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Home My WebLink About2020-03-10 PACKET 08.A., HISTORICAL ; r WHISPERINGS --— - �— —Washington County Historical Society Volume 45, Issue 4 Washington County, Minnesota January 2020 The Story of A. A. Lawson A Stillwater Boy in the Spanish War By Nancy Alice Catlin Deuell This story is adapted from a biography of A. A. Lawson by his granddaughter. The biography and photographs are part of a donation of materials from the Lawson family to the Washington County Historical Society. My grandfather A. A. Lawson was the son of Swedish immigrants John Olaf and Amalia Almgren Larson, who came to Stillwater in the 1870s. After settling in America, the Larsons changed their name to Lawson. Son Adolph was born in 1877. At age 17, as a member of the "Boys' Brigade," Adolph was appointed 2nd Lieutenant of the First Stillwater Com- pany. Three years later, on August 6, 1897, at 20 years of age, Adolph enlisted in the U.S. Navy at Chicago. He was enrolled as Hospital Apprentice 1 st Class and assigned to assist Doctor Herndon on the USS Vermont. Soon after the ship's arrival at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Adolph was transferred to the USS Cincinnati, a protected cruiser The ship sailed for the Caribbean, making stops at Bermuda, St. Lucia, Barbados, Jamaica, and many other ports before arriving in Cuba in April 1898. In This Issue ... ... we hear the story of a young Stillwater man in the Spanish- American War, learn the history of an early county school , meet a Forest Lake pioneer, and discover how the depression affected Minnesota farmers ... plus, news of the organization. Executive Directors Report p. 2 Upcoming Events p. 5 Grey Cloud Island School p. 6 The Farmers' Holiday p. 8 A. P. Noyes of Forest Lake p.11 Adolph Lawson (left) and his brother John Lawson in their Spanish-American War- uniforms. John, two years younger, served with Company K, 13th Minnesota Reg- iment, dining the rear. Froin the Lawson collection. War with Spain The war in Cuba had begun with the sinking in Havana harbor in February 1898 of the US cruiser Maine, which had been sent to protect American property in Cuba, after anti -Spanish rioting broke out. With what looked like American interference, Spain declared war on the United States on April 24, followed by a U. S. declaration of war L m SON -CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 Historical Whisperings is Brent T. Peterson, published quarterly by the WCHS Executive Director Washington County Historical Society, PO Box 167, Stillwater, MN 55082-0167. News of WCHS ... Website: www.wchsmn.org — - - - -- – - - - -- Phone: 651-439-5956. WCHS Holds "Pop Up" History Event! Lynskey & Clark Company of Stillwater, a real estate firm, allowed the Historical Society For information about stories to do a "Pop -Up" History event in one of their Stillwater downtown storefronts the and newsletter articles, contact weekend after Thanksgiving. The WCHS sold a wide selection of popular local history editor@wchsmn.org books, donated Christmas ornaments from Lorraine Weber, and other miscellaneous items For information about events and from the Historical Society store. collections, contact information@wchsmrr.org One of the events was the playing of the John Runk Films for everyone to come in and To book a museum tour- contact watch and also the history of the "Pop-up" Toaster, which was invented in Stillwater, was information@vchsmn.org or on full display. Even though the weather was frightful those three days, a great time was phone 651-439-5956 had by all and a big thank you goes out to Mike and Mick Lynskey for allowing the WCHS to hold the event.. 2 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS From the Executive Director Board & Staff Washington County Welcome to a new year and new beginnings at the Washington County Historical Society. Historical Society We have been fortunate in the past year to have made many new friends and new members and have acquired new artifacts for the collections. It really has been a fantastic year! We had to say goodbye to our Warden's House Site Manager, Gibson Stanton. She Board moved on to become the Director of the Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museums. David Lindsey President Gibson was with the Warden's House for over three years and, with her, we have had a Ryan Collins vice President great time telling the stories of the Warden's House and the rest of Washington County. Joe Otte Recording Secretary We will be seeking a replacement in the next couple of months and will have someone in Tom Simonet Treasurer place for the start of the tour season at the beginning of May. Myron Anderson Director Some of the great artifacts donated to the organization this past year include a Civil War coat belonging to John J. Robertson of Stillwater. Robertson was promoted to Captain Holly Fitzenberger• Director and later served with Company I, 47th U.S. Colored Regiment and took part in the battle Sheila Hause Director of Mobile. Another uniform, belonging to Adolph Lawson, was a naval uniform from the Kar•lene McComb Director Spanish-American War [more on that later in this issue]. Among the other donations were Angie Noyes Director photographs of the St. Croix Boom Site, photos of the Joseph Wolf Brewery in Stillwater, class rings from Stillwater and Forest Lake High Schools, 1965 flood photographs, post - Becky Piing Director cards of the old Stillwater Prison, photos and artifacts from the St. Croix Ice Company of Michael Wilhelmi Director Bayport, and a cane made by Cole Younger at the Stillwater Prison that was given to War- den Henry Wolfer. Staff The Capital Campaign has seen some major donations from local foundations this past Brent Peterson year. The tally is at $1.8 million dollars raised toward the $5 million dollar goal. While the Executive Director campaign has not gone "public" yet, there have been some generous gifts from individuals. Position open There have been also donations from local governments, and it is hoped that all communi- War•den 's House Manager ties in Washington County will donate to this project, as we will be collecting and exhibit - Katie Hutton ing history and artifacts from ALL communities in Washington County. Make sure you Hay Lake Museum Manager keep an eye on the newsletter for more information and further mailings on how our mem- bership will be able to donate to the campaign. Chairs Since it is the beginning of the new year, that means your annual membership dues are Robert Goodman due. Make sure you send in your renewals so the Historical Society can continue with our Endowment Fund Chair programs, events, and mission of your Society. Nancy Goodman Thank you for your membership to the organization. I hope to see you at one of our Newsletter Editor museums or programs this coming year!! Historical Whisperings is Brent T. Peterson, published quarterly by the WCHS Executive Director Washington County Historical Society, PO Box 167, Stillwater, MN 55082-0167. News of WCHS ... Website: www.wchsmn.org — - - - -- – - - - -- Phone: 651-439-5956. WCHS Holds "Pop Up" History Event! Lynskey & Clark Company of Stillwater, a real estate firm, allowed the Historical Society For information about stories to do a "Pop -Up" History event in one of their Stillwater downtown storefronts the and newsletter articles, contact weekend after Thanksgiving. The WCHS sold a wide selection of popular local history editor@wchsmn.org books, donated Christmas ornaments from Lorraine Weber, and other miscellaneous items For information about events and from the Historical Society store. collections, contact information@wchsmrr.org One of the events was the playing of the John Runk Films for everyone to come in and To book a museum tour- contact watch and also the history of the "Pop-up" Toaster, which was invented in Stillwater, was information@vchsmn.org or on full display. Even though the weather was frightful those three days, a great time was phone 651-439-5956 had by all and a big thank you goes out to Mike and Mick Lynskey for allowing the WCHS to hold the event.. 2 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS Warden's House Holiday Open House Was Dec. 7 On Saturday, December 7, from 10 AM to 2 PM the Warden's House Museum was open for its annual holiday event. There were fantastic treats and the museum was decorated in full holiday splendor. Author and WCHS member Patrick Shannon was on hand to sell and talk about his book, Minnesota's Head- line Murders! 1900-1919. Several of the murderers ended up spending time in the Stillwater prison. Brent Peterson, WCHS Executive Director was also on hand to talk about the WCHS and sign copies of his numerous publications. WCHS Annual Meeting Set for March 12, 2020 The WCHS Annual Meeting will be held Thursday, March 12, 2020, at the new Heritage Center building, located at 1862 S. Greeley Street in Stillwater. The doors open at 5:30 PM for a social hour preceding a sit-down dinner served at 6:30. Award-winning caterer Todd Scheel Catering will cater the event. The annual meeting will start at 7:30, with election of board members and an update on the Society's activities. Following the short business meeting, photographer Doug Ohman will speak about places "Hidden in Plain View" (see details at right). Cost of the dinner and program is $25 for WCHS members and $30 for non-members, payable at the door. The public is invited and welcome, but reservations must be made. Please call 612-439-5956 or email brent.peterson @wchsmn.org Open House April 26, 2020 Save the date! Kicking off the 2020 touring season will be the WCHS An- nual Open House on Sunday, April 26. The museums will open again in May but tours may be scheduled at any time. Call 651-439-5056. Ice Cream Cones in January? You Bet! Join the Washington County Historical Society on Saturday, January 25, 2020, for everyone's favorite inappropriate winter event—the Winter Ice Cream So- cial! This year's event will take place in Stillwater's Lowell Park at Mulberry Point. Join other fans of winter between noon and 4:00 PM to celebrate the sea- son with FREE ice cream, root beer floats, and coffee. Cups of chili will also be available at a nominal fee. This year's sponsors include Leo's Grill and Malt Shop, Lift Bridge Brewery, and River Moon Coffee. The event is also sponsored by the Stillwater Con- vention and Visitors' Bureau. All proceeds and donations bene- fit the Washington County Historical Society. At left, a happy kid enjoys his ice cream and the bonfire at the 1953 event. The event was began in the 1950s as a way to bring the community together. Doug Ohman Will Be Speaker at March 12 Annual Meeting Douig Ohman, who has been a featured speaker be- fore at WCHS events, will give a presentation about places "Hidden in Plain View – Cemeteries of Minne- sota." The crowd will walk along with Doug as he photographs cemeteries and uncovers stories of long - forgotten people. Learn where the only Revolutionary War soldier to die in Minnesota is buried. Learn the difference between a cemetery and a graveyard! Ohman will also showcase some of the most unusual cemeteries and stories in Washington County. Here are some samples of Washington County Cemeteries. Left, the monument to Sam Bloomer in Fairview Cemetery, Stillwater; below, Atkinson Cemetery in Cottage Grove, which now funds it- self up against Highway 61. JANUARY 2020 3 LAwSoN-CONTINUED FRomPAGE 1 on the 25th. The United States began a blockage of Havana, Cuba, the same day. The Spanish attempted to lift the blockade at Matanzas, Cuba. Adoph's ship, Cincinnati, joined the fleet off Havana and bombarded the port of Matanzas. The next month, she scouted throughout the West Indies, searching for the Spanish fleet known to be approaching Cuba. Even with a war going on, Adolph and his shipmates did have some enjoyable free time. They could go off ship from time to time, meet local families, have competitive boxing matches tv 1.-0&*d►_-- and rowing games, and write letters home. From an Irish shipmate, Adolph learned to do hand embroidery work. He made beautiful embroidered stars, one of which still adorns the top of his Navy hat. Throughout his life, Adolph made time for this wonderful bobby, which also helped him fill the time during his many months convalescing in the Veterans' Home later in his life. Finishing His Tour in California In January 1899 the war was winding down. Cincinnati headed back up the east coast with stops at Port Royal, A. A. Lawson, druggist, is pictured with his wife Pearl in St. Paul in 1942. From the Lawson collection. 4 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS USS Cincinnati, Adolph Lawson's ship, was the lead ship of the Cincinnati -class cruiser for the United States Navy. She was laimched on 10 November 1892 by New York Navy Yard. In April 1898 she joined the blockade off Havana and bombarded Matanzas. Photo Wikipedia.. South Carolina and Tomplinsville, New York, back to the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Adolph left Brooklyn for a 14 -day leave, spending five "delightful" days with his family at home in Stillwater. On March 11 Adolph arrived in San Francisco, Califor- nia, and reported to the USRS Independence, the Navy re- ceiving ship on Mare Island. He was soon transferred to the USTS Pensacola on Yerba Buena Island. Here he partici- pated in establishing the first Naval Base on Yerba Buena. Adolph was honorably discharged from his Navy duties as Hospital Apprentice 1st Class on August 5, 1900, at which time he returned home to Stillwater. He was then designated a U.S. Spanish War Veteran. Post -Navy Life Upon his return home, Adolph moved forward with a career as a druggist by attending the Minnesota Institute of Pharmacy in Minneapolis, graduating in January 1901. He became a registered pharmacist working in Cass Lake and Stillwater for a few years. Then he moved to St. Paul and opened his own A. A. Lawson Drug Store, which later became the Hamline Drug Store near Hamline University in St. Paul. Adolph was known as one of the pioneer druggists in St. Paul. On April 29, 1908, Adolph married his sweetheart, Pearl Florence Carpenter, in her hometown of Elkhart, Indiana. They made their permanent home in St. Paul. Their daughter, Alice Carpenter Lawson, was born in 1916. "Mr. Lawson is receiving congratulations and wearing a happy smile these days and has been passing out cigars at his store," noted the Northwestern Druggist. In his free time Adolph became proficient in the boxing ring. One evening he entertained the crowd at the Hibbing Athletic Club in a "15 -round go between Parish of West Superior and Lawson of Cass Lake." Noted the papers, "The factors were all for Lawson and with one or two more rounds, he would have gained a decision. Lawson is a clean and clever fighter, has a cool head and uses a scientific system. The referee called the bout a draw. Mr. Lawson learned his athletic training while in the U.S. Navy." After retirement, Adolph and Pearl moved to Carmel, California, to be near their daughter and grandchildren. Adolph passed away September 3, 1953, and was laid to rest back home in Stillwater, in the Lawson plot in Fairview Cemetery. An avid hunter, Adoph Lawson proudly brings home a deer. Photo is one of many in the Lawson collection. More from the Lawson Collection A Home Coming Reception A very friendly gathering was that of Monday evening at the Lawson residence on north Fourth street, when Mr. and Mrs. John O. Lawson extended hospitalities of their home in honor of their son Adolph's re- turn on furlough from his service in the U. S. navy. The reception was a joyful one and Adolph brought with him many valuable mementoes of this "life on the ocean wave" and the curiosities taken from the warships of the Spaniards, tropical treasures, etc. The evening was a very enter- taining one. a dainty and appetizing lunch was served; two charming solos were sung by Miss Eva Thelen and Chas. C. Peterson gave a fine impromptu poem which we give be- low [right]. All of these factors of interest made the time pass swiftly, and young Lawson's thrilling de- scription of experiences on ship board during a battle were the last but by no means the least interesting features of the occasion. This news article appeared in the Stillwater Messenger of March 4, 1899. As it men- tions, a poem was written about Adolph Lawson's service by Charles Peterson, one of the friends attending the event. We give part of it at right. ON BOARD THE CINCINNATI. In the midst of peaceful glory our republic went its way. And we all enjoyed the feeling that the dove of peace held sway. Each one went to his vocation, each one tended to his own, Some were plowing, some were sowing others reaping where they had sown. Suddenly a cloud was sighted, hovering along the zone, 'Twas a call for help by people who defied the Spanish throne; When oppressed by Spanish tyrants, when enslaved by Spanish chains, Bleeding, starving, crushed and suffering, Satisfying Spanish gains. Through our country goes the question, "must I for my brother care?" Can we see our neighbors suffer; will we see their homes laid bare? Won't we send our armored vessels and our flag, red, white and blue, Won't we offer our first born, our boys so good and true?" Hardly was the word outspoken when our congress said "we will!" And the executive power slowly said "your places fill!" Ere the smoke was seen escaping from the funnels now ajar, Anchors raised, the rails were filling, we let loose the dogs of war. Many a heart was sad and lonely, many tears were shed at home, When our boys were chasing Spaniards who had learned to ocean -roam. Until finally comes the message our tars had glories won, They have fought and they have conquered, Spain is now forever done. Though our foes are slain and vanquished, 'twas not play for our boys; Shells were flying, bombs were bursting, limbs were torn as they were toys. Midst the fire it was sighted, our enemy was sunk, Through the smoke all we could notice was a heap of Spanish junk. But with colors brightly flying, banners with the stripes and stars, Boasted noble Cincinnati manned with jolly Yankee tars. Heroes all they fought for freedom, didn't seek their life to spare, And our honored guest this evening, Adolph Lawson, he was there. Written and read by Chas. C. Peterson fl you have photos, documents or artifacts that relate to Washington County history and are looking to donate them, please contact the WCHS at 651-439-5956 or at in- formation@wchsmn.org. JANUARY 2020 5 HISTORIC WASHINGTON COUNTY Grey Cloud Island School, 1870-2019 By Jon and Candy Severson Jon and Candy Severson are amateur genealogists retired near Birchwood, Wisconsin. They are working on a book about Grey Cloud Cemetery. Newport Township's third school district was estab- lished in the spring of 1868, as District 48. (The con- temporary Grey Cloud Island Township was, until the 1960s, the southern tip of Newport Township and dis- appeared when the cities of Newport and St. Paul Park were established.) Grey Cloud's first school trustees were John Turpin, Anthony Fritz, and William J. Mil- :. ler. Susan Kanady was the first teacher. The original Grey Cloud School, built in 1870, was 18' by 24', and cost $300 to build. The school building was situated in a grove north of Herbert Ames' house. A new school was built later that year. In the early 1900s, the second school was moved and the entrance built on the other end. In the 1920s, a new stucco school building replaced the old. Before the school was rebuilt, it was known to be a very small school, and apparently had shown its wear and tear; clearly it deteriorated greatly over the years. Roads were known to be either sandy in the summer or blocked by snow in the winter, so attendance was very poor. The present-day ad- dress of this building would have been at Grey Cloud Island Drive and Geneva Streets, just north of Mooer Lake. V Grey Cloud School and its pupils and teacher in 1889. The original building was just 18 by 24 feet. Photo from Washington County Bulletin, July 8, 1976 6 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS Grey Cloud School, District 48, about 1908. The second building ivas moved to a new location on Grey Cloud Island Drive. The school was always very small and attendance was often poor. By the early 20th centany classes often were down to fewer than a dozen Pupils. The school closed in 1937 and the district was consoli- dated with St. Paul Park. The building, then being used as a residence, burned in September 2019. While researching, the authors found that Grey Cloud Island and the school were covered regularly in the newspapers. Herewith, some excerpts from the early 1900s. Last week a kind-hearted somebody took upon himself the task of building the fire in the school house in the morning. Our schoolma'am wore a smile for a few days after. Miss Armstrong will close her school for a two weeks' Christmas vacation, Friday. Hastings Democrat, 17 Dec 1903 A consignment of new text books has arrived at the Grey Cloud school. They were furnished by the American Book company, of Chicago, and will be sold by the teacher to the scholars at cost. This is a good plan. All will have books now — and the "right kind" too. Many thanks to our enterprising school board and teacher, Miss Mary Armstrong, for the inter- est they have taken. We have only one suggestion to offer and it is this: There are not quite enough books to go around, so we under- stand, and a few more would fit the situation to a T. We are not finding fault, for the school had a poor attendance — which by the way, has changed — thus the shortage. These are the books received: 8 Sheldon's Word Studies 4 Progressive Fourth Readers 2 Progressive Second Readers 4 Progressive First Readers 5 Hall's Primary Arithmetics 4 Werner Arithmetics 3 Eggleston's First Books in History 1 Milne's Standard Arithmetic 1 Balwin's First Lessons in Physiology 1 Forman's First Lessons in Civics 1 Metcalf s Elementary English Hastings Democrat, 03 Dec 1903 Our school house is now in a fit condition. The floor has been scrubbed, and thanks to George H. Daly for cleaning the stove pipe. Hastings Democrat, 14 Jan 1904 Last Saturday evening was the occasion of the annual [Grey Cloud] school meeting and a large number of citizens were present. The meeting was called to order by District Clerk B.W. McCoy. Herbert Ames was elected chairman and the usual business transacted. Seven months of school were voted for; the fall term to begin October 3 and continue three months; the winter term to begin January 2, 1905, and continue four months. G.H. Daly introduced a suggestion made by H.C. Fritz, clerk of district No. 33 [Lamb School, now St. Paul Park], of consolidating the two districts and having five months of school here and the same there, taught by one teacher elected by both boards. This was promptly objected to, but an offer was made to District 33 that they could send their pupils here by paying a tuition fee equal to their apportionment providing, however, that our pupils are not to be crowded.... A tax of $150 was levied for school purposes. On motion the meeting adjourned. Stillwater Weekly Gazette, 20 Jul 1904 Y7'1T ". ilk .\N Grey Cloud school was pictured in the Stillwater Gazette June 28, 1899. By then it had acquired a new cloakroom/entrance. Many children attending the school were descendents of the island's original Dakota Indian inhabitants. The third school, built in the 1920s was stuccoed and had a small upstairs library (the small windows). This building had a second life as a private residence. After the school closed in the 1930s, it was lived in by the Michaud family.. The meeting closed with a stirring debate on the subject as to whether or not the teacher should stay at the school house dur- ing the noon hour. Heretofore the teacher went away from her school at that period and left the scholars to govern them- selves. And self-government among small children we prefer to think, is not very practical. Hastings Democrat, 21 Jul 1904 The pupils of the Grey Cloud school engaged in a "Longfellow contest" last Friday. Frieda Radusch won the first prize and Willie LaBatte carried off the "booby" prize. It was rather ex- citing we are told. Stillwater Weekly Gazette, 02 Mar 1904 John N. Lemmer says that the one who substituted water for the kerosene oil at the schoolhouse, may call and have the wa- ter back again. John can't use the water to build fires with and besides the culprit may need the water as well as the oil. Hastings Democrat, 26 Jan 1905 Miss Sexton's school continued long enough so that she expe- rienced the inconvenience that high water brings to Grey Cloud island. She had to be taken across the water in a boat on her last day of school, Friday. Stillwater Weekly Gazette, 17 May 1905 Our school opened Monday with an enrollment of twelve. Miss Elizabeth G. Sexton, of Stillwater, has charge of our school again this term, which means another successful one. Miss Sexton has also taken up her abode at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver LaBathe. Hastings Democrat, 09 Sep 1905 Learn more about Grey Cloud Island and its school in The Unique Legacy of Red Rock and Newport Minnesota 1837- 1980. More information is available on the WCHS website: <www.wchsmn.org/ research/collections/ online—exhibits/ schools_of the_past>. JANUARY 2020 7 The Farmers' Holiday Strike of 1932-1933 By Robert Goodman 1 This article is revised from A History of Washington County The Midwest holiday soon turned into a national strike. On March 22, 1933, 20, 000 Minnesota Farmers' Alliance supporters marched downtown from the St. Paul capitol to support the Farmers' Holiday Alliance's legislative proposals. Photo Minnesota Historical Society The Great Depression in Washington County began with a break in farm prices in May of 1930 and a long drought that started in July. The county agent reported "a general feeling of discontent and temporary discouragement among farmers." Prices for grain and daily products declined steadily the entire year. At the end of 1930, the Afton Fruit and Farm Produce As- sociation reported their worst year ever. The Stillwater Market Company came through with a modest profit of about $2,900, mostly from the creamery, and only $15 from its depot at Copas. "The drop in farm prices has wiped out farm securities, impoverished the farmer and decreased his purchasing power. The farmer's town has less and less trade.... Railroads are carrying little or no trade to farm regions. Farmers are losing the farms which they acquired after generations of toil and thrift. " New York Times, September 4, 1932 The depression was not confined to the farms. In 1930 the Andersen Company in Bayport saw residential building decline 50 percent from a slow year in 1929. In 1930 they cut hours and operated with a short crew. Un- employment increased dramatically in 1931. There were no relief programs until July 1932, when the Reconstruc- tion Finance Corporation began loaning $300 million to state and local governments for relief. 8 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS Farm prices fell to all-time lows in 1931, while the drought continued. Middle-class farmers who had man- aged to survive began losing their farms to foreclosure. Some farmers gave up. A. J. Sjowall, the county agent, reported in 1932 that things were bad. Farmers and others with mortgages and other debts couldn't pay, and "the feeling of unrest existing last year at this time has now turned to desperation and despair on the part of the majority of farmers." The only bright spot he saw was that things could hardly get worse. Many were unwilling to wait to see if that prediction was accurate. At the end of August 1932, 500 Washing- ton County farmers met in Withrow to organize a county Farmers' Holiday Association (FHA). Association farm- ers refused to sell below their cost of production. The FHA, which was founded in Iowa in May of 1932, had an announced goal of uniting farmers in a "holiday" or strike, refusing to buy goods and promising to hold farm produce from the market and pay no taxes until they re- ceived a fair rate for their labor. A few days after the first meeting in Withrow, about a thousand farmers gathered at the community hall in Cottage Grove. The main issue was the price of milk, then selling at $1.10 a hundredweight, a price thought ridiculously low. George Rice, a "starved -out fanner" from Arcola, declared, "Down in Iowa they put 152 farmers in jail today. But what do we care? If jail is any better than what we've got, let's all go. Let's organize." George Powers of May Township advised, "Throw the milk on the ground, feed it to the pigs. " That November, farm strikers blockaded U. S. Highway 61 just south of Forest Lake. They intercepted trucks carrying livestock and produce to the Twin City markets, warning the drivers to stay away until prices rose. Sheriff Thomas Maher visited the scene, but decid- ed there was no disturbance. When reasoning with the truckers failed, the strik- ing farmers resorted to nail -studded planks on the road- way. The blockades expanded to the Hudson and Stillwater Roads. After two weeks of blockades, the highway patrol descended on 40 farmers at the Forest Lake camp, collected the boards, and burned them on a campfire. Highway Patrol Captain George Kuck an- nounced that 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. Remember, your annual membership dues for 2020 are due January 1. This is also your chance to upgrade your membership to a higher support category. Please see the membership blank on the last page of this issue. Questions? Call 651-439-5956 or email information@wchsmn. New and Renewing Sustaining Members Marlyce and Don Lee * Jim Thommes * Joe Otte while the farmers could flag down trucks and reason with the drivers, the patrol would stop all violence on the highways. They moved on to raid the other picket camps. The Midwestern farmers' holiday turned into a national movement. Minnesota farmers throughout the state struck, forcefully preventing foreclosures and holding produce off the market. In March 1933 20,000 farmers marched on the capitol in St. Paul to support the FHA's legislative proposals. That month the Minnesota FHA successfully stopped farm foreclosures for several months. On April 19, 1933, the Minnesota Moratorium Act went into effect, valid until 1935, and was then renewed. The national movement for a moratorium fizzled, but under Roosevelt's administration the Agricultural Adjustment Act was passed in 1933. This law offered farmers subsidies in exchange for limiting their pro- duction so that crop prices could rise. When government checks began to arrive, the FHA movement lost its influence and quickly disappeared. The Farm Mortgage Moratorium Act in 1935 adjust- ed the mortgage laws so that more farmers could redeem their land. In 1937 the Farmers' Holiday Association ended and members were merged into the Farmers' Un- ion. Forest Lake Creamery in 1929. Years of overproduction and falling milk prices had dairy farmers and creameries producing too much to sustain a profitable price. New and Renewing Patron Members Don Gettinger * Eric Linner New and Renewing Annual Members Allen County Public Library * Kathy Brevig * Emilie Carlson * Kevin Charlsen * Mike Frain * Sam Fudenberg Mary Glennon * Eileen & Edward Gordon, * Bev Gross * Lawrence Gross * Donna Jewell * Andrew & Karen Kramer * Patrick Kurthenbach * Bruce Law * Evie Linner * Gayle Lobitz * LeRoy & Sharon Looser * Stanley & Sharon Miller * Mary Teresa Minkiewicz * Madonna Mochinski * Barb & Bryan Olson * Ory & Nadine Pung Audrey Radke * Allan & Carol Schmig * Bick & Cynthia Smith * Sheila Smith * Mary & David Spencer * Gibson Stanton * Lynn Wilson * Wisconsin Historical Society .JANUARY 2020 9 "Unspoken Words" - A Family History The Washington County Historical Society receives many family histories put together for UN5P(–,N1/�IV'the WCHS library. The most recent, written by Theresa Lynne McGoldrick, is titled, "Un- spoken Words: A Descendent of Stillwater Pioneers Discovers Her Ancestors." t McGoldrick says she was inspired by details found within newspaper articles, ancestry records, and other genealogical sources. The book is infused with news, local events, and stories taking place over 100 years beginning in the 1850s. The book covers several families including the Tobin, Wright, Meister, and McLaggan families. A photo of Addison Wright, seated in a wicker chair holding a sturdy cane and wearing a bowler type of hat, adorns the cover of the book and invites the reader to open the book and learn about the early days in Stillwater and how his family was a part of many of the important events of the 19th century. It has a complete bibliography and is fully indexed – something you do not usually see in family history publications. This book makes a fine addition to the family history section of the Historical Society's Research Center. WCHS invites folks to drop in a take a look at this and other family histories in the WCHS Carriage House Research Center (behind the Warden's House Museum). It's open on Tuesday, Fridays and Sundays from noon to 5 PM, and Wednesdays from 3 PM to 6 PM. For more information, call 651-439-5956. 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) 651-366-9863; January 11 Saturday—SWHS program: WCHS intern Alix Cogan will talk about former slave Jim Carter who made his way to Stillwater after the Civil War. 10 AM, St. Paul Park City Hall. January 25 Saturday—WCHS Ice Cream Social, Lowell Park Mulberry Point, Stillwater, noon -4 PM. Free coffee, root beer and ice cream. Fun for all! February 8 Saturday—SWHS program: Toni Harvey, Saint Paul Park Scoutmaster, will talk about the local organiza- tion. 10 AM, St. Paul Park City Hall. March 12 Thursday—WCHS Annual Meeting and dinner, Heritage Center (1862 S. Greeley St,), Stillwater. Speaker Doug Ohman, 5:30 PM. Reservations required. Plan Ahead! Put This on Your Calendar The 2020 WCHS Beer Tasting at the Hay Lake School Museum will take place Saturday, June 20, 2020! Local breweries, local music, local history! Entry $20. Photo from 2019 event. 10 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS March 14 Saturday—SWHS program, John Burbank, Cottage Grove Historic Preservation Officer will discuss area land- marks and keepsakes. 10 AM, St. Paul Park City Hall. April 18 Saturday—Historic Courthouse Victorian Tea, and Program, 12 to 2 PM, $40 per person. Reservations. April 26 Sunday—WCHS Open House at the Warden's House Museum, Stillwater, noon -4 PM. Refreshments, self -guided tours, opening of new exhibits. May 1 Friday—Warden's House Museum in Stillwater open for tours. Call for group tour information. May 2 Saturday—Hay Lake School Museum Complex in Scandia opens for the season AN INFLUENTIAL PIONEER Honorable Augustus P. Noyes of Forest Lake By Brent T. Peterson There are many people who claim the title of "pioneer" of Forest Lake but there are only a handful who laid the founda- tion for the community. Augustus P. Noyes may have arrived a bit later than other pioneers, but his influence made the Forest Lake community what it is today. A. P. Noyes was born in Black Rock, New York, which is now a part of Buffalo, on June 27, 1825. He came to Wisconsin in 1847 and settled in Waushara County. In 1852, he was elect- ed clerk of the board of supervisors of the county, an office corresponding to that of county auditor, and was re-elected in 1854-56. Service in the Civil War When the call came for volunteers to fight in the Civil War, Noyes enlisted as a private in Company H, 13th Wisconsin. He was made first sergeant, and on March 9, 1864, was commissioned first lieutenant of Company B, 16th Wiscon- sin Infantry. Noyes was immediately ordered to take 170 new recruits and deliver them to the different regiments serving at Vicks- burg; he was then ordered to Cairo, Illi- nois, to join his regiment. From this point they were sent to Cliffton, Tennessee, Huntsville, Alabama, and Rome, Geor- gia, joining Sherman's army at Kenne- saw Mountain, and following Sherman on the march to the sea. At Savannah, Lieutenant Noyes was made commissary of muster, Third Divi- sion, 17th Army Corps, and mustered out of the division at Louisville, Ken- tucky, on July 26, 1865. Then Service in Minnesota After the war he moved to Minneso- ta and in 1867 was appointed railway mail clerk on the Minneapolis & St. Paul Railroad on the route between St. Paul and Prairie du Chien. He served in that position for 13 years, when he resigned. After that, he moved to Forest Lake, Minnesota. In 1892, he was elected a member of the Minnesota legislature to represent the northern portion of Washington County. He received 696 votes over John McCar- thy's 672 votes. Noyes was also appoint- ed postmaster for two terms. Incorporating Forest Lake Noyes was the inspector of elections in 1893 when the question of incorpor- ation came up in the community. Noyes was directed by Washington County to post three copies of the petition to A. P. Noyes, left, and Charles Simmons in front of the Forest Lake depot c. 1900. incorporate in five of the most public places. The document stated that the election would be held at J. L. Simmons' store at 9 am on July 10, 1893. The copies were posted on the front door of the Town Hall, at A. J. Hendrickson blacksmith shop, the Marsh Hotel, the U.S. Post Office, and inside the saloon of C. V. Smith. Augustzts P. Noyes The polls opened that day at 9 AM. There were 36 votes cast — Noyes acting as one of the election inspectors. It was a unanimous decision and Forest Lake be- came an incorporated village. A Civic Minded Man Noyes was also interested in the schools for the youth of the area. He was the first clerk on the school board for District 67, the Alm School, when it was organized in 1885. When he moved out of that area, he became associated with the school in District 56, Forest Lake, and was clerk on that board for several terms. Augustus Noyes was married to Mrs. Lavina Walker in August 1888. He would be elected several times to the position of Justice of the Peace in Forest Lake, and also serve in other capacities in the Village and Forest Lake Township. When the congregation he worshiped with outgrew its meeting space at area rural schools and parishioners' homes, Augustus Noyes donated two lots on the corner of Second Street Northwest and Third Avenue Northwest for a church to be constructed. Even though Noyes had retired from working, he never stopped work- ing for the betterment of the Forest Lake community. He continued to do so well into his 90s and he would be proud of the Forest Lake of today. District 56 school, Forest Lake, with the 1904 students and teacher. Noyes ivas clerk on this school board for several terms. JANUARY 2020 11 DATED MATERIAL W191HOON (OUNTU a.UsTOAHL JO(MV 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 12800 RRVINE PKIJY S3 P3 COTTR6E CiROVE NN 55016-6103 I�IIIInl�tllll�ll�llll�lul�lll�lllll�llllll�u�llul��l.nll�n ------------------------- 1 I MEMBERSHIP APPPLICATION or RENEWAL I I Washington County Historical Society I I 1 Name I I Address I 1 City, State, Zip I Telephone 1 I Indicate preferred type of membership _Annual Individual ($25) 1 _Annual Senior Citizen/Student ($15) 1 _Annual Family ($35) 1 1 _Annual Patron ($75) _Annual Sustaining ($125) _Life ($1,000) I I Additional donations are welcome and needed. Volunteer help is also needed (check here _or call). 1 Detach and mail to: WCHS Memberships PO Box 167, Stillwater MN 55082 t 1 1 Membership includes subscription to Historical 07isperings. ------------------------- I 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 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 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