Mower County, Minnesota - Chapter 21: Modern Austin, 1911 (part 2 of 2)

Austin Schools

The first public school in Austin was organized in the suinuier of 1856. It was taught by Maria Vaughan in a log house which was afterward occupied by Ormanzo Allen for a dwelling. It stood on the north side of Water street, where James Anderson '.s dwelling was afterward erected. The following winter, school was held in a frame dwelling, remodeled for the purpose, on Maple street, southeast of where the Fleck house (occupied by the McCulloeh Printing Company) now stands. Sarah Bemis was the teacher. The third term of school was taught in the same place by Kate Conkey. The next move was made to the old "Headquarters" in a room Avhich on Sundays was used for church services. This school was taught by a young man named Saxon. About this time Mr. Pike taught in the Hunt & Bassford building across from the court house. "Headquarters" was the place of holding school till 1866, Avhen the first school house was erected on the present site of the Public library. It was a one-story, tworoom brick building costing $2,750. It was later used by the Methodist church, and still later used again for school purposes. It was removed to make room for our fine Carnegie library building. After the fire of 1890, Marian Miller, now Mrs. E. H. Sterling, had 103 first primary pupils in one of the rooms of this school house. Superintendent Fitch suggested that as the weather was too warm to need a fire, the children might be put in the stove. W. T. Mandeville taught the first school therein, commencing in February, 1866. In 1868 the school was first graded into departments. Other teachers in this building during the early years Avere Mr. Otis and daughter, and Miss Davidson.

In 1869 it was found necessai'y to provide more school room, and a fine three-story brick structure was erected on the block now occupied by the Franklin high school. It was built by D. J. Tubbs, one of Austin 's pioneers, at a cost of $35,000. It was not completed till 1870. September 12, 1870, Mr. Tubbs. Avhile at work, fell two stories, breaking tAvo ribs. The first teachers in this building Avere Horace L. Strong, superintendent. ^Misses E. L. Eastman, Eva D. Sherbondy, Julia Hobart, Ella Cook, and Loi Cook. It Avas here that the high school Avas organized by Superintendent E. BigeloAV, and Avhere superintendents taught Avho have since achieved success - James J. Doav, superintendent of the State School for the Blind, at Faribault; Judge W. W. Keysor, professor in the laAV school of Washington Universitj', St. Louis. Mo.; A. AV. Rankin, professor in the ITniversity of ^linnesota. and George B. Aiton. state high school inspector. This old historic building Avas burned April 28. 1890. The fire broke out at

The present Franklin high school was built immediately on the same site and was opened March, 1891. It Avas remodeled in 1907 and is one of the best buildings in the state.

The following ward schools have been built : Lincoln school, in the third word, in 1887. First it was a four-room building. In 1893 two rooms were added, and in 1907 two rooms more. This school house was burned early in the morning of January 8, 1909. A beautiful eight-room brick building Avas erected on the same site and fitted up with the latest and best school house equipment.

The "Washington, a four-room brick school, AA^as erected in 1907. It is across the road from the high school building, and the entire basement is occupied by the high school gymnasium, Avith shoAA^cr baths and dressing rooms. It is heated from the high school plant.

The Franklin, Lincoln, Sumner and Washington schools haA'e fan A^entilation. The Washington building is unique in that the heating coils and fan are located in the attic, the Avarni fresh air being bloAA'u doAA^n instead of up, as is usually done. The buildings are all in first-class condition and great care is taken to keep them clean and sanitary.

The people of Austin have ahvays taken great pride in their school and have not been satisfied Avith anything but the best. The first class to graduate from the high school Avas in 1877. It consisted of tAvo members, Rose E. Litchfield and Olie Crane. A class lias graduated each year Avith the exception of 1885. The total number to receive diplomas, including the class of 1911, is 621 - i48 girls and 173 boys. There is a noticeable increase in the percentage of boys in the classes during the last fcAV years, although the class of 1882 Avas all boys - Frederick R. CIoav, Adelbert 0. Dinsmoor and Eugene B. Summy. Many have attained distinction. The leading men and Avomen of Austin are numbered among the alumni. A large number have finished their education in liigher institutions of learning and are successful in the various professional and business lines.

The High School Alumni Association is a "live Avire." Among oilier up-to-date enterprises. The Altruist deserves special mention. Tiie tentli issue (June, 1910) is before me. It is a twentyfiv('-])agi' annuiil edited by Estella Slaven, Daisy MaxAvell, Helen

Banfield and Wallace Gregeson. It contains history, reminiscence, wit, and humor which every alumnus will enjoy and appreciate more and more as the years roll by. The alumni association is doing much to form and keep alive school spirit and interest.

The school curricula embrace the latest in educational thought. Courses are offered to meet any demand, whether in academic or industrial lines. Athletics and gymnasium work is encouraged for the purpose of developing manly and womanly qualities and physical health and vigor. From "Milestones of the Austin High School," in The Altruist, I quote: 1881, the first laboratory started; 1888, first juniors' reception to seniors; 1894, alumni association organized, organization of the first football team (Mr. Selleck organizer), the introduction of music into the high school curriculum; 1895, first alumni banquet; 1896-7, organization of the first baseball team; 1903, first eighth grade commencement year; 1906, introduction of manual training; 1907, remodeling of interior of high school ; 1908, domestic science finds a place in the course ; 1909, a high school gymnasium opened, forge work began, pottery woi'k introduced. Alumni Athletic Association formed.

In 1909 the Columbus Parochial School was opened in a beautiful new building, Avith an enrollment of about 240 pupils. In September last a high school class of about twenty-five was formed.

Our public school enrollment the present year is 1,264, 263 being in the high school. Thirty-eight teachers are employed. The school board members are : H. A. Avery, president ; C. I. Johnson, clerk; Alex S. Campbell, treasurer; Joseph Keenan, C. H. Decker and George Hirsh.

Southern Minnesota Normal College

SOUTHERN MINNESOTA NORMAL COLLEGE, A recent writer has said that the story of the Soutliern ^linnesota Normal College reads like a romance. The first conception of such an institution took root when one of its founders was denied the privilege of going to school because of not having the necessary means of paying his tuition.

Immediately after this refusal he walked down and out of the regi.stration room of one of Illinois' educational in.stitutions, and. pausing a moment on the sidewalk, shook his fist at the president's window and said: "I will have an institution some day where any boy or any girl can go to school, no matter how poor and no matter wliat is the stage of their advancement." This determi-

In 1896, Charles E. Boostrom made a trip to Minnesota to determine upon a location for the school, visiting Crookston, Ked Wing, Kenyon, Detroit and other promising cities. Upon this trip he met Dr. E. M. Shelde, who was at that time conducting a pi-ivate normal school at Kenyon. Minn. Professor Boostrom became acquainted with Dr. Shelde partly through correspondence and partly through a mutual friend, 0. G. Jackman.

On March 16, 1897, Dr. Shelde, Charles R. Boostrom and 0. G. Jackman met at Kenyon, Minn., and drew up articles of agreement to incorporate and found a school somewhere within the boundary of the state. The next morning, March 17, found them in Austin, ready to lay their proposition before the city council. The late Frank I. Crane, who was at that time mayor of Austin, immediately called a meeting of the city council and of the citizens, to hear the proposition to be made. Professor Boostrom -was chosen to set forth the purposes of the institution to be founded, as follows : To provide an institution, first, for those poor in money put rich in intellect, and whose early education had been neglected. Second, for teachers who had had little time to prepare for teaching and who desired to raise the grade of their certificate. Third, for those who desired a thorough business and shorthand education, and, in fact, anyone, no matter how young or how old, how rich or how poor, who desired the foundations of an education.

Very little was asked from the city except that five acres of land should be provided as a suitable location for the future place and that the school should be given quarters rent free for one year.

Twenty years ago the schools were not good in the Nortli- Avest. The settlers were poor and unable to send their children a long distance to school. As a result, throughout the Northwest there are many adults Avho possess merely the rudiments of an English education. The founders of Austin's independent normal school had the idea of building up the large institution by providing adult classes in common school branches for the class.

The following committee was appointed by Mayor F. I. Crane to complete arrangements with the institution: Gus Schleuder, Dr. II. A. Avery, E. W. Doer, George Hirsh and Ira Padden.

The citizens of Austin readily saw that such an institution, properly and carefully managed, Avould become a great factor in the development of their town, and provided temporary quarters, in Avhat had hocu the old Flock house, for the new school. Meager indeed were llie e(|uipnuMits, and perhaps only a score

When the proprietors arrived to take cliarge of the work the building was verj- much in need of a complete renovation. The citizens of Austin delight in telling how Professor Boostrom donned a pair of overalls and, procuring a spade, proceeded, himself, to dig at the debris that obstructed the basement.

From the very beginning the growth of the school was rapid. By the end of the first year over 150 students had been attracted by the excellent instruction and the moderate cost of board, room and tuition.

E. ]\r. Shelde became the tirst president, Charles R. Boostrom, vice-president and treasurer, while Ole Jackson became the first secretary. This arrangement continued for the first three years, when, on account of the failure of Dr. Shelde 's health, he retired from the corporation and Professor Boostrom succeeded to the presidency.

At the close of the first year the college company erected a small frame structure on a tract of five acres of land given it by Albert Galloway, a public-spirited citizen of Austin. The following summer John Harpman erected a dormitory and boarding hall for the use of the college, and the building erected soon proved too small for the "baby giant" of an institution. In an inconceivably short time the attendance had doubled and had doubled again and again, students coming from nearly every northwestern state, for here they had found the place where worth, not wealth, where industry, not raiment, determined their position. The student body consists of every shade of religion and of political belief and of almost every nationality under the sun, all being ciiltivated and educated in the law-abiding restraints which distinguish the American.

To provide quarters for the rapidly increasing institution the citizens of Austin unanimously voted to erect and equip a building to accommodate not less than 1,000 students. This was but three years ago, yet so rapidly had the news of an institution of this kind spread over the Xoi-fhwcst that the facilities are already becoming crowded.

Perhaps nothing is more indicative of the spirit pervading the institution than the remark made to the committee by Professor Boostrom when the new building was under discussion. "Gentleman." he said, "you can't give us this l)uildiiig. If you ])uild the building for this school you must build with tlie understanding that we shall haA'c the privilege of paying for the same at the rate of $1,000 a year until the debt is entirely wiped out. Any institution that cannot pay its way in the world isn't fit to live."

not been for the tireless and constant assistance of the Avives of its proprietors during the early years of its history - Mrs. Shelde, Mrs. Boostrom, Mrs. Harpman and Mrs. Heilman - in their ambition to aid their respective husbands in their own way and make the institution a success. In the class room and also at the bedside of sick students their work had been done, and well done.

The students are scattered all over the United States from i\Iaine to California; some are in the treasury department at AVashington; one has recently distinguished himself as astronomer at the United States observatory at Flagstaff, Ariz. ; two hundred or more of them are stenographers and bookkeepers in the Twin Cities; many of them are traveling salesmen; while hundreds of them are meeting with marked success as teachers. For instance, one young man who Avas Avorking on the farm for $15 a month six years ago is now traveling auditor for one of the largest lumber companies in the Northwest. Two others have charge of the Chicago branch of the Success Publishing Company.

February 6, 1906, Avas red letter day in the history of the institution, for then it was that the college had as distinguished guests GoA'ernor John A. Johnson, State Superintendent John Olsen, and Gen. F. B. Wood. The guests Avere entertained at 1 o'clock luncheon at the home of President and Mrs. Boostrom, where they were met by two score of Austin's elite, after which they were escorted to the college chapel, AA^here several hundred expectant students gave them a rousing reception. When the governor was introduced the students fairly Avent wild, for in him they recognized one Avho had the same privations and had to fight the same battles in the effort to gain an education.

In May. 1910, Vice-President A. F. Harpman sold' his interest in the institution to William W. Meiners, who was a graduate of the scientific course of the institi;tion and had also been one of its former instructors in the teachers' department. In June of the same year Professor 0. C. Heilman succeeded Professor Harpman as vice-president and treasurer, and Professor W. W. ]\Ieiners Avas elected secretary to succeed Professor Heilman.

Austin Commercial Club

In other days there have been vai'ious boards of trade, but the present club had its beginning in 1903, Avhen the Austin Progressive League Avas organized. A preliminary meeting Avas held November 18, at Avhich A. W. Wright Avas chairman and I. B. Sherwood secretary. Fifteen Avere present. At the next meeting,

November 25, a large number of professional and business men Avere present and the following officers were elected: President, A. W. Wright; vice-president, A. L. Ebcrhart; secretary, T. II. Pridham ; treasurer, A. JM. Smith ; directors, J. D. Sheedy, Nicholas Nicholsen and C. F. Cook; membership committee, F. II. McCulloch, Coyt Belding, John Skinner, E. P. Kelley and Dr. A. W. Allen. Since then the presidents have been A. W. Wright, S. D. Catherwood, R. R. Murphy, Dr. A. W. Allen and 0. J. Simmons.' There are at present 176 members, and the present officers are: President, O. J. Simmons; vice-president, J. S. Sheedy; treasurer, F. C. Wilbour ; directors, F. E. Gleason, E. M. Doane, R. L. Stimson, L. W. Decker, W. L. Bassler and T. A. Revord. The club associates Avith the ]\Iinnesota Federation of Commercial Clubs.

Its work has resulted in a general betterment of business conditions in Austin. The club was sponsor of the paving movement ; it has brought industries here ; it has fostered the Civic Improvement League; it was active in having the beautiful hiunane fountain erected here by the National Humane Alliance, and it has helped to advertise the city in various ways. It has also been an important social feature. The name was changed from the Austin Progressive League to the Austin Commercial Club, Aug. 4, 1909.

When the club was organized the first few meetings were held in Harmouia hall, at 115 East Bridge street. Rooms were later opened at 325 North Main street, over the store of C. L. West. The present quarters were occupied September 1, 1909, having been ecpiipped for the special purposes of the club. Few commercial clubs outside of the very large cities have more commodious, comfortable and well-furnished club rooms. A glance at the views presented will give a faint idea of Austin's commercial club's quarters. The floors are of polished birch, the walls decorated in old gold and green. The lights are tungsten lamps in clusters. The woodwork is all old mission oak, and the furniture is upholstered in leather. There are two pool and two billiard tables and a shuffle-board in the amusement room, besides a dozen card tables, the latter separated from the other by an old mission partition four feet high. The amusement room is 50 x 50 feet. The general assembly room is the same size as the amusement room. Here the floor is covered with fine rugs. This room is also used as a reading room. On the north and south sides of the assembly room are consultation and conference rooms. There are two telephone booths, each of which is provided with everything necessary for recording conversation. There are also cloak rooms, lavatories and everything to afford comfort and pleasure to its members.

hours of closing the stores, for the discussion of matters pertaining to their line of work. They are also members of a county organization known as the Mower County Merchants' Association, which has for its purpose mutual protection, collection of bills, etc. Once a year the organization meets to listen to reports from officers and to addresses from able lecturers brought here for the purpose of instruction in promotion of trade.

Austin Hotels

Austin is a good hotel town. J]very traveling man Avho has ever "made" the town will tell you so. The first hotel was established here one year after the village was "staked out" in 1855. A year later Austin had two hotels. The city grew up around its hotels, and even today its hotels do much to advertise it.

First Hotel. The first hotel in Austin was opened by J. H. McKinley early in 1856. Previous to this time the traveling public had been entertained at private house and by B. J. Brown, who kept a boarding house. McKinley purchased from Leverich, who had also kept a sort of a boarding house, a frame building located on the present site of the Windsor house.

The Snow House. In June, 1856, J. H. McKinley sold his hotel to George E. "VVilbour and Solomon Snow, who took charge in September of that year. This was then known as the Snow house, and contained eight rooms. One of these rooms was large enough for eleven beds, and was called the school section. Snow & "Wilbour managed the hotel until 1859, when Mr. Wilbour returned east, and Mr. Snow occupied the house for a time as a private residence. Afterward a hotel was conducted in the building by various persons. The site is at the corner of Mill and Franklin streets.

In 1876, George E. "Wilbour made the following remarks in regard to his hotel: "I did not keep the first hotel. There were three before mine, kept by Leverich, Brown and McKinley. McKinley built the first building for hotel purposes erected in Austin, on the present site of the Central house. Solomon Snow and myself became proprietors of tliis building in 1856, by purchase, after which it was known as the 'Snow house.' Although I was not the first landlord in the place, I represent the first firstclass hotel. "We had four lodging rooms, and from twenty to forty guests every night. To accommodate them we were obliged to open 'the school section,' in which were eleven beds. Our beds were filled with prairie hay. Our bill of fare Avas pork, biscuit and dried apple sauce for breakfast ; fried pork, biscuit and apple sauce for dinner; and about the same or some of both for supper. But as it was first class, and as I do not wish to misrepresent, would say we occasionally had a little fresh beef. From 9 to 12 o'clock every evening the boys held a literary sociable, consisting of original recitations, interspersed Avith more or less music."

The Windsor House was completed on the site of the old Snow house in 1866. It was a frame house, containing forty rooms and veneered in brick. The site is now used for business purposes.

Lacy House. In 1857, J. S. Lacy built the second hotel in the town. It was a two-story frame biiilding with an "ell" attached. It occupied the present site of the Fleck house. Lacy sold this house to Asa Brown, who in the fall of 1865 sold to a man named Cole, who in the spring of 1866 sold to Jacob and A. M. Fleck, who changed the name to Fleck house, raised the main part of the building, and put in a basement and added a story to the "ell" part. As thus enlarged it contaiiaed thirty rooms. In 1872 this building was destroyed by fire.

The Fleck House. In 1872, A. M. Fleck erected the Fleck house at an expense of $16,000. It replaced the old Fleck house which was erected in 1857 as the Lacy house and changed to the Fleck house in 1866, being destroyed by fire in February, 1872. The edifice is a brick structure and three stories in height above the basement. The building is seventy-two feet in length by forty feet in width, with a Aving 28 x 32 feet. July 28, 1887, Mr. Fleck sold the place to C. G. Ubelar, of Chicago. It passed through various hands and is now occupied by the McCulloch printing plant.

Davidson House. This house Avas built in 1857-58, by Joshua L. Davidson, as a private residence. It Avas a commodious house and AA-as used by him as a private residence until war times, when he made an addition and opened it to the traA'eling public. He managed it a year or more, then rented it to J. S. Lacy. In the year 1870, Mr. DaA'idson made a large addition to the house. As thus enlarged the house contains forty rooms. In 1872, Mr. Davidson again assumed the management of the house. He died there about a year later. This house passed through various hands, and Avas conducted for some years by Justice John E. Robinson. Later part of it Avas moved to the northAvard by Lyman W. l^aird. The Ilirsch block Avas built on the old site.

Railroad Hotel. This house Avas built by the Chicago, Mihvaukee & St. Paul Raihvay Company in 1872. It is a frame building, brick veneered, tliree stories in height, and contains thirty-seven rooms. It Avas first managed by John McConnell and Nathan Hammond. After one year Hammond sold his interest to Joseph McConnell. The jMcConnell brothers Avere succeeded by Atherton & Sons ; they by SherAvin & French, and they by Hall & Hay, Avho managed it from 1881 to 18S4. The lioti'l is at present conducted })y Mrs. George H. Sutton niul is now known as tlie Depot hotel. It has wide patronage, and Mrs. Sutton, who assumed the management after the death of her husband, jMajor Sutton, is an ideal landlady.

Mansfield House. The ^lansfield house was built in 1879 by J. H. ]\Iansfield and opened by him late that year. It is a frame building three stories in height, the front veneered with brick. The house contains thirty-five rooms most conveniently arranged. It is now knowTi as the Grand hotel and is conducted by B. E. Shutt.

The Grand Hotel. This is a commercial and family hotel, well situated and Avell conducted. B. E. Shutt, the genial landlord, and his wife personally look after the comfort of their guests, and the house is popular and well patronized. The rooms are airy, well lighted and well kept, and the cuisine is excellent. The hotel was originally called the Mansfield house and was built in 1879.

The Elk Hotel is a modern European hotel. Its rooms are well furnished and supplied with running hot and cold water. The cafe service is excellent. The hotel is pleasing in appearance, both as to interior and exterior, and enjoys a good transient patronage. The proprietor is "W. H. Nangle. The Elk hotel is located on an historic corner, the site being the location of the old Leverieh buildings. The hotel was built in 1909, on the site of a livery conducted by B. E. Shutt. Burt Churchill Avas the first manager.

The Fox Hotel is one of the leading hostelries in Austin. In 1890, Charles Fox came here and purchased land on the corner of Water and Main streets. In 1893 he erected a fine brick hotel and opened for business in October of that year. The hotel is modern in every particular, and the geniality of the landlord won a large patronage. Mr. Fox died in the spring of 1911. The appointments of the hotel are excellent and the table and rooms are all that could be desired.

The Harrington Hotel, a modern brick structure, is located near the ]\rilwaukee station and occupies the site of a previous hotel, which Avas a wooden frame building. The hotel does a good business.