Sauk County, Wisconsin - Spring Green Village, 1880

Spring Green Village

Introductory Skktch - Governmekt - The General Developement - Village Hall - Tebi- PERANCE Issues, Past and Present - Downy - Educational - Post Office - Express Company - Secular Society and Churches.

Introductory Sketch

The above title, in any case, will prove to the visitor to this thriving town, a happy introduction to what follows in the pleasant surrounding scenery,

The village is located about one and a half miles north from the Wisconsin River, on the line of the Milwaukee & Prairie du Chien Railroad, to the coming of which it is really as much indebted for its existence and present prosperity, as to the condition of the surrounding country, from which it derives its chief support. When the railroad passed through here in 1856, the land where the village now stands was in a completely natural condition, being covered with trees, brush, weeds and grass, and could not even boast a squatter's cabin, with the accompaniments of children, pigs and chickens, to enliven the scene. The first cabins were those of the railroad workmen, two of which were afterward occupied by Thomas D. Jones and Mr. Holmes, the very first comers that settled in the village. For some time previous to the building of the railroad bridge over the Wisconsin, parties of settlers bound for this part of the country or further west, were brought by rail to the other side of the river, from which point they were privileged to continue on as best pleased them. The last party of emigrants to disembark at the then terminus of the route arrived on Sunday, August 3, 1856. The next day the bridge was tried, and an engine for the first time passed over it and through the future village of Spring Green. Since that time, how great the change here ! One of the most attractive villages in the county has sprung into existence, and almost all of the land in the immediate vicinity, except needed woodland, is under a fine state of cultivation, where but a few short years ago it was lying useless, wild, and unfruitful of ought save nature's most common products.

Of the village proper, it can be truly said, it is one of the best laid-out places in the county, and when one impartially observes its straight, level and well-shaded streets, with the neat dwellinors and tidy lawns and gardens on either side, besides the freedom from noise and disturbance which is particularly noticeable, he can but acknowledge that in general excellence of appearance and condition. Spring Green now has few superiors in the country at large.

The amount of business done here in past years, especially during the flush hop times and during the war, was something remarkable ; tens of thousands of dollars came in through this channel to the farmers of the surrounding country, and were expended here again in large part, affording a trade, considered comparatively, of enormous proportions. The very flush times have taken wings unto themselves and departed, or like the Arabs, have "silently stole away," yet the town is prosperous ; the business men, mechanics and laborers are kept constantly busy, and enough is made to live well and to spare, as is evidenced by the large school building erected here four years ago, and by the best town hall in the county, none excepted, that was built last year. An air of life and thrift pervades everything, and nearly every year new additions are made to the place in some direction, whether in the increase of building and business, or inhabitants, does not signify, as one is but the concomitant of the other. Of the future it is safe to predict, accidents and casualties aside, that the place can but maintain its present prestige. The inhabitants at present are chieflv Americans, although there is a fair sprinkling of other nationalities.

Village Government

'- All that district of country described as follows : The southwest quarter and the west half of the southeast quarter of Section 7, and the northwest quarter of northeast quarter, and the north half of the northwest quarter of Section 18, Township 8 north, of Range 4 east ; also, the east half of the southeast quarter of Section 12, and the northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of Sbction 13, Township 8 north, of Range 3 east - all being in the town of Spring Green, Sauk Co., Wis."

The above act provides that the fiscal, prudential and municipal concerns of the place shall be vested in a President, ex officio Trustee, and four Trustees, and such other officers as might be afterward ordained, as one Clerk, one Treasurer, and one Constable, who was ex officio Marshal. Electoral methods and provisions, similar to those usually provided, were secured by this charter. The money received for license was to be used for village purposes, providing the amount be not less than that fixed by law. The Village Board were authorized to make and provide penalties, and to change or add to ordinances, as they might deem expedient ; also provisions for a fire department and for preventing fires generally, were made. Provisions for levying taxes to pay for grading streets and sidewalks were also made, to be paid in labor, money or materials. The President, Trustees and Police Justices were to be elected, the others appointed. Election to be held the first Monday in May. The village was re-incorporated in 1878, under the general law. According to this chapter, there is a President, six Trustees, a Clerk, a Treasurer, a Supervisor for County Board, a Police Justice, a Justice of the Peace, a Marshal and a Constable, elected by the people, the Street Commissioner being appointed. The various specifications of this charter may be seen by reference to Chapter 40 of the General Laws for 1878.

1879 - H. B. Dewey, President ; A. M. Dye, C. Zilg, L. D. Ellsworth, A. M. Hungerford, A. C. Scheble, J. G. Pelton, Trustees; E. W. Evans, Supervisor; J. N. Finn, Police Justice ; M. F. Hurley, Justice of the Peace ; J. N. Finn, Clerk ; D. D. Davies, Treasurer ; E. P. Noyes, Marshal ; D. L. Talbot, Constable ; G. A. Sweet, Street Commissioner.

The General Development

The south half of the southwest quarter of Section 7, Town 8, Range 4, upon which Spring Green village is located, was entered from the Government by William Barnard, from whom it passed into the hands of E. B. Evans, who paid $600 for it. In 1856, it was purchased by A. C. Daley, who, in order to secure assistance in building up a town, and to render the property more valuable, sold an undivided quarter to B. F. Edgerton and one-third to A. G. Darwin, reserving the remainder for himself. These were the original owners of the town property. In the spring of 1857, the village was platted by Mr. Putnam, Surveyor, the entire eighty being laid out in streets and blocks in a square, all of the streets being sixty-six feet wide, excepting Jefferson street, which is eighty feet wide, and the blocks being uniformly three hundred feet square.

The first persons to come here and settle, after the village was started, were a Mr. Holmes and Thomas D. Jones, who lived for a short time near the railroad, and B. U. Strong, who came in April, 1857. The latter purchased half of Block 10, facing south on Jefferson and west on Lexington street, where his hotel is now located. Immediately after purchasing, he erected a small frame on the corner, this being the first hotel and one of the first houses in the village. He soon after moved his family in, and also put up a small building near the railroad track, and brought in a stock of goods and opened a store - the first in the village and one of the first in this section of the county. This building was afterward converted into a warehouse and eventually destroyed.

During the early part of the summer, the railroad company built a depot, and trains began to make regular stops. When the depot was completed, P. West came on and took charge of it as agent, he being the next man to locate here. Soon after this, Dr. Hubbard, tiio first physician in this section, came in with his pills and potions, prepared to grow up with the country, if the people should get sick ; if not, to leave.

In the fall of 1857, an acquisition was made to the business element by the coming of G. F. Pound and Thomas Worthington, who purchased a lot on Block 10, and, soon after, had a building under headway. When it was completed, a stock of goods was put in, and the second store in the town was thrown open for purchasers. This building long since passed into other hands, and is now known as the Blue Store, and is owned by Mr. Warren, of Baraboo.

Benjamin Bailey, a disciple of Vulcan, also struck the town this fall and put up a shop, and, very soon after, the ringing music of the anvil and hammer woke the morning echoes and ushered in the quiet of evening.

About this time, the little place and surroundings were caught, with the rest of the county, in the toils of the panic of 1857, which effectually checked its growth at the time, for but very few came in during the remainder of the year, and not much of anything was done until the autumn of ISoS had partially restored the country to its pristine vigor.

The Wigginton brothers came this fall (1858), and built on Block 19, facing north on Jefferson street, and opened a general store. They soon after sold out to W. G. Spencer and

G. F. Pound and T. B. Worthington dissolved partnership this year, and Mr. Pound built the store now standing, facing oast on Block 18, corner of Jefferson and Lexington streets, and opened a general store. Subsequently, about 1859, C. L. Daley, brother of the original owner of the town plat, went into partnership with him. They built a warehouse this year. This firm continued until some time after the war, doing a good business.

In 1857 or 1858, Garwood Green bought Egerton's share of the town plat, and a division of the property was made, one party taking three lots, one four lots, and the other five lots, in each block of twelve lots that remained unsold.

In the fall of 1858, Joshua Simpson came here from Richland City, and also moved up a hotel from that place, settling on the southeast corner of Block 11, where E. D. Davies' saloon now stands.

In 1860, J. T. Barnum and Leman Bartlett bought out Mr. Spencer and opened a wellfilled store. They remained here about six years, doing a very extensive business, selling goods and buying and shipping produce of all kinds.

About 18G0, S. H. Vedder put in an appearance here and bought out Mr. Worthington, then Worthington went to Madison, where his son Worthington afterward distinguished himself a.s the finest penman in the United States. Within a year or two,. Mr. Vedder moved his goods and set up in a small building just west of the Simpson Hotel, where he remained until he sold and left.

About this time, Mr. Spencer, who sold to Barnum & Bartlett, opened a cabinet-shop - the first in town. This business he continued a few years, theti sold and departed like the rest. James Simpson, son of tiie proprietor of the Simpson building, brought in a few goods at one time, probably about 1862, but. did not continue long in trade, either because goods or buyers wore wanting.

In 1S65, W. II. Hamilton bought out Mr. Vedder, before mentioned, and enlarged the former business by taking A. Wilcox in partnership with him. They conducted the business together until November of the above year, then dissolved, Mr. Wilcox coming out (so to speak) at the small end of the horn, for, in return for, the $1,800 which he invested, he had to take docaN'cii obligations against worthless parties, and such materials as he could squeeze out of the failing institution. His experience but illustrates the efforts and failures of scores of men who think they have but to invest money to get a return. That they always do get returns is certain, but, alas, how seldom do they meet their expectations.

In December of the above year (18<;5), D. D. Davies, who began his business career here as a clerk, and who had worked for both Vedder and Hamilton, bought outthe latter, taking a brother info j)artner8hip, and launched his first mercantile craft as commander and salesman. They openeil in llie old Sim|)S(m House (before mentioned), where they carried on the business, receiving a go.HJ p:itn.nage, until the night of the 11th and 12th of*' March, 1867, when they were burned out, at a eoiisiderable loss, and had their worst experience of the uncertainty of preserving combustible material from the rajjacity of the fire fiend. The goods that were saved were moved temj)()rarily into a shoe-store, but recently built by Mr. Hurly, where they did business untd the present store was erected. This was commenced immediately after the fire, and was pusluMJ rapi.lly to completion, being finished ready for occupancy by July of 1867. During that month, their goods were moved in, and here D. D. Davies, who purchased his brother's interest January 27, 1870, continues to do business. Mr. Davies is now the oldest regular merchant here, having dealt out goods constantly for about twenty years, and having won the good will of, and an extensive patronage from, the majority of the people in this vicinity.

In 1867, B. U. Strong built the present hotel, the Park, which forms an addition to the original building, and far outrivaling its predecessor in size, convenience and good looks. Wind, fire and flood aside, this is undoubtedly, with its landlord, one of the permanent fixtures of the place, and -indeed, Spring Green without B. U. Strong would be like France without the French, or a dog without a tail - the wag would be missed.

An anecdote or two connected with Mr. Strong's career, as a representative man in this section, when he was the first business man, and where he has lived so many years, must not be omitted, for the history of the village could not otherwise be considered complete :

In 1872, he was elected member of the State Senate, and, during the winter following, on the very last day of the session, a bill, making certain appropriations for use on the Chippewa Kiver at Eau Claire, came up before the House of Representatives just previous to the bill on necessary general appropriations ; consequently, it had to be acted upon at once, and was passed, to give time for appropriations, the House deciding to let the Senate kill it, if it must die. The Senate were considerate enough to pass the bill on appropriations first, then proceeded to act on the other. This bill was, for various reasons, objected to by several of the Senators, who were determined to stop it, but they were in the minority. When it came before the chamber, who acted as a committee of the whole, four of the opposing party decided, as there was only five or six hours remaining to the session, to talk it out. So one after another spoke, until the last man, B. U. Strong, took the floor, with about one hour and a half of talk before him. He began, and gently discussed the question, diverging solemnly as the theme progressed, until one could hardly have told whether the speech was about the pyramids of Egypt, the dells of the Chippewa, the raising of hoop-poles, the curing of the epizootic, getting out saw-logs or what-not ; yet on, and irresistibly on, it went, slowly but surely beating time all to flinders, and as surely beating the opposition ; for stop him they could not, and, as he had the floor fairly, they could not rule him down. While the big talk was yet deluging them, in fully rounded periods, without cessation or diminution, the hour of midnight arrived, and the session must needs close. So the bill went quietly to rest (for a time), and thus ended one of the most celebrated speeches ever made at Madison.

Mr. Strong is as hearty a landlord as one needs to meet, but, nevertheless, he does not care to entertain drunken persons. Not very long ago a chap, several seas over, came in and asked to be shown the washroom of the hotel. Mr. Strong said, rather gruflfly, " This is not a hotel, I reckon!" " Not a hotel !" the fellow asked ; " if it ain't a hotel, then what is it ?" " Well, it's a sclioolhouse, I guess, and there (pointing to Prof. De La Matyr) is the school-teacher," said Strong. The man withdrew, squinting at the " Park Hotel " sign, and loath to believe his eyes so deceived him, or that one could call a hotel a schoolhouse.

In 1866 or 1867, Ed McMahon erected a small building on Block 11, facing Jefferson street, and opened a tin-shop. He continued to do business here until his death. This was probably the first tin-shop in the place.

During the above time, H. Whities put up a building on Block 11, as above, to be used as a saloon. In 1868, it passed into the hands of William Austin, who shortly after purchased a stock of auction goods and opened a store, which he operated until 1877, then removed to Holland. The building has since been used for various purposes ; at present, it is occupied bj George Harrison for a harness-shop.

In 1866, Alonzo Wilcox built on Block 11, fronting on Lexington street, and opened a shoestore. In 1870, he closed out his business and rented the building; then, about a year alter, sold it to E. H. Newell. Mr. Newell opened with a stock of dry goods and groceries, but did not flourish, so to speak, for we find that, about two years since, the business came to an untimely end. The stock had been absorbed, while debts were accumulating, which is but the common

In 1H66. the firm of Farington cS: Kifor bought out Barnard l^ Bartlett, and, in 1872, erected the only brick edifice in town, on the northwest corner of Block 19. Subsequently, Kijer became sole proprietor of tlie business and property, which he sold to J. D. Phelps in 1875. In the spring of 1879, the property passed into the hands of S. M. Harris. This purchase included the lot, stores and warehouses. In October, 1879. the old store burned down, and with it was destroyed a quantity of tin and hardware, stock and fixtures, the property of H. B. Dewey, who was thereby incontinently cleaned out of a good business. The spot is marked by the remains of the old cellar wall, the only evidences of a fire to be seen in the place.

E. P. Newell and D. II. Phelps erected a fixir-sized building in 1865 or 1866, on Block 19, facing Jefferson street, and opened a general assortment store. Two years after, finding they had not enough room, they enlarged the building, making it much larger. At present, it is the third in size among the business houses in the place. Soon after the building had been enlarged, Mr. Phelps sold his interest to E. H. Newell, brother of E. P. Newell. The new firm did not run long together before another change was made, E. B. Newell becoming sole proprietor. He continued tiie business successfully until his death, in 1872 or 1873, then Thomas Hill, his sonin-law, became administrator. Under his management, the business was unprofitable, and finally, in 1877, matters came to stand, the creditors of the institution demanding a settlement; a settlement was effected by E. H. Newell, who re-opened the store, only to close out the business within a vear. The building was soon after engaged bv D. H. Finkleston, who is now conducting a general business.

In 1867, J. N. Finn and C. W. Finn built on Block 11, fronting Lexington street, and opened a grocery and confectionery store. In 1872, J. N. Finn purchased his brother's interest, ami has continued the business up to this date, this being the second-oldest establishment in the village. Mr. Finn is a very respectable citizen, having held some position of public trust regularly since the incorporation of the village. The Town Clerk's office is kept here by him at present.

During the above year, M. F. Hurley erected his building in Block 11, facing Jefferson street, and opened a store and shoe-shop, which he still continues. Mr. Hurly, it appears from th^ village record, is a man whom the people respect and largely trust with the management of public affairs, he having been President of the board several times, and having held other important offices repeatedly.

Some tJTnc during the war, jtrobably about 1864, John Whiteman built on the southwest corner of Block 11, and opened a confectionery store or something of the kind. This he conducted until 1868, when Conrad Zilg bought him out, and enlarged the building and converted it into a hotel, running it as such for nine or ten years. It is now used by him for a private dwelling.

In 1.S67, Juiin llollcnl)ack came hero and built on Block 11, fronting on Lexington street, and started a grocery and confectionery store. About two years after, he moved away, and, subsequently, .M. /angle purchased the property and opened a saloon, which is yet in operation, M. Yoiiker being the present owner.

During the above year, on July 4, the village indulged in a grand celebration. Avhich, although not the first, was by far (according to all the reports) the biggest genuine demonstration of the k\iu\ ever gotten up in this part of the county. The sum of §125 were expended to hire a band to come from Madison, and other things in keeping were provided, and Spring Green fairly reveled in the delights and glories of our national anniversary. Fathers, brothers nntl Kons felt gallant and brave; mothers, sisters and daughters happy and proud, while that youthful cion of liberty, the small boy with torpedo and cracker, vindicated the cause of independence to his heart's content.

The harness-shop on Block 18, facing on Jefferson street, was built about 1868. It is the property of A. C. Daley. It has been occupied bv several different parties at various times, and is at present used by A. C. Scheble.

1868 - During this year. E. George came here and began his present building, which was completed and stocked by 1879. This may be considered the first regular furniture and undertaker store located here. The establishment is now conducted under the firm name of E. George & Son. Mr. George had a lumber-yard at one time also.

The Gerber Brothers bought out and carried on the old Pound & Dike store from 1869 to 1871, then S. M. Harris carried on business in the old place from 1872 to 1879. Since that time, it has been occupied by Miss E. Macklin for a millinery establishment. In this connection it may be mentioned that Mrs. Wyman was the first one to carry on a regular millinery establishment, that is so necessary to the happiness, if not comfort, of the fair sex. Also, a Miss James has done a millinery business here for about ten years.

J. Witzel built a wagon-shop on Block 18, facing on Jefferson street, in 1876. This afterward passed into the hands of Christopher Scholl, who fitted it up for a shoe-shop.

The liberty-pole was erected during the above year. It stands near the center of the village, looming up to a height of ninety-five feet, and is, beyond a doubt, the straightest and handsomest pole in the county. In fiict, it is very seldom that one will meet with anything like as perfect a pole for one so tall. The people are justly proud of it.

Dr. Pelton's Hotel, that stands facing the south end of Lexington street, is one of the old stands, the doctor having been here operating in the capacity of physician and mine host for nearly fifteen years.

There were no sidewalks here to amount to anything until after the village charter was secured in 1869. The chief object of the people in getting the charter was to so arrange their fiscal and judicial affairs that they could receive the benefit of the taxes paid for road purposes, by applying the money to the village streets and walks. Now, good walks are to be found on the business streets, and many of the side streets are also provided Avith walks.

In 1879, S. M. Harris, one of the most energetic of the business men here, opened in the brick store previously spoken of. This is a well-kept store, and its proprietor does a large business, especially in shipping. The following report shows the amount of his last year's shipments: Wheat, 27.600 bushels; rye, 6,400 bushels; oats, 9,600 bushels; butter, 13,890 pounds ; poultry, 4,500 pounds ; eggs, 9,890 dozen; hoop-poles, 136,000. Paid the railroad freight bills to the amount of $7,300. Mr. Finklestine also buys large quantities of produce. His shipments for last year were : Wheat, 17,600 bushels ; rye, 2,400 bushels ; oats, 3,000 bushels; butter, 31,029 pounds; eggs, 10,710 dozen; hoop- poles, 65,000. There is not much buying and shipping outside of these two firms, unless it be hops, hogs and beef cattle, which are purchased partly by non-resident buyers. The amount of sales of merchandise made here now annually will probably average about $100,000, and perhaps more. The above representation is certainly as fair a showing of prosperity as can be made by any place of equal size in this vicinity, and it is only to be wished for all concerned that the place may live long and prosper more and more.

In 1876, George Sweet and Byron Pelton erected a building for a planing-mill and grinding feed. It was moved, about three years since, from its first location to its present situation. This is the only mill, either for planing or grinding, that has ever been built here, and the amount of that kind of business to be done here does not warrant the erection of another.

After Mr. Zilg closed the hotel, J. Zilg & Co., the present firm, was formed, and in 1880, their large double store, which stands on the northwest corner of Block 18, was built. This is the largest store building in town, and is stocked exclusively with a fine assortment of hardware.

Previous to the above, in 1877, A. P. McDonald purchased the vacant corner where the old Simpson Hotel stood, which was burned in 1867, and put up the present building and opened a saloon.

A. M. Dye opened the first watch-maker's and jewelry establishment, during the above year. Before thSt time, the general stores kept whatever was to be had in the line of gold, silver, plate or pinchbeck, and, probably, clocks and watches as well. How a village so well regulated could have gotten on so long without a watchmaker, remains a mystery. A large wagon.

blacksmith and paint shop was erected in 1879, on Block 18, facing Jefferson street, by J. Bettinger, where the principal business in those lines is now done.

Village Hall

The elections were held here in a house rented from B. U. Strong, until 1869, when the Village Hall scheme, which had been discussed for some time, came to the point where the building was started and completed. The building is of frame, 26x60 feet, and two stories high. The lower story is divided into Police Justice room, ante-room and two cells for criminals, which seem to be strong enough to hold the most desperate of characters. The upper story, which is reached by a flight of stairs winding up through a graceful tower, is fitted up in a very tasty manner for all general public gatherings. The building is finished and furnished throughout in a very thorough manner. It cost, complete, about $2,575, and is especially noticeable on account of its architectural beauty and perfect adaptation to the use for which it is intended. The most casual observer cannot escape observing this building, and instituting comparisons between it and buildings devoted to similar purposes in other portions of the country, in places of even greater pretensions than this.

The lumber yard was started here as early as 1858, by a Mr. Mears, and about this time, also, H. Celleyhan had a yard. Soon after, A. Walrath was engaged in the business. Then King & McKutchen took hold of the business, in connection with their produce buying. In 1865, Wilcox & Hamilton were engaged in the trade, and, two years after, E. George and C. L. Daley took hold of it. Mr. George withdrew from the business and left Mr. Daley sole possessor of the field, which he still remains. Mr. Daley is one of the oldest business men in the place, having been engaged in trade here since the village was in its infancy.

Temperance Issues, Past And Present

At an early day, the temperance sentiment in this section, among many of the people, was very strong, while, on the other hand, liquor-drinking proclivities with some were exceptionally strong. The first one to open a shop for the sale of forty-rod killer copper-distilled dew, was a chap by the name of Jacob Comeen, who came here about 1856 or 1857 and opened up near the eastern railroad crossing. Jake, as he was called, rapidly developed a first-class groggery, which became the nightly and Sunday rendezvous for every loafer in the locality. From being bad at first, it soon became a perfect nuisance, until, finally, the better class of people in the village and country decided to end the business. An opportunity to carry out their designs was soon offered, by the coming of a two-penny jack-o'-lantern show, which Jake went to see, leaving an open field for operations. When Jacob returned, the metamorphosis that met his eyes must have given his nerves a greater shock than the biggest dose of fusel oil, strychnine, stramonium and the like, that lie had ever swallowed, for there, without a good or sufficiently apparent reason, was his liquor being licked up, house and all, by fire, the thirsty flames fairly dancing over the destruction, with the eager fury and delight that is supposed to possess the spirits of demons when the ruin of some poor human soul is accomplished, and he becomes the willing slave of alcohol. With the destruction of his stock, Comeen took his departure, and, for a time, the people were free from the whisky evil. This immunity did not last long, however, for witjiin a year after, a man by the name of Mullen erected another temple to J^acchus in the village, and very soon the former condition of things was re-established, and, perhaps, even to a worse extent. At any rate, the nuisance soon became intolerable to a large portion of the lawabiding injiahitants, and, of course, the next step was to give the institution the grand bounce. This was effected one night while tlie proprietor was out, but the means taken were not quite so' severe as before, although fully as effectual. The business was upset by upsetting the shop. It was unceremoniously laid on its side, like a trunk ticketed to leave on the next train, or waiting to be moved. The invitation to subside was duly heeded by the dispenser of lightning nectar, and thus ended the second saloon.

For many years subsequent to this, a majority of the people kept up a high temperance sentiment, and maintained a flourishing lodge of Good Templars, But, as the years multiplied, the interest subsided, until now there is no lodge. Also, saloons have long been in operation, but the business is now conducted according to law, and in a comparatively quiet manner. A liberal license is exacted, which is used, when obtained, according to certain charter provisions, by the village authorities for making and maintaining street improvements and such other village purposes as may be deemed necessary.

Spring Green has had its newspapers, and the newspapers have had their day of shortlived mediocrity, unfortunately for the place, for a good paper is needed here. As for the editor, the annals of this history can scarcely do him justice. SuflBce it to say, he is almost too well known here and elsewhere to need mention.

Downy

Spring Green has a couple that, it is supposed quite naturally, are not very happily united, considering developments. Doubtless, any one who witnessed the division of a feather-bed, in the hands of said parties, not so very long ago, just outside of the door on a windy day, must have been struck with surprise to see that which floated away so lightly, remain dotvn, and, further more, it is solemnly asserted that at one time in the fracas, a knock-down or pull-down was highly imminent. However, the feathers were ventilated and that downy bed is now no more forever.

Educational

The first school of District No. 2 was taught in the old log schoolhouse on Section 7, long previous to the residence here of any of the present townspeople. Many years before the first graduates of the present excellent high school had learned their a-b abs, the old loghouse, with its high wooden benches and knife-hacked desks, had turned out its graduates in readin', ritin' and spellin'. Then Sander's, Maguffy's or the old English Reader and the Pennsylvixnia or Cobb's Speller, furnished literary pabulum for the minds of ambitious or lazy tyros in the field of literature. All the world was then described by Olney's, or some other ancient geography, that told big stories about the unexplored portions of this country, and the Cherokees, Chickasaws, Chocktaws, Sioux, Seminoles, etc.; then Papa Murray's syntax and prosody (the first really scientific grammatical production) was freely ground into the rebellious craniums of the unappreciative youth, who liked the good old way of saying, "I seen," rather than " I saw," and when it was, as now, much easier to understand the verb love, with the pronoun I prefixed, than in any other form. And who among the old folks can forget the peculiar vocal struggles that were then required, when words of six or seven syllables were spelled, and every syllable pronounced, and added on to the string consecutively like a row of buttons ; and the terrible rule of three. Oh shades of Archimedes, Euclid and Cocker ! How far thy mighty thoughts have penetrated, and how many weary hours have been spent over thy problems. The old log house is gone, and the system of education then followed is now a thitig of the past. So the old continually gives place to the new, as the sands of time run out.

After the village had gotten fairly started on its course of development, the first schoolhouse was built on the lot occupied by the present building, which was presented to the public for this purpose by the proprietors of the village plat. In 1862, the roof of this building was raised, another full story being added to furnish the room necessary to accommodate the largely increased number of pupils. This schoolhouse was the only public school building in the village until the erection of the present commodious edifice, but, according to the arrangements made with the preceptor in the old academy, a certain number were taken in there from the district school, each year, for instruction in the higher branches of education.

In 1875, the academy having closed and the means of instruction being totally inadequate to the demands of the place and locality, a proposition was submitted to the voters of the town of Spring Green at the meeting, to make an appropriation of funds for the purpose of erecting such a high-school building as would furnish ample educational facilities for the entire surrounding country. A majority of the voters, upon ballot, were in favor of entering into the enterprise, but the town authorities failed to comply with the requirements of the law in such premises, and, consequently, the action was lost. District No. 2 then took up the matter, and, going vigorously to work, soon perfected arrangements for erecting the present fine structure. The buiMing was constructed by Mr. Cory, of Madison, and cost, when finished complete, the snug sum of 3'^,500. It was ready for occupancy in the fall of 1876, and opened under the best of auspices and with a large number of outside pupils. Architecturally considered as a school building, there appears to be nothing lacking ; the rooms are large, lofty, well lighted and well ventilated, and the exterior, in simplicity and elegance of design, is in perfect keeping with the interior. There are three departments, each being supplied with appropriate recitation rooms and first-class modern furniture.

The people in this vicinity hold this school in high estimation, believing it to be the equal of any public school in the State ; and not without good reason, for, according to reports on public schools, this institution is the equal of any other in the amount of outside patronage which it has received from the very start. The first year's receipts from outsiders were ^oS2.58 ; the second year, $.')4'.>.37 ; the third year, ^588.67. The price of tuition is 50 cents per week, or $Q a quarter, what is usually charged by academical schools. Prof. De La Matyr, the principal now in charge, has been teaching here since the high school was opened, and the real excellence and popularity of the school is doubtless due more to his excellent management and instruction than to any other cause. The salary of the Principal is §1,200 per annum, nearly half of which is paid by the regular outside receipts. The old academy was in its day a flourishing institution here, around which lingers yet, in the memories of old pupils, many a kindly recollection. It was located at first at Richland City, and to the fall and decay of that emporium of a sister county, Spring Green was chiefly indebted for the establishment of the academy here. Prof. Silsby commenced the school in 1861, in the old blue store built by Worthington and partner, but, very soon after, it was removed to another unused building, standing on Block 10, facing Lexington street, now used for a harness-shop. In the meantime, several of the prominent citizens had interested themselvesand furnished cash andhelp, and had taken down and moved the academy building from Richland City, and re-erected it where it now stands, at an expense of about §500. With this favorable send-off, and with a liberal patronage, the school started, but did not continue long under Mr. Silsby's direction, for the sound of " To arms ! " that was then ringing through the land, started the war fever to raging in his veins, and, like thousands f)f other brave fellows, he left home, friends and everything, to espouse his country's cause. The school district then purchased the building from him, paying him §700 for it. They then employed J. II. Turvey, who was subsequently County Superintendent of Schools, to teach, paying him a certain sum for teaching district scholars and whatever he could get besides for teaching others. After he had been here four years, another arrangement was entered into with him, by which he was bound to keep the academy running a certain number of yenrs. and by which he became the owner of the institution. Mr. Turvey continued the school about ten years, then closed it, owing to want of proper patronage. It is now occupied for :i private <lweIIing-house, and probably will never more resound to " Veni, vidi, vici," and '' 'Tis ethication makes the comiiion mind."

Tub Post Offick

The post oflice was first kept by Mr. West, then by Garwood Green, in the depot, and was oj.ene.l as early as 1856-57. In 1859, it passed into Worthington's charge ; then, in 1860, S. II. \edder came and took the uflice, holding it until 1864-65, when W. H. Hamilton became 1 ostniaster. Kn.ni him it was transferred, December 23, 1865, to D. D. Davies, who has since held It.

Express Company

S. M. Vedder was the first express agent here ; when he left, F. Lacy was appointed ; then, in 1868, it passed into the hands of D. D. Davies. The first express company was the United States. But, soon after Mr. Davies' appointment, a competitor appeared in the field in the person of G. F. Pound, as agent for the Merchants' Union. After running opposition for a short time, the United States Company withdrew. H. R. Johnson, who is now agent, succeeded Mr. Pound. Since he has been in office, a change has been made, the United States Company taking this station and the Merchants' Union going to another.

Secular Society And Churches

Masons. - A dispensation was first granted to Lodge No. 212, F. & A. M., in May, 1879, the officers being as follows: H. B. Dewy, W. M ; S. M. Harris, S. W., and P. H. Parsons, J. W. The lodge continued under dispensation until June, 1880, when a charter was granted, and the lodge regularly organized by P. A. Daggett, Acting G. M. There were fifteen charter members, who elected the following officers: S. M. Harris, W. M.; P. H. Parsons, S. W.; H. R. Johnson, J. W.; J. G. Slyter, Treas.; J. R. Mabbett, Sec; W. A. De La Matyr, S. D.; J. S. Slyter, J. D.; S. L. Davis, Tiler. The lodge has a good hall, well furnished, and is in a flourishing condition.

Congregational Qhurcfi. - A society was first organized here February 15, 1859, in the old schoolhouse. Rev. Mr. Benton, of Richland City, and the Rev. D. L. Noyes, being the officiating ministers. The first members were D. L. Noyes, B. U. Strong and wife. Dr. C. T. Hubbard, wife and two daughters, P. West and wife, M. B. West and W. C. Spaulding. Dr. Hubbard was elected Deacon, and P. West Secretary and Treasurer. The Rev. Noyes remained with the society until December, 1862, when the Rev. J. Silsby took the pastorate. He was succeeded by the Rev.' Jonathan Jones, who came October 22, 1864. He was followed by the Rev. Mr. Cochran, who entered upon his duties December 4 of the above year. During his pastorate, in the year 1867, the church was built, at a cost of $1,200. After the Rev. Cochran, came the Rev. Mr. Pullen, in 1872. He remained until December 5, 1875, when the Rev. 0. H. Smith was called. The pulpit is now supplied by the Rev. Mr. Stoddart, of Boscobel. Of the first members, none but B. U. Strong and wife are left. There are now about forty members.

Baptist Society. - The first meeting of the Baptist denomination was held at the schoolhouse in 1869, the Rev. William Phillips, a Welshman, being the preacher. This preacher, who lived at Wilson's Creek, came regularly afterward for about a year before a society was formed; then a regular class was organized, consisting of thirteen members. In 1871, Rev. Enoch Prouty and family came. After they had been here about a year, the little society set to work to build a church. The church was built in 1872, but not completely finished. In the spring of 1873, Dr. William H. Brisbane was called to the pastorate. During this season, the chui'ch was finished all but painting, at a cost of $600. Dr. Brisbane remained until his death, in 1878. Since that time, services have been held irregularly, students from Madison and itinerant ministers being the supply. The church is free from debt.

Methodist Episcopal Church. - The first class of the Methodist Episcopal Church here was organized by John J. Walker, as nearly as can be learned, about 1861. The first membership was fourteen souls, all told. They began by holding their meetings in the schoolhouse. Rev. Walker served one year; then Rev. J. C. Brainard came and remained two years. During his pastorate a revival was held, which resulted in making five converts, who were admitted to full membership. The parsonage was built while he served, at a cost of about $900, $200 of which was paid off only this last year. The next preacher was Rev. R. Gould, who served but a year, with no material advancement shown. After him, Rev. A. G. Cooly came and remained a year, two additions being made to the society while he was here. He was followed by J. Thomas Pryor, who served two years. During his time revivals were held at different points, and large numbers were converted and joined the church here and elsewhere. The succeeding

Pastor was Rev. William R. Irish ; he served two years. After he came, in 1868, the organization was forbidden to use the schoolhouse any longer, and, to supply a temporary place of worship, a rough board shanty, capable of seating about 150 persons, was erected. Quite a number were taken into the church at this time. Rev. Henry J. Walker came next, in 1870, and remained two vears. During his pastorate, in 1871, the present church was erected and finished, and was dedicated on the 4th of February, 1872, by Rev. D. W. Couch. The church is 36x54, without entries and recess ; it is a frame, veneered with white brick and built on stone foundation. It is very neatly finished and seated, and has handsome stained-glass windows. It has also belfry and good bell. The parsonage and barn are in a good state of repair, and, taking the whole church property here into account, it is one of the best in the county. The cost of the church is §4,500, as it stands to-day. During the time the church was being built, a difficulty arose between the principal members and the Pastor with reference to the building, which ultimately caused an open rupture, and about fourteen of the leading members left. This movement so crippled the resources of the church that, at the dedication, there was an indebtedness standing against the church of §2,200. At this time subscriptions were taken, purporting to be enough to pay the debt, but, in the event, many of the parties failed to pay, there being but a little more than one-half of the §2,200 paid. Eventually, the Methodist Episcopal Extension Society gave §400 toward paying the debt and loaned §300. But, notwithstanding this aid and wiiat was paid by subscribers, in 1879, through the accumulation of interest and the mismanagement of funds, the church was yet in debt §2,000, but finally, during that year, under the management of the Rev. D. Clingraan, the whole amount was canceled, leaving the property entirely free from debt. The three lots, a quarter of Block 4, were donated by the original owners of the village plat.

Rev. Robert Smith succeeded Rev. H. J. Walker in the fall of 1872, and served one year. He was followed by James T. Bryant, who served from 1873 to 1875. After him. Rev. E. T. Briggs was appointed and served one year, a few additions being made to the church. Then Rev. S. W. Iluigh served from 1876 to 1878, without any material change being made in the church allairs. In 1878, tiie Rev. D. Clingman came to the charge. He has succeeded, during his service, in restoring order where confusion prevailed, and has left the church in a healthy financial condition and also made various improvements in the property. There are now thirtytwo members in good standing in connection with the church here. There are, besides, at the present time, six regularly organizeil classes in connection with this charge, located in various parts of the county adjacent to this point.