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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-01-13 PACKET 09.HISTORICAL _ it kin A y WHISPERINGS It Washington County Historical Society i ► t "� Volume 41, Issue 3 Washington County, Minnesota October 2014 Bastien's Band A Legacy of Excellence in the Stillwater Area High School Music Program, 1933 -1949 By Anna Peterson Anna Peterson was a summer intern with the Washington County Historical Society this season. This article is an ex- tract from the research paper she produced. Anna is a na- tive of Stillwater, a 2010 graduate of SAHS, and a graduate of Augsburg College with a BA in Music. William H Bastien was the second director of the Stillwater High School music program, and set the standard for the continuing success of the program. Photo from SAS 1949 Kabekonian yearboolc. If you mention the last name of " Bastien" to a jazz or classical musician in the Twin Cities, you may get a re- sponse referring to the bassist "Biddy" or cellist and arrang- er "Vin." You may hear about the Gene Krupa Band or the studio band at WCCO and you may even hear about piano lessons. There were many Bastions, all siblings and all ac- complished musicians: Vince, Annette, Gertrude, Biddy, Tony, Dave and Billy. For example, Biddy is one of twenty - seven musicians in the Twin Cities Jazz Hall of Fame. But In This Issue ... ... we discover a musical family In Stillwater, learn more about the early settlers In Stillwater and Grant Townships and meet a founder of WCHS ... plus, news of the organization. where they carne from and the person who inspired the mu- sic within them was their father, the second band director at Stillwater High School, William H. Bastion. At a young age William Bastion knew he wanted to perform. He told his father, at the age of eleven, that he wanted to be a concert violinist. His family didn't agree, but William persisted and started malting money as a violinist in his town. A few years down the road he met a very tal- ented piano prodigy named Estelle Cromie. Her mother had died in childbirth and she had been passed down from rela- tive to relative. They fell in love and decided it would be cheaper if they were to live together. They got married in 1909. William was in his twenties and Estelle still a teen- ager. In miler to hear music in the 20th century; you went Executive Director's Report p. 2 Mary Woodward Bailey P. 5 Those picnickers of 1902 -3 p. 6 Museum Manager's Report P. 9 Calendar of history events P. 10 and listened to a band play, or you played the music your- self. So William and Estelle took many jobs at town dances, town bands, Estelle taught piano lessons and played scores BASTEIN CONTINUED ON PAGE Q Brent Peterson Executive Director Sean Pallas Warden's House Manager Dustyn Dubuque Hay Lake Museum Manager Chairs Robert Goodman Endowment Fund Chair Nancy Goodman Newsletter Editor Historical Whisperings is published quarterly by the Washington County Historical Society, PO Box 167, Stillwater, MN55082 -0167. Website: www.ivchsmn.org Phone: 651- 439 -5956. For information about stories and newsletter articles, contact editor @wclrsmn.org For information about events and collections, contact information@wchsinn.org To book museum tour contact spallos.ivchs @gmail.com or phone 651 -439 -5956 The award winning WCHS outreach vintage base ball program, the St. Croix Base Ball Club, played all across Washington County, as well as around Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Thousands of "cranks" came by at one match or another to watch how base ball was meant to be played and what it was like in Minnesota just before the outbreak of the Civil War. Thank'you to everyone for being members of this great organization. Remember to renew your membership for 2015 and keep the Washington County Historical Soci- ety in mind when Give to the Max Day comes around on November 13, 2014. Brent T. Peterson, WCHS Executive Director News of WCHS ... Author Frederick Johnson at Fall Membership Dinner WCHS members and guests were given a taste of the past by author Frederick Johnson at the fall dinner meeting on September 25. Johnson, a for- mer editor of the South Washington County Bulle- tin and a teacher in the St. Paul public schools, spoke about the Sea Wing disaster to more than 50 at the Water Street Inn in Stillwater. The Sea Wing, a river steamboat, capsized during a storm on Lake Pepin in July 1890. There were 215 passengers on the excursion out of Red Wing, of which nearly 100 died, malting this one of the deadliest accidents on the nation's inland waters. Johnson's new book, The Sea WingDisas- ter: Tragedy on Lake Pepin, was available for signing and purchase. 2 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS Fr®m the Executive Director Board & Staff Washington County Summer has been swept quickly by and replaced with another beautiful fall season. Historical Society The past few months the Washington County Historical Society has been on full speed with events, tours and renovations. The Hay Lake School Museum held the seventh annual WCHS Beer Tasting as Board well as another successful Hay Lake Day celebration. A new speaker series at the David Lindsey President School was highlighted by the history of Minnesota professional wrestling, vintage Scott Foss Vice President baseball and the lumber industry. Mary Smith from the Stone House Museum present - Toe Otte Recording Secretary ed a great program in fi•ont of a good sized crowd and Bob Goodman of Stillwater Tom Simonet Treasurer talked about the St. Croix lumber industry. The bathrooms at the Museum received Myron Anderson Director new floors thanks to a grant from the DeLonais Foundation. The Warden's House has been buzzing with visitors as well as some great events Holly Fitzenberger Director including Ken Martens and Minnesota Prison Warden Michelle Smith. The Warden's John Kaul Director House received a new coat of paint and the front sidewalk was replaced earlier this Karlene McComb Director year. Bec4 Pung Director The documentary on Supreme Court Justice Rosalie Wahl, "Girl from Birch Angie Noyes Director Creek," won a Minnesota History Award this year. Scores of researchers come into the research center every month to find out information on their family, business or histor- Staff is homes. Brent Peterson Executive Director Sean Pallas Warden's House Manager Dustyn Dubuque Hay Lake Museum Manager Chairs Robert Goodman Endowment Fund Chair Nancy Goodman Newsletter Editor Historical Whisperings is published quarterly by the Washington County Historical Society, PO Box 167, Stillwater, MN55082 -0167. Website: www.ivchsmn.org Phone: 651- 439 -5956. For information about stories and newsletter articles, contact editor @wclrsmn.org For information about events and collections, contact information@wchsinn.org To book museum tour contact spallos.ivchs @gmail.com or phone 651 -439 -5956 The award winning WCHS outreach vintage base ball program, the St. Croix Base Ball Club, played all across Washington County, as well as around Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Thousands of "cranks" came by at one match or another to watch how base ball was meant to be played and what it was like in Minnesota just before the outbreak of the Civil War. Thank'you to everyone for being members of this great organization. Remember to renew your membership for 2015 and keep the Washington County Historical Soci- ety in mind when Give to the Max Day comes around on November 13, 2014. Brent T. Peterson, WCHS Executive Director News of WCHS ... Author Frederick Johnson at Fall Membership Dinner WCHS members and guests were given a taste of the past by author Frederick Johnson at the fall dinner meeting on September 25. Johnson, a for- mer editor of the South Washington County Bulle- tin and a teacher in the St. Paul public schools, spoke about the Sea Wing disaster to more than 50 at the Water Street Inn in Stillwater. The Sea Wing, a river steamboat, capsized during a storm on Lake Pepin in July 1890. There were 215 passengers on the excursion out of Red Wing, of which nearly 100 died, malting this one of the deadliest accidents on the nation's inland waters. Johnson's new book, The Sea WingDisas- ter: Tragedy on Lake Pepin, was available for signing and purchase. 2 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS December 13 Holiday Event at the Warden's House WCHS will hold our annual Holiday Open House at the Warden's House on Saturday, December 13 from 1 to 4 PM. Once again, the museum will be deco- rated in holiday finery and guests will enjoy the sound of live music and munch on holiday treats. Best of all, you will be able to meet local authors and buy their books —an ideal way to find great Christmas gifts. Visit and chat with local authors Nicole Helget with her new novel, Stillwater, and Ken Martens, with his revealing study of The Perilous St. Croix River Valley Frontier. Ice Cream Social Will Be January 17 in Lowell Park Save the date and get ready for some winter fun! The Washington County Historical Society will hold the seventh annual Ice Cream Social in Lowell Park on the Stillwater levee on Saturday, January 17, 2015. Enjoy FREE ice cream and coffee, or warm up with a cup of chili for a nominal fee. This event is a re- creation of the winter Ice Cream Socials held back in the 1950s, where everyone seemed to have fun despite the cold weather. Stop in between noon and 3 PM to celebrate winter and enjoy cold (or hot) treat. All proceeds and donations benefit the Washington County Historical Society. Angie Noyes Appointed to WCHS Board Angela Noyes, of White Bear Lake, has been appointed to fill out the term of Mark Balay on the WCHS board of di- rectors. Angie is a librarian for the Washington County Library System at the Hardwood Creek Library. She pre- viously served on the WCHS board from 1999 through 2009 and most re- cently has served on the WCHS En- dowment Committee. She brings exper- tise in human relations to the board. Check Out the New WCHS Website We'd like to take this opportunity to announce the launch of the brand new online home of the Washington County Historical Society — www.wchsmn.org. The ob- servant Whisperings reader and WCHS supporter will point out, "Wait a minute! That's the same web site as before!" And while the addresses are the same to make the transition smoother, the similarities end there. The old website has served us well this last decade, but the old girl was built on clunky and dated ar- chitecture and it was time to put her out to pasture. This new website has been rebuilt entirely from the ground up. Utilizing a sleek and modern design, users are able to quickly learn about our latest events, find information regarding our museums and browse through our Master Index of over 15000 entries. Do you enjoy reading our once - every -other week e- newsletter? Well, the new WCHS site contains a back - catalogue of every Histori- cal Messenger. Dig up an old favorite of yours or link an interesting article or Pho- to of the Week to a friend! Head over to www.wchsmn.org and soak up some of that new website smell! Author with Local Origins Visits the Old Home -- The Johannes Erickson Log House Museum John Cluistgau, son of Alice Erick- son Christgau and the great grandson of Johannes Erickson came back for a visit to the family home in Scandia which is now on the National Regis- ter of Historic Places and operated by the Washington County Historical Society. John, who is from California, is an author like his mother and recent- ly wrote a book titled, Incident at Otterville Station, that describes how two companies of the 9th Minnesota Regiment rescued a family of slaves in Missouri. He talked about his book at the Warden's House this summer. John has authored a dozen books which have been published by the Uni- versity of Nebraska Press. Give to the Max Day Is November 13, 2014 Support the Washington County Historical Society online. Gifts made on Give to the Max Day may qualify for matching grants, thus adding to your donation. You can donate on November 13 or at any time through this giving website for Minnesota nonprofits. To donate visit our website <www.wchsmn.org> or go directly to our GIveMN page: <http: / /razoo.com/ story/Washington- County - Historical- Society -7> giveMN.org OCTOBER 2014 3 John Christgau and members ofhis family visit the Johannes Erickson log home at the Hay Lake Museum. BASrrEn- Continued fr om page l on the piano along side the silent films. At the time they were living in Little Falls, Minnesota. They later moved to Pine City, Min- nesota where they would live until 1920, when William was offered a position in Buhl, Minnesota, as a bandmaster. The family stayed in Buhl until 1930, when the money ran out for the bandmaster posi- tion. William moved his family once again to Minneapolis where he started going to school for a teaching certificate at the Minneapolis College of Music (now McPhail School of Music). Once he had the degree, he obtained a position teaching at Stillwater High School in 1933. According to William's grandson, David T Bastien, "William's bands were always winning bands." This in- cludes the town bands he had been in charge of, the Stillwa- ter Municipal /American Legion band, the high school band and the inspiration he gave to all of his own children. In 1934 Mr. Bastien and the principal J. O. Johnson, agreed to send student Bob Morgan to the University of Minnesota to study drum majoring with Mr, Agaare. In 1935 Bastien created a junior and a senior band. The junior band consisted of about 30 students. "Mr. Bastien is looking to the future with hopes of a crack state - championship band from the material in the junior band," states the Stillwater Arrow on October 22, 1935. The senior band was left in the hands of Drum Major, Bob Morgan and had begun march- ing at football games and at other occasions. By 1936 the Stillwater High School band had its larg- est enrollment ever. There were 36 members and were working their way to 45 by the end of the year. That same Stillwater High School Band front ont 1946 i )rant of the high school in their new uniforms. Director Bastien is in the center. The band members raised the money for these uniforms by marching around town in overalls carrying a sign that read, "Don't you think we need new uniforms?" year, the band tied for third place with Anoka High School at the district contest. Bastien was the only director at the high school to direct both the orchestra and the band. It was under his direction, with the choir newly founded by Miss Fairchild, that the music department was able to have its first annual department -wide concert on April 5, 1938, which included the band, orchestra and choir. A report of the concert from the Stillwater Arrow on April 26 1938 says this: A packed auditorium listened to selections by the band and orchestra ... and by the choir. Several outstanding selec- tions included on the varied program presented by the band and orchestra were: "The Big Bass Drum' ; the clarinet trio composed of Jerry Davis, Helen Andrewson, and Frank Phalan; the French horn solo by Billy Bastien; and "Every Little Movement, "played by the orchestra. " Bastien later had to abandon the orchestra because of lack of students interested in learning to play stringed in- struments. Bastien himself was responsible for all of the private instrumental lessons each student would get each week at school. On average he would be giving sixty or seventy individual lessons each week on various instru- ments. Estelle Bastien and her rhythm class at the Bastien home on Third Street n Stillwater. Back row: Jerry Goggins, Marion Carlberg, Karen Sigstad, Sandra Arcand, Barbara Kern, John Thoreen, Toni [7] Bastien, John Alexander. Seated: May Ann Sandeen, Susan Alexander, Dorcas Jones, Maureen Orff (behind), Ann Taylor, Gayle Parry, Betsy Collinge, Willie Bastien, Kathie Carlson, Barbara Arcand.Photo courtesy of David Bastien. 4 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS By 1938 and 1939 the band had grown significantly. There were about 40 in the band, and 20 playing in the or- chestra. With the creation of a concert choir in 1937, Stillwater's music department had become quite large. Be- cause of the growing numbers the band was constantly fundraising for new uniforms for the incoming students and replacement of the used uniforms. Under the direction of Mr. Bastien, the band had im- proved significantly. In 1947 the band received their first "A" rating at a district contest. They continued to the state regional contest to earn a `B" rating. According to the 1948 Kabekonian, "when Mr. Bastien first began directing the band in 1933, of the thirty students to sign up for band, ordy three students could read music.... In the past two years the band has received an "A" and a "B" rating in the district contest and a "B" rating in the regional contest. This year the band also shows great promise for the 1949 contest." Bastien and his family not only had the musical influ- ence on the band and orchestra students, but Fstelle Bastien, being a very talented pianist, gave piano lessons, rhythm classes and dance classes to children in the Stillwater area. Unfortunately in January of 1949, Bastien's son Pat- rick, who had just begun studies at the University of Minne- sota, unexpectedly committed suicide. This left Director Bastien, his wife and family beside themselves and prompt- ed the leave of Bastien fi•om the Stillwater Schools. This leave was of shock to the students and provoked articles of gratitude on his leave in the Stillwater Arrow, and in the Gazette. From the Stillwater Evening Gazette, Monday, May 2, 1949: "There must be first of all an innate musicianship in the director himself. Then he must be able to transmit that qual- it)r to the players in the organization. He must keep the group under control at all times and yet retain the admira- tion and respect of the members of his group. From my ob- servation, Mr. Bastien certainly qualifies in all these char- acteristics. To you Mr. Bastien, may you enjoy many more years in the fields of work, which is, I know, close to your heart. We are going to miss you. Sincerely, Margaret L. Clark" And it was not only Mr. and Mrs. Bastien who were Anna Peterson's source for much of this family material is a musically talented in the family. Their children were all ex- interview conducted with David T. Bastien, grandson of Wil- tremely talented musicians, and many of them graduated liam, on July 9, 2014. Her full report is available at WCHS. from Stillwater High School and became established musi- cians in the Twin Cities. u�rJOOOCUO ❑u F.uocrJ000UU��v ❑cocco �o ❑e��a a�;arJOO CO ❑€;cv ©m�e[�uo�� EARLY HISTORICAL SOCIETY PIONEER Mary Woodward Bailey Mary was bom in St. Paul Park, MN on February 16, 1881, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Forrest E. Woodward. She graduated from Central High School in St. Paul and then from the University of Minne- sota with Phi Beta I {appa honors in 1902. On November 1, 1906, she married Henry J. Bailey. Henry died in 1915 and Mrs. Bailey managed the family farm in St. Paul Park with her sons, Lee and Forrest H. She was active in the community serving on the board of education and helping to organize the Langdon consolidated school. She was a member of the Newport Methodist Church and was a past president of the Woman's club in Newport. She was one of the founders of the Washington County Historical Society in 1934. She served in many capacities over the course of years and was president of the organization from 1943 through 1947. She con- tinued her involvement until her death in August 1952 — at that time she was heading a committee on revisions of the organizations constitution and by -laws. Mary Woodward Bailey with sons Lee and Forrest about 1941.. , OCTOBER 2014 5 MORE ON THE STORY So, Who Were The By Jerry Brosious This picture, published in our last newsletter, intrigued Jerry Brosious, who is a former editor of Historical Whisperings. Many of the people pictured are his relatives; most lived in an area just northwest of Stillwater. Jerry helped us identify the people in the picture, taken about 1902 -3 at Twin Lakes, then decided to learn more about them. Jerry is a great - grandson of Amos and Eliza Brosious. Our 21st century picnic experience is a far cry from a typical summer outing like the one shown in the accompanying photo, taken 112 years ago at Twin Lakes just a few miles west of Stillwater. North Twin Lake is along the north side of Highway 96 and South Twin Lake on the south side, and just west of Neal Avenue North in Stillwater Township. Those gathering on this summer day were country neigh- bors, almost all from Stillwater Township. Many of them were related, but not all stemming from the same family. The Van Tassel, Macey and Ramsden families were related; and the Brosious, Rutherford, Newman and Briggs families were relat- ed. The majority of people in this photo were Protestant; a few were Catholic and, interestingly, with just three families who were, they represent the three ethnic Catholic churches in Stillwater at the time— h-ish, German and French. Most of the Protestants were Presbyterian. All but the Curtises and Jarchows lived in the Rutherford Settlement or Neighborhood, which was bounded by (present) Highway 36 on the south, Highway 96 on the north, Jamaca Avenue (approximately) on the east and the old Stillwater city limits on the west. The Curtis and Jarchow farms were only a fnw milers fn tha nnrthenet of Twin Lakes. These were nota- ble, active farmers of Stillwater and Grant Townships and most were connected to the earliest settlers there. Charles Macey's early life was one of adventure and color. One of the earliest settlers in Stillwater Township was Charles Macey, shown here with wife Sa- rah Van Tassel Macey. Front, l -rc William Van Tassel, Ed Ramsden, George Jarchow, Clarence Newman, unknown. Midddle: Charles Ruthei ford, Charles Macey Sr., Sarah Vat Tassel Macey, Susan LaPointe Van Tassel, Eliza Rutherford Brosious, Antos Brosious, Stephen W. Powell Ferdinand Rosche. Standing: Fred Rosche, Amanda Cook Powell, Harriett Rutherford, unknown, Thomas W Curtis Sr., CastinaRutheifordBriggs, Mary Noonan Curtis, Mrs. Ferdinand Rosche, Ella Powell Newman. He was born in Quebec province in 1821. His obituary (Stillwater Daily. Gazette, Oct. 6, 1910), paints an evocative story: "Charles Macey, the last of the very first pioneer resi- dents of this vicinity ... was an orphan at the age of 13 and made his home with a farmer until his majority when he made his way by canal, steamboat and railway to St. Louis. For a time he was in the employ of the American Fur Company. Mr. Macey was an ideal type of the rugged, honest and upright frontier settlers who came to Fort Snelling in 1845 and imme- diately after to this city." The fast land claim Charles Macey staked out in 1846 was disputed by Walter Vail; Macey relented and the Vail par- cel was bought by Rev. William T. Boutwell. The Boutwell and Macey farms backed up to one another. The site of the Macey farm is today's Brown's Creek Park; the house was located near the west end of the parking lot. Directly across on the north side ofMcKusicic Rd. was the Amos Brosious' farm and site of the Rutherford – Brosious grist mill. Charles Macey married Sarah Van Tassel, daughter of William E. Van Tas- sel, Sr. and his first wife, whose name the writer has not un- covered. Sarah was born in 1837 in Ohio. Her mother died in 1846 at LaPointe, Wisconsin and in 1847 Susan LaPointe Van Tassel became her stepmother. When the first school board in his district was organized, Van Tassel was elected cleric; this must have been the Twin Lakes School located near the south- east comer of Neal Avenue and Highway 96. (The current structure on that site was moved there in the latter 1900s after 6 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS r the then - defunct school house burned.) One of Charles and Sarah Macey's daughters, Wealthy Macey, married Eli Brasser and later the Macey farm became the Brasser's The ruins of the house stood until the late 1960s. Because of Charles Macey's Quebec birthplace as well as his funeral at "the French church "--St. Joseph's in Stillwater the writer wonders if his surname was possibly anglicized from the French Massey. William E. Van Tassel Jr.'s father, William E. Van Tas- sel Sr., was born in Orange or Westchester County, New York, in 1812, and as a very young man worked as engineer on a ferry boat from New York City to Hoboken, New Jersey. Van Tassel Sr. next worked as a blacksmith in Ohio in the late 1930s and by 1841 he and wife and daughter Sarah carne to Minnesota and in 1843 to Stillwater. In 1848 they went to LaPointe, Wisconsin (on Madeline Island, one of the Apostle Islands across from Bayfield) where he worked as a blacksmith for the government on the Chippewa Indian reservation. This first Mrs. Van Tassel died there in 1846 and the following year Will Van Tassel married Susan LaPointe. The story of Susan LaPointe Van Tassel (also shown in this photo) who was at least half Chippewa, is a most interesting one and will be told in a later issue of "isperings. The family moved to Bad Riv- er (near Ashland) Wisconsin in 1853, where Will, Sr. contin ued work as a blacksmith on the Chippewa reservation there In the mid- I960s the Van Tassels returned to Stillwater and settled on a farm in Stillwater Township located on Section 9 Will Van Tassel Sr. died in 1877 and Susan LaPointe Van Tassel decades later, in 1912. Edward Ramsden's parents Thomas and Charity Ramsden were among the very earliest settlers of Grant Township. The Ramsden farm was close to the Stillwater Township line, located where Loftus Avenue (intersecting Manning Avenue to the west) dead -ends before making a right turn and over to the nearby Gasthaus restaurant. Edward Ramsden married Jane Macey, daughter of Charles Macey and Sarah Van Tassel. Ed Ramsden served for many years as an elected official in Grant Township and in 1909 was president of the Stillwater Farmers' Creamery Association one of the state's many dairy cooperatives newly on the scene in the later decades of the 1800s. Amos Brosious was born in Pennsylvania in 1830; he married Eliza Rutherford, a daughter of the very early Grant Township settler James Rutherford. Amos Brosious pur- chased the 1857 Rutherford grist mill on Brown's Creek from his father -in -law and established his faun at that location. (See Historical il'hisperings July 2011). Summit Crossing was located just west of his farm, sometimes referred to as Summit Farm; and family lore says that the railroad chose that location with its loading docks at least in part for Amos and Eliza's son Elmore Brosious, who was one of the major breeders of Holstein - Friesian cattle in the state. Amos served in township offices as well as on the Twin Lakes School board. By the time this photo of the Twin Lakes picnic was taken, c.1902, Elmore Brosious, had taken over the farm and acquired the acreage that encompassed South Twin Lake. As South Twin Lake was on Amos Brosious' farm and known to have been used for outings such as picnics, likely the subject photo was taken there. Stephen Powell, born at Lockport, New York in 1842, married first Rosella Powell, another daughter of James and Elizabeth Rutherford. After she died only nine years into their marriage he married Amanda Cook; both Stephen and Aman- da are in this photo. Steve Powell fought in the Civil War in a Wisconsin volunteer infantry. Later he was elected state com- mander of the Minnesota G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Repub- lic); also he was commander of the Stillwater Muller- Crooks G.A.R. post. He became one of the most substantial famers, owning large acreage in Grant Township as well as in Burnett County, Wisconsin; he had the first square pit type silo in the area. The Powell faun house, beautifully restored stands Many of these settlers farms can be seen on this map showing parts of Grant and Stillwater townships from a 1901 plat book. GRANT STILLWATER I ^ I^. < II:r4r rg /ur N Mrl � I I G rl f l f/m r Jf°� '• `I � I ' lllh ➢mn Gn Arlo% ' Il 5 1 " -- n, n i IA aJlw •!Nn _ •JYnndryy - v :':�l lJ1 °r A.L'Diibin m L'tllrro.! ]Nn'/ J ,� Jv.l avnwr. .NNb�r.a� r a ' fG.rr,.l J i `Y \ I ./f /r .4IJmNn fF.ID,rn m xuLi� r+44 —A E F' Nan Ny, I( I ` I� TWIN LAKES u re 'LJ.J]J r pI JILL • I S ^ Iu Ir E[ } F /A b J, •., J N �', If Irl 1 1 � 1 / T' ry °'.. 1 / � aa�t ➢, i S ki /4L UMMIT b � ('•� I ' lot t, W, ,_.. t t 7y r II r J xo; I I R R I.I II h ( —� In � // D /LJtI' •/ II Llbtln 77 H r I un ff n / I A �L AYTj .,In•x�.r _ '•L 4 I I I OCTOBER 2014 7 near the southwest coiner of Manning Avenue and Loftus Ave. The Powell and Ramsden farms abutted one another. Steve and Rose Rutherford Powell's daughter Ella Pow- ell married Clarence Newman. The Newman farm was in Stillwater Township across from the Grant border, west of Long Lake. Clarence Newman was one of the prominent farm- ers of Stillwater Township. His parents Liberty and Adaline Newman settled the farm in the 1850s; the present Liberty res- idential development is located on the old Newman farm acres. One of Clarence's niches was the raising of Percheron horses. He and a few other neighboring farmers set up their own rural telephone company very early on, putting up their own lines, poles and wall phones; it wasn't until the 1950s that it was sold to Northwestern Bell. Clarence, father -in -law Steve Powell and his wife's cousin Elmore Brosious were among prime movers from their neighborhood who organized the TCMPA --- the Twin Cities Milk Producers Association. Charlie Rutherford was born in 1842 in Bath, New York, and came to Grant Township with his parents, James and Elizabeth Rutherford, in 1850. He also was a Civil War veteran, having fought in Brackett's Battalion as a cavalry sol- dier during the war, fighting the Indians in Dakota Territory. In one of his columns (Stillwater Evening Gazette, May 18, 1977) Tom Curtis recalled: "Some say, that Charlie Rutherford never did fight in the Civil War, but he would swear that he did.... To defend himself he would say, `While you were chasing Johnny Reb in Missouri, Kentucky and Tennessee, or getting chased by them, I was fighting the Injuns keeping them fi•om getting your scalps. "' But Charlie most certainly qualified as a Civil War vet and served as an officer in the local G.A.R. Mul- ler- Crooks Post. He was a pall bearer for Sam Bloomer; and he, too, served as a president of the Washington County Old Settlers Association. Once on his own Charlie owned a farm in the Town of Marine, later known as May Township. He married Emma Saunders and had four children. In retirement he lived in Stillwater and lived until the age of 95. His sister Harriett Rutherford was born on her parents' farm which later became the Stephen Powell farm. She was possibly the second or third white child born in Grant Township. She married her first cousin, William Rutherford Jr., and they had no children. Their small farmhouse still stands on the north side of the driveway into the Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter restaurant. Castina Rutherford Briggs was the eldest child of Wil- liam Rutherford and Christiana Holcomb, and first cousin of Eliza Rutherford Brosious and Charlie and Harriett Rutherford. Castina ( "Cassie ") was the first white child born in Grant Township (then known as Greenfield) in 1850. She and hus- band Frank Briggs farmed on the north side of Highway 96 and east of Lansing Avenue in Grant. Castina Horse Farm, across Manning Avenue from Rutherford Cemetery is the old William Rutherford, Sr. farm and takes its name from his eld- est child. Thomas W. Curtis Sr. (born 1862) and wife Mary Noonan Curtis lived on the old Curtis farm on Section 19 of Stillwater Township, on the northwest side of Stonebridge Trail and west of Otchipwe Avenue. His father Frederick J. Curtis came here from County Cork, Ireland in the late 1840s and was one of the very early fanners in that part of the town- ship. Tom Curtis Sr. served as chairman of the town board as well as of the school board (the Curtis School) and was town assessor for 22 years. He was a president of the Washington County Old Settlers' Association. His 1949 funeral was held at "the Irish church "- - - -St. Michael's Catholic in Stillwater. His son, Tom Curtis Jr., was something of a Stillwater legend for his many business enterprises which included the Wolf Brewery Caves; also, fiom a local history angle, he wrote a number of articles reminiscing about the Stillwater area his- tory that were published in the Gazette. George Jarchow was born in 1861 in Rush City. In 1871 his parents opened up a farm in Stillwater Township northeast of the Curtis farm toward Camelian Lake. He purchased the faun in 1900. However, after being appointed in 1894 superin- tendent of the Washington County Poor Farm (later known as Pine Point Nursing Home and now the privately owned Outing Lodge at Pine Point), George Jarchow and wife Aurelia Bor- den and children resided there at the Poor Farm. Fred Rosche, born 1858 was a son of Ferdinand Rosche and wife who came from Germany (the writer has not been able to discover her fist and maiden name). They settled on a farm on the north side of Barnwell Road adjoining Rev. Wil- liam T. Boutwell's farm, which was later owned by his daugh- ter Kate Boutwell and husband Ed Jones. "Parent's Crossing," the old sheet car stop, was later located nearby. Fred Rosche tools over his parents' farm and never married; a niece, Lulu Deragisch lived with him for many years. His funeral in 1936 was held at "the German Catholic church " —St. Mary's in Stillwater. 8 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS George Aarchom, superintendent of the Washington Couty Poor Farnn is shown on the Poor Farm lawn. Tlie people in this pho- tograph are not identified, but presunnably one of the women is Aurelio Aarchow and the four children are theirs. Museum Events Report Plenty of Variety at the Warden's House By Sean Pallas Warden's House Site Manager And so another touring season at the War- den's House winds down and comes to an end. Before I swing into fall 2015 planning mode here, I'd like to take just a quick moment to catch my breath and do a bit of reflection with you lovely people. I can hardly believe I've been the Warden's House site manager for three seasons now. My experience at WCHS has been an absolute pleasure thanks in no -small part to all the wonderful people who pitch in their talents here at WCHS. From the eight different interns I've helped supervise to the dozens of volunteers to the rest of the WCHS staff and the dedicated board of directors — you have my sincerest gratitude. I also have the amazingly good fortune to be part of WCHS at a period of unprecedented growth. As an undergrad at the U of M: Duluth, I never imagined that in a few short years I would be helping prepare and plan for such a What WCHS Interns Did This Summer Here's what WCHS 2014 interns Anna and Emily had to say about their internship experiences: Anna Peterson: "The past ten weeks of this internship have flown by! It has been such a great opportunity and privilege to be able to work with the Washington County Historical Socie- ty. I have had the chance to see how a museum functions from the inside. I've also gained social skills by giving tours and educating people about the history that has come from our county. The internship gave me the liberty to dive into a topic that I've always wanted to know more about, the Stillwater Area High School band program. With the valuable resources here at the historical society I was able to piece together the beginnings of the band and dig up some information that oth- erwise could have been lost (see Anna's article on page 1). Along with doing research and giving tours at the Warden's House museum I was able to make connections with people that could last a lifetime!" Emily Batroot "From dusting, to the Beer Tasting, to the county fair and more, there was never a dull moment during my internship at the Washington County Historical Society, I learned a lot throughout my ten week internship, I learned not only how to become a better public speaker and tour guide for visitors but I also learned a lot about the day -to- day opera- monumental project as the new Washington County Heritage Center. I really can't wait until the new buildings opens; we're going to have some really neat things to show you folks. And speaking of excitement, we've had a wide variety of interesting and exciting events this season including a visit from the current State Prison Warden to commemorate 100 years at the `new' prison, a discussion of a daring raid to free illegally held slaves during the Civil War, a look at the people who lived in the Valley before European settlement, and even a glance into the world of the supernatural with the Jolmsdale Paranormal Group. But just because the days are getting shorter and the weather colder, that doesn't mean we're done here at WCHS. We'll be holding our Annual Holiday Event at the Warden's House on Saturday, December 13 from noon to 4:00 PM. This year, we'll have live music, free snacks and treats, and local authors such as Nicole Helget (author of Stillwater) and Ken Martens (author of The Perilous St. Croix River Valley Fron- tier) selling and signing books that would look perfect in that special someone's Christmas stocking. Thanks again for a fantastic summer and fall and I'll look forward to seeing you at the Holiday Event and the Ice Cream Social in January! Contact Sean at 651- 439 -5956 or email spallas.rvclas @gnzail.com tions of a historical society and its museums. I also had the chance to create a display on toys and games in the Hay Lake School museum. This project helped me to learn more about historical research and exhibit design, not to mention learning about Whirligigs and Kick the Can. I greatly appreciated the opportunity to work with the Washington County Historical Society because I feel that I have gained so many transferrable skills that I could bring into any career path I choose." OCTOBER 2014 9 After setting up a few hundred boobs for the Hay Lake Day sale, Hay Lake ManagerDustyn Dubuque (center)) and 14 House Manager Sean Pallas (right) snagged a quick sel iie with the WCHS interns Emily Batroot Qefl) and Anna Peterson.. Membership Report The Washington County Historical Society welcomes new and renewing annual members listed here. Thanks to you all for your yearly support. And special thanks to those of you who added a donation to your membership check. WCHS truly ap- preciates your support. Your membership entitles you to a subscription to Histori- cal Whisperings, free admission to the society's museums, use of the research facilities at no charge, and a discount on books, souvenirs and other items in the WCHS store. Please send any queries about your membership to: WCHS Memberships, PO Box 167, Stillwater, MN 55082 or email information @wchsmn. It's not too early to think about Christmas! A member- ship with Historical Whisperings makes a wonderful gift. New and Renewing Sustaining Members Gloria & Mark Desch * Renee Murray New and Renewing Patron Members David Haynes * Tom Thueson New and Renewing Annual Members Darlene Anderson * Carol A. Barry * Richard Bielenberg * Doug Blanke * Al & Karen Brennan * Tim & Barb Casey * Jill Chan * Tom DeGree * Ila & James Drost * Jody Ebnet * Duane Elliott * Ed & Kathy Fagerlund * Dennis Falaas * Stephanie Grover * Bob Hagstrom * Judy Hansen * Daniel Hatalla * William & Michelle Heiting * Lori Hintz * Edith & Vein Hophan * Lowell Johnson * Edwin & Ruth Jones Suzy & Larry Kennedy * Ted Kozlowski * Karen Lampi Albert A. Lange * Mike Lilja * Christine Mafsky * Sharon Miller * Stan Miller * David & Mary Monson * Susan & Doug Mueller * _ Angie Noyes * Bruce & Shari Ohland * Arnie Parnell * Karen Hassehoth & Tim Peterson * Jack & Judy Rice * Jan Rothanburg * Ewa Rydaker * Stanley Selin * Jerry Simpson * Bob Spangenberg * Stev Stegner * Jan Stoven * Carol Swenson * Rod & Robin Sutherland Susan Hunter Weir * Greg Van Erem * Roberta Van Erem * Ellen Wier * Dwayne & Margaret Williams Thankyou all! WASHINGTON COUNTY HISTORY Calendar of Events Please contact the sponsoring organization for updated information about these events: South Washington Heritage Society (SWHS) 651- 459 -7950; Washington County Historical Society (WCHS) 651- 439 -5956; Denmark Township Historical Society (DTHS) 651 -436 -7639; Gammelgurden 651- 433 -5053; Afton Historical Society 651- 436 -3500; Historic Courthouse 651- 275 -7075. October 25 Saturday —WCHS free program "Paranormal In- vestigations: Techniques and Theories" by members of the Johnsdale Paranormal Group, Warden's House 11 AM, 1 PM and 3 PM. November 8 Saturday —SWHS annual veterans' program; Ad- am Potter will show uniforms back to WWI. St. Paul Park City Hall, 10 AM. November 21 -23 Friday through Sunday — Victorian Christmas at the Historic Courthouse; Preview gala Friday 6:30 -9; ticket info to come; Boutique & Tea Room Saturday, 10 AM -5 PM.; Sunday, I 1 AM-4 PM. Holiday exhibit open.. November 8 Saturday— Annie's Swedish Coffee Patty, 10 AM. Cost $15; reservation required. Includes tour of buildings. Gammelgh Scandia. November 15 & 16 Saturday & Sunday —Girls & Dolls Lucia Tea Patty with stories, games, crafts, music. Sat.. 10 -1; Sun. 1 -4 PM. Reservations required, $20 person. Gamrnelgarden, Scandia. I TO 1HE MAX See page 3 for details. give NOV 13, 2014 December 6 Saturday —Santa and Song, free program with holiday treats and a visit from Santa at the Historic Court- house, Stillwater: 2 PM. December 6 Saturday — Annie's Swedish Coffee Party, 10 AM. Cost $15; reservation required. Includes tour of buildings. Garnmelgzrden, Scandia. December 13 Saturday —WCHS holiday open house with local authors, ret eshments and holiday entertainment provided by local musicians. Noon to 4 PM at Warden's House Mu- seum, Stillwater. December 13 Saturday — Annie's Swedish Coffee Patty, 10 AM. Cost $15; reservation required. Includes tour of build- ings. Gammelgarden, Scandia. December 20 & 21 Saturday & Sunday — Girls & Dolls Lucia Tea Party with stories, games, crafts, music. Sat. 10 -1; Sun. 1 -4 PM. Reservations required, $20 person. Gammelgarden, Scandia. January 17 Saturday WCHS Ice Cream Social, Lowell Park, Stillwater, noon -3 PM. Free coffee and ice cream. 10 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS Starting the New Year off right, Brent Peterson presents the board of directors with a checkfrom the i Hardetbetglt Foundation for the new Heritage Center. F Right, Former intern Nick Jensen (left) helps out at the beer tasting at the Hay Lake Museum in June. udno`mu Above: TheMinne- sota Historical Soci- ety's History Hound visits the Warden's House to promote Give to the Max Day in November. Right: Volunteer Brooke Mann tells the stony ofthe desk that was once the Forest Lake Post Of- fice. From the WC145 Files • • Nappenings in 2015E All ages can play vintage base -- - - - - ------ _ ball for the St. Croix ball chub. Below, Jason Robinson and his j sows Justin and Jeffery take part in a vintage tournantettt held at the History Center in 4 Cameron, Wisconsin in June. More than a hundred folks turned out for the Open House at the Warden's House in April. Above former four guide Ellen Campbell and friend are among the guests enjoying I the refreshments.. The fourth grade class font Lily Lake Elementary in Stillwater tours the Warden's House in May. They are learning about earl) music makers such as the music box at left. OCTOBER 2014 11 DATED MATERIAL Box 167 Stillwater, MN 55082 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Contact Us To receive this newsletter by U.S. Mail or Email, or for information about the Washington County Historical Society, contact us 651 - 439 -5956 or email information @wchsmn.org On the web at www.wchsmn. ... ------------------------ MEMBERSHIP APPPLICATION or RENEWAL I Washington County Historical Society I I Name I Address I City, State, Zip I Telephone I Indicate preferred type of membership _Annual Individual ($25) _Annual Senior Citizen /Student ($15) _Annual Family ($35) 1 _Annual Patron ($75) _Annual Sustaining ($125) _Life ($1,000) I Additional donations are welcome and needed. Volunteer help is also needed (check here or call). Detach and mail to: WCHS Memberships 1 PO Box 167, Stillwater MN 55082 I Membership includes subscription to Historical Whisperings. I Non - Profit Organization U. S. Postage PAID Permit No. 224 Stillwater, MN 55082 Cottage.Grove HpC City Office 12 800.Ravine Pkwy Cottage Grove, MN 55016 `"'%*'' I�' �j111�i��111�U1i1' ll�lljt ltle�lf�ljl�ltl��lJ.lul�i� ill #I�In Our Mission The Washington County Historical Society collects, preserves, and disseminates the history of Washington County and the State of Minnesota. WCHS programs include bookpublication, speakers and workshops, historical reenactments, vintage base ball, school programs, exhibits, print and electronic newsletters, historical markers, and a history website (www.wchsmn.org) with links to other history organizations. Our goal is to provide an oppor- tunity for all county citizens to ]earn about and enjoy our area's history and to build a sense of community heritage. The Washington County Historical Society is uniquely situated to document early Minnesota history and to tell the story of immigrants from the eastern United States and Europe who settled the region in the mid- nineteenth century. The county's geographic cormections to the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers place the county at the forefi ont of settlement and the estab- lishment of the territory and state. For this reason we have chosen our motto, Gateway to Minnesota History 12 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS