Mower County, Minnesota - Chapter 21: Modern Austin, 1911 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 21: Modern Austin

Advantages of the City Written by Rev. CD. Belden - Religious Activities by Robert L. Moore - Austin Clubs by Miss Jennie G. Keith - St. Olav Hospital and Training School - Austin Schools by Prof. George A. Franklin - Austin Hotels.

Austin, the Pearl City of southern Minnesota and the county seat of Mower county, is located in one of the most attractive and fertile portions of the great Northwest. It has a population of 6,960, according to the United States 1910 census, and it is large enough to enjoy all the advantages and improvements found in much larger centers. Mower county has steadily increased in population during all the migrations and changes of the past decades, as each succeeding census has shown. Today we have 22,640 within our county borders. From the early pioneer days this city has been on the great highway of travel and has attracted the best class of residents by her pre-eminent advantages.

Sixty years ago there were two streams of travel coming into this section. One was from the east by way of Chatfield, where a land office had been established, and the other came in from the southeast following up the banks of the Cedar river and continuing on in the old territorial road to St. Paul. Austin was on this latter route. In the early settlement of Mower county the county seat was established on the east end at Frankford, but the Cedar valley soon gathered a larger immigration and the county seat was changed to Austin. The old stage route from Dubuque to St. Paul passed through Austin and the outer world soon discovered that this was a vcrital)le garden spot. Here were timber, the purest of water, the Ijrightcst of sunshine, the healthiest of climate, the most fertile of soil. Tln' Cedar river flowing thrcmgh the city furnished abundant water i)Ower for saw mill and grist mill .md .\nstin soon came into its deserved prominence.

The pioneer problems of 1854 were very different from what are known today. Then the railroads were slow in extending west and they waited until the settlers had pushed ahead and had made improvements and established centers. Today the railroads reach out hundreds of miles into uninhabited regions and carry the first settlers to their locations and furnish them with transportation and abundant communication with the outside world. It was not so with the pioneers of this locality who waited for years for the railroad while they hauled their grain a hundred miles to the Father of Waters. In 1859 there was not a mile of railroad in Minnesota and the nearest railroad point was Dubuque. But shut in as were the pioneers so largely, they were thrown together in an intimacy and equality which the social sets of the later years never know of. Thrown upon their own resources and with everything new and unplanned, they were really the foundation builders and we today enjoy a substantial superstructure. The first settlers in this locality were largely of sturdy native American stock with a valuable addition of thrifty emigrants from northern Ei;rope. They brought high ideals in education, morals and home life and their influence is a positive factor for good today.

The city of Austin is located on both sides of the Cedar river. It is surrounded by a finely improved and productive prairiecountry in all directions. From the days of Austin Nichols, who came here in 1853 and from whom the city was named, and of Chaimeey Leverich, who bought out his claim in 1854. there has been a healthy, persistent growth. Its location, about a hundred miles from Minneapolis, La Crosse and other large shipping points, gives it a territory largely its own. It is an industrial and railroad center of prominence. The first railroad to enter here was in 1867 and today we have five lines of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul road coming here, and we are on the direct line of the Great Western between Minneapolis and Omaha. Our shipping facilities are superior. The division point of the Milwaukee road and one of its car shops are here and they have an Austin payroll at present of $55,000 each month.

Austin is pre-eminently a city of homes. A larger proportion of the residents own their own in most cases. The residences are the pride and joy of the city, many of them built with the latest improvements and with attractive architectural ideas. The Austin Civic Improvement League is helpful in keeping the general appearance of the city neat and attractive. Two very pretty parks give the people ample chance for convenient outing. Lafayette i)ark lies at the foot of Main street where the Cedar is bridged. Central park is adjacent to the city water plant on Water strei't.

The schools of Austin are of the highest efficiency. The public schools are provided with the large central high school building and also five up-to-date grade ward schoolhouses. The year of 1910-1911 required a total force of thirty-eight teachers, with special work, domestic science, manual training, music, normal department, drawing and gymnastics. The graduating class of 1911 consists of thirty-one members. In addition the St. Augustine's parish has established the Columbus parochial school with eight departments, all of them in grade work. The Southern Minnesota Normal College, founded in 1897, is located here and has a yearly enrollment of over 1,000 pupils from all the northwestern states. In this connection we mention the splendid library facilities of the city. In addition to the fine school and private libraries we have a public library, the building for which was provided by Andrew Carnegie. This building was completed in April, 1904. There are about 7,000 volumes at present. The nucleus of this library was a gift of 3,500 volumes from the Austin Floral Club, which was organized in March, 1869, to promote taste and skill in horticulture and to establish a circulating library. Austin is a city of churches. There are eleven fine church buildings and the clergymen rank high in preaching ability and in personal worth and influence. Fifteen of the principal denominations are well represented in the city.

Austin is a prominent business city and commercial center. Its wholesale and retail trade covers twenty-two blocks of our streets. Every line of commercial trade is represented. Its handsome business blocks fronting upon its brick paved streets and its enduring cement sidewalks are a mark of enterprise and thrift that attract all visitors. In the way of manufactures we excel. Roller mills, tow mills, plow and harrow works, cement tile factories, immense Farmers' Brick and Tile plant, weed exterminator plant, the second packing house in size in Minnesota, Austin greenhouses, marble and granite works, steel culvert factory, machine shops, foundries, carriage building are among our prominent industries. "We have two telephone systems connecting with all the surrounding country and bringing us in touch also with the large centers. A city hospital shows advanced service for the afflicted.

Although Austin is essentially a liomo town, tliere is fine hotel service here for the traveling public and the four loading hotels, the Fox. the Grand, the Elk and tlie Railway, make this city an attractive stopping place sought by all who can make it convenient. In connection with the business interests we mention the three national l)anks. whose total deposits in March. 1911, were $3,072,120.81. and a total capital and surplus of $625,729.71. The Austin Commercial Club, the successor of the Board of

One of the commanding buildings of the city is the fine county courthouse, occupying a w^hole square on Main street. It Avas occupied in March, 1884, and is the just pride of the county. A new federal building for the postoffice and other government officials was commenced in the fall of 1910 and will be completed at the close of 1911. It is 50x65 feet and will cost $50,000. Plans are also accepted for a new city hall to cost $40,000.

Austin feels proud of its military company. Back in the war of '61- '65 this community sent its full quota to the front and the soldierly spirit has never Avaned. Company G, Second Minnesota National Guard, was organized by Capt. James S. Anderson in September, 1882. An appropriation from the state legislature in April, 1911, gives the company $10,000 for an armory here and the city will add to this to make a suitable permanent drill hall for them.

Austin has one of the most successful municipal water, electric light and power plants in the United States. Its low rate for electric power has made it famous. The city owns and controls its own plant. Previous to about 1885, Austin's water supply Avas AvhoUy from pri\^ate wells and its fire protection was from cisterns. With the growth of population the demand was for modern Avater supply. A 132-foot Avell Avas put doAvn and Smedley & Co., of Dubuque, put in the first pumps, tAvo of them, each with a million-gallon daily capacity. John M. Greenman Avas the first superintendent. From this beginning other and deeper wells were sunk later as the demand increased and in 1910 a more ample supply of water Avas obtained by the purchase of the famous Sargent's springs east of the city with a flowage of 1,300,000 gallons of purest water daily. This water Avas piped into the city in the summer of 1911. It comes wholly by gravity to the reservoir at the power plant. The Avater mains Avhich at first covered only our principal business section noAV run to all parts of the residence portion.

The city municipal electric and poAver plant Avas established in 1900, when the city bought out a private concern for the sum of $16,000. The Pierce Brothers put in the original plant in April, 1889. This furnished only the stores at first AA^th light, but later the city made contracts for street lighting and the use of electric lighting was extended to residences. The city rebuilt the plant when it bought it in 1900 and in 1903 the entire management was placed in the hands of a board of water, electric, gas and poAvor commission. The plant has been steadily developed until it had iu May, 1911, a 750-horsepoAver dynamo sys- tern, supplying lights to 940 different consumers, power to fifty users and light for 121 arc street lights, besides seventy-five smaller street lamps. It is a fact that the Austin municipal plant furnishes cheaper power and light to consumers than any other successful electric plant in this country. The present members of the water and electric board are : John L. Gulden, president ; Mayor A. S. Campbell, J. D. Sheedy, Al. M. Smith and C. A. Pooler; superintendent, "William Todd. Austin lias an efficient fire department and excellent fire protection.

The streets of Austin are Avorthy of mention. There are many miles of cement sidewalks wnth many bovilevards, which give a substantial appearance. In the summer of 1906 the main business portion of the city along Main street and adjacent blocks was paved with vitreous brick and in the following summer ten blocks were paved from Main street to the Milwaukee station, making it possible to reach all the business poi-tions by it. This makes Austin one of the best paved cities of its size in the Northwest.

The city has kept pace with its growing population and the improvements of the day, and the resident here finds every convenience afforded much larger cities. The Austin Gas Company is a private corporation, whose service adds to the comforts of the home, and with annual Chautauqua in summer and lecture and concert courses in the winter, with churches and schools and library of the highest merit, with ample water supply and extensive sewerage, with the best of electric light and power and in the midst of a prosperous farming commimity, located near the height of land in southern ]Minnesota and with a climate unexcelled for its many healthful conditions, Austin knows the reason why during business depression and prosperity she has maintained a steady and permanent growth.

Fire Department

A^^stin has excellent fire protection and a well-equipped fire department. Hose Company No. 1 has its house at the corner of Chatham and Maple street and Hose Company No. 2 has its house at the foot of Bridge street. There are also companies at the Plormel plant and at the ]Milwaukee yards. Plans are under way for the building of a combination city hall fire house and armory at the corner of Chatham and Maple streets. The state has appropriated $10,000 for the building of an armory, and plans have been drawn for a combination l)uilding. to be erected at a cost of some .$42,000.

The fire department, whidi is a volunteer one. is organized as follows: Fire warden. Xcls 1'. .Iciis.'ii ; liosc cart No. 1. foreman, Frank E. J. Christie; jissistaiit. .1. .1. Kugg: liydrantmen,

The Austin Volunteer Hook, Ladder and Bucket Company was organized March 11, 1870. The first officers elected were: President, W. I. Brown ; foreman, Capt. H. J. Gilham ; first assistant, J. D. Jennings; second assistant, H. L. Burgess; secretary, A. M. Hutchinson; treasurer, George H. Litchfield. On April 27 No. 2 of the east side was organized. In Septemher, 1895, the city hired its first team and driver, Oscar Hill securing the position. Among those who in the past have assisted in fire department affairs in some official capacity may be mentioned : A. J. Phelps, H. B. Hall, D. B. Smith, Tom Eiley, John Walsh, C. A. Pooler. C. Bieseker, Tom Dugan, Jesse Makepiece (the first chief of the Austin fire department), E. J. Ames, Henry Trenary, John Gulden, Edward Elwood, Tom Mann, Mile Mhyre, Nels Jensen, Frank Eeynolds and many others.

Oakwood Cemetery

Austin -was a village of 400 people before a move was made t.p have a place to lay its departed. The dead were laid away in the vacant lots of the platted city. The body of Chauncey Leverieh, who was murdered, was buried near where the Swen Anderson building stands on Chatham street. On the banks of the Cedar near the South Bridge the bones of Don and Jack Fleming molded. They came here from New England for their health, as they were both suffering with consumption. It was not until 1862 that a move was made to secure a cemetery. A few of the ladies of the city got talking about the needs of the city and a meeting was called February ], 1862, at the home of J. L. Davidson for the purpose of organizing a society for the purchase of suitable lauds for a burial ground. At that first meeting Mi's. J. L. Davidson was elected president and Mrs. Ormanzo Allen secretary.

The name adopted for the society was "The Mite Society and Cemetery Association" and the meetings were to be held every tv.'o weeks at the homes of the members in alphabetical order. Each member was to pay ten cents at each meeting. The attendance at these meetings was between eighty and 100, for there was little doing in the pioneer village in those days.

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Mitt; society promised to build the feuee. A subscription paper was passed among the business men and twenty agreed to take lots at $5 each. On March 15, 1862, the men met and organized the cemetery association. Solomon Snow was chairman of the meeting and Ormanzo Allen secretary. The following trustees were elected: For one year, L. N. Griffith and Ormanzo Allen; for two years, John S. Lacy and Oliver Somcrs; for three years, Solomon Snow. A committee had been sent out to secure land and on the suggestion of the Mite society looked over the Baudler farm. The committee found the land suitable evidently, for it purchased five acres at a cost of $100. D. B. Johnson surveyed the laud, laying it off in lots twenty feet square, and Squire Giifnth made a map. The $100 was raised by twenty men, each of wiiom bought a lot at the cost of $5.

The story of the cleaning up of the grounds l)y the ladies, assisted by the men, is told elsewhere by Mrs. L. A. Sherwood. ]\Irs. Sherwood says that the first body buried in the cemetery was that of Katie, the eight-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Clark. The little girl died of diphtheria and Mrs. Sherwood assisted in the care of the little girl. That was the first case of diphtheria that had appeared in the little village of Austin. Having bought the land and laid it out as a place to bury the dead, the cemetery seems to have received but little attention, each lot owner being supposed to care for his own lot. In 1895 the Oakwood Cemetery Association bought 160 acres of land of the Adler farm adjoining the cemetery. They sold about thirty acres lying east of the river to D. B. Smith. D. H. Stimson was one of the prime movers in this purchase. Anton Friedrich was elected sviperintendent of the cemetery and has been in charge from that day to this. The cemetery was graded, the imsightly grave mounds all being leveled, flower gardens were laid out and each year saw the place still further beautified. Now it is one of the most beautiful resting places for the dead in the state. On March 7, 1904, the trustees were authorized to erect a chapel and vault, not to exceed the sum of .$5,000, and this beautiful Imilding was dedicated in the fall of the same year. William Baudler had opened up a private cemetery on the northern line of his farm adjacent to the Oakwood cemetery and the lot owners of this cemetery wanted those lots taken in as a part of beautiful Oakwood. This petition Avas presented by Mrs. Hiram Smith at a meeting held November 12, 1904. She stated that $430 had been subscribed and guaranteed that $70 moi'e would be raised, making the amount $500 for the purchase of the unsold lots in the Baudler cemetery. On December 3, 1904, a meeting of the cemetery a.ssociation was licld to consider the proposition. At that meeting the Baudlci- cciiKtcry lot owners were ready to pay $500 to the Oakwood cemetery to secure possession of the Baudler lots so that the two cemeteries might be united. The board of trustees offered to take over the Baudler cemetery, lots, alleys, streets, etc., on the payment of $2,000. N. F. Banfield said he would be responsible for the amount and the proposition was accepted. Soon after the old fence was torn down, both cemeteries were made one, the Baudler cemetery being graded and beautified to conform with Oakwood. On August 23, 1905, the cemetery association purchased four rods of land adjoining the old Baudler cemetery on the east, paying for it $75. On March 2, 1906, Mc- Intyre Post G. A. R. exchanged their old lot for a lot in the center of Section 3 of the new cemetery and the bodies of the dead heroes were removed to their new sleeping place. On this lot a beautiful soldiers' monument was erected and dedicated in 1907.

Religious Activities

AVhile Austin is on seven railroad divisions, it is also on fifteen divisions of the King's highway, all having one grand terminal point. These are the divisions : Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist, Congregational, Presbyterian, Baptist, Christian, Jewish, Christian Scientist, Seventh Day Adventist, German Evangelical, Universalist, Children of the Dawn and Christadelphian. Eleven of these denominations have church buildings, all practically free from debt.

The many church spires like indices pointing heavenward suggest to the stranger that Austin is a city of churches. Approaching the city from any direction the first object to greet the eye is the cross of Christ in the skyline. The rays of the rising sun first rest upon it and the last dying rays of day are reflected by it. Austin is a religious city, but it is not a bigoted one. Sectarianism that has rent other communities has never been known here. No man disputes with another which is the direct route to heaven. Religious 4iberty is here enjoyed to the fullest. Aside from the distinctly church organizations, the club and social organizations never consider church affiliation as a qualification for membership.

All the churches are liberally supported and well attended. The buildings are as a rule superior to church buildings in cities of the size of Austin.

First Congregational Church. - Members of this denomination had their fii'st incotings in Austin in what was known as the "Headquarters," which stood on the corner where the Austin National Bank now stands, gathered there together by their first pastor. Rev. Stephen Cook, on July fi, 1857. There were fifteen cliarter members, as follows: J. L. Davidson, Mrs. II. A. Davidson, Rev. Stephen Cook, Mrs. Jeunett Cook, J. N. Cook, Mrs. L. A. Cook, J. N. AVheat, J. S. Decker, Mrs. M. A. Decker, Obadiah Smith, Mrs. M. A. Smith, Mrs. Amanda Adams, J. Baker, Miss E. Bennett. Rev. Cook served as pastor of the church for three years, resigning in May, 1860. His successor was Rev. Nelson Cook, who held the pastorate from May ], 1860, to October, 1860. He was, in turn, followed by Rev. Stephen Cook, who held services from October, 1860, until May, 1861. Next was Rev. C. C. Humphrey, May, 1861, until May, 1863. Following the last named Rev. W. S. Clark preached from May, 1863, to November, 1863.

In March, 1864, Rev. W. J. Smith was called to Austin, during which year the Baptist church was completed, and an invitation was extended to the Congregationalists to worship there. The invitation was accepted and for two years both sects worshiped there. In November, 1864, Rev. Smith resigned the pastorate and was succeeded in December by Rev. Alfred Morse, who continued until December, 1868. During his stay here or in the year 1866 the next place of worship was the "Brick School House" on the site where the Carnegie Library now stands. In October, 1868, the first building of this denomination was dedicated, it being built on the same site as the present building, the lot having been donated by J. L. Davidson some years before. Soon after its dedication Rev. Morse tendered his resignation and he and his beloved wife left for other fields of duty. His successor was Rev. E. M. Williams, December, 1868, until December, 1870. Other ministers in close proximity were : Rev. J. T. Graves, from January, 1871, to January 1873, and Rev. Henry Ketcham, from June, 1873, to September, 1874. Rev. C. E. Wright eonmienced his labors Avith the church in December, 1874. He was a man of great personality and influence and his long stay of twenty-four years were fruitful ones to the church. Not only by the spiritual help were the people of this church benefited, but also by a new building, which was erected in 1892 and dedicated February 26, 1893. While the new edifice was being erected Sunday school services were held in the coui'troom of the Courtiiouse and devotional meetings in the Grand Army hall. The dedicatory hymn sung on the occasion was one of rare merit, being the same as was sung at the dedication of the old building twenty-seven years l)efore and composed by ^Irs. Samuel ;\[orris, wife of the former pastor. When the resignation of Mr. Wright was tendered, November, 1898, it was met with a feeling of deep regret, for those who had known him so long and to whom he had administered in their sorrow and cares were wont to say that in the loss of him the church had lost one of its most valuable assets. The other ministers after him were Rev. E. T. AYheeler, 1898 to 1902, and Eev. Arthur Dascumb, 1902 to 1904. The present pastor, Rev. F. E. Knopf, came to the church in September, 1905. He was born of German parents at Columbus, Ohio, 1858. But upon the death of his parents while he was yet seven years of age, he was brought up on a farm twenty-eight miles from Columbus, where in the district school he received his common school education. His desire to rise in the world, however, did not keep him on a farm, for later he entered the University of Wooster, Presbyterian College, where after a few years he completed the prescribed courses. After leaving the university he was elected superintendent of schools at Columbus Grove. Later he held the position of professor of Latin and Greek at the Tri-State Normal college, remaining with that institution for four years. In 1889 he was ordained minister and labored with the Congregational church at Elkhart, Ind. Since then he has held pulpits at Michigan City, Ind., Sabetha, Kans., and Cheyenne, Wyo., from which last named place he came to Austin. During his pastorate up to date one hundred members have been added to the church. In 1907 occurred the fiftieth anniversary of the church and many of the former pastors were present. The church has two of its members in missionary work, Arthur McBride, missionary teacher, stationed at Bombay, India, and Olive Vaughan at Hadfin, Turkey. The societies are few in number, being the Ladies' Aid, president, Mrs. E. H. Smith; vice-president, Mrs. Dr. M. J. Hardy ; secretary, Mrs. F. I. Crane ; treasurer, j\Irs. Eunice Rice. The Sunday school is a very large one and is lead by Eansome Thompson as superintendent. The Y. P. S. C. E. was organized during Rev. Wright's pastorate and since then has grown to a very prominent organization. It first met at the home of Harlan Page, with Fanny Eastman as president. The present officers are : President, Helen Banfield ; vicepresident, Leonard Decker; secretary, Josephine Catherwood; corresponding secretary, Alice Hayse; treasurer, Neil Cooke; pianist, Thekla Knopf. The Woman's Missionary Society was organized by ]\Irs. E. M. Morse, wife of the former pastor, who was president of the state missionary board, first president of the society here and also founder of the Floral Club of Austin. The present officers include Mrs. C. H. Decker as president; Mrs. IT. A. Avery, vice-president ; Mrs. John Rutherford, secretary, and Mrs. Arthur Cole, treasurer. The Boys' Junior Endeavor has at the head Harry Emery as superintendent. The church officers are: Deacons, O. W. Shaw, F. P. McBride. H. A. Avery, C. L. West, W. 0. Page, Jacob S. Decker. The latter and Mrs. J. S. Decker and llrs. Obadiah Smith were original charter members of tlic cliurcli and arc vet active mcnil)ers. The trustees of the

St. Olaf Lutheran Church. The Lutheran church of Austin was organized by Kev. C. L. Clausen, October 28, 1867. The same pastor had preached the first sermon of this denomination at Austin about two years previous to that time. The first services were held at the home of Nels Johnson, with the following persons as charter members : Syver Olson and family, Peter Knudson and family, Iver Nelson and family, Carl M. Bolnner, Nels Johnson and family, John Halverson, Jacob Johnson, Ole Jacob? son, Ole Mickleson and family, F. B. Frost and family, Nels Olson and family. On November 14, 1867, the second meeting was held at the home of Seymore Johnson, at which time by-laws were adopted and Carl M. Bolnner was elected secretary of the church. During the illness of Eev. Clausen in 1869 the devotional meetings were held in the courtroom of the Courthouse. On October 5, 1870. a meeting was called together at the office of John Irgens. This was for the purpose of deciding on the name and the incorporation of the church and upon the advisability of purchasing the old Methodist Episcopal church. The name selected was the St. Olaf Evangelical Lutheran church of Austin. The old ]\Iethodist church was purchased and trustees chosen : J. S. Irgens, Carl M. Bolnner, O. J. Johnson, 0. H. Johnson, the two former being treasurer and secretary, respectively. On May 25, 1870, Rev. Ostby commenced his labors with the church and all continued well during his pastorate. Resigning in November, ]878. he was succeeded bj' Rev. Clausen, who continued serving with Svend Strand as assistant (appointed 1879) until January, 1885, at which time he tendered his resignation. Rev. Ostby was recalled in May. 1885, owing to the severe illness of Rev. Clausen, and remained with the church until the arrival of Rev. 0. Glasoe, December, 1889. who held the pastorate until September, 1891. Next to succeed him was the Rev. E. T. Rogne, who came in ]March, 1892. During his labors with the church the congregation increased so that it was deemed necessary to erect a new building. Subscriptions being secured the new (present) building, costing $16,000, was commenced in the early part of 1895 and dedicated in 1896 by Rt. Rev. G. Iloyme. On the occasion all the former pastors were present, excepting Rev. Clausen, who had previousl.v passed to his eternal reward. Rev. Rogne resigned in the fall of 1898 and was succeeded by Rev. J. C. Roseland. who entered upon his duties in February, 1899, and served eight years until the fall of 1907. During Rev. Roseland 's work with the church the Hayfield church services, which liad been in charge of the former pastors, was discontinued. He introduced the F]ng- lisli language into the services of this church, which resvilted in holding six English conducted services and tvi'o of Scandinavian for the month. Kev. Koseland went from Austin to Chicago and a call having been issued to Kev. J. A. E. Naess, the present pastor, he came in December, 1907. Mr. Naess is a young man of about thirty-nine years of age, alert and ready to fulfill the needs of his parish. Born on a farm in Iowa county, Wisconsin, he learned early the labors of life. He received his grammar school education in the town of Boscobel, Wis., from Avhich place he graduated and entered the St. Olaf college at Northfield, Minn. Upon the completion of prescribed courses at that institution in 1895, he affiliated himself Avith the United Church seminary of Minneapolis. On June 12, 1898, he was ordained a minister and shortly afterward went back to Boscobel and served the parish there for four years. Resigning that position, he next went to Albert Lea, Minn., from whence he removed to Austin. In the course of construction now is an addition to the church Avhich Avhen completed will nearly double the seating capacity of the church, and aside from that is to be the installation of a pipe organ which will cost $2,000. Throughout the history of thjs denomination the growth has been of a steady nature and progress marks the path of years gone by. At this time the membership shows the enrollment of 750 souls. The church has no parsonage, the present minister having purchased his own home. The societies of the church are as follows: Ladies Aid, president, Mrs. C. I. Johnson ; vice-president, Mrs. W. R. Earle ; secretary, Mrs. Carl Johnson ; treasurer, Mrs. W. E. Brown. Young People's League, president, Harry Rassmussen ; vice-president, Erwin Johnson ; secretary, Allen Peterson ; treasurer, Minnie Johnson. Men's Society Social and Literary, president, George E. Anderson ; vicepresident, Peter Hanson; secretary, Carl Johnson. The Sunday school has an attendance of 190 and the superintendent is W. M. Peterson.

Seven Day Adventist. The organization of this sect was began in Austin, September 22, 1889, with Elder A. Kinsman as presiding officer and eleven members. Mrs. Hattie E. Varco was elected clerk and their first meetings Avere held at the home of A. N. Kinsman. During the year 1890, on September 14, a subscription was taken with which to erect a place of worship. The church became an organization in October of that year and A. N. Kinsman, M. E. Varco and H. Hanson were elected trustees. It then became a part of the Northern Union Conference. During the summer of 1891 a church was built and on December 20 of that year it was dedicated by Elder A. J. Breed, president of the conference. Unlike other churches, this one instead of supporting a resident pastor bonds every effort and contributes to the maintenance of such in the foreign fields. Among the elders presiding since the organization in Austin are as follows : A. N. Kinsman, 1889 until 1896; Elder H. Hanson, January 10, 1896, until January 18, 1899; Elder Rien, March. 1899, until March, 1900; Elder A. N. Kinsman, 1900 until 1901; J. Jaeobson was elected January, 1901, and continued as leader until January 13, 1907. Succeeding him was Mr. A. N. Kinsman, who still continues to serve. The present officers are': Mrs. A. Hobson, clerk; Charles Rosenthal, deacon and treasurer; Mrs. Hattie Vareo, secretary of mission work. The church has fifty souls.

Christ Church, Protestant Episcopal. The first services of this church can be said to have had their beginning in the year 1862, at which time Bishop Whipple made Austin a stopping place in which to hold services. For three years or until 1865 occasional services were held by this good bishop, during which time the children of E. W. Ford and James L. Clark were baptized by him. Other occasional preachers during that period were Rev. Messrs. Woodard, Burleson and Johnson. However, in October, 1865, the Rev. E. Steele Peake, a pioneer missionary, was stationed at Austin and gathered around him a flock of worshippers to whom he preached the gospel in a portion of the Baptist church. During the year 1886 Christ's church parish Avas organized as a branch of the diocese of Minnesota, Rev. Peake as rector electing the vestry, J. M. Vandergrift and James Clark as warders, with I. M. Lewis, Andrew Grinnel, Samuel Dodge, D. L. Merrell, D. P. Bosworth and S. F. Austin as members. Rev. Peake remained until June 24, 1866, at which time he went to California. Succeeding him, however, on January 30, 1867, was Rev. L. W. Gibson, Avho was appointed to the Austin parish by Bishop "Whipple. Some time in i\larch of that same year land Avas purchased for church property and during the following ]May a church 22x26 was erected at a cost of $800. In November, 1867, the southern eonvocation met at Austin and the cornerstone was laid by Bishop Whipple. The first services were held in the new church on Thanksgiving day, 1868. In 1869 Rev. Gibson resigned and his successor the following year Avas Rev. Thomas E. Dickey, who retained the position until February, 1872. During the month of April, that year. Rev. Jerome I. Townsend became the resident pastor and during his rectorship the church was consecrated by the Rt. Rev. Henry Ben.i'amin Whipple, D. D. Resigning his position on November 30, 1875, Rev. ToAvnscnd Avas succeeded by Robert Reed Goudy, Avho continued the pastorate for one year, resigning June, 1877. The next rector Avas Rev. John Anketell, coming to Austin April, 1878, and resigning his post February, 1880. The church was then without a rector, holding occasional services until the coming of Rev. C. H. Beaubien, Jr.. in February, 1882, who remained with the parish until 1883. After that time and up until the year 1886 the church was again without a pastor, and held occasional services until the coming of the Rev. Peabody in September of that year. Other rectors who followed in succession were: Rev. Edwin Johnson, July, 1888, until October, 1889; Rev. AVellington McVetter, January, 1890, until January, 1892; Rev. Charles Pullen. June. 1892, until August. 3896; Rev. J. S. AV. Somorville. November, 1896, imtil November, 1904; Rev. J. S. Budlong. April. 1905, until September, 1909. During the rectorship of the last named the church building was remodeled and rectory enlarged. In .November, 1909, Rev. C. "\V. Holmes was appointed to the Austin parish. He was born at Seneca, Kaus., 1867, of English parentage. Later, at the age of twelve, he removed to Racine. Wis., where ho attended the College Grammar school. At the age of twenty he graduated from that institution and went out into commercial work. In the year 1906 he entered the Seabury Theological school at Faribault and was ordained deacon in 1907 and priest, December, 1908. Mr. Holmes is a man much liked by his congregation, one who is firm in his purpose of advancing the cause to which he is now engaged, and a man greatly interested in the welfare of the community. Under his rectorship the church has greatly increased in membership, having now 200 communicants. The present officers are: Senior warden, C. F. Lewis; .junior warden, F. L. "Williams; E. S. Selby, secretary: J. W. Hare, treasurer. The societies of the church are: Woman's Guild, Mrs. J. W. Hare, president; Mrs. Cassius Terry, vice-president; Mrs. T. L. Williams, secretary; IMrs. W. L. Van Camp, trea.surer. Woman's Auxiliary, Mrs. Arnold Johnson, president ; Mrs. C. W. Holmes, vice-president ; Mrs. F. L. Williams, secretary and treasurer. St. Agnes Guild, president. Edna Clegget; vice-president. Lulu ]\Ieyers; secretary and treasurer, Dorijie Abrahams. Junior Aiixiliary, Mrs. C. W. Holmes, directorist; president, Edna Eastman; secretary, Dorris Gregson; treasurer, Dorothy p]astman. Rev. Holmes is superintendent of the Sunday school and has for officers : Secretary, Inez Eastman : treasurer, Lulu ]\leycrs.

Evangelical Lutheran St. John's Church, U. A. C. In September, 1907. Rev. C. A. Affeldt. after locating four German Lutheran families northwest of Austin and, being urged to look after spii-- itual welfare of German Lutheran students attending the Southern Minnesota Normal college and such of his Waltham charge as lived in Austin permanently and temporarily, began to conduct services in the Adventist's church building, corner College and Kenwood aveinie. Tliese services lieing appreciat<'d by many, new families arriving and an organization being thought expedient, a meeting was held at the home of Julius ]\Iaas, 711 Park avenue, and a previously drawii-up constitution was adopted. This was September 18, 1908, at 10 p. m. Present were Julius Maas, Jacob TIartje, Adolf Ott, Gustav Klingfuss, H. Klingfuss, Franz Jungl)lut, Adolf Gruenwald, August Kranz, L. Kalinsky, Willie Martin, J. W. Gruenwaldt. At present services are conducted every two weeks at the Adventist's church. The present membership is twelve voting members, fifty-one souls and thirty-one communicants. Preliminary measures have been taken towards establishing its own pastorate with the aid of the missionary board of the Minnesota and Dakota district of the Missouri Synod. The officers are: C. A. Aflfeldt, Waltham, Minn._, pastor; Franz Junglilut. Rose Creek. Minn., and Ide Louden, Austin, Minn., elders.

The First Baptist Church. The First Baptist church of Austin has a worthy history. It was organized in "Old Headquarters,"' January 31, 1858. Rev. Edward F. Gurney, a graduate of Granville college and of Rochester Theological seminary, was the first pastor. There were nine constituent members. The church was formally recognized by a council June 20, 1858. He labored without fixed salary for the first two years and then received $400 a year. He preached in surrounding centers also. In the summer of 1861 a subscription of several hundred dollars was gathered for a meeting house of their own and the present site of the church property was purchased. Elder Gurney resigned in November, 1861, on account of failing health. Rev. Hervey I. Parker, the second pastor, was with the church from February, 1862, until November, 1872, when he went to California. The church building project was revived by him and in January, 1863, a building committee took hold of the work. The building, 28x40, was occupied for the first time in January, 1874, and was formally dedicated June 14, 1864. The Congregationalists occupied this house for a while on alternate Sundays. The church prospered under Elder Parker and there were 155 additions. Rev. C. T. Emerson was a faithful pastor for one year from October, 1873. Rev. C. D. Relden commenced an eight years' pastorate in November, 1874. resigning in 1882 to take charge of the county public school work. There were 119 additions under him and the church was very active in work in the surrounding country. Rev. "\Y. E. Stanley became pastor in October, 1882, remaining until January, 1891. At the twenty-fifth anniversary of the church held in 1883 it was rejiorted that the church had received a total membership of 340, of whom 135 at that time remained. Rev. C. T. Hallowell became l)astor in ]\Iay, 1891, remaining two years. During his pastorate tlic mutter (if a new church edifice was agitated and the work was plaiuird, Tlie foundation of the present beautiful hou.se of worsliip, (17x75 and costing over .+17.000. was laid in the fall of 1893. Rev. F. C. AVhitncy comiuem-cd his ])astorate September 1, 1893.

remaining until October, 1900, when he went to Eochester. The new church was dedicated February 26, 1895, and four months later the fine chapel built by the Oakland branch of the church was dedicated. There was a total of 282 additions during Eev. Whitney's pastorate. Rev. Frank L. Anderson became pastor in December, 1900, and gave the church four years of splendid service, resigning in February, 1905. Rev. R. E. Sayles Avas pastor from May, 1905, to October, 1907. A large accession of members came under him from the "W. A. Sunday tabernacle meetings. Rev. H. B. Ilazen became pastor in November, 1907, resigning March 1, 1909. The semi-centennial of the church was held Januarj^ 31,

1908. A total membership for the fifty years was reported as 1,033, with a present membership of 420. Average pastorate over five and a half years. Rev. J. H. Carsteus was pastor from May 1,

1909, until November 15, 1910. The present pastor, Rev. W. L. Riley, of Detroit, Mich., took up his work as pastor April 1, 1911. The First Baptist Church of Austin has a worthy record and has been one of the strong factors for righteousness in this whole community.

St. Augustine's Church. In the year 1858 Rev. Father Pendergast, of AYinona, came to Austin to conduct services in this vicinity. They were held at the residence of Aloysius Brown, in what is now the German hotel. After two- years of occasional services by Fatlier Pendergast, he Avas followed by Father George Keller, of Faribault. This reverend gentleman held services once every two months up until the fall of 1866. As a result of his laborious work in this vicinity, to Father Keller is due the honor of establishing and putting on a firm basis the first congregation of St. Augustine's parish. Soon after the leave of this gentleman he was succeeded in 1866 by Father McDerraot, the first resident priest, who remained and worked with his parish until 1869. During this time money for the erection of a church was solicited and three gentlemen of Austin, Messrs. Lewis, Yates and Fake (non-Catholics), generously donated a lot, comprising a whole city block. Then came Father C. Geuis, a French clergyman, who labored incessantly and with profit for the spiritual necessities of his little parish. He remained until the year 187-4 and was succeeded by Rev. Father Pavlin, who remained but one year. Father Arthur Hurley was next appointed priest of the Austin parish. He carried on his good work until the year 1882 and then Avent to Rosemound, near St. Paul. Father Genis returned during that year and immediately set to work building the present parsonage, but was unable to finish it. Following closely after the leave of the last named priest Avas the late Daniel 0 'Sullivan, to AA-hom Ave are indel)ted for the present structure. He Avas a much beloved priest ;uid to liiiii may be attributed many of the good Avorks accomplished in this vicinity. His death occurred in June. 1896. and was a great loss to the parish. In the year 1895, or the last year of Father 0 'Sullivan's pastorate, Kev. Father E. H. Devlin, the present pastor, came as a resident priest of Austin. He is of Irish descent and was born on a farm in Kenosha county, AVisconsin. where he worked until the age of thirty years. He then went to St. Thomas College, where he completed the prescribed courses of that college. Upon graduating from St. Thomas he went to Eome and remained there more than three years. Upon his return he held pastorate in New Richland five months and was then transferred to Austin. Father Devlin may be characterized as a man of great executive ability, educated in many branches, and a man firm in his purpose of elevating the cause of humanity. During his pastorate the St. Augustine church, started by Father 0 'Sullivan, was dedicated on Thanksgiving day, November i6, 1896. This is a handsome red pressed brick building with trimmings of red sandstone to match the substantial looking foundation. It has a frontage of seventy-seven feet and a depth of 169 feet. Two towers stand out slightly from the main body of the church, the larger being 170 feet in height and the smaller, while not near as tall, is of no less pleasing architecture. Both are surmounted by a gilded cross ; thus they become the striking features of the facade of magnificent beauty. The arched doorways and the six granite columns which support them give the approach of the church a somewhat classic finish. On the cornerstone, which is a highly polished block of granite, is inscribed, "Deo et Sancto Augustino dictum. J. B. Cotter. Antistite. D. 0 'Sullivan, Rectore. A. D. MDCCCXCIII" ("To God and St. Augustine. J. B. Cotter, Bishop. D. O 'Sullivan, Rector"). But impressive as is the outside of the church, it is the interior that gives the pleasure to one who has any love for what is beautiful. The combined eifects of statuary and rich colors to be found therein is "as if Nature had fashioned this edifice and placed it here as a fitting place in which to worship her God." From the 250 families of which the congregation was composed upon the arrival of Father Devlin this number has been increased to 350 families, thus showing a steady growth of this parish.

Not alone to the woi'k of the parish has this pastor's attention been turned, but through his efforts a magnificent school has been erected at a cost of $35,000. There the rich and poor alike may share the advantages of an education. This school is known as the Columbus school. It was started in the spring of 1908 and dedicated in the year 1909. The sisters, or teachers, are furnished by the Franciscan order, and none better are to be found anywhere. Children of all ages may be found here, as the school is graded from the primary to the second year high school. There are at present eight teachers and about 275 scholars enrolled, the school being a non-tuition one and supported by the parish. Father Devlin has also attained distinction in his profession, having been first appointed vicar general by Bishop Ileft'ron and later ap^ pointed bj' the Pope as Domestic Prelate of the People of the Household.

Perhaps one of the oldest yet still existing societies of the church is the Catholic Order of Foresters, founded in the early seventies, and still continues to flourish under the leadership of J. M. Lindsay, who is present chief ranger. Next in line are the Knights of Columbus, T. M. Callihan, grand knight ; also the Catholic Total Abstinence Union, originally the "Father Mathew Total Abstinence Society," Avith present officers: President, Lou O'Malley ; vice-i)residcnt, Fred Dugan ; secretary, Frank Christie.

Then there are the women's societies, which take an important part in the welfare of the church. There is the Con-Fraternity of the Rosary ; Mrs. J. D. Sheedy, president.

Then there is the Woman's Order of Foresters; Mrs. J. E. Malloy the presiding officer. Last but not least is the order of the unmarried women, the Sodality of the Sacred Heart; Elizabeth Kelly, president; Addie Kennan, secretary; Ella Sheedy, treasurer. Among those prominently identified with the early history of the Roman Catholic church at Austin may be mentioned the following gentlemen : A. Brown, Thomas Gibson, William Rutherford, William Furlong, Jr., Cornelius Kenavan and W. I. Brown.

McCabe Methodist Episcopal Church, -The Methodist movement ill tlie vicinity of Austin had its beginning in 1854, when Samuel Clayton and wife came to Mower county and settled in what is now Lansing township, on the big bend of the Red Cedar river, just above the present city of Austin. To their cabin early in 1855 came a Rev. W. E. Ilolbrook from more than 100 miles down the Red Cedar valley and preached the first Methodist sermon in I\Iower county. The first class was organized at this cabin, with R. Dobbin as leader, and P^lsie Dobbin, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Chiytnii and Mr. and Mrs. N. G. Perry as members. The first (|n;irlcily meeting was held at this same cabin in June, 1855, and Hir \\rv. ^\y. Colctn/m, presiding elder, was present. The Rev. .Mr. Ilolbrook di'sci'vcs more than passing mention. .He was a man of loiii,'!! exterior and appearance but with a heart of gold. He had a rrooked nose and distorted mouth, and on making his first appearance in a locality was wont, lialf facetiously, half seriously, to remark thai il' sudi a crooked stick as he eonid be of any service he would be a very willing servant.

Austin city. The first quarterly conference was held at the home of Silas Dutcher in the village of Austin, October 18, 1856. In the fall of 1857 came Moses Mapes, who had just been licensed to preach. These early services were held in the old Headquarters building, and also in the Lake building on Mill street, on the land now occupied by the H. C. Waldecker buildings. In December, 1S57, under his pastorate the first movement was made toward securing church property in Avistin, and a committee was apl)ointed at that time to confer with the town authorities with reference to purchasing lots for a church and parsonage, l)ut it was not until May, 1861, that the lots were fully secured.

In the spring of 1858 came a most interesting character in Kev. J. C. Dyer, who was known as "Father" Dyer. He had been a miner in "Wisconsin, and was a man of splendid physique and very strong. He became a circuit rider through this and Freeborn counties. He wore a dilapidated plug hat and rode a raw bone horse. He did not possess much of this world's goods, and L. N. Griffith, who was second postmaster of Austin, recalls giving Father Dyer stamps for his letters, as the reverend gentleman never had anything to buy with. He conducted revival services at Cedar City and won all the inhabitants to the church except three or four. He also held a camp meeting, the first ever held in the county, on the land now used for Oakwood cemetery. A life story of this rough but noble soldier of the cross would be one of intense interest. In the state capitol at Cheyenne, Wyo., is the statue of this early circuit rider of Mower county, the statue being in memory of the work that this rough old crusader did among the mountaineers and miners of Wyoming. Father Dyer was on the circuit but a year.

In 1859 Moses Mapes again returned, and in the fall of 1860 came Rev. F. A. Conwell, with whom was associated Rev. George E. Strobridge. The latter remained but part of the year. In the fall of 1861 Rev. D. Tice became preacher in charge, with J. Lambert.son as assistant. In 1862 the circuit, which had embraced fourteen appointments, Avas divided, and Austin became a part of the Austin circuit. In the fall of 1863 S. T. Sterret became pastor, lie was followed in 1864 by William C. Shaw. In 1865 Austin was attached to the Lansing circuit, with W. II. Soule and S. N. Phelps as pastors. At this time the Cedar City circuit was organized. In the fall of 1866 Austin was made a station, with Wayne Carver as pastor.

The first Methodist meetings in Austin were held at the lionie of ^Irs. Chauncey Leverich. Other early Methodist services were held in the old Headquarters building and in a building on the corner of Mill and Chatham streets, both these l)uildings being siiared as meeting places with the Congregationalists and the Hap- tists. In 1861. under the Rev. Tire, the first flmreli was built. There were only twelve members of that early ehureh. and most of these were women. They purchased the land where the Lutheran church now stands, and there erected their building. The preacher himself dug the rock from the river bed with a erow bar. A bell was put in the steeple, and its peal was the first that broke upon the air of Mower county in call to wor.ship. The church cost $1,400 in money, and much more in sacrifice. Soon after the completion of this building a revival was held, and many names added to the church rolls. A cabinet organ was purchased later, this being the first ever brought into iMower county. The church was in debt $300, but the people Avent ahead and built a parsonage, and it was not imtil 1876, ten years later, that the $300 del)t could be paid.

In 1868 came that unfortunate affair that nearly wrecked the church and retarded its progress many years. The pastor. A. J. Nelson, and some of the members conceived the plan of buying three lots on the southeast corner of Main and Water streets, and erecting a two-story building. The upper floor was to be used for an auditorium or church, and the lower floor was to be rented for stores, thus providing an income for the church. To carry out the plan the church already erected was mortgaged, and paid in on the lots which were to cost $3,000. No money could be raised for the building, and the previous indebtedness, with the failure of the scheme, cost the Methodists their church and parsonage. The St. Olaf Scandinavian church, which was organized in 1867, purchased the mortgaged church for $1,500, and the building was occupied by the Lutherans until they were ready to build, at which time it was moved to the west part of the city. Rev. Nelson resigned in the fall of 1868 and was followed in the fall of 1869 by J. M. Rogers, who only remained one year, and was succeeded by Rev. J. R. Creighton. The last named gentleman resigned in October, 1870.

In. 1871, under A. B. Bishop, a new place of worship was secured. An excursion to Minneapolis netted the church a goodly ain'ount after paying all outstanding debts, and the old brick school house on the corner where the Carnegie library now stands Avas rented from December, 1871, to June, 1873. On the latter date the society bought the building for $1,500, making the last payment JuTTO 6, 1883. In 1887 the building was sold back to the cily.

After the affairs of the church were practically straightened Rev. Bishop resigned his position here and for a long while the work of the church went on practically the same. Those who succeeded the Rev. Bishop were as follows: Rev. Levi Hall, 1873 to 1875; Rev. IT. J. Crist. 1S75 until 1877: Rev. A. Williams. 1877 to

1879: Rev. Alfred Cresscy, 1879 to 1881; Rev. E. R. Lathrop, 1881 until June of 1883, Avhen Rev. E. P. Robinson eame to fill the unexpired year. Rev. A. AV. Edwards came 1884 and remained until 1887. In October of that year the Rev. S. II. Dewart came to Austin and under his pastorate, or the year 1888, the congregation dedicated a wooden church on the present site of the IMcCabe church at a cost of about $7,000. After his resignation in the year 1890 the next succession of pastors were : Rev. S. L. Shumate for one-half year and Rev. George Cook for the balance of that year ; Rev. G. S. Briggs, 1891 to 1893 ; Rev. S. C. McAds, 1893 to 1896 ; Rev. F. H. Cone, 1896 to 1900; Rev. J. M. Brown, 1900 to 1904. Rev. G. W. Lutz commenced his labors with the church in October of 1904. He set to work building up the congregation of his church and during the great revival campaign, conducted by "Billy" Sunday, the noted CA'angelist, in the spring of 1906, many members Avere added to the church. In July of 1906 the old Avooden church, Avhich had done service for twenty years, was torn doAvn to make room for the present building. The foundation Avas started in September of that year and the work Avas in progress for tAvo years. The beautiful ncAV edifice Avas dedicated June 28, 1908, the cost of the structure being about $40,000. The building is of the Roman style of architecture, Avith a Greek gable to the south and an approach of fourteen steps. It is 78x98 feet, surmounted by a beautiful art glass dome. The auditorium occupies the entire main floor, AAdth the exception of vestibule, choir loft, choir room and pastor's study. It Avill seat 800 people and has a gallery seating 400, making an entire seating capacity of 1,200. The building is practically fireproof, Avith nothing A\'hich could burn except the furniture, AvoodAvork and OA^erlying floor. The basement, which is finished in white brick, contains an assembly room seating 300, around Avhich are eleven class rooms. There are also laA'atories, cloak rooms, dining room, kitchen and boiler room. The fuel house is outside the church.

Rev. Lutz remained AA-ith the church here until 1909, at Avhich time he moved to Minneapolis, and the Rev. J. F. Stout, of the St. Paul district, Avas called to serve the Austin congregation. He is a broad-minded man, of executive influence, firm in his purpose to administer to the Avants of his pulpit. Dr. Stout Avas born in the hamlet of Potter, Yates county, Ncav York, from Avhere at the age of five he moved into the state of loAva and attended the country schools. At the age of eighteen he entered NortliAvestern University, at Avhich place he took both the preparatory and regular university courses, and graduated 1875. Upon leaving college he .ioined the Illinois conference and preached at a number of places, including Pittsfield, Springfield, Quiney, Danville and Bloomington. After the last named place he removed to Minnesota, 1887, aud served the Clinton Avenue Church, St. Paul, afterward the First Church of Minneapolis ; also at Mankato and Red Wing, and thence again to St. Paul, from which place he Avas called to Austin.

The church continues to flourish and many societies are in prominence, the Woman's Home Missionar.y Society, the Foreign Missionary Society, Ladies' Aid, the Priscillas, the Young Men's Club, and Sunday school, of which last named Roy Furtney is superintendent.

Presbyterian Church. In 1867 Rev. H. A. Mayhew visited Austin for the special purpose of looking up Presbyterians who had not connected themselves with any church organization. He collected a number together and preached to them at such times as he could procure a room. August 20, 1867, he, assisted by Rev. Sheldon Jackson, by authority of the Presbytery of Southern Minnesota, organized the first Presbyterian church of Austin. On the 20th of October, 1867, Rev. Mayhew organized the society into a business meeting, which elected the following board of trustees : Ira Jones, Lyman A. Sherwood, James C. Day, T. W. Woodard and Joseph G. "Warner. The board organized by electing Ira Jones chairman, L. A. Sherwood clerk and James C. Day treasurer. The congregation authorized the trustees to purchase a lot and erect a suitable house of worship. This they did, and purchased property on the corner of North St. Paul street and West ]\Iill street, and in the spring of 1868 erected the house of worship where June 11, 1868, the congregation met and elected George Johnston and Robert F. Rankin ruling elders. On the twentyfourth of the same month the church edifice was dedicated to the services of God, the dedicatorial sermon being preached by Rev. Sheldon Jackson. At the close of the service $500 was raised by subscription to pay off the church debt. At that time the membership numbered seventeen, with Rev. H. A. Mayhew as pastor. This building is now used by the Grand Ai'ray of the Republic. However, the Presbyterian cause grew dimmer and not until the fall of 1877 did it show much progress. In that year the Presbytery of AYinona revived the organization, changing the site to the Third ward, placing in charge Rev. D. P. Grosscup, who remained four years. During 1890 a building was erected there, and after a long effort was paid for. Following Rev. Grosscup was Rev. Llewellyn for two years. 1891 to 1893. In March. 1894, Rev. William Henry Hormel came to Austin and during his pastorate the organization of the Central Presbyterian Church was projected, and January 24, 1895, the new organization was launched. ]\rcanwhile the Third ward church Avas closed and the mcml)ers invited to join the Central Presbyterian Church. After the starting of the neAV Baptist church by that denomination the old one framed in native oak was purchased and removed to the corner of West Water and North St. Paul streets. It was remodeled and became the church home of the new organization. Mr. Ilormel ministered to this church continuallj^ until December, 1900. During his term, of service the church grew rapidly and prSmised speedily to develop into a strong church. The next minister was Rev. Rhinehart, who began his labors February 1, 1900, resigning November 1 of the same year. Mr. Rhinehart was succeeded by Rev. B. H. Kroeze, who served as stated supply from March 1, 1901, to January 1, 1903. After a vacancy of .three months, Rev. Arthur B. Miller became pastor April, 1903, and resigned January 1, 1904. A vacancy of six months followed. July 1, 1904, Rev. T. M. Cornelison began as pastor, resigning November 1. 1905.

The chiirch. weakened by vacancies and short pastorates, racked with dissensions, which naturally arise under such conditions, was illy prepared to endure another six months without a minister. It was a dreary outlook, when March 1, 1906, Rev. AVilliam E. Sloan, Ph. D., took charge. In seven months the organization grew to a solid membei'ship of 205. In addition to the splendid growth a new house of worship was erected at a cost of .$15,000. Rev. Sloan resigned and was followed by Rev. J. C. Davis, who remained a time, and since his leaving the church has been without a pastor. The societies represented in the church are the "Woman's Missionary, Ladies' Aid, Help-a-Man Brotherhood, and the Sunday school.

Christian Science. The birth of Christian Science in Austin Avas in the year 1889, when Mrs. Mary A. Engle, who was tlieu an invalid, hearing of its wonderful cures, procured a copy of its text-book. Science and Health, with Key to the Scriptures, by ]\Iary Baker Eddy, the discoverer and founder of Christian Science. She was soon healed of all her ailments and began to hold regular services in her own home with only a few members of the family for audience. This was continued for three years, with two or three others becoming interested. In the spring of 1893 interest had grown sufficiently to enable this little band to form a class for Christian Science teaching by one of ]\Irs. Eddy's loyal students. These students organized a Christian Science society and held regular services in the Engle home until the year 1896, when the growth of the society demanded larger quarters and a more public meeting place. The Woodman hall on Main street was rented for this purpose. In 1897 the .society organized into First Church of Christ, Scientist, according to the statutes of the state of Minnesota and in conformity with the rules and l)y-laws of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, ]Mass. There were five charter mcml)ers. Francis A. Engle, Mrs. Mary A. Engle, :\Irs. Uu-inda Bm-k, .Miss Isabell Pliillii)s and

Robert AVaddell. At the first communion, which was held in April of the same year, twelve new members were admitted. Early in 1898 a move was made to the Hayes Bros, hall, which was better fitted for religions services. Another move was made in 1900 to the Elks' neAv hall, Main street, which was finely located and beautifully finished and furnished. Public reading rooms were opened in the same building. In the year 1905 the church edifice on Maple street was purchased from the Universalists for a church home. At that date the membership numbered between fifty and sixty. The consideration for this property was $2,500 and they proceeded at once to refurnish it entirely, within and without, until it reached its present valuation of $5,000. From the date of its organization, 1898, to 1911 this church has given thirteen free public lectures by members of the board of lectureship of the mother church, the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, ]\Iass. According to the rules and by-laws of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, Mass., "The Bible and the Christian Science text-book are our only preachers." The "scriptural texts, and their correlative passages from our denominational text-book" are read by first and second readers, elected by ballot at the annual church meeting. At the time of the organization of the Christian Science Society, Mrs. Mary A. Engle was first reader and John C. Engle second reader. At the present time (1911) the first reader is Mrs. Etta M. Ousley and ]Mrs. Anna Franklin is second reader.

It is not the custom of Christian Science churches to dedicate their churches until free from all indebtedness. First Church of Christ, Austin, Minn., is now free from all financial incumbrances and announcement has been made for its dedication on May 21, 1911.

Christian Brotherhood. The Christian Brotherhood is an interdenominational organization composed of some 600 men. Its purpose is to upbuild the kingdom of God in the most practical and effective manner possible and tends to promote a feeling of brotherly love and co-operation. It is purely a laymen's organization. Meetings are held every Sunday afternoon in Music Hall. The officers are : A. M. Lewis, president ; F. H. McCulloch, vicepresident ; L. H. Stefflre, secretary ; E. A. Dalager, treasurer, and it is governed by an executive committee composed of two lay members of each church.

Carnegie Library

Tlie Austin Carnegie Lil)rary is one of the important features of Austin life. The library building is of the Grecian style of architecture, one story, with basement throughout. It is built of

The building measures 56 by 56 feet. The main entrance is from the corner, facing northeast, the vestibule, the lobby and the stack room running continuously across the building, diagonally to the southwest corner. On entering one comes first into the spacious vestibule 16 by 16, with floor of terrazzo tile and Mosa'ic border. The lobby, 20x20 feet, is in the center of the building, with desk at the further end. The book stack room, 20 by 20 feet, is in the southwest corner. East of the lobby is the main reading room, 15 by 30, fronting along St. Paul street. A reference room, 14x14 feet, is on the south side between the reading room and the stack room, and on the north side is the children's room, 15 by 24. The librarian also has a private room. The whole interior is in quartered oak, and the floors throughout are covered with heavy linoleum. The basement contains a large audience room, as well as smaller rooms. In addition to the main entrance there is a side entrance on the northwest corner.

Frank I. Crane, the first president of the library board, served until his death in 1909. A. S. Campbell, then vice-president, was elected president in 1910. The present librarian, Mrs. Flora Crane Conner, has served since the building was opened. She received her training in the University of Minnesota summer school. The library contains some 7,000 volumes, appropriately divided into reference books, fiction, biogi-aphy, literature, travel and history.

Historical summary : On March 16, 1869, twelve ladies, as has been noted in the history of the social activities of the city, met and organized the society known as the Austin Floral Club. They adopted a constitution and by-laws and elected officers. Meetings were held semi-monthly and the annual membership fee was 25 cents. Austin was then a village of some 2,040 inhabitants. The first money received was expended for plants and seeds with which to beautify the village homes and develop a taste for floriculture. Their marked success in this encouraged them to give a floral show together with a literary entertainment and concert, from which they realized $100, which was expended for books. One hundred and twenty-three volumes were received by donation. Thus with about 225 volumes the ladies laid the foundation for. the Austin Circulating Library. November 9, 1869, the library was formally opened. The constitution and by-laAvs of the Floral club were amended so as to constitute it a library association ; a charter Avas secured and the membership fee increased to $1. The bylaws were subsequently amended making $2 the annual fee for the use of the library by persons not members of the association. The club then had a membership of fifty. The ladies for many years, through literaiy entertaiuments, concerts, lectures and the like, made constant additions to the library by the purchase of books and through the donations from the government and individuals. ]\Iarch 28, 189-4, was observed the silver anniversary of the club. The records showed that there had been 227 members up to that date. Upon completion of the new court house in 1886 a room in the basement was fitted up and set apart by the county commissioners for the use of the library, Avhere the library has remained until removed to the new library building. For some time the members had been actively engaged endeavoring to found a new public library. At the solicitation of its members, acting through W. G. Cameron, they received a proposition from the Hon. Andrew Carnegie to donate to the city of Austin $12,000 to be used in the construction of a library building on condition that the city donate a proper site for the building and agree to raise a tax of $1,200 a year to maintain and keep up a library. While the proposition was being considered, Lyman D. Baird made a trip to Washington and secured an interview with Mr. Carnegie's representatives. Later the donation of Mr. Carnegie Avas increased to $15,000 for the erection of the library building.

On November 1, 1901, the common council of the city of Austin accepted the generous gift of Mr. Carnegie and agreed to annually levy a tax of $1,200 and also set apart the lots on the corner of St. Paul and Bridge streets for a site.

On July 19, 1902, a library board was elected at an election held for that purpose. The board elected was organized July 23, 1902. The board took the necessary steps to procure plans and specifications and immediately thei'eafter commenced the construction and erection of our present beautiful library building. The building was completed in April, 1904. Upon completion of the building the Floral club turned over, without cost to the library, about 3,500 volumes.

Austin Clubs

Austin is pre-eminently a social town. Not only is there a club, society or coterie for every class, age and condition of residents, but it would be hard to find, in places twice the size of Austin, so many hospitable homes and accompli.shed hostesses where entertainment is so royal. Good cheer and hospitality are among the first articles of the creed of Austinites. Strangers soon find their social status where they are most at home with congenial companions and find the entertainment which they most enjoy. Every one of our many diurches have their own particular societies, where members may enjoy the social life which the church fur- iiishes. For those who desire study there are reading eireles and clubs in which the membership is not limited and where one can follow his own particular line of study with intelligent, able leaders. Those who turn to works of charity and find their chief pleasure in lending a helping hand can find societies of this nature already organized, where they will be Avelcomed as workers. Those who look to society for recreation and enjoyment can surely find a place in the score or more of purely social clubs of our city.

Austin is distinctively a home-keeping city. The ladies since the earliest days have taken their share in all public movements, and in fact many improvements have been inaugurated by the ladies, unassisted by the sterner sex. But Austin is not a club city. The women are domestic, and care for clubs not from a liking for club life but simply for the work which the clubs may accomplish. Consequently we do not find in Austin that multijilicity of clubs which is criticised in some places.

There arc but two federated clubs in the city. Some organizations have sprung into being as the women have seen the necessity for effort along particular lines, and have been allowed to die out when the work which called them into existence has been accomplished. Others, however, are still in a flourishing condition.

The first women's movement in Austin was an effort in 1856 to keep the general merchants from illegally selling whisky, and the Avomen pledged themselves not to patronize the merchants who refused to sign a resolution promising not to sell intoxicants. A regular temperance organizatioji was perfected by the women in 1857. The next women's movement of consequence was the organization of the Mite Society on February 1, 1862. This society was formed for the purpose of procuring and improving a cemetery plot. Many ladies' aid societies were also organized at an early day.

An event of historic importance to Austin took place in March. 1869. when the Floral Club was organized. This club is still in existence and has affiliated with the IMinnesota Federation of "Women's Clubs. The other federated club in Austin is the Art and Travel Club. Another women's organization is the Era Club, which affiliates with the National federation.

The Stoddard and St. Augustine Reading clubs hold interesting meetings. The Sunshine Society, which is independent of the state society, has done much in a charitable way ; the Y. "W. C. A. is working for the young ladies, and the W. C. T. U. is aggressively engaged in temperance activities. The Esperanto Club has attracted considerable attention, and the High School Alumni Association and the Birthday Club have been pleasant and important social factors. Two organizations among the high school boys, the

Youngf Women's Christian Association. In 1906 a Y. W. C. A. was perfected in Austin, ]\Irs. Charles L. West being one of the prime movers in the organization. Neat and attractive rooms were fitted up, and these have served as rest rooms for people in the city and from the country as well as a place for social and religious gatherings by the young ladies. In 1906 there were 275 members, with forty in the Bible class. A year later the membership Avas 250, and still a year later it was 200. In 1909 it had dropped to 150, and that year a general secretary, Miss Ruby St. Amour, was engaged. The membership is now 540, and the work is in a most flourishing condition. The Philathea Bible class has a large membership, and the gymnasium classes under a special physical director are well attended. Monthly Sunday vesper services are held, and, aside from work along the regular lines, life talks are given and information is imparted in domestic science, household art, home nursing, and other subjects. Mrs. C. L. West was president until 1910, when the present president, Mrs. F. I. Crane, was elected. The other officers are : Vice-president, Mrs. AV. R. Terry; treasurer, Helen S. Banfield; secretary, Mrs. M. J. Sorflaten; county secretary, Gertrude B. Sly. Work has been done toward perfecting a county organization, with a view to special work in the villages and rural districts.

The Ladies' Floral Club. This club has been an important factor in the literary, social and moral development of Austin, and is worthy of more extended mention than can be given it in this volume. Its concerts and entertainments have been a part of the history of Austin, and many public movements have resulted directly from its efforts. March 16, 1869, twelve ladies met at the home of Mrs. Orlenzer Allen and organized the Austin Floral Club. The following were the original members : ]\Irs. H. I. Parker. Mrs. M. J. Mayhew, Mrs. E. M. Morse. Mrs. Q. A. Truesdell, Mrs. H. A. Davidson, Mrs. F. A. Brownson, Mrs. M. S. Lamoreaux, ]\Irs. A. E. Allen. Mrs. C. C. Crane, Mrs. L. A. Sherwood, Mrs. J. G. Warner, Mrs. P. I. Sargent, and Miss A. J. Lowry. Mrs. E. M. Morse will ever be venerated as the real instigator of the club. She was a great lover of nature, and the club was the result of her proposition that the ladies assist in developing a taste for horticulture and floriculture. ]\Irs. Morse was the first president and IMrs. F. A. Brownson the first secretary. The .season was favorable for flowers and it Avas decided to give a floral show, and with the proceeds therefrom to lay .the foundation for a Ladies' Circulating Library. The shoAV extended several days, and truly beautiful displays of flowers

-were made. Books were purchased with the proceeds, and manywere donated, so that November 9, 1869, the library of 225 volumes was formally opened in the old court house, southwest of the present court house. During the next few years entertainments of various sorts were held to provide funds. Mrs. J. N. Wheat, Mrs. J. L. Davidson and Mrs. J. M. King each in turn opened her hovise to receive the books and to serve as librarian. In 1884 the library was moved to quarters in the basement of the present court house. The first regular librarian was Miss Sarah Beatty, who afterward became Mrs. J. R. Webb. She was followed by Mrs. H. H. Kent, who served for many years. Mrs. Morse served as president thirty-tAvo years. Her work lives in the hearts of her associates. Mrs. F. A. Brownson and Mrs. Sarah L. Davidson served many years as secretary. Mrs. Gibson was for ten years treasurer and eight years chairman of the hook committee. Mrs. L. A. Sherwood gave much time and effort in the early years in arranging for concerts and musicals. Others who assisted in many ways were the Mesdames N. P. Austin, O. Ayers, E. B. Crane, J. F. Cook, C. H. Coates, H. H. Kent, D. B. Johnson and many others. The club was federated in 1908 and Mrs. 0. H. Hegge is the president. The club celebrated its silver anniversary in 1894. As the work of the library increased the bui'den became too heavy for the Floral club to carry alone and in 1892, at the request of the ladies, a library board of the city of Austin was elected. When the Carnegie Library opened in 1904 the ladies turned over 3,500 volumes.

Art and Travel Club. This club was organized in 1903 for the purpose of mutual improvement, a prime mover in the organization being Mrs. L. D. Baird. The club is limited to thirty members and meetings are held twice a month at the home of one of the members. At each meeting papers are read prepared by various members and roll call is responded to by some current event item. The club has taken up for study the important cities of the United States, the West Indies and South America, English cathedral towns, English history, London and vicinity, the British empire. The present year the club is engaged in study of the Mediterranean countries. Mrs. J. H. Skinner is president.

Era Club. The Era Club, whose members are of the opinion tliat the name is more attractive than "The Woman Suffrage" club, is devoted to political equality. It was founded by Miss Laura Gregg, of Kansas, national organizer, ten years ago. Miss Gregg was accompanied to Austin and otlier points by Rev. Ida C. Hultin. The women of all the Austin churches were invited to attend and meetings were held in the afternoon and evening in an edifice since used as a Christian Science church. Mrs. Boostrom was elected president when the club was formed and served in the executive capacity seven years. ]\Irs. John D. Smith is now serving as president. - The club has entertained the state suffrage convention twice in its history and its influence is wide.

A prominent member is jNIrs. Lizzie Catherwood, through whose efforts the local end of the organization was brought to a successful issue ten years ago. At the monthly meetings, held throughout the year at the homes of members, the attendance is notably large, particularly at the evening meetings. Lawyers, ministers, teachers and newspaper Avriters have addressed the meetings from time to time and the influence of the suffragists is brought to bear on all visitors. The club membership numbers 157. Its aim is to create interest in political equality for women and it takes a part in all efforts to advance the interests of women and childi'cn. It has invariably sent delegates to the state convention, and occasionally to the national convention.

Esperanto Club. The Esperanto Club has been organized several years and has numbered a considerable membership. Dr. F. E. Daigneau, who was instrumental in the organization of the club, and who has been president since it was organized, has received a preliminary diploma and advanced diploma, and is first vice-president of the American Esperanto Association. Considerable foreign correspondence has been the result of the study of this universal language.

The Duodecim. The Duodecim Society is composed of young men in and graduates from our high school. The object is good fellowship, self-improvement and development along the lines of debate and extemporary speaking. The society was organized in 1903 and is limited to a working membership of twelve. The alumni members are formed into an honorary society, which numbers fifty. The society meets every other week and renders a ju-ogram consisting of two or three papers on some up-to-date topic and a debate.

The Knights of the Round Table liave an organization similar in many ways to tlie Duodecim. dating from 1909. They were organized for the development of the young men mentally, morally and socially. Tlieir mcmljcrship is limited to thirteen. An annufil l)anquet is a club feature.

The Stoddard Club. The Stoddard Club was organized in I90(), ]\Irs. P. 11. Friend being one of the prime movers. Since its organization it has been engaged in the reading of the Stoddard Lectures. Tlie club meets every other Thursday at the home of some one of tlie members. Two readers are appointed for each meeting and a rouiul table of current events form a part of the program of each meeting. The elub has given to the public library a set of the Stoddard Lectures and a copy of Zona Gale's Pelleas and Etarre. The membership is not limited. ]\lrs. \V. II. Albertson is president and i\Irs. J. L. Mitchell, treasurer.

St. Augustine's Reading Circle. St. Augustine's Reading Circle is a societj' of women composed of members of St. Augustine's Catholic Church, who have organized for the purpose of study especially connected with their faith. They were organized as a club in February, 1907, with Mrs. T. H. Pridham the first president. Their work consists of a study of Stoddard's Lectures, and at present the study of the gospel of St. John and the sacraments and commandments of the church. The circle meets the second Thursday of the mouth for study and is at present under the leadership of Mrs. J. Z. Rogers as president. There were fourteen charter members and the membership has been limited to that number.

Ladies of the Hospital. In October, 1908, a number of ladies under the leadership of Mrs. R. S. Holmes organized an auxiliary to the St. Olaf Hospital Association. The original membership was seventeen; it is now 100. Few if any societies in our city have accomplished as much as the Ladies of the Hospital. During the year they have done the necessary sewing for the hospital, hemming sheets, pillow cases and towels, etc. 'They have furnished neatly and completely a room in the hospital. They have purchased a wheeled chair, to lighten the work of the nui'ses. They have contributed an annual gift of jellies and canned goods to the hospital. Through their efforts and leadership a fine ambulance, costing nearly .$1,000, was purchased and presented to the city, a place provided for its housing and the society has undertaken keeping it in repair. The object of the society is to further the good work of the hospital and to assist the nurses in their labor. ]\Irs. R. S. Holmes is president.

Austin High School Alumni Association. The father of the Alumni Association is L. N. McWhorter. It Avas through his desire to have an organization that Avould be helpful from a social standpoint in keeping the interest in the high school and also through his energy that the association was organized. During the summer of 1894 he made a house to house canvas of the graduates. Later a meeting was held in the assembly room of the high school, at which time a constitution modeled after the constitution of the General Alumni Association of ]Minneapolis was presented and adopted.

The organization meeting was held in the high school assembly room, July 13. 1894. with forty-three charter members. The first annual mooting was held at the Evergreen Farm, in tlie suiniiicr of ISO."). All graduates of Iho ,\ustiii High School and their spouses are eligible to membership. An amaual publication, the Altruist, is issued. The presidents of the association have been : 1895, A. 0. Dinsmoor ; 1896, L. M. McWhorter ; 1897, Winifred Ober Reed; 1898, Gertrude Ellis Skinner; 1899, Ida Eccelston French; 1900, Ada Morgan Crane; 1901, Ida Smith Decker; 1902, Etta Barnes Decker ; 1903, F. W. Greenman ; 1904, George E. Anderson; 1905, Fred C. Ulmer; 1906, Cecil Freeman; 1907, Wallace Gregson ; 1908, Thaddeus Thompson; 1909, Chester Johnson; 1910, Ralph Crane; 1911, J. N. Nicholsen.

Birthday Club. The club in Austin which has had perhaps the most unique and clever social programs, and which is distinctively social in its function, is the Birthday Club, founded in 1903 at the home of Mrs. A. M. Smith. The membership is practically Qomposed of young married people and the programs and meetings occur at irregular intervals, depending upon the circumstances, the main one of Avhich is the birthday date of the individual member.

The Civil Improvement League has done much toward beautifying the city, planting flowers in waste places, cleaning up alleys and promoting civic pride. Mrs. Flora Conner and Mrs. W. C. Holmes were instrumental in its formation. It was fostered by the Commercial Club, and encouraged by the work of the State Federation of W^omen's Clubs. The league Avas organized in 1910.

Sunshine Association. Early in September of 1907, in response to a suggestion made by Mrs. John H. Skinner, the Y. W. C. A. undertook the distribution of clothing and other necessities to the needy. This work had long been done by the Herald, but it was felt that closer supervision was needed. Mrs. J. E. Robinson, then secretary of the Y. W. C. A., willingly added this to her other duties. The Ladies' Relief Society of Austin was invited to hold its meetings in the rooms. This had been for many years a splendid organization of representative women, Avho had generously ministered to the needs of the poor and imfortunate. Owing to illness, death or removal from the city only three members of the organization were active at this time, and the working force Avas composed almost entirely of new members. At the annual meeting in April, 1908, it was decided to change the name of the society to the Sunshine Association of Austin, to incorporate and to engage a general secretary. This was done at small expense.

The society has about fifty members. Meetings for work are held Thursday afternoons from October to June, although many women Avlio wish to help a good work along visit the rooms on itliei' ;ifternnf)ns. where Flora Johnson, the secretary, always hiis AV(irl< I'oi- willing Ii;inds.

A vast amount of work has been done by this organization. Many comforters have been made and distributed, thousands of gfarments, new and partly worn, have been passed on, and dozens of complete outfits for infants have been made and given to destitute mothers. During the cold months an average of 200 garments a month are passed on by charitable persons through the agency of the society. An average of ten calls a week is made by the visiting committee. Every cry of distress that comes to the ears of a Sunshiner is quickly investigated and relief always given to helpless women and little children. The association has been enabled to do this work by financial contributions from the Elks, Masons, Eagles, Christian Endeavorers of the Congregational church, a lecture by Kev. J. F. Budlong and generous gifts from other friends too numerous to mention. Last June the Herald generously otfered the society rooms rent free, and the Smishine headquarters are now in the Herald building. At the present time Mrs. C. L. West is president ; Mrs. George Sutton, vice-president; Mrs. P. A. Reilly, secretary; Mrs. W. R. Terry, treasurer ; and Miss Flora Johnson, general secretary of the organization. Too much credit cannot be given Mrs. C. L. "West for her work in this capacity. Energetic, capable and self-sacrificing, she has labored in every good cause which has solicited her attention, and her name is beloved in the many households which she has benefited.

St. Olav Hospital and Training School. St. Olav Hospital and Training School is an outgroAvth of a private hospital conducted by Drs. Hegge & Hegge, in some rented rooms over the Daily Register office in Austin, Minn. Owing to the rapid gi'owth and steadily increasing practice of these physicians, it soon became apparent that a hospital should be established in Austin on a more permanent basis, and Dr. 0. H. Hegge accordingly Avent to the aimual meeting of the United Lutheran Church, assembled at St. Paul, Minn., in June, 1896, and spoke before the convention of Lutheran clergymen about his plan of having a hospital organized in Austin. This meeting, however, could not be prevailed upon to take any direct interest in the establishment of this hospital; but a special meeting of some of the local clergymen and some of the interested laymen was called, and Dr. Hegge did not give up his efforts until the Austin Hospital Association was formed and incorporated under the laws of the state of IMinnesota. The first board of directors was elected the 5th day of June, 1896, as follows : Rev. J. Mueller Eggen, Lyle, Minn., president; Rev. S. O. Rondestvedt, Grand Meadow, Minn., vicepresident; Rev. E. T. Rogne, Austin. Minn., secretary and treas- U1-C1-. P. K. Everson, TTnstad, Iowa; L, F. Clausen, .\ustiii. Minn..

The Austin Hospital Association, as the corporation was called, inmiediately acquired sufficient ground at 916 Lansing avenue for tlie hospital and training school. Lena Nelson, a Lutheran deaconess from Minneapolis, -was called as sister in charge, and Drs. O. H. and C. A. Ilegge constituted the regular hospital staff, although the hospital also opened its doors to all regular physicians and surgeons in Austin and vicinity. The hospital is located in the best residence district ip Austin, overlooking the banks of the Red Cedar, about half a mile from the business center, and removed from the noise, dust and smoke of the factories and railways.

St. Olav Hospital proved a success from the start, and in 1910 it was necessary to build a large addition, as more room was needed both for the patients and for the training school. At this time two new operating rooms with complete surgical equipment were also added, as well as a fine new ambulance, which Avas donated by the ladies of Austin.

The Corporation. The general purpose of this corporation, according to the articles of incorporation, "shall be the owning, erecting, maintaining and conducting a public hospital for the medical and surgical care and treatment of persons afflicted with disease, admitted as patients therein, and to do and perform all the business incident and necessary to the successful operation of a public hospital. The corporation is organized for benevolent purposes and not for profit, and shall, Avhen able to do so, care for and nui'se worthy poor patients admitted into the hospital free of charge. The location of said hospital shall be in the city of Austin, in the county of Mower, in the state of Minnesota."

^Membership. A. "Tlie voting members of this association shall be members of any Lutheran church who shall have paid a membership fee of $5 and an annual fee of $1. No member shall have more than one vote. B. Lutheran clergymen in and about the city of Austin, Minn., shall be honorary members of this corporation, but may become voting members In- paying tlie fees as prescribed in the by-laws."

The board of directors of the Austin Hospital Association in 1911 are: Rev. J. A. E. Naess, Austin, Minn., president; Rev. E. 0. Hofstad, Hayfield, vice-president ; W. R. Earl, Austin, Minn., secretary; Gust. Sehleuder, Austin, Minn., treasurer; Rev. 0. Jolmson, Blooming Prairie, Minn., and Seymour Johnson, Austin, Minn. Mr. Jolmson has for several years been active manager of tlie liospital. and under his careful and economical business miinagi'iiient llic instilulion has greatly prospered.