Stearns County, Minnesota - Chapter 55: St. Cloud Organizations, 1915

Chapter 55: St. Cloud Organizations

The Masonic Bodies - The G. A. R. and Its Auxiliaries - Elks - Odd Fellows and Rebekahs - United Workmen and Degree of Honor - Modern Woodmen and Royal Neighbors - Woodmen of the World and Woodmen Circle - Equitable Fraternal Union - Court of Honor - Modern Brotherhood of America - Commercial Travelers - Eagles - Camels - Modern Samaritans - Degree of Pocahontas - Lady Maccabees - Order of Vasa - North Star Benefit - Independent Foresters - Royal Arcanum - Knights of Columbus - Catholic Order of Foresters - Lady Foresters - Hibernians and Auxiliary - St. Joseph's Benevolent Society - Ladies' Benevolent Association - Catholic Club - Humane Society - Health League - Social Clubs - Labor Organizations - St. Cloud Automobile Club - Commercial Organizations.

was organized October 25, 1857, and the first meeting was held October 31, 1857 The officers under dispensation were: W, M., Martin G. Smith; S. W., Richard C Burdick; J. W., James K. Miller; secretary Taylor Dudley; S. D., Peter A. Grant; J D., D. J. Boynton, and tyler, Burnham Han son.

The charter was granted January 8, 1858 and the first meeting held under the char ter, January 16, 1858. The charter officers were: W. M., Martin G. Smith; S. W. Richard C. Burdick; J. W., James K. Mil ler; treasurer, David Gilman; secretary Taylor Dudley; S. D., Peter A. Grant; J D., Burnham Hanson, and tyler, Henry Hillman.

The successive meeting places have been as follows: First: Second story Burdick store building, Watab, Benton county, until July 14, 1861. Second: Second story "Stokes" warehouse on the upper levee, St Cloud, first occupied July 27, 1861, and until October 8, 1864. Third: Second story Carter building on northeast corner Seventh avenue and First street north, occupied from October 8, 1864, to August 30, 1875. Fourth: Second story Clark & Davis building on northeast corner of Fifth avenue and Second street south; occupied from September 1, 1875, to August 31, 1886. Fifth: Third story D. B. Searle block, No. 20 Fifth avenue south; from September 13, 1886, to February 16, 1912.

Sixth: February 16, 1912, it occupied its present home in the third story of the Masonic block, S. Gorman street. This building, formerly known as the "Kerr block," was purchased by the St. Cloud Masonic Temple Association, a corporation, in September, 1912.

The list of officers of this lodge has been a notable one. In the list here appended the worshipful master, the senior warden and the junior warden are given for each year, (D), after a name signifying deceased, and (W) signifying withdrawn.

St. Germaix Stkket, 1865

Nazarene Commandery No. 24, Knights Templar. - On May 25, 1892, a commandery of Knights Templar was instituted in this city, under dispensation, to be known as Nazarene Commandery. The petition for the dispensation was signed by H. J. Anderson, A. Barto, T. C. Boorn, H. H. Corbett, J. H. Dewart, E. J, Evans, C. A. Gilman, J. F. Low, F. Ladd, Geo. McMahon, J. C. Munro, J. K. Miller, Dee Norton, D.

E. S., was organized March 30, 1888, in the North Star lodge rooms in the Searle building on Fifth avenue south. The charter members were: Mrs. Malinda Cooper, Mrs. Josephine Carrick, Mrs,. Laura Marlatt, Mrs. Myra Fawcett, Mrs. Caroline Boorne, Mrs. Arabel Wing, Annie Getchell, Carrie Getchell, Geo. S. Spencer, T. C. Boorne, Geo. McMahon, Chris. Fawcett, N. Getchell, C. E. Morgan and T. C. Wing, Mrs. Malinda Cooper was elected first worthy matron; Geo. S. Spencer, worthy patron; T. C. Wing, secretary.

After a few months interest died and on March 10, 1894, it was reorganized, and as at this time there were two grand chapters they were consolidated, the chapters renumbered according to age, the St. Cloud number changed to No. 5, and a new charter granted, as old one was lost or destroyed. Mrs, Lida Calhoun was elected worthy matron; J. H. Lufkin, worthy patron; John C. Monroe, secretary. In February, 1913, the Masonic Association having bought the Kerr block on St. Germain street, the lodge rooms were moved.

The principal officers have been as follows, the worthy matron, worthy patron and secretary being given each year in the order named: 1888, Mrs. Malinda Cooper,. George S. Spencer, T. C. Wing; 1894, Mrs. Lida Calhoun, J. H. Lufkin, J. C. Monroe; 1895, Mrs. Lida Calhoun, J. H. Lufkin, Mrs. Charolette Barto; 1896, Mrs. Charolette Barto, J. F. Stephens, Mrs. Myra Faucett; 1897, Mrs. Charolette Barto, J. H. Lufkin, Mrs. Myra Faucett; 1898, Mrs. Ida Stephens, C. S. Benson, Mrs. Myra Faucett; 1899, Mrs. Ida Stephens, J. H. Lufkin, Mrs. Myra Faucett; 1900, Mrs. Jane Spencer, M. K. Nelson, Mrs. Hellene Nelson; 1901, Mrs. Jane Spencer, Thos. Hellier, Mrs. Myra Faucett; 1902, Mrs. Helen Hellier, J. H. Lufkin, Abbie Hellier; 1903, Mrs. Helen Hellier, J. H. Lufkin, Mrs. Myra Faucett; 1904 and 1905, Mrs. Maude Leimbacker, A. H. Gales, Mrs. Myra Faucett; 1906, Mrs. Ella Davis, F. C. Lindt, A. H. Gaumitz; 1907 and 1908, Lomie Raymond,

Nelson. Mrs. Helen Risch; 1911 and 1912, Mrs. Pearl Honer, A. L. Wenstrom, Dell Raymond; 1913, Mrs. Rosa Lindt, J. W. Howatt, Dell Raymond; 1914 and 1915. Mrs. Susan Scherfenberg, F. L. Estey, Dell Raymond.

There are 175 members in good standing at the present time. The Order of the Eastern Star exists for the purpose of giving practical effect to one of the beneficent purposes of Free Masonry, which is to provide for the welfare of the wives, daughters, mothers, widows and sisters of Master Masons and to promulgate the principles of brotherly love, relief and truth. James M. McKeIvy Post, No. 134, Department of Minnesota, Grand Army of the Republic, was organized March 20, 1885, and mustered March 21, 1885. James M. McKelvy, for whom the Post was named, was captain of Company I, Seventh Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. At the close of the war he took up the legal profession and later was elected judge of the Seventh Judicial District, which position he held for several years until he resigned.

The following were the first officers of the Post: Commander, George S. Spencer; senior vice commander, P. B. Gorman; surgeon. W. M. Scruby; chaplain, James Biggerstaff ; officer of the day, Andrew Larson; officer of the guard, John Schaefer; quartermaster, D. A. Perkins; adjutant, Frank Carrier; sergeant-major, Thomas Ewing; quartermaster-sergeant, A. B. Meyers. The following were charter members: D. A. Perkins, John Dressier, John Schaefer, Frank Carrier, Mathias Mickley, Charles F. Wheeler, P. T. Safford, W. F. Knowlton, George S. Spencer, Loren W. Collins, George W. Tilton, James Biggerstaff, P. B. Gorman, J. W. Westrum, Thomas Ewing, A. E. Hussey, J. L. Wakefield, Miner Webb, Dolson B. Searle, W. W. Swathwood, J. H. Raymond, Andrew Larson, W. M. Scruby, John Cooper, C. I. Dakin, A. B. Meyers, Charles Smith, Daniel Martin, Nathaniel Getchell, George L Porter, G. F. Miles, Fred Reed, Henry Fischer, George Hanson, Charles Ketcham, Michael Mitchell.

During its history, the following have served as commanders of the Post: George S. Spencer, P. B.. Gorman, James Biggerstaff, John Schaefer, Fred Reed, D. A. Perkins, A. F. Perkins, C. F. Macdonald (15 years), J. A. McDonald, Josiah E. West, C. E. Bell, J. P. Carpenter. The following have been adjutants: Frank Carrier, W. L. Carrier, W. L. Spooner, John Schaefer, Fred Reed, M. F. Sweet.

McKelvy Post has since its organization, invariably observed Decoration Day and Memorial Sunday. The Post has always, through delegations of its members, paid annual visits to the schools of the city during Memorial week.

Two very largely attended district encampments of the Grand Army of the Republic have been held in St. Cloud, which were occasions for a great outpouring of the veterans and citizens of the city and surrounding country generally. During its history the Post has been honored by the election of four of its members as department commanders, the highest position in the Grand Army in the state of Minnesota, They were: A. Barto, Dolson B. Searle, C. F. Macdonald, Loren W. Collins.

Starting with a membership of thirtysix and increasing to one hundred and six, the maximum, it has been reduced by death and removal to forty-nine. Two hundred and thirteen veterans of the Civil War have been mustered into the Post during its history. Their names, company and regiment are as follows: D. A. Perkins,

J. M. McKeIvy Woman's Relief Corps, No. 40, Department of Minnesota, was organized November 21, 1887, was instituted December 5, 1887, and received its charter January 28, 1888. There were seventeen charter members. The charter officers were: President, Mrs. Margaret J. Mc- KeIvy; senior vice-president, Mrs. P. E. Bryant; junior vice-president, Mrs. M. E. Ketcham; secretary. Rose McKelvy; treasurer, Mrs. E. J. Thomas; chaplain, Mrs. D. L. Spooner; conductor, Mrs. C. C. Cowan; guard, Eva McKelvy; assistant conductor,

Mrs. Moran; assistant guard. Miss Wilkes. The first meetings were held in the G. A. R. headquarters in the Lewis Clark hall. Successive meeting places have been: the public library, the I. O. O.. F. hall, the M. W. A. hall, and, at present, the Eagles' hall. The presidents since organization have been: Mrs. C. E. Cowan, Mrs. D. B. Searle, Mrs. D. L. Spooner, Mrs. Mae Wagner, Mrs. Ross Richards, Mrs. Charles Neal, Mrs. James Biggerstaff, Mrs. Belle Riley, Mrs. Francis Flynn, Mrs. Ella Skinner. Secretaries, Mrs. M. E. Ketcham, Mrs. Nellie Marvin, Mrs,. Helen McCarthy, Miss Glen Wagner, Mrs. Belle Riley, Mrs. Ella Skinner, Mrs. Mae Chapman.

The W. R. C. stands for patriotism. It is auxiliary to the G. A. R. to aid the members in caring for afflicted comrades and their dependent ones, and to perpetuate the memory of our heroic dead in the sacred observance of Memorial Day. It has carried sunshine into many afflicted homes.

D. B. Searle Circle No. 83, Ladies of the G. A. R., was organized February 16, 1911, and received the charter May 23. The following were the charter members: Magdalena Kaufman, Susanna Reider, Julia Bartch, Margaret Mund, Bridget McNulty, Tracy A. Howard, Belle Cater, Ellen Miller, Lena Wolner, Anna Belle Jones, Mary O'Brien, Sarah McDonald, Emma Cross, Minnie Reinhart, Louisa Swathwood, Anna Scherfenberg. Clara Slattery, Mary Coates, Jessie Gaspard, Libby Bell Riley, Jane Spencer, May Wagner, Carrie Marshall.

The first officers were: President, Mary Wagner; senior vice-president, Magdalena Kaufman; junior vice-president, Bridget McNulty; chaplain, Anna Scherfenberg; treasurer, Tracy A. Howard; secretary. Belle Cater; conductor, Julia Bartch; as- sistant conductor, Sarah McDonald; guard, Susanna Rieder; assistant guard, Minnie Reinhart; delegate to department convention, Anna Scherfenberg.

The first meetings were held in the G. A, R. hall in the Library building, and since then in Eagle hall, the present place cl meeting. Officers since charter election: Presidents, May Wagner, Belle Cater, Magdalena Kaufman, May Chapman; secretaries, Belle Cater, May Chapman, Eva Spaeth.

The present officers are: President^ May Chapman; senior vice-president, Clara Slattery; junior vice-president, Ber tha Schaefer; chaplain, Anna Scherfen berg; treasurer, Lilly Moore; secretary p]va Spaeth; conductor, Mary Bloomer; as sistant conductor, Clara Nelson; guard Susanna Reider; assistant guard; Magda lena Kaufmann. The delegates to the de partment convention are Emma Cross and Belle Matteson.

There are 43 members at present. The lodge is for the purpose of helping the comrades of the G. A. R. and their dependent ones and keeping fresh in the minds of the community the love of their flag and country.

St. Cloud Lodge No. 516, Benevolent and Protective Order of Eiks, was organized at the Davidson Opera House, August 25, 1899, under a dispensation issued by Grand Exalted Ruler B. Mathew of Birmingham, Ala., bearing date July 17, 1899. There was a musical program, an address of welcome by Fred Schiplin on behalf of Mayor J. A. McDonald and a response by Lou Wilkes of St. Paul. There were 117 charter members, a large class being initiated on the opening night. The initial officers of the lodge were as follows: Exalted ruler, R. B. Brower; esteemed leading knight, Fred Schiplin; esteemed loyal knight, Harvey Grimmer; esteemed lecturing knight, W. W. Koons; secretary, E. C. Scott; treasurer, Fred E. Kreatz; esquire, S. H. Ward; tyler, F. J. Thielman; chaplain, L. E. Wakeman; inner guard, Homer A. McKenzie; trustee, one year, O. H. Havill; trustee, two years, O. F. Metzroth; trustee, three years, C. S. Bunnell; organist, Louis Rosenberger.

by the Elks as a meeting place. On February 20, 1903, the rooms on the third floor of the Carter Hall were dedicated for lodge purposes. February 3, 1911, the lodge voted to take steps towards the construction of an Elks' Home; July 23, the present site on Fifth avenue was purchased; October 6 the dues were increased so as to aid the building fund; July 4, 1912, the contract for the plans was let; \ October 4 the general contract was let. j The new Home was formally dedicated j with impressive ceremonies February 19, j 1914. , I

The officers elected for 1915-16 were: Exalted ruler, James R. Jerrard; esteemed leading knight, James Quigley; esteemed loyal knight, Fred Dewey; esteemed lecturing knight, C. H. West; secretary, A. W. Corwin; treasurer, C. O. Bensen; tyler, Frank Buckman; delegate to grand lodge, J. J. Hilbe; alternate, Fred Schiplin; delegate to State meeting, W. W. Koons; alternate, E. T. Davidson. At the present time there are 485 members in good standing in the St. Cloud lodge.

Since 1900 there has been an annual Memorial Day ceremony held by the lodge on the first Sunday in December, when the "Lodge of Sorrow" convenes with an outside orator as the main speaker. The speakers have been: 1900, Albert H. Hall, Minneapolis; 1901, Rev. R. J.. Mooney, Minneapolis; 1902, C. G. Laybourn, Minneapolis; 1903, Weed Monroe, Minneapolis; 1904, Tracy Bangs, Grand Forks; 1905, J. C. Netheway, Stillwater; 1906, C. S. Johnson, Brainerd; 1907, W. S. Mc- Cormick, Duluth; 1908, John H. Mitchell,

The Elks while primarily a social organization, carrying no insurance benefits of any kind, do much in their individual communities along charitable Ines, a generous fund being set aside by each lodge for the relief of the poor, sick and afflcted,. Their charity is unostentatious and few people realize the scope of the work. Recently a "Big Brother" movement has been organized in the larger cities where great assistance is given the juvenile court officers.

Since the dedication of the new home, St. Cloud lodge has decided to hold an annual Home-coming and Reunion of its members each February, the first one being held on February 11 and 12, 1915.

The deceased members of the lodge are: Dr. A. Mumford, Dee Norton, Clarence J. Abel, Thos. A. Pattison, E. P. Barnum, S. A. Gray, George J. McNaughton E. J. Weber, J. Andrew Bensen, Guy S Canfield, John C. Hammerel, D. T. Cal houn, E. E. Wells, C. P. McClure, Thos P. Flynn, W. I. Henshaw, John A. Mc Donald, Hugh Spence, Thos. S. Bradford H. S. Abeles, Henry K. White, Wesley Carter, George H. Reynolds, John O. Mc Clure, G. A. Marschall, D. B. Searle, Alex ander McGregor, H. G. Wire, P. H. Ander son, George W. Stewart, C. P. Reeves, L W.. Collins, J. E. C. Robinson, C. W. Cline D. B. Von Steinberg, A. J. Wampach, D

St. Cloud Lodge No. 92, I. O. O. F. was organized September 27, 1882, by Henry J. Strouse, grand master, and Sherwood Hough, grand secretary. The charter members were L. A. Evans, E. B. Strong, A, M,. Cole, James M. McKelvy, L. A. Hildreth,

D. E. Davis. The first officers were: L. A. Evans, noble grand; W. L. Waldron, vice grand; E. B. Strong, secretary; H. J. Nare, treasurer. The pa.?t grands have been L. A. Evans, Johna Schaefer, E. H. Wright, W. H. Alden, C. D. Burgan, H. C. Metzl, Geo. McMahon. W. S. Elliott. F. A. Staples, G. H. Dunnewold. C. E. Morgan,

The present officers are: Axel Young, N. G.; Archie Galbreath, V. G.; Olaf Frick, secretary; E. P. Long, treasurer. A total of 314 have been enrolled, the present membership being 80.

The lodge endeavors to live up to the grand motto of the order - the Three Links, emblematic of Friendship, Love and Truth. It teaches the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. Its duties are to visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead and educate the orphan. This lodge has been honored by having one of its members elected as grand warden and deputy grand master of the state.

Ursula Rebekah Lodge No. 33, I. O. O. F. was organized by J. C. Cockburn, Grand Master of the I. O. O. F. Lodge, and received its charter May 4, 1888. The charter members were: George McMahon, Isabell McMahon, W. A. Waldron, C. L. Waldron, R. E. McFarland, M. McFarland, F. M. Wright, Julia Wright, L. A. Evans, E. U. Evans, J. D. Thomas, E. L. Thomas, W. S. Elliott, A. L. Stanchfield, C. F. Lamb, J. Kopp, James Jones, D. W. Bruckert, C. E. Morgan, Fronie Morgan, H. McGregor, N. M. McGregor, W. A. Riley, M. E. Riley, C. H. Fisher, J. Fisher, P. Martin, James Bunn.

The first meetings were held in the Lewis Clark Hall, Fifth avenue and First street south, on the second and fourth Fridays of each month. In 1890 they moved to the McClure Hall, where they met the first and third Tuesdays of each month. January, 1911, they moved to the Edelbrock Hall where they met the first and third Saturdays of each month. In February, 1913, they moved to the Masonic Temple, where they now meet on the second and fourth Fridays of each month.

The Rebekah Lodge of the I. O. O. F. is an organization of men and women having for its object the elevation of mankind. It recognizes the great need of cooperation in the trials and adversities of human life, and its aim is to visit and care for the sick, to relieve the distressed, to assist friends by kindly ministrations when in trouble, sickness or want; to aid in the establishment and maintenance of homes for the aged; to provide for the care, education and support of orphans of deceased Odd Fellows and Sisters of the Rebekah lodges; to cultivate and extend the social and fraternal relations; and to strive to remove the worldly barriers and place all upon an equal plane as members of one great family. Its teachings and the influence of lodge associations encourage the promotion of pure principles and the moulding of human character. The first officers were: E. U. Evans, N. M. Mc- Gregor, Julia Wright, C. L. Waldron, L. A. Evans, A. L. Stanchfield, H. McGregor, Fronia Morgan, Clarence Morgan, F. M. Wright, M. E. Riley. The present officers are: Kelsie Hicks, noble grand; Hulda Young, vice grand; Ella Davis, secretary; Sarah Elliot, treasurer.

St. Cloud Lodge No. 63, Ancient Order of United Workmen. - The first meeting of the lodge was held in Masonic Hall, 30 1^ Fifth avenue south, on April 10, 1880. This was the first fraternal beneficiary order organized in the city. On the night of institution the following gentlemen were present: W. B. Mitchell, Dr. W. L. Beebe, Prof. Thos. J. Gray, J. E. Wing, R. L. Scott, John Rogers, H. Becker, Ed Chappel, Sheriff Math Miekley, D. S. Rathburn, J. H. Raymond, A. Smith, Dr. O. A. Gilman, C. F. Wheeler, A. L. Cramb and Ed. Hart. The first officers are: Past master workman, Mathias Miekley; master workman, J. E. Wing; foreman, A. L. Cramb; overseer, C. F. Wheeler; recorder, Thos. J. Gray; financier, W. L. Beebe; receiver, W. R. Mitchell; inside watchman, Ed Hart; outside watchman, D. S. Rathburn. These were all duly inbtalled by Grand Master Workman Taisey. O. A. Gilman, A. L. Cramb and J. E. Wing were elected trustees. R. L. Scott, O. A. Gilman and John Rogers were appointed finance committee by Master Workman Wing, and J. H. Raymond, Mathias Miekley, and C. F. Wheeler were named on the business committee.

Of the sixteen charter members three are still members of this lodge in good standing. They are: W. B. Mitchell, St. Cloud, Minn.; C. F. Wheeler, Naples, Idaho; Dr. W. L. Beebe, St. Cloud, Minn. Six of the charter list died members of the order, and six allowed themselves to become suspended, three of these on the first assessment after initiation.

Those admitted during the year 1880 were: John E. Johnston, wagon maker; Samuel Hay ward, miller; E. A. Parks, teacher; John Seberger, deputy sheriff; W.. T. Benjamin, mechanic; D. L. Kiehle, teacher. D. L. Kiehle at the time of his initiation was president of the St. Cloud State Normal School and E. A. Parks, superintendent of the city schools; Thos. J. Gray, science teacher at the State Normal, and Math Miekley, sheriff of Stearns County.

In spite of the excellent personnel of the charter list, the growth of St. Cloud Lodge No. 63 was very slow the first ten years of its existence. At the end of the fifth year it had but sixteen members, three less than at the end of the first and at the close of the tenth there were only 32. Strenuous efforts had been made from time to time to increase the membership, but without success.

In 1891 things began to change. Systematic and persistent effort was made to increase the membership. As a result sixteen, candidates were initiated that year, and three members admitted by card. The A. O. U. W. Guide, a weekly paper, was ordered for each member of the lodge. The I. O. O. F.. Hall was leased, and the furniture purchased from the Odd Fellows. The next year weekly meetings were held. Seventeen members were initiated and three admitted by card. Sick benefits were paid, but this was discontinued the following year.

Peerless Lodge No. 4, Degree of Honor, was organized with 52 charter members in 1895 through the efforts of several of the members of No. 63, and 46 new members were added to the Workmen lodge. From this on these two lodges worked hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder. Joint meetings were held, joint installations conducted, and card parties, entertainments, picnics, etc., were frequent. The result was a rapid growth of both lodges.

Since the organization of Peerless lodge the Workmen have admitted 458 members and the Degree 467. The total number admitted by the Workmen since the institution of the lodge is about 600.

The Past Master Workman still living and in good standing are W. B. Mitchell, Dr. W. L. Beebe, C. F. Wheeler, F. C. Lindt, Samuel Marshall, Thos.. Savage, P. J. Seberger, L. J. Rocholl, Wm. C. Scheil, William Munsinger, Fred Albrecht, Wm. Albrecht, Jos. B. Theisen and John A. Schmidt.

membership 55 during tlie past year. It has nearly 200 members and nearly $2,000 in its treasury, making it one of the strongest lodges, numerically and financially, in the city. Its membership is made up of the best of our citizens - ministers, doctors, lawyers, bankers, merchants and respectable working men.

The officers for 1915 are as follows: Past master workman, John A. Schmitt; master workman, William Donken; foreman, Wm. Kirsch; overseer, Clarence Mowen; recorder, Wm. Munsinger; financier, Fred Steindorf; receiver, Chris. Schmitt; guide, Melvin Muusinger; inside watch, John Lambeke; outside watch, Victor Sandberg; trustees, Jos. B. Theisen, Wm. Scheil, L. J. Rocholl. The representatives to the Grand Lodge, elected for the year 1915 and 1916, are Jos. B,. Theisen and John A. Schmitt. St. Cloud Lodge No. 63 is represented on the official list of the Grand Lodge by P. J. Seberger, who is grand guide.

There were just 36 deaths in 34 years, an average of one a year. During the first 17 years of this period there were only four deaths, and during the last 17 there were 32. The total amount paid to the

Peerless Lodge No. 4, Degree of Honor, was instituted on January 31, 1895, by Mrs. Mary Daily, Grand Chief of Honor, with fifty-two charter members. The first officers elected and installed were: Past chief of honor, Rinna Page; chief of honor, Emma Marshall; lady of honor, Emily Berg; chief of ceremonies, Mrs. Florence Johnston; recorder, Florence Johnston; financier, Agnes Adams; receiver, Mary Weyrens; usher, Dottie Bowers; inside watch, Mattie Johnston; outside watch, Fred C. Lindt; trustees, J. H. Raymond, Alice Terrell, J. M. Gretta. The first name selected for the lodge was J. H. Raymond Lodge No. 4, but this was changed on February 21 to Peerless Lodge, No. 4.

Mary Weyrens, Josephine Huff and Delia Gretta were the first to mp,ke application for beneficiary certificates, and certificates were issued as follows: To Delia Gretta, No. 131; to Josephine Huff, No. 132; to Mary Weyrens, No. 149.

On May 16, Florence Johnston resigned her position as recorder and Mary D. Robischung was elected to fill the vacancy, and on June 20 Mrs. Florence Johnston resigned the position of ceremonies and Lydia Davis was elected to succeed her.

For the year 1896 the following officers were elected: Past chief of honor, Emma Marshall; chief of honor, Emma Franklin; lady of honor, Albertina Griebler; chief of ceremonies, Hattie Gehrenbeck; recorder. Rose Betts; financier, Agnes Adams; usher, Dottie Bowers; inside watch, Bertha Seberger; outside watch, Sam Marshall.

Below is given a list of the executive and financial officers with year of service, the first under each year being the chief of honor, the second the recorder, the third the financier, and the fourth the receiver: 1895, Emma Marshall, Florence Johnston and Mary Robischung, Agnes

The officers elected for the year 1915 are as follows: Past chief of honor, Mary Smith; chief of honor, Maud Raymond; lady of honor, Minnie Bowers; chief of ceremonies, Lydia Davis; usher, Martha Young; assistant usher, Helen Wendt; inside watch, Marie Smith; outside watch, John Jenson; trustees, Margaret Blattner, Mary Spaniol and Barbara Markley; medical examiner, Dr. G. S. Brigham.

The following is a list of those who died: Jane Nelson, 1903; Margaret Sinclair, 1904; Elizabeth Nolan, 1904; Amy Herchmer, 1904; Emma Marshall, 1905; Celia Rocholl, 1906; Elizabeth Raymond, 1907; Henrietta Wolfsberg, 1907; John H. Raymond, 1907; Mary Blattner, 1910; Annetta Swanberg, 1912; Mary Spicer, 1912;

Granite City Camp No. 1557, IVI. W. A. - On March 18, 1891, E. P. Sartell, F. C. Grunnewald, R. W. Johnson, J. F. Palmer, Dr. G. S. Brigham, and R. G. A. Cousens met in Knights of Labor hall, 23 1/^ Sixth Avenue North, and organized a camp of the Modern Woodmen of America. O. H. C. Raeder, D. H. C, previous to this had secured the following applications for membership: E. P. Sartell, Rev. R. L. Henshall, W. B. Mitchell, Geo. Wagner, Fred C. Grunnewald, R. W. Johnson, j!

G. A. Cousens, after which the following officers were elected: Venerable consul, E. P. Sartell; worthy adviser. Rev. R. L. Henshall; excellent banker, W. B. Mitchell; clerk, R. G. A. Cousens; escort, J. F. Palmer; watchman, Fred C. Grunnewald; sentry, R. W. Johnson; camp physician. Dr. G. S. Brigham; manager, three years, E. P. Sartell; manager, two years. Dr. G. S. Brigham; manager, one year, Fred C. Grunnewald. All these, except the Worthy Adviser and Excellent Banker, were installed. Rev. R. L. Henshall and W. B. Mitchell were not adopted until June 18 and were never installed to the positions to which they had been elected. The name selected for the camp was Granite City Camp No. 1557, Modern Woodmen of America.

The following are the officers for 1915: Venerable consul, Morgan Flaherty; worthy adviser, John A. Henry; excellent banker, O. A. McConnell; clerk, P. J. Seberger; escort, Ben Schoener; watchman, W. J. Murphy; sentry, J. W. Erickson; camp physicians, A. D. Whiting, J. H. Beaty, J. C. Beohm; managers, H. G. Smart, C. D. Hudson, Wm. M. Varner.

Ruby Camp No. 656, Royal Neighbors of America, was organized April 28, 1897, with a membership of twenty-two members. The charter members were: Olive Cousens, Mary Holden, Jennie Potter, Lena Scherfenberg, Mary Weyrens, Emma Penny, Harriet A. Smith, Josie A. Craemer, Delia Greta, J. Smith, Sophia Bunt, Margaret Cambell, E. H. Penny, Wm. T. Holden, John H. Weyrens, Geo. P. Craemer, J. Cambell, R. G. A. Cousens,

Meetings were first held in the Hunstiger Hall, next, the A. O. U. W. Hall. In the year 1903 they removed to the Woodman Hall, holding their meetings there until Jan. 1, 1913, when they moved to the McClure Hall, where they are now holding their meetings.

The oracle and recorder respectively for each year have been: 1898, Mary Weyrens, Olive O. Cousins; 1899, Rose Voelker, Teresa Seberger; 1900, Ada Stickney, Teresa Seberger; 1901, Ada Stickney, Teresa Seberger; 1902, Ada Stickney, Teresa Seberger; 1903, Lydia Davis, Teresa Seberger; 1904, Regina D. Knutsen, Teresa Seberger; 1905, Lestena Allen, Teresa Seberger; 1906, Julia Anderson, Teresa Seberger; 1907, Emma Kaerwer, Nellie Marvin; 1908, Mary Huber, Nellie

Present officers are: Oracle, Lestina Allen; vice oracle, Ella Patterson; past oracle, Martha Young; chancellor, Anna Conrad; recorder, Regina D. Knutson; receiver, Kate Davis; marshal, Margaret Fisher; inner sentinel, Elida Erickson; outer sentinel, Mary Lommel; installing officer, Lydia Davis; ceremonial manager, Mrs. Julia Anderson; managers, Sarah Quinlivan, Mary Spaniol; physician. Dr. A. D. Whiting. The present membership is 146. This lodge stands for Charity and Protection.

St. Cloud Camp, No. 26, Woodmen of the World, Jurisdiction of Minnesota, was organized April 28, 1896, by State Deputy Sovereign Consul Commander Henry S. Henley, and the following charter members were duly instructed in the mysteries and work of Woodcraft: Dr. George S. Brigham; D. A. Morrison, C. M. Wooster, J. F. Stephens, Clinton A. Londen, F. C. Holbert, Perry Baxter, S. A. Parker, A. C. Cline, Chas. L. Gilbert, George W. Cline, W. J. Van Dyke, M. Clemence, R. R. Oakley, Chas. E. Price, O. P. Clearwater, E. F. Page, Frank Reynolds, Jas. Robertson, Geo. M. Parseneau, Edwin Maybury. After the obligation had been conferred, the following officers were elected and installed: Consul commander, Edwin F. Page; advisor lieutenant, Robt. H, Oakley; banker, W. J. Van Dyke; clerk, Chas. E. Price; escort, Chas.. L. Gilbert; watchman, D. A. Morrison; sentry, Frank Reynolds; camp physician. Dr. Geo. S. Brigham; managers, J. F. Stephens, A. C. Cline and S. A. Parker. The name adopted for the local camp was "St Cloud Camp No. 26." The A. O. U. W. hall. No. 301/2 Fifth Avenue South, was rented for the regular place of meeting, and by-laws were drafted and adopted. The following charter members are still members of this camp: Dr. Geo. S. Brigham, J. F. Stephens, James Robertson, Chas. E. Price, M. Moore, and Edwin Maybury. The first three named are living in St. Cloud, the last three in the state of Washingon.

During the first year there were initiated 81 new members, in addition to the charter members, making the total number adopted the first year 104.

Chas. E. Price held the position of clerk from April 28, 1896 to February 28, 1901, and was then succeeded by James M. Brown, who held the position for a little more than six months, when he resigned and was succeeded by P. J. Seberger. Mr. Seberger held the ofl!ice uninterruptedly for over thirteen years, commencing September 12, 1901, and continuing to Jan. 1, 1915. S. F. Stelzig held the office of Consul Commander for eleven years.

Enterprise Grove Woodmen Circle No. 20 was organized April 17, 1905, with the following officers: Guardian, Mrs. Bell Hamlin; advisor, Mary Campbell; banker, Anna Jabel; chaplain, Mrs. Anna Loudon; attendant, Melania Collignon; outer sentry, Margaret Collignon; inner sentry, Mrs. Elizabeth Lueck; clerk, Mrs. Lillie Milne; physician. Dr. J. H. Beatty. Meetings have been held in the lodge rooms in Lewis Clark's building, corner of Fifth Avenue and First Street South, in the lodge rooms on the third floor of the Kerr Block, at the homes of the members, and at present in Eagle's Hall.

The presidents and clerk since the election of the charter officers have been: Presidents, Mrs. Bell Hamlin, Melania Collignon, Mrs. Catherine Hennemann. Clerk, Mrs. Lillie Milne, since organization. The present officers are: Guardian, Mrs. Catherine Hennemann; advisor, Mrs. Elizabeth Leuck; chaplain, Mrs. Myna

Leasmann; banker, Mrs. Elizabeth Brown; attendant, Emma Erlandson; outer sentry, Wm. Leuck; inner sentry, Robt. Milne; clerk, Mrs. Lillie Milne; physicians, Dr.. J. H. Beatty and Dr. G. S. Brigham.

The lodge has 42 members at present. The Woodmen Circle is a fraternal organization, offering life insurance for the protection of the family. It takes care of its members when sick or in distress and has done a great deal of good in caring for its sick members, since its organization in St. Cloud.

St. Cloud Assembly No. 322, Equitable Fraternal Union was organized Tuesday evening, May 31, 1904 in M. W. A. Hall, Kerr Block, by State Deputy H. W. Peterson and District Deputy H. J.. Cutler.

The following officers were duly elected and installed: President, John A. Roeser; vice president. Freeman Day; secretary, P. J. Seberger; treasurer, Ferdinand Stangl; adviser, Gerhard Steffes; warden, Wm. Varner; inside guard, Frank Balder; past president, Waite A. Shoemaker; trustees, H. G. Smart, John P. Sigloh, Dr. John C. Boehm. Besides the 49 charter members there was initiated three other members during 1904. In 1905 there were initiated 15 members; in 1906, 25 members; in 1907, 9 members; in 1908, 2 members; in 1909, 12 members; in 1910, 2 members; in 1911, 1 member; in 1912, 32 members; in 1913, 21 members; and in 1914, 3 members. In all there were initiated 173. Of these there are now 127 in good standing. All others have transferred, lapsed, or died.

The list of dead is given below with date of death of each: John F. Sigloh, April 19, 1906; Paul Leim, Oct. 5, 1910; James Van Eman, Dec. 11, 1912; F. C. Scherfenberg, Jan. 26, 1910; Geo. W. Stewart, Oct. 8, 1911; Emma Richard, Feb. 13, 1913; Edwin Harland, June 24, 1913; Hattie J. Gruber, Aug. 10, 1914. The officers for 1915 are as follows: President, James W. Peterson; vice president, HoUis C. Putnam; secretary, P. J. Seberger; treasurer, Ferd. Stangl; adviser, Wm. M. Varner; warden, Julia Bartsch; inside guard, Augusta Rode; past president, Wm. F. Schultz; trustees, John E. Barr, H. G. Smart, Dora Zertler.

P. J. Seberger and F. Stangl have held the positions of secretary and treasurer respectively since the assembly was instituted, which was ten years last May. For ten years Wm. Varner and Dora Zertler have each held some office in the assembly. Mr. Varner was president for six years, and Dora Zertler was warden for six years. Christina Griebler was adviser for seven years. Mr. Varner was twice representative to the State assembly, and P. J. Seberger was elected once for the same position. By the State assembly he was elected representative to the Supreme assembly, and by the Supreme president he was appointed a member of the Supreme auditing board for a term of four years.

St. Cloud District Court No. 629, Court of Honor was organized on Nov. 9, 1901, by J. M.. Stickney, district deputy supreme chancellor. The organization meeting was held in A. O. U. W. hall. No. 303^ Fifth Avenue, South, and 26 persons were present and took the obligation: Robt. Mc- Gregor and wife, W. A. Cannon and wife, S. G. Stickney and wife, J. D. Duffy and wife, Louis Kaiser and wife, E. H. Baus and wife, Mrs. E. M. DuBois, E. W. Van- Levern, Helen McCarthy, Lulu B. Dudley, Mary E. Jones, Nettie Mellquist, John Ballard, E. W. Naffziger, Charles Kaiser, Ben Fearing, E. D. Thoms, Rose VanLevern. Lilly VanLevern, Inez Stickney. These were all benefit members except the last named, who was a social member. The following was the result of the election of officers: Past chancellor, Effie M. Du- Bois; chancellor, Louis Kaiser; vice chancellor, Mary E. Jones; recorder, Helen McCarthy; treasurer, Addie J. Stickney; chaplain, Dora Cannon; conductor, Lorretta McGregor; guard, Charles Kaiser; sentinel, Ben Fearing; directors, Robt. McGregor, J. D. Duffy, S. G. Stickney: medical examiners, Drs. J. B. Dunn and O. J. Brown. These officers were all duly installed by the District Deputy Supreme Chancellor, after which the court initiated three new candidates. On December 27, Liberty District Court No. 1093, located at Sauk Rapids, consolidated with St. Cloud Court, and on May 2, 1902, Maple Grove District Court No. 402, located at Foley, consolidated with the local court.

During the first six months the court made the following record: Charter members, 37; initiated, 68; admitted by card, 14; total, 119. At the end of the first twelve months the court had 141 benefit and nine social members.

On May 6, 1904, a new court. Harmony Court No. 1113, was organized in the city, taking from St. Cloud Court No. 629 twenty-one members. In two years the new court initiated 48 benefit membera and 18 social members. These with the 21 admitted by card from St. Cloud Court, made a total of 87. On April 1, 1906, there were 38 benefit members and four social members in good standing, and these voted that Harmony Court consolidate with St. Cloud Court. The consolidation took place on April 24, 1906.

Those who served as chancellor are listed below with the time served: Louis Kaiser, November, 1901, to January, 1902; N. M.. Whitney, January, 1902, to January, 1903 ; E. J. Naffziger, January, 1903, to January, 1904; A. C. Wyman, January, 1904, to January, 1905; L. D. Staples, January, 1905, to October, 1906; S. G. Stickney, October, 1906, to October, 1908; Emma Von Levern, October, 1908, to October, 1909; Carl P. Koeh, October, 1909, to October, 1915. Only two recorders served more than one year. The names of all the recorders with time served are given as follows: Helen McCarthey, November, 1901, to January, 1903; Eunice N. Stickney, January, 1903, to January, 1904; C. C. Gragoo, January, 1904, to July, 1904; A. E. Gardner, July, 1904, to August, 1904; P. J. Seberger, Aug. 23, 1904, to October, 1915. The officers for 1915 are as follows: Chancellor, Carl P. Koeh; vice chancellor, Anna Koeh; recorder, P. J. Seberger; chaplain, Kate Branch; conductor, David Alexander; guard, Louise Betters; sentry, Catherine George; physician. Dr. A. D. Whiting; trustees, Jacob Weiler, Mary DeBill, Bertha Seberger,

The first meeting was held in the Edelbrock Hall and this has been occupied by them since the organization. The presidents and secretaries since the organization have been: Presidents, F. B. Thole

The present officers (1915) are: Past president, Fred B. Thole; president, Peter F. Miller; vice-president, Peter Schoen; secretary and treasurer, Mary E. Miller; chaplain, Josephine Huff; conductor, George Vogel; I. S., Francis Kuffel; O. S., Peter Richter; trustees, Joseph Timmer, John Pawmill and John Wicke; physician, Dr. C. F. Brigham; musician, Lillian F. Hansen. There are seventy-five members. The lodge provides for a benefit payable at the death of the beneficiaries for the amount carried by the insured. It also provides for accident insurance.

Aerie No. 622, Fraternal Order of Eagles, was instituted in St. Cloud January 20, 1904. The charter officers were: Thos. C. Scollan, president; John P. Bernick, P. W. P.; S. P. Coffrain, W. V. P.; Ed. Lentz, chaplain; John Lahr, treasurer; H. J. Limperich, secretary; H. F. Hansen, conductor; Wm. Thielman, I. G.; Louis

Garad, O. G.; J. L. Edmunds, physician; J. Adams, Sr., M. B. Mullir, Reuben W. Probastin, trustees,. The first meetings were held in Carter Hall, for three years in Edelbrock's Hall, afterwards and at present in Eagles' Hall. The Past Worthy Presidents have been: Hans F. Hansen, Bert E. Hamlin, Chas. E. Maurer, Earl C. Scott, Julius Adams, Harry Frank, Harry Benson, X. A. Honer, Harry Grimmer. The present officers are: F. A. Buckman, president; Harry Grimmer, P. W. P.; H. J. Limperich, W. V. P.; L. G. Gaspard, chaplain; C. O. Bensen, treasurer; E. C. Scott, secretary; F. J. Daniel, conductor; Jos. Schindler, I. G.; John P. Bauler, O. G.; Dr. C. B. Lewis, physician; Drs. M. J. Kern, J. B. Dunn, and W. Friesleben (Sauk Rapids), assistants; Peter Spaniol, Frank Lahr and John Pontius, trustees. The membership at present is 217.

The lodge stands for the uplift of Its members, their families and all who are dependent on them. It has paid out in sick benefits (the doctor's services are free to members and their families) $14,- 000. A death benefit of $50.00 is paid.

St. Cloud Temple No. 266, Camels of the World, was organized September 14, 1914, with the following officers: Ruler, Peter J. Theisen; patriarch, H. E. Wing; sage, E. B. Treischel; prophet. John Gans; officer of the day, Arthur Willing; steward, Dr.. J. F. Adkins; guardian, Angus Mc- Kenzie; herald, Frank Daniels; treasurer, C. O. Bensen; secretary. Earl Scott; trustees, Julius Adams, Val Theisen, Al. Tschumperlin; medical examiners. Dr. A. J. Kirghis, St. Cloud; Dr. Wm. Friesleben, Sauk Rapids; Dr. H. E. Sutton, Cold Spring.

The only changes for 1915 are as fallows: Officer of the day, Eugene Studer; steward, Math. Thielen; guardian, A. J. Gamm; trustee, A. J. Daniel, Jr. (in place of Val. Theisen). There are about 360 members, B. J. Wocken, of St. Cloud, being the local organizer. The first meetings were held in the McClure Hall. October 19, 1914, the old Masonic hall was occupied. January 25, 1915, the society moved into its own rooms at 102-106 Sixth avenue south. The society provides clubroom privileges; $250 life insurance, payable at the death of the member; and $10 £, week sick or accident benefits.

The Modern Samaritans is a purely Minnesota mutual fraternal insurance organization, which was incorporated in Duluth in 1897, where the imperial office is DOW located. The ritual and underlying precepts of the order are founded upon the parable of the Good Samaritan. Its rates of assessment are based upon the mortuary rates established by the National Fraternal Congress.

Waneta Council No. 14, Degree of Pocahontas, was organized July 21, 1903, with 277 charter members. The charter officers were: Pocahontas, Regina Knutson; Winona, Kathryn Henneman; Pohawtan, Lewis Longley; keeper of records. Bertha Seberger; keeper of wampum, Elizabeth Hockert. The first meetings were held in Woodmen Hall, then in Eagles' Hall,. The officers since the first election have been: Pocahontas, Katherine Henneman, Lyda Davis, Anna Ahles, Teresa Seberger, Leona Henneman, Mary Kramer, Hattie Brick, Elizabeth Carew, Martha Young, Helen Munsinger. Mary Faribault, Martha Young, Anna Duncan. Keeper of records. Bertha Seberger to 1907; Clara Kuhn to 1912; Abbie Carlson to 1915. The object of the council is to provide sick benefits for its members.

Granite City Hive No. 80, Ladies of the Maccabees of the World, was organized November 11, 1902, and was granted its charter March 3, 1903. The charter officers were: Commander, Katherine Hennemann; lieutenant commander, Ella Wire; past commander. Rose Leisen; chaplain, Didamia Neal; record keeper, Mary E. Jones; finance keeper, Elizabeth Bernick; mistress-at-arms, Delora Staples; sergeant, Ada Orton; sentinel, Josephine Johnson; picket, Lititia Johnson; captain of guards, Hattie Hennemann. The early records are lost but some of the early members were: Emma Penny, Jennie Flynn, Catherine Flynn, Anna Schumacher, Helen McCarthy, Elouise Reed, Eunice Blood, Frances Fish, Mary Haarmann, Hattie Harmann, Theresia Hennemann, Mary Kapfer, Mary Lambert, Theresia Lommel, Amy Payne, Anna Wengert, Mary Keyes, Magdalena Loso, Louise Quinlivan.

The ladies who have held the Commander chair: Katherine Hennemann, Mary E. Jones, Addie J. Stickney and Winefred Daniel; record keepers: Elizabeth Bernick, Frances Udermann, Hattie Wyman, Mary E. Jones, Helen McCarthy, Mary Miller, Emma Sigloh, and Mary V. Daniels. The present officers are: Past commander, Katherine Hennemann; commander, Martha Young; lieutenant commander, Mary Stafford; chaplain, Lyda Davis; record keeper, Mary V. Daniels; finance auditor, Anna Gustafson; lady at arms, Mary De- Bill; sergeant, Blanche Little; sentinel, Sophia Chute; picket, Mary Lengas; musician, Ledith Davis. There are sixty-five benefit and six social members. The lodge stands for truth, love, fraternity, beneficence and protection, the betterment of humanity and of the home. It is an organization of women bound together for mutual help, to relieve the suffering, comfort the afflicted, care for the distressed, to bury the dead, to rear the orphan and to dwell together in fraternal sympathy and love.

Lodge Granite Klippan No. 204, Order of Vasa of America, was organized November 16, 1911. The charter was received December 13, 1911. There were twenty-two charter members and eleven charter officers. The meetings are held at the Eagles' Hall. 1911-12, president, Olof Nelson; recording secretary, Arvid Wahlberg; 1913, president, Leonard Engquist; recording secretary, Martin Peterson; 1914, president, Arvid Wahlberg; recording secretaries, Carl Hallstrom and Mrs. Clara Wahlberg. The officers for 1915 are: President, John H. Anderson; vice-president, Salomon Swanson; recording secretaries.

John Danielson and Ellen Holm; financial secretary, John Buckman; treasurer, Chas. P. Ahlgren; chaplain, Ida Swanson; master of ceremonies, Alma Backman; inside guard, John Hollander; outside guard, Arthur Burwick. There are 89 members. This lodge aims to help its members financially by paying sick benefits during sickness or misfortune, and to promote moral as well as social interests among its members.

Local Observatory No. 81, North Star Benefit Association, was organized June 24, 1909. The first officers were Ebert Johnson, president, and C. O. Farm, secretary, who were succeeded by Arvid Walberg, president, and Nels Fuhre, secretary, who are the 1915 officers. Meetings have been held in George Magnuson's, C. O. Farm's, Powell Hardware Company's and C. M. Freden's offices. The number of members at present is 30. The lodge is beneficiary.

Court St. Cloud No. 3775, Independent Order of Foresters, was organized February 7, 1898, with seventy-six charter members. The charter members were: Court deputy, Chas.. S. Bunnell; physician, Dr. S. W. Mowers; C. R., C. D. Burgan; P. C. R., J. B. Rosenberger; V. C. R., J. E. C. Robinson; R. S., C. L. Campbell; F. S., A. E. Gardner; treasurer, O. H. Havill; chaplain, Geo. McQueen; S. W., F. E. Kreatz; J. W., C. Schmitt; S. B., Otto Wood; J. B., Geo. L. Rosenberger; trustees, H. C. Ervin and A. G. Whitney. The meetings have been held in Odd Fellows' Hall, Workman Hall and Eagles' Hall. Past chief rangers: Fred W. Rice, C. D. Burgan, Julius Adams, B. E. Hamlin, W. J. Holes, G. E. Kreatz, John McElroy, Geo. S. Parker, H. J. Rosenberger, Aug. W. Buckmann, G. L. Rosenberger, W. L. Rosenberger, Edson F. Stevens, Earl C. Scott, W. S. Elliott (present).

Present officers: Court deputy, Geo. L. Rosenberger; past chief ranger, August Buckman; chief ranger, Walter S. Elliott; vice chief ranger, E. T. Davidson; court physician, C. S. Sutton, recording secretary, Julius Adams; financial secretary, Earl C. Scott; treasurer, A. H. Reinhard; orator, Anthony Sand; organist, Lee Miller; senior woodward, Clarence Marvin; junior woodward, John Gilles; senior beadle, Herbert Gray; junior beadle, Edward Hopke; trustees, C. S. Bunnell and W. J.

Holes; finance committee, W. L. Rosenberger and Paul Lichy. The court has 51 members at present. It provides life insurance policies for $500.00 to $5,000.00. The deceased members are: Dr. Geo. E. Maloy, died November, 1914; Edward E. Clark, March, 1914; Henry J. Rosenberger, January 15, 1910; Frank J. Arnold, September 26, 1906; H. C. Ervin, November, 1914; Herman S. Abeles, February 23, 1909.

Other Lodges. - As to the following lodges no information could be obtained: Knights of the Maccabees, Independent Order of Red Men, Sons of Herman, Teutonia Lodge, United Order of Foresters.

St. Cloud Council No. 961, Knights of Columbus. - The purposes of this order are: To promote such social and intellectual intercourse among its members as shall be desirable and proper and by such lawful means as to them shall seem best. The rendering of mutual aid and assistance to its sick and disabled members. Rendering pecuniary aid to its members and beneficiaries of members carrying insurance.

The St. Cloud Council Knights of Columbus Number 961 was instituted February 12, 1905, with the following charter members. Insurance - Edward A. Macdonald, Christian Schmitt, Lawrence P. Leonard, John C. Crever, Geo. L. Rosenberger, John W. Wolter, John M. Baron, August A. Doerner, Michael F. Cook, Julius Adams, Edw. W. Wolter, Peter P.. Maurin, Martin J. Molitor, Nicholas P. Mertes, Oscar Zimmerman, Alois Tschumperlin, Joseph Satory,

The first officers of the Council were: Grand knight, C. F. Macdonald; deputy grand knight, Peter P. Maurin; chancellor. Christian Schmitt; recorder, E. A. Macdonald; financial secretary, Edward Wolter; treasurer, George L. Rosenberger; lecturer, Edw. Zapp; advocate, C. F. Ladner; warden, Andrew J. Schumacher; inside guard, Michael F. C. Cook; outside guard, John Quinlivan; board of trustees, John C. Crever, J. W. Wolter, J. B. Rosenberger.

grand knight, Christ Schmitt; deputy grand knight, Edw. A. Murphy; chancellor, Joseph B. Himsl; financial secretary, Ben. J. Adams; recorder, J. F. Gaspard; treasurer, Alfred Hall; warden, John Buettner; advocate, James J. Quigley; inside guard, A. N. Puff; outside guard, Alfred Lahr; chaplain. Rev. Dr. Leo Gans; lecturer, Hubert Stafford; medical examiner, Drs. Dunn and Kern; board of trustees, Alfred Ladner, George J. Meinz, L. J. Rocholl. The number of members at present is 670.

The chief rangers have been: 1895, J. E. C. Robinson; 1896, Frank Long; 1897, J. B. Rosenberger; 1898, J. A. Wimmer; 1899-1914, inclusive, Chris. Schmitt. The recording secretaries have been: 1895, Frank Long; 1896, A. F. Dueber; 1897-1902, inclusive, N. P. Mertes; 1903-04, inclusive, A. J. Schumacher; 1905-07, inclusive, John Bettendorf; 1908-14, inclusive, John J. Spaniol. The present (1915) officers are: C. R., Joseph P. Lommel; P. C. R., Chris. Schmitt; V. C. R., Joseph P. Koshiol; R. S., John J. Spaniol; F S., J. T. McGowan; treasurer, George J. Meinz; chaplain. Rev. Leo Gans, D. D.; D. H. C. R., Edward Zapp; medical examiner. Dr. J. B. Dunn; trustees, Edward J. Daniel, Edward Smith, Leander Kost; S. C, Wm. J. Schwartz; J. C, Christ J. Schmitt; L S., John Wintermeyer; O. S.., Theodore Sivinski; speaker, N. P. Mertes.

Thirteen of the charter members are dead. Twenty-six charter members still in good standing in the court. The Court has at present 347 insurance members and six social members. It has paid out $51,000,000 in death benefits and $2,460,000 in funeral benefits. The following are the halls in which the court has met since its organization; Hunstiger Hall, I. O. O.. F. Hall, Cathedral School Hall, and at present in the Edelbrock Hall.

St. Mary's Court No. 744, Catholic Order of Foresters, was organized in September, 1897, receiving its charter September 27. There were 46 charter members. The charter officers were: Bernard F. Lammersen, chief ranger; Emil Schmuck, recording secretary; Wm. J. Huhn, financial secretary; Nicholas Libert, treasurer. The first meetings were held in St. Mary school, then in the Hunstiger hall, then in the St. Mary school hall, then in the Edelbrock hall, then back to St. Mary school hall.

The following members have held the office of chief ranger: Bernard F. Lam mersen, Wm. J. Moos, Wm. A. Boerger Frank X. Betz, Gerhard Zlerten; recording secretaries, Emil Schmuck, Gerhard Zier ten, Anton C. Ethen; financial secretaries Wm. J. Huhn, George Deering.

C. R.; Nicholas Karls, V. C. R.; Anton C. Ethen, recording secretary; Geo. Deering, financial secretary; John G. Winter, treasurer; Frank Schroeder, Wm. Landwehr, Geo. Trzwick, trustees; Jos. Schellinger, speaker. Number of members at present, 131. The order is for fraternal insurance and charitable work.

St. Francis Court No. 326, Women's Catholic Order of Foresters, was organized and received its charter in February, 1909. The charter members were: The Mesdames Frances Flynn, Julia Thielmann, Ursula Dueber, Catherine Hennemann, Elizabeth Fischer, Catherine Jandal, Margaret Dueber, Anna Bernick, Theresia Reichensperger, Sophia Schillinger, Anna Zapp, Mary Moos, Johannah Schmidt, Catherine Udermann, Anna Strobel, Sarah Finnigan, Mary O'Brien, Elizabeth Bernick, Mary A. Long, Elizabeth Kemper, Theresia Scharenbroich, Catherine Gales, Sophia Bunt, Susan Scollen, Elizabeth Schaefer, Maria Goetert, Louise Rechtenwald, Margaret Marshall, Caroline Kustermann, Gertrude Koerber, Mary E. Boutell, Mary O'Brien, Johannah Mertes, Margaret Carey, Mary Lambert, Catherine Kraemer, Elizabeth Schmallen, Margaret Dunivan, Margaret Lauermann, Mary Spaniel, Magdalena Rosenberger, Mary K. Kropp, Julia Sakery, Alice K. Kreatz, Carolina Preiss, Rose Dueber, Mary Fearon, Anna Neid; the Misses Matilda Preiss, Mary Kleven, Anna Kleven. Meetings were first held at Cathedral Hall, and afterwards at Edelbrock Hall, the latter being still occupied.

The first ofllcers were: C. R., Mrs Frances Flynn; V. C. R., Mrs. Julia Thiel man; recording secretary, Frances Udermann; financial secretary, Ursula Dueber treasurer, Mrs. Catherine Hennemann trustees, Mrs. Catherine Fisher, Mrs. Eliza beth Haarman, Mrs. Catherine Jandl; sen lor conductor, Mrs. Margaret Dueber; jun ior conductor, Mrs. Anna Bernick; senti nels, Anna Neid, Matilda Preiss; physician Dr. R. I. Hubert; musician, Anna Bernick spiritual adviser, Rev. Edward Jones.

The Chief Rangers from 1909 to 1914 have been: Mrs. Catherine Flynn, Mrs. Julia Thielmann, Mrs. Catherine Schepers, Mrs. Catherine Gales. Mrs. Catherine Hennemann, Mrs. Sarah Quinvilan, Mrs. Catherine Crowin, Mrs. Julia Thielmann, Mrs. Caroline Kusterman; recording secretaries,

Frances Udermann, Mrs. Mary E. Miller, Mrs. Sophia Schellinger, Mrs. Mary E.Miller. The financial secretaries have been Mrs. Ursula Dueber, Mary Alexander. The present officers are: P. C. R., Caroline Kusterman; V. C. R., Catherine Sheppers; C. R., Sarah Quinlivan; conductor, Katherine Kraemer; J. C, Mary Spaniol; musician, Josephine Spaniol; treasurer, Mary Fearon; R. S., Mary E. Miller; F. S., Sophia Schellinger; I. W., Anna Zapf; O. W., Mary Mutschler; physician. Dr. Stangl; trustees, Anna Schumacher, Mary Reinert and Mary Smith; chaplain, Rev. Leo Gans. The lodge stands for benefits payable at death to the beneficiaries for the amount carried by the insured. Court No. 326 has had seven deaths; amount paid out, $10,000.

Division No. 1, Ancient Order of Hibernians, of Stearns county, Minn., was organized and held its first regular meeting on December 2, 1883.

The order is national in its scope, embracing all states of the Union, the Dominion of Canada and the possessions of the United States. It is a fraternal brotherhood, admitting to membership all men of Irish extraction, either by birth or descent, who profess the Roman Catholic faith.

Division No. 1. Stearns county, held its first meeting in the Cathedral school hall, and the following members were elected as the first officers: John A. Murphy, president; John O'Donnell, vice-president; B. H. Kelly, financial secretary, and Michael Boyle, treasurer.

The meetings of the Division were held at different times for various periods at the Cathedral school hall, the Schwartz hall, the Hunstiger hall, the M. W. A. hall and the Edelbrook hall. The Division at the present time numbers about fifty members and convenes for meetings on the aft- ernoon of the third Sunday of each month at the Edelbrock hall, its present meeting place. The present officers of the Division are: Timothy Keaveney, president; Simon Burns, vice-president; George Moran, financial and recording secretary; Edward A. Murphy, treasurer.

Annie Kennedy has been president since date of organization up to the present year. Katherine Maroney was recording secretary from date of organization until January 1, 1907. Rose Murphy was elected January 1. 1907, and still holds the office.

The present officers are: Annie M. Kennedy, county president; Mrs. Rose Flannery, president; Mrs. Sarah Doyle, vicepresident; Rose Murphy, recording secretary; Mrs. Mary Callahan, financial secretary; Mrs. Elizabeth Murphy, treasurer; Mrs. Kate Wahl, sergeant-at-arms; Mrs. Rose Barrett, sentinel.

The lodge stands for friendship, unity and Christian charity. The lodge carries an insurance and they have helped those stricken by misfortune in several cases, and have also donated money to spread the Catholic faith, especially in the Western states.

St. Joseph's Catholic Benevolent Society was organized June 27, 1881, with a membership of forty-five. The purpose of this organization is to aid its members by a weekly benefit in case of sickness, and an amount sufficient to cover all funeral expenses in case of death. The payments of sick benefits are granted for thirteen consecutive weeks during one illness, the amount being $5.00 per week. The death benefit amounts to $250. During the first eight years' assessments in the amount of $1.00 per member were levied when deaths occurred, but since 1889 all such benefits have been paid out of the treasury.

1884, the articles being recorded in Book "C," of Miscellaneous Records in the office of the register of deeds in and for Stearns county. In 1887 St. Joseph's society became affiliated with the German Catholic Insurance society of Minnesota, thus affording its members an opportunity for additional life insurance.

1885. He was followed by Michael Majerus, who held the oflfice for over twentyone years, his death occurring August 18, 1906. Vice-president Charles F. Ladner discharged the duties of president until the annual election in 1907, when Simon Strobel was elected, serving one year. Mr. Strobel declined a reelection, and in 1908 he was succeeded by William A. Boerger, who still holds the office. Peter E. Kaiser was the first secretary, holding office until 1885, when P. J. Limperich was elected. Upon Mr. Limperich's resignation in 1892 he was succeeded by John M. Rosenberger, who held the office until 1901. His successor was Emil Schmuck, who held office until October, 1904, when he resigned.

Barney Vossberg succeeded Mr. Schmuck, remaining in office until December, 1914. At the present time the work of the secretary's office is divided, Joseph Winkler having charge of the finances and Edward Doerner of the correspondence and the records. Sebastian Reichert was the first treasurer, serving in that capacity until 1893, when he was succeeded by Julius Dominlk, who still holds the office.

St. Cloud Branch No. 715, Ladies' Catholic Benevolent Association, was organized January 26, 1903, by Mrs. Mary E. Miller, 517 Ninth avenue, St. Cloud. The charter was received the same day. The charter officers were:

The first meetings were held at the Cathedral hall. The present meetings are held in Edelbrock hall. The list of presidents is: Mrs. Elizabeth Hockert, Mrs. Hannah Zapp, Mrs. Mary Dunn, Mrs. Anna Schumacher; recording secretaries, Mrs. Mary E. Miller, Mrs. Elizabeth Hockert, Mrs. Victoria Lahr; financial secretaries, Anna Rosenberger, Emella Engel, Mrs. Rose Courtney, Mrs. Sarah Qulnlivan. There are 112 members at present.

The lodge provides for a benefit to be paid at death to the beneficiary the amount the member was Insured for. It has accomplished a great deal in charitableness and has paid all death claims promptly; thus far there have been only four deaths; $3,500 cash was paid to the beneficiaries. The Ladies' Catholic Benevolent Association stands for love, charity and benevolence.

Catholic Club. - The Catholic Club'of St. Cloud was founded in 1911 for the purpose of providing for Catholic people, especially for the Catholic young men of the city, a place for wholesome and healthy amusement and recreation. During the year 1911 as a result of the persistent and untiring efforts of the Rev. Werner Schneppenheim, O. S. B., a modern gymnasium, comprising a ground floor, 113 by 80 feet, was built. This gymnasium ranks amongst the largest and best equipped In the entire Northwest. On March 21, 1914, for the first time in the history of St. Cloud, a gymnasium team took part In the Northwest gymnastic tournament, being sent there by the Catholic Club. During December, 1912, a Cadet Corps was organized from the junior members of the club, by the Rev. Hlldebrand Eickhoff. As official guide they follow the "Infantry Drill Regulations of the United States Army." This Cadet Corps has appeared at different functions and has always won the admiration of the people of St. Cloud. The club

The first ofl[icers of the club were: Rev. Alfred Mayer, praeses; Rev.. Werner Schneppenheim, moderator; Paul Ahles, president; George Meinz, vice-president; Albert J. Kuck, treasurer; Frank Hunstiger, secretary. The members of the board of directors were: Henry J. Thielman, Leo Schillinger. John Lodermeier, John Dominick, F. J. Thielman, Victor Doerner, Eberhard Hoehl and Chas. Wampach.

The present officers (1915) are: Rev. Gerhard Spielman, praeses; Rev. Hildebrand Eickhoff, moderator; Dr. P. E. Stangl, president; A. Tschumperlin, vicepresident; Wilbur Goetten, financial secretary; Ben Shepers, recording secretary; F. J. Thielman, treasurer. The other members ofthe board are Edward J. Brick, J. J. Hilbe, John A. Gacke, Julius Fandel, Carl Zapf, John Hansen, Henry Spoden.

St. Cloud Humane Society. - On August 23, 1893, the daily papers of St. Cloud had the following announcement: "John Schafer is in receipt of a letter from Mrs. Nora T, Gause and Mrs. Cora A. Meiser of Chicago, stating that they would arrive in St. Cloud tomorrow for the purpose of organizing a humane society in this city. All those interested are invited to meet them at the parlors of the Grand Central Hotel, Thursday night."

August 24th there was the following: "Mrs. N. T. Gause and Mrs. C. A. Meiser of Chicago, organizers of Humane Societies, arrived in this city on the noon train. They have a letter from Judge John Day Smith, president of the Minnesota Society, in which he says they are recognized all over the country as having done excellent service in this and other cities along the lines of humane work. They are both suited to the confidence of all." A number of representative citizens gathered at the Grand Central Hotel parlors that evening for the purpose of discussing the organization of a society for the prevention of cruelty to human beings and dumb animals. A temporary organization was perfected by the election of John Schafer as chairman and W. B. Mitchell as secretary. After some discussion it was decided not to organize at this meeting, as it was thought that the matter had not yet been sufficiently agitated, and it was resolved to hold a union meeting of churches the following Sunday evening at the Presbyterian Church to discuss the project.

The Presbyterian Church was crowded on the designated evening by men and women, who by their presence attested cooperation in the purpose for which the meeting had been called. George Tileston explained that those present were there in response to an invitation to assist in forming a Humane Society. The idea was not a new one in St. Cloud, having been agitated three years ago, and again attempted last winter. It was not sectarian, nor political and sought the cooperation of everybody.

The committee recommended the election of the following officers: President, W. B.. Mitchell; first vice-president, John Schaefer; second vice-president, R. C. Junk; secretary, S. S. Parr; treasurer, J. G. Smith; directors, B. Reinhard, A. C. Robertson, J. T. Bradford, Geo. Tileston, J. T. Jerrard, E. T. Davidson, J. I. Donohue, Geo. R. Clark, John Cooper.

Article II. - This society shall be a branch of the Minnesota Society for the prevention of cruelty to animals. And its object shall be to act in harmony and unison with the said principal society and other societies of a similar character to prevent and punish cruelty to children and animals of whatever name, to procure the strict enforcement of all laws of this state relating to the prevention of cruelty to children and animals and to labor earnestly to secure the passage and enforcement of such laws as shall be dictated by a highly enlightened and humane civilization, to shelter the helpless from wrong and oppression of every kind and nature.

Article III. - The officers of the society shall consist of one president, two vicepresidents, one secretary and one treasurer and an executive board of seven members in addition to the above mentioned officers, who shall be ex-officio members of said board, all of whom shall be elected at the annual meeting of the members of the society and shall hold their respective offices for one year and until their successors shall be duly elected and qualified.

Article IV. - Any person may become a member of this society by the payment annually of $1.00 and any person my become a life member by the payment of $25.00. The year ending at the annual meeting.

Article V. - At any regular called meeting of this society any article of this constitution may be changed or amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present.

The board of directors held their first meeting and elected W. B. Mitchell, president; Prof. S. S. Parr, secretary; John Schaefer, executive agent; J. G. Smith, treasurer. W. B,. Mitchell continued to be president until 1902. He was succeeded by James F. Bradford, who remained president until his death in 1908. F. J. Bach was elected president and now holds that office. S. S. Parr continued as secretary of the society until his death in 1900; J. I. Donohue was elected his successor and now holds that office. John Schaefer was executive officer until his death in 1909; N. K. Hunt was elected his successor and now holds that office. J. G. Smith continued to be treasurer until 1900 when he removed to California. W. W. Smith was elected his successor, and at this writing holds the office. - (By J. I. Donohue.)

The Public Health League was organized November 8, 1911, in the Commercial Club rooms, ten people having met for that purpose. It was decided that the membership should consist of delegates from the cultural association, fraternal and beneficiary societies and labor unions of the city. The honorary members should be the mayor and commissioners, members of the board of health, members of the board of education, members of the library board, the members of the police department, the county commissioners, the clergy of the city, the superintendent and teachers of the public schools the teachers of the parochial schools and .members of the Stearns County Medical Society.

provide for the care and relief of those suffering therefrom; to work for the promotion of health and the security of life; to cooperate with the county authorities in securing state aid for a tuberculosis sanitorium for Stearns county, and to improve in general the sanitary condition of the community.

The Public Health League was instrumental in procuring and maintaining a visiting nurse for two years and again after a vacancy in this position it took the lead in procuring the home and school visitor. Miss Hyslop, who at this writing is on duty and one-third of whose salary is paid by this organization. The league has been maintained by the proceeds of the sale of Red Cross seals, tag day and an annual Health League ball. From a modest beginning it has become a factor in the social and municipal life of the city and has been very successful in accomplishing the purposes for which it was organized.

The present officers are: President, P. J. Seberger; first vice-president, Mrs. J. B. Dunn; second vice-president. Dr. P. M. Magnuson; secretary, Mrs. J. H. Beaty; treasurer, Mrs. Hugh Evans.

Social Clubs. While the fraternal and business interests have been fully recognized through the societies and organizations described in the foregoing lists, the strictly social side of life has had full attention. The following list of clubs devoted to recreation and goood-fellowship is at least fairly complete and will give some idea of the means employed to "kill dull care."

Labor Organizations

Bricklayers' and Masons' Union - President, L. J. Orowitch; secretary, Lawrence Ohotta; treasurer, Joseph Koshiol. Meets second and fourth Saturdays, at Puff Hall.

Painters' and Paperhangers' Union - President, Paul Scherer; treasurer, Emil Krause; financial secretary, J. K. Wescott; lecording secretary, Moritz Schwinden.

Bartenders' Union - President, Walter Beaudreau; corresponding secretary. Gust Orth; vice-president, J. P. Seltz; recording secretary, E. V. Kellerman; treasurer, Ferdinand Broell. Meets first Wednesday of each month, at Rausch Hall.

National Association of Letter Carriers - President, Emil Hennemann; vice-president, J. H. Jackson; secretary, M. J. Honer. Meets the first Sunday of each month, at the postofRce.

St. Cloud Typographical Union, No. 630 - President, C. F. Wampach; vice-president, A. F. Kehrer; recording secretary, A. G. Schubert; secretary and treasurer, G. S. Clark. Meets the first Tuesday of each month, at 27 Fifth avenue, south.

Carpenters' and Joiners' Union - President, J. L. Czaika; treasurer, Gottfried Jaensson; financial secretary, A. J. Daniel, Jr.; recording secretary, Leo Schellinger.

St. Cloud Automobile C!ub. The first automobile to make its appearance in St. Cloud except as a visitor was a Milwaukee steamer, purchased in 1899 by Stephen Tenvoorde and P. R. Thielman, who were St. Cloud's first dealers in motor-cars and the third in the state of Minnesota, Mr. Tenvoorde being still in the business. This steamer was later sold to Minneapolis parties. The first automobile using gasoline, a second-hand Packard, was brought to St. Cloud in 1900 by H. P. Branch. These were the only automobiles in the city until the next year, 1901, when three more were introduced, by Judge Theodore Bruener. A. L. Riley and Charles Bowman, all being Olds single-cylinder runabouts, costing $650 each. During the four or five years following occasional machines were purchased, but it was not until 1906 and 1907 that they became the fashion and people beyond the few were owners of cars. After that date they increased rapidly in number until at the beginning of the year 1915 more than four hundred automobiles are owned in the city, and by the close of the year it will be nearer five hundred. This includes almost forty different makes of machines, the most numerous being the Ford, Studebaker. Overland. Hudson, Cadillac, Buick, R. C. H., Krit and Maxwell, with five large garages.

More and more each year have the farmers in the surrounding country become purchasers of automobiles, until the larger proportion of machines now sold go outside the city. This not only serves to indicate the growing prosperity of the farmers, but also shows their desire with their increased income to give their families increased comforts as a recompense for the privations they endured in the earlier days.

One of the most progressive organizations in the city has been the St. Cloud A^utomobile Club. Its motto has been "Good Roads." and it has preached the doctrine far and wide. Not satisfied with preaching, it has practiced, and by the aid of liberal subscriptions has aided in improving many of the roads leading to and from the city. Its most important undertaking has been the construction of the scenic highway along the Mississippi river on the east side from below the Tenth street bridge to Sauk Rapids.. In addition to the subscriptions of its members, liberal amounts were secured from the business men of the city generally. The agitation was begun while Alvah Eastman was president of the club, and the success of the undertaking is largely due to his efforts, personally and through the columns of his paper. When completed, it will be one of the most attractive pieces of driveway in the state and will reveal to visitors one of the most beautiful of St. Cloud's many beautiful natural features.

The first sociability run was made in 1912, twenty-one cars with eighty-six passengers leaving St. Cloud on the morning of August 7, going via Richmond and Paynesville, Belgrade and Brooten to Glenwood, where the night was spent; the next morning to Alexandria, returning via Osakis, Sauk Centre, Melrose and Cold Spring to St. Cloud, which was reached at 8 o'clock the second evening. The enjoyment of the trip was greatly marred by heavy rains.

The second trip was made in 1913, a party of over one hundred leaving St. Cloud the morning of July 29, in twentyfive cars. The first night was spent at Mankato and the second at Red Wing, the cities visited Including, besides those named, Faribault, Northfield, Red Wing, Hastings, St. Paul and Minneapolis; the third and last day finding the party at home, tired but happy, having had fine weather and a good time.

It was then decided not to make any more long runs, but to confine the trips to this and adjoining counties. Large parties with their machines went to the county fair at Sauk Centre both that year and 1914, and sociability runs were made to the greater number of the villages throughout Stearns county and to Foley, the county seat of Benton county, the St. Cloud band being always Included in the trip.

Commercial Organizations

On several occasions the need of a new hotel was urged, and it was voted to ask authority from the legislature to authorize a bonus toward the enterprise, the proposed hotel to cost $75,000. The passage of a bill authorizing the city to issue bonds to the amount of $10,000 was secured in March, 1869. The city council, April 7, increased the amount of the bonus to $12,500, the hotel to cost not less than $50,000, furnished, and to be located between St. Augusta street and the ravine and between the Mississippi river and Hanover street. By a vote of 273 to 53, at the city election held May 2, the proposition to issue these bonds was approved. Advertisements were published inviting proposals for the erection of a hotel to cost not less than $35,000 for the building and $50,000 when furnished, the bonus of $12,500 to be in 10 per cent bonds, running not less than ten nor more than twenty years. This movement was without results, and in June of the following year the newly organized St. Cloud Hotel Company, with a capital stock of $50,000, appeared before the council with plans for a three-story brick hotel and asked for a bonus of $16,000. This was refused, but resolutions were unanimouly adopted providing for a bonus of $12,500, but Mayor Taylor interposed a veto. At a meeting held a few days afterwards, new resolutions for a $12,500 bonus were adopted, which were also vetoed by the mayor, but were passed over his veto by a vote of eight to one. Still no hotel was built.

Much attention was given by the board to the opening and improving of roads leading into St. Cloud. At one meeting $225 was appropriated to aid in building the road to Klings on the east side of the river.

The seekers after bonuses were early on the ground with a variety of alluring offers to locate manufacturing enterprises at St. Cloud if sufficient pecuniary inducements were provided.

In October, 1878, an effort was made to levive the organization, the former secretary and treasurer, T. C. McClure, reporting that he had on hand a balance of $230 remaining from the old board of trade - a very unusual circumstance - which he was prepared to turn over to the properly chosen persons. A few meetings were held and then another period of quiet followed until July 28, 1881, when a reorganization was effected with H.. C. Waite, president; J. E. Hay ward and J. M. Rosenberger, vice-presidents; L. A. Evans, secretary; J. G. Smith, treasurer. This flourished for a time and then faded.

In 1883 it was thought that by adopting some other name a better chance of success might be obtained, and so on August C the "Chamber of Commerce of the City of St. Cloud" was organized and incorporated, the annual membership fee being $5.00, and the officers as follows: J. E. West, president; J. E. Wing, vice-president; W. F. Street, secretary; D. B. Searle, treasurer. While the chamber of commerce maintained an existence, yet the results evidently were not satisfactory; at the beginning of 1887 a reorganization was called for, "to interest more of the young men." The officers elected February 28 were: F. E. Searle, president; H. J. Rosenberger, vice-president; L. T. Troutman, secretary; C. P. McClure, treasurer. Meetings were held weekly for a time, and then were not held at all.

At the end of four years it was decided to try again, this time as a business union, which was organized April 14, 1891, with V. Batz, president; William Powell, vicepresident; C. L. Atwood, secretary; J. G. Smith, treasurer. The fate of its predecessors soon overtook the union and it went to sleep with the various boards of trade and chambers of commerce.

Nothing daunted, however, October 30, 1895, a hundred men of the city met at the city council rooms and organized the Business Men's Association, the officers being C. F. Ladner, president; J. N. Bensen and T. S. McClure, vice-presidents; L. T. Troutman, secretary; Wesley Carter, treasurer. In order that the advantages of the association might be within the reach of everybody, the membership fee was placed at only $2.00, meetings were knonthly and the secretary's salary was .'f!50.00 per month.

Its successor was the Civic Improvement ILeague, working along somewhat different lines, which was in existence March 30, 1906, when a meeting of business men was held in the auditorium of the public library building. The civic league adjourned sine die, and an organization was then formed which had in it the elements of stability and permanency and which has been an instrument of great potency in the development of the business and civic interests of St. Cloud. The St. Cloud Commercial Club was duly incorporated and by-laws were adopted for the detailed management of its affairs, the entrance fee being fixed at $10.00, with $25.00 annual dues, all conditioned on one hundred members being secured. This was done by May 2, when the following board of fifteen directors was elected: O. H. Havill, John N. Bensen, D.. C. Abeles, C. P. Ladner, C. D. Grinols, H. C. Ervin, C. J. Metzroth and C L. Atwood for two years; and R. B. Brower, O. F. Doyle, J. C. Enright, R. L. Gale, G. W. Stewart, C. G. Oberley and F. L. Randall for one year. The directors organized by electing O. H. Havill, president; C. F. Ladner and J. N. Bensen, vicepresidents; Andrew E. Fritz, secretary; H. A. McKenzie, treasurer. The salary of the secretary was fixed at $1,500 per year, but Mr. Fritz declined, preferring to remain with the Public Service company. H. G Sydow, instructor in German at the high school, was elected in his stead. Rooms were engaged on the second floor of the Carter building, meetings to be held monthly.

Efforts were made by the Commercial club acting with the Commercial club at Sauk Rapids to secure an extension of the St. Cloud street railway to Sartell. A proposition from the company was presented at a meeting of the club April 11, 1907, stating that if the parties interested at St. Cloud and Sauk Rapids would build and fully equip the proposed extension the railway company would furnish the motive power, cars, etc., and operate the road for five years, turning over to the parties entitled thereto one-half of the gross receipts received in operating the extension, the road and its equipment to become the property of the street railway company at the expiration of the five years. Nothing definite resulted from the movement.

At the election in 1908 C. D. Grinds was elected president; D. C. Abeles and C. F. Ladner, vice-presidents; E. F. Moore, treasurer. A. D. Doane was engaged as secretary, August 4, and in November the annual dues were reduced to $15.. The salary of the secretary was later fixed at $50 per month and $25 additional from the Market day fund. The club voted to become a member of the Minnesota Federation of Commercial clubs. Resolutions were adopted favoring the Commission form of government, and March 2 it was reported that over 300 signers to a petition to the charter commission asking that provision be made for submitting the matter to a vote of the people had been secured. Resolutions were adopted, in response to a request by the granite producers, asking Minnesota's representatives

In 1910 P. J.. Seberger was elected president; C. F. Ladner and H. C. Ervin, vicepresidents; A. D. Doane, secretary; E. Zapp, treasurer. The secretary's report showed the membership of the club to be 132. The matter of organizing a granite quarrying company, after a thorough investigation, was decided to be impracticable for the present. The building of a new hotel had annual consideration without any tangible results.

At the March meeting resolutions were adopted urging the legislature to pass a fair apportionment bill, giving to Northern Minnesota the representation to which its population entitled it. Resolutions were adopted requesting the legislature to require the use of Minnesota stone in the construction of all state buildings in which stone was used. The oflacers elected in May were: C. F. Ladner, president; F. L. Randall and Wm. Stratton, vice-presidents; P. J. Seberger, secretary; C. D. Grinols, treasurer. The secretary's salary was fixed at $50 per month. The 1912 election, May 13, resulted in the choice of Wm. Stratton, president; N. K. Hunt and R. O. Olson, vice-presidents; P. J. Seberger, secretary; C. D. Schwab, treasurer.

An arrangement was made with Geo. B. Irving of Chicago to make a number of public addresses and conduct a campaign for new members. For this purpose it was voted to waive the membership fee and reduce the annual dues to $10. Report was made February 4 that 174 new members had been secured. A reward of $25 having been offered for a slogan, choice was made of "St. Cloud - Busy, Gritty Granite City," out of many hundred proposed. The first annual banquet was given April 1. The sum of $100 was appropriated to the local unions to aid in defraying the entertainment of the annual convention of the State Federation of Labor. The 1913 officers were the same as for the previous year, with the exception of the president, Fred Schilplin being elected. The mem-

The second annual banquet was held May 5, 1914. The 1913 officers were reelected. The secretary reported the membership as 198, there having been a loss of 90 during the year.

The list of speakers from outside localities who from time to time have addressed the club on topics of interest includes Governor A. O. Eberhart; Mayor J. C. Haynes, of Minneapolis; S. G. Iverson, state auditor; G. H. Welsh, commissioner of immigration; Chas. E. Elmquist, of the state railroad and warehouse commission; Chas. E. Neale, chief of the bureau of weights and measures; J. A. O. Preus, commissioner of insurance; Judge Frank T. Wilson, Stillwater; C. A. Mercia, superintendent of the Red Wing training school; Col. Freeman Thorp, of Hobart; S. P. Jones, W. L. Harris and Wallace Ney, of Minneapolis; W.. H. Seed, highway expert; D. Ward King, inventor of the split-log drag.

Among the many improvements which have been gained and projects furthered, either in whole or in part by the Commercial club, may be mentioned street paving; the holding of monthly market days which attracted to the city large numbers of farmers; the commission form of government; the Lake George boulevard (held up at present by litigation); the St. Cloud Improvement association, which erected a suitable building and secured the location of the Gordon & Ferguson glove factory in St. Cloud; a comprehensive park system; a new road to the North Star and Calvary cemeteries; extension of the water mains to the stone sheds; automatic alarms at railway crossings; the white way; a complete and correct census in 1910; the retaining of the county seat at St. Cloud; the erection of a St. Cloud building, costing $1,120, on the Stearns county fair grounds at Sauk Center; aid to the Tri-County fair located between St. Cloud and Sauk Rapids; the development of the potato industry until St. Cloud has become an important potato shipping point; providing a convenient and attractive place for entertaining farmers and other clubs, associations and conventions; sociability runs to various towns in the county. Its record entitles it to the hearty and generous support of the business men and citizens generally of St. Cloud.