Stewart City

Stewart City

The village of Stewart was founded in 1878, with the advent of the railroad, by Dr. D. A. Stewart, of Winona, and now has a population of about 500, It was incorporated as a village in 1888. Situated in the southwest part of McLeod county, one-half mile from the Renville and Sibley county lines, on the coast line of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railway, it is in the center of a prosperous agricultural district where the farm lands are second to none. Wheat, corn, oats, barley, rye, and flax are the staple crops of the surrounding country, alfalfa is raised successfully, garden vegetables, berries and fruits of all kinds grow abundantly, and a large quantity of tame and wild hay is cut every year. Conditions are also exceptionally favorable for dairying and stock raising. In addition to the fine public school, elsewhere mentioned more particularly, the village has a first-class creamery, a telephone exchange, covering the village and surrounding country for many miles, an exclusive produce store, a lumber yard, a firstclass hotel, five grain elevators, a number of good stores, two banks, four churches - Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist and Congregational, with lodges of the Modern Woodmen, Modern Brotherhood, Catholic Foresters, Masons, and Royal Neighbors. 'The nationalities are well mixed, with the German slightly predominating. There is one newspaper, the Tribune, a weekly established in 1896, its present circulation being about 700. Farm land in the surrounding country is worth from $60 to $100 per acre.

Stewart has a third-class post. office, with four rural free delivery routes, covering an average territory of about ten miles in each direction from town. The first postmaster was James Bordwell, his successors having been R. S. Donaldson, James Bordwell (second term), William J. Bliss, Amos 5. Avery and F. J. Reimers, who now has charge of the office, with Margaret Reimers as assistant. The first two rural routes were started November 2, 1903, the day after the post office was discontinued at Fernando, Route 3 was established January 15, 1905, and Route 4, August 16, 1907. The present carriers are: Route 1, Joseph Hoyt; Route 2, George D. Grinnels; Route 3, Jeremiah E. Headley; Route 4, Henry H. F. Wick. The office has been a money order office from the beginning; the postal savings system was inaugurated January 1, 1912.

The village water works system includes a tank and tower of a total height of 100 feet, the tank being 20 feet high and 30 feet in diameter. Previous to 1916 a gasoline engine was used for pumping, which, however, has been displaced by electric power, furnished by the Renville County Electric Company, which is controlled by the Northwest Light & Power Company of Hutchinson. There are nine blocks of main pipe and nine hydrants, the water pressure being 50 pounds to a square inch. The water is pumped from a well 318 feet deep which furnished an ample supply of pure water, The boring of this well was one of the most important village improvements, as the previous water supply was not. pure, there being cases of typhoid fever in the village every year. Since the new well was put into use, typhoid has disappeared. The waterworks cost $7,000, all money well invested.

The Stewart fire department was established at the same time as the waterworks and started with one hose-cart and hook and ladder. Since then another hose cart has been added to the equipment, which also includes 1000 feet of hose. The department at present has about 80 members.

The village hall of Stewart was erected in the early eighties by A. F. Jackson and R. H. Horgan, who named it "Liberty Hall," after the editor of the Glencoe Register. Later Jackson bought out Horgan and subsequently, about 28 years ago, sold the building to the village. Besides being the place where the Village fathers meet for deliberation and the transaction of Public business, it is used for entertainments, including moving picture shows, the proceeds of which go to financing the Stewart baseball team, which was started 30 years ago and is one of the popular institutions of the village.

A telephone company was organized in Stewart under the Name of "Blectric Phone" in 1902, by H. E. Posley and E. M. Schmitz and was conducted by them for three years. It was then incorporated under the same name, with a capital of $25,000, after the incorporation of the stock changing hands.

'. Posley sold out his interests some years after and the present proprietors are E. M. and George A. Schmitz. The company controls the Stewart and Buffalo Lake local exchanges and has rural lines radiating out in every direction, from each of these villages, including 525 phones. Long distance connections are made with the Tri-State and Northwestern telephone systems, and there are connections with the

Hutchinson telephone system, the McLeod County Telephone Company of Glencoe, the Nicollet County Telephone Company and the Hector Telephone Company.

The first building in Stewart was a drug store, erected in the spring of 1878 by L. P. Fluke, now of Farmington, the store being run by John Gillespie, Soon afterwards Albert Boedigheimer put up another building south of the railroad track, in which he conducted a general store and harness shop. Then a dwelling house was erected. The next building, south of the track, was put up by M, Schmitz, now a resident of the village, the lumber for this being hauled in wagons from Glencoe. Regular passenger trains began to run in 1879, previous to which, while the road west of Glencoe was in process of construction, passengers were carried in a caboose attached to the construction train. A lumber yard was started in 1878 by R. H. Horgan, who conducted it for many years, He finally sold the business to Charles Betcher of Red Wing, but remained manager of the yard for some years thereafter. The business later passed into other hands and is now owned by the Interior Lumber Company, of Minneapolis. Among the earliest merchants of Stewart were Brown and Hilger, who in 1878 put up a building, which is now occupied as a hardware and grocery store by C. R. Donaldson. In the fall of 1878 the first elevator was built by Edward and William Brackett, of Minneapolis, on the site of the present Empire elevator. The next elevator, erected by Albert Boedigheimer and A. F. Jackson, was burned down in 1900, and a new one was subsequently erected in the same site and is now known as the Farmers' Cooperative Elevator, Mr. Boedigheimer, who was for awhile quite an active citizen of Stewart, is now living in St. Paul. In 1881-82 another elevator was built in the village by George W. Hall. It burned down and was subsequently rebuilt by him after which he sold out his interests init. It was again burned and rebuilt and passed through several hands until it came into those of its present owners, E. M. Hanson & Co. The next elevator was erected in 1898 by the Farmers Elevator Company, a local concern, and was conducted by them for about five years, after which it was purchased by E. M. Mahoney, the present owner. Frank H. Sugden also built an elevator in Stewart in the early nineties which is now a line elevator, owned by the Pacific Elevator Company.

In or about 1898 a flouring mill was erected in the village by William E. Cole, of Bird Island, who ran it for a number of years and then sold it to his brother. Later it was owned by

The creamery now operated in Stewart was started in 1890 as the Stewart Co-operative Creamery and was conducted for two years as a co-operative concern, It is a flourishing institution and is almost as old as the Biscay creamery. It is now owned and managed by Albert F. Uecker.

In October, 1896, E. H. McLeod started a newspaper in Stewart, which he named the Reveille, and which was sold in December, 1898, to P. P. Grummett, who conducted it for a short time under the same name. It was then purchased by A. A. Soule, who sold out to Clayton R. C. Baker in March, 1900. After conducting the paper until October, 1904, Mr, Baker sold out to Charles Richard and Amos Avery. In October, 1905, Mr. Avery became the sole owner and so remained until his death in 1914, when the paper was sold to Koeppen Bros. (Harry and Lester). In April, 1916, Lester purchased his brother's interest and is now the proprietor. The name of the paper has been changed to the Stewart Tribune. It is a Six-column, eight-page sheet, well printed, and has am increasing circulation. In politics it is independent.

In July, 1896, a private bank was opened in Stewart by Isaac Hazlett and F. G. Wright, of Minneapolis, and was operated by them jointly until 1898. Mr. Hazlett then sold his Interest in the institution to his partner, Mr. Wright, and the latter continued the business until his death in January, 1900.

The Farmers and Merchants State Bank, of Stewart, Minn., (State Bank No. 292) was incorporated January 27, 1900, by W. E, Hallock, C. E. Hallock, E. N. Schmitz, C. W. Tinker, S. PB: Christensen, Henry F. Miller, and Jacob Dols. The first Officers and directors were: C. E. Hallock, president; S. P. Christensen, vice-president; E. N. Schmitz, cashier; M. Schmitz and Henry F. Miller. The bank opened for business January 31, 1900, and has since developed into a strong finan- Clal institution, always working for the best interests of the Village and the farming community in this vicinity. March 15, 1906, the capital stock was increased from $10,000 to $15,- 000, and the surplus from $2,000 to $3,000, The following

Stewart State Bank was incorporated January 8, 1907, by C. H. Richards, A. G. Rehse, T. W. Smith, Fred Rehse, E. G. Padden, J. H. Reil, and J. F. Rehse, who were also the first officers and directors. The bank opened its doors for business March 23, 1909, and has since had a prosperous career. It has a eapital and surplus of $17,000 and owns its own building. The present officers (September, 1916), are: A. G. Rehse, president; C. H. Richards, vice-president ; Fred Rehse, cashier; W. N. Cayott, assistant cashier. Directors: J. W. Rehse, L, 8. Richards, A. G. Rehse, C. H. Richards, J. H. Reil, A. Kynon and Fred Rehse. Deposits at the close of business, September 12, 1916, were $141,415.08.

The first hotel building was erected in Stewart in 1878 by Dr. D. A. Stewart the owner of the townsite and was the same building in which the post office is now located. Dr. Stewart sold out to Wood Harrington, who afterwards disposed of his interests in the hotel to William Senescall. Later it was purchased by C. A. Hoyt, who sold it to Theodore Richards, and on the latter's death about four or five years ago, the business was discontinued. The interests of the traveling public are now served by the Golden West Hotel, which was built by Henry Miller in 1900 and named after a well known hostelry in Minneapolis. After conducting it for awhile, Mr. Miller sold out and the hotel subsequently passed through several hands until the building came into possession of its present owner, H. A. Marquardt. The hotel is now conducted by Perry Hawley.

A comparatively recent. list of the business concerns of Stewart reads as follows: John E. Ahlers, general store; Bethke & Bethke, live stock; Fred E. Busse, hardware; Charles R. Donaldson, hardware; Walter C. Dunlop, railroad, express and telephone agent; Blectric Phone Company ; Empire Elevator Company, H. A. Marquardt, agent; Ambros Eynon, drugs; Farmers & Merchants State Bank; James Gilhousen, veterinary surgeon; Golden West Hotel, Perry Hawley, proprietor; E. M. Hanson & Co., farm machinery, hardware, grain, coal, hay, wood, automobiles, etc.; Harry J. Hanson, barber; F. R. Headley, jeweler; Interior Lumber Company, Frank M, Seneseall, manager; Harold J. Judd, confectionery; Armond Klinkhammer, livery; Klinkhammer Bros., expressmen; Stewart Tribune; Fred G. Kohler, physician; A. A. Koons, con- fectionery; M. H. Korst, electrician; John Lewin, tailor; Charles Macejeski, shoemaker; T. C. Mahoney, grain; Monarch Elevator Co.; Olsen & Friedl, general store; Pacific Elevator Co.; Dennis Provo, general store; L. 8. Richards, meats; Round Grove Co-operative Creamery Association (Fernando) ; Schmitz Bros., garage; Mathias Schmitz, farm implements, blacksmithing, wagon repairing; Stears Lumber Co., Aug. H, Nuesing, manager; Stewart Creamery, Albert F. Uecker, proprietor; Stewart Produce Co., Henry ©. Dols, manager; Stewart State Bank; Charles W. Tinker, physician; N. Trombley, black- Smith; Herman Wels, harness. There are also several saloons.

Columbia School. The Stewart School District, which is No. 33, was organized something over 40 years ago, which Was several years before the town site of Stewart was platted, and before the coming of the railroad. The schoolhouse during the early years of the district, stood just across Buffalo Creek, near to what is now known as the Bannister bridge. When the people of the village conceived that Stewart ought to have its own school house, petitions were circulated to change the site. This proposition was at first voted down by the country people, but the villagers made another effort, 4n election was held and the proposition was carried by a bare majority of three votes. In order to conciliate adverse opinion as much as possible in the regard to the change of Site, a location for the school house was selected in the northeast corner on lot 1, block 1, the building being erected at a Cost of $1,000. School opened in the fall of 1881, with Miss Emma Lee (now Mrs. Charles Evans, of Hutchinson) as the first teacher. In 1888 a petition was circulated to divide the district, which carried and District No, 61 was formed. A Special meeting was called for July 18, 1891, and it was decided to offer D, A. Stewart $500 for the block of land north of Liberty hall, to be used for a school site and park, and on July 24, the same year, it was voted to build a two-room school

Ouse to cost $2,500, including building, furniture and site. July 81, the same year, it was voted to raise $175 by taxation to meet the first payment for the then proposed new school house; but somehow or other the records do not disclose why the new school house was not built. On May 13, 1892, a special Meeting was held to change the site from lot 1, block 1, to the Present site and to issue the bonds of the district for $5,000, to uy a new site and build a two-story, four room, brick school house, R. §, Donaldson, M. Schmitz, Frank Sugden, Ambros Eynon, J. H. Bordwell, Charles Luckman and Charles A.

Hoyt, according to the records, were prominent in working for the new brick school house. Miss Laura Donaldson and J. E. Forsyth were the first two teachers in this school house. Commencing in 1906 it was found that the attendance at the school was increasing very rapidly, and that more ample accommodations would soon have to be provided to care for the pupils; but the best was made of the situation until 1911, when it was voted to build a four-room addition to the school. This work was accomplished in 1912, the old building being remodeled and the new addition, which is larger than the original building, being built on, since which time no further enlargement has been necessary, though improvements are to be made in 1917. From the year 1891 to July, 1913, there was expended by the district about $80,000, of which about $25,- 000 is represented by the building and site, leaving a balance of $55,000 for maintaining and carrying on the school. Columbia school is a graded school, with aceredited high school department, graduates being admitted to the University of Minnesota and all colleges without examination. A full four years' high school course is given and there are special departments of Agriculture, Domestic Science and Manual Training, which were started in 1911. The school has a circulating library of 600 books, of which 300 are text books, or on scientific subjects, and 300 standard fiction, This library, which is in charge of one of the seniors, is free to everybody of responsible age and character. In 1915 about 2000 books were circulated, There are eight teachers, including the principal, M. FE. Omann.

St. Bonafacius Catholic Church, In 1877 the Catholics residing in the vicinity of the present village of Stewart erected a small frame church, about half a mile south of the site of the village. There services were held for about four years, after which the building was moved into town to a location near where the present Lutheran church stands, in the southwestern part of the village. The edifice was rebuilt and enlarged and was the home of the congregation for 20 years. In the meanwhile the parish had grown and the membership largely increased, so that a new and larger building had become necessary. This necessity was met by united effort on the part. of the congregation and resulted in 1902 in the erection of the present structure - a fine brick church with belfry tower and steeple, costing without present fixtures, $20,000. The first resident pastor of St. Bonafacius church was Rev. Father Andrew, who served for three or four years, and was succeeded by a priest who remained one year. Then Rev. A. Kober became pastor and remained so for many years, being succeeded by Father Bloom. After serving for four or five years, Father Bloom left and the Rev. Father Velmen assumed the duties of the pastorate, which he performed for two or three years. His successor was the Rev. Father York, who came in 1901, and remained four years. It was under his pastorate that the present church was erected, Father York's successor was the Rev. Father Gurzel, who was succeeded some six or seven years ago, by the present pastor, the Rev. John Mies. Parochial school is held in the basement of the church, or in some convenient room, several times a week. The congregation now numbers about 80 families.

The Congregational Church and society at Stewart was organized in July, 1887, previous to which time no Congregational services were held in this part of the country nearer than Brownton. The following were the charter members: Mr. and Mrs. Gamble, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Aitkins, Mrs. Alfred Jones, Miss Jennie Read, Mr. and Mrs. A. Eynon. The first church building was erected in 1888 and is still occupied. The church has never built a parsonage. Among the faithful Workers who joined the church after its organization were Miss Laura Jones, now Mrs. T. L. Eynon, and Watkins Eynon, and later, Mr. and Mrs. Baumgarten, Mr. and Mrs. Sugden and Mr. and Mrs. Kraemer. There were also a good many of the younger generation who were good helpers until they married and moved away. Among the most interested members at the present time are Mrs. Sugden, Mrs. T. L, Eynon, Louis Larsen and wife, Mrs. Frank Nutter, Mrs. Dunlop and daughters, Mr. and Mrs. A. Eynon, Mrs. Avery, Misses Laura and Gladys Grinnells and Mrs. Cayott and daughters. William Greig, Walkins Bynon, Ernest Baumgarten, Frank Sugden, Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Mrs Richards and A. F. Avery are among those who have died. The pastors who have served the church are as follows: W. J. Parmelee, 1888; J. KE. Northrup, 1889; C. W. Thomas, 1890-92; Edward Walkom, 1892; James Earl, 1894; J. W. Danford, 1895-98; A. W. Heathcote, 1901; James Oakey, 1902-03; James Earl, 1904-08; Thomas Hawkes, 1910- 11; Mrs. W. T. Dawson, 1913; Prof. Osten-Sacken, 1913; JS. Martin, 1914: W. T. Dawson, 1915; Prof. Osten-Sacken, 1916. The children of the Sugden, Kraemer, Dunlop, Cayott and Eynon families have married here and moved to different Dlaces in the west.

congregation was organized in 1894 by Rev. I. Wuebben, with 11 members. Mr. Wuebben, who was pastor of the church in Round Grove, served the Stewart church until 1900, and during his pastorate the first church edifice was erected in the east side of the village of Stewart. In the summer of 1900 the Rev. C. H. Kowlaske took charge of the congregation and has since remained pastor. The present church edifice which is located in the west side of the village, was erected in 1902. It is a substantial frame building, 30 by 72 feet, with stone foundation, and belfry tower, the main part of the building being 30 by 60 feet. It was erected at a cost of $3,000, since which time improvements have been made to the value of $2,000 or more. The furnishings, including glass windows, cost $1,000. In 1905 a school was built at a cost of $600, but which is worth $1,000 at the present time. This is under charge of the pastor. The congregation now numbers about A437 souls, or 115 families the heads of which are voting members. Under the same pastorate is also St. Matthew's Evangelical church of Brownton.

The Methodist Episcopal Church for a number of years has taken an active part in the religious life of the village and is in a flourishing condition. The present pastor is the Rev. A, F, Barnard.

The fraternal orders are represented in Stewart by lodges of the Masons, Modern Woodmen of America, Modern Brotherhood of America, Royal Neighbors of America, the Catholic Order of Foresters, and W. H. Lytle Post, G. A. R.

Stewart Camp, No, 2565, Modern Woodmen of America, had its origin in 1894, its charter being dated September 9. There were 24 charter members. The Camp erected its own building in 1901 at a cost of $3,000. This building is entirely devoted to lodge purposes, the Masonic lodge room being also located therein. The ground floor is used as a dining hall and for receptions and other entertainments. The Camp now has about 80 members.

Wide Awake Camp, No. 329, Royal Neighbors, had its charter issued September 1, 1896, there being 28 charter members. The Camp was instituted April 2, 1896, and has now about 60 members.

Hope Lodge, No. 358, Modern Brotherhood of America, was organized September 9, 1898, with 18 charter members. The original officers were: Samuel P. Christenson, president; Alfred J. Beaudry, vice-president; Joseph P. Hoyt, secretary; John S. Bradish, treasurer; S. G. Gilhausen, physician; Henry

Hoeft, conductor; William J. Burke, watchman, and Albert Betke, sentry. The lodge has about 40 members, who meet once a month in summer and twice a month in winter, in a hall rented for the purpose.

Winsted Village

The village of Winsted was platted by Eli F. Lewis, who came here from Watertown and put up a soap and potash fac~ tory. Mr, Lewis resided in the village for a number of years 4nd at one time owned nearly all the land around the lake. He finally left the country and went west. The village of Winsted was incorporated 19 years ago, the county commissioners ap- Pointing August 27, 1887, on which to hold an election to decide for or against incorporation. Felton Vollmer, Ira K.

© occasion. The village is beautifully situated on high fround, near the margin of Winsted lake and has recently been brought into close touch with other communities by the Construction of the Electric Short Line (or Luce Line) Rail- Way, which passes through its outskirts. To the intelligence and public spirit of the citizens are due the numerous im- provements, both public and private, which compare well with those in many communities of larger size. The commodious village hall, erected in 1895 at a cost of $6,000, is constructed of brick, the first floor being conveniently arranged for court and council rooms, and the second floor for large public gatherings, and is one of the best village halls, if not the largest, in the county. In 1903 the principal streets were gravelled and beautified, and cement sidewalks laid along the lots and blocks fronting the business streets. Since that time new walks have been laid over the old ones and the general work of improvement kept up. Many of the store buildings are of prick, most, if not all, of the recent ones having been thus constructed. The large Catholic church (Church of the Most Holy Trinity), which was built in 1886, is also of brick and is one of the most substantial church buildings in the county. The Presbyterian and German Lutheran churches are modest frame buildings. The Winsted Roller Mills, of which Felton Vollmer is the proprietor, has been in operation for over 49 years, supplying the demand for wheat and rye flour and grinding feed. The saw mill connected therewith has in years past turned out millions of feet of domestic lumber, which was all used locally for buildings in the village and for residences and barns for the farmers in the surrounding country. Nearly all lines of business are represented in the village and the stores and shops carry as complete stocks in their respective lines as do those of much larger towns. The village has a well equipped fire department with a chemical engine for quick service and water mains laid from the pumping station at the mill through the village with sufficient hose to reach any part. There is an unlimited supply of water at all times.

The public school, a frame building, contains two large school rooms large enough to accommodate a full attendance of the children of the district.

Post office. The first records of the Winsted post office consist of a book of registered letters delivered from February 2, 1881, John Baker being then postmaster, Mr. Baker was sueceeded by Martin McConahy, during whose administration the office became a money order office. John Barrett was the next postmaster, serving until July, 1889, when he was succeeded by John P. Thompson, who was postmaster until September, 1893, when Mrs. Eleanor Gates assumed the duties of the office. After serving two terms, or eight years, she resigned, and was followed as postmaster in 1901 by Dr. 8S, JMeek. Dr. Meek died while in office, June 17, 1903, and was succeeded by his assistant, Miss Mary Lyons, who was postmistress until October, 1906. On her resignation, John P. Thompson was appointed, taking the office October 28, that year. He was succeeded by Samuel Rifkin, the present postmaster, May 20, 1916. Winsted Telephone Exchange was established by Charles O. Borgersrode and Felton Vollmer, who bought and operated the first telephone line in McLeod county, connecting Winsted with Lester Prairie. Mr. Borgersrode subsequently became the proprietor of the business and conducted it until October 1, 1913, when he gold it to his son, Rudolph, who is now proprietor and manager, The Winsted Examiner was started in 1910 by H. D. McDonald, now proprietor of the Waverly Star. After conducting it two years, he sold out to John A. Scott, Jr., of Waverly, who was proprietor of the paper for three years. It was then bought by John Strandberg & Sons, who came from near Cokato, and who carried it on for about a year, after which it came into the possession of the Bank of Winsted, which now owns it. The plant includes a Campbell two-revolution press and a job press.

The Farmers State Bank of Winsted was incorporated in 1914, and opened in August, that year, the stockholders being mostly people of Winsted and the vicinity. The officers were William J. Graham, president; A. J. Schnobrich and William Rohling, vice-presidents; and J. W. Thomas, cashier. The same officers are still serving, with the addition of Bernard L. Heigl, who is now assistant cashier. The present directors are William J. Graham, A. J. Schnobrich, William Rohling, Joseph Horstmann, John Heigl, Michael Pratschner, Ferd. Rhoda, Jr., J. H. Millerberndt and Michael P. Campbell, mostly all good and substantial farmers. The bank has a capital and surplus of $12,000.

The State Bank of Winsted was organized December 17, 1903, with a capital of $10,000.00. The officers were: Henry L. Simons, president; Felton Vollmer, vice-president; C. R. Vollmer, cashier. The other directors and stock-holders were: William Werner, John Roufs, B. Millerbernd, C. O. Borgersrode and M, P. Campbell,

At the present time (Feb. 1, 1917) the officers are: Felton Vollmer, president; B. Millerbernd, vice-president; C. R. Vollmer, cashier; L. H. Pratschner, assistant cashier. The other Stock-holders and directors are: William Werner, John Roufs, C. O. Borgersrode, Roy C. Vollmer, R. W. Lindeke and M. P. Campbell.

identified with Winsted and vicinity. The surplus fund has been increased from time to time until it is now $10,000.00. Deposits are $165,000.00 and loans $160,000.00.

The Church of the Holy Trinity. Among the earliest settlers of Winsted were a number who held the faith of the Roman Catholie church, and who naturally desired opportunities for worship according to the ordinances of that church. These associated themselves together into a small congregation, which was served at intervals by visiting priests, meetings being held at some convenient place. Among the most active members of this congregation in 1876 were Bernard Klaus, Henry Otto, Henry Weinbeck, Herman Artman, John Corr, John Westrup and John Barrett. In that year Rey. Fr. Deustermann, of Glencoe, began to serve the congregation and was its recognized pastor until the following year, when he was succeeded by Rev. Honoratus Povolny, 0. 8. F., who was pastor until February, 1884. Then, until the following August the congregation was attended from Silver Lake by Rev. Lawrence Zawadzki, 0.8. F. He was sueceeded by Rev, Frederick Elshorst, who is now retired and living in Faribault, and who was pastor until August, 1894, From that time until August, 1901, Rev. John Tori had charge of the parish, his successor being Rev. I. C. Lemberg, under whom the present parsonage and school were built. Father Lemberg died while in charge of the parish and was succeeded by the present. pastor, Rev. Andrew J. Rinke, who entered upon his duties July 1, 1908.

For many years the congregation worshiped in a frame building, some 85 or 90 by 40 feet in dimensions, and this continued to be their church home until 1886, in which year the present large brick edifice was erected. This substantial structure, 25 by 140 feet in ground dimensions, and furnished with a large steeple and bells, was built at a cost of $15,000, exclusive of the windows. It is suitably furnished and provided with a fine pipe organ. In 1884 a frame school building was erected and was in use until 1908 when it was supplanted by the present fine building, occupying the same site, the former structure having been moved to make room for it. This new school building is two stories in height, with full basement, and is constructed of Garrett brick. Its total cost was. $30,000. Here instruction is provided for 225 to 250 children, who are under the charge of the school sisters of St. Francis of Milwaukee. The parish now contains about 250 families.

St. Aloysius Society was organized in Winsted in 1894 with over 50 members, of whom eight took insurance. The lodge now has (August, 1916) 187 members.

Holy Trinity Court of Foresters, No. 1054, of Winsted, was organized in December, 1899, with 27 charter members, and now has a membership of 80.

The German Lutheran Church of Winsted village, a small and unpretentious building, was erected about 1883, previous to which time services had been held for some years in the residence of William Gahl. Among the first members were William Gahl, Herman Banke (now residing in Carver county), Martin Lorch, Abraham Frick and Michael Marks, and their families. Rev. Fritz Boesche was pastor of the congregation in 1883, and was succeeded by Rev. Herman Kolbe, who served 25 years. Then Rev. Martin Weinhold was pastor for six years, and after him, Rev. W. M. Greve, now of Lester Prairie. The latter was succeeded by Rev. A. L. Oetjiens, of Howard Lake, who is the present pastor. The congregation now includes about 40 souls, with 13 voting members.