Wabasha County, Minnesota - Chapter 22: Lake Township and Lake City, 1920 (part 2 of 2)

First Baptist Church. - Baptist meetings were held by Rev. Edgar Cady from July, 1857, to December of the same year, when the First Baptist Church of Lake City was organized, December 13, 1857, with 21 constituent members. Up to 1871 there had been 225 additions to the membership, by baptism or by letter and experience, and the church had then 64 members, the others being accounted for by death or removals. The Baptists worshipped first in Gaylord's Hall, the present church edifice being erected in 1859, on Garden street, near Chestnut. Since that time it has been rebuilt, and is a neat frame structure, having an auditorium with a seating capacity of 120 to 125. In addition there is a large room used for the Sunday school, so contrived that the partition separating it from the auditorium can be opened up on special occasions, and the two rooms made practically with a total seating capacity of 175 to 200. A new heating plant was installed in January, 1920, and the church has been provided with electric lights. After the Rev. Edgar Cady, the Rev. A. P. Graves became pastor, in August, 1859; Rev. G. W. Freeman, September, 1862; Rev. G. W. Fuller, April, 1865; Rev. H. H. Beach, June, 1872; Rec. E. C. Anderson, November, 1876; Rev. A. Whitman, December, 1880; Rev.

W. K. Dennis, October, 1882. A full list of the pastors has not been obtained. The more recent ones have been: Rev. Mr. Gambel, Rev. (Miss) Alma Reiber, Rev. G. M. Caldwell, and Rev. J. D. Wylie, who came to the church in July, 1919, and is still serving. The church has now about 60 members, the greater pro¬ portion of whom are active workers. This represents a noticeable increase in recent years. Since Mr. Wylie took charge the Sunday school has doubled its membership, having now about 75 class members, and is in a very thriving condition. It is a branch of the church that has always been maintained, though at times the church services have been suspended. The Young Peoples' Society and the Ladies' Aid are doing active work, as also is the Gospel Team, a men's organization which works in various parts of the city, holding prayer and gospel meetings in private residences and other places, wherever there is a favorable opportunity for doing religious work.

St. Mark's Episcopal Church. - The first Protestant Episcopal services were held in Lake City in the fall of 1857, at which time Bishop Kemper visited the place, preached and baptized. Subsequent visits were made by the Bishop, by the Rev. E. R. Wells, of Red Wing, and in 1860 by Bishop H. B. Whipple. In 1862 the parish was formally received into union with the council, but no vestry was formed until December, 1864. On the fourteenth of that month a meeting was held at the residence of Rev. John W. Shatzel, parish missionary, at which time the vestry was constituted by the election of the following: Wardens, Lyman H. Buck, senior; John A. Junkin, junior; vestrymen, William E. Perkins, John T. Graves, P. R. Hardt, Thomas Gibbs, B. L. Goodrich, William Marsh, Asa Doughty and Matthias Dilley. L. H. Buck was elected secretary of the vestry, and R. S. Goodrich, treasurer. Services were first held in a small schoolroom owned by Mrs. 0. E. Walters, and afterward in a hall under the Masonic lodge, from which the congregation removed in the spring of 1864 to Harley's Hall. Here they remained until the completion of the church building in the summer of 1866. Preparations for building were begun in 1863, the sum of $1,600 was raised or pledged, and a church lot 75 by 100 feet purchased. The church was completed early in the summer of 1866, and the opening services were held July 1, but the parish being in debt for the building to the amount of $800, the consecration was deferred until Wednesday, January 16, 1867. The entire cost was about $3,500, and of this sum $2,000 was raised by the society at home, the rest being contributionos from abroad.

By 1901 the need for a new and better building became imperative. Ac¬ cordingly, on November 8, a parish meeting was called to consider the advisa¬ bility of building a new church, and a committee consisting of Messrs. Perkins, Murray and Johns was appointed to solicit subscriptions for that purpose. By December 20 the committee reported $6,100 pledged, and with this encourage¬ ment plans were procured and bids asked for. It was discovered that the lowest price for which a stone church could be built that would meet the needs of the parish was $6,900, and the senior warden and vestry were therefore authorized to incur a debt of $1,000, and work was begun. The building com¬ mittee of the new church was composed of W. E. Murray (chairman), W. R. Murray, H. F. Johns, N. C. Pike, and the rector, Rev. Charles H. Plummer. W. J. Longcor, of Red Wing, was the contractor. Early in 1902 the old building was torn down to make way for the new. The latter, when completed, proved to be a handsome structure and an ornament to the city. It stands on high ground on the south side of Oak street, and facing the public square. It is of Gothic architecture, constructed of Frontenac stone, laid with the broken ashlar effect, and pointed with cement a shade darker than the stone. The nave of the church is 32 by 52 feet, arranged with two rows ot pews, with a broad center aisle, and a narrow aisle on either side next the walls. Theie are 28 pews, each of which will comfortably seat seven people, and about 40 c hair s may be placed in the open space back of the pews. The chancel is 24 b\ 24 feet, and in addition to the usual fittings, has six chair stalls that will accom- modate 40 singers. An alcove to the left holds a small pipe organ. The choir room is to the right of the chancel, and is 12 by 18 feet in size. The tower is of the same material as the church, and is 48 feet in height and eight feet square, and forms the entrance to the church. The old guild room has been retained and refitted, but it no longer opens from the chancel. The side walls of the building are 13 feet high, and the ridge-pole 45 feet from the ground. The furnishing throughout is of light antique oak, except the ceiling, which conforms to the shape of the roof, and is of Georgia pine in natural finish. The building has been provided with electric fixtures and is heated by two furnaces. The windows are all of stained glass, and are memorial, having been donated by prominent members of the congregation in memory of departed relatives. Among the donars are: Mr. and Mrs. William E. Perkins, H. D. Brown and family, of St. Paual, the children of Dr. and Mrs. J. C. Adams, and Mrs. Alice Fox, of Lake City, Mrs. Jennie Ege of St. Paul, Sidney Cross, Mrs.

G. C. Stoub, Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Young, the rector, Rev. Charles H. Plummer, Mrs. C. G. Hoyt, Mrs. K. A. Winslow, Mrs. Jean Coons, Mrs. I. H. Steele, Mrs. C. H. Salisbury, Mrs. Julia P. Martin and F. H. Stauff. The Ladies' Guild presented the altar and furnished the carpet for the church. The reredos is the gift of Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Perkins, in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Emerson. The choir stalls were presented by the Young Peoples' Guild. The brass eagle lecturn was given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sterrett by their children, and the beautiful bible used with it in memory of their grandchildren. The oak pulpit was presented by E. J. Lange. The total cost of the church and furnishings was $10,750, which includes $1,680 in gifts and memorials. The total amount pledged was $7,300. In addition $190 was raised by Sidney Per¬ kins for the sidewalk and curb. The last service was held in the old church on the first Sunday after Easter, 1902, and on December 14, 1902, the first com¬ munion service in the new edifice was conducted by the Rt. Rev. Samuel E. Edsall, bishop of the diocese of Minnesota, assisted by the rector, Rev. Charles

H. Plummer. The succession of rectors at St. Mark's has been as follows: Rev. C. P. Dorset, 1861-1862; Rev. J. W. Shatzel, 1863-66; Rev. C. W. Kelley, 1867; Rev. J. C. Adams, 1868-72; Rev. C. H. Plummer, December, 1872, to May, 1884; Rev. William Gardam, May, 1884, to September, 1887; Rev. J. Wayne Jones, June, 1888, to December, 1890; Rev. Edwin Johnson, April, 1891, to April, 1894; Rev. Charles H. Plummer, May, 1894, to December, 1907; Rev. Carroll L. Bates, December, 1907, to March, 1914; Rev. Richard Read, Septem¬ ber, 1914, to March, 1917; Rev. Charles H. Plummer, March, 1917, to July, 1917 ; Ernest B. Mounsey, October, 1917, to the present time. Sunday services are held at St. Mark's both morning and evening. The societies connected with the church are the Ladies' Guild, the Women's Auxiliary, the Junior (Ladies') Guild, and the Boy Scouts. There is a chorus choir including men, women, boys and girls, and the musical part of the service is carefully re¬ hearsed. All branches of the church work are in a flourishing condition, and include a well attended Sunday school.

First Methodist Episcopal Church. - The first society of Episcopal Methoidsts in Lake City was established in 1857, though for two or three years previous to that year there was quite a strong class of Methodists at Florence, three miles above the city. In September, 1857, the Rev. S. Salisbury visited the Wabasha and Lake City circuit, and preached one sermon in the Congre¬ gational Church here, which was the first sermon ever preached in Lake City by an ordained minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. In the same fall a class of seven, including Dr. D. C. Estes, was organized by Rev. C. Hobart, and preaching established in Skinner's Hall, a small room with but limited seating capacity, and lighted with tallow candles. The class formed by Dr. Hobart consisted of D. C. Estes, M. E. Estes, Seth Tisdale, Augusta Dollar, Jane Terrill, Eliza Baily and Bidwell Redley. D. C. Estes was appointed leader. Seth Tisdale was a local preacher, and was the first to engage in special revival services. The first Methodist Sunday school in the county was organized by Dr. Estes, beginning with four teachers and 16 scholars. Rev. T. Quigley held the first quarterly conference in the fall of 1857, in which year the Rev. J. Gurley was pastor. In the spring of 1858 the congregation moved to a vacant storeroom on Main street, and during that year the pulpit had to be supplied, as Mr. Gurley, who lived in Pepin, Wis., found difficulty in crossing the lake. In 1859, the Rev. E. R. Lathrop was appointed pastor, and under his adminis¬ tration the society prospered. His successor was Rev. V. Hiscock, during whose pastorate many were added to the church. He was followed in 1861 by Rev. C. T. Bowdish. In 1862 the society was supplied. The pastor from 1863 to September, 1866, was Rev. G. W. T. Gossard, and while he was serving, the society rented a vacant store building on upper Washington street. In 1868

I Rev. D. Tice was appointed pastor, and during his first year the corner-stone of the church edifice was laid on the site at the corner of Chestnut and Oak streets. The church was enclosed and the basement occupied by the society in 1869. Mr. Tice's immediate successors in the pulpit were: Rev. H. Goodsell, 1870-71; Rev. C. M. Heard, 1872-74; Rev. J. Door, 1875. The audience room was finished and dedicated in 1876, and the dedicatory services held July 9, that year, the Rev. Mr. McChesney preaching the dedicatory sermon. From 1878 to 1880 Rev. G. W. T. Wright was pastor for the second term. He was succeeded in 1881 by Rev. T. B. Killiam. During 1882 and 1883 the entire debt, which had for years been a burden to the society, was paid, and the society at that time had a membership of ninety persons, and a good Sunday school. The next six pastors, with their terms of service, were: Rev. L. H. Shumate, three years; Rev. John Pemberton, one year; Rev. S. N. McAdoo, one year; Rev. E. R. Lathrop, one year; Rev. J. S. White, two years; Rev. John Watson, five years. During Mr. Watson's pastorate improvements were made on the build¬ ing and a furnace put in, at a total cost of about $500. A parsonage was pur¬ chased about 1894. Under the pastorate of Rev. W. C. Rice, who came to the church in October, 1897, and remained five years, improvements were made on the parsonage to the extent of about $150, and the sum of $580 was spent on the church building, electric lights being installed, new stained glass win¬ dows put in, and the exterior of the building painted. Through the kindness of Edwin Wrigley five hundred dollars was paid to the church in advance of a bequest, and $360 of this fund used in partitioning anad finishing the lower room into a church parlor, class rooms and a kitchen, the work being com¬ pleted in May, 1902. Brother Rice's pastorate came in a troubled period of the church's life, and was blessed in that he was able to restore confidence to the church and community, and prevent a division in a time of great peril to the society. Much of the later prosperity of the church must be attributed to his wise and efficient service. He was succeeded by Rev. Charles H. Steven¬ son, who, after three months' service, resigned, and Rev. D. Paul Rader was secured. His pastorate was suddenly brought to a close by an affection of the eyes, and in June, 1903, Rev. J. C. Craig became pastor. During this period there was a quiet and steady development of the work; repairs and improve¬ ments in the walks and parsonage were made, the membership increased, the organizations were strengthened, and a spirit of hope and faith prevailed. In October, 1905, Rev. William C. Lee became pastor. While he remained there were improvements made in the parsonage, and removals weie compensated for by new members. The annual benevolence was the largest in the history of the church. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Watterson donated car plush cushions for the church pews, at a cost of $300. At the next annual confeience the Rev. William C. Lee was returned to Lake City for another conference year. More improvements were made in the church's property in 1906-07. On Wednesday and Thursday, September 11-12, 1907, the church celebrated its semi-centennia by special services, several of its former pastors being present, and the occasion was a notable and enjoyable one for all who were present. The Rev. John

Pemberton, who succeeded Mr. Lee as pastor, served five years, and during his charge further improvements were made in the property to help the work of the young people and the Sunday school. When he left here he retired from the active ministry. He was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. Charles H. Miller, who, when he came found a membership of 125, which has been in¬ creased to 325. A part of this large accession was drawn from the German Methodist Episcopal Church, which, during Mr. Miller's second year, its pastor then being Rev. E. P. Christ, discontinued its own services and united with the English M. E. Church. The society is now one of the strongest and most pros¬ perous in the city.

The German M. E. Congregation of Lake City Circuit of the German M. E. Church formerly comprised the congregation in the city and three congrega¬ tions in the surrounding country, representing (about 20 years ago) a total membership of about 170. Services in the city were held in the First M. E. Church once in two weeks on Sunday afternoon. The other congregations were in West Albany Township, Zumbro Falls and Belvidere, Goodhue County. Rev. H. E. Young took charge of the circuit about 1894, and served five or six years, being succeeded by Rev. Daniel Pfaff, who served one year. In the fall of 1901 Rev. Charles H. Miller became the pastor, this being his first pastorate. It lasted five years, and during that time he built a church at Zumbro Falls and another at Oak Center. In the fall of 1906 the Rev. F. A. Meier Bachtol succeeded Mr. Miller and was pastor for six years. He was followed by the Rev. E. P. Christ, during whose pastorate, in 1913, the church discontinued its work in Lake City, the congregation uniting with that of the First M. E. Church. The German M. E. Circuit was then worked from Zumbro Falls, where Rev. Herman Nedtwig resided, and had charge for two years.

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized June 11, 1888. Of the twelve members who signed the constitution on that day, there are still living and in membership with the church F. C. Lange, Jno. Ehlers, Jacob Ehlers and Louis Bade. Until the autumn of 1889 the church was served by Rev. W. Fettinger, of West Albany. The first resident pastor, Rev. William Haar, served from March, 1890, to September, 1900. His successor was the present pastor, Rev. William Franzmann, who assumed charge in February, 1901. A parsonage was built in 1892, and the first church bought and dedicated in July, 1893. A schoolhouse was built in 1898, and a regular parochial school established in 1909. The teachers have been as follows: Mr. H. Gurgel, 1909-11; Gerold Zarwell, 1911-12; Agnes Haar, 1912-14; Helen Vick, 1914-15; Josephine Vick, 1915-16; Tillie Uecker, 1916-18.

The present fine brick church was dedicated May 26, 1918, and is one of the largest and handsomest structures in Lake City. It measures 46x102 feet and has a seating capacity of about 700. The trustees at the time of its erection were: John Danckwart, president; John Bremer, secretary; John J. Vollmers, treasurer. Deacons: John Defang and F. C. Lange; organist since 1914, Miss Laurine Vollmers; janitor, Christ Roschen. Building committee, John Roschen, president, John Danckwart, F. C. Lange, John Bremer, John Vollmers, C. W. Pruter, F. Wittenberg, John D. Breuer, John Hink, John Tomforde, Claus Sprick, John Defang; architect, Julius F. Dreger, of Oshkosh, Wis. ; contractor. Alb. J. Gatzke, of La Crosse, Wis.

The congregation contains 850 souls, including 600 communicant members, and over 200 families. There is a good choir of about thirty voices, under the direction of Prof. John L. Fenwick. A ladies' aid society was organized in 1895, and has about fifty members. There is also an English branch of the Ladies' Aid, and the Lutheran Ladies' Work Club connected with the church. Twenty-three sons of the church entered the United States service during the recent world war, one of whom died in camp. The others, some of whom were across seas, returned safely home.

The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lake City was organized October 10, 1869, at convocation called for that purpose, the Rev. P. Sjoblom, of Red Wing, presiding. The original number of communicants was 45, promi¬ nent among whom were L. A. Hockanson, G. F. Edholm, A. E. Edholm, P. Sundberg and G. Erickson. Services were conducted for a time by two lay preachers, L. A. Hockanson and A. G. Westlong, and the congregation was ministered to at intervals by preachers from surrounding towns in Minnesota and Wiscon¬ sin. In 1879 the Rev. S. A. Lindholm became the pastor, and he also ministered to churches at Millville and Minneiska. Until 1875 the congregation worshiped sometimes in a small hall, at other times in the Presbyterian or Baptist churches of the city. In 1875 a small church, 26 by 40 feet, was built on Sixth street, three blocks northwest of Lyon avenue, and neatly furnished, and on the oppo¬ site side of the street a parsonage was erected in 1881. The Sunday school was organized in 1873, and some years later a ladies' society was organized for church aid work and missionary purposes. In 1895 the Rev. S. G. Swenson became pastor and served until 1903. His successors have been as follows: Rev. S. L. Wilson, 1903-1909; Rev. 0. J. Nelson, 1909-1913; Rev. J. H. Nelson, 1913-1920; Rev. E. O. Valberg, 1920, who is the present pastor. The church now contains 207 communicant members and 70 children, in all 277 souls. The Ladies' Aid Society, the Girls' Society and the Young Peoples' Society meet once a month and do splendid work. Sunday school is held, besides regular morning and evening services every Sunday, and about 30 children are enrolled in the Sunday school. The work is now carried on half in English and half in Swedish.

Swedish Salem Congregational Church was organized in May, 1885, and the church was erected the same year on Seventh, near Doughty street. Within twelve years the congregation had increased to about 175 members, with a Sunday school of 40, besides which there were two ladies' societies and a young peoples' organization. The Rev. Emil A. Anderson was then pastor. The church had regular pastors until the fall of 1919, when the Rev. Haggquist, who had served for about seven or eight years, retired on account of advanced age. Since then the church has been served by the Rev. A. Carlson, of Stock¬ holm, Wis., who occupies the pulpit about once every two weeks.

Seventh Day Adventist Church. - The society was organized about 1877, and a frame church, located on High street, near Adams, built in 1893, by which time the society had about fifty members. Services were held regularly every Saturday at 11 a. m., Sunday school preceding. By 1897 the number of members had diminished to about 35. In time it diminished still more until there were but one or two families left, and about three years ago the building was sold to the Conference, which sold it to private persons, and it is now used as a dwelling-house. The few remaining members meet Saturdays at the home of Peter Halgren, on High street, for Bible study.

The Christian Science Church has an organization in Lake City, holding meetings in the city hall at 10:45 a. m., Sundays, and 8:00 p. m., Wednesdays.

The care for the dead reflects to a large extent the higher sentiments of a community and its religious culture. In this sad, yet pleasing duty, the people of Lake City have not been negligent, a fact evinced by the several beautiful cemeteries in the environs of the city. Mrs. John Boody, the first person who died in Lake City, and her child, were buried at Muncie Lake. Several others were buried near the location occupied by the Jewell Nursery. All of these were afterward removed to a plot of ground set apart by Abner Dwelle about the year 1861. Its location, upon the southeast side of the city, separated from the high bluffs only by a ravine, toward which it slopes on one side, is pleasant and convenient, and the taste of its piopiietor was ex hibited in the regularity of its streets and the planting of numerous evergreens. The gradual placing of fine monuments, and the planting ot additional trees

St. Mary's Cemetery Association. - The cemetery controlled by this asso¬ ciation is located on Lyon avenue, across the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul

Railway tracks, and has a history almost as long as that of the city. The first person buried there was Michael O'Loughlin, about 1868, at which time, or soon after, two and a half acres of the ground was purchased by St. Mary's parish for cemetery purposes. That area sufficed for half a century, but in 1919, the parish, making use of a donation of $1,000 by James Kane, bought two and a half acres more, thus giving the cemetery an area of five acres. The present association has had charge for the last ten years and has established more systematic and orderly rules of government than formerly existed. The ceme¬ tery fund has been kept separate from others connected with the parish, and the grounds have been improved and beautified by the planting of trees and shrubbery, the erection of fences, and in various other ways. Since the burial of Michael O'Loughlin fifty years ago, between 700 and 800 interments have been made in the grounds. The officers of the association are: Rev. J. A. Commiskey, president; M. O. Kemp, secretary; Miss Emily Lutz, who succeeded her mother, Mrs. M. Lutz, treasurer. The directors are: Mrs. Mary McCahill, Mrs. J. R. McCormick and Frank M. O'Loughlin.

The Lakewood Cemetery Association was organized in August, 1887, under a special charter, by J. G. Richardson, G. F. Benson, J. L. Underwood, C. A. Hubbard, L. H. Buck, A. T. Guernsey, J. W. Kennedy, W. J. Richardson, H. A. Young and J. C. Doughty. The ground purchased, consisting of 40 acres, located on Lakewood avenue on the south side of the city, belonged to Abner Dwelle, from whom the association purchased it, and had been used many years for burial purposes, the first interment having taken place there about the year 1865. The cemetery has been greatly improved and now contains many fine monuments. The association does not exist for money-making pur¬ poses, every dollar paid in being used for labor and the betterment of the cemetery, the trustees giving their time. Up to February 1, 1910, there had been 1,682 known burials in Lakewood, and since that date to February 1, 1920, 510, making a total of 2,192. Each year in June a day is set apart which is known as "Flower Day," when the graves are decorated and union services held, the pastor and choirs of the different churches alternating in the cere¬ monies. The idea has proved very popular, and the plan has been adopted in many communities throughout the country. The officers of the association elected February 23, 1920, were: President, H. A. Young; vice-president, J. M. Underwood; secretary, N. C. Pike; assistant secretary, Ed L. Burghardt; treas¬ urer, W. A. Hubbard; superintendent, H. F. Johns. The president appointed the following committees: On finance: H. G. Lange, M. L. Collins and H. F. Johns; on grounds: W. A. Hubbard, John Nordine and William Howatt.

St. John's Lutheran Cemetery Association was founded about twenty years ago by the trustees of the church, who secured four acres of land for cemetery purposes between Lyon avenue and Center street, about a quarter of a mile beyond the C., M. & St. P. railroad tracks. At the same time the Swedish Lutherans bought four acres adjoining, and by mutual consent it was made a joint cemetery, but operated independently by the two associations, each having one side, and the two sides being separated by a road running through the center. The grounds are well kept, intersected with convenient walks, and adorned with trees and shrubbery. The expenses are met by the sale of lots and by donations. Of the St. John's Association the present officers are: J. W. Burfeind, president; J. J. Vollmers, secretary, and John Roschen, treasurer.

Journalistic enterprise began in Lake City at an early date, a paper called the Tribune being established here probably about the middle fifties by a man whose name is not now remembered. It seems to have had a short exist¬ ence, as it had been defunct for some time when, in 1859, it was resurrected by Elijah Porter, a native of Westfield, Massachusetts, then 48 years old, who had had some journalistic experience in his native town. After devoting his editorial talent to the Tribune for two years, Mr. Porter gave it up to accept the office of postmaster, and disposed of his outfit to John McBride, who established a weekly four-page Republican paper called the Lake City Times. Mr. McBride, who was afterwards city justice here, had published a news¬ paper for several years in Guttenberg, Iowa. He conducted the Lake City Times from 1861 to 1865, when he sold out.

The successor of the Times was the Lake City Leader, the proprietors of which were T. H. Perkins and William J. McMaster. It was a four-page, sevencolumn paper, also Republican in its political complexion, the first issue appear¬ ing October 5, 1865. Five years later the Leader had to encounter the compe¬ tition of a rival, as on October 12, 1870, there appeared the first issue of the Wabasha County Sentinel, a four-page, eight-column sheet, published by Hiram D. Brown. Newspaper enterprises were now on a more solid basis in Lake City, as both the Leader and Sentinel were conducted successfully for a num¬ ber of years. In 1881 they were consolidated and issued under the name of "The Review" by Ben Northrop & Co., until September 12, 1882, when the Review was succeeded by the Lake City Graphic, published by Morris C. Rus¬ sell and Herbert L. Smith, the latter a native of Vermont. The Graphic was shortly afterward sold to a stock company, Mr. Smith being placed in charge. Other changes soon took place. On October 8, 1883, the business passed into the hands of Smith & Messmer, Mr. Smith having associated with himself for its purchase, Mr. W. S. Messmer, who looked after the editorial department, while Mr. Smith was the active manager of the prosperous and rapidly grow¬ ing business.

In the meanwhile Morris C. Russell, a native of Pennsylvania, and a man of rich pioneer experience, had become editor of the Lake City Sentinel. A speedy consolidation seems to have been effected, as the Lake City Graphic- Sentinel appeared about this time, or very shortly after the establishment of the Graphic. It was published by McKenny & Linnen, and later by H. L. Smith, and in 1892 was purchased by Arthur J. Meyers, a native of New York State, then 41 years old, who, before coming to Lake City, had for six years owned and published the Mazeppa (Minn.) Tribune. Largely self-educated, independent and fearless, Mr. Meyers conducted the paper as editor and pub¬ lisher. It was issued every Thursday and took rank among the leading papers in this part of the state, Mr. Meyers continuing in charge until he sold out in 1907 to L. A. Goodrich, who consolidated it with the Republican under the caption of the Graphic-Republican.

The Lake City Republican was founded March 3, 1888, by John A. Leonard, who continued as its editor until his death in January, 1894. Thereupon Mrs. Leonard assumed the management and published the paper until the fall of that year, when it was sold to Kidd & Axtell. In December, 1895, it became the property of C. A. Van Vleck, who maintained the Republican as a first class newspaper, increased its popularity and enlarged its circulation. Mr. Van Vleck conducted the Republican from 1895 to 1910, when the Lake City Printing Co. was organized, with Leroy A. Goodrich, who had purchased the Lake City Graphic-Sentinel in 1907, as vice-president, Mr. Van Vleck becoming a member of the company. The Graphic-Sentinel and Republican were then merged into the Lake City Graphic-Republican, now published as a weekly, with L. A. Goodrich as editor, and having a circulation of 2,000. It is the only newspaper now published in Lake City and runs from eight to sixteen pages per issue, according to the demands. A first class job printing office is main¬ tained in connection with the paper.

In June, 1914, Elmer R. Paterick established the Lake City Leader, the second paper of that name, which he operated until the spring of 1919 as an independent newspaper, having a circulation of about 1,200. He then sold the subscription list to the Lake City Printing Co., publishers of the Graphic- Republican.

It is not possible to prepare a full and connected history of the public schools of Lake City, owing to the destruction of the early records in the great fire of 1882. It is probable that during the early period they did not form an integral part of the school system of the county, having been organized prior to the school system of the state. Moreover, they appear to have attained sufficient growth to have been included in an independent school district, before the public school system of the county took form. The schools here were originally of the character known as subscription schools, being supported by the voluntary subscriptions of the residents of the place.

The pioneer school in the little settlement, now Lake City, was opened by the Rev. Silas Hazlett, in November, 1856, and was taught in a frame building, the lower portion of which was used as a carpenter shop, at the east corner of the Academy of Music block. The number of pupils in attendance was about thirty, and the estimated population of the settlement at that time was three hundred. From this date, schools in Lake City were regularly taught some¬ where. Gaylord's hall, near the present site of W. E. Perkin's livery stables, was subsequently opened for school purposes, and schools were taught at various places - now here, now there - for the next five years, the city having no school building of its own prior to 1861. In this year it was determined to build a suitable schoolhouse, and late in the fall the basement was finished, and school opened with Geo. T. Gibbs as the first teacher. This building was a commodious two-story frame, 40 by 60, with stone foundation and basement, located on Garden street. The basement only was completed in 1861, and in this school was held until the upper stories were finished and furnished in 1863, when the whole building was occupied for school purposes. It later did duty as the high-school building of Lake City.

In the meantime the citizens had made provision for a somewhat higher grade of scholarship than was contemplated in the common schools of that time and the Lake City Academy came into existence. This Academy build¬ ing, also on Garden street, was largely erected by the private contributions of the citizens, with the evident intention of its becoming the property of the city, to be used as an academy for higher instruction. It was built for Mrs. C. W. Hackett, who opened a school or academy there and taught it for some years. The property subsequently passed into Mrs. Hackett's possession in some undefined way, and was sold. With the growth of the city, the accommo¬ dations of the wooden building erected in 1861 became totally inadequate to meet the wants of the city, and the erection of a new school building was determined upon.

By the legislative act of 1864, giving the settlement, now Lake City, all the rights and immunities of a corporate city without its responsibilities, a change was made in its government, and this was followed in 1865 by a change in the administration of school affairs. In the spring of this latter year a board of education was elected, of which Dr. Estes was clerk. This board deter¬ mined upon the erection of a school building in the first ward, that would accommodate all the children of that ward below the grammar and high school grades, and thus draw into one building the scholars scattered in various places throughout the city, as rooms could be obtained. This is the building between Oak and Garden streets, known as the first ward schoolhouse. Its entire cost, including sidewalks, fencing and furniture, was about eleven thousand dollars. School was first opened in this building early in the winter of 1872-73, with James M. Martin and Misses Anna Montgomery and E. M. Burrett as teachers.

In 1883 the second ward schoolhouse, also a brick building, was erected, on the original school lot on Garden street, just a little southeast of the old build¬ ing in which school had been opened in 1861. It was furnished in the latest style, well provided with all needed appliances, and cost a little in excess of the contract price, eight thousand dollars. The building was turned over to the school board on September 20, 1883.

For some years the buildings already mentioned proved adequate to the educational needs of the city, and the schools maintained a high standard, par- ticularly the high school, which about 1881 became the banner high school of the state, the percentage of its pupils passing the examinations prescribed by the high school board of the state being greater than that of any other of the fifty high schools competing for the state appropriation. But the number of pupils increased with the growth in population, the introduction of new methods called for increased facilities, and by 1894 it was found necessary to construct a new building to be used as a high school. The contract was let to the Bar¬ nett & Record Co., of Minneapolis, at $18,975, the total expense, including fur¬ nishings, being $23,980.25. When completed the structure proved to be an ornament to the city and one of the finest and most convenient school build¬ ings in the state. It was built on the north side of the old second ward brick schoolhouse, and is adjoined to it, making one building 90 by 140 feet in size, the new building, also of brick, measuring 90 by 100 feet. It is twq stories high, with a roomy attic and basement, is well equipped with modern improve¬ ments, and contains 15 rooms, besides closets and wardrobes.

The city took pride in its new school and regarded its educational facili¬ ties as sufficient for many years to come. And, in fact, it was nineteen years before overcrowding made further building operations imperative. This need was declared by the Board of Education in January, 1913, and an appeal was issued to bond the district for $20,000 for the purpose of building and equip¬ ping an addition to the high school, the bonds to cover a period of fifteen years, coming due in 1928. The conditions were very crowded. It had been neces¬ sary to add two grade teachers since January, 1912, and one grade had been housed in a high school recitation room from that time. The first and second grades in the Lincoln building were accommodated in one room separated by a temporary partition. The high school enrollment was 163, with also nine special pupils, while the seating capacity of the assembly room was 128. Extra pupils were obliged to share single seats with others, and sit at the readingtables. The high school enrollment was rapidly growing. The enrollment in manual training classes ran as high as 27 boys, and there were only 20 benches, with no room for more. The superintendent's office had to be used for class purposes. One room was occupied by the normal department, the state paying the teacher and the expenses of operating. In 1912 nineteen girls took training in that department, of whom sixteen were teaching in 1913. The agricultural department also occupied a room, the state paying nearly all the expense. It was proposed to erect a new building of four additional grade rooms. At the election held January 31, the question was carried by a vote of 168 to 21, but a second election was made necessary owing to the fact that the local board decided to borrow money from the state, and when this is done it must be so stated in the election notice. Women took part in the election, the law per¬ mitting equal suffrage in school matters.

The new high school building was erected immediately contiguous to the older high school and united with it so as to form one building, including also the old school bulding erected in 1883. It was formally opened on Tuesday, March 10, 1914. The contract price of the building was $21,100; the total cost with equipment, about $31,000. Bonds of $20,000 were voted in 1913, the money being borrowed from the state at four per cent interest, and coveiing a period of 20 years. It was proposed to bond another $10,000 in the same manner, the question to be decided at an election to be held luesday, April 7, 1914, when a favorable vote was cast. The question seemed to excite little interest, however, as only 54 votes were cast, but the result was decisive, there being only two votes in opposition to the project. On the first fiooi of this last addition there are four class-rooms and two reading-rooms, the high school room being located on the second floor in the north end of the building. Within recent years some further improvements have been made. The six furnaces in that part of the high school building erected in 1894, which were formerly separate, are now combined into one furnace battery, under the

Smead system of heating ventilation. The last addition (of 1914) is heated by steam, and has a different system of ventilation, known as the Hackney ventilating system, the main features of which are two fans, one of which forces the fresh air in, while the other drives the foul air out. The old school building of 1883, now forming one building with the architectural divisions of the high school, has been remodeled, or readapted tc new uses. It contained four rooms, two upstairs and two down. One of the downstairs rooms is now used for the agricultural class, and the other for a shower-bath for the stu¬ dents interested in athletics. The partition formerly dividing the two upper rooms has been taken out, so as to make one large room, which is used for a gymnasium. Around it a hanging gallery has been constructed for spectators. This room is also used for military drill work when bad weather prevents it from being held outdoors.

Waterworks and Light Plant. - The present water and light system of Lake City is the result of many years' development, through a process of experiment, and the elimination of worn out or unsatisfactory methods and machinery. For a number of years previous to 1893 a stand-pipe system was in use, the water being obtained from a well, and pumped by a steam-engine into an elevated wooden tank on top of the stand-pipe. This answered the purpose for awhile, but with the deterioration of the engine and the final collapse of the stand¬ pipe, a new system became necessary, and in 1894, during the mayoralty administration of Henry A. Young, a water plant was installed at a cost of $30,000, operating through direct pressure. The water was pumped from a mammoth well by a Hysler pump. This pump, however, proving too expensive, was set aside and sold for junk, and a Fairbanks-Morse compound engine put in, having a daily capacity of 1,000,000 gallons. A Triplex pump was also installed as auxiliary. In 1897 there were four miles of mains and 49 fire hydrants, and in emergencies an additional water supply could be obtained from the lake.

In connection with this system, an electric light plant was installed in 1895, at a cost of $12,000. It consisted of one machine of 220 volt direct cur¬ rent system, and one 75-arc machine; and over 1,000 incandescent lamps and 54 arcs were placed in operation. Power was furnished by a Ball & Wood compound engine, and two large boilers generated the steam for both plants. A neat and substantial power-house was erected on the lake shore.

A big step in advance had been made, but in time the direct pressure system proved unsatisfactory and expensive, and the power plant not adapted to the city's needs. It was proposed to construct a reservoir on the bluffs southwest of the city, and a pipe line, at an estimated outlay of $30,000, and install a gravity system. A meeting of the citizens was held March 14, 1913, at the city hall, at which J. F. Druar, consulting engineer for the Oscar Clausen Engineering Co., of S. Paul, presented a detailed report containing the esti¬ mated cost of construction. More than one hundred representative citizens were present, the meeting being presided over by Mayor W. C. Squire. Other speakers, besides Mr. Druar, were J. Cole Doughty, chairman of the Water and Light Commission; E. R. Paterick, then city clerk, and A. Wagner, manager of the Menominie Power Company at Red Wing. A motion was passed unani¬ mously that the council be instructed to proceed with the plan for the reservoir, and a special bond election was proposed, the city to borrow funds from the state, as in the case of the school building.

The Druar plan net being accepted, Louis P. Wolf, of St. Paul, was em¬ ployed to construct the system. A cement reservoir of 500,000 gallon capacity was constructed on the bluffs, and connected by a 12-inch pipe with the watermain system down town, giving at the power station and pumping station an 80-pound gravity pressure. Valves were provided by which the reservoir supply can be shut off at any time to permit the cleaning or repairing of the reservoir, during which time the power is supplied by engines. After the: reservoir and pipe line were completed, the plant ceased to generate electricity and entered into a contract with the Wisconsin-Minnesota Light and Power Company, which now supplies the power. The water and light plants are combined in one, deriving their power from the same source, but using different machinery. The amount used is registered at the power station, and when the main current is shut off, power is supplied by a local unit, which can, if neces¬ sary, reinforce the main line.

Since foreign power was installed the system has been rebuilt and put into three separate and distinct circuits - one for each of the two wards of the residence district, and one for the down town district. The latter includes Lyon avenue, as the main street leading to the depot, and is operated all night. In the two residence districts the power is turned off between 11 and 12 o'clock p. m. There are now 82 fire hydrants. Gas is not used in the city, but there are many electric stoves which obtain their supply of electricity from the power-line service.

The plant has been very successful for the last six years, and has not increased the rates charged before the war. The reservoir and pipe line cost $31,000, and the pipe lines have since been extended to an expense of between $20,000 and $25,000. All the old water bonds, to the amount of $21,000, have been paid off, and a sinking fund of over $25,000 created to take care of repairs and improvements. The present vlaue of the combined plant is estimated at about $200,000. The plant is operated under a "home rule" charter by a sepa¬ rate commission, composed of three members and a clerk, the city council havfftg no direct control, but acting in an advisory capacity.

The present city hall was built in 1899 at an approximate cost of $16,000, which was paid out of a sinking fund previously set apart for that purpose. Considerable repairs have since been made on the building, the present value of which is estimated at $24,000. It provides convenient quarters for the city offices and fire department, and is also occupied by the public library.

The first public library in Lake City was established in 1871, under the control of an organization known as the Lake City Library Association, with the following officers and trustees: John Fletcher, president; Mrs. C. A. Jewell, vice-president; W. J. McMaster, secretary; C. W. Hackett, treasurer; L. H. Garrard, C. A. Wood, Mrs. M. Hulett, Mrs. H. F. Williamson, Mrs. A. T. Guern¬ sey, trustees. Mrs. Henry Selover, then Miss Emma Doughty, was the first librarian.

About the middle of November, 1871, the reading-room was opened in the Richardson block on Center street. It was a free reading-room, well fur¬ nished, and supplied with the leading dailies of the Northwest, and also Wash¬ ington and New York papers. Foreign and home periodicals were also furnished, and the doors were opened every evening at 6 p. m.

Near the middle of December the first installment of books, consisting of 270 volumes, arrived. Later many more were added, some by donation. The association also instituted a course of lectures, including such lecturers as Wendell Phillips, Ignatius Donnelly, A. M. Griswold, Dillon O'Brien, Hon. Moses Cheney and others.

The library was ably supported by an organization called the Dramatic Union, a company of home talent. The library filled its place in the community until February 24, 1880, when the books were given to the high school to form the beginning of a high school library.

In 1898 the young ladies of the town, under the efficient leadership of Miss Emily McNairy, now Mrs. Charles Ballet of Philadelphia, opened a library and reading-room, in a room set apart for the purpose in the new City Hall. This was a subscription library and was well patronized. The first collection of books was made up of contributions of citizens. The room was supplied with comfortable chairs, substantial tables and book cases, and good periodicals were on the tables.

After varying fortunes, the young ladies, feeling the need of more financial aid, had the question of a free public library brought before the voters of the town at the spring election of 1903. Owing to rumors that the library would materially raise the taxes, the question was decided favorably by a small majority.

In October, 1903, the new library was organized under the name of the Lake City Public Library, and in February, 1904, it was opened to the public. The following were the officers and trustees: Mrs. G. F. Benson, president; Dr. W. F. Wilson, vice-president; Mrs. G. S. Todd, secretary; N. C. Pike, J. M. Underwood, J. E. Phillips, Mrs. Jennie Coveil, Mrs. C. A. Koch, Mrs. W. Mur¬ ray, trustees. Miss J. E. Baker was librarian and Miss Alice M. Fowler, assistant.

Since its organization the board has lost two of its original members by death - Mrs. W. Murray and Mrs. Jennie Coveil; and one by removal, Mrs. G. F. Benson. The present board consists of Dr. W. F. Wilson, president; Mrs. E. H. Bayley, vice-president; Mrs. G. S. Todd, secretary. The trustees are Mrs. Koch, Mrs. Leonard, J. E. Phillips, N. C. Pike, J. M. Underwood and Prof. C. W. Brown. Miss J. E. Baker is librarian and Mrs. Elton Lamb, assistant librarian.

When the library was taken over by the city, the number of books was 1,148, which number has increased to 5,143. About 3,900 people have visited the library as readers during the past year, the average attendance daily being 22, according to the report of July 1, 1919.

Some preliminary steps were taken some time ago to secure a Carnegie Library, but on account of the war, all efforts in that direction had to cease. There is much hope that in the not far distant future we may have a new library building.

The Lake City Woman's Club was organized in 1894 and federated in the following year. It has from its inception been an important factor in the educational development of the community, its members devoting a part of their time to the study of various subjects intimately connected with modern culture, such as art, music, literature, the ancient and modern drama, social development, the progress of woman, equal suffrage, and other timely topics. Frequent meetings are held with talks by mem¬ bers of the club, or by visiting speakers, and are enlivened by music, or occasionally a dramatic presentation of some play or scene previously selected as a subject for study. The topics are varied and a strong interest has been developed and maintained in the work. The present officers of the club are: President, Mrs. R. C. Steele; vice-president, Mrs. H. Eastman; recording sec¬ retary, Mrs. C. S. Nygren ; corresponding secretary, Mrs. G. S. Todd; treasurer, Mrs. G. H. Hammond.

The foundations of Lake City's fine post office building were laid in 1914, and the building completed in the spring of 1916. It is located on High street, near Lynn avenue, and cost about $5,700, complete with fittings. It is a brick, fireproof structure, of handsome architectural design, measuring 50 by 80 feet in ground dimensions. It is provided with fireproof vaults and burglarproof safes, and is installed with 428 lock boxes. The Lake City post office is an office of the second class and has four rural routes. Three carriers are em¬ ployed for city delivery work, and mailing boxes have been placed at convenient points throughout the city. During the recent war the office sold about $200,000 worth of war stamps. The first post office here was established about April 1, 1857, with Harvey F. Williamson as the first postmaster. The office successively occupied various buildings rented by the government, the last one, previous to the erection of the present building, being located on the corner occupied by the Collins drug store.

Oaklyn Park, situated centrally in the downtown district, was laid out about thirteen years ago as the result of activities on the part of the Woman's Club and other civic organizations. After the idea had been developed and a plan formed, the Jewell Nursery Company furnished and planted the shrubbery, and the park was laid out with the help of the societies interested. Too much artificiality was avoided, much being left to nature. A sum of from $800 to $1,000 a year is set aside by the city to keep the park in good condition, and there have been a number of private benefactions for keeping the cement walks in repair and perpetuating the other improvements. Previous to the great fire of 1882 a part of the ground was occupied by timber yards and the rest utilized as a cow pasture.

Ohuta Park is located on the lake shore below the power station, a part of the ground having formerly been occupied by a large flour mill. The land was platted, cement walks laid out and trees and shrubbery planted.

Point Park. - All of the lake shore from the power house to the Goodhue County line was donated to the city for park purposes by private individuals, the old shacks formerly occupying a part of the ground being torn down, the ground terraced, grass sown, and walks laid out. Some thirty or forty years ago this ground was purchased by the members of a Lake City yacht club for club purposes, the members having individual titles. The original idea, how¬ ever, was abandoned, the members retaining the land. About three or four years ago it was decided to build a bath house, which was completed and pre¬ sented to the city. The location is known as Point Park, and in addition to the bath house, picnic grounds have been laid out. It all now belongs to the city.

Louis McCahill Memorial Park. - On the shore of beautiful Lake Pepin there is proposed and under way a material addition to the fine park system of Lake City, as a lasting memorial to the valiant young men who went to the world war from Lake City, and to the memory of Louis McCahill, son of Mary E. McCahill, of Lake City, and in whose honor the Lake City post of the Amer¬ ican Legion has been named the "Louis McCahill Post." Mrs. McCahill has planned and is carrying into execution, entirely at her own expense, this pro¬ posed public improvement by acquiring and parking nearly all the real estate bounded by Lake Pepin, Main street and the government pier. The moneys paid by Mrs. McCahill to the city for the part of the property formerly owned by it are to constitute a trust fund, the income from which is to be used for the maintenance of the park. When completed, this beauty spot will forever remain a permanent testimonial to the valor and patriotism of Lake City's notable youths and their sacrifice for their country.

The camp grounds of the National Guard of Minnesota are within the limits of Lake City, and have been occupied by the state for about 25 years. The land was donated to the state by the city, and accepted by act of the legis¬ lature, a condition of the donation being that the state militia should annually encamp on the grounds for a period of thirty years. Since the first encampment the fine military displays at Camp Lakeview have attracted numerous \isitois, the attraction being enhanced during the war with Germany by the special musterings, evolutions of the motor corps and other militai\ functions, exe¬ cuted and beheld with patriotic ardor.

Banking. - The earliest banking enterprises of Lake City were conducted on a small scale by private individuals. Among the fiist to engage in this business was C. P. Cogswell, a young man from the East, who opened a bank in 1858 on the corner of Main and Marion streets, in a very pretentious and expensive building (for that early day), erected for banking and office pur¬ poses in 1857 by Dwelle & Tibbetts. In the spring of 1859 Mr. Cogswell turned over his agency of the Phoenix Insurance Co. to A. T. Guernsey and lett town He was succeeded by E. Chamberlin & Co., who came from no one knows where, and whose banking operations were continued for but a few weeks, when he, or they, also left for parts unknown, leaving a small bill due the village printer.

About this time, H. F. Williamson established a large general merchandise store here, and, as a matter of convenience to himself and friends, connected with his business a commercial exchange. This was principally done by pur¬ chasing checks, drafts, and other commercial paper having a par value, from traveling men and newly arrived immigrants. Mr. Williamson subsequently left Lake City and became a merchant in Duluth.

The Lake City Bank of Minnesota. - In 1863 the grain and commission firm of Bessey & Doughty, who were then doing a large business, added a bank¬ ing' or commercial exchange department to their house, not so much as a matter of profit to themselves, but of convenience in their growing trade. They were also agents for and did a large traffic with the old Northern Line of steamboats on the Mississippi, and thus found the convenience of a banking system almost indispensable. The enterprise prospered without event until one morning in the summer of 1866, when it was discovered that the bank had been bur¬ glarized. This unfortunate affair caused Mr. Doughty to withdraw from the banking business in Lake City. But the already great commercial interests and still growing enterprises here created an urgent demand lor a commercial ex¬ change. The opportunity was taken advantage of by W. C. Hackett, who, in 1867, established a private bank that enjoyed the confidence of the people. In 1870, Mr. Hackett sold out to Joel Fletcher of St. Johnsbury, Vt., who continued it as a private enterprise until 1872. It was then incorporated under the state laws as the Lake City Bank, with a capital of $50,000, the incorporators being Joel Fletcher, M. C. Humphrey, Sr., Ephraim Hackett, Myron A. Baldwin, Sloan M. Emery, J. W. Ray and C. F. Rogers. The first president was Joel Fletcher, who served in that capacity until his death in 1875. He was suc¬ ceeded by Samuel Doughty, who retired from the office about a year before his death, which took place in 1893. George F. Benson, the next president, served until his death in 1907, when he was succeeded by Clarence A. Hubbard. On Mr. Hubbard's death, April 4, 1919, his son, William A. Hubbard, was elected to fill the vacancy, and is now president. The cashiers of the institution have been: C. A. Hubbard, .1872 to 1907; William A. Hubbard, 1907 to 1919; Milton L. Erickson, 1919 to the present time. The vice-president is Joseph M. Under¬ wood, and assistant cashier, John W. Lamb. The bank has occupied quarters on its present site since its establishment. Its first building was a small frame structure, which after awhile gave place to a three-story brick building. The latter was completely destroyed in the great fire of 1882, and a two-story build¬ ing was erected to take its place. In 1892 this new building was gutted by fire, and temporary quarters were occupied until the present building was erected. Another fire, in 1902, caused the bank to suffer a severe loss, but through all these conflagrations the institution never lost a business day. It is, as its slogan proudly affirms, 'The oldest state bank in Minnesota," having a record of 53 years' continuous, conservative and successful banking.* It is a member of the Federal Reserve system. Its statement at the close of business, February 28, 1920, showed a capital stock of $50,000; surplus fund (earned), $50,000; un¬ divided profits, $17,526.78; U. S. deposits, $4,800; other deposits, $731,920.94.

The Citizen's Bank of Lake City was organized August 19, 1898, as a state bank by Henry A. Young, W. R. Murray, Geo. R. Bartrom, E. F. McCall, Anson Peirce, J. Cole Doughty, Horace F. Johns, R. A. W. McLeod, C. H. Plummer, Hiram Center, and Charles A. Koch. The capital was $20,000 and the first officers were: Henry A. Young, president; George R. Bartrom, vice-president; E. F. McCall, cashier. The directors consisted of the above mentioned officers, together with J. Cole Doughty, Horace F. Johns, Anson Peirce and W. R. Mur¬ ray. The bank bought the present site and erected their present building before starting business, the building with fixtures costing about $9,000. It opened its doors for business August 19, 1898, on receiving its charter. In 1905 Henry A. Young was succeeded as president by W. R. Murray. On the latter's death in 1913, E. F. McCall became president, but he also died and was succeeded in 1918 by Thomas J. Morrcw. In January, 1912, G. H. Lange suc¬ ceeded E. F. McCall as cashier, and is still serving in that position. The bank's financial statement on February 28, 1920, showed a capital stock of $50,000; surplus fund (earned) of $50,000; loans and discounts, $606,398.57; total deposits, $668,793.80. The slogan of the institution, "The bank that backs the farmer," is indicative of its policy, and the Citizen's Bank has proved an important factor in the material advancement both of the city and the sur¬ rounding agricultural community.

The Security State Bank of Lake City was organized in 1912 by D. L. Mills, John A. Wright, R. C. Tennant, Peter Beck, and F. C. Hartshorn. The officers were: D. L. Mills, president; R. C. Tennant and Peter Beck, vice-presidents, and John A. Wright, cashier. The capital was $25,000 and the surplus, $5,000. The present building, on the corner of Main and Center streets, was purchased and remodeled. Mr. Mills and Mr. Tennant still hold their respective offices. Peter Beck is now deceased and his place as vice-president has been taken by his son, H. P. Beck. Mr. Wright resigned as cashier and went to St. Paul, and his place has not yet been filled. The capital remains the same, but the surplus has been increased to $12,500. The bank's last statement showed deposits of about $250,000. The institution does a general banking business, including insurance, and has adopted as a slogan, "Security, Strength and Service." The present directors are D. L. Mills, R. C. Tennant, F. C. Hartshorn, H. P. Beck and John A. Wright.

The First National Bank was an institution organized in 1870, according to the United States laws, with a capital of $50,000, and with L. H. Garrard, L. S. Van Vliet, John W. Willis, Wm. S. Timerman, G. F. Benson, H. Center, and J. B. McLean as the board of directors. L. H. Garrard was elected presi¬ dent, G. F. Benson, vice-president, and L. S. Van Vliet, cashier. After being operated for some fifteen years, the institution proved a failure, going into the hands of a receiver in December, 1885.

The Merchants Bank of Lake City was established, as a state bank, soon after the failure of the First National, with a capital of $50,000. W. F. Holmes was president, and W. N. Holmes, cashier. It also proved unsuccessful, and went out of business.

An important business enterprise, which for a time enjoyed a flourishing existence here, was the wagon manufacturing concern of Neal, Johns & Co., which was started in 1866 by A. B. Doughty and Calvin Neal under the firm name of Doughty & Neal. In 1878 H. F. Johns bought out Mr. Doughty's interest, and the firm became Neal, Johns & Co. From a small beginning the business grew to be the largest manufacturing industry in the city, previous to 1890 as many as 1,000 wagons being turned out in a year. In 1891 the plant was enlarged and the capacity increased to 3,000 wagons a year, with a yearly sale running as high as 2,200. General agencies were maintained in various Middle and Western states, and the concern became widely known. In course of time, however, it became increasingly difficult to secure the right kind of lumber, owing to the exhaustion of the timber supply in this region. Southern timber was expensive owing to the cost of transportation. The proprietors of the concern having realized handsome fortunes, concluded to give up the busi¬ ness, which was therefore discontinued a few years ago. Mr. Neal is now deceased.

The Jewell Nursery Co., one of the largest business enterprises in or near Lake City, was established by Dr. P. A. Jewell in 1868, with J. M. Underwood as foreman. The business was started on only ten acres of land. The ten years of management by Dr. Jewell brought great credit to the nursery, and rapid progress was made toward developing the varieties of trees and shrubs best suited to this climate. On his death the business passed into the hands of Mr. Underwood, and in 1884 it had so greatly increased that it was deemed best to form a joint stock company and incorporate under the laws of the state of Minnesota. The business has since developed to an enormous extent, and in addition to fruit and shade trees and shrubbery, the concern has branched out into small fruit and vegetable culture, seed production, and the raising of pure-bred stock. For the year 1920 it is planned to put into cultivation more than 400 acres of land, including 135 acres of corn, 150 acres of oats and about 140 acres of wheat, besides rye, barley, sweet clover, beans, potatoes, and per¬ haps other vegetables. In the livestock line, which is yet in its infancy, they now have about 60 horses, 125 sheep, 35 cattle and 70 hogs. This number will be materially increased in the future. The cattle will be of the Holstein breed and the foundation will very likely be purchased this summer. Duroc hogs will be bred, a large start having already been made, and the highest priced herd boar of any breed under one year old was purchased by the Underwood farms recently. The price, with cash and other considerations, amounted to $12,500. Several high priced Duroc sows were also purchased. It is planned to breed nothing but the highest type of animals, and the same principle of highest excellence is followed in the seed and other departments of the busi¬ ness. J. W. Lawton, former county agent, resigned his position March 1, 1920, to take charge of the Underwood farms, which are operated as a branch of the Jewell Nursery Company, and the united enterprise is bound to make Lake City famous.

Gillette, Eaton & Squire Foundry. - In the year 1868 Had Gillette, a wellknown Lake City man to the older residents, started a small foundry on the corner now occupied by the Interstate Mill. His two sons, James and Asa, were associated with him. As the business grew, a stone building was erected on the lake shore near where the government pier is now located. Robert Eaton was employed by the Gillettes when the firm name was The Gillette Foundry. After they moved into their new quarters, James Gillette disposed of his interests and Mr. Eaton became a partner in the concern, the firm name being Gillette & Eaton. Later W. C. Squire became a member of the firm and the name was changed to Gillette, Eaton & Squire. Two years ago it became necessary to seek a larger site and large buildings to care for the increase. The old Neal & Johns warehouses west of the Milwaukee freight depot were purchased and converted into suitable buildings and the foundry moved there. The concern was incorporated and is now known as the Gillette, Eaton & Squire, Inc. Today it is one of the best equipped foundries in this part of the state. One of the chief products of this cerncern is the Gillette & Eaton Stern Wheel Steamboat Engine, an invention of Mr. Eaton. This engines is used extensively by the federal government on their river boats, and the government of Mexico also uses them extensively on their river craft. Robert Eaton is president of the concern, John Schmauss, vice-president, and J. E. Doughty, secretary and treasurer.

The Tennant & Hoyt Company's flour mill, one of the large industries in Lake City, which contributes a very large share of the total business trans¬ acted in the city, was established in 1900 by a firm consisting of R. C. Tennant and Charles G. Hoyt. Both members of the firm were experienced millers, Mr. Tennant coming here from Northfield, and Mr. Hoyt from Minneapolis, where for thirty years he had been associated with the Pillsbury Company. At a cost of $60,000 they erected near the C. M. & St. P. tracks a 400-barrel mill, in which for about six years they carried on a considerable business. In 1906 the mill was destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt in the following year with a larger capacity - of about 800 barrels every 24 hours - and at a cost of $130,000. Later the service was still further enlarged by the construction of storage tanks and other buildings, at a cost of $70,000, and with these improvements the capacity of the mill has been increased to 1,500 barrels. In place of the original steam power, the mill is now operated by electric power derived from the Minnesota-Wisconsin Light & Power Company's service. When the new mill was built in 1906, the concern was changed from a partnership to a stock company, with R. C. Tennant as president and manager; R. A. Hoyt, vicepresident and treasurer, and C. E. Brostrom, secretary; and the same officers are still serving. The company employs about fifty men, and the mill is operated night and day. Its machinery is of the modern type, and its chief product, "Golden Loaf Flour," is in great demand, being shipped in large quantities to New York, New England, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, the Middle States, and to points in Wisconsin and Minnesota. During 1919 the total busi¬ ness of the company aggregated more than $4,000,000. They purchased over 1,300,000 bushels of wheat, for which they paid the large sum of about $2,900,000. They produced 226,000 barrels of flour, which was equivalent to 1,000,000 49-pound sacks, or to 20 train loads with an aggregate of 1,000 cars; and this in spite of the fact that it was a little below an average year. This establishment means much to the wheat raiser in this section, as it has been the means of encouraging the industry. The business outlook for this year, 1920, is much larger than last year, and the company expects to see a larger demand for their product than ever before. In addition to flour they manu¬ facture a large amount of feed, such as bran, shorts and middlings, of which they ship large quantities.

The Interstate Roller Mill was established in Lake City in the summer of 1919 by J. B. Cain. While a comparatively small mill, it is equipped with the latest type of machinery, electrically driven, and has already earned an enviable reputation for the quality of its product, the "Flavo Brand" flour. Custom grinding is also done and a feed mill was recently installed, which is enjoy¬ ing a good patronage.

A former enterprise of Lake City which had a prosperous career for a few years was the Lake City Commercial College, which was incorporated May 1, 1895. It had an able corps of officers, W. R. Murray being president, Charles A. Koch vice-president, U. Curtis secretary, C. A. Hubbard treasurer, and A. Rosenberger superintendent. The trustees were W. R. Murray, Charles A. Koch, U. Curtis, Dr. E. H. Bayley, J. P. Martin and T. I. Crane. Of the corps of teachers, Professors Rosenberg and Curtis were men who devoted their lives to the cause of education and had made a specialty of commercial work. The college enjoyed a large and increasing patronage, not only at home, but from adjoining states. Its career of usefulness, however, was brought to an end some five or six years ago by the death of the secretary, Mr. U. Curtis, who had been the moving spirit of the institution, and soon after that event the enterprise was given up.

The Strandberg Art Glass Company is one of the leading industries of Lake City. The concern began business here in the fall of 1911 under the name of the Twin City Cut Glass Co., with T. H. Strandberg and G. Carlson, of St. Paul, Minn., as proprietors. The business was continued under that name until April, 1919, when the partnership was dissolved, T. H. Strand¬ berg taking as a partner his brother, E. K. Strandberg, when the pi esent name of the firm was adopted. The head office of the concern is located in St. Paul, where the Strandbergs operate another plant under the same name. In the Lake City factory twenty people are employed, operating sixteen frames, or machines, the frames being kept in operation the year round, turning out the highest grade of cut glass ware made. The product is sold entirely to jobbeis over a territory extending from coast to coast, and from St. Louis to W innipeg, Canada. The plant is located in the old Commercial Building on Lyons avenue, the corner of Sixth street. E. K. Strandberg has charge of the business here, and the payroll amounts to about $1,200 per month.

Lake Pepin Co-operative Creamery Co. is a prosperous concern which has enjoyed the fastest growth of any in Lake City. The creamery was foimeily privately owned and operated, but in 1917 a stock company was formed with a capital of $15,000, the stock being now in the hands of about 200 farmers. The company handles cream, butter and ice cream, most of the farmers bring- in g in cream, while a few deliver milk. The concern has had a phenomenal growth and is contributing largely to the comfort and needs of the people of this section and a large part of Goodhue County. The first year it did a busi¬ ness of $96,000, which had increased in 1919 to $154,000, and it is still grow¬ ing. At present it occupies the building of the former concern, but a new building has been planned for next year on lots purchased on South Wash¬ ington street, near the Dwelle Telephone Co.'s building. The officers of the Creamery company are: Charles B. Harrison, president; William Peters, vicepresident; Paul Sandberg, secretary; H. C. Bremer, treasurer, and A. G. Schandel, manager and butter-maker. The directors are Fred Schuman, Fred Miller and H. C. Holst.

Rest Island Fox Farm. - This important enterprise, now one of the promi¬ nent attractions, perhaps the most novel and interesting in the vicinity of Lake City, was originated by one of the present residents of the city, Arthur Schleicher, formerly of Millville, who is now secretary and manager of the company. One day, in June, 1911, Evan O'Hara, a farmer boy, came into Mill¬ ville with a numbber of red fox pups, which he offered for sale. Arthur Schleicher, then a youth of twenty, engaged with his father in the lumber and agricultural implement business, bought three of the pups, for which he paid $2.50. Becoming much interested in the little animals, he read all the litera¬ ture he could get hold of bearing on their care and breeding. Though such literature was then scanty, he soon discovered some interesting facts; among others, that fox breeding was carried on to some extent in Canada, especially on Prince Edward Island, the methods in use being carefully kept secret, and that the silver foxes were valuable/a pair having been sold for as much as $30,000. Seeing a large profit in the industry, he considered the possibility of establishing a fox farm in Minnesota, and resolved to make the- experiment. Having sold his red foxes at from $12 to $40 each, he invested in a few silver foxes, for which he paid from $500 to $1,200, and began his experiments. By 1915 he was ready to go deeply into the business, and accordingly bought six pairs of registered standard-bred silver foxes on Prince Edward Island. There is a regular system of registry and pedigrees for silver foxes as well as for Percheron horses or Shorthorn cattle, and good breeders sell today at from $800 to $2,000 a pair. Foxes to be eligible in the books of the Prince Edward Island Breeders' Association must be almost black, with silver markings over the eyes and over the hips. The silver markings are in the long hairs in the fur. These hairs are black on the ends and of a silver color in the middle, black or mouse colored below near the hide.

Mr. Schleicher had to find out many things through experience. One of his early mistakes was in permitting strangers to visit the fox dens during the season between January and July 1. This lost him a large number of fine pups, as the foxes notice the slightest change, and if a mother fox becomes frightened she will carry her pups around the pen all day long, holding them in her mouth by the nape of the neck as does a cat. Too much of this carrying around is not good for them, and for this reason the keeper avoids anything that might make the mother fox nervous. Between January and June no one ever goes inside the guard fence except the regular keeper, who takes care always to wear the same clothes. To help shut off distraction from the outside, to make it more comfortable for the foxes, and to keep the fur dark, wild cucum¬ bers are planted around the fences. * These soon form a mat of vines, so that little sun gets into the pens. The foxes like the shade, and the sun would fade the furs. The lack of sunlight does not affect the foxes' health, as the adult foxes are very hardy animals. They are fed largely on horse meat and dog biscuit, with some rice meal and corn meal, but no fresh vegetables. For feeding purposes a horse is killed every five or six days, old horses being bought at from $10 to $18. The foxes mate for life in pairs, one male and one female. It is very seldom that the male fox will mate with more than one female. The father is an ideal husband and parent. As soon as the young are born he carries all the food put into the pen to the mother, and as soon as the cubs are ready to eat meat, which is when they are about three weeks old, he exhibits great solicitude to see that they get all they want. The fox nature appears to be almost untamable. Even after long generations of captivity the wild nature predominates, though finally some of the foxes get so they will take meat from the hands of the keeper. But even he has to be careful that they don't bite his hand. Another early mistake made by Mr. Schleicher was in the building of the pens. His first pens were separated by only one fence of woven wire. Put a dozen foxes into the same pen and they will get along beautifully, but separate two pairs with a single woven wire, and you will lose a lot of fox legs. They will fight through the fence. Now two fences are built, eight feet apart, and only one pair of foxes are put in a pen. Sometimes later in the season a num¬ ber are put into the same pen, but in such case the inclosures are always separated by two fences at least two feet apart. The furs are sold in December, being shipped to reliable firms who pay the full worth of the goods. Until recently the best market has usually been in the United States or in Paris, but it is probable that the furs produced this year will go to London. For some years the St. Louis market has been the best in the world, but the recent change of conditions may temporarily divert the trade. The company has sold quite a number of pairs of foxes to breeders in Minnesota, and are aiming to make this the greatest fox breeding state in the Union, for which the conditions and prospects are very favorable. Visitors are invited to visit the farm at any time from June to January, but from January to June, for the reasons already men¬ tioned, they are asked not to call. The officers of the company are: John Schmauss, president; Arthur Schleicher, secretary and manager; and R. A. Hoyt, treasurer.

The Dwelle Telephone Company of Lake City was established in March, 1897, by G. M. Dwelle, and lines were installed covering Lake City. On April 1, 1905, the company was incorporated with G. M. Dwelle, Sr., as president; G. \\ . Patton, vice-president; and G. M. Dwelle, Jr., secretary and treasurer. G. M. Dwelle, Sr., died April 15, 1915, and was succeeded as president by Peter Beck. On the death of Mr. Beck in November, 1919, W. G. Ball became president and is now serving. These have been the only changes on the official board. In the fall of 1897 the company extended its wires and installed toll lines in all the villages in the northern half of the county. In 1898 the company bought the interests of the Plainview Telephone Company, and operated that line with exchanges at Plainview and Wabasha. During the winter of 1903-04 the com¬ pany sold the Plainview exchange and the lines south of the Zumbro river, and since then there have been few further changes, except that the lines have been extended so as to cover the territory south of the Zumbro river and the ter¬ ritory in the southeastern part of Goodhue County. On January 1, 1920, the Lake City exchange had 1,181 phones, and the Wabasha exchange, 467 phones. The Wabasha exchange was sold April 1, 1920, the company's total investment, before the sale, amounting to $91,500. The company now has 254 miles of pole lines, covering Lake City and its environs and into Goodhue County.

The Clamming Industry. - Some thirty years ago it became geneially known that river or fresh water clams occasionally contained valuable pearls. A host of clam fishers at once sprang into activity, operating on almost eveiy ii\ei and body of fresh water where pearl-bearing clams could be found. Lake Pepin proved one of the most valuable fisheries, and within a short time the business here had developed into large proportions. At first the shells weie legal ded as worthless and were thrown away, but experiments proved that they could be utilized profitably in the manufacture of buttons, sleeve links, barrettes, and other fancy articles, and whereas, 22 years ago there was not a button factory in the United States, there are now hundreds of them operating the year around. The Wisconsin Pearl Button Company, of La Crosse, a large concern employing some 300 hands, in 1911 started a branch factory in Lake City, which has since continued in operation, employing usually some 50 or more cutters. The Lake Pepin Pearl Button Company was started in Lake City four years ago, but has recently closed, owing chiefly to the difficulty in securing help. One year, about 1913, 2,400 tons of clams were taken from Lake Pepin, about 90 per cent of the shells being available for manufacturing purposes.

The following description of the fishing operations, written by Lawrence Lunde, was published in the Graphic-Republican of Lake City, February 14, 1913: "A clammer's outfit consists of a flat scow equipped with a windlass, rope, anchor, oars, and two bars holding the hooks. Clamming with hooks takes place usually in five to ten feet of water, but sometimes as deep as thirty feet. The windlass contains about 300 feet of rope, at the end of which is an anchor. The anchor is dropped into the water - say ten feet deep - and then you row until you reach the end, or until the 300 feet of rope is between the anchor and your boat. Now the bars holding the hooks are lowered into the water, one in front of the other. The bars may be any length, but are usually about 16 feet long, and made from lead pipe. Each bar holds from 50 to 60 strings (or stays) and each string two or three hooks. The hooks are made of stiff wire with four barbs each. So with the bars down you have about 300 or more hooks dragging on the lake bottom. Now you begin pulling in on your rope by means of the windlass, and going in the direction of the anchor. The clam is generally open in the water, and when anything comes in contact with it, it closes up. To pull in this 300 feet of rope takes about ten to fifteen minutes. When you reach the anchor you pull up the bar ahead, and then the other. The bars rest in stand¬ ards on the boat. A good lift is about 150 to 200 clams. So you proceed in the same manner, rowing out the length of your rope, dropping in your bars and pulling in. The clams are pulled off from the hooks and thrown into the boat. The clammer works on the water eight or nine hours a day, and spends the rest of his time in "cooking out." In cooking, the clams are placed in a large tank under which is a fire. Only a little water is poured into the tank, because the clams hold a large quantity. The clams are taken out and placed on the sorting table soon after the boiling point is reached. They are cooked because then they become loosened from the shells. If there happened to be any pearls, they would be harmed if cooked too much. On the table the shells are thrown into a pile, and the meats sorted in search of the coveted prize. One meat at a time is squeezed once or twice in the right place and thrown aside. Pearls and slugs are found usually in the muscles and along the hinge side. Once in a while small pieces, called "chicken-feed" by the clammer, are found in the mantle, and frequently pieces are found fast in the shell. Numerous pearl buyers visit the clammers daily. Pearls are sold by the grain, with due consideration to roundness and lustre. Several have been found which sold for $1,500, and others as high as $3,500. A pearl buyer always has ready cash. He buys his pearls here and then goes east or abroad and sells them at enormous prices. Slugs and broken pearls are found daily and sell as "chickenfeed" from $1 and up. A clammer can make wages on shells alone. Some shells are no good, as the razorbacks, and are thrown out. With favorable weather and lifts, a clammer can get about one quarter of a ton a day. Many clammers get shells by the use of rakes, and others use gasoline launches.

The above article was written seven years ago, and is correctly descriptive of conditions at that time. The former custom of hauling the boats up to an anchor with a windlass has been abandoned, and now the hauling is done by gasoline launches, there being boats hitched to a launch. The bars now in use are 20 feet long, to which are attached some 40 stays, or one every six inches, each stay being furnished with two or three hooks. The present law allows a boat to have three bars, but only two down at a time, and during the last three years it has been necessary for each boat to have a license, costing five dollars. At the time the Wisconsin Pearl Button Company started their branch factory in Lake City, there were between 500 and 600 clammers on Lake Pepin, each having one or more boats, but the number has since dwindled to about one half that number, the rest having for the most part sought newer and richer fishing grounds.

The Lake City Shipping Association is an organization numbering over 310 members, with H. C. Holst, manager. During the year 1919 the association shipped 132 cars of stock, the receipts for the year being, in round numbers, $310,000. Paul Goihl is president of the Shipping Association, with William Peters, vice-president; L. H. Roschen, secretary, and H. C. Bremer, treasurer. The ice business has for years been a prominent industry of Lake City, and with a fine source of supply, admirable facilities and good management, con¬ tinues to flourish.

In the space allotted to this history, it has been possible merely to mention a few of the most prominent business enterprises, chiefly manufacturing or productive, now flourishing in Lake City, or which have formerly existed. Some others will be found mentioned in the biographical part of this volume. Con¬ siderable advancement has been made during the past year, and many firms are making expansions in the business. Mercantile enterprises are in general prosperous, the merchants carrying up-to-date stock, and building enterprises

In common with patriotic men and women all over the country, the people of Lake City in general worked hard to aid Uncle Sam in the recent World War. Dr. George S. Todd was local chairman of all the five Liberty Loan committees, and the city exceeded its quota in each campaign. The Red Cross chairman was Mrs. D. O. Irwin, D. L. Mills acting as treasurer, and excellent results were obtained, the workers all showing zeal and activity. The interests of "the boys" were well looked after, and they were made to feel from the moment they en¬ tered the service that they were not forgotten by those at home. R. C. Tennant was county chairman for a part of the time on the Second Liberty Loan drive, while a large number of residents, both men and women volunteered or cheer¬ fully accorded their services as canvassers, or in other ways aided effectively the various branches of war work. Many of the older boys and girls also did their bit." While among some citizens of foreign birth or antecedents there was indifference, if not secret hostility, no great amount of trouble was ex¬ perienced from this source. Such persons soon realized that the country was in earnest, and met the demands made upon them, if not from patriotism, be¬ cause they knew they must, or to save their popularity. Receptions and banquets were tendered to the boys entering the service, whether by draft or enlistment, and gave rise to some lively and affecting scenes not soon to be in a broad sense, may be termed a revival of a similar organization which existed a number of years ago, It was organized during the recent war and is still kept up. It is composed of sixteen pieces under the leadership of Capt. L. V. Hurd, and is a useful adjunct to military parades, Memorial Day exercises

City by lodges. A few have had an ephemeral existence and disbanded, but the orders now represented here have for the most part strong lodges, with a large, interested and active membership. Carnelian Lodge No. 40, A. F. A. M., was established under dispensation in January, 1863, its charter bearing the date of October 28, the same year. It has occupied various quarters and suffered severely in the great fire of 1882, but, like the fabled Phoenix, soon arose from its ashes. It has numbered among its members very many of the best business and professional men of the city, whose names are ^separately interwoven with the city's history and development. The Masonic bodies - the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Commandery and Eastern Star - now occupy a rented hall in the Lyon block. Hope Chapter No. 12, R.A.M., was organized under dispensa¬ tion February 7, 1867, its charter being issued October 12, the same year. Lake City Commandery No. 6, was organized about three years after the institution of the Chapter, its first meeting being held April 21, 1870, and its formal organization occurring November 12 the same year. Lake City Chapter, O.E.S., was formed Friday, October 18, 1894, and now has a large membership, as also have the other branches of the Masons.

Like City Lodge No. 22, I.O.O.F., was instituted July 23, 1868, and now has between 90 and 100 members. The lodge occupies a rented hall in the Wise building. Mt. Zion Encampment No. 7, I.O.O.F., was organized February 20, 1871, and had a prosperous existence of about 37 years. About twelve years the Encampment made the mistake of merging with that at Red Wing, which two years later surrendered its charter, and that ended the history of the local organization.

In addition to those already mentioned, the principal fraternal orders which are or have been represented in Lake City by lodges, wTith the date of organization (where ascertained) may be enumerated as follows: Insurance Lodge, No. 38, A.O.U.W., January 19, 1878; Lake City Lodge No. 576, K. of H., April 4, 1877, now out of existence; S.S.H.F., the Scandinavian Relief Associa¬ tion, 1874; Major Doughty Post, No. 117, G.A.R.; Court Lake Pepin No. 1096, I.O.F.; Lake City Camp No. 2491, M.W.A. ; Schiller Lodge No. 7, S. of H.; and the Equitable Fraternal Union, 1903. The last mentioned has a present mem¬ bership of 120. The Woodmen's lodge has 167 members. The Red Men have also a lodge with a membership of 88, and for a number of years have met in Woodmen's Hall. An important addition to the local societies is the Louis McCahill Post of the American Legion, an outgrowth of the late World War. The social, literary and civic interest of Lake City are also enhanced by the Women's clubs, which have been and are both active and highly useful.