McLeod County, Minnesota - Chapter 24: Modern Hutchinson, 1917 (part 2 of 2)

was the study of home economies, civics and domestic science, such as child welfare and other matters pertaining to the home. There were 23 charter members and it was resolved to confine the membership to 30, for the sake of greater concentration in study. It has been recently decided to enlarge the sphere of the club by taking up American art, science, literature, music, inventions, and other general topics, giving less attention to domestic science. The club holds meetings once in two weeks at the rooms of the Union club. It is affiliated with the State Federation of Women's Clubs. The present officers are: Mrs. H. EH. Douglass, president; Mrs. A. C. Carpenter, vice-president; Mrs. J. P. Sheay, secretary; Mrs. C. P. Johnson, corresponding secretary, and Mrs. D. L. Awxilrod, treasurer.

A Camp Fire Girls' Club was organized in Hutchinson in 1913 and has proved popular with a small and select member- Ship, the object being mutual aid and healthful pleasures, including physical development. The girls go camping every Summer under the direction of a guardian, their physical exercise including walking, rowing, swimming, and other sports. The club is affiliated with the national organization, the headquarters of which are located in New York City.

The Citizens Bank, of Hutchinson, Minn., was established in 1886 as a private bank by W. E. Harrington, who is still the president. In June, 1892, the bank was incorporated with a capital of $30,600.00, the incorporators being: W. E. Harrington, H. H. Ames, F. O. Parker, A. H, Ames, O. D. Hutchinson, P. P. Pendergast, Geo. M. Nelson, J. V. V. Lewis, D. 8. Sivright, A. H. Roseboom, E. H. Groshong, J. L. MacDonald, H. Ulrich, F. N. Moore, and J. A. Griffin. The first eleven named composed the first board of directors, the charter officers being: W. E. Harrington, president; H. H. Ames, vice-president; P. P. Pendergast, cashier and A. H. Roseboom, assistant cashier. Mr. Roseboom served in the capacity of assistant cashier from the organization until 1896; also again from 1901 to 1904. Francis H. Hawlik served as assistant cashier from 1897 to 1901; Jesse D. Smith, in 1904-05; A. L. Gove from 1905 to 1908; C. F. Fiman from 1908 to 1909; Robert McMullen, Jr. from 1909 to the present time. A. H. Stegmeier also served as Second assistant cashier during 1911 and 1912; H. R. Kurth from 1913 to the present time. The present staff of officers 1s as follows: W. E. Harrington, president; H. H. Ames, vicepresident; P. P. Pendergast, cashier; Robert McMullen, Jr. and H. R. Kurth, assistant cashiers, and J. J. Drahos, bookkeeper.

The bank increased its capital stock from $30,000.00 to $40,000.00 in 1893 and again in 1913 from $40,000.00 to $100,- 000.00. Its statement, November 17, 1916, showed a surplus fund of $20,000, with undivided profits, net, of $15,611.54. In 1905 the bank erected the building it now occupies, at a cost of $11,500. The Citizens Bank has always been conducted with integrity, economy and safety. With the increase of deposits it has always increased the security for depositors, and its record is one to inspire the highest degree of confidence.

The Farmers & Merchants State Bank, Inc., of Hutchinson, was organized as the Bank of Hutchinson, May 6, 1892, with a capital of $25,000. The incorporators were: Austin M. Woodward, Wm. Davidson, Harold Thorson, Andrew A. Davidson, David A. Adams, Frank Brabec, Thomas T. Sargent, Byron B. Bissel, Fred A- Parker, James Schuneman, James Lewis, Philip Plaisance, Henning Wallen, John G. Kleinmann, John Higgins, Ludwig A. Ritter, Oskar Schirber, Thomas F. Kinney, Ignatius Reiner, Frank N. Moore, Ernest W, Rebstoch, Jr., Edward P. Waldron, Alexander R, Davidson. On July 1, 1898, the capital stock was increased to $35,000. On December 22, 1915, the capital was increased to $50,000 and the institution assumed its present name. The present officers are: President, O. W. Lundsten; vice-president, L. A. Ritter; cashier, W. H. Hartman; assistant cashiers, D. Albert Adams, and Donald B, Lundsten, The bank has a capital of $50,000, a surplus of $12,500, and deposits of $415,000. The bank from its organization was under the management of William Davidson until 1907 when Mr. Davidson sold control to O. W. Lundsten, of Lester Prairie, and Sam G. Anderson, Jr., of Hutchinson, since which time O. W. Lundsten has been head of the bank and has had charge of its affairs.

The Farmers National Bank, of Hutchinson, was incorporated in 1912, with a capital stock of $25,000, the names of the incorporators being respectively, Henry Kuehl, John A. Riis, John Carrigan, Frank Kaspar, Robert Prieve, O. L. Osgood, James T. Fallon, E. G. Magdanz, Elsie Langfett, 5. 5. Beach, John P. Fallon, F. Z. Zila, W. H. Jensen, Jas. K. Zavoral, Hall H. Pingel, John C. Pingel, James Carrigan, G, H. Kottke, and Charles Kuester, The first officers of the bank were: S. S. Beach, president; J. T, Fallon, vice-president; John C, Pingel, cashier, Business was begun March 4, 1912, and in the following year the building was erected which the bank has since occupied and which is its own property. The institution so far has had a very successful career, the surplus and de- posits have yearly increased, the officers in 1916 are: S. S. Beach, president; C. L. Todd and J. T. Fallon, vicepresidents; F. W. Ludtke, cashier; R. W. Todd, assistant cashier. The policy of the bank is most nearly expressed in the words "Safety and Service."

Among the important industries of Hutchinson are brick and tile making, soft-drink manufacturing, the production of standard medicines, the manufacture of road machinery, the shipping of produce, the making of flour, the production of butter, and the handling of grain and lumber. In 1878 W. H. Wyman began to make bricks in the southwest quarter of section 20, Hutchinson township, about two miles north of the village, and continued to do so for some years. In 1879 his product was 100,000, sold at $7.50 to $8.00 per thousand. These bricks had a light red color. To obtain the raw material the soil to a depth of six inches was removed and the stratum occupying the next one and a half feet below, which was a hard, light gray clay, was used for the brick making, requiring no admixture of sand. This clay continued at least six feet deeper, but in that portion it became soft and yellowish, and bricks made from it were cracked by particles of lime. Attempts to make bricks at other places near Hutchinson village failed, because of the presence of limy concretions, or fine gravel of limestone, by which the bricks were cracked after burning.

The Hutchinson Brick and Tile Company was organized March 16, 1916, and is engaged principally in the manufacture of drain tile, having approximately an output of 300 car loads a year, with a capacity of 450 car loads, A brick yard had been started on the location about 25 years ago and carried on until the new concern was organized, the latter taking over the Plant and enlarging the factory. The clay in this locality is mixed with limestone pebbles which have to be removed. There are various methods of doing this, the most successful of Which is the washing process. As practiced here, this process was introduced into this country by M. C. Madsen, of Hutchinson. Mr. Madsen knew that a machine was being used in the Scandinavian countries, and in Germany, of the type he wanted, and after investigating and correspondence, he succeeded in purchasing in Germany the plans for building and manufacturing such a machine in the United States. In 4ccordance with these plans he had the moulds made, and built the machine which is now used by this company, and which has proved a great success.

The actual machinery for washing is comprised in a space 20 feet square and 15 feet high, and washes about 130 cubic yards of clay per day. The clay from the bank is hauled by cable car to the washer. Here it is mixed with an excess of water and agitated by a series of vertical rods fastened to a rotating cross beam, The harrow-like motion of these rods has a tendency to throw the larger pebbles toward the center of the washer, while the fine clay and sand remain suspended and distributed throughout the pit. Near the center of the pit a bucket elevator of continuous operation dips into the pit and removes the gravel. At the sides of the pit an opening covered with a screen of the proper mesh allows the escape of the fine sand and clay. These are conducted to one of the series of open ponds, in which they are allowed to settle. After a while some of the water may be pumped off and the rest is left to sink into the ground. The sand naturally settles close to the intake of the pond and the clay is carried to the farther side of the pond. After partial drying it is ready to be taken to the stiff mud machine, where the clay and sand are mixed in approximately the same proportions in which they existed in the drift before the washing. The gravel is sold for concrete,

The plant at Hutchinson makes use of five round, downdratt kilns, with artificial dryers and other modern machinery, and plans are made to increase the capacity. It has been possible with this clay to produce a very good drain tile and hollow building block, so that the production of brick has become a secondary matter. The tile harden under moisture and are famed for their ability to withstand freezing. Analysis of the washed gray drift clay shows the following constituents and their proportions: silica, 48.25; alumina and iron oxides, 36.60; magnesium carbonate, 0.70; calcium carbonate, 1.49; alkalies, 4.46; loss on ignition, 8.50. Total, 99.00. Another analysis by Professor Ties, of Cornell University, is as follows: silica, 60.31; alumina, 23.77; ferric oxide, 7.96; lime, 2.50; magnesium, 1.75; alkalies, 2.42; water Total, 98.71. (See "Clays and Shales of Minnesota," page 126, Bulletin IL of University of Minnesota, 1914).

The present officers (1916) of the Hutchinson Brick & Tile Company are as follows: M, C. Madsen, president; W. E. Harrington, vice-president; Walter Madsen, secretary and treasurer; H. H. Ames and Frank Moore, directors, The concern is growing rapidly and now employs about 26 men.

chines, one of the largest and most important industrial concerns in McLeod county, was incorporated in November, 1906, by D. H. and J. H. Chamberlain, with a capital of $75,000. The substantial buildings of the company - five in number exclusive of the office - were erected in the same year, are conveniently located on the Great Northern tracks, and have a total floor space of 25,000 feet. The machine shop is equipped with the finest modern machinery, especially adapted to the work in iand, enabling the company to turn out its goods as cheaply as any similar concern in the world, An elevating grader and five different types of blade reversible machines and road drags are made and are well and favorably known all over the country, each one being equal in construction to any similar machine made by any concern in existence, and fully guaranteed, Onan average 20 men are employed in the factory, besides five traveling salesmen. The latter cover chiefly the states of Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North and South Dakota, and Montana, in all of which extensive sales have been made. Since starting in Hutchinson the business of the company has increased by at least 20 per cent, each year over that of the previous year, the sales for 1916 amounting to about $100,000. D. H. Chamberlain is president O. H. Ericksen, vice-president; of the company; and J. H. Chamberlain, secretary and treasurer.

The Western Chemical Company, a new but important addition to the business interests of Hutchinson, was incorporated in July, 1916, with a capital of $300,000, the officers being Charles W. Shenk, president; A. G. Krans, vice-president; I. S. Steensland, secretary; and D. Albert Adams, treasurer. The main business of the concern is the manufacture of all kinds of bitter and naseous medicines. in the form of sweet candy, in accordance with a formula originated by Professor Bernard, of the department of pharmacology and therapeutics of the college of medicine, University of Illinois. This concern is located in the old opera house block on Main street, the plant being fitted up with machinery electrically driven and at present nine people are employed, with excellent prospects for a large increase of business in the near future. In addition to the product above mentioned they manufacture various standard medical preparations for sale to physicians and druggists.

The Hutchinson Bottling Works is a small but prosperous enterprise, which has been owned since July 12, 1913, by F. J. Danek, who purchased it from H. C. Macdanz. The latter had been proprietor of the business for 11 years, having bought it from the original founder. After selling the business to Mr. Danek, however, Mr. Macdanz rented it from him until November, 1915, at which time Mr. Danek took it over. Tt ineludes the manufacture of all kinds of soft drinks, for which there is both a good local and outside sale, some of the product being shipped to Silver Lake, Lester Prairie and Watertown. The factory is installed with modern machinery, driven by electric motor.

The Hutchinson Produce Company first came into existence as a small store handling farm produce 27 years ago under the ownership of Jake Piowaty. Mr. Piowaty ran the business for about four years. Very little attention was paid at that time by the farmers to the cow and the hen, and the business was of very small proportions. At the end of about four years, Carl Schallinger, who was then in connection with M,. Piowaty operating in St. Paul as the Northern Produce Company, came here and purchased the business from Jake Piowaty, continuing it for about one year. Then he took into partnership with him J. B. Hoxie and M. Piowaty, and under this ownership the business was conducted for about four years more. M. Piowaty then left the concern, and F. Ci: Parker purchased an interest. The business was run under this ownership, increasing from year to year until the beginning of the year 1901, when the Lake Superior Produce Company, of Houghton, Michigan, who had been drawing their supplies largely from Minnesota and purchasing heavily from the Hutchinson Produce Company, purchased nearly all of the stock and became the active owners; and Mr. Carl Schallinger remained with them as manager until about eight years ago, when he disposed of his interests and moved to Spokane, Washington. The business since then has been run under the ownership of the Lake Superior Produce Company, of Houghton, Michigan. This company having sufficient capital, the business has been largely developed and increased since then. The name Hutchinson Produce Company is used as a trade name, the business still carrying the name under which it was originally started. The main oflice is at Hutchinson with a number of creameries and buying stations at other points where farm produce, such as eggs, butter, poultry, wool and hides, are purchased. The company has nothing to sell, paying cash for everything so bought. The butter is put up under the Premium Brand label, and the eggs go out as Hutchinson eggs. At Hutchinson the company alse manufactures milk flour. The present officers of the Lake Superior Produce Company are: J. P. Peterman, president; J. W. Ruhl, secretary and treasurer; A. J. Ruhl, general manager; who all reside in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. C. E. Kester, of Hutchinson, has charge of the entire Minnesota business.

The Hutchinson Co-operative Creamery Association, of Hutchinson, was organized in 1894 as a defacto corporation, legal articles of incorporation being taken out in February, 1905. The incorporators were: Oliver Pierce, of Acoma; P. T. Mullin, of Hutchinson; M. C. Hanson, of Lynn; John C, Hickeman, of Hassan Valley; E. A. Tews, of Acoma; and James Zavoral, of Hassan Valley. It was capitalized for $5,000, of which nearly $4,000 has been paid in to date. The first board of directors was composed of E, A. Tews, of Acoma; Klemet Erickson, of Hutchinson; M. C, Hanson, of Lynn; J. C. Rickeman, of Hassan Valley; J. Zavoral, William Hassman, and Anton Popp, of Lynn. The creamery building and plant, located on the bank of Crow river, in the northeastern part of the city, are of the most substantial character and are installed with the most modern machinery, including four Delaval separators, two Jensen ripeners, two churns, each of 800 pounds capacity, with a Reed pasteurizer and cooler. Since the erection of the main building an insulated ice-house has been added, which supplies cold air without the necessity of removing any ice from the building. The engine room is installed with two 25- horse power steam engines. Established as a combined creamery and cheese factory, the making of cheese was abandoned some years ago and the plant is now conducted as an exclusive whole milk creamery. Its butter is known all over the world for its excellent quality, having won many gold medals in world's contests and also filled contracts for the United States Navy with an average score of 95 points. About 250,000 pounds of butter are manufactured a year. The present officers of the company are: M. C. Hanson, president; P. T. Mullin, vice-president; S. S. Beach, treasurer; E. O. Quenvold, Secretary, Mr. Quenvold being also manager and butter maker. The board of directors is composed of the officers mentioned above, except Mr. Quenvold, and with the addition of L. A. Tange, M. Westerholm and A. W. Tews. (See Chapter XXVID.

The Hutchinson Flouring Mill is one of the oldest industrial enterprises in the county, the mill having been built in 1866 by Lewis Harrington, Lloyd Pendergast and William Bonniwell, in partnership. From that time until 1874 the mill changed hands several times. It then passed into the hands of Charles Bonniwell and W. H. Stocking, who sold it later to C. 8. Hulbert and H. H. Ames. In 1886 Mr. Hulbert sold out to Mr. Ames and four years later, in 1900, A. H. Ames, a brother of H. H. Ames, bought a half interest in the business, since which time the personnel of the firm has remained unchanged. The original mill was burned down in 1884, the present one, located on the bank of the south fork of Crow river, near Main street bridge, being erected in 1886. The grinding was originally done on stones, but the method was changed to the roller process when the new mill was built. The present proprietors are engaged in the manufacture of flour, both wheat and rye, grain feed and corn meal, supplying chiefly the home market. Some of the product, however, is shipped to Chicago and New York. About five men are usually employed.

The Pacific Elevator, located on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St, Paul railroad tracks, was built in the fall of 1898 by the H. Poehler Company, of Minneapolis. The business was first conducted for several years under the name of Exchange Grain Company, the present style being assumed about 1902- 03. C. J. Heller is manager.

The elevator owned by J. W. Nielsen, dealer in grain, flour, feed, and coal, was builf by John McLeod for R. A. Grams about 1886 or 1887, and passed through several hands until it was purchased from C. Steinkopf by Mr. Nielsen in 1914. It is located in the southeastern part of town on the Great Northern tracks. The elevator operated under the name of the State Elevator Company, and owned by Carter, Sammies & Co., of Minneapolis, is an old institution, the first elevator building having been erected 31 years ago, soon after the Great Northern railroad was built to Hutchinson. The present elevator was built to replace the original one, which was destroyed by fire a number of years ago. The company handles grain, feed, flour, coal and wood, etc. Harry Walker is the present manager. The Imperial Elevator, located in the northeastern part of Hutchinson, near the Great Northern tracks, was built in 1902, and is known as a "line" elevator, being owned in Minneapolis. The president of the company is P. L. Howe, who bought the interest of A. M. Sheldon in 1915, and who is a director of the Great Northern railroad. The vice-president is F. H. Bilis; secretary, A. H. Trettin. J. R. Jensen is manager in Hutchinson. The elevator operated by the Empire Elevator Company was built in 1886 contempor- aneously with the construction of the spur line from Glencoe. It is owned in Minneapolis. Grain, feed and flour are the chief products handled. The Farmers' Co-operative Blevator Company, of which W. H. Mergen is president, have an elevator located in the southwestern part of the city, of which C. D, Hall is manager. The usual grain products are handled. The elevator owned by the Miller Elevator Company, of Minneapolis, a line company, was built at the time the spur line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad was constructed between Glencoe and Hutchinson. Dan Brown is the present manager.

The Interior Lumber Company is a branch of the Interior Lumber Company of Minneapolis and established in Hutchinson about 40 years ago, being the oldest in the city, The home company has 31 yards scattered through the states of Minnesota and South Dakota. The business includes the handling of lumber, lath, shingles, tile and all building specialties and their distribution direct from the producer to the consumer. C.S. Gillespie is the manager of the Hutchinson branch. The yards of the concern are located conveniently to the C. M. & St. Paul railroad tracks. The Stearns Lumber Company is an enterprise well known all over McLeod county and beyond its limits. It was established by E. J. Stearns, a native of St. Lawrence county, New York, who came to Hutchinson from Tower City, N. D., in 1885, and in the fall of that year became manager of the lumber yard of R. O, Libby, with whom he remained five years. He then purchased the business of the Stillwater Lumber Company, which then included but one yard. Since Mr. Stearns has so expanded the business that it includes eight yards, located respectively in Hutchinson, Silver Lake, Plato and Stewart, in McLeod county, and Hector, Buffalo Lake, Waconia and Young America, without the limits of the county. All the plants are thoroughly up to date, that in Hutchinson including a fine modern building, 112 by 1380 feet, with brick front. The business is not confined to lumber but includes also cement, lime, brick, sewer pipe and paper. The Henry Simons Lumber Company is a recent addition to the lumber interests of the city, but is an up-to-date plant, provided with all modern facilities in its line.

The mercantile and industrial enterprises of Hutchinson have been developed from small beginnings. In early days there were few stores, for there were but few residents in the county and money was not plentiful among them. As a rule the early settlers confined their purchases to necessities - they bought only the things they could not get along without, At first. goods had to be hauled from Carver at a cost of $2.00 per hundred pounds, and later, after the railroad had been put through, from Blakeley. The rapid increase of population in the county after the Civil War gave a stimulus to trade, and the merchants were beginning to feel that prosperous times were at hand when the coming of the grasshoppers dealt them a heavy blow. The impoverished farmers who saw the results of months of hard labor disappear in a day, lost heart and left both county and state in large numbers, and of those who remained many did so because they had not the money to move. These conditions lasted for several years and completely banished prosperity. The farmers could save little or nothing of their crops, and the merchants could neither get money for their goods nor credit for their stock so some of them, like the farmers, were obliged to leave, Others failed and had a hard struggle before they could get on their feet again. With the passing of the grasshoppers, however, things began to improve and, except for occasional years of financial stringency, due to causes affecting the whole nation, opportunities opened out for mercantile investment, which were taken advantage of by those who were wide-awake and had sufficient means to make a start, and in these times the foundations of some of Hutchinson's most prosperous business houses were laid. The coming of the railroads increased these opportunities and gave a greater impetus to trade, and from that time up to the present the mercantile enterprises of the city in general have enjoyed a steady and healthy growth, in spite of occasional set-backs for which local conditions were not responsible. It is not the intention to give here the history of all the stores and shops which at one time or another have existed in this city, but mention of some of the more important enterprises may possess interest for the older inhabitants.

One of the early merchants in Hutchinson was Charles K. Goodnow, who arrived here in 1867 and who for three years was a partner in the firm of Day & Goodnow, dealers in general merchandise. Mr. Goodnow then bought out his partner's interest and carried on business alone for one year. After that he formed a partnership with W. J. Ives, which lasted for 20 years, or until 1891. As wholesale dealers in butter and cheese, they conducted a very prosperous business, except during the years of the grasshopper plague, when, owing to the conditions already described, they suffered a temporary failure. From this, however, they recovered and resumed business. In one year they handled 80,000 pounds of butter. Some of their product was shipped west, going to Bismarck, Dakota, by rail and from there by ox team to the Black Hills. Their exhibits at the county fair always attracted attention. In 1891 the firm of Goodnow & Ives sold out to W. F, Krinke, Mr, Goodnow going into the shoe business in the following spring, in which he continued until 1907. He then engaged in a general insurance business, except life insurance, and is still thus occupied. After the retirement of A. H. Reed, of Glencoe, and the death of Fritz Moy, of Winsted, he could boast the longest mercantile career of any merchant in the county. Mr. Krinke, the successor of Goodnow & Ives, conducted the store and business he bought from them for two years and then put up a brick building north of where Haley's laundry is now located and was there three or four years, at the end of which time he failed and left town.

Another merchant who started in Hutchinson at an early period was W. L. Sumner, who conducted a general store until well along in the seventies, when he sold out to G. T. Belden & Co., the latter firm composed of father and son. This firm carried on the business under the above style until 1877 or 1878, when a new partner was admitted and the firm became Belden & Kilgore. The concern subsequently failed, Mr. Kilgore withdrew, and F. Brabec becoming a partner of G. T. Belden, the firm of Belden & Brabec was formed. Later Mr. Belden sold out to Mr. Brabec and left town and the style of the firm was changed to Brabec & Co., and so continued for about three years. It then became Brabec & Kohler, under which style business was conducted for about 13 years, or until 1912, when F. Brabee became sole proprietor, and is still conducting the business,

A, M. Snell, who was in Hutchinson in 1867, started a Zeneral store and carried it on for ten years, also dealing in farm implements. He was then elected sheriff, in which office he served two or three terms, after which he and his family went to California, where he died. There were few other merchants in Hutchinson in the seventies. A man named Campbell started a little grocery, and C. B. Fenn also had a store, dealing in groceries, oils and fruits. About 1868 Henry Putnam and Eli Stocking engaged in the hardware business here, and built up a flourishing business. Mr. Stocking was elected county treasurer in 1876, and subsequently quit the business.

Mr. Laugeson, father of the present grocer of that name, came to Hutchinson in 1869 and started a small furniture business in a little shop located on the site now occupied by the Produce Company. After conducting business there for about 15 years, he removed to the location on Main street now occupied by his son.

About the time that Putnam and Stocking severed business relations, O. L. Day and J. E. Lawson opened a hardware store, which they carried on for some years under the style of Day & Lawson, selling out about 1885, when Mr. Day went to Kansas. Mr. Day and Mr. Lawson are now associated together in the firm of O. L. Day & Co., of Lester Prairie, Moore and Newcomb also opened a hardware business about the same time as Day & Lawson.

John Mersen came to Hutchinson from Milwaukee in 1866 and was engaged in business here as a lumber dealer and contractor until 1875, after which for the next three years he confined himself to the lumber business. He also went into market gardening and fruit raising in 1878 and followed that business for several years. He is now living retired in Hutchinson,

Joseph A. Tmey, formerly a partner in the general store of Goodnow & Ives, in 1887, in company with his brother-inlaw, Isaac Kouwe, started a clothing store, which they carried on under the style of Kouwe & Tmey until 1900. In that year Mr. Tmey bought Mr. Kouwe's interest and the business has since been conducted under the name of J. A. Tmey & Co.

Among the former employes of Kouwe & Tmey was Henry A. Dobratz. On March 1, 1911, Mr. Dobratz bought out the furniture store of G. H. Siebold and has since expanded the business to large dimensions. His present store, a two-story brick building, with full basement, was erected by him in 1914, and is equipped with all modern conveniences, including a good freight elevator. Since starting in business for himself he has enjoyed liberal patronage and his store is one of the largest and most complete in the city.

In 1883 Ludwig A. Ritter and W. W. Sivright engaged in the hardware and implement business in Hutchinson and were associated together for three years, when they dissolved partnership. Mr. Ritter continued in the hardware business alone until about 15 years ago, when he took as partner F. W- Hartwig, and they have since conducted business together under the style of Ritter & Hartwig, having one of the largest and most complete hardware stores in McLeod county.

W. W. Sivright, after severing business relations with Mr, Ritter, built up a large business in farm implements, being sole proprietor until 1911, when his son, Guy, became associated with him, the style of the firm being changed to Sivright & Son. Guy Sivright was unfortunately drowned in Lake Marion in September, 1912, and in February, 1918, Mr. Sivright sold out the business to Frank Monroe and Otto Bretzke, who are the present proprietors. Wentworth E. Sivright, an uncle of W. W. Sivright, came to Hutchinson in 18938 and established a hardware business, which he conducted for five years and then retired.

The S. J. Boelter Co-operative Company, dealers in general merchandise, started business in Hutchinson in 1900, buying the stock of George Viechman, a former merchant here. The new proprietors, S. J. and William F. Boelter, were brothers, and for some time before they came here had been conducting a store at Nerstrand, Rice county, Minn., of which they were still proprietors. Soon after their arrival in Hutchinson their Nerstrand store burned down and was not reopened, they giving their whole attention to their Hutchinson business. After remaining for two or three years in the location Mr. Viehman had occupied, they removed to their present store on Main street, situated in the building occupied in part by the Citizen's Bank. In 1906 they opened a branch store at Buffalo Lake, which they conducted for two years and a half. In 1909 8. J. Boelter purchased his brother's interest in the Hutchmson business and conducted it alone thereafter until 1914, in which year it was incorporated with a capital stock of $20,000. The company carries a large and varied stock of Merchandise and is one of the most prosperous mercantile concerns in the city.

Tn 1888 Edward Wohlfarth came to Hutchinson from Renville county and opened a meat market, of which he was proprietor for nine years, when he sold out. Then he started a Confectionery business and conducted it until 1902, when it was bought by Paul A. Rolig. The latter carried it on until 1914 building it into a good business, at the end of which time he sold out to BE. D. Black. Myr. Wohlfarth is now engaged in the real estate business, After giving up the confectionery business Paul A. Rolig organized the Rolig Oil Company, September 1, 1914, and is now the president and manager of that company.

he bought out the interest of E. D. Black. In January, 1916, he purchased the interest of Fred Kroll, Mr. Black's partner. I. S. Steensland and J. A. Lindenberg started a clothing business in 1904 and conducted it until 1913, when Mr. Steensland sold out his interest and became connected with the Smith's Oil Company, Mr. Lindenberg becoming a member of the Square Clothing Company. The Square Clothing Company was incorporated in the spring of 1913, with a capital stock of $25,000, the incorporators being: J. A. Lindenberg and Charles A. Borkenhagen, of Hutchinson, and George S. Coffend, of Minneapolis. Mr, Lindenberg had previously conducted a clothing business here from 1904, and is now president of the concern, Mr. Coffend being vice-president, and Mr, Borkenhagen, seeretary and treasurer. The concern has had a very successful career, being well managed, the stock being carefully selected and advantageously displayed.

The first regular drug store in Hutchinson was established by Dr. Morrow, who sold out to a My. Wilson. The latter subsequently sold the business to John Lewis, and it was later purchased by Hutchinson and Ridout. Then O, D. Hutchinson conducted it for some years until his removal to Minneapolis in 1896. One of the largest drug stores now in Hutchinson is that of I. C. Christlieb, who purchased the business of T. T. Sargent, September 1, 1891. In 1904 he erected his present building, one of the best store buildings in the city. In addition to his drug business he keeps a large assortment of periodicals. Another up-to-date drug store is that of Charles J. Hartman, a native of Acoma township, this county. Mr. Hartman was employed in the drug store of Naegeli & Co., from 1893 to 1898, and subsequently, after service in the Philippine Islands as a soldier, in the drug store of E. P. J. Harmes. In January, 1910, he bought the drug store of F. W. Congdon, of Hutchinson, and has since been its proprietor, having built up an excellent business in drugs and sundries. Edward Scheele is also proprietor of a large and successful drug store.

The "Cozy Home Furniture Store" of Hutchinson, a flourishing establishment, is conducted by Otto 8S, Hartman, who purchased the business of A. G. Krause in April, 1915. Mr. Hartman has a thoroughly up-to-date furniture store and is also engaged in the andertaking business.

The City Shoe Shop, Hutchinson, is a prosperous mercantile establishment conducted by Henry G. Felepe, who bought his present place in 1904. Mr, Felepe was the first man in the city

The Hutchinson Glove Company is engaged in the manufacture of all kinds of gloves and mittens, specializing in handsewed goods, Their work room, 24 by 60 feet, is installed with eight sewing machines and a full set of dies. F. C, Kroll is the manager. Frank Hoodecheck for some years has been proprietor of one of the leading meat markets in the city. Otto A. Kohler, a former employee of Belden & Brabec, in 1894 changed its style to Brabec & Kohler. In 1912 Mr, Kohler sold his interest and established the O. A. Kohler Department Store, which was incorporated in 1903,

The Hutchinson Hardware Company was organized in 1908 by Hans Jensen and Alfred Sorenson with a capital stock of $50,000, and is now one of the leading business enterprises of the city. Mr, Jensen is president of the company, with Paul Braun, vice-president and treasurer, and Alfred Sorenson, secretary. "Zeleny's Cash Store," was established by Joseph Zeleny in 1889, the stock consisting of china, tinware, books, stationery, toys, fancy goods, sheet music and other articles in Popular demand, sold at popular prices. The enterprise, of which Mr, Zeleny is still proprietor, has been very successful.

The firm of Keehn, Ludwig & Co., dealers in meats, was organized in January, 1914, by Emmet C. Keehn and A. W. Ludwig, P. J. Luthens being taken in as a partner in April, 1916. The business was originally established by Hoodecheck Brothers, and was afterwards owned by Mr. Heberstich, before coming into the hands of the present proprietors, who are now doing a large and increasing business.

Nels S, Nelson, a native of Denmark, came to Hutchinson from Brownton in April, 1900, and started a jewelry business here, also handling optical goods, cut glass, etc. He has since built up a very good business and is one of the thriving merchants of the city.

; Another well known jeweler is Ignatius Reiner, who learned his trade in Germany and who opened his present store in 1886, In 1887 he bought his present building, rebuilding it in 1900, He keeps everything usually to be found in a modern Jeweler's establishment and is doing a prosperous business.

Thompson Bros. & Moffett, blacksmiths and wagon workers, are conducting a good business, which Thomas A. and his brother Olaf, bought from Nels P. Bracker in 1911. In com- Pany with Sam R. Moffett, they are sales agents for the Studebaker cars.

Horace J, Langfitt came to Hutchinson from the state of Washington in 1900 and established himself in the implement business here. He has since become one of the most prominent merchants of the city and is now one of Hutchinson's leading citizens.

One of the most prosperous mercantile establishments of Hutchinson is the firm of F. J. Zila & Co., dealers in hardware and harness. The business was formerly carried on by Moore & Newcomb, but was bought by Mr. Zila, in company with John Huderle and Joseph Zanecky in 1899, and was then conducted under the style of Huderle, Zila & Co. for two years. Mr. Huderle then sold his interest to the other two partners, the firm becoming that of Zila & Zanecky. In 1905 Joseph Milkulecky took the place of Mr. Zanecky, since which time the personnel of the firm has remained unchanged.

The Merchants' Hotel, formerly the Railroad House, one of the old landmarks of Hutchinson, was purchased in 1884 by I. B. Jorgenson, who rebuilt it and conducted it subsequently for about 35 years. In the spring of 1905 Mr, Jorgenson's sons, John A. and Arthur B., became associated with him in its management, and this association was continued until April, 1911, when the elder Jorgenson retired, and the sons have since continued the business. They are now constructing a fine new hotel building to cost $60,000, on the site of the old one, the latter having been moved out of the way to make room for it. The new building is three stories in height, and has 72 rooms, with 20 bath rooms, It is a fire-proof structure, the architect being S. Jacobson of St. Paul. The Park Hotel, kept. by Herman Reisberg, was built by Peter Barrett about 20 years ago and has since passed through several hands. The present proprietor has raised the building one story and made other improvements.

Idle Hour Theatre, a popular place of amusement, was remodeled and equipped in September, 1912, by A. I. LeFevre, who came to Hutchinson from southern Iowa. The theatre has a seating capacity of 235, and besides presenting moving pictures, occasionally shows high grade vaudeville and Chautauqua attractions. Arrangements have been recently made with the school authorities to exhibit a series of educational pictures including some of agricultural interest.

Rex Theatre, established in 1912 by Harrison Traver, and called the Crystal, was sold out in a few months to Fraser & Jacobson, who ran it until the fall of 1915. It was then purchased by A. W. Dibble, the present proprietor. The enter-

The ginseng nurseries of Josiah 5S. Reese, of Hutchinson, have been carried on by him as a business enterprise since 1898 and have proven profitable. This curious plant, ginseng, is closely related to the parsley family and the root has been in use in China for centuries, the Chinese attributing to it wonderful powers in the cure of diseases, and also using it for many other purposes, Mr. Reese began digging the wild roots when a boy, just before the Indian war, at which time the green washed roots brought from four and a half to five cents a pound, or about 15 to 20 cents a pound dry. Now the dry ginseng sells from $9.00 to $10.00 a pound, for the wild roots, cultivated roots being worth from $2.00 to $7.00 a bound. Practically all the ginseng raised in this country is exported to China, where there is an almost unlimited market for it. One-fourth of an acre of land will set 35,000 roots and an acre of ginseng is about as much as one man can attend to, and at five years old is worth at least $20,000. There is a ready market also for the seeds, as well as for the roots and in late years the business has been steadily increasing, the demand being greater than the supply. Mr. Reese, who is One of the leading growers of the plant in the northwest, has embodied the results of his experience in a little pamphlet entitled "Ginseng Culture," which gives most interesting details of the industry.

Among the other business enterprises of Hutchinson which should be mentioned are: The City Bus and Transfer line, Operated by Jensen and Rasmussen; A. F. DeLong, garage; Eheim & Peterson, barber shop; William 8. Divet, engineering and heating contractor; Enterprise Steam Laundry, Anton Fratzke, proprietor; A. A. Fallon, automobiles; B. Bent, Farber, Sanitarium; Henry G. Felepe, shoes; Samuel Fickling, Srocer; Gillett, & Frazier, automobiles; the Hajicek Brewery, John Hajicek, manager; O. S. Hartman, furniture; the Hutchinson Hardware Company; the Hutchinson Motor Car Company; the Leader Printing Company; M. D. Lyon Heating & Plumbing Company; Edward B. MeGannon, music store; McGraw Brothers, livery; J. E. Miller, grocer; G. F. Nemitz & Son, paints; Martin Paulson, feed; Riesberg Brothers; W. F. Schultz, general store; James Schuneman, general Store; John Weseloh, wagon maker; W. H. Zierke, marble wor. ks; and Zubulake Bros., candy kitchen, besides a number of minor concerns. The professions of law, medicine, veterinary Surgery, dentistry and others have also able practitioners.