Goodhue County, Minnesota - Red Wing Industries, 1909 (part 2 of 2)

Red Wing "Sentinel," No. 2, was the fifty-seventh newspaper begun in Minnesota. After Merritt and Hutchins sold. the press and materials of the "Sentinel," No. 1, to Alexis Bailly, it went to Hastings, as has been stated. The "Gazette" was then started by N. V. and C. Bennett, and Merritt went into the hotel business. Tiring of that business, he bought the "Gazette," according to the "Advertiser," of St. Paul, about June 1, 1857. and ran it under that name until about August 1 of that year, as the "Advertiser" quotes the "Gazette" as late as July 25. The issue of August 1 of the "Advertiser" then makes its first mention of the "Sentinel," so that must have been about the time the change was made. Bennett, in the meantime, formed another alliance with William Colvill, afterward well known as the colonel of the First Minnesota regiment, so that the latter became editor of the "Sentinel" No. 2, as he had been of No. 1. Bennett also became its publisher, and, without further ceremony, the volume and numbers of Red Wing "Sentinel," No. 1. were picked up and carried on, the same as though there had been no sale of tin1 press and material of the old "Sentinel" to Bailly. no valedictory of the "Sentinel," as noted by the "Pioneer and Democrat" of May 15, 1855, and no intervening publication of the Minnesota Gazette to supply its place. On March 26, 1859. Merritt sold again, and on April !>, 1859, K. A. Littlefield and Martin Maginnis, the latter afterward delegate to Congress from Montana, became the publishers. Colvill remaining as editor. On February 4. 1860, Colvill sold his interest to W. W. Phelps, who had been the member of Congress from the Red Wing district, because, as lie said in his retiring editorial, he foresaw a Democratic storm coming in tlic Charleston convention. In the next issue of the "Sentinel" Phelps appeared as editor. On August 15, 1860, Littlefield dropped out and Maginnis went on alone as publisher, Phelps remaining as editor. At a meeting noted for its patriotism, held April 23, 1861, in Red AVing, a company called the Goodhue Volunteers was organized ami William Colvill was unanimously elected captain and Martin Maginnis first sergeant. The next day the --Sentinel.** at Vol. 5. No. 39, April 21, 1861, was discontinued. Its material was sold to James Parker, and made the *basis of the Goodhue "Volunteer," a patriotic paper which did excellent service for the I nion until it. in turn, died near the close of tin' war.

The Red Wing "Republican' was the sixty-second weekly begun in .Minnesota territory, and its firsl issue was dated Septemper 4, 1857. with L. F. Hubbard as editor. That its foundation, "'Yen in those insecure times, was hnilt deep and strong, is shown by tin fad that it is one .5' the Pew .Minnesota newspapers which survived the trying crises of 1857 and is ye1 in good working order. It started as a four-page, seven-column shed, and it then was and still is Republican in polities. November 20, 1857, F. D. .Meredith, who died some years ago, became associated with L. 1-'. Hubbard, and the firm name was Hubbard & Meredith until October 1. 1858. Then Meredith retired and .Mi-. Hubbard went oj) alone until Augusl 1.!. 1859, when Charles L. Davis joined him and the managers became Hubbard & Davis, the former being the main editor. At that lime the name was changed to the Goodhue County "Republican." Deeendier 1!). 1S61, Mr. Hubbard enlisted in the Fifth Minnesota regimenl and the firm of Hubbard ».y. Davis was dissolved. F. I). Meredith became the proprietor and Mr. Davis the editor and manager. March 28. 1862. tin- ownership and editorial managemenl wenl to C. L. Davis, and Meredith once more retired. Then Davis enlisted in the Tenth Minnesota infantry and. September 19, ls<;2. placed E. A. Lifilefield in charge, who became the editor. At that date the paper was cut to six columns, on accounl of hard times. May 27. 1864, Littlefield turned over the paper to Colonel Colvill. satisfied, as lie said, that there was -"more honor than profit in running a country newspaper." Colvill printed a salutatory tersely characteristic of the hero of Gettysburg. It ran as follows: ""With this issue I take charge of the 'Republican.' Correspondence should l>e addressed accordingly.'' Augusl 26. 1864. the paper wenl hack to the seven-cOlumn issue. Davis still retaining his interest. March 30, 1866. H. K. Parker became editor and part proprietor. August 9, 1867, William 11. Snider bought 1 :\W of the paper and December 18. 1868. he bought the remain- in- hair. June 10, 1869, T. II Perkins, of the Lake City "Leader," boughl a half interest of Snider and. September 30, 1869, Snider sold the other half to S. I*. Jennison, the firm becoming Jennison & Perkins. December 26, 1878, Perkins retired and .Mr. Jennison became sole proprietor. He continued alone until July 29, 1880, when there was a combination of the Goodhue County "Republican" with B. B. Herbert's "Advance." Tin' "Adyance" was printed Wednesdays and the "Republican" Saturdays. November 29, 1884, the "Republican," the "Advance" and the --Sun," established in January, 1884, united under the ownership of the Red Wing Printing Company. The "Advance" and the "Republican" were united December -'!. 1884, under the name "Advance-Republican," which was published on Wednesdays, and the on Saturdays, with Mr. Herbert and Tains Bixby as editors.

October 12. 1885, the lirst number of the Red Wing Daily "Republican" was issued. The two weekly editions were then joined into one. published on Wednesdays, the name being the "Advance-Sun." The confusion arising from the fact that the name of the daily and weekly editions were not the same, after some years, caused the name of the weekly to be changed to the Red Wing "Republican," in July. 1895. For a while a semiweekly edition was again attempted but was once more changed to a weekly, its circulation being almost exclusively in the rural districts. January 1, 1886, .Mr. Bixby retired and .Mr. Herbert and Gen. Jennison became editors and proprietors. In November, 188!). Mr. Herbert sold his interest to .Jennison; and in March, 1894, Bixby bought Mr. Jennison 's interest, and stil continues as president of the company. C. A. Rasmussen became associated with the paper under Herbert & Jennison, first as circulation manager of the Daily "Republican," ancj later as local editor. On the retirement of these men and the assumption of political duties by Mr. Bixby. Mr. Rasmussen took charge of the paper. In 1898 Mr. Rasmussen was appointed postmaster. J. S. Brennemaii took charge of the business department and Jens K. Grondahl became managing editor. Mr. Brenneman sold his interest in the company to A. E. Verity in 1901. the latter becoming managing editor and Mr. Grondahl, who had been away from the business for a short period^ returned and took up the duties of business manager. In 1903 Mr. Verity disposed of his holdings and Mr. Grondahl became manager of the business and editorial departments.

The "Republican" is an influential sheet, "well written and carefully edited. It has always taken a leading part in the civic and industrial progress of Red Wing and has assisted in moulding that sentiment of mutual helpfulness and prosperity which has done so much to give the city the position it now occupies. It aims to thoroughly cover the local and county field, to present dignified editorials on the important topics of the day and to give the telegraphic news of the world. Its advertising columns are well patronized, and form a desirable medium for reaching the people of the city and county. The weekly edition contains a resume of the news of the week in a more condensed form than appears in the daily.

Red Wing Printing Company. The "Republican" has. since its beginning, conducted a job printing department but, throughout the early years, the newspaper was predominant. In 1881, with consolidation of the and "Advance" with the '"Republican," the job department became inure conspicuous. The history of the joi> department has been practically that of the newspaper and has been in charge of the same officers, in the pjist eighl or ten years the job department has carried on a vigorous campaign to develop taste for high chfxs printing and in this campaign it has been very successful. The kind of stationery and general printing turned out in Red Wing ten or fifteen years ago would noi today lie accepted at any price, because of this developmenl of high class art printing. The besl and latest improved machinery thai money can buy is used in this department and some of t lie besl printers in 1 his pari of the country have been in charge, the presenl competenl force being under the direction of David Gustafson, who has won wide recognition as an artistic printer. Every kind of printing, from a letter head to a beautifully hound book, with all kinds of artistic catalogue printing and high class advertising specialties, are produced. The reputation of the products of this company has extended all over this country and printers' .journals make use of samples of work originating with the Red AVing Printing Company. There have even been instances when large printing establishments in Europe have sent for samples of the Red "Wing Printing Company products to get new and improved ideas. Aside from holding the business of the local field, the company has a large amount of work from cities and villages throughout the Northwest. The company moved into its present commodious building in March. 1909. The present officers are: President, Tarns Bixby; vice president. ('. A. Rasmussen; secretary and manager, Jens K. Grondahl : treasurer, X. Halvorson.

The "Advance" was established in October, 1873, with E. J. Hodgson and B. B. Herbert as editors, under the name of the "Grange Advance," and was in its original design devoted to the promotion of home manufactures and the advancement of agricultural and industrial interests and the upbuilding of the order of the Patrons of Husbandry as a social and educational institution among the farmers. At the end of the flrsl six months, owing to the pressure of other busines Mr. Hodgson retired and Mr. Herbert continued the publication alone, and during the summer of 1874 associated with him Dr. T. R. Mann, of St. Paul, in the editorial work. During the fall of 1874 the nature of the paper was changed to a strictly local paper, and Mr. Mann retired. August 25, 1875, Mr. Herbert sold the paper to H. H. Young and, .May 28, 1878, .Mr. Young sold the paper to the "Advance" Publishing Company. At the time of its consolidation with the "Republican," Mr. Herbert had again assumed the management.

The Red Wing "Journal" was published in May. 1890, by A. F. Ingalls, owner of the Pine Island "Record." It was published several years under this management and then purchased in July. 1896, by AY. \Y. Woodbeek, of Minneapolis. In December of the same year, Warney & Pratt, of Minneapolis, purchased the plant of Air. Woodbeek and resold the same to him in February, 1897. The "Journal" was again sold in April, 1897, to E. L. Grondahl, who placed E. D". Morris in charge. The plant was then taken over by the --Times" Printing Company and the name changed to the Red Wing "Times." the managers and editors being David Gustafson and E. C. Sykes. The Consolidated Commercial Printing Company then conducted it until it was combined with the "Argus."

The Red Wing "Free Press" was established September 24, 1909, by N. P. Olson, of Anoka. Minn., who, on July 16, 1909, purchased the '-News" from the trustees who had been in charge. Air. Olson is an experienced, newspaper man and has some excellent plans for making his paper a success. He was managing editor of the "Penny Press" for three years, then conducted the Alinnesota "Democrat," which he moved to Anoka and edited for eight years as the Anoka "Free Press." The Red AYing "Free Press" is Democratic in politics, and is designed to become the mouthpiece of the Democracy in this locality.

The Red Wing "Independent" was started by Douglas II. Tandy and Prof. 0. Whitman and continued for a few months. It was then discontinued for a short time but later resumed publication. The active editor, during a greater part of its existence, was Jens K. Grondahl. A biographical work has said of this paper: "When the Red Wing 'Independent' was started in 1891, Jens K. Grondahl was engaged to conduct the paper, a post which proved to consist in preparing all the local and editorial 'copy.' distributing it among the three printing offices which did the 'setting up' and, after the matter was in type, collecting the type and carrying it to the office where the paper was printed. Occasionally these ma n i fold duties were supplemented by the light work of running off the edition on the cylinder press and delivering the paper to the waiting customers." After a short period of existence the paper was discontinued.

The Red Wing "Argus." In October, 1864, a company of leading Democrats was formed for the purpose of issuing a newspaper. This company purchased the Goodhue County "Volunteer," changed its name and issued the first number of the Red Wing "Argus," with Edmund R. Otis as agent and editor. Mr. Otis retired in October, 1868, and was succeeded by 0. F. George as editor and publisher. In June the office was sold to Capt. Charles L. Davis, who employed E. R. Otis as editor. After changing aecessitudes the paper was purchased, in the nineties. by Sulzer, Shedd & Livingstone and issued in the form of a Sunday paper. In December, 1897, it was purchased by the Red Wing "Times," but the name "Argus" retained. In April. 1890. L. G. Meacham and \V. (i. Mack purchased the "'Argus" and in July of the same year sold to 0. G. Wall, of Minneapolis, and E. S. Haines, of Wabasha, who continued the publication until about March. 1900, when the Goodhue County "News" moved from Cannon Falls and absorbed the "Argus."

The Goodhue County "News" was started in Cannon Falls by M. S. NTorelius, of Yasa. and V. E. Johnson, of Minneapolis. Mr. Xoiclius sold his interest to Mr. Johnson, who moved the plant to Red Wing in 1900, forming a partnership with J. S. Pardee, of St. Paul. The company absorbed the "Argus," and both the

'News" and the "Argus" were continued under one management. After some months. K. G. Kchmied, of Chicago, purchased Mr. Johnson's interest, and the company became Pardee & Schmied. The Goodhue County "News" and the Red Wing "Argus" were issued from the same office and. aside from the title page, were identical. Hie "News" being the country edition and the "Argus" 11k- city edition. During about two years of this management the "Argus" was issued in tabloid form as the official organ of Minnesota Democracy. In 1904 the Red Wing

'Daily News" was started and existed for < xactly one year, until Thanksgiving Day. 1905. G. II. Allen then took over the weekly edition and published the Goodhue County "News and Argus Press," as he called it. After Mr. Allen's departure from town the "News" wTas taken by a board of trustees and issued from the Republican office. July 16. 1909, it was sold to N. P. Olson, of Anoka.

Second Class Rates. The postoffice records show the granting of second class rates to many publications. The following dates, supplied by the local postoffice, does not in all instances indicate the date of the establishment or the date of discontinuation of the various papers mentioned, as such dates are not always co- incident with the granting and withdrawing of second class rates. but the list is interesting, nevertheless, in thai it shows the period during which the various publications were senl through the mails :

"Public Health." monthly, published by the State Hoard of Health; granted in May, 1885, and discontinued September, 1894. Daily "Republican," daily, published by the Red Wing Printing Company; granted October. 1885. Red Wing "Republican," weekly, published by the Red Wing- Printing Company; granted January, 1895. "Advance Sun." weekly, published by the Red Wing Printing Company; granted October. 1885, and discontinued -Inly. 1895. "Parish .Messenger," monthly, published by the rector of the Episcopal Church; granted November. 1885, and discontinued .June. 1891. '"Argus," weekly, published by Charles Davis; discontinued March, 1900. Goodhue County "News," weekly, published by Pardee & Schmied; granted .March. 1900, and discontinued September. 1909. "Budbareren," weekly, published by the llauge Printing and Publishing Society; granted August 1, 1879. " Bornevennen, " weekly, published by the llauge Printing and Publishing Society; granted August. 1879. "Little Messenger," weekly, published by the llauge Printing and Publishing Society; granted January, 1905. "Riverside," semi-monthly, published by the State Training School; granted September. 1893, and was discontinued October, 1905. "Riverside," monthly, published by the State Training School; granted October, 1905. "Our School." monthly, published by Boraas & Kunze ; granted November, 1902, and discontinued December, 1905. "Hemnica," monthly, published by the Red Wing Seminary; granted October, 1904. "Cresset," monthly, published by the Red Wing Ladies' Seminary. Red Wing "Methodist," monthly, published by the pastor of the Methodist Church ; granted June, 1898, and discontinued September, 1894. "Agrarian," monthly; granted March, 1895, and discontinued February, 1896. "Herald," granted March, 1895, and discontinued February, 1896. "Secrets .of Success," monthly, published by W. L. Beeman ; granted August, 1890. and discontinued 1891. The "Independent," weekly; granted January. 1892, and discontinued March, 1892. The "Nordstjernen." weekly, published by the Red Wing Printing company; granted January, 1895, and discontinued November, 1898. The "Journal," published by A. F. Ingalls ; granted May, 1890, and discontinued December, 1897. The "Teutonia," published by H. Risch; granted August, 1892. and discontinued March, 1899. The "Free Press," weekly, published by N. P. Olson; granted September, 1909.

the present time Arthur T. Gibson operates the plant of S. N. Gibson & Son, on Bush street, and Kussell & McGiverin (Raymond R. and Harry S.) have a plant on Third street. There is a printing plant at the Minnesota State Training School, and at the Red "Wing Seminary is the press of the Hauge Printing and Publishing Company, from which is issued several denominational papers and religious books. At one time Peter Sjblom published several boys' magazines here, and in former days Leonard Hodgman and George F. Enz had amateur print shops.

Jens K. Grondahl, who gives his vocation as "newspaperman," was born at Eidsvold, near Christiania, Norway. December 3, 1869, son of Lars and Inger Margrethe (Julsrud) Grondahl, natives of that country. The father, Lars Grondahl, was a farmer of limited means but with advanced ideas as to the education and training of his children, a man of warm heart and generous disposition. He died in 1895 at the age of 72. His wife, mother of Jens K., is still living. The subject of this sketch began his schooling in his native town and continued it in Red Wing, to which city he came 'as a boy of 11 years. After attending the local public schools for two years he entered the Red Wing Seminary and graduated in 1887 with high honors. During this period he engaged in various boyish business enterprises, which resulted in valuable experience if no1 always in big profits. Later he attended the University of Minnesota for some time. Shortly before graduating from the seminary he Avon an oratorical prize of fifteen dollars. With this he opened a small confectionery store and in this connection printed cards, sold rubber stamps, carried papers and acted as correspondent for several Twin City dailies. When the Red Wing Daily "Independent" was started in 1801 he was engaged to conduct that paper, and while occupying this position received considerable newspaper training, doing, at times, everything from peddling the papers to turning the press and writing local articles and profound editorials on the nation's destiny. During the summer of 1897 .Air. Grondahl had an experience which, in moments of confidence, he occasionally relates to his intimate friends. Having a little spare time on his hands and having made a success of writing humorous squibs and pathetic verse for the magazines and newspapers, he decided to attempt humorous lecturing, at a season of the year when the most experienced lyceum stars would fail to secure a hearing. An experience in Flastings, where, instead of beginning his lecture "Ladies and gentlemen." he was compelled to address his audience of one as "Dear sir," and at another place, where a thunder storm vied with his voice in holding the attention of the auditors, convinced the youthful lecturer that summer was not the proper season in which to make a fortune in the lyceum field. The cam- paign of L892 found Mr. Grondah] an active worker in the \\< publican ranks. Two years later he became ;i candidate for the legislature to represenl Goodhue county in the lower bouse. A bitter fighl against the "boy" candidate ended in his election by a large majority, he being one of the youngesl men ever given a seal in the Minnesota Legislature. He was successively reelected for two terms, serving six years in all, and declining a fourth nomination, grateful for his political experience. bu1 feeling thai he had made all the sacrifices of time and energy in public office which a young man starting ou1 in life could well afford. The real importance of his work in the legislature can besl be judged by the future. In 1895 his refusal to accept passes from the railroad companies while a member of the legislature, and his subsequent position on this and kindred matters, was the beginning of the ant i-pass legislation, state and national, which has since been enacted. It is needless to say thai so radical a departure from prevailing ideas would naturally bring a storm of opposition and ridicule, and many were the wiseacres at home and abroad who shook their heads and questioned the young man's tad in calling attention to and questioning the so-called courtesies which corporations so freely extended and which public officials so freely accepted. There was a diversity of opinion among the press of the country, but many of the newspapers of the East, as well as the West, particularly the New York "Sun," heartily concurred in the young Legislator's action. This stand, however, did not cost him the loss of the good will of fellow members nor did it impair his influence or usefulness as a legislator, as some had predicted. On the contrary, it made him many staunch friends, with whom he afterwards cooperated in securing progressive legislation. Mr. Grondahl has had the satisfaction of seeing men, who scoffed at his attitude then, sit in legislative bodies since and by their votes enact lawrs against receivingfavors from the railroad corporations, as demanded by the people and a result of the agitation which had its origin with him in 1895. He was the leader in the campaign for a better system of caring for the chronic insane in this state and, while his efforts did not result in the adoption of a modified and improved copy of the Wisconsin cottage plan, which lie advocated, it called attention to the need of better methods than those in vogue and resulted in some beneficial changes. While he was not the author of the law establishing the "piece price system" at the state prison, to replace the antiquated and cruel contract system, and one big step in the direction of still better laws, he nevertheless bore the brunt of that successful fight and received the appreciation of free labor, with which prison made goods came into competition. He had charge of training school legislation and was instrumental in securing other laws beneficial to the stair and county. In 1906. at his first re-nomination as a candidate from the Red Wing district, he received the honor by acclamation, there being no opposing candidate. He also received the election without opposition. In 1897 lie was a formidable candidate for the speakership of the House. During his years of political activity Mr. Grondahl did considerable campaigning throughout the state under the auspices of the Republican state central committee. Being able to present the issues of the campaigns in either English or Norwegian, his services as a speaker were naturally in demand. Since 1892 Mr. Grondahl has been connected with the Red Wing Daily "Republican," and from January. 1895, to November, 1898, was editor of the "Nordstjernen," a Norwegian weekly issued by the same company. In the spring of 1896 he was elected secretary of the Minnesota Republican Editorial Association, and in 1898 was secretary of the Minnesota Tafl Club. He took an active pari in the Republican state conventions for several years. In August, 1896, he was chosen as one of the delegates to represent Minnesota in the national convention of Republican clubs at Milwaukee. He is at present editor and manager of the "Republican," published by the Red Wing Printing Company. He is the president of the Red Wine- Commercial < lub and a member of the \lct\ Wing Manufacturers' Association. He is interested in a business way in two or three enterprises to which he does not give personal attention. It might be mentioned in passing that Mr. Grondahl is the author of a number of sketches and verses, both humorous and pathetic, written either for pleasure or as a part of his newspaper work. The Spanish-American war song, "Fighting for ('aba," had a national circulation at that time and is preserved in papers and books of that period.

Henry Ridgway Cobb, managing editor of the Red Wing Daily "Republican," was born in Portland, Maine, and received a classical and literary education in the public schools of his native place, in Tabor College, Iowa, and in the Minnesota State University. His early bent was toward a literary life, and as a. young man he entered newspaper work as a matter of personal preference. He has been connected with several newspapers of Iowa and Nebraska, and in 1882 came to Minnesota and established the Hubbard County ''Enterprise." the first weekly newspaper north of the Northern Pacific railroad, between Duluth and the Red River valley. This paper had an important influence on the upbuilding of Hubbard county. Since 1904 Mr. Cobb has occupied his present position on the "Republican," and has taken an important part in the advocacy of many public reforms. Always an ardent Republican. Mr. Cobb has seen public service as county auditor of Hubbard county, Minnesota, in 1883-84, and as postmaster at Park Rapids, Minn., from L889 to L893. Prim- to coming to Red Wing Mr. Cobb was a Congregationalist, bu1 be now affiliates with the Red Wing Presbyterian Church. He was married January 8, 1.884, to Charlotte P. Ricker, and this anion has been blessed with four children: John Edward, born at Paris Rapids, .Minn.. November 28, 1885; Alma May, born a1 Park Rapids, .Minn.. November 26, 1887; Hazel Isabel, born at Lime Springs, Iowa. August 10, 1895; Helen Avis, horn at Park Rapids, Minn.. June 14. 1900. Mr. Cobb has a fluent pen and possesses that appreciation of news value which is so essential in a newspaperman. His past career in the journalistic Meld has been a successful one. and his friends predict that he has a still broader field ahead of him. George W. Cobb, father of H. R. Cobb, was born in Maine in 1815, descended from one of the oldest English colonial families of that stale. He was the largest Lumber dealer in Portland. .Maine, during the Civil war. came west in 1872 and died in .Minneapolis. Minn., in 1909. The mother was of Scotch- Irish ancestry, her forebears having settled in Maine in the seventeenth century. She was born in Yarmouth. .Maine, in 1819, and died in Minneapolis, .Minn., in 1889.

The National Editorial Association, which has become a most influential organization, with members all over the United States. owes its origin to B. B. Herbert, while editor of the "Republican." He became the first president of this organization, has been on its executive committee ever since, and has for many years published the official organ of the association, the "National Printer- Journalist." of ( hicago. on August 22. 1907, the National Editorial Association visited Red AVing and dedicated the new home of the " Republican." 4:r>-437 Third street, then in process of construction. Mr. Herbert delivered the dedicatory address on "Red Wing, the Cradle of the National Editorial Association," in the presence of several hundred fellow editors and a multitude of other visitors and citizens who were at the same time celebrating "Home-coming Week." In his address Air. Herbert said: "In 1884 the great Industrial and Cotton Exposition at New Orleans had been undertaken and advertised, and 1 concluded that the time had come for getting together the newspaper men. who are always foremost in everything designed for industrial promotion, to organize the proposed national body. Propitious was the time, the place and the occasion. Accordingly, 1 recommended the organization in an address, as president, before the Minnesota Editorial Association in the Mahtomedi assembly, on White Bear lake. St. Paul, July 30, 1884. The plan was adopted by resolution at an adjourned session, in the Chequamegon hotel, Ashland. Wis. I was chosen chairman of the committ< n or- ganization and, upon my return home to Red Wing, the real work was begun. Thousands of letters and circulars were sent out and arrangements made for the first convention, which was held in New Orleans in February, 1885. Transportation for delegates from all parts of the United States had been secured by correspondence from Red Wing. The securing of railroad transportation for editors was easier then than now. An organization was perfected February 19 and 20. 1885, and we began to feel how pleasant a thing it is for brothers of the press of a whole nation to dwell together in unity and mutual understanding. We had there a first taste of American and Southern hospitality. But our newly elected secretary dropped out and our treasurer. Mr. AVhitman. of Baltimore, Md., died, so that the second, or Cincinnati, convention, had to be organized and arranged for from this city. I acted as president, secretary and all the other officers, splendidly seconded by the employes of the Red Wing Printing Company, to whom the work seemed to become, as it had been to myself, a work of love, and they received no extra pay except my highest regard. There were no funds, the absenting secretary having used all that had been collected at New Orleans, and all the work- had to be performed with no hope of reward. For over two years the National Editorial Association was nurtured, nourished and cared for without charge, as is the case with most infants in this 'Desirable City' of hills and dales, enchanting scenery and the majestic river, so that the claim of Red Wing, as being the cradle of the National Editorial Association, is well founded. 1 think after enjoying the hospitality of the people here, the editors of the nation will say the cradling place w;is no1 illy chosen by a kind Providence."

County Fairs. The Goodhue County Agricultural Society was organized in 1863 and held its first fair in Red Wine- in lsOl. In 1870 the Fair was held at Ilader and in 1874 moved to Zumbrota. It is now held in the latter place. The Mississippi Valley Industrial Association was organized in 1878 and the firsl officers were: President. S. II. Pnrdy: vice president, Charles Betcher; treasurer. A. Seeback; superintendent. F. W. Cross. Grounds were rented of Mr. Betcher. buildings erected, a race track constructed and other improvements made. The fair was held annually for many years, but was discontinued some time ago. The grounds are now occupied by one of the factories of the Sewer Pipe Works.

The Red Wing Merchants' Association was organized many years ago by the merchants of Red Wing for mutual protection and benefit as well as for the exploiting and development of Red Wing and Goodhue county. Its aim was to secure for the farmers the most advantageous rates for his produce and at the same time give him the best advantages in purchasing the goods which he needed. It also aimed to keep as much trade as possible with-; in the limits of the county. During its existence it has done considerable good, and while at the presenl time it is not active, plans are on foot for its reorganization and revivification.

The Red Wing Building Association was incorporated in April, 1877, and for nearly live years conducted its business upon the plan known as the "premium system,'' in general use by the building associations in this country. Five years' experience demonstrated that this system, however well it might work in large cities in times of prosperity, were not adapted to periods of depression in smaller communities. In October, 1881, the association adopted an entirely new and original method of loaning its funds. Under this system, known as the "interest system." it loans its money on approved real estate security for terms of from three to ten years; the principal and interest beine payable in equal monthly installments. Every monthly payment made by the borrower pays all his interest and also reduces the principal of his debt. Upon the expiration of the term the debt is entirely paid off and the mortgage cancelled. This system has become deservedly popular. It has been Hie means of securing homes for many citizens, because it has afforded them the easiest, surest and cheapest way of buying ;i home or paying off an incumbrance which has ever been devised. Under this system the association has been remarkably prosperous. The first officers President. J. M.. Hodgman; vice president. S. J. Willard; secretary, B. B. Herbert; treasurer, A. AY. Pratt; attorney, 0. M. Hall; directors. J. At. Hodgman. William Howe. B. B. Herbert, A. AY. Pratt, J. Mclntire, T. K. Simmons, L. A. Hancock, F. Joss, 0. M. Hall, N. 0. Werner, M. Kappel, C. H. Boxrud. ('. R. Brink. The present officers are: President, 0. M. Hall; vice president. S. H. Haynes; secretary. A. P. Pierce; treasurer, W. H. Putnam; directors, F. W. Kalfahs, 0. D. Anderson, 0. M. Hall, 0. L. Hawkanson, S. D. Haynes, C. E. Friedrich, P. Jorgenson, A. P. Pierce, William Remshardt, W. H. Putnam, GL Lillyblad, C. S. Dana, Fred Davis and E. C. Erb.

The Scandinavian Benevolent Society was organized February 19, 1869, and incorporated August 1, 1871. The officers at that time were: President, Charles Kempe ; vice president, Nicholas Lovgren ; secretary, J. G. Gust af son ; treasurer, Olaf Peterson. The relief committee was : T. G. Pierson, John Melander, John Swanstrom, B. Dunnell and H. Skoog. The present officers are: President, J. 0. Hanson ; vice president, O. L. Hawkanson ; recording secretary, John A. Anderson; financial secretary, John F. Erickson ; treasurer, Andrew Lindgren. The order is purely a local one and has about 225 members.

1895 and the first officers were Rev. J. H. Sammis, A. J. Meacham, W. IT. Putnam and Dr. F. W. Dimmit. Dr. Dimmit as secretary and Mr. Putnam as treasurer still remain in active service in the society. The police officers ;ire ex-officio members. During its existence the society has alleviated much suffering, and has investigated many cases of cruelty to animals and children. Owners of abused or neglected animals are warned in regard to. their treatment of the creatures in their care, and all cases of neglected or illy used children are speedily investigated, and measures of relief adopted. The society is connected with both the state and national bodies.

The Historical Society I Red Wing) was organized on duly 12, 1905. for the purpose, not only of awakening and maintaining interest in the early history of Goodhue county, but also of preserving such records and manuscripts as were already in existence. ;i> well as securing and preserving new manuxcripl from its members. The society has held meetings from time to time and listened to a number of Lectures by various Minnesota historians. While of late few meetings have been held, there has recently been a revival of interest which will doubtless result in awakened activity. The first officers were: Honorary president. Rev. W. Hancock; president, -Indue \Y. c. Williston; first vice president, 1). ('. Hill; second vice president, Airs. \Y. ('. Williston; third vice president, Dr. \V. M. Sweney; secretary and treasurer, Lucia Danforth; executive committee, Mrs. ('. E. Sheldon. Anna Wilkinson and W. R. Putnam: committee on historical alrficles. E. P. Seeley Dr. W. A!. Sweney, E. P. Neil], C. A. Betcher. The officers elected in 1907 were: Honorary president. Hew A. W. Hancock; president. Judge W. C. Williston: first vice president, I). ('. Hill- second vice president. Dr. W. VI. Sweney; third vice president. Airs. W. < '. Williston; secretary. II. A. Willard; treasurer. Amelie E. Willard: executive committee, Mrs. C. E. -Sheldon and Frances Densmore. Since that time there has been no election.

Colvill Park. In the winter of l!)()(i-7 a proposition was made to the city of Red Wing for the purchase of the Colvill homestead, situated on the Mississippi river in the eastern part of the city, a short distance below Darn bluff. The board of public works favored the buying of this property to be used as a public park and bathing beach. A petition urging ils purchase, signed by representative business men. was presented to the city council, but that body looked unfavorably upon the project and re jected it. The board of public works, as constituted at that time. resigned and Colvill park proposition was put to sleep. But its slumber was ruddy molested in the summer of 1908 by the drowning in the bay of a young high school student. Several accidents of a .similar nature had occurred in the same place. 'Phis particularly sad drowning emphasized strongly the imperative need of a public bathing beach where there would he no danger of sacrificing lives. This need resulted in an active campaign on the pari of the ladies. Mrs. D. .M . Neill became its leader and it had tor its purpose the securing of the Colvill property tor park and bathing purposes. Mrs. Neill put all her energies of heart and mind into the project and secured the cooperation and aid of the ladies of Red Wing in promoting it. On the evening of -Inly IS. a public park meeting was held in the library building. It resulted in the organization of the Colvill Park Association, with the following ladies serving as officers: Mrs. I). M. Neill, president ; Rlrs. 11. L. Hjermstad, lirst vice president; .Mrs. C. E. Friedrich, second vice president; Mrs. (i. E. Gates, third vice president: Mrs. Jennie Lovgren, secretary; Mrs. Hugo Herder, treasurer. The executive committee was composed of Mesdames S. E. Hasler, <\ Steaffens, C. S. Dana. II. R. Cobb and Miss Helen Craliam. On -Inly 27 another meeting was held and the announcement was made thai the $1,500 necessary for the purchase of the thirty-acre trad desired had. after a vigorous campaign, been raised. On -Inly :!1 the money was paid over to G. E. Freeman, of whom the property was bought, and the dot'(] delivered to the association. Colvill park was opened for the public on August 1 and numerous improvements were at once made. It proved an exceedingly popular resort for the Red Wing public during the remainder of the season. This season (1909) it has been even more popular and its place as the real recreation park of the people has been fully established. The young men and boys have found it a delightful place for bathing. Suitable bathing houses have been erected and as high as 250 have taken advantage of its bathing facilities in a single day. A caretaker was employed from the outset to watch the young people and prevent any possible accident. The park is located about two miles below the city on a point projecting into the river, and can be reached both by land and water. The present officers are: President. Mrs. D. M. Neill; vice-president. % Mrs. 0. E. Friedrich; second vice-president, Mrs. S. E. Noble; third vice-president, Mrs. G. E. Gates; secretary, Mabel Miller; treasurer, Mrs. Hugo Herder. The members of the executive committee whose terms had expired were re-elected. These were Mrs. Sarah Hasler, Mrs. C. Staeffens. Mrs. I. R. Gates was elected to fill a vacancy in the executive board. The other members of the board are: Mrs. E. C. Erb. Mrs. Nels Tufvesson, Mrs. C. S. Dana and Helen Graham.