Delano City

Delano City

Delano is one of the largest and most prosperous of Wright county villages. It is well laid out, has many natural advantages, splendid public buildings, and sightly streets with shade trees, velvety lawns and good residences. There is an excellent system of waterworks, a limited sewer system which will soon be enlarged, good schools, the best of fire protection and a large public park, where a large grove gives opportunity for picnics and reunions, and a well-kept athletic field furnishes an arena for numerous exciting baseball contests. After long experimenting with municipal lighting the village has signed a contract with the General Electric Company of Minneapolis to furnish a continuous twenty-four hour service. The fire department is well equipped, and the fire protection of the village has beer highly praised. The village hall is ample for the purposes for which it is intended, and houses the jail, the fire department, the council chambers, the clerk's office, and a hall for public entertainments, equipped with a stage and good scenery. St. Peter's Catholic Church is considered in many ways the finest church building in the Northwest.

Delano is a good trading point, is noted for its progressive spirit and has a population of about 1,200. It is situated on the Great Northern, twenty-eight miles west of Minneapolis. It has Polish and German Catholie, Episcopal, German Lutheran and Methodist churches, two hotels, two banks, a flour mill, a ereamery, and other industries. The Eagle Printing Co. is widely known for its excellent printing and carries on a large business.

A brief business directory follows: ©. J. Buckley, postmaster; Charles Adicks, saloon; Mrs. Rose Adler, milliner; Ole Bachman, clothing; Mrs, Bertha Belt, milliner; John Berlin, shoemaker; M. P. Berneck, general store; Berner Blomquist, furniture; C. H. Bock, barber; Henry J. Bock, insurance agent; William Boek, real estate; Fred Brandes, insurance agent; Reynold E., and Richard Brunkow, grain; James Buer, confectionery ; Columbia Clothing Co.; Comet Theatre, E. D. Probst, proprietor ; Arthur Cunnington, insuranee agent; Delano Auto Co. (Oscar B. Uildebrand and Milton E. Mucky); Delano Co-operative Creamery Association (Matt Strauch, president; E. Kelsey, seeretary; Otto Tomletz, treasurer); Eagle Printing Co. (C. d. Buckley, president; R. C. MeGill, secretary; E. 8. Warner, treasurer), publishers Delano Eagle; Henry Ehalt, saloon; Leo J. Epple, restaurant; Gottlieb Fantsch, saw mill; First National Bank (G. W. Dodge, president; Arthur Cunningham, cashier) ; F. D. Ford, groeer; Gilmer House (James W. Packer, proprietor); John H. Grasinger, harness; Great Northern Hotel (Mrs. Lena A. Pfeifer, proprietor); Napoleon Hamel, baker; Andrew Hausman, saloon; F. W. Harper, jeweler; William Heinen, hardware; Samuel A. Jepsen, tailor; Frank Knoblauch, saloon; Fred A. Knoll; Thomas Laborsky, general store; Bert V. Lares, physician; Frank Leiter, livery; Frank Leiter and Milo J. Hall, automobile garage; Frank H. Lindsley, lawyer; Michael Litfin, shoemaker: Lundsten Lumber Co. (O. J. Lundsten, secretary); WF. MeCarthy, physician; C. T. MeDonald, insurance agent; Midland Lumber and Coal Co, (Osear Anderson, manager); John Miller, blacksmith; John Naslund, eement warks; Charles E. Parker, dentist; A. J. Peschek, tinner; Peter P. Peterson, shoes; Victor J. Peterson, photographs; John J, Pickle, barber; William Picus, general store; Paul Photnik, blacksmith; A. L. Poffenberger, agent; Phil Poynba, blacksmith; Pogreba and Hitzman, saloon; Louis P, Probst, insurance agent; T. B. Rader, livery; Reider and Schilling, meats; George P. Schaffer & Son, general store; State Bank of Delano (H. C. Bull, president; L. P. Probst, '. B. MeClure and William Ziebarth, vice presidents; C. T. Me- Donald, cashier); Martin Stralka, saloon; Walter Tautger, undertaker; R. M. Walter, veterinary surgeon; J. M. Wandok, meats; A, W. Wittman, drugs; B. C. Gancey, barber; E. F. Ziebarth Co., farm implements.

The history of the village of Delano is intimately eonneeted with the history of Franklin township, as the early settlement centered at this point.

The first land claimant, James P. Lyle, who came on June 15, 1855, located a claim lying partly within the present village limits, and John E, Ellis, who came with Lyle when he took up his permanent residence here, secured the main part of what is now Delano, James and Samuel Padden and James B. White, who came at the same time, settled in the same vicinity.

'The first store in the township was opened in 1866 by John Marth, on the northeast quarter of section 4, on the Waverly road. It was not a large establishment, but carried a good line of general merchandise, In connection with it was operated a saloon. In 1871, Mr. Marth moved to Delano, where he built a large store on the west side of the river and carried on quite a large business until 1878 when he went to Barnesville, Clay county, where he likewise engaged in the mercantile business.

"In August, 1868, William Wasson opened a small store in J. P. Lyle's old log house in the south part of Delano, He had only a small store in a single room, and failing to secure an appointment as postmaster he became discouraged and closed out. 'J. M. Langford came to town as Wasson's clerk.

'"When the railroad reached Crow River station, now Delano, Marvel Hayford opened a hotel and boarding house October 8, 1868, His establishment, which was scarcely more than a collection of shanties, was located near the eorner of Railroad avenue and River street.

'*Miner Ball moved a building from the site of Greenwood, in the early winter of 1868, remodeled it as a hotel, and opened it in December, 1868, under the management of J. F. Powers. In October, 1870, Mr. Ball himself took charge. In 1871, J. D. Young purchased the establishment. He changed the name from Avenue House to Young's Hotel. In 1874 he rebuilt. the place and in 1879 erected the main building 24 by 70 feet and three stories high. At one time it was the largest and best kept hotel in the county.

''In December, 1868, Frank Hopkins opened a general store on Railroad avenue east of the hotel. He was the first postmaster in Delano. In the winter of 1868-69, F. B. Nichols built what afterward became the Wright County Bank. He opened a general store, and was the second postmaster. In 1873 he sold the building and stock of goods to Row Brasie.

was followed by T. 8. Kerr. In 1872 it was sold to Daniel Atwood who named it the Atwood House. In 1875, LH. Grafft purchased the place, finished it, and named it the Palace Hotel.

''Miner Ball and E. D. Barnett, assisted by the town proprietors, erected a steam saw and grist mill in 1869, and for several years the mill did a thriving business, In 1871 Barnett sold out to Ball. In 1874 Ball sold the grist mill to George F. Walter, but retained the sawmill. The sawmill was burned in 18380, but Mr, Ball soon rebuilt it assisted by voluntary subscriptions from itizens, Walker operated the grist mill for a time, He built a dam a short distance above the railroad bridge some forty rods from the mill, and attempted to transmit the power by means of a belt of wire rope. The mill was sold under sheriff's sale to Miner Ball, who first sold to Richard Ball, and then to Heasley. - - - Heasley subsequently became the owner.

'In 1869, Eppel Brothers erected a building on the corner of Railroad avenue and River street and in the fall of that year opened a large general store in connection with a saloon. In 1871 they dissolved partnership, and Valentine continued the business at the old place until 1875. When the partnership was dissolved in 1871, Charles Eppel purchased a building and removed it from the south side of the railroad to the corner of Bridge and River streets, where he has carried on one of the most successful mereantile establishments in the village.

''John Borsch opened a general store in 1869 on the corner of Bridge and River streets, sold out to J. M. Eppler in 1879, built a large store on the corner of Franklin avenue and River street, where he continued in business. Louis Rausch built and opened a general store in 1874, and in addition to this became lessee and manager of the old grain house.

'*John Haffner is the oldest hardware merchant in town. In the early days he managed a business for Lucas Brothers, later purchased their stock, and in 1879 built a large store on lower River street. J. W. Lindsley, also a hardware merchant, opened a store early in 1880.

''John Coolen came here from Buffalo in the latter part of 1875, engaged in the furniture and lumber trade and erected two large store buildings. In the latter part of 1881 he sold his furniture stock to Andrew Hansemann, Mr. Coolen now has the best lumber yard in the county. In the early part of 1882, E. FP. Ziebarth also engaged in the lumber business and erected a large store building on lower River street.

'Almost every branch of mercantile business is represented in town, Agricultural machinery, F, A. Flood; drugs, Mrs. M. A. Chance and Johnson & Wittman; shoes, Olof Peterson and A. Anderson; two millinery establishments; jewelry, J. Lohmiller; general merchandise, W. Johns and S. J. Reaves, The town has three good blacksmith and wagon shops, a harness shop. boot and shoe makers, tailor shops, photograph and art gallery, feed store, two markets, a barber shop and six saloons."

The main line, First Division, St. Paul and Pacifie Railroad, later the Breckenridge division, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba Railroad, now a division of the Great Northern, was completed and in operation to the Crow river, October 8, 1868. About this time, Messrs. Breed, Atwater & Payte, all connected with the railroad company, had purchased from John E. Ellis nearly eighty acres of land at the point where the railroad erossed the river. On this tract, and on other lands owned or seeured by them and W. B. Litehtield, was laid out, surveyed and platted a townsite, occupying parts of section 11 and 12, township 11S, range 25, and named Crow River. <A postoffiee, whieh was established a few weeks later, took the same name. But the name was unsatisfactory to many, and after many discussions and meetings it was devided to call the place in honor of F. R. Delano, then superintendent of the railroad division. The legislature authorized the change of name in 1870, and at about the same time the name of the postoffice was also changed.

The first school was taught by John C. Ellis, in 1858, in the claim shanty which stood on the line between the Ellis and White pre-emptions. Later a log schoolhouse was erected near the mill block, and Stella Strickland taught the first school. In 1870 a two-story frame building, 26 by 40, was erected on the corner of Bim and Second streets. In 1882 a large building was erected.

In August, 1880, C. M. Dittmann, of Farmington, and C. G. Roosen, of St. Paul. visited a number of places in Wright county with a view of engaging in the banking business. They finally decided upon Delano, bought the Brasie building and lots, and on October 1, 1880, opened the Wright County Bank.

The old grain house with a capacity of 8,000 bushels was one of the Davidson chain of elevators and was built soon after Delano was founded. It was bought by W. H. Landis and later rented to Louis Rausch. The Delano Elevator Co. was organized May 5, 1881, with a capital stock of $10,000, and the following officers: President, I. Gutzwiller, Jr.; secretary and treasurer, C. G, Roosen; trustees, John Coolen, Charles Eppel and John Haffner. An elevator was erected having a capacity of 32,000 bushels. In 1881, John Charles put up a hotel, and John W. Connole and P. B. O'Loughlin erected a store nearby, Mr. O'Loughlin being the postmaster.

Municipal History. By act of the legislature approved February 11, 1876, the village was incorporated. Its area was 240 acres, described as follows: The southeast quarter of the northeast. quarter and the east half of the southeast quarter of section 11, and the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter, and the west half of the southwest quarter of section 12, all in township 116, range 25, William H. Landis, George T. Mulford and Miner Ball were named as commissioners to give notice of the first village election which was to be held at the house of E. J. Swedeback, February 19, 1876.

The first election was duly held in Swedeback's Dall, February 19, 1876, and the following officers eleeted: President, George F. Walker; trustees, Row Brasie, Jacob Kurtz and Paul Anderson; recorder, Fred Brandes; treasurer, George P. Schaffer; justice of the peace, L. H. Rawson; constable, Swan Erickson. The judges at the election were Thomas Shaw and Frank Mackenroth. The clerk was Arthur K. Gray. April 22, Row Brasie resigned as trustee and Daniel Fish was appointed in his place. March 27 Daniel Fish was also appointed attorney. The first street, commissioner was Frank Swart. Ile was followed October 2, by Valentine Eppel.

1877. Judges of election, George F. Walker, Jacob Kurtz; clerk of election, Fred Brandes. Officers elected: President, George F, Walker; trustees, Jacob Kurtz; George Mulford, 0, 0. Erwig; recorder, Fred Brandes; treasurer, George P. Schaffer; constable, John Coolen. September 10, George Mulford resigned as trustee, and Valentine Eppel was appointed in his place.

1878. Judges of election, George F. Walker, O. O. Erwig; clerks of election, Fred Brandes, Frank Mackenroth. Officers elected: President, L. H. Rawson; trustees, O. O. Erwig, John Martin, John La Clair; recorder, Fred Brandes; treasurer, James D. Young; justice of the peace, H. C. Barslow; constable, Austin Cooper. May 6, John Martin resigned as trustee and T. J. Catlin, M. D., was appointed.

1879. Judges of election, L. H. Rawson, 0. O. Erwig; clerk of election, Fred Brandes. Officers elected: President, Daniel Fish ; trustees, John Coolen, George P. Schaffer, Jonas Johnson; recorder, Fred Brandes; treasurer, Joseph Craemer; constable, O. L. Billings. This was the year of municipal improvement. Street lights were installed, the city well dug, and a grade established according to profiles filed by George W. Cooley, an engineer.

By act of the legislature of 1880, the boundaries of the village were enlarged to take in 440 acres, located as follows: The south half of the northeast quarter and the southeast quarter of section 11; the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter, and the west half of the southwest quarter of section 12; and the north half of the northeast quarter of section 14, all in township 118, range 25,

1880. Judges of election, George P. Schaffer, John Coolen; clerk of election, O. L. Billings. Officers elected: President, H. A. Ball; trustees, John Steffes, Andrew Reider, A. Anderson; reeorder, I. H. Groff: treasurer, George P. Schaffer; justice of peace,

A, G, Sexton. Many changes were made in the officers this year. April 26, at a special election, W. I, Landis was elected justice of peace in place of A. G, Sexton, resigned. Mr. Landis resigned and on July 20, F. A, Atwater was appointed. October 18, FA. Atwater resigned and at a special election held November 6, F. A. Flood was elected. June 17, I. Gutzwiller, Jr., became a member of the council in place of Andrew Reider, who had removed from town.

1881. September 24, 1881, it was voted to replat the village. December 5, A. J, Willard resigned as a member of the couneil. On the same day the first board of health was appointed, consisting of T. J. Catlin, M. D., Louis Rausch and I. Gutzwiller, Jy,

1883. Judges of election, ©. G. Roosen, John Coolen: clerk of election, John Lohmiller. Officers elected: President, S. D. Young; trustees, C. G. Roosen, I. Gutzwiller. dr, E.'S. Swedeback ; recorder, John Lohmiller; treasurer, George P. Schaffer; justice of peace, Joseph Van Emen; constable, O, G. Swedehack. May 31, smallpox had been discovered in the neighborhood and the board of health was requested to take special precautions.

1884, Judges of election, J. D, Young, E. J. Swedeback; clerk of election, John Lohmiller, Officers elected: President, J. D. Young; trustees, W. H. Frazee, Valentine Eppel, Jacob Kurtz; recorder, John Lohmiller; treasurer, George P. Schaffer. May 12, George P. Schaffer resigned as treasurer and Charles Eppel was appointed.

1885. Judges of election, J. P. Young, A. HH. Frazee, J. ©. Kurtz; clerk of election, John Lohmiller, Officers elected: President, M. A. O'Hair; trustees, Lonis Rausch, A, Anderson, Joseph Craemer; recorder, John Lohmiller; treasurer, Charles Eppel; constable, Charles Munding; justice of peace, O. L, Billings. At a special election held April 21, 1885, the citizens determined by a vote of 71 to 4 to re-incorporate under the General State Statute, approved March 10, 1885, April 22, 1885, M. A. O'Hair resigned as president, Louis Rausch served as president pro tem and April 30, 1885, W. H. Frazee was appointed. O. L. Billings was appointed assessor. At a special election held October 5, 1885, Emil Krone was elected justice of the peace. By a ballot of 53 to 12 bonds to the amount of $1,000 were voted for the purchase of a park.

The first board of health under the new charter consisted of T. J. Catlin, M. A. O'Hair and R. M, Walter. April 19, N. W. Chance was appointed street commissioner, and June 21 S. 8. Ball was appointed village marshal. In the fall Mr. Chance resigned, and Charles Eppel was appointed December 20. M. A. O'Hair was appointed recorder in place of T. F. O'Tair, resigned.

1887. Officers elected: President, ©. F. Peters; trustees, Ole QO, Erwig, Joseph Cramer, J. C. Hitz; recorder, John F. Rowan; treasurer, Charles Eppel; justice of peace, O. L. Billings; eonstable, W. F. Mann. John Rowan resigned April 4, and Louis P, Probst was appointed recorder, At a special meeting June 29, it was voted that all places of business should be closed Sundays, except hotels, restaurants and drug stores. At a special election held August 26, the citizens vetoed by a vote of 23 for and 50 against, the proposition to rebuild the wooden bridge across the Crow river. At a special election held September 12, to determine the matter of expending $3,500 for a town hall, the proposition was accepted by a vote of 53 to 13. A contract for a stove for the city hall was let September 27, to Kelsey Brothers. On October 17, it was voted to purchase brick from Ed. F. Ziebarth. The property was purehased from Mrs. Mary Bentz for $500, On March 12, 1888, the contract for ereeting the hall was let to E. J. Swedeback and Swan Erickson, for $3,524, The contract was signed by the contractors and by President ©. F. Peters, Recorder Louis P. Probst, and Trustees Ole Erwig, Joseph Cramer and J. C. Hitz.

1888, Judges of election, C. F. Peters, Joseph Cramer, Sr.; clerks of eleetion, W. W. Palm, Louis P. Probst. Officers elected: President, M. A. O'Hair; trustees, A. Anderson, I. Gutzwiller, Jr, Fred J. Brandes; recorder, A. Hauseman; treasurer, Charles Eppel; justice of peace, Henry Galley; constable, William Eppel. At a special election held April 24, John Lohmiller was elected justice of the peace to fill the place of Henry Galley. July 4, a celebration and dance was held in the unfinished town hall. August 3, I. Gutawiller, Jr., resigned as trustee and Henry Galley was appointed. On August 24, John Lohmiller resigned as justice of peace, and on the same day the city hall was accepted, the first meeting of the village council being held in the new hall on September 25. November 19, 1888, the old engine house was sold to A. Anderson. February 5, 1889, a special election was held and by a vote of 51 to 49 the proposition of expending $1,000 to repair the wooden bridge was again rejected. On February 25, another special election was held te consider the matter of spending an amount not exceeding $4,000 for an iron bridge. It was rejected by a vote of 85 to 67.

1889. Judyes of election, M. A. O'Mair, N. K. Coffin; eleris of election, A. Eppel, A. Hauseman. Officers eleeted: President, ©. G. Roosen; trustees, 1. Gutzwiller, Jr, W. H. Frazee, I. Galley; recorder, W. W. Palm; treasurer, Louis P. Probst; justice of peace, I. H. Grafft, O. L. Billings; constable, Darwin Walker. April 9, a special election was held to consider the matter of issuing bonds not exceeding $4,000 to take up floating debt and to aid in construction of an iron bridge. the bridve not to exeeed $2,500. It was rejected by a vote of 71 to 65. May 24, another special eleetion was held and by a vote of 115 to 8 it was decided to issue bonds amounting to $3,000 to eover the floating debt. October 21, it was decided that no corporation tax be levied that year. By the end of the year the iron bridge across Crow river was completed,

1890. Judges of election, W. H. Frazee, H. Galley; clerk of election, Frank Hopper. Officers elected: President, George P. Schaffer; trustees, A. W. Wittman, Valentine Eppel, A. Anderson; recorder, W. W. Palm; treasurer, L. P. Probst; constable, William C. Eppel. April 21, it was voted to erect a band stand, and that the old stand and pole be removed. James Hill refused to have the band stand built on the railroad grounds so it was deeided to build it on the corner of Railroad avenue and Second street. W. W. Palm resigned as village recorder on May 31, and Fred Grandes was appointed in his place. July 21, A. Anderson resigned as councilman and August 18, Simon Weldele was appointed to fill the vacancy. August 18, a stage was built in the tewn hall so that the citizens might have theatrical performances, there.

1891. When the hour of election arrived on March 10, Simon Weldele, who had been appointed as judge, was the only member of the election board present. Another judge and clerk were elected from those present, N. K. Coffin, judge, and John Lohmiller, clerk. Officers elected: President, George P. Schaffer; trustees, A. W. Wittman, Valentine Eppel, Enos N. Brandon; recorder, J. ©. Hitz; treasurer, Louis P. Probst; justice of the peace, O. L. Billings and I. N. Grafft; constable, C, O'Leary, This is the first time that the people of the village voted on the license question. The ''wets'' won. On March 16, however, the council ordered that the record of the vote be stricken from the minutes. On April 20, it was decided to fence and plant trees around the park on Railroad avenue. In May additional park land was purchased. August 17, it was decided te purchase stage scenery to equip the town hall for theatrical performances. A mass meeting was also held to discuss the matter of having better fire protection. February 22,1892, it was decided to build dressing rooms in connection with the stage at the town hall. A piano was needed and on December 1, the Delano Dramatic Company offered to pay $100 of the $250 needed, but this was not satisfactory.

1892. For the election of March 8, the council had failed to appoint officials so a board was selected from those present. The judges of the election were Fred J, Brandes and George Goodrich, the clerk, O. L. Mealey. Officers elected: President, John Coolen; trustees, Charles Wiese, E. N. Brandon, Joseph Craemer; recorder, J. C. Hitz; treasurer, Louis P. Probst; justice of peace, T. J. Catlin; constables, J. W. Ball, Bartly Riley.

1893, Judges of election, E. N. Brandon, Charles Weisel; clerks of election, M. A. O'Hair, A. L. Mealey. Officers elected: President, ©. H. Vorse; trustees, N. K. Coffin, Henry J. Bock, Swan Erickson; treasurer, L. P. Probst; recorder, A. L. Mealey; justice of the peace, R. M. Walter; constable, J. D. Brandon, July 28, the piano matter was settled by buying one for $185. September 18 was an eventful day in the history of Delano. A petition was presented asking that the council call a special election for considering the matters of establishing waterworks and of putting in a four and a half foot dam. At the same meeting of the council it was voted to have a fifteen inch sewer constructed from the Crow river on Bridge street to the southeast corner of Second street. N. K. Coffin and Swan Erickson were placed in charge of the work. November 25, P. M. Dahl rendered a report on the building of the dam. During this administration there was considerable agitation over the extension of Franklin avenue and Elm street.

1894. Judges of election, William Steffes, C. H. Vorse; clerk of election, J. William McDonald. Officers elected: President, William F. Kohler; trustees, N. K. Coffin, Hiram Dyer, Adam Horsch; recorder, A. L. Mealey; treasurer, Louis P. Probst; justice of the peace, William M, Mowatt; constable, Charles L. Belt. President Kohler's administration was a period of unusual progress in the history of Delano. On March 26, a petition was received asking the council to call a special election to consider issuing bonds to the amount of $10,000 for waterworks and electric lights. The signers were: A. W. Wittman, Louis P. Probst, I. Gutzwiller, Jr., W. M. Mowatt, J. W. Lindsley, M. A. O'Hair, Charles Weise, O. L. Billings, J. D. Young, J. P. Chance, H. C. Parslow, John Haffner, Otto Man, John Swadner, W. R. Johns, Kasper Janikulla, John Longrich, Albert Davis, Simon Wedele, J. H. Johnson & Son, E. 8S. Babb, T. J. Catlin, C. J. Buckley, A. Sandberg, E. J. Swedeback, A. M. Bernick, J. Neitzel, A. Anderson, L. A. Frazee, G. P. Schaffer, C. M. Conzet, P. Plotnik, Thomas Lanway, J. F. Powers, F. L. Scherer, N. Frank, Martin Nelson,

Albert Eppel, L. M. Maxfield. <A special election was called April 10, 1894, to consider the proposition of issuing ten $1,000 bonds, payable annually from 1896 to 1905. There were 128 votes in favor of the proposition and 64 against it. One was rejected. May 14, William A. Pike and G. W. Sublette were authorized to make the plans. June 6, it was veted to purchase suitable land. June 20, the bids were opened, and the contraet for the waterworks let to C. W, Kerrick, and the contract for the electrie plant to the General Electrie Co. June 27, 1894, Milton Muckey was appointed engineer of the waterworks and the electric light plant. July 10, N. K. Coffin was named as superintendent of construction. October 22, it was announced that the lamps and sockets were to be furnished free by the original patrons. The waterworks were put in operation and the electric current turned on with an appropriate celebration on Oetober 29. The formal acceptance by the village took place on November 9. When the waterworks were completed an agreement was made with the Great Northern Railway Co. to furnish that company with water for its water tanks at Delano.

1895. Judges of election, Adam Horsch, Newton K. Coffin; clerk of election, A. L. Mealey. Officers elected: President, I, Gutzwiller, Jr, A. W. Wittman, J. S. Shreeder; recorder, W. D. Young; treasurer, Louis P. Probst; justice of the peace, R. M. Walter; constables, J. P. Bernick and George Goodrick, September 16, William F. Kohler resigned as mayor, and I. Gutzwiller, Jr., became the aeting mayor. Mr. Kohler is now a leading citizen of Winona, Minn. He is president of the Minnesota Harness Co., and president of the Ke-ox-ah Festival Association, an association of National fame, which gives an annual pageant. at Winona reviving the glories and splendors of the aneient Sioux Indians. Deeember 15, J. S. Schroeder resigned as eouncilman and John Coolen, Sr., was apopinted to fill the place.

1896. Judges of the election, Andrew Hauseman, A. L. Belt; elerk of the election, W. D. Young. Officers elected: President, I. Gutzwiller, Jr.; trustees, Washington Rader, Adam Horsch, John Coolen; recorder, Wyatt Jones; treasurer, Louis P. Probst; justice of the peace, W. H. Frazee. On June 18, it was decided to erect a hose tower and have a bell in the fire station. A fountain was also erected this year, and the last payment made on it July 20.

1898, Judges of election, N. K. Coffin, H. J. Boek; clerk, George E. Goodrich. Officers elected: President, T. B. Rader; trustees, J. E. Borsch, A. Horsch, A. E. Johnson; recorder, L. M. Maxfield; treasurer, Louis P. Probst; justice of the peace, W. H. Frazee; marshal, Martin Nelson; assessor, Valentine Eppel. April 26, J. E. Borsch resigned as trustee and ©. M. Conzet, was appointed to fill the place.

1899. Judges of election, N. K. Coffin, and T.'S. Kerr; clerk of election, L. M. Maxfield. Officers elected: President, John Lohmiller; trustees, H. J. Bock, T. B. Rader, John Brandser; recorder, P. R. Peterson; treasurer, L. P. Probst; assessor, Valentine Eppel; justice of the peace, R. M. Walter; constable, J. A. Merriman.

1900. Judges of election, W. Rader, and T. 8. Kerr; elerk, P. R. Peterson. Officers elected: President, John Lohmiller; trustees, H. J. Bock, H. E. Johnson, A. G. Jones; recorder, L. M. Maxfield; treasurer, Louis P. Probst; marshal and night watchman, J. A. Merriman; street commissioner, D. Welker. On June 30, A. E. Johnson resigned as trustee, moving away and on August 18 John Brandser was elected. September 11, a special meeting was held to vote on issuing $2,000 bonds for the purpose of extending the water system. It was lost by a vote of 54 against and 49 in favor of it. A communication was read from Vinnie R. Smith, on November 19, claiming damages in the sum of $5,000 on account of defective sidewalk. The claim was disallowed by the council and suit was brought. An ordinante was passed to elect the city marshal at the regular election which was to be held on the second Wednesday in March.

1901. President, Adams Horsch; trustees, J. W. Lindsley, E. A. Zebarth, C. M. Conzet; recorder, Fred C. Caspohl; treasurer, Frank Schaffer; justice of the peace, R. M. Walter; constables, C. L. Belt, J. A. Merriman; assessor, Valentine Eppel; marshal, J. A. Merriman; street commissioner, John Ludasher. In response to a petition signed by thirty-six legal voters, a special eleetion was held August 26, 1901. The matters which came up for discussion were whether or not bonds to the amount, of $1,500 should be issued against the village of Delano, for the purpose of purchasing a public park. It was also decided to elect a justice of the peace to fill the place of O. L. Billings, deceased. The judges at this election were Fred Brueshaber and T, KE. Wolfinden. The voting on the park matter resulted in a vote of 61 for and 37 against. The justice of the peace elected was W. H. Frazee. On January 2, 1902, a committee was appointed to purchase park land. It was decided to buy the Rufus Fandset lots, Nos. 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, block 3, Sims' Park addition to Delano, for $350, and also Mrs. Creamer's property on the east side of the road, formerly used for ball grounds, on the road leading from Delano to Rockford for the price of $1,125.

1902. Judges of election, N. K. Coffin, R. 8, Kerr; clerk, T. E. Wolfenden. Officers elected: President, John Lohmiller; trustees, George P. Schaeffer, A. W. Wittman, Adams Horsch, J. D. Young; treasurer, Frank Schaffer; recorder, Fred Brueshaber; assessor, Valentine Eppel; justice of the peace, W. H. Frazee; street commissioner, Charles Belt; marshal, J. A. Merriman. March 22, Adam Horsch declined to qualify as trustee and T. B. Rader was appointed. On April 19, George S. Kittock was appointed as trustee to fill the place of George P. Schaffer, who has resigned. E. H. Farnham was appointed attorney for the village of Delano for one year. At a special meeting E. H. Farnham resigned as village attorney and was appointed as recorder to fill the place of Fred Brueshaber.

1904. Judges of election, Fred Brandes, Andrew Hauseman, G. Hauseman; clerk of election, R. M. Walter. Officers elected: President, John Lohmiller; trustees, J. D. Young, George L. Kittock, John B. Plattner; recorder, E. H. Farnham; treasurer, L. P. Probst; assessor, Valentine Eppel; justice of peace, W. H. Frazee; marshal, J. A. Merriman; street commissioner, C. L. Belt. At a special election May 24, bonds for $7,500 were authorized. They were to run for a period of ten years at 5 per cent. For improvement of streets, ete., nine bonds of $500 and one of $300 were allowed. Two bonds of $500 each were for the repair of the village hall. Three bonds of $500 each were for refunding of the park bonds.

1905. Judges of the election held March 14, Andrew Hauseman, T. 8. Kerr; clerk, N. K. Coffin. Officers elected: President, Adam Horsch; trustees, John E. Borsch, Henry Bock, A, L. Mealey; treasurer, Louis P. Probst; recorder, Fred Brandes; assessor, Fred Brueschaber; justice of peace, August Sieloff; constable, J. A. Merriman, Charles L, Belt; marshal, J. A. Merriman; street commissioner, ©. L. Belt. Fred Brneschaber failed to qualify so C, A. Brunkow was appointed assessor. April 25, August Sieloff resigned as justice of the peace and W. M. Mowatt was appointed. On this same date it was decided to have the sewer extended and have the park cleaned up and platted. It was also decided to build two prison eells. July 17,

1906, Judges of the election, Fred Brueshaber, T. 8. Kerr; clerk, John Lohmiller. Officers elected: President, Adam Horseh ; trustees, John E. Borsch, A. L. Mealey, H. J. Bock; recorder, Fred Brandes; treasurer, Louis P. Probst; assessor, C. H. Green; justices of peace, R. M. Walter, William H. Frazee; marshal, J. A. Merriman; street commissioner, Darwin Walker. July 16, the Watertown Telephone Co. was granted permission to extend through Delano a direct line to the Twin Cities. July 24, this line was given permission to connect with the central station of the Tri State Telepkone Co., thus extending the Watertown service to Delano, August 28, additional property was purchased by the city, this being lots Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 in block 4; lots Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in block 3, both blocks being in Sims Park addition. September 12 a new ordinance was passed regarding the electric light and water plant. January 21, 1907, an ordinance was passed allowing the Delano Creamery Co., to build a creamery on part of Rockford street.

1907. Judges of election, Henry J. Bock, T. 8. Kerr; clerk, Charles E. Wright. Officers elected: President, E, F. Ziebarth; trustees, O. J. Lundsten, Andrew W. Kittock, C. A. Brunkow; recorder, Fred Brandes; treasurer, Louis P. Probst; assessor, C. H. Green; constables, J. A. Merriman, Charles L, Belt. On March 18, J. A. Merriman was appointed marshal and Charles L. Belt, street commissioner, April 10, the council decided to use coal instead of wood as fuel at the power house and also to shut off the water at night. December 2, it was decided to extend the electric lights to the west side of the river. Sewer extensions were also started.

There was considerable agitation this year over the question of extending Second street under the tracks. It was alleged that as originally platted Second street extended clear through, that the railroad was oceupying property that had been dedicated as a street, and that the railroad should make an overhead crossing. The matter continued to be agitated for several years, was carried into court, was decided in the distriet court in favor of the village, but in the supreme court in favor of the railroad. The original plat of Delano, on file at the court house disappeared during the litigation and has never since come to light.

1908. Judges of election, Thad. S. Kerr, F. H. Lindsley; clerk, Andrew Hauseman. Officers elected: President, E. F. Ziebarth; trustees, John Lohmiller, Henry J. Bock, Joseph Bauman; treasurer, Louis P. Probst; recorder, Fred Brandes; assessor, Simon Weldele; justices of peace, R, M. Walter, W. H. Frazee. On March 10, Dr. and Mrs. Boucher were killed on the grade crossing near the railroad station, and on March 12 the council met to discuss the matter of compelling the railroad to provide some safety device at that place. March 26, a hearing was held before the State Railroad Commission to discuss this matter. The couneil requested either an opening of Second street or a watchman and automatic gates or some other similar device at the grade crossing. On August 10, it was decided to extend the sewer system.

1909. Judges of election, John Lohmiller, Henry J, Boek: clerk, E. TL Farnham. Officers elected: President, E. F. Ziebarth; trustees, Joseph Bauman, John Schoust, Fred Brueshaber; treasurer, Lonis P. Probst; recorder, Fred Brandes; assessor, Simon Weldele; constables, C. L. Belt, J. A. Merriman, March 15, J, A. Merriman was appointed marshal, and on March 16, Charles L. Belt was appointed street commissioner. April 19, C. J. Buckley was granted permission to extend the sewer to his plant, the "'Eagle,'' at his own expense. Nov. 15, it was ordered that the historie flag pole which had stood on the corner of Bridge and River streets since the earliest days be removed. During this year it was decided that the old water tank which had been used for the last seventeen years should be replaced by a new cypress tank with a capacity of 50,000 gallons, and that also a steel tower 60 feet high be built. This was authorized at a special election held on Deeember 14, the vote being 76 in favor and 11 against and one blank vote. Bonds to the amount of $2,500 were issued. The tank was started on February 1, 1910,

1910. Judges of election, W. I. Frazee, Simon Wedele; clerk, H. L. Bock. Officers elected: President, Charles E. Parker; trustees, Joseph Bauman, George Horsch, Paul Platnick; recorder, Fred Brandes; treasurer, Louis P. Probst; justices of peace, R. M. Walter, John Naslund. March 21, J. A. Merriman was appointed marshal, and Charles L. Belt street commissioner, April 5, the following Park committee was decided upon: F. H. Lindsley, Louis P. Probst, Adam Horseh. April 18, the old tower and water tank were ordered removed. Henry J. Bock was appointed justice of peace instead of John Naslund. On July 18, the water tower was completed. On February 6, 1911, a new engine was purchased for the electric light plant. The flat water rate had been agitated, but on February 20 the meter system was sanctioned.

1911, Judges of election, Joseph Bauman, George Horsch; clerk, R. M. Walter; George Horsch was disqualified by reason of being a candidate, so T. 5S. Kerr was substituted "'viva voiee,'"' Officers elected: President, Charles E. Parker; trustees, George Horsch, Charles Sell, Thomas Leboosky; recorder, Fred Brandes; treasurer, Louis P, Probst; justice of peace, F, H. Lindsley; assessor, Simon Weldele; constables, J. A. Merriman, Christian Schneider. March 20, George C. Brandes was appointed street eommissioner and J. A, Merriman marshal. <A report of the cost of the water tower and tank showed that it amounted to $3,227.14. On August 28, the extension of the sewer was again considered. November 6, it was voted to repair the pump.

1912. Judges of election, Simon Weldele, Charles Sell; clerk, Enos R. Eppel Officers elected: President, Charles E. Parker; trustees, Christ. Fautsch, Thomas Leboosky, George Llorsch; recorder, Fred Brandes; treasurer, L. P. Probst; justice of peace, R. M. Walter: water commissioner, Charles L. Belt; marshal, J. A. Merriman, Christ. Schneider moved away and Charles L, Belt was appointed constable. March 18, Charles Stein, Jr., was appointed fire warden. May 27, Charles H. MeNaughton was appointed constable, as Charles L. Belt had not qualified. duly 16, a meeting was held to talk over the matter of getting electri¢ power from Howard Lake. August 13, a special election was ealled and by a yote of 107 in favor and 12 avainst it was deeided to sell the electric light plant to the Central Minnesota Light and Power Co. On October 1, the plant was turned over to this company. On March 4, 1913, a special election was held at which it was decided to issue $8,000 bonds for extending the water works. The votes were 179 for and 18 against the act.

1913. Judges of election, R. M. Walter, Henry J. Bock; clerk of election, Enos R. Eppel. Officers elected: President, Charles E, Parker; trustees, C. C. Fautsch, George Horsch, John Hurley; treasurer, Lonis P. Probst; recorder, Fred Brandes; assessor, Simon Weldele; justice of peace, Frank H. Lindsley; constables, J. A. Merriman and Charles H. MeNaughton. Mareh 17, J. A. Merriman was appointed marshal and Charles McNaughton street commissioner. March 24, Enos R. Eppel was appointed as assessor, as Simon Weldele refused to aceept the position. Charles E. Parker resigned as mayor on May 19, and Adam Horseh was appointed his suecessor. May 31, an agreement was made with the Central Minnesota Light and Power Co. to pay for the supplies turned over to them by the village. July 15, the tool shed was moved from the power house to the rear of the eity hall. July 28, John H. Grasinger was appointed trustee to fill the place of C. C. Fautsch, whe had died. During this administration the Central Minnesota Electric Light and Power Co, transferred their contract and franchise to the Power Distributing Co. This company through its representative, W. Baer Ewing, asked for a lease of the power house and also for an extension of time to furnish Delano with an alternating night and day current. The time eranted expired September 19, 1913. On September 20, a meeting was held and a resolution was made declaring that the company had failed to carry ont their contract, had failed to install and put into operation a 110-volt alternating system and to furnish a twenty-four hour service, and therefore had forfeited all payment and improvements. The village decided to furnish their own system and equipment and to enlarge its scope. On September 22, W. Baer Ewing was given permission to operate the plant pending further negotiations, providing he furnished a bond of :5,000, He, however, failed to furnish the bond, and on September 22, the president and recorder took possession in the name of the village. November 3, N. G. Sandberg was given the same position in the plant that he had before. A citizens' committee was appointed to revise the water rates, those on the committee being Charles A. Bremkow, E. F, Ziebarth and R. M, Walter.

1914, Judges of election, Henry J, Bock, Andrew C. Pogreba; clerk of the election, Andrew Hauseman. Officers eleeted: President, Andrew ©. Pogreba; trustees, John Ji. Grasinger, John Schanst, John Hurley; recorder, Fred Brandes; treasurer, Charles J. Lohmiller; justice of peace for two years, R. M. Walter. On March 13, R. M. Walter was appointed executive officer of the board of health, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Dr. B. V. Lares. March 16, J. A. Merriman was appointed marshal, night watchman atid janitor, Charles L. Belt was appointed street commissioner.

Delano Hook and Ladder Company. No. 1 was the pioneer fire company of Delano. It was organized August 1, 1876, at the home of John Steffes, who had been very active in creating interest in such a move. The officers elected were: Foreman, John Steffes; first lieutenant, William Fenkner second assistant, William L. Van Eman; clerk and treasurer, G. T. Mulford; steward, E. Kurtz; standing committee, John Morth, Ole 0. Erwig, Daniel Fish and Valentine Eppel. There were about twenty-five original members. A truck was made in the village at a cost of $80, and the company had its first parade October 26.

November 28, 1879, the Delano Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 was reorganized as the Delano Fire Company, the first officials of the new organization being John Steffes, Henry C. Parslow and Andrew Rehder.

At a special election held February 23, 1880, it was voted to lay a tax of five mills to buy a hand fire engine. When the engine arrived, however, it was not satisfactory and was not accepted.

The Empire Engine and Hose Company No, 1 was organized May 10, 1880, with the following officers: Foreman, H. H. Blum; first assistant, A. J. Willard; second assistant, Swan Frickson; secretary, ©. B. Moody; treasurer, E. J. Swedeback; steward, O. L. Billings. At a special election held March 26, 1881, by a vote of 25 to 6, the people voted bonds to the amount of $1,000, payable $200 annually, for the purchase of a fire engine and other apparatus.

Company $200 for its truck house, ladders, truck, apparatus and fixtures, which included all of its property except the flag. The Empire Engine and Hose Company was recognized by the village, and with the Hook and Ladder Company was included in the fire department, H. Dyer being chosen chief of the fire department, and John Steffes the first assistant.

June 6, 1881, it was voted by the city council to erect two platforms for fire protection purposes, and it was also voted that, there should be two cisterns, one of which should be created from the public well, But on July 22, the action in regard to the publie well was rescinded. Deeember 5, 1881, the village cistern was ready to be filled, and it was ordered that the fire department should do the filling.

February 17, 1896, the eity council reorganized the fire department. There was to be a chief, three assistants and a fire warden. There were to be five erews of hose men, and a hook and ladder erew, each crew to consist of seven men, or more if the council should so decide.

Samuel Dexter Grant was born in Richmond, Maine, in August, 1832, and died in Franklin township, this county, September 24, 1874. He was graduated at Jefferson Medical College in 1852, came to Minnesota in 1856, served as assistant surgeon in the army during the Civil war, and resided in Watertown, Carver county, after 1867.