Sparta City (part 2 of 2)

AVhat proved to be the most disastrous flood ever experienced in this city, or even in the county, occurred on the night of June 11th and 12th of 1899. The day had been pleasant up until 6 o'clock in the evening, when a storm gathered and broke over the city. For a time there was a bombardment of hail with it, then it settled down to a steady downpour of rain, which continued hour after hour nearly all night. An immense amount of water fell. The streams, brooks and rivers, especially the LaCrosse river and Beaver creek both ran over their banks and every creek and little rivulet in this part of the country overflowed, washed out roads, cultivated fields and bridges and caused great damage. The city got the full force of the storm and tlie desti'iirtioii ul' the Bacon dam followed the flood which came down l^eaver creek. Lnmber, boards, and even a hay stack or two were washed in with the torrent and lodged against the Bacon dam, and in spite of all that Mr. Jiacon, with what help he could procure, could do, they were finally compelled to desist and the structure w'cnt out and was swept away down the stream. AVith the rush of this tremendous force against the northwest corner of the Conover building, which stood near the dam, it was seen that the building Avas in danger. IMr. Conover and his wife, who lived on the second floor of the building, were unaware of the situation, and being warned they took what clothing they could carry and escaped from the building just before it was undermined and sw^ept info the flood. It fell into the flood and the water drove the ruins of the building against the bridge on "Water street, and then with a tremendous noise it was hurled under the bridge and strewn all along the stream. Not a vestige of the building was left where if had stood. It was completely swept away and swallowed up by the flood. The C. E. Kich building next to it was threatened for some time, but the flood receded. Forces were organized tow^ard morning and with ])ags of sand and trunks of trees kept the flood away from the building. Walrath creek rose to a tremendous height and swept out the ^Miller and Kasen dam, which had just been completed from a former flood. Telephone lines were dow^n and all the bridges in the city except two -were out of commission. The road to the Northwestern depot for some time was under two or three feet of wafer, and the whole river bottom below the paper mill was covered, while the houses adjoining the banks were partially submerged. The night of June 11th Avas a wild night in the city, one long to be remembered, for it seemed for a time as though the tremendous flood "woidd carry away a i)()rfion of the business buildings whiili were situated next to Beaver creek, and luckily no lives were lost. No estimate has been made of the actual damage, but it reached a large sum.

For the second time Avithin the period of little over a year Sparta experienced another serious flood on the nights of Octol)er 27th and 28th. Beaver creek, running through the heart of the city, Avith a reputation for mischief of many years past, rose to the highest point if had ever reached, and OAving to the fact that the tAvo dams upon it Avere in better shape to resist the flood than ever before, no great damage Avas done. The Bacon and Evans dams, hoAvever, both Aveut out eventually Avifhout any injury to any of the buildings around its banks, but flie bridge approaches at Montgomery, Main and Oak streets were severely damaged and the abutments of the Oak street bridge were so badly torn that they had to be rebuilt. The LaCrosse river also rose rapidly and flooded the low sections between Railroad street and Court street, which looked so threatening that the fire alarm was rang and the people routed out. The LaCrosse river reached such a height on Long court and the flat in front of it that the sidewalk to the Northwestern depot was carried over to the west side of the street, and some of the dwellings were flooded. Quite serious damage was done at the Newton plant at Angelo, where they Avere making extensive repairs to the dam. The coffer-dam was carried out and the whole plant had a narrow escape from destruction.

As a result of correspondence conducted in the previous year or two Dr. F. P. Stiles received a letter dated February 8, 1902, from Andrew Carnegie, agreeing to give $10,000 to the city of Sparta for the erection of a public library. The city council accepted the offer, which resulted in the handsome building now occupied by the city library, which has proven to be a great boom to the people of the city.

In 1903 the citizens of Sparta planned and carried out a Fourth of July celebration which is worthy of note. The preparations were elaborate and quite unique. After an immense parade in the morning with the usual exercises, in the afternoon, upon stages which had been erected in the street, free performances were given for the people by artists hired for that purpose, which continued during the entire afternoon and evening. This method was so successful that it has been carried on in many of the large cities of the state in celebrations of this character.

In December, 1903, the city of Sparta took an appeal from the equalization of assessments made by the county board to the circuit court of Monroe county. The board appointed Van S. Bennett, of Viroqua ; Chester Lyon, of Mauston, and C. S. Van Auken, of LaCrosse, as the commissioners. After a thorough investigation and a hearing at which a large number of witnesses were sworn, the commission found in favor of the city of Sparta and reduced the assessed valuation of the city from $1,957,000 to $1,859,150, a reduction of about $88,000.

The year 1904 marked the passing away of several of Sparta's most prominent citizens. On February 16, 1904, David D. Cheney died at Biloxi, Miss. ]\Ir. Cheney was one of the pioneers in the city of Sparta, a man who had accumulated large wealth by reason of his excellent business ability.

Soon afterwai'ds the news flashed over tlie Avires from Pasadena, Cal., that Ira A. Hill, one of Sjiartn's most prominent citizens, had died in that city on that date.

1904, when the famons Li1)erty Bell, from the old statehonse in Boston, passed lliroii^ii iicrc. being taken on a trip Hirouyh the country so tluit llic people migfht see this famons bell. The special ti'iiin carrying- it ni'i-ived hitc in the afternoon and halted at the station for about ;i luilf hour, giving llic thousands of people Avho had collected ample opportunity to view it. AVlien the train pulled out three mighty cheers were given for the "Old Liberty Bell.'' It certainly was a lesson to see the reverence with which this object was viewed by the people generally.

On Sunday morning, January 22, 1905, the St. Patrick's Catholic church was totally destroyed by fire. The fire started in the basement and before it could be brought under control the entire church was enveloped in the flames. It was an old wooden building, which had been first erected in 1867 down near the ^Milwaukee depot and moved to the present location in 1877. In 1883 St. Patrick's congregation was incorporated. The congregation luckily had $1,500 of insurance on the building, so that it was not a total loss. Steps were innnediately taken for the erection of the handsome new chiu'ch, and on Sunday, June 24, 1905, the corner-stone of the new edifice was laid Avith impressive ceremonies by Bishop Sch.weboch, of LaCrosse, and on June 5, 1907. the bishop again visited the church and presided at the dedication ceremonies, which were very elaborate. The equal of this beautiful Iniilding is hard to find in a city of this size anywhere in the state of AVisconsin. Its magnificent proportions are very sightly and tlie interior is handsonu^ly appointed and decorated.

On October 2(j, 27 and 2S the Western Wisconsin Teachers' Association held its session in this city. There was an attendance of over 600 teachers, with several prominent educators, among them C. P. Cary, state superintendent of pul)lic instruction. This meeting Avas procured by the efforts of Prof. F. M. J.u-k, who Avas then superintendent of the Sparta schools. The sessions of the associ.'ilidu were very interesting and instructive and tlie pul)lic addresses delivered by Mr. Cary ;md othei-s were greatly enjoyed liy tlu^ citizens of Sparta.

After a long series of years in Avhich effoi-ts hatl been made to collect sufficient funds, the soldiers' monument Avas at last completed. It Avas placed in the North park, and on May 30.

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celebration was in charge of John W. Lynn post, Grand Army of the Republic, and a general invitation was issued to the citizens of the county to participate. The Henry AV. Cressy post, G. A. R., of Touiah, came over, accompanied by their friends, 150 strong, bringing their drum corps; and a large representation was present from the towns, villages and cities of the county. A dinner was served at the armory from 11:30 to 12:30, and in the afternoon a great parade, led by the Sparta band of twenty-five pieces, headed by Company L and the Grand Army veterans, passed through the streets to North park, where the formal exercises were held. After an address by INlr. Beebe, giving the history of the monument, it was presented to the city by AY. H. Blyton, and accepted in behalf of the city by A. J. Carnahan, president of the city council, after which an eloquent address was delivered by Congressman John J. Esch. Perhaps to Dr. D. C. Beebe more than any one man is credit due for the success of this great undertaking. He exerted great efforts to bring it about, and it was one of the proud moments of his life that he was able to stand before it and deliver his address, reciting the struggles wiiich had been gone through to accomplish it.

On ]May 17, 1907, the new Bank of Sparta building was completed and opened for business ; truly a handsome building, one of the best to be found in this part of the state, and reflects great credit upon its builders and the institution.

Sparta has had its full share of fire and floods, especially floods, and another disastrous one was experienced July 21, 1907. At this time, however, the damage which was done was not very serious and confined more to one locality in the city. The old IMiller and Kaiser dam at the City mills, near the St. Paul depot, then owned by Bergman Brothers, again went out and the flood swept away the railroad bridge just below it. The bridge on East avenue was also let down on one end and so badly racked that it was some time before it was repaired so that travel could go over it.

October 10th the local camps of Independent Order of Odd Fellows entertained the state grand encampment of Odd Fellows. IMany visitors were present and there was a large attendance of delegates from all over the state.

During 1908 a number of municipal improvements were undertaken, especially with regard to the sewer system in various parts of the city, and the year marked also the inauguration of the free letter carrier system by the post office department. This went into operation June 1, the city having been divided into three districts, and as a result of civil service examinations here for the purpose, K. A. Merrill, J. R. Pulinan and IT. G. Angle were appointed carriers.

Dr. D. C. Beebe, who was postmaster at the time the service was inaugurated, lived long enough to see it in full operation when he passed away on June 9, 1908, one of Sparta's most progressive and best loved citizens.

This year is also marked by taking from the ranks of its prominent men, Kufus S, Dodge, a pioneer merchant, wlio died July 31, 1908, very suddenly. Tlie business which bears his name is one which has attracted attention to the city of Sparta, and is today its principal mercantile establishment.

An event of unusual interest in musical circles was a band carnival held on September 2 and 3, 1908, which was participated in by two regimental bands, the Third Regiment band from Viroqua and the First Regiment band of Baraboo, together with bands from Reedsburg, Tomah and Sparta. They were consolidated into one huge organization, which gave a parade in tlu^ business portions of the city, making a volume of tone which sounded like an immense pipe organ. Band concerts, horse racing and various sports furnished amusement and enjoyment to the vast throng of Sparta people and visitors who participated.

The Fair store, opposite the Hotel Lewis, was discovered to be on fire early in the morning of January 31, 1909, and for a time the entire block of business buildings was threatened. The weather Avas ])itterly cold, l)ut the firemen succeeded in confining the blaze in this building, which was completely l)ui'n<Ml inside, and the stock of general merchandise, owned by Sam Herch, was a total loss.

Henry Esch, father of Congressman John J. Esch, and one of the pioneer residents of the county, passed away early in April at a ripe old age.

Death also claimed T. 0. Tliorl)us on September 28. 1909. alter a brief illness. ]Mr. Thornbus was a very public-spirited citizen and held a prominent place in the community for many years.

December, 3909, marked the forming of the Jefferson Leaf Tobacco Company, under the management of \V. T. Jefferson, formerly manager of the American Cigar Coinpany plant in Sparta. The Jefferson company was incorjiorated and immediately secured the Shattuck building on Oak street, where the ])usiness of buying and selling tobacco is now conducted on a large scale.

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spring and summer of 1910 in tearing up the old cedar pavement on "Water street, from Franklin street south for several bloc-ks, and putting in brick pavement with a solid concrete foundation. The work cost about $10,000, the most of which was borne by the adjacent property.

Old residents were made happy in ]\Iay by a visit of Gov. James N. Gillett, of California, to his boyhood home. Sparta claims Governor ''Jim" as its own, and he seemed to enjoy meeting old friends and acquaintances immensely and spent several days looking them up. The governor is one of the tine examples of what an American boy, without advantages, can make of himself, and his autobiography in another chapter should be read by everyone.

On IMay 25, 1910. at precisely 2:48 in the afternoon, the first spike was driven on the ^Milwaukee, Sparta & Northwestern Railway at the starting point of this new road in this city. The honor of performing this ceremony was given to AVilliam M. Forseman, the agent of the Northwestern company at Sparta, and was accomplished in the presence of several officials of the new company and many citizens, thus marking another epoch in the railway history of the city of Sparta and one which undoubtedly will prove to its advantages in the future.

After long efforts Congressman Esch was enabled to wire to Postmaster Brandt in June, 1910, the good news that he had secured an appropriation of $60,000 with which to purchase a site and erect a government postoffice building in Sparta. Later on the postoffice department sent a representative to the city to select a site, and after a thorough investigation this official announced his decision, favoring the lots back of the AYarner House on the corner of Main and Court streets, including the Hemstock dray barn property. This site Avas subsequently purchased and a commodious postoffice building, containing offices for the officials of the government military reservation, will undoubtedly be erected within a year or two from the publication of this M'ork.

Two of Sparta's pioneer citizens passed away in 1911. L. S. Fisher, many years postmaster, died March 17th, and John Moffat, one of the earliest settlers, who did much in the upbuilding of Sparta, died ]\Iarch 27th.

The year as a whole was uneventful, marked onlv bv the natural growth of business, retarded somewhat by the rather stringent financial situation which prevailed for a time throughout the country.

littk' city, Avith its 4,0(10 pcoj)!!' l)iisy in vai-ioiis Avalks of life; its miles of paved .streets, with beautiful lioulevards in some portions; a little city whose inhal)itants have given it a reputation not only for business, })ut as a eleanly and well kept town; carefully elip|)f(l lawns, well li'iuimcd sliadc trees, homes neatly painted, all combine in the title so often heard, "Beautiful Sparta.''

Closely connected with the history of the city of Sparta is that of the town, for it Avas all one at the beginning, and the settlers who came in and took up land at the point and vieinity of where the city now stands Avere the earliest settlers of the town of Sparta, notably the Petit boys, wdio first settled somewhere near Castle Rock, Rev. Walrath, J. D. Damman, A. H. Blake and the score or more of others, who are so fully mentioned in the chapter devoted to the city.

There are many who came in during the later fifties and early sixties, and to give a complete list of .them would be a task, indeed ; among them, however, may be mentioned Palmer Austin, who was an early settler in the fifties; A. P. Payne, also E. II. Eddy in 1854, and C. E. Peek. :\rr. :\Ie:\Iann and Josiah Tueker in the same year; 0. M. Shattuek, 1856; John Ilutson, Sr.. and Sol Ilutson, who settled in Big Creek in 1855 or 1856. Among those who came later were Peter Frye, Russell Brownell, John AYinters, Henry Esch, Lansom Parks and R. 11. Rogers.

The town of Sparta has prospered amazingly since the earlier days and its assessed valuation in 1011 reached the enormous sum of !|<1,016,526 and its equalized valuation $1,272,900; and among the towns in the county which have pushed tlie good roads movement this town has been the pioneer. In fact, the efforts nmde by the town in this direction called itself to the attention of the state anthorities and undoubtedly was one of the moving causes to the extensive plans for the improvement of country roads everywhere in the state, and to it, Chairman Aug Sehlaver, now deceased, was due great credit for inaugurating it.

The town was originally organized October 8, 1854, by a resolution of the county board and was one of the first five towns into which the county was divided after the organization of it. An election was held the following spring in which a full complement of town officers w^as elected, the town board continuing to administer the municipal affairs of the entire territory within the limits, including the so-called village until the latter was incorporated and became a separate municipality, as lias been elsewhere related.

The present officers of the town are J. P. Johnson, chairman; Evan Humphrey and J. T. "VVillgrubs, supervisors ; A. J. Frye, clerk ; W. P. Bamber, treasurer ; Gothern Liddle, assessor. The population of the town, according to the census of 1910, was 1,504.