Northfield City (part 2 of 2)

But I must close my already too lengthy sketch. Do you realize that many of you have lived here one-fifth of the length of the life of this Nation. It seems short, but so it is. But the other day a light-haired youth was m.nrried who had not seen the light of day when you and I came here. A generation already past. It seems but the other day when the Indian trail could be tracked across the hill where now stands our College building. I believe but tew shadows have fallen across our pathway during the past year. Our number undiminished as we assemble again with unbroken ranks. A mercy of which we ought to be truly thankful, while it may be considered a glorious tribute to the general healthfulness of our climate. A kind Providence has certainly smiled upon us. Changes scarcely perceptible are constantly occurring with us. A few more gray hairs may be noticed perhaj)S, a little more stoop to the shonlders, a slight halting in the step, warning us that change is upon us, and that it cannot always be so, but for present mercies let us be glad and rejoice, that we have been enabled to meet together once more under such happy auspices."

The Association met in Northfield on the Kith of February, 1882. The usual progromme was carried out, and speeches were made by G. W. Batchelder, Rev. A. Willey, Robert Watson, J. C. Cooper, Sherriff Barton, Gen. Nutting, D. H. Orr, Rev. WilHam Reynolds, F. W. Frink, Rev. L. Gil-

Lyceum .Vssociation. - A i>nmiinent feature in early days was what is known under the above title, and oeeupied a eeutral position, as the citizens were so nearly shut out of the world tliat tiiey had to depend upon their own genius for sources of amusement. This society took i|uit(' a wide range, and the best talent of the place «a8 called into requisition. A gratifying feature was the commingling of elements whicli were denominationally antagonistic, as all shades of belief joined hands in sustaining the society. The early records are not visible, but the tradition is that it was called into being in 1858, and under its benign pressure a building was c nstructed. Weekly meetings were held in the regular season the fee for membership being iif2 at first, but afterwards it was reduced one-half.

The discussions which were held we-e characterized by ability, originality, and often blended with eccentricity, leaving them long to be rememl;ered_ As the adherents of the various fonns of religious belief began to gather, each would get up social gatlierings by themselves, and the denominational entertainments took the place of this association; thus apathy necessarily resulted, and finally the meetings were discontinued. In 1878, the building and the library that had been accumulated was transferred to the city.

Soci.vL Lodge No. 48 - Masonic. - This was instituted on the 6th of October. 1864, with the following first three oHicers: Charles Taylor, W. AI.; D. W. Whitney, S. W.; Felix Collett,"j. W. The regular communications are on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.

The following lirothers have been masters of the lodge: Charles Taylor, H. W. Bingham, Morgan Emery, F. A. Noble, A. A. Keller, J. W. Murphy, and O. P. Perkins, the present master. The other officers are: H. L. Crittenden, S. W. ; Willis Eaw.son, J. W.; V). H. Lord, S. IX; S. L. Bushnell, T.

Royal Arch Chapter - Corixthiax No. 33. - Was instituted on the 1st of March, 1877. The char- \ ter members were: C. N. Daniels, C. E. Rogers, L. k. Puller, J. D. Johnson, Peter W. Delaney, S. Raineri, H. J. Eldred, P. Collett, J. C. Haven.

The pi-esent lodge was instituted on the l.jth of Novemlier, 1875. The charter memb.'rs were: S. S. Dickinson, William H. Bennett, T. M. (lossard, Otis H. Taylor, John Lapp, Samuel W. Matteson, C. H. Miller, Peter Filbert, Henry EI.el, and W. O. Johnson. There are now .sixty members. The present officers are Cialen H. Coon, N. (r.; .1. A. Lawrence, V. G. ; James Morton, Secretary; S. Raineri, Treasurer.

Orient Encampment No. 20. - The cliarter members of this body were: J. A. Lawrence, David Sibbesou, Seymour Finkelson, O. H. Taylor. John F. Hunter, William H. Bennett, I. B. Hodgson, Ross C. Phillips, Ira Sumner, Charles H.Miller, S. Raineri, William Ebel, and limry Riddell. The nights of meeting are on the first and third Thursdays of each month.

Knights of the Golden Rule. - Institued on the 15th of August, 1879, with the following roll: H. S. Robinson. Joseph Cocayne, E. B. Carpenpenler.

Yoi'NG Men's Ciihistian .Association. - This was first organized as a Students" Cliristian .Association in 1874, with the following officers: President, .1. J. Dow; Vice President, E. S. Ross; Treasurer, E. W. Young; Secretary, W. K. Mulliken.

The last meeting of this organizaticm was on :he 14th of .Tiine, 1879, when it was reorganized .inder the rules of the '-Young Men's Christian Association." The present officers are: President, Dr. Graves; Vice President, O. L. Robinson;

The fraternal orders being rather popular at the present time, particularly where there is life, health, or accident insurance, there may be still others in town, as there is certainly quite an extensive membership in outside companies.

Old Town Hall

This building was the first erected by the town for puljlic purposes, on Fourth street, and was usually called "Lyceum Building," as it was constructed under the auspices of the Lyceum Association in 1858. All the residents contributed to pay the -"JljOOO it is said to have cost. A library was also started by subscription, and kept accumulating through the means of festivals and entertainments iintil there were upwards of 400 valuable volumes. The building is in a state of decay, and is occupied as a justice's office.

Early in 1855, a town was laid out north of Northfield about two miles, just over the line in Dakota county. This was before Northfield was platted, and there was great rivalry between the new places, which amounted to animosity in some instances. This feeling between new towns which were springing all around, seemed to be general; each one seemed to feel that it could ouly tiourish at the expense of others. This town of Waterford was laid out by "Bobby Masters." He secured a Post-office and had it opened early that year, which might have been in the fall of 1854, or early the following year. One of the Atkin boys, whoever they were, was the Postmaster. The office was kept in an old trunk. Joseph Bills and Mr. Parch have been Postmasters. Mrs. Madison is the present Postmistress. The place now has about one hundred inhabitants, and of course is no longer a rival of Northfield.

This place, although in Dakota county, is mentioned for the good it has done and the good it is still doing as a place of trade for some of Bice county people.