5. Window Shades.

6. Library Equipment.

7. Stage Equipment.

8. Motion Picture Equipment.

9. School Desks, Tables, Chairs and Miscellaneous Equipment and Furniture.

Bids will be received only on the proposal form as bound with each set of specifications.

Bids must be accompanied by a certified check for amounts as shown in the Proposal Form, said check to be made payable to the Treasurer of the Board of Education, Brainerd School District.

The successful bidder for each part of the work will be required to furnish a contract surety bond for the full amount of the accepted proposal in the form prescribed in the specifications.

Copies of the approved plans and specifications may be seen at the offices of the Secretary of the Board of Education, 806 South South 6th street, Brainerd, Minn., and Architects at Minneapolis address.

Applicants requiring prints for their own use may obtain same from the Architects after May 10.

A deposit of $10 will be required on all copies of said plans and specifications, which deposit will be refunded upon return of the plans and specifications in good condition and in case a bona fide bid is submitted. Blueprint cost will be retained in case the plans are mutilated or a bona fide bid is not submitted.

The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

By order of the Board of Education.

L. F. HOHMAN.

Brainerd, Minn.

Secretary

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 May 1929, p. 7, c. 2)


TAR POTS CAUSE FIRE

_____


Fire Department Makes Run to New

High School Now Being Built;

Little Damage


The new Brainerd high school now under construction replacing the old Washington high building which was destroyed by fire was the scene of a small blaze yesterday afternoon which did little damage.

The city fire department put out the blaze which started in the tar pots. No material used in the construction of the school burned. The alarm was turned in at 2:30 p. m. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 July 1929, p. 7, c. 4)


FOUR PLAN LAYING OF CORNERSTONE

_____


Committee Named to Make Prepara-

tions for Coming Ceremony at

New High School

_____


DATE YET INDEFINITE

_____


More Extensive Plans Will be Made

for Dedication Program

This Fall


A committee of three members of the Brainerd Board of Education will have charge of preparations for the cornerstone laying at the new Brainerd high school, it was decided at this week’s meeting of the board.

These members, Dr. G. H. Ribbel, Mrs. J. A. Thabes, Sr., and M. E. Morrison will be assisted in plans by W. C. Cobb, superintendent of Brainerd schools.

No definite date has yet been decided upon for the ceremony. The cornerstone laying will be brief. Concentration will be directed more extensively on the dedication program of the new building this fall. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 July 1929, p. 6, c. 2)


LAY HIGH SCHOOL CORNERSTONE

_____


Briefest and Very Informal Exercises

Held Saturday

Afternoon

_____


6 BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT

_____


Delegation From High School Class of

1928 Furnishes Corner-

stone for Building


On Saturday afternoon at 4 o’clock the cornerstone of the new high school building was laid in a most informal manner and with the briefest possible exercises.

Only members of the board or about six of them and a delegation from the high school class of 1928 were present. The graduating class had at the time of the burning of the old high school building offered to furnish the cornerstone for the new building as a class memorial.

The main exercises of a city-wide nature will be held at the time of the dedication, which it is hoped will be before many months and at that time an extended program will be offered to the public and a completed building will be ready for their inspection. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 August 1929, p. 3, c. 4)


The New High School

_____


THE new high school is a credit to the city and its fame is already spreading far before the building is occupied. The rural districts about Brainerd are becoming especially interested and a large number of high school pupils will in the future come from that section.

The gymnasium will be a wonderful center for basketball and other sports and events are now shaping themselves that Brainerd with other civic improvements now about assured will become the regional as well as district center of high school basketball.

And the wonderful auditorium will be a great thing for school work and that broader area which unites parents, teacher and scholars in Parent-Teacher activities.

Sunday the building was crowded with people viewing progress in interior work. It is hoped the building may be occupied by the first of next year and maybe earlier. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 October 1929, p. 4, c. 1)


MAKE LISTS FOR SCHOOL LIBRARY

_____


Committees Prepare Group of Books

for New High School

Library

_____


SCHOOL NEAR COMPLETION

_____


Laboratory Equipment and Apparatus

Occupies Attention of

Committees


A committee consisting of principals and heads of departments of the high school together with a committee from the board of education and the superintendent have for some time been preparing lists of new books for purchase for the new high school library.

Similar committees have been at work looking toward the purchase of laboratory apparatus and equipment for the new laboratory.

“In fact in order to make the new building as complete for all purposes as possible special committees have been appointed to investigate equipment not included in the architects’ plans and specifications and will be ready to report their findings at a very early date,” said W. C. Cobb, superintendent of schools, today.

The last of the equipment companies to get its equipment on the ground was the Kewaunee Co., of Kewaunee, Wis., who have the contract for the furnishing of the equipment for the new library. This equipment arrived on Saturday and is being installed this week. With the completion of this installation the new building will be essentially completed in all the more important details although numerous minor features will be coming up for correction and adjustment for some time to come. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 December 1929, p. 3, c. 1)


NO BASKETBALL UNTIL SCHOOL IS ACCEPTED

_____


CAGERS MUST WAIT UNTIL AC-

CEPTANCE STATUS IS ESTAB-

LISHED

_____


OPENING GAMES OF B. H. S. MAY

BE TRANSFERRED TO TOWNS

INTERESTED


On account of the final adjustment of matters relating to the final acceptance of the building under rules of the general contract, it has been necessary to not permit the use of the new high school gymnasium for basketball purposes until the acceptance status is established and adjusted.

“While the basketball squad is undoubtedly disappointed in not being able to start practice now that the playing season is really on throughout the district, it seems the only sensible course of procedure under the circumstances. It is hoped, however, that the adjustments referred to will be settled without undue delay and that the building will be ready for occupancy within a reasonable length of time,” said W. C. Cobb, superintendent of schools, today.

The opening games will probably be transferred by agreement with the towns interested, from Brainerd to Pine River on December 20 and Pequot on December 21. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 December 1929, p. 10, c. 4)


BOARD INSPECTS NEW HIGH SCHOOL

_____


Will Decide on Acceptance of Build-

ing at Meeting Friday

Evening This Week


The Brainerd Board of Education will consider the acceptance of the new high school at a meeting Friday evening in the new Washington high school.

The board members met at the school last evening and conducted an inspection tour of the building. Another inspection tour of the building will be made again Friday evening. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 December 1929, p. 3, c. 1)


O. K. HIGH SCHOOL WITH PROVISIONS

_____


Board of Education Accepts New

Building Subject to Corrections

of Minor Flaws

_____


GYM NOW OPEN TO SQUAD

_____


General Public Will be Permitted to

Visit School Next Satur-

day and Sunday


Washington High School on the south side of Oak between 8th and 9th, ca. 1935.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

The Brainerd Board of Education at a meeting last evening accepted the new Washington high school in reintion [sic] to the general and sub-contractors subject to protective conditions and correction of any flaws or imperfections now known or may be discovered later.

The building will not be open to the general public before Saturday and Sunday, December 28 and 29. Tentative hours for inspection have been set from 1 p. m. to 5 p. m. and from 7 p. m. to 9 p. m. Saturday and 10 a. m. to 5 p. m. Sunday.

The basketball squad, but not spectators, under the direction of Coach Warren E. Kasch, was given permission to use the gymnasium immediately.

Work accepted included the general construction by Ed. Hitt and Son, of St. Cloud; heating and plumbing by M. J. O’Neil of St. Paul; wiring by H. A. Brown and Son, Waseca, Minn.; temperature control by Johnson Service Co. of Milwaukee, Wisc.; installation and furnishing of laboratory and vocational furniture by the W. W. Kimball Co., Minneapolis; stage equipment by the Twin City Scenic Co., of Minneapolis; library shelving and furniture, Kewaunee Co. of Kewaunee, Wis.; auditorium seating and students’ desks, Minneapolis School Supply Co.; teachers’ desks, stools and chairs, Farnham Stationery and Printing Co., Minneapolis; steel lockers, Lyon Metal Product Co., Aurora, Ill.

Action was deferred on the ventilating contract of R. Greenberg of the Grand Forks Tin Shop, Grand Forks, N. D. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 December 1929, p. 7, c. 1)


NEW HIGH SCHOOL IS CALENDAR FEATURE

_____


First National Bank of Brainerd

Strikes Popular Chord in Its

New Calendar


The First National Bank of Brainerd is today distributing to patrons and friends a calendar which carries a beautiful picture of the new Brainerd high school, and printing and engraving merge and make of it a work of art.

The engraving was made from the architects’ sketch and shows the front elevation facing Oak street. The view shows all architectural details, and a copy of the calendar is well worth preservation as a memento of the strides in educational history in Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 December 1929, p. 3, c. 3)


CALENDARS IN DEMAND

_____


Large Size Calendars With High

School Reproduction Limited to

Stores, Offices


The calendars, carrying the reproductions of the new Washington high school, compliments of the First National bank of Brainerd have created such a demand that bank officials decided today to limit the calendars to stores and business houses only to which they are especially adapted because of their size.

A smaller house calendar will be given patrons and friends of the bank. The calendar has for its painting design a beautiful color reproduction named the “The Song of the Sierras.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 December 1929, p. 2, c. 3)


MANY SEE SCHOOL IN ITS COMPLETION

_____


Two Open House Days at Washington

High Attract Large

Throngs

_____


BUILDING WIDELY PRAISED

_____


More Than Lives Up to Expectations;

Dedication Program

Planned


A continuous stream of people walked through the corridors, rooms, auditorium and gymnasium Saturday and Sunday when the doors of Brainerd’s new high school were thrown open to the public for general inspection.

The “open house” days of the striking new Washington building were planned by the Brainerd Board of Education that the curiosity of Brainerd and country people to learn first hand what the building looked like might be satisfied before the dedication program to be held within a few weeks as planned.

Streets for blocks around the school were crowded with cars, many of which were from out of the city.

The new building more than lives up to the expectations of the people. Exclamations of praise were heard on all sides as people inspected the building in detail. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 December 1929, p. 7, c. 1)


In 1930 the new Washington High School, replacing the burned structure at a cost of nearly $600,000, is ready for occupancy. Circa 1933 it houses grades ten through twelve. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 49 & 141)


WASHINGTON HIGH SET FOR OPENING

_____


Students Assist in Moving in Today;

Excitement Reigns Among

Students

_____


TEACHERS ASSIGNED ROOMS

_____


Structure is Practical and Beautiful,

Complete in Every

Detail


The new Washington high school embodying practicability and beauty was near ready for occupancy of the students today.

The students will move into the new building Monday morning. Excitement prevails among them as they anxiously await the opening. Teachers have been assigned rooms with their names printed on cards over the ones under their particular supervision.

Students today assisted in moving in necessary items for the starting of school. Boxes of books were moved into the spacious, well arranged library which has ample natural light through the medium of many windows on the north side of the building. These books will be placed in the shelving within a few days.

Miss Mary Tornstrom, principal of the school, returned to Brainerd after the holidays yesterday to assist in preparation for the opening.

Each of the classrooms is well provided with windows while the latest equipment has been installed in the science rooms, mechanical training, and physics department. In the domestic science rooms miniature stoves have been installed as well as glistening white wash stands. Everything has been provided to improve the girls in the art of home and kitchen maintenance and the preparation of food.

The equipment room is composed of technical apparatus which governs the airing and temperature of the building with the water cleaning of air.

Three boilers with automatic stokers will guarantee the proper temperature at all times.

Tornstrom Auditorium named after Mary Tornstrom, beloved Brainerd High School teacher and principal
Source: ca. Unknown.

The auditorium is without question one of the finest auditoriums that could be seen in any high school in the country. Its equipment includes a thoroughly modern projection room, spacious stage with lighting effects for every occasion. The seats are designed for comfort with cushioned backs. The draperies on the stage are in themselves an attraction. The auditorium can but be appreciated completely only on sight.

The gymnasium meets every requirement for the holding of basketball and indoor games. It has a seating capacity of 1,500 and for tournaments the capacity can be swelled to 2,500 by the addition of bleachers on the floor.

If the combined gymnasium is ever used as a convention hall and chairs are placed on the floor a seating capacity of three thousand is obtained. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 January 1930, p. 7, c. 1)


Anent High School Gymnasium

_____


GETTING into the new high school gymnasium is quite an undertaking when a crowd attempts entrance through a bottleneck opening. A large group milled on the cold steps and sidewalk last Friday night. The pressure was partially relieved when a second entrance was opened and ticket selling started there too. It would not be a bad idea to have places downtown where tickets will be put on sale and to have an entrance for the fans thus provided.

The Bemidji-Brainerd game drew an attendance of approximately 1100. The Crosby-Ironton game here this Friday will draw a larger crowd as the range team will bring hundreds of fans. At a recent football game in Brainerd, Crosby-Ironton had more range people in attendance than there were Brainerd people.

A little sand on the south walk would also not be amiss. With crowds running 1,000 and over, high school officials should make preparations to handle crowds expeditiously, permitting quick ingress and egress. To assist in handling crowds, the chief engineer and janitor staff of four can be deputized.

Let’s have something done before Friday of this week. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 January 1930, p. 4, c. 1)


FIRST USE OF THE AUDITORIUM BY THE HIGH SCHOOL TODAY


First use of the auditorium was made by the whole high school today when all pupils assembled there this morning and listened to talks made by Supt. W. C. Cobb and Principal Miss Mary Tornstrom.

The acoustics of the hall were given a test when Hallett Clarkson officiated as cheer leader. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 January 1930, p. 7, c. 3)


GOVERNOR TO SPEAK AT HIGH SCHOOL DEDICATION

_____


J. M. McConnell, Commissioner of

Education to Officially Dedicate

Building

_____


TUESDAY, JANUARY 28

_____


Ceremonies to be Held in Auditorium

of New Washington

High at 8 P. M.


Impressive will be the ceremonies of dedication of the new Washington high school to be conducted next Tuesday evening, January 28 in the auditorium.

Heading the group of honored guests and speakers will be Governor Theodore Christianson and J. M. McConnell, commissioner of education of the state. The governor will be present in the afternoon to address the student body of the school and to speak at the dedication exercises in the evening which will start at 8 o’clock. Mr. McConnell will officially dedicate the building as a high school.

Present members of the Brainerd Board of Education and members of the board when work on the building was planned and started have been invited to sit on the stage. They will include: G. D. LaBar, Mrs. J. A. Thabes, Sr., Dr. G. H. Ribbel, Louis F. Hohman, Fred Drexler, R. W. Crust, M. E. Morrison, F. M. Hagberg, Elmer O. Olson, George Falconer, Elmer Forsberg, John Holvick, Harold E. Whitlock, Hugo Sundberg, Andrew Anderson. Besides the board members W. C. Cobb superintendent of schools, Miss Mary E. Tornstrom, principal of the Brainerd high have been invited to have seats on the stage.

Arrangements for the dedication are being made by the following committee: Dr. G. H. Ribbel, chairman; M. E. Morrison, Elmer Forsberg and Harold E. Whitlock.

R. W. Crust, president of the board will act as chairman and will give the address of welcome to the speakers and visitors.

The program will start with selections by the school orchestra under direction of Miss Cora Rickard.

The program follows:

Selections—High school orchestra lead by Miss Cora Rickard.

Songs—Brainerd Choral club directed by Miss Effie Drexler.

Address of welcome—R. W. Crust.

Songs—Dr. G. I. Badeaux.

Dedicatory address—J. M. McConnell, state commissioner of education.

Songs—High School Glee club directed by Miss Rickard.

Address—Governor Theodore Christianson.

The auditorium has the large seating capacity of 1010 but since a capacity house is expected for the exercises the school board has decided to give adults first choice in the seats. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 January 1930, p. 7, c. 1)


Dedication Ceremonies of the New High School Tonight

_____


GOVERNOR CHRISTIANSON AND

J. M. McCONNELL PRINCIPAL SPEAKERS

_____


EXERCISES TO START AT 8 O’

CLOCK IN AUDITORIUM; CITI-

ZENS INVITED


Ceremonies of dedication for the new Brainerd high school will be conducted in the auditorium of that building tonight. The general public and members of the senior class are cordially invited to attend these exercises at 8 o’clock.

Underclassmen and other pupils who desire to attend may meet in the gymnasium until adults are seated in the auditorium. If the auditorium is filled to capacity, these students may have the privilege of remaining in the gymnasium to hear a special program arranged for them.

Governor Theodore Christianson and Commissioner J. M. McConnell of the state department of education are to be honored guests and speakers on the program. The main address will be given by the governor and Mr. McConnell will officially dedicate the building.

The complete program as arranged by a special committee in conjunction with the members of the school board is as follows:

Selections—

Les Bohemian (March)—Brown

Golden Rod (Intermezzo)—Metcalf

The Scarlet Mask (Overture)—Zamecnik

High School Orchestra

Miss Cora Rickard, Director

Invocation—

Rev. F. A. Kufus, President of Ministerial Association.

Address of Welcome—

Mayor Frank E. Little.

Songs—

Stars Brightly Shining (Venetian Carnival Waltz Song)—Bronte

To a Wild Rose—McCowell

High School Glee Club

Remarks—

Robert W. Crust, President—Board of Education.

Songs—

Friend of Mine—Wilfred Sanderson

Heidelberg (from Prince of Pilsen”)—Gustev Luders

Dr. Irving Badeaux

Mrs. W. F. Wieland, Accompanist

Dedicatory Address—

J. M. McConnell, State Commissioner of Education

Songs—

Glory to Isis (from Aida)—Verdi

O, Irish Hills (Londonderry Ave)—Lester

Children of the Moon—Warren

Brainerd Choral Club

Miss Effie Drexler, Director

Mrs. Louis Knudson, Accompanist

Address—

Hon. Theodore Christianson, Governor of the State of Minnesota

Song—

America.

Audience

Miss Cora Rickard, Leader

Benediction—

Rev. F. A. Kufus

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 3, c. 1)


New School Presents Impressive Appearance

_____


Viewed from the outside, the Washington high school building puts up a spectacular and impressive appearance. The building is rectangular in shape, and at the back there is a large extension that houses the gymnasium. There are six entrances two of which are in front of the building two of which lead into the gymnasium, while the last two open into the building at the east and west sides.

Inside, the floors of the halls are made of spotted marble while the walls are plastered and painted tan. The building also features oaken woodwork. Stairs lead from each corner of the halls on every floor. Gates in the walls, which can be drawn out, are at the head of all stairs leading up from the first floor. These gates are closed to shut off parts of the building when these sections are not in use. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 3, c. 1)


New School is Highly Praised by Supt. Cobb

_____


Our new building is a source of joy and delight to all students and members of the faculty as well as to the general public. Its equipment is of the very best and nothing has been omitted to make all departments as efficient as possible. The school board has labored valiantly to provide a building of which we can be extremely proud, for it is a credit to Brainerd beyond any doubt.

With a heating system of the very finest; with an auditorium of unusual beauty; with a gymnasium large enough to take care of all physical needs; with science departments that are outstanding; with classrooms that are light and roomy; and with a library that will compare favorable with any of its kind in the state, we are happy indeed to be in this new building presented to us by the citizens of Brainerd and the state of Minnesota.

W. C. Cobb.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 3, c. 2)


NEW AUDITORIUM CAUSES REVIVED INTEREST IN SCHOOL DRAMATICS

_____


BEAUTIFUL NEW AUDITORIUM

RIVALS ANY IN NORTH-

WEST SCHOOLS


In the past, the lack of a school or municipal auditorium suitable for class plays, concerts and declamation contests has been mainly responsible for the waning interest in these activities. Before the old high school burned, the assembly was converted into a temporary concert hall, the only stage available, the teacher’s desk. What few dramatic ventures there were, were produced either in the gym or at some lodge hall. As a result these productions seemed not to be school activities, and the support of students and parents was lost.

But with the opening of the new Washington school, this is all changed. Brainerd now boasts one of the finest high school auditoriums in the northwest.

We have only a few minutes, but if we hurry, we may be able to get into the auditorium before Mr. Swanson finishes his sweeping.

Now, as we open this door, set yourself for a big surprise.

There! Have you ever seen a more beautiful and impressive room?

A thousand seats stretch off in front of us to the stage over a hundred feet away. The stage itself, 50 feet wide and 20 feet deep, is framed by a massive proscenium arch, supported by two gigantic pillars, and delicately paneled in the same chaste, subdued light tan and cream that dominates the decorative motif of the whole room.


Chandeliers Furnish Light

New Brainerd High School auditorium, 28 January 1930. A 650x462 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Unconsciously our eyes wander upwards to the source of light, 15 bowl chandeliers, each one bordered by 12 small lights. The ceiling, like the proscenium, is divided into large panels but unlike the arch it is bordered on the lower edge by a cutout frieze, daintily beautiful in quiet good taste.

Now that we have a general impression of the room, let us look at it more closely. There is a rich navy blue velvet curtain trimmed in gold on the stage. They tell us that there are three changes of scenery, besides a fire curtain and a movie screen. There is also a complete set of disappearing footlights and a battery of colored floods.

We find that the walls are paneled in the same scheme as the ceiling; on each of the three walls are two bronze sconce lamps which cast a delightful soft green glow over the auditorium. As we look towards the back of the hall at the electric clock, we notice a large enclosed balcony, supported apparently by two braces of the same predominant, simple but effective type of decoration. That, Mr. Swanson tells us, is the projection booth. Those holes all over the front of it are for the movie and slide projectors which will be installed later.

As we are shoved out by the janitor, we look backward and think that it would be worth 50 cents just to come and sit in those comfortable seats and drink in the beauty of it all.

R. C. E

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 3, c.’s 2 & 3; p. 5, c. 2)


SCHOOL BOARD HEAD GIVES OUT STATEMENT

_____


“With the occupancy of the new school it is hoped that the opportunities, privileges and social times afforded there will offset the inconveniences caused the faculty and students in the temporary quarters.

“The school is the road to success.

“The high school road is four years long and what is at the end of the road depends on you.” said R. W. Crust, president of the Brainerd Board of Education in a statement today. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 3, c. 4)


MISS TORNSTROM LAUDS BUILDING’S EFFICIENCY

_____


The things that delight us in the new building? They are legion. In the first place, the building as a whole is far beyond our fondest dreams. The lighting, the fresh air, the spaciousness—all these are keen joys after years of waiting. The biggest thing is the joy that permeates the student body—for privacy in lockers, for adequate gym space, for a beautifully equipped auditorium which seats enough and to spare. Old grads can laugh in appreciation of performances in the old gym, where one sat for hours on hard bleachers and gazed around pillars and folded and carried chairs after the performance. This generation of students has the inestimable privilege of sharing in the beauty and convenience of a building that should make for better cooperation and finer citizenship along every line. May the excellence of physical equipment result in a greater appreciation of the aims of education.

Mary F. Tornstrom

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 3, c. 5)


“CASTLE OF DREAMS” REALIZED IN COMPLETION

OF SCHOOL BUILDING

_____


LONG PROMISED NEW HIGH SCHOOL TO

INSPIRE GRADE SCHOOL PUPILS


Although our magnificent new school has aged but a few short months and has been frequented by exuberant students for but three shorter weeks, its existence has been recognized for a far greater period of time.

In the minds of the hundreds of hopeful grade school children all over the city a number of years ago there rose a treasured vision of the magnificent building which would be waiting for them long before they were ready to enter. Many years were to pass, however, before this longed for “Castle of Dreams” was actually to be be molded into being.

The old Washington high school was almost completely destroyed by fire on the night of March 30, 1928. What the possible cause of the fire was remains a mystery to this day but whatever the agency which plotted its destruction, the reader may rest assured that the episode brought no tears from the astonished students for out of the ashes rose the present magnificent structure which far surpasses the hopes and dreams of citizens and students alike.

Within a period of two months following the destruction of the old building, the board of education was well on its way towards the selection of an architect to prepare plans and specifications for a new modern fireproof building. The time required for preparing blueprints and specifications by the selected firms, more of which the reader may learn by looking elsewhere on this page, took about four months.

Advertising for bids for the construction of the building, opening of such bids and awarding of contracts required also more than a month of hard and patient work on the part of the board members of 1928.

The construction of the school was soon underway and within a few short months the structure was complete and equipped, ready for use.

History’s pages do not yet bear inscriptions regarding our new building other than the brief resume of its coming into existence as we have tried to picture to you. Such masterpieces of men created for such a worthy cause are originally designated by fate to become famous and so it shall be numbered with the best and when the time will come that its walls shall wither and decay its spirit shall rise anew—a living emblem to its worthy existence.

Z. S.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 3, c.’s 5 & 6; p. 5, c. 6)


SCHOOL BOARD WORKS VALIANTLY TO

MAKE NEW SCHOOL POSSIBLE

_____


BOARD OF TEN WORKS OVER-

TIME TO MAKE POSSIBLE

EARLY COMPLETION


As we look upon the beautiful structure which has been given to Brainerd as the home for its High School student body, seldom do we stop to realize the endless planning and great ingenuity which has made the completion of this wonderful project possible. The greater part of this mental labor has been done by the Brainerd Board of Education, in conjunction with the superintendent of schools, W. C. Cobb.

The board consists of ten members, each ward in the city electing two persons for a term of four years. After the destruction of the old High School, in 1928, the School Board immediately took up the work of preparing a means by which a new school might be obtained. It was the board of 1928 that awarded the contract for the general construction of the building. Before choosing an architect, the board was obliged to listen to 15 or 20 minute talks by representatives from many architectural firms, who gave the general qualifications of their establishments concerning their work.

The board of 1928 consisted of the following: G. D. LaBar, Pres.; R. W. Crust, Vice Pres.; M. E. Morrison, Treasurer; Louis F. Hohman, Secretary (clerk); Geo. Falconer, F. M. Hagberg, Fred Drexler, Elmer Forsberg and Mrs. J. A. Thabes. Before the close of his term, Mr. Falconer resigned, and Andrew Anderson was elected to serve out his unexpired term. The Board of ‘29 includes R. W. Crust, Pres.; Mrs. J. A. Thabes, Sr., Vice Pres.; M. E. Morrison, Treasurer; Louis F. Hohman, Secretary (clerk); Hugo Sundberg, Harold Whitlock, Dr. G. H. Ribble, Elmer Forsberg, Elmer Olson, and Fred Drexler.


Continue Good Work

The work which had been begun by the Board of ‘28 was immediately taken up by the new staff of ‘29. Included in its duties were the awarding of contracts for the furnishing and installing of equipment in the building, installation of furniture and fixtures, and the purchasing of numerous articles needed in the different science departments. This work also called for the employing of janitors and an engineering staff, advertisement of bids and of awarding of contracts.

These items together with countless others, not mentioned, formed a stupendous task, which required an inestimable amount of time and labor.

E. G.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 3, c. 7)


Thousand New Books Ordered for Library

_____


New Brainerd High School library, 28 January 1930. A 650x467 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

One of the outstanding features of the new high school is the school library situated on the second floor between the junior and senior assemblies. It has been rightfully judged one of the finest in the northwest.

The woodwork is quarter sawed oak and the twelve chandeliers are of etched glass with bronzed trimmings. The bookcases are enhanced by wood behind the shelves. There are twelve stationary tables with stationary chairs that eliminate all unnecessary disturbance. The floor covering is a very superior quality of tile, three-fourths of an inch thick with green and brown coloring.

The room has an extension telephone and also a clock connected with the main office. The conveniences for filing are excellent and there is a large magazine rack and also an encyclopedia rack. The room is lined with shelving and according to Miss Tornstrom there is space enough for books for many years to come. Fifteen hundred old books will be used here and a thousand new books have been ordered. Students of the Brainerd high school will have the opportunity of reading choice books and literature.

A. H.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 3, c. 7)


ALUMNI ASSIST IN DEDICATION OF NEW GRAND PIANO

_____


MRS. J. A. THABES, HAS CHARGE

OF PROGRAM IN NEW

AUDITORIUM


One occasion long to be remembered by the student body of the Brainerd high school, and also by the alumni and former students who took part in the program, was the dedication of the new grand piano held last Friday afternoon in the high school auditorium.

Mrs. J. A. Thabes, Sr., who made all the necessary arrangements for the event, was in charge and after briefly reviewing the history of the piano fund and the final purchase of the new Conover grand, announced the following musical numbers:


Piano

Scherzo from the Concerto in A Minor—Schubert

Wm. St. Clair McClenahan, Jr.

Violin

Melody in A—Dawes

My Old Kentucky Home—Foster

Miss Geraldine Kiebler

Miss Lorraine Morrison, accompanist

Songs

Heidelberg (from Prince of Pilsen)—Luders

Anchored

Dr. Irving Badeaux

Mrs. W. F. Wieland, accompanist

Violin

Hungarian Dance No. 5—Brahms

By the Waters of Minnetonka—Lieurance

Julius Witham

Mrs. W. F. Wieland, accompanist

Ensemble

Lover, Come Back to Me—Romberg

Dr. Irving Badeaux

Julius Witham

Mrs. W. F. Wieland

Piano

Romance Arabesque—Arnold

Prelude in C. Minor—Rachmaninoff

E. R. Billings (of the Cable Piano Co.)


At the close of this program, Mrs. Thabes presented the piano to the Brainerd high school and Miss Mary Tornstrom, principal, accepted for the student body the beautiful gift for which alumni and members of the school board are responsible.

Misses Effie Drexler, Cora Rickard and Mrs. Louis Knutson were members of a committee who chose the Conover, a product of the Cable Piano Company, from an artistic standpoint. This committee functioned in conjunction with Mrs. J. A. Thabes, Dr. Geo. Ribbel and Hugo Sundberg, members of the Brainerd Board of Education.

M. E. H.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 4, c. 1)


CAFETERIA TO BE USED DURING THIS SEASON

_____


One of the rooms which is of much interest to B. H. S. students, especially those who stay at noon for lunch, is the cafeteria room. This room is being supplied with modern equipment. As yet all the furnishings have not arrived or been installed.

The lunchroom itself will be able to take care of two hundred and fifty people. Just back of the lunchroom the kitchen is located and at the end of the lunchroom is a pantry and dishwashing room. A large restaurant type stove and scullery sinks have been installed in the kitchen. To the kitchen a pastry section is to be added. This section is to be equipped with ovens and sinks.

A full set of cafeteria dishes serving two hundred people is now to be used in the lunchroom. The dishes are trimmed in green and are very attractive. One or two hot dishes will be served to the lunchers during the rest of the school term. Enough to serve one hundred to one hundred and twenty-five boys and girls at one lunch is to be prepared. A regular cafeteria lunch is being planned for the next school term.

Table linen has been ordered and is to be used when banquets and other dinners are served.

K. S.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 4, c. 1)


LOCKERS TO PROTECT STUDENTS’ PROPERTY

_____


Lining the corridors of the new high school, are the beautiful green, sheet-steel lockers. About one thousand constitute the total number which have been installed for the purpose of helping the students to care not only for their personal property but also for the school’s books.

All of the lockers have adequate room for any books or papers, having a small shelf at the top. For the coats, hats, scarfs, or what have you, hooks are provided, four in number. Rubbers and overshoes may be placed on the floor of the locker.

Ventilation of the lockers, one of the most important and interesting factors concerning them, is carried in by the space left between the walls and floor of the building and the back and bottom of the lockers.

The purpose of this system is to help dry and wet articles which one may have and to keep them sanitary and healthful.

An exceedingly small rental is charged for the combination locks which will prevent any tampering with the articles contained in the lockers. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 4, c. 1)


8 LOCAL FIRMS AID IN DESIGNING NEW HIGH

_____


Eight local firms contributed to the new and exquisitely modern Washington high school. The contributions ranged from equipment for the home training department to the painting and furnishing of the interior of the building.

Probably the largest local job was the painting and decorating of walls and ceilings and the varnishing of the woodwork and floors. This was done by F. H. McCaffrey. The next largest contracted local job was the installation of electrical fixtures by the Gateway Electric Company. This included the light fixtures in all the rooms of the building, also the lights. The wiring was done by an outside firm.

Samuelson and Son were employed most of the time in expert brick laying.

Other firms furnishing equipment were Patek Furniture Company for installation of window shades and Alderman-Maghan Company for a modern electric icebox. This helped to improve the home training department which was already equipped with expensive and modern furniture. All of the utensils for this department have not yet been obtained.

The Sherlund Company was called upon to make a few minor adjustments in plumbing, etc. Fitzsimmons and Son were given a contract for complete equipment to accommodate 200 persons in the cafeteria. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 4, c. 2)


THERMOSTATIC HEAT CONTROL INSTALLED

_____


Warm classrooms with clean refreshing air is supplied and regulated in the new high school by means of the Johnson service system for heat control with thermostats.

The air which is supplied for the hot air system comes from ventilators on top of the building. This air then passes down into the basement where it is heated to a temperature of 50 degrees by coils. The same air then passes through three Sirocco air washers which take all impurities out and leaves a required amount of water. The air is again heated to a temperature of 70 degrees when it passes through some more coils. From there it is passed into an air passage which surrounds the building on three sides. This air has a pressure of 15 pounds exerted on it which forces it into the different rooms through passages leading from the main air passage. By means of fans the foul air is drawn through an opening near the floor and discharges at the top of the building.

The hot water for the radiators is furnished by three automatic Detroit equipped furnaces each having 240 horsepower. These furnaces heat the water in the pipes which passes down into the main distributor which distributes water to the different rooms. The capacity of water in the pipes and the return is regulated by the Nash vacuum pump.

The temperature in the classrooms is regulated by the Johnson Dual system of thermostats which keeps the temperature at 70 degrees during the day and 50 degrees at night. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 4, c. 3)


Teachers at Washington High


Teachers in the new Washington high school building follow:

W. C. Cobb—Superintendent of Schools.

Mary F. Tornstrom—Principal, Senior Advisor, Brainonian Annual Adviser.

Helen Farrankop—General Science and Biology, Tri-Hi Advisor, Sophomore Advisor, Camp Fire Girls Advisor.

Bertha Filk—Home Training.

Josephine Graham—History, Freshmen Advisor.

Minnie Haug—English II, English I, Camp Fire Girls Advisor.

Aletha M. Herwig—Social Science, Brainonian Weekly Advisor, Social Problems Club Advisor.

George T. Johnson—Mathematics, Activities Treasurer.

Warren E. Kasch—Coach, Jr. Business Training, Senior Advisor.

Anne Laipple—Biology, Freshmen Advisor.

Roy S. LaMeter—Science.

Anna L. Lord—Stenography, Commercial Club Advisor.

Mabel E. Mathis—English IV, Ancient History, Semper Partus Club Advisor.

Rolf E. Melby—Science, Assistant Coach, Junior Hi-Y Advisor.

Ella Oerting—English I, Declamation, Debate.

Evelyn A. Olson—English III, Junior Advisor.

Mildred O’Brien—Latin, Junior Advisor.

Richard L. Penrose—Modern History, Senior Hi-Y Advisor, Sophomore Advisor.

F. W. Rosel—Manual Training.

Cora E. Rickard—Music, Glee Clubs, Orchestra, Octet.

Aline Ruthe—Stenography, Commercial Club Advisor.

Sue S. Schow—Algebra and English II.

Winifred Spencer—Mathematics.

Doris G. Taylor—U. S. History and French, French Club Advisor.

Helen Torgerson—Bookkeeping, Commercial Club Advisor.

Madge G. True—Art, Brainonian Art Advisor.

Lucille Walkup—English IV, English I, U. S. History.


8th Grades

Esther Campbell, Emma Justin, Mrs. Florence F. Fleming, Emma S. Bratvet.

Two new teachers will arrive in the near future. One will be Miss Alice Flueck, girls’ gymnasium instructor. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 4, c. 4)


BRAINERD BASKETEERS TO BEAR NEW NAMES

_____


Brainerd basketball team left to right, standing: Otto Dahl, student manager, John Hoffbauer, Jr., James Garvey, Lyle Mayo, Donald Guin, Elmer Foster, Coach Warren E. Kasch. Seated: Nathan Schuety, Arthur Hautala, Carol Guin, Bernard Foster, Kenneth Clauson. A 652x314 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930

At the next game on our home floor, that of Brainerd with Little Falls, the B. H. S. cagers will appear for the first time in their newly numbered and mottoed suits.

It will be remembered that Mr. Kasch sponsored a contest a short time ago for the purpose of finding a motto or emblem for the team to wear on their uniforms during the games. This contest has materialized in such a way that an appropriate motto and emblem have been selected and the prize of two dollars and one-half in gold goes to none other than our own Miss Herwig! The epigram which has been given first place and will appear on the boys’ suits is “Warriors” with the accompanying insignia of an Indian’s head. Miss Herwig stated that she realized that perhaps very few people, including Mr. Kasch himself, would connect the word “Warriors” with Mr. Kasch’s Christian name “Warren” so she gives us this opportunity to acquaint the public with that fact. She also remarked that she thought the name decidedly appropriate to the fighting spirit of the team.

The shirts of the suits will be white, the pants, which are jersey, solid blue while the belts will be white to match the shirts, and the trousers and sweatshirts also will be blue to match the pants.

Mr. Kasch has chosen the numbers to be placed on the suits in such a way as to create a psychological barrier to the defense of the other team. Those of you who are interested in the psychology of numbers are invited to explain the phenomena if you can.

At any rate, be at the Little Falls game, try to solve the tricky number combination and see the mottoes and emblems which will appear on the suits at that time. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 4, c. 5)


SPACIOUS STOREROOMS ABOUND IN BUILDING

_____


Brainerd High’s school property is certainly destined to safe keeping when not in use. The two big storerooms on either end of the second floor are, as Miss Mary Tornstrom says, “Big enough to hold the textbooks of years to come.”

In the basement next to the boiler room is an enormous vault built to hold all school material except textbooks.

On the west side of the office of W. C. Cobb, superintendent of schools, is a vault which is fireproof and capable of holding the records of the school. The staunch doors of this vault are the ones which guarded the vaults next to Miss Tornstrom’s office at the old court house.

On the east side of Mr. Cobb’s office is a room given over to general supplies and certain textbooks for sale to the students.

E. F. I.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 4, c. 5)


School Band Organized to Enliven Pep Fests

_____


Under the direction of Roy LaMeter, a new musical organization known as the “Pep Band” has been organized at the Washington high school. This band, which at first could play “Hail, Hail” and no more, has practiced assiduously until at the present time it has a goodly number of selections at its command. Mr. LaMeter plans to use his musicians at pep fests and games to enliven all sport events.

Band members thus far enrolled are: Claude Holden, Arden Miller, Melvin Newman, David Weber, Ray Wareing, Russell Nelson, De Vere Beckley, Carl Holvick, Howard Gile, Gerald Cass, Rolland Jenkins, Clarence Holden, Victor Bourgeois, Malcolm Lammon and Morris Larson.

Prospective tooters and blowers are urged to see Mr. LaMeter for tryouts. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 4, c. 5)


Under the supervision of Mr. Kasch and Mr. Melby the boys’ physical education classes met in the new gymnasium for the first time Monday. The attendance in each class averaged about 35.

Here the boys are instructed in the art of keeping physically fit, and receive pointers on playing the national indoor favorite sport. Mr. Kasch is watching the progress of the boys in these unorganized teams for prospects, as the future teams will be taken from these groups. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 4, c. 6)


NOTE: All of the articles above taken from Page Four of the Brainerd Daily Dispatch of 28 January 1930 were written by the high school staff of the weekly Brainonian.


New Washington High School Serves Students Needs Well

_____


PLANNED WITH IDEA IN MIND TO MEET

ALL REQUIREMENTS OF MODERN STUDIES

_____


ECONOMIC THEORY ADOPTED IN

BUILDING; EDUCATIONAL

FACILITIES WELL PROVIDED

_____


BUILDING CONSTRUCTED FOR

LONG AND SATISFACTORY USE

WITH MINIMUM MAINTENANCE


The Washington high school situated on the site of the old Washington high school was planned with the fundamental idea that the building should serve the needs of a complete, modern High and Junior high school, and with the further idea of serving as a community center for both students and public.

In providing for the needs of the school, a program of studies contemplated was first decided and carefully worked out by W. C. Cobb, superintendent. From this curriculum schedule, the building was carefully planned to take care of all requirements therein set forth, with the economic theory borne in mind at all times to provide a school with the maximum amount of educational space and the minimum amount of unused areas and cubage.

In the development of this plan, it became evident that the building should provide for the following basic divisions: academic facilities, vocational arts, physical education and a general auditorium.

In planning the academic section of the building, it was found after careful study of the school system that the classroom unit best adapted to the Brainerd school system would be classrooms having an average capacity of 35 pupils. This would permit a great flexibility in arranging the classes and tend to decrease the instructional cost per pupil per year.

The two other important divisions of the academic section that were given careful consideration were the commercial and science departments, the first developed to include typewriting, stenography and bookkeeping; the science department developed to provide facilities for general science, biology, physics and chemistry.

To round out a complete modern high school, it was necessary to provide an ample and attractive library and rooms for study, public speaking and music.

In developing the vocational art section, provision was made for home economics, namely, sewing and cooking, manual training, mechanical drawing and general art.

The section for physical training was carefully studied so that the pupils would have ideal and ample facilities to receive their prorated amount of this phase of the modern educational program. Individual gymnasiums were provided for both boys and girls. Ample shower facilities are provided so that it is possible for every boy and girl to have a shower in the time allotted between classes, together with ample locker space for storage of their gymnasium clothes.

In order to make this section of the building function for evening gatherings of not only students but the public, the plan was so arranged that the gymnasium can be used outside of school uses without giving access to the entire building.

The auditorium section, which was planned to furnish ample accommodations for the entire enrollment of the school, is planned and arranged to round out the educational needs of the school, and, like the gymnasium section is arranged so that it can be cut off from the main part of the building and used for functions outside of school uses.

A section of the building which does not come under any one of the above headings, but which is very necessary in the modern high school, is the lunchroom. This was carefully studied to take care of the anticipated needs of the pupils at lunch time and also for community gatherings where lunches or banquets are served.

In the selection of materials used throughout the building, the choice was based entirely upon the suitability for the purpose intended, which would give long and satisfactory use with the minimum amount of maintenance. Therefore, the corridor floors and stairs were finished in terrazzo; the floors in the science department were made mastic, which is acid and stain proof. The typewriting room walls are treated acoustically to reduce reverberation, as are also the walls and ceilings of the auditorium. The blackboards throughout are natural slate and therefore permanent for the life of the building. The toilet and shower rooms have ceramic tile floors with metal partitions, which are indestructible and require no maintenance cost. The gymnasiums have the standard maple floor with a cork tile wainscot, which eliminates the possibility of accidents in the playing of games. And so on throughout the building materials in each case are particularly fitted for the uses of the occupied spaces.

In the arrangement of the rooms, natural lighting was given first consideration. The rooms are arranged so that they receive the maximum amount of daylight, and are so placed as to eliminate all shadows and eyestrain. Likewise the artificial lighting was calculated to give as nearly as possible daylight conditions to all rooms.

The ventilation system required careful study to provide sufficient fresh air to all rooms during their occupancy. Due to irregular occupancy of certain sections, the system was divided into several units, so that each section of the building can be thoroughly ventilated at all times.

In the design of the exterior, the idea borne in mind was the desire to obtain a building that would be pleasing from all sides and all angles, a building that in the distance would appear well en masse, and as approached would be sufficiently rich in detail and color to be cheerful and inviting. This was accomplished by the use of face brick of a wide range in color, together with terra cotta and cut stone, the latter being concentrated at points of interest, namely, the entrances.

It has been the aim and desire to make this a building of community interest and as such it should be the individual pride of students and taxpayers alike to be cherished and protected by all from defacement throughout its life. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 5, c.’s 1 & 2)


EFFICIENT LIGHTING SYSTEM INSTALLED

_____


Lighting fixtures in the new Brainerd High school are of the very best. They are attractive besides being efficient. All the fixtures, including the chandeliers in the auditorium, were installed on contract, by the Gateway Electric Co. of Brainerd. These chandeliers are all of a special design and hand-cast work. Each piece is installed so that it can be lowered from the ceiling by means of a winch situated between the ceiling of the auditorium and the roof of the building. Thus by means of these winches burned out bulbs can be replaced by new ones with ease.

Each classroom has six globes of frosted glass. These are closed at top and bottom producing a very soft yet strong enough light. Each assembly and larger room has eight globes.

In the halls the globes are of a different design. They are decorated with a small tan design besides being of an odd and more decorative shape.

The exterior lights, at the entrances, were also installed by the Gateway Electric Co. and are of a special design. These are fashioned after the Old English sconces.

The light equipment for the stage which includes various color effects was furnished by H. A. Brown & Son, Inc., of Waseca, Minn. The Gateway Electric Co. furnished the globes for the colored light-producing equipment, such as footlights and overhead lights. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 5, c. 2)


CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS LABS EQUAL THE BEST

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MANY NEW FEATURES USED IN

EQUIPPING TWO NEW

LABORATORIES


Chemistry and Physics are fascinating subjects at the worst and to be well understood and properly enjoyed fine laboratories are necessary. It was with this understanding that this department was constructed and according to contractors and other authoritative persons, the ones in the new Washington high school are among the most complete and best equipped laboratories in any high schools this side of Chicago, and many other features classify them as being of college calibre.

The desks necessary for both of the laboratories were constructed by the W. W. Kimball Company of Chicago. Each desk has 12 drawers and a different key for each. These keys are kept in a cabinet constructed in such a way that by unlocking one door and by used of a combination all the other little doors will open to reveal keys hanging on them.

The desks in the physics laboratory are low and each has an electric outlet plate. The electricity going to the desks may be controlled easily. There is a special series of storage batteries connected to a switchboard. There are six distinct circuits controlled here and they range from four to 24 volts rising by four each time. This is something new in high schools and something to be proud of.

Rising from each desk are two nickel plated bars about three feet apart with a wooden cross piece. The object of this is to make apparatus hookups. This very simply does away with the old tripod stand.


Prof’s Desk Different

The instructor’s desk is different from the others in that it has a sink and hot and cold running water. All of the desks have two commercial gas appliances for experimental work. The swivel chairs are fixed to the floor.

In the front of the room is a sliding blackboard so that it is possible to have space for something to be saved if important and at the same time twice as much board space. Another feature in the front is a silver screen for picture projection purposes. The screen is unique in that it rolls up like a window shade.

Along the north side of the room is an alberene stone shelving running almost the entire length. The reason for this is that it is acid proof and acid bottles and all dispensers of chemicals are kept on it. The floor likewise is acid proof, it is made of a composition called mastic flooring.


Dark Room, a Part

Two other parts of the physics department are the dark room, for developing blueprints and films, and the storeroom which includes the instructor’s office.

The chemistry laboratory is similar to the physics lab except that the desks are a little higher and each one has a sink with running water. One special difference is that the gas connections are on the side so there is room on top for the bottles, which gives students a free unobstructed view. The old way was to have shelves to hold bottles. The stools used here are not stationary.

The department is modernly equipped with fume hoods which make it very safe from any collection of gases.

All the teaching and experimental equipment has not arrived but when it does it will meet all standards set forth by the state. Roy S. LaMeter, the instructor, says that he is very much pleased with the new facilities and that already the students are showing a marked improvement. He has 24 students in each class which is a state requirement.

R. O.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 5, c. 3)


Solarium is Feature of Biology Department

_____


The Biology room! The room where nature thrives in the warm sunshine of the solarium and is appreciated by nature lovers! With the modern equipment now in use, this study proves more interesting daily.

A sandbox extends the length of the miniature greenhouse (the solarium) and the soil in the box is heated by coils running beneath it. Here plant life in all its various stages will be studied. There are also, in this smaller room, two electric heaters and a sink.

Turtles, snakes, snails, water plants, will be housed, upon their arrival, in the aquarium which is equipped with running water.

Most of the curiosities in two of the specimen cases have been contributed by students. A third case is yet to be filled.

Illustrated lectures will be given by means of a “screen” which rolls up when not in use. Just below this is a large sliding blackboard, and it will prove its worth during exams.

Booklets adorning the bulletin boards show the result of many hours of student toil.

Last but not least come the desks. Instead of ordinary school desks there are large tables with drawers for use in “lab” work. Each person taking Biology is entitled to one drawer and is responsible for the key, which by rule, is returned to the keyboard when the period is up.

M. E. H.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 5, c. 4)


SPECIAL EQUIPMENT BOUGHT FOR ART AND DRAWING DEPT.

_____


FINEST TYPE DESKS OBTAINED

FOR ART AND MECHANICAL

DRAWING


Upon entering the art and mechanical drawing room in Brainerd’s new high school the first thing that is noticed by the inquirer is the large desks of two types, one for art students, the other for those taking mechanical drawing. Each of the 20 art desks is equipped with an adjustable top, six individual drawers with locks and keys, six drawing boards and a stool. The desks used for mechanical drawing are of the same type but much higher.

At the back of the room is a large cabinet with display shelves and storage room. Two small tables are reserved at the front for statuary and still-life work. At one side is a sink set in the wall. Two large bulletin boards will display the future work of the classes. All keys are numbered and kept on the keyboards in a small cabinet. A feature for the mechanical drawing student is the blueprint room, as yet not equipped.

Just because Miss Madge True, the art instructress, is rejoicing in her own private office, adjacent to the main room, is no reason why anyone should supply her with 14 keys, all to fit the same lock, she thinks. (Did you ever hear of a Scotsman loaning one key?) The outstanding features of the office are the large double windows and the supply cabinet.


Self Expression

The art class includes 19, each of whom will express himself in his own way by specializing in that work which interests them most. Some do modernistic work while others are inclined to nature study. The drawing of the grotesque Chinese and Japanese masks worn by these people at their ceremonials promises to be a very interesting future assignment. Posters for the various activities throughout the school year will be made by this class. A half credit is given to those spending two periods a day studying art, one-fourth for those who spend only one period.

F. W. Rozel has a class of 17, some taking the elementary and others the advanced work in mechanical drawing. New work will not be brought before the class until next year.

J. C.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 5, c. 4)


GYM AND LOCKER ROOMS PROVIDE FOR ATHLETICS

_____


NEW GYMNASIUM MEETS ALL

REQUIREMENTS OF

STATE INSPECTORS


To keep up with the changing of times and conditions in the department of physical education, one of the finest gymnasiums in the Northwest more than serves this purpose in Brainerd’s new Washington high school. About a quarter of a century ago, no doubt the plan to follow in fitting out a gym of this order would be to supply it with all sorts of contrivances for exercising such as bars and rings. But now the general trend, according to the State Physical and Health Inspector, Mr. Evertis, is to present a program in the form of games which build the sound body and develops the mind to think and act quicker. Encouraging teamwork and cooperation are other benefits derived from this type of gym work, of course exercising in unison is also carried out to the fullest measure.

The gym itself is capable of holding approximately 2,500 people if conditions so require it, while the uniform bleachers will seat between 1,400 and 1,500. This ample seating arrangement is ideal for tournament contests which will be so used this week to hold the district meet.

Not only basketball may be played in the gym but also there is room for practically all indoor sports which require a hardwood floor. Wrestling and boxing as intramural sports may be used for indoor signal drill and practices during rainy nights in football and track.

The court is 85 feet in length and 65 feet wide and for the convenience of having two gym classes operating at once a huge dividing door or curtain is put into use. It is an all steel partition which cuts the big gym into two smaller ones about 42 feet wide and 65 feet in length.

As far as lighting and ventilating are concerned, nothing is left undone as two mammoth ventilators are situated in each half of the gym while power-fed lights furnish the sunshine at night. Every bit of the air, not only in the gym but the entire building is kept on the constant move, thus insuring a continuous supply of pure fresh air.

Entrances to the gym are in the south section of the school, one at each end. From the inside there are four entrances, two on the floor level and two on top of the bleachers. These doors also serve the purpose of exits.

The showers are modern in every respect and are capable of caring for an entire gym class or a team at once.

Lockers are adjacent to the showers and make convenience reign supreme.

J. J., Jr.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 5, c. 5)


SCHOOL NURSE GETS NEW PRIVATE OFFICE

_____


Sanitary drinking cups, scales, and a cabinet, furnished with special medicinal details have been given to Miss Eula Michael, city nurse, by the Minnesota Public Health Association to be placed in her office in the new high school. An eye chart is also promised her by the same organization.

This small office lies adjacent to Miss Mary Tornstrom’s and is accessible to the rest room. A waiting room just outside the main office is a place where patients may wait comfortably. A desk, chair, and telephone complete the furnishings at this time but the office is as yet not fully equipped.

Miss Michael’s schedule allows her to be at this school only for a small period of time in the morning but she hopes that together with the new gym teacher, Miss Alice Flueck, a girls’ class in personal hygiene may be formed. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 5, c. 5)


New School Contains Host of Roomy Offices

_____


“—Down at the ‘office’”—Every student is familiar with that phrase. For information, the students flock to the ‘office’—rather Miss Mary Tornstrom’s office. In the old court house, you would very often hear Miss Tornstrom say, “It’s in the vault” . . . (that was about the only place, in the office where you could put anything you expected to see again!)

Off at the right of the principal’s office is Miss Eula Michael’s office. A waiting room adjoins the Health Nurse’s office. W. C. Cobb’s office is separated from these two offices by the central office, which is overseen by Miss Corna Stickney. The teachers’ post office is in the central office and also a cabinet for the teachers’ lockers. Mr. Cobb’s office is similar to Miss Tornstrom’s both face Oak street. The superintendent has a vault next to his office in which records and valuable papers are placed. No longer do the superintendent and principal have to share the same domicile.

Then we have the coach’s office better known to the students as Mr. Kasch’s room. Here are his headquarters, as well as those of his athletes! This office is right off the gymnasium.

Last, but not least, is the Brainonian “dugout,” where the staff labors to put out their weekly paper. The office is on the second floor. All the offices are provided with the most modern equipment. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 5, c. 6)


‘JOAN OF ARC’ STATUE LEFT BY CLASS OF ‘28

_____


“Joan of Arc,” a beautiful statue presented to the Brainerd high school by the class of 1928, now occupies a place of honor on the landing between first and second floors in the Washington high school. This statue is not the usual equestrienne “Joan” but rather depicts her as the simple, naive girl who hears the voices that call her to lead the armies of France.

Clad in the peasant costume characteristic of her time, and with hands folded, “Joan” presents a simple yet effective picture as she kneels there in the garden. She radiates sweetness and religious ecstasy.

A suitable pedestal for the statue will be provided by the manual training department.

As an adornment, this gift to the high school is more than acceptable. As an influence for good and for an appeal to the love of the beautiful it cannot be excelled. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 5, c. 6)


FIVE OUTSIDE FIRMS WORK ON NEW SCHOOL

_____


Contractors for the general construction of Brainerd’s new school were: Edward Hirt and Son, of St. Cloud, who were the overseeing contractors; M. J. O’Neil, of St. Paul, who furnished the heating and plumbing; the Grand Forks Tin Shops, of Grand Forks, who provided the ventilation; the Johnson Service Co, of Milwaukee, Wis., who purchased and installed the temperature controls; and H. A. Brown and Son, Inc., of Waseca, Minn., who had charge of the electrical wiring. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 5, c. 6)


FUTURE MOTHERS TRAINED TO COOK, SEW AND BE HOUSEKEEPERS

_____


GIRL STUDENTS TO LEARN

EVERYTHING IN COOKING,

MAKING DESSERTS


Domestic Science Room, this bright, shiny room with its glistening kitchen equipment and gas ranges is another example of what Brainerd's Washington high school is doing for its students. Here's where the girls learn the arts of the cuisine which will benefit them in the home and—tend to make them better housewives. A 650x461 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930

Situated in the northeast corner on the first floor of the new high school building is located the Domestic Science department. Here the future good mothers, wives and housekeepers will receive their training.

The department consists of one large room where the girls will learn everything in cookery from the making of the tastiest of desserts to “johnnie cake” and bread; and a large pantry, where the reserve supplies will be stored.

The ten work tables which are equipped with four-burner gas plates and drawers containing necessary equipment accommodate four girls to a table. Each table has stools attached which revolve and may be swung under the tables when not in use.

In the center of the room are four sinks—one to each two work tables—with the latest plumbing fixtures.

A built-in alcove at one end of the room contains a complete all-pyrex oven and model kitchen range. A ventilating system which carries off all the odors of cooked foods is directly above the stoves.

To the right and left of the instructor’s desk are two tables—demonstration and supply.

Four bulletin boards which will be used by the instructor to post food charts and any other materials can be found in different sections of the room.

The model apartment may be entered by two doors on the west side of the room.

Directly opposite the Domestic Science rooms, in the northwest corner of the building, are the sewing rooms.

Ten green composition top tables accommodating thirty-two girls, four White Rotary sewing machines and two stationary ironing boards show the latest in equipment for sewing departments in schools.

Each table is equipped with two drawers where the pupils will keep their sewing material. The drawers are removed at the end of each class to the locker room, adjoining the sewing room, where built-in cupboards and drawer space is provided. One table which is called the cutting table has an extra leaf that is dropped when not in use.

Adjoining the sewing room is the fitting room which contains beautiful cabinets to hang dresses and also file patterns, and a large triple mirror.

Miss Filk, who is the instructor for both the sewing and cooking departments, is very well satisfied and the reader, upon investigation, will without a doubt agree with Miss Filk.

M. B. V.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 5, c. 7)


Commercial Department Includes Model Bank

_____


Having a complete detailed description of our new school and all the parts as our aim in this issue, we feel that such an edition would be far from complete without a glimpse into the commercial department. This department boasts many unique and up-to-date features which have been supplied to realize the fondest dreams of teachers and students alike who are connected with this sector. Besides a regular room for shorthand and class recitation there is a fine typing room with adjustable seats accompanying each and every table. Another good-sized room directly off the typing department contains a model bank which is instrumental in providing financial instruction. The departments are provided with all necessary equipment which includes a scaled paper cutter, adding machine and typewriters.

As this branch of high school education is one which is bound to prove beneficial and very practical to the student in later life, one cannot help feeling that the school board has gone to no unnecessary ends in providing roomy quarters and an abundance of necessary equipment for use in this department.

Z. S.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 5, c. 7)


SCIENCE LABORATORIES ARE FULLY EQUIPPED

_____


Because of lack of facilities during the past few years many important experiments were left out of the General Science course.

But now with the new laboratory all of the important laboratory experiments can be performed. The laboratory has five long desks each capable of holding six students. Each students’ desk has six drawers one for each period class. These desks were put in so the students can keep important papers pertaining to Science right in the laboratory.

A rolling blackboard and a screen for showing pictures are also part of the equipment. In the back of the laboratory is a cupboard where further equipment will be placed when it arrives from the Chicago Apparatus Company.

The instructor’s desk is supplied with water and gas so as to improve experiments.

R. A. E.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 5, c. 7)


Room Exchanges Made as 8th Graders Arrive

_____


Due to the eighth graders coming to the new high school, several teachers have changed their classrooms. Miss Lucille Walkup now has room 208, formerly occupied by Miss Aletha Herwig, who has moved to the music room. Room 103, originally Miss Walkup’s is now that of Warren E. Kasch. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 5, c. 7)


With the dedication of the new school a great opportunity has presented itself to the Brainonian staff, that of preparing a dedication edition. Usually a thing of this type is undertaken only by the city papers, and school papers have little or no hand it it, but through the courtesy of the Dispatch the Brainonian has been allowed extra space with which to present to its readers the high school students’ impressions of the new building.

The Brainonian, in addition to being most grateful to the Dispatch, wishes to show its great appreciation to the school board for making possible the new high school, the dedication of which we now celebrate.

To all others who in any way contributed to this issue the staff extends its most sincere thanks.

R. K.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1930, p. 4, c. 2)


NOTE: I believe the articles dated 28 January 1930 above and signed with initials were written by the staff of the Brainonian, which at that time, was the weekly student newspaper printed in the Brainerd Daily Dispatch.


23 November 1936. A $60,000 enlargement program to the rear of the Washington High School was disclosed today with word from the federal Public Works Administration that they approved a grant of $27,630 for the project. Balance of the funds were already approved by the school board. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 November 2016)


BRAINERD HOUSE

THE CITY RESTAURANT IMPROVE-

MENT.


Mr. Dennis McNannay, at his old City Restaurant stand, Front street, has substituted a splendid two-story hotel building in place of the big tent of old, and next week he will open for the accommodation of his many friends, and the public, a first-class hotel, which same our friend Mac knows just how to keep, in order to please and make comfortable his guests. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 August 1872, p. 1, c. 6)


Among the countless improvements now being made in our city, the new business house of Dennis McNannay, on Front street, deserves especial mention. He has adorned it with a beautiful cornice and it is now the nicest looking building in that block.

Our friend Mac, through his note-worthy industry and untiring energy as a citizen, has built a hotel that is a credit to our town, as well as an ornament to the street upon which it is located. His house is neat, convenient, clean, new, tidy in all its departments, is kept in good style, and is a house we can cordially recommend to the public. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 August 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


Brainerd House Ad, 21 September 1872.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

HOTEL FOR SALE—Our friend, D. McNannay, Esq., offers his hotel, the Brainerd House, for sale at a bargain. New house, well furnished, and one of the best business stands in the city. See advertisement. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 September 1872, p. 1, c. 7)


Mr. Geo. Evans has taken charge of the Brainerd House, on Front street, and will fit it up in good shape, thoroughly renovating and refitting it. The house will probably be closed until about July 1st. during which time it will be prepared to open out to the public in good style. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 June 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


Mrs. Burgess now has charge of the Brainerd House, on Front street. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 September 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


E. Curo, the man who has been running the Brainerd House, has jumped the country, leaving sundry unpaid debts, which together with the fact that he has sold mortgaged property make a complicated mess of it. The last named offense makes it a state’s prison job for him if he is found. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 September 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


Brainerd House Ad, 08 November 1883.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch

Bundy & Burns, proprietors of the Brainerd house, have a new advertisement in today’s issue. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 November 1883, p. 3, c. 1)


The proprietor of the Brainerd House had his pocket book stolen Sunday night. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 July 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


BRAINERD ICE COMPANY

TO HARVEST ICE.

_____


C. H. Paine Will Commence Putting in His

Supply Next Week at Rice

Lake.


C. H. Paine will have a crew of men at work next week at Rice Lake putting in his supply of ice for next summer. He stated today that the ice now is about fourteen inches thick and by next week, with this cold snap, the ice will be thick enough.

Peter Walters will also commence operations next week. He expects also, to put up a big supply of ice this year. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 December 1901)


THE ICE HARVEST IS NEARLY OVER.

_____


Ice Firms in the City Have Replen-

ished Their Houses for

Another Year.

_____


WHAT BRAINERD USES IN A YEAR

_____


C. H. Paine Has Put in About

3,500 Tons and Peter Walters

2,000 Tons.


This card, provided by the ice company, was placed in the window of a Brainerd Ice Company customer to let the delivery man know how much ice was requested. The card is two-sided and on the reverse shows 50, both the 25 and 50 relate to how many pounds of ice were being requested, ca. Unknown.
Source: Carl Faust

The ice harvest is about over and those who look forward to discomfiture on sweltering July days can breathe easier. While the people of the city do not think much about it now, when old mercury dances around the 100-in-the-shade point, “the iceman” will be the whole cheese.

There are two ice companies in the city and during the past two weeks they have been particularly active filling their houses with the icy substance. They have put in a good supply and taken altogether have harvested more this year than last.

C. H. Paine has put in the largest supply perhaps, but has not put in a great deal more than he had last year. He has 3,500 tons in his house near the bridge across the Mississippi and this he figures will run him through the year all right. Peter Walters who bought out the ice business of C. O. Beck has put up about 2,000 tons in his house.

These gentlemen are now busy putting in ice for other concerns such as the breweries, etc. and when they complete this work it is figured that Brainerd will have stored away something like 9,000 tons for use during the summer.

It might be interesting to note here that Brainerd uses considerable ice. With the 9,000 tons it will be seen that nearly a ton to a person in the city is used, which is about the average in New York city, which is supposed to hold the record of the world for the annual consumption of ice. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 January 1902)


For Sale


The Brainerd Ice company offer for sale their entire plant, together with the good will of the business. Sale must be made before Dec. 15, if sold this season, apply to:

C. H. PAINE or

P. WALTERS

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 November 1903, p. 3, c. 1)


TO COMMENCE ICE HARVEST.

_____


C. H. Paine and Peter Walters Will Put

Up Ice Again this Year—Getting

Ready for Work.


The same firm will put up ice again this winter from present indications.

Last year when C. H. Paine and Peter Walters started in to put up ice there was quite a kick on the part of some of the teamsters on the price that was being paid for hauling ice, and the agitation nearly resulted in the formation of a new company to engage in the business, but some of the men could not agree and the thing fell through. This year Messrs. Paine and Walters gave the same gentlemen a chance to “cut in” early, but it is understood that the project could not find support and so the old firm will get at it again to stock up.

They are getting their saws ready and will probably commence work about the first of the year. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 December 1903)


START HAULING ICE

_____


Brainerd Ice Company Will Commence to

Harvest the Annual Big Crop of Ice

Tomorrow Morning


Tomorrow morning the Brainerd Ice company will start to work putting in its annual ice crop. A large number of teams and men will be employed and it is likely that they will consume a week or two of time. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 January 1906, p. 3, c. 2)


HITCH A SPRINTER

_____


H. H. Hitch Caught Runaway Team

Belonging to Brainerd Ice Co.

After a Sharp Foot Race


Brainerd Ice Company wagon and team owned by Peter A. Stendal, ca. Unknown. A 1634x1110 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

H. H. Hitch established his reputation as a sprinter this afternoon. A team belonging to the Brainerd Ice Company came from the south of Sixth street and turned west on Laurel St. Mr. Hitch who was in his office in the Hoffman building saw them and running out succeeded in overtaking them and climbing into the rear of the wagon. After a short struggle he succeeded in pulling the team down, stopping them just east of Fifth street. This team has a fashion of lighting out for the ice house at every opportunity, but seem to be careful to avoid doing damage, as they have not had a smash up yet. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 October 1907, p. 3, c. 3)


The Brainerd Ice Company commenced hauling ice this morning to fill its ice house on west Laurel St. The ice is nearly 20 inches thick. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 January 1910, p. 2, c. 2)


SUITS FILED IN DISTRICT COURT

_____


BRAINERD ICE HOUSE IN COURT

_____


Charlotte E. Neal has sued R. J. Hartley, C. H. Paine and A. L. Hoffman, copartners doing business as the Brainerd Ice Co. for $1,000 damages. In her complaint she alleges that the ice company owns lots 1, 2 and 3 of block 53 of Brainerd. Mrs. Neal alleges she owns lots 7 to 12 inclusive and lots 19 to 24 inclusive of block 53.

She claims that the ice company, for a long time, has maintained on the lots named a storage ice house wrongfully, carelessly and negligently constructed and that the same is in great danger of falling down and collapsing, that it is dangerous and unsafe for the plaintiff and the public to pass in going to and upon her property.

The ice house, continues the complaint, is rotten and poorly constructed and to prevent the same from falling down a great number of props are placed against it, and that the outer ends of the props extend out into the public street, Laurel street, and that a part of the ice house is across a public alleyway used by the plaintiff and all other persons.

The props, says the complaint, are poles 50 or 60 feet long, one end fastened to the building near the eaves and the other end fastened to the ground by stakes, being buried therein, in the alley and Laurel street, about 30 or 40 feet from the building.

The complaint then concludes with the severe indictment that the ice house is a “ramble-shack structure, unsanitary, unsightly and a public nuisance.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 May 1914, p. 3, c. 3)


Ice cutting on Rice lake will commence Monday morning, when the Brainerd Ice Co. will put 15 men to work on the lake under Si Hall and 40 teams will commence hauling. It will take about eight days to harvest the ice, providing weather conditions are right. After the company ice houses are filled, smaller contracts will be attended. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 January 1916, p. 2, c. 3)


BRAINERD ICE CO. BUYS PEOPLE’S CO.

_____


Work of Putting up Season’s Supply

of Ice for Consolidated Con-

cern Will Begin Soon

_____


IN BUSINESS OVER 30 YEARS

_____


Has Seen the Coming and Going of

Five Other Ice Companies Dur-

ing that Period of Time


The Brainerd Ice Company has bought the business, good will, holdings and all the property of the People’s Ice Company, has taken the business over and on Monday morning will begin serving the customers of the latter company.

The Brainerd Ice Company has been doing business in Brainerd for more than 30 years and during that time has noted the passing of five other different ice companies, three of which went into the hands of receivers and two of which were bought outright by the local company.

With the acquisition of the equipment of the People’s Ice Company the Brainerd Ice company will be well equipped to serve the people as any ice concern in the state, the new house acquired being 50x130 and capable of holding 2,500 tons of ice, and is located on Bluff avenue west, only a short distance from the large house of the latter company which was rebuilt last season and put in first-class condition. Altogether about 4,000 tons of ice are marketed in the city of Brainerd during the season.

The work of putting up the 1917 crop will commence shortly and some 40 teams and 50 to 60 men will be employed. The ice is taken from Rice lake where the company has a modern, up-to-date outfit for handling the business. The state board of health has passed upon the quality of ice from this source, which has been the base of supply for many years, and pronounce it absolutely pure, two spring brooks running into and through the lake to the river.

The People’s Ice company started in business here a year or more ago and had worked up an amount of trade, but with the outgoing of the saloons, which were large consumers of ice, the business was not sufficiently attractive to keep two ice concerns in business and especially after the sale of their fuel business to the Winnor-Adams Lumber company.

The Brainerd Ice company will put three wagons on as soon as the delivery demands it and will take care of the customers of the ice company that has just gone out of business in the same courteous manner that has always characterized their business methods, and good service can be expected. Their office is now in the same building with the Farmers’ Produce company on Laurel street. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 January 1917, p. 5, c. 1)


COMMENCE ICE HARVEST

_____


Brainerd Ice Company Will Put 30 to

50 Men and Teams at Work

Monday Next


The Brainerd Ice company will begin the annual harvest of ice on Monday morning, Jan. 29, at which time a force of about 30 men and 40 teams will be put at work on the ice fields at Rice lake and employed in hauling the output to their ice houses where it will be stored away for consumption during the coming year. There will be something over 4,000 tons of ice cut and put up by this company. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 January 1917, p. 5, c. 1)


ICE CUTTING TO START IN JANUARY

_____


Thirty Teams Will be Engaged to

Haul the Product From Rice

Lake to Ice Houses

_____


SEASON’S CUT TO BE 4500 TONS

_____


Each Team Hauls From Five to Eight

Tons, Iced Road Prepared Like

a Logging Road


The Brainerd Ice Co’s. season of ice cutting starts at Rice lake on Monday, January 5. It will give employment to thirty teams and in this work farmers of the vicinity join with local teamsters in the business of ice hauling.

Teams haul from five to eight tons on a trip and the road is made an icy one and kept in shape like a logging thoroughfare. The hauling will consume about three weeks’ time, the cut amounting to 4,500 tons.

Mention is made early of the ice cutting so that farmers may list their names with the ice company. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 December 1919, p. 5)


NOTE: Peter J. Walters came to Brainerd in 1883, by 1888 he owned the Brainerd Ice Company, which he purchased from Benjamin Steele Mallory, date unknown, who had arrived in Brainerd in 1880. Peter A. Stendal came to Brainerd in 1883, worked for the N. P. Railroad for a while then purchased the Brainerd Ice Company from Walters, date unknown. Stendal operated the company for about ten years; by 1914 the Brainerd Ice Company was owned by R. J. Hartley, C. H. Paine and A. L. Hoffman. C. H. Paine allegedly was the founder of the Brainerd Ice Company, date unknown; he allegedly turned it over to his son, Eugene sometime in 1923, Eugene died on March 16, 1944. (Mallory obituary, Brainerd Dispatch, 04 May 1923; Walters obituary, Brainerd Journal Press, 06 September 1918; Stendal obituary, Brainerd Journal Press, 29 January 1943; C. H. Paine obituary, Brainerd Dispatch, July 1938)


Brainerd City Directories


1888-Ice Company, Peter J. Walters, residence, 263 E Maple Street

1903-Brainerd Ice Co., C. H. Paine & Peter J. Walters, 219 S 6th Street

1905-Brainerd Ice Co., C. H. Paine & Peter J. Walters, 219 S 6th Street

1907-Brainerd Ice Co., C. H. Paine & Peter J. Walters, 522 Laurel Street

1920-Brainerd Ice Co., General Mercantile & Investment Company, Proprietors, (A. T. Fisher, President, C. H. Paine, Secretary & Treasurer), 316 South Broadway [South Eighth Street]

1931-32-Brainerd Ice Co., Eugene W. Paine, 901 Laurel Street

1949-Brainerd Ice Co., 1402 ‘N’ Street, NE (Harold Smith, 1405 ‘N’ Street, NE)

1951-Brainerd Ice Co., Harold Smith, 1405 ‘N’ Street, NE

1953-Brainerd Ice Co., David C. Smith, 1405 ‘N’ Street, NE


1956-No listing for any ice company. (David C. Smith, 1405 ‘N’ Street, NE)

1959-No listing for any ice company. (1405 is not listed on ‘N’ Street, NE and David C. Smith is not listed.)


An ice company coupon card issued by the City Ice Company and signed by Fred Pikula, 11 October 1938. A 960x552 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Robert Lindberg
Peerless Ice Company, also known as the City Ice Company, operated by Martin Pikula and his son, Fred, ca. 1930’s.
Source: Anissa Hudson

NOTE: In the 1930’s-1940’s, Peerless Ice Company also known as the City Ice Company was operated by Martin Pikula and his son, Fred.


HOW YOUR SUMMER’S SUPPLY OF NATURAL ICE IS HARVESTED;

35 MEN ON JOB AT RICE LAKE PUTTING UP 5,000 TONS

_____


The following series of pictures takes Daily Dispatch readers, step-by-step, through the various operations of the ice harvest. This activity, now underway at Rice lake by the Brainerd Ice company, is depicted from the time equipment moves on the scene until the finished block, shaved of all honey-combed snow, is buried in sawdust in the huge warehouse on the shore.

More than 5,000 tons are being put up giving employment to about 35 men, about 20 of whom were on the lake in the various operations with the remainder burying the huge blocks in sawdust in the warehouse or under protective heat-resistant covering on the outside of the storehouse.

Cutting ice on Rice Lake, 30 January 1937.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Circular saw, its engineer propelling the blade mounted on skids and towed by a truck, perforates long narrow strips of ice (see picture No. 2) to a depth of about 12 inches. These perforations run for a distance of several blocks and are spaced about 12 inches apart. Operating the saw is Louis Eide.

Cutting ice on Rice Lake, 30 January 1937.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Manpower swings into action in the second operation. Sawing the long narrow perforations into blocks of about 30 inches length. A long single-handed saw, as shown in the hands of Clarence Wayt, is brought into place with pry bars such as Louis Paulson holds used to pry the perforations apart breaking the ice through its entire depth. Note open water in background from which ice already has been taken.

Cutting ice on Rice Lake, 30 January 1937.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Broken loose from the main body of ice, the huge blocks measuring about six feet log but sawed partially through at a length of about 30 inches is pried into the open water. There, workmen with pike poles and pry bars feed the blocks into the open channel to keep the ice moving toward the conveyor machinery in the background.

Cutting ice on Rice Lake, 30 January 1937.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Separated into lengths of about 30 inches each, the blocks move into the open water and onto a platform carried by the endless chain conveyor system which dips into the water to lift the cake onto the conveyor platform. M. E. Sundquist and E. W. McCollough are shown directing the blocks on the conveyor belt.

Cutting ice on Rice Lake, 30 January 1937.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Up the chute go the blocks on the endless conveyor attachment at a rate of about 14 a minute. Midway up the conveyor is a shaving device which chips about 10 inches of ice honey-combed by snow from the top of the block. The finished block of pure, natural ice then tumbles onto a platform in the huge warehouse on the shore. The blocks measure about 22x30x24 inches and are stored away for distribution to consumers of natural ice in the summer. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 January 1937)


BRAINERD JUNIOR COLLEGE

TO VOTE ON COLLEGE

_____


Junior College Proposal Up on Primary Ballot

_____


Electors Also Will Vote On Issuance of Bonds for

Erection of Two Grade School Buildings

_____


Citizens of Brainerd will vote in the primary election, June 20, on whether or not to authorize the board of education to construct a junior college building in Brainerd, according to action taken at a meeting of that board here last night. The question will appear on the ballot together with another proposition on which citizens of the city will vote on whether or not to authorize issuance of bonds with which to raise money for the construction of two grade school buildings in Brainerd.

The question of the junior college, long urged in Brainerd by many citizens will come directly before taxpayers at the election, school board officers said. A two-thirds majority of all votes cast in the election is necessary before the school board can go ahead with plans to build the junior college.

The election, of course, will not force the board to construct the junior college building but will empower them to do it if the board sees fit when two-thirds of the voters vote “yes” on the question. A two-thirds majority of all votes cast is necessary with a ballot unmarked for that question counting as a negative vote.

The grade school bond question requires only a majority of votes cast on that particular question, it is said by officers of the district. The two propositions will be on separate blanks in the election as there is no relation between the two proposed improvements in Brainerd’s school set-up.

Need for the grade buildings has long been felt in the city with present school buildings for grade students becoming obsolete and, in some cases, dangerously overcrowded. The new buildings would alleviate that condition and bring the grade school plant more nearly on a par with Brainerd’s new high school facilities. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 April 1938, p. 1, c. 8)


SCHOOL BOND ISSUE PUT UP

_____


$250,000 Asked To Replace Old Buildings Here

_____


Voters Will decide Question at Primary Election;

If Passed Will Build Two, Perhaps Three New Schools.

_____


[...]


To Vote on College

The board, it was said, plans to secure the money for the issue from the state board of investment where a very low interest rate can be secured. Immediate work on securing the PWA grant from the federal government will also be on the board’s agenda.

The question of the bond issuance for the new grade buildings will appear on the regular county ballot, along with another question previously decided to be placed on the ballot. In this other question voters will be asked to authorize the school board to establish a junior college in the city. No new building is necessarily involved in the establishment of a junior college. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 April 1938, p. 1, c. 8)


NOTE: The Public Works Administration (PWA), part of the New Deal of 1933, was a large-scale public works construction agency in the United States headed by Secretary of the Interior Harold L. Ickes. It was created by the National Industrial Recovery Act in June 1933 in response to the Great Depression. It built large-scale public works such as dams, bridges, hospitals, and schools. Its goals were to spend $3.3 billion in the first year, and $6 billion in all, to provide employment, stabilize purchasing power, and help revive the economy. Most of the spending came in two waves in 1933-35, and again in 1938. Originally called the Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works, it was renamed the Public Works Administration in 1935 and shut down in 1944. The PWA spent over $6 billion in contracts to private construction firms that did the actual work. It created an infrastructure that generated national and local pride in the 1930s and remains vital seven decades later.


BRAINERD LUMBER COMPANY MAIN OFFICE BUILDING / VAN’S CAFE

Brainerd Lumber Company Main Office Building aka Van’s Cafe, moved to the northeast corner of 6th and Washington, ca. 1895.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Before it was moved in 1906 to become Van’s Cafe, the Brainerd Lumber Company’s main office building stood on the northeast corner of Mill Avenue and Walker Street (now “Q” Street).


The Brainerd Lumber Company is an industry second in importance only to the Northern Pacific shops. It is one of the finest lumbering properties in the state. The capacity of the mill (in 1900) is "from fifty to fifty-five million feet per annum, with an average daily shipment of twenty cars of lumber." From 450 to 500 men are employed during the sawing season, and about 600 men in the woods in the winter. By 1905 the available supply of logs has dwindled to such an extent that the company is obliged to withdraw its mills, and move.... This action marks the passing of a great industry.... (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 46)


In 1900 the Brainerd Lumber Company owns a controlling interest in the railroad to the north, the Minnesota and International Railway. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 46)


The mills of the Brainerd Lumber Company in this city close down tonight with the sound of the whistle and the work of sawing logs for the season of 1901 will be at an end. Something like 500 men will go to the woods for the winter where wages are very good. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, Sunday, 11 November 2001)


By 1906 the last part of the Brainerd Lumber Company had been dismantled and moved away. After only thirteen years from the day of its beginning every vestige of that industry had been obliterated. The vacant office building stood there for awhile as a silent sentinel. A Brainerd "chef" purchased it in 1908. He moved it intact and set it over the basement excavation on North Sixth and Main started in 1888 by C. F. Kindred for his projected second Villard Hotel. The building was redressed, but it still retains its general appearance, even though the main floor has been converted into a restaurant and the top floor into living quarters. Today [1946], remodeled in modernistic style, it is known as Van's Cafe [Sawmill Inn after 1982]. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 65)


C. F. Kindred will commence the erection of a hotel on the vacant lots opposite the former Villard site immediately. The lower floor will be made into store rooms and we understand that they have already been spoken for. Ed. Mahan has the plans and specifications. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 April 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


Throwing Dirt Lively.


Excavating for a new block at the corner of Main and Sixth streets was commenced Tuesday morning and a large force of men are at work. It has not been given out definitely whether the building is intended for a business block or a hotel but the probabilities are that it will be used for the latter purpose. It is also stated that it will be built with a view of starting a bank on the lower floor. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 May 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


C. F. Kindred has sold the stone which he had hauled to build the new block to the parties who are rebuilding the burned district. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 July 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


NOTE: The three articles above refer to the basement excavation on North Sixth and Main started in 1888 by C. F. Kindred for his projected second Villard Hotel mentioned by Zapffe above. It would appear that the excavation hole remained open for twenty years before the move below occurred.


SEE: Villard Hotel


Mill Business Brisk.


[...]


The company is building a new office on the corner of their property near the street car track, which, when completed, will be a very unique affair. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 May 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


Big Mill Company Office to be Moved Down to City and Made Into a Restaurant


C. D. Herbert’s Lunch Room, unknown waitress, ca. 1910’s, the small sign hanging below EAT says "Tables for Ladies."
Source: Nancy Silvernail

C. D. Herbert has purchased the office building formerly occupied by the Brainerd Lumber Company, in East Brainerd and will move it down town and onto the lots at the corner of Main and Sixth streets recently leased by him from Mrs. Mary Howe and will fit it up into a first class restaurant on the first floor and will have his residence up stairs. A. Everett will move the building. This will be a large undertaking and amount to more than the purchase price of the building which was at a decided bargain. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 August 1908, p. 2)


The work of erecting, or rather re-erecting the building purchased by C. D. Herbert for a restaurant, commenced yesterday. Francis Britton has the contract and expects to have the building ready for occupancy in about two weeks. The Slipp-Gruenhagen Co. also has a crew of men at work connecting the building with the Sixth street sewer. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 November 1908, p. 2)


SEE: Gruenhagen Block


C. D. Herbert has a crew of men working on the re-erection of the building he purchased from Mrs. Francis Britton. It required considerable work to take this building down and move it from North Mill street to the corner of Sixth and Main streets, but “Dick” will have a fine restaurant when it is finished and will no doubt do a good business. He contemplates fitting the second story into modern rooms, with bath, hot and cold water, to accommodate transient trade. (Brainerd Arena, 06 November 1908, p. 5)


LUNCH COUNTER HERE

_____


G. G. Hartley, Duluth, Had Evidently

Not Visited Dick Herbert’s

Place


When G. G. Hartley, of Duluth, delivered an address on Northern Pacific grain service and said the traveler could get no sandwiches or coffee at Brainerd, he had evidently not visited Dick Herbert’s lunch room but 100 feet from the railway station where sandwiches galore, hot coffee, chicken dinners, etc., are constantly on hand.

Mr. Herbert has a big electric sign “EAT,” on his two story place of business and at train time also hammers a gong audible for a quarter mile. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 January 1917, p. 5, c. 1)


MORNING FIRE

_____


Basement Fire Raged at Dick Herbert

Building North of

Tracks


The two-story frame building previously occupied by Dick Herbert as his lunch room, located north of the Northern Pacific depot, was discovered on fire at 5:30 in the morning by George W. Grewcox of the post office force. He gave the alarm and the fire was confined to the basement and checked. There is no tenant in the building at present. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 July 1919, p. 5, c. 4)


DEPOT LUNCH ROOM

_____


George Russell and Harry Bayer Have

Leased Building and Put in

New Equipment


The depot lunch room formerly conducted by Dick Herbert has been leased by George Russell and Harry Bayer, who under the firm name of Russell & Bayer will operate the cafe.

At the depot lunch room exterior and interior has been nicely painted, effecting a great transformation in appearance. New furniture and fixtures were bought through the Northern Home Furnishing Company.

Six rooms on the second floor have been elegantly furnished with all conveniences and will be used as sleeping rooms.

On the restaurant floor there will be a general lunch counter, tables for those desiring the same and a private dining room for ladies. The grand opening will be of an informal nature and will take place either the latter part of this week or early the week of August 15th. Messrs Russell & Bayer are to be commended for their business activity and enterprise. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 August 1920, p. 5, c. 4)


N. P. LUNCH ROOM


Opens Under New Management And

Will Hereafter be Known as

“Van’s Lunch Room”


Van’s Cafe showing the slightly modified office building, ca. 1928.
Source: Van Essen Family Archives

Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Van Essen who have been connected with the N. P. lunch room for the past three years will continue to run this establishment. They have taken over the interests of DeRocher Brothers who are now operating the New Brainerd Cafe and expect to see many new patrons and friends.

Mr. Van Essen states that there will be some changes in prices as well as additions to the menus. “Van’s Lunch Room” will serve nothing but the best of eats and assures their many friends the best of quality and service at all times. Saturday’s Dispatch will advertise their special Sunday dinners. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 January 1925)


VAN’S LUNCH ROOM IMPROVED

_____


Completely Redecorated and Re-

modeled and Made

Beautiful Place

_____


NEW LIGHTING INSTALLED

_____


Cafe Seats 35 People, Private Dining

Ideal for Private

Parties


The interior of Van’s Lunch Room, corner of 6th and Main Streets, has been completely redecorated and remodeled. The walls and ceilings have been refinished in a white enamel with a French grey enamel trimming to match. The new inlaid linoleum which has also been installed, has a tile effect which also matches the interior of the cafe.

New 18 inch Trojan lights have been installed which makes the cafe an attractive place to dine. The cafe has a seating capacity for 35 people. The private dining room is an ideal place for private parties, there being a piano, radio, and phonograph for the patrons entertainment. The room is large enough for parties up to 20 and is open to the public.

Upstairs there are six desirable rooms which have been redecorated and are rented out at reasonable rates.

Mr. and Mrs. Van Essen have been successful in the catering business in the past and they hope that the improvements will do much to increase their business this summer. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 May 1926, p. 7, c. 4)


IMPROVES LUNCH ROOM

_____


Decorations and Remodeling of

Van’s Estimated Over $500

by Proprietor


Interior of Van's Cafe in the early 1930's. The kitchen is in back. The counter was moved to make room for more tables and the décor has been tastefully redone. Note the large selection of cigars for sale. A 2804x1875 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: John Van Essen

Decorations and remodeling to Van’s Lunch Room corner of Main and Sixth streets completed this week was estimated today by Clarence Van Essen, proprietor to cost over $500.

The renovations include improvements throughout kitchen and dining room with landscaping effects of forest, and sunset scenes on the walls to harmonize with the tan and green color scheme. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 May 1928, p. 7, c. 2)


VAN ESSEN BUYS QUARTER OF BLOCK

MAIN AND SIXTH

_____


Consummation of a deal whereby C. C. Van Essen acquires the property in which his cafe is located, together with adjoining property, from P. A. Erickson, was announced today.

The sale involved $12,000 it was said.

Real estate involved includes the two-story building housing Van’s cafe, and two smaller buildings facing on Washington street.

Remodeling of the two-story structure is planned by Van Essen to begin the latter part of February. He plans to enlarge the private dining room so as to accommodate larger private parties, install booths and a large glass front together with other improvements.

These plans are tentative, Van Essen said.

Located as the property is at the convergence of four major highways, which will bring trade together with the business he now enjoys. Van Essen believes that the improved property will not only encourage new business, but will enhance the architectural lines of the city. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 January 1933, p. 2, c. 3)


WORLD’S FAIR INSPIRES DESIGN OF CAFE

________________________


NEWLY REMODELED ENLARGED VAN’S

CAFE MODELED AFTER MODERNISTIC

MOTIF OF WORLD’S FAIR STRUCTURES

_________


Even before the world’s fair in Chicago had officially opened but when the modernistic motif began to take shape in the early construction stages of the international exposition, the inspiration had been provided for the remodeling and enlargement of Van’s cafe, now completed in its every detail and open for public inspection.

Patterned after the world’s fair structures, in modernistic design throughout, the newly enlarged cafe carries out the architectural theme throughout.


Finished in Cream

Van’s Cafe at the northeast corner of 6th and Washington, ca 1933.
Source: Postcard, Van Essen Family Archives

Its exterior, transcending from the semi-gabled roof with cupolas, to the cornice and side walls, is of the latest design in architecture, modernistic in vogue and application.

Finished in a cream stucco, the building rises in prominence by virtue of its design. It has an asbestos roof of colored and ornamental shingles transcending down to the cornice that folds into the walls.

Five metal strips, dressed in duco finish, surround the building to emphasize the modernistic touch. The five are approximately six inches in width and are finished in black.

To complete the color effect, a two foot black vitriolite strip appears at the base. The color is harmonious and welcome, carrying out the theme in appealing design.

Adding to the exterior significance are sand-blasted windows of modernistic design with horizontal windows in the side walls.

Ornamental awnings complete the exterior design.

The windows are decorated with chromium, adding to the attractiveness.


Interior in Tiffany

Nearly doubling the seating capacity on the interior, the foyer opens on a clever arrangement of tables at the left. If you choose, booths are available to your right. It is a sort of horseshoe shape with a half partition separating booths from the tables and lunch counter. In the middle, the service counter finds at its back the beer and soda fountain and equipment for handling pastries, etc.

The cashier’s desk is at the front, meeting both sides of the service accommodations.

The interior walls are colorfully depicted in tiffany, blended in drapes at the windows of red with the customary shades of kindred hue.

Standing nearly 4 feet high, is a strip of paneling. The paneling and wainscoting are of birch, carried out in artistic and modernistic style.

Expressive lighting effects are found throughout and ceiling fans add comfort for the summer patron. Etched mirrors also are found at the door.

Another feature of comfort and convenience is the washed air cooling system which changes the air in the interior at regular intervals insuring crisp, fresh air at all times.


Second Floor Modernistic

With the cafe occupying the entire ground floor, a look into the upstairs finds eight bed rooms, a living room and two bathrooms. The second floor, likewise, is carried out in modernistic vogue, emphasized in the trim of the interior walls, lighting fixtures and other appointments.

Electrical devices are stressed in other commodious equipment. Four large compressors generate refrigeration for the large vegetable storage vault, the beer and soda fountains and the all service refrigerator. All are powered by electricity. (The Brainerd Daily Dispatch, Saturday, 26 August 1933, p. 5 , c.’s 1 & 2)


OWNER DEVELOPS CAFE FROM SMALL

LUNCH COUNTER TO ONE OF FINEST

EATING PLACES IN NORTHWEST AREA

___________


In developing Van’s cafe to a point where it has become known throughout the United States, being a popular eating place for tourists as well as for an established local clientele, C. C. Van Essen has stressed service and congeniality.

Mr. Van Essen assumed ownership of the cafe, then a small lunch room of about one-fourth the present size and boasting of only a lunch counter, in 1924. Since that time he has gradually expanded the business until it had outlived its size and development was necessary to take care of the fast growing throngs that frequented Van’s cafe for their meals.

It was in 1916 that Mr. Van Essen first came to Brainerd. He was sent here as manager of the F. W. Woolworth store. He remained here for one year and then was transferred to F. W. Woolworth Co. at Kenosha, Wis., where he remained until 1921.

Then it was that he entered the restaurant business, becoming associated with his father-in-law, M. DeRocher, in the operation of the lunch counter. In 1924, Mr. Van Essen purchased the business and immediately expanded it, adding new fixtures and otherwise modernizing it.

Since 1924, the cafe has gradually outgrown its size, winning a high class clientele by virtue of its fine foods and excellent service. He expanded the place in recent years until expansion was inevitable. He then purchased the real estate and immediately began plans for the development that now is being heralded as the finest in the Northwest.

Mr. Van Essen is married and has three children. Mrs. Van Essen was the former Miss Clare DeRocher, who married in January 1917. (The Brainerd Daily Dispatch, Saturday, 26 August 1933, p. 5 , c.’s 4, 5, 6, 7)


BRAINERD MODEL LAUNDRY

Located at 214 South Eighth Street (aka South Broadway).


BRAINERD MODEL LAUNDRY COMPANY

_____


New Industry for Brainerd Opened

for Business on Monday Morn-

ing, January 5th

_____


DESCRIPTION OF THE LAUNDRY

_____


Every Piece of Machinery in this Most

Modern Plant is Motor Driven,

Inspection Invited


After nearly nine months work, in the building and plant of the Brainerd Model Laundry company, is about completed, and the laundry will open for business on January 5th, 1914, giving to Brainerd and Crow Wing county the most up-to-date laundry plant in northern Minnesota. The plant represents an investment of over $20,000, exclusive of the building which is being erected by the Slipp-Gruenhagen company.

As is well known, the Brainerd Model Laundry company is made up of Brainerd men, as follows: W. A. Barrows, Jr., Pres., Carl Zapffe, V. P., J. E. Rotthaus, Sec. and Treas., and D. L. Fairchild, whose summer home is at St. Colombo, Gull lake.

Brainerd Model Laundry equipment, 05 January 1914. A 746x1101 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

The power plant, both steam and electrical, was furnished by R. B. Woltacre & Co., of St. Paul, and the laundry machinery by the Troy Laundry Machinery Co., Chicago, Ill., the largest independent manufactory of this class of equipment in the world. Aside from these two contracts, the wood and material has, almost without exception, been handled through local merchants and contractors, resulting in the expenditure of thousands of dollars in the city of Brainerd during the past few months, and giving employment to many residents of the city.

The officials of the laundry have, at various times, visited practically every modern laundry plant in the Twin Cities and Duluth, looking for new ideas. Wm. C. Marks, the superintendent of the plant, was formerly in charge of a portion of the home plant of the Davis Laundry Co. at Cleveland, Ohio, the most up-to-date plant in the U. S. All the modern ideas thus obtained have been embodied in the laundry just completed. The word “modern” usually conveys, to the ordinary mortal, an idea of increased cost for something supposedly up-to-date. In the laundry world, however, the contrary is true. Modernity in the laundry plant means labor saving, non-destructive machinery, with every safeguard to life and limb. The profit on this expensive machinery comes not alone with the increased output, but with the satisfied customers and employees. If this were not true, the modern laundry would not exist, and the Chinaman would still be moistening your yellow collars with saliva, as in the days of yore.

A plant of this nature is a novelty in this vicinity, and we believe that a brief description of some of the more important operations would prove interesting.

On the ground floor are located a battery of four washing machines, motor driven. Any one of these, in 75 minutes, can wash 150 shirts, which is one of the reasons why a laundry can do your washing cheaper and better than it can be done in the home.

From the washers, the laundry goes to the “extractors,” of which there are two. These are centrifugal wringers, revolving at 1500 revolutions per minute and drawing the water from the clothing without any strain whatever. These machines, of which there are two, are motor driven. In fact, every piece of machinery in the plant is motor driven.

A 5-roll flat-work ironer, or ironing machine, is located on this floor. Sheets, towels, napkins, etc., are fed between steam heated rolls and ironed in a few seconds.

To the rear of the ground floor stands what is known as a dry room tumbler, wherein great heat and strong air drafts, in combination with the “tumbling” motion, dry and sterilize woolen garments, leaving them soft and fluffy as when new. This machine is the “last word” in laundry science, and is the only one of its kind in this section of the country.

On the second, or finishing, floor are located the various finishing machines such as collar and cuff ironer, edge smoother, neck band and yoke press, cuff press, collar and cuff dampener, collar starcher, collar shaper, seam dampener. It will be noted that each machine is designed to do just one thing: for example, the Floran seam dampener is an elaborate little machine to dampen the seams on collars to allow turning in ironing without breaking the fibre of the collar.

The collar and cuff ironer, installed at a cost of nearly $700, does nothing except, as its name indicates, to iron collars and cuffs, which is done by means of a number of steam heated rolls. This floor is fairly crowded with specially designed machinery, but space will not permit of a detailed description.

In the matter of sanitation and the comfort of its employees, the plant is also a “model” one. The building is amply lighted from all sides: a large ventilating fan causes a change of air every two minutes in the was room; all machines are properly safeguarded; individual lockers are provided for employees; employees are obliged to use individual towels; each floor is provided with three exits, so that the fire danger is eliminated. The management feels that an employee can only do his best work when he is in harmony with his work and his employer, and that this co-operation can only be brought about by sanitary conditions and humane treatment.

The exterior of the building is pleasing to the eye. The front is of red pressed brick with stone trimmings. With its elevated front windows, and the neat little gold-and-black sign by the door, it looks more like a city club or private residence than a busy industrial enterprise. In fact, throughout the entire plant, there is an absence of gaudy display; simplicity and good taste are everywhere apparent.

The company’s delivery wagon, gray in color, shows on its sides the company’s slogan, “The Model Way.” The horse is iron gray.

As has been previously stated, at least ten people will be employed at the start, which force will later be regulated by the trade conditions. These employees, almost without exception, are Brainerd residents.

The laundry company owns the property adjoining the laundry building on the south, which property will be parked next spring. The property is being reserved for possible future additions to the present plant.

Superintendent Marks extends to the citizens of Brainerd and Crow Wing county a hearty invitation to visit the plant any afternoon. It is a novelty in this vicinity and well worth the hour or two it takes to see the machinery in operation. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 January 1914, p. 4, c.’s 1-4)


NOTE: The Brainerd Model Laundry was providing steam heat for the Whitney Funeral Home in October 1915. Whitney was located at 720 Front Street, the lot next west of the parking lot on the southwest corner of Front and South Eighth Streets.


SEE: Losey & Dean Undertakers


THE BUILDING HOUSING LAUNDRY

_____


Erected at 212 South Broadway by

the Slipp-Gruenhagen Co., Owners

of the Structure

_____


RED BRICK & STONE TRIMMING

_____


Front on South Broadway is of Pressed-

ed Brick—The Suites of Flats

on Third Floor


Slipp-Gruenhagen Co., the owners of the building housing the Brainerd Model Laundry Co., situated at 212 South Broadway, erected the same, the work being done under the supervision of Ernest Husemann, a well known and efficient building contractor of this city.

All hardware and similar supplies were furnished by and the roofing, etc., done by the Slipp-Gruenhagen Co. The electric wiring, a most difficult piece of work, was very satisfactorily done by the Slipp-Gruenhagen Co., who also furnished considerable electrical supplies.

The building has a large commodious ground floor and this and the next floor are occupied by the Brainerd Model Laundry company.

On the third floor the Slipp-Gruenhagen Co. has planned and is completing six suites of flats, being two 2-room, two 4-room and two 5-room suites. So popular have these been, that even before completion, the entire six suites have been rented to tenants who are ready to move in as soon as they are in shape for tenancy.

Of fumed oak, birch floors throughout, and provided with all possible conveniences, these flats are ideal homes, situated in the heart of the city. Especial attention was paid to the floors to make them perfectly sound-proof. Heavy sheets of deadening felt were used.

In the construction of the building and in the material used preference was given in every possible way to Brainerd labor and Brainerd material.

The Dower Lumber Co. has the contract supplying the laundry company with coal.

E. H. Husemann of this city, supervised construction work. He is a local contractor who does very good work.

J. C. Clausen, of Brainerd, built the sorting tables, sorting racks, pressing tables and counters used.

H. W. Congdon did the inside painting and decorating and gold leaf sign work. Curtis & Weaver the large sign painting. Hagberg Brothers the brick laying.

The Mahlum Lumber Co. furnished the lumber used in the building and this firm, as usual, maintained its reputation for supplying the best the market afforded.

Brainerd brick were used to a large extent, the red building kind being furnished by David Ebinger, whose brick yards are in Northeast Brainerd.

The building is a credit to the city and Slipp-Gruenhagen are to be complimented in their efforts to build up Brainerd. They have shown their faith in Brainerd and its permanency by constructing a building which is the equal of any laundry building in Duluth, St. Paul or Minneapolis. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 January 1914, p. 4, c. 4)


SEE: Ebinger Brickyard


MIRACULOUSLY ESCAPE DEATH

_____


Runaway Team of Brainerd Model

Laundry Tears Down Front

Street this Afternoon

_____


HUGO KAATZ WAS IN THE PATH

_____


Runs His Car into Curb, Scares Team

to the Side Just Missing His

Two Children


A miraculous escape from instant death occurred this afternoon in front of the H. P. Dunn drug store when Hugo A. Kaatz, leaping from his car which he had run into the curb, waved his hands at the dashing runaway team of the Brainerd Model Laundry Co. and shied them to the side of the car, where they tore past, just grazing his little son, Richard, aged a year and a half and Bernice, aged 3, who stood laughing in the front seat and wondering why their father was waving his hands so frantically.

The team started from near the laundry and with the heavy weight dragging, they surged west on Front street. The laundry wagon upset in the commotion and laundry bags and bundles flew broadcast.

From Seventh and Front they meandered about the street, sometimes on the walk and near the curb and shortly after almost colliding with Mr. Kaatz’s car they were brought to a stop. The tongue of the wagon was split. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 October 1914, p. 7, c.’s 3 & 4)


JOSEPH RUBIN NEW MANAGER

_____


Former Head of Elk Laundry, St.

Paul, Succeeds J. E. Rotthaus at

Brainerd Model Laundry

_____


LAUNDRY HAS A BIG BUSINESS

_____


Serves Over 80 Towns Within a Radi-

us of 400 Miles From Brainerd

—Has 40 Employees


Joseph Rubin, formerly with the Elk Laundry, St. Paul, yesterday took charge of the Brainerd Model Laundry, succeeding J. E. Rotthaus as manager. Mr. Rubin has had experience in the laundry business in conjunction with J. Claire Stone, recognized as one of the liveliest wires in St. Paul business circles. Mr. Rubin comes to Brainerd with improvements in mind, which it is anticipated, will put the Brainerd Model Laundry in line with the best laundries in the state.

Previous to entering the business field, Mr. Rubin was an instructor of commercial subjects and a successful athletic coach of several of the best prep schools in the country, among these being the Morgan Park Military Academy of Chicago, the Lawrence Academy of Groton, Mass. Mr. Rubin has traveled widely, having completed his high school course at Redlands, California, attended college at Bowdoin in Brunswick Maine.

The Brainerd Model Laundry, which has not yet been in operation three years, has assisted Brainerd’s growth in a material way. It handles laundry from over 80 towns, within a radius of 400 miles of Brainerd. The company ships and receives more express than any other Brainerd concern. From 30 to 40 people are employed by this company regularly.

As announced in these columns several weeks ago, the company recently installed a complete dry cleaning plant, including a small fireproof building. This department is in charge of O. J. Bouma, of Minneapolis, a past master at the subtle art of dry cleaning.

Mr. Rubin comes to this community with the reputation of a 24-karat hustler and will no doubt give a good account of himself here. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 December 1916, p. 4, c. 4)


Fire animation On 24 July 1919 $10,000 worth of damage was done to the Slipp-Gruenhagen building which housed the Brainerd Model Laundry and several apartments on South Eighth Street. The fire jumped the firewall and burned the apartments above the Model Laundry causing severe losses to the tenants.


SEE: 1919 Model Laundry Company Building Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


STILL OVER AT MODEL LAUNDRY

_____


Big Copper Still With Worm and

Everything, and a Capacity of

30 Gallons an Hour

_____


OLD-TIMERS INSPECT IT THERE

_____


Government Agent Notified, Still

Distills Gasoline for Further

Cleaning of Clothes


There was a flutter among the old-timers today when it became noised about that there was a copper still in town with a capacity of 50 gallons an hour. Big as life, made of copper, with a worm and everything, it looked fully capable of turning out that much, and it was being installed in the Brainerd Model Laundry.

O. J. Bouma, manager of the laundry, when seen, said the government agents had been notified and a permit or license would soon be secured.

It will be used to distill gasoline, taking out all the impurities and making it possible to use that liquid several times in the cleaning of the clothes, etc.

Mr. Bouma said the laundry was gaining a wide reputation for careful work and good results in cleaning clothes, rugs, carpets, etc. and that business was increasing every day. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 November 1919, p. 5, c. 2)


CHANGE AT THE MODEL LAUNDRY

_____


Management Transferred from the

Original Owners of Brainerd

Model Laundry to

_____


E. F. AND O. MEYER, ST. CLOUD

_____


Meyer Brothers Have Been Engaged

in Laundry Business in St.

Cloud Nearly 25 Years


Today the management of the Brainerd Model Laundry was transferred from the original owners to E. F. Meyer and Oscar Meyer, of St. Cloud.

When the Model Laundry was first built in 1913, it was equipped with modern machinery and was made a pleasant place to work in, and Brainerd was enabled to boast of the nicest and best plant in the state outside of the three largest cities. Brainerd had never had an up-to-date laundry and business had to be built up from virtually nothing. Many obstacles had to be overcome and many difficulties were gradually surmounted, but since that time probably the most important move has now been made when these two experienced laundry-men were procured. Besides laundry, the Model Laundry also does dry cleaning, dyeing and rug-cleaning, and only a few weeks ago a water softener system was set up to enable better work.

E. F. Meyer and Oscar Meyer are brothers and have been engaged in the laundry business in St. Cloud for nearly a quarter century. Other brothers of theirs operate laundries in Wahpeton and Minot. These two men will always give the business their personal supervision and the best of workmanship appears assured. Mr. Oscar Meyer has already established his home here.

The present name of the plant will be continued, but hereafter, beginning with November 15th the business will be conducted on a cash basis, which has become the custom in most places.

The Model Laundry has been one of Brainerd’s big industries, more so than most people have realized. The experience and ability of the Meyer brothers as launderers and cleaners will raise not only the standard of the workmanship but also the importance of this industry locally. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 November 1920, p. 5, c. 2)


A petition was received from a party of business owners in the city complaining on the smoke caused from the smoke stack of the Brainerd Model Laundry, the smoke stack being in poor condition, it was stated. The city engineer was instructed to handle the matter. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 June 1926, p. 7, c. 1)


Stokers at Model Laundry


City Engineer Campbell reported that the smoke stack of the Model Laundry which had caused smoke bother would be removed with the installation of stokers. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 July 1926, p. 7, c. 1)


NOTE: This building, in 2016, houses the new Last Turn Saloon (second) which was established in 1996.


SEE: Last Turn Saloon


BRAINERD SASH & DOOR FACTORY / KAMPMANN & SONS

Located at 709-711 South Tenth Street.


BRAINERD SASH AND DOOR FACTORY

_____


International Falls People Start an

Industry in Brainerd and In-

corporate the Same

_____


CAPITAL STOCK IS $25,000.00

_____


Site To Be on South Tenth Street Near

St. Paul Tracks of the Northern

Pacific Railway


The Brainerd Sash and Door company has been incorporated by International Falls people with a capital stock of $25,000, Brainerd to be the principal place of business.

A site for a factory has been secured on South Tenth street near the St. Paul tracks of the Northern Pacific railway. The papers were drawn up in Brainerd and were signed by Attorney W. H. Crowell, Miss Lillian E. Smith and Attorney C. A. Russell.

Mr. Russell was not at liberty to announce the names of the actual incorporators at this time. One of them has already bought a house and lot in Brainerd and will soon remove his family here. The annual meeting of the stockholders will be held on May 9. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 April 1914, p. 3, c. 2)


FAVORS SMITH LANDS FOR PARK


[...]


W. H. Crowell mentioned the acquisition of a new industry in Brainerd, the sash and door factory financed by International Falls capitalists and of which John Zeta was the principal stockholder. Mr. Zeta had been in business in Montana and International Falls. He had bought the four lots where the old grist mill had stood on South Tenth street and expected to employ 50 men when the factory was running full blast. He had bought two lots on the north side and expected to build a $5,000 residence. Mr. Zeta had examined Crosby, as well as many other towns as a prospective point to locate his factory and then decided on Brainerd as being the best center for shipping in raw material and for distributing the finished product. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 May 1914, p. 3, c. 1)


BRAINERD SASH AND DOOR FACTORY

_____


Construction of a Building 50 by 100

Feet, Three Stories High Has

Been Started

_____


EQUIP WITH $15,000 MACHINERY

_____


John Zeta is President and C. A.

Brown, Secretary-Treasurer of

the Corporation


The Brainerd Sash and Door Company, newly organized by International Falls and Brainerd people, has secured a factory site near Tenth and Quince streets, along the Northern Pacific tracks of the St. Paul division of the road.

A building 50 by 100 feet in size, three stories high, is to be built. Machinery in the main building will cost $15,000. A small addition, 20 by ?0 feet, will house the pumps, boilers, etc. On the dry kilns $5,000 will be expended. The location embraces four lots.

John Zeta is the president of the company and C. A. Brown the secretary-treasurer.

The factory will turn out sash and door work in regular styles and will also specialize on contract work of all kinds. Some furniture will be made. Brainerd was selected as a strategic point from which to do business. The city is near the raw material and is a good distribution point for the finished product.

President Zeta has had 14 years experience in his line of work. He had a business at Staples, then removed to International Falls where he had a sash and door factory and also a plant across the river at Fort Francis. The nearest sash and door factory to Brainerd is at Wadena. The only competition comes from that point and Minneapolis.

The Northern Pacific railway will soon put in a spur to the factory at Brainerd. Local people are becoming interested in the proposition and considerable stock has been sold by W. ?. Lawson, whose headquarters are in the Iron Exchange hotel. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 May 1914, p. 5, c. 1)


SASH & DOOR FACTORY

_____


Brainerd’s New Business Institution

Employes 22 Men Averaging

$3.25 Each Day


In a statement made by the president, the Brainerd Sash & Door factory, the concern employs 22 men drawing an average pay of $3.25 per day. This is not a full crew and six additional could easily be employed.

The concern is receiving the backing of Brainerd citizens and should be very successful. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 August 1914, p. 2, c. 3)


BRAINERD SASH & DOOR FACTORY

_____


Corporation Financed in Part by

Local Capital is Proving Suc-

cessful from Start

_____


PAYROLL NOW $3,000 A MONTH

_____


Factory and Power House, Dry Kiln

and Store Sheds Occupy Three-

Quarters of Block


The Brainerd Sash & Door Factory, financed in part by local capital, has been successful from the start.

The corporation now employs 30 men and the payroll aggregates $3,000 a month. They are now working on five large contracts and innumerable small jobs, including door and window frames, inside finish, etc.

The factory and power house, dry kiln and store sheds occupy three-quarters of a block. Northern Pacific railway trackage is at the doors of the company. The factory building is three stories high and measures 50 by 100 feet.

John Zeta is the manager and under his direction the company has proven very successful. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 September 1914, p. 5, c. 2)


SASH & DOOR CO. IN BANKRUPTCY

_____


Petition in Involuntary Bankruptcy

Filed by Creditors in United

States District Court

_____


TRUSTEE TO BE APPOINTED

_____


Brainerd Company had Capital Stock

of $32,000. First Mortgage

Bonds of $10,000 Issued


A petition in involuntary bankruptcy of the Brainerd Sash & Door Co. has been filed with the clerk of the United States district court at Duluth by certain creditors, the Brainerd State Bank, Kelley Electric Machinery Co. and the Warner Hardware Co.

The first meeting of the creditors will be held about August 20 in the Palladio building, Duluth, when a trustee will be elected.

The corporation was capitalized at $32,000 and the first mortgage bonds total $10,000. On the appointment of a trustee an effort will be made to resume operations. All business carried has been completed with the exception of some small ones.

Brainerd people and others in the vicinity are interested in the company, having bought stock or bonds. The project started out with flying colors and the Chamber of Commerce reported on it and in a way endorsed it.

E. W. Thomas sold considerable stock in the plant. A farmer near Merrifield is said to have bought $5,000 stock in the factory. Several widows invested their savings.

At the meeting of creditors it is expected a statement as to the actual condition of the company will be given out. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 July 1915, p. 5, c. 3)


BRAINERD SASH & DOOR CO.

_____


Movement on Foot to Have Three

Trustees Engage Good Mana-

ger to Operate Same


Bondholders of the Brainerd Sash & Door Co. are considering the plan of having the three trustees, W. H. Cleary, R. B. Withington and Henri Ribbel, take over the affairs of the plant, engage a competent man to supervise the manufacturing and business end and to operate the plant.

Its operation, even in a small way, will benefit the city. Standing idle it is no good advertisement for a city which is bustling with business and in which other enterprises are up and doing. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 April 1916, p. 5, c. 2)


SASH & DOOR FACTORY

_____


W. H. Cleary Is a Trustee in Bank-

ruptcy and Not a Trustee of

the Bondholders


In mentioning affairs of the Brainerd Sash & Door Co., the trustees of the bondholders are H. E. Kundert, R. B. Withington and Dr. Henri Ribbel. The trustee in bankruptcy is W. H. Cleary, who, by mistake in Tuesday’s Dispatch was mentioned being a trustee of the bondholders. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 April 1916, p. 5, c. 2)


G. H. KAMPMANN HEADS SASH & DOOR FACTORY

_____


Under the Firm Name of George H.

Kampmann & Son Property is Tak-

en Over—Operations Resumed

_____


Radical Changes in Various Departments—Are

Experienced Factory and Contracting

Men—Success Assured


News of utmost interest to Brainerd people and showing the trend to greater development and more business is the fact that the Brainerd Sash & Door plant has been taken over by George H. Kampmann and son, George A. Kampmann, of Dubuque, Iowa, to be operated under the firm name of George H. Kampmann & Son.

The senior member of the firm has been in the sash and door business nearly all his life, having been employed by the Carr, Ryder & Adams Co., of Dubuque, Iowa, for 26 years. He started work as a bench hand in the spring of 1887 and after a period of five years became foreman of the special cabinet department, having had charge of all cabinet work. Later he was called into the office to fill the position of special order clerk and draftsman, which position he held up to three years when he ventured into business at Calmar, Iowa, taking over a half interest. He did not find conditions to his liking and disposed of his interests at Calmar the first of this year.

About fifteen months ago Mr. Kampmann noticed a card in the American Lumberman that the Brainerd Sash & Door Co. was for sale by the trustee, W. H. Cleary, and entered into correspondence with Mr. Cleary regarding the same. Mr. Kampmann was not in a position at that time to take on the deal. When he had sold out at Calmar, Mr. Kampmann again took up the proposition with Mr. Cleary, but learned that R. B. Withington, cashier of the First National bank, had assumed control for the disposal of the same. After some correspondence and a visit to Brainerd several weeks ago, Mr. Kampmann became interested and finally closed the deal.

The new firm intends to make some radical changes in various departments and hope to get things lined up quickly in order to commence operations soon. There is considerable repairing to be done, rearrangement of machinery, addition and changing of wiring, switch boxes, etc. An office will be opened soon. Employment can be given several machine hands.

Mr. Kampmann being a practical sash and door man and his son having been in the contracting and building business for the past 6 years, are coming to Brainerd to build up a sash and door industry that is going to be a credit to the town. They figure it may take some little time to do it, but with the goodwill and cooperation of the people of Brainerd and vicinity, they feel confident of success.

They intend to manufacture sash and doors, general millwork, stairway work, colonnades, book cases, bank and store fixtures, etc., and expect to be in operation within thirty days.

Mr. Kampmann and his son both intend to move their families here as soon as suitable homes can be found. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 March 1917, p. 1, c. 1)


KAMPMANN & SON

_____


By R. KENNETH EVANS


One of the growing industries of Brainerd is the Kampmann & Son Sash & Door Factory. This industry was established here under the present management in 1917 when Mr. George H. Kampmann & Son took over the plant. The development and growth of the business of this plant has been very satisfactory since that time and much greater expansion is looked for in the future.

This firm is one that greatly aids in the maintaining of the reputation that Brainerd holds as a builder’s center for this part of the state and while the plant is not so large as some in other sections it is experiencing a steady growth and is an institution worthy of the town wherein it is located.

The mill is a complete and modern planing mill in every respect. It is located at 709-11 South Tenth street. The buildings comprising the plant are laid out and arranged according to plans calculated to facilitate the movement of the finished product and the receipt of raw material as well as furnishing a healthful and pleasant working quarters for the employees. The mill proper is a two-story building with basement, 48x84 feet. Next to the mill proper is a one story store house for the lumber used by the mill of nearly an equal length of the mill. A spur from the Northern Pacific main line runs along the length of this building. A feature that eliminates a great deal of hauling is a runway from the second floor of the main building across the top of the store shed. By means of this a direct haul is obtained for all finished products to be shipped. At one end of the store shed and forming a partial second story is a store room for standard sizes of doors, window frames, etc., of which the mill makes up and keeps a permanent stock.

The basement and the first floor are the machine rooms for the plant and they are equipped with the latest and most approved types of power machinery for this class of work. The mill produces such articles as sash, doors, cabinet work, stair work, interior finishing and general mill work of all kinds, including moulding, frames, etc. Each machine is equipped with the blower system which prevents saw dust or shavings from accumulating about the machine or being scattered about the plant. These shavings and the saw dust are taken directly to a shavings room outside the main building by means of blower system. There they are stored for use as fuel in heating the plant. This feature renders the plant much cleaner and healthier than it would otherwise be.

On the second floor all the cabinet work and making of frames is done. The mill has a force of expert workmen along these lines and there is no mill which turns out work more conscientiously done than the Kampmann & Son plant.

There is also a kiln located near the main building where such lumber that comes in, as needs it, is kiln dried. The mill secures its soft lumber such as pine, fir, spruce and the like from the western coast. The hardwoods used come from the southern forests. Very high standards are maintained by this mill in the selection of lumber and in the most particular types of work the lumber used goes through a strict inspection before being used. The customer may be sure when securing some product of this mill that both material and workmanship are of a high quality and that it will return full value for the money expended.

The machinery is all driven by electricity and the mill has a steam heating plant which provides the important element in a planing mill of a moderate and uniform heat.

Mr. Kampmann and his son are among the progressive men of the city, the senior member having had 33 years practical experience in his line and was connected for 26 years with one of the largest concerns of its kind in this country at Dubuque, Iowa, before coming to Brainerd. Since establishing themselves in business here they have formed valuable parts of the commercial life here. They have always stood ready to back any worthwhile movement designed to further the interests of this city and county. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 June 1923, p. 6, c. 2)


KAMPMANN & SON TO HAVE NEW FACTORY

_____


Construction Work on a Two-Story

Building With Basement Let to

Contractor W. T. Carlson

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FACTORY INCREASES BUSINESS

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New Office to Be Constructed in Building; Old Factory to Be Used

as Warehouse


Construction work was underway today on the new $18,000 factory building for Kampmann & Son, sash and door manufacturers, at 709-711 South 10th Street.

The contract has been let to W. T. Carlson, who has eight men at work for the present. Completion is expected after the new year.

Increased business necessitated the construction of the new building which will be two stories with a concrete basement. The building will be glazed faced tile, with a new office building in connection.

With completion of the new building the old factory will be used as the warehouse. New and additional machinery will be installed at that time, it was announced today.

Owners of the factory are George H. Kampmann and George A. Kampmann. Sixteen men are employed in the mill. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 October 1929, p. 7, c. 1)


SEE: Franklin Junior High School


BRAINERD SCHOOLS MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

Our County Finances—School Matters, Etc.


[...]


Are we to have a public school this summer? No one seems to know whether we have any school funds or not. It is about time we should hear from those having charge of such matters. We do not know who the school board are, but suppose, of course, they are public spirited citizens. “Let us have light.”

Yours,

WIGWAM.


REMARKS—In regard to our school interests, we are a little rusty on the subject. A few weeks ago we endeavored to arouse an interest on behalf of school matters, and if we succeeded, it merely resulted in a “flash in the pan.” Like Alexander we wept because there was nothing more to say on the subject, and subsided—feeling that we had done and said enough, for a boy, we settled back to see what the men would do, and they promptly went into committee of the whole and did nothing. Seriously, however, we feel a deep interest in the matter of establishing a thoroughly valuable and permanent common school in Brainerd, and do hope that the School Board—if there exists any such body—and our citizens generally, will take immediately hold of this important matter, as it is high time in the season that a school be started and kept up for at least six straight months during the present year. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 April 1872, p. 4, c. 1)


A Call.


EVERY CITIZEN OF BRAINERD IS requested to meet at the Baptist Chapel on Monday Evening next, Oct. 28th, at seven and a half o’clock to take into consideration the subject of establishing public schools in our midst, and examine into the action of the School Board, past, present and future. Come one, come all!

MANY CITIZENS.

(Brainerd Tribune, 26 October 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


SCHOOL MEETING.


We direct attention to the call elsewhere for a meeting of our citizens, on Monday evening next, at the Baptist Chapel, to take into consideration the establishment of a lawful series of public schools in our midst, and for the purpose of investigating the condition of our school fund, past, present and future. We imagine the whole school matter has been shamefully neglected, and now with our 300 scholars, we have nothing in the shape of a school-house, and we believe, no funds, to pay teachers, if we had. This is a splendid picture of the intelligence of a town of 3,000 inhabitants, is it not? It is to be hoped that the meeting in question will be fully attended, and that our school interests will be taken earnestly in hand. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 October 1872, p. 1, c. 6)


Minutes of a Meeting held by the Citizens of Brainerd, at the Baptist Chapel, Oct. 28, 1872, for the purpose of discussing School matters.

Mr. Perry called the house to order by nominating J. S. Campbell, President of the meeting, and J. G. Todd, as Secretary.

The president then called upon Mr. Perry to state the object of the meeting.

Mr. Perry stated the object was to consult with the School Board as to what has been, and what is being done in regard to the Public Schools of Brainerd.

Mr. L. P. White responded by reading the records of the School Board, which stated that they supported a School last winter, but owing to a mistake in the figuring by the County Auditor [Wilder W. Hartley], there is less than one hundred dollars, public money, when there should be six hundred; and, furthermore, the time for their legal meeting and reports passed without the notice of the Board, therefore, losing the apportionment made by the State for each person between the ages of five and twenty-one years in the District.

Mr. Knappen states that he has not been able to make a settlement with Mr. Hartley [Wilder W. Hartley.] that he (Mr. Knappen) does not know how much money there is in the hands of the County Auditor [Wilder W. Hartley] belonging to the School Fund.

Mr. E. U. Russell then gave a history of the schools of Brainerd while he was a member of the Board. Stated that there never had been a District tax levied for school purposes.

Mr. Sleeper then spoke in favor of organizing an Independent School District, and explained the legal way to proceed, during his remarks, by making a motion that a committee of three be appointed to confer with the County Auditor [Wilder W. Hartley], and ascertain the amount of funds now in his possession, or on hand, belonging to school purposes. The motion prevailed, and Messrs. Sleeper, E. U. Russell, and Perry, were the committee appointed by the President. The committee was instructed to report at the next meeting.

On motion of Mr. Sleeper, which was seconded and carried, a committee of six were appointed for the purpose of considering the propriety of organizing an Independent District, and report one week from to-night. The President appointed on this committee Messrs. Sleeper, Pettybone, L. P. White, J. G. Todd, M. C. Russell, and the Rev. Mr. Crist.

Mr. Bridges moved that the Trustees be instructed to confer with Mr. Canfield, at the earliest moment, and ascertain from him the most liberal proposition the Lake Superior and Puget Sound Company have for Brainerd, for building two School Houses, one on each side of the Railroad, which was stated to be as follows: At a cost of $2,000, to be paid for by the School District, in payments annually of $200, for each building, (or to be paid for in ten years,) with an interest not to exceed eight per cent per annum. The motion prevailed, and the Trustees were so instructed, and to report at the next meeting.

On motion the meeting adjourned to meet at the Baptist Chapel, on Monday evening, Nov. 4, 1872. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 November 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


GOOD.—A movement in the right direction has been consummated by an action on the part of the citizens in the establishment of an Independent School Board. Now we expect to see active work on the part of the committee appointed, and know these gentlemen will be diligent in the establishment of such schools as the population of the town demands. Such schools as the citizens may feel proud, and where the young can receive education equal to that of any part of the State. When that time arrives, men with young, growing families will not hesitate to locate in our midst. Read the proceedings of the meeting referred to.

Meeting called to order by J. S. Campbell, Chairman.

The action of meeting determined the organization of an Independent School District. The following named gentlemen were appointed to take the matter in charge and create the organization as soon as possible: Messrs. C. B. Sleeper, L. B. Perry, M. C. Russell, L. P. White, Rev. S. Ingham, and J. S. Campbell. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 November 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


BRAINERD, CROW WING CO., MINN.,

Nov. 30, 1872.


Whereas, at an Election of the qualified Electors of the City of Brainerd, County and State aforesaid, held at the Court House in said City Nov. 30, 1872, for the purpose of establishing an Independent School District, including the territory of said City, the said Independent School District was duly established—by a unanimous vote of the qualified Electors—voting at such Election.

We hereby give notice that the Electors of said School District are required to meet at the Court House in said City of Brainerd, on the 20th day of December, A. D. 1872, to then and there choose by ballot six Directors of the Public Schools of said District: to serve—two for one year, two for two years, and two for three years. Polls to open at 2 o’clock P. M., and remain open until 5 o’clock P. M. on that day.

E. U. RUSSELL,

Chairman of Election.

M. McMAHON,

Clerk of Election.

(Brainerd Tribune, 07 December 1872, p. 4, c. 1)


SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD.—In accordance with lawful notice, an election was held yesterday at the Court House, for the purposed of electing six directors, (two from each ward) for the independent School district recently erected, and composed of the City of Brainerd, which resulted as follows:

First Ward—Warren Leland and E. B. Lynde.

Second Ward—C. B. Sleeper and M. C. Russell.

Third Ward—L. P. White and L. B. Perry.

The Directors-elect are the same as were nominated at the District caucus, held at the Baptist Chapel on Monday evening last. The Board are required by law to meet within ten days after elected, for the purpose of organizing, and putting themselves into shape for business. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 December 1872, p. 1, c. 3)


BRAINERD AS A GRAND SCHOOL CENTER.


Among a few of the citizens of this place, it is being realized that our beautiful and healthful little city is, by nature and its central location, intended to be the grand school center of not only the extent of country east and west along the line of the Northern Pacific Railroad, but of the whole northern portion of Minnesota. Because of the sheltered, high and dry, healthful and withal most delightful and picturesque location here on the romantic Upper Mississippi among the beautiful groves of evergreens, Brainerd is certainly indicated by nature to be the place above all others in this great field for a high order of educational institutions. A location, to be a desirable center for young people to come and apply themselves to learning should first of all be a healthful place; next important, pupils should have the advantage, if possible of protection from the heat of summer and the cold blasts of winter; next, it should be a cheerful location, where nature has adorned the surroundings and made the view a pleasant one both to the eye and the mind; and lastly the location should be a central one, and one easy of access. In each and every one of these particulars Brainerd stands head and shoulders, and pre-eminently above any point in Northern Minnesota, and we do not fear contradiction from any quarter when we assert that as a desirable location for a grand educational center, it stands without a superior in any of the Western States. Its health, and beauty of location is the subject of comment by all visitors. Although this country is yet new—only in its infancy—there is already a demand for a school somewhere on the Northern Pacific where the higher branches are taught as well as music, drawing, painting, the languages, etc. And did we now have at Brainerd an institute where all these advantages and accomplishments were attainable, there would this winter be a hundred pupils early flock hither to finish their education—male and female. Brainerd has this matter in her own hands now, to secure and commence what in less than five years, if commenced soon, would grow of itself into a female seminary and a college; which would directly and indirectly benefit Brainerd to the extent of tens of thousands of dollars, and give us a reputation, far and near, that would be truly enviable. A school here would (because of the reasons already given) draw patronage from all the towns and country west, and from Duluth, St. Cloud, and even from St. Paul and Minneapolis; parents in the crowded cities would jump at a chance to send their children to such a delightful and healthful retreat as Brainerd to finish their education, while the great number of young people in the frontier districts would be overjoyed that such advantages had been placed within their reach.


A PROPOSITION.


With the end spoken of, in view, and because more school room is already required for our own local accommodation it has been proposed: That Brainerd, or its citizens, authorize the building of another school house, say north of the track on some eligible site, ten feet wider and twenty feel longer than the one south of the track, now in operation. Let the lower room of the new building be used—in connections with the two departments of the present school house—as a public school, which would just about accommodate the public school scholars of the city with comfortable room, and more. Then let the upper room of the new structure be divided into two rooms; one of these to be used for all the higher branches of learning under charge of a gentleman Principal, and the other room to be devoted to the teaching of French, music, drawing and painting, in charge of an accomplished lady Principal; these two departments to receive pupils from at home and abroad at usual tuition rates. And this, would form the nucleus around which in five years would gather an institution of learning that would be an object of pride not only to our beautiful city but to this whole section of country. It must be remembered that another building must be built very soon anyway. It would have to be built at once, had not the Board of Education been able to secure the use of the Parish School building for this winter, but which they may have to give up at any time; and as another building must be had anyway, it would seem to be wise policy for us to build a little larger while at it, and thereby start in to taking advantage of the great things within our grasp in this direction. The fine building we already have is well so far as it goes; it is already paid for, and although our tax last year was a little higher on account of it, who is it that scarcely noticed the additional tax? and where is the man, who feels any interest in the welfare of Brainerd, his own advantage in the end, or the good of the rising generation, that would have grumbled had it been twice as much? A building of some such dimensions as we indicated above, can be paid for by levying only a trifling additional tax, say for three years; and no one would scarcely feel the burden. Then, as we say, the groundwork would be successfully laid for a grand institution of learning, or a group of institutions that would build themselves up, after getting at our hands this timely start, or send-off.

In order to get so valuable a thing as this would be to Brainerd, started, and that, too, just in the nick of time to allow her to occupy the grand field just now opening out to her in this respect, we, for one, are anxious to get a chance to pay our full proportion of the tax, subscribe a hundred dollars if necessary, and be subject to the regular tuition rates for any use we may have for the accomplishments and advantages that such a school would bring to our city; and if all citizens will do proportionately well—or will only consent to pay the slight additional tax necessary for two years or so, our fine little city will not be permitted to go to the bone yard on account of a lack of enterprise and public spirit on the part of its citizens. What say you all, fellow citizens? (Brainerd Tribune, 17 October 1874, p. 1, c. 3)


NOTICE.—At a meeting of the Board of Education, Nov. 17th, 1874, a resolution was passed that all children attending school in this District, and not residing in or belonging to the District, should pay two dollars each to the District for each term, commencing with January, 1875.

W. H. TULL,

Clerk of Board of Education.

BRAINERD, MINN., Feb. 4th, 1875.

(Brainerd Tribune, 06 February 1875, p. 1, c. 6)


Educational.


BRAINERD, Jan. 12, 1876.


Editor Tribune:—Through your paper we wish to reach the people of Brainerd with a few words touching our public schools. It is generally believed, that to the larger part of this community, there is no interest of greater importance than that involved in the healthy development of the public schools. That ignorance, idleness, and vice are closely allied the one to the other; and that the individual having to contend with the former must be carefully guarded, by favorable circumstances and influences, or fall a victim to the others, are statements that none will call in question. Another statement may be taken as equally true, viz: that if a community existing under such circumstances as surround this community, allows its children and youth to grow up to manhood and woman hood without such intellectual culture as will, so far as it may, protect them against the cunningly devised methods by which the unlearned, are made subject to poverty and led into crime, such community must be ever held responsible for whatever of evil results from such neglect. Still another fact: No valuable interest of any individual, corporation or community will prosper for a considerable length of time without careful supervision. Accepting these as safe conclusions, and making of them an elevation from which to take observations—what is our situation? Certainly, not a situation in which a thoughtful people may take pride. Such, in fact, as should render us apprehensive of the future. With three hundred and thirty-eight persons between the ages of five and twenty-one, of whom at least two hundred and fifty should be in school, but partial accommodation has been provided for about one hundred. The number who, have made any pretense to the use of these provisions does not exceed one hundred and twenty, while not more than half these have made anything like a proper attempt to profit by them.

With an adult population of at least average intelligence and more than average culture, and of whom at least a score should have visited the schools each week, such visits have been less than twenty during the entire year; and some even declare that they will have nothing to do with this item of public interest. The annual meeting for election of members of the board of education, at which should have been present every voter in the district, was honored by the presence of less than six. The board of education, each member of which is by law required to see the schools quite frequently, favored our schools during the last four months, with visits from four of its members. Aggregate number of visits, eight; aggregate time devoted to such visits, possibly twelve hours.

We do not claim that all the causes, the combination of which have rendered our schools really inefficient, during the past year, are herein named; but do claim that the removal of other difficulties is dependent upon the energy with which we apply remedies for the removal of the causes named.

Hoping that these words, written under the impulse of a single thought—that impelling to a discharge of duty—may induce investigation and energetic action, and that these may result in good to all, we pledge our assistance, in any worthy effort made with a view to improvement. T. HARRIS WARD.

(Brainerd Tribune, 15 January 1876, p. 1, c. 6)


WE attended a meeting of the Board of Education the other evening, at which were several citizens. They met for mutual conference upon the all-important question of how to make the young ideas shoot in a philosophical and desirable manner; it was brotherly and fraternal, as well as paternal, in its tone and character, and so completely did all become enchanted with the pleasant topic for discussion, that the whole affair nearly resolved itself into an old-fashioned love-feast, or new-fashioned admiration society. Rhetoric and wit flew about the chamber until the “graned paper” on the walls became fairly brilliant with the glow of eloquence and the warmth of fraternity. It seemed good to be there, and was a season long to be remembered for its éclat and sociality. Two members of the Board resigned, and at a late hour both citizens and officials retired, feeling that all was well whether it ended well or not. We, in our dreams, for the balance of the night were entertained by scenes of street riots and the clash of arms, and occupied most of our time in sitting on a hitching post reading the riot act and Declaration of Independence to the disturbed masses in the streets. Finally, we imagined ourself transformed into an infernal machine; and finding our reading had no effect on the disturbance, we simply exploded, killing and wounding several thousand people. The terrible event awoke us to our waking senses, when we found it was eight o’clock, in the morning; we rushed into our breeches, lighted a fire, put on the tea-kettle, and sat down to warm our toes, and think. Our schools will open February first, as usual. No cards. (Brainerd Tribune, Morris C. Russell, 22 January 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


RULES to be observed by teachers and pupils of the Independent School District City of Brainerd.


TEACHERS’ RULES.


1. Any pupil cutting, marking, defacing, or writing upon, any of the school buildings or furniture, will be immediately reported to the Board, and subject to be expelled.

2. Any pupil using profane or vulgar language, or writing the same, shall be punished by his or her teacher, and, if he or she continues thus to act, reported to the Board, and liable to be expelled.

3. Any pupil making any noise, or causing another pupil to make any noise, and thereby disturbing the school, shall be punished by his or her teacher, and, if he or she continue thus to act, reported and expelled, as above.

4. Pupils shall enter the school-room and retire from it orderly and quietly, and shall maintain order and quietness, in the school-room, during recess and at noon.

5. Pupils are to be at their seats within three minutes after the bell rings.

6. Pupils shall obey any command or wish of their teacher immediately.

7. Pupils are to be polite at all times; and are to come to school clean and tidy.

8. Pupils shall neither quarrel nor fight.

9. No pupil shall leave his or her seat without permission.

10. Pupils shall study while in their seats, and shall not speak to each other in the class.


MISCELLANEOUS RULES.


1. Whenever a pupil is tardy twice in one week, or voluntarily leaves school, the teacher shall immediately inform the President of the Board, and report the same to the parents of such pupil.

2. One of the teachers is required to be present at all intermissions, and especially during the noon hour, and prevent any unnecessary noise or disturbance at such times.

3. No changes in school books shall be made during any term, and only in the commencement thereof.

4. Pupils attending school shall procure the books necessary to continue them in their respective grades; and upon failure so to do, teachers shall notify the parents, and call their attention to rule six.

5. In all cases of complaints, parents are required to present same to President of the Board, and the Board will inquire into and redress grievances.

6. Teachers are required, upon the willful and continued disobedience of these rules, or any of them, to immediately inform the President of the Board, and the Board will expel.

7. In all cases of expulsion, the Board will notify parents of pupils of such expulsion and the cause thereof; and expelled pupils will only be permitted to return to school by an apology for violating rules, and upon promise of strict obedience of the rules during his or her attendance.

(Brainerd Tribune, 05 February 1876, p. 4, c. 1)


WE are requested by a patron of our schools to ask the School Board if the rule expelling pupils for tardiness is not quite unreasonable—both as regards the pupils and teachers—in view of the facts that there is no time-piece in either of the school rooms, and no bell to call pupils to school.

Since writing the above, we learn that the teachers have a time-piece, and reference to the rules published last week shows that expulsion is not a penalty for tardiness—unless it is willful. We give, however, as our opinion in this connection, that the belfry on the school house should properly be adorned with a bell that should regulate the attendance of the pupils.

LATER.—With reference to this matter I have this to say, both the teachers have first-class watches that keep first-class time. LYMAN P. WHITE.

(Brainerd Tribune, 12 February 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


SMALL POX.


Owing to the prevalence of small pox on either side of us—in Wisconsin and Manitoba—our State board of health has issued a circular through its secretary urging upon physicians, local authorities, school boards, and especially parents, the necessity for using every effort in their power to secure a thorough vaccination of our population throughout the States. In pursuance of this Dr. Rosser has procured a supply of pure, fresh virus, and is prepared to vaccinate all who may come to him. To those who cannot reach a physician the State board will forward at cost price, 10 ivory points for $1, or a single ivory point for 25 cents, charged with animal virus direct from the heifer. These may be obtained by addressing the secretary, C. N. always best to have vaccination done under the care of a physician. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 January 1877, p. 1, c. 5)


The Village School “Boss.”

_____


A parody on Longfellow’s poem, The Village Blacksmith.

_____


Under the green and stately pines

The village schoolhouse stands;

The ”Boss,” a trusty man is he,

With active brain and hand;

And teaching Brainerd’s young ideas,

He fully understands.


His efforts, it must be allowed,

Since teaching he began,

Have successfully been based upon

A systematic plan.

He looks the whole world in the face,

And does the best he can.


Week in, week out, from morn ‘til night,

You can hear the murmur low,

Of the scholars at their studies, as

With measured beat and slow:

Like convicts working the cheerful mill,

To their tasks they merrily go.


And girls and boys with eager zest,

And ever increasing store;

They love to meet at Learning’s shrine,

And its mysteries explore;

To catch the solid grain, and not

The chaff from the schoolroom floor.


With “Farnsworth” guiding at the helm,

We cannot but rejoice;

Our schools are in a prosperous state,

He is the people’s choice;

May we long see his genial face,

And hear his pleasant voice.


Teaching, describing, defining,

Onward through life he goes;

Each morning sees some task begun,

Each evening sees it close,

Somebody bettered something won;

Good healthy seed he sows.


Thanks, thanks to thee, my trusty friend,

For the teaching thou has wrought;

Thus, in the common public school,

Is education sought:

Thus, at its public bar of life,

Are first ideas taught.


“AN OLD SCHOOL BOY.”

(Brainerd Tribune, 04 May 1878, p. 1, c. 6)


We are in receipt of a communication from “A friend” taking us to task for refusing to publish in these columns a piece of poetry rejected by us some weeks since and informing us that certain aid to the progress and advancement of our public schools upon the part of certain individuals, named in the communication, is withheld in consequence.

“A friend” is advised that the poetry referred to by him was rejected, for the reason that it is of too personal a character for our columns. This, of course, should have been stated at the time the verses were received and examined, but the fact was that sickness in our family and a multitude of things demanding our attention caused us to forget it entirely in making up the paper the issue following though we intended so to do. We were not aware, however, and do regret that upon our disposition of that depended the friendship or interest of any person in behalf of our public schools, but as we do not understand that the TRIBUNE is responsible for or under any obligations to the schools, (though indeed friendly to them as it is towards all mankind) we must inform “A friend,” and those whose friendship to such a worthy institution hang on such a slender cord, that it could not have changed our decision “one jot or one tickle” in the premises if we had been. The TRIBUNE, as before intimated, is friendly towards and extremely anxious for the advancement of our public schools, as all good citizens should be, but our friends are assured that neither our interest and anxiety in the direction named, or in any other direction, would for a moment induce us to admit to our columns a matter not considered proper by the editor. In aiding our schools, or doing anything in their behalf none must imagine for a moment that they are specially befriending the board of education or bringing any member of it under any personal obligations to themselves, for they are not. Upon the board rests a heavy and burdensome duty in the care of our schools and the maintenance of its present high standing, the members one and all feel a deep interest in their progress and advancement, and much of their time and labor is bestowed to that end, all without any reward whatever or the promise or hope thereof beyond a knowledge of the success of their efforts and the hope of a generous appreciation by the public. This much is done, not for themselves alone but for the general public who patronize our schools and reap the benefits, and is done cheerfully—but, so far as the writer is concerned at least, (we speak for ourself, in this) if it was supposed for a moment that in addition to this we were personally brought by our gratuitous labors under obligations to and subject to the dictatorship of those who should have the same interest in and are under the same obligations to our schools as the members of the board of education, we should most emphatically rebel. We are indeed thankful to “A friend,” since this impression exists, that we are informed of it and enabled to correct it, and we hope our friends will see the matter in its true light and manifest as much interest in their own behalf as the board does for them. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 January 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


The school board have been talking of offering a reward for the capture of the evil-minded youths who entered the school house on the north side and cut up all sorts of tricks. These boys should be found out and given a taste of the law, as the city has to put in the glass and fix up things that these lads despoil. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 20 September 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


School Matters.


James A. Wilson, principal of the Washington High School, later Crow Wing County Superintendent of Schools, ca. Unknown.
Source: Oldtimers II: Stories of Our Pioneers in the Cass and Crow Wing Lake Region, Volume II, Carl A. Zapffe, Jr., Echo Publishing and Printing, Incorporated, Pequot Lakes, Minnesota: 1988

At the school meeting which was on Monday night, Prof. J. A. Wilson of Lexington, Ohio, was elected to the principalship of the Brainerd high schools. Mr. Wilson is very highly recommended as an educator, and is an old acquaintance of A. W. Frater, and parties who are in a position to know, say that the school board are very fortunate in securing his services. The other new teachers engaged are Miss Lizzie Hawley, daughter of Rev. Dr. Hawley, of this city, and Miss Dobner of Lake City, and Miss Loraine Yonker, of Corry, Penn.—The teachers retained, are Miss Louise Smith, Miss Minnie Merritt, Miss Inez Pember and Miss Jennie Partridge.—School will begin September 1st. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 July 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


Prof. Wilson, of Lexington, Ohio, who has been engaged as principal of the city schools arrived to-day. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 August 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


High School Commencement.


The first commencement of the Brainerd High School will be held at Sleeper’s opera house, Thursday, June 16th, at 8 o’clock p.m.


PROGRAMME.

Music—Orchestra.

Prayer.

Anthem, He that Dwelleth in the Secret Place.

Solo, Mr. Alderman, assisted by Mr. Bellhouse and chorus.

Solo Obiligato, Miss Campbell, assisted by Mr. Bellhouse and chorus.

Salutatory with Essay—Sue B. Mulrine.

Class History—Jennie Welch ‘88.

Music, When Love is Young—Louise Campbell.

Essay, What’s in a Word—Emily Walters ‘88.

Telephone Talk—Genevieve Paine, Emily Murphy ‘88.

Music—Orchestra.

Recitation, Rock of Ages—May Gleason ‘88.

Prophecy—Amy Lowey ‘88.

Oratica with Valedictory—Henry White.

Class Song.

Presentation of Diplomas.

Music, Yes the Lord is Mindful of His Own.

Solo, Sue B. Mulrine, assisted by Messrs. Bellhouse and Alderman, and High School Chorus.

The friends and patrons of the school are cordially invited to be present. Admission free. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 June 1887, p. 1, c. 5)


The School Matter.


At the adjourned meeting of the board of education held last night the matter of hiring a principal was the only important business attended to, and as far as accomplishing any results the meeting did not do much. The members who are opposed to the retention of Prof. Wilson another year in his present position are John Willis, A. Mahlum, N. W. Wheatley and F. W. Mallott, and their objections are based upon what they claim is incompetence, “red tape,” too much discipline, etc. These objections were plainly stated to the board by these different members, Mr. Wilson being present. He explained matter at considerable length but it seems without any visible effect; a number of petitions signed by about one hundred patrons of the schools in favor of retaining Mr. Wilson were read, after which a motion was made to reject his application, four voting in favor of and four against the motion and it was declared lost, and there the matter stands.

It is truly to be regretted that such a state of affairs exist. A talk with Mr. Lagerquist this morning reveals the fact that four of the best teachers in the school with whom he has talked are willing to come before the board and testify to Mr. Wilson’s fitness and capability, and they are teachers of long experience. A large majority of the patrons of the schools are entirely satisfied with the progress their children are making and desire to see the gentleman remain. What the outcome will be is uncertain as the other four members, Mr. Hartley, Mr. Lagerquist, Mr. Keough and Mr. Cullen, are as fully determined that the present principal shall remain. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 June 1887, p. 4, c. 6)


Commencement Exercises.


The opera house was quite well filled last evening with an appreciative audience, the attraction being the commencement exercises of the Brainerd high school. The rain in the early part kept a large number of people indoors who would otherwise have been present. The stage decorations were very tasty and everything connected with the arrangements were in keeping with the occasion. The class has been under the instruction of Prof. Wilson during their course, having entered the high school under him; during the past year Miss Cooley and Miss Klampe have been in charge. The graduating class consisted of Miss Sue Mulrine and Henry White, the latter not taking part in the exercises on account of not having finished his essay in time, thus leaving Miss Mulrine as the only one to receive a diploma. Mr. White is said to be a bright scholar, and has passed all his examinations. The vocal music and the music furnished by the orchestra was exceedingly pleasing to the ear. Miss Sue Mulrine delivered the following salutation, being first on the programme:

Friends and citizens of Brainerd assembled here for the closing exercises of our school year, we bid you a cordial welcome. We meet tonight, many as strangers, but hope that as the months roll by and the merry June time in all its splendor is here again, another class may greet as friends one and all. In behalf of the school, let me again extend you a hearty welcome.

This was followed by an essay on the “Growth of Fiction,” as follows:

In the material world, the to-days and yesterdays are ever varying; where we once saw the leaf and the bud we now behold the flower, and the tomorrows bring as ripe, golden fruit. Viewing the perfect whole, we are in a maze from which the limited understanding is unable to extricate us. But it tells us not to attempt the whole; with a part we may be more successful. Taking the seed, we ask, what makes it grow? Is it sunlight, warmth and moisture? The scientist tells us it is the, germ or protoplasm, and that sunlight, warmth and moisture are only necessary conditions. We are not a little surprised when we are informed that from this bit of protoplasm, through a series of changes which took place when time was not measured by the rise and fall of nations, was developed the most perfect and complicated work in nature—Man. But that which makes man superior to his surroundings must proceed from some higher source. In every soul are found germs of beauty and perfection only awaiting culture for development. In medieval man as in a child, imagination rules the mind; for he delights in fanciful and unreal because his religious faith has taught him not to reason but to revel in that mystery whose only end is superstition. He hears of strange adventures approaching his ideal of heroism and fancied perfection. He would fain know more of the world beyond the confines of his own horizon. Knowledge through experience being denied him, he must content himself with those accounts which, through the natural laws of development, culminate in prose fiction. Soil and climate exert a universal influence from which even fiction is not exempt, as told by the “Moorish Romances, the Adventures of the Cid,” which partake of a highly imaginative nature when compared with the “Legend of Arthur” in which every line tells of strength and bravery so indicative of the cold compared with sunny climes. In both the characters are real, mingled with the supernatural. As man attained a higher development, he arose above the simple narration of the supernatural, giving the world real men and women. The characters were taken from every station of life, that we might have common interests, serving as a means of studying abstract qualities in the guise of everyday life. The reader finds himself drawn along without resistance by that golden thread of love, to see conditions just as the author intended. Of modern fiction, or the novel, woman constitutes the soul, and not until she assumed her position in society do we find this class of writings. The novel is defined as a large diffused picture, comprehending the characters of life, disposed in groups and exhibited in various attitudes, for the purpose of a uniform plan and general occurrence to which every individual is subservient. For the purpose of instructing as well as pleasing, we are getting real representations—not of individuals, but types in which a proportion good and evil is portrayed, for it is by contrast that the greatest influence is exerted. Those active pictures of social life in which we are something new or unforeseen as a means of interesting us, may pass for a time under the halo of a novel, but they are as short-lived as butterflies, and, like them, when stripped of their beautiful coloring by the rude hand of time, nothing remains. They may possess charms, for those who indulge in imagination, change and excitement as affording pleasure, but for whom reason and reflection are depths untried. The true novel is a philosophy of human nature, in which the joys, sorrows and caprices are not peculiar to individuals; for our natures are not capable of sympathizing where no common bond exists. It requires more than a well conceived plot or pleasing narration to interest through ages. The novelist who gives us more than a pleasing picture, who skillfully interweaves his philosophy in the forms of sentiments, it is he who endures the test of time. What is it that makes the works of a George Elliot so attractive? Is it the plot? The style? No, it is the reflections embodied in heroes and heroines, constituting gems of ethics and aesthetics. The novel has taken the place of the theater in educating the people, the drama being better adapted to an intellect in its infancy than the novel, because in the former the actor interprets the thought, and in the latter it must be gained unaided. From the lowest depths of immorality it has risen to a state almost perfect, becoming one of the strong measures of social reform. Many of our greatest social lessons have been taught in the form of novels. Treatises and editorial, though strong in their way, fail to reach the masses as novel. We can ask for no stranger example than “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” whose influence was felt alike at home and abroad. Who can read the suffering of a “Little Joe” and not be kinder to the poor and distressed, or the villainy and hypocrisy of an “Uriah Heap” without detesting them? What has the irony and sarcasm of a Thackery done for society? The influence of the novel on the side of the good is beginning to be realized, and we hope that the time is not far distant when it will find a cherished place in every library.

Miss Mulrine was the recipient of several elegant presents as mementoes of the occasion and many congratulations on the preparation and delivery of her essay and salutatory were received.

Our space will not permit of lengthy comment on the productions of the class of ‘88. Miss Jennie Welsh [sic], Miss May Gleason, Miss Amy Lowey, and Miss Emily Walters, each did splendidly and may well be proud of their success. Miss Genevieve Paine and Miss Emily Murphy in their telephone conversation pleased the audience very much, and the local application of the “hits” were well studied.

Prof. Wilson presented diplomas and closed the exercises with remarks to the class which were very appropriate. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 June 1887, p. 1, c. 5)


Will Make a Disclosure.


John Willis, president of the board of education, informs the writer that if they, meaning the gentlemen who are opposed to Prof. Wilson’s retention in the city schools, are “crowded too much” they would make certain disclosures that would startle the citizens. The Dispatch does not wish to see any teacher connected with the city schools who would not be advantageous to their interests, and consequently if Mr. Willis, or any other members of the board for that matter, is in possession of any information that would lead the public to believe and understand that the Professor is not the man they want he certainly should not wait until he is “crowded” before he makes the facts public. If the gentlemen who are opposed to Mr. Wilson will show that he is not the man, regardless of any personalities, the public, who elected them to the office they hold, will be very grateful and they will have performed their duty. Don’t be backward, gentlemen, about the matter but furnish the public with the facts if you have any. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 June 1887, p. 4, c. 6)


The Dead-Lock Continues.


The board of education held a meeting last evening for the purpose of finishing up the business of hiring teachers for the coming year. Four of the teachers, Misses Foster, Merritt, Camp and Summers passed good and satisfactory examinations and were reported so by the board. The matter of hiring a principal is still a dead-lock. A score of applications were read and some were nominated but without avail. The teachers who have been retained are as follows: Miss Loraine Yonker, Miss Florence Foster, Miss Lillie [sic] Klampe, Miss Irma Camp, Mrs. I. H. Davenport, Miss Laura Walker, Miss Rosa Fasching and Miss Minnie Merritt. Miss Cooley was engaged as principal of the East Brainerd schools at $50 per month, and Miss Katie Whitely as teacher in West Brainerd schools at $45 per month. The old janitor was re-engaged for the year at $40 per month. On account of the increased labor and duties the clerk’s salary was increased to $100 and the treasurer’s to $50 per year. After allowing a few bills the meeting adjourned. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 July 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


A pleasant surprise party called on Prof. Wilson at his residence last Saturday evening. The occasion was to show the gentleman that a good majority of the people of the city appreciated the services he had rendered in bringing the schools to their present high standing. During the evening Mrs. Wilson was presented with a gold watch, Justice Smith doing the honors. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 July 1887, p. 4, c. 5)


Prof. Wilson is Retained.


The board of education met in regular session on Monday evening, the hiring of a principal being the most important business transacted. W. W. Hartley, who has been a staunch advocate and admirer of Prof. Wilson, moved that he be elected to the position, which was seconded by P. M. Lagerquist. This again opened a discussion on the merits of different applicants, but it was plain to be seen that unless Mr. Wilson was elected the school would go a begging for a principal, for the present at least. A vote was taken which resulted in six votes for and two against, John Willis and N. W. Wheatley voting in the negative, although they stated that their attitude in the matter would in no way interfere with their endeavors to assist the professor in making the school a success, but they could not conscientiously vote for his retention. The outcome of the dead-lock is to be commended, and that Prof. Wilson will satisfy the patrons of the school is beyond doubt.

Miss Gertrude Cooley and Miss Lula [sic] Klampe handed in their resignations, which were accepted by the board. R. M. McKenzie, of Minneapolis, was elected assistant principal at a salary of $75 per month. Miss Sue Mulrine was hired for a primary department at a salary of $45 per month. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 August 1887, p. 4, c. 5)


NEW SCHOOL HOUSE ORDERED.

_____


And Other Doings of the School

Board.


The school board met on Wednesday evening at the high school building. The clerk being absent, A. Mahlum was appointed pro tem. The first business to come up before the meeting was the report of a committee that had been appointed to look up a place to hold school in West Brainerd. The committee reported that they could get the old courthouse free for one year provided they would get it insured for $1,000 and pay for repairing the rooms they were to occupy, also, there was another building they could rent for $6 per month by advancing money to fix it up. The board very promptly rejected both proposals, and the president and clerk were authorized to purchase two lots that had been previously reported on, and which were offered at $50 each, on which to erect a new building. A building committee composed of W. W. Hartley, O. H. Hubbard, F. G. Sundberg was appointed to draft plans and get bids on a building to be 20x28, two stories high, the lower story only to be finished up at present, and report Saturday evening when the contract will be let. The house is to be built within thirty days of date of contract. A proposition was also received from the N. P. Ref. Car Co. to sell to the board the two lots adjoining the north side school property on 7th street for $100 each, and the clerk and president were instructed to buy the same. L. P. White was awarded the contract for building a fence around the entire north side school property for $150, the contract specifying the fence to be like the one surrounding the Gleason property on sixth street south. A. Frederickson was awarded the contract to calcimine and paint the school house in East Brainerd. A list of necessary supplies for the use of the school was presented by Prof. Wilson and after considerable debate the order was authorized to be purchased. Miss McWilliams was hired as instructor in the primary department on the north side. The board then adjourned to meet Saturday evening. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 August 1885, p. 3, c. 5)


Let the Contract.

_____


The school board met on Monday night for the purpose of awarding the contract of building the West Brainerd school house. Bids were received from White & White, George Harmon, L. P. White, L. R. Munson and Everett & Miller, the latter gentlemen were awarded the contract. The building is to be 22x32 with 22 foot posts, and is to have a stone foundation, finished down stairs and painted two coats. The building will be commenced as soon as the deeds arrive for the lots.... (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 August 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


A Daily Report.

_____


The school board at its meeting on Saturday night passed the following resolution:

RESOLVED, That any parent dissatisfied with the progress of their pupils, shall, upon written application to the principal, be granted a DAILY report from the teacher of such pupil, stating the pupil’s standing, provided that such parent shall visit the school once a week, during the time such report is required.

Moved and carried that the above resolution be published in all the local papers of the city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 October 1885, p. 3, c. 5)


We are authorized to state to the public that hereafter the school books will be purchased by the board of education and furnished to the pupils as needed at wholesale prices. The board has taken pains to obtain the lowest possible figures for the most approved standard books, thus giving the pupils the benefit of the difference between the wholesale and retail prices, as well as a uniform system of standard books.

The pupil will be required to deposit the price of the book with the principal of the schools, and when books are returned or exchanged, the amount of damage or wear is retained, and the difference refunded to the pupil, either in cash or applied on the price of another book. Thus, while the first cost of the book is taken out of the general fund, the amount is ultimately refunded. The plan of furnishing the books to the pupils free of charge was not thought advisable to adopt as it would have a tendency to invite more carelessness on the part of the pupils than if required to deposit the price of the book, and pay only for the actual wear or other damage the books may have sustained. The old books now in use will be continued so until the pupil advances to a higher grade, when a conformity with the new system will be required. Parents need not keep the children out of school on account of the expense of providing books as the cost will be so low that almost every one can afford to purchase the books required. In case of parents not being able to make the required deposit, the principal will furnish books without such deposit. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 April 1886, p. 3, c. 4)


Special Meeting of Brainerd School

District.


Notice is hereby given, that pursuant to the order of the board of trustees of Brainerd school district, a special meeting in and for said district is called to be held at Sleeper opera house in said district in the City of Brainerd, Minn., on Wednesday June 6th, 1888, at 8 o’clock p.m., for the purpose of voting upon the following resolution:

RESOLVED, That Brainerd school district in the county of Crow Wing, State of Minnesota, hereby makes application to the state for a loan of $35,000 to be used in paying for the erection of school houses in said district, and that the bond of said district, in the sum of $35,000 be issued therefor.

By order of board of trustees.

JOHN WILLIS, Attest A. MAHLUM,

President. Clerk.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 25 May 1888, p. 1, c. 4)


Commencement Exercises.


The second commencement exercises of the Brainerd high school will take place at Sleeper opera house on Friday evening, June 1st, and more than usual interest is being taken in the occasion. There are seven in the graduating class, six of whom have been given positions in the schools of the city, to begin with the commencement of the fall term. The programme which we are able to present to our readers this week is as follows:


Music—Orchestra

Prayer—Rev. Bergstrom

Chorus—Song of Welcome

Salutatory and Essay—The House that Jack Built, Emily Walters.

Essay—Alpha and Omega, Genevieve L. Paine.

Music—Orchestra

Essay—Influence, Geneva M. Welch.

Oration—Not for Revenue Only, E. Weed Steel.

Duet—Alderman and Wilson

Essay—The Emerald Isle, Emily A. Murphy.

Class Song

Valedictory—Amy Louise Lowey.

Presentation of Diplomas—Prof. Wilson.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 25 May 1888, p. 4, c. 6)


New and elegant school buildings will be erected in the Second and Third Wards. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 June 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


The Bond Election.


The meeting held at the opera house Wednesday evening to decide the question of issuing bonds in the sum of $35,000, for the purpose of advancing the interests of education in this city, was not largely attended but the sentiment was in favor of the bonds, the vote when taken standing 37 for to 13 against. The bonds will accordingly be issued and the funds will be used for erecting new buildings in the Second and Third Wards, and otherwise assisting in advancing the general school interests. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 June 1888, p. 4, c. 7)


ANNUAL REPORT.

_____


Of the Brainerd Public School for the

Year Ending June 1, 1888.


No. of different pupils enrolled—1012

No. of pupils entitled to apportionment (30 days attendance required)—936

Total attendance in days by all pupils—109708

No. of days school was in session:

Fall term—80

Winter term—60

Spring term—40

Average daily attendance:

Fall term—685

Winter term—609

Spring term—617

Total for the year—627

Average monthly enrollment by buildings:

High School Building—353

First Ward—162

Second Ward—112

Third Ward—129

West Side—25

Total—781

No. teachers enrolled:

High School Building—7

First Ward—3

Second Ward—2

Third Ward—3

West Side—1

Total—16

Average No. of pupils per teacher:

High School Building—50

First Ward—52

Second Ward—57

Third Ward—43

West Side—27

Average daily attendance by building:

High School Building—308

First Ward—136

Second Ward—81

Third Ward—102

West Side—19

Per cent of attendance estimated on average monthly enrollment—85

Per cent estimated on total enrollment—61

No. cases tardiness of pupils:

High School Building—1005

First Ward—331

Second Ward—534

Third Ward—753

West Side—199

Total 2822

No. cases of truancy—67

No. cases corporal punishment—105

No. volumes in school library—200

Cash value of library—$250

Am’t expended for books past year—$160

Am’t expended for apparatus—$210

Cash value of all apparatus—$300

No. of graduates from High School, males 1, females 6, total—7

Total No. graduates since organization of High School, males 1, females 7, total—8

No. of years High School has been in operation—2

It may be of interest to compare the report of this year with previous reports. In 1885 nine teachers were employed with 927 different names appearing on the roll of pupils while the average daily attendance was 360. In 1886, the report shows an enrollment of 13 teachers with 891 different pupils enrolled, and an average daily attendance of 436. This report shows that 16 teachers have been employed, 1012 pupils enrolled, with average attendance of 627. While the increase in the number of pupils has been gratifying, the increase of zeal and enthusiasm among the pupils has not been less gratifying.


HIGH SCHOOL.


Four years ago there was nothing which might be called a high school. This year finds a high school thoroughly supplied with a library of excellent books, and equipped with fine physical and chemical apparatus. This year there were several graduates from the high school, six ladies and one gentleman. The question may arise why the girls outnumber the boys in the higher classes of the high school. Much might be written in reply to this question. I shall only stop to say that I think the main reason is a want of energy and ambition on the part of the boys, and a lack of authority on the part of the parents. The board of education has made it possible for every boy and girl in the city of Brainerd to obtain not only a common school but also a high school education, and to graduate if they will. It is for parents to make imperative what the board has with great liberality made possible.


GRADING.


Much has been done during the past year in reducing the school to a uniform grade and I feel indebted to the teachers in this work for their hearty co-operation and excellent advice. It is hoped that the coming year will see the work of grading brought to a much higher state of perfection.


TARDINESS.


An examination of this report shows an unpleasantly large number of cases of tardiness. Duluth last year, with an average daily attendance of 820 only, reports 917 cases of tardiness, while Brainerd with an average daily attendance of 627 reports 2822 cases. This largely results from two causes, first, carelessness on the part of parents, second, a slack enforcement of the regulations on the part of some teachers. A few teachers energetically took hold of the difficulty and effectually checked it. The monthly reports of these teachers showed frequently only 4 or 5 cases, while others for the same month reported 50 and 60 cases. For the number enrolled the second and third wards show the greatest number of cases. It is hoped that a strong effort will be made by parents and teachers to correct this evil. Suitable blanks have been furnished each teacher, by means of which they will be able to communicate with parents to secure their co-operation.


ACCOMMODATIONS.


Owing to the crowded condition of the schools, it was found necessary to employ an addition teacher in the third ward and first ward. An additional teacher will be required the coming year in the second ward. In view of the fact that the buildings in the second and third wards are inadequate for the accommodation of the pupils, and that they are poorly ventilated, and that it is impossible to properly warm them in the winter, I have recommended to the board the erection of new buildings in those wards.


TEXT BOOKS.


For the last two years the text books have been furnished to the pupils on the following plans: The superintendent makes requisition on the board for the books required. The board purchases the books from the publishers at wholesale rates and delivers them to the superintendent charging him with them. The superintendent then sells them to the pupils at cost plus freight or expressage. When a pupil has completed a book, he returns it to the superintendent who pays him whatever the book is worth. The plan has proved successful. The pupils obtain their books for less than they could be furnished by a dealer. The children have learned to take care of their books, as the amount received for a book when returned, depends on the care which it has had.


VISITORS.


Examination and report cards can at best only give a meager understanding of the work being done in the schools. I therefore invite the parents to visit the schools as often as practicable, not in a fault finding spirit, but with the desire to see how and what the children are taught. The teachers will give you a hearty welcome and your presence will encourage them in their important work.

J. A. WILSON,

Superintendent City Schools

(Brainerd Dispatch, 10 August 1888, p. 1, c.’s 5 & 6)


The graduating class this year is small, being composed at present of only three scholars. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 September 1888, p. 4, c. 5)


“Sweet Girl Graduates.”


On Friday evening of last week the third annual commencement exercises of the Brainerd High School took place at Sleeper Opera House, and very entertaining they were. Rev. Father Watry opened with prayer, which was followed by the Glee Club in song. Prof. Gould, principal of the high school, delivered an interesting and able address and his remarks were followed very closely by the audience. At the close of his remarks Miss Katie Canan, a graduate, delivered her commencement essay, the topic being “The Mission of the Public School,” and which reflected credit to herself and satisfaction to her many friends. After a song, “An Old Letter” by Miss Mamie Smith the other graduate Miss Grace Clark read her essay on “The Student and the State,” which was an excellent effort. The young ladies were then presented their diplomas by Prof. Wilson with fitting remarks, and the exercises closed with a song by the Glee Club. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 June 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


The High School Graduates.


The high school graduating exercises will be held at the Congregational church tomorrow (Saturday) evening, at which time Miss Hattie Gibson and Miss Daisy Badeaux will receive diplomas. The following is the programme:


[...]

(Brainerd Dispatch, 30 May 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


The new superintendent of the city schools, Prof. Cheadle, arrived from Cannon Falls on Tuesday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 August 1890, p. 4, c. 3)


“If Jesus Christ himself asked me to change my opinion I would not do so,” is the sacrilegious and disgusting remark a Third ward member of the board is reported to have made, in speaking of the recent school controversy. This is a good indication of the mental calibre of nearly every member of the board who voted for the unjust treatment of the Second ward teachers. We do not believe, with a single exception, of the members above referred to, there is one who can construct a complete sentence, much less hold a fourth grade certificate, or serve intelligently on a board of education. This, indeed, is a most disgraceful state of affairs. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 March 1891, p. 4, c. 3)


SCHOOL MATTERS.

_____


Unjust Treatment of Teachers Because

of Personal Spite and Ignorance

of Some Board Members.


Brainerd teachers, both grade and high school, in June 1891. From left, rear: E. K. Cheadle, Superintendent of Schools and Principal of High School, Elizabeth Clark (m. James M. Hayes), Amy Lowey, Gertrude Morser, "Minnie" Merritt, Anna Murphy (m. M. T. Dunn, Sr.), and Bess Mulrine (in hat). Center: Kathleen Canan (m. Joseph Early), Katherine Whiteley, Jennie Welch (m. James F. Hawkins), Jennie Crow, Evelyn Cahoon, and Elizabeth "Bessie" Small (m. Joseph Westfall). Front: Maggie Somers, Emily Murphy (m. Henry Linnemann), Mary L. Small, Caroline Rich, Avis Winchell, and Miss McCleary.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

On Thursday evening last, at its regular meeting, the board of education adopted a resolution calling for the resignation of the two teachers in the 2nd ward school, to take effect March 27th, and elected Misses Lizzie Miller and Toot Clark to take their places. As neither of the young ladies referred to have ever received an intimation from the superintendent or any one else but what they were giving the best of satisfaction, they were greatly surprised, and the people of the city, especially of the 2nd ward, were justly indignant when the facts became known by formal notice to the discharged teachers on Saturday. The matter was freely discussed on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, and the president of the board was prevailed upon to call a special meeting for Monday night to reconsider the matter. Meanwhile a petition was circulated in the 2nd ward and 120 signatures secured, asking that the resolution be reconsidered and the teachers reinstated. The board met in Hagberg’s store as per call, the meeting being attended by a large number of indignant citizens, and the petition was presented. Remarks were made by Messrs. Treglawny, Frizzell, Congdon, Swartz and other 2nd ward citizens, all declaring that they were more than satisfied with the present teachers, and asked that they be reinstated. But all to no effect. The petition and the motion to reconsider was laid on the table by a vote of 6 to 3, Messrs. Towers, Titze, Erickson, Doran, Winters and Pennell voting yea, and Messrs. Hagberg, Willis and McKay voting no. Mr. Lagerquist was absent. Mr. Pennell explained his vote by saying that while he would like to see the teachers reinstated, he would vote against reconsidering because other teachers had been hired, which would cause embarrassment. McKay’s vote was a complete flop from the position he has occupied heretofore, and he explained his vote by saying he thought the board did right, but he would vote to reconsider because his constituents demanded it. This action of the board in thus ignoring the wishes of the people of the 2nd ward in a matter of such vital importance to them and their families has aroused great indignation, and the members who are responsible are being denounced in unmeasured terms as they richly deserve.

This unjust action of the board makes interesting the publication of the true inwardness of a state of affairs which is anything but advantageous to our schools, and shows how far some men will go to gratify their personal spite. About two years ago and some time previous to his election, a 4th ward member of the board said to the writer of this article that he proposed to be a candidate for the school board, and if elected he would see who was running the schools, the board or Prof. Wilson; and further that he would see to it that the Prof. and his friends would be fired without ceremony. This motive has governed the action of the member ever since, and for no other reason than that the board refused to engage his daughter as teacher because she could not pass the necessary examination, for which Prof. Wilson was in no wise to blame. By laboring quietly with members of the board, he succeeded in getting a sufficient number of the board, members equally as ignorant and incapable as himself, to do his bidding, and Prof. Wilson’s application was rejected as a consequence, notwithstanding the fact that fully three-fourths of our citizens desired to see him re-elected. He and his friends now seek to vent their spite upon all the old teachers who served under Prof. Wilson, and who liked him because of his ability as a teacher and his gentlemanly conduct towards them. They tried to prevent these teachers from being re-elected at the beginning of the year. But not satisfied with simply trying to prevent their re-election, they have, at nearly every meeting since, tried to injure their standing as teachers by discharging them, alleging incompetency as the cause. They have succeeded so far as two of the teachers are concerned, but the force of their action, however, we are pleased to state, has been completely overcome, and the charge of incompetency most effectually refuted, by the actions of the parents of the children taught by these teachers, in protesting against their removal, and declaring themselves as more than satisfied with the progress the children were making. But there is no basis for the charge of incompetency whatever. It is true, that Miss Hall, the state inspector, did report several of the teachers a little lax in discipline, but especially advised that they be retained and corrected, and they would be all right. Concerning their educational qualifications her report was favorable.

But supposing these teachers were not giving the best of satisfaction, the attempt of these members to brand them as incompetent, after re-engaging them for two years in succession, would still be most contemptible in the eyes of all fair-minded persons. Had they waited only two months longer, and then simply refused to employ them again, no harm would have resulted except the loss of good teachers in the school, but to publicly declare them incompetent by dismissing them, without cause, or previous complaint having been made to them, is not only unjust but dishonorable, and we greatly mistake the people of all parts of the city, if these members are not rebuked in no uncertain tones when the proper time arrives.

Prof. Cheadle’s action in this matter, and in fact ever since his connection with the schools here, has been far from commendable. In order to make himself “solid,” he has lent himself a willing tool to this faction of the board, and has embraced every opportunity, as near as we can learn, to magnify little short comings on the part of these old teachers in reporting them to the board, but has never had the fairness to call the attention of the teachers themselves to these faults that they could correct them, which certainly was a duty he owed to them and his position. His great fault lay in his desire, by his actions, to make himself popular with what he conceived to be the controlling element of the board, no matter what injury resulted to the school, or what injustice was done to others. This toadying policy will not work long in an intelligent community like this, and he will have to change his methods, or the people will see that a better man succeeds him.

LATER.—It now transpires that according to the contract the teachers had, the board could not discharge these teachers without paying them their salary for the balance of the year if they refused to resign, unless for good and sufficient causes. Accordingly a special meeting was called last night to consider this new phase of the question, which resulted in the matter being reconsidered and the teachers reinstated, which is virtually an admission that there was no cause for their dismissal. The very member who has been the prime mover in in the whole business, tried to escape the responsibility and shift it entirely on the superintendent's shoulders, by saying the board had nothing to re-consider, that the board had not officially notified these teachers, but it was the superintendent who did so, and he was to blame. This is in keeping with his former actions, and shows the calibre of the man. Thus ends this disgraceful farce. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 March 1891, p. 4, c.’s 5 & 6)


In another column we publish a lengthy communication from Prof. Cheadle, the greater portion of which he devotes to finding fault with the DISPATCH for criticizing his conduct as superintendent of the schools. Now every citizen of this city, the DISPATCH editors included, have a perfect right to criticize the official acts of any member of the board, or the superintendent, and we propose to exercise that right, whenever we feel disposed, without fear or favor of anyone. And when we do so, it will not be as the mouthpiece of either the board, the teachers or the superintendent, but as citizens and individuals conducting a public journal.

Concerning the professor’s claim that we were unjust in charging him with “toadying” because we were not personally acquainted with him, we must say we do not see how a personal acquaintance could have any bearing on the matter, as a conclusion could be arrived at only by considering his official actions, and we are yet of the opinion that these justified our conclusions. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 March 1891, p. 1, c. 4)


Prof. Cheadle Talks.


EDITORS DISPATCH:—My attention having been called to an article in this week’s issue of the DISPATCH, in which I am assailed, unjustly, as I think, I beg leave to offer the following reply, with the request that it be given as prominent a place in the DISPATCH as the article referred to had.

I do not feel called upon to champion the cause of the Board of Education or of any member of it. I am comparatively a stranger in Brainerd, and know nothing of a part of the assertions in the article in question, except through hearsay, which is a proverbially unreliable source of information. Neither should I feel it my duty to attempt explanation or refutation of these statements, even were I fully acquainted with the facts of the case. Doubtless the members of the Board can defend themselves, if they think it worth their while.

I do not believe there is any basis for a candid assertion that I have “toadied” to the members of the Board, either individually or collectively. When my judgment has differed from theirs, I have not hesitated to express it just as freely as if it had been in accord. It has occurred more than once that I have advocated a different course from the one which I believed to be approved by a majority of the Board. This has occurred even in regard to the very teachers, the tardy request for whose resignations has aroused so great a “tempest in a teapot.”

If I had been in Brainerd long enough to become acquainted with any considerable number of the people, your charge of “toadyism” would be of no effect; but for the reason that I do not personally know many people here, I think it appropriate to say that it seems to me ungenerous, at least, for you to apply the epithet of “toady” to a man whom you do not know. However, “many men of many minds” even in matters of courtesy, and much more so, as regards the ethics and manners of controversy, and it is probably not worth my while to dwell longer on this point.

Next, you charge, if I remember aright, that the petty failures of the teachers under my charge have been magnified by me in the eyes of the Board, and that I have failed to correct the faults of these teachers, and thus enable them to do better. Let it suffice, so far as I am concerned, to deny the first part of the charge IN TOTO. I have never willingly and voluntarily called the attention of the Board to the errors of any of my teachers. Sometimes it has been my unpleasant duty to speak of such matters, but it has never been done in the manner or for the purpose alleged by you. What your authority for this statement is, or whether you have any except unfriendly rumor, you best know.

As regards my failure properly to instruct my teachers, which you allege, or at least imply. I can say honestly that I think there is no foundation for it, although judgments may vary as to what are the proper methods of imparting such instruction I have carefully and definitely arranged the course of study for eight grades below the High School in a such a form as to show exactly the work of each grade, and this enables each teacher to know precisely what is expected of her; and at my request the Board ordered a sufficient number of copies of this course of study printed to permit a copy being placed in each family in the city sending children to school. Furthermore, I have endeavored, in frequent teachers’ meetings, to explain what was to be taught and how it ought to be taught. Both these means of imparting to the teachers a reasonably complete knowledge of what is expected of them, have been supplemented by personal assistance, which I have, at least, attempted to give them in their respective school rooms. My visits to the schools have been frequent, averaging at least one per week to each room, and the longest interval that has elapsed in any instance is, I think, three weeks, and for this there were good and especial reasons. Since the visits are necessarily made during school hours, it is, of course, not my custom to express open disapprobation, at the time of the visit, of anything of which I do not approve. Often, by asking the teacher’s permission to take her class, I attempt to show by personal instruction what I think the proper way of teaching the subject under consideration, and thus indirectly correct an improper method. I am in the habit of using various other indirect methods of correction, and have by no means failed to tell my teachers their faults directly, when I have thought it necessary, or that it would do them any good. This is all that can be expected of a supervisor. If a presentation of correct principles and methods of education, and reasonable assistance in applying them will not enable a teacher to do good work, she is not properly a subject for instruction, but for dismissal.

I wish to say also that you have incorrectly reported the judgment which the state inspector passed on certain of our teachers. I, for one, would not willingly make the opinion of the inspector known, although it would more than justify my own I shall not give it further publicity unless I am forced to so so by the unwise course of their friends.

I did not ask, suggest, or in any way bring about the request for the resignations of these teachers at the present time, nor did I approve of the withdrawal of the request when once it had been made, but as the Board did not ask my advice on this point, I did not give it.

The loss of my position, with which you menace me, would not have enough weight, even were it certain, to induce me to violate my conscience or prostitute my judgment by giving any other than an honest opinion when it is required of me by any man or body of men in whom is vested the right to ask it of me. I shall not allow my conduct to be controlled, or even modified by the contingency of a re-election. I shall stand for what is right in itself and just to all, so far as it is given to me to know it, taking no thought for the fear or the favor of any man. If I cannot retain my present position without debasing my manhood by the expression of opinions framed to meet the wishes of persons who have some private interest in view, I do not wish to retain it.

Do not misunderstand on this point, I am not to be controlled or even swayed by frantic clamors, or revengeful threats. If I cannot serve the people of Brainerd honestly, I will not serve them at all.

Yours truly,

EDWIN K. CHEADLE,

Supt. City Schools.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 20 March 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


A kindergarden [sic] school has been opened at the corner of Kingwood and Seventh streets. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 April 1891, p. 4, c. 3)


The Class of ‘91.


On Saturday evening the commencement exercises of the Brainerd High School will occur at the opera house. The class consists of Miss Nellie Merritt, Miss Etta McPherson, Miss Daisy Bane, Miss Elizabeth Somers, J. Matthew Smith, Clifton A. Allbright and Frank A. Bell. The programme is as follows:

Overture—Orchestra

Prayer—Father Lawlor

Song, Land of Freedom

High School Oration and Salutatory, American House of Lords—J. Matthew Smith

Essay, The Modern Girl—Elizabeth M. Somers

Selection—Orchestra

Oration, America for Europeans—Frank A. Bell

Essay, Success—Etta M. McPherson

Waltz—Orchestra

Oration, Political Corruption—Clifton A. Allbright

Essay, Prospicium in Futuram—Daisy S. Bane

Valedictory—Nellie K. Merritt

Address—Rev. J. A. Jenkins

Presentation of Diplomas

March—Orchestra

(Brainerd Dispatch, 29 May 1891, p. 4, c. 6)


Received Their Diplomas.


The commencement exercises of the Brainerd high school took place on Saturday evening last at the opera house, ending another school year and with it seven students received their diplomas which bear testimony that these graduates have reached that point of perfection in their studies which is required of them on such occasions. The graduates were Misses Elizabeth Somers, Etta McPherson, Daisy Bane and Millie [sic] [Nellie] Merritt, and Messrs. C. A. Allbright, J. M. Smith and F. A. Bell, and while the road to success has been a hard one and lined with many discouraging obstacles it is over and those who have attained the summit are entitled to credit and congratulation, and these they received. The opera house was well filled with interested spectators who had assembled to listen to the exercises which were carried out according to the programme published last week, and in a manner highly creditable to those who participated, and did space permit we should be pleased to produce the essays and orations. At the close of the programme Rev. Jenkins addressed the graduates in a very able manner at some length. The diplomas were then presented after which the orchestra rendered some excellent music and the commencement exercises for the class of ‘91 were over. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 June 1891, p. 1, c. 3)


A special meeting of the board of education was held last evening at which it was decided to establish a school in Southeast Brainerd, and the room over Angel’s grocery store will be secured for that purpose. Miss Florence Miller was engaged as teacher for this room. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 September 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


New School Houses.


The board of education at its meeting last night decided to submit a proposition at the coming election to bond the district for money to build new school houses, provided public sentiment in the city seemed to be in favor of such a proposition. School meetings will be held in each ward in a few days, and if public sentiment as there expressed seems favorable, the proposition will be submitted. This proposition, if submitted ought to have the support of every citizen of this city. Brainerd’s school buildings, exclusive of the high school, would be a disgrace to a village like Aitkin. They are old, poorly ventilated, cold, barn-like structures, totally unfit for the purposes they are used for. But such as they are, they are not large enough to accommodate the pupils enrolled by at least 200. The board now rents four rooms outside of the regular school buildings, and all the other rooms are so crowded, that in order to do the scholars justice other rooms ought to be secured and these crowded rooms relieved. Brainerd now has 1,076 scholars enrolled, which, counting 40 scholars to a room, would call for 27 rooms. Instead of this number these scholars are crowded into 21 rooms, and four of these are kept in old store rooms outside of the regular school buildings. This is a disgraceful condition of affairs and should be remedied by voting the bonds and building new buildings. Nothing hurts the population of a city so much as the knowledge that school facilities are inadequate, and if we expect people to move here and help build up our city, we must secure facilities to decently educate their children without endangering their health while at school. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 October 1892, p. 1, c. 3)


School Houses Needed.


Circulars have been issued by the board of education directing the attention of the citizens and taxpayers to the need of more school buildings to accommodate the educational interests of the city, and asking that from $40,000 to $50,000 be expended in that direction, giving one new building in each ward, with the exception of the Fifth, which already has the high school building. Meetings have been called in the various wards for the purpose of considering the question of voting bonds for this purpose on Tuesday evening, Oct. 18th, at 8 o’clock, at the following places:

1st ward—Municipal court room.

2nd ward—Court House.

3rd ward—Hose house.

4th ward—Hose house.

5th ward—6th street school house.

It is earnestly urged that the voters turn out to these meetings and express their views on the matter, as it is a subject of vital importance. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 October 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


The School Bonds.


The meetings called in the different wards to discuss the matter of the proposed issue of bonds for school purposes, while not largely attended, showed the sentiment of the people to be largely in favor of such action, and the board of education will therefore ask the people to vote on the question. The board will hold a meeting tomorrow evening, and decide on the date for calling a mass meeting, as the law provides that this is the manner in which the bonds must be voted, two-thirds of those present and voting being necessary to carry the question, and ten days’ notice must be given before the meeting can be held. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 October 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


School District Meeting.


Notice is hereby given that a special meeting of the Brainerd School District will be held at the High School Building, in the city of Brainerd, on Monday, November 7th, 1892, at seven (7) o’clock P.M.

The object for which said meeting is called is to have the legal voters of said Brainerd School District, then and there present, vote upon the question, as provided by law, of directing the issue, by the proper authority, of the bonds of said Brainerd School District in the aggregate sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000), the proceeds thereof to be used and appropriated for the purpose of purchasing sites for, and in the erection, completing and furnishing of four (4) school houses in and for said School District; said bonds, if so directed to be issued, to be in sums of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000), each, with interest coupons attached, and bearing interest at the rate of not more than six (6) per centum per annum, payable semi-annually, and be payable fifteen (15) years after their date and executed by the president of the Board of Education of said Brainerd School District and the clerk of said Board of Education, as provided by law.

Dated, Brainerd this 26th day of October, 1892.

ARTHUR E. PENNELL,

Clerk of the Board of Education

of Brainerd School District.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 28 October 1892, p. 4, c. 4 and 04 November 1892, p. 4, c. 6)


The meeting called by the board of education at the high school building on Monday evening was quite well attended although not as largely as was expected. The object was for the purpose of discussing the desirability of issuing $50,000 bonds, the proceeds to be used in erecting public school buildings in the various wards where they are so badly needed. The meeting was addressed by several people and the matter was placed before the audience in as plain a manner as possible, Prof. Cheadle’s remarks in regard to the crowded condition of the schools, the steady increase in numbers and the inability of the teachers to do justice to the large number of pupils which they were required to care for, carrying much weight. A vote was finally taken, the result being 124 for and five against the issuance. The result is very gratifying as the sum indicated will place the means in the hands of the board with which to furnish adequate school facilities in each ward. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 November 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


Sale of Brainerd School District

Bonds.


Office of the Board of Education of the Brainerd School District,

WASHINGTON SCHOOL BUILDING, BRAINERD, Minn., Nov. 16, 1892.

Sealed bids will be received by the Board of Education of the Brainerd School District, at its office in the city of Brainerd, Crow Wing County, Minnesota, until 12 o’clock, noon, on the 5th day of January, A. D. 1893, for the purchase of the bonds of said Brainerd School District, in the aggregate sum of $50,000. Further description of said bonds, and of the conditions attending their sale, may be had upon application to the Clerk of said Board of Education.

The said Board reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

Attest:

J. C. CONGDON, President.

A. E. PENNELL, Clerk.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 18 November 1892, p. 1, c. 5 and 25 November 1892, p. 1, c. 3)


Board of Education.


A regular monthly meeting of the Board of Education was held at the high school building last evening, at which bids were opened for the $50,000 in bonds the board intends issuing with which to build new school houses. There were ten bids, the highest being by Farson, Leach & Co., of New York, through Mr. G. M. Parnell, agent. The amount bid was $4,155 premium with accrued interest to date. If money is not all wanted, he will allow 3 per cent interest for all left in his hands.

Arrangements were ordered made to condemn property in first ward for school property. The property referred to is the Huntington, Riggs and Duchane property on 6th street between Oak and Pine.

The decision of City Attorney McClenahan relative to the time of electing officers of the board was accepted, it being decided that November instead of May being the proper time. A. E. Pennell was elected secretary for the ensuing year. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 January 1893, p. 4, c. 5)


Board of Education Meeting.


A special meeting of the Board of Education was held at the High School building on Wednesday evening to hear the report of the special committee on heating and ventilation which has recently returned from a trip to Milwaukee, and St. Paul and Minneapolis. The committee consisted of Messrs. Congdon, Winters and Titze [Titus]. Two reports were made the majority report by Messrs. Titze [Titus] and Winters, and the minority report by Mr. Congdon. The majority report recommended the Fuller and Warren hot air heater for all four new buildings, and the minority report favored the putting in of a steam heating plant in one of the eight room buildings. The majority report was accepted and the Fuller & Warren Heater was adopted for all the buildings at a cost of $6,500.

The special committee on the selection of a site for the East Brainerd Building reported in favor of purchasing block 26 in Farrar and Forsyth's addition at a cost of $3,000 which report was accepted. Block 26 is on third avenue just across the street from the old [horse drawn] street car barn.

The committee on site for the fourth ward did not report, the chairman of the committee being absent, but there was a delegation of fourth ward citizens present to protest against the proposed recommendation of the committee.

On the matter of the first ward site the board authorized proceedings for condemning the property on the corner of Sixth and Oak streets, the gentleman owning the three corner lots refusing to sell for less than $400 a lot, which is almost twice as much as they are worth. The next three lots are owned by Mr. A. P. Riggs who will sell them with a small house for $1,000 which is not unreasonable.

Bids for furnishing wood were opened and contracts awarded as follows: John Cameron, 200 cords of green pine at $2.00 a cord, Louis Nelson 50 cords at $1.90 a cord, and J. W. Jones 200 cords at $2.00 a cord.

The session of the board was a warm one and lasted until 1 o’clock. There was quite a contest on the matter of heating and considerable feeling was displayed, but the result was the adoption of the majority report. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 January 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


Board of Education Meeting.


[...]


The secretary was on motion instructed to write to W. S. Pardee, of Minneapolis, requesting him to rush the plans and specifications of the new school houses. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 February 1893, p. 4, c. 6)


Board of Education Meeting.


A special meeting of the board of education was held on Tuesday evening to take final action on the purchase of a site for the new school building in the fourth ward, and to complete the negotiations with the Fuller & Warren Heating company for the putting in of their system of heating in all the new buildings. The full committee on sites reported unanimously in favor of purchasing ten lots of block 17 in Sleeper’s addition, which report was accepted by the board, and purchase ordered, for a consideration of not to exceed $1,500. The committee attended a mass meeting of the citizens of the ward the previous evening, and discussed the matter, after which a vote was taken by the citizens, which was two to one in favor of the site selected. The committee recommended accordingly.


THE FULLER & WARREN SYSTEM OF HEATING ADOPTED.


The contract with the Fuller & Warren Heating Co., was also signed at this meeting, Mr. F. Van Vechten, a representative of the company being present. The cost of the system for the four buildings will be $6500, and the company pays the expenses of the committee of the board which went to Milwaukee to investigate the merits of the system. This the company agreed to do whether their system was adopted or not.

The members of the board are satisfied that they have a splendid system of heating and ventilating for the new buildings. In speaking of this matter a prominent member of the board says: “After a thorough consideration of the proposals and the terms offered by Mr. Van Vechten, the members present voted unanimously in favor of the proposals, and the contracts were signed accordingly. This system has been adopted by the board after a thorough investigation of the systems at present in use, a committee of the board having visited St. Paul, Minneapolis and Milwaukee to inspect the systems in use in those cities. At the latter city they had an opportunity of seeing and comparing all the systems of hot air and steam heating, and also of inspecting the dry closet system, which seems to be the most perfect of its kind, it being impossible for any odors to escape into the school rooms. As a result of their investigations the committee recommended the Fuller & Warren system as being the best hot air system they had seen, and far more economical than heating by steam, which requires an additional expense, as it is necessary to introduce the single and double fan system to ventilate the rooms, and an additional cost for the dry closets. The hot air system of Fuller & Warren company does all this, and does it for all four buildings nearly as cheap as it would cost to put in steam and the dry closets in one of the eight room buildings. It is provided, also, in the contract, that on any signs of failure in the system, it shall be removed by the Fuller & Warren company at their expense, and all money paid shall be returned to the board; also a trial of one winter is given before the final payment shall be made to the company.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 February 1893, p. 4, c. 6)


Judge Holland has appointed H. J. Spencer, Thos. Holiday [sic] [Halladay] and Geo. A. Keene as appraisers to determine the value of the lots in block 161 which the board of education have condemned for school [Lincoln] purpose. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 February 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


Bids For Stone.


BRAINERD, March 3, 1893.

Sealed bids will be received at the office of the undersigned for 100 cords of stone, or less, for foundation purposes. Said stone to be delivered on the proposed sites of the new school houses. Full particulars can be obtained for the next 10 days from

A. E. PENNELL,

16-2 Sec. Board of Education.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 03 March 1893, p. 4, c. 5)


Board of Education.


The regular monthly meeting of the board of education was held at the high school last evening, all the members being present.

The text book committee reported favorably on the matter of purchasing a complete set of new maps for the different buildings, and the report was adopted. The same committee reported against the matter of purchasing an encyclopedia of political economy which was also accepted.

A communication from Mr. Lum, the attorney of the board, was read notifying them that judgment had been entered against the board in the condemnation proceedings for the first ward site, and recommending that the proper committee be authorized to satisfy the same, and also complete the purchase of the Riggs and Huntington property for the first ward site. Mr. Lum also stated that he though a quit claim deed for the old Sixth street property could be obtained soon, so that the board could sell it. The board by a unanimous vote authorized the purchasing committee to complete the purchase as recommended above.

The contractors of the city appeared before the board and protested against the form of bid for the new school houses adopted at the last meeting. They objected to the sub-contractor clause. After an hour spent in wrangling concerning the merits of the two systems, the board reconsidered its action of the previous week, and adopted the form desired by the local contractors.

The secretary was instructed to authorize Mr. Lum to correspond with Rollins & Co. concerning the bonds. It seems that the school bonds after being sold, were transferred by the purchasers to another firm, from whom nothing has been heard, although several letters have been sent to them by the secretary, and the board is getting anxious to know when they are going to get the money to pay for all their purchases and proposed buildings.

The secretary was instructed to notify Messrs. Gray & Wheatly of the return of the proposition for the old Sixth street school building.

On motion the board authorized the renting of the opera house for graduating exercises. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 April 1893, p. 1, c. 2)


A mass meeting of the citizens of the city was held at the high school building on Wednesday evening for the purpose of voting on the proposition of allowing the board of education to dispose of the old school house sites. Although it was a mass meeting it was not very massive, as only fourteen people were present including the members of the board. The proposition carried, however, by a vote of 13 to 1. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 April 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


A Contract Let.


The school board held a meeting on Tuesday evening for the purpose of opening bids for building the four new school houses and awarding the contract. The bids were as follows:

Emil Bruce, Minneapolis—$39,955

Leck & McLeod, Minneapolis—$39,894

Kilroe Bros., Minneapolis—$43,985

Leck & Leck, Minneapolis—$46,344

Erick Lund, Minneapolis—$43,800

A. Tollefson, Minneapolis—$39,672

Minn. Stone Co., Minneapolis—$45,987

G. M. Deeks, St. Paul—$47,987

The bid of L. Rassmuson for the First and Second ward buildings was $22,200.

Everett & Peterson bid for $22,200 on the Third and Fourth ward buildings.

Robinson & Rowley made a bid of $24,446.41 on an eight and four room building to be doubled in case they got the contract as there are two four room and two eight room buildings to construct.

The contract was awarded to Mr. Tollefson, of Minneapolis, his bid being the lowest. It was hoped that the contract would be awarded to a Brainerd man, but the board could not do otherwise as the bid of Mr. Tollefson was over $4,000 less than that of the lowest local bidder. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 April 1893, p. 4, c. 5)


Change in School Officers.


On Tuesday evening the board of education held a meeting to perfect arrangements in regard to the hiring of a new superintendent, Superintendent Cheadle having resigned to go to Helena, Mont. Prof. B. T. Hathaway, of Owatonna, was engaged. As principal of the high school Prof. Pierce, of Minoka, Ill., was chosen. H. T. Skinner will be principal of the Lowell school and J. C. Hart of the Whittier school. The only other business transacted was the election of W. H. Bondy to superintend the construction of the four new school houses. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 May 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


The commencement exercises of the Brainerd High School, the Class of ‘93, will take place at the Opera house on Tuesday evening, June 13th. The members are: Misses Lizzie L. Atkinson, Bertie L [sic]. Cunningham, Jennie F. Paine, Louise M. White, and Jennie B. Small. Messrs. John E. Bailey, Fred U. Davis, John H. Kirk and Herbert C. Maughan. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 June 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


To Execute the Bonds.


The board of education held a meeting Saturday evening for the purpose of considering the bond question and other financial matters. After a full discussion the secretary was instructed, in conjunction with the president of the board, to execute fifty of the $1,000 bonds now in his hands, and he was instructed to send twenty-five of the same to Rollins & Son and draw on them for the amount with premium. The secretary was authorized to purchase a seal and to notify the county auditor under seal who the legal officers of the board were. The repair committee was authorized to remove all school furniture from rented buildings and take charge of the same the Journal was designated as the board’s official organ and the body adjourned.

_____


Another meeting of the school board was held last night at which time Contractor Tollefson’s bond of $5,000 was approved. Ambrose Tighe was present and agreed to extend the water mains to the Third Ward school building and possibly to the Fourth ward. Secretary Pennell was instructed to draw an order for 80 per cent of the estimated amount of the material furnished and the labor done on new school houses amounting to $7,293.43.

The salary of the superintendent of schools was fixed at $1,400 per year. Additional teachers were engaged as follows: Miss Norrish, Miss Fuller, Miss Cahoon, Miss Lizzie Somers and Miss Nellie Merritt. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 June 1893, p. 4, c. 5)


Honors of Class Day.


Brainerd High School Class of 1893. Left to right: Louise White, Beatrice Cunningham. (Seated, rear) Jennie Small, Jennie Paine. (Standing) John Bailey, Fred Davis, Herbert Maughan, Elizabeth Atkinson. (Note: John Kirk, missing.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Tuesday was class day of the Brainerd high school and another company of young men and women, learned and competent, were graduated. The exercises were held in the opera house and were well arranged and performed in a very creditable manner both to teachers and pupils. The graduates were nine in number and consisted of the following: Misses Lizzie Atkinson, Beatrice Cunningham, Jennie Paine, Jennie Small and Louise White; Messrs. J. H. Kirk, J. E. Bailey, H. C. Maughan and F. U. Davis. The following programme was carried out.

Invocation—Rev. J. C. Huntington

Music—Male Quartette

Opening Remarks—Supt. E. K. Cheadle

Salutatorian—“The Star of Empires,” John H. Kirk

Class President’s Address—“Majesty of Loyalty,” Fred U. Davis

Class History—Beatrice T [sic]. Cunningham

Duet—Messrs. Helme and Webb

Unveiling of class Motto—Louise M. White

Oration—”Liberty the Outgrowth of Tyranny,” John E. Bailey

Class Declaimer—”Briar Rose,” Jennie Paine

Solo—S. F. Alderman

Class Prophecy—Jennie Small

Valedictory—“The Gates of the Future,” Lizzie L. Atkinson

Music—Quartette of Girls

Remarks—Principal W. C. Cobb

Presentation of Diplomas—Supt. E. K. Cheadle

Benediction—Rev. E. G. Sanderson

(Brainerd Dispatch, 16 June 1893, p. 1, c. 4)


Board of Education Meeting.


The board of education held its regular monthly meeting last evening, all the members being present.

Mrs. Cahoon’s resignation as teacher was read and referred to committee on teachers.

Communication from Leon E. Lum in reference to title of lot 3, block 17, Sleeper’s addition was referred to the committee on grounds.

Bill of Architect Pardee for $200 for additional plans was referred to the building committee.

Report of building committee approving of Kasota cut stone was accepted.

The secretary was instructed to draw an order for 80 per cent of the bill of Contractor Tomlinson [sic] for work finished as per report of the Supt. of construction. Amount of bill $12,000.

The secretary was instructed to advertise for bids for the sale and removal of old buildings on the new school site in the first ward; also the building in the Fourth ward. And also for the sale of the building and six lots, either as a whole or separately, in Haines addition.

Finance committee was granted further time on Prof. Cheadle’s financial report.

On motion the matter of purchasing seats was left in the hands of the purchasing committee to report at the next meeting.

Repair committee was instructed to look over the sites and report what cleaning of ground is necessary.

The secretary was instructed to make drafts on E. H. Rollins & Sons purchaser of the bonds, for $15,000 with premium and interest to date.

Committee on janitors was requested to make a report at the next regular meeting as to the salaries to be paid for janitor services for new school house.

Board adjourned. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 July 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


The school board finds itself in a position where it is necessary to ask the state for a loan of $35,000 in order to complete the four new school houses in course of construction. The reason of this is that the eastern parties who bought the bonds issued for that purpose will not take the last twenty-five bonds leaving an amount something like $27,000. The vote upon this matter will probably be unanimous in its favor, as in case they were voted down work on all the school houses would stop at once. The meeting is called for Friday evening, Aug. 4, at 8 o’clock, in the Washington school building. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 July 1893, p. 1, c. 3)


The newly elected principal of the High school, W. H. Pierce, arrived in Brainerd Thursday morning. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 July 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


Want a Loan.


The board of education held a meeting on Tuesday evening at the Washington school building, a full board being present. The stated object of the meeting was for the purpose of considering the application to the state for a loan of $35,000 for the construction of school houses and purchase of furniture, on account of the refusal of Messrs. Rollins & Sons to take the bonds which they purchased some time ago. It was therefore resolved to call a meeting of the voters of the school district for the purpose of voting on the question on Friday evening, Aug. 4, 1893. In the meantime the school board will cause circulars to be printed fully explaining the situation so that the public may be intelligently informed before they are asked to act. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 July 1893, p. 4, c. 5)


School Meeting.


The Board of Education held a meeting last evening, at which time considerable business was transacted. Contractor Tollefson was allowed $2,000 on the July estimate, the same to be taken from the operating fund for the time being. There is still $7,000 due him on the estimate for the same month.

A bill for an addition $200 was presented by W. S. Pardee, the architect, but as he had already received $500 the board disallowed the bill.

Bids for furnishing 600 school seats were opened and contracts awarded to D. M. Clark & Co., of Brainerd and School Seat Co., of Marshall, Mich.

Secretary was instructed to demand payment on the $25,000 bonds of Farson, Leach & Co., in order to be in position to commence suit for damages.

In case the bond question to be voted on tonight carries the $25,000 in bonds will be destroyed and a resolution to that effect was passed.

It was also arranged that J. C. Congdon go to St. Paul and close up the deal with the state at once in regard to the loan if the vote is favorable. This action was taken to save time. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 August 1893, p. 4, c. 6)


The school board held a meeting Wednesday evening for the purpose of authorizing the president and secretary to execute and sign state bonds for the $35,000 loan. After transacting that business the board adjourned. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 August 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


School Board Meeting.


A special meeting of the board of education was held at the high school for the purpose of electing janitors of the new school houses, and other important business.

On motion the salary of the janitors of the eight room buildings was fixed at $40 a month, and of the four room buildings at $25.

Bills of H. I. Cohen for $2, and New and Towers for $184.28 were allowed.

The election of janitors was then taken up with the following result:

B. P. Nelson, janitor Lincoln school; H. J. Hagadorn, janitor Whittier school; Wm. Powers, janitor Lowell school; Theo. Kerr, janitor Harrison school.

J. C. Congdon, who was delegated to negotiate with the state for a loan of $35,000, reported that he had been successful, and the report was accepted.

On motion the treasurer was instructed to furnish $35,000 additional bonds to cover that amount be held for building purposes.

On motion the secretary was instructed to order 600 seats, 300 from Marshall Furniture Co., and 300 from Minneapolis Co., as per bids accepted at the last meeting.

J. C. Congdon on motion was allowed $65.40 for expenses incurred in securing the loan.

Board adjourned. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 August 1893, p. 4, c. 6)


The fall term of school in this city will not open until Sept. 18th, on account of the new school houses not being completed. The high school will open Sept. 4th. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 August 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


Special School Board Meeting.


A special meeting of the school board was held on Monday evening for the purpose of electing teachers and transacting business in relation to the new buildings. The committee on teachers made a report which was accepted and the follower new teachers were elected by ballot:

Miss Sarah E. Lewis, assistant of the high school; Miss Lizzie Atkinson, intermediate, Miss Caroline Rich, intermediate; Miss Constance Gillman, intermediate; Miss Georgia Congdon, substitute.

The report of committee on teachers recommending that Mrs. Cahoon’s resignation be not accepted was adopted.

The secretary was instructed to place insurance to the amount of $40,000 on the new school buildings.

The report of the building committee was accepted and the repair committee was instructed to advertise for bids for repairing and varnishing the old seats.

A motion to the effect that contractor Tollefson forfeit $50 a day for every day that the school houses remain unfinished after September 16, was unanimously carried.

The report of the superintendent of construction was received and the secretary instructed to draw an order of 80 per cent of the estimate, amounting to $6,891.01, in favor of Contractor Tollefson after he has signed the agreement relative to the completion of buildings.

The building on the Fourth ward school site was sold to Chas. Mylund for $41.50. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 August 1893, p. 4, c. 5)


Board of Education Notes.


At the special meeting of the board of education on Friday night of last week the bids of N. E. Paine and James New for plumbing the four school houses were opened, and John Hurley moved to reject both bids. This not meeting with a second the same gentleman moved to second Mr. New’s bid on the ground that it was the lowest. This was objected to by Mr. Britton as the bid was not received in the specified time, and the chairman ruled that the objection was well taken. Mr. Hurley then retired from the meeting, and the contract was let to N. E. Paine, bonds satisfactory to the board to be presented, Messrs. Congdon, Hagberg and Britton voting in the affirmative, and Mr. Preston in the negative, Mr. Winters being excused.

At the special meeting on Saturday evening the contract for cleaning, repairing and varnishing the school seats was awarded to C. G. McDonald and S. J. Kelly. The bonds of N. E. Paine were presented, but no action was taken.

On Tuesday evening a third special meeting was held at the request of the building committee for the purpose of adjusting differences between the board and Contractor Tollefson. The bond of C. G. McDonald with A. Everett as surety was accepted, the work of said McDonald to be completed by September 16.

Six seats were sold to H. Patterson for the Deerwood district at $1 each.

The differences between the board and Mr. Tollefson in regard to certain wood work to be done on heating plant, was referred to the building committee.

The regular monthly meeting of the board was held last evening. The reading of the minutes of previous meetings and adopting of committee reports consumed some time. The payment of $750 interest on 25 bonds due July 1st was ordered.

The claim of the board against Farson, Leech & Co., was referred to finance committee.

The report of the text book committee on inventory of high school library was read and accepted, and the key to the library was ordered turned over to the principal of the high school.

Bill of W. H. Bondy for salary was ordered paid.

The matter of carpenter work connected with the plumbing on the new buildings was left in the hands of the superintendent of buildings with power to act.

Bill of Olmstead & Co., $161.50, was allowed and ordered paid, the same being for maps, etc.

Communication from the Marshal School Furniture Co. was read, and the secretary was instructed to write them declining to purchase desks as they cannot fulfill their part of the contract entered into by their authorized agent, all members voting yes on the motion except Mr. Congdon.

The bond of N. E. Paine was read and considered and a motion made that it be approved. This was amended by a motion to lie on the table until the next regular meeting, which was carried.

A motion was made and carried that the purchasing committee at once procure from the Minneapolis School Furniture Co. 354 school desks and 46 rears. The price to be paid to conform to the bid of that company.

A committee of one from each ward, together with the superintendent, was appointed to decide what rooms in each new building shall be opened up and made ready to occupy. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 September 1893, p. 4, c. 5)


J. C. Congdon, as president of the board of education, has notified the teachers of the city schools through the official paper that on account of the impossibility to complete the school houses the regular session of all grades below the high school will not begin until further notice. It was expected to begin all the schools on the 18th, but it will be the 25th if not later before the new buildings will be in condition to occupy. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 September 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


President Congdon, of the board of education, informs the DISPATCH that the city schools will begin either on Monday or Tuesday morning. A meeting of the board will be held this evening. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 September 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


School Board Doings.


On Friday evening last a meeting of the school board was held at which C. L. Young was engaged as assistant high school principal at a salary of $60 per month.

The matter of claims against contractor Tollefson was referred to a committee.

On Saturday evening a meeting was held at which time the new school buildings were accepted. The proposition of Contractor Tollefson to settle his own bills and to grant school orders to those who preferred them was accepted.

On Tuesday evening the board again assembled to settle matters with the contractor. The old buildings on the First ward site were sold to Mrs. Frank Osborn for $15, she to remove them at once. A bill of $44 for extra work was allowed. A. Tollefson, and the secretary was instructed to draw orders in favor of all parties to whom Contractor Tollefson had given orders on the board for labor and material, and the secretary was instructed to give the contractor an order for balance due him.

Last evening a further meeting was held at which time part of the pupils from the Washington school were ordered sent to the Lincoln school to relieve the primary grades.

Miss Bessie Small was made principal of the Lincoln school.

The finance committee submitted its report and recommended that a tax levy of 10 mills for the year be made. On motion the levy was raised to 12 mills. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 October 1893, p. 4, c. 6)


The board of education held a special meeting on Wednesday evening, nothing but routine business being transacted. Another room in the Harrison school was ordered opened and additional seats purchased for the new rooms recently opened. A new oak side walk was also ordered laid in front of the Lincoln school on Sixth street. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 October 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


Special School Meeting.


At a special school board meeting held on Thursday evening at the high school building the bid of D. M. Clark & Co., for furnishing storm sash for the Washington school was accepted, the price being $142.46.

The petition from the third ward citizens asking the board not to transfer the grammar grade from the third ward to the second ward, and signed by 51 citizens, was read. The petition was referred to the committee on teachers, asking them to report at the next regular meeting.

The repair committee was authorized to put up the storm sash. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 November 1893, p. 4, c. 5)


President Congdon’s Protest.


J. C. Congdon, president of the board of education entered the following protest to the proceedings of the board at a special meeting held last Saturday evening, and the business was practically re-transacted last evening in business form:

To the Board of Education, Brainerd School District:

As a member of the board, nor as president of the board, can I approve of the attempt to hold a special meeting of this board and transact business, that without a compliance with the by-laws adopted by this board as to notice of special meetings. I also desire to protest against the unbusiness like method of doing business, in usurping the rights of the repair committee by taking the business from them, and contracting the same before the said committee reported their work and recommendation to the board. I further desire to say that I absolutely disapprove of doing business or making contracts as pursued by one of said committee, in accepting the bid for storm sash for the Washington building with no specifications by the board. Such a method of doing business would not be adopted by us in doing our own private business, and it would seem to be the duty of this board to take the same care of the interests of the district that they would take for their own interest. For the reasons above set forth, I cannot approve, as president of the board, of any action taken at the meeting of Nov. 11, 1893.

J. C. CONGDON,

President Board of Education.

Dated Nov. 14th, 1893.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 17 November 1893, p. 4, c. 6)


School Board Meeting.


A special meeting of the board of education was held on Monday evening to consider bids for wood, and hear the report of the special committee appointed for the purpose of looking up Mr. Tollefson’s bond. The contract for 300 cords of green jack pine wood was let to J. W. Jones at $1.75 per cord, and also to Larson & Walters for 150 cords at $1.78 per cord. The special committee reported that a decision from the attorney general had been given stating that Mr. Tollefson’s bond was legal. The committee recommended that if the Tollefson creditors assign their claims to the board, as trustee, and assume all expenses of a suit, and save the board free from all claims and costs whatsoever, then and in that case the board in behalf of the creditors, will sue the bondsmen for the sum of $5,000, but otherwise not. The motion to adopt the report was carried, and the board adjourned. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 December 1893, p. 4, c. 6)


Bring a Good Premium.


The board of education met on Friday evening of last week and disposed of the $40,000 worth of school bonds. The bids on the same were as follows:

Farson, Leach & Co.—$42,883.50

N. W. Harris & Co.—$42,627.00

W. J. Hayes & Sons—$42,526.00

Lamprecht Bros.—$42,400

Minn. Loan & Trust Co.—$41,400.00

Geo. A. Lewis & Co.—$41,157.00

By a unanimous vote of the board the bid of N. W. Harris & Co. was accepted. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 April 1894, p. 4, c. 4)


Opening of the Kindergarten.


Miss Lucy Sterns will open a kindergarten school at the Guild rooms on Monday morning, May 6th, and will be assisted in the work by Mrs. J. C. Atherton. Miss Stearns has just returned from Minneapolis where she has been fitting herself for the work for some months past and has undergone a thorough training in all the branches, having also the advantage of practice as she was actively engaged in teaching while there. The age of pupils who will be received at the kindergarten to be opened next Monday will be from 3 to 7 years and the tuition fee will be $1.00 per week, except where there are two pupils from the same family in which case the price will be 75 cents. The hours will be from 9 to 12 o'clock each day except Saturdays and in cases where the children live too far from the school a conveyance will be furnished. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 May 1895, p. 4, c. 5)


Price Reduced.


Being desirous of reaching more children and interesting more parents in the kindergarten, I have reduced my price to 50 cents per week for one and 75 cents for two in the same family, and until further notice the kindergarten will be conducted at the residence of Mrs. J. C. Atherton, corner of Main and Second Streets.

LUCY E. STEARNS.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 17 May 1895, p. 4, c. 5)


Commencement Notes.


On Friday evening of next week, June 14th, the commencement exercises of the graduating class will be held at the opera house. The public is invited to attend.

The Baccalaureate exercises of the graduating class will be held in the Congregational church next Sunday evening. Rev. Edmands will deliver the sermon.

The senior class had a picnic Wednesday at Gilbert Lake, the young ladies of the party preparing an excellent lunch, and an excellent time was enjoyed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 June 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


Commencement Exercises.


Brainerd High School Class of 1895. (Front row, left to right) Olive M. Knevett, George H. Smith, Flora L. Halsted. (Second row) Fred W. McKay, B. T. Hathaway, Superintendent, Professor Young, Earl P. Mallory. (Back row) Ethel M. Fulton, Ben. J. Smith, Jessie I. McKay, William A. Spencer.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The commencement exercises of the graduating class of the high school takes place this evening at the opera house, and the occasion will be a very interesting one, especially to the intimate friends of the graduates.

The programme is as follows:

Address by Class President—Wm. A. Spencer.

Oration and Salutatory, “The Destiny of America,” Geo. H. Smith.

“Class Chronicles”—Olive M. Knevett.

Address by Class Orator—”The Progress of Civil Liberty,” Earl P. Mallory.

Oration—”Pen Pictures of Bismarck,” Benj. J. Smith.

Class Prophecy—”Painted Pictures,” Flo. L. Halsted.

Oration—”The Nicaragua Canal,” Fred W. McKay.

Address to Juniors—Ethel May Fulton.

Valedictory—”The Class Motto,” Jessie I. McKay.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 14 June 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


Closed the West Brainerd School.


The board of education held their regular session on Monday evening. Regular business was transacted and a contract was entered into with T. L. Miller to saw all school wood at 30 cents per cord. A contract was also entered into with H. J. Spencer to supply all school houses with spring water at $10 per quarter.

The purchasing committee was empowered to procure a supply of laboratory apparatus from W. A. Olmsted, of Chicago. The matter of purchasing new textbooks, chairs and other supplies was left in the hands of committee.

The repair committee was instructed to prepare a room in the old Sixth street building for school purposes, the West Brainerd school having been closed by a unanimous vote of the members present. The reason given for the action is that there were but twelve resident scholars in attendance, and the total enrollment was 20. As the schools in other parts of the city are crowded it was deemed advisable to open a room in the Sixth street building, and place the West Brainerd teacher in charge, where 45 children could receive the benefit that was being given to twelve. The change was made as a matter of economy. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 October 1895, p. 4, c. 6)


West Brainerd School Matter.


The board of education held a special meeting on Monday evening for the purpose of hearing the report of the committee appointed to examine the matter of opening the West Brainerd school. The report showed that there were eleven children eligible to attend said school, and a motion was made and carried that the school not be re-opened, but that a committee, consisting of Messrs. Pennell, Preston and Hurley, be appointed to confer with the county superintendent and request him to lay the matter before the county commissioners and request them to open a district school in that section. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 January 1896, p. 4, c. 6)


Senior Class News.


The long looked for certificates arrived last Friday, and gladdened the hearts of many.

The Senior Class organized and elected the following officers:

President—Daisy E. Millspaugh

Secretary—Nell B. Nelson

Treasurer—Elizabeth Prince

Also the honors for commencement exercises have been elected as follows:

Valedictorian—Lena Mix

Salutatorian—Harry McKay

Orator—Wm. L. Bean

Class President—Daisy E. Millspaugh

Class Prophet—Florene G. Merritt

Class Historian—Elizabeth D. Prince

Class Motto—Alice G. Hurley

Class Essayist—Millicent V. Mahlum

Class Declaimer—Nell B. Nelson

Address to Juniors—Inez C. Eastman.

The class have chosen for colors: pale blue and gold. They have selected for their motto those simple but expressive words: “Toil, Trial, Victory.”

We understand that the Juniors organized last Friday, and we suppose Whitely and Burns were there. They no doubt made it a very interesting meeting.

We regret to say that those noble Juniors have not yet learned the use of the cloak room, but decorate the walls and ceiling of the high school room with their caps and overshoes, much to the displeasure of the rest of the school.

Respectfully,

THE CLASS EDITORS.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 03 April 1896, p. 4, c. 5)


Senior High School Class.


The article which appears below was ordered printed by the board of education at its meeting on Monday evening, in order that any misunderstanding which might have arisen from the items published in our last issue by “The Class Editors,” which were handed us for publication, may be righted:

The communication which appeared in the last issue of the Dispatch over the signature of “The Class Editors.” was to some extent misleading in the information which it conveyed to the public. The Board of Education decided at its last meeting to have this statement fully corrected by publishing the names of all the members of the Senior class in the High School. The following names of all the members of the present Senior class appear in the order of their standing and scholarship, as the same has been recorded in the High School register.

Jay S. Patek,

Lena Mix,

Millicent V. Mahlum,

Florene G. Merritt,

Daisy Millspaugh,

Wm. L. Bean,

Henry S. McKay,

Elizabeth Prince,

Inez Eastman,

Nellie B. Nelson,

Alice G. Hurley.

The above order of scholarship and standings of each individual member of the Senior class may or may not be changed as a result of the next state examination in June. The Board of Education understand from the Superintendent’s report rendered at the last meeting that there is a grave doubt in his mind whether all of the above named members will obtain credits enough to warrant him in recommending all of said class for the honors of graduation. All of said class may participate in the commencement exercises.

A. E. PENNELL.

Secretary

(Brainerd Dispatch, 10 April 1896, p. 1, c. 3)


Miss Lucy Stearns will re-open her kindergarten on Monday May 4th, in the north room of the Baptist church. Prices the same as last term. School hours from 9:30 until noon. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 April 1896, p. 4, c. 5)


These Graduated.


On Friday evening last at the Sleeper opera house the commencement exercises of the Brainerd High School occurred at which time Henry S. McKay, Daisy E. Millspaugh, Elizabeth D. Prince, Alice G. Hurley, Inez C. Eastman, Jay S. Patek, William L. Bean, Millicent V. Mahlum, Florene F [sic] [G]. Merritt and Lena N. Mix received their diplomas. The exercises were exceedingly fine, but space will not admit of an individual mention of each member of the class. The audience assembled to listen to the oratory and essay filled the spacious building and many were unable to gain admission, the aisles and every available inch of space being occupied. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 June 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


Greeting from the Class of ‘97.


The Senior Class of the High School held a meeting February 24th, with the following members enrolled: Belle Wilson, Mabel Early, Geo. F. Murphy, Keivin Burns and Eugene Whiteley. At this meeting officers were elected as follows:

President—Mabel Early,

Secretary—Belle Wilson,

Treasurer—Geo. F. Murphy.

Class adjourned until the next regular meeting, March 5th, at which time committees on motto, yell, color, flower, invitation, pins. etc., were appointed. The Class Extends a greeting to the public.

SENIOR EDITORS.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 12 March 1897, p. 4, c. 5)


The Class of ‘97.


Commencement exercises of the graduating class of the High School will be held at the opera house on Friday evening, June 11th, 1897. The class this year is very small, consisting of but four scholars, two misses, Mabel Marie Early and Anna Belle Wilson, and two young gentlemen, Geo. F. Murphy and Keiven Burns. The class motto is “Constantia Successum Promittit.” The following is the programme of exercises:

Salutatory and President’s Address—Mabel Marie Early

Class oration, “The Democracy of the Future”—George F. Murphy

Essay, “The Latin Race”—Anna Belle Wilson

Oration and Valedictory, “Constantia Successum Promittit”—Keiven Burns

(Brainerd Dispatch, 28 May 1897, p. 4, c. 5)


Juniors Elect Officers.


The Juniors of the Brainerd High School on Tuesday evening organized by the election of the following officers:

President, Fritz M. Hagberg; vice president, Gertrude F. Caughie; secretary, Lenora L. Peabody; treasurers, Rose F. Lillig; class editor, David B. Rosenblatt. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 October 1897, p. 8, c. 2)


Commencement Exercises.


The graduating exercises of the Brainerd High school will occur this Friday evening at Gardner Hall, and a very interesting program has been arranged as follows:


Orchestra

Invocation—Rev. Father Lynch

Selection—Aeolian Quartette

Salutatory and Essay—Common Sense, Genius and Learning, Jessie P. Gibb

Song—Fly Away Birdling, Misses Marie Edwards, Gertrude Wilson and Dollie Stratton

Essay—Nature’s Voices, Mary A. Doran

Solo—Mr. Joseph Murphy

Class Oration—The Cuban Question, James J. Nolan

Duet—Mrs. Atherton and Miss Mitchell

Class Prophecy and Address to Juniors—Edith V. Fulton

Solo—Mr. S. F. Alderman

Valedictory—Class Motto, “Not Finished, But Begun,” Mabel R. Patterson

Selection—Star Quartette

Presentation of Diplomas

Benediction

The graduates are Miss Mabel R. Patterson, Miss Edith V. Fulton, Miss Mary A. Doran, Miss Jessie P. Gibb, and James J. Nolan. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 June 1898, p. 8, c. 4)


Miss Bertha M. Rhodes will open a kindergarten in the Guild room of the Episcopal church on Monday morning, July 11th, at 9 o’clock. Miss Rhodes has taken a two- year’s course with Miss Gean [sic] McCarthy of Froebel Normal Kindergarten College of Minneapolis and also conducted a successful kindergarten school at Little Falls during the past year. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 July 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


The DISPATCH inadvertently failed to mention last week that Henry I. Cohen, the Front street dry goods merchant, had made a present to the board of education of five fine flags, one for each of the school buildings in the city. The old flags on the various buildings had become faded and worn, and Mr. Cohen in his intense patriotism determined that in these stirring war times bright new flags would be more appropriate, and with characteristic generosity made the board a present of a flag for each building. The board at its meeting on Monday night accepted the flags and gave Mr. Cohen a vote of thanks. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 August 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


The Class of ‘96.


On Friday the Class of ‘96 met with their president, Miss Daisy Milspaugh, where they spent a most enjoyable evening.

Father time was cheated by the reminiscences of former days, and once more they were happy-hearted school children.

After refreshments had been served a business meeting was held.

The records of the organization were entrusted to the care of Miss Nellie B. Nelson.

Committees were appointed for the entertainment next year, and for the purpose of organizing an Alumni Association.

The work of these committees will be published later for the benefit of all graduates of B. H. S.

The class parted with the class yell ringing in their ears and echoed in their hearts. CLASS EDITORS. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 September 1898, p. 8, c. 3)


SWEET GIRL GRADUATES.

_____


Commencement Exercises of the Brain-

erd High School to be Held

Tuesday, June 5th.

_____


The commencement exercises of the graduating class of the Brainerd High School will be held at Gardner Hall on Tuesday evening, June 5th. The class of 1900 will not be large consisting of only four young ladies as follows: Miss Mabel McKay, Miss Florence Shepherd, Miss Mamie Bolin and Mis Georgia Martin. They all graduate from the Latin-Scientific course, which admits them without further examination to the State University.

The exercises will consist of the reading of an essay by each member of the class and music and addresses appropriate to the occasion. The programme has not yet been fully prepared, hence we are unable to give it to our readers this week, but will give it in full in our next issue.

Following the commencement exercises the graduates will be given a banquet at the Arlington Hotel probably, by the Alumni association of the school, for which a fine program of entertainment is being arranged in addition to the feast.

The state examinations for the members of the 8th grade and the high school will be held all next week except Memorial Day. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 May 1900, p. 1, c. 5)


GRADUATING EXERCISES

_____


Of the Brainerd High School at

Gardner Hall on Tuesday

Evening.

_____


Four Young Ladies Composed the

Class—a Large Audience in

Attendance.

_____


The commencement exercises of the graduating class of the Brainerd High school were held at Gardner Hall on Tuesday evening, before an audience that filled every foot of space of the spacious hall. It was composed of the best and most representative people of the city, who were present not only to enjoy the exercises, but by their presence attest their interest in the welfare of the schools.

The stage decorations were not elaborate, but very beautiful in their simplicity. An immense flag, the starry banner, was draped in the rear of the stage, forming an artistic background. A pyramid of potted plants occupied the center of the rear of the stage, and on either side extending to the wings were seats for the graduates and teachers of the high school. The front of the stage was also decorated with potted plants and flowers and the class colors, pink and green, were draped from the stage to the chandelier. The class motto “Altior et Altior,” appeared in large letters over the stage. The stage was occupied by Prof. Hartley, Prof. Hanft, and Misses Newman and Fox, Fred Swanson, who delivered the opening address, and the four graduates.

An overture by the Kelsey orchestra at 8:30 opened the exercises. Fred Swanson, of the sophomore class of the high school, made the opening address, in a very creditable manner.

Miss Marian A. Bolin was the first member of the class to greet the audience, and presented an essay on “My Observations on School Life.” She was perfectly at ease and spoke in clear and distinct tones that could be plainly heard in every portion of the large hall. Her gestures were easy and graceful, and her manner was so earnest and forceful as to carry conviction. She was generously applauded at the close, and was the recipient of several bouquets of fragrant flowers from admiring friends in the audience.

Miss Bolin was followed by a baritone solo by S. F. Alderman. Mr. Alderman was given an encore and he responded with “Davey Jones,” which greatly delighted the audience.

“Visible Air” was the subject of an essay by Miss Florence May Shepherd. Miss Shepherd treated the subject in an exceedingly interesting and able manner, and showed how the future progress of the world was dependent on visible or liquid air, as it undoubtedly would be the only motive power of the future which would be as boundless as the air itself. Her tones were so low that many in the audience could not hear her, but all who did greatly enjoyed her essay.

“The Uses of Photography” were explained by Miss Georgia May Martin in a very able and interesting essay, which she delivered in a very creditable manner. She also spoke too low to give the entire audience the benefit of her very able production.

The Aeolian Quartette next favored the audience with a selection. This quartette is a great favorite with Brainerd audiences, and did not fail to please. They sang a comical song for an encore that was exceedingly pleasing.

Miss Mabel Sarah McKay was the last of the class to greet the audience. Her essay on “Secrets of the Deep” was very able and instructive, and Miss McKay presented it with such force and expression as to hold the close attention of the large audience during its delivery. She was distinctly heard in all parts of the audience. She delivered the class farewell to the teachers and scholars and to the board of education with an earnestness and touch of feeling that affected all present.

A song by the Misses Mayme Mitchell, Bertie Robinson and Lucy Stearns followed, after which Prof. Hartley presented the diplomas to the class in a short but appropriate address, which concluded the exercises. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 June 1900, p. 1, c.’s 3 & 4)


Special Board Meeting.


A special meeting of the board of education was held Tuesday evening. A resolution was adopted by the board requiring all scholars attending school to be vaccinated, the rule to go into effect Jan. 1st. A resolution was also adopted that the board pay for the material for vaccinating all scholars unable to pay, the doctors to perform the work gratis.

A communication from the city clerk with reference to the city using the West Brainerd school house as a pest house was received and the board fixed the price at which the city could buy it at $250.

Another special meeting of the board will be held tonight to consider bids for furnishing wood. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 December 1900, p. 1, c. 6)


Must be Vaccinated.


Superintendent Torrens on Tuesday, by direction of the board, issued the following order:

1. Teachers and pupils who have not been vaccinated must be vaccinated today, or excluded from school tomorrow.

2. All teachers and pupils who have not been vaccinated within a month must present a certificate of successful vaccination within seven years, or supposed immunity from small pox, not later than next Monday morning.

3. Those vaccinated within a month will be accepted on presentation of a certificate stating that they have been vaccinated, and the necessary time will be given them for obtaining a certificate of successful vaccination.

4. Those successfully vaccinated within 7 years, who have not received a certificate of vaccination, or who have lost the certificate, may obtain one from any physician free of charge.

5. Those persons who are unable to pay for vaccination for their children may have them vaccinated free of charge by applying to any physician of the city, and stating the facts. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 January 1901, p. 5, c. 2)


Special Board Meeting.


[...]


A large delegation of citizens, mostly from the Third ward, were present to protest against the rule of the board concerning vaccination. One man suggested that he and others left the old country because he objected to being ruled by a king, and came to this country because he expected he would be free, but found he was tyrannized by the school board and the doctors. This sentiment met with the approval of the delegation, as it was heartily applauded. The board, however, stood pat.


[...]

(Brainerd Dispatch, 25 January 1901, p. 4, c. 4)


Judge Lewis, of the Ramsey county district court, has decided that the board of education had the right to exclude unvaccinated children from the schools, thus sustaining Judge McClenahan. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 March 1901, p. 4, c. 1)


The high school girls have organized a basketball team and expect to give an exhibition game in a short time. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 February 1901, p. 16, c. 2)


A game of basketball will be played tomorrow evening at Gardner Hall between two teams of high school girls, after which the boys team will give and exhibition game. An admission fee of 25 cents will be charged. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 March 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


A match game of basketball was played at Gardner Hall on Friday evening between two teams of high school girls. The girls composing the teams were Edna Clouston, Vera Nevers, Edith Smith, Anna Gorenflo and Alberta Bean in one team and Carrie Mahlum, Genevieve Bush, Carrie Tyler, Mabel Brown and Christie Pierce the other. Miss Clouston and Miss Mahlum were captains, and Miss Mahlum’s team won by a score of 9 to 5. Guy Bean refereed the game and Edna Boyle was umpire. A large and enthusiastic crowd of spectators witnessed the game. After the game by the young ladies, an exhibition game was played between the boys’ high school team and the Juniors of the Y. M. C. A., the latter winning by a score of 21 to 10. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 March 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


Another basketball team known as the Defenders, has been organized by Brainerd high school girls, and will give their first game at Gardner Hall on Saturday evening, March 23, at 8 o’clock. Admission will be 25 cents. This team is said to be the best in the city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 March 1901, p. 8, c. 2)


The Girls’ High School basketball team of this city is composed of the following young ladies, who will probably all go to St. Cloud chaperoned by Mrs. Geo. Whitney: Edna Clouston, Vera Nevers, Edith Smith, Anna Gorenflo, Alberta Bean, Carrie Mahlum, Genevieve Bush, Carrie Tyler, Mabel Brown and Christie Pierce. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 March 1901, p. $, c. 4)


MASS MEETING CALLED

_____


by the Board of Education to Provide

Funds to Build New School

Buildings.

_____


WEDNESDAY EVENING, MARCH 27.

_____


The Meeting will be Held at Gardner

Hall—A Full Attendance

Desired.

_____


A special meeting of the board of education was held on Saturday evening to consider the matter of providing room to accommodate the school children of the city the coming year. The schools are now crowded to overflowing, notwithstanding four new rooms were added to the Lincoln school the first of this school year, and the attendance is increasing rapidly. With the influx of new residents during the coming summer, it is morally certain more than 200 scholars will be unable to find school room next September unless additional room is provided. It was to consider this situation that the special meeting was called. After discussion the situation the board thought it best to lay the entire matter before the citizens of the city and let them decide what it is best to do, and a motion to appoint a committee to call a mass meeting was carried. Messrs. Johnson, Groves, Dickinson, Storm and Preston were appointed.

The committee met on Tuesday evening and decided to call the mass meeting at Gardner Hall on Wednesday evening, March 27th.

The meeting will be called on to consider not only the matter of providing room, but to provide funds to do so. The indebtedness of the district is now so large that money cannot be loaned from the state school fund unless the legislature passes the law raising the percent of indebtedness allowed from 7 to 15 per cent of the valuation. Bonds will have to be issued to the amount necessary to make the improvement, as the board has no funds on hand.

The board has considered two plans, first, to enlarge the Harrison school into an eight room building, giving four additional rooms, or second, make an addition to the high school, which will give six new rooms. The first can be done for about $10,000, while the second will cost about $25,000. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 March 1901, p. 1, c. 3)


A meeting of the Brainerd Alumni Association was held at the Arlington Hotel parlors on Monday night. It was decided to give a banquet to the graduating class of 1901 some time during the first week of June, the place of holding the banquet, the price per plate and the program to be decided at a meeting next Monday night at the Arlington parlors. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 May 1901, p. 10, c. 1)


Commencement Exercises.


The commencement exercises of the Class of 1901, of the Brainerd High School, will be held at Gardner Hall, Tuesday or Wednesday evening, June 4th or 5th, the date not being definitely determined. The programme has not been arranged as yet, but will be ready for publication next week. The graduating class this year is composed of ten, three boys and seven girls, and with one exception is the largest class in the history of the school. The members are: Lottie White, Katie Pierce, Dottie Sorenson, Eloise Smith, Muriel Burrell, Ella Mitchell, Katherine Cosgrove, Edgar Parks, Walter Hinman and Frank McGivern. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 May 1901, p. 4, c. 3)


The banquet of the Brainerd High School Alumni Association in honor of the class of 1901, will be held at Walker Hall. The date not having been decided as yet. It will be prepared by the Ladies’ Aid Society of the Congregational church, which insures its superior quality. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 May 1901, p. 8, c. 4)


SEE: Walker Hall


COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES

_____


at Gardner Hall, Wednesday Evening,

June 5th—An Elaborate Pro-

gram Arranged.

_____


The commencement exercises of the graduating class of 1901 of the Brainerd High School will be held at Gardner Hall on Wednesday evening June 5th, the invitations being issued yesterday. The class colors are old rose and cream, and the motto is Non scholae sed vitae discimus. The class organization is officered as follows; Lottie Elizabeth White, president, Eloise Smith vice president, Dottie Sorenson secretary, Francis Chas. McGivern, treasurer. The following is the programme:

Music—Graham’s Orchestra

Invocation—Rev. D. W. Lynch

Address of Welcome—Lottie Elizabeth White

Essay, Patriotism—Muriel Burrell

Instrumental Solo, selected—Jennie Mysen

Essay, The Future of Brainerd—Edgar Kay Parks

Essay, Habit—Ella Mitchell

Essay, Athletics—Walter Clifford Hinman

Duet selected—Frank and Gene McCarthy

Essay, Who is Brave?—Dottie Sorenson

Essay, Each and All—Katie May Paine

Essay, Triumphant Democracy—Francis Charles McGivern

Sextet, “Gently Evening Bendeth”—Misses Genevieve Bush, Edna Clouston, Emma Edwards, Carrie Mahlum, Vera Nevers, Nellie Reilly

Essay, Success in Life—Katherine Anna Cosgrove

Essay, The Comedy of Life—Eloise Smith

Presentation of Diplomas—Supt. J. L. Torrens

Benediction—Rev. A. H. Carver

Music—Orchestra


THE ALUMNI BANQUET.

A banquet in honor of the graduating class will be given by the Alumni Association of the Brainerd High School at Walker Hall on Thursday evening June 6th. The following is a program of the exercises:

Welcome—President, Association

Reply—President, Class

High School—Prof. Hanft

Our Banquet—Mrs. Early

The Alumni—Harry McKay

Orchestra

Address—Rev. D. W. Lynch

High School Association—Nellie Merritt

Minnesota—Mabel Patterson

Address—W. S. Cox

Orchestra

Early Days—J. A. Wilson

Brainerd—Flo. Halsted

Educational Advancement—Rev. Carver

Advice to Graduates—Prof. Torrens

Orchestra

Wandering Reminiscences—C. D. Johnson

Our Country—Mabel Early

Address—C. A. Allbright

Election of Officers—by Association

Good Night—George Smith

Toast Master, J. J. Nolan.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 31 May 1901, p. 1, c. 5)


TEACHERS ARE ALL ASSIGNED.

_____


Schools of the City Open Tues-

day and Supt. Torrens

Is a Busy Man.

_____


MEETING OF SCHOOL BOARD

_____


Held Tuesday Evening at the Wash-

ington School Building—Bu-

siness of Importance.


The regular monthly meeting of the board of education was held last Tuesday at the Washington school building and the following members of the board were present: Messrs. Hagberg, Dickenson, Storm, Erickson, Preston, Johnson and Mahlum.

There were several parents of children of school age present and asked for information regarding the regulation of the free text book system. The matter was discussed at length and it was finally decided that those who wished the use of free text books must make application to the member of the board of the ward wherein they reside. It is presumed that the member of the board will then bring the matter before the meeting and the question as to whether or not the pupil is entitled to the free use of text books will be decided upon.

Mill School located at 902 Whiteley Ave, NE, now "N" Street, ca Unknown. A 712x531 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The building committee reported that the Harrison and the Mill schools were not ready for occupancy but thought they would be by next Monday.

The same committee reported that the contract for the installing of new water closets in the Lincoln building had been let to F. J. Murphy for $585.

Three bids were received for the purchase of the old Sixth street school building, but the highest bidder got the old shack. A. F. Sorenson’s bid was the favorable one and he pays $275 for the building.

Treasurer George A. Keene submitted the following report for the quarter ending August 31, which was approved and filed:


[...]


The following teachers have been assigned in the different schools of the city:


WASHINGTON.


Frank W. Hanft, principal of high school and mathematics; J. T. Keppel, assistant principal of high school and science; Ruth S. Hutchinson, assistant principal of high school and languages; Mary J. Burke, eighth grade, advanced; Nettie C. Sayles, eighth grade, elementary; DeEtte A. Erkel, A second and B third grades; Bess A. Mulrine, A first and B second grades; Margaret F. Somers, C first and B first grades.


LINCOLN.


T. Randolphia Moulton, principal and seventh grade; Claribel Watson, sixth grade; Mary M. McCarthy, fifth grade; Myrtle E. Clarke, fourth grade; Frances S. Everett, third grade; Flora L. Halsted, second grade; Florene G. Merritt, A first and B first grades; Ida M. Stanton, B first and C first grades.


WHITTIER.


Elsie M. Goldsworthy, principal and seventh grade; Manda Martin, sixth grade; Irene C. Lowey, fifth grade; Grace E. Sherwood, fourth grade; Clara E. Early, third grade; Elizabeth M. Somers, second grade; Catherine A. Gallagher, A first and B first grades; Mina M. Adams, B first and C first grades.


LOWELL.


Lowell Teachers, Front Row, left to right: Miss Miller, Mary Louise White, Miss Somers, Rose Arnold, Back Row, left to right: Jennie Paine, Lena Mix (?), Belle McKay, Nellie Merritt, ca. 1898.
Source: Oldtimers II: Stories of Our Pioneers in the Cass and Crow Wing Lake Region, Volume II, Carl A. Zapffe, Jr., Echo Publishing and Printing, Incorporated, Pequot Lakes, Minnesota: 1988

Nellie K. Merritt, principal and B first and C first grades; Rose M. Arnold, A sixth, B seventh and A seventh grades; Marie K. Burmeister, A fifth, B sixth grades; Anna T. Michael, A fourth, B fifth grades; M. Louise White, B fourth grade; Emily A. Lutz, A third, B third grades; Belle Wilson, A second, B second grades; Annie Kingsford, A first, B first grades.


HARRISON.


Olive M. Knevett, principal and B first and C first grades; Olilla Dahlgren, A sixth and B sixth grades; Mary Monson, A fifth, B fifth grades; Katherine S. McLeod, A fourth, B fourth grades; Rose F. Lillig, A third, B third; Daisy A. Millspaugh, A second, B second grades; Mabel R. Patterson, A first, B first grades.


MILL.


Jessie P. Gibb, principal and second grade; Nellie B. Wright, first grade. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 September 1901, p. 1, c.’s 5 & 6)


Brainerd Baseball Team. Front row: John Mahlum, Eddie Bush, Leslie Bush (“Bullet Joe”), John O'Connor, Quin Parker, Connie Osdale. Back row: Dean White, Clyde Trent, Henry Mills, Ray Jeffries, 1910. A 1994x1364 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Brainerd Baseball Team of 1910.


Brainerd Football Team, 1910. A 1396x888 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Brainerd Football Team of 1910.


Brainerd High School Class of 1912. A 638x834 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Augusta Thompson

Brainerd High School Class of 1912


May 1913. Brainerd high school will graduate a class of 49 this year, which is one of the largest ever graduated and one of the largest in the state outside Duluth and the Twin Cities. The enrollment of the high school stands at 248. The school is now on the accredited list. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 26 May 2013)


34 TO GRADUATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL

_____


Pres. George Vincent, of University of

Minnesota, to Deliver Com-

mencement Address

_____


THE BACCALAUREATE SERMON

_____


To be Preached May 31 by Rev. Sher-

idan at the First Congre-

gational Church


1914 Graduates of Brainerd

High School


Lillian Croswell

Ruth C. Dahlstedt

Ingolf Dillan

Stanley Durham

E. Mildred Farwell

Alma M. Fenske

Ester N. Fogelstrom

Jeanette Clark Gibson

Lily Pauline Gilbertson

Mabel Regina Graham

Leslie L. Halladay

Christine L. Ilse

Howard G. Kronberg

Laura Alice McKay

Beatrice V. Noble

Hildegarde Olson

Burton W. Orne

Eunice J. Parker

John W. Pendergast

Thelma Margaret Reis

George H. Ribbel

Agnes A. Swanson

Mary K. Toohey

Maude S. Williams

Leigh B. Slipp

Robert A. Stickney

Judith Erickson

Marie Elliot

Marie Archibald

Mamie F. Funk

Eula Michael

Sadie E. Peterson

Sadie A. Welliver

M. Julia Wilson


The commencement exercises of the Brainerd high school will be held on Monday evening, June 1, and the commencement address will be delivered by George Vincent, president of the University of Minnesota.

On May 29 the class day exercises of the class of 1914 will be held in the assembly room of the high school, the seniors giving the comedy, “A Case of Suspension.”

At this time the class memorial, a beautiful large panel picture, the equal of any of the fine pictures of the high school, will be unveiled to the school. This picture, a fine Copley print from the original paintings by Abbey, would be a credit to any school. It represents scenes from the “Holy Grail” and was secured through D. E. Whitney of this city, who will frame it and place it in the high school, where it will be a fitting companion piece to the picture presented by the class of 1912.

The present senior class will also have a special edition of the Spectator, the last number of the year, for sale at 15c per copy.

On Memorial Day, which occurs on Saturday this year, the schools will participate as usual and will furnish the wreaths and flowers with which to decorate the graves.

The class officers of the class of 1914 are President George Ribbel, vice president Mildred Farwell, secretary Leslie Halladay, treasurer Alice McKay, sergeant-at-arms Maude S. Williams. The class colors are cadet blue and gold, the class flower the peony. The class motto is “To Be Rather Than to Seem.”

The baccalaureate sermon will be preached by Rev. G. P. Sheridan at the First Congregational church on Sunday evening, May 31. On Saturday the juniors gave an excursion up the river for the seniors and members of the faculty. A picnic was given at Riverton. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 May 1914, p. 7, c. 6)


SCHOOL BOARD CONSIDERS PARKS

_____


Board Takes up Proposition Broached

by the Park Commissioners

at Last Meeting

_____


TO IMPROVE LINCOLN SCHOOL

_____


Ventilating System to be Installed—

Washington School to be

Painted


From Wednesday’s Daily:—

At the regular school board meeting all members were present except Messrs. Wise and Moilanen and Rev. Elof Carlson. Vice President Geo. D. LaBar presided.

Members of the park board, Messrs. Adair, Strickler and Linnemann, appeared before the school board and asked that some plan be carried out in conjunction with the city council and city attorney to use the Sixth street school lots and grounds in Southeast and Northeast Brainerd for park purposes. The school board appointed a committee of one member from each of the first, third, fourth and fifth wards, being Messrs. Purdy, Hohman, Barron and McCloskey, to act with the city council and city attorney.

The Northern Plumbing & Heating Co. of Eveleth was authorized to draw plans and specifications for a ventilating system in the Lincoln school

The special committee appointed in the past to report on the advisability of plastering the auditorium in the Washington school said it should not be done owning to the lack of funds.

The building committee made a verbal report on repairs underway. These included the new domestic science kitchen, plastering the manual training rooms, fixing the steps at the entrance of the Washington building, fixing boilers, etc. The committee further reported that outside of these repairs there was nothing else demanding attention except the painting of the exteriors of the school buildings. The board could not paint all buildings this year. The building committee was authorized to have the Washington building painted and to receive bids for the work.

Bids were opened on supplying coal for the coming year, and the Mahlum Lumber Co. being the lowest bidder it was awarded the contract.

The teachers’ committee reported the present janitors for re-election at their present salaries. At the Lincoln building the board increased the salary of Andrew Anderson, the janitor, $10 a month and owing to the fact that more space is needed for the school, Anderson is to leave his present quarters after September 1 and reside outside the school ground.

The building committee was authorized to advertise for bids for the installation of the plumbing system at the Harrison building as soon as the city officials demonstrated that the sewers would be put in. The payrolls were allowed and the meeting adjourned. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 July 1914, p. 1, c. 7)


Brainerd High School Class of 1923. A 2032x1464 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Janna Congdon

Brainerd High School Class of 1923


Brainerd High School Class of 1929. A 1308x1330 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Marlys Fox Fisher

Brainerd High School Class of 1929


Brainerd High School Class of 1933. A 2000x1528 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Marlys Fox Fisher

Brainerd High School Class of 1933


New Year, New Schools


There are certain historical milestones in the growth of the Brainerd School District that remain etched into the memory of every former student and teacher.

Many area residents still remember what grade they were in when the current Brainerd High School opened in 1968; when 22 Brainerd area country schools were closed and the buildings auctioned off within a three-day period in 1960; when during a 10-year span the district acquired school buildings in Baxter, Nisswa, Garrison and Pine Center, then closed the Garrison and Pine Center schools, as well as Edison Elementary in south Brainerd; and most recently, when Mississippi Horizons opened in 1997 in the former Brainerd Technical College building.

The school year this fall will once again make history as a year of sweeping changes within the Brainerd School District that will affect every student, parent and staff member.

If all goes as planned, there will be a smooth transition during the coming year as Forestview Middle School opens in January, emptying Washington Middle School and Mississippi Horizons of sixth- through ninth-grade students after they complete their winter holiday vacation. They'll return to the new school for second semester. Fifth-graders will move to the school in the fall of 2005.

Forestview Middle School will have four self-contained areas, including separate entrances for each grade level from fifth- through eighth-grades. For safety reasons, the school was designed to have separate bus loading zones and parent pickup areas for students.

Construction already began this summer at Washington Middle School and will continue in January to remodel the school into a district administrative center expected to open in March. Once administrators and Brainerd Community Education vacate their district offices, then work will begin in earnest to renovate Mississippi Horizons into the Brainerd High School South Campus, primarily housing all ninth-graders but also including a new world languages wing for ninth- through 12th-graders. The high school automotive program and Apple Cafe will remain in the BHS South Campus.

Franklin Junior High School students and staff will bid farewell to their 73-year-old school, which will be closed at the end of the school year. The building may become an arts center. Several events are planned throughout the year to pay homage to the enduring school.

Brainerd High School also is undergoing major renovations through summer of 2005.

Brainerd school officials are optimistic that their extensive planning during the past year and a half will ensure a smooth transition.

Still, BHS Principal Steve Razidlo compared the school district's interdependent construction projects to that of remodeling an airplane while it remains in flight.

"Every level is impacted, and we believe it will increase the quality of education for kids," said Superintendent Jerry Walseth.

"Adjustments may need to be made but once we get the kinks worked out we know it will be a better educational environment for the kids and the community."

The first piece in this large educational puzzle is Forestview Middle School. Construction on the 339,000-square-foot building began on May 7, 2003, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 1. Walseth said the building construction is on time and within budget. Community tours of the facility are expected to be offered in November. The building, which includes 5-1/2-acres of roof, is built on 181 acres of district-owned property between County Road 48, Mountain Ash Drive and Mapleton Road in Baxter. Of the 57 developed acres, the middle school has 35 acres available for activities. The facility will host about 550 students per grade.

Todd Lyscio, junior high athletic director, said all fall sports will continue at their current sites. Sports activities and events will start taking place at Forestview beginning second semester after students have moved to the building in January. The playing surface on the tennis courts and track has yet to be laid but it will be ready this fall, said Lyscio. The grass planted a year ago will have two growing seasons before middle school students start spring sports, like baseball and softball.

"The grass is very healthy and that's good because it's going to be used," said Lyscio.

Forestview's facilities will be available for use not only by students, but by community education and senior citizens programs. It will feature four full-size gyms surrounded by a four-lane running track, a wrestling room and a fitness/strength area. Swimmers will be bused to the high school.

Outdoors the middle school will offer two regulation-size soccer fields, a regulation baseball field and one smaller baseball field that will overlap onto an adjacent football field, three football fields, with one main stadium surrounded by an eight-lane track, three softball fields, and eight tennis courts.

A key component in this move to Forestview is transportation. Kala Henkensiefken, district transportation coordinator, said there will be minor bus route changes this year but the shuttle locations will change once Forestview opens in January. Since many Brainerd students walk to Washington and Mississippi Horizons, the district anticipates that these students will need to ride the bus to Forestview, adding to the complexity of the school change. Construction on Oak Street, Riverside Drive and other areas in the school district has further complicated the district's busing situation. The district transports 4,900 students each morning and 5,400 students in the afternoon.

Henkensiefken said the district has been working on the new bus routes for the past 18 months. They have sent letters to parents who may need transportation to Forestview for their children who walk to school and plan to send another letter to all parents in the district in November asking again if they need transportation.

The move from Washington and Mississippi Horizons to Forestview will begin in late October with about 80 percent of school equipment and other items moved in by Dec. 20, said Assistant Superintendent Gary Phillips. The final 20 percent will be moved to the new school during the winter holiday break. Students will move personal items from their lockers and desks before Dec. 20. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 August 2004)


BRAINERD SELECT SCHOOL AND OTHER PRIVATE NONSECTARIAN SCHOOLS

Private School.


OWING to the absence of a public school in Brainerd, a handful of our citizens have clubbed together and formed a private school, hiring an accomplished and experienced teacher, in the person of Miss Fitzgerald. Father Keller kindly donated to the use of this school the Catholic chapel, and those who undertook and have so nobly carried out the enterprise have made regulations which will be sure to accrue to the greatest benefit to the pupils. The school is emphatically a private one, supported by individual subscriptions, and no public funds are asked for or expected. The number of scholars will be limited to thirty, as those getting it up preferred to bear a double expense rather than to have more scholars than could possible received full attention in their studies. Miss Fitzgerald is one of the most accomplished lady teachers in the State, and can conduct her pupils through all the intricacies of a fine education, with ease, bringing to her assistance all the original ideas in training her pupils that great experience in some of the best schools of the West can suggest. She rules with kindness and persuasive influences, and scholars that will not come into perfect deportment under kindness will not for a moment be tolerated in the school. The terms are two dollars per month for each scholar, to be paid invariably in advance, and we are requested to state that perfect behavior on the part of every scholar, while in the school or on the school ground, or on their way to or from school must be strictly observed, and any scholar found guilty of unbecoming language or actions while with his or her school mates will be promptly discharged from the school. THIS IS SOUND DOCTRINE, and we hope it may be followed, to the letter, no matter who it hits. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 May 1872, p. 1, c. 3)


BRAINERD SELECT SCHOOL.


This school, which has had a most successful period of three months, closed for vacation on Friday of last week, until the first Monday in next month—September. Miss Fitzgerald, the accomplished teacher, has, during her stay in Brainerd, greatly endeared herself among the patrons of the school, and particularly among her scholars, who grew to love her as a patient, faithful teacher and kind friend. It was with the greatest feelings of regret that they bade her adieu, even for the short vacation which she took to visit her home in Faribault, and they long for her return. Our citizens were fortunate to secure the services of so accomplished a teacher, and it is to be hoped they will, by their liberal patronage, on her return, induce her to keep a six month’s term, as with her for a teacher our little ones can progress as fast as they wish in education, and the higher they go the better she will be pleased. Miss Fitzgerald is a natural teacher, and loves the little ones, and is never so happy as when she is engaged in teaching them the things most essential to them in their future life. We very much hope our citizens who have children will be alive to their interests, and when she opens school again on the first Monday of September will send their children in, and give them the rare advantages offered them while the opportunity is at hand. She has agreed to teach three or six months, as the committee desires, and as the scholars are limited to a certain number, those desiring to engage schooling should do so early. The committee are M. C. Russell, N. R. Brown, and E. U. Russell.

Terms, $2.00 per month, strictly in advance. All applications for admittance must be made to N. R. Brown, who only will receive pay and give certificates of admission.

The total attendance for the last term has been 22 males and 23 females. Average attendance, 30 [grades] 1-6. There have been no cases of corporeal punishment during the term. Their studies have been: 8 Alphabet, 37 Reading, 24 Penmanship, 35 Spelling, 26 Arithmetic, 2 Grammar, 17 Geography, and 5 History. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 August 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


ANOTHER SCHOOL.


Miss Ladd, a graduate of Ingham University, N. Y., [This was the first women’s college in New York and the first chartered women’s university in the United States.] is soon to open a school in the Baptist chapel. Miss L. teaches drawing, painting, and music, as well as all common branches. We warmly welcome all such refined and educated people to our town, and are sure Miss Ladd’s school must become very popular in this community. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 August 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


OUR SCHOOLS.—The private school in the Catholic chapel, taught by Miss Julia Fitzgerald, opened its second term on Monday last under favorable auspices, and the number of scholars is daily increasing. Miss Fitzgerald is an accomplished teacher, and pupils advance rapidly under her faithful guidance.

MISS LADD’S SCHOOL, held in the Baptist chapel, opened last Monday morning with a good attendance, and has steadily increased in numbers. We bespeak her a large and successful school. There is room for more, and the opportunity to secure the service of so skilled a teacher should not be let to pass. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 September 1872, p. 1, c. 7)


A private and select school for children will be opened out at the Baptist church next Monday by Miss Florence LaFrance, an experienced teacher. The low price of one dollar per month will be charged for tuition. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 May 1881, p. 1, c. 2)


The select school taught by Miss Reymond will be held after Feb. 5th. at the Baptist Chapel. Terms $1.50 a month. School hours from 9 a. m. to 1 p. m. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 February 1882, p. 5, c. 1)


SEE: Brainerd Schools Miscellaneous Information

SEE: Sixth Street School


BRAINERD STATE BANK / SECURITY STATE BANK (MAP #32)

This bank was originally incorporated 11 April 1908 as the Security State Bank of Brainerd.


The work on the vault of the Security State Bank commenced this morning. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 April 1908, p. 2, c. 1)


WILL CHANGE FRONT

_____


Security State Bank Will Change

Front of Koop Building to Make

Rooms More Convenient


Messrs. Storck and Guerin have decided to change the front of the room in the Koop building so as to make it more up-to-date and more convenient for their use. The door will be changed to the north side of the room so as to give an inside lobby, which is the most popular in new bank buildings. This arrangement is such that it gives the men working in the bank the benefit of having the light from the side and rear instead of in their faces, as is the case the old style of arrangement. The contract for the work has been let to C. B. Rowley, who will commence work on it in a very short time.

J. W. Koop is also receiving bids for the new front to be put into the south side of his building. When this is completed he will have a very pleasant store room. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 April 1907, p. 3, c. 2)


C. B. Rowley has the contract for changing the front of the Koop building for the Security State bank and also for putting a store front into the south side of the building for Mr. Koop. He has men at work in his shop constructing the frames, etc., for the work. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 May 1908, p. 2, c. 3)


SECURITY STATE BANK


Brainerd’s third bank, the Security State bank, for which quarters are in preparation in the Koop building at the corner of Seventh and Laurel streets, has been organized by J. H. Guerin, formerly with the German American National bank of Little Falls and E. A. Storck, formerly with the Citizens State bank, of this city and also with the First National bank, of Little Falls, as well as with lending banks in DesMoines and other Iowa cities. Associated with these gentlemen are several wealthy capitalists, both of Iowa and Minnesota. P. F. Hosch, of Little Falls, J. H. Guerin and E. A. Storck will be the first board of directors. Geo. Storck, of Earlham, Iowa, a heavy farmer and stock man, the father of E. A. Storck, is the heaviest individual stock holder. The capital stock is divided into 250 shares of $100 each. The officers of the bank will be as follows:

President—J. H. Guerin.

Cashier—E. A. Storck.

Messrs. Guerin and Storck are quite widely acquainted in this city and the surrounding country and will doubtless build up a fine business. They are having their banking room fitted up with all the accessories and equipments of the best and most up-to-date banks in the country and will use every effort to gain the good will and confidence of the people of Brainerd. They hope, if there is no miscarriage in their plans, to be able to open for business about the 10th day of June. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 May 1908, p. 3, c. 3)


HANDSOME COUNTERS

_____


Beautiful Marble Counters Being Put

in Place in Room of the Secur-

ity State Bank


The marble counters are being put in place for the new Security State bank in the Koop building at the corner of Seventh and Laurel streets. Enough has been done to show that the fixtures will be among the handsomest in the state. The date of the opening of the bank has now been provisionally set at June 15th. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 June 1908, p. 3, c. 3)


The handsome mission oak fixtures for the Security State bank are being put in place and are certainly swell. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 June 1908, p. 2, c. 3)


THEIR SAFE ARRIVED

_____


Fine New Safe for the Security State

Bank Arrived Yesterday and Was

Put in Place


The fine new spherical steel safe for the Security State bank arrived yesterday and was put in place in the vault. The safe is a beauty and as near burglar proof as human ingenuity can devise, though it is said there was never a safe made that could not be burglarized if enough time was given. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 June 1908, p. 3, c. 4)


SECURITY STATE BANK CLOSED

_____


Voluntarily Closed by Its Officers

Who Asked Public Examiner

to Investigate

_____


ALL WILL BE PAID IN FULL

_____


President Guerin States That

Depositors Will Get Dollar

For Dollar


The Security State Bank closed its doors this morning and the officers of the bank wired the public examiner at St. Paul asking him to make an examination of its condition. J. H. Guerin, president, was seen by a reporter and stated the closing was entirely voluntary on the part of the officers and that the depositors would get dollar for dollar. He would make no detailed statement as to condition of the institution, but said that the public may expect a statement from the public examiner in the near future.

The bank, which opened for business on the 1st day of August, 1907, occupied handsome quarters fitted up for them in the Koop building and were apparently doing a flourishing business. J. H. Guerin was president and E. A. Storck was cashier. The articles of incorporation showed the incorporators to be J. H. Guerin, E. A. Storck, of this city, P. F. Hosch, of Little Falls, H. C. Robertson, of Stillwater, and George Storck, of Earlham, Iowa. The president and cashier were well liked and popular and the closing of the bank’s doors came like a thunderbolt from a clear sky. When asked as to whether or not the bank would reopen Mr. Guerin said that this and similar questions would have to be asked of the public examiner.

The last statement of the bank, dated November 27th, 1908, showed total liabilities of $60,850.38, of which $25,000 was capital stock, $21,316.61 deposits subject to check, $868.75 was cashier’s checks and $13,665.02 was time deposits. The same statement showed loans and discounts of $32,512.49 and overdrafts of $87.96. Cash assets. $19,519.08, banking house, furniture and fixtures, $7,228.81, other resources $1,502.04. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 January 1909, p. 3, c. 1)


BANK EXAMINER NOW IN CHARGE

_____


D. D. Divine, of the Public Exam-

iner’s Office at Security State

Bank Today

_____


HAS NO STATEMENT TO MAKE

_____


No Statement of the Conditions

Can be Made Before Monday

Next at the Earliest


D. D. Divine, one of the field men of the public examiner’s office arrived in this city on the early train this morning and took charge of the affairs of the bank. When seen by a DISPATCH representative this noon he stated that because of the fact that Mr. Storck who returned this morning from the Cities, having been absent a couple of days, the posting was somewhat behind and the forenoon had been spent in getting ready to make a balance sheet, and that as yet he had made no investigation into the condition of affairs. He also said that he would not be able to make any statement before Monday at the earliest. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 January 1909, p. 3, c. 1)


STATEMENT DUE TOMORROW


A. Schaefer, public examiner, arrived from St. Paul this afternoon and is holding a meeting with the officers of the bank and D. D. Divine, the examiner in charge of the bank. A statement of the affairs of the bank will be made in the DISPATCH tomorrow. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 January 1909, p. 3, c. 2)


SECURITY BANK WILL OPEN SOON

_____


This is the Opinion of Public Ex-

aminer Schaefer as Given

to the Dispatch

_____


HAS ORDERED AN ASSESSMENT

_____


An Assessment of 100 Per Cent

has Been Ordered on the

Capital Stock of Bank


A. E. Schaefer, public examiner, left for his home in St. Paul this morning after attending a meeting of the officers and interested stockholders of the Security State Bank, which closed its doors on Thursday last. Before leaving Mr. Schaefer made a statement to the BRAINERD DISPATCH, for publication, as to the causes of the failure and the condition of the bank. He stated that the officers of the bank were simply the victims of a rascal. In company with many older bankers they were victims of the swindling operations of Andy Jones, the absconding cashier of the First National Bank of Rugby, N. D., the failure of which caused the closing of the Brainerd bank. The officers of the bank, Mr. Schaefer stated, were of course anxious to get their capital stock to earning and when what appeared to be good securities guaranteed by officers of a National bank, were offered them, bearing 10 per cent interest they purchased them, fully believing them to be all right. Their first inkling to the contrary came with the failure of the Rugby bank. Knowing that this failure endangered their securities Mr. Guerin at once closed the bank.

Mr. Schaefer on Monday afternoon held a meeting at which the majority of the stock of the bank was represented and levied an assessment of 100 per cent, or $25,000. This he said he had assurance would be paid in full. He had received assurance that George Storck, the father of the cashier, and a wealthy stock raiser of Earlham, Iowa, had expressed his willingness to pay the assessments upon any stock which the owners do not pay the assessment upon. The stockholders, under the law, have 70 days in which to pay the assessments. If they are not paid then the stock is sold to pay the assessment.

Mr. Schaefer stated that there was no evidence of dishonesty or crookedness and that the books were perfectly straight. But for this unfortunate investment in the securities of the Dakota bank the Brainerd institution would have been in first-class shape. He stated that he believed that the assessment would be paid in full, and as soon as it was he would authorize the bank to re-open its doors and continue business. He further stated that he had charged every dollar of the Rugby securities off as worthless, though there might be some good paper among it. If there was any value, of course, the stockholders would get the benefit of it. There was none he said of the paper signed by Jones, the absconding Dakota banker, in the lot bought by the Security State Bank, but that it was all covered by his blanket endorsement.

Mr. Schaefer asked the DISPATCH to urge the people of Brainerd to have confidence in the bank and its officials. The latter he said, might have been somewhat indiscreet, but that they had been square and deserved the confidence of the people as they certainly would not make the same mistake again and would be deserving of continued patronage.

There will be another meeting of the stockholders of the bank on Friday of this week, at which time Mr. Schaefer will be present and will, perhaps, be able to set the date for the re-opening of the bank. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 January 1909, p. 3, c. 1)


WILL MEET AGAIN

FEBRUARY 17th

_____


Stockholders of the Security

State Bank Adjourn Until

That Date

_____


ASSESSMENTS WILL BE PAID

_____


George Storck of Earlham, Iowa

Pledges Himself to Take

Care of Them All


A meeting of the stockholders of the Security State bank was held in this city Friday afternoon. At the close of the meeting it was given out by D. D. Divine, of the public examiner's office, who has charge of the bank, that the meeting adjourned until Friday, Feb. 17th, at which time the bank would reorganize and reopen. Every dollar of the assessments on the capital stock will be paid. This was personally pledged by George Storck, father of E. A. Storck, the cashier of the bank. Just the nature of the reorganization is not yet made public, but private assurances are given that it will be such as to give every confidence in the institution. Mr. Divine repeated his assurance that there was nothing reflecting on the integrity of the present officers, or showing any crookedness. They were the dupes of Mr. Jones, there being $20,500 of notes endorsed by him among the assets of the bank.

Mr. Storck stated, when asked as to the future of the bank, that the first thing which would be done would be to put in on a par basis, then the matter of reorganization would be taken up. It was a matter with them, he said, of putting it past the suspicion of any wrong doing on their part.

On February 17th all stock on which the assessment has not been paid will be advertised for sale at auction and will be taken care of by Mr. Storck. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 January 1909, p. 3, c. 1)


MORE TIME GIVEN FOR PAYMENT

_____


Thirty Days More Given in Which

to Pay Assessments on Se-

curity Bank Stock

_____


BY ORDER OF THE EXAMINER

_____


Officers of the Security State

Bank Have Received Letter

to That Effect


The officers of the Security State bank have received the following communication from A. Schaefer, public examiner:


Office of Public Examiner,

St. Paul.

Feb. 15, 1909.


Security State Bank of

Brainerd, Minn.

Gentlemen:—You are hereby instructed to extend the time for payment of assessment on the capital stock of your bank for another thirty days, pursuant to Section 3001 of Revised Laws 1905, which allows the stockholders sixty days in which to pay such assessment.

Yours very Truly,

A. SCHAEFER,

Public Examiner.


This will delay the re-opening of the bank for that length of time, but will not effect the final result as parties stand ready to pay the assessment and take any stock on which the owners do not do so, just as soon as the laws will permit such action. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 February 1909, p. 3, c. 3)


Notice


TO THE CITIZENS OF BRAINERD, MINN.

This department begs to advise you that the Security State bank of Brainerd has made good by assessment all losses sustained through its transactions with North Dakota banks.

It has been prepared from the start to replace all doubtful paper with cash, but had to comply with all legal provisions required in such cases by this department. It is now fully authorized to re-open for business on April 6, 1909, and deserves the confidence and patronage of your community.

Yours very truly,

(Signed) A. SCHAEFER,

Public Examiner.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 April 1909, p. 3, c. 2)


SECURITY STATE BANK REORGANIZED

_____


Stockholders Held Meeting Yes-

terday and Elected George

Storck President

_____


E. A. STORCK IS CASHIER

_____


H. J. Hage, Popular Deerwood

Businessman and Banker

Becomes Vice President


The Security State Bank, which was closed about 60 days ago because of losses through Andrew Jones, the notorious Dakota swindler re-opened for business. An assessment of 100 cents on the dollar of the bank stock was paid in full, largely by George Storck, of Earlham, Iowa, father of E. A. Storck, cashier of the bank. The stockholders met Monday afternoon and elected George Storck, of Earlham, Iowa, E. A. Storck, of Brainerd and H. J. Hage, Deerwood as directors. The directors immediately met and elected the following officers.

Pres.—George Storck.

V. P.—H. J. Hage, Deerwood.

Cashier—E. A. Storck.

The bank opened up for business this morning as usual and there was no sign of anxiety on the part of depositors to withdraw their deposits. The majority of the stock is now owned by Messrs. George and E. A. Storck. When the bank closed Mr. Storck, Sr., stated that he would see that no one lost a dollar through the bank and he has eminently made good. He is a well-to-do Iowa farmer and will only give an oversight to the business, the active management being in the hands of the vice president and cashier.

The advent of H. J. Hage, of Deerwood, as vice president, will add materially to the confidence which the public will have in the bank. Mr. Hage is one of Crow Wing county’s best known businessmen and financiers. He has had experience in the banking business and holds the confidence of the people of the county.

Messrs. Storck and Guerin have carried themselves during the trying times they have passed through in connection with the bank troubles in a manner which has won them the sympathy and admiration of all and all will rejoice with them that the bank is again on its feet.

D. D. Divine, bank examiner, states that the assessment more than covered the impairment of capital and that the bank is now in excellent condition. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 April 1909, p. 3, c. 3)


SECURITY BANK RE-ORGANIZED

_____


John P. Ernster and Frank S. Gra-

ham, of Callaway, Buy Large

Block of Stock of G. Storck

_____


ERNSTER ELECTED PRESIDENT

_____


Directors Increased From 3 to 5—

Brainerd State Bank Name of

New Organization


A reorganization of the Security State Bank of Brainerd was effected this morning. John P. Ernster former cashier of the First State Bank of Callaway, and Frank S. Graham, cashier of the Citizens State Bank of Callaway, acquiring a large block of stock in the bank and will assume active management.

Geo. Storck whose large business interests in Iowa demand his entire attention has resigned as president but still retains an interest in the new bank remaining on the board of directors. E. A. Storck, who has been the efficient and capable cashier of the old bank for many years, retains his interest in the bank, acting in the capacity of vice president.

At this morning’s meeting of the stockholders the board of directors was reorganized and increased from three to five members. Under the new organization the new institution will be known as the “Brainerd State Bank.”

John P. Ernster was elected president and Frank S. Graham was elected cashier. H. J. Hage, chairman of the board of directors of the First National bank of Deerwood, still retains his interest in the new organization J. P. Ernster is a brother of H. J. Ernster, cashier of the First National bank of Deerwood.

The home paper of Messrs. Ernster and Graham, the Callaway Post, has the following to say of these gentlemen:

“John P. Ernster, former cashier of the First State bank of this place and Frank S. Graham, the popular and efficient cashier of the Citizens State bank, have purchased the controlling interest in a bank at Brainerd, Minn., and expect to leave here in the near future to assume charge of the institution in the capacity of president and cashier respectively. We understand the change in the officers will take place Sept. 10th. Mr. Graham has disposed of his bank stock in the local bank and also his residence property to Frank Murphy, who will succeed him in the capacity of cashier here. The Messrs. Ernster and Graham are well experienced in the banking business, full of energy and push. While we regret very much to see these two public spirited and hustling businessmen and their estimable families remove from our midst we hope it will prove to their advantage and we join their many friends here in a unanimous expression of good will, best wishes and prosperity in abundance in their new field of labor.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 September 1910, p. 3, c. 3)


BANK ELECTION

_____


Brainerd State Bank Elects New

Director and Cashier, and First

Vice President


At the recent elections of officers held by the Brainerd State bank, V. E. Hanson, formerly of Drayton, N. D., and now a resident of Brainerd was elected a director and cashier of the bank.

L. M. DePue, formerly cashier, was elected first vice president and manager.

Friends extend their congratulations to the new official who now makes Brainerd his home and to Mr. DePue on his deserved promotion. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 August 1912, p. 2, c. 4)


BANK ELECTION HELD IN CITY

_____


Brainerd State Bank Elects Carl

Zapffe it President, Succeed

-ing L. M. DePue

_____


WILL ENTER LAND BUSINESS

_____


At the annual election held at the Brainerd State bank, these officers were elected: President, Carl Zapffe; vice president, O. H. Scott; cashier; H. E. Kundert; assistant cashier; T. R. Dwyer. The four are directors.

The change of officers was necessitated because of the withdrawal of Mr. DePue. The later will remove to the Cities because of the sickness of his wife. He will engage in the land business. Mr. DePue made a host of friends in Brainerd as head of the bank. A skilled linguist, good businessman and patient and capable, he speedily increased the list of depositors at the bank.

Carl Zapffe is one of the public-spirited men of the city, interested in many industries and working constantly for the upbuilding and betterment of Brainerd. He has backed his faith in Brainerd by investments.

O. H. Scott, of Wadena, is vice president. He is a well-known traveling man of Jenny Semple Hill Co. and is a prominenten member of Brainerd Council of the Brainerd Commercial Travelers. He makes Brainerd territory regularly and has an especially wide acquaintance on the range. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 January 1916, p. 3, c.’s 1 & 2)


BRAINERD STATE BANK PROSPERING

_____


Increases Its Capital Stock at Board

Meeting and Add to Its Sur-

plus Funds

_____


BUYS A NEW BANK SITE IN CITY

_____


Located on Corner Diagonally Oppo-

site Present Location, to Build

Within Few Years


At the meeting Tuesday of stockholders of the Brainerd State Bank, the officers of the bank were instructed to take steps to increase the capital stock from the present amount of $25,000 to $50,000 and the charter will be amended to take effect at once.

The new stock will be subscribed for by the present stockholders, most of whom are Brainerd people.

It was decided to transfer now $1,500 from the undivided profit account to surplus and the bank now boasts of a surplus amounting to $10,000.

During the last twelve months the resources of the bank have increased nearly $200,000, over one-half of the increase having been acquired during the last four months. In anticipation of this development and in order to offer better banking facilities to its customers, the bank has purchased the corner fifty feet of the Walker block and in a few years time will erect there a modern bank building. The present quarters in the Koop block are occupied under a lease.

The officers of the bank are President, Carl Zapffe; Vice President, O. H. Scott; Cashier, H. E. Kundert; Assistant Cashier, A. L. Koop; Teller, Hazel Rardin; Bookkeeper, Vivian Rardin. Other local stockholders are A. A. Arnold, Mons Mahlum and J. W. Koop. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 May 1920, p. 5, c. 2)


“WHAT MAKES THE CLOCK GO”

_____


Novel Clock Installed by the Brainerd

State Bank in Its Seventh St.

Window

_____


EXPLANATION OF MOVEMENT

_____


No Clockwork. No Electricity. No

Magnets. No Air Control to Make

It Keep Time


“What makes it go?’

That’s the first question one thinks of when viewing the new clock in the window of the Brainerd State bank. It has a glass face, substantial hands, and that’s about all. In spite of the entire absence of clock works, of electric connections, or magnets or air control, the clock moves and keeps accurate time.

The answer to what makes the clock go was given out in this statement by Art Koop, an assistant cashier of the Brainerd State Bank. The explanation is very simple and reads like this:

The revolution of the earth on its axis every twenty-four hours possesses both a rotary and centrifugal force. The rotary force is neutralized by the magnetic attraction which causes articles to fall instead of fly out into space when dropped.

By supplanting this neutralization of the rotary motion of the earth in its daily revolution by a counter-balancing influence secured by means of a bisecting spheroid to which a magnetic compass is attached and by astronomically calculating the proper reduction in size so that the circumference of the clock’s dial bears the same relationship to its axis as the circumference of the earth bears to the axis of the earth and also utilizing the attraction of the moon to the earth, which is found to be felt upon the hour hand of the clock when this neutralization is removed by the above mentioned scientific discovery, then the hands are allowed to rotate in accord with the revolution of the earth, the same as the earth rotates on its axis, except that the calculation is is such that the hands of the clock makes two revolutions to the earth’s one. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 August 1920, p. 5, c. 2)


BRAINERD STATE BANK

IN NEW HOME JAN. 2

_____


Style of Bank Structure is Colonial

and One of Most Beautiful in

Northern Part of State

_____


INNOVATIONS IN INTERIOR

_____


Bank Now Has Capital of $50,000

Surplus $20,000 and Deposits

Near $600,000


Brainerd State Bank, ca. 1923.
Source: Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan

On Tuesday, the second day of January, the Brainerd State Bank will open its new building on the corner of Seventh and Laurel. Brainerd has watched the construction of his building for nearly a year and people have been given some new ideas in style of architecture. Undoubtedly it is one of the most beautiful buildings in the northern part of the state. The style is colonial and the building has that dignified and strong appearance which people like to associate with a bank.

Interior of the new Brainerd State Bank, 30 December 1922.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

The interior also presents some new departures in structure and appearance, and the arrangement is such that will offer untold conveniences to the many customers. A new set of safety deposit boxes has been placed in the vault and separate booths have been provided for the depositors. The vault is very large and is fitted with a very heavy steel door and a most comprehensive burglar alarm system.

Above the bank vault is a mezzanine floor to be used for committee meetings by the patrons of the bank for purposes in which they may be interested and it offers complete seclusion.

On the second floor are four suites of offices arranged in a most commodious manner.

The Brainerd State Bank is a young bank, having started in 1908, but it has grown at an unusually fast rate, which has made larger and more commodious quarters a necessity. The capital stock is $50,000 and the surplus is $20,000. Deposits are near $600,000. The range of business is over a wide territory, and its patrons are from all classes, trades and professions. The bank pays 5 per cent interest on its deposits.

The following are the officers of the bank: Carl Zapffe, President; O. H. Scott, Vice President; H. E. Kundert Cashier; and A. L. Koop, Assistant Cashier. Miss Hazel Rardin is teller and the Misses Vivian Rardin and Edna Kamrath are bookkeepers. The first four named and A. A. Arnold constitute the Board of Directors. These people are well known locally and have been associated with the bank for many years which has given it stability. They have been identified with many local activities of a divers character and understand the needs of the community.

The erection of this building is a distinct credit to Brainerd. It is desired that all citizens should visit it and observe its features, to which end the bank will have an open house all day Tuesday including the evening, and invites everybody to step in and walk around into all departments and receive the greeting of the officials and the employees.

The Dispatch takes pleasure in reproducing two prints showing the exterior and the interior views, and also extends its greetings and good wishes to the Brainerd State Bank and hopes for its unbounded success. The institution and the building are a credit to Brainerd and we are proud of it. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 December 1922, p. 5, c.’s 1 & 2)


HOLDING OPEN HOUSE TODAY

_____


The Brainerd State Bank is today holding an open house for its many friends and giving as favors, cigars and cut flowers. It is interesting to note that the first patron to make a deposit in the new building was Edgar Olson, plumber at the Gruenhagen Co. John Graber, of Oak Lawn, was the first to make application for the new 1923 automobile licenses. The bank was crowded all day with visitors and the officers showed them the new quarters in detail. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 January 1923, p. 2, c. 4)


Financially strong banks conservatively conducted are an unfailing index to the commercial importance and prosperity of any community, and one of the first things into which prospective investors look. Brainerd, Minnesota has a number of banks that measure up to the highest financial standards in their resources and management, and takes special pride in the Brainerd State Bank, in which Henry E. Kundert is the cashier and managing genius. The bank's growth since Mr. Kundert became connected with it has been of a phenomenal character and is still increasing. Mr. Kundert was born on February 15, 1880, at Beresford, South Dakota, the son of Henry and Katharine (Schmid) Kundert, the father being a native of Switzerland and the mother of Wisconsin. Mr. Kundert, Sr. came to the United States in 1853 with his mother, and their first location was Wisconsin. He walked from Wisconsin to Lincoln, Nebraska, and a little later from Lincoln to Beresford, South Dakota, where he took up a homestead claim, which he improved and farmed until 1898. He then sold the property and, with the proceeds, bought land in the central part of South Dakota. He operated an entire section of land and made a specialty of breeding Poland China hogs, and being very successful in both his breeding and farming operations, he became a very wealthy man. He is now 73 years old, and he and his wife are living in Yankton, South Dakota, Mrs. Kundert being sixty-nine years of age.

Henry E. Kundert was reared in South Dakota, received his early education in the public schools of Lincoln County, South Dakota, and then took a commercial course in a school in Fremont, Nebraska. He remained on the farm with his parents until he was twenty-two years of age, after which he worked in a grocery store at Yankton for a time, and then in one of the city's banks. From Yankton, Mr. Kundert went to Marcus, South Dakota, established the Security Bank there and conducted it successfully for three years. In May, 1913, he became a resident of Brainerd and bought an interest in the Brainerd State Bank. Mr. Kundert is now the principal stockholder in the institution and has served as its cashier since he became connected with it. The bank was organized in 1908 with a capital of twenty-five thousand dollars. It's capital today is fifty thousand dollars. It has a surplus of twenty thousand dollars, and its average line of deposits is six hundred and fifty thousand dollars. When Mr. Kundert took charge of the bank, its deposits were one hundred and nineteen thousand dollars. In the ten years that Mr. Kundert has been connected with the bank, its deposits have increased nearly six hundred per cent, a notable achievement in a city so well supplied with strong banks, as Brainerd is. The bank now occupies its own structure, a handsome modern bank and office building, which it erected in 1922 [sic] at a cost of forty thousand dollars, and which is one of the most attractive buildings of Brainerd, or in the state.

Mr. Kundert was married on August 16, 1911 to Mazie Johnston, daughter of Henry and Margaret Johnston, both natives of Wisconsin, who went to Mason City, Iowa in the early days, where Mr. Johnston was a railroad man all his life. Both Mr. and Mrs. Johnston have passed away. Mr. Kundert and his wife are parents of three children: Margaret Jane, John William, and Henry Edwin. Mr. Kundert owns some farming interests in Minnesota and is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Brainerd Civic and Commercial Association, and the Brainerd Business Men's Association. Politically, he is a member of the Republican party, and in religious matters, he and his wife are members of the Congregational church. His residence is at No. 93 Bluff Avenue. (Minnesota and Its People, Volume IV, pp. 101 & 102, 1924)


While the men were being helped back to jobs, the nation was creeping out of a year of depression that led to a widespread epidemic of farm failures and bankruptcies. In that net was caught the Brainerd State Bank which, in April of 1924, ended its career. It had erected a beautiful bank building, opened 02 January 1923 [sic], situated on the southwest corner of Laurel and South Seventh Streets. It is now [1946] occupied by the Citizens State Bank. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 130 & 131)


NOTE: Does not appear to be true.


...and the present writer can certainly supply the first name of Harry [sic] [Henry] E. Kundert.

For this was the Cashier of the Brainerd State Bank who—about a decade later [April 1924]—committed suicide by asphyxiation in the garage at his home on North Bluff Avenue at North Third. That bank had originally been incorporated 11 April 1908 as the Security State Bank of Brainerd—a strangely precognitive name of sarcastic sort. On 10 September 1910 the name was changed to the Brainerd State Bank. On 11 May 1920, its Articles of Incorporation were amended to raise the limits on both capital stock and admissible debt; and my father then took over the Presidency—as though to replace the “security” in the original name.

Then on that terrible morning of the Kundert suicide, Brainerd experienced its first bank rush with virtually instantaneous bankruptcy. Feeling obliged to protect his investors, Dad used his own funds to pay them off; and when the rush was over, he was not only a broken man from financial standpoints, but also physically. For some years he suffered from what was in those days simply called a “nervous breakdown.” (Oldtimers . . . Stories of Our Pioneers; Zapffe, Jr., Carl A., p. 29; Echo Publishing Company, Pequot Lakes, Minnesota: 1987)


NOTE: The above story by Zapffe, Jr. is simply astonishing; there is neither an obituary relating to the “suicide” in the Brainerd Dispatch, nor is there a death record in Minnesota for Henry E./Harry Kundert. In the 1930 and 1940 Federal Censuses, Henry E. Kundert, parking garage attendant, was living in Minneapolis with his family. Henry [Harry] E. Kundert died in Los Angeles, California on 06 September 1958. Apparently Zapffe, Sr. didn’t pay off the approximately $475,000 owed to the bank’s depositors.


CARBON MONOXIDE

GAS NEARLY FATAL

_____


H. E. Kundert Narrowly Escaped

Death When Starting Car at

His Home

_____


WIFE HEARS CALL FOR HELP

_____


Throws Open Doors and Fresh Air

Partly Revived the Banker


H. E. Kundert, cashier of the Brainerd State Bank, narrowly escaped death by asphyxiation early this morning, while starting his automobile in the closed garage at his home, 93 Bluff avenue, North, being overcome by the deadly carbon monoxide gas from the exhaust of the car.

According to reports, Mr. Kundert had only recently had his automobile overhauled and this morning told his wife that he intended to drive it down town. She heard him start the car, and in a few minutes heard him feebly call to her.

The garage is in the basement of the home, and Mrs. Kundert hurried down immediately. All that her husband could say was “Door,” which he repeated several times. She opened the outside doors immediately and as she did so, Mr. Kundert collapsed.

Dr. Thabes was called and administered first aid before taking the stricken man to the hospital, where he was finally brought back to consciousness, after a great deal of hard work on the part of the attending physicians. According to hospital authorities, he is resting quite well, but is still in a serious condition.

Carbon monoxide gas from the exhaust of automobiles that are confined to small quarters, has taken a big toll of life. It is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas, which asphyxiates its victim without any warning according to physicians, taking effect almost instantly. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 April 1924, p. 2, c. 4)


BRAINERD STATE BANK CLOSED

_____


Heavy Run on Institution This

Morning Causes Doors to be

Closed

_____


DEFINITE STATEMENT SOON

_____


Bank Now in Communication With

State Banking Department


The Brainerd State Bank closed its doors at about two o’clock this afternoon. A. L. Koop, assistant cashier, makes the following statement:

“Owing to H. E. Kundert’s accident this morning, a heavy run was made on the bank, forcing it to close its doors. We are in communication with the state banking department and will be in a position to make a definite announcement in the course of a day or two.”

Mr. Kundert, cashier of the bank, narrowly escaped death by asphyxiation while starting his automobile this morning, and is in a serious condition at St. Joseph’s hospital, so that no statement could be had from him, or from Carl Zapffe, president of the bank, who is recovering from an illness of several week’s duration.

The Brainerd State Bank has been considered one of the city’s foremost institutions. Only last year it moved into its new quarters, a home of its own at the corner of South Seventh and Laurel streets. It is hoped that the situation will be remedied and that the bank will be able to resume business in the very near future. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 April 1924, p. 2, c. 2)


LISTING ASSETS OF

BRAINERD STATE BANK

_____


State Bank Examiner Frank V. Artig, who has taken charge of the affairs of the Brainerd State Bank, whose doors were closed on Monday afternoon, had no statement to make regarding progress that he is making with the bank’s accounts.

The task of listing the institution’s liabilities and assets will require a week or ten days, said Mr. Artig, who is working under difficulties, since his assistant is detained at Deer River.

A. J. Viegel, state superintendent of banks, made the following announcement: “The Brainerd State Bank, with deposits totaling approximately $500,000 and a capital of $50,000, was closed Monday following a run on the institution, when more than $21,000 was paid out to depositors.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 April 1924, p. 2, c. 2)


LIQUIDATION OF BANK’S ASSETS

_____


J. H. Kinney, of the state banking department, has arrived in the city and has taken charge of the receivership of the Brainerd State bank, which closed a week ago.

It is understood that Mr. Kinney will proceed with the liquidation of the bank’s assets unless some arrangements are made to reopen the institution.

Frank T. Artig, state bank examiner, is still in the city, going over the affairs of the bank, and checking up its accounts.

H. E. Kundert, cashier, who has been confined to his home since his accident of last Monday morning, is able to be down town, and was at the bank today. He has no statement prepared for publication at this time. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 April 1924, p. 2, c. 5)


SEE: Citizens State Bank

SEE: Northern Pacific Bank

SEE: Parker Block


BRAINERD STEAM BRICKYARD / SCHWARTZ BRICKYARD

Schwartz Brickyard, ca. Unknown.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Between 1878 and 1890 making brick constitutes a major industry in Brainerd. It reaches its peak between 1882 and 1886. The premier brick-maker is William Schwartz, a German who comes to Brainerd about 1875 [He comes to Brainerd in 1872 as a merchant.] and in 1878 purchases a piece of land about a mile up-river from Main [Washington] Street. (Now bordered on the east by Mill Avenue.) The land contains a bed of clay thirty feet thick; when fired, the clay turns to an attractive cream or buff color, Schwartz calls his business the Brainerd Steam Brickyards. His process makes an exceptionally tough and durable brick which quickly becomes famous and is called “Milwaukee cream brick” for the city which is known for such brick. He ships to Duluth and the Twin Cities and places in between. The business becomes so big that it warrants the Northern Pacific building in May of 1881 a mile and a half long railroad spur, north from its shop yards to serve this infant industry brickyard. [The spur currently runs down the avenue adjacent to Evergreen Cemetery to the paper mill in northeast Brainerd.] Among the local buildings of note built with Schwartz’s steam brick: the Hartley Block, burned; the McFadden-Westfall Building, burned; the First National Bank Building (Hartley’s) Sixth and Front; former courthouse [apartment building on the southeast corner of Fourth and Kingwood]; the Sheriff’s home, [demolished]; the old city jail, once a part of Meyers Cleaners and Laundry, [demolished]; the Northern Pacific shop buildings; the old high school building, burned in 1928 or 1929 [burned in 1928]; all the grade school buildings, demolished in 1936; C. N. Parker’s street car power-house, [demolished ?]; Park Opera House [not built with Schwartz bricks, built with Duclos bricks from Little Falls], north side of Front Street at Fifth, [demolished in April 1994]; and several dozen north side residences erected by C. B. Sleeper, W. D. McKay, and others. In 1884 Schwartz is divorced and he quits making bricks; in 1884 he leaves Brainerd and in 1890 all brick-making stops. [Brick making does not stop in 1890.] (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, pp. 37 & 38)


NOTE: Carl Zapffe claims, in Brainerd 1871-1946, p. 38, that the Park Opera House was built of Schwartz cream brick, this appears not to have been the case.


SEE: Park Opera House / Paramount Theatre


Mr. Wm. Schwartz, of this place, made a very valuable discovery a few weeks since, about two miles north of town, of an inexhaustible bed of brick clay. He immediately made a thorough test of the quality of the clay, which was entirely satisfactory in its results, and then proceeded to hunt up the owner of the land, which proved to be G. W. Holland, Esq., of this city, and purchase it. He soon struck a bargain with Mr. Holland at $250 for the eighty acres containing the clay, and now considers his fortune is made. He has already cleared the ground for a brickyard on an extensive scale, and is negotiating for the machinery, including a steam engine, all of which he proposes to have on the ground ready for brisk operations in early spring. This is a fortunate discovery for Brainerd, as well as for Mr. Schwartz, as it will give us brick at a reasonable figure and undoubtedly result in a number of brick blocks in our city, adding much to its appearance and substantiability [sic]—in fact, we understand more than one brick range is already projected the coming summer. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 October 1878, p. 4, c. 2)


Don’t forget, kind reader, that Brainerd will have a sawmill and a brickyard in full blast in the spring, and will have lumber and brick for sale thereafter to all comers, as heretofore. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 January 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


Mr. Schwartz has received his machinery, and his men have arrived for commencing operations at his brickyard north of town. He expects to have a kiln up in about three weeks and will have first-class brick in the market inside of sixty days. He calculates upon over a million this season. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 April 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


Evergreen Cemetery is reported in a shocking condition and should, in the name of decency if not of humanity, receive some attention from the citizens if not from the trustees. A large portion of the fence has been torn away and destroyed; a road to the brickyard has been located through it over graves and against palings in the most heartless sacrilegious manner imaginable, defacing and obliterating lines, marks and mounds with a brutal indifference. Why in the name of all reason is a public thoroughfare permitted to be opened through the resting place of the dead? We will venture the assertion that these despoilers would not thus deface the burying place of their own children; parents or friends, and why should they be permitted to intrude upon others? (Brainerd Tribune, Saturday, 19 April 1879)


Mr. Wm. Schwartz gave us a call this week to say, with reference to the article appearing in the Tribune last week, that his teams in crossing the cemetery grounds do not pass over any graves or against any palings, but keep the avenue the entire distance, which he claims they have a right to do, though he says other teams do travel promiscuously over the grounds defacing and mutilating the graves, palings, etc., as stated by the Tribune last week. The Tribune did not state, because it did not know, what teams were doing the damage, nor did it care. It was enough that it was being done, and that a public road was being located across the grounds, which we insist should be stopped short. We also insist that Mr. Schwartz is in error when he claims the right to use the cemetery avenue as a public thoroughfare, which will be made apparent if an organization is ever perfected. Mr. Schwartz also informed us that the fire which raged with such destructive fury in that vicinity on Sunday last destroying the fence, palings, headstones, etc., was set by a lot of boys who were seen in the act by Mrs. Weist, his partner's wife, and we are informed that an effort will be made to identify the young villains and mete out to them the punishment they so richly deserve. The fire referred to, in addition to the destruction of the cemetery property, came very near consuming the buildings, machinery, wood and outfit of Mr. Schwartz's brickyard, and did burn two or three cords of wood. A clean sweep of everything was only prevented by the most arduous efforts of Mr. Schwartz and his entire crew who fought fire continually from Sunday night until Tuesday morning without sleep, rest or cessation. The Tribune article of last week is, however, we are pleased to observe, having the wholesome effect to awaken an interest in this sadly neglected subject—our cemetery—which has resulted in the call for a public meeting appearing elsewhere in this issue, the object of which is to elect a board of trustees and otherwise perfect an organization which can sell and give title to lots, and thus create a fund for the improvement and protection of the grounds. We hope the attendance will be large and that the effort will not meet the fate of its several predecessors, that of a fizzle. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 April 1879)


The first load of brick from the yard of Schwartz & Weist was hauled to town this week, and lies on exhibition in front of the store of Mr. Schwartz, where it has been freely and frequently examined by our citizens, who one and all pronounce its quality first-class in every particular. It is a cream-colored brick, quite similar to the Milwaukee brick, and will make a very handsome wall. Mr. C. F. Kindred is the first purchaser of the new brick. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 June 1879, p. 1, c. 2)


The firm of Schwartz & Weist, proprietors of the brick yard at this place has been dissolved by mutual consent, Mr. Schwartz continuing the brick business alone. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 July 1879, p. 5, c. 1)


Mr. Schwartz is negotiating with the Railroad company for a branch track to his brick yard. If it is built it will be extended to Rice Lake where several new saw mills will be erected. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 January 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


Mr. Wm. Schwartz leaves the first of the week for Chicago, to procure new and improved machinery for his extensive brickyard. He expects to make 1,500,000 brick this season, and the best brick west of Milwaukee. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 February 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


Mr. Markell, of Markell & Munger of Duluth, was in Brainerd this week making a contract with Mr. Schwartz for 300,000 brick required for their new elevator to be erected at the Zenith in the spring. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 February 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


The plans are being drawn and the location platted for the proposed extension of the N. P. railroad shops at this place. The company has contracted with Wm. Schwartz for 1,000,000 brick for the purpose of their construction, and a track will be laid from a point near the present shops to Mr. Schwartz’s brick yard. This track should be extended at the same time to Rice Lake, where a number of saw mills would undoubtedly be erected the coming season. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 March 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


Mr. Schwartz has purchased an engine this week for his brick yard. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 March 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


Ye whistle of ye brick yard engine makes lively music now-a-days, and our old friend Schwartz is correspondingly happy. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 April 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


Mr. Schwartz will have his first 100,000 of new brick ready for the market in about ten days and then we expect to see the brick blocks, brick houses, brick vaults, brick chimneys, brick cellars, brick walks, brick foundations, brick wells, brick walls and all kinds of brick structures including brick tops, brick dust and bricks take a decided boom. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 May 1880, p. 1, c.’s 4 & 5)


THE NEW DELUGE.


The Accounts Concerning Its

Ravages at Other Points.


Latest Information from all the

Deluged or Threatened Districts.


Condition of Affairs in the

Upper Mississippi and

Its Tributaries.


No Additional Damage Re-

ported—The Worst

Probably Over.


Rum River Rapidly Receding—

The Mississippi Slowly

Rising.


THE MISSISSIPPI.

______


AT BRAINERD.


BRAINERD, Minn., June 11.—The heavy rains of last week did considerable damage in this vicinity. The Buffalo creek and Fort Ripley railroad bridges were carried away. The mill branch track is badly washed, hanging in mid air in several places. The ferry boat was carried away. Schwartz’s brickyard is inundated and the river is still on the rise, raising one foot yesterday. Minneapolis lumbermen have boomed the river at Aitkin to stop the logs. Farms near Brainerd are all under water, and farmers considerably alarmed for their crops.


[...]

(Minneapolis Tribune, 15 June 1880, p. 2)


The clay bank at Schwartz’s brick yard fell on one of the workmen, named Alfred Wester, yesterday morning, completely burying him out of sight, and it was fully ten minutes before his co-laborers succeeded in unearthing him from the ponderous mass when he was taken out senseless and remained unconscious until this morning, when he came to his senses. Dr. Howes was called promptly and says his principal injuries being internal it is difficult to ascertain how badly he is hurt though his hemorrhages indicate considerable internal rupture and it is not known yet whether he will survive or not, though his returning consciousness this morning give hope of life. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 July 1880, p. 1, c. 3)


Mr. Alfred Wester, the young man injured at Schwartz's brick yard, as reported by the TRIBUNE last week, baffled all human skill and was relieved from his sufferings by death on yesterday morning. His funeral took place yesterday afternoon. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 July 1880, p. 1, c. 3)


Hay Contract Wanted.


I want to let the contract for 30 tons of good blue-joint hay to be delivered at my brick yard.

Brainerd July 17, 1880.

WILLIAM SCHWARTZ.

(Brainerd Tribune, 17 July 1880, p. 4, c. 2)


BRAINERD.


Schwartz’s brickyard is running at full blast. They employ forty men and turn out about 21,000 bricks per day. The brick is shipped to all parts of the state and Dakota. (Minneapolis Tribune, 19 July 1880, p. 8)


BRAINERD BRICK.

_____


The Enterprise of Wm. Schwartz.

_____


Two Millions to be Turned Out This

Season.


Accepting, yesterday, a long-standing invitation from Mr. William Schwartz, the editors of the TRIBUNE, accompanied by Hon. Lyman P. White and daughters, Misses Josephine and Jennie and Misses Davis and Chapman, drove out to the Brainerd Brick Yard, a mile northeast of town, to inspect and report, for the benefit of the thousands of TRIBUNE readers, the numerous and elaborate improvements Mr. Schwartz has there made and what is there being done in this line in the way of local enterprise. We expected to find a brick yard looking as all brick yards, generally do, with its mills and moulds, kilns and brick piles, the former operated by a long sweep pulled around by a horse and the latter covered with temporary sheds or more commonly a lot of loose boards. But here we found several new and extensive buildings, in fact quite a village in itself. Entering the clearing which covers about fifty acres the first building on the right is a fine large two-story residence for the use of the proprietor and his family, which with its white paint and curtained windows bears a picturesque contrast to the forest wilds we are just emerging from and gives the locality a homelike air of neatness quite pleasing and attractive. Opposite, on the left, are the stables and wagon-house and a little farther on an extensive boarding house, lodging rooms, kitchen, bakery, etc., with capacity to accommodate some sixty employees. East of these buildings several acres have been graded for the brick yard, in the centre of which is located the engine house covering a forty-horse power engine, boilers and machinery, and from either end of which runs a shaft with drums, belts and cogs attached, connecting with the clay mills and brick machines of which there are four, two on each shaft, with a capacity of 22,000 daily. From the north side of this engine house leading down the embankment into the clay mine some sixty feet below the level, is a railway track or tram-way up which the car loads of raw clay are pulled by the engine, and, connecting with the Mississippi river, some twenty or thirty rods north, is a pipe through which is pumped water to supply the boilers, brick machines, dwelling, stables, boarding house and all the requirements of the grounds. On the south border of the yard are the kiln sheds, a permanent structure, three hundred feet in length with a capacity for holding 1,000,000 brick at once. The roof is in sections and set on trucks, enabling its removal from kiln to kiln as may be required and everything, buildings, sheds and all, are of a permanent and convenient character, indicating the character of the enterprise and the determination of the proprietor to have everything requisite to facilitate the manufacture of a first-class article of brick at the least possible cost.

He has already burned 800,000 brick this season, nearly all of which have been sold or contracted for, 400,000 more are in kiln, ready to burn, and he expects to burn about 800,000 more or 2,000,000 in all for the season of 1880. The brick manufactured here are of excellent quality, and fully equal to the celebrated Milwaukee brick. They keep their shape perfectly in burning; are hard, and clink together with a clear ringing sound, indicative of excellent quality. In color they are light cream, making a beautiful wall. He proposes next season to also burn facing brick, which will be pressed in oiled moulds, and handled with the utmost care. These brick will be hard and perfectly smooth for building fronts, and will make a beautiful wall surface.

We examined the bed of clay from which these brick are made and found it about forty feet in thickness, and as it underlies several hundred acres contiguous to this yard, there is not even a probability that the bed will be exhausted in the next century. This clay underlies a large portion of Crow Wing county, and having plenty of timber and fuel, and excellent facilities for shipment, there is no doubt but that we have a mine of wealth that only needs the inspiration of enterprise such as Mr. Schwartz has manifested to open it up to the world. No other clay of so valuable quality has as yet been discovered in this State, and we are satisfied that none better can be found anywhere.

When Mr. Schwartz started out to develop this clay bank people were generally incredulous and “poohed” at what they conceived to be a fool-hardy undertaking. He found few indeed, to encourage him. But with a brave heart that knows no quaking, he persisted in his efforts, expending large sums of money in buildings and improvements; purchased extensive areas of tillable and timber lands, advertised his clay, forwarded his brick to distant localities to be examined and tested, and with a faith born of certain knowledge of his business, and the materials he had to use, he went boldly on with his enterprise, and today enjoys the gratification of having entered upon a prosperous business, realizing substantial and well-merited rewards for his zeal. In this undertaking he has been ably assisted by his wife, a woman of rare business talent and persistency, who with him, looks after the details of much of the business of manufacturing, and in addition has the general superintending of a large mercantile business.

Such ability, coupled with great tenacity of purpose, applied in an extensive business, must necessarily bring success, and that of the most substantial character. They have been and are doing this extensive business on a cash basis, or pay as you go. That Mr. S. is a first-class businessman there is no longer any doubt. He is a liberal-minded, “whole-souled” man and likes his friends and hates his enemies, and is bound to grow rapidly rich. The genius he displays can but bring one result, and that is success.

The people of Brainerd can well be proud of their businessmen. They are far-seeing, active energetic citizens for the most part, and will surely thrive. And while we have many of them, there is room for many more. We want more steam saw and gristmills, a greater variety of manufactures and we will will welcome with the right hand of fellowship those who come to cast their lot with us and make up the sum of our general prosperity. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 July 1880, p. 4, c.’s 2 & 3)


SEE: 1880 Brainerd-2 in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.


Capt. French, one of the owners of the addition to the town site, will open his brick yard the coming spring. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 January 1881, p. 1, c. 3)


NOTE: I think this is Ed French, proprietor of Le Bon Ton Saloon; as far as I know this brick yard was never opened.


SEE: Le Bon Ton Saloon


Minneapolis parties are negotiating for land in the immediate vicinity of Brainerd for a location for a brick yard. Another party from Glencoe proposes to open up a brick yard at Brainerd the coming spring. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 January 1881, p. 1, c. 3)


NOTE: I don’t believe these alleged brick yards were ever opened.


Brick making will soon be an important industry in this section. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 January 1881, p. 1, c. 3)


BRAINERD, Jan. 25.—Wm. Schwartz, proprietor of the Brainerd brick yards, has closed a contract with the Northern Pacific Railway company for 3,000,000 brick, to be used for the extension and completion of the Brainerd shops. This settles the question as to the permanency and future welfare of this town. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 January 1881, p. 1, c. 3)


Mr. Wm. Schwartz’s yard turned out over 2,000,000 bricks last year, and the demand is for more. Brainerd clay turns out a beautiful cream-colored brick, not excelled by the celebrated Milwaukee brick. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 January 1881, p. 1, c. 3)


AROUND THE STATE.

_____


BRAINERD.


BRAINERD, Feb. 12.—Wm. Schwartz is burning a large kiln of brick preparatory for the spring rush. It is feared he will experience some difficulty in burning his brick the coming summer. The extreme depth of the snow makes it impossible to cut and haul the 1,500 cords of wood that he says he must have, and he cannot get it out of the marshes when the spring opens. (Minneapolis Tribune, 14 February 1881, p. 5)


AROUND THE STATE.


BRAINERD.


BRAINERD, Feb. 17.—Wm. Schwartz is paying $1.10 per cord for chopping wood. It is the extreme depth of the snow that brings the price up so. The weather is fine; cold nights, but pleasant during the day. (Minneapolis Tribune, 19 February 1881, p. 5)


A branch of track is to be built from the main line to the brick yard of W. Schwartz. This is to be utilized in transporting brick for the new car shops, and loading for general shipments. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 March 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


Last Monday work was commenced on the Northern Pacific and brickyard railway. That looks like business. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 April 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


Parties desiring brick should call at the store of Mr. Schwartz and procure an order for the same before going to the yard. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 April 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


The railroad spur to the Brainerd brick yard was completed yesterday. The site of the new railroad shops to be built there has been staked out, and work will be commenced on them at once.—[Little Falls Transcript, 3d. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 May 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


AROUND THE STATE.

_____


BRAINERD.


BRAINERD, May 16—General Manager Sargent, of the Northern Pacific Railroad, has signed a contract with Wm. Schwartz for three million brick with which to build the new round-house and enlarge the present machine shops in this city. The new buildings to be constructed of brick are to be located on the south side of the track, east of the paint shop, and the general repair shop on the north side of the track. (Minneapolis Tribune, 18 May 1881, p. 2)


W. Schwartz’s brick-makers struck the other day, but new men were soon supplied to fill their places. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 July 1881, p. 5, c. 1)


BRICK! BRICK!

_____


Millions of Brick Wanted at

Once

_____


A Magnificent Harvest Awaiting

the Reapers’ Sickle, and One

that Demands Immediate

Attention.


It may not be generally known, but it is a significant fact, that at the Schwartz brick yard, north of town, is the only large bed of brick-clay deposit in this part of the Northwest. This tract comprises nearly three hundred acres of soil which cannot be equaled for the use to which it is designed. but the most portentous fact to be considered is that not one-eighth of the demand can be supplied by the present facilities, which consist of eight machines in constant operation. Mr. Schwartz informs us that he has orders in for millions of brick which he cannot even think of giving a passing consideration. To give the reader an idea of this fact it might be stated that he cannot in any way meet the wants of even home patronage, besides filling such orders as 3,000,000 for St. Paul, 2,600,000 for Minneapolis, 75,000 for Verndale, 200,000 for Fargo, 50,000 for Wadena, 60,000 for Aitkin, 50,000 for Bismarck, 75,000 for Mandan, 50,000 for Aldrich, 50,000 for White Earth, 75,000 for Perham, 500,000 for Duluth, 200,000 for Little Falls, 100,000 for Moorhead, and numerous other similar orders. Now, this is somewhat discouraging in one light; when we consider that a joint stock company formed here with sufficient capital to carry on the requisite business that would in a measure meet the demands of our neighbors and ourselves, could reap a rich and golden harvest in a short time, it does look as though enough enterprise and ambition should be located in some spirit to investigate and act upon this matter. Here we are suffering a sort of temporary stagnation in business, for the want of material to carry on the building that is so badly needed, and apparently no relief. Besides this our milling advantages are limited, although in most sections would be considered enormous, and even lumber cannot be procured in any reasonable time. Let some capitalist or capitalists take hold of this matter with a vim, and then reap the magnificent harvest that lies in glittering maturity waiting to be garnered into the bins. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 July 1881, p. 5, c. 4)


We made our first trip out to the brick yard of Wm. Schwartz last Wednesday, and were very much surprised to observe the extent to which this industry is carried there. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 July 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


“Brainerd brick” are advertised for sale in Little Falls. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 August 1881, p. 5, c. 1)


Brainerd Brick Building Boom.


The brick building boom has set in, and has evidently come to stay a while, at least. This is exactly what we need. It tends to give the city a metropolitan air as it already deserves. B. F. Hartley led the van, with the N. P. Shops about the same time. Then C. B. Sleeper follows immediately after with a fine two-story brick, which is now under course of construction. L. J. Cale is immediately on hand with another large brick store building. J. D. Cheney falls in line, and has just commenced the erection of a large two-story business block of solid brick, to be 47 by 50 feet in proportions. Mr. Cheney has just disposed of his former building on Front street to Mr. Barton a wealthy gentleman recently doing business at Long Prairie. Mr. Barton, as soon as spring opens up, will move the frame building off of its present site, and put up a first-class brick building in its place. There are rumors of several more fine brick buildings that will very probably soon be put in course of construction. Thus the good work goes on, and ere long there will be very few towns in the growing northwest that can rank with Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 August 1881, p. 5, c. 5)


SEE: Cale Block

SEE: Hartley Block

SEE: Sleeper Block


Wm. Schwartz has engaged twenty-six first-class brick-makers for his extensive brick manufactory. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 February 1882, p. 5, c. 2)


Wm. Schwartz says he has 1,600 cords of wood in one pile at his brick yard, to be used in burning kilns this summer. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 March 1882, p. 5, c. 3)


Seven car loads of Brainerd brick were shipped to Duluth last Thursday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 October 1883, p. 2, c. 1)


The Brickyard Dissolution.


Wm. Schwartz and wife have finally come to the conclusion that they cannot pull together in the matrimonial traces as man and wife should and have separated and divided up the property of which there is considerable. Mrs. Schwartz retains the brickyard and the addition to Brainerd, while it is understood that Mr. S. gets some equally as valuable property and half the cash on hand. Madam Rumor sayeth that there is a fair young Adonis mixed up in the business and he it is that has caused all the trouble that has been public talk for some time past, but whether this is true or otherwise deponent sayeth not. Mr. Schwartz left on Thursday morning with his son for Hanover, Germany, where he will put the boy in school to finish his education. He will return to Brainerd in the spring to settle up his business. The lady pays all bills. (Brainerd Dispatch, Friday, 22 August 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


Wm. Schwartz, who left this city for Germany last fall, returned to Brainerd on Friday. Mr. Schwartz left his son in school in that country. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 March 1885, p. 3, c. 2)


BRICKYARD TROUBLES.

_____


A special to the St. Paul papers from this city says:

“A social upheaving on quite as huge a scale as the new railroad excitement, was the arrest by the police at an early hour this morning, of Mrs. Swartz [sic], proprietress of the large brick works here, and her bookkeeper, John Keifer, both charged with living in improper relations. Last spring, on account of alleged misconduct with the bookkeeper, Mr. Swartz [sic] settled all his business affairs with her amicably, leaving her the whole business and quite a fortune. Swartz [sic] subsequently got a divorce, and has since been in Europe, where he took his son to be educated. A few weeks ago Swartz [sic] returned, and, it is said, found matters as bad as ever, but regarded the matter as no concern of his. The indignant people of the vicinity, however, took the matter in hand, and last evening armed and equipped a tar and feathering party, but were anticipated by the police, who went to the Swartz [sic] residence and pulled the alleged unholy pair. Keifer was lodged in jail, and Mrs. Swartz [sic] permitted to return home under promise to report in the municipal court tomorrow forenoon.”

The correspondent evidently sent the above telegram on the impulse of the moment and got the young man’s name, which is Adolph Thies [sic], wrong, and also the statement in regard to the tar and feathers is entirely untrue, the balance of the article having some foundation. Theis [sic] and Mrs. Swartz [sic] were arrested, and subsequently Theis [sic] agreed to leave town if proceedings would be stopped, but the next day he took legal advice on the subject, and concluded to tarry a while longer. Rumors of a suit for damages are reported but nothing certain can be learned in regard to it. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 March 1885, p. 3, c. 6)


Work at the Brickyard.

_____


Mrs. M. Schwartz informed a Dispatch representative on Tuesday that work in the brickyard would be started up on Friday of the this week and active preparations are being made for a busy season’s work. The season has been a little backward and in consequence the clay has not thoroughly dried out or work would have been begun previous to this. The capacity of the yard is about 4,500,000 brick during the season and if run at its full capacity would require about 125 men. Already 2,000,000 brick have been contracted for by Duluth parties and it is expected that there will be other orders for brick which will increase the number to the full capacity of the works. At the start there will be about fifty men employed, wages ranging from $1.40 to $1.60 per day to laborers. Mrs. Schwartz has made quite a number of noticeable improvements at her place during the past six months, among which has been the erection of a $2,000 brick barn, it being one of the finest in this section. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 May 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


Brainerd Brick Abroad.

_____


Mrs. Schwartz, proprietor of the celebrated brick yards at Brainerd, was in the city yesterday and closed contracts for furnishing bricks for the new board of trade and Fargusson buildings.—Duluth Tribune. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 June 1885, p. 3, c. 6)


It may not be known to some what causes the different colors in bricks. The red color of bricks is due to the iron contained in the clay. In the process of burning, the iron compounds are changed thus developing the color. Certain clays—like those in the vicinity of Brainerd for instance—contain little or no iron, and the bricks made from them are light or cream colored. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 January 1887, p. 1, c. 3)


Mrs. Schwartz has sold 300,000 brick to Warner Bros., of Minneapolis. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 April 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


A. Gordon has leased Mrs. Schwartz’ brickyard at the dam for a term of years and commenced on Monday to put things in shape for the season’s work. He expects to manufacture nearly three million brick this season and will employ a large force of men. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 April 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


Work at the brickyard is being pushed with all possible rapidity. The lessees expect to get out three million brick before the season closes but the weather has materially interfered. The first of the week the wind blew the covering off and 75,000 brick were washed down by the rain. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 June 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


The mayor was instructed to close a contract with Mrs. Magdalena Robinson for right of way across her land for erection of electric light poles. The price to be paid is $72 per year. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 December 1888, p. 4, c. 5)


TO BOOM BRAINERD.

_____


A Monster Mass Meeting at the Opera

House to Consider a Pro-

position.

_____


Capitalists With Unlimited Means Want

the Electric Light Plant.

_____


In Consideration They Will Build a Mil-

lion Dollar Manufacturing Establishment.


The meeting at the opera house last night was one of the most harmonious, for a mass meeting, that it has ever been our pleasure to attend. Nearly every man, woman and child in the city knows by this time what the meeting was for. A syndicate of eastern capitalists having secured an option on nearly all the available property at the dam, including the Swartz [sic] property, the Rice lake property, the water power property, the city water works and valuable pine land, desire the city of Brainerd to turn over to them the electric light plant and franchise and pay all claims against it, they in return to give to the city fifty arc lights free for twenty years. This was what the people were called together to consider, and as the company do not ask the city to turn over a dollar’s worth of property to them until they have fulfilled their part of the contract by erecting manufacturing establishments on the power to cost in the neighborhood of a million of dollars and to employ from 300 to 500 men the year round, the matter is looked on with favor by nearly every man in the city:

The opera house was filled to its utmost capacity and C. L. Spaulding was chosen chairman. In order that the people might know that there was sufficient evidence of good faith telegrams were read as follows:


[...]

(Brainerd Dispatch, 24 May 1889, p. 1, c. 2)


Satisfactorily Settled.


The deal will undoubtedly be completed in a short time whereby the syndicate will become the owners of the dam property and the entire Swartz [sic] interests in that neighborhood. Mrs. Robinson [Magdalena Schwartz married Andrew Robinson on November 28, 1887.] has received $5,000 of the $30,000 that she is to have, and there is probably nothing that can now happen to stop the improvements at the water power, although it is not expected that immediate work will be commenced, as Mr. H. C. Davis [Northern Pacific] was in Brainerd last night and in consultation with Leon E. Lum told him that they were not quite ready to close the deal, and that he was on his way to the coast to see Mr. Oakes in regard to the matter that concerned the railroad interests probably in regard to the N. P. pine. However, he left word for Mrs. Robinson that everything was all right and that she would get her money, but for her not to stop operations at her brickyard. That is exactly the way the matter stands at present, and although we may not see any active operations for some weeks, there is no doubt but that these things will all come. A good healthy growth will be worth more to Brainerd for time to come than a wild cat boom. The Weyerhauser Lumber Co., a firm with unlimited means and probably one of the largest institutions in the United States of its kind, are interested in this deal, and their mill which is to be located here will employ from 400 to 500 men. Large bodies move slowly, and in a business transaction of this magnitude it takes time to complete all the details and get things in shape. Our people can congratulate themselves on the bright prospect for future prosperity. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 June 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


NOTE: According to Zapffe, Sr.: In 1884 Schwartz is divorced and he quits making bricks; in 1884 he leaves Brainerd and in 1890 all brick-making stops. [Brick making does not stop in 1890, see below and Ebinger Brickyard.] (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, pp. 37 & 38)


Mrs. Magdalena Robinson, for many years proprietor of what is known as “Swartz’s [sic] brickyard,” in this city, has sold out all her property interests here, and is going out west with her husband and try farming for awhile. Her interest in the brickyard has been purchased by J. W. Koop, we understand. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 October 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


SEE: Schwartz Block


A Thriving Industry.


The Brainerd brickyard, as conducted the present season by Messrs. Kelehan & Brosson, has undoubtedly been one of the most thriving and profitable industries in Brainerd this season. Over three million brick have been manufactured and a ready market has been found for the entire output at high prices. The bricks produced are pronounced of even better quality than those manufactured in former years, and brick from this year have always been considered of excellent quality. It is undoubtedly the quality of the article produced that makes them in such demand. Mr. Kelehan informed a DISPATCH scribe that the output this year is the largest ever produced, not excepting 1881-82, the years of the boom in this city. Mr. Kelehan also said that they could have sold more than twice as many as they could produce, and another season will probably see at least five million brick produced by this yard. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 October 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


The brickyard will be started up next week for the season. Mr. Kelehan expects to run a crew of 50 men and says he will be able to dispose of all the brick he can manufacture. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 May 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


Mrs. Magdalena Robinson, formerly owner of what is known as the Swartz [sic] brickyard near the dam, died at Salem, Oregon, Feb. 25. She was suffering from gangrene of the leg, and the limb was amputated twice, her death being the result of the second operation. Peter Swindemann [sic] is a brother of the deceased. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 March 1896, p. 4, c. 3)


Reward Offered.


Ten dollars reward will be paid for the apprehension and conviction of any person or persons destroying fences, breaking into buildings or stealing any kind of property from lot 2, section 19, town 45, range 30, better known as the Schwartz Brickyard property.

Will also pay a reward of Fifty Dollars for the apprehension and conviction of any person or persons who set fire to the building located on the same property that was burned on the night of September 12th.

C. N. PARKER.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 02 October 1896, p. 4, c. 5)


Struck by Lightning.


During the violent thunder storm that occurred on Tuesday noon, the old Swartz [sic] residence property at the brickyard was struck by lightning, and almost instantly the whole top of the building was in flames, and it spite of the heavy rain falling, was burned to the ground. The building was occupied by J. J. Hunt and family, who conducted a private boarding house, and the family had just sat down to dinner when the lightning came. So quickly was the building in flames that the boarders were unable to save their clothing and personal effects in the rooms above. Most of the household goods were saved. The loss on the building was $1,000, with $600 insurance in the Keene & McFadden agency. The building was the property of C. N. Parker. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 June 1897, p. 4, c. 4)


TO OPEN NEW BRICK YARD

_____


Brainerd Brick Co. Will Develop

Angel Clay Tract on M. & I.

Near Pulp Mill

_____


MACHINERY IS ON THE WAY

_____


Reported Also That There Will

be Another Store in the Mill District


The old mill district is looking up. In fact prospects for that portion of the city are becoming decidedly rosy. While there is no one big concern taking the place of the mill there is a number of new enterprises of lesser magnitude settling there. In addition to the Polk & Wood lath mill and the McKinley cedar yard and mill there will be a second brick yard opened up this spring. Swan Peterson and A. Angel have associated themselves together as the Brainerd Brick company and now have a car load of brick making machinery on the way from Lancaster, Penn. They will get to work as soon as possible. They are starting in on a small scale, and will only employ eight or ten men, but hope to be able to increase the force as the demand for the output grows. The plant will be located between the M. & I. tracks and the river on Mr. Angel’s land.

It is also reported that the old brick barn, which has stood as a monument to past glories for several years will be remodeled and a store opened therein. Including the pulp mill the indications are that from 150 to 200 men will be employed in that quarter of the city hereafter and it should regain its old time prosperity. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 April 1907, p. 7, c. 1)


OLD INDUSTRY IS RENEWED

_____


The Old Schwartz Brickyard Near

the Dam is Again in

Operation

_____


AFTER AN INTERVAL OF 25 YEARS

_____


As of Old the Brick is of Super-

ior Quality—$7000 Already

Invested


It will be news to many people of this city to learn that Brainerd has a brickyard in active operation near the old Schwartz yard in the northern part of town.

While the Brainerd Commercial Club of this city has been laboring for the past six months in considering propositions from outside parties who which to establish industries of various kinds in this city, a company has been formed by Brainerd men who have quietly proceeded to work and without a request for a bonus, or aid of any kind from the citizens of the city, have established a business that is furnishing work to a considerable number of men and is turning out a product that at one time in years gone by bore a reputation for superior excellence. The Brainerd Brick Company instituted by Albert Angel and Swan Peterson, both citizens of this city, have established and are working a brickyard in Northeast Brainerd, on which an investment of $7,000 has been made, $3,000 of which has been expended by them since May 1st. The company is greatly in need of a side track, which could be laid on the very level land immediately above the yard at a nominal expense and it might be well for the Commercial Club of this city to use their efforts in assisting the company to secure one.

The drying yard of the company is at the foot of the hill and extends to the bank of the river with an elevation above the water of about six feet. At a little greater elevation, is the “Martin” brick machine, which is capable of turning out 20,000 perfectly moulded brick per day when run to its fullest capacity. Most of the clay, of which an unlimited quantity is in sight, is moist enough for grinding and moulding, owing to the percolation through the clay bed of numerous small veins of water, but should the clay become too dry at any time water can be turned into the machine from a tank built in the bank above. A. G. Anderson is manager of the works and is a brick maker of ability. He is now burning a kiln of about 175,000, which will be ready to market next week.

The company intend to turn out the same high grade of brick which have stood the test of years in the walls of the first-built portion of the Northern Pacific shops, the First National Bank building and oldest built part of the Brainerd high school. These buildings are a monument to the excellence of brick manufactured here and the industry established by the company should receive the support of building contractors of the city. The product of the Brainerd brickyard will be an advertisement for the city as one sixth of the bricks will be stamped “Brainerd Brick Company,” the company evidently believing that their product will be of such quality that the widest publicity of the name of the place where they are made is warranted.

The DISPATCH tenders its congratulations to Messrs. Peterson & Angel with the wish that the fullest measure of success may be theirs. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 August 1907, p. 3, c. 1)


The Old Schwartz Brick Yard for Sale


Which comprises about 17 acres, situated on the Mississippi river, this side of the Pulp Mill. The owner wishes to make a quick sale and wishes bids submitted.

KEENE & McFADDEN,

First Nat. Bank Bldg.,

Brainerd, Minn.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 April 1909, p. 3, c. 6)


NOTE: It is INCORRECT to say, as stated by Zapffe, Sr., “in 1890 all brick-making stops.” It does NOT.


BRAINERD WHOLESALE GROCERY / NASH-FINCH BUILDING (MAP #10)

The business is first known as Brainerd Wholesale Grocery Company, organized by three [W. H. Cleary, J. F. McGinnis, Werner Hemstead] local men in 1901. In the late 1920’s it is sold to the Nash-Finch Company. [The building is located at 401 Front Street and is currently (2004) a printing business called First Impression Printing.] (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 83)


NEW WHOLESALE GROCERY HOUSE

_____


will be Established in this City at

once by Dr. Hemstead and

J. F. McGinnis

_____


Building will be Built on Ground

Leased from the N. P. at the

Corner of 4th and Front

Streets.

_____


William H. Cleary, businessman, ca. Unknown.
Source: Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan

Hon. Werner Hemstead and J. F. McGinnis, of this city, in company with W. H. Cleary, of St. Paul, have for several weeks contemplated the establishment of a wholesale grocery house in this city to supply the local trade and furnish the towns in this section of the state. These gentlemen desired to secure an advantageous site on the right of way of the N. P. for the location of their business, and have been negotiating with the company for several weeks with this end in view, but not until Friday last was the deal closed

They have secured a ten year lease of ground 125 by 100 feet at the corner of 4th and Front streets, opposite Hessel’s implement office, on which they will immediately begin the erection of a solid brick block 100x75 feet, two stories high and an eight foot basement, making practically a three story structure. The building will be surrounded on two sides and rear with a ten foot platform, which will be covered to protect goods brought out ready to be shipped or delivered. The building will be equipped with a steam elevator and every modern appliance for the quick and economical handling of goods, and it is hoped will be ready to commence business by July 1st.

A stock of goods of the value of between forty and fifty thousand dollars will be necessary to supply the trade. Mr. W. H. Cleary will be general manager of the business, while Mr. McGinnis will be treasurer and financial agent. Both of these gentlemen will give their personal attention to the business. The style of the firm will be Cleary, McGinnis & Hemstead.

That the business will succeed and be a credit to the city there is not the slightest doubt. Dr. Hemstead and Mr. McGinnis are too well known by all the people of the city to need any words of commendation. They are both bright, intelligent, solid and conservative businessmen, with the necessary push and enterprise to succeed in anything they undertake. Mr. Cleary has, for the past 15 years, been on the road for McCormick & Boeknke, the wholesale coffee and tea house, of St. Paul, and his extensive acquaintance with all the businessmen of the northern part of the state will be a valuable aid to the new business.

It is expected the new house will be ready for business by July 1st, and they expect to cover all the territory in the upper part of the state. Three men will be put on the road to begin with, but additions will be made as fast as necessary.

This is the second wholesale business established here within the past few weeks, and it is evident that Brainerd will be the jobbing center of the northern part of the state before many years, as it is centrally located, and has transportation facilities in every direction. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 April 1901, p. 1, c.’s 1 & 2)


NOTE: Dr. Werner Hemstead moved to Brainerd with the NP Hospital in 1882 and practiced medicine before becoming a City Alderman and later Brainerd Mayor. He also served in the House of Representatives from 1891-1892 and 1901-1902. He was a Northern Pacific Bank director and an organizer of the Brainerd Grocery Company.


The work of excavating for the new Cleary, McGinnis & Hemstead wholesale house at the corner of Front and Fourth street was commenced on Wednesday morning. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 April 1901, p. 8, c. 2)


The contract to build the new wholesale house of Cleary, Hemstead and McGinnis will not be let until the first of the week, the plans having arrived only yesterday. The work of excavating for the basement has been completed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 May 1901, p. 1, c. 4)


The contract for the new wholesale house has not yet been let. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 May 1901, p. 10, c. 3)


Rowley has the Contract.


C. B. Rowley was yesterday awarded the contract to construct the three story solid brick wholesale house for Cleary, McGinnis & Hemstead, at the corner of 4th and Front streets. Bids were offered by several local parties and by four outside bidders. All were rejected by Mr. McGinnis on Tuesday, but new proposals were submitted and yesterday Mr. Rowley was given the contract, the price not being made public. The building is to be constructed and ready for occupancy in from 40 to 50 days. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 May 1901, p. 1, c. 4)


The crew of men at work on the new wholesale grocery building have one side of the brick wall nearly three feet up above the basement. The contractor expects to have the building enclosed in about fifteen days. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 June 1901, p. 8, c. 6)


Contractor Ring and his crew of men returned this morning to their homes in Little Falls to spend Sunday. They will return Monday to resume work on the new Cleary, McGinnis & Hemstead building. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 June 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


A brick mason tender working on the new Cleary, McGinnis & Hemstead building narrowly escaped being killed this afternoon about 3 o’clock. The pulley which is used to haul brick to the top broke and a lot of brick and a large chain fell from the third story, hitting him squarely on the head. His head was badly hurt, but it is not known whether the skull is fractured. His name is Levy King. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 July 1901, p. 1, c. 6)


The brick work on the new Cleary, McGinnis & Hemstead building has been about completed. The bricklayers will be nearly through tonight. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 July 1901, p. 8, c. 5)


A WORTHY INSTITUTION.

_____


Something About the New Gro-

cery Firm of Cleary, Mc-

Ginnis & Hemstead.

_____


ARE NOW READY FOR BUSINESS.

_____


Will Carry Great Stock and Will

Have Four Men on

the Road.


There is a marked contrast between the growth of a city in boom times and the growth in a time when business assumes the even tenor of its way and the progress along commercial lines are sure and steady. When a city presses on under the weight of commercial prosperity here and there evidences of thrift and enterprise loom up and these little improvements continue from year to year until finally someone rises to remark, “There is a mighty good town.”

The accompanying cut of the wholesale grocery house of Cleary, McGinnis & Hemstead shows what thrift and enterprise has been imbued into commercial channels in this city. Just seventy days from the day that the first shovel of dirt was turned this enterprising firm were moving groceries into their new building on the corner of Front and Fourth streets. The building is one of the most modern exclusive houses in the northwest. It is a solid brick, two story and full basement building, and no pains or money has been spared in making it convenient and up-to-date. The building is 75x100 feet with an addition of sixteen feet of platform between the track and the rear of the building.

The basement is a model one for the purpose. It has a solid concrete and cement floor, is well ventilated and lighted and the sanitary conditions are such that it is better than the average ground floor. The vinegars, syrups, canned goods, etc., are stored in the basement, of which staple goods there is already a good supply in stock.

The first floor is occupied by the heavy goods, such as barrels of sugar, flour, etc. The second floor is fully equipped for keeping teas, coffees, spices and the other light staple provisions usually carried by a firm of this kind.

The building is equipped with elevators and chutes which make it very convenient throughout. The firm has, in fact, all the facilities at hand so that their expense is reduced considerably. In the first place the building is erected on the N. P. right of way and the railroad company has put in a house track for them so that cars can be unloaded into the house without the extra drayage. Then the platforms are so erected that there is very little hard work connected with the large volume of business.

The offices which are located in the southeast corner of the building on the first floor are commodious and well lighted. W. H. Cleary is manager for the firm and his long experience in the mercantile business has given him a standing in the northwest which is an enviable one. He hails from St. Paul and for 10 years was with the firm of McCormick, Behnke & Co.

J. F. McGinnis, who will act in the capacity of credit man, is well known in the city, having lived here since 1880. He was at one time an engineer on the road, but in 1887 took charge of the dry goods and clothing department of the Brainerd Co-operative Co.’s. store. Later he was made general manager of the store. In 1892 he went into business for himself and from that time till last March he was at the head of the firm of J. F. McGinnis & Co. He sold out in March. In April he and Dr. W. Hemstead bought the Northern Pacific bank. Mr. McGinnis is a man of ability in business circles and has always been considered reliable and trustworthy.

Dr. W. Hemstead, the other member of the firm, while not actively engaged in the business, on account of his close attention to matters in the bank, came to Brainerd in 1882 from Omaha and for a time before starting to practice in this city was employed at the N. P. Sanitarium. He had built up a big practice in this city before buying into the bank. He is a man of unquestionable ability as well as in the practice of his profession.

The firm is now ready for business and if they receive the patronage of Brainerd people, as they should, they promise to keep apace with the times and just a little ahead. They will start three or four men on the road the first of the month, two of them, whose names the firm wish to withhold for the time being, having already been engaged.

E. J. Donohue, long bookkeeper with J. H. Koop, has charge of the books of the office and Miss Delia Reilly has the position of stenographer. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 August 1901, p. 2, c.’s 3 & 4)


WILL WHOLESALE FRUIT

_____


The Firm of Cleary, McGinnis & Hemstead

Will Put in a Full Stock in Their

Large Warehouse.


The firm of Cleary, McGinnis & Hemstead, ever up-to-date, have decided already to branch out some and arrangements have been completed whereby they will handle fruit at wholesale as well as groceries. They have already received several carloads of fruit and are moving it in today.

This will be an especially convenient thing for the merchants of the city. Heretofore when ordering fruit from the Twin Cities sometimes conditions have alternated in a such a manner as to cause considerable loss. Under the present arrangement with fruit at hand at any time there will be very little loss to merchants. The firm will necessarily employ more help and next season it is probable that two more men will be put on the road to sell fruit exclusively. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 September 1901, p. 4, c. 1)


Cleary, McGinnis & Hemstead have had placed on their building a fine sign advertising the “Robert Burns” cigar, for which they have been made distributors for northern Minnesota. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 October 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


01 July 1908. W. H. Cleary closed a deal by which the Brainerd Grocery Company passes into the possession of J. J. Reilly, of this city and E. N. Ebert of Little Falls. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Tuesday, 01 July 2008)


THE BRAINERD GROCERY COMPANY


Brainerd wholesale grocery building built in 1901 by C. B. Rowley on the northeast corner of Front and South 4th, ca. 1910.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 10, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher

This wholesale grocery house, established in 1901, is one of the largest and most progressive institutions of the city and the one most representative of Brainerd’s commercial life.

Since its beginning it has always enjoyed the support of all the people of the city and the territory tributary, and that this has been warranted is evidenced by the present extent of the business done and the fact that this is rapidly increasing and the territory covered constantly being enlarged. The firm now do a business of over a quarter of a million dollars annually and this should reach the half million mark before very long.

The territory covered includes that along the line of the Minnesota and International, the Northern Pacific east and west, and on the Sauk Centre branch of the Northern Pacific railroad to the south.

Of the stock carried it is only necessary to state that everything can be supplied to fill every demand of the dealers in the section and delivered in the shortest time and at lowest cost possible.

Brainerd wholesale grocery office, ca. 1910.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 10, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher

The accompanying illustrations of the building will demonstrate the efficiency of the plant maintained by the firm. The building is one of the most modern wholesale grocery houses in the state. It is a solid brick, two story and full basement building giving a total floor area to exceed 27,000 square feet and no pains or expense were spared in its construction to make it convenient and especially suitable for the wholesale grocery business.

The basement is a model for the purpose. It has solid concrete floors and walls, it is well ventilated and lighted and sanitary conditions have been provided that make it better than the average first floor of buildings used for similar purposes.

The vinegars, syrups, canned goods, etc., are stored in this basement and a great stock is always on hand.

The first floor is occupied by the heavy goods such as flour, sugar and package goods of many kinds, and the second floor is fully equipped for keeping teas, coffees, spices and other light staple provisions.

The building is equipped with chutes and electric elevators, is electric lighted and affords all the conveniences that will minimize the expense of conducting the business. The trackage facilities are ample on the line of the Northern Pacific road, that company having installed a three car house track to the building which saves extra drayage expense, another item of considerable size in a business of this kind.

Brainerd wholesale grocery warehouse, ca. 1910.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 10, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher

These features of the plant, together with the excellent shipping facilities to all points tributary to Brainerd have placed this company in an exceptionally advantageous position to handle the wholesale grocery business of this section at an operating expense that gives them a substantial advantage and these advantages together with the mineral, industrial, and agricultural development which is coming to this section, are an absolute assurance of the continued growth of this Brainerd institution. By its fair business policy, a business conducted at a minimum of operating expense and a stock always on hand to supply every want in its line of the territory, form a combination that is hard to equal and impossible to surpass.

The officers of the firm are all closely identified with the affairs of Brainerd and are in close touch with all development work in the section and the new territory that is being opened up.

Being as it is a home institution interested in all affairs of this city and section of Minnesota it is justly entitled to the liberal patronage of every merchant in the territory.

Mr. W. H. Cleary is president, K. A. Cleary, Vice President, and K. C. Johnson, Secretary and Treasurer. (Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 10, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher)


1901 - Brainerd Flour & Feed Company [?]

1905 [sic] [04 October 1904] - Brainerd Wholesale Grocery Company

1927 [sic] [01 September 1924] - Nash Finch Company

1985 - Country Foods & Produce, Incorporated

1986 - vacant

1996 - printing shop. Just removing the 6 walk-in coolers took more than a month helping to ready it for a printing press, weighing 18,000 pounds. The building was set along the railroad track with a spur to accept groceries on a covered dock. The area from here west to the river was the commercial dockage location for non-railway company freight, including a host of brewers, petroleum products and gaseous bottled fuel. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 October 1996)


BRAINERD GROCERY CO. IN NEW HANDS

_____


Brainerd Institution is Purchased by

Nash Finch Shareholders Co.

of Minneapolis

_____


TAKE MANAGEMENT SEPT. 1

_____


Brainerd Grocery Co. Was Organized

Oct. 4, 1904, Under Direction

of W. H. Cleary


Nash Finch Company employees, early 1930’s. A 1978x1444 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Formal announcement was made today by W. H. Cleary, president and manager of the Brainerd Wholesale Grocery Co., that this business has been sold to the Nash Finch Shareholders Company, of Minneapolis, and will take over the active management of the concern on September 1st, under the name of the Nash Finch Co.

Rumors that such a transaction was pending have been prevalent for several days, but it was only on Tuesday that the deal was finally consummated, representatives of the Nash Finch Shareholders Company being in the city at that time to take care of details in connection with the transfer.

They included W. K. Nash, Fred Nash, W. E. Deit and C. E. Carlyle.

The Brainerd Grocery Company was organized October 4th, 1904, and for the past twenty years has been serving this territory well, under the direction of W. H. Cleary. It is conceded to be one of the most successful business firms in the Northwest, enjoying a large trade in both city and country districts covering Cass, Morrison, Aitkin and Crow Wing counties, with its salesmen.

The Nash Finch Shareholders Co., control one hundred and ten wholesale grocery and fruit companies, covering Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Montana and other Western states. They are said to be the largest shippers and handlers of California fruits in these states, owning their own packing plants in California, and packing oranges, peaches, pears and in Washing packing their own box apples.

This company ships its products to its many houses in carload lots. They handle all nationally advertised lines of groceries and are large importers of coffees and teas, maintaining their own coffee roasting plant in Minneapolis which supplies their wholesale groceries and places them in a position to give their customers in this territory a wonderful service in quality merchandise.

While the Nash Finch Company is new in the Brainerd district, it is not a stranger in this territory. It purchased the Northern Grocery Co., at Bemidji four years ago, and have branches at Crookston, Grand Forks, and Fargo, N. D.

W. H. Cleary, sold his interest in the Brainerd Grocery Co., in Tuesday’s transaction, but W. Ray Cleary and J. E. Cleary will retain their interests and remain with the new firm. Walter Cleary who was also associated with his father, leaves shortly for the East, where he will resume his business education.

Mr. Cleary, Sr., states that he has made no definite plans for the future, but does intend to remain in Brainerd. He is considered one of the city’s efficient and progressive businessmen and his many friends will regret to learn that he is retiring as active head of the local grocery with which he has been so closely connected for many years, and which by his untiring efforts he has brought up to its present successful position.

The management of the Nash Finch Company will no doubt have an announcement to make of their plans for the Brainerd house when they take over its active management the first of next month. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 August 1924, p. 8, c. 5)


BYE (JOHN M.) CLOTHING COMPANY

First opened in April 1907 in the rented L. J. Cale [Mrs. L. J. Cale arrives in Brainerd in 1880, according to Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 123] store building located on Front Street, formerly occupied by John Carlson. It was called the Model Clothing Company. In 1931 John M. Bye Clothing Company was located at 609-11 Laurel Street [Elks Building], John M. Bye was the President, Hannah Bye was the Vice President and Henry A. Cunningham was the Secretary-Treasurer. [In 1949 Bye’s Clothing was located at 718 Laurel Street.] (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 27 April 2007)


BYE & PETERSON.


The John M. Bye and Olaf A. Peterson store in the Cullen Block at the corner of Front and 7th, ca 1910.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 12, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher

This, the youngest clothing, men’s furnishing and shoe store in Brainerd, justly deserves the support and encouragement of Brainerd people. Few there are who are more willing to support and “boost” for a Greater Brainerd, and the fact that both members of the firm have grown up since boyhood in this city especially commends their business. They both have been Brainerd boys and are Brainerd men in every sense of the word.

If thorough knowledge of the business, energy and progressiveness are essential to business success in Brainerd, this firm are happily equipped to make theirs one of the busiest in the city.

The stock carried comprises the best quality makes in all lines represented and union made goods are carried in all departments. The special lines are: Sincerity clothing for men and Viking clothing for boys and youths: McKibbin hats; Crawford shoes for men and Buster Brown shoes for boys, and Bye & Peterson highest quality shirts. This line of shirts should be especially mentioned as they are made according to special orders of the firm and being sold under their own name demands that they be of best quality always.

The store of this firm at the corner of Front and Seventh streets is modern in every way, and the equipment complete.

The energy and enterprise shown since the opening of the business in 1908, the size of the stock and completeness of the lines represented indicate a spirit of progressiveness, and these, with the wide acquaintance of both members of the firm, are attracting a good share of the Brainerd trade in their lines.

Mr. J. M. Bye and Mr. O. A. Peterson are men of wide experience in their chosen business, having been in the line fourteen and eighteen years respectively. (Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 12, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher)


SEE: Cullen Block


BYE & PETERSON

IN NEW QUARTERS

_____


Well Known Clothing Merchants Lo-

cated in Attractive Quarters in

Walverman Block

_____


MODERN FRONT WAS BUILT

_____


Windows are Finished in Golden Oak

With Paneled Ceiling, Walls in

Tiffany Blend


John M. Bye’s men’s clothing store located in the Walverman Block, ca. 1922.
Source: Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan

Bye & Peterson, well known clothing men, are located in their new and commodious quarters in the Walverman block, to which they removed from their former location in the Cullen block.

Business had so increased that greater room was required to carry larger stocks. The new place gives them more floor space and better opportunity to display their goods.

Many new fixtures were installed, together with display cases, etc., thus making it one of the most modern and convenient stores for shopping in the city.

A modern front was built by White Brothers which offers every advantage for continuous display of goods. The windows are finished in golden oak with paneled ceiling and the walls are finished in a leather effect with a Tiffany blend. The lighting is a Brasco light, semi-indirect.

A mirror 30 by 60 in size, was installed by D. E. Whitney and is one of the features of this metropolitan store. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 February 1917, p. 5, c. 3)


SEE: Walverman Block

SEE: Pearce Block

SEE: Elks Building


CALE BLOCK

Located at 620 Front Street in 1905.


The foundation for the Hartley Block is going up rapidly; also, L. J. Cale’s new block. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 June 1881, p. 5, c. 1)


SEE: Hartley Block


L. J. Cale is evidently a man not to be baffled by difficulties, not being able to obtain brick to complete his new block next to Linneman & Koop’s, he has erected a frame building immediately next to it, which he will use until a sufficient amount of material can be procured to finish both buildings. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 July 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


L. J. Cale is rushing his brick building up rapidly. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 August 1881, p. 5, c. 1)


L. J. Cale’s new building on Front street is being hurried along with all possible speed. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 16 August 1883, p. 3, c. 1)


Among the more important buildings going up in Brainerd at the present time is the new flouring mill, the opera house, Witt & Leland’s brick hotel [Villard], L. J. Cale’s three-story store on Front street, the new Catholic church and the N. P. Hospital. The actual valuation of the above six structures amounts to $200,000. Not bad. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 20 September 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


The Cale building at the corner of Front and 7th streets is being underpinned and repaired. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 October 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


The “Owls” is the name of a new organization which has been lately instituted in this city. Their first dance occurred at Cale’s hall on Tuesday and was a very enjoyable affair. Their next party will take place on the 28th inst. at Gardner. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 February 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


L. J. Cale will begin the erection of a new brick building on 7th street just south and adjoining the structure built last year, just as soon as the weather will permit. The new portion will be of the same dimensions as the block built last year, and will be finished in the same manner. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 March 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


L. J. Cale has removed the barn and wooden structures beside his grocery department on 7th street to make room for the new store building, which he will begin to construct at once. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 April 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


The basement for the new Cale block on 7th street is about completed. The building must be ready for occupancy July 1st. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 May 1901, p. 10, c. 3)


Fire animation On February 25, 1904, the Koop Block located on Front Street was wiped out by a spectacular fire along with the Linneman Brothers clothing store, Caroline Grandelmyer’s millinery store and Louis Hohman’s confectionary store. The total damages were about $100,000.


SEE: 1904 Koop Block Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.

SEE: Post Office

SEE: Gardner Block


AT BANKRUPTCY HEARING

_____


First Meeting of Creditors of L. J.

Cale Held in the City of Duluth

Monday, June 29


The first meeting of the creditors of L. J. Cale, in bankruptcy, was held yesterday, Mr. Cale, W. W. Bane, his attorney, M. T. Dunn and Judge Fleming, of this city were in attendance. The examination of Mr. Cale was postponed until July 13. J. L. Bristol, the receiver in bankruptcy was appointed trustee in bankruptcy, and Mr. Fosberg, the gentleman who has had charge of the stock for Mr. Bristol, together with Con O’Brien will appraise the property. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 June 1908, p. 3, c. 4)


Fire animation On 24 January 1918 a $50,000 fire starting at 2:30 o’clock in the morning in the basement of the James Tampelis pool room, 622 Front street, burned down the frame Ideal Hotel, and left but the walls of the brick L. J. Cale block, the pool hall building and Empress theatre.


SEE: 1922 Ideal Hotel Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.

SEE: Ideal Hotel


CALEY (MATTIE) RESTAURANT AND BAKERY

Miss Mattie Caley’s restaurant stood on stilts where the First National Bank is now. It was the first building in that block. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 June 1922) (Brainerd's Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 42)


The building on the corner of Front and Sixth streets occupied by Miss Caley’s restaurant is being removed two lots east to make room for the new brick building, 50x75 feet and two stories high that is to go up on the corner. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 July 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 1880 Brainerd-2 in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.

SEE: Bank of Brainerd


If you desire a good dish of delicious Ice Cream, go to Miss Caley's popular restaurant on Front Street. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 May 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


Ice Cream.


Tomorrow (Sunday), and after, Ice Cream can be furnished in any quantities, at Miss Mattie Caley's restaurant. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 May 1881, p. 1, c. 6)


Next Sunday Miss Caley will serve strawberries and ice cream to her customers at her popular restaurant on Front St. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 June 1881, p. 4, c. 1)


The Place to Go.


Ad for Mattie Caley’s restaurant, 1881.
Source: Brainerd Tribune, 14 May 1881

Last Sunday afternoon the TRIBUNE, in company with two or three young friends was invited to the popular restaurant and dining hall of Miss Mattie Caley, to eat strawberries and other good things of the season. To say that we were satisfied, wouldn't half express it; we are glad we didn't keep count to know just how much we did eat. The heaps of mammoth, delicious berries that were set before the hungry party, and that so rapidly disappeared, would have been a caution not to have invited the same crowd again. The berries were some of the largest and most delicious we have ever seen, and if Miss Caley intends setting such a toothsome dish before her customers as this we fear the supply will in no wise equal the demand. Miss Caley has fitted up a cozy and home-like dining hall in connection with her well-known restaurant, and it is decidedly a fact that the good things one gets to eat at this place require no comment to satisfy a test as to their general merit. While the party invited felt under obligations for the kind invitation, and the splendid repast, we can also add that the place requires no advertising to herald its well-known qualities for excellence, to the people of the town, but is able to stand upon its own reputation for popularity and worth among its patrons, and we could not advise anyone desiring a square meal, a dish of ice cream, strawberries, or anything else that would tempt the sweet tooth to do otherwise than honor Miss Caley with a call, and if she can't satisfy you with what she keeps at her restaurant you had probably better not look any farther. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 June 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


Strawberries.


Every morning hereafter, during the season, fresh Strawberries will be received at Miss Mattie Caley’s restaurant. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 July 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


Ice Cream.


Tomorrow, (Sunday) and after, Ice Cream can be furnished, in any quantities, at Miss Mattie Caley’s restaurant. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 July 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


The TRIBUNE, Thursday, was regaled by a watermelon from Miss Caley’s restaurant, a present from Mrs. Birch. It was par excellence. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 September 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


Fresh oysters by the dish or can at Mattie Caley’s popular restaurant, on Front street. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 September 1881, p. 5, c. 1)


Miss Mattie Caley has the thanks of ye editor and his wife for a fine Thanksgiving present. Miss Caley always knows just how and where benevolence should be bestowed, and when she struck the poor printer it was like relief to grasshopper sufferers. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 November 1881, p. 5, c. 4)


Miss Mattie Caley, of Brainerd, must be popular with the Tribune folks, judging from the frequent flattering notices which she receives in that paper for her generosity to the printers. Liberality is a conspicuous trait of the family.—[Princeton Union.—A more popular restaurateur could not be found in the country than Miss Caley, and we have to thank the lady for many favors. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 December 1881, p. 7, 3)


Miss Caley has been visiting Miss Stillings, two miles south of the city, but the wolves were too numerous for her, and their howls gave her a longing for our quiet city. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 January 1882, p. 1, c. 6)


Miss Caley is selling out her stock of cigars, candies, nuts, etc. at cost. She also has some household goods, which she will sell very cheap. Call and see them at the restaurant. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 January 1882, p. 4, c. 3)


...Mr. C. B. Sleeper has purchased the restaurant stand and lots formerly owned by Miss Mattie Caley, and as soon as practicable he will erect a two-story brick building 25x150 feet.... (Brainerd Tribune, 04 February 1882, p. 1, c. 6)


Miss Mattie Caley will soon take up her residence in Minneapolis. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 February 1882, p. 5, c. 2)


CARLSON, JOHN & SON CLOTHING

Located in the L. J Cale store building on Front Street sometime prior to April 1907. In 1931 the store is located at 608 Front Street and Harry J. Carlson is also shown as an owner. In 1949 the store is listed at 624 Front Street and Harry J. Carlson is listed as the sole owner.


John Carlson's mercantile experience began as a clerk for Westfall Brothers. Eight years later (1901) H. W. Linneman and he formed a partnership, purchasing the J. F. McGinnis & Company stock of merchandise. In 1904 he bought his partner's interest and on January 1, 1914, associated with Harry Carlson, his son. John Carlson and Son carry a complete and reliable line of shoes, luggage, men's clothing and furnishings. (Brainerd's Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 112).


IMPORTANT BUSINESS CHANGE.

_____


J. F. McGinnis & Co. Sell Their Big

Clothing Stock to Henry Linne-

man and John Carlson.

_____


A very important business change has been made in this city this week. H. W. Linneman, city treasurer for the past two years and teller in the N. P. bank, in company with John Carlson, Westfall & Georgeson's genial clerk, have bought the mammoth clothing stock and business of J. F. McGinnis & Co., and will conduct the business in the future under the firm name of Linneman & Carlson.

The new proprietors are popular and enterprising young men, both have a long experience in the clothing trade. They are also both men of the strictest integrity, courteous and obliging, and will undoubtedly add to the generous patronage heretofore enjoyed by their predecessors.

Mr. McGinnis, as is well known, has other interests of importance here, and he will remain in the city and continue to be identified with Brainerd's business interests both public and private. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 March 1901, p. 4, c. 2)


26 March 1904. It will be surprising news to many Brainerd people to learn that the firm of Linneman and Carlson, one of the leading clothing firms of the city today dissolved partnership. H. W. Linneman has sold out to John Carlson. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 26 March 2004)


SEE: Sleeper Block


CARNEGIE PUBLIC LIBRARY (MAP #17)

Carnegie Public Library at the northeast corner of 7th and Washington, 1906, notice the Barn in the background. A 2010x910 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Postcard

On 02 [sic] [22] June 1872 a meeting was called by Dr. S. [sic] W. [sic] Thayer [Dr. C. P. Thayer] and Reverend J. A. Gilfillan of the Episcopal Church, to speed up the promoting of starting a public library. This was an ambitious enterprise. They had collected $160 as a contribution toward a fund. Let it be noted here that an association did not come into existence until 1882, when other new comers were fired with the same zeal. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 8)


NOTE: Zapffe’s above date and the doctor’s name are incorrect.


At a meeting held in Bly’s Hall on 22 June 1872, with Dr. C. P. Thayer chairman, Reverend Gilfillan reported that $160 had been raised for library purposes. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 34)


BRAINERD LIBRARY.


A number of citizens, interested in the foundation of a free library, met at the store of E. H. Bly, Esq. on Saturday evening last.

Dr. C. P. Thayer elected chairman.

Rev. William [sic] [Joseph A.] Gilfillan reported that $160 was already subscribed to the enterprise, although the largest part of the community were not informed as yet concerning the project, and Mr. Holden stated that mechanics were pledged to put up the building necessary free of cost, if the material were furnished.

It was also stated that Mr. L. P. White, agt. of the L. S. and P. S. Co. had offered a lot for the purpose.

After remarks by several present upon the general objects of the association and the great need of a library and reading room, a committee of three was appointed, Rev. Mr. Gilfillan, Lyman Bridges and L. H. Bunnell, to confer with property owners and others interested with reference to the selection of a site for the necessary building, to report at the next meeting.

Adjourned to meet over the store of E. H. Bly, Saturday, June 29th, at 8 P.M. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 June 1872, p. 1, c. 3)


BRAINERD LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.


At a meeting on Saturday evening last, composed of many of our best citizens, a library association was formed, and officers elected. The design is to build a building expressly for the purpose of a free public library, where the hundreds of young men and others may spend their evenings and other leisure hours in reading from a well stocked library, and in a fine suite of rooms. There will be a second meeting, this Saturday evening at Bly’s new hall, to complete the arrangements and hear the reports of committees that have been to work the past week. This is an enterprise eminently commendable in character, and one that we know will meet with prompt and substantial assistance from all. Let the matter be put forward with all energy by all means. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 June 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


The present Library Association was organized in 1882 with Henry I. Cohen president. A room upstairs in the old depot was fitted up as a library, interested friends furnishing free all the paper, paint, lumber and labor necessary. Lectures and entertainments netted large sums for the purchase of books. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 34)


Henry I. Cohen, a brother-in-law of the Pateks, arrived in 1880. In 1882 he led in organizing a “Library Association.” He adopted what Thayer and Gilfillan had begun in June of 1872. However, Cohen started a library in fact when years later he procured permission to use a room in the top story of the old railway depot building. It was a starter. Little is known about its career. It was a voluntary organization and depended on donations of books and services. Twenty years later Cohen became identified again with a permanent public library. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 21 & 22)


Mrs. C. M. Patek, a natural leader in cultural pursuits, arrived in Brainerd in 1882 and for forty years was very active in literary circles. The public library was one of her principal activities. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 21)


An excursion to Walker in 1892 [1899] added $500 more for books, for O. O. Winter, superintendent of the Brainerd and Northern Railroad and a member of the library board, returned one-half of the ticket money to the library. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 34)


NOTE: Zapffe says the above excursion to Walker took place in 1895, which is also incorrect.


O. O. Winter arrives in Brainerd to serve as the manager of the Brainerd & Northern Minnesota Railway Company. Being a strong advocate of libraries he soon allied himself with H. I. Cohen who had ever been persistent about getting a library started in Brainerd. It was a personal undertaking. The Common Council took no definite steps to establish a public library. From Winter this private movement got its first boost when he offered to run an excursion trip and take Brainerd people to Walker for a day of picnicking and share the passenger receipts with the Library Association. A picnic was held, and as a result of the sale of tickets the library emerged with $500 in its treasury. This struggle to have a public library and maintain it at public expense culminated ten or twelve years later in the next century. We would like to be able to relate more about what a library board may have been in those years, but there is no record of any sort about it. By all the fragmentary signs it was only a group of people who were enthusiastic and persistent. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 76)


The Brainerd Public Library Association is the latest organization in the city and is one which instantly commends itself to public favor. The city of Brainerd is perhaps the only one of its size in the state without a public library, and the promoters of this organization feel that such a distinction is not in the least complimentary. The association is composed of some of our leading business and professional men, and it is their determination with the co-operation of the general public to secure for our townspeople one of the best circulating libraries in Minnesota. To this end the association has already arranged for ten high class entertainments to be given in the city this winter under its direction, the first being the famous Carrington Co., on Nov. 28th and 29th, in a series of three performances embodying history, music, science and novelty, allegoric and pyrotechnic displays, etc. It is hoped that our people will duly appreciate the efforts of her citizens in this matter and give these entertainments their cordial patronage. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 November 1898, p. 8, c. 2)


In Fine Shape.


The Brainerd Public Library Association, through its committee in charge, is pleased to announce that as a result of the generous patronage accorded its first entertainment and the liberal purchase of season tickets it now has sufficient funds in hand to pay its guarantee and hall rent for the entire course and from now on all monies received will go directly toward the library fund. This statement is made in order that the friends of the enterprise may know the condition the association has attained and to encourage them to further efforts for its successful consummation.

HENRY I. COHEN, Pres.

P. S. WARE, Sec. and Man.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 02 December 1898, p. 8, c. 2)


EXCURSION TO BEMIDJI

_____


For the Benefit of the Brainerd

Public Library As-

sociation.

_____


FARE $1.00 FOR THE ROUND TRIP.

_____


Splendid Program of Entertain-

ment at Bemidji—The Chance

of a Lifetime.

_____


On Tuesday next, July 25th, the people of this city will practically move en masse to Bemidji to spend the day. On that date there will be an excursion from Brainerd to that thriving town for the benefit of the Brainerd Public Library Association, and although the distance is nearly 200 miles there and back, the fare will only be $1.00 for the round trip, scarcely a half cent a mile. And as the proceeds of the excursion, except the bare cost of operating the train, will go to establish a free library here, the one thing this city needs above another, it will be readily seen that every citizen who has a particle of pride in the place will purchase tickets for himself and family and go and have a good time. This splendid opportunity to raise money for the association is due to the public spirited generosity of General Manager Winter, of the B. & N. M., who, although a resident of this city only a few months, is very active in every undertaking to advance the city’s interests. The idea originated with Mr. Winter and Henry I. Cohen, the president of the association, and with them, to think is to act, hence with H. D. Treglawny, treasurer of the association, they went to Bemidji on Monday and perfected the arrangements, and got the citizens of that enterprising little burg to hustling to make the excursion a most enjoyable occasion.

William Dresskell, city band leader, orchestra leader, jeweler and electrician, ca. Unknown.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Bemidji is one of the most attractive spots in Northern Minnesota. It is situated right upon the shores of beautiful Lake Bemidji with its splendid beaches and beautiful hard wood groves. It has unusually good accommodations to entertain a large crowd. Over 60 fine row boats are available besides six or eight gas and naphtha launches, and a large steamboat capable of carrying 150 people. A fine grove on the lake shore adjoins the depot grounds, and here a large dancing pavilion will be erected, and dancing can be indulged in free. Dresskell’s orchestra of this city will furnish the music. Bath houses will be erected to accommodate bathers, so take along your bathing suit. Over $400 has been raised by citizens of Bemidji to provide suitable entertainment, which insures ample amusement for all.

These gentlemen returned on Tuesday delighted with their success, and a special meeting of the association was called on Tuesday evening to hear their report. Mr. Cohen presided, and Dr. Frederick was elected temporary secretary. Mr. Cohen stated what had been done and the association endorsed their action. Mr. Winter, on motion, was elected an honorary member. The chair was authorized to appoint an executive committee of five, the president to be an ex-officio member, the committee to have power to appoint sub-committees. The following gentlemen have been appointed: H. Treglawny, Dr. Frederick, Dr. Groves, R. F. Walters and Geo. D. LaBar. Mr. LaBar was given charge of the distribution and sale of all tickets.

The committee got to work immediately and tickets have been issued and put on sale in every business house in town. Bills announcing the excursion have been issued, and under the energetic and skillful management and direction of President Henry I. Cohen nothing has bee left undone to make the excursion a great success. All business houses have agreed to close and the shops will probably be shut down. Dresskell’s City Band has been engaged for the occasion, and a grand balloon ascension and parachute leap has been arranged for.

The train will leave this city at 6:30 sharp on Tuesday morning, and returning will leave Bemidji about 7 p. m., arriving here about 11 p. m. The committee desires to say there will be no delay in starting, hence be promptly on hand to go at 6:30 o’clock sharp.

This excursion will undoubtedly be one of the most enjoyable occasions of the season. The ride through the pine forests past the beautiful lakes will be delightful, and at Bemidji, when one considers the elaborate preparations being made there by the citizens, it is safe to say it will be more enjoyable still. Everyone will have a delightful time, and at the absurdly cheap price of $1.00. The opportunity will not be offered again, and besides you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you assisted in establishing a free public library.

Take your lunch baskets along and enjoy a picnic dinner. They will be checked on the train. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 July 1899, p. 1, c.’s 3 & 4)


If there is one thing more than another that this city needs it is a public library. On Tuesday next an excursion for the benefit of the public library will be run to Bemidji, one of the most delightful and attractive spots in Northern Minnesota. Contribute your mite towards procuring a library, and at the same time enjoy a pleasant outing, by purchasing tickets for yourself and family. The fare is almost nothing, only $1 a ticket for a railroad ride of nearly 200 miles, on one of the most delightful excursions it will be your privilege to enjoy. Let every citizen attend. Not less than one thousand citizens should participate in this most commendable enterprise to start a library in our city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 July 1899, p. 4, c. 1)


A Card.


The executive committee of the Brainerd Library Association wish to express their sincere thanks to the generous public who patronized the excursion under their auspices, the editors who assisted in advertising the undertaking, Dresskell’s City Band and the N. P. band who tendered their services, as well as the citizens who assisted directly in various ways to its final success. We tender our particular thanks to Mr. O. O. Winter for his share which cannot be repaid. Mr. Winter is satisfied with the self-consciousness of a worthy deed—well done. We extend to the citizens of Bemidji the hand of fellowship for their hospitality, headed and aided by the energy and ability of Mr. Street and Mayor Smith, who were on hand from first to last. The result of this excursion places the Library Association in working shape for a practical start. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 July 1899, p. 1, c. 2)


THE EXCURSION A GREAT SUCCESS

_____


Brainerd People Enjoy a Days’ Outing

at Bemidji and are Royally

Entertained.

_____


The excursion to Bemidji on Tuesday for the benefit of the Brainerd Public Library Association was successful beyond all expectations, and everyone of the large multitude of people who attended declared it one of the most enjoyable outings of the season. The day was an ideal one for the occasion, the weather being cool and delightfully refreshing in the morning before the excursion started, and the rain of Sunday evening had laid the dust so that the ride to Bemidji was not hot and dusty as anticipated, but cool and pleasant.

The excursion train was run in two sections, the first section containing 12 coaches completely filled, but all found seats. The start was made at 6:30 sharp as advertised, and the second section, which contained five coaches and three cabooses, left just ten minutes later. The second section was not as thoroughly filled as the first. Both bands accompanied the excursion, Dresskell’s City Band being with the first section, and the Northern Pacific band with the second. Something over 1,100 people went on the trains, and the city was as quiet as the grave all day, all business houses being closed. The run to Bemidji was made in four hours and a half, the first train arriving at 10:55 and the second at 11 o’clock. A reception committee headed by Mayor Smith, of Bemidji, and County Attorney Street, welcomed the excursionists on alighting at the depot, and figuratively speaking, gave them the town. A large banner bearing the words “Welcome Brainerd,” was suspended across the street at the depot, and an arch containing the same words spanned one of the business streets. The crowd at once repaired to the picnic grounds near the depot on the lake shore, and all were delighted at the thoughtful preparations made for their entertainment by the good people of Bemidji. Tables and chairs innumerable, enough for all to use for luncheon, were found, and barrels of ice water were placed every few feet throughout the grounds. All were hungry and enjoyed a delightful picnic dinner. After dinner the City Band discoursed delightful concert music on the grounds, while the N. P. band went on board the steamer which made numerous trips out on the lake, taking a large crowd each trip, and the band entertained the people on the boat with music.

After dinner, too, dancing was indulged in without cost at the pavilion erected for this purpose, Dresskell’s superb orchestra of this city furnishing the music. And while large numbers danced many others went boat riding on the electric and naphtha launches, and the sixty available row boats were constantly in use. Many had their bathing suits, and the magnificent beaches were alive with the merry bathers. Indeed, it seemed as if all were enjoying themselves to the utmost, and the time for departure passed all too rapidly.

At 3 o’clock the Brainerd and Bemidji ball teams, led by the N. P. band, repaired to the base ball grounds adjacent to the splendid $12,000 school building of which Bemidji is so justly proud, and an interesting and entertaining, if somewhat one-sided game, was enjoyed by a large crowd. The score was 19 to 3 in favor of the Brainerd club, Frank Howe, of this city, officiating as umpire.

One of the attractions was a shooting tournament by the Bemidji Gun Club, in which several Brainerd boys participated. Jas. R. Smith, of this city, won first money, and I. U. White, W. S. McClenahan and H. L. Casey got a share of other purses.

Exactly at 7 o’clock as previously arranged, the first section left Bemidji on the homeward trip, and the second section left five minutes later. Both arrived here about 12 o’clock. The ride home, unlike most excursions of this kind, was not tiresome, but pleasant and enjoyed by all. There was no dust and it was cool and refreshing, and the delightful stay at Bemidji was so short that the ride home was enjoyed as part of the days’ pleasures.

It was indeed a delightful excursion, and those having the arrangements in charge are deserving of great praise for their efforts. Everything went off as planned without a hitch. The trains were managed in a perfect manner, thanks to the untiring efforts and forethought of General Manager Winter, who gave them his personal attention. The executive committee, led by President Henry I. Cohen, are deserving of great praise, also for their foresight in providing ample accommodations for all. The crowd was on its good behavior and no disorderly or boisterous conduct whatever marred the occasion The crowd was made up of the best people of Brainerd and nothing else could be expected.

But to the enterprising citizens of Bemidji the thanks of every excursionist should be extended for the perfect and thoughtful manner in which they provided everything that would add to the comfort or pleasure of the party.

The association realized over $500 above all expenses from the excursion. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 July 1899, p. 1, c.’s 4 & 5)


Library Meeting.


The Brainerd Public Library Association held a business meeting on Friday evening at which time Dr. J. L. Frederick was elected secretary to succeed P. S. Ware who has removed from the city. A committee on constitution consisting of W. S. McClenahan, P. J. Murphy, J. L. Frederick, and H. I. Cohen was elected, and they will at once commence securing data for the purpose of drafting by-laws and constitution for the governing of the association.

The library committee, appointed under resolution, consists of O. O. Winter, Rev. G. W. Gallagher, Howard Isham, Dr. A. F. Groves and Henry I. Cohen.

It was decided to place a book for the reception of new members in Dresskell’s jewelry store where the names may be enrolled, and which will be published from week to week in the local newspapers, the following being elected active members at the last meeting: Dr. Hemstead, Rev. G. W. Gallagher, Rev. C. F. Kite, Mr. and Mrs. O. O. Winter, A. F. Ferris and Howard Isham. The membership fee is $2.

The executive committee was given authority to select permanent quarters for the library, and a committee consisting of Rev. Fr. Lynch, Rev. G. W. Gallagher and Rev. C. F. Kite, were appointed to select two ladies from each of the five wards of the city to solicit membership. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 August 1899, p. 1, c. 6)


The Public Library.


While the number of people who turned out to the mass meeting at Gardner hall on Monday evening was not as large as had been hoped for there was a good attendance and of the kind of people necessary to the support of a public enterprise such as the Brainerd public library is to be. Henry I. Cohen, president of the association opened the meeting by explaining to the audience the position that the association is in and gave a history of the movement since it was started some time ago. The sum of $500 was realized from the business men’s excursion over the B. & N. M. to Bemidji last summer and in addition to the above sum about $100 was in the hands of the treasurer. With this amount 1000 volumes of literature have been selected and purchased which will be placed upon the shelves as soon as the room is placed in shape for their reception. Some valuable additions to the library have been made in the way of gifts from Mr. and Mrs. E. B. McCullough, Dr. McPherson and John Hurley. Ambrose Tighe, of St. Paul, has also made a voluntary contribution of $25 to the fund. The association is also indebted to Mr. Kendrick, of the Northern Pacific for a present of a five years lease of rooms in the depot building, and added to that is the gift of the material for shelving from Geo. H. Cook, of the Brainerd Lumber Co., and the building of the shelves free of charge by White & White. Following Mr. Cohen were remarks by Rev. Gallagher, Prof. Hartley, O. O. Winter and Dr. Groves. A short programme, musical and literary, was listened to with interest by the audience, Mrs. J. C. Atherton, Mrs. Dr. W. Courtney, Misses Davis, Mitchell, Gallagher and Mr. Jay Patek, furnishing the talent. The association adopted by-laws and a constitution for their government and following this a board of directors was elected consisting of Rev. G. W. Gallagher, Harry Treglawny, W. S. McClenahan, E. O. Parks, R. F. Walters, C. M. Patek, O. O. Winter, A. J. Halsted, Henry I. Cohen, Dr. G. S. McPherson, Rev. D. W. Lynch, Prof. Hartley, Mesdames Henry I. Cohen, J. N. Nevers, Fannie E. Smith, C. M. Patek, O. O. Winter, E. B. McCullough, Geo. Forsyth, J. P. Early, E. M. Westfall, G. W. Gallagher, Dr. W. Courtney, Dr. W. Hemstead and Miss Amy Lowey.

Fifty-five persons enrolled their names as members on Monday evening and twenty have joined since which with those who had previously taken a membership makes the number of members now nearly 100. Those who wish to become members and those who have already joined and wish to pay their fee can do so by calling on H. D. Treglawny, H. I. Cohen or Wm. M. Dresskell. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 October 1899, p. 1, c. 3)


WOULD CONSOLIDATE.

_____


An Effort Being Made to Consolidate

the N. P. Library with the

Public Library.

_____


A special meeting of the members of the Public Library association was held at the Y. M. C. A. parlors on Monday evening to elect directors to succeed Mrs. H. I. Cohen and Mrs. C. M. Patek, resigned.

Minnie Cohen, an ardent and early supporter of creating a public library for Brainerd, 15 December 1937.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch

On motion the resignations were accepted and three nominations were made to fill the vacancies as follows: Miss Katherine Gallagher, P. J. Murphy and Howard Isham. Messrs. Murphy and Isham were elected. The meeting then adjourned.

A meeting of the newly elected board of directors was held, and the following officers of the association for the ensuing year were elected:

H. I. Cohen, president.

O. O. Winter, 1st vice president.

Mrs. E. B. McCullough, 2nd vice president.

Miss Amy Lowey, secretary.

H. D. Treglawny, treasurer.

The following committees were appointed:

Ways and Means—Mrs. J. N. Nevers, Mrs. Dr. Courtney, Mrs. Geo. Forsyth, Mrs. H. I. Cohen and Mr. A. J. Halsted.

Library Committee—Mr. Howard Isham, Mrs. O. O. Winter, Mr. P. J. Murphy, Mrs. J. P. Early, Prof. T. B. Hartley, Mrs. C. M. Patek and Mrs. E. O. Parks.

The board discussed the matter of making an effort to consolidate the N. P. library with the Public library all expressing the belief that it was a consummation to be desired, and on motion Rev. Geo. W. Gallagher, Mrs. J. N. Nevers and President Henry I. Cohen were appointed a committee to confer with the N. P. library directors concerning the matter.

We understand a meeting of the directors of the N. P. library will be held at the shops tomorrow afternoon after closing hours to confer with the above committee. It is earnestly hoped that the matter can be satisfactorily arranged, as it would give this city a public library that would be a credit to it, and at the same time better serve all classes of citizens. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 October 1899, p. 1, c. 3)


Public Library Ball.


The ways and means committee of the Public Library association has decided to give a grand ball at Gardner hall on Friday evening, Nov. 10, to raise funds to furnish the library rooms. The executive committee has decided that funds now on hand contributed for library purposes cannot rightfully be used for furnishing the rooms, hence the newly appointed committee on ways and means held a meeting on Wednesday evening, and after discussing the matter of raising funds with which to furnish the rooms, decided to give a grand ball at the Gardner Opera House on Friday evening, November 10th. The Kelsey orchestra has been secured for the occasion, and the ladies of the association will do everything possible, by their presence and personal assistance to make the occasion a grand social success. Tickets will be $1.00.

_____


Will Not Consolidate.


The consolidation of the N. P. Library and new Public Library cannot take place, because of an insurmountable obstacle in the way. The constitution of the N. P. library reserves the use of the library for the use of the employees of the railroad only, which makes it impossible to consolidate although it would be beneficial to both. A meeting of the N. P. Library association was held last Saturday as announced, and the committee from the Public Library was present and explained the object of their visit, but a discussion revealed the above state of affairs, which settles the matter. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 November 1899, p. 1, c. 4)


Elected a Librarian.


The executive committee of the Public Library Association held a meeting on Saturday evening, and elected Mrs. Irma Hartley as librarian. It was also decided to keep the library rooms open at present two evenings and one afternoon each week. The time has not yet been definitely decided, but it will probably be Wednesday evening, and Saturday afternoon and evening.

During the past week the library rooms have been put into shape for use. The shelving has been completed and nicely painted, and the walls of the rooms papered and decorated, and the books purchased are now being unpacked and placed on the shelves ready for use in a few days, probably tomorrow afternoon. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 November 1899, p. 10, c. 2)


Library Matters.


The grand ball given at Gardner Hall on Friday evening last by the Public Library Association to raise funds to furnish the library rooms, was a splendid success socially and financially. A large crowd composed of the best people of the city was in attendance, and a very pleasant evening was enjoyed by all. The association realized $102 net from the ball.

The library committee has had several meetings during the past week to classify and arrange the books, which is being done rapidly. The rooms have been furnished and look very pleasant and cozy with the spic and span new furniture and new wall decorations. The library room will be open from 7 to 9 Wednesday evenings and from 1 to 5 Saturday afternoons, and from 7 to 9 Saturday evenings. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 November 1899, p. 1, c. 3)


Official Announcement of the Opening

of the Public Library.


The rooms of the Public Library are open to the public now at stated times as follows:

Every Saturday afternoon and evening, and every Wednesday evening from 8 to 9 o’clock.

The rooms of the library are situated on the second floor of the N. P. depot in the northwest corner of the building.

Citizens wishing to borrow books can procure a card from the librarian when the rooms are open. The public is cordially invited to inspect the library.

By order of the executive committee. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 November 1899, p. 8, c. 4)


Public Library a Free Library.


The officers of the public library, having been asked repeatedly the question, “What is the charge for drawing books?”, wish to state emphatically that the public library is free, and that there is absolutely no charge for drawing books.

The library is open to the public Wednesday and Saturday evenings and Saturday afternoon.

H. W. ISHAM,

Sec. Library Com.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 15 December 1899, p. 10, c. 3)


The Brainerd Library Association held their first quarterly meeting on Friday evening last, and the report of the librarian showed that 372 cards had been issued and 1297 books had been taken out. There are now about 745 volumes on hand and in a short time 300 more will be added. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 January 1900, p. 8, c. 2)


Library Board Meeting.


The regular quarterly meeting of the public library board was held on Tuesday evening. Considerable business of a routine character was transacted. R. F. Walters was elected vice-president vice O. O. Winter, resigned, and Rev. Gallagher was elected to fill a vacancy on the library committee. Mrs. C. M. Patek was elected chairman of the library committee. An animated discussion relative to the raising of funds for library purposes was held, but no method was adopted. It was decided that hereafter children under 14 years could have the privilege of drawing books only on Saturdays.

On Saturday the library received 63 volumes of government reports of various kinds, and they will be catalogued and placed on the shelves. Henry I. Cohen, the president, while in Washington recently, arranged for the sending of these reports free. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 April 1900, p. 10, c. 6)


LIBRARY BALL.

_____


Splendid Social Function to Raise Funds

for the Public Library.

_____


A meeting of the ways and means committee of the Library Association was held on Tuesday evening, and it was decided to give a grand ball at Gardner Hall, on Friday evening, May 11th, to raise funds for the Library Association. The committee also determined to make the ball one of the most pleasant social events of the season, and to that end decided to introduce a new and pleasing feature for the amusement and entertainment of the guests, which consists of the dancing of the German by about thirty young couples. This is undoubtedly the most beautiful and imposing of dances, and it will be a great treat to witness it. Dr. and Mrs. A. F. Groves have been chosen to lead the dance. Rehearsals are now being held and it will no doubt be perfectly mastered and splendidly executed on the occasion of the ball. Kelsey’s full orchestra will furnish the music. The floor managers have been selected and are as follows: Henry Linneman, R. J. Hartley, Geo. LaBar, Geo. H. Speer, Dr. Hemstead, C. C. Kyle, Dr. Batcheller, C. A. Allbright, Dr. Fredericks, W. A. M. Johnstone, P. J. Murphy and S. R. Adair.

While the ball will be, probably, one of the most pleasant social occasions of the season, and those attending will be repaid many times the cost of the ticket, yet every citizen, whether able to attend or not should purchase a ticket and help maintain the library, which is doing a magnificent work in brightening the minds of the people of this community. Tickets are $1.00 a couple, and 50c for extra ladies. If you don’t dance it will pay you to purchase a ticket and see the beautiful and imposing German. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 May 1900, p. 1, c. 3)


The library ball at Gardner Hall last Friday night was brilliant success socially and financially. It was one of the most delightful social occasions of the season, and a snug sum of money was realized for the benefit of the library. The feature of the evening was the dancing of the German by about thirty couples, led by Dr. and Mrs. Groves. The many beautiful and artistic figures were much enjoyed and liberally applauded by the spectators. The net receipts were $125. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 May 1900, p. 10, c. 2)


Annual Meeting.


The regular annual meeting of the members of the Brainerd Public Library Association will be held at the Y. M. C. A. building on Friday evening, Oct. 5th. A new board of directors will be elected and other business transacted. All members are urgently requested to be present. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 October 1900, p. 1, c. 2)


Annual Meeting.


The annual meeting of the Public Library Association was held at the Y. M. C. A. Saturday evening.

Annual reports of the secretary and treasurer were read. The treasurer’s report showed $1137.18 receipts, $964.88 disbursements and $172.30 balance on hand.

The library committee reported 1296 volumes in the library.

Directors were elected as follows:

Messrs.—

M. McFadden,

A. J. Halsted,

W. H. Gemmell,

W. A. Fleming,

J. L. Torrens,

H. I. Cohen,

Dr. Hemstead,

Rev. Gallagher,

R. F. Walters,

H. D. Treglawny,

Howard Isham,

J. T. Frater,

P. J. Murphy,

Mesdames—

C. J. Merritt,

Julia McFadden,

J. P. Early,

E. M. Westfall,

E. B. McCullough,

C. M. Patek,

Emma Forsyth,

A. V. Snyder,

Walter Courtney,

J. N. Nevers,

B. A. Ferris, and Miss Bess Mulrine.

A meeting of the directors was held after the association adjourned. H. I. Cohen was elected president, R. F. Walters and Mrs. E. B. McCullough, vice presidents, P. J. Murphy, secretary and H. D. Treglawny, treasurer.

Committees were appointed as follows:

Ways and Means Committee—Dr. Hemstead, chairman, W. H. Gemmell, Mrs. E. B. McCullough, H. G. Isham, Mrs. E. M. Westfall

Library Committee—Prof. J. L. Torrens, Mrs. J. P. Early, Mrs. C. M. Patek, Rev Gallagher, P. J. Murphy, H. G. Isham, Mrs. Dr. Courtney. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 October 1900, p. 2, c. 4)


A meeting of the Public Library Association was held on Monday evening and it was decided to hold the Second annual ball of the association in Gardner Hall in the near future. During the past year, the library reached the enormous circulation of 15,000 volumes, and the proceeds of this ball will be used for the purchase of new books, of which they stand greatly in need. Such figures, which, considering the size of the library, cannot be duplicated in the State of Minnesota, show the library to be a public institution worthy of the support of every reader in the city. Go, and help the library along. Tickets $1. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 January 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


Library Ball.


The annual ball of the Library Association will be held on Thursday evening, Jan. 31st, and not Feb. 1st, as published. As is well understood this ball is held for the purpose of raising funds for the association, hence every citizen should purchase a ticket and be present, and thus help maintain the library, undoubtedly one of the greatest factors in raising the standard of citizenship in the community. The floor managers will be J. P. Early, R. J. Hartley, F. B. Johnson, W. A. M. Johnstone, P. J. Murphy, H. W. Isham, H. Linneman and W. S. Cox. The very best people of the city will be present. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 January 1901, p. 4, c. 4)


SEVERAL towns in the state with public libraries have been able to “hold-up” Andrew Carnegie for a neat sum for the benefit of their libraries, and St. Cloud is now going after the distinguished philanthropist. What’s the matter with the Brainerd Public Library? Get a hustle on you after Andrew, you can’t do worse than lose. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 February 1901, p. 1, c. 3)


HAVE APPEALED TO CARNEGIE

_____


for a Donation for a Public Library

and Building for this

City

_____


Henry I. Cohen Writes the Great Phi-

lanthropist the Following

Letter.

_____


Steel magnate, robber baron and philanthropist who contributed funds for the building of public libraries throughout the United States as well as Brainerd, ca. 1913.
Source: Unknown

Andrew Carnegie, the millionaire philanthropist, has promised St. Cloud $25,000 to build a public library building, providing the city donates a suitable site and binds itself to raise $2,500 revenue a year to support it. This the city will do and will soon be provided with a splendid public library.

Brainerd is a place nearly as large and of as much importance as St. Cloud, and has a much greater need of a public library than the latter place for several reasons. There is not as much wealth here to provide suitable reading in the homes of citizens and we have a much larger population of mill men and shop men than the latter city, men generally without homes, who would be spending their time in acquiring useful information, if we had a good public library and reading room, instead of wasting it in public resorts. This large class of men make a public library and reading room a necessity, and if these conditions were properly placed before Mr. Carnegie, there is no doubt he would be as generous to Brainerd as St. Cloud.

Hence we are pleased to state Mr. Henry I. Cohen, president of the present Public Library Association, and to whose enterprise the present library owes much, has written a letter to Mr. Carnegie, endorsed by practically every citizen in the city asking for Brainerd as generous treatment as he has accorded St. Cloud. Mr. Cohen’s letter is as follows:

BRAINERD, Minn., Feb. 17, 1901.

MR. ANDREW CARNEGIE,

Pittsburgh, Pa.

DEAR SIR:

As the executive head of the Brainerd Free Public Library, I wish to call your attention to our needs. Knowing your world wide reputation as a philanthropist, more especially in respect to the material assistance towards the establishment of libraries in communities not able to do so for themselves, I was asked by the representative citizens of Brainerd to call your generous attention to our city.

Knowing that you must be deluged by requests of a similar nature, I feel loath to encroach on your valuable time.

The following is a history of our library:

Henry I. Cohen, 1855-1934, was instrumental in the building of the Carnegie Public Library in Brainerd, ca. 1923.
Source: Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan

The association, or charter members, started with a capital of one hundred dollars ($100.00) to which was added by subscription, entertainments and donations, in the neighborhood of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) total.

We have in our rooms, which are small, about eleven hundred (1100) carefully selected books. Of these about nine hundred (900) are suitable for circulation. In one year fifteen hundred (1500) books were drawn from the shelves. This item significantly shows the voracious desire from the book reading public, for free reading of a good class of works. Will you kindly assist us?

Brainerd has a population of about seventy-five hundred (7500) and is a very prominent railroad town, on the Northern Pacific system. I can assure you that I have the promise of our best citizens, that they will endeavor to meet your suggestions to the best of their ability.

Trusting that this letter may meet with favor in your eyes, I anxiously await your reply.

I beg leave to remain,

Most respectfully yours,

HENRY I. COHEN,

President Brainerd Public Library.

Mr. Cohen has also written to Congressman Page Morris and Senators Nelson and Clapp asking their co-operation to induce the great philanthropist to favor this city, and they will undoubtedly do the best they can.

If Mr. Carnegie complies with the request he will probably require that the library become a public institution; that is, supported by public revenue raised by taxation. To do this the matter would have to be submitted to a vote of the people and if carried, a levy made by the council, which is limited to one mill. But this rate would raise $2,000 a year, an amount ample to run the library and provide new books every year, and probably would be all required by Mr. Carnegie. It is hoped that gentleman will see his way clear to make a donation to this city, and there is no doubt the city will gladly do as much as he requires of St. Cloud. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 February 1901, p. 1, c.’s 3 & 4)


CONSTITUTION IS FINALLY AMENDED.

_____


Annual Meeting of the Brainerd

Library Association Held

Monday Night.

_____


H. I. COHEN WAS ELECTED.

_____


Important Business Transacted

and All Officers Elected and

Committees Named.


During the past year the members and directors of the Brainerd Library Association have been in a quandary over the holding of meetings, it having been almost impossible at any time to get a quorum at the quarterly meetings. It has been discussed in various ways by the members of the association and there have been many propositions made but no action was ever taken until last evening. The constitution was amended Monday night so that it is thought that all difficulties will be removed in the future.

The annual meeting of the Library Association was held Monday night and there were about twenty-five members present.

The constitution was amended so as to reduce the number of directors from twenty-five to nine; also reducing the number of members required to constitute a quorum at an annual meeting from thirty to twelve.

A motion prevailed to constitute a majority of all committees and board of directors a quorum for the transaction of all business.

The following were elected as the board of directors: H. I. Cohen, Mrs. E. B. McCullough, G. W. Holland, Prof. J. L. Torrens, H. W. Isham, P. J. Murphy, Mrs. J. P. Early, Mrs. R. F. Walters and Mrs. C. M. Patek.

The board of directors met immediately after the meeting and elected their officers as follows:

President—Henry I. Cohen.

Vice President—H. W. Isham

Secretary—P. J. Murphy.

Treasurer—J. L. Torrens.

The following committees were named:

Ways and Means—Mrs. C. M. Patek, chairman, John T. Frater, Mrs. E. E. Forsythe, Mrs. A. V. Snyder, and A. F. Ferris.

Library—H. W. Isham, chairman, Mrs. R. F. Walters, J. L. Torrens, Mrs. J. P. Early and Mrs. W. H. Gemmell.

The report of Treasurer Treglawney was read and accepted, as were also the reports of Librarian Burgoyne and Secretary P. J. Murphy.

The ways and means committee asked that the association take steps at once to raise funds. Petitions will be circulated in the different wards of the city and among the business and professional men and money will be raised in this fashion to supply the library. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 October 1901, p. 2, c. 5)


A NOVEL PLAN.

_____


A Move on Foot to Collect Funds for the

Maintenance of the Brainerd

Public Library.


At a recent meeting of the ways and means committee of the Brainerd Library Association plans were discussed for raising funds for the maintenance of the library in this city and the purchasing of new books.

Mrs. George Forsythe and Mrs. C. M. Patek as a committee have decided upon a novel plan and the people of Brainerd will be called upon by districts it being deemed a good idea to go at this work by direct solicitation at their homes.

The following have been designated in the different districts to take up the work:

First ward—Mrs. James Gardner, Mrs. F. C. Bolin, Mrs. J. H. Dickenson, Mrs. Louis Hohman, Mrs. H. Theviot and Mrs. William Erb.

Second ward—Mrs. E. B. McCullough, Mrs. R. Hartley, Mrs. Milton McFadden, Mrs. A. F. Groves, Mrs. James F. McGinnis, Mrs. J. P. Early and Mrs. William Entriken.

Third ward—Mrs. W. I. Storm, Mrs. W. Benjamin, Mrs. John Anderson, Mrs. Dan Halladay, Mrs. Boyce, Mrs. J. A. Arnold, Mrs. J. N. Biever, Mrs. John Olson, Mrs. Al. Forsythe, Mrs. H. T. Skinner and Mrs. G. O. Whitney.

Fourth ward—Mrs. A. Mahlum, Mrs. E. E. French, Miss Guldstrand and Mrs. C. A. Beck.

Fifth ward—Mrs. T. W. Crawford, Mrs. T. J. Jackson, Mrs. H. McGinn, Mrs. A. Purdy, Mrs. W. Hemstead and Mrs. L. J. Cale.

Mill district—E. B. McCullough, H. W. Isham and A. L. Mattes. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 November 1901, p. 6, c. 2)


It was a time when Andrew Carnegie, the steel maker, was displaying magnanimity toward small cities in donating libraries. Carnegie’s offer, made in January 1902 to Brainerd, was that he would pay $12,000 toward a building provided the city contribute the site and arrange to raise not less than $1,200 annually for maintenance. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 85)


At long last, in June of 1902 to be precise, the Common Council began to consider building and operating a public library. The records regarding a library in Brainerd are very few. One thing is certain; it was ever entirely a voluntary function and always led by Henry I. Cohen. He continuously saw such a need, never recognized defeat, and was patient with delay. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 85)


On 15 September 1902, the council accepted Carnegie’s offer and in November the people voted a one-half mill levy for the maintenance of the library. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 85)


$1,000 was raised through public subscription and with it a deed was procured, on 25 May 1903, which conveyed the site to the city. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 85)


In June 1903 the Common Council accepted this deed, and Mayor Halsted thereupon appointed a Library Board consisting of nine members. H. I. Cohen was one of the nine and acted as convener for a meeting held on 28 July 1903 for the purpose of organizing. He was elected president of that new Board. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 85)


BY AUGUST 20 PERHAPS

_____


Work Can be Commenced on the New

Carnegie Library—New Books

to be Selected


The new library board are working now with a view to completing all arrangements so that work can be commenced on the new building by August 20. By the time the next meeting is held it is thought that there will be some plans submitted by architects so that the style of the building, etc., can be decided upon at that time. In view of the fact that there are so many Carnegie libraries throughout the country it is presumed that most architects will have some plans all ready to to submit, and this it is thought will expedite matters considerably. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 August 1903, p. 3, c. 2)


On 28 August 1903 the Library Board engaged R. D. Church, a Minneapolis architect, to design a building. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 85)


THE LIBRARY BOARD DECIDES ON PLANS

_____


For the New Building to be Erect-

ed with Funds Furnished

by Carnegie

_____


PLAN A VERY NEAT STRUCTURE

_____


R. D. Church, of Minneapolis, is the Architect and He is a

Library Expert


There was a meeting of the library board last night in the library rooms over the Northern Pacific depot, called by President H. I. Cohen to take some definite action regarding the proposed new Carnegie library building. The plans furnished by R. D. Church, of Minneapolis, were adopted and the building will be erected according to these plans. The only other plans considered last night were those furnished by C. W. Allbrant, of Fargo. His plans were a duplicate of those used in the library building at Valley City, but the Valley City building cost some $15,000 and in cutting this amount down to $12,000 many things would have to be eliminated from the building which had been seen by the committee which visited Valley City.

The new library building will be 70x47 feet and will be built of gray St. Louis hydraulic pressed brick. There will be a stone base six feet high built of Portage Entry brownstone and there will be stone steps with eight pillars of Bedford stone.

The entrance in the vestibule leading to the rotunda will be floored with tiling. The building will be surmounted by a large dome and the skylight in this will light the rotunda. The building will also be well lighted in other ways. There will be six large windows in front of the building and six to the rear with two at each end. The general reading room will be at the north end and the children’s reading room at the south end and they will be conveniently arranged and well lighted and ventilated. The stack room will be at the east end of the building, directly back of the librarian’s distributing desk, and it will have a capacity of 10,000 volumes. The general plan on the interior will throw all the rooms under the supervision of the librarian, and will be open. Besides these rooms on the main floor, there will be the librarian’s room, toilet rooms, etc. A large chandelier will hang from the dome to light the building at night and there will be other convenient and well-arranged lights throughout the room, with mirror reflectors.

The basement will also be a convenient part of the building. There will be a large side entrance and the plan will include a large lecture room, a book elevator, a work room, a cloak room and boiler and fuel rooms. This is the general plan of the building. The architect will at once prepare the specifications and bids will be advertised and it is hoped that work will commence this fall. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 August 1903, p. 2, c. 4)


LIBRARY BOARD TO MEET TONIGHT

_____


Specifications for the New Library

Building have Arrived from

the Architect.

_____


WILL ADVERTISE FOR BIDS

_____


Arrangements will be Made at the

Meeting Tonight to Proceed

to Erect Building


There will be a meeting tonight of the Brainerd public library board. President Cohen has sent word to the members of the board that the specifications for the proposed new Carnegie library have arrived and that the plan of advertising for bids for the construction of the building will be discussed tonight.

The plans submitted by R. D. Church, of Minneapolis, were the ones accepted by the board at a previous meeting, and it is from him that the specifications come.

It is planned to advertise for bids at once and commence work in a short time so that the building will be enclosed before winter. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 September 1903, p. 2, c. 4)


SPECIFICATIONS WERE CHANGED

_____


And Have to be Forwarded Again to the

Architect for His Approval—Meeting

of Library Board


Last night there was a meeting of the Brainerd Public Library board, when the plans of the new Carnegie library came up for consideration. They were discussed until nearly 11 o'clock and some changes were made, so that it will be necessary to send them back to Minneapolis for the approval of Architect Church.

This will take some little time and it is not thought that the board will be ready to advertise for bids for some days yet. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 September 1903, p. 3, c. 4)


Proposals for Construction


The Brainerd Public Library board will receive sealed proposals for the construction of the new Carnegie library building until 8 p. m., Oct. 1st, at which time the bids will be opened. Plans and specifications may be seen at the office of the city clerk, Brainerd, and full instructions had as to form of proposals. All proposals must be accompanied by a certified check for five hundred dollars (500.00) as evidence of good faith.

The board reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals.

A. F. GROVES,

Sec. Pro Tem.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 September 1903, p. 3, c. 1)


BOARD MEETING TONIGHT

_____


The Library Board Will Meet and the

Bids for New Brainerd Public

Library will be Opened


There will be a meeting tonight of the Brainerd Public Library board when the bids for the new building will be opened. Architect Church, of Minneapolis, who prepared the plans, will be present at the meeting tonight.

It is understood that there are a number of outside contractors present who expect to bid on the work and the meeting tonight is expected to be a very interesting one. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 October 1903, p. 2, c. 4)


C. B. ROWLEY GETS LIBRARY CONTRACT

_____


Will Build the New Carnegie Pub-

lic Library for the Sum

of $11,400

_____


THERE WERE SIX BIDDERS

_____


Local Men Bid Very Close, A. Ever-

ett’s Being but $48 More

than Rowley’s


There was a meeting of the public library board last night in the library rooms over the N. P. depot and bids were opened for the new library, for which $12,000 has been donated by Andrew Carnegie. Architect Church, who prepared the plans for the building, was present to assist the board.

The bidding was very close so far as the local contractors were concerned, two of the bidders being only $48 apart.

Contractor C. B. Rowley was the successful bidder, his bid of $11,400 being the lowest.

The bids were six in number, two being Minneapolis firms, J. L. Norrell & Son and J. & A. W. Elliott.

The following were the bids:

C. B. Rowley—$11,400.00

A. Everett—$11,448.00

George Kreatz—$11,937.00

J. L. Norrell & Son—$14,926.00

J. & A. W. Elliott—$12,098.00

Martin & Nelson—$13,226.00

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 October 1903, p. 5, c. 3)


BROKE GROUND FOR LIBRARY

_____


Contractor Rowley Starts Work on the

New $12,000 Library to be

Built in Brainerd


This morning Contractor C. B. Rowley started work on the new Carnegie public library which will be located on Main street. The ground was broken and work was commenced on the excavation. Mr. Rowley will push the work as rapidly as possible and expects to have the building enclosed by winter. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 October 1903, p. 2, c. 6)


PROGRESSING SATISFACTORILY

_____


Encouraging Reports of Work on the New

Public Library Building Made Last

Night at Library Meeting


There was a meeting of the library board last nigh in the rooms over the N. P. depot. Some very encouraging reports of the work on the new library building were heard, but nothing of importance developed at the meeting. The foundation for the new building is about completed and work will commence in a few days on the superstructure. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 November 1903, p. 3, c. 1)


WORK ON LIBRARY IS ABANDONED

_____


It Has Been Decided that It Will

Not be Wise to Continue the

Work at Present

_____


ON ACCOUNT OF COLD WEATHER

_____


Meeting of Library Board Held

Last Night and Architect

Church was Present


Last night there was a meeting of the Brainerd Public Library board, and Architect Church, of Minneapolis, who prepared the plans for the proposed new building, was present.

The most important question to be considered by the board was that of abandoning the work on the building until spring, as it is thought that the weather is not conducive to the best results in laying brick at this time of the year. Technical and practical information was obtained from Mr. Church on the matter and it was finally decided to leave the question to the building committee with power to act.

This committee met this morning with Architect Church and after due consideration it was thought wise and feasible to abandon further work on the new building until spring. No date was set, but in all probability it will be the first of April before work will again be resumed. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 December 1903, p. 5, c. 3)


FIRST INSTALLMENT RECEIVED

_____


$3,000 Received from Andrew Carnegie

by the Brainerd Public Library

Board this Morning


This morning the first installment of the $12,000 donated by Andrew Carnegie to build the public library in this city was received by the Brainerd Public Library board. The check was for $3,000, and it begins to look now like business and the members of the board feel more at home in ordering the work done, etc. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 January 1904, p. 2, c. 4)


HITCH IN LIBRARY PROCEEDINGS

_____


Meeting of the Library Board

Held Last Night to Meet

Architect Church

_____


CLAIM THERE IS DEFECT IN WALL

_____


And the Work Will Have to be

Done Over Again—Another

Meeting Tonight


Carnegie Public Library, ca. 1910. A 900x567 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Postcard
New steps were created for the main entrance, 1940. A 900x683 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

There was a meeting of the Brainerd Public Library board last night in the library rooms and it had to do with a very important matter which has come up in connection with the erection of the new Carnegie library in this city. It seems that the foundation which was partially put in last fall, is not, according to the beliefs of some of the members of the board in accordance with the specifications. These facts got to the ear of Architect Church, of Minneapolis, who drew the plans and he was here yesterday and was present at the meeting last night. The building committee, Architect Church and several stone masons, together with Contractor Rowley, met at the library site this morning and went over the work.

The result of this investigation will not be known until the building committee meets with the full board this evening. Architect Church stated that he would have a statement to give out to the public in a few days, but had nothing to say for publication today. Contractor Rowley is also interested to see the matter righted and will be present at the meeting tonight. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 May 1904, p. 3, c. 3)


NOTE: In 1940, a new front entrance was created for the library. The exterior of the old entrance was entirely changed eliminating the previous hazards of a short top step at the door and steep steps with no railing. The sloping sidewalk from the building to the main sidewalk was leveled.


LIBRARY WALLS MUST COME DOWN

_____


So Decides the Library Board at

Its Meeting Held Last Night

In Library Rooms

_____


ARCHITECT CHURCH STOOD PAT

_____


And is Said to Have Refused to

Accept the Opinion of Any-

one In the Matter.


There was an important meeting of the Brainerd Public Library board last night in the rooms in the N. P. building which had to do with the settlement of the question as to whether or not the foundation and walls thus far constructed in the new Carnegie Library building are to stand. A meeting was held the night before and the building committee was authorized to investigate the walls and foundation with Architect Church and report at the meeting last night. This committee did make its report and they also conveyed the opinion of Architect Church on the matter to the full board.

It seems that some members of the committee, after the report of one of two expert masons, decided that the wall was all right but the opinion of Architect Church was quite the reverse.

After the matter was laid before the full board, a vote was taken and it was decided that the walls would all have to come down and be constructed over again.

Contractor Rowley will therefore make the necessary arrangements and the work will doubtless be pushed to completion as rapidly as possible from now on. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 May 1904, p. 3, c. 4)


WORK RUSHING ON LIBRARY

_____


Contractor Rowley Complying with

the Action of the Board in Matter of

Improving the Foundation


The work on the new Carnegie public library is being pushed now as rapidly as possible. Contractor Rowley is making the necessary changes in the foundation and wall and states that he will keep men right on the job now until the building is completed. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 May 1904, p. 2, c. 3)


The present library was built in 1905 [sic] at a cost of $12,000. Andrew Carnegie donated the building; the city pays for its maintenance. The library is a valuable adjunct to the public school work in the city. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 34)


Late in the fall of 1908 a new City Charter was adopted and a Library Board was prescribed. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 85)


On 04 May 1908 Mayor Ousdahl appointed six men and three women to the new Library Board. Cohen was not one of them, but his sister-in-law Mrs. C. M. Patek, a highly cultured woman and a leader in many literary activities, was one of the three women. She continued as secretary for a long time and performed with the same enthusiasm and diligence that Cohen had always displayed. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 85)


LIBRARY STATEMENT

_____


Monthly Report of Public Library

Shows Increasing Interest

in its Use


The monthly report of the Brainerd Public library shows 64 new borrowers, a gratifying increase. There were a total of 1451 books and 112 magazines loaned during February, and 401 visited the reading rooms. The following is the report:

No. vol. fiction loaned adults—725

No. vol. non-fiction loaned adults—357

Total—1082

No. vol. fiction loaned to children—85

No. vol. non-fiction loaned to children—284

Total—369

Total books loaned for home use—1451

Magazines—112

No. cards issued to new borrowers, adults—21

No. cards issued to new borrowers, children—43

Total—64

Readers in reading room, adults—163

Readers in reading room, children—238

Total No. of readers—401

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 March 1910, p. 3, c. 3)


LIBRARY BOARD MEETING

_____


Regular Monthly Meeting of the

Board Held Last Monday

Evening


The Library Board held its regular meeting, Monday evening, April 25. After allowing bills to the amount of $108.18, the matter of allowing the Children’s story hour, and the Ladies’ Musical Club to plant trees, was reconsidered and carried that two undesirable trees be taken from the boulevard and they be allowed to plant two trees in their place.

Applications for librarian were read and balloted on. Mrs. Lillian [sic] [Lilla] Follett receiving the majority of the votes was declared elected. A report from the ladies who have charge of the Children’s story hour every Saturday afternoon at the library, was read and placed on file.

Mr. Peters, of the Kimball Piano Co., very kindly offered the ladies the use of a piano which the board allowed to be placed in the assembly room, and will be of great assistance to the ladies in entertaining the children. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 April 1910, p. 3, c. 3)


Library Notes


In order to economize on lights the library board has instructed the librarian to lock the door promptly at nine o’clock. Those inside will be waited on but no one will be admitted after nine o’clock.

The ladies and children of the story hour, will observe Arbor day this afternoon at 2:30 on the library grounds. The program consists of recitations by the children, a talk from Prof. Cobb, and planting of a tree.

The Musical Club also planted a tree on the library grounds in honor of Arbor day. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 April 1910, p. 2, c. 4)


PRESENT CONGDON ETCHING TO CITY

_____


Friends of Thomas R. Congdon. Not-

ed Artist and Former Citizen

of Brainerd

_____


THEY PURCHASED “PONT NUEF”

_____


List of Donors Who Gave Same to

City to be Hung in the Public

Library Rooms


Friends of Thomas R. Congdon, former citizen of Brainerd and now a noted artist, have purchased one of his etchings entitled “The Pont Nuef” and have presented the same suitably framed, to the city of Brainerd to be hung on the walls of the public library.

The list of donors includes these names:

Geo. D. LaBar.

F. A. Farrar.

C. D. Johnson.

Henry I. Cohen.

Geo. Phil. Sheridan.

Walter Courtney.

R. J. Hartley.

A. J. Halsted.

W. H. Manor.

N. H. Ingersoll.

F. W. Wieland.

D. M. Clark.

Alderman & Clark.

A. G. Trommald.

W. H. Gemmell.

Fred S. Parker.

J. M. Elder.

E. O. Webb.

Mrs. C. D. Johnson.

J. A. Thabes.

W. A. Spencer.

J. A. McColl.

W. A. Fleming.

W. A. M. Johnstone.

A. Mahlum.

A. L. Hoffman.

Mons Mahlum.

H. W. Congdon.

C. H. Paine.

J. W. Koop.

W. S. McClenahan.

J. T. Sanborn.

S. R. Adair.

D. E. Whitney.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 October 1915, p. 5, c. 3)


The city acting as a whole could well afford to establish a new public library as a memorial to the Brainerd men who participated in the Bataan Death March during World War II. A library has the advantage that it is already provided for by charter and taxation. One need only expand on this. The present library has now 17,000 volumes, which is a credit to Brainerd, but is too large a stock of books for so small a building. The ever-increasing demand for superior books is so high, particularly during the vacation season when summer visitors abound, that a larger and more commodious building should be provided. It is bound to come some day; but it would be a marvelous memorial of high intellectual value. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 174)


NOTE: National Register of Historic Places, added 1980; classical revival style of granite and brick. The front of the building features a portico with four columns supporting a pedimented gable.


03 April 1984. The first major step to replace Brainerd’s 80-year-old library was taken at the city council meeting where aldermen approved an option to buy adjoining lots at 5th and Norwood Streets. Alderman Don O’Brien thought the acquisition cost of the land was too high. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 03 April 2014)


19 June 1984. Brainerd citizens will get a chance to vote on plans for a new $1.7 million library after action taken by the Brainerd City Council. Approval of the referendum will put the matter on the Sept. 11 ballot. A new building would replace the 1904 [sic] Carnegie library. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 19 June 2014)


01 September 1984. The election coming up on Sept. 11 has a “candidate” that can’t speak for itself—the library. Voters will decide whether to bond $1.7 million for a new building. Library board member John Erickson says, “The building we’re in right now is from the horse and buggy era.” (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 01 September 2014)


17 June 1985. (Photo) John Erickson and Janet Moran, members of the Brainerd Public Library Board, participated in ground-breaking ceremonies at the site of Brainerd’s new $1.7 million library. The facility is scheduled to be completed by next summer. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 17 June 2015)


SEE: Cohen (Henry I.) Dry Goods Store


CASS COUNTY COURTHOUSE

Cass County Courthouse located in West Brainerd, 1875.
Source: Engraving, Halsted Map 1875

Cass County was created by an act of the Legislature on May 1, 1851. It originally included the portion of modern-day Crow Wing County west of the Mississippi (including the city of West Brainerd consisting of 35 residents in the 1880 census). It was first organized in 1872, with the county seat located in West Brainerd in a building that was used as a courthouse. It remained attached to Crow Wing County for administrative purposes. The organization was abandoned in 1876 and Cass County was not reorganized until 1897, with Walker as the county seat. The portion of Crow Wing County west of the river was annexed from Cass County by an act of the Legislature on February 18, 1887, nearly doubling the size of Crow Wing County.


ANOTHER COUNTY HEARD FROM.


On Wednesday, July 3d Geo. A. Morrison, Geo. N. Bardwell, and Chas. Ahrens, in pursuance of instructions from Governor Austin and commissioned in due form from the State department, proceeded to organize a new county on the west bank of the Mississippi opposite Brainerd. The name of the county is Cass; its metes and bounds we do not know, but presume it takes in about 50 miles square, and we know that it embraces our favorite fishing ground, Gilbert Lake. The only knowledge we have is of a record character. Dr. A. Barnard was appointed Register of Deeds; Chas. A. Ruffy [sic] [Ruffee], Auditor; Richard Ahrens, Treasurer; Frank F. Keating, Coroner; C. T. Moore, Sheriff. The county is now fully fledged and officered so as to do any business which the settlers may need, and make such records as the forms of law require to be made for the security of land holders. To make matters “more binding” the commissioners appointed our talented townsman, Mr. T. F. Knappen, County Attorney, and all matters of question relative to Cass county and its inhabitants must be brought to his office. He is in every way competent and trustworthy, and the new county, in depending on him for legal guidance “cannot materially err.” (Brainerd Tribune, 06 July 1872, p. 4, c. 1)


THAT COURT HOUSE.—We called on our Cass county neighbors the other day, and for the first time had the pleasure of looking through the Cass county Court House, that came so near (?) being the Crow Wing county capitol. The building is a much more imposing, substantial and commodious structure than we expected to see. It is 38x40 besides a good basement for a jail—and two stories high. The lower story has a hall running from front to rear, and upon either side thereof are the office rooms for the various county officers—Auditor, Clerk, Sheriff, Treasurer, etc. These rooms are very commodious, lighted by large, cheerful windows, and everything seems to have been built with a view to being not only uncommonly convenient, but substantial. The building is all enclosed, the floors all laid, and two of the offices plastered and are occupied by Mr. Stauff, Auditor of the county, and Mr. Fernold, Deputy Auditor—who, by the way, have a pleasant cottage home a short distance off, in a romantic little grove of pines. Reaching the rear end of the hall-way, you ascend an easy flight of stairs to the large court room above, which when finished will almost exactly correspond with the St. Cloud court room hall, only the Cass county court room will be provided with two jury rooms in addition. There are no posts or supports of any kind in the room, the ceiling being supported by immense bents and iron rods from from the ceiling to the frame above. There is on hand in the building all, or nearly all, the material necessary to complete the structure; such as glass, hardware, paints, lime, hair, finishing lumber, mouldings, banisters, etc., so that very little more expense will complete the building, when it will be an ornament to West Brainerd, and an honor to the county. Although surprised at finding so fine appearing and well built structure, (and we also indulged in a few jealous feelings, but on behalf of Crow Wing county as it was and is) we were still more surprised at learning the cost of the building thus far, (including the material on hand for its completion) which has been only $4,008.00. This, if we can judge at all, is the best building, in proportion to the cost, that has ever been put up on the Northern Pacific. And so far from deserving censure from any source for extravagance, the Cass county officials merit the greatest praise for their economy and good management, so far as the court house item is concerned, at least. For they have certainly managed to get up a splendid court house at a VERY REASONABLE COST, which is quite contrary to the rules that govern the construction of public buildings generally. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 March 1874, p. 1, c. 3)


NOTE: This building was located in Block D on the 1894 Brainerd plat map, putting it in the area currently known as Tyrol Hills in West Brainerd.


A gentleman by the name of Wright [sic] from Toronto, Canada, has rented Chas. Ahrens' building, formerly the Cass county court house, and will immediately put in a plant for the manufactory of lumbermen’s implements of all descriptions. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 May 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


The work of putting the Ahrens' building, on the west side, in shape for the reception of the machinery to be used by P. & E. Waite in their new factory is being rapidly pushed. The gentlemen expect to open for business June first. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 May 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


A meeting will be held this evening at Keene & McFadden’s office to discuss matters in relation to getting the manufacturing concern of P. & E. Waite moved to this side of the river. The institution manufactures all kinds of lumbermen’s implements, sleds, etc. Snow plows for logging firms are also made. It is hoped a large attendance will respond. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 February 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


On Friday evening last a meeting of the business men was held at Keene & McFadden’s office for the purpose of considering the project of removing the manufacturing concern of P. and E. Waite to this side of the river, and to take under advisement the formation of a stock company. The company manufactures logging sleds and all kinds of tools and implements used by lumbermen, besides snow plows, the patentee of the latter machine, Mr. Brazil, of Sheboygan, being present at the meeting. While no final conclusions were arrived at, it is understood that an effort will be made to secure subscribers sufficient to put in a plant of from $5,000 to $10,000, the gentlemen already interested signifying their willingness to take a majority of the stock. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 February 1894, p. 4, c. 4)


Fire animation On November 26, 1894, the old Cass County Courthouse burned. At the time, it was owned by Charles Ahrens and was occupied by a company that manufactured lumbermen’s supplies such as logging sleds, tote sleds, snow plows, cant hooks, etc.


SEE: 1894 Cass County Courthouse Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


CEMENT BLOCK DUPLEX HOUSES

Three of these houses are located on the east side of North Sixth Street in the first block north of Gregory Park. The fourth house is located on the southwest side of Grove Street between North Sixth and North Seventh Streets.


These four duplex residences were built in 1912 by the Ritari Brothers for William Graham, ca. 1916.
Source: Postcard
Ritari Brothers ad touting the virtues of cement block houses, 08 April 1912.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Ritari Brothers have secured the contract to build a cement block residence for William Graham on North Sixth street near the park. It will be two stories in height measuring 26x30 feet and work will be commenced at once. A full basement will give ample room for the heating plant and many other conveniences. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 December 1911, p. 2, c. 5)


Ritari Bros. are making cement blocks for the Wm. Graham residence which they contracted to build this spring on North Sixth street. In addition to this they have taken contracts to build three more cement block houses for Mr. Graham. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 February 1912, p. 2, c. 3)


Ritari Brothers have about completed a cement block residence built for William Graham on North Sixth street near Gregory park. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 March 1912, p. 4, c. 1)


Ritari Brothers are erecting four cement block residences, double-houses, for William Graham on Sixth street near Ivy [sic] [on Grove]. The houses are two and one-half stories in height and measure 32x34 feet. One fronts on Grove street and three on Sixth street, and they offer homes for eight families. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 March 1912, p. 2, c. 3)


The Ritari Brothers are furnishing cement blocks for the construction of eight garages at the four duplex houses erected by William Graham north of Gregory park. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 July 1912, p. 2, c. 5)


Dr. C. G. Nordin has removed from the Phillips block to 622 North Sixth Street, one of the new houses recently erected by Wm. Graham. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 October 1912, p. 2, c. 3)


On account of some unfinished work in the construction of the four double cement houses on north 6th street, I have decided to reduce the rent from $25 to $20 per month. Wm. Graham.—Advt. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 October 1912, p. 2, c. 3)


FOR RENT—The last two cement houses are now ready on North 6th street. Strictly modern. $20.00 per month. Wm. Graham. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 November 1912, p. 2, c. 5)


CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH

11 April 1905. The Christian Scientists of this city are to erect a new church on the lots which they bought recently of Mrs. C. Grandelmyer on the corner of Eighth and Kingwood Streets North. It will be one of the prettiest churches in the city. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 11 April 2005)


SCIENTIST CHURCH TO BE BUILT SOON

_____


Beautiful Structure to be Erected at

Church Site on Corner of Broad-

way and Kingwood

_____


H. E. DINGMAN IS ARCHITECT

_____


Church Will Measure 44 by 48 and

Size of Lot is 50 by 140 Feet—

Impressive Design


The Christian Science congregation of Brainerd has asked for bids to construct their church. The site, secured some time ago, is on the southeast corner of Broadway and Kingwood and measures 50 by 140 feet.

The church structure will measure according to the plans drawn by H. E. Dingman of Little Falls, 44 by 48 feet and will be 23 feet high. Using auditorium, reading room, etc., the total seating capacity will be 250. The church is so designed that an extra story or other additions may be added without destroying the symmetry of the structure.

The auditorium will measure 24 by 37 feet with a seating capacity of 140. The visiting room will measure 14 by 44 feet. The gallery reading room over the visiting room will measure 14 by 44 feet. Doric columns of beautiful design run between visiting room and auditorium.

The north elevation facing Kingwood street reveals a columned entrance flanked by two large art glass windows. Two columns are based on the main floor and five on the second floor.

The walls will be cased with metal lath on which will be applied “Kellastone,” a patented imperishable stucco. The grounds will be terraced at the front entrance and flower beds will add to the beauty of the grounds.

_____


Notice to Building Contractors

Bids asked for the construction and completion of Christian Science church in the City of Brainerd.

Tenders to be received on or before Wednesday, 2:00 P. M., June 23.

Plans and specifications may be had from Mrs. Carl Adams, 304 Kingwood street, Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 June 1921, p. 5, c. 2)


This church is currently located on the northeast corner of Fifth and Kingwood Streets; the lot was purchased in 1923.


Woman Convicted of Embezzlement of Church Funds


The original Christian Scientist Church located on the southeast corner of North Fifth and Kingwood Streets, ca. Unknown. A 3030x1721 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Carl Faust, Postcard
Former Christian Science Church at the corner of Fifth and Kingwood Streets, 2014.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch, 21 December 2014, Kelly Humphrey

A woman who was a third-generation member of the Christian Science Church in Brainerd is in jail for embezzling money from the congregation.

Theresa Marie Barrett, 48, is serving a 15-day sentence in the Crow Wing County Jail and was ordered to pay $79,966.92 in restitution and court costs after pleading guilty to theft-divert corporate property, a felony offense. Barrett's known address was listed as a Brainerd Post Office box in the court documents. The criminal complaint said she diverted corporate property other than in accordance with general business purposes or for purposes other than those specified in the church's articles of incorporation with intent to defraud. According to the documents, the felony crime took place on or about May 15, 2011, and continuing through Nov. 14, 2013.

The embezzlement, according to Joan Hallada of Crosby, the church board president, forced the congregation to sell the Kingwood Street church it had called home for 80 years.

"We thought we were in OK financial shape," she said in a phone interview Tuesday. "We had investments set aside from people who had passed on and left this money and it was to keep the church going many years."

At one point church officials learned of church checks that had bounced, Hallada said.

"We were kind of flabbergasted," Hallada said.

A church meeting was called to conduct a financial report and Barrett, who was a paid clerk, removed the computer from the church, said Hallada. Thinking the church was not receiving enough funds, Hallada said she and other members increased the amount they were donating. In 2013, church members decided they could no longer afford to keep the building and sold it to Truth Lutheran Church—still not realizing their money was being misused. When they moved out of the Kingwood Street church, Hallada said Barrett removed the financial files. Other members, she said, discovered a document that indicated the church had had about $250,000 with an investment company five years earlier.

Barrett had been a third generation member of the church, a paid clerk for the church and had served as second reader, helping to conduct services.

"We had no reason not to trust her," Hallada said. "We were small but we had a huge bank account."

Six other counts of theft-take/use/transfer movable property without consent that had been in the criminal complaint were dismissed.

The Christian Science Church in Brainerd has somewhere between four and six members, according to the church board president. In past years the church has shut down in the winter months because some members move to locations in the southern United States. Although the church no longer has a building of its own, Hallada said the plan is for the congregation to meet in the Crosby area by summer time.

The payment schedule calls for Barrett to repay the church $300 per month.

Barrett's attorney, George Wetzel said he felt bad for everyone involved in the case, but noted his responsibility was to provide the best defense he could for his client.

"I think there's no winners in any of these types of things," Wetzel said.

He said the church lost money and his defendant is in jail.

"She (Barrett) took ownership of the crime," he said. "She pled guilty. She expressed remorse. She'll probably spend the rest of her life paying it back."

Assistant Crow Wing County Attorney Candace Prigge prosecuted the case.

Asked for comment on the case Crow Wing County Attorney Don Ryan said "I think the assistant county attorney who handled this case did a very good job."

The terms of the sentencing were pronounced Dec. 18. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 December 2014, p. 1)


CITIZENS STATE BANK (MAP #32)

Fire animation On January 22, 1907, a fire wiped out the Reilly block containing the Reilly drygoods and hardware store, M. J. Reis dry goods store, Brockway & Parker, grocers and the Citizens State Bank building. Losses amounted to about $80,000.


SEE: 1907 Reilly Block Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


CITIZENS STATE BANK


L. M. DePue, Cashier, Citizens State Bank, 26 May 1908.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch
Martin T. Dunn, President, Citizens State Bank, 16 June 1908.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch
Henry Ousdahl, Bookkeeper, Citizens State Bank, 26 May 1907.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

The Citizens State bank commenced business under this name October 10, 1906, being a reorganization of the Northern Pacific bank, of this city and taking over the building, business, etc., of that institution. Its capital stock is $25,000 and in a little over two years it has accumulated undivided earnings of $7,731.48 according to its last statement, notwithstanding it had the misfortune to lose its home by fire in January 1907. It is at present located in the Fitger building at the corner of Broadway and Laurel streets, but will shortly commence the construction of a fine business home of its own at the corner of Seventh and Laurel streets, just a block from its present location and a block from the site of the burned structure.

The president of this institution is M. T. Dunn. Mr. Dunn began his banking experience in the Citizens State bank of Kenyon, Minn., of which he is still a stockholder. From there he went to the LeRoy State bank, from which he was called to Brainerd in 1905 to take charge of the affairs of the Northern Pacific, in the hands of the state bank examiner. By his energy, foresight and hard work he put that bank on its feet in good shape and then reorganized it as the Citizens State bank, since which time it has had a very profitable career, barring the loss of its building by fire. Mr. Dunn is also interested in the First National bank of McClusky, N. D., and the Denhoff State bank, of Denhoff, N. D.

L. M. DePue, cashier, came to the bank from the International Harvester company, and is a first-class businessman in every respect.

Henry Ousdahl, a Brainerd young man of promise, is bookkeeper. The board of directors is a strong one, comprising some of Brainerd’s most able and conservative businessmen. One of the heaviest stockholders is C. N. Parker, senior member of the firm of Parker & Topping, proprietors of the Northern Pacific foundry in this city, a capitalist of large means and a keen businessman. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 May 1908, p. 3, c.’s 2 & 3)


SEE: Brainerd State Bank / Security State Bank


CITIZENS STATE BANK


Citizens State Bank in the Parker Block, ca. 1910.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 3, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher, Brainerd Tribune

Banks are recognized everywhere as one of the most potent factors in the upbuilding of a city. Brainerd has been greatly benefited by the progressive management of the Citizens State Bank, one of the financially strong institutions of its kind serving the interest of this city and contiguous territory, the management of the Citizens State Bank of Brainerd has always maintained a liberal position, yet painstakingly protecting the interests of the depositors in all instances and the unquestioned stability of the bank being ever kept in mind, and excellent judgement used in the management of its affairs. This being the case, it is not then surprising that the deposits should increase from $60,000 to over $350,000 in a little less than three and one-half years.

Every facility offered by the largest banks in the leading cities of this country are furnished, and all having dealings with this institution are assured of courteous treatment and attention under all circumstances.

Citizens State Banks, both of the buildings shown here were, at one time, the home of the Citizens State Bank. The building on the left was known as the Brainerd State Bank when it was built in 1923, the building on the right is the Parker Block, the two buildings are at the southwest and northwest corners of 7th and Laurel, ca. 1923.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The bank statement on June 30th, 1910, shows the capital stock amounts to $25,000; surplus, $1,000; undivided profits, net, $11,062.06; total deposits, $239,738.48; resources, total, $366,800.54.

The officers and directors are as follows: M. T. Dunn, president; C. N. Parker, vice president; L. M. DePue, cashier, and C. N. Parker, H. Ribbel, J. A. Thabes, J. W. Koop, M. T. Dunn, L. M. DePue, directors.

The Citizens State Bank was organized in 1906, taking over the charter fixtures and business of the old N. P. Bank of this city.

M. T. Dunn, the president and active head of the Citizens State Bank, came to Brainerd in 1905 from Le Roy, Minn., where he was in the banking business for five years. The above illustration will give an idea of the modern fixtures, equipment and conveniences of the bank. They now occupy quarters in the Citizens State Bank building on the corner of Laurel and Seventh streets, built by the Parker-Dunn corporation. (Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 5, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher)


Fire animation On December 16, 1914 a fire believed to have started from a defective furnace completely destroyed the E. C. Bane block and damaged the C. M. Patek building and the Citizens State Bank buildings. The Journal Press newspaper lost everything.


SEE: 1914 Bane Block Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


DISPOSES OF INTERESTS

_____


F. H. Simpson Sells His Stock in Cit-

izens State Bank to Mrs.

M. T. Dunn


F. H. Simpson has disposed of his interest in the Citizens State bank, having resold his stock to Mrs. M. T. Dunn, and has resigned as vice-president of the bank, the resignation being effective on June 2nd.

Mr. Simpson has made friends innumerable during his residence in the city, all of whom hope he will continue in business here. As a bank executive he has been public spirited and energetic, in him the farmer found a true friend, the bank having gained a large number of farmer clients during his term. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 June 1920, p. 5, c. 2)


Asle G. Trommald, President, Citizens State Bank, ca. 1920.
Source: Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan

After the death of M. T. Dunn in 1915, the vice president, A. G. Trommald is elected president of the Citizens State bank and in November 1920 he purchases the Dunn holdings in association with Mons Mahlum, Edgar P. Slipp, Theodore H. Schaefer, M. E. Ryan and R. J. Tinkelpaugh. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 103 and Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 56)


OTTO BREMER VISITS BRAINERD

_____


Influential Banker and Capitalist is

Vice President of Citizens

State Bank

_____


PLEASED WITH STATEMENT

_____


Explains Why He Has Invested in a

Large Number of Carefully

Selected Banks


Otto Bremer, of St. Paul, one of the most influential bankers and capitalists of the Northwest, was in the city today and was quite pleased with the statement of the Citizens State bank of Brainerd, in which bank he is a vice president and director.

The local bank statement, as published in the Brainerd Dispatch last evening showed total assets of $991,655.91. The amount of cash reserve carried is three times that required by law, the exact figures being amount of reserve on hand $214,428.76 and amount of reserve required by law, $71,690.03, while the total liquid reserve is $650,160.41.


[...]

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 November 1926, p. 3, c.’s 1 & 2)


CHANGE IN BANK CIRCLES OF CITY

_____


Commercial State Bank Sells Its

Assets to Citizens

State Bank

_____


EFFECTIVE ON SATURDAY

_____


Statements Made by A. S. Peterson

and A. G. Trom-

mald


The Citizens Sate bank of Brainerd has purchased the assets of the Commercial State bank of Brainerd, negotiations to that effect having been completed late Saturday. The Commercial State bank safely deposit boxes have also been transferred to the Citizens State bank, where such patrons can have access during banking hours.

A. S. Peterson, president of the commercial State bank, when interviewed by a representative of the Dispatch this morning, said:

“The Commercial State bank of Brainerd has sold its assets to the Citizens State bank, the transaction having been closed Saturday. Our institution was sound in every way and we are grateful to the people of Brainerd and the surrounding territory for the confidence they have reposed in us.

“The opportunity presented itself where we could dispose of our assets to the advantage of our customers and we accepted it. We are greatly pleased to be able to turn the business over to an institution with the large resources the Citizens State bank has and we trust our friends will continue business with that bank.”

A. G. Trommald, chairman of the board of Citizens State bank, when called up by a Dispatch representative, said:

“There is but little for me to say. We simply saw an opportunity to enlarge our business and took it. The Commercial State bank was strictly sound and enjoyed the confidence of its customers, whom we hope will continue business with us and who will receive our every consideration and effort to advance their interests.

“The public, as well as the banking interests of Brainerd, regret to lose A. S. Peterson and C. V. Hedeen, president and cashier respectively of the Commercial State bank, who so efficiently managed that institution.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 May 1927, p. 3, c. 1)


CITIZENS STATE BANK BUYS BANK BUILDING

_____


Acquires the Brainerd State Bank

Structure, Takes Pos-

session June 1

_____


LARGER QUARTERS NEEDED

_____


Citizens State Bank Last Statement

Showed $1,000,000

Business


J. H. Kinney, Special Deputy Examiner of the Brainerd State bank, announced today the Citizens State bank has purchased the Brainerd State bank building. No statement was made as to the purchase price, but it is believed the Citizens State bank acquired the handsome and modern bank building at a very reasonable figure. Possession will be taken June 1.

In the meantime alterations will be made, and decorating done to have the new bank quarters in shape for occupancy next month.

The acquisition of the new building on the part of the Citizens State bank comes closely upon their purchase of the Commercial State bank assets. The last statement of the Citizens State bank, as of April 25, shows a $1,000,000 business.

The increase in business as generally noted by the Citizens State bank has made it absolutely necessary to secure larger business quarters. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 May 1927, p. 7, c. 1)


HOUSE WARMING OF FINE QUARTERS

_____


Citizens State Bank Celebrate Re-

moval to Spacious Quarters

Today

_____


HUNDREDS ATTEND

______


Large Banking Room Presented

Galaxy of Color; Many Send

Congratulations


The house warming at the Citizens State bank today in extensive and remodeled quarters in the building recently purchased was attended by hundreds of friends and depositors of the bank.

Otto Bremer, of St. Paul, vice president of the institution motored from St. Paul and arrived late last evening in order to be present at the house warming.

The large banking room was redolent with beautiful flowers, gladioli, daisies, carnations, American Beauty Roses, flamed from lovely baskets. The First National Bank of Brainerd sent a huge bouquet of American Beauty Roses and congratulations. The American National Bank of St. Paul and other banks sent greetings.

Lady visitors were given carnations and gentlemen, cigars.

The new banking room offers double the floor space and vault conveniences as well as four times as much room for safety deposits as in the former building. Banking fixtures and accommodations are of the latest model. The directors’ room which will also be used for the various farmer organizations is a very convenient addition and one appreciated by the friends of the bank. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 June 1927, p. 7, c. 5)


SEE: Brainerd State Bank / Security State Bank

SEE: Northern Pacific Bank

SEE: Parker Block


CITY HALL (MAP #66)

City Hall at the northeast corner of 5th and Laurel, ca. 1950.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The city is looking around for a site for a new city hall which is a very wise move. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 May 1893, p. 1, c. 3)


ONE DOLLAR PER MONTH.

_____


That is the Salary the Chief of Police

Will Draw From the City.


...On motion the chair appointed a special committee consisting of Aldermen Sanborn, McMurtry and Ferris for the purpose of looking up a suitable location for a new city hall. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 May 1893, p. 1, c. 4)


The City Council.


The city council met in regular session Monday evening.

The report of special committee on city hall location recommending that no further action be taken at present was read and accepted. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 August 1893, p. 4, c. 5)


NEW CITY HALL


The Council Considers the Matter of

Building a New City Building.


[...]


The matter of building a new city hall was discussed, the general sentiment of the aldermen being that a new city hall is a necessity. On motion of Alderman Fogelstrom a committee of five aldermen, one from each ward was appointed to look up a location and consider the matter. The chair appointed: 1st ward, Geo. Gardner, 2nd ward, F. A. Farrar, 3rd ward, Geo. Halladay, 4th ward, F. G. Fogelstrom, 5th ward, S. R. Adair.


[...]

(Brainerd Dispatch, 09 February 1900, p. 1, c. 2)


FOR A CITY HALL

_____


W. D. McKay Would Sell the City the

Columbian Block.

_____


A Proposition to that Effect to be

Made to the Council Monday

Night—a Statement by

Mr. McKay.

_____


W. D. McKay will submit a proposition to the city council at its next meeting on Monday night to sell to the city for a city hall the Columbian block on 6th street. His scheme is to have the city issue 4 per cent bonds to the amount of $40,000 to pay for the same, and in the following statement he figures the city could buy the property, and with the rentals from that portion not necessary for city purposes, could pay for the building and all the expense of maintaining it, including interest on the bonds, and not cost the tax payer a cent. His statement is as follows:

It has been the ambition of a great many citizens for some time past to build a city hall, and yet, though all admit it is a crying necessity, the matter has not received the enthusiastic support it otherwise would, owing to the rate of taxation now existing. It occurred to me that the city could own a much better building than they could consistently build at this time without the necessity of ever taxing the property of the citizens to pay for it, and with this end in view I submit the following statement in explanation:

Revenue now collected from portion of building not required for use of city, per annum—$3,862

Less cost of heating—$300

Insurance—$320

Repairs and incidental expenses—$150

Total Expenses—$770

Revenue—$3,862

Total Revenue—$3,092

Purchase price—$40,000

at 4 per cent per annum—$1,600

Balance—$1,492

This leaves a balance of $1,492 after paying interest on bonds, which, when placed into a sinking fund for twenty years at 4 per cent simple interest would equal $41,776, sufficient to pay bonds in full.

In figuring the available space for rent by the city I had set aside the following space for city purposes: A large fire hall 100 feet, court room, electric light room, two electric light storerooms, four offices for use of city officials, and two rooms for firemen, in addition to a front and rear basement, to be put to such use as the city might direct. Statement provides that bonds be placed at four per cent, and it seems to be the prevailing opinion that they can be placed at or below this figure. Sinking fund is also placed at this figure and I believe can be placed safely at a higher rate. Thus it can be seen that the city can own the Columbian block simply for financing the purchase, and when bonds are paid have over three thousand dollars per annum for all time to meet part of city expenses and thus reduce the rate of taxation permanently. I may further add that the proposition has been presented to a number of citizens and met with hearty approval. The location is unquestioned by all.

W. D. McKAY.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 01 March 1901, p. 4, c. 3)


PROCEEDINGS OF CITY COUNCIL.

_____


W. D. McKay Submits His Proposition

for a City Hall—a Committee

to Call a Mass Meeting

Appointed.

_____


Liquor License of Rofidal & Cushaw

Refused on Recommendation

of the Mayor.

_____



[...]


W. D. McKay appeared before the council and submitted his proposition to sell the city the Columbian block as a city hall, and had the statement published last week read by the city clerk. He also said he could substantiate the figures given in the statement published by actual leases, and suggested the calling of a mass meeting of citizens to consider the matter. Alderman Fogelstrom did not see what the council had to do with calling a mass meeting and suggested that Mr. McKay do so himself if he desired one. Alderman Wright thought on the surface the plan had merit, and moved a committee of one be appointed to confer with the mayor in regard to calling a meeting of citizens. Alderman Rowley moved an amendment to make the committee three, and Alderman Fogelstrom moved it be five, one from each ward. Mr. Wright accepted the amendment of Mr. Fogelstrom, and the motion carried, and the chair appointed the following gentlemen as members of said committee: Aldermen Rowley, Wright, Halladay, Fogelstrom and Doran.


[...]

(Brainerd Dispatch, 08 March 1901, p. 1, c.’s 3 & 4)


NO MASS MEETING

_____


Will be Called to Consider W. D. Mc-

Kay’s Proposition for a

City Hall

_____


A meeting of the special committee of the city council to consider the matter of calling a mass meeting of citizens to discus W. D. McKay’s proposition to sell the Columbian block to the city for a city hall was held on Monday night, Mayor Halsted being present. It soon developed that the committee was unanimous against taking such action, and a motion to that effect was carried without a dissenting vote. All present, however, deemed the building of a city hall at once a necessity, and the committee decided to recommend to the council that necessary legislation be secured at this session of the legislature to authorize the city council to provide funds by selling bonds for that purpose. No recommendation was made as to the amount needed. The mayor and city attorney were requested to draft a bill covering the point, to be presented at the next meeting of the council. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 March 1901, p. 4, c. 4)


BONDS FOR A NEW CITY HALL

_____


In the Sum of $20,000, Authorized by

the City Council.

_____


Mayor Halsted Appoints Mose Derocher

on the Police Force—Appoint-

ment Confirmed.

_____


The city council held a regular meeting on Monday evening, all the aldermen being present, as was also his honor the mayor. At the request of the latter an executive session was held to consider an important matter not yet ready for publication.

When the doors were opened the council proceeded to transact routine business.


[...]


The special committee appointed to confer with the mayor in regard to calling a mass meeting to consider W. D. McKay’s proposition for a city hall reported as published last week, and the report was accepted.

Alderman Wright then offered a motion that the mayor and city attorney be instructed to secure legislation to authorize the city to issue $20,000 in bonds to build a new city hall. The motion was passed without a dissenting vote.


[...]


A communication from the mayor appointing Mose Derocher as a police officer was read and the appointment confirmed, after which the council adjourned. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 March 1901, p. 2, c.’s 1 & 2)


...On motion of Alderman Fogelstrom, the bid of Murphy & Sherwood for putting in the hot air furnace in the city part of the new Park Opera House building, for $145 was accepted and the city attorney was instructed to draw up a contract. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 November 1901, p. 2, c. 2)


SEE: Columbian Block


DEAL CLOSED FOR A NEW TURBINE.

_____


City Council Thinks It Has Solved

the Lighting Question

at Last.

_____


REGULAR MEETING MONDAY.

_____


The Tax Levy for the Ensuing

Year is Fixed by Council

at $18,200.


The city council met in regular session Monday night for the first time in the new quarters of the Park Opera House building, with President Crust in the chair. The following Aldermen were present: Koop, Halladay, Gardner, Purdy, Rowley, Erickson, Fogelstrom, Doran and Wright.

The rooms which will be used in the new building as council chambers have not been completed so that the meeting Monday had to be held in the clerk’s office and with all the aldermen present and several others the room was rather crowded but this inconvenience will be remedied by the next meeting, as the new rooms will then be ready.


[...]


The committee to which was referred the matter of getting furnishing for the new city hall, presented a communication from L. Pauile [sic] & Co.,Minneapolis, offering to put in the judge’s desk and railing for $88. The proposition was accepted.


[...]

(Brainerd Dispatch, 22 November 1901, p. 3, c. 2)


COMMITTEES TAKE DEFINITE ACTION.

_____


Lon Everett Awarded the Con-

tract for Repairing the

Old Hose House.

_____


THERE WERE THREE BIDDERS.

_____


Special Committee Monday De-

cides on Furnishings for

New City Quarters.


[...]


The other gentlemen who met Monday was the special committee, consisting of Aldermen Rowley, Wright and Purdy, appointed to take action on the matter of procuring furniture for the new city hall in the new opera house building. It was decided at the meeting last night to put in some elaborate furnishings. The north room will be used for the judge’s chambers. An elevated platform will be erected the full width of the room. A fine desk will be bought for the municipal judge and also for the clerk in this room. Provision will be made for a jury and there will be a seating capacity for quite a large number who wish to attend court sessions. The kind of furniture for the council as well as the court and clerk’s office was decided upon and when the rooms are finished and the new furniture is installed the quarters will be as elaborate as anything of the kind in the northern part of the state.

City Clerk Low will probably move into the new quarters Friday or Saturday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 November 1901, p. 2, c. 3)


Some of the new furniture for the city council chambers has arrived an it will be installed [in the Park Opera House] in time for the meeting of that body on Saturday evening. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 December 1901, p. 8, c. 2)


The fixtures for the new municipal court rooms in the opera house building are expected to arrive this afternoon from the east. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 December 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


The new fixtures for the city hall and municipal court room have arrived and have been placed in position [in the Park Opera House]. The fixtures were ordered from the Frost’s Veneer Seating Co., of Minneapolis, and they are beauties. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 December 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


SEE: Park Opera House / Paramount Theatre


04 March 1913. The most important business transacted at the regular council session was the decision to purchase three lots on the northeast corner of 5th and Laurel Streets as a city hall site. The vote was 6-3, with one member absent. The Salvation Army hall is currently on one lot. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 04 March 2013)


12 March 1913. The Trades and Labor Assembly of the city, in a special meeting at the Labor Temple, voted to raise $50 to finance a fight against the proposed location of a city hall at the corner of Laurel and S. 5th Streets. At its last meeting, the council purchased 3 lots there. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 12 March 2013)


02 May 1913. A petition bearing almost 300 names has been filed with City Attorney Ryan and objecting to the city’s payment for the site purchased for a new city hall. The matter will be thrashed out by the city council. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 02 May 2013)


01 December 1913. The city council demonstrated last night that it stood in the first rank of the progressives, voting to put these items on the Jan. 4 ballot: Bond issue of $22,000 for a fill to replace the Northeast Brainerd bridge; bond $75,000 for a new city hall; build it at 5th and Laurel Streets. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 01 December 2013)


07 January 1914. The result of yesterday’s special election saw the proposed new charter defeated, but not by a large margin. The $22,000 bond for bridging the fill and $75,00 bond for a new city hall were both passed. The proposition to build the city hall at 5th and Laurel passed 550 to 529. This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 07 January 2014)


CITY HALL BONDS SELL AT PREMIUM

_____


Wells & Dickey Company, of Minneapolis, Take the $75,000 Issue

at $3,025 Premium

_____


CITY FINANCES THE BRIDGE FILL

_____


Six Local Bidders Take $7,500 and

Sinking Fund Commissioners

the Balance of Issue


From Wednesday’s Daily:—

Wells & Dickey company, of Minneapolis, who have been the best boosters of Brainerd in recent years, having bought two other issues of bonds made, last night bought the $75,000 city hall bonds at a premium of $3,025 after spirited bidding with the Harris Trust & Savings bank, of Chicago.

The $22,000 bridge fill bonds in the bidding, got the highest bid from the Wells & Dickey company, a premium of $375. The council rejected the bid and awarded it to the local bidders at par and accrued interest.

The selling of bonds witnessed the first entry of local individuals as bidders. The $22,000 bond issue is distributed among these buyers: Peter Larson $1,000, Charles Barrett $1,000, Mrs. Maggie McPherson $500, Mrs. Louise Congdon $500, the local Eagles lodge $2,500, Torger Peterson $2,000 and the sinking fund commissioners take the balance $14,500.

The city hall $75,000 issue bears interest at 5 per cent, payable semi-annually and the bonds mature in 20 years. Interest is payable at the First National bank of Minneapolis.

The bridge fill $22,000 issue bears interest at 5 per cent, payable semiannually, and the bonds mature in 10 years. Interest is payable at the city treasurer’s office in Brainerd.

All members of the council were present last night. On motion, it was decided to sell the bids at auction. The sealed bids were first opened.


[...]


Wells & Dickey thereupon offered $2,000 premium on the city hall bonds. Then followed a line of spirited bidding for the city hall bonds. The council chambers were filled with interested onlookers, the bond buyers themselves occupying half the room. In weight of financial interests the houses represented more money than had ever come to Brainerd in any time of its history.


[...]


In bidding on the $22,000 bridge fill bonds, Wells & Dickey made the premium $150, Minneapolis Trust Co. $200, Harris $220, Minneapolis Trust Co. $230, Wells & Dickey $250, Minneapolis Trust Co. $275, Wells & Dickey $300, the Minnesota Loan & Trust Co. first and only bid in the auction $350, Wells & Dickey $375.

The motion then carried to reject this bid and award the bonds to local parties.

The Wells & Dickey Co. offered to re-sell to local people, making the bonds 4 1/2 per cent. Frank Russell, of the Eagles lodge, said the local people bid because they thought they had a preference. Mayor Henning said the bids of local individuals should not be disregarded.

Other members of the council favored selling to the Wells & Dickey Co. for by so doing they would be passed on and made negotiable. The point was raised that if the sinking fund commissioners wished to sell these bonds, they would have to be passed on before being negotiable.


[...]

(Brainerd Dispatch, 13 February 1914, p. 1, c. 3)


On 02 March 1914 the Common Council issues $75,000 in bonds for a new City Hall and Fire Hall. The City Hall is built on the northeast corner of Laurel and Fifth Streets. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 123)


80 CARS OF GRAVEL ORDERED

_____


Council to Have City Forces Load up

from Ahrens' Hill, Shipping on

M. & I.


TO BE USED AT THE CITY HALL

_____


Liquor License is Granted to John

Hughes—Labor Payroll on Fill

to be Insured


From Tuesday’s Daily:—

The city council had a short meeting on Monday evening, adjourning to Wednesday evening, March 18.

All the aldermen were present except Alderman Anderson. On motion, eighty cars of gravel were ordered to be shipped from Ahrens' hill on the Minnesota & International railway and unloaded in the city at the most convenient place for the city hall construction. The gravel is to be loaded by the city forces.


[...]

(Brainerd Dispatch, 20 March 1914, p. 1, c. 1)


Alderman Peterson reported on the gravel, and recommended the installation of a conveyor into which the men could shovel and thus load the flats at the Ahrens' hill pit. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 April 1914)


QUARTER BLOCK CITY HALL SITE

_____


Council Favors Purchase of Dr. E. F.

Jamieson Lot if Salvation Army

Lot Can be Bought

_____


GRANT TWO LIQUOR LICENSES

_____


The 10 Hours Pay 9 Hours Work

Schedule Proves Confusing—

New Standard Adopted


From Tuesday’s Daily:—

Monday night’s session of the council was most prolific in discussion. All members were present except Aldermen Stallman and Smith. But it is a difficult matter to follow aldermen in their talks when the talk ends in nothing definite, in no motions. Yards of opinion indicate no concrete action. It would expedite business in a great measure to have committees report in writing and to do away with verbal reports which in large measure have little cognizance taken of them in official reports.


[...]


Alderman Mahlum read a letter from Dr. Earl F. Jamieson, the latter offering his alley lot near the city hall site for $950. Mr. Mahlum also reported that it was practically assured that the Salvation Army was willing to exchange its Fifth street location for a lot on Front street. Mr. Mahlum said the Front street lot could be bought for $250.

It was ascertained that there was $1,000 in the general fund and the question was where to get the balance. Alderman Lagerquist said it could be raised by subscription.

A. L. Hoffman urged the acquiring of the entire quarter block site. It meant a gain in civic beauty. He advanced various reasons why it should be bought now.

On motion of Alderman Mahlum the purchase committee was empowered to negotiate for the purchase of the Jamieson lot providing the city can gain title to the Salvation Army lot.

Alderman Peterson reported on the gravel question. On motion the city engineer was instructed to go to St. Paul and confer with the Northern Pacific railway officials regarding shipment of gravel.


[...]


The city engineer was instructed to look up the location of a gravel pit and the city will then by purchase or condemnation acquire it.


[...]


The city engineer was instructed to run the line of the streets in the sand pit.


[...]


City Hall Architect Parsons, of Minneapolis, wrote that the plans for the city hall and jail were about completed and asked for a council meeting to consider the same. A special meeting will be held on Monday evening, April 27. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 April 1914, p. )


Brainerd’s new city hall and fire hall will soon be in use by the city. The city clerk’s office and the water and light board offices will be in their quarters in the city hall by Friday morning, April 30.

At the fire hall some cement work must be done and when completed the truck will be placed the same. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 April 1914, p. 1, c. 1)


BIDS TO BUILD THE CITY HALL

_____


Council May Advertise for Bids on

May 11 for Construction of

Brainerd’s City Hall

_____


Specifications are Expected Soon—

Council Building Committee

Going Over Plans


From Tuesday’s Daily:—

At the special meeting of the city council last night, Architect C. Howard Parsons, of Minneapolis presented his plans for the new city hall in Brainerd and the council, as a whole, considered them.

It is expected that on May 11 will be advertised the desire of the city for bids to construct the new public building. The specifications are expected soon.

The plans have been referred to the building committee, Aldermen Smith, Hess and Stallman.

In excess of 100 cars of gravel at $7.50 a car will be loaded by the city to take care of all contemplated street work this season including sidewalks and furnishing of gravel for the city hall cement work, and the street committee and the city engineer were given power to act to arrange for the price of gravel to be paid Richard Ahrens'.

The building committee is to look over the city hall plans and report in two weeks, when the architect will be here. In the meantime the plans are on exhibition at the city clerk’s office and the public is invited to examine them and to comment on the same. The specifications are expected today or tomorrow.

The matter of acquiring two additional lots for the city hall site so as to make it a complete quarter block is now assured. The Lieutenant Colonel of the Salvation Army has consented to trade the present army lot for the A. L. Hoffman lot on Front street. The price for the two additional lots will be about $1,200. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 May 1914, p. 1, c. 1)


CITY HALL CONTRACT LET

_____


Hodgin Construction Co. of St. Paul

Get General Building

Contract

_____


From Tuesday’s Daily:—

The city council met last evening at the council chambers with all members present.

The matter of the lots on which the new city hall is to be place was taken up and the Salvation Army was given permission to move their building now located on lot 22, block 45, to lot 15, block 17. This clears the lots in question and leaves them clear for the construction of the new building which will commence as soon as the contractors can get their material on the ground.

When the bids were opened for the city hall and jail building they were confronted with a mass of applications with which they wrestled until nearly 12 o’clock when they adjourned until 9 o’clock this morning. The council again took the city hall matter up and behind closed doors sorted and tabulated the figures as given by the several applicants with the result that the contract was let as follows:

The general building contract was awarded to Hodgin Construction Co. of St. Paul.

Jail cells, corridors, doors, vault doors, etc., went to the Diebold Safe Co. of St. Paul, at $4,000.

The electrical work was given to Nemis & Nemis of St. Paul, at $718.

The plumbing and heating contract was let to Slipp-Gruenhagen Co. of Brainerd, at $3,673 for the plumbing and $3,811 for the heating plant. The material to be used to be purchased of Crane & Ordway Co. and approved by the architect.

A bill of $1,600 was awarded the contractor [sic] [architect] for the drawing of the plans and other work incurred in the preparations for the bids.

Brainerd is now assured of a public owned city hall, jail and fire station, all to be complete in the most up to date construction and a credit to any city of this size in the state.

The building will be of dark pressed brick variegated in color and trimmed with light granite and dark stone.

At the regular meeting held last night a communication was read from Geo. F. Reid, president of the street railway company, having the franchise to construct and operate a street railway in the city of Brainerd, asking for an extension of time for the commencement of actual work of construction until Sept. 15, 1915. The city attorney was instructed to draw up an amendment to so change the ordinance to read as Mr. Reid desired. The war scare and the condition of the money market was given as the cause of the delay but it was stated by Mr. Reid that actual work would commence in a short time as the company was now incorporated in another state which would remove the restriction of selling the bonds at less than par. The company is said to be in good financial condition and no further hitch on the development work is anticipated, according to Mr. Reid.


[...]


On motion the council adjourned until Monday night, Sept. 25 at which time any points overlooked in regard to the city hall may be taken up. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 August 1914, p. 1, c. 1)


SEE: Gruenhagen Block


WORK STARTS ON CITY HALL

_____


City Engineer C. D. Peacock Has Sur-

veyed Out the Foundation

Lines of Structure

_____


EXCAVATION WILL START SOON

_____


Hole to be Dug 140 by 150 Feet in

Extent and Five Feet Deep

—W. E. Hodgin in Charge


From Tuesday’s Daily:—

Work on the new $75,000 city hall has been started. The Hodgin Construction Co., of St. Paul, has the general contract and as soon as the Salvation Army building is removed they will put a force of 15 Brainerd men and 8 teams at work excavating the basement.

The excavation for the main structure is to be five feet deep and about 54 by 90 feet in size. Including the jail the basement measures roughly speaking about 140 by 150 feet.

W. E. Hodgin, of the construction firm, is on the ground and tomorrow will put up an office on the site. At present he is stopping at the Ransford hotel. He hopes the Salvation Army building will soon be removed from the grounds, the local contractor having already spent a week on the job.

City Engineer C. D. Peacock has surveyed out the foundation lines. Throughout the entire building Brainerd material and Brainerd labor will enter into the construction of the building as much as possible.

The Brainerd Booster club early in the year favored getting lists of Brainerd workers in all lines, to be furnished the contractors. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 August 1914, p. 1, c. 3)


City Hall, Jail and Fire Hall


New City Hall completed in April 1915, ca. 1915.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Bidding was opened on February 10, 1914 for $75,000 worth of bonds to finance the building of a new city hall, jail and fire hall. City Hall architect C. Howard Parsons, of architects Alden & Harris, Minneapolis, [The same firm that designed the second courthouse in 1919 and the County Jail and Sheriff’s residence in 1916-17.] wrote that the plans for the city hall and jail were about completed and asked for a council meeting to consider them. On March 16 eighty car loads of gravel were ordered to be delivered on the Minnesota & International Railroad from Ahrens'’ Hill to the site. It was later recommended that a conveyor be installed into which the men could shovel and thus load the cars at the Ahrens'’ Hill pit.

Architect Parsons presented his plans for the new building on April 27 and it was expected that the city would advertise for bids on May 11. The plans were on exhibit in the City Clerk’s Office and the public was invited to view them and make comments. On August 17 the general building contract was awarded to Hodgin Construction Company of St. Paul. Jail cells, corridors, doors, vault doors, etc., went to the Diebold Safe Company of St. Paul, at $4,000. The electrical work was given to Nemis & Nemis of St. Paul, at $718. The plumbing and heating contract was let to Slipp-Gruenhagen Company of Brainerd, at $3,673 for the plumbing and $3,811 for the heating plant. The plumbing and heating supplies to be used were to be purchased from the Crane & Ordway Company of St. Paul and approved by the architect. A bill of $1,600 was awarded the architect for the drawing of the plans and other work incurred in the preparations for the bids. The building would be of dark pressed brick variegated in color and trimmed with light granite and dark stone. Excavation for the main structure was begun on August 25 and was to be five feet deep and about 54 by 90 feet in size. Including the jail, the basement measured about 140 by 150 feet.

The plasterers, George Thill & Sons of St. Paul, were putting on the finish coat on February 12, 1915. Molded beam ceilings were created, the only work of the kind resembling it was in the post office which was built in 1910. The council chambers, situated at the east side of the city hall, were elaborately decorated with a ceiling of four full beams and two half beams. The cornice molding consisted of six members and molding plaster, plaster of Paris and stucco were used in its composition. About this time the jail was ready for the white coat. By Monday, February 15, the last of the plastering was underway in the fire hall and all plastering was finished by about Thursday, February 25.

Without ceremony, the new city hall was occupied on Thursday, April 29, 1915. City Clerk Anton Mahlum, with his employees, worked heroically and were the first to be established in the new space, occupying the southwest corner of the building on the second floor. City Engineer Peacock’s office was next door. The municipal court moved to its new quarters on the second floor. The first case, regarding a deal on a horse, to be tried in the new court room was that of Ole Lawson vs. Frank Veillette; W. H. Crowell was the attorney for the plaintiff and M. E. Ryan the attorney for the defense. The plaintiff rested his case and it was dismissed by Judge J. H. Warner. The council chambers, said to be light and airy, offering comfortable space to all who wished to hear the proceedings, were occupied Thursday evening by the council assembled in a special meeting. At the Water and Light Board offices, situated on the main floor in the southwest corner of the building, William Nelson, secretary, installed the equipment. The Hotel Antlers was one of the first to pay its water and light bill. The Water and Light Board also had the southwest corner of the ground floor for its workshop and additional rooms for storage. The farmers’ restroom was also located in the basement. The new city jail was unoccupied, no one seemed to be rushing for the distinction of being the first to get a cell.

The fire hall was to be occupied as soon as cement work near the entrance had been completed. The fire truck was on hand and ready to be run into its new quarters. Of the $75,000 in bonds voted to build the city hall, jail and fire hall, about $4,500 was left in the building fund. (An Overview of Happenings in the City of Brainerd for the Years of 1914 and Early 1915, A. Nelson)


CITY HALL MARVEL OF CONVENIENCE

_____


Brainerd Proud of its Group of Mu-

nicipal Buildings Which Have

Been Completed by

_____


THE HODGIN CONSTRUCTION CO.

_____


Alden & Harris Were Architects,

Slipp-Gruenhagen Co. had

Heating and Plumbing


Brainerd is justly proud of its group of municipal buildings, the city hall, fire hall and city jail just completed by the general contractors, the Hodgin Construction Co., of St. Paul.

The members of the firm are W. E. Hodgin and G. N. Fairchild. Under the direct supervision of Mr. Hodgin the group of buildings was built on time and in accordance with plans and occasional alterations made by the building committee. They give Brainerd a city hall, city jail and fire hall second to none in the state for the money spent, a $75,000 bond issue covering the cost and the savings effected permitting the city to buy electric light fixtures, furnishings, etc. contractors’ bonds hold over one year from the date of signing the contract for construction.

The architects were Alden & Harris, of St. Paul, and they did commendable work. The plumbing and heating contract was carried out by the Slipp-Gruenhagen Co. of Brainerd, who did most excellent work. This firm has undertaken and carried out some of the largest contracts in this section of the state.

The city hall has a granite base and is built of brick, being hard-burned-sand mold Danville brick in three colors. The inside floors are of tile and concrete covered with maple flooring in private offices and having terrazzo in the public space. The finish and trimmings are of quarter-sawn oak.

The heating system includes a Kewanee down draft boiler of latest design with automatic air exhaust and water return. All vaults are equipped with hollow walls and have ventilation to the roof. There is a ventilating system in the council chambers. The roof has a written guarantee for seven years. All buildings in the group are equipped with hot water heating.

The dimensions of the city hall are 55 by 90 feet, 28 feet in height, being two stories and basement.

On the ground floor of the city hall is the water and light board store room and work rooms, boiler room and store room. Brainerd is noted as being the first city to provide a farmers’ rest room. This room is supplied with two public toilets, in the farmers’ rest room will be placed tables and chairs, magazines and papers.

On the first floor are the general offices of the water and light board, the board room, Associated Charities room, municipal judge’s offices, squad room for the police department, the mayor’s office and an unassigned office.

On the second floor are the offices of the city clerk, city engineer, assessor, treasurer, city attorney, the council chamber and municipal court room, the council committee room and several unassigned spaces.

The third floor has the blueprint room and a storage room. Surmounting the roof is a fine flag pole

The city jail is built of concrete and brick. The cells are of latest design furnished by the Diebold Safe & Lock Co. The jail measures 30 by 40 feet in size and 38 feet high. There are washbasins and toilets in each cell. The jail has seven male cells and shower bath on the first floor. There is a transient room supplied with eight beds on the first floor.

On the second floor is the matron’s room. There are three cells for females each supplied with bath. There are two cells for juveniles, and a sick room. The jail, as are the other buildings, is supplied with a ventilating system.

The fire hall measures 30 by 60 feet and is 30 feet high. It is of brick and wood construction, with maple and concrete floors, oak trimmings and finish. There is a ventilating system and one which carries gases from the auto.

There is a boiler and coal room in the basement. The main floor is of cement and this section houses the new motor truck. The second floor has the club room and dormitory, with bath and toilet. There is also situated the chief’s private room, a store room and work room. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 May 1915, p. 9, c.’s 1 & 2; p. 10, c. 7)


REST ROOM OPENS MONDAY

_____


Ladies to Entertain at the Commun-

ity Rest Room in the City Hall

on Monday Evening

_____


THE ROOM NICELY FURNISHED

_____


Couches, Tables, Chairs, Rockers,

Pictures, Writing Desk, Etc.

Installed


Brainerd’s “Community Rest Room” will be formally opened to the public on Monday evening, Nov. 15, when light refreshments will be served and the whole community will be invited to visit the room.

Cozy rockers, chairs, couches, tables, a writing desk, bookcase, pictures, etc. have been installed making the room a most inviting one. Adjoining is a washroom and toilet. Pictures, eight in number, have been hung in the rest room. There may be a number of counter attractions Monday evening, but the ladies hope all will find time to attend the opening, to view the room and by their presence lend encouragement to the plan of creating a more neighborly feeling between rural and city communities. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 November 1915, p. 5, c. 2)


Drinking Fountains


Drinking fountains were discussed. It was reported that the water and light board had instructed Secretary McKay to order three drinking fountains, one for 6th and Front, one in city hall corridor, and one at 7th and Laurel. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 August 1921, p. 3, c. 1)


SEE: Fire Halls

SEE: County Jail / Sheriff’s Residence (Second)

SEE: Courthouse (Second)

SEE: Gruenhagen Block


NOTE: Alden & Harris were the architects for the City Hall and Fire Hall built in 1914-15, the Crow Wing County Jail built in 1916-1917 and the Crow Wing County Courthouse built in 1919-20.


CITY HOTEL (MAP #4)

City Hotel at 510 Front, ca. 1890.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

...At the corner of south Sixth and Front Streets, where the Ransford Hotel now stands and over a general store was Bly’s Hall. The formal dances of the year were the one’s given by the Volunteer Fire Department, the Locomotive Firemen and the O. R. C. (Order of Railway Conductors). After Bly’s Hall was converted into a roller skating rink, Gardner’s Hall was used for dances. Dreskell’s orchestra furnished the music. Dances usually began at eight, at midnight an hour’s intermission for lunch, generally in J. T. Sanborn’s City Hotel, then the dance continued until morning. Winter sleigh ride parties to Toting places, the forerunners of our present day roadhouses and resorts, provided frequent country dances. (As I Remember, Dr. Werner Hemstead, born April 1860; came to Brainerd in 1882)


The City Hotel and Restaurant, by E. A. Summers, was opened on Thursday to the public. The premises have been thoroughly fitted up and the proprietor has one of the finest restaurants in the northwest. Everything about the establishment is new and neat and we are informed that the place is already enjoying a good custom. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 May 1885, p. 3, c. 2)


Notice to the Public.

_____


Having purchased the City Hotel and Restaurant business from Mr. E. A. Summers, I wish to notify the public not to allow any bills to be run in my name by any one unless on my written order.

S. WALKER.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 12 June 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


The City Hotel will be moved into the building formerly occupied as a clothing store by E. M. Westfall. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 October 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


E. A. Summers has moved his City Hotel and restaurant to the building formerly occupied by E. M. Westfall as a clothing store. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 November 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


NOTE: I believe this is the location at 510 Front Street.


Located at 510 Front Street in the late 1890’s, next west of the McFadden-Westfall Stores. John Thomas Sanborn is the proprietor from 1886 to 1904; in 1902 he becomes Judge of Probate. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923)


SEE: Sherwood Drug Store


J. T. Sanborn, of the City Restaurant, will shortly add to his lunch department one of the very best short order outfits, and hereafter will cook to order any thing that the market affords, such as oysters, fish, game, steaks, chops, etc. “Prices way down” at his old stand, 40 Front Street. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 February 1891, p. 4, c. 3)


T. McMaster contemplates the making of extensive improvements in the City hotel and restaurant property. The business of this popular hostelry has increased to such an extent that more room is absolutely necessary. Mr. McMaster now has in view the building of a third story on the present building which would add 14 more rooms, and he will probably ask council at its next meeting for a permit to do so. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 June 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


T. McMaster proposes early in the spring to build a brick veneered addition to the rear of the City Restaurant 20 x 80 feet, two stories high, which will be used as a kitchen and laundry and the portion now used for a kitchen will be made a part of the dining room. The second story of the new portion will be used for sleeping rooms for the servants of the hotel. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 February 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


Sanborn’s Restaurant Ad, 22 July 1892.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch
John Thomas Sanborn, City Hotel proprietor, stands behind the lunch counter inside the City Hotel, ca. 1893. A 1182x874 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The new addition to the City Hotel and Restaurant has been completed which gives the popular hostelry one of the largest and best dining rooms in the city. A magnificent new antique oak lunch counter has been put in. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 April 1893, p. 1, c. 3)


The City Hotel and Restaurant in this city has been sold to Mrs. Kate Closterman, of Staples, who expects to take possession April 1st. Mr. and Mrs. Sanborn will reside in their residence on 4th street north. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 March 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


A Bold Robbery.

_____


Mrs. J. R. Crane Loses Nearly $1,500 by

Some Light-Fingered Gentry.

_____


On Wednesday of last week Mrs. J. R. Crane, of this city, suffered the loss of diamonds and jewelry valued at $375, and over $1,100 in currency, through a boldly planned robbery, and the exasperating thing about the whole matter is that not the slightest clue has yet been obtained as to who the villains are.

Mrs. Crane has been making her home with her sister, Mrs. Sanborn on the north side, but on that day she came down to spend the day with her mother, Mrs. Closterman, at the City Hotel, bringing her jewelry and money with her in a small satchel. At noon she left the satchel in the parlor of the hotel while she went to the dining room for dinner. On her return she found the satchel in the place she had left it, securely locked, but she could not find the keys some time afterward when she wanted to get into the satchel for some purpose. She thought nothing of this, supposing she had mislaid them. However, not finding the keys by Friday, she became uneasy and had a key made, only to discover when she unlocked the satchel that the diamonds and money were gone, taken, undoubtedly, while she was at dinner in the restaurant on Wednesday. Mrs. Crane is very much distressed by her heavy loss. She had received the money by express only a day or two before, intending to deposit it in the bank here, but neglected to do so at once, much to her sorrow. It is sincerely hoped that the guilty culprits may be apprehended and the lady recovers at least a portion of her property. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 December 1895, p. 4, c. 5)


Found Her Diamonds.


Mrs. J. E. Crane, who recently had the misfortune to lose a satchel containing, among other things, her diamonds and several hundred dollars in money, has been fortunate enough to recover her diamonds, and also her pocketbook containing $4.50 and the keys of the satchel from which the things were taken. The pocketbook containing the diamonds and keys was found in the closet of one of the rooms at the City Hotel between a lot of blankets that were piled upon a shelf in the closet. It was probably put there by the person who stole the money, but who did not care to keep the diamonds and pocketbook, as they might have led to his discovery. The lady is to be congratulated on her good fortune. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 February 1896, p. 4, c. 5)


Robbed a Blind Man.


George West, a blind man, who was in the city on his way to Ann Arbor, Mich., to have his eyes operated on, was robbed of $14.50 at the City Hotel on Monday night by a fellow named Jim Morris who was employed about the hotel in the capacity of porter. Morris took the blind man up to his room at bed time, and, according to Mr. West’s statement, requested him to turn over what money he had for safe keeping, stating that he would put it in the safe. Mr. West objected but Morris insisted and gained his point, taking $14.50 out of West’s pants pocket, and when he left locked the door on the outside. With the money Morris proceeded to the west end of the city and had a high old time, leaving on an early train for Staples, where he was arrested and turned over to Sheriff Spalding on Wednesday. A petition was circulated and $12 raised for Mr. West to replace the money he had lost. The charge against Morris is petty larceny. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 April 1896, p. 4, c. 6)


J. T. Sanborn yesterday morning took charge of the City Hotel and hereafter will have charge of it. Mrs. Closterman will return to Staples where she will again engage in the hotel business. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 July 1896, p. 4, c. 3)


Mrs. Kate Closterman has again taken charge of the City Hotel, having bought out Mr. Sanborn. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 October 1896, p. 4, c. 4) 


J. T. Sanborn has again assumed control of the City Hotel and Restaurant, buying out Mrs. Kate Closterman the latter part of last week. Under Mr. Sanborn’s control the City was one of the most popular hostelries in the city, and deservedly so, and Mr. Sanborn will no doubt again enjoy the public favor. He contemplates making considerable improvement in the near future. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 February 1897, p. 4, c. 3)


The work of putting in the steam heating plant of the City Hotel has been completed by F. J. Murphy, the plumber. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 November 1897, p. 8, c. 2)


Landlord Sanborn is having the interior of his dining room at the City Hotel renovated and re-papered. It will be a perfect beauty when the work is completed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 November 1901, p. 8, c. 2)


15 April 1904. Extensive improvements are made at the City Hotel. New carpeting and new furniture, rooms are being re-painted, the walls in the lobby are being touched up. Mr. Sanborn is expending something in the neighborhood of $1,000 in these improvements. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 15 April 2004)


THE CITY HOTEL HAS BEEN SOLD

_____


Judge J. T. Sanborn Disposes

of this Popular Hotel to

Minto Parties

_____


IN THE BUSINESS 20 YEARS

_____


Geo. Wright is Name of New

Proprietor and He Comes

Highly Recommended


The City Hotel, one of the most popular in Northern Minnesota, was sold this morning by Judge J. T. Sanborn to George Wright of Minto, N. D., and the latter gentleman will take charge on Jan. 1.

Judge and Mrs. Sanborn have been in the hotel business in Brainerd for twenty years and during this time have made scores of friends who have made this place their home. There was never a more popular place in the city and the hotel has enjoyed a liberal patronage since it was first opened. It has been especially a sort of headquarters for the town folk, people who lived here in Brainerd, and both Mr. and Mrs. Sanborn will be greatly missed.

Mr. Wright has bought the furniture and fixtures of the hotel and has leased the building for five years. He was for years in the hotel business at Minto and comes to Brainerd highly recommended. He is sure to do well, if the hotel is kept up to its present excellent standard.

Judge Sanborn will now give his undivided attention to the duties of the office of judge of probate, which he has by no means neglected, but he will be free to give all his attention to the office in the future. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 December 1905, p. 3, c. 4)


10 December 1906. James Smith, for many years a conductor and well known in this city, closed a deal by which he became landlord of the City Hotel. He bought the entire equipment and assumed the lease. He expects to make it the best popular priced hotel in the city. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 10 December 2006)


Fire animation On January 20, 1916, a fire believed to have been started by defective wiring destroys the City Hotel, owned by Judge J. T. Sanborn and occupied by C. J. Evensta, as well as a building owned by James Cullen [Midway Saloon]. The buildings and contents were valued at about $17,000.


SEE: 1916 City Hotel Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.

SEE: Davis (Martha P.) Ice Cream Parlor / Bookstore / Music Store


CITY JAIL (Second) (MAP #43)

City Jail located next to the County Sheriff’s home and jail at the northeast corner of 4th and Washington, ca. 1910.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
A marker commemorating the second city jail near the northeast corner of 4th and Washington Streets, 28 April 2018. A 3476x2272 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Carl Faust

In March of 1886 land is acquired from the county, since it is part of the courthouse half-block, and the second city jail is constructed of Brainerd-made Schwartz cream brick and is located east of the sheriff’s house and county lock-up on Main [Washington] Street. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 38 & 50)


The City Council.


...The report of the committee to obtain a lease of the grounds for the new city prison reported that they had conferred with the proper railroad officials and found that they could get the grounds for that purpose, for as long as was necessary.... (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 January 1886, p. 3, c. 6)


The question which is now agitating the minds of the councilmen is whether it is feasible to build a $2,000 or $3,000 brick jail building on the railroad grounds adjoining the hose house, which stand exactly in the middle of Fifth street, but which has never been opened across the railroad track. Of course the railroad company is perfectly willing that this building should go up on this site as it insures them of having the benefit of the unopened street which would otherwise cut their yard in two, but on the other hand if the railroad company so wills they would be obliged to remove the brick structure. It does not seem to be a sensible idea, and we doubt if any of the men who will have charge of locating it would put $2,500 of their own money into a building erected on railroad land, knowing that they would be obliged to take it off when said company got ready to so order. It is to be hoped that some good central location will be selected for the new building. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 May 1886, p. 4, c. 6)


The contract for building the new city jail was awarded to F. A. B. King & Co. at $2,259. Several other bids were in among which was that of A. Everett for $2,300, H. C. Miller, wood work for $1,168 and Denis Bro. iron work for $1,200. Aldermen Gardner, Keene, Percy, Doran and Hemstead will superintend the construction of the new building. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 May 1886, p. 4, c. 5)


The council held a short session on Monday night while the balance of the citizens were celebrating the national holiday. Very little business was done except the allowing of sundry bills and receiving the reports of police and street commissioners. The purchasing committee was instructed to procure the necessary material for water closets for the new jail, this part of the structure having been entirely overlooked by that august body until brought to their notice, and no arrangements had been made in the contract with the builder. The clerk was instructed to issue an order to King & Munson for $1,000 as a part payment on contract.


[...]

(Brainerd Dispatch, 09 July 1886, p. 4, c. 3)


The new city jail is fast nearing completion, the structure being finished to the roof. Denis Bros. are doing the iron work for the contractor. Over the door is the ominous word “Lock-up” carved in stone. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 July 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


...The jail committee accepted the new city jail building and allowed the bill of $2375.88 for its construction. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 November 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


Crow Wing County’s Poor.


[...]


THE BRAINERD CITY LOCKUP.


The lockup at Brainerd was built from plans furnished by the state board of corrections and charities, at a cost of $2,300. The building has a stone foundation and is fire-proof throughout. It contains four cells, each 4x7 feet, separated by a middle corridor like that in the Goodhue County jail, and is divided into two sections for heating purposes. The floor is of concrete; each cell is well ventilated and is supplied with a swinging hammock. The outside walls are of brick, built hollow with an air space. The inside walls are unplastered, but are finished up smooth. The iron front of each cell is composed of lattice work, admitting light, air and heat freely. The whole can be readily washed with a hose. When visited, the jail corridor on one side of the lockup was occupied by the chief of police, as a lodging room. The building was entirely free from vermin and bad smells. This building could have been constructed with two additional cells for about $2,700, or $450 per cell. These cells are designed for one prisoner each, but are of a size commonly used in lockups for two prisoners each.... (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 March 1887, p. 1, c. 9)


GRAND JURORS REPORT.


“The grand jury found an apparent lax management of the county jail, touching safety of prisoners. Several articles were picked up in the jail, and found under the closed cages, that may have been or might be used as weapons or as means of effecting escape. The sanitary condition was found reasonably good. It was recommended that prisoners be locked in their cells at night from sunset to sunrise. The city jail was found in apparent better condition than the county jail, but in both there was the evident practice of permitting the prisoners to sleep in the corridors. The jury criticizes this, and recommends that the officers be required to remove the cots of prisoners into the cells. The grand jury agree that the buildings are in condition ample both in sanitary and safety conditions to answer all present purposes, if the officers in charge only do their duty carefully and intelligently, and as a precaution necessary, it is recommended that the sheriff and officers be required to prevent communication through the windows, and that notices prohibiting such communication be posted, and infringement of the rule be punished.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 September 1887, p. 4, c. 5)


AS TO MURPHY’S SHORTAGE.


The Committee Gets at the Bottom of

Affairs and Reports.


[...]


At the request of Chief Brockway a stove was ordered put into the ladies department of the city jail.


[...]

(Brainerd Dispatch, 06 November 1891, p. 1, c. 4)


Brainerd policemen now present a handsome appearance in fine new uniforms with brass trimmings. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 April 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


Business of the Council.


The city council met in adjourned session on Wednesday evening with Vice President Ferris in the chair. The minutes of previous regular and special meetings were read and approved.

A communication was read from the mayor in which he requested that some means be devised to prevent outsiders from passing liquor into the city jail, and suggested that a high board fence be built around the lock-up or that wire cages be attached to the windows in such a manner as to effectually prevent anything being passed through the grating. The matter was referred to the committee on health, sewerage and police to report. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 September 1893, p. 1, c. 3)


DISTRICT COURT NEWS.


The September term of the district court opened on Monday morning with Judge Holland presiding. The work of the grand jury occupied two days....

The grand jury made the following report:


REPORT OF THE GRAND JURY.

To the Hon. G. W. Holland, judge of the district court.


[...]


The city lock-up was also visited and the contrast was so marked that this jury feel it their duty to call the attention of the court to its filthy and unhealthy condition. At present there is but one water closet in the lock-up which is situated on the side used for the male prisoners, the side used for the female prisoners being with out conveniences of this kind. The grand jury would suggest that this matter be brought to the attention of the city officials. Besides this the windows are in such shape and condition that liquor can be passed in to the prisoners from the outside and frequent complaints of this nature have been made by the officers. The court is requested to urge upon the city officials the necessity for immediate remedy of this condition of things.

[SIGNED.] G. W. STRATTON,

Foreman.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 22 September 1893, p. 1, c. 4)


Court Matters.


[...]


...The following is the report made to the court:

To the Honorable Judge of the District Court of the 15th Judicial District:

We, the grand jury, have visited the county jail and the city lock-up, and find the county jail in excellent condition. The city lock-up was found in a bad sanitary condition, with dirty, filthy cots, unfit to be slept on, and we recommend to the court that the proper authorities be requested to remedy the matter at once. To procure new iron cots, and to have the place thoroughly cleaned and repaired and kept so. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 September 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


The city police will give a dance at Gardner Hall on Monday evening, April 22nd. It is intended to require the members of the force to dress in full regulation uniform, which they must do at their own expense, as no funds are provided by the city for that purpose. If an officer “jumps his job” or is fired, he has a suit of clothes on hand which he cannot use, and they feel as though assistance should be extended for this purpose, and it is to raise funds for this purpose that the dance will be given. Buy a ticket and help the boys. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 April 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


The policemen’s ball on Monday evening was a great success in every way. The boys on the “force” realized enough money to provide every man a new uniform, and have a little to spare. The boys are to be congratulated. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 April 1901, p. 8, c. 2)


The new uniforms for the police have arrived and they are dandies. The ordinary cop in Brainerd now put on the airs and looks like a brigadier general on the governor’s staff. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 May 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


No, dear reader, the figure you see posing on the street corner in a magnificent blue uniform, gold braid and a scarlet sash, is not a major general in the army, it is only a Brainerd cop showing off his new uniform. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 May 1901, p. 8, c. 2)


06 January 1913. The city jail is now steam heated. But, to prevent a general emigration to Brainerd of all hobos in the country who may relish a warm room and a nice bed, Chief of Police Ridley remarked that rations would not be elaborate, probably just bread and water. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Sunday, 06 January 2013)


24 October 1913. The state board of control, in a letter from its chairman, has notified the city that its lockup is in bad condition, unsanitary and unfit for use. Brainerd has been notified that it is unlawful to use it to hold any prisoners. The council has called a special meeting. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 24 October 2013)


POLICE CALL SYSTEM VOTED IN

_____


Four Call Boxes to be Supplied—

Gong to be Attached to the

Hose Houses

_____


POLICE MATTERS TO BE AIRED

_____


Officer Chris Mattson Discharged by

Mayor, to Have Hearing at

Friday Meeting


From Tuesday’s Daily:—

The council last night unanimously voted to install a police call system supplied by the Northwestern Telephone Exchange Co., consisting of four call boxes to be placed in designated places in the city, to which there shall later be added gongs to the hose houses. As explained by Fred Speechley, of St. Cloud, of the telephone company, the call boxes are telephones enclosed in metal boxes and attached to poles. Several feet from the ground the gongs are placed and when rung by the telephone operator they can be heard for several blocks. Each policeman is supplied with a special key enabling him to open the box. He answers the call, talks over the telephone and is thus in direct communication with the chief. The telephone operator, by pressing the proper button at the telephone office, can call any certain policeman or can ring all gongs simultaneously.

Four of these stations were installed at St. Cloud and each telephone supplied with a six inch gong at a cost of $32 each for the entire equipment. The telephone company charges $2 a month for service. During the night the policemen travel their beats and regularly ring up central whose report shows just where each policeman has been and if he has traveled his beat properly.

A Fergus Falls a 16 inch gong is at the fire station. At Sauk Center a red light was tried to summon the policeman, but it was no good on a stormy night. Small gongs may be bought at $7.50 each.

On motion, a contract for four stations similar to those of St. Cloud, is to be made with the Northwestern Telephone Exchange company.

The discharge of Officer Chris Mattson from the force is to be investigated at a meeting on Friday evening, the policeman being given a chance to be heard in his own defense. The appointment of Charles Varner, by Mayor Henning, to take the place of Chris Mattson, discharged for the good of the service, as stated by the mayor, was held up by the council and no action taken.

In the discussion over the matter, Alderman Mahlum wanted to know if Mattson wanted a hearing.

Alderman Lagerquist said Mattson had a right to be heard.

Alderman Anderson said the mayor must have been justified in his action or he would not have dismissed the policeman.

Mayor Henning said it was agreeable to him if they wanted to grant the discharged man a hearing. He maintained that such a request should come from the officer himself. He said a chief and three men were inadequate to handle the city’s business. Somebody had to be responsible.

The mayor said he had discharged Mr. Mattson. If Mr. Scott and Mr. Olson had disobeyed him (the mayor) they would also have been guilty of disobeying orders.

Alderman Hess said Mattson had told him he wanted a hearing.

The mayor submitted the name of Sam Bourquin, filling one of the places made vacant by the resignations of Officers Schulte and Nordstrom

[..]


(Brainerd Dispatch, 03 April 1914, p. 1, c. 1)


SCARLET FEVER IN CITY LOCKUP

_____


Thomas Clark, a Transient, Gets the

Disease While Serving Time in

City Jail

_____


NOW REMOVED TO W. BRAINERD

_____


Claims he had Worked in a Rooming

House in St. Paul that had been

Recently Fumigated


From Tuesday’s Daily:—

Hoboes will give Brainerd a wide berth this spring for the city lockup has housed a virulent case of scarlet fever.

Thomas Clark, a transient, was serving time there and took sick and Dr. R. A. Beise was called. He diagnosed it as scarlet fever and the patient was removed to a house the city designated in West Brainerd.

The jail was fumigated. However, a few microbes, hardier than the rest, may have run the gauntlet of all the fumigating stuff and may be in waiting ready to pounce on any “bo” consigned to the city bastile and accordingly it is better to stay out of jail than to be consigned to the place.

A municipal rock pile or wood pile is bad enough, but a scarlet fever jail caps the climax and there is nothing in a tramp’s hieroglyphics attached to a gate post which cover such a situation.

Clark says that he had worked in a rooming house in St. Paul that had recently been fumigated and believes he got his scarlet fever there. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 April 1914, p. 1, c. 2)


25 June 1914. The police call box and alarm system is being installed at these sites: SW corner of 6th and Laurel, the east side of city hall, SE corner of 8th and Front, the East Brainerd Hose House, 4th Ave. and Forsythe, Southeast Brainerd Hose House, and 10th and Oak Streets. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 25 June 2014)


Early-day Jail is Torn Down


One of Brainerd’s earliest city jails has been lost from Washington Street despite efforts to save it for posterity’s sake.

The demolished second city jail built in 1886 on Washington Street just east of the corner of North Fourth Street, 14 July 1988.
Source: Steve Kohls, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 July 1988

In the jail’s place will be a parking lot for Easy Riders Sports, which plans to locate in the old Meyer Cleaners building at 415 Washing Street by Sept. 1. The bicycle shop is now located at 704 NW seventh Street near the Westgate Mall.

The old jail building was torn down over the weekend. The loss has bothered several residents, including Irene Johnson, who said the building had been marked with a Brainerd centennial plaque. Johnson indicated the building was a piece of history that deserved to be preserved.

The building had been marked with a centennial plaque but had not been registered with the National Register of Historic Places, said Jeff Allen, director of the Crow Wing County Historical Society. He said it had no legal protection.

However, Gary Kurilla, of Kurilla Real Estate Corp. in Nisswa, thought it should be preserved. He spoke to Ken Shepherd, owner of Easy Rider Sports, who said the Crow Wing County Historical Society could have the building if it wanted.

Unfortunately, there were too many factors involved to make moving the jail feasible, Kurilla said. He had contacted the Brainerd Rotary Club to see if the organization would provide funding.

Shepherd said every effort was made to see if the building could be moved but it was in bad condition, he said. He said he’d been looking into possibilities for the building over the last six months but found no options to move it. “The roof was totally rotten,” he said. “It (the jail) just crumbled when the (wrecking) equipment touched it.”

Shepherd said the building had been used for years by Meyers Cleaners and had been gutted inside. “It didn’t resemble a jail in any way,” he said.

Allen said he reviewed the site but found it could not be moved without a new foundation. He also said buildings lose some of their historical value in the view of the National Register’s Board when they are moved from their original sites.

Allen said the Historical Society was also lacking funds to invest in the jail. “It’s a tight year,” he said. “There’s no extra funds right now.”

Allen was not certain if the jail was the first city jail or one of the earliest, he said. The centennial marker indicated it had been there sine 1871 when the city of Brainerd was organized.

The interior of the building would have needed a lot of work, Allen said. “I looked inside the building and there was very little original material,” he said. He also said he appreciated Kurilla’s efforts to save the building. “We just wish we could have done something,” he said.

Allen said there was nothing the historical society could do to save the jail but has been looking into the preservation of other historical sites in Brainerd, including the Brainerd armory and Brainerd City Hall. He also said the former Elks building on Laurel Street is of interest.

Allen identified those three buildings as having potential to be listed on the National Register but said there is a very detailed process to do so. However, he said, “We think the city hall building has a real good chance.”

The Crow Wing County Historical Society has been in contact with the Minnesota Historical Preservation Office in Fort Ripley about the city hall and the armory. Allen said the first step is to get a recommendation from the state office.

Ted Lofstrom, review and compliance officer for the Preservation Office, said the Brainerd city Hall warrants a careful review for consideration in the National Register. “Clearly, it has architectural and historic significance,” he said.

To qualify for the National Register there are three levels to pass through as well as rigorous tests, Lofstrom said. He said the Preservation Office is looking into the Brainerd City Hall on an informal basis.

He said legal recourses to protect a building are stronger when a building is listed on the National Register. However, he said, just because a building does not qualify for the registry does not mean it has no historic significance. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 Jul 1988, p. 1, c.’s 1-4; p. 2, c.’s 3 & 4)


COATES (JOHN) LIQUOR COMPANY

TRANSFER OF BIG BUSINESS

_____


Geo. S. Gardner Sells His Whole-

sale and Retail Liquor House

to John Coates.

_____


WILL RETIRE FROM BUSINESS.

_____


Mr. Coates has Taken Long Lease

on Building Including

Gardner Hall.


A Coates Liquor ad, 28 October 1905.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

A deal was consummated this morning between George S. Gardner and John Coates, whereby the latter has purchased the wholesale and retail liquor business of the former in the Gardner block on Laurel street.

Mr. Coates has taken a long lease of the building, including Gardner hall, and he will take charge at once. He hails from St. Paul where he has been in the hotel and saloon business for a number of years. He expects to add materially to the big stock of wholesale liquors now carried by Mr. Gardner and expects to do an extensive wholesale business.

Mr. Gardner will retire from active business life, occupying most of the time from now on with his private affairs. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 September 1903, p. 5, c. 3)


SEE: Gardner Block


BUYS McINTOSH SALOON

_____


John Coates Liquor Company will Engage

in Saloon Business on Sixth

Street Also


A Coates Liquor ad, 08 November 1905.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

The saloon in the First National bank block, known as the McIntosh saloon, has been bought by the John Coates Liquor company and they are already in charge. The saloon has been conducted by Ed. Breheny since the demise of the late D. F. McIntosh, Manager Brady, of the Coates Liquor company, states that the place will be stocked up and the best of service will be given. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 July 1905, p. 3, c. 4)


The bond of the John Coates Liquor Co., which had been referred to the city attorney was approved, defects having been remedied. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 July 1905, p. 3, c. 2)


A. B. C. Bohemian St. Louis beer at 211 Sixth street and Coates Club Bourbon and Rye. Family trade solicited. Tel. 164. JOHN COATES LIQUOR CO. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 August 1905, p. 3, c. 3)


SEE: 1905 The Death of Truman D. Merrell in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.


A Coates Liquor ad, 14 November 1905.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

The application of the John Coates Liquor company, with a surety company bond, was also granted. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 June 1908, p. 3, c. 2)


The report of the police committee on the application of the John Coates Liquor company was received, the same being favorable, and the report was adopted and the license granted all voting aye except Alderman Kjellquist. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 June 1909, p. 3, c. 1)


MUCH BUILDING WILL BE DONE

_____


Four Brick Business Blocks Will be

Erected in Brainerd

This Summer

_____


THREE WILL BE THREE STORIES

_____


All Will be Handsome Structures and

Will Add Much to Prosperity

of City


[...]


A Coates Liquor ad, 22 November 1905.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

The John Coates Liquor company, which recently acquired the Schwendeman property, just south of the Imperial block, will erect a three story brick building thereon as soon as the weather will permit. The main floor and basement will be occupied by their business and the two upper floors will be fitted up as modern, up-to-date residence flats. This building will be up-to-date in every respect and will be a decided addition to South Seventh street. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 March 1910, p. 3, c. 3)


JOHN COATES LIQUOR COMPANY

Wholesale and Retail Liquors


A collection of Red Wing Stoneware liquor jugs labeled John Coates Liquor Company, WHOLESALE, Whiskies, Beer and Cigars, BRAINERD, MINN., sizes range from a half gallon to three gallons, 2016.
Source: Chris Norskov

The John Coates Liquor Co. established their business in Brainerd in 1903 under the management of Mr. Jas. E. Brady, who, by conscientious effort and enterprise, has established for his firm a reputation for an absolute reliable business policy and confidence in the quality of the goods they handle.

In quality and high standard of everything sold, none can surpass and few anywhere equal the variety and excellence of the stock. It has been a set policy always to sell only that which is pure and can be guaranteed by the firm name, and it was by this policy of selling that which was pure and of merit, coupled with the rule of fairness and reliability in all dealings which have made the success for the firm and has established the name of Coates in this section.

The company makes a specialty of high grade California Wines and Brandies and secure only the best there is on the market by buying direct from the vineyards of California. The “Coates Club Whiskey,” both rye and bourbon, are bottled under this brand and are of the highest grade, pure, mellow and rich of flavor and highly recommended for medicinal purposes.

The cigar stock contains all of the best brands, both domestic and imported.

The firm also carry the Schmidt Brewing Co.’s products, both in glass and wood.

Mail or telephone orders are given prompt attention and delivery services are the best. Whether one buys of the store, corner Laurel and Seventh streets, or orders by mail or phone, they will receive the purest and best quality goods at moderate prices. Telephone 164. (Special Publication, 02 September 1910, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher)


Application for Liquor License


To the Council of the City of Brainerd, Minnesota:

The undersigned, John Coates and J. E. Brady doing business as John Coates Liquor Co., hereby makes application for a license to sell intoxicating liquors, at, upon and in the room and premises described as follows, to-wit: No. 702 Laurel street on the ground floor, in the City of Brainerd, from July 1st, 1914 until July 1st 1915.

Dated: June 3rd, 1914

(Signed) JOHN COATES LIQUOR CO.

By J. E. BRADY.

Said applicant has been licensed to sell intoxicating liquors in the City of Brainerd, Minn., from Sept. 26th, 1903 to July 2nd, 1914.

Notice is hereby given that a hearing on the above application will be had on July 1st, 1914, at 8:00 p. m. at the special meeting of the City Council of the City of Brainerd.

Dated June 3rd, 1914.

V. N. RODERICK,

City Clerk

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 June 1914, p. 2, c. 3)


Schmidt Beer, $1,000 Natural Process Beer, the brewery’s own bottling. Sold by John Coates Liquor Co., telephone 164. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 August 1914, p. 2, c. 3)


M. E. Ryan, attorney for Werner Hemstead, filed a claim for refundment of liquor license moneys due John Coates Liquor Co., W. S. Brady, A. A. Davis, Henry Betzold, George Donant, Andrew Carlson, John Hughes, Thomas McIntyre, and Nelson & Knudsen, such claims having been assigned to Mr. Hemstead. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 October 1915, p. 5, c. 3)


DISTRICT COURT PROCEEDINGS

_____


Case of John Coates vs. James E.

Brady is on Trial Before Judge

McClenahan Today

_____


PARTNERSHIP IS CLAIMED


In district court today, the case of John Coates vs J. E. Brady is on trial. This is a civil case wherein the plaintiff claims there was no partnership and the defendant claims there was a partnership. Attorney M. E. Ryan appears for Mr. Brady. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 November 1915, p. 6, c. 1)


In district court the first case to be tried, John Coates vs J. E. Brady, occupied the court’s attention a day and a half and this morning there was a recess, attorneys announcing that a settlement would be made out of court. At the afternoon session the case was announced settled. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 November 1915, p. 2, c.’s 3 & 4)


REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS


November 11.


John Coates and wife to J. E. Brady part of lot 3 of 24-45-33; lots 16 and 17 blk. 71 First Addn. to town of Brainerd: c 115 ft. lots 1 and 2 blk. 69 town of Brainerd; lot 2 blk 9 Sleeper’s Addn. to Brainerd qed $6,000. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 November 1915, p. 5, c. 6)


COHEN (HENRY I.) DRY GOODS STORE

Henry I. Cohen Dry Goods Store located in the Sleeper Block, ca. 1900. Henry Cohen is in the doorway on the left and standing next to him on the right is Minnie, his wife. A 1000x1422 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
An ad for Henry I. Cohen’s Dry Goods Store, 11 September 1896. A 467x1151 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch

We call attention to the notice of Cohen Bro.'s new store on Laurel street. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 October 1881, p. 5, c. 1)


27 July 1935. One of the largest real estate deals in Brainerd history has been completed with the sale of the Cohen Building at 614-616-618 Front Street to the Dan Croswell family of Brainerd. The building houses the Hostager business, the Spanish Village restaurant and the A & P Food Store. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 27 July 2015)


NOTE: The above building is also known as the Walverman Block.


SEE: Carnegie Public Library

SEE: Walverman Block


COLUMBIA THEATRE

FINE THEATRE FRONT

_____


Columbia Theatre Has Artistic and

Splendidly Designed Front on

Laurel Street


Today carpenters took down the temporary wood work from the front of the Columbia theatre and revealed in all its beauty the splendid designs, bas reliefs, modeling, painting and designing of the Laurel street front. The building is a distinct addition to the business section of Brainerd and J. M. Hayes, the owner, is to be commended for the public spirit he has shown in putting up such a fine building. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 January 1914, p. 3, c. 3)


Nels Kjar, of St. Paul, of the Monarch Studios Co., who built the Columbia theatre building, returned today to his home. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 January 1914, p. 2, c. 3)


The Columbia


Brainerd will soon have a new moving picture theatre that will not have a rival in the entire northwest. Its equipment throughout is along the most modern lines and a building for which we may all feel justly proud.

Edwin Harris Bergh, proprietor and manager, promises an entertainment to compare favorably with anything of its nature in the entire country.

In a very few days he will be able to announce a definite date of opening. Under the above heading you will, in the near future, read of some very interesting developments at the Columbia. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 January 1914, p. 3, c. 3)


THE COLUMBIA OPENS TONIGHT

_____


New Moving Picture Theatre is the

Latest in the Engrossing World

of Movies

_____


IS BEAUTIFULLY DECORATED

_____


Offers Seating Room for 550—Per-

formances Given Afternoon and

Evening Each Day


Edwin Harris Bergh, proprietor and violinist at the Columbia Theatre, 29 January 1914.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Tonight the new Columbia theatre of Edwin Harris Bergh, the latest word in the engrossing world of the movies, gives its opening performance at 7 o'clock in the evening. Everything is in readiness. The powerful moving picture machine, a Powers 6A, was tested last night and given its final adjustment.

The exterior of the theatre is something new in decorative art in Brainerd. The bas reliefs picture four angels with garlands, and these as well as other decorations of the frieze are painted in gold. The two arched entrances are studded with hundreds of high power electric lights and fairly blaze out a welcome. On the corner is the large electric sign, “Columbia,” which can be seen from the Northern Pacific depot and up and down Laurel and 6th streets.

Four swinging doors are at the entrance and within are numerous exits, all built in conformity with the laws which demand safety in theaters. The operator’s booth is of steel lined with asbestos and absolutely fireproof.

Within the theatre the harmony of decorations appeals to the most aesthetic taste. The colors merge wonderfully, old rose and gold being the predominant shades. An indirect system of electric lighting rests the eyes and illuminates the theater without detracting from the beauty of the pictures shown on the screen. The screen is ornamented with decorative work and is framed with black velour. Two panels adjoining enhance the picturesqueness of the screen. French velour is used for curtains at the orchestra pit and at the rear of the room.

Every seat of the 550 is said to offer a good view of the pictures. Nothing obstructs the line of vision. The seats are of the most comfortable kind, 22 inches, between rows. The theater measures 50 by 75 feet in size and the ceiling is 18 feet high. The sanitary arrangements are of the best. A Western Union clock furnishes the time.

The floor has an incline of a half inch to the foot, sufficient to give every seat a clear and unobstructed view of the pictures shown.

Four thousand feet of film, with changes four times a week, that is on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, will be shown. There will be matinee and evening performances every day. The matinees will be from 2:30 to 4:30 and the first one will be given Friday afternoon.

Construction of the Columbia theater building was commenced in September, 1913 by the owner James M. Hayes. The new building replaces an old structure and the public spirit and progressiveness of Mr. Hayes is exemplified in the splendid improvement made to this corner, an improvement which is virtually a benefit to the entire business section of Brainerd.

The building was built by the Monarch Construction Co. of St. Paul, with Nels Kjar in immediate charge at Brainerd. The plans were drawn by White Brothers, and the work and material of many Brainerd firms was used in the construction of the building, including Louis Sherlund, D. M. Clark & Co., Slipp-Gruenhagen Co., White Brothers, Brainerd Electric Co. and others.

Advertising the opening of the new Columbia Theatre, 28 January 1914.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

On the second floor are suites of offices, there being 12 rooms, all having mahogany finish, well ventilated and lighted. Four skylights are in the hall. The stairway is five feet wide. Drs. Sykora and Nelson have engaged the suite in the northwest corner of the building and the adjoining office to the east has been taken by the dentist, Dr. Murphy. This fills all offices facing Laurel street.

In the theater the musical programs will be made features. Music of all countries will be played, and there will also be request programs.

Edwin Harris Bergh, proprietor of the Columbia theater, spent three years in Duluth and Superior where he had a violin school and orchestras at the Grand and Lyceum. He had charge of the Orpheum in Fort William, Ontario, for a year and a half and conducted two schools of music in Fort William and Port Arthur. Last year and the year previous before coming to Brainerd he studied violin with MacPhail of Minneapolis, conducted the Rogers hotel orchestra and taught violin. His work as an instructor, a soloist and in the direction of operas in Brainerd, is well known to the public.

The piano player is Alfred C. Harris, of St. Paul. He has been in this country two years. In England he was organist and pianist in the leading churches. He played seven years in the Episcopal church in the Jersey Islands.

Miss Cecil Witham is a local musician and piano player of ability, having had experience in playing at the opera house and some of the leading moving pictures houses of the city.

William Rodenkirchen is the cello player of the Columbia orchestra. He is a well-known musician of the city and played several years in different orchestras in St. Paul.

Arthur Johnson, of St. Paul, is the moving picture operator, who has been employed in three or four of the leading movie houses of the Twin Cities. He is also a sign painter and decorator.

The piano and organ used in the theater has been installed by Wm. Graham. Both will be tuned every month by Prof. Bartsch.

Nels Kjar, of St. Paul, is the foreman who was in charge of the work of building carried on by the Monarch Construction Co. Mr. Kjar comes from a family of builders and contractors of Copenhagen, Denmark. His work in Brainerd demonstrates the thoroughness of his instruction and his capabilities as a builder. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 January 1914, p. 3, c.’s 1-3)


OPENING AT COLUMBIA

_____


Those Who Purchased the First Four

Tickets to See the New Moving

Picture Theatre


Nearly a thousand people attended the opening of the Columbia theatre on Thursday evening and considerable interest has been aroused as to who bought the first tickets.

At the evening performance at 7 o'clock, the first ticket was sold to Andrew Berglund, assistant manager of the Ransford hotel, and the next two sold were to Mr. and Mrs. V. N. Roderick.

Especially pleasing to all patrons was the note of comfort in the theatre. There was ample room in the seats and between the rows. Every seat was taken at the first performance and the overflow waited at R. D. King’s and in the Iron Exchange arcade for the next show. The pictures were popular subjects. A specially selected musical program was presented by Prof. Edwin Harris Bergh, violinist; William Rodenkirchen cellist; Alfred Harris, pianist; Cecil Witham, organist.

The first matinee performance was given Friday afternoon and was notable because of the attendance of twenty farmers and their families as well as a large number of city people. Marie Lillian Hoffbauer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Hoffbauer, bought the first matinee ticket. It is evident to every businessman that if the Columbia theatre can draw to Brainerd many of the farmers of the county on afternoons it means much to the city at large. It means that trading will be done every week day instead of concentrating on Saturdays. This point alone should secure for Edwin Harris Bergh the backing of every businessman in the city, for he is endeavoring to create in Brainerd a permanent amusement center interesting alike to the farmers, their wives and their children, as well as to the people of Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 January 1914, p. 4, c. 3)


Columbia


Another fine program was given last night at the Columbia. Every picture was greatly appreciated by the large crowd. Tonight there will be a complete change including two or three of the greatest films ever made.

The first to receive special mention is that Vitagraph headliner, “The Masked Dancer.” The next would be the “Engineer’s Revenge.” This powerful drama deals with railroad life and all its wonderful situations.

The other two pictures were booked for the express purpose of a good laugh. The musical program as usual is par excellence. Don’t miss the program for Friday and Saturday. Especial attention is called to the bargain matinee Saturday afternoon when everybody will be admitted for 5 cents. Mothers bring the children and forget your cares and troubles. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 February 1914, p. 4, c. 4)


Columbia


The management of the popular play house feel greatly encouraged over the splendid attendance since its opening only a week ago. In many ways it is remarkable. Every change of program will find hundreds who have attended every change, and among them scores who have never attended a picture show. Attend this show but once and you will be a picture “fan” and a constant customer. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 February 1914, p. 4, c. 3)


Ushers of the Columbia theatre have been supplied with new uniforms, being red trimmed with black braid and gold letters. The suits were purchased by Edwin Harris Bergh, proprietor of the Columbia theatre, through Bye & Peterson. The Columbia is the first and only theatre to have uniformed ushers in Brainerd.

NOTICE the beautiful rich tone of the Clarendon piano used at the Columbia theatre. No better instrument at any price. You can buy at $250 cash, or monthly payments during March only. Wm. Graham, 210 S. 6th. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 February 1914, p. 4, c. 4)


CON O’BRIEN AND JIM ELDER

_____


Distinguish Themselves by Giving

Monster Theatre Party at Co-

lumbia Theatre

_____


OVER 300 FARMERS THERE

_____


Farmers, Their Wives and Their Chil-

dren are Enjoying the Show

This Afternoon


When Con O’Brien and James M. Elder started out to give a theatre party they set a pace which will cause the rest of society in Minnesota to take a back seat for some time to come. You have often read of some host or hostess taking a party of friends to the theatre, or of having a box party, but you never heard or read of any two gentlemen buying the whole afternoon performance of a theatre and inviting their farmer friends of the entire county to be their guests. That is what Mr. Elder and Mr. O’Brien did.

And the response has been more than expected. Shortly after 1:30 when this special matinee performance at the Columbia commenced, there were 300 farmers in the seats and the number was augmented every minute.

They commented on the era of good feeling in Brainerd. They enjoyed the show, the music and the special features. They went home satisfied and they praised the hosts of the afternoon and the Columbia theatre.

The novel features of Messrs. Elder and O’Brien’s party were commented on in the Duluth, Superior, St. Paul, Minneapolis and other papers. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 February 1914, p. 3, c. 4)


NOTE: This theatre opened in what was known as the Hayes Block, built by J. M. Hayes.


SEE: Best Theatre

SEE: Lyceum Theatre

SEE: Hayes Block


COLUMBIAN BLOCK (MAP #24)

Built by W. D. McKay in 1893, it is located on the west side of Sixth Street, mid-block between Front and Laurel Streets. It burns down 28 October 1909 and is replaced by the Iron Exchange Building built in 1910-11. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 74 & 75)


W. D. McKay has purchased the property on 6th street occupied by C. H. Paine & Co. Meat Market and we understand has arrangements all completed to put up a fine two story solid brick building early in the spring. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 February 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


BRAINERD WILL BOOM

_____


The Coming Season as It Never

Has Before

_____


Many Thousands of Dollars to be

Expended in New Buildings

and Other Improvements.

_____


[...]


W. D. McKay, ca. 1922.
Source: Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan

W. D. McKay last week purchased the property occupied by Paine’s meat market, and on Monday he bought the property adjoining occupied by J. A. Denis’ saloon. Here he contemplates the erection of a magnificent new brick block [Columbian Block] which will be one of the finest brick business blocks in the city, and have a tendency to make Sixth street more of a business street than Front street. Plans for the construction of this building have not been made yet, but Mr. McKay expects to make the improvement if satisfactory arrangements can be made. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 March 1893, p. 4, c. 5)


ONE DOLLAR PER MONTH.

_____


That is the Salary the Chief of Police

Will Draw From the City.


...The petition of W. D. McKay to erect a three story solid brick building on lots 3, 4 and 5, block 45, and the removal of the old buildings to lots 13, 14 and 15, block 71, was granted. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 May 1893, p. 1, c. 4)


The work of removing the three buildings on Sixth street to make room for the new three story brick building to be erected by Mr. McKay is being pushed by Mr. L. Rasmusson who has the contract. The buildings will be taken to the corner of Seventh and Laurel streets, and C. H. Paine & Co., and John Denis will remain in the buildings while they are being moved. C. H. Paine & Co. will occupy one of the new buildings at the old stand when the new structure is completed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 May 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


The foundation of the new McKay block is finished and brick laying will begin at once. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 July 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


The “Columbian.”


Columbian Block built in 1893.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

The handsomest new block being erected on Sixth street by W. D. McKay has been christened “Columbian” and a very appropriate name it is too, the stone on which the inscription is carved having been hoisted into position yesterday. The building is being pushed with all possible rapidity, the front being completed except the washing down, and the plastering begun. As soon as the block is finished the DISPATCH will give it a fitting write-up. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 September 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


A Grand Dedication.


The third floor of the Columbian block on Sixth street will be the new home of the Masonic and Knights of Pythias fraternities as soon as it is completed and the various lodges of the different orders have combined to give a grand dedication on the evening of Dec. 8th at the new quarters, and for which occasion invitations will be issued as soon as they can be obtained from the printers. The evening’s entertainment will consist of a short but spicy programme, to be followed by a grand ball and banquet. The hall on the same floor as the lodge rooms will be used for the dancers while in the lodge and ante rooms tables will be provided for those who desire to enjoy themselves at cards. The banquet will be served in the room which has been set apart as a banquet hall, and all the details will be so arranged that those in attendance can enjoy themselves to their fullest capacity. The committees having charge are as follows:

Printing—G. D. LaBar, A. F. Groves, Henry Robson.

Invitation—Geo. N. Day, W. A. M. Johnstone, F. A. Farrar.

Banquet—Jas. Towers, A. J. Forsyth, A. G. Gallup, George Herron, J. W. Bailey.

Music and Entertainment—C. D. Johnson, A. F. Groves, A. J. Forsyth, John Bailey.

Floor—F. A. Farrar, Geo. N. Day, A. F. Ferris, G. D. LaBar, W. A. M. Johnstone.

Decorations and Furniture—W. A. M. Johnstone, Geo. Herron, A. G. Gallup, James Towers, J. J. Thornton, Henry Robson, C. D. Johnson.

Reception—Rev. Geo. H. Davis, J. Lowey, J. T. Frater, W. A. Fleming, S. F. Alderman, F. B. Johnson, E. M. Westfall, Geo. Forsyth, M. McFadden, John Congdon, W. Hemstead, George Bertram. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 November 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


OPENING OF THEIR NEW HALL.

_____


The Masonic and Pythian Fraterni-

ties Give a Grand Ball and Ban-

quet in Honor of the Event.

_____


On Friday evening last occurred the much talked of entertainment and uniform ball given by the Masonic and Pythian fraternities of this city, and it was a very elaborate affair in all respects. The new home of these societies is located on the third floor of the Columbian Block, and since their occupancy has been newly furnished with elegant carpets and draperies, and presents a very handsome appearance. On the evening in question the entire floor was thrown open to the guests, and a very happy throng of people assembled to do honor to the occasion. The members of Brainerd Div. No. 7, U. R. K. P., and Ascalon Commandery K. T., appeared in full dress uniform while the Pythian and Masonic brethren were distinguishable by ribbons pinned to the lapel of their coats. On every hand was heard complimentary remarks as to the neat arrangement of things and the elaborate preparations which had been made for the comfort and pleasure of the invited guests. At 9:30 a musical and literary programme was given as follows:

Overture—Orchestra

Address—Rev. G. H. Davis

Instrumental Duet—Misses Small and Wilson

Recitation—Mr. Geo. Herron

Song—S. F. Alderman

Instrumental Duet—Mrs. and Miss Robinson

Vocal Duet—Misses Nellie and Mary Edwards

Recitation—Miss Mamie Carney

Quartette—Messrs. Webb, Thompson, Wheatley and Alderman

Recitation—Miss Nellie Nelson

The opening address by Rev. G. H. Davis was brief owing to the lengthy programme, but was well received. The entertainment was highly enjoyed by the listeners. After the exercises the party filed into the dancing hall, where about one hundred couples joined in the grand march, after which dancing was indulged in until a late hour.

The banquet, which was a very tempting affair, was served by the ladies of the Pythian Sisterhood and the Eastern Star, and was laid in the banquet hall adjoining the lodge room. The ladies received much praise and many compliments upon this successful feature of the evening. The tables were handsomely decorated, and the large number of guests were served in elegant style.

The occasion throughout was one which will long be remembered, and was considered by all to be the social event of the season. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 December 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


D. M. Clark & Co. have leased the two vacant rooms on the ground floor in the Columbian block and will remove from their present quarters about May 1st. Some improvements in the arrangements of things will be made to accommodate the large stock of furniture and hardware, an elevator will be put in and when they are located in their new quarters the firm will have the finest store in the Northwest. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 March 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


The store rooms in the Columbian block are being fitted up for the reception of their new tenant, D. M. Clark and Co. Mr. Clark will begin moving his stock next week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 April 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


A Mammoth Institution.


Columbian Block built in 1893 by W. D. McKay, burned 28 October 1909, ca Unknown. On the right is the Odd Fellows Block containing the Post Office, this building burned along with the Columbian Block. A 1532x920 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The firm of D. M. Clark & Co., general outfitters, are this week removing from their present quarters in the Swartz building on 6th street, to more pleasant and commodious quarters in the Columbian block opposite their old location. A DISPATCH representative dropped into the Columbian block yesterday where the workmen are fitting up the rooms for the reception of the new occupants. The firm will occupy the two vacant rooms in the block, and when every thing is arranged, will have as fine a store as there is in the northwest without exception. The location is peculiarly adapted to the immense line of goods which is carried, the furniture, carpets, draperies, etc., being displayed in one room, while the hardware and harness department will occupy the other. With the new quarters Mr. Clark will add many new novelties to his stock, which is now one of the largest carried in this part of the state. Everything in the line of house furnishing goods is carried, and if you are thinking of starting an establishment of your own, they can fit you out from cellar to garret. The enterprise shown by the firm of D. M. Clark & Co., deserves recognition, and they should be given a good patronage by our citizens. The idea of sending out of town for goods when they can be purchased at home and from people who pay taxes and contribute largely to the institutions and welfare of the community at a price equally as low, should be frowned down. Buy your goods at home, of responsible dealers such as D. M. Clark & Co. are, and you will be better satisfied in the end. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 April 1894, p. 1, c. 4)


C. M Hertig, the St. Paul capitalist, was in the city the first of the week, closing a deal whereby W. D. McKay secured a loan of $15,000 on his magnificent new Columbian block. The loan was made at 7 per cent, which is none too low considering the large amount and the splendid security offered. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 January 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


The installation of the chiefs of Red Cloud Tribe No. 13, took place on Friday evening last at the wigwam at Peabody & Baker’s Hall, the chiefs being duly raised to their respective stumps, and will preside over the tribe for the ensuing six moons. The meeting was largely attended and the occasion was an enjoyable one. The ceremonies were conducted by Deputy Great Sachem A. E. Frost. There were also nine pale faces adopted. Red Cloud Tribe No. 18, which was organized by Mr. Frost and instituted Nov. 22, has now a total membership of 63, and is increasing rapidly, having no less than 8 to 15 applications at each council meeting. The tribe will kindle its next council for this (Friday) evening in their elegant new quarters in the Columbian block. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 January 1896, p. 4, c. 5)


A New Lodge Room.


W. D. McKay is fitting up the large room on the third floor of the Columbian block heretofore known as Columbian Hall, into a magnificent lodge room, and he already has contracts with four secret societies to occupy it, viz: Brainerd Lodge A. O. U. W., Brainerd Lodge No. 2337, Modern Woodman of America, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Red Cloud Lodge of Red Men. It will consist of an ante room, parlor and lodge room, besides plenty of closets and a toilet room and lavatory. The rooms will be carpeted with body Brussels carpet and furnished with finely carved antique oak furniture. Mr. McKay will expend over $800 in fitting up the rooms, hence it will be seen, with electric lights and steam heat, he will have one of the finest lodge rooms in the northwest. In fact, it is his intention to fit it up so nicely that all newly organized societies will desire quarters there. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 January 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


The lodge rooms in the Columbian block occupied by the Masonic and Knights of Pythias fraternities have been newly papered during the past week. The job was done by Wm. Guthrie, and is a very fine piece of work. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 April 1898, p. 8, c. 2)


A new cement sidewalk is being constructed in front of the Columbian block. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 June 1900, p. 12, c. 1)


SEE: City Hall


WILL PUT IN FLATS

_____


W. D. McKay Will Remodel the Sec-

ond floor of Columbian Block Put-

ting in Five Suites of Rooms


The second floor of the Columbian block is to be remodeled at once. It will be transformed into five suites of flats with all modern improvements. There will be two or three offices left, but most of the space will be devoted to flats. They will be equipped with all modern conveniences, each being complete in itself and will doubtless rent readily. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 October 1907, p. 3, c. 3)


Fire animation On October 27, 1909, a fire started in the M. K. Swartz Drug Store which destroyed the Columbian Block and two frame buildings. The fire broke out at 7 a.m. and by 8 a.m. the Columbian building had collapsed. Total losses were expected to exceed $200,000.


SEE: 1909 Columbian Block Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


04 November 1909. D. M. Clark and Co., which was burned out in last week's fire, is opening their hardware business in the store room next to Murphy's plumbing establishment. Their undertaking department has reopened. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Wednesday, 04 November 2009)


07 November 1909. For the first time after the fire the Ransford Hotel bar was reopened this morning with George Ridley again in charge. The sign was also replaced. They hope to get the kitchen and dining room in shape to serve Thanksgiving dinner. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Saturday, 07 November 2009)


COUNTY / CITY JAIL (First) (MAP #44)

Sometime early in 1872 a contract is let to L. P. White for $971.60, to build a jail on Fifth Street, between Laurel and Maple Streets. The building measures 18 feet by 28 feet, two stories high, having four 4 by 8 cells and two 8 by 8 cells, sheriff’s offices, and on the second floor a court room. “The jail part,” quoting the Tribune, “is constructed of scantling lying flat, and spiked together with innumerable nails, making the walls solid as Gibraltar, and utterly impregnable to ordinary tools.” 958 pounds of nails and spikes are used in the construction. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 39)


In 1874 [sic] [1872] the council votes the sum of $2,500 to build a jail. L. P. White is ordered to build it on South Fifth Street, opposite the present Bus Depot; it is a small wooden building that costs $971.60. It burns in the Haymarket Fire of 1886. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 50)


NOTE: There were no big fires in Brainerd in 1886. There was a huge fire in July 1888 which burned west and south along the railroad tracks and Front Street from approximately the middle of the block between Sixth and Fifth Streets south to Laurel Street and all the way west to the river. Another huge fire in October 1890 burned west and south from the SE corner of Laurel and Fifth Streets to Maple Street—this is the fire that burned the jail building cited above. The 1888 fire may be the fire referred to by Zapffe as the “Haymarket Fire” above.


NOTE: This building is built as the first county jail in February 1872. Sometime after the new combined county jail and Sheriff’s residence is built in 1882, this newly built jail becomes the first city jail.


Our New Jail.


We are pleased to be able to announce that Crow Wing county now possesses a county jail, which is a most respectable appearing and really substantial structure. The building committee appointed by the County Commissioners, at a recent meeting, let the contract for the building of the jail to Mr. L. P. White, for the sum of $971.60. The size of the building is 18x28 feet, and two stories high. On the first floor there are four cells, 4x8 feet each, and two 8x18 feet for a Sheriff’s office. The jail part is constructed of scantling, lying flat, and spiked together with innumerable nails, making the walls solid as Gibraltar, and utterly impregnable by any ordinary tools. There were consumed in the construction of these cells alone, 958 pounds of spikes and nails. The second story is finished off in good style for a court room, and is nicely adapted to the use for which it is intended.

The builder was Mr. David L. West, one of our most enterprising and accomplished builders, who not only did his work in the most satisfactory manner, but made champion-time thereon. He put his men to work on Wednesday at noon, and by the next week Thursday at noon his contract was finished, to the last nail. We are highly gratified to learn that Mr. West is soon to establish in Brainerd a factory for turning out doors, sash, blinds and finishing stuff, with a view to furnishing himself with all things necessary in the extensive building operations he designs carrying on here during the present year, as well as in years to come. This will be an accession to Brainerd which will be hailed with the greatest satisfaction by our people, and Mr. West will doubtless meet with the success his enterprise and energy deserve. His machinery will be here about the first of next month. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 February 1872, p. 3, c. 4)


Theft of Blankets.


On the night of the 26th ult., the warehouse of John Morrison, Esq., in rear of the Bishop House was broken open and some forty pairs of blankets taken therefrom It appears that the thieves were seen in the act by an attache of the hotel, and recognized; but before he could notify the Sheriff or others, the lovers of warm blankets had succeeded in folding them up and silently stealing away. They were subsequently arrested, however, by Sheriff Gurrell, and proved to be somewhat noted characters known by the names of John Landon—alias “Limpy Jack”—and John Chisholm. They were brought before his Honor, Justice Conant, for examination, resulting in their being bound over for their appearance at the next term of the District Court, in October, in default of acceptable bail for $400 and $500, respectively they were committed to jail. At last accounts, received by us, the property had not been recovered. Limpy Jack made a confession to Sheriff Gurrell, to their having stolen the blankets, and told where the property was, having sold the blankets, receiving on them about $17.00; but the Sheriff did not find them, they having been removed—in “self defense,” we presume. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 February 1872, p. 3, c. 2)


Taken Possession.


“Limpy Jack” & Co. took possession of their new and substantial quarters—the county jail—two days before it was completed, and were the pioneers, in that line in this county. This is enterprise, and this firm cannot fill two of the apartments full (of devilment) then go no further for “lads” that can. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 February 1872, p. 3, c. 2)


NOTE: This is the jail from which the two Native Americans are taken and lynched.


A Faithful Officer.


We think Crow Wing county can boast of as accomplished, faithful and untiring a Sheriff as any county in the State. Sheriff [John/Jack] Gurrell has had an extended experience as an officer of the law, principally in the country west of the Missouri River. All the way from Mexico to Montana, and from the Missouri to the Pacific, he is well known as a terror to all evil-doers. He was City Marshal of Cheyenne during its bloodiest history, and U. S. Marshal in Wyoming and other of those gold-bearing territories, besides serving a long term as a U. S. officer in Utah among the Mormons. He has a jail-pet confined in our county jail that he has arrested before in three different territories west of the Missouri. Sheriff Gurrell has, probably, a better knowledge of all the roughs, and their deeds and character, that have been or will be along the Northern Pacific Railroad during its construction, than any other man in this country. We feel gratified, with the entire community, that we have an officer in Mr. Gurrell who knows his duties and is willing to perform them to the letter. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 February 1872, p. 3, c. 4)


Broke Jail.


On Wednesday evening last, about dark, and during the time Sheriff Gurrell and Deputy Cassety were gone to supper, the prisoners in the jail went through that institution and betook themselves to tall timber. They were all in, charged with larceny of various kinds and degrees, and were committed for their appearance at the next October term of the District Court. There were five of them:

—John Langdon, John Chisholm, John Lynch, Patrick Morrow and Charles Monroe. The first two had too much to do with a lot of blankets that came up missing last winter; Lynch and Monroe, for stealing a watch. They made their exit through the floor of the rear of the building—the day-time quarters—and crawling out from under the building—it being set up some ways from the ground. The sheriff is of the opinion, from the appearance of the orifice, that they were assisted by some outside party, cutting from underneath the building, while the prisoners were provided with a case-knife saw above. The cells were carefully inspected daily, by the sheriff, and although the greatest vigilance was heeded, it proved of no avail. The whole transaction was gone through with inside an hour, and although the floor was made of two by four pieces set edgewise and spiked, there appears to have been no spikes in the way of their cutting. There can be no blame attached to the sheriffs, so far as we can learn, and outside of the principle of the thing, it is a god-send that the county and community are clear of them. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 April 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


THE pay of the Chief of Police of the city has been fixed by the Board of Aldermen at $75.00 per month, and that of two Policemen at $50.00 each. This reminds us that we would like to know who the Chief of Police is? It has been a long time since our City organization, and the idea strikes us that we ought to have a Chief, at some time in the course of human events. But still, the Fathers ought to know. We approve of the pay allowed the Police force, or the one that is to be, but even if we didn’t it would probably burst nobody. Still. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 January 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


NOTICE.


The office of A. F. McKAY, sheriff of Crow Wing County, and Chief of Police of the City of Brainerd, is in the rear room of Sleeper & Holland’s building, opposite the Post Office. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 February 1874, p. 1, c. 2)


OFFICER SHONTELL will move into the upstairs of the jail building next week, and will hereafter have charge of the jail, in addition to his duties as policeman. Mr. S. is, by the way, making an excellent officer of the peace, as is generally admitted by all lovers of good order. So far as we are informed, he is a straightforward, honest man, capable, and faithful in the discharge of his work, and while he is courteous and gentlemanly to all, he goes along without fear or favor, and knows no partiality in the execution of his duties. He seems to be always where he is wanted, instead of reclining where he is NOT needed, when trouble is “on.” Such a police officer and night watchman is a treasure to the city, and all good citizens can take a pleasure in encouraging such a man in the discharge of his responsible duties. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 February 1874, p. 1, c. 4)


WHAT IS THE MATTER?—Someone tells us that it is proposed by the City Council to cut down our police force; reduce the force to HALF its present proportions at one fell stroke, and even cut down the pay of the remaining policeman; and to put him out—Officer Shontell, the remaining half of the force—and give the place to some other person. Well, we verily believe that some men, even officials, can never be happy; can never let well enough alone; everything that is, is wrong and a “change” seems to be their ruling passion. There is such a thing, we think, as being altogether too economical in public matters, and the one in question is a very aggravated case—although in this instance we are not certain whether ECONOMY is what’s the matter or not. We hope, however, that nothing but economical ideas actuate our Council in their proposition to displace our present police officers and substitute others—we know of no other reason for such a move, and even this idea we deem a mistaken one. Our present police regulation we deem a most wise one, and does credit to the Council who brought it about; nor do we admire the little police system now in vogue in Brainerd more than we do the character and work of the two men who fill the positions on our police force. Never have we had better officers of the law than Messrs. McKay and Shontell, nor can they be bettered. The “still too great expense”—twenty-five dollars per month to Sheriff McKay for acting as Chief, and fifty or sixty dollars per month to Mr. Shontell for doing police duty and night watching—is all moonshine and nonsense. The manner in which the police work is not done, costs the city literally nothing, and the city is ahead besides; so, why this cry of “too much expense!”

We are as warm an advocate of economy as anybody; but where a little expense is necessary for the proper government of the community, and execution of its laws, we for one are anxious to pay our full share—or even more than our share. And although the city is taxed nothing now, as it were, to keep up our present little police force, still; were the whole amount of the wages of such officers to come out of the property holders, we should jump at the chance to pay three times our share rather than have this branch of our municipal affairs crippled below what it now is. We are not the champion of our present police officers, by any means; all we know is—and we know because it is generally acknowledged—that they do their duty in an honorable, straightforward manner, inside the law in all their acts, and if so, what is a change wanted for? The plea of economy in our police matter is a nonsensical idea, as there is REALLY NO RESPONSE attached to it; and if there was, our people stand ready to pay it, in consideration of the comparative safety to life, order and property, that the service as now performed brings to them. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 April 1874, p. 1, c. 4)


Court Proceedings.


The grand jury submitted the following recommendations to the Court:

The grand jury have had under consideration the condition of our county jail, and would report that the said jail is unfit to keep prisoners, not being provided with suitable bedding nor properly ventilated. The jurors further recommend that the county build a new building in a more suitable location.

We further recommend that the Court censure the proper officers in not enforcing the liquor laws.

We further request that our Sheriff be instructed hereafter to provide a more suitable room for the jurors, the present one we now occupy is encumbered with merchandise and without fire. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 October 1880, p. 1, c. 4)


ATTEMPT TO BREAK JAIL.


The prisoners of the Brainerd jail have recently been making repeated endeavors to escape, and last Monday night came very near carrying their plans into execution. Sheriff Mertz has suspicioned for several days, that mischief of some nature was brewing, and determined to be on the watch. Last Monday night, as he entered the jail with a lantern and turned into a side door, he observed that two or three of the prisoners were very much agitated and excited. This served but to feed the blaze of his suspicions, and he determined to make a careful examination of this room. Accordingly, he stepped inside, and the sight that greeted his eyes but served to convince him, that he had come not a moment too soon. The floor is composed of two layers of planks. The first is made up with plank measuring two inches in thickness by about fourteen in width, and the second is composed of the ordinary “two by fours.” The prisoners had succeeded in prying up one of the upper planks, and then by the aid of an old axe and a common auger of about one-eighth inch dimensions had cut through the lower planks, lifted a piece out, and under this piece of work had tunneled into the soft ground below some eight or nine feet, and were just on the eve of gaining their freedom, when their operations were discovered and frustrated. A brief diet of bread and water was ordered for the refractory ones, and their work repaired at once. The present jail is surely no credit to the county, to say the least. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 May 1881, p. 1, c. 3)


It is certainly time the people of Crow Wing county, and Brainerd especially, should bestir themselves relative to the importance of erecting a new jail. The horrible stench pen in which it is necessary to crowd all classes of criminals, is a curse and a disgrace to any enlightened community. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 June 1881, p. 4, c. 2)


LAST Saturday the prisoners in the county jail made another and this time successful attempt to break out from their confinement. The two who broke out were Jas. Reagan, in on charge of forging orders on G. G. Hartley, and J. Clark, for obtaining money in an improper manner, and both of them had previously made several unsuccessful attempts to escape, but their plans had always been discovered and frustrated in time, but they finally succeeded in regaining their desired liberty, but it was of very brief duration. As soon as the Sheriff discovered what was up, or rather what was out, he immediately commenced search, although the rain was descending in torrents. Stationing a deputy at the railroad bridge, he started off down toward the river bank, south of the bridge. After a long and tedious search, and just as he was on the point of returning to town, he discovered a boot protruding from some underbrush, and upon a farther investigation discovered something bearing the resemblance to a pair of brown overalls in close proximity, and soon discovered a confused pile of humanity which proved to be his lost sheep. Ordering them to their feet, he promptly marched them back to their former quarters, where they again languished in durance vile.

LATER—On Wednesday night following these two prisoners succeeded in again breaking out, and as yet have not been recaptured, although every effort has been put forth to discover their whereabouts. One of them wore off a pair of leg-chains, which it will be difficult for him to get rid of. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 June 1881, p. 1, c. 2)


Officer Shontell has moved his family into the rooms over the city jail and will hereafter board the prisoners that seek nourishment and rest under its hospitable roof. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 11 October 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


There came very near being a jail delivery [sic] last night at the city cooler. About 11 o’clock Officer Shontell hearing a suspicious noise in the room below got up and dressed himself and proceeded to examine things. When he got to the front of the building he saw a man stick his head out of the window, and knowing that he had no business there he shot at him. On investigating he found the fellow had pried up the window and unlocked the door which leads to the cells with the intention of liberating the prisoners, but none of them had escaped. The man was so badly scared when the officer shot at him that he ran into the back part of the jail and into an unoccupied cell where he was found and locked up without further ceremony. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 25 October 1883, p. 2, c. 4)


Complaint will be made by the health officers to the council on Monday night in regard to the condition of the city jail (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 July 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


The county will deed the lot and building known as the “city jail” to the city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 August 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


Report of the Grand Jury.

_____


To the Honorable District Court of Crow

Wing, Cass and Itasca counties.

The grand jury submit to the court that all bills have been disposed of which have been submitted to the jury, and we further report that the jury have visited the county jail and find it in good repair and in good sanitary condition. The jury further report to the court that they have visited the old jail building on 5th street now used as a city prison, and find the same to be in a filthy condition, without proper ventilation and an improper place to keep prisoners.

We respectfully protest against its being used as a lockup or prison. It is in a locality jeopardizing other property, increasing fire risks and is dangerous as a fire trap. We recommend its sale and the procuring of other premises for a city prison.

LYMAN P. WHITE,

Foreman of Grand Jury.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 16 October 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


Proposals.


Sealed proposals, marked “Bids for jail,” for the purchase of the old county jail and lot will be received by the county auditor up to May 1, 1888. No bids for a smaller amount than $500, [will] be entertained.

The board of County commissioners reserve the right to reject any or all bids.

A. MAHLUM,

Deputy Auditor.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 27 April 1888, p. 4, c. 5)


Fire animation On October 10, 1890, a massive fire burned the Commercial Hotel aka the Leland House, the oldest hotel on the line of the Northern Pacific, the old city jail, and the Catholic Church and parsonage and the Number One Saloon. About a block and a half in the business district was burned, the total damages were estimated to be between $75,000 and $150,000.


SEE: 1890 Leland House / Commercial Hotel Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


COUNTY JAIL / SHERIFF’S RESIDENCE (First) (MAP #22)

(Top) Sheriff’s Residence (Bottom) attached to the County Jail at the northeast corner of 4th and Washington, ca. 1910.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

On 03 July 1882, Crow Wing County issues $30,000 in 7% bonds to erect a courthouse, a home for the sheriff and a jail. The courthouse is erected on the southeast corner of Kingwood and North 4th Streets and the sheriff’s home and jail on the northeast corner of Main [Washington] and North 4th Streets. These buildings occupy an entire half-block owned by the county. They are built of Brainerd-made Schwartz cream brick. Today the courthouse building is an apartment house and the sheriff's house and jail have been demolished. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 23)


The capacity of the new jail will be sixteen prisoners. One apartment will be fitted up for the accommodation of female offenders. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 April 1882, p. 5, c. 2)


What came very near being a jail delivery [sic] occurred on Saturday last while Deputy Sheriff Matteson was at Crow Wing on business. It seems that in some way the prisoners had managed to make a hole about half way through the brick wall, which had been secreted by one of the beds. The officer thought the prisoners acted rather strange, and he ordered them into the steel cage, to which they objected but finally obeyed. He then called in police officer McMahon and examined the room, when the wall was found in the above condition, and the steel cage was found to be sawed and cut considerably, these cuts being plastered up artistically with soap, so that a casual observer would not notice them. As the steel is very hard and no common saw would make an impression on it, it is a mystery as to how they got in possession of the tools and what they have done with them, as nothing can be found that the work was done with. Peter Mertz, sheriff, was absent at Stillwater and Deputy Matteson remained on guard continually until he returned on Tuesday morning. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 20 September 1883, p. 3, c. 5)


On Wednesday last a party consisting of Henry Leland, Peter Mertz [Sheriff], A. W. Frater and S. P. Douglas started out on the Crow Wing road for a prairie chicken hunt, having cigars and all the luxuries of the season packed away to use in case of an emergency. Along towards evening they came back the luxuries being consumed, and exhibited a fair sized mosquito which was captured by the sheriff [Peter Mertz] of Crow Wing County. They claim that it was a prairie chicken. There are grave doubts as to its identity. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 09 August 1883, p. 4, c. 2)


OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF OF CROW WING

COUNTY.


BRAINERD, MINN., OCT. 4, 1883.


To the voters of Crow Wing County:

It is not only a courtesy due you, but in recognition of your past expressions of confidence toward me, that suggests the announcement to you, that, responding to what I know is the desire of a large majority of my fellow citizens of this county, I will be again your candidate for sheriff. I know I need no introduction to or advertisement among you, or endorsement as to my record. That speaks for itself: and yet I can but remember the many disadvantages of the early part of my services as sheriff. I was then the only officer in the city of Brainerd. There was no police force even. It is a pride, at least, that I have been able to see the improvements which have attended the prosperity and improvements of the city and county, all the facts of which are well known to most of you. I am proud to believe that these friends are as numerous as in the days which were not so bright and promising. I feel also that I need make no special pledges in regard to discharging my duties, that it is sufficient that I acknowledge your past favors and say that if re-elected, I shall labor earnestly and conscientiously as heretofore, to serve you acceptably. I am well acquainted not only in the city, but in all parts of the county, and feel that my record is sufficient introduction to all. In my candidacy for re-election, I shall be not only grateful to all, but proud of the continued confidence of my many friends, whose warm and cordial support I have enjoyed so fully in the past.

P. Mertz,

Sheriff.

(Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 04 October 1883, p. 3, c. 5)


Parties desiring to purchase the old county jail building can have a chance to bid for it until the 13th of Nov. All bids should be addressed to the county auditor. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 25 October 1883, p. 2, c. 1)


More Cells.

______


The grand jury at its recent session recommended that a new tier of cells be constructed over the old ones now in use in the county jail as the present accommodations are not ample to receive all the criminals and law breakers that need to be caged up. They also recommended that arrangements be made to heat that portion of the jail which is intended to receive the female prisoners, and also to whitewash the inside of the prison and have the floor fixed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 March 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


A party of hunters consisting of Capt. [sic] Sleeper, Sheriff Mertz, Dr. J. L. Camp, S. F. Alderman and H. W. Topping, started Friday morning for a prolonged hunt in the Pine River country. The party looked like original frontiersmen when they started out. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 October 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


Crow Wing County’s Poor.


[...]


Courthouse, Sheriff’s residence and County Jail shortly after they were built in 1882. A 854x647 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The county jail which was built in 1882 at a cost of about $8,000 does not seem to meet with the approval of the inspecting board as a reading of the following contained in the published report will show:


CROW WING COUNTY JAIL.


The jail is in the rear of the sheriff’s residence. The brick cell room is 24x24 feet, 22 feet high. The steel and iron cage contains two cells 6 1/2x8 feet and designed for four prisoners each. The jailer’s corridor surrounding the cage is too narrow, being only four feet wide on the north and south and six feet to the rear. The floor of the cell room is of concrete, a very poor job, already out of repair. There are twelve windows nevertheless the jail is unusually dark even for a cage jail; the windows are in two tiers, the lower tier having the abominable iron blinds, which shut out the light but do not prevent communication nor the introduction of tools. The interior of the cage is so dark that a lamp is necessary for reading even in the daytime. Heat is furnished by a box stove, and excellent ventilation by a fine 2 feet square with a 10-inch smokestack inside. There is a water closet in the cage, supplied with city water and connected with a sewer which works well in summer but has given great trouble by freezing and closing up in winter. Furniture: canvas, hammocks, woolen blankets, table, benches; one prisoner slept in a bed outside the cage. There are no peep holes for the observation of prisoners. Women and insane persons are provided for by two commodious cells, each 6x12 feet, and lined with light boiler iron, well lighted and comfortable, but there is no provision for heating them in winter—a surprising oversight. One of these cells was used as a store room. The jail was not very clean. Prisoners admitted having some vermin upon them. The prisoners do their own washing in the corridor, and have good facilities for bathing in a wash tub, having a boiler to heat water on the stove; bathing is not compulsory and is somewhat neglected. The darkness of the cell has led to the practice of giving prisoners the liberty of the outer corridor; an escape was made some time ago by digging through the brick wall with a knife. The sheriff stated that boys are not kept separate from older prisoners. Capacity, 10. Too small as the sheriff has had repeatedly to have prisoners sleep outside the cage at the risk of escapes. The sheriff’s residence is inadequate. The kitchen and dining room are in the cellar 5 feet below ground, damp and unwholesome. On the first floor is the sheriff’s office, 12x14, which serves also for his family sitting room and bedroom. He has also a parlor 12x14. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 March, 1887, p. 1, c. 9)


GRAND JURORS REPORT.


“The grand jury found an apparent lax management of the county jail, touching safety of prisoners. Several articles were picked up in the jail, and found under the closed cages, that may have been or might be used as weapons or as means of effecting escape. The sanitary condition was found reasonably good. It was recommended that prisoners be locked in their cells at night from sunset to sunrise. The city jail was found in apparent better condition than the county jail, but in both there was the evident practice of permitting the prisoners to sleep in the corridors. The jury criticizes this, and recommends that the officers be required to remove the cots of prisoners into the cells. The grand jury agree that the buildings are in condition ample both in sanitary and safety conditions to answer all present purposes, if the officers in charge only do their duty carefully and intelligently, and as a precaution necessary, it is recommended that the sheriff and officers be required to prevent communication through the windows, and that notices prohibiting such communication be posted, and infringement of the rule be punished.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 September 1887, p. 4, c. 5)


The county jail building has been fitted up with storm doors and windows. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 December 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


The Grand Jury’s Report.


The grand jury at the close of their session made the following report as to the condition of the county jail:

TO THE HONORABLE COURT: We, the grand jury, in and for the county of Crow Wing, having visited the county jail of said county, beg leave to report that they find the same overcrowded accommodations entirely inadequate for the health and comfort of the inmates, and that there is a deplorable lack of proper beds and bedding, they recommend that steps be at once taken to enlarge the jail and provide such additional accommodations and supplies as a common humanity demands.

We take pleasure in stating that the condition and care of the prisoners reflect no discredit on the sheriff who is utterly powerless to remedy the defects complained of. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 March 1891, p. 4, c. 6)


The Sewer Agitation.


The matter of putting in a sewer from the county jail buildings to connect with that at the Arlington Hotel has been the subject of considerable discussion during the past week, but from present indications it is doubtful if the city council will sanction the scheme if they are supposed to help bear the expense. While the cost would be a nominal sum, as only about 600 feet of pipe would have to be laid, the council think the county should bear the expense if they deem the enterprise a necessary one. On the other hand, the city jail would reap the same benefits from the sewers as the county buildings do. There is no doubt but that a system of sewers in the place mentioned would be a very good thing, in fact really necessary, and will have to be constructed sooner or later, as at present the refuse and filth of the jail buildings are run into cesspools which have to be constructed every year or two. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 April 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


We don’t believe the council at the present time should consider putting in a new sewer on Main or Kingwood street, from Eighth street to the river, unless the property owners benefitted are willing to bear the expense almost entirely. The city is in debt enough now. And it seems to us if the county commissioners want sewer connections for the court house and jail, the county should bear at least half of the expense of extending the main from the Arlington Hotel. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 April 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


DISTRICT COURT NEWS.


The September term of the district court opened on Monday morning with Judge Holland presiding. The work of the grand jury occupied two days....

The grand jury made the following report:


REPORT OF THE GRAND JURY.

To the Hon. G. W. Holland, judge of the district court.

The members of the grand jury have this day visited the county jail and given it a thorough inspection. They beg leave to report that they find it in excellent condition. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 September 1893, p. 1, c. 4)


Business of the Court.


...The following report was made by the grand jury which is published by order of the court:

STATE OF MINNESOTA,

County of Crow Wing.

District Court, 15th Judicial District.

To the Hon. G. W. Holland, judge of District Court in and for the Fifteenth Judicial District of the State of Minnesota.

The grand jury of the county aforesaid would respectfully submit the following report:

That they have examined and visited the county jail in and for said county, and that they found the same in a first-class condition.

That the court house and grounds connected with the same have been duly inspected and they are in a good condition.

Dated Sept. 20th, 1894.

LYMAN P. WHITE,

Foreman.

Attest, F. A. FARRAR, Clerk.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 21 September 1894, p. 4, c. 5)


Sheriff Spalding has six boarders at his hostelry, and judging from what the inmates say he uses them right royally. On Christmas day the prisoners were given as fine a dinner as they could have secured if at liberty. Turkey, mince pie, plum pudding, and all other good things incident to the day were on their bill of fare, followed by a box of cigars and a generous quantity of apples and pop corn. One of the “boarders” confidentially remarked to a reporter on Wednesday that the fact was that Sheriff Spalding took as good care of his prisoners as could possibly be asked at all times. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 December 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


Court Matters.


[...]


...The following is the report made to the court:

To the Honorable Judge of the District Court of the 15th Judicial District:

We, the grand jury, have visited the county jail and the city lock-up, and find the county jail in excellent condition. The city lock-up was found in a bad sanitary condition, with dirty, filthy cots, unfit to be slept on, and we recommend to the court that the proper authorities be requested to remedy the matter at once. To procure new iron cots, and to have the place thoroughly cleaned and repaired and kept so. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 September 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


JAIL DELIVERY PREVENTED.

_____


Sheriff Spalding Very Cleverly Catches

the Prisoners as They Were

About to Depart.

_____


What came very near being a jail delivery occurred last evening. Sheriff Spalding has confined in the county jail seven prisoners, and among them are some tough customers. For some time he had been apprehensive that an attempt would be made by them to gain their liberty before the term of court opened, which convenes Nov. 16th, and he has kept a close watch on them. Last night about 1 o’clock he became suspicious that something was wrong and he arose, going to the door that leads into the jail part and listened, but the only noise he could hear was that of the water running from the faucet inside. Knowing from that fact that there was something up he tried to turn the electric lights on but they would not work and he lighted a lamp, unlocked the door and stepped inside with a gun in his hand. The first glance showed him that the seven men were out of the cage, and he immediately leveled his gun on them and told them in plain English that the first man to make a move would be shot down. His wife, who had locked the door behind him, summoned W. E. Seelye, who was stopping at Mr. Nevers’ across the street from the jail, and when he arrived the men were locked up in one of the cells inside the cage. It was found that a piece of steel floor, 10x18 inches, and which is 8/16ths of an inch thick, had been cut out of the cage, and the men had dug a tunnel to the outer wall, where work had already been commenced to effect an opening, and in an hour more the prisoners would have all been outside and at liberty. The instruments used were two case knives, which had been fashioned into saws, and it must have taken some time to have accomplished the work. In the nine years Sheriff Spalding has held his position he has never lost a man, and he feels very much pleased to think that he found out what was going on before it was too late to prevent the escape, and it was certainly a very clever piece of work on his part, and one which deserves credit. The names of the prisoners connected with the job are: Dave Deloney, assault; Frank Amberger, forgery; Martin Johnson, forgery; Jos. Gardin, larceny; H. M. DeMars, larceny; Chas. Slimmer, larceny; James Fisk, burglary. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 November 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


Grand Jury Report.


BRAINERD, March 8th, 1899.


The grand jury met and transacted such business as properly came under its notice. We inspected the county jail and make the following recommendations: We find after investigation,

1. That we find the sleeping apartments of the jail as inadequate and insufficient; we therefore recommend that hammocks be provided.

2. That spittoons be provided for prisoners.

3. That commissioners be instructed to furnish sufficient coal and wood for heating and cooking.

4. That any reasonable request of the sheriff for necessaries to supply the jail be complied with.

5. Aside from these recommendations everything is satisfactory.


[...]


JOHN A. MARTIN,

Foreman.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 10 March 1899, p. 1, c. 5)


District Court.


The grand jury in their report to the court on adjournment Friday evening last made several recommendations among which were that a steel ceiling was needed in the county jail and also screens over the windows, and that hammocks should be furnished; the closets were found in bad shape and badly in need of repair. Vermin was found in abundance and the grand jury suggested that more bedding and some additional clothing be furnished so that the sheriff might be able to remedy the matter in regard to cleanliness. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 September 1899, p. 1, c. 3)


In Good Condition.


John F. Jackson, of St. Paul, secretary of the state board of correction and charities, was in the city on Tuesday. Mr. Jackson is making a tour of inspection of the correctional institutions of the northern part of the state. During the day Mr. Jackson inspected the county jail, the city lock-up and the county poor farm. To a DISPATCH representative, Mr. Jackson expressed himself as well pleased at the manner in which all three institutions are kept. The jail he says is bad and poorly fitted for the purpose intended. However, the worst defects can be remedied at comparatively no cost. The walls should be whitewashed, and a new floor constructed, the present one being in bad shape. An iron or steel roof or ceiling is an absolute necessity, as a prisoner could go through the present one with a jack knife. The lock-up was good, almost a model institution for the use intended. The poor house he considers not properly constructed, but he was lavish in his praise of the splendid way in which the house and rooms are kept, and the splendid treatment of the inmates. He considers it one of the very neatest and best kept places of this character under his jurisdiction. Mr. Jackson talked entertainingly of the subject of prisons and correctional institutions and said that Minnesota was slowly getting the best institutions of this character in the country, not the most expensive, but the best adapted to the use intended. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 November 1899, p. 10, c. 2)


A steel ceiling is being put in position at the county jail. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 December 1899, p. 8, c. 1)


Attempt to Escape.


An attempt has been made during the past week by the prisoners in the county jail to escape by sawing off the bars in the northeast window of the jail. The sheriff, in examining the jail, made the discovery, and the window will be repaired today, and a search made for the saw and coal chisel which they apparently have to do the work with. An attempt was made about a year ago to break jail at this same place, which was also discovered. This time three bars were sawed about one-half off, and if not interrupted it would not take more than three or four hours to complete the job. The work has to be done in the day time when no one is around, as the prisoners are confined to their cells at night. There are at present six prisoners in the jail, two safe blowers from Bemidji, two from Cass Lake, one from Walker and one local man. The work was undoubtedly done by the Bemidji men, as they are professional safe blowers, and understand the work. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 April 1900, p. 1, c. 6)


BROKE JAIL.

_____


Bemidji Safe Blowers Make Their

Escape.

_____


The last issue of the DISPATCH, which went to press about 10 o'clock Friday morning, contained a notice of an attempt of the prisoners of the county jail to escape, by partially sawing off the window bars, but which had been discovered by the sheriff and the attempt frustrated. The attempt, however, proved to be successful later in the day, when the prisoners were released from their cells for dinner. The sheriff had left the city, leaving Deputy Winters in charge. When the prisoners were fed, they were, as usual, released from their cells, and during the absence of the deputy for a few minutes, two of the prisoners, Edwin Decker and Geo. Gardner, held for safe blowing at Bemidji, succeeded in finishing the job of sawing off the lower end of two bars, which they bent upward by main force, and jumped from the window and escaped before the deputy returned. Sheriff Erickson’s little girl saw them throw their coats from the window, and gave the alarm, and Officer Brockway got there in time to prevent the other prisoners from escaping. The released men ran as fast as they could in the direction of the mill, and although Chief Nelson mounted a bike and rode in that direction as fast as possible, no trace of the men could be found after they left the immediate vicinity of the jail. Deputy Winters telegraphed to all the surrounding towns, and sent out postals notifying the authorities in neighboring places, but nothing has as yet been heard from them. It is known, however, that they have a lot of burglars’ tools and considerable money which they took from the safe at Bemidji, hid somewhere near the latter place, and the sheriff hopes by keeping a sharp lookout in that vicinity to recapture his prisoners. They are tough characters, and it is to be hoped the sheriff will be successful. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 April 1900, p. 1, c. 2)


DISTRICT COURT PROCEEDINGS.

_____


We, the grand jury of the March term of court, 1901, hereby submit the following report:

We have examined all cases brought before us, and also the county jail, and found that in a very filthy condition and recommend the following changes: That we either stop taking prisoners from outside counties or enlarge the structure, as we have found it very much overcrowded. We find that four prisoners have had no exercise for at least four weeks, and the sheriff acknowledges that he is afraid to let them out of the cage, and that the cage has not been cleaned out for four weeks. We think the prisoners should have exercise and the cage be cleaned up. The floor we find in bad condition and should be repaired, and the whole inside of the jail whitewashed at once. We find the city lock-up in a very good condition, but would recommend the lock-up be whitewashed inside also.

GEO. A. KEENE,

Foreman.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 08 March 1901, p. 1, c. 1)


AFTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.

_____


Grand Jury Throws out a Gentle

Reminder in Their Final Report.

_____


[...]


The following is the report of the grand jury:

“We, the grand jury for the July general term of the district court of Crow Wing county respectfully report that we have attended to all maters brought before us; that we have examined the county and city jail and county buildings and find the same kept in a neat and clean condition.

We find that the county jail is inadequate for the number of prisoners usually confined therein and would respectfully urge that the proper officers of the county take immediate steps for the proper enlargement of the same. We also find that there is not sufficient bedding in said county jail to furnish the prisoners with proper beds. We would recommend that a bath tub be placed in said jail for the use of prisoners confined therein. We further recommend that the jail floor be repaired and placed in such condition that the same may be kept cleaned, and that window screens be placed upon the windows of said jail.

We are informed and believe that the recommendations heretofore made by grand juries of this county have been ignored by the county commissioners of the county, and we would especially urge that the recommendations herein made be acted upon without unnecessary delay.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 July 1901, p. 4, c. 3)


09 July 1915. Sheriff Claus Theorin received notice from the state board of control that the county jail has been condemned, and that has been assented to by Judge McClenahan of district court. No prisoner can be detained there for more than 24 hours. Action is expected by the county board. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 09 July 2015)


BEGIN RAZING OF OLD COUNTY JAIL FOR GAS STATION

_____


Work was begun today in the tearing down of the old county jail, long a landmark of Brainerd, to make room for a new filling station on Washington and Fourth streets to be constructed this spring by the Skelly Oil company.

Workmen began the razing of the old brick building which housed criminals in the pioneer days of Brainerd. For several years the place has been used as a residence building, with occupants getting notice to vacate several weeks ago.

The building and grounds were purchased from Crow Wing county some time ago by F. N. Russell of Brainerd and acquired this winter by the oil company. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 April 1936, p. 3, c. 5)


COUNTY JAIL / SHERIFF’S RESIDENCE (Second) (MAP #77)

Sheriff’s Residence attached to the County Jail at the south side of Laurel between 3rd and 4th, ca. 1922.
Source: Postcard

In 1919 [sic] [1916] the Board of County Commissioners purchase two blocks of land on the south side of Laurel Street between Fifth and Third Streets upon which is built a new courthouse, completed in 1920, and a new sheriff’s home, [completed in 1917]. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 123 & 127)


G. A. Peterson reported on county officers, the work of the county board in securing by condemnation a site for a new county jail. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 January 1916, p. 6, c. 5)


PLANS FOR NEW COUNTY JAIL

_____


County Commissioners Employ Alden

& Harris, St. Paul, as the

Architects

_____


TO SUPERVISE CONSTRUCTION

_____


Building of $28,000 Contemplated

Situated at Fifth and Laurel

Streets


At the meeting of the county commissioners Tuesday, a resolution was adopted employing Alden & Harris, architects of St. Paul, to prepare plans and specifications for and to supervise the construction of a new county jail and sheriff’s residence to be erected by Crow Wing county on the west half of block 65 and the east half of block 53 in Brainerd, being on Fourth street between Laurel and Maple streets.

The plans and specifications, as is usual in such cases, must be submitted to and approved by the state board of control before they will be accepted by the county board.

The value of the building contemplated is estimated at $28,000. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 February 1916, p. 3, c. 1)


There was presented a petition from the county board asking for the vacation of Fourth street between Maple and Laurel streets, the east half of block 63 and the west half of block 65 forming the site for the proposed new county jail and sheriff’s residence. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 February 1916, p. 5, c. 2)


COUNCIL GIVES ITS ASSENT

_____


Council at Regular Meeting Approves

Vacating Section of Fourth

Street for Site

_____


OF THE COUNTY JAIL, ETC.


[...]


Regarding the resolution adopted by the Board of County Commissioners at its February 1, 1916 meeting, requesting the city council to vacate Fourth street between blocks 63 and 65, town of Brainerd, so that the same may be available for county purposes. On motion of Aldermen Benson and Betzold the motion carried to vacate the section of Fourth street mentioned, the aye and nay vote being unanimous. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 February 1916, p. 5, c. 1)


COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

_____


Proceedings of the Board of County

Commissioners Meeting Held

April 4th, 1916


[...]


Plans for the construction of the new county jail were submitted by the architects, Alden & Harris, and on motion the same were approved.

On motion the auditor was instructed to advertise for bids in the Improvement Bulletin of Minneapolis as well as in the local official newspaper for the construction of the new county jail, as per plans and specification on file the same to be received at the May 2nd meeting of the board, at two o'clock p. m. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 April 1916, p. 4, c. 1)


CALL FOR BIDS

_____


The Board of County Commissioners of Crow Wing county, Minnesota, will receive bids up to eight o’clock P. M., Saturday, May 13th, 1916 for the buildings on property recently acquired by the county for county jail and buildings located as follows: On lots 3-6-7, block 63 and W. 100 ft. of lot 16 and lot 19, block 65, to the town of Brainerd. The right to reject any and all bids is hereby reserved.

C. W. MAHLUM,

County Auditor.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 May 1916, p. 5, c. 2)


A special meeting of the county commissioners will be held on Saturday morning, at which time it is expected to open bids on the purchase and removal of the business on the county jail site. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 May 1916, p. 2, c. 3)


WORK AT JAIL IS PROGRESSING

_____


Brickwork was Started Tuesday, Jail

to be One of the Most Modern

in the State

_____


WILL BE TWENTY CELL SIZE

_____


Two Stories High, with Tile Roof,

Built of Mat Faced Brick

Structure 50x100


Work at the new county jail is progressing favorably. The foundation has been completed and work started on the brickwork Tuesday. It will be one of the most modern in the state, a twenty-cell jail, the structure measuring 50 by 100 feet, being two stories high and having a tile roof. Twin City mat brick will be used.

The sheriff’s residence will be enclosed within the building. William T. Harris of St. Paul, member of the firm of architects of Alden & Harris examined the work this morning. He had just returned from Perham where he secured the contract to draw the plans of a $50,000 parochial school and the remodeling of a church.

Mr. Harris called attention to the state of the grounds about the city hall and fire station and said greenery should be planted and a well-kept lawn would do much to add to the appearance of the group. If the city did not set a good example in this regard, he knew little would be done by the county at the jail property in the way of improving the grounds. In addition to a lawn, appropriate shrubbery should be planted. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 June 1916, p. 5, c. 1)


The auditor was authorized to draw his warrant in the amount of $3910 in favor of H. J. Frandsen as partial payment of the new county jail and for $97.75 in favor of Alden & Harris, architects. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 July 1916, p. 6, c. 2)


On motion, the auditor was instructed to draw his warrant in favor of the Slipp-Gruenhagen Co. for $592.97 as partial payment on the new county jail contract. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 July 1916, p. 4, c. 3)


Workmen are putting on the roof at the county jail and sheriff’s residence now under construction. The jail is to be one of the most modern in the state. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 September 1916, p. 2, c. 3)


The auditor was authorized to draw his warrant, in the amount of $1700, in favor of H. J. Frandsen as partial payment on contract for the new county jail. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 October 1916, p. 4, c. 3)


The auditor was authorized to draw his warrant in the amount of $235, in favor of the Slipp-Gruenhagen company as partial payment on heating, plumbing and electrical work in the new county jail. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 October 1916, p. 4, c. 3)


The Slipp-Gruenhagen Co. has the contract for plumbing, heating and fixtures at the new county jail. W. A. Warnecke has returned from St. Paul and said the new fixtures purchased would be a revelation to the Brainerd people. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 October 1916, p. 2, c. 3)


On motion, the matter of a gas stove for the county jail was referred to a committee of Commissioners Erickson, Oberg and Crust. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 November 1916, p. 5, c. 4)


On motion, the matter of the cement walks around the new county jail was referred to the chairman with power to act. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 November 1916, p. 5, c. 4)


H. J. Frandsen, contractor for the new county jail building presented a certificate from the architects, showing a partial payment of $637.50 due him. On motion, the auditor was authorized to issue his warrant in payment of same. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 January 1917, p. 4, c. 5)


The Slipp-Gruenhagen Co. presented a certificate from the architects showing a partial payment of $382.50 due on the plumbing, heating and electric work contract on the new county jail and on motion, the auditor was instructed to issue his warrant in payment of same. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 February 1917, p. 4, c. 3)


The Slipp-Gruenhagen Company presented a certificate showing the amount $595 due them as partial payment for the plumbing, heating and wiring contract of the new county jail. On motion, the same was allowed and the auditor instructed to draw his warrant for the amount mentioned in payment. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 May 1917, p. 4, c. 3)


William T. Harris, of the architectural firm of Alden & Harris, St. Paul, was in the city. They drew the plans for the city jail and hall and county jail building. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 July 1917, p. 2, c. 3)


County Commissioners in Annual

Session Receive Board of Control

Report on County Jail

_____


Building is Accepted and Final Payments to

Contractors Ordered, Soon to

Take Possession


The board of control reported the completion of the new county jail. The same was accepted and the money ordered paid on contract balances due. H. J. Frandsen of St. Paul was the general contractor, Slipp-Gruenhagen Co. of Brainerd did the plumbing, heating and lighting. The Diebold Safe & Lock Co. of St. Paul did the cell work. The architects were Alden & Harris of St. Paul, who also drew the plans for the city hall, fire hall and city jail. The sheriff’s residence will soon be occupied. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 July 1917, p. 1, c. 7)


The county auditor was instructed to transfer $4,000 from the Building to the County Jail fund. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 October, 1917, p. 4, c. 3)


On motion, the grounds of the new county jail site were ordered improved, the work to be done under the supervision of Commissioners Erickson and Crust. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 October, 1917, p. 4, c. 3)


NOTE: Alden & Harris were the architects for the City Hall and Fire Hall built in 1914-15, the Crow Wing County Jail built in 1916-1917 and the Crow Wing County Courthouse built in 1919-20.


SEE: City Hall

SEE: County Jail / Sheriff’s Residence (Second)


PLAN CROW WING HISTORICAL BODY

_____


Daughters of the American Revolu-

tion Will Sponsor Meeting

Friday Evening

_____


IN FARMERS ROOM

_____


Judge L. B. Kinder Offers Legal

Assistance Gratis; All Inter-

ested Urged to Attend


The Daughters of the American Revolution are sponsoring a mass meeting to be held in the Farmers room of the court house this Friday evening for the purpose of organizing a Crow Wing County Historical society.

Mrs. M. A. Bronson, regent of the local chapter is actively interested in the movement and is working for its organization. Judge L. B. Kinder has offered his assistance in the way of doing all legal work involved gratis.

There was at one time a historical society in this county which dissolved. Any former members of this organization are asked to make themselves known at the meeting. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 November 1927, p. 3, c. 5)


MEET IN CHAMBER ROOMS

_____


D. A. R. Sets New Meeting Place

for Organization Meeting

of Historical Society


The mass meeting sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution for the purpose of organizing a Crow Wing County Historical society will be held Friday evening in the Chamber of Commerce rooms.

The place of meeting was changed from the Farmers room of the court house to the Chamber rooms.

A large assemblage is expected. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 November 1927, p. 6, c. 1)


SOCIETY VOTES TO INCORPORATE

_____


Crow Wing County Historical So-

ciety Approve of Articles

of Incorporation

_____


OFFICERS ELECTED

_____


S. R. Adair Named Head; Mrs. M. A.

Edson Bronson is Vice

President


S. R. Adair was elected president of the newly organized Crow Wing County Historical Society at a meeting of the charter members of the society Tuesday evening in the Chamber of Commerce rooms.

Other officers elected follow:

Vice President—Mrs. M. A. Edson Bronson.

Secretary—Mrs. Lucy D. Wieland.

Treasurer—Mrs. Florence F. Fleming.

Directors—A. J. Forsythe, Mrs. Irma C. Hartley, Mrs. Flora Elder.

Judge L. B. Kinder read the proposed articles of incorporation and proposed by- laws.

On motion of F. W. Wieland and Mrs. Henriette Fox, a resolution was adopted that the Crow Wing County Historical society incorporate, that the articles of incorporation submitted by the committee be adopted as read, that the names of the officers elected at this meeting be inserted in their appropriate places and that W. A. M. Johnstone, A. J. Forsythe and Mrs. Irma C. Hartley be authorized and directed to incorporate the society. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 December 1927, p. 7, c. 4)


SOCIETY RECEIVES $500 LEGACY CHECK

_____


Crow Wing Historical Society Re-

membered by Late

Leon E. Lum

_____


ARTICLES ALSO BEQUEATHED

_____


Will be Displayed With Other Dona-

tions in Dispatch

Office


A check for five hundred dollars, which was bequeathed to the Crow Wing Historical society in the legacy of Leon E. Lum, was received from the First National bank of Duluth by Judge L. B. Kinder yesterday. A desk made by John Tweedalo and other things, when the Northern Pacific did coach work in Brainerd shops, was also bequeathed by Mr. Lum.

These articles have been in charge of the St. Louis County Historical Society and are being shipped to Brainerd. They will be on display in one of the office spaces at the Brainerd Dispatch. The atlas and other articles which will be displayed were donated by Mrs. M. A. Bronson and other members of the society. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 January 1928, p. 7, c. 3)


SOCIETY RECEIVES FINE COLLECTION

_____


Map Shows Division of State in

1850 of Nine

Counties

_____


Items Are Part of Leon E. Lum

Estate; Preserved by

County Society


Maps showing the nine counties of Minnesota in 1850, the Red River trails through Crow Wing, St. Cloud, and Alexandria in 1859 as well as some very interesting manuscripts on the early history of Crow Wing county, have been received by Judge L. B. Kinder, president of the Crow Wing county Historical Society, from Dr. C. E. Lum, of Duluth.

The items of historical value were part of the estate of the late Leon E. Lum who devoted a great deal of his time to the interest of Crow Wing county. They will become the property of the society and will be preserved throughout the years.

The map of Minnesota shows nine counties during the year 1850, Pembina, Itasca, Mahkahta, Wahnahta, Dakotah, Benton, Ramsey, Washington, and Wabashaw. Since 1850, counties were added until now there are 84. Of the original nine, six still bear their names but the territory has been greatly reduced in each case. The three counties of 1850 whose names have since been abandoned are: Pembina, Mahkahta, Wahnahta.

Photographic copies of maps showing the Red River trail from Crow Wing to the other Red River trails traveling north by way of St. Cloud and Alexandria were also received. These maps were issued in 1859, being the result of a survey made in 1855 by Edward Holmes, army engineer on orders from the war department.

The trails through St. Cloud and Alexandria were known as prairie trails and the Crow Wing trail was known as the woods trail and was chiefly traveled in winter. It was over this trail that the troops were sent from Fort Ripley to the Red River valley to build Fort Abercrombie.

The collection also included a framed picture of the late Leon E. Lum when a young man, a manuscript copy of the diary of William E. Seelye, old time resident of Brainerd, a manuscript copy of the narrative of the Eighth Minnesota Regiment and a copy of Mrs. Fuller Abbe’s account of the Hole-in-the-Day outbreak near Fort Ripley in 1862. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 July 1928, p. 2, c. 4)


January 1982. The campaign to finance the remodeling of the old county jail and sheriff’s residence for a county historical museum has reached its goal. John Stensrud, president of the County Historical Society, said the goal of $265,000 was raised, spearheaded by the Rotary Club. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Friday, 13 January 2012)


September 1983. The dedication of the Crow Wing County Historical Society Museum will be held Sunday at 2 p.m.—public welcome. Nina Archabal of the Minn. Historical Society will be the speaker. Work to renovate the old jail into the museum began in 1979. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 05 September 2013)


Mr. Lum's Wise Decision

By Don Samuelson


A wise decision made by local civic and business leaders in Brainerd in the early 1900s has helped preserve the history of Crow Wing County. In 1926 Mr. Leon Lum, a local attorney and active leader in Brainerd, left a sum of money in his will, requesting the organizing of a Crow Wing County Historical Society to be located in Brainerd. In 1927 local citizens filed articles of incorporation to create the society. The first board of directors included: Sam B. Adair, president; Martha A. Edson Bronson, vice president; Lucy D. Wieland, secretary; Florence Fleming, treasurer; and A. J. Forsythe, Irma C. Hartley, and Flora Elder, trustees.

The society opened the first museum in 1931 in the old county courthouse, located on Fourth Street and Kingwood. Built in the early 1800s, it is still standing as an apartment building. Later in 1931 the museum was moved to the basement of the new county courthouse where it stayed until 1982. In 1975-76 the county board decided to build a new law enforcement center and demolish the old 1917 jail. The historical society board then petitioned the county to set aside the building for a museum. The board agreed to submit the issue to the voters at the next election. The question on the ballot in November 1976 was:

“When the present Crow Wing County Jail building is no longer needed as a jail facility, should the building be converted and renovated by the Historical Society to house the Crow Wing County Museum, under the condition that the County provide utilities and custodial services for the building and continue to provide the Crow Wing County Historical Society with the financial grant that it has enjoyed in previous years, provided that such additional levy shall be exempt from the penalty provisions of Minnesota Statutes Sec. 275.51, Subd. 4, in the next succeeding levy year and levy years thereafter.”

The vote was 82 percent in favor. We are pleased to say every Crow Wing County Board since 1976 has honored the intent of the vote, and has been most supportive and helpful. After the successful vote was taken, the community got behind the effort of the historical society to raise the necessary funds to remodel the building for a museum. Led by the local Rotary Club, which took this on as a special project; co-chairs for the fund drive were Dennis Johnson, John Kurtzman, and Bernie Roscoe. Appointed to head a grants and matching fund drive was Ray Madison and Ed “Tom” O’Brien. After a successful fundraiser, McDonald Construction of Brainerd was chosen as the contractor and began construction in July of 1981. The museum moved to the new location in the spring of 1982 and it was opened to the public in June. The original sheriff’s residence was preserved as well as two jail cells for display.

Because Brainerd got its start by the railroad, it is one of the main features on display as well as the logging industry, mining, native American artifacts, a Civil War display, Bataan, and thousands more. Besides the main building the historical society is also responsible for several buildings at the county fairgrounds: three log homes, an old country schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, and general store. Needless to say, they also take a lot of upkeep and hours of work. The historical society and museum are operated by part-time employees and many volunteers. The society board of directors is made up of nine members from around the county, and they meet on the third Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. in the museum. The public is always welcome. We also have an annual membership dinner meeting in April of each year, and we encourage new and current members to attend.

Hours of the museum are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and most anytime for special group tours. In addition, our research library is a great source of information for county history and genealogy. We get many people from far and wide using this great source of information. Because of the vision of our civic leaders dating back to the early 1900s, we now have a very valuable asset to the whole area as well as the state. We can thank our membership, county board, several cities, townships, and civic organizations for their interest and support to preserve the more than 200 years of history pertaining to Crow Wing County and the surrounding area.

DON SAMUELSON is president of the board of directors of the Crow Wing County Historical Society and former state lawmaker. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 February 2013)


NOTE: National Register of Historic Places, added 1980.


COURTHOUSE (First) (MAP #18)

Courthouse at the southeast corner of 4th and Kingwood, ca. 1912.
Source: Postcard

The board of county commissioners adopted a resolution to take the necessary steps towards securing a site for a new court house and erecting a suitable building thereon at the earliest possible date. This is an eminently wise action and it is to be hoped the citizens will lend their cordial support and hearty cooperation, that Crow Wing county may have a court house adequate to the present and increasing needs. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 January 1882, p. 5, c. 5)


That lots 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, in block 48, in the city of Brainerd, Crow Wing county, Minn., according to the recorded plot thereof be and the same are hereby purchased for the sum of $3,000, for the use of this county, for the purpose of building a court house and other county buildings thereon. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 February 1882, p. 4, c. 3)


Citizen’s Convention.


All interested in the building of the proposed new Court House for Crow Wing county are hereby requested to meet in convention at Hartley Hall, Saturday evening, April 1, 1882. Everybody invited.

BY ORDER OF COMMITTEE.

(Brainerd Tribune, 01 April 1882, p. 2, c. 6)


The call for a meeting of citizens at Hartley Hall this evening to take necessary steps relative to a new court house in Crow Wing county should not fail to call out every citizen who is interested in the welfare of the county. There may be opposition to the side of right, and if the plan is not adopted, the citizens will only have themselves to blame for not doing their duty. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 April 1882, p. 6, c. 3)


SEE: Gregory Park


The plans for the court house and jail have been received and are said by those who have seen them to be just elegant. The cost will probably reach $25,000. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 May 1882, p. 5, c. 2)


NORTHWESTERN NEWS NOTES.


Brainerd has let the contract for building her new court house to Haglin & Morse, of Minneapolis, for $31,018. (Minneapolis Tribune, 21 June 1882, p. 8)


NOTE: These two very prominent contractors built the Minneapolis City Hall and Courthouse and a number of other prominent buildings and residences in Minneapolis. This building, even though it has been stripped of its character, needs to be, if possible, on the National Register of Historic Places before it is destroyed!!!!


THE STATE.


BRAINERD.


Our court house still hangs fire, the action of the commissioners in giving the contract to parties bidding $5,000 higher than other responsible bidders, being condemned on all sides, as well as their action in making selection of an unsuitable site. (Minneapolis Tribune, 25 June 1882, p. 8)


On 03 July 1882, Crow Wing County issues $30,000 in 7% bonds to erect a courthouse, a home for the sheriff and a jail. The courthouse is erected on the southeast corner of Kingwood and North 4th Streets and the sheriff’s home and jail on the northeast corner of Main [Washington] and North 4th Streets. These buildings occupy an entire half-block owned by the county. They are built of Brainerd-made Schwartz cream brick. Today the courthouse building is an apartment house and the sheriff's house and jail have been demolished. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 23)


The courthouse has been so cold for the past week that it has been uncomfortable for the occupants thereof. The heating apparatus in the basement is a decided failure. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 January 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


Three new Stewart coal burners have been put into the courthouse this week. The furnace will probably be discarded as a useless piece of furniture. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 October 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


Made at Home.


The stone coping for the wall about the courthouse grounds has arrived and will be placed in position in a few days.—[Daily] News.

The [Daily] News reporter saw the coping piled up around the courthouse and supposed it had just arrived from foreign parts. If he had taken the trouble to inquire he would have found that it was manufactured not fifty feet from where he saw it in the basement of the courthouse by C. Peterson, the gentleman that laid the stone wall around the courthouse. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 September 1887, p. 4, c. 6)


The courthouse fence is nearly finished. The improvements which have been made on the grounds around the county buildings this summer are the subject of much favorable comment. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 October 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


Hereafter municipal court will be held in the county court house, a committee of the council securing the permission of the county commissioners at their meeting on Tuesday. The hose house will no more be frequented by the energetic vag or the gay and festive “jag.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 April 1899, p. 8, c. 1)


Repair the Court House.


A very prominent gentleman, at one time a resident of Brainerd, who was recently here on a visit was asked what he thought of the city. He replied everything looked flourishing and prosperous. But, he added, “there is one place in town that is a disgrace to the city. I refer to the condition of the offices and hall in the court house. The walls are grimy and black and cracked, and dirty looking bills are posted everywhere. The floors are all rough and so worn and slivered that it is not safe to walk on them. It is not economy to be positively and indecently dirty as are those offices. By the expenditure of not to exceed $200 new hardwood floors could be laid and the walls cleaned and papered, and put in nice shape. The court house is a very nice and comfortable building, but the condition of the rooms are disgraceful, and it is false economy to leave them so.”

The gentleman certainly reflected the sentiment of almost every citizen of the city in his remarks, and it is hoped the commissioners will immediately authorize the necessary repairs to make the various offices presentable. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 November 1900, p. 1, c. 2)


COURT HOUSE REPAIRS.

_____


Resident Members of the Board of County

Commissioners to Make Some

Radical Changes


There is a feeling of delight among those whose offices are in the court house over the action of the board of county commissioners in taking steps to have the interior of the building renovated and repaired.

The work will commence as soon as the settlement season is over. New floors will be put in, the woodwork will all be varnished and the walls both in the offices and in the halls will be papered. Instead of hanging posters etc. on the walls as heretofore a large bulletin board will be put up. The improvements are much needed and the news will be heralded with a great deal of favorable comment.

New vault fixtures will also be put in the auditor’s office. At present the space for important documents is entirely inadequate and as the business in this office is constantly growing there is an increasing necessity in this line. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 June 1901, p. 7, c. 2)


REPAIRS TO BE MADE.

_____


County Commissioners Will Make Some

Extensive Improvements at the

Court House.


Commissioners Erickson, Gardner and Paine, who compose a committee, recently appointed by the board of county commissioners, met at the court house yesterday afternoon and looked over the building with a view to making some extensive improvements in the near future.

New floors will be laid in many of the offices and the walls will be re-papered and the wood work throughout repainted.

The committee decided to advertise at once for bids for the work. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 July 1901, p. 4, c. 5)


Contracts Let.


Late Saturday afternoon the commissioners’ committee consisting of Messrs. Paine, Gardner and Erickson met at the court house to consider the bids for the heating of the court house and jail and also those for the constructing of a cement sidewalk on the west side of the court house lot.

For the installing of the heating plant in both buildings there were three bidders, two local men and one outside firm. Murphy & Sherlund and F. G. Gruenhagen had bids but the contract went to the Archamps [sic] Heating & Plumbing Co., of Minneapolis they being the lowest bidders. The contract price is $1740.

J. H. Kelehan, Z. LeBlanc and L. Shaiefer [sic] were the bidders for the contract of putting down the cement walk on the west side of the court house lot. J. H Kelehan was the successful bidder and the contract was let to him at 89 cents per square yard.

The committee authorized the county attorney to draw up contracts with J. C. Congdon for the immediate completing of repainting and papering the court house and with Contractor Kelehan for putting down the cement walk. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 August 1901, p. 3, c. 3)


The work on the new cement walk on the west and south sides of the court house lot is progressing satisfactorily, and it is expected that it will all be laid by Saturday night on the west side. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 September 1901, p. 8, c. 5)


The cement walk around the court house, on the south and west sides of the lot, has been completed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 September 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


J. C. Congdon has a crew of men at work at the court house and everything is being torn up preparatory to painting and papering the different offices. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 September 1901, p. 8, c. 2)


HAS NOT SHOWN UP

_____


Contract for Heating Plant in Court

House Let but Contractor Has not

Yet Shown Up.


The board of county commissioners are in somewhat of a quandary to know just what to do in regard to the installing of the steam heating plant in the court house. The contract for the work was let to the Archamber [sic] Heating Co., of Minneapolis, over a month ago and the same was to have been completed before Oct. 15.

The contractors have not shown up although a bond has been filed and the commissioners are wondering if they have flunked. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 October 1901, p. 8, c. 6)


The contractor who was successful in securing the job of installing the new steam heating plant in the court house commenced work this morning. It will be pushed as rapidly as possible and it is expected that the plant will be ready for use before the extreme cold weather sets in. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 October 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


J. C. Congdon has a large force of men at work on the interior of the court house. The work will all be completed in a short time. Carpenters are also at work putting down new floors which is a great improvement. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 October 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


13 November 1913. The citizens’ committee in charge of the court house proposition is sending cards to people of the county asking their opinion as to whether a new court house should be built or the old one improved. This should help decide the sentiment of the people. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 13 November 2013)


COUNTY MAY SELL OLD COURT HOUSE

_____


Has Offer of $5,000 for Property,

Will Consider Offers at May

1st Meeting

_____


CITY SEEKS BUSINESS TENANT

_____


Committee From Chamber of Com-

merce Wants Option Extended

by County Commissioners


The board of county commissioners at their regular meeting on Saturday set May 1 as the date on which it will consider offers for the old county court house property.

A committee from the Brainerd Chamber of Commerce addressed the board on the subject of an extension of the option, to give the Chamber further time to secure a manufacturing tenant for the old building. The commissioners gave the committee assurance that it would not wreck the building for another year.

After the committee had had its interview, the board received an offer for the property of $5,000 cash, from Wm. Graham. The property consists of the west half of the block between Main and Kingwood streets, along Fourth street, with the old county court house, county jail, and old city lockup.

Upon the receipt of this offer, the board considered the advisability of selling the property, and thus get it on the tax rolls. The board set May 1 as the time when this and any other offers that may be made will be considered. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 March 1926, p. 7, c. 3)


...The offer by William Graham to purchase the old court house for $5,000 was withdrawn. A motion was passed that the commissioners keep the Chamber of Commerce informed as to any prospects they have for the sale to give the Chamber first chance on the court house for sale to an industrial firm. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 May 1926, p. 7, c. 1)


Old Courthouse, Landmark of Early History Offered for Sale.


Another old Brainerd landmark, probably the most outstanding memento linking the city of today with its earliest history is doomed.

Bids for the sale of the old courthouse, the old sheriff’s residence and the jail have been asked by the Crow Wing county board of commissioners. The offers will be opened at a meeting the board set for March 4 at 3 o’clock in the office of the board in the court house.

Fronting on Fourth street and embodying the property extending from Main to Kingwood and a half-block deep, the old courthouse has long been idle except for a short period when the county historical society had their exhibit in the building.

Only a cryptic notice to bidders is the procedure involved in its sale but announcement of the intention will revive many reminiscences of stirring legal battles and other historical data linked with the old structure during its many years of useful service as Brainerd’s courthouse.


Here is the notice:

Crow Wing County is the owner of lots 10 to 24 both inclusive of block 48, town of Brainerd, in the county of Crow Wing, State of Minnesota, known as the old court house, sheriff’s residence, jail, and lockup.

And Whereas, Crow Wing county has no further use for the said property and being desirous of returning said property to the tax rolls.

Now Therefore be it resolved, that on Saturday the 4th day of March, 1933, at 3 o’clock p. m. at the office of the county board in the county court house in said city of Brainerd be and the same is hereby fixed as the time and the place for considering offers to the purchase of said property, and making such orders as may be deemed conducive to the interests of the inhabitants of said County.

A short historical review of the building is interesting. It was on February 29, 1882 that the courthouse, then a long sought objective became a possibility for it was on that date that the state authorized Crow Wing county to issue $30,000 in bonds for its erection.

The bonds bore a maturity date of 20 years drawing interest at the rate of 7 per cent.

Haglin and Morse were the general contractors for the building. The structure was completed in August 1883 and immediately accepted by the board of commissioners. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 January 1933, p. 1)


OLD COURTHOUSE FOR SALE

_____


The County Commissioners are offering for sale to the highest bidder at their March 4th meeting, the old court house property on North 4th street including one-half block of ground. The main building has been vacant a number of years. (Journal Press, 13 January 1933, p. 8, c. 3)


SEE: County Jail / Sheriff’s Residence (First)


COURTHOUSE (Second) (MAP #67)

In 1919 [sic] [1916] the Board of County Commissioners purchase two blocks of land on the south side of Laurel Street between Fifth and Third Streets upon which is built a new courthouse, completed in 1920, and a new sheriff’s home [completed in 1917]. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 123 & 127)


The New Court House of Crow Wing County

Located In the County Seat, Brainerd


Architect’s rendering of the new Crow Wing County Courthouse, 14 July 1919.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

William T. Harris of the firm of Alden & Harris, St. Paul architects who drew plans for the new court house of Crow Wing county located in the county seat, Brainerd, was in the city Monday in company with John Elliott, of the Minneapolis firm of J. & W. A. Elliott Co., general contractors of the building, and staked out the building site, and made preparations to start excavation work Tuesday morning.

The building will be one of the finest in the Northwest, being of the latest style of construction, fireproof in every particular. It will be of stone exterior, marble and tile interior. No wood of any kind will be used in the building, except a few casings on windows. The doors and all interior trim will be of metal.

Mr. Harris will be pleased at any time he is in the city to explain any part of its construction to any citizen who may wish information. Mr. Harris expects to make his summer home in the lake section near Brainerd for the next two years, so as to give particular attention to the construction and finishing of the buildings. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 July 1918, p. 4, c.’s 3-5)


COURT HOUSE CONSTRUCTION

_____


Bids are Let Saturday Afternoon by

Board of County Commissioners,

Work Starts Soon

_____


THE BIDS TOTAL $280,000

_____


General Contract to J. & W. A. Elliott

of Minneapolis for $246,763—

Many Bidders


Excavating for the new courthouse, July 1919. A 850x681 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Unknown

Bids for the construction of Crow Wing county’s new court house were let Saturday afternoon by the county commissioners, totaling approximately $280,000.

The general contract was awarded to J. & W. A. Elliott Co., of Minneapolis for $246,763. There were six bidders.

Heating and ventilating was awarded the American Heating Co. of Duluth for $17,050. There were seven bidders.

The plumbing was awarded the Slipp-Gruenhagen Co., of Brainerd for $6,950. There were five bidders.

Electric wiring was awarded the Brainerd Electric Co., for $8,635. There were five bidders.

The commissioners adopted a resolution that the contractors engage local labor wherever practicable, and they are to be commended for the stand so taken.

Alden & Harris of St. Paul are the architects. The court house is to be ready for occupancy December 1, 1920. Excavation starts Tuesday of this week. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 July 1919, p. 5, c. 1)


NOTE: Alden & Harris were the architects for the City Hall and Fire Hall built in 1914-15, the Crow Wing County Jail built in 1916-1917 and the Crow Wing County Courthouse built in 1919-20.


SEE: City Hall

SEE: County Jail / Sheriff’s Residence (Second)


COUNTY CERTIFICATES OF INDEBTEDNESS

_____


In the Sum of $175,000 Sold to the

Minneapolis Trust

Company

_____


TO PAY FOR NEW COURT HOUSE

_____


Certificates Bring a Premium of $400

and 5 Per Cent on

Balances


At a special meeting of the county commissioners on Saturday afternoon bids were opened for the sale of the county certificates of indebtedness in the sum of $175,000 to pay for the new court house. Four bids were received all offering a premium ranging from $375 to $400, the latter bid by the Minneapolis Trust Company. The certificates bear interest at 5 per cent, and the county draws 5 per cent on balances left in the hands of bidders.

This is the amount the court house will cost over and above the amount now in the building fund. The certificates will be paid at the rate of $30,000 a year beginning in 1921. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 August 1919, p. 5, c. 2)


Foundation work has started at the new court house. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 August 1919, p. 2, c. 2)


TWO IMPORTANT CIVIC CEREMONIES

_____


Laying of Corner Stone of New Court

House, Official Dedication of

Northern Pacific Depot

_____


CHAMBER COMMITTEE MEETS

_____


Speaker at the Corner Stone Laying,

New Depot Dedication May Take Form of Banquet


The Public Affairs committee of the Chamber of Commerce will meet at 7:30 sharp this evening, to discuss plans for two important community functions, the laying of the corner stone of the new court house and the official dedication of the new Northern Pacific railway depot.

The board of county commissioners have requested the chamber to suggest plans for the laying of the corner stone and speaker for the ceremonies. The building has so far progressed that these ceremonies may be held at any time and it is planned to set the date for the present month, extend a county-wide invitation to the exercises and secure a speaker of state-wide reputation.

The official dedication of the new depot will probably be in the nature of an elaborate banquet at which President Jule M. Hannaford and officials of the road will be the guests of honor. These details will be taken up at the meeting of the committee made up of the following, this evening: Chairman Henry I. Cohen, W. H. Cleary, Mons Mahlum, R. R. Wise, L. B. Kinder, A. L. Hoffman. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 October 1919, p. 5, c. 1)


Cement is being poured for the main floor at the court house. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 October 1919, p. 2, c. 2)


PREPARE FOR THE CIVIC CEREMONIES

_____


COURT HOUSE CORNER STONE

_____


An Address to be Given, Resume of

History of County—Whole

County to Attend

_____


The Court House


The laying of the corner stone of the Crow Wing county court house was discussed by the committee, Chairman Edward Crust of the board of county commissioners, meeting with the committee. An address by a speaker prominent in public life, resume of the history of the county to be read at the dedication exercises, and the placing of copies of local papers with a story of the court house, its dimensions, architecture, etc. with other data under the cornerstone, will be features of the event. It is to be made a county-wide event and official invitations sent to the executive heads of every city and village in the county as well as to the supervisors in each township.

The date is to be announced in the near future and will be set for the month of October. The Brainerd band will be invited to furnish music for the event. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 October 1919, p. 5, c. 1)


At the new court house, favorable weather on Sunday was taken full advantage of and the cement crew poured the main floor. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 October 1919, p. 2, c. 3)


Mrs. W. T. Harris, of St. Paul, wife of the architect who designed the county court house, city hall and other buildings, joined her husband today. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 October 1919, p. 2, c. 3)


CORNER STONE LAYING SATURDAY

_____


Ceremonies at the Court House at 3

O’Clock to be of an Informal

Nature

_____


JUDGE MCCLENAHAN SPEAKER

_____


All Officials of County to be Present

—Public Invited to the Cere-

monies


Due to sudden weather changes, which have turned to cold and called for a greater rush in building operations, the court house corner stone laying ceremonies, at first planned to be very formal, have given way to informal ceremonies set for Saturday afternoon at 3 o’clock.

The public is invited to the exercises, Judge W. S. McClenahan, of the district court will deliver an address. All county officers will be present.

A derrick will swing the corner stone into place and workmen with a few well directed trowel strokes will speedily seal it into place. Within will be placed various records of a timely nature.

The general contractors of the building are J. & W. A. Elliott, of Minneapolis. The architects are Alden & Harris of St. Paul, with Wm. T. Harris as supervising architect.

Plumbing is being done by the Slipp-Gruenhagen Co., of Brainerd; the electric work, by the Brainerd Electric Co.; heating by the American Heating Co., of Duluth; painting by Frank H. McCaffrey of Brainerd.

Cut stone is furnished by Furst, Kerber Co., Chicago; granite by Alexander Bros., of Rockville; metal trim by Zahner Metal Products Co., of Canton, Ohio; glass by Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co.

C. A. Anderson of Minneapolis is the superintendent of construction. The structure will cost about $270,000 and is expected to be completed about December, 1920. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 October 1919, p. 4, c. 2)


HURT AT NEW COURT HOUSE

_____


Theodore Setula Has Two Ribs Broken

When Struck by Large

Crane


Theodore Setula, age 16, son of Mike Setula of Gull Lake, had two ribs broken when the crane at the new court house was accidentally released and swung against him. A thick leather vest he wore saved him from worse injury. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 November 1919, p. 4, c. 2)


ACCIDENT AT COURT HOUSE

_____


Supt. A. C. Anderson of Elliott Co.,

Gives His Version of Accident

to Theodore Setula


Supt. C. A. Anderson, superintendent of the Elliott Co., constructing the new court house, gave his version of the accident suffered by young Theodore Setula, son of Mike Setula, who had two ribs broken.

The lad was holding a rope attached to a small winch and he fell over an iron pin on the floor and broke two ribs. He asserts there was no truth to the statement made that Setula had been struck by the big swinging crane.

The accident is covered by workmen’s compensation carried by the contractors and a full report was promptly made by Mr. Anderson. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 November 1919, p. 5, c. 1)


At the new court house things are being gotten in readiness to pour the second floor cement. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 November 1919, p. 2, c. 2)


An example of the efficiency of International trucks was given yesterday when William E. Lewis, the drayman, hauled four tons of boilers without a hitch from the wagon track near South Broadway to the new court house. Six horses could not even start the load, said Lewis. He used a one ton International truck at the head to aid in pulling and hitched it by eight feet of chain to the two ton International truck. On the two ton truck he placed the boilers with their ends resting on a stone boat towed at the rear. They will be used in the new court house heating plant. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 December 1919, p. 2, c. 4)


COURT HOUSE FIXTURES

_____


Designs of Lighting Fixtures Shown

at the Brainerd Electric Co.

Display Windows


Brainerd Electric Company, located at 714-716 Laurel Street, wired the courthouse in 1920, 21 March 1921.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Designs for the lighting fixtures of the new court house, revelations in the way of convenience and good taste, sketched in water colors by the architects, Alden & Harris of St. Paul, are on display in the windows of the Brainerd Electric Co.

A huge light for the district court room dome, smaller lights for offices, judge’s private office, corridors, vestibules, rotundas, etc. are shown. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 February 1920, p. 5 c. 2)


Court House


Construction of the court house will be resumed as soon as the weather is favorable. It is expected to have the structure fairly completed by the end of this year. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 March 1920, p. 5, c. 2)


SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS

_____


Chicago and Minneapolis Firms Gain

Contracts to Furnish Furni-

ture at Court House


Chicago and Minneapolis firms gained the contracts to furnish furniture for the new court house.

Newton & Hoyt Co., of Chicago, will supply the wood furniture for $31,945. The Art Metal Construction Co., of Minneapolis, will supply the steel furniture at $12,327. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 April 1920, p. 7, c. 2)


Work at the new court house has been resumed, men being employed there Sunday. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 April 1920, p. 2, c. 1)


The steam shovel has been taken to Fourth street where it will dig from the court house to the Stadlbauer garage and lay mains. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 June 1920, p. 2, c. 1)


Masons are at work on the new court house, laying stone on the west wall. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 July 1920, p. 2, c. 1)


SECOND STORY OF COURT HOUSE

_____


Building Stone on Hand Enables the

Masons to Get the Second Floor

Well Underway

_____


COLUMNS RISING AT NORTH END

_____


Window Frames Set at East End and

Masons Today are Working on

West Wall of Building


Building stone is now arriving steadily and is being hauled to the new court house where a force of masons is setting the stone in place. A large hoisting engine and boom pick up each block and the engineer, cautiously following signals, deposits it where needed.

The east wall of the building has the stone set for the top of the second story windows. On the north wall, the front of the building, the columns have their bases set. Window frames are in position at the east wall. Today the masons are working on the west wall.

Enough of the court house has been erected to give citizens an idea of the complete, simple and harmonious proportions it will attain. Architect Harris is in the city and is supervising construction. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 July 1920, p. 5, c. 3)


John Elliott of Minneapolis, of the firm of J. & W. A. Elliott, general contractors for the new court house was in the city and inspected the work. Maurice Fitzgerald, secretary of the company, is expected this week. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 August 1920, p. 2, c. 2)


TO POUR THIRD FLOOR SLAB

_____


Work at the New Court House is

Most Interesting and Architect

Invites Citizens

_____


TO INSPECT THE WORK DONE

_____


Hollow Tile, Steel Rods, Cement

Joists and Cement Floor Make

a Fireproof Slab


At the new court house the slab for the third floor will be poured the latter part of the week. Architect W. T. Harris of the firm of Alden & Harris, of St. Paul, under whose personal supervision the building is being constructed, will be glad to show citizens interested the manner in which the fireproof slab is constructed.

Mr. Harris has an office at the building and those who wish to see the work should apply to him there. The invitation is extended to include the wives of citizens.

Few people realize what is going into the court house in the way of materials and they should be able to tell visitors and strangers of what material and the manner in which the new county building is constructed.

The cement slab to be poured measures 90 by 120 feet in size and 10 inches in depth. The slab is composed of concrete joists reinforced with steel rods. The joists are separated with burned clay hollow tile.

It will take three days to pour the cement, said Architect Harris. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 August 1920, p. 5, c. 3)


STARTING ON ANOTHER STORY

_____


Cement Slab of Third Floor Poured

at the New Court House, Rig-

ging is Moved Up

_____


WEATHER FAVORS BUILDING

_____


Work of the Crane is Interesting. It

Lifts Big Blocks of Building

Stones and Places Them


At the new court house the third floor slab of cement was poured successfully, no difficulties being encountered on account of weather conditions as the latter were well nigh perfect. The slab measured 90 by 120 feet in size and 10 inches in depth. The slab is composed of concrete joists reinforced with steel rods. The joists are separated with burned clay hollow tile.

With the third floor as a base, the crane and boom were removed to a new location and building stone is again being hoisted to position.

Many people not versed with engineering or construction work imagine the signal man who gives the hoisting directions to the engineer at the hoist, rejoices in an easy job. But far from it! All day he must keep his eyes glued on hoist and building stone in order to direct the engineer. If any man ever had a steady job, then the signal man has it.

W. T. Harris, of the architectural firm of Alden & Harris, St. Paul, gives his personal attention to the building of the court house. When completed, Crow Wing county will have a court house to be proud of. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 August 1920, p. 5, c. 1)


BRAINERD’S ODDEST STORIES

_____


A white rabbit making its home at the new court house under planking on which a large gasoline hoist rested, gave birth to eight rabbits. The men engaged in construction work at the county building have grown fond of the rabbit and petted and fed it. She nurses her little brood under the engine and anyone knowing how gasoline machinery of any kind snorts and heaves, wonders that the mother and children can endure such a racket. In all his years of building and planning, Architect Harris has never heard of a similar case of a wild animal housing its young right in the jaws of machinery. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 August 1920, p. 5, c. 1)


Masons are again at work at the court house. A delayed shipment of building stone has been received which includes cornice, etc. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 September 1920, p. 2, c. 2)


Cornice is now being placed in position at the new court house. Extensive false work had to be built to enable the setting of heavy building stone at the front of the building. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 September 1920, p. 2, c. 2)


Commissioner Erickson offered the following resolution and moved its adoption:

“Whereas, J. & W. A. Elliott Company, contractors on the new court house, have agreed to install one-half inch Cork Tile floors of the best quality and of such patterns as may be selected instead of Everlastic Tile as contracted for, without any additional cost to the county.

Be It Resolved, that the Board hereby approve and accept this change and instruct the county auditor to notify said company and Alden & Harris, architects to that effect.”

Which resolution being seconded by commissioner Syreen was duly adopted, all members voting “aye.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 October 1920, p. 4, c. 1)


The cement roof slab of the court house will be poured Saturday and men will work continuously in shifts Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday to complete the job. The slab will be eight inches thick. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 October 1920, p. 2, c. 2)


The flagstaff has been placed on the new court house. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 November 1920, p. 2, c. 1)


COUNTY BOARD IN REGULAR SESSION

_____


Motion made and carried, that the county enter into a contract with L. Sonneborn Sons, Inc. for the application of lapitolith floor hardener on all cement floors and steps in the new court house, three coats to be applied. Cost to be two and one-half cents per square foot. The work to be done under the supervision of the architects.


The following partial payments for contract work were authorized and the auditor directed to issue his warrants in payment thereof:

J. & W. A. Elliott Co., general contract, new court house—$28,202.40

Brainerd Electric Co. electrical work, new court house—$297.00

Alden & Harris, architects’ fees, new court house—$751.18 (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 November 1920, p. 5, c. 3)


COUNTY BOARD DECEMBER MEETING

_____


The following partial payments covering contract work were authorized and the auditor directed to issue his warrants in payment thereof:


Art Metal Construction Co., steel vault equipment, new court house—$10,477.95

J. & W. A. Elliott Co., general contract, new court house—$10,260.00

Slipp-Gruenhagen Co., plumbing contract, new court house—$1,980.00

Alden & Harris, architects’ fees, new court house—$567.94

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 December 1920, p. 5, c. 2)


NEW COURT HOUSE PRIDE OF COUNTY

_____


Architect Wm. T. Harris Always

Finds Pleasure to Show Citi-

zens the Structure

_____


WAS PLANNED IN MODERN WAY

_____


Builders Have Been Handicapped at

Times Waiting for Material.

Marble Shipment Expected


William T. Harris of St. Paul, the architect of the new county building escorted the reporter for the Dispatch through the building on Tuesday afternoon.

When the sightseer expressed his appreciation of the courteous way in which he was treated and the painstaking manner in which the different parts of the building were described to him, Mr. Harris stated that he had extended an invitation to the people of Crow Wing county to look over their new building and that very few had accepted the invitation. The architect made it very clear to this correspondent that he finds pleasure in taking people through the building and is gratified when he knows that the people are interested in the splendid building his firm designed and have partially completed.

When one starts at the basement and passes through the building up to the roof, one is impressed with the way in which the various offices and attendants have been provided for, and one is more impressed by the fact that the people of the county who are to transact their business within the building have not been overlooked.

On the first floor there is a large room which is to be comfortably furnished in which the farmers may meet each other as individuals or hold meetings together. This room will contain glass cases in which farm products will be displayed. On the same floor is a ladies’ rest room which is to be comfortably furnished.

Nothing that would make the big building more convenient has been overlooked and the comfort of everyone from judge to janitor has been thought of.

In the basement a large coal room which is beyond the line of the building and is covered by a slab, capable of holding about 4 cars of coal has been provided.

Adjoining this room is an ash room equipped with a hoist for hoisting ash cans.

Two Kewanee boilers with downward draught, and smokeless, supply the steam for heating the building. In temperate weather the smaller may be used; in colder weather the larger one may be called for, and in very severe weather both may be used.

Near the boilers is a pump to lift the water resulting from condensation from the pipes.

A hot water storage tank, heated during the cold weather by steam from the boilers, has been installed. During the warm weather it will be necessary to have some other means of heating the tank and for this purpose a gas heater was provided. Owing to the closing down of the gas plant a small coal heater may be required.

The building will be well ventilated. On an elevator above the level of the boilers there is a fan—almost noiseless—which draws the air from outside over heated coils and drives it into the corridors and larger rooms. In this way the building will always be supplied with warmed, fresh air during the weather when buildings are likely to be so tightly closed that very little fresh air is admitted.

The basement proper contains store rooms, blue print room for the county engineer and a large unpartitioned room that will be found convenient for various purposes. The basement’s value is enhanced by the height which is adequate for all the purposes it will be called upon to serve.

Pipes go out from the basement, underground, through which steam will be conveyed to the county jail so that it will be heated from the one plant.

All the wires entering the building come in underground so that no hanging wires mar the effect of the architectural design.

The building stands out firm and square without any frills in the shape of pipes, wires, porches or additions of any kind. While some buildings suggest that they would be benefitted by an operation for appendicitis, this building, thanks to its builders, is without an appendix.

On the first floor of the building are offices for the county agent, county engineer and others. Also the storage vault of the auditor which is immediately below his main vault located on the next floor and connected by a special stairway. All the vaults are equipped with steel shutters protecting all windows.

The corridors are wide and have floors of marble tile. The various rooms have cork covered floors and walls have a sanitary base of Tennessee marble.

A tablet of cast bronze will be placed at either side of the main entrance, one bearing the names of the county officials, and the other which the American Legion has been asked to provide will be in the nature of a memorial to those who gave their lives in the World War.

All the doors are of metal panes enclosing cork. The letters C. W. C. are on all the door plates which are cast bronze. A black enamel crow is seen on all door knobs.

Passing from one floor to another one is struck by the well-lighted stairways. Large windows face one as one ascends the stairway. The leaded glass dome [sic] [skylight] is a feature of the building. This dome [sic] [skylight] diffuses an abundance of soft light into the corridors.

In the old quarters the county officers work amid all the noise and distractions of the building, but in this new building they are each provided with an inner office where they may be free to do their work without interruptions.

On the third floor, on which the court room is located, one is impressed by the careful arrangement made to provide for the attendants of of the court. These include an office for the county attorney, a room for the bailiffs, two jury rooms for jurors sitting on cases, each jury room has the necessary toilet facilities. The court reporter’s room, judge’s private office, a large room for the jurors who, in the old court house after being excused were required to sit in the court room or stand around in the corridors, but in the new building have a room set apart to which they may gather to await the pleasure of the court.

Andrew Johnson is superintendent of construction and Vern White, assistant superintendent, was one of the first men on the work. Tom Leslie of Minneapolis is responsible for plastering and he does it most efficiently.

The architect and builder have been very seriously handicapped by the conditions which have hindered the arrival of materials. They are now awaiting the arrival of the marble which is required.

Crow Wing county will have reason to be proud of its building when completed. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 January 1921, p. 5, c.’s 1 & 2)


COUNTY BOARD IN REGULAR SESSION

_____


Bronze Tablet Bearing Names Coun-

ty Officers to be Placed at En-

trance to New Court House

_____


HONOR SOLDIERS—SAILORS TOO

_____


The matter of placing a bronze tablet in the entrance corridors of the new county building was introduced and it was ordered that in addition to the tablet bearing the names of the county officers, to be placed at the other side of the corridor bearing the inscription: “In Honor and Memory of Those Who Served in the Defense of Our Country.”

The people of the city and county will be interested in knowing that the crew of the county engineer will be put to work on leveling the grounds around the county buildings when the weather permits. The walks will be built and the grounds leveled and black dirt hauled in during 1921 and in 1922 shrubbery will be planted and the grounds laid out according to the plans suggested by a landscape gardener. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 February 1921, p. 5, c. 3)


SEEING COUNTY’S NEW COURT HOUSE

_____


Architect Harris of St. Paul to Guide

Sightseers of Chamber of Com-

merce Tomorrow

_____


WILL START 4 P. M. WEDNESDAY

_____


Members and Friends to Gather at

Chamber of Commerce and Then

March in a Body


Members of the Chamber of Commerce and their friends will meet at the Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday afternoon, March 22, at 4 o'clock and march in a body to the new court house building where Architect Harris of St. Paul, will guide the party about the new building and explain its every purpose.

Mr. Harris is a good lecturer and it will be a tour worthy of the attendance of every citizen. It seems unusual in a way, but to date not one organized body of citizens or any small group has visited the court house or inspected it.

The regular Chamber meeting will be held on Wednesday evening and various matters of importance are to be discussed. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 May 1921, p. 4, c. 3)


Court House Visit


R. R. Gould spoke of the courtesies extended the Chamber of Commerce “Seeing Brainerd First Tour” which on Wednesday afternoon was guided through the court house by the architect William T. Harris of Alden & Harris. Although a St. Paul man, Mr. Harris has a long time been a member of the chamber.

Every room of the court house from the third floor to the basement was shown the Chamber of Commerce men and friends and at the conclusion a luncheon was served in the basement.

The Chamber, on motion of Mr. Gould, expressed its thanks to Alden & Harris, architects; Twin City Tile & Marble Co.; Brainerd Electric Co.; Gruenhagen Co. and Elliott & Co. general contractors for the courtesies shown them. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 March 1921, p. 5, c. 2)


COURT HOUSE IS VISITED BY 75

_____


“Seeing Brainerd First Tour” is Well

Attended on Wednesday After-

noon, March 23

_____


GUIDE WAS WILLIAM T. HARRIS

_____


Beauties of Court Hose Revealed

to Throng, Refreshments Serv-

ed in Basement


The “Seeing Brainerd First Tour” which led to the new court house on Wednesday afternoon, March 23, was the most successful in the annals of the publicity committee, fully 75 members and friends being present. There were judges and county officials in the party, businessmen and shop men, farmers and others, and all were highly pleased with the work of the guide, Architect William T. Harris, of the St. Paul firm of Alden & Harris which designed the beautiful structure.

Following Mr. Harris, the party marched to the third floor and viewed the district court judge’s private chambers, court room, court reporter’s room, law library room, witness rooms, jurors’ lounging rooms, clerk of court’s room, county attorney’s room, etc.

On the second floor are offices of the sheriff, county treasurer, county auditor, county commissioners, register of deeds, probate judge.

On the first floor are the farmers’ rest room, offices of county superintendent of schools, county engineer, county surveyor, assessor, county agricultural agent.

The rotunda was a revelation to all and necks were craned to catch its beauties. The basement was examined, the heating and ventilating plants, etc.

When rounding the last corner one gained a whiff of hot coffee and sandwiches. Mr. Harris officiated as host and served the refreshments. Those who made possible the spread for the company were Alden & Harris, Twin City Tile & Marble Co., Brainerd Electric Company, Elliott & Co. and the Gruenhagen Co.

Announcement was made of the further schedule of visits to occur Wednesday afternoons at 4 o’clock, all meeting at the Chamber at that hour to march to the industry to be toured. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 March 1921, p. 5, c. 3; p. 6, c. 1)


The following partial payments covering contract work were authorized and the auditor directed to issue his warrants in payment thereof:

J. & W. A. Elliott Co., general contract, new court house—$11,340.00

Brainerd Electric Co., electrical wiring, new court house—$144.00

Alden & Harris, architect fees, new court house—$287.00

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 April 1921, p. 3, c. 1)


The new court house has a crew at work washing the exterior. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 April 1921, p. 2, c. 1)


COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS

_____


On motion the auditor was instructed to advertise for window shades and walks and drives at the new court house, to be received at the June 4th meeting of the county Board, at 2 o’clock p. m.

The following partial payments covering work being done under contract were authorized and the auditor directed to issue his warrants in payment thereof:

J. & W. A. Elliott co., general contractor, new court house—$7,020.00

Newton & Hoyt Co., wood furniture and fixtures—$19,800.00

American Heating Co., heating and ventilating—$1620.00

Alden & Harris, architects’ fees, new court house—$576.35

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 May 1921, p. 6, c.’s 1 & 3)


COMMISSIONER PROCEEDINGS

_____


There being but one bid received for the construction of walks and drives at the new court house, that of Thompson Bros. and Clausen, in the amount of $4350, the same was rejected and the Auditor directed to call for new bids to be received at 2 o’clock p. m. July 11th, 1921.

Pursuant to call for bids for window shades for the new court house the following bids were received:

Crosby Hardware Co., 160 shades, Crescent tint grade on Columbia rollers-installed—$228.92

Northern Home Furnishing, Co. 160 shades, Crescent tint grade, not installed—$333.59

Gruenhagen Co., 178 shades on Hartshorn rollers, installed—$260.00

Patek Furniture Co., 160 shades, Crescent tint, handmade, installed—$370.00

On motion, the bid of the Crosby Hardware company was accepted.

The following partial payments covering contract work were authorized and the auditor directed to issue his warrants in payment thereof:

J. & W. A. Elliott Co., general contractor, new court house—$12,600.00

Brainerd Electric Co., electrical work, new court house—$2880.00

Alden & Harris, architect fees, new court house—$387.00

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 June 1921, p. 3, c. 1)


NEW COURT HOUSE FORMALLY ACCEPTED

_____


J. & W. A. ELLIOTT,

OF MINNEAPOLIS,

GENERAL CONTRACT

_____


COUNTY BOARD VISITED THE NEW

STRUCTURE AND INSPECTED

SAME MONDAY

_____


BUILDING FORMALLY ACCEPTED

ON MONDAY EVENING, DE-

PARTMENTS MOVING IN


Courthouse at 4th and Laurel, ca. 1950.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Without any elaborate ceremonies, the new court house of Crow Wing county was formally accepted from the general contractors, J. & W. A. Elliott of Minneapolis by the county board. Their contract price was $247,136. John Elliott of the firm was present, also Wm. T. Harris, architect of the firm of Alden & Harris of St. Paul, as the transfer was made from contractor to county.

All members of the county board adjourned in the afternoon and went in a body to the new court house and inspected it from basement to roof. They were satisfied with their inspection, and at the evening session the transfer was made.

The new court house is a model building, beautifully designed and well built, a credit to Crow Wing county.

Contractors having the installation of furniture, vault fixtures, electric lighting, heating, etc., have not had their work formally accepted.


Moving on Tuesday

The one ton G. M. C. service truck of the state highway department was pressed into service and early Tuesday morning started moving departments from old to new quarters.

The first to go was the county highway engineer, Walter M. Murphy and assistants. They had a large amount of books, maps, desks, equipment, paving samples, etc. With them went the county surveyor, John W. Curo.


Mrs. Hartley Next

The next department to be switched from old to new court house was that of Mrs. Irma Camp Hartley, county superintendent of schools.

“I hate to leave the old place,” said Mrs. Hartley. “Many pleasant recollections are entwined in the old building.”

Ruthlessly men picked up old furniture and trundled it away. Some she will never see again. One piece was an old desk which Wilder Hartly had when he was a county official years ago. Mrs. Harriet Engesberg, child welfare board secretary, will have quarters with Mrs. Hartley.


Moving County Auditor

Shortly after 10:30 a. m. the G. M. C. truck and helpers made inroads in the collection of books of the county auditor, C. W. Mahlum, and soon his department had been shifted to the new base. The girl stenographers picked up their effects and walked over to their new desks.

For one thing, it was cooler in the new location and the windows offered a grand view of the river.


Others Moving

Following the county auditor came the removal of the effects of County Treasurer S. R. Adair, Register of Deeds and Registrar of Titles A. G. Trommald, Clerk of Court W. A. M. Johnstone, Judge of Probate J. T. Sanborn, Sheriff Claus A. Theorin.


New Court House Directory

Here is the new court house directory:

First floor: County Engineer, County Agent, County Superintendent of Schools, Assessor, Farmers’ Room, Toilets.

Second floor: County Treasurer, County Auditor, County Commissioners, Register of Deeds, Probate Court, Judge of Probate’s Room, Sheriff, Lavatories, etc.

Third floor: District Court Room, Judge’s Private Room, Judge’s Chambers, Jurors’ Lounging Room, Two Witness Rooms, Bailiff and Jury Room, County Attorney, Clerk of District Court, Court Reporter’s Room, Toilets and Lavatories, etc.

Joe Swindell has been named superintendent of buildings.


At the Entrance

At the entrance to the court house on Laurel street, one observes two bronze memorial tablets. The one at the east side of the entrance is dedicated “In Honor and Memory of Those Who Served in Defense of Their Country.” On the west side of the entrance is the tablet reciting when the court house was erected, 1919-1920 and adding the names of county officers and county commissioners, general contractors and architects. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 July 1921, p. 1, c.’s 1 & 2)


NEW COURT HOUSE IS VERY COOL

_____


All Tenants are Highly Pleased With

the Many Comforts and Con-

veniences Provided

_____


CORK FLOORS ARE RESTFUL

_____


Farmers’ Room on Main Floor is a

Wonderful Meeting Place for

County People


The new court house is such a wonderfully beautiful, commodious, comfortable and convenient building that every tenant is highly pleased with his surroundings. The business of the county will be greatly expedited. In the first place, the structure is cool. It has large, roomy corridors, superb ventilation. In fact the vaults are better ventilated than were some of the rooms in the old court house.

A visitor at the court house recently would find it a hive of industry. In addition to all the regular departments engaged in county official business, farmers were gathering in the farmers’ room; others were seated on the seats in the rotunda; a farmers’ bureau committee was auditing accounts in another room; the county commissioners were in session as a county board of equalization; motions were heard in the probate court room; the county superintendent of schools was busy with school reports; in fact, there wasn’t an idle spot in the basement or in each one of the three floors.

A walk is being built from the court house to the Laurel street sidewalk. The court house grounds are to be cleaned up. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 July 1921, p. 5, c. 1)


A surprise is in store for the citizens of Brainerd and Crow Wing county who have not visited the new court house since its completion. Strangers visiting our city all pronounce it one of the finest interiors they have seen. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 August 1921, p. 6, c. 2)


COURT HOUSE WORK IS THAT OF ART

_____


Commissioners Approve Work of

Painting and Redecorating

in Building


Crow Wing county’s court house, considered one of the most modern and finest public buildings in the northwest, equipped to efficiently take care of the county’s official business, stands today in as fine condition as when it was completed in the spring of 1921.

The first signs of wear to the building became evident last summer. With the completion of the interior redecorating of the building last month all signs of wear during the passing years have disappeared.

The painting contract was awarded by the County Board of Commissioners to the firm of Dryberg and Bacon at $6,800. The work as completed has been approved by the board.

The ceilings are of ivory color with the walls cream and tan.

The rotunda of the building is in effect one of the outstanding creations of beauty in the building. It is done in colors of blue, gold, gray, and rose with soft lighting effects giving it a particular charm.

The court room is done in blue, gold and gray with tapestries in the panels.

The stairways and hallways are stippled and blended gray blue and the rest rooms have been enameled. All radiation in the building has been painted. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 January 1929, p. 7, c. 4)


The second Crow Wing County Courthouse is a classic Beaux Arts building, typical of the first quarter of the 20th century.  It is built of smooth-cut gray stone and stands 130 by 90 feet.  Above a high rough-cut stone basement or first floor, piers and columns reach two stories to the cornice. The interior has polished marble floors and walls, and a balconied rotunda.  A colored glass skylight dominates the dome, from which a fine brass electrolier with white glass fittings hangs above wide stairways.

The building was designed by Alden and Harris of St. Paul, the same architectural firm that designed the City Hall in 1914. It was built by the  J. & W. A. Elliott Company, whose bid of $279,398 was accepted on July 5, 1919. (The First 100 Years: The Minnesota State Bar Association, Theodore J. Collins, 1983)


Carillon bells will be installed on the county courthouse next year as a memorial to veterans of all wars, but especially those of the Bataan campaign of WW II. The contract for the bells has been signed by the Veterans Memorial Assn. for a sum of $21,000. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 27 October 2015)


10 April 1987. The carillon chimes atop the courthouse don’t ring anymore. The memorial to veterans who died in war used to chime every half hour, and melodies played four times daily. The carillon, silent since 1984, may ring soon as funds have been raised to digitize the player. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 10 April 2017)


NOTE: National Register of Historic Places, added 1980.


SEE: City Hall


COURTNEY HOUSE

The Courtney House was built about 1913 for Dr. Walter A. Courtney, retired Chief Surgeon of the Northern Pacific Hospital in Brainerd, 30 July 2017. A 1262x841 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Chuck Burton
The chauffeur/gardener’s quarters above the two-car garage located behind the house, 30 July 2017. A 1256x942 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Chuck Burton

This house, located at 317 Bluff Avenue, was originally built as the home for Dr. Walter A. Courtney about 1913. Dr. Courtney was a Past President of the Minnesota State Medical Association and had been the Chief Surgeon of the Northern Pacific Hospital in Brainerd for 25 years until he retired in 1914.

Upon entering the building through the foyer and into the reception hall a grand staircase leads to the second floor. On the right side is a large living room/salon and a parlor/sun room was beyond. On the left was the dining room with the kitchen behind. The second floor had four bedrooms and a sitting room with two more bedrooms and a sitting room on the third floor. The basement contained a billiard room, library, laundry, furnace room, and coal bin. There was a separate stairway in the rear that enabled the house staff to travel from the basement to the kitchen and to the staff quarters on the second floor without interrupting the family.

In the rear of the lot is a heated two-stall garage with chauffeur/gardener staff quarters on the second floor. The garage had an underground gasoline tank and a hand operated pump for the cars. After Dr. Courtney died in 1924 the house was sold to Mons Mahlum. The Mahlum family left considerable Mahlum Lumber Co records behind when the building was sold to Robert Nicholl, a Brainerd DeSoto, Plymouth, Packard auto dealer, about 1932 and converted to an apartment building about 1940. (Chuck Burton, 30 July 2017)


NOTE: Mrs. Hildegarde A. Von Jasmund Courtney, first wife of Dr. Courtney, was born in September 1862 in England and died in St. Paul on November 1, 1922. On December 2, 1923 Dr. Courtney married his second wife, Bertha Alma Upham, in Hennepin County, Minnesota.


CULLEN BLOCK (MAP #72)

Built by James Cullen, who starts a small pop factory on Second Avenue in northeast Brainerd in the 1880’s [circa 1884], later moving it, in 1895, to Meadow Brook/Slaughter House Creek on South Seventh Street and selling it in 1921. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 133)


SEE: Bye (John M.) Clothing Company


DAVIS (MARTHA P.) ICE CREAM PARLOR / BOOKSTORE / MUSIC STORE

Martha P. Davis Ad, she remained in business for over thirty years in various Brainerd enterprises, 16 September 1876.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

Mrs. Walter Davis has a book store in the City Hotel. (Brainerd's Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923; p. 41)


MRS. MATTIE P. DAVIS has opened her ice-cream parlors in the rear of the News Depot. They are elegantly furnished, and a capital place to [unreadable] in the shade these hot days. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 May 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


STRAWBERRIES and Ice Cream at Mrs. Davis' constitutes the evening excitement now-a-days. If you want some to take home for Sunday or to a pic nic, call for it packed in ice. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 June 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


Just received at the Book Store, 14 dozen dolls of all kinds—wax, china, indestructible, speaking and talking dolls—3 dozen large and beautiful chromos in carved walnut frames, and holiday goods and notions of all kinds, which, with a still larger invoice to arrive about the 20th inst., will make the most complete stock in this line ever brought to Brainerd. DAVIS & SHERWOOD. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 December 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


Some pretty samples of wall paper and borders to match at the book Store.

      Beautify your walls with the unique patterns of wall paper and borders at the Book Store. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 October 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


Go and see the beautiful Western Cottage Organs at Mrs. Davis’ Book Store, on Tuesday next. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 May 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


Mrs. Davis, at the Book Store, is making elaborate preparations for supplying the wall paper trade the coming season. She has fitted up a room especially for this line and will in about thirty days lay in the largest and best selected stock of wall papers in Browns, Buff, Blanks, Tints, Satins, Gilt and Embossed with borders to match, that has ever been brought to Brainerd. Parties desiring anything in the line of paper hanging should call and examine her stock when it arrives. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 November 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 1880 Brainerd-2 in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.


Latest designs in Japanese wall paper at Mrs. Davis’. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 December 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


Mr. P. McDonald, proprietor of the Minneapolis sample room, has purchased a very handsome piano of Mrs. Walter Davis, and intends to make his place a musical headquarters. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 March 1882, p. 5, c. 2)


01 March 1905. The new baby grand Hardman piano, which was recently purchased by the Elks through Mrs. Walter Davis, the agent, has been installed in Elks Hall. The piano is a beauty and the lodge members are very proud of it. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 March 2005)


SEE: City Hotel


DOLLY VARDEN SALOON (MAP #75)

The Dolly Varden is across the street from the Last Turn Saloon, [The Dolly Varden was actually two doors to the west of the Last Turn Saloon.] which is located on the southwest corner of Front and Fourth Streets.

The most conspicuous and evidently the “highest toned” of the numerous sporting establishments on the streets sailed under the popular name of the “Dolly Varden Club,” and desirous of seeing all the life on the frontier I took personal observations of the place.

The building was a rough, wooden affair, whitewashed inside and the ground strewn thickly with sawdust in lieu of a floor. No attempt of concealment was made, but the gambling was carried on in full view of the street and every passerby.

The first room, entered directly from the street was perhaps forty feet long by twenty wide, and arranged around this at intervals were the tables where the various games were played. A cotton rag bearing in red paint the name of the game going on beneath it was affixed to the wall above each table and served as a guide to the inquiring speculators.

The games in this room were all of the cheaper and commoner sort—”chuck-a-luck,” “high dice,” and “mustang,” while a new scheme that was called “grant and greedy” attracted little attention and no business. These back woods sports evidently do not bet much on certainties.

In the rear of this large place was a smaller room where the more aristocratic games were dispersed and where the true royal tiger may be met and conquered—if you have the luck. The faro and rough-et-noir tables were well patronized and a crowd of eager spectators throngs each group of players.

The company, though largely of coarse material, is however singularly ordered and quiet. No liquor is sold on the premises in compliance with the conditions of the deed by which the site of the building was conveyed, but placards in red announced that “gentlemen will be furnished with refreshments” by the proprietor, for which they will please pay in advance.

On either side of the Dolly Varden are several similar establishments, the bulk of all their business coming, of course, from the employees of the railroad. Usually the stakes played for are small—the dealers will take anything from 10 cents to $50 but somehow in Brainerd, as in all other places, the leeches manage to make large and handsome livings out of the earnings of the working men. (St. Paul Pioneer Press, 22 October 1922, H. L. Bridgman, ‘Easterners Found Brainerd Roaring Camp of Vice in Woods 50 Years Ago; Wicked Town with No Future as Rail Center, View Expressed by Visitors, Gambling Open at Dolly Varden Club and Other ‘Joints’; Hanged Suspects.’)


MR. MORTON, of the Dolly Varden Club Rooms, has bought out the old stand of Peake & Wakefield, on Front street, for $1,500, where he is fitting up a palatial gambling house, without any saloon or bar attachment. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 September 1872, p. 1, c. 7)


OPEN AGAIN.—The “Dolly Varden” Club Room, on Front street, we notice, has again been opened, in a modest way, by its proprietor, Mr. Ed. Morton, who has been running his mammoth sporting and gambling house at Bismarck the past summer. While we cannot approve of gambling or gambling houses, yet if they must exist we, in common with all our citizens, cannot but be glad that the business is conducted here as Mr. Morton conducts. it. He is an intelligent, gentlemanly man, liberal and public spirited, and permits no one to be “drawn into” a game, in his house. Among sporting men, Morton is certainly an odd character. He has also put in a bar at his rooms. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 November 1873, p. 1, c. 7)


“MORTON’S CLUB HOUSE and SALOON,” is the name of Ed. Morton’s place, Front street, now, instead of “Dolly Varden.” He has had the front tastily decorated with new lettering, etc., by Fouch, the painter. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 November 1873, p. 1, c. 7)


DRESSEN BLOCK

Dressen Block, built in 1892 by Clara Dressen, ca. Unknown.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Plans are being drawn by I. U. White for a brick block to be erected on the present site of the saloon building so long occupied by James Dewar and owned by Mrs. C. Dressen. The building will be erected as soon as spring opens. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 March 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


James Dewar vacated the Dressen building on 6th street on Tuesday, and it will be immediately pulled down to make room for a handsome brick block, the material for which is partly on the ground. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 May 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


The City Council.


A permit was granted to Mrs. Dressen to move the Gem building on Sixth street. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 May 1892, p. 1, c. 4)


Construction work on the new Walker block and also on the Dressen building is progressing rapidly. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 May 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


J. M. Quinn and Mike Cullen will open a new saloon in the new Dressen block now being built on Sixth street. Magnificent new saloon fixtures have been purchased below the past week, it being the intention of the proprietors to make it the finest place of its kind north of St. Paul and Minneapolis. They will open about July 15th. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 July 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


Their Opening.


The new saloon of Cullen & Quinn will be formally opened on Tuesday next in the brick building just completed on Sixth street. The place will be called The Gem, and will be first-class in all its appointments. The stock of liquors and cigars will be of the best, and their customers can rely on being courteously treated at all times. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 July 1892, p. 4, c. 5)


The new sample room of Cullen & Quinn will be open on Monday next. An unexpected delay in receiving their fixtures put them back a week in their arrangements. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 July 1892, p.4, c. 3)


Cullen & Quinn have received the balance of their saloon furniture and had it placed in position and their place now presents a very handsome appearance and is probably one of the finest sample rooms in the northwest. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 September 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


The firm of Cullen & Quinn, conducting a saloon business in the Dressen building, has been dissolved by mutual consent, Mr. J. M. Quinn retiring. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 January 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


M. Cullen has sold his saloon business on Sixth street to W. P. Buckley, of Staples, and the latter gentleman has assumed control. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 February 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


A formal grand opening of W. P. Buckley’s sample room on Sixth street occurred last night at which time a very fine lunch was served and the guests were entertained with fine music. Mr. Buckley is the successor to M. Cullen & Co. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 March 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


Good Chance to Buy Property.


Mrs. C. Dressen offers her desirable residence property on Seventh street and her business block on Sixth street for sale at a bargain and will make terms to suit purchaser. Both places will be sold for a cash payment and balance on easy monthly installments. If you desire to secure a bargain call on her at her residence or consult J. R. Smith, Sleeper block, at once. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 March 1899, p. 1, c. 2)


A new front is being put into the Dressen building on 6th street, which will be occupied by Houghton, the jeweler, after necessary repair's are made. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 November 1900, p. 8, c. 1)


NOTE: The Dressen Block at 213 South Sixth Street, which eventually housed Garvey’s Cafe in the1920’s and 30’s and the Land O’ Lakes Cafe and Bar in the 1940’s, 50’s and later, also held at various times, the Arena and the Tribune.


SEE: Garvey’s Cafe


DUCLOS BRICKYARD

Ho! Ho!! Ho!!!


We are soon to have a No. 1 brickyard established in Brainerd, by Duclos & Bro. They have found splendid clay for making the cherry-red brick, and their reputation as brick manufacturers stands very high. See their advertising elsewhere. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 March, 1872, p. 3, c. 3)


DUCLOS & BRO., the gentlemen who advertise in the TRIBUNE as intending to go into brick-making here, have arrived, and are making their arrangements to commence operations at an early day. This will be good news for our citizens, as they understand their business, and have obtained the very best quality of clay close to town. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 April 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


DUNN DRUG STORE

Henry P. Dunn, mayor, postmaster, businessman, ca. Unknown.
Source: Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan

Henry Dunn, the genial and jovial clerk, who for the past five years has been associated with Eagle Drug Store, left Monday for Brainerd to accept a position with the McFadden Drug Co. Henry is widely and favorably known here and we are sorry to see him leave Kenyon, but being gone may all success attend him in his new field. "Sorry to see you go," were the parting words of all his friends. In him Kenyon loses a straight-forward, up-right and honest young man, and thought a great deal of by every one who knows him.—Kenyon Leader. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 December 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


Important Business Changes.


Interior view of the Dunn Drug Store located in the First National Bank building, ca 1910.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 11, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher, Brainerd Tribune

Several very important business changes have occurred during the past week. On Saturday M. K. Swartz sold his drug business to H. P. Dunn & Co. Mr. Dunn will have personal charge of the store. Mr. Swartz carried an enormous stock and did a fine business, and the new firm will no doubt be equally favored. The consideration was $12,000 in cash. Mr. Swartz will devote his time in the future to his extensive real estate interests and the driving park. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 April 1900, p. 1, c. 3)


H. P. Dunn has established a remarkably strong reputation for pure drugs and prescriptions, and carries a complete assortment of toilet preparations and an attractive line of stationery.

      From 1895 Mr. Dunn was employed by and associated with the McFadden Drug Company until 1900, when he purchased the M. K. Swartz store and conducted it under the name of H. P. Dunn and Co. In 1910 he purchased the interests of the partners. He now has a fine, modern building and equipment. (Brainerd's Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923; p. 117)


EARL / CARLSON HOTEL (MAP #15)

Earl Hotel located on South Fifth Street between Laurel and Front, ca. 1910.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 14, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher

The Earl Hotel, Jule Jamieson, proprietor, is of brick veneer and is located mid-block on the west side of Fifth Street between Front and Laurel Streets, when it burns down in 1910, it has become a Mecca for the last of the loggers. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 90 & 111)


In the Brainerd City Directory of 1907 the Earl Hotel is listed as 214-216 South Fifth Street. The Earl Hotel is listed in the Brainerd City Directory of April 1913 as being at 214 South Fifth Street.


NOTE: This hotel did NOT burn in 1910 as stated above by Zapffe. It seems to have disappeared sometime between 1913 and December 1917. This was the Stratton House [13 South Fifth Street in 1892 and 214 South Fifth Street in 1903].


J. C. Jamieson is improving his Fifth street property by putting in a basement, raising the main building one story and brick veneering the structure. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 May 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


In 1908 landlord Jamieson gave the front of the Hotel Earl a new coat of paint and provided some comfortable lawn seats on the porch for the benefit of the boarders. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Tuesday, 28 April 2008)


HOTEL EARL.


This is one of the most popular medium priced hotels in the city and occupies a modern three-story brick building on Fifth street between Laurel and Front.

Excellent accommodations are furnished on the American plan at $1.00 and $1.25 a day and a sample room in connection provides choicest wines, liquors, cigars, etc.

This hostelry is owned and conducted by Mr. J. C. Jamieson, a man reputed throughout the district for his geniality and big-heartedness, a resident of this section for more than a quarter of a century and owner of considerable property throughout the district.

Besides his business in Brainerd, Mr. Jamieson has several places of business in other sections and is owner of a large portion of the town of Klondike on the line of the N. P. Railway a few miles east of this city. (Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 14, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher)


NEW RESTAURANT

_____


Established at Earl Hotel by Mrs.

Joseph Belliveau—New Equip-

ment Has Been Installed


Mrs. Joseph Belliveau has taken over the dining room of the Earl hotel and had the same remodeled, painted and decorated. She will conduct a restaurant and lunch counter there. She prides herself on the fact that it is to be all home cooking of the best kind. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 September 1914, p. 3, c. 3)


NOTE: This hotel was renamed the Carlson Hotel.


Fire animation On 15 December 1916 fire at 2 o’clock in the morning, starting from a basement furnace, totally destroyed the Carlson [Earl] hotel, its contents and the little one-story grocery adjoining, all owned by Mrs. Hilda E. Carlson, wife of Andrew Carlson. The building, said Mrs. Carlson, was valued by her at about $10,000, the furniture at $2,500, the grocery at $1,100, partly insured.


SEE: 1916 Earl/Carlson Hotel Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


EBINGER BRICKYARD

Koop Brickyard Ad, 29 December 1899.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch

According to the Brainerd Seelye Map of 1894, this brickyard is known as the Koop Brothers Brickyard.


In 1903 J. W. Koop is listed as a Brick Manufacturer.


Ebinger Brickyard, ca. 1904. A 576x369 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
Ebinger Brickyard, ca. 1908. A 1822x1194 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Dave Ebinger has just completed burning a kiln of 400,000 brick at his yard in N. E. Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 August 1907, p. 2, c. 3)


Ebinger Brick Yard.


Ad for the Ebinger Brickyard, 1910.
Source: Brainerd City Directory 1910

The David Ebinger brick yards have enjoyed a good run this season. Nine men have been employed on the day shift which will be continued a month longer.

The output of these yards for the year is estimated at 12,000,000 bricks. They have found a ready sale throughout the city and the country. One of the largest orders, several hundred thousand bricks was recently placed with the Brainerd Improvement Co. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 July 1910, p. 2, c. 4)


NOTE: The Brainerd Improvement Company built the Iron Exchange Building. Based on the above, it is possible that many of the bricks used in that building were from the Ebinger Brickyard.


SEE: Iron Exchange Building


NOTE: According to the 1888 Brainerd City Directory, David Ebinger works at the Schwartz Brickyard. He is also listed as owning a brickyard in 1905 and 1907, this brickyard is known as the Ebinger Brickyard aka Brainerd Brickyard.


SEE: Brainerd Model Laundry

SEE: Brainerd Steam Brickyard / Schwartz Brickyard


NOTE: According to Zapffe, Sr.: In 1884 Schwartz is divorced and he quits making bricks; in 1884 he leaves Brainerd and in 1890 all brick-making stops. [Brick making does not stop in 1890, see above.] (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, pp. 37 & 38)


ELKS BUILDING (MAP #57)

Built in 1926 on the northeast corner of Sixth and Laurel Streets, it houses the Elks Lodge quarters and hotel accommodations. The cost of the lots, the building and the furnishings (exclusive of store spaces) amounts to $175,000 [sic]. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 134)


FIRST ANNUAL STAMPEDE

_____


of the Local Lodge of Elks will be

Held, Thursday Evening, Feb.

14,—The Event of the

Season.

_____


At their regular meeting on Thursday evening the local lodge of Elks decided to give their first annual stampede (ball) at Gardner Hall on the evening of February 14th, and J. T. Sanborn, A. L. Mattes, O. T. Bacheldor, F. V. Weisenburger, A. J. Halsted and W. S. Cox were appointed a committee on arrangements with instructions to get up a ball that will eclipse anything heretofore attempted in this city in the way of a social entertainment.

The executive committee has had a meeting and has started the ball rolling by appointing the following sub-committees:

Decoration—C. H. Kyllo, W. A. M. Johnstone, D. M. McDonald, J. H. Dougherty, W. H. Huggins, F. B. Johnson, R. L. Georgeson, A. V. Snyder.

Music—S. F. Alderman, E. O. Webb, A. L. Mattes, Geo. Grewcox, J. H. Zimmerman.

Printing—A. J. Halsted, N. H. Ingersoll, W. S. Cox.

Invitation—H. D. Treglawney, F. A. Farrar, F. E. Low, J. W. Bailey, E. E. M. Smith, S. R. Adair, James Murphy.

Refreshments—J. L. Frederick, G. W. Chadbourne, Henry P. Dunn.

Floor—W. A. M. Johnstone, P. J. Murphy, C. A. Allbright, A. F. Groves, C. A. Hill.

Reception—J. T. Frater, J. J. Howe, A. F. Ferris, Geo. H. Cook, M. J. Reilly, D. M. Clark, J. F. McGinnis, Jos. Schwartz, F. C. Bolin, Wm. Wood, John Willis, Werner Hemstead, Frank J. Murphy.

The above members have been notified of their appointment and all are going to work with a view of more than meeting the requirements of their instructions. It is the intention, we understand, to have something new, novel and elaborate in decorations and to secure one of the best orchestras in the state to furnish music, and in every other way make it a notable and enjoyable event. Invitations will be issued in a few days. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 January 1901, p. 1, c. 5)


THE ELKS’ BALL.

_____


It will be the Sensation of the Social

Season.

_____


The various committees of the Elk’s lodge are hard at work to make their first annual ball the one great social event of the season, and that they will be successful is confidently predicted.

The music committee has perfected arrangements for the attendance of the Metropolitan Orchestra, of St. Paul, the superb musical organization that so delighted Brainerd society devotees at the Knight Templar’s ball recently with their delightful and soul inspiring music.

The committee on decorations have planned a scheme for decorating the dancing hall on a scale never before attempted in the city, and it can be safely stated that it will be transformed into a veritable fairy land. It is also expected that there will be a display of new and brilliant costumes on the part of the ladies never before equaled in the city.

The refreshment committee is hard at work and has planned for serving light and dainty refreshments throughout the evening. Ices, cake, ice cream, frappé, etc., will be served by handsomely dressed young ladies in a manner to tempt the appetite. All in all it will undoubtedly be the great event of the season. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 January 1901, p. 4, c. 2)


A BRILLIANT SOCIAL FUNCTION,

_____


Was the First Annual Ball of the

Elks at Gardner Hall Last

Evening.

_____


Brainerd society turned out en masse last night to attend the first annual ball of the local lodge of Elks at Gardner Hall.

The hall was most elaborately decorated for the occasion, and when the festivities were at their height it presented a most inspiring appearance, the magnificent costumes of the ladies and their smiling faces and floral decorations enhancing the beauty of the scene. The decorations of the hall were purple and white, thousands of yards of bunting of these colors being used. The ceiling was entirely covered with white bunting, with a stripe of purple around the room next to the wall, and huge streamers of purple were festooned from the four corners of the room to the center of the ceiling, where a huge elk’s tooth was suspended. Refreshment booths made of alternate stripes of white and purple bunting, gracefully festooned and adorned with palms and other potted plants occupied the corners next to the stage. The stage was also draped by alternate stripes of white and purple bunting and plants and flowers, and was occupied by the orchestra. Above the stage was the motto of the order “Cerves Alces,” and the elk’s head, the emblem of the order. The famous Metropolitan orchestra of St. Paul furnished the music.

Dancing commenced at 9:30, but the attendance was so large that it was not the most enjoyable until near midnight, when large numbers who came as spectators had retired. Light refreshments were served at the refreshment booths during the entire evening while the dance was in progress.

All who attended enjoyed themselves to the utmost, and the Elks can congratulate themselves that their first annual ball was the event of the social season. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 February 1901, p. 1, c. 4)


ELKS WILL OWN TOWN TOMORROW.

_____


The Sports Will Be at Swartz Driving Park in the

Afternoon

_____


BALL GAME WILL BE GREAT

_____


Social Session in the Evening at

Gardner Hall Will Be

a Hummer


Today is the big day of the season among the Elks, and the first anniversary of the organization of the lodge will be celebrated in right royal style. There will be a good delegation of the St. Cloud Lodge present and it will be a great day.

The ball game this afternoon will of course be the feature of the day’s sports. It will be played at the Swartz driving park at 3 o’clock and will be the funniest thing ever. The making of the suits for the ball team has been left in the hands of the decoration committee and they are said to be something terrible and furious. The lineup will be selected from the following list: Tom Canan, George Brown, Joe Howe, Mike Reilly, James Murphy, Frank Weisenberger, Frank Murphy, Bert Finn, Frank Hall and J. A. Thabes.

This evening there will be a social session at Gardner hall and it is understood that the program has been prepared that will be great. The hall has been beautifully decorated and everything will be in great style. Si Perkins will be a guest at the hall. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 August 1901, p. 1, c. 5)


SEE: Gardner Block


PLANS DECIDED UPON.

_____


The Trustees and the Committee from the

Elks will Have Convenient Quarters

in Gruenhagen Building.


The trustees of Brainerd Lodge, B. P. O. E., in conjunction with the committee appointed at a recent meeting, have met several times to discuss the plans for the new lodge rooms which are to be provided for in the new building on Seventh street to be erected by F. G. Gruenhagen, and the size of the different rooms and the general arrangement has been decided upon.

At the west end of the lodge rooms, which will face west, there will be ladies and gents reception rooms, both rooms to be 14x20 feet. In each of these rooms there is to be a toilet room and lavatories and they will be elegantly furnished. Immediately east of these rooms there will be a number of ante rooms which will be used for various purposes. These rooms will be 9x12. The kitchen adjoining the large banquet room will be a room 10x13 and will be equipped with all the conveniences known to the modern cuisine. The banquet hall will be on the north side of the building and will be 15x64 feet. Between this room and the main hall, which will be 33x57, there will be large folding doors so that under crowded conditions both rooms can be thrown into one.

The furnishing of the new rooms will be very complete and no pains or money will be spared to make them attractive and convenient. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 September 1901, p. 3, c. 2)


13 February 1902. The decorators have about finished their work on the new Elks hall in the Gruenhagen building and by tomorrow night they will have cleared the rooms ready for the new furniture which will be put in place at once.

Brainerd lodge B. P. O. E. is to be congratulated on the elegance and beauty of the new home. It certainly is one of the prettiest halls in the city and not only that it is as convenient as could be possibly made.

The trustees expect to place the furniture in position so that the new hall will be occupied by the next meeting of the lodge, Feb. 20, when a large number of candidates will be initiated. The furnishing will cost in the neighborhood of $2,500. The hall will be a credit to Brainerd and especially to the Elks who never do things by halves. (Brainerd 25 Years Ago, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 February 1927, p. 3, c. 3)


SEE: Gruenhagen Block


ASKS FOR BIDS

_____


Brainerd Lodge of Elks Asks for Site

Propositions on Which to

Build Home


Brainerd Lodge of Elks is asking for propositions for a site within the city upon which to erect a permanent home and club quarters. The bids must be in the hands of the local secretary of the lodge by Feb. 14th. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 February 1920, p. 5, c. 2)


Elks Home


The Elks have an option from the owner, F. A. Farrar, on the three lots at the northeast corner of sixth and Laurel streets and the lodge has under consideration the erection of a three-story brick building suited to their convenience. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 March 1920, p. 5, c. 1)


ELKS COMMITTEE IN ST. PAUL

_____


Members Go to Confer With Bonding

Companies Regarding Proposed

Building


Wm. V. Turcotte, B. L. Lagerquist and R. R. Gould, the finance committee of the Elks building committee, left this morning for the cities to confer with bonding companies there regarding the financing of the proposed Elks building. They hope to start negotiations that will give a definite idea to follow in the plans for the building. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 February 1926, p. 3, c. 2)


$50,000 BOND SALE MONDAY

_____


Local Lodge Offers Ten-Year Gold

Bonds to be Used for New

3-Story Building

_____


$100 AND $500 DENOMINATIONS

_____


Payment May be Cash or Install-

ments, Preference to Cash

Orders if Over-Subscribed


The Elks sell Gold Bonds in $100 and $500 denominations to fund building their new home at the corner of Sixth and Laurel Streets, 06 March 1926. A 748x1598 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

The Elks building fund campaign for the sale of $50,000 worth of bonds will start on Monday, March 8, when a number of members of the local Elks lodge will turn bond-salesmen and offer to the Brainerd public for subscription an issue of 5 percent, ten-year gold bonds in denominations of $100 and $500.

The money realized from the sale of this issue will be used in connection with the building of the Elks building at the corner of 6th and Laurel streets. The building is to be a three-story solid brick structure, and as near fireproof as a building can be made for the amount to be expended.

The bonds are dated April 1, 1926, and are due April 1, 1936, with interest payable semi-annually, April 1 and October 1, at the office of the treasurer in Brainerd or in Minneapolis or St. Paul exchanges, when so requested.

Included in the bonds is a “callable clause,” which will permit the Elks lodge to take up at any time before maturity, on any interest paying date, the whole or any part of the issue at 105, five points above par, plus accrued interest.

Payment of the bonds may be cash in full, with interest starting at once at 5 percent, or by payments, 20 percent on signing of application and 20 percent on April 1, May 1, June 1 and final payment on July 1. Interest will start as soon as the bond is paid in full.

At first the lodge planned to confine the sale of these bonds to its own members, but many non-members expressed a desire to participate and the committee determined to open it to the public. With the comparatively small amount to be raised the issue will no doubt be subscribed early. The committee reserved the right to pro-rate the amount of the subscription, in case of over-susbscription, with preference given to cash subscriptions over payment plan orders.

In another part of this paper is a display advertisement calling attention to details of the issue. It may be well to point out here, however, some of the salient points of the campaign.

The cost of construction of the proposed building will be $125,000, while the value of the real estate lots is placed at $35,000, free from all encumbrances. Besides this, the lodge has on hand certificates of deposit amounting to $8,000, and $2,000 due from the secretary, April 1, making a total investment of the lodge amounting to $170,000, with a trust company loan on the building amounting to $75,000. In consequence, the security back of the $50,000 bond issue offered to the Brainerd people is in the neighborhood of $95,000. The lodge also has furniture and club room fixtures valued at $2,500 plus whatever salvage may be secured from the two-story brick building and the two-story frame building now on the lots.

The ground floor of the new building will be used for business purposes, with the second and third floors to be used as Elks lodge and club rooms, together with about 20 rooms finished for rental. The entire building is planned to be revenue producing, as the lodge itself will also pay into the building fund all monies received from all sources less the actual expense in connection with the operating of the lodge and the per capita tax.

The building committee is composed of nine influential men of the city, and includes H. P. Dunn, chairman, Wm. V. Turcotte, J. J. Nolan, J. J. Cummins, secretary, R. R. Gould, Dr. A. K. Cohen, Dr. J. A. Thabes, B. L. Lagerquist, treasurer, and O. A. Peterson. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 March 1926, p. 7, c. 1)


EAGLES BUY ELKS BOND OF $1,000

____


Local Aerie Votes Unanimously Last

Evening to Purchase Bond

For Building Fund

_____


MANY ATTEND SMOKER

_____


Lodge Has Been Booster for Brain-

erd, Has Other Local Bonds

And Stock


Advertising the bond sale, 10 March 1926.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

The local lodge of the Eagles, Brainerd Aerie No. 287, voted unanimously at its meeting last evening to purchase bonds for $1,000 in the Elks building fund which started Monday.

The Eagles are the first organization to purchase the bonds, this lodge having a fine record for boosting the city in like manner. The local lodge has stock in the Brainerd Building and Loan association, and also city bonds on the fill connecting Northeast and the North side. Other bonds held include liberty loan bonds, and city bonds which were retired two years ago.

The vote was taken at a large meeting and smoker of members last evening. S. R. Adair, president, and Henry Krause, secretary, are officers of the lodge, and have held these offices for more than fifteen years.

The purchase must be approved by the grand lodge of the Fraternal Order of Eagles before being valid.

The sale of Elks bonds is progressing nicely, with a number of $1,000 bonds sold, many $500 bonds, and a few in $100 denominations. At the rate at which the sale is being made to date, the entire amount of $50,000 will be subscribed for by Saturday of this week. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 March 1926, p. 7, c.’s 4 & 5)


ELKS BOND SALE NEARING CLOSE

_____


Less Than $10,000 Remain to be

Sold, Many Purchase $1,000

Worth of Issue

_____


Sales Committee Had Report Meet-

ing at Elks Rooms, Campaign

Closes Saturday


The Elks building fund campaign will come to a close on Saturday night with every assurance that the entire amount, $50,000, will be subscribed. Less than $10,000 remains to be disposed of, according to reports made up to this morning to B. L. Lagerquist, treasurer.

The sales committee of the building fund campaign had a meeting at the Elks rooms last evening, and heard reports of the progress, and on the strength of these reports, it seems safe to say that the entire amount will be subscribed. A number of salesmen yet have not reported, and it is expected that their reports will boost the amount considerably.

Many $1,000 subscriptions have been received. The committee feels greatly encouraged by the response shown on the part of the Brainerd public to the sale. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 March 1926, p. 7, c. 4)


OUT-OF-TOWNERS BUY ELKS BONDS

_____


James A. Long, Former Brainerd

Lumber Cruiser, Sends Draft

for $1,000 for Bonds

_____


BOND SALE SUCCESSFUL

_____


E. O. Webb and W. H. Cleary Wire

Committee to Hold Bonds

for Their Purchase


The Elks building fund campaign is winding up a successful period of sale, and the committee in charge will hold a meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, evening, for a final check-up of the results.

Orders have come from out-of-town people asking for bonds. The real thrill of the sale came from James A. Long, of Boise, Idaho, with a bank draft for $1,000 enclosed, and asking for two $500 bonds sent by registered mail.

“Jimmy” Long was a timber cruiser at Brainerd in the early days, and a member of the Brainerd lodge of Elks. He moved west about 20 years ago, and still is a lumberman. He was general superintendent for the Newland Pine Co., a Weyerhaeuser interest, with headquarters at Cross Lake. Old-timers here remember many instances of “Jimmy’s” goodheartedness, how he would pick up down and out lumberjacks who had worked for him and then spent their money and were broke, give them transportation to the camp and board them until they got work.

Mr. Long’s loyalty to the Brainerd lodge is attested to by his desire to help out in the bond sale. While he is unable to derive any benefit from the building itself, he still backs up his old lodge in this effort.

A telegram has been received from E. O. Webb and W. H. Cleary, now in the south, asking the committee to reserve for them a substantial amount of bonds. They are starting a trip for Panama and other points in Central and South America, and conclude their telegram with these words, “Kindly enroll our names on the tablets of love and memory.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 March 1926, p. 7, c. 3)


ELKS BONDS SALE ALL SUBSCRIBED

_____


Entire Issue of $50,000 Sold, Check-

Up of Committee Showed

Last Night

_____


COMMITTEE WELL PLEASED

_____


People of Brainerd Supported Meas-

ure Well, Local Lodge Received

Fine Cooperation


The entire $50,000 issue of Elks ten year, gold bonds as been subscribed, a final check-up of the sale showed last night.

The building committee and salesmen held the meeting to hear the final results of the sale after the week of work, and every member there was enthusiastic over the support and cooperation accorded them in the efforts. Reports were heard from the committee members, and the finest of spirit for the building program prevailed.

The lodge desires to express its appreciation for the splendid cooperation accorded the sale by the people here. The manner in which local people boosted the sale speaks well for the hometown, in the minds of the salesmen. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 March 1926, p. 7, c. 2)


CALL FOR BIDS

_____


Sealed bids will be received by Brainerd Lodge No. 615, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, for the purchase and removal of the two story wooden building at the Northeast corner of Sixth and Laurel Streets, and the frame building at the No. 611 Laurel Street, in the city of Brainerd, Minnesota. The successful bidder shall commence removal operations not earlier than May 1st, 1926, and complete the same, leaving the premises clear of rubbish and refuse and in a neat and clean condition, not later than May 15, 1926. Bids to be addressed to Fred Allison, Chairman, Brainerd, Minnesota, and to be mailed not later than April 20, 1926. Each bid must be accompanied by a certified check for ten percent of the amount of the bid.

FRED ALLISON,

C. B. ROWLEY,

J. J. NOLAN,

Board of Trustees.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 March 1926, p. 7, c. 4)


P. N. Fisher, of Schaefer & Fisher, architects of St. Cloud, who was named successful bidder for the architectural work on the new Elks building at a special committee meeting of the Elks building committee last night, is in the city discussing plans for the work. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 April 1926, p. 2, c.’s 2 & 3)


ELKS BUILDING 3 STORIES HIGH

_____


To be Erected at an Estimated Cost

of $115,000, Says Architect

Fisher

_____


ENTRANCE ON LAUREL STREET

_____


Light Colored Brick and Trimmings,

Italian Architecture Dominant

Note


Architectural view of the new $125,000 Elks Hotel Club Home now under construction at the corner of Sixth and Laurel streets. Schaefer and Fisher, St. Cloud, are architects. The building, when completed, will be the highest priced building in Brainerd and will establish the central business section of the city at that corner, 09 June 1926.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Long distance telephone conversation with N. W. Fisher, of the firm of Schaefer and Fischer, architects of St. Cloud, this morning, description was received as to the appearance of the new Elks home and hotel when erected at the northeast corner of Sixth street and Laurel street. More complete information will be received when Mr. Fisher arrives in Brainerd Monday to discuss plans with the building committee.

The entrance to the club room, bowling alleys, and hotel will be situated on Laurel street Mr. Fisher said. The building which will be three stories and basement, to be erected at the estimated cost of $115,000 will be fire proof throughout and modern in every way.

The building will be constructed of light colored brick on the outside with trimmings to match and finished throughout with Italian architecture.

Sample rooms for the hotel will be located in the basement while on the first floor besides the lobby there will be a large private dining room. The second floor will include a lounge room 18 feet by 55 feet, card and billiard room, and the Elks lodge room which will be 46 feet by 75 feet. The hotel will have 35 room accommodations, 14 with private baths, seven with showers, eight with accompanying baths, and six with wash. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 April 1926, p. 3, c.’s 3 & 4)


ELKS HOME

_____


First Steps Towards Construction

Start With Leveling Old

Buildings


First steps towards the construction of the new Elks home on the corner of Sixth street and Laurel street were taken this morning when workmen started tearing down the Babcock meat market and sheds and Herbert’s Cafe on Laurel street.

Surveyors were at work this morning on the corner on the proposed site of the new building. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 April 1926, p. 7, c. 2)


ELK’S CONSTRUCTION TO START JUNE 1

_____


Home Will Quarter Hotel and Lodge

Rooms, Schaefer & Fisher

Architects

_____


HOME TO COST $115,000

_____


Will be Model of Beauty, Accommoda-

tion and Construc-

tion


Construction on the Elks home, quartering hotel and lodge rooms, will commence on June 1, on the site selected at the corner of Sixth street and Laurel street, work to be completed about January 1, 1927, it was announced by N. W. Fisher, of the architect firm of Schaefer and Fisher, of St. Cloud, successful architects for the building.

The home will cost approximately $115,000 and will, without a doubt, eclipse all other buildings in Brainerd, for beauty, accommodation and construction.

Light grey, smooth texture brick has been selected by the committee who had 20 different kinds of brick to choose from. There will be a granite base on the outside with terra cotta trim to match the brick. The design will be Italian with the Elks emblem over the door of the entrance.

Plans for the building will be completed about May 15, at which time they will be ready for the prospective contractors.

Mr. Fisher gave the Dispatch a complete layout of what the building will be like when completed.

The main feature of the basement will be the four bowling alleys and a spectators’ balcony to accommodate a gallery of 50 people. The bowling alley parlor will be mechanically ventilated, the air to be changed every six minutes. Adjoining the bowling alleys will be toilets for both women and men. Entrance to the alleys will be on Laurel street. The basement will have a dimension of 75 ft. by 140 ft. The rest of the space in the basement will be divided into storage rooms for stores in the building and kitchen storage room for the restaurant. The boiler room contains all mechanical equipment. The fuel room and ash room will be under the rear alley.

The first floor will include a restaurant, 24 ft. by 53 ft. with a private dining room 16 ft. by 29 ft. which can be used for the restaurant at any time, there being a folding door partition. This will give the restaurant a total length of 81 ft. in all. The kitchen is in the back of the dining room and will have an entrance from the alley. One store, 22 ft. by 75 ft., a corner store will face Laurel street there being entrances on both Laurel and Sixth streets. The barber shop on the first floor will be 14 ft. by 40 ft. and will accommodate four chairs. A beauty parlor has been arranged at the back of the barber shop to take care of three attendants. The barber shop will be 14 ft. by 47 ft. over all. There will be two more stores, 18 by 64 ft. facing on Laurel street. The main entrance to hotel, lodge room and club rooms, bowling alleys will be on Laurel street. Off from the lobby there will be the entrance to the barber shop. There will also be a service hallway at the rear of the building, the stairway going to the second and third floors and also stairways to each store room. Provisions will also be made for a future elevator which will be put in later if desired.

Ascending the stairs to the second floor, there is the lobby, 15 ft. by 50 ft., across the front of the building in the center. Off the lobby is the secretary’s office, with a vault off the secretary’s room, and adjoining is the clerk’s desk. Off the lobby is the men’s toilet and wash room to be used for hotel and also club and on the other side of the lobby will be the ladies’ parlor and toilet. In the corner of the lobby is a lounge room which is 20 ft. by 54 ft. with a fireside nook. Adjoining the lounge room is the billiard room, 20 ft. by 26 ft, accommodating two tables, this being on Sixth street. Back of this is the card room, 20 ft. by 25 feet, accommodating eight card tables, and off this is the buffet service and kitchenette service. A dumb waiter will be installed from the restaurant to the kitchenette to provide service for the larger banquets from the restaurant to the lodge rooms. The lodge room is 46 ft. b 75 ft. the height being 20 ft., extending from the second floor to the third floor. The lodge room will be entered through tyler’s room. A large coat room will be located off the billiard room and lounge room There will also be the Elks’ candidate room and Elk’ paraphernalia room and storage closets for chairs and tables off the lodge room. The lodge room will be mechanically ventilated, the air to be changed every six minutes. Eight hotel rooms will be located on the second floor and there will be 25 rooms on the third floor. There will also be a moving picture projection room on the third floor for the lodge room. All the rooms will have bath and toilet with the exception of three rooms which will be plain. One maid’s room will be located on the third floor, also a public bath on the third floor for rooms not with bath. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 May 1926, p. 7, c. 1)


FOR SALE—All kinds of dimension, siding, sheeting, maple flooring, sash, windows, doors, window weights, plate glass, plumbing ware, etc., at corner of 6th and Laurel streets by Elks. For purchase see C. B. Rowley or phone him at 465-W. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 May 1926, p. 8, c. 7)


ELKS BUILDING BIDS CLOSE

JUNE 1ST, 1926.

Brainerd, Minnesota


NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids will be received for the erection and completion of a three-story and basement, fire-proof Elks building. Building to be erected on Lots No. 22, 23, 24, Block 43, Town of Brainerd, Crow Wing County, Minnesota. Bids will be received by Henry Dunn, Chairman of the building committee for the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks Lodge No. 615 up until 2 o’clock P. M. Tuesday, the first day of June, 1926.

Separate bids will be received as follows:

One bid covering material and labor for the general construction of the building, one bid covering the electric wiring, one bid covering the steam heating, ventilation and plumbing.

Each bid is to be placed in a sealed envelope, addressed to H. P. Dunn, Chairman of the building committee, and accompanied with a certified check in the sum of 5 percent of the amount of the bid. Check to be made payable to H. P. Dunn, Chairman of the building committee, as evidence of good faith, and should the contractor to whom the contract is awarded, for any part of the work, fail to sign the contract and furnish a satisfactory bond, as provided by law within a reasonable date of acceptance, the amount of the certified check to be forfeited.

The Elks committee reserves the right to accept any bid and reject any or all bids presented.

Bids will be opened publicly at the Elks Lodge rooms at the above time.

Plans will be on file for inspection at the Dunn Drug Store, Brainerd, Minn., Duluth Builders Exchange, Duluth, Minn., Minneapolis Builders Exchange, Minneapolis, Minn., St. Paul Builders Exchange, St. Paul, Minn., and at the office of the Architects. Plans and specifications may be obtained for the various work, by application through the Architects.

By order of the Elks building committee, B. P. O. E. number 615, Brainerd, Minnesota.

H. P. DUNN, Chairman,

J. J. CUMMINS, Sec.

Schaefer & Fisher, Architects,

202 St. Mary’s Building,

St. Cloud, Minnesota.

May 19, 1926

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 May 1926, p. 8, c. 2)


CALL FOR BIDS BUILDING HOME

_____


Plans and Specifications of New

Elks Building Are

Accepted

_____


BIDS TO CLOSE JUNE 1

_____


Many Outside and Local Contrac-

tors Expected to Bid for

Various Contracts


With the plans and specifications of the new Elks building to be constructed at the corner of Sixth street and Laurel street this summer at the approximate cost of $115,000, accepted from the architects, Schaefer and Fisher, St. Cloud firm, the building committee, of which H. P. Dunn is chairman are calling for bids from contractors, bids to close at 2 p. m. June 1.

Plans and specifications are on file at Dunn’s Drug store, where Mr. Dunn will receive the bids.

It is expected that there will be a number of bids received from outside firms as well as local contractors.

The building committee specially request that the successful contractor purchase material for the erection of this building from firms located in Brainerd whenever possible and advisable, and also to give preference, where possible, to local labor. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 May 1926, p. 3, c. 1)


TO OPEN BIDS ON ELKS BUILDING

_____


Received at Elks Home by the Elks

Construction Com-

ittee

_____


H. P. DUNN, CHAIRMAN

_____


14 Applications for Plans and

Specifications for Construc-

tion Received


Bids for the construction of the Elks building on the corner of Sixth and Laurel streets will be opened this afternoon commencing at 2 o’clock in the Elks lodge room by the Elks construction committee, of which H. P. Dunn, is chairman.

No bids have been received by Mr. Dunn, but bids will be made by contractors at the meeting this afternoon.

There have been, however, 14 applications for plans and specifications for the construction and 11 bids for heating and plumbing.

It is expected that bids will be received from Brainerd, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, Virginia, St. Cloud and other cities.

The work of opening and considering the bids will take all of this afternoon and part of the evening, it was announced. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 June 1926, p. 7, c. 1)


AWARD GENERAL BIDS FOR ELKS HOME

_____


Lenci & Gorham of Virginia, Minn.,

Gain General Con-

struction

_____


BUILDING STARTS PROMPTLY

_____


Plumbing and Ventilating to Gruen-

hagen Co., Heating Contract

to Sherlund Co.


The general contract for the construction of the new Elks building on the corner of Sixth and Laurel streets was awarded to Lenci and Gorham, contractors, of Virginia, Minn., for $98,329.85 by the Elks building committee, of which H. P. Dunn, is chairman, at the meeting yesterday afternoon in the Elks lodge room.

The plumbing and ventilating contract was awarded to Gruenhagen Co., of Brainerd for $12,700 and the heating contract was awarded to Sherlund Co., of Brainerd for $8,500.

The total cost of the building will amount to approximately $122,800, it was estimated this morning by Mr. Dunn.

Construction on the building will commence immediately, the contract calling for the completion of the building by January 1, 1927.

The following are the bids for the general contract as originally received: Carlson, Brainerd, $134,417; Hart, St. Cloud, $111,329; Billingsley, Minneapolis, $123,949; Pfeffer Construction Co., Duluth, $114,358; Field Martin Co., Minneapolis, $116,541; Lenci and Gorham, Virginia, $105,075; Matsen Co., Minneapolis, $125,470; Bracker Construction Co., Minneapolis, $114,910; Colwell Co., Minneapolis, $124,950.

The bids for heating, plumbing, and ventilating as originally received are as follows:

Gruenhagen Co., heating, $8,630; plumbing, $10,600; ventilating, $2,250; Sherlund Co., heating, $8,900; plumbing, $11,200; ventilating, $2,250; Coleman Co., heating, $8,496, plumbing, $11,385; ventilating, $1,853; St. Cloud firm, heating, $9,500, plumbing $11,900; Fergus Falls firm, heating, $9,625, plumbing, $12,000; Alexandria firm heating $9,750, plumbing, $12,150.

The Taylor Sales Service were awarded the contract for electric wiring on the bid of $2,500. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 June 1926, p. 7, c. 1)


ELKS HOME SITE CLEARED

_____


Workmen Tearing Down Last of

Brick, Sorting and

Piling Them

_____


CONSTRUCTION STARTS SOON

_____


Building Will Cost Approximately

$125,000 to Com-

plete


Each day sees a change in appearance of the northeast corner of Sixth and Laurel streets where the new Elks home is being erected. Each day sees the result of the revolution of the wheel of construction.

One tourist coming to the city remarked when he saw the old buildings half torn down, “My but there must have been a big fire.” He was immediately corrected on his belief.

The bricks from the old buildings have been laid in piles. Basement excavation and construction will commence immediately. The building which will cost approximately $125,000 to complete, will be when completed, the finest building in Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 June 1926, p. 7, c. 3)


Permit Contractors to Use Streets


Representatives of Lenci & Gorham, contractor, of Virginia, who have the contract for the building of the Elks home on the corner of Sixth and Laurel streets, requested permission for the use of part of the sidewalks and roadways adjoining the construction for the storage of material used in the construction. The council passed a resolution granting a reasonable use of the streets under the supervision of the city engineer. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 June 1926, p. 7, c. 2)


ELKS HOME CONTRACT LET

_____


Ed. Hirt & Son, St. Cloud, Awarded

Same by Elks Building

Committee

_____


CONSTRUCTION STARTS TODAY

_____


Lowest Bidder, Lenci & Gorham,

Withdraw and Released

From Contract


The contract for the general contract of the Elks home on the corner of Sixth and Laurel streets has been let to Ed. Hirt and Son, contractors, of St. Cloud, second lowest bidders, it was announced this morning by the Elks building committee.

Work on the building was started today. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 June 1926, p. 7, c. 5)


Permission was granted Ed. Hirt and Sons, contractors of the new Elks home, for use of a portion of the streets and sidewalks for the placing of material for the construction of the building. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 June 1926, p. 7, c. 1)


BRAINERD’S ODDEST STORIES OF TODAY

_____


Machinery is an attraction, manual labor is just a common everyday sight, that is looked upon without any undue interest.

This is proven by the fact that when the contractors for the Elks building decided that the dirt carrying machinery used for excavation purposes did not do the work fast enough and that man could shovel the dirt quicker, the crowd of interested bystanders who loafed on planks at the sidelines, some all day, dispersed and have not congregated since. Now a passerby pauses as he walks down the street to witness the progress of the work but he does not remain for any length of time.

Then—it might be the heat of the day. Anyway, that’s how things were today. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 July 1926, p. 7, c. 3)


MACHINERY ARRIVES

_____


Concrete Machinery for Elks Base-

ment Arrived from St. Cloud

Yesterday


Concrete machinery used for the laying of the concrete foundation, basement, piers, arrived in the city yesterday evening from St. Cloud and will be ready for use Monday by the contractors, Ed. Hirt & Sons, in the construction of the new Elks building on the corner of Sixth and Laurel Streets.

The forms are being made today. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 July 1926, p. 2, c. 4)


BUILDING A GOOD FOUNDATION

_____


WATCHING work at the Elks home one is convinced of the Biblical assertion regarding putting in good foundations to weather any storm. Boring resorted to found a streak of poor ground in the northwest corner of the building site and digging is in progress to reach firm ground.

The house build upon a superficial foundation cannot weather the storm. But the house built upon bedrock or firm strata of soil will withstand the vagaries of time.

The Elks building is something to be proud of. It evidences the faith of a large fraternal organization in Brainerd. Its home will bring to this city new business and many pleasant associations. Its accommodations will be advertised nationally in the Elks magazine. And the Elks fraternity is reared high on the sound foundation of justice, loyalty, charity and that type of American citizenship which believes in constructive improvement in community life. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 July 1926, p. 4, c. 1)


ANNOUNCEMENT!

_____


The Elks’ Building Committee are now ready to consider applications for store rooms or other space in the Elks’ Building now under construction. All applications should be made in writing to H. P. Dunn, chairman. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 July 1926, p. 2, c. 3)


ELKS CORNER STONE TO BE LAID THURSDAY

_____


Ceremonies at Construction of Elks

Home in Evening

Will be Simple

_____


MAL CLARK TO SPEAK

_____


Metal Box Containing Documents of

Lodge Will be Incased in

Corner Stone


The corner stone of the new Elks home now under construction at the corner of Sixth and Laurel streets will be laid on Thursday evening, it was announced today by H. P. Dunn, chairman of the building committee.

The ceremonies connected with the laying of the corner stone of “Brainerd’s finest building” will be simple but it will be enacted with the greatest sincerity by officials of the Elks lodge.

The assemblage at the corner is scheduled for 7 p. m. The Brainerd Ladies band have been engaged for the occasion. The Elks quartet will render selections and the address of the evening will be given by Mal Clark.

The ceremonies of laying the corner stone will be taken care of by the lodge.

Incased in the corner stone will be a metal box which will contain the names of the officers of the Brainerd Elks lodge since its institution, the name of the building committee and copies of the Brainerd Daily Dispatch in which write-ups appeared on the progress of the construction since the appointment of the building committee. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 August 1926, p. 7, c. 3)


ELKS CORNER STONE LAYING

_____


WITH simple ceremonies, Brainerd Elks lodge will lay the corner stone of the new Elks home now rapidly assuming shape at the corner of South Sixth and Laurel streets. The ceremonies are eloquent in their very simplicity and informality.

The building speaks for itself. The foundation, like all real Elks proceedings and great undertakings, is built to withstand the ravages of time. The contractor pursued the wily streak of poor ground to a firm footing of clay and then built his 16 big piers on that firm stratum.

And one can draw a picture from this proceeding. Many a great undertaking if not resting on a secure foundation, which the ordinary street level observer cannot see, may not survive the vagaries of time.

But the Elks fraternal order, like the homes its members build, rests on the broad and enduring foundations of charity, justice and brotherly love.

The exercises will be held out-of-doors and will start at 7 o’clock tomorrow evening. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 August 1926, p. 4, c. 1)


LAY ELKS HOME CORNER STONE THIS EVENING

_____


IMPRESSIVE CEREMONIES START 7 P. M.

_____


CORNER STONE TO BE LAID AT

SOUTHWEST CORNER OF

BUILDING

_____


TAKING PART WILL BE OFFI-

CERS, BRAINERD LADIES BAND

A. C. MRAZ, MAL CLARK


The corner stone of the new Elks home is in readiness for the ceremonies which will be impressive and will start at 7 o'clock.

The brick layers are putting up two samples of brick wall to give the Elks an idea of what the face brick on the new building will look like. One of the samples of brick is done with ordinary mortar while the other carries a buff tinted mortar.

The corner stone will be laid at the southwest corner of the building.

Among those who will take part in the ceremonies will be the officers, Brainerd Ladies’ Band, A. C. Mraz who will sing, and the Elks quartet. Mal Clark will deliver a short address.

Included in the ritual in the laying of the corner stone, the Exalted Ruler, Dr. J. A. Thabes will read as follows:


[...]


The building committee for the building is composed of the following: H. P. Dunn, chairman; B. L. Lagerquist, treasurer; J. J. Nolan, Past Exalted Ruler; W. V. Turcotte, Past Exalted Ruler; O. A. Peterson, Past Trustee, Dr. A. K. Cohen, Past Exalted Ruler; J. J. Cummins, Past Exalted Ruler; Exalted Ruler, Dr. J. A. Thabes, and R. R. Gould, Past Exalted Ruler.

Incased in the corner stone besides the Elks documents and names of the building committee will be copies of the Brainerd Daily Dispatch which contain write-ups on the progress made by the building committee in the construction of the building.

The Elks home which is scheduled to be completed the first day of next year will be Brainerd’s nicest building and will be the center of Brainerd business houses. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 August 1926, p. 1, c. 1; p. 3, c. 3)


ELKS CORNER STONE LAYING IMPRESSIVE

_____


Feeling of Pride Swells Hearts of

All Elks and Other Citizens

of Brainerd

_____


DR. J. A. THABES PRESIDES

_____


Mal Clark Praises Chairman H. P.

Dunn and Other Members of

Building Committee


The gavel which was used by the Exalted Ruler Dr. J. A. Thabes last evening was a gift made to the Brainerd Lodge of Elks some years ago by J. Bachelder, charter member No. 7. It is made of the ivory from walrus tusk and embellished with gold bands secured from gold found in creeks of the Nome, Alaska, district. Mr. Bachelder for years was identified with mining and banking at Nome.

One of the interesting observers of the ceremonies last night was J. P. Saunders, of Backus, who 26 years ago served the banquet at the institution of the Brainerd lodge.

A feeling of pride swelled in the hearts of all the Elks and citizens of Brainerd, their heads bared, were happy, when the corner stone of the new Elks home now under construction at the corner of Sixth and Laurel streets was laid last evening with impressive ceremonies by the Brainerd Elks lodge.

The Elks have a just right to be proud and the citizens of Brainerd happy, for is not the new Elks home when completed to be one of the biggest, the finest and the best buildings in the city? Elks not only here rejoiced at the construction of their new home where they will be able to hold their lodge ceremonies in beautiful large lodge rooms replacing their scant rooms, but Elks lodges of other communities were glad because they knew the Elks lodge was expanding greater than ever.

The ceremonies last evening though not elaborate were simple and impressive. throngs gathered along the streets on Laurel and Sixth streets until it was necessary to police the streets. Little heed was given to an impending rain.

Greatness was exemplified in the ceremonies of the laying of the corner stone. It was also a dedication to the future generation for the contractors claim that the foundation which has been staunchly laid will stand up against time just as old Roman buildings did so.

The Brainerd Ladies’ band were in attendance and played several pleasing selections. Dr. A. K. Cohen and Rowland Jenkins rendered a few selections. Mal Clark gave a short address.

Exalted Ruler Dr. J. A. Thabes conducted the ceremonies of the laying of the corner stone, giving the rituals.

Mal Clark spoke as follows: “This is a happy and eventful day for the Brainerd Lodge of Elks. It marks the realization of what, 26 years ago, was but a dream in the hearts of 64 residents of this same city, of whom only a handful remain to witness its maturity. It was a gala day in Brainerd, August 22 when after an all-day celebration in which 300 Elks from the Twin Cities, St. Cloud, Fargo, and Duluth partook, and after a colorful and pretentious parade, headed by Dr. J. A. Thabes, as marshal of the day and with J. F. McGinnis, Al Mattes, Cliff Allbright, and Frank Hall as aides, the aides, by the way, being mounted on donkeys, and with Sam Adair as chairman of the parade committee, and after a banquet, the like of which was never before and has never since been seen, 64 fawns were courteously and thoroughly initiated into the sacred mysteries of Elkdom, to form the nucleus of what is now Brainerd Lodge No. 615, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Brother A. J. Halsted became its first exalted ruler and Brothers Thabes, Farrar and Nolan its board of trustees.

“The lodge has since enjoyed a steady and a healthy growth until today it numbers 500 of the choicest citizens of Brainerd, Crosby, Ironton, Deerwood, Aitkin, Staples, Pine River, and surrounding farms, and we will not stop until one thousand honorable active names are enrolled upon its pages.

“The Elks is a national organization of almost a million American citizens who, without regard to race, creed, politics, wealth or social position are united upon the four corner stones of Justice, Charity, Brotherly Love and Fidelity, for the relief of the needy, to succor the poor and to aid a brother in distress. Upon its altar of ceremony is draped the red, white and blue of the American flag, and there is the Bible of God.”


[...]


(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 August 1926, p. 7, c’s 1 & 2)


BRICK WALL RISES ON NEW ELKS HOME

_____


Bricklayers Working on South Side

of Building Show Speed

in Laying

_____


WALL NOW 4 FEET HIGH

_____


Door for Main Entrance Also Being

Laid Out Today; Many

Windows Being Built


Bricklayers employed on the construction of the new Elks home on the corner of Sixth and Laurel streets were industriously occupied this morning with the laying of bricks on the south side of the building on Laurel street.

Rapid advancement is noted in the laying of the brick as at this stage of the construction many windows are being placed.

At noon the wall at the south side had reached four feet in height and after dinner the crew continued the rapid laying of bricks.

The door for the main entrance is also being laid out today.

The concrete foundation to the building has been laid and forms on the first floor are being constructed. Finishing work on the basement will not be complete for some time yet. Firmness of construction is stressed by the contractors in laying out the foundation which will withstand age, weather and other conditions for an indeterminate number of years. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 August 1926, p. 3, c. 1)


TWO HURT WHEN ELEVATOR DROPS

_____


Alderman Andrew Wesley and Al-

bert Wickham are Injured

Employees

_____


FELL ABOUT 20 FEET

_____


Snapped Cable Forced Elevator at

New Elks Building

to Drop


Two employees on the construction of the Elks building at the corner of Sixth and Laurel streets were injured at 8:15 o’clock this morning when the elevator fell from the second floor to the sidewalk on Laurel street.

The injured are:

Andrew Wesley, West Laurel street, alderman of the first ward, employed on the building since the start of construction. Married and has several children.

Albert Wickham, father of five children.

The injured were rushed to the St. Joseph’s hospital where they were attended by Dr. R. A. Beise.

A snapped cable due to the tension of two men with wheel barrows loaded with coal caused the sudden drop of the elevator to the hard ground below. Both wheel barrows were broken in the fall. It is believed that the elevator dropped 20 feet.

An x-ray is being taken this morning at the hospital to determine the extent of the injuries.

Later reports indicate Andrew Wesley’s injuries were: left leg fractured below the knee, both heel bones broken, back of neck wrenched, and back bruised according to Dr. R. A. Beise, attending physician.

Albert Wickham had both his heel bones broken, back and neck wrenched and face injured. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 December 1926, p. 7, c. 3)


SMALL FIRE IN ELKS

_____


No Damage Reported in Fire Which

Burned Old Rubbish in

New Building


The fire department was called out yesterday afternoon at 2:10 o’clock to a small fire which broke out in a pile of rubbish in the restaurant rooms of the new Elks home on the corner of Sixth and Laurel streets. No damage was reported. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 February 1927, p. 7, c. 4)


PETERSON CO. IN NEW HOME

_____


Clothing Store Now Occupies Corner

Location in Elks

Home

_____


O. A. Peterson Has Been in Retail

Clothing Business Here

33 Years


Occupying the corner store in the new Elks home, Sixth and Laurel streets is the new home of the O. A. Peterson Clothing Co. with a window display space of 100 feet.

High powered lights provide the illumination for the windows showing the goods, new spring suits, spring coats, footwear, haberdashery effects, and Stetson hats.

Mr. Peterson, manager of the store is starting on his 34th year in the retail clothing business in Brainerd. He started clerking in 1893 and entered the clothing business in partnership with John M. Bye 18 years ago on the corner of 7th and Front streets. He was in business there for eight years and remained in partnership with Mr. Bye in the store on Front street for five additional years. He then opened the store of his own on Seventh street which he operated for three years.

Mr. Peterson’s new store has a store space of 25 feet by 75 feet. The store is well furnished and the shoe department is most convenient. It is exceptionally well lighted, furnished with new complete clothing cabinets and electric lighted haberdashery show cases. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 February 1927, p. 7, c. 2)


SEE: Bye (John M.) Clothing Company


BYE CLOTHING CO. STORE IS SPACIOUS

_____


Now Established in New Quarters on

Laurel Street in

Elks Home

_____


FINISHED IN MAHOGANY

_____


John M. Bye is Going on His 16th

Year in Clothing

Business Here


The John M. Bye Clothing Co. are now comfortably established in their new spacious store in the new Elks building on Laurel street.

The store is 58 feet long and 28 feet wide, finished beautifully in mahogany. It has two display windows of 38 feet in length, two good-sized dressing rooms, a large mirror alcove, wardrobes, three display cases and up-to-the-minute cashier’s department, and a shoe department which has a capacity of 1400 pairs of shoes.

Mr. Bye, the president of John M. bye Clothing Co., has been in the clothing business in Brainerd for 15 years. He was eight years in partnership with O. A. Peterson in the Cullen building and five years in the partnership in the store on Front street. The Front street store became known as the John M. Bye Clothing Co. five years ago.

Mr. Bye announced this morning that the spring styles were being received daily.

The following are the officers of the company:

President—John M. Bye.

Vice President—Ben N. Anderson.

Secretary-Treasurer—Henry Cunningham.

Bookkeeper and stenographer—Ethel Fox.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 February 1927, p. 7, c. 3)


SEE: Bye (John M.) Clothing Company


GRAND OPENING OF ELKS HOME

_____


Plan to Hold Entertainment in New

Home in Near

Future

_____


House and Social Committee to Have

Charge: Meeting

February 17


Definite plans have not been decided yet as to the form of grand opening of the new Elks Home which will take place in the near future.

The House and Social Committee have in mind a banquet, a ball, or a banquet followed by a ball, but of the selection of one of the three, the committee has not yet reached a conclusion.

The next meeting of the Elks lodge will take place on February 17 at which time the members will be allowed to express their opinion on the best form of entertainment. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 February 1927, p. 7, c. 2)


BIDS ON FURNITURE

_____


To be Opened This Evening by Elks

Building Com-

mittee


The Elks building committee meets tonight to open bids on furniture for bedrooms and lounging room of the Elks home.

Six local firms are expected to enter bids. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 February 1927, p. 7, c. 2)


GRAND OPENING OF THREE STORES

_____


John M. Bye Clothing Co., Peterson

Clothing Co., and Booterie

Shoe Store

_____


IN NEW ELKS BUILDING

_____


Brainerd Boys’ Concert Band to Play

—Cigars for Men, Flowers

for Ladies


Advertising the opening of Bye Clothing, Peterson Clothing and the Booterie Shoe Store in the new Elks Building, 03 March 1927.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Friday evening, March 4, from 7 to 9 p. m. will witness the grand opening of three of Brainerd’s newest and most modern stores, the John M. Bye Clothing Co., the Peterson Clothing Co., and the Booterie Shoe Store situated in the beautiful new Elks building which is nearing completion.

Everyone in Brainerd and its surrounding territory is cordially invited to attend the formal opening. The Brainerd Boys’ Concert band has been procured to render music for the occasion and there will be cigars for the men and flowers for the ladies. No sales will be transacted during the opening.

The removal of the John M. Bye Co. to the new location marked the completion of nearly a quarter century of service to Brainerd and neighboring communities. The first store was located where the E. A. Page jewelry store now stands. The new store possesses one of the finest sets of fixtures in the city.

The Peterson Clothing Co. has one of the choicest locations in the city on the corner of Sixth and Laurel and with its large and well arranged display window space lends a very metropolitan aspect to the city’s business district. O. A. Peterson, the proprietor, has been in business nearly 35 years.

The Booterie is a new establishment in the city operated by V. F. Schedin, of Minneapolis, who has shown his faith in Brainerd by conducting his business and making his home here. Mr. Schedin has had 30 years experience in the shoe business. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 March 1927, p. 7, c. 5)


ELKS BARBER SHOP OPENS

_____


Cosmopolitan Barber Shop in Elks

Home Under Management

of George Hess

_____


New Equipment and Spacious Rooms

Feature Stand on

First Floor


The barber shop on the first floor in the new Elks home will open for business at 7:30 o’clock tomorrow morning under the management of George Hess. It will be known as the Elks Barber Shop.

The barber shop has a floor space accommodating five chairs and a beauty parlor. At the start however two chairs will be used and the beauty parlor will be opened Monday with Miss Ina Geer in charge.

Mr. Hess has been in the barber business in Brainerd close to 30 years.

The shop consists of individual work benches, sterilizing cabinets, a ladies‘ waiting room in the rear with a barber’s chair installed there to cut the ladies’ hair. A partition separates the men’s department from the ladies thus offering privacy.

The present stand of the Hess Barber Shop in the basement of the First National bank building will continue business same as usual. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 March 1927, p. 7, c. 3)


NEW RESTAURANT TO OPEN APRIL 5

_____


Equipment Expected Here by March

20, Miss Jessie Archer

Stated

_____


TO BE KNOWN AS “ARCHER’S”

_____


Will Install 12 Tables, 8 Booths, 20

Foot Soda Fountain

and Counter


Miss Jessie Archer, of Minneapolis, copartner with her sister Miss Helen Archer, who will conduct the restaurant in the new Elks home, in planning the opening of the new restaurant and confectionery store, announced to day that the establishment would open about April 5.

Miss Archer on her visit to Brainerd this afternoon was accompanied by Mrs. L. W. Traub and E. F. Crandall.

Equipment and furnishings for the restaurant will be installed in latter part of this month, Miss Archer stated.

The new restaurant will be known as “Archer’s.” Twelve tables, eight booths, a 20 foot soda fountain and counter and Frigidaire will be installed. Confectionery and tobaccos will be sold. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 March 1927, p. 7, c. 5)


SEE: 1937 Inwood Lodge Purchased in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.


ELKS HOME IS CITY’S FINEST BUILDING

_____


Building Committee Accept New

Building; Keys Are

Turned Over

_____


GRAND OPENING PLANNED

_____


Two Clothing Stores, Barber Shop

and Restaurant Occupy

Store Spaces


Announcing the opening of the new Elks Hotel, 12 May 1927.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Gracing the corner of Sixth and Laurel streets, the New Elks Home now completed and ready for occupancy is without a doubt the finest, most modern building in the city of Brainerd, cosmopolitan in effect and an improvement lauded by every single person in this city.

The Elks lodge, the building committee of the lodge, the contractors, and the architects are to be congratulated for their part in shaping into reality this fine building.

The building committee has accepted the building and keys have been turned over to them. The house and social committee are making preparations for a grand official opening which is expected to take place shortly after Lent.

Store space in the building is occupied by the Peterson Clothing Store, John M. Bye Clothing Store, “The Booterie,” and the Elks Barber Shop and “Archer,” restaurant and confectionery store to be opened soon.

The new building contains space in the basement for modern bowling alleys, consisting of four alleys with a spectator’s balcony, also toilets and locker space. The entrance is obtained by way of Laurel street. This space will be leased to desirable tenants. The balance of the basement is taken up by storage rooms for the main floor stores, by the boiler and fuel room, and service rooms for the club and hotel.

The main, or first floor has three stores besides a barber shop on Laurel street and a restaurant on Sixth street. The restaurant has a private dining room and a modern kitchen with modern ventilation. Besides the Sixth street entrance it can also be entered by way of Laurel street.

The barber shop is planned for a four chair shop with a beauty parlor in the rear. The shop can be entered directly from the street or from the main floor lobby. All of these rooms have terrazzo floors laid with imported marble of four colors.

The entrance to the club and hotel rooms is made on Laurel street. An iron marquis enriches the entrance. Terrazzo stairs lead to the lobby of the hotel on the second floor. This lobby, which faces Laurel street is 16 feet by 48 feet in size. Off the lobby is a ladies’ parlor with toilet facilities for the use of the guests.

In connection with the lobby there is a secretary’s office and toilet facilities for the men.

At the corner of Sixth and Laurel streets on the second floor is the main lounge for the club rooms which is entered from the hotel lobby. The lounge has a fireplace nook and storage rooms. The lounge, lobby, and toilet rooms all have terrazzo floors of imported marble.

The billiard room is entered to the left of the lounge fireplace. The card room is immediately to the rear of this room and has a buffet bar and kitchenette in connection. Both of these rooms face on Sixth street. There are also coat rooms and candidate equipment and ante rooms. These rooms are decorated with ornamental plaster walls and ceiling and have rubberstone floors.

The lodge room, also on the second floor, extends through to the roof with a ceiling height of 20 feet. Entrance is made to the right of the fireplace through a small tyler’s room. This room has three means of exit which is required by law.

The interior treatment of the lodge room is Italian. The lower side walls to the height of eight feet have an antique stone effect. Above, ornamental plaster pilasters rise to the ceiling. The ceiling has ten ornamental beams. Small windows are placed high on the side walls. These very artistic windows were made in England. The floor of this room has been designed for the dancer’s feet, laid up in a parquet design with two thicknesses of the best grade maple flooring which will act as a wonderful spring cushion. Cafeteria luncheons can be served from the card room kitchenette directly into the lodge room. A motion picture booth is also provided and a modern system of ventilation will completely change the air of the room every ten minutes.

The balance of the second floor and the entire third floor is devoted to hotel rooms, thirty-three in number. In connection with these rooms there are eleven private shower baths, seven connecting baths, three private baths. The rest of the rooms have toilets and lavatories. All the bath and toilet rooms have white terrazzo floors with sanitary bases and walls.

All of the corridors and hotel rooms will be fully carpeted with figured patterns. Every room is provided with an ample sized clothes closet.

Besides rooms the hotel part contains service stairs and service rooms of all description, necessary for operation of a hotel of this size.

The construction of the building is such that it is as completely fire proof as can be erected.

Great care has been taken in placing the foundation footings. The exterior presents a clean appearance. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 March, 1927, p. 7, c.’s 1 & 2)


DEDICATION OF NEW ELKS HOME

_____


April 23 Decided Upon to Hold

Grand Ceremonies Honor-

ing Completion

_____


BANQUET AND DANCE

_____


Dedication and Dance in Elks Home;

Banquet in U. C. T.

Auditorium


April 22 has been decided upon as the date for the dedication and formal opening of the new Elks home on the corner of Sixth and Laurel streets.

Dedication exercises will be held in the Elks new hall in the afternoon with a banquet and program in the U. C. T. auditorium in the evening.

Following the banquet a dance will be given in the beautiful new Elks home lodge room.

Axel Fall, chairman of the house and social committee is in charge of the arrangements. Exalted Ruler Roland G. Jenkins will be in charge of the ceremonies. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 March 1927, p. 7, c. 5)


NOTE: U. C. T. is the United Commercial Travelers, the auditorium was located in the former Gardner Hall in the Gardner Block.


SEE: Gardner Block


INSTALL PHONE SWITCHBOARDS

_____


Northwestern Bell Telephone Co.

Complete System at New

Elks Home

_____


33 INDIVIDUAL PHONES

_____


Ideal Hotel Will Install System;

Four Switchboards

in City


A switchboard to take care of 33 individual telephones on a private branch exchange has been installed by the local department of the Northwestern Bell Telephone Co. at the new Elks home on the corner of Sixth and Laurel streets.

Private telephones have been installed in each of the rooms in the building under the supervision of J. Viken, wire chief.

An order has been placed by the Ideal Hotel for the installation of a switchboard there. Work of installing the telephone system for 28 individual phones in each of the rooms will start soon.

“There are now four P. B. X. switchboards and several smaller systems installed in business establishments in Brainerd,“ said Mr. Viken today. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 April 1927, p. 7, c. 5)


“ARCHER’S” WILL OPEN SATURDAY

_____


Special Dinner Will Feature Opening

at 5:30 P. M. in New

Establishment

_____


COMPLETE ARRANGEMENTS

_____


Restaurant and Confectionery Store

in New Elks Home is

Well Planned


“Archer’s” new restaurant and confectionery store in the Elks home will open to the public at 5:30 o’clock on Saturday afternoon, April 3, with a special dinner as the opening feature according to the announcement made today by Misses Jessie A. and Helen H. Archer, proprietors of the shop.

Finishing touches and decorations are today being added to the establishment and with the arranging of the draperies and curtains tomorrow “Archer’s” will be prepared to meet the demands of the public.

L. E. Benninghouse, formerly of Ivy’s, Minneapolis, has been employed to have charge of the 20 foot liquid carbonic soda fountain, rated among the best fountains manufactured. The fountain has a capacity of 30 gallons of bulk ice cream, 10 gallons of brick ice cream and a compartment for bottled goods, with a coffee percolator, automatic toaster, steam counter and sandwich board to serve lunches. Jersey special brand ice cream will be served.

The establishment will cater to dinners, lunches, ice cream and confectionery. The private dining has 11 tables while the main part of the store has eight booths. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 April 1927, p. 7, c.’s 4 & 5)


ARCHER’S FORMAL OPENING SATURDAY

_____


Draws Large Crowds Who Admire

Cuisine, Service and

Appointments

_____


MANY DINNER PARTIES

_____


Miss Helen Archer Hostess at Arch-

er’s Miss Jessie Archer

at Inwood


The interior of the newly opened Archer’s restaurant in the new Elks building, 1927. A 1082x662 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Unknown

Archer’s the new restaurant and fountain room in the Elks’ building, had its formal opening on Saturday evening, and so great were the crowds that they came from opening hour, 5:30 o’clock, until closing.

The fountain room has eight booths, seating 32, while three tables added seated 16 more. The room adjoining, in above dining room, seated 40. Tables were also added to the corridors.

Table lamps with parchment shades cast a soft glow. On the buffet was a large bowl of pink tulips. Baskets of tulips and baskets of mixed flowers, roses and snap dragons added a touch of brilliant color. The tables are of polished hardwood. Plates, napkins of linen, pink diner tapers, the finest of silverware, gleaming dishes gave touches of brilliance to the scene. Hammered copper candle brackets in the early American period gave a distinctive note to booth furnishings.

Curtains are of grayish green theatrical gauze and blended beautifully with the walls, tinted in the same shade. In the alcove room, French prints of landscapes graced the walls, gay colors predominating. Plate glass mirrors in alcove and fountain room reflected the beauty of the scene many times.

The menu revealed the delicious cuisine of the Archer’s, who have already established a reputation for wonderful cookery at their summer resort, Inwood on Gull Lake.

This was served:

Soupe a la Reine

Celery Radishes Olives

Roast Turkey

Cranberry Jelly Dressing

Cream Whipped Potatoes

Virginia Baked Ham

Candied Sweet Potatoes

Early June Peas

Head Lettuce French Dressing

Parker House Rolls

Vanilla Ice Cream with Chocolate

Sauce

Pineapple Ice

with Cake

Apple Pie with Cheese

Coffee Tea


Among the larger dinner parties were those given by Mr. and Mrs. Frank G. Hall with 12 guests, Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Gruenhagen with 12, Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Farrar with eight, Dr. and Mrs. W. A. Erickson, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. A. Spencer, Mrs. Florence Fleming with four, Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Trommald with four, a birthday party gathering for Miss Marian Linnemann, and many others.

In some cases, people failing to make reservations were unable to be seated and so they appeared for the Sunday dinner next day.

Many Elks and their families were at the opening Saturday and again at Archer’s on Sunday and all were pleased with the splendid service and cookery provided by this establishment in their Elks building.

Miss Helen Archer will be hostess at Archer’s during the summer and Miss Jessie Archer will have charge of Inwood. Miss Helen Archer has had valuable experience in management of tea rooms and restaurants, having been active as assistant to the manager of the Mary Warner tearoom, one of the most popular dining rooms in the upper Fifth Avenue district of New York City. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 April 1927, p. 7, c.’s 3 & 4)


SEE: 1937 Inwood Lodge Purchased in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.


DEDICATE BRAINERD ELKS’ TEMPLE APRIL 23

_____


DIST. DEPUTY MARCUM IS TO PRESIDE

_____


ADDRESS OF THE DAY DELIVER-

ED BY HON. W. C. ROBERT-

SON OF GRAND LODGE

_____


IN EVENING, BANQUET, ENTER-

TAINMENT, CONCLUDING

WITH GRAND BALL


Elks Building, 1930. A 1612x978 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The ceremonies of dedication of Brainerd Lodge No. 615 Elks new Temple will take place Saturday afternoon, April 23, at 3 o’clock, with District Deputy W. F. Marcum, Bemidji, representing Minnesota north, in charge. Officers of the lodge will assist.

The address of the day will be delivered by W. C. Robertson, of Minneapolis lodge, member of the Grand Lodge Committee of Social and Community Welfare. He is the editor of the Minneapolis Daily Star and is a public speaker of great ability.

Other speakers will be Dr. Chester Leech, St. Paul, President of the Minnesota State Elks Association, and representatives from other lodges. Invitations have been sent to all lodges of Minnesota, as well as many from North and South Dakota, Wisconsin and other states.

In the evening there will be a banquet and entertainment at 6:30 o’clock at the U. C. T. Auditorium. The after dinner program to consist of Brainerd’s leading talent and Twin City vaudeville entertainers.

This will be followed by adjournment to the Elks Temple, where the grand opening of the new building occurs at 9 p. m., the principal feature of which will be the informal ball at the new Elks Home and entertainment in the club rooms.

Three Brainerd bands will assist in welcoming the visitors. The Brainerd Boys Concert Band will play at 3 p. m. before the dedication. The Brainerd Municipal Band plays at 6 p. m. before the banquet. The Brainerd Ladies’ Band plays at 9 p. m. after the banquet and previous to the grand opening.

Committees and officers follow:

Building Committee

H. P. Dunn, chairman, B. L. Lagerquist, A. K. Cohen, W. V. Turcotte, J. J. Nolan, O. A. Peterson, J. A. Thabes, R. R. Gould, J. J. Cummins, secretary.

Lodge Officers

Exalted Ruler—R. G. Jenkins

Esteemed Leading Knight—Basil T. Heath.

Esteemed Loyal Knight—Clifford U. Ebner.

Esteemed Lecturing Knight—Clarence C. Van Essen.

Secretary—John J. Cummins.

Treasurer—B. L. Lagerquist.

Trustees—J. J. Nolan, C. B. Rowley, Fred Allison.

Esquire—J. J. Nolan.

Chaplain—A. K. Cohen.

Tyler—C. D. Johnson.

Inner Guard—Fred Cartwright.

Organist—Walter Folsom.

Dedication Committees

Exalted Ruler—R. G. Jenkins, General chairman of committees.

Reception

H. P. Dunn, chairman, Ernest Butler, W. V. Turcotte, Mons Mahlum, C. B. Rowley, J. F. Murphy, B. L. Lagerquist, J. J. Nolan, J. A. Thabes, R. R. Gould, O. A. Peterson, Fred Allison, A. K. Cohen, J. J. Cummins, A. J. Halsted

Program

J. J. Nolan, chairman, John Cuddihy, Al Mraz, A. P. Drogseth, J. A. McGarry.

Invitation

A. W. Fall, chairman, H. P. Dunn, Clarence Forsberg, W. J. Lyonais, Norman F. Ziebell.

Publicity

John A. Hoffbauer, chairman, C. D. Johnson, Walter F. Wieland.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 April 1927, p. 1, c. 1)


NATIONAL ADVERTISING

_____


THE ELKS Temple dedication ceremonies on April 23 bring to the attention of the world the fact that the temple has been completed and that visiting Elks are assured here of a station where comfort and sustenance will be provided on the journey through the lake region about Brainerd.

The Elks magazine, a splendid journal of the order gaining national circulation as well as following the Elk to whatever section of the globe he may have residence, publishes gratis on a large page the names and locations of all Elks homes providing suitable accommodations.

Brainerd Temple, of the Minnesota section, will now be listed with Minneapolis, St. Cloud and Little Falls. This list of Minnesota and all the states of the Union is scanned with attention by all Elks.

In our travels eastward on two occasions as an Elks delegate, we tested these various homes and the accommodations they have to offer. The Elks home, or temple as it is called throughout the east, always has a hospitable welcome and does much to bring the community to the favorable attention of the visitor.

At Atlantic City the home facilities had far outgrown the demand and a new home was being considered, which has since been built. At Philadelphia accommodations were taxed to the utmost by the flood of visitors and a new and much larger home was in contemplation, which has since been built.

New York lodge has a regular skyscraper of a home, with a roof garden and restaurant on the top floor. Washington, D. C., has a most beautiful home and the caretaker is pleased to show you a room just loaded with priceless relics of members and Elkdom.

Pittsburgh has a fine home and Chicago’s is in the loop district. Milwaukee has a splendid home. Boston built a large home, pressed by the increase of membership and the many visitors.

St. Paul and Minneapolis homes are beautiful and membership growth is causing both to consider larger quarters. Little Falls is about to add an 18-room addition, thus doubling its accommodations.

Wherever one goes, one finds an Elks home that provides the finest of accommodations as to rooms, and also gives a meal service second to none.

With the opening of Brainerd’s Elks Temple we stand on the threshold of receiving many Elks visitors and it is very appropriate that the opening thus occurs well in advance of the start of our summer resort and tourist season.

The fact that our Brainerd Elks Temple was practically financed in Brainerd gives each stockholder a real interest in the success of that home. The temple has the goodwill of many Brainerd people and of Brainerd Elks whether in the city or located in other states. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 April 1927, p. 4, c. 1)


ELKS DEDICATION CEREMONIES TODAY

_____


District Deputy W. F. Marcum, Be-

midji, Presiding at Elks

Temple

_____


BANQUET IN EVENING

_____


To be Followed by Grand Ball and

Entertainment at New

Elks Hall


Ceremonies of dedication of Brainerd Lodge of Elks new Temple took place at 3 o’clock this afternoon, with District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, W. F. Marcum, of Bemidji, representing Minnesota North, presiding. Officers were letter perfect in their parts, following closely the ritual prescribed by the Grand Lodge.

The address of the day was delivered by W. C. Robertson, of Minneapolis lodge, member of the Grand Lodge committee of Social and Community Welfare. He is the editor of the Minneapolis Daily Star and is a public speaker of great ability.

Other speakers were Dr. Chester Leech, St. Paul, President of the Minnesota State Elks Association, and representatives from other lodges. Invitations had been sent to all lodges of Minnesota, as well as many in North and South Dakota, Wisconsin and other states.

In the evening there will be a banquet and entertainment at 6:30 o’clock at the U. C. T. Auditorium. The after dinner program to consist of Brainerd’s leading talent and Twin City vaudeville entertainers.

This will be followed by adjournment to the Elks Temple, where the grand opening of the new building occurs at 9 p. m., the principal feature of which will be the informal ball at the new Elks Home and entertainment in the club rooms, including the Lowry quartet.

Three Brainerd bands will assist in welcoming the visitors. The Brainerd Boys Concert Band played at 2 p. m. before the dedication. The Brainerd Municipal Band plays at 6 p. m. before the banquet. The Brainerd Ladies’ Band plays at 9 p. m. after the banquet and previous to the grand opening.

Congratulations were received today from Virginia, Minn., and Fargo N. D. lodges, felicitating Brainerd lodge on the dedication its Elks Temple. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 April 1927, p. 7, c. 1)


RED-LETTER DAY IN BRAINERD ELKDOM

_____


New Elks Temple Formally Dedicat-

ed in Beautiful

Ceremonies

_____


LARGE ATTENDANCE

_____


Culminates in Banquet, Dance and

Entertain-

ment


A red-letter day in the history of Brainerd Lodge No. 615 of the Elks was that of Saturday, April 23, when the new Elks Temple was formally dedicated, with District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler W. F. Marcum, of Bemidji, representing Minnesota North, presiding at the opening exercises in the new hall of the temple.

The officers headed by Exalted Ruler R. G. Jenkins gave a fine rendition of the dedication ritual as prescribed by the Grand Lodge.

After an introductory address by District Deputy Marcum; the speaker of the day, W. C. Robertson, of Minneapolis Lodge No. 44, member of the Grand Lodge Committee of Social and Community Welfare, was introduced. Mr. Robertson in a graphic way told of the wrecking of a historic building in Minneapolis and from it drew the moral that it is easier to wreck in life’s work than to build up and perfect buildings as well as institutions. The work of all Elkdom finds its highest expression in constructive work, sponsored in the lodge room and affecting lodge as well as community, said the speaker.

He paid a high tribute to the Elks Temple at Brainerd and said that it is a credit to Brainerd or a town three times its size.

Dr. Chester R. Leech, St. Paul, president of the Minnesota State Elks Association, spoke briefly.

The dedication ceremonies were simple, but nevertheless of a solemn and impressive nature. Band music was in evidence throughout the day, the Brainerd Boys Concert Band, Brainerd Municipal Band and Brainerd’s Ladies’ Band playing fine programs.

At the banquet in the evening, held at the U. C. T. Auditorium, Walter F. Wieland presided as toastmaster, and proved a very efficient and capable one. Calling the roll it was found that visiting Elks, 25 or more, were present at the banquet from a dozen lodges. The diners numbered over 400. Lou’s band played at intervals and banjo selections were given by the Misses Wentzel and Epcar.

Brainerd Elks from the jurisdictions out of town numbered 20.

H. P. Dunn, chairman of the building committee, spoke on “The New Building.” He paid a tribute to his fellow committee members and to Mr. Fischer of St. Cloud, architect of the building, and also expressed his gratitude to the stockholders and others who had made possible the new Elks Temple.

Dr. Chester H. Leech, St. Paul, state president spoke of the Minnesota State Elks Association. He extended congratulations from the State Association, praised the new building as being one of beautiful architecture and perfect appointments. He read a telegram from Mayor Webb of Winnipeg, conveying felicitations from Winnipeg and Canadian Elks and expressing the hope that Brainerd Elks would be represented at the coming State Convention meeting at Thief River Falls and Winnipeg. The toastmaster then read telegrams of congratulation addressed to the Brainerd lodge, extended by Stillwater, Bemidji, Duluth, Virginia, Minn., and Fargo, N. D. lodges.

W. C. Robertson, member of the Social and Community Welfare Committee of the Grand Lodge, spoke on “The Order of Elks” and said the touchstone of success in Elkdom lay in tolerance, love and understanding. This in brief is what enabled the various lodges to bring the membership to close upon a million American citizens. W. F. Marcum, District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, spoke briefly.

C. D. Johnson, past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, delivered one of his characteristic addresses, witty and eloquent.

The menu consisted of fruit cocktail, beef roast with brown gravy, mashed potatoes, buttered carrots and peas, cabbage salad, jelly, pickles, white and brown bread, apple pie a la mode and coffee.

It was served by the Presbyterian church ladies, who gained many compliments for the excellent food and the service accorded the large gathering.

From there the guests retired to the new hall in the Elks Temple, where dancing was indulged in to a late hour. Lou’s band furnishing the music. The Lowry male quartet sang at intervals and gained much hearty applause. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 April 1927, p. 3, c.’s 1-4)


April 1944. All was in readiness this afternoon for the three-day celebration of Brainerd Elks Lodge marking the burning of the mortgage and the end of indebtedness on their beautiful three-story Elks building. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 11 April 2004)


Grand Opening Set This Week for Relocated Vogue


This is a view of part of the dining room of the New Vogue in the Elks building on Sixth Street. Décor features red carpeting and paneled walls. Grand opening is being held Thursday, Friday and Saturday of this week.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 March 1971
The bar in the relocated Vogue Supper Club will have a familiar look to customers of the old Vogue in the Iron Exchange building. The bar was moved to the new location although its shape has been somewhat changed. The bar is located in an area separated from the dining room by a partial partition.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 March 1971

Grand opening of the relocated Vogue Supper Club and Dugout will be held Thursday, Friday and Saturday of this week.

The Vogue now is located in the Elks building in space which has long been a restaurant. The Dugout entertainment bar is in the basement, an area which was used for many years as a bowling alley.

The Vogue and Dugout were forced to relocate because of the condemnation of the Iron Exchange building following last summer’s fire. It had been in the Iron Exchange building for more than 20 years.

In relocating the Vogue, efforts have been made to keep the atmosphere of the old Vogue but to add some modern themes, Garry Stadtherr, owner, explained. The décor features paneled walls, a red carpet and Spanish-type ceiling lights.

The upstairs supper club and bar are open from 11 a. m. to 1 a. m. and the Dugout entertainment bar from 8 p. m. to 1 a. m. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 March 1971, p. 16, c.’s 2 & 3)


ELKS BUILDING BOWLING ALLEYS

BOWLING ALLEYS AT ELKS HOTEL

_____


Concrete Base Work Now Seeing

Rapid Construction in

Basement of Home

_____


88 FEET IN LENGTH

_____


Complete Work Will be Accomplished

in Three Weeks; Will

Open in September


Advertisement for the opening of the Elks bowling alley, 27 August 1927.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

With the completion of the new bowling alleys in the Elks Home, that institution will be distinctive in the respect that it will own the only bowling alleys in this city.

Concrete base construction is at present seeing rapid progress with Thompson Brothers and Clausen, Brainerd, having the contract. This part of the work is expected to be completed in about ten days.

Hardwood finishing and other touches will complete the work within three weeks. Block contractors of Bayport, Minn., are in charge of the work.

As a start, two alleys 88 feet in length will be constructed for use. The alleys will not be used until the middle of September, it was announced today at the Elks hotel. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 June 1927, p. 8, c. 1)


BOWLING ALLEYS OPEN TO PUBLIC AT ELKS HOME

_____


HIGH SCORES FEATURE WEEK-

END OPENING OF FOUR

FINE ALLEYS

_____


C. C. VAN ESSEN CHALKS UP THE
HIGH SCORES FOR SATURDAY

AND SUNDAY


Ad for Elks Bowling Alley, 11 October 1927.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

High scores have been recorded at the new Elks Home bowling alleys over the weekend during which time the alleys were officially opened to the public.

C. C. Van Essen came through with a 219 count on Saturday and took the cash prize for the day. Not satisfied with a 199 score rung up by Oscar A. Nelson, Van returned to the alleys Sunday evening, and, after a few warming up games, put up a count of 202, again copping the cash prize for Sunday. Ziebell and Iten also had nice counts for both days.

A handicap league will be formed at a meeting to be held next Wednesday evening at 8:15 o’clock at the alleys.

Team entries can be made with Mr. Block at the alleys at any time but it is urged that everyone interested should be on hand for the meeting which will be held following the baseball game.

The bowling alleys are for the benefit of the public and any desiring to bowl can do so. It is not restricted to members of the Elks club. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 August 1927, p. 3, c.’s 3-5)


MAGHAN ROLLS 245 FOR LEAGUE’S HIGH INDIVIDUAL GAME

_____


TEAMMATES MAINTAIN LEAD IN

LEAGUE BY DEFEATING

BRAINERD MACHINE

_____


VAN ESSEN ROLLS 606 FOR 3

GAMES; ELKS NO. 1 DOWN

NASH-FINCH 3 STRAIGHT


Ad for Elks Bowling Alley, 20 October 1927.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Alderman-Maghan continued on their winning streak to lead the City Bowling League without one loss by taking three games last evening at the Elks Building bowling alleys from the Brainerd Machine crew. Maghan, lead off man for the dealers in hardware, came through with the highest individual score for a single game so far this year. He rolled 245.

The Elks No. 1 also made a clean sweep of their games last night by defeating the Nash-Finch. Van Essen was high roller of the evening with a score of 606. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 November 1927, p. 5, c. 5)


VAN ESSEN BUYS BOWLING ALLEYS; DeROCHER MANAGER

_____


PURCHASE FROM ROBERT BLOCK IS

ANNOUNCED TODAY

_____


ALLEYS TO BE COMPLETELY

OVERHAULED AND REDECOR-

ATED BY EXPERTS

_____


3 BOWLING LEAGUES ARE TO BE

FORMED AFTER SEPT. 10;

NEW EQUIPMENT


C. C. Van Essen has purchased the Block Bowling Alleys located in the New Elks Building, it was made known here today. Mr. Van Essen announced the appointment of Earl DeRocher, well known among Brainerd sportsmen, as new manager of the alleys.

The alleys are being completely overhauled and redecorated by the Brunswick Balke experts of Minneapolis. The opening date is still tentative but will be announced as soon as the Brunswick Balke Company can definitely estimate the time that it will take them to complete their remodeling work.

Mr. Van Essen will purchase 13 new bowling balls and a number of new, first-class pins. Due to the intense interest taken in the bowling season in Brainerd, he is bending every effort to assure the Brainerd bowling fans of the best in alleys, pins and courteous service.

There will be three bowling leagues again this year—Handicap, Straight-away and Ladies’ League. Teams wishing to participate in any of the leagues will have an opportunity to do so after Sept. 10 at the alleys. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 September 1930, p. 5, c. 1)


EMPRESS THEATRE

BEAUTIFUL PICTURES

_____


Herbert R. Bartlett Paints Nine for

the Empress Theatre of This

City


The Empress theatre has received a notable collection of fine oil paintings from the brush of Herbert R. Bartlett. Six have been placed in the main part of the theatre and three in the foyer.

One designates a boating scene at Venice. Its companion piece is a copy of Remington’s “Bringing Down the Furs,” the original of which hangs in the rooms of the Minneapolis Commercial club. It shows a number of Indians in a fur-laden canoe paddling to the stockade and settlement where the fur trader awaits their coming. Another canoe has landed and the Indians are seen packing their furs of the hill to the settlement. This is a very fine picture and by some is regarded as the best in the collection.

Nearby is a hunting scene showing the red-coated master of hounds and his assistants surrounded by a number of dogs, all eager for the hunt to begin. “The Chase” shows a fox hunt in full progress. “The Indian Scouts” is a copy from a Remington picture and portrays three Indians on their ponies reconnoitering from a point in the sage brush desert. “Twilight on Venetian Waters” is an interesting marine study.

In the foyer Mr. Laymon has placed two landscapes, companion pieces, one a view of summer at a farm home, glowing with the warm, brilliant tints of a summer day. Opposite is an autumn study, fallen leaves flecking the ground at the farmer’s home. Between the two studies is a church scene. Gold moulding appropriately frames the pictures.

In addition, the theatre has been redecorated and a new color scheme employed in the interior, in harmony with the pictures recently placed in position. “The Empress,” said Manager Laymon, “will be known hereafter as “The Empress, the Theatre Beautiful.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 November 1912, p. 3, c. 2)


The grand opening of the newly remodeled Empress theatre will be held this evening. The floor level has been changed, new seats provided for, new ventilating arrangements and other improvements made by Manager Schmidt. The house opens tonight with the celebrated Kathlyn series No. 4 pictures and many other attractions. Miss Irene Standfeldt, of Chicago, will appear in a cabaret feature, assisted by Tommie (Fattie) Woods. The Blue Ribbon orchestra will play under the leadership of Prof. Jensen. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 March 1914, p. 2, c. 3)


F. S. WORKMAN HEADS “EMPRESS”

_____


Buys Theatre From W. S. Wolfe and

is in Possession of Popular

Playhouse Today

_____


HE HAS PROGRESSIVE POLICIES

_____


These Will be Continued by Mr.

Workman and Also Additional

Improvements Made


F. S. Workman, of Howard Lake, Wis., has bought the Empress theatre from W. S. Wolfe and is in possession of the popular playhouse today. Mr. Workman will continue the popular policies inaugurated by Mr. Wolf which have made the Empress a theatre appealing to all people and especially to the family circle.

Mr. Workman comes from Howard Lake, Wis., and is an experienced man in the moving picture business. He is progressive and will aim to keep the Empress in the front rank. The further improvements to be made include a scenic stage, etc.

Mr. Wolfe, former owner of the Empress made many warm friends in Brainerd. He earned the goodwill of every man he did business with and his friends regret to see him leave. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 October 1915, p. 5, c. 1)


SANTA CLAUS AT EMPRESS

_____


Patron Saint of the Christmas Holi-

days Will be Generous to the

Little Ones at Show


Santa Claus will positively appear at the Empress theatre on Friday afternoon at 3 o'clock and the Brainerd Theatre & Amusement Co. will give each child in attendance a package of candy.

Santa Claus will be dressed up just as he shows up in the story books, and will come right into the theatre, giving the candy to the little ones.

The bill Friday at the Empress will be an interesting one and includes the two reel Vitagraph “Dorothy,” the one reel “Hazard of Helen” series and a comedy reel.

The matinee admission price will be 5 cents for ladies and children and 10c for gentlemen. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 December 1915, p. 4, c. 6)


NOTE: The Empress Theatre seems to have opened sometime between January and July 1911. It may have replaced the Unique Theatre which was listed for sale on 15 December 1910 and was located in the Cale Block at 620 Front Street.


SEE: Unique Theatre


Fire animation On January 24, 1918, the Cale Block located on the corner of South Seventh and Front Streets was wiped out by a spectacular fire along with the Empress Theatre, the Ideal Hotel and a pool hall. The total damages were about $50,000.


SEE: 1918 Cale Block Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.

SEE: 1922 Ideal Hotel Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


EVANGELICAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

The church prior to the remodeling in 1950.
Source: The Word, a Century with Our Churches, Brainerd, Minnesota 1871-1971, p. 15

The Evangelical United Methodist Church, located on the corner of “C” Street and Fourth Avenue Northeast, Brainerd, traces its beginnings to 1880, when the Rev. F. C. Schmidt, pastor of the Evangelical Church in St. Cloud, Minnesota, came here to conduct preaching services. From 1881 to 1888 the Brainerd appointment was served from Wadena by the following ministers: the Rev. Robert Johnson, Joseph Keinholtz, and L. Passer. During the Rev. Mr. Passer’s term of service, a church edifice in Northeast Brainerd was bought from the Methodist denomination. Services had been held in private homes, a school, and in a hotel barroom.

In the spring of 1888 the preaching appointment of Brainerd was organized and established as a Mission Field of the Minnesota Conference of the Evangelical Church. The Rev. L. F. Sydow was the first resident pastor. Also, that year, Mrs. H. Luebke became the first church member.

The Rev. A. H. Utzinger served the church from the spring of 1889 until 1892. A parsonage was built at a cost of $900 in 1889. Also, during this pastorate, seventeen persons were received as charter members. For a number of years the church was rented to the school district during the week and this rent money was used to help pay the cost of the new parsonage.

Since 1892 eighteen pastors have served the church. The present pastor is the Rev. Donald H. Mielke.

Preaching places were started from the Brainerd appointment in the following rural areas: Daggett Brook, Crow Wing, Oak Lawn, Mille Lacs Lake, Bay Lake, and Dykeman. In some of these places the work was only of a temporary nature; in other instances work continued over a long period of years.

The names of some of the people identified with the early history of the Brainerd church are: Strickler, Senti, Otto, Schilb, George Miller, Arnold Luebke, Metzger, Augustin, Zander, and Smith. Early records give special mention to the work done by Mrs. J. Strickler and George Miller. For many years Mrs. Strickler worked and made great sacrifices for the church. In 1948 her sons, Jacob and Ralph Strickler, gave the church a Hammond electric organ in memory of their mother.

The church, now a private residence, in 2015. A 1400x788 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Steven Ward

The present parsonage was built in 1940 while the Rev. Wm. R. Thomas was pastor. Also during the 1940’s, plans to remodel and enlarge the church were formed. By 1950 the members had collected $30,000, and, under the leadership of the Rev. Earl J. Utzinger, the present church was built during the summer of that year. The cost was $62,000. The church was dedicated in 1950 with Bishop Praetorius of St. Paul as guest speaker. On December 7, 1951, all debts were paid and members enjoyed a Mortgage Burning Ceremony.

The Union of the Evangelical Church and the United Brethren Church took place in 1951, the Minnesota union services taking place in Rochester.

The Union of the Evangelical United Brethren Church and the Methodist Church (forming the United Methodist Church) was completed at Dallas, Texas, in April, 1968. Sunday, June 2, 1968, a well-planned and inspiring uniting service was held at the local church. The Rev. Leslie Drake, pastor of the Park Methodist Church, Brainerd, preached the sermon, and the Rev. Donald Mielke led the Litany Service. The loudspeaker brought the message to a large overflow crowd in the basement.

Four young men from this church have entered the Christian ministry: The Rev. Kenneth Clawson, Herbert F. Cook, Harold Utzinger, and Howard Krueger. (The Word, a Century with Our Churches, Brainerd, Minnesota 1871-1971, pp. 14 & 15)


FIRE HALLS (MAP #25 and #26 and #27)

INQUIRY.—Would some of city fathers rise and explain what became of a certain petition (signed by every business man), for a Fire Department to protect our property? It is something we need more than anything else.

A FIREMAN.

(Brainerd Tribune, 20 September 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


FIRE COMPANY MEETING.—On Wednesday evening, pursuant to call, a number of citizens met at ‘Squire Stewart’s office, and organized themselves into a Hook and Ladder Fire Company, but without electing a full list of officers, and after appointing necessary committees, the meeting adjourned to meet on next Wednesday evening at 8 o’clock, at the office of ‘Squire Stewart, Front street. It is earnestly hoped that the citizens will turn out to the next meeting, and take hold of this important matter in good earnest; and let us have a thorough organization of wide-awake citizens to prepare for the coming of the fire-fiend who must make his appearance in our city sooner or later; and woe be to the town if he finds us unprepared to meet his advances. TURN OUT! (Brainerd Tribune, 21 February 1874, p. 1, c. 2)


BRAINERD HOOK AND LADDER

CO. No. 1.


At the meeting of the citizens of Brainerd, held Wednesday evening last, the Constitution and By-laws reported by the committee were unanimously adopted, and the following officers were elected:

Henry Dressen, Foreman; Frank Smith, First Assistant Foreman; Jas. Dewar, Second Assistant Foreman; W. M. Falconer, Treasurer; David Stewart, Secretary; W. R. Sellew, Steward.

Any of our citizens who may wish to become members of the company can do so by handing their names to any officer or member of the company, and they will be proposed for membership at the meeting of the company to be held at the Police Office on Front street, Monday evening next. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 February 1874, p. 1, c. 5)


THE Brainerd Fire Company will meet at ‘Squire Stewart’s office next Tuesday evening. An important meeting, and all concerned are requested to be present. The City Council have appropriated $1000 toward the equipping of the fire company. Good! (Brainerd Tribune, 14 March 1874, p. 1, c. 3)


FIRE COMPANY MEETING.—Now that the hook and ladder wagon of our Brainerd Fire Company has arrived, Capt. Dressen authorizes us to say that an important meeting of the Company will be held at the usual place on Tuesday evening next. Every member should be present. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 June 1874, p. 4, c. 3)


BEING A FIREMAN.—To be a fireman and run with a machine, is one of the most noble and ennobling branches of volunteer service; to go to a fire in a professional way, and labor to save the property of men from destruction, and to snatch men, women and little children from the jaws of an untimely death, excels in grandeur of principle even the volunteering of a freeman in the service of an endangered country, with a lieutenant’s commission in view. We have felt the weight of this fact since a boy, and have made many resolves to one day become a fireman. The opportunity recently presenting itself, we enrolled our name, and are now probably one of the most intrepid firemen of this or any previous century. There is no danger in the whole catalogue of daring exploits we do not court; we feel sure that our courage is equal to taking charge of the foot of any ladder while some other fireman ascends to any number of stories to pluck children from out the windows of suffocating rooms, and bring them down to us where we can comfort their little hearts and make them know they are entirely out of danger, and that the noble firemen will see them through. After joining the company, no one can imagine the anxiety that weighed down upon us for a chance to save somebody, or something; night after night did we toss restlessly about our bed, listening to the slightest sound that resembled an alarm. Our perpetual fear that the thing we hoped would come to pass, became almost painful, when, sure enough, an alarm was heard one evening immediately after we had retired. Springing into the middle of the room, we told our wife that the calamity had finally come, and duty called us from her side to scenes of danger and noble deeds, and asked her for a clean shirt—it was our first appearance, and it was necessary to look well and cast no discredit on the appearance of the company. Firemen should always be prompt to the call of alarm, and being alive to the principle of promptitude, we made a hasty toilet. While getting our fireman’s suit into shape, we sent out for a box of cuffs and some hair oil, and by the assistance of our better half, we were ready to advance on the fire fiend in twenty minutes from the first alarm. We embraced the whole family, gave some business advice to wife, and left some precepts with the children for their future guidance in life, for fear we should never meet again, and then tore away for the scene of the conflagration. Our appearance was dignified and sort of protective, like, as we waltzed along, in the direction of the company’s headquarters, and all the ladies and children along the street showered compliments upon us while we galloped along the street with a determined frown and an air that told how we should put that fire out or more than one-third die in the attempt.

Arriving at the engine house where was kept the hook and ladder, we found the company proper had been gone a long time; we bent our canter now toward the scene of the terrible fire, the light of which made the heavens in the west look like a hell in its fury; half way to it we met the company, retreating with impetuous speed toward home. “Hold!” we cried; “cowards! rebels! turn back and follow where we dare to lead!” About this time somebody laughed; if we remember correctly, a hundred or two people laughed; and pretty soon a man told us it was nothing but a big brush-pile burning, a quarter of a mile from any building. They all kept laughing some more, and we asked the Foreman, quietly, if he needed us very bad to help haul the wagon back; if he would excuse us, we would like to go home the near way, because the baby was sick—it was just cutting its eye teeth and stomach teeth, like; and he said he could spare us to go home the near way, and we told him we could go alone, but that we wasn’t feeling very peert ourself. To the great joy of all concerned, we soon arrived at our cot, and after kicking the cat through the back window and sending the overjoyed dog off on his ear, we turned into bed again and dreamed we had saved a whole village from destruction by prompt action and unheard of intrepidity. (Brainerd Tribune, Morris C. Russell, Editor, 08 August 1874, p. 1, c. 5)


The Fire Company.


A very respectable Hook and Ladder Company has been organized in Brainerd, and aside from being composed of able, active men, who would prove very efficient in case of fire, they have a fine truck and implements to do good service. But as a fire company they are rendered almost useless from the simple fact that the City Council decline to provide them with any kind of a fire alarm, to call them together, which the Council does on the plea of economy. It would seem to us that such refusal is being “penny wise and pound foolish,” or else the Company is fit for nothing but ornament; and in this case the Council was very unwise to go to the expense of buying the truck and appurtenances in the first place. But now that this expense has been gone to, and sixteen or twenty of our citizens have bought themselves uniforms and stand ready to do everything in their power to avert the calamity of fire, why it seems to us unwise for the council to refuse to furnish the necessary details of the outfit to make the Company efficient. Without the proper kind of an alarm (and there is none of any kind at present) why the company is a cypher, and they might as well disband, and sell their truck and reimburse the city for what it has already spent in that direction, and let ‘er burn at will. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 November 1874, p. 1, c. 3)


FIRE.


In a recent issue we urged upon the city authorities the necessity for prompt action towards increased facilities for preventing and extinguishing fires. Since that time a step in the right direction has been taken. A steel triangle has been placed in the Hook and Ladder House for an alarm, but it is only a step, and yet the council appear to think in this expenditure its magnanimity has been immense, and there it rests. Everyday is carrying its warning to them, but only tends to increase their inactivity. Wake up! WAKE UP!! ere the city is in ashes and the just anathema's of an indignant people salute your ears and haunt you through life.

We understand General [Manager] Mead tenders the city the privilege to tap the water pipe connecting the steam pump at the river with the machine shops, in three or four places, at regular intervals, provided the city will procure a hose and cart, and erect a reservoir in the park. This the council failed to accept for the reason, as we understand, that the opinion is entertained by some that force enough cannot be thus obtained to throw the water thirty feet high.

Hook & Ladder Company Ad, 20 February 1875.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

In our opinion even this objection if true, and it is doubted by many good judges, should not deter the city from closing with the offer—and at once. If it will not throw thirty feet it will throw less, and will carry water, and plenty of it, the length of the hose towards the fire, be it where it may, and that with three or four hundred feet of hose would be a valuable acquisition in time of fire. Some may think us rather severe in our remarks on this subject, but after the city is in ashes they may change their minds. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 May 1875, p. 1, c. 4)


CITIZENS, ATTENTION!


We feel it to be our duty to direct the attention of our citizens and tax payers to, what seems to us to be, quite unwarranted negligence upon the part of our city authorities and the fire company in regard to our fire department. We have five city wells that have cost the city over $550, and are, as near as we can learn out of repair and useless; a hook and ladder truck, truck house and fire alarm at an aggregate expense to the city of $450. The doors of the house are broken down leaving the truck and tools to the mercy of the public, the axes, lanterns and other small articles have been stolen, the hooks are out of repair and the whole outfit would be entirely useless in case of need; the triangle alarm has never been put up and is useless, the hook and ladder company refuse to act because the city authorities refuse to fit up and repair their truck house and implements; the truck was taken out the night the mail car was burned here and stood in the street for several days until some of the citizens pulled it into the truck house; yet we have a hook and ladder company exempt from poll taxes and other public duties whose duty it is to look after it; we have no fire warden or night watch, in fact if a fire should break out we are powerless to subdue it, and the city is liable to be reduced to ashes any night purely owing to the neglect of those whose duty it is to protect it and half the city would know nothing of it until it was over.

It is claimed by members of the council, we believe, that these matters should not be a city tax, as it only benefits a certain portion of the city, it being claimed that only those owning property in the business part of the city have any interest in a fire organization. Suppose the citizens of the three business blocks had the power and should say we want no schools, they do not benefit us we have no children to send to school (a large majority of the heaviest tax payers in the city have none) and we won’t support schools for our neighbor's children? Would they not receive the just condemnation of every fair-minded citizen? We submit these matters to the candid consideration of our citizens without further comment, as we consider they need none. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 December 1875, p. 1, c. 4)


THE Hook and Ladder Truck was taken out of the truck house by the boys on the night of the 3rd inst. to celebrate with, and was left in the street in front of the drug store, where it yet remains, with the ladders, buckets and other utensils on it to the mercy of the public, the elements or whatever fate accident or disaster may bring. This must be a pleasant sight to the tax-payer, who is now being hard pressed by heavy taxes, a part of which is to go towards paying the notes of the City of Brainerd recently protested for non-payment, and upon which suit will probably be brought in a few days, mulcting the town in costs and damages for this very property. It is to be wondered at that we are so heavily in debt, with nothing to show for it, when officials are so prodigal of the public property! Have we any officials whose duty it is to care for this property? If so, why are they not attending to their duty? If not, chop them up and burn them, and let us get rid of them as soon as possible—not leave them under the nose of the tax-payers an eye sore and a heart scald, torturing them by inches. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 July 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


SOME of the members of the hook and ladder company “which wuz,” took exceptions to our item last week regarding the fire, and particularly to our reference to “the miserable condition of our fire department, if we have any.” In the first place we had supposed the H. and L. Company long since disbanded for good cause, and in the second place our reflection had not the slightest reference to it in any regard whatever, but applied solely to our city or town fire organization, and was intended to reflect exclusively upon the city council in its extremely reprehensible action in refusing to make a few necessary repairs on the truck and truck house at an expense of not to exceed fifty dollars, and in rejecting the offer of the railroad company to furnish the city with water free of charge if the council would procure the necessary hose.

It was, as we understand, because the city refused to make this trifling outlay on the hook and ladder outfit, and repair the door that had been broken down, leaving the tools, etc., to the mercy of the public, that the hook and ladder company disbanded in disgust, and we would certainly be very far from impugning them for it—in fact, quite the contrary. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 August 1876, p. 1, c. 6)


GROWN weary of waiting upon the action of our citizens in the water works business, the railroad officials have tapped their water main near the headquarters buildings instead of running a pipe into the park and attaching their hose connections there as at first proposed to the city, and on Wednesday a test was made of the much argued question of how high the water could be thrown, that must have been at least convincing to those who have so strenuously opposed the measure and so persistently maintained that a stream “could not be thrown six feet high.” The hose was two and one-half inches and the nozzle one and one-fourth inch, and threw the water with ease far above the weather vane on the office building which is over seventy-five feet from the ground. Had the nozzle been about half or three-fourths inch, it would have thrown much higher, but an inch and a quarter stream of water capable of being thrown to that height would answer all practical purposes in this town, and in fact be more effectual than a smaller stream; and the water supply being inexhaustible can easily afford it.

It is proposed now we learn to raise by subscription the amount necessary to purchase about six hundred feet of hose, among those who can be reached by it to connect with the present pipe. The hose will cost, for three-ply, forty-five cents per foot or $270, which with an ordinary hose-cart and a proper storage and dry-house, would not exceed $325 to $350, and of this Mr. Bly alone offers to pay a large proportion and others have agreed to pay their share. Do not delay; chip in and at once, do not wait until the town is burned down, it would be useless then. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 August 1876, p. 1, c. 6)


Once more we desire to call the attention of our citizens to the entire want of any protection from fire in our town. Should a fire break out on our business streets the town would be swept away before anything could be done to prevent it. We are in fact entirely at the mercy of tramps, fire crackers, cigar stubs and accidents of various kinds. Everything is dry as a tinder box and will surely go some night, if nothing is done. This we consider almost, if not quite, criminal negligence, particularly when the very best of protection is so near and easily accessible. Our townsman, Mr. Pegg, has a complete hand fire engine in good order with hose cart and hose, purchased by him at the auction sale at Fort Ripley last summer, which we understand he will sell at a very low figure to the town though we have never interviewed him on the subject. Let our supervisors consult with him at once and secure it. Then let our citizens organize themselves into a fire company and we will have some hope of protection. The town will probably have no such opportunity again when this has passed to obtain so valuable an acquisition. “A word to the wise, etc.” (Brainerd Tribune, 30 March 1878, p. 1, c. 7)


In harmony with the recent suggestion of the TRIBUNE, the supervisors of this town at their meeting on Thursday last negotiated the sale of what remains of the old hook and ladder truck, and are now arranging to purchase the fire engine belonging to Mr. Pegg, referred to by the TRIBUNE. Correct. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 April 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


At a meeting of the citizens on last evening, a fire company was organized with R. H. Paine as Foreman, Thomas Bason, First Assistant; Wm. Wick, Second Assistant; N. McFadden, Secretary, and H. A. Campbell, Treasurer.

It is proposed by the company to have the Hook and Ladder truck and implements refitted and repaired and make other provisions for protection against fire. The proposition to tap the Northern Pacific water main and run a pipe from it through the principal business square to Laurel street was discussed with considerable interest as also the matter of purchasing of Mr. Pegg the fire engine owned by him and employing a night watchman. These all are movements in the right direction and we trust the interest will not be permitted to flag until the measures proposed are perfected. The expense properly divided among those interested would not be large and compared with the loss and destruction of property at a single fire would be merely nothing. The membership list is in the hands of the secretary, Mr. McFadden, and our citizens are one and all urgently requested to step up and register their names. This company means business. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 May 1878, p. 1, c. 4)


Brainerd should adopt some more potent means of protection from fire, and that at once, before ten times the cost of a first-class fire engine and appliances are lost in a disastrous fire. Who will move in this matter? (Brainerd Tribune, 06 September 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


An effort is being made to have all stove pipes through roofs in the business block between Fifth and Sixth streets removed and replaced with chimneys. We hope the effort will prove successful for the reasons that this block is becoming quite dense, several new buildings going up on the few vacant lots, and every precaution should be taken against fire. Mr. L. P. White has arranged, we learn, to have chimneys in all buildings owned by him, and we expect to see the excellent example closely followed up. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 September 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


No less than twelve stove pipes bristle through the roofs in Center block, all threatening ignition and total destruction to the block. Let them be removed and replaced with brick chimneys. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 December 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


A fire in Center block would probably destroy $100,000 worth of property. A good fire apparatus with pipe from the railroad water main would cost less than $300. What does good judgement dictate under the circumstances? (Brainerd Tribune, 20 December 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


By request of a number of citizens, a meeting is called at the TRIBUNE building on Wednesday evening next, January 1st, of those who are interested to make arrangements for giving a public entertainment soon for the purpose of improving our fire apparatus. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 December 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


The Fire Department.


The committee appointed by the council to decide upon the necessary purchases for the proper organization of the fire department, held an informal session yesterday for the purpose of discussing the most advisable course to pursue.

The outcome of the consideration of the question was the appointment of Foreman Bunce to consult with the chief fire engineer of Minneapolis, and ascertain, while in that city, the best manner of organizing, the cost of proper equipment, etc.

It was also decided to repair the old hook and ladder house on Front street, now occupied by Mr. Brown as a furniture warehouse, and put it in shape for the reception of the truck. A tower will be erected on the top of the building, and a suitable fire alarm bell will be placed in it.

After settling these details the committee adjourned, subject to call on the return of Mr. Bunce. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 February 1882, p. 1, c. 6)


FIRE PROTECTION

_____


Meeting of the Hook and Ladder

Company Thursday Evening—

They Consider the Con-

stitution and

By-Laws.

_____


The Result of Foreman Bunce’s

Inquiries in Minneapolis—A

Firemen’s Ball in Pros-

pect to Furnish

Funds.

_____


The Brainerd Hook and Ladder company met Thursday, in J. A. Davis & Co.’s office and were called to order by Foreman Bunce. Only a fair attendance was present, which is greatly to be lamented, as it is only by earnest work and faithful attendance, especially during the organization, that anything can be accomplished.

The session was devoted to the consideration of the constitution and by-laws, section by section, and at adjournment the work was not entirely completed, but will be concluded at the meeting to be held next Monday evening.

Foreman Bunce returned from Minneapolis Tuesday morning, and though he has made no formal report it is ascertained that he thoroughly posted himself on everything of importance pertaining to fire matters while there. The cost of an alarm bell could not be learned, and Mr. Bunce will write to the various bell founders in the country to get figures. In regard to other necessary supplies, he found prices as follows:

Extension ladders, ironed but not painted, 55 cents per foot.

Extension ladder, ironed, single and roof, 45 cents.

Firemen’s axes, with picks, $3 each.

Pike poles, with hooks, $2.75 each.

Pull down hooks, with four feet chains, $10 each.

Torches, $5 each.

Chemical extinguishers, $44 each.

Chemical charges, $3.50 per box.

The hook and ladder truck will be thoroughly overhauled and remodeled and two new extension ladders will probably be purchased.

It is also probable that one or two chemical fire extinguishers will be purchased.

Wherever anything can be saved, the equipment will be made here in Brainerd, otherwise they will be ordered from Minneapolis.


FIREMEN’S BALL.

Money is necessary for properly conducting the fire company, and it is probable that at an early day a grand ball will be given for the purpose of raising necessary funds, and when it is given it will be one of the biggest affairs in that line ever given in Brainerd. There is no doubt that it would be well patronized and that the receipts would put the company on its feet in good shape. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 February 1882, p. 1, c. 4)


BOLD FIREMEN.

_____


What Was Done at Their Regular

Meeting Monday Night—The

By-Laws and Constitution

Signed—Equipments

That Will be Pur-

chased.

_____


Brainerd’s firemen pose for a photograph, ca. 1880’s. A 1258x614 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The hook and ladder company met Monday night in J. A. Davis’ office with Foreman Bunce in the chair. After being called to order the members present proceeded to sign the constitution and by-laws.

After this Mr. Hendrickson moved that a committee be appointed to investigate the matter of having them printed in pamphlet form, and Secretary Brigham appointed a committee of one to ascertain the cost and other particulars.

Here followed a lengthy discussion in reference to the purchase of equipment and apparatus, and the committee, which consists of W. W. Harley, Lou Davis and N. McFadden, was instructed to purchase the following:

Two extension ladders, each consisting of one thirty and one fifteen foot section.

Two twenty-foot scaling ladders.

Two fifteen-foot scaling ladders.

Two eighteen-foot ground ladders.

Two twenty-foot ground ladders.

Four fireman’s axes.

Four pikes.

Four braces.

Four foot pumps.

Six dozen paper buckets.

Lanterns, torches, ropes, grappling hooks, etc., at the discretion of the committee.

The torches will probably be made here and everything else that can be got; the rest will be procured from Minneapolis.

A committee was appointed consisting of Mr. Paine, Wm. Martin, and W. W. Hartley to confer with Mr. Hagberg and find out the expense of the necessary iron work in remodeling the truck, which will be extended and fitted up with rollers so that any ladder can be got at without disturbing the others.

A committee was appointed to confer with the various bell founders and learn where the best bell could be got for the least money.

In regard to the Babcock fire extinguishers heretofore spoken of it was decided to dispense with them and fill their places with the foot pumps mentioned in the list.

As soon as the building for the truck can be put in a proper state of repair, the latter will be put in the house.

A badge was selected for the company. It will be silver-plated, with a hook and ladder emblazoned on it, and will also bear the number and name of the company. Three dozen of these were ordered.

Mr. Bunce was instructed to confer with the committee on equipment in reference to needed articles overlooked on the list, and the convention adjourned till next Monday evening at 7:30 o’clock.

All members are most urgently requested to be prompt in their attendance and not to stay away and throw the work upon a few public spirited citizens. It is a matter that all are vitally interested in and businessmen should not let this interest become cold for lack of numbers at the meeting. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 February 1882, p. 1, c. 6)


The matter of getting the water works in running shape is progressing finely, several cars of pipe arriving last Saturday. The city has received several new hose carts and when the water commences to be carried from one end of the city to the other the chances of burning out will not be half as dangerous. What the city needs now is an efficient fire department. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 August 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


The city council will meet Friday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. to see about bonding the city for fire purposes and call a special election for the purpose of voting on the same. It is proposed to build a city hall, the lower part to be used for the fire department and the upper story for city purposes. This is something that is an absolute necessity and now that the city has its hose companies organized and the various apparatus purchased they have got to have some place to house the same, and a place to dry the hose in cold weather. The location of the same has not been fixed upon but it has been suggested that either Seventh or Fifth street, near the railroad track, would be the proper place for the hall, as it would be convenient to the business portion of the city in case of a fire, as well as the residence portion of the same. Next week we shall give a full description of the proposed building and the action of the council in the matter. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 06 December 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


The vote for the issuance of the city bonds on Saturday should receive a rousing majority. Unless it is carried the hose carts and other fire apparatus that is now on hand will have to be returned. See that your ticket reads: “For issuing bonds, erecting engine and house house, and purchasing fire apparatus,” and vote no other ticket. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 December 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


The city election held on Saturday last to vote on the proposed issue of city bonds to the amount of $5,000 to purchase fire apparatus and equipments and build a hose house and city hall, resulted as follows:

First ward:

For—141

Against—0

Second ward:

For—57

Against—2

Third ward:

For—59

Against—10

TOTAL:

For—257

Against—12

We understand that in the Third ward many of the ballots were written wrong, and were counted contrary to the intention of the voters. The opposition to the bonds was much greater in the Third ward than was shown by the vote as counted. Very little interest was manifest in any of the wards. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 January 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


The city council are advertising for bids for the erection of a hose house. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 February 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


Notice.


Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be received by me up to 3 p.m. of Monday Feb. 11th 1884 for erecting an engine and hose house according to plans and specifications on exhibit at my office. The right is reserved by the council to reject any and all bids.

R. G. SPARKS,

City Clerk.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 07 February 1884, p. 3, c. 4)


The council failed to let the contract for building the hose house last Monday on account of a dead-lock, three being in favor of awarding it to Mr. F. A. B. King and three against. The council meets again next Monday night when the matter will probably be disposed of. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 February 1884, p. 3, c. 1)


At two different times within a week have the fire companies of Brainerd saved the city from thousands of dollars loss and still there are men who begrudge the boys protections from exposure to the fire and water in the shape of suits. The council has ordered the purchasing committee to procure these goods but they have refused to comply with the order. It is a significant fact that Jas. Dewar voted against the purchasing of these suits first, last and all the time and the boys will undoubtedly remember him at the polls Tuesday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 February 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


On Wednesday forenoon bills were issued calling a meeting of the fire department composed of hose companies No. 1 and 2, and the hook and ladder company, signed by F. W. Farham [sic] chief of [the] fire department, to [be] held on Friday of this week at 2 o’clock p.m. for the purpose of taking action with reference to disbanding on account of the refusal of the purchasing committee of the city council to purchase firemen’s goods as ordered by the council. The firemen think that it is no more than right that they should have some protection from the fire and water and these goods ordered were for that purpose. Brainerd’s fire department has done excellent service since its organization and has received much praise and if they disband it will be hard to find as active and thoroughly competent men to fill their places. The companies are composed of men who have had experience in this business and new hands would be apt to make many blunders that would cost the city and property holders many thousand dollars. If the company was a paid institution there would be a little more reason for the refusal, but as it is the firemen are exposed to a thorough drenching, which is anything but agreeable [in] this weather, to say nothing about spoiling their clothing. It is but right to say the least that the companies should be provided with suitable goods for their protection at fires and that these articles should be provided by the city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 February 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


The new hose house will be built by the city under the supervision of a committee appointed by the council. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 March 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


Central Hose House located mid-block on the north side of Front facing 5th, the picture was taken shortly after the ‘twister’ of June 2, 1898.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
Hose house bell blown down in the ‘twister’ of 02 June 1898. The bell tower at the central hose house used for fire alarm purposes was blown down directly across Front street and demolished but the bell was not broken although it fell directly on the pavement, 02 June 1898. A 850x668 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society, Courtesy of the Birney Wilkins Family
Inside the Central Hose House on Front and 5th, ca. 1898. A 1257x738 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

A Fire Hall is located mid-block on the north side of Front Street facing Fifth Street.


REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON

CONSTRUCTION OF HOSE HOUSE.


We the undersigned beg leave to report that we have endeavored to comply with the wishes of the council, and have had a “hose house and a city hall” constructed at a cost of $1,437.73 up to this time; and would enclose along with the report the receipted bills marked:

“A” Labor $393.20

“B” Hauling and grading in front of building $6.00

“C” Red lead for roof $1.58

“D” Paints, oils, etc. $36.85

“E” Doors, 6 panels, front of house $4.75

“F” Hardware, nails, etc. $83.94

“G” Lumber bill $743.88

“H” Building chimney $47.50

“I” Sash, blinds, mouldings $112.10

“K” [sic] Blocking, etc. $7.23

“L” Guilding [sic] on ball and staff $.75

Total bills $1,437.38

The foreman, Ed. Mahan’s estimate of extra work and material furnished amounts to about $257.26; this would be charged to us as extra work and material if we had contracted the same. We will but add that out of all the men employed all were tax-payers but three and they were laborers. We recommend that the upstairs part be lathed and plastered some time in May, after the weather gets warm and the ground settles. All of which is respectfully submitted for your approval.

THOS. WATT,

A. E. TAYLOR,

E. R. FRENCH.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 09 April 1884, p. 3, c. 6)


The rooms over the hose house have been fitted up in fine shape, and will be ready for occupancy in a couple of weeks by the city officers. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 June 1884, p. 3, c. 1)


The new fire bell for the hose house has arrived. It is much larger and better toned than the one which has been discarded. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 July 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


The new Council rooms and firemen's department, which has just been finished over the hose house, are indeed specimens of elegance and convenience. The front room will be occupied by Judge Douglas, and is finished off with a private consultation room, a Judge’s stand, and a raised platform for the accommodation of the jurymen. A railing has been built across the room for the purpose of keeping the spectators in their proper place. The room in the rear of the building is for the use of the firemen, and it will make a fine place for their meetings. Both rooms are wainscoted and grained, the painting being done by A. Frederickson, and which is a credit to himself and also to the city. The city now has a building that it need not be ashamed of and one which was needed long before it was built. All that is necessary now is for the city to build a suitable jail building, as the one which is used for that purpose is not fit for a hog pen, and should be discarded as soon as possible. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 July 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


Prof. Dresskell is getting up an alarm for the pump house to use in case of fire, and when finished it will be a very useful thing. Each one of the three hose houses will be connected with the pump house and by touching a button a gong will be set in motion which will ring for six minutes. As it is now many times the pump house is only notified of fire after some one has gone there in person, the telephone being unreliable. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 April 1891, p. 4, c. 3)


Weather Signals.


It is expected that the new weather signal flags will arrive next week and the service begin. The flags will be displayed from the staff at the hose house. A square white flag means clear or fair weather; the blue flag indicates rain or snow; the white and blue flag (parallel bars of white and blue) indicates that local rains or showers will occur and that the rainfall will not be general; the white flag with black square in center indicates the approach of a sudden and decided fall in the temperature—a cold wave. The black triangular flag always refers to temperature. When displayed above either of the other flags it means warmer weather; when placed below another flag it indicates colder weather; when not displayed at all the indications are that the temperature will remain stationary. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 September 1891, p. 1, c. 4)


Alderman Folgelstrom is at work straightening up the city hall building, which has sunk several inches out of plumb on the east side. There are several causes for this condition of the building. Poor workmanship in the first place, and the extraordinarily large crowds that sometimes fill the municipal court room, are the principal reasons. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 November 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


Alderman Fogelstrom has been putting storm windows onto the hose house this week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 December 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


The Boys Want Horses.


The members of Hose Companies No. 1 and 2, held a meeting recently and produced the resolution which will be found below. The city council at its meeting received the same and ordered it filed, no action being taken on account of the lateness of the hour and the number of other matters requiring attention. The council will do well to consider this matter thoroughly before taking action, and undoubtedly will see the necessity of the request. The resolution is:

To His Honor, the Mayor, and the City Council, Gentlemen:

At a meeting recently held by the officers of Hose Companies Nos. 1 and 2, of the fire department, it was decided to request of you in this form to purchase a team of horses and apparatus for better fire protection. While our firemen are willing and always have been to do their utmost in case of fire, they feel that hauling the carts many times for long distances through the snow and thereby arriving at the fire often too late to render valuable assistance, that their efforts are not crowned with the success that they really deserve. We trust, gentlemen, that you will readily see the propriety of granting our request and thereby assist a willing volunteer fire department and undoubtedly save more than your expenditure by the saving of property. We feel assured that unless something of this kind is done that it will be impossible to keep up the interest of our companies. Hoping that you will give this your earliest attention, we are,

Respectfully yours,

John Bubar, foreman, J. C. Jamieson, first assistant, James Buley, second assistant, A. Rosenberg, secretary, J. Kelleher, treasurer, Hope Hose Co. No. 1.

L. D. Mattison, foreman, E. D. Wilkins, first assistant, Wm. Paine, Jr., second assistant, R. L. Weeks, secretary, N. McFadden, treasurer, Brainerd Hose Co. No. 2. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 December 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


The Weather Signals.


City Clerk Farrar now regulates the weather in this city, in other words he has charge of the weather flags which are hoisted each morning from the hose house. The flags are five in number and in their position on the pole should be read downward. The white flag indicates fair weather; the blue flag indicates rain or snow; the black triangular flag always refers to temperature and when placed above either of the flags above mentioned indicates warmer weather, when below colder weather, and when not displayed the indications are that the temperature will remain about stationary; the white flag with black square in center indicates a cold wave, and is not displayed unless it is expected that the temperature will fall to forty-two degrees or lower. The blue and white flag indicates local rains, the forecast is always for the following twenty-four hours after the flags are displayed. A cut of the flags can be seen at the head of Henry I. Cohen’s advertisement. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 December 1891, p. 4, c. 6)


The City Council.


[...]


The fire committee requested more time to report on the question of buying a team for the use of the fire department, and the request was granted. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 January 1892, p. 4, c. 5)


Special Meeting of the City Council.


The city council held a special meeting last Monday evening. All present but Aldermen Lagerquist, Johnson, Fogelstrom and Titze.

The meeting was called to hear the report of the fire committee. Said committee reported and recommended that a hose wagon, one team of horses and apparatus for use of the Central hose house be purchased, and that a place for keeping said team be provided by building an addition to said hose house.

A motion was carried to accept the report and to purchase property and build an addition to the hose house as recommended therein, the whole not to exceed $1,200 in cost.

A motion was carried to appoint a committee composed of two members of the fire committee and the chief of the fire department to inspect and purchase said wagon, team of horses and apparatus. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 January 1892, p. 4, c. 5)


D. W. McIntosh, chief of the fire department at Brainerd, and Alderman Barber, of Brainerd, were in the city yesterday, purchasing horses to be used by the Brainerd fire department. While here they were shown the working of the Kunzelman steering apparatus in use on the hook and ladder truck, with which they were delighted. Mr. Kunzelman’s patent is becoming popular, and will soon be adopted in several cities.—Stillwater News. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 January 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


Aldermen Ferris and Barber and Chief McIntosh went to St. Paul on Friday last for the purpose of purchasing a hose wagon and team of horses for the Brainerd fire department. Mr. Ferris returned on Saturday night, the other two gentlemen remaining as the purchase had not been completed, and they are expected home to-day. It is understood the gentlemen will bring with them a fine team of trained horses which they have purchased from parties at Stillwater for $375. The hose wagon, which is being made to order, will not arrive for several days. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 January 1892, p. 4, c. 6)


New City Purchases.


Fire Brigade on parade, ca. 1898. A 1255x1130 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

A special meeting of the city council was held on Monday evening to consider the matter of building an annex to the hose hose for the accommodation of the team which has been purchased for the fire department. The council appropriated $1,200 to be expended in the new purchases and improvements, but as the sum was found to be inadequate the committee desired to explain matters and have all members perfectly satisfied before they proceeded further. Ald. Barber explained that a team had been purchased at an outlay of $400, and that a hose wagon had been ordered built which was to cost $450, besides this a harness costing $60 had been bargained for and $20.75 expended in feeding and conveying the city steeds to Brainerd, the total being $930.75.

It had been deemed advisable to put up an addition to the hose house two stories high and bids had been solicited for the construction, which were as follows: F. Britton $280, Davenport & Woodbury $325, I. U. White $350. After some discussion it was agreed to accept Davenport & Woodbury’s bid as in the bid of Mr. Britton’s no painting was mentioned.

The building will be 14x26 with 16 foot posts, the upper rooms to be plastered and used by the city teamster in order that he may be on the ground at all times, and is to be ready for use by Tuesday next.

A lumber wagon was ordered purchased by the committee for use until the hose wagon is finished, and for street work.

The city clerk was instructed to issue a city order in favor of D. Farmer for $400 to pay for the team.

C. A. Walker was granted a permit to erect a brick veneer building 25x60 feet two stories high, on Laurel street, adjoining Moberg’s saloon. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 January 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


SEE: Walker Block


The City Council.


[...]


James Buley, ca. Unknown.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The application of James Buley as driver of the fire department team was read, and a motion was made and carried that Mr. Buley be appointed driver of said team at a salary of $50 per month. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 February 1892, p. 1, c. 3)


The new fire team are being trained in excellent shape and already are quite proficient in their duties. At the sound of the gong they come from their stalls on a run and take their places at the pole of the wagon. Considering the short space of time that they have been trained they are exceeding the expectations of the driver, Mr. Buley, and also the public. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 February 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


Hose Co.’s Nos. 1 and 2, and Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1, have decided to furnish the room over the new addition to the hose house, and a man from each one of those companies will room there. The room will be papered and carpeted and three wire spring cots will be placed in the room with other suitable furniture. The companies will pay for the outfit from their treasuries, the expense being about $75. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 March 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


Serious Accident.


The fire department has at last received the new hose wagon which was ordered some weeks ago and in the language of the small boy “she’s a daisy.” The vehicle was taken to the central hose house on Saturday and was viewed by many spectators during the afternoon. On Sunday morning Driver Buley hitched the fire team to the wagon and in company with Chief McIntosh started down Front Street. At Sixth street where the wagon went over the crossing the jolt caused the snap on one of the collars to loosen and let the horse through the harness when the animals became frightened and unmanageable. Mr. McIntosh, with the intention of stopping the team, jumped from his position on the seat to the ground turning one of his ankles and breaking a small bone of the leg. He is consequently laid up and will be for some weeks. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 May 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


More improvements have been made at the central hose house this week. A new floor has been laid in the building and a shed has been built on the west side of the house to keep the hook and ladder truck in and also to store hose in. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 July 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


Fire Department Election.


The annual election of the Brainerd Fire Department took place last Monday evening, and officers were elected as follows:

Dan. F. McIntosh, Chief.

Thos. Crawford, First Assistant.

Si. Hall, Second Assistant.

C. D. Johnson, Secretary.

Wm. Bredfeld [sic] [Bredfield], Treasurer.

This makes a strong staff of officers. D. F. McIntosh, who is re-elected chief, has already served several terms, and has given such excellent satisfaction that he can hold the office as long as he will accept it. The department has been very efficient under his direction. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 April 1893, p. 4, c. 6)


Regular Council Meeting.


[...]


A motion was made and carried to place a telephone in the central hose house when the system is put in. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 May 1895, p. 4, c. 7)


Hose House on Front & Fifth Streets. Brainerd Fire Department float “Honors the Boys of '61” (Civil War Veterans), June 1897. A 1540x1150 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

In 1898 the Fire Department consists of 100 volunteers, 3 paid men, four Independent Hose Carts, 3,500 feet of two and one-half inch hose, one Hook-and- Ladder Truck and an Electric Alarm to the Pump House. (1898 Sanborn-Perris Insurance Map)


New Insurance Rates.


The insurance rates for this city have not been adjusted since July, 1893, and it is expected that within a very short time W. R. Burch, the new inspector who succeeds J. B. McLaren for this district, will visit Brainerd for the above purpose. The natural condition of things existing when the examination or inspection is made will have a bearing on the rate that is fixed and it lies a good deal with our citizens whether the rate is raised or lowered. Piles of rubbish, old boxes, barrels, straw and such things in the rear of business houses and in the alleys that go toward making a risk hazardous are all noted and the man who carries an insurance has to pay for it in an increased rate which when once fixed cannot be changed by the local agents no matter how much they might desire to so do and it stands until the next adjustment is made by the inspector which may not be for some years. New maps of the different districts have been made and it is hoped that the general public for their own good will see that their premises are cleaned up so they may get the benefit derived from such action. Insurance policies that are written in the city all have to pass through the hands of the inspector who is located at Duluth for his approval as to rates, etc., before they are approved by the company in which the insurance is taken. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 February 1898, p. 1, c. 4)


Bought a New Fire Team.


Fire Department float on parade at the corner of Fifth and Front Streets. Notice the arc light hanging above the intersection., ca. 1898. A 1174x758 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

At a special session of he city council on Monday, at which all members were present excepting Alderman McGinn, a new fire team was purchased from A. Lessard, the price paid being $200, and P. H. Miller was engaged as extra driver at $1.50 per day. It is the intention to keep both teams, and work one of them on the street, and it is this work that Mr. Miller will attend to. Other fire department matters were attended to, among which was instructing the clerk to write to the parties of whom the fire wagon was bought in relation to exchanging for a lighter vehicle, and also the building of an addition to the hose house in which to store hay. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 April 1898, p. 8, c. 3)


The new city team gave an exhibition of their speed this afternoon and incidentally distributed a quantity of electric light supplies from the railroad track to Laurel street. The team was driven over the Sixth street crossing in front of an engine which caused the trouble. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 April 1898, p. 8, c. 2)


The steel bell tower at the Central hose house was raised this afternoon. It is 70 feet high and on top has a flag staff which reaches 25 feet above the tower. E. Hessel, the machinery man, did the job. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 July 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


One of the work team horses belonging to the city received quite a serious injury on Wednesday, the animal kicking part of the partition to the stall down and in the fracas running a large piece of the splintered board into its body on the inside of the left hind leg. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 December 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


Some Interesting Figures.


A. H. Bennett janitor of the Central hose house and secretary of Hose Co. No. 2, in his annual report of the business done by the fire department during the year 1898, gives the following interesting data and has kindly furnished the DISPATCH the following figures:

Number alarms during year—53

Miles run during year—181

Hours worked at fires—47

Number feet of hose laid—21,300

The amount of loss by fire during the year is placed at $42,612 and the amount of insurance paid on loss was $20,462.

Mr. Bennett in his report makes mention of the fact that had it not been for the disastrous opera house fire which also consumed the building and stock of Con. O’Brien, the fire loss would have been but about $8000 which is extremely low for a city the size of Brainerd. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 January 1899, p. 8, c. 5)


Hereafter municipal court will be held in the county court house, a committee of the council securing the permission of the county commissioners at their meeting on Tuesday. The hose house will no more be frequented by the energetic vag or the gay and festive “jag.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 April 1899, p. 8, c. 1)


The city council has purchased a new fire team and is now going to ascertain the ages of the horses. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 November 1899, p. 4, c. 2)


City Legislation.


The special committee appointed to ascertain the ages of the new fire team made a report stating:

“Mr. James Parker, horseman, and Dr. C. S. Reimestead gave it as their opinion after careful examination that the age of the nigh horse of the team is six years and that of the off horse seven years. Furthermore the nigh horse is not considered the equal in many points to the off horse. Your committee recommend that the nigh horse be exchanged by Mr. Newman as per contract made with him by the special purchasing committee for a horse equal to the off horse for fire team purposes.”

The city clerk was instructed to notify Mr. Newman and demand that he replace the horse with one that will prove satisfactory. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 December 1899, p. 4, c. 2)


FIRE CHIEF’S ANNUAL REPORT.

______


Fire Loses During the Year about

$12,000—Great Disparity in In-

surance and Premiums Paid.

_____


City Fire Chief L. H. Stallman has made his annual report covering the year 1899, which contains some very interesting information. The report shows fire losses for the year to be $11,960, and insurance collected $6,652.84, about half. During that period the property owners of the city paid $24,984.96 insurance premiums, or nearly four times amount received from the insurance companies. Considering the great disparity in the amount paid the insurance companies and the amount received, isn’t it about time a reduction in insurance rates was made in the city? An effort should be made to have the rates reduced.

The department cost the city $1,756.50, in addition to $5,328.70 paid for the rental of 71 hydrants at an average cost of $65 each. The department has three paid men, all others being volunteers serving without pay. The city now has 3500 feet of hose, and over 1000 feet of additional hose has been ordered. There were 31 fires during the year, two being of supposed incendiary origin, ten were caused by defective chimneys, two by lamp explosions, three by children playing with matches, six by overheating, and eight were of unknown origin. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 March 1900, p. 8, c. 4)


CITY FATHER’S USUAL GRIND.

_____


[...]


The matter of repairing the central hose house came up and on motion of Alderman Wright it was decided to refer the matter to the fire committee with power to act. The matter was discussed at length and it was the advice of the council that the building be raised, a new roof put over the same and that two coats of paint be administered on the exterior. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 June 1901, p. 3, c. 4)


METER QUESTION TO BE INVESTIGATED.

_____


On Motion of Alderman Wright

the Matter was Referred to

the City Attorney.

_____


REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL.

_____


Resolution Passed by City Council

Vacating Seventh Street

as Requested.


The city council met in regular session Tuesday evening in chambers with President Crust in the chair. The following aldermen were present: Halladay, Gardner, Purdy, Erickson, Rowley, Fogelstrom, Doran and Wright.

...Chief Bennett, of the fire department, asked the council that the room now occupied as council chambers be turned over to the department’s use after the new quarters in the new opera house are completed. The matter was referred to the fire and water committee to report at the next meeting. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 October 1901, p. 2, c.’s 1 & 2)


QUARTERS FOR FIRE LADDIES.

_____


It is Thought That the Fire Committee

Will Act Favorably on Chief

Bennett’s Request.


The old hose house located at the north end of South Fifth Street, the Park Opera House is on the right, ca. 1902. A 1862x1319 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The matter which was brought up by Chief Bennett, of the fire department, at the meeting of the city council Tuesday evening in regard to securing more room for the boys at the hose house will probably be favorably acted upon by the fire committee, to which it was referred.

For some time the boys have been cramped for room, and now that the city officials have made arrangements to move to new quarters Chief Bennett conceived the idea that it would be a good plan to transfer the room now used as council chambers into a general assembly room for the fire boys, and to use the room to the rear now used by them for sleeping purposes.

He also suggested that the boys be furnished with a bath and other conveniences which are extended to volunteer departments in other cities. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 October 1901, p. 3, c. 2)


COMMITTEES TAKE DEFINITE ACTION.

_____


Lon Everett Awarded the Con-

tract for Repairing the

Old Hose House.

_____


THERE WERE THREE BIDDERS.

_____


Special Committee Monday De-

cides on Furnishings for

New City Quarters.


There was a meeting Monday in council chambers of two very important committees. The one committee was the regular fire committee of the council and the members present were Alderman Doran, Rowley and Koop. This committee met for the purpose of taking some action on the matter of repairing the hose house. It will be remembered that this matter came up at a recent meeting of the city council sometime ago and it was left to this committee with power to act. The building would have been repaired long before this had it not been for the fact that the alleyway was being used by those working on the new opera house. A new foundation will be put in, and the building will undergo a thorough overhauling. The contract is also to include the painting of the building on the exterior. This will not be done, however, until spring as it is getting pretty late for exterior work of this kind. There were three bids in for the work as follows: O. Evans, $598; George Kreatz, $494; and Lon Everett, $410. Mr. Everett being the lowest bidder was awarded the contract.


[...]


(Brainerd Dispatch, 15 November 1901, p. 2, c. 3)


March 1903. Painters have commenced to work on the old Hose House, next to the Opera, and in a few days the building will fairly dazzle with a new coat of paint. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Friday, 28 March 2003)


Fire Hall completed in 1915, ca. 1915.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
Fire Hall located on the east side of 5th between Front and Laurel Streets, ca. 1936.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

On 02 March 1914 the Common Council issues $75,000 in bonds for a new City Hall and Fire Hall. The Fire Hall is built mid-block on the east side of Fifth Street between Front and Laurel Streets. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 123)


A MOTOR FIRE TRUCK FOR CITY

_____


Council at Monday Night’s Meeting

Decides to Advertise for Bids

on January 5th

_____


ADJOURNED SESSION THAT DATE

_____


Equipped with Two Tanks Machine

Can Extinguish Fires in Sec-

tions Beyond Hydrants


The city council, at its Monday night’s meeting, went on record as favoring the purchase of a motor fire truck.

President of the Council C. A. Lagerquist reported on the trip of inspection made by Aldermen Stallman and Gallup and himself when they visited St. Paul, Minneapolis and Sioux City, Iowa, examining the fire trucks in use.

The city clerk was instructed to advertise for bids to be opened at the adjourned meeting of the council to be held Tuesday evening, January 5.

Agents of the Wilcox and White trucks addressed the meeting. The Wilcox man said fire apparatus was never built under two tons weight. Each manufacturer tried to get his motor to handle its load on any kind of a road. Two and a half inch fire hose weighed a pound to the foot. With the right kind of a driver a motor fire truck would negotiate 12 to 14 inches of snow. Chains were needed the year around. Twenty to twenty-five miles an hour was the average speed now generally made by fire apparatus in cities he was acquainted with. A high gear machine was not needed. Power developed from the gear ratio. His truck had a double chain drive. The Wilcox people guaranteed their trucks three years against defects and flaws. The kind of tires was optional, either solid or pneumatic. If the truck was liable to stand for months and fires were not frequent, he advised hard tires.

Alderman Mahlum asked if the purchase and use of a motor fire truck would not lower insurance rates in Brainerd.

The Wilcox agent said he did not know. He believed the insurance underwriters encouraged their purchase.

Alderman Smith said there was no reduction in fire rates unless there was a reduction in fires.

The Wilcox agent, in answer to a question, said a gasoline pump was not advisable. It bucked sometimes and this uncertainty mitigated against its use.

Clarence Olson, of Brainerd, addressed the council and introduced the White agent.

The White agent said an important specification in the purchase of a car was whether four or six cylinders were to be used. He explained the standard combination chemical and hose truck and its equipment. Hose was either on a basket or reel and 1,000 to 1,200 feet of hose was carried. Most fire companies ran from 25 to 35 miles an hour. At Minneapolis he had followed the fire equipment in his car and they reeled off 45 miles an hour on a short stretch.

A speed of 25 miles an hour is generally made in the first few blocks by a horse fire truck, said the White agent. He coincided with Alderman Smith’s statement, saying that a reduction of fires in a three year period would work a reduction in fire rates.

Mayor Henning in a communication to the council called attention to the finances of the city, especially the current expense fund and the firemen’s relief fund. The two funds did not have very much money and 1,000 feet of hose bought was to be paid for from the firemen’s relief fund. A question had been raised by the deputy examiner of the state examiner’s department about the legality of payments from those funds with the possible result that the city may have to reimburse one of the funds out of the other. He suggested using the surplus from the city hall building fund, subject to the vote of the people. In the purchase of fire trucks he counseled advertising for bids.

In the discussion following apparatus, Mayor Henning favored a two tank proposition, for it would be of assistance in extinguishing fires beyond where the fire hydrants are, which at present had no protection.


[...]


A dozen mitts and a half dozen coats were ordered purchased for the Northeast Brainerd fire department. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 December 1914, p. 1, c. 3)


New City Fire Truck


Brainerd’s first motor driven fire truck, a White truck, 14 May 1915. A 1430x892 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The White fire truck, purchased by the city, was given a trial spin on the afternoon of April 8, 1915 by the demonstrator, Joseph Cornelius, of Cleveland, Ohio. The truck made a straight shot up North Sixth Street and at about a speed of forty-five miles an hour flew around the corner of Kingwood. The passengers gasped, expecting to be hurled out with the ladders and other paraphernalia on top of them. Before they got another gasp, the truck let out another link of speed and was shooting down the straight-away path and onto the sand hills near the river bank. It was raced out to northeast Brainerd, over the bridge fill, through back alleys, out on Oak Street, turned around in sand and given every kind of a demonstration in Brainerd’s streets and alleys to show what the truck could do. Tears streamed from the eyes of all the occupants of the truck, as no one was wearing goggles. The truck, to be housed in the new fire hall, was equipped with a large searchlight illuminated by electricity and provided with all kinds of fire fighting apparatus, ladders and lanterns, etc. (An Overview of Happenings in the City of Brainerd for the Years of 1914 and Early 1915, A. Nelson)


BRAINERD’S NEW MOTOR FIRE TRUCK


Brainerd is proud of its new motor fire truck, a White machine, sold the city by Clarence A. Olson. The picture of the truck was taken at the new fire hall. The truck was bought during the term of office of the last city council, whose term expired May 3, 1915. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 May 1915, p. 16, c.’s 1-3)


HOSE HOUSE CONDEMNED

_____


To be Torn Down by Order of State

Fire Marshall Robert W. Har-

gardine Deputies Soon Here


By order of State Fire Marshall Robert W. Hargardine, of St. Paul, the frame structure situated on Northern Pacific right-of-way just north of Front street at the north end of South fifth street, known as the old hose house, formerly used as a fire hall and now for storage, is to be torn down.

Mr. Hargardine, in placing the seal of condemnation on the old building, said it was dilapidated, especially liable to fire, and so situated as to endanger other buildings or property, which condition, from the standpoint of a fire hazard, is dangerous.

Notice was today served on Mayor Dr. R. A. Beise by Sheriff Claus A. Theorin. The frame building must be removed by being torn down and demolished and all material must be hauled away within 45 days. This, by the way, marks the first step in opening South Fifth street so as to afford a crossing over the tracks at that point.

In a letter to the Dispatch State Fire Marshall Hargardine writes: “I have had several complaints concerning this old fire hall, so recently made a personal inspection and believe it to be sufficiently of a fire hazard to be removed.

“At the time I was in Brainerd, while not having an opportunity to make a thorough inspection of the city, I was delighted with the general conditions and expect, sometime in the near future, to have one of my deputies make a more thorough inspection. If we, at that time, find any other dilapidated buildings in the city we will also order them condemned.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 May 1916, p. 2, c. 5)


SOME CLING TO OLD HOSE HOUSE

_____


Council Splits on Idea of Dismantl-

ing the Old Building on South

Fifth Street

_____


UP TO BUILDING COMMITTEE


[...]


The tearing down of the old fire hall as ordered by State Fire Marshall Hargardine seemed to be too radical for some of the aldermen. On motion of Aldermen Turcotte and Koop it was ordered that the property committee investigate and report at the next meeting as to securing a lot on which to remove the building or tear the same down.

Aldermen Benson and Betzold appeared with an amendment to take an appeal from the state fire marshall’s action. On the amendment the vote stood: Ayes, Aldermen Benson, Betzold and Morrison. Voting nay were Aldermen Smith, Peterson, Haake, Koop, Turcotte and President Farrar. The amendment was lost and the original motion declared carried. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 June 1916, p. 5, c. 1)


LIABLE TO PAY $50 FINE DAILY

_____


State Fire Marshall R. W. Hargardine

Gave City Notice in Person to

Remove Old Hose House

_____


CONDEMNED BY DEPARTMENT

_____


Its Removal Will Open up Fifth

Street Which Old Building Now

Entirely Blocks Up


R. W. Hargardine, state fire marshall was in the city to see what had been done to remove the old hose house reposing at the head of North Fifth street near the railway tracks. He had condemned the structure and the time for removal expired July 15.

Mr. Hargardine conferred with members of the council and with Dr. R. A. Beise, the mayor, and the authorities were informed that the city was liable to a fine of $50 a day for every day after July 15 that the condemned structure remained.

Committees of the council and others got busy and promised Mr. Hargardine that summary action would be taken to remove the building and if taken down at once the penalty will not attach, as Mr. Hargardine, aware of the city’s finances and its general compliance with the laws and orders of the state, showed some leniency.

The removal of the hose house will act as another improvement, opening Fifth street across the tracks and thus doing away with much of the congestion at the Sixth street railway crossing where freight trains frequently stand or do their switching within five minutes of the leaving time of passenger trains and make it a nervous wait for passengers blocked from getting to the depot. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 July 1916, p. 5, c. 2)


Bids Asked on the Old Hose House to

be Opened on Monday, Aug. 7


[...]


Alderman Benson and Smith, on motion carried, moved to advertise the old hose house for sale on bids to be opened Monday, August 7. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 August 1916, p. 5, c’s 1 & 2)


HOSE HOUSE SOLD FOR $151

_____


Fred Anderson is Highest Bidder


[...]


Bids were opened for the sale of the old hose house. These were received: Fred Anderson $151, William Robinson $25, C. B. Rowley $50 and J. M. Hayes $43. The bid of Fred Anderson was accepted, the building is to be razed and the rubbish hauled away in 30 days. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 August 1916, p. 5, c. 4)


The old hose house on Fifth street is about cleaned up and the contractor has scaled it down to the first story. From the salvage a new house is being built on the south side. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 September 1916, p. 3, c. 2)


SEE: Milt Askew’s Billiard Hall

SEE: City Hall


8 BIDS RECEIVED ON FIRE TRUCK

_____


Bids Range From $5,000 to $12,000;

All Laid on Table to Next

Regular Meeting


The most important business transacted at their [City Council] meeting was relative to the purchase of a new fire truck, and on motion of Aldermen Paine and Ritari the bids for same were opened. Following are the names of company presenting bids and their prices:

Luverne Fire Apparatus Company bid $6,500 F. O. B. Brainerd.

W. S. Nott Company, Minneapolis bid $5,000 for one pump, chemical and hose car F. O. B. Brainerd and an additional $300 for extension of frame and additional chemical tank.

American LaFrance Fire Engine Company, Elmira, N. Y., bid $12,000.

Prospect Fire Engine Company, Deluge Fire Apparatus bid $6,500 F. O. B. Brainerd.

Imgrund Auto Company, Brainerd bid $4,090 for Yellow X chassis manufactured by Northern Fire Apparatus Company with additional $3,497 for equipment.

Foamite-Childs Corporation, Utica, N. Y., bid $9,000 F. O. B. Brainerd.

J. N. Johnson Company, Minneapolis, Minn., bid $5,750 F. O. B. Brainerd.

Stoughton Wagon Company, Stoughton, Wis., bid $8,000. On motion these bids were laid on the table to be taken up at the next regular meeting of the council. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 January 1926, p. 7, c. 1)


COUNCIL ACCEPTS FIRE TRUCK BID

_____


Prospect Fire Truck Bought at Cost

of $6,175, From

Eight Bids

_____


ALL COUNCILMEN PRESENT


The council at the meeting last night awarded the fire truck contract to the Prospect Fire Engine Co., of Prospect, Ohio, the truck to cost $6,500 with discount of 5 per cent for payment within ten days after delivery and acceptance of truck. This brings the cost to $6,175 net.

On the informal ballot of choice of fire truck from among the eight bids at hand, the J. N. Johnson bid of $5,750 received one vote, Luverne Fire Engine Co., bid of $6,500, three votes, and the Prospect Fire Engine Co. bid of the same figure six votes. On motion of Alderman Paine and Martin Anderson, the Prospect bid was accepted on roll call, M. Anderson, V. F. Anderson, Elvig, Holmstrom, Lewis, Paine, and Quanstrom voting aye, and Lyonais, Wesley and Ritari voting nay. The contract calls for a fire truck fully equipped with 500 gallon rotary pumper, 200 feet of hose and steel tanks.

On motion carried the specifications of the unsuccessful bidders were ordered returned. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 January 1926, p. 7, c. 1)


Fire Truck Equipment


The chairman of the fire committee presented a list of equipment for the new fire truck, as requested by the fire department, and moved that this equipment be furnished. On motion duly carried, this equipment was to be ordered. It will include a Smith steel wheel, 1 inch red chemical hose, two sirens, one hand and one electric, Goodyear All-Weather Diamond cords, 1 electric lamp instead of two lanterns, the lettering, “Brainerd Fire Dept. No. 2,” and a draw bar.

A resolution for the purchase of the fire truck was presented, and on roll call, all members voted for it. The resolution reads thus: “Whereas the city council did accept the offer tendered by the Prospect Fire Engine Company for a Type 85, Model “MS” pumper complete. Now therefore be it resolved by the city council of the city of Brainerd that the attached contract be entered into for the purchase of said pumper and that the mayor and the city clerk be authorized and directed to execute the same for and on behalf of the said city.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 January 1926, p. 7, c. 2)


Fire Truck Inspection


A letter was read from the General Inspection Bureau, Minneapolis, regarding the cost of inspection of the recently purchased fire truck. On motion of Aldermen Paine and Ritari this matter was laid over until the next regular meeting.

The council received a communication from the chief of the fire department making requisition for supplies for the fire truck. On motion of Aldermen Quanstrom and Wesley this matter was referred to the purchasing committee with power to act. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 February 1926, p. 1, c. 1)


The council discussed the testing of the new fire truck, whether the test was to be made in Brainerd or in Minneapolis. Aldermen Anderson and Lyonais are to take up this question with the general inspection bureau at Minneapolis, and a decision regarding the test place will be made later. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 February 1926, p. 7, c. 1)


Fire Truck Test Here


Alderman Lyonais reported on the inspection of the new fire truck. He told of having interviewed Mr. Lund of the state fire inspection bureau, who had said that the inspection could be conducted in Minneapolis at no cost to the city, or at Brainerd with payment of transportation and one day’s expenses for an inspector in coming to this city.

The council voted, after motion by Aldermen Martin Anderson and Ritari, to have the test made in Brainerd, as this will save the expense of driving the truck to Brainerd after the inspection, and also the expense of having a representative from here go to Minneapolis for the test.

The city clerk was instructed to notify the agent to have the truck shipped directly to Brainerd, and also notify the state inspector upon arrival of the truck. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 March 1926, p. 3, c. 1)


New Fire Truck Expected to be on

Hand and to be Exhibited

to Public


It is expected that the new fire truck recently ordered will be here soon and the firemen will place in on exhibition. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 April 1926, p. 7, c. 5)


NEW FIRE TRUCK ARRIVES IN CITY

_____


Flashing Red Body and Beautiful

Mechanism Creates

Sensation

_____


BUILT FOR QUICK SERVICE

_____


Truck Driven to Brainerd Late Yes-

terday Afternoon by

Representatives


The new fire truck, Number 2, arrived in Brainerd on 25 June 1926. It cost $6,500 and was a Prospect Fire Engine, Type 85, Model “MS” pumper, ca. Unknown. A 850x490 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society, Courtesy of the Birney Wilkins Family

The Brainerd Fire Department’s new truck arrived in the city last night and ever since, it has created quite a sensation with those who have seen it. Its flashing red body besides being a thing of fine beauty is built for quick service and long use.

The type is that used by fire departments in large cities.

The truck was driven to Brainerd late yesterday afternoon from Minneapolis by S. L. Wotring, and J. H. Auel, representatives of the Prospect Fire Engine Co., of Prospect, O., manufacturers of the truck. The truck was sold to the city Council for the price of $6,500 and is equipped with the latest paraphernalia for fire fighting.

The engine is the new model Master Fire Fighter. It has a 500 gallon capacity, a continental motor with six cylinders. The wheel base is 166 inches. The capacity provides 1,500 feet of hose.

Included in the equipment are two 40 gallon chemical tanks, two, two and one half gallon quick use tanks; one 28 foot extension ladder, one 14 foot roof ladder, 200 feet of chemical hose, and 20 feet of suction hose.

The truck throughout is built sturdy and for quick use. The firemen today are being instructed in its use.

The initial tryout will be made this afternoon at Rice Lake. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 June 1926, p. 3, c. 1)


FIRE TRUCK TRIAL

_____


Initial Tryout of New Equipment of

Fire Department at

Rice Lake


The initial tryout of the Brainerd Fire Department’s new truck took place yesterday afternoon at Rice Lake, the result being satisfactory.

For three hours three streams of hose were placed in action as a test of durability.

The old fire truck will be kept for emergency purposes. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 June 1926, p. 7, c. 3)


FIRE TRUCK TESTED

_____


Shoots Stream 30 Feet Above Highest

Spiral of High

School


The new fire truck last night in a trial at the Washington high school shot a stream of water into the air 30 feet above the highest spiral of the school.

In a trial on 19th street where very little pressure is on the hydrant, the engine pumper was hooked on and it took four men to hold the nozzle. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 June 1926, p. 7, c. 3)


FIRE TRUCK TRIAL

_____


Hundreds Witness Another Test at

City Water

Tower


Newly purchased fire truck being tested at the Water Tower across from Van’s Lunch, 29 June 1926. A 900x1100 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Hundreds of people last night witnessed another trial by the new fire truck, this time beside the city water tower.

With the power on full force and the pump engine running, the hose shot a stream of water many feet over the top of the tower. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 June 1926, p. 7, c. 1)


Fire Truck is Accepted


Following a report on the fire truck, the truck was accepted and a warrant ordered drawn up to the amount of $6,175 to pay the truck company. With the calling of ayes and nays, all voted in favor with the exception of Aldermen Ritari, Wesley, and Lyonais. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 July 1926, p. 7, c. 1)


GETTING IN THE WAY OF THE FIRE TRUCK

_____


FIREMEN voice a complaint and that is the morbid curiosity of Brainerd car owners who plump themselves direct on the battleground of a fire and get in the way of fire department work. Others give the truck a lot of work dodging them as they impede its rush to a fire.

And then, while a fire is being fought, numberless well-meaning but thoughtless citizens, anxious to observe a fire, get right in the way of the firemen.

An intelligent observer has said that a quarter of the work of a Brainerd Fireman consists of detouring Brainerd cars and curiosity seekers. We have a good fire department. Let us not be thoughtless in the matter and unintentionally impede or hinder them in their work. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 July 1926, p. 4, c. 1)


Repairing Old Fire Truck


The matter of repairing the old fire truck which the White Truck Co., of Minneapolis estimated would amount to approximately $1,000 was referred to the Fire, Light and Water committee. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 August 1926, p. 7, c. 1)


The fire, water and light committee reported that a box for coats and tools was needed for the new fire truck. The purchasing committee were instructed to authorize the purchase.

The firm of Rosko Brothers were authorized to make repairs to the old fire truck. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 October 1926, p. 7, c. 2)


The city fire truck No. 1 which has been thoroughly overhauled is now in the Brainerd Enameling Shop being refinished in the regulation brilliant red with gold leaf ornamentation. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 March 1927, p. 7, c. 1)


FIRST SWEDISH BAPTIST / TEMPLE BAPTIST CHURCH

Swedish Baptist Church


Swedish Baptist/Temple Baptist Church, ca. 2014. A 803x799 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Andy Walsh

Located at the corner of Oak and Tenth streets, was organized on August 20, 1882, by Rev. John Fogelstrom, who became the first pastor. From the charter membership of nineteen, the church has had a steady growth. The first building, erected in 1882, was replaced by a large and beautiful structure in 1901. A few months later this new church burned to the ground, a total loss, for no insurance was carried. Immediately, however, steps were taken for re-building, for these sturdy Christians were convinced that God had use for a church of their faith. The years have justified this view. The present building was dedicated in January, 1903.

The following pastors have served the church: John Fogelstrom 1882, Ernest Hallgren 1883, Michael Johnson 1884, C. H. Melby 1886, I. Bergstrom 1887, Charles Hord 1888, Edward Gravander 1891, H. Bergman [sic] 1895, A. C. Holm 1898, A. A. Anderson 1900, P. G. Nelson 1905, O. S. Jacobson 1907, K. A. Lundin 1910, A. B. Colvin 1914, P. Alfred Peterson 1917, A. Paulson September 1, 1921, to date.

The ladies’ aid, young people’s society, and Sunday School are active fifty-two weeks every year. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 95)


Name of church: Temple Baptist Church.

Location: 923 Oak Street, Brainerd, Minn.

Denomination: Belongs to Swedish Baptist General Conference of America.

Changes in affiliation: None.

Relation to other churches: None.

Date of establishment: August 20, 1882.

Change in name: Was First Swedish Baptist Church until February 9, 1931, when name was changed to Temple Baptist.

Places of meeting: In 1882, a small frame building was erected on the site of the present church. This was torn down and a new frame building erected on this site, which was dedicated August 20 [sic] [25], 1901. This building was destroyed by fire on January 24, 1902. That same year, the present brick structure was completed. It is 40’x50’ in size, with a full basement. Arrangements have been made to have it remodeled this coming spring (1937).

Names of charter members: No records.

Names of first officers: No records.

Names of present officers: Pastor H. Bersell, chairman, Elgar Thon, secretary; Harold Erickson, treasurer; trustees: Harold Erickson, Albin Palmquist, Harold Thorkelson.

Names of pastors: John Fogelstrom, 1881-1883; Ernest Hallgren, 1884-1884; Charles Hord, 1888-1890; E. Gravander, 1891-1895; H. Bergerman [sic], 1895-1897; A. G. Holm 1898-1899; Anton A. Anderson, 1899-1904; P. G. Nelson, 1905-1907; O. S. Jacobson, 1907-1910; K. A. Lundin, 1910-1913; A. B. Colvin, 1914-1917; P. Alfred Peterson, 1917-1920; Adolph Paulson, 1921-1926; Seth Jakobson, 1926-1928; Ernest Nilson, 1928-1929; Rev. [Carl J.] Ackerman, 1930-1936; H. Bersell, 1936-date. (The above names and dates were taken from the old treasured records. A volume entitled Swedish Baptist Kission History written by Rev. P. Ryden, states that John Rosen was pastor from 1897-1898, but the treasurer’s record shows that only a few small payments were made to him, probably as a visiting pastor until a permanent pastor could be secured. Several other records were made of visiting pastors.)

Does the church use a certain cemetery: No.

Language used: Swedish was used part of the time and it is now used entirely.

There are no Swedish records after 1929 and all services are in English.

Membership of church: It is said that 19 charter members organized the church. There are now 101 members.

Organizations: A Sunday School was organized about the time the church was established. There are now 106 members.

A Ladies Aid was organized before the church was established and now has 30 members.

A Missionary Society was organized on December 19, 1935 to carry on the work of a Mission Circle established with 19 members on March 8, 1933 and there are now 26 members.

A Willing Workers Young Peoples Society was organized on December 28, 1917 as a merger of the Willing Helpers and the Baptist Young Peoples Union. There is no record of the number of charter members. There are now 39 members.

Survey of Records: Sunday School Records 1933-date, 1 volume.

Treasurer’s Account, Willing Helpers Society 1904-1917.

Treasurer’s Account, Willing Workers, 1927-date, 1 volume.

Secretary’s Records, Willing Helpers and Willing Workers 1916-date, 1 bound volume.

Church Register: 1914-date, 1 volume.

Ladies Aid Membership Record, 1930-date, 1 notebook.

Missionary Society and Missionary Circle Records, 1933-date, 2 notebooks.

Church Secretarial Records: 1892-1908, 1 volume; 1909-1923, 1 volume; 1923-1928, 3 notebooks; 1929-date, 1 volume.

List of church members: 1904-1911, 1 notebook; 1885-1903, 1 volume.

There are a few loose leaves, sewed together, containing English notes of the annual meetings from 1882-1894. These notes do not correspond to the Swedish records existing 1892-1894, and there are no other records in English until 1929. There is also a newspaper clipping in Swedish, pasted on the inside front cover of the Secretarial Record. This gives a brief history of the church from its organization until 1882, but older members of the church say that this is not correct.

Sources of information: The pastor, church officers and records, and members of the congregation. (Town of Brainerd, Township 45, Range 31, Anna Himrod, WPA Writer's Project; Crow Wing County Historical Society, Brainerd, Minnesota: circa 1936)


Rev. J. Fogelstrom is making preparations to move from Brainerd to some more central locality, probably Minneapolis, as he is acting in the capacity of general missionary among the Scandinavians of Minnesota, and Brainerd is a little off from his regular route. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 April 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


The new Swedish Baptist Church will be dedicated on Sunday [August 25, 1901]. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 August 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


A GRAND CONCERT.

_____


To be Given at the Swedish Baptist Church

at the Time of the Dedication.


Rev. A. Tjernlund, of St. Paul is to deliver the dedication address at the Swedish Baptist church on the evening of Aug. 25. During the week preceding this date the different branches of the church will meet and special music has been prepared for each evening.

The most important services will be on Sunday evening, however, the grand concert to be given on the evening preceding, August 24. The following is the program for this concert:

Piano solo “Les Deux Alemettes,” Leschetizky—Georgia Clulow.

Vocal solo Selected—S. F. Alderman.

Violin solo—Raymond Peterson.

Vocal solo “Bo-Peep”—Pearl Clulow.

Vocal solo “Stars of My Heart,” Denza—Will Georgesen.

Address by Rev. S. W. Hoover.

Vocal solo Selected—S. F. Alderman.

Piano Duet “Charge of the Uhlans,” Carl Bohm—Georgia and Lillian Clulow.

Vocal solo “Rose Buds in the Garden”—Willie Clulow.

Violin solo—Raymond Peterson.

Vocal solo “A Night in Spring,” Bohm—Will Georgesen.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 August 1901, p. 3, c. 2)


MEETINGS NOW BEING HELD.

_____


Different Societies of the Swedish Bap-

tist Church Hold Appropriate

Services


The different societies affiliated with the Swedish Baptist church have been holding appropriate dedication services each evening through the week.

Last evening the Ladies Aid society had charge and Rev. F. Lunden, of Duluth and Rev. M. Berglund, of Minneapolis, gave addresses.

Great preparations are being made for the dedication services on Sunday. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 August 1901, p. 3, c. 2)


HOUSE OF WORSHIP IS DEDICATED.

_____


New Swedish Baptist Church on

Tenth Street is Duly Con-

secrated.

_____


DEBT IS NEARLY ALL RAISED.

_____


The Edifice is One of the Finest

Places of Worship in

the City.


Swedish Baptist Church, located on the northwest corner of Oak and South Tenth Streets, was dedicated on 25 August 1901 and burned on 24 January 1902. Notice the arc light at the top of the photo.
Source: The Word, a Century with Our Churches, Brainerd, Minnesota 1871-1971

Sunday the beautiful new Swedish Baptist church at the corner of Tenth and Oak streets was dedicated with appropriate services and it was a great day for the members of the church and congregation.

Sunday [August 25, 1901] morning Rev. F. Lunden [sic] gave a powerful sermon and the church was packed to overflowing. In the afternoon at 2:30 o’clock the dedication sermon was preached by Rev. A. Tjernlund. The reverend gentleman is one of the leading pastors of the denomination in the city of St. Paul and his address yesterday was greatly enjoyed. There was not standing room left when the services opened. Special music had been prepared for the event and it was an interesting session throughout.

In the evening Rev. V. E. Hedberg of Minneapolis spoke and his address was also highly appreciated.

The new church, while not the largest in the land, is a model of beauty. It is not entirely new, the old church which stood on the same site having been torn down and much of the best material therein having been used for the new church. The cost of the new structure was $3000, including the seats. All the debt was raised on the church yesterday afternoon after the sermon by Rev. Mr. Tjernlund, except what is owed for the seats. $1007 was raised yesterday afternoon and this made a total of $2500 collected. The seating of the church cost $500 and this is yet to be raised but the pastor, Rev. A. A. Anderson, and his congregation do not feel this a burden. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 August 1901, p. 3, c. 3)


Fire animation On January 24, 1902 the Swedish Baptist Church on the corner of Oak and Tenth Streets burned to the ground. The new church had just been dedicated four months before the fire and was worth $3,500 but only had insurance of $1,000.


SEE: 1902 Swedish Baptist Church Burns in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


WILL REBUILD THIS SUMMER.

_____


Members of the Swedish Baptist Church

Will Put Up a Fine Structure to Take

Place of Old One.


Swedish Baptist Church, built in 1903, again at the corner of Oak and Tenth Streets. A 1608x1012 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Postcard, Crow Wing County Historical Society
Swedish Baptist/Temple Baptist Church, ca. 1930’s.
Source: Dave LaValle
Swedish Baptist/Temple Baptist Church, the stained glass windows have been removed to prepare for the demolition, 13 November 2016.
Source: Rachael Mulholland Anderson
Swedish Baptist/Temple Baptist Church, the stained glass windows have been removed to prepare for the demolition, 13 November 2016.
Source: Rachael Mulholland Anderson
Swedish Baptist/Temple Baptist Church, demolition, 29 November 2016.
Source: Andy Walsh
Swedish Baptist/Temple Baptist Church, demolition, 29 November 2016.
Source: Andy Walsh
Swedish Baptist/Temple Baptist Church, demolition, 29 November 2016.
Source: Andy Walsh
Swedish Baptist/Temple Baptist Church, demolition, 29 November 2016.
Source: Ryan Justin
Swedish Baptist/Temple Baptist Church, demolition, 29 November 2016.
Source: Andy Walsh
Swedish Baptist/Temple Baptist Church, demolition, 29 November 2016.
Source: Andy Walsh
Swedish Baptist/Temple Baptist Church, Andy Walsh expresses the feelings of many at the demolition of ANOTHER landmark building, 29 November 2016.
Source: Andy Walsh
The Temple Baptist Church becomes the Communitas Church and moves into the old Lampert Lumber Company building at the southwest corner of Laurel and South Ninth Streets, 17 March 2011.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch
Interior of the Communitas Church at the southwest corner of Laurel and South Ninth Streets, 17 March 2001.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch

It has been decided by the members of the Swedish Baptist church that they will rebuild their church which was destroyed by fire some time ago. It is expected that the plans will be completed by next week and the work on the excavation will commence at once.

The building will be somewhat larger than the old church edifice and there will be a basement under the new structure. It is estimated that the new structure will cost in the neighborhood of $5,000. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 April 1902, p. 3, c. 2)


Bids wanted for excavating for the new Swedish Baptist church, corner 10th and Oak Sts. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 April 1902, p. 3, c. 1)


The building committee of the Swedish Baptist church asked that the city furnish a team and man to haul the dirt excavated from the site of the proposed new church and place it on some of the low places in the streets. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 May 1902, p. 3, c. 2)


Brainerd, Minn—Work has been started on a new Swedish Baptist church, the plans of which were prepared by S. H. Haas of St. Cloud. (The Commercial West, 28 June 1902, p. 32)


REV. OSCAR SEVERIN JACOBSON, pastor of the Swedish Baptist church at Brainerd, Minnesota, was born September 2, 1875, and is a son of Karl and Karolina Jacobson, who now keep a grocery store in Skåne, Sweden. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom the following six survive: Sigfrid Victorinus, a baggage man on a passenger train, in Sweden; Bayert Winfrid, a merchant of Malmo, Sweden; Jacob Jeremiah, who has a hotel in Sweden; Dahn Wilhelm, living at home; Ossian Dagerbart, a merchant, living in Sweden; and Oscar Severin.

Rev. Mr. Jacobson was educated in the public schools of his native country, and learned the trade of painter. In 1893 he came to the United States and for about seven years followed his trade in Brooklyn. During this time a took a short course in the Christian Alliance Training School of New York City. In October, 1899, he removed to Morgan Park, Chicago, and entered the Swedish Baptist Seminary. For two years he was located at Bailey, Michigan, from there going to DeKalb, Illinois, and since 1907 he has been located at Brainerd. He is a man of influence and good standing in the community and enjoys the esteem and respect of the community. In his political views he is a Prohibitionist, and he espouses the cause of every movement for the upbuilding and growth of the city.

December 18, 1903, Reverend Jacobson married Alfreda Palm of Skåne, Sweden, and they have three children, Bayert Palmer, Esther Caroline, and Evelyn Teresia. (A History of the Swedish-Americans of Minnesota, Volume III, Algot E. Strand, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago: 1910, p. 1040)


Temple Baptist Church

Temporary Location:

The Iron Exchange Hall

6th and Laurel

Rev. Truman Halvorsen, Pastor

Dial 4447

9:30 a. m.—Radio broadcast of the “Bible School of the Air.”

10 a. m.—Bible school rally.

11 a. m.—Morning Worship.

Pastor Halvorsen speaking, subject: “For Such a Time as This.” This message will be broadcast over KLIZ on the program called “The Opened Bible.”

2:30 p. m.—Organ prelude.

3 p. m.—Dedication of reconstructed church interior.

5 p. m.—Buffet luncheon.

6:30 p. m.—Fellowship groups.

7:45 p. m.—Evening service.

You are most cordially invited to attend these dedication Sunday services and are welcome to any special ministry that can be given by pastor or members in the name of Christ. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 January 1951, p. 3, c. 1)


TEMPLE BAPTIST CHURCH


Temple Baptist Church is located at Tenth and Oak Streets in Brainerd. It was first called the “First Swedish Baptist Church of Brainerd” and was organized on August 20, 1882. The first pastor was the Rev. John Fogelstrom. Original membership was nineteen. In 1930 [sic] the name was changed to Temple Baptist Church.

During the years, twenty-seven pastors have served the church at different times and have served faithfully. From a place of small beginnings, God has blessed the church and it has grown to its present membership of 142, with an annual budget of $20,000, of which 25 percent is given directly to missions. The church has given several persons to full-time Christian service. Of these faithful ones, the Rev. and Mrs. Glenn Swanson have served in Japan since 1955, and are still serving there.

Temple was originally a Swedish church and services were held in Swedish and English. In later years, with many members not of Swedish origin, services have been held in English.

The church building originally was a 25x30 foot structure. In 1958 a house and lot adjoining the church were purchased and this property was eventually turned into a parking lot. The old parsonage adjoining the church was razed and a new parsonage on Graydon Avenue purchased in 1961. In the year 1968 a house north of the church was purchased and is now being used for Sunday School rooms. The church building is now a modern sanctuary with many well-equipped Sunday School rooms. The building has recently had a “face lifting” with the entire exterior sandblasted and painted.

Active groups within the church are:

Sunday Bible School with classes for all ages

Annual Vacation Bible School

Templewomen’s Missionary Society

Templemen’s Brotherhood

Girl’s Missionary Guild

Boys’ Brigade

Release Time Classes

Temple Baptist Church is affiliated with the Baptist General conference and the Minnesota Baptist Conference. Pastor Vernie Stoneberg is now leading the church in its mission of witnessing to and serving Brainerd. (The Word, a Century with Our Churches, Brainerd, Minnesota 1871-1971, p. 17)


NOTE: An article very similar to the one above was printed in the Brainerd Dispatch Centennial Edition of 1971.


Brainerd Church Marks 120th Anniversary


The congregation at Temple Baptist Church in Brainerd was treated to bluegrass gospel music and a history lesson last Sunday in celebration of its 120th anniversary.

The church, originally called Swedish Baptist Church of Brainerd, was built in 1882 on the corner of 10th and Oak streets in southeast Brainerd. The current church building is actually the third to stand on that corner in the 120-year history of Temple Baptist.

In August of 1901, the church completed an expansion project that took more than a year to finish. The congregation was delighted to finish the construction project, but four months later the mood was drastically changed. On Jan. 24, 1902, the remodeled church burned to the ground. Two months later, work started again on a new church, which, in turn, burned down in 1950. While the current church building was being built, parishioners met at the Masonic Hall for Sunday services.

Through all of the ups and downs in Temple Baptist's past, the building and rebuilding of the church led many to get involved with the church. On Jan. 7, 1951, the congregation dedicated the rebuilt [interior of the] church "to the glory of the Lord with its greater opportunity for service," according to a pamphlet on the history of Temple Baptist.

Temple Baptist Church recently celebrated its 120th anniversary. The church's congregation posed for a picture in 1920. The church building has since burned down [NO!] and been rebuilt. [NOTE: I don’t believe the church “burned down” and was rebuilt. There was a fire that burned the interior and that RECONSTRUCTED INTERIOR was dedicated on January 7, 1951.]

About 30 different pastors have felt called to lead Temple Baptist since 1882. For the last seven years, the Rev. Bob Evans has served the church with a mission of revitalization. With a dwindling congregation, Evans has plans to make the church more contemporary in an attempt to get young people to join the church. Evans said the number of "unchurched" people in south Brainerd alone is astounding.

With plans to update the music by incorporating a guitar, keyboard and chorus, as well as starting other projects to reach out to college-age people, Evans is confident this 120-year-old church will be revitalized.

"People need opportunities to use the gifts God has given them," Evans said about church members playing instruments and singing to give the church a more contemporary feel.

In the past few years Temple Baptist has been part of the Sharing Bread Soup Kitchen, which feeds needy people six days a week, and Camp Jabez, a summer camp hosted by Temple Baptist for the children of south Brainerd.

"We're trying to stay connected to our neighborhood," Evans said, citing a number of neighborhood organizations the church is involved with.

Evans said the church's goal when it first opened in 1882 was "to win 1,000 souls to the Lord." Although the church's new intentions may be to become more contemporary, the base the church was built upon is still in effect ... to lead people to the Lord. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 December 2002)


Old Church is Making a New Beginning in

Downtown Brainerd


One of Brainerd’s oldest churches has found a new home and a new name. 

The former Temple Baptist Church has moved from its building on Oak Street to the corner of Laurel and 9th streets. The new location comes with a new identity—“Communitas.” 

“We decided to start over again as a congregation,” said Pastor Bob Evans. “We gave ourselves a new name and found a new space.”

The original Temple Baptist Church was founded in 1882 as an outreach to the Swedish-speaking community of southeast Brainerd. Evans, who has pastored the church for the last 16 years, said it was time for a change. 

“We wanted to get back to the roots of our beginning,” Evans said. “We have reinvented ourselves simply because it was necessary for us to do it in order to fulfill our mission.

“We’re proud of our history and our role in the community.”

The former Temple Baptist building now serves as the rented property of the New Beginnings Bible Church, led by Pastor Bob Kemper, formerly of South Long Lake Presbyterian Church. 

Evans said the new space gives the church an opportunity to expand from its former location, a building that was more than a 100 years old and needed thousands of dollars worth of updates. The new building has a history of its own as the former location of Lambert’s [sic] [Lampert’s] Lumber. Evidence of the building’s former use may be seen in the exposed timber supports in main auditorium’s vaulted ceiling.

“We’re reclaiming an old Brainerd landmark for contemporary use,” Evans said. 

In addition to serving as the home of Communitas, the  building will also house Newsong Ministries’ Crossroads Music Cafe. Newsong was established on South 7th Street in 2004 by Richard Castro as an alternative to the downtown bar scene. “It provides a place for those who are part of the church to bring their friends who are not,” Evans said. 

Evans took over as the Newsong director in July 2009.  Evans said it was actually the former Crossroads location that led to idea of moving. 

“Basically, the rent was going up downtown and it became time to consider a move,” he said. Communitas and Newsong Ministries will remain separate entities and Newsong is essentially a tenant of Communitas. 

Evans said he became aware of the availability of the Laurel Street property in February 2010. After discussing it with both boards from Temple Baptist and Newsong, the two organizations started the process of acquiring the property. By July 1, they closed on the building and started the renovations. 

“This is the opposite of what we had before,” Evans said. “There’s just a wonderful sense of relief in having everything done.”

The main auditorium seats up to 300, and Evans said the building has additional storage space that could allow for a future expansion. “It’s a big time of transition ... There are lots of possibilities,” he said. 

The church’s new name also represents the idea of possibilities. Communitas is exactly what is sounds to be: community.

Evans said the names captures the role the church hopes to play in the Brainerd downtown. 

“Community—it’s a word that had been claimed as a technical term that describes a group that comes together to fulfill a mission larger than themselves,” Evans said. “It’s deeper than community. It’s the feeling of community.”

“It’s that idea of change that creates a new identity. It’s that sense of bondedness—connection.”

Communitas is celebrating the church’s rebirth this Sunday with its first official services under the new name. Morning services will start at 10 a.m. and an evening celebration will be  at 6 p.m. with musical guests Key Lane and Friends. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 March 2011)


The Temple Baptist Church bell tower, a landmark on Oak Street in Brainerd was demolished Tuesday. The church has stood empty and is located next to the Sharing Bread Soup Kitchen. The church congregation is over 125 years old however the present building was dedicated on January 7 of 1951 [sic] after earlier buildings have burned. Anderson Brothers Construction conducted the demolition. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 November 2016)


NOTE: Only ONE of this church’s buildings burned down and that was the one burned on January 24, 1902 and replaced in 1903 by the 113 year-old building demolished in November 2016.


FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

First Congregational Church at the northwest corner of 5th and Juniper, ca. 1872.
Source: The Word, a Century with Our Churches, Brainerd, Minnesota 1871-1971

The First Congregational Church is one of the pioneer churches in Brainerd, dating its organization from 13 August 1872 [sic]. The first house of worship, a gift to the congregation by Governor J. Gregory Smith, president of the Northern Pacific Railroad, was erected in the summer of 1872. This building burned on 07 January 1881. The present building was erected in the summer of 1881. (The Word, a Century with Our Churches, Brainerd, Minnesota 1871-1971, p. 6)


A carload of Duluth brick was shipped from that place to Brainerd, to be used in constructing a $2,500 Congregational church. (St. Cloud Journal, 31 August 1871, p. 3, c. 4)


CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.


We are informed that the contract has already been let for the new Congregational church here, and is to be located on the opposite corner from the public park—southwest. The church for this organization is to be built by Gov. J. Gregory Smith out of his own private funds, and he will also supply it with an organ, by contributions in the east. The congregation here are only required to seat and furnish the building and buy the bell. This is certainly very liberal on the part of that big-hearted, and Christian hearted gentleman, Gov. Smith, and one that will be fully appreciated by our good citizens. There has been a new minister assigned to the Congregational charge here, who will at once become the resident minister. The Rev. Samuel Ingham is the gentleman, from Glenwood, Mo.

The Baptist and Methodist denominations are also active in matters looking to the immediate construction church buildings here, but we are not fully advised as to how far along their respective church enterprises have got as yet, but feel sure from what we do know that the snows of the next winter will find Brainerd blessed with five shapely and commodious church edifices, wherein regular services will be held. So much in this line for the gem city of the pines, yet less than two years old. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 July 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


THE CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL.


There will be held at Brainerd a Congregational council on Tuesday the 13th inst., and on the following day the ceremonies of laying the corner stone of the new Congregational church will be held. A very interesting occasion will be enjoyed, and we understand there will be many persons here from abroad, among whom will be ten or twelve clergymen of that denomination from various portions of the State. The Northern Pacific has kindly offered free passes to ministers attending the ceremonies. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 August 1872, p. 1, c. 3)


THE CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL.


As mentioned in last week’s TRIBUNE, there will be held a grand Christian gathering in Brainerd on Tuesday next, which will mark the commencement of an important era in the establishment of the Christian religion in this new country. It will be an occasion in which all who can find it possible should participate, and as a community show our respect and regard for those matters which pertain to the welfare of man in his next and more important existence, beyond the transitory present.

There will be present, representatives of the Congregational church from Duluth, St. Paul, St. Cloud, Rochester, Mankato, Glyndon, Detroit, Minn., Waukegan, Ill., and Cleveland, Ohio. Also, the Rev. R. Hall, Sup’t. of Missions; Rev. J. E. Wood, Baptist Missionary, N. P. R. R. and Rev. J. Gurly, Methodist Missionary, N. P. R. R. The ecclesiastical body will meet on Tuesday at 3 P. M., at the Baptist church for the transaction of business only, and at 8 P. M., for the organization of the Congregational church here, which will be an interesting occasion for all—a sermon will be preached, and other interesting religious exercises will be enjoyed.

The same body of reverend gentlemen will perform the imposing ceremony of laying the corner stone of the new Congregational chapel about to be erected, by the liberality of Gov. J. Gregory Smith, corner of Juniper and Fifth streets, at 9 o’clock A. M. on Wednesday. There will doubtless be a general attendance of our good citizens, who will sanction by their presence the laying of the corner stone of another temple of worship in our midst, and encourage the development of Christianity and the spread of the gospel throughout the length and breadth of our borders. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 August 1872, p. 1, c. 1)


CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH—CEREMO-

NIES OF LAYING THE CORNER STONE.


The council of eminent Congregational clergymen who honored our city with their presence on Tuesday and Wednesday last, performed on the latter day, at 9 A. M., the imposing ceremony of laying the corner stone of the new chapel at this place. The morning was a most propitious one, and as the sun streamed its mellow light down through the pine groves, all nature seemed at peace and in harmony with the beautiful ceremony being performed in laying the corner stone of another temple of worship in our midst. The ceremonies opened by singing, and an invocation by the Rev. C. C. Salter, of Duluth. Reading of the scriptures by the Rev. Mr. Lee, of Cleveland, Ohio; laying of the corner stone, and accompanying remarks, by the Rev. D. D. Hall, Sup’t. of Missions for Minnesota. The Rev. H. N. Gates, Congregational Missionary, N. P. R. R., then read a statement of the contents of the stone, which was as follows: Holy Bible; Congregational Manual; Minutes of the Congregational Conference of Minnesota; History of the Church in Brainerd, with names of members; History of the Chapel, with the names of the members of the Council; Minutes of the present Council; one copy each of the Congregationalist, Advance, Independent, Christian Union, Brainerd Tribune, and Duluth Daily Tribune.

The exercises, incident to the occasion, closed by an able address by the Rev. C. M. Terry, of St. Paul. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 August 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


CHURCH BUILDINGS.—Work on the Methodist Chapel and Congregational Church is progressing nicely. Both of these buildings will soon be ready for divine worship. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 October 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH—CORREC-

TION.


The impression seeming to prevail in the community that Gov. J. Gregory Smith had furnished $5,000 with which to build the Congregational Church edifice in Brainerd, and that this amount was ample without any local contributions, we state, on the authority of Rev. Mr. Ingham, that Gov. Smith builds the church, with the understanding that the people here furnish the carpets, seats, lights, heating apparatus, etc., etc., which will cost about one thousand dollars. To defray a portion of this expense, the ladies of the church propose to hold a fair during the week preceding Christmas, and extend an invitation to all the citizens of Brainerd to aid them in the fair. Mr. Bridges promises to have the church completed before that time. That the fair will be a grand success, we feel well assured. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 October 1872, p. 1, c. 6)


FAIR AND FESTIVAL.—Some time ago we mentioned the entertainment proposed by the ladies of the Congregational Church, and since that time busy hands have been preparing various kinds of articles for sale.

The time selected is Thursday evening, December 19, just one week before Christmas, to give everyone an opportunity to select their Christmas presents.

Some prominent merchants in St. Paul have signified their intention to send to the ladies a selection of splendid articles, suitable for Christmas time; these, in addition to the fancy and useful articles made by the ladies, will furnish an assortment from which everyone can make a selection according to their tastes.

In addition to the above named articles, there is to be given a Grand Supper, where the delicacies of the season will be set before our people. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 November 1872, p. 1, c. 2)


THE FESTIVAL.—The ladies of the Congregational Society have decided to hold their Fair and Festival in Bly’s Hall. The position is central and the rooms suitable. The Fair is to be held on Thursday, December 19, afternoon and evening. The ladies are very grateful for the general interest manifested by the people of our city, and will do their best to make the Fair and Festival deserving of the patronage of all. They would call special attention to their large and beautiful assortment of Christmas presents. There have been many pleasant gatherings of the ladies, and well attended, in preparation for the Fair. They will meet next week at Mr. L. B. Perry’s, on Kingwood street north of the railroad. A cordial invitation is extended to the ladies of Brainerd to meet with them. The time of meeting is Thursday, at 2 o’clock P. M. The ladies are requested to be punctual at the hour. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 December 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


REDUCTION ON THE RAILROAD.—We understand that our Congregational friends have made arrangements with the Railroad Company to have special rates of fare for parties who will attend their Fair next Thursday night from Duluth or elsewhere on the line. We expect a large delegation of Duluth friends to be present on the grand festal occasion. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 December 1872, p. 1, c. 3)


Fair and Festival.


The event of the whole season, will doubtless be the grand Festival, Fair and Supper to be given at Bly’s Hall, on Thursday evening next, the 19th inst., under the auspices of the Congregational Society of Brainerd. The most elaborate and liberal preparations have been made to make every department of the occasions a complete success, and we feel confident that it will be a festive occasion the equal of which has never yet been seen in our two-year-old city. The time is propitious, the location of the Fair is central, and the quarters are ample and suitable. Let everybody be present to see the sights, and partake of the good things of holiday time, and enjoy a social season not soon to be forgotten. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 December 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


The Fair and Festival—A

Grand Success.


Agreeable to previous arrangements, the Congregational Fair, Festival and Supper, came off at Bly’s Hall on Thursday evening, and fully met the expectations of the assembled multitude. When we visited the Hall, about 8:30 o’clock, we found the commodious apartments almost densely packed with our citizens and visitors from abroad, and a merry, joyful occasion was certainly in full progress. As fast as the circumstances would admit, we moved about from one particular scene to another, and tried to take in all the sights of the house which were numerous, to say the least. The hall was beautifully decorated with flags, paintings, etc., and the arrangement of the various departments seemed to be as nearly perfect as they could be, not excepting that indispensable, and to us most fascinating item, the kitchen; it was in an adjoining room, and to hear the cookery in progress, including the odor of No. 1 Moca and Hyson, and to hear the surge of the great fat oysters as they went “splash” into the stew pans, the whole being conducted by a score of pretty and accomplished ladies, was a thing not be eradicated from one’s mind until after he had visited the dining end of the hall and partaken heartily of the results of all that animated kitchen scene; and that, too, with others of the first ladies of our city acting in the capacity of waiter girls. They passed to the table guests, oysters, turkey, game, coffee, cakes, jellies, and a hundred other delicacies, and were so attentive that not only the wants of all were promptly supplied, but even anticipated. The feast was a grand one—a bountiful one—and was, as it deserved to be, well patronized. The booths, for the sale of almost every imaginable line of beautiful goods, were all rich in stores, and arranged with excellent taste. Here was one where a thousand articles produced by the needle were on sale, embracing both the ornamental and useful; and we never saw a greater proportion of the contents of similar institutions at fairs that was a line that could be purchased to a better advantage by either the rich or poor. All kinds of garments were on sale, and rapidly bought by the heads of families for some member of their respective households. This table exhibited an amount of good sense and sound judgement on the part of our excellent Brainerd ladies, who have worked so hard to make the Fair a success, coupled with good taste, that is scarcely ever met with. The ever present little “fish pond” had a corner, and the boys were happy. There was, instead of a post-office, a telegraph office, and dispatches came thick and fast from all parts of the world, and almost all the guests got one or more dispatches from some place, at an average cost of fifteen cents each—reduction in rates. We received one from the stockholders of the New York Tribune, offering us the position of managing editor of that institution at a salary of $10,000. If we declined, Schuyler Colfax would be the next choice of the owners. We, of course, could not accept, owing to the superior position we already occupy. There was a beautiful table of confectionery, etc., which did a good business. Also, a table of stationery, and all things pertaining thereto; one where Christmas goods were sold, embracing everything in the line of toys and grand goods for presents. We feel inclined to make special and flattering mention of the many ladies and gentlemen who worked so zealously and faithfully to make this fair the great success that it was, but we are not in possession of all, hence we forego the pleasure of giving any of the many names, lest we might be deemed partial; but they presented to our citizens and the public generally a Church Festival and Fair, equal in merit and extent to many of the best given in large eastern cities, and may always be referred to with pride by our people. There were many visitors from abroad besides the delegation of ladies and gentlemen from Duluth, all of whom were, we feel sure, hospitably entertained, and enjoyed themselves very much. The gross receipts of the Fair were something over $600, which will go to the furnishing of the new Congregational Church of this city. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 December 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


The New Congregational Church.


This beautiful structure, from designs of Lyman Bridges, built under the superintendence of Jas. S. Campbell, Sup’t. of the Brainerd Lumber and Manufacturing Co., for Mr. Bridges, has been completed and accepted by the building committee, appointed by Gov. J. Gregory Smith, of Vermont. This is one of the most complete and symmetrical church edifices, architecturally and mechanically, both outside and inside, we ever saw, and does great credit to the head and heart of Gov. Smith, and all connected with its construction. It would be a credit to any city. The great success of the ladies at their recent Fair for the furnishing of the Church, enables this society to start under the best possible auspices, with the church out of debt.

The following is the acceptance of the building from the Contractors:

We, the undersigned committee, appointed by Hon. J. Gregory Smith, to Superintend the erection of the Congregational Chapel, in Brainerd, by Lyman Bridges, Esq., having examined the same, are satisfied that the said building has been erected in a faithful and substantial manner, and we hereby accept the same for and on the part of Hon. J. Gregory Smith.

H. S. GATES,

J. R. JACKSON,

G. G. SANBORN,

R. K. WHITELEY.

December 24th, 1872

(Brainerd Tribune, 04 January 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


DEDICATION SERVICE.—The Congregational Church, of this place, will be dedicated on Wednesday evening, the 22nd, inst. The sermon for the occasion is expected to be delivered by Rev. C. M. Terry, of St. Paul. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 January 1873, p. 1, c. 3)


[We have received, just before going to press, the following communication from the Rev. E. S. Williams of Glyndon, relative to the dedication exercises of the Congregational church here, spoken of elsewhere, and which also refers in grateful terms to the Christian generosity of Hon. J. Gregory Smith.—EDITOR.]

“And now, friends, you dedicate this church to the service of Almighty God. The building is a gem of architecture, and adornment to your unique and attractive little city—a credit to your constructive taste. It will be a joy to your children and an inspiration to yourselves, in all that is good. But it is also your best external means for the promotion of that beautiful kingdom, whose victorious career in our own day I have been sketching in this happy hour of your exultation and gladness. Therefore , I hope you will remember it is for use. Use it much and often for the Lord Jesus Christ. The large-hearted philanthropist, Governor Smith, whose suggestive generosity has been well mated in your prompt enterprise, has aimed to make it a civilizing and Christianizing force in this new “seat of empire.” Do not defeat his large intentions, but push the grand work which is committed to your care.

They told me this morning a Railroad bell swings temporarily in that graceful tower. It is new and good use for an engine bell to ring out in clear and melodious tones from a sacred edifice, “Holiness unto the Lord.” Now, it calls you from home to worship. Soon you shall be summoned here by another bell which generous friends in that dear old New England shall provide. Yonder engine bell shall still call you to follow it, and carry out from these “Headquarters” of our Zion, all along the line, to the Pacific coast, those prayers, sympathies, helps, which shall ensure to the dwellers on the fast receding frontier like blessings to these which are so largely yours. Love this building, but love better the living souls which gather about it. Better that it should become soiled and worn, defaced and rickety, from constant use, than that the poorest and wretchedest soul in the place should fail to be taught here God’s plan of mercy for him. Make, oh! make it a very arsenal of weapons, to conquer a way for the victorious Christ, and He will gather you with the crowns of victors in that new building—that temple of God, that house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens.” (Brainerd Tribune, 02 February 1873, p. 1, c. 3)


THE Congregational Church Sociable, on Tuesday evening, and to which everybody and his brother were invited, was one of the most pleasant and really enjoyable affairs of the winter. The beautiful church edifice was well filled with little and big, old and young. Music, promenades, parlor games, singing, organ music, chatting, everybody being introduced to everybody, and a rousing good luncheon of coffee, cake, sandwiches, etc., made up the prominent features of the happy occasion. Rev. Mr. Ingham was laboriously engaged the while, assisted by Col. Newport, L. B. Perry and others in making everybody perfectly at home, and how could it be otherwise than pleasant and profitable all around. We like that style of Sociables; we think it THE way to have Sociables, and hope, for the sake of everybody, that there will be more just such sociables. The ladies of the church deserve especial praise for the satisfactory manner in which they discharged their part of the programme. N. B. We are informed that the sociable will be repeated a week from next Tuesday, on a more extended scale than ever. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 March 1873, p. 1, c. 2)


THE notorious Redfield, correspondent of the Cincinnati Commercial, would justly obtain the blue ribbon at a world’s fair of newspaper liars. Another of his letters to that paper is before us, occupying several columns of small type in the Commercial, and there is but one single item of truth contained in it, and that refers to our fine little Congregational church edifice in Brainerd, and is as follows:

“But Brainerd has a good side. At night I heard the sound of the “church-going bell,” and started out to find the church. The church is among the thick young pines, like the rest of the city, and it required some tall steps in the snow to find it, but within, all was bright and cheerful. The church was new, the white finish upon the walls reflecting the light from the lamp, which hung from the ceiling in chandelier shape. The easy seats, the stained windows, the carpeted aisles, the large organ, the gem of a pulpit, the genial warmth, all made the place inviting. The seats were chairs, and before each chair were two holes for the heat to ascend from the basement. The house was filled, the congregation attentive, the sermon good, and the whole indicative of a bright side to Brainerd.” (Brainerd Tribune, 15 March 1873, p. 1, c. 7)


THE CHURCH SOCIABLE.—Another of those brilliant public church sociables occurred at the Congregational church on Tuesday evening last. Notwithstanding the very bad walking, the church was almost crowded. Every preparation for a good time had been most successfully carried out. The refreshments were abundant, and every mouth of the vast assemblage was filled with hearty sandwiches, rusk, nice cake, and the best of all, the richest of coffee, with the trimmings. Everybody enjoyed themselves with games, promenades and music. The richest treat of the evening was the singing; principally executed by little Carrie White, in ‘Father Come Home,’ and by Mrs. Nutting and her little daughters, who sang several pieces during the evening, all of which were executed in splendid and finished manner, and were greatly admired by the company. The good time continued until eleven o’clock, when the assemblage dispersed, feeling that an evening had been most pleasantly and profitably spent. These church socials are good things. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 March 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


THE NEW BELL.—The Congregational Society here have raised enough money to purchase a bell for their fine church building, and it is now on the way from Marietta, Ohio. The one ordered is an eight hundred pound bell, and a beautiful toned one, costing between four and five hundred dollars. This will be a grand thing for Brainerd, and the first church bell put up in the city. When its mellow tones ring out through the pine groves, it will sound like Christian civilization, for a fact. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 September 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


THE NEW BELL.—The bell for the Congregational church arrived during the week, and has been hung in its position in the tower. Its tone is rich and mellow, yet of great power, and will easily be heard in any part of the city. We understand that hereafter it will be rung as follows every Sunday: Morning—at quarter past ten, and at quarter of eleven; toll five minutes of eleven. Afternoon—for Sabbath School at quarter past two. Evening—at seven, and at twenty minutes past seven. This arrangement will, we are told, meet the wants of all the churches. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 November 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


WE regret that we are unable, for want of time and room, to refer more at length this week to the princely offer made by Gov. J. Gregory Smith and family to the Congregational society of this town; and to the excellent services held at the church of that society on Sunday last, particularly the evening social service, which was a season [sic] of great interest, but which sickness prevented our attending. The substance of the offer, however, is as follows: The Governor agrees to donate $200 towards putting pews in the church, and $100 per year for five years towards the support of a minister in it. His wife agrees to give $50, and Mrs. Stranahan, her sister, a like amount each year for five years towards a minister’s support. This with the princely gift from the Governor to this society a number of years ago of its present beautiful church edifice and the lots it occupies, and from his good lady of the beautiful organ that adorns it, certainly claims for each and all of these generous, good people the hearty thanks and prayers of not only the members of this fortunate society but of the whole town. The reason for the interest taken by these parties in this matter is the fact that our town received its name from Lawrence Brainerd, father of the Governor’s lady and her sister, Mrs. Stranahan, and they certainly have a deep interest in our little town that bears evidence in its fruits—in return for which we can only say, “Thank you, and God bless you and yours.” (Brainerd Tribune, 14 July 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


The Congregational Society are greatly improving their church edifice. The wood work is to be grained, the walls kalsomined, the ceiling handsomely frescoed, and the entire floor carpeted. The entrance to the audience room is to be through a large double door in the center, in place of the present side doors, when finished it will be one of the handsomest in the Northwest. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 June 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


Fire animation On January 7, 1881 at about 1 p. m. the church janitor built a fire in the furnace to warm the building before the evening service and when he returned at about 6:30 that evening he noticed smoke coming from one of the floor registers. He went to look in the basement but was driven back by the flames and ran next door to the pastor’s residence to notify him of the fire. The resulting loss amounted to about $6,500.


SEE: 1881 Congregational Church Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


A New Church.


The customary liberality of the citizens of Brainerd, which has frequently been tried and never found wanting in any degree, but has proven itself adequate to any occasion, has once more manifested itself in a prominent degree in the raising of funds to rebuild the Congregational church, the loss of which, by fire, was announced last week. While the embers still smoldered a paper was drawn up and passed around quietly, pledging the signers to the payment of the respective amounts subscribed in six monthly installments, beginning in February and ending in July next. To this over $2,000 was subscribed the first day and the aggregate reaches over $4,000 at present writing, the amounts subscribed ranging from $200 downwards.

The intention is to rebuild of brick, for which purpose Mr. Schwartz offers brick at a very low rate, and operations will be commenced immediately with the opening of the spring. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 January 1881, p. 1, c. 2)


Committees have been appointed by the subscribers to the erection of a Congregational church, and already plans are being laid and the material purchased for a stately brick edifice, the contract having been already consummated with Mr. Schwartz for the brick. The Congregational Union of New York proposes to aid in the construction, and a church edifice that would grace any city will soon be completed, a little north of the old site in the same block. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 January 1881, p. 1, c. 3)


The Congregational Church choir have just received their new anthem book, which we learn has some very superior music in it. The best music is not always the most pleasing to the uncultivated ear, but it is the kind which has the greatest educating power, and soon comes to be the most enjoyable. It is to be hoped that the choir will be encouraged to continue in their determination to sing only first-class music. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 March 1881, p. 1, c. 2)


The receipts of the Congregational social, Wednesday evening, were $6.70. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 March 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


Action will soon be taken toward commencing the Congregational church. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 April 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


AROUND THE STATE.

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BRAINERD.


BRAINERD, May 16.—The Congregationalists will replace their church with a fine brick structure—nearly $4,000 having already been subscribed, and as soon as spring begins to dawn they will commence operations. (Minneapolis Tribune, 18 May 1881, p. 2)


NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS.


Proposals will be received by the undersigned, at the office of Wm. Ferris, until Friday June 24th, inclusive, for rebuilding the Congregational Church in Brainerd, Minn. Each proposal must contain terms on which the work will be done with nothing furnished but the brick, and also terms on which it will be done with everything furnished. Plans and specifications may be seen at the office of Wm. Ferris, or at the office of F. G. Corser, architect, 251 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis, Minn. The contractors to give bonds, satisfactory to the undersigned, for the performance and completion of the work on or before November 1st, 1881.

R. A. BEARD,

ADAM BROWN,

JNO. CONGDON,

WM. FERRIS,

H. D. FOLLETT,

G.G. HARTLEY

S. D. BASON,

A. E. TAYLOR,

I. U. WHITE.

(Brainerd Tribune, 18 June 1881, p. 4, c. 3)


BRAINERD.


BRAINERD, July 4.—...Mr. Turner, the gentleman who is superintending the erection of the Hartley block, will also have charge of the Congregational church and work is to be begun at once. (Minneapolis Tribune, 05 July 1881, p. 8)


What is the trouble with the new Congregational Church? Building doesn’t seem to progress very rapidly on that block. We should like to see a towering spire there before cold weather sets in. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 August 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


Why in the world is the Congregational Church not under course of erection? Is it possible that what work has already been done is to complete the programme? We hope not, surely. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 September 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


The Congregational church building has been postponed until next spring. Having been delayed so long they are fearful of cold weather. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 October 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


It is rumored that work will begin on the new Congregational church at an early date, perhaps next week. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 January 1882, p. 4, c. 5)


THE TEA PARTY.

_____


A Big Time at Harley’s Hall under

the Auspices of the Ladies of

the Congregational

Church.


Wednesday night witnessed an event which will long be remembered by the Brainerd society people who were present, while those who failed to attend can rest assured that they missed a fine thing. The occasion was the Martha Washington tea party, given by the ladies of the Congregational church, and Hartley hall was filled to its utmost capacity to do honor to the Father of this Country and his famous spouse. The ladies who had the thing in charge covered themselves with glory, and if any of those assembled failed to enjoy themselves it was certainly their own fault.

Five large tables groaned with a bounteous supply of everything the appetite could crave, and the ladies who attended to the wants of the hundreds of visitors were arrayed in “ye ancient costume,” and presented a quaint and antique appearance.

George and Martha Washington were impersonated by Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Hartley, and while Mrs. Hartley filled her part to perfection, it was certainly a startling innovation to see George appearing with a full beard.

Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Ferris assumed the role of Thomas Jefferson and lady, and Mr. C. E. Smith resembled very closely Lafayette, while Dr. Parsons as a page carried out his part to perfection.

Among other impersonators of our honored ancestors of revolutionary times were Mrs. Munson, Mrs. D. D. Smith, Mrs. C. Childs, Mrs. A. J. Sovereign, Mrs. J. C. Congdon, Mrs. Terrence Vane, Miss Emma Means, Mrs. M. McFadden, Miss Minnie Merritt, Miss Kate White, Mrs. W. A. Smith, Mrs. Proud, Miss Bertha Robinson, Mrs. I. T. Dean, Mrs. A. E. Chase and Miss McFadden.

Mrs. Dr. Parsons and Mrs. C. E. Smith took charge of the sweetmeats, and met with good success; and Mrs. Wm. Steele and Mrs. Farrar presided over the elegant display of flowers.

In the left wing of the stage could be seen the wonderful display of fine arts which created much amusement. It would be useless to describe the changes the countenances of visitors underwent as they gazed upon such rare works as “A Monument in Greece,” and saw tallow candle “Spirit of the Times” would have suffered greatly if our reporter could have got the cork out, and the many other articles designed to disappoint fully accomplished their purpose.

Another branch of the amusements were the telegraph stations at opposite corners of the room, and by their aid bashful young men expressed their deep feeling for their adored ones over the wire to the tune of 10 cents a message. Among the messages sent were the following:

To “Skip Dean—”The postmaster at Aldrich has resigned. Will you accept the appointment. [Signed] Geo. Washington.”

Another to A. E. Losey read: “For Heaven sake stop eating or you will ruin the church.” [Signed] “Hungry Kid.”

After supper the whole audience joined in singing, “Home Sweet Home,” being led by Prof. Dresskell on his cornet. A number of the telegrams were then read which created considerable merriment. Some of the finest cakes were sold at auction, and quite a sum of money was realized. At about 11 o’clock the company began to disperse, taking with them pieces of cakes, etc., to remember the occasion. The receipts of the evening were about $125. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 February 1882, p. 1, c. 6)


Work was begun on the Congregational church Tuesday. J. F. Turner’s men are employed, and that is sufficient assurance of speedy completion. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 March 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


Work has been suspended on the Congregational church for some time on account of the difficulty in obtaining lumber. The necessaries have now been contracted for at the New York mills, and will be shipped to this city nearly next week, when a large force of men will be put to work. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 April 1882, p. 6, c. 2)


The Congregational church orchestra now consists of the following persons and the instruments they play: Prof. Dresskell, E flat cornet; S. Foster, alto; Charles Smith, first violin; Miss Fanny Smith, organist. Their music must be heard to be appreciated. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 April 1882, p. 6, c. 2)


The carpet for the Congregational church arrived this week and the ladies are very busy sewing it, and it is hoped to get it down before next Sunday.

The church will be dedicated the last Sabbath in this month, Sept. 31st. Rev. R. A. Beard, of Fargo, will deliver the dedication sermon. Rev. E. S. Williams, of Minneapolis, a former pastor here, will be also present and assist in the dedicatory services and preach the evening sermon.

Rev. E. C. Evans will preach at the church next Sabbath evening from the text: “Beware of dogs.” (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 20 September 1883, p. 3, c. 5)


The Congregational church will be dedicated next Sunday morning. There will be preaching morning and evening. Rev. R. A. Beard and E. S. Williams, of Minneapolis will address the people. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 27 September 1883, p. 3, c. 1)


The handsome new brick Congregational church, replacing that destroyed by fire two years ago, was formerly [sic] dedicated Sunday in services which extended into the evening. In a successful effort to clear the building of a final debt of nearly $2,300. Rev. R. A. Beard of Fargo preached in the forenoon and Rev. E. S. Williams of Minneapolis in the evening; over $1,100 were raised by the joint efforts of Revs. Beard and Williams and the pastor, Rev. E. C. Evans, the balance was secured. The building is one of the finest west of St. Paul, and stands on ground which is the gift of ex Gov. Smith of Vermont. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 04 October 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


The Festival of Days.


The entertainment given at the rink on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings under the auspices of the Ladies’ Aid Society of the Congregational church was a magnificent success financially and otherwise. The splendid success achieved is due entirely to the tireless energy of the ladies in charge, who spared no pains or labor to make everything as pleasant and agreeable as possible to all in attendance. Decorating the rink and constructing the different booths must have required a great deal of time and labor, but the ladies feel amply repaid for their exertions by the splendid success that greeted their efforts. The rink with the different gaily decorated booths and handsome and smiling ladies in attendance did present a most pleasing appearance. The first booth was made to represent Monday or Washing Day, and was constructed and filled with articles suggestive of that most important day. The second booth represented Tuesday or Ironing Day, and contained newly ironed clothes hung on clothes-bars, which seemed a very natural sight for this day. Wednesday or Mending Day, was represented by a booth containing articles used for this purpose. The booth representing Thursday or Reception Day, was an elaborately constructed affair, and it was presided over by a bevy of young ladies who cordially received all visitors. Here also May’s delicious Minneapolis ice cream, and also strawberries, were dispensed. The next booth represented Friday or Sweeping Day, and was decorated by brooms of all kinds and sizes, and other articles suggestive of this day. This was presided over by young ladies in fancy dusting caps who looked very pretty and home-like indeed. The booth to represent Saturday or Baking Day, was constructed to represent an old fashioned kitchen, and presented a very home-like appearance. In addition to the booths representing the several days of the week, was a candy booth, where sugared sweets were purchased in a lavish manner by the young beaus for their ladies. All who attended report having had a splendid time. We are pleased to state that the ladies have realized a snug little sum from the entertainment, which they will use to refurnish and refit the church. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24, May 1889, p. 4, c. 6)


The work of renovating and re-papering the 1st Congregational church of this city has been completed, and the interior of the church now presents a most pleasing and artistic appearance. This is an improvement long desired, and great credit is due to the ladies of the congregation, who furnished the means to carry on the work. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 August 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


Congregational Bazaar.


The ladies of the First Congregational Church have arrangements all completed for their coming bazaar which they will give in the roller skating rink on Wednesday evening of next week, Nov. 22. The ladies are desirous of having a good attendance, and will do all in their power to entertain the patrons of their bazaar and supper. A number of booths will be arranged, at each of which articles will be for sale, and they have been arranged as follows:

Oyster Booth—Hot oysters served during entire evening, in charge of Mrs. A. F. Ferris, assisted by Miss Mamie Smith and Miss Maggie Atherton.

Ice Cream Booth—In charge of Mrs. H. E. Richmond and Mrs. H. D. Follett assisted by Misses Amy Brockway and Minnie Chase.

Booth for Little Folks—Pop corn, home made candies and cut flowers, in charge of Misses Maybelle Davis and Mamie Mitchell.

Fancy and Domestic Table—In charge of Mrs. Fannie Smith and Mrs. N. H. Ingersoll.

Cake and Home Made Fruit Table—In charge of Mrs. F. W. Wieland, Mrs. D. D. Smith and Miss Bessie Treglawny.

A first-class supper will be served from 5:30 until late in the evening for 25 cents. The public generally is invited to be present. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 November 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


The bazaar and supper at the rink on Wednesday evening by the ladies of the Congregational church was a very successful affair and about $125 was realized. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 November 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


PAY THE CHURCH DEBT.

_____


Congregational People Making the Rus-

tle of Their Lives to Clear the Church of Debt.

_____


The Congregational church people are determined that the coming of the new year will see their fine church structure entirely free of debt. The church was built some twelve or fifteen years ago, and has been ornamented with a mortgage ever since. The amount of the indebtedness has been slowly whittled down each year, until the balance is only $923, and for the past few weeks several of the members have been agitating making a heavy effort to raise money to pay the same at once. A meeting of the trustees and members was held after the mid-week meeting last Thursday night, at which a committee to solicit subscriptions to raise the funds was appointed, as follows:

P. M. Lagerquist, G. D. LaBar, S. L. Bean, Rev. G. W. Gallagher, H. W. Isham, Frank White, Mrs. M. McFadden, Mrs. Isham, Mrs. F. E. Smith, Mrs. J. N. Nevers. and Mrs. E. H. White. A list of fifteen or sixteen names of persons likely to subscribe was given to each member of the committee, who will visit them personally and urge the necessity of a liberal contribution. We understand the committee has met with great success, some of them securing over a hundred dollars in a short time. Enough has been subscribed to insure the raising of the amount. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 November 1899, p. 1, c. 3)


LIFTED THE MORTGAGE.

_____


The Congregational People Raise Money

Enough to Pay Off Their Church Debt.


First Congregational Church, 1899.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch, 15 December 1899, p. 7, c.’s 3 & 4

On Sunday evening last Rev. G. W. Gallagher gladdened the hearts of his people by informing them that sufficient funds had been raised to pay the debt on the church property which had remained thereon for eighteen years. During three weeks a committee of eleven persons under the able leadership of S. L. Bean and Mr. George LaBar, have been canvassing the city for subscriptions to pay off the debt. The committee were Mrs. H. W. Isham, Mrs. E. H. White, Mrs. J. N. Nevers, Mrs. Milton McFadden, Mrs. Fannie Smith, Mr. S. L. Bean, Mr. George LaBar, Mr. P. M Lagerquist, Mr. Frank A. White, Mr. Howard Isham and Rev. G. W. Gallagher. The committee worked quietly but effectively. On Saturday night last, they met and compared notes, when it was found that $784.50 had been collected in cash, that $162 in reliable subscriptions were guaranteed, $42.45 had been gathered from the missionary jugs, and $15.00 were promised from the Christian Endeavor Society, making in all $1005.96. The committee sang the doxology and thanked God for his rich blessings to the church. It was then determined that the remaining outstanding debt of the society should also be raised, making necessary the collection of $60.00 more. On Sunday evening the Congregational church being packed, Mr. Gallagher stated that he would depart from the usual order of service and mention the fact that the church had been greatly blessed in raising $1000 for its debt, that it was an occasion for great rejoicing, he would, therefore, call upon a few of the ladies and gentlemen who had been instrumental in collecting this money to make some remarks. He then invited Mrs. E. H. White to speak, who gave a bright entertaining speech, thanking the friends of the church for their generous gifts. Mrs. J. N. Nevers thereupon reported the amount of money contained in the little jugs that had been placed about town. Mr. S. L. Bean, president of the board of trustees, was then called on and he spoke very pleasantly upon the benefit of having the church free from debt and how grateful the church was for the general response of those who had been solicited to give. Mr. Gallagher arose and said: That this was the time for rejoicing. $1005 had been collected in three weeks to pay off an old debt that had been standing for eighteen years. The quickness with which this money had been raised was itself something that should awaken the congratulations of everyone present. He must first congratulate the church on having this debt removed. It was always a hard task to pay an old debt. It required honesty, persistency and courage to do this. He congratulated the solicitors who had worked so faithfully in obtaining these splendid subscriptions. They now know how many good friends the church had, and they had learned what generous hearts there were in Brainerd. Mr. Gallagher congratulated the people who had responded so willingly. The scriptures teach us that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Benevolence always opens the heart to high spiritual influences. One magnanimous emotion will prepare the way for another. A generous giver has his heart softened and the spirit of God will quickly enter where a noble emotion has already dwelt. The raising of this money proves that Brainerd has resources in itself, which may yet be invested in productive home industries instead of being sent to some far away place. Mr. Gallagher said he must congratulate himself in having a church out of debt. Spiritual gifts would now come to the church. He wished there were fewer churches and more powerful ones among us. The efforts of all the churches were directed to pay current expenses and the pastor’s salary. If we had fewer churches and better paid ministers, we could do more for the town, for libraries, for institutions of benevolence and agencies to help the poor. It was a pity that we moderns had dragged into this new nest the ancient controversies of the old world. We should have left the theologies of England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, Italy and Spain where we left old armor—in the museums. Mr. Gallagher said the church needed sixty dollars more to pay off all its debts. A collection was then taken up for that purpose. It gives us much pleasure to say that all the money required to pay the church indebtedness was raised. In this connection it might be interesting to give a brief history of the church. The First Congregational church was organized in August, 1872, with nineteen members, in the Baptist church edifice, which was then unfinished. Governor Gregory Smith, of Vermont, donated a whole block of land to the church and presented the society with a building that cost $4000. Mrs. Gov. Smith gave the church an organ. This building was burned on January 1st, 1882. Steps were immediately taken to rebuild. Mr. Wm. Ferris, deceased, was one of the prime movers in this work and was untiring in his efforts to secure a new structure, giving liberally of his time, of his labor and of his money to the enterprise. Under the pastorate of Rev. R. A. Beard, the present brick edifice was erected at a cost of $13,000. The church was dedicated in the fall of 1882. There have been fifteen pastors over the church since its organization, the first of whom was Rev. Samuel Ingham and the fifteenth, Rev. G. W. Gallagher, the present pastor. These faithful pastors have all labored zealously for the upbuilding of the church and for the cause of Christ. Some day they will have the reward of the servant of God and enter into the joy of the Lord. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 December 1899, p. 7, c.’s 3 & 4)


EXTENSIVE IMPROVEMENTS.

_____


To be Made on the Interior of the First

Congregational Church in

This City.


Wednesday morning workmen commenced to overhaul the interior of the First Congregational church, plans having been made for extensive improvements, which will add materially to its appearance.

The walls are either to be re-papered or kalsomined, the woodwork is to be repainted and new carpeting is to be put down. The renovating of the church will be thorough and the edifice will be made a place of beauty. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 October 1901, p. 1, c. 4)


FIRST NATIONAL BANK BUILDING (MAP #6)

First National Bank at the southeast corner of 6th and Front, ca. 1888.
Source: Northwest Illustrated Monthly Magazine, Volume VI, Number 7, July 1888, E. V. Smalley, Editor and Publisher

Located on the southeast corner of Front and Sixth Streets, better known as the First National Bank building, it is built in 1882 by W. W. Hartley [sic] [G. G. Hartley]. In 1916 the building is purchased by the officers of the bank and is remodeled—the first of three such remodelings. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 22)


‘Remuddled’ for the fourth time, it stands on the southeast corner of Sixth and Front Streets.


A national bank was organized at Brainerd, Aug. 31st, 1881. The following gentlemen constitute the board of directors: H. A. Towne, G. W. Holland, Wm. Ferris, L. P. White, J. A. Davis, H. J. Spencer, James Gardner, C. Abbey, G. G. Hartley, Adam Brown and James Dewar. Wm. Ferris was chosen as president. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 September 1881, p. 5, c. 4)


First National Bank Ad, 1882.
Source: Brainerd Tribune, 07 January 1882

Mr. G. W. Holland, cashier of the First National Bank of Brainerd, has been very busily engaged lately in signing up some $27,000 worth of new bank notes, the first issue of the new bank. They are all in the denomination of fives, requiring 5,400 signatures in all. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 December 1881, p. 4, c. 4)


The annual meeting of the stockholders of the First National Bank of Brainerd will be held at the banking room on Tuesday, January 10th. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 January 1882, p. 6, c. 4)


ON and after January 16th, the First National Bank of Brainerd, will close promptly at four o’clock each day and will not reopen again during the day. The banking business is one in which each day’s transactions must be closed up before another begins. Indeed, the hardest work of the day for a bank clerk is after banking hours. Parties doing business at the bank should bear in mind this change, and endeavor to do their banking business before 3 o’clock, P. M. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 January 1882, p. 7, c. 2)


STILL ONWARD WE GO.

_____


The Crystallization of More building

Projects for the Coming Sea-

son—Hartley Bros. and C. B.

Sleeper Will Erect a Magni-

ficent Brick Block—H. Le-

land Will Enlarge and

Reconstruct His Hotel

Making it One of the Finest in

the City.

_____


One of the finest improvements Brainerd will witness during the coming season will be the erection of an elegant two-story brick veneered block on the corner of Front and Sixth streets by the Hartley Bros. and Mr. C. B. Sleeper. The building will be put in in the very best manner, and eclipse everything of the same number of stories on the road. The block will have a width of seventy-five feet on Front street, with plate-glass windows and granite window and door sills. This will be divided into three spacious storerooms, which will extend back eighty feet. At the rear of these stores and fronting on Sixth street, Hartley Bros. will erect another two-story block, similar in every respect to the Front street block and joined to it. This portion will contain two stores.

The upper floor will be divided into offices, with the exception of one large room, 25x80 feet, at the east end, which will probably be used as a Masonic hall.

Mr. G. G. Hartley and Mr. Sleeper will both go to Minneapolis at once to secure proper plans and specifications, and while there will let the contracts on part of the work.


[...]

(Brainerd Tribune, 25 February 1882, p. 1, c. 4)


NORTHWESTERN NEWS NOTES.


BRAINERD.


This city is not boomed much, but for all that few places in the Northwest can show a better and healthier growth. The number of new residences built and being built is something remarkable, while not a few business houses are being put up. Hartley Brothers and Mr. Sleeper have both built double brick blocks, and the former are laying the foundation for another and larger block. Grygla & Salden, of Minneapolis did the galvanized iron cornice work and roofing on the former buildings [Hartley Block & Sleeper Block], and have the contract to finish the latter [First National Bank Block]. Much of the beauty and symmetry of the buildings is due to their good work. Davis & Co.’s Sawmill is in full blast, cutting 60,000 a day. They are to have the electric light at once, which will enable them to run nights and days as well. Brainerd is to have telephone connections at once. Messrs. Carver, Mohl & Co. have organized as the Brainerd Telephone Company, put up their poles and are daily expecting their wire. They have already twenty-five subscribers, and the Northern Pacific company will use it between their offices and shops. (Minneapolis Tribune, 18 June 1882, p. 8)


The First National Bank building is being fitted up for a steam heating apparatus. The pipes and boiler are here and are being placed in position and will be ready for use by the time cold weather sets in. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 October 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


George LaBar, ca. 1922.
Source: Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan

15 January 1892. The annual meeting of the stockholders of the First National Bank was held on Monday, at which time the following directors were elected: G. W. Holland, B. A. Ferris [Beulah], Adam Brown, A. F. Ferris, Leon E. Lum, H. J. Spencer and G. D. LaBar. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 January 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


The annual meeting of the stock holders of the First National Bank was held on Tuesday, and the following were chosen directors for the ensuing year: G. W. Holland, Adam Brown, Leon E. Lum, B. A. Ferris [Beulah], A. F. Ferris, G. G. Hartley and Geo. D. LaBar. A meeting of the directors will be held next week for the purpose of electing officers. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 March 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


The annual meeting of the board of directors of the First National Bank was held on Monday the 23 inst., and the following officers were elected for the ensuing year, A. F. Ferris, President, Leon E. Lum, Vice President and G. D. LaBar, Cashier. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 March 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


The stockholders of the First National Bank of this city held their annual election on Tuesday, the board of directors being elected as follows: G. G. Hartley, Adam Brown, A. F. Ferris, Leon E. Lum, Geo. D. LaBar, Mrs. B. A. Ferris and Geo. W. Holland. The election of officers will take place next week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 January 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


The rooms of the First National Bank are being re-decorated. The work is being done under the supervision of J. C. Congdon, who has a reputation for artistic work in this line. When completed they will probably be the handsomest suite of rooms in the city. The improvements will cost several hundred dollars. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 February 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


The stockholders of the First National Bank elected the following directors at their meeting on Monday: Leon E. Lum, A. F. Ferris, G. W. Holland, Geo. D. LaBar, Adam Brown, Mrs. B. A. Ferris and T. J. Sharkey. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 January 1896, p. 4, c. 3)


On Monday the First National Bank elected officers for the ensuing year, no change being made, showing that the business is being conducted in a manner entirely satisfactory to the stockholders. The officers are: A. F. Ferris, president; L. E. Lum, vice president; George D. LaBar, cashier; George Brown, bookkeeper; Herman Casey, clerk. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 February 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


The First National Bank has just put in a new Cary screw door safe, which was placed in position yesterday. It weighs over three tons, and is a beauty, being the latest improved piece of furniture of that description manufactured, costing in the neighborhood of $1900. These safes are manufactured at Buffalo, N. Y., and are absolutely burglar proof. Mr. J. A. Modisette, of Minneapolis, is in the city superintending the job and putting the machinery in running order. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 March 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


A Work of Art.


Allen Frank Ferris, ca. 1895.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Many of our citizens have seen the portrait in oil of Hon. A. F. Ferris which adorns the walls of the First National Bank, from the brush of Col. Freeman Thorp, the noted artist who last spring established his home at Hubert Lake in this county. The picture affords the first opportunity our people have had of seeing Col. Thorp's work, and it fully justifies the great national reputation he has. The gentleman for many years occupied a studio built expressly for him by the government on the roof of the capitol in Washington. President Grant sat for him for a portrait for the war department historical collection, and when it was finished the President liked it so well that he ordered another for himself. The State of Ohio employed Col. Thorp to paint a portrait of President Garfield that is now in the state capitol at Columbus. A large number of portraits from his brush are in the government historical collections, and in many state collections. The gentleman is as adept in landscape gardening, and to make for himself and family a home with picturesque surroundings in a wonderfully healthy region he has chosen the lake region in the northern part of Crow Wing county. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 April 1896, p. 4, c. 5)


Annual Meeting.


The annual meeting of the stockholders of the First National Bank, of this city, was held on Monday last, and the old board of directors was re-elected as follows: G. W. Holland, Leon E. Lum, Adam Brown, A. F. Ferris, B. A. Ferris, T. J. Sharkey and G. D. LaBar. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 January 1897, p. 4, c. 6)


A meeting of the new board of directors of the First National Bank was held on Monday, and the old officers were re-elected for the ensuing year as follows: A. F. Ferris, president; Leon E. Lum, vice president; Geo. D. LaBar, Cashier. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 January 1897, p. 4, c. 4)


Annual Bank Meetings.


The annual meeting of the stockholders of the First National Bank was held on Tuesday morning, and the old board of directors was elected as follows: Judge G. W. Holland, B. A. Ferris, Adam Brown, Hon. A. F. Ferris and Geo. D. LaBar. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 January 1899, p. 1, c. 4)


First National Elects Officers.


The directors of the First National bank at a meeting on Monday forenoon elected A. F. Ferris president and G. D. LaBar cashier for the ensuing year. The positions are the same as held by these gentlemen for some years and under whose guidance the bank has attained a leading position among the solid financial institutions of the northwest. The other positions were filled by electing Geo. H. Brown and Fred A. Farrar bookkeepers and W. H. Koop stenographer. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 January 1900, p. 8, c. 2)


A Fine Machine.


The First National Bank, on Monday, received a Burroughs Registering Accountant from the Arithmometer Manufacturing Company, of Chicago. This little machine is no larger than a typewriter, but it is almost human in its work, except that, unlike humanity, it will not err. It is operated with keys like a typewriter. A column of figures a yard in length, or any number to the capacity of the machine, can be listed, and when completed the sum of the figures is given. What time and labor it will save in adding can readily be imagined, and the saving will not only be in adding. but the figures can be taken down much quicker than they can be written, and all errors, that sometimes take hours in finding, are avoided. This machine is very small, but it is very intricate, and cost $276. It would be a good investment at several times that sum where much adding is required. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 December 1900, p. 1, c. 6)


Bank Elections.


[...]


The annual meeting of the stockholders of the First National bank was held on Wednesday, and the old board of directors was re-elected. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 January 1901, p. 5, c. 2)


A SOLID INSTITUTION.

_____


Report of the Condition of the First

National Bank has Just been Issued

Showing Excellent Management.


The report of the condition of the First National Bank of this city is just out. The report is given at the close of business, September 30.

It is the strongest ever issued by this institution, resources footing up to $623,504.19.

Perhaps the most interesting item in the report is the deposits. The individual deposits subject to check foot up to $185,528.00; demand certificates of deposit, $16,791.18; time certificates of deposit $307,232.71, making a credit on the item of deposits of $509,551.89.

The report is also one of the most interesting ever issued by the officials since the granting of the original charter, and is a good showing for the management. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 October 1901, p. 1, c. 3)


FIRST NATIONAL BANK.


Of the ... banks the First National bank is the oldest and largest. It was organized October [sic] [August] 11 [sic] [31], 1881, succeeding the old Bank of Brainerd, which was established a few years previously by Wm. Ferris. Its capital stock was $50,000 and to that has been added a surplus and undivided profit account of more than twice as much, making it one of the roll of honor banks and giving it an available capital of over $100,000. Two of the directors, Judge George W. Holland and Adam Brown, of whom sketches and portraits appear elsewhere, have been stockholders and members of the directorate from the day of the organization of bank to the present time. The deposits of the bank at the close of business May 14, 1908 were $805,418.04 and the total amount of the statement was $958, 668.58, a remarkable showing for a city of 10,000 people.

Geo. D. LaBar, president of this bank has been with it in one capacity or another for over a quarter of a century, coming here from Zumbrota, Minnesota, to enter upon the arduous duties of errand boy and commencing his labors with the bank on January 13, 1883. Since that time he has filled, one after another, every position and every office in the bank. Keen, able and conservative as a banker, upright and public spirited as a citizen, he is a man of whom the city may well be proud.

Fred A. Farrar, cashier of the bank is also a man of long experience in the business, having been with the institution over 8 years, his father having been connected with the bank before him. Previous to entering the employ of the bank Mr. Farrar was for seven years city clerk and was engaged in the mercantile business in this city, and in fact was raised in Brainerd. He has been for many years a member of the city council and is prominent in all enterprises for the advancement of the town.

George H. Brown, assistant cashier, has also been with the bank for many years and is capable of assuming higher responsibilities should they fall upon him. The clerical force consists of Bernard L. Lagerquist, Arthur P. Drogseth, J. A. Herzog and Alfred Mraz, all bright young men who will make their mark in their chosen profession. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 May 1908, p. 3, c.‘s 1 & 2)


TWO VETERAN BANK DIRECTORS

_____


Judge George W. Holland and

Adam Brown Have Served

Since Organization

_____


JUDGE HOLLAND DREW PAPERS

_____


Both Took Part in Organization of

First National Bank in

Fall of 1881


No history of the banking interests of Brainerd would be complete without especial reference to Adam Brown and Judge George W. Holland. In the words of the late United States Senator Harlan, in describing the history of the republican party, either of them might today say concerning Brainerd banking history, “All of which I saw and a part of which I was.”

George W. Holland, founder and director, First National Bank, 26 May 1908.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

When the matter of the organization of what is now the First National bank of Brainerd was on foot, it was Judge George W. Holland who drew all the necessary legal papers in connection with the work and he and Adam Brown, then an engineer on the Northern Pacific railroad, were stockholders from the start and members of the first board of directors elected at the organization of the bank on the 11th day of October, 1881. From that day to this they have been members of the board and there have been few meetings of the board at which they have not been in attendance. This, at any time, would be worthy of more than a passing mention, but at this time, when the bankers of the Sixth congressional district are gathered in our city, it is of more than usual interest.

Both gentlemen are among the pioneers of Brainerd. Judge Holland was the first attorney to settle in Brainerd when it was a mere hamlet, consisting mostly of tents, dropped out of sight in a wilderness of pine trees on the bank of the Father of Waters. It was about that time that the iron horse first came slowly feeling his way over the new, uneven grade along the fresh laid rails into the city from the east. At the throttle of that first engine was a man, tall and lithe, and who is yet strong and active despite the weight of two score of added years. Seeing the possibilities of the future of Brainerd, Mr. Brown, who was that engineer, sedulously saved and carefully invested his surplus earnings until today he is one of the wealthy citizens of Brainerd, although the same plain Adam Brown as when he pulled the throttle.

Judge Holland, also seeing the future of Brainerd clearly, has invested heavily in real estate and has not only much city realty but large property interests throughout the country and has extensive holdings in the best iron ore lands on the Cuyuna range. He has held various public offices, having been district judge for twelve years.


HOW THE BANK GOT ITS NAME


Adam Brown, founder and director, of the First National Bank, 26 May 1908.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Adam Brown, in speaking of the days of the organization of the bank to a DISPATCH reporter a few days ago, related a little inside history concerning the naming of the bank which may be of interest. The Bank of Brainerd, the business of which was taken over by the First National Bank upon its organization, was a private bank owned by Wm. Ferris, father of the late Senator A. F. Ferris. Adam Brown, Judge Holland and G. G. Hartley and others who were depositors with Mr. Ferris in his private bank had agreed with him to organize a national bank. The late Judge C. B. Sleeper and his associates, however, had made application for a charter and appropriated the name of “First National.” The papers for the organization planned by Mr. Ferris therefore went to Washington as the “Second National Bank of Brainerd.” The Sleeper Syndicate, however, was unable to raise the money for the organization just at that time. Mr. Ferris had a friend in Washington who kept him posted and the moment the time was up for which the other parties had a right to organize as the “First National,” Mr. Ferris was notified and the application changed so that this bank was organized under that name. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 May 1908, p. 3, c.’s 5 & 6)


FIRST NATIONAL BANK IMPROVEMENTS

_____


Remodeling Building at Cost of Over

$35,000 to Give Larger and More

Convenient Quarters

_____


CONTRACTS AWARDED MONDAY

_____


General Contract to Alex Nelson, of

Perham; Plans Drawn by

Chicago Architects


Sundberg’s Shoe Shop operated by John F. Sundberg in the basement of the First National Bank Building on Front Street, ca. 1910. A 1904x1308 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Contracts were awarded Monday evening for the remodeling of the First National bank, the improvements contemplated being approximately $35,000 to $40,000.

Several years ago officials of the bank realized that it was necessary to have more room to handle the growing business of the bank and they decided to have the building remodeled in such shape as to be entirely on a par with bank buildings being constructed at present.

The plans were drawn by Postle & Fisher, architects of Chicago. The remodeling will be done under the direction of the A. H. Andrews Co., of Chicago, who are one of the oldest and largest bank fixtures manufacturers in the country and were the people who installed the first fixtures in the First National bank in 1882. They will install all counters, fixtures and furniture.

The general contract was awarded to Alex Nelson, of Perham, who built the Ransford hotel. Other bidders were the Gray Construction Co., of Watertown, S. D., and the J. B. Nelson Construction Co., Mankato.

The contract for heating and plumbing was awarded the Slipp-Gruenhagen Co. The Sherlund Co. were also bidders.

The contract for electric wiring was awarded George Johnson, of the Brainerd Electric Co. Other bidders were Slipp-Gruenhagen Co. and the Electric Shop.

The plans contemplate taking down the entire south and west walls and rebuilding faced with semi-glazed brick with terra cotta trimming and polished granite base. The front entrance way is of rare architectural beauty, built of terra cotta and surmounted by a clock.

The interior is decorated to facilitate business and offer the advantages of perfect lighting and arrangements conducive to promote the convenience of those transacting business with the bank. The counters are to be of Taverneile marble, brass wickets are provided, also bronze frames for plate glass in screens. All furniture is of mahogany.

Entering the bank, as one views the place, one sees the large public lobby. At the left is a small waiting room and nearby are the president’s open and private offices. At the right hand is a customers’ small room. There are also open and private offices for the vice president and cashier.

Four cages and three additional wickets are seen. All the old vaults will be removed. The new vaults include a safety deposit vault, cash vault and book vault, their total dimensions inside measurement being 7 feet 3 inches by 22 feet.

To the rear of these are the directors’ room, a store room and toilet rooms.

The remodeled quarters to be taken by the First National bank include the space now occupied by the bank and the H. F. Dunn drug store. During the remodeling stage, which starts about May 15, the bank will occupy the present quarters part of the time and later temporary quarters in the Chadbourne office and additional room at the east.

Several changes will be made on the second floor. A prominent feature of the north and east fronts are the name plates of gold letters in terra cotta. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 April 1916, p. 5, c.’s 4 & 5)


BRAINERD’S ODDEST STORIES TODAY

_____


Painters are cleaning the walls in the First National bank building. Old signs are coming to light. On the second floor one finds numerous doctors’ offices, also an old building and loan association sign.

On the ground floor, in the jewelry store of E. S. Houghton, the old paintings gracing the walls have come to light from under the wall paper. The north wall shows the river, dam and bridge and the inset is Gilbert lake. There is also a picture of a lake home. These oil paintings bloomed in all their splendor of greens, blues and yellows near the back bar of Jim Dewar, who had a refreshment parlor there in the pioneer days and the painting was actually enough to drive a man to drink. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 August 1916, p. 5, c. 5)


12 December 1916. Under the direction of the Mosler Safe Co., a large manganese steel safe is being installed in the 1st National Bank. Its body is cast from a solid steel ingot, the door weighs a ton and a half and the whole safe weights in at 7,000 pounds. The device has a triple movement time lock. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 12 December 2016)


THE NEW QUARTERS OF FIRST NATIONAL BANK

____


Will be Open to the Inspection of

the Public on Saturday Feb-

ruary 24th

_____


The Improvements at Corner of Front and

Sixth Streets are a Credit to

the City


The improvements to the building at the corner of Sixth and Front streets which for years has housed the First National bank are nearing completion and the banking business of this institution will soon be located again in the old quarters, and so far has the work progressed that the date for the removal from the temporary quarters in the building to the permanent home has been anticipated. In order that the public may have an opportunity to view the new interior of the bank it has been decided that on Saturday, February 24, from 2 until 6 and from 7:30 until 10:30, the friends of the bank are most cordially invited to call and look over the improvements that are a credit to the city and, in fact, would be a credit to a city many times the size of Brainerd.

The building has been remodeled, an entirely new exterior replaces the old, modern in structure and appearance. The bank quarters have been enlarged giving ample space for every department. The interior will be new in every particular and has been especially planned to care for their very large business which has been built upon 35 years of continual actual service. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 February 1917, p. 1, c.7)


FIRST NATIONAL IN NEW QUARTERS

_____


Pioneer Bank of Central Minnesota

Welcomes Friends Saturday for

Inspection of its New Home

_____


Service and Comfort, Prompt Dispatch of

Business Spelled by Magnificent Banking

Rooms Evolved


The First National Bank of Brainerd will occupy its new quarters Saturday, February 24, at which time the spacious banking rooms will be opened to the public from 2 to 6 and from 7:30 to 10:30 p. m. Bergh’s orchestra will furnish music for the occasion.

The public generally is asked to do as much of their business in the forenoon as possible so as to leave the afternoon free for the hundreds of visitors who will be anxious to see the new banking quarters.

Under the personal supervision of George D. LaBar, president of the First National bank. Improvements totaling $40,000 to $50,000 have been made, and the result attained has evolved banking quarters and a building duplicated nowhere except in the largest cities.

The business of the bank has grown so rapidly that larger quarters were an imperative necessity, and space occupied twelve years ago had been outgrown. Mr. LaBar and associates planned bigger and better quarters and the results are now evident in concrete shape, the building having been rebuilt, an imposing exterior and interior added, handsome and convenient banking rooms, provided, lavishly furnished with all possible modern equipment.

Postle & Fisher, of Chicago, were the architects who prepared the plans. General supervision of the contract was exercised by A. H. Andrews Co., of Chicago. They installed the first fixtures of the bank in 1882 when it commenced business. Alex Nelson, of Perham, had the contract for taking down the walls and remodeling the building.

The heating and plumbing work was done by a Brainerd firm, Slipp-Gruenhagen Co. George Johnson, of Brainerd, did the electric wiring. The Drake Marble and Tile Co. of St. Paul had the contract for the marble work. Decorating was done by George R. Stewart & Co. of Chicago. Wilmarth & Co., of Chicago, made the electric fixtures. The clocks were made by the Seth Thomas Clock Co., of Thomaston, Conn. The Northwestern Telephone Exchange Co. installed the inter-communicating telephone system.

New vaults, electrically lined and equipped were made by the American Bank Protection Co. of Minneapolis. New safe, safety deposit boxes and vault doors were furnished by the Mosler Safe Co., of Hamilton, Ohio.

Considerable engineering ability and ingenuity was exercised by Contractor Alex Nelson in taking down the old walls, replacing them with the beautiful front of gray semi-glazed brick trimmed with terra cotta to match. Business was carried on by the bank and by tenants while the changes were made. The entire building came in for remodeling. New stairs and stairway were added and the entire second floor has also been changed and decorated.

The prime requisite considered in the arrangement of the banking rooms was convenience for customers and rapid dispatch of business. Twice as much space has been secured as in the former quarters.

One enters the spacious main room on the north side, through an elaborate doorway. At each side near the entrance are customers’ rooms with table sand chairs where those desiring quiet and seclusion may arrange their matters.

To the left is the desk of President George D. LaBar with a private office adjoining. To the right of the entrance are the desks of Vice President F. A. Farrar and Cashier R. B. Withington and a private office adjoining.

Beautiful Taverneile marble from Northern Italy of a delicate brown tinge fits in harmoniously with the bronze fittings of the cages, the mahogany woodwork and furniture of the same wood. The ceiling is in old ivory, the walls of tan, with greens and yellows appearing in the delicate decorations. The room is a perfect exposition of soft, blending colors.

The directors’ room is in blue. Off the directors’ room is a closet with lockers for supplies. There is a private room for patrons of safety deposit boxes, the boxes numbering 400. Toilet rooms for ladies and gentlemen are to the rear, the ceilings being of ivory shade and the walls in French gray.

At the First National Bank tomorrow President George D. LaBar and the other officers of the bank will be pleased to meet the friends of the institution of the city, county and vicinity and preparations have been made to receive hundreds as the bank’s customers and friends are legion.

It means much to Brainerd to have a progressive, growing institution like this pioneer bank of the city, alive to the needs of Brainerd, expanding as the country grows, and showing by the improvements made its faith in Brainerd, Crow Wing county and the State of Minnesota. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 February 1917, p. 1, c.'s 1 & 2)


FIRST NATIONAL OPENING TODAY

_____


Friends of the Institution Crowd the

Beautiful Banking Rooms and

Inspect the Quarters

_____


BERGH’S ORCHESTRA PLAYING

_____


Many Farmers Present From all Sec-

tions of the County, Other

Towns Also Represented


Hundreds today from town and country viewed the spacious banking rooms of the First National bank and admired the magnificent rooms, furnishings and improvements.

President George D. LaBar and other officials of the bank greeted the visitors and conducted them about the rooms and explained the improvements installed.

Near the entrance Miss Dora Turcotte, assisted by little Lois Chadbourne, Winifred Spencer, Virginia Casey and Dorothy Withington pinned carnations to the coats of the lady visitors.

At the desk of R. B. Withington were cigars which were distributed to the gentlemen.

Bergh’s orchestra played and their sweet strains reverberated in the large main room and helped to enliven the occasion. At all desks and in all rooms were baskets of American Beauty roses and other choice flowers.

Visitors admired the bank and its equipment, its fine rooms and the facilities offered for the rapid dispatch of banking business and expressed their approval of the same to President LaBar and the officers of the bank.

The hours this afternoon when visitors were entertained were from 2 to 6. This evening the bank will be open for further inspection from 7:30 to 10:30 o’clock. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 February 1917, p. 5, c. 1)


5,000 VIEW FIRST NATIONAL NEW HOME

_____


President George D. LaBar and

Other Officials Greet Stream of

People on Saturday

_____


First Depositor This Morning S. R. Adair,

County Treasurer with County Funds—

Bank Pleases People


5,000 people visited the First National bank Saturday afternoon and evening, were welcomed by President George D. LaBar and other officials and viewed the spacious, beautiful new quarters.

Flowers graced the desks of all in the bank. The large basket of American Beauties in the center of the banking room was the gift of the First National bank of St. Paul. This bank and many others of the northwest sent felicitations and best wishes on the opening of the First National new quarters.

Cigars were distributed to the men and these, by the way, were Brainerd homemade cigars. Carnations were given the ladies.

A. Sager, of Chicago, a representative of the A. H. Andrews Co., was present at the opening. The Andrews Co. had the general contract which included also furniture and many fixtures. Mr. Sager came all the way from Cleveland, Ohio, to be present at the opening.

The officials and clerks were kept busy explaining the workings of the safety deposit, cash and other vaults. The east vault is the safety deposit section with 400 boxes. The center vault is the cash vault and contains also silver chests. The west vault is the book vault. With solid walls and ceiling of cement reinforced with steel, they are provided with a burglar alarm system installed by the American Bank Protection Co.

The Mosler No. 79 safe in the center vault is of manganese steel and weighs five tons. It has Yale triple time locks and is fitted with an automatic guide which always swings the door properly into place. The outside vault door is fitted with a combination lock connecting with a burglar alarm.

Burglar insurance, also a separate policy on the cash and insurance against daylight holdups, are further safeguards.

Artistic and beautiful electric fixtures will be installed this week. They were 22 days on the road and arrived Saturday afternoon. The clock for the entrance is coming too. The master clock in the banking rooms will control also the clock at the vault and the one at the entrance.

The first depositor in the new quarters was County Treasurer S. R. Adair, depositing county funds, and this, by the way, represented every taxpayer in Crow Wing county.

New dimes, halves and quarters have been received by the bank.

Other depositors following shortly after Mr. Adair were R. R. Gould, Johnson Brothers & Halberg, John Carlson, Martin Reis, Ransford hotel, Turcotte Brothers, Northwestern Telephone Exchange Co., G. A. Lively of Sylvan, Joseph Hebert, Miss Blanche Entriken, Mrs. Amy J. Bertram for the Brotherhood of American Yeomen.

The Northwestern Telephone Exchange Co. has installed an intercommunicating telephone system, which connects every desk in the office, providing for telephone conversation between all departments in the bank and at a desk exchange, connecting with the Northwestern central. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 February 1917, p. 1, c.’s 1 & 2)


DARING MACHINE GUN MOB

ROBS FIRST NATIONAL HERE


ROBBERY OF FIRST NATIONAL

FIRST IN HISTORY OF CITY; OTHER

TOWNS AREA ROBBED RECENT YEARS

_____


Baby Face Nelson aka Lester Gillis, robbed the First National Bank, ca. Unknown.
Source: Unknown

Robbery of the First National bank today marked the first time in history that Brainerd was singled out as prey for holdup men.

Although bank robberies have occurred in several other towns and cities flanking Brainerd on all sides, never before in the memory of officers and old timers had there been a raid on the local bank.

Last bank holdup in this section occurred several years ago when a Staples band yielded a large loot to a bank bandit gang.

Previous to the Staples robbery, the bank at Pequot was raided. That was about four or five years ago. Also in Recent years was the robbery of the Ironton bank.


Brainerd Area

Pays Big Tribute

to Gangs Few Years


The ever mounting tribute being paid to bank bandit gangs, through raids made on banks and voluntary surrender at the risk of their lives—the measure of existence being a pawn in the hands of the heavily armed desperado, today mounted through loot obtained in the robbery of the First National bank.

With the loot estimated by bank officials at between $15,000 and $30,000 in this morning's holdup, the Brainerd community has paid in loot approximately $75,000 to bank robbers in recent years, figures show.

Plunder of bank bandits mobs who terrorized the Brainerd community in recent years ranged from $5,000 to $30,000.

Several years ago from a bank at Staples, the bandit gang obtained approximately $10,000. Loot of about $20,000 was obtained by bandits from a bank at Pequot while an Ironton bank yielded about $5,000 to robbers.


CUFFS ON JAW, BLOW WITH BUTT END

OF REVOLVER AND PUMMELING WITH

GUNS IN BACK FELT BY 3 EMPLOYEES

_____


Threatening gestures of the bandits who made up the “inside” crew in the First National bank robbery today brought cuffs on the jaw, pummeling at the back with revolvers and a blow by the butt of a revolver on the wrist for three individual members of the bank personnel.

C. H. Boetler, vice president, was struck on the wrist with the butt end of a revolver when one of the bandits interpreted his swinging of his arms as a gesture toward pressing an alarm button.


Warn Employees to Wall


As the 12 employees were being herded from the customers’ room to the washroom, where they were imprisoned with the admonition, “We’re leaving now but anyone who sticks his head out of the door will get his head blown off.” Boetler walked swinging his arms. The bandit, fearing that he might attempt to contact an alarm buzzer, cracked him on the wrist, slightly bruising the member.

Zane Smith who, by the way, was the first of the regular bank employees to come in contact with the bandits as he entered the front door for work about 8:15 a. m., was slow in realizing what it was all about and one of the bandits hit him on the jaw, almost knocking him from his feet.

Mraz was pushed rudely in the back and pummeled when he failed to answer the queries of the bandits and failed to act as quickly as the desperadoes thought he should.

Outside of the minor cuffing, no one was injured.


CHICAGO MAN, WHO BANTERED WITH

BANDIT ON OUTSIDE AND NARROWLY

ESCAPED BARRAGE, TELLS OWN STORY

_____


Editor’s note: Following is a story in the words of S. H. Gregg, of Chicago, representative of the Zurich General Accident Insurance company telling of his contact with the robbers and of his narrow escape from being struck by a machine gun barrage.

_____


By. S. H. GREGG

As Told to Members of DISPATCH Staff


“I came to Brainerd last night from St. Paul thinking I could get more work done to be on the scene here early this morning. I was here to appoint agents for my company but I find it hard to even think of anything after what I went through this morning.

“I arose about 7 a. m. and went to Van’s Cafe where I had breakfast. Finishing my meal about 8:20 I started downtown, walking across the tracks I noticed a tall gangling fellow standing on the corner with a large basket in his hand. He apparently was waiting for the bank to open I passed him and I noticed his cap pulled down over his eyes but didn’t pay particular attention.

“Going over to William Graham’s store where I was to contact him on insurance, I found he was out. I went to Burton’s radio shop to talk to him about my car radio but he, too, was out. I sauntered over to the bank about 8:45 o'clock, jiggled the door and attempted to get in. The man with the basket was still on the corner. I said to him: “These bankers don’t open until 9 o’clock on the dot, do they?” He answered: “I guess they don’t.” I turned and then found a revolver in my face. “Get in there and make it snappy,” the man said. About that time, the three on the inside opened the door and started out. They pushed me inside and the next second the machine gun which the smaller and more chunky of the three men carried, opened fire. I made a dive to get around the corner of the foyer, I felt that I wasn’t hit.

“For a few minutes I lay there, I glanced up warily and saw an overcoat and a hat slumped over a desk. I thought it was a person slumped over a chair or desk. It made me shiver. I called ‘Help’ and then ran outside and yelled for someone to call the police.

“Before I went out I looked around, walking in the lobby. It was like a tomb, all bank employees having been herded into a rear washroom. Not a sound could be heard except for the scurrying of feet on the outside.

“It was an experience that I don’t want to go through again. And I thought I would save time by coming up from St. Paul last night. Well, I didn’t.”


FIREMAN TELLS HOW

YEGGS ENTERED BANK


“Like h___ you haven’t, you’ve been opening the door for the last ten days.” That was the answer in menacing tones that George Fricker, fireman at the First National bank and the first man to come in contact with the robbers, received when he told a man who had approached him and ordered him to open the front door about 6 a. m. this morning.

Telling his version of the robbery, Fricker related:

I was standing at the entrance leading to the basement on the Sixth street side of the building shortly before 6 a. m. when a man approached me. Before I could turn about, I felt a gun sticking in my ribs. The man demanded that I open the front door.

“I told him I had no key. The bandit then prodded me with the gun and said, “like h___ you haven’t, you've been opening that front door for the last ten days.’

“There was nothing for me to do. He pushed me to the front door and unlocked it. He then waved his hand from inside the door and within a few minutes two more men were in the lobby. They demanded to know when the next person would come.

“Shortly later, Mr. and Mrs. I. A. Peterson, janitors, arrived and we were all huddled in the customers’ room just off the lobby. As the other employees came in they were met and forced to sit on the floor. There we all were but what could we do?”

_____


Escape After Firing

Barrage Machine Gun

Bullets Into Places

_____


Five Bandits Force Fireman to Open Front Door and

Then Lay in Wait for Rest of Bank Staff; Get

Between $15,000 and $30,000

_____


Brainerd today fell prey to a marauding band of bank robbers with the First National bank, Sixth and Front streets, the victim of a raid that netted five machine gun bandits loot estimated at between $15,000 and $30,000.

Every law enforcement agency in Minnesota had been pressed into service in the hunt for the bandits this afternoon. Last trace of the fleeing band was reported from Paynesville, west of St. Cloud, where it was said that the bandits separated continuing their mad flight from the law in two cars.


Lay Down Gun Barrage


State bureau of criminal apprehension agents arrived shortly afternoon to augment a force of city, county and other state officers in the search.

Making their getaway under a screen of murderous fire from two machine guns, blazing away and damaging buildings on the route of escape, the bandits flight was traced from the corner of Sixth and Laurel where their car was parked parallel to the curb. It swung down Front street, machine guns marking and clattering against the walls of the bank, Murphy Clothing store and Y. M. C. A. as the car gained momentum and sped to Fourth street. There, it swung north on Fourth to Bluff street and east on Bluff to the cemetery hill where the machine bumped over the sandy road and out through Northeast Brainerd.

At Ash and Fifth avenues, drivers changed and the bandits threw out a quantity of empty shells, spat out by the machine guns in their near death-dealing bombardment that provided their measure of escape. The car continued to Eighth avenue and then swung to highway No. 2 continuing to the ’gun club’ road where it doubled over to highway No. 18. There the trail was lost until the report reached here from Paynesville.

The car, a large sedan but with varying colors reported by various witnesses, bore a North Dakota license No. 10-285. A check revealed that the license plates were from a car stolen from A. E. Billinger, of Fargo, North Dakota.


Employees Fire No Shots


There was not a shot in retaliation as the bandits made flight, the guns having been taken away from the watchman and other persons scampering for cover as the bandits sprayed the corner with a deadly barrage of machine gun bullets.

Fair description of the bandits was obtained although most of them wore white handkerchiefs and wore hunting clothes or had overalls over their suits. All five appeared to be under 38 years of age ranging up from 25. The leader, a short, chunky man with a commanding voice, handled the machine gun and barked all the orders.

Ingenuity marked with a smooth working plan of action effected the robbery. After accosting George Fricker, fireman, at 5:55 a. m. as he was about to enter the basement, they forced him to open the front door, and then herded the employees as they arrived one by one into the customer’s room just off the lobby and then waited for the time lock to release the vault.

That the gang was professional bank robbers was beyond question, according to officers. Their methods and smooth execution, threatening gestures and apparent knowledge of the entire habits and working personnel leading to this belief.

Reconstructing the bold and daring holdup, which apparently had been planned for some time is evidenced by the actions of the bandits, bring the following story.


Employees of Bank Known


As Fricker was going into the basement at 5:55 a m., a stranger accosted him and ordered that he open the front door. The man brandished a revolver and upon Fricker’s answer that he did not have a key the man said: “The hell you haven’t, you’ve been opening it for the last ten days.”

As Fricker and the bandit entered, the bandit waved his hand and a few minutes later two more bandits joined him in the lobby. There, one fingered a machine gun trigger while waiting for other bank employees. Soon, Mr. and Mrs. I. A. Peterson, janitor and janitress arrived and they were met at the door and huddled in the corner.

About 7:50 a. m. R. S. Titus, the watchman, walked in and was met by the bandits. The machine gun muzzle was pointed in his face and then the parade of employees started, each being met with “Hey Speed.” Turning, they faced the array of weapons and were forced to huddle in the corner. C. W. Boetler, vice president, arrived next and following closely on his heels were Zane Smith, Ben Lagerquist, A. P. Drogseth, Russell LaCourse, Gerhardt Flaata, Elsie Schwabe, Edith Frost, Georgia Thompson, Ed. Bjernberg and Esther Butler.


Save Bonds, Negotiables


It was about 8:20 a. m. The bandits started menacing Boetler to open the vault. He said he couldn’t. They warned him and threatened him. They, then turned to Al Mraz and forced him to open the vault.

The reluctance of the officers of the bank passed several minutes probably saving thousands of dollars of valuable bonds and negotiable securities from falling into the hands of the bandits.

Stressing familiarity with the employees, the bandits walked five of the men to the vault and directed each of the tellers to open his cashbox in the vault. They scooped out all currency, ignoring silver, and pressed it into a large white canvas bag, about the size of a regular mail pouch. It appeared new, the white canvas gleaming in the light.

Then, they herded all 12 of the employees into the wash room in the rear threatening to “blow your door.” Stay there for several minutes, they declared.

About that time S. H. Gregg, of Chicago, was forced into the bank as the bandits fled. He no sooner had stepped in when the machine gun barked a gaping hold in the door narrowly missing Gregg.

A few minutes later, the bank employees filed out of the washroom.

Meanwhile, the bandits backed out of the bank, one of them struggling with the heavy bag filled with money. They were about to step into the car when the machine gunner fired on the pavement. Getting into the car, machine guns were employed to intimidate employees in surrounding buildings, the bandits spraying Murphy’s clothing store, the Y. M. C. A. and the Ransford hotel in their escape.


If You See These

Men, Notify Police

_____


Herewith are descriptions of individual members of the bandit gang.

No. 1—Five feet, eight inches tall, about 30 years old, smooth shaven, wearing blue suit with dark mackinaw jumper, gray cap, about 150 to 155 pounds and chunky. Apparently the leader and operator of the machine gun.

No. 2—Five feet, 10 inches tall, weight about 170 to 175 pounds, 35 years old, blue overalls over suit, khaki cap, mackinaw.

No. 3—About same as No. 2, slightly shorter. Looked almost like a brother of No. 2. Affable in disposition.

No. 4—The man with the basket, outside spotter. Five feet, 11 inches tall, weighs about 175 pounds, wore hunting clothes.

No. 5—Driver of the car and occasional contact man with No. 4. Wore hunting clothes with corduroy hunting cap.


St. Paul—Agents of the State Bureau of Criminal Investigation curbed a motor car containing six men near Monticello this afternoon on the suspicion that it might have been the machine used in the Brainerd bank robbery.

The sextet were found to be young men who convinced the officers they had no connection with the holdup. The development, said Melvin Fassell, head of the bureau gave more weight to the theory that the robbers fled in an airplane that flew southward over Brainerd 25 minutes after the holdup. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 October 1933, p. 1)


BETWEEN 75 AND 100 SHOTS FIRED IN RAID

_____


BULLET MARKS SPATTER BUILDINGS

CENTERED ON ROUTE OF ESCAPE WITH

BANK, MURPHY’S AND “Y” DAMAGED

_____


The machine gun barrage, the screen by which the bandits intimidated possible snipers in nearby buildings after the raid on the First National bank, left mute evidence on the walls and windows of buildings of the death-dealing and devastating force and power of that type of gun.

Between 75 and 100 shots were fired in the parting salutation of the robbers. Their first blast was a volley of machine gun bullets through the front door of the bank. It left a gaping hole in the heavy plate glass with the bullets spattering to the ceiling and in the interior finishing of the bank.

On the street, the bandits laid down another barrage, pointing their guns at the pavement according to Hans Olson, N. P. crossing watchman, and John Johnson, section foreman. They heard the bullets, skyrocketing from the pavement and whistle through the trees of the railroad park.


Bandits Fire from Fleeing Car


Inside the car bandits leaned out of the windows on either side, spraying machine gun bullets. The Murphy clothing store was the target for the one on the left and the Y. M. C. A. felt the damage from the one on the right. Meantime, Ernest Butler attested to revolver fire as the car sped by his hotel.

At least two machine guns were brought into play as the five men fled in their dark colored car before the startled eyes of a score or more of Brainerd people. Too stunned to do anything and too frightened to act as the machine guns barked out in staccato notes their song of death for any person happening within range, Brainerd citizens viewed the devastation of machine gun bullets, vividly marked in the buildings of the bank, the Murphy clothing store and the Y. M. C. A.

The clean-cut holes, bored into walls of the buildings, provided a sinister and ominous threat the bullets hold for human mankind.

In the barrage of machine gun bombardment, which provided a screen of safety as the bandits made their getaway. 14 slugs entered the Y. M. C. A. building. The pattern, sprayed in perfect cylindrical shape, penetrated through the wall of the Y. M. C. A. building ricocheting into the ceiling.

Eleven slugs entered the first floor of the building and three on the upper floors. Ora Duncan, janitor at the “Y” narrowly escaped being struck.

Six slugs found their way into the Murphy clothing store. The bombardment on the store was the first in the bandits’ flight after they had gone into their car.

In the bank marks of bullets were found on the ceiling. The windows on the Sixth street side were spattered with bullet holes and the heavy plate glass in the front door was shattered. Bullets found their way into a pillar just in front of the door and other marks were perceivable in the mass of broken glass and shattered plaster in the bank.

The barrage of machine gun bullets brought speculation as to the type used, perhaps after the revelation of how Verne C. Miller, nationally known arch criminal and much sought fugitive, fashioned a machine gun to fulfill his murderous assaults.

Scores of fired slugs were found on the streets and in the buildings.


NOTE: 01 December 1933. Government agents and Detroit police searched the underworld for companions of Verne Miller, the desperado and former Brainerd resident who was found beaten to death in a roadside ditch. He was a trigger man in the Kansas City massacre, among many crimes. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 01 December 2013)


Empty Shells Found N. E. Brainerd


Later, it was reported that a handful of shells, already fired, were found at the corner of Fifth and Ash avenues [‘H’ Street], presumably being thrown from the bandit car in its mad dash of escape. The find included scores of empty shells spat out by the ejector of the machine gun and offering mute evidence of the barrage laid down by the bandits as they fled from the bank.

It has been established that the machine guns were of the type capable of firing 150 rounds a minute. The guns were probably regulated to fire about 50 bullets a minute.


J. MURPHY, BUTLER, DUNCAN, CHICAGO

MAN FEEL WHIZ OF BULLETS AS

BANDITS SPRAY BUILDING IN ESCAPE

_____


The death dealing spray of the machine guns, trained at the various buildings in the bandits’ route of escape bore mute evidence of the narrow escape from the murderous fire for at least four Brainerd persons.


Chicago Man Dodges Death


It was S. H. Gregg, of Chicago, who came as close as any of the four without feeling the spray of machine gun bullets. Ironically, perhaps, Gregg is a representative of the Zurich General Accident Insurance company.

Gregg narrowly missed being struck by a volley of machine gun bullets as he was pushed into the door of the bank just as the three desperadoes, one of them laden with a large white canvass bag filled with loot, were making their way out of the building.

Just as the bandits stepped from the building, the short, chunky one unleashed a barrage of the machine gun fire into the door. Gregg dove to the floor and pulled himself to the right just escaping the line of fire.

Gregg’s eye-witness account of his escape will be found elsewhere in this edition.

Sitting at his desk reading his morning’s mail, James Murphy, operator of a clothing store, felt the force of a machine gun bullet that crashed through the window of his store, smashed through the paneling of the store window and narrowly missed splitting the letter he was reading. “I felt at once that the bank was held up,” he said. Several other shots splattered against the clothing store, leaving their marks on the building.


Butler Target for Bandit


A target for pistol fire by one of the robbers was Ernest Butler, operator of the Ransford hotel. Going about his accustomed way of feeding birds in front of his hotel, Butler stepped from the foyer with a piece of bread in his hand. He started tearing off bits to toss to the birds when he heard the opening gun of the machine gun barrage. He looked to see the large sedan swing in front of the building and then felt a bullet whiz by his face, fired from the hand of one of the bandits in the speeding car.

He thought that several bullets were fired but the mark of only one bullet, a hole in the glass, was the only evidence of his narrow escape.


Y. M. C. A. Riddled by Slugs


Ora Duncan, janitor at the Y. M. C. A., just missed being hit by about a foot. Standing in the window of the building facing the bank, Duncan heard a shot and looked out. At that moment, the fleeing bandits turned the machine gun on the “Y” spattering it, two slugs shattering the window just above his head. He dropped to the floor, only to be coated with dust and plaster that crashed to the floor as the bullets penetrated entirely through the wall of the building lodging in the ceiling and in the interior walls.

Hans Olson, watchman at the N. P. crossing and John Johnson, section foreman, heard the bullets whistle through the trees of the railroad park as they stood at the crossing.

Olson saw the men leave the bank. A switch engine was at the crossing.


All But Three of

Bank’s Entire Staff

Present at Robbery


All but three members of the entire personnel of the First National bank found what it means to face a machine gun and the threats of daring bank robbers today when the five robbers raided that institution.

The only three absent were George D. LaBar, president, Fred Farrar, vice-president and Henry White, auditor and member of the board of directors.

White was away on his vacation and LaBar and Farrar just missed the bandits presence by a few minutes arriving there shortly after the bandits had fled.

Those herded together in a huddle in the bank include C. H. Boetler, vice-president; Ben Lagerquist, cashier; A. P. Drogseth assistant cashier; Gerhard Flaata, Russell LaCourse, Elsie Schwabe, Edith Frost, Georgia Thompson, Ed. Bjernberg, Esther Butler, George Fricker, janitor; Mr. and Mrs. Peterson janitors.


Lookout Man, Stationed on Outside of

Bank, Shelters Machine Gun in Basket


This is the basket held by the ‘lookout’ outside the First National bank which contained a machine gun covered by a flour sack, 1933.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Ingenuity of the bank robbers was demonstrated in the raid on the First National bank with the ‘lookout’ man stationed on the outside furnishing proof of their versatility of deception.

Dressed in hunting attire, the man stood on the corner near the bank for several hours while his accomplices waited patiently for the bank employees to arrive.

The man allayed suspicion and sheltered a machine gun with which he was equipped with an ordinary woven basket covered with a piece of cloth made from a flour sack.

A cloth, believed to have covered the gun, was found by reporters of The Daily DISPATCH working on the robbery. It was found on what is known as the “gun club” road over which the bandit car is believed to have traversed from No. 2 to No. 18.

The basket, discarded by the bandits when they made their escape was found at the intersection of Sixth and Front streets.


3 Phone Operators

Added to Handle

Huge Volume of Calls


Robbery of the First National bank precipitated such a volume of telephone calls that the switchboard was swamped and three additional operators had to be added by the Northwestern Bell Telephone company here.

Thousands of local calls were handled as neighbors telephone one another of the news of the robbery. The Daily DISPATCH office was flooded with calls asking details.

Scores of long distance calls were received with the bank being the principal point desired, press associations asking details from The Daily DISPATCH and scores of other persons called in an effort to receive news of the robbery.


YOUTH TALKS TO

ROBBER, GETS NO

ENCOURAGEMENT

_____


When Ross Olmsted, Brainerd youth, was walking downtown about 8:30 a. m. this morning, he stopped at the corner of Sixth and Front streets where two men were petting a police dog owned by Egon Reese, local man.

Olmsted stopped to pet the dog and spoke to the men. He received no encouragement from them getting only what he said was a ‘grunt’ in return for his greeting.

The men were the “lookout” and the driver of the car. One of them had a basket which contained the machine gun under his arm.

Resuming his walk down the street, Olmsted a few minutes later returned only to see the men run to their car as the others emerged from the bank.


Girl Brushes Robber


Dorothy Kinney, Brainerd, was on her way to work and was passing the bank just as the robbers backed out of the door. She brushed against one of the bandits and his mask slipped from his face. She just stood and stared, she said. The bandit then brushed her aside and the firing started, the girl stated. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 October 1933, p. 2)


23 October 1933. “Baby Face” Nelson and his gang rob the First National Bank of Brainerd of $32,000, the marks of the bullets can still be seen in the original façade of the bank building. (Witness to Notorious Bank Robbery Dies [Zane Smith], Brainerd Dispatch, 09 June 2003)


IMPERILED IN $32,000 BRAINERD HOLDUP


Ernest Butler, proprietor of the Ransford Hotel, 25 October 1933.
Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune
Assistant cashiers of the bank, from left to right, R. J. LaCourse, G. C. Flaata and A. C. Mraz, 25 October 1933.
Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune
J. H. Murphy, president of the J. F. Murphy Clothing Company of Brainerd, 25 October 1933.
Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune
B. L. Lagerquist, bank cashier, 25 October 1933.
Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune
Wanted poster for George ‘Baby Face’ Nelson, Tommy Carroll and others involved in the First National Bank robbery on 23 October 1933, 16 March 1934. A 1128x1160 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The five bandits who robbed the First National bank of Brainerd, Minn., of $32,000 Monday and spattered the bank and Brainerd’s business district with machine gun slugs, apparently had made good their escape Tuesday. But the citizens of Brainerd still were talking in awed tones about the raid. At the top is Ernest Butler, proprietor of the Ransford hotel, across from the bank. He stepped out with some bread crumbs to toss to the birds Monday morning when he saw the bandit car speed by. A machine gun slug from the car whizzed by his ear, cracking the hotel window. Second from the top are three assistant cashiers of the bank, from left to right, R. J. LaCourse, G. C. Flaata and A. C. Mraz. Mr. Mraz was forced to open the bank vault for the three bandits who entered the bank. As the bandits fled they cut loose with a machine gun barrage. J. H. Murphy, third from the top, president of the J. F. Murphy Clothing Co. of Brainerd, was narrowly missed by several bullets that crashed through his store window. B. L. Lagerquist, bottom, cashier of the bank, had to have new glass installed in his office door. It was splintered by a machine gun volley. (Minneapolis Star Tribune, 25 October 1933, p. 4)


BRAINERD BANK ROBBER ELUDES POLICEMEN NET

Wife Arrested in Raid in

Mill City—Bandit

Arsenal Found

_____


Minneapolis (AP)—A suspect who slugged a detective and escaped Saturday after being trapped in a raid on a south Minneapolis home, which was a veritable arsenal, was identified Sunday as one of the Brainerd bank robbery gang.

C. W. Boteler, vice president of the First National bank of Brainerd, and Robert Titus, bank guard, positively identified the fugitive from photographs Sunday as one of the five mackinawed bandits who got $32,000 in currency and securities from the bank October 23.

Charles Brown, chief of the Bankers Protective association, revealed Saturday the one also has been identified as one of the gang which robbed the Graceville bank of $4,000.


Other Clues Traced

Indications of a possible connection with the Hopkins bank robbery last week was seen also in recovery of $1,600 in new bills in a grip which the suspect tried to carry away from the arsenal.

While the suspect was still at large, his wife who was arrested in Saturday’s raid, was in the city jail along with the owner of the house in which detectives found a machine gun, two high powered rifles and quantities of ammunition. (St. Cloud Daily Times, 13 November 1933, p. 1)


ESCAPED MAN CALLED BANDIT

_____


Prisoner Who Slugged Detec-

tive Linked to Brainerd

Bank Holdup.

_____


A suspect who slugged a detective and escaped Saturday a few moments after being trapped in a raid on the south Minneapolis duplex flat was identified Sunday as one of the Brainerd bank robbery gang.

C. W. Boteler, vice president of the First National bank of Brainerd, and Robert Titus, bank guard, positively identified the fugitive from photographs as one of the five mackinaw-clad bandits who got $32,000 in currency and securities from the bank October 23.


Both Saw Bandits.

Both of the men were forced into a customers’ room by the gangsters who had a machine gun. They had a good opportunity to see the features of the gunmen. They picked out the suspect’s photograph at the city jail for Melvin Passolt, chief of the state bureau of criminal apprehension.

It was the second bank holdup to which the fugitive has been linked. Charles Brown, manager of the protective division of the state bankers’ association, revealed Saturday that the gunman also had been identified as one of the gang which robbed the Graceville bank of $4,000.

Indications of a possible connection with the Hopkins bank robbery last week were seen also in a recovery of $1,600 in new bills in a grip which the suspect tried to carry away from the residence on Sixteenth avenue south, just beyond Lake street.


Bills Still in Wrappers.

Some of the bills were still packed in their wrappers, with serial numbers still in order, as was the case with part of the Hopkins loot. The numbers will be checked Monday.

While the suspect was still at large, his wife, who was arrested in Saturday’s raid, was in the city jail along with the owner of the house in which detectives found a machine gun, two high powered rifles, and quantities of ammunition.

A truck, stolen shortly after the escape of the fugitive, from in front of 3306 Bloomington avenue, was found abandoned Sunday at Summit and Fremont avenues. It was returned to its owner, Roy T. Gustafson of 3024 Fourteenth avenue south. (Minneapolis Star Tribune, 13 November 1933, p. 2)


BANK SUES FOR SEIZED $1,600

_____


Files Garnishment Against

Cash Taken in Raid on

Minneapolis Residence.

_____


The First National Bank of Brainerd, Minn., Tuesday filed a garnishment proceeding in Hennepin county district court against $1,600 seized by Minneapolis police Saturday in a raid on a south Minneapolis residence, believed to be a bank robbers’ hideout.

Named in the proceeding were Tommy Carroll, identified as the man who escaped the raid after slugging Detective Adam Smith, Chief of Police John T. Hart and Detective Frank P. Forestal. The cash now is held by the Minneapolis police department.

It has not been definitely identified as part of the $32,000 taken in the Brainerd bank robbery three weeks ago.

But, according to Walter Gordon of the Burns detective agency office in Minneapolis, Carroll has been identified by officials of the Brainerd bank as one of the bandits who took part in the Brainerd bank raid. Carroll still is at large. This identification forms the basis for the garnishment action.

Carroll is under $15,000 bond compelling his appearance in federal district court at La Crosse, Wis., Thursday to face mail robbery charges, according to Mr. Gordon. Minnesota crime bureau operatives and Burns men will be on hand in La Crosse to pick him up if he appears there.

Meanwhile Minneapolis police were seeking the identities of the six bandits who fled early Monday after an unsuccessful robbery attempt at the Marquette National bank and the Marquette Trust Co., 517 Marquette avenue. (Minneapolis Star Tribune, 15 November 1933, p. 13)


CARROLL FORFEITS MAIL RAID BOND


Tommy Carroll, whose picture had been identified as similar to one of the machine gun bandits who raided the First National Bank of Brainerd, Minn., three weeks ago, Thursday forfeited $15,000 bond when he failed to appear in federal district court at La Crosse, Wis., to face trial on mail robbery charges. Carroll escaped custody of two Minneapolis detectives last Saturday after they captured him in a raid on a south Minneapolis residence. He slugged Adam Smith, one of the detectives, took Smith’s gun and ran off shirtless and barefooted leaving behind a satchel containing a machine gun and $1,600 in new bank notes. (Minneapolis Star Tribune, 17 November 1933, p. 17)


Raided Bank Sues Suspect for $34,242

_____


Action Says Nothing About

Robbery—Defendant

Difficult to Find.

_____


Deputy sheriffs probably will have to look a long time to serve papers on the defendant in this civil suit, filed by the First National bank of Brainerd in Hennepin county district court Tuesday. The Brainerd bank was robbed October 24 [sic] [23] of about $35,000.

The suit says nothing about the robbery. It merely alleges that one Tommy Carroll, also known under a few aliases, owes the bank $34,242.94, and asks a judgement against Mr. Carroll for that sum with interest from October 24 [sic] [23], the day the alleged debt was contracted.

Mr. Carroll is the man who kicked Detective Adam Smith in the face in south Minneapolis to escape arrest. Mr. Carroll escaped in his bare feet, but he left behind a machine gun and a suitcase containing $1,600 in new currency.

By some means police connected the $1,600 left by Mr. Carroll with the loot taken by the Brainerd bank robbers. The bank previously had filed a garnishment proceeding against Mr. Carroll and the Minneapolis police department in order to recover that money, which now reposes in a police safe at headquarters.

But collecting the $34,242.94 allegedly owed the bank by Mr. Carroll—that will be different. In order to get him into court deputy sheriffs first must find him and serve him with legal notice that he owes the bank money.

Mr. Carroll is difficult to find. (Minneapolis Star Tribune, 06 December 1933, p. 17)


BANK WILL OBTAIN SUSPECTS’ ARSENAL


A machine gun and several pistols which were left in Minneapolis by Tommy Carroll, elusive bank robbery suspect, when he fled from here November 13, will be turned over to the First National bank of Brainerd, Minn., under a judgement obtained Thursday. The bank was given a default judgment against Carroll in the amount of $34,242.94 but all the institution can get at this time will be $1,582 in new bank notes, a small coupe, the guns, a suitcase and some personal belongings. (Minneapolis Star Tribune, 29 December 1933, p. 4)


24 March 1934. That Tommy Carroll and “Baby Face” Nelson are both definitely sought in the $32,000 robbery of the First National Bank here last October was evidenced when law officers received wanted posters showing their pictures, criminal records and fingerprints. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 26 March 2014)


08 June 1934. A man identified as Tommy Carroll, notorious Dillinger gangster, was shot and critically wounded in Waterloo, Iowa, today. Employees of the 1st National Bank in Brainerd had identified him through photos as being one of those who held up the bank last October. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 08 June 2014)


24 August 1934. A second suspect in last year’s $32,000 robbery of the 1st National Bank here was killed by withering gunfire from St. Paul police. Homer Van Meter, sleepy-eyed machine gunner of the Dillinger gang, was the man who stood lookout on the corner as the gang robbed the Brainerd bank. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 24 August 2014)


New First National Bank Building, 1970.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

28 November 1934. Finding the bullet-riddled body of George “Baby Face” Nelson in a roadside ditch near Niles Center, Illinois, marks the death of the last of the bank robbers who robbed Brainerd’s 1st National Bank of $32,000 just a year ago. Nelson was killed in a shoot-out with two FBI agents, both of whom also died. (The Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 28 November 2014)


SEE: Bank of Brainerd

SEE: Hartley Bank Building


FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

First Presbyterian Church built in 1890 on the southwest corner of South Eighth and Norwood Streets.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 January 1908

The church was officially organized in February, 1888. This church held its first meetings in Gardner Hall. A year later it met in the YMCA building and began raising funds to build their own structure. In May, 1890, work was begun on a building on land purchased at Eighth and Norwood. On 18 September 1890 the first service was held in the newly completed building. (The Word, a Century with Our Churches, Brainerd, Minnesota 1871-1971, p. 24)


FRANKLIN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL (MAP #58)

Franklin Junior High School at the corner of 10th and Juniper, ca. 1950.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

Built in 1932-33 [sic] [1931-1933], at a cost of $300,000, on the corner of North Tenth and Juniper Streets, it houses grades seven through nine. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 49 & 141)


VOTE ON JUNIOR HIGH NEXT SPRING

_____


Resolution Adopted by School Board

Calls for Special Vote at

City Election


A resolution providing for a special election to be held at the time of the regular city election in April for the purpose of voting on the question of a new Junior high school building for this city, was read by the secretary and, after careful consideration was adopted.

The resolution covering the board’s action calling for a special vote on the Junior high school follows:

It appearing to the satisfaction of the Board of Education of the Brainerd school district, after a careful investigation and survey;

That the present school buildings, rooms, space and facilities are inadequate to meet the present and immediate future educational needs of the Brainerd school district;

That it is advisable and necessary to acquire a new and additional school site and erect a Junior high school building thereon, at a total cost of not to exceed $260,000.00;

That the funds on hand with resources of the district are sufficient to justify an expenditure of such amount for that purpose, without the necessity of issuing any further bonds or increasing the present tax levy;

That the property hereinafter described, commonly known as the “Fill Site,” and which has been heretofore designated by the electors of the Brainerd school district, as a school site, is the best located property known to the Board of Education, for such school site, to wit: All of Block 82 in the Town of Brainerd and the First Addition to the Town of Brainerd, according to the record plats thereof respectively;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that it is deemed advisable and expedient, that the Brainerd school district acquire by purchase or condemnation under the right of eminent domain, the following described property, located in the City of Brainerd, County of Crow Wing and State of Minnesota, to wit:

All of Block 82 in the Town of Brainerd and the First addition to the Town of Brainerd according to the recorded plats thereof, respectively, for the purpose of a new or additional “school site;” sell, dispose of and remove the buildings therefrom, and erect and construct a Junior high school building thereon, at a total cost of not to exceed the sum of $260,000.00.

That a special election in said Brainerd school district, be, and the same hereby is called, to be held therein, on the 7th day of April 1931, between the hours of 6 a. m. and 8 p. m., for the purpose of submitting to the voters of said school district, the proposition of acquiring, by purchase or condemnation proceedings, for the Brainerd school district, the following described property located in the City of Brainerd, County of Crow Wing and State of Minnesota, to wit: All of Block 82 in the Town of Brainerd, and the First Addition to the Town of Brainerd, according to the plats thereof duly recorded, respectively, for the purpose of a new or additional school site; sell, dispose of and remove the buildings therefrom and erect and construct a Junior high school building thereon, at a total cost of not to exceed $260,000.00. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 February 1931, p. 5, c. 2)


An Unusual Situation

_____


AN unusual situation in Brainerd and one that will be favorably commented on throughout the state is the fact that Brainerd school district, with the approval of the voters, is prepared to inaugurate the building of a Junior high school, the program of site, building, etc., covering an estimated outlay of $260,000, all accomplished without issuing any further bonds nor in raising rates of taxation.

The spirit of economy shown by the board, wise management, taking advantage of all possible state aid and other favorable conditions wisely made use of, has enabled the Brainerd school district to amass funds for this ambitious school project.

As stated in the resolution adopted by the board: “That the funds on hand with resources of the district are sufficient to justify expenditure of such amount ($260,000) for that purpose, without the necessity of issuing at further bonds or increasing the present tax levy.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 February 1931, p. 4, c. 1)


EDITOR COMMENTS ON JUNIOR HIGH

_____


Minneapolis Tribune Praises Com-

munity Thrift and Administra-

tion of Affairs


Under the head “Community Thrift Pays a Dividend,” the Minneapolis Tribune this morning carried the following editorial pertaining to the proposed Junior High School for Brainerd:

The city of Brainerd, Minnesota, is about to enjoy a dividend resulting from community thrift and wise administration of its school district affairs.

It will take the form of a new junior high school building estimated to cost $260,000. It is a needed improvement which promises to pass the test of public approval of the city’s voters. The outstanding fact about it is that it will be built without raising taxation or increasing the city’s bonded debt.

Back of this, of course, is a record of careful administration of school district affairs by a board of education serving without salary, but taking its duties none the less seriously. This board carried out policies of economy and management that are now written in a record of concrete results no doubt appreciated by all the city’s business interests and all its taxpayers.

Most evidently the board began a long time ago looking ahead to the future school needs of the city, saving to meet them, taking advantage of every feature of state school aid and building up a fund which is now available, together with other resources, in such a way that a fine and needed public improvement is assured without a higher rate of taxation and without any new first mortgages going on the books as liens upon the community’s future credit resources.

Such records of public service are somewhat unusual. They are the fulfillment of a public improvement policy possible in every community, but achieved in few. Brainerd is an average growing city. Its experience in financing a school costing $260,000 without adding to taxes or selling new bonds ought to be interesting to other cities which soon will find it necessary to make considerable public expenditures for like improvements. Some remarkable things are done by men charged with public responsibility who take their jobs seriously and know their business. The men who have administered the fiscal policy of the Brainerd school district quite evidently come within that group. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 February 1931, p. 5, c.’s 3 & 4)


The resolution relating to the special election for voting on the proposed new junior high school was read and approved by the board. The judges and clerks of election were designated to be the same as will officiate at the regular city election, April 7. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 March 1931, p. 5, c. 1)


LAND PURCHASE FOR SCHOOL, VOTE ISSUE

_____


Selection of North Side for Junior

High to be Decided

on April 7


Voters of Brainerd will be called upon April 7 to decide if they want the new junior high school on the north side location favored by the Brainerd Board of Education.

Cost of constructing the school had been approved by a former city vote.

The question appearing on the ballot of the special election of the Brainerd school district in connection with the regular city election follows:

Question?

Shall the Board of Education of the Brainerd School District be authorized to acquire, by purchase or condemnation under the right of eminent domain the following described property, located in the City of Brainerd, County of Crow Wing and State of Minnesota to wit:

All of Block 82 in the Town of Brainerd and the First Addition to the Town of Brainerd, according to the recorded plats thereof, respectively, for the purpose of a new or additional School Site, sell, dispose of and remove the buildings therefrom and erect and construct a Junior High school building thereon, at a total cost of not to exceed $260,000.00. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 March 1931, p. 2, c. 5)


CONGESTION RELIEF IN SCHOOLS OFFERED

_____


Board of Education Presents Proposi-

tion of New Junior

High School

_____


PURPOSES ARE OUTLINED

_____


Acceptance of Plan Means Modern

Buildings for 60 Percent

of Students


(By Board of Education)

Yesterday’s article in this paper discussed the use of the six basement rooms in our schools. As a matter of fact, there are seven such rooms and during a considerable part of this year and last all seven were in use.

We now will present the question as to whether the three large grade buildings, the Lowell, Lincoln and Harrison, are overcrowded. It might be said in this connection that the Board of Education, consisting of four members and representing all sections of this city, are and have been in practical agreement on this matter. Inasmuch as they meet on the average twice each month and received detailed reports at regular intervals concerning the condition of the schools, it is reasonable to suppose that they are better informed as to crowded conditions than the average citizen.

In a written communication to the Board of Education on April 3, 1930, the State Department of Education, after its inspectors H. E. Flynn and Theodore Utne had visited our grade schools and gone through nearly every room, informed us that our grade schools were seriously overcrowded and urged that this condition be corrected. The inspectors did not criticize the structure of any of our grade buildings, they recognized their substantial construction. Their chief criticism was directed against the basement rooms with the ceiling heat and insufficient light.

It is reasonable to suppose that the state inspectors, who visit all of the schools in the state each year, are in a better position than anyone else to determine when a school is overcrowded under modern, present-day standards. Undoubtedly, the time was when a single school room enrolled 40, 50, or even 60 pupils, in charge of a single teacher, but that day has passed. Today, 30 pupils per teacher is considered a desirable number and about 35 a reasonable limit beyond which it is unwise to go if efficiency is to be maintained.

From the records of our schools for the current month of March, 12 grade rooms reported 37 or more pupils actually belonging, four of which number contained 40 or more pupils.

From the year 1921 to the present time, with the single exception of one year, the enrollment and attendance in our schools has shown a steady increase, and during the last five years the increase each year in actual attendance has been from 50 to 75 pupils in excess of the year preceding. For the present year it may even reach 100. These statements are all a matter of record that can easily be verified.

If it is true that the grade schools are at present overcrowded, the next question to be considered would very naturally be how to build intelligently and economically to meet this situation.

The State Department has offered its suggestion on this subject.

The Board of Education, after very careful deliberation and much discussion have, by resolution, presented the proposition of a new Junior High school building to relieve the crowded condition. The proposed new building is planned to provide modern school room facilities for 500 pupils and a majority of these pupils are to come from the 6th, 7th and 8th grades while one-half of the large freshmen class will also be housed in the building. The number of Second and Third Ward pupils to be transferred from the present high school building, estimated at about 200, should afford immediate relief to the crowded condition at the Lincoln and Harrison, while the transfer of 6th and 7th grade pupils from the Lowell will furnish the necessary relief at the Lowell, the Whittier not being overcrowded at the present time.

But the proposed new building, if provided, will do much more than to relieve a crowded condition in the schools. It will make possible the operation of our school system, beginning with the 7th grade, on the Junior-Senior high school plan, which is the modern way of dealing with secondary education. It is probably not yet well understood by a large number of people what the Junior high school plan really is, and it is impracticable, in a brief newspaper article, to attempt a complete explanation. The fact that more than 75 Minnesota schools, including all the larger cities of Minnesota, have adopted the plan, and the additional fact that the Minnesota Department of Education is revising its secondary curriculum in accord with the Junior high school scheme, should of itself furnish strong argument for its merit.

The Junior high school movement was started in order to correct an unfortunate condition that exists in the three grades, 7th, 8th and 9th. It was an attempt to give a more nearly square deal to a large group of pupils who dropped out of school because the curriculum did not furnish the thing most needed in their future vocation in life. It contemplated the recognition of the marked individual differences that existed among the pupils and its aims were to furnish to the different groups the things most needed according to their individual talents and inclinations.

The Junior high school idea recognized that eight years was too long a time to be spent in purely elementary grades and it started with the assumption that the 7th grade should be the beginning of a 6-year high school period. It divided this period into two groups the Junior and Senior groups, and it contemplated that a considerable group, composed of the slower class of pupils, would complete a definite course of practical education adapted to their needs and complete their schooling at the end of the 9th year, while other groups looking toward more specialized professional careers would go on and complete the Senior course. The Junior high school idea contemplated the offering of more vocational work to both boys and girls, to more vocational guidance on the part of trained teachers, of more of the practical arts actually applied in addition to their book knowledge, and it had in mind the offering of more electives or choice of courses beginning with the 8th grade.

The above statements are but the merest outline of the purpose of the Junior high school plan. Volumes have been written on this subject and the idea has spread more rapidly that any other educational movement in the last quarter of a century.

The general acceptance of the Junior-Senior high school plan for secondary education throughout the country generally, and our own state in particular, is of itself, one of the strongest indications of the success of the movement.

In order to adopt this plan for high school education, beginning with the 7th grade, it is absolutely necessary that the building plant for its successful operation be adapted for the purpose intended.

Our splendid new high school building that we now have, one of the best of its kind in Minnesota, and the pride of all of our citizens, was designed and built by its architect as a Junior-Senior high school building, with all the accessory rooms needed for its successful operation under the six-year high school period plan.

The proposed new building project will make possible the carrying out of this Junior high school plan for all the children of Brainerd from the 7th grade up.

If the proposed building plan is carried out, it will mean that at least 60 per cent of the school children in Brainerd will be housed in thoroughly modern school buildings, with proper light, proper ventilation, and proper sanitary conditions, which is not the case at the present time. The above are some of the reasons why the Board of Education are submitting this building project to the voters on April 7.

They are not asking for any additional bond issue, they do not believe that it will be necessary to increase the taxes but they do believe that, if the vote is favorable, the school building condition in Brainerd will not be subject to the criticism both locally and from state sources as they have been in the past. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 April 1931, p. 7, c.’s 1 & 2)


The School Situation

_____


FROM the information made public by the Board of Education the need of a new school building is imperative to give proper housing for all the children enrolled in the public schools.

The construction of the new high school building recently, gave adequate and ample facilities for high school students, but did not solve the need for proper housing of the grades. This was known to the board when the new high school was built, and their program then contemplated the construction of a junior high school building to take care of the congestion in the grade schools just as quickly as the finances of the board permitted. That time has now arrived, and it is for this reason the board is now asking authority to build a junior high.

According to the board there is need for providing school room for 350 pupils who are now cared for in six poorly heated, badly ventilated basement rooms, hallways, or in an overcrowded condition of the regular school rooms. The plan of the board to relieve this situation is to build the proposed junior high, which will accommodate 500 pupils, enough to care for present needs, and also room for an increase of 150 pupils in the future.

The congestion in the grades is in all the schools, both north and south of the track. By withdrawing all the eighth and ninth grade pupils from the north and northeast sides now in the high school building, ample room will be provided for the congestion in the grades in the south and southeast sides and, of course, the new school will take care of the congestion on the north side.

This plan also introduces the junior high school plan which is now used in every city in the state except Brainerd—thus giving Brainerd a more modern and better plan of school organization.

Many other methods were considered by the board to relieve the congestion in the grades, but all were rejected in favor of the junior high plan as now proposed.

Therefore, if you want adequate school facilities for the children of the city, vote “yes” on the lavender ballot at Tuesday’s election. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 April 1931, p. 4, c. 1)


DR. RIBBEL EXPLAINS SCHOOLS SITUATION

_____


His Address Covers Thoroughly

Phases of School Accommoda-

tion in Brainerd

_____


URGES JUNIOR HIGH PLAN

_____


Proposal of Board is Honest Attempt

to Give Equal Advantages

to All


The address given by Dr. G. H. Ribbel at the Rotary and Lions club meeting this week so clearly outlined the true status of the schools situation in Brainerd that the Dispatch is glad to print it verbatim for the enlightenment of its readers and voters of the city.

Dr. Ribbel, member of the Brainerd board of Education in the second ward spoke as follows:

In beginning the discussion of this proposal that a new junior high school be erected north of the tracks it is entirely unnecessary to appeal to your sense of fair play and justice. There can be no discussion along ward lines but rather to consider the problem as affecting the population of Brainerd as a whole. With this in mind I will begin by demonstrating to you the necessity for additional school rooms.

At the close of the last month the Harrison and Lincoln schools had an average attendance each of 238 and that of the Lowell of 450. As these building are normally planned the two former should properly care for 240 pupils and the latter school 300. Inasmuch as these schools are caring for the number that they are it is quite plain that considerable overcrowding exists. In order to take care of the excessive number of pupils basement rooms are conducted in these three school buildings. These basement rooms, owing to the fact that they are makeshift although every effort has been expended by the board to make them as desirable as possible, have inadequate lighting, poor heating arrangement, and very inadequate ventilation.


Not Fair to Children

The light is obtained through ordinary small basement windows that do not permit of extension in size. The heating is necessarily overhead and the ventilation so poor as to be nearly negligible. During the past winter in taking the temperature in the basement rooms of the Lincoln building at head height it was found to be 82 degrees while at floor level a temperature of 52 degrees existed. I think the public will readily agree that the situation is hardly fair to young children who often attend the school with wet feet. In order to secure some measure of ventilation it is at times necessary to open an overhead window. Pupils are seated less than three feet away from these windows and this too is a condition that you must agree with me as being undesirable. In order to provide further ventilation, there being some 30 pupils in a rather small room, the doors to the basement rooms are left open. The toilet facilities of these buildings are all contained in the basement. And—with the number of pupils using them, in spite of the fact that every precaution is taken to maintain them in a clean and sanitary condition, it is impossible to prevent the air from being badly contaminated from these nearby toilets.

The attention of the board has been called very forcefully to this condition by parents and teachers of these building. Without going into further detail it is very evident that over 200 pupils who are occupying these basement rooms are being penalized in being forced to attend school under such conditions.

If these buildings were occupied to the capacity of which they were intended of 240 in the Harrison and Lincoln and 360 in the Lowell, or in other words if the basement rooms were discontinued the pupils attending these schools would be adequately and properly cared for were it not for the fact that many of the other classes are overcrowded.

Rooms containing 40 pupils or even more than 35 are considerably overcrowded when the satisfactory number of pupils per room recognized by educators is 30. There are many rooms containing more than the proper number of 30.


300 Not Properly Cared For

To sum up the situation there are in excess of 300 pupils in the public school system who are not properly taken care of from a standpoint of room. The Board of Education has for a long time considered every suggestion made to it endeavoring to correct the crowded conditions and the proposition that they are submitting to the voters in the coming election asking for the authorization to erect a junior high school is the solution arrived at by the entire Board of Education.

The old buildings are too good to scrap entirely and their type of construction does not permit of economic or satisfactory additions. If a junior high school is erected north of the tracks the following changes in the distribution of pupils can be made. From the Washington high school building would be transferred the pupils of the eighth grade and the freshman high school class who reside north of the tracks to the new junior high school. This would provide ample space in the present Washington high school building so that the seventh and eighth grades and freshman class of those living south of the tracks would compose a second junior high school organization for that district. It would be also possible to transfer sixth grade pupils to this building if it were necessary, the whole making it possible to entirely vacate basement rooms south of the tracks. In the same manner sixth grade pupils living north of the tracks could be transferred to the new junior high school, making it possible in that district to also entirely eliminate the basement rooms and overcrowded conditions.

It is therefore evident that in building, it would overcome the fault of overcrowding in the grade buildings, and in addition to this would make a major improvement in the setup of our present school system. The junior high school system is not a new and untried plan but is meeting with only approval throughout the country. There is no city the size of Brainerd in the state of Minnesota that does not employe the junior high school system and there are many cities smaller than Brainerd that do. Surely Brainerd should not lag in offering educational opportunities to its young people. At first thought, it would seem that in conducting two separate junior high schools that there would be a large number of new teachers employed. There would not be more than four or possibly six new teachers engaged because we are hiring teachers on the basis of student load per teacher insofar as it is possible.


No Increase in Taxes

We would have for this reason more teachers at the present time if we had rooms for them to conduct classes in. It is true that there would be an additional cost in the physical maintenance of another building but these costs are always extremely low in a school district budget compared with the item of teacher’ salaries. It is the unanimous opinion of the Board of Education after a careful study of their budget and the proposed plan that a new junior high school building can be erected and the suggested school system operated without an increased levy in taxes.

The Board of Education is not asking the public to authorize an issue of bonds. They do actually possess the cash on hand to erect the proposed building and their income is sufficient if unchanged to adequately operate the proposed school system.

I could supply you with detailed financial information respecting the condition of the school district but I realize that in listening to a talk that it would be very difficult for you to carry away any of this information other than that I could prove the contention that I have just presented to you, so I will refrain from occupying the time further with such details.


No Better Site Suggested

The proposed junior high school would be erected on Block 82 or a site commonly known as the Fill Site, bounded by Kingwood street, Tenth street, Juniper street, and the ravine between the second and third wards. Some people have objected to this site but so far no one has been able to suggest a better one. It is centrally located in respect to the school populations of the people living north of the tracks. Fewer people would be disturbed and less property would be taken from the tax list than in any other site. The real and true value of this block as taken from the county records is $15,200 and that the taxes annually derived from this property is slightly over $600 per year. Appraisals by two thoroughly competent real estate men have been submitted to the Board of Education and it is the Board’s opinion that under no circumstances could a cost accrue to the district of more than $30,000. It would seem that such a settlement would be a very generous one indeed. However, opponents to the erection of a new junior high school have placed valuation on this property to an amount of $50,000 and in some cases to the ridiculous amount of $100,000.

It is regrettable that opponents of a much needed public improvement would permit themselves to make such extravagant statements in the hope that voters would oppose the site. The plan of a new junior high school building in Brainerd is not a new one and considering the fact that there has been no constructive opposing plan ever suggested it would seem that those who oppose the suggested plan are either selfishly interested in the matter to the extent of being willing to penalize the children of Brainerd or that people are opposing the suggested school through the influence of the misrepresentations made to them by a few selfish interests.

It has appeared evident that there has always been a concerted effort to divide the opinions of those voters who have the best interest of the schools at heart. It has been possible in the past to appeal to ward prejudices and class feeling to the extent that the Brainerd school district has suffered.


Benefits Entire City

The proposal offered by the Board of Education is not for any one ward or any one group of citizens but rather is an honest attempt to give equal advantages to all the Brainerd school children and to modernize our school system.

I sincerely hope and trust that you will bear this fact in mind when you are considering the question in relation to your vote and I cannot help but feel that if you do so and leave aside all feeling of selfishness and prejudice that the vote will be overwhelming in favor of the question submitted.

If you would support the Board of Education in their plan, vote “yes” in the coming election. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 April 1931, p. 7, c.’s 1-3; p. 8, c. 1)


Picture of Proposed Junior High School at Dispatch Office

_____


An architect’s drawing of a proposed junior high school is on display at the Dispatch office. It was sketched by Croft & Boerner, who were the architects of the Brainerd high school. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 April 1931, p. 2, c. 4)


CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL TAKE UP SLACK

_____


If Voted in, Junior High School Will

be Built by Local

Labor

_____


EVERYBODY TO BENEFIT

_____


Conclusive Theories Have Been Ad-

vanced Showing Advantages

to Brainerd


(By Board of Education)

With the strong endorsement of the new building project by the various Parent Teacher organizations of Brainerd and by our city papers who reflect public sentiment, it would seem that the new building proposal should go over strong next Tuesday.

If such is the case it should help in no small way, to solve the non-employment problem in this city, after the months of depression and short pay envelopes.

It is expected that so far as possible, Brainerd labor will be given the preference on the working in the building project.

This should react to the benefit of our merchants as well as laborers, as merchants cannot sell goods unless patrons have the wherewithal to buy.

It has been pointed out that the school district is in excellent shape financially to handle the project.

It has been demonstrated that it can be done without increasing the taxes.

It has been shown that it will improve our school system by making it possible to put in operation the junior high school plan of upper grade organization.

Let us hope that the voters will do their part and give it a splendid endorsement at the polls. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 April 1931, p. 7, c. 1)


FINAL APPEAL MADE TO VOTERS

_____


School Board Offers What it Believes

Most Feasible Plan in School

Improvement

_____


TO RELIEVE OVERCROWDING

_____


Brainerd School District Financially

Able to Provide New Junior

High School


(The Brainerd Board of Education)

To the voters of the Brainerd school district.

On the eve of the regular city election and on the eve of the special election of the Brainerd school district, the members of the Board of Education desire to stress the necessity for every voter to go to the polls tomorrow and express his views on the school building program offered by the Board of Education.

The board is offering to the voters what they sincerely believe to be the most feasible plan for relieving the deplorable and crowded condition in our grade buildings at the present time and for putting our city and schools on a par with other cities and schools in an educational way.

We have stated in previous articles that the Board of Education can do this and not increase local school taxes.

We assure the voters that we are still of this opinion based on our experience in the past and on careful thoughtful investigation.

We have endeavored to give the facts pertaining to this question in order to assist the voter in drawing his own conclusions.

This question is of more vital concern to the school children of Brainerd for many years to come that to any or all members of the Board of Education.

The committee of the Board in considering what the public would very naturally consider the “essential facts,” formulated the following questions:

1. Are the grade schools really crowded?

2. Will a new junior high school, such as is proposed, relieve the congestion?

3. Is the Brainerd school district in shape financially to provide the new building without increasing the tax burden?

A correct answer to the above questions naturally involves a knowledge of school finance and taxation, together with some accurate information concerning the needs of children during their enforced “six hours per day” in the schools. It must be remembered that the child has certain rights in these matters that should not be ignored.

The Womanless Wedding, a Parent Teacher organization benefit, May 9-10, 1928. A 2036x892 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

We believe, as we have stated before, in this connection, that members of the Parent Teachers organizations and members of the Board of Education have a better first-hand knowledge of these questions than an average individual.

The members of the board and the members of the Parent Teachers organizations have already spoken. It remains to be seen what the voters will do.

So far as we can learn, the crowded condition in the grades of the Brainerd schools is pretty generally conceded. The reminders received each year from the State Department of Education and the frequent complaints from irritated parents whose children are housed in basement rooms have left the board with little doubt as to whether their schools are crowded.

Concerning the second question: “Will a new junior high school relieve the congestion?” it looks to us like a simple problem in arithmetic. If the proposed new building is constructed to house 500 pupils, unless it is left vacant, we cannot see how it could fail to relieve congestion. It is most centrally located. It is the plan St. Cloud, our neighboring city, employed a year ago to relieve the congestion in their grades; will do it for Brainerd if given the chance.

A communication in the Dispatch on Saturday evening might lead one to conclude that the writer thought the proposed new building too small to afford any relief as the writer stated that within a brief time the schools would be calling for another building.

On the other hand, we hear it rumored that certain opponents of the project object to a new building on the grounds that certain classrooms are alleged to be unused at the new high school at the present time. It is true that certain rooms in the new high school building, particularly the chemical laboratory, the physics laboratory, and the art rooms are not in use during the entire school day. There are also some small housekeeping rooms in connection with the cooking department that have not, thus far, been put to daily use. The insinuation, however, that there are a considerable number of classrooms that are not used would be misleading. Some of our high school teaching staff have no regular recitation rooms of their own but use vacant rooms for their classes in different parts of the building. It is fully intended, in case the new building project receives favorable consideration, to take up all the slack in the present high school building as rapidly as possible and offer the necessary relief to the Harrison and Lincoln by so doing. It is fortunate indeed that such is the case and should help to answer the objection that the relief offered to the Harrison and Lincoln would be inadequate.

Another matter mentioned in the communicated article in the Brainerd Dispatch on Saturday evening, related to the alleged promise of the board of Education that if the present new high school were provided it would relieve the crowded condition in the schools for many years to come. Is it possible that the writer has forgotten the proposal of the Board of Education at the time the present high school building was constructed? Does the writer forget that the Board of Education considered it necessary to present the need of two buildings to the voters in order to meet the requirement of the schools as they saw it at the time? Has the writer overlooked the fact that the Board of Education, both the present one and their predecessors have been fully aware all of the time that the present high school building, though ample for the needs of a four-year high school would not relieve the congestion throughout the city?

It is true that one of the building projects at the time the present high school building was voted on was declared lost on account of the failure of the proposed $100,000.00 bond issue to receive a majority of the total votes. Since that time, however, the surplus in the school treasury has been steadily increasing each year above the current schools needs, and the Board of Education is satisfied that a new building can be built and paid for without a resort to additional bonds and without increasing the taxes. All that the Board of Education desires is authorization to go ahead and build the proposed building.

The committee of the Board of Education have also been informed that a report is being circulated that a large additional teaching force will be needed and employed at the new junior high school if the proposition receives a favorable vote. It is reported also, in this connection, that an exaggerated presentation of the cost of maintenance, engineer and janitor service, is being spread among the voters.

Of course, there will be a staff of teachers in the new building, but they will be, in the main, transferred from the other buildings, as was done when the 8th grade classes were moved to the new high school. For example, one-half of the teachers of the freshmen class (which now numbers about 300) would naturally be assigned to the new building. A similar procedure would prevail with reference to the grade teachers. It doubtless will be necessary to employ an additional teacher of home economics and manual training, but the latter has been sorely needed for a number of years as many of our 7th grade pupils have been unable to receive manual training work on account of the impossibility for one teacher to do the work for 7th, 8th and 9th grades. The state has fixed a reasonable standard for the pupil load of each teacher in both a junior and senior high school. The ratio in a senior high school, is recommended at one teacher for 25 pupils, and in junior high school one teacher to 30 pupils as the desirable number. The scare concerning a greatly increased teaching force is not based upon facts. This matter has been repeatedly discussed at length by the Board of Education with all members present. Some of the subjects offered in the proposed new building may be grouped under a single teacher as, for example, manual training and physical education, home economics and elementary science, as these are related subjects.

On the financial phase of the new building project, it is hard to believe that voters will accept rumors and guesses in preference to the public statement of facts by the Board of Education.

In spite of the heavy outlays necessary in completing and equipping our present new high school building, a surplus over and above the necessary expenditures has been steadily accumulating. What to do with this accumulated surplus has been a perplexing problem with the Board of Education and has been considered and discussed at great length. Would it not appear to be the logical and right thing to use this surplus for the benefit of the school children in all of the schools of this city and offer a plan of junior high high school education such as is offered in practically all of the best schools in this and other states?

We have a larger public school in Brainerd than many of our people realize, larger last year than St. Cloud, Albert Lea or Mankato. We have a larger annual revenue than many of our citizens realize, due, in no small degree, to the gross earnings money, the supplemental aid money, and state apportionment in excess of $16,000 each year.

It is very likely that many of our citizens do not realize that the special state aid last year totaled more than $73,000, and that with the state supplement it will probably exceed $90,000 for the current year. Some of our citizens may not be aware that a forty-mill school tax is required in order to draw the $32,000 of gross earning money. Some of our citizens are not aware that, with this local tax and the various items of state aid, the annual revenue of our school district in each year is about $225,000. Many may not be aware that the difference between the normal cost for operating the schools and the annual increase furnishes a considerable margin of difference from which our surplus is derived. We trust that the voters will take all of these facts into consideration when casting their ballots tomorrow. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 April 1931, p. 3, c.’s 1-3)


A Most Important School Question

_____


THE voters will be called upon tomorrow to cast their ballots on one of the most important school questions that has ever come before them.

The voters are really being called upon to accept or reject the Junior High School type of upper grade education.

The question really is, “Shall Brainerd continue under the old eight grades and remain practically in a class by itself,” or “Shall Brainerd line up with the other cities of her class?”

The voter should keep before him as he casts his ballot that the eyes of many people will be focused on our city as a prospective place of residence on account of its central location and other natural advantages of lakes and climate such as few cities offer.

The kind of school and school buildings will be one of the major conditions that will appeal to a prospective newcomer with a growing family.

Shall we make our school system the equal of any in this state of excellent schools?

We have already made a start in that direction by erecting one school building the equal of any of its kind. Shall we complete the picture and the program by voting an emphatic “Yes” to the Junior High School project and thereby adopt the modern plan for secondary schools?

The type of education offered a generation ago will not meet the requirements of this modern day, 1931.

Our pupils, in this busy machine age, must have a better and different type of training, from that of their parents, in order to meet the changed conditions.

The schools, to a very large extent, will be called upon to provide for the changed conditions.

The schools, to a very large extent, will be called upon to provide for the changed conditions.

We cannot hope to live in the past, to operate our schools as in a past generation.

We must courageously and resolutely turn our eyes toward the future.


Last Minute Tactics

_____


IT has just come to our attention that a “Volunteer committee against the Junior High School” are having a circular prepared with the heading “Vote Against” which will be distributed as a last minute attack on the actions of the school board who favor the new Junior High School. You can answer this last minute attack best by voting “yes” on the lavender school ballot tomorrow. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 April 1931, p. 4, c. 1)


Brainerd Faces Future Unafraid

_____


BRAINERD faces the future courageously. The city has surmounted obstacles in the past which would have shocked the stoutest hearts.

The day the big sawmill [Brainerd Lumber Company] closed shop and the timber line faded, many had misgivings about the future of Brainerd. But shortly after there came the development of the iron area and in its train wonderful business possibilities for the city and increased prosperity for the farming area.

When iron production reached its peak, doubters were heard again, but Brainerd came to the forefront with the lake region and its development. Coupled with improved highways, trunk and county, many of the 700 lakes within easy motoring distance of Brainerd became accessible and a wide and increasing trade area has been built up.

The town is constantly improving and being made a better place to live in. The latest movement is that of lake residents, who first spent their summers here and are now becoming permanent residents at the lakes.

Service clubs, Chamber of Commerce, and many other civic agencies are working constantly with the county agent to improve dairying, farming, poultry raising, etc. The feeling of friendship engendered between town and countryside is being solidified.

The passage of the $15,400,000 highway bond issue will have a stimulating effect throughout Crow Wing county and Brainerd in particular. It will mean hard paved roads connecting Brainerd with all county seats. The county road program is progressive, too. In the near future Brainerd gets a new Mississippi river bridge and many are hoping it will be of the design and construction of the Anoka bridge.

In school matters the voters have spoken in favor of the best in education, and the Junior High School will soon be under construction.

True, Brainerd needs more factories and larger payrolls. United efforts will get them. At the railway shops the construction of 500 box cars will soon be underway. The model has been passed on and bids are being received by the railway company for the necessary material.

The business situation in Brainerd is improving daily and is a matter of much comment.

_____


New Junior High School

_____


IT IS A MATTER of unusual satisfaction that the new Junior High School project was carried by the splendid majority it received.

It is also a matter for profound congratulation that so large a number of voters living on the South Side were willing to forget ward lines and vote in the interest of the whole city and a modern type of education.

This favorable vote for the new school should go a long way toward laying to rest and unfortunate division among our citizens existing for many years and growing out of the location of the high school.

The citizens of the second and third wards were fully cognizant of the fact that unless a large number of voters living south of the tracks were ready to assist with their votes, the project was hopeless.

Before the election the South Side had indicated in many ways their desire to assist and cooperate, and the vote fully justified these expressions of support and cooperation.

In anticipation of a favorable vote the architect of the present high school building, Mr. Croft, at his own risk, has been working on a set of plans in order to save valuable time, in case the new building should be authorized.

He was aware that he was doing this at his own risk as he is not yet formally engaged as architect for the new project.

The next move, of course, will devolve upon the Board of Education. The Board will need to determine the most desirable and expeditious means to acquire the property.

If Mr. Croft is employed as architect with the work he has already completed at his own risk, he estimates that plans and specifications could be ready for bids within a few weeks.

With the completion of this new Junior High School, Brainerd should have two school buildings the equal of any to be found in this section of the Northwest. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 April 1931, p. 4, c. 1)


SELECT ARCHITECTS FOR NEW JUNIOR HIGH

_____


CROFT AND BOERNER NAMED SUBJECT TO APPROVED TERMS

_____


MR. CROFT TO APPEAR BEFORE

BOARD NEXT THURSDAY TO

DISCUSS CONTRACT TERMS


At a meeting of the Board of Education held in the Washington high school building last evening the firm of Croft and Boerner, Minneapolis, was selected to do the architectural work for the new Junior High School, subject to the reaching of satisfactory terms with the board of Education.

Mr. Croft, of Croft and Boerner, will be expected to be present at an adjourned meeting of the board next Thursday night to talk over the terms of the contract.

Before taking up the matter of resolutions the following letter from the office of the attorney general addressed to Secretary Louis F. Hohman, was read before the board:

This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter of April seventeenth:

You state that on April seventh last the electors of your school district, at a special election, authorized the board to acquire by condemnation proceedings certain described properties and to erect a junior high school building thereon at a total cost of not to exceed $260,000.00. It further appears that at the close of the current school year, July 31, 1931, there will be in the treasury of your district, after paying all current school expenditures for the year, a sum in excess of $200,000.00. You inquire whether this surplus may be used for the purpose of erecting the building in question.

You are advised that if this money is not the proceeds of any special levy for a specified purpose or the proceeds of any bond issue for a special use, the district may use it for the purpose indicated. If there are any moneys therein as a result of a special levy for a specified purpose or any proceeds of a bond issue for a particular use, such moneys may not be so used unless such special purpose has been completed and a surplus remains.

Yours very truly,

Charles E. Phillips,

Assistant Attorney General.


Adopt Resolution

In starting proceedings for the acquiring of property in Block 82 for the erection of the new Junior High School the first step was made by the reading and the adoption of the following resolution by the board by unanimous vote:

Whereas the Board of Education (School Board) of the Brainerd School District, was, on April 7, 1931, at a Special Election of the electors of said Brainerd School District, duly called and held for that purpose, duly authorized to acquire for the Brainerd School District by purchase or condemnation proceedings under the right of eminent domain, the following described property, situated in the City of Brainerd, County of Crow Wing and State of Minnesota, to wit:

All of Block 82 in the Town of Brainerd and the First Addition to the Town of Brainerd, according to the recorded plats thereof, respectively, for the purpose of a new or additional School Site; sell, dispose of and remove the buildings therefrom and erect and construct a Junior High School building thereon, at a total cost of not to exceed $260,000.00.

Therefore be it resolved:

That it is necessary and expedient that the Brainerd School District immediately take and acquire the title and possession of the whole of the above described property and premises for the purpose of a new or additional School Site; sell, dispose of and remove the buildings therefrom and erect and construct a Junior High School buildings thereon at the total cost of not to exceed the sum of $260,000.00.

That it is now practicable, necessary and expedient, that the Brainerd School District take and acquire the title and possession of Lots 22, 23 and 24 of Block 161 of the Town of Brainerd, according to the recorded plat thereof, located in the City of Brainerd, County of Crow Wing and State of Minnesota, to be used for school purposes and grounds and enlarge the present school site, known as the Lincoln School Site, to the area of one block, all of the balance of said Block 161 being already owned by said Brainerd School District and being now used for the said Lincoln School Site, building and grounds.

That F. E. Ebner, attorney, Brainerd, Minnesota, be and hereby is authorized and directed to prepare and file, in the name of the Brainerd School District, the necessary petition in condemnation proceedings, in the District Court of Crow Wing County, Minnesota, to take and acquire the title and possession of the whole of the above described properties and tracts, for school purposes and school sites, under the right of eminent domain, and conduct such proceedings to the final determination thereof.


[...]

Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 April 1931, p. 1, c. 7)


START LEGAL STEPS FOR SCHOOL SITE

_____


Notice of Petition to Condemn Land

for New Junior High

School Published

_____


HEARING ON JUNE 1

_____


Additional Property Also to be Ac-

quired for Complete Block at

Lincoln School


Condemnation proceedings have been instituted by the Brainerd Board of Education to provide the site for the construction of the new junior high school on the so-called “fill site.” Additional lots are to be provided by legal proceedings also to acquire the complete block for the Lincoln school, South Sixth street, bounded on the south by Pine street, on the north by Oak street, the east by Sixth street and the west by fifth street.

Notice of petition to condemn land on both properties carries its first legal publication in the Brainerd Dispatch today.

The hearing has been set for June 1 at 2 p. m. in the district court, court house.

F. E. Ebner, Sr., has been employed as counsel for the school district.

All of Block 82 will be required for the new junior high school. Owners of land affected by the school site purchase are: John Lyng, Louis. O. Johnson, Maggie McPherson, et al; Citizens State Bank of Brainerd, Joseph Rasch, Lena Johnson, et al; William L. Smith, Kasper Marchel, Mary A. Coventry, et al; Frank W. Kienow, and Lillian Evangeline Lawrence.

Land to be condemned for the Lincoln grade school is owned by J. H. Muller. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 April 1931, p. 7, c. 1)


BOARD REJECTS LAND VALUATIONS

_____


Individuals Appraise Property Too

High, School Board Rules; Con-

demnation Necessary

_____


LABOR GETS AUDIENCE

_____


Officers Elected: R. W. Crust, Presi-

dent; Harold Whitlock Named

Treasurer


The Brainerd board of Education last night organized with these officers:

President—R. W. Crust.

Vice President—Mrs. J. A. Thabes, Sr.

Secretary—L. F. Hohman.

Treasurer—Harold Whitlock.

These are all re-elections with the exception of Mr. Whitlock, who takes the place formerly occupied by M. E. Morrison.

George W. Gendron, newly elected member of the fifth ward succeeding Mr. Morrison, took his seat last night.

The board received a committee from the local labor crafts relative to proposed wage scales and employment of home labor skilled and unskilled, as far as possible in the construction of the Junior high school. The committee desired the prevailing wage scale for common labor, 40c to 45c to be made effective in the school contract. The board discussed the subject for a half hour and then adjourned to Monday evening, May 18, at which time regular claims, bills and accounts will be taken care of.

On Monday evening the most important business transacted was receiving figures of nine property owners in Block 82, site of the proposed Junior high school. The board went into executive session and separately received the propositions for direct sale to the board, waiving condemnation proceedings. Any properties presented at a reasonable figure and acceptable to the board, will be bought and such property then eliminated from the condemnation proceedings.

J. H. Muller, who owns the remaining three lots in the Lincoln school block also submitted his proposal for direct sale.

The board after coming into open session then carried a motion that all proposals received be rejected and the secretary directed to so notify the property owners. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 May 1931, p. 7, c. 3)


DIRECT PURCHASE OF LOTS SOUGHT

_____


Board of Education Names Three to

Interview Owners in

Blocks 82, 161

_____


WILL REPORT ON PRICES

_____


Members Hope in This Way to Elimi-

inate Delay in Condemnation

Proceedings


Such property in Blocks 82 and 161 that can be acquired direct rather than by condemnation proceedings will be purchased by the Brainerd Board of Education, it was learned today.

With the hope of eliminating appeals in court as far as possible, the Brainerd Board of Education at a special meeting last night appointed three members to interview property owners to secure valuations.

The result of these interviews will be presented to the board at a later meeting and in such cases where the property valuation is satisfactory to the owner and the school district the transactions will be conducted direct with the owner. The remaining property will be acquired by condemnation proceedings.

The property in Block 82 is required for the construction of the new junior high school while that in Block 161 is asked for an addition to the Lincoln grade school property.

Members on the committee are R. W. Crust, president of the board; Louis Hohman, secretary; and Dr. G. H. Ribbel, chairman of the finance committee. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 May 1931, p. 7, c. 4)


EIGHT AGREE TO SELL PROPERTY

_____


Appraisal Board Faced With Four

Holdouts in Condemnation

Proceedings


Faced with four holdouts in the sale of land and buildings to the Brainerd School District for the clearing of the property for the construction of Brainerd’s new junior high school on Block 82, the appraisal board named by Judge H. F. Wright met today in the court room of the court house as early steps in condemnation proceedings.

Seven property owners in Block 82 have agreed to prices stipulated by appraisers of the Brainerd School District. Additional property asked for for the Lincoln school will also be purchased without condemnation proceedings.

Those who have agreed to sell from Block 82 are: Tom Ledoux, John Lyng, Lillian Lawrence, Frank W. Kienow, the Courtney property, Kasper Marchel, William L. Smith.

Those not satisfied with appraisals are: Joseph Rasch, Lena Johnson, Louis O. Johnson and the McPherson property.

Witnesses were questioned by the appraisal board this morning. The appraisers consist of Ed Crust, Sr., chairman, Henry I. Cohen, clerk; and Gill Keene.

F. E. Ebner, Sr., attorney for the school district, conducted the examination.

A visit to the property was scheduled this afternoon. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 June 1931, p. 7, c. 7)


SCHOOL DISTRICT TO SELL BUILDINGS

_____


Cash Proposals Asked for Buildings

Located on Block 82; Bids

on One or More


Cash bids for buildings located on Block 82, where the new junior high school will be located, will be received by Louis F. Hohman, secretary of the Brainerd school district, he announced today.

The proposals may be for any one or more of the buildings.

Bidders are requested when writing to state clearly the buildings interested in and the amount of cash money offered. Buildings must be paid for before moving of same will be permitted. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 June 1931, p. 2, c. 5)


NEW SCHOOL PROPERTY APPRAISAL, $30,491.74

_____


Block 82 Appraisal Totals $27,494.27;

Jacob Muller Receives

$2,997.47

_____


FOUR NOT SATISFIED

_____


Coventry Property Owners Accept

Appraisal But Must Wait

for Administrator


Vouchers in the amount of $30,491.74 have been made out by the Brainerd School District for new property acquired for the purpose of constructing a new junior high school on Block 82 and for additional land to the Lincoln school for the remaining property in Block 161.

Actual acceptance of $17,844.85 has completed the transactions between six property owners in Block 82 and Jacob Muller in Block 161.

Vouchers in the amount of $12,646.89, covering appraisals of property by the Appraisal Board, have been deposited by the Brainerd School District with the clerk of the district court.

The amount deposited includes the Coventry property which the owners and school district have agreed as to price but the legal transaction cannot be completed until the return of Dr. Coventry, administrator of the estate who is at present in Europe.

Owners of four properties appraised at $8,400.28 have not as yet accepted vouchers for their land and buildings. The vouchers are deposited with the clerk of district court and in the event of an appeal to the district court, proceedings must be started for relief within 30 days after the filing of the appraisal board’s report which took place June 2.

The appraisals as reported by appraisers named by the school board, John Jackson, Victor Carlson and J. R. Smith and partially accepted by the board of appraisers, Ed. Crust, Sr., Gill Keene and Henry I. Cohen, appointed by the court, total $27,494.27 for property and buildings in Block 82 and $2,997.47 for remaining property in Block 161 not previously owned by the Brainerd school district.

The following property owners accepted the figures of the appraisal board as affecting Block 82:

John Lyng—$1,657.45

Wm. Ledoux—$1,087.85

W. L. L. Smith—$3,627.58

Kasper Marchel—$4,233.05

John Kienow—$1,954.00

Lillian Evangeline Lawrence—$2,287.45

Coventry property—$4,246.61

Jacob Muller has received $2,997.47 for his property in Block 161.

The following property owners did not accept the figures set by the appraisal board and according to statute vouchers in the amount of the appraisals have been deposited for them with the clerk of the district court:

Louis O. Johnson—$1,989.74

Maggie McPherson, et al—$1,642.80

Joseph Rasch—$2,758.21

Lena Johnson, et al—$2,009.53

Louis F. Hohman, secretary of the Brainerd Board of Education, announced today that a public auction for the sale of buildings on Block 82 will be conducted by a school board committee headed by R. W. Crust, president of the board, at the Washington high school Friday evening. All bids must be for cash.

Two days’ interest at 6 percent will be paid the property owners affected for the days the appraisal board was in session and up to the time of the filing of the report. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 June 1931, p. 3, c. 1)


5 SCHOOL DISTRICT HOUSES ARE UNSOLD

_____


No More Public Auctions to Dispose

of Remaining Property on Two

Blocks Acquired


Four dwelling houses remain to be sold from Block 82 and another, the Jacob Muller home on Block 161, is still unsold by the Brainerd Board of Education.

The Block 82 property was acquired for the construction of the new junior high school and the Muller property for additional land for the Lincoln school.

Louis F. Hohman, secretary of the board, said today no more public auctions would be conducted for the disposal of the remaining buildings.

Buildings unsold are those formerly occupied by the following families, Louis O. Johnson, Lena Johnson, Coventry home, Ledoux house and the Jacob Muller property.

The buildings will be sold to the highest individual bidders. Those not sold will be dismantled. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 June 1931, p. 7, c. 5)


NEW SCHOOL PLANS TO ARRIVE TODAY

_____


Bids for Junior High to be Received

July 28; Remaining Build-

ings Sold


Plans for the construction of the new Franklin Junior High school on Block 82 are expected to be received today by Louis F. Hohman, secretary of the Brainerd Board of Education, he announced today.

These plans meet with the approval of the board.

Bids for the construction of the school will be received by Mr. Hohman on July 28.

The successful bidder will be between $200,000 and $220,000, it is believed.

All buildings on Block 82 have now been sold by the board and will be removed by July 25. The board sold the buildings to individual parties rather than to a realty company that bid for the string.

E. L. Dahl bought the Coventry house, Mrs. Charles Durham purchased the Louis O. Johnson home and John D. Aylward bought the Lena Johnson and Ledoux houses in the last sale. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 July 1931, p. 7, c. 5)


FRANKLIN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Bids Close July 28

Brainerd, Minn.


BIDS WANTED—Notice is hereby given that the Board of Education of the School District of Brainerd, Minn., will receive sealed proposals up to the hour of 2:00 p. m. Tuesday, July 28th, 1931, at the office of the undersigned, for the erection and completion of the proposed Franklin Junior High School building to be erected by said School District in accordance with plans and specifications prepared therefor by Croft & Boerner, Incorporated, Architects and Engineers, 1004 Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis, Minn.

Separate bids will be received for the following:

1. General Construction.

2. Heating Work.

3. Ventilating Work.

4. Plumbing Work.

5. Electric Work.

6. Temperature Control System.

Bids will be received only on the proposal form as bound with each set of specifications.

Bids must be accompanied by a certified check for an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total base bid, said check to be made payable to H. E. Whitlock, Treasurer, Brainerd School District.

The successful bidder for each part of the work will be required to furnish a contract surety bond for the full amount of the accepted proposal in the form prescribed in the specifications.

Copies of the approved plans and specifications may be seen at the offices of the Secretary of the Board of Education and the Architects and the builders Exchanges of Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth.

Applicants requiring prints for their own use may obtain same from the Architects after July 7th, upon two days’ notice to allow for printing.

A deposit of $30 will be required on all copies of said plans and specifications, which deposit will be refunded upon return of the plans and specifications in good condition and in case a bona fide bid is submitted. Blueprint cost will be retained in case the plans are mutilated or a bona fide bid is not submitted.

The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

By order of the Board of Education,

L. F. HOHMAN, Secretary (Clerk)

Brainerd School District

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 July 1931, p. 7, c. 3)


SCHOOL BIDS TO BE READ TUESDAY

_____


Afternoon and Evening Meetings at

High School to Name Contractor

for Junior High


Incidental business preparatory to the opening of bids for the construction of the new junior high school will be taken care of by the Brainerd Board of Education at an adjourned meeting Monday evening.

Bids will be received for the construction at a special meeting at 2 p. m. Tuesday in the auditorium of the Washington high school. They will be opened and tabulated. Awarding of the bids will take place Tuesday evening at 8 o’clock in the auditorium. The meetings will be open to the public. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 July 1931, p. 7, c. 4)


ASKOV FIRM TO BUILD SCHOOL

_____


General Contract for Junior High is

Awarded; Board Defers Action

on Other Contracts

_____


BID IS $157,889

_____


To Start Possibly Next Week; Bids on

Mechanical Contracts to be

Let Tonight


The Brainerd Board of Education, after lengthy deliberation last night, awarded the contract for the general construction of the new junior high school to the Askov Construction Co. of Askov, Minn.

The board did not award any other contracts last night, preferring further consideration of the bids received before making decisions.

Several hundred builders, supply men, surety bond salesmen and other interested were present for the meeting.

The successful bid was $157,889. Nineteen different bids were received, the highest being $214,000. The Askov’s basic bid was $159,944. From this were deductions totaling $4,585 in three alternates and the addition of $2,530 on three other alternates.

These alternates call for terrazzo floors, metal covered entrance doors, rail steel in construction, granite steps, Sunflex paint on plaster work.

The successful contractors indicated to the Board of Education that they were prepared to start construction as soon as the contract papers and bonds are approved by the board. The board is expected to complete these legal transactions by the close of the week. Thus, it is assumed that actual work on the construction of the new junior high school on Block 82 or the so-called “fill site” will begin next week.

The school board further came to an understanding with the contractors that the minimum wage scale for common labor would be 45 cents an hour.

The general contractors further agreed to employ as many Brainerd men as possible. Excavation work will be by teams and not steam shovels. By this means 25 to 30 teams will be employed.

The contractors expressed the desire to co-operate with the wishes of the board in every way and gave the mill work to Kampmann & Son, local sash and door factory concern.

The board will meet again tonight to let bids on heating, plumbing, ventilating, electrical and temperature control. Fifty-three bids are to be considered.

The contract for the building calls for completion by February 15, 1932, but it is unlikely that the school will be occupied before September, 1932, as the board will not desire to reorganize its school system in the middle of a semester.

The school will be constructed to accommodate 500 pupils. It will be two stories and a basement. Brick and precast stone will be used.

The main entrance will be at the corner of 10th and Kingwood streets with one wing facing Kingwood street and the other facing North 10th street.

The auditorium, stage and gymnasium arrangement will be similar to that at the Washington high school, but of course the seating capacities in the auditorium and gymnasium will be less. The gymnasium floor will be the same size as that of the Washington.

The auditorium will have a seating capacity of 500 while the gymnasium will have a bleacher capacity of 300. A sliding wall can divide the gymnasium to serve boys and girls at one time.

The Askov Construction Co. is listed as highly responsible builders. School jobs include one at Alexandria and one at Park Rapids. The company is now engaged in a construction job at Ellsworth, Wis. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 July 1931, p. 5, c.’s 1 & 2)


SEE: Brainerd Sash & Door Factory / Kampmann & Sons


Brainerd Enterprising

_____


BRAINERD is already feeling the effects of junior high school construction work, billed to start next week with excavation of the basement. Teamsters have been coming to the Dispatch office to register applications for the work.

Just as building of the high school served to give work to many Brainerd people and concerns, so the junior high construction work will employ many. The decision to do excavating by teams and scrapers instead of a steam shovel will serve to further distribute employment in the city.

Whereas many a community sits Micawber-like and waits for “something to happen” to bring back prosperity, Brainerd acquires a building fund and builds at a time when it is of the most benefit to school board and town. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 July 1931, p. 4, c. 1)


EMPLOY MEN FOR SCHOOL TOMORROW

_____


Actual Work to Start Wednesday,

Board Meets Tonight to

Approve Bonds


Construction offices, sheds, etc., were being erected today on Block 82 prior to the start of excavation work for the new junior high school.

Men will be employed on the grounds tomorrow and work will commence Wednesday.

The Brainerd Board of Education will meet this evening to approve bonds of the builders, the Askov Construction Co. in the full amount of the contract. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 August 1931, p. 7, c. 4)


POUR CONCRETE AT SCHOOL TOMORROW

_____


Footings to be Put in; Rapid Progress

Seen in Excavation

Work at School


Pouring of concrete for footings will start tomorrow as men and teams made fast progress today in excavation work for the new junior high school.

Forty men are now employed. Sixteen teams are being used in the excavation work.

V. F. Peterson of the Askov construction Co., contractors, is in charge of the work. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 August 1931, p. 7, c. 2)


NEW SCHOOL BRICK TO BE WINE COLOR

_____


Milwaukee Firm Gets Temperature

Control Contract; Ceilized Maple

for Flooring

_____


TOILET FIXTURES SELECTED

_____


Craftsmen Ask That Only Local Labor

be Employed at

School


The Johnson Service Co., of Milwaukee, Wis., was awarded the contract for temperature control of the new junior high school at a meeting last evening of the Brainerd Board of Education. The bid was approximately $5,000.

Eljer fixtures were selected for the toilet fixtures of the new school. Such fixtures are included in the contract awarded the Gruenhagen Co., Brainerd, for plumbing and heating and this choice of fixture credits the board with $300 on the original contract price.

Undecided as to flooring in classrooms and gymnasium, the board decided definitely to keep “Ceilized maple” as originally specified in the contract.

Face brick for the new school will be Indiana brick of wine color. Samples are now on hand at the office of the architect at the construction site of the school.

A delegation of local labor craftsmen appeared before the board and requested the board to specify to the contractors that only city labor be employed in the construction work. No action was taken although the matter was discussed with the contractors and an agreement was reached whereby as much local labor as possible be employed. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 September 1931, p. 7, c. 1)


JUNIOR HIGH PLANS GIVEN BY W. C. COBB

_____


Superintendent of City Schools Ad-

dresses Rotary Club, Many

Visitors Are Present

_____


NEW AIMS IN EDUCATION

_____


High School Should Prepare for Voca-

tion in Life, Civic Duties, and

Other Responsibilities


Supt. W. C. Cobb addressed the Rotary club and of particular interest was his reference to the Junior High School new building. The idea of a Junior High School is new in Brainerd, but not in other larger cities.

“We are putting up a building which, when completed, will be as much a matter of satisfaction, joy and pride as our regular high school,” said Mr. Cobb.

Good progress is being made in construction work at the Junior High. It will accommodate approximately 500 pupils. It will have 15 or 16 rooms, auditorium, physical education rooms for boys and girls. In face, style and material the Junior High will be as good as the present high school. It will provide industrial work for boys and girls, library, a laboratory for the first year in high school. It is contemplated to have 7th, 8th and 9th grades from that part of the city attending the school and possibly a grade or two below from the second and third wards.

The contractors aim to complete their work the latter part of February and the board has allowed an additional month.

It is hoped that with the Junior High School in operation, more attention will be given to students during the earlier years from age 12 on so as to help boys and girls and their parents to prepare them for work to which they are adapted.

“There are too many students attending four years of high school,” said Mr. Cobb. “At the universities at least 50 percent of the students have no business to be there. They would be better off somewhere else.”

He referred to an article in the April Atlantic Monthly which considered the status of the non-intellectual child. The author called attention to the ideas of old which held the province of secondary education or high schools to be preparation for college and preparation for the duties of life.

As a result of the conditions of the times universities and colleges are overcrowded. In the past high schools functioned largely in plan and studies to fit ten percent of the pupils to attend college. Ninety percent or the remainder at school never intended going to college or university.

The Junior High School should counteract such a tendency.

Opinions change as to value of college educations. In the eighties it was not considered an asset in business life to have a college degree. Ever since the world war a change was noted and big business looked with favor on college men. The registrations at the universities mounted until now many institutions are overcrowded and have started a weeding out process.

The author laid down a definition of what education should do. There are four fundamentals which every high school should provide. To prepare for a vocation in life. To prepare for civic duties and the responsibilities of an American citizen. To prepare for family responsibility, as future fathers and mothers. To prepare pupils in school for their recreational activities to take up slack time after business hours.

Schools have given much attention to playgrounds and physical education. Gymnasiums cost a lot of money, but are worth it. The gymnasium at Brainerd high School is in constant use during the school year, from 8 a. m. to 6 p.m. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 September 1931, Section 2, p. 9, c.’s 3 & 4)


CONCRETE SLAB COMPLETED FOR NEW AUDITORIUM

_____


STRUCTURAL STEEL WORK OF

GYMNASIUM AT JUNIOR HIGH

STARTS NEXT WEEK

_____


Pouring of the concrete slab for the auditorium and stage of the new junior high school will be completed by tonight while structural steel work will begin next week. P. E. Kilstofte, in charge of the construction reported today.

Already the first floor slab on the east wing has been laid and the brick work is one story high on this wing.

By the close of next week contractors expect to brick the first floor on the Kingwood and 10th street sides.

The structural steel will be placed in the gymnasium next week. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 September 1931, p. 5, c. 5)


JUNIOR HIGH FIRM AWARDED $200,000 CONTRACT IN IOWA

_____


ASKOV CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

KEEPS MEN BUSY ON OTHER

JOBS THAN HERE

_____


Having recently completed a construction job in Ellsworth, Wis., and at present engaged in the building of the new junior high school at Brainerd, the Askov Construction Co., Askov, Minn., has been awarded the contract for the new junior-senior high school in Charles City, Ia.

The Iowa contract will amount to approximately $200,000. Work will start in the near future.

The Brainerd work is progressing rapidly. The school will not be entirely complete until next spring.

The total cost of the Iowa job will be approximately $330,000.


Bleacher Work Underway

Framing of the slab for the bleachers in the gymnasium at the junior high here has already started and the pouring of the concrete will begin Wednesday, it was announced today by the contractors. Laying of brick for the gymnasium part will start the latter part of next week.

The start of the framing for the second floor slab is expected the first part of next week in the east wing.

New boilers for the school arrived last night and will be installed in the next few days by the Gruenhagen Co., Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 October 1931, p. 7, c. 3)


Use Brainerd Labor...


Regardless of whether or not the Board of Education was conversant with the purported discriminatory methods alleged to be used in the employment of labor by the contractor in the construction of the new junior high school, even the hint of use of outside labor in preference to Brainerd men should prompt immediate investigation of the situation and, if the charges aired at the city council meeting are found to be true, to take steps at once to remedy them.

The Daily Dispatch does not know who is to blame for the situation. And, it is not particularly interested in finding out. But, we are primarily and vitally concerned over the employment of Brainerd men on a project which they are, in a measure, making possible through the payment of taxes. We do not hesitate to speak loudly and firmly in declaration that Brainerd labor must and should be used as far as is utterly possible.

As one member of the city council declared, it is deplorable that the aldermanic body must meddle into the affairs of the Board of Education. But, as another said, it is their duty to administer the affairs of the city to the best interests of the people.

While investigating the situation, those in charge might also probe the ruse oftentimes used by families attracted by construction projects who declare that they intend to make the city their future home. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 October 1931, p. 4, c. 1)


HOHMAN DISCREDITS UNFAIRNESS TO BRAINERD LABOR

AT NEW JUNIOR HIGH

_____


Contrary to the belief of a number of the members of the city council, discrimination is not practiced in the employment of Brainerd men in the construction of the new junior high school, it was learned today.

Louis F. Hohman, secretary of the Brainerd Board of Education, when interviewed by the Daily Dispatch, reported that the payroll at the school indicated that 46 Brainerd men are employed as against only 11 skilled laborers from out of the city.

“The contractors are living up to their contract with the Board to employ as many Brainerd men as possible,” Hohman said.

The number listed does not include bricklayers.

“Brainerd has only four bricklayers. These were permitted to leave the work on their own request to work in the laying of brick on the new demanganization plant of the water and light department. They were given the word of the contractors that they would have work if there was still brick work to do when they completed the job at the city plant,” Hohman reported.

The workers were selected from among 200 applications.

“Members of the Board conferred with the contractors relative to rotating the work among the Brainerd unemployed. This was not considered advisable, however, as a general change in workers on the job might have handicapped progress in the building,” Hohman said.

The report of unfairness to local labor was circulated, it was said, by men who were laid off because they “couldn’t cut the mustard.” These were replaced by other Brainerd men whose work was satisfactory, it was reported.

“We have conferred with the Board of Education in every respect. We have even turned over our payroll to the Board and inquired if any changes were desired,” V. S. Peterson of the firm of the Askov Construction Co., school contractors, said.

He further stated:

“We have done all in our power to assist the Brainerd Board of Education in keeping as much business as possible in Brainerd, such as painting, mill work, sand and gravel, lumber, cement and tile. In addition, we ordered all material shipped via the Northern Pacific railway, even going to the point of forcing a sub-contractor to cancel a hauling contract of structural steel so that it could be shipped by the railway.

“Our attitude towards the community is one solely to cooperate. We realize that anything that is good to the community of Brainerd works to our best interests.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 October 1931, p. 1, c. 6)


INJURED WORKER AT NEW SCHOOL HERE IMPROVES

_____


EXAMINATION REVEALS ARCHIE

GAGE DID NOT RECEIVE

BONE FRACTURE

_____


Archie Gage of Brainerd who suffered a back injury while working on the construction of the junior high school here was reported by hospital attendants today as improving.

Gage was injured when the skip of a concrete mixer sideswiped his back as he was cleaning under the skip.

Fears that he received bone fractures were dispelled by the reading of X-ray plates. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 October 1931, p. 5, c. 2)


MAN KILLED AT JUNIOR HIGH

_____


Chas. Bahma Drops 20 Feet

_____


PICKED UP DEAD BY WORKERS AT JUNIOR HIGH AT 1:40 P. M.

_____


SLIPPED ON SCAFFOLD AND

CRASHED BACKWARDS THRU

GUARDRAIL

_____


Falling backwards through a guard rail of a scaffold to the concrete floor of the auditorium 20 feet below, Charles Bahma, 55, East Oak street, bricklayer helper, was killed instantly at 1:40 p. m. today at the junior high school construction here.


Dead When Reached

When workers reached him Bahma was dead. Medical examination revealed that he fractured his skull and his neck.

There were no actual eyewitnesses to the accident.

“It was one of those industrial accidents where no one witnessed the actual cause. An inquest will not be necessary,” D. E. Whitney, county coroner, said.

The theory was explained that Bahma lost his balance when he stepped on a tile, fell backwards and crashed through the guard rail. He had been working on the inner ledge over the auditorium stage and while other workmen were nearby they were busy working and did not see him fall.

Bahma had been working at the construction of the new school practically the entire time since brick work started. Two months ago he received a foot injury and remained away from work for two weeks.


First Fatality

The fatality was the first serious accident at the construction work, employing 70 men by the general contractors, the Askov Construction Co., and 30 men by sub-contractors.

Bahma was a married man with a family.

We feel especially sorry about the accident, moreover because it is the first serious one we have had in the 12 years the company has operated,” V. S. Peterson of the Askov Construction Co. said. “We exercise particular caution to make working conditions as safe as possible.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 December 1931, p. 1, c. 7)


05 November 1935. The deed to the Koering property south of the fill between Brainerd proper and Northeast Brainerd has been delivered to the Brainerd school board. This clears the last obstacle in the big recreational field project which will be completed in the near future with federal WPA funds. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 05 November 2015)


SEE: 1938 Summary of WPA Activities in Brainerd for 1937 in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.


NOTE: Renamed the Franklin Arts Center.


GARDEN THEATER

Gray’s Variety Theatre will open up again on Monday evening with an entire new programme. The theatre building has been entirely over hauled and the stage enlarged so that its now 20 by 25 feet. New curtains and scenery are being painted, the work being executed by Mr. A. F. Daggett, of this city, and are specimens of fine workmanship. Altogether the institution has been fixed up in first class shape. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 09 August 1883, p. 4, c. 2)


The Garden Theatre is said to have some attractive features now-days. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 16 August 1883, p. 3, c. 1)


It is said that the Garden Theatre will change hands soon. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 01 November 1883, p. 3, c. 1)


Summerfield & Wheeler have leased the Garden Theatre and took possession Monday. They have as good a show as can be found along the line. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 08 November 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


Again the Garden Theatre has changed hands, R. L. Elder and W. J. Summerfield being the new proprietors. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 December 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


J. M. Gray has taken the Garden theatre property again. He will continue the saloon and restaurant right along, but will not re-open the theatre until times are a little livelier, probably several weeks from now. Mr. Gray is not satisfied with the way things went when the establishment was run by the parties he leased it to, and he says that hereafter he will run it himself and will not lease it to anybody. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 January 1884, p. 3, c. 5)


H. E. Sholes, of Minneapolis formerly manager of the Brown Theatre Comique in that city, has leased the Garden Theatre on Fifth street of J. M. Gray for one year, and will open the same on the evening of March 17th. Mr. Sholes is spoken of as a gentleman in every respect and the indications are that he will run a first class show. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 February 1884, p. 3, c. 1)


Harry Aman has again taken charge of the Garden Theatre, which will be opened on the 17th of the present month. Harry’s name is a sufficient guarantee of respectability. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 March 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


J. M. Gray will reopen the Garden Theatre about September first. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 July 1884, p. 3, c. 1)


The Garden Theatre closed up on Saturday night. The variety business has not been a profitable one in this city for the past five months. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 July 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


The old Garden Theatre is being fitted up for a hotel. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 December 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


NOTE: In March of 1886? [1888?] the Garden Theater was transformed into a hotel and on 30 June 1888 it burned along with a number of other buildings.


Fire animation On June 30, 1888, a fire broke out in Lyman P. White’s planing mill on South Fifth Street between Front and Laurel Streets; owing to a lack of water it spread from building to building and before it was over the fire had burned about a block and a half in the business district.


SEE: 1888 Garden Theater Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


It has been rumored for several days that J. M. Gray contemplated the immediate re-opening of the Garden Theatre in the Last Turn Building, but Mr. Gray informs us that he probably will not do so before fall. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 June 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


SEE: Earl / Carlson Hotel


GARDNER BLOCK (MAP #27)

...At the corner of south Sixth and Front Streets, where the Ransford Hotel now stands and over a general store was Bly’s Hall. The formal dances of the year were the one’s given by the Volunteer Fire Department, the Locomotive Firemen and the O. R. C. (Order of Railway Conductors). After Bly’s Hall was converted into a roller skating rink, Gardner’s Hall [NE corner of Laurel and South Fifth Streets] was used for dances. Dreskell’s orchestra furnished the music. Dances usually began at eight, at midnight an hour’s intermission for lunch, generally in J. T. Sanborn’s City Hotel, then the dance continued until morning. Winter sleigh ride parties to Toting places, the forerunners of our present day roadhouses and resorts, provided frequent country dances. (As I Remember, Dr. Werner Hemstead, born April 1860; came to Brainerd in 1882)


The Coon building, corner of Fifth and Laurel streets has been purchased by George Gardner. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 July 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


Geo. Gardner has moved his European restaurant to the Coon building, corner Fifth and Laurel streets. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 October 1886, p. 4, c. 3)


NOTE: The above mentioned building was burned down in the fire of 10 October 1890.


Some Spring Building.


From present appearances there will be considerable building going on as soon as spring has opened. George Gardner has already a crew of workmen clearing his lots on Laurel street from rubbish left by the fire [10 October 1890] and will be ready to begin the erection of a fine brick block as soon as the grounds are in shape. The block will be 125x50 feet, two stories high and will be brick veneered. [This is the Gardner Block.] The lower floor will be finished off into five stores, and the upper floor into offices and a large hall. The building will be rushed through to completion as soon as possible, most of the material being already on the ground.

Chas. Kinkele has begun work on a brick veneered barn 30x50 feet on his Fifth street property, which was burned over in October [1890]. As soon as this building is completed he will erect a market building 50x75 feet, which will also be of brick and will occupy the ground where the old market stood. As soon as the building is finished he will occupy it as a storage house for meats.

Wm. Bredfeld [sic] [Bredfield] has the brick on the ground for the erection of a two story brick building 25x75 feet on Front street, next to Luken’s bazaar. The building will be occupied by Mr. Bredfeld [sic] [Bredfield] with his shoe store and factory. The upper story will be occupied as a residence. He expects to begin work on it in two or three weeks. The building will be of solid brick. [This is a new building—not one that burned.]

Wm. Gergen will rebuild his livery stable on Sixth street south immediately. [Burned 26 December 1890.] The new building will be 62x100, the same as the old one. Mr. Gergen’s present quarters are entirely too small, and he is anxious to get the new building up and completed. Two or three parties are figuring for the contract. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 April 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


Work on Gergen’s new livery barn and on Gardner’s and Kinkele’ new brick blocks is now in progress, and the merry ring of the carpenter’s hammer can be heard in various other parts of the city, all of which has a tendency to produce a buoyancy of spirit in the average citizen. Let the good work go on. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 April 1891, p. 4, c. 3)


Geo. Gardner will give a grand opening ball in his new hall on the evening of July 4th. The new building will be nearly finished by that time and Mr. Gardner proposes to have the event celebrated. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 June 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


The opening ball at Gardner’s hall on Saturday evening was a very pleasant occasion and well attended. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 July 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


Geo. Gardner will move his saloon into one of the rooms in his new block next week. Orth’s tailor shop and a barber shop will occupy two of the other apartments. The new block is about completed and is a handsome structure. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 September 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


Gardner’s new hall was used for the first time last night by Canton Adar. The hall is superbly arranged for dances and banquets, and will probably come into general use on such occasions. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 October 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


A New Year’s Ball.


The members of the Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1, have made arrangements to give their annual ball on New Year’s night, Jan. 1st, 1892, at Gardner’s new hall. This ball will be one of the most enjoyable of the season, and a nice assemblage can be depended on. The hall will be beautifully decorated and every possible arrangement will be made for the convenience and comfort of those in attendance. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 December 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


The “Owls” commence to march at 9:15 o’clock sharp, next Monday evening, Dec. 28th, at the new Gardner Hall, at which time and place they give their second social hop. [Their first was at the Cale block.] Their programme for an evening of amusement is complete in every particular. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 December 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


A grand masquerade ball will be given at Gardner Hall on Thursday evening, Jan. 21st, by the Owl Club, and invitations will be issued the first of the week. The gentlemen who have charge of the event promise that it will be strictly first-class in all particulars, that no objectionable parties will be admitted to the hall, and that the people who attend will never regret that they did so. Mrs. H. Theviot will have costumes from Milwaukee, where parties who desire to rent them can do so. More particulars will be given next week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 January 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


The Coming Bal Masque.


EDITORS DISPATCH: The Owl Club has issued 200 invitations for the first and initial grand masquerade ball in Gardner Hall on Thursday evening, Jan. 21st. Suits for hire can be procured at Mrs. H. Theviot’s store on Tuesday, Jan. 19, for those who want them. Whitford’s orchestra furnishes the music for the occasion. The programme of dances will be enjoyed by all. The members are known to all or should be (and a guarantee for those in attendance) that everything will be first-class in every respect. Every body mask. Tickets for sale in drug stores, post office, Linneman Bro.’s store, and by the members. Enjoy yourself while young. Come early and avoid the rush and not miss any dances, for the Owls always commence to march at 9:15 p.m. sharp. Don’t forget the date Jan. 21, hour, 9:15 p.m.

Yours Etc.,

GOOD TIME.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 15 January 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


The bal masque of “The 7 Owls” last evening at Gardner Hall, a was a success in point of attendance and pleasure. The spacious dancing floor was well filled with handsome as well as grotesque figures, and all seemed to be enjoying the fun to the greatest extent. What room was not occupied by the participants was taken up by spectators. The organization can well feel elated over the success of their efforts in giving the first masquerade of the season. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 January 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


To the Public.


The “7 Owls” will conclude their evening parties of pleasure by giving their last party on April 22nd, 1892, at Gardner Hall. This last party will eclipse all previous entertainments which have been given. The Owls are going to be generous, from the last two dances a surplus of $32 is on hand, and will be spent in furnishing every couple present a sumptuous repast at Sanborn’s popular restaurant on Front street, free of charge. One dollar per couple will be the price of admission, for expenses run high. Invitations will be issued in sufficient time. Price of admission collected in the hall. We have endeavored in the past to please everybody, and earnestly hope we have succeeded. All our parties have been well conducted in every point, at least no complaint has been received yet. The members of the Owl Club are some of the most popular young men of your city, and their idea is to have the young and old enjoy themselves during the winter’s long evenings, if they don’t it is their own fault. The best of music is always on hand and the latest dances have been tried to be introduced and [have been] particularly successful, and the best hall in the city engaged, and in fact the best of everything prevails. The list of dances cannot be duplicated. An entertainment given by us is past, but not forgotten, so don’t miss half your life by not attending our last party. Will you be in it?

We wish to express our sincere “thanks” to all who were present at our bal masque, masked or otherwise, the number exceeded our own expectations, the hall being full, and such a sight is very pleasing to all, especially the members. Remember the date, April 22nd, the day is Friday, the year 1892, at Gardner’s new popular hall.

OWL CLUB.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 05 February 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


Ball and Banquet.


The Owls will hold the third of their series of their social hops at Gardner Hall, Friday evening, April 22nd. Supper will be served to their guests at the City Hotel. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 April 1892, p. 4, c. 6)


N. E. Tuttle will move his grocery store from its present location at the corner of 6th and Laurel into the Gardner block at the corner of 5th and Laurel. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 June 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


Fourth of July Ball.


On the night of July 4th Geo. Gardner will give a grand ball at his hall on Laurel street to which the public generally are invited. Mr. Gardner assures the people that the best of order will be maintained and guarantees a first-class party in all respects. Whitford’s orchestra will furnish the music. Tickets $1.00. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 July 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


New Shoe Store.


Geo. N. Day has just received a large line of shoes and has this week been busy placing the goods in position in his new store in the Gardner block on Laurel street, next to Veon’s jewelry store. A repair shop is to be run in connection. Mr. Day desires all his former customers and friends to call and see him in his new quarters. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 July 1892, p. 4, c. 5)


Geo. Gardner is having the hall over his business block on Laurel street wired and will light it with electricity. Arc lights will be used. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 March 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


The ‘49 Club Party.


Invitations are out for a social dance to be given by the ‘49 Dancing Club at Gardner Hall on Christmas night. This is the first of a series of dances to be given by this club during the coming winter. The names that appear on the invitations is ample assurance that the even will be a social success. Whitford’s full orchestra has been engaged for the occasion. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 December 1894, p. 4, c. 4)


The ‘49 Club dance was one of the most enjoyable occasions of the kind reported yet. The members of the Club have established a reputation that will insure crowded houses at their coming parties during the winter. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 December 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


A Magnificent Dancing Hall.


Gardner’s Hall, in this city, has been in the hands of the decorator for several weeks past, and the result reflects great credit on the artist having the work in charge, Mr. Wm. Guthrie. The work is in paper in imitation of frescoing, and speaks volumes for Mr. Guthrie’s ability as a paper hanger. The walls of the main hall are done in panels of ingrains of alternating colors. Arising from the heavy oak wainscoting between and separating the panels are Corinthian columns with capitals and bases, which support the decorations of the ceiling. These panels contain the graceful figures of dancing girls in flowing costumes of soft material, which add greatly to the beauty of the walls. The immense ceiling is done in 19 panels of figured paper with a large panel in the center. This is in imitation of frescoing and is so natural that no one could tell the difference. In the center of the room in the large panel is a magnificent center piece 18 feet in diameter, done in colors which harmonize beautifully. From the middle of this center piece is suspended a magnificent new brass chandelier containing myriad's of electric lights with beautiful shades, which, when lighted, present a most entrancing appearance. The electric lights in the hall have been arranged in clusters, which makes the lighting of the hall much more effective. The hall and ante-room have not yet been completed, but Mr. Gardner assures us they will be as elaborately decorated as the main hall, especially the ladies waiting room, which he proposes to make a thing of beauty.

All this has cost Mr. Gardner a great sum of money, and it is but just that he should have ample return for his enterprise, hence he has concluded hereafter to charge $20 for the hall for dances and $25 for banquets. This includes the use of the piano. Special rates for a series of dances will be made on application.

When it is completed this city will have in Gardner’s hall, undoubtedly, the most beautiful hall in the northwest for dancing purposes, and Mr. Gardner’s enterprise in this matter should, and, undoubtedly, will be appreciated. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 April 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


The Great Powwow.


Red Cloud Tribe No. 13, I. O. of R. M. [Improved Order of Red Men], will give a grand ball at Gardner Hall, on Monday evening, Feb. 14, and invitations have been issued for the event. The committees having charge of the affair are:

Arrangements—George Sargeant, Dave Smith, N. L. Linnemann, Jas. Cummings and John Much.

Floor—N. L. Linnemann, W. A. M. Johnstone, G. A. Raymond, L. A. Lajoie, J. F. McGinnis and Jas. Cullen.

Reception Committee—A. J. Halsted, J. J. Howe, D. M. Clark, A. F. Ferris, J. H. Koop, W. A. Fleming, Jas. Wallace, D. Mahoney, W. H. Crowell and A. Armstrong. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 February 1898, p. 1, c. 4)


A MAGNIFICENT SUCCESS.

_____


The Social Event of the Season Was

the Grand Military Ball at

Gardner’s Hall.

_____


Gardner Hall, Company L, National Guard, State of Minnesota, ca. 1899.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
Captain Samuel Robert Adair, Company L, National Guard, State of Minnesota, ca. 1899.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The grand military ball given by Co. L, 4th regiment, N.G.S.M., at their armory, (Gardner hall) on Friday evening, was a magnificent success, socially and financially, and the boys are much pleased at the result. The attendance was large, in fact much too large for even this spacious hall, and was composed of the very best people of the city. The hall was beautifully decorated with flags, bunting and the national colors, and varied colored electric lights. In fact, the decorations in artistic arrangement and beauty of design, surpassed anything before attempted. The decorations were also of a martial character, the bunting being so arranged as to form the national ensign and huge cannons, and camp equipment, and at the east end of the hall on the wall overhead, the name of the company and regiment was formed out of red, white and blue bunting. At about 8:45 the bugle called the company to attention, and after First Sergeant Nelson had formed the company and informed Capt. Adair, he was directed to drill the company in the bayonet exercise. The movements were executed in splendid time and with precision and promptness considering the time the boys have been drilling. Lieutenant C. A. Wilkins then put the boys through the manual of arms, after which Captain Adair took command and marched the company about the hall, wheeling them about in fours, platoons and company front without a hitch and without a mistake. The efficiency of the company was a surprise to the audience and they were enthusiastically applauded. At 9:15 the grand march occurred, the company presented each lady in the grand march with a bouquet of cut flowers. Dancing then continued until the wee sma’ hours of the morning. Everybody in attendance pronounced it one of the most pleasant events of the season. Kelsey’s orchestra furnished the music. This was but the first of a series of dances that the company proposes to give, the dates of which are not yet fixed. The next one will be some time the latter part of the month. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 February 1899, p. 8, c. 4)


New Opera House.


Recognizing the extreme need of the city for a place of amusement, Co. L have decided at considerable expense, to fit up a permanent stage in Gardner’s Hall with dressing rooms and other accessories, besides purchasing a full set of scenery with wings and borders, so that theatrical entertainments of any character can be presented. To do this will take an outlay of several hundred dollars, and the boys feel the general public will be glad to assist in bearing the expense, hence they have decided to put on a minstrel entertainment by local talent on Friday evening, Feb. 17th, the proceeds of which will be used for this purpose. The entertainment itself will be well worth the price of admission, and will consist of a minstrel first part, and a long list of songs and specialties in part second. Such well known talent as S. F. Alderman, A. L. Mattes, E. O. Webb, C. D. Johnson, C. C. Kyle, Dave Smith, Chas. E. Wilson, Joe Murphy, Messrs. Simpson, Nevers, Kelly and Haas, P. J. Murphy, C. A. Allbright, and others have been secured. R. J. Lambert and wife, recently with the Eunice Goodrich Co., well known professional specialty people, will take a part. The new scenery will first be used on this occasion. Let everybody turn out and pack the hall and help the boys in their good work. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 February 1899, p. 10, c. 3)


Geo. E. Gardner is laying a cement sidewalk in front of his business block on Laurel street which will be a valuable improvement to the property. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 August 1899, p. 8, c. 1)


CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.

_____


New Superintendent of Electric Lights

Elected—Petition Received to

Vacate a Portion of Bluff

Avenue.

_____


[...]


On motion it was ordered that the city furnish wood and lights for Gardner Hall, it being used as an armory for Co. F. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 December 1900, p. 1, c. 3)


METER QUESTION TO BE INVESTIGATED.

_____


On Motion of Alderman Wright

the Matter was Referred to

the City Attorney.

_____


REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL.

_____


Resolution Passed by City Council

Vacating Seventh Street

as Requested.


The city council met in regular session Tuesday evening in chambers with President Crust in the chair. The following aldermen were present: Halladay, Gardner, Purdy, Erickson, Rowley, Fogelstrom, Doran and Wright.

...A communication was read from Capt. Adair of Co. F in which he stated that the three year’s lease of Gardner hall for armory purposes would expire November 1. He stated that he had understood that there was a desire not to renew the lease. He recommended that the council make arrangements to build a new armory. The matter was referred to the purchasing committee. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 October 1901, p. 2, c.’s 1 & 2)


SEE: Coates (John) Liquor Company


HEAR DEBS TONIGHT

_____


The Great Orator and Humanitarian

Speaks is Gardner’s Hall

Tonight, April

27th


Eugene V. Debs under the management of the Appeal to Reason, the most uncompromising and widely read Socialist paper in America, speaks at Gardner’s hall tonight. As an orator he has no peer.

Whether you are a socialist or not, go to the lecture and hear Socialism expounded. You have often heard Socialism condemned, so attend this meeting and hear it defended by a master orator.

Mr. Debs will also discuss the Warren case as it has special bearing on the demand of President Taft for an increase in rates on second class matter.

General admission, 25 cents. Reserved seats 35 cents. Each ticket carries a 40 week subscription to the Appeal to Reason. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 April 1910, p. 3, c. 4)


NOTE: Gardner Hall was used as the Red Cross emergency influenza hospital for 51 days, from November, 1918 to January, 1919. (Brainerd Red Cross Monthly Meeting Minutes, November 1918-January 1919, Crow Wing County Historical Society)


SEE: 1918 Emergency Hospital Opened in the Gardner Block for Influenza Patients in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.

SEE: 1918 Statistics Provided for Emergency Influenza Hospital in the Gardner Block in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.


Built of brick by James S. Gardner [built by George E. Gardner] in early 1891, it is located on the southeast corner of Fifth and Laurel Streets. The Gardner Block has store space on the street floor. The second floor is a hall, which is used for dancing and a roller rink. This is a very popular place for dances during its first decade. The building is torn down in 1945 and is replaced by the Greyhound Bus Depot. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 7 & 84)


NOTE: The Gardner Block was NOT built by James S. Gardner as stated by Zapffe above. It was built by George E. Gardner. At some point, possibly in the early 1920’s, Gardner Hall became the U. C. T. (United Commercial Travelers) auditorium.


SEE: Elks Building

SEE: Greyhound Bus Depot


GARFIELD, EDISON, RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

May 1955. The combined low bids on Brainerd's three new elementary schools—Garfield, Riverside and Edison—total $885,000. The bids were opened by the school board yesterday and are being studied. If the buildings were bid separately, the total would come to $936,000. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 13 May 2015)


Edison Elementary School built in 1955, ca. 1955.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

June 1955. Building permits have been granted for Brainerd’s three new grade schools, and work on one—Garfield—has already begun. Work on the other two—Edison and Riverside—will get under way soon. The total cost comes in at $869,000. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 14 June 2015)


GARVEY’S CAFE

W. J. GARVEY IN YEAR’S RESUME

_____


Well Known Chef of Metropolitan

Hotel Experience Bought Res-

taurant of Geo. West

_____


GREATLY INCREASED BUSINESS

_____


Brother Dan Garvey of Minneapolis

Now Chef—Many Banquets

Served at Restaurant


Garvey’s Restaurant next to the Brainerd Dispatch on the east side of South Sixth Street, ca. 1920s. A 1223x853 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Brainerd, Minnesota 1871-1971, Centennial Edition, p. 20, Brainerd Dispatch

In February of 1917, William J. Garvey bought the restaurant of Geo. R. West and shortly after made many improvements and has so largely built up its patronage that the Garvey restaurant, as it is now known, is classed as one of the best in the city.

The cuisine of the restaurant was shown to Eagles and their wives when Mr. Garvey acted as caterer to this lodge at their annual Thanksgiving banquet. Complete satisfaction was expressed by all in attendance at the dinner.

Numerous dinner parties are the rule at Garvey’s. Tuesday evening, for instance, the county commissioners and several other county officers had dinner at the restaurant.

Wm. J. Garvey was a chef for seven years at the Ransford hotel. Previously he had been in the employ of the Saulspaugh at Mankato and the West hotel in Minneapolis. His brother Dan of Minneapolis fame is now chef and Mrs. McNaughton is night cook. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 January 1918, p. 5, c. 4)


In March 1925 W. J. Garvey is preparing to build a new front on his restaurant next to the Dispatch building. The new front will be a white enameled brick. Windows in the second story will also be changed. [This building was located on the east side of Sixth Street mid-way between Front and Laurel Streets. In the 1950’s it was known as the Land O’Lakes Cafe, owned by George Drake.] (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 30 March 2005)


02 February 1934. (Adv.) Do You Eat Up-Town? If so, then come to Garvey’s tomorrow and enjoy our special luncheon. Pig Hocks and Sauerkraut. Served on the Dinner Menu and also on the 25-cent Plate Luncheon. Served from 11 a. m. to 8 p. m. Garvey’s Cafe. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 02 February 2014)


GLOBE HOTEL (MAP #13)

Globe Hotel at the southwest corner of 5th and Front, ca. 1900.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Located on the southwest corner of Front and Fifth Streets [422 Front Street]; this is a favorite gathering place, since it has a bowling alley in the basement; it burns down in 1910 [sic]. Late in its life this hotel becomes a Mecca for the last of the loggers. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 90 & 111)


NOTE: This hotel did NOT burn in 1910 as stated by Zapffe. It burned on 23 January 1917 along with the Antlers Hotel which was located next door.


SUICIDE AT THE GLOBE HOTEL.

_____


Edward Gunshannon Stabs Himself

Near the Heart with a

Jack Knife.

_____


Just as we go to press information is received that Edward Gunshannon, a brother-in law of P. E. McCabe, was found in his room at the Globe Hotel, lying on the floor with a stab in the throat and one just beneath the heart, inflicted by a common jack knife with intent to suicide.

The deed was done between 2 a. m. when an attendant saw him alive and 9 o’clock this morning when his body was found lying on the floor. He was temporarily out of his mind. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 February 1901, p. 1, c. 4)


26 February 1909. J. L. Neary, of Northome, has leased the Globe Hotel from William Wise, and will take possession March 1, 1909. Mr. Wise will retain the saloon and bowling alley. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 26 February 2009)


The application of C. J. Evansta for a saloon license at the Rex hotel, formerly the Globe, was granted by the usual vote. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 March 1910, p. 3, c. 2)


Fire animation On January 23, 1917, a fire destroyed the Antlers Hotel, the Ideal Hotel, formerly the Globe Hotel, and a couple of other buildings, causing an estimated loss of $50,000. William Deering, a boilermaker, and Thomas F. Lamb, 76 years old, a flagman, employed by the Northern Pacific railroad, roomers at the Antlers Hotel, lost their lives in the fire.


SEE: 1917 Antlers Hotel Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.

SEE: 1922 Ideal Hotel Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


GOTENBORG SALOON (MAP #28)

Built circa 1871, on the west side of the Last Turn Saloon on Front Street between Fourth and Third Streets.


GRANDELMYER (CAROLINE) MILLINERY & DRESSMAKING SHOP

Caroline Grandelmyer, longtime Brainerd business woman, ca. Unknown.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

DRESS MAKING.—See card of Mrs. Grandelmyer, elsewhere in this TRIBUNE. She has just got on a fashionable list of patterns, etc., and is prepared to turn out the most fashionable work.—Northwestern Hotel. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 May 1874, p. 1, c. 5)


The well known and popular Domestic Sewing Machine for sale.

Mrs. C. GRANDELMYER, Agent.

(Brainerd Tribune, 16 August 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


I have just received a full stock of fall and winter millinery goods in all the latest styles. Ladies, please give me a call. MRS. C. GRANDELMYER. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 September 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


Mrs. C. Grandelmyer has just received a large and varied stock of ladies' and misses' spring and summer hats of all the latest styles. She has also received a new shirring machine, and is prepared to take orders for all kinds of shirring. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 May 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


Mrs. Grandelmyer can furnish all kinds of hair goods. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 June 1880, p. 1, c. 4)


SEE: 1880 Brainerd-2 in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.


The frame has been erected and is being rapidly enclosed for Mrs. C. Grandelmyer's new millinery house on Front street, next east of the law office of Capt. Sleeper. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 October 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


Ladies! Ladies!

_____


It Will Be to Your Interest to Read This.


Mrs. C. Grandelmyer has just received a full assortment of beautiful laces, and is now ready to meet the demands of the ladies of Brainerd in their calls for the same, both in quality and prices. SPANISH and FRENCH LACES, Torchon, Valenciennes, Italian, Vermicelli, Venice, etc. Also, an assortment of lovely FRENCH FLOWERS and BUDS that cannot fail to please all, besides latest novelties in LADIES’ TIES and KERCHIEFS for neck-wear, and FRENCH APRONS and HOSIERY. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 August 1881, p. 5, c. 4)


Grandelmyer Ad, 03 July 1880.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

Pedro, the large dog owned by Mrs. Grandelmyer, bit a small boy, a son of Chas. Haggberg [sic] very severely on Wednesday, and the police were ordered to shoot the dog which was done. The boy was running along the sidewalk on Front street in front of the lady's millinery store when the dog sprang out on him. It is not thought that the bite will result seriously, although this is bad weather for such business. This is the third dog Chief Shontell has killed for the same cause this week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 July 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


Mrs. C. Grandelmyer will reopen her millinery store in Aitkin the latter part of September. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 July 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


A new cement sidewalk is being laid in front of Mrs. Grandelmyer's property on Front Street. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 August 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


Mrs. C. Grandelmyer's millinery establishment had a very narrow escape from destruction on Wednesday evening. A lighted lamp was placed under a quantity of paper patterns which hung on the wall and in a moment the patterns were a mass of fire. A pail or two of water put the fire out before the department arrived. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 January 1896, p. 4, c. 3)


Fire animation On February 25, 1904, the Koop Block located on Front Street was wiped out by a spectacular fire along with the L. M. Koop drygoods and notions store, Linneman Brothers clothing store, Caroline Grandelmyer’s millinery store and Louis Hohman’s confectionary store. The total damages were about $100,000.


SEE: 1904 Koop Block Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


The rock for the Koop and Grandelmyer buildings on Front street is being hauled by the J. M. Elder teams. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 March 1904, p. 2, c. 2)


NOTE: This building was known as the Grandelmyer block and was built at 612 Front Street and is still standing in 2016.


Caroline Grandelmyer, ca. Unknown.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

11 April 1905. The Christian Scientists of this city are to erect a new church on the lots which they bought recently of Mrs. C. Grandelmyer on the corner of Eighth and Kingwood Streets North. It will be one of the prettiest churches in the city. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 11 April 2005)


Grandelmyer, Mrs. Caroline

She was born at Crow Wing, where her father was the first settler; and was married to Chris. Grandelmyer in April, 1864. She removed to Brainerd in 1873, where she is now doing a prosperous business as a Milliner and Dressmaker. She is one of the eleven children of Allan Morrison, one of Minnesota's earliest pioneers; Morrison County was named after him. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Winchell, Neill, Williams and Bryant, Minnesota Historical Company, Minneapolis: 1881; p. 651)




GRAND THEATRE

Grand Theatre located in the Sleeper Block, ca. Unknown.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 11, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher

Carpenters will commence work tomorrow remodeling the east room in the Sleeper block for the new Grand theatre. The management states that the doors will be locked when work commences and the public will not be admitted until the theatre is ready for opening. This will not probably be before the 15th of April. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 March 1910, p. 2, c. 4)


D. W. SMILEY INJURED

_____


Well Known Carpenter Broke Wrist

by Fall from Scaffold in the

Grand Theatre


D. W. Smiley, the well known carpenter, fell from a scaffolding in the new Grand Theatre, which he was helping to remodel, shortly after 5 o’clock yesterday afternoon and broke his left arm at the wrist. It so happened that every doctor in the city was out of his office at the time and some few minutes elapsed before one could be secured. Drs. Camp and Batcheller arrived about the same time and reduced the fracture and Mr. Smiley was removed to his home in East Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 March 1910, p. 3, c. 2)


GRAND THEATRE OPENS MONDAY

_____


New Play House One of the Finest

and Safest Little Theatres

in State

_____


ITS VENTILATION IS FINE

_____


Machine Booth is Fire Proof and

Theatre Can be Emptied in

Almost No Time


The work on the new Grand theatre is progressing satisfactorily and barring some unforeseen accident will be opened to the public on Monday night as heretofore announced. Everyone who has seen the theatre since the work was well underway, is charmed with it and it is a safe bet there is not a more complete play house of its size in Minnesota.

The house will seat 300 people, the seats being up-to-date opera chairs. The seats are so arranged as to have two aisles, there being three seats in each tier and five in the center. It will thus never be necessary to pass by more than two seats to reach any seat in the house.

The features of which the management are especially proud are the ventilation and the provisions made for the safety of the patrons of the theatre. It is safe to say that there is not a public auditorium in this part of the state if in the state at all, which can be emptied more quickly than this theatre. The aisles are wide and the doors from the foyer into the arcade are wide and swing both ways. When the theatre is in use the doors will be so that any pressure from within will hold them wide open. There are no steps for people to stumble on in the event of a crowd stampeding. There are also double doors on the stage opening outward, and two substantial stairways with iron railings leading from the auditorium to the stage.

The machine is placed in an iron booth, absolutely fireproof and so arranged that any fire will automatically close all openings and smother the flames. Mr. McLaren, state insurance inspector, inspected the theatre Wednesday and pronounced it the equal of any in the state in the matter of safety. It is estimated that the theatre could be emptied in safety in not to exceed a minute and a half.

The machine installed is a compensre [sic], which gives a much steadier light on the pictures than any machine using a rheostat. A special lens has been ordered and is expected tonight, which is even better than the lens received with the machine.

The ventilation of the theatre consists of a 16-foot dome topped by a four foot ventilator. There are three large art windows opening from the arcade over the foyer, and several large windows in the rear of the stage that can be opened. In addition to this natural ventilation there will be four large electric fans installed.

The stage is 16 by 24 feet in size and 14 feet in height making it high enough to accommodate any vaudeville act traveling. It will be equipped with four curtains including the advertising curtain, and has a full set of flies, etc. In fact the stage would accommodate a stock company much better than will many a country theatre. Three dressing rooms and a toilet room are also provided.

The theatre is lighted throughout with tungsten lights and is exceedingly brilliant when fully illuminated. A dimmer on the stage permits securing the appropriate light of any act.

The arcade front is still housed in and it is impossible to get a first-class view of that part of the theatre, but enough can be seen to show that it will be “swell.” There will be three arches in the front lit by tungsten lights. The arcade is tile floored and like the interior of the theatre is done in mahogany finished birch.

And after the theatre the play is the thing. Each performance will consist of two double and one single vaudeville act—that is two acts of two persons and one by one person—five vaudeville actors appearing in each show. There will also be 2,000 feet of moving pictures and the usual illustrated song. The theatre has received a new Haddorff piano, purchased from Wm. Graham, which for beauty and strength of tone is said by local musicians to be a marvel. Miss Nelfie Alderman will be the pianist. The vaudeville will be run in connection with the well known Sullivan-Considine circuit and the players for the opening night all come direct from Chicago.

F. E. Low will be manager of the house, and Judd Wright treasurer of the company. Jeffrey St. Peter will be in charge of the stage and Ernest Ritari will handle the machine. The soloist for the opening has not been absolutely selected but will probably be form one of the Twin City theatres.

Ernest Huseman had the contract for the alterations and improvements and Wallace & McCaffrey did the wall decorations and wood finishing. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 April 1910, p. 3, c.’s 1 & 2)


GRAND THEATRE OPENING

_____


New Play House Produced Fine Pro-

gram to Two Crowded Houses

Monday Night


The Grand theatre opened its doors to the public last night as previously announced and played to the full capacity of the house at both performances. Only good words were heard on all sides for the house all calling it one of the prettiest little theatres they had ever seen.

The Brainerd City band turned out and gave a fine concert in front of the theatre prior to the first performance and when the doors opened there were many people waiting to enter.

The program for the evening opened with a piano overture by Miss Nelfie Alderman, which was beautifully played. This was followed by a colored cameragraph production, “Poetry of the Waters,” which was beautiful throughout and showed sublime scenes.

Joe Marsh, comedy cartoonist made a hit. He is not only a very clever chalk artist but a monologuist of no mean ability. His work was heartily applauded.

“A Drama of the Mountain Pass” was another cameragraph production, which was interesting and like all the moving pictures very distinct and steady.

LaPetite Laurie was easily the star of the evening. This little girl is certainly one of the greatest hand balancers and benders over seen in Brainerd, big or little. Her work was almost marvelous, the feat of standing with one foot on each of two chairs and bending backward and picking up a handkerchief with her teeth from the floor between the chairs, then rising to her feet without using her hands.

The illustrated song, “The Spot My Heart Calls Home,” sung by Joel M. Thompson, was a beautiful thing and handsomely illustrated. It was well sung.

Fred and Bessie Lucier, in a musical comedy sketch were a roar from start to finish.

The program ended with a touching dramatic number by the cameragraph, entitled, “The Village Inventor.”

Messrs. Low and Wright are to be congratulated upon their auspicious opening and the city is to be congratulated upon having a vaudeville theatre which would be creditable in a city of any size. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 April 1910, p. 1, c. 2)


The home of advanced vaudeville. Booking with the Sullivan-Considine circuit. The best film service to be had. F. E. Low, manager; Judd Wright, treasurer. (Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 11, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher)


GRAND THEATRE.


All musicians today are congratulating Wm. Graham on the new Haddorff piano at the opening of the new Grand Theatre last night which is possessed of rich full tone, even scale, singing quality, nice touch and fine finish throughout, and so beautifully played. The equal is not often heard. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 April 1910, p. 2, c. 4)


The bill at the new Grand Theatre is very good this week and should draw large houses. Eddie Hogan, in his burlesque magician acts, causes a lot of amusement. Last night Eddie was cracking one of his famous jokes and the light went out, but Eddie continued just the same. His magnetic personality was such that he held the audience which sat in the dark while the city lights were turned off and listened to his jokes. Joel Thompson, the illustrated song singer wasn’t to be stopped either by such a little thing as the failure of electric light, and sang and did his own illustrating by carrying a lantern. After a while the light came back and a good program was continued to conclusion. The Dare Bros. are excellent hand balancers and do a good turn. They are strong enough to lift the mortgage off an automobile. Sytz & Sytz are good comedians and singers. The barrel jumping act is good. The pictures shown will interest the children, especially the “Wizard of Oz,” and his experiences. The Grand will run Sundays, changing programs Monday’s and Thursday’s. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 April 1910, p. 2, c. 5)


Grand Theatre


Grand Theatre Ad, 19 April 1910.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

The first films shown related the story of an exciting bear hunt, and are very interesting. Charles Hasty, “The Hoosier Boy,” appears in an interesting monologue. He sings a song which is appropriate to the dry condition of various parts of the northern country. The refrain, “A Man Will be Lucky If He Gets a Bath, When Old Minnesota Goes Dry,” took the fancy of the audience. The next set of films shows how a man had to juggle to get a wife and then when he failed miserably she married him anyway, out of compassion, we suppose, as so many of the girls do. As dancers, Thomas & Ryan are the best who have ever appeared in Brainerd. So many varieties of steps were shown that it was bewildering. Their dancing either singly or in team work is really wonderful. They are the most handy men with their feet that the writer has ever seen. Russell & Ray appear in a comedy playlet and catch the fancy of the audience. They are good singers and dancers. Mr. Russell sings a song entitled, “He Could Sing a Song Like Kelly Could,“ which is decidedly funny. There are more motion pictures, good songs by Joel M. Thompson and solos by Miss Alderman. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 May 1910, p. 5, c. 4)


At the Grand


One of the special films shown here is the Shriners’ Pilgrimage. It shows their gorgeous costumes and the various drill teams competing for prizes.

In the vaudeville is introduced the specialty shooting act of Coleman and Mexias. Their marksmanship is superb and this act is something that should not be missed by any theatre goer.

Evans & Evans appear in songs and impersonations. Evans impersonation of an Italian beggar is very good, and the song by Ford wherein her voice goes from mezzo soprano to high soprano shows what a range her voice has. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 May 1910, p. 2, c. 5)


At the Grand


Something new in the vaudeville acts seen at the Grand this week is the work of Claude Golden, a most dexterous card manipulator. His card tricks are so many and varied that many a man in the audience would hate to sit in a poker game with him.

Long and West are singing and dancing comedians. West takes the black face part and is known as “Umphus,” who follows his master Long on a wild chase around the country until his ankles catch fire. The singing of West, or his canary birding act, as he terms it, is good. Long has a clear and pleasing voice. The team made a decided hit.

Miss Frances Quinn formerly of the Bijou, is playing during the temporary absence of Miss Nelfie Alderman. Mrs. J. Omen, formerly of the Gaiety of St. Paul, is making a favorable impression with her singing. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 July 1910, p. 3, c. 2)


Change of Ownership


F. E. Low has sold his interest in the Grand theatre, transferring his stock the latter part of last week to F. H. Gruenhagen of the Slipp-Gruenhagen Co. The house for some time has been under the efficient management of Judd Wright the president of the company, and the transfer of stock will in no wise effect the management. Under Mr. Wright’s management this beautiful little play house has become exceedingly popular, being crowded every night the past week to the doors. Mr. Wright is very zealous in attempting to secure only meritorious attractions believing that the best is none too good for the Grand. He stated today that he did not consider expense in securing features, as experience had taught him that the best features although expensive, paid better with full and overflowing audiences, than ordinary attractions with ordinary attendance. He will therefore only get the best. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 October 1910, p. 3, c. 2)


The Grand theatre has installed a new style of curtain designated a sunlight curtain. First used last Monday evening the curtain has been given a thorough test and has successfully fulfilled all requirements. Pictures show up distinctly whether the house lights are turned on or off. The curtain was built in Brainerd and its installation by the Grand is evidence of the progressive tendency of this playhouse to adopt all the latest improvements. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 October 1911, p. 2, c. 4)


A FINE ORCHESTRA

_____


Opera Night at the Grand is an Es-

tablished Institution and Causes

Favorable Comment


“Opera Night” at the Grand is now an established institution, for every Thursday evening an orchestra of four pieces plays standard operatic selections. Last evening the complete overtures were played from “Aida” by Verdi and “Lohengrin” by Wagner. A superb rendition was given of these two masterpieces in the field of musical literature.

In the orchestra are Edwin Harris Bergh, violin; Wm. Rodenkirchen, cello; Wm. Graham, cornet; Miss Cecil Witham, piano.

It is believed to be the first time in the history of motion pictures that classical music has been used to advantage in accompanying the portrayal of films and the music became part of the warp and woof of “The Flaming Sword.” At one point in the play where the hero and heroine had found each other and he was gazing into her eyes, saying nothing, but looking everything, the orchestra softly played the Lohengrin wedding march and every lady in the audience recognized the familiar strains.

One young girl who walked down the aisle with her escort at the time, said later: “It was some sensation all right. It was the nearest thing to walking down the church aisle that I have experienced.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 October 1915, p. 3, c. 2)


BRAINERD SHOWN IN MOVING PICTURES

_____


“The Luck of Farmer Corntassel,”

or “Selling a City,” is the

Title of the Plot

_____


LOCAL PEOPLE IN THE CAST

_____


Tom Woods as Farmer Corntassel

Makes a Hit, while Other Local

Celebrities are Seen


Tom “Fatty” Wood as Farmer Corntassel, 09 November 1915.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch
An ad for the showing of the Farmer Corntassel film fifty-six years after it was first made in 1915, 11 August 1971. A 648x639 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

The moving pictures which were taken of Brainerd and Crow Wing county are to be shown at the Grand Theatre for two matinees and evenings commencing next Saturday afternoon.

The first pictures taken after being run, were not all satisfactory and the United Educational and Publicity Bureau, producers of the pictures, retook upwards of four hundred feet of interesting scenes in and about the city.

Tom Woods, the stellar attraction, who takes the leading role of Farmer Corntassel, in the plot which runs throughout the picture is seen in many side-splitting situations. The plot is entitled “The Luck of Farmer Corntassel” or “Selling a City.” The picture starts out with Farmer Corntassel meeting several well-known state officials at the depot including Secretary of State Julius. A. Schmahl, Ex-Congressman Stevens, and Pres. John Henry Worst of the Fargo Agricultural School. He is then seen entering the First National Bank where he meets a stranger who turns out to be a pickpocket. After making a number of purchases about the city, patronizing the different stores, he is taken for an automobile ride about the city by the President and Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce.

During the time that he trades with the different merchants, many amusing scenes are shown until finally the pickpocket succeeds in “lifting” his roll when Farmer Corntassel becomes very excited and with the aid of a policeman chases the pickpocket, finally capturing and lodging him in the city jail. An automobile chase takes place on one of the boulevards and the policeman is seen shooting at the fleeing pickpocket.

Scenes at the mines at Ironton and Crosby are shown together with the main business streets of both cities. The hydraulic work at the Hillcrest mine is shown together with the work at Amour Mine No. 2. Beautiful Bay Lake is also seen while the picture ends with a scene at the Echo Dairy Farm where Farmer Corntassel finally arrives and is greeted by his daughter.

Pictures were taken of the shops at twelve o’clock noon, students leaving the high school, the new 13th Street concrete road while all prominent buildings and business streets are also shown in detail.

Included in the cast is Geo. M. Anderson, who takes the part of the pickpocket and is known as “Slicker Flashem.” Miss Clare DeRocher is seen in the role of Farmer Cornstassel’s sweetheart, while Clarence Olson and Mose DeRocher act the parts of chauffeur and policeman.

As soon as the pictures have been shown in all picture houses throughout the county, arrangements will be made to have them run in Duluth and the Twin Cities in several of the prominent theatres. The advent of the moving picture as an advertising medium is being more prominently recognized than ever by the leading advertisers of the country as the best agency that can be used for presenting a lasting impression to the people it is desired to reach. Brainerd is one of the first to take advantage of this medium and it is expected that the publicity gained through these pictures will result in permanently placing the city and county upon the map as a live and progressive community. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 November 1915, p. 5, c.’s 2 & 3)


SEE BRAINERD IN THE MOVIES

_____


Committee of Brainerd Business Men

Feature the City and Its Indus-

tries in Moving Pictures

_____


AT GRAND THEATRE TONIGHT

_____


Mining Industries of the County, In-

dustrial Life, High School, Etc.,

Make Interesting Film


The pictures of Brainerd and Crow Wing county in “movies” will be run at the Grand theatre tonight and they will prove to be interesting. A trial run of the film was made this morning before a committee of prominent citizens and business men who viewed them for the purpose of passing upon the work and the sentiment was that they were worthy of the patronage of the people of Brainerd, and also that when shown in the cities outside of Brainerd that the advertising will be worthwhile.

The pictures show the principal industries of Brainerd and Crow Wing county, views of the Northern Pacific shops, the principal industry of the city with a payroll of from $60,000 to $75,000 per month, the business section of the city, the high school and the scholars and instructors, the residential section of the city, farm scenes, the open pit mines on the Cuyuna range with the steam shovels at work, the mining villages and the industries.

Beautiful Bay Lake and the surrounding country is shown, as are also the improvements on 13th street where a long stretch of cement road has been built. Brainerd’s up-to-date fire truck in action, and many other views that the people of this city will be interested in.

Together with this film is shown Tom Wood as the unsuspecting rube, “Farmer Corntassel,” in a plot that runs through the picture and it presents many laughable situations. The plot puts Corntassel in possession of a sum of money which he draws from the First National bank and of which he is afterward relieved by “Slicker Flashem,” a character represented by Geo. M. Anderson. The sweetheart of Corntassel is characterized by Miss Clare DeRocher, while Clarence Olson and Mose DeRocher are in the roles of chauffeur and policeman. The entire film is replete with situations, persons and places that will please the local theatre goer and one may discover himself in the picture if he scans it carefully. It is well worth seeing and the Grand should be packed during the exhibition of the film which will be shown tonight and twice tomorrow, after which the film will start on its tour of other cities of Minnesota and the northwest. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 November 1915, p. 5, c. 2)


NOTE: After Clyde E. Parker bought the Grand Theatre about 13 December 1915 it was closed.


SEE: Sleeper Block


GREYHOUND BUS DEPOT (MAP #27)

Greyhound Bus Depot, ca. 1940’s. A 1262x782 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Carl Faust, Postcard
Greyhound Bus Depot at the southeast corner of 5th and Laurel, ca. 1979.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society
"Remuddling" the Greyhound Bus Depot, the only Moderne architectural style building in Brainerd. The original glazed bricks are being covered by a façade of fake bricks called EIFS made of styrofoam, 26 July 2017. A 2048x1208 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Carl Faust
A 1947 Greyhound Bus called the Battle of Britain, note the elongated curved windows. A 800x621 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Unknown
A 1953 Greyhound Scenicruiser, again displaying the elongated curved windows. A 800x441 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Unknown

Built by the Greyhound Interstate Bus Company in 1945, it is located on the southeast corner of Fifth and Laurel Streets, replacing the Gardner Block. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 180)


GREYHOUND LINES TO BUILD A BUS DEPOT HERE SOON

_____


Plans for the erection of a new $50,000 Greyhound bus terminal building in Brainerd were announced this week by W. J. Kay, president of the Northland Greyhound lines, in Minneapolis.

According to Norris Ryder, secretary-manager of the Brainerd Civic association, who received the announcement from Kay, construction on the terminal will be started as soon as the necessary priorities can be secured.

The building, which is to be a one-story structure, will be located at the site of the present Gardner building across from the city hall. It will include a restaurant, inside loading space, a large waiting room and rest rooms. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 March 1945, p. 1, c. 3)


Bus Terminal Opening Oct. 6

_____


Formal opening ceremonies for the new Greyhound Terminal which is nearing completion at Laurel and Fifth streets are to be held Saturday, Oct. 6, according to tentative plans announced today by Frank M. Babb, Greyhound’s district traffic manager.

It is expected that city and state officials will join with Northland Greyhound executives in brief ceremonies marking the official opening. While buses have been operating from the new station since Sept. 1, full facilities are not expected to be ready until early October.

The terminal will house a completely equipped restaurant supervised by the nationally-known Greyhound Post Houses. A cafeteria-type service will be provided to facilitate handling of bus travelers. The restaurant will accommodate approximately 100 persons.


Shetland Loading


A feature of the terminal is a special under-cover loading area which will permit passengers to board buses fully protected from inclement weather. An additional concrete area to the south of the building provides added emergency space for from six to eight of the Greyhound super coaches.

The building architecture features a streamlined styling designed in keeping with the nature of tomorrow’s modernized highway transportation. The structure’s facing is of attractive cream-color glazed brick.

Full plans for the opening day program, which are expected include a variety of interesting features, are to be announced by Mr. Babb shortly. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 September 1945, p. 1, c. 6)


Extensive Program Will Mark Bus Terminal Opening

_____


Singing by the Greyhound Girls’ chorus of 35 voices, flag raising under the supervision of a color guard and band furnished by the Minnesota state guard, drills by the Brainerd Ladies’ Drum and Bugle Corps will highlight features of the official opening of the new Greyhound terminal at Fifth and Laurel streets, Saturday, Oct. 6.

During the afternoon free refreshments will be served at an “afternoon tea” in the new terminal cafe and a motion picture, “This Amazing America” will be exhibited at the armory.

The first bus to leave the terminal will be released by Miss Brainerd, the Brainerd high school Homecoming Queen, according to plans outlined today by a Greyhound company committee.

The flag raising ceremony will begin at 1:30 p. m., and the drum corps drill will begin at 6:30 p. m. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 October 1945, p. 1, c.’s 2 & 3)


Biz Buzz

Downtown Brainerd


[...]


Construction work is changing the exterior of one of Brainerd’s iconic buildings in downtown, which once served as the Greyhound Bus Depot. Brainerd Eye Care is changing its look with work by HyTec Construction.

There has been some public concern for the loss of the blond brick exterior. Paul Skogen, HyTec project manager, said the owner wanted the exterior of the building to be all same color and design and an expansion on the south side of the building had a different style of white brick and wainscoting. Brick infills on the former overhead doors along the north side of the building. were also a different style and color of brick and wainscoting, Skogen said.

Other factors listed in the change included adding better insulation to the building’s exterior for energy efficiency, Skogen reported there were structural issues with the brick behind the banding that was on the building and when it was removed from the building’s north and south sides, deteriorating brick and wood was found beneath. The deteriorated wood was removed and filled in with concrete mortar.

Beyond the blond brick, the rounded windows from the Greyhound days of the 1940’s have been a mainstay for the building on Laurel Street across from the Brainerd Post Office.

Skogen stated there were water problems around the existing 1940’s style windows. In order to save them, he said crews needed to remove the old caulking and install new flashing around each of the windows to prevent water damage to the window frame and building structure.

“We preserved the 1940’s look of the building with the round entrance/exit area and windows while trying to update the overall look of the building,” Skogen said.

We’ll look at the before and after differences in next week’s Biz Buzz. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 August 2017, p. C-3, c.’s 4 & 5)


NOTE: Before it was "remuddled," the Greyhound Bus Depot was a very fine example of the Moderne style of architecture, which was popular from 1930 to 1950 and was sometimes called the Art Moderne style. The Moderne style is closely related to the Art Deco style which developed just before it. Both are part of the Modern Movement in architecture, a conscious break with traditional design in pursuit of a new aesthetic free from the styles and forms of the past. For this reason, both the Art Deco style and the Moderne style are sometimes referred to as "Modernistic," although the two styles are distinctly different in appearance. The Art Deco style led to the development of a new, more streamlined, less ornamented style of architecture, the Moderne style of the 1930’s. Influenced by advancements in the industrial design of ships, planes, railroad engines and automobiles, the Moderne style is characterized by smooth walls with little surface ornamentation, rounded corners and curved glass. Moderne buildings have flat roofs, and bands of windows with a horizontal emphasis. Some buildings of this style have aluminum or stainless steel detailing. The Greyhound Bus Depot in Brainerd has/had a rounded corner at the entrance and a wide band of metal above the horizontal curved windows, reminiscent of the horizontal curved windows in Greyhound Buses. This building is/was the only example of the Moderne style of architecture in the city of Brainerd!


SEE: Gardner Block


GRUENHAGEN BLOCK

IMPROVEMENTS ARE STILL LOOMING UP.

_____


Fred Gruenhagen Will Build a

Modern Brick Block on

Seventh Street.

_____


LOCATION SELECTED TODAY.

_____


Saturday last a deal was closed which will mean more improvement in the building line in this city. Fred Gruenhagen, the Laurel street plumber, purchased of S. & J. W. Koop two lots adjoining their big building to the north on Seventh street.

This means that Mr. Gruenhagen will build a fine modern block on the fifty foot lot and it will be a decided improvement to that part of the city. The price paid for the lots was $3,000.

Mr. Gruenhagen stated this morning that he would probably decide to build this fall and if he did the work would commence at once. He has about decided upon the general plan of the new structure. It will have a fifty foot frontage and will extend to the alley, 100 feet, with full basement. The new building will be solid brick and will be built to conveniently accommodate the owner in the line of business he is in.

The plans for the same will be prepared at once and there is a probability that the work will commence on the excavation within ten days. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 August 1901, p. 6, c. 1)


A crew of men were put to work yesterday on the excavation for the Gruenhagen building on Seventh street. The work on the foundation will commence at once and the building will be pushed to completion before winter. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 September 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


SEE: Elks Building


TWO FIRMS WILL CONSOLIDATE

_____


Slipp Bros. and F. H. Gruenhagen

will Organize and Incorpor-

ate Under One Head

_____


WILL BE SLIPP-GRUENHAGEN CO.

_____


Firm will Occupy Both Store Rooms

in the Gruenhagen Building

in Short Time


A business change of considerable importance has been announced and it is considered a very good one not only for the members of the firms but also for the commercial interests of the city.

Slipp Bros. and F. H. Gruenhagen have combined forces and will in a short time incorporate under the firm name of the Slipp-Gruenhagen Company. All the gentlemen interested are well known in this city as being most enterprising and influential. The new business will virtually be along the lines that the two firms have followed in the past but on a larger scale. A general hardware business will be conducted together with the plumbing, steam heating and bicycle business. As soon as Mrs. Koop vacates the north store of the Gruenhagen block the new firm of the Slipp-Gruenhagen Company will occupy both stores. This will give them ample floor space and they expect to put in an entire new stock.

Slipp Brothers have been in the hardware business in this city for years. Fred Slipp, the senior member of this firm is highly respected and is among Brainerd’s oldest businessmen while his brother Edward Slipp but recently went in with him. He too has won the esteem of the business public and will be a success in Brainerd. Mr. Gruenhagen is one of Brainerd’s rising young businessmen, who has made a success by constant perseverance and he is to be congratulated on the consolidation. Slipp Bros. are temporarily located in the Gruenhagen store, where they will remain until Mrs. Koop vacates the other part of the building. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 May 1904, p. 3, c. 3)


SEE: Koop Blocks


THE SLIPP-GRUENHAGEN CO.


Interior of the Slipp-Gruenhagen store located on the east side of 7th Street between Front and Laurel Streets, 1910.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 12, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher, Brainerd Tribune

This firm was founded by the consolidation of the plumbing and heating business of F. H. Gruenhagen, who had been occupying one-half of the present premises of the firm, Nos. 217-219 So. 7th street, and the hardware business of Slipp Bros., up to the time of their fire, and the consolidation of the two firms, occupying quarters at No. 429 Front street.

F. H. Gruenhagen, plumbing, heating & bicycles, at 620 Laurel Street, ca. 1900. A 1368x901 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Mr. Gruenhagen came to Brainerd twenty-one years ago and was employed by Slipp Bros. for seven and one-half years before going into business for himself; a very modest bicycle and tin and plumbing shop in the Walker block on Laurel street under the firm name of Thompson & Gruenhagen. In 1898 Mr. Gruenhagen purchased the interest of Mr. Thompson and after three years erected the modern building, the present home of the firm, and occupied one-half of the first floor, No. 219 South 7th.

Slipp-Gruenhagen Block built in 1901, 1908.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

The firm of Slipp Bros. was organized here twenty-five years ago, Mr. F. J. Slipp, one of the partners, had been employed in the hardware business for three years in Brainerd previous to that time and a resident of this city for thirty-three years. In 1904 their store was destroyed by fire and it was at this time that the two firms were merged as the Slipp-Gruenhagen Co. Both stores of Mr. Gruenhagen's building were immediately occupied by them and the enlarged business and facilities have made it possible for them to do business on a greater and more successful scale.

The business occupies a store room with an area of 4,500 square feet on the first floor with full basement and warehouse and workshop in the rear, each 25 by 40 feet.

At the death of Mr. Wm. Erb in 1908 the firm purchased his harness and saddlery stock and business from the estate, and added that department to their store. Special attention has been given to developing this part of the business and without question they today carry the largest stock and are doing the largest volume of business of any firm in this line in the city. Expert workmen are employed in the repair department and all work undertaken is thoroughly and carefully handled.

The general lines represented in the store are general hardware, plumbing, heating, sewer contracting, tinsmithing, guns, sporting goods, etc.

The members of the present firm are F. J. Slipp, E. P. Slipp and F. H. Gruenhagen. (Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 12, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher)


SEE: City Hall

SEE: Brainerd Lumber Company Main Office Building / Van’s Cafe


HARRISON GRADE SCHOOLS

One of these identical four grade school buildings is the Harrison Grade School on Oak between SE 14th and SE 15th, ca. 1894.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Built of Brainerd-made Schwartz cream brick in 1894 [sic] [1893] on the north side of Oak Street between Southeast Fourteenth and Fifteenth Streets, it houses the kindergarten through sixth grades. In 1936 [sic] [1939] the old school is razed and replaced by a new structure, which costs nearly $225,000. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 38 & 49)


Board of Education Meeting.


[...]


The committee on site for the fourth ward did not report, the chairman of the committee being absent, but there was a delegation of fourth ward citizens present to protest against the proposed recommendation of the committee. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 January 1893, p. 4, c. 5)


School Board Meeting.


[...]


A report of the committee on sites, signed by four members of the committee was made, but the president refused to entertain the report for the reason that no meeting of the committee had been called by the chairman or had been held, and the report was referred back to the same committee for future action. The report recommended the purchase of 10 lots in block 17 of Sleeper’s addition to Brainerd at a cost not to exceed $1,500. A petition signed by 60 property owners in the ward was presented asking the board not to purchase the site above recommended, but instead of it what is known as the Murray property, or any of the blocks between 12th and 14th street, and Oak and Quince streets. The chairman of the site committee, Mr. Congdon informs us that a meeting of the committee will be held tomorrow afternoon and the different sites inspected, and a hearing will be accorded to all interested on the subject before any recommendations are made. There seems to be considerable difference of opinion over there as to where the building should be located, and it is but just that all should be accorded a hearing before the matter is settled. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 February 1893, p. 4, c. 6)


Board of Education Meeting.


A special meeting of the board of education was held on Tuesday evening to take final action on the purchase of a site for the new school building in the fourth ward.... The full committee on sites reported unanimously in favor of purchasing ten lots of block 17 in Sleeper’s addition, which report was accepted by the board, and purchase ordered, for a consideration of not to exceed $1,500. The committee attended a mass meeting of the citizens of the ward the previous evening, and discussed the matter, after which a vote was taken by the citizens, which was two to one in favor of the site selected. The committee recommended accordingly. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 February 1893, p. 4, c. 6)


The four new school houses are all sufficiently advanced for putting on the roofs. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 July 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


School Board Doings.


[...]


...The old buildings on the First ward site were sold to Mrs. Frank Osborn for $15, she to remove them at once. A bill of $44 for extra work was allowed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 October 1893, p. 4, c. 6)


Harrison Grade School, built in 1894, located on Oak between SE 14th and SE 15th, ca. 1910.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 4, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher, Brainerd Tribune

The board of education held a special meeting on Wednesday evening, nothing but routine business being transacted. Another room in the Harrison school was ordered opened and additional seats purchased for the new rooms recently opened. A new oak side walk was also ordered laid in front of the Lincoln school on Sixth street. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 October 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


Board of Education.


A special meeting of the board of education was held on Tuesday evening....


[...]


It was also ordered that the repair committee seat an additional room in the Harrison school. A motion was also carried to relieve the over crowded condition of the schools by hiring teachers for additional rooms in the Lowell and Harrison schools. The matter of purchasing shade trees was left to the repair committee to report at next meeting. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 April 1894, p. 4, c. 4)


Over thirteen hundred scholars were enrolled in the public schools on the first day of the present term. Two hundred of these were in the Harrison building in the Fourth ward, or an average of fifty to a room, the building containing only four rooms. It will thus be seen that this building is already too small to accommodate the children of that ward. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 September 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


Mothers’ Club Meetings.

_____


Harrison Grade School pupils, ca. 1896 or 1897. Ida Peterson is the teacher and she has about forty-seven students in her class, most have hats, but some have no shoes. A 850x615 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The Mothers’ Meeting of the Harrison school was held on Wednesday. The object of the meeting was explained by Prof. Carleton, and the following officers elected for one year:

President—Miss Kathleen Canan.

Secretary—Miss Anna Fuller.

The following committees were appointed:

Decorative Committee—Miss Knevett, Mesdames Clark, Mahlum, Buckler, Hurley and White.

Executive Committee—Miss Halsted, Mesdames Falkner, Bissiar, E. Ellison, Brandt and Preston.

Entertainment Committee—Mesdames Britton, S. Johnson, A. Peterson, J. J. Peterson, M. Peterson and Kerr.

Visiting Committee—Mesdames Graham, Banta, Towers, A. Olson, Hastings and J. H. Peterson.

Committee to write a Constitution—Misses Canan, Kenevett, Halsted and Fuller.

Papers for the next meeting Mesdames Clark and Britton, and Misses Canan and Fuller.

Meeting adjourned to meet again February 17th, 1897.

ANNA FULLER,

Secretary.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 22 January 1897, p. 4, c. 6)


Mothers' Club Meeting.


The Mothers' Clubs of the different schools will meet as follows:

Lincoln school Mothers' club at the Lincoln school on Monday April 25, at 4 p. m.

The Whittier school Mothers' club at the Whittier school, Tuesday, April 26th at 4 p. m.

The Lowell school Mothers' club at the Lowell school on Wednesday, April 27th at 4 p. m.

the Harrison school Mothers' club at the Harrison school Thursday, April 28th at 4 p. m.

The Washington school Mothers' club at the Washington high school Friday April 29th at 4 p. m. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 April 1898, p. 4, c. 2)


ENLARGE THE HARRISON SCHOOL.

_____


A Mass Meeting of Citizens Endorse

the Proposition of the

School Board.

_____


A mass meeting of citizens was held at Gardner Hall on Wednesday night on a call of the board of education to consider the matter of providing funds to enlarge the Harrison school in southeast Brainerd. About 200 citizens were in attendance.

The meeting was called to order by President Hagberg, who stated the object of the meeting. Mayor Halsted was elected chairman and W. S. Cox secretary.

Only the matter of enlarging the Harrison school was considered. Mr. Mahlum stated that there was some fault finding a year ago when the board enlarged the Lincoln school on its own motion, and now that more room was needed and it was necessary to enlarge the Harrison school, the board desired to have the citizens pass on the matter, so there could be no complaints in the future. The cost would be about $11,000, and the money could be obtained at the local banks at five or six per cent. Prof. Torrens, from his monthly reports, showed that the enrollment was rapidly increasing, the present seating capacity was 1,744, and the enrollment 1,946. Mr. John Hurley thought the additional room was unnecessary at present, as the board could fit up the basements in the several schools for school rooms, as they were well lighted and well fitted for the purpose.

Speeches on the subject were made by Dr. Groves, Rev. J. Roderick Mooney, Prof. Wilson, M. J. Reilly, and others, all favoring the enlargement of the school. After a lengthy discussion M. J. Reilly offered a motion that it was the sense of the meeting that the board proceed to enlarge the Harrison school as proposed and make whatever arrangement to raise the funds to do so that it deemed advisable. The motion was carried with one or two dissenting votes, and the meeting adjourned. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 March 1901, p. 1, c. 4)


In another column we publish an official call by the board of education for a school meeting to be held at the Washington school building on Saturday evening, May 4th, to authorize the board to issue ten thousand dollars in bonds to build the addition to the Harrison school, as proposed and endorsed at the recent mass meeting of citizens. All voters interested in the welfare of the schools should attend and vote for the proposition. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 April 1901, p. 8, c. 2)


$10,000 IN BONDS WILL BE SOLD.

_____


Bids for Building Harrison School Ad-

dition Advertised for

_____


The board of education held a regular meeting on Monday evening.


[...]


On motion the plans and specifications for the addition to the Harrison school were turned over to the building committee, with instructions to advertise for bids for constructing the same.

A motion was made and carried that the board advertise for the sale of bonds of the district in the sum of $10,000, said bonds to be payable in twenty years from their date, and to draw interest at the rate of 4 per cent per annum, interest to be payable semi-annually. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 May 1901, p. 4, c. 4)


Eleven to One.


The school meeting held at the Washington building last Saturday night to vote on the proposition to issue bonds to build the addition to the Harrison school was not very well attended. Only twelve voters were present and voted, eleven of whom voted yes and one no, hence the proposition carried, and the board has the authority to issue the bonds. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 May 1901, p. 10, c. 4)


Contractor Kreatz has finished the foundation at the new addition to the Harrison school, and the work is being pushed vary rapidly. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 June 1901, p. 4, c. 3)


Addition Nearly Ready.


Contractor Kreatz is rushing work on the new addition to the Harrison School building and it will be ready for occupancy by September 1 when school opens.

The addition is a great improvement and it will be a great advantage to the residents of that part of the city as the schools have been overcrowded for some time. There are three rooms in the new addition. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 1901, p. 1, c. 4)


The building committee reported that the Harrison and the Mill schools were not ready for occupancy but thought they would be by next Monday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 September 1901, p. 1, c. 5)


The Harrison school was completed Saturday and the rooms were occupied yesterday morning. The Mill school repairs have also been completed and school has commenced there. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 September 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


SCHOOL BOND ISSUE PUT UP

_____


$250,000 Asked To Replace Old Buildings Here

_____


Voters Will decide Question at Primary Election;

If Passed Will Build Two, Perhaps Three New Schools.

_____


The program dedicating the Harrison. Lincoln, Lowell, Whittier Elementary Schools, 14 January 1940.
Source: Brainerd Public Schools Archives
The program dedicating the Harrison. Lincoln, Lowell, Whittier Elementary Schools, 14 January 1940.
Source: Brainerd Public Schools Archives
The program dedicating the Harrison. Lincoln, Lowell, Whittier Elementary Schools, 14 January 1940.
Source: Brainerd Public Schools Archives
The program dedicating the Harrison. Lincoln, Lowell, Whittier Elementary Schools, 14 January 1940. A 569x742 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Brainerd Public Schools Archives
The program dedicating the Harrison. Lincoln, Lowell, Whittier Elementary Schools, 14 January 1940. A 569x742 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Brainerd Public Schools Archives
The program dedicating the Harrison. Lincoln, Lowell, Whittier Elementary Schools, 14 January 1940. A 569x742 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Brainerd Public Schools Archives
The program dedicating the Harrison. Lincoln, Lowell, Whittier Elementary Schools, 14 January 1940. A 582x742 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Brainerd Public Schools Archives
The program dedicating the Harrison. Lincoln, Lowell, Whittier Elementary Schools, 14 January 1940.
Source: Brainerd Public Schools Archives
The second Harrison Grade School, built in 1939, located on Oak between SE 14th and SE 15th, 2016. A 960x540 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Kat Beireis

The Brainerd Board of Education will go before the voters of Brainerd at the primary election June 20 for permission to issue bonds totaling $250,000 for the replacement of two and possibly three of Brainerd’s four main grade school buildings, it was announced by officers of the school board following a special meeting last night.

Whether that amount will be sufficient to rebuild two or three buildings depends on whether an application for funds to the Public Works Administration for 45 percent of the total cost of the structures is accepted. Such an application for PWA funds is now pending, it was said by school officials.


May Rebuild Harrison


The board will construct new buildings to house the Lowell and Lincoln schools and, if the PWA application is accepted, will also rebuild the Harrison school in Southeast Brainerd. It is the intention of the board, however, to rebuild all four main grade buildings in the city as soon as possible.

All four of Brainerd’s central grade buildings are over 50 years old, school officials said. All four are fire traps and are obsolete in every way, even containing in some instances serious construction faults. In addition, officials continued, three of the buildings are severely overcrowded and if new buildings are not constructed, additions must be built which, in the opinion of the board, would not be sound policy as the buildings are obsolete to begin with.


Free of Debt

The Brainerd school district, it was emphasized, is at present entirely free of bonded indebtedness of any kind, with all bonds issued in connection with the construction of both the Franklin and Washington buildings as well as the extension built to the Washington building about a year ago, now retired. The last bonds were paid off last May and the issuance of this new bond issue will not cause any tax increase or complicate current financing of the district schools, officers said.

The board of education plans to immediately cast about for an architect to prepare plans and specifications for the new buildings planned for a construction start this year, if voters of the city authorize by a favorable vote June 20, the issuance of the quarter of a million dollar bonds.

[...]

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 April 1938, p. 1, c. 8)


NOTE: The Public Works Administration (PWA), part of the New Deal of 1933, was a large-scale public works construction agency in the United States headed by Secretary of the Interior Harold L. Ickes. It was created by the National Industrial Recovery Act in June 1933 in response to the Great Depression. It built large-scale public works such as dams, bridges, hospitals, and schools. Its goals were to spend $3.3 billion in the first year, and $6 billion in all, to provide employment, stabilize purchasing power, and help revive the economy. Most of the spending came in two waves in 1933-35, and again in 1938. Originally called the Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works, it was renamed the Public Works Administration in 1935 and shut down in 1944. The PWA spent over $6 billion in contracts to private construction firms that did the actual work. It created an infrastructure that generated national and local pride in the 1930s and remains vital seven decades later.


SEE: Brainerd Schools Miscellaneous Information


HARTLEY BANK BUILDING (MAP #6)

Located on the southeast corner of Front and Sixth Streets, better known as the First National Bank building, it is built in 1882 by W. W. Hartley. In 1916 the building is purchased by the officers of the bank and is remodeled—the first of three such remodelings. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 22 & 38)


Hartley Bros. have removed the store house just back of Hagberg & Honnett's store on Sixth street and we understand will put up a building there soon. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 March 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


Hartley Bros. new building on 6th street will soon be completed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 April 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


Hartley Bros. new building on 6th street, is nearly completed and will be ready for occupancy soon. Metzger Bros. will occupy one room with their jewelry store, which will give them as fine a business place as there is in the city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 May 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


NOTE: I believe this was a separate building the Hartley’s built behind the bank building on South Sixth. I think it housed the post office in 1884.


SEE: Post Office


W. W. Hartley has gone to Tacoma, W. T., to engage in the real estate business. W. W. is a rustler and will probably meet with success. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 April 1889, p. 4, c. 3)


SEE: Bank of Brainerd

SEE: First National Bank Building


HARTLEY BLOCK (MAP #2)

Hartley Block on the south side of Front between 5th and 6th, ca. 1888.
Source: Northwest Illustrated Monthly Magazine, Volume VI, Number 7, July 1888, E. V. Smalley, Editor and Publisher

Hartley Brothers & Co.


Are fast pushing their fine store-building toward completion. We have before referred to this new firm, and it gives us great pleasure to note their progress. They have a handsome location on Front street near Fifth, and the fine building they are putting up will be a credit to the location and the town, and the firm will be among the soundest and most popular in our young city. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 March 1872, p. 3, c. 2)


Hartley Bros. have their fine new store-building enclosed and it will very soon be ready for occupation. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 April 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


NOTE: The above mentioned building is the forerunner of the brick Hartley Block.


B. F. and G. G. Hartley erect the Hartley Block circa 1881, which stands where part of the Ransford Hotel is later built, on the south side of Front between Fifth and Sixth Streets. It is the first brick building in town and was built of Brainerd-made Schwartz cream brick. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 35-38)


B. F. Hartley was testing the speed of his fast horse on Sixth street yesterday when the animal got a little too fast and began to kick. Hartley was in a gig and the horse kicked him twice in the breast knocking him out of the gig. The horse ran around several blocks and was captured. Hartley was not very much hurt. (Minneapolis Tribune, 04 April 1881, p. 5)


B. F. HARTLEY’S NEW BLOCK.


Last Thursday morning the ground was broken for the mammoth structure to be erected by B. F. Hartley on the lots between Geo. Stevenson’s wholesale and retail grocery store and Wm. Schwartz’s dry goods store. This building is to be seventy-five by eighty feet in size, and to include three stories and a basement. The lower story is to be divided into suitable store rooms, while the second will comprise twelve suites of office rooms. The third and upper story is to be entirely finished up for a first-class opera house, to be equipped in the finest and most modern style, and in itself will be an honor to the city as well as a great credit to its possessor. It will be finished off with a fine dome in the centre, and no pains or expense will be spared to make it one of the finest edifices in the Northwest. It’s estimated cost is about $25,000; Buffington, the well-known Minneapolis architect, will have the supervision of its building. A contract for 400,000 brick has been made by Mr. Hartley, and a branch of track will be extended from a point near the freight house, directly to the building site. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 May 1881, p. 1, c. 7)


The excavation for B. F. Hartley’s new block is almost ready for the foundation. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 June 1881, p. 6, c. 1)


The foundation for the Hartley Block is going up rapidly; also, L. J. Cale’s new block. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 June 1881, p. 5, c. 1)


SEE: Cale Block


Mr. Turner, the gentleman who is superintending the erection of the Hartley block, will also have charge of the building of the new Congregational church. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 July 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


BRAINERD.


BRAINERD, July 4.—...Mr. Turner, the gentleman who is superintending the erection of the Hartley block, will also have charge of the Congregational church and work is to be begun at once. (Minneapolis Tribune, 05 July 1881, p. 8)


The Hartley block will soon be completed, and ready for business. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 September 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


NORTHWESTERN NEWS NOTES.


BRAINERD.


This city is not boomed much, but for all that few places in the Northwest can show a better and healthier growth. The number of new residences built and being built is something remarkable, while not a few business houses are being put up. Hartley Brothers and Mr. Sleeper have both built double brick blocks, and the former are laying the foundation for another and larger block. Grygla & Salden, of Minneapolis did the galvanized iron cornice work and roofing on the former buildings [Hartley Block & Sleeper Block], and have the contract to finish the latter [First National Bank Block]. Much of the beauty and symmetry of the buildings is due to their good work. Davis & Co.’s Sawmill is in full blast, cutting 60,000 a day. They are to have the electric light at once, which will enable them to run nights and days as well. Brainerd is to have telephone connections at once. Messrs. Carver, Mohl & Co. have organized as the Brainerd Telephone Company, put up their poles and are daily expecting their wire. They have already twenty-five subscribers, and the Northern Pacific company will use it between their offices and shops. (Minneapolis Tribune, 18 June 1882, p. 8)


The front of the Hartley Block is being painted red to conform with the building next to it which is built of red brick. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 May 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


Fire animation On April 27, 1904, fire destroyed the Hartley block including the Moberg Drygoods store and Slipp Brothers Hardware store. It was the general conclusion throughout the city that the fire started from spontaneous combustion in the basement of the Slipp store. The fire caused about $67,000 in damages.


SEE: 1904 Hartley Block Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


May 1904. The sidewalk in front of the site of the old Hartley block has been nailed up and pedestrians walked up to their ankles in mud through the street this morning. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 27 May 2004)


SEE: Ransford Hotel


HAYES BLOCK (MAP #20)

Built by J. M. Hayes in the 1870’s, it is located on the southeast corner of Sixth and Laurel Streets; it burns [sic] [torn down] in 1913. In its place he erects the Lyceum [sic] [Columbia] Theatre, [which becomes the Best Theatre, the Lyceum Theatre, eventually becoming the Coast-to-Coast Hardware Store, which became a radio station, etc.]. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 111)


NOTE: The building seems to have been torn down, NOT burned.


30 July 1913. Standing as a sentinel for 45 years at 6th and Laurel Streets, the J. M. Hayes building is being torn down and will give way to a two-story brick building. The first occupant in 1868 [sic] [?] was Charles Wilson, who ran a grocery store and saloon there. (This was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 30 July 2013


NOTE: In 1914 J. M. Hayes built the second Hayes Block which housed the Columbia, Best and Lyceum Theatres.


SEE: Columbia Theatre

SEE: Best Theatre

SEE: Lyceum Theatre


HEADQUARTERS HOTEL (MAP #12)

(Top) Headquarters Hotel at the southwest corner of 6th and Washington, ca. 1871. (Bottom) Croquet on the grounds of the Headquarters Hotel, ca 1873.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society and Crow Wing County Historical Society

Built by the Northern Pacific Railroad in March 1871, it is located on the southwest corner of Sixth and Washington Streets. This three-story structure occupies a two-acre lot. It has fifty or sixty sleeping rooms, a dining room seating over one hundred, parlors, offices and other rooms. It is exactly what the name implies, “Headquarters.” Water from an overhead reservoir is piped to all the rooms. The hotel has an icehouse of seven hundred tons capacity, arranged so as to provide refrigerator storerooms for fruits, vegetables and meats. The building has “a great many chimneys and over six hundred joints of stove pipe.” (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 19)


The wolf, the two deer, and the sand-hill crane in the Headquarters Park, are in splendid condition, and the severe weather has made his wolfship, particularly, all the more “peart.” Next season the collection of wild animals, etc., will doubtless be materially added to. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 February 1872, p. 3, c. 1)


“The Big Hotel.”


We were politely conducted, a few days since, over, through, around and beneath the “big hotel,” or Headquarters Hotel, as it is commonly called, by mine host, Mr. Wm. Lytle, of that institution. The new mammoth wing is about completed in all its parts, and the whole establishment—containing equivalent to three stories, and basement—with its necessary outbuildings, occupies something over two acres of ground. We cannot, for want of room, go into the details of the grand hotel—which has been built by the Company for the accommodation, strictly, of the heads of departments on the line, their families and friends—but will give only a few items, to show its capacity, and excellent management under the accomplished and thoroughly business administration of Mr. Lytle, who is one among the very few men who could successfully and acceptably hold the reins of government over so gigantic an institution.

There is room to comfortably seat at the table in the new dining-hall something over a hundred guests; there are between fifty and sixty beautifully arranged and commodious sleeping rooms, fitted up in rich and modern style, with all needed furniture, such as spring beds, wash-stands, mirrors, bureaus, clothes presses, etc., and all handsomely carpeted. Besides these and the dining-hall, are parlors, offices, promenades, an immense kitchen, cook and pastry rooms, large basement story and cellars, wash room, bedding presses, etc., all arranged and fitted up with every imaginary article and appliances, for “speed, safety and comfort.” The whole building will be supplied with water, by pipes leading from an elevated reservoir to all rooms in the house. The ice-house—containing 700 tons of the congealed fluid—is wonderfully convenient and was planned by Mr. Lytle himself, and for genuine utility goes ahead of anything we ever noticed. There are several small rooms along the side of the building, entered by as many doors. These rooms are constructed so that a heavy body of ice surrounds them on every side and over head—rendering the necessity of keeping ice in the rooms with the meats, etc., wholly unnecessary. The butter and milk room is distinct, as is the meat room and the other rooms for containing various articles, giving no chance whatever of one article flavoring the other; and the extraordinary convenience of the whole is remarkable. Notwithstanding the many fine chimneys in the hotel, there are now in use more than six hundred joints of stove-pipe. Mr. Lytle’s management of this hotel is marked for its economy, courtesy and thorough business properties, rendering him deservedly popular both with the guests under his care and the public at large. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 February 1872, p. 3, c. 4)


SEE: Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church


News and Cigar Stand.


Master Jimmy Lytle, in the office of the Headquarters Hotel keeps a very neat and fully supplied cigar-stand and news depot. His cigars are No. 1 in quality, and Jimmy is always on hand to supply the wants of all lovers of a choice Havana. Give him a call. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 February 1872, p. 3, c. 1)


Theatrical.


Master Jo. H. Lytle [sic] and Jimmy Lytle had their second entertainment last Monday, at the Headquarters Hotel, and it passed off splendidly. It consisted of charades, songs, tableaux, and dancing. Jimmy Lytle, in the song, “Girl with a Roguish Eye,” gave us a good clog dance. Jo. H. Linsley [sic] appeared as Nilsson in the song “Up in Das Palloon,” and did exceedingly well. Miss Fannie E. Linsley appeared as a Gypsy, in a tableaux, and did very well; also Miss Clara Lytle, in the character of a young lady in the same tableaux. They propose to give us another entertainment in three or four weeks, which they think will be better. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 April 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


A big Easter Dinner was given the guests at the Headquarters Hotel last Sunday by mine host, Mr. Lytle. Egg was miscellaneously considered, and the dinner as a whole could discount Delmonico’s and beat it on the first round. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 April 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


Improvements.


[...]


THE Railroad Headquarters building and hotel and its surroundings are being beautified in various ways. A lot of new picket fence has been built, the grounds raked up and cleared away and the offices newly fitted and painted. The hotel office has been furnished with a handsome counter—the design and workmanship of Mr. Doner—which is such a production as would ornament any first class hotel. It was painted by Mr. Foss, one of the champions of the brush in this western country. Mr. Foss, with his crew of artists has also been giving the outside of this mammoth building its final coat this week, and to say the thing has been radically changed in appearance, does not express it; the “Headquarters” really presents an imposing appearance as it now is, compared to what it then was. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 May 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


Hicks, Joseph W.

Was born in Xenia, Ohio, on the 25th of December, 1848. He came to Brainerd in 1874, and was employed in the Headquarters Hotel till June, 1881, when he opened a billiard hall, which he still conducts. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Winchell, Neill, Williams and Bryant, Minnesota Historical Company, Minneapolis: 1881, p. 648)


Ort, Peter

Was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, in the year 1849. He came to Brainerd in 1870, and was employed at the carpenter trade for five years. Was then clerk in the “Headquarters Hotel” until January, 1880, when he opened a billiard hall on the corner of Fifth and Laurel streets, of which, he is now the proprietor. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Winchell, Neill, Williams and Bryant, Minnesota Historical Company, Minneapolis: 1881, p. 652)


...fires have destroyed dozens of large business blocks and scores of homes. Among them were: the Headquarters Hotel.... (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 66)


Sometime during the night in the winter of 1882 the Headquarters Hotel burned down. (Biography: 1936; Fred Hagadorn, born 27 July 1870; Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 1881-1981 Heritage Edition, p. 3B)


The Headquarters Hotel built early in 1871 by the railroad company had been superseded in 1889 by Wise’s Arlington Hotel on almost the same premises. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 86)


A fire destroyed it [Headquarters Hotel] in 1889 [sic] [1882], whereupon the company [NP] encouraged R. R. Wise to erect his Arlington Hotel on the same site. (It Happened Here, Carl Zapffe, Brainerd Journal Press: 1948, p. 30)


NOTE: The above date is incorrect, the hotel burned on 27 November 1882.


Fire animation On November 27, 1882, at about 9:30 p. m. a kerosene lamp exploded in the ladies’ waiting room of the Headquarters Hotel, the resulting fire destroyed the hotel causing between $26,000 and $28,000 in damages. Some of the guests had to jump from the roof of the porch to the ground.


SEE: 1882 Headquarters Hotel Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


NOTE: Sometime between the burning of the original Headquarters Hotel above in November 1882 and the remodeling of the Northern Pacific Depot in late 1883, I believe the Northern Pacific built a temporary building also known as the “Headquarters Hotel.”


Over four hundred people were fed at the Headquarters hotel yesterday. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 16 August 1883, p. 3, c. 1)


The building formerly used as the Headquarters hotel and ticket office is being taken down and removed by the railroad company. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 April 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


HEMSTEAD HOUSE (MAP #8)

Located at 303 North Fourth Street, the house was built in 1900 by Margaret and Werner Hemstead.


A FINE RESIDENCE PROPERTY

_____


Will be Constructed by Dr. Hemstead

Corner 4th and Kingwood

Streets this Fall.

_____


Alonzo Everett, Brainerd contractor from 1871 to about 1916, in 1900 he built the Hemstead house at 303 North Fourth Street, ca. 1910.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 17, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher

      Dr. Werner Hemstead on Tuesday, through Keene & McFadden, real estate agents, purchased three lots at the corner of 4th and Kingwood streets, of Mrs. L. M. Follett, and will immediately begin the construction of a fine modern residence property for a home. The doctor has sent to James [sic] [Frederick] Kees, the Minneapolis architect, for plans which he expects to get in a few days, when he will immediately contract for its construction. It will be modern in every way, with a basement under the whole, containing a laundry, storage cellar and heating plant, and will be two stories high, and will cost over $5,000 when completed. It will be one of the finest houses in town, and will be a splendid addition to 4th street, now one of the best streets in the city. Let the good work go on. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 September 1900, p. 1, c. 4)


A FINE NEW RESIDENCE.

_____


Dr. Hemstead Will Build One That Will

Eclipse Anything in the City—

Men at Work Today.


This morning a crew of men started in on the work of excavating for a new residence to be erected on the corner of Fourth street north and Kingwood by Dr. Hemstead.

The work on the building will commence as soon as the excavation is completed and will be continued on through the winter. The doctor has decided to build a $6,000 residence on this corner and it will be a beauty, as everything known to modern science will be employed to make it complete in every detail. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 September 1901, p. 3, c. 2)


SATURDAY NIGHT’S STORM

_____


One of the Heaviest Rains in Years—The

Wind Blew Quite Hard and

Played Havoc


There was a bad electrical storm in this vicinity early Sunday morning and seldom ever has it rained such torrents as it did for a few hours.

Some little damage is reported around the city. The basement of Dr. Hemstead’s new home on Fourth street was washed in quite badly and damaged. The house occupied by E. D. Wilkins in the mill district was struck by lightning but did not catch fire. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 May 1902, p. 2, c. 3)


...Drs. Hemstead and Reimestad also sustained heavy losses again last night. Both are building new residences, and during the rain of Saturday night both foundations were badly damaged and the rain again last night seemed to finish the job in good shape. The north wall of Dr. Hemstead’s house was washed in this time as well as the south wall. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 May 1902, p. 3, c.’s 1 & 2)


Dr. and Mrs. Hemstead have not really settled down in their new home again but they have moved in and will live in part of the rooms while the others are being finished. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 December 1903, p. 4, c. 4)


A CHARMING SOCIAL AFFAIR

_____


Beautiful Home of Dr. and Mrs.

W. W. Hemstead Thrown

Open Yesterday.

_____


THREE LADIES ENTERTAIN

_____


Mr. Werner W. Hemstead, Mrs.

J. F. McGinnis and Mrs. H.

W. Linneman


Hemstead house at the northwest corner of 4th and Kingwood, ca. 2003.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch

For the first time since it was erected, the beautiful residence of Dr. and Mrs. Werner W. Hemstead was the scene of a social function, one of the most pretentious ever held in the city, when Mrs. Hemstead, Mrs. J. F. McGinnis and Mrs. H. W. Linneman were hostesses at a reception to a large number of ladies of the city yesterday afternoon.

The beautiful residence was completely transformed into a retreat of beauty and never before in Brainerd has there been anything that will compare with the elaborateness all around. The color schemes throughout the house in the different rooms were carried out with most charming effect, the varied colored candles throughout, interspersed with clusters of flowers of different hues, and with long trails of smilax clinging here and there over the bric a brac and hung from the chandeliers and large banks of palms and ferns serving as a delightful background. These decorations coupled with the rich finish of the parlors, the German room, the library and the dining room, lighted throughout with the candles and electric lights reminded one of a garden covered with garlands of flowers and plants.

The German room or den was done in red, beautiful red tulips being the predominating flower here, and they seemed to vie with the other pretty things in the room in making the scene a brilliant one as they drooped their heads gracefully out of the large vases. There were banks of ferns and palms here to add to the richness of the scene.

Margaret Johnson Hemstead, ca. 1899.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The parlor was done in yellow and the flower than occupied a conspicuous place here was the beautiful yellow rose. Here the clinging smilax and large palms and ferns were used to good advantage as they served as a rich background to the brilliant coloring in the room. On a center table in this room there was a plateau on which stood a large candelabra with a dozen or more beautiful yellow candles, which carried out the color scheme to perfection.

Pink was the prevailing color in the library and here more than in some of the other rooms, smilax and fern were used in profusion. From the four corners of the center table long strings of smilax extended to the chandelier where they were caught with dainty pink bows. The mantel was lined with beautiful flowers and smilax, all the flowers being pink.

The dining room was a thing of beauty and a joy forever, the predominating color being red, and red roses were used in profusion. A cluster of flowers served as the center piece. Red candles placed here and there flickered and shone on the deep, rich mahogany furnishings of the room, creating an effect like the shimmer and glint of a stream of placid water. The scene was very beautiful.

Mrs. Hemstead, Mrs. McGinnis and Mrs. Linneman received in the parlor, and the guests were assisted at the door by Miss Kitty Johnson. Others who assisted throughout the house were Miss Sadie Reilly and Miss Mary Murphy, who helped in all the rooms. Mrs. W. A. M. Johnstone and Mrs. J. J. Howe, Jr., received in the library and Mrs. J. P. Early and Mrs. A. L. Mattes in the German room.

Onolee McCullough, one of the belles of early Brainerd, ca. Unknown.
Source: Oldtimers II: Stories of Our Pioneers in the Cass and Crow Wing Lake Region, Volume II, Carl A. Zapffe, Jr., Echo Publishing and Printing, Incorporated, Pequot Lakes, Minnesota: 1988

Mrs. M. J. Reilly and Mrs. R. J. Hartley presided over the destinies of the dining room and they were assisted in serving refreshments by the Misses Clothilde McCullough, Kitty Keene, Vera Nevers, Rose Poppenberg and Maud O’Brien. The Misses Winnie Smith and Onolee McCullough presided at the frappé bowl while Mrs. R. J. Hartley poured the coffee.

Upstairs in the retiring room the Misses Maggie Coenen [sic] and Ida McGinnis presided.

On the third floor of the beautiful home Graham’s full orchestra discoursed music and the sweet strains were wafted down the wide hallways with pleasing effect.

Mrs. Hemstead was attired in a white net spangled robe embroidered with silver braid. Mrs. McGinnis wore a gown made of gray voile and was trimmed in pink. Mrs. Linneman was attired in black with pink trimmings. The ladies looked very charming.

The affair was by far the most pleasant and elaborate socially that has been given in Brainerd for a long time. Several hundred ladies called during the afternoon and evening.

In the evening the husbands and gentleman friends of those who assisted were entertained by the hostesses. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 January 1904, p. 3, c. 1)


Werner Hemstead came in 1882 to serve as Assistant Chief Surgeon in the NP Hospital. He was employed in that capacity from 24 September 1882 to 30 September 1888. He long displayed much activity in Brainerd’s political arena. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 21)


Dr. Werner Hemstead moved to Brainerd with the NP Hospital in 1882 and practiced medicine before becoming a City Alderman and later Brainerd Mayor. He also served in the State Legislature [He served in the House of Representatives from 1891-1892 and 1901-1902 per the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library.] He was a Northern Pacific Bank director and an organizer of the Brainerd Grocery Company. (Brainerd Dispatch, Friday, 22 August 2003)


Dr. Hemstead was still living in Brainerd in 1912 but by 1922 he was living in St. Cloud and by 1946 he was living in Fergus Falls. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 127) (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 160)


Dr. Hemstead died in Rochester, Olmsted County on 11 March 1952. According to the information in the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library, he was born in 1860.


NOTE: National Register of Historic Places, added 1980; classical revival architecture.


HERBERGER'S

Herberger's to Close in Brainerd


Cathy Brutger came all the way from Little Falls where she lives to shop at Herberger's at the Westgate Mall in Brainerd Wednesday, April 18.

Soon that will no longer be an option for Brutger.

Over a half-a-million people visit Bon-Ton stores and websites every day, Herberger's parent company reported, and on Wednesday it reported it is closing its stores after a liquidator had the winning bid in U. S. Bankruptcy Court.

"We expect the liquidation process in all Bon-Ton stores to begin shortly," the company stated.

Giant legacy retailers that began more than 100 years ago, surviving the Great Depression and subsequent recessions—even world wars—are now struggling to find their way in a changed retail landscape. Herberger's is the latest in a list of stores long-time customers expected to be part of their shopping experience for years to come. Buffeted by online competition and changing buying habits, the Bon-Ton family of stores, which includes Bon-Ton, Bergner's, Boston Store, Carson's, Elder-Beerman, Herberger's and Younkers, reported Wednesday it will close.

Bon-Ton Stores reported Wednesday 18 April 2018, it will close its retail stores, including Herberger’s in Brainerd at the Westgate Mall after liquidators had the winning bid in U. S. Bankruptcy Court. A 860x484 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Steve Kohls, Brainerd Dispatch

The Great American Group and Tiger Capital Group will acquire the inventory and certain other assets of the department store chain, according to a company statement. That will let them sell off all of Bon-Ton's inventory and shut the stores, USA Today reported. Bon-Ton reported its stores, e-commerce and mobile platforms will remain open during the store closing sales. More details on the liquidation and going out of business sales are expected in the coming days. Bon-Ton Stores, headquartered in York, Pa., and Milwaukee, filed voluntary petitions for a court-supervised financial restructuring under Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Feb. 4, 2018.

Bon-Ton had been working with U. S. mall owners Namdar Realty Group and Washington Prime Group, Inc., Reuters reported, in a hope to secure a bid that would have kept many of Bon-Ton's stores open. But neither one of the mall owners bid for Bon-Ton at the Monday auction, Reuters reported. Stock in the company has been low for months and after news of a possible liquidation, it fell even further, with shares worth only a few pennies, the Washington Post reported. While we are disappointed by this outcome and tried very hard to identify bidders interested in operating the business as a going concern, we are committed to working constructively with the winning bidder to ensure an orderly wind-down of operations that minimizes the impact of this development on our associates, customers, vendors and the communities we serve," Bill Tracy, president and CEO stated in a news release. "We are incredibly grateful to all of our associates for their dedicated service to Bon-Ton and to our millions of loyal customers who we have had the pleasure to serve as their hometown store for more than 160 years."

Wednesday, Herberger's employees said they were asked not to speak to the press directly and were told all information should run through the corporate office. The department store, which is nearly entirely in Brainerd, also has its most western part in Baxter as the city boundaries meet just inside Herberger's.

Brainerd Mayor Ed Menk, a downtown business owner, said he has followed the news around Bon-Ton—which hasn't been encouraging—for months. And even Wednesday Menk had been hopeful someone would buy the Herberger's stores or even the Brainerd store.

"It's a tough situation," Menk said.

He said there are a number of questions regarding how losing this longtime anchor will affect the Westgate Mall. The mall is owned by New Jersey-based Lexington Realty International.

"It's a loss for the community," Menk said, noting an almost bigger loss comes from the number of employees who depend on the store for a livelihood. "I'm concerned for those people. ... I wish they would have found somebody other than a liquidator."

Menk said the best scenario would leave the store intact with its fixtures and find another tenant to move into the space. Herberger's represents Brainerd's last major department store. Menk said it's a sign of the times changing values from customers, debt with large companies and perhaps indicates there is too much retail in the market, although Menk noted this closing isn't because of the Brainerd store's performance as much as it is about the company overall. "It's a tough game," Menk said of retail and the many changes and challenges. "There's no easy answer."

Effects for Brainerd include losing the sales tax revenue, employment and potentially changing the property values down the road. For Menk, it also presented an opportunity to bring a new enterprise to the city.

"Hopefully, that's what we see—there is something on the other side of the cloud," he said.

On a positive note, Menk said there are opportunities in the community with investment in downtown Brainerd and in the area to help provide jobs for Herberger's employees. Menk pointed to other community changes, the area weathered, like the closing of the Ward's store in East Brainerd.

"That was a big shock and we survived it," he said.

Beyond employees, the closing represents a major shift for dedicated shoppers who made the trip to Brainerd from other cities to shop here.

"I also heard the St. Cloud store was closing," Brutger, the shopper from Little Falls, said as she was leaving with her purchases from Herberger's in the Westgate Mall. "But the closings are a terrible thing to happen because it's been a namesake to St. Cloud and (Brainerd) and to a lot of friends and family that I know."

Brutger was shopping at Herberger's for brown winter boots and to get her friend a gift for her birthday.

"We also had the Herberger's coupons and things," Brutger said. "I don't go online to do shopping. A friend of mine does, and she's ordered things for me online, but the store is the best way to do it. There's some very helpful people in the store. It would be terrible if it did close."

While Brutger seemed to be in disbelief that all the Herberger's stores in Minnesota would be closing, Mary Baker of Nisswa had already heard the store closing rumors that came true.

"I like Herberger's, I like their products," Baker said as she exited the anchor store of the mall.

"I just heard of the closing today when we were walking. I've been shopping at Herberger's for about 20 years.

"I'm sad because I'm not an online shopper, per se. I like to come to the store to try on clothes and see them, and that will no longer be an option."

Shopper Itty Newgord, Fort Ripley said she was sad to hear the news as Herberger's is one of the two store she shops regularly. She was at the store Wednesday and heard the news.

"I like Herberger's a lot," she said. "It's kind of a disappointment to me and I know that I heard lots of people in there talking about it and they also said 'well we just don't know where else to go for shopping.'" (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 April 2018, p. A1, c's. 1 & 2; p. A4, c's. 1-5)


Herberger's Begins Going Out of Business Sales-

Those with Gift Cards Advised to Act Quickly to Redeem


Going out of business sales begin Friday, April 20, as Herberger's ends its run.

It's parent company, the Bon-Ton Stores, made the announcement Thursday noting the business closing sales will begin in 212 stores and on e-commerce websites under the Bon-Ton, Bergner's, Boston Store, Carson's, Elder-Beerman, Herberger's and Younkers nameplates. Bon-Ton has 250 stores but 38 of them are already in liquidation and were among a list previously announced for closure.

The liquidation sales are expected to run about 10 to 12 weeks and all the stores are expected to be shuttered no later than Aug. 31, according to court papers.

Court documents indicate the liquidators who submitted the winning bid for Bon-Ton in a bankruptcy auction Tuesday will honor gift cards for at least the first 10 days of the going-out-of-business sales across the chain's remaining stores, USA Today reported, it also was noted promptness in redeeming those gift cards was advised.

The company reported its stores, e-commerce and mobile platforms are open and serving customers.

"A joint offer of almost $800 million by Tiger Capital Group, a unit of liquidator Great American Group and a group of Bon-Ton debt-holders was the winning bid in this week's bankruptcy auction of Bon-Ton," USA Today reported.

Wednesday, the U. S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware approved an agreement between Bon-Ton and a joint venture composed of the holders of the company's 8.0 percent second lien secured notes due 2021 and Great American Group LLC and Tiger Capital Group LLC governing the liquidation of the company's inventory and certain other assets. The closure puts about 24,000 people out of work.

CNBC reported Washington Prime Group, a real estate investment trust with significant exposure to the bankrupt retailer, had joined forces with another mall owner to make a bid for Bon-Ton, which reportedly fell through after the court ruled Bon-Ton wouldn't be able to pay the group a $500,000 "work fee." (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 April 2018, p. A1, c's. 1-3; p. A7, c's. 4 & 5)


HICKERSON GARMENT FACTORY

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FACTORY PROPOSITION

_____


Subscriptions Flow in for Stock and

Success of Enterprise Seems

Assured

_____


Stock subscription form for the financing of the Hickerson Garment Factory, 29 December 1927. A 749x1089 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Civic pride was awakened in the Chamber of Commerce meeting last night, so much so, that all doubt as to the establishment of a new factory in the city was swept aside and the larger part of the subscriptions for common and preferred stock in the enterprise was subscribed.

The new factory is to make garments and will give employment to women and girls. The product will be sport coats, mackinaws, leather vests, fur collar overcoats, etc., and will be sold to jobbers only, thus being assured of a cash market.

The enterprise will be incorporated for $50,000 but only $30,000 of stock will be issued at the present time, of which $15,000 is common and $15,000 preferred stock. All of the common stock has been subscribed, and over $5,000 of the preferred stock.

John H. Krekelberg, chairman of the manufacturing committee, gave an extended report on what the committee has done in conjunction with the special finance committee, the latter including W. H. Cleary, A. G. Trommald, Geo. D. LaBar, Con O'Brien and T. H. Crowell.

W. H. Cleary, Geo. D. LaBar, R. R. Gould, F. J. Lowey, R. E. Wyett, W. P. Tryholm and Dr. E. C. Herzog spoke of the factory proposition and gave it their support.

Mr. Krekelberg made public the names of those who up to date had subscribed for stock, which included: Con O’Brien, Geo. D. LaBar, W. H. Cleary, A. G. Trommald, Gold-Gray Co., Bye Clothing Co., W. J. Hall, W. P. Tyrholm, R. E. Wyett, R. M. Johnson, Dr. E. C. Herzog, E. P. Slipp, Peterson Clothing Co., Thos. Croswell, H. P. Dunn, B. L. Lagerquist, F. J. Lowey, W. R. Hiller, C. N. Erickson, Dr. J. A. Thabes, T. H. Schaefer, F. E. Janneck, J. H. Kinney, Dr. Nesmith Nelson, E. F. Gates, John A. Hoffbauer. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 December 1927, p. 7, c. 1)


Other People’s Opinions

Writes of Garment Factory

Editor, Brainerd Dispatch:

The writer was unexpectedly called out of the city today and while I did not like to leave the city until the Hickerson, Inc. stock was all sold, yet I had no choice in the matter and will not be able to get back to Brainerd until late Saturday evening. In the meantime I would like to see every man on the committee put forth special efforts in order to accomplish the desired end.

I also wish to call the attention of Brainerd people upon whom it depends whether or not we are going to have the new industry which Brainerd desires so much. this is the first time that Brainerd people have had the opportunity to invest their money in a good legitimate new enterprise and anyone having the means to do so should offer his or her subscription for stocks at once. Do not wait for someone to ask you for it. It is your industry. It does not belong to any one person nor does it benefit any on person nor a small group of persons. It is to be a Brainerd enterprise which will benefit each and everyone in the city. You are assured a good return on your money directly and your money is going to do a lot more indirectly. Get behind the proposition. Don’t leave it to the few who are always digging down in their pockets and giving liberally of their time. Do your share. This means you, each and every person who has the future of Brainerd at heart. This industry is going to mean more industries and more industries mean employment for more people and a better town.

Put aside these phony excuses. Dig down deep and do your bit. This cannot wait. It is for you and Brainerd.

JOHN KREKELBERG.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 January 1928, p. 4, c. 5)


CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

HICKERSON AND COMPANY


For the purpose of forming a Minnesota corporation, S. R. Hickerson, Con O’Brien and R. R. Gould hereby certify:

The name of the corporation shall be Hickerson and Company. The general nature of its business shall be to manufacture clothing and the principal place of transacting its business shall be Brainerd, Minnesota. Its period of duration shall be 30 years. S. R. Hickerson, Con O’Brien and R. R. Gould, all residing at Brainerd Minnesota, are its incorporators.

Its management shall be vested in a Board of five Directors who shall be elected at the annual meeting of the common stockholders to be held on the 3rd Tuesday in January and until the first election S. R. Hickerson, M. J. Hickerson, Con O’Brien, W. H. Cleary and R. R. Gould all of whose address is Brainerd, Minnesota, shall compose said Board.

Its Capital Stock shall be $50,000.00, which shall be paid in in cash, to be divided into 500 shares each of the pay value of $100.00 Two hundred and fifty shares thereof shall be common stock and 250 shares preferred. The preferred stock shall be non-assessable and cumulative dividends shall be paid thereon, semi-annually, at the rate of 6 per cent per annum and said dividends shall be paid on the common stock. In the event of the winding up or dissolution of said corporation, the holders of the preferred stock shall be entitled to a distribution of the net assets of said corporation up to $100.00 per share. Preferred stock may be retired upon 60 days’ notice at $105.00 per share and accrued earnings. The voting power shall be confined to holders of the common stock.

The highest amount of indebtedness to which said corporation shall at any time be subject is $10,000.00.

Witness our hands, January 17, 1928,

S. R. HICKERSON,

CON O’BRIEN,

R. R. GOULD

_____


State of Minnesota, County of Crow Wing, ss.

On January 17, 1928, before me personally came S. R. Hickerson, Con O’Brien, and R. R. Gould, known to me to be the persons who executed the foregoing certificate and each acknowledged the execution thereof as his free act and deed.

(Seal) MAL CLARK

Notary Public, Crow Wing Co., Minn.

My commission expires Oct 27, 1933.

_____


State of Minnesota, Department of State.

I hereby certify that the within Instrument was filed for record in this office on the 18th day of January, 1928, at 11 o’clock A. M., and was duly recorded in Book M-4 of Incorporations on page 298.

MIKE HOLM,

Secretary of State.

_____


No. 90608

State of Minnesota, County of Crow Wing, ss.

I hereby certify that the within Instrument was filed in this office for record on the 19th day of January, A. D. 1928, at 9 o’clock A. M., and was duly recorded in Book-T of Misc. on page 220.

A. G. TROMMALD,

Register of Deeds,

By E. W. JENKINS,

Deputy

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 January 1928, p. 8, c. 6)


FULL TIME OPERATION OF FACTORY CERTAIN

_____


S. R. Hickerson Announces Orders on

Hand to Assure Work

to March 1929

_____


COMPANY INCORPORATES

_____


Garment Factory Opening Promised

for March 1, to

Employ 25


Definite assurance of continuous operation of the new garment factory to open in Brainerd about March 1 was announced this week by S. R. Hickerson who stated that there were already orders on hand to assure full time operation until March 1, 1929.

Mr. Hickerson will move his family here during the early part of February. He is now preparing to start operations in the new factory by March 1 and will employ 25 people from the start.

Certificates testamentary of the incorporation of Hickerson and company were filed this week at the offices of the secretary of state and register of deeds. S. R. Hickerson, Con O’Brien and R. R. Gould are its incorporates.

Management of the company shall be vested in a board of five directors to be elected at the annual meeting of the common stockholders to be held on the third Tuesday in January and until the first election, S. R. Hickerson, Con O’Brien, W. H. Cleary, and R. R. Gould, all of Brainerd, shall compose the board.

Its capital stock shall be $50,000 which shall be paid in cash, to be divided into 500 shares each of the par value of $100. Two hundred and fifty shares thereof shall be common stock and 250 shares preferred. The preferred stock shall be non-assessable and cumulative dividends shall be paid thereon, semi-annually, at the rate of six percent per annum and payments shall be made before any dividends shall be paid on the common stock. In the even of the winding up or dissolution of the corporation, the holders of the preferred stock shall be entitled to a distribution of the net assets of the corporation up to $100 per share. Preferred stock may be retired upon 60 days notice at $105.00 per share and accrued earnings. The voting power shall be confined to holders of the common stock. The highest amount of indebtedness to which the corporation shall at any time be subject is $10,000. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 January 1928, p. 5, c. 1)


ESTABLISH SITE FOR NEW GARMENT FACTORY

_____


Location Formerly Occupied by

Northern Home Furnishing

Co. Selected

_____


Applications to be Handled in Order

Received: 20 Women

Wanted


Establishment of the new garment factory to be operated by Hickerson and Company on the ground floor of the Iron Exchange building in the location formerly occupied by the Northern Home Furnishing Co. was announced late yesterday by S. R. Hickerson, president of the company.

The location was agreed upon at the first meeting of the board of directors held Thursday afternoon with S. R. Hickerson, president; Con O’Brien, vice president; R. R. Gould, secretary-treasurer; and W. H. Cleary and T. H. Croswell, directors, in attendance.

Mr. Hickerson stated to the Dispatch yesterday that actual operation of the new factory will start about February 15. The machinery for the plant will be shipped and installed within the next two weeks.

Three experienced women will be brought here from the former location of the factory to instruct the beginners. Twenty local women will be employed. Applications will be handled in the order received. All applications should be mailed to Hickerson and Company in care of the Chamber of Commerce office.

Mr. Hickerson said that widows or women having families dependent, and single girls will be given preference before married ladies with husbands who are employed. The women will be paid a straight salary during the first four weeks when they will learn the trade and after that they will be placed on “piece” work. Mr. Hickerson stated that it was possible for each employee to average on “piece” work over $15 a week.

Orders already on hand assure steady operation of the factory until March 1, 1929. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1928, p. 5, c. 1)


WELCOME NEW FACTORY

_____


The DISPATCH and all citizens of Brainerd welcome the new garment factory in this city. Financed by local people, the Hickerson and Company corporation will start business early in February.

The factory has that rare combination of a man at its head who knows every phase of the garment making business, designing, cutting, manufacturing, selling, credits, etc. Of an observant nature, Mr. Hickerson’s models in the garment lines are distinctive and command attention. He has that priceless “it,” that personality in the garments he manufactures that distinguishes the Hickerson-made garments from rival manufacturers.

The factory has secured a central location in the business section of the city, which in itself will do much to advertise the factory to lake and tourist travel and others.

That the factory is assured of success and continued operation is evidenced by the fact that enough orders have been booked to date to continue uninterrupted operation to March 1,1929. It will give employment to a number of local people.

The factory is the opening wedge of the campaign of the Brainerd Chamber of Commerce to increase the payrolls of the city. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 January 1928, p. 4, c. 1)


BUSINESSMEN BACK FACTORY

_____


Subscribe $15,000 in Shares To-

wards Hickerson, Inc., in

Two Days

_____


BACKERS ARE LISTED

_____


New Garment Factory Expected to

Open February 15; Local

Help Employed


Brainerd business men prepared today to go over the top in subscribing to stocks of the Hickerson, Incorporated, operators of the new garment factory to be located in the Iron Exchange building in the former store site occupied by the Northern Home Furnishings Co. with the subscription of $5,000 in cash for stocks today in addition to the $15,000 in cash subscribed Saturday. The balance of the stock is due February 1.

The new factory which will employ local help will open on or about February 15, S. R. Hickerson, president of the corporation announced on his arrival in Brainerd the latter part of last week.

The following businessmen are stockholders in the new corporation: S. R. Hickerson, Con O’Brien, Geo. D. LaBar, W. H. Cleary, A. G. Trommald, Gould-Gray Co., Bye Clothing Co., W. J. Hall, W. P. Tyrholm, R. E. Wyett, R. M. Johnson, Dr. E. C. Herzog, E. P. Slipp, Peterson Clothing Co., Thos. Croswell, H. P. Dunn, Dr. J. A. Thabes, Theo. H. Schaefer, F. E. Janneck, J. H. Kinney, Dr. Nesmith Nelson, E. F. Gates, Louis Hostager, Frank Johnson, I. Ginsberg, Mrs. Nettie Hoffman, B. E. Dunham, B. L. Lagerquist, F. J. Lowey, W. R. Hiller, C. N. Erickson, Oscar W. Swanson, Hayes-Lucas Lumber Co., Lampert Bros. Lumber Co., John A. Hoffbauer, Dr. W. A. Erickson, D. E. Whitney, J. C. Penney Co., C. P. Forsberg, Turcotte Bros., Hjalmer Gustafson, Mrs. Albin Gustafson, V. F. Anderson, A. M. Opsahl, F. A. Farrar, Mal Clark, R. J. Tinkelpaugh, Crow Wing Holding Co., Standard Lumber Co. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 January 1928, p. 5, c. 2)


EQUIPMENT HERE FOR NEW FACTORY

_____


Machinists at Work Today Assem-

bling Machinery for

Operations

_____


WILL START FEBRUARY 15

_____


Hickerson and Co. Goods in Demand

on Market to be

Made Here


Two carloads of equipment for the new garment factory of Hickerson and Company arrived in the city late yesterday afternoon and were unloaded onto the ground floor of the Iron Exchange building this morning.

The machinery, raw material, etc., were shipped from Grantsburg, Wis., where the factory was formerly located. Machinists are busy today assembling and bolting down the battery of power sewing machines used in manufacturing garments.

It is expected that most of the factory will be in operation by February 15 as Mr. Hickerson must manufacture a lot of sample goods to show clothing buyers in New York, Chicago and St. Louis. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 February 1928, p. 3, c. 1)


HELP WANTED —Female, power machine operators. No experience necessary. Apply in person. Hickerson & Co., Garment Factory. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 May 1928, p. 7, c. 6)


TWO bright young men wanted to learn leather cutting. Apply S. R. Hickerson, Hickerson & Co. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 August 1928, p. 8, c. 7)


Bring Your Tanned

DEER HIDES

to Hickerson & Co.

and have them made up into a warm

jacket at reasonable cost.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 November 1928, p. 7, c. 3)


GARMENT FACTORY HAS PROMISING FUTURE

_____


Success Accorded Hickerson and Co.,

Garment Manufacturers First

Year Here

_____


OFFICERS REELECTED

_____


President S. R. Hickerson Paints

Optimistic Picture of

Business in 1929


Following a shutdown for four days to permit repairs the Hickerson and Co. garment factory, South Sixth street will reopen for a busy 1929 season Monday with 25 employees working. It was announced today by S. R. Hickerson, president of the company in a statement to the Dispatch.

Mr. Hickerson made the following statement: “We have a very nice volume of business booked for the coming season, sufficient to maintain steady employment for the crew throughout the year. We expect to increase our force by July 1 to 45. Altogether we are well pleased with what we have accomplished during the past year, our first year of business in Brainerd. We feel that we are now on a sound footing in Brainerd and that the company as well as the city will prosper. During the past year we were able to secure several large firms in addition to our regular customers.”

At the annual stockholders meeting of the company yesterday all officers were reelected for the ensuing year.

The officers follow:

President—S. R. Hickerson.

Vice President—Con O’Brien.

Secretary-Treasurer—R. R. Gould.

Board of Directors—S. E. Hickerson, R. R. Gould, W. H. Cleary, Con O’Brien.

Walter P. Tyrholm was added as the new director, taking the place of Mrs. S. R. Hickerson.

Garments as manufactured at the factory will be on display during Market Week starting February 4 in the Twin Cities. S. R. Hickerson will have charge of a display at the Nicollet hotel, Minneapolis, while Lester P. Hickerson will be in charge of a similar display at the St. Paul hotel, St. Paul.

New safety devices to insure protection to the employees have been added to the tables in the factory this week, Mr. Hickerson announced. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 February 1929, p. 3, c. 1)


MINNEAPOLIS BALL CLUB BUYS JACKETS MADE IN BRAINERD

_____


HICKERSON & CO. GETS ORDER

FOR GARMENTS FOR AMERI-

CAN ASSOCIATION TEAM.

_____


MILLERS OPEN SPRING TRAIN-

ING AT SHREVEPORT, LA.,

ON MARCH 2


Brainerd-made garments will be seen by the sport world of the American Association this summer when members of the Minneapolis professional club trot out on the diamonds.

Hickerson & Co., garment manufacturers, Brainerd, announced today the receipt of an order for 25 specially made jackets for the Millers.

The jackets, which will be of navy blue and scarlet red trimming, leather lined, will be shipped to the team for spring training at Shreveport, La., by March 2. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 February 1929, p. 6, c. 4)


Fire animation On July 10, 1929, a fire in the attic of the Iron Exchange Building caused a considerable amount of water damage to the goods of the Hickerson Garment Factory located next to Woolworth’s in that building.


SEE: 1929 Iron Exchange Building Threatened by Flames in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


HICKERSON’S MAIL ANNUAL DIVIDENDS

_____


Checks Covering Six Percent on Pre-

ferred Stock Sent Out by

Local Company

_____


BUSINESS OUTLOOK BRIGHT

_____


Garment Factory Now Has Output

of Between 900 and 1,000

Garments a Week


Checks covering six percent on par stock were mailed to preferred stockholders in the Hickerson and Co., garment manufacturers, October 1, the second annual dividend paid by the corporation.

“Business is growing. The outlook for the future is bright,” S. R. Hickerson, president of the company reported today. “The current business is brisk. The factory is at present turning out between 900 and 1,000 garments a week.”

Forty people have been working at the factory, located on South Sixth street, since last spring. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 October 1929, p. 7, c. 2)


HICKERSON AND CO. DECLARE 6% DIVIDEND

_____


Special Meeting of Board of Directors

Held at Factory This

Morning

_____


WILL EMPLOY MORE PEOPLE

_____


Outlook for Future is Very Bright,

Says S. R. Hickerson,

President


A dividend of 6 percent was declared on the common as well as the preferred stock at a special meeting of the board of directors of the Hickerson and Company this morning. The dividend on the common stock will be paid January 1.

The directors meeting included: S. R. Hickerson, president of the garment factory; Con O’Brien, vice president; R. R. Gould, secretary-treasurer and W. H. Cleary. Walter P. Tyrholm, the only other director was out of the city and unable to attend the meeting.

The purpose of the meeting was to review an audit of the company’s business during the past year. The audit was recently completed by A. J. Knutson of the firm of Holloway, Knutson and Bowers of Minneapolis.

The results of the year’s business were very gratifying to the company. With a considerable increase in the volume of business over that of last year it will mean a corresponding increase in the payroll which was approximately $25,000 during the past year.

S. R. Hickerson, president of the board of directors told the Dispatch this morning, “I am happy to state that the increase in our business makes prospects for the future appear very gratifying. Operation during the past year has been such as to warrant the payment of a 6 percent dividend to both common and preferred stockholders. The dividend declared today on the common stock will be paid the first of the year.”

“It is the aim of the company to increase the sales for the coming year hence we will probably employ a few more people during the coming season than in 1929,” Mr. Hickerson added.

Mr. Hickerson said that the company has employed an average of 38 people at all times during the past year and that the company expected to operate to some extent during the winter months as in the past.

On behalf of the company Mr. Hickerson wished to extend his sincere appreciation to the people in and around Brainerd for showing their loyalty to and asking for Brainerd made garments, from the leading clothing stores in the city that are handling them.

Mr. Hickerson seemed very optimistic as to the future of Brainerd and regards the improvement shown in the last two years as phenomenal. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 December 1929, p. 7, c. 1)


Factory Stockholders to Meet


A special meeting of all stockholders of Hickerson and Co., garment manufacturers will be held at the office of the secretary, R. R. Gould, 211 Iron Exchange building Monday, Monday, January 6 at 2:30 p. m.

“The purpose of the meeting is to discuss matters of vital importance to to the company and it is sincerely hoped that all holders of stock, both common and preferred, will be present,” said Mr. Gould. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 January 1930, p. 2, c. 5)


FACTORY TO MAKE 36,000 GARMENTS

_____


Hickerson Garment Co. to Have Best

Year in 1930 Since

Organization

_____


INSURES STEADY WORK

_____


S. R. Hickerson, President, Returns

From Successful Tour

in the East


The Hickerson Garment Factory, South Sixth street, will manufacture 36,000 garments during the year 1930, S. R. Hickerson, president of the company, said in a statement today in which he predicted the year to be the best yet in the history of the company.

Mr. Hickerson returned this week from a trip through the east, securing orders for garments in Chicago, Detroit, Syracuse, Utica, Boston, New York, Plattsburg and Ogdensburg.

To take care of the large volume of business six machines will be added and enlargements made in the storage department.

Additional employees will be added to bring the total employed up to 50 before summer. At the present time 38 employees are on the payroll. There will be steady work for all the employees throughout the entire year.

During the year 1929, 27,000 garments were manufactured. The payroll totaled $25,000.

Dividends of 6 percent on the common stock and 6 percent on the preferred stock have been paid.

At the annual meeting of the stockholders this week officers and directors were re-elected for the ensuing year.

They are:

President—S. R. Hickerson.

Vice President—Con O’Brien.

Secretary-Treasurer—R. R. Gould.

Directors—S. R. Hickerson, R. R. Gould, Con O’Brien, W. H. Cleary and Walter P. Tyrholm.

Discussing his trip Mr. Hickerson stated that a feeling of optimism prevailed among businessmen he talked with.

“Of all the cities I visited Chicago appeared to be the only city where any depression existed. This is probably due to the city’s municipal financial condition,” he said.

Asked how he could enter the eastern field where many mills are located Mr. Hickerson said he did a splendid business in northern New York and that he secured one of the best accounts on his trip in New York City.

“Our competition does not come so much from eastern factories as from those in the middle west,” said Mr. Hickerson. “As it is the middle western factories lead the field in garment manufacture doing a very heavy business in the east.”

One of the reasons why Mr. Hickerson wins out over eastern competition is that he has created original ideas in the style and manufacture of garments and which are presented in advance of samples from other factories. He also is a firm believer in good business ethics. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 January 1930, p. 7, c. 1)


PENNEY OFFICIAL PRAISES FACTORY

_____


The Hickerson Garment Co. factory, South Sixth street, was highly praised for its efficiency by a J. C. Penney Co. official from New York on a trip though the plant.

The local factory will have an output this season of 37,000 garments, 15,000 to be supplied Penneys. Last year a volume of 23,000 coats was manufactured. The factory employs 48. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 July 1930, p. 3, c. 7)


FACTORY HERE TO RUN FULL TILT

_____


Hickerson Garment to Keep Em-

ployees Busy Throughout

Winter Months


Arrangements have been completed, practically assuring full operation of the Hickerson Garment factory, South Sixth street, throughout the winter, S. R. Hickerson, announced today following his return from a two weeks business trip in the east.

Among the cities visited were New York, Boston and Washington. At the capitol he had the privilege of saying “good morning” to President Herbert Hoover.

Mr. Hickerson stated that unemployment conditions in eastern cities were deplorable. He stated that as a measure to aid the unemployed the city of New York is purchasing apples from western markets, selling them at low prices and permitting unemployed to sell them at a small profit on the street corners.

The Brainerd factory has an average of 45 local people on the payroll. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 November 1930, p. 7, c. 3)


50,000 GARMENTS IS 1931 FACTORY GOAL

_____


S. R. Hickerson, President Views

Year Hopefully; Has Success-

ful Selling Tour

_____


PAST YEAR ENCOURAGING

_____


Hickerson Company to Keep 40 Busy

Throughout Year as Outlook

Appears


Encouraged by the fact that 1930, generally classed among years of depression, little affected the company’s output of garments. S. R. Hickerson, president of Hickerson and Co., South Sixth street, Brainerd, garment manufacturers looked forward optimistically today to reaching a 50,000 output of garments this year.

Future successful operation of the factory in 1931 was practically assured by Mr. Hickerson following his return from a fruitful selling trip east, including Ogdensburg, Pittsburgh, New York City, N. Y., Bangor, Maine, Baltimore, Cleveland, Boston, Toledo, Washington, Chicago and Milwaukee.

“Conditions look bright for 1931. We are working a capacity crew of 40 and expect to be busy throughout the entire year,” Mr. Hickerson said.

During 1930 between 30,000 and 40,000 garments were manufactured. Forty people were employed throughout the year with the exception of two weeks in December when the factory was closed for repairs and remodeling.

The company paid its usual six percent dividend on preferred stock.

Stockholders reelected for the year the following officers:

President—S. R. Hickerson.

Vice President—Con O’Brien.

Secretary-Treasurer—R. R. Gould.

Board of Directors—S. R. Hickerson, Con O’Brien, R. R. Gould, Walter P. Tyrholm, W. H. Cleary. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 February 1931, p. 5, c. 3)


Leaders Here Forecast Better Times in Business and Industry

_____


TREND UPWARD SEEN

FOR 1932, TURNING

POINT IS PREDICTED

_____


OPTIMISM ENVELOPES BRAINERD

AS PLANS LAID FOR THE

NEW YEAR

_____


[...]


60,000 Garments is Quota

S. R. Hickerson, president of the Hickerson Garment Factory: “We have definitely placed our quota of garments to be manufactured in 1932 at 60,000 and expect our greatest year. We hope to continue working at full force throughout the entire year.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 December 1931, p. 1, c. 3)


HICKERSON ASSURES STEADY OPERATION

GARMENT FACTORY

_____


RETURNS FROM SUCCESSFUL SELLING TRIP IN EAST;

EMPLOYEES COOPERATE

_____


S. R. Hickerson, president of the Hickerson Garment Factory, on his return from a successful selling trip in the east made the following statement:

“Through the cooperation of the employees of our garment factory we have been able to effect certain price adjustments which has enabled us to procure large contracts, even during these depressing times and will enable us to resume operation in our factory at full capacity at once. We have been running about one-half time during the past six weeks which were our slack and sample season.

“During the year 1931 we turned out approximately 50,000 garments and have set a goal of 60,000 garments for 1932 and from all indications I believe this will be accomplished. Competition is very keen and only because of the fact that our employees have cooperated with us in a wholehearted manner and that we have comparatively low overhead expenses has it been possible for us to keep our plant in constant operation.

“During my entire trip east to most of the principal cities I saw nothing to indicate a boom or speedy recovery of business but I do feel that with various branches of labor throughout the country adjusting themselves to new wage scales and with rent rapidly coming down that we are definitely headed for better times even though they may not be noticeable for several months.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 February 1932, p. 5, c. 5)


Hickerson Garment Firm on Full-Time Schedule

_____


“Production at the Hickerson Garment factory, Brainerd, today was stepped up to capacity bringing the full roster of women employees back to work on a full-time basis,” S. R. Hickerson, president, said.

In revealing the renewed activity at the factory, Hickerson also said that the quota for this year’s production had been fixed at 60,000, the same as the 1932 mark.

“During the last month, the factory has operated on a curtailed schedule of hours,” Hickerson said. This continued throughout the sample season while he and his representatives were visiting the eastern markets seeking orders.

“With the new business obtained and with the feeling of confidence and pick-up in the eastern markets, we feel that business equal to that of 1932, if not surpassing that, will result during 1933,” Hickerson said. It is upon this conviction that he inaugurated full-time employment and capacity production schedules effected.

“More than 60 employees have returned to their machines and cutting tables as the result of the renewed activity at the garment factory,” Hickerson said.

“Production schedule of 1932 called for the manufacture of 60,000 pieces of merchandise. This figure was exceeded by nearly 200 articles,” Hickerson said, “and there is every indication based on pre-season forecasts that Brainerd’s garment factory will exceed that mark by a substantial margin in 1933.”

“Expansion of the markets is evident through the obtaining of several orders from new firms. This, too, is a most encouraging factor,” Hickerson stated. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 January 1933, p. 1, c.’s 3-6)


08 March 1937. A blanket wage increase of 10 percent to all employees at the Hickerson Garment Factory, effective immediately, was announced by president S. R. Hickerson. He just returned from his selling trip to the east coast markets, having sold out the factory’s entire yearly production. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 March 2017)


Hickerson Factory on Full Time

_____


An encouraging note in the Brainerd employment situation is the announcement of the Hickerson Garment company that for the first time in six years a full staff will be employed during the first three months of the year 1939.

Spring business secured by S. R. Hickerson, president of the company, on a trip to New York City last week enables the company to keep its usual staff of approximately 60 workers busy making garments during January, February and March—months which usually are slack ones.

Manufacture of the new order of garments, most of which are light jackets for spring wear, will begin about the middle of January, officials state. It is at that time that workers will be recalled for what is hoped will be full year jobs.

Taking of the spring business does not involve profit to the company, Mr. Hickerson states, but it is a means of helping keep down the overhead and retaining employees for a longer period than at any time since 1932.

Mr. Hickerson and his son, A. L. Hickerson, secretary of the company, will leave soon for another trip to New York City, at which time transactions for the sale of the heavy clothing will be completed. Because the company makes woolen garments, most of its orders are for winter apparel.

Next year will be the first full one in the new location on 11th and Laurel streets. Prior to moving there in June, the company's main office had been in the Iron Exchange building on Sixth street for 10 years. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 December 1938, p. 1, c. 6)


17 October 1956. As part of a long-term expansion, the Hickerson Garment Co. will be adding some 40 new machines and increasing employment by at least 40 persons to 170 in the next six months. Company president Frank Hickerson said he hopes to add another floor to the factory. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 17 October 2016)


March 1961. Hopes for at least a partial end to the current unemployment picture in Brainerd got a big boost today as the Northern Pacific Railway Company and the Hickerson Garment Factory both announced plans for rehiring by March 16 and 20 respectively. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, March 2001)


Hickerson Firm Purchased Here


The Hickerson Garment factory here has been purchased by North Country Outerwear, Inc., it was announced yesterday afternoon.

The Hickerson firm has been involved in bankruptcy proceedings.

James F. Wieland, formerly of Brainerd and now of the Twin City area, is the president of the new corporation which made the purchase.

The other key figures are Virgil Rubbelke, Brainerd, vice president in charge of operations; Jerry Pearl, Minneapolis, secretary-treasurer, and Calvin H. Smith, Minneapolis, a vice president.

Rubbelke has been with the Hickerson firm for the past 20 years.

The firm specializes in the manufacture of outerwear garments and employs between 80 and 100 persons.

The Hickerson firm has been in business here for the past 40 years. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 October 1968, p. 1, c.’s 6 & 7)


NOTE: The Hickerson Garment Factory moved from the Iron Exchange Building at 216 South Sixth Street to 1014 Laurel Street in June of 1938, the site of the former location of the Toltz Engineering Company Gas Power Plant from November 1910-December 1912. Hickerson's Garment Factory remained at 1014 Laurel until 1969 when it was sold and became North Country Outerwear, Inc. North Country Outerwear continued in business at the Hickerson site until about 1982, when it may have gone out of business.


SEE: Electric Power House (Laurel Street) in the Brainerd Utilities page.


IDEAL HOTEL

This hotel reportedly began in 1900. Located at 504 Front Street and operated by William T. Larrabee. In the 1920 city directory this building is referred to as the Ideal Hotel, still operated by William T. Larrabee.


The Ideal Cafe.


Proprietor W. T. Larrabee, of the Ideal, announces that his cafe is now open for business and the service and equipment throughout is of the best. A businessmen’s lunch will be served everyday from 11:30 to 2 o'clock for 25 cents. Meals cooked to order with all the delicacies of the season at all hours night and day. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 April 1904, p. 4, c. 5)


THE IDEAL.


Interior of the Ideal saloon located at 504 Front Street, ca. 1910.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 16, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher, Brainerd Tribune
An Ideal Hotel ad for the liquor selection in its saloon. A 1462x2076 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 November 1911

A restaurant and bachelors’ hotel that plays a prominent part in this city and one which fully deserves in every sense of the word the name it bears, and one which enjoys the best patronage of the people of Brainerd is that of the Ideal, W. T. Larabee [sic], proprietor.

Occupying the two floors of the building at No. 504 Front street, the cafe has been made to compare most favorably with those of the metropolitan cities.

The first floor is occupied by the buffet [saloon] and is replete with elegant fittings throughout. The decorations and furnishings are of richest design, and the interior present a most luxurious and comfortable effect. The stock of imported and domestic wines, whiskeys, and brandies is equal in variety and quality of those to be secured anywhere.

The cafe is on the second floor, the entrance being on Front street for gentlemen, and the ladies’ entrance on Fifth street. This department is equipped with every convenience, the dining room having a seating capacity for fifty guests. The kitchen is a model for neatness, presided over by a capable chef, and the cuisine is noted for its excellence. The very choicest viands and luxuries of the seasons are served, and these, well cooked and served, make this a most desirable place for those who enjoy the best the market affords.

Mr. Larabee’s [sic] establishment is unsurpassed in this section—in fact can scarcely be compared—for it is exceptional for a city of this size. It commands a very extensive patronage among the best commercial, professional, transient and family trade, and is frequented only by the best element of the city. By capable management, beauty of appointments, excellent cuisine and a reputation as a well conducted house it enjoys a liberal patronage.

Mr. Larabee [sic] takes pride in all departments of the establishment and gives his personal attention to all details of the business, and the city need have no fear of its reputation for hospitality so long as he conducts this bachelor hotel.

The hotel accommodations are the very best. This part of the establishment occupies a frontage of seventy-five feet on Front Street and seventy-five feet on Fifth. The rooms are handsomely furnished, are all outfacing on the second floor, and the service is all that is to be desired. (Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 16, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher)


17 May 1915. The Ideal Hotel, of which W. T. Larrabee is proprietor, was raided at 10 a. m. this morning by Sheriff Claus Theorin and Police Chief Henry Squires. Acting under a search warrant, two wagon loads of whiskey and beer were found. They are hauling it to the city jail for storage. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 17 May 2015)


20 July 1915. At about 4:30 yesterday afternoon the Ideal Cafe of W. T. Larrabee was raided once again by Police Chief Henry Squires. He found three half-gallon jugs of whiskey and seven bottles of beer. At the council meeting, Alderman Turcotte remarked there were a lot of special police on hand; who hired them? (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 20 July 2015)


30 April 1917. The Ideal Hotel at 624 Front St. opened its 30 rooms to the public last Saturday. What had previously been the Ideal Cafe has been enlarged to become a real hotel. W. T. Larrabee lost his previous hotel at 5th and Front to a fire. He says business at the cafe is brisk. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 30 April 2017)


NOTE: At some point between 1910 and 1917 William T. Larrabee takes over the operation of the Globe Hotel located at 422 Front Street and renames it the Ideal Hotel. After the 1917 Antlers and Globe/Ideal Hotel fire, William T. Larrabee relocates to a frame building near the Cale Block which was located on the corner of Front and Seventh Streets, again calling it the Ideal Hotel, which burns on January 24, 1918. Larrabee then relocates to 502-504 Front Street and this Ideal Hotel burns on December 16, 1922. These three Ideal Hotels were not located in the same buildings but were all operated by William T. Larrabee at different dates.


Fire animation On January 23, 1917, a fire destroyed the Antlers Hotel, the Ideal Hotel, formerly the Globe Hotel, and a couple of other buildings, causing an estimated loss of $50,000. William Deering, a boilermaker, and Thomas F. Lamb, 76 years old, a flagman, employed by the Northern Pacific railroad, roomers at the Antlers Hotel, lost their lives in the fire.


SEE: 1917 Antlers Hotel Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


Fire animation On January 24, 1918 a $50,000 fire starting in the basement of a pool room located at 622 Front Street burns a quarter of a block including the Cale Block and Ideal Hotel, whose loss is estimated at $5,000.


SEE: 1918 Cale Block Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


Fire animation On 16 December 1922 a fire believed to have been caused by a faulty chimney gutted the frame Ideal Hotel at 502 Front Street. W. T. Larrabee lost most of his possessions including his valuable kitchen equipment. This was the third time the Ideal Hotel, located in three different places, had been burned.


SEE: 1922 Ideal Hotel Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


IMGRUND AUTO COMPANY

JOHN T. IMGRUND BUYS A GARAGE

_____


Business of the E. R. Smith Auto

Company Taken Over by Popu-

lar Cigar Manufacturer

_____


Mr. Imgrund’s Son, John F. Imgrund,

Will be Placed in Charge of

the Business


Imgrund Auto Company at 309 South Sixth Street, ca. 1917. A 879x567 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Out of the Woods
The first Imgrund Auto Company ad for Buick, 31 March 1917.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

John T. Imgrund, the cigar manufacturer, has bought the E. R. Smith automobile garage and auto agency and will place his son, John F. Imgrund, in charge of the business.

The garage will be opened March 1st. Young Mr. Imgrund has had considerable experience in automobile work of all kinds and so will make the business a successful one from the very start.

The Buick agency will be continued and other cars may also be added to the stock carried. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 January 1917, p. 5, c. 2)


IMPERIAL BLOCK (MAP #29)

Built by W. D. McKay in 1904, it is located on the southeast corner of Laurel and Seventh Streets. Purchased by Con O’Brien in 1917, he renames it the Juel Block after his eldest daughter, Juel. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 75 & 113)


NOTE: The Imperial Block as noted by Zapffe above was NOT named after Juel O’Brien. The building burned in 1924 and a new building was erected on the same site and called the Juel block.


CITY COUNCIL’S MONTHLY SESSION

_____


W. D. McKay’s Petition


W. D. McKay was present at the meeting of the council last night and asked for permission to move the frame structure from the corner of Laurel and Seventh streets to the corner of Laurel and Eighth streets. He thought that the fire ordinance should be complied with in that the removal of this building to a corner almost by itself would lessen the fire risk, and the added fact that a modern brick block would be erected on the site of the present. An aged store should be sufficient ground for granting his petition. Alderman Purdy was the first to express an opinion on the matter and he stated in very explicit language that he was opposed to granting the petition as it would simply mean that others would soon come in and ask for the same concession and, in fact, he understood that there would be a like request in a short time. It is presumed he meant the Wise building. Mr. McKay arose at this point and intimated that he was on the “inside” of this latter deal and could state for the information of the council that the Wise building would not be moved inside the fire limits but outside entirely.

This did not move Alderman Purdy and he finally made a motion that the request not be granted. Here is where the council got all muddled up in voting on this negative motion. Even Alderman Purdy and Gardner, sponsors of the motion, really voted against the motion by saying “no” when the roll was called, believing that they were voting against the proposition of granting the request. It went all down the line this way and the joke of it was that President Crust, after ascertaining that there were 6 “noes,” declared the motion carried. Alderman Johnson raised the point that the decision of the chair was wrong and City Attorney Fleming was appealed to. He told the members that in voting “no” they simply voted against the motion “not” to grant the request. And then there was a smile or two and another vote was taken with the result that the motion was lost. A motion was then made that the request of Mr. McKay be granted. The motion carried. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 May 1904, p. 3, c. 3)


In November 1906. Brainerd is to have another theater. Chas. Milspaugh has rented the two east rooms in the Imperial block and will fix them up as a first class theater. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 19 November 2006)


L. S. Zakariasen.


Interior of the L. S. Zakariasen tailor shop located in the Imperial Block, ca. 1910.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 14, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher

Mr. Zakariasen started his tailoring business in Brainerd July 1st, 1909, succeeding his father, who had been in the business here for many years. He had been in the trade for thirteen years previous to going into the business for himself and graduated from the Thornquist cutting school in St. Paul in 1902, taking their full course in record time.

      The store in the Imperial Block is well equipped and the stock consists of fine foreign and domestic fabrics in all shades, textures and patterns. (Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 14, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher)


LINNEMANN IN NEW QUARTERS

_____


Prominent Clothing Man Opens in

Imperial Block with Fine Stock

and Fixtures August 2

_____


A MODERN STORE THROUGHOUT

_____


Store Measures 50 to 75 Feet, Golden

Oak Fixtures and Finishings,

Direct Lighting System


On Monday, August 2, the H. W. Linnemann clothing store opens in its new quarters in the Imperial block, corner Seventh and Laurel streets. The clothier, who for many years has had his business at 616 Front Street, will be at his new place of business with larger quarters, larger stock, more convenient and modern fixtures and better opportunities to display and sell goods.

The store has a large room measuring 50 by 75 feet. The main entrance is on the corner of Seventh and Laurel, a second one on Seventh and another on Laurel. The large display windows on Laurel are backed by leaded glass windows furnishing a most pleasing background.

The store is illuminated by the direct lighting system, type C, installed by the Electric Shop of Brainerd. A new thing in the display of clothing and gentlemen’s furnishings is the comprehensive set of cases and racks for the reception of such goods.

There are glass cases holding hundreds of suits. Sliding and revolving doors open the whole front of the case. All the suits on metal stands may easily be swung to the front, permitting close inspection.

Hats are on racks in tall cases and can be rolled to the front for a closer view. Collars and cuffs, hosiery, caps, etc. are in cases. Goods are so filed away as to permit of quick selection and reducing handling to a minimum. Besides, all these cases are practically dust proof.

Daylight floods the store, thus providing another asset of considerable worth to the store, colors and shades are more easily distinguished in a well-illuminated store.

The house of H. W. Linnemann is to be congratulated on its progressiveness and business ability and Brainerd in general wishes him prosperity in large measure. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 July 1915, p. 5, c. 3)


SEE: Walverman Block


Mr. O’Brien has bought the interest of R. J. Hartley in the Imperial block, corner Seventh and Laurel streets. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 February 1917, p. 5, c. 4)


Fire animation At 9:30 in the morning of April 19, 1924 the Imperial Block caught fire, burning the three-story building and all of its contents amounting to an estimated $125,000. Twelve families were living in the apartments in the second and third story.


SEE: 1924 Imperial Block fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.

SEE: Juel Block


IMPERIAL BLOCK TO BE REPLACED

_____


Con O’Brien to Build Two-Story Sol-

id Brick at Corner of Seventh

and Laurel Sts.

_____


C. B. ROWLEY, CONTRACTOR

_____


To be Ready for Occupancy About

Oct. 1st—Two Store Rooms on

Ground Floor


The old Imperial block which burned some time ago is now being torn down and will be rebuilt by Con O’Brien at a sum of about $30,000. The new building will be a two-story building with two store rooms on the ground floor facing on Laurel and six flats on the second floor with an entrance on Seventh street.

The building will be equipped with a steam plant and will be wired for electricity and piped for gas. There will be four rooms in the basement that will most likely be rented for small stores or offices. The construction will be of solid brick with large plate glass fronts. It is expected to be ready in about four months. C. B. Rowley, contractor, is now in charge of the work. It is estimated that about 600 loads of debris have been removed from this job.

The frame building next door will no doubt be rebuilt by the owner after work has started on the new building. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 June 1924, p. 7, c. 4)


IRON EXCHANGE BUILDING (MAP #56)

Built of yellow-enamel brick by W. D. McKay, Ransford R. Wise, George Holland and George LaBar in 1910-11, it is the largest single business structure in the city. It occupies almost the entire south half of the block on the west side of Sixth Street between Front and Laurel Streets and contains store space, office space, lodge rooms, a restaurant and a hotel. [The building burns on 22 July 1970.] (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 74 & 75)


MUCH BUILDING WILL BE DONE

_____


Four Brick Business Blocks Will be

Erected in Brainerd

This Summer

_____


THREE WILL BE THREE STORIES

_____


All Will be Handsome Structures and

Will Add Much to Prosperity

of City


...That the Columbian block will be rebuilt, however, is a certainty. The building, it is said, will be 140 feet in depth, running clear to the alley. The entire first floor will be occupied by D. M. Clark & Co., who will also occupy the basement. The second story will be occupied by offices or flats and the third story by lodge rooms. It is understood that the Masonic fraternities will be the lessee of this portion of the building. While the parties who control the property have not gotten their plans fully matured it is understood that there is a strong company being organized to handle the building.

R. R. Wise states that he will build a three story brick block on the lots between the site of the old Columbian block and Laurel street. Mr. Wise has not the plans completed but it is expected that the building will be extended west to the alley, making it the same size as the Citizens State bank building. He states that he has no lease on any portion of the building, but that there have been several applications for nearly all the space therein. The second story will probably be finished off for offices, while the third will be it is said, fitted up for lodge quarters. Mr. Wise states that the building will be first class in every respect. It is rumored that it and the building to be erected on the Columbian block site will be built in architectural harmony, and combined will be one of the finest blocks in the state outside the Twin Cities and Duluth.


[...]

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 March 1910, p. 3, c. 3)


BUILDING NOTES

_____


Work Progressing Favorably on the Syndicate Block


The block extending from the old postoffice to Laurel street is rapidly changing its appearance. W. D. McKay has five teams and a large crew of men at work. The excavation work is progressing rapidly. The old walls are being taken down and the bricks cleaned and placed on the lots adjoining the building site on the south. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 May 1910, p. 5, c. 4)


NEW COMPANY LAUNCHED TODAY

_____


Articles of Incorporation of the Brain-

erd Improvement Co. are

Signed Today

_____


WILL CONSTRUCT BRICK BLOCK

_____


Company is Capitalized at $100,000

and the Incorporators are All

Brainerd Men


A new company known as the Brainerd Improvement Co. was launched in Brainerd today. This is a $100,000 corporation whose list of incorporators bears the names of R. R. Wise, G. W. Holland, F. A. Farrar, George D. LaBar, W. D. McKay, H. H. Baker and D. M. Clark.

The company will construct the large three story brick block which will extend to the corner of Laurel and Sixth streets. It will have a frontage on South Sixth street of nearly half of a block. On Laurel it will have a frontage of half a block.

The principal place of business of the Brainerd Improvement Co. will be in Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 May 1910, p. 5, c. 3)


Architect's rendering of the new Iron Exchange Building, 21 May 1910. A 996x694 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 3, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher

J. E. Fisher, architect of St. Paul was in the city yesterday with plans and sketches relating to the Brainerd Improvement Co.’s block on Laurel and Sixth streets. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 May 1910, p. 2, c. 3)


NOTE: James E. Fisher was a partner in the firm of Thori, Alban & Fisher of St. Paul until he died on 11 November 1910. William L. Alban, the architect who designed the Juel Block and the O'Brien Department Store, was also a partner in this firm.


SEE: Juel Block


ELECTS FIRST OFFICERS

_____


The Brainerd Improvement Company

Elects Officers to Manage the

Business Affairs


The first meeting of the board of directors of the Brainerd Improvement Company was held on Tuesday at the rooms of the First National Bank at which time business of the company incidental to the plans already outlined was transacted, and committees were appointed on by-laws, finance and other affairs. The officers elected for the ensuing year were:

President—R. R. Wise.

Vice President—G. W. Holland.

Secretary—W. D. McKay.

Treasurer—G. D. LaBar.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 May 1910, p. 3, c. 2)


Work Done on Brainerd Improvement Co. Building


At the Brainerd Improvement Co. building, Charles Blunt has finished the north wall of the foundation of the building which measured 130 feet in length, eight feet in height, three feet wide at the base and two feet wide at the top. Contractor Blunt has five men at work on the east wall of the building this morning. Concrete walls will be put in on the south and west ends of the building and through the center from east to west. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 June 1910, p. 3, c. 1)


J. B. NELSON GETS THE CONTRACT

_____


Brainerd Improvement Co. Awards

Contract to J. B. Nelson, of

Mankato

_____


WORK TO COMMENCE AT ONCE

_____


Covers Concrete, Brickwork, Terra

Cotta and Structural Car-

penter Work on Block


The Brainerd Improvement Co. today awarded the contract for concrete, brick work, terra cotta and structural carpenter work on their building to J. B. Nelson of Mankato.

Other bidders were: Emil Johnson, of Minneapolis, Hoy Construction Co., of Chicago, and C. B. Rowley. E. H. Huseman bid on the carpenter work alone.

The St. Paul Foundry Co. was the lowest bidder on the structural iron and steel work.

The successful contractors will lose no time and push the building to completion. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 June 1910, p. 3, c. 2)


COMMENCE TUESDAY

_____


J. B. Nelson, of Mankato, Will Com-

mence Construction Brainerd

Improvement Co. Blk


W. D. McKay states that J. B. Nelson of Mankato, the successful bidder, will commence work on the Brainerd Improvement Co. block next Tuesday. Concrete foundations will be placed on the south and west ends and also at the east side, with two concrete footings for the court. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 June 1910, p. 3, c. 2)


J. B. NELSON & CO. START WORK

_____


The Mankato Construction Firm Puts

a Crew of Men on Brainerd

Improvement Co. Bldg.


J. B. Nelson & Co., the Mankato contractors put a crew of men to work on the Brainerd Improvement Co. building, corner Laurel and 6th streets.

L. N. Beckwall, the foreman in charge, says he starts with a crew of 12 men, which will be increased to 30 or more in a short time. A large derrick has been installed, and a steam cement mixer set up.

Surveyor Knudsen was running the lines this morning for the front and rear of the big building. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 July 1910, p. 3, c. 3)


THE COMMITTEE OF FIVE MEETS


W. D. McKay addressed the special committee on the matter of height of curbing and sidewalk grade fronting the Brainerd Improvement Co. building on Laurel and Sixth streets. He wished some action could be taken allowing his company to put in a proper grade and thus avoid a repetition of a street corner like the southwest corner of Sixth and Front streets. As matters stood now there would be a fall of 7 inches to each 16 feet of walk, making it dangerous to travel. No action was taken in the matter which will then be brought up before the regular council meeting August 1st. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 July 1910, p. 3, c. 3)


The Brainerd Improvement Co. will today let the contracts covering hardware, structural steel and iron trim work on their three story brick block now in course of erection. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 August 1910, p. 2, c. 3)


FIRST REINFORCED CONCRETE WORK

_____


Reinforced Concrete Floors Will be

Laid in Brainerd Improvement

Co. Building

_____


WORK WILL TAKE THREE WEEKS

_____


Bricklayers Will Commence Work in

Three Weeks and Will Rush

Their Part


Louis Breckwall, the general foreman of the J. B. Nelson Co., of Mankato which is erecting the Brainerd Improvement Co. building has returned to Mankato for a short time and Oscar Johnson of Mankato, the carpenter foreman has assumed charge of the carpenter work. He has 22 men getting the floors in shape for the heavy reinforced concrete floor. They are putting in centering and false work in the basement.

On this steel rods are laid from four to six inches apart and the cement poured in to a depth of eight inches. This will set in about three weeks, when the false work will be removed from the basement and the building put in shape for the bricklayers to run up the walls.

This is the first building in the city to be so constructed and the foreman in charge is being asked many questions. People wish to know why the posts are set so closely together in the basement. This is only false work and will be removed as soon as the cement sets.

Two contracts were awarded yesterday by the Brainerd Improvement Co. These are additional steel and structural work to the St. Paul Foundry Co., and the finishing hardware to the Raymer Hardware Co. of St. Paul. The heating and plumbing contract has not been let. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 August 1910, p. 3, c. 2)


MORE CONTRACTS LET

_____


The Brainerd Improvement Co. Lets

Two More Contracts on Its

Building


The Brainerd Improvement Co. yesterday let two more contracts on its three story building now in course of erection. The first one was the heating contract. There were five bidders, Waterman & Waterbury, of Minneapolis, were the successful bidders.

The plumbing contract was awarded to Slipp-Gruenhagen Co., which firm was successful over five other bidders.

J. E. Nelson, of the Twin City Gas and Electric Co. will be here next week inspecting the building. He has the contract for the wiring of the block. One of the large contracts which the firm recently completed was the wiring of the new St. Paul hotel. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 August 1910, p. 3, c. 2)


LAYING HEAVY CEMENT FLOORS

_____


First Floor of Brainerd Improvement

Co. Building Almost

Finished

_____


IS AN INTERESTING PROCESS

_____


Car Load of Steel Rods Used in Re-

inforced Work on First

Floor


Work on the concrete cement floor of the new Brainerd Improvement Co. three story building is progressing rapidly. The foreman, L. N. Beckwall of Mankato, has 24 men at work. Yesterday J. B. Nelson, the general contractor, viewed the construction and was well satisfied with the progress his men had made.

On the first floor false work a car load of steel rods was laid and interlaced at regular intervals. On this has been poured eight inches of concrete rough slab, as it is called. On this comes the two inches of wooden strip filling, consisting of concrete and wooden strips. Over this is laid the two inch flooring. Half of the first floor has this preliminary work almost finished and two-thirds of it will be finished this evening. This morning work commenced on the tower for the concrete bucket.

Monday morning work will commence on the flooring in preparation for the second story work. The bricklayers go to work Friday, there being six in the first gang.

Next week the steel column, beam and girder work will be pushed so as to keep ahead of the bricklayers, and to finish the foundation of the second floor. It will take about 20 days before the false work of the first floor can be removed. Almost 2600 sacks of cement were used in the first floor. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 August 1910, p. 3, c. 3)


At a meeting of the directors of the Brainerd Improvement Co. the name of the new three story brick building being erected by them on the corner of Laurel and Sixth streets was voted on and the “Iron Exchange” building was selected as its proper designation. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 September 1910, p. 3, c. 3)


GOOD PROGRESS WITH BUILDINGS

_____


On Thursday Work Will Commence

on Third Story of Iron Exchange Building

_____


A crew of 45 men is at work on the new Iron Exchange building and the fine weather has enabled the foreman, Louis N. Beckwall, to make rapid headway. The rear wall along the alley is up two stories in height. The walls fronting on Laurel and Sixth Streets will be of the same height by Wednesday night. On Thursday all gangs will be working on the third floor.

In another ten days the false work will be taken from the first floor. The terra cotta belt course is finished for the second story windows. Steel work has commenced on the second floor and when the car of steel which has been delayed arrives, this part of the work will be resumed. The men at work includes 12 bricklayers and, with the carpenters and laborers employed, total 45 men. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 October 1910, p. 3, c. 1)


SEE: Ebinger Brickyard


The car of steel has arrived for the Iron Exchange building and work has commenced on the third floor. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 October 1910, p. 2, c. 2)


McCaffrey and Wallace have secured the contracts for the interior and exterior painting of the large Iron Exchange building and the new postoffice. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 October 1910, p. 2, c. 2)


“IRON EXCHANGE” NEARS COMPLETION

_____


J. B. Nelson, General Contractors, of

Mankato Establish Record for

Quick Work

_____


W. D. McKAY SHARES CREDIT

_____


88 Men Now Employed With an Av-

erage Daily Pay Roll of

Over $250


King's Sporting Goods located in the Iron Exchange building on the west side of Sixth Street between Front and Laurel Streets, April 1947. A 1621x1101 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Sharon Squires, Library's Photo Scanning Project in 2015, Crow Wing County Historical Society
King's Sporting Goods and the Korner Kut Rate Drug Store located in the Iron Exchange building on the west side of Sixth Street between Front and Laurel Streets, April 1947. A 1126x1660 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Sharon Squires, Library's Photo Scanning Project in 2015, Crow Wing County Historical Society
Korner Kut Rate Drug Store in the Iron Exchange Building on the west side of Sixth Street between Front and Laurel Streets, April 1947. A 1149x1725 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Sharon Squires, Library's Photo Scanning Project in 2015, Crow Wing County Historical Society

The handsome “Iron Exchange” building is rapidly nearing completion and will rank as the handsomest building of its size in the city. The general contractors, J. B. Nelson & Co., of Mankato have established a record for quick construction work and this honor is also shared by W. D. McKay who has had supervision over the building as well as keeping a large crew of men at work.

Today about 88 men are at work including 25 carpenters, 10 bricklayers, 25 laborers, 5 tinners, 5 plumbers, 10 steam fitters, four painters and four electricians. The companies completing their contracts are the St. Paul Gas & Electric Co., doing the wiring; the St. Paul Roofing & Cornice Co., attending to the roof; the Slipp-Gruenhagen Co., putting in the plumbing; Waterman & Waterbury, of Minneapolis, installing the steam heating; McCaffrey & Wallace, doing the painting.

The brick work will be finished by Saturday. The roof will be on by the middle of next week, while it is estimated that it will take three weeks more to finish the steam heating. On the roof are being placed three large domes and sky lights, all arranged to furnish light and ventilation. Radiators are being placed on the second floor and the electricians are also busily engaged in wiring. The partitions here are partly built of brick. The roof and the ground floor have the most men at work. The third floor now reveals the dimensions of the lodge rooms, which will be 18 feet in height, the Red Men being situated in the southeast corner, the Knights of Columbus in the southwest end and the Masonic room facing Sixth street in the northeast part of the building. Back of these lodge rooms the 18 foot space is divided and forms an additional story and rooms for the hotel part leased by Nick Lauer. His hotel will have 45 rooms as well as 10 feet frontage on the ground floor facing Laurel street.

The first part to be finished will be the quarters for D. M. Clark & Co., 75 feet frontage on Sixth street, on exactly the same space occupied by them in the old Columbian block. W. D. McKay estimates that this place will be finished by the middle of December. The entire building, he figures, will be completed by the middle of April. Nick Lauer’s part may be finished by about January 15th.

L. N. Beckwall, the foreman of the J. B. Nelson Co., will take down his hoists and derricks this week and ship them to the company’s headquarters at Mankato.

Stairs lead to the roof which offers a vantage place to see the beautiful scenery adjacent to our city. On clear days one can see objects at least five miles away. The poor farm, Ahren’s hill, farm houses on the 13th street road, the river windings and all the wooded hills and sloping valleys in this charming birdseye picture are clearly visible. Visitors and tourists will be quick to take advantage of this opportunity to see the whole city at a sweeping glance. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 November 1910, p. 3, c.’s 1 & 2)


A large shipment of heavy window plate glass has been received by the Iron Exchange building and is being skidded today from the freight cars to the building. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 December 1910, p. 2, c. 3)


The Slipp-Gruenhagen Co. has the contract of putting in the large manhole near the “Iron Exchange” building. A hole 16 feet deep has been dug to connect with the sewer. Oscar Roberts is superintending the job. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 December 1910, p. 2, c. 2)


SETTING PLATE GLASS

_____


Forman, Ford & Co., of Minneapolis,

Have Men Assisting E. Husemann

at “Iron Exchange”


Ernest Husemann, who has the contract putting in the fronts on the main floor of the “Iron Exchange” building, is busily engaged today in setting the heavy plate glass. To assist in this work Forman, Ford & Co. of Minneapolis, which supplied the window plate glass, sent two of its expert workmen, Louis Sellberg and Louis Swanson, who are taking the glass from the cases it was boxed in and placing the same in the window frames.

The largest glass, measuring 92 by 148 inches, valued at about $100, weighs 500 pounds. This glass is used on the Sixth street side of the building. The other sizes are 97x92 inches, weighing about 200 pounds each and valued at about $50 each. The glass has an average thickness of five-sixteenths of an inch. It takes expert, experienced men who are good on team work, if you may so express it, to handle this glass. Leather straps are used, as well as leather palms for their hands. It is an interesting sight and many people stop to observe the process of setting the glass in place. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 December 1910, p. 3, c. 4)


White Bros. have secured the contract to do the inside finishing of the “Iron Exchange” building. This is a large contract and will be executed, as usual, promptly and in the best possible manner, conforming to the high reputation established by this firm of contractors. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 December 1910, p. 2, c. 4)


IRON EXCHANGE HOTEL OPENS

_____


Nicholas Lauer is Proprietor of the

New Hotel Which Opened

Last Evening

_____


CONDUCTED ON EUROPEAN PLAN

_____


45 Room Hotel, Beautifully Fur-

nished and Equipped, Provided

With All Conveniences


From Friday’s Daily:—

$150,000 fire proof building recently erected. On the main floor are business establishments fronting South Sixth street. On the Laurel street side is the Iron Exchange Hotel. On the second floor are offices. Occupying 4,000 square feet of floor space on the second floor are the quarters of the Brainerd Commercial Club. On the third floor are the halls of many of the prominent lodges of the city, 19 January 1912.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch, p. 3

Last evening witnessed the opening of the new “Iron Exchange Hotel” on Laurel street. Its proprietor is Nicholas Lauer, well known as a hotel and restaurant man who formerly conducted the Horse Shoe restaurant almost on the same site.

Mr. Lauer has done his best to provide a comfortable and convenient 45 room hotel conducted on the European plan. All furniture, fixtures, furnishings, carpets, etc., are brand new and most appropriate. On the first floor is the lobby, the dining room with nine tables, the kitchen and its numerous pantries. Adjoining the spacious dining room and reached by a separate entrance is the buffet with its metropolitan appearance. On all sides the visitor is impressed by the amount of light which it receives. The dining room facing Laurel street is veritably one with a solid glass front. High ceilings add to the appearance of the rooms.

Ascending the stairs one may view 12 handsome rooms on the second floor, each provided with furniture of the Mission style, with solid metal beds of the Venice-Martin style and with comfortable rugs on the polished hardwood floors. Each floor has its bath and toilet rooms and linen closets. As fire protection there is placed in each bath room a reel of hose long enough to reach any part of the floor and with an ample supply of water the hotel force in many cases, will be able to successfully quench any ordinary fire.

On this second floor is also found the ladies parlor, a very convenient rest room. Another attraction is the installation of two private dining rooms on the second floor.

The third and fourth floors have additional guest chambers, the furniture and fixtures being similar in design. The style of finish throughout is mahogany. The hotel is provided throughout with electric light, patent switches and electric bells.

In the basement are the lavatory, laundry and store rooms.

The scale of prices will be 50c, 75c and $1.00. Mrs. Lauer will have charge of the kitchen and is a most experienced cook. Mr. and Mrs. Lauer are young, energetic and ambitious and are assured of abundant success in their new venture, and their aim to make the “Iron Exchange Hotel” a first class institution is certain to be realized. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 April 1911, p. 7, c. 7)


COMMERCIAL CLUB IN NEW QUARTERS

_____


From Wednesday’s Daily:—

An ad for Dr. A. F. Groves’ office in the new Iron Exchange Building, 26 May 1911.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch, p. 3
Ad for Dr. Ingersoll’s dental office in the new Iron Exchange Building, 26 May 1911.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch, p. 3

The new quarters of the Commercial Club were opened for the first time last night and the many brilliant lights greeted a large attendance. The rooms are commodious and beautifully furnished, and nothing has been left undone that would mar the comfort of the members. In the parlors about fifteen different magazines, offering all varieties of reading material, lend pleasures to those not interested in the three pool and billiard tables. The cigar stand to be placed in the assembly room has not yet arrived. Mr. Al. LaLonde has been engaged as steward of the rooms, and under his able management the club will prove to be a most pleasing and entertaining host to its many visitors. Brainerd citizens have every reason to be proud of these club rooms for there are none better in the northwest outside of Minnesota’s three largest cities.


[...]

(Brainerd Dispatch, 12 May 1911, p. 1, c. 3)


THE BRAINERD COMMERCIAL CLUB


Club Quarters Occupy 4,000 Square

Feet in the Magnificent Iron

Exchange Building


[...]


At home in the new magnificent Iron Exchange building, erected in 1911 by local capital at a cost of over $100,000.00, the club’s quarters occupy a space of over 4,000 square feet, supplied with fittings and accommodations that challenge comparison with any commercial organization in any city of its size in the country.


[...]

(Brainerd Dispatch, 19 January 1912, p. 2 c. 6)


SEE: Woolworth (F. W.) Store


Fire animation On July 10, 1929, a fire rips through the roof and attic of the Iron Exchange Building causing about $18,000 in damage. Hundreds of people stand on the street, for five minutes, watching the smoke erupt from the four cornices of the building before anyone notifies the fire department.


SEE: 1929 Iron Exchange Building Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


CAFE, COFFEE SHOP OPENS TOMORROW

_____


“We Aim to Give Best of Food and

Service,” Says, A. A. Burns,

Proprietor

_____


Cafe to Seat 40 People; Coffee Shop

Will Accommodate

Thirty-two


Advertising the opening of the remodeled cafe and coffee shop, 05 April 1928.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

The cafe and coffee shop in connection with the New Brainerd hotel will open to the public tomorrow morning at 6 o’clock. A. A. Burns, proprietor of the hotel and new cafe, announced today.

Today witnesses the completion of the remodeling of the dining room and coffee shop location in the hotel after two months’ work in construction. The new establishment has been constructed with the view in mind of providing an up-to-date location serving the best of food.

Entrance to the coffee shop will be on Laurel street. The lower part of the walls have been designed in King Tut effect with mottled green, the color scheme on the upper wall section. Cream colored ceilings will harmonize with the pleasing effect of the wall covering. The coffee shop will accommodate eight tables with a seating capacity of 32 people.

Linen service will be provided in the main dining room which will accommodate 40 people at 10 tables. A fireplace is one of the attractive features of the dining room. All floors are done in handcraft tile inlaid, red brick pattern.

Cleanliness is featured in the kitchen arrangement which includes a new range and steam table. Al Beaver has been employed as chef.

“Our kitchen will be open for inspection at any time,” said Mr. Burns. “It is our earnest desire to give the people the best of food and the best of service.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 April 1928, p. 2, c.’s 4 & 5)


INDIVIDUALITY IN HOTEL DECORATING

_____


New Brainerd Improvements Near

Completion; Uniqueness

Predominates

_____


A NEW FEATURE IN HOSTELRIES

_____


Each Room Totally Different in

Scenic Beauty; Lobby Resplend-

ent in Egyptian


Brainerd is overcoming another obstacle that has stood in the way of progress in the past by recent improvements in the hotel conditions of the city.

A. A. Burns, of the New Brainerd Hotel is just completing extensive improvements in the lobby, halls and guests’ rooms, and during the past year has put in improvements amounting to over $12,000. The remodeling and redecorating make this one of the most unique and homelike hotels in the northwest. The work of redecorating has been under the charge of C. C. Bowen, following the ideas and suggestions of Mrs. Burns.

The fireplace and rock garden located in the New Brainerd Hotel, ca. 1930’s. A 1600x939 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Unknown

The lobby and walls are beautiful in the ancient Egyptian style. The walls are in brown, showing the interior Egyptian stone work, which is the same design carried out in the cafe and coffee shop which was redecorated about a year ago, and on which many favorable comments have been made. There are two paintings in the lobby, one on the west and one on the north, showing two large arches. On the west is one of Codera, Egypt with the buildings of the city extending out into the distance, and to the north is a bridge crossing the Nile. This gives both modern and ancient Egypt, the ancient city showing under the bridge with a glimpse of the pyramids in the distance.

Above the painting on the west is a bust of Amenhotep, the greatest builder of all the Egyptian kings. There are also other carvings on the stone representing Egyptian hieroglyphics. The immense pillars are embellished with the Egyptian lotus. The ceiling of the lobby is treated in the antique raw mahogany effect, representing logs with the old-fashioned dowel pins holding them up.

As one ascends the stairway and along the hall of the second floor, one is greeted with a painting of the Egyptian water girl, which adds to the unique decorations. The curtains and drapes in the halls correspond with the delicate coloring in the dress of the water girl.

Thirty-five of the rooms have been redecorated, each one in an original and pleasing effect. The drapes in each room correspond with the decorations and coloring of the walls of the room. Among the smaller rooms are the wistaria blossom room, the cameo picture room, the morning glory, the rose arbor, the white poinsettia, white birch which shows a beautiful lake scene, blue Dutch room showing the Holland children at play and also a water scene, the maple room, the Miami room showing the beach and orange trees, French room, honeysuckle, jonquil and cotton room, the latter showing the cotton plant with some pods slightly opened and others burst fully open.

Worthy of special mention are the onyx room, the moss room showing the green, white and rose tipped moss, which is found only in the deep forests. The idea is original with Mrs. Burns, being taken from those found in the northern Minnesota woods. The bubble room is very effective, showing a boy blowing bubbles which are so realistic one almost expects them to fall. The gold and rose rooms are especially attractive with the curtains, drapes and rugs to match. Another shows an early autumn scene with the wind rustling the leaves which are just beginning to show the fall colors of red, gold brown and green. The bird room and forest room are also very unique, the former showing the birds in the tall grass near a marsh with the cattails in the background; the latter showing a forest scene after a heavy snowfall with a deer gazing from between the trees with curiosity at the snow covered home nestled against the mountains. All the rooms are very beautiful, and it would be hard to say which was better than the other, and too much credit cannot be given the hotel artist C. C. Bowen who had entire charge of the redecoration.

Mr. and Mrs. Burns, proprietors, deserve much credit for the able manner in which they have operated this hotel during the past four and a half years. This is the only hotel known in the northwest to have the rooms decorated in this manner. There is nothing suggestive of the old style hotel, but instead, as one enters a room, there is immediately a sense of welcome and cheer about them. It is a credit to the city of Brainerd to have a place of this kind for the accommodation of its visitors.

The New Brainerd Hotel contains in all 75 guest rooms. Thirty-five of the rooms were redecorated this winter, the others having been redecorated a year ago, at the same time as the cafe and coffee shop. Improvements totaling $6,000 were put into the cafe and coffee shop at that time and an additional $6,000 expended in the hotel during the past few months. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 March 1929, p. 7, c.’s 3-5)


23 April 1958. Sale of Iron Exchange building (built in 1911) to Service News Agency, headed by former Gov. C. Elmer Anderson of Brainerd, was announced today by R. R. Gould, building owner. It is believed to be the largest real estate transaction in Brainerd history. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 23 April 2018)


Fire animation On July 22, 1970, a fire dooms the landmark Iron Exchange building which contained the Gibson Store, the Vogue Supper Club and Dugout, a hotel, King’s Sporting Goods store and several other stores as well as the Masonic Lodge.


SEE: 1970 Iron Exchange Building Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


09 September 1970. The Brainerd City Council last night ordered owners Dick Knudsen and Bob Alderman to demolish the Iron Exchange building within 90 days. The building, at 6th and Laurel Streets, was heavily damaged by an early morning fire in late July. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 09 September 2011)


JOHNSON’S PHARMACY AND DRUG STORE

Located on the corner of Seventh and Front Streets, ca. 1890. A 750x488 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

In the photo on the right are these businesses left to right on Front Street in 1888: ? Shoes; Samuel Walker & Son, butcher; Richard Parker, drygoods and Elizabeth Parker, confectionery and fruit; Johnson & Bain, Drug Store. In 1905 the corner building was occupied by the Northern Pacific Bank and in 1907 the Citizens State Bank; the brick building on the left was owned and occupied by Richard Parker as a drygoods store in 1905. The frame building to the left, in 1905, was occupied by A. P. Reymond as a jewelry store. The small frame building behind on South Seventh Street was occupied by A. F. Sorenson as a jewelry store in 1905. On South Seventh Street in 1888, John McColl, photography; J. C. Congdon, paint and wallpaper can be seen. Sometime after the 1907 fire that consumed the building on the corner, the Cullen Block was erected.


SEE: Post Office

SEE: Cullen Block


Fire animation On January 27, 1907, a fire wiped out the above pictured building which, at that time, contained the Citizens State Bank. The Reilly block containing the Reilly drygoods and hardware store, M. J. Reis drygoods store and Brockway & Parker, grocers were also burned. Losses amounted to about $80,000.


SEE: 1907 Reilly Block Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


An 1888 Johnson & Bain Drugstore Ad. At this time the drugstore was located at the corner of Front and 7th.
Source: 1888 Brainerd City Directory
Four-ounce Johnson’s Pharmacy bottle, ca. Unknown. A 1200x588 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Carl Faust

January 1892. The well known drug firm of Johnson and Bain has been dissolved, Mr. Bain retiring. The business will be continued at the old stand by Mr. Johnson. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 January 1892, p. 4, c. 3


Johnson’s Rexall Drug store located in the Parker Block, 1956. A 1170x938 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
This booklet was handed out to the customer’s of Johnson’s Rexall Drug Store sometime in the early 1900s.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The soul of this popular drug firm is “Colonel” Charles D. Johnson. Since he came to Brainerd in 1877 he has been associated in turn with Newton McFadden, Wallace Baine [sic], R. J. Hartley, and Richard M. Johnson, his son and present partner, a pharmacist and business man of genuine ability.

This firm, the Rexall Store, is well-known for its reliable lines of pure drugs, leading toilet articles, and sundries, and for its progressive business ability and professional experience. (Brainerd's Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 115)


From 1908-19?? the Johnson’s Rexall Drug Store, owned by father, Charles D. and son Richard M. Johnson, was located in the corner of the Parker Block with the entrance on the corner of Laurel and Seventh Streets. Charles operated a drugstore in various locations of the city for many years. The Johnson’s operated their drug store in Brainerd for over ninety years.


SEE: Parker Block


C. D. JOHNSON CAME HERE 40 YEARS AGO

_____


Was a Boy Full of Hope, Ambition

and Aspirations, How Brainerd

Appeared When He Arrived

_____


Indians Were Common on the Streets, the

Business Section was All West

of Sixth Street


Editor Daily Dispatch:

Forty years ago today, November 9, 1877 (and it was Friday then, I arrived in Brainerd. I was a boy eighteen years of age, full of hope, ambition and aspirations. I have lost my ambition, my aspiration has reached its setting star, but I am still full of hope.

The branch of the Northern Pacific was completed between St. Cloud and Brainerd, and I came through on the first passenger train over that division; Captain Spalding was the conductor.

I came here to work in a drug store owned by N. McFadden, my salary was $15.00 a month and board, and I had to sleep under the counter, and now, after forty years I own a big drug store. (Great Scott! How I have progressed.)

Our esteemed fellow-townsman, I. U. White, was married the second day after my arrival, at a home on south Fifth street, and that night the event was celebrated by the outsiders with an old fashioned charivari. Now Ike is a grandfather, but such is the every-changing sands of time.

It seems strange, does it not, at that time there were only seven houses west of Sixth street and 33 houses east of Sixth street north of the track? The business section was all west of Sixth street. There were no houses in Northeast or Southeast Brainerd, and that land could have been bought for $5.00 an acre. Let me enumerate the business houses and professional men of that time. There were four grocery stores, one drug store, two dry goods stores, one jeweler, one news and stationery, two lawyers, two draymen, three hotels, eight saloons, one newspaper, five churches, one barbershop, one doctor.

In those days, it was as common to see Indians on our streets as it was to realize the presence of bedbugs in the “Leland Hotel.” The Indians have disappeared, but I hear, now and then, that the bedbugs are still with us.

It may be amusing, if not interesting to some of my young boy friends, 18 or 20 years old to know that I flirted and danced with such likely girls as Mrs. Fannie Smith, Mrs. DeLamere, Mrs. Tim Brady, Mrs. A. J. Forsythe, Mrs. Henry Spalding and Louie Stallman’s wife [Jennie]. There were very few girls here then; hardly enough to go around, but they were likely and lovable girls and now when I see so many good looking, beautiful girls in Brainerd just budding into womanhood, I can’t help but use a once expressed thought, although I must have passed the age of attraction, (Thank God; the eye for beauty still lingers with me.)

It seems passing strange when I think that our merchant prince, “Jimmie” Murphy was but a baby at his mother’s breast when I came to Brainerd, and Mrs. Emma Forsythe had the same sweet smile then that now graces her lovely presence. She was as active then in all of our city civic life as she is now.

Ah! but in the curling smoke of retrospect, it dawns upon me that my “limbs are not as lithe and limber” as they were forty years ago.

C. D. JOHNSON.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 November 1917, p. 1, c.’s 6 & 7)


Man Shot By Policeman Here During Drug Store Robbery

_____


Bloomington Ex-Convict Dies From Wounds


Police Officer, Frank Murray, who shot and killed James Carter.
Source: Bob Titus, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 July 1962

A Bloomington man was shot and killed early this morning in an apparent burglary of Johnson’s Rexall Drug store at the corner of 7th and Laurel.

Killed was James W. Carter, 40, 11101 Upton Avenue South, Bloomington.

He was shot by policeman Frank Murray when he failed to heed the officer’s order to surrender.

Murray had stationed himself at the Laurel Street entrance to the store after discovering the man inside, while highway patrol officer Melvin Dahlberg covered the front entrance on 7th Street.


RUNS AROUND COUNTER


Murray said he saw the man a short distance inside the door and ordered him to come out. Instead, he said, Carter turned and started to run around a counter.

The officer said he put his pistol through the broken pane of glass, aimed low, and fired two shots. One of the bullets struck Carter in the lower part of the back as he stooped over and ran in an apparent effort to escape.

Carter died minutes later at St. Joseph’s hospital where he was taken by ambulance.

According to officers, Carter broke into the building by smashing the glass in the door shortly before 2 a. m.


CALLS OPERATOR


The break-in was witnessed by Mike Loftis, 22, Brainerd, who told officers he was standing in front of the S & Q hardware store, located diagonally across the street from the drug store, at the time.

Loftis ran to the outdoor pay telephone booth in front of Shallbetter’s Sporting Goods store a block away and called the telephone operator to report the burglary.

Desk Sergeant Jim McComas said that the operator called police headquarters and said there was a burglary in process in a drug store on Laurel Street, but she didn’t know which of the five located on the street it was.

Murray and Dahlberg were just leaving the police station for a coffee break when the call came in. While the other squad car on duty was called to help check the drug stores on Laurel, the two men headed for Johnson’s.


GOES TO FRONT


BURGLAR'S ENTRANCE—This is the side door through which James Carter entered to apparently burglarize Johnson's Drug store. While police officer Frank Murray covered this door, highway patrol officer Mel Dahlberg went to the front of the building. Murray fired twice through the door.
Source: Bob Titus, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 July 1962

Seeing the broken glass in the side door, Murray stationed himself there while Dahlberg went to the front.

Murray said he spotted Carter when Dahlberg shined his light in the front door.

“I told him to come out,” Murray said, “ hollered twice and he just bent over and ran.”

After being struck by the bullet, Carter continued around the counter, through a small prescription area and into the office at the rear of the store, before he collapsed.

Murray, visibly shaken by the experience, said later: “I put my life on the line. I gave him a chance. I thought he was probably armed and was trying to get behind the counter.”

Officers said that Carter apparently cut himself when breaking into the store through the glass door. Drops of blood formed a trail between the door and the two cash registers in the building.


MONEY MISSING


SHOOTING SCENE—Shown here is the interior of Johnson's Rexall Drug store where James Carter was shot early this morning The X in the center of the photo shows the approximate location of Carter when he was struck by the bullet. The arrow at the right of the picture shows a bullet hole made by one of the two shots fired by the officer.
Source: Bob Titus, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 July 1962

Chuck Johnson, owner of the store, said $9.55 was missing from a cash register at the front of the building and $32.90 from another cash register near the rear of the store. Both had been left open.

Police said that Carter had $34.90 in coins and a few one dollar bills stuffed into one pocket and had another $150 in currency in his billfold.

The officers said that Carter and his wife had been in the bar in the Moose Hall just above the drug store part of yesterday afternoon, last night, and early this morning.

Mrs. Carter, 50, said in a signed statement that her husband told her he was going downstairs from the bar shortly before 2 a. m. to check on their little dog which had been left in a car parked along Laurel in front of the side entrance to the drug store.

BODY FOUND—the arrow on the floor shows the spot where the mortally wounded James Carter was found after being shot during a burglary of Johnson's Rexall Drug store early this morning. After being struck by the bullet, Carter made his way around a counter and through a prescription area before collapsing in the small office shown here.
Source: Bob Titus, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 July 1962

She said she and her husband were on their way to International Falls to attend a Moose Lodge convention.

Officers said that Carter had been convicted of grand larceny in 1959 and sentenced to up to 5 years at Stillwater. They said he was currently on parole under that sentence.

According to the Minnesota Crime Bureau, Carter’s record dates back to 1939 when he was convicted of auto theft. He was sentenced to up to 5 years in the St. Cloud reformatory and was paroled in 1941. In 1942 he was convicted of burglary in Grand Forks, N. D., and served one year in prison. He was arrested in Minnesota in 1943 on a parole violation. In 1951 he was convicted of embezzlement, grand larceny, and was sentenced up to five years at Stillwater State prison. He was paroled in 1953. He was picked up in 1954 on a parole violation. In 1957 he was convicted of non-support and served 90 days in the Minneapolis workhouse. In 1959 he was convicted of grand larceny in Minneapolis and was sentenced up to 5 years at Stillwater with the sentence stayed. He later served one year in the Minneapolis workhouse and was currently on parole. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 July 1962, p. 1, c. 8; p. 11)


JUEL BLOCK (MAP #29)

O’BRIEN NEW BLOCK CHRISTENED “JUEL”

_____


Hoped to Have Business Structure

Completed by December

the 1st

_____


DESCRIPTION OF BUILDING

_____


W. L. Alban of St. Paul Was

Architect and C. B. Rowley

Contractor


With favorable weather conditions, it is hoped to have the new O’Brien block at the corner of South Seventh and Laurel streets, on the site of the old Imperial block, completed by December 1st.

This building containing four storerooms on the ground floor, three storerooms in the basement, and eight flats on the second floor, will be called the “Juel” building, named after one of Mr. O’Brien's daughters.

W. L. Alban, of St. Paul, was the architect on this building, and C. B. Rowley, of Brainerd was the contractor. Mr. Alban drew the plans for the O’Brien Mercantile company’s store and the Iron Exchange building.

The Juel building has been designed along strictly modern lines of architecture, and is a model of convenience throughout. The three storerooms in the basement are reached from an outside stairway on the corner. Each one is finished in white and is well lighted.

The four storerooms on the ground floor are supplemented with four packing rooms in the basement, one for each store, and a connection with the rubbish burner, a part of the steam boiler.

The flats on the second floor are causing much favorable comment because of the convenient manner in which they are arranged and the many modern improvements that are being installed. These flats are eight in number, some have four and others five rooms. Provision has been made for exceptional lighting and ventilating facilities.

Each kitchen is completely equipped with built-in cabinets and cupboards, an ice box that is iced from the hall outside, a gas range, and a service door, where delivery men may place their supplies without coming inside the kitchen. The bathrooms joining the kitchens, and the both rooms are white enameled, with three coats of enamel, all trimmings in these rooms are nickel-plated. A ventilator in the kitchen carries away all odors from cooking foods.

In the four-room flats a folding bed, of latest design, has been installed, which folds out of sight into the wall when not in use. Skylights provide additional light for rooms that have no windows.

In the basement are individual storerooms, one for each flat, so that with the closet room in each apartment, there is plenty of storage space. A large laundry room in the basement is fitted with two tubs and equipment for ironing. Hot water for the laundry is furnished gratis, but gas plates are also installed, one for each tenant, connected with a lock valve to the individual’s gas meter, for those who care to iron in the basement.

The furnace room in the basement is absolutely fireproof. It is literally enclosed with a re-enforced concrete slab nine inches in thickness with similar slabs for the floor and ceiling.

The exterior of the Juel building presents a very attractive appearance. It is faced with pressed brick and decorated in grey stone, making a valuable and beautiful addition to the business district of Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 November 1924, p. 7, c. 1)


SEE: Imperial Block

SEE: Iron Exchange Building


KING LOUIS DRIVE-IN

Magazine Wonders if King Louis Drive-In

is America’s Prettiest


King Louis Drive-In menu, 21 June 1960.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch
King Louis Drive-In grand opening specials, 21 June 1960.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

A national trade magazine, the Diner Drive-In Magazine, will feature a colored photo of the King Louis Drive-In on its cover later this summer and the editor asks readers, “Is This the Most Beautiful Drive-In in America?”

Local residents don’t know if it’s the most beautiful, since they have not seen all the latest drive-ins, but judging by the large numbers of “6-A” cars that patronize the Lou Mutsch venture in Baxter, its got something.

To begin with, its a unique design. The idea of the circle and the inside layout of the building belong to Mutsch, but the actual design of the building with its laminated wood beams sunk into concrete and flagstone abutments came off the drawing board of L. E. Stegner, who also drew plans for another beautiful building here, First Federal Savings and Loan Association.

In an open letter appearing in one of his advertisements announcing his grand opening today, Mutsch points out that the venture is his and his alone.

“Sure, we’d like to become a chain sometime and we’ve gone through a lot of work to register the design and circle layout with the patent office in case we ever see our way clear to enlarging. But everything here is mine. I owe for all of it and I don’t have any big chain backing me,” he said.

The King Louis Drive-In circle layout has room for 39 cars and in the short time it has been open this season it has averaged about 400 hamburgers per day. A Minneapolis drive-in owner recently told Mutsch that he has been established there for some time and his peak now, is 1,000 burgers daily, a goal that Mutsch thinks he will reach before the summer is over.

Prices are competitive since the business is founded on a self-service basis, reducing the overhead needed for carhops. This savings is passed on to the customers, Mutsch points out.

For those who enjoy the view—and hundreds have pointed out that they do—there is no time limit on parking and handy disposal cans are available for waste paper.

Ten persons, including a maintenance man, are employed by Mutsch in the operation of the King Louis. Manager is Ben Nygaard.

Mutsch, a resident of Brainerd for the past 17 years, also owns and manages the Charcoal Flame on Highway 371. He is married and the father of three daughters.

The drive-in is equipped with wall panel heat and can be operated year around, despite weather differences. Equipment is not only new, but in several instances it is the only one of its kind in use now. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 June 1960, p. 2, c.’s 3 & 4)


NOTE: The “6-A” cars reference above refers to the first number and letter of the license plates issued for Brainerd and Baxter in the 1960’s.


NOTE: The other building designed by L. E. Stegner, the First Federal Savings and Loan building, is located on the southeast corner of Laurel and Eighth Streets and is the BN Credit Union in 2017.


About the King Louis Drive-In


A list of those associated with the building of King Louis Drive-In, 21 June 1960.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Although, always interested in the food business, it was better than three years ago that I became acutely interested in the Drive-In phase of it. I felt there was a need for a family Drive-In restaurant with more than just a hamburger, cheeseburger menu, and placing emphasis on quality and fast service.

The promotion and planning of this particular Drive-In soon had me in debt up to my neck and prior to opening I was in over my head. but in the month we have already been open, you have proved by your patronage, your acceptance of this new type of Drive-In. You may be interested in knowing, that in the first four days of operation, the King Louis Drive-In served 4872 hamburgers. This fact, of course, gives a certain amount of comfort to Mr. Ernie Wise at Citizens State Bank. For without the assistance of both the First Federal Savings and Loan and the Citizens State Bank, the King Louis Drive-In would still be a dream.

Yet in reality, it is a dream, a dream of a Drive-In come true, with much credit going to the tradesmen mentioned on the next page. I wouldn’t want to neglect giving any one of them their share of the credit. But I must especially mention here the designer of King Louis Drive-In, Lee Stegner, and the efforts put forth by him and his firm, Stegner, Hendrickson, & McNutt.

I use this letter as a means to publicly convey my thanks to all who have been associated in the construction of King Louis, and to invite you, if you haven’t already done so, give us a visit. Our menu is not as yet complete. New items will be added, but each addition takes much care in planning to insure quality of product, coupled with the swiftness of service.

Now, for some facts about the King Louis, which you might be interested in knowing:

About the sign—The crown alone is 16 feet in height and width. The King Louis figure in the center of the crown is four feet in diameter and was designed by Kathleen Keppers of Brainerd. The sign is 42-feet high with 16-inch columns embedded in six feet of concrete. The traveling word sign works by means of a magnetic tape, and messages can be changed by just adding to or replacing.

We have the first installation of the electronic brain Food Warmer. There is at this time no other like it anywhere in the United States. You can see this from the front of the building; it is located in the center of the kitchen area.

We have an automatic french fryer, called the Unifryer, which insures absolute uniformity in fried foods. Presently, the machine is used only for French fries—when they have reached their golden brown, the machine automatically lifts the potatoes out of the fryer, drains the potatoes, and places them in a pan all ready for serving. You can watch this machine operate from the west side of the building.

For the finest chicken anywhere, we have installed a Broaster, which broasts the chicken under 15 to 25 pounds pressure at 375 degrees, and it is from fresh to well done in only six minutes. The chicken is always ready for you, however, with no waiting. The moment the chicken is removed from the Broaster, the electronic Brain Food Warmer takes over. The Broaster is located next to the rear wall of the kitchen between the two walk-in cooler reach-in doors.

The Hamburger Grill is a six-foot, all electric gill and can be seen from the east side of he building.

You will notice that each serving window has an air wall, giving protection from dust and insects.

There are many more entirely new innovations within the structure of the building. Also, there are a few problems which still have to be conquered, but please bear with us and feel free to criticize and suggest, as from such we grow. With the help of my wife, Thora, and God willing, Brainerd is to become the birthplace of a (King Louis Drive-In) chain of Drive-Ins—the ultimate in self-service drive-ins—for beauty, variety of foods, quality and fast, fast service.

Thank you sincerely,

LOU MUTSCH

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 June 1960, p. 2, c.’s 5 & 6)


KOOP BLOCKS (MAP #53)

First Koop Store located at 10 Front Street, ca. 1880.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society
Koop constructs an addition to his first store, the sign on the left says, “Dry Goods, Gent's Furnishings, Cloaks, Hats,Caps,” the sign on the right says, “Groceries and Provisions, Flour and Feed.” A. M. Opsahl, photographer, is on the second floor. The store is located at 10 Front Street, ca. 1881. A 1194x802 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Mr. J. H. Linnemann, of St. Jo, Minn., of the grocery firm of Linnemann & Koop of this city, was in town a couple of days this week making preparations for erecting a large business block on Front street, the excavations for which were staked out on Thursday. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 September 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


The excavations have been completed and the work of brick laying commenced this morning upon the large business house of Linnemann & Koop, on Front street. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 September 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


Messrs. Linnemann & Koop moved their stock of groceries, etc., to their new store on Front street today. They proposed to add to their present line a well-selected stock of dry goods, in a short time. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 December 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 1880 Brainerd-2 in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.


We learn that Mr. J. H. Koop has purchased of Mr. Schwartz the two vacant lots on the corner of Sixth and Front Sts., paying therefore the sum of $2,500 in cash. We expect soon to see Mr. Koop, who is one of our most enterprising citizens, erecting a fine brick block on this desirable site. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 June 1881, p. 4, c. 2)


Mr. J. H. Koop will soon commence an addition to his large general store on Front street. The new building will be a counterpart in size and style of his present store, and will make a fine double store. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 August 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


Linnemann & Koop swing into line on Front street, and commence to erect an addition to their already mammoth store. The present building occupied by them is 28 feet wide by 108 feet in length, and the new part will be 25 feet in width by 80 feet in length, making one of the finest stores on the line of the Northern Pacific. One part of this gigantic establishment will be filled with groceries, while the other portion will be filled with dry goods, notions, etc. This is a creditable enterprise, and evinces a desire on the part of the proprietors to keep up with the times. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 September 1881, p. 6, c. 3)


L. M. Koop have moved their clothing department into the store room formerly occupied by Koop Bro.’s grocery store. A big archway has been cut between the two rooms, making it practically one large room. The office has been removed into this archway, which makes it handy and convenient for both departments. This gives this firm the largest store in the city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 October 1900, p. 8, c. 5)


Fire animation On February 25, 1904, the Koop Block located on Front Street was wiped out by a spectacular fire along with the L. M. Koop drygoods and notions store, Linneman Brothers clothing store, Caroline Grandelmyer’s millinery store and Louis Hohman’s confectionary store. The total damages were about $100,000.


SEE: 1904 Koop Block Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


BRAINERD’S BUILDING BOOM

_____


Coming Summer Will Be a Busy

One in the Building Line from

Present Indications

_____


MRS. E. M. KOOP IS TO BUILD

_____


H. L. Turcotte Will Build a New

Brick Block on Sixth Street

South


From present indications Brainerd will have quite a building boom this summer, and the improvements now planned will be good and substantial and right in the heart of the city. Naturally some of this contemplated improvement is due to the fact that Brainerd has had a fire or two, but there are blocks going up other than those which will replace the burned buildings.

Mrs. E. M. Koop has decided definitely to erect a handsome brick block on Front street and the plans are now in the hands of C. B. White. The block will be 75x135 feet, two stories high, solid brick and modern in every particular. The block will have a pressed brick front and the architectural designs will be something new and up-to-date. The building will be divided into three good store rooms and the upstairs will be finished off for office rooms. The structure will cost in the vicinity of $20,000.


NOTE: The above brick building built by Elizabeth M. Koop is the Walverman Block.


SEE: Walverman Block


Mrs. C. Grandelmeyer has also decided to build and work will commence on the foundation as soon as the frost is out of the ground. The exact design of her building has not been decided upon but it will be modern and up-to-date.


SEE: Grandelmyer (Caroline) Millinery & Dressmaking Shop


H. L. Turcotte, who has been running a dyeing and cleaning store on Front street near the Central hose house, will build a new block this summer on a lot which he has purchased adjoining the grocery store of Mrs. Carrie Lagerquist on Sixth street south. This building will be 50x60 feet and will be used for store rooms on the first floor and living rooms upstairs. Mr. Turcotte expects to occupy one of the stores himself. This building will cost about $10,000.


NOTE: Located at 320 South Sixth Street in the 1907 Brainerd City Directory. This is the Miracle Block.


SEE: 1907 Two Very Bad Storms, Miracle Block Badly Damaged in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.


The plans are already prepared for the new Mahlum block, corner of Laurel and Broadway. Mons Mahlum will occupy one of the stores in this building for a warehouse and office and the other he will rent. The second floor will be arranged for living purposes. This building will also cost $10,000.


SEE: Mahlum Block


G. S. Gardner is making some extensive changes in the Gardner block which will add much to the general appearance of things on the corner of Laurel and Fifth streets. The two store rooms at the west end of the building, one occupied until recently by William Skinner as a saloon and the other by H. Kaatz as a second-hand store, are being overhauled and the John Coates Liquor company will move into them in a short time. This will leave three other store rooms in the building vacant and Mr. Gardner states that the prospects for another grocery store and meat market at this point are good.


SEE: Gardner Block


These improvements, with the probability that Brainerd will have a new hotel this summer, ought to keep things moving some in the building line. Several fine residences will also be built this summer. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 March 1904, p. 3, c. 1)


An Important Sale.


On Monday S. & J. W. Koop bought the vacant lots at the corner of 7th and Laurel streets, opposite Angel’s grocery store, of L. M. Koop. It is the intention of the purchasers in the spring to commence the erection thereon of a large solid brick double store building at least of the size of Con O’Brien’s store rooms on 8th street. The intention is, we believe, to build only one story, with walls strong enough for another story when desired. Large warehouses will also be built to contain the principal part of the large stock of goods carried by this enterprising firm, keeping only sufficient goods in their present building to supply their daily trade. The firm had intended to build a more pretentious building where their store now is, plans having been made and a permit from the railroad company secured to move their present building across the street while the new structure was being built. But this idea has now been abandoned. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 February 1900, p. 8, c. 2)


On Tuesday C. B. White entered into a contract to construct the new brick block for S. & J. W. Koop at the corner of Seventh and Laurel streets, mentioned in these columns some weeks ago. Work will be commenced as soon as excavating can be done. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 April 1900, p. 10, c. 2)


All the brick work on the new Koop block has been completed except the cornice. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 June 1900, p. 12, c. 1)


The brick work is all completed and the roof is being put on the new Koop block. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 July 1900, p. 8, c. 1)


A fine cement sidewalk is now being laid on both sides of the new Koop block. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 August 1900, p. 8, c. 1)


Fine New Quarters.


S. & J. W. Koop have moved from their old location on Front street, where they did business for 15 years, into their new block on 7th street. That they have the finest grocery quarters in the northwest, there is no doubt. They are not settled yet, but will be in a week or so, when they will be pleased to greet their customers. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 September 1900, p. 1, c. 4)


ROBBERS GET A RICH HAUL

_____


Store of J. W. Koop Entered Some

Time During the Night and

Safe was Tampered

_____


$10,000 IN NOTES CARRIED AWAY

_____


Burglars Made Entrance Through

Back Door by Prying it Open

With a Crowbar.


Brainerd was visited by burglars again last night when the store of J. W. Koop, corner of Laurel and Seventh streets, was entered and considerable money, valuable papers and some $50 worth of knives and razors were taken.

From the appearance about the place it is evident that the prowlers took all the time there was to do the job and did it up in fine shape. It was not their fault that they did not make a much richer haul than they did. The most exasperating thing about the affair is the fact that the burglars made away with a tin box which was in the safe, which contained about $10,000 worth of notes, which, while they are of no value to the men who took them, are of great value to Mr. Koop.

An entrance was effected through the large double door at the rear of the building, and the indications are that the door was pried open with a crowbar. Once inside the burglars had access to any part of the store and are supposed to have wandered about at random, picking up anything that they might carry away conveniently.

The safe was evidently one of the first places of attack. In some manner the safe door was opened. Mr. Koop is not certain whether he turned on the full combination or not when he left the store last night, but he rather thinks that he did. At any rate the men who did the job opened the safe with little trouble and they just emptied it of all its contents. Taking the papers out they went over near one of the windows where there was light and evidently looked them all over, taking what they thought was of any value and dropping others right where they were. In the safe were a large number of valuable papers, such as mining stocks, bonds, stocks, etc. These they did not take, but when it came to the tin box containing the notes they took box and all and walked off. Then came the cash box. They took this and when in the alley near the rear of the Luken store emptied it of its contents and threw it up on a pile of wood. There was something like $50 in cash in the box besides a deposit slip for $100 which they will probably be able to cash, but upon which payment at the bank has been stopped by Mr. Koop. $25 of the $50 taken belonged to A. Linneman. The office where the safe is located was literally strewn with papers which had been taken from the safe and it was a sight to behold when Mr. Koop reached the store this morning.

Mr. Koop had been to the store last evening and took home with him something like $300 in money, which he intended depositing this morning.

The burglars did not make any bones about walking around and taking in the sights and it is presumed that they got their fill of everything. They walked over to the case where the razors and knives were and it is estimated that they took away about $50 worth. They evidently did not scrutinized these very closely, however, or they would have seen the initials, “J. W.” on them and would probably have dropped them like hot bricks. The loss is a severe one to Mr. Koop, especially the loss of the notes. They will probably be found, however.

The police were notified at once this morning and wires were sent in every direction with a description of the goods stolen, and it is hoped that the men will be apprehended. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 May 1904, p. 3, c. 3)


STORE WILL BE HANDSOME

_____


Partitions for Banking Room Are

Now Nearly Completed and Shelv-

ing is Being Moved


It is the opinion of many who have been in J. W. Koop’s store since the partitions for the room of the coming State Bank of Brainerd have been practically completed, that the store room will be handsomer than before it was divided. The office has been placed in the northeast corner of the store and is raised about three feet so that those in the office can see all over the store. The shelving on the north side of the new partition was placed in position on Saturday night and the crew has been very busy today rearranging the goods. When the shelving is completed, which it will be in a day or two and the glass front put in on the Laurel street side, as will be done in a few weeks at the farthest, the store will be very well lighted and a pleasant one. There will be a door from the banking room into the store, also a large window 6 by 10 placed over the shelving in the rear partition of the banking room. This will permit the morning light to reach the banking room and the afternoon light to enter the store from the bank. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 April 1908, p. 3, c. 3)


SEE: Brainerd State Bank / Security State Bank


Fire animation On January 24, 1911, the Koop Block located on South Seventh Street caught fire, allegedly from baled hay stored near the alley and on the main floor. Smoked poured into the Slipp-Gruenhagen store and into the H. F. Michael store. Total loses were estimated at $17,000.


SEE: 1911 Koop Block Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


Fire animation On February 11, 1923, another spectacular fire burned the Koop Block located on the corner of Laurel and Seventh Streets along with a building just vacated by the Brainerd State Bank. The Gruenhagen building and the H. F. Michael store were damaged by the fire, smoke and water. The losses were estimated at about $140,000.


SEE: 1923 Koop Block Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


NOTE: The above mentioned Koop Block is rebuilt beginning in May 1923; the new building eventually houses the J. C. Penney Company until it moves to the east Brainerd Mall in January 1968.


SEE: Penney (J. C.) Store


LAST TURN SALOON (MAP #9)

Last Turn Saloon at the southwest corner of 4th and Front, ca. Unknown.
Source: Unknown

On July 23, 1872 a vigilante lynch mob used a tree outside the Last Turn Saloon on the southwest corner of 4th and Front to hang two brothers of mixed American Indian and European descent who were accused in the April, 1972, disappearance of 22-year-old Ellen McArthur.


Jack O’Neil [sic] [O’Neill] ran the Last Turn [Saloon]. He always wore a red undershirt and no top shirt. (Biography: 1936; Fred Hagadorn, born 27 July 1870; Crow Wing County Historical Society)


There was the time Jack O’Neil [sic] [O’Neill] shot ‘Fakir’ George [1881]. I was standing on the sidewalk, right beside Jake Payne [sic] [Paine] and saw that myself. O’Neil [sic] grabbed a big .45 and shot ‘Fakir’ George right through the back. Then he yelled, “There now, heal yourself, you faker!” (Biography: March 1936; Joseph Kiebler, born 06 April 1860; Crow Wing County Historical Society)


Jack O’Neil [sic] [O’Neill], who shoots ‘Fakir’ George in 1877 [sic] [1881], keeps the bar at the Last Turn Saloon in November 1873 [sic]. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 June 1922)


JACK O'NEILL.


Special to Minneapolis Tribune, 13th.

BISMARCK, Dec. 12.—The notorious rough and generally believed to be murderer, Jack O'Neill, was shot through the heart this morning at 2 o'clock by another rough known as Paddy Hall. O'Neill had been drinking considerably yesterday and was crazy drunk at night. In the evening he had a scuffle with Hall, and shortly after O'Neill got a revolver and shotgun and chased Hall round town. Hall also got a revolver to defend himself and the result is as above stated. Hall surrendered himself immediately to the Sheriff. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 December 1874, p. 1, c. 7)


NOTE: Obviously, the above outlined death of Jack O'Neill did not take place as reported.


SEE: 1872 Pete Bannigan in Brainerd in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.

SEE: 1877 The Saga of Pete Bannigan, Former Proprietor of the Last Turn Saloon in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.


NOTICE GENTS:—The Last Turn has made a big change, has got a new bartender. DEADWOOD FRED.

(Brainerd Tribune, 28 February 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


Jack O’Neil [sic] [O’Neill], a saloon keeper of Brainerd, shot and killed a notorious and quarrelsome character named [‘Fakir’] Geo. Smith on Friday. Public sympathy is with O’Neill. (Minneapolis Tribune, 29 May 1881, p. 1)


THE BRAINERD MURDER.


BRAINERD, Minn., May 30.—The preliminary examination of Jack O’Neil [sic] [O’Neill] for the murder of [‘Fakir’] George Smith took place today. Judge Sleeper reserves his decision until tomorrow at 9 o’clock. (Minneapolis Tribune, 31 May 1881, p. 2)


SEE: 1881 Jack O’Neill Shoots “Fakir George” at the Last Turn Saloon in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.


Foul Play Suspected.


Early yesterday morning a man from North Fork, Stearns Co., staggered into the Leland house office in a half-crazed state, being almost devoid of speech and suffering great physical pain. He managed to make a request that something be done for him to alleviate his sufferings and medical assistance was at once summoned and Dr. Averill soon made his appearance and applied such remedies as were demanded by the case, the symptoms of which were similar to those in a case of drugging, but whether or not such is the case has not been yet ascertained. Subsequently the man claimed that he had been robbed at the Criterion theater of a watch and some money, but the proprietor gives as his opinion that no drugging or robbing had been done at his place. An attache of the theater says that he saw a man put out of the wine room who exhibited a desire to go to sleep in that place, but whether or not it is the man in question has not been learned. The doctors regarded the condition of the man as a very grave one, but at an early hour this morning he was improving. His employer, West Day, was sent for and was expected to arrive on the early morning train. No arrests have been made so far. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 April 1882, p. 1, c.’s 5 & 6)


Another Man Drugged.


Wednesday evening at half past nine a man staggered into McFadden and Johnson’s drug store, stating that he wanted a big emetic and a doctor as quick as possible. “Mac” gave him the necessary Ipecac and called Dr. Parsons, who found the man in terrible distress, with an alarmingly high pulse and in a critical condition. After taking a couple of strong emetics and some stimulants the man was able to state that he went into a saloon, called for a drink, and was given something which made him feel as though he had swallowed melted lead. He said he had previously exhibited quite a sum of money in the saloon, and saw at once that he had been “doped,” but upon inquiry refused to disclose the name of the parties or the saloon at which he was thus used.

He was not at all intoxicated during the evening. He was put to bed at the Leland house and everything possible done for his comfort.

Later a TRIBUNE representative called at the Leland house, and was courteously received by the proprietor, Mr. Stratton, who kindly conducted him to the room the unfortunate man had been assigned to, with the purpose of learning, if possible, any further particulars of the affair. The man, who was discovered to be Luther Sparks of Aitkin, was seemingly in great pain, and was surrounded by quite a crowd. As the reporter was elbowing his way to the bedside of the sick man Sheriff Mertz arrived, and upon being questioned Sparks said that he had been drugged at the Last Turn saloon, owned and run by Jack O’Neill, and that the men who committed the crime were the barkeepers of the place, Frank McCauley and Dan Butler. The chief, accompanied by Mr. Stratton, the reporter, and another man, repaired at once to O’Neill’s place and arrested McCauley, and Butler was subsequently secured down town. Both men appeared to be much surprised at the state of affairs, positively denied that they had been parties to any such crime, and were apparently as cool and self-possessed as they would be in setting out a lemonade to a patron of their bar. They were locked up in a room at the Leland house, as the jail was filled and prompt investigation will be made by the authorities. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 April 1882, p. 1, c. 4)


Drugged to Death.


To the Editor of the TRIBUNE:

The thanks of the entire community are due the writer of the article in yesterday’s issue, on the cases of drugging recently reported. The iniquity which could wantonly endanger life, with a view to petty plunder, ought to be sternly denounced and rigorously punished. Saloon keepers themselves, and all the members of the community from whom they derive support, ought in self interest to unite against the scoundrels who will drug a customer’s drink for the sake of pilfering his pockets. Brainerd, we believe, is losing the hard name she had some time since and is beginning to build up an honorable reputation among the cities of the northwest. All who have the city’s prosperity at heart join in reprobating the dastardly doings which have just transpired. We can hardly expect to witness in Brainerd what has just been done in Lincoln, the capital of Nebraska, where all the saloons were closed on the 11th inst., by order of the council. But if here we cannot look for an immediate consummation like this, we can at least let Justice Follett know that in dealing with drink druggers with a strong hand, he has the support of the whole city.

A RESIDENT.

(Brainerd Tribune, 22 April 1882, p. 5, c. 1)


Mr. Sparks has so far recovered from his recent drugging that he will be able to appear in court today at the preliminary trial of Butler and McCauley. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 April 1882, p. 6, c. 1)


H. Saunders [sic] [Henry Sanders], the man who was drugged recently and an account of which appeared in the TRIBUNE, died Wednesday morning at 9 o’clock. He will be buried in the Oakland cemetery at Sauk Centre. His family, a wife and nine children, are left without provision for their future maintenance. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 April 1882, p. 6, c. 2)


Jack O’Neill, of the Last Turn saloon, is very angry over what appeared in a recent issue of the TRIBUNE, and insists upon branding every member of the force with every vile name possible. It was not the intention to in any way injure Mr. O’Neill’s business, but as a newspaper to publish what is brought in of a news nature. We are sorry Mr. O’Neill did not, in form of communication, make a statement of the matter as he views it, as the columns of this paper are ever open to any citizen to make a statement in his own behalf. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 April 1882, p. 6, c. 3)


A Retraction Demanded.


Jack O’Neill, proprietor of the Last Turn saloon made a very threatening assault last evening upon the editor of the TRIBUNE, demanding a retraction of the article appearing in these columns on Thursday morning, giving an account of the drugging of Luther Sparks, and threatened all sorts of vengeance if a full retraction was not published in this issue. Now, while it is not the desire of the TRIBUNE or the province of any newspaper to wrongfully accuse or in any way misrepresent anybody, we claim it to be the duty of a newspaper to publish the news as it finds it. We have examined the article in question, and a representative of the TRIBUNE called upon Mr. O’Neill for a statement of what he wishes retracted, but we fail to find anything in the article referred to not fully justified by the express charges made by Mr. Sparks, nor has Mr. O’Neill shown wherein any error appears. The TRIBUNE did not state that the drugging occurred in O’Neill’s saloon or that the parties arrested were guilty. It simply gave Mr. Sparks’ statement in that connection, and if Mr. O’Neill wishes any retraction he must look to Mr. Sparks for it, an opportunity for which will be afforded him in court as soon as Mr. Sparks is able to appear, which will probably be today.

As the matter is being investigated by the proper authorities the TRIBUNE did not and does not now propose to forestall official action by expressing any opinion but we will say to Mr. O’Neill or any other person that no threats will swerve the TRIBUNE from its line of duty as it understands it. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 April 1882, p. 6, c. 3)


In 1883 Jack O’Neil [sic] [O’Neill] held a liquor license in the city of Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 1940)


The O’Neil [sic] [O’Neill] building on the corner of Front and Fourth streets, is going up rapidly under the supervision of White & White, and will be quite an addition to that corner. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 06 September 1883, p. 3, c. 1)


O’Neill, John [‘Jack’]

Dates his birth in Steubenville, Jefferson county, Ohio, on the 11th of July 1827. He learned the trade of stone-cutter when young, followed the business for a number of years, and was afterward employed on the Ohio and Mississippi river boats. He came to Minnesota in 1872, and after living in Lake City, Mankato, and Red Wing, came to Brainerd in 1877 [sic], and has lived here ever since. He is the present proprietor of the saloon known as “The Last Turn,” in front of which still stands the pine tree on which the two Indians were hung in 1872, for the murder of Miss McArthur. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Winchell, Neill, Williams and Bryant, Minnesota Historical Company, Minneapolis: 1881, p. 652)


The Last Turn saloon building has been pulled down and moved back and a new building is going up on the old site which will be used as a saloon, and will be occupied by Jas. Mehan. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 06 September 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


Jas. Mehan opened up his new saloon on Monday night, in the new building which stands on the old site of the “Last Turn.” (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 20 September 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


NOTE: There were at least TWO “Last Turn” saloons built on the southwest corner of 4th and Front Streets. I don’t believe the picture shown is that of the first one.


John Brannon has moved his saloon into the Last Turn building which was vacated by Burns [?Jack] & Hallton [sic], they moving their sample room into the basement of the Nicollet House. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 July 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


On Monday afternoon quite a fracas occurred in the saloon which stands where the old “Last Turn” building was located. It seems that a couple of men by the names of McCormick and Crossman got into a dispute over some trifling matter and were soon engaged in a “catch-as-can-catch” fight. The man McCormick had his lower lip bit off and they were both badly used up, being covered with blood from their neck to the top of their heads. The lip was sewed on by Dr. Hudson and it is thought that he will come out all right. It is reported that the police have had orders not to molest a fight or row until called in by the owner of the premises where the same is going on, unless they think there is foul play or murder being committed, and as Mr. Mehan, the owner of the sample room, was away from home on that day the officers did not go in until the front widow was broken in by the combatants, when they were separated and allowed to go their way rejoicing. This looks rather slack. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 25 October 1883, p. 2, c. 4)


A. E. Losey has received a beautiful bronze monument which is to be placed at the grave of Jack O’Neil [sic] [O’Neill] in Evergreen cemetery in the spring. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 December 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


A. E. Losey erected a beautiful white Bronze Monument in Evergreen Cemetery, to-day. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 May 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


SEE: Losey & Dean Undertakers


Trouble with the Women.


Jennie Sawyer, an old offender, and who was the cause of trouble at the Malloy saloon some time ago, was up before the court Monday morning charged with assault and breaking the peace. The trouble occurred at the Last Turn saloon, and the victim was Cole Younger, a one-eyed siren whose hair was originally black but which has been turned yellow by use of acids. Cole has got a record and she was not at all backward about her pedigree in the court room. After letting the women run out the length of their rope Judge Fleming announced that the matinee would close with one more act, that of the frail Jennie paying $8.00 into the city treasury. Producing a large gold watch and a 38-calibre self-cocking revolver she asked the court to allow an officer to escort her to some three-ball [pawn shop] institution where she could “put them up” and keep out of jail.

Mable Smith was arrested for indecent language and dancing the can can on the street, Wednesday. When brought up before the court she denied the latter charge and demanded that the chief bring up Jennie Clark who was as much of an offender as she. From the facts it was thought best by the court to dismiss the case unless both parties had a chance to be tried. As long as the city is in partnership with these people who make Rome howl in the vicinity of Third street, they must expect people to be insulted and to have those vile creatures before the courts daily. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 June 1887, p. 4, c. 5)


Last Turn Saloon at the southwest corner of 4th and Front, 1892.
Source: 1892 Sanborn Map

J. M. Gray is moving the long building that stood back from the street behind the Last Turn saloon up even with the sidewalk and will fit up a first-class bowling alley in it. The building was fixed up for that purpose some years ago by Jack O’Neil [sic] [O’Neill]. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 July 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


Sudden Death.


Wm. Showen, formerly proprietor of the Last Turn saloon, died suddenly at Gull River on Tuesday evening. He was employed in Nixon’s saloon at that place, and although he was not feeling well no serious results were anticipated. He retired as usual but was found dead in his bed in the morning. Coroner Camp was notified and went to Gull River but decided no inquest was necessary, as in all probability death was caused from rheumatism of the heart. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 May 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


A good many people have been looking at the cellar hole near the rear of what was the bowling alley [Last Turn Saloon], since the fire. On the west side of it are two tunnels running out under the ground to a considerable distance. It is surmised that these underground passages were used by tough characters in the early days of Brainerd either for hiding places or for the secretion of stolen property. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 July 1888, p. 4, c. 4) 


1888 Brainerd City Directory

Last Turn Saloon, Ten Pin Alley, corner 4th and Front [Saloon]

Gray, J. M., corner 4th and Front [Saloon] [Last Turn Saloon]


A ROW.

___


Jack Keefe Fires Five Shots at a Gambler Named Jones.


BRAINERD, Feb. 23.—Jack Keefe, a pugilist of Minneapolis, fired five shots at a gambler by the name of Jones in Gray’s saloon [aka Last Turn Saloon] last night, each ball striking a post behind which Jones was standing. The row started by Keefe slapping Jones, when the latter pulled a gun, but it misfired and Keefe then began firing at him. Keefe is out on bail and Jones has skipped the town. (Minneapolis Tribune, 24 February 1888, p. 2)


The old “Last Turn” is receiving some additions. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 March 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


Police Court Notes.

_____


Cole Younger got on a tear Saturday evening and smashed up the glass and mirror in the Last Turn. She paid ten and costs on Monday morning and immediately swore out a warrant against Wm. Crummit [sic] [Crommett] for threatening to kill her, but her heart softened to William and she failed to show up and prosecute after having had the warrant served. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 July 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


Wm. Crommet [sic], the keeper of the Last Turn saloon, has been having a lively time of it this week in municipal court. May Crommet, or Cole Younger as she is known, had him arrested on Tuesday for assault and on this charge he was convicted and assessed $10 and costs, but his attorney will appeal the case. On Wednesday Crommet was again arraigned on charge of robbery by the same female who claims that he forcibly took from her person $50, and at the trial enough evidence was produced to hold him to the grand jury in the sum of $300. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 August 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


Robbed While Drunk.


Phillip O'Neil came into town last Saturday and got paralyzed drunk and when Officer Derooch [sic] found him in the alley back of the Last Turn saloon he was almost in a state of unconsciousness. When he regained his senses he found he had been robbed of $90, the largest portion of which belonged to the school district of which he is treasurer. Cole Younger was arrested on suspicion of having had a hand in the "rolling" and part of the money was found on her person, and at the examination Monday she was bound over to the grand jury in the sum of $300, and she lies in jail in default of bail. We understand that this notorious female claims that she only got her share of the money and that it was divided among the gang at the Last Turn. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


The District Court.


[...]


Wm. Crummet [sic] [Crommett] came into court Monday afternoon and withdrew the plea of not guilty to the charge of robbery, and on consent of the county attorney plead guilty to the charge of grand larceny in the second degree. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 September 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


They Were Sentenced.


Judge Holland yesterday at 2 o’clock sentenced the two prisoners, Crummet [sic] [Crommett] and Holdship, who had plead guilty respectively to grand larceny in the second degree and indecent assault. Crummet [sic] [Crommett] was sentenced to pay a fine of $200 or be confined 100 days in the county jail; he paid the fine and was released. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 September 1889, p. 4, c. 6)


Escaped from the Officers.


On Wednesday night Officers Derocher [sic] and Brockway arrested a man by the name of Billy Harkins for stealing clothes, and were taking him to the lock-up, when, by a quick movement he escaped from the clutches of his captors and ran for dear life. The officers had gotten him to the jail building and one was unlocking the door when he made his break for liberty. He ran across the railroad yards towards the Last Turn saloon, hotly pursued by both officers who, between them, fired five shots at the culprit, but failed to bring him down. He ran into the front door of the Last Turn and out of the back door, then into the back door of the place adjoining, slamming each door as he passed through in the officers face. He is supposed to have run out in the street and down towards the river, but this the officers do not know positively, as they lost sight of him as he went out of the back door of the Last Turn. Search has been made for him in every place imaginable that he could hide in, but no trace of him has been found as yet.

He is wanted for stealing a couple of suits of clothes out of an N. P. caboose, belonging to a man by the name of Reilly. He had some of the clothes on when arrested, the officers having a sample of the cloth in their pockets, which was furnished them by Reilly, he having suspected this man Harkins from the first. Harkins is a nephew of the bar-tender at the Last Turn, and was employed as a brakeman some time ago, but recently has been doing nothing. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 June 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


A Bold Robbery.


Nels Oving [sic] was robbed on Tuesday evening of his winters’ wages in the vicinity of the Last Turn saloon, and as a consequence Robert McNaughton, Phillip Howard and Henry McGraw are now in jail to await the action of the grand jury on charge of having done the job. Oving’s [sic] story is that on the evening mentioned while around the city he met the man Howard, who, by the way, is a saloon piano player, and that he was working under the guise of a lumberman, and hired Oving [sic] to go into the woods for him, or made him think so. After drinking once or twice, Oving [sic] and Howard left the Last Turn, and when somewhere near the rear of the saloon McGraw jumped onto Oving [sic] and held him down while McNaughton went through his pockets and extracted $20.50. Howard stood by and refused to help him. In the court Howard admitted that he saw him robbed, but said he was afraid to help him for fear he would get hurt. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 March 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


A BATCH OF CRIMINALS.

_____


Eight Men Convicted in the District

Court, a Majority Getting

Penitentiary Sentences.


[...]


Henry McGraw was convicted of robbery in the second degree and sentenced to serve three years at hard labor in the penitentiary at Stillwater.

Phillip Howard plead guilty to robbery in the third degree and was sentenced to hard labor for two years at the Stillwater penitentiary.

Robert McNaughton plead guilty to robbery in the third degree and was sentenced to the state reformatory at St. Cloud.

The three men named above were connected in the robbery of a Swede named Nels O. Wing [sic] in February. Wing [sic] had come to the city from the woods and had about $21. He fell in with Howard who concocted a scheme to get his money, with the assistance of McGraw and McNaughton. Howard hired hired him to go into the woods in order to get into his confidence, and from the Last Turn saloon, after taking a few drinks of beer, they started to go to the train, as Wing [sic] supposed, but they had hardly left when McGraw jumped on his back and held him while young McNaughton went through his pockets, according to the evidence, and extracted his money, $20.50 In the case of McGraw, the jury recommended him to the mercy of the court. McGraw and Howard are probably two as tough crooks as have infested the town in some time, the former having been mixed up in several shady affairs, while the latter has ostensibly been gaining a livelihood by playing pianos in saloons and such like. Robert McNaughton, on account of his age, was sent to the reformatory where it is hoped the influences will be for his good. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 April 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


Justus Gray has sold his saloon business to Crommett & Osgood. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 April 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


It has been rumored for several days that J. M. Gray contemplated the immediate re-opening of the Garden Theatre in the Last Turn Building, but Mr. Gray informs us that he probably will not do so before fall. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 June 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


John Skog was arraigned in the municipal court on Wednesday on complaint of Martin Englebresen, charged with extracting three 10 and four 20 dollar bills from his vest pocket while he, Martin, was in an intoxicated condition. It seems that Skog and another man whose name cannot be learned, induced Martin to go with them to a room over the Last Turn, where they filled him with booze and then robbed him. Skog pleaded not guilty and his examination was set for next Wednesday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 November 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


John Skog, whose arrest for stealing $50 from Martin Englebresen was mentioned in these columns last week, had his preliminary examination before Judge Alderman on Wednesday morning. The facts in the case as brought out in the trial were substantially as stated. Mr. Skog was held to the grand jury in the sum of $500. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 November 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


A Daylight Robbery.


On Saturday afternoon Alf. Simpson was robbed of $20 in money and a watch at the Last Turn saloon. It appears that Simpson and three other fellows were drinking together during the day and in the afternoon were enjoying themselves at the above place when Simpson was gotten into a back room or in the alley when two of the fellows held him while the third one went through him for his valuables and immediately fled. Complaint was made to the authorities but two of the parties had gotten out of town and telegrams were sent to the neighboring cities, the thieves being taken into custody at Detroit, to which place Sheriff Spalding went on Monday and returned with them. They gave their names as Ole Jacobson and Tom Lee. Their trial will come on April 24th, the charge being grand larceny in the second degree. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 April 1896, p. 4, c. 6)


A Serious Charge.


Deputy Sheriff Slipp went to Duluth Monday at which place he took Arthur Johnson in custody and brought him to this city where he is wanted for house breaking and robbery. The Last Turn saloon was entered a few nights ago, and the cash register taken into the alley and broken open, $1.80 being taken from it. Johnson was arrested, but as nothing could be proven against him he was allowed to go, but his pal gave him away after he had made himself scarce, and he was apprehended at the above place. His hearing is set for Monday next. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 July 1896, p. 4, c. 5)


A stranger giving the name of Napoleon Dary was arrested on Saturday morning last for attempting to pick the pockets of a drunken lumberman at the Last Turn the night before. Dary was arranged and plead not guilty to a charge of attempted robbery. He had his preliminary examination on Monday, and was discharged, the evidence not being sufficient to warrant holding him to the grand jury. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 October 1897, p. 8, c. 2)


Saloon Prosecutions.


Iver Holden, proprietor of the Eau Claire saloon on Laurel street, and A. Cushion [sic], proprietor of the Last Turn, will shortly be arrested for keeping their saloons open on Sunday. The complaints will be made by the police, who claim to have information that both places were open and doing business last Sunday. The arrests would have occurred before this, but it is the intention to proceed under the ordinance instead of the state law, and care is being taken to draw the complaints so that no flaw can be found in them.

Mayor Koop intends to strictly enforce the law for the balance of his term, hence any violations will be punished. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 October 1900, p. 1, c. 3)


PROCEEDINGS OF CITY COUNCIL.

_____


W. D. McKay Submits His Proposition

for a City Hall—a Committee

to Call a Mass Meeting

Appointed.

_____


Liquor License of Rofidal & Cushaw

Refused on Recommendation

of the Mayor.

_____


A regular meeting of the city council was held on Monday evening, all aldermen being present except President Crust. Vice President Koop presided. It was decidedly a business meeting, not much “rag chewing” being done as is generally the case.


[...]


The following communication from Mayor Halsted was read:

To the Honorable members of the city council.

Gentlemen—I notice that the application of L. J. Rofidal and Albert Cushaw, for a saloon license at the place known as the “Last Turn,” corner 4th and Front streets, is to come before you for a hearing this evening. In the interest of good government I would respectfully recommend that no license be granted these men at the location named.

I know neither of the men personally, but I know that the general reputation of their place is bad, and the police report to me that it is a disreputable resort, which it is difficult to keep under proper police surveillance with the limited force at our command.

I think the council should be very careful in granting saloon licenses, and no licenses should be granted to any person who is not a responsible citizen of good character. If more care were taken in granting licenses, there would be less complaint of the saloons.

Under our charter the mayor cannot revoke a license. That authority is vested in the council alone. But the mayor can at least inform the council as to the character of applicants for license. No saloon catering to the low and vicious element should be allowed to continue in business and, as the matter rests in your hands entirely, I have considered it my duty to call your attention to the general character of the saloon named, and suggest no license be granted the place.

Very respectfully,

A. J. HALSTED,

Mayor.

The communication was accepted and placed on file.

Application for liquor license and bond of the parties above referred to with Jens Molstad and J. S. Gardner as sureties, was read, and Alderman Wright moved to reject the application. Alderman Gardner demanded the ayes and nays, with the following result:

Yeas—Halladay, Erickson, Fogelstrom, Doran, Wright and Koop.

Nays—Gardner, Purdy and Rowley. The motion to reject was carried.


[...]

(Brainerd Dispatch, 08 March 1901, p. 1, c.’s 3 & 4)


A special meeting of the city council was held last Friday night to audit the bills of the laborers employed in constructing the weir dam, and transact other business. Rofidal & Cushaw, whose application for a liquor license was rejected last week sent in a long communication denying that they had run a tough joint, requested the council to re-consider its action. A motion was made to that effect, and the motion was lost by a vote of 7 to 3, the same vote by which their application was rejected, except President Crust was present and voted against reconsideration. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 March 1901, p. 8, c. 2)


COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.

_____


Regular Meeting of the City Fathers—

Contest on Granting Saloon

License.

_____


[...]


A communication was received from the mayor recommending that the liquor licenses of J. H. Burton and Louis Tache be granted. His Honor also suggested that it was not the duty of the mayor to make these investigations, which should be done by a license committee of the council. The report was accepted, and Alderman Gardner moved that the license of J. H. Burton be granted. Alderman Wright objected to the granting of a license to anyone at the Last Turn, as he insisted it would become a disreputable joint. The ayes and nays were called after some discussion which resulted in a tie vote as follows: Ayes, Gardner, Koop, Purdy and Rowley. Nays, Wright, Doran, Crust, and Erickson. The mayor was not present and he was communicated with at his residence by telephone. His Honor was about to retire, and wanted to do some long distance voting by wire, but finally came down and decided the question by voting aye, and the license was granted. A license was also granted to Louis Tache without a dissenting vote. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 April 1901, p. 1, c. 3)


An individual by the name of Napoleon Matt was in the municipal court on Wednesday morning charged with drunkenness. He had been giving beer to the children of Geo. W. Rogers, who lives in the rear of the Last Turn saloon, until all were intoxicated. The children were aged three, five, seven and ten respectively, and they were at their own home and their degenerate parents were present and permitted them to drink the beer. The court fined Matt $15, or in default, gave him 15 days in jail. He also administered a rich brown roast to the degenerate parents. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 May 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


RAISED THE ANTE

_____


J. H. Burton’s Saloon, Known as “Last

Turn,” has Been Touched Up

for a Few.


When R. D. Holden’s saloon was entered a few nights ago it was thought that the work of the burglars was a pretty daring piece of business, but the culprits that performed that deed are not the “only peebles.” The men who entered the saloon of J. H. Burton, known as the “Last Turn,” went the other fellows one better.

The amount taken in Holden’s saloon was something like $20, and at the “Last Turn” the ante was raised, the burglars getting away with $27.25. One queer coincidence regarding the two burglaries is the fact that at each place the men did not take any liquor and at each place a five-cent Canadian piece was left in the till.

The burglary was done in the small space of fifteen minutes while the bartender, Leon Rofidal, had gone out to his lunch about 2:45 o’clock in the morning. The entry was made through the back door. It was not bolted very strongly and it was simply rammed in with very little exertion.

Mr. Burton states that he has a good idea who committed the burglary and arrests may follow. He states that if he is not badly mistaken he can go to the man and place his hand on him but of course he feels that it would avail him naught unless some evidence can be secured against the culprit. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 June 1901, p. 7, c. 2)


OLD LANDMARK IS BEING

TORN DOWN

_____


“Last Turn Saloon,” Notorious in

Early Brainerd Days, Was

Built in the ‘70s


The old “Last Turn Saloon,” filled with its memories of events in the early days of Brainerd, is no more—workmen were busy today tearing down the old building.

Built in the middle seventies, the “Last Turn Saloon” was known as one of the most frequented places of early Brainerd days. For many years it was the most easterly building of the city, corner of Front and Fourth Sts.

This building will be remembered by all old timers as the place of trial of the two Indians and it was outside of the saloon that they were hung from a Norway pine. The stump of the tree was painted red, and was removed just a few years ago.

An oil company plans improvements on the site. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 July 1931, p. 7, c. 5)


SEE: Number One Saloon


LAUREL BLOCK

Located at 718-720 Laurel Street, houses the National Tea Grocery Store in 1929.


SEE: National Tea Grocery Store


LE BON TON SALOON (MAP #30)

In the 1870’s Ed French has a saloon, the Le Bon Ton, it is located where the Lively Garage is mid-block on Laurel. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 June 1922)


THE NEW Le Bon Ton, on Laurel Street, is dressing up in city style. They have the champion sign, and the nobbiest night lamp of the city. Laurel Street is fast becoming the “Broadway” of Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 May 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


THE LOWER DEPTHS.—Mr. Ed. French, proprietor of the Le Bon Ton saloon, Laurel Street, on coming to his place Tuesday morning, found, to his surprise, two large lights of glass smashed out of his front—one in the door and one in the large window. This was an astonisher to start with; but what was his surprise upon looking through, at seeing the head and shoulders of a woman protruding from behind the bar, as she lay flat on the floor in an unconscious state of intoxication. He could scarcely believe his eyes; but upon opening the door and going in, he found it to be ever so. There lay a middle-aged woman—or creature in the form of woman—perfectly dead drunk and helpless as a stick. It proved to be a woman who had been cooking at some of our hotels, and who was known to be an opium eater. We do not know her name, but we afterwards learned that a few days previous she had run out of opium, and, not being able to get any, she had become almost deranged for want of some stimulant to take the place of it. It seems she must have become so wild from the want of it, that she took this means to satisfy the unnatural cravings of her appetite, and, upon getting into the saloon in this desperate manner, she drank so much that she fell almost in her tracks. The police carted her off to the jail, where, after many hours of stupor, she finally came out from the effects of her “awful drunk.” Comment is unnecessary or uncalled for. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 September 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


FRENCH & HARE, the great Oyster dealers, at the New Le Bon Ton, Laurel street, are putting up an addition to their fine establishment. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 October 1873, p. 1, c. 3)


OYSTERS! OYSTERS!--French & Hare, at the New Le Bon Ton, are in constant receipt of the choicest brands of fresh oysters, which they either serve up, sell by the can, or at wholesale. They will fill all orders from east or west along the line, at a moment’s notice, and at low pressure prices. Waltz in and leave your orders. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 October 1873, p. 1, c. 2)


CHANGE OF FIRM.—The firm of French & Hare, in this city, has been dissolved by mutual consent, and the New Le Bon Ton Restaurant, on Laurel Street, will hereafter be conducted by Mr. Edward French. The Le Bon Ton is a fine institution, conducted as only Mr. French can conduct a first class restaurant and Sample Room; we wish him the success in the future that so enterprising a gentleman deserves. Oysters in every delicious style are served at all hours. Give the Le Bon Ton a call. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 January 1875, p. 1, c. 4)


ED. R. FRENCH, of this place, has established a factory for the manufacture of the celebrated Cronk Beer, and is now prepared to furnish retail dealers on the line with that beverage in any quantity, at low rates on short notice, and first class article. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 March 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


DON’T you forget that The Celebrated Deep Sea Oysters can be had at the New Le Bon Ton at 35, 45 and 55 cents per can, and for quality they cannot be excelled. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 January 1877, p. 1, c. 2)


ED. R. FRENCH has this week replaced his old pool table with one of Brunswick Balke & Co.’s beautiful billiard tables of a recent pattern, so arranged that it is easily changed from a six-pocket to an ordinary carom table, and with all the latest appurtenances, conveniences and improvements, and adapted to any kind of a game of billiards or pool known. This affords an excellent opportunity to those who enjoy the game to indulge in that beautiful exercise—billiards. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 January 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


An item of interest just now is a slate hanging behind the bar in the Le Bon Ton, containing a list of the debtors to the bar, with the amount of the indebtedness, and a brief biographical sketch of each. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 September 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


Ed. R. French is engaged once more, with the regularity of the seasons, in the preparation of his Annual New Year’s Lunch—this being the seventh given by him at the New Le Bon Ton. Pursuant to the rule of progress, too, which has governed the preparation of the other six, this will excel any and all of its predecessors, and all are invited, “rich and poor,” to THE square meal of the season. Everything in the line of eatables will be served up by him on New Year’s day in a manner that will challenge Epicureans and “make your mouth water.” (Brainerd Tribune, 28 December 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


On and after this date, (March 21st) Ale and Porter will be sold for 5 cents per glass, at the Bar of the New Le Bon Ton.


NOTICE

The above new departure has been made for several reasons:

1st We do not sell Beer, (slops) in the winter time but when lager, pure and sweet, can be had we always keep the same, during the lager season.

2nd Our ales are the purest in the town and, in fact, ours is the only place, in town, where you can obtain a good pure glass or quart of stock ale or porter.

3d We have a large stock of ale and porter.

4th We want to live and let live and give a good article for your money, for these reasons we have come down from 10 cents to 5 cents per glass and lastly, if you want to be a healthy man or woman, take a glass of ale or porter, daily, and, our word for it you will feel, in a few weeks, as if you had received a new lease of life. If you doubt the above ask your physician.

Respectfully, E. R. FRENCH,

Propr. New Le Bon Ton Brainerd Minn.

(Brainerd Tribune, 22 March 1879, p. 4, c. 2)


For a fresh glass of health-giving cream ale—Drewry’s best—for five cents, go to the New Le Bon Ton. It is far superior to beer and just as cheap. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 April 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


A new coat of paint in lively colors sets off the New Le Bon Ton on Laurel street in gay style. Ed. will scarcely know his place when he returns home. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 August 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


For Sale.


The House and Lot now occupied by the New Le Bon Ton billiard and Sample Room. This is a very desirable location for a store. There is a large and frost-proof cellar—one of the best in town. The house is in No. 1 repair, the ceiling is high, with glass front. It is a No. 1 stand for a grocery store.

Address ED. R. FRENCH

P. O. Box 194, Brainerd, Minn.

If not sold will be rented to a good paying tenant.

(Brainerd Tribune, 08 November 1879, p. 4, c. 2)


Ed. R. French’s Christmas raffle for keys, chickens and oysters came off as usual on Christmas eve, and will be repeated on New Year’s eve. On New Year’s day his Eighth Annual New Year’s Lunch, the boss lunch ever given in Brainerd, will be set out free to all. The following is a partial list taken from the bill of fare for the occasion, which is not yet fully completed:

MENU.

MEATS.

Roast Beef. Potted Beef. Corned Beef.

Roast Pork. Baked Pork. Boiled Ham.

Potted Ham. Roast Turkey. Potted

Turkey. Potted Duck. Roast Venison.

Potted Game. Boiled Tongue. Fried Chicken.

Fried Rabbit. Potted Tongue.

Lamb’s Tongue. Bologna Sausage.

Head Cheese. Pigs Feet. Tripe.

FISH.

Sardines in Oil. Russian Sardines Pickled.

Fresh Salmon. Smoked Salmon. Dried

Salmon. Lobsters. Holland Herring.

Smoked Herring. Dried Herring.

Smoked Halibut. Bloaters.

Dried Halibut. Clam

Chowder. Smoked

Eels. Dried Eels.

BREAD.

Wheat Bread. Rye Bread. Griddle Cakes.

Biscuits. Rolls. Crackers. Cakes.

ENTRIES.

Baked Pork and Beans. Sliced Onions.

RELISHES.

Sauer Kraut. Cucumber Pickles.

Beet Pickles. Cole Slaw. Swiss Cheese

Imported. Edam Cheese.

SAUCES.

Halford Sauce. Barrett Sauce. Tomato Catsup.

Olive Oil. Blueberry Vinegar. White Wine Vinegar

(Brainerd Tribune, 27 December 1879, p. 4, c. 3)


New Le Bon Ton.

_____


The following is a partial inventory of the immense and varied stock I keep on hand for my customers: McBrayer’s Sour Mash Whiskey, 3 years old. Stafford's Sweet Mash Whiskey, 2 1/2 years old. Staff of Life Ext. common whiskey, 2 years old. Scotch Whiskey, imported and genuine. California Brandy, 3 1/2 years old; California Port Wine, 3 years old; California Sherry Wine, 4 years old. Kummell’s imported, and 4 years in my cellar. Jamaica Rum. Rum Punch. Blackberry, Peach, Apple, Cherry and Ginger Brandy. Benz & Becht’s Premium Bitters, in bulk and bottles. Gin, Imperial, in bulk. Gin, Old Rotterdam, in bottles. Bitters. I have Reed’s Gilt Edge, Reed’s Cocktail, Pineapple, Boonekamp, Angostura, Bokers, Tanze, Checkerberry, &c., &c. Champaign—we have two brands, ie.: Piper Heidsieck, & Siegle’s extra dry. Kelly Island, Catawba and Concord Wines. Brandy, Cherries and Peaches. Absinthe, &c. And in the Lunch Department I have Bulk Oysters, fresh, and they are nice prime and never have been frozen, served Stewed or Raw. Cove Oysters, Sardines in oil, Russian Sardines, Lobsters, Russian Caviar, Boneless Pigs’ Feet, Pickled Pigs Feet, Tripe, Lamb’s Tongue, Holland Herring, Smoked and Dried Herring, Yarmouth Bloaters, Boneless Turkey and Chicken, Cervelat Sausage, Head Cheese, Limburger Cheese, Swiss Cheese, Smoked and Dried Salmon, Smoked and Dried Halibut, and a great many other things too numerous to mention. I have also Smoking Tobaccos, Chewing Tobaccos both fine cut and plug. Pipes, Cigarettes and Cigarette Holders, &c., &c. Now, friends and neighbors, come and see if I have these things or not.

ED. R. FRENCH,

Proprietor, and the Boss Muddler on the N. P.

(Brainerd Tribune, 31 January 1880, p. 4, c. 2)


SEE: Woodland Park


As is his custom, Ed. R. French is making extensive preparations for his grand annual Thanksgiving raffle, to take place at the Le Bon Ton on Wednesday evening. Turkeys, chickens, oysters, etc., will be on the board beside several special prizes. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 November 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


Ed. R. French of the New Le Bon Ton is making elaborate preparations for his regular annual New Year’s lunch. Large cases of turkeys, oysters, canned goods, cheese, sausage, pickle's, smoked fish, herring and a thousand and one choice delicacies have arrived and he proposes, as usual, to make this lunch a little ahead of any of its predecessors. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 December 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


French, Edward R.

Is the eldest son of A. R. French, who was born in the state of New York on the 25th of November, 1802. He came to Minnesota in 1834, and was a soldier in the Regular Army, stationed at Fort Snelling. In 1836, he married Mary Ann Henry, a direct descendant of Patrick Henry, and was soon after ordered away on duty. His wife returned to her home in Ohio, where our subject was born on the 24th of January, 1838. In June, 1842, she, with her son returned to her husband at Fort Snelling. The father remained in service till 1848, when he engaged in farming, between St. Paul and the Fort, till the spring of 1849; then lived in St. Paul till 1853. In the latter year, he removed to Dakota county, of which he was the first Sheriff. He served in the civil war, as did also the subject of this sketch. In 1867, Mr. French, Sr. received an appointment in the Auditor’s department at Washington, D. C., which position he still fills. Edward R., has spent his life in Minnesota, and since 1872, been a resident of Brainerd. Has since kept a house of public entertainment, and is at present proprietor of the new Le Bon Ton. He is a member of the board of County Commissioners. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Winchell, Neill, Williams and Bryant, Minnesota Historical Company, Minneapolis: 1881, p. 647)


Fire animation On January 23, 1882, a lamp left burning in the Le Bon Ton Saloon exploded burning the American House, Spalding’s Saloon, Hagberg’s blacksmith shop, Perley’s wagon shop and Hendrickson’s gun shop. The damages were estimated at $17,500.


SEE: 1882 Le Bon Ton Saloon Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


Yesterday Mr. L. Hendrickson opened the safe belonging to Ed. French that passed through the fire. Most of its contents were very badly injured. Billiard balls, keno cards, and some valuable papers were burnt so badly that they will be of no further use. The safe was a Detroit company’s make of many years ago. It had to be broken open. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 January 1882, p. 4, c. 3)


French’s Assignment.


Ed. R. French who made such a hit with his new Le Bon Ton has at last been compelled to give in to the force of circumstances and he Wednesday made an assignment to Wm. Paine for the benefit of his creditors, who are mostly St. Paul and Minneapolis wholesale men. Mr. French has been doing an exceptionally large business and has made numerous improvements to meet the demands; these it was understood were not entirely paid for, and the interruption to business, as well as the direct loss by the fire, have crippled Mr. French to such an extent that he deemed it wiser to take this step. Let us hope that Mr. French may soon recover and go into business again. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 January 1882, p. 5, c. 4)


Murray & McCabe have purchased the lot where Ed. French’s Le Bon Ton stood before the fire. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 May 1882, p. 5, c. 1)


The Age in in receipt of a most elaborate bill of fare from French's ladies’ and gentlemen’s restaurant and lunch rooms, No. 28 south Fifth, street, Brainerd. Everybody knows Ed. R. French and most of them know where his place is. It has been lately remodeled and enlarged to more than three times its former capacity and is now the most complete institution of its kind north of St. Paul or Minneapolis. Mr. French has become deservedly popular as a caterer with all who know him and the fact that his place is open at all hours of day or night make it reliable. It is safe to say that there is no moment of time during the entire year when a hungry man gets left if he pins his faith to Ed. R. French. [Aitkin Age. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 04 October 1883, p. 3, c. 4)


Extensive repairs have been put on the old Bon Ton saloon building, corner of Fifth and Front streets, which will hereafter by occupied by the W. C. T. U. The old stand of the notorious Jack Burns is to be converted into a temperance headquarters as a coffee and lodging house. This is certainly a very marked reform for that quarter of the town. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 May 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


SEE: Lively Building


LELAND HOUSE / COMMERCIAL HOTEL (MAP #19)

Commercial Hotel aka Leland House at the southwest corner of 5th and Laurel, ca. 1888.
Source: Northwest Illustrated Monthly Magazine, Volume VI, Number 7, July 1888, E. V. Smalley, Editor and Publisher

Built by Warren H. Leland in 1872, it is located on the southwest corner of Fifth and Laurel Streets. It originally has eighteen rooms but it becomes a center of activity, which necessitates increasing its size to sixty rooms in 1879. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Winchell, Neill, Williams and Bryant, Minnesota Historical Company, Minneapolis: 1881, p. 639) (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 35)


LELAND HOUSE.—This first-class hotel advertises to-day. The “Leland” is a gem of a hotel, of which Brainerdites feel justly proud, and it is kept as such a house should be kept—in first-class style, by Messrs. Leland & Young. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 November 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


THE LELAND HOUSE.—This hotel is doing a fine business under the supervision of its deservedly popular proprietors, Messrs. Leland & Young. It is a finely appointed hotel, and is kept up in first-class style. A fine barn is attached to the premises, and some six hundred dollars have been lately expended in making the house a comfortable and cheerful home for the traveling public. We are glad to notice that it is receiving the patronage that the enterprising and liberal proprietors so well deserve. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 October 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


A FINE Thanksgiving Dinner was served by friend Leland, of the popular Leland House, consisting of turkeys, game, and all the delicacies of the season. It was partaken of by a number of guests, a proportion of whom were invited in to the grand dinner, and the others were the “regulars.” It was, no doubt one of the most sumptuous feasts spread in this city on Thursday. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 November 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


W. H. LELAND, Esq.—This gentleman, the popular proprietor of the “Leland House,” has exhibited an enterprise and energy during this summer that is highly commendable in a citizen. In addition to his fine hotel, he has now finished up the largest and best appointed barn and stables north of Minneapolis. Aside from being prepared now to furnish the traveling public with comfortable quarters for their teams and stock, he also has added a Livery stable department. He keeps fine “rigs” for hire, and also does all kinds of teaming, far or near. He also keeps groceries, flour and feed for sale at lowest prices. Such enterprise deserves a liberal patronage, and will no doubt receive it. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 October 1874, p. 1, c. 7)


W. H. LELAND, the stirring proprietor of the Leland House, is repairing his hotel and putting it in No. 1 shape. New blinds adorn the windows and add to the general appearance and comfort of the house muchly. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 November 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


Ad for Rasicott & Morin’s stagecoach line, 11 December 1875.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

THE Leland House is about to change hands, B. F. & G. G. Hartley will be the new proprietors after January 1st. Mr. Leland will open a stock of groceries in his store on Fifth street. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 December 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


W. H. LELAND, formerly of the Leland House, and lady, departed this city on Thursday, intending to fetch up at Anoka. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 January 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


THE new proprietors of the Leland House took possession on the morning of the first inst., and are having a full house. See their card in another column. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 January 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


Leland House Ad, 15 January 1876.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

Mrs. B. F. Hartley arrived in this city Wednesday evening from our far off native province—New Brunswick—and was duly installed landlady of the Leland House, and Frank is correspondingly happy. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 February 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


A NEW coat of paint is adding to the appearance of the Leland House, muchly. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 April 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


B. F. HARTLEY, one of the proprietors of the Leland House, met with quite a severe accident on Tuesday morning last, in which however he was very fortunate it was no worse. He was pouring Kerosene oil from a gallon measure into the stove on some burning coals, when the oil took fire and exploded, flying up into his face and burning off his beard, eyebrows, and some of his hair, and scorching his face and neck quite badly in places, and it was with difficulty that the blaze was extinguished even then. He feels quite sore over it especially about the head, but avers that he is like a singed cat, better than he looks. He is not seriously injured, however, but is enable to profit by a good lesson. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 April 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


THE Leland House has changed hands again, Hartley Bros. have sold to Leland Bros., who took possession on Thursday. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 June 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


THE Leland family—Messrs. George, Lewis, Warren, Charles, William, and Horace—control seven hotels in the country, and are negotiating for another! Their houses are—The Ocean, Long Branch; Delavan, Albany; Clarendon, Saratoga; Leland, Springfield, Illinois; Eutaw, Baltimore; Palace, San Francisco; and Sturtevant, in New Orleans.—[Ex.

Brainerd adds another to this list—the Leland House, Warren H. Leland, proprietor. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 March 1877, p. 1, c. 5)


SAMMY LELAND, our good-natured host of the Leland Hotel, found himself a little vexed on Monday morning. It seems a young man came along on the Sabbath day and put up at the hotel and enjoyed the privileges of Sammy’s bed and board. On Monday he slid, i. e. lit out, and must have been in a hurry as he forgot to drop the necessary equivalent into Sammy’s pocket-book for his entertainment. Unwisely this young man struck out for the west on the railroad track, and just as the crown of his hat was slowly sinking from sight in the western horizon our host chartered a hand-car and started in hot pursuit, overtook his man and brought him back and introduced him to his wood pile, armed him with the necessary implements of wood warfare, and left him with this gentle injunction: “Now, you saw up that pile of wood or I’ll knock the stuffing plumb out of you.” He sawed. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 May 1877, p. 1, c. 5)


W. H. LELAND, of the Leland House, proposes to raise the roof of his hotel another story and add to the width on the south side. He says he has not half room enough to accommodate his large and increasing custom. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 May 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


W. H. LELAND, proprietor of the Leland House, is tearing away the old store-house between his hotel and barn, and laying the foundation for an extensive addition to his house. The addition is to be the same size as the hotel proper, and will greatly improve the appearance of that corner. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 June 1877, p. 1, c. 4)


THE roof of the Leland House took fire on Sunday morning last from some unknown cause, but was extinguished before any particular damage was done. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 June 1877, p. 1, c. 4)


THE addition to the Leland House is nearly completed, making it a convenient, commodious and fine appearing hotel. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 September 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


IN giving a sick lady at the Leland House an alcohol sweat last evening the liquor exploded, setting fire to the clothing about the patient, burning the window curtains, in the room, and came very near resulting in a serious conflagration. It was in fact with difficulty that the flames were extinguished and the lady as well as the house saved from a total cremation. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 September 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


Hartley, Nevers & Co.—B. F. Hartley, J. N. Nevers and D. E. Slipp,—have leased the Leland House and take possession on the 20th prox. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 August 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


The new proprietors, Hartley, Nevers & Co., took possession of the Leland House yesterday. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 September 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


Among the many improvements in store for Brainerd the coming summer it may not be out of place here for us to mention the following as one of the most important that has yet been brought definitely to our attention and that can be relied upon as an assured fact. Since the return, last week, from the East of W. H. Leland, proprietor of the Leland House in this city, he has perfected a co-partnership with J. N. Nevers, one of the present lessees of that popular house—Hartley, Nevers & Co., whose lease expires in July next—for the purpose of conducting the hotel business at the present stand, though, upon a greatly enlarged scale. They propose as soon as the lease expires to thoroughly remodel, enlarge, refurnish and otherwise improve the house and convert it into a strictly first-class hotel in all its appointments. The ell on the west side containing the present dining room, kitchen, store rooms and shed is to be removed and a new building three stories high and sixty feet long is to be erected in its place; the roof of the main house will be elevated another story and made uniform with the addition, making the entire building one hundred feet on Laurel street by the present frontage on Fifth street; the roof will be flat and the outside finish such as to give the building a metropolitan and imposing appearance, in fact it will be when completed the finest building in Brainerd. The inside arrangement will also be greatly improved over the present. The sitting room, dining room and kitchen will be larger, a first class cooking range will be put in the latter ample for all requirements and the whole will be thoroughly refurnished. The second story will be fitted up throughout for strictly first-class custom, with a large ladies’ parlor on the north side and a ladies entrance from Laurel street, and when completed the Leland House will rank with any first-class hotel in the State and at the same time possess ample accommodations for at least one hundred and fifty guests. It is pleasing indeed to note these changes, indicative as they are of the permanent growth of our city and the general prosperity of its businessmen, and we hope the new firm of Leland & Nevers will reap an abundant harvest from their enterprise. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 May 1879, p. 1, c.’s 2 & 3)


The deeds and other instruments were executed this week making John N. Nevers a partner in the Leland House property. The lease of Hartley, Nevers & Co. has been canceled by mutual agreement from the 20th inst., and the new firm of Leland & Nevers have already commenced operations preparatory to the extensive enlargement and improvement referred to in the TRIBUNE of a recent date, which is more than a month earlier than they expected to begin. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 June 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


Work has been commenced and is well underway on the proposed improvements in the Leland House, heretofore referred to in these columns. A solid stone foundation has been put under the entire building, and the frame is already erected for a large barn west of the house, on Laurel street. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 June 1879, p. 1, c. 3)


The new barn at the Leland House is nearly completed, and work will soon be resumed upon the house. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 July 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


The transmogrification of the Leland House still progresses and is rapidly assuming its prospective metropolitan proportions. It will be an imposing structure when complete. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 July 1879, p. 5, c. 1)


The handsomest, most comprehensive and picturesque view of Brainerd at present available to we groveling mortals is from the new roof of the Leland House. Centrally located its altitude affords a bird’s eye view of the entire town at a glance, and its broad level streets, countless roofs and variegated scenery could not fail to prove a mine of wealth to the eye of an artist or repay the ascent of the ladder to anyone. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 July 1879, p. 5, c. 1)


The Leland House progresses. The third story has been plastered and contains nineteen bedrooms. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 August 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


John Nevers, of the firm of Leland & Nevers, disposed of his interest in the Leland House property today to his partner, W. H. Leland, who will continue the proposed improvements in that popular hostelry to the finis and keep thereafter a first-class hotel as heretofore determined. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 August 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


The street and yard around the Leland House are receiving a tidying up which adds much to the appearance of that locality. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 October 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


Of all the booms that ever boomed there is no boom that beats the Leland House boom, and Warren is happy. His house is crowded, and $200 per day are his regular receipts. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 November 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


H. E. Leland will, on August 1st open to the public on Fifth street, west side, in the building next south of his hotel, a first-class laundry. He has secured the services of two skillful laundresses from Minneapolis, who will give the genuine Chines gloss and will give universal satisfaction at reasonable rates. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 July 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 1880 Brainerd-2 in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.


Ackerley, Allen

A native of New Brunswick, was born in 1848. In 1871, he came to Brainerd remained a year and returned to his native place, where for four years he was engaged in farming and lumbering. Then went to Pennsylvania for a year, and in April, 1876, came again to this place and carries on a boarding stable, which is connected with the Leland House. He also owns a half interest in a livery and sale stable, which was started a few months ago, his partner being George H. Stratton. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Winchell, Neill, Williams and Bryant, Minnesota Historical Company, Minneapolis: 1881, p. 644)


Heath, Charles L.

Was born in Lincoln, Maine on the 12th of December, 1856. He was reared on a farm, and the year 1877 was spent in the lumber business in Michigan. He came to Brainerd in 1878, and the following year, in company with G. H. Stratton, rented the Leland House, of which they are at present the proprietors. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Winchell, Neill, Williams and Bryant, Minnesota Historical Company, Minneapolis: 1881, p. 648)


Leland, Warren H.

Was born in Chester, Penobscot county, Maine, on the 18th of August, 1837. He resided on a farm until twenty-two years of age, when he went to New Brunswick and engaged in mercantile pursuits. Returning to the States, he came to Monticello, Minnesota, in 1866, and was in the lumber business till coming to Brainerd in March, 1872. For about six months after coming, Mr. Leland was engaged in the manufacture of railroad ties, then built the Leland House, of which he was proprietor till July, 1880, then rented it, and in 1881, sold to W. W. Hartley. In 1877-78, our subject, in connection with the hotel, was engaged in lumbering, and also carried on a store of general merchandise; but on account of poor health, was obliged to suspend business for a time. Is at present dealing in real estate. Has filled the office of County Commissioner two terms, besides other local positions. Miss Ellen Young, of York county, New Brunswick, became his wife on the 30th of July, 1859. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Winchell, Neill, Williams and Bryant, Minnesota Historical Company, Minneapolis: 1881, p. 649)


Stratton, George H.

Is a native of Chester, Maine, born in the year 1835. When he was fifteen years old, he became engaged with his father in the hotel business, continuing until twenty-one years of age, when he became proprietor of the Fire Island House in the town of Winn, Penobscot county. In 1861, he enlisted in the Eleventh Maine Volunteer Infantry, as a private, but was soon after promoted to Second Lieutenant, but discharged on account of ill health, after one year’s service. Returning to Maine he again engaged in the hotel business, in connection with lumbering, carrying on the same until 1865, when he entered the employ of Henry Poore & Son, who had an extensive tan-yard in the town of Winn. In 1874, he removed to Michigan, and was in the lumber business until 1879, when he came to Brainerd, and after conducting the lumber business about a year, formed a partnership with Charles L. Heath. They are now the popular proprietors of the Leland House. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Winchell, Neill, Williams and Bryant, Minnesota Historical Company, Minneapolis: 1881, p. 652-653)


The A. O. U. W. Ball and Banquet.


The anniversary ball and banquet, given in this city on Thursday evening last by Brainerd Lodge A. O. U. W. [Ancient Order of United Workmen], was one of the grandest affairs this place has ever witnessed. The hall was filled to overflowing at an early hour by the elite of the city, with a goodly sprinkling of visitors from abroad, and everything seemed to contribute to the grand harmony and supreme enjoyment of all. Neither so select or exclusive in its make-up as to be more than metropolitan, nor so promiscuous as to be more than cosmopolitan, the party was in every way one of the most enjoyable kind, and everyone seemed to go in for the fullest measure. The music, which was furnished by Prof. Fuller’s St. Cloud band seemed to fill the hall with new life and rejuvenate all present, and several who had not been on the dancing floor for years before were to be seen whirling through the merry throng. At a little before midnight the supper was announced, and the party repaired to the Leland House, where the proprietors, Messrs. Stratton & Heath, held in store a grand surprise for everybody in the most elaborate spread this city or State has ever witnessed. A royal good supper was, of course, expected by all, but no one was prepared for the wonderful display which met the gaze and brought forth exclamations of surprise and admiration from everybody as the dining hall was reached. Two long tables were stretched the entire length of the hall on either side, and in the middle of each table stood a large pyramid cake four feet in height, and each the climax of artistic beauty in the line of pastry cooking. Along their entire length the tables were spread with every conceivable variety of meats, relishes, cakes, pastry, fruits, nuts, confectionery and numerous other delicacies, in fact, everything the markets afford and superior skill and great labor and expense could procure, heaped in sweet, systematic profusion. The guests being seated at the table, tea, coffee, oysters and other hot dishes were served, and the most fastidious taste could not fail to be pleased. A great many ball suppers and banquets of various natures have been prepared in Brainerd, many of which would challenge the admiration of Epicurus himself, but, as was frankly admitted by two prominent caterers who were present, nothing has ever been produced in Brainerd before to equal the display on this occasion.

After supper returning to the ballroom the dancing was resumed and not given o’er until the break of dawn when closed what was universally admitted to be the pleasantest and grandest ball and supper ever given in Brainerd. There were present over one hundred couples and at one time sixteen sets or sixty-four couples danced a quadrille together yet the hall was not uncomfortably crowded and the utmost harmony and good-feeling prevailed during the entire evening. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 February 1881, p. 1, c. 2)


B. F. Hartley has purchased the Leland House. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 June 1881, p. 4, c. 1)


Leland House Ad, 24 December 1881.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

Stratton & Heath have leased the Leland House from its new proprietor, Mr. B. F. Hartley. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 July 1881, p. 5, c. 1)


On Monday the proprietor of the Leland House raised a 20 foot flagstaff on the new addition to his hotel, and will, throw the stars and stripes to the breeze from the same. The hotel has now plenty and ample room and good accommodations and the weary traveler findeth rest under the management of mine host Douglas. The old dining hall will be converted into a pool and billiard hall and sample room, and the dining hall will be located in the new addition. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 August 1883, p. 2, c. 3)


The Leland House is being finished and painted up and is a fine place. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 09 August 1883, p. 4, c. 1)


The painters are putting the finishing touches onto the Leland House. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 16 August 1883, p. 3, c. 1)


The Commercial house is now under a new management, Mr. Douglas having leased the hotel to Messrs. C. M. Miller and A. S. Small. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 22 November 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


Over three hundred lumbermen have stopped at the Commercial during the last two weeks on their way to the woods. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 October 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


The Commercial Hotel will soon have as fine a bus on the road as there is in the Northwest, J. C. Congdon is putting the finishing touches on it at his paint shop. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 March 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


The Commercial Hotel will be remodeled and the corner fronting the street will be built up to a level with the balance of the building. Increasing business demands increased facilities. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 May 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


The addition to the Commercial Hotel is being pushed to completion as rapidly as possible and Landlord Douglas will be happy when the attractions to his house are ready for occupancy. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 June 1887, p. 4, c. 5)


Auction! Auction! Auction!


An auction sale of household furniture will take place tomorrow afternoon at 2 p. m. in front of the Commercial Hotel on 5th street, at which some very rare bargains can be had. Any person in need of any of the following named articles should not fail to be present, as they will undoubtedly be sold at less than half of their actual value. The following is a list of the articles to be sold: 16 carpets, 13 bed springs, 16 mattresses, 18 bed quilts, 29 sheets, 30 pillow slips, 6 bed spreads, 24 pillows, 30 chairs, 11 stands, 2 center tables, 2 mirrors, 5 small looking glasses, 2 heating stoves, 12 lamps, 1 sewing machine, 1 what-not, 4 dining room tables, 5 silver plated casters, 40 table knives, 40 forks, 25 silver tea spoons, 24 goblets, 3 glass cake stands, 12 linen table cloths, 2 silver sugar bowls, 2 silver cream pitchers, 4 glass cream pitchers, 5 glass celery dishes, 5 glass spoon holders, 1 cook stove and cooking utensils 40 pieces, and dishes 200 pieces. These will be sold at a bargain. Don’t fail to be present and bid. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 March 1889, p. 1, c. 4)


SEE: Number One Saloon


...There was wild life in those days—something doing all the time. Frank Hartley was the Mayor and Pete Mertz was the Sheriff. One day in about 1883, I was carrying Dad’s dinner down to the saw mill. The path went through timber all the way. Just east of the Trading Post, I saw four or five men and one on the ground so I went over to see what was going on. A man [G. Washington Van Arsdale] lay on his back with a plug of tobacco, a big revolver and fifty cents on his chest. The Sheriff was there and Warren Leland who ran the Commercial Hotel [Leland House]. The man had shot himself in the right side of the head. Pete felt the other side of his head. “There it is,” he said and took out his jack knife and cut the bullet out and saw that it came from the man’s revolver.

Well, I felt sick all day and could think of nothing else. The man was well-dressed. I heard that he had a family back East and, at one time, was well-to-do. He came to this place to get into the logging business and went to the dogs. Whiskey got him and he went broke. (Biography: 1936; Fred Hagadorn, born 27 July 1870; Brainerd Dispatch, 1881-1981 Heritage Edition, p. 3B)


Fire animation On October 10, 1890, a massive fire burned the Commercial Hotel aka the Leland House, the oldest hotel on the line of the Northern Pacific, the old city jail, and the Catholic Church and parsonage and the Number One Saloon. About a block and a half in the business district was burned, the total damages were estimated to be between $75,000 and $150,000.


SEE: 1890 Leland House / Commercial Hotel Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


LINCOLN GRADE SCHOOLS (MAP #54)

One of these identical four grade school buildings is the Lincoln Grade School on 6th between Oak and Pine, ca. 1894.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Built of Brainerd-made Schwartz cream brick in 1894 [sic] [1893] on South Sixth Street between Pine and Quince Streets, it houses the kindergarten through sixth grades. In 1936 [sic] [1939] the old school is razed and replaced by a new structure, which costs nearly $225,000. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 38 & 49)


Board of Education.


[...]


Arrangements were ordered made to condemn property in first ward for school property. The property referred to is the Huntington, Riggs and Duchane property on 6th street between Oak and Pine. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 January 1893, p. 4, c. 5)


Board of Education Meeting.


[...]


On the matter of the first ward site the board authorized proceedings for condemning the property on the corner of Sixth and Oak streets, the gentleman owning the three corner lots refusing to sell for less than $400 a lot, which is almost twice as much as they are worth. The next three lots are owned by Mr. A. P. Riggs who will sell them with a small house for $1,000 which is not unreasonable. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 January 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


Judge Holland has appointed H. J. Spencer, Thos. Holiday [sic] [Halladay] and Geo. A. Keene as appraisers to determine the value of the lots in block 161 which the board of education have condemned for school [Lincoln] purpose. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 February 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


Board of Education.


The regular monthly meeting of the board of education was held at the high school last evening, all the members being present.


[...]

A communication from Mr. Lum, the attorney of the board, was read notifying them that judgment had been entered against the board in the condemnation proceedings for the first ward site, and recommending that the proper committee be authorized to satisfy the same, and also complete the purchase of the Riggs and Huntington property for the first ward site. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 April 1893, p. 1, c. 2)


Work has already been commenced on the excavation for the new first ward school house on Sixth street south. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 May 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


The four new school houses are all sufficiently advanced for putting on the roofs. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 July 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


School Board Doings.


[...]


Lincoln Grade School on 6th between Oak and Pine, ca. 1910.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 4, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher, Brainerd Tribune

On Saturday evening a meeting was held at which time the new school buildings were accepted.

Last evening a further meeting was held at which time part of the pupils from the Washington school were ordered sent to the Lincoln school to relieve the primary grades.

Miss Bessie Small was made principal of the Lincoln school. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 October 1893, p. 4, c. 6)


...A new oak side walk was also ordered laid in front of the Lincoln school on Sixth street. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 October 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


Mothers’ Club Meetings.

_____


A classroom in the first Lincoln Grade School, which was built in 1893, ca. 1914. A 1358x924 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

There was a good attendance at the Mothers’ Meeting held at the Lincoln building on Monday, February 18th, there being sixty-five present. After a very interesting address by Supt. Carleton, the following officers and committees were elected:

President, Miss Bess. A. Mulrine; Vice-Presidents, Mrs. Bolin, Mrs. Simpson, Misses C. M. Rich, L. Sommers, D. A. Badeaux, and H. Thompson; Secretary, Miss Daisy Badeaux.

Executive Committee—Mesdames Britton, Doran, McCabe, Abear, Hagberg, Deering, Gallup, Bean, Dickinson, and Thompson.

Decorative Committee—Mesdames Wilson, Gustafson, Sherman, Purdy, Kellehan, Bennett, Carlson, Angel, Jamieson, and Orth.

Entertainment Committee—Mesdames Witham, Lessard, Bidwell, Wilkins, W. H. Lawrence, Keleher, Siveney, Harmon, Tiffany, and Frey.

Visiting Committee—Mesdames T. Lawrence, Jenkins, Howe, Abbott, Edwards, Benson, Lagerquist, McElroy, Hallquist, and Turcotte.

DAISY BADEAUX,

Secretary.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 22 January 1897, p. 4, c. 6)


STEAM HEATING ADOPTED

_____


For the New Lincoln School Building

at a Special Meeting of the Board

on Saturday Evening.

_____


A special meeting of the board of education was held on Saturday evening, called at the request of the building committee, to consider the question of heating the Lincoln building after it is enlarged. After considering the different estimates for heat Dr. Groves moved that the board adopt the direct system of steam heat, and that the specifications call for a return flue boiler of sufficient capacity to give 2,500 feet of radiation, and the motion was carried, and the secretary was instructed to notify Pardee & Pardee of the action of the board.

On motion of Mr. Skinner the board decided to adopt the open system of plumbing, and the committee on building was instructed to secure bids from the local plumbers for installing a direct steam plant. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 May 1900, p. 4, c. 2)


Specifications for a steam heating apparatus in the Lincoln building were read and Dr. Groves moved that the board adopt the direct system of steam heating, with the addition of one ventilating radiator in each room, of sufficient capacity to ventilate the same, which was adopted. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 June 1900, p. 8, c. 1)


ROWLEY GETS THE CONTRACT

_____


For Building the Addition to the

Lincoln School—F. J. Murphy

Does the Plumbing.

_____


Regular Meeting of the Board of

Education Held on Monday

Evening.

_____


A regular meeting of the board of education was held on Monday evening, at which a great deal of important business was transacted. C. B. Rowley was awarded the contract for building the addition to the Lincoln school for $9,144, and F. J. Murphy got the contract for putting in the steam heating plant and taking out the old hot air system for $1,490, both being the lowest bid.

Supt. Hartley submitted his monthly report, which showed a total registration of pupils of 1,910, and a daily attendance of 1,723.


[...]


Bids for building the addition to the Lincoln building were opened as follows:

C. B. Rowley—$9,144.00

A. Everett—$9,200.00

Mr. Rowley’s bid being lowest was, on motion, accepted, and a contract with Mr. Rowley was ordered made, requiring him to have the building completed ready for use the morning of Sept. 4, 1900, and that he furnish a bond of $10,000 for the faithful performance of the contract. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 June 1900, p. 5, c. 1)


The addition to the Lincoln school is completed to the first story. Only about five weeks more elapse before school commences, but Mr. Rowley, the contractor, thinks he can have it finished by that time by rushing the work. He has been delayed by lumber getting lost en route from the coast. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 July 1900, p. 8, c. 1)


Several rooms in the Lincoln school were closed a day and a half the first of the week because they could not be heated properly owing to defects in the ventilating systems. The matter has been remedied and school is now being held in all the rooms., and all are comfortably heated. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 December 1900, p. 8, c. 1)


Special Board Meeting.


A special meeting of the board of education was held last Saturday night to hear the report of the committee concerning alterations in the heating plant of the Lincoln school. The committee was not ready to report, so consideration of the matter was deferred until an adjourned meeting on Wednesday evening.


[...]


The matter of altering the heating plant of the Lincoln school was considered at an adjourned meeting on Wednesday, and on recommendation of the committee several alterations were ordered made. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 January 1901, p. 4, c. 4)


The same [building] committee reported that the contract for the installing of new water closets in the Lincoln building had been let to F. J. Murphy for $585. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 September 1901, p. 1, c. 5)


SCHOOL BOND ISSUE PUT UP

_____


$250,000 Asked To Replace Old Buildings Here

_____


Voters Will decide Question at Primary Election;

If Passed Will Build Two, Perhaps Three New Schools.

_____


The Brainerd Board of Education will go before the voters of Brainerd at the primary election June 20 for permission to issue bonds totaling $250,000 for the replacement of two and possibly three of Brainerd’s four main grade school buildings, it was announced by officers of the school board following a special meeting last night.

Whether that amount will be sufficient to rebuild two or three buildings depends on whether an application for funds to the Public Works Administration for 45 percent of the total cost of the structures is accepted. Such an application for PWA funds is now pending, it was said by school officials.


May Rebuild Harrison

The second Lincoln Grade School, built in 1939, is built right up to the outer wall of the first Lincoln Grade School, built in 1893, before the first is demolished, 01 May 1939. A 1200x916 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Brainerd Public Schools Archives
This is the second Lincoln Grade School built in 1939. A 1526x896 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The board will construct new buildings to house the Lowell and Lincoln schools and, if the PWA application is accepted, will also rebuild the Harrison school in Southeast Brainerd. It is the intention of the board, however, to rebuild all four main grade buildings in the city as soon as possible.

All four of Brainerd’s central grade buildings are over 50 years old, school officials said. All four are fire traps and are obsolete in every way, even containing in some instances serious construction faults. In addition, officials continued, three of the buildings are severely overcrowded and if new buildings are not constructed, additions must be built which, in the opinion of the board, would not be sound policy as the buildings are obsolete to begin with.


Free of Debt

The Brainerd school district, it was emphasized, is at present entirely free of bonded indebtedness of any kind, with all bonds issued in connection with the construction of both the Franklin and Washington buildings as well as the extension built to the Washington building about a year ago, now retired. The last bonds were paid off last May and the issuance of this new bond issue will not cause any tax increase or complicate current financing of the district schools, officers said.

The board of education plans to immediately cast about for an architect to prepare plans and specifications for the new buildings planned for a construction start this year, if voters of the city authorize by a favorable vote June 20, the issuance of the quarter of a million dollar bonds.

[...]

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 April 1938, p. 1, c. 8)


NOTE: The Public Works Administration (PWA), part of the New Deal of 1933, was a large-scale public works construction agency in the United States headed by Secretary of the Interior Harold L. Ickes. It was created by the National Industrial Recovery Act in June 1933 in response to the Great Depression. It built large-scale public works such as dams, bridges, hospitals, and schools. Its goals were to spend $3.3 billion in the first year, and $6 billion in all, to provide employment, stabilize purchasing power, and help revive the economy. Most of the spending came in two waves in 1933-35, and again in 1938. Originally called the Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works, it was renamed the Public Works Administration in 1935 and shut down in 1944. The PWA spent over $6 billion in contracts to private construction firms that did the actual work. It created an infrastructure that generated national and local pride in the 1930s and remains vital seven decades later.


Brainerd School Board: Education Department

Gives Go-Ahead on Proposed Building Plan


The Brainerd School District got the green light from the Minnesota Department of Education on its voter-approved bond referendum.

And just in time as the school district's special election is set for April 10—when voters will be asked to approve a $145.8 million bond referendum.

The Brainerd School Board Monday hosted a public meeting—per state law—asking for public input on its referendum of its final comprehensive facilities plan, which proposes building a new Baxter Elementary School, repurposing all six elementary schools and remodeling the Brainerd High School north and south campuses.

The school district spent three-and-a-half years developing a facilities plan with the goal to meet the health, safety and education adequacy needs of all the district's schools. The district hosted public listening sessions at all its schools earlier this year and met with all the staff before coming to the final plan decision.

The MDE requires a review and comment statement on the educational and economic advisability of the school's construction project. The MDE found the district had a "positive" review and comment and if voters approve the referendum, the district may proceed with the proposed projects.

Voters will be asked three questions:

• Question 1 concerns investing in the elementary school buildings and Early Childhood Family Education program, not to exceed an estimated $68.4 million.

• Question 2 concerns investing in the secondary buildings and alternative education facilities, not to exceed a total of an estimated $69.4 million.

• Question 3 concerns investing in an enhanced performing arts center, for a total cost of $8 million.

The third question is contingent on the second question passing; meaning if Question 2 fails, so does the third.

In relation to the proposed building project, Brainerd School Board member Bob Nystrom said he has been asked by a lot of people in the community about safety in the schools because of the recent school shootings in the nation. Dave Bergeron, with Foster, Jacobs & Johnson Inc., who the board hired for its facilities program management services to help the district implement its plan, said the top priority of the proposed building project has always been the safety and security of all buildings for students and adults. Bergeron said right now, anyone can basically walk into any of the school buildings and have contact with students. He said the plan includes secure entrances at all the school buildings, and each person who enters the building will have to check in with a school receptionist.

Bergeron said safety around the buildings regarding parent and school bus drop-off and pick-up will also be improved.

Currently, another safety concern is students walking from the high school to Tornstrom Auditorium to practice before their performances, having to cross a busy South Sixth Street. Bergeron said if Question 3 is approved for the larger performing arts center, students won't have to leave the campus.

Nystrom said people in the community also have asked why the Lincoln Education Center, which is across the street from BHS, has to be demolished. WSN consultant Erica Marcussen, who has been involved with the project since Day 1, said the district is looking at expanding the north end of the BHS north campus by adding classroom spaces and a performing arts center. She said this means the school will lose parking spaces. Taking down Lincoln will allow for more parking spaces and give the high school a more secure, controlled main entrance, she said.

Those who want to learn more about the building project before the special election can go to the district's website on its plan. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 March 2018)


Reader Opinion: Save Lincoln School


I respect that Lincoln School is not functional for the school district. Still, this historic structure has immense value. It should be repurposed, not demolished.

Razing Lincoln School as part of installing two square blocks of surface parking right at the gateway to the downtown, is a blight Brainerd will struggle to overcome. The proposal is disrespectful to the neighborhood and the community.

There are productive things creative people could do with that building, uses we could all be proud of. We need only look at Franklin, Whittier, Edison and Washington schools for examples. Each of them was once considered unusable, yet they all serve a valuable purpose today.

Momentum is building in a rejuvenating downtown Brainerd. There is growing appreciation in this community for our historic structures. The last thing we should do is spend half a million dollars to put another in the landfill.

While improving safety at the high school is critical, there is no connection between that and the need for more parking, let alone the requirement that Lincoln be demolished. We can have a secure campus, adequate parking and Lincoln School. They are not mutually exclusive.

There are options for providing additional parking that would have less impact on the city and would not involve destroying a historic building. I wish one of those alternatives had been prioritized.

I also wish the school district had done more to understand the people who, out of necessity, walk and bike throughout Brainerd. These neighbors may not participate in years of public meetings, but they experience the impact of bad neighborhood design in a way those who prioritize parking convenience do not.

If we tear down Lincoln School just to make parking slightly more convenient, we will someday be ashamed of ourselves. Let's not make that mistake.


Charles L. Marohn

Brainerd

(Brainerd Dispatch, 06 April 2018)


Independent School District 181 Special Election Results 10 April 2018

16 of 16 (100%) Precincts Reporting

Total Voters—9802

Voter Turnout—9802 / 26110 (37.54%)


Question 1: Improvement of Elementary Schools and Early Childhood Facilities:

Yes—5900 votes

No—3892 votes

Question 2: Improvement of Secondary Schools and Alternative Education Facilities [included the deconstruction/demolition of the Lincoln Grade School]

Yes—5390 votes

No—4396 votes

Question 3: Performing Arts Center Enhancements

Yes—4995 votes

No—4762 votes

(Brainerd Dispatch, 10 April 2018)


BRAINERD SCHOOL BOARD

What's Next?

Construction to Take Place Over 4 Years on Facilities

Approved by Voters in Special Election


What's next for the Brainerd School District, after voters approved all three referendum questions in last week's special election?

"We have a boatload of work to do and we need to get going," said Kevin Donnay, Widseth Smith Nolting president, to the Brainerd School Board Monday.

Voters approved the $145.8 million bond referendum which gives the district the go-ahead to begin the construction of its final comprehensive facilities plan, which includes building a new Baxter Elementary School, repurposing all six elementary schools and remodeling the Brainerd High school north and south campuses.

Brainerd Superintendent Laine Larson started the meeting off by thanking the community and the staff for all the hard work in making the district's plan a reality. She presented a cake to celebrate the success of the referendum and then discussed what the next step was in the district's six-phase process—which is the "comprehensive construction management services" phase.

"We promised our community that we will provide the highest quality educational opportunities for our taxpayers' generous investment," Larson said. "When our voters went to the polls they gave from their pocket book and they gave their heart and we need to keep that in mind as we move forward .... We are on phase six.

"We are very fortunate to have all three pass."

Larson said construction of the building projects will take about four years. She said the projects the district will tackle first are the slight remodel of Forestview Middle School, building a new Baxter Elementary School, redesigning Harrison Elementary School and then starting the remodeling of Brainerd High School north campus.

Dave Bergeron with Foster, Jacobs & Johnson, Inc., who the board hired for its facilities program management services to help the district implement its plan, said remodeling the high school will take about three years to complete.

In a proposed draft, the construction schedule showed the design and bidding for Forestview, Baxter, Harrison, Nisswa and BHS north campus would begin June 1 and construction would begin June 1, 2019. The Forestview project may be completed by Aug. 31, 2020; and the high school north campus by Aug. 31, 2021.

Construction on the other buildings would begin in 2020 or 2021-22. All the projects are scheduled to be completed by Aug. 31, 2022.

"This is just a draft," Bergeron said of the construction schedule. "A lot of things can impact construction projects of this size. There are lots of moving parts in this."

Donnay said critical work must be done, such as detailed drawings to make sure each building project is designed right and the right contractor is hired for the job. Bergeron added he would like to see local contractors do a majority of the work, but said the work will take many contractors to complete.

Steve Lund, the school's former business services director, who resigned but is helping his successor, Marci Lord, talked to the board about the first financial step the board has to take to get the projects started—authorizing the sale of bonds. The board scheduled a special meeting at 4:30 p. m. April 30 to authorize the sale of bonds. Then on May 28, the board will award the sale of bonds.

Lund said these dates will keep the district "on track" to begin its projects. Lund said the district will want to get the lowest interest rate it can as it can mean a savings of a million dollars or more. Once the bonds are awarded, the district would have the funds by June 25.

Larson said the already approved school calendar for 2018-19 will not change much, including spring break. She said it is too early to tell but students in Nisswa, Harrison and possibly the high school may see a change in the calendar for 2019-20, 2020-21 because of construction.

"On year two we will be in the middle of 11 projects and it will be the same on year three so there may be some changes to the school calendar," Larson said. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 April 2018, p. 1, c's. 1 & 2, p. A8, c's. 1 & 2)


SEE: Brainerd Schools Miscellaneous Information


LIVELY BUILDING (MAP #30)

(Top) The Lively Garage located at 512-516 Laurel, ca. 1930. (Bottom) An ad in the 1920 Brainerd City Directory.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

Located mid-block on the south side of Laurel Street between Fifth and Sixth Streets, it houses the Lively Auto Company which is owned by W. E. Lively, the business operated 24 hours a day. In 1923 Lively Auto was purchased by Stewart Mills, Sr. During World War II the second floor of this building was used to make adapter boosters for bombs. The first Fleet Farm Store in Brainerd was housed in this building.


December 1911. “I don’t know any news today,” said W. E. Lively, the Brainerd businessman, “except that a man who owed me $2 for 10 years surprised me so that I nearly fell over when he handed me the money yesterday.”


May 1913. W. E. Lively says that his motorcycle business is very lively at present. He has sold a number of Harley-Davidson machines locally, and one at Pillager. The motorcycles are giving general satisfaction and, as better roads are planned, should result in future sales. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 03 May 2013)


May 1913. When W. E. Lively left his store Saturday, he glanced at the nail kegs in a corner and saw a wisp of smoke. Looking more closely, he found matches that rats has nibbled and were about to start a blaze. If unchecked, it might have destroyed the entire store. (This was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 24 May 2013)


January 1914. W. E. Lively sold several Harley-Davidson's last week during his big motorcycle sale. He is arranging the second floor of his building to be used as a hall for the newly formed Harley-Davidson motorcycle club. It will be ready in a few weeks. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 12 January 2014)


BIG SHIPMENT RECEIVED

_____


W. E. Lively Gets a Whole Carload of

Harley-Davidson Motorcycles

for His Trade


From Tuesday’s Daily:—

A Harley-Davidson motorcycle displayed in the window of W. E. Lively's showroom. The photo was taken by Ray Hall, ca. 1914.
Source: Beverly J. Hall
Sixteen Harley-Davidson motorcycles, sold by W. E. Lively, in front of Frederick B. Winslow's Saloon, located in the Slipp Block, at 721 Laurel Street, 23 March 1914. A 1886x1166 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

One of the biggest shipments of motorcycles ever received in Brainerd was that of W. E. Lively, the local dealer handling Harley-Davidson machines, who on Monday received 13 twin two-speed machines, a single and three side-car machines.

Those buying motorcycles were William Englund, Clarence Hall, Jens Yde, Pete Peterson, Ludwig Dahl, Frank Alexander, Ernest Brand, Charles Erickson, Frank Vorlick, Frank Budtke, Theodore Miller, E. Olson, R. L. Ludlow, Wm. Lee.

Those to whom side cars are to be delivered are R. S. Elder, of Barrows; Ray Hall and Albert Young, of this city. Hall is a letter carrier in the city and Young is rural mail carrier and both will use the side cars to facilitate their work of delivering mail. Both are to be complimented on the endeavors they are making to increase the efficiency of the United State mail service by buying motorcycles.

On Monday afternoon A. M. Opsahl took a picture of all the machines and their riders. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 March 1914, p. 1, c. 4)


23 March 1919. A new idea in the buying of oil, gasoline, auto supplies, etc. is that of the auto sales company formed in Brainerd by uniting nine garage interests of the city whose purchases will be made through that company. The company is capitalized at $25,000 and is composed of these members: Rosko Brothers, W. E. Lively, Brainerd Motor Company, Sherlund Company, John T. Imgrund, Motor Inn, Bourquin & Norton, Turcotte-Hardy Company and Charles W. Hoffman. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 23 March 1999)


At the W. E. Lively garage building on Laurel street opposite the city hall, the foundation work is about completed. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 August 1919, p. 2, c. 2)


At the W. E. Lively garage men are laying the steel work preparatory to putting in the cement main floor. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 September 1919, p. 2, c. 2)


At the W. E. Lively Automotive Co. garage building, the corner stone was laid Thursday. The cement block work is almost completed and the brick for the front was being laid Friday. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 October 1919, p. 2, c. 3)


New steel beams are arriving for the building of the W. E. Lively Automotive Co. A large beam was hauled by two trucks, one headed properly and the other backing, that procedure being necessary to carry the same. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 October 1919, p. 2, c. 3)


W. E. LIVELY AUTOMOTIVE CO.

_____


New Building on Laurel Street Near

City Hall Measures 75 by 135

Feet, Two Stories

_____


HAS PRESSED BRICK FRONT

_____


Interior Nearing Completion—Car

Storage and Radiator Repair

Shop Are Busy


The Lively Garage, ca. 1920. A 1195x664 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The big new building of the W. E. Lively Automotive Co., located on Laurel street across from the city hall is nearing completion. Built of cement blocks, with a pressed brick front, the structure is modern throughout and measures 75 by 135 feet with full basement and is two stories in height.

The basement has storage rooms for cars, has the heating plant, stock room for accessories, etc., the radiator repair shop, battery station, etc.

The main floor has the offices, display and sales room of automobiles, etc., and to the rear car storage and wash rack.

The second floor will be the repair and paint shop for cars, etc.

Delays have been experienced in getting the elevator, much necessary office fixtures, etc. When entirely completed the building will amply meet the many requirements of the firm which, under the direction of W. E. Lively, has shown great growth. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 January 1920, p. 5, c. 1)


The W. E. Lively Automotive Co. has installed a 500 gallon gasoline tank filling station and a 125 gallon oil tank filling station. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 April 1920, p. 2, c. 2)


INSTALLS NEW EQUIPMENT

_____


Lively Auto Company Now Equipped

to Serve Patrons in Washing

Cars


The Lively Auto Co. are now equipped to handle all washing and greasing work to cars by virtue of the installation of modern machinery pumps, with power developed by electric motors and operated by trained mechanics.

New equipment recently installed in the garage include pumps, wash and grease racks. Work will be done day and night. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 August 1927, p. 7, c. 5)


September 1928. Free with every change of oil we will install a beautiful presidential campaign radiator emblem. Smith for President, Hoover for President. Lively Auto company. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 19 September 2008)


July 1933. A special Studebaker car that raced in the Memorial Day classic at Indianapolis this year will be in Brainerd on July 4th thanks to the Lively Auto Co. The car which finished 6th in a field of 50 racers, will be accompanied by its driver, Tony Gulotta. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 04 July 2013)


SEE: Le Bon Ton Saloon


LOSEY & DEAN UNDERTAKERS

In 1883 Losey was located on Sixth Street. In 1888 Losey & Dean Undertakers were located at 18 E. Front Street. In 1903 Losey & Dean Undertakers were located at 720 Front Street. In 1914 Daniel E. Whitney, an employee, bought the undertaking business and it became Whitney Funeral Home located at 720 Front Street. Daniel Whitney died in 1954 and the business was purchased by John A. Nelson, becoming Nelson Funeral Chapel. In 1956 Hector Hoenig moved to Mandan, North Dakota; Thomas Doran buys the Hoenig Funeral Chapel located at 502 Front Street and renames it the Doran Funeral Home. In 1960 John Nelson and Thomas Doran combine their two funeral homes and become Nelson-Doran Funeral Home located in a new facility at 202 Eighth Avenue, NE.


Losey, Albert E.

Dates his birth on the 5th of October, 1849, at Galesburg, Illinois, where he learned the upholstering trade. He was engaged at his trade in Nelson, Pennsylvania, a few months then in Buffalo and Addison, New York, after which he returned to Pennsylvania and remained five years. For one year he was traveling for a Philadelphia publishing house, and after residing in Iowa a year, took a trip to Florida, and in August, 1879, came to Brainerd. He has since been superintendent of the upholstery department of the Northern Pacific Railroad shops. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Winchell, Neill, Williams and Bryant, Minnesota Historical Company, Minneapolis: 1881, p. 649)


In 1882 Albert E. Losey became an undertaker.


SEE: Veon (Andrew E.) Cabinet Maker / Undertaker


Losey & Dean Ad for white bronze monuments, 22 June 1888.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch

A. E. Losey will occupy the basement of the Smith block on Sixth street as it is completed with his undertaking establishment. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


A. E. Losey has moved his undertaking establishment to the basement of C. E. Smith’s new brick block on Sixth street, where he can be found ready to minister to the wants of the public. Mr. L. has as fine apartments as any firm in the city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 September 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


Losey’s new sign shows up good at his new undertaking rooms under the new Smith block on 6th street. Mr. L. is centrally located and has fine quarters. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 October 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


Anyone wanting A. E. Losey, the undertaker, at any hour of the night can call him by telephone from [the] central office, Commercial House, or any telephone. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 October 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


A. E. Losey, Sixth street, has received the finest line of mouldings ever brought to this city. The mouldings [sic] are especially for picture frames and for style and beauty can’t be beat. If you desire any thing in this line call at his rooms under the new Smith block. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 December 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


A. E. Losey has received a beautiful bronze monument which is to be placed at the grave of Jack O'Neil [sic] [O'Neill] in Evergreen cemetery in the spring. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 December 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


SEE: Last Turn Saloon


John ‘Jack’ O’Neill’s, owner of the Last Turn Saloon, gorgeous white bronze monument in Evergreen Cemetery. White bronze monuments were made from 1875-1912 by the Monumental Bronze company in Bridgeport, Connecticut, July 2010.
Source: Courtesy of John Van Essen

A. E. Losey erected a beautiful white Bronze Monument in Evergreen Cemetery, to-day. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 May 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


A. E. Losey and James Harris have bought out A. E. Veon's undertaking business and will hereafter be monopolists in this particular branch. The new firm of Losey & Harris have fine quarters on Seventh street. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 July 1884, p. 3, c. 1)


A Change.


The firm of Losey & Harris, undertakers has been dissolved, Mr. Harris retiring. I. T. Dean has bought Mr. Harris' interest. The new firm will be Losey & Dean. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 September 1884, p. 3, c. 4)


Losey & Dean were reimbursed $4.00 by the city for a coffin for a pauper. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 October 1884, p. 3, c. 5)


A. E. Losey informs us that someone stole a coffin box from the rear of his store the first of the week. This box was brought to his place with a coffin inside it which contained a corpse. The party who got the box is requested to call and get the coffin. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 October 1885, p. 3, c. 3) 


Losey & Dean are getting ready to move into new quarters on Front street in the Theviot block. They will have fine quarters. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 July 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


SEE: Theviot Block


Losey & Dean have commenced the erection of a new business block on Front street, adjoining the building they occupy at present. Mr. Miller, the contractor, is to have the premises ready for them to move into by the 15th of May. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 April 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


Losey & Dean have moved into their new quarters and have a very convenient and commodious business place. They have had the construction of the building made with a special view to accommodating their line of trade and have built a morgue in the rear which is separated from the main building. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 May, 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


Losey & Dean are building a morgue in the rear of their undertaking shop on Front street, and, when completed, will enable them to take care of bodies left in their charge in as satisfactory a manner as could be done at home. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 September 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


We are informed that a new undertakers establishment is to be opened in this city shortly. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 1889, p. 4, c. 3)


It is reported that E. W. Lynch proposes to open a new undertaking establishment in the city just as soon as he can procure a suitable location. Mr. Lynch is well known in both the city and country, having resided here for several years, and would undoubtedly do a prosperous business. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 August 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


E. W. Lynch & Co. received their new hearse to-day. It is a very fine one. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 October 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


Lynch & Gallup, proprietors of the new undertaking establishment on Laurel street between 6th and 7th are now ready for business, their new hearse, the finest in the northwest, having arrived, and their stock of coffins, caskets, and everything required in their line of business being complete. They make all necessary preparations for burial. Mr. Gallup, thoroughly understands the work of embalming, holding a diploma of an embalming school. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 October 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


The Brainerd steam laundry has removed from 78 Front street to permanent quarters on Laurel street in the building recently vacated by Lynch & Gallup, undertakers. New machinery has been added and the establishment will be fitted up in metropolitan style. If you want good work take your laundry to this institution. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 February 1890, p. 4, c. 3)


Sacred to the Memory of John O’Neill, born July 11, 1827, died July 12, 1883, age 56 years, July 2010.
Source: John Van Essen

Lynch & Gallup, the Seventh street undertakers, have this week received some of the finest caskets that can be obtained in the markets. The caskets are of silk plush and are elegant. New goods in their upholstering department are also constantly arriving and their stock of tapestry, in all designs and at prices to suit, is as complete as possible. A very choice and select invoice of burial robes arrived this morning. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 April 1890, p. 4, c. 3)


A bloodless battle between the Brainerd undertakers is on. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 January 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


The undertaking firm of Lynch & Gallop has dissolved, the latter gentleman continuing the business. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 March, 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


Losey & Dean, the enterprising Front street undertakers, have purchased a magnificent new hearse of an eastern firm, and will have the one now in use made into a fine white hearse for use in funerals of children. They expect their new hearse here in about 60 days. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 February 1893)


Losey & Dean have made arrangements to furnish cut flowers and set pieces and hereafter they will be pleased to receive orders which will be filled at Minneapolis prices. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 February 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


A. G. Gallup has sold his undertaking goods to Losey & Dean and quit the business. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 March 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


LOSEY & DEAN,

Undertaking, Pictures and Picture Framing.


Interior of the Losey & Dean picture and framing enterprise in their undertaking parlor, ca. 1910.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 15, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher

This firm is one of the oldest in Brainerd, having been established in this city since 1882. The original store was a mere shack on the present site of the Brainerd Grocery Co., and was started by Mr. A. E. Losey. In 1884 Mr. I. T. Dean became a member of the firm. The ground for the present location was purchased in 1888 and the present building erected at No. 720 Front St., a venture entirely on credit long since paid for in moderate installments. From this modest beginning the firm has grown to be the largest in their exclusive lines in the city and at various times has absorbed three other firms in similar lines. In the picture department every effort is made to carry only the best subjects and encourage buying the best quality goods. (Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 15, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher)


D. E. Whitney, a licensed embalmer and funeral director arrived yesterday to assist A. E. Losey during Mr. Dean’s absence. He will probably remain with them until after the holidays. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 October 1907, p. 2, c. 3)


D. E. WHITNEY IN NEW SPHERE

_____


Buys Out Losey & Dean, One of the

Oldest Firms in the History

of Brainerd

_____


ART GOODS AND UNDERTAKING

_____


I. T. Dean Retires After a Quarter

Century Active Participation in

Business Life


From Monday’s Daily:—

Interior of the Whitney Funeral Home, ca. 1915. Dan Whitney is on the left. A 1904x1352 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Daniel E. Whitney has taken over the business of Losey & Dean, engaged in the sale of art goods and the conducting of an undertaking establishment at 720 Front street.

I. T. Dean, well known and very popular and for 25 years engaged in active business life, retires at the age of 75. A. E. Losey passed away December 28, 1910 and since that time Mrs. Losey had retained her interest in the business. Mr. Whitney now takes over all the building, stock, fixtures, equipment and good will.

He had been with Losey & Dean since October, 1906, when he came from Clearwater and originally intended to locate in Ely, Nevada. He remained a month in Brainerd while Mr. Losey was on a vacation and then a month with the firm while Mr. Dean had a vacation and at the end of that period both liked him so well that he continued at the store and gave up all intention of going to Nevada. Since 1910 he had entire charge of the Losey & Dean business.

Previously he had worked for Hume & Davies of Minneapolis a year and three years for Noble & Calef of St. Cloud. Mr. Whitney is very popular in the city. He is a member of the Minnesota Funeral Directors association and belongs to the Blackhawk club and the Masonic organizations. He is the treasurer and a deacon of the First Congregational church. All his friends know him as “Dan” and they all wish him the best of success and good fortune in his new business enterprise. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 January 1914, p. 7, c. 5)


The store of D. E. Whitney has been decorated and arranged to make it one of the best of its kind in the city. The front room measuring 16 by 23 feet, provides space for displaying pictures and is so arranged that its lighting is of the best and calculated to display to advantage the many art treasures. The ceiling is of cream, the walls of tan Beaver board with strips of brown. The center room is the chapel and another display room. In the rear is the workshop. The indirect system of electric lighting is used. Steam heat is furnished by the Brainerd Model Laundry. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 October 1915, p. 2, c. 4)


HAS AUTO HEARSE

_____


D. E. Whitney Purchases Kissel Kar

With Body Built by Northwest-

ern Casket Co.


D. E. Whitney has purchased an auto hearse, the car being a Kissel of 46 horsepower and four cylinders, the body being built by the Northwestern Casket Co. The hearse has a ton chassis.

First tried out on the route to the cemetery, the car climbed all hills with ease. It will be used in Brainerd and the country and made its first public appearance at a funeral Wednesday morning. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 October 1917, p. 5, c. 1)


NOTE: The Brainerd Model Laundry was located at 214 South Eighth Street.


SEE: Brainerd Model Laundry


LOWELL GRADE SCHOOLS

Lowell Grade School on NE ‘G’ between 3rd and 4th Avenues, ca. 1939.
Source: Out of the Woods

Built of Brainerd-made Schwartz cream brick in 1894 [sic] [1893] on Northeast ‘G’ Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues, it houses the kindergarten through sixth grades. A large new addition is completed in 1903. (Brainerd's Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923; pp. 32 & 38)


Board of Education Meeting.


[...]


The special committee on the selection of a site for the East Brainerd Building reported in favor of purchasing block 26 in Farrar and Forsyth's addition at a cost of $3,000 which report was accepted. Block 26 is on third avenue just across the street from the old [horse drawn] street car barn. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 January 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


The four new school houses are all sufficiently advanced for putting on the roofs. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 July 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


Board of Education.


The electric street railway car stops at the Lowell School, ca. 1898. Fred Parker, manager, is standing in the car on the left. A 1988x1196 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

A special meeting of the board of education was held on Tuesday evening....


[...]


A motion was also carried to relieve the over crowded condition of the schools by hiring teachers for additional rooms in the Lowell and Harrison schools. The matter of purchasing shade trees was left to the repair committee to report at next meeting. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 April 1894, p. 4, c. 4)


THE SCHOOL BOARD SUED

_____


to Compel them to Admit an Un-

vaccinated Pupil to the Schools.

_____


Lowell Grade School, ca. 1894. A 952x724 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

An action has been brought against the school board to compel them to admit Elsie [sic] Warren, a pupil of the Lowell school, to attendance without vaccination contrary to the rule adopted by the board making vaccination compulsory. The suit is said to be instituted by several East Brainerd parties, who have selected the case of the Warren girl, who was sent home on that account, to test the right of the board to make such a rule.

W. A. Fleming is the attorney for the parties, and County Attorney S. F. Alderman will represent the board. The action is in the form of an application to the court for a writ of mandamus compelling the board to admit her. The hearing will be next Monday morning at 9 o’clock. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 January 1901, p. 1, c. 2)


MANDAMUS REFUSED,

_____


and Order to Show Cause why Unvac-

cinated Children Cannot Attend

School Discharged.

_____


Judge McClenahan so Decides at a

Hearing of the Case of Eliza [sic]

Warren Against the

Board

_____


The hearing in the case of Eliza [sic] Warren vs. the Board of Education and others, to test the right of the board to make a rule refusing admission to the schools of unvaccinated pupils, occurred on Monday morning before Judge McClenahan, Judge Fleming appearing for the plaintiff and County Attorney S. F. Alderman for the board. The plaintiff’s complaint alleged the facts in the case as already stated, and the answer of the defendant admitted the facts alleged by the plaintiff, but stated as an additional fact that an epidemic of small pox was threatened on Dec. 18th, when the rule was made, and is now threatened. This the plaintiff denied, but it was stipulated that all the physicians in the city would swear that in their belief it was a fact, and on the papers thus submitted Judge McClenahan decided to refuse the writ and discharge the order to show cause. As he had to go to Bemidji on the noon train to hold court the order to that effect was not signed, but it has been prepared and sent to him and is undoubtedly now made.

Judge Fleming has appealed the case to the supreme court, and went to St. Paul last night to secure an immediate hearing before that body if possible. If not the case will come up in the April term. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 January 1901, p. 1, c. 4)


SEE: Brainerd Schools Miscellaneous Information


In 1936 [sic] [1939] the old school is razed and replaced by a new structure, which costs nearly $225,000. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 49)


SCHOOL BOND ISSUE PUT UP

_____


$250,000 Asked To Replace Old Buildings Here

_____


Voters Will decide Question at Primary Election;

If Passed Will Build Two, Perhaps Three New Schools.

_____


The Brainerd Board of Education will go before the voters of Brainerd at the primary election June 20 for permission to issue bonds totaling $250,000 for the replacement of two and possibly three of Brainerd’s four main grade school buildings, it was announced by officers of the school board following a special meeting last night.

Whether that amount will be sufficient to rebuild two or three buildings depends on whether an application for funds to the Public Works Administration for 45 percent of the total cost of the structures is accepted. Such an application for PWA funds is now pending, it was said by school officials.


May Rebuild Harrison

Replaced the first Lowell Grade School built in 1894, ca. Unknown.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The board will construct new buildings to house the Lowell and Lincoln schools and, if the PWA application is accepted, will also rebuild the Harrison school in Southeast Brainerd. It is the intention of the board, however, to rebuild all four main grade buildings in the city as soon as possible.

All four of Brainerd’s central grade buildings are over 50 years old, school officials said. All four are fire traps and are obsolete in every way, even containing in some instances serious construction faults. In addition, officials continued, three of the buildings are severely overcrowded and if new buildings are not constructed, additions must be built which, in the opinion of the board, would not be sound policy as the buildings are obsolete to begin with.


Free of Debt

The Brainerd school district, it was emphasized, is at present entirely free of bonded indebtedness of any kind, with all bonds issued in connection with the construction of both the Franklin and Washington buildings as well as the extension built to the Washington building about a year ago, now retired. The last bonds were paid off last May and the issuance of this new bond issue will not cause any tax increase or complicate current financing of the district schools, officers said.

The board of education plans to immediately cast about for an architect to prepare plans and specifications for the new buildings planned for a construction start this year, if voters of the city authorize by a favorable vote June 20, the issuance of the quarter of a million dollar bonds.

[...]

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 April 1938, p. 1, c. 8)


NOTE: The Public Works Administration (PWA), part of the New Deal of 1933, was a large-scale public works construction agency in the United States headed by Secretary of the Interior Harold L. Ickes. It was created by the National Industrial Recovery Act in June 1933 in response to the Great Depression. It built large-scale public works such as dams, bridges, hospitals, and schools. Its goals were to spend $3.3 billion in the first year, and $6 billion in all, to provide employment, stabilize purchasing power, and help revive the economy. Most of the spending came in two waves in 1933-35, and again in 1938. Originally called the Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works, it was renamed the Public Works Administration in 1935 and shut down in 1944. The PWA spent over $6 billion in contracts to private construction firms that did the actual work. It created an infrastructure that generated national and local pride in the 1930s and remains vital seven decades later.


Lowell’s Past


Eighth-grade students of 1912 from the Lowell School thought their class roster might be of interest to somebody someday, 1990. A 827x1083 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Branda Shaw
Cecil Pearl Mayo, on the right, age fourteen, was one of those who signed the Eighth Grade class roster of 1912 shown above. Her friend Minnie Borden is on the left, ca. 1912.
Source: Judy Sundquist

It outlasted the tree.

On April 29, 1912, eighth-grade students at Lowell School in Brainerd planted a tree in the school yard.

Alongside, they buried a bottle containing a class roster.

The tree grew and died, but the bottle remained buried for 78 years until Wednesday.

And the names inside were still legible.

Henry Elvig was one—the father of Charles Elvig of Brainerd. “He never mentioned it,” the younger Elvig said.

Edward Ebinger was another. “He was my brother,” said Marguerite Holly.

And Mae Wilson. She later married Edward Ebinger.

The teacher was Katherine Howland. Lowell Principal Roger McHaney said he was unable to find anything about her in school records.

Only one of the classmates is known to be living today. She is Ester Krueger Borden, 94, a resident of Woodland Acres. Her nephew, Marlin Krueger, discussed it with her Friday but she did not remember.

Which is a shame. It would be nice to know the circumstances.

Was it an Arbor Day event? Probably. Schoolchildren have long marked the last Friday in April by planting trees.

But whose idea was it to plant the time capsule? And who suggested the tree be named?

No one knows. The name, however, is understandable. At the top of the page, someone wrote, “Name of tree: Titanic.”

The ill-fated ship Titanic was much on their minds. It had gone down in the North Atlantic only two weeks before.

A list of the officers of the 1912 Literary Society found in the time capsule. A 1127x517 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Branda Shaw

Backhoe operator Gary Thompson almost ignored the brown bottle when his machine dug it up Wednesday.

Lowell School Day Time Engineer Duane Henningson said Thompson told him he thought he saw something in the bottle when it rolled from the dirt and stopped his machine to check. When he picked it up, he saw the paper inside and took it to Henningson, who fished it out with a wire.

The bottle had no cap. It probably did originally. Whether it fell off or simply deteriorated over the years could not be determined, but the paper inside was in good condition and all names were legible. Many are well-known Brainerd area families.

The students were Roy Norquist, Raymond Haake, Henry Ebinger, Mae Wilson, Gertrude Vaars, David Holbrook, Maizie Taylor, Orville Merwin, Edna Norquist, Phoebe Apgar, Henry Elvig, Lenord Anderson, Esther Krueger, George Crust, Edith Caird, Arthur Gartner, Mary Hanson, Gustave Walstrom, Cecil Mayo, Mable Mudge, George Malchow, Hilding Nelson, Margaret Lundborg, Mimi Herington, Ivy Hall, Herbert Haake, John Sothson, Jennie Scott, Esther Lind, Edward Ebinger, Rudolph Torkelson, Arthur Gardner and Pearl Jackson.

McHaney said the bottle and its contents will be offered to the Crow Wing County Historical Society. (Brainerd Dispatch, 1990)


LUKEN (FRED) & COMPANY

Fred Luken’s Store on East Front Street, ca. 1890. A 1556x796 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Postcard

F. Luken & Co. is the name of the firm that has just started in the building on Front street, occupied by H. Theviot & Co. The stock consists of general produce. Mr. Luken is well known to Brainerd people and we bespeak for him a liberal patronage. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 January 1885, p. 3, c. 2)

 

F. Luken has purchased the lot on Front street, just east of Walker’s meat market, and will commence the construction of a veneered brick building at once. The building will be two stories high and about 60 or 70 feet in length. The first floor will be a large store room which Mr. Luken will occupy as soon as completed with his stock of notions and fancy articles. The construction of this building will add much to the appearance of Front Street in that locality. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 April 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


Work has been commenced by Fred Luken on the second story to his store on Front street. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 October 1899, p. 8, c. 1)


BELIEVES IN EXPANSION

_____


Fred Luken Will Build Forty Feet on His

Store Building on Front

Street.


Fred Luken has decided to build a large addition on the rear end of his store on Front street which will give him more floor space and which will be a great advantage in his business.

The addition is to be two stories high and is to be brick veneered. The extension will be forty feet which will reach back to the alley.

The work on this improvement will commence in a few days. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 September 1901, p. 3, c. 2)


ENLARGES BUSINESS PLACE

_____


Fred Luken Buys Adjacent Store

Room to Expand His

Business


The interior of Fred Luken’s store at 710 Front Street, ca. Unknown. A 1300x910 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

That there is a future beyond expectations for Brainerd in a business way as well as others, has been seen of late in the way in which heavy property owners in the business section of the city have been enlarging the places of business or placing more substantial buildings on their old sites. Fred Luken, owner of the well known “Fair,” so well known in the city and county, has added his name to the list of property owners who are willing to show their belief in Brainerd’s future in a practical way. For several years Mr. Luken has found that his business quarters are too small to accommodate his large stock of growing business and has recently purchased the store next to his and will commence immediately to renovate it. The store recently purchased by Mr. Luken, is 712, adjoining his present place of business, and already plans have been started by which the store will be made one. A new modern front window is to replace the old one, with steel beams above, and an arcade will lead from one store to another which will be one of the finest stores of its kind outside of the Cities and equal to some there.

The place purchased by Mr. Luken is the Grossman saloon, and Mr. Grossman will remove his saloon to the Davis store which is all ready for occupancy. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 July 1911, p. 3, c. 3) 


LUMBERMAN’S EXCHANGE BANK

New Banking House.


For some time it has been rumored that Brainerd would have a new bank, but the full particulars as to who the interested parties were, and when the doors would be opened to the public was not given out until within the week. It is with much pride that the Dispatch makes the announcement that the gentlemen who are connected with the new enterprise are of Brainerd’s first and best citizens, gentlemen who are noted and respected for their honesty and square dealings with their fellow men and in whom the people have the greatest confidence. The following being the proprietors as well as the officers of the institution:

President—John N. Nevers.

Vice President—Geo. A. Keene.

Cashier—C. L. Spaulding.

Each one of the above named gentlemen are men who have been in Brainerd long enough to gain the good will of the people who reside in our thriving little city. The two former are the oldest residents, Mr. Spaulding having come to Brainerd some two years ago, being previously engaged for five years as head book keeper in the First National Bank of Minneapolis and also connected with banks in eastern cities. The institution will be a private banking house, and its advent into Brainerd’s business circles is considered exceedingly advantageous to its interests by men who are in a position to know. The business will be carried on in the room occupied by Keene & Nevers on 6th street, and it is expected that active operations will be commenced on or before the 15th of the present month. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 January 1885, p. 3, c. 5)


Some fine lettering has been done on the windows of the Lumberman’s exchange bank. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 February 1885, p. 3, c. 2)


Dissolution Notice.


Notice is hereby given that the firm of Keene, Nevers & Spalding, co-partners in the real estate and insurance business and in the Lumberman’s Exchange Bank of Brainerd is this day dissolved by mutual consent, Geo. A. Keene and Jno. N. Nevers retiring from said firm and C. L Spalding continuing said business.

GEO. A. KEENE,

JNO. N. NEVERS,

C. L. SPALDING

Brainerd, Minn. Jan. 5, 1887


A CARD.


In retiring from the firm of Keene, Nevers & Spalding, we thank our patrons for business entrusted to us as members of that concern and ask a continuation of same to our successor, C. L. Spalding.

GEO. A. KEENE,

JNO. N. NEVERS.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 14 January 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


LUMBERMAN’S EXCHANGE HOTEL (MAP #14)

John Bubar has hoisted a flaming new sign at his place of business which bears the legend Lumberman’s Exchange. The hotel was formerly the Clarendon. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 September 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


NOTE: The Lumberman’s Exchange hotel was rebuilt by John Bubar after the huge fire of June 30, 1888.


John Bubar expects to have his elegant new hotel building completed and ready to throw open to the public in about two weeks. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 October 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


The Lumberman’s Exchange hotel will be opened by a grand ball next Tuesday evening. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 November 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


The opening ball given at the Lumberman’s Exchange hotel on Tuesday evening was a brilliant success. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 November 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


John Bubar is having a wind mill erected in the rear of his hotel, with which he expects to supply the place with water from a drive well which was put down ninety feet. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 September 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


Lumberman’s Exchange Hotel Leased.

_____


County Commissioner John Bubar has leased his hotel property, the Lumberman’s Exchange, to Ed. McDonald, of Little Falls, who will take charge May 1st. Mr. Bubar is just recovering from a long spell of sickness and feels the need of rest, hence he determined to retire from the active management of the hotel. Concerning the new proprietor the Little Falls Transcript says:

Ed. McDonald has returned from Brainerd, and informs us that on May 1st he will take charge of the Lumberman’s Exchange hotel at Brainerd, formerly run by John Bubar. Since selling his saloon here some weeks ago Mr. McDonald has been on the lookout for a location, and finally made a deal with Mr. Bubar on Tuesday. The hotel has always enjoyed a good business and Mr. McDonald will certainly conduct it to the satisfaction of his patrons. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 April 1895, p. 4, c. 6)


Again Has Charge.


County Commissioner John Bubar, the veteran hotel man, on Monday again took charge of his hotel property, the Exchange, after a rest of three or four months, during which time the business was conducted by Jas. McDonald, of Little Falls, who did not seem to succeed very well. Mr. Bubar has for years conducted this popular hostelry in a highly successful manner, and no doubt will do equally as well in the future. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 July 1895, p. 4, c. 6)


The Exchange Hotel has been leased again by Mr. Bubar, the proprietor, to J. P. Taylor, who has been managing the business for Mr. Bubar for some time. Mr. Taylor is an experienced man at the business and will make a success of it. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 September 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


The Lumberman’s Exchange hotel, formerly owned by John Bubar, was purchased this week by J. N. Nevers, R. J. Hartley and M. Hagberg. E. Chamberlain, who has been proprietor of the Stratton House for some time, has leased the property from the above gentlemen for a term of years, and is moving into it. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 October 1895, p. 4, c. 5)


NOTE: The Lumberman’s Exchange Hotel eventually became the Antlers Hotel.


Ed. Chamberlain has sold his interest in the Exchange hotel to E. K. Woodin, who is making extensive improvements, and fitting it up in first-class shape. The name will be changed to “The Antlers.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 October 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


SEE: Antlers Hotel


LUMBERMEN’S HOSPITAL (MAP #41)

The new boarding hall on 1st avenue is nearly completed and will be occupied soon. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 20 September 1883, p. 3, c. 5)


Peter Ort has rented the old First Avenue Hotel in East Brainerd, and has had it thoroughly refitted and furnished. The formal opening of the hotel will occur on Saturday night, Dec. 20th, with a ball and fine supper. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 December 1890, p. 4, c. 5)


East Brainerd Hotel, located in northeast, became the first Lumbermen's Hospital, ca. 1900's.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch
Dr. Camp began the Lumbermen’s Hospital which later became St. Joseph’s Hospital, ca. 1914.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

In 1890 Dr. James L. Camp buys the hotel of William S. Brockway and converts it into what he calls the Lumbermen's Hospital, containing fifteen beds. This is located on the northeast corner of what are now First Avenue NE and “A” (Kindred) Streets. Its principal advantage is that it stands alongside the railroad spur between the new mill at the Potlatch site and the main line of the Northern Pacific Railroad. Strangely enough, the very shop employees who always "jumped out the window on payday" when boarding at Brockway's East Hotel, now agitate for the return of their boarding house. So Camp, in November 1892, leases the First Avenue Hotel a half-block north and still on the line.


A year later, in 1893, an outfit called the Northwestern Hospital Association of Minneapolis buys property at the west end of Holly Street about where St. Joseph's now stands and proceeds to plan construction of a hospital. But the Brainerd City Council objects because the sewage outlet would be just upstream from where the City cuts its ice. Camp steps in, buys the property from NHA, acquires other surrounding lands, makes changes accommodating the desires of the City Council, and moves his Lumbermen's Hospital Association to that site in September 1893, this hospital contains thirty-five beds. When it is purchased from Camp by the Benedictine Sisters' Hospital Association, on 17 September 1900 [09 August 1900], the institution known as St. Joseph's Hospital comes into being. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 72 & 73)


Note: Zapffe is incorrect regarding the sale date of the Lumbermen’s Hospital, the sale occurred on 09 August 1900 NOT 17 September 1900. The Benedictines took possession on 15 September 1900.


New Institution.


Dr. J. L. Camp, A. F. Groves and H. E. Richmond, formerly with the Lumbermen’s hospital in this city, have withdrawn from that institution and associated themselves together in a venture of their own. Temporary quarters have been secured in East Brainerd, the building known as the First avenue hotel having been leased, which is now undergoing a thorough course of refitting and will be ready for occupancy in a few days. In the spring a commodious building will be erected on lots owned by Dr. Camp on Bluff avenue, which will be modern in all its appointments and will be the permanent home of the institution. The gentlemen start in with every prospect of success, several of the largest logging firms in the northern part of the state having made contracts with them. Mr. Richmond will be the general superintendent and Drs. Camp and Groves will attend to the medical and surgical duties. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 December 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


Arrangements have been completed so far that it is expected the Lumbermen’s hospital in East Brainerd will be opened tomorrow. It will be a first-class institution in every respect. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 December 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


The Lumbermen’s Hospital association, of Brainerd, has purchased the buildings on Bluff avenue recently occupied by the Northwestern Hospital association, of Minneapolis, and is having them repaired and fitted up in first-class shape. The adjoining property has also been purchased and additional buildings are being erected thereon to accommodate the ever increasing business of the association. The work is being carried on under the personal supervision of H. E. Richmond, the general manager, who seems to be unusually successful in managing this class of work. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 July 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


On Monday last the Lumbermen's hospital moved into their new quarters on Bluff avenue from East Brainerd where the institution has been located since it was opened. The new place has been entirely remodeled and placed in first-class condition. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 September 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


Lumbermen’s Hospital Sold.


Founder of St. Joseph’s Hospital in 1900, Mother Superior Scholastica Kerst of the Benedictines, 1878.
Source: Thomas M. Swem

Dr. Camp yesterday sold the Lumbermen’s Hospital to the Benedictine Sisters, of Duluth, for $9,000. Mother Superior Scholastica, who has been in the city several days, conducted the negotiations. They will take possession Sept. 1, and will greatly enlarge and improve it at once. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 August 1900, p. 1, c. 6)


The Benedictine Sisters, of Duluth, who recently purchased the Lumbermen’s Hospital of this city will take possession tomorrow, when Dr. Camp will move out. Six of the sisters will remain here in charge. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 September 1900, p. 8, c. 1)


Fire animation On December 17, 1903 a fire completely destroyed the First Avenue Hotel in northeast Brainerd. This building was, at one time, the Lumbermen’s Hospital started by Dr. James Camp. When it burned, the building was owned by Emma Forsythe and the hotel was conducted by George Rappel.


SEE: 1903 First Avenue Hotel Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


Fire animation On 01 November 1923 a fire burned the Kindred hotel, better known as the old East Hotel, owned by Mrs. Emma Forsythe and built by William S. Brockway ca.1883. The hotel was, at one time, used as the Lumbermen’s Hospital by Dr. James L. Camp.


SEE: 1923 East Hotel Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.

SEE: Saint Joseph’s Hospital


LYCEUM THEATRE

LYCEUM THEATRE TO OPEN SOON

_____


New Theatre of Messrs. Clinton &

Meyers of Duluth Located Cor-

ner 6th and Laurel

_____


LARGE ELECTRIC SIGN PLACED

_____


Interior Repainted and Decorated,

Changes Made in Equipment

and Ventilating


Interior decorations and changes made, and the exterior decorating and addition of a large electric sign, has so far proceeded at the new “Lyceum” theatre, that this movie house of Clinton & Meyers, corner Sixth and Laurel streets is expected to open Christmas day.

There have also been changes to equipment and ventilation, all contributing to make it the equal of some of the best houses in the chain of Clinton & Meyers theatres. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 December 1920, p. 5, c. 3)


LYCEUM THEATRE OPENS CHRISTMAS

_____


Will Add Its Share to the Mirth,

Amusement and Education of

City of Brainerd

_____


VENTILATING SYSTEM IS ADDED

_____


Opening Program has Been Especially

Selected for the Day, “If I

Were a King”


The Lyceum theatre, formerly the “Best” opens its doors on the greatest of all days at 1:30 p. m. to help add its share of mirth, amusement and education to the city life of Brainerd. Not the least of the physical improvements to the theatre are a wonderful ventilating system and a newly installed rest room for the ladies.

The opening program has been especially selected for the day and no better selection could have been made than the stirring story of a devil-may-care rogue who won glory for France and captured the heart of a noblewoman, “If I Were King” by Justin Huntley McCarthy with William Farnum.

On Sunday there will be a double attraction, Mary Miles Minter in “Sweet Lavender” and Buster Keaton, the sober faced comedian in “Neighbors” while on Monday and Tuesday Zane Grey’s story “The U. P. Trail” will be presented. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 December 1920, p. 7, c. 4)


OPENED CHRISTMAS

_____


Lyceum With Many Improvements

Made, Now Directed by W. R.

Hiller of Fergus Falls


Lyceum Theatre, located on the southeast corner of Sixth and Laurel Streets, later became the Coast-to-Coast hardware store, ca. 1920.
Source: Images of America: Brainerd

The Lyceum, with many improvements made, opened to the public Christmas, with W. R. Hiller of Fergus Falls as the new resident manager. Mr. Hiller’s wife and little baby will join him this week and they were fortunate in securing a residence on the north side.

Mr. Hiller has had much experience as a manager in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. He is a finished clarinetist and before being in the picture business played with Hagenbeck & Wallace shows and was three years with the original Kilties band on their tour of the world during which they visited 16 countries and were absent from America two years and a month.

On Christmas a Duluth organist played at the Lyceum. The projection of the new house was exceptionally good. The improvements made in the house, from ventilating system to a double set of front doors eliminating draft, the new incline to the Sixth street entrance, ladies’ rest room in the basement, all are appreciated by patrons. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 December 1920, p. 5, c. 2)


Moving pictures were taken of the Northern Pacific railway shops today noon by Manager Hiller of the Lyceum theatre and the same will be shown next week in the news weekly at the Lyceum. The weather conditions were good and the pictures are expected to show up clear and good and reveal in interesting pictures the chief industry of Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 June 1921, p. 2, c. 3)


Fatty Woods in the Movies at

Lyceum Theatre


“Fatty” Woods Ad for one of his movies showing at the Lyceum Theatre, 14 July 1921.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch
An ad for a Tom Mix movie, 14 October 1921.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

“The Spenders,” Benjamin B. Hampton’s photoplay of Harry Leon Wilson’s famous novel which opened at the Lyceum theatre last night.

It is a masterpiece, both as a photoplay primarily, and as a novel on the silversheet. A perfect reproduction of the novel in story, characterization and setting. It carries to the screen the well-known Harry Leon Wilson humor, unique ad unexcelled.

The prominent roles are interpreted by a cast of the screen’s best character stars. Joseph J. Dowling, the “Miracle Man” takes the role of “Uncle Peter Bines,” a character said to surpass the masterpiece of Sol Smith Russell and W. H. Craine in whimsical humor and humanness. Robert McKim plays “Rulon Shepler” with this usual power and vitality. Beautiful young Claire Adams, who has recently become a Benjamin B. Hampton star after smashing successes in previous pictures for that producer, demonstrates once more that she is a coming genius of the silversheet in her work as “Avice Milbrey.” Niles Welch is the ideal romantic hero as “Percival Bines” and last but not least “Fatty” Woods, the popular Brainerd young man takes the part of one of “The Spenders” and hundreds were out to see him “get” in the movies last night. The same program shows again tonight. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 July 1921, p. 3, c. 4)


NOTE: Thomas A. “Fatty” Wood is often referred to as Woods rather than Wood.


SEE: 1913 "Bullet Joe" Bush, World Series Pitcher in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.

SEE: 1915 Brainerd Shown in Moving Pictures in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.

SEE: 1917 “I Only Weigh 484 Now,” Said Fat Wood to Courier-News, Fargo in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.

SEE: 1919 Tom “Fatty” Wood is Interviewed in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.

SEE: 1929 Brainerd’s Who’s Who Get Limelight in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.

SEE: 1971 Charlie Chaplin Film Featuring Brainerd Resident, Tom “Fatty” Wood is Shown in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.


CONSIDER BETTER SHOW CONDITIONS

_____


Brainerd to Receive “Talkies” When

New House or Remodeling Completed

_____


HILLER ATTENDS CONVENTION

_____


Theatre is in New Era, Managers

Are Taught at F. and

R. Meet


W. R. Hiller, manager of local F. and R. theatres has returned from Minneapolis where he attended a three day school of instruction of all F. and R., and Publix theatre managers in which the fact was stressed that the theatre is at present in a different world than what it was before “sound” made its appearance in connection with the silversheet.

“We were drilled from every standpoint of reception of “sound.” The theatre has become an important part in the revolutionizing of the motion picture industry with the addition of “talkies.” Every manager was informed that the old style of theatre operation was past and that everyone must acquaint himself thoroughly with the changes,” said Mr. Hiller.

Mr. Hiller was promised that Brainerd would be included with theatres carrying “all speaking movies” although this new feature would not be installed until a new theatre is built or the Park theatre is remodeled.

Mr. Hiller stated that officials of F. and R. were considering improved theatre conditions for Brainerd and that they would announce their plans when they have decided upon the procedure.

Synchronized phonographic music may soon be installed at the Lyceum theatre as an added musical feature. Mr. Hiller said. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 December 1928, p. 7, c. 2)


ELKS HOSTS TO ALL CHILDREN MONDAY

_____


Theatre Party Arranged at Lyceum

Theatre as Elks Christmas

Treat

_____


SPECIAL PICTURE PROGRAM

_____


First Show to Start at 10 A. M.

Santa Claus to Pass Out

“Goodies”


All children of grade school age are invited to become guests of the Elks Lodge at a Christmas theatre party to be held Monday morning at the Lyceum theatre.

To accommodate all the children expected to attend, there will be two shows, the first to start at 10 a. m. and the second to begin at 11:15 a. m.

Santa Claus will be there to give Christmas sweetmeats, peanuts, candy and apples to all children as they pass out of the theatre.

Those who will be unable to obtain seats for the first show will be taken care of by the lodge until after the first show when they will be permitted to attend the second.

The party is an annual Christmas custom instituted by the lodge.

The show program includes a Felix comedy, an “Our Gang” comedy and a two reel western thriller, secured by Mr. Hiller. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 December 1928, p. 7, c. 3)


ELKS TO GIVE 25 BASKETS TO NEEDY

_____


To Assist in Making Christmas

Merry to Many Needy Families

in Community

_____


SHOW FOR KIDDIES

_____


Two Shows Booked at Lyceum The-

atre for All Kiddies Monday

Morning; Special Program


The Brainerd Lodge of Elks will give 25 baskets to needy families of the community to make a Christmas possible for that number of families.

In a Christmas greeting to members of the lodge part of the charitable work program is outlined.

It says in part:

“This is the time of the year when our hearts go out in tender sympathy to the needy, to whom Christmas does not seem so merry.

“As hard as our own lot seems sometimes, and although we may often become discouraged, we are wealthy compared with the homes in which numerous little tots are wondering of Santa Claus is really as good and kind as people say he is, and if he will remember them this Christmas. There are lots of children who think Santa does not come to their homes because they are so poor.

“You know the activities of your lodge in charitable work. This Thanksgiving we distributed 25 baskets to cheer the hearts of that many needy families in our community, and we want to put out a like number for Christmas. This does not take care of all, but we are trying to do our best. Just now our committee is busy preparing for the Christmas show, and soliciting contributions for candy and apples, at which we endeavor to take care of all the kiddies. Santa Claus is going to be with us again this year, and has promised a little entertainment, as well as a story of his travels.”

The Elks Christmas party to all kids will be held at the Lyceum theatre Monday morning starting at 10 a. m.

Children who will be unable to secure a seat for the 10 o’clock show will be accommodated at a second show at 11:15 a. m. Santa Claus will be in attendance to distribute candy, fruit and nuts. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 December 1928, p. 7, c. 3)


ELKS HOSTS TO MANY CHILDREN

_____


Theatre Party at the Lyceum This

Morning Had Both Shows

Crowded to the Doors


All children of grade school age flocked to the Lyceum this morning to accept the presents and attend the show tendered them by the Elks, assisting business men and the Lyceum theatre.

The theatre was appropriately decorated and Santa Claus was there in all his glory. The show program had been selected by W. R. Hiller from F. & R. offerings and included a Felix comedy, and “Our Gang” comedy and a two reel western thriller.

Santa Claus distributed Christmas sweetmeats, peanuts, apples and candy to the children. The Christmas party was a huge success and all the kiddies have a warm spot in their hearts for all who contributed to make it such a success.

The weather was mild, 40 degrees above zero, and no one suffered from cold waiting for the next show to begin. These parties are given annually by the Elks, the theatre and those assisting and are now firmly established in the calendar of youthful citizens of Brainerd and vicinity. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 December 1928, p. 4, c. 3)


LYCEUM TO HAVE NEW AUDITONE

_____


Music Attraction to Be in Use at

Theatre for First Time

Sunday

_____


New Musical Effect Will Cue All

Pictures in Vitaphone

Style


W. R. Hiller, manager of F. and R. theatres, announced today that he had secured the new Auditone for installation in the Lyceum Theatre.

The new music feature at the theatre will replace the present system of music accompaniment and, according to Mr. Hiller, will be popularly received by the people of Brainerd when heard.

Mr. Hiller reported that the machine was expected in the city tomorrow and would be heard for the first time here at the Sunday matinee and in the evening.

The new Auditone will permit cueing of all pictures with Vitaphone effect. The cabinet and operating booth of the musical addition will be located in the balcony of the theatre with sound horns on the stage. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 March 1929, p. 3, c.’s 3 & 4)


NEW AUDITONE GETS POPULAR GREETING

_____


Audiences Receive Benefit of Musical

Addition at the Lyceum

Theatre

_____


OPERATORS BECOME EXPERT

_____


Trick Cueing Produces Unique Ac-

companiments to Silver Sheet

Attractions


The new auditone installed at the Lyceum theatre and heard for the first time in Brainerd last Sunday has received the unsolicited approval of many theatregoers.

As the operators become more proficient in the cueing of the pictures freak accompaniments can be worked to advantage, such as in the case of comedies. Further, the realism of dramas may be additionally portrayed through this method.

Already the new auditone has demonstrated its worth. Its effect has been similar to Vitaphone although of course the latter is superior.

The song, “My Mother’s Eyes,” was cleverly presented as a feature of the machine in the past two days. Weekly news features have further been enlivened by the use of appropriate music.

Music particularly adaptable to the movie to be shown accompanies each picture. It is thus possible to cue the feature presentations. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 March 1929, p. 7, c. 2)


HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO INSPECT LYCEUM

_____


Council Orders Investigation Into

Sanitary and Safety Condi-

tions at Theatre

_____


WILL RECEIVE REPORT

_____


Council Threatens to Revoke Finkel-

stein and Ruben License

Here


On motion of Alderman V. F. Anderson and V. E. Quanstrom at the city council meeting last evening the city health department, fire chief and the building inspector were ordered to make an examination of the Lyceum theatre as to safety and sanitation and to report back to the next regular meeting of the council

The resolution embodied the rider that should unsanitary conditions be found the city clerk be instructed to notify Finkelstein and Ruben to present cause at the next meeting why the Lyceum theatre license should not be revoked. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 June 1929, p. 6, c. 1)


COUNCIL RESOLUTION SOMEWHAT UNJUST

_____


THE resolution passed by the city council at its last meeting concerning the conditions at the Lyceum theatre, while true in most respects, was not in accordance with the facts as to the unsanitary conditions of the theatre. In fact, with the old inadequate equipment he has, Manager Hiller has kept the Lyceum building, both the auditorium and the upstairs, unusually clean, and as well ventilated as is possible with the facilities for ventilation that are provided.

As to the facilities provided by the management for a motion picture theatre adequate to a city of the size and importance of Brainerd, too much cannot be said in condemnation.

True, the management has promised to correct this condition, but it is moving so slowly in the matter that the members of the council, as well as other citizens, are becoming very impatient at what seems to be unnecessary delay in making good its promises. Let us hope the resolution of the council will result in more speedy action. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 June 1929, p. 4, c.’s 1 & 2)


COUNCIL GIVES STRICT ORDERS TO F. & R.

_____


Revocation of Lyceum Theatre Li-

cense to Come Unless Good

Defense Shown

_____


ISSUES ULTIMATUM

_____


City Health Officer Reports That Ven-

tilation System Constitutes a

Health Hazard


Acting in the belief that causes sufficient had been presented to them making it justifiable to revoke the license of the Lyceum theatre the city council instructed City Clerk, Mrs. E. T. Fleener, to notify Finkelstein and Ruben officials to appear at the next meeting and show cause why the proposed action of revoking the license should not be carried through.

The council took action following a report by Dr. John Thabes, Jr., city health officer that the system of ventilation in the theatre constituted a health hazard.

Dr. Thabes reported that he had examined the theatre on two different occasions. He said that as far as the actual cleanliness of the floors was concerned it would pass approval. He told the council, however, that the ventilation was faulty and that in his opinion it constituted a health hazard.

“I found that while there is circulation of air by means of fans there is no provision made for receiving fresh air and discharging stale air,” said Dr. Thabes. He estimated there were 450 people in the theatre when he made the inspection last Sunday evening.

Dr. Thabes also submitted the following written statement:

“In reply to your request for a report on the condition of the Lyceum theatre as regards sanitary conditions and any health hazard which may exist, the situation may be briefly summarized, thus: the actual sanitary condition in so far as cleanliness of floors, lavatories, toilets, etc., is very good. In the matter of ventilation we find that there is provision made by means of inside fans for the circulation of the air in the theatre, but that there is no adequate provision made for supplying fresh air or removing stale air, and in this respect there is a definite health hazard.”

Attorney C. A. Ryan urged that the council take immediate action to bring about better theatre conditions in the city. He charged that the Finkelstein and Ruben officials were stalling for time and that unless action was demanded improvements would be delayed over the year.

“I’m convinced that Finkelstein and Ruben are stalling and that unless this council demands action we will not get a new theatre this year. I have been in weekly communication with officials of the company and during an interview with officials in Minneapolis six weeks ago I was assured that the New Park would be completed and ready for occupancy in September. At the best, if construction work is started now, the theatre could not be completed before November. I sincerely believe they are stalling to capitalize on the present building without increasing the expenditure. The announcement that architects had completed plans for the new theatre is not news. The plans were completed weeks ago,” said Mr. Ryan.

Mr. Ryan assured the council members they were taking the right stand in bringing about better theatre conditions. He asserted that the report that Publix theatres considered purchase of F. and R. interest should not deter them in demanding immediate action.

Alderman W. J. Hall agreed with Mr. Ryan in the statement that the theatre magnates were stalling.

Alderman V. E. Quanstrom deplored the situation here, compared it with that in towns of half the size and less where improved conditions had been made and said he would like to see the Lyceum theatre closed for six months. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 July 1929, p. 7, c. 1)


COUNCIL TO ACT ON THEATRE LICENSE

_____


License of Lyceum to be Revoked Un-

less Cause Shown Why

it Should Not Be

_____


TO MEET TONIGHT

_____


Acquisition of F. and R. Interests by

Paramount Famous Lasky

Announced


Acquisition of the Finkelstein and Ruben interests by the Paramount Famous Lasky Corporation which includes F. and R. theatres in Brainerd, will not deter the city council in its action this evening in demanding that theatre conditions in this city be improved as quickly as possible, a leader in the fight to secure better facilities said today.

Unless Lyceum theatre owners can show proper cause why the license should not be revoked, the council will proceed with action to close the theatre, an alderman who requested that his name be withheld from publication in connection with the statement said.

F. and R. officials were notified following the last meeting of the council to appear at the next meeting and show cause why the license should not be revoked. Action followed a report by Dr. John Thabes, Jr., city health officer, that the system of ventilation in the theatre constituted a health hazard.

C. A. Ryan, of the law firm of Ryan, Ryan, and Ryan, will advise the council in legal matters in this connection this evening in the absence of City Attorney D. H. Fullerton who is at present en route for England to attend an international gathering of attorneys.

It was not known here at noon today what officials would be present to argue the case for the Lyceum theatre.

_____


New York, July 15—(UP)—Paramount Famous Lasky corporation today announced that it has acquired as of July 1 through exchange of stock The Northwest Theatres, Inc., operating theatres in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The main office of the Northwest company is located in Minneapolis. It was formerly known as the Ruben and Finkelstein circuit.

No price was announced in the sale but Wall Street interests place the figure at approximately $10,000,000.

_____


St. Paul. July 15.—The transaction by which more than 120 theatres in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North and South Dakota were acquired from Hamm, Finkelstein and Ruben by Paramount-Famous-Lasky, today was termed by theatre men one of the greatest transactions of its kind in the northwest.

Included in the purchase were 45 motion picture houses in St. Paul and Minneapolis and others in Austin, Brainerd, Duluth, Eau Claire, Eveleth, Fargo, Fairmont, Grand Forks, Hibbing, Mankato, Moorhead, Northfield, Rochester, St. Cloud, Superior, Waseca and Winona

The theatres will be operated by Publix Theatre Corporation, William Hamm declared, an operating branch of Paramout-Famous-Lasky.

“I believe so far as the public is concerned the change will be highly beneficial,” Hamm said. “The present organization of the theatre circuit remains intact. Harold Finkelstein and Edward Ruben, sons of the founders of the firm, will be kept in high executive positions.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 July 1929, p. 7, c. 3)


DEMAND WORK START

ON THEATRE BY AUGUST

_____


Council Votes to Automatically Revoke

Licenses August 1 Unless

Work Underway

_____


STORMY SESSION ENSUES

_____


W. R. Hiller States That Interests in-

tend to Take Care of Brainerd

as Soon as Possible


A stormy session in which all persons involved were unanimous in that Brainerd needs better theatre facilities but undecided as to the length of time to further allot interests governing the expansion of local theatres ended by the city council going on record last evening demanding the start of the improvements in this city by August 1.

Should action be delayed on either the Lyceum or Park theatres beyond the specified date, the council voted unanimously that the two licenses be automatically revoked.

Definite action regarding the ultimatum issued to F. and R. officials two weeks ago to appear at the next meeting and show cause why the license of the Lyceum theatre should not be revoked because of unsatisfactory ventilation as bared in a report by Dr. John A. Thabes, Jr., city health officer, came after more than an hour’s discussion.

The resolution as adopted on motion of Aldermen W. J. Lyonais and W. J. Hall follows:

“That Finkelstein and Ruben be given to August 1 to remedy the unsatisfactory conditions as shown by reports on file regarding the Lyceum theatre and to show some visible signs of construction at the New Park theatre or the license will be automatically revoked at both theatres.”

The reports read by Mrs. E. T. Fleener, city clerk, regarding the condition of the Lyceum theatre and on which the council based its action were those from City Engineer R. T. Campbell, City Health Office Dr. John A. Thabes, Jr. and City Fire Inspector H. McGinn.

Dr. Thabes’ report again emphasized the need of better ventilating, stating that conditions as now exist in the circulation of air at the theatre constituted a health hazard.

City Engineer Campbell’s report was a review of the structure and layout of the building. He stated that the building was constructed properly to meet the requirements of the city building code but criticized the structure of the exits. In this respect he wrote:

“In my opinion the use of the Lyceum theatre as a theatre is hazardous on account of conditions shown and especially the design of its exits. At both front and rear exits conditions exist which tend to make obstructions when a crowd attempts to go out quickly.”

The written report of Fire Inspector H. McGinn follows:

“I have inspected the Lyceum theatre as to its hazardous conditions as per your request and find it to be clean and free from all rubbish. However, there are conditions about the building that I do not approve of. First, that fires in moving picture shows generally occur in the booth which, in the Lyceum, is directly over the main exit which would leave the Sixth street exit the only means of escape and the floor of this exit is below the street level which should not be. In my estimation the building should be condemned as a theatre.”

Alderman W. J. Hall who has been a conscientious objector to the theatre conditions in this city for the past year lead the fight last evening to demand immediate action in the correction of conditions.

He was in favor of revocation of the license of the theatre immediately on the grounds that the Finkelstein and Ruben officials had received sufficient warning.

Attorney C. A. Ryan, president of the Chamber of Commerce who also has taken an active lead in the fight to secure better facilities urged the council to take a definite stand and to prevent any further “stalling” by the theatre interests.

W. R. Hiller of local theatres pleaded the cause of the theatre owners and explained the situation regarding the acquisition of F. and R. stock by the Paramount Famous Lasky Corporation. He said the deal was now official and that the new operating heads of the Northwest Theatres would correct the conditions here at the earliest possible time. He said that this city would have secured a new theatre several months back but for the reason that the transfer deal was pending. He said that improvements were not started by F. and R. because had they so been done they would not have received any additional consideration in the purchase price than what is quoted at the present.

“I believe we are now headed for some real action,” said Mr. Hiller, “the company has been delayed considerably by the transaction but I believe that work will be started at the New Park in a short time. Now that the transfer is known I can say that the delay was caused by it. We would have like to have announced our plans earlier but we were directed to maintain secrecy about the transfer. I would ask that you give the company a reasonable time to start operations before taking drastic actions. There are seven or eight employees at the Lyceum theatre who depend on the theatre for their livelihood. I ask that this feature be also considered.”

Mr. Hiller added that shipment of Vitaphone equipment has already been made to Brainerd by the Western Electric Co. He said that 22 boxes of the equipment valued at $15,000 has been stored in the Park theatre for future use here.

Mr. Ryan said he was talking for business interests in this city and as president of the Chamber of Commerce in qualifying himself to talk on the question.

“I take this view that since the purchase of F. and R. interests has been officially announced we are just about at the place we started from one year ago. Our work with F. and R. has gone to nothing. We must now start in over again with the new corporation. Definite promises were made to me by F. and R. officials that we would have a new theatre by September. There has been little done to assure us that the work will start this summer. Now that we have reports of investigations by officials that the Lyceum is undesirable we are justifiable in revoking the license.”

Alderman Hall; “After exhausting our patience for one year I believe we are justified in asking for the immediate revocation of the license.”

Alderman Lyonais: “I will second the motion if we give them 30 days.”

Alderman Hall: “They’ve had sufficient notice. We’ve been humiliated long enough. Why should we stand by and swallow a lot of this mush they are handing us. Every organization in the city has gone on record demanding improved conditions. Are we going to stand for all these excuses handed us. If we have any backbone at all now is the time to show it.”

Alderman Hall: “Suppose tomorrow night fire broke out in the Lyceum theatre and 100 people burned we’d feel sorry we didn’t take action to prevent it.”

Mr. Hiller stated that the building was inspected regularly by the state fire marshal.

Mr. Ryan claimed that the Park theatre also was a hazard, that the roof might collapse at any time.

Mr. Hiller stated that plans for construction call for the complete gutting of the Park theatre. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 July 1929, p. 7, c.’s 1 & 2)


City Attorney Fullerton stated that he was not representing the Publix theatres but that it had come to his attention that the corporation desired to operate the Lyceum to meet the demand for a reduced price theatre.

The council delayed action on the Lyceum license to further investigate the matter. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 January 1930, p. 7, c. 2)


To Put Up Lattice Work


The council granted permission to Harry Greenberg manager of the Paramount theatre to erect lattice work around the sign in front of the old Lyceum theatre, thus permitting the sign to remain standing. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 September 1930, p. 7, c. 2)


LYCEUM LEASE TAKEN OVER BY THE BURG CO.

_____


Negotiations Closed by Publix and

Burg Officials Taking Over

20-Year Lease

_____


WORK TO START MONDAY

_____


F. J. Britton and Son Awarded Con-

tract; New Location to

be Occupied Dec. 1


The Burg Co. will open business in the old Lyceum theatre location, corner of Laurel and Sixth streets on December 1, according to an announcement made today of the transfer of the lease from the Publix Theatre Corporation and subsequent awarding of the rebuilding contract to F. J. Britton and Son, work to start Monday.

This important change in downtown business locations came jointly from L. J. Burg, treasurer of The Burg Co. and Harry Greenberg, manager of the Brainerd Paramount theatre.

Negotiations closed by the two companies call for the transfer of the lease for 20 years.

In compliance with their usual custom in construction work, the Burg Co. official announced that all outside bidders for the remodeling work here had been rejected in favor of local contractors.

Mr. Burg further announced that “a good many thousands of dollars will be spent there and we want to leave all of it in Brainerd, if possible.”

Brainerd union labor will be employed while Brainerd material as far as possible will be purchased, he stated.

Plans for the new store call for complete remodeling of the exterior and interior with two entrances on Laurel street and one on Sixth street, entire renovation of the interior, new modern lighting system, steel supports for the new floors and steel and concrete supports for the walls, stock room in the basement and a delivery chute from Sixth street.

The exterior design will be granite base, the top of tapestry glass with copper framings.

The Burg Co. will continue to do business as in the past six years at its location on Front street until the new store is ready for occupancy.

“We are happy to announce final negotiations closed with The Burg Co. who will now occupy the Lyceum theatre property. It pleases us to have as reliable a firm as The Burg Co. take over our lease,” Mr. Greenberg said, announcing also that equipment in the old theatre will be removed with the progress of construction. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 October 1930, p. 7, c. 1)


NOTE: The Burg Co. was a variety store.


SEE: Columbia Theatre

SEE: Best Theatre

SEE: Park Opera House / Paramount Theatre

SEE: Hayes Block


MAHLUM BLOCK (MAP #31)

Built by Mons Mahlum located on the southeast corner of Laurel and South Eighth [Broadway] Streets.


OPEN FOR BUSINESS

_____


The Brainerd Lumber & Mercantile

Company Opened for Business in

Mahlum Block This Morning


Mahlum Lumber Company, ca. Unknown. A 1608x834 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
Inside the Mahlum Lumber Company planing mill, ca. Unknown. A 1906x1332 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The Brainerd Lumber & Mercantile company today opened its general merchandise store in the Mahlum block for business. The merchandise department of the business will be under the control of C. C. Beim, the secretary of the company and a merchant of experience. They will carry a full line of general merchandise including dry goods, shoes, groceries, etc. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 May 1908, p. 5, c. 1)


MAHLUM BLOCK.


Mahlum Block and yards of the Mahlum Lumber Company on the southeast corner of Laurel and 8th to 10th, ca. 1910.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 8, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher

A company owned and controlled by local people, the Mahlum Lumber Co. is one of the most important of the business firms of the city. The firm does a general wholesale and retail business in lumber, lath, shingles, moulding, sash and doors, etc., have offices in the building shown above and their yards extend along Laurel street from 7th [sic] [8th] to 10th streets. (Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 8, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher)


A SUCCESSFUL MERCHANT

_____


R. Buchman Mercantile Co. Enlarges

its Floor Space to Take Care

of Increasing Business


Two years ago R. [Robert] Buchman came from Duluth and started a store, the Buchman Mercantile Co., in Brainerd. Square dealing and good value for the money was his motto in merchandising and his establishment met with ready favor and business grew so rapidly that today he has been compelled to add floor space to his quarters in the Mahlum block in order to care for the increasing patronage accorded the firm.

The room formerly occupied by the Mahlum Lumber Co. has been vacated by the lumber firm and they will build an office to the rear of the block. Mr. Buchman takes this additional space, 25 by 100 feet, thus increasing his floor space to 5000 square feet. In this part a men’s furnishings department and a shoe department will be placed. On the north side of the store will be an up-to-date suit and cloak department, dry goods and other lines.

New fixtures will be put in position, the store will be re-arranged and everything possible done to make it a bright center of merchandising. Skillful and persistent advertising has contributed to build up Mr. Buchman’s success and like every modern businessman, Mr. Buchman believes in the efficacious use of printer’s ink in the Dispatch. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 November 1911, p. 3, c. 5)


NOTE: Robert Buchman purchased the Walverman Block from Mrs. Elizabeth M. Koop for about $27,000 in December 1911.


SEE: Walverman Block


Fire animation On March 7, 1914 the Mahlum Block located on the southeast corner of Laurel Street and Broadway [South Eighth Street] containing the Levant Department Store and two apartments, one occupied by the J. P. Early family and a building owned by the O’Brien Mercantile Company burned in a spectacular fire, damages amounted to about $13,000.


SEE: 1914 Mahlum Block Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


MAHLUM HOTEL (MAP #31)

Anton Mahlum, early Brainerd resident, owner of the Mahlum Block, ca. 1920.
Source: Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan

Located on the southeast corner of Laurel and South Eighth [Broadway] Streets.


Anton Mahlum kept a hotel on the corner of Laurel and South Eighth [Broadway] Streets. (Biography: March 1936; Joseph Kiebler, born 06 April 1860; Crow Wing County Historical Society)


Wick & Mahlum Hotel Ad, 13 April 1872.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

Wick & Mahlum, the proprietors of the splendid new hotel on the corner of Laurel and Broadway, call their house the “Hotel Svea.” The term “Svea” is the name of a beautiful and fertile district in Sweden—their native country. The hotel is certainly an honor to the name, and they cordially invite our citizens and the public to call and see them. They also wish to return their sincere thanks to Mr. Edward Selander, the architect and builder, and the other mechanic, and laborers for their noble work in the building of so creditable a structure. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 April 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


Wick & Mahlum Hotel Ad, 22 June 1872.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

BARN AND TEAM BURNED—Yesterday afternoon as Mr. Wick, one of the proprietors of the Hotel Svea, corner Laurel and Broadway, was raking up his yard and burning the rubbish, near the barn, that structure caught fire and was speedily consumed. It contained a team of mules, harnesses, and considerable other property, all of which was burned before it could be got out. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 April 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


Loss Paid.


The loss sustained by Messrs. Wick & Mahlum in the recent destruction of their barn by fire, has been promptly and fully paid up by the Hartford Fire Insurance Co. F. F. Knappen, Esq., is the local agent here, and will insure all insurable property in this first class company. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 May 1872, p. 1, c. 6)


GONE TO SWEDEN.


Our esteemed fellow-townsman, William Wick, Esq., until recently the senior proprietor of the Hotel Svea, took his departure on Thursday morning for his old home at Filipestad and Fredriksberg, in Sweden. Mr. Wick’s departure was somewhat sudden, on account of the sad intelligence he received that his aged mother was lying at the point of death. He will be absent some six months, when he expects to return and re-embark in business with us again. His wife will remain here during his absence. Mr. Wick has made hosts of warm friends in Brainerd, who will regret his absence exceedingly, and who wish him a safe journey and speedy return. By his honest industry Mr. W. has amassed considerable means in Brainerd, and before leaving he requested us to return his heartfelt thanks to our good citizens for the many kind favors he had received at their hands, and to assure them that the same was fully appreciated by him, and would never be forgotten. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 October 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


DISSOLUTION OF CO-PARTNERSHIP.


Notice is hereby given that the co-partnership heretofore existing under the name of WICK & MAHLUM, is this day dissolved by mutual consent, and is superseded by the firm of Kassman & Mahlum., who are authorized to make all collections due the old firm, and pay all liabilities of the same. WILLIAM WICK,

Oct. 22, 1872 ANTON MAHLUM.

(Brainerd Tribune, 02 November 1872, p. 4, c. 1)


FOR RENT.—The new and commodious hotel on Broadway, known as the Hotel Svea, is offered for rent on the most reasonable terms. It is beautifully located and conveniently arranged. Apply to E. H. BLY. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 July 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


Capt. C. B. Sleeper has purchased the Hotel Svea of E. H. Bly, and moved into it on Friday of last week. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 December 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


Liberty Hose company No. 3, will give a social dance at the Mahlum house in East Brainerd, next Friday evening the 23d inst. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 October 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


The dance given by Liberty Hose Co. No. 3, of East Brainerd, at the Mahlum House, Friday evening, was a very pleasant occasion, and the managers have reason to feel proud of their success in getting out so select a party. The room on the floor was all occupied, and the music by Dresskell’s orchestra was fully appreciated. We have not learned how much the boys realized out of it. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 October 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


A. Benson will give a dance at the Mahlum House Tuesday evening, April 28th. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 April 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


The Mahlum Hotel in Southeast Brainerd has been leased to P. H. Cramer, who will run a boarding house there. A ball will be given there Wednesday evening Nov. 28th, to which a general invitation is extended to the public. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 November 1894, p. 4, c. 4)


MCDONALD’S

The newly built McDonald’s fast-food restaurant on the southwest corner of SW 6th and West Washington Street, 19 June 1974.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

The newest member of the restaurant chain that revolutionized America’s eating-out habits is nearing completion in Brainerd. The restaurant now being built at SW 6th and Washington Avenue [sic], will be the 42nd McDonald’s in Minnesota. It will feature the same menu that has long been a fixture of McDonald’s operation. The menu, built around the hamburger, also will feature French fries, milkshakes, soft drinks, coffee, fish sandwiches, the Big Mac and hot apple pie. Highlighted by a new mansard roof architectural design, the restaurant will harmonize with the local setting. Ample parking is planned for customers. The new restaurant will become the latest in the international organization founded in 1955. There are now McDonald’s in all 50 states, Canada and overseas. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 June 1974)


MCFADDEN DRUG STORE and WESTFALL CLOTHING STORE (MAP #3)

McFadden Drugstore and Westfall Clothing Store located mid-block on Front between 5th and 6th, ca. 1886.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Westfall Clothing and McFadden Drug stores are located in the middle of the block on the south side of Front Street between Fifth and Sixth Streets. The center doorway leads to apartments above the stores. It is built of Brainerd-made Schwartz cream brick. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 38)


A large lot of F. Jay Hayes’ [sic] [Haynes’] Views of the Black Hills and Northern Pacific Scenery—just received at the Drug Store. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 April 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 1880 Brainerd-2 in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.


McFadden, Newton

A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was born in the year 1850. He learned the drug business in early life, and has followed that profession ever since. He went to Duluth, Minnesota, in 1870, and after clerking in a drug store for eighteen months, went to Detroit Lakes, Becker county, and eight months later [c1873], came to Brainerd and was clerk in Mr. Sherwood’s drug store until 1874, when he purchased the business and still carries it on. He was elected to the office of County Treasurer in the fall of 1874, and has been retained in that position ever since, faithfully discharging the duties devolving upon him. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Winchell, Neill, Williams and Bryant, Minnesota Historical Company, Minneapolis: 1881, p. 650)


Westfall, Eugene M.

Ticket and freight agent of the Northern Pacific Railroad at this point, was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on the 1st of December, 1848. When a child, his parents removed to Hannibal, where he was engaged with his father in the lumber business until twenty-one years of age. He then entered the employ of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad Company, as clerk in the construction department. He came to Brainerd in July, 1874, and has been in the employ of this company ever since; first as clerk in the office of the master mechanic, and then in the superintendent’s office, coming to his present position in June, 1881. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Winchell, Neill, Williams and Bryant, Minnesota Historical Company, Minneapolis: 1881, p. 655)


A Two Story Brick.

_____


An antique drug bottle from McFadden’s Drugstore, ca. 1880’s.
Source: Andy Walsh

During the past few days there has been a rumor in circulation upon the streets that a building was to be erected upon the vacant lot adjoining W. A. Smith’s store. The Dispatch is happy to be able to state for the benefit of its readers that the rumor is correct and that active operations will be commenced by or before the 15th of the next month. The gentlemen connected with the enterprise are H. A. Towne, formerly general superintendent of the Northern Pacific road and who was located at Brainerd for some seven years, the other gentleman being Newton McFadden, our city treasurer. The building will be one of the handsomest in the city when completed and will be 50x80 feet, two stories high with a basement. In order to make room for this building the building now occupied by McFadden & Johnson as a drug store will be removed and will stand on the now vacant lot just east of E. E. M. Smith’s confectionery store where they will carry on their drug business uninterrupted until the new building is ready for occupancy, which will be from sixty to ninety days after operations are commenced. The contract for the brick has already been let and as the building will be built solid it will require somewhere in the neighborhood of 190,000 brick to complete the structure. The front of the building to be adorned with pressed brick and mammoth French plate glass windows, a five foot hallway leading to the rooms above, which will be fitted up for offices, etc., will divide the stores, the two walls which are used for the stairway running through the entire building on the ground floor, the space of which will be made into closets back of the stairway. The plans and specifications have not yet arrived, but a Dispatch scribe gleaned this much from reliable authority.

A postcard handed out by McFadden-Johnson’s Drugstore, ca. 1880’s.
Source: Andy Walsh

The building will be put up at a cost of from $7,000 to $10,000 the east wall of the building being already up, Mr. McFadden having anticipated just such a contingency as this and took time by the forelock when the Smith store building was erected, and having paid for ten inches of the wall which was then built. McFadden & Johnson will occupy the store next to W. A. Smith’s with their stock of drugs, the other store room being already bargained for by E. M. Westfall who will occupy it with his elegant stock of gents furnishings and clothing. The building will be one of considerable importance to Brainerd and is one of the many which we hope to see erected here the coming season. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 April 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


BRAINERD.


Messrs. E. M. Westfall and N. McFadden have contracted for the erection of a new brick business block on Front street, adjoining the Hartley block. (Minneapolis Tribune, 28 April 1885, p. 5)


Not Dead Yet.

_____


[...]


NEW BRICK BLOCK.


McFadden & Johnson Drugs and E. M. Westfall Clothing, ca. 1885.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

A DISPATCH reporter was informed by Mr. E. M. Westfall, this afternoon, that he had just received a telegram from H. A. Towne, which conveyed the news that he, Mr. Towne, had just completed arrangements to build the brick block on Front Street himself, instead of letting the job out by contract. Work will be commenced early next week in removing McFadden & Johnson’s drug store, and in excavating for the basement. The brick has been contracted for at Schwartz’s brickyard. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 May 1885, p. 3, c. 2)


The building now occupied by McFadden & Johnson as a drug store has been moved this week to the corner of Sixth and Front streets on the east side, where it will remain until the new brick building which is to be erected on the old site, is ready for occupancy. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 June 1885, p. 3)


E. M. Westfall and McFadden & Johnson expect to occupy their new quarters about September 1st. The masons will finish their work on the new building this week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 August 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


E. M. Westfall and McFadden & Johnson each have a new sign over their place of business, the work of A. Frederickson. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 October 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


E. M. Westfall is putting a steam heating plant in his store room in the Towne-McFadden block. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 August 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


02 May 1928. J. Herschel Hardy, of Chicago, has purchased the Ransford Hotel, stores and annex, Towne and McFadden block, Wise block from the Gould-Gray Company this was the largest real estate deal in Brainerd for many years. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Friday, 02 May 2008)


MCNAMARA (BERNARD C.) UNDERTAKER

Previous to coming to Brainerd Albert Hoenig and Hector Hoenig operated a funeral home in Staples, Minnesota. On April 4, 1928 they bought the Bernard C. McNamara undertaking business located at 218 South Seventh Street in Brainerd. The Hoenig's then built the new Hoenig Funeral Chapel on the southeast corner of Front and Fifth Streets. In 1956 they sold their business to Thomas Doran and moved to Mandan, North Dakota where they opened another funeral home.


HAVE INSTALLED CHAPEL

_____


McNamara & Co. Have Added This

Great Convenience to Their Un-

dertaking Parlors


McNamara Undertaking Ad, 25 May 1910.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

McNamara & Co., the undertakers at 706 Laurel street, have added a chapel to their undertaking establishment, a convenience which will be greatly appreciated by all its patrons. The chapel is a room which measures 15 by 25 feet and is 16 feet in height. It has a seating capacity of 50. Railings and altar and all the furnishings necessary are added when the room is used for this purpose.

The morgue room is about 15 feet square and is equipped with a morgue table and all the latest instruments and appliances for embalming. B. C. McNamara gives this department his personal attention. In addition the firm carries a complete stock of house furnishings, pictures and picture frames. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 December 1910, p. 3, c. 3)


B. C. McNAMARA SELLS MORTUARY

_____


Transaction Completed Today With

Albert C. Hoenig, Staples,

New Owner

_____


TAKES EFFECT APRIL 15

_____


Mr. McNamara and Family Will Move to Hollywood, Calif.,

to Live in August


B. C. McNamara, undertaker in Brainerd for the past 21 years, conducting his own establishment since 1910 announced today the sale of his undertaking establishment to Albert C. Hoenig, of Staples.

Mr. Hoenig and his son, Hector, will take over the store and undertaking service located at 218 South 7th street on April 15.

Mr. McNamara stated this afternoon that he and his family planned to spend the early summer at their summer home on North Long Lake, moving to their new residence in Hollywood, Calif., in August, where Mr. McNamara plans to establish in the undertaking profession while his two sons, Verne and Don will attend the University of Southern California the change in climate, it is hoped will benefit the health of Mrs. McNamara.

The transaction of sale was completed this afternoon. Mr. Hoenig conducts an undertaking establishment at Staples, but plans to move his family to Brainerd later in the season. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 April 1928, p. 3, c.’s 3 & 4)


MERCHANTS HOTEL

Sarah Chapman, one of the earliest Brainerd residents, builder and proprietor of the Merchants Hotel in 1872., ca. Unknown.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The Merchants Hotel was located on the northwest corner of Sixth and Laurel Streets.


Mrs. Sarah Chapman came to Brainerd in 1872, erected the house which she named the Merchants Hotel, and has since conducted it. It is a two and a half story frame building, containing fifteen rooms. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Winchell, Neill, Williams and Bryant, Minnesota Historical Company, Minneapolis: 1881, p. 645)


Two new hotels are soon to be put up on opposite sides of Sixth street, where it intersects Laurel—one by a Mrs. Chapman, of Crow Wing, the other by P. Greene of the St. Paul House. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 April 1872, p. 1, c. 6)


NEW HOTEL.—The new hotel of Mrs. Chapman, corner Laurel and Sixth streets, is assuming shape and proportion, and will doubtless be ready for the reception of guests in a couple of weeks. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 September 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


THE Merchants Hotel, kept by Mrs. Chapman, is doing a large business and deservedly so. It is a finely kept hotel, and pleasantly located. Mr. Richard Steel is the gentlemanly host who assists Mrs. C. in its management. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 December 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


NEW BARN.—Mrs. Chapman, the enterprising proprietress of the Merchants Hotel, is having a fine barn built for the accommodation of teams during the coming winter. This needful addition will add greatly to her already large custom, and teamsters on the road will be glad to hear of it, as the “Merchants” is a deservedly popular Hotel. Mr. J. H Moon, is now Mrs. Chapman’s accomplished assistant in the hotel business. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 October 1874, p. 1, c. 7)


The “Merchants”


Merchants Hotel Ad, 14 November 1874.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

As will be seen by the new advertisement elsewhere, the Merchants Hotel of this city has been put in first class shape for the accommodation of the traveling public, (including a commodious new barn for the keeping of teams, etc.) and it will be found a splendid hotel to stop at. Mrs. Chapman, the proprietress, with Mr. John H. Moon as Clerk, are at home in the hotel business, and know just how to entertain the public in first class style. The splendid new barn is a great feature for the accommodation of travelers having teams. Call at the Merchants, when you come to town. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 November 1874, p. 1, c. 3)


The Merchants hotel has had a verandah and bay window added on the east end on Sixth street, adding much to the appearance as well as the comfort and convenience. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 July 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


Among the many improvements noticeable in town is the verandah and bay window added to the east side of the Merchants hotel which, now that it is completed, adds much to the looks and comfort of this already first-class house. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 August 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 1880 Brainerd-2 in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.


THE STATE OF TRADE.


BRAINERD, May 14.—...The Merchants to be enlarged to twice its present size. (Minneapolis Tribune, 16 May 1881, p. 2)


THE MERCHANTS HOTEL.


Merchants Hotel built by Sarah Chapman in 1872 burned in the Columbian Block fire on 28 October 1909, 1908.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The Merchants Hotel has been purchased from Mrs. Chapman by Mr. J. H. Smith, who will take possession about July 1st. The consideration we learn is $4,100. Mr. Smith contemplates building a large addition and fitting the building up in a commodious and convenient style, and to make it second to none in the city. We wish him abundant success in his new enterprise and have fullest confidence that he will be a host of liberal and accommodating mien. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 May 1881, p. 1, c. 7)


NOTICE.—Mr. P. R. Wilkins is authorized to collect all amounts due me for board, and for failures and prompt settlement he is instructed to garnishee.

SARAH CHAPMAN.

June 30th, 1881. Brainerd.

(Brainerd Tribune, 02 July 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


After about six years steady service at the Merchants Hotel, our jolly friend P. R. Wilkins has concluded to sever connections with his past occupation, and enter upon the duties of a railroad man. He has won many friends in Brainerd, and his old associates will be loth to see him abandon his old vocation, and leave the hotel. Pat desires us to return his sincere thanks to Mrs. Chapman, and also to the boarders of the house in general for many little favors and tributes of regard of which he was made the recipient. To Pat in the future, as in the past, we predict lots of friends wherever he may go. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 July 1881, p. 5, c. 6)


BRAINERD.


BRAINERD, July 4.—...The Merchants Hotel changed hands the 1st. (Minneapolis Tribune, 05 July 1881, p. 8)


In the matter of the Merchants Hotel, the particulars of which almost every person in the town are sufficiently familiar with, we are informed that the creditors have all been satisfied, and trust that it is ever so. It has been a rather unfortunate occurrence all around, and if support of Mr. Smith failed him at the last moment he should not be too severely censured. As it is, matters have been made very embarrassing to all parties concerned. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 July 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


The Merchants Hotel is again open and in running order. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 July 1881, p. 5, c. 1)


The new Merchants Hotel which has been opened within the past few weeks is receiving a large share of the public patronage. The hotel is centrally located and is first-class in every particular, and under the management of C. D. Herbert, the proprietor, it will continue to be one of Brainerd’s popular hotels. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 August 1883, p. 2, c. 3)


The New Merchants hotel on Sixth street has been closed up. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 16 August 1883, p. 3, c. 1)


The new restaurant and lunch counter on 6th street, the Merchants, is the boss place to satisfy the cravings of the inner man. The new proprietors dish things up in fine shape, which you can find out to your satisfaction by giving the institution a trial. We will warrant you that it will be all that is desirable. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 23 August 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


Aman & Giles at their Merchants restaurant are doing a rushing business. Oysters always on tap. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 September 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


The old Merchants Hotel building at the corner of Sixth and Laurel streets, is undergoing quite extensive alterations and repairs. The building will be raised a couple of feet and a good brick foundation put in, and other repairs made. Frost & Kellehan have temporarily moved their sample room around on Fifth street while these repairs are being made. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 July 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


Fire animation On October 28, 1909 a huge fire burned the Columbian Block and several other buildings. The former Merchants Hotel building, which was owned by Ransford R. Wise and occupied by Mrs. Billings’ restaurant at the time, was burned. All of these buildings were replaced by the Iron Exchange building.


SEE: 1909 Columbian Block Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


MICHAEL’S STORE

ARE MAKING IMPROVEMENTS

_____


The H. F. Michael Company Alert to the

Interests of the Buying Public in All

Respects


Harry F. Michael proprietor of H. F. Michael’s department store, ca. 1923.
Source: Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan

The H. F. Michael company with its usual enterprise has arranged for some very elaborate improvements in their Front street store. Mr. Michael is ever on the alert to improve the conditions at his store, always looking to the convenience of his customers and with a desire to give the people of Brainerd the service that is rendered them in cities much larger. In this direction Mr. Michael has been eminently successful and it has been the close application to the minute details of the excellent stock that he carries that has given the store a good name. As the demand for the better things has increased, Mr. Michael has paid every attention to matters, which must necessarily become a part of a successfully conducted store of the this kind and there is hardly a day but that some novel and interesting innovation is introduced, which shows the mastery that he has over detail and his resourcefulness in his campaign to keep abreast with the times.

The latest at this store is the installation of a complete new cash system. At the rear of the store a large well arranged cloak cabinet has been erected, something entirely new. This cabinet has a capacity of holding a large stock of cloaks, coats and tailor-made suits which are now arranged in a most systematic manner. The space above the cabinet has been utilized by Mr. Michael as an office. This gives ample room for a convenient office. Here then is the center of this new cash system which is being inaugurated. Miss Corna Stickney has been engaged by Mr. Michael as cashier. The system is now being put in and will be in operation tomorrow.

Many who are not regular subscribers of the DISPATCH will receive a copy today through the courtesy of Mr. Michael. This is done so that everyone will be able to see the advertisement on the first page and learn what is being offered at, this, one of the most popular trading points in the city. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 September 1905, p. 3, c. 3)


BUILT UP BY ADVERTISING

_____


H. F. Michael Company Has Built

Up Big Business in Brain-

in Four Years

_____


PROGRESSIVE IN ALL METHODS

_____


Firm is Enterprising, Honorable

and Ever Alert for Latest Things for Patrons


Interior of the H. F. Michael store at 612 Front Street, 26 May 1908.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

When H. F. Michael, in the summer of 1904, leased the Grandelmyer store room, 612 Front street and announced his intention of opening an exclusive dry goods store therein, few thought that within four years it would be one of the leading, if not the leading dry goods store, not only in Brainerd, but in Central Minnesota. Almost as soon as Mr. Michael began advertising his new store it became patent to all that he understood the art of advertising. Coming here from Duluth, where for seven years he was advertising man for the Gray-Tailant company, he soon had everyone reading and talking about his advertisements. The success of the store has demonstrated the fact that he cannot only write an advertisement which will be read, but what is more important, one which will draw trade. To absolutely fulfill every promise made in advertising is the bed-rock principle on which he has based his advertising and it has proven wise. Combined with ability and discretion as an advertiser, Mr. Michael possesses keen ability in all departments of his business and has been compelled not only to crowd the store with an ever-increasing stock to satisfy his increasing trade, but opened a bargain department in his basement which proved so successful that he has recently been obliged to make it three times its former size. Mr. Michael believes that newspaper advertising is the best kind of advertising and used the columns of the DAILY and WEEKLY DISPATCH almost exclusively.

Mr. Michael is as active in outside lines as in his business, always ready to work for any good cause. He is president of the Brainerd Y. M. C. A., vice-president of the commercial club, vice-president of the Civic league, an organization formed for the purpose of furthering the beauty of our city. He is also one of the officials of the First Methodist Episcopal church and Sunday school. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 May 1908, p. 6, c. 6)


NEW STORE OF THE H. F. MICHAEL COMPANY.


Illustration of the new Phillips Block, in 1946 this building is occupied by the S & L Store, ca. 1910.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 8, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher
An ad for H. F. Michael’s store, 26 May 1908.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Six years ago when the H. F. Michael Company rented the room they are now occupying [In 1907 H. F. Michael Company was located at 612 Front Street.] the common verdict was that there was not room for the store, and that the life of the firm would be very short. The store has not only found room for itself, but it has grown until they now find it necessary to seek much larger quarters. Their present room gives them 4,500 square feet of space, while their new building gives them 8,250 square feet, and they have provisions made for much more room in the same building should they require it.

The policy of the firm is to grow just as fast as the city demands it, and the efforts they are putting forth will, without doubt, keep them the leading store of the city. They will occupy the new building on September 1st.

The prospective of the building does not show the most characteristic feature of the store, which will be an arcade front. There are very few fronts of this character in the country, and it will be a big attraction. By this arrangement the firm will have sixty-five feet of window space. Their present building affords them twelve feet.

A large number of fixtures are being purchased for the store, which will make it the most attractive in Central Minnesota. (Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 8, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher)


NEW STORE OPENS SEPT 1

_____


The Formal Opening Will Excel

Anything Ever Seen in Brain-

erd, Occurring Middle Sept


The Dispatch representative called on Mr. Michael this morning and spoke to him regarding his new store in the Phillips building. Mr. Michael said his store fixtures had all been ordered and were either now in Brainerd or on the way to this city. The building is expected be ready for him by about August 25th. He will move from his old location to the new store in the Phillips block September first.

The formal opening of the new store will occur in the middle of September and will excel anything of the kind ever seen in Brainerd. The new arrangements there will permit him to make a display of ready-to-wear garments as he has never been previously able to do. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 August 1910, p. 3, c. 2)


“Michael’s” arcade lighted tonight. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 October 1910, p. 2, c. 2)


SEE: Phillips Block


Fire animation On February 11, 1923, another spectacular fire burned the Koop Block located on the corner of Laurel and Seventh Streets along with a building just vacated by the Brainerd State Bank. The Gruenhagen building and the H. F. Michael store were damaged by the fire, smoke and water. The losses were estimated at about $140,000.


SEE: 1923 Koop Block Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


NOTE: The building housing the H. F. Michael Company was sold to E. F. Gates effective 01 February 1926.


MIDWAY SALOON (MAP #5)

Midway Saloon at 508 Front, ca. 1890.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Located at 508 Front Street in the mid-1890’s, it is a popular saloon run by William Buckley before he moves to the bar at the Arlington Hotel.


Opening of “The Midway.”


W. P. Buckley’s new saloon, “The Midway,” was open to the public on Wednesday night with elaborate ceremonies. Dresskell’s orchestra furnished music for the occasion. The following was the


PROGRAMME:

March—”The Heptasoph,” R. H. Barker.

Medley—”Southern Plantation Songs,” E. Boettger.

Italian Waltz—”La Seranato,” Darey Jaxone.

Overture—”The Bridal Rose,” J. Lavallee.

Schottische—”Twilight Shadows,” Theo. Tobani.

Overture—”The Belle of the Village,” P. Bouillan.

Waltz—”Beau Brummell,” C. A. Ware.

Medley—”Bonnie Scotland,” Catlin.

Overture—”La Flandre,” Couilon.

Chinese Gallop—”Ching Chang”

We see by a notice elsewhere in this issue that the opening will be discussed next Sunday evening at the Baptist church by Rev. Rowe. It seems to us that it would be a good idea for all to attend and hear the other side of the story. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 March 1895, p. 1, c. 2)


The Midway saloon was closed the first of the week and Attorney P. J. Murphy was appointed receiver of the property of W. P. Buckley, who left for Alaska a few days ago. Mr. Murphy has engaged E. J. Kohl to take charge of the saloon. The action was taken on application of the creditors. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 February 1898, p. 8, c. 2)


L. H. Stallman has bought the Midway saloon, formerly owned by W. P. Buckley, and has taken possession. Mr. Stallman’s popularity will insure him a good business. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 April 1898, p. 8, c. 2)


Raffle at the Midway.


J. A. VanDyck has arranged for a raffle at his place of business which will be conducted during the day and evening of Saturday, Dec. 24th, tomorrow. A large number of the finest turkeys to be procured in the market have been secured for the occasion and there will be other choice articles included on the list, such as oysters, chickens, geese, etc. If you are looking for a nice quiet time just drop into the Midway on Saturday and see what is going on. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 December 1898, p. 1, c. 3)


Fire animation On January 24, 1899 a blaze was discovered in the attic of the Midway Saloon, which was owned by Walter Davis. The fire did about $300 in damage to the roof of the building. Had the fire department not responded quickly, the frame buildings on both sides of the Midway would have gone up in flames.


SEE: 1899 The Midway Saloon Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


Fire animation On January 20, 1916, a fire believed to have been started by defective wiring destroys the City Hotel, owned by Judge J. T. Sanborn and occupied by C. J. Evensta, as well as a building owned by James Cullen [Midway Saloon]. The buildings and contents were valued at about $17,000.


SEE: 1916 City Hotel Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


MILT ASKEW’S BILLIARD HALL (MAP #76)

Milt Askew’s Billiard Hall on the south side of Front, ca. 1874.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

Brainerd’s first fire department is organized on 13 February 1872, in the “fine Billiard Hall of Askew.” Thirty-seven members are enrolled, each paying his initial fee of one dollar. This white frame establishment is located on the south side of Front Street next west of Trudell’s Restaurant circa 1872. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923; pp. 38 & 39)


A committee is appointed to wait upon the town board and ask them to pass a resolution regulating the condition of stove pipes and chimneys in this town. ...Chief dependence for the fire fighting fluid [water] is in the two wells on Front Street. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, pp. 38 & 39)


Organization of the Brainerd Fire Company.


Milt Askew’s Billiard Hall Ad, 02 March 1872.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

On Tuesday evening last a large company of our citizens organized in the fine Billiard Hall of Milt Askew for the purpose of effecting the permanent organization of the Brainerd Fire Company. The meeting was called to order, and W. M. Falconer chosen as Chairman and W. W. Hartley as Secretary. After a general expression by those present upon matters kindred to the objects of the meeting, the following officers were elected:

M. W. Stone, Captain; J. W. Reed, 1st Lieutenant; H. M. Mixter, 2d Lieutenant; W. W. Hartly, Secretary; Thomas Cantwell, Treasurer.

The Captain, Secretary and Treasurer were appointed a committee to draw up a constitution and by-laws, and report at next meeting.

The initiation fee was fixed at $1.00, and thirty-seven members were enrolled at once—which smacked of “business.”

The first Lieutenant, George Clapp, and D. McNannay were appointed a committee to solicit members.

The Treasurer, Milt Askew, and John Bishop were appointed a committee to wait upon the Town Board and ask them to pass a resolution regulating the condition of stove-pipes and chimneys in this town.

It was ordered that D. McNannay be appointed a committee to keep in repair the well and buckets belonging to block No. 47.

The meeting then adjourned, to meet again on Tuesday evening next at the same place. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 February 1872, p. 3, c. 4)


ATTENTION FIREMEN.—There will be a regular monthly meeting of the Brainerd Fire Company, at Milt Askew’s Billiard Hall on Monday, April 22d inst. A full attendance is requested. By order of

THE FOREMAN.

(Brainerd Tribune, 20 April 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


[Communicated:]


FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!--HOOK AND LADDER CO., ATTENTION.


Fireman No. 1. Where are our ladders?

Fireman No. 2. Don’t know.

Fireman No. 3. I saw Mr. A. have one on his house a few days ago, but it ain’t there now.

Fireman No. 4. I saw Mr. B. carrying one down the street yesterday.

Fireman No. 5. Our town is burning up and our hooks and ladders are gone. What shall we do?

Foreman, Come boys, we must do something. The people are asking where the Hook & Ladder Co. is. We must be doing something.

Water! water! boys. Water is the frantic cry on all sides, and water comes, but we are unable to use it. We have no ladders, etc. And so the town burns down, block by block.

The above will be fully realized to a “dead certainty” boys, one of these days, unless something is done soon. Will some of our officers work this matter up, and have our hooks and ladders collected and housed in safety?

Yours truly,

A FIREMAN.

(Brainerd Tribune, 20 July 1872, p. 4, c. 1)


FIRE ENGINES [EXTINGUISHERS].


A most commendable move has been made to provide our town with an effective fire department. Our friend Dennis McNannay, Esq., started out on Thursday morning, and in two hours procured subscriptions enough to send right off for ten $60.00 Babcock Fire Extinguishers, which will be here in a few days, and then we can laugh at the Fire King’s attempts to burn Brainerd. Every man, save one, in block forty-seven, subscribed an equal share to the fund, which made the compliment of money full, save that of our enterprising and liberal friend J. C. Walters, who was the only man who walked up nobly from block 49, and gave his full share for the purchase of these great safe-guards to the property of our city. Walters, however, is as enterprising a citizen as he is a wholesale trader, and we wish we had a thousand more such men as J. C. Walters, wholesale liquor dealer here in the way of liberal enterprising citizens. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 August 1872, p. 1, c. 3)


Protection Against Fire.


Pursuant to a call, a meeting of the citizens of Brainerd was held at Milt Askew's Billiard Hall, on Thursday evening, to consider measures to be adopted to protect property of the city from fire.

C. B. Sleeper was called to the chair, and J. A. McLane chosen secretary. On motion of Mr. McMahon a committee of three was appointed to examine chimneys, flues, etc., in Brainerd, and report their condition at an adjourned meeting.

On motion of Mr. Falconer, the night-watchmen were instructed to inspect flues, etc., each week, on their beats, and report their condition at next meeting.

On motion of P. H. Trudell, in was resolved that a committee of two be appointed to solicit subscriptions for the purchase of a wagon the hook and ladder company; furnish ropes, hooks, pails, and other equipments for use; and also to erect a building to keep such property in, and confer with officers of N. P. R. R. Company, as to leasing ground for the buildings. McMahon & Falconer appointed such committee.

Committee on flues and chimneys: David Stewart, R. Kassman, and J. M. Martin.

Committees were instructed to proceed with dispatch in the prosecution of their duties, and report at adjourned meeting, on Saturday, at same place. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 November 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


Fire Organization.


The adjourned meeting of citizens for the purpose of creating a fire organization, was held in Milt Askew’s Parlor, Thursday evening, T. M. Trudell in the chair, M. H. Kellogg, Secretary.

Committee on inspection of flues, reported the same as at last meeting; accepted, and Committee continued.

Committee on subscription report $116.50 collected, and all in hands of Treasurer, except $1.50. Report accepted, and Committee continued upon motion of E. B. Morton, Committees already appointed to attend to further duties.

Meeting then adjourned until Monday next.

T. M. TRUDELL, M. H. KELLOGG,

Chairman. Secretary.

_____


HOOK AND LADDER CO. No. 2.—At a meeting of citizens, held at Milt Askew’s parlor on Friday evening, the following business was consummated:

T. M. Trudell was elected Chairman, and M. H. Kellogg, Secretary.

Motion to proceed to an organization of a Hook and Ladder Company was carried.

Motion carried that the name of this Company be styled “Hook and Ladder Company No. 2.”

On motion, balloting was had for election of officers, which resulted in the choice of Milt Askew as Foreman, H. Dressen as First Assistant Foreman, E. B. Morton as Second Assistant Foreman, and D. Stewart, Secretary. At this juncture, the officers elected took their seats.

T. M. TRUDELL, M. H. KELLOGG,

Chairman, Secretary.

Messrs. Sleeper, Conant and Kellogg were appointed as a committee on Constitution and By-Laws. After which all of the citizens present signed their names as active members of the new organization.

The Company then adjourned until Thursday evening next, at 7:30 p. m. sharp.

MILT ASKEW, D. STEWART,

Foreman. Secretary.

(Brainerd Tribune, 23 November 1872, p. 1, c. 2)


NOTE: Mark H. Kellogg was killed at the Battle of the Little Big Horn along with Custer. Kellogg was, at the time, a special correspondent for the Bismarck Tribune.


SEE: Fire Halls


Milt Askew’s Billiard Hall Ad, 21 March 1874.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

ASKEW’S LIVERY.—Friend Askew has the finest lot of turnouts now, ever kept in Brainerd in the way of livery stock. Our folks are enjoying them, too, for beside having them fixed up in fine shape, he lets them either by day or hour at very reasonable rates of hire. This fine weather is a delightful time to take your folks out riding in one of Askew’s splendid rigs. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 January 1874, p. 1, c. 5)


OFF FOR THE BLACK HILLS.—Chas. McKeever and C. H. Burke started this week for the Black Hills. Milt Askew has rented his place for a year and will start next week. A large party leaves [for] Bismarck on the 4th inst. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 July 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


A LARGE party left Brainerd this week, by rail, for the Black Hills, via Bismarck, with a large amount of supplies and several teams of oxen. Among them were Milton Askew, J. McElroy, J. Burno, E. M. Morton and J. Bertrand. May they return rich. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 July 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


Milt Askew received an offer, while in the Hills, from his old stamping ground on the Central Pacific railroad, of the position he filled on that road some years ago—that of conductor—which he accepted, and is now running a train out of San Francisco. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 December 1876, p. 1, c. 4)


Fire animation On August 1, 1876, a huge fire beginning at the corner of Fifth and Front streets burned westward consuming the Sherwood Drug Store, Pine Restaurant, Trudell Restaurant, Askew’s Saloon and approximately nine other buildings.


SEE: 1876 Sherwood Drug Store Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


MONTGOMERY WARD

CON O’BRIEN BUILDING PLANS TAKE SHAPE

_____


BUILDING AND LEASES CAUSE

FUROR IN CITY


_____


CONSTRUCTION OF MONTGOMERY

WARD BUILDING AND 2 OTH-

ERS STARTS SOON


The activities of Con O’Brien in building plans and leasing have caused many changes in the heart of the business section of Brainerd.

At the southwest corner of Laurel and Broadway, Mr. O’Brien has leased 50 feet by 125 feet to Montgomery Ward & Company for their retail store and a new building is to be erected, contracts being let next Tuesday. The front is to be of buff colored terra cotta with the top of the second story embellished with green texture panels.

The basement will have storage and sales space, boiler room, coal space, men’s toilet and coat room. The ground floor or first floor will be devoted to sales space with a receiving room for goods at the rear. The mezzanine floor has additional sales space and an office. The second floor carries sales space with ladies’ rest room, storage, coat room, fixture room, toilets, elevators, etc., at the rear. All details as specified are for the company’s standard style of chain stores.

The firm which did the excavation for the high school will run their steam shovel on the Montgomery Ward site February 15 and start excavating.

Dwellings in the rear of the Montgomery Ward site are to be removed to new sites owned by Mr. O’Brien. One family is to leave all furniture and possessions in the house and continue to make their home there while it travels on rollers to a new location. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 January 1929, p. 1, c. 1)


The steam shovel was being used today in digging out the basement for the new Montgomery Ward Building. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 February 1929, p. 2, c. 2)


The steam shovel used in digging out the basement for the new Montgomery Ward building was removed today. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 February 1929, p. 2, c. 1)


START CONSTRUCTION SOON

_____


Work on MontgomeryWard Build-

ing to Continue Next

Week


Montgomery Ward Store built in 1929 specifically for their use, 1958.
Source: Gary Thorman

Construction work on the block to house the Montgomery Ward Brainerd store, the southwest corner of Laurel and Broadway [South Eighth Street], will get underway next week, it was announced today by Ben Bredeson, Bemidji, general contractor. Basement excavation work has already been completed.

Rapid strides will be made in the construction with the hope that the building will be ready for occupancy by the early part of July. A large crew of men will be placed to work next week.

Con O’Brien, owner, stated today that it was his desire that the building be completed in as early a time as possible as will warrant the construction of an up-to-date business block.

As yet no name has been decided upon for the new building. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 March 1929, p. 7, c. 4)


Ben Bredeson, Bemidji, contractor in charge of the Montgomery Ward building, is in the city today attending to business matters. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 April 1929, p. 2, c. 2)


MONTGOMERY WARD MANAGER ARRIVES

_____


James M. Owen Named Head Here

Plans Official Opening Soon


James M. Owen, manager, Montgomery Ward, 14 August 1929.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Construction has progressed at the Montgomery Ward store building east Laurel street to the point today where first definite plans can be considered for the official opening.

Definite date of the opening will be made in an announcement at an early date, James M. Owen, formerly of Hibbing and Duluth, manager of the new store here said today.

Construction work will be completed at the building the latter part of this week with installation of fixtures started next week, it was reported.

Mr. Owen will be at the scene of construction during working hours, planning the layout preparatory to receiving stock. Fixtures for the new store have already arrived, he reported.

Mr. and Mrs. Owen and two children will establish their residence in the city, having arrived this morning. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 July 1929, p. 3, c. 3)


Montgomery Ward & Company are increasing the size of their staff, and today added a large number of girls to the force. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 August 1929, p. 2, c. 1)


THOUSANDS TO VISIT NEW STORES IN BRAINERD

_____


Preparations Complete for Handling

of Crowd Expected to Exceed

12,000 People

_____


NEW BUILDING IMPRESSIVE

_____


Large Mail Order House Headquarters

Here to Enlarge Trading Territory


An early Montgomery Ward Ad, 29 August 1929. A 1239x2124 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

An estimated number of 12,000 people will pass through the doors of the Montgomery Ward and Co. store, inspect carefully its clever arrangement of construction, see and buy a number of the 6,000 different items listed at catalog prices, and extend a cordial welcome to the new business house at the official opening Saturday, August 17.

Plans were near complete today for the entry of the Montgomery Ward store into Brainerd and district business life with a personnel of 90 people busy arranging merchandise and making the store as spic and span as will be possible.

The opening will attract people from a trading area of a radius of approximately 40 miles, extending to take in all patrons of this section of the state of which there is an estimated number of 22,000. It will bring together city and country people, all anxious to view the finished product of a store as put out by Montgomery Ward. That product when presented to the public will be as fine and complete a store as Montgomery Ward installs in any city in the northwest, excepting possibly the Twin Cities branches.

Entry of the Montgomery Ward store will mean an increase in population alone to this city of more than 35 people, these representing managers and their families. Complying with the rules of organization to employ as many local people as is possible, familiar faces will greet the public and serve their needs.

The personnel of the new store includes the following:

James M. Owen, general manger, formerly of Hibbing and Duluth, a member of the American Legion, Masonic order and a member of the Kiwanis club while in Hibbing.

N. P. Nelson, assistant manager, formerly of Little Falls, and known by many Brainerd people

Miss Jettie Oien, bookkeeper, formerly of Minot, N. D.

Miss Pauline Belair, cashier, formerly of Bismarck, N. D. and Bemidji, Minn.

Paul Erickson, Brainerd, manager of furniture, rugs, wash machines, etc. department.

Roy Sakarias, formerly of Hibbing, manager of the radio department.

C. D. Olson, formerly of Duluth, manager of the shoe department.

Charles Cluff, formerly of Aitkin, manager of the clothing department.

Stanley Durham, Brainerd, assistant to manager in clothing and shoe departments.

Owen Swanson, formerly of St. Cloud and Brainerd, manager of the automobile tires and accessories department.

A. W. Hamann, formerly of Superior, Wis., manager of the hardware department.

Richard Bush, Brainerd, receiving and shipping clerk.

Edmund R. Gulden, formerly of St. Paul, in charge of store display and window trimming.

The heads of the ladies’ departments will be selected shortly after the opening, Mr. Owen said.

Supervision of the work of displaying artistically, goods in the spacious windows, for the opening, was conducted by Harold Grinden, field supervisor of display windows, formerly of the Glass Block, Duluth. Incidentally Mr. Grinden is president of the American Ski Association.

R. C. Lien, field superintendent of construction, Minneapolis, is checking over all details of construction. He has voiced himself as being entirely satisfied with the building.

Mr. Owen, manager of the store, in a statement to the Dispatch said in part:

I have been in various cities of the northwest where Montgomery Ward has opened stores and in every case the store has helped materially to increase the number of people trading in that city. We expect to take an active part in civic affairs and take our place with local merchants towards making Brainerd a real live trading center. Investigation revealed that Brainerd was the logical place for the establishment of a store in this section of the state. We are pleased to be here and we extend to all of you a cordial invitation to visit us.”

T. H. Kjorlang, assistant manager of the Montgomery Ward store at St. Cloud will be present and assist in the opening of the store.

The building is impressive as to structure and arrangement. It is well supplied with windows permitting the entry of as much natural light as possible. The front of the building on Laurel streets extends 50 feet from the corner with a two door entry and the length is 125 feet from Laurel street to the alley. The building is constructed of hollow tile brick faced with white limestone for decorations surmounted with the company’s design.

A spacious basement, two main floors and a mezzanine floor constituting the building have been attractively arranged. Articles listed in the basement include tires, stoves, ranges, washing machines, auto accessories, hardware, builders’ supplies, electrical appliances, home furnishings, paints, farm articles and bath room equipment.

Departments on the main floor include those for the sale of toilet articles, piece goods, dry goods, men’s furnishings, shoe wear.

Furniture, radios, rugs, etc., will be found on the second floor with the millinery and ladies’ ready-to-wear department on the mezzanine floor.

Rest rooms have been provided for lady customers and lady employees while wash rooms have been provided for men.

An elevator will lift all articles to various floors at the rear.

A wide stairway leads to the mezzanine floor, the first flight ending on a mansard floor where executives will conduct office business.

The walls of the store are finished in a coat of light tan while the ceilings have a pleasing pattern of sheet metal. The painting and decorating work was done by the Olson Decorating Co. of Elbow Lake.

The general contractor was Ben Bredeson of Bemidji with J. H. Smith, of the same town, superintendent in charge of building. Mill work was supplied by the Northwestern Sash and Door company of Fergus Falls.

Shelving and fixtures were furnished by the Grand Rapids Fixture Co. of Grand Rapids, Mich.

Plumbing and heating work was carried out by the Sherlund Co., of Brainerd while the installation of the lighting system and other electrical work was done by the Gateway Electric Co., of Brainerd.


History of Montgomery Ward Co.

The nation-wide business of this great selling power was originated by A. Montgomery Ward in 1872 in a small room where the pioneer mail order house was opened. His first experience was in a small general store in St. Joseph, Mich. The customers he waited upon were largely farmers. The service he rendered made these customers his friends. From them and from his own experience he learned frontier conditions and the needs, likes and dislikes, the pleasures and the hardships of these early settlers.

In 1900 Montgomery Ward, now organized into a company, completed in Chicago, on Michigan Boulevard, the great structure bearing its high tower which still stands today as a monument to a great achievement. The first branch house was opened in Kansas City in 1904. The erection of the first part of the house which today has more than 40 acres of floor space was started in 1906 on Chicago avenue. The following year a building for the Kansas city house was begun, in 1909 it had to be doubled in size. A warehouse was established at Fort Worth in 1911 and a mail order house in 1913.

It was necessary, in 1913, to begin the erection of the present house now occupied at Kansas City. The same year a house was opened in Portland, Ore., and business increased until in 1920 it was necessary to erect the present building. The St. Paul house was opened in 1921.

A house was opened in Oakland, Calif., in 1923. In 1925 the Baltimore house was opened and the same year additions were built to enlarge the Kansas City, St. Paul and Oakland houses. Other additions were built for Baltimore and Oakland houses in 1926.

In 1928 a new building was completed at Fort Worth and in 1929 new houses were built at Denver and Albany.

The first department store was opened at the Chicago house in 1921 and others were soon established at all houses. In 1927 department stores were opened in other cities. More than 20 of these stores were in operation by the early part of 1929. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 August 1929, p. 1, c.’s 1 & 2)


CITY HITS STRIDE AS TRADE METROPOLIS

_____


Number of Visitors From Outside City

to Local Stores Estimated at 5,000

_____


MONTGOMERY WARD OPENS

_____


Checkers at Doors There Had Clocked

6,485 People Up to

3 P. M. Today


Brainerd hit its stride today as the trade metropolis of central Minnesota when throngs of people estimated at over 5,000 came from towns and cities, resorts and the country outside this city to do their shopping.

From as early as 8 a. m. today visitors from miles around came to the city to do their buying. Receipts of local stores will be the greatest for any single day this year, merchants proclaimed.

The influx of shoppers today is believed to be but an indication of what the future holds for this city.

Tourists stopping here gave this city credit for being the busiest and most progressive looking city of its size anywhere in their travels.

Up to 3 p. m. today checkers at the Montgomery Ward store, Laurel and Broadway [South Eighth Street] had clocked 6,485 people entering the store.

James M. Owen, manager of the store, estimated that twice that number would visit the store before closing hours tonight.

Estimates of attendance at the opening of the store will be broken, Mr. Owen said this afternoon as he joined with visiting officials of the company in stating how greatly pleased they are in the welcome given them here.

Visiting officials of the company in attendance at the opening included C. W. Cedarburg, territorial manager, C. R. Brown, merchant of textiles, H. Mettzger, superintendent of tire and auto accessories, E. Housh, superintendent of men’s clothing, all of St. Paul, and W. E. Wallace, manager of the Ashland, Wis., store.

“We are exceedingly thankful for the manner in which the business people, citizens of the city and territory, and newspapers received us in this city. We are exceptionally pleased with the result. It has proven to us that the company made no mistake in selecting Brainerd as the logical trading center of central Minnesota,” said Mr. Owen.

Merchants all throughout the city reported business as most favorable.

Thousands of Brainerd people packed the downtown streets doing their shopping and mingling with the 5,000 visitors. Practically every available parking space in the downtown area was taken throughout the morning and afternoon. Traffic will be even heavier this afternoon and evening. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 August 1929, p. 3, c. 1)


DISPATCH ADS PULL

_____


Montgomery Ward’s Advertisement

Sells Out Entire

Store of Dresses


Proof of the pulling power of Brainerd Dispatch advertising is further evidenced by the report of N. P. Nelson, assistant manager of the Montgomery Ward store here who stated that following the insertion of one advertisement last evening announcing values on ladies dresses, the entire stock of dresses in the store, numbering 125, had been sold by 2 p. m. today.

Orders were rushed by telephone to St. Paul and Chicago this morning with instructions to ship out new fall dresses immediately. The dresses from St. Paul will arrive by express tonight and will be shown tomorrow.

E. R. Gulden, in charge of the ladies ready-to-wear department, said that never in his experience in stores at St. Paul, Rochester and other cities did he find such quick selling as the result of one newspaper advertisement. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 August 1929, p. 8, c. 1)


NOTE: This store moved to the east Brainerd Mall in 1967.


NOTE: Sometime after 1967 O'Brien’s Department Store moves into this building.


SEE: Pearce Block


MURPHY BLOCK (MAP #63)

Located on the south side of Front Street between Sixth and Seventh Streets and between the First National Bank [W. W. Hartley Building] and the Webb Block. In 1931 it houses the Henry P. Dunn Drug Store and the offices of Dr. Otto E. Hubbard, MD and Dr. Harry E. Murphy, DDS.


MURPHY’S DRY GOODS STORE (MAP #55)

Located on the south side of Front Street between South Seventh Street and South Eighth Street.

G. F. MURPHY BUYS THE PARKER BLOCK

_____


“Store of Quality” Now Owns Build-

ing in Which it Has Been Lo-

cated Past Three Years.

_____


BLDG. HAS DISTINCTIVE FRONT

_____


Its Display Windows are Large and

Well Designed and Permit Lav-

ish Display of Goods


Murphy Dry Goods Store on Front Street, ca. 1910.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 11, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher

George F. Murphy has bought the store building in which his “Store of Quality” has been located for the past three years. The property was purchased from Mrs. Elizabeth Parker.

The building measures 60 feet frontage by 80 feet in length, and is two stories in height. The main floor is occupied by the “Store of Quality.” Mr. and Mrs. Murphy will make their home on the second floor where the seven rooms will be finished to suit their requirements.

The Parker Block is a new structure, having been built about five years ago by White Brothers. Its white enameled pressed brick front is of a distinctive design and stamps the building as one of the handsomest in the city. The display windows are of adequate size and enable Mr. Murphy to show many of the new styles of the season and to display their pretty goods for which the store is noted, always having something new. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 March 1914, p. 3, c. 3)


Built in 1910 [NO] by George F. Murphy mid-block on the south side of Front Street between Seventh and Eighth (Broadway) Streets. Its motto was, “Quality, style and service.” (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 111)


NOTE: This store was NOT built by George Murphy as stated by Dillan above. It was built by Richard Parker. Murphy’s store was in business for over fifty years, finally closing in ?1964.


NATIONAL TEA GROCERY STORE

The National Tea was first located at 711 Laurel Street. In 1929 it moved from 602 [sic] [608] Laurel Street to the Laurel Block located at 720 [sic] [718] Laurel Street.


RECEIVER NAMED FOR CONSUMERS SUPPLY

_____


John P. Miller was appointed receiver for the Consumers Wholesale Supply Co., a corporation operating 90 stores in the northwest, in an order signed Wednesday by Federal Judge John B. Sanborn. Creditors’ claims listed against the company were given as totaling $13,793.40. Louis L. Collins, vice president of the company, filed his consent to the appointment of a receiver Wednesday. Mr. Miller’s bond was set at $50,000 by the court and the business will continue in operation. The corporation was described as worth more than $300,000 in the petition for receivership, which was signed by officers of the Charles J. Hedwall Co., the Hedwall-Sundberg Co., and the Battin-Quinn Paper Co. The Consumers Wholesale Supply Co. was incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware on October 24, 1924, with an authorized capitalization of $2,500,000.—Minneapolis Tribune. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 September 1927, p. 7, c. 1)


TAKE OVER STORES

_____


The National Tea Co. Buy All Con-

sumers Wholesale Co.

Stores


First ad for the National Tea grocery store, 09 December 1927.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Announcement was made this week of the sale of all Consumers Wholesale stores in the northwest to the National Tea Co. who have already taken over operations. This addition increases the number of stores operated by the National Tea Co. to 250.

The local store was occupied this week under the management of the National Tea Co. No changes in the local personnel will be made. Harry Erickson will continue as manager. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 November 1927, p. 6, c. 1)


CONSTANS ADMITS HE KNEW OF PADDED ACCOUNTS

_____


Minneapolis, Dec. 6.—(U.P.)—Further revelations are expected by officials when the investigation of affairs of the defunct Consumers Wholesale Supply Co. resumes before Alexander McCune, Federal bankruptcy referee, here next Monday.

At the hearing before Referee McCune Monday, Nicholas M. Constans, 31, head of the company for five years, admitted that he knew of padded accounts.

The hearing was held to investigate the disappearance of $800,000 assets before the concern went into bankruptcy. It was adjourned late yesterday until next week. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 December 1927, p. 1, c. 6)


HOW CHAIN STORE BUSINESS PASSED INTO BANKRUPTCY

_____


Minneapolis, Minn., Dec. 14.—(U.P.)—How a huge chain store business passed into bankruptcy because of the desire of one man for “whole and unrestricted control of the company” was told to Alexander McCune, federal bankruptcy referee late yesterday.

The testimony to that effect was given at the hearing to determine the reason for the alleged shrinkage of $800,000 in assets of the Consumers Wholesale Supply Co.

Charles N. Grammling, a director of the concern, said that Nicholas M. Constans, president, was “egotistic and jealous of his own powers and abilities, and always was anticipating an expansion of 10 or more stores.“

“Constans wanted whole and unrestricted control of the company.” Grammling charged. “He boasted that he could made an inventory of a store at a glance.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 December 1927, p. 4, c. 2)


Negotiations are now underway between the National Tea Co. and Mr. O’Brien for the occupancy of the 24 feet by 125 feet location immediately adjacent to the Kelly and Brown location and the Montgomery Ward location of 50 feet by 125 feet.

Mr. O’Brien stated that the block would be ready for occupancy by August 1. The laying of bricks started today.

The building will be two stories, the second story to house offices and apartments. (Brainerd Daily Daily Dispatch, 04 May 1929, p. 7, c. 2)


NEW MANAGER OF NATIONAL TEA CO.

_____


P. E. Rowell Succeeds J. H. Rasch as

Manager of Brainerd

Store

_____


ROWELL LONG-TIME EMPLOYEE

_____


J. H. Rasch, Retiring Manager, Will

Open City Grocery on

Front Street


P. W. Rowell former railroad man and long-time employee of the National Tea Co. today succeeded J. H. Rasch as manager of the local National Tea store.

J. H. Rasch retiring manager tendered his resignation some days ago and will open the City Grocery on Front street. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 October 1929, p. 7, c. 3)


NATIONAL TEA CO. OPENING TOMORROW

_____


Fine Food Market to be Located at

720 Laurel Street in

New Building

_____


30TH ANNIVERSARY SALE

_____


Company is Operating Over 1,700

Stores, Employs Over

12,000


National Tea Store at 618 Laurel Street in the 1940s.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
National Tea Store on Washington near South Sixth Street, 1970. A 750x348 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

One of the finest food markets in the northwest, the new National Tea Co. store, will have its grand opening here tomorrow at 720 Laurel street. A complete line of groceries, fresh fruits, and government inspected meats will be offered for sale. All fixtures in the building are completely new, and a complete new line of groceries throughout has been stocked.

The National Tea Company will also celebrate its 30th anniversary sale at the grand opening. The sale will continue during the next week. At present the company is operating more than 1,700 stores in the United States and more than 12,000 men and women are employed. This large purchasing power, through the large number of stores, coupled with careful operation economy will enable the firm to sell the highest grade food products at every day low prices, one of the company officials told the Dispatch this afternoon.

The National Tea Co. store next to the Lyceum theatre on Laurel street will continue to operate as usual with Mr. P. E. Rowell as manager.

P. E. Rowell, former railroad man, will be manager at the new store which is located just west of the Montgomery Ward and Co. store on Laurel street. Company officials here for the grand opening include A. Neilson of Minneapolis, sales manager of the company, and James C. Travis, of Minneapolis, district manager.

A. L. Johnson of Minneapolis, supervisor of the meat markets in National Tea Co. stores will also be in attendance at the grand opening. Conrad Larson of Brainerd will be in charge of the meat department and only government inspected meats will be sold.

The meat department is located on the east side of the building and is clean, white and very attractive. In fact, the entire store may be said to be well lighted, very clean, and attractively furnished.

The building itself has just been completed and is a part of a building program of Con O’Brien during the past season. The Montgomery Ward store just east of the National Tea’s new location was a part of this program. The other half of the new building occupied by the National Tea Company was recently opened by the Fashionette, a ladies’ fashion store, owned and operated by the Kelley-Brown company. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 December 1929, p. 6, c.’s 3 & 4)


SEE: Laurel Block


Open New National Food Building Tomorrow

Huge Parking Lot Attractive Lure for

‘Rush’ Shoppers


Ask Manager Ben Erickson what he likes best about his new National Tea company store here and the first answer you’re likely to get is:

“That spacious parking lot.”

As Erickson knows from his long experience in the grocery business, few concerns can give their customers much help in the way of parking. The National Tea officials feel they are now prepared to offer great service in this line.

Located on the north side of the new store is a parking lot measuring 220 feet long by 57 feet wide. There are four entrances in the lot and there will be a parking attendant on hand to see that everybody gets treated in proper style.

Since it’s right in the heart of town, the lot should prove convenient to business people for shopping in the early morning and late afternoon when they are off work, Erickson feels.

The lot can be entered from the north alley off Laurel street, the south alley off Maple street, the main entrance on Seventh street or the back entrance on Eighth street.

Les Roberts, shovel operator, was in charge of the crew of workmen who descended on the lot last week to apply tons of crushed rock. A cement driveway was laid at the main entrance to further beautify the big parking lot. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 October 1951, p. 1, c. 2)


25th Anniversary Momentous Year

for National Tea


A good way to mark any anniversary for a business concern would be to move into a new, modernized store with many advantages never held before.

That’s the case with the National Food Stores, marking its 25th year of serving the Brainerd community.

When the company first began business here in 1926 [sic] [1927], it had a small store at 608 Laurel, now known as Esser’s Bar.

After three years of operations there, the enterprise was moved further down the street to 720 Laurel, where it remained until 1934. That building is now the home of the Rite-Way Food market.

Seventeen years of doing business at 618 [sic] [720] Laurel have now been concluded by the move to the corner of Seventh and Maple streets.

Moving was a tremendous chore, but frenzied activity late last week and early this week completed the transformation designed to make National Food Stores here one of the leading grocery stores in central Minnesota. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 October 1951, p. 1, c. 2)


Superb Acoustics Stymies All Noises


Loud noises won’t be a part of the company’s store, thanks to a superb system of acoustics and other noise silencing mediums designed for this building.

The compressor room is located in the 50 by 30 basement, which is used mainly for a furnace and rest and refrigerated motor rooms.

Moving silently on the tiled floor will be numbers of rubber wheeled, collapsible carts. There won’t be any door slamming either, because of the Magic Carpet entrance doors and the closed off vestibule. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 October 1951, p. 1, c. 2)


Al Spier Heads Bigger, Better Meat Department


Al Spier, Manager of the National Tea store meat department, 02 October 1951.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Heading a bigger and better meat department at the National Food store is Al Spier, continuing to act in a capacity he has held here for some time.

The improvements have come in increased space for storage, display and working room, a new walk-in cooler, 12-foot open frozen food cases, special poultry and fish departments and a new cutting room.

The department is located in the rear of the store, extending from one side to the other.

There are 30 feet of refrigerated produce cases, a 32 foot frozen food refrigerated case and 20 feet of double deck dairy cases.

Modern electric saws will be used to make the choice cuts of meat and there are all new scales to weigh them.

The company and Spier in particular take pride in the personal service meat department and the self-service produce department. An attendant will be on duty at all times for the personal service policy.

The Valuway meat method continues to be carried by the store. It is a proven method of cutting meats to guarantee customers the fullest possible value for their cash.

While the meat situation is an unknown quantity at the present time, the company is still on the U. S. choice basis and expects to hold that rating. It is pointed out by Spier and other store officials. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 October 1951, p. 1, c. 1)


Erickson, Brainerd Native, With National Food Stores 16 Years;

Manager Here Since 1944


Ben Erickson, Manager of the National Tea store, 02 October 1951.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

“We’re sorry if we have inconvenienced anyone by closing to get our new store ready for tomorrow’s opening, but if people will bear with us, we’ll more than make it up with improved service from now on,” Manager Ben Erickson of the National Food stores advises.

Few store managers are any better known in their areas than the affable Erickson, a Brainerd product who has lived here all his life excepting a few short hitches in other company stores in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Erickson started working for National Food stores shortly after graduation from Washington high school in 1934.

Of the 16 years he has been employed by the National Food Stores, 12 have been spent in Brainerd and he has been manager since 1944.

The other four years, he worked at Mora and St. Cloud in Minnesota and Ladysmith in Wisconsin.

Erickson is married to the former Marie LeMire and the couple has three daughters—Virginia, Jeanne and Mary Jane. They reside at 314 North Ninth street in Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 October 1951, p. 1, c’s 4 & 5)


Big New Plant at Hopkins

Fine Supply Center


A new National Food Stores plant at Hopkins has built up a fine system of supply for the many stores in cities and towns throughout Minnesota.

W. Wheelock, assistant branch manager of the Hopkins plant, reveals that the focal point of National Food Stores activities covers seven acres of ground and is housed under one roof.

All sorts of produce, meat, groceries and bakery goods are stored at Hopkins and shipped out at regular short intervals to allow the offspring stores to present fresh goods at all times. Bakery goods are shipped out daily. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 October 1951, p. 1, c. 6)


10 Brainerd Firms Build New Store


Ten local business firms are proudly sharing in the opening of the new National Food Store here, having built and furnished the 50 feet by 130 feet building.

The National Tea company will rent the building located at the corner of Seventh and Maple streets, from the owner—Gustafson Realty company.

General contractor for the work begun a year ago in June, is J. E. Erickson company. Furnishing the wood, brick, cement and some other materials used was the Paul Bunyan Building Supply company.

Glasswork was done by the Brainerd Glass Co. and Harold Yde Co. did the decorating, which features a white ceiling and rose and green wall decor.

Architect plans were drawn up by Bettenburg, Townsend and Stolte. Burton’s handled all electric wiring and fixture work.

Heating contract went to Pike’s Plumbing and Heating Co. and Fredstrom Plumbing Co. installed the plumbing.

All of the sign work, including those on counters, was accomplished by Lake Region Sign Co. The inlaid tile flooring in two-tone green block pattern was handled by Dol’s Paint and Glass Co. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 October 1951, p. 1, c. 7)


26 [sic] Employees Form Store’s Trained Staff


Manager Ben Erickson heads a staff of 26 [sic] trained workers at the National Food Store’s new store here in Brainerd.

Erickson says his staff may be increased shortly if the volume of business swells to where extra help is needed to provide the sort of service customers have come to expect from the National Tea company.

Superintending the four carryout lanes are six cashiers—Mrs. Thelma Randall, Leona Kurpius, LaVerne Nelson, Mrs. Janette Otis, Mrs. Arnold Steinke and Dorothy Althoff.

Heading the stock and produce departments are manager Archie Sherlund, assistant store manager, Rudolph Vuchetich, Donald Swanson, John Schnartz [sic], Richard Hays and Leo Holmes.

Manager of the meat department is Al Spier, who will be assisted by Harold Torborg, Herbert Torgerson, James Frayer, Robert Hull and William Imgrund, the latter being a part-time employee.

Other part-time employees are Fred Paulson, Paul MacPherson, Kenneth Marsh, Allan Mulligan, Vernon Westberg, Howard Hohensee and Richard Wright. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 October 1951, p. 1, c. 7)


To Award Thousands of Gifts


New National Tea Store, 02 October 1951. A 933x531 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch
Interior of the new National Tea store, 02 October 1951. A 936x780 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch
New National Tea Store, 1970.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Customers of the National Food Stores will find the brands of staples they have been purchasing from that concern in a spanking new setting tomorrow as the company announces its opening at a new site in Brainerd.

The business, which has been operated here for 25 [sic] years at 618 [sic] Laurel, now is located on the corner of Seventh and Maple, kitty-corner from the new telephone office.

Manager Ben Erickson, who has been assisted by district manager Les Wolfe of St. Cloud, assistant branch manager W. Wheelock of Hopkins and head district manager William Meyers of Minneapolis, announces all is in readiness for tomorrow’s grand opening at 10 a. m.

The company also has announced that gifts will be given to all persons over 16 years of age attending the opening, which means that thousands of visitors will be personally thanked for coming to inspect the new establishment.

There are many new features to be found at National Tea and Erickson and his staff of 24 [sic] employees are happy to be able to better serve the people of this area in their new commodious home.

A fine parking lot, enlarged personal meat service and abundant room and frozen compartments for an increased amount of refrigerated produce are among the top new features. A new addition is a complete beauty aid department.

With the new building measuring 50 by 130 feet, compared to the old store’s 46 by 100, readers can quickly see that the space situation is brighter today and company officials have seen to it that the extra room will be put to the greatest advantage, both to themselves and to customers.

Higher shelving, permitting groceries to be stacked four decks high, double-deck dairy cases 20-feet long, modern lighting, four check-out lanes, a 50-foot by 30-foot basement, which houses a furnace, rest rooms and refrigerated motor rooms, are other outstanding parts of the new store.

A magic carpet mat, located in the vestibule, swings wide the two outside doors for the convenience of customers with loaded arms on their way out of the building.

Much of the equipment to be found in the store is brand new, including a deep freeze, other refrigerated boxes, fixtures, lighting, electric meat saws, year-round air conditioning and shelves.

The store will open at 8:30 a. m. daily except Sundays and will close at 6 p. m. except Saturday when shoppers have until 9 p.m. to make their purchases. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 October 1951, p. 1, c. 8)


SEE: Pearce Block

SEE: Laurel Block


NEVERS CLOTHING STORE

J. N. Nevers Clothing Store, ca 1881.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society
Nevers Furniture Store Ad, 27 September 1879.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

John N. Nevers purchased the building and stock this week of Hartley & Slipp, cor. Fifth and Laurel street, and laid in a new stock of furniture, trunks, valises, etc. See his card in another column. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 September 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


The new store building on Front street, being erected by Nevers & Hartley is nearly ready for occupancy, and Mr. Nevers expects to move his stock of furniture; trunks, valises, &c., into it on Monday. He has rented his store on Laurel street for a boarding house, and the partitions are being put in and the building fitted up for the purpose. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 November 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


J. N. Nevers has removed his furniture store to his new building on Front street, next door to the drug store. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 November 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


J. N. Nevers, proprietor of the new furniture store on Front street, desires us to announce that he will open a full line of gents furnishing goods in a few weeks, in connection with his furniture business. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 January 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


An agreement of co-partnership was entered into this week between Jno. N. Nevers proprietor of the furniture store on Front street, and Adam Brown, late of the firm of Brown & Bason, and on Monday, June 7th, the new firm proposes to open what will be known as the “Brainerd One-Price Clothing House,” at Mr. Nevers’ present stand. They have already bought a large stock of clothing in Chicago, and Mr. Nevers goes east tonight to purchase a stock of Gents furnishing goods, hats and caps, boots and shoes, etc. The furniture business will not be discontinued, on the contrary, they propose to run it stronger than ever in connection with the new firm named. Success to the new firm. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 May 1880, p. 1, c. 5)


SEE: 1880 Brainerd-2 in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.


Messrs. Nevers & Brown, dealers in clothing and furniture, find their business increasing to that extent that they are obliged to divide it and conduct the furniture department separately. They have, therefore, perfected their plans for erecting a new store building at once for that department where it will be conducted exclusively and on a much larger scale than heretofore, all kinds of furniture being kept in stock. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 January 1881, p. 1, c. 3)


Nevers, John N.

Is a native of New Brunswick, and came to Brainerd in 1872. Six months after his arrival he engaged in the lumber business, continuing it for four years. He then formed a partnership with B. F. Hartley and kept the LeLand House for one year, since which time he has been in the mercantile business. He carries a stock of about $13,000, consisting of clothing and furnishing goods, and also carries on a merchant tailoring department. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Winchell, Neill, Williams and Bryant, Minnesota Historical Company, Minneapolis: 1881, p. 651)


The co-partnership heretofore existing between J. N. Nevers and Adam Brown has been dissolved, Mr. Brown retiring from the firm. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 April 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


J. N. Nevers desires to inform the public that he intends erecting an addition to his present storeroom, to be used as a tailoring establishment, and will employ a first-class tailor and cutter, and do only first-class work. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 May 1881, p. 1, c. 2)


It is an established fact that the store of J. N. Nevers, is filling up with new goods so fast that he can scarcely find room to put anything, yet they are still coming. The latest thing he has been bringing to Brainerd is the finest and most magnificent lot of gent’s ties that we have ever seen in this section. Call on him and take a look at them. They are beauties. He has almost everything in the general furnishing line. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 May 1881, p. 1, c. 2)


J. N. Nevers desires to inform the public that he has secured the services of four first-class tailors, whom he expects on hand about the fifth or sixth of this month. Among them is an A No. 1 cutter, who will do nothing else but in that line of work. Boys, wait until they come, and then call and be measured for a fine suit of clothes. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 July 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


J. N. Nevers is getting ready to open out his mammoth clothing store to the public in a manner which displays enterprise and energetic purpose. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 July 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


Part of the tailoring force, which J. N. Nevers will bring into requisition in his mammoth clothing establishment on Front street, have arrived, and the balance of stock which he has not received is daily expected. Now, boys give J. N. a call and if he doesn’t put up an A No. 1 suit of clothes for you, then we are sadly in the wrong. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 July 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


In 1883 John Nevers was a partner in a grocery business located in the eastern half of Bly’s Block on the south west corner of South Sixth and Front Streets. He was the Mayor of Brained from 1896-1898.


Gilbert Lake is patronized very much now on account of the accommodations in the line of boats which can be hired there instead of pulling one over the hill. Six new ones have been added to the outfit by Mr. Nevers. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 09 August 1883, p. 4, c. 2)


Mr. Nevers has built a house at Gilbert Lake to accommodate parties who go there for a few hours recreation. The place is fixed up for comfort, with chairs and on one side is a counter where you can get a lunch, cigars, lemonade, etc. Gilbert Lake is getting to be quite a resort for pleasure seekers, and Mr. Nevers has the thanks of many for taking the pains he has to make things agreeable and convenient. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 30 August 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


The firm of Nevers & Westfall has been dissolved, Mr. Westfall having purchased his partner’s interest. The change took place Wednesday morning. Mr. Nevers will collect the outstanding accounts and will make his headquarters at the store. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 November 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


BRAINERD, Oct. 22—The new state bank, to be known as the Northern Pacific Bank of Brainerd, opened for business today in the rooms of the Lumbermen's Exchange Bank, with J. N. Nevers as cashier and Capt. I. Seymour, late of the Northern Pacific, as teller. The bank starts with large deposits and has fine prospects of successful business. (Minneapolis Tribune, 23 October 1889, p. 6)

 

NICOLLET HOUSE

In 1879-1891 the Nicollet Hotel stands where the courthouse is now located off the South end of Fourth Street.


Leland, Henry F.

Is a native of Penobscot county, Maine, born on the 18th of October, 1849. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and in 1867, came to Monticello, Minnesota, where, for ten years, he was engaged in the lumber business. In 1877, he removed to this place and has since been engaged in the hotel business. Since the spring of 1881, Mr. Leland has been the owner and proprietor of the Nicollet House, which is a two-and-a-half story frame house, with twenty-four guest rooms. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Winchell, Neill, Williams and Bryant, Minnesota Historical Company, Minneapolis: 1881, p. 649)


STILL ONWARD WE GO.

_____


The Crystallization of More building

Projects for the Coming Sea-

son—Hartley Bros. and C. B.

Sleeper Will Erect a Magni-

ficent Brick Block—H. Le-

land Will Enlarge and

Reconstruct His Hotel

Making it One of the Finest in

the City.

_____


[...]


THE NICOLLET HOUSE.


It is a notorious fact that the hotels of Brainerd are daily compelled to turn away guests, even in the dullest season, because of lack of accommodations for them, and though this condition of affairs will probably continue for some time yet, Mr. Henry Leland, who owns the popular Nicollet house, will do his share toward meeting the growing demands in this direction. As soon as the season opens sufficiently to begin work, he contemplates materially enlarging and improving his hotel property. In the first place an addition will be built on Fourth street, extending from the present building 50 feet to the alley with a depth of 60 feet. This addition will be three stories high, the top one being a mansard roof, and the basement will be extended back under it. The present building, fronting on Laurel street, will be raised to the same height, and surmounted by a mansard roof, and the whole will form a very spacious and elegant hotel. The interior arrangements will also be changed, and among the improvements there will be a fifty-foot dining room and a large new office may be mentioned. All the rooms in the new portion will be large and finely furnished, and the hotel will be run in first-class shape, and with that attention to the comfort of guests which has already made it so popular under the present management. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 February 1882, p. 1, c. 4)


The Nicollet House has undergone another change of management, T. C. Kinney is now the landlord. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 September 1883, p. 3, c. 1)


FOR RENT.—The Nicollet House situated on Laurel street west. For terms and particulars, call or address,

J. A [sic]. [S.] GARDNER,

Brainerd.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 29 May 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


Jct [sic] [?Jack] Burns and D. Hameltos [sic], have leased the Nicollet House, and took possession last Monday. These gentlemen have lately had charge of the Brainerd House, and are said to be proficient in the business. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 June 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


Mrs. Curo has taken charge of the Nicollet house. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 January 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


A. A. Miller is fitting up the Nicollet House preparatory to opening it the first of next month. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 February 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


Fire animation On February 3, 1891, a fire burned the Nicollet House on west Laurel Street. The building was an old Brainerd landmark hotel, built sometime in the early 1870’s. At the time of the fire the building was being using as a boarding house and only one family was living in it.


SEE: 1891 Nicollet House Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


NORTHERN PACIFIC BANK (MAP #32)

In 1903 the Northern Pacific Bank is located at 201 South Seventh Street. (1903 Brainerd City Directory, p. 126)


The Parker Block at Seventh and Laurel, still a well-known landmark in Brainerd, is the home of the Citizens State Bank from 1909 to 1927, when the bank moves south across Laurel Street.


Organized on 01 November 1889 by Charles N. Parker. Parker was the president, but for him the bank was only a side-line enterprise. For several years John N. Nevers was the cashier and Werner Hemstead later became the active manager of the bank. The bank changes its name to the Citizen’s State Bank in 1906, when M. T. Dunn purchases the controlling interest. Dunn then became president, Parker became the vice president and Hemstead stepped out. After 1909 the Citizen’s State Bank is located in the Parker Block on the northwest corner of Laurel and Seventh Streets. After the death of M. T. Dunn in 1915, the vice president, A. G. Trommald is elected president and in November 1920 he purchases the Dunn holdings in association with Mons Mahlum, Edgar P. Slipp, Theodore H. Schaefer, M. E. Ryan and R. J. Tinkelpaugh. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 103 and Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 56)


Citizens State Bank, formerly the Northern Pacific Bank, is organized in 1889, by C. N. Parker. The name is changed to the Citizens State Bank in 1906. Parker proceeds to erect the present Parker building, on the corner of Seventh and Laurel, to which the Citizens bank moves early in 1909. On the ground floor it occupies specially constructed quarters. The second floor is designed for office space and the third floor for lodge rooms. The building is equipped with the first elevator service in Brainerd, and it is the first elevator taken out. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 90)


Another Bank.


Preliminary arrangements have been completed the past week for the forming of a new banking company in this city and the immediate establishment of a new bank. The capital stock of the new bank will be $35,000 all of which has already been subscribed for. The prime movers in the matter are Parker & Topping, J. N. Nevers, Sam Walker, Koop Bros., J. H. Koop, J. J. Howe, and several other equally prominent citizens. Although no organization has yet been effected, it is understood that J. N. Nevers will be the managing officer, and the bank will be located in the room next to Cohen’s dry goods store, now occupied as an office by Postmaster Koop. The name of the new bank will be the Mechanics’ Bank, of Brainerd and will be incorporated as a state bank. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 August 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


Northern Pacific Bank of Brainerd.

_____


Northern Pacific Bank interior at 201 South 7th, ca. 1893.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

A meeting of the stockholders of the new bank will be held on Monday next to perfect a permanent organization and elect a president, vice-president and cashier, and at which time the final arrangements will be completed for opening the institution for business. It was first thought that the name would be the “Citizen’s Bank of Brainerd,” but upon further consideration it has been decided to call the bank “The Northern Pacific Bank of Brainerd.” At the meeting held on Monday last at which C. N. Parker presided, it was decided that $25,000 was all the capital that would be required at present and accordingly the subscriptions, which amounted to $33,700, was cut down to that amount, but the right is reserved to increase the stock to $100,000 at any time should the business require. The amounts subscribed by stock-holders will be paid in on Monday next. The board of directors consists of C. N. Parker, H. W. Topping, Sam. Walker, J. J. Howe, J. W. Koop, J. N. Nevers, M. Hagberg, J. L. Camp and A. V. Snyder. A committee consisting of J. N. Nevers, H. W. Topping and L. E. Lum was appointed to secure suitable rooms for the bank with full power to act. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 September 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


The Northern Pacific Bank of Brainerd filed their articles of incorporation with the state public examiner on Monday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 October 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


BRAINERD, Oct. 22—The new state bank, to be known as the Northern Pacific Bank of Brainerd, opened for business today in the rooms of the Lumbermen’s Exchange Bank, with J. N. Nevers as cashier and Capt. I. Seymour, late of the Northern Pacific, as teller. The bank starts with large deposits and has fine prospects of successful business. (Minneapolis Tribune, 23 October 1889, p. 6)


The newly organized bank which goes under the name of the Northern Pacific Bank of Brainerd, began business on Tuesday in a part of the room now occupied by the Lumberman’s Exchange Bank. J. N. Nevers is cashier, and I. Seymour, formerly N. P. store-keeper, is teller. The Lumberman’s Bank is still doing business at the old stand, although we understand that Mr. Spaulding will close up his banking business as soon as possible, and devote his whole time to the post-office. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 October 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


The annual meeting of the stock holders of the Northern Pacific Bank was held on Tuesday, and the following gentlemen were elected directors for the ensuing year: C. N. Parker, J. N. Nevers, J. J. Howe, S. Walker, J. W. Koop, H. Ribbel and E. M Westfall. The election of officers was postponed for some future time, so the present officers continue in their respective positions. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 January 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


Northern Pacific Bank located on the corner of South Seventh and Front Streets, ca. 1893. A 850x667 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The property occupied by Redding & McCarthy at the corner of 7th and Front streets has been purchased by the N. P. bank officials and it is probable that the bank will be removed there some time in the near future. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 January 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


The Northern Pacific Bank will be moved and ready for business in their new quarters next Monday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 April 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


The Northern Pacific Bank is now nicely located in its new quarters at the corner of Front and Seventh streets. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 May 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


A two-story building is being erected in the rear of the Northern Pacific Bank. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 June 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


At a meeting of the board of directors of the Northern Pacific Bank on Monday. H. J. Spencer, formerly president and cashier of the 1st National Bank of this city, was elected cashier of the Northern Pacific and will assume the duties of his new position immediately. The former cashier, J. N. Nevers, has been elected vice president. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 March 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


Annual Meeting.


[...]


The annual meeting of the Northern Pacific Bank was also held the same day, but on account of the absence of C. N. Parker, the principal stockholder, from the city, the meeting was adjourned until tomorrow. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 January 1897, p. 4, c. 6)


New Burglar Proof Safe.


The Northern Pacific Bank has added a new Mosler screw door time lock safe which was put into their vault the first of the week. The safe is one of the best made, and so far these safes have withstood all attacks of burglars, and are guaranteed to be absolutely burglar proof. This handsome piece of furniture cost over $1600, but its usefulness will repay the owners for the outlay. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 September 1898, p. 8, c. 4)


The Northern Pacific Bank is being treated to new paper and paint this week and the interior will present a very neat appearance when finished. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 June 1899, p. 8, c. 1)


Annual Bank Meetings.

_____


The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Northern Pacific Bank was held on Tuesday afternoon, at which the old board of directors was re-elected as follows: C. N. Parker, J. J. Howe, W. S. McClenahan, S. Walker and H. D. Treglawny. A dividend of 8 per cent was declared. At a subsequent meeting of the board of directors the old officers were re-elected as follows: President, C. N. Parker; vice-president, S. Walker; cashier, H. D. Treglawny; assistant cashier, R. L. Georgeson; teller, Henry Linneman. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 January 1899, p. 1, c. 4)


The annual meeting of the stock-holders of the Northern Pacific Bank was held on Tuesday afternoon, at which the old board of directors was re-elected as follows: C. N. Parker, J. J. Howe, W. S. McClenahan, S. Walker and H. D. Treglawny. A dividend of 8 per cent was declared. At a subsequent meeting of the board of directors the old officers were re-elected as follows: President, C. N. Parker; vice-president, S. Walker; cashier, H. D. Treglawny; assistant cashier, R. L. Georgeson; teller, Henry Linneman. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 January 1900, p. 1, c. 4)


N. P. BANK SOLD.

_____


C. N. Parker Sells His Interests to Dr.

Hemstead and J. F McGinnis.

_____


A most important business change occurred on Monday afternoon. On that day Mr. C. N. Parker, who organized and for several years as president has controlled this popular banking institution, sold his interests to Dr. Werner Hemstead and J. F. McGinnis. The sale included 288 shares of $50 each owned by Mr. Parker and 15 shares owned by P. S. Ware, formerly of this city, and 15 shares belonging to F. S. Parker. This gives these two gentlemen a holding of 318 shares out of a total of 500. The stock was sold at par. As this leaves Mr. Parker without any interest in the bank, he will, of course, at once retire from the presidency of the institution. At the annual meeting held in January no directors or officers were elected as the change was then contemplated, so an adjourned meeting of the stockholders will be held Tuesday, April 24th, when new officers will be elected. Dr. Hemstead will probably be elected president and Mr. McGinnis vice president. The present force of employees will undoubtedly be retained.

Messrs. Hemstead and McGinnis are two of Brainerd’s most substantial and enterprising citizens, and their connection with the institution cannot help but strengthen its credit and increase its favor with the business interests of this community and the northern part of the state.

Mr. Parker’s object in disposing of his banking interest is to retire from active business as much as possible. He desires to feel free to come and go as he pleases, and to spend his winters in a warmer climate if he desires, which he could not do if he was actively interested in the bank. He expects, however, to make his home here in the future as in the past, and will always lend his aid and experience in forwarding any movement for the benefit of the city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 April 1900, p. 1, c. 3)


The DISPATCH was in error last week in stating that 13 shares of the N. P. bank stock bought by Messrs. McGinnis and Hemstead was owned by P. S. Ware. The stock was at one time owned by Mr. Ware and was by him sold to Mrs. Ellen Carney, who sold the same to Messrs. Hemstead and McGinnis. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 April 1900, p. 10, c. 2)


Bank Elections.


The annual meeting of stockholders of the N. P. bank was held on Tuesday, January 8th, and the following gentlemen were elected directors: Werner Hemstead, J. F. McGinnis, S. Walker, H. Ribbel and H. D. Treglawney. A meeting of the directors will be held tomorrow afternoon at 3 o’clock to elect officers.


[...]

(Brainerd Dispatch, 11 January 1901, p. 5, c. 2)


The annual meeting of the directors of the N. P. Bank was held last Saturday and the old officers were re-elected as follows: Werner Hemstead, president; J. F. McGinnis, vice president; H. D. Treglawney, cashier, and W. H. Linneman, assistant cashier. The bank, under its new management, has enjoyed increased prosperity. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 January 1901, p. 8, c. 5)


Dr. Hemstead has given up his office as physician and will discontinue the practice of medicine. He will devote his entire time to the business of the N. P. bank, of which he is president. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 April 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


Northern Pacific Bank to Have

Entire New Plate Glass

Front.

_____


OTHER ALTERATIONS MADE.

_____


Several New Houses Will be Erected at Once by Minne-

apolis Firm.


Workmen commenced tearing down the front of the Northern Pacific Bank building this Monday and some extensive improvements are to be made in and about the building. The entire front of the bank will be torn out and new plate glass put in which will cost several thousand dollars. It will take sometime to make the repairs but when completed the building will present a very handsome appearance.

A crew of men was at once put at work tearing up the old walk in front and around the side of the bank, and new cement walks will be put down to conform with the new ordinance recently passed by the city council making the walk on Front street 16 feet wide and on Seventh street 12 feet wide. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 August 1901, p. 6, c. 3)


BRAINERD


Bank Closed By Order of Public Examiner Yesterday.


Absence of Cash On Hand Is the Cause Given Out.


Thorough Examination of the Institution’s Affairs Will Be Made.


President Hemstead Says He Has Money Enough To Pay All.

______________


BRAINERD, Minn., May 17.—Brainerd people were surprised yesterday afternoon to find the curtains of the Northern Pacific bank drawn and the following notice placed on the door:

“Closed by order of public examiner for a thorough examination.”

At this time little was known regarding the affair and it was stated that Superintendent of Banks P.M. Kerst was not in the city, but that the notice had been posted by one of his deputies who was in the city and who had been going over the books of the institution.

Nothing definite was given out until late yesterday afternoon when Superintendent Kerst arrived in the city from St. Paul. He was seen at the bank and gave out the following statement:


Statement is Made.

“The Northern Pacific bank has been temporarily closed by the superintendent of banks for the purpose of making a thorough examination of its affairs. As soon as the examination is concluded a statement will be made to the public.”

This, in brief, is about all that could be secured from Superintendent Kerst yesterday. He did state in answer to the question asking for a reason for the state of affairs, “the immediate cause for closing the bank is the absence of cash means.”

The Northern Pacific bank was capitalized for $25,000 and had a surplus of $13,000. It had deposits of $165,000, including bills payable and its total liabilities are $200,000.


An Absence of Cash.

The superintendent of banks states that there was no other reason for closing the bank than that there was absence of cash. His deputies have been in the city for several days and they noticed a natural drawing out of money, what is termed in banking business, “a still run on the bank.”

The bank officers are among the best known business men in the city.

The president is Dr. Werner Hemstead; vice president, J. A. McGinnis; cashier, H. D. Treglawny.

President Hemstead authorized the following statement:

“I have enough available resources to place the bank on a footing to pay every depositor dollar for dollar and this we will do at once.”


Plan Complete Reorganization.

It is understood that the directors contemplate a complete reorganization and the bank will be opened on a sounder and larger basis than ever.

There are a great many anxious depositors but the bank officials offer encouragement in the fact there is enough of the resources in the way of good paper to meet all liabilities.

It was rumored on the streets yesterday afternoon that the bank would be in shape to open up for business by next Monday morning.


Gov. Johnson Talks of Bank.

“All that I know of the situation,” said Governor Johnson last evening, “is what Mr. Kerst told me before he left for Brainerd a few days ago. I understand that complaints have been received at the examiner’s office that certain funds of the bank had been impaired. The investigation is being made to verify the statements made in the complaints.”

Inquiry at the office of the public examiner disclosed the fact that the public examiner has been in Brainerd for several days. Beyond this, no information as to the details of the complaints filed would be given out. (Minneapolis Tribune, 17 May 1905)


NOR PACIFIC BANK OPENED

_____


Under Consent and by the Ap-

proval of the Public Ex-

aminer

_____


M. T. DUNN FOR PRESIDENT

_____


Bank Starts Out Under Conditions

Which are Eminently Satis-

factory to All


The doors of the Northern Pacific state bank of this city were reopened this morning by order of Public Bank Examiner P. M. Kerst and it resumed business after a suspension of several weeks. The bank was opened with the full consent and approval of the public examiner, the reorganization committee having complied with all the requirements laid down for the purpose of reorganization. All the affairs of the bank have been adjusted most satisfactorily.

To the DISPATCH reporter today Mr. Kerst said: “The bank at present is in an absolutely safe condition. The bank has been placed under an entire new management and it is due those who have been diligent in the reorganization that the clientage of the bank be continued as in the past. I have known the new head of the Northern Pacific bank for years and know him to be an able and proficient banker. The conditions which I required have all been met with and in some places the conditions are even better than I anticipated. For instance one of the conditions was that there be at least $35,000 in hand before the bank could open. The fact is that there is at least $45,000 of cash means in hand.

“The assessment of 50 percent of the capital stock of the bank has been paid in in cash. That realized $12,500. This together with the book surplus of $13,000 all of the doubtful assets have been wiped out, leaving the capital stock of the bank, which is $25,000, unimpaired. In addition to that there will be a small surplus already accumulated during the time the bank has been in the hands of the public examiner.”

The stockholders held a meeting last night and the resignation of Dr. Werner Hemstead, president and J. F. McGinnis, vice president were received.

M. T. Dunn, of LeRoy, Minn., a well-known banker was elected president and J. A. Batchelder was elected assistant cashier. The offices of vice president and cashier were left open at the present, but it is understood that some new blood is to be infused into the bank and that the office will be filled from the members of a new board of directors which will be elected in a short time. Mr. Dunn, who was elected president of the bank, is not unknown in this city. He is a brother of H. P. Dunn, and has visited here on various occasions.

The conditions laid down by Public Examiner Kerst before the reorganization committee and under which the bank was reopened were as follows:

“The assessment on the capital stock of the bank had to be collected in cash. I required of them that a large amount of cash must be on hand before the reopening of the bank. This involved considerable time and close attention to the assets of the bank.

“I. That an assessment of 50 percent on the capital stock be paid in cash by the stockholders.

“II. That there be a large amount of cash on hand before reopening the band.

“III. That the depositors give the bank 6, 12 and 18 months time in which to pay them off.

“IV. That a practical and competent banker be appointed as cashier, should appeal to every creditor that by this course his interest is best served.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 July 1905, p. 3, c. 1)


On 15 September 1906 public examiner, P.M. Kerst, authorizes the Northern Pacific Bank of Brainerd to change its name to the Citizens State Bank of Brainerd. Every state bank must have the word ‘state’ in its title. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 15 September 2006)


Fire animation On January 22, 1907, a fire wiped out the Reilly block containing the Reilly drygoods and hardware store, M. J. Reis dry goods store, Brockway & Parker, grocers and the Citizens State Bank building. Losses amounted to about $50,000.


SEE: 1907 Reilly Block Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


On 15 May 1908 at a meeting of the board of directors of the Citizens State Bank this afternoon a proposition from the owners of the corner lot south of the Bane Block was accepted. The bank will now erect its new building on that site. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 15 May 2008)


On 30 June 1908 the plans for the new Citizens State Bank building have been received. The plans show what will be, without a doubt, the finest and most up-to-date building in the city. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 30 June 2008)


SEE: Brainerd State Bank / Security State Bank

SEE: Citizens State Bank

SEE: Parker Block


NORTHERN PACIFIC COLONISTS’ RECEPTION HOUSE

Northern Pacific Colonists’ Reception House aka Immigration Hall located at the west end of the railroad bridge, ca. 1872.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

More Residences, Etc.


[...]


The new Immigrant House across the river is about completed, and is one of the finest of its kind in the west. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 June 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


There is to be given on Thursday evening next a grand ball and opening “blow-out” at the splendid new Immigrant Reception House, belonging to the N. P. Railroad Co., on the opposite side of the river. Three hundred invitations have been sent out, and it is expected that a great number of persons of note will be here from abroad. Our friend T. B. Shoaff, is one among the number who is superintending the preparations for this grand time. Music will be furnished by a string band from Duluth. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 June 1872, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church


In June 1872 the Northern Pacific Railroad opens the Colonists' Reception House in Brainerd. On 24 September 1882 the Colonists' Reception House, aka Immigration Hall, becomes the first Northern Pacific Hospital.


GRAND OPENING BALL.


THE party at the Headquarters Hotel on Thursday evening in honor of the opening by the N. P. R. R. Co. of the Colonist’s Reception House, located on the west bank of the Mississippi, was the most complete affair ever gotten up in these pines. It was a brilliant array of the beauty, talent, and worth of the city of the pines—rendered more beautiful by the graceful presence of the beaux and belles of Duluth, Fort Ripley, St. Paul, Minneapolis, James River, D. T., Hastings and points east and west on the line of the N. P. The company was very large, the music and prompting unexceptionable, the refreshments choice, and richly served, and the enjoyment of those present most complete. The opinion has prevailed, and been to some extent demonstrated, that it was very difficult to get up a party of ladies and gentlemen, “to trip the light fantastic toe,” in Brainerd, without drawing the lines of class so taut as to raise objections and insure financial failure. From this time forward, this impression ceases. The moral and cultivated sentiment of the community has asserted its prerogative to rational amusement and enjoyment, and future calls from as respectable a corps of managers, and under the countenance of so worthy a person as the host of the “Headquarters” will be answered by the same array of beauty and real worth, as formed the basis of the attendance at the party of last night; may that call be not long distant.

The following is a list of guests, from abroad, in attendance:

Duluth, J. H. Hepham and wife, Maj. J. L. Smith, L. L. Trumbull and lady, H. Russell, W. P. Sargent, Mr. Munroe, Mrs. R. S. Morford, Miss Morford, S. Seaton and daughter, Hazen and wife, Miss D’Unger, H. A. Stratton, C. Adams, J. H. Shoenberger, Col. W. B. Gaw, Geo. H. Shoenberger, E. L. Bailey, Mr. Gates, E. W. Brady, A. J. Sawyer.

St. Paul, Charles Commisky, Temple Clark, E. C. Judson, James R. Day, C. D. Lombard, J. D. Sturgess, B. Hedge, Geo. B. Wight, Minneapolis; M. L. Knotten, N. P. R. R.; Mr. and Mrs. Doty, J. D. Weed, Capt. McCorsky and three ladies from Fort Ripley; Mr. Brown. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 June 1872, p. 1, c. 3)


...Another favorite place was the Colonists’ Reception House in West Brainerd, built by the Northern Pacific for prospective settlers and later turned into a hospital. When the Ahrens brothers lived at the place, hundreds came to their picnic parties and to dance a jig, sing a song, or tell a story. (Brainerd, Minnesota 1871-1971, reproduced from the Centennial Edition of the Brainerd Daily Dispatch, p. 69)


Fire animation On January 22, 1883, a fire destroyed the Northern Pacific Hospital and Colonists’ Reception House. Patients were safely removed from the building still in their beds via two baggage cars in -40 degree temperature and lodged in an empty building at the shops.


SEE: 1883 Northern Pacific Hospital Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


Northern Pacific Railroad Ad for the sale of land along the new RR lines. (See the 600 KB high-res PDF file)
Source: Northwest Illustrated Monthly Magazine, Volume VI, Number 7, July 1888, E. V. Smalley, Editor and Publisher

On February 1, 1871, the board of directors of the railroad named a five-member Land Committee, under the chairmanship of Frederick Billings, to organize the Land Department and oversee its operations. The Land Committee served as the link between the Northern Pacific's board of directors and the Land Department. Billings chaired the committee until October 20, 1875.

Under Billings' direction, office space for the Land Department was rented in New York City. Two other offices were opened: the Minnesota district office in St. Paul and the Pacific district office in Kalama, Washington Territory. All Land Department business between Lake Superior and the Rocky Mountains was to be handled by the St. Paul office; all business west of the Rockies was to be the responsibility of the Kalama office.

The main duties of the district offices were threefold: first, they were to supervise the examination and platting of the company's lands; second, they were to promote the sale of the lands; and third, they were to handle all the office work necessary to expedite the sales. In addition, the district offices performed a multitude of ancillary services. They answered inquiries regarding the company's lands; helped newly arrived settlers find temporary lodging and procure supplies, equipment, fuel, and other necessities; escorted excursion groups, land selection committees, influential investors, government officials, and others on tours of the line and the surrounding communities; reported on and attempted to prevent illicit logging in the vicinity of the line; sought to maintain good public relations with the local communities; and kept the New York headquarters informed about conditions and significant events in the districts.

Preparations to open the Minnesota district office were begun late in the spring of 1871. Most of the efforts of the St. Paul office during this first year were directed toward examining and mapping the lands in preparation for putting them on the market. In the spring of 1872, four local Land Department agents were hired to handle all sales in the vicinities of Duluth, Wadena, Audubon, and Glyndon, Minnesota.

Free colonist sleeping car used by prospective Northern Pacific land buyers, ca. 1880.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

Activity remained high throughout that summer. Several immigrant reception houses were opened along the line to provide temporary lodging for newly arrived immigrants who intended to purchase lands from the railroad. Numerous persons traveled along the line in search of lands for themselves or for future colonies. In the late summer and early autumn, the St. Paul office was busy collecting agricultural and mineral specimens for display at fairs and exhibitions in the United States and abroad.

Despite the elaborate preparations and fevered activity, relatively few of the company's lands were sold in 1872. The first sales contract was not signed until the end of May, 1872, a full year after the St. Paul office was opened. Sales during that summer were greatly hampered by delays in getting the company's European operations and promotional activities underway. The poor sales of the 1872 season, coupled with the general financial malaise of the company, prompted Billings to order district operations cut back severely.

In spite of optimistic projections, sales in 1873 were not much better than they had been in 1872. With the failure of Jay Cooke & Co. in September, nearly all Land Department activities in the Minnesota district came to a halt. The field operations were abandoned and only a skeletal office staff was retained. Expenses were further reduced by moving the district headquarters to Brainerd where other company offices were located. Thenceforth, the Minnesota office restricted its activities solely to performing whatever office work was necessary to expedite the company's land sales.

Ironically, the collapse of Jay Cooke & Co. achieved for the Land Department what no amount of labor had theretofore been able to accomplish. Land sales in Minnesota and eastern Dakota Territory mushroomed as settlers and investors from all over the country rushed forward to exchange their nearly worthless bonds for the company's valuable lands. By September, 1873, the Land Department had been able to sell only about 41,000 acres of land in the Minnesota district; by the end of the year, another 22,000 acres had been disposed of. In 1874, the company sold nearly 190,000 acres in Minnesota and Dakota Territory, over three times as much land as it had sold during the entire first three years of operation. In 1875, sales more than doubled again when the company sold in excess of 475,000 acres. By January, 1876, the company had sold a total of 728,000 acres in its Minnesota district. (Guide to a Microfilm Edition of The Northern Pacific Land Department Records, William M. Bomash, 1983: Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul; pp. 7-9)


The Northern Pacific Manual for September is before us and among the interesting reading therein we find the following for our “City of the Pines,” which will be found to be nearly correct:

Brainerd, Minn., is beautifully located on the east bank of the Mississippi river, in a lovely forest of tall, straight pine trees. In building the business portion of the place the trees were necessarily cut down, but the residence part of Brainerd is built among the trees in lovely groves, thus giving it a novel and pleasant appearance. The population is 12,000, and rapidly growing in consequence of the company’s shops and buildings being erected here, which when completed will employ 1,200 men. These buildings consist of a machine and erecting shop, 120x250; round-house 316 feet in diameter, has stalls for forty-four engines; boiler shop, 80x175; engine room with Corliss engine, 40x40; blacksmith shop, 80x195; copper shop, 80x75; tank shop, 80x97; and paint shop, 100x200 feet. Brainerd has six hotels, one public hall, splendid school edifices, and two weekly newspapers, a bank, seven churches and three public parks. As a summer resort it presents every rural attraction. Lakes are numerous in all directions and full of fish, such as pickerel, pike, muskallonge [sic], whitefish and bass. Gull Lake, twenty miles northwest, has accommodations for fifty persons. Serpent Lake, seventeen miles east, can accommodate as many more. A steamboat for the use of summer visitors, is provided. Game, both large and small, is very plentiful in this vicinity, in fact, it is the local point from which the sportsman can diverge in any direction and find deer, bear, duck, geese, chicken, partridge, grouse, snipe and woodcock. This is also the initial point for the pineries located just to the north and east. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 20 September 1883, p. 3, c. 6)


BRAINERD BOOMS

________


In a Quiet Way is Big Lure.

________


But a Careful Look Over the Town

Shows More Building and Improvements

going on than in any

Town on the Line of the Northern Pacific.

______


The costly and noticeable improvements constantly being pushed forward in Brainerd, says the Minneapolis Journal correspondent, compels the admiration and surprise of transients as well as our own citizens.

Brainerd is progressing more rapidly than any of the other similar cities in the state, is a frequent ejaculation of the stranger. First comes our nearly completed and most excellently arranged system of water works, which will supply the entire city with a pure article of water in a few weeks. The city is completely encircled with twelve inch main, a total of ten miles, affording the very best protection against fire. Another institution of which Brainerd has always developed a tender and solicitous care, is the new Northern Pacific hospital, now nearly completed, at a cost of $50,000 [sic] and built by the Northern Pacific railroad, and supported by a system of assessments upon the employees, the benefits of which are equally available to the most humble track layer, or the superintendent of a division. The new opera house and Masonic temple, when completed, will certainly rival anything in the country for convenience and elegance. The opera house will occupy the ground floor, and the temple the third floor, the structure to cost $50,000 [sic]. The new Villard house is nearly enclosed, and will be a strictly first-class hotel when completed. The building will be three stories high, and a model in point of architecture and convenience. Our already mammoth railroad shops are receiving healthy additions, which will necessitate and make room for at least 400 additional laborers, everyone of whom will source or later erect for himself a home. During the summer, fifteen miles of substantial sidewalks have been laid, the new wagon bridge across the Mississippi has been completed, and the elegant Catholic church placed ready for the worshippers. The above are but the more important and noticeable of Brainerd’s substantial improvements, and upon which, with our consequent population, now reaching nearly 14,000, we base our claim of being the third city in Minnesota. (The Northern Pacific Manual, Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 25 October 1883, p. 2, c. 3)


SEE: Northern Pacific Hospital


NORTHERN PACIFIC DEPOT (First) (MAP #11)

Originally built by the Northern Pacific Railroad in March [sic] 1872 as its headquarters building [and remodeled in 1883-84], it stands on the southeast corner of Washington [Main] and Sixth Streets, near where the concrete water tower now stands, this depot burns down in 1917. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 19)


THE NEW PASSENGER DEPOT AT

BRAINERD.

_____


Full Description of the Grand Structure.

_____


AN ARCHITECTURAL ORNAMENT TO

THE TOWN

_____


And a Credit to the Company.

_____


Northern Pacific Depot at the southeast corner of 6th and Washington, ca. 1872.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

We have, from time to time during the past few weeks, heard fragmentary sentences in reference to the new Passenger Depot to be put up at Brainerd, and although from what we could gather, we were prepared to believe that at least we were to have quite a respectable structure, yet were not prepared to see so creditable a display of enterprise on the part of the Company as we now know is contemplated. We were shown in the office of Lyman Bridges, the architect and builder of stations on the road, and Mr. Jas. H. Place, the complete designs, elevations, plans, etc., of the new depot executed by him, the properties of which we give below, to wit:

The building is to be 40x80, two stories high with attic. The style of architecture is Italian, with projecting turrets at each corner, 6x6, running high above the roof, and terminating with mansard roof and ornamented pinnacles, through which are to be ventilators from the closets and wash rooms of both stories below. The grand tower of the main front entrance to the building is 16x16, projecting six feet from the main part, and 60 feet from base to pinnacle, beautifully ornamented from the top of the building upward, with mansard roof, and great clock in front. The lower story is to be arranged thus: Entering the front through the main tower, you enter a hall 14x14; to one hand is the entrance to the ladies’ parlor, to the other the gents; out of this hall goes an easy and graceful stairway to the second story. On the first floor are the two passenger rooms, 32x39 each, a ticket and telegraph office in the center with openings into each of the passenger rooms, and two commodious fireproof vaults, 8x12. The passenger rooms will each be supplied with wash rooms and closets—in the corner turrets—provided and arranged after the most modern and improved style—the upper story being also provided in a like manner. Ascending from the front hall you come to an upper one similar in proportion, on the one side of which is the office of Geo. P. Lee, General Disbursing and Financial Agent of the N. P. R. R., and on the other the office of Col. John S. Loomis, General Land Commissioner of the road. These two offices are very similar in size and arrangement—being each 32x27 clear of private offices, vaults, closets, wash rooms, etc. In the center, between these two suites of rooms, and corresponding with the ticket and telegraph office below, is the office of Geo. W. Sweet, the attorney for the road and local law agent at Brainerd. The attic story will be lighted by dormer windows, and the building throughout the inside supported by ornamental iron columns. In front of the building, its full length, will be an overhanging protection, supported by immense brackets, and around the whole will be a finely constructed platform of ample space.

This building will compare, both in beauty and convenience, to any in the western country, and if executed in accordance with the plans we have examined will prove not only a mere ornament to our town but will alone enhance the value of real estate belonging to the Company in Brainerd, sufficiently to more than pay the whole expense. We, in common with every one else, are delighted to see that the Northern Pacific Company propose to go to work in a proper, and in the end, economical manner, in putting up, to start with, buildings that will serve a permanent purpose, enhance the beauty of their respective localities, as well as the value, instead of doing as many railroads have done, particularly in the past, of putting up buildings along their lines that would not make respectable “gin-mills” nor barns; rendering new buildings necessary almost before the road-bed had fairly settled. In every sense, worthy of consideration, we think that at the prominent points on the line similar buildings to the one in question should be built, and at all points be governed by principles of economy at first, not extravagance at last. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 February 1872, p. 3, c. 3)


THE NEW DEPOT.—Stakes were driven this week for the magnificent new passenger depot described in the TRIBUNE a few months ago, and a crew of workmen are now employed in getting out the timber for it. This will be a beautiful ornament to our town, and of a character that would do credit to any city, great or small. So must it be. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 April 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


STATE NEWS.

_______


CROW WING COUNTY.


Workmen have commenced on the new passenger depot at Brainerd. (Minneapolis Tribune, 24 July 1872, p. 2)


The new [remodeled] depot is about finished and will be a convenience to the traveling public that they have not experienced in Brainerd for some time. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 December 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


The ticket, baggage and express office were removed on Saturday last to the newly arranged depot in the first story of the headquarters building. The rooms have been nicely arranged and fixed up for the convenience and comfort of the public and the employees. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 January 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


The railroad company have been painting up their passenger depot here during the past week. It was a needed improvement. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 September 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


The railroad company have made improvement by putting up three lamps on the depot platform and placing a bell there which is rung before the starting of trains. Heretofore when the passenger train was cut for the crossing and backed down there was a general rush and this bell and sign has been put up to do away with mistakes. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 December 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


The band stand has again been removed, this time to the site immediately back of the depot on Main [Washington] St. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 October, 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


The railroad company has made some needed improvements in sidewalks and platforms around the depot grounds during the past week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 September 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


The Northern Pacific railroad is making some extensive improvements at the depot, a new platform being laid entirely around the same. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 August 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


Brainerd’s Union Depot.


The Brainerd & Northern Minnesota railroad have made certain arrangements with the Northern Pacific people by which they will run their passenger trains to and from the depot of the latter company in this city, the same having become necessary on account of the discontinuance of the street car service. The freight and passenger business of the B. & N. M. will be handled by the Northern Pacific agent, Mr. W. D. McKay and his corps of able assistants in connection with their other work. The change will be one that the traveling public will appreciate, as it will avoid the transfer of baggage and passengers coming and going will be landed in the heart of the city. The company has also made some changes in the running time of their train shortening the time between Brainerd and Walker nearly one hour, leaving Walker at 7:40 a.m. instead of 7 and arriving there at 6:35 p.m. The change takes place on Monday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 August 1897, p. 1, c. 3)


A penny-in-the-slot weighing machine has been placed in the waiting room of the N. P. depot. Every depot on the line of the road has been provided with like machines. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 August 1897, p. 8, c. 1)


28 January 1913. Leon Lum of Duluth, who has large interests in Brainerd, was interviewed today regarding the need for a new railroad depot. “Brainerd has no need of a new depot. But the one Brainerd now has is in filthy condition, a disgrace to the railway and the city.” (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 28 January 2013)


The Northern Pacific Depot is being painted. The body color is to be a deep red and the trimmer a dark green. (Brainerd Dispatch, Tuesday, 29 April 1913)


The band stand will be removed from its present location in the rear of the depot to a position opposite the Y. M. C. A. building today, between the railroad track and Front street. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 September 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


14 October 1913. The depot platform is finished and is an excellent piece of work. The brick has been carefully laid under supervision of Sam Sorenson of Superior. There are new water closets on the men’s side, proving the NP Railway is meeting demand for improvements. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 14 October 2013)


Fire animation On February 5, 1917 a fire destroys the landmark first Northern Pacific Depot built in 1872. The building also housed the offices of the M & I Railroad. The fire was believed to have started in the ladies’ waiting room. The depot was valued at about $27,000.


SEE: 1917 Northern Pacific Depot Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


August 1919. When the new depot is completed, the old buildings that now mar the landscape at the site of the old depot will be torn down. For nearly three years now these shacks have been used for accommodations of the Brainerd public and it will be a glad day when something of beauty takes their place. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 19 August 1999)


NORTHERN PACIFIC DEPOT (Second) (MAP #59)

Built on the south side of Washington [Main] Street between Fourth and Sixth Streets by the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1920, the grand opening occurs on 15 May. The depot costs $100,000 and is built by St. Paul contractors, McMannus [sic] [McManis] and Turnowski [sic] [Tarnoski], it is a two story structure with six dormers in the third floor. Platforms allow the flow of passengers at each end of the building. The exterior is of red brick and West Bedford cut stone. The inside is trimmed in oak and wainscoted with Ludowski [sic] [Ludowici] Imperial French tile [Note: Ludowici Imperial French Tile is roofing tile]. Until they close in 1933, it houses, on the second floor, offices of the Minnesota and International Railway, a subsidiary of the Northern Pacific. Other office space in the depot is leased to federal government offices, such as the Farm Security Administration in July of 1941. The Northern Pacific Credit Union office is located on the second floor of the building from 19?? to 1968. The depot is demolished circa 18 October 1968. A strip mall and a grocery store replace it.


NEW DEPOT READY BY MARCH 1ST

_____


To be Occupied by Northern Pacific

and Minnesota & International

Railway Offices

_____


General Contractors of Three Story

and Basement Structure are

McManis & Tarnoski


Northern Pacific Depot on the south side of Washington between 4th and 6th, ca. 1920.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Brainerd’s new Northern Pacific railway depot an imposing structure built of brick, three stories high, is expected to be occupied on March 1 by the Northern Pacific and Minnesota & International railway offices and other forces.

The building measures 162 by 40 feet in size, has a full basement and at its east and west ends large covered platforms. Railway men and others have viewed it and declared it one of the best depots on the whole Northern Pacific railway system.

The general contractors are McManis & Tarnoski, of 484 Endicott building, St. Paul. The general foreman in charge is Val Gersbach. The railway inspector is J. Lie.

The main floor is distinguished by the fine artistic treatment accorded. The floor is of reddish quarry tile, the wainscoting is of a mosaic of terra cotta shade resembling that used in all station terminals in New York, the walls are a buff shade and the ceiling, ornamentally beamed, is of a cream shade.

At the east end, track side, is the women's waiting room 18 by 40 feet in size with toilet. On the opposite side is the men's smoking room 16 by 16 feet with toilet. In the center of the building is the main waiting room 40 by 60 feet with caged ticket office, paneled in oak sides and three windows. The baggage room is 40 by 40 feet in size and attached to same is the baggage and express office.

The second and third floors will house the Minnesota & International railway forces. The rooms are finished in birch with tinted walls. At the east end second floor is the auditor clerks’ room 33 by 40 feet in size with vault attached and nearby the auditor’s private office. Men’s and women’s toilets adjoining. The dispatchers’ office is in the center of the building overlooking the tracks. There is room for nine operators. Other offices are the bulletin room, yard clerk, roadmaster, superintendent tie treating plant and private office, general manager clerks’ office, general manager’s private office, trainmaster, car clerk, engineer of bridges and buildings, etc. The third floor has six offices and large attic for storing at east and west ends of the building.

In the basement is the steam heating plant, Keewanee tubular type. Attachment can be made at the west end to heat coaches in the yards. There is coal storage facilities, stationery storage, vault room, pipe tunnels all around the building.

The roof of the building is of Ludovici [sic] [Ludowici] tile. Brick platforms in front of the depot measure 50 feet wide and beyond the building 16 feet wide with a total length of 600 feet. Another platform of brick extends between the first and second tracks and measures 600 feet long by 16 feet wide. There are also platforms under the covered sections at the east and west ends of the depot and also around the depot.

McManis & Tarnoski, the general contractors of St. Paul, are builders of wide experience. At Albert Lea the firm is putting in a concrete water tower and tank of 125,000 gallons capacity and a reservoir of 1,500,000 gallons capacity. They recently completed the Moose Lake depot, Bellefield, N. D., and depot and blacksmith shop at Como. They have built many large schools in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Mr. Tarnoski is at Brainerd for the week and giving his personal attention to details necessary for the completion of the depot. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 February 1920, p. 5, c.’s 1 & 2)


FORMAL OPENING OF NEW DEPOT

_____


President J. M. Hannaford and Offi-

cial Staff of Northern Pacific

to be Honored Guests

_____


ON SATURDAY, MAY 15TH, 1920

_____


Celebration Commensurate With Ac-

quiring Passenger Facilities of

Most Modern Type


The handsome and commodious passenger station just completed by the Northern Pacific Railway company will be opened for public use on the afternoon of Saturday, May 15.

At that time J. M. Hannaford, president of the railway company with several of his office staff will be present and it is intended to make the occasion a memorable one, and one befitting the celebration of the acquisition of passenger facilities that are second to none for a city of the size of Brainerd anywhere in the country.

A citizens’ committee of which George D. LaBar is chairman, is being formed to take charge of the affair. Its membership in part is as follows:

S. R. Adair, S. F. Alderman, J. P. Anderson, Dr. R. A. Beise, W. H. Cleary, W. C. Cobb, Henry I. Cohen, Dr. Walter Courtney, Edw. Crust, Elmer Dahl, H. P. Dunn, Joseph Gabiou, W. H. Gemmel, A. J. Olmsted, Dr. A. W. Ide, Thos. G. Johnson, H. L. Jones, G. D. LaBar, Mayor F. E. Little, Mons Mahlum, Judge W. S. McClenahan, Con. O’Brien, J. W. O’Brien, J. P. Prosser, M. E. Ryan, R. M. Sheets, F. H. Simpson R. D. Stitzel, Dr. J. A. Thabes, E. O. Webb, F. W. Wieland, R. R. Wise, Carl Zapffe, R. K. Whitely.

Others will be added and a full meeting of the committee will be held in the Chamber of Commerce rooms at 8 p. m. on Monday, May 10 to complete all necessary arrangements for the decoration of the waiting rooms of the new depot, the public reception there after the arrival of the railway officials and the dinner to be given the visitors at the Ransford hotel in the evening.

As the time for getting out notices of meetings is short it is hoped that all whose names are listed above and others who have suggestions to make, whether they receive a notice or not will attend the meeting Monday night so that nothing may be left undone to show the railway company and its officials that Brainerd is appreciative of the provision of a building of which it will be proud for generations to come. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 May 1920, p. 5, c. 1)


OFFICIALS IN SPECIAL TRAIN

_____


Northern Pacific Railway Men Head-

ed by J. M. Hannaford to At-

tend Opening of New Depot

_____


BRAINERD BAND TO PLAY

_____


High School Orchestra to Give Selec-

tion, General Reception Follow-

ing for Mr. Hannaford


PIONEER RESIDENTS

_____


The Citizens’ Committee is anxious to get the names of people who resided in Brainerd in 1872. These include, so far as known, Anton Mahlum, I. U. White, R. K. Whiteley. They will have honored seats at the dinner in the evening.

A large and enthusiastic Citizens’ committee met in the Chamber of Commerce rooms last night to make the necessary arrangements for the exercises in connection with the formal opening of the new passenger station on Saturday next. Judging from the interest displayed and the suggestions offered, the affair is going to be one of the most interesting that has taken place in the history of the city in many years.

Briefly the programme will be as follows: The Northern Pacific officials will reach here on a special train, Saturday, May 15 at 3 p. m., their train being the first one that will officially use the new depot premises. They will be met by the Brainerd City band, which will render appropriate music as the train pulls in. The reception committee will greet the railway officials and escort them to the designated places in the main waiting room of the new station. When they reach there and as soon as the room is filled with as many as conveniently can get into it, the high school orchestra will render a selection. The mayor will then deliver his address of welcome to the visiting officials and Mr. Hannaford, President of the Railway and an old-time resident of Brainerd, in which city he has never lost interest, will tell the citizens how glad he was to be able to bring about the construction of the new building and how pleased he is to be here to meet them on the occasion of its opening, and he will then declare it open for public use. After that the Chairmen of the Citizens’ Committee will announce that a reception will be held in the same room and that Mr. Hannaford and other visitors will be glad to meet the people of Brainerd.

In the evening a dinner will be tendered the visitors at the Ransford hotel. As the railway officials will not be accompanied by their ladies, the dinner will be for men only. The accommodations at the hotel being limited, only those who arrange for their tickets in advance will be sure of securing seats. Tickets will be printed and sold at a rate of $2 each. They will be placed on sale at Dunn’s Drug Store and at the office of the Shop Superintendent of the Brainerd shops on Wednesday morning, May 12, at 9 a. m. and will remain on sale there until Thursday evening 5 p. m.

The number of tickets available exclusive of those reserved for out of town guests and old settlers who lived here during Mr. Hannaford’s residence in this city will be approximately 70, which will be divided equally between the shops and downtown citizens, so those desiring to attend the dinner should secure their tickets promptly. The following committees for carrying out the arrangements were appointed:

Decorations of the new station—Mrs. G. F. Murphy, G. A. Beale, J. E. O’Brien, Mrs. D. M. Clark.

Finance—To cover expense of band, decorations, printing, etc.—J. W. O’Brien, W. H. Cleary, H. A. Swanson and Carl Zapffe.

The Reception Committee will be appointed later in the week. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 May 1920, p. 5, c. 3)


SHOPS TO JOIN IN CELEBRATION

_____


Mayor F. E. Little Named Committee

to See Foremen and Shop Men to

Close Early Saturday

_____


ON DEPOT DEDICATION DAY

_____


Business Houses Asked to Decorate—

Citizens’ Committee Meets Again

Friday Evening


LIST GROWS OF 1872 MEN

_____


The list of 1872 residents has gained new members and completed to date in Anton Mahlum, I. U. White, George Bertram, Tim Brady.

Plans for the dedication of Brainerd's new depot on Saturday afternoon are fast nearing completion. Committees named by the citizens’ committee are working hard on their respective tasks. It is hoped to make this opening the biggest event in the history of Brainerd. Certainly the occasion deserves a big turn out. Few realize the amount of effort put forth to secure this building during war times when practically all government construction was a standstill. It was through President Hannaford’s insistent demands upon the Railroad Administration that finally brought their consent, directing the building of this, the finest depot along the Northern Pacific line. Mr. Hannaford was at one time a resident of Brainerd, working here for the Northern Pacific railway company in the early 70’s and he has since always entertained a warm spot in his heart for this city.

Now comes Brainerd’s opportunity to show her appreciation by turning out 100’s Saturday afternoon to greet Mr. Hannaford and show him that Brainerd really deserves what he has done for her. The shop men are showing the true Brainerd spirit in connection with the Saturday’s program. Regularly they work until 3 o’clock on Saturday but on this Saturday they are making a request that they be allowed to work through the noon hour in order to get off an hour earlier so that they can be downtown when the program starts. Mayor F. E. Little was named to see foremen and shop men if this arrangement can be perfected. This mark of appreciation on the part of the shop men should not go unnoticed. It is a most commendable action which they are taking and it is hoped that other organizations will follow their example.

It has been suggested that even though Saturday is a busy day among the merchants, especially so because this Saturday is also payday, still the downtown district should close for perhaps one hour at 3 o’clock, not only to allow the merchants and their clerks to attend, but also because of the fact that if the stores are closed and business stopped for that hour more will attend the dedication, who might otherwise spend that time in shopping which could easily be deferred until later.

If the weather is favorable each business house is asked to make appropriate decorations on the fronts of their buildings.

Another big meeting of the citizens committee will be held Friday evening at the Chamber of Commerce and every member is urged to be present to complete final preparations for the events of the next day. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 May 1920, p. 5, c. 1)


SPECIAL TRAIN TO COME IN AT 3 P. M.

_____


Saturday Afternoon Bearing Presi-

dent Jule M. Hannaford and Staff

of Northern Pacific

_____


DEPOT AND CITY DECORATED

_____


Addresses to Follow, Depot to Be In-

spected and Visitors Introduced, Dinner in Evening


The committee of decorations for the dedication of the new depot this Saturday kindly requests the hearty cooperation of Brainerd citizens to that end. The committee asks the merchants in all parts of the city to decorate their store fronts. Banks and public buildings will also do their part. Saturday should be made a gala day, was the opinion of the committee: Mrs. George Murphy, Mrs. D. M. Clark, George A. Beale, J. E. O’Brien and Henry I. Cohen.


General Committees

The various committees appointed to perfect the arrangements for the exercises in connection with the formal opening of the new depot Saturday afternoon, May 15, are actively at work and the occasion is going to be a memorable one in the annals of Brainerd.

It is suggested that merchants and others in the downtown district decorate their buildings with flags, etc., in order that such portion of the city may assume a gala aspect. Such decorations are always effective and it is hoped there will be a general compliance with the suggestion.

The station building will be suitably decorated, and thrown open to the public when the special train arrives at 3 p. m. Saturday. After the reception, the station and offices portion of the same will be ready for inspection and all are cordially invited to look them over.


Dinner in Evening

The dinner in the evening will be a most enjoyable affair. It will be entirely informal and business suits will be worn. There are still some tickets left and those desiring to attend should call for them without delay.


Reception Committee

The following reception committee has been appointed to meet the officials on their arrival and escort them to the new building, and after the speaking is over, introduce them to the people as they come up to meet them.

The committee includes Mayor F. E. Little, Dr. Walter Courtney, J. P. Anderson, R. R. Wise, Con. O’Brien, W. H. Cleary, E. H. Jones, E. O. Webb, Anton Gilbertson, H. P. Dunn, D. K. Fullerton, Dr. R. A. Beise. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 May 1920, p. 5, c. 1)


FINISHING TOUCHES FOR THE CELEBRATION

_____


Citizens’ Committee on Depot Open-

ing Celebration to Meet at

Chamber Commerce Tonight

_____


ALL MEMBERS BE PRESENT

_____


Committee on Decorations Has Mat-

ters Well in Hand. Many Mer-

chants to Decorate Too


Remember meeting of Citizens' committee on depot opening celebration tonight at 7:45 in Chamber of Commerce rooms. Important that all members be present.

The preparations for the exercises in connection with the opening of the new depot at 3 o’clock on Saturday afternoon are progressing rapidly and favorably. The Committee in charge of decorations has their matter well in hand, and the merchants around town are arranging to decorate their places of business so that the city will present a pleasing aspect when the visitors arrive.

The Committee has just been advised that a special train consisting of five business cars will leave St. Paul at 10:45 Saturday morning and reach Brainerd at 3 p. m. sharp. If the weather man does his part it is hoped that a large part of the population of Brainerd will turn out to greet the visitors and inspect the new building. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 May 1920, p. 7, c. 2)


“DEPOT DAY” CELEBRATED TODAY

_____


Today, this 15th of May, A. D. 1920 is “Depot Day” in Brainerd. The civic celebration is one commensurate with the importance of the occasion, the formal opening of the new passenger depot of the Northern Pacific railway company.

Brainerd now possesses a depot which is the equal of any town of its size in the United States. Situated in the heart of Brainerd, easy of access, Brainerd’s new depot gives the visitor in Brainerd a good impression, for her, he reasons, is a live, progressive city and a railway which favors a town with depot accommodations to match up to its importance.

The weather man gave Brainerd today the finest weather in his whole category. A light breeze blew and the sun shone warm and bright.


Special Train

The special train carrying Hon. Jule M. Hannaford, president of the Northern Pacific railway company, and his staff, left St. Paul at 10:45 this morning and was due to arrive in Brainerd at 3 p. m. sharp. The train consisted of five business cars.


Honored Guests

The honored guests of Brainerd included President J. M. Hannaford, Charles Donnelly, W. T. Tyler, J. M. Rapelje, D. F. Lyons, R. W. Clark, H. E. Stevens, H. M. Curry, M. C. Kimberly, Newman Kline, W. H. Strachan, W. J. Bohan, Silas Zwight, Louis Yager, B. Blum and C. C. Kyle, D. C. Pettibone, A. M. Cleland.


City Decorated

The depot has been decorated until it is a mass of flags and bunting. Merchants of the city caught the spirit of the depot and have also decorated their places of business. Every flag in Brainerd has been impressed and is flashing a welcome to the distinguished visitors.


Inspection of Depot

Upon the arrival of the distinguished party, all of Brainerd being at the depot to meet them, the Brainerd Municipal band playing appropriate music, there will be welcoming addresses and then will follow the official inspection of the building. The Brainerd high school orchestra will play within the building.


Dinner in Evening

The complimentary dinner tendered to Mr. Hannaford and official staff will be held at the Ransford hotel at 7:45 o’clock. This will be the menu:

Celery Hearts Salted Almonds

Cream of Tomato

Broiled Trout Shoe String Potatoes

Fried Chicken Maryland Style

Snow White Mashed Potatoes

French Peas

National Punch

Lettuce Salad

Thousand Island Dressing

Glacé la Cream—de Vanilla

Angel Food Macaroons

Demi Tasse

Music, High School Orchestra.

W. H. Gemmell, general manager of the Minnesota & International railway, will be the toastmaster at the evening dinner.

George D. LaBar was the general chairman of the citizens’ committee and shops, town and country side gave united support to the depot celebration. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 May 1920, p. 1, c. 4; p. 5, c. 2)


FORMAL OPENING OF NEW N. P. DEPOT

_____


Ceremonies Saturday Were Largely

Attended, Every Detail Care-

fully Executed

_____


J. M. HANNAFORD IS HONORED

_____


Public Reception Accorded Him in

Afternoon, Complimentary Din-

ner in the Evening


Northern Pacific Depot, the grand opening occurs on 15 May 1920, ca 1928.
Source: Postcard

Brainerd’s new passenger depot was dedicated and opened to the public on Saturday afternoon. As the special train of five coaches bearing President J. M. Hannaford and party entered Brainerd, whistles roared a welcome, the crowds cheered and the Brainerd Municipal band played.

As President Hannaford alighted at the new station he was first greeted by George D. LaBar, chairman of the citizens’ committee and Mayor F. E. Little. The depot was gaily decorated with flags and the interior was beautiful with cut flowers and ferns. The city itself was gay with bunting and flags, even the water tower carrying the American colors.

In the large general waiting room of the depot, Chairman LaBar called the assemblage to order after the high school orchestra played a selection. Mr. LaBar expressed his pleasure at having President Hannaford the guest of the city and here to witness the opening of the new depot.

Mayor F. E. Little gave the address of welcome and praised the beauty of the new depot and hoped citizens would reflect the beauty of the structure in their homes and streets.


President Hannaford

President Northern Pacific Railroad, 18 May 1920.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

President Hannaford thanked mayor and citizens and reception committee for the hearty welcome accorded him. Just 48 years ago on May 17 he got off the train at Brainerd and as a young man went to work for the Northern Pacific. The Headquarters Hotel then housed the depot. After the hotel was burned the general offices were removed to St. Paul. It always gave him great pleasure remembering his stay of 14 months in Brainerd in those early days. When he came to town he weighed 132 pounds and by the following Christmas he had gained until he tipped the scales at 175 pounds.

The depot planned for Brainerd after the recent fire was a structure costing $86,000. Higher costs and material betterments planned brought the cost of the new depot to about $166,000.

“I now declare this station yours and not ours,” said President Hannaford in closing, and the crowd cheered him. Forming in line the assemblage pressed up and greeted him most cordially.

During the afternoon President Hannaford and official party visited about Brainerd. Accompanying President Hannaford were D. F. Lyons, general solicitor; R. W. Clark, assistant to the president; H. E. Stevens, chief engineer; H. M. Curry, mechanical superintendent; M. C. Kimberly, fourth vice president, Newman Kline, general superintendent; W. H. Strachan, superintendent of the Lake Superior division; W. J. Bohan, assistant mechanical superintendent; Silas Zwight, assistant mechanical superintendent; Louis Yager; B. Blum, engineer maintenance of way; C. C. Kyle, superintendent of office building at St. Paul; D. C. Pettibone, manager mail and baggage traffic; A. M. Cleland, general passenger agent. Chas. Donnelly, W. W. Tyler and J. M. Papelje were unable to come.


Complimentary Dinner

At 8 in the evening a complimentary dinner was tendered Pres. Hannaford and his official staff. The menu discussed was an excellent one and faultlessly prepared and served by the Ransford hotel.

Short addresses were made following the dinner, W. H. Gemmell, general manager of the Minnesota & International railway presiding. “This gathering,” said Mr. Gemmell, “speaks louder than any words of mine in showing our high regard for President Hannaford. Coming to Brainerd in 1872, President Hannaford rose in rank on the Northern Pacific, witnessed the binding of the Lake Superior to the Puget Sound territory, assisted in placing thousands of settlers in new homes, rose from clerk to chief executive, beloved by his men, and known to most of them and the people served on the railway. It was due largely to his planning and persistence that the new depot was secured for Brainerd,” said Mr. Gemmell.


Pres. Hannaford’s Response

President Hannaford, in his response, dwelt on travel in the early days. When he left St. Paul for Brainerd when first working for the Northern Pacific, it took almost three days to get to Brainerd. “The Northern Pacific has been my whole life,” he said, “and I have enjoyed my labors.” The line grew from 127 miles to 6,600 miles with 34,000 employees. There was as much harmony and pull-together feeling on the Northern Pacific as any railway in the United States. The officers have always been supported by the men.

“There is just as much opportunity for the young men starting in railway service today as there was in my time,” said he. He appreciated coming back to Brainerd and being accredited with building the first real passenger depot. In closing he thanked all for the courtesies extended him and thanked especially the many pioneers at being present.


Pioneers Present

Among the pioneer railroad men of Brainerd present were Richard Ahrens, who first came to Brainerd July 2, 1870, and now in charge of a supply cars; Anton Mahlum, former register of deeds, county auditor, city clerk, alderman, also formerly in the M. & I. auditing department, who came to Brainerd September, 1870 and boasts the longest continued residence in Brainerd from the date named; J. S. Gardner, former locomotive engineer of the Northern Pacific, former mayor of the city, county commissioner, alderman; Tim Brady, an efficient passenger locomotive engineer; George Bertram, an efficient engineer of a locomotive in the Brainerd yards; R. K. Whiteley, former city engineer, surveyor, etc.


Col. C. D. Johnson

Col. C. D. Johnson gave a witty and humorous address. He came to Brainerd at a time when there were 37 houses north of the tracks, 36 south and nothing in Northeast or Southeast Brainerd. He enumerated the business and industries in the town in 1877 when he came here, winding up by mentioning five churches and eight saloons. He paid a tribute to the pioneers of those days from Judge Holland to Judge Sleeper, and paid his compliments to the mothers, too. When the high cost of living came they wore their old clothes, while now the women combat it by wearing less clothes.


Howard Curry

Howard Curry, mechanical superintendent, told of coming to Brainerd in 1880. He was always proud of his association with the Northern Pacific. Anton Mahlum gave him his first letter entitling him to ride on a train without paying fare.

“Brainerd people are broad-gauged,” said Mr. Curry. “My people rest in the cemetery here and one of my requests when I die is that I shall be buried in Brainerd. The cemetery shows no distinction in regard to religious denominations,” said he.

As a youngster Mr. Curry started cleaning engines in Brainerd. He recalled the old Headquarters building, Villard Hotel, skating rink, the Arlington hotel. He was delighted to see the new depot in Brainerd.


R. R. Wise

R. R. Wise told of the faculty J. M. Hannaford had of meeting friends and keeping them. He sketched his career as well as that of many Brainerd men who have also “made good” in the railway world. And many of the Northern Pacific officers had chosen Brainerd girls as their wives.

“We have watched Pres. Hannaford and noted his achievements,” said Mr. Wise. “Money was no object to him, but his friends were. Mr. Hannaford declined an eastern position, content to remain with the Northern Pacific.”

Mr. Wise gave a list of Northern Pacific men and commented on the spirit of loyalty which permeated the whole force.


D. F. Lyons

D. F. Lyons, general solicitor of the railway company, made a happy speech. He told of generally speaking to select audiences in Brainerd being 12 men in a jury here. The officials had no worried look on their faces this evening, because it was to be a talk not delivered in court.

Brainerd’s prosperity, he said, was interwoven with and depending generally on the prosperity of the railways of the United States and particularly the Northern Pacific.

The railway problem was to give efficient and sufficient transportation under government supervision and direction. He wanted to visualize the Northern Pacific to his audience and so asked the general auditor for figures. There were 6,600 miles of railway line in operation, 1400 locomotives, 56,000 freight cars, 1000 passenger coaches. If these were coupled up in one train, it would be 440 miles long with the head engine in Dickinson, N. D., and the caboose in Brainerd. Putting Curry on as engineer, it would take some time for Rapelje in the caboose to walk to the head end and give the engineer his orders.

Under federal control the government virtually paid rent for the use of the roads. There were only five other roads in the United States that equaled the record of the Northern Pacific, being the New York Central, Pennsylvania, Santa Fe, Southern Pacific and the C. B. & Q.

If the Northern Pacific had problems, one can quickly realize how much greater were the problems of roads not as favorably situated as the Northern Pacific.

“I asked the auditor for some figures which I could understand as well as the general baggage agent, for if we two could understand them then any child could,” said Mr. Lyons, “and here they are.”


Operating Revenue

In 1915, the Northern Pacific received in operating revenue $63,000,000. In 1916, it was $80,000,000; in 1917, $88,000,000; in 1918, $103,000,000; in 1919 it was $101,000,000. The expenses were in 1915, $37,000,000; 1916, $42,000,000; 1917, $52,000,000; 1918, $72,000,000; 1919, $78,000,000. Taxes assessed from $5,000,000 to $9,000,000.


What Was Left

Here is what was left each year. In 1915—$21,000,000; 1916—$32,000,000; 1917—$28,000,000; 1918—$13,500,000. The Northern Pacific pays in interest and funded debt and bonds $12,000,000. The Milwaukee road in 1918 and 1919 had left $3,000,000 and it takes $15,000,000 to pay interest on bonds.


Expenses Increased

Expenses have increased in greater degree than revenue coming in. “There has been an increase of labor and materials. What is paid labor should not be decreased, nor is there any hope of reduction in cost of material. Either revenues must be increased or expenses decreased. Facing such a situation,” said Mr. Lyons, “railways of the country must do something to avoid bankruptcy and that something will have to be increasing revenues.”


Arteries of a Nation’s Life

President Wilson had well said that “the railways are the arteries of a nation’s life.” “At present,” said Mr. Lyons, “there is not enough transportation for the country.” “If transportation is stifled,” said he, “starvation follows.” “The interstate commerce commission, in the past, has curbed the ‘horse’ and tamed him, now it may have to feed him.”

“No sane man will say the railroads are not entitled to a raise in rates,” said Mr. Lyons. “We are reaping the harvest of the world war. True, the engineering department may be pessimistic on financial questions, but President Hannaford is an optimist. The Northern Pacific is not afraid of the future. We have confidence in the American people and their sense of justice and when the facts are fully known we will have no trouble and the railway problems will be solved satisfactorily to all concerned.”


Edward Crust

Edward Crust, foreman of the blacksmith shop, county commissioner, former mayor, spoke of coming to Brainerd in 1883 when the shops were only a third of present size. Many improvements and betterments have been made. At the last inventory, Storekeeper Jones had in charge total supplies of $2,000,000.

“If it were not for the blacksmith shop,” said Mr. Crust, “all industry would stop, every wheel quit turning.” “We would have no railroad, no depot, or president.” The whole foundation of the railroad rested on the blacksmith shop. The blacksmith shop department of the shops in Brainerd contained more old hands than any other department of the Northern Pacific.


Anton Mahlum

Anton Mahlum spoke in behalf of the pioneers. Himself one of them, he did not look it, for standing erect like a soldier, speaking entirely without notes and with grace and facility of a finished orator, for one could believe that he had lived continuously in Brainerd since September, 1870, which lacks just four months of being half a century.

He referred to old timers about him and complimented them. The wood depot, the predecessor of the new brick one, cost the company $50,000 was built on the day labor plan and white pine was used throughout. It was the best building on the line in the old days and accommodated the general offices from the president down.

Acting as a clerk in the freight and passenger department was Mr. Hannaford. Beloved by all his friends then as now when at the pinnacle of success, he practiced then as now these same indestructible principles. He always had a kindly eye on Brainerd an it must give him pleasure, said Mr. Mahlum, to see the consummation of the depot project so largely fostered by him.


R. W. Clark

R. W. Clark, assistant to the president, voiced the general appreciation of the official party of the courtesies extended to them during their stay in Brainerd, thanked the citizens’ committee and all who contributed in the success of the day. He voiced the regret of those who were not able to be present.

The Northern Pacific, said he watched with interest the development of Brainerd and the territory on the Minnesota & International to the north of Brainerd. In closing he said the program of afternoon and evening was a balm to everyone in their experience and would always be recalled with pleasure. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 May 1920, p. 5, c.’s 1-4)


NP TO MOVE DEPOT MONDAY


Building on Front Street Remodeled


Old Depot Coming Down—Demolition Begins—A large crane, swinging a heavy steel wrecking ball, started the Northern Pacific Railway depot crumbling in a cloud of dust today. The depot will be demolished and the site will be used for construction of a National Tea shopping center. The demolition work will take about one week, 15 October 1968. A 1990x1318 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch

The Northern Pacific Railway Company announced today that on July 1, it will move its passenger service operations from its present depot building on Washington Street to new facilities at Eighth and Front Streets in Brainerd.

The Washington Street station facility was constructed by the railway in 1919 and 1920 at a cost of just under $100,000. It was the headquarters of the Minnesota and International Railway, a subsidiary of the Northern Pacific which was later absorbed into the parent company.

When the depot opened in May of 1920, it housed the office of the general manager of the Minnesota and International Railway, and offices for the engineer of structures, the railroad’s superintendent, auditors, roadmaster, yardmaster and dispatcher.

These offices were all closed in 1933, and from that time throughout the late 1940’s, some of the office space on the upper two floors of the building was leased to the U. S. government. Occupants have included the Farm Security Administration, the Census Bureau and the Works Progress Administration.

Northern Pacific also announced plans to lease the old depot location for development of a modern shopping center. The railway’s properties and industrial development department said details concerning development of the property would be released when lease arrangements have been concluded.

The main part of the old depot is 40-feet wide and 162-feet long, with 30-foot by 40-foot covered platforms at either end.

The two-story structure is of classical depot design, with third-floor space in six dormers, three on each side of the building. The exterior is of brick and West Bedford cut stone, and the interior is of lath and plaster with oak trim. The roof is of tile, and platforms are of red brick.

The waiting room and public service areas of the building interior are wainscoted with Ludowski [sic] [Ludowici] Imperial French tile.

The building was constructed by McMannus [sic] [McManis] and Turnowski [sic] [Turnoski], a St. Paul contractor, as part of a depot facility improvement program costing $114,800.

Northern Pacific has completed extensive remodeling of its building on Front St., including glass and stainless steel entrances at the front and back of the building and decorative wood-paneled waiting room and offices.

Furnishings from the old depot have been moved to the new location for temporary use and will be replaced in the next few weeks by modern office furnishings and equipment. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 June 1968, p. 1, c. 1-4)


NOTE: I don’t know how or where the Dispatch came up with the spelling of the builders’ names or how they came up with the spelling of Ludowski Imperial French tile or how they decided this tile was used for the wainscoting inside the depot. This information is NOT CORRECT. The builders were McManis and Turnoski, the tile was Ludowici and it was used on the ROOF, NOT on the wainscoting of the depot and it was allegedly the same tile used on the ROOF of the Sheriff’s residence and jail built in 1916, now used by the Crow Wing County Historical Society.


October 1968. The wrecking ball is poised to raze the Northern Pacific Depot in Brainerd. [Friday, 18 October 1968] (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Sunday, 18 October 1998)


NORTHERN PACIFIC FOUNDRY

Northern Pacific Foundry located on the grounds of the Northern Pacific Shops, ca. 1888.
Source: Northwest Illustrated Monthly Magazine, Volume VI, Number 7, July 1888, E. V. Smalley, Editor and Publisher

On 18 April 1885, Charles N. Parker arrives to make Brainerd his permanent home. He had come in 1872 to build the foundry for the Northern Pacific Railroad and get the operation started, but in 1885 he and his partner H. A. [sic] [Herbert W.] Topping lease the plant and name it Parker-Topping Foundry Company. It depends essentially on a contract entered into by the railroad for all its castings. That business grows to employ up to 150 men. In the course of time E. O. Webb and the grandson Clyde E. Parker became part of the organization. In 1888 the Northern Pacific foundry, being as aforesaid leased to Parker-Topping Foundry Company, is supplying castings for the entire system west of Spokane, Washington and provides a payroll that year amounting to $60,000. Sometime around 1917 the Northern Pacific replaces its old foundry building with a new one of double capacity. During the railroad strike of 1922-23, the railroad discontinues its contract with the Parker & Topping Foundry, the strike scatters the employees and the firm ceases to exist. In 1924 a few former participants, such as the grandson, Clyde E. Parker, and Fred E. Kinsmiller and E. O. Webb join their experiences into a partnership. They name it Brainerd Foundry Company and erect a building of their own at 801-807 South Tenth Street. With two employees they begin work at casting grey iron. In 1925 this new company makes its first brass castings and on 01 January 1928, negotiates its first contract with the Northern Pacific Railroad Company for brass castings. Things pick up enough to justify incorporation in 1930 by Parker and Kinsmiller. As of 1945 the company employs about thirty men and makes 2,200,000 pounds of brass castings and 400,00 pounds of grey iron castings per year. Much of its work is for Cuyuna iron mines; more goes to the pulp and paper mill at International Falls; and most of it goes to the Northern Pacific Railway Company for use between here and Spokane, Washington. [Many years later the foundry is torn down, the site is fenced and declared a hazardous waste site. To the best of my knowledge the site is still hazardous and has never been properly cleaned up.] (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 50, 51, 55, 112, 131, 132)


Leased the Foundry.

_____


C. N. Parker has leased the Northern Pacific foundry at Brainerd and taken a contract to furnish the road with their iron and brass castings for a term of five years. The Brainerd foundry has a capacity of from fifty to seventy-five tons a day. Mr. Parker takes possession on the 1st of April. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 March 1885, p. 3, c. 6)


Ald. Topping, who is to remove from St. Paul to Brainerd to engage in business, was pleasantly remembered yesterday by the employees of the foundry and a number of his friends. They presented him with an office desk, chairs, lounge, bookcase and sideboard.—Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 April 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


NORTHERN PACIFIC FREIGHT DEPOT (MAP #45)

The wooden freight depot on the North Eighth Street side of the tracks is discontinued and a long brick building is opened for use in 1904. This building is located on the northeast corner of Front and Eighth Streets. The wooden building is razed about four years later. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 87)


A car was lately shipped directly through from Brainerd to Boston, loaded with 12,000 pounds of venison, one ton of turkeys, 2,000 pheasants, 4,000 pounds of butter and two carcasses of youthful bear. (Minneapolis Tribune, 23 January 1873, p. 2)


...My father drove the [Northern Pacific Railroad] express wagon here at just about the time the wild game hunting and the blueberry picking were right at their peak. Sometimes there were from two to six express cars loaded with nothing but blueberries. Then, later on, in the fall during deer season, there would be carloads of venison. The critters, when brought in, were cut in two crossways, or skinned out from the front and the heads thrown away; the skin was wrapped back over the saddle and was tied. These were shipped in cold weather, mainly to Chicago and other eastern markets. The same was true of fish and other wild game, such as grouse, partridge, prairie chicken, etc. This game was all packed in barrels and shipped East to markets there. At that time there was no bag limit as far as any wild game was concerned. People were employed [market-hunters] for the sole purpose of slaughtering game for money. (Biography: June 1937; Louis Hohman, Jr., born November 1878; came to Brainerd in 1887; Crow Wing County Historical Society)


SEE: Depot Park


NORTHERN PACIFIC HOSPITAL (Northern Pacific Beneficial Association [NPBA])

Northern Pacific Hospital, architect, Cass Gilbert, on the north side of the railroad tracks at the west end of the railroad bridge, ca. 1902.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

A frame structure at the end of the railroad bridge in West Brainerd, formerly called Immigration Hall [Colonists’ Reception House], is converted into the Northern Pacific Beneficial Association Hospital on 24 September 1882; this is the main hospital for the entire Northern Pacific Railroad system. It stands on the north side of the railroad track at the west end of the railroad bridge. It burns the following year and is replaced by a $25,000 [sic] building. A new operating room and laundry are added in 1898, a three-year nurses' training school in 1901. The Northern Pacific Railroad moves its hospital services to St. Paul on 21 September 1921 [sic] [31 August 1921] and the building is razed. In its early years, the building is heated by wood-burning stoves and has no running water. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 22 & 23)


NOTE: The Northern Pacific Hospital built after the fire in 1883 was designed by Cass Gilbert who also designed the state capital building in St. Paul.


The nurses’ quarters were designed in 1901 by Reed and Stern of St. Paul. The same architectural firm that designed the Grand Central Terminal in New York. (Brainerd Dispatch, Sunday, 06 December 2009; “BIZ BUZZ: Ad Agency Making Move to West Bank”)


Fire animation On January 22, 1883, a fire destroyed the Northern Pacific Hospital and Colonists’ Reception House. Patients were safely removed from the building still in their beds via two baggage cars in -40 degree temperature and lodged in an empty building at the shops.


SEE: 1883 Northern Pacific Hospital Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


The NP Hospital burns and is replaced by a $25,000 [sic] building. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 22 & 23)


A view of Brainerd from the NP Hospital looking east. In the distance on the right, the two towers of the high school can be seen on the distant skyline. The other large building to the right of the high school is the first Lincoln Grade School, ca. early 1900's. A 1956x1408 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The NP Hospital at Brainerd was a small and inferior structure, originally built for a stopping place for immigrants. It was burned in the winter of 1883 [sic] [1882] when the mercury was forty-five below zero, but the thirty-five patients were all safely removed. The new Sanitarium, with its commodious wards, its airy halls, its excellent health appliances, its handsome grounds, and the efficient service for which it serves as headquarters, are the outcome of Dr. Bigger’s skill and administrative talent. The people of Brainerd are proud of this institution and hundreds of men owe their lives to its care. (The Northwest Illustrated Monthly Magazine, Volume VI, Number 7, July 1888; E. V. Smalley, Editor and Publisher, p. 10)


The Northern Pacific Beneficial Association maintains a large Sanitarium at Brainerd, by contributions of sums ranging from twenty-five cents to $1.50 per month from all the employees of the railway company on the divisions east of the Rocky Mountains. Each employee is entitled to receive free treatment and nursing, in case of sickness or accident, either in the Sanitarium or at his own home. The Sanitarium is a handsome building standing in the midst of spacious grounds in a commanding situation on the west bank of the Mississippi and overlooking the city. It is a model of neatness, order, and successful remedial effort. The death rate is surprisingly low. During the year 1887 the Association treated 1,050 patients, with only thirteen deaths, and of these five did not reach the hospital and three were mortally wounded. The building cost, exclusive of furniture, $27,000. The Association is free from debt and has a surplus fund of $35,000. Its chief surgeon is Dr. D. P. Bigger. (The Northwest Illustrated Monthly Magazine, Volume VI, Number 7, July 1888; E. V. Smalley, Editor and Publisher, p. 10)


Dr. Bigger’s grizzly bear which he had confined in an enclosure at the N. P. Sanitarium succeeded in escaping on Tuesday night by digging out and has not been heard from since. The animal was valued very highly by the Doctor, it having been a present to him. The bear was brought here from the [Yellowstone] National Park. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 September 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


Dr. Werner Hemstead has resigned as assistant surgeon of the Northern Pacific sanitarium and departed for his former home in Iowa, though he will return and retain his residence here. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 September 1888, p. 4, c. 5)


The following circular was issued Monday by Assistant General Manager Ainslie, of the Northern Pacific, being dated back to Sept. 25:

Dr. Walter Courtney is appointed surgeon-in-charge of the Sanitarium and medical service on the Eastern divisions, appointment taking effect this date, with headquarters at Brainerd, Minn., vice Dr. D. P. Bigger, transferred.

The circular is issued by Mr. Ainslie as president of the Northern Pacific Beneficial Association. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 October 1888, p. 1, c. 4)


Dr. D. P. Bigger, who has been residing in St. Paul in needy circumstances for several months past, has made a raise of $1,000 on his life insurance policy, consequently the genial doctor and his affectionate son, will be in clover for some time. The doctor, according to the Pioneer Press has left St. Paul to visit a sister in Des Moines, Iowa, who he has not seen for 17 years. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 March 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


Death of Dr. Bigger.


Dr. D. P. Bigger died at Kansas City on Sunday last. The deceased was for many years in charge of the Northern Pacific Sanitarium in this city and was instrumental in building the institution up to its present standard. He was succeeded by Dr. Courtney about a year ago and immediately left for St. Paul where he opened an office and practiced during the winter but his health failed and he was obliged to give up work entirely and went to Kansas City, where his wife was living with her aged mother. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 June 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


SEE: Northern Pacific Colonists’ Reception House


NORTHERN PACIFIC HOTEL

A. Mahlum has erected a fine large building which we understand is to be used as a general boarding house, up near the N. P. shops. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 July 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


Mahlum, Anton

Was born in Norway in the year 1849. He came to America in 1869, and after three years spent in the lumber yards at Minneapolis, came to Brainerd and has lived here ever since. During the first three years of his residence, he was employed in various occupations, being Deputy Sheriff a portion of the time. In the spring of 1875, he was employed by the Northern Pacific Railroad Company as car repairer, and in the fall was given the position of assistant store-keeper and time-keeper for the shops, which he held four years, and on the death of C. E. Williams, succeeded to the position occupied by him, that of chief clerk in the machinery department. Mr. Mahlum has recently completed a hotel for the accommodation of the railroad employees. It is 26 x 80 feet, and three stories high, with a wing, 26 x 40 feet, and contains seventy sleeping rooms (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Winchell, Neill, Williams and Bryant, Minnesota Historical Company, Minneapolis: 1881, p. 651)


The Northern Pacific hotel ball will be held next Monday night. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 February 1882, p. 5, c. 2)


Those who know Mr. Peterson and his proficiency in his culinary art need not be told that the gustatory department of the Northern Pacific hotel ball, the date of which is now fixed for the 22d, will be immensely successful in every particular. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 February 1882, p. 5, c. 3)


A BANG-UP BALL.

_____


The Event of the Season at East

Brainerd Tuesday Night—The

Doors of the Northern Pacific

Thrown Wide Open, and Its

Spacious Rooms Crowd-

ed With Youth and

Beauty.

_____


The Northern Pacific Hotel built in July 1881 is shown in this view of the Northern Pacific Shops taken from the roof of the first Harrison Grade School. Looking north, also visible, are the blacksmith shop, roundhouse and a portion of the clock tower. Many of the homes in the foreground are still standing today and are located along Norwood Street and near the intersection with southeast Fifteenth Street. The second St. Francis Catholic Church stands in the far left background, ca. 1910’s. A 2466x1272 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Tuesday night marked an epoch in the events of the season that will not soon be forgotten. In response to an invitation from mine host Mahlum of the Northern Pacific house, a TRIBUNE delegation wended their way through the almost blinding snow to this mammoth and palatial caravansary of East Brainerd, and although somewhat early in the evening found the spacious hall set apart for the purpose designated crowded to repletion with young and old, grave and gay, and at once decided that it was the place to stop off at if a good time was desired. Although snow was driving in sheets, the storm seemed to have deterred none from attending. The music was furnished by Prof. Seymour’s old reliable orchestra, and to its ravishing strains did the brave and fair disciples of the terpsichorean art tread the dreamy waltz, and float through the winding quadrille till the wee sma’ hours of morn. To have given the names of all present would have been a pleasure, yet with the barest chance of a possibly complete enumeration.

Among the gay revelers were observed Capt. Sleeper and lady, who are classed among the most easy and graceful dancers of the city. Sheriff Mertz’s German figure cut a heavy dash, and the extensive (!) sheriff’s graceful maneuvers elicited many favorable comments. Mr. O. M. Noble was one of the best on deck, and was frequently complimented. Mr. Mahlum was regarded as faultless upon the floor, and Charley Johnson, as usual, did himself great credit. We also noticed our genial friend Oliver Havill upon the floor. Almost the entire newspaper outfit of the city was in attendance—one of the important factors at the supper table—and that supper, well, we really have never! Long tables throughout the dining hall fairly groaned under the weighty loads of choice viands, and evinced the fact that the generous host had not failed to provide for the (by this time serious) wants of the inner man.

The bill of fare was one of the finest, if not the finest, ever presented in the city, and the large supper room was beautifully and artistically decorated. Huge cakes of beautiful and striking designs loaded the table. Space does not permit a full account of the varied and highly ornate designs and table arrangements, but mention must be made of a few. Most noticeable was a large chocolate cake, bearing an inscription of the name of the house and date of the ball. This attracted universal attention, as did also a towering Japanese pagoda, loaded down with candied jewels, and an equally striking Chinese lighthouse. Another unique design was a cake from the center of which sprung an evergreen tree, laden with no less than forty-five different kinds of cookies. Over $300 was spent in cakes alone.

Following is a partial list of the good things dispensed.


Menu.

OYSTERS.

Raw, Stewed

MEATS.

Roast Turkey and Cranberry Sauce, Buffalo

Tongue, Calves Tongue,

Lambs Tongue.

ENTREES.

Brazed Ham, Chicken Fillets, Duck with Puree of Onions.

PASTRY, JELLIES, ETC.

Raspberry Bavarian Cream, Strawberry Bavarian Cream, Chocolate Ruche, 3 kinds.

Strawberry Jelly, Almond Jelly,

Lemon Jelly, Musk Jelly,

Rose Jelly, Wine Jelly,

Raspberry Jelly.

CAKE.

Inscription, Japanese Pagoda, Fancy, Chinese Lighthouse,

Variegated, Angel Food, Cocoanut,

White, Jelly, Gold,

Fruit, Pound.

Apples, Oranges, Nuts and Candies.


Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon the talented chefs de cuisine, Mr. and Mrs. Peterson, whose equals it would be hard to find anywhere. The whole ball was a grand success. Everything passed off with such a systematic precision that many a well-deserved compliment was passed favoring the host and hostess. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 February 1882, p. 1, c.’s 4 & 5)


Mr. A. Mahlum, proprietor of the Northern Pacific house, is constantly adding the latest improvements to his house. The last one is a very fine range, the largest in the city. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 March 1882, p. 5, c. 2)


Mr. Mahlum has struck an idea that will hereafter make it easier to distinguish the hotels in East Brainerd. His house will hereafter be known as the Northern Pacific Hotel, and Forsyth’s will be the Northern Pacific House. That settles it. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 March 1882, p. 5, c. 4)


FOR SALE.


The Northern Pacific Hotel containing 57 rooms, close to the large N. P. R. R. Shops at Brainerd for sale cheap. Inquire of Capt. I. A. Owens, St. Paul, or J. G. Huber, Brainerd, Minn. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 May 1884, p. 3, c. 5)


The notice of speculators and real estate dealers is called to the administrator’s sale of real estate by auction, to take place on August 2nd, 1887. The premises are known as the Northern Pacific hotel. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 July 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


BRAINERD BREVITIES


Reopening of the Northern Pacific Hotel


BRAINERD, Sept. 9.—A new sign of prosperity is the prospective opening of the Northern Pacific hotel, at the shops on the East side, which has not done any successful business since the Villard downfall in 1883. The shops now contain more employees than at any time since that event. (Minneapolis Tribune, 10 September 1888, p. 8)


NOTE: There was another NP Hotel at 814 Front Street listed in the 1903 Brainerd City Directory, this building still exists at that address.


NORTHERN PACIFIC HOUSE

The Northern Pacific House, in East Brainerd, is having a good run of custom these days. The hotel is owned by Mr. J. H. Koop, but is under the immediate supervision of J. H. Brannon, a gentleman who thoroughly understands the hotel business, and who is just the man for the place. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 23 August 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


The Northern Pacific House in East Brainerd, now owned by J. H. Koop, is receiving a liberal share of patronage these days. Since it has been remodeled and repainted it makes a very handsome appearance. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 25 October 1883, p. 2, c. 2)


We understand the N. P. House in East Brainerd will be opened for business in a short time. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 September 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


NORTHERN PACIFIC SHOPS (MAP)

(Top) Northern Pacific Railroad Offices and Shops, ca. 1875. (Bottom) Northern Pacific Roundhouse, ca. 1875.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

The first railroad shops are all on the north side of the tracks, and are of wood. The old brick smoke stack bears the date 1872. In February 1872, the total number of engines on the entire road is but 22; all are of the wood burning type. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 19)


We learn with satisfaction, that that good fellow and excellent workman, Daniel S. Childs has received the contract for building the (frame) Round House for the Northern Pacific R. R. at Brainerd. It is to contain twelve stalls for locomotives, and must be... (Duluth Minnesotian, 11 November 1871)


The Round House for the Northern Pacific R. R. at Brainerd, contracted for with the Duluth Manufacturing Company on Monday last, was, we understand ready for raising yesterday—Capt. McQuade and Dan Childs having “pushed things.” (Duluth Minnesotian, 25 November 1871)


The round-house with capacity for twelve engines, at this point, has been completed by the contractors, Messrs. McQuade & Co., of Duluth, and is one of the most substantial and fine-appearing structures of the kind we ever saw. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 February 1872, p. 3, c. 1)


Progressing.


Under the supervision of that accomplished builder, Mr. Cruikshanks, of Chicago, the mammoth railroad machine shops here are progressing splendidly, notwithstanding the severe weather we have experienced, at times, lately. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 February 1872, p. 3, c. 2)


Finely Executed.


We have seen the plans, specifications, and drawings in detail, of the machine shops, engine house, and other buildings here, executed by Mr. J. H. Place, who has heretofore been the Architect for the N. P. R. R., but who is now operating with Mr. Bridges as architect in the construction of many buildings along the line. They were, so far as we could judge, as handsomely executed plans as we have ever noticed—and we have seen many from the hands of the first architects of the country. The extent of the plans may be inferred by giving the size of a few of the buildings, as follows:

Machine shop, 240x65 feet.

Boiler shop, 60x60 feet.

Blacksmith shop, 60x60 feet.

Round-house, as to be when completed, 28 stalls, accommodating 28 engines—12 stalls now completed—besides many others of minor importance. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 February 1872, p. 3, c. 2)


Progress of the Car Shops.


The progress being made in the construction of the great car shops at this place, is of the most flattering nature. We visited the scene of operations a few days since, and after seeing what had been done in the space of a few weeks, we cannot refrain from complimenting Chief of Construction Cruikshanks and his gallant crew of artists upon the good management and splendid progress so evident. There has been no squandering of time nor “wood-butchering” done there; the great structure stands out in its immense proportions, a type of architectural and mechanical perfection, and is as graceful in appearance as a swan upon the water. The other two buildings which are sixty by sixty feet each, and a part and parcel of the whole, are also fast approaching an upright position. These two, with the grand main building, the round-house and tank, cover a large area of ground, and with the two or three score of residences that are to be built in the vicinity of these works, will of themselves make a village of no mean pretensions in size and respectable appearance. Some idea of the extent of the car-works may be had when we state that in the main building alone there are some 200,000 feet of lumber, and we have been informed by railroad men that the structure is the largest of its character anywhere west of Albany, New York. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 March 1872, p. 3, c. 2)


NP President Frederick Billings plans the enlargement of the repair shops in Brainerd. This work begins in June of 1881. The new shops, as they come to be known, are of a size to create a daily payroll of 1200 men. They require two years to build. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 15 & 16)


BRAINERD’S BOOM.


The Great Railroad Shops Under Construction

by the Northern Pacific

Railroad Company.


Something About Their Cost and the

Number of Men They Will Give

Employment.


PROGRESS OF THE WORK.


Few that have not been there have any correct idea of the number and magnitude of the railroad shops built and being built by the Northern Pacific company at Brainerd. Nor can they know with what regard to solidity and beauty they are being erected. The time has long since passed when the permanence and success of the road is questioned. They no longer build for a season, but are putting up structures that seem to say, Your service will be needed for a long time.

The round house, which makes a complete circle and contains forty-four stalls, is, as are all the new shops, built of brick with iron trusses and a slate roof. It has in and about all the conveniences in shape of heating, lighting, water, center turn-table, tracks, etc., that can be imagined, and is without doubt the most complete engine house in the state if not in the union. Of the machine shops to be built only one-half of one is finished. This directly east of the round house. Its dimensions are 120x250, one side for machinery, the other for engines. Solid granite foundations have been laid for all the machinery, which is being put in place. The engine room, 40x80, is built on the north side, and a 150 horse power Corliss engine with five boilers, is ready for work. The other half of the machine shop which will be built in the future, is to be of the same dimensions as the part built. West of these shops and parallel with them, are the tank, repair, copper and boiler shops, making, when finished, a building 80x175. These parallel buildings have running between them a transfer which will run an engine into any part of the two shops. It runs on six tracks, the motive power being a small stationary engine on one side of the carriage which moves the wheel by cogs. The foundation of the latter building has been laid and the balance of the work has been contracted for and will be done at once.

North of the boiler shops is the oil house. This is to be 40x60, two stories high. The ground floor is to be built partly underground and to be filled with wrought iron oil tanks fifteen to seventeen feet in diameter, holding from 15,000 to 25,000 gallons each. Pumps are to be arranged on the next floor and oil is to be pumped up as needed. This building is very well built and is as nearly fire proof as possible.

Between the main track and the round house a storehouse and office is being built in one large building 44x280 two stories high. Seventy five feet of the west end is to be cut off to be used as offices for the superintendent of construction, master mechanic, etc. On the front a clock tower 65 feet high is to be erected. The foundation of this building is completed and walls are being built. It will be of brick with iron truss and slate roof.

The new blacksmith shop south of the round house is to be a very large one. The shops and yards are to be lighted by the Brush electric light. The chimney, which is 106 feet high, has been utilized as a tower. Fred R. W. Gilbert, assistant engineer of the Chicago shops, estimates the cost of the new shops, when completed, at $450,000 and that they will employ from 600 to 800 men when finished, which they will be in the fall. The old shops on the north side of the track will be used for car building and car repairs, while the new ones will be for the motive power works.

About a year ago the Northern Pacific company had made for their use nine powerful engines, with large fire boxes, in which they supposed they could burn the soft coal found on the west end of their line. It was given a good trial and failed; then Iowa coal was tried, but that would not work, so they are all being rebuilt with smaller fire boxes.

There are now in course of construction sixty caboose, 200 hand cars, twelve boarding cars, two baggage cars and one new pay car. The pay car, which is nearly finished, will be a great improvement on the old one, being of the same length as the baggage car, having sleeping and eating accommodations, and having in the end two doors for men to pass in and out. All these improvements give work to nearly 2,000 men, who are paid nearly $75,000 a month. Brainerd owes much to the Northern Pacific company, and Minnesota should be grateful that so good a company is doing so much in her borders. (Minneapolis Tribune, 04 July 1882, p. 4)


The Northern Pacific Railroad begins building a car repair shop in March 1871, it is located on the north side of the tracks about three-quarters of a mile east of the depot, this shop is completed in 1872. These shops are enlarged in 1881-1883. These early buildings are built of Brainerd-made Schwartz cream brick. In early 1886 the wooden car shops burn and are replaced by a new brick building 200' x 300' that is a story and a half high. In 1900 the capacity of the boxcar plant is doubled. In January 1901 the machine shop, blacksmith shop and boiler shop are more than doubled in size. In 1907 the Tie Plant is built in west Brainerd. In 1909 another addition is made to the machine shop in east Brainerd. In October 1920 the old brick car repair shops in east Brainerd are destroyed by fire. In 1944-45 the Tie Plant operation in west Brainerd is enlarged. Also in 1944-45, a new steel and brick building 916' long is added to the east shops, this location is one of the largest steel freight car building shops in the country. The power plant in east Brainerd is also upgraded in 1944-45. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 5, 54, 82, 180)


The new NP shops built in Brainerd in 1882 cost $260,006.12. (Minneapolis Tribune, 01 January 1883, p.12)


On 08 September 1883, the golden spike is driven at Gold Creek, Montana completing the Northern Pacific Railroad from the east to the west coast.


TRIUMPHANT SUCCESS.

_______


Brainerd’s Celebration Proves Her

Greatness and Shows her Gratitude

to the Gentlemen who

have just Completed the

Gigantic Scheme.

_______


A Blaze of Banners and Pageantry.

_______


Moving Exhibition of Manufacturers

and Trade never

Equaled in a city of

her size.

_______


Decorations so Lavish as to Call

Forth Comment and arrest the

Attention of All.

_______


The day set for the driving of the Golden Spike, Saturday, September 8, 1883, will be one long to be remembered by the people of the northwest, and Brainerd in particular. The weather was fine, a sky of Minnesota’s bluest and brightest, a sun beneficent, and air pure and fresh, and no mortal could complain that the elements had not combined to do honor to the occasion. And then the enthusiasm—there was enough of it to have survived the drenching of the severest thunder shower or the blinding shadows of a storm. Imagine the condition of our reporter, if you can, in trying to do descriptive honor to the event which in all truth and soberness cannot be too highly lauded. Beautiful, grand, elegant—it was all of these and more too. It was unique in conception and execution so far as the industrial exhibition was concerned. The decorations were elegant and tastefully arranged and were worth a “Sabbath” day’s journey” to see, nearly all the buildings were decked out in flowers, flags, wreaths and emblematic banners. The ordinary gained the gala air to the fullest extent, while the smaller cigar or fruit stands launched out into an excellence no one would have thought possible to acquire. The procession moved as if by clock work, not a serious accident marring the line of march which extended nearly two and a half miles and not an iota of space was wasted. So far as details are possible they are given below, but none know better than the writer how poor comparatively the descriptions necessarily are.

At 1:30 p.m. the different divisions of the trades procession commenced to get in line and at 15 minutes to 3 commenced to move along the streets laid out by the committee.


THE FIRST DIVISION


was headed by W. P. Spaulding, the chief marshal of the day, and assistants E. R. French and P. Mertz, and the chief of this division G. G. Hartley, riding on horseback. Behind came the police force in uniform, and the Brainerd Cornet band discoursing martial music. Then came the carriages containing the city officials and other prominent guests. The procession that followed was as follows:

Twenty boys in uniform under the supervision of Master Joseph Howe drawing fire extinguishers.

The Brainerd Hose company No. 1, A. J. Hawks foreman.

Brainerd Hose company No. 2, S. Hall foreman.

Brainerd Hook & Ladder company, F. Davenport foreman.

Cohen Bros. with 18 little boys representing their 99 cent store.


SECOND DIVISION


headed by H. J. Small and assistants, mounted.

N. P. engineers corps, C. F. Hollingsworth, S. H. Relf and clerks, with instruments and various tools used by them.

The N. P. locomotive and car drawing shops were next represented under the supervision of Messrs. Reynolds and Carter. The wagon had men at work and got out the blue print work with the gold spike and lettering which were prominent ornaments on the various wagons.

Then came the display from the machine shops which was certainly the most elaborate and finely arranged of any department in the procession. The description which we give cannot convey to the mind of the general reader an inkling of the trouble and ingenuity that it took to get it up. The wagon belonged to Hartley Bros. and Deware [sic] [Dewar] and was drawn by Carver & Mohle’s team. On the right hand side of the wagon was a large circular board on top of which rested a miniature steam boat, which by the way is quite a relic, being made by Warren Mallot, a young boss at the shops, when he was only 12 years of age, at Logansport, Ind. under which came the motto “Cooke & Villard” with a representation of clasping hands. This motto was neatly executed on brass and does much credit to the author of it, and was original, it being the first used at the shops. Below this were drawing instruments and all the various tools and instruments used by the men in their work at the machine shops, numbering 150 distinct and separate pieces. On a nail hung a shaving taken from a driver wheel which measured over one hundred feet in length. At the bottom was the motto “Linked at Last” with the name of Brainerd on one side and Albina [Oregon] on the other. Around the sides of this board arranged in order were forty standard gauges, ranging in size from one-half inch to four and a half inches. Those arrangements were supported by brass standards highly polished and made especially for the occasion. In front was a very handsome and elaborate design of a wreath and star made from Dakota wheat heads and decorated with artificial flowers. The design was gotten up by Phillip Brown, of the round house, and the flowers were furnished by Mrs. Brown. On the left hand side was a similar board on top of which was perched a brass engine, below this was the words on a brass standard “Machine Shops” with a large spread eagle in the background. Below was an elegant display of the bass steam fixtures which are found on an engine which were all made at the machine shops, and were all burnished and polished to the highest degree, presenting a grand spectacle. The first was the large steam gauge with a bouquet of flowers which were presented by Mrs. Favrou. On each side was a very fine water glass, said to be the very best turned out by any institution, under the steam gauge was an elegantly executed compound injector throttle, and on each side of it a large steam whistle. The balance of the board was covered by brake valves, large and small lubricators, hose nozzles, gauge, cylinder and drip cock, injector and intermediate checks. Above these decorations was an engine bell weighing some 400 pounds which kept up the merry ringing during the entire line of march. Behind these was a steam gauge testing machine, and still further came a Fox brass finishing lathe in operation. To get these things in position and in running order it took four days and nights and much credit is due to A. Bardsley, general foreman, and Jas. McNaughton foreman of the machine shops, together with the assistance of the men employed under them. Behind this wagon came a full sized engine made of wood and fully equipped which was built by Wm. McLean, B. Hascall and Abe Adams, assisted by the men under them. Its construction was not thought of until 11 o’clock on Friday and it was rushed through with speed that was astonishing and when finished made a very creditable appearance bearing the name “Old Ironsides No. 999.” But this was doomed to destruction and was wrecked near the freight house, the horses that were pulling it becoming unmanageable and threw it over on its side where it took fire and was consumed. No lives were lost, although the wreck was a bad one. The escape (!) of the fireman and engineer being miraculous.

The entire outfit from the machine shops was valued at over $3,500 and the display was not equaled in St. Paul or Minneapolis during the recent festivities there.

The next to come was the N. P. Fire department, J. E. Wilson chief.

Hose company No. 1, Charley Pegg foreman, with sixty men drawing hose cart, men dressed with red shirts and uniforms.

Hose company No. 2, H. Child foreman, with 55 men drawing hose cart, men dressed in blue shirts and uniforms.

N. P. Hook and Ladder company with J. D. Doyle in charge, H. J. Small chief and F. Howard, assistant.

Man bearing banner “The Last Spike.”

The car shops were next and their display was fine, the first representative being a passenger coach on wheels and drawn by a span of horses. This coach was gotten up on short notice, the most of it being finished after 9 o’clock on Saturday morning, and Mr. Frank Howard, master car builder, informs us that the “entire painting was done on all the work from that department Saturday forenoon.”

A small caboose painted red and fixed off with all the requirements of a full fledged caboose came next.

Behind this came a freight car on wheels.

The cabinet shops were next represented and the carpenter shops after them in their turn.

The pattern makers came next in charge of Jack Zuber with two wagons. These were making patterns.

The second wagon represented the different patterns, and the interior of the pattern shops.

The foundry department under the supervision of Mr. T. A. Burns had a fine display. They were followed by workmen on foot. The brass foundry, Mr. Randolph foreman, came next with men at work moulding and casting brass.

The blacksmith shops, N. W. Wheatley foreman, had one wagon with forge and men at work, and a steam hammer in operation.

The tin shops was next represented, headed by the Tinker’s band, which by the way was quite a novel feature. The band consisted of seven pieces, four whistles or flutes, two drums and a triangle. The drums and other instruments were all made by the boys at the tin shop and created many remarks and much praise from the lookers-on. Their caps were decorated with tin and had the inscription “Tinker’s Band” cut into it. The drum major was Mr. Rosenblood, Joseph Midgley being the originator of the band. Three wagons followed, the first being the tin workers busily engaged in turning out cups and oil cans, of which they made 12 dozen of the former and 6 dozen of the latter on the march. The second wagon contained the sheet iron workers, engaged on locomotive stack and on galvanized iron work.

The third wagon had the coppersmiths and steam fitters at work on copper pipes and steam fitting. The entire outfit at the tin shops was gotten up at the expense of the employees, under the supervision of Mr. Watts foreman, and much credit is due to the men who worked faithfully.

The boiler shops, Wm. Allen foreman, were represented by men at work on a stationary boiler, followed by men with tools on foot, and preceded by the foreman on horseback.

The paint shops, J. C. Congdon, foreman had an elegant display. The first wagon having canvas stretched the whole length on which was painted a facsimile of the “Pioneer” coach with men putting the finishing touches onto it.

The second wagon represented the freight car painting department, with men at work mixing paint, &c., with Skip Dean in charge.

There was 12 stationary engineers behind in charge of Thos. Wadham, chief engineer, with badges representing the different engines they worked at.

One hundred track layers on foot.


THIRD DIVISION


headed by J. J. Howe and assistants mounted.

Garden theatre band of seven pieces.

T. R. Congdon, art gallery with six pictures, pastel painting, very fine and showing the artist to be one skilled in his profession.

Peter Ort’s brewery wagon making beer and everything in full blast.

Team with a large load of keg beer belonging to the same man.

Then followed the display from J. J. Howe & Co.'s lumber, lath and shingle mill which was one of the main features and did much credit to the gentleman who studied out the various contrivances for operating the machinery, Mr. R. E. Gleason. The first wagon was the representation of a logging camp in full blast with the cook turning out pies, cake and “sich,” and as the scribe had the honor to do justice to one of the aforesaid pies he can testify to the fine hash that the boys in the woods must be accustomed to who work for this firm.

The next team was two yoke of cattle [sic] [oxen] drawing a load of pine logs with the motto “The pines of Minnesota meet the firs of Oregon.”

Then came the saw mill in full blast. On this wagon was rigged a large circular saw, beside which was the carriage in full operation, moving back and forth with a log on it and with men going through the operations the same as in a mill. This was the crowning feature of the mill exhibits and was a more novel sight than was exhibited at St. Paul in all the display that was made there.

Three wagons containing loads of lumber, representing lumber yards.

Dry kiln wagon with fixtures representing the men at work.

Wagon containing blacksmith shop, ironing bobsleds and doing other work.

Shingle mill wagon with 14 men at work turning out shingles, edging them and packing. The machinery was rigged to run by a belt from the hub of the wheel and was as regular as clock work.

Then the lath mill followed which was fixed out and in running order, the saw buzzing merrily and the lath flying in all directions.

Then there was a wagon representing the filing rooms with men at work.

Charles M. Patek, prominent owner of Patek’s Furniture, ca. Unknown.
Source: Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan

C. M. Patek & Co., furniture, with a fine display of goods from his store at the corner of Sixth and Laurel streets.

C. Roth, clothing store with a fine display of goods in his line.

W. Bean, vegetable wagon, showing that garden sass will grow as well on the sandy soil of Brainerd as elsewhere.

Cutler’s pop factory wagon, making pop on the run and bottling the same.

Leopold, the “Boss” clothier, with an elegant display of gents’ furnishing, trunks &c.

McFadden & Johnson, druggists, with wagon richly decorated. The cross bones and skull being a prominent feature on the sign.

E. E. M. Smith, confection and fruit dealer, tastily arranged to show off goods to the best advantage.

D. D. Smith, finely arranged pyramid of canned goods, groceries, &c.

Boston One Price clothing store, an elegant and very nicely arranged wagon, showing off their gents’ furnishings and other goods in a pleasing manner.

W. & J. Paine, gunsmiths, a very fine decorated pyramid of their wares, arranged with taste.

F. H. Elvidge, coal and wood, wagon with wood piled up in center and other fixtures pertaining to the business. On the back of the wagon was a negro and a woman (!) and child which called forth rounds of applause.

H. S. Totton, boots and shoes, with neatly arranged case of goods.

D. C. Herbert, representing Brainerd in 1871 in tent and showing how the pioneers roughed it that first settled this section.

C. V. Wadham, with a finely gotten up wagon, showing off his boot and shoe store to good advantage.

Kentucky liquor Co.’s wagon.

W. A. Smith with two wagons loaded with goods carried at their double store on Front street. Their carpet and dry goods display was very fine.

Hagberg & Honnett, grocers, with a wagon loaded down with wares that made a fine appearance.

Brainerd bottling works, with a fine display of their wares.

Tailor & Lagerquist, wagon loaded with groceries.

L. J. Cale, dry goods, groceries, etc.

Slipp & Long, hardware merchants, very fine display of goods.

Brainerd water works, wagon with pipes, &c.

Northwestern Tribune, press in motion and men at work at case, fine display.

Congdon’s milk wagon.

Crow Wing dairy wagon.

Pony dairy wagon.

C. E. Smith & Co., two wagons, the first loaded with bed room furniture of the finest grades, the second with parlor furniture, showing some elegant samples.

F. M. Cable, druggist, a very fine display, with emblematic mottos suspended from pole and a “medicine man” dressed in the habiliments of the noble red man, that are on exhibition at his store, and which at one time belonged to Sitting Bull.

Conklin, Clark & Co., an elegant showing of hardware, tastily arranged, and making a fine display.

Linnemann & Koop, with an elegant display of dry goods, clothing, provisions, two wagons loaded down with as fine a display of goods as has been seen in many a day.

N. P. Steam laundry wagon.

A. Olson, merchant tailor.

W. W. Hartley, sewing machine wagon.

Heard & Koop, jewelers with a very valuable display of wares.

During the entire line of march there was comments of praise from the citizens and visitors. It surpassed the expectations of the most sanguine and was a sight that will not be witnessed in Brainerd again for years, if ever. Parties from Chicago, St. Paul, St. Louis and elsewhere who happened to be in the city on this memorable day say they never saw the like before, and our people can well congratulate themselves on the grand success. It was not merely a show, but exhibited to the inhabitants and others the vast greatness of the business that is going on within the limits of our modest but thriving city, in such a light as they never thought of before.

Upon reaching Gregory Park the procession gave way and the participants who were tired out with exertion during the miles of travel and dust-begrimed, took part in the refreshments that were offered, beneath the towering pines. After which came speaking from the band stand by the following gentlemen, who were first introduced by Mayor Hartley: W. P. Spaulding, Hon. L. P. White, Rev. Dr. Hawley, C. F. Hollingsworth, Dr. J. C. Rosser, Ex-Senator J. Simmons of Little Falls, Rev. W. W. Regan, Rev. E. C. Evans, and Rev. M. D. Terwilliger. It would be impossible to go into details in regard to the speech-making on account of the space already taken, but suffice it to say that each and every one done their level best and their efforts were appreciated by the assembled crowd.


NOTES BY THE WAYSIDE.


The grand arch across Sixth street where it merges into Front was most elaborate, being made of evergreens and trimmed up in fine shape. The motto on the north side is: J. Cooke, 1870 Commenced {Our City} H. Villard, 1883 Finished. On the south side [it] reads: Cooke, 1870 {Hands clasped.} Villard, 1883.

These emblems or mottos are made so that they can be illuminated and presented a very pleasing aspect on the evening of the 8th inst. It is intended to leave this arch in its present position until the 18th or 20th, when the Villard party will return.

The golden spike was driven at 6:15 p.m., somewhat later than was intended on account of some slight accident to the train. Immediately upon receipt of the news a cannon, made for the occasion, was fired several times near the offices and after which it did good service at the Park.

There was a general kick in regard to the charge for supper at the Park for the church benefit, but we are informed that the different organizations were not to blame, as it was suggested to them and they merely followed out the plans that were laid down for them. It did seem as though it was tucked on a little steep, to ask the citizens especially the members of the bands and fire companies after having traveled around all the afternoon through the dirt of the streets on foot, to “whack up” the fifty cents before they could partake of the tempting viands spread out before, them. But such was the case, nevertheless, and many left the park in disgust, while others who are more apt to take things as they come, quietly submitted and took their medicine. We hope the next time a public demonstration of this kind is gotten up here that no society whatever will try and make profit from any of the proceeds.

The fire works that were touched off at the park at just dusk were very fine, and much credit is due the gentlemen who had charge of them for their excellent selection and the manner in which they were discharged.

We understand that the Tinker’s Band will be a fixed institution hereafter. The boys intend to organize with a band of 20 members and they say Prof. Dresskell with his fine brass band will have to get up and dust, to keep ahead of them.

Mr. A. Bardsley wishes us to say through the columns of the Dispatch that he desires to return thanks to the shop employees for their hearty co-operation and willingness in helping to make the display at the celebration on Saturday a success.

We are informed that all the flags that decorated the railroad exhibits on Saturday were donated by “Yankee” Thompson, an engineer, the oldest on the road.

After the boys got through celebrating with their cannon at the park it was taken to East Brainerd, where it was placed in front of a store and fired, the force of the shock knocking out the front and smashing the glass, costing the boys some $15.

Among the various decorated store buildings the most noticeable was that of H. A. Hay’s Chicago Hat Store on Sixth Street. The front was finely decorated with evergreen and flags artistically arranged.

Conklin, Clark & Co. have the thanks of the machine shop men for assistance rendered last Saturday.

Several business firms that would have been in the procession on Saturday, were unable to procure conveyances and in consequence were unable to parade.

The Dispatch acknowledges the receipt of two or three of the blue print mottoes, which was handed the scribe as the locomotive and car drawing exhibit went by. These souvenirs will be kept by many in memory of this great day. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 14 September 1883, p. 3, c.’s 3-6)


Gen. Grant and Mr. Billings passed through Brainerd on Monday morning on their way to Duluth, in the cars Yellowstone and Adirondack. They stopped and looked over the shops and expressed much surprise at the mammoth enterprises. They were accompanied by other notables, among who were Jessie Grant and Mr. Billing’s son. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 20 September 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


(Top) Northern Pacific Railroad Shops, ca. 1885. (Bottom) Northern Pacific Railroad Shops, ca. 1910.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society and A. Nelson

The Brainerd shops are the most extensive owned by the Northern Pacific company and rank with the most important plants of the kind in the country. They represent a value of nearly $2,000,000. The buildings are of yellow brick, with slate roofs, the machinery includes every approved labor-saving invention applicable to car building and locomotive repairs, sanitary conditions have been carefully studied, there is a reading room for the free use of the workmen, the wages are as good as are paid anywhere in the East in like establishments, and life is made attractive and secure. A remarkably intelligent and thrifty class of mechanics fill these shops. Most of them own pleasant homes in the city and look upon it as their permanent residence. They take part in public affairs, secure a good education for their children and with their fast friends, the locomotive engineers, form a stable, conservative element in the population of the city. These mechanics number nearly 800 in all and they do most of the freight car building and locomotive repairing for all the Northern Pacific main line and branches east of the Rocky Mountains. The road has a number of division shops for lighter repairs, but the heavy work comes to Brainerd. The shop buildings consist of an office and storehouse, 43 x 282 feet, two stories high; boiler and tin shop 80 x 224 feet; a machine and erecting shop, 120 x 244 feet; a boiler annex 40 x 80 feet, with a 1,500 horse-power Corliss engine; a round-house, 316 feet in diameter, with stalls for 44 engines; a black-smith shop, 80 x 197 feet; an oil house, 45 x 62 feet; two iron and coal store houses, one 26 x 57 and the other 26 x 98 feet; a paint shop, 50 x 240 feet; a foundry, 80 x 235 feet; a wood working shop, 65 x 160 feet, with an annex for axle and car wheel work, 40 x 65 feet; a freight car repair shop, 80 x 160 feet and a lumber dry kiln, 40 x 70 feet. The present monthly pay roll of the shops amounts to about $80,000.

Next to the shop mechanics the train men form numerically the largest element of the city’s population. Headquarters of the Minnesota division are here, and about eighty locomotive engineers and probably five times that number of conductors, firemen and brakemen make the place their home. Shop men and train crews, with their families, must number in all not far from four thousand souls—a pretty solid basis for a large town by themselves. Sturdy, self-reliant men, they are, too, and worthy members of the great American industrial army. (The Northwest Illustrated Monthly Magazine, "The City of the Pines;" Volume VI, Number 7, July 1888; E. V. Smalley, Editor and Publisher, p. 8)


Fire animation On March 28, 1886, a fire burned the following Northern Pacific shops buildings to the ground: Planing mill, machine shop, pattern shop and upholstering shop of the car department; the old roundhouse, where the freight work was done, and the general foreman’s offices. These were all wooden buildings. The damages amounted to between $100,000 and $200,000.


SEE: 1886 Northern Pacific Shops Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


Fire animation On January 26, 1891, a fire burned the old Northern Pacific paint shop which was being used as a car repair shop amounting to between $10,000 and $12,000 in damage; this building was nearly the last of the original old wooden buildings.


SEE: 1891 Northern Pacific Shops Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


Fire animation On June 1, 1893, a fire destroyed the Northern Pacific car repair shops. The building, a structure 80x160 and the last of the old wooden shops, was entirely consumed, together with ten cars, two refrigerator, one furniture and seven box cars.


SEE: 1893 Northern Pacific Shops Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


In 1924 surveyors lay out the site for the new power plant at the Brainerd shops, and actual construction is to be started soon. This power plant will be 101 feet by 109 feet ground measurements. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Tuesday, 13 July 2004)


NOTE: National Register of Historic Places, added 1989; 10 buildings, 25 acres


NORTHERN PACIFIC TIE PLANT

Northern Pacific Tie Plant located in West Brainerd south of the railroad tracks and Highway 210, ca. 1912.
Source: Postcard

The Tie Plant was located near Florence and Tenth Streets, Southwest.


22 February 1933. At the tie treating plant of the NP Railroad, situated in West Brainerd, 35 men are at work, with A. J. Loom being the foreman. Work has been hampered by a scarcity of cars on which to load shipments. With the plant at full capacity, three times as many men will be at work. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 22 February 2013)


19 January 1986. The Burlington Northern tie-treating plant, a fixture in the Brainerd area since the early 1900s [1907], will be closed by the end of 1986. The closure will result in the layoff of 14 of the plant’s current 24 workers. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 19 January 2006)


01 October 1986. Dismantling of the Brainerd tie plant began today, 01 October 1986, and will continue for six weeks, leaving only the plant office and garage standing. The plant opened in 1906 [sic] [1907] and contained up to 1 million ties at one time. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Sunday, 01 October 2006)


NORTHERN PACIFIC YMCA (MAP #33)

Northern Pacific YMCA located on the west side of 6th between the railroad tracks and Front, ca. 1889.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

In 1885 the Northern Pacific Railroad offers to provide a YMCA building “…to give aid to sons of railway men and not cause them to seek asylum and pastime in saloons.” In 1887 the YMCA consists of two reading rooms. They are rooms numbered 9 and 10, upstairs in W. W. Hartley’s [First National] Bank Building. The YMCA is incorporated 06 September 1888. According to minutes of the Common Council, digging the basement is started that May. It is reported that work on the building is still going on in 1889. Circa 1901, the railroad is about to replace the board sidewalk in front of this building, when it is discovered that a new cement sidewalk would cost about $120 more, the citizens of Brainerd donate that amount and the first cement sidewalk is laid in front of the YMCA. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 50 & 83)


Throwing Dirt Lively.


The work of excavating for the basement of the Y. M. C. A. building commenced yesterday noon at the corner of Front and Sixth streets. The work of laying the foundation will follow immediately and the work pushed to completion as rapidly as possible. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 May 1885, p. 4, c. 4)


Y. M. C. A. Building.


The Young Men’s Christian Association of this city are about to erect commodious quarters for the accommodation of the members. The building will be put up in the centre of the railroad park between Fifth and Sixth streets opposite the Towne-McFadden block, the [N. P.] company having given free use of the ground as long as they desire it. In addition to donating the ground the [N. P.] company will contribute $500 toward the erection of the building provided $1,000 can be raised in this city by subscription for the same purpose, and up to to-day something like $400 has been pledged. The building is to be two stories high, with libraries, reading rooms, etc., below and a hall above. It is also the intention to add bath rooms and a gymnasium as soon as practicable. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 April 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


New Y. M. C. A. Building.


As soon as the weather will permit in the spring the Young Men’s Christian Association of this city, will begin the erection of a handsome and durable structure for the accommodation of the association, the stone for the foundation of which is now being hauled. The building will be located in the center of the park on Front Street, between 5th and 6th, the N. P. company having generously given the association a lease to the property. The building will be two stories, with a 16 foot basement underneath, in which will be located a gymnasium and bath rooms. In the first story will be the library, reception room and parlor, and in the second story the assembly room and kitchen will be located. The gymnasium will be furnished with all the latest conveniences and appliances. The bath room will be for the convenience of the members of the association, who will have access to them at any and all times. The building when completed will cost between $3,500 and $4,000, over half of which has already been raised. Besides granting a lease for the ground free of cost and giving $500 a year for annual expenses, the N. P., through Mr. Harris, the president, has agreed to give $1,000 to aid in constructing the building, provided that enough money can be raised by subscription to complete the building and place the association out of debt. This will require the raising of about $2,500 among our citizens, who should subscribe liberally, as it is a worthy enterprise, and the building will be an ornament to our city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 February 1888, p. 4, c. 5)


The building committee of the Y. M. C. A. are advertising for bids on excavation and stone work for the new building. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 April 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


Work has been resumed on the excavation for the Y. M. C. A. building. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 May 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


Work on the Y. M. C. A. Building is being pushed rapidly. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 June 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


The foundation of the new Y. M. C. A. building is nearly completed and the erection of the building will be commenced at once. It is expected that the building will be ready for occupation before snow flies. The entire cost of the building will be about $5,000. It will be a handsome structure, one and one-half stories high above the basement and will be an ornament to the city. In the basement will be located the gymnasium, bath-rooms and bowling alley. On the first floor will be an audience room capable of seating 150 persons, and also a parlor, library and reception room. On the second floor will be a kitchen and several smaller rooms that can be utilized for various purposes. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 September 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


The new Y. M. C. A. building will be open to the public for the first time on Tuesday evening of next week, the occasion being a fine oyster supper, given by the Ladies Auxiliary. The proceeds will be used for the benefit of the association. Supper will be served from 6 to 10 p.m. Let everybody get their supper at the new Y. M. C. A. building on Tuesday evening. Price 50 cents. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 January 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


The Oyster Supper and entertainment at the new Y. M. C. A. building on Tuesday evening was a success in every particular. The tables were crowded constantly from 6 to 10 p.m., and all went away well pleased with the manner in which they were provided for. Supper being over the guests were entertained by the following literary and musical selections: Song, by male quartette, piano solo, by Miss Carrie Martin; vocal duet, by Miss Spears and Harry Craig; song, by male quartette; recitation by Miss May Gleason; song, by Miss Spears and Miss Martin. The association will clear at least a hundred dollars from the supper, which will be used to purchase furniture for the new building, which is almost completed and ready for occupancy. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 January 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


A Phonographic Entertainment.


There will be a phonographic entertainment and exhibition in the Y. M. C. A. hall next Wednesday evening, Aug. 20th. L. H. Everts, of St. Paul, will be present and conduct the entertainment. He will explain the construction and use of the phonograph, and the machine will reproduce singing, speaking, band and piano music, etc. It exactly reproduces every sound, and is the only means by which you can hear your own voice accurately reproduced. Nearly everybody knows something of the phonograph in a general way, but comparatively few have ever seen one in actual use. The entertainment will therefore be an exceedingly interesting one. The price of admission will be twenty-five cents. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


The entertainment given at the Y. M. C. A. rooms by H. L. Everts and his phonograph were not as well attended as could have been desired although it was probably one which the people would enjoy more than that of the average traveling troupes. The association realized a small sum over expenses. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 August 1889, p. 4, c. 3)


A Magnificent Gift.


Secretary Van Campen, of the Brainerd Y. M. C. A., yesterday received a telegram conveying the good news that Henry Villard, formerly president of the N. P. company, had given $2,000 to the building fund of the Y. M. C. A. of this city. This sum is amply sufficient to put in steam heating apparatus, bath tubs and gymnasium. As Mr. Villard is the guiding spirit of the N. P. company, this indication of his faith in the future of Brainerd is received with delight by our citizens. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 December 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


A. C. Van Campen has completed arrangements for the gymnasium and bath rooms at the Y. M. C. A. building and they both will be ready for use by March 1st. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 January 1890, p. 4, c. 3)


The Y. M. C. A. bath rooms and gymnasium are now in perfect running order. Drills are held every Tuesday and Friday evenings. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 April 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


Y. M. C. A.


Did you notice those enameled letters over the door of the Y. M. C. A.? They were presented to the Association by J. C. Congdon. They are initials and mean Young Men’s Christian Association, which, when interpreted aright, means large, well lighted and heated, social and game rooms, reading room with over fifty of the leading papers and magazines on file, free to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Membership cards at $5 will entitle you to bath rooms with three fine tubs and one shower, hot or cold, gymnasium with three sets of standard pulley weights, parallel bars, traveling rings, Indian clubs, dumb bells, etc. The Association at Brainerd desires through these methods to reach young men, and every young man is invited to the rooms. Young men away from home influences will find a warm welcome within its doors. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 December 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


The New Year’s reception given by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Y. M. C. A., was a success in more ways than one. About 300 men visited the rooms during the day and evening, and partook of the light refreshments provided by the ladies, and enjoyed a social visit. In the evening an impromptu programme was arranged in two parts. The first part consisted of an exhibition of gymnastics, under the directions of Mr. Tracy. This was followed by a well rendered programme of singing, reading and recitations. All of the participants won the hearty applause of the audience. The following persons took part: Misses Brockway, Ware, Gleason and Clark, Mrs. Alderman, Steadman, Cable, Thabes, Craig, Larson and Koefoot. The Bartelle family furnished the instrumental music. The Association entertainment committee have arranged a course of popular entertainments for the winter, the first one will be held on Wednesday evening, Jan. 13th. Mr. J. C. Small, chairman of the committee, promises a new departure along this line. The admission to non-residents will be 10 cents, and we hope to have our hall filled at these entertainments. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 January 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


June 1923. The building is located on the west side of Sixth Street between the railroad tracks and Front Street; its address is 124 South Sixth Street. The railroad contributes $500 a year toward its support. Its Board of Directors closes the building in June 1923. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, 09 June 2003)


18 May 1924. The Brainerd YMCA has undergone extensive repairs, improvements, and alterations during the past month and will be opened on Friday, May 23 with appropriate ceremonies. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Tuesday, 18 May 2004)


NORTHWESTERN HOSPITAL (MAP #35)

This hospital is organized through a stock subscription by Dr. Joseph Nicholson on 01 August 1908 and is erected on the southeast [sic] [northeast] corner of North Eighth [Broadway] and Kingwood Streets. It is well equipped with an operating room, X-ray apparatus and laboratory. The hospital has twenty-five beds. From 1908 to 1920 nearly thirty-two hundred patients are admitted. On 07 August 1920, the directors of the Northwestern Medical and Surgical Association, Incorporated take over the Northwestern Hospital ownership, management and hospital activity. On 15 October 1922 the formal opening of the new addition takes place. It is a three story brick building connected with the old building by corridors. The many modern features include an electric elevator, automatically controlled, a five thousand dollar X-ray outfit and well-equipped laboratories. The rooms are elaborately furnished for the comfort of patients. The capacity is seventy-two beds. The hospital maintains free beds for the worthy poor. A training school for nurses is conducted under the direct charge of the superintendent of nurses. The Northwestern Hospital is a monument to Brainerd. In August [sic] [April] of 1924 the Northwestern Hospital goes into receivership and never comes out of it. The hospital building is subsequently converted into an apartment building called Kingwood Apartments. [Sometime in the ?1950’s the section of the hospital purchased in 1908 is torn down and replaced by the existing one story structure. The entire building then becomes the Good Samaritan Nursing Home. Sometime in ?2001 the building becomes the Senior Citizens’ Center.] (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 106 and Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 73, 94, 129, 132)


In 1908 Dr. Joseph Nicholson purchases the large residence owned by Walter Davis at the corner of North Broadway [North Eighth] and Kingwood Street. Dr. Nicholson states that he will convert the building into a private hospital as soon as possible. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Sunday, 06 April 2008)


NORTHWESTERN HOSPITAL

_____


Dr. Joseph Nicholson Will Soon

Open New Surgical Institu-

tion in Brainerd

_____


MODERN EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT

_____


New Hospital is Very Handsome

in Exterior and Interior

Appearance


Northwestern Hospital, originally the home of Walter Davis, 26 May 1908.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch, p. 6
Northwestern Hospital at the northeast corner of 8th and Kingwood, ca. 1922.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The new Northwestern Hospital which will be opened to the public by Dr. Joseph Nicholson in the near future is worth more than a passing notice. This beautiful structure, located at the corner of Broadway and Kingwood streets, was commenced by Mr. and Mrs. Walter Davis for a home but owing to her death was sold by Mr. Davis to Dr. Nicholson. The building was in an unfinished state when purchased and he changed the interior arrangements somewhat so as to make it more perfectly fitted for the purpose of a hospital, although it was already well adapted to that use. After the purchase of the building Dr. Nicholson began laying his plans for a hospital as perfect in its arrangement and as sanitary in its equipment as modern science can devise. The interior finish of the lower story will be in mahogany finished birch, while the second and third stories will be white enamel. The men’s ward will be on the third floor while the private rooms and the women’s ward will be on the second floor. The first floor will be occupied by offices, reception room, dining room and has rooms for the nurses, house physicians, etc. The basement is equipped with an up-to-date hot water heating plant. An auxiliary steam plant will also be put in to heat the water for domestic purposes and also for raising the temperature of the operating room to over 80 degrees. It will also furnish steam for the sterilizing room as all instruments, dishes, etc., used in connection with the operating room will be sterilized under steam pressure. In the basement is also to be located the laundry plant which will be equipped with steam washing machines, centrifugal wringers and power mangles. The machinery will be operated by a three-horse electric motor situated in the basement.

Dr. Nicholson and his house physician will be able to point with especial pride to the operating room. It will be located in the round tower on the second floor and will have a white cement floor, the new white cement being used and white sand secured from White Sand Lake. The rooms throughout the hospital will be sized and tinted.

There will be private rooms and a ward for women and a ward for men, besides typhoid fever rooms for each sex and a room for obstetrical cases. The hospital will accommodate about 25 patients.

The hospital will be directly under the supervision of Dr. Nicholson, assisted by a house physician, who will be at the hospital at all times. The internal management will be under the superintendency of Miss Freda Wall, formerly superintendent of the Swedish hospital of Minneapolis. She will be assisted by Miss Gertrude K. Thoe, a trained nurse and three nurses in training.

The building is equipped throughout with a system of electric bells and interchangeable telephones, by means of which any two departments can talk together while others are talking in other departments. The electrical work was done by Ernest Livingston, of this city, an electrician and engineer, who will remain with the hospital in charge of the electrical, heating and steam plants.

The location is an ideal one and the city and Dr. Nicholson are both to be congratulated on the possession of the new hospital. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 May 1908, p. 6, c.’s 1 & 2)


THE NORTHWESTERN HOSPITAL.


Dr. Joseph Nicholson, founder and chief surgeon of the Northwestern Hospital, ca. 1910.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 20, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher

The Northwestern Hospital was established Aug. 1st, 1908 by Dr. Joseph Nicholson. The hospital is situated on the corner of Eighth and Kingwood, in a pleasant, quiet, residence section of the city, about four blocks from the business center.

The hospital has one of the most approved static and X-ray machines, and the large, bright operating, dressing and sterilizing rooms fit this hospital to care for surgical cases in accordance with the most approved methods of modern surgery.

The rooms are large and bright, well ventilated and finished throughout with hardwood, and equipped with the most sanitary furnishings known to modern hospital methods. The efficiency of the nursing staff is thoroughly appreciated by those who have been to this hospital for treatment.

The Northwestern Hospital has accommodations for twenty to twenty-five patients, and this, with all of the modern appliances and improvements, makes this one of the most complete hospitals in the Northwest.

The surgical and medical departments are under the direct supervision of both Drs. Joseph and Elmer Nicholson. (Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 6, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher)


MANY ATTEND THE EXERCISES

_____


Four Nurses Graduated from North-

western Hospital Training

School for Nurses

_____


JUDGE B. F. WRIGHT SPOKE

_____


Rev. W. J. Lowrie Presided at the Program Given,—Hall was

Beautifully Decorated


From Monday’s Daily:—

The graduation exercises of the Northwestern Hospital Training School for Nurses were held in Elks hall on Friday evening and were largely attended. The hall was beautifully decorated with the class colors, potted plants and flowers.

The graduating class numbered four, being Miss Hilma Marie Nygren, Miss Edythe Olive Phillips, Miss Anna Lydia Michaelson and Miss Maybelle Alvenia Schelin.

Rev. W. J. Lowrie presided. The program included the entrance march, an invocation by Rev. M. L. Hostager, two vocal solos by Mrs. S. B. Christopher, a piano and violin duet from Beethoven by Mrs. W. A. M. Johnstone and Edwin Harris Bergh, the commencement address by Judge B. F. Wright, vocal solo by Mrs. Christopher, presentation of diplomas by Dr. Joseph Nicholson, piano solo by Miss Jennie Wilson.

Rev. Lowrie, in his address, praised the hospital for the painstaking care and cleanliness shown. Dr. Joseph Nicholson he praised as being a physician of the body and the soul.

Dr. Nicholson, in presenting the diplomas, gave a measure of praise to Miss Hildur T. Palm, the superintendent; to Dr. C. G. Nordin and praised the young graduates for their successful record as students.

Judge B. F. Wright, of the district court, who delivered the commencement address, said in part:


[...]

(Brainerd Dispatch, 05 June 1914, p. 7, c. 5)


NEW HOSPITAL CONTRACT LET

_____


Charles Skooglun of St. Paul Is To

Build New Unit of Northwestern

Hospital in Brainerd

_____


STRUCTURE READY THIS FALL

_____


Citizens’ Sharing Program Mapped

Out Under Personal Direction

of R. D. Jenkins


The contract for the general construction of the new unit of the Northwestern hospital, corner 8th and Kingwood Sts., was let to Charles Skooglun, contractor of St. Paul at a meeting of the board of directors of the Northwestern Medical and Surgical Association, Inc. held Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Skooglun is one of the prominent contractors in the state. The construction of the county court house at St. Cloud is now under his supervision and equipment from St. Cloud will be transferred to Brainerd and work upon the new Northwestern hospital unit inaugurated immediately. The structure will be ready for occupancy this fall. The insured completion of the first unit of a building which will give to Brainerd and this vicinity hospital facilities unsurpassed in the state brings profound satisfaction to the citizens of this community.

Co-incident with the formal placing of the construction contract announcement was made of a Citizens’ Sharing Program the plan of which is to give to the people of this region an opportunity to actively identify themselves with the upbuilding of the Northwestern hospital. As a feature of this Citizens’ Sharing Program a block of preferred stock in the Northwestern Medical and Surgical Association, Inc., will be offered to the public. So far as is known no American hospital has given to the supporting public within the community to become investors and participate in the hospital association itself. Thus one may at once make a safe and certain remunerative investment and, also, render a real service to the community by add to the support of an institution of notable value to Brainerd. Not only will the residents of Brainerd and vicinity have the most modern hospital facilities at their own disposal but with no other hospital comparable in equipment between the Twin Cities and Duluth, patients from a wide area will come to Brainerd for hospital service and contribute the various business currents of Brainerd life.

The preferred stock in the hospital association bears a guaranteed dividend of 6%. Each share has a par value of $25 and is redeemable at $26 with the addition of any accumulated and accrued dividends.

The stock will be offered for sale by a group of business and professional men who are thoroughly alive to the significant advantage which will attach to Brainerd by the erection and maintenance here of a hospital of first rank. Applications for shares have already been received in considerable number; but the Citizens’ Sharing Program calls for a policy of placing the shares in the hands of a large number of holders not only in Brainerd but within the adjacent districts. Following the completion of the sale in Brainerd the Citizens' Committee will conduct an automobile tour to the surrounding towns for the purpose of extending to the citizens of the Brainerd territory the same opportunity for participating in the hospital development now open to the residents of Brainerd.

The Citizens’ Sharing Program of the Northwestern Medical and Surgical Association, Inc. is under the personal direction of R. D. Jenkins of the firm of Bronson Batchelor, Inc., Counsellors in Publicity and Public Relations, New York City. The services of Mr. Jenkins in the supervision of this project were obtained by the influence of personal friends resident in Brainerd.

In addition to the directors of the hospital association the following attended the meeting of the Board of Directors Wednesday: J. O. Cederburg, Jr., St. Paul, architect; Charles Skooglun, St. Paul, contractor; R. D. Jenkins. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 August 1921, p. 5, c. 1)


TRAINING SCHOOL FOR NURSES WILL BE OPENED

_____


Under the Auspices of the New

Northwestern Hospital This Fall

It Is Announced

_____


FULL THREE YEARS TRAINING

_____


Will be Given Standardized to Meet

Recommendations of the Minneso-

ta State Board of Examiners


A training school for nurses, planned to meet the standardized recommendations of the Minnesota State Board of Examiners of Nurses, will be opened under the auspices of the new Northwestern hospital this fall. A full three years training course will be given by the physicians and surgeons comprising the hospital staff.

The new hospital with its capacity of 65 beds and the most modern equipment will offer unusual facilities for hospital training. Applications for enrollment are already being received.

The educational requirements for admission to the course of training are a minimum of two years of high school work. Physical and mental development will be taken into consideration in connection with the age of applicant but in general candidates under 18 or over 25 years of age will not be accepted. Candidates must pass a rigid physical examination before admission.

Since the founding of the Northwestern hospital in 1908 eleven nurses have been graduated from that institution. With the opening of the new hospital the classes will be regularly formed and conducted and the hospital will offer to women, who wish to prepare themselves for the profession of nursing, a course of training of the highest grade. It is expected that young women in considerable numbers will come to Brainerd from points outside the city to take advantage of the training the new hospital will make available. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 August 1921, p. 5, c. 1)


HOSPITAL READY BEFORE SNOW FLIES

_____


Charles Skooglun, General Contrac-

tor, and Carl E. Lundholm, Su-

perintendent Construction

_____


START ON N. W. HOSPITAL UNIT

_____


Work Will be Pushed Vigorously in

Cooperation With Plans of North-

western Medical & Surgical Assn.


Charles Skooglun, contractor, and Carl E. Lundholm, superintendent of construction for the new unit of the Northwestern hospital, arrived in Brainerd last evening to initiate the construction work upon the hospital building. Mr. Skooglun will return to St. Paul within several days. Mr. Lundholm will remain in active charge of the work. Mrs. Lundholm will join her husband shortly and they will make Brainerd their residence until the hospital contract is completed.

“The hospital must be ready for occupancy before snow flies,” Mr. Skooglun stated today.

“The work will be pushed vigorously. In full cooperation with the plans and policies of the Northwestern Medical and Surgical Association, Inc. we have agreed to employ local labor and purchase locally all supplies for construction so far as possible.” Mr. Lundholm will be glad to interview at the job any man who desires employment.

Mr. Lundholm expressed himself as being very favorably impressed with Brainerd.

“The plans for the hospital and for the completion of a building that would be a credit to any city in the state,” he said.

“It is particularly gratifying to me to know that through the Citizens’ Sharing Movement the people of Brainerd are taking widespread advantage of the opportunity afforded them to become shareholders in the hospital enterprise. The hospital will be a community asset and a public health service center in the truest sense.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 September 1921, p. 5, c. 2)


NOTE: Charles Skooglun also built the new power house at the Northern Pacific shops in 1924. Skooglun also built the library at the University of Minnesota, said to have cost over two million dollars, the Stearns County court house at St. Cloud, a million dollar contract, and the athletic club building in St. Paul.


N. W. HOSPITAL HEALTH SERVICE

_____


Society Held a Meeting at the Hos-

pital on Tuesday and Formu-

lated Organization Plan

_____


TO MAINTAIN TWO FREE BEDS

_____


At Northwestern Hospital for Needy

and Worthy Sick—Society Of-

ficers Elected


A meeting of the Northwestern Hospital Health Service society was held at the Northwestern Hospital Tuesday, Sept. 20 at which time the council, consisting of two ladies from each of the various churches, formulated a plan for the organization of an association.

The purpose of this association is for the maintenance of two free beds at the Northwestern Hospital for the needy and worthy sick, the same to be determined by a committee of three ladies of the council, and the cooperation of the city health officer ad public health nurses of the city and county.

The constitution and bylaws drawn by a committee of three were read and unanimously adopted.

The council then held election of officers which resulted as follows:

President—Mrs. W. C. Rasch.

Vice President—Mrs. A. J. Fitzsimmons.

Secretary—Mrs. F. M. Kelley.

Treasurer—Mrs. J. A. Wilson.

A free bed committee was elected by the council consisting of Mrs. W. F. Dieckhaus, chairman, Mrs. Ernest Haake, Mrs. P. A. Johnson.

The chairman of the following committees were elected:

Program, Mrs. M. B. Congdon; Refreshment, Mrs. John Johnson; Membership. Mrs. Carl Bentley. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 September 1921, p. 5, c. 3)


Mr. Lundholm, superintendent of construction on the addition to the Northwestern hospital, thinks the new building will probably be ready for occupancy early in the new year. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 October 1921, p. 2, c. 2)


Frank Swanson of Pillager, one of the directors of the Northwestern Hospital and Surgical Association, was in the city and with Dr. Joseph Nicholson, an officer of the association, viewed the progress made in building the new brick hospital unit. The latter is being pushed to completion and full advantage is being taken of the fine building weather. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 October 1921, p. 2, c. 3)


The Northwestern hospital’s new unit is rising beyond the second story. Rapid progress has been made laying brick. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 October 1921, p. 2, c. 1)


The brick cement and stone work on the four [sic] story addition to the Northwestern hospital has been completed and it is now confidently expected that the building will be ready for occupancy by January 1st, which greatly pleases Dr. Joseph Nicholson, the genial head of the hospital. The new building will be absolutely fireproof. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 November 1921, p. 2, c. 2)


OVERHEAD VACUUM SYSTEM HEATING

_____


Being Installed in Northwestern Hos-

pital New Unit in Course of

Erection Here

_____


POWER HOUSE IS BEING BUILT

_____


Plumbing and Lighting Conform to

St. Paul and Minneapolis City

Ordinances


An architect’s rendering of the Northwestern Hospital, 07 November 1921. A 711x532 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

A new style of heating is being installed in the Northwestern hospital unit now under course of construction in this city. John O. Cederberg, Jr., of St. Paul is the architect of the building and W. D. MacLeith of St. Paul, architect and engineer, is the general superintendent in charge of construction and of installation of mechanical equipment.


Roof Inspected

A Dispatch representative in company with Dr. Joseph Nicholson of the hospital and Mr. MacLeith inspected the building and the roof. At the latter place workmen were enclosing same and one had a glimpse of the various heavily enclosed pipe lines, part of the heating system.


Overhead Vacuum System

An overhead vacuum system of heating is being installed by which steam rises to the attic and thence is taken downward through pipes to the various radiators and to return which leads back to the boiler.

There are three boilers as a heating unit; one boiler is a super smokeless type with 8,000 feet of direct radiation capacity. Pressure can be maintained up to 10 pounds, but it will not be necessary to carry on an average over three pounds of steam.

There are two high pressure Kewanee boilers in the boiler room. These two will be used in coldest weather, with the large one as auxiliary. The high pressure, in other words, will be used in the coldest weather and the other system for ordinary weather.


Power House

Surmounting the power house will be a chimney of 65 [sic] feet or more in height. A tunnel will connect the power plant with the building. It will be thoroughly insulated and is called a “pine log.”

The forming of water pockets will be absolutely eliminated, and will do away with any pounding of radiators.

All risers are made through three single expansion joints so as to allow complete expansion of risers and mains, while branches are restrained against expansion.

The underground pipe conduit is made of split tile covered with 85 percent magnesia covering and placed practically below the frost line. It is set on concrete foundations every ten feet and properly drained. The entire mains in the attic are covered with a similar material three-quarters of an inch thick.


Steam Vacuum

The steam vacuum follows through the “log” into the building. It rises through the main standpipe to the attic, where through an insulated main it is distributed through the building. It enters in the rear and flows forward where all waters of condensation are trapped and returned through natural risers back to the system, while the steam used in the various floors likewise travels downward through various radiators back to the return.

The new system of heating is advisable because it eliminates any pounding in radiators. With the old system radiators often filled partly with water and pounding ensued.

The storage tank and converter are covered with asbestos blocks in cellular form one and a half inches thick, naturally retaining all the heat in the plant itself. The blocks are covered with asbestos cement perfectly troweled smooth and covered with cold water paint.

All headers in the boiler room are covered and insulated against any cold to give the greatest efficiency in heat units against the cold. The heating plant is required to perform and insure absolute delivery of 70 degrees Fahrenheit under all conditions of exterior weather.


Plumbing

Work of installing the plumbing is also underway. The hot water to various fixtures is a re-circulating system taking its cold water from an overhead storage plant. The re-circulating lines run in conduits.

All plumbing is being installed to comply with St. Paul and Minneapolis city ordinances.

All water closets are silent-action. The plumbing fixtures are the equal of any used in the northwest.


Third Floor

The third floor will contain the solarium, nursery, two large wards, four individual rooms, delivery room, sterilization room, babies wash room, diet kitchen, etc.

The babies’ wash room is designed according to the very best practice. There is a special sink in the babies’ kitchens. In the babies’ wash room a thermostatic mixing valve regulates the temperature of the water to the fractional part of a degree.


General Bathrooms

General bathrooms are located throughout the entire structure. The third floor also has a bath.

There is a complete and fully equipped diet kitchen on each floor connected by a dumb waiter to the general kitchen in the basement.

The elevator is of sufficient size to carry a person on a stretcher, two attendants and the elevator man and is of the easy starting and easy landing, non-jar type.

All radiators throughout the hospitals are hung upon wall brackets so as to enable cleaning underneath, assuring the highest sanitation.


Nurses’ Call System

A nurses’ call system is maintained throughout the entire hospital, there is double signaling to the nurse at the end of the hall and to the head nurse of the hospital entirely done through the indicator system.


Electric Wiring

The electric wiring conforms to St. Paul and Minneapolis building ordinances. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 November 1921, p. 3, c.’s 1-3)


NORTHWESTERN HOSPITAL UNIT

_____


W. D. MacLeith, Architect and En-

gineer of St. Paul, is Superin-

tendent of Construction

_____


NEW OTIS ELEVATOR IS ADDED

_____


Elevator, Plumbing, Heating, Elec-

tric Wiring According to Twin

Cities Building Regulations


W. D. MacLeith, architect and engineer of St. Paul, superintendent of construction of Northwestern hospital’s new unit, will leave for St. Paul Friday noon, where he will enjoy the holiday season with his family until January 5, when he will return to Brainerd.

He reports building at the Northwestern hospital progressing nicely, but because of lack of some materials and delays in shipments the structure is a trifle behind in its structural program. Every effort is being made to to complete the structure as rapidly as possible.

The hospital management is glad at any time to have visitors inspect the building and to see the new methods of construction and of installation of equipment, which will tend to make it one of the most advanced institutions outside of the Twin Cities in the northwest.

The Otis elevator of the push button type with steel guides and special steel cab has full magnetic control and overhead machines. It is controlled entirely by push buttons on various floors and is absolutely fool proof. An elevator operator is not needed to run this elevator. The first part of this installation begins January 15.

The rough plumbing is all in. Temporary radiation will be hooked up on Friday for drying out the building, preparatory to plastering, which will begin early in January. The electric wiring is all installed with the exception of the signal system.

In elevator, plumbing, heating, electric wiring, etc., all is built and installed in accordance with the most stringent building regulations as required by St. Paul and Minneapolis. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 December 1921, p. 1, c. 7)


NORTHWESTERN HOSPITAL FORMAL OPENING

_____


PROGRAM SATURDAY

AND SUNDAY AFTER-

NOONS AND EVENINGS

_____


SAME IN CHARGE OF OFFICERS

OF N. W. HOSPITAL HEALTH

SERVICE SOCIETY
_____


PUBLIC IS CORDIALLY INVITED

AND WELCOMED TO ATTEND

THESE EXERCISES


Northwestern Hospital, conducted by the Northwestern Medical & Surgical Association, Incorporated, has completed its three-story brick building, believed to be the last word in hospital construction and equipment.

The formal opening will be attendant with appropriate exercises and the programs will be held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and evenings, being under the auspices of the council of the Northwestern Hospital Health Service Society. The public is cordially invited and welcomed to attend these and to inspect the hospital. Refreshments will be served.


Officers of Society

The officers of the Northwestern Hospital Health Service Society are

President—Mrs. W. C. Rasch.

Vice President—Mrs. A. J. Fitzsimmons.

Secretary—Mrs. F. M. Kelly.

Treasurer—Mrs. P. G. Fallquist.

The committees of the society are:

Free bed committee—Mrs. W. F. Dieckhaus, chairman.

Program committee—Mrs. M. B. Congdon, chairman.

Refreshment committee—Mrs. John Johnson, chairman.

Membership committee—Mrs. Carl Bentley, chairman.


Council Members

The council members are these:

Mrs. W. C. Rasch.

Mrs. A. J. Fitzsimmons.

Mrs. F. M. Kelly.

Mrs. P. G. Fallquist.

Mrs. W. F. Dieckhaus.

Mrs. M. B. Congdon.

Mrs. John Johnson.

Mrs. Carl Bentley.

Mrs. F. G. Newgard.

Mrs. P. A. Johnson.

Mrs. D. E. Wadsworth.

Mrs. Wm. Miller.

Mrs. A. Angel.

Mrs. R. E. Cody.

Mrs. Wm. Hall.

Mrs. Emil Gustafson.

Mrs. Gust Erickson.

Mrs. J. A. Wilson.

Mrs. P. A. Ulfseth.

Mrs. O. C. Skauge.

Mrs. Frederick Errington.

Mrs. Fred A. Farrar.

Mrs. Wm. Crowell.

Mrs. John Erickson.

Mrs. E. Haake.

Mrs. Leo Mattson.

Mrs. Otto Heikkinen.

Mrs. Andrew Johnson.

Mrs. T. K. Kleven.


Saturday Afternoon Program

The Saturday afternoon program follows:

2:00—High school orchestra.

2:30—Miss Alice G. Johnson and Miss Myrtle Bredenberg piano duet.

2:45—Mrs. R. E. Cody, vocal solo.

3:00—High school glee club.

3:15—Miss Freia Ferara, piano solo.

3:30—Mrs. Ray Hall, vocal solo.

3:45—Mrs. Alger Thone and Mrs. David Nygren, vocal duet.

4:00—Ernest Crust, saxophone solo.

4:15—Mrs. Ben Anderson, vocal solo.

4:30—Miss Beatrice Stearns, piano solo.

5:00—Mrs. Ben Anderson and Mrs. R. E. Bemmels, vocal duet.


Saturday Evening Program

The Saturday evening program includes:

7:50—Miss Ida Peterson, piano solo.

8:00—Miss Esther Fogelstrom, vocal solo.

8:15—Miss Alice Johnstone, violin solo.

8:30—Mrs. George Beale and Mrs. Chas. W. Mahlum, vocal duet.

9:00—Miss Mildred Jepson, piano solo.

9:15—Miss Amy Zakariasen, vocal solo.

9:30—Miss Evelyn Bloomstrom, piano solo.

9:45—Harry Fullerton, vocal solo.

10:00—William Anderson and Charles Rice, vocal duet.


Sunday Afternoon Program

The Sunday afternoon program includes:

2:00—High school orchestra.

2:30—Miss Helen Cariander, vocal solo.

3:00—Ray Peterson, violin solo.

3:15—Mrs. Severin Koop of Crosby, vocal solo.

3:30—Swedish quartet.

4:00—Miss Bertha Olson, vocal solo.

4:30—Mrs. Henry Olson, piano solo.

5:00—Mrs. O. B. Johnson, vocal solo.

5:15—Miss Mardelle Eschmann, piano solo.

5:30—Miss Vivian Bloomstrom, saxophone solo.


Sunday Evening Program

The Sunday evening program includes:

7:00—Blue ribbon orchestra.

7:30—Dr. A. K. Cohen, vocal solo.

8:00—Miss Mildred Skauge, piano solo.

8:30—Miss Mildred Van Eppes, vocal solo.

8:45—Miss Alice Anderson and Miss Eunice Paulson, piano duet.

9:00—Miss Myrtle Haake, vocal solo.

9:30—Swedish mixed quartet from Baptist church.

9:45—Wm. Anderson, vocal solo.

All programs will take place on the third floor of the new building.


Viewing Hospital

In company with Dr. Joseph Nicholson, head of the Northwestern Hospital, and president of the Northwestern Medical & Surgical Association, Incorporated, a representative of the Dispatch, examined the new institution. Through a corridor he was conducted from the original section of the hospital to the new part. In the original section are housed the clinical department, X-ray department, and the administration offices.


Automatic Elevator

An automatic elevator whisked doctor and newspaperman to the third floor of the new section. The elevator is the first of its kind in Central Minnesota and is operated by merely pressing a push button. Floors are marked on the indicator.


His Majesty, The Baby

On the third floor will rule supreme His Majesty, The Baby, and his proud mother. Infants will be taken care of from the time the stork sails through the air and down the capacious chimney of the hospital until Mamma is able to leave the hospital with her precious darling.

Every possible convenience is provided. There is a wash room with a non-scalding device, so regulating water temperature that baby’s skin will never be over-heated. There is baby’s nursery, fronting the sunny street, provided with summer heat, where baby can enjoy himself in a bassinette.

With a glassed-in partition separating baby from the public, all his friends may view him from the adjoining sun parlor. Then there is also the diet kitchen which keeps supervision of baby’s interior department.

Throughout the hospital there are terraza floors, and walnut finish is predominant in furnishings and the wood work. Simmons beds are used throughout. The doctor’s wash room adjoins the delivery room. Toilets and other wash rooms are in ample abundance. There is room on this third floor for seventy patients.


Second Floor

The second floor is provided with four private rooms with bath, a sun parlor and a ward room.

The doors used throughout the building are of the noiseless, non-slamming kind with friction hinges.

The silent calling system is used, thus doing away with buzzers and bells which so often irritate a patient. Electric light bulbs flash the signals.


First Floor

The first floor is identical with the second in convenience offered.


Basement

In the basement are linen rooms, baths for the help, the private dining room, nurses’ dining room, the large kitchen equipped with gas ranges, steam tables, electric dish washer which can wash, clean, sterilize and dry in one process 3,000 dishes an hour, and other conveniences.

The ambulance entrance is a covered one.

The building is heated by a vacuum vapor system. The chimney, 60 [sic] feet high, was built to provide for enlargement of the hospital to 280 bed size. The whole hospital has been so designed that as increases are necessary, additions may be built making of the whole a most symmetrical design.


Officers

Miss Marie Sorenson, formerly of the Augustana hospital, is superintendent of nurses. Miss Mildred E. Lund, is superintendent of the hospital.

Credit is due Dr. Joseph Nicholson and assistants for completing the hospital and adding such an institution to Brainerd, thus adding to Brainerd’s growing importance as a medical center of this section of the Northwest. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 October 1922, p. 1, c. 7; p. 3, c.’s 1 & 2)


2,500 ESTIMATED TO HAVE BEEN AT

OPENING NEW NORTHWESTERN HOSPITAL

_____


The formal opening of the newly completed three-story brick building which has been added to the Northwestern hospital was attended with very appropriate programs on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and evenings.

The guests were welcomed at the office entrance in the old building where each person was asked to register and was then escorted through the new building by one of the reception committee. The public was quick to respond to the invitation to view one of the most completely furnished and modern hospital buildings in this section of the state. Six hundred and four visitors registered at the office on Saturday, and 1,501 on Sunday. Quite a number did not register, especially on Sunday, when the rush was at its height, which would easily bring the grand total well up to the twenty-five hundred mark.

In addition to the many visitors who reside in Brainerd, the following number from outside the city also registered: St. Paul 4, Minneapolis 2, Little Falls 2, Chicago 1, Seattle 1, Bemidji 1, Duluth 3, Fargo 2, St. Cloud 2, Crosby 1, Osakis 1, Ironton 2, Jenkins 1, Cedar Lake 1, Anoka 3, Deerwood 3, Pine River 4, Pequot 1, Crow Wing 1 and Nisswa 4.

Much interest was taken in the X-ray room, where demonstrations were conducted by W. J. Lund in charge of this department. Visitors viewed the bones in their own hands and saw demonstrations made of setting fractures with the aid of the X-ray. The equipment used in this department is of the very latest design, the best that can be had at any price. It is conceded to be one of the most valuable aids in a physician’s or surgeon’s work.

All visitors were loud in their praise of the furnishings and equipment of the new building. A noiseless signaling system has been installed, the doors throughout are noiseless and non-slamming, and the rooms are made noise-proof. The first and second floors are given over to rooms and wards for the general public, the third floor is devoted entirely to the maternity ward.

The afternoon and evening programs were staged in the sun parlor on the second [sic] [third] floor, and could be heard both by the visitors in the building, and by many who grouped on the sidewalk to enjoy the work of the entertainers, who by the way, were all Brainerd artists. Each number was rendered in an excellent manner and received its full share of the encores.

Special emphasis should be laid on the training school for nurses, which this hospital is inaugurating. Miss Marie Sorenson, of Augustana hospital, Chicago, is superintendent of nurses and will be in charge of the training school. Local doctors will lecture frequently and the entire course will be directly under the supervision of Dr. Joseph Nicholson, chief surgeon.

The text-books for the course are already here, and five young women have enrolled to take up training, being the Misses Elsie Hedlund and Alfreda Eggen of Brainerd; Alta Cox of Pine River, Dagmar Johnson of Little Falls, and Gladys Young of Cross Lake. Others are planning to join this class, and it is hoped to make it a large one.

New offices have been arranged for the administration of the hospital business. Miss Mildred Lund, superintendent of the hospital, is given a large private office, and Miss Myrtle Lindholm has been employed to take charge of the outer office. Miss Eva Caughey will be the surgical nurse in charge of the operating room, and Miss Hulda Wang, the night supervisor, giving the institution a very complete and competent staff, both in the administration and nursing department.

It was announced Monday morning that already accommodations in the new hospital were being made. To Mrs. Charles Bourassa goes the honor of making the first application for admittance, and to Mrs. Arthur Benson the honor of being the first patient accepted. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 October 1922, p. 1, c.’s 3 & 4)


NEW TELEPHONE SERVICE

_____


Switchboard Equipment Being In-

stalled at Northwestern Hospital

by Telephone Company


The Northwestern Bell Telephone Co., is installing modern and quite elaborate switchboard equipment, the only board of its kind in the city, in the new Northwestern hospital this week.

Formerly, the hospital was equipped with what is known as a number 2 private branch exchange, where the subscriber makes his own connection by means of push buttons. This is the installation quite common through the larger offices in the city.

At the hospital, this has been substituted by a number 550 switchboard, which is nearly identical with the regular type used in a central telephone exchange.

The advantage of this type is that one can add as many telephones as may become necessary, taking care of any future growth of the building in which it is installed.

At Northwestern hospital, telephones are being installed on all floors in both the new and old building, and quite a number of the rooms are being equipped with private phones.

This is the same type as is now being used in all large hospitals in the Cities, and is accepted as the most improved switchboard for this particular use. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 October 1922, p. 5, c. 2)


N. W. HOSPITAL SCHOOL OF NURSES

_____


Preparing For an Enlarged Future

by Adding New Instructors

______


MISS CROWL, NEW SUPT.

_____


Miss Lennie Wenstrom and Miss

Selma Vatting Added to Staff


The School of Nurses of the Northwestern Hospital of Brainerd is preparing for an enlarged future. The new Superintendent of Nurses, Miss Margaret Crowl, is a member of the State Board of Examiners for Nurses and is one of the finest educators in this line in the State of Minnesota. The friends of the hospital will be gratified at the success which the new management had in bringing Miss Crowl to Brainerd. The nurses who receive training under her direction will find themselves splendidly equipped for their profession.

Another of the recent acquisitions to the hospital staff is Miss Lennie Wenstrom who has had five years of experience in surgical work, has had experience as Surgical Supervisor at Proctor, Floor Supervisor in Abbott Hospital, Minneapolis, anesthetist in Fairview and two years Supervising at Maternity Hospital in Minneapolis. She will have charge of the surgical and maternity work.

Miss Selma Vatting who recently graduated from St. Barnabas Hospital, Minneapolis will be the night Supervisor.

The fact that the Northwestern is so modernly built and so thoroughly equipped, together with the fine personnel of the nursing staff, will make this one of the best training schools in the Northwest. The school is preparing to care for larger classes and could accommodate six new girls to enter training at once.

The people of this community will be glad to know that Northwestern Hospital is to continue its good work under the direction of the Protestant Churches Hospital Association. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 November 1924, p. 7, c. 2)


CAMPAIGN TO FINANCE THE NORTHWESTERN HOSPITAL

_____


REV. P. R. HOOS,

MINNEAPOLIS, TO DIRECT SAME

_____


PROTESTANT CHURCHES HOSPI-

TAL ASS’N. NOW CONDUCTING

HOSPITAL

_____


IS ANXIOUS TO RAISE MONEY

ENOUGH TO PURCHASE FROM

RECEIVER


Rev. P. R. Hoos, of Minneapolis, has been secured by the Protestant Churches Hospital Association of Brainerd to assist in the campaign to secure funds for the purchase of the Northwestern Hospital. Mr. Hoos has just concluded a successful campaign for Hamline university in which $1,400,000 was raised for the school.

The hospital was owned by the Northwestern Medical and Surgical Association, which built the new, modern, fire-proof, fifty-two bed addition. They were unable to raise the money to finance the new building. On April 26, 1924, the association went into the hands of a receiver. They lost the hospital.

An association of the churches, with an executive committee, has been operating the hospital under the direction of the receiver since the middle of July. This association is now incorporated under the name of the Protestant Churches Hospital Association. They stand ready to purchase the hospital from the receiver and a campaign will immediately be put on to raise the money for that purpose. This seems to be the most satisfactory solution of the problem of the Northwestern Hospital. It will retain this splendid hospital as an asset to the city of Brainerd and will place it in the hands of the organization which will be the most satisfactory to the large constituency tributary to this section.

Northwestern Hospital is already built, complete and equipped. It cares for hundreds of patients every year. It is an excellent hospital, equipped with X-Ray, laboratory, operating room, dressing room, special maternity equipment. It has a nurses’ training school under splendid leadership. An excellent staff of nurses, supported by the fine equipment, makes Northwestern a delightful place in which to get well.

Under the most adverse circumstances Northwestern has paid running expenses. With favorable conditions it cannot but be successful. Northwestern is now operated as an open hospital. Any reputable physician may come and treat his patients and receive the same courtesies and service as the physicians of the regular staff.

The Northwestern Hospital Health Service Society, composed of friends of the hospital, cares for many who are worthy and needy, and operates a free clinic at the hospital on Wednesdays from four to five o’clock.

To raise the money to buy the hospital will not be easy but if all the friends of the institution work together it can be done. It will be done. All who contribute to the hospital will be given a 25 percent hospital credit service. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 December 1924, p. 1, c. 7)


$60,000 SOUGHT IN UNIQUE WAY

_____


Northwestern Hospital to Seek Loans

Underwritten by

Insurance

_____


P. R. HOOS DIRECTOR

_____


$107,667.40 Debt Liquidated Since

August 14, 1925. Volume of

Business Great


The Northwestern hospital, now operated by the Protestant Churches Hospital association, is starting a new and somewhat unique method of retiring the remainder of the indebtedness of the institution, according to P. R. Hoos, financial director.

In brief, the plan as stated by Mr. Hoos is to secure loans in the aggregate sum of $60,000, without interest, the repayment of these loans to be secured to the loaner or his estate by an insurance policy in the New York Life Insurance Company. The loans are to be in sums of $250 and upward, payable if preferred in five annual payments.

Every loan made to the hospital as stated by Mr. Hoos will thus be underwritten, or guaranteed, by this insurance company. Upon payment of the annual amount, the insurance policy will be issued, with the hospital as beneficiary, and the hospital will pay the premiums. If the insured should die before the full amount of his loan has been paid in, the hospital will repay to his heirs the full amount of the loan already paid in. After the loan has been paid in full, the policy will have as beneficiary anyone the loaner wishes to name.

Under this plan, as stated by Mr. Hoos a loan made to the association is fully backed by one of the largest insurance underwriters in the United States.

From the time the Protestant Churches Hospital association took over control of the hospital, August 14th, 1925, to January 2, 1926, a period of less than five months, a total of $107,667.40 debt has been liquidated, according to the financial report filed by E. A. Cooke, recent business manager. The present indebtedness amounts to $52,850.00. A large share of the claims were settled on a percentage basis, the amount of these claims being $45,118.81, and this amount was settled for $4,560.96. Other claims amounting to $5,384.75 were donated.

The association has adopted a financial plan which embodies the following hoped-for resources: five-year memberships, individual gifts, loans secured by insurance, insurance policies with the hospital as beneficiary, legacies, and income from the hospital.

An encouraging feature of the situation as shown by this report is the showing by the institution during the last months of 1925. During November, there was an increase of 50 percent over October, and during December an increase of 10 per cent over November. The month of December closed with the largest volume of business in he history of the hospital.

Many donations have been received by the hospital, including some gifts of money, linens, and canned goods and vegetables.

The hospital is fully equipped to care for all cases. The financial director, Rev. P. R. Hoos, is spending much time here at present getting the new plan of financing underway. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 January 1926, p. 7, c. 2)


HOSPITAL TO BECOME APARTMENT BUILDING

_____


J. H. Krekelberg, Representing Bond-

holders of Northwestern An-

nounces Plans

_____


REDECORATING IS BEING DONE

_____


Kingwood Apartments to Be Ready

For Occupancy About August 10


J. H. Krekelberg, representing the bondholders of the Northwestern Hospital announced that the hospital building which has been vacant for some time would be changed into an apartment building to be known as the Kingwood Apartments.

“We are not afraid to say that it will be one of the nicest apartment buildings in the state outside the Twin Cities,” said Mr. Krekelberg to the Dispatch.

While it is at present unknown just how many apartments the building will house, Mr. Krekelberg stated that it was possible there would be 14 apartments in the new building.

“We expect to have the new part of the building ready for occupancy about August 10,” continued Mr. Krekelberg.

The redecorating is being done by the firm of McCaffrey and Son but very little remodeling will be necessary to change the building into fine apartments.

The building is strictly fireproof with three large glazed in sun parlors, one on each floor, and terrazzo floors.

Mr. Krekelberg said that he was sure that there would be no trouble in receiving tenants. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 August 1927, p. 7, c. 1)


NUMBER ONE SALOON (MAP #27)

Stands on the southeast corner of Fifth and Laurel Streets, across from the Leland House. [Still listed in the 1888 Brainerd City Directory.] (Brainerd Dispatch, “Old Lumberjack Days,” James M. Quinn, 04 May 1922)


AT the beautifully finished bar of the “No. 1,” all the delicious and fancy beverages are mixed and served for guests by Ben. Hazen, one of the most accomplished caterers in the New Northwest. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 November 1873, p. 1, c. 2)


SOMETHING FINE.—The “No. 1,” and “Last Turn” saloons have just received a heavy consignment of the very choicest brands of Peach and Honey, and California Brandies, Old Canada Malt Whiskey, and Old Kentucky Whiskies, all warranted the pure article. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 November 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


BEN HAZEN has leased the No. 1 Saloon, corner of 5th and Laurel, and will hereafter, conduct that handsomely fitted up establishment on his own account. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 April 1874, p. 1, c. 3)


HEADQUARTERS.—The musical headquarters of Brainerd seems to be at Ben Hazen’s No. 1 Saloon, corner 5th and Laurel Streets. Every evening quite a musical opera holds forth there, with “Ben” on the banjo, which makes twilight a happy hour among the denizens of that locality. Ben, aside from keeping the best goods in his line is a musician of rare accomplishments—being perfectly “at home” on any instrument, from a piano down to a three-tined fork. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 June 1874, p. 1, c. 3)


MUSIC HATH CHARMS.—Ben Hazen has added to his list of fine musical instruments, at his “No. 1 Sample Room,” a beautiful piano; and now the twilight hours are made to resound with music first class and sweet. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 July 1874, p. 1, c. 3)


“BEN’S 444.”—We have only time and room this week to say that Ben Hazen threw open the doors of his beautiful new music hall, on Fifth Street, (where piano, violin, guitar and other music is discoursed every evening) to the public on Thursday evening last, and gave a formal “opening.” He calls his place “Ben’s 444;” the company of friends present at the opening was large and respectable, and everyone expressed their surprise at the real metropolitan style of the establishment. The walls are beautifully papered with statuary representations, representing the four seasons, and George Washington, who could not handle a lie, and Ben. Franklin, the original “lightning compositor” and champion Ramage pressman of this country. The bar (over which nothing but strictly first class liquids are sold) is a model of elegance and good taste, while the rooms are ornamented with fine paintings (the productions of Mr. Haycock) birds in cages, and many other tasty and beautiful attachments, with others yet to be added. “Ben” is deservedly very popular, and the new place he has just opened on Fifth Street is highly creditable to the City, and evinces great enterprise on the part of Mr. Hazen. For, if people must have their bitters and morning cocktails, it is desirable to have an elegant, well ordered, and attractive place wherein the inner man may be stimulated with a pure article of “rye” and things. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 October 1874, p. 1, c. 7)


A NEW COLLECTION AGENCY.—A little fracas took place a few evenings since at the No. 1 saloon that was, as Josh Billings would say, “rather amusing.” It appears Jim, the proprietor, had been furnishing a man, by the name of C----, in the employ of the Railroad Company, some liquid hardware for some time past, depending upon pay-day and the promise of C----for his pay. Pay day came, but C----, though he continued to liquordate, didn’t liquidate his little bill of liquids as per agreement to any great extent, and Jim, was somewhat wrathy in consequence, but bided his time to “get even;” and it came after this wise: C---- happened in the saloon on the evening named, and Jim reminded him that his little William was still a William, and needed his immediate attention. C---- said he had no “spend’s,” and Jim told him he prevaricated, or words to that effect, and asked him if he was going to cash “that ‘ere draft” (draught). C---- replied that he was not, whereupon, Jim proceeded without ceremony to liquidate the frontispiece of C---- after the most approved style. C----- very soon caved, and search was initiated for a $20 William known to be in his possession, he insisting still that he had no money with him, and giving Jim permission to search him. His pockets were turned inside out, his boots and socks removed, his underclothing thoroughly overhauled; in fact, every conceivable hiding place about his person, excepting his mouth, was scrutinized, and Jim was about to abandon the search, when he spied a little lump on the cheek of C---- that he thought could hardly have been raised so soon from contact with his five points, and, watching his opportunity, he seized his man by the throat and told him to disgorge. C----, seeing he was caught (for he had the $20 in his mouth under his lip) endeavored to swallow it, but Jim had provided against this contingency, and a tight grip with his hands and a little “forcible entry” mode succeeded in bringing the hidden treasure to light and Jim’s little William of liquid was paid. Jim proposed now to give this style of collecting consideration provided C---- will get a patent on his style of depositing and drawing his money from the bank. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 May 1877, p. 1, c. 7)


THE “No. 1” is undergoing repairs in the shape of a new floor, repainting and papering. Jim designs pleasant winter quarters. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 December 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


Fire animation On October 10, 1890, a massive fire burned the Commercial Hotel aka the Leland House, the oldest hotel on the line of the Northern Pacific, the old city jail, and the Catholic Church and parsonage and the Number One Saloon. About a block and a half in the business district was burned, the total damages were estimated to be between $75,000 and $150,000.


SEE: 1890 Leland House / Commercial Hotel Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.

SEE: Leland House / Commercial Hotel


A new steel ceiling is being put in No. 1 [sic] saloon, and Mr. Gray is having all the other portions of the house re-papered and painted. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 December 1900, p. 8, c. 1)


NOTE: This may be a reincarnation of the old Number One Saloon which burned on October 10, 1890 but I think it is actually the Last Turn Saloon.


SEE: Last Turn Saloon


O’BRIEN BLOCK (MAP #37)

O’Brien Block located at 307 South Eighth Street [Broadway], built by Con O’Brien and houses O’Brien & Sons Wholesale Grocery and two apartments.


Con. O’Brien will open his new grocery store a week from next Monday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 October 1891, p. 4, c. 3)


Con O’Brien has opened his new grocery store near the opera house, and has a very neat establishment. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 October 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


Con O’Brien is building an addition to his grocery store room on Eighth street, made necessary by an ever increasing business. When completed it will give Mr. O’Brien a store room 50x100 feet, one of the very largest in the city. He has also closed his bar and is using the room occupied by it as a warehouse, which adds greatly to the capacity of his grocery establishment. A large addition to his stock is being made. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 September 1895, p. 4, c. 5)


A Bad Runaway.


Con. O’Brien’s grocery team ran away last Tuesday and made things lively about town for a short time. They started from O’Brien’s store and ran on Eighth street to Front, down Front to Fourth, south on Fourth to Laurel, and down Laurel to Walker’s meat market, where they ran into a team driven by Chas. Tifft. The pole of the runaway team struck one of Tifft’s horses in the neck, penetrating it, besides knocking the other horse and man and sleigh all in a heap. The horse died of his injuries, and the sleigh was quite badly broken. Mr. O’Brien has settled with Mr. Tifft for his loss. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 January 1897, p. 4, c. 5)


In 1904 Mayor O’Brien purchases the Farmer’s Home Boarding House on the corner of Ninth and Laurel Streets [821 Laurel Street], the consideration being $2,200 spot cash. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 28 November 2004)


O’BRIEN DEPARTMENT STORE (MAP #36)

Originally established in 1883 as a saloon by Cornelius (Con) O’Brien, Sr. Located at 221 South Eighth Street [Broadway], later the building houses the O’Brien Department Store. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 22)


Burglars are Abroad.

_____


On Sunday evening the store of Con O’Brien was broken into and about $100 worth of clothing, hats, caps and boots and shoes taken. It is thought the burglars gained entrance by the front door, as the lock apparently had been tampered with. There was no cash taken except possibly a dollar or two in pennies which had been left in the cash registers. As the registers could not be opened without ringing the bell, both were taken some distance in the rear of the store and opened and the pennies taken. On Monday morning Mr. O’Brien notified the police of the theft, but thus far nothing has been discovered to indicate who the rascals are. Mr. O’Brien thinks probably they were strangers, as there were many dollar’s worth of his checks in the store that pass readily at any of the stores in town, and had the thieves lived here they would have known this and taken the checks. It is to be hoped the guilty parties will be apprehended and punished. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 October 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


Fire animation On January 3, 1898, the Sleeper Opera House, one of the finest play houses in Northern Minnesota burned along with Con O’Brien’s store. Theviot’s millinery store was badly damaged. The fire began in the rear of the opera house.


SEE: 1898 Sleeper Opera House Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


MR. O’BRIEN WILL REBUILD.


O’Brien’s store burns along with the Sleeper Opera House, 1898.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

...No sooner had the flames subsided than Mr. O’Brien began arrangements for the construction of a new building on the site of the one destroyed and White & White have drawn plans for the new structure. It is to be a one story building 48x84 with 16 foot ceiling, of solid brick with steel roof and plate glass front, and will be equipped with steam heat and modern appliances. Mr. O’Brien has been continuing his business just the same as though the big fire had not occurred. In the meantime he has rented the new store building of A. P. Farrar at the corner of Sixth and Laurel streets and has moved into it where his business will be carried on until his new business block is completed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 January 1898, p. 1, c. 3)


White & White have been awarded the contract for building the new O’Brien block at the corner of Eighth and Laurel streets and already have a force of men at work clearing the grounds preparatory to commencing the work of construction. The details of the building were published in this paper some time ago. The work is to be completed by May 1. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 January 1898, p. 10, c. 3)


The handsome new store building at the corner of Eighth and Laurel streets, being erected by C. B. White for Con. O’Brien, will be ready for occupancy April 1st, a month earlier than the contract called for. It will be a model store in all particulars. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 March 1898, p. 10, c. 2)


Con. O’Brien is now located in his new store at the corner of Eighth and Laurel streets and he has as fine a business place as there is in the northwest. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 April 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


James Wickham has just turned out a new delivery wagon for Con. O’Brien which for style of workmanship and finish will be hard to beat. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 May 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


Con. O’Brien has the material on the ground for an addition to his store on Eighth street and will begin operations at once. The new building will be 48x55 feet and when completed his store building will cover an area of 48x140 feet. This improvement is made necessary by increased business. Mr. O’Brien has just completed a large addition to his residence and has put in a hot water plant. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 June 1899, p. 8, c. 2)


Con O’Brien’s delivery team made things lively on the north side for a few minutes on Monday noon. They ran away on the east end of Juniper street while the driver was delivering some packages. The encountered an electric light pole at the corner of Juniper and Third street, one horse passing on each side. The pole of the wagon struck the electric light pole with such force as to badly shatter the wagon, and move the electric light pole several inches out of position. The shock loosened the horses and they continued down the sidewalk scattering the pedestrians in every direction. It was surprising to see with what agility such staid citizens as Mr. C. M. Patek, W. D. McKay and Judge Alderman went over high picket fences as though they were mere particles of sand. No runaway horses could catch them. The horses were finally caught and controlled, being quite badly bruised while the wagon and harness were very badly damaged. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 July 1900, p. 8, c. 1)


O’BRIEN MERCANTILE COMPANY.


Con O’Brien, mayor and businessman, ca. Unknown.
Source: Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan

This firm was established in the city twenty-seven years ago by Mr. “Con” O’Brien and is one of the most representative and influential business firms of the city.

The original store of the firm occupied part of the present site on the corner of 8th street south and Laurel, a small frame building twenty-four by thirty feet. Twelve years ago the old building was destroyed by fire and the present brick structure erected having first floor and basement each fifty by one hundred and forty feet.

In 1905 the firm was incorporated as the O’Brien Mercantile Company with Con O’Brien, President and Treasurer; J. W. O’Brien, Vice President; B. H. O’Brien Secretary.

Fifteen people are employed the year round.

The firm does a general mercantile business, both wholesale and retail to consumer, and carry complete and well selected stocks of best quality merchandise in the various departments represented. The lines carried include dry goods and ladies’ ready-to-wear garments, ladies’ and men’s shoes, men’s clothing and furnishings, groceries, meats and provisions of all kinds, including flour and feed.

In this mercantile emporium one may purchase every article of apparel or food necessary to man, woman or child, rightly priced and of a standard of quality that cannot be surpassed, and by the strict adherence to the policy of fairness in all dealings with its customers the successful business has been established and maintained.

Mr. O’Brien has always been closely identified with every movement for development of this section and his large holdings of city, farm and mineral properties effectively attest the confidence he has always had for a great future for the section. (Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 9, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher)


25 February 1915. About the middle of April the White Bros. will commence plans to enlarge the O’Brien Mercantile Co. store on S. Broadway (8th St.). There will be a brick addition adding 27 feet to the width and an arcade on Laurel St. The floor will be terrazzo and there will be the finest quality plate glass window. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 25 February 2015)


Fire animation On November 13, 1953, a fire of undetermined origin gutted the Early Block and O’Brien buildings at Laurel and S. 8th St. They housed the Super Value Foods, Bob’s Cafe, Gruenhagen Plumbing and O’Brien Realty. Some 16 apartment dwellers are homeless.


SEE: 1953 Early Block Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


Sometime in the 1960’s the O’Brien Department Store moves to the old Montgomery Ward store on the southeast corner of Laurel and Broadway [South Eighth Street].


25 November 1972. The O’Brien Department Store will close its doors in February 1973 and reopen a few weeks later as an Ehler’s Fashion Center operated by new owners, it was announced today by Tom O’Brien. He will open an office on S. 8th Street to conduct other family business. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 25 November 2012)


OHIO BLOCK (MAP #68)

Built by Ransford R. Wise and named after his home state, it is located mid-block on the west side of South Seventh Street between Front and Laurel Streets. [At one time this building houses the Red Owl Grocery Store and seven apartments.] (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 57)


SEE: Red Owl Grocery Store

SEE: Ransford Hotel

SEE: Wise Block


OLYMPIA CANDY KITCHEN / SUGAR BOWL / FOUNTAIN INN

THE

“Palace of Sweets”

We offer to you for Saturday and Sunday

Those good Molasses Chips, the 50c grade and

“Taylor Made” at 35c per pound

Knicker Bocker Sticks, Molasses Puffs, Reception Sticks,

Fancy Confections in small glass jars, etc.,

the best of candies

Exclusive Sale of “Pinchers”

L. HOHMAN, Opposite P. O.

(Adv.) (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 June 1905, p. 2, c. 1)


OLYMPIA CANDY KITCHEN

Formerly Palace of Sweets

A. DAVARAS and ALEX GEORGE, Props.

Branch stores at Duluth, Hibbing and Virginia.

We manufacture and sell, wholesale and retail, a complete line

of candies and all kinds of attractive novelties in the confec-

tionery line, as well as ice cream.

Cut Flowers, Potted Plants. Metropolitan Soda Fountain.

612 Front Street Brainerd, Minn.

(Adv.) (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 July 1911, p. 4)


Olympia Candy Kitchen

Will be Open

Tonight at 7 p. m.

The public is cordially invited to inspect the new store, replete with elegant new fixtures installed at a cost of $5,000; the

new ice cream parlor and all the other

features contributing to make this the

best establishment of its kind in the city.

Every Customer will receive a Carnation as a

souvenir of the occasion—1,000 carnations for

distribution.

612 Front Street

(Adv.) (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 May 1912, p. 3)


Advertising the fine homemade candies of the Olympia Candy Kitchen, 12 July 1911.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

The Olympia Candy Kitchen alterations are now completed and impress every visitor. The ceiling has been painted a cream shade with a darker color for the walls. Tungsten lights of high power flood the establishment with light. The fixtures are a mahogany shade. Mirrors abound and the candy store and ice cream parlor are of the most modern design and equipment, a credit to any city. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 May 1912, p. 2, c. 4)


Announcement

_____


Mr. Gust George and Mr. Michael Nibi, the proprietors of the Olympia Candy Kitchen, beg to announce that they have bought another store in Virginia, Minn., one of the finest in the Northwest.

Mr. George will manage the new establishment in Virginia while Mr. Nibi will remain in Brainerd. Their nephew will be the candy maker in the local store. He is well known as one of the best candy makers in the state of Minnesota. Try the new candies today. (Adv.) (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 August 1912, p. 4, c.’s 1-3)


DISCOVERED


The Best and Finest, Fresh, Home Made Candies,

Made at the Olympia Candy Kitchen

_____


Nic. Bellos, of Duluth, a Nephew of

Gust George, is the New Candy Maker.

_____


Advertising the fine homemade candies of the Olympia Candy Kitchen, 18 July 1911.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Fresh Fruit. The Olympia Candy Kitchen is famous for its FRESH FRUIT. Try our fresh grapes, peaches, watermelons, bananas, plums, oranges, etc.

Ice Cream. Wholesale and Retail. We make BRICK ICE CREAM TO ORDER. We can suit the most fastidious hostess. Telephone your orders. Phone 366. The Olympia Candy Kitchen, 612 Front Street, “Where Quality Reigns.” (Adv.) (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 August 1912, p. 3, c.’s 1 & 2)


NEW SUMMER DRINKS

_____


Mike Nibi, of the Olympia Candy

Kitchen Evolves the Bryan

Rickey and Serbian Punch


Mike Nibi, of the Olympia Candy Kitchen, has evolved some new hot weather drinks and these include the Bryan rickey, the Serbian punch and the German fizz.

The Bryan rickey is made from grape juice, lemon juice with a dash of sugar and soda. It is a calm, peaceful, comforting drink and one that allays the dust.

The Serbian punch is made of white grape juice and soda with a dash of Balkan flavor making it a picturesque drink.

The German fizz causes some commotion when made. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 August 1914, p. 3, c. 2)


Advertising the fine homemade candies of the Olympia Candy Kitchen, 26 July 1911.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Greeks of the city and other friends to the number of ten were entertained by Mike Nibi in W. Brainerd Sunday afternoon, a lamb being roasted in the woods across the river. It was a sort of farewell party, for Mr. Nibi goes to Virginia, Minn. to take charge of the Minnesota Candy Kitchen there. Mr. Nibi is associated with Alex George, of Duluth, in the candy business and they own the Olympia Candy Kitchen at Brainerd, the Olympia and the Minnesota Candy Kitchen in Duluth and the Minnesota Candy Kitchen in Virginia. William Kontos, of Duluth, will have charge of the Brainerd store. Mr. Nibi has made many friends who regret to see him leave Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 October 1914, p. 2, c. 3)


Don’t Miss Trying

Olympia Candy Kitchen Ice Cream

Made in New York Style


Neapolitan Bricks on Hand or Specials Made on Hour’s Notice, Novelties for Weddings, Receptions, Etc.

Fresh Candies Made Every Day. Finest Buttercups, Chicken Bones, All Kinds of Home Made, Hard Candies, Etc.

Cut Flowers in Stock

Deliver to Any Part of City

Olympia Candy Kitchen, 612 Front St. Phone 355.

(Adv.) (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 October 1914, p. 3, c.’s 6 & 7)


SEE THE OLYMPIA CANDY KITCHEN

Window Display


Candy Made Right Here In Brainerd From Brainerd Material By

Brainerd Candy Makers. Patronize a Home Industry.

See Our Fine Hard Candies, Chicken Bones, Etc.

For Your Halloween Party

Cream Patties, Neapolitan Brick Ice Cream and Other Novelties.

Use our CUT FLOWERS for Decorations.

At our Soda Fountain

All Kinds of Hot Drinks

Olympia Candy Kitchen, 612 Front St. Phone 355.

(Adv.) (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 October 1914, p. 3, c.’s 1 & 2)


Advertising the fine homemade candies of the Olympia Candy Kitchen, 07 August 1911.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

The application for the transfer of a cigarette license from Michael Nibi to William Kontos, Nick Koukis and James Koukis, doing business as the Olympia Candy Kitchen, 612 Front street, was allowed. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 December 1914, p. 4, c. 2)


Fixtures are being made for the Olympia Candy Kitchen which in May will open a branch confectionery store in the Farrar building, corner Sixth and Laurel streets. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 March 1915, p. 2, c. 2)


The Olympia Candy Kitchen will open its branch candy store in the Farrar building, northeast corner Sixth and Laurel, on May 1. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 March 1915, p. 2, c. 3)


The store building, northeast corner of Laurel and sixth streets, soon to be occupied as a branch store of the Olympia Candy Kitchen, is being painted, interior and exterior. The candy kitchen expects to start on about May 1. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 April 1915, p. 2, c. 3)


The Olympia Candy Kitchen is receiving fixtures for its new confectionery store, northeast corner of Laurel and Sixth streets. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 May 1915, p. 2, c. 2)


Fixtures are being received and installed at the new candy store of the Olympia Candy Kitchen located at the northeast corner of Laurel and Sixth streets. This will be a branch store of their Front street place. The grand opening will soon be announced. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 May 1915, p. 2, c. 3)


Olympia Candy Kitchen advertises Easter Lilies, 05 April 1912.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Fixtures have arrived and are being put in place at the Olympia Candy Kitchen’s new store on Sixth and Laurel. William Kontos and associates expect to soon open this branch store, which promises to be one of the nicest confectionery stores in the city. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 May 1915, p. 2, c. 3)


GRAND OPENING SOON

_____


Olympia Candy Kitchen Laurel and

Sixth Street Store to be Opened

in a Few Days


At the Olympia Candy Kitchen’s new store, northeast corner of Laurel and Sixth, is being installed their new fixtures from Green Bay, Wis. The interior is a scene of flashing mirrors, marble and mahogany and will make of the candy kitchen one of the finest confectionery stores in Central Minnesota. The opening will take place in a few days. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 May 1915, p. 5, c. 2)


Keep Your Eye on the

Sugar Bowl


That’s the name of the twentieth-century confectionery store at 223 South Sixth Street, whose fixtures, candy, and manner of doing business will prove a revelation to Brainerd.

THE GRAND OPENING on Saturday morning, May 29, 10 o’clock.

Again we say:

KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE

“Sugar Bowl.”

(Adv.) (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 May 1915, p. 3)


The grand opening of the “Sugar Bowl” the new confectionery store on the northeast corner of Sixth and Laurel streets, will be held on Saturday, May 29. There will be roses for the lady visitors. The fixtures and general arrangement of the store are such as to surprise Brainerd and they show in no unmistakable manner that the proprietors of the “Sugar Bowl” believe in Brainerd and its future. The store on that corner has done wonders in improving that section of Laurel street. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 May 1915, p. 2, c. 4)


CHRISTMAS CANDIES


Candies made in Brainerd of Brainerd materials. Try our homemade Chocolates.

NONE BETTER

Nuts, BonBons, Etc., at the

Olympia Candy Kitchen

612 Front St.

The Sugar Bowl

223 South Sixth St.

(Adv.) (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 December 1915, p. 4)


The Olympia Candy Kitchen, 612 Front street is trimmed up in beautiful Christmas style. The festoons and decorations are very artistic. In the center of the spacious room is a Christmas tree glowing with electrical decorations and sparkling in holiday colors. Festoons reach from ceiling to walls at regular intervals. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 December 1915, p. 2, c.’s 3 & 4)


The Olympia Candy Co. is about to install a soda fountain in the pavilion at Lum park. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 June 1916, p. 2, c. 3)


NEW $3,600 FOUNTAIN

_____


Crowds Throng the Olympia Candy

Kitchen Saturday Evening on

Formal Opening of Fountain


Crowds thronged the Olympia Candy Kitchen Saturday afternoon and evening on the formal opening of the new $3,600 fountain installed by William Kontos and associates. It was a scene of splendor, with the fountain flashing in rare marble and German silver, electric and gas light illumination, new chairs and tables waiters busy serving the ice cream, confections and sodas for which the Olympia is famous.

The Imperial orchestra of four pieces played and many lingered to hear them.

The fountain was made and installed by Bergstedt Brothers, of St. Paul. It is about 30 feet long, the front of marble and the back of mahogany. The mirror is of plate glass 24 feet long. The inside work, consisting of washing room, draining boards and spoon trays, is of solid German silver. The fountain is of the most sanitary pattern, with hot and cold water and things so arranged that the patron himself can be the judge of cleanliness.

Wm. Kontos and associates have faith in Brainerd and its business possibilities. Their heavy purchases of fountain and other equipment speak louder than words. They buy their material in Brainerd, make their candy in Brainerd and give employment to candy makers in Brainerd. They are boosters for home trade. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 October 1916, p. 5, c. 3)


IN THE WORLD OF TRADE

_____


Olympia Candy Kitchens Changes


At the Olympia Candy Kitchen a balcony has been added on which has been placed the electric piano. The balcony conservatory, as many have christened it, is at the rear of the candy kitchen’s large main room. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 December 1916, p. 5, c. 2)


BIG WATER MAIN BURST IN NIGHT

_____


Pipe Breaks in Basement of the

Brainerd Billiard Hall on Front

Street and Floods Things

_____


CANDY KITCHEN SUFFERS LOSS

_____


The Olympia has Fixtures and Stock

in Basement Damaged, Tom

Kocolaris a Loser


A water main burst in the basement below the Brainerd billiard hall on Front street last night, flooded things in the basement and the water poured through into the basement of the Olympia Candy Kitchen and damaged stock and fixtures stored there.

A loser in the general calamity of the flood was Tom Kocolaris whose 700 pounds of popcorn floated about and could not be salvaged.

The waters brought to light an old shaving mug owned by Ferdinand P. Boor, a barber who worked for John Cochran in the pioneer days of the city. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 May 1917, p. 5, c. 2)


IRISH TENORS TO HOLD FORTH

_____


Wallace Burton, Chautauqua and

Cabaret Singer of Chicago, at

Olympia Candy Kitchen

_____


ASSISTED BY TOM WOOD

_____


Appear Tonight Only, Miss Hannah

Swanson to Play Their Accom-

paniments


Two Irish tenors will sing at the Olympia Candy Kitchen tonight, Wallace Burton, Chautauqua and cabaret singer of Chicago and Thomas Wood, star of the Northern Pacific carnival at St. Paul

They will make but one joint appearance and guarantee a feast of song. Gas and electric lights will both be turned on at the Olympia and tables are being engaged in advance.

Miss Hannah Swanson is to play the piano accompaniments for the young men. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 June 1917, p. 5, c. 5)


A TREAT FOR YOU

_____


A Rare Treat Will be Given to

the People of Brainerd on


SATURDAY AFTERNOON,

OCTOBER 27th


When the

OLYMPIA CANDY KITCHEN

has invited everyone interested to call and observe the operations of our candy making department which has been placed in charge of James Commings, well known candy maker of Minneapolis. This is the busy candy season and sweets of all kinds are being made daily. Don’t fail to see this interesting sight. (Adv.) (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 October 1917, p. 3, c. 1)


James Commings of Minneapolis is the new candy maker at the Olympia Candy Kitchen. He is a man of experience, having worked in St. Paul, Boston, New York, Duluth, Chicago and other places. A fine display of candy made by him is in the window at the Olympia and includes black walnut taffy, stick candy, chicken bones, caramels, buttercups, fruit rock, etc. A center piece is a basket made of candy. On Saturday scores of women and children and men too watched Comming’s make candy. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 October 1917, p. 2, c. 3)


The Olympia Candy Kitchen on Front street shows a fine candy home built in sweets by James Commings, the candy maker. It is in patriotic colors. A little porch is at the front, windows and doors are realistic and a big chimney crowns the top. The display is attracting much attention. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 December 1917, p. 2, c. 3)


Factory inspector John Savage visited the Olympia Candy Kitchen and complimented them on the neatness and cleanliness displayed, said the management of the Olympia. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 February 1918, p. 2, c. 3)


An instrument installed in the Olympia Candy Kitchen gives you violin and piano playing of the highest order and the tones of the violin are as good as to mislead one in thinking some individual was playing in the room. The violin can be plainly seen. Swiftly revolving wheels press the strings, saw-toothed fingers press the various points on the strings. A swaying section near the bridge gives the shake to the tones. Hundreds have watched the instrument and listened to its charming tones. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 May 1918, p. 2, c. 4)


The Olympia Candy Kitchen has renovated and decorated the section of the store devoted to candy making. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 April 1919, p. 2, c. 3)


ANNOUNCEMENT


The Olympia Candy Kitchen has installed apparatus for manufacturing ice cream that is the last work in efficiency. From now on this enterprising concern will make their own ice cream. They will use no substitute.


All Ice Cream Will

Be Olympia Made


It’s going to be the talk of the town.


OLYMPIA Candy Kitchen

612 Front Street

(Adv.) (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 June 1919, p. 3, c.’s 5-7)


SELLS INTEREST

_____


James Koukis Disposes to John Kolias

His Interest in the Olympia

Candy Kitchen


James Koukis, two years associated with John Kolias in the Olympia Candy Kitchen, has sold his interests to Mr. Kolias. Mr. Koukis is undecided as to future plans and will visit friends for a time in Great Falls, Montana. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 January 1920, p. 5, c. 4)


The Olympia Candy Kitchen of Front street, John Kolias proprietor, has installed new display cases 18 and 20 feet long, with marble bases and plate glass sides. A large new cigar case has also been installed. These offer the maximum of display and keep all goods free from dust. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 March 1920, p. 6, c. 3)


NEW CANDY MAKER

_____


James Commings of New York City,

Formerly with Huyler’s and

Shraft’s at Olympia


James Commings of New York City, formerly with “Huyler’s and Shraft’s” is the new candy maker at the Olympia Candy Kitchen. He is an experienced worker and a real artist in his line.

The Olympia is laying special stress on its homemade candies, their purity and wholesomeness. In hard candies Mr. Commings will make a large selection of buttercups, chicken bones, fruit tablets, etc., and a large display of bonbons, chocolates and caramels.

In an interview this morning, John Kolias of the Olympia, stated that prices were very reasonable on all homemade candies owing to the recent reduction in the price of sugar. Only the best and purest material is used in homemade candies and all possible material is bought in Brainerd, thus making the whole a home industry. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 November 1920, p. 5, c. 5)


Cafeteria Dept.


Cafeteria Dept. Has Been Established

at Olympia Candy Kitchen


A new up-to-date department has been established in connection to serve regular dinners and hot lunches at all hours. Also electric waffles will be served at all hours. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 December 1921, p. 4, c. 2)


OLYMPIA CANDY KITCHEN

_____


Walls Decorated With Beautiful

Scenes by Artist E. H. Vetter of

St. Paul


The Olympia Candy Kitchen is boasting new decorations, which improve the interior appearance very materially.

E. H. Vetter of St. Paul, a real artist in his line, has turned the walls into beautiful scenes. On the one side there are pictures varying from northern Minnesota farm and lake views, tropical waterfalls and aero-planes to Japanese gardens and castles in Spain.

On the other side the views range from the Acropolis of Athens and ocean views to the frigid North with Eskimos, polar bear and reindeer.

Mr. Vetter has tried to suit every taste in his painting, and incidentally has improved the interior appearance of the Olympia one hundred per cent. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 August 1922, p. 5, c. 2)


Asher Taylor, of the Taylor Sales Service, has installed a large radio outfit in the Olympia Candy Kitchen, equipped with a Magnavox for giving concerts. Sunday evening the set was given its first tryout, and while not really in shape for good work, still gave its hearers a fine concert. This afternoon at five o’clock and again this evening concerts will be given. A regular schedule will be announced later. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 October 1922, p. 2, c. 2)


BUSINESS CHANGES RECORDED IN CITY

_____


OLYMPIA CHANGES HANDS

_____


Reported John Kolias Has Sold to

His Brother and a Former Own-

er of the Elite Cafe


[...]


It is also reported that the Olympia Candy Kitchen has changed hands, John Kolias selling to his brother and one of the former owners of the Elite Cafe, it is stated. Mr. Kolias could not be reached today for full particulars concerning this transfer, so details of the transaction are not available.

The Olympia has enlarged its quarters and made improvements in its service a number of times since Mr. Kolias became proprietor, and is ranked as one of the leading establishments of its kind in this section of the state. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 January 1923, p. 5, c.’s 3 & 4)


OH WHE NOW HERE

_____


Chinese Cook Preparing Chop Suey

and Chow Mein Added to

Olympia


Olympia Candy Kitchen interior, ca. 1923. A 1294x898 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: 1923 Brainonian

Brainerd, not to be outdone by her larger sister cities, has made a number of metropolitan improvements in the past year. The latest innovation, and one that will be appreciated by many, is the announcement that the Olympia Candy Kitchen will serve real Chinese dishes, prepared by a real Chinese cook, in connection with its regular cafe service.

Oh Whe, born in poppy-land, and an expert in preparing the famous dishes of that country, has been engaged by the Olympia to have complete charge of this work. Oh Whe has been concocting the chop suey and chow mein for the patrons of the Rogers cafe in Minneapolis for some time, and comes to his new field highly recommended. Beginning Saturday noon, he will be ready to serve Brainerd with these and other Chinese delicacies. It is believed that this service will be appreciated and find a hearty response locally.

Dan James, formerly one of the proprietors of the New Elite Cafe, has purchased an interest in the Olympia Candy Kitchen. Mr. James is a chef of no mean ability, and will have complete charge of the culinary department of this popular eating house. It is through his efforts that Oh Whe and his Chinese dishes were added to the Olympia’s service, which is only one of a number of progressive steps made by the establishment in recent years.

The Olympia is having its kitchen enlarged and remodeled, and is to be equipped with every appliance to render the best in American and oriental dishes. The management has announced that its policies will be more clearly announced in the near future through advertisement in the Dispatch, and patrons are asked to watch for these announcements. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 February 1923, p. 2, c. 3)


OLYMPIA KITCHEN REPAIRS

_____


Wm. T. Carlson and Force Starts

Work on Store Damaged by

Fire Two Months Ago


The Olympia Candy Kitchen, which was damaged considerably by fire about two months ago, is being repaired. Wm. T. Carlson and a crew of men started work on the interior Wednesday.

The big plate glass window was set in place today, presenting an attractive contrast to the boards which have kept the front sealed since the fire. A plate glass is also being set in the front door. Some work has already been done preparing the ceiling for the steel ceiling which is to be put up. The skylights are being fixed also, and the walls will be retouched. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 April 1926, p. 7, c. 3)


SODA FOUNTAIN AND CONFECTIONERY

_____


John P. Kolias and J. N. Axman

to Open New

Business

_____


AT 612 FRONT STREET

_____


Establishment, Opening About May

1, to be Known as

“Fountain Inn”


John P. Kolias and J. N. Axmann, both well known in Brainerd, will open a soda fountain and confectionery in the building at 612 Front street about May 1, according to present plans.

The establishment is to be known as the “Fountain Inn,” and will specialize in homemade candies and lunches. The walls are being re-papered in paneled effect and carpenters are at work making several changes. When completed the new candy kitchen will be equipped with eighteen booths and floor space especially intended for dancing.

Mr. Kolias formerly conducted the old Olympia Candy Kitchen at the same location. Mr. Axmann is also favorably known here, having been a resident for several years. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 April 1927, p. 6, c.’s 4 & 5)


FOUNTAIN INN OPENS MAY 7

_____


New Institution Located at 612

Front Street, Operated by John

Kolias and J. N. Axman

_____


INTERIOR REDECORATED

_____


To Have 17 Booths and Capable of

Accommodating Nearly 100

People


The Fountain Inn, located at 612 Front street in the building occupied by the Olympia Candy Kitchen for many years, will be formally opened Saturday, May 7. There will be carnations for the ladies and cigars for the men.

The new candy store, which will specialize in homemade candies and hot lunches, will be operated by John Kolias and J. N. Axman. The interior has been redecorated and remodeled and new fixtures have been added. The establishment will have 17 booths, accommodating nearly 100 people. At the rear of the booths a dance floor 15 by 18 feet has been provided. The kitchen is located at the rear of the building.

Mr. Kolias conducted the old Olympia at the same location for over 12 years, leaving Brainerd in 1922 to go to Minneapolis. The place has been closed since the fire which did considerable damage in 1923.

The other partner, Mr. Axman, comes from Crosby where he has had considerable experience in the soda fountain line. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 April 1927, p. 7, c. 2)


NOTE: If there was a fire in 1923 it occurred sometime between July-December.


FOUNTAIN INN OPENED TODAY

_____


At Location Formerly Occupied by

Old Olympia Candy

Kitchen

_____


After Dinner Hour, Fountain Service

Continues, Fancy Sandwiches

Served


An ad for the opening of the Fountain Inn, 06 May 1927. A 745x1101 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Under new management the Fountain Inn will open for business at 4 p. m. today at the location formerly occupied by the old Olympia Candy Kitchen.

A special dinner will be served from 5 to 8 o'clock. After the dinner hour fountain service will continue and fancy sandwiches and fancy drinks will be served. The new fountain will specialize in lunches and homemade candies.

The entire interior has been redecorated and rearranged. Sixteen booths each accommodating four and one large booth accommodating from eight to ten people have been added and the whole establishment has been tastefully decorated.

Just at the rear of the booths is a space intended especially for those who wish to dance. The kitchen is at the extreme rear.

John Kolias and John Axmann are the proprietors of the new candy kitchen. Both are well known in the city. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 May 1927, p. 3, c. 1)


AT FOUNTAIN INN

_____


Over 700 Children Visited Store,

Took Part in Guessing

Contest


Over 700 children visited the Fountain Inn Saturday in the guessing contest, 520 of which received bags. The winners in the guessing contest were Kathleen Kinsmiller who received a two pound box of chocolates, Geraldine Olson, a two pound box and Vernon Koeppl who received a five pound box of chocolates. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 December 1928, p. 7, c. 3)


The Fountain Inn carries the largest assortment of Standard and Home Made Xmas Candies in central Minnesota. Also Health Fruit, cigars and tobaccos. Visit us before you buy. When shopping lunch with us. We serve a special noon day luncheon, only 35c. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 December 1928, p. 2, c. 1)


BANKRUPT’S PETITION FOR DIS-

CHARGE AND ORDER OF

NOTICE THEREON


In the District Court of the United States, for the District of Minnesota, Fifth Division.

In the Matter of Fountain Inn, a partnership, composed of John Axman and John Kolias, and John Axman and John Kolias, as individuals, Bankrupts, No. 3871 in Bankruptcy.

To the Honorable William A. Cant, Judge of the District Court of the United States for the District of Minnesota:

Fountain Inn, a partnership composed of John Axman and John Kolias, and John Axman and John Kolias, as individuals of the City of Brainerd in the county of Crow Wing, and State of Minnesota, in said District, respectfully represents that on the 7th day of January, 1928, they and said partnership were duly adjudged bankrupt under the acts of Congress relating to bankruptcy; that they and said partnership duly surrendered all their property and rights of property, and they and said partnership have fully complied with all the requirements of said acts and the orders of the court touching their bankruptcy.

WHEREFORE, your petitioner prays that he and said partnership may be decreed by the court to have full discharge from all debts against their estate under said bankruptcy acts, except such debts as are excepted by law from such discharge.

Dated this 7th day of May, A. D. 1929,

FOUNTAIN INN,

JOHN KOLIAS.

_____


Order of Notice

District of Minnesota, ss:

On this 8th day of May, A. D. 1929, on reading the foregoing Petition for Discharge of the above-named Bankrupts, it is—

ORDERED BY THE COURT, that a hearing be had upon the same on the 20th day of July, A. D. 1929, before said Court, at Duluth, in said District, at ten o’clock in the forenoon; and that notice thereof be published in The Brainerd Dispatch, a newspaper printed in said District, and that all known creditors and other persons in interest may appear at the said time and place and show cause, if any they have, why the prayer of the said petitioner should not be granted.

AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED BY THE COURT, that the Clerk shall send by mail to all known creditors copies of said petition and this order, addressed to them at their places of residence as stated.

WITNESS the Honorable William A. Cant, Judge of the said court, and the seal thereof, at Duluth, in said district, on the 8th day of May. A.D. 1929.

JOEL M. DICKEY,

Clerk.

(Seal of the Court)

By J. C. HERMAN ENGEL,

Deputy Clerk.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 June 1929, p. 8, c. 4)


The Fountain Inn has added a new electric sign of great beauty, mentioning the name of the Inn and the revised adage, “Eat, Drink, and Dance.” The sign is the handy work of C. C. Bowen. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 July 1929, p. 2, c. 2)


Select Xmas Candies—Choice box goods, candy canes. Hot and cold meals and lunches. Our steak sandwiches are popular for night lunches. Try an olive-nut spread. THE FOUNTAIN INN, 612 Front St. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 December 1929, p. 3, c. 1)


25 FIREMEN OUT FOR SMALL FIRE

_____


Blaze Starts in Covering Over Cook-

ing Range in Fountain Inn,

Front Street


Twenty-five firemen responded to an alarm at 7:30 o'clock Saturday evening from the Fountain Inn, Front Street, where a small blaze had started in the covering over the cooking range. Little damage was done.

Fire Chief Frank Fuller requested citizens to guard against fires which may be prevented and which call out the fire department and bring costs of fighting fires up. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 February 1930, p. 3, c. 6)


Fire animation On 28 July 1930 a fire starting in the basement, its source undetermined, swept up through the floor and completely gutted the entire interior of the Fountain Inn, 614 [sic] [612] Front street.


SEE: 1930 Fountain Inn Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


BLOCK FIRE LOSS MOUNTS TO $24,000

_____


Of This Amount $18,000 is Covered by

Insurance; Mrs. Parker

to Rebuild

_____


KOLIAS MAKES PLANS

_____


Places Loss by Fire in Store at $14,000;

Household Goods

Loss Set at $2,000


Damage by fire, smoke and water in the Grandelmeyer block, Front street, housing the Fountain Inn and the apartment of Mrs. Rose Parker was placed by owners today at $24,000 of which $18,000 is covered by insurance.

Early estimates of the fire early Monday which caught in the basement of the Fountain Inn swept upwards and through the confectionery store placed the total loss at $15,000.

Today John Kolias, proprietor of the store asserted that loss by fire in his establishment would amount to $14,000. He said he was protected by $8,000 insurance. Mrs. Rose Parker, owner of the building, estimated damage to the building at $8,000 with $2,000 damage to her household goods on the second floor. The building is insured for $10,000 while contents in the apartment of Mrs. Parker are insured for $2,000, she said.

Mr. Kolias stated that he intends to open business in the city again and that he hoped to be ready for opening with a month. He was not certain as to his location, stating that he might decide on another store location downtown.

Mrs. Parker stated that the building would be repaired and the store location rebuilt. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 July 1930, p. 6, c. 5)


Complaints regarding the Fountain Inn which location was burned several months ago was referred to the fire inspector on Motion of Aldermen Wesley and Ernest Ritari. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 October 1930, p. 7, c. 1)


OLYMPIA CONFECTIONERY & CAFE

Originally located at 612 Front Street and known as the Olympia Candy Kitchen, later moved to 702 Laurel Street. Owners in 1931 are the Adams Brothers, Steve N. Adams and Peter Adams.


Now Open for Business

_____


The NEW OLYMPIA

Confectionery and Cafe

with a

Complete Line of Ice Cream, Candy, Cigars, Cigarettes

and Tobacco

also

Serving a Regular Breakfast, Luncheon, Dinner and

Short Orders

Special Luncheons Served from 11 A. M. to 2 P. M.

Give Us a Trial

Juel Block, Corner 7th and Laurel Sts., Telephone 355

Brainerd, Minn.

STEVE ADAMS, Prop.

(Adv.) (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 November 1926, p. 4, c.’s 6 & 7)


FOR SALE—5 round ice cream tables, 48 chairs, electric fixtures, electric stove with three burners, 3 candy cases, one 8 feet long, one 6 feet, one 4 feet, with marble base, one popcorn machine, one coffee urn, one steam table, and many other store fixtures. Apply Olympia Confectionery, Laurel and 7th. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 May 1927, p. 8, c. 7)


SEE: Imperial Block

SEE: Juel Block

SEE: Starlite Club


OLYMPIC THEATRE

Work is being done on the new variety theatre and will be crowded right along until it is finished which will be by July 1st. The location of the building is on Fifth street south of Laurel and the construction is under the supervision of W. B. Chambers who thoroughly understands the business. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 April 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


NOTE: This building was located on the west side of south Fifth Street, mid-block between Laurel and Maple Streets.


A BUSINESS SESSION.

_____


Street Paving Ordered—The City

Assessor’s Salary Fixed.

_____


[...]


Permission was granted Kellehan & Quinn to erect a two-story brick veneered building on lots 6 and 7, block 65. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05, May 1893, p. 4, c. 5)


A Fine Theatre.


James M. Quinn, ca. Unknown.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The magnificent new Olympic Theatre which has just recently been constructed by Messrs. Kelehan and Quinn was formally opened to the public on Monday evening to a crowded house. The house has a seating capacity of nearly 500, besides four proscenium and four balcony boxes, which were all filled and a great many were standing. While the theatre is not large, its capacity is amply sufficient for a city of this size, but what it lacks in size is more than equaled by the elegance and beauty of the interior decorations. It is a marvel of the decorator’s art, and reflects great credit on the manager, Mr. W. B. Chambers, under whose personal direction the work was executed. The stage is large and commodious and better supplied with all kinds of scenery than many more pretentious houses in the cities. We venture the assertion that a better house in a city of this size can nowhere be found.

The management has also been exceedingly fortunate to secure for the opening week ladies and gentlemen who are masters in their profession. There is usually, in opening a house of this character, more or less hesitation and delay in the performance, but Mr. Dolan, the stage manager, is a master at the business, and the performance progressed as smoothly and with as little drag as though they had been in operation for months. Mr. Dolan seems certainly to be the right man in the right place. We have not sufficient space to dwell at length on the merits of each performer, suffice it to say, that they were all excellent considering it was their first appearance. Miss Nellie Allen is a pleasing songstress and a fine dancer, and was repeatedly encored. Conroy and Dolan are indeed a “pair that beats fours” as they were irresistibly funny. Miss Belle Irving has a fine contralto voice and is a fine dancer and merited the generous applause she received. Mr. Geo. W. Allen and Miss Elotta Delmaine are a strong team and will undoubtedly be favorites as long as they remain. Miss Josie Wood has an excellent soprano voice and sang with great force and feeling. Haynes and Leigh, the skatorial artists are the best in their specialty that we have ever seen. They are wonders and should be seen by every one. The bill as given on Monday night will be continued during the entire week with new and interesting specialties each evening. Next Monday there will be an entire change of programme. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 June 1893, p. 4, c. 5)


The New Olympic Theatre.


This popular place of amusement continues to do an excellent business and gives good entertainments. Besides the specialties mentioned in our last issue, several new and interesting ones have been added this week, among which the performances of Leoni, the human fly, are the most wonderful. “Jack the Ripper,” a drama in two acts, has also been presented this week. Next week several new specialties will be added and a strong comedy entitled “The Rough Diamond” will be presented. A visit to this popular place of amusement will well repay you. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 July 1893, p. 1, c. 4)


The Olympic Changes Hands.


James Kelehan has bought out the interest of his partner James Quinn, in the Olympic Theatre and is now the sole proprietor. Mr. Chambers still continues in his position as manager of the popular place of entertainment, and is keeping up the reputation for first class amusement. New performers and artists are introduced each week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 July 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


The Olympic has thrown open its doors and is giving a free show, and a good one too. A fine programme is presented nightly. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 July 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


The entertainments being given at the Olympic are first-class in all respects, and in fact are much better than one would expect to see. The best bill of the season is on this week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 August 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


The new Olympic theatre will be supplied with a steam heating outfit. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 August 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


The entertainments at the Olympic this week are unusually good and are well attended. Several new artists appear for the first time, among whom are Charles and Julia Emmonds and Mort Emerson, all first-class artists. Billy Madden, the popular comedian, is still on the bill, and Maggie Darling, only nine years of age, the famous child actress, appears to better advantage than ever as the black pickaninny from South Carolina. “The Brainerd favorite,” Mamie Scanlon is still one of the principal attractions, while Victorellis & Thurrell appear for the last time with their panoramas, shadow views and scenes. If you want to see a good show, don’t fail to attend. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 August 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


James Kelehan will begin work the first of the week on the veneering of the Olympic Theatre building. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 September 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


The Olympic Theatre will be closed for two months after the Saturday evening’s performance this week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 December 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


The Olympic theatre opened on Monday evening under the management of Matt Dee. A very good bill is presented each evening. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 March 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


The Olympic theatre has been leased by Matt Dee, heretofore manager, who will conduct the business in the future. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 May 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


Fire animation On August 30, 1894, the Olympic Theatre, constructed in April 1893, was totally destroyed by fire together with all the contents of the building. The building watchman, Humphrey Lynch, was barely able to escape before the building collapsed.


SEE: 1894 Olympic Theatre Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


PALACE HOTEL

Palace Hotel, located at 422 South 6th., ca. Unknown.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
Palace Hotel and the Brainerd Electric Street Railway, ca. 1893. A 840x500 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

422 South Sixth Street


J. S. Gardner is building a 16 foot addition to the north side of his Palace Hotel on 6th street. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 June 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


Gardner Grocery Store built by James S. Gardner at 422 South Sixth Street, ca. 1889.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Excavating for the new brick block to be erected by J. S. Gardner on Sixth street, has been completed and the laying of the foundation has begun. Mr. Gardner intends to rush the work in order to have the building entirely completed this fall. It will be solid brick, 25x80 feet, two stories high, with basement under the entire building. The first floor will be used as a store room by Mr. Gardner himself, who will put in a fine stock of groceries as soon as ready. The second story will be a public hall, intended for the use of secret societies, etc. As this hall will be 25x80 feet, about as large as the Odd Fellow’s hall, it can readily be seen that it will be a very desirable place for the use of such organizations. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 September 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


Mr. Gardner has his new brick building on 6th street completed and expects to open a first-class grocery store in it the middle of next month. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 November 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


An 1888 ad for the Palace Hotel at 422 South 6th.
Source: Northwest Illustrated Monthly Magazine, Volume VI, Number 7, July 1888, E. V. Smalley, Editor and Publisher

The Palace Hotel of this city on Monday quit business, and Mr. Loomis, the proprietor, is now selling the furniture and fixtures at private sale. The Palace has been in operation under its present management for about a year, and has gained a reputation as a first-class hotel, at least so far as the table is concerned, and its numerous guests greatly regret that it has been closed. The closing of this popular hotel is probably due to the loss of transient trade after the opening of the Arlington. Before the Arlington opened the Palace had three-fourths of the transient trade of the city, but on account of the nearness of the Arlington to the depot and the business portion of the city, the traveling men chose the latter place. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 April 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


J. S. Gardner will build another new brick store on Sixth street south. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 July 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


Mrs. C. H. Douglas has leased the Palace Hotel, and the place opens up to-day under her control. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 November 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


Albert Angel, the southeast Brainerd grocery man, has purchased J. S. Gardner’s stock of groceries on 6th street south, and took possession on Monday morning. He has moved his grocery stock in southeast Brainerd to his new store. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 April 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


Mrs. C. H. Douglas will shortly retire from the management of the Palace Hotel, and J. S. Gardner, the owner of the building will assume control. Chas. Eliott will continue as manager for Mr. Gardner. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 July 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


J. S. Gardner is having the second floor of his brick store building on Sixth Street divided into sleeping apartments for the Palace hotel. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 August 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


PALACE THEATRE

PALACE THEATRE GIVEN LICENSE

_____


President of Council Opposes License

Until Construction Labor

Bills Are Paid

_____


BUILDING NOW COMPLETE

_____


Meets With Requirements; Thompson,

Yilek Get Oil Station

Licenses


The Palace theatre at 708 Front street was granted a license to operate for a year by the city council last evening by the vote of seven to two after an argument occurred between V. E. Quanstrom, president of the council and S. Gruesner who applied for the license as the Grand Avenue Holding Co.

Quanstrom charged that Gruesner did not pay the city scale of wages for laborers, 50 cents an hour, when the building was under construction and further held that there were still bills outstanding for labor.

One carpenter was present who said he had $73 coming for labor.

Quanstrom voted against the permit to operate until all bills are paid. Elmer Lee also opposed the license on the same grounds.

Christ Elvig voted in favor of the license with the understanding that the bills for labor would be paid.

“We should not grant the license until the bills are paid. I was elected to this council on the labor ticket and I am going to stay on the labor ticket,” Quanstrom said.

City Engineer R. T. Campbell and Fire Chief Frank Fuller said that the building with a few minor exceptions met with the approval of the building and fire ordinances.

On the vote of V. F. Anderson, Harry W. Creger, Christ Elvig, and W. J. Hall, F. B. Johnson, W. J. Lyonais and Ernest Ritari were in favor. Lee and Quanstrom opposed it.

Gruesner said that the theatre was now complete and that it would open to the public in a short time. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 April 1931, p. 7, c. 6)


PALACE THEATRE HAS COLORFUL THEME

_____


Open to Public Wednesday Afternoon;

Interior is Picture of English

Architecture

_____


ACCOMMODATES 475 PATRONS

_____


Lobby, Foyer and Auditorium Abound

With Drapes; Sinclair Sounds

Show Policy


From Tuesday’s Daily—

Palace Theatre located at 708 Front Street, Liebenberg and Kaplan architects, ca. 1938.
Source: Minnesota Digital Library

Brainerd’s newest theatre, the Palace, 708 Front street, a show house of English architecture on the atmospheric type, a colorful arrangement of drapes, views of bungalows and blue sky ceiling effects, will open Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock.

Lloyd E. Sinclair, manager, announced today the booking of “Big Money,” with Eddie Quillan, Robert Armstrong, James Gleason and Margaret Livingstone for the initial run, and a policy of the best available in talking pictures, features, comedies, news events and novelty shorts. Included in early runs will be “Cimarron” and “City Lights.”

Three changes a week, Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays, will be followed. Prices will be: matinees, commencing at 2 p. m., adults, 20 cents, children, 10 cents; evenings, 7 and 9 o’clock, adults, 25 cents, children 10 cents. Sundays will have continuous shows.

Assisting Mr. Sinclair will be Sam Gruesner. The theatre is independent, operated by the Grand Avenue Holding Co. The manager is a former Twin Cities theatre manager of several years experience.

Palace Theatre Marquee, ca. 1938.
Source: University of Minnesota Libraries

The theatre front will be ablaze with color and lighting. A vertical Neon sign with the word “Palace” will surmount the canopy which border will have 65 lights.

Two entrances at each side of the ticket office lead to a lobby of mission green with damask silk draperies in abundance and three modernistic chandeliers to light it. It has a tile floor.

The foyer walls are stone effect. Door leads from the foyer to men’s and women’s rest rooms. Here also are modernistic chandeliers, two in number. Canopies are over exits and entrances to the theatre proper.

The auditorium has a seating of 475. All chairs are upholstered and the cushions are finished in taupe. Carpets on the two aisles harmonize with the seating. An imported tapestry of a Spanish scene, bordered by maroon velour while the corners to the rear are draped in maroon and gold.

Palace Theatre in the center, on the right is the George F. Murphy dry goods store, ca. 1938.
Source: Minnesota Digital Library

Six bungalow effects with bridges, flower boxes with subdued lighting present a picture of old England.

Two exits at the rear, each draped, provide four exits.

The stage is offset by amber satin maroon and gold festooned valances. The screen is one of the latest type and will present clear reproductions of late talking pictures.

The theatre in opening meets with the approval of city officials of construction according to building and fire ordinances. It is of concrete throughout.

In extending a welcome to Brainerd and community people to attend the theatre, Mr. Sinclair voiced an expression of courteous reception and intention to provide pictures that will meet with their approval. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 April 1931, p. 3, c. 2)


Palace Theatre Complies With State Fire Laws

_____


Among other inspections and investigations here yesterday W. T. Tourtilotte of Little Falls, deputy state fire inspector, found that the new Palace theatre at 708 Front street, Brainerd’s newest showhouse complied with the state law for fire protection. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 April 1931, p. 2, c. 4)


NOTE: The building occupied by the Palace Theatre and remodeled by Liebenberg and Kaplan was originally a bakery built ca. 1896 and owned by Dennis B. Mahoney.


NOTE: The architects of this theatre, Liebenberg and Kaplan, were also the architects for the 1929 remodeling of the Park Opera House into the Paramount Theatre.


SEE: Park Opera House / Paramount Theatre


NOTE: This theater later became the American Legion Club.


PARK OPERA HOUSE / PARAMOUNT THEATRE (MAP #34)

Park Opera House on the north side of Front just east of the 5th and Front intersection, ca. 1905.
Source: Postcard

Ransford R. Wise [along with FOUR OTHERS, including a number of nameless other CITIZENS] is instrumental in the building of the Park Opera House in 1890 [sic] [1901], of which association he is president for a number of years. The building is located on the north side of Front Street directly across from the southeast corner of Fifth and Front Streets; it eventually becomes the Paramount Theater owned by Clyde E. Parker. In 1928 the theater is sold to Finkelstein & Reuben and eventually becomes part of the Berger Amusement Company then it becomes part of the Baehr Theaters. [The building is demolished in April 1994.] (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 51 and Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 134 & 135)


NEW OPERA HOUSE AND CITY HALL

_____


Will be Built at Once by a Corporation

Composed of Prominent Brain-

erd Business Men.

_____


PROPOSITION TO CITY COUNCIL

_____


on Monday Evening to that Effect—

Building will be Solid Brick

and Located in Y. M. C. A.

Park.

_____


The people of this city are to be congratulated on the enterprise and public spirit of several of its most prominent businessmen. The city needs, and badly needs, both an opera house and city hall, but it has looked lately as though neither could be obtained in the near future, because the former has never been a paying institution in this city, and the city had no funds to provide the latter, although badly needed. But the enterprise and public spirit of several of our citizens, headed by Hon. A. F. Ferris and Geo. D. LaBar, has not only made both possible but a reality, and both will undoubtedly be constructed at once.

These gentlemen on Monday evening submitted in writing the following proposition to the city council, which solves the matter, if the council accepts, of which there can be no question:


April 15th, 1901.

To the Honorable City Council of the City of Brainerd.

GENTLEMEN:

We the undersigned, propose to undertake the raising of a sufficient amount above that which we ourselves subscribe for the purpose of having erected a solid brick building on the north side of Front street, between 5th and 6th, said building to cost between $15,000 and $20,000, and to be built for opera house and city hall purposes.

The opera house to be modern and to have a seating capacity of about 800. The city hall to be arranged similar to sketches herewith submitted.

The space for such city hall purposes to be not less than indicated by said sketches. The arrangement of city offices to be subject to the city council. The office of city clerk to be furnished with a first-class fire proof vault.

Provided, that the city of Brainerd will lease proposed city offices for a term of not less than five years at a rental of fifty ($50) per month, and to furnish the necessary electric lights required for opera house purposes, which lights we propose to pay for at the present net domestic rates, prorated for the time lights are used. Respectfully submitted.

FRANK B. JOHNSON,

A. F. FERRIS,

R. R. WISE,

GEO. D. LaBAR,

GEO. W. HOLLAND.

Mr. Ferris also addressed the council, explaining their proposition more in detail. Plans of the opera house portion and rough sketches of the city hall quarters were also exhibited for the inspection of the aldermen, who seemed to be very favorably impressed by the offer. The matter was referred to a committee as reported in the proceedings of the city council.

According to the plans the building will be constructed of solid brick, 110x60 feet, the broad side fronting on Front street. It will be two stories high at the east end. The first floor will contain the entrance and lobby, and ticket office and manager’s room. The city hall will be located in the second story and contain an office for the city clerk, with a large fire proof vault, and a council chamber and municipal court room. The center of the building will contain the auditorium of the opera house, with a seating capacity of about 500 in the parquet, and 300 in the gallery. The stage will occupy the east end of the building and will be large enough and roomy enough to accommodate the largest of traveling companies. The opening will be 26 feet wide, 22 feet high, and 32 feet deep from the footlights back. The grooves for scenery will be 23 feet high, five more than in the old Sleeper opera house, a height able to accommodate the largest scenery carried by any company. Two proscenium boxes will occupy either side of the stage. A basement will be constructed under the entire building. The hot air heating plant will occupy the basement under the center, while under the stage will be constructed all the dressing rooms except two, one on either side of the stage for the stars. It is the intention to finish and decorate the auditorium in the finest manner, and supply the stage with all the latest and most modern equipments. About 250 incandescent lights will be used for lighting the building. When completed it will be the finest opera house in the state north of the Twin Cities.

While the gentlemen making the proposition are amply able and willing to carry out the enterprise themselves, they feel it would be better to get a large number of citizens interested financially, hence it is intended to organize a stock company and incorporate, and with this end in view subscriptions for stock are being solicited of all citizens who are willing to invest.

This is Brainerd’s opportunity and the council should not hesitate to accept the proposition. It will fill the two greatest needs of the city, without any cost to speak of to the tax payer. Fine city quarters will be obtained for only $600, less than the annual interest on the cost of bonds to build a city hall, and the indebtedness of the city will not be increased, and besides a fine place of public amusement will be provided, certainly a great need. The councilmen, if they accept the proposition, can rest assured their action will meet with the hearty approval of substantially every citizen in the city.

The council committee to whom the matter was referred held a meeting last night and unanimously adopted a report recommending that the proposition be accepted, provided that the portion of the basement under the city quarters be fitted up for electrical supplies. A special meeting of the council will be held tonight to consider the report and take action. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 April 1901, p. 1, c.’s 3 & 4)


CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.

_____


[...]


Messrs. Ferris, LaBar, Holland, Johnson and Wise appeared before the council and made a proposition to erect and lease the city quarters for a new city hall, which is published elsewhere in this issue. The matter was referred to the following committee composed of one alderman from each ward: Wright, Purdy, Rowley, Erickson and Halladay. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 April 1901, p. 6, c. 1)


Don’t have any hesitancy about taking a block of stock when the gentlemen who are pushing the new opera house deal call upon you. It is the best thing that has been proposed for Brainerd for some time. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 April 1901, p. 8, c. 2)


With a new, modern opera house and city hall Brainerd will be in it with the best of them. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 April 1901, p. 8, c. 2)


THE NEW OPERA HOUSE

NOW A CERTAINTY.

_____


Practically all the Stock has Been

Subscribed for, to Build

the Same.

_____


The construction of the new opera house and city hall has been in a measure contingent upon the amount of stock that would be subscribed for by citizens, but that element of doubt has been removed, as nearly enough stock has been sold to build the same and pay for it when completed, hence there is no longer any doubt whatever that the opera house will be built, and completed by Oct. 1st. Up to last night stock had been sold aggregating somewhat over $15,000, and the placing of the balance is assured. The people of Brainerd are to be congratulated. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 April 1901, p. 1, c. 3)


CITY HALL PROPOSITION ACCEPTED

_____


Special Meeting of the City Council

Held on Friday Evening to

Consider the Matter.

_____


A special meeting of the council was held on Friday evening to hear the report of the special committee appointed to consider the city hall proposition made by the projectors of the new opera house.

The committee reported recommending the proposition be accepted if a portion of the basement be fitted up for an electrical supply station, and the report was adopted without a dissenting vote by the council. this settles the city hall matter if the opera house project is carried through.

Mr. Ferris, on behalf of the gentlemen making the proposal, said they would be glad to comply with the council requirement of an electrical supply station if it could be done without raising insurance rates on the whole building. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 April 1901, p. 1, c. 4)


It has been reported about town the past week that another opera house syndicate has been formed to build an opera house on east Front street, and make a similar proposition to the council for a city hall in case the present plan was not carried out. But it will be. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 April 1901, p. 8, c. 6)


Davidson Gives His Advice.


The St. Cloud Journal Press of Wednesday says: E. T. Davidson, manager of the Davidson opera house, has returned from Brainerd where he went on Monday at the invitation of a coterie of Brainerd men to pass upon plans submitted for a proposed new opera house for that city. Mr. Davidson looked over the plans with a critical eye and gave the Brainerd men valuable suggestions governing their future conduct relative to the opera house. He says that Brainerd will surely have a new play house.

“Fifteen men subscribed $1,000 each,” he impressively declared today in an interview, “and will build a first-class opera house. Treasurer Johnson has fifteen checks of $1,000 each and an opera house will be built this season.”

“Are the checks good?” was naively asked.

“They are!” shouted Mr. Davidson. “Brainerd men never do things by halves, and I look to see a modern theatre built with the money realized from the checks.”

“What did you do at Brainerd?” queried the interlocutor.

“I blue-penciled the plans drawn by a Duluth architect. The architect drew a beautiful plan but it was scarcely practical in some essentials,” said Mr. E. T. Davidson. “I expect a delegation of businessmen, promoters of the opera house project in this city this afternoon to look over the Davidson with a view to utilizing their information in the erection of the Brainerd theatre. The committee will also visit the St. Paul and Minneapolis houses, not forgetting the Dewey and the Star.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 May 1901, p. 4, c. 3)


George D. LaBar went to Duluth Wednesday night to get new plans for the opera house made to conform with the new arrangement made with the city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 May 1901, p. 10, c. 4)


CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.

_____


Opera House Proposition for City Hall

Accepted at $60 per Month

_____


[...]


Geo. LaBar, for the gentlemen representing the opera house project, stated that it would cost from seven to twelve hundred dollars to fit up the basement under the proposed new city hall quarters, and it would be necessary to ask $14 additional rental, the same as the city is now paying. After discussion Mr. LaBar agreed to accept $10 additional, or $60 a month in all for the new quarters, and a resolution was passed authorizing the mayor and clerk to execute a lease to that effect on behalf of the city for five years.


[...]

(Brainerd Dispatch, 10 May 1901, p. 4, c. 2)


Geo. LaBar, the Brainerd banker and chief promoter of the new opera house enterprise for that town, accompanied by the Duluth architect who has drawn plans for the new building, arrived in the city this afternoon to inspect the Davidson opera house and to confer with Manager Davidson as to what is needed at Brainerd.—St. Cloud Times. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 May 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


New plans for the opera house are being drawn. J. J. Wangenstein, the Duluth architect, was in the city last Monday and with Mr. LaBar inspected the site. At noon they went to St. Cloud and inspected the opera house there, and then to Minneapolis, where the different theaters were visited to get pointers. The architect will draw new plans entirely, incorporating the best points observed in the houses visited, and modified to suit the requirements of the council. The stage will be considerably increased in size in the new plans and other changes for the better made. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 May 1901, p. 8, c. 4)


OPERA HOUSE SYNDICATE INCORPORATED.

_____


Officers Elected and an Organization

Perfected.

_____


The gentlemen composing the new opera syndicate held a meeting in Judge Holland’s office on Monday afternoon and incorporated under the name of the Park Opera House Association of Brainerd, and the opera house will be known as the Park Opera House. Officers of the association were elected as follows:

Hon. A. F. Ferris, President.

R. R. Wise, Vice President.

Geo. D. LaBar, Secretary.

F. B. Johnson, Treasurer.

The capital stock of the association will be $20,000, composed of 800 shares of the face value of $25 each.

Sketches of the proposed city quarters were received from the architect on Tuesday.

Several changes have been made in the stage in the plans. It will be five feet deeper, and constructed so that curtains and scenery of a dimension of 41 feet can be used.

It is also proposed to made a gallery besides the balcony after the plan of the Davidson in St. Cloud. This will add somewhat to the seating capacity. The plans will probably arrive this week when they will immediately be submitted to contractors for bids for construction. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 May 1901, p. 1, c. 4)


Approved the Plans.


A special meeting of the city council was held on Tuesday evening to inspect and approve the plans of the city quarters in the new opera house and made such changes as were desired. Aldermen Wright, Rowley and Purdy were appointed a committee with power to act to attend to the matter, and immediately after the council adjourned conferred with Mr. LaBar and suggested one or two small changes. These changes will be made and the plans for the entire building will be returned here by the first of the week for the use of the contractors. An inspection of the plans cannot fail to impress everyone with the idea that Brainerd will have an ideal little opera house, one capable of accommodating the most pretentious theatrical attraction on the road, and the city is to be congratulated on that fact, as it is a long felt want. Great credit is due to Messrs. Ferris, LaBar and their associates in the enterprise and public spirit shown in providing this great need of the city, especially as it is a well known fact that an enterprise of this character in this city cannot result in any personal profit. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 May 1901, p. 1, c. 4)


Premature.


The announcement of the Little Falls Transcript that E. T. Davidson, of St. Cloud, would be the manager of the new Park Opera House was premature, as the management has not even decided that they will have a manager other than the Association officers.

Speaking about the management of the new Park Opera House in this city, the St. Cloud Journal Press says: E. T. “Bill” Davidson, of St. Cloud has submitted an offer for the management of the house and, if accepted, will run it in connection with the Davidson of St. Cloud, playing the same attractions in both places. The Davidson plays a number of attractions that Brainerd would be glad to get and if “Bill” will do for Brainerd what he has for his own town, any announcement that he will guide the destinies of the Brainerd house, will be a source of gratification to his many friends in the city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 May 1901, p. 4, c. 2)


The plans for the new opera house, which are being prepared by Architect J. J. Wangenstein, of Duluth, are nearly completed and it is thought that they will be ready by the end of the week and that bids will be advertised for next week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 June 1901, p. 8, c. 4)


Proposals for Park Opera House.


The undersigned will receive sealed bids marked “Proposal for Park Opera House” until 12 o’clock noon on June 25, 1901, for work and material required in the erection and completion of a brick and stone opera house to be about 60 x 112. Building to be completed not later than Oct. 1, 1901.

Each bid must be accompanied by a certified check or bank draft in the amount of $250.

Surety bond required from successful bidder.

Plans and specifications may be seen at the office of J. J. Wangenstein, architect, Duluth, Minn., Builder’s Exchange, St. Paul, Minn., and at office of Secretary, Brainerd, Minn.

GEO. LaBAR,

Secretary Park Opera House Ass’n.,

Brainerd, Minn.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 14 June 1901, p. 1, c. 6)


PLANS ARE HERE.

_____


Within a Few Days Bids will be Adver-

tised for the Construction of

New Opera House.


The plans for the new Park Opera House have arrived at the First National bank and in a few days bids will be advertised for the construction of the building.

Cashier LaBar states that a few modifications will be made in the specifications, but this will not materially affect the plans as prepared. The contract for the excavation will probably be let in a few days. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 June 1901, p. 6, c. 5)


Cashier LaBar returned today from Duluth, where he went to consult with Architect Wangenstein regarding the plans for the new Park Opera House. A print of the plans will be taken this afternoon and Mr. LaBar states that as soon as they are received bids will be advertised for—probably tomorrow. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 June 1901, p. 8, c. 6)


ROWLEY’S BID WAS LOWEST.

_____


Brainerd Man Captures the Con-

tract to Build New

Opera House.

_____


WORK TO COMMENCE AT ONCE.

_____


The New Play House Will Cost

Nearly Twenty Thousand

Dollars.


There was a meeting of those interested in the new Park Opera House Tuesday afternoon after the bids had been opened and after figuring the different proposals the contract was awarded C. B. Rowley, of this city, he being the lowest bidder. The bid was $13,299. This of course was the general contract, the bids for the other work such as plumbing, lighting, etc. will be let later. The total cost of the building will be between $17,000 and $20,000.

The following firms bid on the work: C. B. Rowley, Fred Kreatz and C. B. White, Brainerd; Otto Johnson and Schlennes & Sampson, Duluth; and Fred Nordlauder, St. Paul. There was quite a difference in the figures of the different bidders, although there were one or two who were not far off from those of Contractor Rowley.

Park Opera House, ca. 1905.
Source: Postcard

Contractor Rowley had not had the contract but a few minutes when he began to make a hustle for the stone, etc., and in a few days the site of the new playhouse will be a busy one. Work will commence in a few days on the excavation and the work will be pushed as rapidly as possible and it is expected that the house will surely be ready for occupancy by October 1.

This contract includes all the stone and brick masonry, all carpenter work, painting, tinning, etc., and everything and anything necessary to complete the building ready for use, except the electric wiring, heating, plumbing, light fixtures, stucco and decorating work.

The building will be 59x111 feet and it will have a seating capacity of something over eight hundred. The entrance to the building will be at the center of the block and there will be a vestibule 9x12 feet. In the vestibule the door leading up stairs to the city offices will be located also the door down stairs to the office of the superintendent of the electric light plant. From the vestibule two large swinging doors will open into the lobby which is 16x25 feet. In the lobby will be located the ticket and the manager’s offices—and a large and commodious store room. The entrance from the foyer to the lobby will be by two sets of double doors one at each side of the lobby.

The lower floor or the parquet and parquet circle will seat something like four hundred. There are two boxes one at each side and a stairway leading from these to the boxes above in the balcony. From the foyer there will be a stairway at each end going up to the balcony. This division will have a seating capacity of something like two hundred and fifty.

Charles B. Rowley, 1856-1941, ca. 1900.
Source: Meg McGowan

The stage has a curtain opening 26x21 feet, and it will have a depth of 35 feet. Right off the stage will be two star dressing rooms. Ample provision has been made so that the greatest convenience will be enjoyed by the actors, large and commodious dressing rooms will be put in both under the stage and over it. A rear entrance will be put in for the actors and a side door for hauling in scenery, etc., is a feature not overlooked. The sanitary conditions of the building will be good; two toilet rooms are to be put in under the foyer in the basement and two under the stage.

The building will be lighted by 271 incandescent lights which will make a capacity of 4336 candle power.

Every attention has been given to the acoustic proprieties and the architect is sure they will be perfect. The stucco interior decorations are to be especially fine and the masonry and stone work on the outside will be beautiful from an architectural point of view.

The brick to be used in the building will be the best Duclos, of Little Falls manufacture, and all four sides are to be laid in colored mortar. The trimming stone, as shown in the plans and specifications, is to be “Portage Entry Stone,” free from any white spots, and the arch over the main entrance and cap stones for windows are to be of sandstone, of full thickness of the walls, with cut sides and beds and rock face. The steps of the front entrance and door sills throughout are to be of Kettle River sandstone, of brush hammer finish.

The entire building will be a perfect model of architecture, the interior and exterior being planned after the most modern styles. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 June 1901, p. 1, c.’s 3 & 4)


NOTE: Carl Zapffe claims, in Brainerd 1871-1946, p. 38, that the Park Opera House was built of Schwartz cream brick, this appears not to have been the case.


SEE: Brainerd Steam Brickyard / Schwartz Brickyard


Contractor Rowley has already commenced to haul stone for the new Park Opera House. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 June 1901, p. 4, c. 2)


Contractor Rowley has commenced the stone work on the foundation for the new Park Opera house. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 July 1901, p. 8, c. 5)


This morning the board of directors of the new Park Opera house met and opened the bids for the plumbing work in the new building. There were only two bids and the contract was finally awarded to F. J. Murphy of this city for $325. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 July 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


FOR SEATING AND HEATING.

_____


New Park Opera House Board Opened

Bids Last Night in First

National Bank.


Friday evening there was a meeting of the board of directors of the Park Opera house and the contract was let for seating the new house.

There were four bids in for the work but the contract was finally awarded to Thos. Kane & Co. Works, Racine, Wis., the contract price being $1333.50 There will be in addition to this, the freight on the goods from Racine here and the cost of setting them up and when completed it is figured that for seating the house alone the bill will run up to over $1500.

In the parquet the chairs will have upholstered seats and upholstered paneled backs. In the parquet circle the “wing chair” will be used, with veneered seat and back. In the balcony the chairs will be the same as in the parquet circle only they will be less expensive.

The chairs were selected with a view to beauty and durability and they are very fine, and cannot be excelled even in the Twin Cities.

Three bids were also received last night for furnace heating and Murphy & Sherlund secured the contract for $850. They will be the celebrated “Floral” pattern wood furnace. Two are to be placed under the foyer, one under the stage and the other in the middle of the house. The specifications call for a guaranteed capacity which will keep the building warm in the coldest of weather. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 August 1901, p. 7, c. 3)


Workmen on the new Park Opera house have nearly completed the foundation on the new building. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 August 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


STAGE DIMENSIONS ARE ENLARGED.

_____


Board of Directors of New Park

Opera House Decide to

Make Change.

_____


CONTRACT LET FOR LIGHTING.

_____


There Will be Two Hundred and

Seventy-Nine Lights in

Opera House


The board of directors of the new Park Opera House have decided to make some additional improvements to the original plans and at the last meeting the changes were decided upon, Secretary LaBar having just returned from a consultation with the architect.

In 1941 the marquee shown here was added to the Paramount Theater, ca 1943.
Source: Out of the Woods

The stage will be enlarged so that it will make one of the very best in towns of the size of Brainerd in the state. Under the arrangements as now planned from the stage door to the gird iron it will be 48 feet. The distance between the two walls, north and south, will be 57 feet and 45 feet between the fly galleries. The new plan provides for a stage 32 feet deep. The new improvement will cost an additional amount to the original contract price of $500.

At the same meeting of the board the contract for the lighting of the new house was let to the city of Brainerd. This contract includes the wiring and the furnishing of the entire electrical fixtures. The contract price is $814. There will be 279 lights for the opera house part and 27 lights for the city part of the new building. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 1901, p. 1, c. 5)


SCENERY WILL BE ELABORATE.

_____


Two More Contracts Let in Con-

nection with Park Opera

House Tuesday.

_____


INTERIOR WORK WILL BE GREAT

_____


Two Minneapolis Firms Capture

Both Contracts—Scenery

to Cost $1000.


Tuesday night two more contracts in connection with the new Park Opera House were let. The bids for furnishing the scenery for the new house were opened and the contract was awarded to the Twin City Scenic Studio for $1025. The house will be equipped with scenery which will equal anything in the northwest. The fly galleries as has been stated before have been enlarged and are now 24 feet high and the rigging loft is 48 feet above the stage. The fly galleries are 48 feet apart. This will give some idea of the intricate furnishings which must necessarily be procured for this very important part of the building. There is to be one advertising drop curtain 22 feet high and 28 feet wide. Another scenic curtain is provided for by the specifications to be 22 feet high and 28 feet wide also. In all there are 73 pieces including the drops, wings, etc. besides all the stage equipment.

Another contract was let yesterday afternoon for the stucco and interior work. The contract for this work was let to H. A. Hall & Co. and the price was $655. This work will be the very best and the interior of the building will be a beautiful sight when completed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 August 1901, p. 6, c. 4)


The roof of the Park Opera House has been put on and the building begins to assume a dignified appearance. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 September 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


The scaffolding has been removed from the new Park Opera House and the building presents a very stately appearance. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 October 1901, p. 8, c. 2)


Manager Walker, of the Park Opera house, has consummated a deal whereby Prof. Graham will furnish the opera house orchestra. The orchestra will start out with six pieces. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 October 1901, p. 8, c. 4)


Manager Walker, of the Park Opera house has been busy today getting locations for bill boards to be used in connection with the house. He will put up about eight or ten. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 October 1901, p. 8, c. 4)


THE LOCAL MANAGEMENT.

_____


E. C. Griffith Will Have Charge Locally of

the New Park Opera House—George

Kenny Stage Manager.


Manager C. P. Walker, of the circuit of northwestern theatres, after a day’s visit in the city on business, left Tuesday noon for St. Paul. Mr. Walker announces that E. C. Griffith will be the circuit’s representative in this city and will have charge of the Brainerd Park Opera House.

Mr. George Kenny, one of the best stage managers in the west, will be put in charge of the stage. He is a resident of Winnipeg, but will move to this city about Nov. 1.

Mr. Walker will spend most of the time in the city until after the opening of the new house, December 2.

Mr. Griffith will not sever his connection as city editor of the DISPATCH, but will look after the new house in connection with his other work. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 November 1901, p. 7, c. 5)


BOX SEATS SOLD AT FANCY PRICES.

_____


Nearly Four Hundred and Fifty

Dollars from This Sale

Tuesday Night

_____


PARQUET SEATS TO BE SOLD.

_____


Ex-Mayor J. H. Koop is Highest

Bidder for Box Seats for

Opening.


The auction sale of boxes in the new Brainerd Opera house for the opening night, December 2, was held Tuesday night in the McFadden Drug Company store. There was a very good attendance and the eight boxes in the house, four downstairs and four upstairs, sold for good prices.

Ex-Mayor J. H. Koop was a spirited bidder for first choice of boxes, and it was finally knocked down to him at $80. Mr. Koop, after making the successful bid, took occasion to make a few remarks which were to the point. He stated that he did not think he could afford the price more than anyone else, but he believed that the efforts of the gentlemen who composed the board of directors of the house should be appreciated and that all citizens should put a shoulder to the wheel.

J. C. Wood, of St. Paul, was the successful bidder for second choice which sold for $65. Others who were successful were: C. N. Parker, $75; J. T. Sanborn, $55; F. B. Johnson, $55; George Kreatz, $50; R. R. Wise, $40; and I. E. Bradley, of New York, $40, making a total of $455.

The board of directors of the Park Opera House met this morning and decided to place the parquet seats on sale at once. There are only 187 of these seats and the price fixed is $7.50 each. They are upholstered and are the best in the house. It is believed that these will be picked up very rapidly by the public spirited people of the city. Brainerd is known not to do things by half when it once goes at a thing and in this regard the citizens will surely be up to the times.

There will be no free tickets to this performance, even the directors and stockholders themselves, who have put so much into the deal, being required to pay for seats. The gentlemen connected with the enterprise have spared no expense in making the house as complete as any in the west. They find the cost exceeds the subscribed amount nearly $6,000.

The amount to be paid the Casino Girl Company for the opening performance Dec. 2, is nearly $800.

This is the most money ever paid a theatrical company for a performance in this city, and the show is assured as being by far the best ever seen in this part of the state.

The net amount realized from the opening show will be applied on the $6,000 deficit.

The list for signers for these seats is in the hands of Secretary LaBar. As soon as the desired number of seats are sold a notice of the place, day and hour seats can be selected will appear in three issues of the DAILY DISPATCH before a board is put up, thus giving every purchaser an equal chance to be on hand at the appointed hour for selection of seats. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 November 1901, p. 1, c. 1)


Contractor Rowley is putting up the bill boards for the new Brainerd Opera house today. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 November 1901, p. 8, c. 2)


The scenery for the new opera house arrived this morning and it is being put in position. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 November 1901, p. 8, c. 4)


Some of the furniture for the new council chambers in the Park Opera House has been received and is being put in position. The rooms are now about ready for occupancy. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 November 1901, p 8, c. 4)


SEE: City Hall


The new Brainerd Opera House orchestra had their first rehearsal last evening. There are six pieces under the leadership of Prof. Graham and the orchestra will be a very strong organization. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 November 1901, p. 8, c. 4)


THEATRE OPENING A BRILLIANT EVENT.

_____


Brainerd Dresses in Gala Attire at First Perform-

ance in New Opera House.

_____


Excellent Stage Facilities Make Possible the

Appearance of Large Productions.


Everyone Present Declared the

New Brainerd House a

Perfect Gem.

_____


The Auditorium was Packed to

Overflowing with City’s

Swagger Set.


All Brainerd was out in its gayest attire Monday night at the opening of the new opera house, and never before has there been a more fashionable and stylish gathering in the city, the event being signalized especially by elaborate displays of pretty gowns, rich and elegant with the latest that a lavish hand of art can be directed to procure.

The beautiful coloring of the new and richly varnished walls of the theatre, the embellishments in the beautiful draperies about the boxes and the foyer, the harmonious tints in the scenic properties of the house, and the auditorium filled with ladies in handsome gowns, with a perfect shower of dazzling lights to illuminate the scene, made the picture one of the most lovely to behold, the iridescent coloring giving an inspiring feeling to the lover of beauteous and harmonious effects.

The list of elegant gowns and by whom they were worn would be too long to publish. The DISPATCH had intended to procure these names and a description of each gown. There were many out of town guests at the theatre and the event was made a brilliant society affair, a fitting opening to the season’s gaiety. All the society folk of the city seemed to take this as a nucleus for social formations and the Brainerd Opera House will in all likelihood become popular as a Mecca for Brainerd’s swagger set.

The boxes presented a stylish air. In one of the lower boxes were Ex-Mayor J. H. Koop, wife and son, the Misses Koop. In another one of the lower boxes was Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Sanborn and family and Mrs. Kate Closterman, of Staples, mother of Mrs. Sanborn. In the front box on the right of the house was C. N. Parker and Mr. and Mrs. F. S. Parker, and the rear box was occupied by Mr. and Mrs. George E. Kreatz, Miss Spalding and Messrs. Bert Parker and Clarence Hill.

In the upper box on the right hand side Hon. A. F. Ferris and a party of friends including Hon. A. N. Dare, of Elk River, Hon. C. B. Buckman, of Little Falls and Landlord George Kibbie, of the Merchants Hotel, St. Paul, were seated. In the box to the rear sat Mr. and Mrs. R. R. Wise. Mr. and Mrs. M. J. Reilly occupied a box on the left hand side another box party consisted of the Misses Adams, Barker and Curry and Messrs. Batcheller and F. B. Johnson. All the ladies were beautifully gowned for the event.

“The Casino Girl” was selected as the piece for the opening and long before the hour of performance the house was crowded, and as the business manager remarked, it was one of the prettiest audiences that the company has greeted for some time. The production was very satisfactory, and it is thought that hardly a person in the house went away feeling disappointed. It is a high class comedy well staged and is considered a magnificent performance.

The performance that night gives the people of Brainerd an idea of the excellent facilities of the stage in the new house. This company used its own scenery, and used all of it, and there is not a theatre-goer in the city but that will say that the stage effect last night was almost perfect. The stage is large and roomy, and it will never be necessary for any company to cut out parts of the performance on this account. Members of the company were especially gratified with this end of the house, being particularly pleased with the modernized ideas put into the makeup. The lights as could be seen last night were also perfect in every detail. There will be little difficulty in putting on the many large productions which Manager Walker has booked for Brainerd. The house is modern in all its details, and the effect of the performance last night, given on this stage, is a criterion by which all theatre-goers can be governed by.

Coupled with the fact that the house has been built with all the modern ideas in mind, Manager Walker has also made a strenuous effort to equip the same with modern departures. The ushers throughout the house, and also the water boys and opera glass boy, are uniformed. The room at the end of the lobby, which was supposed

to have been used for a manager’s office has been transformed into a sort of retiring room where ladies and gentlemen may leave their wraps. This room was not quite completed last night but by the next performance it will be. The room will be elegantly furnished throughout. Mrs. Annie F. Simpson has been secured as matron of the new opera house and she will always be in the reception room at the beginning of performances to attend to the wants of the ladies and will be at their service throughout. Mrs. Simpson is well known to the Brainerd public, having served on various occasions in the same capacity.

The house has a competent corps of ushers under the direction of Chief Usher J. Ralph Nevers. The young men were on duty for the first time last night and acquitted themselves most creditably. They were dressed in military red jackets with brass buttons, standing collars and black trousers and their presence in attire of this kind made a very dignified appearance. The young men who have been appointed to these positions are: James McGinnis, Walter Wieland, Maurice Mantor, Harry Patek, Fred Sanborn and Howard Ingersoll. Carl Wright is the opera glass boy and Fritz Koop and Arthur Allen are water boys.

The work on the stage went very smoothly and Stage Manager Kenny deserves great credit, it being a new stage and an entire new crew.

Charles W. Hoffman will hereafter be in the box office and will see to it that patrons of the house get what they want in the seat line.

The success of the opening was assured before last night. The opera house association netted a neat sum from the night’s performance and are very well pleased with the result.

The praise of the public from all sides must have been gratifying to them last night, as it is realized on all hands that the opera house fills a long felt want.

Another matter that the theatre-goers in this city have reason to be proud of is the fact that the Brainerd Opera House is now one of the many houses which composes the Red River Valley Circuit, a line of theatres which are among the best in the northwest, all controlled and under the general management of C. P. Walker. They include the Winnipeg, Grand Forks, Fargo and Crookston houses. This gives patrons an idea of what may be expected from such a circuit. The best attractions go to these cities and Manager Walker's bookings will be the same for Brainerd.

Mr. Walker is, without doubt, one of the best theatrical men in the northwest. His long experience as a caterer to the theatre-going public of the section of the northwest embraced within this circuit has demonstrated beyond doubt that he has few equals. His houses have reputations that are an envy to theatrical managers elsewhere.

The interior decorations are very beautiful especially at night when lighted up. The style is artistic relief work the colors gold and green being carried throughout. The same firm also secured the contract for the draperies and these have been selected with great taste, the color matching with that on the scenic drop curtain. The draperies are the best imported upholstered French goods and cost the association in the neighborhood of $500. The harmony of the coloring of the draperies and the scenic drop, and the renaissance style of the decorations of the house, with green and gold tints, under the glare of the light, makes a wonderfully pretty effect.

The seats in the parquet are all upholstered and have been selected with a care to bring out the general harmonizing effect of the interior of the theatre. There are 187 seats in the parquet. The arrangement of the foyer is especially modern. The entrance to the gallery, or the “singer heaven,” as it is sometimes called is in the lobby and not in the foyer as in some houses, so that this feature of the house made a separate department in itself. The entire arrangements of the foyer, lobby, reception rooms, and box office is modern in every way.

The stage has a depth of 33 feet, is 57 feet wide and its height to the gridiron is 48 feet. The stage is equipped with all the accessories for the production of a first class piece, and Brainerd theatre-goers will never have cause to regret that any part of a show has been “cut out.” The stage is one of the most conveniently arranged in the northwest, not only from an advantageous standpoint for the house, but the members of theatrical companies have been considered, and actors who visit this house will find all the latest and most modern equipments. The dressing rooms are large, commodious and airy and the lavatories and toilet rooms are all arranged in a most satisfactory manner. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 December 1901, p. 6, c.’s 1-3)


A FINE OPERA HOUSE.

_____


Editor Fuller of the Little Falls Transcript

Thinks It is One of the Neatest

in the Northwest.


The following is taken from the Little Falls Transcript anent Brainerd’s new opera house:

“Brainerd’s new theatre, the Park Opera House, was opened on Monday evening by a company that played “The Casino Girl.” There was a benefit sale of tickets, and the patronage of the citizens was so liberal that the receipts for the first night were about $2,500. The house is one of the neatest in the northwest being up-to-date in every respect, and it has one of the largest stages west of Chicago.

“The seating capacity of the theatre is 877, the seats being so arranged as to secure a good view of the stage from any position. C. P. Walker, who has the management of the Fargo, Grand Forks, Crookston and Winnipeg theatres, has leased the new house for a term of five years.

“The property is owned by a joint stock company, composed of prominent citizens, the officers being: President, A. F. Ferris, vice president, R R. Wise; treasurer, F. B. Johnson, and secretary, G. D. LaBar. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 December 1901, p. 8, c. 6)


FOR LADIES ONLY.

_____


The Reception Room at the New Brainerd

Opera House to be for Ladies

Only in the Future.


The management of the new Brainerd Opera House has decided, in view of the fact that there was a very uncomfortable jam in the lobby during the last two performances, to use the retiring room at the end of the lobby for ladies only hereafter. The room was used to such an extent at the performances already given that it was almost impossible for Mrs. Simpson, the matron of the house, to attend to the wants of patrons.

It is hoped that this change will alleviate in a measure the crowded condition of the lobbies after the performance. Mrs. Simpson will be on duty each evening in the reception and will attend to the wants of the lady patrons of the house. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 December 1901, p. 5, c. 2)


Bouquet From Aitkin.


On Monday of last week, Brainerd’s new opera house was opened by a company that played “The Casino Girl.” The opening was the biggest social function ever held in Brainerd and the receipts from the sale of tickets were about $2,500. The new play house is a splendid structure, which would be a credit to any city. The Age extends congratulations to our big sister city and hopes it will be her turn soon to congratulate Aitkin.—Age. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 December 1901, p. 5, c. 3)


ANNUAL MEETING

_____


Stockholders of the Park Opera House

Association Elected Directors

This Forenoon.


The stockholders of the Park Opera House association met in annual meeting today and elected the following directors: R. R. Wise, Geo. W. Holland, H. P. Dunn, R. J. Hartley, G. D. LaBar.

The directors immediately after their election met and elected the following officers:

Pres.—R. R. Wise,

V. P.—G. W. Holland,

Sec.—G. D. LaBar,

Treas.—H. P. Dunn.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 May 1907, p. 3, c. 1)


Sousa’s Band


An ad for John Philip Sousa and his band, 26 September 1907.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 September 1907

Milwaukee (Wis.) Journal—”It is, after all, John Philip Sousa and his Band that touches the American heart most. No one has done more for development of musical taste, where the great masses are concerned, than John Philip Sousa, for the clever inter-mixing of music of artistic merit with his popular march program he has acquainted the people at large with a higher class of music. And thus Sousa’s has been at educational mission, whose importance and value cannot be overestimated.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 September 1907, p. 3, c. 4)


07 October 1911. The Park Opera House gave its first public performance of moving pictures last night and a large audience was present despite the inclement weather. A feature of the evening was the opera house orchestra, five pieces playing under the baton of William Graham. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Friday, 07 October 2011)


Uncle Tom’s Cabin


Al. Martin’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin playbill, ca. 1899.
Source: Library of Congress

At the Park Opera House, Tuesday evening, Oct 17, the beautiful and realistic picture which has made Al. Martin’s production of Uncle Tom’s Cabin world-famous, are the little cabin of Uncle Tom, an old southern road, Skinner’s tavern, the ice gorged Ohio River by moonlight, the grand old home of Phineas Friend, the wild rocky pass in southern Ohio, St. Claire’s home showing a tropical garden with its fragrant magnolia and orange trees, among which nestles the typical southern plantation residence, the home of Eva; corridor at St. Claire’s, the great New Orleans levee and slave mart, a moss-circled road near Legree’s, a street in New Orleans, Legree’s plantation on the Red River with the cotton in full bloom, and the transformation entitled “The Celestial City.” Mr. Martin’s negroes are carried to fill out the pictures and introduce their plantation pastimes. Advance reserved seats and box seat tickets may be secured at the box office Monday, Oct. 16 at 10 A. M. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 October 1911, p. 5, c. 4)


Ninety minutes of clean, wholesome and satisfying entertainment at the Park Opera House tonight. The old original “Pickets” in their great success, “A Rehearsal in Florida,” have been secured by the management and in conjunction with the moving pictures will comprise a show of great merit. No change in prices. Two shows, at 7:30 and 9:00 p. m. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 October 1911, p. 8, c. 1)


TO IMPROVE OPERA HOUSE

_____


Contracts Let Today to Brainerd

Firms by F. E. Nemec, Lessee

of the Opera House

_____


REPAIRS COMMENCE APRIL 20

_____


House Will be Dark Until About May

10—Mr. Nemec Announces Pol-

icy of the House


From Thursday’s Daily:—

The New Park Theatre showing playbills advertising “Li Ting Lang,” starring Sessue Hayakawa, released 24 July 1920 and “Twin Beds,” starring Carter DeHaven, released 31 October 1920.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

F. E. Nemec, of St. Cloud, is in the city today and announced that the following contracts have been let for the improving of the Brainerd opera house:

Decorating to Frank H. McCaffrey; carpenter work to White Brothers; plumbing to L. W. Sherlund. Work will commence Monday, April 20, and the house will be dark until about May 10.

Mr. Nemec says that the plans for the alterations at the opera house include needed changes in the ladies retiring room, the interior decoration of the house, new scenery, new drop curtain, etc.

He has a long term lease of the opera house and will make of it a house booking the large attractions, vaudeville, tabloid plays, and the big theatrical successes in moving pictures. The house will be open every night commencing about May 10.

One of the contracts just booked is the Sam S. Schubert Amusement Co., theatrical attractions which include May Robson in “A Clever Woman.”

(Brainerd Dispatch, 17 April 1914, p. 4, c. 3)


The cover of an eight page New Park Theatre program for March 1 to March 7, 1920 announcing the pictures to be shown during the week.
Source: Jodi N. Sather

16 May 1914. (Adv.) The Brainerd Opera House has been remodeled into the New Park Theatre! “The People’s Playhouse” will hold its Gala Opening on Monday, May 18th - fully remodeled and redecorated. The Hon. A. O. Eberhart, Gov. of Minnesota, will make the opening address. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 16 May 2014)


BRAINERD THEATRE & AMUSEMENT CO.

_____


Now Controls “Best,” “Grand,” “Empress” Theatres and the Brain-

erd Opera House

_____


CLYDE E. PARKER, PRESIDENT

_____


F. S. Workman is General Manager

and Kirk J. Smith Assistant

Manager and Secretary


Brainerd picture houses and the opera house are now consolidated under one management for the Brainerd Theatre & Amusement Co., recently formed with Clyde E. Parker as president and treasurer, F. S. Workman as general manager and Kirk J. Smith as assistant manager and secretary, have closed a lease of the Brainerd opera house, papers being signed late Saturday.

The company now operate the “Best” theatre, corner Sixth and Laurel and the “Empress” on Front street. The “Grand” will remain dark for an indefinite period, said Mr. Parker.

[...]


(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 December 1915, p. 5, c. 3)


RUMORS ABOUT MOVIE HOUSES

_____


F. S. Workman When Interviewed Re-

fused to Affirm or Deny Any

Reports on Business

_____


BRAINERD OPERA HOUSE PLANS

_____


New Heating Plant and Other Im-

provements Are to Be Made

There This Summer


Rumors have been persistent about town the last several days to the effect that outside moving picture interests had plans for entering the picture show business at Brainerd on a scale considerably larger than at present and that they would be consolidated with the Brainerd Theatre & Amusement Co., which company was formerly composed of Clyde E. Parker, recently drafted in the National army and Frank S. Workman, manager of the company.

One rumor was to the effect that complete plans and specifications for a large up-to-date picture house had been prepared and a local contractor asked to submit estimates. It has been impossible for the Dispatch to verify the truth of these reports.

Mr. Workman, when interviewed today said that he was very sorry but at this time he was not in a position to discuss this matter and absolutely refused to affirm or deny these reports.

He did state, however, that the Brainerd Theatre and Amusement Co. would continue as manager of the Park opera house and that a new heating plant and other improvements would be made this summer. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 May 1918, p. 3, c. 3)


At the Park Theatre the east wall is being chipped out to make ready for the new eight-door entrance, lobby and other improvements inaugurated by Manager F. S. Workman. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 September 1919, p. 2, c. 3)


OPENING PARK THEATRE DELAYED

_____


Inclement Weather Delays Building

Operations, Opening Now Set

for Oct. 19th

_____


THE PROGRAM FOR DAY GIVEN

_____


“A Sporting Chance” to be First Pic-

ture, Starring Ethel Clayton

—Also Briggs Comedy


Owing to inclement weather it will be impossible to open the Park theatre on Oct. 15th as first announced, and the opening has been postponed to Sunday, Oct. 19th.

The opening picture will be “A Sporting Chance” starring Ethel Clayton. Other numbers will be Burton Holmes’ Travel Pictures and the Briggs Kid comedy.

Monday, Oct. 20, the Dougherty Stock Company will open their engagement for the season. Tuesday, Oct 21, will see another special feature and Wednesday, Oct. 22, will open the “Miracle Man,” without doubt the season’s greatest picture.

Following this Elsie Ferguson will appear in “A Witness for the Defense.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 October 1919, p. 4, c. 3)


NEW PARK THEATRE OPENS SUN. OCT. 19

_____


Carpenters and Decorators Have Not

Entirely Finished Work of

Remodeling

_____


THE PARK OPENS ON SCHEDULE

_____


New Electric Sign Hung Saturday,

New Entrance is Most

Convenient One


New Park Theatre, ca 1920. A 1634x960 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: University of Minnesota Libraries
New Park Theatre, ca 1920. A 1304x944 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: University of Minnesota Libraries

The newly remodeled Park theatre will open Sunday with Ethel Clayton in “A Sporting Chance.” Carpenters and decorators may not have entirely finished their contracts, but the theatre will be opened on schedule and patrons will readily excuse any shortcomings in construction work which will be completed during next week.

One of the best features of the new Park is the large entrance with some eight doors, thus permitting the playhouse to empty its crowds in a few minutes. A large driveway and walk leads to the main entrance on the east side which will be embellished with a canopy.

The new electric sign on Front street was hung early Saturday. So many good things are offered the amusement public at the Best and Park theatres that large audiences are assured in both houses owned by the Brainerd Theatre & Amusement Company. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 October 1919, p. 5, c. 1)


NEW PARK OPENS ON SEPTEMBER 1

_____


Dark Since Wind Storm of June 8,

Many Improvements Have Been

Made in the Theatre

_____


NEW SCENERY AND EQUIPMENT

_____


Opening Night Sept. 1 Will See four

Acts of Vaudeville and Pictures

Shown


Dark since the wind storm of June 8, the New Park Theatre will reopen Wednesday night, September 1, greatly improved in appearance and offering patrons a bill of four acts of western circuit vaudeville and pictures.

The New Park has been supplied with new stage equipment and new scenery. The lobby has been retiled and otherwise decorated. The orchestra of the New Park will continue to be featured under the direction of William F. Palmer.

Vaudeville nights will be Wednesday and Thursday every week, the two shows each night running from 7 to 9, and 9 to 11 p. m. Later a circuit stock company will play one night a week. Legitimate shows are also being booked. Straight pictures will be shown the other nights. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 August 1920, p. 5, c. 1)


CHILDREN APPRECIATED IT

_____


Childish Hearts Gladdened by Gen-

erosity of the New Park Man-

agement, Orchestra, Etc.


Childish hearts are very grateful for the Christmas festivities set in motion by the New Park Theatre management when they started the program the day before Christmas by giving their house and five pictures all for the benefit of childhood. Morning and afternoon shows were largely attended.

The New Park theatre orchestra donated its services morning and afternoon and are also entitled to a large measure of praise. So are the stage hands and others assisting in tree decorations, etc.

The New Park management, orchestra and employees earned a permanent place in the heart of childhood in thus assisting in a whole-hearted fashion the program of the Elks to give all children of 14 and under a merry time. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 December 1920, p. 5, c. 4)


A NEW THEATRE

_____


A new theatre for Brainerd has been the subject of more or less discussion for some time. About a year ago an authorized representative of the local theatre interests made a rather definite promise before the Chamber of Commerce, that the situation would be remedied to the satisfaction of the Brainerd public. Nothing has developed.

In step with numerous other improvements now being brought about to make Brainerd a better town in which to live, the theatre subject has again been revived. A special committee of the Chamber of Commerce has been appointed. This committee has started functioning and is willing to devote such time and study as seems necessary to bring about the desired results.

Public opinion, however, is a powerful influence. It is a means of correcting undesirable conditions in any business. I, as a member of the Chamber of Commerce theatre committee would like to feel the pulse of the Brainerd public on this subject. Are the citizens of Brainerd satisfied with the present theatre accommodations? Is the future betterment and expansion of Brainerd dependent to a large extent upon our ability to cater to the demands of the tourists from a recreational standpoint? If so, is not an up-to-date and modern theatre a necessary form of recreation?

Let us have expressions from you through this column on the theatre situation. State frankly your views. In my opinion intensiveness with which the movement is pushed will be in direct ratio to the encouragement given the committee through the columns of this paper.

(Signed) W. P. TYRHOLM

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 February 1929, p. 3, c. 2)


F. & R. OFFICIALS HERE NEXT TUESDAY

_____


Proposition to be Presented to Men

Interested Here it Was

Learned Today


Officials of Finkelstein and Ruben, Northwest theatre operators with interests in the Brainerd theatres are expected in Brainerd the early part of next week to discuss the theatre situation with those interested here, it was learned today.

It was learned from an authoritative source that the F. and R. men would arrive next Tuesday with a favorable proposition for Brainerd.

That proposition, the informant stated to the Dispatch’s query, will not be advanced before the meeting. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 February 1929, p. 7, c. 4)


CONSIDER BETTER SHOW FACILITIES

_____


Clyde E. Parker Announces That F.

and R. Officials Will be

Here Soon

_____


IMPROVEMENT PROMISED

_____


Theatre Committee Hears Announce-

ment of Tentative Plans for

City’s Interest


Clyde E. Parker, half owner in the Park and Lyceum theatres in Brainerd, the remaining ownership being held by Finkelstein and Ruben, Northwest theatre operators, announced to the theatre committee of the Chamber of Commerce at a committee meeting last evening that he was in a position to state that J. F. Cubberley, manager of out-of-town theatres of F. and R. would meet with the committee in Brainerd at an early date and present concrete plans for the improvement of the theatre situation in Brainerd.

That improvement, Mr. Parker stated, would give Brainerd theatre facilities of which the city would be proud. Information concerning the proposed improvement was requested withheld from publication until Mr. Cubberley arrives in Brainerd.

The theatre committee, it is understood, will present such a report to the Chamber of Commerce at its meeting this evening at 8 o’clock in the Chamber rooms. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 February 1929, p. 5, c. 2)


$50,000 TO BE SPENT ON PARK THEATRE

_____


J. F. Cubberley of F. & R. Organiza-

tion Makes Announcement to

Chamber Commerce Committee

_____


MEETS WITH THEM

_____


Lyceum Theatre to be Closed Later

and All Attention Centered

on the Park Theatre


The rainbow of promise shone brightly this noon when J. F. Cubberley, of Minneapolis, supervisor of theatres and theatre construction of the Finkelstein & Ruben organization met with the theatre committee of the Chamber of Commerce and made this announcement, effectively dispelling the gloom which had hitherto shrouded the theatre situation in Brainerd:

Finkelstein & Ruben have secured a 25-year lease of the Park theatre site and additional ground.

Have signed a deal buying the interests of Clyde E. Parker.

Plan $50,000 building program at the Park theatre.

The Lyceum theatre to be closed later and all attention centered on the Park as the city will not support two theatres.

The committee and others meeting with Mr. Cubberley were R. L. Geist, R. E. Wyett, Dr. E. C. Herzog, C. A. Ryan, W. F. Fall, W. P. Tyrholm, City Attorney D. H. Fullerton.

As to the Park, when all preliminary details are completed, architectural plans drawn, material selected, etc., the old building will be completely gutted, said Mr. Cubberley, balconies torn out, etc., and that section remodeled to form the auditorium of the theatre seating about 900. At the front of the building will be erected the section, a story in height with foyer, lobby, etc. Vitaphone and Movietone are to be added at the Park.

The actual work of building can be done in 90 days, said Mr. Cubberley. New seats, new machines, new decorations will transform the building and make the theatre a real asset to the city.

Permission will be asked from the city to put an electric sign across South Sixth street. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 March 1929, p. 7, c. 1)


PUBLIX CONSIDERS BUYING F. AND R.

_____


Report is to Effect That Northwest

Theatre Chain Has Been

Offered $15,000,000

_____


INCLUDES BRAINERD THEATRES

_____


Purchase Would Not Affect Plans to

Construct New Theatre,

It Was Said


Should the Publix Theatres, Inc. purchase the F. and R. theatre chain which would include the purchase of the Park and Lyceum theatres in Brainerd such a business change would not affect plans to construct a new theatre of the Park, it was learned here from an authoritative source today.

The report that the Publix Theatres, Inc. had offered $15,000,000 for the theatre chain has been denied by F. and R. officials but so insistent is the report that this offer has been made and that F. and R. officials are seriously considering selling that some credence is placed in the report.

The Publix concern has been purchasing theatre chains throughout the country the past six months and the concern is already a stockholder in the F. and R. chain. A $10,000,000 offer was turned down by the company from the Fox circuit but the increase of 50 percent in purchase price reported is considered to be an inducement to sell.

This report will not stop the progress of plans for the construction of the new theatre here, it was said. Architects and bidders on construction work were in the city this week looking over the present building. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 June 1929, p. 7, c. 3)


PUBLIX MEN VISIT LOCAL THEATRES

_____


City to Hear of Action of New Owners

As to Improvements

Next Saturday

_____


Construction Manager Said He Would

Recommend $100,000 Improve-

ments Here


Definite word as to whether Publix Theatres, Inc. new owners of all F. and R. theatres in the Northwest including the Brainerd theatres, will make improvements to the Park and Lyceum theatres here will be received next Saturday, according to officials of Publix Theatres who came to Brainerd Saturday to look over the situation.

A. E. Buchanan, of New York, constructions manager of Publix Theatres who in company with Harold Finkelstein, Minneapolis, formerly of the firm of Finkelstein and Ruben, said after inspecting the Park theatre that he would return to New York and recommend to his superiors the construction of a new theatre at the Park site to cost $100,000. He said he would notify Clem A. Ryan, president of the Chamber of Commerce what action would be taken by the officials at New York not later than Saturday. The visit was brought about through efforts of W. R. Hiller.

The visit to Brainerd by those connected with the Publix chain of theatres followed action of the city council at its last meeting that unless conditions were improved in Brainerd and work started on improvements by August 1 the licenses of both theatres would be automatically revoked.

Brainerd men who discussed the situation with the visitors were: R. H. Paine, president of the city council, Frank B. Johnson, Harry Creger, aldermen, C. A. Ryan, and W. R. Hiller, manager of the local theatres.

If favorable action is taken by the Publix heads work will start within the following week. In that event the new theatre would be completed for occupancy in three months. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 July 1929, p. 7, c. 4)


PUBLIX WIRES NEW THEATRE ASSURED HERE

_____


Clem A. Ryan, president of the Chamber of Commerce received at 4:20 p. m. today the following telegram from R. B. Buchanan, New York, head of the construction department of the Publix Theatres, Inc.:

“We will proceed immediately with enlarging and remodeling of Park theatre according to plans submitted to you.”

The new theatre will cost in the neighborhood of $100,000. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 July 1929, p. 3, c. 2)


Theatre Contract Let


W. R. Hiller, manager of local theatres of Publix Theatres, Inc., announced to the council last evening that the contract for improving the Park theatre had been let to the firm of Liebenberg and Kaplan, Minneapolis contractors, and that work on the building would start Wednesday or Thursday. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 August 1929, p. 3, c. 1)


BOND DEMANDED OF PUBLIX BY COUNCIL

_____


$25,000 Bond Requested by City Coun-

cil to Insure Completion

of Construction

_____


BY JANUARY 1, 1930

_____


License of Lyceum to be Automati-

cally Revoked in Five Days

if Bond Not Posted


The city council at a special meeting yesterday requested the Publix Theatre Corporation to post a bond of $25,000 to insure completion of construction at the Park theatre by January 1, 1930 such bond to be furnished within the next five days. In the event of the failure to provide such bond within the specified time the council voted to revoke the Lyceum theatre license.

Action followed the statement by Arthur J. Sullivan, counselor for W. R. Hiller, manager of local theatres, and members of the firm of Liebenberg and Kaplan, architects, that work would be commenced immediately at the Park theatre. Work started at the theatre this morning.

The council voted to rescind its former action call for the revocation of Lyceum and Park theatre licenses as ordered by the council that unless work was started in correcting the alleged health and fire hazards at the Lyceum and starting construction at the Park the licenses of both would be automatically revoked.

The council by resolution last evening approved the transfer of the Lyceum theatre license to the Publix Theatres, Inc.

On order of Mayor F. E. Little the Lyceum was closed yesterday afternoon before the matinee, notice being given by Chief of Police Thomas J. Templeton. The theatre was not reopened until 7:50 p. m. after the special meeting.

Aldermen in attendance at the special meeting were: R. H. Paine, Ernest Ritari, Andrew Wesley, Frank J. Johnson, W. J. Hall, Chris Elvig, H. W. Creger.

Representing the city in the legal phase of the question was Clem A. Ryan, attorney. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 August 1929, p. 7, c. 3)


THEATRE CONTROVERSY ENDS

_____


Northwest Theatres, Inc. Receive Ly-

ceum License Again; Bond

is Withdrawn


The controversy between the city council and the firm of Northwest Theatres, Inc. during the past year over theatre conditions in this city came to an amicable conclusion last evening when the council voted to rescind its former action demanding a $25,000 bond from the Publix Theatres to insure completion of construction by January 1 and further voted to transfer the license of the Lyceum theatre from the Publix Theatres back to the Northwest Theatres, Inc.

Such action of the council followed an explanation of circumstances in regard to the delay in starting construction by H. J. Charles, attorney for the Northwest Theatres, in which he stated that the construction here had been contemplated for the past year and that only recently final arrangements had been completed with the Northern Pacific Railway as to a lease on the property of the Park theatre.

Mr. Charles said he was unaware of the differences which existed. Had he known of it he said, he would have appeared here and given the status of affairs as they appeared. He said that the Northwest Theatres, Inc. would continue to remain operating heads of the theatres formerly operated by the F. and R. chain. He explained that a bond guaranteeing the completion of the Park theatre was unnecessary as the builders’ contract called for completion of the building by December 15, 1929. Workmen are at present clearing out the interior of the Park and wrecking the roof preparatory to building.

“The Northwest Theatres have a lease with the N. P. for 25 years. In the event the railway will require the property during the time of the lease we have a contract with them that the lease may be terminated at the close of any five years in the payment of $45,000,” Mr. Charles said. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 August 1929, p. 7, c. 1)


THEATRE TO HAVE

ENGLISH CREATION

_____


New Show House Here to Be Designed

in Old English Tavern Architec-

ture

_____


HILLER ADDRESSES LIONS

_____


Theatre Atmosphere to Include Float-

ing Clouds and Stars; to Open in

December


W. R. Hiller, manager of Publix theatres in Brainerd, told the Lions Club last evening that the new theatre here would be designed in old English tavern architecture and that an effect of floating clouds and stars would be created to harmonize.

“The theatre will be a credit to Brainerd and the district. Its construction will fulfill the big requirements of a theatre as demanded by such a large enterprising concern as the Paramount-Publix Corporation,” he said, “no theatre in the northwest will be more modernly equipped than the local theatre when complete.”

Mr. Hiller promised that the theatre opening would take place during the Christmas holiday season.

The building will be of fireproof construction throughout. It will have a maximum seating capacity of 900 with all seats on the main floor, there being no balcony.

Dimensions including the new part will be 139 feet by 65 feet and will include a foyer, lobby, rest rooms, office and ticket booths.

Entrance will be on the east side with the main exits there also.

The generator and battery rooms will be installed on the second floor with the boiler room and fresh air fan room in the basement of the new addition.

Fresh air, heated as it is brought in will be distributed throughout the building every three minutes. Foul air will be taken out from under the stage by machinery.

The stage will be 16 feet by 55 feet and 40 feet in height.

The floors will be of cement slab, unique illuminating light effects will add to the atmospheric beauty of the theatre. The canopy alone will have 1,578 lamps.

The total investment by the Publix Theatres, when the new theatre is complete will be $150,000, Mr. Hiller said.

Current releases of the best talkies at the same time they are being shown in metropolitan areas will be shown here.

A Western Electric talking equipment, the most expensive on the market will be installed. The equipment will cost $20,000, the speaker said. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 September 1929, p. 3, c.’s 3-5)


FOR SALE—All Equipment, seats, office furniture, other furniture taken out of Park theatre. See Geo. D. Irwin, manager Lyceum theatre. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 November 1929, p. 8, c. 6)


“PARAMOUNT” NAME OF NEW THEATRE

_____


5,000 Lights to Blazon Entrance to

Publix Theatre on

Front Street

_____


SIGN ON SIXTH STREET

_____


Each Breath Taken in by Patrons to

be Air Drawn Through

Water


The name of the new Publix Theatre in Brainerd has been definitely agreed upon as “Paramount,” George Irwin, manager, announced today.

Five thousand Mazdas of 25 to 60 watts will be used in the colorful entrance. A special neon sign will be placed on Sixth street at the Lyceum building to direct the patrons to the theatre.

The latest improvement in ventilation in theatres will be installed here. Each breath taken by the patron in the theatre will be from air drawn through city spring water. This system will also make it possible to lower the temperature of the building on warm summer days. All air taken into the building will be washed of impurities. The ten horse power motor for the air washer arrived yesterday. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 November 1929, p. 7, c. 3)


PUBLIX AUDITOR VISITS THEATRE

_____


H. McKilligan Confers With George

Irwin, Manager of Para-

mount Theatre


H. McKilligan, auditor for Publix theatres, was in the city today conferring with George D. Irwin, manager of the Paramount theatre, on the system of bookkeeping to be inaugurated in the new house and also checking up expenditures at the theatre.

He is assured that a total of $150,000 will be spent on completion of the new theatre. He examined the construction now underway. Plastering has been started and the new heating plant is maintaining an even temperature. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 November 1929, p. 3, c. 4)


NEW THEATRE TO BE AS GREAT AS NAME

_____


Completion of “Paramount” Will See

Latest Type of Publix

Show House

_____


WILL ACCOMMODATE 900

_____


Midnight Show to be Innovation for

Opening Day; Seats in

Advance Sale


When the new Publix theatre in Brainerd is completed it will be all that its name implies “Paramount,” according to Manager Geo. D. Irwin who claims that the theatre will be of the finest type in use by the public in the northwest.

Further, he states, the theatre name signifies the quality of singing, all taking productions to be shown.

The new theatre will accommodate 900 persons. An innovation the opening day, tentatively set for December 15, will be a midnight show to start at 11:15 p. m. Tickets for this show will be on sale in advance at the Lyceum box office. The extra show the opening day will be held to accommodate the thousands expected who may not be able to secure seats for the regular performances.

Picture leases for the new theatre have been secured from Paramount, Warner Brothers, Fox, First National and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 November 1929, p. 7, c. 7)


DECORATORS WORK ON “PARAMOUNT”

_____


Workman Start Putting Touches to

Beautiful Interior of New

Publix Theatre


Thirty decorators were employed today to start putting the beautiful interior touches to the new Publix theatre, the “Paramount.”

Work by the 23 plasterers has been completed and preliminary stages to the completion of this fine building is now taking form. Every effort is being made to the complete the structure ready for occupancy by December 15.

The acoustic ceiling constructed to distribute correctly the reproduction of all talking pictures has been completed.

To prevent any harm from exterior cold temperature coming to the work already done officials have issued instructions that the general public be not permitted to enter the building until its completion.

The Western Electric sound equipment is expected to arrive in the city in a few days, Geo. D. Irwin, local Publix manager announced today. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 November 1929, p. 7, c. 5)


SOUND EQUIPMENT FOR “PARAMOUNT”

_____


New Theatre in Brainerd to Have

Western Electric of

Latest Type


The Western Electric Sound equipment to be installed in the new Paramount theatre here is the latest and most efficient type made. The confidence of the Publix theatres corporation in its new Brainerd Paramount theatre is well illustrated from the fact that there is nothing in any of the big houses of New York or Chicago that is any further advanced than the installation of the talking equipment that is to be made in Brainerd.

The sensation that has been created by the addition of sound to the motion pictures is well illustrated by Will Hayes, an “overlord” of the cinema industry, in his assertion that:

“No story ever written for the screen is as dramatic as the story of the screen itself. It has been a great leap from the shadow of a serpentine dancer of 30 years ago to this marvelous instrument which synchronizes voice and music and sound with the showing of the motion picture.”

Another student of the new era, introduced with the advent of sound in pictures, emphasized the great service it may render to the public and especially to those who have an artistic turn of mind. He says:

“This amazing invention which accurately reproduces voice and instrumental tone in synchrony with motion pictures makes possible the presentation of the finest musical recitals by world famed artists and the “sound” entertainments which will come to the Paramount theatre will bring to the people of this section of Minnesota everything from a single vaudeville entertainment or grand opera stars to a full symphony orchestra or a complete musical comedy show; in fact a number of the great stage plays which are now showing on Broadway are to be reproduced in the talking picture and brought to Brainerd in accordance with the Paramount theatres policy of supreme talking, singing, musical entertainment.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 November 1929, p. 7, c. 3)


900 NEW SEATS FOR PARAMOUNT ARRIVE

_____


Large Aisles to Make Brainerd’s New

Theatre Very Com-

modious


Nine hundred new seats for the new Paramount theatre under construction on Front street arrived in this city this morning. Manager George D. Irwin stated this morning that the work of installation will soon get underway. He added that the aisles in the new theatre would be made especially large to make the theatre as comfortable as possible.

“One of the most vital factors in providing comfort in the Paramount theatre, is the seating problem, which has been solved by the Heywood-Wakefield Company of Chicago, who will install the 900 theatre chairs for Brainerd’s newest and finest theatre,” says Mr. Irwin.

Especially designed and constructed to harmonize with the architectural decorative and engineering scheme, these chairs represent the utmost in scientific theatre seat construction.

Of special designs with metal standards, decorated to harmonize with interior decorations, these chairs are unique in the fact that all hinges are of the ball-bearing type, noiseless in action. All chairs have spring seats.

The seats are balanced or pivoted in a manner which enable them to automatically adjust to the proper incline to provide greatest comfort to the occupant in any position. In other words, the seats do not hold a fixed relation to all positions of the occupant, but tilt to the angle the position demands. This relieves the under leg muscles of pressure and constitutes a seat not only hygienically correct from the scientific standpoint, but from comfort as well. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 December 1929, p. 7, c. 1)


Publix Theatre Corporation Given

Privilege to Erect Large Neon

Sign Near Y. M. C. A.


The privilege to erect a large neon sign across Sixth street from a location in front of the Y. M. C. A. to a point across the street was granted to the Publix Theatres Corporation, represented by Geo. D. Irwin, manager of the Lyceum theatre. The new sign will point to the new Paramount theatre that is nearing completion on Front street. It will be 18 feet above the street, and will be supported by two towers, 36 feet high on each side of the street. This sign is 11 feet in height.

On a motion by Alderman W. J. Lyonais, seconded by Alderman W. J. Hall, the Water and Light department was instructed to remove the large “Welcome” sign that now hangs over Sixth street between the Ransford building and the First National bank building. The sign is to be left down until a more suitable location is decided upon by the council. The corner of Oak and Sixth street was discussed as a possible location for the sign, but no action was taken.

The Publix Theatres Corporation was granted a parking space 50 feet in length in front of the entrance of the new Paramount theatre on Front street. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 December 1929, p. 7, c. 1)


$3,000 NEON SIGN FOR SIXTH STREET

_____


Structure to be 60 Feet Wide, Sup-

ported by Two 35

Foot Posts

_____


TO POINT TO NEW PARAMOUNT

_____


Will Reach From the Corner of N. P.

Park to the Y. M. C. A.

Corner


A neon electric sign pointing to the new Paramount theatre on Front street will be erected soon according to George D. Irwin, manager of the Lyceum and Paramount theatres. The sign which will be 35 feet long and 11 feet high will be put across Sixth street from the corner of the Northern Pacific park to the Y. M. C. A. corner. It will be supported by two large tower-like structures 35 feet high, similar to those on Michigan boulevard in Chicago.

The structure reaching across the street is ornamental in itself and will be 60 feet wide. A large electric lamp will be hung from the top of each tower. The structure will clear the street by 18 feet.

There will be two rows of neon letters on the sign. The word “Paramount” on the first line will be in 24 inch letters, while the word theatre below will be in letters 18 inches high. An arrow pointing to the new theatre will be below. The arrow will be eight inches high and 35 feet long.

The sign, which is to cost $3,000 is said to be one of the most beautiful in this part of the state. It will illuminate the entire corner of Front and Sixth streets. It is thought that motorists will be able to see it as far away as Fredstrom’s corner some miles south of the city. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 December 1929, p. 3, c. 3)


“PARAMOUNT” TO OPEN DECEMBER 21

_____


New Theatre to Present Continuous

Show From 11 A. M. to 1

A. M. That Day

_____


MIDNIGHT SHOW AT 11:15 P. M.

_____


Advance Ticket Sale for Latter—No

Advance in Prices for

Opening Day


Brainerd’s beautiful, atmospheric Paramount theatre will be opened on Saturday, December 21, at 10:30 A. M. and will run continuously on the opening day from 11 A. M. to 1 A. M. There will be no advance in prices for the opening day.

The opening picture will be “Half Way to Heaven” with Charles (Buddy) Rogers and Jean Arthur, an all talking dazzling and daring romantic melodrama. This picture was chosen for the opening because of its universal appeal to young and old alike. Buddy Rogers is known as “America’s Boy Friend” because of his marvelous personality. Jean Arthur has been featured prominently in a number of recent pictures. In addition to this all taking feature picture, an all talking comedy, a sound novelty and sound news will be shown.

The second picture, playing on Sunday, December 22, will be Clara Bow in “The Saturday Night Kid.” The third picture “Say It With Songs” with Al Jolson and Davy Lee playing on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, December 23, 24, 25. Next, on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 26 and 27 “Sweetie” with Nancy Carroll, Jack Oakie and Helen (Sugar) Kane. Saturday only, December 28, Thomas Meighan’s first all talking picture, “The Argyle Case” will be shown. On Sunday, December 29, Richard Dix in the “The Love Doctor.” On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, December 30 and 31 and January 1, “The Virginian” with Gary Cooper, Richard Arlen and Mary Brian. On Thursday and Friday, January 2 and 3, the Four Marx Brothers in “The Cocoanuts” will be shown. On Saturday, January 4, Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell in the “Lucky Star.”

All the above attractions are all talking and singing pictures. With each feature picture a sound news, an all talking comedy and novelties will be presented. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 December 1929, p. 7, c. 2)


EQUIPMENT ARRIVES FOR NEW THEATRE

_____


Equipment for the new Paramount theatre which is to open on December 21 with talking and singing pictures has already begun to arrive, and workmen are engaged in making ready to install it. The scaffolding which was erected for the decoration of the theatre has now been removed and it is said that everything will be in readiness for quick installation of the equipment by experts.

The new Paramount theatre will be equipped with the latest apparatus for presenting Vitaphone and Movietone talking pictures. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 December 1929, p. 5, c.’s 6 & 7)


PARAMOUNT HAS AN INNOVATION

_____


New Device at the Theatre Here Com-

bines Talking Pictures

in One Machine


The sound equipment now being installed in the Paramount theatre is not of the old type such as is in general use throughout the country but is an entirely new invention, according to an announcement made today by the management.

Heretofore, the apparatus which makes the pictures talk, has been installed in theatres in a number of separate units, each unit performing its own distinct function for the production of sound in pictures. By means of electric connections, these units have been made to work together so that the sound and the images on the screen are in exact synchronization. The new device which comes to the Paramount theatre has succeeded in combining these separate machines into a single master unit. The result is a much more perfect projection of the picture on the screen and a clearer, more natural reproduction of the talking, singing and sound accompaniment that has ever before been possible.

This new invention will present Vitaphone, Movietone and all other forms of the sound pictures, and is said to mark a tremendous step forward in the progress of this new entertainment. It will be demonstrated to the public of Brainerd for the first time with the opening of the Paramount theatre. This new device is controlled by the Western Electric company. It is being installed at great expense. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 December 1929, p. 7, c. 5)


PARAMOUNT IS THEATRE OF ART

_____


Beauty Revealed in All Parts of Build-

ing; Patrons Will Not be

Disappointed

_____


SEATS BEING PLACED

_____


Spanish Architecture on North Side

Blends with English on

Opposite Wall


The severest critic will find it difficult to find any fault with the Paramount theatre on its opening, December 21.

The interior architecture surpasses all expectation. It is the work of art and will be acclaimed by all who visit it as such.

While a statement at this time that the theatre will be the most artistic and beautiful of any theatre in the northwest appears somewhat broad, nevertheless patrons will be convinced that such is true.

The theatre has a friendly feeling, one of warmth and coziness because possibly it is not mammoth.

No expense has been spared to make it all that the Publix Theatre Corporation intended it to be. It comes as a most welcome Christmas gift to the people of Brainerd and without question will be of considerable benefit to this city as a commercial light. Merchants throughout the city will most certainly enjoy benefits through visitors attending the theatre and shopping here.

There is a warmth about the building which attracts one immediately upon entry. Decorators with the touch of artists are completing the wall decoration. Colors blend perfectly. The gothic architecture is so attractive that its beauty cannot pass by without the viewer exclaiming its praise.

One feels in stepping into the interior that one has entered a romantic distant land, beautiful as an artist might paint it. It comes as a peaceful dream. The warmth of the Spanish is revealed in the architecture and decorating on the north wall while the austere, proud beauty of the English fits in perfect contrast on the opposite wall. Overhead, the blue skies, moving clouds and twinkling stars quite astonish one in its reality. It is typically an atmospheric theatre.

The work of decorating the interior has been done under the direction of Martin Weinberger, of Minneapolis, employed by the contractors, Liebenberg and Kaplan.

Mr. Weinberger, who has decorated a score of theatres in the northwest, cannot refrain from showing his enthusiasm.

“It’s the most beautiful theatre in the northwest,” he says proudly.

And the seats. The restful feeling of the plush covered backs and cushion seats will be welcomed by patrons. Completion of installation of seats is expected this week.

So technical are the Western Electric motion picture talking machines in the projection rooms that one hesitates to comment but to say that they are of the very latest type and designed to reproduce all talking films as perfectly as can be possible. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 December 1929, p. 5, c. 1)


ACOUSTICS OF THE NEW PARAMOUNT

_____


Tests Made Indicate Theatre Acoustics

Are Perfect and

Satisfying


It is a ticklish moment for the architect when, after his theatre has been completed, he tests the acoustics. He may have created an attractive monument to his profession, expended a huge amount of money in doing it but sometimes he doesn’t know until after he has finished it whether the acoustics are all right.

But that trying period is over at the Paramount theatre. The acoustics have been tested and found perfect. The slightest sound made on the stage is carried to the furthermost corner of the auditorium without the slightest distortion. There is no echo when the sound comes forth in exactly the right volume.

The acoustics will permit renditions from the talking, singing screen that might be hampered if the sound-carrying qualities of the walls were less perfect. There are no “dead” spots. Each note and sound that comes from the golden-voiced screen in Brainerd’s new show house will reach the ear of the listener at the same time. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 December 1929, p. 11, c. 1)


POPULAR PRICES AT PARAMOUNT

_____


No Advance in Prices for the Grand

Opening Day of

Theatre


On opening of Brainerd’s beautiful new Paramount theatre Saturday, December 21, popular prices will prevail. Mondays through Fridays, matinees 25c; nights 50c. Saturday matinees 35c; nights 50c. Sundays and holidays all times 50c. Children any seat, any day, 10c. There will be no advance in prices for the grand opening day.

Shows will be continuous on opening day from 11 A. M. to 1 A. M. the special midnight show starting at 11:15 P. M. Regular prices will prevail for the midnight show. Tickets will be on sale at the Lyceum theatre for this show. No reserved seats for midnight show. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 December 1929, p. 7, c. 2)


THEATRE PLANS PLEASE PUBLIC

_____


Enthusiasm is Shown by Entire City

Toward New Play-

house


That the entire city is enthused over the fact of the coming opening of the new Paramount theatre, one of the great chain of Publix theatres, is indicated by the daily visits of local and out-of-town people to the site of the theatre.

Representatives of the Western Electric company have been in town all last week preparing for the installation of the costly Vitaphone and Movietone equipment. They state that this will be one of the finest installations in this part of the country, and the apparatus which will be placed in the Paramount theatre will be equal in tone production to that now in the large Paramount theatre in New York.

DeLuxe seats have arrived for immediate installation in the Paramount. They were manufactured by the Haywood-Wakefield Manufacturing Co., well-known manufacturer of DeLuxe theatre seats. These seats are of the highest grade that could be purchased.

E. Prinsen, district manager for the Minnesota Publix theatres, is now in the city and is greatly pleased over the attitude of the public toward the opening of the Paramount theatre. Mr. Prinsen stated that it was the plan of the Public Theatres Corporation to make the new theatre the show place of the state and equal to to any theatre in the country in the quality of entertainment which it will present.

Furniture of a French-English type will be placed throughout the new playhouse. Representatives of Publix theatres maintenance department have been on the ground and have already placed orders for the necessary equipment, such as carpets, lobby frames, drapes, lighting apparatus and other items of this sort. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 December 1929, p. 7, c. 2)


“ATMOSPHERIC” THEATRE CEILING

_____


Blue Sky Overhead at the New Para-

mount Theatre

of City


When the people of Brainerd get their first view of the interior of the new Paramount theatre, a blue sky will be over their heads. Stars will twinkle down at them and a harvest moon will keep watch. Fleecy white clouds will be seen drifting across the blue expanse.

There will be no danger of sudden showers, however, for this section of the heavens will be the ceiling of the new theatre.

The construction of this “atmospheric” ceiling is now being completed by the Liebenberg and Kaplan Construction Company. According to to representatives of the Publix theatres maintenance department, the illusion produced by the artificial sky will be so perfect that visitors to the Paramount theatre will have to take a second look to assure themselves that it is not a real Minnesota sky which covers them. The clouds which will be seen floating overhead will be produced by a newly perfected “effect machine” concealed near the stage.

Interior construction work on the new theatre is now almost complete. The seats which are now being installed have been especially made to fit the slope of the floor. The management states that they will be the last word in theatre seating comfort and are identical to those being installed in large Publix theatres over the entire country. These seats are equipped with noiseless, ball-bearing hinges and are heavily upholstered with velour. The new Paramount theatre will open Saturday morning, December 21 at 11 o’clock A. M. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 December 1929, p. 7, c. 4)


BRAINERD’S THEATRE DREAM REALIZED

_____


Paramount Theatre Opens Saturday,

Modern and Beautiful

Picture House


The most modern and most beautiful picture house in the world for a town the size of Brainerd will be open to the public Saturday morning at 11 o’clock when the Paramount Theatre will present “Half Way to Heaven” with Charles Buddy Rogers and Jean Arthur.

George Irwin, manager, today was making his final preparation for the grand opening. Everywhere he turned, he said, he found the heartiest co-operation on the part of Brainerd businessmen, the public generally, and the county at large. The opening of the Paramount, with its special equipment, will be an event in the entertainment history of Minnesota.

The Publix Theatres Corporation, on building this elaborate play-house, has spared nothing to make it the finest in Minnesota. Every article, every device, every art which science knows has been employed in its construction and furnishings.

The whole community is literally on the tip-toe of expectancy today for the opening Saturday for the first opportunity to show its appreciation of this wholesome new theatre.

Workmen and artists today were applying the finishing touches for the first rehearsal of the inaugural program.

Large delegations from out of town will be here Saturday when the new Paramount Theatre will be a dream realized. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 December 1929, p. 7, c. 5)


Congratulations to Publix Corporation

_____


THE BRAINERD DAILY DISPATCH takes this opportunity of expressing sincere congratulations to the Publix Corporation upon the completion of Brainerd’s beautiful new Paramount theatre.

Denoting still another step in the civic and business progress of the city, the dedication of this artistic structure best of all indicates the supreme confidence of the world’s largest and most successful theatrical organization in the stability and future of Brainerd and its adjoining territory.

We extend the hand of friendship, with best wishes for the future success of the theatre. We congratulate the officials, planners, builders and finishers upon the moulding of a theatre in keeping with the atmosphere of Brainerd.

We feel qualified to state that every step has been taken to install the most modern and efficient apparatus known to the moving picture world. We can unhesitatingly recommend Brainerd’s new Paramount theatre.

Local businessmen who for years have been watching legitimate Brainerd trade drifting to other cities for amusement—and, incidentally, buying—appreciate the fact that the new theatre will be a drawing card not only for the pleasure and recreation of its own citizens but likewise for tourists and visitors from neighboring cities.

May the New Year be a most prosperous one for the new Paramount! (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 December 1929, p. 4, c. 1)


BARGAINS OF LOCAL MERCHANTS FEATURE

PARAMOUNT OPENING


Brainerd merchants know the value of a good theatre to any thriving community. They also appreciate the forward strides of the Publix Corporation in giving the public only the best in theatre construction and entertainment.

And, accordingly, they are expressing their faith in the new “Paramount” by joining with the Dispatch in the sponsoring today of the largest edition of this paper that has ever been turned out.

Virtually every business house in the city will be found represented in this edition, offering something or other of unusual interest to the late Christmas shopper or Paramount Theatre visitor. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18th December 1929, p. 9, c. 2)


23,000 FEET OF WIRE FOR LIGHTING SYSTEM

_____


VIC WIMMER, ELECTRICIAN, HAS

COMPLETED INSTALLATION

IN NEW THEATRE


With the last 15 stars placed in the sky of the atmospheric theatre, Vic Wimmer, electrician, has completed the installation of electrical equipment that will use 750,000 watts of electricity an evening at the Paramount theatre.

The work he has completed has called for over 23,000 feet of wire. Mr. Wimmer who has experienced 20 years of electrical work in many states of the United States and in South America, could make no estimate of the many miles of wire he had installed during his electrical career. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 December 1929, p. 10, c.’s 1 & 2)


ELKS WILL ENTERTAIN KIDDIES AT “PARAMOUNT” MONDAY

_____


ELKS LODGE AND PUBLIX OFFI-

CIALS COOPERATE IN MAK-

ING YOUNGSTERS HAPPY

_____


CANDY, NUTS AND APPLES TO BE

GIVEN; RICHARD DIX AND

“OUR GANG” ON PROGRAM


Monday morning will be a happy occasion for the kiddies of Brainerd and vicinity for it is then that the Elks Lodge of Brainerd through the cooperation of the Publix theatre officials will be hosts at the Elks annual Christmas party for the youngsters.

And the party will be held at the new Paramount theatre. Richard Dix will be seen and heard in the all talking, Technicolor production “Red Skin.” And just as big an attraction but in a different way will be “Our Gang” in a brand new comedy “The Spanking Age.”

The party will start at 10 a. m. sharp at the new theatre, Front Street. Enough candy, nuts and apples have been purchased by the Elks lodge to make 1,400 boys and girls happy, Santa Claus will be on hand to distribute the gifts.

Members of the committee of the Elks lodge in charge of arrangements are: Ed. Hoffmann, J. J. Cummins, Axel W. Fall, J. J. Nolan, Dr. A. K. Cohen, G. S. Swanson, Henry Anderson, George Lucas, Clarence Van Essen. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 December 1929, p. 17, c. 1)


MILL CITY FIRM ARCHITECTS FOR NEW PUBLIX HOUSE


To Liebenberg and Kaplan, noted Minneapolis architects of the new Paramount theatre, must go the credit for the transformation in an incredibly short time of the old Park theatre into one of the most beautiful atmospheric show houses in the northwest.

Backed with the experience gained in the designing of many other theatres for the Publix Corporation in various parts of the country, the Minnesota firm has worked magic with the old Brainerd landmark, converting it almost overnight into an unbelievable fairyland. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 December 1929, p. 17, c. 4)


NOTE: Liebenberg and Kaplan were also the architects for the Palace Theatre built in 1931.


SEE: Palace Theatre


EXPLAIN WORKINGS OF NEW SOUND FILM

_____


Two Types of Machine in Use at the

Paramount Theatre Reveal

Intricate Devices

_____


Sound Track to Sides of Film; Para-

mount Equipment Ranks With

the Best in Country


In keeping with their promise to provide and install nothing but the best and latest of appurtenances for the edification of the motion picture theatregoers of Brainerd, the management of the new Paramount offers the following explanation regarding sound-reproducing apparatus.

When this elaborate new show place begins it first performance the patrons will hear their favorite screen players speak through the medium of the Movietone and Vitaphone equipment.

To the average movie patron there exists absolute ignorance as to the intricacies of the sound-reproducing mechanics but a visit to the projection booth will enlighten. Let us proceed to the booth of the new Paramount theatre and have it explained.

In the Movietone the sounds are actually reproduced on the film itself at the time the scenes are photographed. This is done by amplifying the original sounds until they are strong enough to vary the intensity of a special electric lamp which is focussed onto the edge of the film. The result is a band of horizontal lines of varying thickness running all the way down the side of the film, these are called film tracks.

To turn this photographic image back to sound in the theatre it is necessary to focus a small beam of light onto the sound track. Behind the sound track is a photo-electric cell which is extremely sensitive to light. As the various flickering shadows, which are the lines on the film track, pass the beam of light and enter the photo-electric cell, they set up minute electrical impulses in the cell. These impulses naturally correspond to the lines on the sound track, which are the original sounds, we now have these sounds in the form of electrical energy.

A three-tube amplifier, somewhat similar to a radio amplifier is located close to the cell and this boosts the tiny impulses until they could be heard in an ordinary phone headset. They are then fed into a series of amplifiers mounted in the projection booth. From there they pass through various control panels and finally go out to the horns at the back of the screen.

These horns are placed on steel towers 16 feet high and are adjustable to diffuse sounds to all portions of the theatre. Each horn has a receiver attached to it which is many times as efficient as the average radio loud-speaker unit, and which will reproduce voices and music more accurately than anything yet placed on the market. The electrical impulses, now in a much magnified state, are fed to these loud-speakers, thus enabling the audience to hear as well as see the players on the screen.


Another Method

In the Vitaphone equipment we have the method as employed in reproducing dance records on the ordinary gramophone. These records are produced at the same time as the picture and a set of them accompanies each film to the theatre. A turntable is run by the same motor that drives the projection machines, and the sound is obtained from the record by means of an electro-magnetic reproducer.

The records are run at a much slower speed than on the ordinary gramophone, consequently one large record will suffice for ten or 15 minutes, which is the same time required for exhibiting a 1,000 feet of film.

By the simple process of starting the needle on the record at the same time the film is started through the projection machine, the sound reproduced on the record is synchronized with the action displayed on the screen. The impulses are amplified in the same manner and fed to the loud-speakers behind the screen as in the Movietone. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 December 1929, p. 18, c.’s 1-3)

USHERS RECEIVE TRAINING

_____


L. Ryan of Minnesota Theatre Cond-

ducts School Preparing Ushers

In Service


L. Ryan, director of service at the Minnesota theatre, has been conducting a school for the six ushers at the new Paramount Theatre.

Public service has been the main selling point stressed by Mr. Ryan in preparing the ushers for their work. Roland Jenkins has been named head usher.

The ushers will be dressed in the standard uniforms of Publix theatre ushers, powder blue suits with white stripe on the trousers. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 December 1929, p. 18, c. 5)


REHEARSAL AT THEATRE FRIDAY

_____


Every Detail of Opening Program

Saturday is to be

Checked


The work on the interior of the new Paramount Theatre is almost completed and everything is set for the grand opening on Saturday morning at 11 o’clock A. M. A complete rehearsal of the inaugural program is planned for Friday. This complete preparedness, with leeway of at least 24 hours in which to rectify any possible omission will be the climax of many weeks of work to complete the elaborate decoration [Old English Tavern] and finishing of the beautiful auditorium.

Not only will the Paramount Theatre be complete in all its appointments on Thursday but it will be cleaned and polished from the “Weather Plant” in the basement to the projection machines booth, and the apparatus which makes the screen talk and sing. The furnishings of the theatre have all arrived and are being placed.

It is anticipated that a number of the New York representatives of the Publix Theatres Corporation, which operates the new Paramount Theatre, will be on hand for the rehearsal Friday. The rehearsal will include the drilling of all house attendants for courtesy and precision in all that is required of them in promoting the comfort of Paramount Theatre guests.

The entire program of entertainment for the theatre opening on Saturday will be gone over, including the screen of “Half Way to Heaven,” the all-talking Paramount super-production which has been selected to head the inaugural program.

The management announces that admission prices of 10 cents for children and 50 cents for adults will prevail for the grand opening. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 December 1929, p. 21, c. 1)


NEWSBOY IS FIRST TO BUY TICKET FOR PARAMOUNT OPENING


“Oh gee! Oh Gosh! This is even sweller than the Minnesota theatre. Real clouds and stars and everything, and look at them move. There they go, hear ‘em talk, and they sing. Boy, ain’t that sumpin!”

Such was juvenile Brainerd’s greeting to the new Paramount theatre, as expressed by Floyd Brooks, 12-year-old carrier for the Brainerd Daily Dispatch, who was the first person to buy a ticket when the box office of the beautiful new Publix show house was thrown open for the first time this morning.

Floyd, who is the son of H. B. Brooks, 824 10th avenue northeast, was followed to the window by his 11-year-old buddy, Billy Miller, son of John Miller, 621 South Fifth street. With hundreds of other youngsters, they had patiently awaited the actual opening of the theatre since early this morning, some of them arriving for a preliminary survey of the situation as early as 8 o’clock.

Most of the youngsters were so flabbergasted at the miraculous changes that had been made in what they recalled as “the old Park theatre” that they just simply couldn’t speak. They crowded down the aisles in awe and amazement, one surprise after another grasping their attention, sweeping them off their feet.

They listened attentively to the newsreel, cheered the singing cartoon comedy, chuckled to the wise cracks of the talking comedy, and passed up their noonday meal to worry “Halfway To Heaven” with Buddy Rogers and Jean Arthur, only to inquire if there was any rule against staying over for a second look at “that funny song.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 December 1929, p. 2, c. 5)


LUMINARIES HERE FOR SHOW PREMIER

_____


Fourteen Officials of Publix Chain

Among Distinguished Guests

at Paramount

_____


PARTIES FEATURE OPENING

_____


New Theatre Lauded by Opening

Crowds as Most Picturesque

in Northwest


Never in the history of Brainerd has such an aggregation of out-of-town business executives been attracted here in connection with a local enterprise as gathered today for the formal opening of the new Paramount Theatre, latest addition to the gigantic Publix chain of 1,400 show houses in all parts of the country.

The group included Martin J. Mullin, general manager; Harold D. Finkelstein, associate general manager; Nat Wolf, northwest division booker; Ed Prinsen, district manager; Herman Fields, supervisor of purchasing and maintenance; A. Kaplan, architect; Louis Rothstein, construction representative of the New York office; Don Chambers, advertising supervisor from the New York office; Martin P. Kelly, district publicity manager; Elmer Zrenner, sound expert of the New York office; John Schmidt, sound department expert; B. Rives, Publix heating and ventilating superintendent; C. [sic] [W. J.] Yutzy, northwest division projection supervisor, and L. Ryan, circuit director of service.

At 6:30 p. m. today the visitors will be honorary guests at a dinner at the Ransford hotel sponsored by the Brainerd Chamber of Commerce at which time Chamber officers will extend words of appreciation and welcome.

Several dinner and theatre parties will feature the opening of the theatre.

The new Paramount was lauded by patrons attending the opening today as the most picturesque theatre in the northwest. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 December 1929, p. 7, c. 5)


1442 AT ELKS THEATRE PARTY

_____


Kiddies Revel at Annual Christmas

Party; Held This Morning in

New Paramount


The annual Children’s Christmas Party sponsored by either the Elks or the Lions, ca. 1932-33. A 1910x1460 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The Elks Christmas party for children held at the new Paramount theatre this morning had an attendance of 1,442, the largest number of children ever to attend a children’s party in this city.

The party was given under auspices of the Elks lodge through the cooperation of the Publix Theatres Corporation. Candy, fruit and nuts were given to each boy and girl by Santa Claus who was impersonated by Henry Roberts.

Rich Dix in the featured all talking production and the “Our Gang” comedy delighted the kiddies.

Several articles belonging to children have been found in the theatre and may be claimed by the losers by inquiring at the box office. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 December 1929, p. 7, c. 5)


NOTE: The annual Elks Christmas Party for children was begun in 1919.


WONDERS IN SOUND PROJECTION ART

_____


Machines of Western Electric at New

Paramount Theatre Please

Patrons

_____


EXPERTS INSTRUCT OPERATORS

_____


Felix Melnick and W. J. Yutzy Keep

Projection Machines at

Appointed Tasks


Western Electric equipment, the most modern of its kind, is revealed in the two projection machines and effect machine in use at the new Paramount theatre here. The equipment used to produce the talkies embraces in its field radio, television, etc., and requires experts to install the same and to teach the operators, Everett McQuillin and Harry Voss, who at present are undergoing intensive training under the watchful eyes of Felix Melnick, operator of the Electrical Research Product, Inc., Chicago, and W. J. Yutzy, chief projectionist of the Publix Northwest Division, of the Minnesota theatres.

Housed near the projection room is the generator room and battery room.

Just as Mr. Melnick was about to describe features of the projection machine, it got as temperamental as a radio and “froze” a bearing. That made it necessary to carry the whole load of the evening’s entertainment on one machine and necessitated quick changes.

Mr. Melnick tossed aside his coat and vest and in shirtsleeves took the machine apart, tracked down the trouble and within six minutes had it working docilely and obediently. His trained ear tells immediately when gears are meshing nicely and purring contentedly or whether they are obstreperous and cutting badly. So many thousands of parts enter into construction and operation that all must function 100 percent or there is trouble.

The machine is almost human in operation, but nevertheless requires the guiding hand of a master to get it accustomed to its routine and to function correctly.

The effect machine turns out any kind of atmospheric conditions you want. With the turn of a lever you can bring forth a cold, snowy night; a northeastern laden with rain, or a windstorm, anything you want. You have the colors of the rainbow and then some to draw on.

All the equipment is wonderful and it takes an expert to understand construction and operation. We, who know little about that, sit in the theatre and enjoy to the utmost the marvels of sound, color and picture. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 December 1929, p. 1, c. 7)


SIX USHERS AT THEATRE

_____


Maintain High Standard for Courtesy

of Publix Theatres, at

New Paramount


Courtesy in contact with patrons of the theatre was taught the six ushers of the new Paramount theatre by L. Ryan, chief usher of the Minnesota theatre of Minneapolis.

The boys attended the school held here for a week by Mr. Ryan and were thoroughly coached in their duties. The chief usher here is Roland T. Jenkins and the five assistants are Lyle Creger, Russell Nelson, Wm. Hermann, Leo Turcotte and Weston Shobe.

The uniform of the boys is powder blue with black and red stripes. No caps are worn. The Publix Theatres corporation is known for its entertainment and service and the boys here hope to maintain the high standard in efficiency and courtesy set by the corporation. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 December 1929, p. 7, c. 2)


Paramount Ends Era as Entertainment ‘Mecca’


Empty Paramount Theatre with FOR SALE sign plastered on the side of the building, 1994.
Source: Unknown

There aren’t too many people around who remember when the Paramount Theater opened its doors to moviegoers for the first time on Saturday, Dec. 21, 1929.

The “all-talking” show was “Halfway to Heaven,” starring Buddy Rogers and Jean Arthur. And admission was 50 cents for adults, a dime for kids.

A Brainerd landmark, the Paramount will close tonight as a movie theater. And it’s going out with a bang.

Its owners and operators have planned farewell celebrations for Friday and Saturday nights.

At 7:30 p. m. each night, the classic 1971 film “Fiddler on the Roof” will be shown, according to Paramount owner John Perino of Alexandria.

Demolition, ca. April 1994.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Employees will be dressed to the hilt in old-time garb, Perino said recently.

Prizes will be given away, including a year-long pass and individual passes to the Westport Cinemas, Paramount’s sister theater. KQBR will broadcast live from the theater on Friday.

And admission will be at 1929 prices—50 cents for adults and 10 cents for children (12 and under).

Perino said all proceeds from the weekend film showing will go toward converting the theater building into a community arts center. That effort has been spearheaded by part-time area resident Bob Mansfield, who assembled an arts center committee which has since formed a non-profit corporation for the center.

Demolition, ca. April 1994.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Perino has set the price of the Paramount at $100,000. Remodeling costs have been estimated at $1.5 million.

Perino is confident that arts center supporters can raise that kind of money.

“I honestly think they can do it,” he said.

He noted that arts supporters in Alexandria raised $1.5 million in six months for an arts center there—half of the estimated cost.

Demolition, ca. April 1994.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

“If Alexandria can raise that much, Brainerd can easily,” Perino said, “through grants and local citizen donations.

“If they do raise it (the money), Brainerd will have one whale of a facility. It’ll spruce up downtown. An arts center will be another plum to draw people to the area.”

Perino runs Tentelino Theatres, based in Alexandria with 21 screens in Minnesota and Michigan. Besides the Paramount, Tentelino owns the new Westport Cinemas in the Westport Mall.

That diversification is one reason the decision was made to close the Paramount, Perino said.

“We built three new theaters in Brainerd,” he said, “with more comfortable seats, bigger screens and stereo. It was no longer feasible to run a single theater downtown when we had three elsewhere.”

Demolition, ca. April 1994.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Tentelino was started by Perino’s father, Joseph Perino, and his partners, John McCarten and Kenneth Bechtel. The firm acquired the Paramount in 1958.

But the history of the Paramount building begins long before that.

On April 15, 1901, the idea to build what would be the Park Opera House and City Hall building was broached to the Brainerd City Council by five men—Frank B. Johnson, A. F. Ferris, Ransford Rudolph Wise, George LaBar and George Holland.

On June 24 of that year, C. B. Rowley was awarded the construction contract; J. J. Wangenstein of Duluth was selected as architect.

The building had a seating capacity of approximately 800 people, housed the city hall on its top floor and provided space for the electric department in the basement.

It was constructed at a cost of $22,000 and opened on Dec. 2 with the Casino Girl Opera Company.

Marie Adair, 90, of Woodland Acres, attended that gala opening.

“I was 6 years old at the time,” Marie said in a recent conversation. “I remember that the chorus girls smoked cigarettes, which was a terrible thing for that time. And I’m not sure, but I think they also had on tights.”

She said that the show was disrupted by trains that periodically rumbled by on the tracks located uncomfortably close to the building.

“We couldn’t hear what was going on on stage,” Marie chuckled.

She remembers that there were four boxes near the stage and a balcony. “We sat in the front row of the balcony, right in the center,” she said. “That was a good seat.”

Demolition, ca. April 1994.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The Dispatch published a glowing account of the opening in its next day’s issue. It especially focused on how the attendees were dressed.

“A list of elegant gowns and by whom they were worn would be too long to publish,” the story reads. “The Dispatch had intended to procure these names and a description of each gown.”

It goes on to say that “there were many out-of-town guests at the theater, and the event was made a brilliant society affair, a fitting opening to the season’s gaiety.

“The Brainerd Opera House will in all likelihood become popular as a Mecca for Brainerd’s swagger set.”

In 1914, the city hall offices were moved from the Park Opera House to the new city hall, located on the northeast corner of Laurel and Fourth Streets.

Clyde E. Parker purchased the Park in 1918 and promptly changed its name to the New Park Theatre. At that time, silent movies were gaining in popularity over vaudeville.

The name was changed to the Paramount in 1929, when the theater was bought by Finkelstein and Ruben of Publix Theatres of New York and Chicago.

The theater was redesigned and remodeled by Jack Liebenberg and Seeman Kaplan, Minneapolis architects and engineers. A Spanish Mediterranean [and Old English] design was added to its interior, and small lights were installed in the ceiling to create a “starry night” effect.

The fly space behind the stage and the auditorium floor were modified; the lobby, entrance, bathrooms and a projection room were added; and the balcony, box seats and city hall offices were torn out. The new auditorium seated about 500 [900] persons.

Demolition, ca. April 1994.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The Dispatch had another glowing account of the Paramount’s opening.

From the Dec. 21, 1929, issue:

The new Paramount was lauded by patrons attending the opening today as the most picturesque theatre in the northwest.”

In 1941, the current marquee, designed by Jack Liebenberg and engineered by Seeman Kaplan, was installed on the corner of the Paramount Theater.

Sometime in the ‘40’s, the building was bought by Baehr Theaters, which owned it until the Tentelino acquisition.

Finally, in 1971, the Park Opera House was declared a historic site in the Minnesota Historic Sites Survey conducted that year.

Lois Anderson, manager of the Paramount for the last 20 years, has mixed emotions about the closing.

“I’m happy that the building is going to stay—it would’ve been sad if it were to be torn down.

“It just hit me—Hey, I spent 20 years of my life there,” Ms. Anderson said. “There’s a lot of fun and tears associated with that business. I’ve met a lot of wonderful people there over the years.”

She will become assistant manager at the Westport Cinemas. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 September 1985, p. 1B)


NOTE: The remodeling which took place in 1929 included both a Spanish and English motif for the interior, not simply a “Spanish Mediterranean” motif as noted in the article above.


19 July 1986. The BN Railroad has agreed to lease the site of the old Paramount Theater to the Brainerd Lakes Arts Center, Inc. The action will allow BLACI to begin work on plans to convert the 1900-vintage movie theatre into a $2.5 million arts center, says Marjorie Nolan, BLACI president. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 19 July 2016)


05 September 1987. Brainerd's historic Park Opera House, later the Paramount Theatre, faces an uncertain future. The building, built in 1901, is structurally sound, but there have been no buyers thus far. The original asking price was $100,000 but now is half that. If there are no offers, it will be torn down. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 05 September 2017)


20 April 1994. (Photo) The east wall of the empty Paramount Theatre was brought down by a Hengel Construction employee as he worked on demolition of the Brainerd landmark. The building was once the site of an opera house, then later a theatre. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 20 April 1994)


PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Located on the southwest corner of North Sixth and Juniper Streets.


Brainerd area Methodists began meeting together in 1870, when a pioneer missionary, the Rev. James Gurley, traveled through the Northern Pacific route territory. Mr. Gurley covered a large portion of the north central portion of Minnesota from Wisconsin to North Dakota and because of his widespread travels was unable to establish firm organizations in each community. However, he was a man of vision and saw that “the Crossing” would become a place of importance in the future and must have a Methodist Church. It was this foresight which prompted him to gather $500 among Methodist friends in St. Paul and Minneapolis with which to build a chapel in Brainerd. However, before he could effect the organization of the congregation he moved on to other fields leaving a $500 “building fund” behind.

It was on October 13, 1872, that a small group of Methodists met in an unplastered hall at the corner of Sixth and Laurel Streets in Brainerd to form a new congregation. The meeting was called to order by the Presiding Elder of the Northern District of the Methodist church in Minnesota, the Rev. J. P. Chaffee. He introduced the newly appointed minister of the congregation, the Rev. H. J. Crist. The day was cold and there was no stove for heat. The hall had been used for a public dance the evening before and was still in a state of confusion. Planks were placed across beer kegs to make benches and the organizational meeting began. The record shows that nine persons were listed among the charter members.

The newly arrived minister began at once to collect funds and make arrangements for building the chapel. There was no house in which his family could live so they erected a wall tent on the church lot. The first chapel was begun and a “lean-to” room added for a “parsonage” until a regular parsonage could be built. An early storm and frigid weather delayed construction and made life miserable for the pastor and family but by late November the chapel was completed.

The Sunday School was organized December 13, 1872, with thirty members. On February 9, 1873, the chapel was dedicated debt free by Bishop Merrill. The congregation of seventy members voted at the same meeting to begin building a new parsonage. This parsonage was constructed from plans of the Board of Missions and cost $716.82.

In 1886 the growing congregation needed additional space and a new and larger building was erected following the purchase of more land from the Superior and Puget Sound Land Company for the sum of $1.00. The old chapel building was sold to a family in the church. It was moved to a lot west of church and later incorporated into a private dwelling.

The spirit of the early church was remarkable. In their written records they tell of discouragements, but always end on a hopeful note of faith in God. However, the congregation continued to grow and prosper and later was the mother of two smaller Methodist congregations, one in Wadena and one in Barrows.

Park United Methodist Church remodeled in 1916 and razed in 1967.
Source: The Word, a Century with Our Churches, Brainerd, Minnesota 1871-1971, p. 11

The church, built in 1886, served the congregation for thirty years before it was outgrown. In 1915, the existing church building was moved to the rear of the lot at Sixth and Juniper Streets. In 1916, an extensive remodeling project was undertaken. The building was raised; a basement dug; and a large addition of Sunday School rooms on two floors was added to the east end toward Juniper. Mr. Harry F. Michael was chairman of the building committee and Olaf C. Skauge was the secretary. The cost for the total project was $30,000. The cornerstone was laid on November 23, 1916, and the building completed and dedicated on June 10, 1917. By this time the congregation which number only nine members at its first service had grown to 310.

The old parsonage which had stood next to the church building on Sixth Street was now in poor condition after nearly 40 years of use. The congregation voted to purchase a home on Seventh and Bluff and the old parsonage was wrecked for the lumber. The newly purchased parsonage served as the pastor’s home until 1940 when a new parsonage was constructed on the lot south of the church.

Through the years the congregation has continued a steady growth in membership and service throughout the community, state, nation and world.

In 1963 the congregation once more faced the problem of crowded and inadequate educational space. Plans were made for the construction of a new Education Center which would later be incorporated into a total new structure including a sanctuary. Two additional lots adjacent to property already owned were purchased. The parsonage was moved to Bluff Avenue and the Education Center built at a cost of $170,000 for the entire project including purchase of land and moving the parsonage.

The new Education Center includes the church offices and pastor’s study and twelve classrooms for instructions. A central assembly and meeting room with a small kitchenette is also provided.

Architect's rendering of the new Park United Methodist Church by Dwight O. Churchill, May 1969.
Source: The Word, a Century with Our Churches, Brainerd, Minnesota 1871-1971, p. 10

In October 1967, serious problems of rot and water damage were discovered in the oldest portions of the sanctuary building (that portion built in 1886). After a professional investigation showing the building to be in dangerous condition the congregation voted to raze the building and begin at once toward construction of a new sanctuary building. Dwight O. Churchill, architect, Minneapolis, completed the outstanding drawings for the new building in May of 1969 but due to the economic situation funds were no longer available for construction. The congregation has been waiting and accumulating funds hoping to be able to build the new church soon.

Construction on the basement phase of the new building will begin in the spring of 1971 with completion scheduled for summer of 1971. It is fervently hoped that funds will be available so construction of the upper level can continue in 1972 with completion before the 100th anniversary of the organization of the congregation in October, 1972.

The congregation of Park United Methodist Church presently numbers 600 full members and 175 preparatory members. The present Pastor, the Rev. Leslie E. Drake, came to Brainerd in July of 1966 and is the 37th pastor to serve the church. (The Word, a Century with Our Churches, Brainerd, Minnesota 1871-1971, pp. 10 & 11)


PARKER BLOCK (MAP #32)

TO LET CONTRACT FOR NEW BUILDING

_____


Directors of Citizens State Bank

Will Meet May 19th for

That Purpose

_____


R. PARKER WILL ALSO BUILD

_____


Final Quietus Put Upon Talk of

Bank Building on Laurel

Street


There has been a meeting of the directors of the Citizens State bank called for Tuesday, the 19th day of May, at which time the various contractors who have been figuring upon the building have been notified to be present with their bids.

This statement was given to the DISPATCH representative by C. N. Parker and he further stated that the building would be erected on the corner of Front and Seventh streets on the site of the building burned a year ago last winter.

R. Parker who owned the adjacent lots, also stated a few days ago that he would erect a brick store building this summer. It will be a decided improvement to the appearance of our city and especially to Front street to have that corner built up in a handsome and substantial manner. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 May 1908, p. 3, c. 3)


WILL BUILD ON LAUREL STREET

_____


Citizens State Bank This After-

noon Purchased Corner

South of Bane Block

_____


CHANGE DELAYS WORK SLIGHTLY

_____


Bids for New Building Were Not

Opened Today Because of

the Change of Plans


At a meeting of the board of directors of the Citizens State bank this afternoon a proposition from the owners of the corner lot south of the Bane block, occupied by Miss Phillips’ millinery store, was accepted. The bank will now erect its new building on that site instead of on that of the burned building.

Owing to the change of plans necessary because of the larger lot purchased, the bids on the building were not opened as was announced would be the case. The change will delay the work of constructing the new building about 30 days it is expected. While no announcement is made there is more than a probability that the site of the old bank will also be built up with a good business building this season. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 May 1908, p. 3, c. 3)


WILL BUILD FINE BANK BUILDING

_____


Citizens State Bank will Erect

One of Finest Bank Build-

ings in this Section

_____


WILL BE THREE STORIES HIGH

_____


Four Store Rooms Beside Bank-

ing Room Will Occupy Floor

of Structure



The new bank building to be erected by the Citizens State Bank at the corner of Seventh and Laurel streets this summer will be one that would be a credit to a city of several times the size of Brainerd. It will be 50 feet by 140 feet and will be three stories high with full basement.

The building will be of red pressed brick, trimmed with brown stone, massive simplicity being the key note rather than ornate ornamentation. It will be equipped with an electric elevator and every device known to an up-to-date business block. Vaults will commence in the basement, with fire-proof storage for paper, old records, etc., and will continue up through the second story for the use of the parties renting offices on that floor.

The first floor will contain, in addition to the banking room, four store rooms. The banking room will be 25 by 70 feet on Seventh street and three store rooms on Laurel street. Of these one will be 18 by 50 feet and the other two will be 25 by 50 feet each.

The second floor will be fitted up as fine offices so arranged as to be available either singly or in suite. The interior finish will be hardwood throughout and the lobby of the bank will be floored with tile. While no information has been given out as yet as to the furnishing of the banking room it goes without saying that they will be of the best obtainable. The matter of the arrangement and finish of the third floor is left in abeyance at present by the bank officials and they will bend all of their energies and all of those of the architects and contractors to the work of getting the first two floors ready for business as speedily as possible.

Owing to the sudden change of location a week ago, just as the contract was about to be let for a building on the corner of Seventh and Front streets, none of the plans of the new building have as yet reached this city, but the determination of Mr. Dunn and Mr. Parker and their associates to erect one of the best bank buildings in this section, is a guarantee that every citizen can point with pride to the building when it is completed. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 May 1908, p. 5, c. 3)


NEW BANK BUILDING IS A BEAUTY

_____


Few Cities of This Size Have

Better Bank Building Than

is This One

_____


THE BUILDING ALL OCCUPIED

_____


Only One Room is Vacant and

Rent is Being Paid for That

to Hold It


When the brick veneered building at the corner of Front and Seventh streets, occupied by the Citizens State Bank, was destroyed by fire on the night of January 21st, 1907, it was the universal opinion of the people of Brainerd that when the bank built a home that it would be a credit not only to the bank but to the city. The faith of the people has been justified.

Dr. Henri Ribbel, dentist, Secretary-Treasurer Parker-Dunn Corporation, one of the three owners of the Citizens State Bank building, 13 May 1909.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

The first move toward the new building was the organization, in the spring of 1907, of the Parker-Dunn corporation, formed to erect and own the building, leasing the structure to the bank. The incorporators were C. N. Parker, M. T. Dunn and Henri Ribbel, and the present officers are as follows:

Pres.—M. T. Dunn.

V. P.—C. N. Parker.

Sec. and Treas.—Henri Ribbel.

It was at first the intention to build on the site of the burned structure, and plans were prepared for a building on that ground. Because of lack of room for such a building as it was the desire of the owners to erect, and because of the belief that Laurel street was bound to become one of the leading streets of the city, it was later determined to build at the corner of Seventh and Laurel streets. A site was secured and plans prepared for the new building, a structure 50x140 feet in size, three stories high, with full basement.

The plans provided for a building of solid brick, with cut stone trimmings, plain in style of architecture, but massive and imposing. The results justified the choice of the designers, who planned a building containing a handsome banking room in the southeast corner, one store room fronting on Seventh street, and three fronting on Laurel street. The building cost, with the ground upon which it stands, between $40,000 and $50,000.

Parker Block at the northwest corner of 7th and Laurel, 1908. A 1960x954 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
Parker Block is completed, 1909. A 1938x1358 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
Interior of the Citizens State Bank, Parker Block, on the northwest corner of 7th and Laurel, ca. 1908. A 1892x1508 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
Louis Stallman’s Barbershop in the basement of the Parker Block, 1909. A 840x470 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
Fourteen-year-old Ted Stallman at his shoeshine stand outside of his father's barber shop in the basement of the Parker Block on Laurel Street right next to the entrance to Johnson's Rexall Pharmacy, 1909. A 578x852 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The contract was let July 22, 1908, to Leonard Schaf, of Wadena, who has erected the building to the perfect satisfaction of the owners. The structure is heated by a steam heating plant having a Kewaunee fire box boiler carrying 3,300 feet of radiation, the heating and plumbing having been done by the Slipp-Gruenhagen Co., of this city, in their well known excellent manner. The building is lighted with electric lights throughout and lavatories with hot and cold water are in every suite of offices on the second floor, as well as in the stores and banking rooms on the first floor and in the basement.

The banking room is the piece de resistance, so to speak. It is 24x70 feet in size and is finished in mahogany, with the exception of the directors’ room, which is done in oak. The fixtures are of marble and mahogany. The base and trimmings of the counters are of verde antique marble and the die of Grecian skyross marble, the veinings being cut to match at all joints. The upper grill is of lacquered brass set in mahogany. The banking room is divided into a lobby, which is tile floored and fitted with a handsome settee upholstered in leather and with glass topped desks for the use of customers; a private office, president’s office, receiving and paying tellers’ cages and bookkeepers room. All are finished in mahogany and are fitted with all the latest equipment for the banking business. The banking fixtures and the interior finish of the banking rooms were finished and put up by Marmon & Co., of St. Paul.

There are four vaults in the building, one in the basement, two on the first floor and one on the second. The basement vault will be used for the storage of books and papers needed only for occasional reference. One of the vaults in the banking room opens directly into the lobby and is largely for the use of the customers of the bank. It will contain 200 safety deposit boxes, which will be rented. The other will be the regular vault of the bank and in addition to containing the steel burglar proof money chest, will hold the books and papers of the institution. The vault on the second floor opens into the hall and safety deposit boxes will be furnished for the use of the tenants, the fire proof doors being opened in the morning and closed in the evening by the man in charge of the building.

Back of the banking room is a directors’ room, handsomely finished in oak and opening both into the banking room and into the vestibule leading to the second story.

The store on Seventh street, and which is occupied by Johnson’s Pharmacy, is 24x90 feet in size and like all the building except the banking quarters, is finished in birch. Of the store rooms facing on Laurel street, one is occupied by A. P. Reymond, jeweler, one by Miller Bros. & Co., wholesale and retail cigar and tobacco dealers, and the other is as yet unoccupied, though rented by a party who wishes his identity kept secret for the present.

The second story is divided into 18 handsome offices, so arranged that they may be used single or en suite. There is a lavatory in nearly every room and there are two toilet rooms on that floor. The offices are nearly all rented the following firms having already secured quarters there: M. E. Ryan, attorney; C. A. Allbright, attorney; Hartley & Allbright, insurance; J. H. Krekelberg, real estate; L. S. Knutson, civil engineer, and R. A. Ostrom, representative of the Kelly-How-Thompson Hardware Co., of Duluth. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Coppersmith and Mrs. Julia McDonald also have rooms in the building.

The Knights of Pythias have signified their intention of leasing the entire third story and have engaged architect Young, of Duluth to plan the rooms for them, that floor not yet having been finished.

An elevator well has been provided and an electric elevator will be installed as soon as suitable two-phase electric current can be secured.

Taken altogether the building is one of the handsomest in this part of the state and a source of pride to all citizens of Brainerd.

The story of the bank would not be complete without at least a brief reference to the institution which will make it its home. The Citizens State Bank is a re-organization of the Northern Pacific bank and is rapidly forging to the front as one of the strong financial institutions of central Minnesota. The present offices are:

Pres.—M. T. Dunn.

V. P.—Fred Hoffman.

Cashier—L. M. DePue.

The statement of the bank issued at the close of business on April 28, 1909 makes a very creditable showing. It shows total deposits of $211,481.69, of which $101,650.96 are time deposits and $109,830.73 are demand deposits, etc. The total cash assets are $66,904.95, or over 60 per cent of the immediate liabilities. The statement shows loans and discounts of over $163,000.00, and undivided profits of $10,678.65. The total statement figures over $247,000.90.

The building will be thrown open to the public some evening in the near future that all who wish to may through it and inspect it. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 May 1909, p. 3, c.’s 1-3)


In 1920 Con O’Brien buys the Parker Block.


SEE: Johnson’s Pharmacy and Drug Store

SEE: Scott Store

SEE: Brainerd State Bank / Security State Bank

SEE: Citizens State Bank

SEE: Northern Pacific Bank


NOTE: National Register of Historic Places, added 1980; romanesque architecture.


PEARCE BLOCK

The Pearce Block was completed about July 1901 by John K. Pearce. The address in 1903 was 718-724 Laurel Street, it was on the south side of Laurel between South Seventh and South Eighth Streets. Mrs. J. Adella Stepp operated an ice cream parlor at 718 Laurel, John’s wife, Mary Pearce, operated a millinery shop at 720 Laurel, John A. McColl operated a store at 722 Laurel, Michael Remmels operated a saloon at 724 Laurel and there were six apartments on the second floor.


The activities of Con O’Brien in building plans and leasing have caused many changes in the heart of the business section of Brainerd.

The whole Pearce block is to be dismantled. In the 95 feet frontage which Con O’Brien has on Laurel street 50 feet will be taken up by the Montgomery Ward Company building. In the 45 feet space remaining Mr. O’Brien will build two 2-story buildings, each with 22 1/2 feet frontage and extending 125 feet in depth. The ground floors will be used for stores and he is as yet undecided what will be placed on the second floors. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 January 1929, p. 1, c. 1)


SEE: Montgomery Ward


KELLY AND BROWN TO OPEN STORE HERE

_____


Lease West Location of Block Now

Under Construction by

Con O’Brien

____


BUILDING READY AUGUST 1

_____


To Do Ladies’ Ready-to-Wear Busi-

ness; National Tea Seeks Adjoining Location


R. V. Kelly and E. W. Brown of St. Paul, today signed a lease from Con O’Brien for the establishment of a ladies’ ready-to-wear store in the block now under construction near the southwest corner of Laurel street and Broadway.

The new store to be known as Kelly and Brown will be located next to the Judd Wright and Son store building on Laurel street. It will have a frontage of 22 feet with a depth of 125 feet.

Negotiations are now underway between the National Tea Co. and Mr. O’Brien for the occupancy of the 24 feet by 125 feet location immediately adjacent to the Kelly and Brown location and the Montgomery Ward location of 50 feet by 125 feet.

Mr. O’Brien stated that the block would be ready for occupancy by August 1. The laying of bricks started today.

The building will be two stories, the second story to house offices and apartments.

The lease specifies that Kelly and Brown may operate a beauty parlor in connection with the store should they desire to do so.

The Brainerd store will form the third store started by Kelly and Brown. The other stores are at St. Paul and St. Cloud.

The location address of the store will be 718 Laurel street. (Brainerd Daily Daily Dispatch, 04 May 1929, p. 7, c. 2)


NEW STORE MANAGER HERE

_____


W. W. Brown Establishes Residence

Here; Plans Opening of

The Fashionette


E. W. Brown of the firm of Kelley-Brown & Co. who will operate The Fashionette in Brainerd has moved his family to Brainerd and will devote his time here to preparation for the opening of the store.

Mr. Brown will become local manager of the store to be located in the building nearing completion on Laurel street west of the Montgomery Ward store. The Fashionette will occupy the west section of the building, the operators having secured a lease from the owner, Con O’Brien.

R. V. Kelley will be manager of the company’s store at St. Cloud according to an arrangement announced today. The store handles ladies’ wearing apparel. Mr. Brown has established his residence in Brainerd at 624 North 6th street. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 October 1929, p. 7, c. 1)


“THE FASHIONETTE” TO OPEN SATURDAY

_____


Brainerd’s Newest Ready-to-Wear

Store Located Two Doors

West of Ward’s

_____


OPENING PLANS COMPLETED

_____


Ladies to Receive Carnations; Store

Catering to Women Operated

by Kelley-Brown


Formal opening of The Fashionette, Brainerd’s newest ready-to-wear store, two doors west of Montgomery Ward, Laurel street has been set for Saturday, November 16 at 9 a. m.

Plans for the opening were announced today by E. W. Brown, local manager for Kelley-Brown and Co.

To each woman visiting the store on the opening day will be given a carnation.

The store will handle a complete line of ladies’ wearing apparel including hosiery, lingerie and millinery.

Miss Evelyn Swanson and Miss Edna Kincaid, both well known in Brainerd, will head the sales force.

The interior fixtures have been finished in Ivory, trimmed with royal blue. Lounge chairs have been installed for the comfort of customers. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 November 1929, p. 10, c. 1)


NOTE: The Kelly and Brown store was actually called the Fashionette, and from at least 1949 to the early 1960’s or later, the John M. Bye Clothing Company.


SEE: Laurel Block

SEE: Bye (John M.) Clothing Company

SEE: National Tea Grocery Store


PENNEY (J. C.) STORE

PENNEY STORE PLANNED

_____


Representatives of the Company of

Chain Stores Inspect Brainerd

for a Site


Representatives of the J. C. Penney Co. inspected the city for the site of a new store and expect to commence business here next January. The Penney Co. now has a chain of over 300 stores throughout the country. The company handles drygoods and notions, men’s and boys’ clothing, shoes, etc. Their nearest similar store is located in Little Falls. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 October 1920, p. 5, c. 1)


J. C. PENNEY CO. MAY PUT IN STORE

_____


Representative of the Big Merchan-

dising Corporation Takes First

Hand View of City

_____


CITY’S PROGRESS PLEASES

_____


Company Now Has 371 Stores

Throughout United States, Ex-

pect to Start 100 More


An early ad for the J. C Penney Store, 04 March 1924.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

C. A. Priess of Grand Forks, N. D., a representative of the J. C. Penney company, was in the city today and made a close inspection of the business section with the view of probably locating a branch store in Brainerd. The Penney company now has 371 retail stores and expects to start 100 more this fall and Brainerd may be one of the contemplated branches.

The company has stores nearby in St. Cloud, Little Falls and Bemidji. Mr. Priess was pleased with the growth and spirit shown in Brainerd and commented on the wide area covered by the business section which in his opinion no where seemed to congest at any point but to spread out. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 April 1923, p. 6, c. 1)


J. W. KOOP IS TO BUILD SOON

_____


J. W. Koop is to build soon on his site at the northeast corner of South Seventh and Laurel streets.

The J. C. Penney company, with general offices in New York City, has closed a 10-year lease of a space 50 by 90 feet on the ground floor of the building to be constructed. Under its terms, construction is to commence soon, and the quarters are to be ready for their occupancy by August 1, 1923.

This will give the Penney store 50 feet frontage on Seventh street and 90 feet on Laurel street. C. A. Priess conducted the negotiations in Brainerd.

The Penney company will make the Brainerd store one of its large branches. They will handle ladies’, men’s and boys’ ready-to-wear, dry goods and shoes. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 May 1923, p. 1, c. 4)


KOOP BLOCK TO BE TWO STORIES

_____


First Floor Divided in Store Rooms,

One Section Occupied by J. C.

Penney Co.

_____


2ND FLOOR PLAN NOT KNOWN

_____


Rebuilding of This Corner Will Do

Much to Improve This Part of

Business Section


Work was started Wednesday on the Koop block, which will occupy the corner at Seventh and Laurel streets, taking the place of the building destroyed by fire on February 11th, last.

The new building, according to J. W. Koop, will be 50 by 140 feet, two stories in height, constructed entirely of brick.

The first floor will be divided into store rooms, one facing on Seventh street, which will be used by the J. C. Penney Co., fifty by ninety feet, the other on Laurel street fifty by fifty feet. The latter room has not as yet been leased.

Mr. Koop has not decided as to just the arrangements of the second floor. It may be planned as the former building, with office rooms, a hall, and flats.

The rebuilding of this corner will give that section of the city’s business district a very good appearance. The Gruenhagen Co., has erected a new front on its store adjoining the Koop property on the north, and the Brainerd State bank’s new building is diagonally across the street.

W. T. Carlson is the contractor in charge of operations on the Koop block. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 May 1923, p. 7, c. 1)


J. C. Penney Company Celebrates 22 Years of Service to the Public

_____


Twenty-two years of service to the public has been completed by the J. C. Penney Company. The company was founded in 1902 at a small mining camp in Wyoming and has grown to the indisputable position of the world’s largest chain department store organization.

It was fitting that the company should give recognition to its birthday in some way and decided that the better way was to give another community the advantage and pleasure of economical shopping which this and several hundred other communities have been enjoying.

Hamilton, Missouri was decided upon to be the home of the new store.

It is interesting to note that J. C. Penney, whose name this great nation-wide institution bears, was born in Hamilton where after the usual public school training, he secured his first mercantile experience in the same building and the very room where he now is opening store No. 500 in the great chain.

Associated with Mr. Penney in the ownership of the Hamilton store, are fourteen men all of whom were born in this Missouri town and are now connected with the company as stockholders and managers in other places.

The store opening was the occasion of an enthusiastic home-coming and was attended by Mr. Penney, J. M. McDonald and others of the company.

Announcement is made that nearly one hundred additional stores will be added to this organization during the present year.

Another interesting announcement was that made the other day by Manager R. E. Wyett of the local store, to the effect that recently the company drew its check for over $2,000,000 to the order of a single manufacturer of shoes. This colossal payment indicates something of the quantity of different lines of goods required by this large combination of retail establishments. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 April 1924, p. 7, c.’s 4 & 5)


J. C. PENNEY VISITS BRAINERD

_____


Founder and Head of Great Store

System Motored Here

Sunday

_____


NEPHEW HAS BEMIDJI STORE

_____


Survey Made of Local Store, Mr.

Penney Expressing His

Approval


J. C. Penney moves from downtown to the Brainerd Mall in northeast Brainerd in January of 1968, 1969.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

J. C. Penney, founder and head of the J. C. Penney stores, stopped in Brainerd for a short time late Sunday afternoon. Mr. Penney was motoring from St. Paul to Bemidji with his nephew, D. E. Whitman, manger of the Bemidji store.

The party arrived in Brainerd at 4:15 o’clock Sunday afternoon, and left at 4:35 o’clock. Mr. Penney made a hurried survey of the local store and of the city, expressing himself as being very favorable impressed with both, and complimented R. E. Wyett, local manager on the manner in which he is conducting the business.

Business conditions all over the country seem to be on the up-grade, a marked improvement being noticed everywhere, said Mr. Penney. The company owns 571 stores throughout the United States, in practically every state in the union, and keeps a very close watch on business conditions. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 October 1924, p. 3, c. 2)


NOTE: This store moved to the east Brainerd Mall in January of 1968; then moved from the east Brainerd Mall to the new store in Baxter in 2008. In 1969 Gambles opened their store in the old J. C. Penney quarters on the northeast corner of South Seventh and Laurel Streets in Brainerd.


J. C. Penney to Shutter Baxter Store


by Renee Richardson


J. C. Penney store in Baxter, built in 2008. A 860x484 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Steve Kohls, Brainerd Dispatch
A nearly empty Penney’s store showing mannequins for sale as the store approaches its closing date, 23 July 2017. A 1267x847 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Sheila Maus Bartel
A nearly empty Penney’s store, 23 July 2017.
Source: Sheila Maus Bartel

Baxter's J. C. Penney Co. is among stores the company is closing, according to a list the retailer released Thursday morning.

The company is closing 138 stores with eight of those in Minnesota. Besides Baxter, other communities on the list are Fairmont, Faribault, Hibbing, Hutchinson, Red Wing, Thief River Falls, and Winona. Kay Pihlaja, J. C. Penney store manager in Baxter, referred all inquiries about the store's future to the corporate office, which released the list of stores Friday.

Recent speculation had the J. C. Penney store in St. Cloud on the short list for closing with expectations, even last week, that the relatively new Baxter store would survive and perhaps even benefit from St. Cloud's loss. J. C. Penney has been a long-time tenant of the lakes area, moving from Brainerd to a new facility along the coveted Highway 371 corridor in Baxter in 2008. The Central Lakes Crossing J. C. Penney seemed to be well placed in a growing retail and medical services area of the city. And the closing comes at a time when Baxter is experiencing increased retail expansion with a retail center with multiple stores currently under construction next to J. C. Penney.

Most stores will begin the liquidation sales on April 17 and close in June.

About 5,000 positions nationwide are affected by the store closings. J. C. Penney reported it is in the process of identifying relocation opportunities within the company for affected employees. The retailer reported it will provide outplacement support services for those employees who will be leaving the company. Employees affected will receive separation benefits, which includes assistance identifying other employment opportunities and outplacement services such as resume writing and interview preparation. The total store closures represent approximately 13-14 percent of the J. C. Penney's current store portfolio, less than 5 percent of total annual sales.

"The stores identified for closure either require significant capital to achieve the company's new brand standard or are minimally cash flow positive today relative to the company's overall consolidated average," J. C. Penney reported. "Comparable sales performance for the closing stores was significantly below the remaining store base and these stores operate at a much higher expense rate given the lack of productivity. Once cycled, these closures are expected to be net income neutral." The company stated the annual cost savings from the closures considering "primarily occupancy, payroll, home office support, corporate administration and other store-related expenses, are estimated at approximately $200 million.


New opportunity for Hobby Lobby?

For regular customers and store employees, and even those who simply appreciated having the national department store brand within reach, the store closing is more than unwelcome news. As J. C. Penney's store link to the lakes area ends, it opens the door to a new opportunity. A source knowledgeable about the development said there is already a tenant interested in moving into the Central Lakes Crossing store location, which J. C. Penney leases. Hobby Lobby, which has a host of recent store openings on its website, was named as a strong candidate for the space and one with a draw that diversifies the area and not offer the same type of merchandise available among existing department stores. Hobby Lobby, which began as a $600 startup, describes itself as the largest privately owned arts-and-crafts retailer in the world with 32,000 employees and almost 750 stores in 47 states. There is a Hobby Lobby in St. Cloud.

With corporate headquarters in Oklahoma City, Hobby Lobby notes it "is primarily an arts-and-crafts store but also includes hobbies, picture framing, jewelry making, fabrics, floral and wedding supplies, cards and party ware, baskets, wearable art, home accents and holiday merchandise."

Hobby Lobby has reportedly been looking for the right deal in the lakes area for years and has a history of taking over stores vacated by other tenants.

The source said this kind of turnover in retail is a natural evolution of retail that will make the other establishments stronger in the long run.

"Baxter has never been in better shape," the source reported. "The market draw has never been better."

A sign of the area's strength, the source noted, was when Costco chose to build its store in Baxter instead of St. Cloud, causing jaws to drop to the south. And there are continuing signs of a resurgent economy that has been back on a growth footing for several years and now has multiple projects either recently opened, breaking ground or moving through the permitting process. But those market changes to increase the micropolitan's draw here, even the potential to add home appliances to the Baxter J. C. Penney store, weren't enough to move the Baxter store off the closing list.


Mixed signals

J. C. Penney itself sent out somewhat mixed signals noting earlier it needed to compete with changing consumer expectations but that most of its e-commerce was linked to its brick and mortar stores. In 2016, about 75 percent of all online orders touched a physical store, the company reported.

Fortune reported that in 2015 J. C. Penney stated it would halt store closings, "saying that its physical stores were key to supporting its resurgent e-commerce. Indeed, some one-third of orders are shipped from, or picked up in a store. But with comparable sales expected to be unchanged in 2016, it's clearly hard for Penney to justify the same number of stores with annual sales at $12.6 billion as when they were $19 billion a decade ago."

The retailer operates 1,000 stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

J. C. Penney previously announced it was "implementing a plan to optimize its national retail operations as part of the company's successful return to profitability. ... These strategic decisions will help align the company's brick-and-mortar presence with its omnichannel network, thereby redirecting capital resources to invest in locations and initiatives that offer the greatest revenue potential."

In a news release that announced the store closings would be pending, the retailer stated closing the 138 stores will allow it to raise the overall brand standard and allocate capital more efficiently.

"In 2016, the company delivered a net profit for the first time since 2010; however, we believe we must take aggressive action to better align our retail operations for sustainable growth," said Marvin R. Ellison, chairman and CEO of J. C. Penney, in a news release. "... We understand that closing stores will impact the lives of many hard-working associates, which is why we have decided to initiate a voluntary early retirement program for approximately 6,000 eligible associates. By coordinating the timing of these two events, we can expect to see a net increase in hiring as the number of full-time associates expected to take advantage of the early retirement incentive will far exceed the number of full-time positions affected by the store closures.

"We believe closing stores will also allow us to adjust our business to effectively compete against the growing threat of online retailers. ...

"While many pure play e-commerce companies are experiencing dramatically increasing fulfillment costs, we are pleased with the double-digit growth of jcpenney.com and how leveraging our brick and mortar locations is enabling us to offset the last-mile delivery cost. We believe the future winners in retail will be the companies that can create a frictionless interaction between stores and e-commerce, while leveraging physical locations to minimize the growing operational costs of delivery."

"I have a deep appreciation and respect for our associates who are on the front lines working tirelessly to serve our customers every day. Closing a store is never an easy decision, especially given the local impact on valued employees and our most loyal shoppers," Ellison said. "While any actions that reduce or exclude our presence in communities across the country is always difficult, it is essential that J. C. Penney continues to evolve in order to achieve long-term growth and profitability and deliver on shareholder value."(Brainerd Dispatch, 18 March 2017, pp. A1 & A10)


SEE: Koop Blocks


PHILLIPS BLOCK (MAP #65)

Built in 1911 [sic] [1910] by Phillips-Beare to house the H. F. Michael Company, a dealer in women’s clothing and dry goods. In 1946 this building houses the S & L Department Store. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 114)


NOTE: Based upon an ad found in a 1978 Brainerd Daily Dispatch, the S & L Store was still operating in downtown Brainerd in 1978.


NOTE: This block was also known as the Phillips-Beare Block, the Beare Block, and the Gates Block. It is located mid-block on the east side of South Seventh Street between Front and Laurel Streets.


MUCH BUILDING WILL BE DONE

_____


Four Brick Business Blocks Will be

Erected in Brainerd

This Summer

_____


THREE WILL BE THREE STORIES

_____


All Will be Handsome Structures and

Will be Handsome Structures and

Will Add Much to Prosperity

of City


The announcement was made in these columns in a recent issue of the new building which is to be erected by Thomas H. Beare for H. F. Michael, the first story is to be extended back to the alley, making a total depth of 140 feet, at a fixed additional rental. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 March 1910, p. 3, c. 3)


BLOCK WILL BE BEAUTIFUL ONE

_____


Contract is Let to Emil M. Johnson,

of Minneapolis, for Beare

Building

_____


WILL HAVE AN ARCADE FRONT

_____


New Building Will be Occupied by

the H. F. Michael Co. When

Completed


The contract for Thos. H. Beare’s new block on South Seventh street has been let to Emil Johnson, of Minneapolis, who guarantees to have the building ready for occupancy by August 15th. The new building will be 50x100 feet in size, two stories and basement, and one of the handsomest in the city. The structure will have an arcade front exactly like that of the Golden Rule, in St. Paul, and one of five fronts of this kind in the United States. The basement will be fitted with steel ceilings, lighted with prism glass and up-to-date in every respect.

The contract for the plumbing and heating was awarded to the Slipp-Gruenhagen company of this city.

The entire ground floor and most of the basement will be occupied by the H. F. Michael Co. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 April 1910, p. 3, c. 2)


Notice


Bids will be received at 319 Kasota Building, Minneapolis, for excavating basement 8 feet 6 inches deep, 50x100 feet, on lots belonging to Thos. Beare, on 7th street between Front and Laurel. Address,

EMIL M. JOHNSON,

Contractor.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 April 1910, p. 3, c. 1)


Work has not yet commenced on the brick block which Thomas Beare is to erect north of the Slipp-Gruenhagen hardware store. This work, it is reported, has been delayed because of non-shipment of building material. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 May 1910, p. 5, c. 4)


Work Done on Beare Block


The Emil Johnson Contracting Co., of Minneapolis, is rushing things on the Beare block and may soon have the honor of making the best showing in the way of work accomplished. About 20 men are employed there with the cement construction work, in charge of superintendent Albert Johnson. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 June 1910, p. 3, c. 1)


The new Phillips building is rapidly approaching completion. On July 5th the bricklayers commenced laying brick and yesterday they finished their part of the work. Today the cornice is being placed in position. The contractor, Emil Johnson, of Minneapolis, has certainly established a record for fast work. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 July 1910, p. 2, c. 4)


SEE: Michael’s Store


MARKOWITZ BROS. GET BEARE BLK.

_____


THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE IN


TENANTS OF THE BUILD-


ING BEARE TO CALIF.


Announcement is made this week that Markowitz Bros. had purchased the Beare block on south Seventh street. There will be no change in the tenants of the building as the new owners have made the purchase as an investment in Brainerd real estate, they being the owners of the Plymouth Clothing store.

Mr. Beare is moving to California to make his home, the winters here being too severe for both Mr. and Mrs. Beare.

Thomas Beare, of Ironton, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Beare of this city is arranging his business affairs there to leave with them for their California home to remain. (Unknown Publication, June 1922)


02 January 1926. A business transaction that will be of interest to many and a loss to the city of one of its leading citizens is that of the transfer of the H. F. Michael Company Store [effective 01 February 1926] to E. F. Gates of Beloit, Wisconsin. Mr. Michael expects to leave Brainerd. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 03 January 2006)


POST OFFICE (MAP #4 and #46)

Post office at the southeast corner of 6th and Maple, ca. 1949.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society
Interior of the Post Office located on the southeast corner of South Sixth and Maple Streets, ca. 1915. A 1842x1030 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The first post office in Brainerd is established on 27 December 1870 and Dr. Samuel W. Thayer is appointed postmaster and serves until 24 June 1873. Sylvester V. R. Sherwood serves until 02 August 1879 and the post office is located in his drugstore on Front Street where the City Hotel is located in the 1890’s. The Brainerd Post Office is built, at a cost of $50,000, on the southeast corner of Sixth and Maple Streets; this building houses the post office for fifty years, beginning on 01 April 1910 [sic]. [The building is demolished for a parking lot in 1962. In September 1960, postal facilities are moved to the Federal Building on the southwest corner of Fifth and Laurel Streets.] (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 11 & 114)


THE post office has been removed from Hills & Co.’s store to the drug store of S. V. R. Sherwood, corner of Fifth and Front streets. Mr. Sherwood has fixed up nice quarters for the office, including a commodious lot of boxes, so that all who wish, may have a box of their own. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 January 1873, p. 1, c. 3)


A GOOD JOB.—Charley Stearns, the painter, has about completed the painting, varnishing and numbering at the new post office, and has done a job highly creditable to himself as an artist. So has Mr. Green, the gentleman who did the wood and lock work. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 January 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


CORRECTION.—We did not tell it as it should have been told last week, when we said that a Mr. Green did the wood and lock work in the construction of the new post office. We should have said Mr. J. H. Moon. He is the gentleman who did the highly creditable job. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 January 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


MONEY ORDER OFFICE.—The Brainerd Post-office has recently been constituted a money order office, by the Department, and now you can remit any little or big debts you may happen to owe at a distance; safely and cheaply. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 July 1874, p. 1, c. 7)


POSTMASTER SHERWOOD IN TROUBLE.

_____


His Office Investigated.—A Deficiency Discovered.—His Arrest, Release, and Settlement.—A Happy

Termination to an Unhappy

Affair.


Our citizens were pained and shocked on Wednesday afternoon last to learn that our esteemed citizen and postmaster, S. V. R. Sherwood, had been called upon by a special agent of the post office department, who had examined the accounts and placed him under arrest for an alleged deficiency of $3,000, and that his bondsman, C. F. Kindred, had been placed temporarily in charge of the office pending a new appointment. Our citizens, unable to comprehend fully the situation and believing Mr. Sherwood to be the victim of some mistake or misunderstanding, gathered in large numbers at the post office to learn the facts and if possible to help him out of his trouble. Learning that money was all that was required, that $2,700, and not $3,000, was the amount, and that the amount must be paid or Mr. Sherwood would suffer incarceration, efforts were promptly organized to raise the required amount and pay it. It was understood that the bondsmen—C. F. Kindred, E. H. Bly and W. W. Weed would advance part of it, indeed Mr. Kindred offered $500, alone, and at 11 o’clock in the evening $900 had been raised besides, when Mr. Sherwood, who had been given his liberty by Mr. Child, suddenly disappeared, no one knew where. It had been observed that he was very much prostrated and somewhat distracted by the sad denouement during the evening. No one could believe he would or could attempt escape, and grave fears were entertained that he had attempted an evasion of consequences by suicide. A vigorous search was instituted and maintained until after daylight, and Mr. Child took the precaution of telegraphing in every direction and watching each train out of town, but without success, and the matter became involved in deeper mystery every hour. The efforts to raise the money, of course, ceased. Mr. Child took the morning train for St. Paul and there the matter rested. The search being abandoned after daylight, discussion ensued as to the real facts in the case and the cause of the deficiency. Many theories were advanced, but all agreed that Mr. Sherwood had not spent that amount of money in town, none believed he had disposed of it, and the general decision was that, if he had not lost it, some mistake had been made in his accounts. The double mystery as to his whereabouts and the cause of his deficiency was becoming intensified with every hour, until about eleven o’clock, when the people were overjoyed at seeing him drive into town in a carriage with a couple of our citizens who had started in pursuit of a suspicion, which proved correct. Knowing that T. H. Mooers, a particular friend residing ten miles west, was expecting some $3,000 from the east and believing if he had received it he could get enough of him in addition to the amount raised by friends in town and by the bondsmen to clear the deficit, and fearing if Mr. Child knew where he was going he would prevent him, he started on foot and alone and walked to Mr. Mooers, reaching there at daylight next morning. Mr. Mooers had not received the money but thought the draft might be in Brainerd and accordingly returned with Mr. Sherwood to ascertain, meeting the parties referred to and arriving in town as above stated. The draft was not here; however, the efforts to raise money had ceased with his departure and it was then too late to think of succeeding. Mr. Sherwood’s only course, the officer having gone to St. Paul, was to follow and deliver himself up to prevent trouble, and he accordingly took the noon train for St. Paul accompanied by a number of friends. That his trip to Mr. Mooers’ was very unfortunate and did him much harm the sequel has of course proven, for in addition to the failure it occasioned in the effort to raise the deficit it; caused Mr. Child to go to St. Paul and place the matter in the hands of the U. S. marshal, who was obliged to place him in jail on his arrival in St. Paul, though he had gone with Mr. Child this would have been avoided, but Mr. Sherwood was doing it for the best and did not realize the consequences which are plainer after the affair has passed than beforehand.

The effort was made by his friends who accompanied him to prevent his incarceration, but to no avail. He was brought before the commissioner the next morning, waived examination and was held to appear at the next term of court, in the sum of $1,000. The bail bond was signed by Frank B. Thompson, C. B. Sleeper and W. W. Hartley, and Mr. Sherwood was discharged, returning the same evening to Brainerd where he was joyfully met by many friends. The mystery as to what has become of the money or caused the deficiency, however, still remains, and is as much a mystery to Mr. Sherwood as anyone else. The salary of the office amounts to the neat sum of $125.00 per month; Mrs. Sherwood has a half interest in the book store of Davis and Sherwood, which yields a good profit, and with no family but himself and wife; not given to speculation or any of the vices which usually incur heavy losses; living comfortably but not extravagantly; having made no purchases of property, not even a home out of it, it does not seem reasonable or even possible that Mr. Sherwood has spent that amount of money and the additional sum of $2,700.00. Mr. Sherwood says he keeps no private cash account, acknowledges that he has been careless in leaving his office open, says he has thought he missed money and stamps at various times, and adds that he has never cast up his accounts to see just how he did stand since he has been in the office. He has frequently been short in funds when making out his quarterly and other reports, but as several parties, were owing him he thought nothing of it, borrowed the money to make his remittance and let it pass, and he does not now believe that the deficit can be so great as it appears—he thinks some mistake is made in the books, which will be re-examined.

Mrs. Sherwood is at present absent visiting friends in Boston and is ignorant of the trouble her husband is in and will probably know nothing of it until the matter is fixed and the trouble over, as an effort is again being made to settle the deficiency.

The vacancy thus occasioned in the post office, however, has been considerable of a cause for strife, petitions having been circulated on Thursday morning quite vigorously in the interests of Judge H. D. Follett and W W. Hartley, of the TRIBUNE who, armed with their respective documents took the noon train for Minneapolis to lay their claims to the office before Sen. W. D. Washburn, M. C.

Who will be appointed, we have not yet been advised, but will probably be enabled to give the coveted information before another issue.

LATER.—Since the above was in type we learn that Mr. Sherwood has succeeded in obtaining $500.00 from Mr. Mooers, and has turned it with all the property he possesses, valued at $2,106 over to Mr. Kindred for his bondsmen, and thus has paid the entire deficit to within less than $100, and had he been given a little time when the shortage was discovered, would have readily fixed it up all right. It is indeed a pleasure to be able to note this result, and we hope the effort now being made to start Mr. Sherwood in business, will prove a grand success as the final happy denouement to this sad and unfortunate affair, and the people of Brainerd will not be true to their proud reputation as the most generous-hearted people on earth if it is not. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 August 1879, p. 1, c.’s 1 & 2)


POST OFFICE IRREGULARITIES.

_____


Postmaster Sherwood, of Brainerd, Short in His Accounts About

$3,000—His Arrest and Incarce-

ration at St. Paul.


Pioneer Press.

Mr. S. V. R. Sherwood, postmaster at Brainerd, is in trouble. Mr. S. P. Child, special agent of the post office department, dropped into the Brainerd post office on Wednesday, and after a careful inspection of the books, discovered a deficiency in the postal money department of nearly $3,000. Mr. Sherwood couldn’t explain the discrepancy, and he was therefore arrested and the office placed in charge of the postmaster’s bondsmen. The exposure was an exceedingly unpleasant one, as Mr. S. stood well in the community, and he was at once surrounded by many friends who volunteered to assist him in his trying situation. An attempt was made to raise the money and restore the deficiency, and while this matter was under consideration Mr. Sherwood disappeared from view, which aroused the suspicion of Detective Child that he intended to abscond, and the telegraph was used to secure his capture, and all of Wednesday night was spent in looking for him in vain. But Mr. Sherwood, it transpires, didn’t try to escape—he simply went off to a friend some eight or ten miles distant to secure advice and assistance, and when he returned to Brainerd he took the train for St. Paul where he proposed to surrender himself to the United States marshal. Marshal McLaren having been notified that the unfortunate postmaster was coming down on the Northern Pacific, went up to Anoka, and finding him on the train as advised, he accompanied Sherwood to St. Paul, and placed him in charge of Sheriff King, where he at present remains.


THE POSTMASTER’S EXPLANATION.

A reporter of the Pioneer Press called upon Mr. Sherwood, who was found to be a pleasant, portly, intelligent and well-dressed individual, and from appearances the last man that would be looked for in a prison. To a question as to what he might feel disposed to put forth in explanation of the unpleasant charges preferred against him, he replied that he had nothing much to say. He admitted the deficiency, though to a considerably less sum than $3,000, but how it came about was inexplicable to him. He said the office had been, perhaps, carelessly managed, that its affairs had not been guarded as well as they should—but further than that there was no criminality. He had never, himself, directed or used any of the money in his office, and how it all came about is what puzzled him.

Rep.—You were aware of the deficiency?

Mr. S.—Oh, yes, I knew there was something wrong, for I made out weekly reports, and was well aware that the deficiency was known as well by the department as by myself. On a previous occasion I found myself carrying for a while about a $1,000 more than I ought apparently to have on hand, but after a careful examination I found the error, and my books were balanced, and so in this case, I thought it likely that the mystery might come to light and the discrepancy be cleared up.

Rep.—How long has the deficiency been accumulating?

Mr. S.—I can’t tell—not longer than six or eight months. Last fall Mr. Child, the agent of the department, inspected my books and found them all right.

Again reiterating his innocence of any criminal conduct, and denying emphatically that any public funds had been diverted by him to his private use, he expressed the belief that the matter would be cleared up and that he would be able to vindicate his character. In this pleasant frame of mine the unhappy postmaster was left to his reflections. It is certainly a singular case of malfeasance in office, or dereliction of duty, for it appears there could be no concealment of and defalcation in his office even to the amount of a dollar, and there was not even any attempt made to cover up the deficiency, which was so open and transparent that a five minutes inspection of the books showed their condition precisely at a glance. As the exposure was, therefore, sure to take place, it is surprising that Mr. Sherwood did not take measures to solve the mystery and restore the missing funds, before the blow fell which has prostrated him for the present. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 August 1879, p. 4, c. 2)


W. W. Hartley of the TRIBUNE has received the appointment of postmaster in this place, vice S. V. R. Sherwood removed, and has obtained his bondsmen, and forwarded his bond, for approval. His commission will be forwarded when the bond is approved, when he will take possession of the post office in person, certain rumors to the contrary, notwithstanding. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 August 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


The TRIBUNE is somewhat delayed this week, but entirely unavoidably so, in due to the removal of the post office to the TRIBUNE building our presses, cases, desks, counter, stove, etc., had all to be removed to the rear, giving room in front for the office, and in addition to this came the intricate job of removing the post-office and attending to the mails meantime, so that, as can be readily imagined, our time has been considerably interrupted during the entire week. We expect soon to get matters and things settle once more, however, when business will progress with the usual regularity. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 August 1879, p. 4, c.’s 1 & 2)


Arrival and Departure of Mails.


The mails at present arrive at and depart from the Brainerd post office as follows:


ARRIVE.

St. Paul, Minneapolis and the East, 7 a. m. and 2 p. m.

Aitkin and Duluth, 7 a. m.

Fargo, Bismarck and the West, 12:15 p. m.

Leech Lake, Tuesday evenings.


DEPART.

St. Paul, Minneapolis and the East, 12 m. and 8 p. m.

Aitkin and Duluth, 8 p. m.

Fargo, Bismarck and the West, 1:40 p. m.

Leech Lake, Thursday mornings.

All mails, excepting Leech Lake, are daily except Sunday.

(Brainerd Tribune, 30 August 1879, p. 4, c. 2)


Many seem to entertain the impression that the night trains between St. Paul and Fargo carry away mail. This is not so. A through pouch to and from St. Paul and Minneapolis is carried from this and other offices, but no mail is carried from station to station or carried west from any station except St. Paul and Minneapolis. No mail arrives at or departs from this office between Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock and Monday morning at 7 o’clock. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 September 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


Another very important change has just been made in the classification of mail matter, by which printed promissory notes, insurance policies, commercial papers such as drafts, checks, deeds, bonds, etc.----filled out and ready for signature, but not signed or executed—and partly printed bills filled out in writing put not receipted, are classed as third class matter, and may be sent for one cent for two ounces or fraction, which must be fully prepaid and placed in unsealed coverings. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 September 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


Mr. Cantwell and Holland have been called to St. Paul as witnesses in the Sherwood case, now pending in the U. S. District court. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 October 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


W. W. Hartley sent his resignation to Judge Stearns on Tuesday last as Clerk of the District Court, being informed by instructions from the post office department that he could hold no other office with that of post master. The office is therefore among the vacancies to be filled at the coming election. The Judge has made no appointment as yet. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 October 1879, p. 4, c. 3)


The President has sent the following nominations to the Senate for postmasters in Minnesota: David Day, St. Paul; Luke Marvin, Duluth; W. W. Hartley, Brainerd; Martin B. Soule, Worthington; and Charles C. Harris, Luverne. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 December 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


Mr. Sherwood’s bondsmen have finally settled his entire deficiency and obtained receipts in full. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 March 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


A supply of the new two-cent international postal cards, deliverable anywhere within the limits of the Universal Postal Union, were received this week at the Brainerd Post Office, and will be found a great convenience and saving to our citizens of foreign origin having correspondents in foreign countries. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 March 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


Hon. S. P. Child, of Blue Earth City, special agent of the post-office department, was in Brainerd Thursday on business connected with the post-office. While here the question of how way mail, for stations not post-offices, on the Brainerd and Duluth road should be carried, was submitted to him, and he admitted that it was very difficult to comply strictly with the law, but advised the messengers in charge of the mail to receive none but matter enclosed in government stamped envelopes, and thought no trouble could arise from receiving, carrying, and delivering matter so enclosed. This does not apply, however, to mail matter received from any post-office upon which the necessary stamps have been canceled or to matter received for deposit in a post-office for mailing, but refers to matter received at one station and delivered at another, neither being post-offices. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 March 1880, p. 1, c. 2)


The friends of Mr. S. V. R. Sherwood, late postmaster at this place, finally succeeded on Wednesday last in reaching the executive ear at Washington in his behalf, and his pardon was promptly granted, reaching St. Paul today whereupon Mr. Sherwood was promptly released and a telegram received by Mrs. Sherwood announces the pleasing intelligence that he will arrive in Brainerd by tomorrow evening’s train.

LATER.—Mr. Sherwood has arrived looking hale and hearty, and pleased to return to Brainerd and his friends once more. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 April 1880, p. 1, c. 2)


S. V. R. Sherwood has laid in a complete stock of first-class tobacco and cigars, and proposes to keep a full line of smoker’s articles. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 May 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 1880 Brainerd-2 in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.


The Biennial readjustment of postmasters’ salaries, just completed, raises the salary of the Brainerd office to $1,600 per annum from July 1st, 1880. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 June 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


The postoffice will be open on Monday, July 5th, from 8 to 9 o’clock a. m.; from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., and from 7:30 to 8 o’clock in the evening. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 July 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


Arrangements are being made by W. W. Hartley for a telephone exchange in Brainerd; with central office at the postoffice. After terms with the Telephone Company are completed membership of the exchange will be solicited and it is hoped that the terms to be procured will induce businessmen generally as well as a great many others to avail themselves of its great advantages. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 July 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


By a recent order from the post-office department, money orders will hereafter be issued payable to the following European countries: Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands and Luxemburg. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 August 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


POST-OFFICE RULES.


THE MAILS at the Brainerd Post-Office

ARRIVE daily except Sunday

From the south at 7:00 A. M.

From the east at 7:00 A. M.

From the west at 12:30 P. M.

From the south at 1:40 P. M.

From Leech Lake every Tuesday evening.

CLOSE daily except Sunday

For the south at 12 M.

For the west at 1 P. M.

For the east at 8 P. M.

For the south at 8 P. M.

For Leech Lake every Wednesday evening.

NO MAILS arrive between the afternoon mail on Saturdays and the morning mail on Mondays.

OFFICE HOURS 7 A. M. to 8 P. M. Sunday 8 to 9 A. M. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 August 1880, p. 4, c. 4)


From the inquiries frequently made at this office regarding the names of streets in Brainerd, it would appear that very few understand the names of even our most prominent streets, or the system by which they are named and numbered. The streets running east and west, excepting Front and Main streets are named alphabetically, and each bears the name of some species of tree or vegetation, commencing with the alphabet at the north boundary of the town. The first street in this list appearing on the present plat is Grove, and the others thence south are Holly, Ivy, Juniper and Kingwood. Thence skipping Main street on the north side of the track and Front street on the south side the alphabetical list is resumed with Laurel, Maple, Norwood, Oak, Pine, Quince, Rose, Sycamore, Tamarac, Vine and Willow, the latter constituting the south boundary of the town a short distance south of Boom Lake. The streets running north and south are numbered, commencing with number one, at the river. Eighth street is called Broadway and is one-hundred feet wide, all other streets are eighty feet wide. All full blocks are three hundred feet square and lots are twenty-five wide by one hundred and fifty feet deep, excepting in blocks possessing alleys.

With this information any street in the city can be readily located—for instance, to find Quince street, you have only to commence at Laurel street, the first street south of Front and run the alphabet down to find it is five blocks south, and in the same way north to find Ivy, run back two blocks from Kingwood, the first street north of Main street. The other streets are easily numbered from the river. The postoffice, for instance is on Sixth street, being five blocks from the river. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 October 1880, p. 4, c. 2)


There were issued at the Brainerd postoffice this week 81 domestic money orders, amounting to $1,292.27 and fees $10.50 and 5 Canadian orders amounting to $125.00 and fees $1.95. Total receipts, $1,429.72. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 November 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


Last week the Brainerd post office issued forty-one domestic money orders and two Canadian orders, amounting to $582.09 and paid twenty domestic orders, amounting to $431.17. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 December 1880, p. 4, c. 3)


The building and lot, at present occupied by the post office, was purchased by W. W. Hartley, postmaster. The building will be repainted and repaired, and the post office retained therein until a new building more appropriate and suitable to the requirements of the office can be erected, which will be done the coming summer. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 February 1881, p. 1, c. 3)


W. W. Hartley has procured the storeroom on Sixth street, three doors north of the present post office building, which he is having fitted up for the coming post office. He proposes putting in a Yale post office outfit. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 April 1881, p. 1, c. 2)


The post office has been moved into the building directly south of Geo. Stevenson’s Grocery store, which has been elegantly fitted up for that purpose. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 May 1881, p. 1, c. 2)


On July 1st the Brainerd postoffice was advanced to a foreign or international money order office, and is already doing a lively business in money orders on Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Prussia, Denmark, Holland, Sweden and Norway, and all the Canadian Provinces. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 July 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


If the population of our city continues to increase as it has during the last four months, our postoffice lobby will have to be enlarged. Already it hardly accommodates the crowds that congregate there upon the arrival of mails. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 January 1882, p. 4, c. 4)


W. W. Hartley has ordered a $700 soda fountain for his popular news stand at the postoffice. It is made of four different kinds of marble, with two bronze statues and stands four feet high. Mr. Hartley says he proposes to furnish the best soda water ever yet had in this city, as the latest improvements of the fountain will enable him to “set up” nothing but the best. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 March 1882, p. 5, c. 2)


MAIL MATTERS.

_____


The Local Office Raised to Second

Class, With a Salary of

$2,100—Other Al-

lowances.

_____


Owing to the rapidly increasing business at the Brainerd postoffice, it has been raised to a second class office. This entitles the office to an allowance for clerk hire, office rent, fuel, lights, etc., in addition to raising the salary of postmaster to $2,100. The rank this office now assumes among the larger offices of the state is very flattering to the city’s prospects, proving that population and capital are rapidly accumulating here. We give below a list of all the first and second class offices in the state, together with the postmasters’ salaries, the Brainerd office ranking seventh in standing:

St. Paul, $3,000; first class.

Minneapolis, $3,000; first class.

Winona, $2,500; second class.

Stillwater, $2,400; second class.

Red Wing, $2,400; second class.

Rochester, $2,200; second class.

Brainerd, $2,100; second class.

Duluth, $2,100; second class.

Mankato, $2,100; second class.

Lake City, $2,000; second class.

Northfield, $2,000; second class.

Now let steps be taken by the people to assist Mr. Hartley in his efforts to secure the erection of a government building in which to transact the large volume of business now being done at this office, by presenting the matter to the congressman representing our district, and his securing an appropriation to be used for its erection, and our facilities for the transaction of postal business will be of the finest. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 March 1882, p. 1, c. 5)


Money Order Reserve.


Several weeks ago Mr. W. W. Hartley wrote Senator Wm. Windom in regard to procuring a reserve of $500 to be used in money order transactions in the postoffice here and requested the senator’s aid in securing it, as he has been compelled, in order to do away with unnecessary auditing and to obey the letter of the law, to advance money from his own funds to the office at St. Paul, thus covering the amount of several remittances from this office which would otherwise have had to have been made daily. Senator Windom laid the matter before Mr. C. F. MacDonald, superintendent of the money order system at Washington, and is in receipt of a reply from the latter gentleman, which has been forwarded to Postmaster Hartley. The superintendent says he does not feel justified to decide, as yet, whether or not the reserve should be granted, but has directed Inspector A. T. Lawrence of the money order service to visit the local office here, examine the existing state of affairs and submit his report, after which the superintendent will lose no time in deciding the matter.

The TRIBUNE thinks that after Mr. Lawrence pays the office a visit and investigates this subject a sufficient reserve will be granted to at least remove the necessity of Mr. Hartley using his own funds for money order business, as it constitutes an injury to him; and judging from the past mode of conducting business at his office, the request would not have been made unless good reasons existed for so doing. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 April 1882, p. 1, c. 3)


The Postoffice Reserve.


In pursuance of the orders of his superior at Washington, Mr. A. T. Lawrence, an inspector of the money order service, has paid a visit to our local office here and made full and complete investigations into the existing condition of affairs at this office, prior to the sending in of a report by him to Superintendent MacDonald which will be used by the latter in deciding the question as to whether or not a money order reserve shall be granted to Postmaster Hartley at this place. The inspector took away the following figures with him, to be embodied in his report and which represent the total amount of money orders issued, total amount received and the amount of money remitted to the office at St. Paul during the last quarter:

Orders issued—$19,238.33

Orders paid—$2,475.67

Remitted to St. Paul—$16,290.00

These figures show that an even greater amount of business is transacted at the office than has been generally supposed, and if the high opinion of the inspector, as expressed during his previous investigation of the affairs of the postoffice, the steady and rapid growth of the business done, together with the apparent and urgent need, do not insure the granting of at least $500, as a reserve, the TRIBUNE is willing to be spoken of as a bad prophet. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 April 1882, p. 1, c. 6)


Post-Office Prosperity.


The recent improvements made in the Brainerd post-office are worthy of comment and many are the words of praise that are being expressed in regard to them. The boxes and panel work was received on Monday, and on Monday night the entire inside workings and boxes were torn out and the new outfit was put up. As you enter the post-office on 6th street, six feet from the door you are confronted by a glass front nine feet wide with a passage way on each side running back as far as the money order office. At the left hand corner as you go in is the ladies’ window, and at the right hand corner the gents’ delivery. Both sides of the frame-work is filled with boxes, there being something like 1230 new call and lock boxes added to the old capacity, the lock boxes that were formerly used being moved to the further side of the office, the whole being raised two feet from the floor instead of resting on it as before. The new lock boxes are of an improved pattern and to say the least are elegant. The wood-work partitions, etc., are of ash, the whole presenting a very pleasing appearance. When it is completed the enclosure will extend to the ceiling the balance being principally of glass. The money order office is located in the same place as before, being more commodious and handy, and at the left of it are the boxes for receiving mail, separate ones for papers, drop letters, and mail going east or west, which makes it very convenient for the postmaster. The apparatus was manufactured by Yale & Company, of Chicago, and costs $3,650, which we are informed is paid out of Mr. Hartley’s pocket. Truly his efforts to furnish the public of Brainerd with as fine a post office as there is in the state should be appreciated by all. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 August 1884, p. 3, c. 5)


The post-office fixtures have all been placed in position and it is a common remark that “she’s a dandy.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 September 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


NOTE: I believe the above post office was a new building located at the rear of the First National Bank building and had its own entrance. I think that separate section with its separate entrance located on South Sixth Street is still there.


SEE: First National Bank Building

SEE: Hartley Bank Building


Hon. G. G. Hartley who was appointed register of the Duluth land office will immediately assume the duties of that office. There could not have been a better appointment, or one which would have given better satisfaction, as Mr. H. has long been identified with the interest of the Northern part of Minnesota, and in the transaction of business, and also in a social way has made hosts of friends who will be glad to note his prosperity, while at the same time they are not loth to see him depart from Brainerd. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 March 1885, p. 3, c. 2)


NOTE: He quickly attached himself to Chester Congdon in Duluth.


The post-office war is on, and petitions are in circulation among the democrats for signers. The aspiring gentlemen are Chas. Johnson, of the firm of McFadden & Johnson, and J. H. Koop. If there is to be a change we hope the lucky man will think twice before he decides to remove the office from its present location as it is convenient to all parties, and is, we think, as finely arranged, and as handy, as any office in Minnesota. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 October 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


The Post-Office Removal.


Monday night the post-office was removed from the old location in the bank block to the Cale block on Front street. The removal has been a subject of much comment since that time many censuring Mr. Koop for removing it from where it was, and we understand that some of the “brethren” have gone so far as to complain to the post-office officials at Washington. Postmaster Koop was approached on the subject by a Dispatch scribe yesterday and he explained the matter as follows:

“In order to make myself whole it was necessary for me to reduce my expenses, the salary of the office having been cut down several hundred dollars. In order to do this and be able to support the office at the old location I asked the proprietors of the building to reduce the rent, and to allow me to put a partition across the opening between the office and the drug store. I received a reply stating that the rent could not be reduced, and that the proprietors did not care whether I stayed in the building or not. As my lease ran out March 1st, I at once looked up a new place that I thought would be the next most convenient place to the public and made a contract with Mr. Cale. Upon learning this I was informed by the proprietors of the bank building that I could have the rooms for $25 a month, but it was too late as I had already contracted for Mr. Cale’s room. The public ought not to censure me and I do not think they will when they understand the matter. The new location is but 150 feet from the old place, and fully as convenient. Besides the reduction in rent we also escape the fumes from the Chinese laundry in the basement and the out buildings in the rear of the old location, and I have full control over the room in which the office is now located. Mr. Cale will be out before April 1st, it being impossible for him to close out in time to let me have the entire room the first of this month.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 March 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


SEE: Cale Block


They Were Shocked.


On Sunday and Monday evenings last the entire front of the post-office became thoroughly charged with electricity from the electric light wire, and a great many people received very severe shocks as a result. Supt. Dresskell worked nearly all day Monday to remedy the matter, and thought he had it fixed, but when the dynamo was started Monday evening it was found to be worse than ever. The post-office front is composed principally of iron, consequently it became easily charged, while the stone step was so saturated with water as to also become so heavily charged that persons stepping onto it without rubbers were thrown to the ground, a great many persons being served in this manner. It was very amusing to the large crowd of small boys that had gathered there, but it might have resulted very seriously for the city. Another occurrence of this kind may result in a heavy damage suit against the city. The police should warn the people or keep them back in an occurrence of this kind. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 March 1889, p. 4, c. 6)


OUR NEW POSTMASTER.

_____


William Durham Appointed by the

President Yesterday.


WASHINGTON, April 2.—William Durham was appointed postmaster to-day at Brainerd Minn., vice C. L. Spaulding resigned.

The appointment of Mr. Durham as postmaster means the removal of the office to the Slipp & Atherton building near Fifth street. Property holders in that vicinity will not protest at the change. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 April 1891, p. 1, c. 4)


Wm. Durham has not yet taken charge of the post-office, but expects to be installed in his new position by Monday next. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 April 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


William Durham took possession of the post-office this morning, it having been turned over to him by Inspector Childs. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 May 1891. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 May 1891, p. 4, c. )


Vanished in a Single Night.


There were many people who strolled leisurely into the Cale building Sunday morning for their mail as they had been in the habit of doing every morning for the past five or six years, and were much surprised to find that the post-office part of the institution had been transferred to other quarters. In fact the removal had been so quietly and secretly done that some imagined it had strayed or been stolen. Upon investigation it was found that Postmaster Durham had, according to instructions from headquarters, but without notifying the public, moved the outfit to the Slipp-Atherton block on Front street, next door to Hoffman’s bazaar. The work of removal began at 11 p.m., Saturday night last, and at 6 a.m., Sunday morning the post-office force was ready to hand out the letters and papers to the many patrons of that institution.

In cases of this kind where the public is generally interested there is always a division of sentiment, and in this matter there was no exception to the rule. The people in the block where the office had been and the block below it, felt that they had not been used in a manner which they deserved, while those in the district where the new location was were elated.

As a matter of fact the manner in which the removal took place was indiscreet to say the least. There was no occasion to keep the public in ignorance of the intended change. If the government had rented a new location it was the business of the postmaster to notify, by bulletin, the people, and we think that Mr. Durham himself will not deny it. However, as far as the DISPATCH is personally concerned, the location suits us as well as the old one, and we think will also the general public after they become accustomed to the change. There will at least be one improvement which will be appreciated—the absence of a gang of kids and a crowd of men standing around the entrance which were drawn to the old place by the newsstand and confectionery store in front. But whether this will be offset by the saloon next door remains to be seen. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 October 1891, p. 4, c. 6)


BRAINERD ON THE LIST.

_____


Minnesota Postoffices Whose Receipts

Exceed $3,000 Annually.


WASHINGTON, March 28.—Minnesota is interested in the bill which has passed the Senate, providing for the erection of public buildings for postoffices in towns and cities where the postoffice receipts for three years have exceeded $3,000 annually. The following Minnesota towns come under the provisions of this bill:


[...]


Brainerd

Gross Receipts.—$6,292.83

Net Revenue.—$3,226.55

(Brainerd Dispatch, 01 April 1892, p. 1, c. 3)


A new window has been put into the rear of the post-office, and it is now expected that with more light on the subject the mails will be distributed with alacrity. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 April 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


To Be or Not to Be.


A tempest in a teapot is brewing over the removal of the post-office from its present location to a room in the A. G. Gallup building on 7th street. Wm. Durham, the postmaster, informs the DISPATCH that he has received positive orders from the post-office department at Washington to move into the new quarters December 1st. As far as the Washington officials are personally concerned, the location might be at the dam for all they care, so the orders to move must have been given for someone’s benefit here. It is stated also that a petition for the removal was circulated and signed, but who it was signed by is unknown to the writer. A remonstrance, directed to Major Baldwin, was being circulated and largely signed yesterday, which will at once be sent in to Washington, for the retention of the office in its present location, for a time at least, the document setting forth the inconveniences and conveniences of the two places.

While the post-office location, as far as this paper is concerned, doesn’t cut much figure as long as it is within reasonable distance in either direction, we think that if a move is contemplated all the people should be consulted, and its location mutually considered. Ever since it was taken from the room in the bank block on 6th street, there has been ill-feeling, and we believe that nine-tenths of the business men in the city would willingly sign a petition to have it placed back where it started from on its wanderings some six or seven years ago. Neither the place where it is now nor the new quarters proposed, will ever be satisfactory to all.

In the meantime you can get your mail in the Slipp-Atherton block, but keep your eye on the mail carrier. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 November 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


The people generally go to the Gallup building for their mail now just as naturally as a duck takes to water, although once in a while a misguided individual wanders into the old location, and is directed to go to Buffalo Creek by some guy. The DISPATCH, when it directed the public to keep its weather eye on the mail carrier last week gave timely warning. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 December 1893, p. 1, c. 3)


Sudden Post-Office Change.


On Sunday last after the shades of night had fallen the Brainerd post office was removed from its location in the Slipp-Atherton block, to a location in the Gallup building on 7th street, and people who came down town Monday morning for their mail were confronted with a bare room. But then the Brainerd public is getting used to such things, and it didn’t take long to locate the office, for the DISPATCH had given a note of warning in its last issue, although it had stated on good authority that the change would not take place until Dec. 1st. While there is an under-current of sentiment that does not approve of the manner in which the shift was made, and a deep muttering from people who declare that they will see whether these things can be done in opposition to their wishes, it is not expected that there will be any serious outcome. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 December 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


There is considerable talk again over the removal of the postoffice, this time to the rooms in the bank block on Sixth street, but from previous experiences it is safe to assume that the change will not be made. The postoffice inspector, J. D. Wood, was here the latter part of last week and stated that he would probably report to the department that the present location was preferable to the one from which it was moved on Front street. He was favorably impressed with the bank location but it is not probable that he will cause its removal there. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 January 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


The salary of the Brainerd postmaster has been raised from $1,900 to $2,000 and the office made second class. The new salary list was made public on Tuesday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 June 1894, p. 2, c. 2)


C. D. Johnson, P. M.


Charles D. Johnson, druggist, postmaster, state senator, ca. Unknown.
Source: Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan

Charley Johnson received as fine a Christmas present on Wednesday morning as one could ask, in the shape of an appointment as postmaster of the city of Brainerd. Mr. Durham’s time as postmaster expired on Dec. 16th, and C. D. Johnson and T. M. Reilly were the aspirants for this democratic plum, the latter gentleman’s backing coming through Michael Doran, of St. Paul, who “O. Kd” his papers, but their pole did not reach the persimmons. Mr. Johnson is feeling very comfortable over the out come, and as soon as his papers can be properly filled out, forwarded to Washington and approved, he will assume charge. He informs the DISPATCH that rumors to the effect that the location will be changed should be given no heed, and that the clerical force now employed will be continued for the present at least. It will probably be three or four weeks before the change occurs. The appointment pleases democrats and republicans alike, and Mr. Johnson will make a very acceptable postmaster to all classes. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 December 1895, p. 4, c. 5)


C. D. Johnson will assume charge of the Brainerd post-office tomorrow morning. Mr. Durham, the retiring postmaster, will remain in Brainerd and engage in business. For the present there will be no change in the clerical force. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 January 1896, p. 4, c. 3)


Improvements are being made at the post office this week by the addition of a new vault which is being built in the rear of the building by which Postmaster Johnson expects to be able to protect Uncle Sam’s cash and stamps from the light fingered gentry who have been invading various post offices in the northwest during the past few weeks. The fixtures in the building have also been moved five feet forward which gives ample room in the rear for the working force of the office. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 October 1897, p. 8, c. 4)


SEE: Johnson’s Pharmacy and Drug Store


BRAINERD P. O. ROBBED.

_____


Expert Safe Crackers Visit the Local

Post-Office on Wednesday

Evening.

_____


$1000 IN MONEY AND STAMPS TAKEN.

_____


The Vault and Safe Entered as Easy as a

Cheese Box.


One of the smoothest jobs of safe breaking ever worked in this or any other city was performed at the post-office here on Wednesday evening, when the vault and safe of that institution was broken open by burglars and between ten and twelve hundred dollars in money and stamps were taken. The burglars effected an entrance through the back door of the building. Once inside they bored a half inch hole in the vault door between the dial of the combination lock and the front edge of the door, and putting in a half inch set screw they forced the lock off the door to such an extent that the bolts could be drawn and the vault opened. Inside the vault the safe is kept, and they treated the safe in the same manner, also breaking off the dial of the lock with a sledge hammer. In the safe they secured about $425 in money and something over $600 in postage stamps, besides the contents of several registered letters, the amount of which is unknown. After securing the booty they escaped without detection.

The first that was known of the robbery was about seven o'clock Thursday morning, when Geo. Grewcox entered and saw what had been done. He immediately notified Postmaster Johnson, who arrived a few minutes later.

The loss is very heavy and it is a question that is agitating the people who will have to stand it. It is hoped that Mr. Johnson will not, as he can ill afford to do so, and he took every precaution, having only recently built the vault at his own expense to more securely guard the government’s property, and he kept the valuables in a safe provided by the government. It looks to us as if he had done his whole duty and was in no way responsible, and the government should stand the loss. The money in the registered letters will have to be borne by the senders.

Who the guilty parties are is not yet known. A suspicious looking character bought a ticket at Crow Wing yesterday paying for it in nickels and dimes. This looked suspicious, and Sheriff Erickson looked him up but satisfied himself he was not one of them. The local authorities are now satisfied that two men, nicely dressed, one of whom stopped at the Arlington, and was here several days before the robbery, are the men that are wanted. They have disappeared since the robbery occurred. Several things that they did did not seem unusual then, but in the light of the robbery now point to them as the probable guilty parties. A government inspector has been here since yesterday noon looking the matter up. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 November 1897, p. 1, c. 2)


Yesterday afternoon while looking over some ties near H. J. Cunningham’s place on Laurel street east Con O’Brien discovered a number of papers which upon investigation proved to be a relic of the Brainerd post office robbery. Among the papers was a package of deeds and some life insurance policies belonging to Postmaster Johnson which were taken along with the valuable documents and cash at the time the robbery was committed in November. The two drawers that belonged to the postoffice safe were also found. This was undoubtedly the place where the robbers secreted themselves while sorting over their booty. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 January 1898, p. 10, c. 2)


Post Office Change.


On Thursday morning C. D. Johnson turned the postoffice business over to his successor, N. H. Ingersoll, who immediately took charge of the affairs. Mr. Johnson, the retiring postmaster, has held the position for four years, having been installed Feb. 1, 1896, and during that time he has conducted the business in a manner highly satisfactory to the public and with credit to himself, and the only desire of the new postmaster is that he may be able to continue the business in as an agreeable manner to all concerned.

G. W. Grewcox, W. A. Spencer and Miss Mayme Carner will be retained in the positions they have held for some time and the general routine of business will not be interrupted by the change.

_____


C. D. Johnson, retiring postmaster, was the recipient last evening of a handsome easy chair, tendered him by the postoffice employees during his term. Attached to the chair was a card bearing the following inscription:

BRAINERD, MINN., FEB. 1, 1900.

Compliments and best wishes for your future, from “The Old Force.”

Miss MAYME CARNEY,

GEO. W. GREWCOX,

GEO. MURPHY,

JAMES H. MURPHY.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 02 February 1900, p. 8, c. 3)


The postoffice is now supplied with the stamp books, which are for sale in three sizes; books of twelve stamps each 25 cents, twenty-four stamps 49 cents, forty-eight stamps 97 cents. The pages are of six stamps each and of convenient size for carrying in pocket or pocket-book. Each book is sold at an advance of one cent on the stamp value to cover cost of binding. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 April 1900, p. 10, c. 1)


INTO FINE NEW QUARTERS.

_____


Postmaster Ingersoll Receives Word

by Wire from Washington this

Morning that the Propo-

sition for a

_____


LEASE OF ODD FELLOWS’ BLOCK

_____


Has Been Accepted, and the Post-

Office will be Removed about

the 15th of July

_____


Newton H. Ingersoll, postmaster and publisher of the Brainerd Dispatch, ca. 1910.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 8, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher

The people of this city will hear with great satisfaction that the postoffice is to be shortly removed into fine new quarters, the lower floor of the Odd Fellows’ block having been leased by the government for that purpose. The present postoffice has been a disgrace to the city, besides being almost a death trap to the postoffice employees, hence the removal will be welcomed by all. All of the inspectors that have been here recently have reported to the department that the present room was totally unfit for use, and as the owners refused to improve it, Inspector W. H. Chapman was sent here two weeks ago yesterday to arrange for a new location. He received several propositions for new quarters, which he sent to Washington, but what his recommendations were, is not known. However, the postmaster this morning received a telegram that the proposition for the first floor of the Odd Fellows’ block, occupied by Reilly’s grocery store, had been accepted, and it will be refitted, a vault constructed, and the room placed in first-class shape to receive the office as soon as Mr. Reilly’s lease expires, which is July 6th. The work of refitting will take some days, and the removal will probably not take place until about July 15th, when Brainerd will have a postoffice that will be comfortable for the employees, centrally located and convenient for the public, and a credit to the city. The government’s lease of the building is for five years.

Mr. Reilly has purchased the building in which the postoffice is now located and will refit and repair it and make a fine double store for his growing grocery business. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 June 1900, p. 1, c. 3)


On 15 July 1900 the Post Office moved into the Odd Fellows’ Block at 214 South Street, ca. Unknown. A 750x1230 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The postoffice was removed into the Odd Fellows’ block on Sunday, entirely new fixtures have been put in, and they present a very handsome appearance, besides being much more convenient for the employees than the old. It will make a fine postoffice when entirely finished. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 July 1900, p. 8, c. 1)


CHANGE OF HOURS.

_____


The Delivery Window at the Postoffice

will be Open from 9 Until 10 a. m.

on Sundays, Commencing

August 5th.

_____


Beginning Sunday, August 5th, the delivery window at the postoffice will be open from 9 a. m. until 10 a. m. on Sundays, instead of from 12 until 1 p. m., for the delivery of mail.

N. H. INGERSOLL, P. M.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 27 July 1900, p. 1, c. 6)


FREE MAIL DELIVERY

_____


Will be Established in this City as

Soon as Necessary Arrangements Can be Made.

_____


Postmaster Ingersoll has Asked the

Mayor and Council to Number

the Houses and Put Up

Street Signs.

_____


Brainerd will have a free mail delivery system as soon as the necessary arrangements can be made. The receipts of the office the last fiscal year aggregated over $10,000, which entitles the city to free delivery, and the authorities are prepared to establish the system as soon as the city is put put in shape for it, as required by law. This consists in having the houses numbered and the names of the streets placed at each corner, and a proper system of sidewalks. The city is well provided with sidewalks, and the postmaster has sent a communication to the mayor to lay before the council asking that the houses be numbered and the street signs put up. When this is done a department inspector will call, and if the arrangements are satisfactory will divide the city into districts and begin to install the system.

About three carriers will be needed at first. These will be appointed by the department after a civil service examination. They will be fairly good positions, and there will will probably be plenty of material to select from. Carriers work only eight hours a day and get $600 the first year, with an increase in subsequent years.

The establishment of the system will be a great convenience to the people of the city, especially East Brainerd, South East Brainerd and the outlying districts, and the people should co-operate with the authorities in making the necessary arrangements so as to secure its benefits at the earliest possible moment. Brainerd certainly is putting on city airs. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 November 1900, p. 1, c. 1)


CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.

_____


New Superintendent of Electric Lights

Elected—Petition Received to

Vacate a Portion of Bluff

Avenue.

_____


[...]


A communication was received from the postmaster asking that street signs be placed and houses numbered preparatory to installing a free delivery system. On motion a committee of three composed of Aldermen Gardner, Halladay and Rowley was appointed to act in conjunction with the mayor to comply with the request.


[...]

(Brainerd Dispatch, 07 December 1900, p. 1, c. 3)


COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.

_____


Plans for Numbering Streets and

Houses Accepted

_____


[...]


The special committee to whom was referred the matter of placing street signs offered recommendations as follows:

First—That the city be divided into four parts as follows: All that portion of the city west of the Mississippi be known as West Brainerd.

2nd—All that portion of said city east of the river to what is known as the ravine, and the St. Paul track, be known as the City of Brainerd.

3rd—All that portion east of the ravine and north of the N. P. track be known as Northeast Brainerd.

4th—All that portion east of the ravine and south of the Duluth track be known as Southeast Brainerd.

5th—That in numbering West Brainerd the numbers begin at the street nearest to the river with the number 100, and number west, adding 100 to every block, and beginning at the N. P. track number north and south the same as above.

6th—That in numbering Brainerd commence at the first block east of the Mississippi river and number east, commencing with 100, and add 100 for every block thereafter to the said ravine, and commencing at the N. P. track number north and south the same as east and west.

7th—That in numbering northeast Brainerd commence at the first block east of the ravine and number east, and commencing at the street running along north side of shop grounds, from said street north, commencing at 100, and adding 100 for each block.

8th—That the numbers used be not less than three inches in length, and the shaded strips not less than one-half inch in width, to be made on good metal or glass.

That cedar poles for street signs be secured and that an incandescent light be place at each street sign.

The report was accepted except as to lights.


[...]


The matter of drawing plans for numbering houses was left with the street committee.

The city clerk was instructed to advertise for bids for furnishing street signs, and for furnishing the signs and putting them up. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 January 1901, p. 1, c. 6)


Is Your House Numbered?


The people of this city desire the free mail delivery system established and in order to secure the same the city council has taken all necessary steps in that direction by preparing a plat from which the correct numbers are to be obtained for the houses and business places. Signs have been ordered and will be here within a few days and will be put up at the intersection of every street in the city. The government demands that these street signs be in position and that the houses be numbered and the sidewalks in good condition in the districts to be covered by the free delivery before they will establish the same. While a large majority of the people have complied with the ordinance regarding the numbering of their houses the DISPATCH is informed that there are still a large number of residences unnumbered, and unless the matter is attended to at once it will materially interfere with the establishment of the service. The number costs but a trifle and there are none so poor but that they can afford the expense, especially when the convenience of having your mail delivered at the door free of charge daily is taken into consideration. If you have not procured a number do so at once and be in line when the government officials made an inspection of the city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 April 1901, p. 4, c. 3)


SOME THINGS YET LACKING.

_____


A Government Official Visits Brainerd

and Inspects the City with a

View of Establishing

Free Delivery.

_____


Brainerd can have the free mail delivery system if its citizens desire it, but not without complying with the requirements of the government in the essential points. Before the service is established in any city, it must be ascertained whether the city has a population of 10,000 people or if the postal receipts of the office amounts to $10,000. If either of these requirements be found to exist the government will put the free delivery in providing the sidewalks are in good repair and extend through the districts desired to be served, also that the streets be named and signs erected at the intersections and the houses, both business and private, be numbered. Brainerd comes under the first qualification in that the postal receipts exceed $10,000 per year and the government is ready to give us the advantages granted other live, wide-awake cities of the northwest, provided our citizens will get a move on themselves, place their sidewalks in repair and number their business places and residences. It is up to the people now and if they desire metropolitan mail service their efforts will show it within the next few days. The business houses must be numbered and also the residences which still remain without numbers must have them put on.

On Friday last H. E. Thiele, resident inspector for St. Paul and Minneapolis, visited Brainerd in an official capacity at the request of Postmaster Ingersoll and remained until Monday noon, the object of his visit being to go over the city thoroughly, lay out the probable boundaries, divide the city into districts and select locations for mail boxes, which was done and his report will be made to the department at Washington with such recommendations as he deems the situation warrants. It was extremely unfortunate that the street signs were not in position but the unavoidable delay in not having them up at the time specified was fully and satisfactorily explained by Mayor Halsted, who also gave Mr. Thiele his personal guarantee that the signs would be in position and who also assured him that he would do all in his power as the chief executive of the city to enforce the ordinance regarding the numbering of houses and business places and the construction and repair of sidewalks.

As has been said before, Brainerd can have the free delivery if its people desire it but they must comply with the requirements laid down by the government before it will be established, and the businessmen of the city can do much toward encouraging the advancement to metropolitan airs by at once placing their numbers in position. They should be the first to set the example instead of being the last and retarding the establishment of the service.

Since the above was put in type quite a number of the street signs have arrived and are in position. All the rest are expected today or tomorrow and will be placed immediately. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 May 1901, p. 1, c. 4)


The street signs all arrived in the city on Wednesday and are being put into place. Now if the businessmen will number their places of business Brainerd will have free delivery July 1st. The indifference of the businessmen is all that will prevent it. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 May 1901, p. 8, c. 2)


The chief of police yesterday notified the owners of business places not numbered to comply with the ordinance at once. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 May 1901, p. 8, c. 4)


ANENT FREE DELIVERY.

_____


Postoffice Inspector H. E. Thiele Again in

the City to Go Over the Ground

the Second Time.


Post office Inspector H. E. Thiele, of St. Paul, arrived in the city Sunday and Monday he conferred with Postmaster Ingersoll regarding the free delivery soon to be inaugurated in this city.

It will be remembered that the last time he was here the numbering of the residences as well as the business portion of the city had not been attended to and he did not feel like recommending the establishment of the system of free delivery to the department on this account. Today he is going over the ground again, and as more attention has been given to this matter since his last visit to the city, it is thought that his recommendation will be favorable. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 July 1901, p. 3, c. 4)


MAIL CARRIERS NOV. 1.

_____


Washington Telegram Says Free Delivery

Will Be Established in Brainerd

on That Date.


A telegram from Washington to the Minneapolis Journal says:

“Free delivery service will be established in Brainerd, Minn., Nov. 1. Three carriers and one substitute will be appointed for this service.”

Postmaster Ingersoll has not been advised as to the date, and his only information in regard to the matter was obtained from the above telegram. It is his opinion, however, that the service will be established Oct. 1st, as that is the beginning of the quarter and a much better time to inaugurate the service. It is a settled fact, however, that Brainerd will get free delivery. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 July 1901, p. 1, c. 3)


FREE DELIVERY IS NOW ESTABLISHED.

_____


The System Will Not Be Inaugu-

rated Until the First of

November.

_____


EXAMINATIONS ON SEPTEMBER 7

_____


Old Employees Come Under Classi-

fied List and Will Not Be

Examined.


Postmaster N. H. Ingersoll has finally received official notification from the United States Civil Service Commission of the establishment of a free delivery system in Brainerd by the postoffice department. While the system has been established and all instructions have been received the inauguration of the same will not take place until Nov. 1.

A request has been made by the commission that proper arrangements be made to secure an eligible register in order that the Postmaster General may select carriers and a substitute from it in due time for them to select their uniforms and become familiar with their duties before the inauguration of the system, and in this connection an examination will be held in this city on September 7, which will be a special examination for the applicants for the positions above named. A civil service board composed of local members will be established here and they will thereafter attend to all these matters.

Brainerd is to have three carriers and one substitute, and the successful applicants must be able to pass an examination in spelling, arithmetic, letter-writing, penmanship, copying from plain copy, geography of the United States and reading addresses. The clerk or substitute must not be less than 18 years of age and the carriers must be between 21 and 40 years of age. No application can be received at the postoffice in this city after the hour of closing business on September 2.

All persons are invited to apply and applicants will be examined, graded and certified with entire impartiality and wholly without regard to any consideration save their ability as shown by the grade they attain in their examination.

Each carrier must furnish a bond of $1,000 through some indemnity company.

Brainerd, as soon as the free delivery is inaugurated will be classified and will be a civil service office from date and will be under the supervision of the United States Civil Service Commission. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 August 1901, p. 1, c. 6)


INITIAL EXAMINATION

_____


Applicants for Postoffice Clerk and Car-

riers for Brainerd Will Be Held

September 7th.


The United States Civil Service Commission announces that the postoffice department having advised it that free delivery will be established at the above-named city on Nov. 1, 1901, and requested that proper steps be taken to secure an eligible register in order that the Postmaster General may select carriers and substitute carriers from it in due time for them to select their uniforms and become familiar with their duties before the establishment of free delivery, a special examination will be held in the city and on the date named above, commencing at 8 o’clock a. m., for the positions of clerk and carriers.

The examination will consist of spelling, arithmetic, letter-writing, penmanship, copying from plain copy, geography of the United States, and reading addresses. The arithmetic will consist of tests in the fundamental principles, extending as far as common and decimal fractions and embracing problems.

The age limitations for this examination are as follows:

Clerk, not less than 18 years.

Carrier, between 21 and 40.

Applicants for mail clerk and carrier must have the medical certificate in Form 101 executed. Applicants for carrier must be at least 5 feet 4 inches in height, and weigh not less than 125 pounds. Female applicants are not required to have this certificate executed.

No application will be accepted for this examination unless filed in complete form with the board at the postoffice in the city named above, before the hour of closing business on Sept. 2, 1901.

Applications should be filed promptly, in order that time may remain for correction if necessary.

This examination is open to all citizens of the United States who may desire to enter the service, and who comply with the requirements. All such persons are invited to apply, and applicants will be examined, graded, and certified with entire impartiality, and wholly without regard to any consideration save their ability as shown by the grade they attain in the examination, but from those certified the department usually selects for appointments eligibles who are residents of the district in which the vacancies exist.

For application blank (Form 101), full instructions, specimen examination questions, and information relative to the duties and salaries of the different positions, and the location of the examination room apply to the secretary of the board of examiners at the postoffice in the city of Brainerd. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 August 1901, p. 2, c. 4)


THE AGE LIMIT EXTENDED.

_____


Postmaster Ingersoll Receives Further In-

structions Regarding the Required

Age for Carriers.


The following communication has been received by the postmaster from the president of the civil service commission at Washington, a perusal of which will show that the limit of the age for carriers has been amended to read 18 to 45 years, instead of 21 to 40:

WASHINGTON, D. C., Aug. 6, 1901.

DEAR SIR:—Referring to the instructions which have been sent you to announce the initial examination for the positions of clerk and carriers in the postoffice service in your city, you are advised that on August 1, 1901, the President amended the age limit for the postoffice service so as to make it uniform for clerks (male and female) and carriers. You will receive applications from persons whose ages are between 18 and 45 years; that is, from persons who will be 18 years of age on or before, or who will not reach their 45th birthday on or before the date of the examination. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 1901, p. 2, c. 4)


Carriers Appointed.


James Nolan, one of the first Brainerd mail carriers, ca. 1899.
Source: Meg McGowan

Postmaster N. H. Ingersoll on Monday received notification from Washington of the appointment of three of the young men to the position of mail carriers, and one young man to the position of substitute, they having been selected out of the sixteen who took the civil service examination in this city sometime ago, preparatory to the inauguration of a free delivery system on November 1.

The names of the three successful carriers are: John Thompson, James Nolan and Albert R. Cass. The name of the substitute is Carl Brockway.

Considerable interest has centered about the appointment of the carriers as there were many applicants for the position, most of the young men being well known and prominently connected in the city. The standings of neither of the successful appointees or those who took the examinations are given in the notification to Postmaster Ingersoll.

The young men who received the appointments are well and favorably known in the city and their innumerable friends will join with the DISPATCH in extending congratulations.

Now that the appointments have been made other details necessary to the establishment of the system in this city will be arranged for and it is hoped that everything will be in readiness by November 1.

Each mail carrier is required to give a bond in the sum of $1,000, all other requirements for the positions having been passed upon by the department. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 October, 1901, p. 6, c. 1)


Mail Must be Addressed to Street and

House Number.


Parties desiring their mail delivered must bear in mind that it must be directed to the street and house number. When writing to your correspondents request that it be directed in accordance with the above, giving them the proper information. A careful attention to this request will save many vexatious delays, as mail not properly addressed will be filed in the general delivery.

N. H. INGERSOLL, P. M.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 01 November 1901, p. 1, c. 5)


FREE DELIVERY INAUGURATED.

_____


Postmaster Ingersoll this Morn-

ing Inaugurated the Sys-

tem in Brainerd.

_____


THE BOUNDARIES ARE DEFINED.

_____


Mail Carriers Cover the City

Quite Thoroughly—Where

Boxes are Located.


The long expected inauguration of the general free delivery system for the city of Brainerd occurred this Friday morning, and the fact was received with joy by a majority of the residents of the city, for it has been felt for a long time that such a system is one of the acquisitions that the city should have since it has grown to metropolitan proportions.

Postmaster Ingersoll has devoted considerable time and labor in connection with the installing of the system there being a myriad of little intricate details which must necessarily be attended to before such a revolution in the manner of dealing out mail for Uncle Sam to the public can be accomplished. The work of laying out the districts for the different carriers was done, of course, by an official of the government from another city.

The public will be interested to know what districts will be covered by the different carriers and what these districts comprise. Carrier No. 1, Albert R. Cass, will cover all that portion of the city lying north of Laurel street, except one-half of a block on Sixth street between the alley where the postoffice is located and Laurel street, which consists of the Second ward and business houses on Front street and the cross streets to Laurel street.

Carrier No. 2, John Thompson, will take in the west side of Sixth street as far as Laurel from the postoffice, thence west on Laurel street from Sixth street to the river and all that portion of the city lying south of Laurel street, including Southeast Brainerd. His territory will take in the First, Fourth and Fifth wards.

Carrier No. 3, James J. Nolan, will start in the east side of Sixth street opposite the postoffice and will go as far as Laurel, thence east of Laurel to the ravine. From this point he will cross the bridge and take in that part of the city known as East Brainerd.

Another interesting point in connection with the system will be the boundaries. The first district, or the Second ward, will be entirely covered, the carrier starting from Front street north, the boundary being Bluff avenue west, north and east. On the south side the delivery will be made to Willow street on Sixth, Tamarac on Seventh, Hazel street on Broadway and Quince street on Ninth and Tenth streets. In Southeast Brainerd the limit will extend to the corner of Rosewood on Fifteenth street, on East Pine to Sixteenth street and on Oak, Maple, Norwood and East Laurel to Eighteenth street. In Northeast Brainerd delivery will be made on Kindred, Farrar, Forsythe and Pine to Fifth street. On Prescott, Myrtle, Pearl and Ash the delivery will be made to Third street. Running north from Ash the delivery will extend to Kinsey avenue on Third and Fourth streets, and from Kinsey Fourth street will also be included as far as Washington.

These limits were established by the department and until carriers become proficient the same may be curtailed in some portions of the city where it is sparsely settled and until such time as the carriers have the routes down so they can go over them in the time prescribed, which is eight hours and no more for each carrier.

The mailboxes will be located as follows: northwest corner Juniper and Third streets; northeast corner Main and Fourth streets; southeast corner Front and Fourth streets; southwest corner Grove and Fifth streets; southeast corner Front and Sixth streets; northeast corner Norwood and Sixth streets; southeast corner Sycamore and Sixth streets; southwest corner of Kingwood and Seventh streets; southeast corner Front and Seventh streets; northeast corner Main and Broadway; southeast corner Norwood and Broadway; southeast corner Fir and Ninth streets; northwest corner Ivy and Ninth streets; northwest corner Kingwood and Tenth streets; and at the Arlington hotel. In Southeast Brainerd the boxes will be located as follows: southwest corner Oak and Thirteenth streets; southeast corner Oak and Fifteenth streets; and southwest corner Laurel and Fifteenth streets. In East Brainerd the boxes will be located as follows; northeast corner Kindred and Second streets; southwest corner Pine and Second streets; and southwest corner Prescott and Fourth streets. This makes a total of twenty-two boxes in all. They are being placed in position by Silas Hall today.

For the present the system of registration of letters by carrier will be put in operation in the purely residential districts of the city, excluding business houses and patrons, who, as a rule, will have more than one letter to register at one time. The business houses and all others will be included in the service as soon as it is deemed practicable. The extensions will be made as soon as the conditions will permit, until the whole field is finally covered.

The carriers will register letters at the house as safely as if taken to the postoffice, the conditions being that the letter must be in good order and enclosed in a secure envelope; that it bears the name and address of the sender; that it bears the name and address of the person to whom it is to be delivered; that the postage be paid either in stamps or in money to the letter carrier; and that the letter be prepared ready to hand to the carrier, who in no instance will be allowed to wait.

The attention of the public is called to Section 1423 of the postal laws and regulations which reads as follows:

Every person who willfully and maliciously injures, tears down or destroys a letter box, pillar box or receptacle established by the postmaster general for the safe deposit of matter for the mail or delivery, or who willfully and maliciously assaults any letter carrier when in uniform and while engaged on the letter route in the discharge of his duty as letter carrier, or any person who willfully aids or assists therein, shall for every such offense be punished by a fine not less than $100 nor more than $1000, or by imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than three.

Attention is called to this section so that boys who may not be well informed as to postal regulations in regard to interference with the street boxes, may be warned, as it is not thought that an older person would be guilty of any such offense.

There will be two deliveries every day, except Sundays, one commencing at 8 a. m. and the other commencing at 2 p. m. Mail will be collected from the boxes by the carriers on their return trips. In the business portion of the city two additional collections will be made one at 11 a. m. and the other at 7 p. m.

There will be no Sunday delivery, the carriers’ windows at the postoffice being open from 9 until 10 a. m. on that day the same as the general delivery, and patrons who are served by carrier can get their mail by calling at the window. The windows will be numbered and if carrier No. 1 delivers the mail at your house or place of business you will call at the window numbered 1, the same rule being applicable to Nos. 2 and 3.

Postmaster Ingersoll hopes that the public will have patience with the young men who have been appointed carriers until they become accustomed to the work. Neither they nor anyone connected with the office in this city have had experience in this line but with the forbearance of the public it is hoped that the system will be chamfered down to a nicety within a short period. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 November 1901, p. 1, c.’s 3 & 4)


The street letter boxes to be used in connection with the free delivery service arrived yesterday but when the work of setting them up was commenced this morning it was found that the iron posts sent and the boxes are not intended to go together the fastenings on the two being entirely different. This will necessitate another delay in getting the boxes in position for which the department is to blame and not the local office. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 November 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


MILL DISTRICT WANTS CARRIER.

_____


Petition will be Presented to the

Government Asking for

Free Mail Delivery.

_____


DOCUMENT HAS MANY SIGNERS.

_____


Residents of this Portion of City

Claim to Have Complied

with Requirements.


There is a move on foot over in the mill district in East Brainerd to get a mail carrier for that section of the city. Previous to the installation of the free delivery system in this city, the residents of the mill district went ahead and provided for all the requirements, such as putting on numbers, etc., and they are now disappointed. The department at Washington regulates these matters and it is understood that one reason why they have not been accorded this privilege is the fact that there are very few sidewalks in that part of the city.

A petition is being circulated and it is being liberally signed, asking that the government put on an extra carrier for them. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 December 1901, p. 6, c. 1)


NEW P. O. BUILDING WILL BE BUILT

_____


In This City in Near Future For

Which Provision Has

Been Made

_____


$45000 APPROPRIATED TO SAME

_____


Steady Increase in Public Busi-

ness Indicates Prosperity

of the City


The Omnibus public building bill which passed the house of representatives May 15th and the senate on the 20th, and has since become law by the signature of the president, contained an appropriation of $45,000 for a public postoffice building in this city which will be erected upon the property acquired by the government at the corner of Sixth and Maple streets for a postoffice site that will be a credit to this city. The initiatory steps taken to secure this improvement were made by former Congressman Buckman during his first term at which time a bill was introduced but failed of passage, the following session of congress a bill was passed appropriating $10,000 or so much thereof as was necessary for the purchase of a site. When Congressman Lindbergh was elected to the office he took the matter of securing an appropriation for a building for this city up and introduced a bill appropriating $50,0000 for such purpose and his success in the matter is assured by the appropriation made in the public building bill. At the opening of congress it was not thought that a public building bill would be passed but sufficient pressure was brought to bear upon congress to convince the members of the necessity of such a measure, especially in the northwest where public buildings with modern conveniences are needed to accommodate the growing business, and through the efforts of Congressman Lindbergh the results above noted have been attained. That it has been made possible for the erection of a suitable building in this city to accommodate the government business will be appreciated by the public and the growing business of the postoffice by the time the new building is ready for occupancy will certainly warrant the expenditure of money in its construction.

While no information is at hand it is altogether probable that work on the building will not be commenced this season although the preliminaries will be arranged, plans submitted and contract let without doubt so that it can be completed in 1909.

During the past eight years the business of the postoffice has gradually increased, the receipts from the postal account for the year ending Dec. 31st, 1907, being $16,466.50 as compared with $12,538.62 for the year ending Dec. 31, 1901. The money order business has increased in a corresponding ratio with the other business of the office, the number of orders issued in the past year being 13,546 representing over $110,000 as compared with 9,453 representing $64,696.40 issued in 1901.

The establishment of free delivery, however, has reduced the revenue from box rents of the office to $600 at the present time which were over $1,000 at the time of its installment making an additional $1,000 increase in the postal account in comparing the above figure. The postoffice was moved from Seventh street to its present quarters in the Odd Fellows block on Sixth street on July 15th, 1900, and free delivery service was established Nov. 1st, 1901, with three carriers, Russell Cass, John Thompson and J. J. Nolan. The business of the office warranted the addition of a mounted carrier the following year and on July 1st, 1902, Carl Brockway was added to the force of carriers. In 1905 and 1908 additional carriers, C. A. Nelson and Frank Russell, were appointed, making the force at the present time six city carriers, and the service now covers three business deliveries and two complete residence deliveries daily, and is considered as good as any city in the northwest.

Three rural carriers cover the county to the east, southeast and south of the city, Wm. M. Everest, Albert Young and Geo. W. Fallon being the carriers.

The office force proper consists of George W. Grewcox, assistant postmaster, and who will complete his fifteenth year of continuous service in June of the present year; W. A. Spencer, mailing clerk; Maggie L. Atherton, registry and money order clerk; Clarence B. Stickney, assistant mailing and general delivery clerk; Carl Wright, general delivery clerk.

The monthly payroll at the present time is nearly $1,300 which includes the postmaster’s salary. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 May 1908, p. 6, c. 3)


NEW POST OFFICE BUILDING.


Illustration of the new Post Office Building, ca. 1910.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 3, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher

The Brainerd postoffice ranks as one of the best in the state, both in point of service rendered, efficiency of employees and increase in business. There is no surer barometer of the growth and development of a town or city than the post office receipts, and there are probably few towns in the Northwest where the percentage of increase has been greater during the past three years than in Brainerd, unless some unusual condition has caused it. The increase has been steady and during the period from 1901 to the present time the amount received for the sale of stamped paper has jumped from $12,000 to over $18,000. The growth of the city has been reflected during these years by the increase of the business of the post office. The number of people employed in 1900 including the postmaster, was six, and at the present time 18 are on the pay roll which foots up $17,924.18. The postal receipts of the office for the year ending March 31, 1910, were $18,089.39, a gain of nearly $1,000 over the previous year. This, of course, does not include the money order business which amounts to nearly $125,000 annually.

N. H. Ingersoll, the present postmaster was appointed in 1900 by President Wm. McKinley, reappointed by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904 and in 1910 by President Taft. Free delivery of mail both city and rural has been established since the present postmaster assumed the duties of the office.

Recognizing the importance of the city and the volume of business being transacted the government has purchased a site at the corner of Sixth and Maple streets consisting of a quarter of a block and is now busy erecting a magnificent federal building which will be completed within a year. The building will be modern in all appointments. The contract contemplates the completion of the structure by April 1st, 1911, and when the building is finished and Uncle Sam’s employees are transferred to their new home Brainerd will have one of the finest post offices in the Northwest. (Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 8; Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher)


NEW POSTOFFICE WILL BE A BEAUTY

_____


Brainerd’s Public Building Will be

Up-to-Date and Well Fitted

for Purpose

_____


TO BE OF ROUGH RED BRICK

_____


Interior Finish Will be Largely of

Marble and Appointments

Will be Fine


The plans for Brainerd’s new post office building have arrived and show that the building will be an ornament to the city and well adapted to the purposes for which it is designed.

The building will be 55 by 72 feet in size and about 32 feet in height surmounted by a tall flag staff. The building will be of rough red brick, with Flemish bond, and trimmed with sandstone or limestone. It will sit 12 feet back from the Sixth street lot line and 14 feet from the Maple street line. The first floor will be about four feet above the sidewalk grade, and will be reached by a flight of seven steps. The building will face on Sixth street and will have an entrance from Maple street.

There will be a fifteen foot sidewalk on both street sides, while a 27 foot macadamized driveway will go around the south and east sides of the building, thus making the mail vestibule accessible from either street.

The granite steps which lead up to the entrances will be surmounted with handsome lamp posts, while there will also be handsome bracket lanterns on the west entrance.

The lobby is entered from Sixth street through a revolving door and is floored with light gray terrazzo. The trimmings in the lobby are of marble and hardwood. The lobby is fifteen feet wide and runs along the entire west side of the building and half across the Maple street frontage. The money order and registry departments are on the Maple street side, the work space of this department being enclosed with a wire cage similar to the teller’s cage in a bank. There are four windows in this department, two looking toward Sixth street and two toward Maple street. South of the registry and money order windows will come the carriers’ windows, of which there will be one large and two small ones. Next to this will come the general delivery window and then the three drops, there being a letter drop in the center and a package drop on each side. At the south end of the lobby will be the box sections. There will be many more large boxes than at present. The call boxes will be entirely eliminated in the new post office. There are five desks in the lobby for the use of the public.

From the east end of the lobby a hallway leads to the postmaster’s room, which is in the northeast corner of the building. The postmaster’s room opens also to the main work room.

The work room, like all rooms used by the working force is floored in hard maple, while all parts of the building used by the public are floored with light gray terrazzo. The work room is 40 by 40 feet in size and is well lighted. It is equipped with two vaults, one fire and burglar proof for the storage of moneys and stamps, and valuable packages. This opens from the money order and registry department. The other, a larger vault, opens directly from the work room and is designed for the storage of stamped envelopes and other supplies.

From the work room a stairway leads to the basement and on this floor is also the women’s toilet. There is also a toilet room opening off the hall leading to the postmaster’s room. There is a large mail vestibule opening from the work room. This vestibule is equipped with lockers for the several trains so that when the mail for a train is pouched it can be placed in the proper locker and the messenger, who is provided with a key to the locker, can get the mail without entering the work room. He also leaves the incoming mails in the mail vestibule. This vestibule will also be used by the employees as an entrance to the building. The main story is 18 feet in height, in the clear, and the basement is 12 feet in height.

In the basement is placed, of course, the steam heating plant, and also the carriers’ “swing room,” as it is technically known. This is the room in which they stay when in the building and not at work. It is 18x22 feet in size, and well lighted. In the basement are also placed the men’s toilets, etc. A shower bath is provided for the use of the employees, which will prove a great source of health and comfort when they come in sweaty and dusty from their tramp about town.

A spiral stairway leads from the janitor’s closet in the basement up to the attic, thus giving the janitor access to all parts of the building without passing through the work room or the carriers’ quarters.

The building will be of handsome architectural design and will be one of the finest buildings in a city of this size in the country. There will be grass plots between the building and the sidewalk and the rest of the lot is laid out for lawn. This corner will, after the completion of the new building and of the ornamentation of the grounds, be one of the beauty spots of the city.

The bids will be opened in Washington, D. C., March 21, 1910, and under the terms of the advertisement for bids the building must be ready by the 1st of April, 1911. There will probably be several local contractors who will bid on the work, though the time is rather short in which to get them ready. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 March 1910, p. 3, c.’s 1 & 2)


ST. PAUL MAN GETS THE JOB

_____


Bids on Brainerd Federal Building

Opened in Washington, D. C.,

Last Thursday

_____


INFORMATION IS NOT OFFICIAL

_____


C. B. Rowley Informed by Interested

Party that St. Paul Contractor

is Successful Bidder


C. B. Rowley informs the Dispatch that J. W. Miller, of St. Paul, was the lowest bidder on the contract for building the new federal building in this city. Mr. Rowley’s information, while not official, comes from a building material man in St. Paul who was interested in the matter and who would be likely to know, and, as Mr. Rowley received this morning from the government architect the return of his certified check and other papers he is satisfied that the information is correct. The figures as given out on the bids are:

J. W. Miller, St. Paul—$43,272

John Lauritzen, Fergus Falls—$46,855

C. B. Rowley, Brainerd—$49,926

The postmaster, who is custodian of the site, has not been informed of the outcome and is unable to pass on the above report, although, he stated this morning, that Mr. Rowley’s information was probably correct and that being the case, work on the new building would commence at once.

Mr. Miller, the gentleman said to have secured the contract, is an experienced man in this line of work, having had several government contracts. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 April 1910, p. 3, c.‘s 1 & 2)


WORK TO START ON POST OFFICE

_____


Contractor Miller Now in the City to

Make Necessary

Arrangements

_____


WANTS TO LET SUB-CONTRACT

_____


Thinks Building Will All Be Com-

pleted by February

1911


J. W. Miller, of St. Paul, who secured the contract for the erection of the new postoffice, is in the city today. He will remain here two or three days and during that time he will be stopping at the National hotel, to superintend the arrival of his material and equipment.

Mr. Miller is a very pleasant and accommodating gentleman and was kind enough to tell the Dispatch representative all about the post office work. The first thing to be done is the excavation work. He wants to let the contract to some man to put on the scrapers and four or five teams and do the work at once.

Mr. Miller’s aim will be, as it has been on other contracts he has completed, to do every bit of local work it is possible to do in the town where buildings are erected. He wants to give our people every chance possible to bid on work and to be employed by him. Wherever he can figure on or sublet anything that can be let in a home town he does it. The following sub-contracts have been let:

Granite work to Wm. Penn, Minneapolis; Indiana Limestone work to Bedford Quarry Co., interior finish to North Side Sash and Door Co., Minneapolis.

Contracts which are not let embrace: Wiring, plastering, bricklaying, stone setting, iron erection, ornamental iron work, lamp standards and brackets, tin and sheet metal work, painting and varnishing, approaches which constitute walks, driveway, curb, coping and macadam work, sodding and seeding contract, waterproofing of basement walls, plumbing and heating.

Mr. Miller states he hopes to have the postoffice finished by February, 1911. There was one point which seemed to bother him and that was the question of where to dump the dirt from the excavation work. It was suggested it could be used in filling up the South Sixth street park to proper grade. Such an arrangement would please the park board as well as every resident on the south side. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 April 1910, p. 3, c. 1)


BUILDING NOTES

_____


Work Progressing Favorably on the Post Office


The postoffice excavation work is about completed. George S. Badeaux, who has the contract for the excavation work has almost finished his work. The basement has been dug deep enough and some extra work will be done widening it. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 May 1910, p. 5, c. 4)


CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS

_____


J. W. Miller, the Postoffice Contrac-

tor, Will Superintend the Put-

ting in of These Foundations


J. W. Miller, the St. Paul contractor, will put in concrete foundations at the new post office. This work will be in charge of Mr. Miller, who is expected to return tomorrow noon.

This concrete work will give employment to 10 or 15 common laborers. In this class of work the skilled labor employed are a few workers who make and set the forms for the concrete work. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 May 1910, p. 2, c. 4)


The concrete foundation work has been commenced on the new postoffice building. The steam cement mixer is chugging away and the first concrete was thrown into the forms about nine o’clock yesterday morning. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 May 1910, p. 2, c. 3)


Work Done on Post Office


At the post office ten men are employed. Contractor J. W. Miller is placing his cut stone trimmings for the basement entrance in position. This is at the east end of the building. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 June 1910, p. 3, c. 1)


P. O. STAGING COLLAPSES

_____


Staging Eight Feet High Loaded

With Cement Collapses—No

One Hurt


The eight foot high staging at the new postoffice building on Sixth St. was being loaded up with cement this morning. The cement was being placed there so as to be in a handy place for feeding into the cement mixer. John Larson’s team had drawn up with a load of the material and the driver J. Avery was passing the sacks from the team to the staging.

George Wiley, also working for John Larson, was on the staging. Suddenly it gave way under the constantly increasing weight and folded up almost burying Wiley among the sacks of cement. By some lucky chance he managed to avoid the falling planks and cement and came through the ordeal uninjured. He missed these but could not escape a barrel of water which also tumbled down and soused him completely. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 August 1910, p. 3, c. 5)


GOOD PROGRESS WITH BUILDINGS

_____


PLACING ROOF ON POSTOFFICE

_____


[...]


At the postoffice the steel girders for the roof are being placed in position and the federal building is assuming the proportions it will attain when completed. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 October 1910, p. 3, c. 1)


P. O. BARBER SHOP


JAMES BRADY has removed to his new barber shop under the post office and will be pleased to meet all his old patrons.

3 LICENSED BARBERS

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 October 1910, p. 2, c. 4)


McCaffrey and Wallace have secured the contracts for the interior and exterior painting of the large Iron Exchange building and the new postoffice. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 October 1910, p. 2, c. 2)


Brainerd’s Handsome Federal Building

_____


Situated on the southeast corner of Maple and South Sixth streets is Brainerd’s postoffice, a handsome structure one story and basement in height, built in the modified renaissance style of architecture. Broad grounds surround it. The structure is built of high grade Menominee sand-mold brick trimmed with Redford Indiana lime stone employed its sills, keys and cornices. The steps are of Kettle River sandstone. The panels over the windows are of Vermont marble.

The lobby measures 12 by 69 feet. The ceilings are 17 feet high. The work room measures 40 by 42 feet. Furniture and fixtures, safes and vaults, filing devices and the keeping of records are as well arranged for as modern ingenuity can suggest. The building was built from plans drawn by James Knox Taylor, the supervising architect of the government. H. P. Dunn is the postmaster of this city. The federal building also houses the postal savings bank and is also headquarters of the deputy collector of internal revenue. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 May 1915, p. 16, c. 2)


19 July 1956. Construction of a new $612,000 post office in Brainerd was a step closer to reality today as reported in a telephone call to the Dispatch by Sen. Ed Thye. The recommendation has passed out of committee and on to the House and Senate Public Works committees. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 July 2016)


03 December 1957. A revised proposal for the new post office building in Brainerd was approved by the county commissioners. The county will donate land east of the courthouse and pay $5,000 while receiving the old post office building on S. 6th Street. The new post office is expected to cost $550,000. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 December 2017)


Council Plans Quick Razing of Post Office

_____


Light Board Grants Loan of $50,000


A loan of $50,000 to the city coffers from the Brainerd Water and Light department means that demolition of the old post office building will get underway in the near future, it was reported last night at the city council meeting.

Alderman Walter Fall told the council that the county commissioners, who were meeting as an equalization board, had been approached yesterday and agreed that the demolition could begin after payment of 75 per cent of the purchase price.

Fall said the county already has been presented with a check for this amount. He said the deed to the building will be held in escrow until bonds are sold and final payment is made.

After hearing the report the council moved quickly to get the arrangements made for removal of the building and converting of the area into an off street parking lot.


SPECIFICATIONS ASKED


The city engineer and the purchasing and property committee were directed to draw specifications for tearing down the building. The engineer, city attorney, and purchasing and property committee were also given authority to advertise for the bids as soon as possible. The engineer was also authorized to draw up specifications for re-surfacing of the lot.

In still another motion the city engineer and parking meter attendant were authorized to purchase 10 meters at a time as they see fit.

A total of 70 meters will be needed for the area. It was pointed out that it is likely that the meters will be five cents for one hour, 10 cents for two hours, and 25 cents for five hours.


BOND BIDS ASKED


Later the council adopted a resolution calling for bids on bonds both for the parking lot and for the permanent improvements projects for the year. The bids will be received August 1. The parking lot bonds total $70,000 and the permanent improvement bonds, $180,000.

The old post office site was purchased from the city for $53,300.

The money borrowed from the water and light commission is for a 60-day period at two per cent interest.


[...]


City Asks 10 Per Cent Discount on Property


The Brainerd City Council has requested that the Crow Wing county commissioners reduce the price of the old post office site by 10 per cent.

City officials said that the request was made in view of the fact that the building and land could be paid for in one lump sum.

A total of $50,000 in cash was borrowed from the water and light department for a 60-day period.

The commissioners, who adjourned briefly as a board of equalization and met as a county board, considered the matter, but took no action.

The board asked County Attorney Carl E. Erickson for his view on the matter. In a formal opinion Erickson stated that he questioned the wisdom of such action as far as policy was concerned, but that he could see no legal obstacles involved.

However, the commissioners did state that demolition of the building could begin with payment of 75 per cent of the bid price of $53,300. A check for this amount has been presented to the county auditor. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 July 1962, p. 1, c.’s 6-8)


MUST BE MOVED WITHIN 30 DAYS—


City Offers to Give Away Old Post Office Building


Post office, anyone?

You can have one for the asking if you so desire.

The Brainerd City Council has said that the old post office building will be given away free of charge to anyone who will move it from the present site within 30 days.

Otherwise the structure will be razed to make way for a new city off-street parking lot.

The building and property were purchased from the county by the city for $53,300. At the last council meeting the aldermen authorized the drawing up of specifications and the calling of bids for dismantling the building and also for surfacing of the lot itself.

However, if someone offers to remove the structure within 30 days he will find himself the owner of a post office. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 July 1962, p. 1, c.’s 7 & 8)


First Money Order Issued Here Displayed


Postmaster Joseph Dunn has announced that the First Money Order ever sold in a Brainerd Post Office is on display in the inner lobby of the local Post Office beginning Thursday, August 7, 1969. Money orders in 1883 were termed Postal Notes.

This original and first note is signed by Postmaster W. W. Hartley on September 8, 1883 at Brainerd. It is written for ONE CENT and is payable to the Postmaster at Toledo, Ohio. Postmaster Hartley and family left Brainerd and he later became lieutenant [sic] governor [sic] of the State of Washington. [NO! W. W. Hartley was never lieutenant governor of Washington. His brother, Roland Hill Hartley, was Governor of Washington.] He would be a relative of James Hartley of Route 5, Brainerd.

The Postal Note was then sent to Postmaster Charles D. Johnson on December 25, 1896 who had become the postal executive a few weeks before Christmas. It passed on to George W. Grewcox, Assistant Postmaster in 1898 and it was found among his papers by Miss Mabelle Grewcox of Minneapolis, formerly of Brainerd. The Grewcox home was on North Sixth Street near Kingwood. Miss Grewcox presented the note to Postmaster Joe Dunn.

The display contains the Postal Note, a picture of the Hartleys in 1883; the letter to Charles Johnson and the Postmaster’s picture; George Grewcox’s picture, and a group picture of late eighties County officials including Postmaster Hartley, Anton Mahlum, I. U. White and Timothy Brady. There are relatives of each of the four men now residing in the Postal limits of Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 August 1969)


PRINCESS CANDY KITCHEN

In 1920 the Princess Candy Kitchen was located at 723 Laurel Street. In 1931 the Princess was located at 715 Laurel Street.


GUST. EFSTON CANDY KITCHEN

_____


“The Princess” in Fitger Block

has Formal Opening Today, Carna-

tions for the Ladies


Gust. Efston, well known confectionery man, first located at 613 Laurel street, Citizens State bank building, will open his new store, fountain, and equipment, “The Princess,” located in the Fitger block, this Monday.

Mr. Efston is one of the enterprising citizens of Brainerd, and it is shown in the fine place and most inviting one that he has made of the new business. The fountain is a model of beauty, in marble, backed by mirrors, and he has installed new fixtures and a brand new stock of candies, etc.

Carnations will be given away today to the ladies and many are visiting the “The Princess.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 October 1916, p. 5, c. 1)


CHANGES AT “PRINCESS”

_____


Candy Kitchen Being Redecorated,

New Fixtures Being In-

stalled


The Princess Candy Kitchen closed this morning to allow the quarters to be redecorated and for the installation of new fixtures throughout.

According to Gust Holevas, proprietor, the many patrons of the Princess will not recognize the candy kitchen when all of the alterations have been completed that will make this establishment one of the finest in this locality.

New style booths with benches and tables will take the place of those formerly used, and will accommodate fifty people. These booths are of the type that have proven so popular in other cities. They will occupy the center of the room as well as along the walls.

A new fountain, the latest model, and much larger than the old one, will occupy the space of its predecessor and of the old cigar counter. Its cooling system is remarkable, in that the water is kept at a temperature of 35 degrees, even in the warmest weather. A new carbonator completes the fountain equipment, which was designed especially for the Princess, and to include a large marble back bar.

All of the old fixtures go out, said Mr. Holevas. A large candy case and a new cigar case of heavy plate glass and equipped with Italian marble bases, will be installed.

These alterations will take at least a week or ten days to complete and will cost about seven thousand dollars, according to the proprietor.

Mr. Holevas came to Brainerd six years ago from Aitkin, and has made a number of substantial improvements in the Princess Candy Kitchen during this time. He has shown his confidence in Brainerd and the future of the city by all of his past actions, and renews that faith in this, the largest undertaking in his career.

“I am putting every cent I have back into my business,” said Mr. Holevas, “and as Brainerd grows I expect to enlarge the Princess. The city has a good future, and I hope to make it my home as long as I am in business.”

Mr. Holevas has a brother who owns and operates a farm near Aitkin, and has also other relatives in that county. Announcement will be made of the opening date of the Princess later in the week. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 May 1923, p. 7, c. 1)


RANSFORD HOTEL (MAP #1 and #2 and #60)

Ransford Hotel at the southwest corner of 6th and Front, ca. 1910.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Built of red brick by Ransford R. Wise in 1904, it is known as the Ransford Hotel, the building extends from just west of the southwest corner of Sixth and Front Streets about half way on Front Street between Fifth and Sixth Streets. [It is condemned in 1972 and finally demolished on 09 August 1975.] (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 87)


A $100,000 HOTEL MAY BE BUILT IN BRAINERD

_____


R. R. Wise Said to Be Planning

on a Proposition of this

Nature

_____


DEAL ON FOR HARTLEY BLOCK

_____


And Mr. Wise is Said to Have

Secured an Option on

the Same.


Rumors at times are started by unscrupulous persons who have nothing else to do and when fanned by the average gossip spread rapidly, but the class of rumors which are based upon positive facts are ofttimes given out by the papers and they serve well the purpose for which a paper is placed in a community, to get the news red hot from the griddle.

There are well authenticated rumors going the rounds in Brainerd now, and the indications are that they will soon merge into authoritative facts from those most deeply interested. They are to the effect that R. R. Wise will soon commence the erection of a $100,000 hotel [Ransford Hotel] on the corner of Front and Sixth streets on the site now occupied by the Wise [Bly’s Block] building and the lots where stood the Hartley block which burned night before last.

It has been known for some time that such a project has been talked of, but nothing definite has been given out by Mr. Wise himself. In fact, he is in St. Paul now and it is understood that his business has to do with such a proposition.

Coupled with the fact that there has been considerable talk regarding a hotel where the Wise [Bly’s Block] building now stands, is the statement from a reliable party that Mr. Wise had an option on the Hartley block before it burned and the purchase price is said to have been $14,000. The gentleman who gave the information states that it was his belief that the fire would make no difference with this deal; that it will be made anyway and that the insurance money on the building will go to Mr. Wise anyway. This would be considered a good deal for the gentleman, as he would be paying but $6,000 for three lots that are worth at least $15,000 of any man’s money.

The location for a hotel is an ideal one and the erection of a substantial building would be a great addition to the city. It is said that the plans are for a hotel something on the plan of the Waldorf at Fargo, a three story brick block, modern and in every respect up-to-date.

THE DISPATCH reporter tried to see Mr. Wise today but he is in St. Paul. T. E. Ruthorford was seen but he had nothing to give out on the matter. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 April 1904, p. 3, c.’s 1-2)


SEE: Hartley Block


THOS. BEARE LEASES

THE NEW RANSFORD

_____


Minneapolis Man Closed Deal

Tuesday Afternoon With R.

R. Wise for the Hotel

_____


MAN OF ABILITY AND MEANS

_____


One of Best Hotel Men in North-

west will be Associated with

Mr. Beare


R. R. Wise Tuesday afternoon closed a deal for the lease of the new Ransford hotel to Thomas Beare, of Minneapolis, and that gentleman will take charge as soon as the building is ready for occupancy which will be in a short time.

There have been as many as 32 applicants for the lease of this hotel and many have wondered why Mr. Wise has not closed the deal many weeks ago. The fact is that he has been very careful in considering the various applicants and he finally decided that Mr. Beare was the right party.

Mr. Beare is a gentleman of ability, having had wide business experience and one of the best features in his favor is the fact that he is reputed wealthy. He comes to Brainerd with capital to invest and will at the outstart expend from $12,000 to $15,000 for furniture and fixtures for the new hotel.

The gentleman expects to have associated with him one of the most experienced hotel men in the northwest and expects to conduct a place which will be a credit to Brainerd and northern Minnesota.

Mr. Wise did not give it out as authority this morning, but it has been intimated that the corner will be built up as soon as conditions shape themselves and this will partially be utilized in connection with the new hotel. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 February 1905, p. 1, c. 5)


10 May 1905. George E. Trent, who was in the city yesterday, has closed a deal with Thomas Beare, proprietor of the Ransford Hotel, whereby he becomes general manager of this popular establishment. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Saturday, Tuesday, 10 May 2005)


CHANGES AT RANSFORD

_____


Bar to be Placed in Vacant Store Room—

Billiard Parlors to go Where the

Bar is Now


Masons are at work putting an archway between the office of the Ransford and the vacant store room in the Wise block. The Ransford bar will be moved into that room as soon as possible and an up-to-date billiard parlor will be installed in the room to be vacated by the bar. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 February 1906, p. 2, c. 2)


Fire animation On March 11, 1907, a fire was started in a closet when a lighted lamp was accidentally knocked over by a worker who was scrubbing the floor. Losses amounted to about $33,000.


SEE: 1907 Ransford Hotel Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


The Hotel Ransford has installed a gasoline plant to supplement the electric lights. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 March 1908, p. 2, c. 2)


Thos. H. Beare has purchased a 22 foot launch, with 7 horsepower engines which was placed in the Mississippi river today. Mr. Beare will put in a dock at his gardens southwest of the brewery and also at the Laurel street bridge, and will use the boat in part for bringing the produce to the [Ransford] hotel, as well as for pleasure. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 June 1909, p. 2, c. 4)


November 1909. For the first time after the fire the Ransford Hotel bar was reopened this morning with George Ridley again in charge. The sign was also replaced. They hope to get the kitchen and dining room in shape to serve Thanksgiving dinner. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Saturday, 07 November 2009)


24 October 1910. Manager Charles Rattinger, of the Ransford Hotel, said: "I wish some of those people, who make it a practice to congregate on the sidewalk by the hotel, would cease in their habit of spitting on the walk. I have to use hose and broom to remove the tobacco juice." (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 24 October 2010)


Fire animation On October 28, 1917, a fire started in the Stallman Brothers’ Barbershop and poolroom in the basement of the Ransford Hotel causing about $4,500 in damages.


SEE: 1917 Basement Fire in Ransford Block in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


The improvement of a new sidewalk eliminating a steep grade and doing away with railinged areas is much appreciated by pedestrians and R. R. Wise is to be thanked for the change wrought at the Ransford hotel corner Front and Sixth streets. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 June 1918, p. 2, c. 3)


GOULD-GRAY CO. SELLS LARGE BRAINERD BUSINESS HOLDINGS

_____


J. Herschel Hardy, Chicago, Buys

Ransford, Annex, Towne and

McFadden, Wise Blocks

_____


TO IMPROVE BUILDINGS

_____


Constitutes One of Largest Real

Estate Transactions in City

in Many Years


J. Herschel Hardy, of Chicago, Ill., has purchased the Ransford hotel, stores and annex, Towne and McFadden block, and Wise Block from the Gould-Gray Co. The transaction was closed last evening and constitutes the largest real estate deal put through in Brainerd in many years.

Mr. Hardy is a chain hotel man, owning six other hotels located in five different states. He does not come under the head of an operator because all of his other hotel properties and theatres are leased over a period of years.

Two of the hotels are leased to the Boss Chain of hotels with headquarters at Oelwein, Iowa. Mr. Hardy states his intention is to buy other property in the state of Minnesota. With the new acquisition the total rentals derived are in excess of $200 a day aggregating about $20,000 a year, this income being derived from 65 tenants located in five states.

The change in ownership does not in any way affect the lease of the present hotel operators, Ernest and Harry Butler, who have operated the Hotel Ransford for several years. The general offices of Mr. Hardy are located at 134 North LaSalle street, Chicago. Associated with Mr. Hardy is his brother, H. W. Hardy, also of Chicago, Mrs. Jessie Hardy, wife of H. H. Hardy, owns a hotel independently in Kansas.

The transaction here makes the third hotel purchased by Mr. Hardy in the four months of this year.

The new owner takes possession immediately. Attorney A. D. Polk represented all parties in the legal matter of the transaction.

By the new acquisition Mr. Hardy takes on 30 tenants which still leaves the Gold-Gray Co. in excess of 60 tenants in their large holdings here. The transaction will not affect any change in the Gould-Gray Co. They will continue to remain in business with offices in their present location and will be local agents for the present for Mr. Hardy.

Mr. Hardy is further interested in the book publishing business as well as being an officer of the stock and bond company of Meyer-Hardy and Co. He is a member of the Association of Commerce of Chicago as well as many civic clubs and he announces his desire to assist in the betterment and boosting of Brainerd to the fullest extent. He makes no definite announcement as to his future plans although he is quite definite in the point that there shall be a considerable sum of money expended in the improvement of the Ransford hotel.

The Ransford hotel was built in 1905 by the late R. R. Wise following the burning of the Arlington hotel also owned by Mr. Wise. The center section was constructed first and later additions were made. The hotel was first leased to Thomas Beare, then Mr. Wise operated it himself later leasing it to O. H. Johnson and the Butler Brothers in turn.

Since Mr. Wise’s death three years ago, the property has been owned by R. R. Gould and N. W. G. Gray. Listed among the present holdings of the Gould-Gray Co. and businesses in which they are interested in in Brainerd are the following: Iron Exchange building, one of the finest office buildings in the northwest, which also houses the New Brainerd hotel; the Anna block, South Seventh street, the National and Ideal hotels, and the Ohio block. The largest hotel owned by the Gould-Gray Co. is the Waldorf at Fargo, a modern 150-room hotel which was built by Mr. Wise. The 10,000 Lakes garage was also constructed by Mr. Wise, who will be remembered as the late president of the 10,000 Lakes Association and always a booster for Minnesota.


[...]

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 May 1928, p. 3, c. 1)


October 1928. Butler Brothers of Brainerd have sold their Ransford Hotel business including furniture, fixtures, lease and good will to the Hardy Hotel Operating Company of Chicago. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Sunday, 02 November 2008)


Fire animation On 21 October 1929 a spectacular fire, which started in an unused closed up stairway in the Ransford pool hall, swept through the ceiling to what was known as the Ransford Annex and through the walls and ceiling into the Journal Press print shop, causing estimated damages upwards of $20,000.


SEE: 1929 Ransford Hotel Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


The Ransford Hotel was condemned by the city in 1972 and demolished in August 1975 at a cost to the city of about $43,000. A 1040x687 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

February 1975. (Photo) The Ransford Hotel, 70 years old this year and showing every bit of its age, will finally be coming down following resolution of a legal battle over condemnation, first issued by the city in 1972. Once the grandest hotel in Brainerd, it has been boarded up since 1972. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 19 February 2015)


April 1975. Plans for tearing down the old Ransford Hotel building hit another snag when city attorney D. A. Larson said it appears the city will not be able to sell bonds to pay for the demolition. Larson told city engineer George Kriha not to call for demolition bids until the matter is settled. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 13 April 2015)


July 1975. The city of Brainerd’s three-year struggle to tear down the Ransford Hotel and annex came to a successful end last night when the council voted to award a $43,000 demolition bid. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Wednesday, 13 July 2005)


July 1975. Brainerd’s three-year battle to tear down the old Ransford Hotel and Annex and the 502 building came to an end last night when the council unanimously awarded a $43,400 contract to demolish it. The St. Cloud firm has until Sept. 26th to finish the job. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 14 July 2015)


August 1975. A welcome sight was visible yesterday afternoon in downtown Brainerd as the demolition of the Ransford Hotel and annex building got under way after nearly three years of legal hassling. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Tuesday, 09 August 2005)


August 1975. (Photo) A welcome sight was visible in downtown Brainerd as demolition of the Ransford Hotel, Ransford Annex and 502 Building began after three years of legal hassling. A “clam” rig from a St. Cloud firm takes the first bite out of the annex roof. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 12 August 2015)


SEE: Bly’s Block

SEE: Wise Block


RED OWL GROCERY STORE

RED OWL STORES TO OPEN BRANCH

_____


Will Locate in Rooms Formerly Oc-

cupied by Stoughton Variety Store,

210 South 7th Street

_____


ON HELP-YOURSELF PLAN

_____


Brainerd Chosen as Location Because

of the Good Trade Outlook

Here


The Red Owl Stores, Incorporated will open a branch in Brainerd on or about May 15th, in the rooms formerly occupied by the Stoughton Variety store at 210 South Seventh street.

These stores are operated on the chain system, similar to the method used by the J. C. Penney Co., with the exception that they are grocery instead of dry goods emporiums.

The Red Owl stores prefer to have their establishments called “groceraterias,” since they are operated on the “Help-yourself” plan very much like the recently famous Piggly Wiggly groceries, the difference being that the Red Owl stores do employ a few clerks while the Piggly Wiggly do not.

This is a comparatively new line of business in Minnesota, the Red Owl Co., having just started in this state. Brainerd was chosen as one of the first cities in which to locate stores, because of the excellent outlook here and the good territory from which to draw. The state headquarters of the company are in St. Paul. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 May 1923, p. 5, c. 2)


OWL STORE

_____


Workmen Busy Placing in Fixtures

for the New Grocery in the


Workmen are busy in the Anna block placing fixtures for the reception of the new grocery to be established by the Red Owl company. The Brainerd branch of this chain of stores is expected to open in the near future. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 May 1923, p. 3, c. 5)


NEW RED OWL GROCERATERIA

_____


Furniture and Fixtures Installed and

New Stock of Goods

Arriving

_____


OPENING SATURDAY, JUNE 2

_____


Mayo Priebe Will Be the New

Manager, Comes Here From

Rochester


Red Owl Grocery store located at 220 South Seventh Street, ca. 1930’s. A 789x1140 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Chet Roberts, Legacy Program, Crow Wing County Historical Society
The first Red Owl ad published in Brainerd, 01 June 1923. A 1746x2163 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Furniture and fixtures have been installed and the stock of goods arrived for the new Red Owl grocerateria, which will be open to the public on Saturday, June 2nd, at 210 South Seventh street, in the quarters formerly occupied by the Stoughton Variety store.

Mayo Priebe, who will be manager of this branch of the Red Owl groceries, arrived Wednesday, and with a corps of assistants is arranging the stock and preparing for the grand opening. Mr. Priebe comes to Brainerd from Rochester, Minn. where he managed a self-service grocery department of a large store very successfully. He will make his permanent home in the city.

The Red Owl company is entirely a Minnesota concern. It has been in business but one year, and now has fourteen stores in operation. This chain will be increased by three or four inside of the next month.

The aim of the company is to sell well-known and nationally advertised lines of groceries of the highest quality at the lowest possible price. This is made possible through quantity buying for all stores, and through the system of help-yourself selling on the cash and carry plan.

Such popular brands as Heinz and Gedney’s pickle and preserve lines, National Biscuit Co.’s products, and package groceries made popular through wide advertising, will be stocked. California-packed canned fruits and vegetables in season, dairy products and smoked meats are handled.

The store presents a very fine appearance, being decorated exclusively in white. Customers enter through a turnstile and make their own selections from merchandise attractively arranged and easily accessible. Several clerks are always at hand to assist if patrons so desire. Each customer passes the cashier’s desk on leaving, where the bundles are wrapped and paid for.

Judging from the support of the past year in every town where the company operates stores, this policy is appreciated by the buying public.

The Red Owl believes in liberal use of advertising space, and will list the specials and regular wares each week in the Dispatch.

P. S. Nickel, store superintendent in charge of the fourteen branches, is in the city assisting with the work of opening. Mr. Nickel stated that his company is much impressed with the Brainerd spirit, and feels that this locality should furnish a wide field for its business.

Other branches are conducted at Little Falls, St. Cloud, Sauk Center, Alexandria, Fergus Falls, Rochester, Mankato, Red Wing, Faribault, New Ulm, Fairmont, Blue Earth and Austin. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 May 1923, p. 7, c. 3)


The Red Owl Grocerateria opened for business this morning with a rush. Over 200 sales were recorded in the first two and a half hours. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 June 1923, p. 2, c. 3)


SEE: Ohio Block


REILLY BLOCK (MAP #73)

Located at 211 South Seventh Street. Built circa 1893 by Michael J. Reilly who arrives in Brainerd in 1880. He and his wife are homecomers from Detroit [Lakes] in July 1922. In 1903 M. J. Reis purchases the M. J. Reilly store, which had been established ten years before. Mr. Reis has therefore the oldest dry goods business in Brainerd. He carries a general line of dry goods, hosiery and notions which is second to none in quality and reliability. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923; pp. 111 & 132)


M. J. Reilly will erect a new business block in the spring on lots recently purchased of T. McMaster on 6th street south. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 October 1897, p. 8, c. 1)


M. J. Reilly is putting in a cement sidewalk in front of his store, on 7th street, the granite curbing having arrived. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 October 1900, p. 12, c. 1)


New Dry Goods Store.


A new dry goods store will be established this week in connection with M. J. Reilly’s grocery business. Mr. Reilly has a double store, and one room will be used for the dry goods department. Mr. Reilly’s brother-in-law, Mr. Valentine Smith, will be associated with Mr. Reilly in the dry goods portion. Mrs. Smith is an experienced clerk in the dry goods business and will give her valuable experience to make the new store one of the most attractive in the city. Mr. Smith is at present connected with the Wisconsin Central railroad at Fond-du-lac, Wis., but has resigned to take effect Jan. 1st, to take charge of the new store. Mrs. Smith is at present in the city. The new stock has partially arrived, and will be placed on the shelves ready for business the first of next week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 December 1900, p. 1, c. 6)


25 June 1904. The Reilly block on Seventh Street occupied by the M. J. Reilly grocery store is gutted by fire on Sunday evening, entailing a loss of about $15,000 to the building and occupants. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Friday, 25 June 2004)


05 January 1905. Negotiations are pending and unless the unforeseen happens a deal will be closed whereby W. E. Brockway and Sam Parker will succeed to the business of M. J. Reilly, the Seventh Street grocer. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Wednesday, 05 January 2005)


Fire animation On January 27, 1907, a fire wiped out the Reilly block containing the Reilly drygoods and hardware store, M. J. Reis drygoods store, Brockway & Parker, grocers and the Citizens State Bank building. Losses amounted to about $80,000.


SEE: 1907 Reilly Block Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


A crew of men with a team is at work cleaning up the refuse on the site of the Reilly building. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 March 1907, p. 2, c. 2)


M. J. Reilly has a force of teams belonging to Gilmer & Welsh at work excavating the cellar for his new brick block. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 April 1907, p. 2, c. 2)


WILL PUSH WORK

_____


M. J. Reilly Will Push the Construction

of His Brick Block on Seventh

From Now On


As soon as the work of excavation on the new Reilly block on Seventh street is finished the work of laying the walls for the basement of the structure will begin, it is stated on good authority. This building will be pushed right along without a day’s cessation of work unless it be because of being compelled to wait for material. Mr. Reilly states that he has not yet decided whether to fit up the second story as flats or as offices. The lower floor will be divided into two store rooms, one to be occupied it is reported by Brockway & Parker and the other by M. J. Reis. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 April 1907, p. 5, c. 2)


11 April 1907. Sam Parker, in days gone by, was in the grocery business in Brainerd. He sold his interests to his partner, W. E Brockway, and then retired to Merrifield. We remember on one occasion of being part of an excursion party of Brainerd to Walker, and as we passed Merrifield we saw Sam and the engineer saluted with a whistle and the crowds yelled, “Hello, Sam.” (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Friday, 11 April 2007)


M. J. Reilly was given permission to build a brick building on South Seventh street and to pile building material in the streets. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 May 1907, p. 3, c. 4)


Work on the M. J. Reilly brick block is progressing first rate and the floor joists for the second story will probably be in place tomorrow. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 June 1907, p. 2, c. 2)


The plasterers are putting the second coat on the Reilly block. It is thought that the tenants will be able to occupy the lower story some time in August. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 July 1907, p. 2, c. 3)


WILL BE FINE FLATS

_____


Rooms in the New Reilly Building

Will be Very Pleasant—Stores

Ready in About a Month


The work on the Reilly block is progressing satisfactorily now. The steel ceiling is now in place for the south store, which will be occupied by Brockway & Parker, and the plastering done. It is expected that they will be occupying it about the first of September. The north store, which will be occupied by Mr. Reis is nearly as far along and he will get into it about the same time.

The upper story has been fitted up into two handsome flats of seven rooms each. Mr. Reilly will occupy the south flat himself. The rooms are well arranged and well lighted. A feature that will be appreciated by the women folks, is the large unfinished hall or enclosed porch running clear across the rear and giving an excellent place for drying clothes, storing fuel, etc. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 August 1907, p. 3, c. 2)


The new Reilly block on South 7th St. is rapidly approaching completion and presents a decidedly neat appearance. Mr. Reilly states that he expects to have it ready for occupancy by Sept. 1st at which time Parker & Brockway and M. J. Reis will return to the place they occupied before the fire of last winter. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 August 1907, p. 2, c. 4)


WILL MOVE SOON

_____


Brockway & Parker and M. J. Reis

Will Occupy the New Reilly

Building in a Few Days


Work on the shelving and painting of the store rooms in the Reilly building is being pushed rapidly these days. Brockway & Parker hope to get the room they are to occupy ready so as to move Saturday night and Sunday, but may not be able to move until next week. Mr. Reis states that his room will not be ready quite so soon, but he will get moved in some time the fore part of next week if he has good luck. It will seem good to the boys to get back to their old stamping ground, though they will be in the opposite relative locations from what they had before. Brockway & Parker will occupy the south store room and Mr. Reis the north one. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 August 1907, p. 3, c. 4)


WILL MOVE TONIGHT

_____


Brockway & Parker to Occupy South

Room in New Reilly Building

With Their Grocery


Brockway & Parker will move into their new quarters in the new Reilly building tonight. They already have a portion of their stock moved and will move the rest tonight and will be doing business there tomorrow. If they could move as easy as they moved into their present quarters, it would be all right but that would be too expensive. They will have handsome and commodious quarters when they get settled in their new location. Being on the side next to the alley will make their room more convenient than they had it in the old Reilly block. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 August 1907, p. 3, c. 4)


M. J. Reis is moving his dry goods stock into the Reilly building today. He will have a handsome store room when he gets it completed. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 August 1907, p. 2, c. 2)


In Our New Store


We are now back in our old stand in the new Reilly block and have opened up a large new line of up-to-date dry goods, notions, gent’s furnishings and shoes. Although the store room just vacated is very small and not very attractive we did a nice spring and summer business and we wish to thank all our customers for their kind and liberal patronage and assure you that hereafter we will be able to serve you better and give you a larger variety of goods to choose from and at prices that will be the lowest in town.

Yours Truly,

M. J. REIS

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 August 1907, p. 3, c. 3)


ROSKO BROTHERS

An ad from the 1910 Brainerd City Directory for the Liljendahl & Rosko Brothers Garage.
Source: 1910 Brainerd City Directory
Rosko Brothers Ad.
Source: 1920 Brainerd City Directory

17 June 1913. Rosko Brothers are busy repairing the vocal chords of the cracked fire bell of the Central Hose Co. Got to do it or they get no money for their work. They have drilled out a piece two inches wide and will plug and weld the replacement section. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 17 June 2013)


06 August 1913. Rosko Brothers are doing a large business at their garage. They have had to build a cement walk 22.5 feet by 150 feet to the east of their shop to place autos awaiting repairs. The interior is full of machines. Henry and Pete Rosko employ four helpers. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 06 August 2013)


23 March 1919. A new idea in the buying of oil, gasoline, auto supplies, etc. is that of the auto sales company formed in Brainerd by uniting nine garage interests of the city whose purchases will be made through that company. The company is capitalized at $25,000 and is composed of these members: Rosko Brothers, W. E. Lively, Brainerd Motor Company, Sherlund Company, John T. Imgrund, Motor Inn, Bourquin & Norton, Turcotte-Hardy Company and Charles W. Hoffman. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 23 March 1999)


11 May 1920. Advertisement, Rosko Brothers, 9th and Oak Street: 1918 Studebaker, winter top included, $800; 1919 Ford Touring, with extra equipment, $650; 1918 Ford Sedan, $600; 1912 Pierce Arrow, Chummy $500. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 11 May 2000)


A metal sign advertising tires at Rosko Brothers, ca. Unknown. A 1544x508 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Unknown

03 March 1924. To Rosko Brothers, Dodge car dealers, goes the honor of being the first to introduce balloon tires in Brainerd. Your car can run over curbs or other obstructions without any appreciable jar to the driver. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 03 March 2004)


SEE: Rosko Field / Airport in the Bridges, Mills, etc. in Brainerd page.


RUSSELL BUILDING

Located at 504 Front Street, on the site of the old Hose House, houses the Russell Creamery Company, Incorporated.


SEE: Fire Halls


SAINT FRANCIS CATHOLIC CHURCHES (MAP #38 and #39)

Father Buh established the first Catholic church in Brainerd, ca. 1870.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

During the latter part of 1871 and early in 1872 Father Joseph Francis Buh establishes the St. Francis Catholic Church Parish. The first church is a simple design of wood and stands on South Fifth Street at the west end of Maple Street, adjoining what comes later to be known as the hay-market and now just south of the driveway of the post office. When this church is destroyed by the Haymarket Fire in 1886 [sic] [1890], a site on the northeast corner of North Ninth and Juniper Streets is acquired and a new red brick church is built there starting in 1890 and completing in 1898; that church is destroyed by fire on 09 March 1933 and the loss is estimated at $50,000. The present church is then completed and the first Mass is celebrated on 11 February 1934. This is a Romanesque church built of cream-colored cut stone which cost $75,000. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 6 & 145)


NOTE: The first St. Francis Catholic Church does not seem to have been destroyed in the 1886 Haymarket Fire, as stated above by Zapffe, since it is listed on page 192 of the 1888 Brainerd City Directory as being located at 36 South Fifth Street. The Rectory of Father Francis Watry is listed at 56 South Fifth Street on page 176 of the same 1888 Brainerd City Directory.


NOTE: Although detailed and accurate information about these early days is not available, it is believed that the original small wooden church was replaced by a more substantial structure on the same site. This church and the parish house were destroyed by fire [1890], probably during the pastorate of Father E. J. Lawler (1890-1892). Property was then purchased on North Ninth Street, the site of the present church, and a new building begun. (The Word, a Century with Our Churches, Brainerd, Minnesota 1871-1971, p. 4)


Catholic Fair.


The first Saint Francis Catholic church located at the west end of Maple Street, ca. 1872.
Source: The Word, a Century with Our Churches, Brainerd, Minnesota 1871-1971

The Church Fair, given here last week, under the care of Rev. Father Kelly, was a proud success in every respect. For several days and evenings the little church building was the scene of a happy time, and all, without distinction of creed or birth, displayed their liberality both of purse and opinion, upon the occasion throughout. The receipts of the Fair were between three and four hundred dollars, which we think will compare favorably with the results of similar affairs in many of the other and richer towns below. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 February 1872, p. 3, c. 2)


SISTERS, HAVE A LITTLE MERCY.—Every few days our town is visited by Sisters of Charity from abroad, who seem to think that we Brainerdites are made of money. Of course the Catholics of this place, and also the Protestants, have given liberally upon all occasions when asked by the Sisters; but these ladies, whose works are naught but good, should, we think, give us a rest. The Catholics here are poor, like other folks, and are not able to carry on to a success their own home institutions; and if they are asked so often and persistently to give to purposes away from home, they never will be able to build their Church here and carry out plans for a successful Church organization. Will not the Sisters, for whom we entertain a high respect, discover that in this idea there is some logic! We think so, and feel sure that in future they will make their demands fewer and lighter. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 January 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


GREAT CHURCH FAIR AND CONCERT.—The Rev. Father Keller, the popular and indomitable Catholic clergyman, (whom everyone knows well and favorably along the line of the N. P.), has set to work and is making grand preparations to give our citizens a splendid Fair and Concert on next Monday and Tuesday, at Bly’s Hall. He has all his goods here and every preparation made, except a few details. A full band of music will be here on Tuesday evening, and a musical concert will close the occasion. There will be all sorts of useful and ornamental goods on sale, a refreshment table, and amusements of various kinds, and a raffle for one of the prettiest bedspreads in the State. Of course there will be the usual voting, and premiums will be voted to the best little girl, the best little boy, the most popular minister, ditto railroad man, ditto lady, etc., etc. Altogether it bids fair to be one of the jolliest times of the season; Father Keller believes not only in ministering to the wants of humanity in a spiritual sense, but also believes there is a time to make merry and be glad—all of which is eminently proper. Contributions of any articles, great or small, that will add to the attractions of the Fair, will be gratefully received. Admission free. Don’t fail to go and enjoy the good time. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 February 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


THE Catholic Fair, held at Bly’s Hall on Monday and Tuesday last, was a grand success, in the face of the rather stringent time for money. The gross receipts footed up to over five hundred dollars. Father Keller desires us to return to the good citizens of Brainerd his heartfelt thanks for their generous liberality, in thus helping him to means with which to finish up his chapel in Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 March 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


AN EARNEST WORKER.—Among the Reverend gentlemen on the line of the Northern Pacific, there are none who are more devoted to the spiritual interests of their flock than the Rev. Father Keller, the Catholic priest who has in charge the Catholic work along the entire line of the road. Father Keller has so large a field that he cannot be with his people in Brainerd oftener than every four weeks; but all are ready to welcome him, as he is well known to be an eminently good man and faithful servant of the church, and is highly esteemed among all classes. It is regretted among his parishioners here that he cannot be in Brainerd more frequently, though we dare say they would prefer his ministry and care over their spiritual welfare, even as it is, than to have his place taken by any other who might be with them oftener; for they know he will do his very best for them, and they are satisfied. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 June 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


TO LEAVE US.—Everyone in Brainerd and along the line will regret to learn that the Rev. Father Keller, (Catholic clergyman, who has had charge of the missionary work through this section ever since the road commenced) has been sent to another field of labor. All will regret this exceedingly, regardless of religious views, and he takes with him the heartfelt wishes of hundreds along the line of the Northern Pacific, for his future happiness and usefulness. He has been a noble Christian, representative of the Catholic church here, and Protestants, as well as Catholics, have learned to have a high respect for his church and great esteem for him. He requests us to bid adieu to all his friends who have ever been so kind to him, and leaves with them the blessing of God and his own heartfelt thanks and gratitude. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 August 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


ANOTHER BELL.—Our Catholic friends have also got a bell for their chapel in this city. The ceremony of blessing it was performed on Sunday last, by the Rev. Father Buh, and its merry chimes called to service in the afternoon. It weighs about 500 pounds, and is a very beautiful toned bell. Verily, Brainerd is rapidly donning all the habiliments of our older sister towns, and all the details of a Christianized community. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 December 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


REV. FATHER BUH, the Catholic clergyman for this section, called upon us on Wednesday. He was just on his return from a missionary visit to Red Lake, where he has a mission, nearly 200 miles north from here, which he visits once or twice a year. He says the Red Lake Indians are much more progressive, quiet and contented than those through this section of the country. They raise enough potatoes and other vegetables to supply their wants, and almost of their own accord, have abandoned wigwam life to a great extent, and now live in log houses of their own construction. They expressed great regrets that he could not come and live permanently at the mission there, and said that if he would do so they should take great pleasure in doing much more in the way of progression. The reason, we presume, these Indians are doing so well, is because they are too far removed from the confines of civilization to get white man’s whiskey—which is bad enough on the pale face, dear knows; but raises the very d—l with the red man. Father Buh had a very pleasant journey this time, the weather being mild and fine. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 March 1874, p. 1, c. 3)


WE are now just completing, in the TRIBUNE office, the tenth number of the monthly magazine published from our job printing department for the Sisters of St. Francis whose convent and school is located at Belle Prairie in Morrison county. We are pleased to note the success of this fine little monthly, and its permanency seems now to be assured. It is a thirty-six page magazine, gotten up in the neatest style of the printing art, and printed on fine tinted book paper and is edited with marked ability. It is the only monthly magazine now published in Minnesota, and the most dignified Catholic publication in the West. We learn it is the intention to greatly enlarge and improve it next year. Subscribers to it already come from nearly all parts of the world—throughout the United States, Canada, Germany, China, South America, and many other countries. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 September 1874, p. 1, c. 7)


THE cupola or bell-tower of the Catholic church building is being sided up and suitably ornamented and finished. A neat cross also surmounts the top, and on the whole the work being done will greatly enhance the appearance of the structure. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 October 1874, p. 1, c. 7)


THE ST. PATRICK’S SUPPER.


The St. Patrick’s Oyster Supper at Bly’s Hall, Wednesday night, was, considering the brief notice, a very pleasant and successful affair. A large number were in attendance, the music was good, the tables abundantly supplied with good things and handsomely decorated, and the sale of chances in the raffle were numerous, and all the incidents of the occasion were highly agreeable. It is thought, we understand, by our Catholic citizens, to give a picnic festival sometime in May. Father Buh’s thanks are expressed elsewhere in today’s paper. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 March 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


THANKS TO CITIZENS.


THE Rev. Father Buh desires, through our columns, to cordially thank the good people of our town for their generous attendance at the St. Patrick’s oyster supper, which he does on behalf of the Catholic Society of Brainerd, under his charge. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 March 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


WE are requested to announce that there will be special services at the Catholic Church everyday the coming week until Wednesday. Rev. F. Shulak and Father Buh will be in attendance. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 June 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


WE are authorized to say that Rt. Rev. Bishop Seidenbusch will be here on Sunday, January 21, and will preach at the Catholic Church at 10:30 a. m. Everybody is invited to attend. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 January 1877, p. 1, c. 7)


REV. FATHER BUH has purchased the residence in this city of N. Gravelle, corner of Fourth and Laurel streets, and thinks of obtaining the remaining vacant portion of that block for the purpose of erecting a Catholic school. We hope his project may prove successful. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 March 1878, p. 4, c. 3)


The St. Patrick’s Fair and Festival on Tuesday evening was a grand affair and an unprecedented success. The entertainment passed off very pleasantly with a large attendance leaving over $150 as proceeds, of which $130 was net. We regretted the intervention of business that prevented the personal attendance of the editor of the TRIBUNE, though our “Special Reporter” was present. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 March 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


Rev. Father Buh of the Catholic mission in this district, gave us a pleasant call this afternoon. He has purchased the lot and building in front of the Catholic Church on Fifth street, occupied as a blacksmith shop and proposes to have it removed at an early day, which will greatly improve the appearance of the church grounds, and with other changes he is making in the rear—clearing up and fencing—will make the block a pleasant one. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 April 1878, p. 1, c. 6)


The ladies of St. Francis Church gave a fair and festival at Bly’s Hall on the afternoon and evening of Thursday the Fourth that was well attended and a pleasant affair the proceeds of which are to be devoted to the improvement of the Catholic Church in this city. We regret that the crowded nature of things in getting to press last week caused us to forget entirely our promise to announce the fair in these columns in our last issue but the success of the affair notwithstanding, must be our consolation for the neglect which was purely unintentional. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 July 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


A new fence is ornamenting the grounds about the Catholic Chapel. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 July 1878, p. 1, c. 1)


A large congregation was present at the Catholic church on Fifth street, in this city, on Sunday morning, to witness the confirmation services held by Bishop Seidenbusch, of St. Cloud, assisted by Fathers Ulrich Northman, vice president of the St. John’s College at St. Joseph, Minn., and Joseph Buh, of this district. An address by the Bishop preceded a very able and interesting sermon by Father Northman, and thirty-two applicants were confirmed. The music by the choir was particularly attractive, and a very pleasant season [sic] was had. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 August 1878, p. 1, c. 1)


We are specially requested by leading members of the Catholic Church, in this city, to say, that the unfortunate remarks of the Bishop, at the confirmation service, on Sunday morning last, condemnatory of the singing and music furnished, on that occasion, by the choir, (which was ably assisted by, and composed chiefly of, friends outside the church and congregation, not accustomed to the peculiar order of the services, who kindly consented, by request, to conduct the music) were not warranted, under the circumstances and were not approved by the members of the church. That, on the contrary, the hasty manner of the elder was deeply regretted by all and could not have been entertained by him had he been full aware of the facts. They desire therefore to tender an apology, to these friends, for the disagreeable mistake. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 August 1878, p. 5, c. 1)


CATHOLIC CHURCH—Mass on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. 1st mass at 8:30 a. m., high mass at 10:30 a. m. Catechism for children at 2:30 p. m. evening prayers at 7 p. m. Week days mass at 8 a. m.

JOSEPH FRANCIS BUH, Priest.

(Brainerd Tribune, 23 November 1878, p. 1, c. 7)


The ladies of St. Francis (Catholic) church will give a grand entertainment and supper at Bly’s Hall on New Year’s Eve, December 31, for the benefit of the church. Tickets, including both supper and entertainment, 50 cents; children, 25 cents. Doors open at 7 o’clock. Tickets are on sale at the Drug Store, Post Office, County Auditor’s Office, and at the stores. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 December 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


The Rev. A. Seguin, priest of the Catholic church in this city, was led into rather an unfortunate error on Sunday last, that of unlawfully performing the marriage rite. Having recently come to this State from Montreal, Canada, Mr. Seguin was entirely ignorant of the State law requiring the certificate of ordination of a clergyman to be recorded before he is authorized to solemnize marriages, and had omitted that essential prerequisite. This omission does not, however, affect the validity of the marriage, for section 15, chapter 61, General Statutes, provides that “No marriage solemnized before any person professing to be a minister of the gospel shall be deemed or adjudged to be void, nor shall the validity thereof be in any way affected on account of any want of jurisdiction or authority in such supposed minister, provided the marriage is consummated with a full belief on the part of the persons so married, or either of them, that they have been lawfully joined in marriage.” Mr. Sequin thinks the bishop of the diocese who stationed him here should have enlightened him upon the law, and in our opinion he is correct. Coming here from a province requiring no such proceeding he could hardly be expected to comply with such a statute, and his error is a very natural one. Therefore, as the marriage laws differ, even in states—no two agreeing upon the form and requirements, some requiring license and others none; some making this essential, others that, and still others providing no restrictions whatever—we believe the law should require the bishops or heads of the various religious denominations in every State to provide all ministers of the gospel in their respective jurisdictions with full instructions upon this and kindred subjects.

Since the above was in type we learn through Mr. Seguin that the Bishop had taken the precaution to record his credentials in Stearns county, which virtually renders the reference above unnecessary, excepting in its conclusions. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 March 1879, p. 1, c. 2)


A grand oyster supper and concert will be given at Bly’s Hall on the evening of the 17th inst., (St. Patrick’s day) by the ladies and members of St. Francis (Catholic) church. Messrs. Chrysler and Edelbrock, two famous musicians of St. Cloud, will furnish the music of the occasion, and the Rev. Mr. Seguin expects to add a lecture by a gentleman from Minneapolis. Upon the whole a very rare entertainment and a pleasant evening may be anticipated. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 March 1879, p. 4, c. 2)


The Catholic entertainment at Bly’s Hall, Monday evening, (St. Patrick’s) we are pleased to learn was a grand success, the proceeds netting over $100, though the musicians expected from St. Cloud did not appear, for some unaccountable reason. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 March 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


Bishop Seidenbusch, of St. Cloud visited St. Francis (Catholic) church in this city on Sunday last and administered confirmation to eight applicants. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 March 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


The fence around the Catholic church grounds on Fifth street is being painted in fancy style—the palings white tipped with green—and the grounds are being trimmed up and beautified until they are quite attractive and begin to cast into the shade the edifice with which its surrounds but recently stood in poor accord. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 April 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


We are requested by Father Seguin, pastor of St. Francis (Catholic) church in this city, to say that there will be held, a grand Strawberry and Ice Cream festival and supper, at Bly’s Hall on Thursday evening next, the 22nd inst., at 7 o’clock, for the benefit of the church. Admission, including supper, 50 cents; children 25 cents. Strawberries, oranges, ice cream and cake will be served at side tables, and charged extra. All are cordially invited to attend, of every denomination. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 May 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


Father Seguin, of the Catholic church in this city, desires through the TRIBUNE to thank the people of Brainerd, of every denomination, who so kindly and generously aided him in his hour of need the past week. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 May 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


Father Seguin, pastor of the Catholic church in this city, desires us to say to the people of Brainerd, through the TRIBUNE, that he is very thankful indeed for the assistance rendered him at the Strawberry festival on Thursday and Friday evening, at Bly’s Hall. The proceeds, $75, were very satisfactory to him. The tables were all well and bountifully provided and attended and were well patronized, and thanks to the helpers the best supper ever given by the catholic church in this city was set before the public on the evenings mentioned. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 May 1879, p. 4, c. 2)


Rev. A. Seguin, pastor of the Catholic church, took his departure from Brainerd on Wednesday for the East, not intending to return. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 May 1879, p. 6, c. 1)


Rev. Father Buh is in charge of the Catholic church in this city once more. Father Seguin informs us that he has accepted a call from Omaha and has gone to take charge of the church at that place. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 June 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


Father C. A. Richard has accepted a call to the pastorate of the Catholic churches at Brainerd and Belle Prairie, alternately. He will hold services in the church at this place on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 July 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


St. Patrick’s Day.


Our friends of St. Francis (Catholic) church are making extensive preparations again this year for a public celebration of this revered anniversary. The programme of the proceedings having been kindly furnished us, we give it the following outline: Divine service—high mass—will be held at the chapel in the morning at 10:30 o’clock, and in the evening at Bly’s Hall will be given a grand supper to which the doors will be open at 7:30 o’clock. This will be followed by a poem delivered by Father Richards, in honor of St. Patrick, and during the evening many valuable and fancy articles will be sold, among them a gold mounted cane will be presented to the most popular man in town; a set of gold bracelets to the most popular lady; and other attractions and matters of interest will be advanced. Entrance to the hall will be free, supper 50 cents. A cordial invitation is extended to all, irrespective to church or creed. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 March 1880, p. 4, c. 2)


The supper and entertainment given at Bly’s Hall on Wednesday evening in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, was the most pleasant and best attended affair of the season. The hall was crowded from an early hour, and the receipts must have been large. A number of rich gifts were distributed creating considerable amusement, and adding materially to the income, a bountiful repast satisfied the inner man, and music and song served to diversify the program with pleasant effect. Vive la St. Patrick. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 March 1880, p. 1, c. 3)


Rev. Father Schneider, pastor of the Catholic church in this city six years ago, has returned to Brainerd and will resume charge of the church here. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 July 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


Rev. E. J. Schneider has received from the Bishop of this diocese the commission of Pastor of St. Francis (Catholic) church in this city and Brainerd has been constituted a parish, a position it has never before maintained. The members of that congregation are to be congratulated both upon their progress and the fact that so pleasant and intellectual a gentleman as Father Schneider has been delegated to them by the mother church. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 September 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


At the supper given at Bly’s Hall last Thursday evening, by the ladies of St. Francis church, the net proceeds amounted to upwards of $1200. The contest for the gold-headed cane resulted in Mr. Koop receiving the majority of votes cast. This alone brought in upwards of $850. The bracelets were voted to Miss Mary Canan, this netting some $200. On the whole this was one of the most successful affairs of this nature ever known in the history of Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 March 1881, p. 1, c. 2)


A new Catholic church will be built here soon 40x95 [sic] feet and will be a handsome structure when completed. The church will stand where the old one does [on Fifth Street], the society owning ten valuable lots in that locality. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 09 August 1883, p. 4, c. 2)


The lots on Fifth street that are owned by the Catholic society here are being cleaned up preparatory to the building of the new church. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 16 August 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


The Catholic society are having their old building on Fifth street moved back and partially taken down preparatory to building the new Catholic church. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 August 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


The foundation for the new Catholic church on Fifth street has been laid, and work on the building will be commenced immediately. The building is 106x41 [sic] feet and will be a creditable structure. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 20 September 1883, p. 3, c. 1)


The new Catholic church on Fifth street, and the school house addition on Sixth are both up and enclosed. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 27 September 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


The finishing touches are being put onto the new Catholic church. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 01 November 1883, p. 3, c. 1)


The new Catholic church on Fifth street is indeed a handsome structure and an ornament to the city. The size of the church is 105x40 [sic] feet with a tower reaching heavenward nearly 100 feet. The dedication of the church has been fixed for Dec. 9th, but the date is not a certainty as yet. On Dec. 4th, 5th and 6th a church fair will be held, which will be after the usual order of entertainments of this kind, and for which extensive arrangements are now being made. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 29 November 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


The dedication of the new Catholic church has been definitely fixed for the 16th inst., one week from Sunday. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 06 December 1883, p. 3, c. 1)


On New Year’s Eve a grand ball will be given at the roller skating ring for the benefit of the Catholic Church.—Prof. Dresskell’s orchestra will be in attendance and a general good time may be counted on. Tickets will be sold at the low price of $1.00. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 December 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


Death of Father Teutenberg.

_____


Father Peter B. Teutenberg, ca. 1883.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The greater portion of the citizens were astonished on Wednesday morning to learn that Rev. Father Teutenberg was dead. That gentleman had been in poor health for some two years, he having been troubled with asthma. On the 14th instant he was taken sick, the disease being typhoid fever, and on Tuesday last at his request he was removed to the Northern Pacific Sanitarium for treatment, at which place he died the following evening, at 8 o’clock, he being conscious up to within ten minutes of his death, the immediate cause of which was by the physicians, termed heart failure.

The reverend gentleman’s name was Peter B. Teutenberg, and he was born in Westphalia, Prussia, on Nov. 18th, 1840, being at the time of his death in in his 45th year. He was educated in Europe, and came to America in 1862, and was ordained in 1862, Nov. 29th. He came to Brainerd about two and a half years ago, since which time he has been in charge of the Catholic church here and during which time he has made many warm friends among the community at large as well as members of his church, whose hearts will be made sad at learning of his death. Of the relatives of his immediate family living are two sisters in the old country, and a brother living at Cincinnati, but who was here visiting him at the time of his death. The remains were taken to St. Cloud on the Friday noon’s train at which place they will be laid to rest. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 July 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


Rev. T. A. Vaudry, of St. Cloud, has been placed in charge of the Catholic church in this city to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of the Rev. Father Teutenberg. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 August 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


Eight members of the Catholic congregation assembled at the residence of the Rev. Father T. A. Vaudry on Fifth street on Christmas day, in the afternoon and presented the Rev. gentleman with a gold watch. An appropriate address for the occasion was read by J. H. Koop, to which the reverend gentleman replied, thanking them very sincerely for the generous gift, and added that he would keep this watch as a memorial of the kindness of his congregation. The following is the list of those who made the presentation in behalf of the congregation and who were liberally entertained by the Rev. Father: John McDonald, James Meagher, John Hughes, William Koop, William Barron, James Quinn, John Kennedy, J. H. Koop. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 January 1886, p. 3, c. 4)


A suit for libel will be commenced by Father Vaudry against the Brainerd Tribune next week. We are informed that he has placed the matter in the hands of one of the most able attorneys of the state. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 August 1886, p. 4, c. 3)


A Righteous Indignation.


A meeting was held in the Catholic church last Sunday afternoon by members of the Catholic congregation in order to put right some of the libelous statements made by the Tribune against Father Vaudry, and false statements made concerning the committee. The church was filled and the meeting was called to order, Postmaster Koop being made chairman. The feeling of the meeting was unanimous that the insult should be rebuked, and after a committee was appointed who retired, the following resolutions were produced and unanimously adopted:


RESOLVED, That the Catholics of Brainerd protest, with the deepest indignation against the malicious, defamatory and cowardly attacks of one Halsted, of the Brainerd Tribune, upon the character of our universally respected pastor, said Halsted having himself declared in presence of Mr. James Meagher that “there was evidence of forgery on the part of Father Vaudry’s enemies.” When challenged to produce the proofs of his bare allegation, said Halsted shamelessly avowed himself unable to produce any proof whatsoever. Our pastor’s record in Brainerd is, in the estimation of both Catholics and Protestants, most honorable in every respect, while said Halsted stands convicted of moral cowardice and deliberate falsehood.

JOHN McCARTHY,

JAMES MEAGHER,

T. M. REILLY,

JOHN O’TOOLE,

JOHN McDONALD,

S. KOOP,

D. DORAN,

Committee.

A motion was unanimously carried thanking the Brainerd Journal, the Dispatch, the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Geo. S. Canfield and the Aitkin Age. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 August 1886, p. 4, c. 5)


District Court Matters.


The next indictment was against Rev. T. A. Vaudry on the charge of adultery. Our readers are also aware of the nature of this charge. T. A. Vaudry is pastor of St. Francis Catholic church in this city and the lady who brings the charge is Mrs. Nathalie Turgeon, of Terrebonne, Polk county, where Father Vaudry was once located, but the specific charge under which he was arrested was alleged to have been committed in this city in Sept., 1885. This case has excited much interest and before its end it gives evidence of being the greatest church scandal in the history of the Northwest, no matter whether Rev. Vaudry is proven guilty or not. Another indictment was also found against him for libelous publication, the statement he made being that Rev. Lawler, of Crookston, was a perjurer. To both of these Rev. T. A. Vaudry plead not guilty. In the meantime bail was fixed at $500 in each case and the trial has been set for Monday next, the Judge ordering a special venire for a jury to be drawn outside the city on account of any prejudice that might have arisen. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 October 1886, p. 4, c. 5)


“NOT GUILTY.”

_____


Father Vaudry Acquitted by

the Jury After Being

Out Four Hours.

_____


Proceedings of the Trial.


The case against Father Vaudry was given to the jury Wednesday afternoon at 5 o’clock, and at 9 o’clock they sent word to Judge Stearns that they had agreed on a verdict. He went to the court room and convened the court, the verdict being read to the assembled throng. It was “Not Guilty,” and although many expressed an opinion that a disagreement would be the result, the verdict gives general satisfaction, and the jury have done their duty according to the evidence produced before them. The DISPATCH has all along taken the stand that it would be impossible to convict Father Vaudry of this crime, and we were honest in our convictions. We always believe a man is innocent until he is proven guilty, doubly so in this case. All the evidence that man could produce that would tend to incriminate the gentleman or bring him into bad repute before the jury was resorted to and still he was proven innocent. We produce as a matter of news, now that it has been made public through the courts, the charges Mrs. Turgeon brought against Father Vaudry, and also his version of the affair:


THE COURT PROCEEDINGS.


At the court house on Monday morning upon the re-opening of the district court the case of the state of Minnesota vs T. A. Vaudry was called. The examination of the jurors was commenced, which was, however preceded by a brief address by C. B. Sleeper to the jury in which he stated that the indictment charged that on the 16th day of September, 1885, T. A. Vaudry did commit adultery with Nathalie Turgeon, she being a married woman, in the city of Brainerd.

The first juror called was Horace Baker, of Bay Lake. He had heard of the case but knew nothing of merits and had expressed no opinion. He was sworn as juror.

Zachariah Johnson, Deerwood, had not heard of the case but was not considered a competent juror and was excused.

L. Goodell, Mooersville, had formed no opinion nor expressed any. Sworn.

P. S. McCullough, Crow Wing, had formed no opinion. Sworn.

Silas Hall had read the papers but he had formed no opinion, and was sworn.

A. E. Lind, Crow Wing, excused as incompetent.

J. S. Gardner, had read all the city papers and heard the matter discussed. Excused.

P. S. Stillings, Crow Wing, excused.

Peter Ort, city, had formed an opinion and was excused.

John Stivert, Mooersville, excused after examination.

A. Lingnau, Mille Lacs, had read some about the case in the Brainerd DISPATCH, but had formed no opinion, and thought that he could act as juror impartially. After being examined before triers [sic] he was sworn.

R. B. Coffin, Deerwood, had formed no opinion as to guilt or innocence and was sworn.

John Koeple, Long Lake, had read affidavits published in the DISPATCH, but did not consider himself prejudiced. After examination he was excused.

E. B. Closson had read some about the case, but had not formed an opinion. Sworn.

P. G. Fogelstrom, city, excused.

Ed. Mahan, city had formed no opinion. Sworn.

J. A. McColl, city, excused.

J. W. Moore, Crow Wing, excused.

Nels Peterson, Deerwood did not have second papers. Excused.

Mose Derooch [sic], city had formed no opinion. Sworn.

S. P. Fleming, city, excused.

Geo. N. Jeune, Deerwood, had formed no opinion. Sworn.

Ed. Crust, city, had formed no opinion and was not a member of the Catholic Church. Sworn.

W. H. Bradford, Oak Lawn, excused.

W. H. Martin, Crow Wing, had formed an opinion. Excused.

Guy Raymond, had not formed an opinion. Sworn.

This completed the jury which stood as follows: Horace Baker, L. Goodell, Silas Hall, P. S. McCullough, A. Lingnau, R. B. Coffin, E. B. Closson, Ed. Mahan, Mose Derooch [sic], Geo. N. Jeune, Ed. Crust and Guy Raymond.

C. B. Sleeper opened the case by stating to the jury the substance of what the prosecution would try to prove. Mrs. Nathalie Turgeon, the woman who is the principal witness for the state was put on the stand and her testimony was as follows:

She was married in October 1880, to Turgeon, and in 1885, being engaged in teaching school at Terrebonne, Polk county, went to board at the house of the priest, Father Vaudry, he being stationed at Terrebonne. Within a very few weeks after first seeing him he and she found themselves much in love with each other, and the second or third day after going to his house she yielded to his importunities to occupy a room with him and did so continuously except when he was absent, for two months. She was persuaded to do this by his argument that it was not a sin since the two loved each other. In the spring following Father Vaudry undertook to procure a church divorce for her from her husband Oliver Turgeon in order that she and the priest might be secretly married. The marriage license was to be obtained in Chicago, and he would keep her in St. Paul, and the marriage would take place as soon as he accumulated money enough to retire from the ministry, for he told her he was making lots of money out of his parish. She went to Minneapolis in March and was examined for physical impotency, and, telling them that she could not carnally know her husband, they gave her a certificate of the disease of vaginascius [sic]. While this was being done Father Vaudry was visiting her in Minneapolis. The Minneapolis physicians were Drs. Mitchell and Little. On this certificate the decree of divorce was secured from Bishop Seidenbusch, in April 1885. The following September she went to the state fair, and on her way back to Terrebonne stopped at Brainerd and stayed two days and nights at the priest’s house here, committing the act on which the indictment was found.

On the cross examination Mrs. Turgeon admitted having made a demand on Father Vaudry for money in lieu of prosecution, and also to having threatened Father Marcil unless he made a retraction in regard to her divorce. She denied having manufactured the letter shown in court and claimed it to be Father Vaudry’s.

The letters which were read in court were very flowery and sentimental, she claiming to have kept the “nice things” in them as compositions and having destroyed the vulgar and bad. She was on the stand eight hours and was as composed when she left as when she went on the stand.

Mrs. Winterstein testified to having seen the woman at the priest’s house in Brainerd but saw nothing wrong.

Fathers Jenin du Carufel and Lawler testified to minor matters for prosecution and Oliver Turgeon’s testimony was only as to the act of bringing action. The state rested here, and the defense called Father Vaudry to the stand, his testimony in substance being as follows:

Mr. Turgeon came to his house in Terrebonne to board on her own request and on suggestion or permission of one of his trustees, to shorten the distance to her school. He denied in most emphatic terms any intimacy with or any affection toward or from her, and all wrong doing or improper relations. The room she occupied was up stairs and his own down, and so situated, opening into the dining room and into the public office, as if to furnish no opportunity for the act or acts charged. In his whole relations to her there was nothing true in what she had alleged except the part he took in her divorce. He denied the alleged criminality in Minneapolis, as also that of the main charge in Brainerd, and claimed to have been ill on the occasion of a visit she did make to him, but that she came here in disobedience of his wish written to her. He made on the question of alleged forgeries of his handwriting, several exhibits of her imitations of writing. Of the love letters so-called, he identified the flowery passages in the fragmentary quotations as extracts from a certain book she possessed while there, called the “Epistolary Guide.” He then showed the motives for du Carufel and Lawler to persecute him, that of du Carufel being for having worsted him in a newspaper trouble, and for having had trouble over an ecclesiastical charge of forgery against him.

Several other witnesses were called, the most important being Mary Cromp, who, it will be remembered published a damaging statement in one of the city papers in regard to Father Vaudry. She stated that she had been deceived in the contents of the affidavit by Mrs. Turgeon, not being able to read herself, and that as soon as she learned the contents she issued another affidavit setting the matter to right. She was Father Vaudry’s housekeeper at Terrebonne while Mrs. Turgeon was there, but she swore point blank that she had never seen any intimacy between the two, nor had she ever seen or heard anything out of the way, and her testimony was not shaken in the least on cross examination. Theo. Garceau, who executed the affidavit and D. Paul who witnessed the same, both maintained the fact that Mrs. Turgeon was careful to conceal the contents of it. Rev. LeMay testified that Father du Carufel was unfriendly towards Rev. Vaudry on account of a newspaper controversy in a French paper. Mrs. Little testified that Mrs. Turgeon had claimed to her that she could imitate any hand-writing to perfection, and had given an exhibition of her adeptness; also that she had been informed some months before, that Mrs. Turgeon was a designing woman. With testimony from J. J. Kennedy and Father Marcil on corroborative points the defense rested, and the prosecution then addressed the jury for 45 minutes, C. F. Baxter making the argument, which was generally considered to be weak. The plea from W. W. Erwin for the defense was a masterpiece. He explained the Hyacinth matter to the jury, and thanked Col. [sic] Sleeper in behalf of Father Vaudry for his courteous conduct of the trial, and forgave him any bitterness that might have been engendered at the beginning of the trial in the municipal court. Politically, he said, the results of the trial should not injure Col. [sic] Sleeper’s chances of re-election as county attorney as far as he, Father Vaudry, was able to guide the matter. His address to the jury was a powerful one, and at its conclusion came Judge Stearns’ address, and at 5 o’clock the jury went out, returning a verdict of “not guilty,” as stated at the beginning of this article, at 9 o'clock. Thus ended one of the most remarkable trials ever before the court in this section. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 October 1886, p. 4, c.’s 6 & 7)


Bills were issued yesterday inviting all the friends of Father Vaudry to meet at the rink. At 8 o’clock the band escorted the priest to the rink where speeches were made by him and Father Gamache, publicly thanking the people of Brainerd for their fidelity to him. Father Vaudry also announced that he would leave Brainerd in a few months. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 October 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


Rev. Father Vaudry desires us to state that although he has gone to Belle Prairie he will return to Brainerd several times before he leaves for Rome, which will be in about three weeks. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 October 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


“Bill” Erwin Talks.


The St. Paul Dispatch reporter had an interview with W. W. Erwin in regard to the late Vaudry case since his return to that city and the following is what the eminent counsel says:

“There are people who think that an accused person is never innocent of the charge against him. I was during the entire trial, and am now thoroughly convinced that the accusation against the father was a stupendous scandal, founded entirely upon false facts and assertions, but so adroitly arranged in its attack, so well supported by false corroboration, seemingly true, as to appear at one time almost hopeless of elucidation, or explanation, or defense. But by the testimony of pure women and men of unblemished character in an analysis which came as if from a supernatural, unfolding in a seemingly natural development of absolute defense, both accusers and accused were overwhelmed; they to a consciousness of their own infamy exposed; he into a thankfulness to a power beyond the skies. The defense came to us; it is that fact which silenced the scandals. Everyone connected with the trial was disposed to do absolute justice, and the prosecution was eminently fair and even generous. I believe the verdict is true, but I find those who in the common unfriendliness of the world to an accused person seem disposed to give credence to the story. Father Vaudry still suffers, because a priest of heaven should be as Caesar’s wife, above suspicion. For this reason the church may for a time divorce him, but the power that defended him, never.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 October 1886, p. 4, c. 5)


Rev. Father Watry, the new priest who has been sent to Brainerd by the Bishop, was formerly stationed at Morris, and is said to be a very able man. He takes the place made vacant by the resignation of Father Vaudry. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 October 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


Rev. T. A. Vaudry has returned to this city, where he will remain for some time. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 December 1886, p. 4, c. 3)


An Ugly Mess.


The scene at St. Francis Catholic church last Sunday morning was one that was not altogether creditable to the participants, and one that should not have happened. The principals in the disturbance were Rev. T. A. Vaudry and Rev. Francis Watry. Since the trial of the famous Vaudry-Turgeon adultery case in which the former was acquitted, Father Vaudry’s faculties as priest have been suspended by the Bishop, and as he claims under the canonical law should have been restored to his previous standing long before this, but as the Bishop at St. Cloud has refused to do this, he has appealed to Rome by sending a priest to personally represent him and present his case. Since the previous trouble Rev. Father Watry has been in charge of the church. On Saturday last however, Father Vaudry made up his mind to resume his rights at St. Francis church which he claimed were unjustly held from him under this church law which “makes a sentence a nullity pending an appeal,” and in accordance with a common consent obtained at a meeting held Wednesday evening previous, in company with three or four of his church members and followers he repaired to Father Watry’s residence to notify him and prepare for mass next morning. According to the statement of the gentlemen who were present a very exciting time ensued in which hot words passed between the two priests which ended up in Father Watry’s telling Father Vaudry to go ahead and he would go to St. Cloud Monday. But this did not end the matter. When the people went to attend mass the next morning they could not get in and soon a large crowd had congregated in front of the church. When a DISPATCH scribe arrived on the scene the chief of police was standing guard at the door with Father Vaudry asking him by what right he refused to let him into the church, while on the outside of the fence Father Watry, the priest in charge, appeared in a very excited state of mind, and during the parley that followed he said that he “intended to shoot Father Vaudry if he attempted to ascend the steps of the altar” as he had no right there and was not a priest. Vaudry immediately had the Rev. Watry arrested for this threat, and the case came up in the municipal court Monday morning, resulting in his discharge, as the threats were qualified. Previous to this the trustees had a warrant issued for the arrest of Father Vaudry and John Hughes for stealing the vestments of the church. The trial was put off for three weeks on account of Mr. Hughes desiring to go to Chicago and having made arrangements to go on the noon train, the paraphernalia having been turned over in the meantime.

The result of these proceedings cannot be anything but scandalous, and it is to be regretted that the affair occurred. Father Vaudry may have the canon law on his side, but it looks to us that the move was ill-advised considering the previous condition of things, and had he left the matter entirely with the church to settle he would have had ten friends to-day where he now has one. The people of a church do not as a general thing uphold a disturbing element, and although the Rev. Father considers himself a much abused man, he certainly did not help the case by raising the hubbub of last Sunday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 January 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


The Police Gazette and the Sporting Herald both had illustrations of the difficulty at the Catholic church of Brainerd in their last issues. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 February 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


A Plea for Life.


To the Editor of the Dispatch:

Sir: Will you kindly enable me to correct the erroneous and extremely damaging statement made by several papers that I am a suspended priest, and that, because of the Turgeons’ blackmailing scheme, I have been dismissed from my parish. In the first place, I am under no canonical censure. The bishop simply withdrew faculties from me on the assumption that I did not belong to this diocese or vicariate. In the second place, the bishop could not and did not depose me, since he explicitly acknowledged Father Vaudry’s innocence, not only before but after the trial, in letters, certified copies of which have been sent to Rome. Finally, the bishop states, over his own signature, that the only charge against me is one of disobedience, viz: Despite his orders, I published the names of the instigators of the Turgeons’ blackmailing conspiracy. The bishop’s written acknowledgment that the solo charge against me is one of disobedience only, has also been transmitted to the Holy See. The key to the whole mystery lies in the fact that five French priests have found it necessary to appeal to Rome for justice and protection. Very respectfully,

T. A. VAUDRY, Catholic Priest.

Brainerd, Minn., Feb. 8.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 11 February 1887, p. 4, c. 5)


The trial of T. A. Vaudry on charge of taking the vestments from the Catholic church which was to have come off this morning, was adjourned until Saturday at 10 a. m. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 February 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


VAUDRY’S LAST BREAK.

_____


A Street Fight Between the Priest and

John McCarthy.

_____


The last straw always breaks the camel’s back. The trouble which has been known to exist between T. A. Vaudry and a large majority of the parishioners of the church culminated in a street fight between Vaudry and John McCarthy a respected citizen, as every one well knows, this afternoon. In order to explain the matter leading immediately to this open combat we shall be obliged to go back to the 25th, when Father Vaudry wrote a letter to Mr. McCarthy’s daughter at St. Cloud. The latter was not one that a pastor would be expected to write a lady belonging to his church. Mr. McCarthy happening to be in St. Cloud, as he informs us and dropped into the postoffice there and inquired if there was any mail for his daughter, and as luck would have it this letter came into his hands—he knew who it was from and opened it and his surprise can be imagined. He immediately wrote Mr. Vaudry a very emphatic letter, which was answered by the Priest in still more emphatic terms, and he claimed to him that the letter was a decoy intended to entrap postmaster Koop, who he claimed had been tampering with his (Vaudry’s) private correspondence. T. A. Vaudry also claimed that this letter never left the Brainerd postoffice but was handed over to Mr. McCarthy before it left Brainerd, and he has applied to Washington that the matter may be sifted. Whether this matter be true or not, the letter bears the St. Cloud postmark, and John McCarthy will take his oath that he got it there and we believe he did. It was in regard to the above matter that brought on the row today. McCarthy met Vaudry and hot words ensued and blows followed. In the rumpus Mr. Vaudry pulled out John’s chin beard and John battered Vaudry’s face.

To be candid, the DISPATCH believes the city of Brainerd would be better off if Vaudry would take the next train out of town. We have believed in the past that he was a persecuted man but his actions have somewhat changed our mind, and the public are cognizant of the fact that he would have benefited himself and done a good act for the people if he had left the city immediately after the scandal preceding his latter doings. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 March 1887, p. 4, c. 5)


News was received in the city on Monday last, from Rome, that the Pope had decided the matter between the Catholic German authority, of the St. Cloud diocese and the French priests of Northern Minnesota, who appealed to the Holy See for protection. The decision was favorable to the French priests, and Father Vaudry therefore maintains his standing in the priesthood, and will probably be assigned to a parish before long. The cablegram conveying the news also announces that the Pope has entrusted to Cardinal Gibbons the duty of setting St. Cloud to rights. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 May 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


Father Vaudry, who is studying law at Little Falls, will soon go to Baltimore. The Reverend Father will out rival Bill Erwin if he is ever admitted to the bar. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 July 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


Rev. Father Watry was the recipient of a beautiful present on Christmas in the shape of an elegant gold-headed cane. It has a solid gold knob 16 karats fine, and was presented to him by the ladies of the Altar society. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 December 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


Successful Catholic Fair.


The Catholic fair which closed on Saturday evening last was a financial success to that society, the amount cleared being $1,100. There were several articles awarded by vote the result of which is as follows:

A toilet case, Miss Maggie Meekins and Miss Belle Dolan. Won by Miss Meekins. Total receipts $455.

A gold ring, Miss Nora McCormick and Miss Cosy McDonald. Won by Miss McCormick. Total receipts $85.

A broom, Mrs. H. Theviot and Mrs. Con. O’Brien. Won by Mrs. Theviot. Total receipts $140.

A washing machine contributed by Mrs. Bannan, awarded by chance. Winner, George N. Day. Total receipts $20. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 August 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


The Catholic society of this city have commenced the construction of a fine brick parsonage on Fifth street. The building will be 25x40, two stories high and will have a brick cellar under the entire building. A furnace will be placed under the new building and it is the intention to arrange so as to heat the church also from the same fire. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 May 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


A Catholic fair will be held at the roller rink on the evenings of August 22nd, 23rd and 24th, the proceeds to go towards paying for the new parsonage and heating apparatus. Admission will be 10 cents, and a good time is guaranteed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 August 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


The announcement that Father Watry had been ordered to vacate his pastorate in this city by the Archbishop was made by the reverend gentleman on Sunday last, and it was with regret that his congregation received the news, as well as by people generally not members of the Catholic church. A delegation of prominent members of the church went to St. Paul Wednesday to urge his retention in this parish but of no avail Bishop Ireland explained to them that the cause of the removal was on account of technical disobedience, but that the church rules must be upheld and he could not rescind his order to have the priest removed. Who his successor will be is not known, but it will be hard to find a gentleman who will give better satisfaction to all classes than Father Watry has done. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 October 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


On Sunday last Father Watry preached his farewell sermon to a large audience. On Tuesday evening he departed for Wisconsin where he will visit relatives for some time. Before he left he was the recipient of a purse of $40 from the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, and one of $85 by the ladies of his congregation. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 November 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


Father Watry, on his way to Crookston, stopped over to see his many friends in this city on Tuesday. The people of Brainerd are always glad to see the reverend gentleman. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 November 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


Rev. Father Watry has been appointed by the Bishop to take charge of the German and English Catholic congregations at Little Falls, and has been at that place since the first of the week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 December 1889, p. 4, c. 3)


Fire animation On October 10, 1890, a massive fire burned the Commercial Hotel aka the Leland House, the oldest hotel on the line of the Northern Pacific, the old city jail, and the Catholic Church and parsonage and the Number One Saloon. About a block and a half in the business district was burned, the total damages were estimated to be between $75,000 and $150,000.


SEE: 1890 Leland House / Commercial Hotel Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


Selecting a Site.


Second St. Francis Catholic Church, dedicated in 1901, at the northeast corner of 9th and Juniper, ca. 1925.
Source: Postcard

On Sunday at a meeting of the members of St. Francis Catholic Church Society, a committee of two from each ward was appointed to select a site upon which to build a new church and parsonage, the site occupied by the church burned in last Friday's fire not being satisfactory to most of the members. The committee, which is composed of the following members, John Hurley and Chas. Kinkele, of the 1st ward, J. H. Koop and J. J. Howe, of the 2nd ward, Jas. Cullen and T. M. Reilly, of the 3rd ward, Felix Graham and John Favro, of the 4th ward, and John Willis and Con. O’Brien, of the 5th ward, had a meeting on Wednesday night and discussed several offers of property suitable for the location of a new church and parsonage. It was discovered to be the opinion of a majority of the committee that the site be changed to the north side of the track, although no definite location was made. A meeting of the committee will be held tonight when the site will be selected and the property bargained for. The erection of a solid, substantial brick church will then be commenced just as soon as plans can be drawn and adopted, and other necessary preliminaries in a work of this magnitude, are arranged. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 October 1890, p. 4, c. 6)


St. Francis Catholic Church Society has purchased four lots at the corner of Ninth and Juniper streets, and will at once begin the erection of a fine church edifice that will be an ornament to the city. We understand that the work of construction will be so far advanced this fall that services can be held in it during the winter and will be finished in the spring. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 October 1890, p. 4, c. 3)


Work will be commenced immediately upon the new Catholic church at the corner of Juniper and Ninth streets. The building, when completed, will cost $10,000, the plans and specifications having been submitted by A. E. Hussey, the architect, on Monday last to the building committee. The structure will be brick veneer with stone basement, and will be one of the finest in the Northwest. The building will not be completed until next spring, but the basement will be used during the winter. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 October 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


A Successful Fair.


The annual fair of the Catholic church which was held in this city last week was successful in a financial way, the amount realized being about $1,550, after all expenses were paid. A great deal of the success was due to the interest taken by the young people, and the attendance was all that could have been expected. The Third Regiment Band furnished music on Thursday and Friday evenings, and those in attendance enjoyed themselves. The voting on different articles was one of the principle features and the contests developed much amusement and interest by the friends of the parties interested.

The following is a list of the articles voted upon, together with the number of votes cast and amount of money realized from each contest:

For the most popular candidate for governor, gold-headed cane:

Hon. Thomas Wilson—200 votes

Hon. S. M. Owen—172 votes

Hon. W. R. Merriam—80 votes

Amount realized—$25.25

For the most popular bachelor arm chair: Rev. E. J. Lawlor [sic], Rev. Gamache and Mike Grace were the contestants, and we are unable at present to give the exact figures. The amount realized, $38.00, Rev E. J. Lawlor securing the prize.

For the most popular married lady’s plush chair: Mrs. G. M. Portch 3,084 votes and Mrs. J. T. Sanborn 1,670 votes. Amount realized $237.70.

For most popular young lady, three months tuition at the Brainerd [Business] college, Miss Julia Grady 8,754 votes and Miss A. Meekins 6,131 votes. Amount realized $744.25.

For most popular gentleman, cutter, Con. O’Brien 211 votes, and J. H. Koop 816 votes. Amount realized, about $85.00.

The follow is a list of articles raffled off, together with the name of party holding the winning number:

Oil painting, donated by E. W. Lynch, won by M. J. Hawkins.

Wall banner, donated by Mrs. J. F. McGinnis, won by Mr. Richmond.

Rug, donated by Mrs. S. Snyder, won by Mrs. John Chamberlain.

Three house plants, donated by Mrs. Sykora, won by Mrs. H. McGinn.

Cake, won by Goldie Hagberg.

Sofa pillow, donated by Mrs. H. Theviot, won by Joseph Miller.

Nickel plated parlor lamp, won by Maggie Betzold.

Copy of Tennyson’s poems, donated by Mrs. Drapeau, won by Joseph Duchane.

Canary bird, donated by Miss Brislau, won by Mrs. S. E. Thornwaite.

Wall banner, donated and won by Mrs. P. H. Carney.

Parlor lamp, won by Mr. John O’Connor. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 October 1890, p. 4, c. 5)


Bids Wanted.


Sealed bids will be received by the building committee of St. Francis Congregation, Brainerd, Minn., for the excavation of foundation and building basement as per plans and specifications in the office of Smith & Demeules, Room 2, Sleeper block, bids to be sent to the committee not later than Nov. 14th. The committee reservers the right to reject any or all bids.

BY ORDER OF COMMITTEE.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 07 November 1890, p. 4, c. 6)


Work on the excavation for the Catholic Church progresses finely. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 November 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


The weather has been very favorable for the building of the Catholic church edifice, and the work has rapidly progressed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 January 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


Rev. Father Watry is in the city on a visit to Father Lawlor. He will preach at High Mass Sunday morning. In the evening Father Lawlor will preach on the subject, “Does a man secure his Salvation if he is just baptized before being hanged.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 November 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


A Coming Event.


The annual bazaar of St. Francis church will be held on Monday eve., Dec. 21st, and continue until Thursday evening, Dec. 24th, at which time it will close with a grand Christmas tree with a realistic Santa Claus at 8 o’clock sharp. On each evening there will be a grand entertainment by Miss Helen Crocker and Miss Ackerson, of Minneapolis, teachers of elocution and music. There will be amusement enough for all with a grand lance and sword drill by forty Egyptians. Many elegant presents will be given away and the following will be voted: A beautiful cutter, valued at $40, donated by Deere & Co., of Minneapolis, to the most popular city fireman. A handsome work basket, donated by Gendron Iron Wheel Co., Toledo, Ohio to the most popular young lady. A baby carriage, to the most popular bachelor. A scholarship, donated by Prof. Gerrity, to the most popular Miss. The admission will be ten cents, and the holder of each ticket will receive a number on a parlor stove, valued at $25; the number drawing the same must be in the hall on the last evening of the bazaar. The entertainment will be held in the roller rink. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 December 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


The Catholic Fair.


The Annual Bazaar opened on Monday evening in the Armory [Roller Rink] with a good attendance, and an endless array of everything that is needed to make such an event successful in the highest degree. General Manager McGinnis and his committee had worked hard to have everything as near right as possible, and all who had anything to do with the preparations and management certainly did their whole duty. The several booths were very pretty, and were presided over as follows:

Cocoa booth, in charge of Miss May Campbell.

Domestic booth, in charge of Miss Mary Lingnau.

Fancy booth, in charge of Miss Mary Hurley.

Grocery store, in charge of Miss Lottie Grandelmyer.

Fruit and candy booth, in charge of the Cadets.

Refreshment tables, in charge of the Rosary Society.

Then there was a shooting gallery, in charge of David Abear, where those who could make center shots won turkeys at very much less than the first cost.

The voting during each of the three evenings up to the present time for the candidates for prizes was quite lively. The prizes and contestants were as follows:

A fine forty-dollar cutter for the most popular member of the city fire department, Wm. Bredfeld [sic] [Bredfield] and Henry Gilman.

A scholarship in the Business College for the most popular miss, Miss Nellie McClary and Miss Maggie Johnson.

Gold headed cane for the most popular bachelor, M. Grace, Henry Linnemann, Prof. Gerrity, E. Atkinson and P. H. Hawkins.

Fancy basket for the most popular young lady, Miss Mary Reinstadtler and Miss Delia Bunno.

Chances are sold on various articles, useful and ornamental, and there is an auction sale of a great variety of articles each evening. The list of articles donated for the Bazaar by wholesale houses in Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and elsewhere, is very lengthy, and we are unable to get a complete list this week but will publish it in the next issue of the Journal. The wholesale houses were very liberal.

One of the entertaining features of the occasion was the organization consisting of forty Egyptian soldiers, announced in the Journal last week, who proved to be young men of the same habits and tongue as ordinary Brainerdites, instead of being natives of the land of the Pharaohs. To a stranger the picturesque Siamese costumes and the artistic coloring of the faces would be a matter of conjecture as to what race or country the soldiers hailed from, were it not for the unmistakable accent of the commanding officer, Col. Henry Hurley, an experienced veteran of the British army, whose voice of command rung out like a clarion. The company was supervised by Gen. Smith, who looked not unlike Napoleon on his march to Moscow, except that instead of riding a fiery charger Gen. Smith was mounted on a rather sedate and modest donkey. The men did themselves and their very able instructor credit, and highly entertained and amused the audience. The organization is called “The Edward Cavalry Volunteers,” and is going to be permanent. Judging from what the young men can do after a few rehearsals, the company will be a very respectable factor in the state’s military forces. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 December 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


Cleared $1600.


The fair given by St. Francis Catholic church which closed on Thursday night of last week was a success in all particulars, and the society will realize about $1600 out of the receipts. The voting contests were spirited and resulted as follows:

H. G. Gilman won the cutter, his opponent being Wm. Bredfeld [sic] [Bredfield].

Miss Maggie Johnson secured the scholarship in the Brainerd Business College over Miss Nellie McClary.

Miss Delia Bunno came out victorious on the fancy basket, her opponent being Miss Mary Reinstadtler.

M. Grace won the gold-headed came. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 January 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


Services will be held in the new Catholic church on Sunday for the first time since the upper portion of the building has been finished. Up to the present time the basement has been used for that purpose and the pastor as well as the congregation is pleased to be able to hold their regular meetings on the ground floor hereafter. The edifice is a credit to the city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 August 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


The Annual Fair.


The annual fair to be given by the members of St. Francis Catholic church will be held at the rink on Oct. 25, 26, 27 and 28th. The ladies will have a fancy work table and supper will be served every evening from 6 to 9 o’clock. A cordial invitation is extended to the public. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 October 1893, p. 4, c. 5)


The Catholic Fair a Success.


The attendance at the annual fair of St. Francis Catholic church, now in progress at the rink, has been very gratifying so far, but tonight and Saturday night will be the banner evenings in point of attendance. There are many attractions among which is the chair to be voted to the most popular lady, a silk dress to the most popular little girl and a ring to the most popular young lady of the congregation, an overcoat being the contest on for the boys.

A very excellent supper is being served each evening, an oyster supper being on the bill of fare for tonight.

Music and various entertainment is furnished for the visitors, while the display of work by the ladies is worth going to see alone. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 October 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


A Successful Fair.


The annual fair given by St. Francis Catholic Church was financially and otherwise a great success, and much credit is due those who had the management in hand. The amount that the fair will net to the society is $1,368.75, the gross receipts being $1,508.75.

The voting contests were one of the chief features of the entertainment, and added largely to the amount realized. The silk dress was won by Miss Ella Stitt, and the total amount realized for votes was $111.65. The overcoat was awarded to Willie Pillen [sic] [Pillon], brought $62.20 into the treasury. The easy chair was won by Mrs. Jas. Kelehan, and $303.65 was taken in for votes. The diamond ring brought $686.50, Miss Mamie Hamline being the successful party in that contest.

The amount received outside the contests above mentioned was for the sale of fancy goods, and for supper, which was served each evening by the ladies. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 November 1893, p. 4, c. 6)


A Soldier of Fortune.


Tomorrow evening, March 17th, the young people of St. Francis Catholic Church will render the play “A Soldier of Fortune” at the Sleeper Opera House, and it is expected a large audience will greet them. The entertainment will commence at 8 o’clock sharp. Orations suitable to the occasion will be delivered by A. J. Halsted, H. C. Stivers and Rev. Fr. Lynch. During the entertainment songs will be rendered by Mrs. H. Theviot, S. F. Alderman, and J. P. Gardner. The following is the cast of characters for the play:

Col. Fitznoodle—C. D. Johnson

Mr. Patroni—J. F. Gerrity

Mr. Belmont—J. C. Hart

Cyril Clifford—J. P. Early

Dr. Fargo—H. J. Linnemann

Freddie Belmont—Jas. Willis, Jr.

Snowball—E. R. Atkinson

Barney—Jas. Somers

Miss Agnes Belmont—Mamie Carney

Miss Ida Lovewell—Carrie Morrison

Miss Prucilla—Sarah Canan

Manager—Frank Gorenflo

(Brainerd Dispatch, 16 March 1894, p. 4, c. 4)


The Patron Saint.


Even the elements vied with each other in doing honor to St. Patrick’s Day, which was fittingly observed in this city Saturday last. The chief attraction, however, was the entertainment given by the young people of St. Francis Catholic Church at the opera house in the evening and which was a success in every respect.

The entertainment was billed to open at 8 o’clock, but at 7:30 every available seat was occupied, and by the time the curtain was raised standing room was at a premium. At exactly 8 o’clock Brainerd Lodge A. O. H. [Ancient Order of Hibernians], in regalia, marched into the opera house to martial music in a body and filled the seats in front of the parquet which had been reserved for them. The stage decorations were very pretty and called forth many a complimentary remark. Music was furnished by Whitford’s superb orchestra, and several pieces of music suitable to the day were listened to with great pleasure by the audience before the curtain went up on the first act. The play “A Soldier of Fortune,” was presented in a manner highly complimentary to the young people who took part in it, and exhibited a vast amount of hard work on their part, as at no time were there tiresome delays in the progress of the play, and the lines were perfectly rendered, something unusual in an amateur entertainment. C. D. Johnson, as Col. Fitznoodle, the soldier of fortune, a soldier to whom the glimmer of regimentals and brass buttons was more acceptable than the smell of gunpowder, was immense, but as Charlie has appeared before the Brainerd public many times before, the audience expected him to do his part well, and he did not disappoint them. J. F. Gerrity, as the villain, was well up in his part, and did the sly underhanded work to perfection. J. C. Hart, as the bankrupt guardian, impersonated the difficult role with intelligence, and many compliments were tendered him. J. P. Early, as Cyril Clifford, and H. J. Linnemann, as Dr. Fargo, were both good, and rendered their respective parts in a manner that commanded the approval of the large audience. Jas. Willis, Jr. as the spoiled boy, was a pleasing feature of the entertainment. R. E. [E. R.] Atkinson, as Snowball, the negro servant, was “out of sight,” and brought down the house, as did also James Somers as Barney, the Irish gentleman. Miss Mamie Carney, Miss Carrie Morrison and Miss Sarah Canan, in their respective roles of Miss Agnes Belmont, Miss Ida Lovewell and Miss Prucilla were all very pleasing, and rendered their parts in a manner that captivated the audience.

Between the acts orations suitable to the occasion were delivered by Rev. Father Lynch, H. C. Stivers and A. J. Halsted, each of which was well received by the assembled audience. Songs were also rendered by Mrs. H. Theviot, S. F. Alderman and J. P. Gardner, and in each case the singer was brought before the audience a second time so loud and long was the applause.

The occasion was of financial benefit and enjoyment, and those who attended were highly pleased with the home entertainment. The receipts amounted to $301.25, the expenses being $67.15. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 March 1894, p. 4, c. 6)


Notice to Contractors and Builders.


Sealed proposals for the work of veneering the church building of the St. Francis Catholic church of Brainerd will be received by the undersigned until 6 o’clock p. m., on the 26th day of June, 1894. A bond with two or more sufficient sureties, to be approved by the undersigned, in a sum equal to the amount fixed in each proposal for the work, must accompany each bid, conditioned for the faithful performance of the contract.

Specifications for the work may be had upon application to the undersigned; and the right to reject any and all bids is at all times reserved.

REV. D. W. LYNCH,

J. W. KOOP,

CON. O’BRIEN.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 15 June 1894, p. 4, c. 6)


A new bell will soon grace the Catholic church, the people of that congregation having decided to purchase one. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 August 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


There will be solemn and impressive services at the Catholic church on Sunday morning at 9:30, when 61 children will receive first communion. There will be music and a sermon appropriate to the occasion. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 August 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


Sixty-one young people of the Sunday school classes of the Catholic church received communion on Sunday morning last for the first time. The church was appropriately decorated and the attendance more than taxed the seating capacity of the large church. Rev. Father Lynch preached a very interesting sermon and the music was exceptionally fine. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 1895, p. 4, c. 5)


There will be solemn services held at the Catholic church at 8 p. m. Sunday evening, when the new bell will be blessed. Father Lynch will be assisted in the ceremony by Rev. Corbett, of Duluth, and Greene, of Aitkin. Rev. Father Corbett will preach a sermon appropriate to the occasion. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 September 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


The Fair.


The Catholic fair will open at Gardner Hall on Thursday evening next, October 24th, and continue three days. The arrangements which have been elaborate this year are all completed. Each evening from 6 to 9 o’clock supper will be served at 25 cents. Fancy work will be for sale and articles will be contested for as follows:

Dressed doll, donated by Mrs. J. J. Howe, Misses Adelaide Theviot, Sadie Cochran, Mamie Keogh and Jennie Ferro.

Ladies’ coat, donated by J. H. Koop, Misses Maggie Reinstedtler and Celia Nolan.

Meerschaum pipe, donated by M. Lillig, Louis LaJoy [sic] and Louis Burno.

Easy chair, donated by D. M. Clark, Mrs. Cullen, Sr., and Mrs. Willis, Sr.

Suit of clothes, donated by J. F McGinnis, Ralph Quinn, David McCarthy and Joseph Sycora. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 October 1895, p. 4, c. 7)


St. Patrick’s Day.


On the evening of St. Patrick’s Day March 17th, local amateurs will present the beautiful drama “Louva the Pauper” for the benefit of the Catholic church. The young people taking part in the play are: Mamie Carney, Sarah Canan, Carrie Morrison, Rose Lillig, J. P. Early, A. E. Fritz, J. F. Closterman, Chas. Wilson, Chas. McCarthy, Frank Gorenflo, Jas. Willis, Jr., Jas. Somers, H. Linnemann and L. Lillig. In addition to the drama, S. F. Alderman, Joe Murphy, the Banner Quartette, and other local singers will take part in the entertainment. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 February 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


Father Daniel W. Lynch, ca. Unknown.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Rev. Fr. Lynch received a very valuable and useful present on Monday in the shape of a driving horse, harness, buggy, cutter and robes. The matter was arranged by Mrs. J. F. McGinnis and Mrs. James Cullen, who circulated a paper and raised the amount necessary for the purpose while the reverend gentleman was absent at Hot Springs. Father Lynch appreciates the present very highly, as he is often called to visit various parts of the city and county, and it will help him in various ways. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 April 1896, p. 4, c. 3)


Rt. Rev. Bishop McGolrick will arrive here from Duluth on Saturday evening, and will administer confirmation in the Catholic church on Sunday. This will be an occasion of great interest. The Bishop will be met at the train Saturday by Rev. Father Lynch, prominent citizens and the band. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 October 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


Bishop McGolrick, of Duluth, administered the sacrament of confirmation at the Catholic church in this city to 102 persons on Sunday morning last. The spacious church was crowded to the utmost, nearly 300 persons being compelled to stand during the service. He preached an eloquent sermon, during which he took occasion to congratulate the church on the wonderful progress made since his last visit. On Monday the bishop administered the sacrament at the St. Mathias Catholic church. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 October 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


The Fair.


The Catholic fair is being held this week at Gardner Hall, having opened on Wednesday night, and will close tonight. The hall is beautifully decorated and presents a very handsome appearance. Booths for the sale of fancy work and refreshments of all kinds have been constructed and are presided over by prettily costumed young ladies, who are pleased to attend to the wants of all. An elegant supper is served every evening, and everybody is invited to come and be entertained. Those who have attended say the present fair eclipses all former occasions of this kind. Let everyone attend and enjoy a pleasant evening. All are welcome. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 October 1896, p. 1, c. 7)


The winners of the prizes at the Catholic fair held in this city last week were: Bicycle, Miss Rose Poppenberg; Rocking chair, Mrs. Jos. Drapeau; Boy’s bicycle, Frank McCarthy; Life size picture of Father Lynch, Mrs. Anna Martin. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 October 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


The Catholic fair held at St. Mathias was very successful and $75.20 was realized after paying all expenses. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 October 1896, p. 4, c. 3)


Easter Services.


Easter services at the Catholic church will be held at 10 a. m. A sermon appropriate to the occasion will be preached by the pastor, Father Lynch, and Millard's Mass in G. will be rendered by the following choir.

Sopranos—Mesdames H. Theviot, T. H. Slavin, P. F. Mauer, and Misses Marie Canan, Carrie Morrison, Belle Pillon, Agnes Sherman, Kate Canan, and Masters Frank McCarthy and Willie Koop.

Altos—Mesdames J. J. Howe, Jr., Jno. Frazer, and Misses Nellie Burns, Rose Lillig, Mamie McCaulay, and Master Gene McCarthy.

Tenors—H. W. Linnemann, J. P. Early, and Jno. Lillig.

Base—Richard Isle [sic] [Ilse], Alex. McCarthy, James Casey and Reinert Dahman.


SOLOS.


"Qui Tollis and Agnus Dei"—Mrs. H. Theviot

"Et Incarnatus"—Mrs. J. J. Howe, Jr.

"Genitum non Facium"—Carrie Morrison

"Domine Fill," "Qui Cum Patre," "Misuiure,"—H. W. Linnemann

"Et Unam Sanctam," "Et Vivi Ficantem,"—Richard Isle [sic] [Ilse]

"Benedictus,"—J. P. Early

"Pieni Sunt Coeli,"—Eugene McCarthy

"Veni Creator"—Kate Canan, Richard Isle [sic] [Ilse], H. W. Linnemann

"Regina Coeli,"—Kate Canan and J. P. Early


      The choir will be assisted by Whitford's orchestra, Jas. McPherson, Jos. Kiebler and Wm. Graham, the celebrated cornet player. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 April 1897, p. 4, c. 4)


The Annual Fair.


Last evening was the opening night of the annual fair of St. Francis Catholic church, and the attendance was much larger than usual on occasions of this kind in the past. The fair will continue this evening at tomorrow night. Gardner Hall has been very nicely arranged and presents a very pleasing appearance. The booths for the sale of fancy work and other articles are arranged on the north and east sides of the spacious hall, and in a manner that reflects credit upon the ladies in charge. The “dining room” where supper is served each evening from 6 to 9 o’clock, is attractive and the excellent meals served are fully up to the standard established by the ladies of the society. Ice cream and other refreshments are in evidence and the ladies in charge of the booths are alive to the interest and comfort of their patrons. The comic opera and drill by the young ladies and gentlemen is a very pleasing feature.

A spirited contest for a ladies’ bicycle donated by the Twohey Mercantile Co., of Duluth, is being carried on between Misses Ella Saunders, Jennie Orth, and Nora Venuewitz.

Bert Finne and James Somers are also candidates for a gentlemen’s bicycle.

An elegant sideboard is also to be given away, Mrs. P. O’Brien and Mrs. P. McCabe being the candidates.

Admission to the hall is free and the public is cordially invited. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 October 1897, p. 8, c. 4)


A new court of Catholic Order of Foresters will be instituted early next month at Brainerd, and the St. Cloud court has been invited to be present and assist in the work of institution, says the Journal-Press. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 January 1898, p. 10, c. 2)


Catholic Fair.


The annual Catholic Fair held at Gardner Hall last week, was one of the most successful yet held. The total receipts were $1598.64. The hall was beautifully and tastily decorated and the booths artistically arranged. Immense crowds thronged the hall every evening. A splendid supper was served each evening under the efficient direction of Mrs. C. Grandelmyer. The voting contests were won as follows: young ladies bicycle, Miss Delia Reilly; boy’s bicycle, Willie Barron; sideboard, Mrs. O’Connor; Winchester rifle, James Smith. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 October 1898, p. 8, c. 2)


Rev. Father Lynch attended the funeral of Father E. J. Lawler in Duluth on Thursday. Father Lawler was stationed here from 1890 to 1892, and was admired for his many noble qualities. After leaving here he was stationed at Hinckley, until that town was destroyed by fire. Rev. Wilkinson, of the Episcopal church who wrote a book on the Hinckley fire, has this to say of Fr. Lawler: “This heroic priest saved many human lives. Instead of taking the train for Duluth, he remained and rallied many of the terror stricken people to a gravel pit east of the town. Blinded with smoke, and fatigued, he remained in the water all night, from which he contracted a severe cold.” The severe cold contracted at that time grew into consumption, from which he died on Monday night. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 January 1899, p. 8, c.’s 5 & 6)


A New Lodge.


St. Francis Court of the Women’s Catholic Order of Foresters is a new society that has been organized in this city, and the following officers have been elected:

Chief Ranger—Mrs. Elizabeth Koop.

Vice Ranger—Mrs. Marguerite Hemstead.

Rec. Sec’y—Mrs. Alice Albert.

Finan. Sec’y—Miss Sadie Reilly.

Treasurer—Mrs. Bertha Theviot.

Trustees—Mrs. Esther McNaughton, Mrs. Pauline Stitt and Miss Elizabeth Derocher.

Conductors—Miss Mary Joncas, Miss Marie Knetton.

Sentinels—Mrs. Josephine Mahoney and Mrs. Bridget Quinn.

The lodge will be duly instituted on Tuesday evening next, August 1st, at which time the officers will be installed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 July 1899, p. 1, c. 2)


The Catholic fair which closed on Saturday night was the most successful yet held in this city. The church realized the sum of $1713, which is sufficient to clear the splendid church edifice of all debt. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 November 1899, p. 8, c. 4)


Rev. D. W. Lynch entertained the ladies and gentlemen composing the cast of “Capt. Jack” at a five o’clock dinner last Sunday evening. Rev. Lynch is a most genial and interesting gentleman to meet socially, a whole-souled host and a royal entertainer, hence his guests will long remember his kind hospitality on that occasion. The dinner was a very elaborate affair, eleven courses being served. Those present were Misses Mamie Carney, Delia Reilly, Mamie Bolin, Gertrude Slipp, and Messrs. Geo. H. Spear, Jos. P. Early, H. P. Dunn, C. E. Wilson, W. S. Cox, Geo. Murphy and Walter DeLaMere. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 March 1900, p. 8, c. 4)


DEDICATED THE CHURCH.

_____


Solemn and Impressive Ceremonies at

St. Francis Last

Sunday.

_____


St. Francis church in this city was dedicated last Sunday, the Rt. Rev. Bishop McGolrick, of Duluth, conducting the ceremonies, assisted by the pastor, Rev. D. W. Lynch. A class of 168 children was also confirmed.

Bishop McGolrick arrived in the city Saturday noon and was escorted to the residence of Rev. Lynch by Dresskell’s City Band and citizens in carriages. At eight o’clock Sunday morning the first services were held, when communion was give to the confirmation class. At 10 o’clock the bishop, attended by the visiting clergy, marched around the church outside and inside, giving it his blessing. At 10 o’clock high mass was celebrated, the clergymen assisting being Rev. Huffnagel, of Duluth, Rev. Bode, of St. John’s University, Rev. Mayer, of Aitkin, Rev. Claude, of St. John’s and Rev. D. W. Lynch, the pastor. The church and altar was beautifully decorated with flowers, and the choir rendered Millard’s mass. Bishop McGolrick delivered a strong sermon, during which he congratulated the congregation in freeing the church of debt, after which he administered the rite of confirmation. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 July 1900, p. 8, c. 4)


IMPROVEMENTS AT

ST. FRANCIS CHURCH.

_____


A Beautiful New Altar to be

Placed Soon in the

Sanctuary.

_____


REV. D. W. LYNCH’S WORK.

_____


Steeple to be Completed—Both

May be Dedicated Simul-

taneously.


There are few cities in the state of the size of Brainerd which can boast of as many church organizations and creeds, and even those who are not interested in actual church work, contribute largely either in a direct or indirect way toward the maintenance of these institutions, and it is a singular thing that when anyone is giving a few points to a stranger regarding any city that they always refer to the fact that there are a large number of churches, and Brainerd is no exception to this rule.

No church organization in the city has made the strides that St. Francis Catholic church has in the past ten years, and to the untiring efforts of Father D. W. Lynch, the parishioners should render thanks. As a result of his labor there is not a parish in northern Minnesota that can boast of as beautiful a church as St. Francis.

Rev. Father D. W. Lynch, pastor of St. Francis Catholic church of this city, is a man whose efforts are always directed to the upbuilding, not only of the church with which he is affiliated, but to the best interests of the city of Brainerd and Crow Wing county. His residence in this city of something like nine years has endeared him to the hearts of all who are interested in the healthy growth of high morals in religious, social and business circles.

To the upbuilding of his church in this city he has strained his every effort and the results of his labors are grandly exemplified in the strong organization which exists in the church and the many improvements which have been made during these many years last past.

Father Lynch is a native of Madison, Wis. where he was born in 1861. He attended school at the State University at Madison for three years after which he came to Minnesota and took a theological course at St. John’s University. He was ordained a priest in June 1887. He went to Hinckley after being ordained where he had charge of the parish there for five years, coming to Brainerd in 1892.

When he came to Brainerd the Catholic congregation was small but it has grown in numbers until it is one of the strongest, if not the strongest, church organizations in the city. He built the beautiful parish church which was completed in 1899. Each year he is adding new improvements to the many already made in the parish and the latest which is now being consummated is the installing of the grand new altar, description of which appears elsewhere.


New Altar and New Steeple.


An illustration of the proposed new altar in 1901, 02 August 1901.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch
The new altar is installed in early 1902, ca. 1925.
Source: Postcard

Father Lynch has for some time been considering the advisability of making still further improvements about the church, and today he is ready to announce definitely what at least two of these will be.

For some time he has been in correspondence with E. Hackner, of La Crosse, Wis., the leading altar builder in the northwest, and some ten or a dozen different designs of altars have been submitted. Yesterday Father Lynch decided on the design, and the DISPATCH takes pleasure in presenting a cut on this page which will give the reader an idea of the beauty and magnitude of the new improvement.

The altar will be one of the finest in the northwest and is exactly like the one in the West Superior church. From the top of the base to the top of the cross the altar will measure twenty-two feet. It is twelve feet wide at the base, and the figures, statues and carvings will vary in size to render harmony in the architectural lines. There are arrangements for eight statues which will vary in size and proportion.

The altar will be of white wood with gold trimmings. To give some idea as to the magnitude of the structure it might be stated that it will take about two months to install and get it ready for use.

Saint Francis Catholic Church prior to the placement of its spire, ca. 1901. Note the arc light hanging above the intersection on the left. A 1156x824 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

In the interim while the workmen are at work on the inside, another improvement on the exterior has been decided upon which will make the church much more attractive than ever. Work will commence shortly on the steeple of the church. When the church was built, this part of the edifice had never been completed and Father Lynch has decided that it will be especially appropriate to have the steeple finished by the time the altar is installed and both can be dedicated at the same time. The steeple was built half way up, and as it now stands, the top is 102 feet from the ground. The spire when completed will be 154 feet from the ground, an addition of 50 feet being added on.

The interior work on the church is especially attractive and the new altar has been selected to harmonize with the frescoing, etc. The present altar is entirely too small for so large a church, but the new one will be adequate for all purposes. The new altar will nearly cover the entire sanctuary.

The work, as will be seen by the accompanying cut, is elaborate in detail being of the Romanesque style of architecture, the carvings being especially beautiful. On the base there is carved an exact miniature of “The Last Supper.” It will undoubtedly be the handsomest of the many which have been installed in churches in Northern Minnesota. The design has been selected after careful and patient deliberation and when the same is installed it will doubtless be a rare attraction on account of its beauty and loveliness.

Father Lynch will go down to La Crosse in a few days to make the final arrangements and close the contract. Without the statues the altar will cost something like $700.

While these greater improvements have been progressing in the past few years the smaller ones about the church have not been overlooked. New cement walks have been laid this summer and other little details about the church have improved its appearance materially.


The Church.


Interior of the St. Francis Catholic Church, built in 1890, sometime before the fire of 1933. A 1904x1374 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The following words will best describe the growth and early history of the church, which are from the pen of one who is acquainted with the struggles through which the parishioners have waged their way since the beginning:

“A lasting monument, alike to Crow Wing county and the city of Brainerd’s progress, growth and devotional zeal, stands St. Francis Catholic church. True, it may be that art and science have developed many charming and desirable innovations since its first foundation stone was laid, yet throughout the fleeting years it has proved sturdy and true to the Master’s cause, an ark of refuge and consolation to those who worship therein. To those who have contributed their mites to its upbuilding it stands as a memento of the tireless energy and persistent effort to the cause of Christianity. It is to be hoped that time will not dim the luster of its achievements and that its walls will forever echo to those undying truths which tell of comfort, peace and of eternal rest. Here, then, within its beautiful structure, youth read aright the story of a work well done and strives in emulation to do its share until old age awaits the final summons. The St. Francis church structure is an ornament to the city, and those of the Catholic faith who desire to locate on lands in the vicinity of Brainerd can rest assured that church facilities are not wanting.”

The congregation was organized over twenty years ago, and like many small communities at first met with obstacles until the present structure was begun in 1891. In the spring of 1892, with the advent of the present pastor, Father Lynch, the church was rapidly pushed to completion and today the church and parsonage is valued at $18,000. The congregation numbers 260 families with a population of 1,500.

The Old Church.


The old Catholic church, which was situated on Fifth street burned in 1890. This church was very small, and yet it was a good building, and the residence in connection was a very good one. When the church burned there was very little insurance being carried, and this made it especially hard on the congregation.

Father Lawler then had charge of the parish. They decided to buy the location where St. Francis church now stands and immediately commence the erection of a modern building. The church did not have a dollar when they started in to build, but today it is entirely out of debt.

The debt on the church has been raised sooner than was at first expected and the result of the labors of the members of the congregation is best shown in the beautiful edifice which now stands as a monument in honor of the labors of the faithful. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 August 1901, p. 2, c.’s 1-4)


Rev. Father Lynch left this noon for La Crosse, Wis., where he goes to make the final arrangements for installing the new altar in St. Francis church. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 August 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


The cross on top of the steeple of St. Francis church has been taken down and the contractor is getting ready to make the improvement of raising the steeple. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 September 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


Contractor Lon Everett has the framework up for the new steeple on the St. Francis Catholic church. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 September 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


BEAUTIFUL NEW CROSS

_____


Has Been Put in Place on the New

Steeple of St. Francis Cath-

olic Church.


Workmen are putting the finishing touches on the new steeple on St. Francis Catholic church and it is expected that this improvement will be completed before the snow flies.

An elegant new cross has been put on the steeple, which cost in the neighborhood of $65. It is a beautiful cross finished in gold leaf and measures ten feet. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 October 1901, p. 5, c. 4)


Brainerd will soon boast of as strong an order of Catholic Foresters as there is in the northern part of the state. A preliminary meeting was held yesterday afternoon and there were about fifty young men of the city present. The feasibility of organizing was discussed and the matter was favorably considered. The order will perhaps start out with a membership of at least 75. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 November 1901, p. 8, c. 2)


ORDER IS ORGANIZED.

_____


A Meeting Held Monday Afternoon and

Officers Elected for a New Catholic

Order of Foresters.


Monday afternoon there was a very enthusiastic meeting of those interested in the organization of a Catholic Order of Foresters in this city and the preliminary organization was perfected, there being about seventy or eighty charter members. This order starts out with a membership of as fine a lot of young men as there is in the city and the prospects for a very strong lodge are good.

The following officers were elected.

Chief Ranger—H. P. Dunn.

Vice Chief Ranger—John T. Imgrund.

Recording Secretary—W. H. Koop.

Financial Secretary—Ed. Donahue.

Treasurer—L. A. LaJoie.

Senior Conductor—Henry Linneman.

Junior Conductor—John Goedderz

Outside Sentinel—Freeman Turcotte.

Inside Sentinel—Joseph Rasch

Delegate to State Convention—M. J. Reilly.

Alternate delegate to State Convention—Clement Koering.

Trustee—Alfonse Linneman, M. J. Hawkins and Joseph Mahoney.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 13 December 1901, p. 6, c. 4)


WORK IS EXEMPLIFIED.

_____


Brainerd Court of Catholic Order of

Foresters Installed That Evening in

Columbian Hall.


The officers of the new court of the Catholic Order of Foresters of this city were installed Sunday night, and coupled with the event much interest was manifested and the order in this city starts out in a most flourishing condition so far as membership is concerned.

There are sixty-five charter members of the order who were initiated last night. The work of the order was exemplified by the side rank of St. Cloud court, and the boys of this city who joined the order had the pleasure, seeing something very swell in the way of team work. There were about fifteen of the members of the St. Cloud court present.


[...]


The court is composed of as a fine a class of young men as there is in the city. H. P. Dunn is the first chief ranger and to those who are best acquainted with him, the fact that he holds the head office, assures them that the order will flourish.

Last night after the initiatory work the ladies of St. Francis Catholic church served a sumptuous banquet in the Columbian hall where the work of the evening was exemplified. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 December 1901, p. 6, c. 4)


PUTTING IN NEW FURNACES

_____


Rev. D. W. Lynch, of St. Francis Church,

Has Purchased Two Large Furnaces

for the Church


Two large new furnaces arrived in the city this morning and are being installed in St. France Catholic church. They are of the latest make and will surely be appreciated by the members. The men who are putting in the furnaces expect to work all night and hope to have the same finished before morning. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 January 1904, p. 3, c. 3)


11 August 1906. Rev. Father J. J. O’Mahoney arrived today at noon to take the pastorate of St. Francis church. Mr. O’Mahoney comes to Brainerd with high recommendations as a fitting successor to Father Lynch. (Brainerd 25 Years Ago, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 August 1931, p. 2, c. 3)


800 DELEGATES EXPECTED MAY 22

_____


The Knights of Columbus Will In-

stitute a Council in Brainerd

On That Date

_____


MANY VISITORS WILL BE HERE

_____


Degree Teams From St. Paul, Minne-

apolis and Duluth Will be Present

To Exemplify the Ritual


The ceremonies attendant upon the institution of a Knights of Columbus Council in Brainerd on Sunday, May 22d, will draw to the city the largest gathering it has ever entertained. The charter list of the new council embraces a hundred names. Over 800 delegates, visitors and friends, coming from all parts of the great northwest are expected to be present to witness the ceremonies.

Crack degree teams from the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Duluth councils will assist in exemplifying the elaborate ritualistic ceremonies of the Knights of Columbus.

Large delegations are to be present from St. Paul, Minneapolis, Duluth, Fargo, St. Cloud, Bemidji and other points. The delegations from St. Paul, Minneapolis and Duluth will travel in special trains.

Gardner's hall has been secured for the initiatory work. A banquet will be given in the evening at the Citizens State bank hall by the ladies of St. Francis parish.

Many of the councils will come Saturday, May 21st to view the city and its environment and the Cuyuna iron range. Many of the delegates will not return to their homes until Monday evening. State Deputy John Nightingale of Minneapolis and District Deputy Leo. W. Ball, of Duluth, will be present.

Among the committees announced are the ball committee, composed of D. M. Clark, M. J. Reilly, Thomas Mooney and Mr. Krekelberg. The banquet committee consists of the following gentlemen: W. H. Cleary, H. W. Linnemann, H. P. Dunn, and M. E. Ryan. The entertainment committee consists of Messrs. Krekelberg, M. J. Reilly, Ed. Koop, Thos. Mooney, H. W. Linnemann, H. P. Dunn and all the members of the council.

A special committee will meet all delegates at the trains. Brainerd has ample hotel accommodations for all visitors and if these are insufficient a list of residences furnishing accommodations will also be provided. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 May 1910, p. 5, c. 1)


Rev. D. W. Lynch, of Duluth, for many years pastor of St. Francis Catholic church in Brainerd, celebrated his silver anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood on Sunday. An elaborate program in which many of the high dignitaries of the church, including Bishop McGolrick, priests of Duluth, Superior and surrounding towns as well as the priests of St. John’s college headed by Abbott Engel took part, was celebrated. The ceremonies commenced with a high solemn mass at 10:30 o’clock at St. James church with Father Lynch as celebrant. Bishop McGolrick preached the principal sermon and Father R. A. Floyd was the deacon of the mass. Rev. Arthur LaMott of Little Falls was the subdeacon of the mass and the assistants to Bishop McGolrick at the throne were Rev. Father Hogan of Hibbing and Rev. Father Walsh of Proctor. Rev. John Begley, assistant pastor of St. James church, was the master of ceremonies. A feature of the service was the splendid musical program by the choir, with the full Flaaten orchestra rendering music for the occasion. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 June 1912, p. 2, c.’s 4 & 5)


INVESTITURE OF FATHER LYNCH

_____


Duluth City and Range Clergy At-

tend Solemn Ceremony When

Priest Becomes Monsignor

_____


REV. J. J. O’MAHONEY SPOKE

_____


Solemn High Mass Celebrated, Mon-

signor Lynch at One Time was

Priest at Brainerd


(Duluth News Tribune)

The most impressive and important event of the year in Duluth Catholic circles took place Sunday when Rev. Daniel W. Lynch was invested as monsignor of the church and a member of the papal household. The church was beautifully decorated and the attendance was estimated at 2,000.

Before the celebration of the mass, the procession was formed in the rectory and proceeded through the church from the rear. The altar boys led and were followed by the clergy according to rank. Father Lynch came last, wearing the black cassock and white surplice of the priest.

After replacing the black cassock for one of deep purple with a wide sash he advanced to the foot of the throne, upon which Bishop John T. McNicholas was seated. The bishop presented him with the mantelletta, the insignia of the membership in the papal household, and also with the rochet, which is similar to the surplice.


Solemn High Mass

Rev. H. A. Floyd of Morgan Park read the papal letters from Pope Benedict XV in Latin and in English. Solemn high mass was then celebrated. Rev. D. V. Patt of Eveleth was the celebrant of the mass, Rev. J. J. O’Mahoney of Brainerd was deacon of the mass and Rev. James Hogan of Hibbing was the sub-deacon. The masters of the ceremony of the mass were Rev. P. H. Kiley of the Sacred Heart cathedral and Rev. P. O’Brien of Duluth.

After the first gospel of the mass Bishop McNicholas gave the sermon. He spoke of the rejoicing at the signing of the peace treaty and on the divine mission of the priesthood.


Speakers at Reception

A reception at St. James’ hall was given last night in honor of the newly invested monsignor. Among the speakers were Bishop McNicholas, Rev. James Hogan of Hibbing, and Bishop James Trobec. The response to the bishop’s address was given by Monsignor Lynch.

The clergymen at the services yesterday included Bishop John T. McNicholas, Monsignor J. F. Buh, Rev. P. J. Kiley, Rev. O’Brien, Rev. Cornelius Dwyer, Rev. H. A. Floyd, Rev. D. Guillette, Rev. William, Rev. T. Donaghue of Duluth, Rev. J. J. O’Mahoney of Brainerd, Rev. D. V. Patt of Eveleth, Rev. J. Gordon of the Indian reservation at Odanah, Wis., Rev. C. Gamache of Nashwauk, Rev. Edward Walsh of Proctor, Rev. J. P. Culligan of Two Harbors, Rev. James Hogan of Hibbing, Rev. P. Begley and Rev. J. Crean of Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 July 1919, p. 5, c. 3)


FATHER O’MAHONEY TO GO TO HIBBING

___________


Popular Priest of Brainerd Farewell Reception

Tuesday Evening

__________


14 YEARS AT LOCAL CHURCH

__________


Gained Renown for the

New Converts Added to the Congregation in Brainerd


Father J. J. O’Mahoney, ca. Unknown.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Rev. Father J. J. O’Mahoney for 14 years pastor of St. Francis Catholic church, is to leave the Brainerd parish and accept a new challenge at Hibbing, and Rev. Father Hogan of Hibbing is to be transferred to Brainerd.

Father O’Mahoney has been a popular pastor here and gained renown for the number of new converts to the church, and as an original speaker soon proving himself as one of the great orators, that parish and congregation can hardly accustom themselves to the fact that he is to leave.

Members of St. Francis have arranged a reception to be held in the basement of the church at 8 o’clock on Tuesday evening, November 23, to which members of the congregation and citizens generally are invited.

In civic affairs Father O’Mahoney always took great interest. He saw the city grow in power and influence and with it in corresponding degree the parish. During his tenure, the parochial school was built an additional playground is bought, a new parsonage acquired and the interior of the church re-decorated and improved to the extent of $ 3,500. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 November 1920)


RECEPTION TO BE GIVEN TONIGHT

____________


At St. Francis Catholic Church for Rev. Father J. J. O’Mahoney, Soon to

Leave City

____________


HELD IN BASEMENT OF CHURCH

____________


The Parish and Citizens Generally are Invited to Attend the Farewell

Reception


At 8 o’clock this evening a farewell reception will be tendered Rev. Father J. J. O’Mahoney at the basement of St. Francis Catholic church and the invitation is extended members of the parish and citizens generally to be present.

Father O’Mahoney for 14 years has served well and efficiently the parish and has taken an interest in civic affairs. His decision to remove to Hibbing and accept the pastorate there came as a shock to Brainerd church and friends. There has been an exchange of pastors and Father O’Mahoney goes to Hibbing and Rev. Father Hogan of Hibbing comes to Brainerd.

No set program has been evolved for this evening. It will start at 8 o’clock and a large gathering of parish and citizens generally is anticipated to do honor to the departing priest. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 November 1920)


30 November 1920. The farewell reception given the Reverend Father J. J. O’Mahoney on Tuesday attested to the high regard in which the popular priest is held and many an eye was dimmed with tears when the thoughts of him leaving the parish became a reality. He leaves for Hibbing church. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 November 2000)


Rev. J. J. O'Mahoney of Morgan Park was a guest of his sister, Mrs. James Cullen, 211 North Sixth street yesterday. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 April 1929, p. 2, c. 2)


Fire animation On March 9, 1933, one of the most spectacular and devastating fires destroyed the second St. Francis Catholic Church. Firebrands swirled over a radius of two blocks in the high wind, igniting 16 minor blazes on 11 different buildings; the temperature was eight to twelve degrees below zero.


SEE: 1933 St. Francis Catholic Church Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


Formal Dedication Early This Summer

_____


BISHOP WELCH TO DEDICATE NEW EDIFICE WHEN HE ADMINISTERS

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION HERE

_____


Although the new St. Francis Catholic church will open Sunday, formal dedication will not take place until in May or June, it was revealed by the Rev. James Hogan, pastor.


Definite Date Not Set

Dedication services will be held when the Rt. Rev. Thomas Welch, D. D., bishop of the Duluth diocese of the Catholic church, comes here to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation to a large class of youths and adults.

A definite date for his coming has not been set but it is expected to be sometime in May or June.

At that time, the Right Reverend Bishop will conduct the services in formal dedication of the new church officially welcoming it as a new and inspiring addition to the beautiful church buildings included in the diocese over which he has jurisdiction.


Approved Plans

Bishop Welch approved the plans for the new church which is being carried out, architecturally and appointively, according to the strict dictates of canonical design. He has expressed his great gratification to the members of the congregation and has been moved to regard the new church as one of the finest, most elaborate yet spiritual appointed under his jurisdiction.


MEMBERSHIP OF CHURCH 2,600 WITH

OVER 500 FAMILIES

_____


Recent canvass of the church membership indicates an unusual stability through the many years the St. Francis church as been established here.

The congregation roll fluctuates only slightly and has from the first years of its inception here varied to little extent. That does not mean that the church has not grown because records reveal that the congregation has increased steadily in new parishioners.


[...]


...the St. Francis congregation still boasts of being the largest of any denomination in the city. A total of 2,600 persons are included on the membership roll. This figure represents about 500 families, all of whom are in regular attendance in following the dictates of their faith.


Cabinet Salvaged From Fire to Take

Place in New Church

_____


The only part of church equipment salvaged from the old church is a steel cabinet in which the censors and kindred paraphernalia was kept. It has been renewed with new decorative treatment and will take its place in the new church.

The cabinet, in which the censors were found intact, will become regular equipment in the new church and will stand as a silent memorial to the fire-razed church which for nearly two score years served the large congregation.


Striking New $60,000 Edifice Emphasizes Romanesque Motif

_____


CHURCH DESIGNED UNDER DICTATES OF CANONICAL LAW

_____


Formal opening of the new St. Francis Catholic church marks the addition of another imposing and beautiful structure to the already edifying list of impressive places of worship in the City of Brainerd.

First mass celebrated in 1934, the third St. Francis Catholic Church, ca. 1955.
Source: Shirley Warrick, Legacy Program, Crow Wing County Historical Society

Architecturally, a building of simple yet striking design, of great proportions but compact facility, of splendor and sparkling appointments that bespeak the medieval trend in style. In its formal opening presses into service, in brief, a practical structure devoted to the characteristics for which it was designed and at the same time enhancing in great architectural advanced engineering construction advantages.


Expansive Auditorium

Embodying a design of Romanesque, with touches of Renaissance to embellish in striking effect, the church represents the modern adaptation in architectural skill. With a flair for modernity, of the renowned old styles, the design is blended in usefulness of purpose to the utmost, still maintaining its background of spiritual guidance so effectively portrayed in its setting upon the site of fire-razed church that for nearly 40 years served the congregation.

Rising from the ground in a perfect symmetry of lines, transepts of which throw the general design into the form of a cross emblematic of the spiritual keynote, the structure is 176 feet long, 45 feet wide and its tapered cylindric roof reaching sky ward to an actual inside height of 36 feet. This architectural skeleton, treated with an exterior splendor of native Minnesota Kasota finished stone and Bedford trim, finds it departing from the traditional design in that it has no steeple with the frontispiece merely emphasized with a cut stone cross of striking visibility.


Seating Capacity 650

Interior of the St. Francis Catholic Church, 2015. A 960x720 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Jeffrey Jewell

The roof is finished in red tile. There are three public entrances one on either side and a set of three doors, massive in proportion and brilliantly Romanesque in design, in the front of which one is a double door. Two other entrances are provided, one is to the sacristy and the other leading into the basement.

Seating capacity will be 650 with an additional 75 to be accommodated in the choir loft. Twenty-seven pews on either side of the middle aisle and 14 small, seven in each transept, are available. All pews have symbolic medallions.

Carrying out the simple, yet striking motif, the main altar looms in the foreground in brilliant gray marble quarried in Cold Spring set off with a black inlay, quarried at Pierz, the only back granite quarry in the state. There are three altars, the main one in the center of the curved front of the church and the two side altars placed in ample niches on either side of the main altar.

In striking effect is the tabernacle of copper lined with silk and reposing in the center of the altar.

The sanctuary of the church is expansive separated from the main auditorium by a brazed hammered iron communion rail with a wood top piece. In the back, a passageway shuts off the sanctuary by a high hammered iron grill.


Canopy Over Altar

A canopy extends over the altar. Of braided texture, the canopy is cardinal red and old gold.

The main auditorium finds ambulatories on either side with arched entrances to the pews from the passageway. The main auditorium ceiling rises to full height with the ambulatories only extending upwards about halfway.

The choir loft is at the extreme back. It is wired and ready to receive an organ when the congregation is able to purchase one or when someone donates the all-important instrument.

Interior is finished in pressed brick of blending colors with a light shade predominating.


Ample Light

Ample light floods the building with 65 windows in the structure, 18 large and 24 small windows in the main auditorium and others appropriately set in the other parts of the building. In addition, light fixtures follow the general style of architectures. The fixtures are of brazed hammered iron set off with a cross at the top.

Special features include the nuns tribute, a room overlooking the main altar, the baptistry carried out according to dictates of canonical regulation, the sacristy in ample proportion with oak cabinets for sacred vessels, vestments and other articles.

The church has a full basement offering a large auditorium with special rooms for checking wraps, cooking, and the boiler room.

The church will be air-conditioned with the system offering the advantage of warmth in winter and cool breezes in the hot months.


...Rev. T. Walter Cleary, son of Mrs. W. H. Cleary is a benefactor of the new church through his gift of the large and beautiful stained glass window that will be installed in the façade of the church. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, Special Church Edition, pp. 1-6)


REV. J. HOGAN TO CELEBRATE GOLDEN JUBILEE MONDAY


The Rev. James Hogan will celebrate his golden jubilee in the priesthood of St. Francis of Assisi’s church in in Brainerd on Monday. Father Hogan will be the third priest in the history of the diocese to have the privilege of celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of his ordination.


The Rt. Rev. Joseph Buh celebrated his golden jubilee on July 25, 1908, when he was 75 years old. He was vicar general of the diocese and administrator before the arrival of the Most Rev. Bishop John T. McNicholas. His death occurred on February 2, 1922. Clement Gamache celebrated his fiftieth anniversary at St. Anthony’s church in Duluth on Oct. 15, 1930.

Father Hogan was born in Ireland on Feb. 8, 1874, at Killokennedy, County Clare. He attended the Kilbane high school and the College of Killaloe. The priest took his philosophical and theological studies at All Hallow’s seminary, Dublin. He was ordained at the seminary for the diocese of Duluth on June 24, 1900.

At present, the jubilarian is chaplain at the Hibbing General hospital, where he has been stationed since June 28, 1846. Among the parishes he has served as pastor during his 50 years are St. Rose’s, Proctor; St. Patrick’s, Eveleth; Our Lady of Lourdes, Virginia; Sacred Heart, Mountain Iron; St. Martin’s, Tower; Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Hibbing; St. Joseph’s, Crosby; and St. Francis of Assisi, Brainerd. Before the Diocese of Crookston was separated from Duluth, Father Hogan served as pastor in East Grand Forks.

The longest period he served in one parish was the 22 years spent as pastor of the St. Francis of Assisi parish, Brainerd. Father Hogan succeeded the Rev. James J. O’Mahoney as pastor on Nov. 27, 1920, and served the parish until July 17, 1942.

One of Father Hogan’s most vivid memories of his pastorate in Brainerd is the bitterly cold morning of March 9, 1933, when his church was completely destroyed in what was reported as one of the most spectacular and devastating fires Brainerd has witnessed.

The fire, of unknown origin, began early in the morning while he was celebrating 6:20 a. m. mass at St. Joseph’s hospital, and resulted in an estimated damage of $50,000.

As a result, the building of the present liturgical church, on Romanesque architecture, was begun on July 1, 1933. The first mass was celebrated in the completed building on Sunday, Feb. 11, 1934. Formal dedicatory services, at which His Excellency, Most Rev. Thomas A. Welch, officiated, were held on June 3.

On Monday, May 29, the jubilarian will celebrate solemn mass at 10:30 a. m. which will be followed by a luncheon in the guild hall at 12:30 p. m. Invitations have been sent to the priests of the diocese and to the pioneer families of the parish.

During the luncheon Miss Betty Herbison will sing Mozart’s “Alleluia,” and Al Mraz will sing Franck’s “Panis Angelicus.” Accompanist will be Mrs. Alvin Kampmann.

The luncheon will be served by member of St. Francis Guild, Mrs. Carl Waldmann is general chairman of arrangements, with Mrs. Charles Herbison and Mrs. J. M. Mraz co-chairmen of the kitchen committee, and Mrs. Wayne Fezler and Mrs. A. J. Dondelinger co-chairman of the dining room committee. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, May 1950)


SAINT FRANCIS CATHOLIC SCHOOLS (MAP #40)

A SCHOOL.


Conducted by the Sisters of St. Francis, will be opened in Brainerd on Monday next, the 25th of November, on Tenth Street, near the corner of Main.

The course of instruction will comprise the study of the English language, writing, arithmetic, geography and history in all their branches. Useful and ornamental needlework. Private lessons will be given in the French and German languages, music, drawing and painting.

For terms and further particulars apply to the Sisters. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 November 1873, p. 1, c. 7)


CATHOLIC SCHOOL.—The school recently established here under the auspices of the Sisters of St. Francis, is starting out with fine prospects of success. Some thirty pupils are already in attendance, and more are being added daily. It is to be a school of which Brainerd may well feel proud—all the branches will be thoroughly taught, including painting, music, the languages, ornamental work, and best of all, pupils at this school will be obliged to conform strictly to the rules of good behavior. We wish Mother Superior the great success she so well deserves. We shall try and visit this new school early next week and become acquainted with its details. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 December 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


A NEW MONTHLY MAGAZINE.—The initial number of a new thirty-six page monthly is now in press in the TRIBUNE office, published under the auspices of the Sisters of St. Francis, of this city and is called, “ANNALS OF OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS.” It is to be a religious monthly, devoted to the general condensation of important church news from all parts of the world, together with much original matter by contributions from Americans, and by contributors from various countries of Europe, as well as many original translations from the French, of highly instructive matters never before published in English. It will be largely devoted to the interest of the order of St. Francis in America, and from the various branches thereof it hopes to receive its chief sustenance; although its eminently high toned and interesting character must very soon give it a wide-spread circulation among the whole Catholic Church of the country, as well as among general readers. The subscription price is: One copy one year, $2.00; three copies, to one address, one year, $5.00; six copies $10.00. Single numbers 20 cents. Address “Editor of the ANNALS, P. O. Box 69, Brainerd, Minn.” (Brainerd Tribune, 27 December 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


The term of school taught by the Sisters of the Order of St. Francis, in this city, closed its term on Friday of last week. They returned this week to Belle Prairie, where they own a fine farm, upon which is located an institution of learning which has been conducted by these scholarly and accomplished Sisters for some time past, and has already gained an enviable reputation. They expect, we believe, to commence the building of an academy, hospital, etc., in Brainerd next fall, if sufficiently encouraged, which will be provided with the best talent and assistants that this Order affords. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 March, 1874, p. 1, c. 5)


It is rumored that a school is to be founded in Brainerd, under the auspices of the Sister of Charity. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 March 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


There is some talk of starting a Catholic school in the school building on Sixth street, vacated recently when the scholars were transferred to the new building. It is said there are a number of scholars who would attend. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 March 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


The New School Board.


...The Catholic society was granted permission to use the Sixth street school house for a Catholic school until such time as it should be needed by the district. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 April 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


A Catholic school will be started in the Sixth street school building by the Sisters, the first of next month. There are children enough of Catholic parentage in this city to warrant the establishing of such an institution and it will undoubtedly be well supported. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 September 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


The school building on sixth street is being remodeled and repaired this week in order to accommodate the Sisters’ school which will begin there about the first of October. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 September 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


The Catholic school, as was predicted by the Dispatch has been a success from the start. A large membership is now enrolled on their register. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 October 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


The Benedictine sisters will close the Catholic school which they have been conducting here, and return to St. Joseph. The institution is not well enough patronized to warrant its continuance. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 July 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


SEE: Sixth Street School


17 October 1906. The church authorities and the parish of St. Francis Catholic Church has the matter of erecting a parochial school under consideration. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 October 2006)


Saint Francis Catholic School, architect, E. J. Donahue, St. Paul, ca. 1908.
Source: Postcard
St. Francis Catholic School on the north side of Juniper between 8th and 9th, ca. 1922.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Built in 1908 on the north side of Juniper Street between North Eighth [Broadway] and North Ninth Streets. [This school is torn down and replaced by a new school built in 1952.] (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 94)


PAROCHIAL SCHOOL SURE

_____


Parish of St. Francis Church to

Erect School Building at

Juniper and Broadway

_____


TO COST ABOUT $12,000

_____


Work Expected to Begin About

June First—Hoped to be

Ready for Fall School


Father J. J. O’Mahoney and some of the leading members of his congregation are now at work soliciting funds for the parochial school building to be erected this summer on the lots purchased last fall at the corner of Juniper street and Broadway. These are vacant lots just across the street from the residence of J. K. Pearce.

Father O’Mahoney informed a DISPATCH representative that the work of soliciting funds was progressing very satisfactorily and that it was expected that at least half the money necessary to build the building would be subscribed and paid in by the first of June, at which time it is hoped that work will begin. An extraordinary effort will be made to get the building in readiness to open the school at the beginning of the school year, in September next. He also stated that it was expected that the building would cost in the neighborhood of $12,000. When asked as to the plans of the buildings, he said the Mother Superior of the order of St. Benedict would have that in charge, as the sisters of that order would run the school.

The location is a good one, being within a block of the church and probably as nearly central as could be secured.

When the matter first came up last fall the Mother Superior stated to the DISPATCH that if the parish erected the school that it would probably delay the erection of the proposed academy here; that in that event the academy, when built, would be for the higher education of girls only, so that it is improbable that anything will be done as to the academy this year. The detail of teachers for the parochial school will, it is understood, make all the extra demands on the time of the sister that can be met at present and so, aside from any matter of finance, it is not feasible to start an academy at present. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 April 1907, p. 5, c. 1)


FARMERS DONATE FOUNDATION ROCK

_____


Country Members of St. Francis

Parish Will Contribute Rock

for School

_____


WORK TO BEGIN IN SPRING

_____


Parish has Lots Paid for and a

Snug Sum in the School

Building Fund


The parochial school, toward which Father O’Mahoney, of St. Francis Catholic church, as been working for the past year will be ready for the commencement of the school year next fall. The committee having the financing of the matter in charge has raised enough money to pay for the lots and has several thousand on hand toward the building. The farmers of the parish will donate the rock for the basement and foundation and will commence hauling as soon as winter sets in. Work on the building will commence early in the spring. It is expected that the building will cost about $12,000 although it may run above that. The lots purchased are at the corner of Juniper street and North Broadway, just a block west of the church. The building will be up-to-date in every respect. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 October 1907, p. 3, c. 3)


...and the new parochial school of St. Francis Catholic church, for which the foundation walls are now being laid, and which will cost nearly $15,000 and accommodate 350 pupils. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 January 1908, p. 4, c. 6)


Bids Wanted

Sealed bids for the construction of the parochial school building will be received up to 6 o’clock p. m., May 8, 1908. Plans and specifications can be seen at the Citizens State Bank. Bids should be mailed to the secretary of the building committee.

CON O’BRIEN, Pres. Com.

JAMES CULLEN, Sec.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 April 1908, p. 3, c. 1)


The request of C. B. Rowley to be permitted to buy six cords of crushed rock at $10 per ton, the city to deliver it at the site of the new parochial school was read. On motion the sale was authorized at that price, Mr. Rowley to do the hauling and pay for the weighing. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 May 1908, p. 3, c. 2)


The foundation of the parochial school at the corner of Juniper street and North Broadway is practically completed and the cut stone course which goes between the basement wall and the brick wall is being put in place. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 June 1908, p. 2, c. 4)


C. B. Rowley has a carload of lumber for the new parochial school building in the west side of the big washout and fears that it may delay work on the building. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 June 1908, p. 2, c. 3)


E. J. Donahue, of Duluth, the architect who is planning the new heating system for the new parochial school building, was in the city yesterday and today, going to St. Paul on the afternoon train today. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 June 1908, p. 2, c. 4)


The grounds around the new parochial school have been graded nicely and seeded and the change makes a very marked improvement in the appearance of the premises. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 June 1909, p. 2, c. 3)


PAROCHIAL SCHOOL EXERCISES

_____


A Pleasing Entertainment is Pre-

sented by the Pupils at Opera

House Last Night

_____


CLASS OF SIXTEEN GRADUATE

_____


Rev. Father O’Mahoney Presents Gold

Medals and Diplomas to First

Class Graduated


St. Francis Catholic School built in 1908, ca. Unknown. A 873x494 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

St. Francis Parochial school had its first graduation exercises last night and the opera house was filled with an audience which enjoyed the splendid entertainment provided. Rev. Father O’Mahoney and the good sisters are to be congratulated on the success of their entertainment for it showed also the educational advantages enjoyed by the pupils in the parochial school.

The stage was handsomely decorated with flowers, ferns and palms. The class motto “Be True” was suspended from the ceiling and the colors of the school, purple and gold, were in evidence.

Rev. Father J. J. O’Mahoney, of St. Francis church, Rev. Father Hanley and Rev. Father McCabe of St. Louis, Mo., occupied box seats. Many of the Benedictine Sisters were present to witness the ceremonies.

The first number was a song by a chorus of 50 girls sung with good effect, their altos and sopranos blending well. In the Indian club drill 16 young boys appeared. They wore dark suits, white sweaters, and had their clubs decorated with purple and gold colors of the school. Their club swinging was done with military precision.

Forty boys sang a song entitled “Rally.”

The drama, “Two Mothers” was presented by the pupils and their acting is worthy of much praise and commendation. The moral taught in the play is of a high nature and showed that a constant, steadfast faith is always rewarded, that an earnest, sincere prayer is always answered. As the play is of a deeply religious nature it required conscientious training of the pupils by the sisters and Rev. Father O’Mahoney and reflects credit on their teachers. It is difficult to single out any of the actors for special praise, for all spoke and acted well.

The “Three O’clock Train,” was a comedy sketch by Fred Taylor and Jack Mooney, including also the ten foot ghost which had no speaking part but which demoralized both of the little black face comedians. Their makeup and acting kept the audience in constant laughter.

Twenty-five girls dressed in blue and pink went through the movements of a pretty drill. They moved with the happy grace of childhood and were equally as good in the precision of their steps as the boys who had preceded them.

Miss Rose Scallen played a piano selection entitled, “In the Lovely Month of May,” in a pleasing manner.

Rev. Father O’Mahoney delivered a short address in which he stated it was the proudest moment of his life to be present at these ceremonies, which represented the conclusion of the first year’s existence of St. Francis parochial school which had developed into a great Catholic institution.

“The people may speak of their politicians, of their leaders in the army and navy,” said Father O’Mahoney, “but no one is prouder than we are of our own sisters who have devoted their whole existence to forming the lives and preparing the souls of these children for the life to come.”

Rev. Father O’Mahoney then distributed the diplomas to the following 16 graduates: John Prendergast, Philip I. Scallen, William Benda, Gabriel J. Siegel, John J. Hackett, Rose M. Scallen, Mamie F. Funk, Ellen G. McGill, Rose L. Favreau, Gertrude R. Vaars, Clara G. Rappel, Margaret Brady, Mary K. Toohey, Mary K. Taylor, Bertha C. Schellhorn and Mabel Graham.

Diplomas for penmanship were granted to Gabriel J. Siegel, John J. Hackett, Philip I Scallen, Patti A. Hamelin, Bertha C. Schellhorn, Mamie F. Funk, Gertrude R. Vaars and Rose L. Favreau.

Rev. Father O’Mahoney awarded the following gold medals for excellency in school work:

Eighth grade—John W. Prendergast, Ellen G. McGill.

Fifth room—Frank Lang, Elizabeth Pfeifer.

Fourth room—Kenneth Ryan, Marie Gibson.

Third room—Charles Taylor, Mary Vogel.

Second room—Herman Koop, Irene Turcotte.

Primary room—Harriet O’Brien, Albert Buscher.

Second prizes were awarded as follows:

Eighth grade—Clara Rappel.

Fifth room—John Vogel.

Fourth room—Fred Taylor.

Third room—Emma Jaeger.

Second room—John Moore.

Primary room—Loraine Koop, Donald Ryan.

In conclusion Rev. Father O’Mahoney stated that all the children had done well and that the school had enjoyed a prosperous growth. He thanked the audience for its attendance and the appreciation of the program rendered. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 June 1910, p. 3, c.’s 1 & 2)


07 June 1915. The parochial school at St. Francis Catholic Church will have its graduation exercises on June 9 at the Brainerd Opera House. The class of 1915 numbers 18, and its motto is “Honor, Not Honors.” Mildred O’Brien and Herman Koop had the highest scholastic averages. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 07 June 1915)


FIRE IN BASEMENT PAROCHIAL SCHOOL

_____


$500 Damage Done Tuesday Night

When Over-Heated Furnace Sets

Fire to Ceiling

_____


DEPARTMENT QUICK RESPONSE

_____


Fire Extinguished—School Able to

Resume Today as Heating Plant

Not Damaged


The second St. Francis Catholic School building built in 1952, ca. 1958.
Source: Gary Thorman

The fire department responded to a call from the St. Francis parochial school, 803 Juniper street between 7:30 and 8 o’clock, Tuesday evening.

The alarm was put in by young people who were there for recreation and their prompt discovery of the fire and quick response by the department doubtless saved the building.

The department discovered a small fire just over the boiler which was extinguished by the use of chemicals.

The only damage resulting from the small fire was a small hole above the boiler and part of the floor in one school rooms torn up. The damage was covered by insurance and is believed to be less than $500. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 February 1921, p. 5, c. 2)


09 September 1952. The Most Reverend Thomas Welch, Bishop of Duluth, followed 11:15 Mass by leading parishioners across the street to the new $302,000 St. Francis School. Welch formally blessed the building, assisted by Rev. Thomas Scott, pastor of St. Francis parish. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Sunday, 09 September 2012)


08 September 1955. The basement has been excavated, and construction is beginning on the new $200,000 gymnasium at St. Francis of Assisi school in Brainerd. The lower floor will have large and small meeting rooms and a kitchen. The combo gym/auditorium will feature a stage and music rooms. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 08 September 1955)


St. Francis School Project Finished

Students enjoy fruits of $4.2 million construction project


An extensive $4.2 million construction project at St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School in Brainerd is complete.

St. Francis opened in 1909 in a two-story, eight classroom building. The present facility was built in 1952.

In 2008, the center one-story section was demolished. In its place, a two-story section was constructed between the west gym building and east classroom section.

St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School in Brainerd recently completed its $4.2 million construction project, updating the north Brainerd school originally built in 1952.

New space includes a large computerized library with an expanded collection, state-of-the-art computer lab with a smart board, a chapel, administrative offices, nurse's office, conference rooms, small work rooms, teacher's lounge and storage spaces. Classrooms, the cafeteria and bathrooms were updated and major systems were modernized.

School officials said the generosity of many benefactors made the project possible and the 265 preschool through eighth-grade students and other groups are enjoying the new space every day. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 08 October 2010)


SAINT JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL (MAP #41)

St. Joseph’s Hospital at 3rd and Holly, ca. 1912.
Source: Postcard

The people who are interested in the new hospital scheme are going right ahead with their improvements on their newly acquired property, notwithstanding the action of the council in giving them notice that the hospital would not be tolerated on the east side of the river. H. E. Richmond, for some years steward at the N. P. Sanitarium, has accepted the position of superintendent and will take charge of the institution as soon as it is completed, which is expected to be about Dec. 1st. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 November 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


On 17 September 1900, Dr. James L. Camp sells the nine acres at the west end of Holly Street along with the Lumbermen’s Hospital to the Benedictine Sisters’ Benevolent Association. The hospital becomes St. Joseph’s and on 15 December 1902, title is transferred to the Association. Additions are made to the hospital in 1903 and again in 1930 when the hospital contains ninety-five beds. These additions cost about $45,000. Circa 1944 plans are made for the erection of a new hospital building involving an expenditure of about $600,000. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 73, 178, 179)


Note: Zapffe is incorrect regarding the sale date of the Lumbermen’s Hospital, the sale occurred on 09 August 1900 NOT 17 September 1900. The Benedictines took possession on 15 September 1900.


“Donation Day.”


Thanksgiving Day is at hand and this will be in future “Donation Day” for St. Joseph’s Hospital. This institution, it must be remembered, is just coming into existence and has therefore many urgent demands, which it is very difficult for the Sisters to meet; therefore it is hoped that the good people of Brainerd will show their appreciation of this institution in their midst, by helping it along as well as they can.

Anything, such as money, flour, eggs, butter, linens, nightshirts, nightdresses, old or new blankets, clothing for poor patients, or provisions, fruit, etc., etc., will be most gratefully received.

Give what you can with all your heart, for “The Lord loveth a cheerful giver.”

SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 23 November 1900, p. 1, c. 4)


Donations Received by St. Joseph’s

Hospital.


The Sisters of St. Joseph’s Hospital wish to express their most heartfelt gratitude to all those who so generously responded to their appeal for aid by way of Thanksgiving donations. Names of donors are as follows:

Mrs. Damoud [sic], 20 yards outing flannel.

Mrs. Harrison, 1 barrel apples.

Dr. Camp, 1 turkey.

Mr. Hawkins, 1 turkey and 1 goose.

Mr. Bane, 1 turkey.

Con O’Brien, 2 turkeys.

Mr. Mahoney, 1 turkey.

Mrs. Gorenflo, 1 turkey.

J. W. Koop, 1 barrel apples.

Isaac Maillon, 2 chickens.

Mrs. Theviot, 12 lbs. steak, 6 bottles malt extract, 1 chicken.

D. M. Clark & Co., 6 cans oysters.

Mrs. Smith, one-half sack “whole wheat flour.”

Messrs. Paine & McGinn, 2 cans fresh oysters.

J. F McGinnis, one-half doz. men's' nightshirts and 6 memorandums.

A. McCarthy, 1 chicken, 1 doz. fresh eggs.

Mrs. Jos. Schwartz, 1 package sugar.

Mrs. D. M. Clark, cash—$25.00

Mr. H. P. Dunn, cash—$5.00

Dr. and Mrs. Reimestad, cash—$5.00

Mr. F. J. Murphy, cash—$5.00

Mr. J. Hinley, cash—$1.00

Mr. J. Willis, cash—$1.00

Mrs. Bolin, cash—$1.00

Mr. Peter Earley, cash—$1.00

Geo. Fruth, cash—$.50

Mrs. J. Schwartz, cash—$.50

(Brainerd Dispatch, 07 December 1900, p. 3, c. 2)


CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.

_____


New Superintendent of Electric Lights

Elected—Petition Received to

Vacate a Portion of Bluff

Avenue.

_____


[...]


A petition was read asking that Bluff avenue be vacated in front of St. Joseph’s hospital, and the matter was referred to a committee of three composed of Aldermen Wright, Koop, and Doran, to report at the next meeting of the council. It seems the Benedictine Sisters, who now own and operate the hospital, desire to erect a fine new hospital building and they now have not sufficient room to do so. They have secured an option on the lots across the street, and if the street is vacated the land in the street reverts to the owners of the abutting property, which will be the association. This will give the sisters ample room to build a building as large as desired. The petition was signed by many of the adjoining property owners. Judge Mantor, as attorney for the Sisters, addressed the council in support of the petition.


[...]

(Brainerd Dispatch, 07 December 1900, p. 1, c. 3)


BLUFF AVENUE VACATED.

_____


Important Action Taken by the City

Council at a Special Meeting

Friday Night.

_____


A special meeting of the city council was held on Friday evening to consider the matter of vacating Bluff avenue between 2nd and 3rd streets, the space occupied by the street to be used by the Benedictine Sisters to erect a fine new hospital building, the association owning the abutting property on both sides of the street.

The committee to whom the matter was referred declined to make any recommendation, believing that the matter should be considered by the full council.

Judge Mantor, attorney for the association, presented a resolution vacating the street, and on motion of Alderman Gardner it was carried by a vote of 8 to 1. All voted aye but Alderman Erickson, who cast a negative vote. Alderman Fogelstrom was absent. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 December 1900, p. 1, c. 2)


WORK COMMENCED ON NEW HOSPITAL

_____


The Ground Was Broken Monday

Morning and Excavation

Will be Made.

_____


MOTHER SUPERIOR IN THE CITY.

_____


The Plans are all Completed for

a Modern and Beautiful

Hospital.


St. Joseph’s Hospital, 1910.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 7, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher, Brainerd Tribune

Work commenced Monday on the excavation for the new St. Joseph hospital to be erected in this city by the Order of St. Benedict, and the beautiful site which has been selected on Bluff avenue, between Holly and Ivy streets, by the order, will be the scene of much activity during the approaching weeks. The large new hospital which will mark the site of the building now utilized for hospital purposes will be one of the most modern in the state, and will not only be a worthy institution built by a worthy order, but will be a credit and a valuable addition to the city of Brainerd. It is thought that the building when completed will cost in the neighborhood of $22,000.

Mother Superior, of the diocese of Duluth, has been in the city for several days arranging the details for the work to be done this fall on the construction. At first it was thought that a building three stories high would be constructed, but after serious consideration, and in view of the fact that the order has secured control of an abundance of ground, it has been decided to erect the building two stories high and cover more territory. This will condense the work and will provide for more space on the ground floor, thus saving the good sisters many steps that would otherwise have to be taken if the building was three stories high.

The building will be of solid brick, with a stone foundation. The main building will be 110 by 50 feet and the extension will measure 50 by 40 feet. On the ground floor will be located the pharmacy, operating room, parlors, sterilizing room, chapel, sitting room, store rooms, dining room and sacristy.

On the second floor there will be a large and small ward, private rooms and diet kitchen. The building will be modern in every respect, electric lighted and steam heated. The operating rooms will be particularly well provided with all the conveniences that a modern operating room requires. They will be models of beauty. A separate building will be erected on the grounds for the boiler room, laundry and hired help’s sleeping apartments. The building will be 33 feet high. The building will face on Third street and it is on this side that the main entrance will be.

The part of Bluff avenue running in front of the present site of the old hospital from Ivy to Holly streets has been vacated so that the new hospital will face Third street and will rest back almost to the brow of the decline to the river. A large tower will be erected on the northeast end of the building and this eminence will be exactly on the middle of Holly street, and will be discernible all the way down the street. The building is modeled somewhat after the one erected at Duluth.

Contractor Edward Jackson has arrived in the city to superintend the work of construction. The excavation will commence at once and it is hoped that before snow flies the foundation will be completed and during the winter all the material will be hauled on the ground so that work on the superstructure can be commenced early in the spring.

The site for the hospital, on the banks of the Mississippi, is one of the most picturesque in the city. The broad expanse of woodland to the west over the river makes a beautiful scene. The decline from the hospital to the river is also very beautiful and the entire surrounding could not be better.

Mother Superior is very grateful to those who have assisted in the matter and she is more than pleased with the progress being made. It is anticipated that the building will be ready for occupancy by the middle of next summer. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 September, 1901, p. 7, c. 5)


CORNERSTONE TO BE LAID SUNDAY

_____


Appropriate Exercises to be Held

on Sunday Afternoon at

New Hospital Site.

_____


THE NEW ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL

_____


Appropriate Addresses will be Giv-

en and the Marine Band

will Discourse Music.


On Sunday afternoon the cornerstone of the new St. Joseph’s hospital being build in this city by the Order of St. Benedict will be laid and appropriate exercises will be held. It has been expected by Rev. Father D. W. Lynch that the Bishop would be present at this event but he could not come, so Father Lynch was delegated to go ahead.

The exercises will be held at 3:30 o’clock at which time the public is invited. Music will be furnished for the occasion by the Brainerd Marine band and remarks will be made by Mayor Halsted, Drs. Camp and Courtney and Rev. Father D. W. Lynch.

The work on the new structure is being pushed on and it begins to assume large proportions. The building will be one of the most perfect institutions of the kind in the state and will cost something over $30,000.

At first it was thought that a building three stories high would be constructed, but after serious consideration, and in view of the fact that the order has secured control of an abundance of ground, it has been decided to erect the building two stories high and cover more territory. This will condense the work and will provide for more space on the ground floor, thus saving the good sisters many steps that would otherwise have to be taken if the building was three stories high.

The building will be of solid brick, with a stone foundation. The main building will be 110x50 feet and the extension will measure 50x40 feet. On the ground floor will be located the pharmacy, operating room, parlors, sterilizing room, chapel, sitting room, store rooms, dining room and sacristy.

On the second floor there will be large and small wards, private rooms and a diet kitchen. The building will be modern in every respect, electric lighted and steam heated. The operating rooms will be particularly well provided with all the conveniences that a modern operating room requires. They will be models of beauty. A separate building will be erected on the grounds for the boiler room, laundry and hired help’s sleeping apartments. The building will be 33 feet high and will face on Third street and it is on this side that the main entrance will be.

The part of Bluff avenue running in front of the present site of the old hospital from Ivy to Holly streets, have been vacated so that the new hospital will face Third street and will rest back almost to the bow of the decline to the river. A large tower will be erected on the northeast end of the building, and this eminence will be exactly on the middle of Holly street, and will be discernible all the way down the street. The building is modeled somewhat after the one erected at Duluth. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 May 1902, p. 3, c. 1)


EVERYTHING IS READY

_____


For the Ceremonies Attending the Laying

of the Cornerstone of the St.

Joseph’s Hospital


The program for the laying of the cornerstone of the new St. Joseph’s hospital has been arranged and the city will doubtless be well represented at the exercises tomorrow afternoon. The exercises will be held at 3:30 o'clock and everyone is invited to be present.

The Brainerd Marine Band will furnish music for the occasion and addresses will be made by Rev. Father D. W. Lynch, Mayor A. J. Halsted and Drs. Courtney and Camp. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 May 1902, p. 3, c. 2)


CORNERSTONE OF ST. JOSEPH’S LAID.

_____


Event Marks Red Letter Day in

the History of the

City.

_____


SOME EXCELLENT ADDRESSES.

_____


It is Estimated that Three Thou-

sand People were Out to

the Exercises.


Yesterday afternoon ceremonies, attending the laying of the cornerstone of the new St. Joseph’s hospital in this city, now in the course of construction by the Order of St. Benedict, were held at the site of the new structure and at no time in the history of the city has the public chord of interest been so clearly sounded, a response in emphatic proclamation to a work worthy of earnest prayer, unanimous support and constant thought from the citizens of Brainerd and Crow Wing county.

Not every day is a city the size of Brainerd so fortunate to secure such an institution as the new St. Joseph’s hospital is sure to be. The $30,000 structure has been described in other issues of the DISPATCH as being a thoroughly modern hospital, the result of years of experience in other similar institutions giving the good Sisters of the order an opportunity to profit by such experience.

It is estimated that fully three thousand people gathered about the proposed building yesterday afternoon. The afternoon was perfect, the day seeming to vie with the true sentiments of the occasion, the sun beaming forth in all radiance as though assisting in the important function.

Rev. Father D. W. Lynch, pastor of St. Francis church, placed the documents, such as the names of the president of the U. S., the mayor of the city, aldermen of the city and such other information, into the small receptacle which was placed within the stone and he it was that applied the mortar before the stone was lowered.

This ceremony being gone through, the Brainerd Marine band discoursed one or two selections after which the addresses of the day were listened to.

_____


On the platform were seated Rev. Father D. W. Lynch, Mayor A. J. Halsted, C. N. Parker, Geo. Cook, A. L. Mattes, W. H. Gemmell, and Drs. Courtney, Mowers, Groves, Bachelder, den Bleyker, Auzinger, Thabes, Hemstead and Reimestad.


MAYOR A. J. HALSTED.

Mayor Halsted said:


[...]


REV. FATHER D. W. LYNCH.

Rev. Father Lynch spoke in part as follows:

...On behalf of the sisters who are devoting their lives to a good work, I am requested to thank the speakers who have addressed us, the people of Brainerd in general for their moral and financial support, the doctors of the city and sanitarium for their words of encouragement, the Marine band for their services, the city council for vacating this street upon which this hospital is being erected, and most especially, the management of the Brainerd Lumber Co., the N. P. Foundry and the M. & I. R. R., for the many favors conferred upon the sisters. One and all I thank you for your presence here this afternoon.


DR. W. COURTNEY.

Dr. Courtney said:


[...]

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 May 1902, p. 3, c.’s 1-4)


NEW WING WILL BE ADDED TO ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL

_____


CONTRACT IS LET AND WORK WILL BEGIN WITHIN WEEK

_____


WILL CONTAIN 30 ROOMS, ABOUT

DOUBLING CAPACITY OF

THE HOSPITAL

_____


FIRST FLOOR OF BUILDING WILL

BE REMODELED—OTHER

IMPROVEMENTS


St. Joseph’s Hospital showing the new wing built in the Summer of 1922, ca. Unknown
Source: Unknown

Joseph’s hospital is to undergo splendid improvement and will be considerably enlarged. The work will begin within the next week or ten days and will be pushed to completion. Unless the unsettled conditions interfere with the arrival of the necessary materials it is expected that the work will be completed by November 1.

The extensions contemplated were announced by the Dispatch in the winter of 1921 when in an interview with the Mother Superior of the Order, from Duluth, the paper was given a full statement of the improvements contemplated then and about to be completed now.

The addition will contain 30 rooms which with the present capacity will make the capacity of St. Joseph’s hospital about 65 beds. Improvements will be made in the x-ray room, while the first floor of the building will be entirely remodeled. A full new heating plant with the best modern equipment will be added.

The new wing will be modern in every respect and will comply with all the requirements of a thoroughly up-to-the-minute hospital. The very latest plans in hospital construction will be followed in the work. The contractor, who has just completed a $300,000 building for St. Mary’s hospital, Duluth, will do the work for which the plans have been accepted and the contract let.

The addition will be of brick to match the old building and will go off from the present hospital at an angle of 45 degrees towards the river, being built at the north end of the existing edifice.

The hospital, when seen from the other side of the Mississippi river, presents an imposing appearance and suggests the old castles of the countries of Europe. With the new addition it will appear yet more stately, and when increased demand for its facilities has made necessary the addition of another wing, the space between the two wings, as seen from the far side of the river, will suggest a beautiful and imposing courtyard.

St. Joseph’s hospital has won its place in the community in which it stands and in the larger territory which it serves, and the sisters by their quiet courage and Christian sympathy, fidelity to their duties and unassuming benevolence have won for the hospital the appreciation of a large and ever increasing constituency.

The people of the district will be glad to know that the community has such confidence in the organization that it has advanced $50,000.00 for these improvements, not one dollar of which has been solicited. The completion of the work will be a praiseworthy addition to Brainerd’s hospital facilities. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 July 1922, p. 1, c. 7)


$50,000 ADDITION TO ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL

_____


Improvement in Shape of a Wing

Added to North Side of the Pres-

ent Structure

_____


60 BY 75 FEET, 2 STORIES HIGH

_____


Main Building Will Also be Remodel-

ed to Some Extent and New Heat-

ing System Added


Work was started Tuesday on the new addition to St. Joseph’s hospital, the contract for which was let some time ago.

The addition is in the form of a wing, on the north side of the present building and facing the river. It will be 60 ft. by 75 ft. in size, two stories, and will cost $50,000. The contracting firm of William Murphy & Son, of St. Paul, is in charge.

The first floor includes a new chapel and dormitory space. The second floor will be occupied by ten or eleven patient’s rooms, adding in all about twenty-four or twenty-five rooms.

The main building will be remodeled to some extent and a new heating system installed.

St. Joseph’s hospital is widely and favorably known through a large territory, and has long since outgrown its present accommodations, so large is its patronage. All equipment for the care of patients is most modern and up-to-date, and with this new addition, will give adequate facilities for taking care of a very large volume of business. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 September 1922, p. 5, c. 1)


In 1944 reconstruction of St. Joseph’s Hospital at a cost of approximately $303,205 with an additional cost of $100,000 for furnishings and provisions for 120 beds as a post war program is announced today by the Brainerd Civil Association. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 15 April 2004)


St. Joseph’s Hospital, 18 April 1953. A 1082x686 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Andy Walsh, Postcard

18 April 1953. Brainerd’s new St. Joseph’s Hospital officially opened its doors to patients this morning at 7 a.m. The first patient admitted was Mrs. George Schaefer, 817 Bluff. Movement of 80 patients from the old hospital will begin later this morning. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 18 April 2013)


SEE: Lumbermen’s Hospital


SAINT PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church located at the northeast corner of 7th and Juniper, ca. 1910.
Source: Postcard

Built in the Fall of 1871 in the woods north of the tracks on lots donated to the Bishop by the Lake Superior and Puget Sound Company. This becomes the northeast corner of Seventh and Juniper Streets. The first wedding in Brainerd is conducted here by the Reverend A. B. Patterson of St. Paul on 15 November 1871. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 6)


LOCAL NEWS.

_____


CHURCH AT BRAINERD.—Mr. F. H. Dam, of this city, has received the contract for erecting an Episcopal church at Brainerd, the expense of which will be defrayed by certain officers of the Northern Pacific R. R. and their friends in New York. The building will be 35x70 feet, finished in the usual Gothic style; chancel to have scroll Gothic arches. Mr. D. is to make all the furniture, slips for chancels, lectern, &c. The west end will have a bell-tower and spire and a window twelve feet square. All the windows will be of stained glass. It is to be completed before the close of next month. The cost of the building will be about $6,000. A Congregational and a Catholic Church are being built at Brainerd, which is a town of less than one year old. Think of this! (St. Cloud Journal, 07 September 1871, p. 2, c. 3)


—F. H. Dam shipped on Tuesday, the last load of material for the new Episcopal Church at Brainerd. (St. Cloud Journal, 26 October 1871, p. 3, c. 1)


Rite of Baptism.


On Sunday last at the Episcopal. church, was performed the first baptismal ceremony in the history of that beautiful structure. The subject was the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Kappen; the sponsors were Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Coykendall and Dr. C. P. Thayer, of the N. P. R. R. The ceremony, which in that church is always beautifully impressive, was especially so on this occasion, being the first Episcopal baptism in the history of Brainerd. The little fellow was christened Theodore Macfarlane Knappen, and was thus beautifully engrafted among the followers of Him who said, “Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Brainerd Tribune, 02 March 1872, p. 3, c. 1)


CHURCH MATTERS.


We are very much gratified to learn that the beautiful Episcopal church in Brainerd is no longer to lay idle, but is to have in future a regular pastor, in the person of that excellent and christian gentleman, the Rev. J. A. Gilfillan, late of Duluth. The Herald of that city, noticing his departure to assume the charge here, says:

“Rev. J. A. Gilfillan, who has been pastor of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in the city for the past two years, has been assigned for missionary work at Brainerd, on the N. P. Railroad. Mr. G. leaves many friends in this city, and we hope as faithful a worker and as sincere a christian may be found to fill his place.” (Brainerd Tribune, 15 June 1872, p. 1, c. 6)


EXTRAORDINARY SWIMMING FEAT.


Reverend Joseph Alexander Gilfillan, 1838-1913, ca. 1885.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

We have to record one of the greatest feats in swimming, this week, that has ever come to our notice, and one performed in every particular as stated below. On Tuesday last, at 1 o’clock P. M., the Rev. J. A. Gilfillan, Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at Brainerd, started from the railroad bridge across the Mississippi at this place, and swam without halting, to Crow Wing village, eighteen miles down the river. He left the bridge at exactly one o’clock, and arrived at Crow Wing at ten minutes before five o’clock, making the EIGHTEEN MILES IN THREE HOURS AND FIFTY MINUTES—or nearly five miles an hour. The current runs only at a fraction over three miles per hour, thus requiring him to overcome nearly two miles each hour faster than the current for nearly four hours successively. He was but little fatigued at the end of his “voyage,” and could have gone much further, were it not that he had to walk back, a distance of twelve miles, which he did the same evening, arriving at home about 8 o’clock. A man accompanied him in a birch bark canoe and carried his clothes. If this can be outdone, from first to last, in any part of the country, we stand ready to listen and put the facts on record. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 July 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


BRAINERD AND HER CHURCH INTER-

ESTS, ETC.


The interior of St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Easter Sunday of 1896. A 966x873 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1872. A 1336x1618 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

We take the following interesting description from the Church Journal of July 18th last:

“You may not be aware where this infant is, nor what progress the church is making on this frontier. Eighteen months ago, where now is the village of Brainerd, with its schools, churches, stores, hotels, machine shops, and newspaper, and all the other concomitants of an enterprising town, was a dense pine wilderness, where only the foot of the red man had trod. It is situated on a beautiful level plateau, covered with pine trees, sixty feet above the Mississippi River, at the point where the N. P. Road crosses it, and yet some three hundred miles below the head of navigation. It is 150 miles north of St. Paul, 115 west of Duluth, and 137 east of Moorehead [sic] on the Red River, to which point seven trains a day each way are now running to and from Duluth. There are now about 1,500 inhabitants, assembled from all parts of this country and Europe, and all busily engaged in business, which the Northern Pacific Railroad has called into existence. While it is only about 18 months since the first stake was stuck by the engineer for the railroad bridge here, yet those who have congregated have made arrangements for the erection of four church buildings, although the only one completed as yet is the Episcopal church—costing some $5,000. The President of the N. P. Road was in town with several strangers and officials of the Company from the East on Sunday last, and attended service at the church and so far as the services are concerned, might have imagined themselves in one of the old cities of the East, instead of a town in the wilderness not two years old. I give you a brief description of the church, which is a gem in itself, and admired by all. The design was prepared by the Rev. J. H. Hopkins, Jr., as well as the working plans and drawings. St. Paul’s church, Brainerd, is made mostly of timber cut on the spot. The ground plan shows one chamber 72 feet long by 32 feet wide, with southern porch. The chancel is made by a bold rood beam, separating 20 feet of the length of the building, of which 16 feet in width in the center is the chancel, and 8 feet on the north side forms the sacristy, and a similar space on the other side is for the organ and singers, in the center of the rood beam is a large floriated cross. The beam is supported by two large upright beams that run all the way up to the roof, placed at either extremity of the chancel proper; and two lighter shafts divide the central space into three equal parts of which the middle one is occupied by three steps that ascend from the nave, and from the southern one projects the platform, on which stands the lectern, just outside the rood beam. The chancel itself is divided into choir and sanctuary. In the latter is an altar and super-altar, credence and three sedilia, with Bishop’s chair on north side. Towards the organ chamber there is a wainscot about three feet in height, the space above being open wood work, between the organ chamber and nave. The sacristy is ceiled behind with woodwork of the same character. Three arches of open wood work occupy the three spaces from the rood beam to the ceiling, which is of five cants, ceiled longitudinally throughout the building. On the sides the internal ceiling is longitudinal, with an upright wainscot running all round next the floor. The altar window is a large triplet of stained glass, with the sacred monogram of the Trinity, the Lamb and the Dove, and the chief west window is an octagon subdivided geometrically, so as to give somewhat the effect of a rose window, and it is flanked by two single lower side lights. The other nave windows are low couplets. The headings of all these are pointed, but not arched; the convenience of easy timber construction requiring, in this new country, where machinery and experienced mechanics are wanting, the abandonment of the curved arched form in all cases, except the three arches over the rood beam. The space arranged for the front is near the door. Externally the main framing timbers are shown projecting beyond the upright battened surface, and giving character to the whole, while the main framing timbers rise into a bell-cote above the roof ridge, surmounted by a picturesque cap. Orientation is observed, and most of the original trees of the forest which lately covered the whole ground remain as ornaments on the church lot, which is ample enough for a rectory and parish school. Inside the woodwork is white pine to be oiled; outside it is painted once, to be finished in two well matched tints as a protection to the weather. The Rev. Jas. A. Gilfillan has been sent here by the Right Rev. Bishop Whipple to officiate and organize the parish. Already there is a good congregation and choir of singers. The ladies have raised money by their own labors to complete the chancel and choir. The Sunday school class of Mrs. Thayer, of St. Paul’s church, Burlington, Vt., have presented the church with a communion set, and Miss Hall, of Muncy, Pennsylvania, is preparing as a donation a beautiful altar cloth and lectern hangings. The initial steps have been taken for the erection of a building for a parish school, and the zealous Rector is fast becoming acquainted with the people and children, and organizing them into Bible classes and Sunday Schools. C. T. Hobart, the Superintendent, and Dr. S. W. Thayer, Head of the Medical Department, with Messrs. Lindsley, Rosser, Spaulding, Engineers, and Mr. White [all Northern Pacific Railroad employees], and others, have shown great zeal and energy in getting up so fine a church building, which Bishop Whipple pronounces to be one of the best in his diocese, and which is now paid for and ready to be consecrated. The friends of the church may be congratulated upon having made such a good beginning upon the line of this great, continental highway, and upon being the first in the field. We trust the far scattered members of the church, who have left their homes in the East to carry forward the work of civilization in this vast country, may receive such assistance from their more wealthy brethren in the East as may enable them to keep the work of the Church in the front, hand in hand with the progress of settlement and civilization.

A PIONEER”

(Brainerd Tribune, 17 August 1872, p. 1, c. 3)


VESTRY MEETING.


At a meeting held at the Episcopal Church, Brainerd, on Monday, the 26th of August, 1872, at half-past seven o’clock in the evening the Rev. J. A. Gilfillan, the Rector, in the chair.

It was resolved that Mr. T. B. Shoaff be elected Secretary of the Vestry.

It was proposed by Mr. L. P. White and seconded by Mr. T. F. Knappen that the name of “Saint Paul’s Church” be given to this church, and that it be forever called and known by that name. Carried unanimously.

It was resolved that a committee of three be appointed, consisting of Messrs. White, Knappen and Rogers to select fit and proper persons for recommendation to the meeting as Warden and Vestrymen. The Committee, after consultation, recommended C. W. Mead, Esq., as Senior Warden, and Mr. F. H. Harvey as Junior Warden, and for Vestrymen, Messrs. Dr. S. W. Thayer, C. T. Hobart, John Blackburn, Wm. Lytle, R. G. Coykendall, L. P. White, John Davis, and T. F. Knappen.

It was resolved that the report of the Committee be received and the Committee discharged.

It was unanimously resolved that the Annual Congregational Meeting of this church, for the election of Wardens, and Vestrymen, be held on Easter Monday, in each and every year.

(Signed.) J. A. GILFILLAN, Chairman.

(Brainerd Tribune, 31 August 1872, p. 4, c. 1)


...This church was the first built in Brainerd, and is said to be the finest wooden Episcopal church edifice in the Diocese. Its cost—now all paid off—has been very nearly $5,000; Mr. Hopkins, of Plattsburgh, was the architect; the subscription was first started on the 7th of November, 1870, in the office of C. T. Hobart, who procured most of the subscriptions, and who personally superintended every part of its construction, and without whose indefatigable energy in procuring subscriptions and carrying on the work, the church could not have been built. The subscription was headed by Thos. H. Canfield, President of the L. S. & P. S. Land Co., with a subscription of some $1,800; the church was completed in August, 1871, and has since been beautifully furnished and appropriately decorated. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 May 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


NOTE: C. T. Hobart and Thos. H. Canfield were both employees of the Northern Pacific Railroad.


THE Episcopal Church is being beautifully painted, inside and out, by C. F. Stearns and John Fouch—the former doing the inside, and the latter the outside, painting—and all under the supervision of L. P. White, Esq. Mr. White has also had the parish school house nicely painted, and the church block handsomely cleaned up and put in order. The church building; with its tidy surroundings, is certainly a very great ornament to our city. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 June 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


Growth of the Episcopal Church.


In a late issue, we spoke of the growth of the religious sentiment in this community, with reference more particularly to the Baptist organization. To-day we present some figures of the Episcopal church. They are taken from a sermon last Sunday morning, when the young church had completed its first year, and are its statistics for that year.

Total number baptized in Brainerd during the year—60

Of these there were adults—28

Children under eleven years of age—32

Baptized at other stations—adults—2

Baptized at other stations—children—4

Total number baptized—66

Number confirmed by the Bishop in Brainerd—31

At other stations—12

Total added to the church by confirmation—43

Of these, the number of men was—18

Of these, the number of women was—25

Among them were heads of families—23

They were drawn from the following sources:

From Congregational Church—3

From Baptist Church—4

From Lutheran Church—2

From Methodist Church—12

From Universalist Church—1

From Presbyterian Church—2

From Roman Catholic Church—1

From Mormon Church—1

Brought up in Protestant Episcopal Church—16

Of the 15 confirmed by the Bishop at his late visit; 8 were husband and wife.

Average age of those confirmed, about 33 years.

Admitted to the Holy Communion in Brainerd and vicinity—54

Communicants removed—8

Communicants died—2

Present number of communicants, about 44

Total offerings for all purposes, upwards of $2,000

Marriages in the year—1

Burials—11

(Brainerd Tribune, 28 June 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


A CHANGE.—The former pastor of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at Brainerd, Rev. J. A. Gilfillan, has been sent by the Bishop to White Earth Reservation, to become a permanent missionary among the Chippewa Indians. Of his eminent fitness for this or any other mission we need not speak, as he is too well known throughout Northern Minnesota, as a Christian and hard working minister, to need comment from us. Suffice it to say that he carries with him the best wishes and prayers of hundreds of warm friends and admirers in Brainerd. Mr. Gilfillan’s place here has been filled by the Rev. Mr. Millspaugh, late of Faribault. Mr. M. is a young man who has been thoroughly trained and educated for the ministry, and is an excellent preacher. We welcome him to the Christian work in this section. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 August 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


NOTE: Joseph Alexander Gilfillan was born October 23, 1838, in Gorticross, County Londonderry, Ireland to Alexander Gilfillan and his wife Margaret. He emigrated to the United States in 1857, allegedly to work in a relative’s bank in Faribault, Minnesota. In 1869 he graduated from the General Theological Seminary, New York, becoming the rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Duluth from October 18, 1870 to June 1872 and rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Brainerd from June 1872 to June 1873 when he was sent to White Earth as missionary to the Ojibwas, serving there until September 1908. On April 19, 1877 he married Harriet Woodbridge Cook. Reverend Gilfillan retired in 1908 and went to Washington, D. C. Speaking fluent Ojibwa, he was the chief editor, working with the Reverend John Johnson (Enmegahbowh), of the 1911 Ojibwa edition of the Book of Common Prayer entitled "Iu Wejibuewisi Mamawi Anamiawini Mazinaigun" ("Iw Wejibwewizi Maamawi-anami'aawini Mazina'igan"). After being ill for a year, Reverend Gilfillan died in New York City on November 18, 1913.


SEE: 1877 Christianizing Indians in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.

SEE: 1896 John Pryde is Hanged for Murder in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.


MISS ADDIE T [sic] [F]. SIMONS will commence another term of private school at the Parish school house, Monday, Aug. 24. All branches taught. Terms reasonable. Apply to Miss Simons, or Rev. Mr. Millspaugh, for information. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 August 1873, p. 1, c. 7)


NOTE: Addie Simons was the niece of Chauncey B. Sleeper. She married Dr. Frank E. Bissell in Meeker County on 19 January 1875.


SCHOOL COMMENCED.—The Parish School, with Mrs. C. Bloom as teacher, commenced its term at the Episcopal Parish School house, on Thursday morning last. This will doubtless be an excellent educational institution, and we hope to see it receive its merited portion of patronage. Mrs. Bloom has an excellent reputation as a successful instructor of the young. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 January 1874, p. 1, c. 6)


THE Episcopal Parish School will probably reopen the next week after Easter week. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 March 1874, p. 1, c. 6)


PARISH SCHOOL.—The Episcopal Parish School will open its spring and summer term on Thursday, the 16th of the present month. We are not positive as to who the teacher will be, but have an intimation that it will be Miss Millspaugh, sister of Rev. Mr. Millspaugh. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 April 1874, p. 1, c. 6)


THE Parish school closed one of its most successful terms of the year on Friday last. The school numbered during the last term thirty-two scholars, as many as could be conveniently accommodated. This school is not for the children of those alone who attend the Episcopal church, but for any who wish their children to have the advantage of a select school. It has been the aim of those who have it in charge to make this school what a Christian school ought to be and we feel confident that their efforts have not been in vain. There will be a vacation during the hot weather. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 July 1874, p. 1, c. 6)


PARISH SCHOOL.—The Parish School opens again on Monday, Feb. 1st, with Miss Agnes Campbell as teacher. We are assured she brings certificates from Nova Scotia, and from the southern part of our own State, that show her to be in every way qualified to take charge of a first-class school. It is the aim of this school to educate not only the intellect, but also the heart; in other words, to make our boys and girls Christian gentlemen and ladies. The term is for three months, and the tuition is not so much but that all who wish the advantages of a select school, can avail themselves of the opportunity. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 January 1875, p. 1, c. 6)


THE Parish School will commence on Monday morning next, positively. It must be an excellent one for our little folks, as Miss Campbell is not only in every way a competent teacher, but must become very popular with her scholars. We hope the school may be well patronized. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 January 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


Pic-Nic.


St. Paul’s Sabbath School Pic-Nic came off on Tuesday, and was enjoyed hugely by the children, though some of the committees think it was a great deal of work for a very little fun.

Sup’t. Sullivan very kindly gave the party the use of a train, consisting of three cars and an engine which, by the way, is an accommodation very seldom if ever obtained of a railroad corporation, and we are authorized to state that Mr. Sullivan has the warmest thanks of the party for his extreme kindness.

The site selected was on Sandy Lake, and about three-fourths of a mile from the railroad track, and while some thought it too far to carry the things, it must be remembered that the committee appointed to select the ground were instructed to find a place on the lake where swings could be erected, and no such place existed nearer the track than that chosen, besides, the committee did not calculate upon carrying the things down, for they had a boat at the upper end of the lake the day previous with which they intended shipping the stuff to the grounds, thinking, and justly too, that the walk would do the children good—but, contrary to their expectations, someone, to deponent unknown, not having the fear of the Lord before his eyes, and regarding not the convenience of the pic-nickers above his own, carried away the boat and the result we have. We overheard one of the burden-bearers muttering, that he hoped the man who stole the boat was drowned, and that he would willingly make his coffin gratis, while others stood by feeling, if they did not say, “Them’s my sentiments.”

In this connection, however, we would like to suggest a question, Why would it not be a good idea to select some suitable place, say on Serpent Lake, for a permanent pic-nic ground, and fit it up for that purpose with tables, seats, swing attachments, etc., and thus save the trouble of carrying all these things on every such occasion, and fitting up a place for every pic-nic show? By uniting in this matter, the expense would be trifling, and it would always be there in readiness, and by adding improvements from time to time, could soon become very attractive and convenient. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 July 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


THE new bell for the Episcopal Church has been purchased, and is now on its way here. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 November 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


THE new bell for the Episcopal church arrived this week. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 December 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


WE learn that Miss Fannie Robinson has leased the St. Paul’s Parish school building, and will open a private school therein on Monday next, 26th inst. Miss Robinson is an excellent teacher, and we doubt not will meet with good success. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 February 1877, p. 1, c. 7)


...A picket fence is being put around part of the Episcopal Church block. The house formerly occupied by S. K. Swain has been moved on the block, and is being fitted up in good style for a parsonage, improving the appearance of that part of the town very much. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 April 1877, p. 1, c. 7)


THE Summer term of St. Paul’s Parish high school will open on Tuesday, May 15th, with Rev. H. Root, A. M., as principal, assisted by an able corps of teachers. Instruction will be given in all branches usually taught in a high grade of schools, including the classics, natural science, mathematics, modern languages and music, and will be calculated to meet a want long felt in this section of the State. Board and lodging will be furnished to pupils from a distance at reasonable rates. Tuition, per term of ten weeks, will be, in the primary department, $3.00; intermediate and upper classes, $5.00. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 May 1877, p. 4, c. 2)


ST. PAUL’S PARISH SCHOOL.

_____


The closing exercises of St. Paul’s Parish School took place at the school building on Saturday last, and was attended by a goodly number of its friends and patrons. The report by the rector, Rev. Herbert Root, A. M., recounting the progress, success and prospects of the institution contained much of interest not only to its founders but to the entire community of Brainerd and along the line of the Northern Pacific. This school is an institution that has been frequently agitated and much needed in the past and is now a reality; it is an enterprise that cannot fail to enlist the just pride and confidence of the citizens of Brainerd, its success from its inception being established beyond a peradventure of doubt, and an undertaking that should feel the prompt support and fostering care of all, for it is destined to reflect great credit and honor upon its founders and supporters, as it has already done in its comparative infancy, and is largely dependent upon a due appreciation of its advantages for its future growth. The school building has been thoroughly repaired, re-seated and re-furnished, and enterprising citizens stand ready to enlarge the accommodations as soon as needed. Several hundred dollars have already been expended and much more pledged when needed. The instruction given is of the highest grade, and the corps of teachers will be increased as required. The advantages of this institution at this point to the people along the line of the Northern Pacific railroad are peculiarly applicable and unsurpassed. The location is healthful and pleasant, free from the attendant evils of city life to children separated from their parents or guardians, and convenient to all; the arrangements for board are far superior to those of boarding schools ordinarily, and the management is in excellent hands.

The school will reopen in September under the present rector, Rev. H. Root, A. M., with a new principal from abroad, with whom negotiations are now being made though not yet completed, an announcement of which with further notice of this institution will appear in these columns next week. All inquiries for particulars in relation to terms, board, etc., should be addressed to the rector. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 July 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


WE take great pleasure in announcing that St. Paul’s Church, in this place, has secured the services as principal of the Parish School, of Miss Agnes A. Gillis, of Lowell, Mass., late principal of the 3rd Ward School of Sterling, Ill. Miss Gillis is widely known as a thorough scholar and most competent instructress. We congratulate the members of St. Paul’s Church and all the friends of education in Brainerd on this eminently good piece of fortune. Attention is called to the announcement of the opening of the autumn term of this school, which appears in another column. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 August 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


1877 ad for St. Paul’s Episcopal parish school, 18 August 1877.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

THE St. Paul’s Parish School opened last week under very favorable auspices, and with brilliant prospects. The attendance has steadily increased since its opening, and still there is room for more. Parents along the line sending their children to this school will find it a very valuable institution, and quite equal to the high schools of other cities. Attention is directed to the advertisement appearing in another column. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 September 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


1878 ad for St. Paul’s Episcopal parish school, 28 September 1878.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

ATTENTION will be had to the changes in the card elsewhere of the St. Paul’s Parish School. A very pleasing feature of the school is its rapid progress and unexpected success, insomuch that at this early day two assistant teachers are required. The management is certainly fortunate as well as wise in its selection of teachers, and should receive liberal support. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 November 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


GRAND celebration, oyster supper and fair. The parish guild of St. Paul’s Church will celebrate the completion of the “Brainerd Branch” by a social entertainment, fair and oyster supper at Bly’s Hall on Thursday evening, November 8th. We understand these fair ladies’ fairy fingers have been fairly flying, fashioning fancy fabrics for this fair. The luscious bivalves, too, will be served up in every style, with other delicacies of the season, to correspond. A large variety of articles, plain and fancy, useful and ornamental, for parlor or bed chamber, for sick room and kitchen, will be offered for sale. Go, and you will be fairly treated by the fair ladies at the fair. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 November 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


THE St. Paul’s Parish guild soiree and fair, at Bly’s Hall on Thursday evening, in honor of the completion of the Brainerd Branch, was, we are glad to learn, a grand success, as it was, as we can testify, a pleasant, happy affair. The gross receipts were about $134, and the net proceeds $75 to $80. We feel constrained to remark in this connection, if the ladies will pardon the freedom, what occurred to us as we looked upon the merry cheery faces there—that the ladies of St. Paul’s Church Society have the best faculty for planning and consummating a special entertainment that we ever witnessed. When Mrs. Bivins, Mrs. Swain, Mrs. Alsop, Mrs. M. D. Ford, Mrs. A. A. White, and others, take the lead on such occasions, followed by a number of the younger ladies we could mention, and are so fortunate as to procure the valuable services of Mr. Swain in the culinary department, our citizens can rest assured of a first-class good time, a pleasant, harmonious party, and a splendid supper. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 November 1877, p. 3, c. 1)


For Rent.


The Episcopal Parish School building will be rented for dwelling or other proper purposes. Apply to C. F. KINDRED. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 March 1879, p. 4, c. 2)


A very interesting relic of olden times in Crow Wing county has been recently placed in St. Paul’s church in this city. It is a piece of a broken boulder, upon which is engraved very neatly an Indian pipe of peace and a broken hatchet, both surmounted by a Roman cross. It is labeled thus:—”Cornerstone of Holy Cross Mission Chapel, laid at Crow Wing, Minnesota, Ascension Day, A. D. 1860, by the Rev. Father Ezekiel C. Gear, Chaplain U. S. Army, Fort Ripley, Minn.; the Rev. E. S. Peake, B. D., Resident Missionary.” The Rev. Mr. Gear was the father of the present Governor of Iowa, and the Rev. Mr. Peake, after a long residence in California, has returned to Minnesota, and is now Rector of the church in Moorhead. The church was destroyed by fire some years since, the village deserted, and the corner-stone having been discovered among the ruins was brought to Brainerd and deposited as above mentioned. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 January 1880, p. 4, c. 2)


A rare treat is in store for the people of Brainerd. The ladies of St. Paul’s Church propose to give one of their justly famous New England Dinners at Bly’s Hall, on Thursday evening, Feb. 5th. The ladies of this parish seem to have the happy faculty of doing just the right thing in the right way, and at the right time, and justly merit the liberal patronage that is always bestowed upon them. At their last entertainment, given about fifteen months ago, the hall would hardly hold the large concourse of happy people who were assembled. Secure your tickets and go early. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 January 1880, p. 4, c. 2)


The New England Supper, next Thursday evening at Bly’s Hall, for the benefit of the Sabbath School Library of St. Paul’s church will, no doubt, be a very pleasant affair. Gen. George Washington and lady will be there, properly costumed—that is, as nearly as may be, to receive their many friends—Little Hatchet and all. Candies, fruits and refreshments will be served, and no effort will be spared by the ladies of the society to make this an enjoyable occasion. All are cordially invited. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 January 1880, p. 4, c. 2)


New England Supper.


Original St. Paul’s Episcopal Church built in 1872, 1885.
Source: John A. McColl

The New England Supper, Thursday evening, called out the largest crowd of the year. Bly’s hall was crowded from 8 o’clock till nearly midnight. It seemed as though everybody in Brainerd was hungry and eminently socially inclined, because they were all there. The ladies of St. Paul’s Parish are entitled to much praise for their laudable efforts. They labored for success and obtained it, and, too, to a greater extent than on any other occasion. Gen. George was there in person (Mr. Frank B. Thompson) and in his presence we could not avoid living over again old revolutionary ties, crossing the Delaware, “Little Hatchet” and all. It was the veritable old man, wig and powder, and he was eminently gracious, as in the White House receptions eighty-five years ago. It was a frequent remark, “He holds his age well.” So he does. His excellent and venerable consort, Lady Martha (Miss Guest) affably assisted the Father of his Country in this reception, and seemed to be very much pleased with the kind congratulations of so many friends. The old lady’s heart was glad, and we wish her still many years of happiness. During the evening Miss Stuart, of Valley City, recited several pieces. This lady has a thoroughly cultured voice, and her recitations were loudly encored. Miss Preston and Mrs. Thompson favored the assemblage with some fine instrumental music. Prof. Young was at home as usual at the piano, and performed several pieces with fine effect. Prof. McCune, a violinist of considerable skill, delighted the vast audience and received several encores; ditto Mr. Lowe who, in his great role of “The Arkansas Traveler,” is inimitable—beats all “the boys” and always brings down the house. A gentleman connected with the N. P. shops (we could not get his name) sang a song with splendid effect. He has a fine voice certainly. Miss Maud Sleeper and Mamie Metcalf executed a duet on the piano very creditably. We have not space to make further personal mention. But it is sufficient to say that all acted well their several parts and with so much harmony that everybody was pleased and had a very enjoyable time indeed. Mr. Root and lady were present and rejoiced at such success. We learn that the amount realized was over $150. After the supper the tables were removed and the young people tripped the light fantastic till a late morning hour. “A grand success,” is the comment of all.

Following is the menu of which all partook:

White Bread or Raised Biscuit,

Brown Bread, Corn Bread, Rye Bread,

Baked Pork and Beans,

Codfish Balls, Boiled Ham, Boiled

Corned Beef and Cabbage,

Mush and Milk, Pickles, Cheese,

Spiced Huckleberries, Preserved Fruits,

Pumpkin Pie,

Mince Pie, Apple Pie, Doughnuts,

Gingerbread,

Tea, Coffee, Election Cake,

Sugar, Butter, Cream and Milk,

New England Rum (Hard Cider).

(Brainerd Tribune, 07 February 1880, p. 1, c. 4)


The ladies of St. Paul’s (Episcopal) church will give an oyster supper at Bly’s Hall on Thursday evening next, which no one can afford to miss. A table of fancy articles, made with special thought of the approaching Xmas by the young ladies of the Merry Worker’s club, will be offered for sale. A fish pond, popcorn vender, etc., will be on hand for the entertainment of the small folks, and the ladies are glad to announce that they have been able to secure Mrs. Jarley, of world wide fame to exhibit her famous collection of wax works during the evening. It is hoped the citizens of Brainerd will all turn out.

MRS. McFADDEN.

(Brainerd Tribune, 13 November 1880, p. 4, c. 2)


A very pleasant gathering was the oyster supper at Bly’s Hall, Thursday evening, given by the ladies of the Episcopal church. The gross receipts were from suppers, $57.95; fortune teller, $1.20; fishpond, $5.34; fancy table, $8.55. Total, $73.04. The imitation of Madame Jarley’s wax-works was very admirably managed by Miss Marion Hawley, the various figures being represented by Fannie Wakelee, Rosa Grandelmyer, Ashley Ford, Mamie Metcalf, Bertie Wakelee, Hattie French, Weedie Steele, Essie Parker, Lottie Grandelmyer, Maud Sleeper, Lillie Paine, and Vergie Flint, and Thomas Blackburn manipulating the crank behind the scenes winding up the figures. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 November 1880, p. 1, c. 3)


The Episcopal church and parsonage are receiving new coats of paint, and other improvements are being added which will tend to make the surroundings more cheerful. The trees on the lots have been removed and a general cleaning up indulged in. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 June 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


Merchants’ Carnival.


Brainerd will have a carnival even if the mild climate renders an ice palace an impossibility. The ladies of St. Paul’s church will hold their annual bazaar, for the sale of useful and ornamental articles, at the rink on Monday and Tuesday evening of next week. Elaborate preparations have been made for a Merchants’ Carnival. Seventy young ladies, in striking and beautiful costumes, with banners and music, will appropriately represent the merchants of the city. The sight will be novel and beautiful. Supper served during the evening. All are invited to come and are assured that the reputation of these ladies for giving “value received” will not suffer on this occasion. The sale will commence at 7 o’clock. Grand march at 8:45. Tickets 25 cents, for sale at Keene & Never’s drug store. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 November 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


DID THEMSELVES PROUD.

_____


The Merchants’ Carnival at the Rink

a Great Success.

_____


One of the most brilliant occasions of the season was the Merchants’ Carnival given by the ladies of St. Paul’s church at the roller rink on Monday and Tuesday evening of this week. The representation of the different business houses of the city by young ladies in beautiful costumes, sparkling banners and smiling faces in the grand march was a very pretty sight, the effect was pleasing to the eye and the young ladies who had worked so hard to do credit to the occasion were entirely repaid for their trouble by the many compliments paid them by the spectators. The drilling was done under the instructions of Mr. R. E. McClean, and the formation of the word “Merchants” when the march ended was a very happy thought. The north side of the rink was arranged with booths in which fancy articles were disposed of and were in charge of Miss A. Loraine Youker, Mrs. N. McFadden, Mrs. Chas. Metcalf, Mrs. E. M. Westfall, Mrs. J. A. Walker, Mrs. G. S. Fernald and Mrs. B. F. Hubbard. Refreshments were also served. The profit which the ladies will net out of the carnival will be something over $300. The following is a list of the houses represented together with the young ladies and a short description of their costumes:


Geo. N. Day, clothing, boots and shoes, carpet, etc.—Miss Ollie Closson, Madras draperies, trimmed with gilt curtain hangings, bell sleeves of damask silk handkerchiefs, puffed at shoulders with gilt chains. Smyrna rug for banner. Decorations very fine and appropriate.

Leopold Bros., clothing and furnishing goods—Miss Addie Bennett, blue and red dress, elaborate decorations with collars, suspenders, mufflers, neck scarfs, etc. Banner with name of “Leopold” artistically formed of collars.

Slipp Bros., hardware—Miss Jessie Clark, red dress heavily trimmed with sleigh bells, spoons and various ornamental articles in the hardware line. Handsome decoration on neck and wrists. Nice banner, black and gilt, mounted on pitchfork.

Peter Walters, dealer in ice—Miss Jennie Paine, white dress spangled with diamond dust. Imitation of block of ice on head, and imitation of bands of snow on shoes. Nice banner.

E. M. Westfall, clothing, furnishing goods, boots and shoes—Miss Pauline Avery, dress of black with overdress of silk handkerchiefs and mufflers, four-in-hand lace down sleeves and necklace of cuff-buttons. Very handsome banner with the words, “E. M. Westfall, the Leading Clothier.”

H. Rosenblatt, dry goods, furnishing goods, etc.—Miss Grace Bullis, skirt of heavy winter goods, fine decoration with Turkish toweling, fancy articles, sash and cape. Appropriate banner.

J. C. Atherton, flour, feed, grain, etc.—Miss Jennie Towers, brown checked dress profusely decorated with corn ornaments, square hat trimmed with corn, and banner with corn letters.

Charles S. Hazen, coal and wood—Miss Minnie Chase, dark coal-black dress and appropriate banner.

Eames Bros., meat market—Miss Bessie Towers, red dress with flowers, sausages and geese feathers, saw, leather apron, meat carver, hat with feather ornaments. Appropriate banner.

Speers Bros., meat market—Miss Marcoe, steels and saws suspended from belt, trimmings of turkey feathers mounted on rings. Handsome blood-red satin banner.

Ed. H. White, guns, ammunition and second-hand goods—Mrs. J. E. Goodman, gun and rod, belt with cartridges, revolver and sheath, Bowie knife and sheath, etc. Appropriate banner.

N. McFadden, drugs and medicines, toilet and fancy articles—Mrs. Bert Hines, black silk dress and lace trimmings, drapery in front with capsules, panel on side ornamented with tooth brushes, back dotted with sponges, neck trimmed with powder puffs, headgear of sponges and powder puffs, fringe around bottom of skirt, also pink and white frills. Back edged with fringe of bottles, beaded with row of corn plasters. Basket with sample bottles of perfumery to give away. White Kangaroo banner.

Hugh Riddle, livery stable—Miss Laura Walker, green lady’s cloth riding habit trimmed with garniture of martingale rings and bells, silk hat and banner with picture of Spokane, mounted on a whip.

R. F. Walters, boots and shoes—Miss Brutia Walker, dark dress trimmed with silver foil and ornaments of colored shoe laces, button hooks and small gilt shoes. Headgear of pasteboard and gilt shoes imitating fancy patent leather. Nice banner.

Halsted & Pennell, editors and proprietors of Brainerd Tribune—Miss Flo. Halsted, black and white cashmere dress with white Surah sash, black crown with “Tribune” in silver, satchel with strap, the word “Tribune” on each in silver; also “Brainerd Tribune” in silver across bottom of dress. Satchel trimmed with calling cards, and an appropriate banner with picture and words on each side.

H. C. Stivers, editor and proprietor of Journal—Miss Nellie Nelson, black satin skirt with mottoes and the words “The Journal” printed in gilt in front and on both sides, profuse decoration with fringes and ornaments of bright new type, and appropriate banner with words in gilt on both sides.

A. E. Veon, jeweler—Miss Fannie Carpenter, dress of pale blue cashmere, and profuse and rich decoration with handsome jewels. Nice banner.

J. B. Robinson, art gallery—Miss Josephine Furlong, gray dress trimmed in black. English hat with black veil, decoration with the cabinet picture, nicely lettered banner and a camera.

J. E. Ireland, grocer—Miss Nanny Ireland, red dress trimmed with red plush, jewelry ornaments on neck, handkerchiefs, dolls, toys, white lace, drapery and beads. Nice banner.

I. U. White, guns, ammunition, fishing tackle and builder’s hardware—Miss Violet Hagadorn, dress of hunter’s green, with belt, revolver, hunting knife, cartridges, gun, compass, skates, hunter’s cap, fish hooks, etc. Nice banner mounted on rod in gun.

R. R. Wise, Arlington hotel—Miss Maud Brinson, black dress trimmed in gold. Menu in gilt words on front panel, cap with name of hotel in gilt and ornaments of gold fringe and gold letters.

Dr. J. C. Rosser, physician and surgeon—Miss Isabelle Iaichner, pink and baby blue dress trimmed with small bottles, neck, shoulder and wrist ornaments. Nice gilt crown.

J. S. Gardner, groceries—Misses Edith Gardner and Amy Furlong. The former wore a pink dress trimmed with cranberries, corn, crackers and picture cards. The latter wore a wine colored plush dress trimmed with pink, and carried a basket of apples, candies, nuts, etc.

Hope Hose Co. No. 1 of the Brainerd Fire Department—Miss Ida Knudson, dark dress nicely ornamented, the lady wearing the fireman’s bell and cap and carrying a horn and very rich and beautifully lettered banner, the banner being the one presented to the company by Mrs. Ambly, very highly prized by the company for its richness and appropriate design.

Gergen & Mooers, livery stable—Miss Alma Iaichner, lap-robe dress trimmed with horse shoes, sleigh bells and gilt horses, jockey cap and appropriate banner.

C. M. Patek, furniture—Miss Lottie Walters, wall paper skirt with lace drapery, trimmed with handsome curtain chains, beads, etc., red satin cap with gold spangles. Appropriate banner.

A. V. Synder, boots and shoes—Miss Bessie Mulrine, dressed as Galtea, banner of kid richly decorated. The costume was one of the neatest in the procession.

Johnson & Bain, druggists—Miss Winnie Small, dress trimmed with sponges, tooth brushes, powder puffs, fancy combs, and druggist’s sundries of all descriptions, banner with mortar of gilt on black background.

R. Parker, confectionery and Christmas goods—Miss Lillie Paine, her dress was decorated profusely with toys and goods from a five and ten cent counter, banner of gilt and black satin.

Wm. Bredfeldt [sic] [Bredfield], boots and shoes—Miss Jennie Small, costume trimmed with shoe laces and button hooks, apron of wine colored sheepskin, for a cap she wore a shoe upper, banner russet sheepskin with a last resting on top.

F. G. Sundberg, jewelry—Mrs. Nichols, evening dress, diamond necklace, ear drops, rings and breast pin. Dress draped with sparkling and expensive jewelry, coronet studded with diamonds. Unique banner, sparkling with precious stones.

Northern Pacific Bank—Mrs. E. O. Webb, dress trimmed with bank checks, banner neatly decorated.

J. M. Elder, real estate and loans—Miss Carrie Morrison, antique costume plaid and rouave. Gainsborough hat, nice banner.

J. J. Howe & Co., lumber, lath and shingles—Mrs. E. E. Walsen, costume decorated with sawdust, shingles and shavings, dog cart following filled with diminutive lumber and little girl seated on top.

J. W. Slipp, groceries—Miss Lillie Phelps, decorated with fruits, canned goods labels, nice banner.

Ingersoll & Wieland, Brainerd Dispatch—Miss Mary Small, cream colored dress decorated in front with black panel and mottoes in gold, entire dress trimmed with “Brainerd Dispatch,” and hat trimmed in similar manner. Banner of black satin and gold letters “For all the news take the Dispatch, $1.50 per annum.”

A. Olson, tailor—Miss Annie Stein, dress trimmed with fashion plates and samples.

M. D. Ford, dairy—Mrs. J. McLain, milk maid’s costume, cart with milk cans, filled with milk which was given away to the crowd.

Keene & Nevers, druggists—Miss Amy Lowey, dressed elaborately with druggists sundries artistically arranged over costume, with brushes, powder puffs, fancy glass bottles, sponges, etc.

D. M. Clark & Co., hardware—Miss Louise Hauke, armor made of wire dish cloths, tin helmet, chopping bowl with star made of tin and gold headed tacks. Dress draped with scissors, spoons and stars of wire nails, and a crescent made of screws, the latter attracting a deal of attention on account of exquisite design, girdle of dog chains, banner of tin on spear.

Wm. M. Dresskell, jewelry—Miss Blanche Power, wine colored dress richly trimmed and studded with diamonds, rubies, pearls and precious stones, draped with exquisite designs in chains and jewels, crown of diamonds and rubies, diamond ear drops, banner of elaborate design on black silk velvet done in diamonds and brilliants.

A. P. Riggs, insurance—Miss Annie Vigal, well displayed costume and black and gold banner.

Mrs. C. Grandelmyer, millinery—Miss Gratis Walker, Pongee silk costume draped in tulle, had ornaments of black birds and canary birds on shoulders, dress rich draped with feathers, plumes and flowers. Gainsborough hat bedecked with white plumes, ostrich tips and flowers, banner of blue and gold with diamond dust.

Mrs. C. Grandelmyer, dress-making—Miss Lottie Grandelmyer, fancy China and faille silk costume, turban to match, banner of white and gold draped with ribbons and covered with diamond dust.

Koop Bros., grocers—Miss Irene Lowey, dress trimmed with labels of California fruits and artistically decorated banner on broom.

Fred Luken, notions and toys—Miss Mamie Wheatley, dress trimmed with Christmas goods and carrying miniature Christmas tree loaded with trinkets.

W. J. & H. D. Powers, hardware—Miss Collier, dress trimmed with cutlery, sheath knives, chains, augur bits, screws, nails, mechanical tools, files, hinges and arranged very prettily. Unique tin banner with black lettering.

J. H. Koop, insurance and loans—Miss Hattie Sturgeon, dress draped with signs. Appropriate banner.

J. L. Smith & Co., insurance, real estate and loans—Miss Bell McKay, pink silk banner on silvered pole.

J. A. McColl, photographer—Miss Mary Canan, dress draped with panels of cabinet and card pictures arranged in artistic designs, appropriate banner.

Mrs. H. Theviot, millinery—Miss Bessie Small, costume richly trimmed with plumes, ostrich tips and ornaments, elaborate banner of carmine and gold.

Davis Music House, musical instruments—Miss Ethel Small, elaborate costume and black and gold banner.

Mrs. J. K. Pearce, millinery—Miss Katie Pierce, costume trimmed with plumes, ribbons and ornaments, elaborate banner.

Beach, Cole & Beach, grocers, successors to A. E. Taylor & Co., and C. E. Cole—Miss Vigal, black and gold banner, and dress trimmed with labels.

Co-Operative Store, groceries—Miss Nellie Edwards, costume trimmed with labels, and handsome banner.

P. O. Annex, A. C. Demeules, cigars, confectionery and new stand—Clara Small, costume trimmed appropriately with mottoes, fancy articles, pink banner.

Henry I. Cohen, dry goods—Miss Maggie Meekins, costume of old blue China silk trimmed in old rose ribbons and Persian band, draped Greek style in old rose China silk, pink and blue satin banner, hand painted. Also Miss Nellie Chase, cardinal plush costume trimmed with light lynx fur, red and pink satin banner, hand painted.

Wm. Hack, furniture and wall paper—Miss Jennie Gilby, costume trimmed with curtain chains, upholstery trimmings and designs in wall paper. Neat banner.

M. Hagberg, groceries and provisions—Mrs. Henry Robson, rich brown dress appropriately decorated and nice banner.

F. M. Cable, druggist—Mrs. H. E. Brooks, white satin dress, belt of fine-tooth combs, necklace of compound cathartic pills with cut glass pungent as pendent, crown of cut glass stoppers, elegant banner of white kid with artistically formed letters and picture. The lady carried sachet papers, an atomizer for perfumery, large bonbon box filled with cashews, etc. The above named druggist was also represented by a large labeled bottle, six feet tall, inside of which was a boy, who walked round with it.

Campbell & Smith, dry goods, clothing and furnishing goods—Miss Bertie Robinson and Miss Irma Camp. The former represented the clothing department and wore a full dress coat and vest with black moire skirt, silk tie, diamond shirt stud and cuff buttons and fob chain of unique design. She carried a cane, and a banner composed of lumbermen’s frock, German socks and toque, with placard of firm name. Miss Camp represented the dry goods department and wore black silk and lace skirt, yellow Surah blouse, black velvet rouave jacket, Roman sash with orange ground, necklace of embroidery silk on spools with pendents of skeins of embroidery silk, various articles of fancy goods as ornaments and rich jewels in hair. The banner was a Cashmere shawl with letters and ornaments.

First National Bank—Mrs. C. D. Johnson, red velvet dress with profuse decorations of gold coin, bangle bracelets, rows of gold coin from necklace downward, back of skirt decorated with $5 bill, epaulets of bangles, girdle of gold rope, hat in imitation of sack of money, rich black velvet banner adorned with 212 concaves. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 November 1889, p. 4, c.’s 5 & 6)


Gypsy Fair.


The ladies of St. Paul’s (Episcopal) Church will hold their annual bazaar on Monday and Tuesday next, at the rink. This year the special feature of the bazaar will be a gypsy fair, which they believe will prove as satisfactory and entertaining to their friends as have their previous efforts. A large variety of useful and ornamental articles will be offered for sale, and an excellent opportunity presented to procure Christmas gifts at reasonable rates. Everything will be sold at a fair price. An admission fee of ten cents will be charged. Supper will be served from 5:30 until 6.

The dining room has been enlarged and separate entrances will admit to this room and the main hall, so that those who wish only supper will not be called upon to pay the fee for admission. Prices: Admission to gypsy fair 10 cents; supper, 25 cents; supper with oysters, 35 cents; oysters 15 cents. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 November 1890, p. 4, c. 5)


The ladies of the Episcopal church are very much pleased over the outcome of their bazaar which was a success in every particular, the net receipts being $325. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 November 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


The ladies of St. Paul’s church will give a Columbian Festival, to be held at the rink on Tuesday evening, May 24th. Let all remember the date for an attractive and interesting programme may be expected. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 April 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


The Episcopal church people are very much pleased with their new church organ which was placed in position on Wednesday. The instrument is an expensive one costing $1,800. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 January 1894, p. 4, c. 4)


Pink Tea.


The ladies of the Episcopal church will give a pink tea at the Y. M. C. A. rooms on Tuesday next, the 24th inst. Supper will be served from 6 till 8 o’clock. A large variety of useful and ornamental articles will also be offered for sale. The patronage of the public is asked and all are cordially invited to come and enjoy a social evening. Supper, including ice cream 25 cents and everything else at hard times prices. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 April 1894, p. 4, c. 4)


The Midway Reproduced.


The annual fair and bazaar of the Episcopal church, which will be held at Gardner Hall on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, Nov. 21st, 22nd and 23rd, will be of special interest to those who saw the attractions of the Midway at the World’s Fair, as all the more important features of that world renown exhibition will be reproduced. A grand march will occur at 9 o’clock each evening. C. D. Johnson will have charge of Hackensack’s trained animal show, and it is safe to say that Charlie will be a whole show in himself. Concerts will be given in the Moorish Palace. The different attractions will be managed as follows:

German Village—Mesdames Henry Spalding, Geo. Ames, M. K. Swartz.

Spanish Art Booth—Mesdames C. Metcalf, E. B. McCullough, Walters.

Vienna Cafe—Mesdames George Forsythe, R. R. Wise, J. S. Gardner, A. J. Coutu, and Misses Katie Stein, Winnifred Small, Maud Brimson, Jennie Sundberg.

Fisheries—Mesdames A. J. Halsted, H. E. Brooks.

Moorish Palace—Mesdames F. A. Farrar, Bolton, Gates, and Misses Zella Burgoyne, Abbie Everett, Minnie McFadden, Bessie Spalding, Clara Smith, Gwendolyn Pentreath, Onolee McCullough, Isabel Iaichner.

Italian Booth—Misses Mabel Fulton, Flo Halsted, Bessie Burgoyne, Fannie Carpenter.

Turkish Booth—Misses Jennie Paine, Ella Magnan, Belle McKay.

Parisian Bazaar—Misses Jean Small, Katie Pearce, Amy Lowey, Belle [sic] Howe [sic], Miss Hawkins.

Japanese Tea Room—Mrs. J. R. Westfall, Mrs. W. H. Brimson, and Miss Bessie Mulrine.

Indian Village—George Grewcox, Fred McKay, Harry McKay, Henry Spalding, Jr.

Mrs. C. A. Reuss will have charge of the supper, assisted by Mesdames Ambly, Pentreath, N. McFadden, Thos. Wicks, C. D. Johnson, E. J. Fulton, Dr. Martin, Wm. Entriken, A. C. Wonderlich, and Miss Henrietta Thompson. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 November 1895, p. 4, c. 7)


The fair at Gardner Hall, under the auspices of the ladies of the Episcopal church, opened last evening, and the attendance was very large, the hall being filled from supper time until a late hour. It is said to be the most unique affair of the kind that ever took place in the city, and the display of articles in the booths is very elaborate. The fair will close tonight. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 November 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


The Jack Pine Minstrels.


The Jack Pine Minstrels are making satisfactory progress in their rehearsals and will present an artistic and refined minstrel entertainment at the Sleeper opera house on Friday evening, January 24th. The proceeds of the entertainment will go to the Sabbath school of St. Paul’s Episcopal church. The executive staff of the company is as follows: A. J. Halsted, manager; Geo. D. LaBar, treasurer; S. F. Alderman, stage manager; Verne Anderson, musical director; Prof. Wm. Dresskell, leader of orchestra; Chas. Iachiner, property man. S. F. Alderman is the interlocutor, Messrs. Al. Mattes and C. C. Kyle tambos, and Messrs. Fred Barnes and Charlie Wilson bones. Among the soloists are Messrs. Alderman, Mattes, Kyle, Barnes, Wilson, Webb, Harry and Joe Lyddon, and Joe Murphy. There are about twenty-five young men in the organization, exclusive of Dresskell’s full orchestra, which has been engaged for the occasion. Among the members are such well known gentlemen as C. D. Johnson, Fred Farrar, W. A. M. Johnstone, George Brown, W. H. Simmons, Al Simmons, Geo. Grewcox, Chas. McCarthy, A. E. Fritz, Will Georgeson, Guy Stratton, Herman Casey, John Congdon, “Sandy” Armstrong and Betzold, and the Banner Quartette, consisting of Messrs. Gardner, Thompson, Fritz and McKay. Master Fred Davy, five years old, probably the smallest jig dancer in the world, is a late and valuable addition to the company. There are besides five or six young men and boys, tumblers, dancers and acrobatic performers.

The remaining rehearsals will be held in the comfortable rooms adjoining Dr. McPherson’s office, on the second floor of the Columbian block, which have been kindly tendered by Mr. McKay for the purpose. The next rehearsal will take place on Monday evening Jan. 6, and every member of the company is requested to be present if possible promptly at 7:30. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 January 1896, p. 4, c. 5)


Jack Pine Minstrels.


Electric streetcar advertising the Jack Pine Minstrels is passing over the Fill trestle from NE Brainerd, ca. 1896.
Source: Peggy Bang

The date of the negro minstrel entertainment to be given by the Jack Pine Minstrels has been changed from Friday evening Jan. 24th, to Friday evening Jan. 31st. The Jack Pines have been rehearsing almost every night for several weeks past, and will give a splendid performance. They deserve great credit for the time and labor they are putting into the show, and we have no doubt the good people of Brainerd will show their appreciation by giving them a crowded house.

The minstrel “first part” arranged by the Jack Pines is new and original, and replete with mirth, music, wit and humor. The olio includes two distinct quantities, the Jack Pine Quartette and the Banner Quartette, and the end men make up a quartette also in the first part. Mr. W. H. Simmons will contribute a flute solo; there will be a mandolin and guitar quartette; Joe Lyddon will sing a “coster” (costermonger) song in costume; Al. Mattes will give a representation of a gay and dashing colored swell, with a song and dance; Hon. C. D. Johnson is down for an irresistibly funny stump speech; Fred Farrar and “Billy” (W. A. M.) Johnstone, appear in a genteel song and dance; Geo. Brown and his clever acrobatic coons will do some wonderful tumbling; Little Fred Davy, the inimitable baby artist, only five years old, will dance a jig, and the performance will conclude with a roaring farce entitled the “Virginny Mammy,” in which Charley Johnson impersonates “Ginger Blue,” a great darkey part, and will be ably assisted by E. Webb as “Capt. Rifle,” Charley Wilson as “O’Leary,” Guy Stratton as “Dr. Galen,” Joe Lyddon as “Charles” and Alex. (Sandy) Armstrong as “Lucy” the doctor’s ward. The farce will convulse the house from start to finish.

The price of admission is only 50 cents for the parquet (down stairs) and 25 cents for the gallery. Seats can be reserved at the McFadden Drug Co’s. store without extra charge. Tickets will be on sale in various places in the city. The people of Staples, many of whom have expressed a desire to see the show, can secure reserved seats at the drug store of the Staples Drug Co. Tickets will also be placed on sale in Aitkin. The indications are that the house will be crowded, so those desiring seats should have them reserved without delay. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 January 1896, p. 4, c. 6)


The following well-known gentlemen will sing solos in the Jack Pine Minstrels, "first part," viz: Judge Alderman, E. O. Webb, Al. Mattes, Harry Lyddon, Fred Risnes, Claude Kyle, Joe Murphy, Charley Wilson and Will Georgeson. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 January 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


A Rousing Success.


The local talent contained in the Jack Pine Minstrels certainly deserves the highest praise that can be given them for their entertainment given at the opera house on Friday evening. The entertainment was immense in every detail, and the audience showed its appreciation by the rounds of applause which greeted the players. There was nothing to mar the occasion, the programme passing off as smoothly as though the amateurs were real professionals. Some days before the entertainment was to take place every seat in the house was sold and standing room was at a premium on Friday night. The expense attending the production was necessarily heavy, but notwithstanding this the net receipts were $175. A pressure is being brought to bear upon the members to have them reproduce the entertainment, and it is quite likely that they will do so shortly.

Little Fred Davy, who took the house by storm with his dancing, was on Wednesday presented with a silver souvenir spoon, with his name engraved upon it, also the date and the name, “Jack Pine Minstrels,” as a slight token of regard from the members of the organization. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 February 1896, p. 4, c. 6) 


Excursion to Walker and Leech Lake.

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A grand excursion to Leech Lake has been arranged for by the vestry of the St. Paul’s Episcopal church to take place on July 4th. The profits of the venture will be used to help pay the church debt, which becomes due in July, and a saving to the church of $200 can be made if the debt is paid at this time. Nearly all of the amount has been raised by subscription and previous entertainments, and it is hoped the profits from this excursion will cover the balance to be raised.

Amusements of every character will be provided at the lake. Three steamers have been chartered to take those who desire to go over to the Indian agency, where an Indian dance will be in progress. One of the steamers will have a barge for dancing. At Walker the citizens of that town will co-operate with the excursionists in celebrating the Fourth properly. A base ball game, all sorts of races and contests of skill are on the programme. A large platform for dancing will be erected. The following are the officers and committees appointed to complete arrangements for the trip:

President—L. P. White, Sr.

Vice-President—J. C. Small.

Treasurer—R. F. Walters.

Executive Committee—W. D. McKay, Mrs. Geo. Forsyth, M. K. Swartz, Dr. A. F. Groves, E. B. McCullough, A. J. Halsted, R. F. Walters, Judge G. W. Holland and J. P. Gardner.

Railroad Transportation—W. D. McKay, W. E. Entriken, W. H. Brimson and A. J. Sovereign.

Lake Transportation—M. K. Swartz, John Lowey, Joseph Lyddon, Fred Wilkins, Thomas Halladay and J. A. Young.

Amusements—E. B. McCullough, R. J. Hartley, W. A. M. Johnstone and F. A. Farrar.

Athletic Sports—Dr. A. F. Groves, E. C. Gates and T. T. Blackburn.

Music—J. P. Gardner, A. J. Halsted and W. H. Simmons.

Grounds—R. F. Walters, P. H. McGarry and Wm. Dodd.

Refreshments—Mrs. Geo. Forsyth, with authority to select such members of committee as she desires.

Advertising and Printing—A. J. Halsted, Rev. Canon Pentreath and Dr. G. S. McPherson.

No complimentary tickets will be issued. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 May 1896, p. 4, c. 6)


The excursion to Walker and Leech Lake tomorrow will be a very enjoyable affair, and those who attend can depend that their comfort will be looked after by the committee in charge. The people of Walker have made great preparations for the reception of their Brainerd neighbors. There will be refreshment stands and edibles in abundance and those who do not desire to take their lunch baskets can be accommodated at moderate prices on the grounds. The train will leave the N. P. depot at 7 a. m., and will leave the N. P. depot at 7 a. m., and will stop at East Brainerd and the B. & N. M. depot for the accommodation of passengers. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 July 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


THE EXCURSION TO LEECH LAKE.


The excursion to Walker and Leech Lake on the Fourth, under the auspices of the Episcopal church, was a splendid success financially, as well as one of great pleasure. About 300 people, filling six coaches and a baggage car, left the N. P. depot shortly after 7 o’clock in the morning. A stop was made in East Brainerd on Kindred street to take on more people, and the crowd was again increased when the B. & N. M. depot was reached. The run to Walker was made in about two and one-half hours, stopping en route at all stations to take on new pleasure seekers. Walker was reached shortly after 10 o’clock, when almost the entire crowd repaired to the picnic grounds, a short distance above the town. Preparations were at once made by the Episcopal ladies to serve dinner, but while these preparations were going on appropriate Fourth of July services were conducted in a stand erected for that purpose by the people of Walker. Mayor P. H. McGarry called the assemblage to order and made a few patriotic remarks suitable to the occasion, after which Rev. C. B. Fellows, of Minneapolis, who is organizing a Congregational church at Walker, invoked the blessing of the Almighty on the assemblage. America was next sung by the entire throng in a manner that indicated each soul present realized the significance of the day. Rev. Fellows, in the absence of Col. Gridley, of Minneapolis, who had been advertised as the orator of the day, made a patriotic speech which was very much enjoyed. This ended the exercises in Walker, although an elaborate programme of races and sports had been planned by the people of that burg, but the crowd came to enjoy a day’s outing and did not care for the races, hence that portion of the programme was abandoned. As soon as dinner had been served all went on board the steam boats in waiting and were taken over to the Indian reservation. It is about six miles from Walker to the reservation across the lake, and as the day was an ideal one in every respect for a day’s outing, the ride thither was one of the most enjoyable features of the excursion. The excursion party was met at the lake shore by the entire population of the reservation who had turned out en masse. A party of about twenty-five Indians were mounted on ponies and attired in all the gaudy finery which the Indian nature loves so well. They had their faces painted in the hideous manner of old time war parties and rode about and flourished weapons in a manner too reckless to be comfortable. They would retire to the woods at intervals and then with a whoop and a hurrah ride into the reservation town in imitation of the manner of attack of Indians in times gone by on frontier settlements. They also treated the excursionists to an exhibition of war dancing, and councils of war were held and Indian oratory indulged in. The crowd scattered through the streets, tents and buildings of the reservation, observing the Indian character and mode of living until the hoarse whistles of the boats notified them that it was time to return. The Indians had also arranged a programme of sports here to amuse their visitors, but the time was so short that only a portion of a game of LaCrosse, played by six Indians on a side, was enjoyed. The ride back on the lake was equally delightful, but consumed so much time that the party barely had time to disembark and get on the train before it was time to start for home. The return trip was made in about the same time, and Brainerd was reached in time for the excursionists to enjoy the fireworks in the evening.

Too much cannot be said in praise of the excellent manner in which the affair was arranged by the people of the Episcopal church, and we are pleased to state that, notwithstanding the celebration in the city, the church will clear more than $250 by the venture. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 July 1896, p. 4, c.’s 6 & 7)


SILVER WEDDING CELEBRATION

_____


By One of the First Couples Married in

Crow Wing County.

_____


Ellen Lytle Shoaff was the daughter of William Lytle, proprietor of the Headquarters Hotel in 1871, ca. 1871.
Source: Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan

We are in receipt of a copy of the Danville (Ill.) Daily News containing an account of the silver wedding celebration of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas B. Shoaff, who, it is claimed, was the first couple married in Crow Wing county. Speaking of the supper served, the News said:

“The dining room was beautiful in white roses, old silver and ferns, and the supper was superb, being about the same as the wedding supper served at the Headquarters Hotel, Brainerd, Minnesota, twenty-five years ago.”

Mr. Shoaff during the evening made quite an extended address in response to congratulations, portions of which we reproduce as an intimation of what life in Brainerd in those early days meant. Mr. Shoaff, among other things said:

“This evening brings vividly to my mind the scene of many years ago when, with greater nervousness than I now possess, I stood before a minister with the lady by my side, who is this night your hostess. It was in the town of Brainerd, Minn., then an ambitious village of 400, now grown to a city of 20,000 inhabitants. Brainerd is situated about 120 miles north of St. Paul, on the Mississippi river and Northern Pacific railroad. The county was wild and sparsely inhabited and the little church was nearly hid in the luxuriant pines. It was built by Gov. Smith, of Vermont, and other officials of the railroad. Probably I was one of its first janitors, for the day before the wedding I swept the floor, dusted the seats and rubbed my hand across the dirtiest panes. Then we had no wedding invitation with monograms requiring two envelopes to enclose the individual cards—that is, any in reach of my purse by requisition on the large cities. Like all young men I wrote for prices and when the quoted $30 came, I concluded they were not just what I wanted. Mrs. Shoaff went to the woods and upon the bark which she stripped from the birch trees, our wedding invitations were printed at the enormous expense of 25 cents. One of the incidents of that event, which might be worth giving at this time is the fact that Mrs. Shoaff and myself were the first couple united in that Crow Wing county, and in recognition of this, the county clerk who had just been elected under the county and township laws of that state (and, by the way, he afterwards proved to be my father-in-law), generously made me a present of the necessary document authorizing the wedding to take place.”

The News then contains a further account of their courtship and marriage, which says:

“While at Brainerd the young couple decided they would wait no longer; the wedding day was set and it was decided that the wedding, being one of the first in that region should be “rustic.” So the gallant army officers of Ft. Ripley peeled the birch bark on which the wedding cards were to be printed; the bark was sent to Mr. Shoaff, who was then a printer, and the cards printed on the bark, some of which were shown last night, well preserved.

Mr. and Mrs. T. B. Shoaff were the first couple to be married in the first Episcopal Church in 1871, ca. 1871.
Source: Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan

The army post also contributed two ambulances in which the bride, with her mother and father and others, rode to the little church, and in the other the groom, his best man and others rode. The little Episcopal church was built by money solicited by Bishop Whipple from Gov. Smith of Vermont. Rev. Patterson, of St. Paul, officiated, assisted by a minister whose name is not remembered, and who came to bear Rev. Patterson company.

The supper was served in the Headquarters Hotel, and was a sumptuous lay-out, though the whole country had to be scoured for chickens and the like; as at that time there was not a horse, cow, chicken, pig, or any such domestic animals in all that region, except the horses at Ft. Ripley. Photographs of the little church and hotel, which was railroad headquarters at Brainerd, were shown last night; Brainerd was then a tent town, with but few houses in it, being the terminus of the railroad in the wilderness.”

Mr. Shoaff, it seems, was not a resident of Brainerd, but a printer living at Decatur, Ill. Mrs. Shoaff lived here some two or three years and is well remembered by several of the old settlers. Her father, Capt. Lytle, was clerk of court of this county for the term beginning Jan. 1st, 1872, and succeeded W. W. Hartley.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Shoaff was the first service that took place in St. Paul’s church, the building at that time not being entirely completed, and the formal dedication did not occur until the following spring, hence the recent anniversary services held by that church, were the anniversary of that marriage service. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 November 1896, p. 4, c. 7)


SEE: Northern Pacific Colonists’ Reception House


NOTE: Thomas B. Shoaff married Ella W. Lytle on November 15, 1871 in Brainerd, Crow Wing County, Minnesota.


NOTE: Ella Wood Lytle was the daughter of William Lytle, the proprietor of the Headquarters Hotel and Thomas Benton Shoaff may have been the printer for the Brainerd Tribune.


NOTE: 12 April 1938. Mrs. Thomas Shoaf (Ella W. Lytle), the bride in the first wedding ceremony ever held in Crow Wing County, has died in Illinois. She and her husband were married in the newly built St. Paul's Episcopal church on Nov. 15, 1871. Light in the church was provided by a locomotive headlight. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 12 April 2018)


SEE: Headquarters Hotel


Jack Pine Minstrels.


A re-organization of the Jack Pine Minstrels has been perfected, and in a short time, (the exact dates have not yet been determined), will give two performances, for the joint benefit of the City Band and St. Paul’s church. Over sixty people, including the very best talent in the city, will take part. The chorus will consist of over thirty voices. The following is a partial list of those taking part:

Officers—A. J. Halsted, general manager; Geo. D. LaBar; treasurer; J. Lyddon, secretary; S. F. Alderman, stage manager; Prof. Dresskell, musical director; H. C. Stivers, press agent; Charles Iaichner, master of properties.

Interlocutor—Guy Stratton.

Bones—S. F. Alderman and Fred Barnes.

Tambos—C. C. Kyle and Charles Wilson.

Singers—J. P. Gardner, R. W. McKay, E. O. Webb, C. B. Thompson, Harry Lyddon, Joe Lyddon, Joe Murphy, A. L. Mattes, Lou Wheatley, Dave Smith, John Congdon, Chas. E. Rowan, Alex, Armstrong, Guy Stratton, Will Georgeson, S. F. Alderman, Fred Barnes, Charles Wilson, C. C. Kyle, Robbie Georgeson, E. H. Simmons, Geo. Grewcox, W. E. Winslow, Alex. McCarthy, C. A. Allbright, Harry McKay, Bert Haas, the McCarthy boys, and several others.

In specialties will appear C. D. Johnson, Joe Lyddon, C. C. Kyle, McCarthy brothers, Stivers and Hall, Dave Smith, Little Fred Davy, Little Frank Tiffany, George Brown, Jack Kaislay and Willie Robinson. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 January 1897, p. 4, c. 4)


Second Annual Excursion.


Having in mind the immense success of the first excursion on July 4th last year, and remembering the delightful time enjoyed by all on that occasion, the members of St. Paul’s church have completed arrangements for a second annual excursion to Leech lake, Walker and the reservation to take place on Saturday, July 3rd. A delightful programme has been arranged at Walker for the amusement of the excursionists, and steamboat trips across the lake to the reservation have been planned, where a program of sports by the Indians has been arranged as follows:

Game of LaCrosse.

Canoe races by Indian women.

Indian war dance in paint and feathers.

Exciting foot races by Indians.

Catching the greased pig by the Indians.

Returning to Walker in the evening a brilliant display of fireworks will take place on the lake, and the run home will be made reaching this city before midnight. Refreshments and lunches will be for sale on the train and steamboat and at the picnic grounds. Tickets good for the round trip $1.50 for adults children under 12 years 50 cents. Now on sale at the N. P. and B. & N. M. stations, and by the committee, A. J. Halsted, W. D. McKay, E. H. Hoar and E. B. McCulloch, and the ladies of the church. Good music will be furnished for the occasion. A more enjoyable 4th can not be spent than by taking this most delightful trip. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 June 1897, p. 4, c. 5)


THE WALKER EXCURSION.

_____


Saturday Morning at Seven O’Clock the

Train Will Leave the N. P.

Station.

_____


A Fine Time Promised—You Can’t Af-

ford to Miss It.


Tomorrow morning, July 3d, the second annual excursion of St. Paul’s Episcopal church, of this city to Walker will occur, the train being scheduled to leave the Northern Pacific depot at 7 o'clock sharp. It will undoubtedly be a very pleasant trip as every possible arrangement for the comfort and convenience of the passengers has been made. The train will reach Walker at about 9 a. m. where the steamers will be in waiting to convey those who desire to go to the Indian Agency directly across the arm of Leech lake from Walker. At this place will occur the interesting programme which has been arranged in which the Indians take an active part. Returning to Walker a fine program will be carried out there, under the auspices of the citizens of the place and a magnificent display of fireworks is promised for the evening. After the fireworks the train will leave for Brainerd landing the excursionists at the N. P. station. A rate of $1.50 for the round trip has been made, children 50 cents and these tickets are good to return on the Monday morning train if any of those who attend desire to do so. Refreshments will be sold on the train, boats and grounds by the ladies of the church. It will be a good chance to visit one of the finest lake resorts in Northern Minnesota. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 July 1897, p. 1, c. 4)


The Leech Lake Excursion.


The excursion to Leech Lake, which was announced for Saturday, July 3rd, had to be postponed until Monday, July 5th, owing to washouts on the N. P. and B. & N. M. railroads caused by the storm of Friday night. The excursion occurred on Monday, but owing to the delay the attendance was comparatively light, probably not more than half going that would have gone on Saturday. The train consisted of five coaches, but not more than three were filled, probably about 150 persons. Those who did go, however, report a most delightful time. The programme of entertainment at Walker and the agency was carried out as previously announced. The return trip from Walker was made after the fireworks, leaving about 10 p. m. and arriving here at 12:15.

The excursion was not a financial success, only 135 adult tickets and several children’s tickets being sold. As a result the receipts will not quite cover the expenses. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 July 1897, p. 4, c. 6)


The Holiday Fair.


The ladies of St. Paul’s Episcopal church will give a grand Holiday Fair at Gardner Hall, Friday and Saturday evenings, Sep. 23 and 24. This will be something entirely new in Brainerd. The various holidays of the year will be represented by beautiful and attractive booths, viz: New Year’s, St. Valentine’s Day, Washington’s birthday, Easter, Arbor Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The booths will be in charge of sedate matrons assisted by the usual assortment of pretty girls, in costume, and there will be a fine display of unique holiday souvenirs and a variety of beautiful fancy articles, which will be offered for sale. The ladies will introduce a number of novelties in the way of new features at this fair. A splendid supper will be served at the Thanksgiving booth. Those who attend will find many things to interest and entertain them. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 September 1898, p. 4, c. 2)


RECTOR MOONEY’S SUCCESS.

_____


Church Membership at Brainerd has

Many Accessions.


Under the above heading the Minneapolis Journal contains the following concerning the Rev. Mr. Mooney’s very successful pastorate in this city:

Bishop Morrison conducted two services at the Episcopal church Sunday, both of them being attended by an audience of unusual size. In the morning a class of some twenty-five was confirmed, the number including Mr. Wise, one of the best known business men of Brainerd. The local parish has flourished since the ministrations of Rev. Mr. Mooney began, and the additions to membership present but one feature of the success with which his charge had been conducted. Work on the new parish house, begun since Mr. Mooney became rector, has so far proceeded that it will be ready for occupancy before cold weather sets in.

Recently there was presented to Mr. Mooney a handsome private silver service by E. J. Footner of the Great Northern Express company. Mr. Footner is not a resident of Brainerd, but his mother is, and when he was visiting home one morning he made the discovery that Mr. Mooney was using a modest cut-glass service in administering the communion in cases which required his attentions outside of the church. Mr. Footner made no particular comment at the time of his observation; but recently there was received from him a solid silver cup and companion pieces, the whole being tendered Mr. Mooney as a mark of particular esteem. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 October 1900, p. 1, c. 3)


C. N. Parker has presented to St. Paul’s Episcopal church a handsome brass processional cross mounted on a mahogany standard. The cross, which was made in Parker & Topping’s foundry is a handsome creation of red bass and will be carried in procession ahead of the choir at all services of the church. It will be carried tomorrow for the first time. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 January 1908, p. 2, c. 3)


Built in 1922, this church is located at the northeast corner of 7th and Juniper, ca. Unknown.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The last service in this church is held on Old Settlers' Sunday, 09 July 1922. It is then demolished and replaced by the current church in 1922. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 90)


SCHAEFER’S MODEL MARKETS

16 September 1917. A. Hagberg has sold his interests in the Model Market to Theodore Schaefer, who for a time was associated with him in business. Schaefer will continue the market’s policy of handling only the best and giving prompt and courteous service. (This was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 16 September 2017)


SCHAEFER’S SLATE GRAND OPENING FEB. 3, 4 AND 5

_____


Food Market Has 4,000 Square Ft. of Floor Space


A complete view of the grocery department in Schaefer's Model Food Market indicates a full line of merchandise on hand. The layout is excellent for an efficient self-service system. As the customer enters, he picks up a grocery cart (lower right), wheels it through the store loading it with purchases for the day, and ends up at the cash registers at the right. This view shows the enlarged store with the recently added grocery department, 02 February 1949. A 962x483 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch
Garden fresh fruits and vegetables are on display at all times at Schaefer's Model Food Market at Sixth and Maple in Brainerd. The store also carries a wide assortment of canned goods to supply the shopping needs of Brainerd housewives, 02 February 1949.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch
Originally a meat market, Schaefer's Food Market still makes a specialty of meats. A long, glass-enclosed counter includes one of the most complete displays of varieties of meats in this entire region. The market also cures its own hams and bacon and makes its own sausages, 02 February 1949.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch
Schaefer brothers, Ted and John, 02 February 1949.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Low self-service shelves stocked with name brand staple groceries, a 30-foot refrigerator where fruits and vegetable are kept garden fresh, a complete line of frozen fruits and vegetables in addition to the large meat department are all features designed to make shopping in Schaefer’s Model Food Market an enjoyable experience.

The market, completely modern in every way, occupies 4,000 square feet of floor space, and is lighted by cold cathode lights, which simulate natural daylight to a fine degree of perfection.

In the winter the store is heated by a steam blower system. During the warmer summer months cool air may be circulated through this same system so that the store is kept at a comfortable temperature throughout the entire year.

Spacious aisles, well marked displays, three checkout stands are all features which add to shopping convenience.

_____


New Checkout System Installed at Schaefer’s


With the grand opening of Schaefer’s Model Food Market a completely new checkout system will be inaugurated. The three checkout stands conveniently located at the front of the market are equipped to handle both charge and cash purchases.

Once the customer has selected the items to be purchased he wheels them to the checkout stands. There if he wishes to purchase on the charge account plan he is asked to sign a charge slip.

This charge slip is then inserted in the cash register and an itemized sales slip is made on the register, recording purchases under the heading of meats, groceries, and produce. The itemized sales slip is then given to the customer.

In the event that it is a charge sale the charge slip, which the customer has signed is taken to the office where it is filed in the customer’s individual file folder, for billing at a later date. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 February 1949, p. 1, c. 1)


15 Firms Take Part in Building New Food Market


Fifteen firms, specialists in their line, contributed to the completion of Schaefer’s Model Food Market, which will celebrate its grand opening this week.

They are: Architects, Magney, Tusler and Setter, Minneapolis; Lake Region Sign Co., interior signs; F. E. Olson and Son, contractors; Werner Electric, wiring and lighting; Brainerd Heating Co., heating plant; Art Fredstrom, plumbing; Brainerd Glass Co., glass work, flooring and insulation; Insulation Sales Co., Minneapolis, refrigerated fixtures; F. A. Tubbs, Duluth, Nash Finch Co., fixtures; elevator, R. and O. Elevator Co., Minneapolis; Yde Decorating Service, A. D. Allen and Al Neue, painting; materials; Standard Lumber Co., Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 February 1949, p. 1, c. 3)


Schaefer’s Give Daily Delivery


Schaefer’s Model Food Market of Brainerd, has a systematic daily delivery service that insures its customers of attention regularly.

All orders have to be place before the truck leaves the store.

For northeast, southeast and south residents the truck leaves at 9:30 a. m.

The second truck goes at 1 p. m. for north and west Brainerd residents. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 February 1949, p. 1, c. 4)


Retail, Wholesale Both Featured at Schaefer’s


Schaefer’s Model Food Market, in addition to being one of the leading retail stores in Brainerd, serves as a wholesale house.

Much of the wholesale business, of course, goes to local hotels and restaurants and in the summer a great deal of it goes to resorts in this area. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 February 1949, p. 1, c. 5)


Home Smoked Sausages, Meats are Featured


John Schaefer of Schaefer's Model Food Market looks over a fine supply of beef in one of the modern coolers that makes Schaefer's one of the most complete and up-to-date meat distributing places in this area. Sperti lights purify the air and help age the meat and allow for higher temperatures in the cooler, 02 February 1949.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Features of Schaefer’s Model Food Market are the two smoke houses in a large room at the rear of the store and the sausage department.

In the two smoke houses heated by gas and steam, hams and bacons are smoked by slow burning hardwood sawdust.

Smoking and tenderizing of hams takes from eight to nine hours, after a 20-day curing process which the hams have previously undergone.

Starting at a temperature of approximately 140 degrees, when the hams are hung in the smoke house, the heat is gradually increased to a temperature of 200 degrees for the last hours of the smoking time and insures complete smoking and tenderizing.

In addition to the smoke houses the market is also equipped with a complete sausage department where the homemade sausages which the Schaefer Model Food Market features in their meat department are prepared.

Braunschweiger, bologna, wieners and rendered lard are only a few of the homemade products which are famous in both the wholesale and retail departments of the market. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 February 1949, p. 1, c. 6)


Local Market in Operation Half Century


Schaefer's Meat Market before the 1949 remodel, ca. 1940's. A 633x434 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 February 1949
In the old days Schaefer's Model Meat Market looked like this. T. H. Schaefer, manager, is in the center and to the extreme right is Mable Bliss. Between them is John Kaiser and the man on the extreme left is George Kaupp. The individual to Kaupp's right is unidentified, 02 February 1949.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Schaefer’s Model Food Market, located at 323 South Sixth street in Brainerd, is slated for a grand opening on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 3, 4 and 5.

This place of business, formerly known as the Model Meat Market, has been serving the people of the Brainerd area for very nearly a half century.

In 1914, T. H. Schaefer, who had been employed at the Model, purchased it and managed it until the time of his death in 1945 when his three sons, John, Theodore and Robert, assumed charge.

Prior to the time when Schaefer purchased the market it had been owned and operated by Howard Baker.

In 1914, when T. H. Schaefer purchased the Model Meat Market, it was staffed by five employees; yet by 1945, the number of employees had been increased to 18.

The 30 years which Schaefer managed the market were years marked by constant progress and enlargements to this home-owned place of business. Under Schaefer management several large coolers were installed, a full basement was finished and floor space was added.

The change from a meat market to a store which now specializes in meats, groceries, produce and frozen foods was started late last year.

Magney, Tusler and Setter, Minneapolis architects, drew up the plans and the job of enlarging the market to include what was formerly used by the Select Cleaners was completed by Fred Olson and Son, contractors.

At that time the basement was expanded, the building was enlarged, making 4,000 square feet of floor space available, and an all glass front was installed. Fixtures, modern and conveniently arranged, were installed to make it one of the most up-to-date and attractive places of business catering to both wholesale and retail trade in this entire area.

In keeping with this program of progress and expansion seven additional employees were added to the staff.

_____


Food Market has Own Poultry Processing Plant


Customers purchasing poultry at Schaefer’s Model Food Market are assured of fresh dressed birds at all times.

At this completely modern market, live poultry is bought direct from the producer. It is then taken to the processing plant on the second floor of the building where it is killed and dressed. A mechanical picker is used to remove the feathers.

Following this process the birds are thoroughly cooled and either placed in the large display cases or packed in coolers where they are kept at the proper temperature to insure the customer of the very best at all times of high grade poultry. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 February 1949, p. 1, c. 7)


Schaefer’s Schedules Five-Day Grand Opening

Own Bakery Goods New Department


Some 6,000 feet of shelving space has been utilized by Schaefer's Model Market in its new store, which has its Grand Opening, Tuesday through Saturday this week. Various views of the shelving and roomy aisles are displayed, 14 February 1955. A 1175x337 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch
Bakery Department Manager Phil Bohlen shows off the modern oven, latest innovation of the Schaefer brothers in their new store, 14 February 1955.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch
One of the new departments added at Model Market is Bakery Goods, shown attractively displayed, 14 February 1955. A 663x456 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch
A wide variety of vegetables and fruits can be found along the south interior of the new Model Market, 14 February 1955. A 659x412 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch
The south to north view shows the 66 feet of frozen meats on display at Schaefer's Model Market, 14 February 1955. A 658x422 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Newest line of specialties being provided by Schaefer’s Model Market to customers is fresh bakery goods, baked within the store itself daily.

HEADING this department is Phil Bohlen, who is on hand many hours before the store opens to get started turning out high quality baked goods for retail sale only.

Offered in addition to various types of breads are rolls, cakes, pies and Swedish and Danish pastries.

One of the things customers are sure to enjoy the most is the wide selection of meats, frozen foods, groceries, vegetables, fruits and household gadgets.

Wide aisles provide plenty of room for shopping and browsing. That’s because the interior space in 80 feet by 100.

IT ACCOMMODATES some 6,000 feet of shelving, plus 55 feet of produce cases and 51 feet of frozen food cases.

The meat department, headed by John Schaefer, is phenomenal. All self service, the manager says, “We are still willing to make special cuts if so desired.”

The 66 feet of show cases practically span the north and south sides of the interior and behind them is the meat room, with huge windows, where Schaefer and his staff of eight in the department cut and wrap all types of meats.

In this room is a fresh meat cooler, 18 feet by 30; a poultry freezer, 15 by 15; a smoked meat cooler, 8 by 10; and another cooler, 10 by 10.

At the rear of the building, south side, is a large covered garage, big enough to allow two semis to unload at one time. Schaefer’s delivery truck also makes use of the garage.

ANOTHER modern innovation at the store is its check out station. Electric conveyor belts carry the customer’s groceries to one of four check out girls as she merely operates an electrical foot pedal.

The all steel constructed station is wide enough at the end for two baggers to take care of orders at the same time.

The store continues to operate both as a retail and a wholesale concern, wholesaling goods to local hotels and restaurants and in the summer time quite a bit of wholesaling to resorts in the area.

_____


Daily Delivery Still Offered


A systematic daily delivery service, which has grown more popular with Brainerd housewives since it was first introduced, is still being offered by Schaefer’s Model Market.

All orders must be placed before the truck leaves the store and the schedule calls for:

Northeast, southeast and south side before 9 a. m. and north and west sides before 1 p. m. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 February 1955, p. ?, c. 1)


Local Business Firms Build New

Model Market


A number of local business firms have taken part in the construction of the new Schaefer’s Model Market.

John Erickson was general contractor for the 100 feet by 140 feet brick, granite and concrete structure.

Architect for the project was the Bettenberg, Townsend and Stolte firm represented here by William Hendrickson.

Plumbing and heating work was handled by Pike Plumbing and Heating Co. The two forced-air furnaces installed are suspended from the ceiling and the blowers act as air-conditioning coolers in the summer time.

The ultra modern sign work was handled by Lake Region Sign Co.

The glass and electric eye door was supplied by Brainerd Glass Co.

Decoration of the store is the work of Harold Yde Decorating Service.

Werner Electric Co. handled the electrical work and Doc’s Refrigeration installed the refrigeration.

Concrete blocks used in the store were supplied by Thompson Concrete Co.

Outside agencies employed in the construction of this new modern building were Mosher Bockman of Duluth, refrigeration and Pancratz Co. of Little Falls, roofing. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 February 1955, p. ?, c.'s 2 & 3)


Prize List for Opening Over 100


Grand opening prizes shown on the top of a display case, 14 February 1955.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

An all expense paid weekend trip to Minneapolis is just one of many prizes being offered to registrants Tuesday at Schaefer’s Model Market, which is holding its Grand Opening in its new building and location.

The store, occupying half a block at Seventh and Maple Streets, will open at 8:30 a. m. Tuesday and close at 9 p. m.

The weekend trip will be for a couple and will include two nights at the Dyckman hotel Feb. 25-26. The trip will be made by Greyhound Bus lines and that agency will arrange the lucky couple’s itinerary in the Twin Cities, furnishing tickets to a number of events.

After breakfast in their room at the Dyckman, the couple is on its own until time to attend the Shrine Circus in the afternoon. That will be followed by dinner at Murray’s Supper club and the Minneapolis Laker-Fort Wayne Piston pro basketball encounter.

Following breakfast in their room again Sunday, the lucky couple will be on its own to decide what Greyhound Bus it wants to take back to Brainerd.

Over a hundred prizes will be given to lucky registrants, including a hind- quarter of beef, 50 food baskets and around 50 other prizes, which include toasters, deep fryers, dolls, charcoal broilers, stuffed pandas and rabbits. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 February 1955, p. ?, c. 4)


Parking Space Much Greater


There is no comparison between the great amount of parking now available to customers at the new Schaefer’s Model Market location and the old.

With the new building set far back from the north sidewalk along Maple Street, there is space in front of the store to accommodate between 70 and 75 cars at one time.

The parking is free and the Schaefer brothers invite those persons shopping in Brainerd by car to see for themselves. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 February 1955, p. ?, c. 5)


Store Staff Increased to 34 by Expansion


The Schaefer brothers, Ted, Bud and John, 14 February 1955. A 838x456 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

The expansion of Schaefer’s Model Market has provided jobs for about a dozen more people, the owners have disclosed.

The Schaefer brothers say that their payroll now will range from 33 to 34 employees.

Each of the brothers hold a key position in the running of the store—John in charge of the meat department, Ted heading the grocery department and Bud the front office.

Serving with John in the meat department are Otis Hanson, Bob Molin, Jack Welliver, Joe Koering, Louise Benson, Delores Harjes, Alvina Lunde and Betty Grant.

Working with Ted in the grocery department are Kenneth Hanson and James Town.

Assisting Bud in the main office are head bookkeeper Leola Buchite and Gertrude Masters.

Phil Bohlen, manager of the new bakery department, has two helpers—Donald Olson and Ruby Peterson—and three sales girls—Delphine Ohm, Elaine McGarry and Rose Bondeson.

The four checkout stations are manned by Alta Jacobson, Frieda Tank, Jeanette Loftis and Marion Town. Regular stock boys act as baggers. The are Jack Lunde, John Mueller, Jerry Thompson and John Fletcher.

In the fruit and vegetable produce department are Ed Rudek, Bill DeVries, Delma Wolf and Mable Koering. Deliveryman is Guy Davidson.

With this competent help and their new, modern, spacious store, the Schaefer brothers are confident Model Market’s service will be beyond compare in the entire area. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 February 1955 , p. ?, c.’s 6 & 7)


New Store on Exhibit Tuesday


Invitations to all of the people in the Brainerd trade area to visit their new store is being made Tuesday through Saturday by Schaefer’s Model Market.

THE SCHAEFER brothers, Ted, Bud and John, have announced a five-day opening for their new grocery store, located at Seventh and Maple Streets.

The store will open at 8:30 a. m. Tuesday and close at 9 p. m.

Those who visit the store to inspect the hundreds of bargains being arranged for the Grand Opening are invited to register for over a hundred prizes which are being given away during the five gala days.

Included are a quarter of beef and an all-expense-paid weekend trip to Minneapolis for a lucky couple.

MODEL MARKET has not always been under Schaefer management, but in the time that it has (now 41 years) it has made rapid strides.

It was only 10 years ago that the former Select Cleaners building at 323 South Sixth St. was enlarged and practically rebuilt to provide 4,000 square feet of floor space for Model Market.

In recent years, the Schaefer brothers, who took over management of the market from their father at the time of his death in 1945, have found they were too crowded to do all the things and provide the kind of service they desired.

MODEL MARKET was first known as the Model Meat Market and was owned and operated by Howard Baker. In 1914, T. H. Schaefer, who had been employed by Baker, purchased it.

At that time, it was staffed by five employees. In 1945 when his sons took over, there were 18 employees. Now the figure has reached 34 for the new site.

The 30 years in which T. H. Schaefer managed the market were years of constant progress and enlargements to a home-owned business.

In 1948, the Schaefer brothers changed their meat market to a concern which specializes in not only meats, but also groceries, produce, frozen foods and now bakery goods. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 February 1955, p. ?, c. 8)


SCHWARTZ BLOCK

FOR SALE.


William Schwartz Ad, 10 October 1874.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

By reference to his advertisement it will be seen that, owing to bad health, Mr. Wm. Schwartz, on west Front street, wishes to sell his splendid business stand, cheap for cash, and also, to close out his fine stock of groceries, provisions, dry goods, etc., etc., at cost price. This is a good chance for someone wishing to secure a No. 1 business stand, and a good opportunity for our citizens to get good goods cheap. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 August 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


FOR SALE CHEAP.—The building now occupied by Wm. Schwartz and the Tribune office. The lot is twenty-nine feet front. This property will be sold at a bargain. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 October 1874, p. 1, c. 2)


Fire animation On December 18, 1874 at about 11:30 p. m. the first alarm of fire was given, and in a short time two or three hundred citizens, including the Fire Company, had congregated at the fiery scene on Front street, to witness the destruction of the building occupied by Wm. Schwartz and the Brainerd Tribune.


SEE: 1874 Brainerd Tribune Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


WM. SCHWARTZ is offering his stock of goods at a great reduction from cost, with a view to starting for Europe in the interest of Mennonite emigration to this county, and it is in the interest of all to buy his goods and thus enable him to get away as soon as possible. Our merchants would do well to take each a portion of his stock. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 June 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


WM. SCHWARTZ—NEW GOODS—Has now in stock a full assortment of desirable dress goods for spring and summer wear, including all the new color in cashmere merino cloth, plain and brocaded mohair, alpacas, and herringbone stripe camlets; also, black cashmere, black alpacas, black mohair, black silk and satin for trimming. Novelties in veilings, ties, fischus and scarf, lace and silk handkerchiefs. Everything that is desirable in hosiery for ladies’, misses’ and children’s wear, and all at very low prices. New prints, fine ginghams, and other wash goods. An excellent assortment of gentlemen’s fine furnishing goods. You will receive courteous treatment from our assistants whether you buy anything or not. It’s no trouble to us to show goods. We aim to please, and earnestly request you to call and examine stock and get prices.

WM. SCHWARTZ.

(Brainerd Tribune, 24 April 1880, p. 4, c. 2)


Eyes Right!


Wm. Schwartz desires to inform the people of Brainerd and vicinity that there can be no better place in the city to get good bargains than at his popular store. He also wishes to state that he is now closing out his entire stock of Dress Goods, consisting of a fine line of Cashmeres in black and all colors; also, a first-class lot of Alpacas, Momey Cloths, etc. All these goods are to be closed out AT COST. Now is the accepted time, and the day of salvation from high prices. Mr. Schwartz’ reason for this disposing of his immense stock of this line of goods is that he wishes to replace them with a large stock of Notions of all kinds; consequently, he will sell anything and everything in the line of Dress Goods at prices utterly regardless of their real value. If you don’t believe this, favor him with a call, and be convinced for yourself that he means to do precisely what he says he will, and don’t you mistake it! (Brainerd Tribune, 02 April 1881, p. 1, c. 5)


Wm. Schwartz has sold out his stock of goods on Front street to Mr. Gross, who will hereafter conduct the business. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 August 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


SEE: Brainerd Steam Brickyard / Schwartz Brickyard


SCOTT STORE

In 1929 the Scott Store, Inc., a store similar to Woolworth’s, is located in the largest portion of the Parker Block with entrances on both Laurel and Seventh Streets.


CON O’BRIEN BUILDING PLANS TAKE SHAPE

_____


BUILDING AND LEASES CAUSE

FUROR IN CITY

_____


SCOTT STORES, INC., GETS OP-

TION ON PART GROUND FLOOR

OF PARKER BUILDING

_____


The activities of Con O’Brien in building plans and leasing have caused many changes in the heart of the business section of Brainerd.

Scott Stores, Incorporated, of Chicago, a five cents to one dollar retail store, has taken a 30 days’ option on a 30-year lease from Con O’Brien on parts of the ground floor of the old Citizens State Bank building, now known as the Parker block. The option expires February 28. Annual rental is set at $5,000.

The site includes the present location of Johnson’s Pharmacy, Brady’s, Frank G. Hall and Schmidt’s News Agency.

Dick Johnson of Johnson’s Pharmacy has rented the corner of the Parker building for 30 years. Mr. Johnson also takes over part of the basement near the Stallman barber shop. It will not be necessary for the barber shop to move.

If the lease is closed by the Scott Stores, Incorporated, alterations will be made to conform the building to their retail store requirements. It will give the company frontage on South Seventh and Laurel streets. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 January 1929, p. 1, c. 1)


CLOSES LEASEHOLD

_____


Rent Part of Ground Floor of Parker

Building, Northwest Corner

7th and Laurel

_____


FOR TERM OF 30 YEARS

_____


Alterations to Be Made Shortly, Will

Have Front on 7th and Also

on Laurel Street


Scott Stores, Inc., of Chicago, have signed a 30-year lease of a part of the ground floor of the Parker building, northwest corner of Laurel and 7th streets.

The Chicago company takes all of the ground floor except the former bank location which will be occupied by Johnson Pharmacy. This will give Scott Stores, Inc., 25 feet frontage on 7th street, (present location of the Johnson Pharmacy) and the area on Laurel now occupied by the Reymond jewelry store, Service News Agency, Frank G. Hall and Brady’s.

The Scott Stores, Inc., location will be remodeled to suit their needs. They will retail goods of 5 cents to $1 in value. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 February 1929, p. 7, c. 3)


W. T. CARLSON GETS $17,000 CONTRACT

_____


Will Do Improvement Work in Parker

Block Before Scott

Stores Move In

_____


WORK STARTS TODAY

_____


Completion Expected July 1, Posses-

sion to Be Taken by

Lessee on July 15


Contractor W. T. Carlson, Brainerd, was awarded the contract for $17,000 improvements to be made at the Scott Stores, Incorporated, location in the Parker block, it was announced today by Con O’Brien, owner of the block.

Workmen commenced tearing up old floors today in that part of the building once occupied by J. E. Brady soft drinks parlor.

Improvements will be finished by July 1 and the company expects to take possession by July 15. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 May 1929, p. 3, c. 1)


SCOTT STORE TO BE COMPLETED SOON

_____


Construction Work Nears Close; Ship-

ments of Stock Re-

ceived Daily

_____


OPENING DATE INDEFINITE

_____


C. E. Hottes is Manager of Large New

Brainerd Store, Laurel

and Seventh


C. E. Hottes, manager, Scott Store, 14 August 1929.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

As construction work on the building to house the Scott Stores, Inc. nears a finish, 12 employees of the store are busy stocking merchandise in the spacious stock rooms preparatory to the store’s mammoth opening, definite date of which has not yet been set.

The stock rooms cover a major portion of the basement of the Parker building, northwest corner of Laurel and Seventh streets.

Completion of construction by the contractor, W. T. Carlson, Brainerd, is expected within a week. The placing of fixtures and completion of decorating will then be started.

C. E. Hottes formerly of Baltimore, Maryland, will be the manager of the new store here. He has established temporary offices in the Citizens State bank building where he is conducting the business of preparation for the opening.

The new store will have spacious display windows and entrances on Laurel and Seventh streets. The windows have been constructed in such a manner as to afford sufficient natural light for all parts of the store under normal conditions.

Thousands of dollars worth of merchandise have already been stocked. Shipments of new stock are being received daily.

The store when completed and open for business will be one of the finest in central Minnesota. Mr. Hottes is optimistic over future business here. He believes Brainerd will soon be known as the central distributing center of merchandise in a large trading area. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 July 1929, p. 7, c. 3)


Scott Stores, Inc. added a number of girls to their force today, to get everything in order for the opening of their store. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 August 1929, p. 2, c. 1)


SCOTT’S PLAN OPENING

_____


Official Opening of New Store in

Parker Block Scheduled

Within Ten Days


Plans continued today for the official opening of Scott Stores, Inc. Brainerd store in the Parker Block to be held within the next ten days.

Already stock is being placed on counters in the new store and finishing touches are being put to the interior decorating. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 August 1929, p. 7, c, c. 2)


GIRLS WANTED—40 girls of high school age for one week. Apply Mr. Weaver, Scott Stores. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 August 1929, p. 8, c. 6)


THOUSANDS TO VISIT NEW STORES IN BRAINERD

_____


SCOTT’S PICK CITY FOR FIRST STORE IN STATE

_____


Grand Opening of Five Cents to One

Dollar Business House Fixed

for Tomorrow

_____


IMPROVES PARKER BUILDING

_____


Store Provides Employment for 50,

Mostly Home People, for

Initial Rush


The Scott Store, located in the Parker Block, ca. Unknown. A 1926x1535 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Patti Becker Junge
Scott Store located in the Parker Block, 1956. A 1966x938 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
The first ad for Scott Store, 14 August 1929. A 1575x2190 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

The new Scott Store which opens tomorrow at 613-615 Laurel Street with entrance also on 222 South 7th Street, is the first Scott Store to be established in Minnesota and is the 17th new store of a chain offering the public merchandise ranging in price from five cents to one dollar.

The store brings to Brainerd a line of exceedingly fine merchandise which has been selected by company buyers in trade centers at New York, Chicago, Paris, China and other parts of the world.

C. E. Hottes, manager of the store, came to Brainerd from Baltimore, Maryland. He has supervised a large force unpacking and marking merchandise for the past four weeks.

Mr. Hottes speaks optimistically concerning the business conditions in and around Brainerd. He believes that the Scott Stores will enjoy a nice business and will aid in moving Brainerd to the front rank as the main trading center for the north central part of Minnesota.

The following lines of merchandise will be carried: ready to wear ladies’ rayon underwear, hosiery, men’s and boys’ wear, dry goods, jewelry, notions, candy, ladies’ hand bags, infants’ wear, glassware, crockery, wooden-ware, toys, handkerchiefs, hardware and electrical supplies.

Assisting in the opening will be:

B. B. Eitleman, of Chicago, superintendent of all stores.

J. C. Weaver, of Chicago, in charge of merchandise and advertising.

W. C. McConnell, Chicago, in charge of counter layout and window displays.

Guy Harris, Watertown, S. D., in charge of personnel.

V. C. Happel, Reading, Pa., assistant manager.

J. H. Bliss, of Minneapolis, construction superintendent.

R. L. Brinkman, of Chicago, vice president of Scott Stores, Inc., returned to Chicago this week after viewing preparations for the opening.

Fifty people, the majority from Brainerd, have been employed to cater to the wants of the people during the opening rush.

Cost of improvements to the location occupied by the Scott Stores totals $17,000, being the largest remodeling job in the city this year. Construction work was done by W. T. Carlson, Brainerd builder, who employed 30 men for a period of eight weeks.

Scott Stores have a lease on the location for 20 years with an option of ten additional years’ lease.

The major section of the basement has been taken over by the store for the storage of merchandise, special arrangement for perishable goods, and a specially designed room, temperature regulated for candy, etc.

All modern conveniences have been furnished for the employees, an ample sized rest room for the ladies and a wash room for the men.

All stock has been listed in systematic order on shelves in the basement.

The receiving of goods will be conducted in a special department in the basement. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 August 1929, p. 1, c. 7)


SCOTT’S OPENING ATTRACTS THRONGS

_____


Attendance Was Second Largest of

Any of Company’s Stores

in Country


Second only to New York City was the number of people to attend the opening of the Scott Stores, Inc. retail store here yesterday relative to attendance at opening of Scott stores throughout the country.

“The store here yesterday had an attendance well over 10,000. Only one other opening in the country bettered that record, that store being in New York,” C. E. Hottes, manager of the local store reported.

Mr. Hottes credited Dispatch advertising as being an important factor in the opening day success. The Wednesday evening edition of the Dispatch which carried the announcement of the opening as well as scores of advertisements from Brainerd merchants was read in 10,000 homes in the district. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 August 1929, p. 7, c. 2)


NOTE: On June 28, 1968 the Scott Store opened its second store in Brainerd at the East Brainerd Mall.


SEE: Parker Block


New Scott Store Here Part of Expansion Plan


The opening of the new Brainerd Mall has meant an expansion of the Scott Stores here from one to two. The downtown store is on South 7th.

Ed Hulsether manages the Scott store in the Mall and Marlin Hofmeyer is manager of the downtown store.

Hulsether, with Scott’s for approximately 15 years, has managed the Bismarck, N. D. store for 11 years. He formerly managed stores at Osage and Centerville, Iowa.

Hofmeyer, assistant manager in the downtown store for the past 18 months, came from Spencer, Iowa.

According to Milton A. Kolar, president of the Scott Stores division, and officer of City Products corporation, the firm was founded in 1929 as a break-away from Butler Brothers’ wholesale business. The downtown store in Brainerd was one of the first Scott stores, opening in June, 1929.

Kolar states that the opening of the new store in Brainerd is part of an expansion program across the country. The Brainerd Mall store is the fourth store operating in Minnesota. There are over 100 stores in the company.

Both Brainerd stores carry similar lines of merchandise, however, the new store with 12,000 feet of floor space will have many expanded departments, and features a large modern luncheonette managed by Mrs. Vivian McCully, Bruce Isebrand is first assistant, and Sharon Snell is office manager of the Brainerd Mall Store. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 April 1968, p. 29, c. 1)


SHERWOOD DRUG STORE (MAP #4)

Sherwood Drug Store Ad, 1872.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

The post office is established here in 1873. It is located on the south side of Front Street toward the west near Fifth Street.


S. V. R. Sherwood is postmaster where the City Hotel is. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 June 1922)


BRAINERD DRUG STORE.


This institution, now under the care of Mr. Clapp, has been thoroughly overhauled, and filled up in a most tasty manner. It presents as fine an appearance as any in the city, and the proprietors have got in a splendid stock of everything pertaining to an establishment of the kind. A well kept news and periodical stand is also kept supplied with all the fresh and popular reading of the day. See the advertisement in another column. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 July 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


BRAINERD DRUG STORE.—Our drug store has, under the popular proprietorship of our good friend, S. V. R. Sherwood, Esq., grown to the proportions of a most respectable drug house. In addition to all the lines of goods usually kept in a first-class establishment of the kind, the proprietor has now added a full-fledged prescription department, under the care of that accomplished prescriptionist, Mr. N. McFadden. Mr. Mc. is not only a thoroughly competent man to have the care of putting up prescriptions, but is a clever and attentive gentleman. A prescription department is a thing that has been urgently needed here, and now that we have a good one at the Brainerd Drug store, we feel sure all will give it their liberal support when in need of compounded medicines of any description. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 November 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


RESIGNED.—Our friend, Mr. S. V. R. Sherwood, for a year past one of the popular conductors on the N. P., has resigned his position on the road, and is hereafter to be a permanent resident of our city. Mr. S. will have in charge the personal supervision of his fine drug store here which he has built up to be a fine establishment. He sells every line of goods usually kept in a first class drug establishment at wholesale and retail. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 November 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


HAY, HAY, HAY!--S. V. R. Sherwood has a fine lot of the choicest Hay, which can be had in quantities to suit purchasers, and at lowest prices. Inquire at the Postoffice and Drug Store. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 January 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


OUR friend, S. V. R. Sherwood, Esq., the popular druggist, is building a beautiful cottage just in rear of his drug store, on Fifth street. It bids fair to be one of the most tasty structures in the city, and does abundant credit to his fine taste and liberal enterprise. In consideration of his bachelor condition, the whole matter looks suspicious. “Who knows?” as the old woman said, when she followed the cart. We hope it is true; for, who better deserves, than he, a compan—but, well, it’s a mighty nice house anyhow. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 February 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


BEAUTIFUL PAPER-HANGINGS.—Our friend Sherwood, at the Drug Store, has just received a mammoth stock of beautiful Wall Paper, etc., just the thing for fixing up your little homes for the new spring now upon us. Go and look at it. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 March 1873, p. 1, c. 3)


FOR THE THIRSTY.—Now our people have an opportunity to quench their thirst with something as is something, in the way of a delicious beverage. Our indefatigably enterprising and esteemed citizen, S. V. R. Sherwood, Esq., at the drug store, has put up as handsome and lately improved a soda fountain as any city can boast of, accompanied by the most delicious of syrups. Gentlemen, ladies, “kids,” and all hands, can now indulge in a rare treat at a trifling cost. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 May 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


FRIENDS S. V. R. Sherwood and Frank Smith have their beautiful new quarters, next door to Mr. Sherwood’s drug store, all completed and ready for occupancy by their news depot and fruit store. This, as well as the drug store, is a credit to Brainerd, and, with so obliging and attentive a young man as “Frank,” at its head, must prove a paying concern. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 January 1874, p. 1, c. 6)


A GOOD THING.—Messrs. Sherwood & Smith, at their news stand, have added to their attractions by putting in a public library of valuable and standard books, which they will furnish our citizens at a small rent. This will prove a most valuable thing here in this new country where private libraries are scarce. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 January 1874, p. 1, c. 5)


FRESH SPICES.—At the popular drug store of S. V. R. Sherwood & Co., can be found a full stock of pure and fresh-ground spices of all kinds, which are received in bulk (being, therefore, much purer and stronger flavored than the ready packed spices) which are for sale in any quantity to suit. When you want pure spices, be sure to go to the drug store. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 February 1874, p. 1, c. 5)


McFadden Drug Store Ad, 11 December 1875.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

ANOTHER CHANGE.—As will be noticed by their new advertisement, Mr. McFadden, who has so long been the popular clerk at the postoffice and drug store, has bought an interest with Mr. Sherwood in the Brainerd Drug Store. Mr. McFadden is deservedly a very popular young gentleman, and a finished druggist; the firm of Sherwood & McFadden will certainly prove a strong one and a popular one. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 May 1874, p. 1, c. 4)


THE re-appointment of friend S. V. R. Sherwood, as Postmaster of this city, has been confirmed by the Senate. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 December 1874, p. 1, c. 6)


A CHANGE took place in the proprietorship of the Brainerd Drug Store this morning, Mr. Sherwood has sold his interest to N. McFadden whose card appears in another column. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 November 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


SEE: McFadden Drug Store and Westfall Clothing Store


A RUMOR is afloat that an effort is being made at Washington to remove our postmaster, S. V. R. Sherwood, and fill his place with a St. Paul man. How much of truth it contains, we are unprepared to state, but we venture the opinion that while St. Paul would be perfectly willing, we have no doubt, to fill all the offices in the State if possible, such an outrage will not be perpetrated by the powers that be at the Capital, or in fact, any change so made without consulting the people of Brainerd, in which event it simply “won’t be did.” (Brainerd Tribune, 22 January 1876, p. 4, c. 2)


Fire animation On August 1, 1876, a huge fire beginning at the corner of Fifth and Front streets burned westward consuming the Sherwood Drug Store, Pine Restaurant, Trudell Restaurant, Askew’s Saloon and approximately nine other buildings.


SEE: 1876 Sherwood Drug Store Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.

SEE: City Hotel

SEE: Post Office


McFadden, Newton

A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was born in the year 1850. He learned the drug business in early life, and has followed that profession ever since. He went to Duluth, Minnesota, in 1870, and after clerking in a drug store for eighteen months, went to Detroit Lakes, Becker county, and eight months later [c1873], came to Brainerd and was clerk in Mr. Sherwood’s drug store until 1874, when he purchased the business and still carries it on. He was elected to the office of County Treasurer in the fall of 1874, and has been retained in that position ever since, faithfully discharging the duties devolving upon him. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Winchell, Neill, Williams and Bryant, Minnesota Historical Company, Minneapolis: 1881, p. 650)


Sherwood, Sylvester V. R.

Was born in Connecticut in the year 1822. He grew to manhood in New England, and in 1870, came to Minnesota, and was employed in the construction department of the Northern Pacific Railroad. He ran the second regular train for that company, and acted as conductor until December, 1872. He then engaged in the drug business for a time, but subsequently changed to books and stationery, and smokers’ supplies, in which line he still continues. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Winchell, Neill, Williams and Bryant, Minnesota Historical Company, Minneapolis: 1881, p. 653)


SIXTH STREET SCHOOL (MAP #47)

Sixth Street School at the northeast corner of 6th and Oak, ca. 1890.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society (Box B5 #31)

Circa 1871-72 Brainerd’s first school, at the west end of Front Street, is of hewn logs. Planks laid upon boxes are the seats. The teacher is said to be Charles Lancaster, a graduate of St. Cloud Normal School. Later the building is used as an icehouse. The first effort to have a semipublic school is “by Bean, Prescott, and White, who purchase of John Hess for $50 a building of hewn logs near the railroad bridge” and employ Miss Hall as teacher. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Winchell, Neill, Williams and Bryant, Minnesota Historical Company, Minneapolis: 1881, p. 640) (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 30)


SCHOOLS.

_____


At present there is but one school in Brainerd, and that is a private school, taught by Miss Rorick, in a building hired for the purpose, in lower town. We have understood that a public school will be commenced ere long, and we hope so. We have not learned as yet the exact condition of the resources to keep up a public school, but believe there is something of a public school fund now standing to our credit.

We were also informed by Bishop Whipple, when here, that he proposed taking under consideration the propriety of establishing here a parish school, designed for girls principally, though small boys would be admitted as well. We heartily wish—with many others here—that the Bishop may find it practicable to establish such a school, for we feel sure such a one would be well supported. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 February 1872, p. 2, c. 2)


School Matters.


According to an Act passed by the legislature during a recent session, School Boards are elected on the first Saturday of each October. The Board consists of three of course—a Clerk, a Treasurer and Director. Our present Board is composed of the following persons: Lyman P. White, Clerk; P. D. Davenport, Director; T. F. Knappen, Treasurer. A tax was levied last fall, and as soon as a settlement is had between Auditor Hartley and the Treasurer, the district treasury will be stocked with a fund of about six hundred dollars for school purposes. We are informed that it is the intention to build a respectable school building, furnish it comfortably, hire a competent teacher or teachers, and have a first-class district school throughout the approaching spring, summer and autumn. This is cheering news, indeed; and we hope a sufficient interest will be taken among our citizens to warrant the putting under way of a splendidly ordered school, where our children may receive at least good common advantages for becoming educated. We want to see no lethargy in this matter of schools for the rising generation. If there is any lack of funds to carry out the desires, let the deficit be promptly made up by private subscription. We want a good, roomy schoolhouse, with systematic and comfortable seats and desks, blackboards, and in fact everything else requisite to a No. 1 school. If there are too many scholars to receive full justice under the tutorship of one teacher, employ two, and put the primary classes in charge of one, and advanced classes in charge of another—and in separate school rooms if needful. This thing of hanging back in the school interest must not be. What do we live for but to look after the educational as well as general training of the little ones—every other object, secularly speaking, should be subordinated to that of training up and educating the children in a manner that they may at least have a chance to become an honor to their parents and a credit to the community and country. We are not wealthy, as a community, but we are able to keep up at least one good common school eight months in a year, provided with teachers who know their business; and all that is necessary is that we say it shall be done! (Brainerd Tribune, 24 February 1872, p. 3, c. 4)


For several months in 1872 Miss [Julia] Fitzgerald conducts a private school with an enrollment of 22 boys and 23 girls and an average attendance of 30. The studies are: alphabet, reading, penmanship, spelling, arithmetic, grammar, geography and history. ...Later in the year the Brainerd School District is organized. The board authorizes that positions be offered to Miss Ladd and Miss Fitzgerald, who teaches private school, to teach from 01 January to 01 April 1873, at a salary of $55 per month. [NOTE: Miss Julia Fitzgerald (Mrs. C. G. Early of St. Paul) is a home comer in 1922.] (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 30)


The Brainerd School District is organized and six elected members of the School Board meet for the first time on 30 December 1872. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 14)


The Brainerd School District is organized to begin functioning on 01 January 1873. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 8)


School Meeting.


The Board of Directors of the Independent School district, comprising the City of Brainerd, having been duly qualified, held their first meeting at the TRIBUNE office, in said city, on Monday, the 30th day of December, 1872, with Mr. C. B. Sleeper in the Chair.

On motion Mr. L. P. White was elected Treasurer.

On motion Mr. L. B. Perry was appointed a committee to act as Superintendent of Schools until the Board should elect a Sup’t.

On motion the following resolution was adopted:

Resolved—That this Board, appreciating the services of Misses Ladd and Fitzgerald in teaching private schools in our city, respectfully tender them the two public schools to be taught for three months, in Brainerd, commencing Jan. 1st. 1873, provided a contract for the same can be closed with them, and details agreed upon.

On motion the Board was authorized to make a contract with Teachers, offering for their services, respectively, a sum not to exceed $55 per month.

On motion meeting adjourned until Saturday evening, Jan. 4th, at eight o’clock. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 January 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


OUR public schools are now in a most prosperous condition, under the Independent School District organization. New seats and desks have been introduced, and the “little shavers,” as well as their teachers, are happy. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 January 1873, p. 1, c. 7)


The new school house will be ready for occupancy next week. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 March 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


PUBLIC SCHOOLS full to running over. Scholars progressing, teachers successful, parents well pleased. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 March 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


School Bonds.


REMEMBER that on the 19th inst., at Bly’s Hall, our citizens are to vote on the proposition of bonding this Independent School District to the extent of $3,500 for the purpose of building School buildings commensurate with the necessities and the dignity of our young city—a thing we have already too long neglected, for the convenience and best interests of our citizens and children, and our good name abroad. Vote YES! on this important matter. Reports have come to our ears that certain men—and thank fortune their number is small—have rejected the idea of bonding the district in a scornful manner, and in terms not too flattering to the School Board who are TRYING to do the best they can to advance the best interests of the community in this very essential regard. The men, too, who have expressed themselves as opposed to the issue of the bonds, and the building of decent and needed structures for school purposes, are the LAST men we would have suspicioned of advancing such a ridiculous and narrow-minded opposition. And to such men, and without the slightest effort at buncombe (for if there is a thing we detest it is supercilious brag) we make the following proposition, to wit:—Let all the wealthiest of the opponents of the bonds select their richest man, and figure out how much that man’s annual tax will amount to, and whatever the result may be, we hereby agree to pay THE SAME AMOUNT in cash for the purpose of building these needed school buildings—and all we are worth is the ’tools we work with.’ Now, in the vulgar but expressive language of the prize fighters, let them “put up, or shut up!”

We have not a single school edifice in this town. We have over 150 scholars enrolled, who should have the benefit of schools. The school board, to meet the exigencies of the case, propose to bond the District, and build one school edifice at a cost not to exceed $2,500, this year. This building will accommodate one hundred scholars. The parish school building, attached to the Episcopal Church, can be used for public school purposes, probably, for a year or two, and will accommodate 80 scholars, so that the Board will not use the balance of the bonds until they are obligated to build another edifice on the north side of the track.

Now, without any school edifices, how are our children to be educated? Without bonds, how are we to build school edifices?

As a celebrated statesman once said, “Whoever cries ‘constitution’ mark him; he is a traitor!” we would say “whoever cries ’down with these school bonds,’ is a traitor to Brainerd’s best interests, an enemy of progress and improvement,” and should be put down for just what he is worth to the body politic, to-wit:—”0.” (Brainerd Tribune, 15 March 1873, p. 1, c. 2)


Defeat of the School Bonds.


The question submitted to our citizens on Wednesday, to bond this Independent District for the purpose of building a school house, wherein to educate our children, was defeated. The vote stood 213 in favor, and 214 against issuing the bonds—and the law requires two-thirds of the votes cast to favor it. Nearly all our best citizens favored the issue of the bonds, because, in the absence of even the shadow of anything in the shape of a school building in this city of 2,500 inhabitants, they deemed it a necessity. Our 200 scholars, in obedience to the verdict of the “CITIZENS”(?) who voted down the proposition, will have to continue to wander about the streets and grow up in vice and ignorance, unless their parents take them hence to some community where the prevailing element is in favor of at least decent provisions for the education of the rising generation. The plan of the School Board was a most wise and foreseeing one, and while it was arranged so as to be a merely nominal tax almost, on our citizens, yet its success would have given us a system whereby all our children might have received an education, even far more than common, literally free of cost, so to speak, besides being an ornament to our city and a monument to our good name abroad. To all persons who are actually interested in the welfare of Brainerd, as a respectable community, and who voted HONESTLY against the issue of the bonds, we wish to say that we have a profound respect for their opinion, and wish it distinctly understood that we jump over them, and do not refer to them in any criticisms we see fit to make on the low-bred idea and principle that defeated the proposition to give us a school house. But. Take notice, that we assert that there were not TWENTY-FIVE MEN of this class, who voted against the issue of the bonds.

One-fourth of the families now here, however, will leave Brainerd if the verdict of Wednesday is carried out, and within the next year of our existence fifty to one hundred families will never see Brainerd, that would otherwise have been valuable citizens of our young and aspiring community. But we do not believe that the decision rendered on Wednesday will be accepted as incontrovertible law by our good people.

We yet have faith in humanity, and fully believe that the right-minded citizens of Brainerd will rise in their might and correct the disgraceful wrong that has been perpetrated, and set this community right on the records of their history—and that, too, in less than sixty days from the perpetration of this gross injustice to our good name and best interests. We shall see. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 March 1873, p. 1, c. 2)


“BRAINERD, the livest city on the line of the Northern Pacific Railroad, is without a school building. Shame!”—St. Paul Daily Pioneer, 20th.

Yes, we acknowledge that it is a shame; but our better class of citizens have tried hard to get one, but have been defeated. Ourself, with the minority, however, intend to keep to work night and day until the disgrace is wiped out, and good schools are established for all who are now here, and those yet to come. The honor(?) of defeating our educational interests is already lying as a stinking carcass at the door of those who defeated it. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 March 1873, p. 1, c. 3)


WE have received seventeen communications from citizens condemnatory of the defeat of the Bond proposition, but cannot possibly make room in our columns for half of them. Some of those handed in were too personal in character, and we have deemed best to exclude them, as we are not in favor of personalities, especially upon a matter of such vast importance as that of schools. We herewith thank the scores of our valued citizens who have called upon us to express their thanks in person for any labor we may have performed in an honest endeavor, with our noble co-workers on the School Board, to do our community an act of simple justice, in trying to establish schools for our children. We are deserving of no thanks for the part we have taken, as any honest citizen should do as much or more with equal opportunities at hand. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 March 1873, p. 1, c. 3)


Comments on the Defeat(?)


CHRONICLES.


Mr. Editor.


And it came to pass in those days that there was no School house, wherein to hold school, and the people said this is not good; let us build a house that our children may be taught to read, and many other useful things; and they straightaway went unto the school board, and asked them: Can we not build unto ourselves a house.” Now, the rulers of the district had thought of this thing, so after counseling among themselves, and also with many of the citizens they said let us raise bonds and build a good house, that the people may be satisfied, and the city greatly benefited. Now, it came to pass that when a great ruler(?) of the city heard these things, he was exceeding wroth, so he, and certain others, like-minded, counseled among themselves how they might encompass its defeat. And they said, let us go out among the people, round about the city, and say unto all those who have no interest in this thing, nor in the good of the city or any public benefit; let us say unto them,”This thing the people have gotten up about Bonds is an imposition, and will make a great tax; therefore, when ye shall come to the hall to vote, vote ye all with one accord, the tickets I and certain others shall give unto you, saying, “No Bonds;” and, for such service, much shall be given you.” So, on the day of the meeting, they came in from round about, and did as they were commanded.

Now, when the good people of the city saw this thing, they were much astonished, and they said, “Why is this thing done unto us? can we not have a school house?” And they spake among themselves in this wise, “Some said, let us have a new ruler(!) to rule over us; others said, we will send our families out of the city, so that our children may attend school.”

And it came to pass, during the meeting, that certain of the opposers of the Bonds, called for a subscription, saying, “they would rather pay fifty, or one hundred dollars, in that way, than ten or fifteen dollars, by a tax,” knowing that if they did sign for that amount, they would never be called upon to pay it; for they knew there could not be enough raised in that way to build a house. Now, the people saw this dodge, and WHAT IT WAS DONE FOR, and they cried aloud. “Away with it, and those who advocate it!” And the people, when they saw how those who would not, for the public good, had triumphed over them, they said, “this is the worst thing that ever happened to the city.” And they straightway went, each to his own home, feeling sorrowful.

Thus endeth the first Chronicle.

T. H. W.

_____


Brainerd, March 20th,

M. C. RUSSELL, Dear Sir. On learning the result of the election on the 19th, on the School Bond question, I, for one, felt very much disappointed; as every thoughtful or prudent person’s first question, upon going into a new country, is, “what kind of schools, if any, are there, in the place.” Now, we all know Education is the basis of all our success in life; and if we would have this country settled up, our first endeavors should be to have good schools at once. To have these, we must have the requisite buildings; for, without schools, men with families will not stay here, nor will others come, on learning that there are no facilities for educating their children. It is not only a duty we owe to our children, to educate them the best we possibly can, but one that will tend to build up our beautiful city here, and also settle up the country around.

Respectfully Yours,

F. P. SUMMERS.

_____


We voted for the issuing of the School bonds simply because there is nothing we stand in so great need of as school buildings, and there is nothing that ought to touch the pride of every good citizen of Brainerd, more than the stubborn fact, that with our mammoth Machine Shops, our grand Iron Foundries, our Lumbering Manufactories and Mills, our costly and extensive Railroad Buildings, that are so justly a pride to our city, our five neat, comfortable and substantial Churches, our score of nice looking and attractive hotels, we have NOT EVEN A TENT PROVIDED FOR SCHOOLS.

What are we thinking about!!

J. G. TODD.

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THE proposition to bond the School District for an amount sufficient to build a respectable and much needed graded School House has been voted down. We are astonished, not to use a harsher term, at the short-sightedness of what claims to be an intelligent community, to thus thwart the efforts our efficient School Board to place our educational institutions in a condition to meet the present and fast increasing demands of the people of Brainerd. We heard the extraordinary argument used yesterday at the Polls, that the taxes occasioned by the proposed bonds would deter people from locating in our city. Now, we ask in the name of common sense who would bring a family to a city of 2,500 inhabitants that was without a school house, and that had voted down a proposition to raise funds to build one, for fear of incurring a few cents per annum of taxation. Our schools that we have had for the last year, have had to go a begging for a place to shelter them, and have been supported by private subscriptions, and those who have supported them voted “YES” yesterday at the polls, and vice versa. E. U. RUSSELL.

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CERTAINLY the educational interests of a community cannot be too highly estimated. The beneficial results are not confined to one class, nor to one branch of trade alone. Like the rays of the sun, its radiation is in EVERY direction.

We take it that for the prosperity of ALL, no want of Brainerd is more urgently demanded than the building of a school house, or houses, with no less capacity than our need. At the taking of our our next assessment, our tax roll will show and aggregate of no less than $180,000, within the city limits. With this resource to pay the interest at the rate of 8 per cent, on a bonded debt of $3,500, running ten years, each man’s share would be so insignificant that its addition to his ordinary tax would not be perceptible.

W. P. TODD.

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If the people of Brainerd are not willing to build suitable school buildings, and pay competent teachers for the thorough training and instruction of the children of our city, they are preferring the reign of ignorance and crime, to that of intelligence and good order. S. INGHAM.

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In the defeat of our Public School system, on yesterday, our city has taken a retrograde position. That the preponderance of the ignorant masses has defeated the wishes of our intelligent and law-abiding citizens, is undeniable. That parties claiming respectability should ally themselves with the class who voted down our Schools, proves conclusively that education is at a discount in this “City of the Pines.” WM. MURPHY. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 March 1873, p. 1, c.’s 6 & 7)


NOTICE OF SPECIAL

School Meeting.


A special School Meeting of the electors of the Independent School District, City of Brainerd, will be held at the School House—north side—ON TUESDAY THE EIGHTH DAY OF APRIL, A. D. 1873, for the purpose of voting to erect a Public School building, for said District, the present year; the amount to be raised for such purpose not to exceed Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars.

Dated Brainerd March 24th, 1873.

C. B. SLEEPER,

President Board of Education,

L. B. PERRY, Clerk of the Board.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 29 March 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


At a meeting held on 08 April 1873, the school district votes to erect a public school building that year at a cost of $2,500. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 31)


BIDS ON THE NEW SCHOOL BUILDING.—The School Board are now prepared to receive bids for the construction of a School Building for this Independent School District. Plans and specifications may be seen at Sleeper & Holland’s Law Office.

L. B. PERRY, Ch’m.

April 19, 1873

(Brainerd Tribune, 19 April 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


PRIVATE SCHOOL.—Miss Addie Simons will open a private School in the parish school building, on Broadway, north side, on Monday, April 28th. Miss Simons was educated at Lima and Springville Seminaries, New York. She comes among us highly endorsed as a teacher of eminent qualifications and experience, and no doubt will give good satisfaction. Those desirous of patronizing Miss Simons’ School can apply at Mr. Sleeper’s residence or office, for one week, for terms, etc. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 April 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.—The Board of Education have finally made arrangements to commence two public schools on Monday, the 13th, inst., one north of the railroad, one block west of the Congregational Church, by Miss Ladd, and the other in the Catholic Chapel, by Miss Fitzgerald. The Board have done everything in their power to arrange for schools during the summer term, and until the new school building can be built and made ready—which they hope to have ready for the fall term. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 May 1873, p. 1, c. 3)


SCHOOL NOTICE.—Owing to serious illness in the family of Miss Fitzgerald at Faribault, she will not be in Brainerd in time to commence her school in the Catholic Chapel before a week from Monday. So the little folks will have to patient another week. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 May 1873, p. 1, c. 7)


MISS LADD’s school opened on Monday last, north of the track, under very favorable auspices.

Miss Fitzgerald’s school, at the Catholic Chapel, will open on Monday next.

Miss Simon’s private school, in the Episcopal parish school building, is in successful operation, with some thirty scholars. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 May 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


THE following are the sealed bids presented to the School Board for the construction of the new school building:

D. L. Toner—$2,267.00

Brainerd Lumber & Manufacturing Co., by J. S. Campbell, Superintendent— $2,134.00

A. A. White—$2,265.00

John H. Moon—$2,525.00

A. F. McKay and A. Gettan—$2,200.00

W. H. Tull—$2,287.00

The contract was awarded to the Brainerd Lumber and Manufacturing Co., they being the lowest bidders. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 May 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


SCHOOL EXAMINATION.—Miss Julia Fitzgerald held an examination in her school yesterday afternoon. Many parents and other visitors were present, and the examination proved very satisfactory, and was a pleasant affair. Miss Fitzgerald has some eighty scholars, and it is surprising that with so many she can advance them in their studies so rapidly as she does. Very many of the scholars deserve special mention for their excellent conduct and rapid advancement, did time permit; but all we can say at this time is, to assure them that their parents and teacher are greatly pleased with them, and to admonish them to go forward and be good, obedient children, and learn as rapidly as they can, and all they can, while they have the privilege of attending school; for some day they will have to leave their school, their teacher, and even their homes, to go out into the world and battle for themselves—then they will be glad that while at school they learned all they could; for a good education will be a great help to them in after life. So, let all the little and big children now attending school, strive to be good and learn all they possibly can, through the kind instruction of their teacher. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 June 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


THE NEW public school building, being built by the Brainerd Lumber & Manufacturing Co., for this Independent District, is now progressing rapidly and satisfactorily to the Board. Mr. J. S. Campbell, the Superintendent of that Company, assures us it will be completed by the middle of August. It will be a beautiful ornament to the picturesque location it occupies on Sixth Street. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 July 1873, p. 1, c. 3)


The Sixth Street School is built on the northeast corner of South Sixth and Oak Streets.


THE new public school building is rapidly approaching completion. Mr. Campbell, the contractor, deserves much credit for the energy he has displayed in pushing the work forward. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 July 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


SCHOOL EXAMINATION.—We only have time to say in this issue that the closing exercises of Miss Ladd’s public school yesterday afternoon, was a most interesting and highly creditable affair. Quite a number of visitors were present, including the children’s parents, and were delighted at the evidence of rapid advancement given by all the classes. Miss Ladd has made an excellent teacher, and is highly esteemed as an accomplished lady and teacher, by our community, and is much loved by her scholars. Yesterday closed her summer term, and next Friday closes the summer term of Miss Fitzgerald’s school. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 August 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


MR. PERRY has completed his canvas of the district for school census, and a glance at his report in its crude state shows a total of 275 children between the ages of 5 and 21, of which 143 are males, and 132 are females. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 September 1873, p. 1, c. 2)


WE call attention to the advertisement of the school to be opened next Wednesday, by Miss Ladd, in the new Public School House. Miss Ladd is one of our tried and faithful teachers, and we are glad that she is to open a school in the absence of the money to provide for a public school. Her terms are very reasonable, and, as a teacher, she has no superior. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 September 1873, p. 1, c. 2)


MISS N. C. LADD will open a PRIVATE SCHOOL in THE NEW SCHOOL BUILDING on Sixth Street, Wednesday, September 17th. Terms: Pupils studying Arithmetic, Geography, &c., $4.00 per quarter; Primary Department, $3.00. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 September 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


MISS LADD’S school will commence on Monday morning next, at the new school building on Sixth Street. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 September 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


THE new school building is now the scene of a well-filled, and happy school of the little ones, under the care and tutorship of Miss Ladd. She only occupies the lower floor. The upper room is the larger and finer room of the two, and is designed for the higher grade of scholars. The building is now completed and turned over to the Board by the contractor, Mr. J. S. Campbell, and is built in the most substantial and approved manner, and is handsomely, yet plainly, finished off in all its details. The job is a high credit to Mr. Campbell, and is a substantial ornament to the town, and will prove a blessing to the little ones and older ones in quest of learning. We hope great care will be taken on the part of teachers in future charge of this fine structure, not to allow it to become defaced or marred in any way by scholars. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 October 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


SCHOOL MONEY.—We notice by Friday’s Pioneer, which contains the semi-annual apportionment of the school fund, that Crow Wing county, having 322 scholars, is entitled to $238.28, or 74 cents to each scholar. This will help us greatly. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 October 1873, p. 1, c. 3)


THE school Board, at their meeting on Thursday, determined to have three months public school this winter in the new school building, commencing Dec. 16th. There will be two departments—one down and the other upstairs,—and the teachers will be Misses Simons and Ladd. The Board has ordered Peard’s patent seats and desks for the upper department, through Messrs. Woodbridge & Forbes, of Duluth. When these are introduced Brainerd will have one of the finest school-rooms in the new Northwest. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 November 1873, p. 1, c. 7)


PUBLIC SCHOOL NOTICE.—Owing to the fact that the seats for the public school house have not yet arrived, the School Board authorizes us to say that the public school will not commence until the first Monday in January. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 December 1873, p. 1, c. 7)


ON account of the illness of the teacher, the new term of the Parish School will not begin until after the Holidays. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 December 1873, p. 1, c. 7)


I WILL appoint next Thursday afternoon at 2 P. M., for the examination of teachers for the city schools, at my residence.

J. S. CAMPBELL,

Co. Sup’t.

(Brainerd Tribune, 27 December 1873, p. 1, c. 7)


The Sixth Street School opens for a three-month's term in January 1874, with Miss Simons and Miss Ladd as teachers. With its additions, built later, it cares for 250 pupils. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 31)


PUBLIC SCHOOl.—The two branches of the Public School will positively commence on Monday next—all causes of delay having been disposed of. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 January 1874, p. 1, c. 5)


ROLL OF HONOR.—The following are the scholars at Miss Addie Simons’ branch of the Public School who are entitled to have their names placed on the roll of honor for proficiency in their studies and general merit as students, for the month ending Feb. 6, 1874. We are pleased, indeed, to see so many names entitled to this high honor, and hope to have the pleasure of publishing a still more flattering list for the next month. Here is the roll:


Frank Campbell.

Josie Shontell.

Emma Pegg.

Nellie Stearns.

Sophia Pegg.

Kati White.

Levi Davenport.

Bertie Humphrey.

John Davidson.

Wm. White.

Harlo Comstock.

Christie Dean.

Blanche Sleeper.

The roll of honor includes those scholars whose standing for this month is 97 and above 100 being the standard. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 February 1874, p. 1, c. 6)


ANY citizen who may be skeptical as to the moral standing of the boys of this town (as indicated in our article elsewhere) are respectfully referred, for a slight proof of its truth, to the four outside walls of our splendid new school building, that was built at great expense for their free education, and which has only had school held therein but a few weeks. What kind of a monument of “nastiness” this originally fine structure will present by another six months, God only knows. Even at present, it is a moral poisoner to any child not iron clad. And if the owners of such boys will not inquire into the conduct of their offspring, (and if found to be in any way concerned in such fiendish business) will not tan the hides off them till the villainous obscenity is forever broken up, why, the authorities ought to, that’s all. And if Christians would hunt out such boys and offer no prayers for their rescue, from the life of obscenity they have commenced, and exert their influence for their suppression of the open causes of this state of things, it would at least be the next best thing to praying in saloons—in our opinion! beg your pardon. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 February 1874, p. 1, c. 7)


ROLL OF HONOR.—The following is the roll of honor, public school, for the month ending March 6, 1874:


Christie Dean.

Maggie Davidson.

Carrie Whyte.

Sophia Pegg.

Josie Shontell.

Mary Mitchell.

Emma Pegg.

Nellie Stearns.

Beatrice Read.

Katie White.

Daisy Paine.

Lily Paine.

Harlo Comstock.

Levi Davenport.

Franklin Beane.

Frank Campbell.

George White.

Jacob Paine.

Edw. Doby.

Bertie Humphrey.

Eddie Pegg.

Alexander Whyte.

Marion Davenport.

Fred Knapp.

Lorenzo Paddock.

George Campbell.

John Lofstrom.

(Brainerd Tribune, 14 March 1874, p. 1, c. 5)


ROLL OF HONOR.—The following is the roll of honor, public school, for the month of March, in Miss Simon’s department:

Maggie Davidson,

Lou Preston,

Bertie Humphrey,

Jennie Bardsley,

Emma Pegg,

Alex. Whyte,

Alice Peterson,

Huldah Chapman,

Bertie Robinson,

Lily Paine,

Harlo Comstock,

Christie Dean,

Sophia Pegg,

John Lofstrom,

John Davidson,

Levi Davenport,

Blanche Sleeper,

Frank Campbell,

Mary Chapman,

Lizzie Tennis,

Carrie Whyte,

Beatrice Read,

Daisy Paine,

Josie Shontell,

Mary Falconer,

Fred Davenport,

Franklin Beane,

Katie White,

Clark West,

Marion Davenport,

Thomas Caruthers,

Jacob Paine.

Lizzie Tennis’ name should have been on the Roll last month.

The closing exercises for the term will be held in the school room Tuesday evening, April 7th, commencing at 7:30. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 April 1874, p. 1, c. 3)


THE SCHOOL EXHIBITION.—The closing exercises of the winter term of Miss Addie Simons’ school, on Tuesday evening last, was a surprising success to even those who expected most. Unfortunately for us, being a little late, we were unable to get into the hall, so closely was it packed; but, with many others, we got into the doorway, where, by stretching our neck to the full extent of its mileage, we saw a good deal of the performance, and heard the balance. We cannot go into the extended report of the affair that we would like to, or that the exhibition deserved. The large audience, composed of great and small, young and old, were delighted with every presentation, and the scholars of the school rendered all their various parts in a manner that well deserved the hearty applause accorded them. Declamations, dialogues, little “tragedies,” tableaux, sweet songs, and dear knows what all were brought out in rapid succession, and for nearly two hours the hall was an intensely happy scene. Our juvenile and youthful community can certainly turn out as great a proportion of Galen as any of the older ones below, and on this occasion the scholars, too, gave evidence of careful training on the part of their excellent teacher, Miss Simons; who deserves many thanks for the fine intellectual treat given to our people on this occasion. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 April 1874, p. 1, c. 5)


PUBLIC SCHOOL.


In answer to many inquiries, we would state that there will be no summer term of a public school in Brainerd, owing to the fact that we have no resources at hand with which to pay for it. The School board had hoped, and have made every effort, to have a summer term. But with all the resources at their command, under the existing State law, the Board can only barely rake enough together to pay for the schooling already had, and with nothing coming in for future school; (save a little proportion of State school money to be received next fall) until next spring again. It seems under the law as it now stands, from the best information we can obtain, public schools have no revenue for support except the State fund and the revenue arising from COUNTY liquor licenses; and as we have a city organization here, and it imposes a license on liquor dealers, this, under the law, lets the liquor dealer out of paying a COUNTY license at all. Hence, on this account, the School Board is left without a single resource upon which to draw for the maintenance of a public school in this place, save only the little pittance that comes twice a year from the State. In short, the Board has spent all, and a little more, that they had, to have schools up to date, and now have no resources with which to provide for future schools, under the school law passed the latter end of the 1873 session of the Legislature. Still, the Board hopes to get something together, or something in prospect, at least, by next fall, so that they may give a fall term, and possibly a winter term of public school. The people may feel assured that the Board will do all in their power, consistent with the principle of keeping the District out of debt, to have all the schooling possible. And if the Legislature of 1873 took it upon themselves to strip us of resources with which to keep up schools, all we can do is to hope for a Legislature next winter possessing enough common sense and honesty of purpose to stick such a law into the middle of the past century. As it is, if we had not a city government here, so that liquor dealers could pay their licenses to the COUNTY, then we would be furnished with enough school money, added to what we get from the State fund, to have six, or possibly nine months of public school, every year. But HAVING a city government on our hands, the licenses have to go towards keeping up city, instead of county and educational institutions. This is, in the rough, the best information we can gather relative to having schools for the present in Brainerd, though it seems to us to be a deplorable string of facts for our educational interests and welfare. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 May 1874, p. 1, c. 3)


PRIVATE SCHOOL.—In view of the fact that there is to be no public school this summer, and at the request of a number of our citizens Miss Ladd authorizes us to say that she will open a private school in the public school building, on Sixth street, next Monday morning. Her terms will be placed at the low price of Three Dollars in advance. That she will have all the scholars she deserves we have no doubt, as she is an excellent teacher. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 May 1874, p. 1, c. 4)


A DIFFERENT FACE.


A week or so ago, there being a sort of hitch in our public school progress and prospects, we picked upon two or three persons we thought most likely to be able to give us correct information about the standing of our county and district as to resources present and prospective. After careful inquiry, we published an article embracing the exact sense of the information obtained, and, as will be remembered by our readers, it was a “blue” prospect, to say the very least of it. No money, no resources, and no likelihood of any. Of course, a gloom was cast over the community, at the poor prospect for education, and no one regretted the fact more than ourself—because of the scores of bright children in the city whose parents were ill able to send them to private schools. Our astonishment at the time (“that the State Legislature of 1873 had passed a law doing away with the right of counties, to levy a special tax to keep up schools, without making a provision in some other manner to replace the ability of counties, thus taken from them, to provide a school fund.”) was very great, and has been ever since. But before we have had time or opportunity to look up the law in reference to the whole matter for ourself, County Auditor Goulet has come to the relief and enlightenment of us all on this point, and from him we learn that there is now in the County Treasurer’s hands, in cash, for school purposes—instead of nothing at all—something over eight hundred dollars. This fund arose principally from the regular two mill school tax, which the law allows each county to levy annually (under the present law, in lieu of the Legislature having done away with the special taxes which was in vogue previous to 1873) for the support of schools in the counties where levied. It seems under the old law, this two mill levy went bodily to the State. But since the law was changed, this fund has been turned over to the counties. Here is doubtless where our informants who dictated our first article made their mistake; they thought this regular two mill school tax still went to the State, doubtless, as it had always done before, and were ignorant of the fact that it had been given to the counties to take the place of the former mode of a special levy for the support of schools. Hence, after the law and facts have been looked up, we find our District in good shape for a school fund, and the School Board will doubtless bestir themselves accordingly. With well up to nine hundred dollars to start with, the Board will doubtless give our people two terms of school in quick succession, now, and possibly three terms—all of which will prove a great blessing. And we believe, with economical management, the Board can grant at least nine months of public school hereafter, which, with her private schools, will place Brainerd in the foremost rank in the line of all ordinary advantages for education. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 May 1874, p. 1, c. 3)


PUBLIC SCHOOL.—The Board have determined—owing to the heated season now being upon us—not to commence the public schools until the 1st of September. They propose to have then a full three months’ term, and immediately following that, have two more ten-week terms. In other words, there will be two public schools in our fine school building during September, October and November; December will be a vacation; then school again during January, February, and till about March 20th; then, again, from about April 15th to July 1st. This arrangement, it is thought, will come nearer suiting all concerned, and prove of greater benefit to the scholars than any other. The Board have determined to employ one gentleman teacher, and one lady teacher hereafter, and none but No. 1, experienced and well recommended teachers need apply. The gentleman will be required to have a first grade certificate, and the lady at least a second grade. The Board are fully determined hereafter to employ in the public schools none but the most talented and experienced teachers; pay them liberal wages, for which the teachers will be expected and required to conduct first-class schools in every respect. The Board will have three terms a year, hereafter, and the teachers employed, if they give full satisfaction, can have permanent employment. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 May 1874, p. 1, c.’s 4 & 5)


PUBLIC SCHOOLS.—The Board of Education have employed a gentleman from Canada—Mr. G. B. Davis—as principal of the Brainerd public schools, and his department, the upper branch, will open a fall term on Monday, of four months; terminating Thursday, Dec. 24th. The lower grade will also commence in a few days, or just as soon as a lady teacher from the Normal School can be procured; probably as soon as a week from Monday. All scholars who wish to attend, that have been reading in the Third reader, or above that grade, are requested to meet at the public school building on Monday morning next, at 9 o’clock, that Mr. Davis, with Superintendent Holland, may make up the upper department, and commence “business.” Those below that grade will wait a few days, until the other teacher arrives, when all will receive the advantages of a first class school. The Board have determined to have just as good schools as they have anywhere, and we feel sure they will be supported by the people in their efforts to make our schools hereafter what they ought to be. The Board esteems that in securing the services of Mr. Davis, they have secured a teacher as Principal, who is thoroughly competent, and an enterprising, energetic gentleman, who will come fully up to the desired standard as a principal teacher.

N. B.—Since the above was in type Mr. Davis has requested that ALL the scholars in the District shall attend school on Monday, for the purpose of being properly graded for the different Departments, and that they shall also bring their books with them. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 August 1874, p. 1, c. 4)


SCHOOLS IN FULL BLAST.—Brainerd has finally, through the efforts and care of her efficient Board of Education, got three public schools in successful operation. They are schools, too, quite worthy the title of first class.

We feel sure that all our good people are destined to be much pleased with Mr. Davis, the Principal of the schools, and the Board will have occasion to congratulate themselves that so efficient a teacher came within their reach. The schools under his charge already regard him very highly, and by his direction they are sure to learn rapidly and hold, by a good understanding, all they gain. While he is stern in his demands upon scholars for their proper conduct in all things, he is nevertheless kind and attentive; and we hope all our little folks will appreciate the grand advantages now presented them, and not only deport themselves in a far different manner than heretofore, but do their very best to improve the golden moments as they fly. For now is the time they all either prepare themselves for high callings and useful lives, or forever lose the opportunity to do so.

Miss Smith, who has charge of the middle grade, is a young lady from St. Cloud, a graduate of the Normal School, and comes to us highly recommended both as an accomplished teacher and a lady. We feel sure she will make a popular teacher. Although we have not had the pleasure of meeting Miss Smith as yet, we nevertheless hear “grand reports” of her efficiency, by way of the pupils and others.

Fannie Robinson, 1856-1943, ca. Unknown.
Source: Oldtimers II: Stories of Our Pioneers in the Cass and Crow Wing Lake Region, Volume II, Carl A. Zapffe, Jr., Echo Publishing and Printing, Incorporated, Pequot Lakes, Minnesota: 1988

The school north of the track is conducted by Miss Fannie Robinson, of this place. Miss Robinson is well and favorably known here, and we are sure she will make a successful teacher in learning the young and tender minds how to shoot. She has never taught school before, we believe, but her qualifications, both natural and attained, are of a high order, and we venture the opinion that she will, from the outset come fully up to the standard of a good teacher, as she takes a deep interest in the work and in this lays the key to success in any calling.

There will be a four months’ term of school this fall, ending on Dec. 24th. Then after a short holiday vacation, a second term will be commenced. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 September 1874, p. 1, c. 6)


CERTIFICATES OF STANDINGS.—Parents may expect their children attending school to receive each month a certificate of standing from their teacher, whereby parents may know how their little ones are progressing. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 September 1874, p. 1, c. 2)


The Schools.


The board of Education made a formal visit to all the Schools of the city on Monday last, and were not only highly entertained and edified, but greatly pleased at their evident prosperity and the progress being made by the pupils. The schools having been thoroughly classified, or graded, things run noticeably smoother than of yore, and as a consequence the pupils are making giant strides in their studies, and seem to be encouraged to go ahead, and apparently take a deep interest in their own advancement. We have three excellent teachers in the persons of Misses Smith and Robinson and Mr. Davis. They are not only respected and thought much of by their scholars, but are highly competent for their respective positions. Brainerd can now boast of as good public schools as they have anywhere, and nearly two hundred of our little folks and lads and lassies are engaged in a noble struggle to reach the golden apple that rests on the top round in the ladder of knowledge—and it does us good to see them. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 October 1874, p. 1, c. 3)


THE citizens are all invited to attend a public examination of the schools, on Thursday next, and an exhibition on Friday night. The pupils of Miss Smith’s “A” class will present themselves for examination on Friday next at 9 a. m., and the Superintendent will promote as many as are fit, to a higher grade. Bring your slates and readers. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 December 1874, p. 1, c. 5)


THE CLOSE OF THE SCHOOLS.—The fall term of the public schools closed yesterday, and the winter term will open, we believe, the second Monday of January. Mr. Davis, the Principal will spend his vacation at his home in Canada; Miss Smith, will spend the time at her home in St. Cloud, and Miss Robinson will of course, enjoy her rest and vacation at home in Brainerd. The schools have been very successful, and the examination of the scholars at the close was evidence enough of the rapid progress made by the pupils. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 December 1874, p. 1, c. 7)


OUR SCHOOLS.


The winter term of our public schools, terminated on Friday of last week, and the spring term opens on Monday next. The winter term has been very successful; we might say, remarkably so, when considering their crowded condition. Mr. Davis, Miss Smith and Miss Robinson have displayed a most commendable energy, and great tact as teachers, in handling their respective departments, and the scholars have advanced rapidly. During the spring term of the schools, there will not be so many in attendance, probably, and pupils will have a great advantage, even, over what they enjoyed during the cold winter months; and we certainly expect to know of their galloping through mathematics, etc., from now till next winter, at a wonderful speed. The scholars who had proved, by their labors, that they were entitled to it, received beautiful and appropriate prizes from teachers on the last day of the term, as a mark of approbation from those who labor so industriously for their advancement. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 April 1875, p. 1, c. 4)


G. B. Davis, principal of the Brainerd public school, at the last meeting of the school board tendered his resignation, anticipating the necessities of the board financially; the facts being that not enough money to pay this quarter’s salaries is available at present, and the indications for the future are little better, Mr. Davis leaves us this week for his old home in Ontario, and we regret his departure from our school and as a citizen deeply.

The following resolutions were adopted at the last meeting of the School Board:

Whereas, Geo. B. Davis has this day tendered his resignation as principal of the public school of this city, it is

Resolved, That this Board seriously regrets the financial condition of the district which renders the acceptance of such resignation a necessity, and the longer employment of Mr. Davis impossible.

Resolved, That this Board is impressed with its inability to find as energetic and capable a teacher as Mr. Davis has proved himself to be, and that personally and officially we appreciate highly his many valuable qualities as a teacher and gentleman; and that he has the hearty endorsement of this Board and the assurance that we cheerfully recommend him as in every way worthy of the highest regard and friendly consideration of his fellows. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 July 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


The schools in this city closed on Thursday, and although special efforts have been made in that direction during the last month, we have to record the fact that not one scholar appears on the roll of honor at the close of the school, and not one of the parents were in attendance at the closing examination. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 December 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


Roll of Honor.


The following is the Roll of Honor for the Brainerd public school for the month of February 1876.

Grammar Department—Ella H. Smith, Teacher.

Mary Vassar, Blanche Sleeper, Maggie Davidson, Lizze Early, Bertie Robinson, Katie White, Alexander Romer, Emma Wadham.

Primary Department—Fannie R. Robinson, Teacher.

Jennie Chapman, Katie Toohey, Fannie Anderson, Agnes Bishop, Amanda Lufalelu [sic], Frank White, Margaret Miller, James Ford, Maggie Whyte, Marion Bain, Sadie Early, Lillie Paine, Mary Lingnau, Anna Fowler, Lottie Grandelmyer, Charles Heath, Mabel Mabey, Eugenia Gillco, Adaline Burne, Lillie Francis. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 February 1876, p. 4, c. 2)


THE winter term of our public schools closed yesterday. The closing exercises in the afternoon were quite largely attended (for Brainerd) by parents and others interested in the schools, and reflected great credit upon the teachers Miss Ella Smith and Miss Fannie Robinson. The attendance of pupils was small compared with what it should be in this town, considering the number of boys to be seen every day lounging around our streets and growing up to a life of ignorance, slothfulness and nonentity, and whose parents or guardians evidently have never been enable to realize the benefits of education and consequently do not appreciate it, but rest upon the doctrine “where ignorance is bliss ‘tis folly to be wise.” Oh! for an EDUCATIONAL system and a law to ENFORCE it. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 April 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


THE summer term of our public schools open on Monday next, May 1st. Mr. Geo. White [sic] has been engaged as principal, and Miss Eva Wilcox as teacher in the primary department. Both the teachers are experienced—the one a graduate of St. Andrew’s University and the other a graduate of St. Cloud Normal School. We trust they will win golden opinions from the patrons of the school. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 April 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


OUR District Schools, Geo. Whyte, principal, and Miss Eva Wilcox, teacher in the primary department, closed their labors for the present term yesterday. A free concert, notice of which appears in another column, will be given tonight by the primary department. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 July 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


FREE CONCERT.—Miss Wilcox’s department of Brainerd public school will give a free concert at Bly’s Hall, Saturday evening, July 22, 1876, at 8 o’clock P. M. Singing and instrumental music, tableaux and recitations will be had, and the entertainment will no doubt be excellent. Patrons and others are respectfully invited to attend. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 July 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


THE school concert given at Bly’s Hall, on Saturday evening last, by Miss Wilcox’s department of our district schools, was a grand affair, and an entire success. There was a larger attendance of the “young folks” than we have before witnessed in this place, and in the line of “youth and beauty,” Brainerd does not take a back seat, by any means, nor yet in point of numbers or uniformity of size. The audience of pleased little girls and boys was a sea of gleaming, laughing faces; and, saying nothing of the entertainment (which was excellent) was well worth going to see, and would dispel the worst case of blues for months to come, just to think of it. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 July 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


WE are requested by Mr. Sleeper president of the school board, to say that the public schools of Brainerd will be opened Sept. 11th, 1876, with Miss Wilcox, as principal, and Miss McNaughton, teacher of the primary department. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 September 1876, p. 1, c. 2)


AT a meeting of the Board of Education held on yesterday evening, it was decided to open the winter term of school on Monday, the 8th day of January next. A committee was also appointed to have the rooms of both departments calcimined, the blackboards repainted and the building otherwise repaired during the interim. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 November 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


MARRIED.


SMITH—WILCOX—At Two Rivers, Morrison county, on New Year’s Day. E. S. Smith, Esq., Attorney at Law, and Miss Eveline Wilcox.

May their lives be strewn with roses. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 January 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


THE winter term of the public schools opens on Monday, with Miss Wilcox as principal, and Miss McNaughton as teacher in the primary department.

LATER.—instead of Miss Wilcox we should have said Mrs. Smith, or perhaps not either, judging from the marriage notice appearing elsewhere. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 January 1877, p. 1, c. 7)


THE SCHOOL BUILDING.


A rumor gained currency in some manner entirely unexplained, on Monday last, that the second floor in the public school building in this town was unsafe and liable to come down with the weight of the pupils in the upper department—with disaster to the inmates of both schools. It was at first considered in the light of a canard, and little or no attention was given to it. Dame Rumor was not, however, in this instance, to be so lightly trifled with. She “enlarged the borders of her garments and made broad her phylacteries,” and the report was scattered abroad, increasing with the rapidity of an exceedingly great fire, and came even unto the ears of every inhabitant of the town which is called Brainerd, which is by the great river Mississippi, even unto the chief priests and elders of the town, and they did hear it. Many became alarmed lest evil should befall their little ones, and they were taken from the school even to the half of the school, and of both thereof, insomuch that the elders caused a large number of mechanics, carpenters and builders to visit said building, and did examine into the cause of this rumor, and the grounds thereof, and they gave forth unanimously that the building was perfectly safe; that men enough could not be gathered in the upper room thereof to cause disaster.

This, however, did not satisfy the panic-stricken, and on Thursday the elders gathered together of one accord in one place, and caused the inhabitants of the town to meet at the school building on yesterday evening in order to decide what should be done. The inhabitants having interest in this matter accordingly gathered themselves together with the chief priests and scribes, and did with one accord make demand that the building should be strengthened by pillars under the upper floor in the middle thereof, and declared that their children should not attend the school until this was done; whereupon the chief priests did decide, notwithstanding, in their opinion the building is perfectly safe without it, that oil should be poured upon the troubled waters, and a “compromise bill” was passed ordering that the pillars should be put in, even as the inhabitants had requested, and it was done, and the fears of the people dispelled. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 January 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


TEACHER WANTED.


THE position of Principal of the Brainerd Public School for the spring term commencing April 16th, 1877, is vacant. Persons desiring to apply for said position will please address the undersigned on or before April 9th, 1877, stating terms. No application can be acted upon by the Board of Education unless accompanied by a certificate of scholarship from the Board of Examiners.

M. P. MARTIN,

Clerk of the Board of Education.

BRAINERD, MINN., March 18th, 1877.

(Brainerd Tribune, 17 March 1877, p. 1, c. 7)


MRS. SMITH principal of the Brainerd schools, has been in poor health this week, and was obliged to dismiss school on Thursday. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 March 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


Roll of Honor.


A. CLASS.


Charlie Wilkins, Eva Durgin, Charles Trillquist, Ashley Ford, Maggie Bishop, James Ford, Fannie Wakelee, Willie Morrison, Maggie Moffet, Frank Morrison.


B. CLASS.


Dudley Wilkins, Hattie French, Nora Durgin, Charles Jichnes, John McNaughton, Veva Paine, Octova Gelow, Mack Askins.


C. CLASS.


Freddie Preston, Lillie Askins, Katie Kelley, Edward Brown, James McNaughton, Mary Bruno, Freddie Abear, Peter Abear, Harry Pegg, Henry Robinsion, Agnes Bishop.

H. M. McNAUGHTON,

Teacher.

(Brainerd Tribune, 31 March 1877, p. 4, c. 2)


PURSUANT to notice given last week the Board of Examiners of this city, Col. R. M. Newport, H. D. Follett, and R. K. Whitely, met at the school house on Thursday to examine teachers. Two applicants appeared, Miss Fannie Robinson, of this place, and Mr. H. S. Locke, of Morrison county. We have not learned the decision of the Board. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 April 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


H. S. Locke, the new principal of the Brainerd schools, has rented the two-story house on the corner of Maple street and Broadway, and proposes to remove his family from Little Falls and take up his abode with us. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 April 1877, p. 1, c. 7)


THE spring term of our public schools opens on Monday, with Mr. H. S. Locke as principal, and Miss H. McNaughton as teacher in the primary department. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 April 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


ROLL OF HONOR.


The following is the roll of honor of the Brainerd public School for month ending May 11th, 1877:


GRAMMAR DEPARTMENT.


Maggie Davidson, Annie Lufkin, Lizzie Early, Hattie Davidson, Mary Summers, Mary Lingnau, Fred Marsh, Daisy Paine, John Davidson, Charlie Cowley, Katie White, Essie Parker.

H. S. LOCKE,

Teacher.


PRIMARY DEPARTMENT.


A. CLASS.


Lillie Paine, Agnes Bishop, Nora Durgin, John McNaughton, Hattie French, Veva Paine, Willie Brown.


B CLASS.


Minnie Wilkins, Katie Kelley, Lillie Askins, Henry White, Freddie Preston, Florence Elmore, John McCarthy, Rosie Gelow, James McNaughton, Mary Berno.


C. CLASS.


Ollie Hammond, Trueman Beane, Henry Robinson, Emma Hogan, David Abear, Arthur McNannay, Clara Beane, Sarah Lanihan.

H. McNAUGHTON,

Primary Teacher.


In selecting the above names we have taken into consideration not only the deportment and scholarship of each pupil, but also the regularity of their attendance. However, it has almost invariably been found that those who attend most regularly are by far the best scholars. We therefore request those parents who desire their children to become good scholars to see that they are daily in the school room.

H. S. LOCKE,

Principal.

(Brainerd Tribune, 19 May 1877, p. 4, c. 2)


Brainerd School.


Roll of honor for the month ending June 8, 1877.


GRAMMAR DEPARTMENT.


Essie Parker, Maggie Davidson, Daisy Paine, Hattie Davidson, Fred March, Katie White, Annie Lufkin, Lizzie Early, Emma Wadham, Mary Lingnau, Mary Summers, Charlie Bason.

H. S. LOCKE, Teacher.

_____


PRIMARY DEPARTMENT.


A. CLASS.


Mack Askins, John McNaughton, Willie Brown, Dudley Wilkins, Hattie French, Nora Durgin, Lillie Paine, Agnes Bishop, Kittie Davidson, Ollie Hammond.


B. CLASS.


Veva Paine, Lillie Askins, Minnie Willkins, Octova Gelow, Harry Pegg, John Moffet, Emma Burno, Edward Brown, Katie Kelley.


C. CLASS.


Florence Elmer, Mary Burno, Will Moffet, Adolf Schaefer, Trueman Beane, Clara Beane, Mary Carney, Harry Ford, Sarah Lanihan, Charlie Lufkin, Augusta Schultz.

H. McNAUGHTON, Teacher.

(Brainerd Tribune, 09 June 1877, p. 4, c. 2)


Brainerd School.


Roll of honor for the month ending July 6, 1877.


PRIMARY DEPARTMENT


A. CLASS.


Lillie Paine, Hattie French, Nora Durgin, Agnes Bishop, Willie Brown, John McNaughton, Mack Askins


B. CLASS.


Octova Gelow, Jennie Gelow, Kittie Davidson, Katie Kelley, Lillie Askins, Emma Burno, Adaline Burno, Freddie Preston, James McNaughton, Henry Robinsion, Peter Abear, Freddie Abear, Edward Brown, Florence Elmer, Veva Paine, John Moffet


C. CLASS.


Ollie Hammond, Sarah French, Mary Burno, Rose Gelow, Josie Bishop, Albert White, Virginia Elmer, Flora Bain, Fannie Rasch [sic], Robert Schmitz, Augusta Schultz, Ella Heath

MISS H. McNAUGHTON, Teacher.

(Brainerd Tribune, 07 July 1877, p. 1, c. 5)


THE summer term of the Brainerd public schools closed last evening. The fall term will open on September 3rd. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 July 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


THE School Board of the Independent District of Brainerd has engaged the services of Mr. Frank [sic] Farnsworth, of River Falls, Wisconsin, as principal, and Miss E. L. Gross, recently a teacher in Duluth, as teacher in the primary department of our public graded schools. These teachers come highly recommended, and bid fair to be all that is desired in that line. The Board has also appointed a committee to have the building thoroughly renovated, repaired and repainted inside, and the next term of our schools may be expected to be quite attractive. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 August 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


SCHOOL begins on Tuesday morning next at the public school building. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 September 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


SUMNER FARNSWORTH, Esq., who last year filled the responsible position of principal of our public schools, starts this afternoon for Brainerd, Minn., where he has been engaged in a like position. Mr. F. is a young man of studious habits with a way of thinking for himself upon all questions presented for consideration, and we believe that the people of Brainerd will find in him a teacher who will bring to bear both energy and sound educational principles in the management of their school. Success to him.—[River Falls (Wis.) Press. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 September 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


S. FARNSWORTH, principal, and Miss E. L. Gross, primary teacher, of our public schools for the ensuing term, arrived in town this week, but, owing to certain repairs in the school building being yet incomplete, school will not open until Tuesday morning next. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 September 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


THE repairs on the public school building were finally completed on Tuesday last, and it is certainly now the most attractive building to be found in the city. School opened on Wednesday morning under a new and excellent corps of teachers and the most favorable auspices in every particular our schools have ever witnessed, and we have reason to hope for and expect a very successful school. It will certainly be all that can be desired if the patrons will take an interest in its welfare and use their influence and efforts to promote its success. Parents should visit the schools, and visit them often; it encourages the children and helps the teachers. If either or both feel that you are indifferent to them, and take no interest in the matter, they lose their pride in the schools and their advancement. The education of your children is one of vastly greater importance than any other duty of your life, and generally receives the least attention. The Board of Education is thoroughly alive to the interest, and is giving the subject its undivided attention, and we hope the patrons will turn over a new leaf this term and join in the efforts to elevate our schools from the questionable station they have heretofore occupied. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 September 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


OUR SCHOOLS.


In treating the subject of our school interests I must naturally state what is being done, the difficulties that we have to encounter, and how those difficulties may be overcome.

We have now enrolled one hundred and thirty-five pupils—seventy-five of these in the lower room and sixty in the upper. Great efforts are being made to do the work thoroughly, but the results are not wholly satisfactory. One great obstacle is the want of the necessary text-books. Many pupils come to the recitation without any previous preparation. Reason? They have no books. We know of but one remedy, and that is for parents to supply them.

Now I come to two very important points, and those are: regularity and punctuality in attendance. The average attendance is about one hundred and ten. Many pupils are occasionally absent a day, and some nearly half of the time. Now this is a waste which can in no sense be afforded by the patrons of the district. First, it is a loss to the pupil who is kept from school, as he loses what is gone over by his class, and falls so much behind that he will never be enabled to master the rest of the work given to the class. Secondly, it is a damage to those who are regular in attendance, as they have a heavy weight to carry along with them, which greatly impedes their progress. Do not keep the children away from school if you can possibly avoid it. And just here I will call attention to the habit of many pupils who ask to be excused at recess in the afternoon, and leave for the remainder of the day. Now this time might be spent profitably by nearly all in the upper department in preparation for the next day’s work. I admit that there are occasions when this may be necessary, but they are very rare. Tardiness is another great drawback upon our work. For example, during one week there were one hundred and thirteen cases of tardiness in the school—fifty-nine in the upper department and fifty-four in the primary. Nor do we have much reason to congratulate ourselves upon a reduction in the amount of tardiness, as there were one hundred and eight cases during the week ending October 5. I know of but one way to remedy this, as well as other evils which exist in our schools, and that is for the parents to work with the teachers.

Our schools are well patronized at present, but we have not the facilities we need for rigorous and thorough prosecution of the work. In the first place, we have too many recitations per day; and, on the other hand, we do not have as many as are really needed to do the work as it should be done. Fifteen minutes is too little time in which to give to a recitation in arithmetic with a class of twenty pupils, but this is what must be done at present. The longest time which can be given to any one recitation is twenty minutes. A teacher cannot do the work with any degree of pleasure or satisfaction to himself or the patrons of the school when he is constantly driven for time for recitation. It is not how much a teacher does, as how well he does it, that tells in the work of education. Three teachers would subserve the interests of the school better than two can at present; for it would give more time for the recitations that we now have, and admit the formation of other classes that are much needed. As far as the money consideration is concerned, the district would receive a better return for the amount invested than they do now.

Parents, you can aid us in our school work more than you know by giving your hearts’ support, not only at your home, but by coming to the school-room and seeing what is being done and what your children are doing. Come and see for yourselves, and then you can criticize from a proper standpoint. Your presence will encourage the pupils, and so fill the teachers with renewed zest in the great work which is before them. While making your friendly calls, do not pass us by. Come at any time, and you will be welcome; and you will be repaid for your visit by seeing a new awakening to the work. Again I say, come and visit us.

Yours respectfully,

SUMNER FARNSWORTH.

(Brainerd Tribune, 13 October 1877, p. 4, c.’s 1 & 2)


THE following are the names of scholars, in room B., who were neither absent nor tardy during the month ending Oct. 26:


Freddie Abear, Peter Abear, Emma Burno, Florence Elmer, Virgil Elmer, Mabel Elmer, Freddie Paine, Robert Shultz [sic], Albert White, Henry White, Katie Kelly [sic], Ollie Hammon [sic], Carrie White, Ollie Closson. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 November 1877, p. 1, c. 1)


THE Board of Education held a session on Monday evening last at the TRIBUNE office, at which the present able principal of our graded schools, Mr. S. Farnsworth, was retained for the next three terms—spring, fall and winter—and a similar engagement was tendered his valuable assistant, Miss E. L. Gross, though she has not yet decided to accept the offer. The Board very wisely endeavor when they have a good thing to keep it, and we congratulate the patrons of the district upon this very fortunate renewal of Mr. Farnsworth’s contract, and hope Miss Gross’ decision will be favorable. The schools have never been more ably conducted or given better satisfaction than under the present teachers, and we feel that great praise is due them for the happy results. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 March 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


In June of 1878 the School Board decides to add a 26’ x 36’, two-story addition on the north side of the Sixth Street School. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 15)


PUBLIC NOTICE.


Public notice is hereby given to the legal voters of the Independent School District of Brainerd Minnesota that a meeting of said legal voters will be held at the public school building in said District on Saturday evening July 6th, 1878, at eight o’clock p. m. for the purpose of determining according to law upon the erection of an addition to the said public school building in said Independent School District and the amount of money to be raised for that purpose as prescribed in sections sixteen (16) and seventeen (17) of chapter seven (7) of the general laws of Minnesota for 1877.

By order of the Board of Education of said Independent, School District.

Brainerd, June 21st, 1878.

THOS. BASON, Clerk,

W. W. HARTLEY, President.

(Brainerd Tribune, 22 June 1878, p. 1, c. 6)


At a meeting of the voters of the Independent School District of Brainerd, held at the school house on Saturday evening last, pursuant to a formal notice from the Board of Education published in these columns, it was resolved to build an addition to the present school building nearly the same size of the old one, and a tax of five mills was voted for the purpose. We are pleased to note this evidence of progress in our public schools, which we feel safe in saying, were never in a more prosperous or satisfactory condition, and we hope the interest awakened upon this subject may not be permitted to flag or fail from any cause. The advertisement for bids for the construction of the addition will probably appear in the TRIBUNE next week. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 July 1878, p. 4, c. 2)


We direct the attention of our readers this week to the call for bids advertised in these columns for the construction of an addition to our public school building. The plans and specifications are in course of preparation, and will be in the hands of the clerk for exhibition in a few days. Send in your bids, gentlemen. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 August 1878, p. 5, c. 1)


The teachers of the public schools—Mr. Farnsworth and Miss Gross—arrived in town today, and school will open on Monday. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 September 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


The workmen have arrived and work has commenced, under the personal supervision of Mr. Raymond, one of the contractors, upon the addition to the school building. Mr. Raymond thinks it will be complete in four weeks. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 September 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


Mr. Raymond, of the firm of Raymond & Owen, St. Cloud, contractors on the school house, will be in town for two weeks, and any one wishing storm windows, or inside or outside blinds, can procure the same at a reasonable price by calling upon him at the school house during the day, or at the Leland House in the evening. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 September 1878, p. 4, c. 5)


A State teacher’s institute for counties on the line of the Northern Pacific R. R. will be held the coming week at Detroit [Lakes], Minn., commencing on Monday the 7th inst., and if the attendance and interest shall warrant another week will be added. The teachers of our public school, Mr. Farnsworth and Miss Gross, will be in attendance, and, in consequence, there will be “no school” during the week. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 October 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


The State apportionment of the school funds gives Crow Wing county $183, one dollar for each scholar enrolled last year. It will be larger next year as our enrollment increases, and the enrollment will increase with our enlarged facilities and new addition. As this apportionment is now based upon the actual enrollment, and not upon the census of the town, as heretofore, every child in the district of suitable age should attend the schools—if for no longer period than is required to become enrolled within the meaning of the law. Parents, see to this. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 October 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


Some sneak thief stole two bundles of shingles from the school lot this week, and Mr. Raymond was only prevented setting a large bear trap for his return for another bunch, and Mr. Thief only escaped a broken leg and discovery by the sale of the remainder of the lot. A narrow but unfortunate escape. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 October 1878, p. 4, c. 2)


Mr. J. H. Raymond, of Raymond & Owen, contractors, returned to his home in St. Cloud on Wednesday, having completed the addition to the public school building at this place and settled with the Board of Education therefor. He leaves behind him a school building at once an ornament to our city and a credit to the educational enterprise of our people, saying nothing of the immeasurable advantage it will afford in the progress of our schools and the advancement of our educational interests. It also reflects high credit upon the contractors in its workmanship. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 November 1878, p. 1, c. 1)


The Board of Education of the Independent School District of Brainerd, proposes to give a grand entertainment, oyster supper and ball at Bly’s Hall, on Tuesday evening, December 17th next for the benefit of the schools of the district, the proceeds to be devoted to the purchase of seats for the new addition, just completed, to the public school building. This entertainment has been in preparation for some time past, and was fixed to be held on Thanksgiving evening, but owing to the Parish Guild Festival and other causes it has been postponed until the date mentioned above. Already a very attractive programme has been promised which will be further added to and improved—some of our very best talent having engaged to devote their efforts to its success—and we are therefore already confident of an entertainment that will please the audience and give universal and unbounded satisfaction. Its object—the education of our youth—is one that readily captivates the interest, attention and utmost effort of the writer as we are confident it will of every citizen of the place. Our public schools, of late, have indeed been an honor to our town, and we feel confident that the indefatigable and untiring efforts of the Board and the immediate friends of the schools, to make them the pride of our city, will meet the hearty response they merit, and that the plan inaugurated by the Board to provide the requisite furniture for the excellent new room now completed, without drawing upon and depleting the limited funds in the school treasury, will be borne to a proud success upon the stalwart shoulders of public applause. Give us your hand friend and help us out and thereby help yourself. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 November 1878, p. 1, c. 2)


Those interested in the preparation of the programme for the school entertainment on the 17th prox. are invited to meet at the TRIBUNE office on Monday evening for business. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 November 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


Preparations are in progress for the grand entertainment, supper and ball to be given at Bly’s Hall, on the evening of the 17th prox. for the benefit our our schools. It will be the affair of the season. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 November 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


Preparations are still progressing for the grand entertainment for the benefit of our schools, to take place at Bly’s Hall on Dec. 17th and we confidently predict the most enjoyable occasion of the season. The proceeds are to be devoted to purchasing seats for the new school room just completed. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 November 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


The fall term of the public schools close on Friday evening next. The winter term begins Monday, January 6th. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 December 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


The entertainment, supper and ball, given at Bly’s Hall on Tuesday evening, last for the benefit of the public schools, was a grand success financially and otherwise, far exceeding our most sanguine hopes—the net proceeds reaching the handsome sum of $95.62—and even this sum would have been increased by at least one-fourth had the N. P. pay car stopped here and paid off as usual before going west. As it was, the hall was crowded, every seat being filled, and the literary, dramatic and musical entertainment was well received and quite interesting—a thing scarcely expected, owing to the very short time allowed and the unfortunate circumstances attending the arrangement of the programme. This part of the evening’s pleasures was marred somewhat, however, by an unfortunate alarm of fire near its close, occasioned by a chimney burning out in the Express building a block away, considerably disturbing the equanimity of the audience, and for a time almost threatening its entire dissolution. In this connection, as the entire circumstances may not be generally understood, and as some are disposed to attach blame to the writer for alarming the audience, we desire to state exactly how it all occurred. At the moment the alarm was sounded we had just vacated the ticket box, and stood in the vestibule observing the stage through the door. Hearing the alarm, we stepped quickly out upon the landing and saw the light shining over and past the hall, indicating a fire quite near and well underway, and a crowd rushing around the corner shouting “fire” at every jump. At this juncture a lady, residing near, whose children were among the audience, came running up the stairway, breathlessly crying “Fire! get my children out of there.” We inquired where the fire was, and she replied, “in the corner building,” but we understood her to say, “In the corner of the building,” and supposed the hall was on fire—in fact her manner and the other indications warranted no other conclusion. We at once pictured a panic in the audience if this alarm reached their ears. A rush for the door, people piled up in the stairway and jammed, smothered and burned to death—a terrible, a frightful holocaust in our very midst, such as we often read of in larger cities, seemed inevitable. How to prevent this and get the audience safely out of the hall and out of danger was our sole desire and aim. We knew if the lady, coming up the stairway, reached the audience in her frantic condition before they had been warned, that disaster would surely follow. This all transpired and these thoughts all flashed across our mind in far less time that it will take the reader to peruse them. In fact, before the lady had reached the landing we had decided what to do. We re-entered the hall, calmly called the attention of the audience, and announced a fire in town, adding that it was thought advisable to vacate the hall, but cautioning them against a rush for the door, and assuring all that they had plenty of time, and that there was no necessity of being alarmed. The result was we were listened to attentively and, though a few rushed wildly for egress, the general audience very cooly left their seats and moved toward the door. We called upon a couple of gentlemen near the door, to aid us and, mated, we held those back who were inclined to make a rush, only permitting one to leave at a time, and giving them plenty of time to get down the stairway. In this way the entire audience would have been let into the street without difficulty had not “Only a chimney burning out” announced the true character of the alarm, when those in the hall quietly took their seats, those outside soon returned, the band commenced to play and in five minutes the stage performance was resumed as though nothing had occurred. One lady fainted, unfortunately, and was carried home, but this was the only casualty of the occasion, and she, we are pleased to learn, soon revived, and at present suffers no evil results from the scare. Instead of creating a sensation, as charged by some, we are inclined firmly to the opinion that but for our prompt action and the very course we pursued a frightful disaster would have been the result. The entertainment closed soon after, the tables were spread and a rush to supper followed which far exceeded in persistency and unanimity the efforts of a few moments previous to reach the street. Supper over, the band commences to play, “All join hands and circle to the left,” and away they glide into the enchanting and exhilarating embraces of the mazy waltz, the intricate reel, the money musk and gallant gentlemen, until the “we sma hours ayait the twal” reminds all of the demands of the drowsy goddess, and soon the hall, so recently filled with mirth, music and gaiety assumes the aspect of a deserted banquet chamber, thus closing one of the most enjoyable and largely attended festivities of the season, or in the history of the town.

We cannot close this sketch, however, without, in behalf of the school district, warmly thanking the many who contributed so largely to these grand results and upon whose skillful and untiring efforts depended the very satisfactory manner in which everything passed off. To name any in particular would be injustice to the others, and to name all would overtax our space—nevertheless, we cannot pass the Brainerd Quadrille Band and Mr. and Mrs. T. C. Bivins. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 December 1878, p. 1, c.’s 2 & 3)


The public school will reopen on Monday next with three departments, under three teachers. S. Farnsworth, principal, Miss E. L. Gross, intermediate, and Miss Lydia Pedley, primary. The teachers arrived in the city today prepared for the work and hereafter Brainerd can boast the best public schools in the state. The desks for the new room have not yet been purchased owing to the fact that up to the time the board was prepared to purchase desks they supposed those in the St. Paul’s parish school to be for sale and made no further inquiry abroad. The vestry of the church in charge of the parish school building meantime reconsidered their decision to sell, however, and the board was obliged to look elsewhere, and have as yet been unable to make selections. Pending the delay chairs will be obtained for the new room, and it will be used for a classroom. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 January 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


A change will take place, after the present term, in the office of principal of the public schools of this city, Mr. Farnsworth, the present incumbent, declining to engage for another term owing to more important business engagements. This is deeply regretted by the management, as it will undoubtedly be by the patrons of the schools. Mr. Farnsworth has had charge of the schools for nearly two years with admirable success—in fact, surpassing any of his predecessors in giving satisfaction to all concerned. The last term prior to his engagement, closed with an average attendance of less than half a score, while the rolls of the present term already show nearly two hundred, and will probably reach that number ere its close. The wonderful increase in attendance has required an addition to the school halls, which was completed last fall, and farther enlargement will be required in the near future if the present interest continues to be maintained. We should not, however, confine this meed of praise for these encouraging results to the principal alone, for, with poor assistants, a principal can effect but very little in advancing a graded school. Miss Gross—until the present term in charge of the primary work, and now in the intermediate department—has performed her part with admirable skill and ability, promptly seconding and carrying out in her rooms all Mr. Farnsworth’s plans for progress, and manifesting excellent government and tact with the little ones in her charge; and Miss Pedley, who, with the beginning of the present term, assumed control of the primary work, has given entire satisfaction, showing herself fully alive to the great work—thus completing a corps of teachers second to none in the graded schools of this State, and universally popular with the entire district—thus making our schools, as they should be, an honor to our city and the pride of every citizen of Brainerd. It is, therefore, a matter of deep regret that the organization, so harmonious and so admirably adapted to the needs of our schools, is so soon to be sundered, and a matter of deep moment that the vacancy be properly filled by a man who can take up the work where Mr. Farnsworth lays it down and proceed without interruption. The position will be vacant however after the present term, and the board is consequently open to applications for the vacancy. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 February 1879, p. 1, c.’s 1 & 2)


The public schools in this city reopen on Monday next the 7th inst., with G. W. Blake as principal and Miss E. L. Gross, intermediate and, (probably) Miss Brockway, primary teachers. Miss Brockway has not at this writing been examined by the board and her engagement of course depends upon the result of the examination, though her certificates from other counties warrant the prediction that she will be employed. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 April 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


Miss E. L. Gross, teacher in the intermediate department of our public schools, has been very sick with lung fever [pneumonia] for the past week and her room has been closed in consequence. Dr. Campbell says she is improving, however, now, but that it will be several weeks ere she can resume her school duties, in consequence of which, at a special meeting of the board of education held last evening, Miss Brockway was engaged to conduct that department until her recovery. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 May 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


Miss E. L. Gross, the intermediate teacher of our public schools is reported convalescent. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 May 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


Miss E. L. Gross, we are pleased to announce, has so far recovered as to be able to resume her school duties. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 May 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


Our public schools closed on yesterday for the usual summer vacation, which will extend until September 1st. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 June 1879, p. 1, c. 3)


The annual public school meeting for the election of directors takes place at the public school building on Saturday evening next, September 6th. The directors whose terms expire are R. Parker and W. W. Hartley. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 August 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


The annual public school meeting for the election of directors was held at the school building, on Sixth street, this evening. The retiring directors were re-elected for the next three years viz.: R. Parker and W. W. Hartley. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 September 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


The fall term of our public schools opened on Monday last with Prof. C. W. Blake as principal; Mrs. C. W. Blake as intermediate and Miss Ella Smith as primary teachers, making, we believe, the ablest corps in any of the public schools in the State. Our schools are indeed an honor to the town. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 September 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


By the recent State School apportionment Crow Wing county receives, for 194 scholars enrolled last year, the sum of $211.46 from the general school fund. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 October 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


The Public Schools re-open for the Winter term on Monday, January 5th. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 January 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


The Public Schools.

_____


The Winter term of the public schools of Brainerd opened Monday, January 5th, 1880, under very favorable auspices. For the first time since I have been in charge the teachers all know just the wants of their departments. At the commencement of the Spring term of 1879, both myself and Miss Gillis were new to the school, and though I took the utmost pains to inform myself of the needs of the school as a whole and of my department in particular, I soon found that it would take time to accustom the scholars to myself, and myself to the school.

When the Fall term commenced the Primary and Intermediate teachers had to go through the task of acquainting themselves with their departments. Still we regard the work of that term as in a high degree successful. Sickness and other causes thinned our ranks, but those who were able to do the work of the term feel, I think, better able to complete the work before them than ever before.

The opening attendance was 144. Grammar department, 42; Intermediate, 43; Primary, 59. The old scholars have not all returned as yet. Some new ones have entered in all departments. Our great want now is room. When all the pupils are in attendance there are not seats enough in the house for them. In my own department on this first day of school but two seats are vacant, with perhaps five or six at least to come.

Another defect in our schools is the irregularity of attendance coupled with tardiness. One pupil in my own department is as a rule regularly tardy thirty minutes in each day. Pupils cannot expect to maintain their grade under these circumstances. One pupil only has the honor of being neither absent nor tardy since entering school. Will the parents give us a little assistance in this direction. We shall try as nearly as possible to run the school by card time. Monthly reports will be sent each month to parents. If you do not receive them ask for them of either pupil or teacher. They can be duplicated at any time.

Call and see us whenever convenient. We will give you every facility for examining the school, and shall be glad to confer with you respecting your children.

C. W. BLAKE,

Principal.

(Brainerd Tribune, 10 January 1880, p. 4, c.’s 1 & 2)


Our Schools.


In another column this week will appear a communication from Prof. C. W. Blake, the Principal of our Graded Schools, complaining, and very justly, too, of their over-crowded condition, and giving the “Roll of Honor” in the Grammar department. This letter should have appeared last week, but was crowded out, and since its writing the Spring term has opened with such an amazing increased attendance that the teachers are beginning to feel that they were not so badly crowded after all last term. The present enrollment is so far beyond the capacity of the rooms that it is impossible to even crowd them in, and the disagreeable expedient of sending part of the school home in the middle of the session, morning and afternoon, to make room for the others, has been forced upon the management temporarily until arrangements can be made for enlarging the room by adding a fourth department and teacher. This will be done by finishing the second story of the north wing, and will require a special meeting of the voters of the district to vote a tax for the purpose. The call for this meeting will be issued by the Board in a short time, when we hope to see the citizens respond promptly. The matter of the employment of a fourth teacher, however, will be a more difficult problem to solve for the reason that provision for the ensuing year has only been made for three teachers, and the Board will not have the funds at its disposal to pay the fourth. The Board is in fact fearful that the funds will not be sufficient to meet even the present demands, owing to the fact that less revenue is being received from fines than was expected. Just how this difficulty is to be surmounted is not clear. One thing, however, is beyond controversy, which is the necessity for keeping our schools up to their present high standing. No one institution in a town has so much to do with its character and reputation among strangers, and particularly among those who contemplate settling within its limits, as its public schools. The Graded Schools of Brainerd reflect high honor upon the public spirit of the town, and are the pride of our citizens, and it is the absorbing desire of the entire management that their present high reputation be fully maintained. For this reason we hope to see the present very encouraging emergencies promptly and fully provided for. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 April 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


The Public Schools.


The public schools of Brainerd closed March 26th for a vacation of one week. The total enrollment has been: Grammar Department, 52; Intermediate, 60; Primary, 87. As teachers we are obliged to complain of inability to do as good work as ought to be done, owing to the crowded state of the rooms. For instance, in my own department are seats for forty scholars. Two desks have been taken from the intermediate room, making a seating capacity of forty-four. The enrollment during the past term has reached fifty-two, with an actual attendance at times of forty-seven. The other rooms are in an equally crowded condition.

Still we consider the past term one in which good progress has been made. Attendance has been very good, with less of tardiness than formerly. A class has commenced the study of Botany, and we hope to commence a class in Physics before long.

We should be happy to see the patrons of the school in the school-room often. A few minutes spent there will give you more of an idea of the workings of the school than whole pages of reports.

The following is the deportment of the students of the Grammar Department for the month ending March 26th, on a scale of 100:

Askins, Mack, 82; Brockway, A., 87; Brown, William, 92; Bason, Lizzie, 100; Brinkerhoff, G., 85; Canan, John, 83; Davidson, M., 95; Davidson, H., 91; Davidson, K., 92; Earley, Sadie, 87; Elwell, Carrie, 86; Farrar, A. C., 94; Ferris, A. F., 78; Ford, Ashley, 89; Ford, J. M., 93; French, Hattie, 80; Grandelmeyer, L., 99; Grandelmeyer, R., 97; Harmon, Herbert, 81; Havel, Alice, 91; Hartley, M. E., 90; Iaichner, C. H., 83; Kronnschnable, M., 92; McCarthy, Mary, 91; Merritt, Fred., 74; Merritt, M. E., 100, Miller, Florence, 100; Miller, William, 91; Metcalf, M., 85; Netterberg, E., 99; Parker, Esse, 92; Paine, Daisy, 94; Paine, Lillie, 96; Paxton, Joseph, 92; Preston, Lulu, 98; Sleeper, Blanche, 98; Sleeper, Maud, 87; Shontell, Frank, 92; Taylor, C. E., 89; Tennis, M. E., 91; Tennis, S. C., 100; Tucker, Minnie, 92; Wadham, Emma, 88; Wakelee, Fannie, 90; White, F. A., 76; White K. W., 93.

C. W. BLAKE, Principal.

(Brainerd Tribune, 10 April 1880, p. 1, c. 3)


At a special meeting of the Board of Education, held last evening, the resignation of Miss Ella Smith, teacher in the primary department, was accepted, commencing June 1st, and Mrs. B. A. Huestis was elected to fill the vacancy for the remainder of this term. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 May 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


Our Public Schools.


The month ending May 25th, has been one of unusual interest to the teachers and pupils of the Brainerd Schools. Owing to the usual falling off during the Spring term the rooms have not been nearly so crowded as during the winter term, and the consequent result has been better results for those attending in every respect.

The primary department has numbered 106, but by the division of scholars in respect to attendance the number of pupils in the room at any one time does not exceed that of any other room in the building, and, as a consequence the teacher is enabled to give more time to those in attendance during any one hour. The change of teachers in this department will of course make a break, but as Mrs. Huestis comes to us with an experience of over twenty years no one need have any fears for the result.

In the intermediate department, as in my own, the attendance has been unusually regular, with very slight tardiness. And we are pleased to observe a greater tendency to independent thought than ever before. This is particularly true with regard to the A. Class, Grammar Department and in the matter of Algebra and Botany.

Facts that at first sight seemed insurmountable have been mastered by the students themselves independent of the teacher’s assistance. It is such work as this which makes the strong man or woman, one who may be able to think and act for himself unbiased by the opinions of others.

In the Grammar department. The average deportment for the month is 97.64, an average hard to be beaten. The following is a list of those standing 100 in deportment in this department:

Julius Kiebler, Maud Huestis, L. Grandelmeyer, Frank Shontell, Lillie Paine, Lena Taylor, Willie Brown, Mamie Metcalf, Kittie Davidson, C. D. Kipp, Maud Sleeper, Daisy Paine, Hattie Davison, Florence Miller.

Your Servant,

C. W. BLAKE, Principal

(Brainerd Tribune, 12 June 1880, p. 1, c.’s 4 & 5)


Special School Meeting.


A special school meeting of the voters of the Independent School District of Brainerd will be held at the public school building in said district on Friday evening, July 9th, 1880 at 8 o’clock for the purpose of voting a tax for improving the school building.

By order of the Board of Education,

THOMAS BASON,

Clerk,

W. W. HARTLEY,

President.

Brainerd, June 28th, 1880.

(Brainerd Tribune, 03 July 1880, p. 1, c. 3)


The contract was let on Monday evening last, by the school Board to White & White to finish the upper story of the north wing of the public school building, and they already have the work well underway. It is the intention of the Board to grade the schools next term into four departments with four teachers and under the guidance of the corps of teachers, it is the purpose of the Board to procure, the schools cannot fail to be as good as the best the State affords. Prof. Blake, much to regret of the Board as well as the patrons of the school, declines to continue in the superintendency for another term. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 August 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


The autumn term of our Public Schools will open on Sept. 27, with Prof. S. A. Farnsworth as Principal, Mrs. Farnsworth, nee Miss Gross, and Prof. Hubbard, of Verndale, as intermediate and Mrs. B. A. Huestis as primary teachers. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 August 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


The second story of the north wing of the public school building has been finished by the contractors, White & White, and the Board of Education has ordered the new Victor folding school desks and seats to furnish it with, and they are expected to be in place in a week or ten days, when the room will present as pleasant and comfortable an appearance and will be as well and conveniently furnished as any in the State. The schools open for the fall term on Monday the 27th inst. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 September 1880, p. 4, c. 4)


Re-Opening of Our Public Schools.


The new Victor folding school desks purchased by the school board for the principal room of our public school building, just completed, were received and put in place this week, and the finishing touches have been put upon the building preparatory to the opening of the schools on Monday. Prof. S. A. Farnsworth and lady arrived in town yesterday and Prof. O. H. Hubbard today, and with Mrs. B. A. Huestis of this city, they will constitute as able a corps of teachers as any district in the State can boast of. Prof. Farnsworth will assume the duties of principal; Prof. Hubbard will take charge of the Grammar department and Mrs. Farnsworth and Mrs. Huestis of the Intermediate and Primary departments. Even the greatly enlarged capacity of the building and the addition of a fourth department and teacher, will, according to the present indications come far short of meeting the requirements of the district. The school will open with little, if any, short of three hundred pupils which will fill the various departments to overflowing, saying nothing of the additions consequent upon the opening of the winter term. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 September 1880, p. 4, c.’s 1 & 2)


The public schools opened on Monday with an attendance of 190 scholars, which number has increased since to 204. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 October 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


A bill incorporating the independent school district of Brainerd passed both houses of the legislature this week under suspended rules. Its chief object is to exempt the district from the compulsory use of the Merrill text books, leaving the matter optional with the district. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 February 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


The school board have made arrangements whereby funds for the continuation of the school during the coming season have been procured. Hence, all doubtful rumors on that point are dispelled. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 March 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


The public schools of Brainerd will close on Friday, the 18th inst., until the opening of the spring term, Monday, April 4th. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 March 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


Concerning the School Funds.


Some apprehension has been occasioned lest the mistake in apportioning the State school funds to the Brainerd schools should cause a loss to them of about $100. In the apportionment Crow Wing county was considered as only entitled to draw funds for 26 scholars, whereas that much belongs to Crow Wing district alone. The amount due the Brainerd schools, independent of that, is 40c. per capita for 286 scholars. By correspondence with the State superintendent of schools, arrangements have been made to rectify the mistake so that our county will not be the loser. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 March 1881, p. 1, c. 4)


Prof. Farnsworth informs us that the Brainerd schools opened out with 193 scholars divided off as follows: Room A, 30; B, 35; C, 63; and D, 65. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 April 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


School Notice.


The following is the standing of the pupils of room A, in our public schools at the monthly examination, April 29th: A class: Chas. Taylor, 94; Fred Merritt, 86; Minnie Merritt, 70; Joseph Schryver, 69. B class: Minnie Relf, 85; Lincoln Hart, 81; Maud Sleeper, 76; Allie Havill, 75; Willie Brown, 72; Sarah Canan, 72; Daisy Paine, 67; Mamie Sherwood, 64; C class: Bertha Duston, 83; Aleda Brockway, 79; Minnie Tucker, 74; Amy Lowell, 74; Lena Taylor, 73; Chas. Fessenden, 69; Maud Huestis, 66; Mamie Metcalf, 50; Fanny Wakelee, 43; James Ford, 41.

S. A. FARNSWORTH,

Teacher.

(Brainerd Tribune, 07 May 1881, p. 1, c. 5)


We are sorry to learn that Prof. S. A. Farnsworth has resigned his position as principal of the Brainerd schools. Prof. Farnsworth has been an efficient instructor, and many will regret his official exit from his position in the schools. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 June 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


The School Question.


Regarding our school advantages in Brainerd, it may be said at the onset that they are not by any means as good as they might and should be. We are sadly in need of a material change of some sort. The citizens on the north side of the track are calling for a new building, and their claims are perhaps just. One thing is evident, that the facilities afforded at present are inadequate. A school building on each side of the track with ample facilities for educational purposes would meet the approval of probably nine-tenths of the citizens of the town. Under the present conduction of school affairs, the opportunities sought after, to be secured, must necessitate a foreign patronage by property holders, something which should not be a politic matter by any thinking citizen. It might possibly be well to call a meeting and secure the voice of the people relative to this matter. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 August 1881, p. 5, c. 6)


Our Present School System.


In another column of this issue of the TRIBUNE may be found a communication from one of Brainerd’s best citizens, calling attention in a few very pertinent remarks, to the loose and inadequate condition of our present school system. The TRIBUNE had ventured a few comments previously on this all-important matter, but receiving so little encouragement, it had almost lost hopes. But we desire to call special attention to the substance of this correspondent’s remarks. though, perchance, a little pointed, they are none too much so. The shameful lack of attention given to vital concerns in this town is becoming almost unendurable to a portion of the community, and with just cause. It is a matter of positive LOCAL, EDUCATIONAL, and FINANCIAL BENEFIT to any vicinity to be the fortunate possessor of good schools. It is, in fact, one of the component parts of a live town. It is not merely to live, and that alone that should constitute the ambition of a citizen who professes to have the welfare of his immediate vicinity at heart. Man, in his most degraded state, is human. Nothing in the power of the elements can change this definite fact. He is a part of the world, and he must act in his distinct character to the accomplishment of some positive effect. It is his prerogative as to whether the aim shall center on a high or low object; but an individual endowed with the rights, privileges and benefits of an ambitious instinct, will make his presence known in a vicinity, sooner or later, no matter how much his inferior it may be. And should that period arrive when a sufficient kindred feeling shall have been inculcated within the minds of his fellow associates, something of material advantage in general to all, will surely result therefrom. The matter of allowing the educational facilities of a town of upwards of 4,000 inhabitants to remain on a level with, or rather beneath that of nearly all towns of less than four hundred souls, is shamefully ridiculous. It is an open and self-declaring disgrace to the town and its inhabitants. The grand trouble in Brainerd, for there is no use of dodging these facts is this: Every body is waiting for some body else to go ahead. Now, why cannot all go ahead—pull together in prosperous and commendable harmony, and telling results in the right direction will surely follow. In the first place a town organization should be in vogue. There is scarce a way station of any respectable size within a thousand miles but that has its municipal organization, and business is transacted in a manly way, and not as loosely as it unavoidably must be in a place of the size of our own Brainerd, where no form of local government whatever is observed. These are blunt words. But they are as true as the course of the sun, and none can truthfully gainsay them.

To the certain knowledge of the TRIBUNE, parties have come into Brainerd with the intention of locating, but with a view to location where desirable facilities for the proper education of their children might be secured, have cast anchor at some other point, possibly much less preferable in some other particular point of view. And it will ever be thus just so long as matters are permitted to lag along in this manner. Greed for gain is the probable incentive of many for “not finding time” to attend a school meeting. At the same time they are working directly contra wise to their own private as well as public interests. The town should not sanction a condition of affairs which shall act directly detrimental to its own vital welfare. It is a nuisance, so to speak, to be continually hounding away at the men who should be foremost in any enterprise, soliciting action of public spirit, to secure the accomplishment of any desired result. Speed the day when this state of lethargy shall be completely annihilated from our prosperous community. With glittering prospects of promise before us, it is absurdly shameful to permit this condition of school affairs to continue thus. Instead of paying out several hundred dollars every year to foreign schools, let it be expended at home in fitting out the proper requirements for first-class educational equipments, and let Brainerd proudly show her head at the top of the crest. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 September 1881, p. 1, c. 5)


Annual School Meeting.


The annual meeting of the voters of Special School District No. 1, of Brainerd, was held pursuant to notice in the public school building on Saturday evening, September 3d, 1881.

The president of the board being absent, P. M. Lagerquist was voted to the chair, and the meeting was called to order at 8 o’clock.

The treasurer’s report for the past school year was then read as follows:

Balance on hand Sept. 1, 1880, $387.02

Rec’d. from county treasurer, State fund, $67.70

Rec’d. from county treasurer, 1 mill tax, $76.82

Rec’d. from county treasurer, school, $404.10

Rec’d. from county treasurer, fines, $76.19

Rec’d. from county treasurer, liquor licenses, $820.50

Rec’d. from county treasurer, other sources, $661.95

Total, $2794.28 [sic]

Paid out on orders, $2460.32

Balance on hand, $333.96


BUILDING FUND.

Rec’d. from county treas. during term $506.12

Paid out on orders, $364.47

Balance on hand, $141.65

The meeting next proceeded to the nomination and election of two school directors for a term of three years. The names of T. Bason, S. D. Mason, R. Relf, J. C. Congdon, I. U. White, Geo. Stevenson and Mr. Sundberg were presented.

T. Bason, S. D. Mason and R. Relf declined. Wm. Paine and E. B. Closson were appointed as tellers. Nineteen votes were cast. J. C. Congdon and I. U. White received the majority, and were therefore declared elected. The retiring members whose terms of office have expired are E. B. Closson and T. Bason.

An interesting discussion ensued relative to the question of the present overcrowded condition of the schools, many of our leading citizens taking part, and evincing a lively interest in the question, and all agreeing that it was a matter of vital importance and requiring immediate attention. The general desire appears to be to erect immediately on the north side of the track, a building to accommodate the primary department, which, it was thought, would meet the requirements of the town until a building such as our rapidly growing community ought to possess can be erected, and which is in contemplation.

Considering the time it would necessarily take to call a public meeting and vote a special tax for the purpose of erecting a building, Mr. H. A. Towne stated that he or Mr. L. P. White would agree to put up a suitable building and seat it at once, and turn it over to the school board at the actual cost.

On motion of Mr. Relf, the board of education were requested to make arrangements with Mr. Towne, with a view to accepting his offer and securing the building.

A request was also made to the board on motion of Mr. French to call a special meeting of the voters of the district within two weeks, for the purpose of voting a tax to purchase the necessary building.

There being no further business the meeting, on motion, adjourned.

T. BASON, CLERK.

(Brainerd Tribune, 10 September 1881, p. 1, c.’s 5 & 6)


A special meeting has been called by the clerk of the school board, to be held at the school building, Sept 21, to vote a tax for a new school building. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 September 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


Prof. Barrett informs us that the public schools have opened with a good attendance, the total enrollment being 208. A large proportion are primary scholars between the ages of five and ten. There is an urgent need of more room and another teacher in the primary department, which want the board are taking measures to supply. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 September 1881, p. 5, c. 4)


School Matters.

[Communicated.]


Brainerd, claiming a population of 4,000, had its annual school meeting at the school house on last Saturday evening, the 3d, and as no reporter of the TRIBUNE was present, this communication may be acceptable. The meeting was held under the township organization, which is very limited in its powers, but it is all Brainerd has, and as such was held for the purpose of electing directors, levying taxes and devising means for enlarging the present school facilities. When the chairman congratulated the meeting on the large attendance, larger than usual at such meetings, curiosity led to a count of the house, which revealed just a baker’s dozen present. The superintendent of schools was not of that number; of Brainerd’s five clergymen, not one was there; of her half-dozen doctors, none could be seen, and ditto her legal fraternity. Of her numerous merchants, great and small, save the clerk of the school board, not one put in an appearance. The only representative of a “business” was that of a prominent dealer in liquor, who was outspoken, but it is said to his credit, in favor of encouraging schools and erecting buildings in different parts of the town to accommodate primary departments, and thus relieve the strain upon the present building and save the smaller children from the danger of traveling back and forth over the numerous railway tracks.

The financial report of the district exhibited about $350 on hand for teachers’ wages and $150 for building purposes. The present school building is on a lot about 150 feet square. The building itself would never be taken, by a stranger, for a school-house in Minnesota, though it might be in the back woods of Missouri or Arkansas, and would hardly be a credit to a town of 500 population. Originally intended to accommodate two teachers, one upstairs, and one down, a wing has been added doubling its capacity, and it will now barely seat comfortably one-half the children in town.

Minnesota is noted for its good schools, and hardly a town in the state can be mentioned of one-tenth the population of Brainerd, that has not better facilities and does not double discount her on the interest of their people in schools. Are the businessmen and property owners of Brainerd going to keep people with children to educate from bringing their families here, and counsel the conductors and engineers, and others employed by the operating department of the Northern Pacific Railroad to seek homes in St. Paul and Duluth and Fargo in order to obtain school privileges? That is what they are doing today.

In order to have good schools, the people must take an interest in them, come out to the school meetings, force the best men to take the thankless task of school directors, vote money enough to build all necessary buildings, and employ the best talent obtainable for teachers and pay them well; and last, but not least, show your interest by visiting the schools and encouraging teachers and scholars.

And now, Mr. Editor, it may not be amiss to rap you and the reverends of the clergy over the knuckles for your part in this state of affairs. The pulpit and the press are the great educators of this age, and when editors and clergymen don’t lead in school work, it should only be when worthy laymen are found who are pushing matters to the utmost tension they will bear. Whether such is the case in Brainerd is respectfully left to your consideration. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 September 1881, p. 8, c. 1)


The public schools of Brainerd have an enrollment of 208 scholars. This is remarkably small for a place which claims 4,000 inhabitants.—[St Cloud Times.

It is a remarkably large enrollment for the amount of school-room we have at present. However, preparations for erecting a new school building are being made, and Brainerd will then be able to accommodate the youth of the town. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 September 1881, p. 6, c. 2)


Public Notice.


A special meeting of the voters of Special School District No. 1, of Brainerd, will be held in the public school building on Wednesday evening, Sept. 21, at 8 o’clock, for the purpose of voting a tax for the erection of a new school building.

by order of the Board of Education.

T. BASON, Clerk.

(Brainerd Tribune, 17 September 1881, p. 6, c. 3)


School Notice.


There will be a meeting of the citizens of Brainerd at the Public school building Friday evening, Oct. 7th, at 8 o’clock, for the purpose of voting a tax to pay for grounds on which to erect a new school building on the north side of the track.

J. C. CONGDON,

Cl’k. of Board.

(Brainerd Tribune, 24 September 1881, p. 4, c. 2)


School Report.


The following report will show the condition of the public schools for this month:

Principal’s room, number enrolled, 42; days absent, 49; cases tardy, 46.

Grammar room, number enrolled, 50; days absent, 80; cases tardy, 25.

Intermediate room, number enrolled, 54; days absent, 83 1/2; cases tardy, 75.

Primary room, number enrolled, 116; days absent, 156; cases tardy, 12.

Totals, number enrolled, 262, days absent, 368 1/2; cases tardy, 158.

This is not a very encouraging report. Pupils are allowed to stay out of school for too trifling excuses. If parents would consider that the individual loss to the absentee is very slight as compared with the demoralizing effect upon the school, this evil, we trust, would not be allowed to continue. We hope to show a better report next month, and to this end ask the co-operation of parents.

W. S. BARRETT, Principal.

(Brainerd Tribune, 01 October 1881, p. 5, c. 4)


To Editor Tribune:—

Mr. A. S. Babcock has been employed to fill the vacancy in the First Intermediate room of our Public School during the remainder of Mr. O. H. Hubbard’s sickness, and it is hoped that the parents will return their children to the school without unnecessary delay.

SCHOOL BOARD.

(Brainerd Tribune, 15 October 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


Notice to Contractors.


Bids will be received by the Board of Education of the Special School District of Brainerd, Minn. until Oct. 17th., for the erection of a frame school house to be completed on, or before Dec. 1st, 1881. Said building to be two stories high, 26 feet in width and 44 feet in length. Further details can be had on application to W. W. Hartley at the Post Office.

J. C. CONGDON,

Clerk.

Brainerd, Minn., Oct. 12th, 1881.

(Brainerd Tribune, 15 October 1881, p. 5, c. 4)


Report of the Public Schools for

October.


Principal’s Room, days taught, 15; greatest number belonging, 39; days absence, 68; cases tardy, 18.

Grammar Department, days taught, 11; greatest number belonging, 33; days absence, 116; cases tardy, 5.

Intermediate Department, days taught, 15; greatest number belonging, 48; days absence, 47 1/2; cases tardy, 15.

Primary Department, days taught 20; greatest number belonging, 86, days absence, 277; cases tardy, 5.

Scholars tardy more than once for each two week’s attendance:

Principal’s Room—Nellie Wright, 6; Aleda Brockway, 2; Essie Parker, 2.

Grammar Department—Geo. Clarke, 2; Lillie Cheney, 2.

Intermediate Department—Annie Carlson, 3; Charles Peabody, 3; Joseph Peabody, 2; Nora Fisher, 2; Eva Fessenden, 2.

Primary Department, none.

On account of sickness, but more from fear of contagion, the schools have been greatly reduced in numbers during the past month. Mr. Babcock has very successfully conducted the grammar department for the past two weeks. Mrs. Hubbard will take the room Monday morning and teach until Mr. Hubbard is able to resume his work. School in the Principal’s Room will probably be resumed sometime next week. Notice of which will be placed in the postoffice.

W. S. BARRETT.

(Brainerd Tribune, 29 October 1881, p. 7, c. 4)


School has been reopened in Prof. Barrett’s room, and will be resumed on Monday in Mrs. Barrett’s department. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 November 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


School Report for November.


Principal’s room, days taught, 17; average belonging, 18; percent of attendance, 85; tardiness, 6.

Grammar room, days taught, 10; average belonging, 31; percent of attendance, 85; tardiness, 6.

Intermediate room, days taught, 14; average belonging, 21; percent of attendance, 89; tardiness, 17.

Primary room, days taught, 19; average belonging, 48; percent of attendance, 90; tardiness, 16.

Scholars tardy more than twice during the month:

Intermediate room, Helen Heath, 5; Thressa Schwindeman, 3.

Primary room, Nellie Copley, 3; Undine Schwindeman, 3; Mamie Powers, 3; John Powers, 3; Hattie Heath, 3.

The results of the examinations will be announced early in the week, through scholars reports. Parents are invited to visit the schools, for their presence would encourage both teacher and pupil.

W. S. BARRETT, Principal.

(Brainerd Tribune, 26 November 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


The committee appointed by the school directors for the purpose of selecting a site upon which to erect the new school house in Brainerd proper did not report at the meeting of the board last evening, and it is supposed that they have not as yet agreed upon a selection. As the money has been voted for the erection of the building and is now in the hands of the treasurer, it seems as though a conclusion on the this matter should be arrived at without further delay. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 April 1882, p. 5, c. 3)


Mr. A. Everett has been awarded the contract for building an addition to the school building on Sixth street. The addition is to be the same as the wing on the north side, 22x36 and contain two rooms, one above and one below. This will necessitate the hiring of two more instructors, and the additional capacity is much needed. There are now 300 scholars in attendance, which makes the rooms crowded and does not give the scholars the advantages that they should have. What the city needs is a new school building, and a good one at that. Where is there a city the size of Brainerd that has as poor accommodations for the instruction of their children as our own. It is time steps were taken in this direction. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 20 September 1883, p. 3, c. 4)


On Monday morning last some candidate for state’s prison endeavored to burn the school house on Sixth street. It seems that the person whoever it was went behind the building between the school house and wood shed and whittled shavings, putting them under the floor and setting them on fire. Messrs. Everett and Harper, who happened to be there on that morning looking things over in order to make an estimate on the new addition, saw the fire before it had got much headway and put it out. It was a very close call, and had the design of the fire-bug been carried out Brainerd would have been in a bad shape in regard to school facilities. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 20 September 1883, p. 3, c. 4)


The primary school [Sixth Street] on the south side, Miss Laura Pember in charge, has been dismissed until the new addition is finished, the number, 125, being considered too many to confine in one room. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 27 September 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


The new Catholic church on Fifth street, and the school house addition on Sixth are both up and enclosed. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 27 September 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


The addition to the school house on 6th street is being plastered and will soon be ready for occupancy. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 11 October 1883, p. 3, c. 1)


The interior of the addition to the school building on Sixth street is being hard finished this week. It will be ready for occupancy in about a week. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 18 October 1883, p. 2, c. 2)


On 24 January 1885 the Sixth Street School is ordered closed and its students move to the new high school located farther east on Oak Street. The Sixth Street School continues in use until 1896. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 47 & 48)


“On the last day of January, 1885, the teachers and pupils of the Sixth Street School formed in procession headed by the city band and school board, marched over with band playing and flags flying, and took possession of the new high school building just completed. Principal J. A. Wilson...and others made speeches. That day was an epoch in the progress of education in Brainerd. Everybody was proud of the fine new building. It was the most complete and finest furnished school building in Northern Minnesota.” (J. A. Wilson) (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 31)


Board of Education.


[...]


P. G. Fogelstrom offered the board $350 for the old 6th street building, which was on motion accepted. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 March 1894, p. 4, c. 4)


Board of Education.

Brainerd, Minn., Aug. 6, 1894


...Mr. P. G. Fogelstrom asked the board to grant him until Nov. 6th to make the next payment on the old Sixth street school building.

Upon motion duly made and carried the request was granted. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 August 1894, p. 4, c. 5)


Board of Education.


[...]


The secretary was instructed to notify P. G. Fogelstrom that the time had elapsed for payments for [the] old 6th street school building, hence it again became [the] property of the board. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 April 1895, p. 1, c. 5)


Closed the West Brainerd School.


[...]


The repair committee was instructed to prepare a room in the old Sixth street building for school purposes, the West Brainerd school having been closed by a unanimous vote of the members present. The reason given for the action is that there were but twelve resident scholars in attendance, and the total enrollment was 20. As the schools in other parts of the city are crowded it was deemed advisable to open a room in the Sixth street building, and place the West Brainerd teacher in charge, where 45 children could receive the benefit that was being given to twelve. The change was made as a matter of economy. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 October 1895, p. 4, c. 6)


Building and Lots for Sale.


Bids will be received for the sale of the old Sixth street school building, the West Brainerd school building, the frame school building in Haines addition, East Brainerd, up to 7:30 o’clock on Monday Oct. 2. Bids will be received for the buildings separately or the buildings and lots together. The board reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Address or call on

GEO. A. KEENE, Sec’y Pro Tem.,

4t. Brainerd. Minn.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 29 September 1899, p. 7, c. 4)


Board of Education.


[...]


G. W. Northrup made an offer to purchase the old 6th street school building for $175. It was referred to the committee on buildings. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 February 1900, p. 8, c. 1)


Special Board Meeting.


[...]


The building committee reported concerning the disposal of the old Sixth street school building and site. The lots were deeded to the board in 1873 by the Puget Sound Land Co. for $2, to be used forever for school purposes by the city. On motion the committee was instructed to consult an attorney as to whether the board could sell it or not under the terms of the deed.


[...]

(Brainerd Dispatch, 25 January 1901, p. 4, c. 4)


Three bids were received for the purchase of the old Sixth street school building, but the highest bidder got the old shack. A. F. Sorenson’s bid was the favorable one and he pays $275 for the building. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 September 1901, p. 1, c. 5)


SEE: Brainerd Select School and Other Private Nonsectarian Schools

SEE: Brainerd Schools Miscellaneous Information


SLEEPER BLOCK (MAP #7)

Sleeper Block next to the First National Bank on Front, ca. 1888.
Source: Northwest Illustrated Monthly Magazine, Volume VI, Number 7, July 1888, E. V. Smalley, Editor and Publisher

Built by C. B. Sleeper in 1882 [August 1881], it is located on Front Street next to the First National Bank building; during its existence it houses the Grandelmyer Millinery Shop, Bason Hardware Store, the Howe Lumber Company office and several early newspaper offices [including the Brainerd Daily Dispatch at the time of the fire]. It burns down on [26 June] 1907 and is replaced by the Webb Block [NO]. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 43)


NOTE: The Sleeper Block was built in two sections, the first section was built on the east lot and the second was built on the west lot, adjoining what became the First National Bank building.


C. B. Sleeper’s office has been moved across the street on the R. R. lots, to give room for his new brick block. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 August 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


Work on the Sleeper block is progressing finely. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 August 1881, p. 5, c. 1)


Two F. M. Cable & Company medicine bottles found in a privy dig in Brainerd, 17 September 2016.
Source: Carl Faust

We understand that the lower story of the Sleeper block will be occupied by Mr. Cable, of Minneapolis, for a drug store, and Bason Bros., with their hardware stock. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 September 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


Messrs. F. M. Cable late of Minneapolis and his brother, F. E. Cable, will open a fine stock of drugs, patent medicines, toilet articles, fancy goods, &c., in the Sleeper block, as soon as that building is completed. They come to stay and mean business, determined to merit a liberal share of the patronage of the people of Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 November 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


NOTE: F. M. Cable, for several years a druggist in this city in the early days died in New York state Dec. 2d, and was buried at Elkhart, Indiana, Dec. 4th. Since leaving Brainerd Mr. Cable has resided in Chicago, being engaged in the drug business half of the time and working for the Swift Packing company many years. About ? months ago he suffered a stroke of paralysis and was taken to his old home in New York where he died. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 December 1910)


On the morning of 22 December 1881, Pennell & Riggs issues the first edition of the Brainerd Dispatch. This shop is in the Sleeper Block and C. B. Sleeper becomes editor of the Dispatch in 1882 (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 20)


THE BUILDING BOOM.

_____


[...]


Mr. C. B. Sleeper has purchased the restaurant stand and lots formerly owned by Miss Mattie Caley, and as soon as practicable he will erect a two-story brick building 25x125 feet. The ground floor will be occupied by Mr. J. M. Hurd, a jeweler from St. Paul, and the second floor will be used as a hall. Perhaps it will be made three stories high, but there is nothing certain as yet until he can ascertain the height of the building to be built on the corner adjoining it. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 February 1882, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: Caley (Mattie) Restaurant and Bakery


The Sleeper block has been adorned with a magnificent weather vane and the corners ornamented in fine style. It is one of the handsomest business blocks in the northwest. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 February 1882, p. 5, c. 3)


NORTHWESTERN NEWS NOTES.


BRAINERD.


The Northwest Clothing Company located in the Sleeper Block, ca. 1880’s. A 1306x2022 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

This city is not boomed much, but for all that few places in the Northwest can show a better and healthier growth. The number of new residences built and being built is something remarkable, while not a few business houses are being put up. Hartley Brothers and Mr. Sleeper have both built double brick blocks, and the former are laying the foundation for another and larger block. Grygla & Salden, of Minneapolis did the galvanized iron cornice work and roofing on the former buildings [Hartley Block & Sleeper Block], and have the contract to finish the latter [First National Bank Block]. Much of the beauty and symmetry of the buildings is due to their good work. Davis & Co.’s Sawmill is in full blast, cutting 60,000 a day. They are to have the electric light at once, which will enable them to run nights and days as well. Brainerd is to have telephone connections at once. Messrs. Carver, Mohl & Co. have organized as the Brainerd Telephone Company, put up their poles and are daily expecting their wire. They have already twenty-five subscribers, and the Northern Pacific company will use it between their offices and shops. (Minneapolis Tribune, 18 June 1882, p. 8)


Col. [sic] C. B. Sleeper has fitted up an elegant private billiard parlor in the Sleeper block. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 April 1885, p. 3, c. 2)


Not Superstitious.


That there are some of our citizens who are not in the least superstitious is evidenced by the fact of the organization of the “Thirteen Club” in our city recently. The organizers and charter members of the club are thirteen in number, and are as follows: Geo. N. Day, W. A. M. Johnstone, Joe Cohen, Dee Simons, O. H. Havill, H. D. Powers, Wallace Baine, Fred Farrar, Arthur Farrar, Jas. Elder, O. C. Foster, Charley Taylor and W. H. Onstine. The club have rented room 13 in [the] Sleeper block, and are fitting it up in elegant shape, papering the ceiling and carpeting the floor, and we understand, will put in a set of fine upholstered furniture. Billiard and card tables will also be put in for the entertainment of the members. The name, “The Thirteen Club,” was chosen as a rebuke to those who hold this number in superstitious awe. As a further indication that there is nothing superstitious about them they organized the club Friday, and have chosen a skull and cross bones as the emblem of the club. This emblem will adorn all stationery of the club as well as all invitations, programmes, etc., sent out by them. Each member will also wear a gold pin, which will be a skull and cross bones, with an opal set and with the figures 13 under the skull. The club will give their first public entertainment, a grand ball, at the rink on next Friday evening one week from tonight. While the boys have chosen to do everything that some people superstitiously deem unlucky, we hope that they and the club will not meet the same fate as befell the “Flying Dutchman,” whose Master, as the story goes, like they, ridiculed all superstitious ideas and theories, and as a result, he lost his life. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 October 1888, p. 1, c. 5)


A Thirteen Club Dined.


The Thirteen Club dined at the Hotel Delmonico on New Year’s day, and as it was the first New Year’s dinner the club has had the pleasure of enjoying every effort was made to add enjoyment to the occasion. The meal was served at 1:13, and all members of the club were present with the exception of two or three who were out of the city. The menu on the bill of fare read as follows:

Oyster soup, boiled Superior trout with sauce, fried oysters. Roast beef, roast chicken, roast turkey, cranberry sauce, boiled leg of mutton with caper sauce. Mashed potatoes, string beans, mashed turnips, celery. Plum pudding, brandy sauce, mince pie, apple pie, oranges, apples. Ladies’ cake, cocoanut cake, jelly tarts, wine jelly, tea, coffee. Beverages—champagne, port wine, claret wine, sherry wine. Cigars.

Speeches were made and a general good time enjoyed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 January 1889, p. 4, c. 3)


Sleeper Block has been undergoing a siege of repairs during the past few weeks. A new roof has been added and the halls and rooms have been placed in fine shape by fresh paint and new paper. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 April 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


The 13 Club has changed its name to Chenquatana Club, and has also changed the rules of the Club so that any man of good character is eligible to become a member. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 October 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


The Chenquatana Club will have the finest club rooms west of Chicago when they are finished. They are centrally located in the Sleeper block and J. C. Congdon is doing the decorating. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 November 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


Every Detail Arranged.


The Smith Costume Co., of Minneapolis, have arranged to send an elegant line of costumes to Brainerd in time for the Chenquatana masquerade. They will probably reach here Saturday and will be on exhibition at Mrs. Grandelmyer’s. This company have furnished costumes for a number of the nice masquerades and fancy dress balls in St. Paul and Minneapolis during the past season and pride themselves on having the neatest lot of costumes to choose from that have been in Brainerd for some time. The club members have been working hard to arrange all the details of the party and those who miss it will miss one of the most delightful events of the season. All who attend will be required to present their invitation card at the door. The ladies’ and gents’ cloak rooms will be so arranged that the maskers will have no difficulty in disposing of their wraps and arranging their costumes. The orchestra will furnish music for a number of promenades between the dances prior to the unmasking, giving all maskers an opportunity for merriment and revelry. It is hoped that all who participate will vary from the usual late hour of arrival and be on hand promptly at 9:15. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 February 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


A Very Successful Ball.


The occasion of the masquerade ball given by the members of the Chenquatana Club, of this city, on Monday evening was one of the most delightful events of the season. The Armory was artistically decorated and long before the time for the opening, the seats in the gallery and those reserved below for the spectators were taken and standing room was at a premium. At 9:15 the grand march took place, and it was indeed a gorgeous affair in which probably one hundred couples participated. There were rich and expensive costumes, and they ranged from the sublime to the ridiculous. “McGinty’s” band was also a feature, and a decided hit. The attendance was so large and many of the costumes so elaborate that it would be an impossibility for us to undertake to describe them. The members of the club can congratulate themselves on the successful termination of the event and the success of future entertainments of this class by the club is assured. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 February 1890, p. 6, c. 5)


The Chenquatana Club will give a sheet and pillow case party at the armory [roller rink], on Thursday evening, May 22. Like all social affairs of this club, the party will undoubtedly be an enjoyable occasion. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 May 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


The sheet and pillow case party to be given by the Chenquatana Club on Thursday evening, the 22nd inst., bids fair to be a great social success. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 May 1890, p. 4, c. 3)


The third annual masquerade ball of the Chenquatana Club will occur Monday night, February 9th, at the roller skating rink. It is expected to be a very elaborate affair. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 January 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


The bal masque by the Chenquatana Club on the evening of Feb. 9th, is already the absorbing topic of conversation among the society people of the city, and, many a feminine head is busy these days, devising ways and means to secure a costume that will out-shine all others. Judging by the interest taken in this coming affair by the feminine portion of the community, it will be the great social event of the season. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 January 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


The third annual bal masque, of the Chenquatana Club, will be given at the armory [roller rink] on the evening of Monday, Feb. 9th, and it is already the all absorbing theme in society circles. The Chenquatana Club have an enviable reputation of giving the most exquisite masquerade parties, and the elite of the city will be in attendance. No person can gain admission to the armory [roller rink] in mask until their identity is disclosed to a committee appointed for that purpose, thus relieving those who do attend, from the feeling that there may be objectionable characters participating in disguise. It will be a strictly first-class affair and there is hardly anyone who has been fortunate enough to receive an invitation but who will attend. The Smith Costume Co., of Minneapolis, will have a representative here on Friday, Feb. 6th, with a full line of costumes, and they will be displayed at the Arlington, where those who desire to can have an opportunity of obtaining something entirely new in style. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 January 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


A Social Hit.


Such was the masquerade ball given by the Chenquatana Club on Monday evening. Long before the masked revelers began to arrive the seating and standing room in the spacious rink was occupied by an anxious throng of spectators and especial attention was given to each disguised individual as he, or she, as the case might be, entered the hall. In fact we believe those who composed the lookers-on enjoyed the party as well as the vast crowd that made up the merry throng of dancers in their graceful, and in many instances grotesque costumes. The grand march took place at 9:15 and was led by Miss May Campbell and F. A. Farrar, representing Columbia and Uncle Sam respectively, and it was an imposing spectacle, there being over 100 couples in the procession. The climax was capped, however, when “King Bill” made his appearance, led in by Barnum’s boss clown. The clown was Charlie Johnson, while Bill was none other than A. F. Ferris and W. A. M. Johnstone. The representation was true to life and as a gentleman at our elbow remarked, was worth the price of admission. At 11 o’clock the party unmasked and while many dispersed to their homes a majority remained and dancing was continued until 1 a.m. The party was a complete success in every particular. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 February 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


The Chenquatana Club have purchased a new billiard table for use in their rooms. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 March 1891, p. 4, c. 3)


The Chenquatana Club rooms have been overhauled by J. C. Congdon and are now the finest in the land. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 May 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


The Chenquatana Club gives a party this evening at the club rooms in the Sleeper block. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 September 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


Remembered the Club.


The Chenquatana Club was the recipient of some very fine and valuable presents on Christmas day, among which was a complete dinner service, presented by the wives of the members of the Club.

Another present was a fine piano cover, picture throws, and a fancy match holder from Mrs. C. N. and Mrs. F. S. Parker.

S. F. Alderman, E. O. Webb and F. S. Parker presented the Club with a magnificent picture and frame, Pharaoh's Horses. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 December 1894, p. 4, c. 4)


The Chenquatana Club held a meeting on Friday evening last at which time the following officers were elected: A. F. Ferris, president; F. S. Parker, vice-president; W. A. M. Johnstone, secretary; F. A. Farrar, treasurer. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 October 1895, p. 4, c. 5)


New Club Officers.


At a meeting of the Chenquatana Club on Saturday evening the following officers were elected for the ensuing year.

President—E. O. Parks.

Vice president—W. Courtney.

Secretary—F. A. Farrar.

Treasurer—H. I. Cohen.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 11 December 1896, p. 4, c. 7)


AN IMPROVEMENT IN SLEEPER BLOCK

_____


J. F. McGinnis to Have Larger

Floor Space for His Large

Department Store

_____


LARGE ADDITION TO BE ERECTED

_____


Which Will Make Two Store Rooms

50 by 130 Feet, Entirely

Renovated


J. F. McGinnis is ever alert to make all the improvements necessary to carry on his big business, and the latest plan which has been decided upon is the enlargement of his two storerooms in which his department store is located in the Sleeper building.

In a short time work will commence on the erection of an addition to the Sleeper block in the rear extending the present store rooms occupied by Mr. McGinnis back to the alley, so that he will have two stores, each 50 by 130 feet, giving him thirty additional feet at the rear of each store. The rooms will also be provided with steel ceilings and will be entirely renovated, repainted and overhauled. These will make the handsomest stores in the city when the work is completed and Mr. McGinnis is to be congratulated.

In this connection the space now occupied by Mr. McGinnis upstairs will be turned over to J. L. Smith, manager of the Sleeper block, and he will in all probability divert them to other use, perhaps office rooms. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 April 1904, p. 3, c. 4)


In November 1904. For rent: Fine large room (22 x 40) in Sleeper Block, suitable for tailor or millinery shop, $15 per month. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 15 November 2004)


The Sleeper Block is gutted by fire in 1907 and the Webb Block [?] is built to replace it. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 43)


Fire animation On June 25, 1907, a fire destroyed the Sleeper Block which contained the Brainerd Dispatch, the Frank Drosky clothing store and the John Carlson clothing store. Damages amounted to about $60,000, the origin of the fire was a mystery.


SEE: 1907 Sleeper Block Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


J. L. and Mrs. Smith arrived from Minneapolis and Mrs. Edward Hazen arrived from Duluth today noon. The ladies were the owners of the Sleeper block and came on business on the matter of rebuilding. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 July 1907, p. 2, c. 5)


SATISFACTORILY ADJUSTED

_____


Practically All the Losses From the

Sleeper Block Fire Have Been

Satisfactorily Settled


While none of the gentlemen interested care to give out figures for publication until the money is received, it is stated that all the losses by the recent Sleeper Block fire have been satisfactorily adjusted. John Carlson was pleasantly surprised on getting his safe open to find that he had $18,500 insurance instead of about $15,000 as he thought he had. Mr. Drosky also had $9,350 instead of $8,000 as he first reported. The losses in adjoining buildings from water, etc., have all, it is reported, been satisfactorily adjusted. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 July 1907, p. 3, c. 3)


TAKING DOWN CORNICE

_____


Cornice on Wall to Sleeper Block

is Being Taken Down—Wall May

be Ordered Down Also


F. H. Gruenhagen had a crew of men at work this morning pulling off the cornice of the front wall of the burned portion of the Sleeper block. The pulling on the wall developed the fact that it is not overly solid and it is thought that the entire wall will have to be taken down. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 September 1907, p. 3, c. 2)


SLEEPER BLOCK TO BE REBUILT

_____


Will be Modern in Every Respect

With Steam Heat and Up-to-

Date Finish

_____


WORK TO COMMENCE AT ONCE

_____


White Brothers Will Have Charge

Of the Work of Reconstruct-

ing Building


The Sleeper block will be rebuilt at once. J. L. Smith came to that conclusion last night and is now actively engaged in getting the work underway at the soonest possible moment. The work of reconstruction will be done by White Brothers, of this city. The building when completed will be modern in all its appointments with steam heat, etc., and will make one of the most desirable business buildings in the city. There will be two stores in the lower story, as before, and they will extend clear back to the alley, a distance of 140 feet. The upper story will contain six well lighted, steam heated offices, which will also be modern in all their appointments. Work will be commenced at once and it is hoped to get it enclosed before cold weather sets in so that a heating plant can be put in and the inside work done during the winter. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 September 1907, p. 2, c. 4)


WORK ALREADY BEGUN

_____


White Brothers Began Work This

Morning on the Rebuilding of

the Sleeper Block


White Brothers put a crew of men at work on the Sleeper building this morning preparatory to the work of rebuilding. Sand, brick, etc., are being hauled today and it is expected that the actual work of reconstruction will commence tomorrow morning. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 September 1907, p. 3, c. 4)


With a couple of weeks of good weather the Sleeper block will look much different from now. A good-sized crew is at work there today. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 September 1907, p. 2, c. 2)


RENTED STORE IN SLEEPER BLOCK

_____


John Carlson Has Leased West

Room in Sleeper Block for

Term of Five Years

_____


WILL OCCUPY IT WITH CLOTHING

_____


Has Also Purchased Some of the

Fixtures of the A. E. Moberg Store


It was given out by John L. Smith this afternoon that John Carlson had leased the west store room of the Sleeper block now under course of construction. The store room will be a fine up-to-date one 140 feet in depth. Mr. Carlson will, it is said, occupy it with an up-to-date line of clothing as soon as possible. Since the Sleeper block burned Mr. Carlson has been undecided as to going into business again, saying that he would not do so until he got a location and room to suit him. He has, it is reported, purchased a portion of the fixtures used by Mr. Moberg in his dry goods store on Seventh street and will use them in the new store. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 October 1907, p. 3, c. 5)


FINE NEW QUARTERS

_____


Bohemian Club to Have Elegant

Rooms in the Sleeper Block

When That is Completed


The Bohemian club has leased a fine club room in the new Sleeper block. The room will be in the second story and will be 24 by 36 and will be in the southwest corner of that floor. It will be finished up expressly to suit the boys and when completed will be one of the handsomest club rooms in this section. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 October 1907, p. 3, c. 2)


C. B. White and his men started in yesterday to put the plate glass windows of the Sleeper block in place, but owing to the rising wind were compelled to abandon the attempt. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 November 1907, p. 2, c. 3)


Work on the Sleeper block will be resumed tomorrow or Monday. The work of the Slipp-Gruenhagen Co., on the heating plant has been hindered by the failure of material to arrive on time but they expect to resume work at once. The lathing will also be commenced within a day or so. Mr. Carlson expects to open up his clothing store in the west store room about the first of February. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 December 1907, p. 2, c. 3)


CANDY FACTORY FOR BRAINERD

_____


Conelas Brothers, of Minneapolis

Have Rented Store in

Sleeper Block

_____


BOTH WHOLESALE AND RETAIL

_____


Firm a Strong One With Three

Stores in Minneapolis and

One in Duluth


Sleeper Block housing the Cosmos Billiard Parlor and John Carlson Clothier, ca. 1920. The Henry P. Dunn Drug Store is on the right. A 1081x713 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Brainerd will have a candy factory which will, it is stated, go after the wholesale business of Central Minnesota. Conelas Brothers, of Minneapolis, have leased the east store room in the Sleeper block for a term of five years and will open up there as soon as the building is ready for occupancy. The firm, according to reports, is a strong one and has three stores in Minneapolis and one in Duluth. No direct information has been received as to the scope and nature of the business here but it is understood that they will not only manufacture candy for the wholesale and retail trade but will also handle fruits, ice cream, etc., along the same lines as their stores in Minneapolis and Duluth.

Ed Thabes started plastering the building Friday morning and as the heating plant is now in place the work will be pushed regardless of the weather. White Brothers also have a crew at work preparing for the putting in of steel ceilings in the store rooms. It is hoped that the building will be ready for occupancy by the middle of January. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 December 1907, p. 5, c. 3)


Work on the Sleeper Block is progressing and it is expected that the building will be ready for occupancy by February first. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 December 1907, p. 2, c. 4)


J. L. Smith, of Minneapolis, is in the city today looking after the completion of the Sleeper block. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 January 1908, p. 2, c. 1)


J. F. Vaughn is at work with a crew of men putting cement floors in the basement of the Sleeper block. When completed the building will be much finer than ever before. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 January 1908, p. 2, c. 1)


STORE NEARLY READY

_____


Shelving Now Being Put in John Carl-

son’s Store in Sleeper Block—

Some Goods Here


An ad for John Carlson’s new clothing store in the rebuilt Sleeper Block, 11 February 1908.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

The store room in the Sleeper block to be occupied by John Carlson is now ready for occupancy except in the matter of fixtures and C. B. White and his men are busily engaged in putting in the shelving. Much of the stock of goods is now in the freight depot and as soon as the shelving is finished Mr. Carlson will begin placing the goods in position. He expects, if nothing unexpected happens to prevent, to have his store open on or before the first of February. John has always been popular with the Brainerd public and his many friends will be glad to see him in business again. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 January 1908, p. 5, c. 1)


If the needed material arrives at once the Sleeper block will be completed in about a week. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 January 1908, p. 2, c. 1)


The Sleeper block is having changes made on the second floor. Partitions have been added to rooms formerly occupied by the Blackhawk club, thus creating more rooms. A bathroom and toilet has been added. Alterations were made by contractor Chas. C. Nicholson. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 March 1920, p. 6, c. 3)


SEE: Carlson, John & Son Clothing

SEE: Grand Theatre

SEE: Webb Block


SLEEPER OPERA HOUSE (MAP #48)

Sleeper Opera House located mid-block on the east side of 8th between Front and Laurel, ca. 1888.
Source: Northwest Illustrated Monthly Magazine, Volume VI, Number 7, July 1888, E. V. Smalley, Editor and Publisher

Built by C. B. Sleeper sometime in 1882 [sic] [1883], it is 62' x 125' x 65' tall and built of Brainerd-made White and Koop red brick. Its auditorium seats 1,000, it is located mid-block on the east side of South Eighth Street [Broadway], next to the O’Brien Mercantile Company; the building burns down on 02 January 1898. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 43 and Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 38, 43, 44)


Built by Chauncey B. Sleeper, a lawyer born in Erie County, New York, 11 January 1838. He studies law in Buffalo, New York, and serves as a Colonel in the US Army of the Potomac during the Civil War. He arrives in Brainerd in 1872. A few years after arriving, his wife operates a boarding house on the southeast corner of Eighth and Laurel Streets. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 9)


Sleeper is the President of the School Board 1873-1878; the first City Attorney in 1873; County Attorney 1884-1886; Mayor, 01 March to 21 March 1887; District Judge, 10 March 1887 to 30 December 1888. He dies 30 December 1888 at the age of fifty. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 43 & 56)


Capt. C. B. Sleeper sold his farm on yesterday and purchased the block north of his present residence between Front and Laurel streets. He will erect a spacious hotel on this block the coming summer—a sort of family boarding or Park Place hotel—adding much to the appearance of that portion of the city. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 December 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


Brainerd’s New Opera House.


Much credit is due to Capt. C. B. Sleeper and a few other enterprising citizens that on the 15th of November Brainerd will open one of the finest opera houses in the northwest. Although there may be larger ones in eastern and southern cities there is surely none which is more perfectly or artistically arranged than ours will be. It will be a beauty when completed.

The stage is 56 [sic] feet and six [sic] inches wide by 40 [sic] feet deep. It is 26 feet from the wall to the first drop curtain. There will be 10 or 12 sets of scenery with about 40 “wings” to fill out. The scenery will be mounted on rollers and will be so easily managed that a child can handle it. There will be four [sic] boxes fixed up in the finest shape with plush, &c., and there will be four dressing rooms back of the stage. The stage will be ceiled while the rest of the house will be plastered and papered to represent fresco work.

The opera house will have a seating capacity of one thousand, and has been divided into parquet, dress circle and gallery, so that there is not a seat in the house from which a perfect view of the stage cannot be had. Overhead in the building is the Masonic hall which when finished will be the finest hall north of St. Paul. This is divided into the different regalia rooms, cloak rooms, banquet hall, council hall, &c. The entire building will be veneered with brick. The plastering will be completed in two weeks and it is expected that the building will be done and ready for opening November 15th. at which time some celebrated theatrical troupe will occupy the hall, but just who will open it we have not learned. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 04 October 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


The Sleeper Opera House of which the Dispatch gave an extended notice some few weeks ago, will be opened to the public Nov. 19, Phosa McAllister’s troupe having closed a contract to occupy the magnificent edifice the first week. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 08 November 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


THE GRAND OPENING.

_________


The Sleeper Opera House, Brainerd to be Opened Monday, Nov. 26th, and During the Entire week.

_________


Sale of Seats at Auction.

_________


An Event that will be Long Remembered in Brainerd.

_________


The opening of Brainerd’s new opera house has been postponed one week on account of the work on the same not being entirely completed. The opening will take place on Monday evening, Nov. 26th, and during the entire week. As was mentioned in last week’s Dispatch.

The sale of seats will commence on Monday night next, at Cable’s drug store. They will be sold at auction and will continue during the week at 7:30 p.m. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 15 November 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


The first choice of seats for the opening of the new opera house was sold to Charlie Johnson of the firm of McFadden & Johnson, on Monday night. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 22 November 1883, p. 3, c. 1)


SLEEPER OPERA HOUSE.

_______


Grand Opening Nov. 26th.

_______


THE GEM OF BRAINERD

_______


Sleeper Opera House shortly after it was built, 1883.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Brainerd can well congratulated herself upon having so comfortable and elegant an opera house as the one they are now in possession of. Two years ago Col. [sic] [Capt.] C. B. Sleeper first conceived the idea of building for Brainerd an opera house that would be a credit to the town and that would give the theatre-loving people a chance to enjoy the benefits of talent that would otherwise not stop in our city which had no accommodations for others than small troupes. Mr. Sleeper brought the thing before the people and got them interested in the scheme, which has resulted in Brainerd’s having to-day one of the finest opera houses on the line of the Northern Pacific road. Mr. Sleeper’s plans were elaborated on by Minneapolis experts and the opera house is pronounced to be complete in all its arrangements, costing when finished the sum of $25,000 [sic]. To Mr. Sleeper and the Masonic brethren the credit of the structure belongs. A short sketch of the building with its elaborate finish, etc., will be of interest to the public at the present time and is given below:

As you enter from Broadway or Eighth street, you find yourself in a large lobby, from which stairs lead directly to the theatre. Stairs at each end of the lobby lead to the balcony, as do also independent stairways at each side of the building, and two twelve foot openings, between which the box office is located lead to the parquet and dress circle. When once inside one is immediately impressed with the symmetry and perfect order with which every thing is arranged, and not one place in the building from the gallery to the dress circle, is there, but what one can obtain a perfect view of the stage. The acoustic properties have been pronounced perfect by competent judges so that every word can be heard very distinctly all over the house, even if spoken in the lowest tone of voice. The stage is 50 [sic] feet wide by 29 [sic] feet deep. There are 12 beautiful sets of scenery which were painted by Mr. P. Clausen, of Minneapolis, the main drop curtain being a beautiful oriental landscape, this curtain has not been finished, owing to the artist being over-rushed with work and will not be in position for a few weeks. The stage also contains 46 wings and ten doors, and the other details show that the opera house management has the appointments fixed up in first-class shape. There are two dressing rooms on each side of the stage for the use of the stars, while beneath the stage is two large rooms for the use of the support. There are boxes to the number of six, three on each side, which are adorned with lambrequins and curtains with rail. The stage and stage properties were built by Mr. H. G. Carter, who is conceded to be one of the best stage carpenters in the United States, he having lately completed the Grand Opera House in St. Paul, owned by Com. Davidson, and other large opera houses in the principle cities of the United States. The building has been entirely plumbed for gas and will be heated by steam, and the ventilation has received the closes attention, so that seats in the family circle will be as desirable in this respect as in any other part of the house. The directors have decided that good order shall be maintained throughout the entire house, and loud talking, whistling and stamping of feet will be prohibited, as applause can be demonstrated by clapping of hands which is at all time more appreciated by the actors who are being applauded. [Between the Acts. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 22 November 1883, p. 3, c. 6)


The new drop curtain for the Sleeper opera house arrived on Monday. It is a beauty and worth about $400. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 January 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


Mr. J. L. Smith, manager of the opera house, informs us that all dates have been canceled and no more companies will be given dates after next week. The business is so light that it will not pay to encourage any troupes to come. The house has been losing money for six years and will not encourage any more theatrical performances. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 August 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


Janauschek.


Madame Fanny Janauschek 1830-1904, actress born Prague, Austrian Empire (Czech Republic).
Source: Unknown

Last evening a large number of admirers of profound and subtle art acting assembled at the Columbia to witness the world renowned tragedienne Janauschek in a grand production of the musical and romantic play, a dramatization of Sir Walter Scott’s novel of Guy Mannering, entitled “Meg Merrilies.” The character of Meg Merrilies is one calling for an artist thoroughly schooled and educated in the most difficult and arduous lines of professional labor and gifted with the genius peculiarly adapted to the interpretation of complex characters. Being thus qualified in the higher ranks of dramatic art Mme. Janauschek is eminently fitted to wear the mantle of the late Charlotte Cushman. She has a voice that thrills and electrifies, and by its pleading tones of anguish she wins from the strongest heart emotion and sympathy. She holds her audience spellbound by a more than wonderful magnetism and power of eloquence. After a long career she is still the true representative of the heroic in drama, still the great artiste whose methods are models. She is an actress who combines in her own proper person an infinite variety of dramatic qualities. She has a power and emotional force greater than Ristori, a nervous and fiery intensity equal to Rachel, and a skill for elaboration and finish only equaled by Bernhardt. The story is well known to all readers of English fiction.—Chicago Telegram.

At Sleeper opera house Saturday evening, June 15th. Don’t fail to see the great tragedienne. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 June 1889, p. 4, c. 6)


A Decided Improvement.


The change in the management of the opera house in this city is a decided improvement, as those who attended the performance on Monday night can attest. Heretofore those who attended have been compelled to suffer the annoyance of cold, and other uncomfortable things, but Bro. Stivers appears to have the right idea and the house was thoroughly warmed, a stove having been placed in the lobby, which does away with the icy blasts which have greeted the audiences in the past every time the door was opened. The public will also appreciate the change in the attitude of the gallery attendants, as they will no long annoy those below who have paid their money to a see a good performance, but have heretofore been disturbed by the kid element. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 December 1895, p. 4, c. 5)


Fire animation On January 3, 1898, the Sleeper Opera House, one of the finest play houses in Northern Minnesota burned along with Con O’Brien’s store. Theviot’s millinery store was badly damaged. The fire began in the rear of the opera house.


SEE: 1898 Sleeper Opera House Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


Sleeper, Chauncey B.

He came to Brainerd some sixteen years ago, early in 1872, when the city was in its infancy, and cast his lot with the early comers to this city, firmly believing that in it there was a future, and his untiring efforts were devoted to building up and advancing its interests, and as monuments to his memory today stands the Sleeper opera house on Broadway [South Eighth], an elegant structure and a source of much pleasure to the people of this city; also the Sleeper block on Front street. He was instrumental in originating the Brainerd, Crookston & Northwestern railroad enterprise, now the B. & N. W. He acquired a large amount of real estate and platted Sleeper's Addition and Sleeper's Park Addition, and was connected with all enterprises which were to advance public interests. The beautiful summer resort on Long Lake, known as Lake View, some four miles from the city, was built by him. (Brainerd Dispatch, Obituary, Saturday, 04 January 1889)


SLEEPER RESIDENCE (MAP #49)

Sleeper Residence at the northwest corner of 8th and Ivy, ca. 1888.
Source: Northwest Illustrated Monthly Magazine, Volume VI, Number 7, July 1888, E. V. Smalley, Editor and Publisher

[Remuddled, located on the northwest corner of North Eighth [Broadway] and Ivy Streets.] It is built of Brainerd-made Schwartz cream brick. [Current address is 501 North Eighth Street.] (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 38)


Built by Chauncey B. Sleeper, a lawyer born in Erie County, New York, 11 January 1838. He studies law in Buffalo, New York, and serves as a Colonel in the US Army of the Potomac during the Civil War. He arrives in Brainerd in 1872. A few years after arriving in Brainerd, his wife operates a boarding house on the southeast corner of Eighth and Laurel Streets. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 9)


NOTE: The residence was NOT built by Sleeper as stated by Zapffe above.


Known as the Sleeper residence but built by Dr. Jasper E. Cheney in the early 1880’s, ca. Unknown.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Col. [sic] Sleeper will shortly move into the residence he has lately purchased of Mr. [sic] [Dr.] Cheney on 8th street. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 September 1883, p. 3, c. 1)


On Monday last Capt. [sic] Sleeper moved into his new residence on Eighth street, and Dr. Cheney moved into the Sleeper residence on Laurel street. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 September 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


Sleeper is the President of the School Board 1873-1878; the first City Attorney in 1873; County Attorney 1884-1886; Mayor, 01 March to 21 March 1887; District Judge, 10 March 1887 to 30 December 1888. He dies 30 December 1888 at the age of fifty. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 43 & 56)


In October 1907, Mrs. Loren F. Bois [sic] [Boies] [Mrs. C. B. Sleeper Boies] sells her residence property on North Broadway [North Eighth], known as the Sleeper property, to Mons Mahlum. The consideration was $2,100. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Tuesday, 09 October 2007)


SLIPP BLOCK (MAP #50)

Slipp Block at the northwest corner of 8th and Laurel, housing the Princess Candy Store, ca. 1916. A 1945x1160 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
Slipp Hardware Ad, 31 July 1880.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

Built by Edgar P. Slipp on the northwest corner of Laurel and South Eighth [Broadway] Streets, date unknown. At one time it housed Slipp’s Brainerd Hardware and later, Henry Elvig’s Drugstore and Pharmacy as well as two apartments. Edgar P. Slipp and his son, Leigh Slipp, organize the Brainerd Hardware Company in 1916. The former came to Brainerd in 1903, and purchased an interest in Slipp Brothers, a pioneer hardware store.


AROUND THE STATE.

_____


BRAINERD.


BRAINERD, July 17.—D. S. [sic] [E.] Slipp and J. M. Hartley are in St. Paul, purchasing their immense stock of hardware, which they will put in their new store on Laurel street. (Minneapolis Tribune, 19 July 1880, p. 8)


See the new advertisement in another column, this week, of D. E. Slipp's new hardware store. He opened to the public on Thursday. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 July 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 1880 Brainerd-2 in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.


Accidental Shooting.


Henry Cushing, of Minneapolis, accidentally shot himself in the calf of the left leg Thursday evening in the hardware store of D. E. Slipp, on Laurel street. He had just purchased a revolver of Mr. Slipp, had it loaded, and was seated on a stove, with his left foot resting upon a box near him, examining the weapon and undertook to cock it when the hammer slipped from his thumb, discharging one of the cartridges, the bullet passing through his leg, as stated above, and through the glass in the front door. The wound was not severe, and we can afford to laugh over the ludicrous phases of the accident. A gentleman traveling for the hardware house of Farwell & Co., of Minneapolis, was standing directly in front of Cushing, back toward him, talking with Mr. S., when the accident occurred, and was so frightened that Dave says he jumped nearly six feet and ran like a frightened fawn over stoves, boxes, etc., into the work room in the rear and concealed himself behind the machinery; and Cushing, as soon as he had recovered from his surprise, seeing his blood flowing upon the floor, concluded he had no use for a revolver, and throwing the agency of death upon the counter called for the return of his money, and then fainted away. He was carried to the Leland House, where Dr. Howes examined and dressed the wound, and Cushing learning he was not seriously hurt proceeded on his journey homeward by the evening's train, leaving Dave to mourn the loss of a sale and a broken window. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 December 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


Slipp, David E.

Is a native of New Brunswick, and was reared on a farm in his native province. He came to Brainerd in 1871, and carried on a grocery business till June 1880, when he opened a hardware store, and is still in the business. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Winchell, Neill, Williams and Bryant, Minnesota Historical Company, Minneapolis: 1881, p. 653)


Slipp, Fred J.

Is also a native of New Brunswick, and is a brother of the subject of our last sketch. He came to Brainerd in 1879, and was engaged in the grocery business until the spring of 1881; but since then, has been with his brother in the hardware business. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Winchell, Neill, Williams and Bryant, Minnesota Historical Company, Minneapolis: 1881, p. 653)


Mr. D. E. Slipp has built an addition to his store, to be used as a tin shop. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 March 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


David E. Slipp’s Hardware Store.


Attention is called to the mammoth advertisement of David E. Slipp in this issue. Mr. Slipp has fitted up his storeroom on Laurel street in a manner which denotes the significant enterprise and go-aheaditiveness of a business man, who caters to the public want. He realizes the truth of the old saying, that he who would succeed in business must advertise, and takes this method to lay before the people of Brainerd and vicinity an idea of what he has got and what kind of a business he is conducting. In the hardware line a great variety of articles are necessary to furnish and keep up a full stock, and Mr. Slipp, realizing this has spared neither labor or expense in equipping his establishment with everything liable to meet the demand of his numerous patrons, and has put his prices down to hard pan figures, and his goods will speak for themselves as to quality. It is not to be doubted that if anything is desired in the hardware line of merchandise, it will be to your interest to favor the Laurel Street emporium with a call. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 June 1881, p. 1, c. 3)


The hardware store of David E. Slipp on Laurel St. was broken into last Sunday night and a considerable amount of goods taken, consisting chiefly of revolvers, pocket knives, etc. to the amount of $75 to $100. They entered the rear way by breaking down the door. Where was our watchman, was he asleep? where is our protector against these incursions by burglars and sneak thieves who infest our town. There is one way which we have mentioned. Will anyone take hold and do something for the protection of all and the good order of the town. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 October 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


D. E. Slipp, the hardware merchant has moved into his new store on Front Street. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 November 1881, p. 5, c. 4)


D. E. Slipp yesterday received a large and handsome safe from the Cincinnati Safe and Lock Company. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 May 1882, p. 5, c. 1)


STANDARD OIL COMPANY

GASOLINE TO BE CHEAPER

_____


Filling Station, it is Rumored, to be

Placed in City and Cash Sales

Will be Made

_____


3 CENTS A GALLON CHEAPER

_____


J. A. Lewis of the Standard Oil Co.,

Interviewed, Refused to Affirm

or Deny Rumor


The Standard Oil Co., it is rumored, is about to put in a filling station at Graham’s warehouse on Front street, where gasoline is to be sold 3 cents a gallon cheaper, all sales to be cash.

J. A. Lewis, with the oil company, refused to affirm or deny the rumor. He had nothing whatever to say.

All gasoline users hope it’s true, for it means cheaper mileage. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 February 1917, p. 5, c. 2)


NEW FILLING STATION OPENED

_____


Standard Oil Company to Open Same

July 15 Near Front and Broad-

way Warehouse

_____


WHOLESALE TO CONSUMER

_____


Price Per Gallon of Gasoline Today,

for Instance, was 21 9-10 Cents,

Some Saving


The Standard Oil Co. on July 15 will open its new filling station at the company warehouse corner of Broadway [South Eighth] and Front street.

The wholesale price will be charged the consumer, thus affecting quite a saving. The price per gallon today, for instance, was 21 and 9-10 cents.

The station has been under consideration for some time and its completion means quite a saving to automobile owners. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 July 1917, p. 4, c. 4)


FILLING STATION SOON READY

_____


Ten Barrel Tank Being Installed at

Standard Oil Company Ware-

house, Front & Broadway


A Minneapolis man is engaged today in putting in the pump at the Standard Oil Co. gasoline filling station being installed at the warehouse on Front and Broadway [South Eighth Street]. The tank will be of ten barrels capacity and the station will be located 30 feet north of Front on the east side of Broadway [South Eighth Street]. It will be a curb pump with room for two machines at a time.

Felix Graham will be in charge, said J. A. Lewis of the company. Gas today wholesaled in Duluth and Minneapolis at 21c. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 July 1917, p. 5, c. 2)


UNEQUALED RECORD IN STANDARD OIL

_____


Felix Graham for Over Quarter Cen-

tury Dispenses Gasoline and Oil

at Brainerd Station

_____


GAINS THOUSANDS OF FRIENDS

_____


Worked Steady, in Summertime on

Sundays, Noted for his Never

Failing Courtesy


Lacking but two years of thirty years’ continuous service, Felix Graham, Brainerd agent of the Standard Oil Co., has worked constantly and in summertime, Sundays too, dispensing gasoline and oil and giving to the people of Brainerd and vicinity the finest kind of service and accommodation flavored with a smile and general comment which has caused every purchaser to go away fully satisfied and entirely pleased.

Whereas the Standard Oil Co. deems it highly important to publish encomiums from various countrysides concerning the service given their customers, Brainerd people doubt very much if in the whole Standard Oil jurisdiction, the United States, the island of the sea, Europe or any other quarter, the company can show a man who will equal the fine record achieved by Felix Graham.

Steady as a clock, prompt in service, unvarying in courtesy, the business under Felix Graham has grown from one big storage tank to dozens, from a mule delivery to a big motor truck, from a few customers to thousands.

And when Brainerd people think of the Standard Oil Co. they do not think so much of a rich corporation, or of John D. Rockefeller, they think of one of their own citizens, who has coupled kindness and courtesy with his sale and delivery of Standard Oil products and made the name of the company one respected. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 July 1919, p. 5, c. 1)


At the Standard Oil Co.’s new filling station site on South Sixth street across from the postoffice the two residences have been removed to their new site at the back end of the lots and work will soon be started on the station foundation. Removing the houses and building their cement foundations was done by Ernest Ritari. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 July 1919, p. 2, c. 3)


At the Standard Oil filling station grounds the two residences at the front of the lot were removed to the rear and have been placed on permanent foundations. Concrete reservoirs are being constructed at the front end of the lot. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 August 1919, p. 2, c. 3)


Work on the Standard Oil pumping station is progressing nicely. The frame work is now being put up and the grounds cleared of the big trees which once decorated the yard. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 August 1919, p. 2, c. 3)


Cement paving is being laid on the property of the Standard Oil Co. filling station. About half is completed. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 September 1919, p. 2, c. 2)


The Standard Oil Service Station opposite the P. O., will open tomorrow. Felix Graham, Agent. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 October 1919, p. 2, c. 2)


The Standard Oil Co.’s new filling station opened to the public this morning. It is located across the street from the postoffice and is supplied with two 5 gallon pumps for gas and two portable lubricating pumps stationed on the island between the two pumps. The station is nicely finished in cement and the interior has a ladies’ rest room and a gentlemen’s rest room and toilet, and the offices. The building is steam heated. Air is also furnished for cars. The first gasoline buyer was the Haydon Co.’s big truck. Red Crown gasoline is sold. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 October 1919, p. 2, c. 3)


LABOR, SUPPLIES SECURED LOCALLY

_____


Standard Oil Company Buys Brainerd

Lumber, Cement, Hardware, Etc.,

for Its Service Station

_____


LOCAL WIRING AND LABOR

_____


Next Spring the Company Will Add

New Warehouse, Garage, Pump

House, Office


Henry Clayton Nelson in front of the Standard Oil Station on the southeast corner of South Eighth and Front Streets, ca. 1924. A 659x452 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Ann M. Nelson

The Standard Oil company’s new station is being erected by local men and all material is being supplied locally, said J. Warden Wheeler of the Standard, who visited the Dispatch office today. Thomas Miccoch [sic] is the building foreman in charge. Lumber, cement, hardware, etc. were bought in Brainerd, and wiring and other labor were secured here.

The station is located at the corner of Broadway [South Eighth Street] and Front and the service station proper, built of pressed brick and stone, will measure 16x15 feet in size. Concrete driveways lead to it covered with a canopy.

The balance of the buildings consisting of warehouse, garage, pump house and office will be erected early next spring on the same site.

The Standard Oil Co. is the pioneer in building service stations in Brainerd. For many years the public was served at Broadway [South Eighth Street] and Front and later the fine station was built at Sixth and Maple streets opposite the postoffice. Increased business necessitated the improvements at the original site on Front and Broadway [South Eighth Street]. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 September 1922, p. 5, c. 5)


STARLITE CLUB

GRAND OPENING OF STARLITE, NEWEST BRAINERD CLUB, THURSDAY


The Starlite Club, built in 1954. A 1868x753 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Kim Dieter

Grand opening of the Starlite club, Brainerd’s newest night club, will be held Thursday evening, it has been announced by John S. Adams, owner.

The club, which features the latest in dining, dancing and bar facilities, as been open for business two weeks this summer.

LOCATED TWO miles northwest of the Brainerd city limits on Highway 371, the club is a low rambling building with three divisions. Located just west of the highway, it has concrete walks on all four sides and plenty of room for parking with a well graveled front and along both sides of the building.

The building is 60 feet by 68 feet and was constructed by the Parsons Construction Co.

Adams is being helped out in his new establishment by his father, Steve, who has been in business in Crow Wing county for 33 years, operating the Adams Cafe at 702 Laurel street for 28 years, and a cafe in Crosby-Ironton for five years before that.

Steve Adams will operate the off sale liquor store, located in the southeast part of the building. The middle section features a bar. On the northeast side is the dining room, which can seat up to 72.

Located behind the dining room is a modern kitchen, presided over by Gust Liskos, cook.

A ROOM FOR dancing or for accommodating more dinner guests in located behind the off sale bar. It is estimated that over 100 persons can be fed at one time in the Starlite club. Orchestras may be hired from time-to-time, but a nickelodeon will be available at all times.

Extending most of the way across the west side of the building is a storage room, which also houses a self-defrosting cooler.

The club also has a brick barbecue pit behind the building and its own water system. A big fill for a cesspool is to be fenced in in back.

The Lake Region Sign Co. has provided what the Adams feel is one of the finest signs to be obtained. Forty feet long, it has letters five feet high and is flashy enough to be seen for several miles.

THE BUILDING has a brick front with an overlapping roof. The sides are stuccoed in medium cream color. Guard rails offer protection for those parking at the sides of the building.

Other features include a three-sided bar, beautified by a knotty pine back wall. Floors are inlaid with a pleasing block pattern and the grey, green and pink inside walls, all in subdued coloring, blend well with other decor.

A huge fireplace brightens the interior of the cafe.

Thompson Concrete Co. furnished Du-Light lightweight blocks. Wiring and fixtures were handled by Burton’s, Inc. George Weisz did the painting and decorating.

Brainerd Heating Co. has installed one of its prize Selectem heating and air conditioning units and also handled the plumbing for the new club.

NICK ADAMS, Joe Doshan, James Muller are bartenders at the Starlite club. Other helpers include Alyce Zobelin, Helen Hieppenen, Ann Huseby, Jennie Markenson and Dora Gibbs.

The management and staff of the Starlite club cordially invite as people in the area as possible to attend Thursday’s Grand Opening or to pay an inspection visit soon to the newest and most modern establishment of its kind in Paul Bunyanland. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 July 1954, p. 20, c. 3)


SEE: Olympia Confectionery & Cafe


STRATTON HOUSE

Inside the Stratton House at 214 S. 5th Street. John Wise, the owner, is behind the desk. On the other side of the screen door is his wife, his son, Joe, and his daughter, Mrs. Theresa Wise Neary. The little boy is Ed Wise. In 1901, the rate to stay there was $1.00 a day, ca. 1901. A 1646x1162 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

G. H. Stratton has bought of C. F. Kindred the lots at the corner of Fifth and Front streets formerly known as the Sherwood property. Mr. Stratton purposes erecting a commodious hotel on this property. He has our best wishes in this enterprise, and we feel sure the people of Brainerd will appreciate the same. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 April 1881, p. 1, c. 3)


Geo. W. [sic] [H.] Stratton has leased the New Commercial Hotel, and will open it about July 1st. Mr. Stratton has had a great deal of experience in the hotel business, and knows how to run a first-class house. That he will enjoy a large patronage is a foregone conclusion. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 June 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


Fred Stropp has purchased the Commercial Hotel business and fixtures of Geo. H. Stratton, and assumed control last Wednesday morning. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 February 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


Alderman F. J. Stropp has sold the furnishings of the Stratton House to Ed. Chamberlain, who has run the mill boarding house for over a year past, and Mr. Chamberlain has already taken possession. He is a competent hotel man and will undoubtedly make the Stratton House a more popular hostelry than ever before. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 April 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


About six o’clock on Monday morning fire was discovered in the rear end of the second story of the Stratton Hotel and it gained considerable headway before the department was called out. The flames, however, soon [were] under control, but not until damages had been inflicted to the amount of at least $1,000. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 April 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


The Stratton House, which is now undergoing extensive repairs, has been leased by J. P. Taylor, formerly manager of the [Lumberman’s] Exchange [Hotel] for John Bubar. The house will be opened Nov. 2nd. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 November 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


The Stratton House was opened up on Wednesday under the management of J. P. Taylor, the veteran hotel man. The outfit has been purchased by J. M. Prieb, of Breckenridge, Minn., whose family is now here, and Mr. P. expects to be here in a day or two. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 November 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


W. P. Buckley has leased the Stratton House, and it will be run under his management with T. G. Butler, recently of the Arlington, as chief clerk. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 March 1896, p. 4, c. 3)


Work of the Flames.


Fire on Wednesday night caused a damage of $300 to the Stratton hotel owned by J. M. Gray and also destroyed and damaged the furniture in the rear of the hotel owned by J. P. Saunders. The fire started in the wooden kitchen of the brick building and but for the timely arrival of the fire department the entire structure would have been gutted. The loss was entirely covered by insurance. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 December 1898, p. 8, c. 2)


WISE SELLS OUT.

_____


He Has Gone Out of the Hotel Business

and For the Present Has Not Decided

What to Engage in.


September 1 the Stratton Hotel changed hands and John Wise, the landlord, has retired.

John Neary is the new proprietor and hails from Little Falls where it is said he has been a cook for sometime for the Pine Tree Lumber Co.

Mr. Wise may engage in the saloon business but has not decided definitely. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 September. 1901, p. 7, c. 4)


THEVIOT (BERTHA) MILLINERY SHOP / BROADWAY CAFE

Bertha Theviot, ca. 1890.
Source: Meg McGowan

Bertha Theviot was born in Austria in 1854. She arrived in Brainerd in 1882 along with her husband Henry, sons Henry and William and daughter Eleanor. By about 1885 she had opened a millinery shop at 16 East Front Street. On 28 September 1894, the Brainerd Dispatch reported that Mrs. Theviot was moving her stock of millinery to her building next to the opera house [213 South Broadway] [South Eighth Street]. In 1903 the Theviot Millinery Shop was located at 324 South Sixth Street and her husband, Henry, was operating a saloon at 213 South Broadway [South Eighth Street].


Located next to the Sleeper Opera House mid-block between Front and Laurel Streets on the east side of Broadway [South Eighth Street].


Luck in Even Numbers.


The silver tea set that has been on exhibition in J. L. Smith’s jewelry store for some time and which was disposed of by chance on Wednesday night was drawn by Mrs. H. Theviot, she holding the lucky number which was four. The set is well worth $65, and a finer Christmas present would be hard to select. To say that she was pleased would be putting it mild. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 December 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


Mrs. H. Theviot has purchased the [H. C.] Miller property on Eighth street next to the opera house. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 February 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


NOTE: H. C. Miller was a Brainerd contractor. It was he who built the Losey & Dean building at 720 Front Street in 1888.


Located mid-block on the east side of Broadway [South Eighth Street] between Front and Laurel Streets, just north of the Sleeper Opera House, ca. 1894.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

Parties from Chippewa Falls, Wis. are negotiating with Mrs. H. Theviot for the purchase of the property now occupied by her millinery store. If the purchase is made it is understood that a fine brick block will be erected there in the spring. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 February 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


Mrs. H. Theviot has made a voluntary assignment for the benefit of her creditors to Werner Hemstead. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 July 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


The fixtures, stock and book accounts of the Theviot millinery stock was sold to Adolph Callman and the business has been opened in charge of Miss Nellie McClary. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 August 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


Mrs. Theviot is removing the stock of millinery to her building next to the opera house. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 September 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


Miss Nellie McClary, manager of the Theviot millinery store, went to St. Paul this noon to purchase a spring stock of millinery. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 March 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


Fire animation On January 3, 1898, the Sleeper Opera House, one of the finest play houses in Northern Minnesota burned along with Con O’Brien’s store. Theviot’s millinery store was badly damaged. The fire began in the rear of the opera house.


SEE: 1898 Sleeper Opera House Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


Mrs. H. Theviot will remove her millinery store to the rooms recently vacated in the Lagerquist block by Abbott & Wilkins. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 July 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


By 1920 Bertha Theviot was retired, Henry Theviot was dead and the Theviot Saloon had become the Broadway cafe operated by Christ Tampelas. By 1931 the Broadway was operated by John A. Papostolou and by 1949 the cafe was operated by John Vemos.


12 August 1934. Intuition by S. P. Sheflo, switchman on the N. P. Railroad switch engine, saved the Broadway Cafe from destruction last night. As the engine passed over the fill he spotted smoke in the sky. He investigated and turned in the alarm. Firemen fought the fire for over an hour. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 12 August 2014)


OH, TO BE FREE!--

This Looks Like Inside Job


An “attempted burglary” turned into an “attempted escape” from an irate and watchful spouse on police records of the Brainerd department this morning.

And the supposition that a screen of the Broadway cafe on Eighth street was torn to permit a burglar to “come in” was discounted in favor of undisputed evidence that it was torn to permit a harassed and closely-pursued husband to “get out.”

It all happened like this . . .

Early today, Brainerd police were called to the Broadway cafe to check what appeared to be an attempted break-in of several hours previous. The screen of the window in the men’s rest room on the south side of the building had been torn off as though a man had sought entry from the alley outside.

But a bit of detective work by the investigators showed that the burglary theory didn’t jibe. More questioning and a bit of tangible evidence disclosed that a well known Brainerdite, ready for an evening out with the boys, had frantically sought space between the bars of the window in which to escape into the street.

While his supreme—but futile—effort was being made, the “little woman” waited outside the door.

The rest of the story may go into someone’s diary but not into the columns of this newspaper. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, Date Unknown)


OPEN FORUM


Nostalgia Time


“Johnny the Greek,” John Vemos, proprietor of the Broadway Cafe., ca. Unknown.
Source: Legacy Program, Crow Wing County Historical Society
Sharon Squires and Hilda, waitresses at the Broadway Cafe, ca. Unknown.
Source: Legacy Program, Crow Wing County Historical Society

It’s nostalgia time. The old Broadway Cafe has been sold. This structure has to be one of the oldest buildings still standing in downtown Brainerd. It has served its purpose well and contributed its share to the economy and history of Brainerd.

Known as Bertha Theviot’s Millinery Store at the beginning of the century, it later became known as Theviot’s Saloon. My father worked for Mr. Theviot for several years as a bartender. During this time, it was my job each morning to take his breakfast down to him.

I had to use the side door and I wasn’t allowed any further into the building than just inside this door. My father would meet me with a glass of sweet red cider and a whole dime. I had a cigar box full of dimes. Later when Mr. Theviot wished to retire, my father bought a partnership into the business.

The agreement between the two men was that at the end of the year, my father would take over the business entirely. This never happened but something else did. The Eighteenth Amendment was passed that year and the country went dry. I do not know when Mr. Holevas became the owner of the building. I have always regarded this sturdy, simple, homely wooden frame building with affection not only because it has always been such a busy and useful little place, but mostly for the memories associated with it. Now this relic of the past will be torn down and laid to a well deserved rest. Farewell to another piece of Brainerd’s past.

Mrs. Katherine Herron

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 April 1976)


20 July 1976. A Brainerd original is quietly leaving the scene at 213 South Eighth Street. The old Broadway cafe, a downtown landmark since the early 1900s, is being torn down. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 20 July 2006)


THEVIOT BLOCK

Look Out for Them.


Burglars are abroad in the city, and on Saturday and Sunday evenings of last week they got their work in in good shape on two of our business firms. Their first break was at Armstrong Bros. old stand on 7th street, where H. A. Hay is carrying on his auction sales and where he has a large amount of ready made clothing stored. These light fingered gentry gained access to the building by breaking in one of the back windows. After they got in they sorted the clothing over and suited themselves in regard to style and fit taking seven or eight over coats and other clothing, but just how much cannot be estimated as the goods are being sold from day to day, and the exact amount on hand has not been figured up, although it is safe to say they got away with $200 worth.

On Sunday night these same thieves or members of the gang that is thought to be working Brainerd, tapped the boot and shoe store of C. V. Wadham on Fifth street, but were not as successful in their operations, probably being scared away before completing their haul. They broke out a pane of glass and grabbed what articles they could reach that were standing in the show window. In their hurry they got several odd boots and shoes which were found along Front street, one boot being found in the alley back of Parker’s store.

It is evident that a number of thieves are prowling around the city, and it behooves the public to be on guard, and also for the police to spot any suspicious looking characters, and find out what their business is. And these are not the only sharks that are working the city as R. Parker and H. Theviot can testify, for on Tuesday two men came into the former’s place of business and called for five cents worth of tobacco and laid down a two dollar bill, and when the change was laid down they dexterously slipped the dollar out of sight and counted the change telling him they guessed he had made a mistake of a dollar and insisted on it, and another dollar was handed out. They played the same game at Theviots, but Mr. T. afterwards saw the gamesters and demanded the dollar which was given up. This is a trick that is worked quite successfully in the eastern states and is one that is quite deceiving and our business men will have to keep an eye open. Again we say, look out for them.

Since the above was written this same thief or thieves broke into E. Burnstine’s place of business on Laurel street, this being done on Wednesday night. They took six or seven bottles of fine liquors. No clue has as yet been found. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 27 September 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


Henry Theviot, ca. 1890.
Source: Meg McGowan

H. Theviot intends building a brick store on Front street between Seventh and Eighth the coming season, and has already built his cellar, which will be covered over and used by him this winter. The season was too far advanced to admit of the putting up of the building this fall. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 25 October 1883, p. 2, c. 2)


H. Theviot & Co. are getting things in readiness for the construction of a large store on Front street opposite the freight depot. The cellar was constructed last fall. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 April 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


The excavating for the cellar of the new Theviot block on Front street, is nearly completed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 May 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


The Theviot block on Front street is being finished as rapidly as possible. The building is brick veneered and makes a very fine appearance. A [frame] building on the west side of it is being constructed which will contain the millinery establishment of Mrs. Theviot. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 June 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


The glass in the new Theviot block has been placed this week, and the building will be ready for occupancy in a short time. The building is an ornament to Front street. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 July 1884, p. 3, c. 1)


J. and W. Theviot have opened a wholesale depot for the sale of Ph. Best’s Milwaukee beer in the new Theviot block on Front street. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 August 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


H. Theviot & Co., the Front street dry goods dealers report a very good trade notwithstanding the dull times. The secret of this is that they carry an elegant line of goods, first class in every particular, and their prices compare favorably with any in the northwest. Their stock consists of dry goods, hosiery, notions, and fancy goods. Their new store presents a very fine appearance, is handy to the general public and is the popular resort for people in search of dry goods. Remember the place, H. Theviot & Co’s. Front street. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 September 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


The show windows of H. Theviot & Co. have attracted considerable attention this week. This firm is one of the most prosperous in the city, the reason being that they carry only the best goods, sell at a reasonable profit and have willing and obliging clerks to wait on customers. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 September 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


J. & W. Theviot, the proprietors of the Ph. Best Milwaukee keg and bottled beer depot in this city have a new advertisement in the week’s DISPATCH. These gentlemen are wholesale dealers only, and since their advent in Brainerd have been doing a fine business as the beer and other beverages that they handle are strictly first-class and the best in the market. They are also dealers in Peaslee’s Ale and Port. Goods are delivered to any part of the city, and prompt attention is given to orders. Their office is No. 18 Front street east. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 October 1884, p. 3, c. 4)


Wm. Theviot has now full charge of the sample room in the Theviot Block, having purchased the interest of his partner, John Theviot, the latter gentleman having concluded to go back on the road as salesman. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 September 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


SEE: Losey & Dean Undertakers


TRADING POST 1870 (MAP #42)

Trading Post located just north of the railroad tracks slightly west of 1st Street, ca. 1895. The teamster in the foreground may be James Nolan.
Source: Meg McGowan
Sarah Thorp Heald’s 1931 artist’s rendering of the log building on the left erected by the Northern Pacific engineers in the spring of 1870 to serve as a boarding house. Ed White, chief NP bridge carpenter, added the frame building on the right, which housed the Trading Post. All of these buildings were located on the east side of the Mississippi River just north of the railroad tracks.
Source: Carl Faust

"...I found my father in charge of the construction of a building for Fuller & Huestis. That building still stands; it is the old Indian trading post and has been used for fifty-two years as saloon, hotel, trading post and dwelling. Hundreds of carloads of blueberries and tons and tons of deer saddles pass through its doors during the many years when James Hallett has it as a trading post. This is the first frame commercial building in the growing city." I. U. White (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 11)


Trading Post, ca. 1927.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society
Trading Post (white circle) located on the east side of the Mississippi River, upper left is the Northern Pacific Hospital complex on the west side of the Mississippi River. Photo taken from the water tower, ca. 1920. A 624x529 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Joseph Wakefield’s stay in township 45, range 31 probably explains the mystery of the “Old Trading Post.” This was the name applied to a trading post operated by J. H. Hallett from about 1880 until his death in 1904. This building was located just north of the railroad tracks and a little west of First Street. It faced south and one of the old trails of early Brainerd came west on Laurel and turned north around the post. It was a two-story frame building, with a store front, and was undoubtedly erected in 1870, although it was named the “Old Trading Post” before it had stood there ten years. Just west of this frame building, so close as to seem connected to it, stood a long log building that had fallen into decay by the early nineties. It was a low building, constructed of great round logs, and it also faced south. Mr. Hallett used part of it for an ice house and part for storing hides and furs. Jefferson Saunders, who settled at Gull Lake in 1869, said that there were only two buildings on the site of Brainerd in that year: the old trading post and Charles Darby’s home. There is no doubt that a log building, erected in 1856, even though practically abandoned in 1862, could easily have been fitted for use in 1870. And this building, constructed of great round logs was certainly not the hewn log building erected by Stuart Seelye in 1870, so it seems very probable that it was actually the post erected by Joseph Wakefield in 1856. At least one other man operated the Post before Hallett, A. F. Schaffer, who afterward moved to California. (Town of Brainerd, Township 45, Range 31, Anna Himrod, WPA Writer’s Project; Crow Wing County Historical Society, Brainerd, Minnesota: circa 1936; pp. 8 & 9)


The first buildings are built circa September and October 1870. One is a trading post operated by Fuller & Huestis and on 10 October a hotel and boarding house for railroad workers is completed by Stuart Seeley [sic] [Seelye], it is the second building to go up. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 5)


The second building in Brainerd, built of hewn logs by Stuart Seeley [sic] [Seelye], is completed on 10 October 1870, and used as a boarding house, saloon and dance hall, until it burns three years later. It is located on the east bank of the river, north of the railroad bridge. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 15)


NEW MEAT MARKET.—Mr. James H. Hallett, late of N. P. Junction, proposes to open a first-class meat market in Brainerd, (on Laurel street, east of Sixth,) about the 20th of this month. Mr. Hallett is an experienced butcher, and will keep a supply of all kinds of meats, fish, poultry, sausage, etc., with which to supply our good people in the future, and we doubt not will do an extensive and successful business. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 October 1872, p. 1, c. 3)


ALL RIGHT!--Jas. H. Hallett opens his City Meat Market, on Laurel just east of Sixth street, today. Give him a call. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 November 1872, p. 1, c. 6)


I WILL be prepared to fill orders for blueberries during the season.

J. H. HALLETT.

(Brainerd Tribune, 04 July 1874, p. 1, c. 3)


SEND your orders for blueberries to

J. H. HALLETT.

(Brainerd Tribune, 04 July 1874, p. 1, c. 6)


THE blueberry pickers are again congregating in large numbers around Brainerd, in the forms of “good Indians,” and the blueberry harvest has fairly set in. There will probably be four thousand bushels shipped from this point this season. Then Lo! will be happy. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 July 1874, p. 1, c. 7)


FINIS.—The blueberry crop and harvest came to a very sudden and untimely end this year. They ripened more uniformly this season than last, and being very ripe when the hail storm came the other night, they were all knocked off the vines. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 August 1874, p. 1, c. 5)


THE cranberry season is at hand, although the crop is reported to be light. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 September 1874, p. 1, c. 7)


SHIPMENTS OF EVERGREENS.—Our fellow townsmen, Messrs. Keating & Hallett, have shipped a car load of beautiful evergreen Christmas trees—principally balsam and fir—to Chicago, and also some twenty sacks of running pine and prince’s feather, with which to make wreaths and other ornaments. The car contained a thousand trees, which will unquestionably be the finest Christmas trees ever introduced into Chicago, and the enterprising firm will doubtless realize handsomely on their venture. Mr. Keating accompanied the trees and will retail them out. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 November 1874, p. 1, c. 5)


BRIDGEMEN, lumbermen and others who want a superior quality of Buckskin Moccasins, will do well to call at HALLETT'S. Near the bridge. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 November 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


I HAVE a full line of extra heavy Buckskin Moccasins. Near the bridge.

J. H. HALLETT.

(Brainerd Tribune, 20 November 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


Send your order for berries to C. P. Hallett, Brainerd, Minn.

C. P. Hallett, dealer in blueberries. Orders solicited. Brainerd, Minn. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 July 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


All orders for blueberries filled promptly at lowest rates, C. P. Hallett, Brainerd, Minn.

Berries shipped C. O. D. to any point on the N. P. R. R. C. P. Hallett, Brainerd, Minn. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 July 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


C. P. Hallett has bought and shipped this season nearly one thousand bushels of blueberries, which at $1.50 to $2.00 per bushel has brought nearly $2,000 into the town, saying nothing of the large quantities bought and shipped by numerous other dealers, and still they come, the nicest, sweetest berries of the season now being on the market. Quite an enterprise, indeed. (Brainerd Tribune,14 August 1880, p. 4, c. 2)


Cranberries are plentiful now; $1.25 per bushel. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 September 1881, p. 5, c. 1)


Hotels, boarding houses and families supplied the next ten days with cranberries at bottom figures, don’t wait until the advance.

C. P. HALLETT, Trading Post.

(Brainerd Tribune, 22 October 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


James Hallett at the Indian trading post, has shipped something like six tons of fish from Brainerd this spring. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 May 1884, p. 3, c. 1)


J. H. Hallett, at the Indian trading post is preparing to buy a large quantity of blueberries this season. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 June 1884, p. 3, c. 1)


H. [sic] Hallett, at the Indian trading post, shipped 300 bushels of blueberries to points west of Brainerd, on Wednesday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 July 1884, p. 3, c. 1)


Last Saturday afternoon a small barn belonging to J. H. Hallett, at the Indian trading post, caught fire by some accidental cause. A 25 pound keg of powder was stored in the barn and when it exploded it shattered the small building and the explosion jarred the ground for fully ten blocks. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 June 1886, p. 4, c. 5)


Up to the present time about 9,000 bushels of blueberries have been shipped from this place. It is claimed that in 1881 there were 13,0000 bushels of this fruit shipped from Brainerd, and the shipment this year will reach 15,000 it is thought. The proceeds from the traffic will bring into the city between $25,000 and $30,000. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 August 1886, p. 4, c. 3)


Our blueberry merchants are getting things in readiness for a rushing business which will commence in about a month. The vines give evidence of an abundant crop and the late rains have been beneficial to them. Last season between 15,000 and 20,000 bushels were shipped from this place. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 June 1887, p. 4, c. 5)


A Brainerd gentleman who was in this city last Saturday informs us that over 11,000 bushels of blueberries have been shipped from that city this season. J. H. Hallett has shipped 5,000 bushels, and Koop Bros. 3,000, and other parties in that city 3,000 bushels, the price averaging $1.50 per bushel. The cranberry crop is the largest ever known, and he thinks at least 6,000 bushels will be marketed this year in that city.—Transcript. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 September 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


A. F. Schaffer, a resident of Brainerd in an early day, and formerly proprietor of the Indian trading post now owned by J. H. Hallett, has been in this city during the present week. The gentleman is now a resident of California. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 August 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


More than a thousand saddles of venison have been brought to this city during the past two weeks. As many as 60 deer have been brought in one load. And yet there seems to be plenty of sport. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 November 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


The first blueberries of the season made their appearance in the Brainerd market Wednesday and brought $4 per bushel. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 July 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


J. H. Hallett has brought a civil action against A. Atherton to recover $39.05 and the case will be tried in the municipal court on Feb. 1st. The action is brought by Mr. Hallett on account of the seizure of a barrel of game the contents of which was ducks by Mr. Atherton in his capacity as game warden on Nov. 11 when the same was at the express office for shipment to St. Paul, the action being based on the grounds that the game warden was unauthorized to examine the same without first having obtained a search warrant. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 January 1898, p. 10, c. 2)


The suit of J. H. Hallett against Game Warden Atherton to recover the value of certain birds seized by the latter was settled on Tuesday morning before the case went to trial. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 February 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


The suit of J. H. Hallett against Game Warden Atherton at Fergus Falls to recover off a seizure of ducks made by the latter, was settled by the payment to Hallett of the amount of his claim. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 February 1898, p. 3, c. 6)


The blueberry crop is being harvested and it is said the berries are quite abundant in this vicinity. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 July 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


AN OBSTRUCTION TO HIM.

_____


J. H. Hallett Objects to Having Streets

Blocked—Warrants Issued for

Arrest of Conductors.


J. H. Hallett is up in arms and does not propose to dally with the matter which is most vividly impressed on his mind these days. He has taken a hand in organizing against a class of men commonly called conductors and intends to have them incarcerated unless they desist from stopping their trains on crossings.

The city ordinance provides that the trains shall not stop longer than five minutes on a crossing unless they are working. This is the bone of contention. And it is not presumed that Mr. Hallett would object to this if it was any other than the measly log train that blocked First street for a short time a few days ago.

Mr. Hallett has had three warrants sworn out and as soon as the three conductors who violated the ordinance can be secured they will be taken before a justice. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 June 1901, p. 1, c. 6)


Fire animation On 07 January 1924 an overheated stovepipe threatened to burn the Trading Post, the oldest building in Brainerd. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire before it caused much damage.


SEE: 1924 Old Trading Post Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


Fire animation On 30 July 1929 the old trading post on West Main Street [Washington], a popular trading center and rendezvous in the 1880s was threatened by a grass fire. The vacant building was saved by the fire department after a close call.


SEE: 1929 Old Trading Post Grass Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


TRUDELL’S RESTAURANT (MAP #74)

Trudell’s Restaurant on the south side of Front between 3rd and 4th, ca. 1874.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

Located on the south side of Front Street between Third and Fourth Streets and between Milt Askew’s Billiard Hall and the Dolly Varden Saloon. The first city council meets on 11 January 1873, with the following city officials: ...P. H. Trudell, recorder. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 36)


ICE CREAM, CAKE AND LEMONADE.


At the neat and tidy ice cream saloon of the Mrs. Gorham and Trudell, on Front st., may be had all the first class delicacies common to first class establishments of the kind. Call in, of a warm noonday or sultry evening, and treat yourself and friends. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 July 1872, p. 1, c. 6)


POP FACTORY.


Trudell & Aylmer’s Pop Factory is still alive. Let any one that has forgotten they have any, call at any saloon in the town and try some of his new pop, and they will never forget it again. These enterprising gentlemen have also started a cronk beer factory, and are now ready to supply the town with a delicious, wholesome, and unintoxicating beverage. We trust they will do well in their new enterprise. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 July 1872, p. 1, c. 6)


TRUDELL’S RESTAURANT.


Our friend, P. H. Trudell, Esq., has opened a first class restaurant, on Front Street, where he will receive regular boarders, or give meals at all hours. We wish him abundant success in his new enterprise. Advertisement next week. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 August 1872, p. 1, c. 6)


REGISTER.


Owing to the circumstance of the Registry of last year having been lost, it becomes necessary for all voters who have heretofore registered, to place their names again on the books, and all also who have not done so, and have the right so to do. Mr. Henry Trudell, Town Clerk, has opened books for this purpose at Trudell’s Restaurant, and we hope all voters will avail themselves of the opportunity to register, in order to avoid delay and confusion on the day of election. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 October 1872, p. 1, c. 3)


NEW BAKERY.—Mr. T. M. Trudell, in connection with his restaurant, on Front Street, has opened out a first-class bakery, which is conducted under the immediate supervision of his accomplished wife. All the delicacies usually found in a stylish bakery may be found there, and families can also be furnished with the very best of yeast, at all times. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 November 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


GINGER ALE.—Mr. T. M. Trudell, the “Pop Man,” has introduced into his business a new feature in the production of that celebrated and delicious beverage, Ginger Ale. It is healthful as it is good, and Mr. T. proposes to place the price so low, for the balance of this season, that all families can afford to indulge in lots of it, as other folks. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 September 1874, p. 4, c. 1)


Fire animation On August 1, 1876, a huge fire beginning at the corner of Fifth and Front streets burned westward consuming the Sherwood Drug Store, Pine Restaurant, Trudell Restaurant, Askew’s Saloon and approximately nine other buildings.


SEE: 1876 Sherwood Drug Store Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


UNIQUE THEATRE

An ad for the Unique Theatre, 02 October 1907.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

The Unique Theatre was located on Laurel Street and was shown as managed by E. H. Isle on 30 August 1907. W. H. Koop was the proprietor on 08 April 1909, still located on Laurel Street. On January 12, 1910 the theatre was located in the Cale Block at 620 Front Street. Silent moving pictures as well as vaudeville acts played there.


C. B. White and several of his men are engaged today in putting an inclined floor in the Unique theatre. This should add to the popularity of that already popular place of amusement. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 April 1907, p. 2, c. 2)


The Unique theatre has installed 14 penney arcades in the lobby. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 March 1908, p. 2, c. 3)


At the Unique


At the Unique theatre the program last night was even stronger than those heretofore given at that popular theatre. The Ranfs are making a great hit with their slack wire juggling which is certainly wonderful. The illustrated song, “Just Because He Could Not Sing,” is one of the best yet and was beautifully sung by Miss Graham. “Lonesome Junction,” is a portrayal of the experiences of a party of tourists at a little railroad station in the rocky mountains miles and miles from “White Way” civilization. Although a small burg it deserves a large dot because of the exciting times experienced there. “Making Charcoal” is descriptive, as its name indicates, and shows the process fully. “The Airship a Hundred Years Hence” and “Secretary Taft at Washington,” completed the excellent program. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 May 1908, p. 3, c. 3)


At the Unique


The Unique opened this week with a bill that is hard to excel in the motion picture line. Three reels of pictures were run instead of two and the pictures were very good.

There is plenty of good comedy and a sensational drama shown in the last pictures, a 29-mile race between an automobile and a passenger train. In a dramatic finish the lives of many passengers are saved by the auto. Hap Stanley lectures on the various films shown. Miss Graham appears to good advantage and shows the charms of her voice when she sings “Good Bye Miss Moonlight.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 May 1910, p. 5, c. 4)


FOR SALE


The Unique theatre at a snap: piano, picture machine, chairs, sloping floor, partitions, lights, stage settings and all complete. First man with the cash gets it. Don’t wait.

E. C. BANE.

Bane Block.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 December 1910, p. 4, c. 1)


NOTE: This theatre may have become the Empress Theatre sometime between January and June 1911.


SEE: Empress Theatre

SEE: Cale Block


VEON (ANDREW E.) CABINET MAKER / UNDERTAKER

Veon cabinet making ad, 1877.
Source: Brainerd Tribune, 08 September 1877

A. E. Veon, cabinet maker, Fifth street, has just laid in a well-selected stock of burial caskets, of various styles, shrouds, trimmings and undertaker’s wares generally, and hopes hereafter to be able to supply all demands on short notice. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 January 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 1880 Brainerd-2 in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.


Veon undertaking ad, 1881.
Source: Brainerd Tribune, 23 March 1881
Veon undertaking ad, 1881.
Source: Brainerd Tribune, 03 September 1881

The TRIBUNE has been informed that Mr. A. E. Veon is about to purchase a fine new hearse from Chicago. This is a greatly needed want, and it is to be hoped the citizens will encourage the gentleman in procuring it. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 December 1881, p. 6, c. 4)


He later became a jeweler.


SEE: Losey & Dean Undertakers


VILLARD HOTEL (MAP #23)

Villard Hotel at the northwest corner of 6th and Washington, ca. 1883.
Source: Images of America: Brainerd, Crow Wing County Historical Society

In the June 1885 issue of the Northwest Magazine, edited and published by E. V. Smalley, the Villard Hotel is described as “...the most conspicuous building in Brainerd and handsomest in northern Minnesota.” It is described as having seventy-five bedrooms, a 38’ x 50’ dining room with several adjoining “sample” rooms, a big office, and parlors which can be opened into a single larger room and made “...a fine place for large banquets.” He added that “Witt, Hartley & Company are the proprietors.” This hotel is located on the northwest corner of Sixth and Washington [Main] Streets; built circa 1882 [1883], it burns circa June [04 May] 1887. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 33-35)


On the corner where Vic’s Master Station now [1946] stands was the Villard Hotel. It was a stately and massive building. The opposite corner eastward was vacant property. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 33)


In several published accounts of Brainerd mention is made of the Villard Hotel. The statements are brief. Pictures of the exterior leave no doubt that the hotel was an imposing structure and a place of splendor. It was three stories high, but the dormers and the gables in the roof actually made it a four-story building. Descriptions of the interior indicate that it was spacious and magnificent. The hotel was famous for its appointments.

Important as this hotel seemed to be, it is strange that no references are included about how it happened to be built or who managed it. It is even vague as to where it was erected and who owned it. One can infer that it existed not before 1882, but had been planned; and it is certain that it was destroyed in 1887, but not as to the day or month. Now people ask: Why so glamorous a hotel in those lumberjack years? Who was splurging? Where did it stand and why was that place selected? What silenced it?

Nobody is here to tell us all this. An examination of property records gives a clue but of biggest help is supplementing them by a knowledge of important contemporary events and having knowledge about individuals who crossed the stage in that period of this history. We offer a reconstruction of what seem to be the general features of this venture in the hotel business in Brainerd.

The Villard Hotel was built on the northwest corner of North 6th and Washington, where Vic’s Master Station now [1946] stands; Kindred had purchased the entire block in November, 1880.

...Thus ambition, local prestige, industrial experiences, and pioneers’ courage joined to make the Villard hotel possible. Leland accepted Kindred’s hint and on 10 February 1882, negotiated the purchase of six lots from Kindred. His logging acquaintances David Clough and George E. Hayes joined him. Hayes loaned him $8,000. A loan of $15,000 was obtained by Leland from Kindred to help build the hotel. It was not a simple transaction; subsequent events bore this out many times in a few years because mortgages, foreclosures, liens and deeds of several sorts clutter the title records.

On 16 September 1883, Leland transferred an interest in the land and brought William H. Witt into association with him. The hotel was presumably in operation late in 1882 and this transaction is interpreted to indicate that it had gone into service not later than 1883. On 05 April 1884, a few deals brought in B. F. Hartley, G. G. Hartley and James Dewar as some of the owners. These three with Witt formed a co-partnership which is referred to by Smalley in 1885 as the proprietor of the hotel.

Many liens were filed against this partnership. ...Undoubtedly things were not going well for Leland who with Witt was managing the hostelry, because on 06 April 1887, he and Witt gave Kindred a mortgage deed for the $15,000 which Kindred had loaned Leland in 1882.

...Quickly after the Villard fire in 1887 Kindred wanted a hotel erected on that street intersection. Impatient with the delay about clearing away rubbish, he started excavating a basement on the opposite corner, where Van’s Cafe now [1946] is. ...the credit needed for erecting this new hotel was denied to Kindred. That stopped his work on the basement and influenced him to move away from Brainerd. Thus ended the Villard Hotel and the career of Kindred in Brainerd. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 34-36)


...The vacant office building [Brainerd Lumber Company] stood there for awhile as a silent sentinel. A Brainerd chef purchased it in 1908. He moved it intact [INCORRECT—SEE NOTE BELOW] and set it over the basement excavation on North 6th and Main started in 1888 by C. F. Kindred for his projected second Villard hotel. The building was redressed, but it still retains its general appearance, even though the main floor has been converted into a restaurant and the top floor into living quarters. Today, remodeled in modernistic style, it is known as “Van’s Cafe . . . Opposite the Water Tower.” (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 65)


NOTE: C. D. Herbert has a crew of men working on the re-erection of the building he purchased from Mrs. Francis Britton. It required considerable work to take this building down and move it from North Mill street to the corner of Sixth and Main streets, but “Dick” will have a fine restaurant when it is finished and will no doubt do a good business. He contemplates fitting the second story into modern rooms, with bath, hot and cold water, to accommodate transient trade. (Brainerd Arena, 06 November 1908, p. 5)


Charles Kindred lived on the southeast corner of North 6th and Kingwood. His home, his office and his large horse barn stood where the Standard Oil filling station now [1946] is. Kindred owned most of the lots in that block and the one west, acquired from Lake Superior & Puget Sound Company, 21 November 1879 and 06 November 1880 respectively. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 33)


L. P. White has purchased of C. F. Kindred the lots on the corner of Sixth and Main streets for a hotel site. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 April 1881, p. 1, c. 3)


Brainerd is to have a fine brick hotel in the spring. That is something that will be duly appreciated. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 December 1881, p. 10, c. 1)


NOTE: I’m not sure if the above refers to the Villard Hotel or not.


Brainerd’s new hotel [Villard] is a settled fact. The full particulars could not be learned on account of some unsettled points, but a Dispatch reporter was informed by Mr. Witt that work would be commenced next week and that the building would be pushed to an early completion. W. H. Leland is the other gentleman connected with the enterprise. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 16 August 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


The New Hotel [Villard].


The proprietors of the new hotel, Messrs. Leland & Witt, have broken ground for the new building and at present have forty men at work on the site cleaning and excavating. The hotel will stand on the corner of Sixth and Main [Washington] streets. The lots, six in number, having been purchased of Mr. Hay, of Minneapolis, at a cost of $12,000. The dimensions of the building on the ground will be 100x125 [sic], three stories high and will contain 75 [sic] rooms. The structure will be made with all the modern improvements and will be built of brick. The basement will contain the steam and gas fixtures which will heat and light the building. The dining hall is 50x38 [sic] and the billiard hall 38x36 [sic]. Hot and cold water will be found in the bath rooms of which there will be four in number. It is the intention of the proprietors to give the public a hotel in every sense of the word, with fine furniture, and brussels carpet in every room, and on Christmas the first dinner will be served in the same. The estimated cost will be $30,000 [sic] and when finished no one can complain of not having as ample and comfortable hotel accommodations as can be found in Minneapolis or St. Paul. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 06 September 1883, p. 3, c. 6)


Work on the new hotel [Villard] progresses finely. The old Headquarters hotel barn has been moved to the grounds back of it, for use when the hotel is completed. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 20 September 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


Brainerd is to have a new hotel [Villard]. Its size will be 100x130 feet, three stories high, and will cost $14,000.—[Ada Index.

The Index has been misinformed on the actual cost of this enterprise, as the lots cost $12,000. The hotel will cost in the neighborhood of $40,000 [sic]. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 20 September 1883, p. 3, c. 6)


A parade in front of the Villard Hotel on Sixth Street in 1884. The photo was taken from the top of the first Northern Pacific Depot. A 2008x1606 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The new hotel [Villard] on the corner of Main [Washington] and Sixth streets is being rushed along with all possible speed. The framing and partitions for the ground floor are up and Mr. Witt informs us that lathing will be commenced immediately. The arrangement of the building will be very complete and convenient. The office will be in the corner of the building facing the streets, at the side of which will be a comfortable reading room and the other side of this will be the barber shop, the further corner of the building containing the billiard parlor, which will be fixed up in fine shape with five billiard tables. There will be two fine sample rooms, baggage rooms, &c., which will be conveniently located on the ground floor. The parlors will be located over the office, and there will be a ladies entrance and waiting room so that that it will not be necessary to go through the office to reach the rooms above. The kitchen and its necessary auxiliary rooms will be a marvel of convenience and when the plans are carried out will be one of the most elegant north of St. Paul. The laundry will be located in the basement. The hotel will be provided with all the modern improvements and will be completed by Christmas.

The railroad company have agreed not to put anything between the track and hotel and will build a 12 foot walk from the depot to this place with a fountain on either side. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 04 October 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


Work on the new hotel is being pushed rapidly ahead. It has been decided to call it the Villard. A very fitting name. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 18 October 1883, p. 2, c. 1)


The Little Falls Sun sees in Brainerd a thriving and prosperous city, and in its last issue gives it the following notices:

Anyone visiting Brainerd, having time to spare, would do well to look around the city and inspect some of the numerous buildings in course of erection. A brief mention of buildings chiefly deserving notice is appended.

The first thing to do is to go on to the R. R. bridge, from which elevation a lively view of the Mississippi may be obtained. On the west bank of the river is the N. P. Hospital, an elegant structure now nearly finished.

The next object to view is the new wagon bridge, crossing the river a little below, affording an excellent road way of 1000 feet in length. This truss bridge was built by the King Bridge Co., of Cleveland, costing $19,000.

Crossing the bridge on the return trip to town the beautiful large cross on the new Roman Catholic church comes into view. This church is fine in proportion, and will seat about 500 people. The lofty tower is of a pyramidal shape.

The new opera house not yet finished is well worthy [of] inspection. It will seat 1000 persons. This house is being erected by the Masonic lodge, aided by subscriptions from the citizens. The spacious hall and ante-rooms on the upper floor are for the use of the Masons.

And last, but by no means least, is the partially completed Head Quarters [sic] [Villard] Hotel. This splendid building is rising phoenix-like from its own ashes, though not on exactly the old site. It is a three story building and is erected by Messrs. W. H. Witt and Leland at the cost of about $40,000 [sic]. The outside dimensions are 100x135 [sic] feet; dining hall 50x80 [sic]; office 38 [sic] feet square. The furniture will be of the newest and best style, and the other apartment [sic] will be complete with all the modern improvement conducive to comfort and convenience. There are 80 [sic] good sized rooms, affording the accommodation for 150 guests. This hotel stands in an excellent situation, and when finished, will present a very attractive appearance. It is to be veneered with red brick and has several handsome bay windows. The proprietors expect to have it completed in December, and entertain friends in it for their Christmas dinner.

The new courthouse, now occupied of course merits attention from the writer, as it is perhaps the finest public building in the city. The R. R. office building for some time past occupied by the courthouse officials, is now being re-arranged for a passenger depot, in place of the poor looking office which has heretofore temporarily served for that purpose. A man apparently well posted, remarked to the writer: “There is more building activity now in Brainerd than in any other town on the line of the Northern Pacific.” (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 25 October 1883, p. 2, c. 6)


The veneering on the Villard house is being put up with rapidity. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 22 November 1883, p. 3, c. 1)


A new sidewalk has been laid from the depot to the Villard hotel. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 06 December 1883, p. 3, c. 1)


The thrilling cry of fire was again sounded on the streets Tuesday morning. The cause of alarm was at the new Villard hotel. It seems that the alarm was rather premature as it was only smoke that came out of a defective chimney and worked its way up between the plaster and the outside wall coming out near the cornice of the building. The fire department was promptly on hand and the way the boys ran the hose up the three or four flights of stairs was a caution. Only a slight damage was done to the plastering by the water. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 January 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


The damage to the plastering at the Villard from the water on Tuesday amounted to about $25. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 January 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


H. A. Webster will have charge of the laundry in the new Villard hotel. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 January 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


Opening of the Villard.


Witt and Leland, proprietors of “The Villard,” knowing that in the haste in issuing invitations for the opening of their hotel, Thursday, January 24th, many have been omitted wish to say that such omission was not intentional and hereby extend a cordial invitation to all citizens of Brainerd to attend. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 January 1884, p. 3, c. 4)


The magnificent new hotel, the Villard, was opened to the public on Thursday evening of last week by a grand ball and banquet about 75 couples being in attendance. This hotel is an institution that Brainerd feels proud of being one of the finest on the line of the Northern Pacific road. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 January 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


The Western Union telegraph office has been moved to the Villard hotel. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 February 1884, p. 3, c. 1)


The portico and other work on the Villard is being finished. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 April 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


The band surprised and serenaded the citizens Wednesday from the cupola of the Villard. This makes a fine place for the band and the whole town gets the benefit of their fine music. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 August 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


The water pipe in the Villard hotel burst Friday afternoon deluging the dining hall. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 December 1884, p. 3, c. 1)


D. M. Clough, of Minneapolis, has been appointed receiver for the Villard hotel property. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 October 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


It is understood that there will be a change in the management of the Villard hotel the first of the week, and that D. E. Slipp and Henry Spaulding will hereafter have control of it. If there is to be a change we know of no better men in this city, or any other, than the gentlemen named for the place. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 October 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


As stated last week in the Dispatch, the Villard changed hands on Tuesday, Slipp & Spalding assuming control. The gentlemen named are favorably known and will undoubtedly meet with the success they deserve in this enterprise. The hotel will be kept up in first-class shape, an entire new order new order of things having been instituted, and the place will become one of the most popular in the Northwest under their management. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 October 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


The band stand has been removed from the park to a more central location in front of the Villard hotel. This will make their open air concerts more interesting to the general public. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 April 1886, p. 3, c. 3)


The Villard Hotel at Brainerd has been closed, and Russ. Sparks has come back here. It is expected that Mr. Kindred will re-open it in a few days.—Little Falls Sun. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 August 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


The Villard hotel has changed hands and becomes the property of C. F. Kindred. The hotel is not running at present but we understand that that gentleman will rent rooms in it and will also rent the billiard hall. The traveling public will be able to get meals there as it is proposed to hire a cook and manager to run the culinary and dining departments. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 August 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


Invitations have been issued this week to the conductors’ ball which is to take place at the Villard hotel on the evening of Feb. 21st. Every possible arrangement that can be made to insure a good time is being attended to and the occasion will probably be one of the most pleasant that has occurred in Brainerd for some time. The gentlemen on the committee of arrangements are W. P. Spaulding, chairman, I. A. Collins, E. J. Harkens, Jas. Smith and A. T. Jurnegan. The reception committee consist of P. Corcoran, E. A. Rhodes, E. S. Richards, Jno. Davis, E. O. Mittix [sic], J. C. Magee, A. A. Sharp, E. H. Reed, C. E. Ray and T. C. Campbell. The floor committee is I. A. Collins assisted by A. T. Jurnegan, P. Corcoran, Jas. Smith and E. J. Harkens. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 February 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


Fire animation On May 4, 1887, a fire, caused by the explosion of a gasoline stove, burned the Villard Hotel. The alarm was sounded at 4 a. m. and owing to some difficulty in getting water started from the hydrant, the blaze gained considerable headway. The people in the third story were entirely cut off from the stairways and were taken from the windows through the use of ladders and ropes.


SEE: 1887 Villard Hotel Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


J. A. McColl has sold over 250 views of the Villard Hotel taken when it was in flames. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 May 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


The case of C. F. Kindred vs. Slipp & Spaulding was tried Tuesday, it being an action brought by Mr. Kindred to recover money for the rental of the Villard hotel. The defense set up the claim that Mr. Kindred agreed to let them have the hotel free of all charge unless it should prove a paying institution and that they lost some $5,000 in the time they ran it. Mr. Kindred denied ever having entered into such an agreement, but the jury returned a verdict for Slipp & Spaulding. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 September 1887, p. 4, c. 5)


C. F. Kindred will commence the erection of a hotel on the vacant lots opposite the former Villard site immediately. The lower floor will be made into store rooms and we understand that they have already been spoken for. Ed. Mahan has the plans and specifications. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 April 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


Throwing Dirt Lively.


Excavating for a new block at the corner of Main and Sixth streets was commenced Tuesday morning and a large force of men are at work. It has not been given out definitely whether the building is intended for a business block or a hotel but the probabilities are that it will be used for the latter purpose. It is also stated that it will be built with a view of starting a bank on the lower floor. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 May 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


C. F. Kindred has sold the stone which he had hauled to build the new block to the parties who are rebuilding the burned district. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 July 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


NOTE: The three articles above refer to the basement excavation on North Sixth and Main started in 1888 by C. F. Kindred for his projected second Villard Hotel mentioned by Zapffe above. It would appear that the excavation hole remained open for twenty years.


SEE: Brainerd Lumber Company Main Office Building / Van’s Cafe


Sues Kindred for $20,000.


The St. Cloud Journal-Press of Wednesday says:

An important suit was partially tried before Judge Searle this morning and the name of the defendant is suggestive of the hot old political times of 1884, when Chas. F. Kindred and Knute Nelson disputed for political supremacy in the old Fifth district and when every Republican in that district took active sides for one or the other, and it was a fight to the death.

The action today is that of the First National bank of Brainerd against Chas. F. and Sara E. Kindred of Philadelphia, and the amount sued for including damages is $20,000. The only witness examined was A. F. Ferris president of the bank, and the arguments were made later by W. S. McClenahan for the plaintiff corporation and C. A. Severance of St. Paul for the defendants.

The history of the case runs back to November 4, 1886, when Kindred and his wife executed a mortgage for $10,000 on the Villard hotel property at Brainerd. This mortgage ran to H. J. Spencer, then president of the bank, and he later assigned it to the bank. It is alleged that no part of this mortgage has ever been paid except a small part of the interest. It is alleged that when the mortgage given the hotel property was well worth $30,000, but in May, 1887, it burned and the lots on which it stood were worth not to exceed $4,000. J. J. Howe & Co. had a mechanic’s lien on the property, which was paramount to the mortgage, and in 1890 the land was sold to satisfy a claim of $3,174.50. By reason of the facts recited, the plaintiff claims damages of $20,000.

The defense is made by Mrs. Kindred, in whose name all the property now is. She claims that $24,000 was collected as insurance on the burned property, and that this money was a discharge of the debt which the mortgage secured so far as her covenants were concerned. It appears that the money was applied to the payment of other debts which Kindred owed the bank. The suit is brought on the covenants of the mortgage. An attempt was made to try it some months ago at Philadelphia. It will be finally submitted to Judge Searle on briefs. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 June 1898, p. 5, c. 3)


WALKER BLOCK

Located at 620-622 Laurel Street.

New City Purchases.


[...]


C. A. Walker was granted a permit to erect a brick veneer building 25x60 feet two stories high, on Laurel street, adjoining Moberg’s saloon. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 January 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


Construction work on the new Walker block and also on the Dressen Building is progressing rapidly. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 May 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


Walker’s new brick block is nearing completion and they will occupy the corner store with their market in a few days. The building is an ornament to the city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 July 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


S. Walker & Son have moved their market into the handsome new brick block at the corner of 7th and Laurel streets. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 August 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


The telephone exchange will be removed to the room now occupied by the street car company as an office in the Walker block on Sunday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 August 1897, p. 8, c. 1)


Fire animation On December 27, 1910, a fire swept through the east end of the Walker block on Laurel Street. Tenants on the main floor who suffered about $6,000 worth of damages from fire, water and smoke were, among others, A. K. Luken and the White Brother’s hardware store.


SEE: 1910 Walker Block Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


WALKER HALL

Located on the second floor of 708 Front Street from about 1898 to 1905.


Dances will be given every Tuesday and Friday evenings at Walker Hall by Nutting & Waite. A general invitation is extended. Music by the Kelsey Orchestra. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 August 1898, p. 8, c. 4)


An all Hallow’een party was given at Walker Hall on Monday evening. About 40 young people were present. The hall was lighted by candles placed in pumpkins, from which pieces had been cut in such a manner as to produce the Jack-o-lantern of the small boy. The effect of the lights arranged in this manner was weird, and was heightened by the costumes of the guests who were all dressed in sheets with pillow cases arranged for masks. It was a ghostly appearing crowd indeed. Cake and ice cream was served and dancing was indulged in. A very pleasant time is reported. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 November 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


A smoke social will be given at Walker Hall this (Friday) evening by the union printers and cigar makers of the city, invitations for which were issued the first of the week. A fine program has been arranged and a pleasant evening is anticipated. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 March 1899, p. 10, c. 1)


A Pretty Event.


The prettiest event of the season was witnessed at Walker’s Hall last week when Misses Walker and McCullough entertained about eighty of their young friends. The hall was tastily trimmed and every corner of the room was “transformed” into a cozy corner and bedecked by palms, ferns, cut flowers, couches, and profusion's of sofa pillows. Japanese lanterns which were strung across the hall from corner to corner, cast a soft and beautiful light over the dancers as they enjoyed the “Twilight Waltz” at 12 o’clock. Frappe was served at two tables which were beautifully arranged with ferns and potted plants. The tables were presided over by Mabelle Grewcox and Ruth Barber. Each guest as they entered the hall was presented with a beautiful carnation. The guests were received by the two young ladies, Mrs. McCullough and Mrs. Walker. The party was gracefully chaperoned by Mrs. Small, Mrs. Eugene Westfall, Mrs. Berry and Mrs. Walter Davis. Many beautiful costumes were worn. Miss McCullough wore a dainty gown of white taffeta with chiffon and gold trimming with bows of turquoise velvet, while Miss Walker appeared in a delicate gown of pink silk with black trimmings. The programme, which consisted of twenty numbers, was drawn out to twenty-four dances, and all applauded the change. The party lasted until two o’clock in the morning. The guests upon leaving expressed their hearty pleasure as they bade their hostesses “Good Night.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 August 1899, p. 5, c. 3)


WALVERMAN BLOCK (MAP #62)

Located on the south side of Front Street between Sixth and Seventh Streets 614-618 Front Street. In 1931 it houses the Brainerd Tribune, Marie Canan Photography, Edward J. Hoffmann, Cigar Manufacturer and two apartments. Owned by Mrs. Elizabeth M. Koop and built by White Brothers, Isaac U. and Charles B. White in 1904.


The rock for the Koop and Grandelmyer buildings on Front street is being hauled by the J. M. Elder teams. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 March 1904, p. 2, c. 2)


WHITE BROTHERS GET THE CONTRACT

_____


To Erect the New Koop Block for

Which Bids Were Opened

Yesterday Afternoon

_____


WHITE BROS.’ BID WAS $19,600

______


Some Lower Bids Were Received

But Contract Went to This

Firm Notwithstanding


Yesterday afternoon the bids for the new Koop building, advertised for some time ago, were opened by Mrs. S. Koop. There were five bids in all, every one of them by local contractors, and White Bros. secured the contract at $19,600.

The following were the five bids received:

White Bros.—$19,600

Christ West—$19,905

George Kreatz—$19,685

C. B. Rowley—$19,575

Lon Everett—$18, 775

White Bros. were not the lowest bidders as will be seen from the figures but they got the contract nevertheless. Work will commence on the building at once. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 April 1904, p. 3, c. 2)


COMMENCE WORK AT ONCE

_____


Teams and Men at Work Hauling Away

The Debris From the Old Koop Block

—Ready for Reconstruction


Mrs. S. Koop has decided to have the erection of her new block on Front street pushed to completion as rapidly as possible. Already teams and men are at work hauling away the debris from the ruins of the old burned building and it is expected that work will commence in a few days on the foundation.

It has been decided already who will occupy the building. L. M. Koop will have one store for dry goods and Linneman Bros. will occupy the other for clothing. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 April 1904, p. 3, c. 3)


INTERESTING COINCIDENCE

_____


White Brothers Awarded Contract

for Koop Building, Built Old

One 23 Years Ago

_____


WERE THEN VERY YOUNG MEN

_____


Old Frame Structure Was Built in

1880 For the Firm of Linne-

man & Koop


There is a significant and a very interesting coincidence in connection with the awarding of the contract for the new Koop block to White Bros., and it speaks well for this well known firm if there is any truth to the old verse from the Holy Writ, “By their fruits ye shall know them.”

The old frame building which burned a few weeks ago, and which is now about to be replaced by a modern brick building had been a veritable landmark in Brainerd and could its walls but speak they would unfold in striking detail the history of the city from its inception.

The building was erected in 1880 and the men who did the work at that time, twenty-three years ago, were White brothers, I. U. and Charles B. At that time they were both young men, I. U. White being 27 years of age and his brother, Charles, 6 years younger, or 21 years of age. The old building withstood many a wintery blast and while it has remained in control of the same family and their descendants since then, there have been changes wrought and several different firms have occupied the building since. It was one of the first buildings put up in Brainerd of any pretensions and at that time was thought to be a dandy. It was built for the firm of Linneman & Koop.

In speaking about the matter this morning I. U. White said: “I can remember very well that it was early in October and we had a big gang of men at work on the building trying to rush it through. A storm came, the equal of which I have never since seen and we had to call off the work. The snow was several feet deep. Charles was but a mere lad. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 April 1904, p. 2, c. 4)


SEE: Koop Blocks

SEE: White Brother’s Hardware & Contractors


BOHEMIAN CLUB ROOMS

____


Brainerd’s New Club has Fitted up Hand-

some Quarters in the Basement of

the Walverman Block


The young men who constitute the Bohemian club have reason to feel proud of their handsome quarters in the Walverman block. The room has been handsomely redecorated and the walls are adorned with beautiful pictures and artistic posters. A piano has been put in and a billiard table is under consideration as one of the next new features. It has been decided to limit the membership to 25. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 March 1907, p. 3, c. 6)


THE SENSATION OF BRAINERD

_____


L. M. Koop’s $20,000 Stock of

Reliable Merchandise

_____


IN ONE GIGANTIC CLEARING SALE

_____


Never in the History of Minnesota

Were Such Bargains Offered


A rumor gained circulation on the street last evening that the leading reliable dry goods house of L. M. Koop had sold out and that the new management would take charge at once; upon tracing the report to headquarters this morning it was learned from Mrs. Koop that all this bustling activity and marking of goods means a gigantic sacrifice sale of all seasonal goods. Everything is upside down and extra help is assisting in the destruction of prices and profits.

The goods must go regardless of their good quality and up-to-date styles.

Informal opening tomorrow with a grand souvenir opening Saturday morning silk waists all cut to cost and less.

65c Dress Silks plain or fancy—39c

60c Organdies and French Lawns—39c

12 1/2c Dress Percales 1000 yards—7 1/2c

Dress Challis only—5c

35c Sheppard Plaids double width—16c

Table Linens one lot low as 42c

10c Ribbons and Laces—5c

10c Embroidery and insertion—5c

50c Ladies Lace Collars—19c

15c Ladies’ Hosiery—7 1/2c

25c Novelty Wash Goods—12c

$1.50 Cool Wrappers all sizes—98c

and 10,000 other equally good money saving offerings. Do not buy until you have personally investigated what this L. M. Koop’s sensational cut price sale means to you who have many things to buy and limited means. It is our special desire that all our old tried and true friends and customers of these past 10 years come and profit by this our first genuine sacrifice July Sale. Thursday, Friday and Saturday of this week will be the biggest bargain giving days of this grand special sale and it is to your financial gain to be on hand and get your share. This entire paper would not be sufficient to convey to your mind the real truth of the L. M. Koop sale this week. (Adv.) (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 July 1907, p. 2, c.’s 4-6)


L. HOHMAN.


Left to right: Louis Hohman, H. W. Linnemann and L. M. Koop, Second floor: Dr. Groves, the Brainerd Tribune Offices and Marie A. Canan Photography, ca. 1910.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 13, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher

From a little store with only a twelve foot frontage to the quarters of this firm herewith illustrated, this in twelve years’ time, is one of the substantial examples of progress and growth in Brainerd and what may be done on moderate capital.

From a modest beginning with a limited stock, the business has grown to require all of the present quarters, consisting of two floors each twenty-five by one hundred and forty feet.

The phonograph department is given special attention, practically all styles of the Edison and Victor machines being carried in stock, besides a great variety of records including the new ones as they are issued each month. If you have not heard the Victor Victrola, the peer of all talking machines, it would be well worth your while to have it demonstrated at this store.

In Kodaks and Kodak supplies the firm have the Brainerd agency for the Eastman Kodak Co.’s line and carry in stock practically everything you will need.

Other lines represented are, news and stationery, leather goods, cigars, pipes, tobaccos, safety razors, choice confectionery, ice cream and sodas.

Ice cream and candies are manufactured by the firm on the premises and ice cream is sold at wholesale throughout the district.


H. W. LINNEMANN.


Mr. Linnemann established his store in Brainerd at No. 616 Front street in 1904, and occupies ample quarters twenty-five by one hundred and forty feet.

The stock includes everything in men’s and boy’s clothing, furnishings and shoes, and a better line will not be found in the largest stores of the large cities.

Every effort has been made to always carry union lines that would give greatest worth and satisfaction, and all is modern and new to the smallest articles on the shelves. No old stock or accumulation of odds and ends or out-of-date styles and patterns are allowed, and every article has been purchased from the newest and best stocks of men’s furnishing manufacturers.

Clothing, shoes, shirts, hats, neckwear, etc., will be found in a great variety of shades and patterns and quality and full value are guaranteed with every purchase.

The quality lines handled by this firm are, Kuppenheimer clothes for men and youths; Jane Hopkins clothing for boys; Ralston Health Shoes for men and P. Cogan & Sons’ shoes for boys; Lampher hats, Cluett and Monarch shirts and gloves.

Of the merit and quality of these lines little need be said for all are recognized as setting highest standards for wearing apparel.


SEE: Imperial Block


L. M. KOOP.


Success and prosperity of the most enduring kind has attended and characterized the conservative operation of this representative dry goods store, and the position which it commands among the people of Brainerd gives it rank with the most successful firms in its line in this section.

The business of L. M. Koop rests upon a foundation of perseverance, energy, progressiveness, absolute integrity and painstaking attention to all details of the store. By a fair business policy and thorough knowledge of the requirements for every department a reputation has been established that has attracted the patronage of people throughout the entire district.

The business has been established at the present location, 614 Front street, since the fire, which wiped out the Seventh street store some years ago.

The store in the Walverman block, shown herewith, is modern in every way and stocks in all lines are complete and well selected. The lines represented include dry goods and notions, misses and children’s ready-to-wear suits, coats, etc., ladies’, misses’ and children’s shoes, and other lines generally to be found in a modern dry goods store.


NOTE: L. M. Koop was owned and operated by Lena M. Linneman Koop.


SEE: Koop Blocks


THE PIONEER NEWSPAPER.


The Brainerd Tribune is the pioneer newspaper of Central and Northern Minnesota. It was established Feb. 10, 1872, and is the oldest paper on the main line of the Northern Pacific Railroad east of the Rocky Mountains.

The Tribune is widely read, and its owner and publisher for the past 26 years, Col. A. J. Halsted, is well known throughout the state, having been president of the Minnesota State Editorial Association and four times mayor of Brainerd, and is now president of the Brainerd Commercial Club.

The Tribune has been the official paper of Brainerd for twenty-five consecutive years. It is claimed for the Tribune that it has the largest guaranteed circulation of any paper in Northern or Central Minnesota, outside of the city of Duluth. It appears in the American Newspaper Directory’s special guaranteed list of best newspapers for advertisers, which designates one newspaper for each city and county as the best advertising medium in that section. Rowell’s famous book for advertisers, “Newspapers Worth Counting,” an acknowledged authority among newspapers the world over, says of the Tribune:

“This paper is entitled to a place on the Printers’ Ink Roll of Honor.”

A great compliment for a country paper, and given in consideration of its large circulation for a country weekly, and its eminently satisfactory circulation statements, given in detail and duly confirmed by the subscription books, mail lists, etc., etc. This is said of no other newspaper in this section.

The Tribune Job rooms have long enjoyed a reputation for the high character and general excellence of the work turned out. While every description of printing is done, a specialty is made of high grade work. (Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 13, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher)


MARIE A. CANAN.


Marie Canan’s photographic studio in the Walverman Block, ca. 1910.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 7, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher

In no other business are there greater requirements for a thorough understanding of a more varied number of subjects. The artistic taste, the practical knowledge, the science of photography, etc., comprise a field of continuous study and improvement that no one has mastered.

In the studio of Miss Marie A. Canan photography in in all its branches is executed in the high style of the art and we have here one of the best appointed studios in Northern Minnesota.

Miss Canan has been a resident of Brainerd since childhood and has been engaged in photographic work here for a number of years, the last nine conducting her own studio and previous to that time associated with Mr. J. A. McColl.

The present premises were arranged especially for her use and are supplied with the most modern equipment in every way.

Most of the Brainerd Views published in this issue are the work of Miss Canan and duplicates can be secured at her studio.

A specialty is made of enlarging photographs, and a carefully selected stock line of water colors, crayons, photogravures, etchings, carbons, sepias and suitable frames are carried in stock. (Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 7, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher)


SEE: Bye (John M.) Clothing Company


R. BUCHMAN BUYS WALVERMAN BLOCK

_____


Negotiations Were in Charge of Smith

Brothers and Sale Was Made

on Saturday

_____


CONSIDERATION ABOUT $27,000

_____


Mr. Buchman Was Noncommittal

About His Future Plans Re-

garding the Building


On Saturday afternoon R. Buchman [sic] purchase the well-known Walverman block on Front street, one of the best business locations in the city, from Mrs. Elizabeth M. Koop.

The consideration is believed to be between $26,000 and $27,000, Mr. Buchman [sic] being very reticent in giving out much information about his purchase. The negotiations for the sale were conducted by the Smith Brothers real estate agency.

This block has located on its main floor the business establishments of Louis Hohman, H. W. Linnemann, and Mrs. L. M. Koop. The second floor is devoted to the offices and numbers among its tenants the Brainerd Tribune, Judge Warner’s law office, Miss Canan’s photograph gallery and others.

When Mr. Buchman [sic] was asked what his intentions were in the future regarding the use of the building he was noncommittal and would neither affirm or deny anything regarding his probable plans. He considered the property the best of its kind in the city.

“I have been in Brainerd in business a little over two years,” said Mr. Buchman [sic], “and I have the greatest faith in the future of Brainerd. I believe the city will grow and I look for a great expansion in business activities within the next few years.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 December 1911, p. 2, c. 5)


SEE: Mahlum Block


IMPROVEMENTS AT L. M. KOOP’S STORE

_____


Pattern Table With Desk Phone Ar-

ranged for the Use of Lady

Customers

_____


CLOAK CABINETS INSTALLED

_____


Cabinets are in the Suit Department

and are Dustless and of Great

Convenience


Christmas ad for the L. M. Koop store in the Walverman Block, 23 December 1911. A 1007x963 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Many improvements have recently been made at the L. M. Koop store, all having been planned and arranged for the convenience of the many customers of this popular establishment.

When entering the store one observes at the left hand a pattern table with comfortable chairs where ladies may sit down and glance at the latest style patterns. For their convenience Mrs. Koop has added a desk telephone.

In the suit department the proprietor is adding a set of cloak and suit cabinets, of the latest design and absolutely dust proof. The cabinets are neatly painted and the interior is provided with electric lights. On the walls outside are large mirrors which will be of material assistance to the ladies when trying on garments.

T. S. Mysen is engaged in painting the cabinets and they will soon be completed and in readiness to receive the latest creations in suits and cloaks. These innovations are but an indication of the many new features which the L. M. Koop store is about to introduce for the benefit of its customers, all tending to make it a pleasure to do shopping there. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 March 1912, p. 4, c.’s 1 & 2)


At the L. M. Koop store the millinery department has been removed from the basement to the main floor of the store adjoining, No. 616 Front street, formerly occupied by H. W. Linnemann. Latest fall hats are shown. The department is in charge of Mrs. Ewing. The ready-to-wear department has been installed in the basement formerly occupied by the millinery. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 September 1915, p. 2, c. 3)


WILL REMOVE TO JAMESTOWN

_____


L. M. Koop Co., of Brainerd, in Bus-

iness Here Many Years, to

Leave City Soon

_____


WILL CONDUCT CLOSING SALE

_____


At Jamestown Will Occupy the Elks

Building, Leasing the Same for

Term of Years


The L. M. Koop Co. have leased the Elks building in Jamestown, N. D., for three years and will remove as soon as the necessary alterations and changes are made in the store building. Brainerd’s loss of this well-known store is Jamestown’s gain. Brainerd people in general had always regarded the Koop store as one of the best business establishments and they will regret exceedingly to see the family remove to its new home.

The firm announces a terrific sacrifice sale on their entire stock which ought to attract buyers from near and far as the season is just on for the requirement of much in winter merchandise.

The Dispatch bespeaks for the firm a warm welcome in their future home. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 October 1915, p. 3, c, 1)


Koop’s Good Bye Sale


Though many could not believe that the old reliable house of L. M. Koop would leave Brainerd and make their future home in No. Dakota. It is nevertheless a fact and must be taken seriously as much as the city of Brainerd regrets to see them go. The L. M. Koop store is rented and possession is requested as near March 1st as is convenient. Mr. Koop informs us that parts of their shelving and fixtures are sold and they are planning to pack and vacate by Saturday, March 11th. This is a real buying opportunity for all who take advantage of their genuine sacrifice these last few days of their business in this city. See adv. and prices on page three. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 February 1916, p. 5, c. 2)


OPENS IN NEW PLACE

_____


E. H. Jones Drygoods Store Starts

Business at Former Location of

L. M. Koop Store


The E. H. Jones drygoods store commenced business Wednesday morning in its new location, 614 Front street, formerly occupied by the L. M. Koop store. The interior was resplendent in new fixtures and decorations.

A full line of drygoods, ladies and children's shoes and notions is carried. Miss Arbes has the millinery department. A restroom is to be established at the rear of the store room.

The clerks of the E. H. Jones store are the Misses Ellen Erickson, Ida Framiling [sic], Emma Elling and Reta Jones. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 March 1916, p. 3, c. 2)


SEE: Cohen (Henry I.) Dry Goods Store


Cohen Building Sold to Croswell Family

_____


One of the largest real estate deals in the history of the city has been completed today with the transfer of title to the Cohen building, 614-16-18 Front street, to the Croswell family of Brainerd.

The building, originally known as the Walverman Block, was bought by the H. I. Cohen and Robert Buckman [sic] families more than 20 years ago. They have retained possession of the property until the transfer of title today.

Mr. Cohen managed the property until the time of his death two years ago. Since that time Mrs. Cohen has taken over the business. The decision to sell the property came as the result of a desire to retire from active management, Mrs. Cohen said.

The building houses the business establishments of Louis Hostager, the Spanish Village, the Atlantic and Pacific company store, besides several office suites on the second floor. Daniel R. Croswell will be the new manager of the property.

The transfer was completed through the Hitch Realty company of this city. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 July 1935, p. 1, c.’s 4 & 5)


WEBB BLOCK (MAP #7)

Built in 1907 [sic] by E. O Webb [NO], it replaces the Sleeper Block [NO] which burns in 1907. It is located next [sic] to the First National Bank building on the south side of Front Street between Sixth and Seventh Streets. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 43)


NOTE: The Webb Block was not built by E. O. Webb in 1907 and it is one door east of the First National Bank building, not next to it. The block became the Webb Block in 1923, according to the date on the top of the building. However, according to the Dispatch article relating the details of the 1924 fire, Webb bought the block in January of 1923, and he replaced the front of the building in the summer of 1923—that is probably when the Webb Block sign on the top of the building was added.


E. O. WEBB BUYS SLEEPER BLOCK

_____


Real Estate Deal of Some Magnitude

Consummated on Saturday, Con-

sideration $20,000

_____


COL. C. B. SLEEPER BUILT BLOCK

_____


James Koukis Holds Five Year Lease

on Half of Main Floor, Will

Add Lunch Room


A real estate transfer of some magnitude was consummated Saturday, in which E. O. Webb became the owner of the Sleeper block on Front Street. The consideration is understood to have been $20,000.

This property, one of the largest blocks in the city at the time of its construction, was built by Col. C. B. Sleeper and has housed many of Brainerd’s important business firms.

Henry I. Cohen conducted a general mercantile business in this building, first occupying only one-half of it, and later taking up the entire first floor. The old Commercial club had a suite of rooms on the second floor, and the Brainerd Dispatch had its plant there until it was destroyed by fire. H. C. Stivers at one time published a paper in this building, also.

Three years ago James Koukis purchased the property and opened the Cosmo billiard parlor in one-half of the first floor. The other half is the home of the John Carlson & Son’s clothing establishment.

Mr. Koukis holds a five-year lease on that part occupied by the Cosmo, and will make a number of improvements therein, one being to fit the entire front section as a lunch room, moving the billiard hall into the rear section.

In making this investment, Mr. Webb has shown his confidence in Brainerd and its future, a faith which it is certain has not been misplaced. It is believed that the new owner is to be congratulated upon coming into this new possession. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 January 1923, p. 3, c. 1)


Fire animation On 25 January 1924 a fire caused $40,000 worth of damage to the building, tenants, and merchandise lodged in the Webb Block, formerly the Sleeper Block.


SEE: 1924 Webb Block Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


SEE: Sleeper Block


WESTGATE MALL

19 April 1978. Plans for a new shopping mall to be located on both sides of the Baxter-Brainerd city line were unveiled at the Baxter city council meeting. According to a site plan by RCM Associates, the mall will be 238,000 square feet and will cost $5 to 6 million. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 April 2018)


WHITE BROTHER’S HARDWARE & CONTRACTORS

An ad for White & White Contractors and Builders located in the Walker Block at 616 Laurel in 1893.
Source: 1888 Brainerd City Directory

Located next to the Walker Block at 616 Front Street.


EDWARD WHITE & SON have opened a Carpenter and Cabinet Shop on Front street, in the building formerly occupied by Morton’s club rooms, where they are prepared to do all kinds of work in their line in first class shape, on the shortest notice, and at low rates. Give them a call. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 November 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


AT Edward White & Sons’, Front Street, is the place to go if you want anything made or repaired in the cabinet or carpenter and joiner line. What they can’t make ain’t worth making. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 February 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


An ad for I. U. White’s contracting and wagon making business, 01 March 1879.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

Messrs. White & Chamberlain, Contractors and builders of this city, have taken a heavy contract of boat building on the Missouri river at Bismarck, whence they take their departure next week. They have sold out their shop, stock and business here to I. U. White, son of the senior member of the firm, who will conduct the business as heretofore, but with an enlarged stock. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 February 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 1880 Brainerd-2 in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.


White & White, contractors and builders, are having more work brought them than they can do and are turning good jobs away everyday from want of carpenters. Who says Brainerd is not having a boom. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 September 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


White & White Contractors, Ed White is in the wagon, the little boy standing in the doorway is Ira White, Ed’s grandson, son of I. U. White, note the birdhouse on the roof, ca. 1886. A 1093x1254 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Unknown

White & White have fixed up an office in connection with their store and shops on Fifth street, where they can be found day and evening. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 April 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


A number of good competent carpenters can find employment by applying to White & White. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 August 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


C. B. White has bought the lot next to Moberg’s sample room and the building covering the same to be erected with the new Walker block, now in course of construction, will be owned by him. This will give Mr. White a very nice place for his hardware store and excellent stock of sportsmen’s goods. They will occupy the new building as soon as it can be put up and finished. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 May 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


C. B. White will tomorrow move his stock of builder’s hardware in the new commodious room recently built by him in the new Walker block between Sixth and Seventh street. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 July 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


Mr. I. U. White is preparing the plans for a building which P. J. Arnold has about decided to erect just north of Lagerquist’s grocery store on Sixth street south.

The building is to be a modern two story brick block with a frontage of 50 feet and a depth of 80 feet, and is to cost in the neighborhood of $7,000. The upper floor is being designed for a lodge room and it will be one of the most convenient for the purpose in this city. The room will have besides the usual large assembly room, rooms for banquet, reception, etc.

The lower floor will be used for store purposes and it is understood that Mr. Arnold already has a tenant for the place.

The new building will be a great addition to this street and will add to the attractiveness of the city. The contract for the building will probably be let in a short time and work will commence at once. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 July 1901, p. 1, c. 6)


VIOLATING FIRE ORDINANCE.

_____


City Attorney Crowell Issues Warrants

Tuesday for Several Prominent

Taxpayers of the City.


Tuesday warrants were issued by City Attorney Crowell against several prominent businessmen of the city, his action being taken under instructions of the city council at its last meeting. The gentlemen upon whom these complaints are to be served are: G. W. Northrup, I. U. White, and C. B. White. They are charged with violating the fire ordinance, in the main the allegation being that they have failed to brick veneer buildings owned by them and put up recently within the fire limits of the city.

It is understood that this matter will be tested by some of these gentlemen. They claim that the charter is unconstitutional and they want the question judiciously determined. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 December 1901, p. 7, c. 4)


MUNICIPAL COURT MATTERS.

_____


George W. Northrup has Employed an At-

torney and Will Fight the Fire Ordi-

nance of the City—Other Court Notes.


Tuesday George W. Northrup and I. U. and C. B. White appeared before Judge Mantor charged with constructing frame buildings within the fire limits, which is a violation of the fire ordinance. Mr. Northrup appeared in court with an attorney, having retained Judge S. F. Alderman. He plead not guilty and his case was continued, bond being fixed at $25.

In the case against I. U. and C. B. White on motion of City Attorney Crowell the case as to I. U. White was dismissed. C. B. White plead not guilty and his case was continued for one week, bond being fixed at $25. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 December 1901, p. 1, c. 3)


The cases against C. B. White and G. W. Northrup were dismissed in the municipal court this morning on motion of City Attorney Crowell. It will be remembered that complaint was made against these gentlemen on the charge of violating the fire ordinance. The council at its meeting Monday evening decided not to push the matter of making these gentlemen brick veneer their buildings this time of the year, it having turned so cold, but to give them until May 1 of next year to do so. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 December 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


WHITE BROTHERS.


An ad for Charles B. White’s hardware and contractors, managed by Isaac U. White, 10 July 1896.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch

The above firm was established in 1880 by Mr. Edward White and his son, I. U. White. The firm at the present time is composed of I. U. and his brother, C. B White.

The firm does a general contracting and retail hardware business. The store now occupies a two-story building at 616 Laurel street. The firm carries a complete line of sporting goods and hardware, stoves, tinware and a full line of builders’ hardware. Only the best lines are carried, and these are up-to-date in all the departments.

The firm’s contracting department has all the facilities necessary for doing a general contracting business. They have built a great many of the larger business blocks and buildings in this city, among which are the Koop Block, National Hotel, Walker Block, on the corner of Laurel and Front streets, the Gardner Block the Walverman Building, the Woods Building and the store buildings for Con. O’Brien and Fred Luken, and a great many more in and out of the city. (Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 16; Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher)


WILL DOUBLE STORE CAPACITY

_____


White Brothers Finishing Off Sec-

ond Story of Building for

Sales Room


White brothers are making decided improvements in their store building at 616 Laurel street, which will nearly double the capacity of their store. They have almost completed lathing and plastering the second story of the building, which has heretofore been used as a warehouse. A large open stairway will be put in running up from the center of the store room. Immediately over the stairwell, which will be a large one, a big skylight will be put in the roof, thus not only lighting the upstairs but also making the back part of the lower floor much lighter. The upper room will be used for a display room for bulky goods such as stoves, refrigerators, washing machines and the like. The improvements will give them a very handsome store. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 February 1910, p. 3, c. 2)


11 May 1914. (Adv.) Fishing, Fishing, Fishing! Get ready before the season opens. We have just unpacked our line of tackle: Steel rods from $1.00 and up; Reels from 75 cents and up; Silk lines from 30 cents and up. Large line of artificial baits. White Bros. - 616 Laurel Street. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 11 May 2014)


Fire animation On December 27, 1910, a fire swept through the east end of the Walker block on Laurel Street. Tenants on the main floor who suffered about $6,000 worth of damages from fire, water and smoke were, among others, A. K. Luken and the White Brother’s hardware store.


SEE: 1910 Walker Block Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.

SEE: Alderman-Maghan Hardware Company


NOTE: Brainerd structures known to have been designed and/or built by White & White Contractors:


Designed

•Designed the Columbia Theatre Building SE corner Laurel & Sixth Streets (1913) (Standing in 2017)


Designed and Built

•Designed and built the Dressen Block (Land O’Lakes Cafe) mid-block between Front and Laurel on east side of Sixth (1892) (Demolished ?1990)

•Designed and built the Walverman Block (1904) (Standing in 2017)

•Designed and built the bandstand in Gregory Park (1914) (Standing in 2017)

•Designed and built the Dancing Pavilion, Bath House, Boat House, Refreshment Stand and Band Stand at Lum Park (1916) (? Demolished)

•Vern White, Assistant Superintendent, building the court house on Laurel Street (1921) (Standing in 2017)


Built

•Ed White built the Trading Post building near the railroad tracks close to the river between what are now Washington Street and Front Streets (1870)

•Ed White built the 1st NP Bridge (1870-1871) (Collapsed 1875)

•Built Bly’s Block on the SW corner of Front and Sixth Streets (1872) (Burned 1904)

•Ed White built the White Swan steamboat for Alsop & Mahlum at Boom Lake (1877-1878) (Shipped to Fargo to run on the Red River in October 1878 later becoming the Pluck.)

•Built the Koop Block on Front Street (1880) (Burned 1904)

•White & White built the new Last Turn Saloon on the SW corner of Front and Fourth Streets (1883) (Demolished 1913)

•Built the Windsor Hotel on the NE corner of Seventh and Norwood Streets (1884) (Demolished)

•Built the first fence around Gregory Park (1887)

•Built the Gardner Block on the SE corner of Laurel and Fifth Streets (1891) (Demolished 1945)

•Built the Walker Block and White & White Hardware (Alderman’s) mid-block on the South side of Laurel Street between Sixth and Seventh Streets (1892) (Burned 1987)

•Built the Woods Building location unknown (Before 1910)

•Built Fred Luken’s variety store building on the South side of Front Street between Seventh and Eighth Streets (1889, 1899, 1901) (? Standing in 2017)

•Reconstructed the burned Sleeper Block South side of Front Street, next to the old First National Bank near Sixth Street (1907) (Standing in 2017)

•Built O’Brien’s Department Store (Thrifty Drug) on the NE corner of Laurel and South Eighth Streets (1898)

•Enlarged O’Brien’s Department Store (1915) (Standing in 2017)

•Built the Koop Block on the NE corner of Seventh and Laurel Streets (1900) (Burned 1923)

•Built the National Hotel next to the Columbia Theatre (Old Coast-to-Coast Store) on the South side of Laurel near Sixth Street (Before 1910)

•Built the Parker Block which became Murphy’s Dry Goods Store mid-block on Front Street between Seventh and Eighth Streets (1910) (Standing in 2017)


Miscellaneous Work

•Finished the upper story of the north wing of the Sixth Street School (1880) (?Demolished 1901)

•Did the inside finishing work on the Iron Exchange Building (1910) (Burned 1970)

•Carpenter work remodeling the Park/Paramount Theatre (1914) (Demolished 1994)


WHITE’S BRICKYARD

L. P. White’s brickyard on Maple street is in full blast. It is expected that 500,000 brick will be turned out this season. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 May 1889, p. 4, c. 3)


WHITTIER GRADE SCHOOLS (MAP #52)

One of these identical four grade school buildings is the Whittier Grade School on 8th between Holly and Grove, ca. 1894.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Built of Brainerd-made Schwartz cream brick in 1894 [sic] [1893] on North Eighth Street between Holly and Grove Streets, it houses the kindergarten through sixth grades. In 1936 [sic] [1939] the old school is razed and replaced by a new structure, which costs nearly $225,000. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 38 & 49)


The purchasing committee of the school board are negotiating for the northeast block of Gregory square for a school house site. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 December 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


New School House Site.


Block 164 has been purchased by the board of education in the second ward on which to erect the new school building for that part of the city. The site is a very desirable one and the board were lucky in securing it. H. J. Spencer, from whom it was bought, takes the old school property in part payment, $3,350, the block bringing $8,000. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 December 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


The four new school houses are all sufficiently advanced for putting on the roofs. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 July 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


SEE: Brainerd Schools Miscellaneous Information


Fined $50 and Costs.


The journal of the Board of Education of Jan 22d, reads as follows:

Pursuant to call the board met in special session in the secretary’s office all members being present.

Object of meeting: To consider the matter of an assault upon one of our school teachers by M. K. Swartz, and also the violations of the rules and regulations of the Board of Education.

Miss M. Fuller, and Prof. B. T. Hathaway appeared before the board and stated what they knew of the matter.

Moved by W. W. Winter and seconded by John Britton that the following resolution offered by the president, be adopted:

RESOLVED, That Supt. B. T. Hathaway be instructed to enter complaint at once before the proper court against M. K. Swartz for assault and battery upon Miss M. Fuller, teacher in the Whittier school, as this board deems such assault, if as reported to it, to have been not only a brutal attack upon an employee of the school district for discharging her duty, but an offense against good discipline in the schools, and subversive of every principal of school government.”

The roll being called every member voted in the affirmative, so the resolution was unanimously adopted.


[...]


In accordance with the resolution of the board, as printed above, Prof. Hathaway entered complaint against Mr. Swartz on Monday. On Tuesday the case came up before Judge Chipperfield. Mr. Swartz plead “guilty” and the court imposed a fine of $50 and costs or sixty days in jail, the fine amounting to $53.30 being paid. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 January 1894, p. 4, c. 6)


Mothers’ Club Meetings.

_____


Whittier Grade School on 8th between Holly and Grove, built in 1894 and demolished in 1939, ca. 1910.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 4, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher, Brainerd Tribune
Construction continues on the new Whittier School, 01 February 1939. A 2030x1378 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
The Whittier Grade School built in 1894 is demolished as the new school rises, 01 August 1939. A 1988x1166 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
Construction on the new Whittier is nearly completed, 15 September 1939. A 2008x960 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The meeting of the Mothers’ Club held at the Whittier school last Friday afternoon, was duly called to order by Prof. Carleton, after a few preliminary remarks.

Miss Minnie Merritt was made temporary chairman.

Moved and seconded that Miss Minnie Merritt be elected president of the club. Carried.

Moved and seconded that Miss Kathryn Murray be elected permanent secretary. Carried.

Moved and seconded that the Misses Fulton, Small, Hawkins, Lowey, Fuller, and Mr. Mallory be elected vice-presidents. Carried.

Moved and seconded that Mesdames Patek, Merritt, F. S. Parker and F. E. Smith be elected vice-presidents. Carried.

Moved and seconded that an executive committee of fifteen be appointed. Carried.

The following members were placed on said committee: Mesdames Chas. Johnson, Travis, Alderman, Ingersoll, Nevers, Reilly, Wieland, Mantor, McKay, Moberg, Keene, Ferris, J. J. Howe, D. D. Smith, and D. M. Clark.

Moved and seconded that these names be accepted. Carried.

Moved and seconded that a decorative committee of fifteen be appointed. Carried.

The following members were placed on said committee: Mesdames Swartz, McGinnis, McCoullough, Scougale, Caughie, Taylor, Willis, Onstine, McColl, Parks, Mattison, Crogan, J. McCullough, W. J. Smith, and R. Parker.

Moved and seconded that these names be accepted. Carried.

Moved and seconded that a committee of fifteen on visiting be appointed. Carried.

The following members were placed on said committee: Mesdames E. M. Westfall, Mallory, Cohen, Warner, Congdon, Entrikin, Lowey, Rose, Zarbox, Burrell, Mitchie, Treglawny, Ed. White, I. U. White, J. W. Koop.

Moved and seconded that these names be accepted. Carried.

Moved and seconded that a committee of fifteen on entertainment be appointed. Carried.

The following members were place on said committee: Mesdames Wright, Donaldson, Johnson, Hills, Kimble, Fleming, Sundberg, Fox, Woelfret, Edmands, Sanborn, Bertram, D. D. Smith, M. McFadden, and H. Edwards.

Moved and seconded that these names be accepted. Carried.

Moved and seconded seconded that the teachers of the Whittier building be a committee to draw up a constitution and by-laws, Miss Minnie Merritt being chairman of that committee. Carried.

Moved and seconded that Miss Lowey, Mrs. Patek, Mrs. Westfall and Prof. Carleton present papers at next meeting. Carried.

Moved and seconded that the club adjourn to meet February 16th, 1897. Carried.

KATHRYN C. MURRAY,

Secretary.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 22 January 1897, p. 4, c. 6)


ARBOR DAY OBSERVANCE

_____


The Whittier School Gives a Fine

Program Under Direction of

Miss Barrett


A pleasing program was given to accompany the planting of two fine young elms at the Whittier school yesterday afternoon. One of these trees, presented to the school by Earl Swartz, was named the Whittier elm. The other, given by Miss Barrett, was named the Barrett elm. Recitations, songs, etc., made up the program which was really worth hearing. Of the parents of pupils, Mrs. Gemmell and Mrs. Downie were present. Other guests were, Mrs. Snyder, Mrs. Cohen, Mrs. Burnett and Miss Fleming.

The following were the numbers on the program:

Recitation—”Come, Let us Plant the Elm Tree,” Miss Barrett’s room.

Group of songs and Recitations, Miss Small’s room.

Recitation, Miss Small’s room.

Song—”Lady April,” Miss Nelson’s room.

Recitation—”He Who Plants a Tree,” Miss Hoorn’s room.

Group of Songs, Miss Small’s room.

Recitation, Lervy Putz.

Recitation—”What Do We Plant, When We Plant a Tree?” Miss Nelson’s room.

Ceremony of planting and naming the trees.

Recitation—”Woodman, Spare That Tree,” Miss Barrett’s room.

Recitation—”Arbor Day Tree,” Miss Lowey’s room.

Recitation—”Ruby-Crowned Knight,” Jeanette Gibson’s 8th grade.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 April 1910, p. 2, c. 5)


11 April 1924. At the meeting of the Whittier Parent Teachers Association, there was staged a most unusual demonstration. The committee made this the occasion for the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Miss Louise Barrett’s teaching in the Whittier building. About 300 friends and former students were present. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 11 April 2004)


Purchase Agreement Approved for Whittier


Whittier Grade School, 15 July 2014.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch

The fate of the Whittier building - built in 1939 in north Brainerd as an elementary school but which has not been used as a school for the past six years - was determined Monday.

The Brainerd School Board voted 4-1, with one member abstaining, to not demolish the school and to sell it to a real estate investment group, Whittier Capital Group, LLC, for $100,000. Board member Tom Haglin abstained as it was a conflict of interest and board member Chris Robinson voted against the sale of the school because he felt that the district should have done a feasibility study to see if the building would be financially sustainable.

"I have my concerns and the community, the neighborhood will be disappointed if this doesn't work out," said Robinson.

Steve Lund, the district's director of business services, said Whittier Capital Group has communicated to the district that it plans to lease the building to Discovery Woods Montessori School. However, the purchase agreement does not strictly specify that the investment group has to lease the building to the Montessori school.

Chad Turcotte, board chair of Discovery Woods, told board members at an earlier meeting that Montessori leaders have financial backers who will purchase the school and Discovery Woods would rent the building until it can own it. State statute requires schools such as Discovery Woods be in existence for at least five years before it can own a building.

Turcotte said should the school buy Whittier, it is their goal to have it compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) so it can be occupied in six months to a year.

Lund said one of the conditions of the purchase agreement is that the district must assemble the boiler. The district had disassembled the boiler when officials discussed tearing down the building.

Lund said the investors have five business days before they have to sign the papers to close on the property. School officials hope to close on the property on or before July 25.

Whittier has been vacant since 2008. The school district has spent $200,000 in annual heating and maintenance costs while its future has been debated. The school also needs a new roof, costing about $120,000, and may be needed in about eight years.

Before the Montessori school was interested, Northern Pines Mental Health Center and The Center had offered to repurpose the building into the Whittier Elementary Community Center for Health and Wellness. The city of Brainerd, however denied a zoning ordinance amendment that would have been required for the repurposing of the building. Both the city of Brainerd and Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Medical Center informed the school district they had no interest in acquiring the school.

Board member Bob Nystrom thanked Lund and the administration staff for all their hard work on Whittier school.

"It has been quite a road we traveled," said Nystrom. "I like history and as a child I still remember the railroad building being torn down in 1971. It was torn down overnight because they knew the community didn't want it torn down.

"This is an incredible opportunity to allow it to continue to be an elementary school." (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 July 2014, p. 1)


WINDSOR HOTEL / NORWOOD HOUSE

New Boarding House.


Windsor Hotel, ca. Unknown.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Mrs. Emma E. French has just let the contract to White & White of this city, for the erection of a large and commodious boarding house, and active work has been commenced on the same. The contract calls for the completion in sixty days, the building to cost some $3,000. It is being erected at the corner of 7th and Norwood streets, Mrs. French is thoroughly conversant with the business and will, no doubt, meet with success in her enterprise from the start. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 September 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


Mrs. French will open her boarding house shortly. (Brainerd Dispatch, Friday, 21 November 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


A. E. Summers [sic] has rented the Norwood House of Mrs. E. French, and took possession Wednesday. Mr. Summers [sic] will undoubtedly meet with success in the hotel business. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 April 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


The Norwood House will be open to the public on Monday next. Mrs. French has secured the services of Wm. Trotter a man well up in the hotel business, who will have charge of the institution. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 June 1885, p. 3, c. 6)


For Rent.


The Norwood House is for rent and parties desiring a good location, a new house with every convenience, etc., can do well to enquire on the premises of Mrs. E. French, Norwood street, at the corner of Seventh. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 November 1885, p. p. 3, c. 5)


Mrs. French has sold her Norwood House to Joseph Drapeau, the latter taking possession this week. The house will be put in thorough repair before it is open to the public. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 April 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


Windsor Hotel, ca. 1907.
Source: Postcard, Carl Faust

Joseph Drapeau will open his Windsor hotel on Monday next. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 May 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


Wanted—Girl for general work. Apply to J. Drapeau, Windsor hotel. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 September 1899, p. 8, c. 1)


23 October 1904. (Adv.) Windsor Hotel, open night and day. Electric lights, heated, bathrooms and all modern conveniences. Rates $1 per day. 423 South Seventh Street. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Saturday, 23 October 2004)


07 December 1904. Windsor Hotel Open night and day. Thoroughly renovated and refitted, with electric lights, perfectly heated, bathrooms and all modern conveniences. Rates, $1 per day. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Tuesday, 07 December 2004)


23 March 1906. Want-ads: Wanted - Good cook and general kitchen girl at the Windsor Hotel. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 23 March 2006)


KICKED BY HORSE

_____


Phinneas Hall at Windsor Hotel Barn

Has His Nose Broken and Was

Badly Cut


Phinneas Hall, barn tender at the Windsor hotel, was kicked by a horse and had his nose broken and laid open and his upper lip badly cut. He was unconscious for some time after the accident. Hall was taken to St. Joseph’s hospital. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 December 1917, p. 5, c. 1)


27 November 1920. Farmers Attention: Windsor Hotel Stable open for farmers' feed barn for this winter. Feeding the best tame hay obtainable and good oats, at usual prices. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, 27 November 2000)


Windsor Hotel Completes Its Redecoration Project

_____


The Windsor Hotel will open tomorrow under new management, that of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Sauer. They have recently redecorated the dining room. The new bold scheme is green and gold.

Mr. and Mrs. Sauer have engaged a Mr. Olson of LaCrosse, Wis., as chef and will open the dining room tomorrow with a chicken dinner. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 July 1931, p. 7, c. 4)


11 February 1948. The people of Brainerd will be offered a new and all modern eating place in the recently revamped Windsor Hotel building at 419 South Seventh Street. The new "Lunch Nook" is one of the most modern eating places in the northwest. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, 11 February 2008)


WISE BLOCK (MAP #60)

Wise Block at the southwest corner of 6th and Front, ca. 1905.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

In June [sic] 1904 [sic] [January 1905] after Bly’s Block/Hall burns down, Ransford R. Wise erects the Wise Block on the southwest corner of Sixth and Front Streets and uses the upper part for Ransford Hotel rooms. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 87)


NOTE: Bly’s Hall/Store DID NOT burn down in June 1904. The building burned on 30 January 1905.


Fire animation On January 30, 1905, Bly’s Block aka the Wise Block burned. From $15,000 to $20,000 worth of property was consumed. At the time it burned, it was probably the oldest building in Brainerd.


SEE: 1905 Bly’s Block Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


Local News Notes.


R. R. Wise has some thirty or forty men at work clearing away the debris caused by the recent fire on the corner. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 February 1905)


It was thought that the men and teams put to work at the scene of the fire on the corner of Front and Sixth streets were doing nothing more than clearing the debris away. It has been found different, however, for today Mr. Wise had the men start in on the excavation and work will commence, it is understood, on the foundation for a new building soon. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 February 1905)


EXCAVATION NEARLY FINISHED

_____


Nearly a Hundred Men Worked Yesterday

on Excavation for New Building on

Front Street.


The work of excavating for the new building on the corner of Front and Sixth streets is nearly completed. It has been a busy scene for the past five or six days and Mr. Wise is to be complimented on the good work that has been done. The building in which J. F. Murphy & Co. are located still stands, but it is understood that arrangements are being made to move it away so the excavation can be made here also. It will be but a day or two before the mason work will commence. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 February 1905, p. 3, c. 3)


The stone is being hauled from the old Arlington site to the site of the new building being put up by R. R. Wise on the corner of Front and Sixth Street to be used in the foundation. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 March 1905, p. 2, c. 2)


WISE REQUEST GRANTED

_____


Special Meeting of the City Council Held

Last Night to Act on R. R. Wise’s

Request to Locate Old Building


A special meeting of the city council was held last night, called primarily to act upon the request of R. R. Wise, who asked permission to move the old frame building now being occupied by J. F. Murphy & Co. Several locations were suggested, but the council did not seem to want to be arbitrary in the matter in the light of the fact that Mr. Wise was making extensive improvements in the city and it being considered that where ever the building was moved it would not be a permanent location.

Mr. Wise requested that he be allowed to move the building to the corner of Front and Sixth streets, across the street to the north from the First National bank. After some discussion this request was granted. It is understood that there was some objection, but the matter was considered in the right light and they decided that they could stand it for about ninety days, by which time it is thought the new Wise building will have been completed.

Mr. Wise also asked that he be allowed to purchase some twenty or more tons of crushed rock from the city. This request was also granted. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 March 1905, p. 3, c. 1)


MOVING THE BUILDING

_____


Old Wise Building Being Moved Today to

the Corner of Sixth and Front for

J. F. Murphy & Co.


The old Wise building occupied by J. F. Murphy & Co. is up on rollers today and is being moved to the corner of Front and Sixth streets where it will occupy a space just inside the curb facing west. It is expected that the building can be moved in two or three days. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 March 1905, p. 3, c. 2)


NOTE: One is left to wonder what happened to the “old Wise Building” after “about ninety days” were up. Was it then moved back to where it originally stood?


Local News Notes.


The rain played havoc with the area wall on the east side of the new Wise building on the corner of Front and Sixth streets last night. Every precaution was taken to prevent any damage to this wall by water, but it seems that the heavy rain and the condition of the gutter was the cause of a heavy deluge of water. The entire wall for a length of about fifty feet caved in, causing considerable damage and a large amount of inconvenience. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 April 1905)


Local News Notes.


A. V. Snyder has rented one of the store rooms in the Wise building and will move to the new location as soon as the rooms are ready. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 April 1905)


Local News Notes.


R. R. Wise stated this morning that the new building on the corner of Front and Sixth would be completed by June 15. Some of the stores will be ready before that time and the tenants will move in. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 May 1905)


02 May 1928. J. Herschel Hardy, of Chicago, has purchased the Ransford Hotel, stores and annex, Towne and McFadden block, Wise block from the Gould-Gray Company; this was the largest real estate deal in Brainerd for many years. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Friday, 02 May 2008)


SEE: Bly’s Block

SEE: Ransford Hotel


WOOLWORTH (F. W.) STORE

NEW 5 & 10 CENT STORE FOR CITY

_____


Woolworth & Co., Head of a Chain of

These Stores, to Open in

Brainerd March 1

_____


LOCATING AT 618 FRONT ST.

_____


Will Expend From $1,000 to $1,500

in Improving Front of Store and

Making Other Changes


A new five and ten cent store will open its doors to the public on or about March 1 when Woolworth & Co., formerly the S. Knox Co., will occupy 618 Front street, the present quarters of Louis Hohman.

The Woolworth company owns a chain or system of five and ten cent stores dotting all of America and many parts of Europe. Their decision to establish a branch store in Brainerd was not made until the town was thoroughly examined. The company never puts in a store unless it is assured the town they wish to do business in is certain of a steady growth.

A long lease was secured by the company from R. Buchman and Henry I. Cohen, who is now associated with Mr. Buchman in some of his enterprises. From $1,000 to $1,500 will be spent on improvements and alterations. A new front is to be put in resembling the style which the Woolworth company has generally adopted in the many cities in which they are located. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 February 1912, p. 3, c. 3)


The steel front to be placed in position at the Woolworth five and ten cent store has arrived and White Brothers are engaged in placing it in position. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 March 1912, p. 2, c. 3)


WOOLWORTH STORE OPENING MAY 3rd.

_____


New Five and Ten Cent Store Open

for Inspection on Friday After-

noon and Evening

_____


OPEN FOR BUSINESS MAY 4TH

_____


Store at 618 Front Street Has Been

Converted Into a Beautiful

Establishment


Front Street looking west. Notice the building with the “X” on the top, that is the first F. W. Woolworth store, opened to the public on 03 May 1912, in Brainerd, ca. 1920. A 826x449 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The F. W. Woolworth Co., operating nearly 600 stores throughout the United States, will open its Brainerd store, 618 Front street, Friday, May 3rd, for inspection only, from 2 to 5 P. M. and from 7 to 9 P. M. Music will be furnished by Graham’s orchestra. Promptly at eight o’clock Saturday morning, May 4th, the store will be open for business.

As a result of the very large purchasing power enjoyed by the Woolworth company in operating this big chain of over 600 stores throughout the country, tremendous values are offered at five and ten cents. Nothing in the store is over ten cents in price.

Mr. Woolworth, the originator of the five and ten cent business, began his successful business career in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Today a handsome white stone building marks the spot in Lancaster where he made his first success and was erected by himself.

The Woolworth Co. are highly pleased with the prospects in Brainerd and expect to give the Brainerd people the very best service possible. The local management will be under the direction of Mr. H. V. Heikes who has been in the business in the company’s stores in St. Joseph, Mo.; Springfield, Ill.; and Minneapolis, Minn. Assisting Mr. Heikes in the opening of the store are Mr. Hohoff, of Grand Forks; Mr. Stake, of St. Cloud; Mr. Stevens of Ashland and Mr. B. H. Strongman, of the Chicago office.

When Brainerd people and the visitors from the country and the range inspect the new five and ten cent store on Friday afternoon and evening, they will see a modern establishment, a duplicate of the many stores successfully managed by this company in other large cities of the United States. The furnishings and fixtures are of the very best and the front of the store is of a most distinctive design. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 April 1912, p. 3, c. 1)


WOOLWORTH STORE OPENING

_____


New Five and Ten Cent Store Has

Formal Opening on Friday Af-

ternoon and Evening


Friday afternoon and evening the Woolworth five and ten cent store at 618 Front street was formally opened to the public. No goods were sold and the establishment was open only for inspection purposes. Graham’s five piece orchestra discoursed sweet music as the crowds of people viewed the new store and its ample stock of goods.

Thirty-five young lady clerks were in attendance. Thirty departments are represented among the articles offered for sale and the manner in which they are displayed marks a new departure in merchandising in Brainerd. Glassware, hardware, tin-ware, notions, toilet articles, drygoods, stationery, jewelry, confectionery, fancy goods, burnt wood work, etc., are in evidence.

The fixtures are of a red shade and the front of the store is a duplicate of the style adopted by the company. The Brainerd store is No. 611 of the Woolworth company’s chain of five and ten cent stores located throughout the United States. The selling price of every article is shown and the clerks are always ready to explain or answer questions. The lighting system embraces 35 Tungsten lamps of 2200 voltage.

In the basement is a supply of stock duplicating that shown on the floor above. The basement floor is of cement. A feature is the patent chute for unloading freight into the basement.

H. V. Heikes, formerly in charge of the company’s store in Springfield, Ill., also in St. Joseph, Missouri and Minneapolis, is in charge of the Brainerd branch. He anticipates doing a good business in Brainerd and believes conditions justify the establishment of as modern a store as the Woolworth five and ten cent store. The store was open for business at eight o'clock this morning. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 May 1912, p. 3, c. 2)


“ONE-THIRD OF A CENTURY”

_____


F. W. Woolworth Co.

Hold a Great Sale in Their 617 Stores


In celebration of the thirty-three and one-third years of successful business enterprise, the 617 stores of F. W. Woolworth Co., situated in all of the principal cities of the United States and Canada, are to hold a record-breaking sale during the week of June 24th to 29th inclusive. This is to be known as “One-Third of a Century Sale” and during this week this firm proposes to offer to their friends and customers an array of special values in every department that will completely eclipse all previous efforts.

The business of this company was established by F. W. Woolworth in Utica, N. Y. just “One-third of a century” ago. He began with a few hundred dollars worth of merchandise, starting an exclusive 5c store in the old Arcade building, the first store of its kind ever opened. His next stores were opened at Lancaster, Penn., and a line of the 10c goods was added, and it was here that the popular 5 and 10 cents business was first established. Later, the well-known firms of S. H. Knox & Co., F. M. Kirby & Co., C. S. Woolworth & Co., E. P. Charlton & Co., and W. H. Moore & Son were established in the same business.

These firms always maintained a friendly relation to each other, their proprietors being intimate personal friends. It was but natural that eventually the interests of these firms should be merged together, as was done last March, the new firm taking the name of “F. W. Woolworth Co.”

During all these years, this firm has faithfully followed the original plan of adhering strictly to the popular prices of 5 and 10 cents. During recent years, while the prices of nearly all commodities have been constantly advancing, the variety and value of merchandise offered by the Woolworth stores has been constantly increasing. This has been made possible by the enormous purchasing power of this firm. Every new store opened meant increased purchasing power, and this resulted in better values for the public.

Manufacturers who find it necessary to quickly turn their over-production of stock into ready cash, find in this firm with its unlimited purchasing power, an opportunity to dispose of extraordinary quantities of merchandise. This explains some of the values that will be offered during this sale.

You will do well to carefully watch the windows each day to see some of the special values offered during the week of the sale, and in addition to items advertised in the windows, there will be placed on the counters a large variety of other bargains of which no previous announcement will be made.

No such gigantic sale has ever before been attempted by any mercantile organization, and it is the purpose of this firm to make this sale fittingly celebrate the auspicious event which it commemorates.

They wish to invite their patrons and the public generally to visit their store during the week of this unusual sale that they may secure some of the exceptional bargains that will be offered.

F. W. WOOLWORTH CO.

618 Front St., Brainerd, Minn.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 June 1912, p. 2, c. 5)


BRAINERD’S ODDEST STORIES OF TODAY

_____


Clarence Van Essen, of the Woolworth store, put in a homelike window with one of Cooke’s sewing machines as the center piece. And thereby hangs a tale. In moving the Singer sewing machine to the Woolworth emporium, Van Essen slipped, Cookes lost his grip and the whole machine came down full force on Van Essen’s head and his nose, happening to be the point of nearest contact with the cement walk, was, as the English writers in the Review of Reviews say, the crux of the situation. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 January 1917, p. 5, c. 1)


NEW MANAGER

_____


Morden Gates, of Duluth, Succeeds

Clarence Van Essen at Wool-

worth Store


Morden Gates is the new manager of the Woolworth five and ten cent store in Brainerd, succeeding Clarence Van Essen who was transferred to the store at Kenosha, Wis.

Mr. Gates is a young married man and has been with the Woolworth company for the past four years, three of which were spent in the company’s large store in Duluth. “I am going to like Brainerd and its people,” said Mr. Gates, “and I anticipate a most substantial increase of business for the Brainerd store during the present year.”

Mr. Gates will bring his wife and children to this city from Duluth as soon as he can secure suitable living quarters. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 February 1917, p. 5, c. 4)


WOOLWORTH CO. TO OCCUPY NEW HOME

_____


Expect to Enter Iron Exchange

Building Store Site Within

Few Weeks

_____


IMPROVEMENTS BEING MADE

_____


Lease of 15 Years Made in Business

Transaction With Gould-

Gray Co.


The local store of the F. W. Woolworth Co. will occupy new quarters just as soon as the former location of the Northern Home Furnishings Co., South Sixth Street, can be completely renovated to their particular use.

Announcement was made today of the business transaction between the Gould-Gray Co., owners of the building, and the Woolworth Co. officials sanctioning the lease of the store location for 15 years.

The Woolworth store will move into its new quarters either the latter part of this month or the early part of June.

Improvements to the building are rapidly taking form. A load bearing tile wall has been constructed practically the entire length of the building, basement and first floor extending from the alley to its front location on Sixth Street. The wall will divide the locations of the Hickerson Garment factory and the Woolworth store. In addition a closed in chute has been erected from the alley to the basement. These improvements were made by the Gould-Gray Co. The Woolworth Co. plans to change the entire appearance of the show windows. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 May 1928, p. 3, c. 4)


NEW WOOLWORTH STORE GREETS CITY

_____


New Location Opens Door for Inspec-

tion Afternoon and Evening;

Sales Start Saturday

_____


Acclaimed One of Finest Woolworth

Stores in State; Modern

in Every Way


In June of 1928 Woolworth’s was located in the Iron Exchange Building on the west side of 6th and Front, ca. 1950’s. A 1946x1160 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Without question one of the finest stores in the city, located in the heart of the Brainerd business district and embodying everything modern in construction and arrangement, the F. W. Woolworth Co. continued today their extensive preparation for the formal opening and inspection of their new quarters in the Iron Exchange building, South Sixth Street. Friday afternoon and evening, June 15.

“In order to give the people of Brainerd and community an opportunity to inspect our store laid out with extensive lines of merchandise we will be open Friday afternoon and evening. No merchandise will be sold on that day,” said M. L. Condran, district superintendent, in charge of preparations and official opening of the new store.

Woolworth Ad,13 June 1928, p. 3. A 1749x2142 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

The store will be open for sale of merchandise starting Saturday morning at 8 o’clock. An entertainment feature of the opening Friday will be music by an orchestra.

The new store has double the space of the former one on Front Street which will close this evening to permit final removal of merchandise. All departments have been enlarged, variety being taken into consideration in the purchase of new merchandise. A new feature of the store is and up-to-date soft drink department as well as a new dust-proof candy case.

“The plant is positively the most up-to-date store I have ever laid out for the Woolworth Co. pertaining to room and fixtures,” stated Mr. Condran. “In remodeling no expense has been spared to make it the finest Woolworth store, size considered, in the state of Minnesota.”

The store has a frontage of 48 feet with a depth of 80 feet and a modern basement where all reserve stock is maintained. In the rear are modern rest rooms for the 55 employees.

The Woolworth Company has been in operation in Brainerd for the past 16 years. Increased business has necessitated the moving into larger quarters. L. S. Harger is the local manager. The company has a lease on the new quarters for 25 [sic] years. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 June 1928, p. 7, c. 1)


SEE: Iron Exchange Building


MISCELLANEOUS BUILDING / BUSINESS INFORMATION

Henry Dressen Ad, 06 April 1872.
Source: Brainerd Tribune
Henry Dressen Ad, 29 June 1872.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

A new barber shop has been started on the north side of Front street, by Mr. Henry Dressen, a thorough tonsorial artist. He guarantees satisfaction. Advertisement next week. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 March 1872, p. 3, c. 1)


BATH HOUSE.


Henry Dressen, Esq.,—as will be seen by his advertisement—has got his fine bath room all fixed up in fine style, in connection with his Hair Dressing establishment. Now then, “wade in” and wash. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 June 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


In March of 1876 a single Brainerd voting precinct was established at Henry Dressen's barbershop.


The Chicago House is having its upper half-story heightened to a full story. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 April 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


Bivins House Ad, 29 June 1872.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

MR. T. C. BIVINS, the gentleman who bought Mr. Davie's building on Fifth street, has arrived in town with his family, and is engaged in fitting up his premises preparatory to opening an eating-house and restaurant. He has a splendid location, and will doubtless do a fine business, as we hope he may. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 April 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


Thomas C. Bivins in his fireman’s uniform, ca. 1880.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

THE BIVINS HOUSE.—This splendid new hotel has just been opened to the traveling public, and advertises to-day. It is kept by Mr. T. C. Bivins, who knows his gait in the hotel business, and is a first class gentleman. The "Bivins" is conveniently located, and we doubt not will meet with a liberal patronage. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 May 1872, p. 1, c. 6)


MR. BIVINS, the popular landlord of the Bivins House, gave possession of his establishment to the firm of Montgomery, West & Todd Thursday. They are repainting and nicely fitting it up for their immense stock of goods that will be here in ten days. They are closing out their present stock on Front Street at fearfully low prices. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 September 1872, p. 4, c. 1)


Our friend Bivins, late of the Bivins House, has bought ground, 100x140 feet, on Fifth street, east side below Laurel, where he proposes to build a hotel as is a hotel. We are glad to know this, as Bivins is just the man who knows how to keep a hotel. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 September 1872, p. 1, c. 6)


Northwestern Hotel Ad, 29 June 1872.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

The new Northwestern Hotel building, on the old site, is to be occupied again by that popular landlord, L. B. Coombs, Esq., and he will be ready to receive guests early next week. His many friends and old customers will be glad because of this announcement. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 April 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


Fire animation On May 4 1875, a fire burned the Northwestern Hotel causing damages of $800. At the time of the fire there was only one bucket in the well rendering it nearly useless. Questions were asked regarding why the wells on Front Street were not kept in order.


SEE: 1875 Northwestern Hotel Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


Fire animation On August 1, 1876, a huge fire beginning at the corner of Fifth and Front streets burned westward consuming the Sherwood Drug Store, Pine Restaurant, Trudell Restaurant, Askew’s Saloon and approximately nine other buildings.


SEE: 1876 Sherwood Drug Store Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.

THE NEW METROPOLITAN.


Metropolitan Hotel Ad, 15 June 1872.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

Two new hotels are soon to be put up on opposite sides of Sixth street, where it intersects Laurel—one by a Mrs. Chapman, of Crow Wing, the other by P. Greene of the St. Paul House. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 April 1872, p. 1, c. 6)


Mr. P. Greene has now got into his magnificent new hotel building on the corner of Sixth and Laurel streets, and is prepared for the first class entertainment of the traveling public, boarders, and tourists’ families. It is a beautiful new structure fitted up with every new feature, and is conveniently and picturesquely located. He calls it the Metropolitan, and opened out on Friday last by a grand ball and supper in the evening, attended by a numerous company of our citizens, who wish Mr. Greene and his lady a prosperous and happy life in their new and beautiful home. See his advertisement. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 June 1872, p. 1, c. 6)


THE METROPOLITAN SUPPER.


The supper given by Mr. Greene, on the occasion of the opening ball of his new Metropolitan Hotel on Friday evening of last week, was pronounced one of the very finest suppers ever given in Brainerd. It combined substantials with delicacies, all served in the finest style, everything well seasoned, rich and palatable, and creditable alike to himself and Mrs. Greene and to the Metropolitan. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 June 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


THE “METROPOLITAN.”—Our friend Mr. E. I. Fockens, formerly a neighbor of ours in Winona, has leased the Metropolitan Hotel in Brainerd, and will, on and after August 1st, be prepared to receive and entertain the traveling public and boarders in first-class style. We take especial pleasure in introducing Mr. Fockens to the public on the line of the Northern Pacific, for we know him to be a square man, who will do his very best to make his guests at home—a first-class white man. We bespeak for him a big business; for the public appreciate, in the most sensitive manner, a good or bad landlord. Try the Metropolitan, when you have occasion to stop at Brainerd, and if you are not well treated in every respect, bring in your bill of damages to us, and we shall see that they are satisfactorily adjusted. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 August 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


FOLLOWING close upon the heels of Jay Cooke & Co.’s failure, was that of Mr. Fockens of the Metropolitan Hotel, of this city. As to whether Mr. F.’s assets will compare with his liabilities as favorably as Cooke’s is said to, we are not informed. Geo. Dyer, of this city, we learn, is Mr. Fockens’ assignee, who we presume will pay all his liabilities and collect all debts due. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 October 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


A NARROW escape from a serious conflagration took place at the Metropolitan hotel, just across the street from the TRIBUNE office, at an early hour this morning. A candle was lighted in one of the servant girls’ bed rooms and left burning on the stand, and by some means the stand and drapery took fire, but was discovered and the burning material carried out doors before much damage was done. A little daughter of Mr. Durgin, the proprietor, was asleep in the room at the time and would doubtless have been burned up but for the opportune discovery of the fire. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 December 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


The Metropolitan Hotel and restaurant has the reputation of being one of the most popular places in town. Mine Host Ingraham knows how to treat his guests to make them comfortable. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 August 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


Pine Restaurant Ad, 29 June 1872.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

We forgot to mention last week the departure of our old and respected citizen W. M. Falconer, of “Pine Restaurant” notoriety, and his family. Mr. Falconer has gone to Bismarck, where he has entered into business relations with Messrs. Macnider & McLean. He will be missed here more than any other man we know of. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 July 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


Fire animation On August 1, 1876, a huge fire beginning at the corner of Fifth and Front streets burned westward consuming the Sherwood Drug Store, Pine Restaurant, Trudell Restaurant, Askew’s Saloon and approximately nine other buildings.


SEE: 1876 Sherwood Drug Store Fire in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


Friend McClery [sic] [McClary] is putting on a valuable and much-needed addition to the Marshall House, cor. Laurel and Sixth Streets. This evidence of prosperity. Mc. is deserving, and we are glad of it. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 May 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


MINNESOTA MITES.


The proprietor of the Marshall House at Brainerd, caught a thief in the act of entering his cellar, and fired a load of buckshot at him. The burglar was hit but not severely enough to prevent escape. (Minneapolis Tribune, 24 June 1880, p. 4)


The Marshall House is being fixed up inside and out, and will be re-opened as a public house soon. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 October 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


There is a movement on foot to establish a market place in this city for the sale of all wood, hay, etc., that is brought into the city by the farmers. The scheme is a good one and we would like to see it carried out. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 January 1886, p. 3, c. 3)


...Matter of moving water trough now located at hay market was left to street committee. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 March 1897, p. 4, c. 5)



STREETS RENAMED

In December 1923, the Brainerd City Council took on the task of renaming the streets in Northeast Brainerd. To clarify Northeast Brainerd, that designation applies only to streets in what was considered East Brainerd. Beginning with Kindred Street and following with all streets north that run east and west, letters of the alphabet were to be used. I might add that this system was objected to by the local postmaster. Kindred became “A” Street, Farrar “B” Street, Forsythe “C” Street, Pine “D” Street, Prescott and Oak “E”, Myrtle and Maple “F”, Pear and Elm “G”, Ash “H”, Russel and Pascal “I”, Kinney and Borman “J”, Quincy “K”, Washington “L”, Schwartz and Goddard “M”, Whitely “N”, Lake “O”, Elder “P” and Walker “Q”. (Crow Wing County Historical Society Newsletter, March 1999, Lost in the Shuffle, Lucille Kirkeby)


After the construction of the Washington Street Bridge over the Mississippi (completed in October 1932), Main street was renamed Washington Street, “A” Street became E. Washington Street and Richard Street in west Brainerd is now W. Washington Street.


— — — — — — — — — PARKS — — — — — — — — —

BANE PARK

Donated to the city on 11 March 1932 by local realtor E. C. Bane and his wife, M. Lurline Bane. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 143)


08 February 1938. The property committee of the city council will proceed to confer with the county board on ways and means for the county to secure title to Bane Park in South Brainerd. If successful, the plan is for the county to construct buildings there to hold the county fair. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 08 February 2018)


NOTE: The Brainerd Dispatch article above seems to conflict with Zapffe's statement above.


DEPOT PARK (MAP)

William Jennings Bryan gives a speech from the bandstand in Depot Park, 13 October 1896. Depot Park was located on the east side of 6th just south of the railroad tracks.
Source: Brainerd, Minnesota 1871-1971, Centennial Edition, p. 20, Brainerd Dispatch

Located on the east side of Sixth Street just south of the Northern Pacific Railroad tracks.


Gil Hartley [G. G.] presented to the city the band stand which stood for many years in the Depot Park on Front Street. He also gave band suits to the twenty-four members of Dresskell's Band. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 35)


The plans and specifications for a band stand to be erected in this place for the use of the Brainerd Cornet Band, may be seen at the office of J. F. Turner & Co., over Brainerd Bank. Parties desiring to bid on work are solicited to call and examine. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 August 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


The new band stand now in course of construction in the N. P. Park, will be a beautiful piece of workmanship when completed. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 September 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


Sometime prior to 1887 C. F. Kindred erected a bandstand in the center of Gregory Park. On 02 June 1898 the bandstand was blown down by the tornado that swept through Brainerd. Shortly thereafter it was re-erected to the east of the depot, then moved to Depot Park where it was used until 1920 when it fell apart and was replaced by the Parker Memorial Bandstand erected in Gregory Park in 1920 [sic] [1914]. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 52 & 53.)


NOTE: The Parker Memorial Bandstand was erected in 1914.


TAXPAYERS WILL VOICE SENTIMENTS.

_____


Meeting of Taxpayers Called for

This Evening in Council Chambers.

_____


DEPOT SITE WILL BE DISCUSSED

_____


The Special Committee of the

Council Wishes the Ex-

pression of All.


A marker commemorating Depot Park, located on the northeast corner of South Sixth and Front Streets, 28 April 2018. A 3548x2324 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Carl Faust

A meeting of the citizens and taxpayers of the city will be held in the council chambers on Friday evening for the purpose of considering the matter which came before the city council at its last meeting, in connection with the vacating of Seventh street between Front and Main streets, it being understood that the Northern Pacific is desirous of building a modern freight depot in the park and want this street vacated.

A resolution was presented at the last meeting of the council to vacate the street, but it did not pass, the matter having been referred to a special committee appointed by the chair and they were instructed to interview Superintendent Brown on the matter.

There are any number of people who object to this improvement in the middle of the park, and especially is this true among merchants and taxpayers, whose property is in close proximity to the park. They claim that the improvement will greatly lessen the value of their property. There are on the other hand others who think that their property will be greatly benefited.

The meeting on Friday evening is called by the special committee in order to get an expression of the businessmen of the city, and it is hoped that there will be a good attendance.

There are a few who believe that the company can go ahead and vacate the street anyway without the consent of the council they having occupied the same for fifteen years and therefore can claim the right of possession by law. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 October 1901, p. 8, c. 5)


SEE: Northern Pacific Freight Depot


In June 1908 at the request of Messrs. Wise and LaBar the Brainerd Lumber and Mercantile Company donated cedar posts for the construction of a fence around the N. P. Park on Front Street. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 04 June 2008)


June 1911. The first concert of the summer season will be given by the Brainerd City Band at the band stand at depot park. After much persuasion, Dr. F. J. Sykora, the organizer of the present band and the old Brainerd Marine band, will again take up the baton. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Saturday, 25 June 2011)


DEPOT PARK NOW OPEN TO PUBLIC

_____


Supt. W. H. Strachan, of Lake Super-

ior Division, Issues the

Necessary Orders

_____


F. E. EBNER’S GENEROUS GIFT

_____


Gives $100 to Buy Seats to be Placed

in the Park and Thus Make

it a Real Place of Rest


From Friday’s Daily:—

Superintendent W. H. Strachan, of Duluth, of the Lake Superior division of the Northern Pacific railway, has issued the necessary orders which make the depot park situated south of the tracks and the depot, open to the public. Two entrances will be made on Front street and one on Sixth and Front.

Attorney F. E. Ebner, of Mantor and Ebner, has given $100 for the purchase of seats to be placed in the park, thus making it a real place of rest and one of comfort to the visitor in Brainerd who may have to wait an hour or so for the next train.

It is needless to say that this act of Mr. Ebner will cause the traveler and casual visitor to carry with him more pleasant memories of Brained and it serves to continually advertise Brainerd and its beautiful little park. It shows also that citizens are awakening to the fact that the extension of the park system and its use by the people makes Brainerd a better and more home-like city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 July 1914, p. 7, c. 2)


The seats have arrived for the depot park on Front street, being donated by Attorney F. E. Ebner. The grass is being cut and the park beautified. The railway company, however, has not put in the promised gates and will have to be reminded of it. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 July 1914, p. 2, c. 4)


July 1928. During the storm Sunday evening the electric wires fell into the tops of the trees in the Northern Pacific Park and electrocuted hundreds of sparrows which were seeking shelter in the branches. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 03 July 2008)


GREGORY PARK (MAP)

Gregory Square, ca. 1887.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society
Aftermath of the “twister” that hits Gregory Park on 02 June 1898. A 1228x994 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
Aftermath of the “twister” that hits Gregory Park on 02 June 1898. A 1236x894 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

On 19 September 1871, Thomas H. Canfield, president of the Lake Superior and Puget Sound Company, signs a plat that has been staked out and filed for record on 25 September 1871. Near the center of the plat is a square area measuring two blocks on a side, but not subdivided into lots or streets, this area is simply marked GREGORY SQUARE. How did this name come to be selected? The president of the Railroad Company at that time is John Gregory Smith. Thus, the name of the president of the railroad is being carried forward every day. The People begin getting park conscious and in 1885 they appeal to the council and ask them to do something about it. The plat of Brainerd which Lake Superior & Puget Sound Company filed for recording with the Register of Deeds does not show in so many words that GREGORY SQUARE has been dedicated to the use of the public—like for a park. It is simply marked “Reserved,” but no reason is given. Not until the city grows in population and houses are built around the SQUARE does the need arise to question this because a dense pine forest of four square blocks, such as this is, needs patrolling, lighting, paths and maintenance. The question of ownership arises in February of 1885 when the residents request the council cut paths through that forest. If the city does not own the SQUARE, it will be the responsibility of the Lake Superior Company to spend money for maintenance. The danger to the local people is that the company might decide to subdivide the SQUARE into city lots, to the detriment of the city. Controversy arises about who controls the SQUARE; therefore, in May the council goes on record to the effect that the city is the owner and can maintain and develop the SQUARE as a Park; and in June it instructs the City Attorney to investigate the title and, if necessary, bring suit to establish the ownership. Then begins a long legal battle. A suit is started in the United States Circuit Court. Things move along favorably for the city; so, on 18 May 1891, the Company proposes a compromise and offers to deed one-half of the SQUARE to the city. Upon advice given to the councilmen by City Attorney McClenahan the offer is refused and on 25 January 1892, the Circuit Court decrees the ownership to rest fully in the name of the City. The SQUARE thereupon becomes Gregory Park. That summer (1892) the citizens present a petition that requests appointment of a Park Commissioner to supervise cleaning and improving the place. They also want a cinder bicycle path built around the exterior but inside the fence. Incidentally, the park must have looked neglected because while the suit is in progress, the citizens’ request, in May of 1887, that a fence be built around the SQUARE, and in September, upon order of the Common Council, White & White actually do build a fence. It is a two-board fence capped with a flat top-board that encloses the entire park. It has swinging gates at the corners. Long before this and in the exact middle of the Park, C. F. Kindred erects a bandstand for his band boys. The people also ask for a drinking fountain to help make it more pleasant for picnics. The city repairs that fence and plants trees as late as 1894. On 02 June 1898 a tornado sweeps through Brainerd and among its victims of destruction are all but a few of the trees in Gregory Park. That creates the new problem of clearing and grubbing. Bids are promptly called for, but the offers submitted are so small that the council decides to do the work with day labor. In March 1899 the council authorizes spending $200 for new plantings in Gregory Park. In September of 1900 it adds $100 for the same purpose. Where once stand majestic pine they plant fragile box elder and ugly poplar, because these are fast-growers. On 04 May 1909 a new Park Board, with S. R. Adair as its first president, promptly applies itself to making Gregory Park an attraction and not just a place for a few cross-corner footpaths. It builds a concrete wading basin with a fountain, for several years used as a goldfish pond, and encircled by a vine-covered pergola.

Gregory Park Pergolas, ca. 1910.
Source: Postcard, Carl Faust

Trees are trimmed; cinder paths are built; grass is cut; and slowly a transformation sets in. In 1912, a year after his death, the Charles N. Parker family erects a substantial bandstand in the Park as a memorial. In 1930 Cornelius O’Brien, Sr. presents the Brainerd Park Board with the sum of money needed to erect a cut-stone gateway to Gregory Park as designed by a landscape architect. The gateway is built at the Sixth Street entrance on the south side of the park. It carries a bronze plaque, which now serves to memorialize the donor. In the 1940’s the Park Board in landscaping and beautifying the Park with flower beds and trimmed shrubbery undertakes further aesthetic development. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 5, 51, 52, 97, 112, 140, 162)


SEE: Headquarters Hotel


At the meeting of the board of trade last evening a resolution was adopted requesting the city council to procure a deed from the Puget Sound Land company for Gregory square. Another resolution was passed requesting the city council to designate as the site for the new court house Gregory square. The board then adjourned until Monday evening. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 April 1882, p. 6, c. 2)


The resolution passed by the board of trade relative to the donation by the Puget Sound Land company of Gregory park to this city will be forwarded to the president of the company. It is thought that the company will give the city a deed of this park, as the taxes have hitherto been abated on the tract, and the president promised to do so as soon as the size of the city warranted it. The board of trade thinks the selection of this park as a site for the court house would be the best place, and gives as its opinion that the choice made by the county commissioners is not a good one, requesting that the commissioners delay the locating of the court house until it is ascertained whether or not the company will give the city a deed for the park. A copy of the resolutions embodying these sentiments will also be transmitted to the commissioners. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 April 1822, p. 6, c. 3)


SEE: Courthouse (First)


J. A. Bixby had a narrow escape one evening last week from being robbed. He was going through the park [Gregory] when he was sprang upon by a thug but escaped. These occurrences are getting to be too numerous for the comfort and safety of our people and a close lookout should be kept for these scoundrels who infest the city. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 06 September 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


Our Eavesdropper.

_____


Chief Shontell says that these days, or nights rather, are seeing dire proceedings going on in the city park, but that he is using every effort to put a stop to it. No less than three working girls have been escorted to their abode by the police during the past week with the admonition that if found there again under such circumstances that they would be locked up. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 May 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


It has been reported this week that Gregory square has been sold to the B. & N. W. railway company for $10,000, the same to be used for depot grounds, but the report as yet lacks confirmation. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 July 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


Gregory park will be fenced and a fountain erected in the centre of it. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 May 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


The park fence matter was taken up and bids read. Ald. Doran moved to reject all bids which was promptly seconded by Ald. Graham, whereupon Ald. Spencer moved to amend the motion and recommend that the offer of Scheickler & Wilson, of a style of fence be accepted, which was seconded by Ald. Searles, the vote standing Ald. Searles, Spencer and Taylor for, to Gardner, Forsyth, Graham and Doran against. A vote was then taken on the original motion which was carried. Alderman Gardner then made a motion to appropriate $600 towards placing a fountain in the park and improving the grounds which was seconded by Ald. Doran and carried, the street committee to have charge of the work. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 May 1887, p. 4, c. 6)


Suit has been commenced by the city against L. P. White, as agent for the Puget Sound Land Co. to quit title to Gregory Park. This matter has been in controversy for some time, and it was deemed expedient to have the matter settled at once. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 June 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


WORK OF THE COUNCIL.

_____


The City Will Fight the Park Matter

to the Bitter End.


[...]


The council went into executive session, the lobby being cleared of spectators, the matter under discussion being the suit now pending between Lake Superior & Puget Sound Land Co. and this city regarding Gregory Square. An offer had been made to City Attorney McClenahan to settle the suit by splitting the park in two parts, giving the city half and the company half. This proposition, however, did not meet with the approval of the council, and the attorney was instructed to reject the offer and let the court settle the matter. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 May 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


City Attorney McClenahan returned Tuesday night from Vermont, where he has been taking evidence in the suit of the Lake Superior and Puget Sound company against the city to secure Gregory Square. Mr. McClenahan says that he has no doubt but that the city will win the suit. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 June 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


The suit over the possession of Gregory Park between the Lake Superior and Puget Sound Land Co., and this city, is to be called to trial to-day at St. Paul, before Judge Nelson in the United States court. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 July 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


The Park is Ours.


Judge William S. McClenahan, ca. 1890’s.
Source: Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan

The courts have decided that Gregory Park, the title of which has been in dispute for some time, belongs to the city of Brainerd. The arguments of the Lake Superior & Puget Sound Land Co., and the city were heard on the 10th and 11th of the present month, and the matter taken under consideration by the court. On Saturday last City Attorney McClenahan received a telegram stating that the city had won the suit. Mr. McClenahan is entitled to much credit for the able manner in which he conducted the action and was the recipient of many congratulations over his success. The title of the city to the park is now beyond dispute and the property is valuable. At intervals, and as fast as the city government can see its way clear, the premises should be improved and in the next few years Brainerd can have as fine a park as any city in the northwest. It is a matter in which all should interest themselves. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 July 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


Settled for all Time.


The suit in regard to the ownership of Gregory Square is finally ended and the city comes out victorious, inasmuch as the Puget Sound Land Co. decided not to appeal from the decision and have allowed the time for appeal to go by. City Attorney McClenahan brought back with him on his return from St. Paul Saturday a copy of the decree which is as follows:

United States Circuit Court, District of Minnesota, Third District:

City of Brainerd, Complainant,

vs.

Lake Superior & Puget Sound Co., Defendant

This cause came on to be heard at this term and was argued by counsel; and thereupon upon consideration thereof it was ordered, adjudged and decreed as follows, viz:

Those certain premises in Brainerd, Crow Wing county, Minnesota, commonly called “Gregory Square,” being a parcel of ground bounded by Seventh, Holly, Fifth and Juniper streets, according to the plat of Brainerd, Crow Wing county, of record and on file in the office of the Register of Deeds of Crow Wing county, are and were when this suit was commenced, dedicated to public use and the right to the possession and use thereof for a public square or park is vested in the complainant as the representative of the public.

All this right, title and interest of the defendant is in all respects subordinate to the public rights and the rights of the complainant, and the defendant, its officers, agents, servants and employees are perpetually enjoined from interrupting or interfering with such public use or with the complainant’s possession for public use, so long as said public use continues.

That complainant recover of the defendant its costs to be taxed.

Signed at June term July 21, 1891.

AMOS. THAYER,

District Judge.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 29 January 1892, p. 4, c. 5)


The city park has been treated to a thorough cleaning, all the undergrowth and down trees having been removed, and the change is very gratifying. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 May 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


The city park was cleaned and placed in fine shape some time since and it was hoped that no acts of vandalism would be perpetrated within its borders. However, some one, probably boys, has chopped down two trees since the work was done. The city authorities will keep a watch on the park hereafter and anyone caught in the act of perpetrating any damage in or about the enclosure will be promptly brought to answer. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 June 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


SPECIAL MEETING.


The [city] council met in special session Wednesday evening with Ald. Anderson and Paine absent.

The purchasing committee made a report recommending that 200 trees be placed in the city park at a price not to exceed $200. The report was read and adopted. The mayor and city clerk were instructed to enter into a contract with Oscar Wicks for planting the trees in said park, and the clerk was instructed to draw an order for $50, payable to Mr. Wicks when the trees are planted, subject to the approval of the purchasing committee, and also an order for $150 payable one year from date of fulfillment of contract, said order to draw interest at 7 per cent. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 April 1894, p. 4, c. 6)


At a meeting of the bicycle club on Tuesday evening the matter of joining the L. A. W. was discussed and the secretary was instructed to correspond with the proper official in regard to the matter. A committee was appointed to see about repairing and fixing up the track in the park. Another matter of importance was the discussion of the subject of riding on sidewalks in the business center of the city. The members of the club desire it understood that they are opposed to it, and also that the rules under which they organized prohibit any member from riding on the walks within a certain distance of the center of the city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 May 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


Meeting of the Council.


[...]


The contract and bond in the sum of $500 for setting out 450 trees in the City Park by Oscar Wicks was accepted. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 June 1895, p. 8, c. 2)


FOR PARK IMPROVEMENTS

_____


F. H. Nutter, of Minneapolis, Secured

to Prepare Plans for Improving

Gregory Park


The Park Improvement association held a special meeting Wednesday evening to meet F. H. Nutter, of Minneapolis who came up to confer with the association concerning the improvement of Gregory park. Nutter had prepared an outline sketch of a plan to beautify the park, including the placing of a fountain and pavilion in the center, lawn tennis courts, toilet rooms, etc.

The association retained Mr. Nutter to prepare working plans for the proposed improvements. Mr. Nutter was for 23 years engineer for the park board of Minneapolis and his son succeeded him in that office. He is undoubtedly competent to advise the association and city council in the matter. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 June 1908, p. 3, c. 2)


ALONZO EVERETT GETS CONTRACT

_____


For the Various Improvements to be

Made in Gregory Park This

Summer

_____


OTHER PARK WILL BE IMPROVED

_____


Dock to be Built at Lum Park and

South Sixth Street Park

Filled


Gregory Square Pergolas, ca. 1910.
Source: Postcard

The bids received by the park board association for the erection of three pavilions and pergolas in Gregory park were opened. Lon Everett was awarded the contract for the whole work at $1250. The other bids received covered only parts of the contract. Combining such bids the nearest figure to Mr. Everett’s bid was $1602. Work will be started at once by Mr. Everett.

The park board will build a dock at Lum park, the piling for same having been generously donated by the Northwestern Telephone Exchange company. A nice fence is also to be erected at this park.

At Gregory park flowers are to be set out and the potted plants will be placed in May. The South Sixth St. school [Lincoln Schoo] park is to be filled to proper grade and it may be possible to secure the necessary soil from the post office excavation. This park will also be improved with flowers and be seeded for a lawn. The residents of South Sixth street will be gratified to hear of this move and will no doubt be glad to contribute plants and flowers for the flower beds as many have expressed themselves in favor of so doing.

O. B. Hamlin has been appointed caretaker at Gregory park with special police powers. He will be on duty from 8 a. m. to 9 p. m. After nine in the evening the park is to be cleared of loiterers. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 April 1910, p. 3, c. 3)


PARK BOARD MAKES REPORT

_____


First Class Water System, Fountain,

Pavilions and Other Improve-

ments in Gregory Park

_____


NEW DOCK AT LUM PARK

_____


Plants, Flowers and Trees Being

Placed to Beautify the Parks,

and Other Plans Outlined


Brainerd, Minnesota,

April 30th, 1910.


To the Honorable Mayor and City Council, Brainerd, Minn.

Gentlemen:—

Complying with Chapter 144 of the City Charter, we herewith submit for your approval a report of the receipts and disbursements of the Brainerd Park Board from May 7th, 1909 to April 30th, 1910.

The board organized as follows, May 7th, 1909: President, S. R. Adair; Vice President, J. W. Smith; Secretary, J. Molstad.


RECEIPTS.

Cash on hand May 7th, 1909—$887.76

Tax collections 1909—$1146.82

Tax collection, March 1910—$172.88

Total—$2267.46


DISBURSEMENTS.

1909-1910.

Total—$1772.66

Balance on hand, city treasurer—$432.80


In Gregory Square park we have had a first-class water system put in with 27 park hydrants and two catch basins. The grounds have been leveled, new paths made, trees trimmed, and there is now under construction a 40-foot fountain basin with pavilions and pergolas.

This work is being paid for by the Citizens Park Association at a cost of $1250. The board has ordered a variety of plants for flower beds and all work being done as per plans approved by the city council.

The Northwestern Telephone Exchange Co. have kindly donated sufficient poles for a dock at Lum park, which we intend putting in this year; we also intend fencing this park and have engaged the service of F. H. Nutter, of Minneapolis, landscape architect, to draw plans for this park.

We will provide some outdoor gymnasium apparatus in both parks and hope to be able to make a sufficient showing this year to appeal to the public in general and gain their approval of the work being done.

Respectfully submitted,

S. R. ADAIR,

President.

JENS MOLSTAD,

Secretary.

_____


The pavilion and fountain in Gregory Square park will be of handsome design and be a source of pride to the entire city.

A. Everett has commenced construction of the cement work at the park. The floors of the pavilion and pergolas are to be of cement. The turned columns of the pergolas are to be of “kore-lock” construction or its equivalent, and each one firmly anchored to the floor by a tie rod. The roof shingles of the pavilion are to be painted green and the wall shingles will be a brown shade. The ceiling is to be finished in natural wood.

The fountain will be in the middle of the park and will form half circle with the fountain as center. The pavilion will be liberally provided with seats and will be an ideal place to listen to concerts, orations, or the proceedings which take place in the park. Between the fountain and the pavilion will be lines of terrace work and flower beds radiating from the center of the fountain.

The grounds are to be improved according to plans furnished by Frank. H. Nutter, landscape architect of Minneapolis.

Among the plants and shrubs to be planted in the park are honey-suckles, elder bushes, rose bushes, lilacs, flowering currant bushes, hydrangeas, etc. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 May 1910, p. 3, c.’s 3 & 4)


SEE: Lum Park


Three pavilions have been erected in Gregory park and the cement work is all finished except the building of some steps. Men are painting the buildings today. The flower beds have been set out and extended from the pavilions to the south line of the park. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 June 1910, p. 3, c. 1)


Visitors at Gregory park have been complaining of some of the practices indulged in by the boys who frequent the park at night. Last night two ladies walked through it and were thoroughly drenched by the boys who used some of the lawn hose. Their dresses were ruined by the water. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 August 1910, p. 2, c. 4)


At five o’clock one morning last week, Sam Adair swung his trusty gun over his shoulder and crept through the pergolas and flower beds of Gregory park until he came in view of the fountain in the center of the park. Chattering on the cement bank was a kingfisher who has been despoiling the park of its gold fish. Pointing his weapon, Mr. Adair pulled the trigger and Mr. Kingfisher toppled over dead while his crimson blood stained the waters of the fountain. The gold fish have spawned and thousands of little ones are swimming about. When very young the gold fish resemble ordinary minnows. As they grow older they gather the brilliant colors which distinguish them from ordinary fish. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 September 1912, p. 2, c. 3)


GIVE BAND STAND TO CITY

_____


Mr. and Mrs. F. S. Parker and Family

Give the Same as a Memorial

to Late C. N. Parker

_____


GIFT IS MUCH APPRECIATED

_____


Stand to Have Cement Foundation,

Pressed Brick Walls and to be

Octagon in Shape


From Wednesday’s Daily:—

As a memorial to the late C. N. Parker, there has been presented to the city of Brainerd a beautiful band stand to be erected in Gregory park and the donors are Mr. And Mrs. F. S. Parker, Mr. and Mrs. Clyde E. Parker, Mrs. R. T. Campbell of St. Paul, Mrs. George H. Brown of Miles City, Mont., and Mrs. Allen Lowry of St. Paul.

Their generous bequest happily solves the difficulties of the park board. The latter had advertised for bids to construct the stand, plans and specifications of which had been drawn by White Brothers. Two bids were received that of White Brothers being $868 and that of E. H. Husemann $962. Both were considered out of reach of the board owing to the limited funds on hand and it was thought advisable to advertise for bids on changed plans.

Then came the offer of Mr. and Mrs. F. S. Parker and their children and the board gladly accepted it. It is a gift to the city which will be appreciated by every resident and serves as a fitting memorial to C. N. Parker, who in former years did so much for Brainerd.

The band stand will have a concrete foundation and cement floor in the basement. The stand will be octagon in shape. Stairs will lead to the main floor. This floor will be of wood to insure good sounding properties. The walls will be of pressed brick, of a design to be selected by F. S. Parker, who, it is said out of deference to his father may select the same kind of brick which the late Mr. Parker chose for the building of the Citizens State bank. In the walls will be placed a white granite slab and this panel will bear the name of Parker.

Construction of the band stand will be started as soon as the material can be assembled. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 August 1914, p. 1, c. 1)


21 August 1914. F. W. Sleeper, agent for the Melrose Marble Works, has sold to F. S. Parker a memorial tablet to be placed in the wall of the bandstand which the Parker family is to erect in Gregory Park. The tablet is of Barry granite with the name Parker chiseled thereon. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 21 August 2014)


TO DEDICATE BAND STAND

_____


Structure Donated to City by F. S.

Parker and Children, is Near-

ing Completion

_____


Built of Pressed Brick—Band Stand

Was Designed by White Bros.

of Brainerd


The band stand donated to the city by Mr. and Mrs. F. S. Parker and children is now rapidly nearing completion. The structure, designed by White Brothers of this city, is situated in Gregory park.

It is built of pressed brick. A panel bearing the name of “Parker” and set in the wall is the modest token to show that it is a memorial for the late C. N. Parker.

Preparations are being made to dedicate the stand. The Brainerd City band will play an appropriate program and the occasion will be made a scene of rejoicing on the part of Brainerd citizens who thoroughly appreciate the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. F. S. Parker and their children. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 September 1914, p. 1, c. 2)


WILL DEDICATE NEW BAND STAND

_____


The Exercises Will be Held Sunday

Afternoon, October 11th, at

Gregory Park

_____


CITIZENS APPRECIATE DONATION

_____


The Donors Have Erected Lasting

Memorial to the Memory of the

Late C. N. Parker


From Thursday’s Daily:—

The band stand which has been erected in Gregory Park by F. S. Parker and family as a memorial to the late C. N. Parker will be dedicated with appropriate ceremonies on Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock, Oct. 11th. The memorial is greatly appreciated by the people of Brainerd, and it is a work of art in its line not only affording an appropriate place for the music that will be heard for years to come in what will be one of the most beautiful parks in northern Minnesota but also helping to beautify that public place. The announcement is made in connection with the program that in case the weather is unfavorable the services will be held in St. Paul’s church. The program follows:

Selection by Brainerd City band.

Mayor R. A. Henning, master of ceremonies.

Invocation by Rev. Caleb Benham.

Song, quartette, S. F. Alderman, Al Mraz, Wm. Vernon and John Bye.

Remarks, A. J. Halsted.

Section, Brainerd City band.

Remarks, Mal. D. Clark.

Song, quartette.

Benediction, Rev. Caleb Benham.

Reception, city council and park board.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 9 October 1914, p. 1, c. 1)


Parker Bandstand


Original Parker Bandstand, ca. 1914.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
Parker Bandstand, July 7, 2010.
Source: Carl Faust

In August 1914 the Charles N. Parker family offered to donate a bandstand to be erected in Gregory Park. The bandstand was to be a memorial to the family patriarch, Charles N. Parker, who came to Brainerd in 1872 to start the Parker & Topping Foundry, which provided metal castings for the Northern Pacific Railroad. During the ensuing years, Charles Parker was responsible for, among other things, erecting the Parker Block which first contained his Northern Pacific Bank, later becoming the Citizens State Bank on the northwest corner of South Seventh and Laurel Streets as well as for building the Brainerd Electric Street Railway which opened for business on May 9, 1893.

The bandstand was designed and built in the shape of an octagon by the White Brothers of Brainerd. It was composed of a concrete foundation and a cement floor in the basement with stairs leading to the main floor which was built of Washington fir in order to ensure proper acoustics. The walls were of red pressed brick selected by Fred S. Parker in honor of his father who chose that color and type of brick for his bank building. An ornamental railing surrounded the main floor and the lighting facilities were the best, consisting of eight groups of cluster lights, twenty-four lights in all. In Gregory Park the bandstand was accorded a position on a slight knoll, the highest spot in the park. When the city band played at the dedication ceremonies, it was noted the tunes were heard in every section of the park, thus demonstrating that the selected site was a most appropriate one. The soft tones of the band were distinctly heard within a radius of four blocks from the park. The bandstand cost in the neighborhood of $868 and was dedicated on October 11, 1914. (An Overview of Happenings in the City of Brainerd for the Years of 1914 and Early 1915, A. Nelson)


In 1912 [sic] [1914], a year after his death, the Charles N. Parker family erects a substantial bandstand in the Park as a memorial. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 112)


Gregory Park bandstand donated by the family of C. N. Parker, ca. 1914.
Source: Postcard

The Parker Memorial Bandstand is erected in Gregory Park in 1920 [sic] [1914]. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 53)


NOTE: Zapffe is incorrect above regarding the dates the Parker’s gave the bandstand to the city.


PLACE MARKER IN GREGORY PARK

_____


Samuel Huntington Chapter, D. A. R.

Action Securing Historical Marker

_____


TO PRESERVE HISTORY

_____


Engraving Will Tell Briefly of Back-

ground of Beauty Spot

in Brainerd


Placed in Gregory Park by the D. A. R, 14 June 1927. A 1024x768 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Carl Faust
The newly refurbished D. A. R. bronze marker was replaced in Gregory Park on 08 September 2017. Later in September 2017, the Gregory Park fountain sponsor bricks were placed. Families, businesses and organizations who donated $1,000 to the renovation of the fountain were each given a permanent brick to commemorate their generosity to the fountain fund. Major donors included the James Wallin family, Shing Wako Resort, the Hellen K. Mills family, the Hermerding family (Kathleen Maloney), the Brainerd Eagles Club, the LaVonne Danzl family and Brainerd Lakes Area Women of Today. Thank you to all who contributed. A 2048x1536 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Tony Sailor

At a meeting of Samuel Huntington Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, held January 11, action was taken towards placing a marker in Gregory park. The marker will be a boulder procured from this vicinity and place near the southern entrance to the Sixth street park. On it will be engraved briefly the history of this little beauty spot in Brainerd.

Considerable discussion took place regarding some other old landmarks in and near Brainerd.

One of the chief objects of the D. A. R. society is to foster patriotism and to preserve all things American from the influence of propaganda designed to undermine the American government and institutions. To this end this society throughout the United States has been the means of attracting attention to places that are landmarks in American progress through the deeds of patriots and pioneers.

Any traveler through Europe will tell of the innumerable historic spots preserved and marked throughout these countries. The United States, young in comparison, has been correspondingly slow in calling attention to its historic places, trails and graves, outside of the colonial states. D. A. R. chapters during the past year spent $153,660 in preserving and marking 1,271 historic spots. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 January 1927, p. 3, c. 1)


D. A. R. PROGRAM ON FLAG DAY

_____


Hold Appropriate Exercises, Present

Red Granite Boulder

to City

_____


BEARS BRONZE MARKER

_____


Bears Park Name, Donor, Person

After Whom the Beautiful

Park Was Named


The Samuel Huntington Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution of this city are commemorating the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the adoption of our national emblem on Flag Day, June 14, by holding appropriate exercises at Gregory park at 4 p. m. At the same time a red granite boulder bearing a bronze marker gives the name of the park, “Gregory Square,” its donor, the Lake Superior and Puget Sound Co., the name of the person after whom the park was named, J. Gregory Smith, first president of the Northern Pacific railway, and the statement that the marker was placed by the Samuel Huntington Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution of Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 June 1927, p. 7, c. 5)


UNVEIL GREGORY SQUARE MARKER

_____


Members of D. A. R. and Citizens

Attending Patriotic Exercises

Yesterday Afternoon

_____


HONOR OLD GLORY

_____


Mrs. M. A. Bronson Gives “History

of Flag” and Presents Marker

to City of Brainerd


Amid the beauties of Gregory park with its well kept greens, flower beds, dahlia and lilac bushes, the Stars and Stripes unfurled to the breeze, members of the D. A. R., city officials, and patriotic citizens gathered yesterday afternoon to pay homage and respect to the “Flag of Old Glory,” and to witness the impressive ceremony of the unveiling of the bronze marker, memorial to the donor of the park, the Lake Superior and Puget Sound Co. and J. Gregory Smith, first president of the Northern Pacific railway after whom the park was named. The marker was officially presented to the city of Brainerd by Mrs. M. A. Bronson, Regent of the Samuel Huntington Chapter, D. A. R. Brainerd and received by Mayor Frank E. Little who thanked the D. A. R. members for their thoughtfulness.

The exercises were impressive in their presentation. The program opened with the playing of the Star Spangled Banner by the Brainerd Boys’ Concert band followed by invocation given by Robert J. Long.

In giving the “History of Our Flag,” Mrs. Bronson spoke as follows:


[...]


The following resolution was adopted by the chapter: “Be it resolved that the Samuel Huntington Chapter, D. A. R. extend to Robert T. Campbell, L. C. Kuschel, Seymour Roberts, Thompson Bros. and Clausen, J. L. Porwall, a vote of thanks for their assistance in regard to the boulder and marker, also a copy of these resolutions to be read on the minutes of this society and be published in the Brainerd Daily Dispatch.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 June 1927, p. 7, c.’s 2-4)


GREGORY PARK TO HAVE ENTRANCE ON 6TH

_____


Park Board Approves Plans to Land-

scape Entrance and Build

Sandstone Arch

_____


STARTED NEXT SPRING

_____


Con O’Brien to Make Improvement to

Park Possible, will Meet

Expense


The gates on North Sixth Street donated by Con O’Brien in 1930, ca. late 1950’s. A 797x507 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Postcard

Members of the Brainerd Park Board met yesterday to approve plans for the construction of a formal entrance to Gregory Park on Sixth street which will include landscaping to take in 90 feet.

The new picturesque entrance will be made possible through the generous offer of Con O’Brien, Brainerd merchant, to finance it.

Work on the entrance which will be constructed of sandstone and frame work and will act as a frame for the flower beds in the park as seen from Sixth street, will start next spring and be completed by early summer.

John H. Beigen, landscape architect of St. Paul who has met with success in this line in the Twin Cities has been engaged as architect.

Mr. O’Brien has been very generous to the Park Board, members said yesterday. They told of Mr. O’Brien turning over his salary as mayor while in office to the Park Board for use in improving the park system of the city. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 November 1929, p. 7, c. 5)


ENTRANCE WORK TO BE BID FOR

_____


Specifications for the proposed O’Brien Memorial Entrance to Gregory Park to be constructed for use early this summer at the Sixth street entrance on the south side of the park will be turned over to the office of the city engineer where they may be seen by contractors desiring to bid for the work.

The work will be done under supervision of city Engineer R. T. Campbell. cost of the entrance which is estimated to approximate $1,100 will be met by Con O’Brien, Brainerd merchant, who made this donation to the Brainerd Park Board. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 January 1930, p. 7, c. 7)


17 May 1930. F. M. Hickerson of Bemidji has been awarded the stonework contract for the ornamental arch being constructed at the Sixth Street entrance to the south edge of Gregory Park. Con O'Brien will cover expenses, which will include 154 trees and shrubs. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, 17 May 2010)


JAPANESE ROCK GARDEN DESIGNED TO ENHANCE GREGORY PARK

_____


Gregory Park, ca. 1950s. A 1520x822 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
Gregory Park, near the corner of South Seventh and Juniper Streets, ca. Unknown. A 1555x943 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Andy Walsh, Postcard

Shallow but mirroring pools, divided by a rustic log bridge of curved-arch construction, and flanked by an aura of flowered beauty is envisioned in the Japanese rock garden, sketch above, proposed as a major phase in the beautification of Gregory park.

Expansive beautification of this park is proposed in a long-range program for expansion of Brainerd’s park system to include face-lifting of Lum park and the possible establishment of a third park in South or Southeast Brainerd.

The program is now in sketch form and is being studied by the park board in co-operation with interested citizens.

The elaborate Japanese rock garden would be shrouded in elm, basswood, ash, maple and other trees, with paths built of cut-back asphalt and sand gravel wending into strategic points of the development.

Prostrate evergreens would enhance the rock garden with junipers, pines and cedars in proper pattern. The design would permit open views to Juniper street and North Fifth and all rock planting would shape into a depressed slope with growth arranged from south to north.

Native lake short moss would cover the flat rock work and plantings of stock native ferns and flowers and shrubs with iris and perennials to screen the entrance as an invitation to hidden promise.

An 18-inch waterfall is provided for with the watering system involving flow from the main electric lighted pool in the center of the park. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 June 1940, p. 5, c. 2-5)


NOTE: There was a drawing of the proposed Japanese rock garden included with this article but it was unreadable; therefore, it was not included here.


For 48 Years the Gregory Park Fountain Added its Changing Shapes and Sounds to Brainerd’s First Park


Gregory Park fountain, ca. 2015. A 860x484 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Kelly Humphrey, Brainerd Dispatch
Gregory Park fountain, ca. 1980. A 860x585 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Don Johnson

But time hasn’t been kind. Pipes are broken beneath the fountain.

The bowl is cracked. The lights that once provided color amid the water spray were taken out some time ago. The fountain itself, with water sprays once displaying a variety of shapes, was down to one pump when there were previously more.

“What was once a very majestic and cool working fountain was just shooting out a single jet of water, “ said Tony Sailer, Brainerd parks director.

The slow deterioration of the fountain took place over a number of years. People waded in the water, displacing lights and sometimes damaging the fountain's rings, which produced the sprays. Pipes corroded. The city became aware of the issues as the land around the fountain's pool became saturated. When the water was turned off, the fountain's bowl emptied itself in two days highlighting the cracked basin as part of the problem.

But timing may be everything. The original builders of the fountain, Flair Fountains of Minneapolis, which has been in business since the 1950s, are still in the fountain business. The company discards records of its work after 50 years. Two years shy of that mark, the company still had the original plans for Brainerd's Gregory Park fountain.

Sailer said the pipes feeding the fountain's pool go straight down from the bowl. In order to repair the damage, the fountain will need to be leveled to get to the pipes, Sailer said.

The cost is estimated to be $90,000 to $100,000.

The plan for a new fountain includes pumps and spray jets and lights that are better protected even if people can't be persuaded against wading in the water. To that end, Sailer is announcing a fundraising campaign to repair the fountain. Donations to the Brainerd Parks and Recreation Department are tax deductible. Donors just need to make their wishes clear, using the check memo line or other note to let the city know where the funds should go. Any business, organization or individual donating $1,000 or more will have their name inscribed on a brick paver going into a sidewalk leading up to the fountain.

Sailer said he's talked to a lot of people in the community and they fondly speak of time spent in Gregory Park and of the fountain.

"I look at Gregory Park as the jewel of our park system," Sailer said. "To me the fountain is part of Brainerd. It is historic. ... We cannot just level it and not replace it. We just can't."

Sailer said he looked all over for grant dollars, but was unsuccessful. Sailer contacted area legislators Sen. Carrie Ruud, R-Breezy Point, and Rep. Josh Heintzeman, R-Nisswa, and Congressman Rick Nolan. He found Legacy Act dollars were not available because the project didn't represent a regional interest.


Early History

A fountain and water feature were early components of Gregory Square, the original name for the park near the center of Brainerd. The land was set aside as reserved in 1871 when the plat of Brainerd was filed. The park was named for John Gregory Smith, first president of the Northern Pacific Railroad. It was Smith who christened Brainerd, giving the city his wife's maiden name. In those early days Gregory Square was a pine forest. The Brainerd Centennial book describes it as a "huge stand of stately virgin Norway and jack pine."

In February of 1885, northside residents asked the city council to cut paths through the forest. Two years later, they petitioned for a fence around the square with swinging gates at the corners. On June 2, 1898, a tornado or straight-line winds swept through the area destroying many trees. Photos of the time show long trunks with the tree tops severed or other trees snapped and splintered near their base.

In 1899, the council approved $300 to plant trees in place of the pines. In 1909, more features were authorized, including an early fountain.

"A concrete wading basin with a fountain was built and encircled with a vine-covered pergola. Trees were trimmed and cinder paths were laid."

Although it hasn't been the site of a pool for many years, the spot where the wading basin was is still visible . A rose garden took its place at one point.

"As Brainerd grew, the beauty of the area must have been recognized for houses were built surrounding (the park) and pioneer citizens requested the city council cut paths through the forest," the centennial book recalled. A long legal battle, including a suit in the U.S. Circuit Court, confirmed in 1892 the city had ownership of the park after early residents feared development pressure would mean the park would be divided for housing.


'Every Little Bit Adds Up'

For the city, Sailer said the fountain represents an unexpected expense and a big one. So every dollar donated helps, he said, "even if it's $10, $20 or $100. Every little bit adds up."

Sailer said he is continuously impressed by the generosity of people in the area.

"The longer I'm here, I see how generous the people are," Sailer said. "We're blessed."

The city's Buster Dog Park and the Miracle League Field were built through donations. And donations helped offset the city's cost in reconstructing two tennis courts in Gregory Park.

"Our goal is to make the parks in this city something people can be incredibly proud of," Sailer said.

The fountain, he said, provides a place of beauty and calm; a place for reflection away from the hassles of daily life. Throughout the warm months, people are often seen at the fountain. For Brainerd, it also serves as an iconic feature that even visitors can see as they drive north along South Sixth Street through the city's downtown. Sailer noted fountains are not common to area city parks, making the one at Gregory stand out all the more as being unique to Brainerd. At night, when the colored lights are added to reflect off the water's spray, Sailer said it can be mesmerizing.

"It's really something cool at night," he said. "So many people say they grew up in Gregory Park or around it. This is part of it. This is part of Brainerd. ... It's something very unique and I'd hate not to have that. ... The fountain can be a beacon not only to our residents but to our visitors and it's something, in my humble opinion, that should be preserved." (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 December 2015)


Gregory Park Fountain


Gregory Park fountain repaired on 09 August 2017. A 2048x1536 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Ron Majersky
Newly repaired Gregory Park fountain in the evening. A 2048x1536 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Ron Majersky

The parks department had requested $100,000 to fix the Gregory Park fountain, which was removed from both budget options presented Thursday. Hillman reported the park board had accepted a bid of about $61,000 to fix the fountain and had already raised about $7,600 to cover the cost. The board was now requesting about $55,000 to cover the remaining cost of fixing the fountain.

Council member Kelly Bevans, who represents Ward 2 which includes Gregory Park, said he would support including funds for fountain repairs in the budget. If it's left out, no matter what ends up in the budget, his constituents will ask him about the fountain, he said.

"We need to do something with it," Bevans said. "Sometimes, appearances make all the difference."

Koep said she agreed with Bevans' premise, but had previously been concerned about the uncertainty of the cost of repairs. Now that a quote has been accepted, she said, funding the repairs is more doable.

To help free up funds to pay for fountain repairs, council member Gabe Johnson proposed staggering the purchase of two field groomers at $15,000 a piece, instead of buying them in the same year. Instead of buying two field groomers every 15 years, it would be smarter planning to buy one field groomer every 7 years, he said.

In the end, the council members preferred to purchase one field groomer and include $55,000 to repair the fountain. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 December 2016)


SEE: Public Park


LUM PARK

On 23 [sic] November [sic] 1909, Leon E. Lum donates to the city a patch of land on the east shore of Rice Lake for use as a park. The park takes its name from this donor. On 21 June 1926, which was after Leon Lum had died, his brother Clarence, acting as Administrator, donates an additional abutting acreage. An artistic stone gateway is erected in his memory. This has become a favorite picnic ground, and to some degree has been used ever since then as a municipal bathing beach. In the 1940’s the Park Board contributes to further aesthetic development by landscaping and beautifying Lum Park with flower beds and trimmed shrubbery. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 97, 134, 162)


NOTE: Lum Park seems to have been in operation at least by 04 July 1909, therefore it would appear that Lum’s donation was prior to that date.


TO HAVE PARK ON RICE LAKE

_____


Hon. Leon E. Lum Signifies Will-

ingness to Donate Land

for That Purpose

_____


AFTER OTHER LAND ALSO

_____


Park Board Will Endeavor to Se-

cure Donation of Adjoin-

ing Land Also


If the plans of the Park Board work out Brainerd will have one of the finest water front parks in Central Minnesota. Hon. Leon E. Lum has agreed to donate the surface rights of a plot of ground at the head of Rice Lake, providing the Park Board will expend at least $100 in clearing it up and fixing it up.

President Adair, of the Park Board, stated today that if the land owned by Mr. Lum was the land they wanted his offer would certainly be taken advantage of. There is, he states, a little uncertainty as to the lines, if certain high land is included in the tract owned by Mr. Lum, then the board will fix it up in good shape. If, however, the lines are such that Mr. Lum’s land includes only a certain piece of marshy land, the board, of course, would not care to park it. Mr. Lum, himself, is, it is said, somewhat at sea as to the lines and they will be run out by the county surveyor in a few days. Adjoining Mr. Lum’s land there is also a piece owned by the Mississippi and Rum River Boom company, which the board will endeavor to induce them to donate also.

There is talk among the launch men, should the park be secured at once, to try and have an aquatic celebration up there on the Fourth of July, or rather on the fifth. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 June 1909, p. 3, c. 1)


NEW PARK WILL BE A BEAUTY

_____


Brainerd People Do Not Yet

Realize the Magnitude of

Mr. Lum’s Gift

_____


A BEAUTIFUL NATURAL GROVE

_____


Fine Beach and Lake Front Com-

bine to Make It an Ideal

Pleasure Ground


Leon Lum donated the land for Lum Park in 1909, ca. Unknown.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

It is probable that not twenty persons in Brainerd realize the value of the gift of a park on Rice Lake which Hon. Leon E. Lum has presented to the city. Many have the idea that because it is on Rice Lake it is simply a piece of swampy shore line. Far from it. It is one of the handsomest spots in Crow Wing county, and when that has been said it is sufficient to give the people an idea of the beauty of the spot.

Through the courtesy of S. R. Adair and Jens Molstad, of the City Park Board several of the newspaper men of the city were driven out to the park Tuesday evening. They were one and all struck with surprise and almost amazement that so lovely a spot had lain so close to Brainerd so long unnoticed. The piece of land donated by Mr. Lum comprises about 18 acres and lies along the southeast side of Rice lake and is covered with one of the most beautiful groves it was the writer’s lot to ever see. There one finds picturesque clumps of white birch, sturdy oaks, graceful elms and whispering aspens, with here and there a white or Norway pine and hemlock. The contour of the lake shore is perfect for the purposes of a park, a point of land giving a site for a dock which will leave an almost land locked basin for an anchorage for small boats. The land lies well up above a handsome sandy beach, and is picturesquely rolling.

Lum Park donated by Leon Lum, ca. 1910. A 1442x796 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Postcard

For a picnic ground and pleasure park it is not in natural advantages behind any in any city in Minnesota. At the upper end of the lake a beautiful little creek meanders through the forest to the lake and Mr. Lum has suggested that this land be cleared of underbrush as an ideal place where women can go with children and let them play in the creek to their hearts’ content without the slightest possible danger of accident.

Too much credit cannot be given to Mr. Lum for his generosity in presenting the city with this large beautiful pleasure ground. The more credit is due him in that he had arranged to plat the land and sell it for resort lots when he learned that the city was desirous of having a park on Rice lake and promptly donated this beautiful spot, which is worth several thousand dollars now, and will be worth infinitely more as the picturesque spots of central Minnesota become better known throughout the country.

Though all credit is due Mr. Lum for his generosity, it is but fair to say that it was the fertile brain of S. R. Adair who first saw the adaptability of the place for a city park and who suggested the matter to Mr. Lum, who immediately approved of the suggestion and entered heartily into the matter. Mr. Lum has assured the Park Board that as soon as they are able to boulevard that side of the road along the front of the park he will do the same with the other side, which lies along land owned by him.

The Mississippi River Launch Club, which has sixteen boats which have their headquarters in Rice lake, has already constructed a temporary dock for use on the Fourth of July, and will give excursions around the lake and up to French Rapids on the day of the celebration.

The Park Board has done much good work in clearing the park of underbrush, etc., and getting it ready for use. It will be in fine shape by the time of the celebration there Monday and every citizen in Brainerd should make it a point to visit the new park on that day and see for themselves the beauty of the spot Mr. Lum has so generously given to Brainerd as a perpetual play ground. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 June 1909, p. 3, c. 3)


PREPARING FOR GREAT CELEBRATION

_____


Trades & Labor Assembly Mak-

ing Ready For Big Time

Next Monday

_____


ARE ERECTING BIG PAVILION

_____


Good Program of Boat Races

and Other Sports Including

a Log Roll


The Trades & Labor Assembly is making good headway in its preparations for the celebration to be held in the new park on Rice lake next Monday, July 5th. They have the lumber on the ground for a big dancing pavilion. A big tent has been ordered from the Cities, and will be placed over the pavilion so that the dancing can go on regardless of the weather.

A fine program of boat and other races has been planned and will be ready for publication tomorrow evening. One of the features will be a log rolling contest between expert river drivers.

The Trades & Labor Assembly have reserved the refreshment concessions on the grounds that day for the assembly. They will serve sandwiches, coffee, etc., throughout the day and evening, also everything in the soft drinks line, including ice cream.

All preparations point to a very enjoyable celebration and there will be apparently no need to leave Brainerd for a sane and yet enjoyable day. There will be no addresses or ceremonies, the entire day being given up to enjoyment. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 June 1909, p. 3, c.’s 4 & 5)


HOW BRAINERD CELEBRATED THE 4th

_____


Several Thousand People Visited

New Park and Enjoyed

Music and Boating

_____


MANY WENT TO OTHER LAKES

_____


Brainerd People Scattered as

Usual to Various Resorts

In the Vicinity


Several thousand people celebrated July 4th at the city’s new park on Rice lake, the gift of Leon E. Lum, of Duluth, and all present expressed themselves as charmed with the beautiful location. Many went in the forenoon and enjoyed picnic dinners under the trees in the park, but the program did not commence until in the afternoon and not until then did the crowds really begin to gather. A large number went out on the Minnesota & International train, but the big steamer which was to ferry them across the lake was out of commission and they had to walk nearly a mile, small boats ferrying them across the upper end of the lake. A large dancing pavilion had been erected and the Brainerd city band furnished music for dancing during afternoon and evening.

Many persons enjoyed excursions around the lake on the various launches and the usual program of small races and contests was given. The principal feature was a ten mile launch race which was won by the Sincerity, owned by Harold Forsberg, the Machinist, owned by Taege, Cook & McKay winning second place. There was a fine display of fireworks in the evening.

The following were the winners of the races:

100-yard dash, Amos Hikes, 1st; George Ford, 2nd.

Three-legged race, Roy Johnson and Will Kurst, 1st; Harold Breason and partner, 2nd.

Girls’ race, Miss B. Hikes, 1st; Miss Stallman, 2nd.

Fat men’s race, J. T. Ludwig, 1st; Oscar Maxe, 2nd.

Young ladies’ 50-yard dash, Flossie Floyd, 1st; Evelyn Maver, 2nd.

Boys 100-yard dash, Sidney Smith, 1st, Victor Rounds, 2nd.

In the tug of war the single men won over the married men.

Ranger, one of four excursion launches built by Malon Mayo for use on Rice Lake at Lum Park and on the Mississippi River, ca. Unknown. A 1296x813 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Judy Sundquist

The celebration was under the charge of the Trades & Labor assembly and that organization is to be congratulated upon the success of the affair. The only criticism, if criticisms there may be, was the manner in which the crowds were handled, or rather were not handled, in connection with the launch excursion around the lake. The crowds jammed onto the dock in a manner which made it dangerous for women with little children to go out to the end and if they got there they were often crowded aside and given no chance to get into the boats. Had the pier been roped off and an officer stationed at the end and only let people on as the boats could handle them they would have been able to have handled a much larger number, as the rush for the boats delayed loading and unloading. The committee was swamped by a bigger crowd than it anticipated. They had purchased six rolls of 5-cent tickets, 1000 to each roll, such as are used in amusement places in general and they were exhausted early in the game, the tickets being used for refreshments and the various amusements on the grounds. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 July 1909, p. 1, c. 3)


Lum Park is Accepted on Behalf of

the City and So Officially

Designated

_____


[...]


A resolution was presented accepting the gift of Lum Park from Hon. Leon E. Lum and designating that the park should be so named, was read. City Attorney Ryan called attention to a couple of reservations in the deed of gift. One was that if the park for the space of one year was not used for park purposes and cared for by the Park Board that it should revert to the donor. The other was a reservation of the minerals in or on the land and the right to enter to explore or mine them either by stripping or caving.

On a motion to adopt the resolution all voted aye except Alderman Drexler, who voted no seeing that he believed there were too many strings attached to the gift for it to be wise for the city to accept it. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 February 1910, p. 3, c. 1)


LAUNCH CLUB HELD MEETING

_____


Want Park Board to Build Dock on

Rice Lake at Lum Park

this Spring

_____


WILL HAVE CLUB HOUSE

_____


Boat Owners Would Put in Dock on

this Side of Lake and Put in

Club House


Launches at Lum Park on Rice Lake, ca. 1910’s. A 1518x891 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Postcard

Last summer the owners of steamboats and gasoline launches at Brainerd organized a boat club under the name of the Mississippi Launch club, including nearly all the owners of power boats in the city. There are about twenty boats of different sizes owned at Brainerd, with either steam or gasoline power, used mostly for pleasure and the owners and their friends have a great deal of enjoyment during the summer months in sailing up and down the river, going out picnicking, fishing and hunting. The most of these boats are docked on Rice lake. The boom company last year, built a slip running up to the point opposite Billing’s mill so that they could get out without being interfered with by log jams at the bridge. There are also several fine little launches that are operated below the dam.

The club held a meeting Monday evening at the residence of E. G. Forsberg, in East Brainerd, and the meeting was called to order by T. F. Mooney, J. H. Long acting as secretary in the absence of Secretary Percy Ozard. A committee of three was appointed to confer with the city Park Board on the subject of getting a boat landing built at Lum park. The club is also desirous of having a private landing on this side of the lake at the old boat landing and they proposed there to build a dock and erect a club house. The matter was discussed fully and the secretary authorized to correspond with the Itasca Cedar & Tie company for the purpose of buying from said company some piling to be driven before the ice goes out, also to correspond with a party at Minneapolis, who owns a small frame house near the boat landing to see if they could buy that house and move it to the landing and set it on the piling and use it for the club house.

Club members are also especially desirous of having some kind of a lock through or around the Brainerd dam, for the purpose of transferring their boats around the dam, so that they can use both the upper and lower river. The said matter was discussed but no action taken at present meeting. After adjournment a neat lunch was served by Mrs. Forsberg and lady friends, which was enjoyed by those present. Another meeting will be called as soon as the secretary receives replies from the correspondence above mentioned. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 February 1910, p. 3, c. 1)


Mr. Frank H. Nutter, landscape architect and engineer, of Minneapolis, was in the city yesterday looking over the Lum park. He has been engaged by the Park Board to draw plans for this park. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 April 1910, p. 2, c. 4)


Lum Park is being cleared and leveled, paths and roads built and various other improvements are being instituted by the Park Board. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 September 1912, p. 2, c. 3)


28 July 1913. Complaint is made by residents of Northeast Brainerd that boys frequenting Lum Park are bathing in Rice Lake without swimming suits. The matter has been brought to the attention of the police as there is a law regulating such things and should be enforced. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 28 July 2013)


17 June 1915. The carnival company did not make any money in Brainerd due to inclement weather on five of the six days here. They needed $3,000 to clear expenses but only took in $2,174 and had to pay the Park Board $200 from that. The money will go toward bath houses at Lum Park. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 17 June 2015)


PLANS FOR LUM PARK RESORT

_____


Tom Mansuras Has Plans and Speci-

fications Prepared by White

Brothers of This City

_____


BUILDING SOON UNDER WAY

_____


Dancing Pavilion, Bath House, Boat

House, Refreshments Stand

and Band Stand


White Brothers of this city are completing the plans for the buildings which Tom Mansuras is to erect this season in Lum Park, making that an amusement center and place of recreation equal to anything in the largest cities.

The pavilion measures 48 by 135 feet and is the main building to be constructed. The dancing section gives a floor of maple 45 by 100 feet in size, larger by some feet than Gardner auditorium. The lobby adjoining has a concrete floor. Opening into the lobby is an eight foot wide entrance.

In the lobby will be placed tables and chairs, where refreshments will be served. The dance floor has a platform at one end for the music. The height of the interior is 12 feet, surmounted by a heavy truss roof so designed that it eliminates all poles from the interior. On all sides is a four foot space provided with screens for ventilation. The base is of concrete, the walls on the outside are finished with drop siding.

The boat house measures 26 by 48 feet. It will be built close to the lake with a platform at the lake from which boats can be launched. Four sliding doors open out to the lake. In the interior boats can be placed in racks holding a series of three each. There is storage for 27 boats in the racks and with still more room on the floor. Arrangements can be quickly made to furnish separate berths for boats belonging to individuals.

The bath house measures 16 by 60 feet, with 30 booths, and is divided into two sections, the partition wall extending to the roof, half of the bath house being reserved for men, half for women.

The refreshment stand will be 24 feet square with a three foot cement walk surrounding it. Shutters are conveniently arranged so that it may be closed completely in case of inclement weather.

The band stand is an open one 20 feet square. Electric lights are to be placed in the park, walks are to be built and flower beds laid out, the whole improvements meaning an expenditure of approximately $10,000.

1916 Studebaker bus carried sixteen passengers, operated in Brainerd and at Lum Park, this is probably Tom Mansuras’ Studebaker bus, parked in front of the Northwestern Hospital. The bus cost $1400 new, ca. 1920’s. A 939x706 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

A motor bus has been bought which carries 16 passengers and will be in operation between Brainerd and the park and also do jitney service about Brainerd. If the traffic demands it, another bus may be added to the equipment. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 April 1916, p. 5, c.’s 1 & 2)


04 May 1916. All aboard for Lum Park on the Tom Mansuras bus! Tom picked up his new Studebaker 16-passenger bus in Minneapolis and it is now ready to carry people to his new pavilion at Lum Park, when completed. It is on a one-ton chassis and has electric starter and lights. Top speed 20 mph. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 04 May 2016)


2,500 WERE AT PARK OPENING

_____


Brainerd People and Those of Vicini-

ty Enjoyed Safe and Sane Fourth

at Lum Park

_____


DANCING, BOATING, BAND MUSIC

_____


Bathing, Fireworks, Picnicking, Pro-

gram of Sports and Other Amuse-

ments During the Day


Lum Park on the east shore of Rice Lake, ca. 1927.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society
Lum Park Beach, ca. 1940.
Source: Postcard
A birdseye view of Lum Park on the Fourth of July, 1918. A 1079x759 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Brainerd spent a safe and sane Fourth by attending the opening of Lum Park. The amusement place was crowded and it is estimated 2,500 people, local and from the vicinity, were present.

Picnic parties were so thick that they formed a continuous community. There was something to amuse and interest everyone. The Brainerd City band paraded the downtown district at 9 o'clock in the morning. At 10 o’clock the band concert commenced in the park and the band occupied the new band stand. Luncheon was served from 12 to 1:30 o’clock. The concert was resumed at 1:30 o’clock.

The program of races started at 2:30 o’clock. In the free for all race Ingberg Peterson scored first prize of $1.50, Otto Kretchman second prize of $1, and Gerald Enmark third prize of 50c.

In the small girls’ race Bertha Erickson won first prize of $1.50. Marie Kramer second prize, $1; Doris Kuehmichel third prize, 50c.

In the ladies’ race the first prize, a diamond ring valued at $25, was won by Violet Fogelstom; second prize of a lavaliere, by Mrs. G. Small; third prize of shirt waist set, by Mrs. A. C. Weber.

Dancing in the pavilion attracted many. The hours were from 3 to 5:30, and from 7:30 to 12 o’clock.

The winners of the prize one-step were E. H. Nelson and Miss Kate Bruhn. The winners of the prize waltz were Sig Sheflo and Mrs. Leo A. Rifenrath. The prizes awarded were donated by the Olympia Candy Kitchen.

At 9 o’clock the fireworks blazed forth, being shot into the lake. The band played its most patriotic music. Jitneys traveled all day and most of the night carrying people to the grounds and back, supplementing the work of the Lum Park bus. One Ford jitney made 83 trips.

The lake was dotted with steamboats, launches, boats and canoes. The bath house was in constant use and many enjoyed the bathing. “Fatty” Wood gave an exhibition of swimming. “Billican’s” orchestra furnished the music for the dance.

It was a fine day, a much enjoyed occasion and Brainerd is proud to have this amusement park included in Brainerd’s attractions. It will soon be the scene of the Community Picnic and the G. A. R. session July 13. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 July 1916, p. 2, c. 1)


23 July 1917. Tom Mansuras has sold his downtown lunch counter and transferred his interests in Lum Park to the Mahlum Lumber Co. The veteran of the Balkan Wars has gone to Greece to fight with his country against the Germans. Twice weekly dances will continue at Lum Park. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 23 July 2017)


Lum Park opens 02 May 1919. The large open-air dancing pavilion has been improved and will be used both for roller skating and dancing. The bathhouses have been put into shape and the work of the renovation is in evidence throughout the park. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 16 April 1999)


OPENING LUM PARK MAY 14

_____


$2,000 Invested on Improving Build-

ings, Roads, Grounds, Etc. of

Pleasure Resort

_____


OWNED BY CITY OF BRAINERD

_____


First of a Series of Dances to Be

Given on Friday Evening, May

14, at the Park


All arrangements have been perfected for the opening of Lum Park on Friday evening, May 14, with a big dance. All who have seen this beautiful spot will agree there is no finer in northern Minnesota.

$2,000 has been invested on improvements to buildings, roads, grounds, etc. On the occasion of the opening night a dance will be given which promises to be largely attended, music being furnished by an excellent orchestra and a good time is assured all.

Lum Park beach, ca. 1910’s. A 814x478 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Postcard

The park is equipped with fine buildings, a spacious hall for dancing, band stand, bath houses, picnic grounds equipped with tables and benches to accommodate picnic parties. Splendid fishing and hunting, refreshments of all kinds, are obtainable. There is first-class police protection for those who park their cars.

Arrangements are being perfected to have a bus line to run to and from the park on scheduled time, also buses from the Range will make Lum Park a stopping place on this route.

In speaking of the park, A. K. Gumaer said: “Remember, citizens, this park is conducted by the City of Brainerd and its up to Brainerd and the vicinity to make this park our park for your pleasure and convenience, and by making this dance on May 14 a good financial success will enable the Park Board to further improve the place and give you additional pleasure.”

The board contemplates giving dances every Friday evening during the season. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 May 1920, p. 5, c. 3)


OPENING LUM PARK FRIDAY

_____


Pavilion Crowded With Dancers,

Park Has Lost None of Its

Popularity With People

_____


JOHNSON’S ORCHESTRA PLAYS

_____


Requests for Encores are Frequent,

Scores of Automobile Parties

Attended Dance


Lum Park was formally opened Friday evening with a dance at the pavilion and the large crowd in attendance attested to the fact that the park has lost none of its popularity.

Managed by A. K. Gumaer of the Park Board, every detail was looked after with attention. Park and grounds, buildings and all equipment were in A No. 1 condition.

As gentle summer has not yet put in its appearance, the lake breezes were shut out of the pavilion by putting up a line of shutters on the lake side and this contributed to make the temperature more equable.

Johnson’s orchestra furnished the music and applause was frequent, the orchestra being generous in its encores. The dance program was a varied one so that everyone was satisfied. There was a big sale of refreshments and hat and wrap checking was patronized to the fullest extent. Automobile parties by the score made the trip and many also came from the Range.

It is intended to give the Friday night dances regularly and if everyone is as well attended as was this first one, a most successful season is assured at Lum Park. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 May 1920, p. 5, c. 3)


GENEROUS GIFT TO CITY OF BRAINERD

_____


Donation of Leon E. Lum Now

Brings Lum Park Area Up

to 41 Acres

_____


LUM PARK A POPULAR PLACE

_____


Band Concert in Summer Has Drawn

as High as 1,780 People,

300 Cars


The city of Brainerd is the recipient of a generous gift from Leon E. Lum, in the form of a 26-acre addition to Lum Park. This addition adjoins the present park, which also was a gift from Mr. Lum to the city. The total amount of land now owned by the city at Rice lake is slightly over 41 acres, Mr. Lum having turned over to the city for park purposes all of his property in that immediate neighborhood. The land is given with no qualifications other than that the land be used for park purposes and a reservation of the mineral rights.

A gathering at Lum Park, ca. 1930’s. A 1029x756 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
Paddle boats at Lum Park, ca. 1957-58. A 909x671 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Marilyn Rubbelke

According to Carl J. Wright, president of the park board, a count was made last summer of the number of cars entering Lum park on certain nights. It was found that on a Wednesday evening at a band concert, as high as 1780 people were in the park at one time, and that over 300 cars were in the park at one time, not counting those that came and went. It was apparent that Lum park was too small to accommodate the crowds that wanted to use it. The matter was discussed with Mr. Lum, who did not at that time make any mention of an additional gift of land.

Later, however, he suggested that if certain conditions were met, he would give additional land to the city, as an addition to the present Lum park. These conditions were that the present road through the center of the park be abandoned, and a new highway built on the south and east line of the new addition, taking the heavy traffic to and from the Range away from the center of the park. This is not to increase the distance greatly and will be a better road than the old road through the park.

The park board agreed to the conditions and with the help of the city council and the county commissioners is making plans to change the road. The city council accepted the gift last night in regular meeting, and the park board, following the example of the council, has passed a resolution thanking Mr. Lum for his gift to the city, and assuring him that his wishes will be carried out.

The people of Brainerd will be interested to know the outlines of this addition. The south line of the new property is a continuation of Ash Ave. and extends due east to a line which joins the north and south line defining the east side of the present park. This line extends about 1300 feet east of the culvert at the creek.

Mr. Wright states that the park board intends to clear the new piece at once of all underbrush, leaving only the large hardwood trees. The property has a good growth of beautiful timber, including elm, oak, ash, white pine and spruce. The land along the old road is high and dry, and will be rapidly developed for parking space. This will be done before July 4, to be ready for the celebration which the park board plans to make an annual event at Lum park. The fence will be moved to enclose virtually all of the new, as well as the old property. Several years will undoubtedly be required to develop the new piece as it should be developed.

H. F. Michael, president of the city council which accepted the gift, believes that this addition will help tremendously in the development of the city, following the lines sought by the Beautiful Brainerd movement. It is hard to find a park better situated than this. He also states that this is another indication that many of the best things are being done by private citizens out of the wealth of their experience and purse.

Mr. Lum is at present in Whittier, Calif., and mailed the deed to the property last week. He was formerly an attorney of Brainerd, now residing at Duluth, but retaining his interests here, being a director of the First National Bank of Brainerd, and having a summer residence at Nisswa. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 January 1925, p. 3, c. 1)


LEON E. LUM ADDS TO PARK ACRES

_____


Deed to 26-Acre Addition to Lum

Park, Gift of Mr. Lum, Present-

ed to Council

_____


IS GRATEFULLY RECEIVED

_____


The city council met in regular meeting last evening with all members present except Aldermen Quanstrom and Witham.

Carl J. Wright, president of the park board, presented to the council a deed to a 26-acre addition to Lum Park, a gift of Leon E. Lum. By motion duly carried, the council accepted the gift, and the chairman of the council was instructed to write to Mr. Lum expressing the thanks of the council for the gift. The city attorney was instructed to draw up an ordinance taking the property into the city limits. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 January 1925, p. 7, c. 1)


DR. LUM TO AID IN MEMORIAL

_____


Will Assist Park Board Erecting

Same in Memory of His

Brother Leon E. Lum

_____


ANNOUNCEMENT CONFIRMED

_____


Memorial Entrance is to Have Two

Large Stone

Columns


The announcement was made Saturday by Dr. C. E. Lum of Duluth, brother of the late Leon E. Lum who bequeathed Lum Park to the city, to members of the Brainerd park board that he would erect in conjunction with the board the beautiful memorial entrance planned in memory of his brother.

The announcement was confirmed this morning by the Brainerd Dispatch in conversation with Dr. Lum.

The memorial entrance is to have two large stone columns, one on each side of the road, the columns to be constructed of field stone and the stones to be selected with a great deal of care.

Supported by the pillars will be a large stone roof, dimensions to be 9 feet by 18 feet. The memorial will span the 13 foot roadway and will be well lighted with electric light globes. There will be barre granite stone in each column with suitable inscriptions on each.

The plans have been drawn by a Duluth architect and may be seen at Wright’s Hardware Store, Laurel Street. Bids will close at the end of this week.

The contract for the grading was let to Joseph Daniels and will include the leveling of all land on the knoll upon which the structure will be built. The structure will be built on the first knoll after crossing the creek on Ash avenue [‘H’ Street]. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 June 1926, p. 7, c. 2)


PARK BOARD OPENS BIDS

_____


For Erection of the Memorial En-

tance to Lum

Park

_____


J. E. JACKSON GETS CONTRACT

_____


To be Completed in Readiness for

Achievement Day on

July 16


The Lum Park Memorial entrance which was given to the city of Brainerd by Dr. Lum of Duluth in memory of his brother Leon E. Lum. A 953x533 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Postcard, Andy Walsh

At a meeting of the park board in the city hall last evening, bids were opened for the erection of the Memorial entrance to Lum Park. Contractor J. E. Jackson, being the lowest bidder was awarded the contract. Work will begin at once and will be completed and in readiness for the achievement day exercises which are to be held at the park on July 16.

The contract for the Memorial stone was awarded to the Brainerd monument works and Mr. Porwall left this morning for St. Cloud to select the stone.

The grading for and the preparation of the ground at the entrance will be completed today.

This entrance is the Memorial entrance which was recently given to the city of Brainerd by Dr. Lum of Duluth in memory of his brother Leon E. Lum. It is being erected under the direction of the park board and is from plans prepared by Wm. Chalmers Agnew, the well known Duluth architect. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 July 1926, p. 7, c. 2)


LUM PARK DANCE SATURDAY

_____


Jack Kane’s Orchestra to Play,

Brownies Band Causes Hit

Last Evening


Jack Kane’s band of eight pieces will play for a dance at Lum Park pavilion on Saturday evening. They are rated as one of the best bands in the northwest.

Brownies Band of Minneapolis caused a hit at the Lum Park dance last evening. They will return to play for another dance at the park, Saturday, August 3. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 June 1929, p. 3, c. 3)


PARK DIMENSIONS

O'Brien Park - 4 acres. [2424 Pine Street]

Bane Park - 11 acres. [1717 South Seventh Street]

Gregory Park - 11 acres. [424 North Fifth Street}

Buffalo Hills/Lions Park - 19 acres. [101 Buffalo Hills Lane]

Jaycees Park - 14 acres. [1600 Rosewood Street]

Hitch-Wayne Park - 3 acres. [1201 South Seventh Street]

Kiwanis Park - 37 acres. [1101 East River Road, Boom Lake]

Lum Park - 38 acres. [1619 Northeast Washington Street]

Memorial Park/Mills Field - 28 acres. [1700 Mill Avenue]

Mill Avenue Park - 8 acres. [1401 Mill Avenue]

Triangle Park - less than 1/2 acre. [723 Fir Street]

(Editorial, Brainerd Dispatch, Sunday, 10 June 2007)


PUBLIC PARK

Our Park.


At last we are happy to be able to announce that our public park, in front of the Headquarters Hotel, is to be brought into full fledged existence by the Railroad company, and work has already begun. It will be a block in length, and occupy all that space lying between the railroad track and Front Street and a most beautiful place it can be made, too. Of course the company has placed the whole work under the supervision of Mike Smith, the champion lawn planter and tree culturist of the Northwest, and who, assisted by his son Dennis, has charge of the grand and wonderfully successful Northern Pacific Nursery at Goose Creek, Dakota. Mr. Smith, and Dennis his son, have already laid out the ground of the park and are getting the trees, which will be chiefly soft and hard maple. Owing to the lateness of the season Mr. Smith will probably not be able to more than get in the trees this fall and put up a temporary fence. But in the spring he will push the park to completion, and you can wager high that if “Mike” lives to complete the job it will be made a lasting and valuable ornament to our beautiful young city. There will be two rows of trees around the outer edge of the park, with gravel walk between, and the grounds will be entered only from the corners; from each corner there will be a walk straight to the center, where will be two circular rows of trees—with walk between—and within this grand center will be a mammoth fountain, fed from the water main that supplies the machine shops, which will have head sufficient to throw the crystal spray twenty feet in the air. No one can estimate the extent of beauty that will thus be added to our town, and the benefit it will be to property, when completed. The company deserve the warmest thanks of our citizens for their liberality and kindness in contributing to us so great and valuable an ornament; and long live Mike Smith, who has been mainly instrumental in bringing it about—always having an eye to the beautiful, he could not overlook so handsome a spot. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 November 1874, p. 1, c. 7)


THE PARK.—By the energy, particularly of Mr. Eber H. Bly, our public park has been placed in competent hands, and is already being improved, and the work will be shoved to a speedy completion. Verily, it will be a grand addition to our beautiful city, and verily the enterprise and liberality of our people knoweth no bounds. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 April 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


CITY PARK.—Under the skillful management of the invincible Mike Smith, the Northern Pacific tree planter. Our Park is fast approaching in appearance a real city park. When Mike has his trees all planted, and the fence is completed, it only remains for nature to perform her part of the business to make this an ornament to the city, commanding the admiration of every passer-by, and feeding the pride of every citizen of Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 May 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


Personal.


Mike Smith, the tree planter, of Goose Creek, D. T., gave us a call on Wednesday. He had with him some pie plant, cut on the 24th of this month in his garden at Goose Creek, from a root planted on the 27th of April last, measuring twenty-two and one-half inches in length, which averages nearly an inch per day. He has already planted fifty acres of trees this spring, all doing well excepting those in our park, many of which he thinks will die if nothing is done for them, as the ground is too dry and the heat too great. If they were worth planting they are worth taking care of, and a little mulching around the roots of each will not only preserve them from death but will cause them to grow one hundred per cent better than they otherwise would with the most favorable weather. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 May 1875, p. 1, c. 4)


THE Front street park is being ornamented once more by trees. It is hoped this time they will be properly cared for and not permitted to die as were those set out two years ago. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 April 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


PROCEEDINGS OF THE PARK IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION.


At a meeting of the citizens of Brainerd interested in the improvement of the Public Park Therein, held at the office of C. B. Sleeper, August 4th, 1877, James B. Power was called to the chair and C. B. Sleeper selected as secretary.

On motion of H. A. Towne a committee of three was authorized to be appointed by the chairman to set as an executive committee in soliciting subscriptions for the improvement of the Public Park, and superintend the lay out of walks, procuring shade trees, erecting turn-stiles and other improvements and adornments.

The chairman appointed as such committee R. W. Weed, H. A. Towne, and N. McFadden. N. McFadden was then elected treasurer.

On motion, the said committee was requested to confer with the Railroad Company and the Lake Superior and Puget Sound Company, and if possible secure the dedication of parts of blocks adjacent to the railroad track between the present Park and Broadway for an extension of the public park—to be improved by the citizens of Brainerd.

On motion of H. A. Towne, the citizens of Brainerd and all others interested in the improvement of the city, are invited to call upon the treasurer and subscribe and pay in such amount as they may feel able toward such improvement of the Park. And the said executive committee are requested to solicit subscriptions for such purpose.

E. W. Weed, Esq., was duly appointed chairman of the executive committee.

On motion, meeting adjourned.

August 4th, 1877.

JAMES B. POWER,

Chairman.

C. B. SLEEPER,

Secretary.

(Brainerd Tribune, 11 August 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: Gregory Park


WOODLAND PARK

THE GLORIOUS FOURTH OF JULY.

_____


The Day we Celebrate at Woodland

Park.

_____


We Will Celebrate.

_____


This is the Spirit of Patriotism.

_____


George Washington and Israel

Putnam are Not Forgotten.

_____


The Deeds of Our Fathers Shall be

Commemorated.

_____


The Spirit of ‘76 Revived.

_____


Woodland Park Floats the Star-

Spangled Banner.

_____


Music, Dancing, Song and Shout

Resound Through its Broad

Avenues and Walks.

_____


What Two of Our Energetic Citi-

zens are Doing.

_____


We take it all back. We had made up our mind that any attempt to celebrate the coming 4th of July was out of the question, and that, as usual, our good folk would seek some “cool, sequestered place” indoors, and forget in “unpatriotic passiveness” an American citizen’s obligation on the recurrence of said day. We take it back for the reason that since our last issue we have seen something. We have “been around,” as it were, and in so doing, through the courtesy of Mr. Ed. R. French and Peter Ort, was permitted to see things in their true light. We went, we saw, and it conquered us! Woodland Park did. Methinks we hear the uninitiated ask, “What about Woodland Park?” and we can just answer that question. Well, Woodland Park is an area on the banks of the classic Mississippi river, just below Farnham & Lovejoy’s mill, and about one mile south of town, covering about twenty acres of land, lawn, hill, dale, and in close proximity to which meanders the grand old stream aforesaid; grand in its current and body of water, and grand in its width, in and about Mr. Wallace Beane’s ancient and time-honored demesne, commonly called meadow or bottom. All over which is good navigation from canoe or steamer. If you wish to see a beautiful pine grove, interspersed with oak and birch, go to Woodland Park. If you wish a splendid view of the river and meadow, hill and vale, dense shade, and splendidly carpeted lawn, go to Woodland Park. If you wish to ride in “umbrageous shade” along shrubbery-lined avenues and picturesque walks aromatic with the pungent evergreen and delicious blueberry, go down to Woodland Park where one can


“----roam the woods that crown

The upland, where the mingled splendors

glow;

Where the gay company of trees look down

On the green fields below.


Where now the solemn shade,

Verdure and gloom, where many branches

meet;

So grateful, when the noon of summer made

The valleys sick with heat?


Set in through all the trees

Come the strange rays; the forest depths

are bright;

Their sunny-colored foliage in the breeze

Twinkles, like beams of light.”


And this is Woodland Park. We have no doubt that Bryant had this very spot in mind (not then named) when he penned the above beautiful lines. Here he undoubtedly sat, when he said:


“Father, thy hand

Hath reared these venerable columns, Thou

Did’st weave this verdant roof. Thou

Did’st look down

Upon the naked earth, and forthwith rose

All these fair ranks of trees.”


Thanks to the inspiration of Messrs. French and Ort, the place has been identified, and the admirers of Bryant (and who are not?) can sit here protected from the hot rays of the sun and the pestiferous mosquito, and dream of Forest Hymn, God’s First Temples, etc., and have all the etceteras of modern civilization, to-wit:

music, dancing, ice-cream, lemonade, ginger beer, buck beer, confectionery, gingerbread, sandwiches, chewing gum for the ladies, cigars for the boys, and a general good time for everybody—without fee or reward, and think over the days of Uncle George and his hatchet, Independence Hall, Bunker Hill, Plymouth Rock, etc., and “dream the happy hours (of the 4th of July, 1880) away.

And, First—There is a splendid dancing floor 30x30 feet, raised 3 feet from the ground, for the light fantastically inclined.

Second—a music stand, with five pieces, men and instruments included. (Choice music always in attendance.)

Third—Three booths, in various parts of the park, for lemonade—harmless thirst-quenching—juicy beer, and for confections and refreshments.

Seats and swings have been placed and constructed in various parts of the grounds for the lover and family groups, and in places where splendid views open upon the eye of the beholder. The grounds have been cleared of underbrush, walks and drives cut out, and they will be properly policed, so that no rowdyism or any unbecoming noises or language will be permitted. Hence everyone can come—the old, young, men and maidens and children, and get the refreshing air of breezes blowing through the trees of Woodland Park. Mr. P. Mertz will run omnibuses to and from Brainerd and deliver visitors at the grounds, for only a small fee. So you can see, good people, you can go alone, in company or in the aggregate, and have a general pick-nicking near your own homes—dance, sing, eat, drink and be merry— and all for a trifling expense, or none, unless after getting there and admiring Woodland Park, and grateful for the pleasure, you wish to reward the originators of this enterprise—Messrs. French & Ort—and take your lemonade clear, and candies, fruits, etc., without any “stick,” in them.

Go and see Woodland Park. Go the 4th, go the 5th, night and day, and see what well-directed effort can do to amuse and please the people. Go to Woodland Park, the 4th, say we, and don’t forget we told you so. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 June 1880, p. 4, c.’s 2 & 3)


Neighbors French and Ort are entitled to much credit for the elaborate preparations they are making for a grand celebration of the glorious Fourth in Brainerd. The grounds will be supplied with police, waiters, musicians and everything calculated to provide pleasure, peace, plenty and patriotism. The police and all employees of the grounds will be properly designated by badges, and children will be as safe in the enjoyment of the pleasures of the day as any others. Take the ‘Bus’ and ride over and see for yourself. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 June 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


Messrs. French and Ort have been busily engaged the past week in preparing their Woodland Park for the elaborate celebration of the Fourth (tomorrow) and the beauty of the grounds selected cannot be over estimated. With lunch, candy, peanut, lemonade and other booths; a nice large dancing floor, with band stand suspended in the tree tops overhead; benches and tables a plenty a la tete a tete and of greater capacity, and the whole canopied by the thick foliage of the shady grove make it a spot of romantic elegance and sweet fascination. Go and enjoy yourselves as you never can again. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 July 1880, p. 1, c. 3)


Woodland Park was opened pursuant to advertisement on the morning of the Fourth with due solemnity and proper éclat and proved eminently successful to its proprietors, being all that was claimed for it. A large company of citizens were in attendance all day and on the afternoon of the 5th, good music and dancing were among the principal features and a general good time was enjoyed. The following items of expense, handed to us by the proprietors, indicates something of its magnitude: Wages to employees $81.55; lumber, $57.75; music, $36.00; printing, $13.50; painting, $15.50; hardware $10.15; livery hire and teaming $29.00; groceries, $40.50, and labor, $69.10; total, $353.05 paid out at home and not carried out of town as is the case with the circus and other traveling institutions. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 July 1880, p. 1, c. 3)


$5.00 Reward


Will be paid for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who stole the large swing rope from Woodland Park on Wednesday last.

FRENCH & ORT, Prop’s.

(Brainerd Tribune, 10 July 1880, p. 1, c. 3)


Woodland Park will be opened tomorrow afternoon at one o’clock. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 July 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


The proprietors of Woodland Park desire to announce that they will be on hand to entertain the public at their grounds tomorrow afternoon. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 July 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


SPECIAL NOTICE.


To the Proprietors of the Beer Garden at Woodland Park:

You are hereby notified that it is our special request that you refrain from promenading or serenading the streets of Brainerd with any band or bands of music, or any other paraphernalia of any description whatever which will disturb or annoy the general commonwealth of the town, on the Sabbath day. It is the special and urgent wish that the proceedings of last Sabbath be not repeated on any future Sunday.

MANY CITIZENS.

(Brainerd Tribune, 09 July 1881, p. 5, c. 4)


Celebration at Woodland Park.

_____


We are informed by Mr. Ort that he has arranged to have an extensive celebration at Woodland Park on July 4th and that the occasion will eclipse all former celebrations held at this popular resort. There will be busses running between the park and the city every ten minutes to carry people who desire to visit the celebration and who do not care to walk out. Several prominent citizens have been engaged to speak on that occasion and together with the games, foot races, sack races, climbing the greased pole and catching the greased pig, there will be enjoyment for the most fastidious. Also lunches will be served at the park and the hungry can obtain pies, cakes, quail on toast, strawberries, ice cream and such to their hearts content. On the evening of the 4th and 5th the grounds will be lighted with 1000 Chinese lanterns, and there will be several balloon ascensions. Good music and dancing. The fire department are invited to participate, and a special invitation is extended to families to spend the day at the park and enjoy a social time in the cool shade. Free admission to the grounds. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 June 1885, p. 3, c. 6)


SEE: Le Bon Ton Saloon

SEE: Brainerd Brewery Company


WRIGHT’S / WHITE’S PARK / BRAINERD TOURIST CAMP

Located at the rear of 322 South First Street [Northern States Power Company Gas Plant] in the 1931-32 Brainerd City Directory, which would put it slightly north of where the Northstar High Rise Apartments are now.


TOURISTS’ FREE CAMPING SITE

_____


P. B. Nettleton Assists Chamber of

Commerce Committee to Estab-

lish Convenience

_____


LOCATED NEAR THE GAS HOUSE

_____


Brainerd Joins Cities of State in

Movement to Greet Auto Tour-

ists With Glad Hand


A marker, commemorating Lyman P. White's contributions to the city of Brainerd, located opposite the high school baseball field just before the parking lot entrance. A 3421x2188 version of this photo is also available for viewing online, 28 April 2018.
Source: Carl Faust

Brainerd has joined the movement to greet the auto tourists with a glad hand and do something for his comfort and convenience, so that when he leaves Brainerd he will say:

“Well, there’s a town that thinks well of the big stream of tourist travel and I’ll put the name of Brainerd down in my book and tell my friends about it.”

Arrangements have been made by the Chamber of Commerce through its committee on Parks and Playgrounds for a tourists’ free camp site, with facilities for the making of coffee and the opportunity to register, etc. The land just back of the gas house and which is controlled by P. B. Nettleton, as agent, has been loaned for the season and work is being done there today toward making it presentable and attractive.

Signs will be placed at the chief entrances to the city and at the site itself, and also at suitable corners throughout the city.

Next year a more elaborate arrangement will be made in cooperation with the program of the Associated Highways of Minnesota Association.

Brainerd is one of a number of cities of the state to provide such a site and surely will reap a real and lasting benefit from the advertising she will get from the tourists passing through and who may avail themselves of the opportunity thus afforded to “bide a bit” and rest. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 July 1920, p. 5, c. 3)


WHITE GIVES PARK SITE TO BRAINERD


Former Brainerd Citizen Donates


Two City Blocks on Mississippi


River

_____


Mr. White’s Father, L. P. White,


Built First [frame] House in Brain-


erd Years Ago

_____


Through the generosity of A. A. White, a former resident of Brainerd, a beautiful park site two blocks in extent and overlooking the picturesque Mississippi river has been presented to the people of the city.

Mr. White was en route from St. Paul to Montana. The parks and playgrounds committee of the Chamber of Commerce approached him and he immediately responded with the gift.

The property includes all of the West End Addition about a block and a half south of Laurel street. It is of triangular shape. There are many magnificent trees upon it and it gives a delightful unobstructed view of the Mississippi river.

There is a frontage of 500 feet on Water street. 450 feet on another street running east and west and 400 to 500 feet on the river.

Mr. White’s father built the first [frame] house in Brainerd.

Mr. White’s interests in the city are handled by P. R. Nettleton and it was through him that Mr. White was induced to permit part of Mr. White’s frontage to be used as an auto camp. (Unknown Brainerd Newspaper, 01 May 1921)


NEW CAMP SITE IS BEING USED

_____


TOURISTS ALREADY USING


WHITE PARK AND ARE HIGH


IN PRAISE OF IT

_____


Brainerd Tourist Camp aka Wright’s Park steps to the showers on the banks of the Mississippi River, ca. 1920’s.
Source: Postcard, Carl Faust

The wisdom of the Chamber of Commerce in choosing White Park or rather what is now White Park, for a permanent Camp Site is being demonstrated already by the fact that several families have had use of it, pitching their tents and making themselves at home overnight Monday night Mr. and Mrs. Laier of Minneapolis, en route for the National Parks and the Pacific Coast, came in. Secretary Randall visited them shortly after they had pitched their tent and enjoyed with them the odor of frying bacon and eggs and potatoes and coffee.

Messrs. L. L. McMillan, P. W. Bassett, Chas. Bassett, and Alfred J. Randall all of Winnebago, this state, en route for Lake Wabedo, stayed overnight and like Mr. and Mrs. Laier were loud in their praise of the Park as a Camping Site. (Unknown Publication, 27 May 1921)


21 April 1923. The soliciting campaign to gain adequate funds to make and equip a modern tourist camp and to furnish Brainerd's quota to the 10,000 Lakes Association has about neared the last lap. As of Friday, B. W. Orne $5, L. Midanek $5, Otto Pearson $5, L. C. Strout $5, Frank Hall $5, R. R. Gould $5, W. J. Garrey $5. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 21 April 2003)


PARK BOARD HAS ITS FIRST MEETING

_____


Carl Wright Was Named President,

T. H. Schaefer Vice

President

_____


HUGO KAATZ IS SECRETARY

_____


Each Member of Board Becomes

Sponsor for One of City’s

Parks


The new Brainerd Park Board held its first meeting on Friday evening. The officers elected are:

President—Carl Wright.

Vic President—T. H. Schaefer.

Secretary—Hugo Kaatz.

The new Board will follow out the plans adopted by its predecessor, in that each member will have charge of some specific activity. Hugo Kaatz will be in charge of Lum park, T. H. Schaefer of Gregory park, and Carl Wright will look after the playgrounds at the various schools which are maintained by the Board and in addition, have charge of White park. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 May 1923, p. 5, c. 2)


09 June 1923. Seventy parties of tourists have been accommodated at the Brainerd Tourist Camp Site since it was opened for the 1923 Season, May 3. They come from far and near. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 09 June 2003)


06 July 1923. The Brainerd Tourist Camp entertained a distinguished visitor Tuesday night in the person of Judge J. Ostrand of the Philippine Islands, who with his family is touring Minnesota. Judge Ostrand is a member of the Supreme Court of the islands. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 06 July 2003)


White Park Under Park Board

Control


A resolution to turn White park, better known locally as the tourist park, over to the Brainerd Park Board, was offered by Alderman C. H. Paine and Ernest Ritari, who moved its adoption. On roll call all present voted in favor of the resolution. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 March 1924, p. 3, c. 2)


TOURIST PARK NEEDS FOR THIS SEASON

_____


Permanent Improvements For the

Year Expected to Amount to

$200

_____


TREES ARE TO BE SET OUT

_____


Gate to be Placed at Entrance

Grounds, 4 New Tables

Added, Etc.


The chairmen of several important committees made interesting reports at the regular meeting of the Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday evening. President F. H. Gruenhagen was out of the city, and in his absence Vice President Walter M. Murphy presided.

Carl J. Wright, chairman of the tourist committee, read a written report, explaining the needs of the Brainerd tourist park for this season. The committee’s estimate of the cost of maintaining the park for the year 1924 is as follows:

Caretaker—$500.00

Additional labor—$30.00

Gas—$250.00

Drayage—$10.00

Replacing fixtures—$15.00

Toilet necessities—$10.00

Fuel—$40.00

Advertising—$50.00

TOTAL—$905.00

The necessary improvements needed and recommended by the committee, are a fence and gate at the entrance to the grounds, four new tables, to be without gas equipment, but to have permanent canopies and to be placed on the edge of the bluff north of the caretaker’s cottage. The cost of the permanent improvements planned for the year would amount to about $200.

The committee intends, with the aid of the state forestry department, to place six or seven groups of trees, four or five trees in each group, between the entrance to the grounds and the timber that is already there.

The tourist committee further recommended that a charge not to exceed twenty-five cents per day be collected from each car entering the park, when a tag will be placed on the car. Upon leaving, the tag will be taken off and become a record of the visitor. It is felt that this nominal charge will bring in sufficient funds to repay all of the money which will have to be raised to carry on the upkeep of the camp. Four thousand cars registered at the camp last season, and if as many visited the grounds this year, it would bring in a revenue of $1,000.

The committee is sure that the park will be self-supporting after this year. It had been hoped that a tax levy of a quarter of a mill would be made for maintaining the park, but since this was not done, the Chamber of Commerce is asked to assist in raising the necessary funds. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 April 1924, p. 7 c. 3)


GAS COMPANY VERY COURTEOUS

_____


Adds Two 4-Burner Gas Stoves With

Ovens to Tourist Park

Equipment

_____


SUMMER VISITORS FLOCKING

_____


List Registered For Wednesday and

Thursday Shows No Diminution

in the Rush


Brainerd Tourist Camp aka Wright’s Park showing newly installed gas burners, ca. 1924. A 1002x685 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Birkeland Studio

Two four-burner gas stoves, with ovens, are being added to the equipment of the Brainerd tourist camp, and are being installed today. The Brainerd Gas and Electric Co., is furnishing these stoves and installing them without cost to the park board, it is said, a courtesy that is much appreciated.

These stoves will be placed in the large open space at the north end of the camp site. The park board will place a large table at each of the stoves and put a canopy over both stoves and tables.

Summer visitors continue to fill the camp in undiminishing numbers.... While there are many from Minnesota registered at the camp, still other states are well represented, especially Iowa. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 July 1924, p. 7, c. 1)


Brainerd Tourist Camp aka Wright’s Park, ca. 1920’s.
Source: Postcard, Carl Faust

18 September 1924. The Brainerd Park Board closed the local tourist camp on Wednesday, after a most successful season. There were 9,600 tourists who registered at the camp and enjoyed its many facilities. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 18 September 2004)


11 July 1925. The Brainerd tourist camp has gained considerable favor and has enjoyed a marked increase in patronage since the first of July, the grounds being well filled with tourists every night. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 11 July 2005)


03 June 1926. The Brainerd Tourist Camp, which is one of the finest in the state, was officially opened on Sunday with a heavy patronage. Over 100 tourists took advantage of the campground on Sunday alone. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 03 June 2006)


Brainerd Tourist Camp aka Wright’s Park, ca. 1920’s.
Source: Postcard, Carl Faust

23 June 1926. To date 408 cars have taken advantage of the Brainerd tourist camp to park overnight. It is estimated that over 1,500 tourists have visited the camp so far. The camp is being kept in perfect shape. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 23 June 2006)


30 June 1927. June 30, 2007 One unique car registered at the Brainerd Tourist Camp was a big Pullman touring, a complete home on wheels. The body was built of aluminum and contained a living room, bedroom and bathroom. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 30 June 2007)


04 August 1928. The thousands of tourists who visit the Brainerd Tourist Camp each year are so impressed with the comforts and facilities offered that they became valuable boosters for Brainerd and the lakes area. To date, 2,380 car owners have registered at the camp. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 04 August 2008)


30 May 1929. The Brainerd Tourist Camp is ready to receive the army of tourists in its drive to and from the lake region. Last year the camp accommodated more than 20,000 tourists without financial assistance from the Brainerd Park Board. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 30 May 2009)


WRIGHT RESIGNS FROM PARK BOARD

_____


Will Operate Tourist Cabin Enter-

prise on Land Partially

Occupied by Camp

_____


HAS OPTION ON PROPERTY

_____


To Construct Six Cabins; Mayor Lit-

tle Not Yet Accepted

His Resignation


Carl Wright, member of the Brainerd Park Board for the past eight years, has tendered his resignation to Mayor Frank E. Little.

Mr. Wright explained to the Dispatch that he tendered his resignation that he might secure an option to purchase land from Mrs. A. A. White for the construction of tourist cottages near the Brainerd tourist camp. Part of the property included in the option is land now used by the Brainerd Park Board for the tourist camp.

Mayor Frank E. Little will present Mr. Wright’s resignation to the council at its next regular meeting and is expected to place the name of a popular young Brainerd man as his successor.

The tourist park, on the banks of the Mississippi, has city water, electric lights, police protection, laundry, sanitary lavatories, hot and cold showers, outdoor canopy top tables with gas plates, 14 cabins with gas plates, running water and electric light, camping grounds, electric switches for house trailers, flood lights on the grounds, ca. 1930’s.
Source: Postcard, Carl Faust

The land which Mr. Wright intends to purchase covers eight and three quarters acres. Six cottages will be placed on the property at the summit of the hill from the Mississippi river and will extend to within a close distance from the Northern State Power Co. gas plant. The land will include the road now leading to the tourist camp but as Mr. Wright announced yesterday afternoon to the Dispatch he will not restrict travel through his property. The only other entrance to the camp would be by way of Third street to the River street to Water street.

A similar plan of operation of cottages as the one now agreed to by the Clark Cottage Co., operators of six cottages and the Park Board is expected to be drawn up by Mr. Wright and the park board.

The plan considered would constitute the payment of 50 cents a cottage by Mr. Wright to the park board for every cottage rented by the caretaker of the camp.

Mr. Wright expects to spend $1,000 in the construction of cabins. One of the proposed cabins is now nearly complete while the foundation work of a second one is underway.

The property owned by the Park Board constitutes four and three quarters acres which was deeded to the city as a donation by A. A. White ten years ago. Such property as the tourist camp occupied not included in the section donated the city was used as “squatting” privileges and was not objected to by Mr. White.

Mr. Wright announced that he did not intend to ask the removal of Park Board property from his land. He stated he intended to place an ornamental fence to the north of his property but that this fence would not block off the road.

When approached by the Dispatch for a statement Mr. Wright had the following to say:

“Having secured an option on a piece of land which is partially occupied by the tourist camp I felt that it would be better if I resign from the Park Board.

“My plan is to construct a number of tourist cabins and rent them to the traveling public. It is my intention to help the board in making the camp a bigger and better camp by furnishing them all the land they may care to use.

“I have enjoyed my many years work on the board and hope that the good relations with the park board and myself will continue. I have also enjoyed the cooperation and goodwill of the officials of the city and have enjoyed my work with all of them.

“It is not my intention to place the cabins in the tourist park but to enlarge the facilities for tourists feeling that such enlargement is necessary and it is impossible for the board to make these improvements.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 June 1930, p. 7, c. 2)


COUNCIL TO PROBE CAMP LAND RENTAL

_____


Committee of Three to Investigate Be-

fore Sanctioning Rental of

Tourist Camp


Rather than act on it immediately the council last evening appointed the city property committee, Aldermen Frank Johnson, W. J. Lyonais and V. F. Anderson to give a report at the next meeting regarding the proposed rental of the tourist park to Carl Wright.

Mr. Wright resigned recently from the park board that he might purchase land adjoining and part of the land now used by the city park board for tourist camp purposes.

Hugo Kaatz and Mrs. A. C. Weber, members of the Board appeared before the council and asked the council to sanction the rental of the tourist camp to Mr. Wright for $400 a year.

It was explained that Mr. Wright was constructing tourist cabins on his land which includes part of the property used by the park board but not owned by the city. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 June 1930, p. 7, c. 1)


TOURIST PARK LEASE PROPOSED

_____


Carl Wright to Present Same to Coun-

cil and Park

Board

_____


PROVISIONS MADE PUBLIC

_____


Short Term, Three Months, With

Rental of $400, All

Details Noted


A special meeting of the city council has been called for tomorrow evening at the council chambers at which time council members, the park board and Carl Wright will be in attendance to discuss his proposal to lease the City Tourist park.

The proposed lease as submitted by Mr. Wright carries these provisions: A lease of properties both real and personal, for a term beginning June 17, 1930, and ending on October 17, 1930, for which Mr. Wright agrees to pay $400 rent, being $200 on August 1, and to pay for all water and light used in the camp in excess of the sum of $65, to be paid monthly as it becomes due.

“It is further agreed by and between Park Board and Mr. Wright that the Park Board shall retain control and supervision of all properties in said camp, and the lessee shall conduct and operate said camp in accord with the direction of the lessor and the lessee shall employ and maintain such caretakers and supervisors as shall be approved by the lessor, and the lessor shall determine and direct the hours of duty of said caretakers and supervisors, and said lessee shall conduct said camp in the manner as the said camp has been conducted by said lessor, and said camp shall at all times be open to the public and the following rates for use of properties in said camp shall be maintained as heretofore, that is, the sum of 50 cents per car for the privilege of camping for a period of one day and one night, the sum of 25 cents per car for camping in said camp for a period of one day, the sum not greater than $1.50 for the use of a cabin, as now furnished by the lessor, per day, and the said lessee shall in behalf of the lessor abide by and carry out the conditions and obligations of the lessor as provided in that certain contract made between the Clark Cottage Company of 419 E. 8th Street, St. Paul, and the Park Board of the City of Brainerd, said contract being dated April 20, 1928, and the lessee shall for the rates above provided permit the use in addition to the camping privileges and use of cabin without additional charge all the facilities now located in said camp including gas, baths, toilets, water, electricity, lounging room privileges.

“It is further agreed by and between the parties hereto that the lessee shall not engage in any retail mercantile enterprise in said camp, and shall not permit mercantile advertising, and shall keep said camp including cottages, bath houses, lounging room, office and all other buildings on said premises in a good and clean condition, and maintain in as good condition and repair all of said buildings and property on said premises, as when taken by lessee, reasonable wear and tear and damage by the elements alone excepted.

“It is further agreed by and between parties hereto, that no concession shall be used in said camp without the approval of the lessor and that no gambling devices or intoxicating liquor shall be permitted in said camp, and that the lessee shall not assign this lease or any part thereof, and that should said lessee fail to make payments as herein specified, and fail to fulfill any of the covenants herein contained, then and in that event it shall be lawful for the lessor to re-enter and take possession of all of the above rented premises and hold and enjoy the same without such re-entering working a forfeiture of rents to be paid and the covenant to be performed by said lessee for the full term of this lease.”

It is believe that publicity accorded this proposed agreement may do much to still criticism. Opposition may have been due to the fact that the public is not fully aware of the provisions of the proposed lease.

Mr. Wright said the suggestion to lease the park was not originally his as he planned a separate cabin camp and it was suggested that it would work out better if it was operated under one head. The Park Board and Mr. Wright then took the matter up with the council.

The rental contract is for only a short three months period. At the recent council meeting where Mr. Wright made a proposal to rent the Tourist Park, Alderman W. J. Lyonais counseled delay so that the proposed lease could be studied. Mr. Wright submitted his resignation from the Park Board to the mayor about a month ago. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 June 1930, p. 7, c. 1)


REACH AGREEMENT IN CAMP OPERATION

_____


Park Board to Have Control of En-

larged Tourist Camp

Facilities

_____


ENDORSED BY COUNCIL

_____


Board to Receive 50 Cents From

Every Car Entering Grounds of

City or Mr. Wright


An arrangement whereby the Brainerd Park Board will have absolute control of the tourist camp and property of Carl Wright has been agreed upon by the board and Mr. Wright and sanctioned by the city council.

Endorsement of the plan which in main gives the Park Board permission to receive 50 cents from each car entering the tourist camp whether for camping or cottage lodging purposes was given by the council at a special meeting last evening.

The new plan is destined to increase the income of the tourist camp to the city and to provide better accommodations. Virtually it means the doubling of the size of the camp.

The Park Board will have power to rent the eight cottages proposed for construction by Mr. Wright this year, the rental to be given Mr. Wright.

According to the agreement tourists may camp on any part of land owned by city or Mr. Wright should they desire to do so, the camping rental of the entire land to go to the Park Board.

By this arrangement many tourists who desire cabin accommodations can be taken care of. It was estimated by members of the park board that approximately 4,000 tourist cars were turned away from the camp last year because of lack of cabins.

Mr. Wright has agreed not to operate any concession on the land. He will derive his income from the cabins and the rental of bedding for the cabins. He will also furnish help to care for his own cottages.

As yet no successor has been named to Mr. Wright on the park board. Mr. Wright having resigned before purchasing the land. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 June 1930, p. 7, c. 2)


24 March 1974. A committee of the Brainerd school board approved bidding for the removal of Wright Park hill for use as dirt fill for the lower site project. Architect Jim McNutt estimates this will cover about half of the 500,000 cubic yards of fill needed for the entire project. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 26 March 2014)


IMAGE CREDITS


ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thanks to the following individuals and organizations who made this website possible:


Crow Wing County Historical Society

Lynda Hall

Lucille Kirkeby

Brian Marsh

Pam Nelson

John Van Essen

Andy Walsh


Brainerd Dispatch

Mike O'Rourke


Nisswa Historical Society

Dick Carlson, who granted permission to use material from Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, Oldtimers . . . Stories of Our Pioneers, Carl A. Zapffe, Jr., Echo Publishing Company, Pequot Lakes, Minnesota: 1987 and from Oldtimers II: Stories of Our Pioneers in the Cass and Crow Wing Lake Region, Volume II, Carl A. Zapffe, Jr., Echo Publishing and Printing, Incorporated, Pequot Lakes, Minnesota: 1988


Minnesota Historical Society


Researched and Compiled by Ann M. Nelson. Last Update: 26 April 2018