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Home My WebLink About2020-09-08 PACKET 08.A.HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS -- -- - ,' Washington County ' - Historical Society ' Volume 46, Issue 2 Washington County, Minnesota July 2020 Eight Adapted Former Stillwater Church Buildings Salem German Evan- gelical Lutheran Church, built in 1889 at Fourth and Oak Streets in Stillwater, has been successfully reused as condomin- iums. Top photo: Runk Collection, MNHS; right: Google maps. Author's note: Growing up in Stillwater, 1 was fascinated by the old churches ---particularly ones no longer used for that purpose. I wondered about their former names, denomina- tions, and ethnic groups. Even as a transplanted Minnea- politan for the last twenty-five years, 1 ask the same questions as I travel through various neighborhoods, especially while biking or walking, when I can linger and behold these former church buildings. Finding a way to adapt and repurpose these buildings from earlier eras helps to preserve the visual character of the built environment and connects us to our past. In This Issue ... ... we locate some of Stillwater's earliest churches and find some interesting artifacts once used to water horses... plus, news of the organization. Executive Director's Report p. 2 Museum Happenings p.3 Watering Troughs pA From the WCHS Collections p.5 Base Ball Memories P. 10 . Others Are Long Gone By Jerry Brosious Jerry Brosious is a former editor of the WCHS Whisperings newsletter and a frequent contributor to it. In this article he tracks down former church buildings in Stillwater that are no longer used as churches, as well as the location of church structures no longer standing. THROUGH THE YEARS Stillwater has seen numerous reli- gious denominations and their church buildings come and go. Few of the earliest ones are still worshipping in their 19th century churches — the congregations of St. Michael's Catholic, St. Mary's Catholic, Ascension Episcopal and Trinity Lutheran are the exceptions. (Although Trinity's 1883 church stands, it has been melded with the modern addition.) Even these had predecessor churches no longer standing. This article is about extant buildings in Stillwater that are no longer being used as churches, as well as the op- posite — structures no longer standing and where they were located. Reused Stillwater Churches Of the surviving churches, probably the most familiar to residents and day trippers is the former First Presbyterian Church at South Third and Myrtle Streets, centrally located and near downtown. It was completed in 1884 and was the third church built by the congregation. In 1969 it was vacat- ed for the present location on Osgood Avenue. The old church was purchased by a developer and converted into condominiums. The former Salem German Lutheran Church at South Fourth and Oak Streets was built in 1899. Salem was CHURCHES- CONTINUED oN PAGE 6 Board & Staff From the Executive Director V6ashington County The year of Covid-19 is still keeping the Historical Society in park. Although some Historical Society history centers are opening around the state, house museums like ours are still closed due to social distancing. There is also the at -risk people that come to our unique muse- ums that we have to be careful of Board David Lindsey President Ryan Collins Vice President Joe Otte Recording Secretary Tom Simonet Treasurer Myron Anderson Director Holly Fitzenberger Director Sheila Hause Director Karleve McComb Director Angie Noyes Director Becky Pung Director Michael Wilhelmi Director Staff Brent Peterson Executive Director Position open Warden's House Manager Katie Hutton Hay Lake Museum Manager Chairs Position Open Endowment 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: hix,14>.ivchsmn.org Phone. 651-43.9-5956. For inJ'ormation about stories and newsletter articles, contact editor(&1vchsmn. org For information about events and collections, contact information@wchsmn. org To book a museum tour phone 651-439-5956 2 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS The pandemic has cancelled more than 13 tour groups, our summer programs, and events that include the lecture series, Stillwater Historic Homes Tour, and the Beer Tasting. We are planning on two outdoor movie nights at Hay Lake School Museum in Scandia. These will be a welcomed relief for our organization. Although closed we have not been sitting by waiting to reopen. We have added two volumes of Simonet Funeral Home records to our online database — with more to come. Repairs to the Warden's House and Hay Lake School that needed attention are being done, such as some painting at both museums, shade repairs, and board re- placement on the front porch of the Warden's House, and even some artifact repairs. Our museums will be ready to welcome visitors again as soon as we can do so safely. The Society has lost one of its biggest supporters recently. Robert [Bob] Goodman passed away at the age of 80. He, and Nancy, have been a cornerstone of the organiza- tion for over two decades. Bob has penned many articles for the Whisperings and sev- eral books on topics such as paddleboats, Joseph R. Brown, the Civil War, and more. He was the current endowment fund chair and under his leadership, the fund has more than tripled because of his investments. The Capital Campaign for the Heritage Center has slowed with the pandemic but the WCHS is still moving forward. The campaign now is going to be two phases, with the first being the construction of the exhibit galleries, lobby, bathrooms, and entrance area. Offices, storage, and research area will be in the second phase. We are looking to hire a -contractor soon, -to -sm how far the money we have raised to date will go. We have not asked the membership for donations to the project, yet, but that will soon change, as we need to get into our new building soon! In the theme of Preserving Tomorrow's History, the WCHS has put together some half -minute histories that are posted on our social media pages of Facebook and Twit- ter. You can find one on our website as well. With the closure of the museums we have found the "Warden's House Kitty" going around checking out the artifacts — see what he finds also on our social media pages (and check out page 11 in this issue). Thank you for your membership to the Washington County Historical Society. It is because of you that we do what we do. If you have not renewed your membership, yet, please do. You can send in the form on the back of this newsletter or renew online through our website at <www.wchsmn.org>. If you have any questions about your membership, books for sale, or any other topic, give us a call at 651-439-5956. * * * * * * * * * * * OOPS! Here is one of the Museum repair projects! On June 30 we had a tree fall on the Warden's House. It was removed quickly, but we are unsure if there was any damage. Our insurance ad- juster will be stopping by to take a look on the roof. Brent T. Peterson, WCHS Executive Director Cancellations WCHS Facilities Are C/osed for the Year Beer Tasting at Hay Lake The Washington County Historical Society has closed its Museum Cancelled museums and research center until further notice. The The WCHS Annual Beer Tasting will COVID-19 coronavirus situation will be reevaluated in the not be held at the Hay Lake Museum Complex this year. Although it is held fall and some outdoor activities may be arranged. Emails mostly outdoors,�t�S hard to��beer and phone messages will still be answered. through a mask. � � � No Membership Meeting Polishing Up the Silver The WCHS Annual Fall Membership ; � �� . Meeting will not be held this year be- s� ,� , cause of the logistics of holding an in- �-� � �� _ , � ' door meeting. � � � �., - � � * * :x `� �j .��:' 4�� # �� `�` �. -� ��.- � �- But, Outdoor Movies! � �- _ �� ;� �- � �� _� � � �� Family Fun! Hay Lake School � �Y� �� y - _ € �� Outdoor Movie Nights �`t Y� � �-� � � � � �i � _ �_ _ .�, �. :� . 3 � �� ; �, � � � �" �� - � � �. , _ �� ,- � � _ Outdoor movies are a great family event ��L� � � ' �;,�� - � ' `4 r ` , ��` —and you'll be able to do social distan- ' � � �.�{„ .�,� cing! Free showings of two creepy fall ��s �� -��- �,.�. movies will take place at the Hay Lake = -- " , School Museuim on Saturday evenings, Whether the museum is open for tours or not, the Warden's House silver has to September 12 and October 10. be kept in good condition. Three dedicated polishers got to work one day with the silver services, candelabras, and platters. Silver-haired silver polishers, left "The Little Shop of Horrors"(the to right, are Chris Peterson, Sheila Hause, and Nancy Goodman. Work goes on good old 1960 version)to be shown in the museums all summer to keep artifacts in good shape, update displays, Sept. 12, is a black comedy about a and make repairs.We'll be ready for tours when we can open again! carniverous plant. "Carnival of Souls," to be shown Oct. 10,is a cult classic from 1962 shot in black and white in xansas� Remembering Bob Goodman. � �; � ��F Come and get settled at 7:30 pm. WCHS Er►dowment Chai►'Dies .�� There is plenty of room far families to ��; �` '��-�� Robert Goodman was an active - t ��. _ kee a art. The movies will be shown at =~ � � � p p member of WCHS,often giving tours and �� dusk and are aboui 70-75 mintues long. talks and acting as doorman at the War- '� Families are encouraged to bring a , ` � �- den s House. He loved giving history ��;- blanket,or folding chairs,and relax on presentations to the local schools and �� the school grounds to watch the film � - projected on the side of the school! arganizations. � ; � Bob was an independent Mmnesota F � historian,and author,with his wife,of `�;�}` � €�� Find Out More . . . five books on Minnesota and county his- � x a�� The WCHS website<wchsmn.org>is tory, as well as many articles. Bob Goodrrza�a is s/�o,�ti�i� dz�rir�g cr continuously updated with current Bob and his wife,Nancy,were resi- history presentation he gave to information about our programs. dents of Stillwater for over 50 years. Bob Forest Lake stztdents. died June 29.He was 80 years old. Ju�Y 2020 3 Watering Troughs Were Part of the Urban Landscape �� : - 2 �� . .�� ' -�., r . What is that iron thing on the curb at North Fourth and � �� m " � �� Hickory Streets in Stillwater? Why would there be a g �� . ' �' � _ ��;� - 1f ; �� a sidewalk planter in the North Hill neighborhood? ,� � �= F�� _ , �- � .� :� �~ - i� - � ` + � ; .�,� � ��-,Y e ; _ - �a- - � �� This artifact may puzzle people today,partly because this "��,`�, =� � � �� a - >: particular planter is only part of a larger object that would �� " ` � - � T� have been very familiar to people in early Stillwater. It is � � "� �" I� • �� ,�� the bottom part of a watering trough, a city utility that was "�`�� '�' # '_� � . absolutely necessary in the days when horses did all the ---� " - § work Troughs were strategically placed so horses, and also � �.� . - people, could get a drink. �"�, � � �� ,� � � There were watering troughs at Greeley and Ramsey �� 3 Streets;North Fourth Street at the foot of Hickory; South �� - � � Fourth and Willard Streets;and—the most popular site—in �, . s�" �� .� front of the old City Hall and.Fire Hall on North Third �� _�: '�� Street. There might have been other locations as well at one time or another around the community. It was a very attractive spot, fitting for its proximity to Looking�zorth on Fourth Street_frona Myrtle Street in Stillwater. the City Hall. The drinking bubbler was well used. It seems Men are gathered around the watering trough at le,ft in front of there was a dedicatory plaque fastened to the base pedestal, the old fire hall. but memory is foggy about that." �� , �_�� , As automobiles started to replace horses ' , .,��'� ' �`" " � , on the streets of Stillwater,the water troughs 3��'�.� = �- ' � ' ` ', soon became just a landmark of an earlier j �`��'�� . �. '' time. Their use still was not lost even in the _ , . . � ��=�" ��._- 1930s. � # $ ; . ..� � a ��, , "Hot weather has less terror for South ' �` �` ` ` �� "` Hill horses these days," an article said in the +�, �._ � �, - � � � Stillwater Post Messenger on June 29, 1933: � � "The watering trough has been replaced at the J �� .� �_ �� ` x�� . ��,, '� ;,� �� corner of Fourth and Willard streets,broken �� - � - last wmter when struck by an automobile,the �� '�' � _ `�� "� ��°�� trough has been out of commission four � �` � � ��' months." � _ _ �, ,, ..� - : .. ; �_ y� �—�`- ° � _ . � `-�� ` "Teamsters petitioned the City Council �"` ��.--= ;i; i j= y �x . � �x.�� '� ' �� last month for the fountain replacement,say- .„ -., ing it was the only watering place on the South Hi1L They urged it be replaced near its The trough on North Third Street was described as hav- former location. In placing the fountain, City Engineer ing a"nicely designed tapered shaft with a finial projecting Abercrombie avoided putting it near private property where six or eight feet above the basin; at one time there were four its appearance might prove objectionable. It is now on the flower pots hanging from arnis mounted on this shaft with west end of the triangle formed by the intersections of growing plants,perhaps tended by firemen stationed nearby Willard, Locust and Fourth streets,"the article concluded. 4 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS In downtown Stillwater two distinct fountains were in- working for the National Youth Administration in 1937 and stalled so people could grab a cold drink during the heat of the water used was from the old Wolf Brewery. the summer. One was placed on South Second Street across Eventually the watering troughs throughout the city from the Lowell Inn in a small plot of land between the post Were taken down. Some have been used as planters or foun- office and the Connolly Shoe Company. This fountain was ��s in yards, others tossed away. The trough that once dedicated by the Board of Water Commissioners in memory stood proudly in front of the City Hall and Fire Department of Henry Clay Farmer [1858-1914] in 1935. Another foun- dated 1882 now adoms the front yard of the Warden's tain was at the south end of Main Street by the old Wolf House Museum. Brewery.The fountain was constructed by dozens of people �� }, � �� j� � ��' � � ��=� � - � � � � �� £ ,� �� ' � � � � � ��- � � �� , ;: � � This photo c. 1910 i,s of a water trough � � �_` � �� Y } � � �� , ��_,: or bubbler on Pine Street in front of the �� _ �� F{� old Courthoz�se and across the street �`� � � `� � "` � � f' � �� '�`�� ' � q � ��- �� ;Va��- �-. from the old Stillwcrter High School, � � ' � �_� � , � f� - � �� _ ��r..- . : �� YIOW lyi2 SIl2 O�tj?8 VeIG'YQ71'S M27YIOYIQI � ��'� � ' � �_ ��' � _� parkirrg lot.It was evzc�ently popular � �� -� _ with the snzall boVs of the neighbor- -- - = � � � �' hood. �� a3 ��' �� - �� : �� T:�, � � �� _ - r - � _ ».� e = ;��^ _ _ _ �— � - - �`L - �� . ,.�§ .. . � � . �.� r ��4 rA _�� _�� * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * From the WCHS Collections: Red Ribbon Badge : �'�,t i t� �,��;j u This red ribbon badge from the International Organization of Good ,��yti, N, ��,�� Templars (I.O.G.T.), belonged to Timothy S. Nash of Cottage Grove. He ware the ribbon at the 1880 State Convention. The Good Templars c �`�� was a fraternal organization which was part of the temperance move- �: ment, promoting abstinence from alcohol and other drugs. � `�� In 1875, Nash was one of the original organizers of the Langdon �� Butter and Cheese Association. In February 1881, Nash wrote an essay on the care of milk and cream and the manner of converting it into but- � ter. The essay was read at the third annual meeting of the Minnesota Dairvmen's Association. Nash was for many years the Deputy for the Riverside Lodge#153 � ' of the I.O.G.T. at Newport, Minnesota. The Newport Lodge was orga- nized by W. W. Saterlee on January 18, 1876. Nash left southern Washington County in the early 1890s for a farm he purchased in �� '� �� Brookings, South Dakota. � �� +;� f The red ribbon bad e was donated to the Washin ton Count His- � �, e ; � g g Y � � ' torical Society by Mary Trevete Keck of Newport. �� , : �. : Ju�Y 2020 5 CH(IRCHF_ti CO�'TI,�'UED ON PAGE 6 Robertson's,North Fourth Street Store),an antique shop, and an architectural office. Today,Uncommon Age Fitness &Movement Studio occupies the space. ` ; '`' The Swedish Mission congregation moved to 320 ----�;- �# I��'�+ , , � #` North Fourth Street(just south of Linden) in 1905, when a °� ,� ' , '= solid, imposing brick-veneer structure was completed. The � : �; ��_ __ ��`��; �`� � �. . lots were purchased from St. Michael's Catholic Church, ��- �' A= --a..� � �'� whose first church building [1853-1875] was on the lots to : '�� ,�� f �� , �E� _� ��- the south. The new Swedish Mission Church sanctuary was �-� � - �� T� �. � influenced by the Akron Plan. Like an auditorium or � � ; �,, � � �� "�"" ' theater,the floor sloped toward the pulpit and curved pews ; ` �� _� , �� radiated outward from[he central aisle, with the same z ;� design in the balcony. In 1974 the congregation(by then �rt � ; � �.� :, -- �r� �.� . __, __ ` -'� � �� •.�� renamed Bethany Evangelical Covenant Church)moved _ R� � --�--�'� ,i. -��_ ` � to its present location on North Stillwater Boulevard. In 1982 �� - 3.�,�_._ ,` .: Thomas and Karen Above:1��%�•sl�1'resbvteriatt �:{turch at Mvr'tle and�S`ot-�l{� � �,y �� _ '�'� Loome opened a Third Streets, now condonainiums.Runk collection, MNHS. � �� theological book store Right:First Swedish Mission Cl�urch on North Fourth �� in the 1905 building. Street has been used for ntany purposes.Photo:Suki _ The bookstore Thomsen, Stillwater HPC. ` � Below.•Former St.Paul's Lutheran on Sozrth Third St. �� :. reloCated some years near Oc�k is��ow an apartnaent bziildirrg with a 1912 � s . '%"� � � � - � ago, and the building is addition. ��{�'�'��-� ` r now a private � �°�� r residence. founded by meinbers of Saint Paul Lutheran who �� ''�� `�;_� �� withdrew in 1882 over the issue of predestination. Its �-=�� ° �� ___ ' first building was the former Swedish Lutheran(Trini- �� - � - ry)Church located on this same site,which burned earlier in � ��. 1899. In 1963 a new church was built on North 62nd Street. � � The old building was eventually converted into condomini- � ' �; � ums but the old identification remains on the building: Ev. � � �;��• r ' � ., � ,�� t�F� Luth. Salems Kirche. t �,� � . The Norwegian Lutheran congregation(later named � � � � � Our Savior's Lutheran)was organized in 1875 but did not �� __ , � � � � have its own church until 1896,when the cornerstone was �`�� `�� , � � � � laid for the building on South Sixth Street between Olive � -�� L� F� � " _ and Myrtle (121 South Sixth St.) In 1961 a new church was ; �� T � _,: ; built on West Olive Street. The old church was used for a �� - f - �., . � �� . H.. �� : few years as a Congregational Church.For many years it s ;��--�=�" `� �_ . ��;'��% � �� ,., ;. . has been a private residence, during part of which time the ��--�- �--..____,_ . owner had a furniture-making shop on the second level. The former St.Paul's Lutheran stands at 320 South The frame building at 807 North Fourth Sireet(just Third Street.This German Lutheran church was built in north of Hickory)was built for the Swedish Mission 1871 on the west side of South Third near Oak Street. In Church congregation(Den Svenska Krastliga 1952 the congregation left the location far its new church on Missions•f'orsamlingen) in 1882. In 1892 it made affiliation South Fifth Street. The old building was sold and converted with the Evangelical Covenant Church of America and into a stucco four-plex,unrecognizable today as a former remained at this location until 1905, when it relocated five church. blocks south on North Fourth(see next paragraph). For the last 115 years this building has been used for a variety of St.Peter's United Church of Christ built their house purposes,including grocery stores(Berglund&Peterson, of worship in 1916 at 428 South Broadway,near the top of 6 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS the Main Street stairs. This congregation may �� f � .� e} �� a�g t �� Y have the most interesting denominational his- ,�,,, � �,}; . :. , tory in Stillwater. It was formed in 1900 by a �:'� ��'� � ?- ffi � {� � group of German Lutherans as St. Peter's Lu- �� theran Congregation.This was an era of great �,�� ' � �� = � ; . . ,� _� .i participation in fraternal orgamzations,and t � � �� . � � - � � many of the men wanted to join the various �'� ° � �y lodges, which was disallowed or frowned up- '� � � - �,- _ on by Lutheran policy(as it was in the Catho- � � � ._ � f � lic Church . St. Peter's eventuall ehanged � f�: � � �� ) Y � . � �y denominations and affiliated with the Evangel �� ' � �� ,�� „� � �- �, �.�:� .�-Y.� ical and Reformed Church. In 1961 it merged � 3 ��_� � � �� X �� •�: � � � -- with the majority of Congregationalist church- `,� `� .�- r _ � ��-. ." : � �` ��.��a..r�� .� - .. �-�� # es into the United Church of Christ(UCC). In Above: Christiara Scientist "`'�-,��+ 1966 St. Peter's relocated to its newly built church on East d�urch at North Third and tl � - Orleans Avenue. The 1916 church(which had no plumbing} Mulbern�Street, now con- � '� was sold and converted into a private residence. dos. Runk collection, �, � MNHS Around 1920 the Christian Scientist congregation con- Right:St. Peter's United ' structed a handsome limestone building in the Gothic style, Church of Christ, now a '� � at North Third and Mulberry(231 North Third Street, across private residence. �� from the library). Later in the century a new location on - � _;.. { , . m� - : �,; West Churchill was chosen. In 1984 the old church was purchased by builder and developer Bob Hagstrom,who (�'here the Elliott - - converted it into Mulberry Hill Place condominiums. House later stood). In s 1857 a larger church was built on the southwest corner of Razed Stiiiwater Churches South Third and Myrtle. (In 1865 the newly formed German Catholic congregation,Immaculate Conception— later The opposite fate to the eight surviving former churches is �own as St. Mary's—purchased the 1851 church and wor- that of the many that were demolished or, in a few cases, shipped there until 1872.)In 1884 a new Presbyterian accidentally destroyed by fire. The earliest churches in Still- church(still standing; see earlier section herein)replaced water were built in the early 1850s by the Presbyterian, the 1857 building,which was purchased by the City and Episcopal, Methodist, and Catholic congregations. The moved across Myrtle Street for use as an armory by Com- Presbyterians built the�rst church in the village in 1851 pany K. It was placed to thc east of the Swedish Methodist near the northwest corner of South Third and Chestnut � �;��,.,� �� Episcopal church : ,_: '`��'`�� ;� . -� (covered herein) � �. � which was on the ,� - _ . ''�" ��.��";Y northeast corner of � �-� � ' Myrtle and � `� � � � � � �f.� �� Fourth. � � �F�� .� � � � � � - - 8 ..,.�:+ � �� The Episcopal , � .. ��.� �� , , � congregation(As- � � - � �'�� cension)'s first ,� ^ �� < �ss �� ; � _ _ chwch, fimshed m �~�` �, i � `'� `� � .�� _. �,�_�__ ^.�' � :� _ � �-_ . _�- �� ti ,r.._ _ . , � �- � ,�._. .,- i �. �°`� - -��` � *-�,:�, ��,; � -� � � �` �� "- �v.� Left:Early photo showing the first two Presbyterian � . � � ; .� � �� .�� _ � �;�� ' chzsrches on the right in the distance. The 1870 Methodist �,t��` E ..`.,4�,�`� � . � � `_��.. � , �-�,, Church is on the left in Ihe foreground. � �� '; ' '"� Above:Later photo of the 1870 Methodist Church with a � �. ' ��a�� ; � � ��„�� .�,�� ; �„ ��.}� new tower and steeple;this was later Thelen Hall "the � ' Canteen"on North Third Street. . �� '#" ` E,x f 't "° �''�:� Continued next page JULY 2020 7 the summer of 1853,was near the southwest corner of Oak Streets. In 1883 a new church was built on North Third North Third and Mulberry. This frame sUucture with unu- Street,which remains today as a part of Trinity's campus. sual vertical wood siding, served them until a new church The new Salem German Lutheran congregation purchased was completed in 1875 at their present site on North Third the vacated Swedish Church and used it until it burned in next to the library. The second church stood only 13 years, 1899 (see Salem, covered herein). consumed by fire in 1888 and replaced by Ascension Epis- The Universalist Society constructed a building with copaPs present building. The 1853 church eventually was vestry in 1870, on the west side of South Third Street near used by James Fitzgerald for his blacksmith shop. West Pine,but the church proper was not completed until In 1854 the Methodist Episcopal congregation built its 1880. By 1898 it was described as having been without a first church on the north side of East Myrtle Street between pastor or services for many years. The St. Peter's Lutheran North Second and Third Streets. It was a small frame build- congregation(later Evangelical and Reformed, covered ing, enlarged in 1862. It was likely where the house at 110 herein)rented the building for some years before moving to East Myrtle now is situated. South Broadway. In 1912 the old Universalist Church was In 1870 a larger church was built just around the corner sold to the city of Stillwater for use as part of the High on North Third, a bit north of Myrtle,which served the School campus which adjoined to the south. Originally Methodists until 1957, when they moved to their present called the Manual Training Building, it was later known as location on West Myrtle Street. The 1870 church became The Acrivities Building, even after the school became the the Thelen Hall Youth Center,popularly known as The Junior High School. It was demolished in the 1970s. Canteen. Many Stillwaterites have fond memories of music The First Baptist Church, organized in 1881, first occu- and dancing there on weekend nights from around 1957 un- pied the former Second Presbyterian Church building on the til 1966, when the Salvation Army took over the building. southwest corner of South Fourth and Pine Streets. That In 1982 the 112 year old structure was torn down along with structure was earlier known as Holcombe's Church after two other early buildings for a parking lot. congregation founder Lt. Governor William Holcombe. Or- St. Michael's Irish Catholic congregation's first proper- ganized in 1856, the Second Presbyterians separated from ty was on the northwest corner of North Fourth and Mulber- the First Presbyterians over doctrinal differences. By around ry Streets. The frame church,built in 1853 and later en- 1880 most of the meinbers returned to the First Presbyteri- larged, was at that time the second building from the corner ans and the building became available for the Baptists in with the rectory on the corner. St. Michael's worshipped 1881. The Baptists built a new church on the site in 1891 here until 1875 when the new large, elegant limestone and remained there until 1967,when their current place of church on South Third was completed. The old rectory on worship was completed on Stillwater Boulevard(later re- the corner was later sold to Patrick Fitzgerald who moved it named Oakridge Community Church). The old church on across the street and is now the home of ArtReach St.Croix Pine Street was then used for additional classrooms by the at 224 North Fourth. Junior High School,then located kitty-corner on Pine Street. Th� Swedish Lutherans' (Trinity Lutheran) first In 1983 it was home was a small one-storey frame structure built in sold and con- 1871 on the northwest corner of South Fourth and verted to condo- miniums,but :,�;;�-'.~' burned a couple years later. A � _� t � '� private residence � � ,"� � �'' now stands on _ , ,x = a , . � � . . � , � � � a.� �, .��: ��y �z� , ==�' �, ��._ this site. _..�.� - � _ . �.. F� - �",�,_�� .� """r...w�' ��- � �� q{� �•��' "{ �+� �� ¥ �c 9 ��'�r - �t 3 F�.� ,z. � E �i "'^,.ar.. �;.��d['^' �g �,; , :z.,' .� ,fe.,:xK � � � ,.�n�IF ; � " . ,_ .c:Y> .� c-..x.e:: .. :4iM+r�uac ,s:u<.s ,..v. - . _ -_.. _�_.: ... . . . . _._... .. 4,. ...�,. . ._ ... €�#«�xs,-e. �:.... . .. . �. . . ..:..�. � � _-� � _ � a �lbove:Svvedish Methodist lspiscopa�at Myrtle and Fourth Streets. � ��-�� Left: Trinity Lutheran, that is Salem Lutheran, South Fourth and Oak Streets. 8 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS St. Joseph's Catholic congregation's(French and later Seventh Day Adventists,who continued to use it until 1954, with a very large Italian membership) first church was on when it was demolished for a new one. the northwest corner of Oak and William Streets, fronting The Danish Baptists, who organized in 1883,were a on Oak. Built in 1884,it was de- close neighbor to Grace Congrega- stroyed by fire in 1897; a new tional, with a church on the west church was completed later in the � side of North Fifth between Laurel same year. In 1959 the parish was �.� �£ ��_ and Maple. By 1898 it was reported dissolved and the church razed in � �� ' ��' �� as having had"no pastor or services 1960. The Estates on Greele y cam- a � �� x ,�,� � < < � � � -� � of late years." pus is now located on the site. � �A - � �` ' � �` �� '�' , �� = �:: ,; In the same neighborhood,the The 1883 Swedish Methodist '�' ��' -- � �� E isco al church stood on the � "�� ;� St. Ansgar's Danish Lutheran p p - � �� i Church(organized in 1884)stood northeast corner of West M le and � � � � -� �� - � ��.�� o n t h e n o rt h s i d e o f W e s t L a u r e l North Fourth Streets. Membership � Street between Owens and William dwindled to the point of uniting in Streets, immediately west of the old 1945 with the First Methodist Ga�eld School. It was last listed in congregation,at that point still Grace Congregational,Laurel and Fifth Streets. the 1924 city directory. located on North Third Street. It In 1883 the German Methodist was demolished in the 1960s, and the site is now part of the congregation dedicated its new frame building on the corner Trinity Lutheran campus. of Linden and Everett Streets. The exact location hasn't Grace Congregational, organized in 1883, built a sub- been determined,but may have been on the former Wash- stantial brick church built on the southwest corner of Laurel ington Elementary School (now New Heights School)lot. and North Fifth Streets. By 1920 the congregation was no The final year of its operation has not been determined but longer active, and the building was sold to the is presumed to have been a short-lived congregation. First Territoria/ Election Was Held on Grey Cloud lsland In 1840 two delegates to the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature were going to be �oseph R.Brown was the elected jointly from St. Croix and Crawford Counties, Wisconsin Territory. St. area's firstJustice o�}�the Croix County included what is now Washington County, plus Ramsey County Peace and first area repre- and lands east of the Mississippi River to the Canadian border. . sentative to the Wisconsin The election took place Sept. 28, 1840.The polling place was at the home of Territorial Legislature. Justice of the Peace Joseph R. Brown at Chanwakan, in the southern part of Grey Cloud Island. The Minnesota Historical Society has the poll book, which �' � � I �" " shows the names of the voters to be: Jos. R. Brown, J. A. Norris, J. Haskell, O �� Y f�� H. Caswell, P. Parron, Chas. Lousiasse. J. B Turripain, J. B. LaRock, J. B. :�� Deniger, J. McCormick, H. Mooers, M. Courtereir, J. M. Hall, P. Rouillard, P. ` � ,� � � Felix, and J. Geartin. The two candidates were Joseph R. Brown and Alfred Brunson, a Methodist �-��----. ��.:,; preacher from Prairie du Chien. Each received 17 votes. Joseph Haskell, James S. Norris, and Orson H. Caswell were judges of election. J. R. Brown, as J. P, noted on the back: "Sworn and subscribed before me this 28th day of � / September 1840." ��._ The election was contested and after tallying all the votes from both coun- �_' ties, Joseph R. Brown was elected; Alfred Brunson was not. The other member elected was Theophilus LaChapelle from Prairie du Chien. See the exhibit on Minnesota elections at the Washington County Historic Courthouse JULY 2020 9 Weli, If We Can't Play Base Balf, We Can at Least Reminisce! Here's a Base Bail Memory from Back in the Day1 On August 22, 1998, the St. Croixs Base Ball f �- � ��, �� , 4 Club took their first road trip to play Vintage - W h � Base Bali in Rochester. The Club played at the � � ��'' ""� i�� = t � Olmsted County Historical Society. A great day � � " � �� ° �� _ "" � ��, � � � �Y � � �� was had, but the scores did not favor the St. = Croixs. Here are a few pictures of that historic � �� s -_ � day. �. � ��.,st - } � �� . . _ � _ �� x� � � �� _ - _� �� Greg 'River Rat"Soohov sends the sphere into the air �� .��HI� L K� � �� for the St. Croix Clubl The St. Croix bench looks on in �� ; �' � _: � awerr � � � n, �� _ �� = � �� . � � i � ` �tl` , � .. � .�s r,` -� . � _ _ . --� - . ; . . , ,�� _, The Rochester Roosters continued to ring the tally � -, �� ` �� bel/againsf the St. Croixs _ � � �� _ � �� _�r,K � —� � �� : < �» � � "�� . . �`� �- � �' � �^.. t --- s �_ �,��. �� `� � -�xa� � ' � _� � ��,: ._ �.�'a��"'��' � ' �_ �,�_ - ��`: �- � � . _, . . .- ,,. .s �,� _ - _ �� '�� . - � � 4 � � � #`" _<�.�� "��„ '''-� �$� �� _ �� g �-� The next match, against the Quicksteps, saw '�� ; ' �� j � ��' �� the tossing of the stone fo see who would be at �. - ,�,� � � , : _ � � � �� - the bat first. Umpire Greg "Right Call"Richard- :_ ��: �� ` � u - � san tosses the stone while Quickstep manager �::. : : �� ; - �- ��A Rich "Aces"Arpi and St. Croix manager Brent "Skinny"Peterson wafch. �.�-a � � -� This is the first season since 1998 . � `� v that vintage base ball games have :�- been cancelled. We hope to be back St. Croixs being introduced. From left to right: Greg "River next season to play the 1860s "New Rat"Soohov, Wayne "Ugly"Peterson, Duane "Chairman" York Rules" game that is played in Thein, Rolf"Plaster"Dittmann, and Keith "Scoop" Uh/rq Minnesota. 10 HISTORICAL WHISPERtNGS Bruce Beutel* Allan&Karen Brennan* Justin Brink* Jeff& Membership Repo�t JoAnn Buse * Spike&Kat Carlsen* Nannette Chambers * Carol M.Cline * Betsy Collinge* Patrick Connors * Thomas The Washington County Historical Society welcomes new V. Curtis* Susan Dahlin* Katie Demarco* Robert Deragisch* and renewing annual members listed here and a special welcome Jean Dexheimer* Richard&Catherine Donohoo * Amanda to new life member,Arlette Seikmeier.Thanks to everyone for porendarf* Tamera Eastman* Bob&Jo Ecker* Mary Ecker* your support.And special thanks to those of you who added a Thomas Elmquist* Barbara Enslin* Kernut Frye * Joseph Gall donation to your membership check.WCHS truly appreciates * Barbara Greed�r* Rev.Alan Hagstrom* Lind*Hainlen* JoAnn Hallquist Kenneth Harris Jo Harrison Daniel your support. Hatalla* Williain&Michelle Heiting* Sandra Hjelmberg* Remember,annual memberships are due January 1 each Toin&Sharon Hollatz* Edith Hophan* Bob&Kathy Iverson year.To check on your status ca11651-439-5956 or email * Jeff Johnson* Edwin&Ruth Jones * John Kaul* Janet L. <information wchsmn.or > Keyes&Mark W.Hatherly* Richard King* Peter Kostol�ryz * @ g John&Linda Kuzma* Myrt LaCosse * John Lammers * New Life Member Thomas Lamnan* Chuck Lavallee* Frances Leonard* Sharon Arlette Seikmeier Lewandowski* Richard&Nancy Lohmann* John Magnuson* Mary Magnuson * Clarence Malick* Cecilia Martin* Harry New and Renewin�Sustaining Members Martin* Philip Martin* Robert Marzolf* Andrew Mathe* Ed&Nancy Brookman *Tom Degree&Dean Schlaak * Mark Lucy McAllister* Sterling&Doris McKusick * Julie Medbery &Gioria Desch * Priscilla Farnham William&Patricia Hag- * Debarah Meier* Robert Michaelis* Art&Mary Monson* berg * Sheila&Cl�ris Hause * Dale W.Mower * Peggy& patricia Mooney* Daphyn Nordeen* Patty O'Gorman* Frank Paul Quinn * Tom Triplett * Frederick&Cynthia West * �'sello * Jeff&Diane Perkins* Jeff&Mary Peterson* Mary Sheri Yasuna L.Petrisko* Gladys Potter* Maria Pugh Mack* Herb Reck- inger* Michael Revoir* Carolynn Rice * Jack&Judy Rice* New and Renewing Patron Members Eric Richey* Neal Rose * Janet Rothanburg * Robert&Matil- LeRoy& Sheryl Bendickson * Jeff&Liz Dietsche * Robert da Rupp * Janet Rutherford* Sharon Sawyer* Susan Schroeder Hagstrom * David&Margaret Hayden * Brad Kruse&Kim * Patrick Shannon* Lorraine Shingledecker* Bill&Mary Faurot * Jack&Judith Johnson * David Smith Shrankler* Sue Sorenson* Mary Speth* Barbara Squadrito* Stev&Lesa Stegner* Susan Steinhauer* Nancy Stephenson* David Stone * Judy Stone * Lowell Thompson* Timothy Tum- New and Renewin�Annual Members berg* Greg Van Erem* Roberta Van Erem* Gloria Vandem- Richard Ahlstrom * Byron Anderson * Dariene A. Anderson* meltraadt * Robert Vogel * Thomas Warth* Stephanie Wede- Rich Arpi * Michelle&Brad AusUn* Forrest Bailey* Eugene kinid* Barry&Kathy Weeks * Fred Weideman* Katharine Bartkey* John Bergman&Gloria Sell * Marge Betts * Widin* Susan Winkehnann,&Brad Cradberry � �k �k �k �k �k �k �k �k �k �k �k �k �k �k �k * �k �k �k =k �k �k �k �l= �k �k �k �k =k � �k �k �k �k �1= WASHINGTON COUNTY HISTORY The Warden's House Kitty Calendar of Events �r { � = ��. � �� Note:Most previously scheduled events have �€� The kitty sits next to a clock been cancelled or postponed by all Washington �� :.= given to Mr. and Mrs.A.B. � ��' Easton for their SOth wedding County history arganizations for the foreseeable ��. � ��".,�`� _ , ary. future. This includes even outdoor events, such �F � annivers as base ball. Other events may be scheduled far � � ' � � . Easton was the founder of �" �T¢� the Stillwater Gazette news- late fall and winter months. _ � � � § , paper,which first hit the Please contact the sporrsoring organzzation for r 1 ' I� ;I ', newsstands in August 1870 updated information about their events: � and will celebrate 150 years of Gammelgarden 651-433-5053;Afton Historical = � ___ � �� publicarion next month. Society 651-436-3500;Historic C'ourthouse 651- The clock was donated to 275-7075; Sozrth Washington Heritage Society WCHS by their son William (SWHS) 651-459-7950; Washington Counry Easton who was also a fortner Historical Sociery (WCHS) 651-439-5956; President of the WCHS. Denmark Township Historical Society(DTH.S) . "'��s� ; �$ 651-436-7639. Ju�Y 2020 11 DATED MATERIAL Non-h u��Organization U.S.Postage W�S�IN�TON (OUNTU �-IIST0�1(�l SO(I�TU pAID Permit No.224 Stillwater,MN_55082 Box 167 Stiliwater, MN 55082 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED � � ; Contact Us � To receive this newsietter by U.S. Mail or Email, or for information i�Q��Q�;�,_�''x1)C�17QCla''""*f�u_r-a��,�r_��:��StJ about the Washingtan County � �:��t�;�, �r-, �-,� J � � (�y 1� I�:��.��''��.I�t�t�f� Hi:�torical Saciety, contact us at 4 �� 651-439-5956 or email �'7��''�'`r��'''r�'''�''�� r.�.�li:ra�,�a��,•,�� f��ll'��I 550 i�_�-h,t nti� information@wch�mn.org ��1��((I�(,(�'1,�1(�I(I„�tle��(,I��t�all�(((II�(t��(Il�d��(((I On tl�e web at www.wchsmn.org � � � ` 1 �T � ► ` " ' l l t 1 1 f - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - � MEMBERSHIP APPPLICATION or RENEWAL i Our Mission � Washington County Historical Society � The Washington County Historical.5'ociety collects, � � preserves, and disseminates the history of � Name � Washington County and the State of Minnesota. � Address � � I WCHS programs include book publication,speakers and � City, State,Zip � workshops,historical reenactments,vintage base ball, school programs, exhibits,print and electronic newsletters,historical � Telephone � markers,and a history website(www.wchsmn.org)with links � Indicate preferred type of inembership I to other history organizations. Our goal is to provide an oppor- Annual Individual($25) � tuniry for all counry citizens to learn about and enjoy our area's � — � histor and to build a sense of communi herita e � _Annual Senior Citizen/Student($15) � Y tY $ - � _Annual Family($35) � The Washington County Historical Society is uniquely situated � _Annual Patron($75) � to document early Minnesota history and to tell the story of � Annual Sustaining($125) � immigrants from the eastern United States and Europe who 1 Life($1,000) � � — � settled the region in the mid-nineteenth century. The county's � Additional donations are welcome and needed. � geographic connections to the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers I Volunteer help is also needed(check here_or call). 1 place the county at the forefront of settlement and the estab- � Detacli and mail ta WCHS Memberships � lishment of the territory and state. � PO Box 167, Stillwater MN 55082 � For this reason we have chosen our motto, � Membership includes subscription to Historical Whisperings. � Gateway to Minnesota History 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 12 HISTORICAL WHISPERINGS