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Home My WebLink About2019-05-15 PACKET 8.An Immigrant Community on the North Hill: The Stillwater Italians By Jerry Brosious Jerry Brosious was raised in Stillwater and is a former editor of the WCHS Historical Whisperings newsletter. This article is Part One of a planned two-part series on the Stillwater Italian Community. Left: Felix Cherioli (1854-1933) and wife Ursula Ambrosetti Cherioli (1856-1940) were among the first Italians from the Milan area to settle in Stillwater in the 1880s. Felix worked as a steam fitter at Minnesota Thresher; Ursula shows in the census as a silk worker, an industry that was a major source ofjobs for• women and children in the Milan area. They lived at 716 West Laurel Street. The Stillwater Salmore family de- scends from this couple. Photo Ancestry. corn. Author's note: The story of the Italians in Stillwater has intrigued me since I was a young boy. While 1 have no Italian ancestry, my grandmother, Florence Sullivan Hall (1887-1982), grew up at 711 W. Maple Street in the heart of the Italian community. She had deep fondness for these people and seemed to know all of them. I remember her kidding around with Paul "Shiggy" Marlow who taught her some humorous lines in Italian. (Florence served two terms as president of WCHS in the 1950s.) New Museum Season p. 4 WCHS Annual Report p. 5 County History Calendar P. 9 Bicycles and Bicylists P. 10 THE FAMILIES THAT MADE UP what would become known as the Italian neighborhood in the area of West Maple, West Lau- rel, and North Owens streets in Stillwater, began arriving in the early 1880s and continued into the pre -WW I era. All of them came from villages near Milano — some from Cuggiono, Inveruno, and Buscate, villages on the west outskirts of Italy's largest industrial city; others from Barzio and Como, small towns a bit farther out. Often these families referred loosely to Milan as their place of origin. In Innnigrants on the Hill: Italian Americans in St. Loans, Gary Ross Monnino delves into the origins of the immigrants from Cuggiono, one of the villages from which a number of the Stillwater Italians also came. The Milan region is a flat and rich agricultural district, but one that lacks adequate natural water sources. A series of canals (navigli) designed by Leo- nardo DaVinci was constructed to bring water from the Ticino River. Although also in Lombardy, this area is very different from the mountainous Sandrio province from which an earlier group of Stillwater immigrants hailed (see companion article on page 8). ITALIANS—CONTINUED oN PAGE 6 � HISTORICAL' �r WHISPERINGS ,Y —Washington County ` - - .� - Historical Society I ; Volume 45, Issue 1 Washington County, Minnesota April 2019 An Immigrant Community on the North Hill: The Stillwater Italians By Jerry Brosious Jerry Brosious was raised in Stillwater and is a former editor of the WCHS Historical Whisperings newsletter. This article is Part One of a planned two-part series on the Stillwater Italian Community. Left: Felix Cherioli (1854-1933) and wife Ursula Ambrosetti Cherioli (1856-1940) were among the first Italians from the Milan area to settle in Stillwater in the 1880s. Felix worked as a steam fitter at Minnesota Thresher; Ursula shows in the census as a silk worker, an industry that was a major source ofjobs for• women and children in the Milan area. They lived at 716 West Laurel Street. The Stillwater Salmore family de- scends from this couple. Photo Ancestry. corn. Author's note: The story of the Italians in Stillwater has intrigued me since I was a young boy. While 1 have no Italian ancestry, my grandmother, Florence Sullivan Hall (1887-1982), grew up at 711 W. Maple Street in the heart of the Italian community. She had deep fondness for these people and seemed to know all of them. I remember her kidding around with Paul "Shiggy" Marlow who taught her some humorous lines in Italian. (Florence served two terms as president of WCHS in the 1950s.) New Museum Season p. 4 WCHS Annual Report p. 5 County History Calendar P. 9 Bicycles and Bicylists P. 10 THE FAMILIES THAT MADE UP what would become known as the Italian neighborhood in the area of West Maple, West Lau- rel, and North Owens streets in Stillwater, began arriving in the early 1880s and continued into the pre -WW I era. All of them came from villages near Milano — some from Cuggiono, Inveruno, and Buscate, villages on the west outskirts of Italy's largest industrial city; others from Barzio and Como, small towns a bit farther out. Often these families referred loosely to Milan as their place of origin. In Innnigrants on the Hill: Italian Americans in St. Loans, Gary Ross Monnino delves into the origins of the immigrants from Cuggiono, one of the villages from which a number of the Stillwater Italians also came. The Milan region is a flat and rich agricultural district, but one that lacks adequate natural water sources. A series of canals (navigli) designed by Leo- nardo DaVinci was constructed to bring water from the Ticino River. Although also in Lombardy, this area is very different from the mountainous Sandrio province from which an earlier group of Stillwater immigrants hailed (see companion article on page 8). ITALIANS—CONTINUED oN PAGE 6 Board & Staff Washington County Historical Society Board David Lindsey President Ryan Collins Vice President Joe Otte Recording Secretary Tont Simonet Treasurer Myron Anderson Director Holly Fitzenberger Director Sheila Hause Director Karlene McComb Director Angie Noyes Director Becky Pung Director Michael WilhelmiDirector Staff Brent Peterson Executive Director Gibson Stanton Warden's House Manager Open Hay Lake Museum Manager Chairs Robert Goodman Endoivnient Fund Chair Nancy Goodman °Newsletter Editor Historical Whisperings is published quarterly by the Washington County Historical Society, PO Box 167, Stillwater, MN 55082-0167. Website: ri,ini, wchsmn.org Phone: 651-439-5956. For information about stories and newsletter articles, contact editor@wchsnm. org For; information about events and collections, contact information a wchsmn.org To book a rnusewn tour phone 651-439-5956 2 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS From the Executive Director What could have been the snowiest February in history is finally over and spring is upon us. The Washington County Historical Society is now ready for a great 2019 season at our museums and at the Nancy and Robert Goodman Research Center. As you noticed the research center has been named for two of the most supportive people in the history of our organization. The Goodmans have served many positions on the Board of Directors or on the Endowment Committee. Currently Robert Goodman is the Chair of the WCHS Endowment Committee and Nancy is the newsletter editor. They have written many publications and articles for the WCHS and continue to be a big part of the organization. The honor is much deserved! Thank you Nancy and Bob!! We will have a new face at Hay Lake School this year. Last year's site manager, Fitzie Heimdahl, has moved on to another fabulous position and we thank him for his service to the organization. The position will soon be filled and if you are in the area stop by and wish the new site manager congratulations and good luck. The WCHS has been fortunate to receive some wonderfill artifact donations over the winter including the Civil War frock coat worn by Stillwaterite John J. Robertson. Robert- son enlisted in Company C, Eighth Minnesota Regiment and then, when promoted to Cap- tain, was in Company I, 47th US Colored Regiment. Dick and Judy Anderson, owners of the Lowell Inn in Stillwater, donated a ledger/registration book for the Sawyer House Ho- tel and Lowell Inn with the beginning date of 1860. Check the events section of the newsletter to catch up on the upcoming events of the Historical Society. Also remember to renew your membership — it is our members that make the Historical Society awesome!! Brent T. Peterson, GVCHS Executive Director Happenings at WC HS ... Reliving the History of the Minnesota Twins! Baseball Is Talked at the WCHS Annual Meeting Clyde Doepner, official Mimiesota Twins curator, was the featured speaker at the WCHS Annual Meeting, held March 21 at the Lowell Inn in Stillwater. A former history teacher, Doepner told stories of the Twins baseball organization, showing some of the jerseys, signed baseballs, and commemorative items he has collected over the years. He showed how such items are now authenti- cated Also at the WCHS Annual Meeting four directors were elected to fill three- year terms on the WCHS Board of Direc- tors. All were current board members who elected to rerun. No other candidates were offered. Reelected to another term were directors Angie Noyes, Ryan Collins (cur- rent vice president), Joe Otte (current board secretary) and Becky Pung. Clyde Doepner (left) converses with some of the Titins fans ri,ho attended the WCHS A111711 - al Meeting on March 21. Dates to Note! Warden's House Open House Sunday, April 28 Help the Washington County Historical Society launch its 2019 touring season at the Annual Warden's House Museum Open House on Sunday, April 28, from noon to 4 PM. You'll get a sneak peek at the museum's newest exhibits while you enjoy music and delicious treats and sip on coffee. This is a free event and open to the public. Warden's House Spring Garden Clean -Up May 25 Spring clean-up of the gardens at the Warden's House Museum in Stillwater takes place on Saturday, May 25 from 9 AM to Noon. We'll be clearing out weeds, removing buckthorn, and plant- ing native plants. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Volunteer Information Meeting Thursday, May 2 An informational meeting for new vol- unteers will be held at the Warden's House Thursday, May 2, from 6:30 to 7:3 PM. Anyone from high school and college students to retirees who want to do something interesting this summer is welcome to attend and learn the possi- bilities. Beer Tasting June 15 at Hay Lake Museum —12th Year! The WCHS Twelfth Annual Beer Tast- ing will be held at the Hay Lake Muse- um Complex Saturday, June 15 from 4 to 7 PM. Cost to participate in the beer tasting is $20 (21 -plus only). We'll also have live music, food will be available on the grounds and the museums will be open to view. There will be a silent auc- tion with some great items. A vintage base ball game will precede the Beer Tasting at 11 AM. New in the WCHS Collections! A donation of items from the Robertson/ Staples family of Stillwater included Cap- tain John J. Robertson's Civil War frock coat. Susan Winkelmann, Robertson's great -great-granddaughter, and family do- nated the coat and several other items. During the Civil War, Robertson was orderly sergeant of Co.0 8th Minnesota until he was wounded at the Battle of Murfreesboro in Tennessee. During his re- covery, he received his commission as cap- tain of Co.I of the 47th US Colores. Regi - The coat is shoran here by Stillwater mayor Ted Kozlowski and donor Sn- san Winkelinann of Minneapolis. You shop. Amazon donates When you shop Amazon Smile, the foundation donates 0.5% of the price of your eligi- ble purchases to the nonprofit of your choice. Simply visit smile.amazon.com, choose Washington County Historical Society Stillwa- ter MN as your charity (be sure it's the Stillwater one), and begin shopping. There is no difference in price or goods, and no charge to you. Bookmark Amazon Smile so when- everou shop, p, you help support WCHS. may. `f✓*fin - f.,..,,.:: E.v `x P-:.__ K,. _,-,; t?.^ C''..,:,-=: - ?/tee : Ev... -+:� - FYI E'-,-s.;h - (".v7 Pi -*u. E.:a.. L.sa . Summer Interns Wanted! WCHS will be hiring three high school graduates or undergraduates for a ten - week period this summer. The paid po- sition allows students majoring in histo- ry, or a history -related field, to gain hands-on experience in a local historical organization. Each intern will also de- velop a history project to work on dur- ing the program. Applications must be submitted by April 30, 2019 to: WCHS Internships, PO Box 167. Stillwater, MN 55082. For more information, call 651-439-5956. Site Manager to Be Hired Fitzie Heimdahl, who kept the Hay Lake Museums humming last season, has taken a new job. The WCHS board will be hiring a new manager for the museum to start in April. Duties include arranging for tours, managing staff and volunteers, setting up exhibits, develop- ing fundraisers and finding community partners, and arranging for building maintenance and lawn care. Museum hours are weekends, May through Oc- tober. Interested? Call 651-439-5659 or email information@wchsmn.org. Ex. Dir. Brent Peterson Meets New MNHS Director Peterson attended the North Star Circle Event at the Mill City Museum in Minneapolis on March 26 and met Kent Whitworth, the New Minnesota Historical Society Director and CEO. It is rumored they talked vintage base ball. APRIL 2019 3 Museum Events Report By Gibson Stanton Kirden's Hoarse Site Manager Join the NEW Warden's House Garden Team! With the help and guidance of the Washington County Master Gardeners, the Warden's House grounds will transform this year. A team of five master gar- deners have begun crafting a plan that focuses on sustainability and hospitality. In order to implement and maintain the gardens, we are seeking volunteers with a passion for gardening (a green thumb is not needed). The master gardeners will share their expertise throughout the season. The time commitment is very flexible! Spring Outdoor Clean -Up May 25 There will be a Spring clean-up of the gardens on Satur- day, May 25, from 9 AM to noon. If you have gloves and gar- den tools, bring them along. Among the morning activities, we'll be clearing out weeds, removing buckthorn, and planting native plants. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Plant Donations As the gardens around the Warden's house expand, we are seeking donations of plants from the region. The Washington County Master Gardeners have provided a list of plants that will attract pollinators and that are hardy for Minnesota. The list includes perennials (native and non-native), grasses, annu- als, and trees and shrubs. As you thin out your own gardens this Spring, consider gifting some to the Warden's House. Here are some of the plants we are looking for: allium, Dutch white clover, ferns, Golden Alexander, hosta, lilac, little bluestem grass, marsh marigold, prairie blazing star, columbine, trillium, violet, wild geranium, woodland phlox. For a full list or to arrange a co- nations, give me a call. New Exhibit for 2019: A Prisoner's Life Our newest exhibit will dive into what a day in the life of a convict at the Stillwater Prison looked like during the turn of the century. We'll explore a typical day inside the prison, from waking to sleeping. Some things will surprise you. Immerse yourself in a cell from 1909 while discovering the varied work assignments and moments of respite. The exhibit will display pieces from our Stillwater Prison collection, among them a prison cot, stew- ard's uniform, and prisoner's handbook. Contact Gibson at 651-439-5956 or entail Gibson. rvchsnnn@gmail.com 4 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS Seeking Volunteers for Our 78th Season! Informational Meeting May 2! The Washington County Historical Society is currently seeking enthusiastic individuals to serve as volunteers at the Warden's House Museum in Stillwater. There are a variety of ways to serve including; tour guides, house hosts, garden team mem- ber, community outreach, and more! Formal training in history is not required and we will ensure that you are comfortable with the information. Anyone from high school and college students at home for summer vacation to retirees who now have the time to in- dulge in their interest in history is welcome, the volunteers at the Warden's House are a group of diverse people. The museum is open weekly Thursday -Sunday and we are extremely flexible with scheduling. If you'd like to know more about volunteering opportunities, please contact Gibson Stanton at Gibson.wchsrnn@gmail.com or call (651)-439- 5956. An informational meeting for new volunteers will be held at the Warden's House Thursday, May 2, from 6:30 to 7:3 PM. Excerpt from Thru the Mill by Prisoner 4342 Dining Room, Stilhvater Prison "The food with more care and attention in its prepara- tion could have been made much more palatable and nourishing. Everything was cooked in large copper steam kettles. After the first week or ter days it all tasted alike. The bread was good, baked fresh every day in the prison bakery, and frtrnished in ample quantities. About tern minutes was allowed to eat each meal. 14"aiters carried the food to the tables, each serving one thing, from a large tin pail. The waiter ivho passed bread wore a pair of clean white gloves. "A heavy white china soup plate, knife, fork, a spoon and a tin cup were at each place. If a prisoner rvarnted to give anything to the marl next to him, he raised his hand and obtained permission from the nearest officer, otherwise he would be reported for `passing food at the table with- outpermission. "' Washington County Historical Society Financial Report for FY2018 Current Assets Total Endowment Assets Total Publications Total Society Operations Total Society Special Projects Total Current Assets Fixed Assets Total Boutwell House Asset Furniture and Equipment Total Heritage Center Total Fixed Assets TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Total Liabilities Total Equity TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2018 As of Dec 31, 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 2018Y $ Operations, (" Endowment Building Fun 316,979.79 $ 316,979.79 $ 2,711,976.16 $ 316,979.79 623,776.48 $ $ 22,430.15 $ 22,430.15 10,410.77 $ 10,410.77 $ 54,863.74' $ 54,863.74 $ 97,109.16 $ $ 1,049,978.48 $ 20,633.59 7,710.52 $ 1,029,344.89 $ 1,444,252.16 $ 97,927.48 $ 316,979.79 $ 1,029,344.89 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 525,849.00 525,849.00 $ 741,875.00 $ 741,875.00, $ 1,267,724.00 $ 525,849.00 $ 0.00 $ 741,875.00' $ 2,711,976.16 $ 623,776.48 $ 316,979.79' $ 1,771,219.89 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 2,711,976.16 $ 623,776.48 $ 316,979.79 $ 1,771,219.89 $ 2,711,976.16 $ 623,776.48 $ 316,979.79 $ 1,771,219.89, Profit and Loss for Period of Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2018 Income Total Endowment Total General Public Funding Total Grants Total Heritage Center Income Total Interest Income Total Other Income Total Special Projects Income Total Income Expenses Total Activities Total Boutwell House Stillwater Total Hay Lake School, Scandia MN Total Heritage Center, Greeley St Total Insurance Total Membership Expense Total Operation Expenses Total Special Projects Expenses Total Wages, taxes, benefits Total Warden's House and Office Total Expenses Net Income -p Jan - Dec 2W --i Operations,!! Endowmen - ! Building Fur $ 1,543.00 5,167.47 $ $ 63,865.42 $ 63,865.42 $ 86,000.00 $ 86,000.00 $ 1,140,865.00 $ 3,744.92 -$ 23,096.68 $ 56.62 $ $ 2,822.04 $ 2,822.04 $ 9,546.10 $ 9,546.10 $ 1,281,590.63 $ 152,744.08 -$ $ 5,167.47 $ 5,167.47 $ 255,956.67 $ 3,744.92 $ 3,744.92 $ 194,657.16 $ 5,939.79 $ 5,939.79 $ 9,666.41 $ 9,666.41 $ 10,410.77 $ 10,410.77 $ 2,400.00 $ 2,400.00 $ 97,109.16 $ 75,839.48 $ 7,710.52 $ 7,710.52 $ 592,762.87 $ 118,479.36 $ 688,827.76 $ 41,410.82 1,543.00 $ 1,140,865.00 23,920.42 $ 767.12 22,377.42 $ 1,141,677.87 $ 255,956.67 $ 194,657.16 $ 21,269.68 $ 471,883.51 $ 22,377.42 $ 669,794.36 This is an unaudited statement. The final document from our accountant will be available in July. APRIL 2019 5 ITAL/AA's—Co79ti192ted fi'om page 1 Milanese Emigrants Arrive Cuggiono was the hardest hit village in Lombardy in terms of emigrati on. The birth rate was rising, making jobs scarcer. Wealthy landowners were unwilling to sell parcels to the contadini (peasants). Vineyards were struck by blight, and drought ruined the crops, already relying on canals to import water. Work in the rice fields was grueling. In an effort to create more jobs for women and children, cultivation of mulberry trees was increased for the silk industry; the silkworm feeds on mulberry. This work was carried over in at least one case, in Stillwater. hi Cuggiono, the Cunard shipping line had its own local agents to guide people through the emigration process. Giuseppe Colombo and Giacomo Merlo were two of these agents; both surnames are among Stillwater's Italian immi- grants. Most ships sailed from the ports of Le Havre and Calais, in France, and from Genoa, Italy. They landed in New York City at Castle Garden on the tip of Manhattan until 1890, when Ellis Island opened.. The first Italians from the Milan area to settle in Stillwater were Louis Vismarie (Luigi Vismara), John Janilla (Giovanni Gianella), Felix Cherioli (Felice Cerioli), Louis Merimonti (Luigi Miramonti), and John Somo (Giovanni So- ma). They left the port of Le Havre, France, on the Ferdinand De Lesseps and arrived at Castle Garden in New York City on February 8, 188 1. All four were married, but as was typical the men came first, to be followed by their wives and children within a year or so. In fact, we find wives of four of these men arriving to- gether the next year. John Janilla's wife, Rose, and children arrived around the same time. Giovanna Vismara (Jennie Vismarie), Ursula Cherioli, Maria Miramonti and Giuseppa (Josephine) Somo, and their children arrived at the port of New York on the St. Germain, April 13, 1882, fourteen months after their husbands. Jennie Vismarie and Maria Merimonti's Old photo of Cuggiono, the village in Lor»bardy from ri,hich many of the immigrants to Ylashington Count) came. maiden names were Somo; they and John Somo were likely related, perhaps siblings. Josephine Somo and Rose Janilla were Merlos (Marlows) by birth, possibly sisters. Most of the single immigrants were men. From 1881 through 1883 more people arrived from these same villages, among them Anthony, John and Batista Marlow (Merlo); John Mariana (Mariani), Domenico Louis Colombo, and Daniel Pozzini. Others coming during the 1880s were Ernest and Angelo Mariana, Charles Conati, and possibly more. From the 1890s and up until the pre -WWI period, the following family names appeared in Stillwater: Salnlore (Sahnoiraghi), Paganine, Fantini, Allemani, Garey (Garascia), Garavalia, Oldani, Cislaghi. Employed in Manufacturing City directories prior to 1891 show two main employers of the men: Northwest Manufacturing & Car Company, manu- facturer of threshers and other farm implements as well as rail- road cars, and Doud, Sons & Company, stave and barrel mak- ers (Minneapolis flour mills needed large supplies of barrels). Milan was the most industrialized area of Italy, and some of these men may have arrived with mechanic skills. Northwest Manufacturing (also known as Minnesota Thresher) was 6 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS owned by Dwight Sabin and George Sey- mour. The Italians lived mostly in Sabin's Addition on the North hill.. Some of the first Italian hwidgrants were errr- ployed by Northrr est Marrs facturing & Car Company, located on North Main Sheet oppo- site the old prison (Which sho»>s in this adi,er- tising card for the company u�ithottt its walls). Among its products ri,ere threshers, steam en- gine tactors, and railroad cats. Many of the newcomers had mechanical skills in demand by Stilhi,ater mann factoring companies E. L. Roney, in his January 23, 1967, column for the Stilhvater Gazette, noted that the Thresher Company "brought to Stillwater an entirely different class of workman than did the sawmills and logging camps. There were mechanics and machinists. To house these employees, the firm built (some) `company houses' on Maple Street. All were similar in style and several are still standing but have been remodeled so that it is not easy to identify them." St. Joseph's Church the Social Center For these Italian immigrants in Stillwater, the Catholic parish of St. Joseph's served as the institution at the center of not just their religious life, but much of their social life as well The church was completed in 1882, at the northwest corner of Oak and William Streets, where the Greeley nursing home stands today. The attractive and unpretentious frame church, which stood until 1960, was known as "the French church." The priests were always French-speaking, and sermons and other vernacular parts of the mass were said in French. St. Joseph's Church attracted the new Italian immigrants for two reasons: it was located closer to their homes in the West Maple and North Owens area than the other two Catholic churches; and the French spoken at mass was more similar to their Italian language than the English spoken at St. Michael's or the German at St. Mary's. Louis Sahnoiraghi (Sahnore) and Teresa Cerioli, the young couple who lved at St. Mary's when St. Joseph's church building burned. Sunday low mass was at 8 AM and high mass at 10 AM; catechism/ Sunday School was at 2 PM followed by Vespers at 3 PM. There were two women's groups: Children of Mary So- ciety and St. Anne's Society; the men had their Holy Name Society. On June 16, 1897, the church was destroyed by fire. The Stilhvater Messenger- of that date reported "The loss of their beautiful church home was sorely felt by the members of the congregation.... The church will be rebuilt at once." The young couple Teresa Cerioli and Louis Salmoiraghi would have had their October wedding at St. Joseph's had it not been destroyed, and instead were married at St. Mary's. St. Joseph's, originally built for the French Canadians of Stillwa- ter, many of whom worked in the logging and lumbering in- dustry, lost members as that industry waned – and officially ended in 1914 – and some moved away, "following the jobs." The Italian community became as significant in numbers at the church, and possibly eventually surpassed the French. We see from an item in the Stillwater Messenger that as early as 1890, an Italian neighborhood is identified in the press. No doubt the writer meant it as a humorous piece, but it is written with the predictable stereotyping of, and finding hu- mor in and at the expense of, immigrants. "The Italian settlement on Maple street has been the scene of unusual hilarity of late, especially Sunday evenings, when it has been the custom of one of the dagos to secure a keg of beer, and to invite all the neighbors. Beer often tends to make a man hilarious, and Italians are no exception to the rule. Last Sunday evening, Felix Gerero had imbibed a little too freely, and was rather boisterous. He was arrested, and in the municipal court Wednesday morning he stated that: `We havee ze keg of beer and we drinkee ze beer, havee gud time, an ze boy he trowe ze stone in my ouse. Dat makee me swear, and I go by ze yard wen ze policeemans he comee, and he say: "Felix, you be `rested." I trie to explain but ze policeemans he say I havee too muche beer.' Judge Nethwaway said that if this hilarity was continued the patrol would be sent up there, and the whole colony would be taken into tow and fined for disturbing the peace." —Stilhvater Messenger, Oct. 11, 1890 Roster of Italian Immigrants to Stillwater 1881 to 1916 First, some notes on spelling of surnames. Felix Cherioli & Ursula Ambrosetti Anthony Marlow & Mary Colombo Merlo became Marlow, Garascia became Gar- Domenico Louis Colombo & Adele Batista Marlow & Regina Colombo ey. Salmoiraghi was shortened to Salmore. Rose Oldani John Marlow & Caroline Colombo Other family names had minor changes: Gian- Joseph Colombo & Christina Meri- John Louis Merimonti & Mary Somo ella changed to Janilla; Cerioli to Cherioli; monti Paul Joseph Merimonti & Lena/Minnie Mariani to Mariana; Vismara to Vismarie; Paul Colombo & Josephine Marlow Garavalia Garavaglia to Garavalia. The settled spelling Charles Conati & Theresa Merimonti Tobia Paganine & Rose Pozzini of given names and surnames after inmiigra- Paul Fantini & Rose Marlow Andrew Pozzini & Theresa Colombo tion is used in this list of immigrants from the Manuel Garey & Jennie Cerini Daniel Pozzini & Mary Merimonti greater Milan area who settled in Stillwater. John Janilla & Rose Marlow Henry Pozzini & Louise Colombo All are married couples with the wife's maiden Angelo Mariana & Caroline Marlow William Louis Pozzini & Catherine Vismarie name also given. Ernest Mariana & Louise Garavalia Louis Salmore & Teresa Cherioli John Mariana & Felicia Marlow John Somo & Josephine Marlow Henry Allemani & Louise Mariana Ambrose Marlow & Mary Cislaghi Louis Vismarie & Jennie Somo APRIL 2019 7 BY THE TIME THE IMMIGRANTS from the Milan area arrived in Stillwater, the first Italians who had settled in the town were gone. The earliest we have a record of was John Columbus (pos- sibly a corruption of Colombo), who appears in the 1850 Minnesota Territorial Census, age 42, born in Italy, occupation merchant. In the 1857 pre -statehood census John's wife is identified — Christiana, born in Germa- ny. Also, that census shows Peter Columbus, age 37, and Frank Columbus age 30, both born in Italy and both merchants like John. A rela- tionship, if any, among these three has not been determined. From the Same Northern Region There Were Earlier Italians in Washington County by Jerty Brosious Marine on St. Croix's only Italian in the early years of settlement was John Copas, born in Italy around 1825. He settled in Marine Township (now May) around 1854 and opened a log store with John Columbus in the town site of Vasa. Copas, the post office station there, was named after him. John Co- lumbus died in 1859. In the 1860 census a Joseph Columbus, age 72, born in Ita- ly, is living in the John Copas house- hold. He was likely related to the other Columbus men; however, no birth locations in Italy have been found for them, nor for John Copas. All these people were from Sondrio province in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. They (with exception of the DeStaffanys) came from around Campodolcino, and many, if not all, from Fraciscio, high in the foothills of the Alps. The DeStaffanys were from Chiavenna, a few villages to the south. Sondrio province abuts the Italian -Swiss border, and it is interesting to note that through a pass in the Alps, it adjoins the canton of Graubunden in Switzerland. Stillwater's early Swiss settlers fi•om this same time period — Above. the Lombardy region ofltaly from which most Stillwater hwWgrants came—from Sondria in the 1850s, from Milano in the 1880s. Below: John Collas ' house in May Township north of Marine. John ii,as in the earlier wave ofltalian immigrants.. The people in the picture are not iden4fied Also in the 1857 census are the following Italian -born families in Stillwater: August and Domenica DeStaffany (shown as "Stouffer"and "Steffo") and children; Mary Levi and children; Christian and Anton Levi; Peter Cortey (Curti); Francis Bell; Lewis Polli; John A. Yocicrnet (possibly Giacometti); and John Earley. Occupations are mostly mill worker or laborer; Anton Levi was a saloon keeper, Yockrnet a doctor, Steffo a lumberman, and Polli a cleric. By the 1860 census, more families have arrived from Italy: William and Barbara DeStaffany and family; Domenic and Mary Paggi and family; Thomas and Catherine Guanella; William and Antoinette Corty (Curti); Mary and Catherine Trussine (Trussino) and Joseph Gosse. 8 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS Simonet, Wolf, DeCurtins, and others — were from Graubtinden. By the time of the 1870 census all of these people (again, ex- cepting the DeStaffanys) were gone, most depart- ing in the late 1860s for Polk County, Wiscon- sin; Genoa, in Vernon County, Wisconsin, near La Crosse: and Le Sueur County, Minnesota. However, the 1880 Stillwater census shows three new arrivals from these same villages in Sondrio: William Gadola (shown as Gedole), age 26; William Gianera, age 27; John Rogentine (shows as Rogenthun), age 25. They may have im- migrated together as they are enumerated consecutively, living in the Detloff Jarchow boarding house on Main Street, all la- borers, likely in the mills. They eventually left: Gianera to Cal- ifornia; Rogentine to Carlton County, Minnesota; and adola possibly to Vernon County, Wisconsin. For more information about these families, you can contact Jerry Brosious at jwbrosious@att.net WASHINGTON COUNTY HISTORY Calendar of Events Please contact the sponsoring organization for updated infor- mation about these events: Gammelgarden 651-433-5053; Afton Historical Society 651-436-3500; Historic Courthouse 651-275- 7075; South Washington Heritage Society (SWHS) 651-459-7950; Washington County Historical Society (WCHS) 651-439-5956; Denmark Township Historical Society (DTHS) 651-436-7639; April 18 Sunday—Open House at the Warden's House Museum, Stillwater, noon -4 PM. Refreshments, self -guided tours, music, and opening of new exhibits. Free. Through mid-October—Free guided tours of Historic Courthouse, Stillwater; M–F at 11, 1, 3 & 5 PM; Sat. at 11, 1 & 3 PM. April 26 Friday—Gammelgarden Museum and Scandia Butik opening weekend, Scandia. April 27 Saturday—WCHS Vintage base ball season opener with Quicksteps. Call for further information. April 27 Saturday—Victorian Tea and Program, noon to 2 PM at Historic Courthouse, Stillwater. $40, reservations needed. May 2 Thursday—Warden's House Museum in Stillwater opens for the season, Thurs–Sun 1-5 PM. May 4 Saturday—Hay Lake School Museum Complex in Scandia opens for the season, tours weekends 1-4 PM. May 10 Friday—SWHS tour of Hasting lock & dam at 10 AM... Meet in St. Paul Park City Hall parking lot at 9:30AM for car pooling. Note change of day! May 26 Sunday—Immigrant for a Day, 1-4 PM, Gammelgarden Museum, Scandia. Free family event. Me-mbership Repot The Washington County Historical Society welcomes new and renewing annual members listed here and a special welcome to new life members, Tim and Julie Schmolke. Thanks to every- one for your support. And special thanks to those of you who added a donation to your membership check. WCHS truly ap- preciates your support. Remember, annual memberships are due January 1 each year. To check on your status call 651-439-5956 or email <information@wchsrnn. org> New Life Members Tim & Julia Schmolke New and Renewing Sustaining Members Dave Ratte New and Renewing Patron Members Edward & Kathy Fagerlund * Nanette Hoffman * Patrick Kurthbach * Doug & Mary Louise Menikheim * Michael & Linda Orsted * Dave & Donna Spencer June 1 –October – Historic Courthouse exhibit Spokes & Folks: The Evolution of Bikes and Trails in Washington County. June–September second and fourth Sundays—Woodbury Histori- cal Society Heritage House open 1-4 PM June 8 –August 11 Sundays—WCHS Eder Schoolhouse open noon to 4 PM except July 7. Oakdale Nature Preserve. June 8 Saturday—SWHS program, author Frederick Johnson pre- sents the Sea Wing Disaster, 1890 incident on Lake Pepin. St. Paul Park City Hall 10 AM.. June 15 Saturday—Vintage base ball 11 AM -4 PM, Lions Club Park, Scandia (next to Hay Lake Museum). June 15 Saturday—WCHS Beer Tasting at Hay Lake Museum Complex, Scandia, 4-7 PM. Tasting is 21+ only; cost $20 June 22 Saturday—Midsommar Dag celebration, 10 AM – 4 PM, Gammelgarden Museum, Scandia. July 20 Saturday—Demonstration Vintage Base Ball during Stillwater Lumberjack Days, all -day play at Old Athletic Field, Stillwater. New and Renewing Annual Members Volunteers dish tip ice create and floats at the WCHS ice cream so- cial held January 19 in Stillwater. Sally Anderson * Tim & Janel Behrends * Betty Bender John Bergman * Pat & Keith Beyer * Kathleen Brevig * Sherri Buss * Neill Carter * Rose Coad * Ryan & Lisa Collins * Bonna Crabtree * David DeFoe * Steve Despiegelaere Clyde Doepner * Susan Dole * Leslie Dorendorf * Dornfeld/Potter family * Tamara Eastman * Richard Eder Dick Edstrom * Brooke Ellman * Holly Fitzenberger * Scott & Diana Foss * Mike & Bonnie Frain * Kathy Friberg * Mary Glennon * Edward Gordon * Eileen Gordon * Bev & Bud Gross * Rev. Alan Hagstrom * Barry Hansen * Burnell Hanson * Sheila & Chris Hause * Don Hovland * Robert Jones * Andrew Kramer * Sharyn Kriegel * Myrt LaCosse JoEllen Lange * Bruce Law * Laurita Maher& Sherwood Johnston * Cecilia Martin * Harry Martin * Deborah Meier John & Evy Nerbonne * Kathleen Nolan * Bryan & Barb Olson * Duane Olson * Steven Olson * John Pazlar * Ned Peterson * Roger- Peterson * Nadine Pung * Orville Pung * Naomi Purves -Adams * Mark Rasmussen * Jack & Judy Rice * Dorothy Scullen * Gloria Sell * Tom Simonet * Mary Speth Audrey Thueson-Radke * Shirley Tibbetts * Stan Turner * Rick & Pam Vorwerk * Fred Weideman * Wisconsin Historical Society * Gary & Mary Williams * Susan Winkelmann & Brad Carberry * Sheri Yasuna * Sarlyn Ziegler APRIL 2019 9 Bicycle Fever in Washington County! By Brent Peterson and Nancy Goodman Bicycling has been a popular mode of transportation throughout Washington County for more than 150 years. Just about that many years ago a local Cot- tage Grove man, Sylvester Bailey, in- vented a three -wheeled model that was good to go on land, water and snow! (See sidebar article below.) Many people consider the bicycle to be one of the greatest inventions re- lated to social mobility, giving people a personal means for moving beyond the boundaries of their towns and commu- nities much more easily. Early models, called "walking assistants," had no ped- als, but were propelled by the "rider" pushing along the ground. The first pedal -equipped bicycles, called velocipedes, were developed in the mid -1800s. Velocipedes or "bone - shakers" (so called from the wooden wheels, heavy frames, and lack of tires) u .:4 yr Velocipedes in action. A wood en- graving from Harper's Weekly, 1868. Wiki Media. became very popular despite the discomfort. Some people preferred three -wheel tricycles for better sta- bility. Others models had four wheels and might carry a passen- ger. Some had larger front wheels, and some larger rear wheels. The high -wheel bicycle, in- vented in the 1860s, with its large but light wire -spoke tension front wheel, was more comfortable than the velocipede, and also faster, giving greater distance forward for a turn of the wheel. It was often called the "pen- ny-farthing" for the size difference in its wheels. Velocipedes and high wheel bicy- cles all were driven directly by pedals (and, in the case of Bailey's invention, by hand cranks) directly on the front wheel. As you can imagine, this config- uration would lead to accidents. Many a rider was pitched over the handlebars on hitting an obstruction. In the 1870s the "safety "bicycle was invented and immediately became very popular. These bikes used pedals or treadles to power the rear wheel, keeping the rider's feet safely away from the front wheel. Also, unlike the high wheel, which became called the "ordinary," the rider's feet were within reach of the ground, making it easier to stop. Safety bicycles were light, me- chanically simple, and less expensive and by the 1890s were the most popular models. Many tricycle models were also developed, which were more stable than the two -wheelers. 10 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS MORE ON THE STORY �. �- ede Sylvester Bailey's 1869 Velocipede Y Y P s In 1869 Sylvester Bailey of Cottage Grove received patent No. 97340 for a new and improved velocipede." His bicycle had wheels of nearly the same size, and included, per the patent, "a sail -attachment and a sun -protector" (G" on drawing). This removable sheet metal sail could be turned to allow it to ' catch the wind, or could be placed horizontally overhead to protect the rider ---- _ from the rays of the sun or from rain. Pa'TE-` The bicycle could be converted to a water -velocipede by use of floats NOV 30MCC- (shown on front wheel) or an ice -velocipede by attaching runners, (shown on rear wheel)'. Paddles were attached to the floats so that it could be propelled through the water. The ice -velocipede featured spurs on the front wheel for propulsion'. The machine also had two rear wheels that could slide on their ax- le to afford more stability and a hand -crank attachment to the steering post to allow one to propel it with one's hands or hands and feet together. The con - wit necting rods could be detached to allow for propulsion with the feet only. PsR �i1ff/�C Was one of these devices ever seen around Cottage Grove? 10 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS Bicycle Trails, Races and "Wheelmen" Clubs Today many people take advantage of the bicycle trails that stretch from the St. Croix River to St. Paul and beyond. They are a great way to combine travel and exercise, to see nature, and breathe fresh air. The enthusiasm for these trails today was equaled by the many fans of bicycling in the 19th century. Bicycle races were well attended in the 1880s, and Stillwater saw its share of exciting ones. In 1886 there were races in the skating rink arena on north Main Street. It was fifteen laps around the oval for one mile, and the races con- sisted of fifteen miles! Wlieehmen Ed Conrad and Hal Richardson of Stillwater shoran off their high wheel bicy- cles. The tight pants were required to avoid getting caught in the wheel spokes. The champion riders of America, Ireland, and Canada were racing in April 1886. The first race was won by William Woodside, the h•ish champion, over America's John Prince by only 30 feet in a race that lasted just over an hour. The next week Prince defeated the Canadian champion Tom Eck by 82 feet, which had "continuous cheering and waving of hats" from the gathered spectators. Women also enjoyed bicycling. Races between women were all the rage in the 1890s. h7 1891 at Stillwater's Athletic Park, there were several wom- en who raced 100 miles over the course of four days. On the third night, Miss Hunter "took a header" over the handle- bars, and although no bones were bro- ken she received painful injuries. Dur- ing that decade the bicycle gave women more freedom. In 1896, women's rights activist Susan B. Anthony said, "the bicycle has done more for the emanci- pation of women than anything else in the world." The interest in cycling in Stillwater eventually led the local "wheelmen" to organize the Stillwater Bicycle Club in 1900. The fast officers of the associa- tion were John O'Brien, President; W. W. Hanks, Secretary; and T. H. Yarnall, treasurer. At this first meeting a com- mittee was appointed to solicit funds for the bettering of a number of bicycle paths in the area. At the second meet- ing, in 1901, it was decided that bicycle tags would be issued, priced at one dol- lar for men and fifty cents for women. The money collected from "wheel tags" would be used for improvement of bi- cycle paths in the immediate vicinity of Stillwater. Bicycles Are Big Business In the 1890s bicycle dealers and repairers started up businesses to fill the needs of the local Stillwater "wheel - men." In 1895 William Knights had a bicycle shop at 512 N. Fifth Street in Another Classic Sport: It's Vintage Base Ball, 1860s Style! Catch a vintage game this summer! The St. Croix Base Ball Club, fielded by the Wash- ington County Historical Society, plays teams around the county. Check the WCHS website for out-of-town dates and times. Saturday, April 27, Noon. St. Croixs against Quicksteps, location TBD. Saturday, June 15, 11 Ann. Game before the beer tasting at Hay Lake Museum Saturday, July 20, 11 Ann. All -day Lumberjack Days event, Old Athletic Field, Stillwater. Saturday, Sept. 28, Noon. St. Croixs against Afton Red Socks, Afton. THE ROVER SAFETY BICYCLE— ....FDS W1,- an th-, Trk do rut<r wd <a r tAa -Y B.'<. erar ma< FS:tM niih handb to tsxv /v<<¢nrnn4uxe in stvrimE or sG*ppls¢. Fv and MANUFACTURED DY STARLEY &""SUTTON, The Rover safety bicycle was designed in 1884 by John Kemp Starley (1854-1901). Although not the only design tried, this was the most successful and most copied. Stillwater. The next year Martin Olstad opened his place at 115 Union Street, and Scott & Kellogg were in business at 203 N. Second Street. Samuel O. Jones of Stillwater received a patent in May 1896 for an improved bicycle pedal. The Stillwater Gazette in November 1918 noted that "T. L. Bird of St. Paul rode his "safety" bicycle (chain -driven rear wheel) from St. Paul to Stillwater in 51 minutes and 30 seconds, beating the record set a week ago of 56 minutes. The first man to make the distance in 50 will be given a medal by J. E. Elliott." That record has been broken many times over the course of the years. To- day Washington County is still a great place to pedal the bicycle — even for professionals. The North Star Grand Prix finishes its season with the Stillwa- ter Criterium. Its course around the town includes going up the famous "Chilkoot Hill" on South Second Street. APRIL_ 2019 11 WO NITON (OUNTU *THUL W11TU 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 at 651-439-5956 or email information@wchsmn.org On the web at www.wchsmn.org Non -Profit Organization U. S. Postage PAID Permit No. 224 Stillwater, MN 55082 Cottage Grove HPC City Office 12800 Ravine Pkwy Cottage Grove, MN 55016 !II! ?.??r°i'1• c(I� ti ?i!i iiit t'Ir?iii�iillf! J. III, - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - MEMBERSHIP APPPLICATION or RENEWAL I Washington County Historical Society I I I Name I 1 Address I I 1 City, State, Zip Telephone I Indicate preferred type of membership _Annual Individual ($25) _Annual Senior Citizen/Student ($15) _Annual Family ($35) _Annual Patron ($75) I _Annual Sustaining ($125) I _Life ($1,000) I I 1 Additional donations are welcome and needed. 1 Volunteer help is also needed (check here _or call). Detach and mail to: WCHS Memberships PO Box 167, Stillwater MN 55082 Membership includes subscription to Historical Whisperings. ------------------- - - - - - - 12 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS Our Mission The Washington County Historical Society collects, preserves, and disseminates the history of Washington County and the State of Minnesota. WCHS programs include book publication, speakers and workshops, historical reenactments, vintage base ball, school programs, exhibits, print and electronic newsletters, historical markets, 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 learn 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 connections to the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers place the county at the forefront of settlement and the estab- lishment of the territory and state. For this reason we have chosen our motto, Gateway to Minnesota History