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NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD IN BRAINERD


Dedication


This page is dedicated to the workers and families of the Northern Pacific Railroad who struggled, lived and died in order to build the railroad and the city of Brainerd, in particular, to my grandfather, Martin Henry Nelson (1870-1950), who worked for the Northern Pacific for nearly fifty-five years, retiring in 1941 as the Superintendent of the Brainerd Northern Pacific shops.

Ann M. Nelson


Introduction


Contained in the following information is an engraving of the 1888 Northern Pacific Railroad Shops along with a key to the buildings shown in the engraving, a description of the development in 1893 of the Northern Pacific Monad and a Chronology of the development of the Northern Pacific Railroad in Brainerd from 1864-2000.


Key to 1888 Northern Pacific Railroad Shops


1888 Northern Pacific Shops Key
(Brainerd City Directory 1888, E. F. Barrett, Publisher)
(Click on image to download 572 KB High-resolution JPG file)

The first manufacturing establishment of any extent to be inaugurated in the City of Brainerd was the Northern Pacific shops. They are the largest and most complete of any similar works in Minnesota. While nominally intended for use as repair shops for the freight and locomotive departments, they still have the capacity for complete construction and a new locomotive of the best pattern and design could be turned out on short order. They are the principal repair shops east of Livingston, Montana and have virtually all of the locomotives and freight rolling stock of 2,000 miles of road to keep in repair. The works have a capacity for the employment of 1,200 men, 630 now being upon the rolls. The buildings are located in what is known as East Brainerd, about three-fourths of a mile east of the railroad bridge, on both sides of the main line track to Duluth.

The entire plant is valued at over $2,000,000 and is admirably arranged and under the most systematic management. The entire yard is protected from fire by frequent hydrants and has hose and other fire apparatus close at hand, with a well-organized fire department.

Some idea of the relation these works bear to the business prosperity of the city, can be obtained from the fact that the monthly payroll of the shops and the Northern Pacific Railroad operating department here amounts to over $60,000 [sic]. Payments are made by means of checks on the First National Bank of Brainerd and are made as regularly as the fifteenth of every month comes round.


The buildings south of the track are devoted to the Locomotive Repair Works. North of the Duluth main track lie the buildings belonging to the Car Department which at present are devoted to freight equipment exclusively:


GENERAL OFFICE BUILDING and STOREHOUSE (ENGRAVING #1)

This structure is of brick, two stories in height, with slate roof, 43x282 feet in extent and which is located just south of the main track. In this building are the offices of the Master Mechanic, Master Car Builder, Draftsman and Clerks’ offices, a large and nicely furnished Free Reading Room and telegraph and storekeepers’ offices on the ground floor.


BOILER AND TIN SHOP (ENGRAVING #2)

Second comes the Boiler and Tin shop, 80x224, also brick with slate roof and fire proof.


MACHINE AND ERECTING SHOP (ENGRAVING #3)

Third the Machine and Erecting shop 120x244, fire proof like the rest. In this shop all iron and steel work is done and here the locomotives are repaired and fitted for the road.


ENGINE AND BOILER ANNEX (ENGRAVING #4)

From the south end of the Machine and Erecting shop projects an annex 40x80 feet containing the engine and boiler rooms; the former a mammoth Corliss fed by a battery of six large boilers and possessing some 1,500 horse power.


ROUNDHOUSE (ENGRAVING #5)

Just east of the Machine shop is the Roundhouse, 316 feet in diameter and containing stalls for forty-four engines.


BLACKSMITH SHOP (ENGRAVING #6)

South of the Roundhouse is the Blacksmith shop, 80x197 feet, built of brick with slate roof like the others. In this building the forging both heavy and light is done.


IRON AND COAL STOREHOUSES (ENGRAVING #7)

East of this group and still south of the main track are the Iron and Coal storehouses, the former 26x57 feet and the latter 26x98 feet.


OIL HOUSE (ENGRAVING #8)

The Oil House is located south of the track and west of all the buildings named, is 45x62 feet, and like the rest fire proof. It is two stories high and contains six huge tanks on either floor, those on the lower floor having a capacity of 18,000 gallons each, while those on the second floor each hold 12,000 gallons. Immense steam pumps are used to convey the oil from the cars to the different tanks.


PAINT SHOP (ENGRAVING #9)

A frame building 50x240 feet lies north and east of the office.


FOUNDRY (ENGRAVING #10)

The Foundry is 80x235 feet. This establishment is at present under lease to Parker & Topping, but the larger part of their work, and in fact nearly all of it is done for the railroad company.


BRASS FOUNDRY ANNEX (ENGRAVING #11)

The Brass Foundry Annex is 16x33 feet.


ENGINE AND BOILER ANNEX (ENGRAVING #12)

The foundry Engine and Boiler Room Annex is 21x43 feet.


CLEANING ROOM (ENGRAVING #13)

The foundry Cleaning Room for cleaning old castings is 33x46 feet.


CUPOLA ROOM (ENGRAVING #14)

The foundry Cupola Room is 21x36 feet.


CORE ROOMS (ENGRAVING #15)

The four foundry Core Rooms and the Cupola Room are all connected under one roof.


PATTERN STOREHOUSE (ENGRAVING #16)

Located west of the Foundry, the Pattern Storehouse is 40x60 feet; this building is where all the patterns for iron and brass castings for locomotives and cars are kept.


WOOD WORKING SHOP (ENGRAVING #17)

The Wood Working Shop is 65x160 feet. The second floor of the Wood shop is used as a pattern shop where the wood patterns for car and locomotive castings are made.


IRON SHOP ANNEX (ENGRAVING #18)

The Iron Shop Annex, 40x65 feet, is used as an iron shop for axle work and car wheel boring.


OFFICE BUILDING (ENGRAVING #19)

Located North of the Wood Shop, this Office Building is used by the Master Car Builder and Clerks.


FREIGHT CAR REPAIR SHOPS (ENGRAVING #20)

Located North of the Office building for the Master Car Builder and Clerks, the Freight Car Repair Shops is 80x160 feet.


LUMBER DRYING KILN (ENGRAVING #21)

Located West of the Freight Car Repair Shops, the Lumber Drying Kiln is 40x70 feet.


FIRST “ROUNDHOUSE” (ENGRAVING #22)

Built circa 1871.


(Brainerd City Directory 1888, E. F. Barrett, Publisher; pp. 17-21)


The Story of the Monad


Northern Pacific Trademark
The Monad Symbol
A mystic symbol, the Monad, lies in the center of Northern Pacific's trademark. This symbol dates back nearly 1,000 years, and traces of it can be found at least 4,000 years before that. The design is called the great Chinese Monad or the diagram of the Great Extreme. Traces of this design appear in the bead work of the American Plains Indians. Modified versions of the design are used as good luck tokens in Japan. The Northern Pacific sees it not merely as a symbol of good luck but as a symbol of good transportation.


In 1893, Edwin H. McHenry, Chief Engineer of the Northern Pacific, was visiting the Columbian Exposition in Chicago. He chanced to visit the Korean exhibit. Seeing the Korean flag which bore the Monad in red and blue, he was impressed by the simple but striking design. At that time, NP was searching for a suitable trademark. When he returned to St. Paul, he submitted his idea to Charles Fee, then General Passenger Agent, and together they worked out the emblem which is today so familiar to Americans.


The symbol has deep philosophical meaning. The two comma shaped halves represent the dual powers of the universe ... two principles called Yang and Yin. Their primitive meanings were: Yang, light; Yin, darkness. Philosophically, they stood for the positive and the negative. Many interpretations are assigned to these: male and female, heaven and earth, motion and rest. To the Chinese, the colors of the two elements were apparently unimportant. (The Story of the Monad, Northern Pacific Railway Company, 1933)


A Chronology of the Northern Pacific Railroad in Brainerd, Minnesota


1863

08 May

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers is founded in Marshall, Michigan, as the Brotherhood of the Footboard; a year later, its name is changed to the present.


1864

02 July

President Abraham Lincoln signs the Congressional Act which gives federal charter rights to a newly formed Northern Pacific Railroad Company. Through its charter, the Northern Pacific receives the title to every odd-numbered section of land in a belt twenty miles wide on both sides of its main line. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 2 & 24)


02 December

The Northern Pacific company organized. Josiah Perham is elected president and Charles S. Perham is elected secretary; they serve until January 5, 1866.


1865

Perham attempts to finance construction of the Northern Pacific road through the sale of capital stock prove futile.


1866

05 January

John Gregory Smith is elected president of the Northern Pacific; he serves until October 1, 1872.


April-July

The N. P. is unsuccessful in its attempts to obtain a congressional subsidy for the construction of the railroad.


07 May

Congress grants the N. P. a two-year extension of the deadline for beginning construction of the road.


1867

The Northern Pacific board of directors continues its attempts to arrange satisfactory financing and commissions Edwin F. Johnson to undertake preliminary surveys and suggest potential routes for the road.


SEE: 05 October 1878


1868

February

The N. P. is unsuccessful in further attempts to secure government subsidy.


01 July

Congress grants a second two-year extension of the deadline for beginning construction of the N. P. road.


1869

01 March

A joint congressional resolution allows the N. P. to issue bonds secured by a mortgage on the railroad and the telegraph line to finance construction of the road.


April

A report on the preliminary N. P. surveys is prepared.


20 May

A preliminary arrangement is made by which Jay Cooke & Company agrees to assume financial management of the N. P.


Jay Cooke, born in Sandusky, Ohio in 1821, died 08 February 1905 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was an American financier, whose firm raised more than $1 billion in loans from the federal government during the American Civil War. After the war Cooke undertook to raise $100 million for the projected route of the Northern Pacific Railroad from Duluth, Minnesota, to Tacoma, Washington. Cooke became head of the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1868 and served until 1873. However, the financial burden was too great, and the firm went bankrupt, thus precipitating the panic of 1873, which brought rail building to a standstill until 1879. Cooke's firm never reopened, but Cooke, through mining investments, repaid his creditors and accumulated another fortune within seven years.


June

In June of 1869, Jay Cooke & Company hires William Milnor Roberts, Chief Engineer of the NP 1870-1879, to conduct a survey of the route for the Northern Pacific Railroad, ca. 1860’s.
Source: Montana State University Library

Jay Cooke & Company commissions W. Milnor Roberts to conduct additional surveys of the NP route. Samuel Wilkeson accompanies expedition; he writes a promotional pamphlet.


SEE: 09 March 1870

SEE: 06 July 1872

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 11 November 1876

SEE: 09 December 1876

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 31 December 1882


17 June

THE NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD.

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From the St. Paul Press, 17th:

From private advices received by telegraph and letter within a few days by Hon. Wm. Windom, one of the Directors of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company, from its President, we are permitted to take some further particulars regarding the recently matured arrangements and plans of the Company. A meeting of the Directors of the Company was held last week at the Fifth Avenue Hotel in New York City, where a very full representation was present, which ratified the contract with Jay Cooke & Co., and also passed a resolution instructing the executive committee to proceed with surveys, commencing at the most easterly terminus of the line, and locate the road to its point of junction with the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad, with a view to retire the lands east of that point from market and to locate the road west from that point for construction on such line as is thought best. Preliminary to the engineers’ surveys, arrangements have been made for an official reconnaissance or exploration of the route from Lake Superior to the Pacific Coast in two or three separate expeditions.

Jay Cooke & Co. have sent out one party to the Pacific coast, to commence their explorations at the Pacific termini of the road, and follow its proposed route eastward across the continent. This party left New York on the 18th inst. Mr. Canfield, who left New York on Monday last, is to take charge of the expedition. From Portland, Oregon, the expedition is to go to Puget’s Sound, take the steamer at Olympia, and coast up to Bellingham Bay, visiting points of interest and returning to Olympia. Thence the party will strike across to the Columbia river, which they will ascend to Pend Oreille Lake thence they will march to Fort Benton whence they will take a steamer to Sioux City and thence return to New York by rail. This route, of course, follows the projected line of the Northern Pacific. It will carry the explorers through some of the most magnificent scenery on the continent, and enable them to verify the testimony of previous explorers regarding the favorable topographical and hydrographical features of the route, and its capacity for sustaining a dense agricultural as well as mining population. The directors also propose to start, on the eastern end of the line, another expedition, consisting of the President, Mr. Smith; the chief Engineer, Mr. Johnson; Judge Rice, and perhaps one or two others, accompanied by one or more representatives of Jay Cooke & Co. The party are now arranging for a military escort to protect them from the Red River to the Great Bend of the Missouri. Mr. Smith, Judge Rice, and Mr. Johnson will probably reach St. Paul next week, whence they are going to Lake Superior to make the necessary examinations at Superior City and Duluth, and thence to Bayfield and Montreal River, where they propose to start their engineers to survey and locate the line from there to the junction with the [Lake] Superior and Mississippi Railroad. This accomplished, the party will return to St. Paul, where they will expect by that time to meet the Jay Cooke party and proceed with them by way of St. Cloud to the Red River. At that point the parties will separate, Cooke party going on to the Missouri River and the Directors down the Red River to Georgetown, and possibly to Pembina whence they will return home. Mr. Windom, the resident Director, is making arrangements to provide this expedition with transportation, outfit, &c., from St. Cloud. He and Gov. Marshall have both been earnestly invited to accompany the expedition.

Jay Cooke has taken hold of his enterprise with great ardor and full faith in its success. He is prepared immediately on the return of his party from their formal examination of the route, to put on a heavy force and commence the work of construction. We infer that the work will commence at the point of junction with the Superior road.

From gentlemen who have recently conversed with Mr. Windom, who is thoroughly in the confidence of the Company, and is understood to have been assigned a leading position in the enterprise, we learn that all advices from the Directors are full of enthusiastic confidence in the complete success of the arrangements which have been made for the speedy construction of the road through to the Pacific Coast. (St. Cloud Journal, 24 June 1869, p. 1, c. 7)


15 July

THE NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD.

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In another column may be found a full report of the reception of the exploring party at this place, with the toasts, speeches, and so forth. The prospects for the early building of this road never appeared more favorable. The party go out in high hopes of finding their most sanguine anticipations fully realized. The speech of President Smith was no less positive than was expected from the restraint imposed upon him by his official position. The others spoke without hesitation. “The road must and will be built,” was the universal sentiment.

As additional to the speeches of others, we believe we violate no confidence in giving the substance of a conversation with Judge Woodbridge, of Vermont, one of the directors of the Northern Pacific, which occurred while he was riding through and seeing the town. Parties interested in the Central and Union lines, he said, had represented to Eastern capitalists that the route of the Northern Pacific was through a barren and untillable country. The purpose of this trip was to demonstrate the contrary to be the fact. Of the result of their examination he had, from his observation thus far and from what he had learned, no doubt. “The Northern Pacific will be built. It will be built from Lake Superior to St. Cloud sooner than you think for. If this report be favorable, as we expect it will be, men will be put on the work at the earliest possible day next season. This is the great national highway across the continent, as any man can plainly see.”

The party were all highly pleased with our young city, and there is no doubt but that it will be the crossing point for the road. (St. Cloud Journal, 15 July 1869, p. 2, c. 1)


NORTHERN PACIFIC

RAILROAD.

_____


ARRIVAL OF THE EX-

PLORATION PARTY

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WITH AN EXCURSION.

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RECEPTION at ST. CLOUD

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Drive Around the Town.

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DINNER AT THE CENTRAL HOUSE.

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Toasts and Speeches.

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On Friday forenoon, the joint committee of the City Council and Board of Trade, consisting of Mayor Taylor, Alds. Burbank, Kerr, Evans and Clark, and Hon. C. F. Davis, Hon. Wm. S. Moore, Judge Hamlin, T. C. McClure and N. P. Clarke, together with a number of our citizens, crossed over to the depot with carriages to meet and convey to the city the Northern Pacific Railroad excursion expected to arrive on a special train. They were accompanied by the Silver Cornet Band. At 11:15 the shriek of the whistle was followed by the rush of the train up to the depot, and this by the general unloading of the party on board. Amid hand shakings and assurances of welcome, and while the band was discoursing enlivening music, the visitors were conducted to the carriages and taken to the Central House.

The party consisted of the following gentlemen:

Hon. J. Gregory Smith, President of the Northern Pacific Railroad, Vermont.

Hon. R. D. Rice, Director Northern Pacific, Maine.

Hon. B. Smith, M. C., Vermont.

Hon. F. Woodbridge, ex-M. C., Vermont.

Rev. Dr. W. H. Lord, Vermont.

Dr. S. W. Thayer, Vermont.

C. C. Coffin (Carleton of the Boston Journal,) Boston.

E. F. Johnson, Chief Engineer of the Northern Pacific, Conn.

A. B. Bayliss, New York.

Mr. Holmes, agent of Jay Cooke & Co., New York.

Jas. Stinson, Chicago.

Jas. Colborn, Maine.

(The above comprise the exploring party.)

Hon. Wm. Windom, Winona.

W. L. Banning, President of the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railway Company.

E. F. Drake, President of the St. Paul and Sioux City Railroad.

Dr. J. H. Stewart, Postmaster of St. Paul.

Ossian E. Dodge, Secretary St. Paul Chamber of Commerce.

J. W. Taylor, correspondent of the Chicago Tribune.

Gov. Wm. R. Marshall.

Geo. L. Becker, President of the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad.

J. W. Bass.

J. C. Burbank, President St. Paul Chamber of Commerce.

Hermann Trott, Treasurer of the St. Paul and Pacific.

F. R. Delano, Superintendent of the St. Paul and Pacific.

Mr. Moore, of the Milwaukee Wisconsin.

Clark W. Thompson, Superintendent of the Southern Minnesota Railroad.

Col. DeGraff.

Col. Wm. Crooks.

N. P. Lanford, of Montana.

Dorillus Morrison, Mayor of Minneapolis.

W. G. King, Postmaster House of Representatives.

C. D. Davidson, Surveyor General of Minnesota.

Col. E. A. Calins, editor Pioneer.

H. P. Hall, editor Dispatch.

Col. J. H Davidson, of the Press.

Alex. Johnson, of the Pioneer.

Col. Shaw, editor Minneapolis Tribune.

Col. Geo. A. Brackett, Superintendent of Transportation.

C. H. Petit, Daniel Bassett, John H. Thompson, W. S. Judd, Henry T. Welles,

W. F. Cahill, and Richard Chute, of Minneapolis.

Pierre Bottineau, guide of the expedition.

Quite a number of the party, especially those comprising the exploring expedition, re-entered carriages and were shown about the city, with which they all expressed themselves highly pleased. The beauty of the location, the substantial growth of the town, and the many evidences of enterprise to be seen, were frequently remarked.

Soon after two o’clock all reported at the Central House, and the dining hall doors were thrown open, and the guests and a number of citizens seated at the bountifully laden and handsomely decorated tables. It is due to Mr. Hayward to say that his dinner was an excellent one—a dinner not often equaled on the short notice he had—but about twenty-four hours. The bill of fare included:


SOUP.

Oyster.


MEATS.

Roast Turkey, roast lamb, stewed chicken, roast beef, roast veal, chicken pie.


VEGETABLES.

Green peas, potatoes, lettuce, radishes, tomatoes.


PASTRY.

Strawberry pie, rhubarb pie, cocoanut pie, currant pie.


DESSERT.

Boston pudding, congress pudding, fruit cake, marble cake, jelly cake, sponge cake, lemon ice cream, vanilla ice cream, strawberries and cream, almonds, filberts, raisins, apples.


WINES.

Green seal champagne, Mound vineyard champagne, Golden Wedding.


After ample justice had been done to the tempting fare so bountifully provided, and the corks had commenced popping from the champagne bottles, Mayor Taylor rose and briefly welcomed those who were that day the guests of the city:

GENTLEMEN.—It is with sincere pleasure that in behalf of our citizens, I welcome you to St. Cloud. We welcome you as the friends of a great enterprise, to the success of which you have by your zealous and able efforts so materially contributed. We, in common with the great Northwest, have a vital interest in the accomplishment of the undertaking you have so well begun. We greet you, ‘tis true, almost upon the confines of civilization, yet beyond us lies an empire rich above comparison in all those elements which developed, constitute the wealth of nations, awaiting only the magic band—the iron rail—to become subservient to the interests and welfare of mankind. We hail your coming as a bright day for us, and trust the time is not long hence when we shall again meet you here, at the midway station between the two oceans upon the completed Northern Pacific R. R.

I now propose this sentiment:

THE NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD.—The great want of the nation: to be the commercial highway of the world.

In response to loud and repeated calls, Gov. Smith, President of the North Pacific, said:

MR. MAYOR AND GENTLEMEN.—I have read that Minnesota gave a large majority for Gen. Grant. You will remember the notable words of your chieftain: “Let us have peace.” These memorable words, to my mind, have a general significance. While bearing peaceful sentiments to our brethren at the South, they embody a spirit becoming universal, and one applicable on an occasion such as this. He had hoped for a reception where no speeches would be expected. He was taken by surprise, and was unprepared to make any formal speech. What could be expected of a man tongue-tied? But from my stay in Minnesota I know what its people desire, and I wish from the bottom of my heart that that I had it in my power to meet this desire and say that the Northern Pacific Railroad was an assured fact—that I could have come today with laborers to commence immediate work. We feel encouraged and gratified by the welcome reception given us—for we have passed through dark days with this railroad—and regret that though the enterprise was ably sustained by the Minnesota Representative in Congress, the government declined to give the aid desired. But the sentiment has steadily grown up throughout the East that this road is a fixed fact, and that government aid should be furnished. This much has been gained. Congress says we must wait—that we have a munificent land grant and must rely upon that. We believe there is enough value there to build this road; that the broad acres between here and the end of the road would give all that was required; but the difficulty is to make Eastern capitalists see this. It is hard to make them understand the isothermal line. It is hard to make them believe the mountain passes are crossable, and that the great desert below does not overlap our line. Had Congress given a moderate aid, we might have had capital enough to insure success.

The object of our mission now is to examine and see what we have. It has been said we have values there, and we believe it; but when asked, “do you know it,” we cannot say we have seen the lands. We have to deal with that slow, hesitating, timorous element in all great enterprises—capital. While we have the belief that we can see the day when we will commence the work, yet I do not feel as though I can assure the people of St. Cloud of any certainty. Everything depends on the recommendations which can be made after this trip.

W. J. Parsons, Esq., said:

MR. MAYOR AND GENTLEMEN.—The remarks of His Excellency, the late Governor of the Green Mountain State—that State which, for more than three-quarters of a century, has been sending forth its giants, both intellectual and physical, as representatives of its ability—are suggestive of the fact that we have met here today on an occasion freighted with consideration of vast importance; of vast importance not only to our honored guests and to ourselves, but the country at large.

Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen: The enterprise, and capital and statesmanship of the East, meet here, on the banks of the Father of Waters, with the enterprise, capital and statesmanship of Minnesota. The capital of the East is money. The capital of the West, of Minnesota, is land.

We are here today, Mr. Mayor, to welcome the capital of the East to the hospitalities of the granary of the West—to the kindliest hospitalities of the great wheat growing State of Minnesota; and we are especially proud to entertain among you, gentlemen, one of the farmer statesmen of Minnesota, one whose sagacity as a statesman and political economist—whose bravery as a soldier—not only our young city, but the whole Commonwealth, have always delighted to honor. I give you, then, Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen—

WM. R. MARSHALL.—The brave soldier, the sagacious statesman, the Farmer Governor of the greatest wheat-growing State in the American Union.

Gov. Marshall being enthusiastically called for, said in response:

MR. MAYOR.—I gratefully acknowledge the compliment with which the speaker has honored me in naming me in this connection. I rejoice with you and the citizens of St. Cloud in the advent of these gentlemen representing the Northern Pacific Railroad. I realize the special interest you have felt in this enterprise, and I rejoice in the favorable auguries. I have endeavored in some humble degree to aid and encourage this great undertaking. When called by your suffrages and the suffrages of my fellow citizens in other portions of the State to preside over the destinies of Minnesota, in casting about to discover the most important interest I could subserve, I recognized in the Northern Pacific Railroad one of the highest importance to our State and the Northwest. It would do much not only to develop Minnesota, but to open up that vast area to the west in the United States, and in that country which soon will be a part of us. I believed I could do no more eminent service to the people of Minnesota than to forward this great enterprise, and have recommended it in my annual messages. While I regret that Congress has not appreciated the importance of this work in a national point of view, and has not aided it, I rejoice that in the absence of that aid which I have labored for, this enterprise is impressing the capitalists of the East with that confidence which will lead them to take hold and push it forward to completion. I believe this visit by our friends will so verify what we have said of this country that they will go back and so represent it to those capitalists that they will at once advance means, and that within the next twelve months we shall see a beginning on the road.

Hon. C. A. Gilman offered a toast, prefaced as follows:

MR. MAYOR AND GENTLEMEN.—I realize that I can say nothing on this occasion that can interest you, notwithstanding the deep interest I feel, in common with all our citizens, in the great enterprise with which our distinguished visitors are connected. And while we are all pleased to meet with and to entertain them, and to take any action that could possible facilitate the building of the Northern Pacific Railroad, I am aware that nothing can be said here than can have an influence in the matter. The leading men of the enterprise are here upon the ground to see and judge for themselves, and I feel that we can safely afford to abide their decision. I beg leave to offer the following toast:

THE REPRESENTATIVES OF MINNESOTA IN CONGRESS, PAST AND PRESENT.—The zeal and faithfulness with which they have so successfully labored to promote our interests, especially in all matters pertaining to the early construction of the Northern Pacific railroad, are duly appreciated by the people of Northern Minnesota.

Hon. Wm. Windom, late Member of Congress from the First district and one of the Directors of the Northern Pacific Company, was called upon, and said:

MR. MAYOR AND GENTLEMEN.—Our friends who have spoken on this subject are like a judge I once read of, who determined to be so just that he leaned the other way. They have not said enough. I would assure you of more. I would say that this road will be built. With a land grant of forty sections per mile the Northern Pacific Railroad must be built within ten years, and I believe that within five years we can go from here to Puget Sound in a railroad car. He referred to the early days of Minnesota when railroads were built with land grants of only six to ten sections per mile. This was all done amid a terrible financial crisis, the Sioux war, and the Rebellion. When with these small grants Minnesota has been literally gridironed with railroads, the forty sections to the mile grant of the Northern Pacific and the character of the men who have hold of it assure us that the thing will be done. I have no more faith than they have, but I am less backward in saying what I think. I am glad we have met you here, and feel happy over the prospects. If we have the lands we believe we have, this road will be built, and within a reasonable length of time. The road itself will pay. Montana has now a population of 60,000 people, gone there in a few years, making the long journey in wagons. When we built railroads in Minnesota we started out for no place in particular. When we build the Northern Pacific we will strike for Montana with its gold mines. The business of that Territory alone will pay a good percentage on the construction of the road. The speaker referred to the wealth of Idaho, which would be tributary, and to the commerce of China, Japan and the Indies, seeking a transit by this, the shortest route. With such a country, such a land grant and such men, the road must be built. It is a National matter which the government must appreciate. There can be no such word as fail. I am happy to be able today to take the first dinner on the Northern Pacific Railroad. And I will say, before closing, that St. Cloud has demonstrated her capacity to be the base of supplies.

The speaker was interrupted by frequent bursts of applause, and as he sat down was greeted with rounds of cheers.

Hon. E. O. Hamlin said:

MR. PRESIDENT AND GENTLEMEN.—There are some of us here present, who have spent many years on this frontier feeding upon the insubstantial diet of hope. I remember very well when the weekly mail was our only regular method of communication with the outside world. I shall never forget how the most urgent business was suspended, and all alike put aside for the present the most pressing engagements to read the letters and news which that mail brought. It was a glad day for us when we exchanged the weekly for the daily mail, and the stage coach of the latter for the lumber wagon of the other. There are few of our citizens here present who do not remember the weary day’s ride from St. Cloud to St. Paul—from four in the morning until dark in the evening, with the breakfast at Clearwater and the supper at Minneapolis. But though poor in those days in external surroundings, we were rich in hope. We fondly believed we should have seen many railroads ere this, and each man was sure they would run into his town! But that Time, which sometimes slowly but always surely changes all things in this world of has brought us the iron rails, and the little wires with their news from over the sea. To those of you, Gentlemen, who are our guests today, accustomed to the refinements of Eastern life, it may seem that our present position is merely a favorable standpoint for hope; but I never take my seat in the cars upon the other side of the river that my memory does not go back to those old days of privation and hardship and isolation from the world, and that I do not feel my heart swell with thankfulness at the change. And here today—although I yield to no man in sympathy with the great enterprise you have in hand; although I yield to no man in glad welcome to these honored gentlemen who represent this magnificent undertaking of binding together with the iron highway of commerce the waters of our own Superior with those of the broad Pacific; although I yield to no man in appreciation of its grandeur and desire for its fulfillment—my memory yet turns to the first real brightness which illumined the darkness of our isolation, and I offer you a sentiment consonant with these feelings, and I believe acceptable to us all:

THE ST. PAUL AND PACIFIC RAILROAD.—The first-born child of our hopes; it will ever have the elder child’s place in our memory.

This and the calls of the company brought forth Hon. Geo. L. Becker, President of the Road, who said:

MR. MAYOR.—I desire to return thanks to Judge Hamlin for the handsome manner in which he has referred to the road with which I am connected. I have long known him as an able lawyer and jurist, but never supposed he had so vivid an imagination. I would recommend him to the Ledger as a first-class romance writer. I endorse all that Mr. Windom has said on the North Pacific and the necessity for its early construction. The St. Paul and Pacific R. R. is already pointed toward the Pacific coast, and all that can stop it when it gets to the Red River will be to see a good commencement on the Northern Pacific. That road must be built. It is the great natural highway across the continent. It has advantages possessed by no other route. All I can say to Gov. Smith is, that he had better commence his enterprise right away.

F. R. Delano, the Superintendent of the Road, being called for made a humorous speech, in which, with many good hits, he informed Gov. Smith that if he did not build a railroad to the Pacific the St. P. & P. R. R. would go there, sure. A railroad must be built to give to the people of the old world the grain surplus of Minnesota, which will soon be almost enough of itself to feed those countries.

Col. Chas. D. Kerr offered the following:

MR. MAYOR.—I rise to propose an old, old toast—and yet one that never diminishes in interest and force as the years go by—and the more interesting to us today because there is present with us in the flesh a distinguished name that we have long and intimately known in the spirit, as both closely connected with our toast and with this great enterprise we have met here to celebrate:—our old friend “Carleton,” of the Boston Journal. “Our old friend,” I say, and yet Mr. Coffin who represents him here in the body, is a comparative stranger to us all; he has been introduced only today. What an iconoclast is this ceremony of introduction! How it breaks old and cherished images! I would that we could always know him as “Carleton,” and he will let us call him so today and linger, with grateful memories, on a name that has for many years been so intimately associated with the extreme advance of civilization and reform. But I had almost forgotten my toast:

THE NEWSPAPER PRESS OF OUR LAND.—More a power today than ever; may its influence never be less, and its efforts be never misapplied.

Mr. Coffin thus called upon, replied:

MR. MAYOR AND GENTLEMEN.—I know that all of you have read the fascinating story of Aladdin and his wonderful lamp—how that by merely rubbing the lamp and wishing anything he desired would come. With us that wish would be, the completion of the Northern Pacific Railroad. I know this, the North Pacific is going to be built. I do not base this, as Mr. Windom, does, on he energy of the men in charge of the work; but when the Almighty laid out this great country—the lakes and oceans—he marked out this line as the great highway of the world. It is just as sure that the Northern Pacific Railroad is to go from Lake Superior to Puget Sound as that the sun is to rise tomorrow. If not done by the present Company, it will be by some other. He referred to his late trip to the other side of the world, and to the great changes which the completion of this road would work there. The time is not far distant when the people of St. Cloud will start with their carpetbags in their hands and go to China—leaving home July 1st and reaching their destination by August 1st. Not only will you go to China, but China will come to you. They are the men who are to help build the Northern Pacific—to do the heavy work. They were successfully employed on the Central Pacific. Our great nation is to work out the mighty problem of the age—the equality of all men under the sun—and this road is to be one of the means. Our country will reach out her left hand to those old nations as she now does her right. We are to vitalize them with our energy. Our destiny is to give christian civilization to the people of those old countries beyond the seas. Gov. Smith is actuated by as high a spirit of enthusiasm as you are, but he hesitates in giving expression to it. This work demands aid from Congress to carry it through immediately, and in three years the locomotive ought to be running from Lake Superior to Puget Sound.

Loud calls being made for Ossian E. Dodge, the famous maker of machine poetry and singer, he came to time in a string of verses, every one of which contained a complete pun or unmistakable point, which sent the company off in a roar. Dodge is certainly a genius; he can give in one verse the pith of an hours’ speech. He is averse (no pun here) to having his effusions published, and with difficulty we succeeded in obtaining his toast at the close, penciled just as he was called to his feet, (and only then by promising to state that it was written by A. J., the Incendiary:)

“And now, that I may not be tedious and long,

I’ll give you a toast, right here in my song—

Let everyone join me, both cheerful and loud—

The Northern Railroad, starting here from St. Cloud!”

At half past four o’clock, the dinner being over, the company passed out, the exploring party preparing to start on their long journey, and the other to return to St. Paul and Minneapolis. The latter were taken to the depot in carriages, and the special train puffed away from the station at five o’clock, its occupants shouting back their good wishes.

Expedition to locate the route of the Northern Pacific, 1869.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

The exploring party took the opposite direction about the same time, going some three miles that evening, and camping near Sauk River. The outfit consists of ten double wagons and twenty-six splendid horses. There are four two-seated passenger spring wagons, two mess wagons, four baggage and supply wagons, and six saddle horses. In addition, two span of horses and a pair of mules were purchased in this city.

The camp equipage consists of two large hospital tents, and eight wall tents, with cots, mattresses, and other necessary conveniences for camping out.

The commissary stores have been selected with great care, and consist of everything that will be needed on a trip of the kind, and are of sufficient quantity to last sixty or seventy days.

Two good cooks and all other necessary attendants will accompany the expedition. A good supply of guns, ammunition, and fishing tackle has been provided, so that the party will have facilities for rare sport in hunting and fishing while making their long trip across the country.

Gov. Marshall accompanies the party a portion of the way. Hon. E. M. Wilson, member of Congress from this District, arrived in town on Saturday and goes as far as Fort Wadsworth with them. On Tuesday Mayor Taylor and Mr. T. C. McClure started to overtake and join the party. Gen. Levi Nutting, of St. Paul, came up last night and started this morning to overtake them.

A small party, consisting of Rev. E. S. Williams and wife, and Miss Clara Wheaton, of Northfield, and Rev. A. S. Fuller and wife, of Rochester, were also a part of the train. They intend to accompany the exploring expedition as far as the Red River and perhaps farther, having provided their own outfit, but will travel under the protection of the expedition.

We learn the intentions of the expedition are, that from Pembina Gov. Smith and his party will return here, and thence go to Lake Superior. The representative of Jay Cooke & Co., Mr. Holmes, and his party will continue on across the country from Pembina to the great bend of the Missouri, and if weather and the trip are pleasant, may return over the same route, or they may take a boat and descent the Missouri, returning here by water and rail. The journey will probably occupy some two months.

The occasion was throughout a pleasant one. The day was bright; the dinner was No. 1; the guests were pleased with the town and the people; the band furnished good music; and everything passed off in the best style. The exploration party left with the hearty good wishes of the people of St. Cloud, who hope at no distant day to give them another reception when they shall come from Lake Superior to St. Cloud by rail. (St. Cloud Journal, 15 July 1869, p. 2, c.’s 2-5)


NOTE: St. Cloud entertained high hopes of becoming the chosen point for the crossing of the Mississippi River by the Northern Pacific Railroad.


22 July

NORTHERN PACIFIC PARTY.—Mr. Beal’s artist, at Minneapolis, has returned from the Northern Pacific Exploring party. He left them at Glenwood on Friday evening. They were getting along finely, and everywhere along their route had been treated with the utmost hospitality by the citizens. They are delighted with the country and much pleased with the prospects for the route of the great Northern Pacific road. The artist brought back a lot of negatives of fine views of the country along the route, copies of which will be sent to Jay Cooke & Co., New York. (St. Cloud Journal, 22 July 1869, p. 2, c. 5)


09 December

THE NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD

_____


A History of the Enterprise—Its Present

Condition and Future Prospects.

_____


Correspondence of the Boston Journal.

During the last few weeks I have received many letters from persons in different parts of the country, making inquiries in regard to the Northern Pacific railroad—what the prospects are in regard to its construction, what the present and what the prospective condition of the enterprise is.

As it is a project in which the people of the Eastern States have ever felt a lively interest, it will be my aim in this connection to answer the above inquiries.

A route to the Pacific by the Northern line was surveyed when Franklin Pierce was President, and Jefferson Davis Secretary of War. Isaac I. Stevens was the Governor of Washington Territory, and was put in charge of the survey.

President Pierce has just been borne to his final resting place. Jeff. Davis is still alive, bearing a burden which can never be laid aside, which he must carry through life. Gov. Stevens, alone, of the three, is gratefully held in remembrance by his countrymen.

The unscrupulousness of Davis in public affairs was manifest to those who knew him best long before the rebellion was inaugurated. When Gov. Stevens made his report, the superiority of the route over the Central and Southern lines was at once apparent, especially in the amount of arable land, and Davis, with his own hand, without any warrant for so doing, falsified the report of Gov. Stevens!

Nothing was done toward constructing a railroad to the Pacific till after the breaking out of the war, when the Central Pacific was chartered, followed by the Union Pacific both of which had liberal land grants and were aided by the issue of land grants and bonds, as everybody knows.

In 1864 the Northern Pacific Company was organized, the prime mover of the enterprise being Mr. Perham, who conceived the idea of making it “the people’s road,” the stock to be held in small amounts, and everybody taking a little. He went to Washington, laid the project before Congress, and obtained a land grant, and there the matter dropped.

Mr. Perham labored hard to get the public interested, borrowed money of everybody who would lend, got into debt, became discouraged, and finally found parties who were willing to take the franchise and pay some of his debts. Extravagant reports were circulated at the time in regard to the amount of money he had received. He was reported a wealthy man, but the amount did not cover his indebtedness, and he died soon after in poverty.

The new holders of the franchise were men from different parts of the country but one after another dropped off when they came to see the magnitude of the undertaking and the difficulties in the way of construction—not physical, but financial obstacles.

The children of Israel three thousand years ago found it hard work to make bricks without straw, and the gentlemen connected with the enterprise found that thirty centuries had not modified the fact.

It was found that the public was not ready to invest in an enterprise where there was no guarantee of interest by Government. The Government itself offered the very best securities; the Central and Union Pacific bonds were good, and so all the floating capital of the country was absorbed. For these reasons, one after another, although fully convinced of the feasibility of the route, and of the inestimable value of the road to the country when completed, gave up their connection with the project and turned their attention to other things.

Those who remained went before Congress and asked for the issue of bonds in aid of the enterprise, but they encountered opposition and the request was denied. Surveying parties meanwhile were sent into the field. Two routes were surveyed from Lake Superior to the Mississippi, and one from Puget Sound to the Columbia—at an immense outlay of money. A second attempt was made to obtain Government aid after the completion of the survey, and a bill was reported in which aid was granted to the Northern and also to the Southern Pacific road, but no action was taken upon it. It fell to the ground of its own weight, and through the opposition of other roads.

Each alternate section of land, on both sides of the road, for twenty miles, is granted to the Company, making a total grant of about forty-seven million acres. The Company cannot receive any land till twenty-five miles of the road is constructed.

Forty-seven million acres seems a large amount of land to be granted to one corporation, and it is; but this amount failed to enlist capitalists in the enterprise. They could do better with their money. The estimated cost of the road is between $80,000,000 and $100,000,000, and the land must be sold at $2 per acre on the average, to obtain the requisite amount of money. The inducement was not very great for the general public to take stock in such an enterprise, for the sale of land must necessarily be slow with all the Government lands, the alternate sections, in the market at the same time. If the great capitalists of the country could not be induced to take hold of it, there was no probability that the farmers, mechanics and those who had accumulated small savings would invest. The friends of the enterprise therefore waited for a more favorable state of affairs, but meanwhile enlisted some of the ablest railroad men of the country.

The President of the Company is J. Gregory Smith, of St. Albans, Vt., President of the Vermont Central and Vermont and Canada roads. Associated with him are Hon. R. D. Rice of Augusta, Me., President of the Kennebec and Portland railroad; J. Edgar Thompson, of the Pennsylvania Central; Messrs. Wells, Fargo & Co.; Mr. George W. Cass, of Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago; Thomas H. Canfield, of Burlington Vt.; Mr. Jay Cooke, of Philadelphia; Mr. Stinson, of Chicago, and other gentlemen identified with the railroad interests of the country. An arrangement was made some months ago with Mr. Cooke whereby he was appointed the financial agent of the Company. But that gentleman, before fully accepting the position, wished to have a report from his own agents and engineers in regard to the feasibility of the line and the features of the country between Lake Superior and Puget Sound, in order that he might act understandingly, and go before the capitalists of the country with such evidence as would convince them of the high character of the enterprise for the carrying out of which he might solicit their aid.

To accomplish this, two exploring parties were organized last summer, one to examine the country from Lake Superior westward, the other to commence at Puget Sound and examine the country eastward to the headwaters of the Missouri. Having received a cordial invitation to spend my summer vacation with the Lake Superior party, I gladly accepted it, and shall long have a lively recollection of our first thunder storm, of our jolly times while toasting salt pork and pulling big logs into camp. One portion of our party, consisting of Messrs. Holmes and Bayless, of New York, explored the region between the Red River of the North and the Missouri. The party starting from Puget Sound, traversed the Rocky Mountain region, visited the various passes in that range, and explored the country around the headwaters of the Yellowstone. The entire line has been thoroughly examined during the past season, and the gentlemen sent out by Mr. Cooke are now making up their reports. They were civil engineers, eminent in their profession, and their reports will be accepted as authoritative. It is presumed that they will be given to the public in due time, and all who are interested in this great international highway will be able to judge of its feasibility and prospective value.

The charter of the Company permits the building of a road from Lake Superior to Puget Sound, with a branch down to Columbia. The Company may start at any point on the lake in Wisconsin or Minnesota. There are only three ports in those States—Bayfield, Superior and Duluth. Duluth can hardly be called a port at present, inasmuch as the harbor is not yet constructed, but assuming that it will be, these are the three points from which may be selected the eastern terminus. It is quite probable, however, that all three will share the advantages of a connection with the line.

A surveying party is now in the field, or rather in the woods, between the lake and the Mississippi, endeavoring to determine the best route westward from the lake. The line undoubtedly will touch the Missouri near the mouth of the Yellowstone, as it will pass up the valley of that stream. The country between the lake and the Red River of the North is very level. Beyond that stream it is most of the way a rolling prairie, with timber along the streams and coal deposits cropping out from the bluffs.

The line, entering the rich valley of the Yellowstone, will pass through a magnificent region—the summer pasturage of the buffalo. While at St. Paul recently we met Gen. Hancock who had returned from a visit to Montana. He spoke of that Territory as being the finest region for pasturage he had ever seen. The hills are covered with bunch grass, highly nutritious, upon which buffalo, elk and deer fatten in winter and summer alike. He remarked that when the country becomes settled it will produce mutton of a delicious flavor. The Rocky Mountain sheep and antelope of this region are said to be superior to all others. The line leaves the valley of the Yellowstone and crosses the narrow divide to the head waters of the Missouri through a depression called Bozeman’s Pass, through which an excellent carriage road has already been constructed. It will probably pass through the town of Helena, the present capital of Montana, a place of 10,000 inhabitants. The mines of the vicinity are exceedingly rich, and the surrounding country is developing rapidly. The yield of wheat in Montana the present season was very large; but there is no market for agricultural products, and the people are waiting impatiently for the construction of the Northern Pacific road.

The line will probably cross the Rocky Mountains by the Deer Lodge Pass, where the ascent is so gradual and the dividing ridge so low that a mining company has dug a ditch and taken the water from a stream whose natural flow is into the Missouri, through the pass to their mines upon the western slope! So the Missouri is feeding the Columbia. Mr. Roberts, the engineer making the explorations, declared that it is a clear case of highway robbery! The line follows down the Bitter Root Valley, across the great plain of the Columbia to Walla-Walla, and then crosses the Cascade range to Puget Sound.

There are several remarkable characteristics to be found on this route that distinguish it from the Central and Southern lines. Although four hundred miles north of the Central there is far less snow than on that line, the elevation is not so great by two thousand feet. The assent is a trifle less than 5,000, against 8,280 on the Union Pacific. The line follows the course of streams, except across the level prairie region between Lake Superior and the Missouri. There are only two general summits—that between the Missouri and the Columbia and that between the Columbia and Puget Sound. The gradients will be less on this line than any other across the continent. The highest grade will not exceed 80 feet, while on the Central Pacific there are many miles of 116 feet to the mile. It passes through a country susceptible of settlement the entire distance. There are no alkaline deserts. There is an abundance of timber. The company will have no trouble obtaining the best of ties. Coal abounds. The line passes through the richest mining regions of Montana—now producing more gold than any other State or Territory in the Union. The western terminus will be one of the noblest bays in the world, already the great lumbering center of the Pacific coast. It will traverse a region yet to become the New England of the Pacific coast. It is the shortest possible line across the Continent. It will decrease the distance between New York and Yokohama, or Shanghai, or Canton, by 1,100 miles. If teas and silks and China goods are taken across the Continent, it must be by this route. If English passengers bound for China ever turn their faces westward, they will take this route. The time will come when it will be the highway of the nations. The Columbia and its tributaries will yet furnish water power to numerous manufactories. The whirl of machinery, the ring of the anvil, the humming of saws ere long will resound amid the mighty forests of the western slope. Nature has endowed it with her choicest gifts, a mild climate and a genial sun. The balmy southern winds give to Oregon and Washing the climate of England.

In the coming years a metropolis—the peer of San Francisco—will rise upon the shores of that beautiful bay of the Northwest. Such is the outlook.

The construction of the Northern Pacific railroad will be the beginning of a development of material prosperity throughout all that vast region of the Northwest. I am ignorant of the plans of those engaged in the great enterprise other than this—that it is their determination to begin the construction of the road as soon as possible. They have already been at enormous expense in carrying on their surveys, and are not the men to turn back, having once engaged in such an undertaking. Although unaided by Congress, although an immense amount of money will be needed, they are confident that when the public come to understand the merits of the enterprise they will obtain means to build the road.

CARLETON.

(St. Cloud Journal, 09 December 1869, p. 1, c. 9; p. 4, c.’s 1 & 2)


1870

01 January

The final agreement with Jay Cooke & Co. is signed. Sale of first N. P. mortgage bonds begins.


Loring, Black and Company delivering supplies near Brainerd, 1870.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society
NP Construction Buildings, ca. 1870.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

The railroad normally employed contractors who traveled with the construction train or, using trails through the woods such as the Leech Lake Trail, met the construction crews along the route to provide food and other supplies. Hunters were hired to provide fresh meat along the route. Much of the needed construction equipment was loaded on the construction train and replenished by rail along the route as track was laid. Workers slept in tents and, if there was room, in the cars of the construction train. Some equipment was hauled in by oxcart, horse and wagon and some equipment and other supplies came by barge or steamboat up the Mississippi to the steamboat and ferry landings.


27 January

THE NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD.

____


As our readers generally are interested in everything that pertains to the construction of this important thoroughfare, we compile everything that has been received by exchanges and by telegraph during the past week:

A Washington correspondent of the St. Paul Pioneer writes: “The Northern Pacific Railroad is requiring some wire pulling. It is asserted that the road will actually be commenced early in March in the vicinity of Dalles, and push west to the Missouri, crossing the Mississippi above Crow Wing, and a branch to run to Minneapolis via St. Cloud; but I won’t vouch for the truth of the rumor, particularly the latter part. No doubt the main line will be commenced early in the spring.” This correspondent states that Hon. H. M [sic]. Rice is in Washington in the interests of the Northern Pacific.

Northern Pacific engineers, left to right: Unknown, Boice, Unknown, Jones, Edwards, Olson, Rolf, General Ira Spaulding, Colonel Owens, Ruggles, McKenzie, ca. 1867.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

A New York dispatch of the 20th says: “Wall street has been thrown into a state of febrile excitement by the discussions in regard to the bringing out of the Northern Pacific Railroad company’s bonds. The large amount of money required by the Northern Pacific railroad scheme is creating an uneasy feeling among capitalists. The absorption of $100,000,000 to $200,000,000 in another Pacific railroad through about 2,000 miles of a country as yet inhabited only by 5,000 Indians and a few trappers is much discussed in financial circles. The 200 miles in Minnesota, for which wealthy firms have already subscribed, will be a benefit to Minnesota, and probably eventually profitable to the investors, who, being wealthy, can afford to wait until the line reaches a paying point.”

Another dispatch of the same date is valuable chiefly for its remarkable [remarkably incorrect] geographical information: “A report on Wall street says the Northern Pacific railroad propose to use 250 miles of the Lake Superior and Mississippi road, from Duluth north of Crow river, from the wilderness at Otter Tail lake, and reaching the Red River of the North at Fort Abercrombie.”

A dispatch of the 22d states that a meeting of persons interested in the Northern Pacific Railroad was held in New York the previous day, and that the general expression was that the work should be pushed forward vigorously in the spring.

The Minneapolis Tribune says that Major Brackett, of that city, has fitted out four parties for Gen. Ira Spaulding and Col. W. H. Owen, of the N. P. R. R., with the necessary animals and supplies for making new surveys. These parties consist of sixteen men each. One party left St. Cloud yesterday morning, under Mr. C. H. Alsop. They will go above Crow Wing, and run a line toward Lake Superior further north than any yet surveyed. Surveys will be made by the other parties through the same locality, and also from a point on the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad easterly through Wisconsin, with a view to an outlet in that direction. (St. Cloud Journal, 27 January 1870, p. 2, c. 1)


14 February

THE NORTHERN PACIFIC.

_____


The Minneapolis Tribune of Tuesday says:

Photo taken in the early spring of 1870, NP surveyors on the east bank of the Mississippi looking east. The photo marks the place where the railroad was to cross the river, 1870. A 791x817 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
NP surveyors at Brainerd, ca. 1870. A 1943x1536 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

“Col. Hudcutt’s surveying party left this city yesterday morning for the Dalles of the St. Louis River, where they will be joined by the Colonel in a day or two. They will immediately upon his arrival there proceed to make a survey of a line for the Northern Pacific Railroad from the Dalles to the Red River of the North. Capt. Smith, another engineer of this road, is expected to arrive here tonight. He will organize another party, and start out on the line as soon as all the necessary arrangements can be made.

The following dispatch, sent from Fond du Lac on Tuesday, shows that work has actually begun:

Work on the Northern Pacific Railroad commenced at noon today. A large number of citizens of Duluth assembled, and there was much rejoicing.

Speeches were made by Gen. Spaulding, Chief Engineer, and others.

The Northern Pacific Railroad intersects the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad at the Dalles, and then to Duluth.

The wheelbarrow which carried the first load of earth is to be presented to Jay Cooke. (St. Cloud Journal, 17 February 1870, p. 2, c. 6)


15 February

Construction was started on the Northern Pacific Railroad at [Thomson Junction] Carlton, which is twenty miles west of Duluth. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 2)


NOTE: It would appear Zapffe is a day late on the beginning of construction.


03 March

NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD.

_____


Further information strengthens what we stated last week: that the main line of the road will cross the Mississippi north of Crow Wing, near the survey described in our local columns, while a branch will be built from St. Cloud to the Red River.


[...]


The Minneapolis Tribune of yesterday says that several hundred tons of supplies will at once be sent to different points along the line of Northern Pacific Railroad operations, for the use of working parties who will commence as soon as the character of the road will permit. (St. Cloud Journal, 03 March 1870, p. 2, c. 2)


09 March

NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD.

_____


A meeting of the stockholders and directors of the Northern Pacific was held in New York on the 9th, at which the following directors were elected to serve for three years:

J. Gregory Smith, R. D. Rice, W. B. Ogden, G. W. Cass, W. G. Fargo, S. M. Fulton, W. Windom, F. H. Canfield, J. Edgar Thompson, B. F. Cheney, Jas. Stinson, F. Billings, C. B. Wright. The first seven are the Executive Committee.

The board organized by electing J. Gregory Smith president, R. D. Rice vice president, A. H. Barney treasurer, and Samuel Wilkeson secretary.

The St. Paul Press publishes a New York special, which states that a contract for negotiating fifty million dollars of Northern Pacific Railroad bonds has been concluded with leading German banking houses. Five hundred thousand dollars are to be advanced immediately under such arrangements. This contract covers the estimated cost of the railway to Puget Sound. This action of course indicates that everything that money can do to push the work forward to completion with the utmost rapidity, will be done.

The Press has an article on the colonization scheme of the Northern Pacific Company, which promises to be one of the grandest enterprises of the age. The Company holds from Congress almost fifty million acres of land, or a territory greater in extent than all New England. They want laborers to prosecute the work of constructing their road, and they want speedy settlement along the line. To accomplish these ends, says the Press:

“They offer in the first place to furnish immigrants for the first year or two abundant labor in the construction of the road itself; and to provide each laborer at the end of, or during his term of service, or any immigrant who does not choose to labor for the company, a farm of 40, 80 or 160 acres selected in alternate blocks, with a neat frame tenement already erected thereon and with a moderate field fenced in at the expense of the company, ‘to have and to hold the same with all appurtenances thereunto appertaining,’ as the deed runs, on terms which barely cover the outlay, payment being required in such small installments, running through a long period of years, at a very low rate of interest, as will be no burden to the poorest man in the world.

“With the wages received for labor in the construction of the road they can readily furnish and stock these ready made farms. In other words, they propose to give the laborer at once a home and a productive farm, which, under ordinary circumstances, it costs him years of toil to make, on terms equivalent to a loan of so much capital on his own terms.”

An immense number of tenement houses will be constructed, all after the same pattern, so that they can be taken to any point and put together at once.

The Company has selected three Commissioners to go to Europe for the purpose of presenting these inducements and securing the desired immigration. The gentlemen chosen for this mission are H. Hugh McCulloch, late Secretary of the Treasury; Hon. Carl Shurs, United States Senator from Missouri; Ex-Governor Wm. R. Marshall, of Minnesota. An official exposition of the scheme will soon be published by the Company.

We learn from the Superior Tribune that Gen. Spaulding will at once commence sending out supplies on the contemplated line of road from that quarter sufficient for 1,000 men for seven months. Store houses will be built every five miles, and placed under guard; whilst from Crow Wing and other points, the same plans will be carried out.

The Tribune says it is not improbable that the iron for the Northern Pacific may be manufactured at the head of the lake, as the best iron in the world is found upon the shores of Lake Superior. In connection with that, the St. Paul Dispatch has been informed that the Lake Superior & Mississippi and Northern Pacific Railroad companies have made arrangements to establish large rolling mills at Duluth for the manufacture of railroad iron.

The Minneapolis Tribune says:

Mr. Geo. A. Brackett has received orders to purchase and forward to the line of the Northern Pacific railroad, between the Mississippi and the Red River, several hundred tons more of supplies in addition to the large amount previously ordered. He is now busy in sending them forward from this city via St. Cloud.

The Duluth Minnesotian says:

“We understand Gen. Sargent is quite busy east: we hear of him at Philadelphia and Washington showing up German Bankers. We understand an effort is being made to induce him to go to Europe in the interest of the Northern Pacific Loan—and that he has it under consideration.” (St. Cloud Journal, 17 March 1870, p. 2, c. 3)


SEE: 1869

SEE: 06 July 1872

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 11 November 1876

SEE: 09 December 1876

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 31 December 1882


10 March

NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD.

_____


We are informed by Hon. Wm. Windom that he has received instructions to order four hundred and fifty tons of provisions to be delivered along the line of the Northern Pacific Railroad for two thousand laborers. This is indicative of active operations on that road during the coming season.—[Winona Republican.

Geo. A. Brackett is busy forwarding the supplies for the Northern Pacific Railroad. A large quantity has already been shipped, and the rest will soon be on the way. He has sent a large number of teams to Hinckley, to transport the supplies to the different stations between there and the Mississippi River. Teams have also been sent from St. Cloud to transport supplies to the stations between the Mississippi and the Red River.—[Minneapolis Tribune. (St. Cloud Journal, 10 March 1870, p. 2, c. 2)


NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD SUPPLIES.


About seventy-five tons of supplies for the Northern Pacific Company have been received at this place thus far, and forwarded to Gull Lake Station. Three hundred barrels of flour have also been sent there. Large quantities of flour and general supplies will also be sent to Crow Wing Crossing and Otter Tail, making in all 900 barrels of flour, and 300 tons of miscellaneous supplies. These three stations will be used as depots, from which provisions will be distributed along the line of work. The flour and a portion of the pork are purchased at this place, and all the freight will be sent here for re-shipment. Clarke & Wait attend to the transportation of the goods. (St. Cloud Journal, 10 March 1870, p. 3, c. 1)


31 March

THE St. Paul Press says that Jay Cooke is soon to establish a branch bank in St. Paul, which will be his headquarters for disbursing funds in the construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad. It is estimated that during some portions of the season the payments will amount to one million dollars a week. (St. Cloud Journal, 31 March 1870, p. 2, c. 2)


07 April

N. P.'s executive committee authorizes the purchase of two-thirds of the stock of the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad Company.


13 April

Steamboat Landing located on the west side of the Mississippi River somewhere north of the railroad bridge, ca. 1872.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

Of great interest and some importance [circa 1870-1877] was Captain George Houghton's steamer Pokegama which made regular trips up the Mississippi to Aitkin and Pokegama, carrying lumbermen's supplies and camp outfits. The windings of the river are well illustrated by the fact that Aitkin is seventy-one miles up the river and only twenty-seven miles away by rail. Naturally, the railroad proved to be an effective competitor, and when the steamer burned a few years later, it was not replaced. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 22)


THE NORTHERN PACIFIC had completed its line from the Twin Cities to Duluth by 1870, and had begun a western extension which was designed to reach the Mississippi far enough north to be of service to the rapidly expanding lumber industry in this region. At least one man saw the opportunity and the need for steamboat transportation north of Sauk Rapids and with characteristic pioneer energy, he proceeded to do something about it. That man was Captain George H. Houghton who had previously been engaged in steam boating on the Minnesota River and who, for more than twenty years to come, was to be so prominently identified with the upper Mississippi that he earned the title of father of navigation on this stretch of river.

In the winter of 1869-70 Captain Houghton built at Sauk Rapids a boat which was launched on April 13, 1870, and christened the Pokegama. It was a stern-wheeler, a hundred feet long, with a twenty-four foot beam and a two foot draft. The Pokegama started its first trip upstream on June 20, reached Crow Wing on June 24, Sandy Lake on June 26, and the foot of Pokegama Falls on June 27. During the rest of the season, it ran from Crow Wing, at that time the most northerly village of any size along the upper river, to Pokegama Falls, making such trips as they were needed.

On one trip it carried supplies for Northern Pacific construction crews, which were then operating in the vicinity of what is now McGregor. This trip took the Pokegama through Sandy Lake, up Sandy River, and into Davis Lake, where the supplies were landed. Persons familiar with this narrow and shallow stream today might be inclined to regard this as a “Believe It or Not” exploit, but the Pokegama was only the first of along line of upper river steamers which could “run on a heavy dew.” With Aitkin as its home port, this vessel continued to supply the logging camps from 1871 to 1877. On November 12, 1877, the Pokegama was destroyed by fire after it had been put up for the winter. (Steamboating on the Mississippi Headwaters, Irving Harlow Hart, Spring 1952, Minnesota Historical Society, pp. 9 & 10)


26 May

THE Northern Pacific railroad has been located as to the Minnesota end, and begins in town 48 in Carlton county and runs from thence due west to the Mississippi river—thence west to the Red River at a point between the Buffalo and Wild Rice rivers. (St. Cloud Journal, 26 May 1870, p. 2, c. 2)


31 May

A joint congressional resolution authorizes N. P. to issue bonds secured by a mortgage on its land grant to finance construction of the road.


09 June

ORIGIN OF THE NORTHERN PACI-

FIC RAILROAD.

_____


A correspondent of the New York Times gives the following account of the projectors of the Northern Pacific Railroad:

Your issue of Saturday presents a letter from your special correspondent regarding the “breaking ground” on the Northern Pacific Railroad, in which letter Mr. Jay Cooke is styled the “Father of the Northern Pacific.” Believing that honor should be given to whom it is due, I beg leave to state the facts. This Company was chartered in 1864, and its immense and valuable grants were donated in that year. Josiah Perham, of Boston, was the moving spirit in the enterprise who, together with Thaddeus Stevens, Hon. George Briggs, member of Congress from New York, Hon. L. D. M. Sweet, of Maine, and a member of Congress from Minnesota, (Hon. Ignatius Donnelly) were instrumental in securing this franchise from the Government. The first organization of the Company included Mr. Perham as President, Hon. Geo. Briggs as Vice President, Israel S. Washington, of Boston, Treasurer, and C. W. S. Rowland as Commissioner. These gentlemen remained in control of the enterprise until January, 1866, when through the instrumentality of Col. Rowland, the control was passed to Hon. John Gregory Smith, of Vermont, who succeeded Mr. Perham as President; Hon. R. D. Rice, of Maine; Onslow Stearns, Governor of New Hampshire; Geo. Stark, of New Hampshire, and several gentlemen of Boston; and not until this year has Mr. Cooke become in any way connected with the Company. The first officers of the Company are all deceased but Colonel Rowland, who resigned his position some time since. That the connection of Mr. Cooke with the management of the Northern Pacific will aid vastly in the speedy construction of the road no one will doubt; but he must not be classed with those who from the beginning were the men, who in the face of great obstacles, successfully gave it birth and vitality. He will, beyond doubt, reap the harvest they sowed, and the nation will be indebted to him as well as to them. (St. Cloud Journal, 09 June 1870, p. 4, c. 1)


20 June

TELEGRAPH EXTENSION.—On Monday O. C. Greene, Esq., Manager of the Northwestern Telegraph Company’s lines north of St. Paul, arrived with a party of a dozen men under charge of R. A. Hankinson, who left immediately for Crow Wing for the purpose of setting the poles and running the wires from this city to Crow Wing, the latter place to be the terminus for the present. The poles are now at Crow Wing and Sauk Rapids, and will be set to this place—the surplus poles being floated down the river—when the party will return, stringing the wire as they go. They will have the line in working order in about four weeks. It will be mainly used by the construction parties about to commence work on the Northern Pacific Railroad, they having a contract with the telegraph company. (St. Cloud Journal, 23 June 1870, p. 3, c. 1)


23 June

THE Company having the contract for building the Minnesota portion of the Northern Pacific Railroad, calls itself the Red River Construction Company, and has its headquarters at Minneapolis. It advertised for proposals for doing the grading, bridging and trestle work, and piling, furnishing ties, &c., at any time after the 25th inst., and the work will be awarded and commenced as fast as the line of the road is located. (St. Cloud Journal, 23 June 1870, p. 2, c. 1)


30 June

THE Northwestern (or N. P. R. R.) Construction Company perfected its organization last week by electing the following officers:

President—Hon. J. L. Merriam, St. Paul.

Vice President—D. C. Shepard, Minneapolis.

General Manager—A. P. Balch, Hanover, New Hampshire.

Treasurer—Hon. D. Morrison, Minneapolis.

Auditing Board—W. D. Washburn, D. C. Shepard, A. R. Payson.

Executive Committee—A. R. Payson, W. D. Washburn, F. E. Canda, W. W. Eastman.

All are practical railroad men. A better man for President than Col. Merriam, could not easily be found. (St. Cloud Journal, 30 June 1870, p. 2, c. 1)


TRAINS are now running on the Mississippi and Lake Superior [Lake Superior and Mississippi] railroad to Thomson, at the Dalles of the St. Louis river, 128 miles from St. Paul. This will be the point of intersection with the Northern Pacific. An excursion party passed over the road as far as Thomson on Tuesday. It is expected that the line will be finished to Lake Superior about the 15th of August. (St. Cloud Journal, 30 June 1870, p. 2, c. 1)


07 July

NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD

MATTERS.

_____


Gen. Spaulding was in the city two or three days since, and he informs us that 1,000 men will be at work on this end of said road within ten days, and that work will soon commence upon the Crow Wing portion also. The General has just closed a contract with the L. S. & M. Railroad for the receiving at this point (not at St. Paul, mind you) of all the iron necessary for the Northern Pacific. There seems to be no doubt but that the road will be completed to the Red River in one year from the 1st of July. Gen. Jack Casement offered to complete that portion of the road in seven months, but he was underbid by the parties who were awarded the contract.—[Duluth Tribune.

The Northwestern Construction Company returned from their business trip to the junction of the N. P. R. R. with the L. S. & M. R. R. yesterday morning, and we learn the following facts:

The company have a good wagon road constructed for eight miles, and a sufficient force is at work to complete about one mile per day. This road is to be pushed through to the Mississippi, and is on or as near the established line of the railroad as it is practicable to build it. The company are sub-letting small divisions of the road so as to insure its completion to the Mississippi within the time specified—next December. Ten miles have already been let, six miles of it being to Smith, Gould & Co., of Ohio. They are experienced railroad builders, and the fact that they commenced work with a crew of men the next day after the contract was awarded to them shows them to be men of energy—the kind wanted all along the line. Other portions of the road will be sublet as fast as the engineers can prepare the work.

The season promises to be a very favorable one for railroad building—neither too wet or too dry, and the insects are not half so troublesome as last year. This will make a difference of 20 per cent in the amount of work men will do, while it may tend to lessen the price and increase the comfort of the laborers.—[Minneapolis Tribune, July 1st. (St. Cloud Journal, 07 July 1870, p. 1, c. 9)


21 July

PROGRESS ON THE NORTHERN PACIFIC.—Orders were received last week at the engineer headquarters, five miles out from the junction, not to permit anymore sub-contracts until the practical engineering work was further along. The contractors are crowding engineers beyond reasonable expedition. There is no difficulty in obtaining laborers; they are swarming off the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad, now pretty nearly completed. The energetic John C. Logan, who has a sub-contract from John Ross, was in town the past week and purchased four stout two-horse teams and wagons for his job on the Northern Pacific. Supplies of various kinds are constantly going up from Duluth.—[Duluth Minnesotian. (St. Cloud Journal, 21 July 1870, p. 2, c. 3)


02 August

NORTHERN PACIFIC NEWS.—Mr. S. T. Wood, who has been engaged with Mr. C. H. Alsop’s surveying party, returned from Crow Wing on Tuesday, and from him we obtain some items of interest. The party had just finished a line from Otter Tail Lake to the Mississippi river—starting from the southwest end of the lake, near the outlet, passing by the northwest end of West Leaf Lake, down the south side of the Leaf river, crossing Crow Wing river at Wadena, the “old Crossing,” down the valley of the Crow Wing, keeping on the north side, passing about a mile above Chippewa Agency, and striking the Mississippi about seven miles above Crow Wing and three miles below French Rapids. With the exception of a few miles at Leaf Lake, where there is is an ascent of about 200 feet, there is but little hard railroading country. Most of the way is level. It is the best line that has yet been run westward from the river; and the fifteen miles last run have been established as the permanent line of the road.

By the surveys, the distance from the river to the lake is about 75 miles. The country, for farming purposes, is not very good for 20 miles from the Crow Wing river—except well up northward. After that there is a steady improvement all the way to Otter Tail. The soil is sandy until beyond the lake, when there is a clay subsoil. There is plenty of water, lakes and streams, with magnificent meadow lands and oak openings. There are are hundreds of fine claims yet to be taken, although emigrants are going in rapidly. Between the river and Otter Tail, on the regular road, there are three stopping places, or stations: “Jack’s”: 15 miles from the river; 20 miles further is Roy’s; Deer Creek is 30 miles more; Otter Tail, 15 miles.

It is more than probable that another survey will be made, commencing about forty miles west of the Mississippi and running north of Rush lake, just south of Detroit lake, and on to Georgetown. Mr. Alsop is expected to arrive here tomorrow, when his party will be discharged. Mr. Kimberley’s party started from the point of intersecting the Mississippi, and is running eastward, intending to connect with a line Mr. Reno is running westward from the Dalles near Duluth. There are now three parties in the Otter Tail country, surveying for a line to the Red River.

Mr. J. Pumpeilly, who has been engaged on a line from near the Crow Wing crossing to Rush Lake, was summoned by a messenger on Monday of last week to go to St. Paul. He returned on Tuesday, and started yesterday for Crow Wing. It is believed that the west end of his line, (to Rush lake) will be established as the line of the road. (St Cloud Journal, 04 August 1870, p. 3, c. 2)


04 August

—The first iron for the Northern Pacific railway left Detroit on Tuesday night of last week for Duluth on the steamer R. G. Coburn. The consignment consists of 200 tons of first-class T rail, manufactured in Pennsylvania. (St. Cloud Journal, 04 August 1870, p. 4, c. 1)


10 August

GOV. SMITH’S PARTY.—Teams, camp equipage and a complete outfit for Gov. Smith’s Northern Pacific party, arrived here yesterday, and went into camp. The Governor is expected to arrive this evening or tomorrow, when he will start for the Red River, going as far as Pembina.

LATER.—The party arrived on the noon train today. It is composed as follows:

Ex-Governor J. Gregory Smith, of Vermont, President N. P. R. R.

Gen. Ira Spaulding, Chief Engineer N. P. R. R.

Geo. A. Brackett, of Minneapolis.

Thos. H. Canfield, of Vermont.

Dr. Thayer, of Vermont.

Mr. Eugene Putnam, of Vermont, private secretary to Gov. Smith.

Thos. C. Hawley, of Vermont.

Geo. G. Smith, of Vermont.

W. L. Millis, of Boston.

Mr. P. Lenk, of Toledo, Ohio.

We learn that from here a portion of the party will go to the crossing of the road a few miles above Crow Wing, to finally locate a portion of the line; then return to this place, and go, as already stated, to Red River, via the Otter Tail country. Geo. Brackett is master of transportation and supplies. (St. Cloud Journal, 11 August 1870, p. 3, c. 1)


11 August

The docks at Duluth are covered with iron for the Northern Pacific R. R. (St. Cloud Journal, 11 August 1870, p. 1, c. 9)


NORTHERN PACIFIC.

_____


Gov. Smith’s Northern Pacific party started from St. Paul on Saturday for Duluth. They will remain there for a few days, then return to Minneapolis, after which they will come to St. Cloud. Here they will be provided with teams and tents, and start for the Red River, to make a careful observation of the country and locate certain portions of the road. (St. Cloud Journal, 11 August 1870, p. 2, c. 1)


THE Northern Pacific Railroad Company have filed with the Secretary of the Interior the first mortgage upon their franchise lands and other property for $5,000,000 to secure the issue of a corresponding amount of bonds. Twenty-five internal revenue stamps of the value of $200 each ($35,000) are affixed to the instrument. (St. Cloud Journal, 11 August 1870, p. 2, c. 2)


13 August

Preliminary maps of N. P. routes in Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington Territory are filed with U.S. Department of the Interior.


John Gregory Smith, President, Northern Pacific Railroad, 1866-1872, ca. Unknown.
Source: Unknown

John Gregory Smith was the third of the war Governors of the state of Vermont, the organizer and the head for years of the great Central Vermont railroad system, and one of the projectors of the Northern Pacific, was for nearly thirty years the most potent personality in Vermont affairs. He was born at St. Albans, July 22, 1818, and was the son of John Smith, a pioneer railroad builder in Vermont, and a leading lawyer and public man of his generation, representing St. Albans nine successive years in the Legislature and serving one term in Congress. The family came from Bare, Mass. John Gregory graduated from the University of Vermont in 1841, and subsequently from the Yale law school. He at once associated with his father in the practice of law and incidentally in railroad management.

At the death of his father in 1858 John Gregory succeeded to the position of trustee under the lease of the Vermont & Canada R. R. Simultaneously he entered politics, and for many years the career in each line was involved with the other. The roads ran down so that in 1865 trust bonds began to be issued to provide for repairs, and from this Governor Smith advanced to a large policy of “development” forming by leases and purchases a great “through system of roads, all under the authority” of the court of chancery, and as an extension of the policy of repairs. The emissions of “trust” bonds continued till 1872, when $4,356,600 were out. When the financial panic struck the country, these structures tumbled, the rent payment to the Vermont & Canada was defaulted, notes went to protest, a legislative investigation was held, and a long and complicated litigation ensued. Governor Smith and his management, generally speaking, came out of the courts successful, but before the end was reached a compromise was effected by which new securities were issued to the different interests and the “Consolidated Railway of Vermont” formed, still under Smith’s management. He was one of the originators of the Northern Pacific railroad enterprise and was the president of the corporation from 1866-1872, when he retired amid the troubles that were thickening about both companies. Under his lead five hundred and fifty-five miles of the road were built.

Ann Eliza Brainerd Smith for whose father, Lawrence, the city of Brainerd was named, 1901.
Source: The Vermonter, December 1901, Volume 7, Number 5

He entered the Legislature as St. Albans’ representative in 1860, and in ‘61 and ‘62 was speaker of the House, winning such popularity that he was unanimously nominated for Governor in 1863 and re-elected in ‘64. And none are there to deny the high quality of his service to the state and nation in those days. He was the friend and confidant of Lincoln and Stanton. He was particularly solicitous in caring for the Vermont boys at the front, and his many deeds of kindness won him many enthusiastic and life-long admirers. He was chairman of the state delegation to the national Republican conventions in 1872, 1880, and 1884. After his retirement from the Governor’s chair he held no public office, though for about twenty years he was the master of Vermont politics.

He was frequently afterward talked of for a seat in the United States Senate, particularly in 1886, when quite a breezy little fight was made for him, and again in 1891 after Edmunds’ resignation. But in both cases he withdrew his name.

He was a very remarkable man—shrewd, far-seeing, persuasive, and yet iron-handed in his determination to carry his purposes. He had a wonderful faculty, with his wide knowledge of human nature and his singular affability of manner, of winning other men to his support, and his marked executive ability made successful the schemes he was so facile in organizing and inaugurating. He was prominently interested in several local business enterprises, and was president of Welden National Bank, the People’s Trust Co., and the Franklin county Creamery Association. He was a life-long member of the Congregational church, and a liberal giver for church purposes, a late contribution being a gift of some $7,000 for remodeling the church edifice. In 1888 he gave the village of St. Albans an elegant bronze fountain costing $5,000, which now adorns the public park. His palatial residence in St. Albans has been the scene of many gatherings, at which Governor and Mrs. Smith have dispensed a courteous hospitality. He married in 1842, Ann Eliza, daughter of Hon. Lawrence Brainerd, who has written several novels and other charming books and who survives him with five children: George G., in business in Minneapolis, Minn., Edward., president of the Central Vermont R. R., Mrs. C. O. Steven of Boston, and Mrs. Rev. D. S. Mackay of St. Albans.

Governor Smith died at St. Albans after a month’s illness, Nov. 6, 1891. (Men of Vermont: An Illustrated Biographical History, Proctor, Davenport and Fuller, Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, p. 96)


NOTE: The Smith home was a target of an 1864 Confederate raid on St. Albans, during the Civil War, but the raiders bypassed the house while fleeing after robbing the town's banks. For her actions in defending the Smith home and efforts to rally the people of St. Albans in pursuing the raiders, Governor Peter Washburn honored Ann Eliza Brainerd Smith by naming her a brevet Lieutenant Colonel on his staff. She died in St. Albans, Vermont on 06 January 1905.


15 August

Northern Pacific Items—The New Town

at the R. R. Crossing—Antagonism of

Races—A General Batch of News

Items.

_____


CROW WING, Aug. 15th, 1870.


EDITOR JOURNAL.Gov. Smith, Gen. Spaulding and G. A. Brackett, of the Northern Pacific, have been and gone. Leaving here Friday [12 August] morning on the commodious, &c., &c., &c., steamer Pokegama, they went up the Mississippi to where the last and best line of the N. P. R. R. crossed the Mississippi, and located the line for good; named the new town that is to be “O-ge-ma-qua [sic] [OGAMAGUA],” and steamed down to this place by dinner time, and then back to Sauk Rapids the same day. The excitement is not intense. Two hotels have begun at O-ge-ma-qua [sic] [Ogamagua] [Brainerd], of which being translated, means “Big man’s woman,” otherwise Queen) for one of which the proprietor has already expended twenty dollars in the purchase of lumber alone. There is a speculator for you! “He’s sly! devilish sly! is old Joe Bagstock!” and knows what he is about.

Peake has gone below after a fresh supply of goods, their store having been literally cleaned out in the last few weeks.

The telegraph office is in the room over the store, and is running under a full head of one lightning power.

There was one interesting case of a fight yesterday morning, to break the monotony. A tangle-footed Frenchman ran against a long-haired “Ab-oo-rig-i-ne,” whereupon “Aboo” clinched him and they pounded each other till satisfied. Four visual organs of purplish-black, two incarnadine nasal extremities and handfuls of long and short black hair, irregularly mixed, bear witness to the struggle.

Whipple “eats us” and “sleeps us,” and we snore ourselves. A tall man named Benjamin Edict (who by the way eats like an editor) is acknowledged to have the most snore-ous voice of any in the crowd. Major Bassett wasn’t here, but it is believed by good judges of the article that Mr. Edict is ahead.

Col. Owen started out toward Otter Tail this morning with provisions and “sich” for a party in that direction. Engineers Kimberley, Reno, Tooley and Crocker are here preparing to make a move early in in the week.

Major Atcheson, Indian Agent, has gone below.

Blueberries are yet abundant, raw, roasted, baked and stewed, and palatable in every shape.

There is nothing going on out of the even tenor (and hass) of the Crow Wing way. LOGOS.

(St. Cloud Journal, 18 August 1870, p. 3, c. 4)


J. Gregory Smith, President of the Northern Pacific Railroad, sends a telegram from St. Cloud to financier, Jay Cooke, announcing that “The Crossing” had been selected and its tentative name would be “Ogemaqua [sic] [Ogamagua] Queen City.” (Oldtimers II: Stories of Our Pioneers in the Cass and Crow Wing Lake Region, Volume II, Carl A. Zapffe, Echo Publishing and Printing, Incorporated, Pequot Lakes, Minnesota: 1988, p. 125)


NOTE: On 01 October 1870 the Northern Pacific Board of Directors changed Ogemaqua [sic] [Ogamagua] to Brainerd. (Oldtimers II: Stories of Our Pioneers in the Cass and Crow Wing Lake Region, Volume II, Carl A. Zapffe, Echo Publishing and Printing, Incorporated, Pequot Lakes, Minnesota: 1988, p. 126)


NOTE: CONSTRUCTION work on the Northern Pacific Railroad began in the summer of 1870. With the five millions of dollars received from Jay Cooke and Company and the prospective large receipts from the sale of bonds, the President and directors felt that the time had come for energetic efforts to build the line. Detailed surveys were completed during the spring from Thomson’s Junction to the crossing of the Mississippi River, where a town was laid out, and named Brainerd, in honor of the father of President Smith’s wife. (History of the Northern Pacific Railroad, Eugene V. Smalley, G. P. Putnam & Sons, New York: 1883, p. 185)


Track laying on the Northern Pacific Railroad commenced at the junction on Monday. Iron is being daily landed at Duluth for this road, to be in readiness to lay as fast as the grading is finished. (St. Cloud Journal, 18 August 1870, p. 3, c. 7)


18 August

One locomotive and five hundred tons of iron for the Northern Pacific road arrived at Duluth on Thursday. (St. Cloud Journal, 18 August 1870, p. 2, c. 2)


THE NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD.

_____


RETURN FROM CROW WING AND

START FOR RED RIVER.

_____


Another Survey of the St. Cloud

Branch Line.

_____


On Thursday, Gov. Smith, President of the N. P. R. R., accompanied by Gen. Ira Spaulding, Chief Engineer; Thos. H. Canfield, General Land Commissioner; and Mr. Geo. A. Brackett, came up on the noon train, and went on to Crow Wing. After finally determining the crossing of the river at that place, and locating a portion of the line, as designated in this paper some two weeks ago, the party returned to St. Cloud, arriving here on Saturday. They were joined here by Gov. Smith’s wife, son and daughter; Hon. Wm. Windom and son, Winona; Rev. Douglas, of Winona; Dr. Thayer and Thos. C. Hawley, of Vermont; W. L. Millis, of Boston; P. Lenk, of Toledo; Mrs. Gen. Spaulding; and E. Putnam, Gov. Smith’s Private Secretary.

The entire party started out in comfortable conveyances provided for them, and with all camping equipage. They reached Sauk Centre on Monday, and expected to make Alexandria by the following evening.

The ladies all returned from Sauk Centre, arriving here on Tuesday evening.

The remainder of the party will go through the Otter Tail country, to the Red River, not going, probably, much below Georgetown. From what we can learn, their purpose is mainly to take a careful look at the country between St. Cloud and the Red River, and to select a few of the principal points. They expect to be gone about two weeks.

BRANCH LINE FROM ST. CLOUD.

On Monday, Mr. C. H. Alsop started with a party of seventeen men, (with four pack horses and one team) to make another survey for the branch line of the Northern Pacific. He will run northwest from here. Whether he will intersect the main line near Otter Tail or near Crow Wing depends entirely on the character of the country, and cannot now be told. The party will be absent about four weeks.

The impression seems to be, that, owing to the unsettled condition of financial affairs, work will not be commenced on the Branch Line until after the Main Line shall have been completed to Red River, which will be by next July. In the meantime the necessary surveys will be made and the line probably definitely determined on. (St. Cloud Journal, 18 August 1870, p. 3, c. 2)


24 August

THE NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD.—Col. A. Allen, who in connection with Gen. Bishop, has taken a contract for building a section of about thirty-five miles, between the Mississippi and Crow Wing rivers, was in this city yesterday, making arrangements for carrying on the work. About six hundred men will be employed in the construction of this part of the Northern Pacific Railroad, and it requires no small amount of executive ability to manage such a force as this is a new country, far away from all settlements, and still farther away from every base of supplies. Picks, shovels, wheelbarrows, tents, provisions, and hundreds of little things are to be looked after, and all these things are being purchased in this market, with a lavish hand, to supply the army of men who will soon be employed in building the great trans-continental route across the continent.—[St. Paul Press. (St. Cloud Journal, 25 August 1870, p. 2, c. 3)


01 September

—The Minneapolis Tribune announces that the Northern Pacific Railroad company have decided to cross the Mississippi at Crow Wing village, and to carry their line north of Rush Lake, instead of south of it, leaving Ottertail City some ten to fifteen miles off the road. (St. Cloud Journal, 01 September 1870, p. 2, c. 5)


08 September

NORTHERN PACIFIC ROUTE AP-

PROVED.

_____


The Secretary of the Interior has approved the route of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company from its eastern terminus, at the mouth of Montreal river, on Lake Superior, in Wisconsin, to Seattle, on Puget’s Sound, Washington Territory. This route traverses the southern [sic] part of Wisconsin, passing at or near the head of Lake Superior, in Minnesota; thence west through the counties of Carlton, Cass, Wadena, and Otter Tail; thence northwest by way of Georgetown, on the Red River of the North, to Fort Totton, on Devil’s Lake, in Dakota Territory; from this point to the southwest, following to a great extent the valley of the Yellowstone river, in Montana Territory through the mountains to Salmon river in Idaho Territory; thence along the along the valley of that river to near its mouth, from thence it reaches Columbia river at Walla-Walla, and following that river west to Vancouver’s and thence north to Monticello, it then leaves it, and continues north along Puget’s Sound and the adjacent waters to the international boundary in Washington Territory. Maps are in course of preparation showing the line of the road and limit of land grants to the extent of ten miles on each side of Seattle, on Puget’s Sound, and when completed will be transmitted to the proper district land settlement on entry of lands granted.—[St. Paul Press. (St. Cloud Journal, 08 September 1870, p. 2, c. 1)


Mid-September

Mark H. Kellogg (top row, left, standing), General Ira Spaulding (top row, third from left) and staff of surveyors, including Thomas Lafayette Rosser sitting on the steps in the white hat, 1871.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

After the main land area for the prospective town at the crossing of the Mississippi River was secured on 13 August 1870 a wave of claim-jumpers immediately converged upon the scene, tied up necessary adjoining property, then demanded outrageous sales prices.

The Directors of the Northern Pacific suddenly reloaded all construction equipment at the Brainerd site on the same barges, rafts and steamboats used to bring it there, with teams hauling the rest of it by land; and they then headed for Old Crow Wing where an alternative crossing site had long been discussed, evaluated and even surveyed.

But this move was a pure ploy, a maneuver of stunning cunning; and it worked. Over a half-dozen claim-jumpers, literally begged to be let back into the fold. Prices dropped so fast as nearly to raise a wind. And the Directors responded just as suddenly as they did before. Snatching Warranty and Quitclaim Deeds off bargaining tables throughout the North Woods, and by the armful, they reloaded the barges and rafts and steamboats and wagons, headed back up the Mississippi to “Ogemaqua [sic] [Ogamagua]” and went back to work. (Oldtimers II: Stories of Our Pioneers in the Cass and Crow Wing Lake Region, Volume II, Carl A. Zapffe, Echo Publishing and Printing, Incorporated, Pequot Lakes, Minnesota: 1988, p. 126)


20 September

NP Surveyors and their wives in Brainerd, ca. 1870.
Source: Caswell & Davy, Duluth, Minnesota
NP surveyors at Brainerd, ca. 1870. A 1943x1536 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Charles B. White [sic] [should be Isaac U. White] arrives on the west side of the Mississippi River where he sees numerous tents but only one building, which was the shack Lyman White, Agent of the Lake Superior and Puget Sound Company, had constructed to serve as his office. Lyman White’s job was platting town sites, selling town lots and locating industries in suitable places with respect to rail service. Ed White and Isaac U. White [sic] [should be Charles B. White], Charles B. White’s [sic] [should be Isaac U. White’s] father and brother are building the building which became known as the Trading Post. [Note: Charles, Ed and Isaac White are not related to Lyman P. White.] (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 5)


SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 10 May 1873

SEE: 06 August 1875


NOTE: Zapffe, Sr. seems to be confused about which White came on 20 September 1870. According to Ingolf Dillan, in a piece written by I. U. White, it was Isaac U. White who came to Brainerd on 20 September 1870 and found his father, Edward and his brother, Charles B., building the Trading Post. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923; pp. 10 & 11) (SEE ALSO: I. U. White Biography; Crow Wing County Historical Society)


25 September

The little steamer, Pokegama, Captain Houghton, made a trip last week with railroad supplies from the Mississippi through Sandy Lake, and thence down a small stream, emptying into the Lake, to within a mile and a half of the St. Louis River. This heretofore has been looked upon as impossible of accomplishment. The steamer returned to Crow Wing on Wednesday. (St. Paul Daily Press, 25 September 1870)


01 October

The Northern Pacific Board of Directors met and officially named the place Brainerd. (Oldtimers II: Stories of Our Pioneers in the Cass and Crow Wing Lake Region, Volume II, Carl A. Zapffe, Echo Publishing and Printing, Incorporated, Pequot Lakes, Minnesota: 1988, p. 126)


10 October

The second building in Brainerd, built of hewn logs by Stuart Seeley [sic], is completed and used as a boarding house, saloon and dance hall, until it burns three years later. This building was located next to the Trading Post. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 15)


13 October

N. P. R. R.—a car load of horses and another of carts came up last evening for the Northern Pacific work. They were started for Crow Wing today. (St. Cloud Journal, 13 October 1870, p. 3, c. 1)


03 November

The Duluth papers are attacking violently the line selected for the building of the Northern Pacific railroad between that place and Georgetown, especially the deflection south to Crow Wing. The “Northwestern Construction Company” is held responsible for this in no gentle terms. The Tribune says that the removal of Col. Johnson, and the appointing of W. Milnor Roberts as Chief Engineer, was done at the instance of Jay Cooke, on account of some of the operations connected with the location of the road. (St. Cloud Journal, 03 November 1870, p. 2, c. 1)


21 November

The New Town of Brainard [sic]—Graphic

Description of the Place.

_____


ELK HORN HOUSE, LITTLE FALLS,

November 21st, 1870.


EDITOR JOURNAL.—Have you been up to Brainard [sic]?—that wonderful city of slabs and tents, on the line of the Northern Pacific railroad, on the east bank of the Mississippi. If not, GO!! Not that it is anything astonishing, but quite the con-tra-ry, considering what a fuss is made about it. From three to six stages a day go up past here, loaded with passengers, and all bound for “The Crossing,” as it is called, or for some point on the road, east or west. And it really is wonderful to see the amount of goods of all descriptions going up somewhere, and the number of teams going both ways. One cannot travel a mile without meeting or passing many. Forty to seventy-five teams a day go by, and mine host Batters gave supper to more than fifty men last night, between ten and twelve o’clock, besides a house full who stopped all night and ate at regular hours. Every stopping place along the road is crowded to its utmost capacity generally. But to return to Brainard [sic] (in imagination only.) It is on a level plain, covered with a thick growth of black pine, or was, but the streets have been cut out through the “heart of the city,” and probably the outside streets will be opened as fast as needed. There are two hotels—the “Brainard [sic] House,” which is two rows of boards set on end, about seven feet high, and after the fashion of a board fence, and covered with a canvass roof; and the “Seely [sic] [Stuart Seelye] House,” which has more lumber in it, being boarded up outside and in, and filled in with saw-dust. This might be made quite a “house,” but in this enlightened day it won’t pay a hotel man to set his customers down to a table without a cloth, to drink out of tin basins and eat off tin plates with their fingers, unless there is really need of it, and in this case there is not, as Hazleton can afford not only table cloths but dishes, at the “Brainard [sic] House,” if it is a tent. The steam saw-mill runs night and day, but the lumber is used for the railroad, so that none can be had to build with, and teams are hauling from Little Elk. The slabs are seized with avidity as soon as they leave the saw, and are fast being made into houses, (?) stables, &c., and in fact the whole thing has jumped into existence in such a hurry that what buildings are made of lumber can hardly stand alone after they shrink. Quite a force are engaged on the bridge; the new railroad hotel, 100x58 feet, is begun, (the frame is up,) and on the whole it gives evidence of something being the matter. But lots are higher now than they will be in the future; for what is to build the concern up when the present need is over? and $400 to $1,000 for a lot is a little too much like the town-site fever of ‘57. The people are laborers, boarding-house keepers, merchants, blacklegs, cutthroats, and, I am happy to add, gentlemen, tho’ the latter are scarce. By the term “gentleman” I don’t mean men who have no business, but those who have business, who know their business, and mind it, and let other folks alone. (We are not overstocked anywhere.)

Fletcher, Bly & Co. have removed their store from Crow Wing to the crossing, and that will no doubt much increase the business, as all the railroad hands get their supplies of that firm. There are fifteen or twenty saloons only, besides a dozen other places where sly drinks are said to be taken, and there are two places where people stay where liquor is not kept. This speaks well for the morals of the place! and affords a good opening for a Good Templars’ Lodge. Little Falls has made a decided step forward in the “moral” business in the last few years, as it is rare to see men drunk in the streets in large numbers on Sunday, as was their wont. Some of the seediest old soaks are now “pillars of temperance.”

The “Elk Horn House” is popular, and should be, for Mrs. Batters don’t object to letting one have two pieces of her nice mince pie at a meal, if his constitution is good, and we are usually willing to risk it.

Yours, LOGOS.

(St. Cloud Journal, 24 November 1870, p. 2, c. 3)


NOTE: Is the Seely/Seelye House mentioned above actually the building built by Stuart Seelye mentioned by Anna Himrod her paper Town of Brainerd, Township 45, Range 31?


22 November

Col. W. Milnor Roberts, Chief Engineer, and Mr. Linsley, First Assistant Chief Engineer of the Northern Pacific came up on Tuesday, and went on up to Brainerd, to go over the Main Line from that place to the Red River. (St. Cloud Journal, 24 November 1870, p. 3, c. 1)


15 December

SAUK RAPIDS.


The cars arrive, crowded with passengers bound for the Northern Pacific, above Crow Wing. (St. Cloud Journal, 15 December 1870, p. 3, c. 3)


...Considerable supplies are daily arriving [at the St. Paul & Pacific Depot in St. Cloud] and being forwarded to the line of the Northern Pacific. The principal points to which goods are sent are Brainard [sic], the crossing of the N. P. R. R. over the Mississippi river, Mud river, forty miles beyond on the railroad, and Otter Tail. Large numbers of patent portable railroad dirt carts are being forwarded to the different contractors on the line. These carts are complete with track, curves and switches all ready to lay down. (St. Cloud Journal, 15 December 1870, p. 5, c. 2)


29 December

JAY COOKE & Co. are advertising the first mortgage bonds of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company. They range from $100 to $10,000, with interest at 7.30 per cent, payable semi-annually in gold, with the principal payable in coin at the end of thirty years. (St. Cloud Journal, 29 December 1870, p. 2, c. 1)


RIOT—For some days past a riot has been progressing among a part of the workmen engaged on the main line of the Northern Pacific. It was caused by the absconding of Gregg & Co., who had subcontracted work from Smith, Gould & Co., without paying their men for the past month’s work. Under some desperate ringleaders, the men refused to work longer, though assured by Smith, Gould & Co.’s superintendent that they should be paid in full. They destroyed shanties, cars and other property. By direction of Gen. Hancock, (on application of Gov. Austin) Col. Mason, of Fort Ripley, sent a detachment of soldiers to quell the riot, and arrest the ringleaders, who will be brought to this city and confined in the jail for trial. (St. Cloud Journal, 29 December 1870, p. 4, c. 4)


SEE: 19 January 1871

SEE: 26 January 1871


1871

January

There are about 1,600 men working on constructing the Northern Pacific railroad, the tracks are now about twenty-eight miles east of Brainerd.


19 January

BRIDGE IRON.—Three car loads of bridge iron arrived direct from Milwaukee on Tuesday, for the Northern Pacific bridge across the Mississippi at Brainerd. (St. Cloud Journal, 19 January 1871, p. 3, c. 1)


The eleven ringleaders in the late Northern Pacific riot were taken to Crow Wing on Monday for their preliminary examination. If found guilty, as they doubtless will be, they will be brought to the jail at this place for safe keeping until the next sitting of the District court.

LATER.—Ten of the prisoners were brought down on Tuesday evening by a squad of soldiers under charge of Lieut. Bryant, and confined in the county jail. One had been discharged at Crow Wing. (St. Cloud Journal, 19 January 1871, p. 3, c. 2)


SEE: 29 December 1870

SEE: 26 January 1871


It is said six thousand more workmen will be put on the Northern Pacific in the spring.

(St. Cloud Journal, 19 January 1871, p. 3, c. 3)


26 January

THE RIOTERS.—The names of the ten rioters arrested on the Northern Pacific work and brought to this place for confinement in the county jail are, John Renwick, John McNeely, John McMillan, Thomas Nash, Robert Nash, Timothy Caskelly, Pat Borland, Dan Connelly, Wm. Powers and Pat Lawless. E. R. Odell had also been arrested, but on the examination before John McGillis, Esq., Justice of the Peace at Crow Wing, was discharged. These men were charged, on oath of E. P. Smith, with having on the 20th of December and certain days subsequent, broken into a warehouse and wagons, taking supplies amounting to $350, with having destroyed tools worth $300, and also a number of cars.

On Saturday a writ of habeas corpus was issued by Judge McKelvy, on application of Hays & Kerr, attorneys for the prisoners, and made returnable on the 30th last. The application is based on the insufficiency of the commitment, and on the ground that the prisoners are charged with no offense known to the statutes of Minnesota or to the common law. (St. Cloud Journal, 26 January 1871, p. 3, c. 1)


SEE: 29 December 1870

SEE: 19 January 1871


16 February

FINANCIAL.

_____


NEW 7-30 GOLD LOAN

OF THE

NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD CO.


SECURED BY FIRST MORTGAGE ON RAILROAD AND

LAND GRANT.

_____


SAFE! PROFITABLE! PERMANENT!

_____


JAY COOKE & CO.


Offer for sale at par and accrued interest the First Mortgage Land Grant Gold Bonds of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company. They are free from United States Tax, and are issued of the following denominations: Coupons $100, $500, and $1,000; Registered $100, $500, $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000.

With the same entire confidence with which we commended Government bonds to Capitalists and People, we now, after the fullest investigation, recommend these Northern Pacific bonds to our friends and the general public.

GOLD PAYMENT.—Both principal and interest are payable in American Gold Coin, at the office of Jay Cooke & Co., New York City—the principal at the end of 30 years, and the interest (at the rate of seven and three-tenths per cent per annum) half yearly, first January and July.

PERFECT SAFETY.—The bonds we are now selling, are secured by a first and only mortgage on all the property and rights of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company, which will embrace on the completion of the work.

1. Over Two Thousand Miles of Road, with rolling stock, buildings, and all other equipments.

2. Over Twenty-two-Thousand Acres of Land to every mile of finished road. This land, agricultural, timbered and mineral, amounting to more than Fifty Million Acres, consists of alternate sections, reach twenty to forty miles on each side of the track, and extending in a broad fertile belt from Wisconsin through the richest portions of Minnesota, Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington, to Puget Sound.

While the Government does not directly guarantee the bonds of the Road, it thus amply provides for their full and prompt payment by an unreserved grant of land, the most valuable ever conferred upon a great national improvement.

THE MORTGAGE.—The Trustees under the Mortgage, are Messrs. Jay Cooke of Philadelphia and J. Edgar Thompson, President of the Pennsylvania Central Railroad Company. They will directly and permanently represent the interests of the First Mortgage bond holders, and are required to see that the proceeds of the land sales are used in purchasing and canceling the bonds of the Company if they can be bought before maturity at not more than 10 per cent premium; otherwise the Trustees are to invest the proceeds of land sales in United States Bonds or Real Estate Mortgages for the further security of Northern Pacific bond holders. Also, that they have at all times in their control, as security, at least 500 acres of average land to every $1,000 of outstanding first mortgage bonds, besides the railroad itself and all its equipments and franchises.

PROFITABLENESS.— Of course nothing can be safer than the bonds of the United States, but as the Government is no longer a borrower, and as the Nation’s present work is not that of preserving its existence, but that of Developing a continent, we remind those who desire to increase their income and obtain a more permanent investment, while still having a perfectly reliable security, that:

United States 5-20’s at their average premium yield the present purchaser less than 5 1/2 per cent gold interest. Should they be redeemed in five years and specie payments be resumed, they would really pay only 4 3/4 per cent, or if three years only 3 1/2 per cent as the present premium would meanwhile be sunk.

Northern Pacific 7-30’s selling at par in currency yield the investor 7-30 per cent gold interest absolutely for thirty years, free from United States Tax. $1,000 currency invested now in United States 5-20’s will yield per year in gold, say $62.00. $1,000 currency invested in Northern Pacific 7-30’s will yield per year in gold, $80.30. Here is a difference in annual income of nearly one-third, besides a difference of 7 to 10 per cent in principal, when both classes of bonds are redeemed.

THE ROAD NOW BUILDING.—Work was begun in July last on the eastern portion of the line, and the money provided, by the sale to stock holders of some six millions of the company’s bonds, to build and equip the road from Lake Superior across Minnesota to the Red River of the North—233 miles. The grading on this division is now well advanced, the iron is being rapidly laid, several thousand men are at work on the line, and about the first of August next this important section of the road will be in full operation. In the meantime orders have been sent to the Pacific coast for the commencement of the work on the western end in early spring, and thereafter the work will be pushed, both eastward and westward, with as much speed as may be consistent with solidity and a wise economy.

RECEIVABLE FOR LANDS.—These bonds will be at all times, before maturity, receivable, at 1.10, in payment for the Company’s land, at their lowest cash price.

BONDS EXCHANGEABLE.—The registered bonds can be exchanged at any time for coupons, the coupons for registered, and both these can be exchanged for others, payable, principal and interest, at any of the principal financial centers of Europe in the coin of the various European countries.

HOW TO GET THEM.—Your nearest Bank or Banker will supply these bonds in any desired amount, and of any needed denomination. Persons wishing to exchange stocks or other bonds for these, can do so with any of our agents, who will allow the highest current price for all marketable securities.

Those living in localities remote from banks, may send money or other bonds, directly to us by express, and we will send back Northern Pacific bonds at our own risk, and without cost to the investor. For further information, pamphlets, maps, etc., call on or address the undersigned, or any of the Banks or Bankers employed to sell this loan.

FOR SALE BY

T. C. McCLURE, Banker,

And BANK OF ST. CLOUD,

Agents, St. Cloud, Minn.

LUNT, PRESTON & KEAN,

Bankers, Chicago, General Agents for Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Northern Indiana. (St. Cloud Journal, 16 February 1871, p. 3, c. 5)


March

Northern Pacific Railroad Bridge, ca. 1871.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

A large wooden-trestle bridge was completed across the Mississippi River for the exclusive use of the railroad. The bridge consisted of four wooden abutments, about 100 feet or less apart, the central two in the water. At the land level the bridge was 647 feet long and 62 feet high. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 4)


The Northern Pacific Railroad begins building a car repair shop, it is located on the north side of the tracks about three-quarters of a mile east of the depot, this shop is completed in 1872. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 5)


Railroad workers are building the bridge and begin building the Headquarters Hotel. The Depot is built next. At the same time the first building, probably the roundhouse for the repair of the locomotives, is built three quarters of a mile east of the Depot. The NP Colonists’ Reception House is also built during this period. All of these buildings are completed by 1872. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 5)


02 March

RAILROAD MATTERS.—It is understood, on good authority, that work will be commenced in the spring on the branch line of the Northern Pacific railroad running from this city northwesterly to Otter Tail City. Also, that the branch on the east side of the river will be extended to Crow Wing, and thence to the crossing of the main line at Brainard [sic].

The engineers engaged on the branch line, whose headquarters were here last fall, expect to commence work again on the branch (though just where is not yet known) next week. (St. Cloud Journal, 02 March 1871, p. 3, c. 1)


04 March

A man named Anderson fell from the bridge at Brainard [sic] (N. P. R. R. crossing) on the 4th, and died the next day. Two men have been found dead in that vicinity within the last two weeks under very suspicious circumstances, but no arrests have been made. The work of laying the track on the west side of the Mississippi is progressing. (St. Cloud Journal, 16 March 1871, p. 2, c. 3)


06 March

Construction train entering Brainerd, ca. 1871.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

COMPLETED.—The Northern Pacific Railroad was completed on Monday from the Junction, near Lake Superior, to Brainard [sic], the crossing of the Mississippi river, a distance of 91 miles. There was an informal celebration on Tuesday. (St. Cloud Journal, 09 March 1871, p. 4, c. 2)


09 March

Congress has appropriated $60,000 and the Northern Pacific Railroad Company $100,000 for the improvement of the harbor at Duluth. (St. Cloud Journal, 09 March 1871, p. 2, c. 5)


11 March

The Northern Pacific Railroad at the Mississippi.


One significant step in the western progress of our Northern continental Railroad has been completed—the land between the Great Lake and the Great River has been spanned by the iron track—and the Northern Pacific is safely across the Mississippi! From C. F. Hollingsworth the well-known drafting engineer, who reached Duluth on Thursday evening last, we learn the particulars of the completion of the road to Brainerd, the town at the Mississippi Crossing. At about the time long before set, on Monday night, March 6th, the track layers arrived with the iron road within the town precincts of Brainerd, amidst the bonfires and rejoicings of the people, who improvised, also, an informal celebration of the event by a little champagne excitement offered to the Engineer corps at the storehouse of merchant Hill; where all went off joyfully, but soberly and in order; every one seeming to feel that a great stride in progress had been achieved. During Thursday a deep fill detained the track layers from reaching the bridge across the Mississippi; but by Tuesday night all was ready for the train to move forward; and on Wednesday morning tracks being down and the bridge across the Mississippi, seeking the farther beyond where sunset reposes. The Bridge is a handsome and substantial result of the skill of Engineers and Contractors combined. It consists of three spans of the Howe-Truss pattern of 140 feet each, with approaches of about 100 feet on the East side and sixty feet on the West—the centre span being a “through” bridge; its floor being sixty feet above the water, capable of allowing the passage of steamers under it without the necessity of a “draw.” The tracklaying, we understand, will now rapidly proceed beyond the Mississippi—some thirty miles to Leaf River (which is five miles beyond Partridge River)— the bed being already graded and ready to receive it, as fast as Supt. Morford can hurry it up. The laying of this thirty miles will exhaust all the iron now on hand; but it is expected that navigation on the lakes will be open by the time more is needed, when immediately a further supply will be landed at Duluth. The Mississippi crossed, ho! now for the Red River. That spanned, then push on the track for the Missouri—the Yellowstone Valley—The Rocky Mountains—The Pacific. (Duluth Minnesotian, 11 March 1871)


ON Saturday morning a special train left Duluth with a party including Gen. Geo. B. Sargent, financial agent in Europe of the Northern Pacific Railroad, and D. C. Linsley, Esq., Assistant Chief Engineer and General Ira Spaulding, Chief Engineer of the Minnesota Division Northern Pacific Railroad, and a number of invited guests, to go over the First Division of the Northern Pacific. From Duluth to the Junction (with the St. Paul and Lake Superior road) [Lake Superior & Mississippi] the distance is 24 miles; from there to Brainard [sic], the crossing of the Mississippi, 92 miles; total, 116 miles. The road is said to be well built—a good road for a new one. The bridge at Brainard [sic] had just been completed as the party arrived, and the train passed over to the west side of the river. (St. Cloud Journal, 16 March 1871, p. 1, c. 3)


A short train arrives carrying NP officials; its engineer is Adam Brown. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 3)


Adam Brown relates, “I remember the circumstances. We cannot turn around here and have to back to the Junction [114 miles in something like four hours]. It is extremely cold, and the fireman and I suffer much. We have no curtains to break the wind. ...J. Cooke, who finances the building of the road, is on the train, with many officers and friends from St. Paul and New York City.” (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 19)


SEE: 03 April 1885

SEE: 08 October 1886


16 March

IT is rumored that Gen. Schenck will remain but a short time in England, but will return to accept the position of Chief Attorney of the Northern Pacific, with a salary of $25,000 a year. (St. Cloud Journal, 16 March 1871, p. 2, c. 2)


Work is to be commenced at once on the Northern Pacific docks at Duluth. The first, on the lake side of Minnesota Point, will be 600 feet long, with an ‘L’ 200 feet. (St. Cloud Journal, 16 March 1871, p. 2, c. 4)


GOOD CHANCE FOR TEAMSTERS.—By reference to our advertising columns it will be seen that Messrs. Platt & Barnard want one hundred teams to haul freight from Buffalo river to Red river, on the line of the Northern Pacific railroad. They offer good wages, and guarantee fair dealing with all whom they may engage in this work. Those having teams and desiring a contract will call on or address Platt & Barnard at the Central House, in this city. (St. Cloud Journal, 16 March 1871, p. 3, c. 2)


30 March

The cars are running regularly on the Northern Pacific from Lake Superior, or the Junction, to the Mississippi river. (St. Cloud Journal, 30 March 1871, p. 2, c. 4)


BRAINARD [sic].

_____


Northern Pacific Items—Crow Wing

River Bridge Underway.

_____


BRAINARD [sic], March 30, 1871.


EDITOR JOURNAL.—J. Reno left on Tuesday for Dakota Territory with twenty-six men. By the middle of April about three thousand men will be employed on construction work.

The first span of the Crow Wing River bridge has been completed. The cars are expected to cross in about two weeks.

The roadbed is graded some forty miles west from here and the cars are running twelve miles on that side of the Mississippi. The track is being laid at the rate of half a mile per day.

The first male child was born here last week, and was named Lawrence Brainard [sic], after the town on the opposite side of the river.

Brainard [sic] is in a healthy condition. It is the general opinion that before the expiration of two years this town will contain from three to five thousand inhabitants.

Barrows, Cobb & Co. have commenced the construction of their large sawmill. They expect to cut up about twenty-five thousand feet of lumber per day.

ENOTS.

(St. Cloud Journal, 06 April 1871, p. 3, c. 3)


NOTE: It would appear that West Brainerd was once called Lawrence, named after Mrs. J. Gregory Smith’s father.


06 April

A letter from Jay Cooke to Senator Ramsey says, “the amount of immigration into Minnesota this year along the line of the Northern Pacific Railroad will be enormous.” (St. Cloud Journal, 06 April 1871, p. 2, c. 2)


13 April

PROGRESS OF THE NORTHERN

PACIFIC RAILROAD.

_____


The energy with which the building of this great thoroughfare is being pushed forward is an added guarantee of its early completion and its wise management. We learn from the financial agents of the road, Messrs. Jay Cooke & Co., that, at the present date, the grading is nearly finished for 266 miles from Lake Superior, through Central Minnesota, to the eastern border of Dakota; trains are running over 230 miles of completed track; the Mississippi river is bridged at Brainerd and once more joined to the Lakes by rail, and track laying is rapidly progressing westward. By September next, trains will run to the Red River, and the grading will probably be far advanced toward the great bend of the Missouri river in central Dakota.

In the meantime, work has been commenced this season on the Pacific coast; a large force of men is already employed in the valley of the Columbia river, in Washington Territory, and hereafter the work of construction will be pushed both eastward and westward toward the center with such rapidity as the best interest of the road may justify.

Including its purchase of the St. Paul and Pacific Road, the Northern Pacific Railroad Company has 413 miles of road now in operation, and before the close of the present season the length of finished track will be at least 560 miles. The new highway to the Pacific is being constructed at the lowest cost compatible with first-class work. (St. Cloud Journal, 13 April 1871, p. 2, c. 4)


23 April

An example of laying track in the early 1870’s, ca. 1870.
Source: Benjamin Franklin Upton, Minnesota Historical Society

The track is now being laid on the Northern Pacific Railroad at the rate of one mile per day, and over 3,000 men are employed on the construction of the work. Cars are running two miles beyond Brainerd. (New York Times, 23 April 1871, p. 1)


27 April

NORTHERN PACIFIC ITEMS.—W. P. Harris & Co., contractors on the Northern Pacific arrived here last Saturday from Chicago, on their way to Oak [Lake], in Becker county, where they have a contract for grading and making thirty-five miles of road. They brought with them five car loads, (50 tons,) of material direct from Chicago without breaking bulk, consisting of thirty large dirt cars with iron railroad track, forty horses with double harness complete for working teams, twenty wagons, provisions, &c. Some forty men accompanied them. They left for their destination on Tuesday.

Mr. O. E. Garrison returned on Monday from a trip along the line of the Northern Pacific as far as Partridge River. The track has been laid, west of the Mississippi, as far as the crossing of the Crow Wing River, and it is expected that by the middle of next month the rails will be down as far as Partridge River. Grading has been done for a considerable distance west of this last named point.

On Tuesday, Gov. Smith, President; A. H. Barney, Treasurer; Col. J. S. Loomis, Land Commissioner; Col. D. C. Linsley, Chief Engineer, and Geo. P. Lee, Paymaster, of the Northern Pacific Railroad; Thos. H. Canfield, President of the Lake Superior and Puget Sound Co.; L. Willis, Gen. Passenger Agent of the Vermont Central Railroad; Hon. Geo. L. Becker, President, and F. R. Delano, Superintendent, of the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, came up on a special train. Most of the party proceeded at once to Brainerd from which point they will go over the Northern Pacific track to Duluth, returning from there to St. Paul. (St. Cloud Journal, 27 April 1871, p. 3, c. 2)


04 May

The first twenty-five miles of the Northern Pacific Railroad in Washington Territory are to be contracted at once, and proposals have been advertised for in the San Francisco papers. (St. Cloud Journal, 04 May 1871, p. 2, c. 3)


It is expected that Detroit City will be the county seat of Becker county. This is a new town on the line of the Northern Pacific—at the head of Detroit Lake. (St. Cloud Journal, 04 May 1871, p. 2, c. 4)


It is stated that there are nearly 3,000 men employed on the construction work of the Northern Pacific road. Track is being laid at the rate of one mile per day. Cars are running now 20 miles beyond Brainerd. (St. Cloud Journal, 04 May 1871, p. 2, c. 5)


08 May

Our Brainerd Letter.


Brainerd, May 8, 1871

Surfacing Up.


Messrs. Ross and Company now have 500 men at work surfacing the road between the Junction and this place. They are pushing the work with vigor, so that passenger coaches can be run between Duluth and Brainerd (the future Metropolis of the Mississippi) in a short time. (Duluth Minnesotian, 13 May 1871)


09 May

John H. Stone and W. W. Nichols, of the N. P. R. R. Headquarters, at Brainerd, were in the city on Tuesday. They report business lively and the town growing. (St. Cloud Journal, 11 May 1871, p. 5, c. 2)


17 May

Shows the route of the NP railroad spur from the main line to Boom Lake built in May 1871.
Source: 1871 Turner Map

The Northern Pacific engineering department records show that on 17 May 1871, a contract was let to Augustus Wilgus and Charles Thayer to build a railroad spur to Boom Lake. The spur started at South Tenth and Front streets and followed the alley between Laurel and Maple to South Fifth, thence southwardly down the river bank to the mill site. It became known as the “Mill Spur.” Only the short piece to South Sixth Street remains today [1946] and it is used mainly for unloading in bound coal, not for hauling outbound wood products as before. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 39)


NOTE: The Charles Thayer mentioned above is likely Dr. Charles P. Thayer, son of Dr. Samuel W. Thayer, the first Medical Director of the Northern Pacific Railroad. Both were employed by the railroad and both were located in Brainerd in the early 1870’s.


SEE: 08 April 1876


25 May

There were 39,000 pounds of barreled pork shipped from Rochester last week, to the men employed on the Northern Pacific Railroad—the first exports of the kind from that town. (St. Cloud Journal, 25 May 1871, p. 2, c. 4)


04 June

FROM BRAINERD.

_____


Sinking of the N. P. R. R. Track—Gen-


St. Cloud.

_____


BRAINERD, JUNE 4, 1871.


EDITOR JOURNAL.—I visited Loon Lake, twenty miles east of here, near which place some two hundred feet of the Northern Pacific's track has sunk. The roadbed is sixteen feet under water. The construction Company are at work trying to fill up the swamp, but trains cannot run for twenty days yet. There are two other places between here and Mud River which will, I think, go down in the same way. The balance of the road is in good condition.

The bridge across the Crow Wing River has been finished, and the grading done as far west as Leaf Lake.

Mr. J. H. Reno, Asst. Chief Engineer of the Dakota Division, returned on Friday. He has been as far west as the Missouri. The survey is far better than was expected. His party is still there, and two more are to be organized from Dakota the last of this month.

Iron for the extension of the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad from Sauk Rapids to Brainerd, has arrived at the Junction.

Brainerd grows a little. Many predict two thousand inhabitants within 10 years.

Mr. Linsley, Ass’t. Chief Engineer of the N. P. R. R. Co., will return from New York the first of July.

ENOTS.

(St. Cloud Journal, 15 June 1871, p. 2, c. 3)


The engineers of the Northern Pacific have found an excellent line through central Dakota, striking the Missouri near the mouth of Heart river, and passing through a much better country than the northwesterly route originally projected, by the way of Devil’s Lake. This line—the more southern one—we learn, has been adopted as the route of the railroad, and the western end of the Minnesota section has been relocated, to conform to the new line through Dakota, crossing the Red River south of the mouth of the Cheyenne. The work of grading the road is being rapidly pushed forward.—[St. Paul Press. (St. Cloud Journal, 15 June 1871, p. 2, c. 3)


“Carleton,” the well-known Boston correspondent, is again in the State to go over the line of the Northern Pacific. (St. Cloud Journal, 15 June 1871, p. 2, c. 4)


21 June

COLONIES FOR NORTHERN MINNE-

SOTA.

_____


The Duluth Tribune says a colony of forty-nine persons, from St. Lawrence county, N. Y., left that place on Wednesday of last week for Pelican Lake, Otter Tail county, where they have thirty-eight thousand acres of land, purchased from the Northern Pacific Railroad Company. These people, who are well-to-do farmers, report that a large number more, estimated at from five to ten thousand persons, from that portion of New York, will soon come to Northern Minnesota. A colony from Boston, bound for Detroit Lake, in Becker county, passed through Duluth some days since. Mr. Huntingdon, of Toledo, Ohio, has gone to Red River to select six thousand acres of land for a colony from that place. We have already spoken of the colony from Rochester, which has located on the line of the Northern Pacific in the northwestern portion of this State. The immigration to this part of Minnesota is almost incredible. (St. Cloud Journal, 29 June 1871, p. 3, c. 1)


22 June

The law prohibiting the sale of liquor on the Northern Pacific Railroad, is a dead letter. (St. Cloud Journal, 22 June 1871, p. 2, c. 5)


15 July

THE ST. PAUL AND PACIFIC RAIL-

ROAD BONDS IN LONDON.

_____


From the Economist, July 15, 1871:

Subscriptions are invited by Messrs. Lippmann, Rosenthal & Co., of Amsterdam, and by Messrs. Robert Benson & Co., of London, for $15,000,000 United States currency, or £3,000,000 sterling for 7 per cent first mortgage extension bonds of the First Division of the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad Company. The “First Division,” being already the owner of two lines of railway through fertile parts of the State of Minnesota, is authorized to construct two extensions—one of 293 miles, to cross the Northern Pacific Railroad and terminate in Pembina county, on the Red River and on the British frontier, and the other of 35 miles, to make a junction with the Northern Pacific at Brainerd, to which the latter company has already constructed a line from Duluth, on Lake Superior, which will become an outlet for the produce to be carried over the present extension. (St. Cloud Journal, 03 August 1871, p. 2, c. 3)


August

During August the steamer Pokegama was engaged in tri-weekly runs between Little Falls and Brainerd. This service continued well into the fall and ended in late November when the small steamboat was caught in the ice on the Mississippi. (The Northern Pacific in Minnesota, John C. Luecke, Grenadier Publications, St. Paul, Minnesota: 2005, p. 45)


01 August

ANOTHER DISTINGUISHED PARTY

COMING.

_____


The commissioners appointed by the leading bankers of Germany and Austria to examine and report on the Northern Pacific Railroad have arrived in New York, and are expected in Duluth on Monday next via the Lakes. They are to visit the Red River of the North and return via the St. Paul & Pacific to St. Paul where they will spend a day or two prior to their departure for San Francisco and Puget Sound.

These gentlemen occupy high positions in their own country, and are selected from the municipal cities as follows: Mr. Aug. Folsch, one of the chief engineers of Austria; Mr. N. J. Den Tex, Secretary of the Board of Trade of Amsterdam; Mr. Hass, of Berlin; Mr. Biertschwert, of Frankfort; LeChevelier R. De Gumburg, of Vienna. These gentlemen are accompanied by G. B. Sargent, of Duluth, who will make the trip and return to Europe with them. Mr. S. is the financial agent of the N. P. in Europe. He arrived from Europe by this morning’s train, and was met in this city by his wife and daughter. They all took the morning train for Duluth.—[St. Paul Dispatch, Aug. 1 (St. Cloud Journal, 03 August 1871, p. 2, c. 3)


02 August

Three heavy and finely finished locomotives arrived here yesterday for the Northern Pacific Railroad.—[Duluth Tribune. (St. Cloud Journal, 03 August 1871, p. 2, c. 4)


10 August

Four additional locomotives arrived last week for the Northern Pacific Railroad, making six received lately.—[Duluth Tribune. (St. Cloud Journal, 10 August 1871, p. 2, c. 4)


16 August

THE NORTHERN PACIFIC.

_____


We are informed that the Directors of the Northern Pacific Company have examined that portion of their line laying between the junction with the Lake Superior and Mississippi road and Crow Wing river, a distance of one hundred and twelve miles, and have expressed themselves entirely satisfied with the manner of its construction, and also with the management of the Northwestern Construction Company, reports to the contrary notwithstanding. On September 1st the section of road above referred to will be formally turned over to the Northern Pacific Company by the Northwestern Construction company, and regular trains will at once be put in operation between Crow Wing River and the Junction.

The Construction Company are pushing the work vigorously, beyond the present terminus, and will have the line completed to Red River, probably, during the month of November.

It is understood to be the purpose of the Northern Pacific company to erect a large saw mill at Brainerd, very soon.

Lumbermen who desire going into the Upper Mississippi country, the coming fall and winter, will be enabled to reach Brainerd by rail, and at reasonable rates, thus making easy what has been a tedious trip.—[Pioneer of 16th. (St. Cloud Journal, 24 August 1871, p. 2, c. 3)


28 August

SEALED PROPOSALS

Will be Received at the Engineer’s Office Northern

Pacific Railroad Company,


AT BRAINERD, MINN.


Until


SEPTEMBER 30th, 1871,


FOR


Six Hundred Thousand Ties


Eight feet long and not less than six inches thick and seven inches face, of Tamarac, Oak, Ash, Norway Pine, or Rock Elm, to be delivered on the line of the Northern Pacific Railroad, at convenient points for loading upon the cars, between the Junction of the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad and the Sheyenne [sic] River, in Dakota Territory.

Bidders will state in their bids, the precise points at which they propose to deliver the ties, and if at more points than one, the number at each point. All ties contracted for to be delivered on or before the 1st day of February, 1872.

The right is reserved of rejecting all bids.

D. C. LINSLEY,

Asst. Chief Engineer.

Brainerd, Minn., Aug. 28th, 1871

(St. Cloud Journal, 31 August 1871, p. 3, c. 5)


29 August

A NEW COLONY FOR MINNESOTA.


Seventeen families from near Marquette, Michigan, selected lands on the line of the Northern Pacific Railroad, in Becker county, Minnesota, last week and are now in transit to their new homes. The committee for the colonists arranged for building materials to be furnished on the ground and ready for use on the arrival of the people. Each family takes 160 acres.—[Press of 29th. (St. Cloud Journal, 31 August 1871, p. 3, c. 1)


September

The first regular passenger train from Duluth arrives in Brainerd. W. P. Spaulding is the Conductor. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Winchell, Neill, Williams and Bryant, Minnesota Historical Company, Minneapolis: 1881, p. 644)


05 October

Mr. J. B. POWER, of St. Paul, who has been engaged in the Surveyor General’s office since 1867, has been appointed Chief Clerk in the Land Department of the Minnesota Division of the Northern Pacific Railroad. (St. Cloud Journal, 05 October 1871, p. 3, c. 3)


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16 October

THE NORTHERN PACIFIC COMPANY’S

SURVEYS.

_____


Character of the Country—Work on

the Railroad.

_____


BRAINERD, MINN., Oct 16, 1871.


EDITOR JOURNAL.—Seeing several accounts in different papers of late, giving notice of the departure of parties to examine the lands of the Northern Pacific R. R. Co., I thought a few notes from our part of the field might be of interest to you. There are now in the field, engaged in examining, eight parties, of which our party numbers as No. 7. It consists of Geo. M. Andrews, Chief, and LeRoy Grout, Assistant Examiner, and two camp men. Our tract to examine includes Townships 129, 130, 131, 132, 133 of Ranges 34 and 35, in the region of Partridge, Wing, and Long Prairie rivers. Party No. 8 has ten towns immediately east of us. We are required to make a critical examination of every 40-acre tract, as to grade of soil, on a scale of from 1 to 5 (No. 1 being the best and No. 5 worthless); the outline of every meadow, marsh, swamp, &c.; the contour of all prominent hills and ridges, with elevation, &c.; the kind and quality of timber, the number of cords of wood that can be cut per acre or, if pine, the number of thousand feet on each 40; the general drainage; course of streams with force of current, and character of banks, water powers, &c.; including not only railroad but government and private lands; the object being to make a complete topographical map of the whole country, within the limits of the grant, thus giving to settlers a complete and comprehensive description of the advantages of the country for settlement. Our party commenced operations on the 29th ult., and we have nearly completed the examination of Town 133, R. 34. We have found some very fair oak and maple timber, but there is also a large amount of tamarac [sic] swamp which is about worthless. Of pine timber there is but little in this town, but we expect to find large bodies farther south.

The weather thus far has been until within two or three days, very fine, and the dryness of the season rendered the swamps in fair condition to examine. Friday and Saturday nights were cold, and ice half an inch thick formed in the river. The work necessarily goes slow on account of having to pack everything with us. Game, such as deer, partridge, &c., is very plenty, but as the only shooting-iron I have is a hatchet, they are safe from harm.

Tracklaying on the railroad is completed to Floyd Lake, and the Company has accepted the road as far as Otter Tail. The track, for a new one, westward from here, is in a remarkably good condition.

If these few and hurried lines are acceptable, I may drop you a few more as opportunity offers.

Truly yours, LEROY GROUT.

Asst. Land Examiner, N. P. R. R.

(St. Cloud Journal, 19 October 1871, p. 2, c.’s 3 & 4)


21 October

Dr. W. R. Hunter, in the Medical Department of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company, returned on Saturday from the Main Line, along which he has been engaged during the summer. The cars are now running to Oak Lake, and will be running to Red River in about four weeks. The Dr. will look after the health of the laborers along the line from this city to Brainerd. (St. Cloud Journal, 26 October 1871, p. 3, c. 2)


11 November

We learn with satisfaction, that that good fellow and excellent workman, Daniel S. Childs has received the contract for building the (frame) roundhouse for the Northern Pacific R. R. at Brainerd. It is to contain twelve stalls for locomotives, and must be... (Duluth Minnesotian, 11 November 1871)


21 November

Map of final location of the line in Minnesota filed with U.S. Department of the Interior.


25 November

The roundhouse for the Northern Pacific R. R. at Brainerd, contracted for with the Duluth Manufacturing Company on Monday last, was, we understand ready for raising yesterday—Capt. McQuade and Dan Childs having “pushed things.” (Duluth Minnesotian, 25 November 1871)


30 November

The Duluth firm of Shoenberger & Bryant have received a further contract from the Northern Pacific Railroad Company for building 300 platform cars. (St. Cloud Journal, 30 November 1871, p. 2, c. 2)


07 December

The whole land grant of the Northern Pacific Railroad in this State, exclusive of the St. Paul and Pacific, is 3,200,000 acres. (St. Cloud Journal, 07 December 1871, p. 2, c. 3)


10 December

At Brainerd on the 10th inst., a party of gentlemen connected with the Northern Pacific Railroad and Northwestern Construction Company were returning east from the end of the track to Detroit Lake, when the car in which they were ran off the track and turned bottom side up, about twenty miles west of Detroit Lake, injuring some of the party seriously. D. C. Shepard has his arm dislocated at the shoulder, George A. Brackett had his leg broken above the knee, and A. O. Canfield received severe injuries on the head and face.—[Minneapolis Tribune. (St. Cloud Journal, 21 December 1871, p. 2, c. 4)


14 December

THE NEW YORK Tribune has the following items concerning Gen. Rosser, one of the most efficient engineers on the North Pacific:

Gen. Rosser furnished, in his warlike days, food for considerable newspaper comment, but nothing that redounds so much to his credit as this: When the war ended, instead of remaining in the South and nursing his hate, he struck northward and began to, for want of better work, to chop wood on the Lake Superior Railroad, and by modesty and industry has become chief engineer of a division of the line. (St. Cloud Journal, 14 December 1871, p. 2, c. 2)


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Among the incidents arising from the recent severe snow storm along the line of the Northern Pacific was the blockade for several days of the Northwestern Construction Company’s business car, some twenty miles east of Fargo on the Red River. The car was snowed in just seventy-two hours, during which period its occupants anxiously awaited “the good time coming.” (St. Cloud Journal, 14 December 1871, p. 2, c. 3)


25 December

According to a statement by Messrs. Jay Cooke & Company, the Northern Pacific is now completed across the State of Minnesota, 255 miles, from Duluth to Fargo. (Scientific American, Volume XXVI, Number 13, New York, 23 March 1872)


28 December

The Record describes the process of “bucking” through a snow drift in a cut on the Northern Pacific near Milton Station. Two locomotives were coupled together, with a caboose, and took a start of two miles. “From the station eastward it is down grade, and as the engines neared the cut they seemed fairly to fly, and hardly to touch the rails, so great was their speed. On they come, the cut is reached, the plunge into the drift is made—a whirling, swirling, flying mass of snow in the air, a rushing sound hardly to be described, the whole seeming like the rush and fury of twenty blinding snow storms concentrated into a small compass of space and a few seconds of time—and the cut is passed. So great was the momentum, and the force, that after passing the drift the engines ran a long distance out of the cut before they could be brought to a stand.” (St. Cloud Journal, 28 December 1871, p. 3, c. 3)


1872

25 January

An affray occurred at the Northern Pacific Junction on Tuesday, in which David Campbell was fatally shot by the notorious D. Shumway, of Brainerd. The latter surrendered himself. (St. Cloud Journal, 25 January 1872, p. 2, c. 4)


February

The first railroad shops are all on the north side of the tracks, and are of wood. The old brick smoke stack bears the date 1872. In February 1872, the total number of engines on the entire road is but 22; all are of the wood burning type. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 19)


10 February

Northern Pacific Railroad roundhouse, ca. 1872.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

The roundhouse with capacity for twelve engines, at this point, has been completed by the contractors, Messrs. McQuade & Co., of Duluth, and is one of the most substantial and fine-appearing structures of the kind we ever saw. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 February 1872, p. 3, c. 1)


Finely Executed.


NP roundhouse containing a wood-burning locomotive, Frank Jay Haynes, 1877.
Source: Haynes Foundation, Montana Historical Society
NP Machine Shops, Frank Jay Haynes, 1877.
Source: Haynes Foundation, Montana Historical Society

We have seen the plans, specifications, and drawings in detail, of the machine shops, engine house, and other buildings here, executed by Mr. J. H. Place, who has heretofore been the Architect for the N. P. R. R., but who is now operating with Mr. Bridges as architect in the construction of many buildings along the line. They were, so far as we could judge, as handsomely executed plans as we have ever noticed—and we have seen many from the hands of the first architects of the country. The extent of the plans may be inferred by giving the size of a few of the buildings, as follows:

Machine shop, 240x65 feet.

Boiler shop, 60x60 feet.

Blacksmith shop, 60x60 feet.

Roundhouse, as to be when completed, 28 stalls, accommodating 28 engines—12 stalls now completed—besides many others of minor importance. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 February 1872, p. 3, c. 2)


Progressing.


Under the supervision of that accomplished builder, Mr. Cruikshanks, of Chicago, the mammoth railroad machine shops here are progressing splendidly, notwithstanding the severe weather we have experienced, at times, lately. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 February 1872, p. 3, c. 2)


We are pleased to record the arrival in Brainerd again of Mr. Lyman Bridges, of the firm of Lyman Bridges & Co., builders and general manufacturers of sash, doors, blinds, ready-made houses, etc., etc., Chicago. Mr. Bridges has not only the contract from the N. P. R. R. Co. for constructing the larger portion of their buildings along the line, but has arrangements completed to establish a mammoth factory at this place, similar in character to his noted factory in Chicago. This factory will be put up at once, and he has now on hand an immense stock of every description of building material and finishing material and he will have opened here during the present month, a store filled with this class of goods, and everything in the hardware line. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 February 1872, p. 3, c. 3)


17 February

—The Headquarters Hotel is being finished up in the grandest style. Beautiful suites of office rooms have been furnished for the various Railroad officials in the new part—first floor—while the trowel and brush of first-class artists, in their way, are still going on in the great work of finishing up the grand structure throughout in truly metropolitan style. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 February 1872, p. 3, c. 1)


—Great quantities of saw logs are daily being brought in to the Company’s mills at this place, on flat cars from up the line. Mr. J. M. Ayers has the contract for cutting and delivering these logs, and he is “making hay while the sun shines,” to say the least. He is one of the most experienced lumbermen in Minnesota. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 February 1872, p. 3, c. 1)


Doing a Thriving Business.


The steam saw mill at this place, belonging to the Railroad Company, has been doing an immense business during the winter. Lumber, timber, shingles and other material for the use of the Company are being turned out in wonderful quantity. The mill and all its affairs are under the charge of Mr. Prescott, who probably has no superior in this line of business in the State. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 February 1872, p. 3, c. 2)


Heavy Ice Confirmed.


Mr. C. L. Remley has concluded his labors on the ice contract for the Headquarters Hotel. He took a contract from Mr. Lytle to deliver and store away in the finished ice building belonging to that institution 700 tons of ice, and during the past week has delivered about eighty tons daily. The ice was taken from the bosom of the Father of Waters, just below the saw-mill. Mr. Remley employed a large crew of men, and the ice was taken out after the most approved plan, great square chunks that required muscle to handle. The quality of ice taken out was No. 1, being clear as a crystal. Mr. R. expects to also close out his heavy tie contract this month, when he will have done a big winter’s work—70,000 ties and 700 tons of ice, giving employment to an immense crew of men at good wages, during the winter. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 February 1872, p. 3, c. 4)


24 February

THE MANAGEMENT OF THE NORTH-

ERN PACIFIC RAILROAD.

_____


Without referring in detail to the management on the part of all the executive officers having in charge the affairs of the Northern Pacific Railroad—which is admitted, east and west, to have been wise, economical, and successful to an almost unprecedented degree—we wish simply to refer to the manner in which the arduous duties of the Superintendent of the Minnesota Division have been discharged—claiming, as we do, to know something of the matter, from personal observation, and being fully conscious that any compliment we may be able to pay will fall far short of that which should in justice be paid to the accomplished, gallant and untiring officer to whom we refer.

There is probably not one person among ten thousand, even of intelligent men, who can realize or appreciate the mountains of difficulties which attend the organization and commencement of a great railroad enterprise even in countries where all the materials required to execute the work are right at hand, within an arm’s grasp of where they are needed to apply—to say nothing of so gigantic an undertaking as that of building the Northern Pacific Railroad, commencing in a wilderness, traversing an even inhabitless country, and ending, as it commenced, in a wilderness, ‘a thousand miles from anywhere.’ To even get prepared to commence such an enterprise as the one under consideration requires the very best executive ability and ripest experience on the part of the head of every department, and even then, to succeed, requires the general prevalence of harmony and good will among them. Upon no officer in the grand corps do the duties and responsibilities of organizing and carrying out the building and putting into operation of the first division of a railroad enterprise like this fall more heavily than upon the Superintendent. This is strictly true of the office of Superintendent alone; but when, as in the present instance, the brunt of labors and care of General Freight and Passenger Agent, Train Dispatcher, etc., etc., are tacked on to the office of Superintendent, how vast an increase of responsibility is added to the position which, has been so acceptably and gallantly filled for a year and a half by C. T. Hobart, Superintendent of the Minnesota Division of the Northern Pacific Railroad.

Mammoth Hotel built in 1883 by C. T. Hobart in Yellowstone Park, ca. Unknown.
Source: Unknown

This we say voluntarily, and without the knowledge of any one, and in so doing, simply wish to carry out one of the rules we long since adopted, of giving “honor to whom honor is due.” That Mr. Hobart has been made the subject, in many instances, whereon to vent wordy though petty spite, is not to be wondered at—as a saint occupying the prominent and three-fold position he has, would be subject to the same. But cases of complaint, throughout the administration of his multiplicity of duties, have been remarkably few, and what have been made are simply individual in character, and even they might easily be traced to either a malicious nature, jealousy or an overheated imagination. And now, after a trial of eighteen months in a place from the responsibilities of which many a strong heart would shrink, Mr. Hobart stands high and unsullied, both in the confidence and estimation of his superiors and the great public along his division of this continental thoroughfare. His accomplishments and sound ability in managing railway affairs, his courteous bearing toward his subordinates, and gentlemanly consideration of all the wants of the public, have come to be generally acknowledged and appreciated by the people throughout this country, from Duluth to the Red River of the North. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 February 1872, p. 2, c. 1)


NOTE: C. [Carroll] T. Hobart built the National Hotel [Mammoth Hotel] at the Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone Park. The hotel opened in April 1883 with 141 rooms, it was completed in 1886 and dismantled in 1922.


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Quite Ill.


We are pained to announce the almost serious illness of our esteemed citizen Mr. Prescott, who has charge of the Northern Pacific mills at this place. When we last heard from him he was no better, to speak of, and his many friends will anxiously await this result. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 February 1872, p. 3, c. 2)


THE NEW PASSENGER DEPOT AT

BRAINERD.

_____


Full Description of the Grand Structure.

_____


AN ARCHITECTURAL ORNAMENT TO

THE TOWN

_____


And a Credit to the Company.

_____


Northern Pacific Depot at the southeast corner of 6th and Washington, ca. 1872.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

We have, from time to time during the past few weeks, heard fragmentary sentences in reference to the new Passenger Depot to be put up at Brainerd, and although from what we could gather, we were prepared to believe that at least we were to have quite a respectable structure, yet were not prepared to see so creditable a display of enterprise on the part of the Company as we now know is contemplated. We were shown in the office of Lyman Bridges, the architect and builder of stations on the road, and Mr. Jas. H. Place, the complete designs, elevations, plans, etc., of the new depot executed by him, the properties of which we give below, to wit:

The building is to be 40x80, two stories high with attic. The style of architecture is Italian, with projecting turrets at each corner, 6x6, running high above the roof, and terminating with mansard roof and ornamented pinnacles, through which are to be ventilators from the closets and wash rooms of both stories below. The grand tower of the main front entrance to the building is 16x16, projecting six feet from the main part, and 60 feet from base to pinnacle, beautifully ornamented from the top of the building upward, with mansard roof, and great clock in front. The lower story is to be arranged thus: Entering the front through the main tower, you enter a hall 14x14; to one hand is the entrance to the ladies’ parlor, to the other the gents; out of this hall goes an easy and graceful stairway to the second story. On the first floor are the two passenger rooms, 32x39 each, a ticket and telegraph office in the center with openings into each of the passenger rooms, and two commodious fireproof vaults, 8x12. The passenger rooms will each be supplied with wash rooms and closets—in the corner turrets—provided and arranged after the most modern and improved style—the upper story being also provided in a like manner. Ascending from the front hall you come to an upper one similar in proportion, on the one side of which is the office of Geo. P. Lee, General Disbursing and Financial Agent of the N. P. R. R., and on the other the office of Col. John S. Loomis, General Land Commissioner of the road. These two offices are very similar in size and arrangement—being each 32x27 clear of private offices, vaults, closets, wash rooms, etc. In the center, between these two suites of rooms, and corresponding with the ticket and telegraph office below, is the office of Geo. W. Sweet, the attorney for the road and local law agent at Brainerd. The attic story will be lighted by dormer windows, and the building throughout the inside supported by ornamental iron columns. In front of the building, its full length, will be an overhanging protection, supported by immense brackets, and around the whole will be a finely constructed platform of ample space.

First Northern Pacific Depot, ca. 1913.
Source: Postcard

This building will compare, both in beauty and convenience, to any in the western country, and if executed in accordance with the plans we have examined will prove not only a mere ornament to our town but will alone enhance the value of real estate belonging to the Company in Brainerd, sufficiently to more than pay the whole expense. We, in common with every one else, are delighted to see that the Northern Pacific Company propose to go to work in a proper, and in the end, economical manner, in putting up, to start with, buildings that will serve a permanent purpose, enhance the beauty of their respective localities, as well as the value, instead of doing as many railroads have done, particularly in the past, of putting up buildings along their lines that would not make respectable “gin-mills” nor barns; rendering new buildings necessary almost before the road-bed had fairly settled. In every sense, worthy of consideration, we think that at the prominent points on the line similar buildings to the one in question should be built, and at all points be governed by principles of economy at first, not extravagance at last. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 February 1872, p. 3, c. 3)


SEE: 27 April 1872

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“The Big Hotel.”


Headquarters Hotel located west of the first NP Depot, ca. 1872.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

We were politely conducted, a few days since, over, through, around and beneath the “big hotel,” or Headquarters Hotel, as it is commonly called, by mine host, Mr. Wm. Lytle, of that institution. The new mammoth wing is about completed in all its parts, and the whole establishment—containing equivalent to three stories, and basement—with its necessary outbuildings, occupies something over two acres of ground. We cannot, for want of room, go into the details of the grand hotel—which has been built by the Company for the accommodation, strictly, of the heads of departments on the line, their families and friends—but will give only a few items, to show its capacity, and excellent management under the accomplished and thoroughly business administration of Mr. Lytle, who is one among the very few men who could successfully and acceptably hold the reins of government over so gigantic an institution.

There is room to comfortably seat at the table in the new dining-hall something over a hundred guests; there are between fifty and sixty beautifully arranged and commodious sleeping rooms, fitted up in rich and modern style, with all needed furniture, such as spring beds, wash-stands, mirrors, bureaus, clothes presses, etc., and all handsomely carpeted. Besides these and the dining-hall, are parlors, offices, promenades, an immense kitchen, cook and pastry rooms, large basement story and cellars, wash room, bedding presses, etc., all arranged and fitted up with every imagined article and appliance, for “speed, safety and comfort.” The whole building will be supplied with water, by pipes leading from an elevated reservoir to all rooms in the house. The ice-house—containing 700 tons of the congealed fluid—is wonderfully convenient and was planned by Mr. Lytle himself, and for genuine utility goes ahead of anything we ever noticed. There are several small rooms along the side of the building, entered by as many doors. These rooms are constructed so that a heavy body of ice surrounds them on every side and over head—rendering the necessity of keeping ice in the rooms with the meats, etc., wholly unnecessary. The butter and milk room is distinct, as is the meat room and the other rooms for containing various articles, giving no chance whatever of one article flavoring the other; and the extraordinary convenience of the whole is remarkable. Notwithstanding the many fine chimneys in the hotel, there are now in use more than six hundred joints of stove-pipe. Mr. Lytle’s management of this hotel is marked for its economy, courtesy and thorough business properties, rendering him deservedly popular both with the guests under his care and the public at large. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 February 1872, p. 3, c. 4)


News and Cigar Stand.


Master Jimmy Lytle, in the office of the Headquarters Hotel keeps a very neat and fully supplied cigar-stand and news depot. His cigars are No. 1 in quality, and Jimmy is always on hand to supply the wants of all lovers of a choice Havana. Give him a call. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 February 1872, p. 3, c. 1)


29 February

A Princely Present to General Ira

Spaulding.


General Ira Spaulding, Northern Pacific Chief Engineer, ca. 1865.
Source: Unknown

General Ira Spaulding, Chief Engineer of the Minnesota Division of the Northern Pacific Railroad, was made the recipient of a present by his noble Corps of assistant engineers who have been with him during the discharge of the important and laborious duties attached to his elevated position, the character of which is well calculated to convey to him the warm feelings and esteem entertained by the givers.

The General’s mission hither in the capacity of Chief Engineer, has ended—the line is now complete. We take the following from the Duluth Herald, and fully endorse the references made to General Spaulding, and could even say more of him, but we forbear.

“Amongst the men whose exertions have greatly helped to stretch the iron rails westward from Duluth, no one is deserving of more honorable mention than General Ira Spaulding, Chief Engineer of the Minnesota Division of the Northern Pacific. To him belongs the credit of having engineered and completed the first great division of the line; and it affords us unfeigned satisfaction to inform our readers that, in connection with his work in that direction, one of those pleasant episodes in life which renders existence on this mundane sphere unusually agreeable has lately transpired. It gives us much satisfaction to be able to lay before our patrons a few of the particulars connected therewith, which are as follows:

It being known to the various assistant civil engineers who have been engaged on Gen. S.’s corps that their chief, having successfully accomplished the arduous duty of laying out the pathway for and completing that part of the great northern trans-continental line extending from Lake Superior to the Red-River-of-the-North, was about to resign his position, they, with one accord, determined to associate with his act of retiracy some manifestation of their appreciation of not only the goodness of his head and heart but also of his ability. Without unnecessary clamor and in so quiet a way that even their most intimate friends and acquaintances—as well as those prying fellows, the newspaper men,—were kept in the dark as to their motives, the engineers in question contributed the necessary funds and ordered for presentation to General Spaulding a valuable evidence of their good-will and consideration for his untiring zeal and uniformly clever deportment toward them.

The token tendered, in so delicate and touching a manner by his earnest and sincere assistants to Gen. S., is one of which he may well be proud. It consists of a magnificent massive-cased gold pendant-winding watch, with the finest nickel movement; plain heavy vest chain, with seal; plain heavy neck chain, and a very handsome weighty moss-agate ring, made in Paris expressly for the purpose. The watch, which was manufactured by the U. S. Watch Co., bears the following inscription:


A TOKEN OF REGARD TO OUR CHIEF ENGINEER,


GENERAL IRA SPAULDING,


From his Assistants on Minnesota Division


N. P. R. R.


February 29, 1872.


General Thomas L. Rosser, Northern Pacific Principal Assistant engineer to General Spaulding, ca. 1865.
Source: Unknown

Col. Wm. B. Gaw, Engineer-in-Charge of the Duluth Docks and Harbor Improvements of the Company, having been appointed a committee to tender Gen. S. the rare gift, (Which had previously been secured in New York by Gen. Thos. L. Rosser, formerly Gen. S.’s Principal Assistant and now Chief Engineer of the Dakota Division,) on the 21st inst., transmitted the articles, through M. C. Kimberley, Esq., with the following kind and feeling letter:


NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD,

Duluth Docks and Harbor Improvements,

DULUTH, March 20, 1872.


General Ira Spaulding, Chief Engineer Min-

nesota Division Northern Pacific Railroad:


DEAR GENERAL—The undersigned, appointed a committee on behalf of the Civil Engineers of the Minnesota and Dakota Divisions of the Northern Pacific Railroad, to present you with a slight testimonial of their esteem, in view of your retirement from the active duties of the profession, and the termination of your connection with the road, transmits herewith, through M. C. Kimberley, C. E., the accompanying souvenir, which you are requested to accept as a token of the good-will and respect ever entertained toward you by the Civil Engineers under your command.

Your uniform courteous demeanor toward them (the zeal displayed by you in the prosecution of the great enterprise with which you have been identified as a pioneer engineer from the time when the first stake of the line was stuck at the head of Lake Superior until the final completion of your division and the waters of the Red-River-of-the-North were reached by the iron rail) your acknowledged integrity and professional attainments made us the more to regret the severing of ties which have so long bound us together in professional duty.

Hoping that your future career may be as pleasant as the past has been successful, I am, very respectfully, yours, &c.,

Wm. B. GAW,

Engineer-in-Charge.


Eng. Kimberley having performed, on the 21st, the agreeable task assigned him, Gen. Spaulding acknowledged his deep sense of gratitude for the honor conferred in the subjoined reply to Col. Gaw’s communication:


NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD, MINN. DIV.,

Engineer Department,

BRAINERD, Minn., March 25, 1872.


DEAR COLONEL—I am in receipt of your note of the 20th inst., accompanying the beautiful “souvenir” sent me by you through Mr. Kimberley on behalf of the Civil Engineers of the Minnesota and Dakota Divisions, Northern Pacific Railroad.

These “Tokens of Regard” from my late assistants, and the kindly sentiments conveyed to me in your letter on their behalf, have touched me deeply. No man was ever more ably or generously seconded by his assistants than I have been on this line, or more fortunate in having associated with him men worthy of affectionate regard and esteem.

To you, my dear Colonel, and to all those gentlemen whom you represent, I wish a most happy and prosperous future, and I feel sure that, like all good engineers, your greatest reward for severe labors and privations, will be the assured success and prosperity of the great enterprise to which you are devoting all your energies and the best years of your lives.

Sincerely, yours,

I. SPAULDING,

COL. W. B. GAW, Eng’r-in-charge, &c.”

(Brainerd Tribune, 06 April 1872, p. 4, c.’s 1 & 2)


SEE: 22 June 1872

SEE: 14 December 1872

SEE: 02 October 1875


NOTE: General Thomas L. Rosser and Dr. John Carper Rosser, NP surgeon, were brothers and came to Minnesota together. Dr. Rosser was one of Brainerd’s first physicians and lived in Brainerd for over twenty years. He was responsible for treating the victims of the NP bridge collapse in 1875.


SEE: 14 December 1871

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01 March

Congress passes legislation establishing Yellowstone National Park.


02 March

Progress of the Car Shops.


Northern Pacific Shops and Offices, ca. 1875.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

The progress being made in the construction of the great car shops at this place, is of the most flattering nature. We visited the scene of operations a few days since, and after seeing what had been done in the space of a few weeks, we cannot refrain from complimenting Chief of Construction Cruikshanks and his gallant crew of artists upon the good management and splendid progress so evident. There has been no squandering of time nor “wood-butchering” done there; the great structure stands out in its immense proportions, a type of architectural and mechanical perfection, and is as graceful in appearance as a swan upon the water. The other two buildings which are sixty by sixty feet each, and a part and parcel of the whole, are also fast approaching an upright position. These two, with the grand main building, the roundhouse and tank, cover a large area of ground, and with the two or three score of residences that are to be built in the vicinity of these works, will of themselves make a village of no mean pretensions in size and respectable appearance. Some idea of the extent of the car-works may be had when we state that in the main building alone there are some 200,000 feet of lumber, and we have been informed by railroad men that the structure is the largest of its character anywhere west of Albany, New York. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 March 1872, p. 3, c. 2)


09 March

THE GREAT PACIFIC ROADS.

_____


From the Philadelphia Press.

Under the management of Jay Cooke the financial foundation of the Northern Pacific seems to be already firmly established. During two days alone last week the sales of bonds in this country have amounted to two hundred and thirty-nine thousand dollars, and the sales of the month of January foot up to a million and a half. This, exclusive of the European market, where several million have been placed this year. These figures, however enormous, have a solid basis, and do not infer inflation or speculation. A moment’s thought will convince anyone that the railway figures of the future must far exceed anything so far known in this country and this because as yet we are living merely in one corner of it, and our operations are on a contracted scale. The territorial area of all New England and the Middle States is not quite 200,000 square miles. The area of the United States Territories, not including Alaska, is 1,100,000 square miles, over five times as great. Now, these Territories are the domain of our Pacific Railways. If our little corner has built up and sustained the Pennsylvania, the Reading, the Erie, the Central and the late Camden and Amboy, and a dozen of other great lines, what will be the future of these great Pacific roads, whose territory is so much richer, more populous, and powerful? (Brainerd Tribune, 09 March 1872, p. 2, c. 2)


Wrecking Car.


A handsomely fitted up car, built for the purpose of clearing away wrecked trains, arrived here last week and did its first work of clearing up and bringing in the wrecked portion of the train that was “demoralized” three miles east of here three months ago. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 March 1872, p. 3, c. 1)


16 March

New Engines.


An occasional new engine for the Northern Pacific bears down upon us from the east, and comes dancing into Brainerd with all the gaiety of a new and beautiful machine, such as a first-class locomotive only is. One was sent on the road a few days ago, which makes twenty-two locomotives now on the road, besides the two that were sent to the west and to be used on the finished section of 27 miles between Kalma and Wala-Wala. There is no superfluity of engines here, however, as we learn that Superintendent Hobart has to use his best ingenuity to furnish motive power even now for the immense business that has been to do since the road was opened through to Red River. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 March 1872, p. 3, c. 2)


SEE: 24 February 1872

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SEE: 27 April 1872

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SEE: 25 October 1872

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SEE: 17 July 1880

SEE: 17 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


23 March

BRIDGE OVER THE MISSISSIPPI, AT BRAINERD, MINNESOTA,

NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILWAY 1872


NP Bridge newly completed, 23 March 1872.
Source: Scientific American, Volume XXVI, Number 13, New York

Our engraving is a fine view of one of the bridges of the Northern Pacific Railway, a work which is now being pushed with energy, and is destined to become a most important artery of commerce. The bridge is, we think, the northern-most of all the bridges that cross the great Mississippi, which, at this point, however, is a narrow and easily spanned stream.

The bridge, in itself, has no peculiar points calculated specially to interest engineers. It is of plain trestlework, yet over it will pass an enormous traffic; and as a view of one of the features of a magnificent enterprise, our engraving possesses interest.

The road follows a natural line of commerce, which must, in time, develop into something enormous. It penetrates a region remarkably productive, into which civilization is crowding even in advance of the construction of the railway. This country has been appropriately called the “Garden Region” of the North. As a wheat producing region, it is probably unsurpassed anywhere, and fruits, of nearly all the kinds natural to the temperate zone, thrive in the mild climate of its luxuriant valleys.

All the elements of prosperity exist in the territory which will supply the road with traffic, namely, Minnesota, Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and a part of Wisconsin, and a brilliant future for this work cannot be regarded as doubtful.

According to statement of Messrs. Jay Cooke & Co., (25 December 1871) this road is now completed across the State of Minnesota, 255 miles, from Duluth to Fargo, on the Red River of the North, and trains are running regularly. The Dakota division, extending 200 miles westward, from the crossing of the Red River to the crossing of the Missouri in central Dakota, is now under construction, and contracted to be finished July 1, 1872. In the meantime, a section of 65 miles is building between the Columbia river and Puget Sound, in Washington Territory, where track laying is progressing.

The Northern Pacific company, in order to remove hurtful rivalry and secure early and direct connection with the St. Paul, Chicago, and the East, recently purchased the main line and branch of the St. Paul and Pacific road. During the past year the main line has been completed, through an excellent country, to Breckenridge on the Red River. At the same time the branch has been extended from its late terminus at St. Cloud, 65 miles northward, to Brainerd, where it joins, and becomes tributary to, the trunk line of the Northern Pacific.

Jay Cooke, financier of the NP Railroad, ca. 1870.
Source: Unknown

Finally, contracts have been let for the construction of a branch road (to be technically known as the St. Vincent Extension of the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad), from St. Cloud, 375 miles, to Pembina, near the northwestern corner of Minnesota, and on the border of the British Province of Manitoba. This is to be completed before the close of 1872. It will drain the richest portion of the Red River valley and open direct communication with the British settlements of Winnipeg and the productive valley of the Saskatchewan. It will also serve as the southeastern arm of the Northern Pacific road, reaching to St. Paul and Minneapolis.

At this date, the Northern Pacific company own, by construction and purchase, 640 miles of finished road. The completion of the above named contracts will give the company, at the close of 1872, more than 900 miles of completed track in the prosperous State of Minnesota alone, and 1165 miles altogether; it will carry the trunk line nearly one third of its distance across the continent, and bring to it the large and profitable traffic of Montana and the Government transportation of the Upper Missouri. The Hudson’s Bay Company have already leased wharves and warehouse at Duluth, preparatory to doing the whole of their large business over the Northern Pacific line. Nearly two million acres of the company’s lands in Minnesota are ready for sale, and many thousand have been sold to colonies and settlers, who are moving to the line of the road in gratifying numbers. (Scientific American, Volume XXVI, Number 13, New York, 23 March 1872)


Lumber of all kinds, and shingles can be had now at the [N. P.] mill down at the river in quantities to suit purchasers—a fact that is pretty fully appreciated by our citizens.

Mr. A. D. Prescott, who lay sick so long has so far recovered as to be able to ride out, and hopes soon to be at his post again. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 March 1872, p. 3, c. 1)


Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.


We are very much pleased to learn that a Division of the order known as the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers is to be organized in Brainerd; and that the Brotherhood also contemplate building a fine hall for their use. Those foremost in this noble work are Mr. John Fulton and John Heach, two as thorough gentlemen and finished machinists as this country can boast. They are both engineers on the Northern Pacific, who rank high in the estimation of the Company, and are universally respected along the line of the road. They have taken hold of the work of organizing a Division here with commendable zeal and energy, and we are pleased to know that outside of meeting with encouragement among the members of the order, our leading citizens generally are lending substantial aid in the furtherance of the object. We know of this order our self, a good deal; we had the honor of one time reporting the proceedings of a national convention of the Brotherhood, where delegates were present from every part of the United States. The opportunity we had of informing our self in regard to the character of the institution was good, and we, with all others, pronounced it an order of the highest type, with objects as pure and noble as man is capable of comprehending. No institution, secular in kind, could lend more dignity nor bestow a better influence in the community that a Division of the Brotherhood, and we sincerely hope they may be generously assisted by all our good citizens and that their plans in getting a thorough organization in Brainerd may prove more than successful. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 March 1872, p. 3, c. 4)


31 March

A big Easter Dinner was given the guests at the Headquarters Hotel last Sunday by mine host, Mr. Lytle. Egg was miscellaneously considered, and the dinner as a whole could discount Delmonico’s and beat it on the first round. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 April 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


01 April

Theatrical.


Master Jo. H. Lytle [sic] and Jimmy Lytle had their second entertainment last Monday, at the Headquarters Hotel, and it passed off splendidly. It consisted of charades, songs, tableaux, and dancing. Jimmy Lytle, in the song, “Girl with a Roguish Eye,” gave us a good clog dance. Jo. H. Linsley appeared as Nilsson in the song “Up in Das Palloon,” and did exceedingly well. Miss Fannie E. Linsley appeared as a Gypsy, in a tableaux, and did very well; also Miss Clara Lytle, in the character of a young lady in the same tableaux. They propose to give us another entertainment in three or four weeks, which they think will be better. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 April 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


06 April

NP Machine Shops, Frank Jay Haynes, 1877.
Source: Haynes Foundation, Montana Historical Society

The machinery for the grand Railroad Machine Shops at this place has been received, and is rapidly being placed into position by a large corps of workmen under the leadership of that excellent gentleman and accomplished machinist, Master-Mechanic W. M. Davie. Over sixty tons of machinery has been received, and we understand that the manufacture of box and flat cars is to be gone into extensively. The temporary repair shops of the road at Homoko [sic] have been brought hither and absorbed by the big shops here. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 April 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


Another new engine has arrived for the Northern Pacific. She is “No. 40,” and handsome as a picture. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 April 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


13 April

We are indebted to John M. Fulton, Esq., for a copy of the Monthly Journal, (published by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers at Cleveland, Ohio,) for the present month. It is full of good and interesting reading for all, and must be of especial interest to all locomotive engineers. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 April 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


Appointments for the N. P. Railroad.


From the Pioneer we learn that Mr. Charles W. Mead, of Omaha, President of the Omaha Smelting Works, has been appointed General Superintendent of the Northern Pacific Railroad, and will enter upon his duties on the 15th inst. Mr. Mead is a prominent railroad man, and for several years was Assistant General Superintendent of the Union Pacific Railroad.

Also that Mr. J. S. Sherman, the well known landscape gardener, and, until the great fire, the Superintendent of Parks in Chicago, has been appointed chief of the Agricultural and Horticultural Bureau of the Northern Pacific road. He arrived in this city on Monday, and leaves this morning for a trip over the Northern Pacific. Mr. Sherman expressed considerable surprise at seeing farmers all through the southern part of this State sowing wheat. He says the frost is nearer out of the ground in Minnesota than it is in northern Illinois, and the season farther advanced. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 April 1872, p. 1, c. 3)


Boston Colony.


The advance guard of the coming Colony that is to settle at Detroit Lake[s]—ninety-one miles west of this place on the Northern Pacific Road—has arrived in the form of some forty or fifty members thereof. They are nearly all heads of families, and come thus early in the season, in order to get in a spring crop. The grand body will be along in a few weeks, which will probably be composed of over a thousand persons great and small. It is almost strictly New England in its cast, and will be composed of first class citizens. They are coming to a choice country, and we hope every blessing may attend them in their efforts to secure to themselves comfortable and independent homes. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 April 1872, p. 1, c. 3)


Mail Service on the N. P. R. R.


We are happy to record the fact that we are to have hereafter, mail service on the Northern Pacific line from Duluth to Moorehead [sic]—dating from the 10th inst. Every body along the route will also be glad, for the absence of it had become a grievance, almost sore in its character. Conductor Sherwood had the honor of bringing the first mail over the road on Wednesday last, and acted, we believe, in the double capacity of conductor and mail agent. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 April 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


The following names for Stations along the line of the Northern Pacific Railroad have been permanently adopted in place of those now in use, to wit:

Withington [Deerwood], for Reno.

Motley, for Welwood.

Aldrich, for Lindel.

Perham, for Negawnoma.

Anthon, for Milton.

Lake Side, for Marion.

Hawley, for Bethel.

Glyndon, for St. P. & Pac. Junc. with N. P. R. R.

The above change “reminds us of a little story.” A waiter brought a guest a piece of very rare meat. The guest asked what he called that. “Rare beef,” replied the waiter. “Well,” replied the guest, “just take it back and ‘rare’ it again.” And that’s the way we feel about the “change.” (Brainerd Tribune, 13 April 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


15 April

Description of the Country on the Line of the

Northern Pacific Railroad.


BRAINERD, April 15, 1872.

EDITOR OF THE TRIBUNE—Permit me through the columns of your valuable paper to call attention to some observations made in a recent trip over the N. P. R. R., on the very substantial manner of the structure, easy grades, and the wonderful richness and fertility characterizing the major portion the Land Grant. As far out into Dakota as your observer went, after crossing the Red River, I think I never passed through a country excelling this in point of latent fertility. The beautiful spring-like appearance of that broad expanse of virgin soil, soon by the genial sun to be decked like a bride in her wedding garments awaiting the coming of the husbandman, charmed the eye and filled the mind with visions of the teeming productions which ere long will reward the pioneers over in that Promised Land.

What has been said of the lands on the further side of the Red River is no less true of those between the Buffalo and the Red. After a quarter of a century spent upon the prairies of Illinois, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska in close observations, I am prepared to say that no more fertile or inviting field was ever opened to the occupancy of man.

General T. L. Rosser’s surveyors’ camp at Fargo, Spring 1872.
Source: Caswell & Davy, Duluth, MN

At Fargo, where the road crosses the Red River, an imposing and substantial bridge is being pushed rapidly forward to completion. At Moorehead [sic], immediately opposite on the Minnesota side, where the new depot buildings are now already up, preparatory to the reception of the traffic for Manitoba and the great Saskatchewan valley, and the wondrous fur trade of the North, I found the people alive to their best interests, efficiently guided by the experience of my old friend and townsman Col. John W. Taylor, who has located, I think, as much land in the Northwest as any other man living.

A large number of settlers have already arrived, and as fast as lumber can be procured are nestling themselves into happy homes. The town now gives evidence of the great city that ere long must arise at the head of navigation of the Amazon of the Northwest.

At the new town of Glyndon where the St. Vincent branch crosses the Northern Pacific, all was life and activity. Claim taking and house building marked the commencement of what cannot fail to be at no distant day an important junction of two great thoroughfares. The gentlemanly and affable Land Agent of the Company at this point, Mr. Nettleton, is on the ground determined to make it one of the finest settlements on the line of the Road.

Coming up the valley of the Buffalo the same inherent richness of the soil is everywhere strikingly manifest. Approaching the timber at Oak Lake, numerous farms are seen, already opened. The topography of this immediate neighborhood is singularly beautiful in its undulations, and its timber skirted lakes. At the next station, Detroit Lake[s], I had an opportunity of witnessing the operation of the enterprising and successful Boston Colony, that started in last year under the lead of Capt. Roberts. Truly they are doing great things. Already are they engaged in manufacturing to supply the wants of the rapidly developing country.

Continuing on the way, one is struck by the easy gradients and the absence of those sharp and dangerous curves so common to many roads.

NP bridge on the Brainerd line, ca. 1872.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Returning to your hospitable town of Brainerd, I felt I could exclaim “Now have mine eyes seen the glory of the coming of the Lord in opening up this country so vast and varied in its resources.” Think me not inclined to flatter, when I say that no town on the line of the Road presents more attractive features or impresses one more with a sense of its future greatness, than yours. Being the first harbor for the lumber borne upon the sweeping current of the Mississippi, it must supply mainly the prairies of the West with this indispensably necessary article. Already has the energetic and worthy contractor, Lyman Bridges, in process of construction fifty Station Houses, of the latest style of architecture, made from material obtained here. The lumber trade alone must add largely to your resources, and the freight receipts of this magnificent new Road so ably superintended by that efficient and popular gentleman, C. T. Hobart, Esq.

Another element of your prosperity is to be found in the elaborate and elegant R. R. machine and car shops erected here. Here also is the head centre of the officers of the Minnesota Division, and from this point radiates the authority that guides and controls it. Between here and Duluth that portion of the Grant not covered by valuable growth of timber is admirably adapted for meadow lands and the growth of cranberries. Perhaps no fruit enters more generally into consumption by the American people of this day, than the profitable cranberry.

Everywhere was the question asked me, “Is this country adapted to horticulture?” I answer most emphatically, “Yes.” All the Russian varieties of apples, those denominated “Iron clads” will thrive and produce well, and all this region as a stock country presents great inducements.

Fearing, however, that I have already wearied your patience, for which my enthusiasm at what I have seen must be my apology, I subscribe myself, as an agriculturist and horticulturist.

Yours truly,

J. S. SHERMAN.

(Brainerd Tribune, 20 April 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


SEE: 24 February 1872

SEE: 16 March 1872

SEE: 27 April 1872

SEE: 04 May 1872

SEE: 25 October 1872

SEE: 16 November 1872

SEE: 14 December 1872

SEE: 29 March 1873

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 05 April 1873

SEE: 29 May 1873

SEE: 31 May 1873

SEE: 17 July 1880

SEE: 17 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


20 April

TO LEAVE US.—Mr. J. S. Campbell, who has, since our residence here, held a prominent position in connection with the Railroad, contemplates leaving Brainerd in a few weeks and going to Glyndon, out near the Red River, as we are informed. We regret this fact very much indeed, as we had come to know our friend Campbell and his excellent wife as being among our most thoroughly valuable and esteemed citizens. We understand Mr. C. intends engaging in business at Glyndon, and if so he carries with him the best wishes of our citizens. We propose to “press him in” as one of our regular correspondents in the west, as we are bound to make the TRIBUNE a local paper, in every sense possible, for all the country and towns along the N. P. Railroad from here to Puget Sound. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 April 1872, p. 1, c. 3)


PERSONAL.—We had the great pleasure of receiving a call this week from Major Sherman, of Rockford, Illinois. Major Sherman is the gentleman who is to assume the position of Superintendent of the agricultural and horticultural department of the N. P. Railroad; and judging from what we know of his reputation, and from an extended conversation with him on topics kindred to this valuable enterprise, we feel sure that the Company have, in selecting him for this position, been peculiarly fortunate. His long experience throughout all the western country, in agricultural and horticultural enterprises, his observing turn of mind and his general fund of knowledge, eminently qualify him to under take and successfully carry out the important work of demonstrating to the world, by practical test, the perfect adaptability of the country along the line of the Northern Pacific, from one end to the other, to the purposes of agriculture, horticulture, and stock raising. We shall speak more at length in future issues upon the plan which has been adopted to represent this great country as one of the very richest among the countries of the producing world, and can promise in advance—from what we know our self, and have learned from others—something new under the sun in the way of producing wealth from the soil. Major Sherman had just returned from a tour of observation along the line of the road clear into Dakota; the result of his observations on this trip we publish to day, and warmly recommend the communication he has so kindly furnished us to the careful perusal of our many readers, as a reliable statement of facts, put forward in a most readable shape. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 April 1872, p. 1, c. 3)


27 April

Brainerd—Mr. Charles W. Mead, who has recently been appointed General Manager of the “Department of the East,” on the N. P. R. R., arrived here on Saturday last. For the present his Department will extend from Duluth to the Missouri River, over which Mr. Mead will have the general management. As we understand his position neither does apply, nor conflicts with the position so long and ably filled by Mr. Hobart as the Minnesota Division Superintendent. General Manager Mead will make Brainerd his headquarters, which is another feather in Brainerd’s bonnet, and the insertion of another peg by those dubious persons is now in order. We had forgotten to say, also, that all interesting railroads—branches of the Northern Pacific—will likewise come under his administration, and all employees will report to Minn. and be governed by his orders. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 April 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


SEE: 24 February 1872

SEE: 16 March 1872

SEE: 15 April 1872

SEE: 04 May 1872

SEE: 25 October 1872

SEE: 16 November 1872

SEE: 14 December 1872

SEE: 29 March 1873

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 05 April 1873

SEE: 29 May 1873

SEE: 31 May 1873

SEE: 17 July 1880

SEE: 17 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


THE NEW DEPOT.—Stakes were driven this week for the magnificent new passenger depot described in the TRIBUNE a few months ago, and a crew of workmen are now employed in getting out the timber for it. This will be a beautiful ornament to our town, and of a character that would do credit to any city, great or small. So must it be. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 April 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


RAILROAD TURN-OVER.—The western bound train on Saturday evening last, met with an accident some twenty miles east of here, which, although somewhat extensive, did but little damage—to what might have been done, had it been one of the “bad kind.” The accident, we understand, was caused by the spreading of the rails, and four cars were thrown from the track and rolled over on their sides—the passenger coach, express car and two box cars. They were dragged some ways, ere the train could be stopped, but owing to the soft, sandy character of the ground, they were not badly damaged. There were a great many people on the train, and it seems almost miraculous that there were no fatal results. Quite a number of persons were scratched and bruised, in the general roll and tumble; the severest case that came to our notice was that of Express Messenger Pomeroy, who, in the general wrestle with the boxes and barrels of his car, had his ankle quite severely sprained. A wrecking car was sent up on Sunday morning, and the truant cars were brought into camp. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 April 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


01 May

The Northern Pacific leases the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad.


04 May

A WORKER.—One of the hardest workers, and most energetic men of this section of country, is Supt. C. T. Hobart. His head and hands are apparently unceasing in the labors incident to his position, and it has become the general remark that he can do more things at the same time than one in a thousand. He has a pleasant word for all, both high and low, answers a thousand inquiries every day and yet finds time to clearly discharge the work of his place with the nicest precision. The business and responsibilities of the Road are increasing with the most wonderful rapidity and to carry out the details of its management and increasing wants, requires the clearest head and best of calculation as well as physical endurance of the first order. Mr. Hobart, fortunately for both himself and the best interests of the company, possesses these indispensables to the fullest degree; and he discharges with wonderful reliability here and seems to us would speedily swamp most of mortals. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 May 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


SEE: 24 February 1872

SEE: 16 March 1872

SEE: 15 April 1872

SEE: 27 April 1872

SEE: 25 October 1872

SEE: 16 November 1872

SEE: 14 December 1872

SEE: 29 March 1873

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 05 April 1873

SEE: 29 May 1873

SEE: 31 May 1873

SEE: 17 July 1880

SEE: 17 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


The mammoth engine in the machine and car shops was set in motion on Wednesday last by Master Mechanic Davie, and worked with all the precision and nicety of greased lightning in a tar barrel. The array of beautiful and massive machinery in the main building is a sight to behold; when the whole catalogue gets into operation a visit to the gigantic establishment over which Mr. Davie so skillfully presides, will be a treat rarely met with. This is the largest in situation, and certainly finest appearing of the kind west of Albany, New York. Mr. Foss, of the south Duluth firm of LaVaque & Foss, did the painting on the great buildings, and he may well refer to these with pride. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 May 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


The Duluth Herald pays the following well merited compliment to Mr. Mead, the new General Manager of the N. P. Road, which judging from what we have seen and know of the gentleman, we freely endorse.

“General Superintendent Mead, although lately appointed to the responsible position he now fills so creditably, has already made hosts of friends in Duluth and along the entire length of the N. P. While strictly attending to his arduous duties he at the same time acts in so courteous a manner to all with whom he comes in contact as to win their respect and their esteem. Indeed he is one of the most popular men on our great northern trans-continental-thoroughfare.” (Brainerd Tribune, 04 May 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


The Railroad Company are about erecting waterworks at the river near this end of the bridge. The water will be raised by an engine into an immense reservoir, and by a pipe will supply all the buildings of the company, including the machine and car shops, a mile above Headquarters. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 May 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


08 May

The Northern Pacific and its Branches.


THE following important order has been issued by General Manager Mead, relative to the Northern Pacific and its leased lines, or branches:


OFFICE OF GENERAL MANAGER

BRAINERD, Minn., May 8, 1872.

The Northern Pacific R. R. Co., have assumed control of the Lake Superior and Mississippi R. R., together with its Leased Lines, consisting of the Stillwater and St. Paul, Minneapolis and Duluth Railroads, and Minneapolis and St. Louis Railway, these Roads will embrace and be hereafter called the Lake Superior and Mississippi Division of the Northern Pacific R. R.

W. W. Hungerford is appointed Superintendent of this Division, with Headquarters at St. Paul.

C. W. MEAD,

General Manager

(Brainerd Tribune, 18 May 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


11 May

Thomas H. Canfield, President, Lake Superior and Puget Sound Land Company, a subsidiary of the Northern Pacific Railroad, ca. Unknown.
Source: Unknown

PERSONAL.—President Thomas H. Canfield, President of the Lake Superior and Puget Sound Land Company, with headquarters at 120 Broadway, New York, has been with us in Brainerd during the past week. His tour hither has been purely of a business character, and he has visited all points on the line from Duluth to Red River, looking after the interests of the great Company of which he is the head. Mr. Canfield, though of course keeping posted in regard to the advance of Brainerd as well as one could, not to have been here, was agreeably surprised with the expanded proportions of our town, and the character of the improvements made since his last visit hither. And right here, we feel disposed to say, that he must have taken in at a glance the wisdom and foresight of Mr. Lyman P. White, the Brainerd Town-site Agent, in the fine disposition of real estate so as to inure to the highest degree beneficial both to the purchasers and the company he has so industriously and efficiently represented. We hope he may be, as he no doubt has and will be, complimented by his superiors in this Land Department in more ways than one; for, while he is most industrious and far sighted in the interest of the company he represents, he has endeared himself with our people by his many acts of good hearted benevolence, and his name has actually become a household word in every family of our new and flourishing community.

Mr. Canfield’s trip in this direction will, we feel sure, have a happy effect in giving renewed energy on the part of the people all along the line, and we hope he may visit us as often as his business matters will permit. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 May 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


Mr. R. W. Chase, has been appointed the General Freight Agent of the Northern Pacific Railroad, with headquarters at this place. Mr. Chase is an eastern man, we believe, and has held important positions in the Railroad world in New England. From our acquaintance with Mr. C., we feel sure the interests of the Company in this highly important department will be closely watched and popularly handled; for outside his thorough business qualifications, Mr. Chase is an agreeable, courteous gentleman. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 May 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


The Northern Pacific Manufacturing Company.


The Northern Pacific Manufacturing Company in addition to the two fine saw mills now in operation, will soon have a mammoth planing mill in working condition, on their ground just east of Broadway. Bridges’ ready made houses, as well as doors, blinds, sash and all things in that line will then be turned out in immense bulk; and in the gigantic enterprise being developed by this company, the whole county west of us will have a provider in all the most important items incident to the settlement of a new country. We are not aware as to who all the members of this grand company are, but we know that prominent among them are Lyman Bridges and General LaDuc [sic], and this is enough to show that the great enterprise will be put ahead in capacity to its fullest requirements and utmost usefulness. Settlers all along the line of the Northern Pacific can by reason of the existence of this company and their mammoth factories, be furnished with cozy and substantial dwellings in days after they select their land, to say nothing of the thousand other wants which will be filled cheaply, handsomely, and promptly by the Northern Pacific Manufacturing Company now located and in operation at Brainerd. We wish them the fullest measure of success for their liberal enterprise and unconquerable energy. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 May 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


Transfer of the L. S. & M. Railroad.


We are pleased to announce that the transfer of the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad to the Northern Pacific Railroad Company is now among the things that are. Although this has been expected for some time, yet for reasons not known to us the transfer was deferred from time to time until last Tuesday, when the final arrangements were made, the negotiations concluded and the road formally turned over to the possession (on lease, we believe), to the Northern Pacific. This will prove of great value to the public, as now, a person can do business with, and travel over, both with all the trials and tribulations incident to transferring from one to the other, in nearly every sense, cut off. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 May 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


18 May

The Sink.


THE bottomless pit, on the N. P. Railroad, a few miles west of the Junction, has been on another bender recently, causing the transfer around the sink of passengers, mail, express, etc., for several days previous to Tuesday last. For two or three days and nights the Superintendent with a large crew of men labored unceasingly to appease the appetite of the sink for gravel and things, but it it seemed much like trying to intoxicate a rat hole by pouring in whiskey. Hundreds of tons of gravel and logs were put in, and finally the bottom was reached, at a depth of from thirty to forty feet, after which the superstructure became firm, and by Monday morning the track was again ready for trains. Several extra trains were put on, owing to the great accumulation of freight at the Junction, caused by this sinkage, and now all things are moving bravely on. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 May 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


Personal.


WE have had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of Mr. R. S. Knapp, the Superintendent here of the mills, etc., being operated by the N. P. Manufacturing company. Mr. Knapp is from Hastings, and is a gentleman who has had a very extensive experience in mills of all kinds in this State, dating from as early a period as 1853. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 May 1872, p. 1, c. 6)


25 May

Improvements.


[...]


THE Railroad Headquarters building and hotel and its surroundings are being beautified in various ways. A lot of new picket fence has been built, the grounds raked up and cleared away and the offices newly fitted and painted. The hotel office has been furnished with a handsome counter—the design and workmanship of Mr. Doner—which is such a production as would ornament any first class hotel. It was painted by Mr. Foss, one of the champions of the brush in this western country. Mr. Foss, with his crew of artists has also been giving the outside of this mammoth building its final coat this week, and to say the thing has been radically changed in appearance, does not express it; the “Headquarters” really presents an imposing appearance as it now is, compared to what it then was. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 May 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


Personal.


WE had the pleasure of forming the acquaintance this week of J. M. Hannaford, Esq. who has just arrived from New England. We are pleased to know that he intends remaining in Brainerd, and will fill the position of Secretary to Mr. Chase, the General Freight Agent of the Northern Pacific here. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 May 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


Curious Freak of a Locomotive.


This is the only know photo showing one of the Northern Pacific's saddle tank engines at Brainerd in 1873. The Northern Pacific's first engines were this type, they were the Minnetonka, Itaska, Otter Tail and St. Cloud. A water tank was added over the boiler in order to provide more weight on the drive wheels, thus the moniker “saddle tank.” These locomotives were used in the early construction of the NP in 1870’s. A 1000x890 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: F. A. Taylor

ON Monday morning last the train for the east left here at the usual time, and met, ere it had gone a mile, with a most singular accident. At the machine shops, roundhouse and car shops, which are located half a mile above town, there is a switch track running from the roundhouse to the main track—a distance of probably sixty rods. On this switch, near the turn table stood one of the fine and powerful locomotives for which the N. P. is noted, which had been standing there for half an hour or more. There was no one on or near her at the time of the approach of the morning train up the main track. As the train neared the junction with the switch those on board were startled to see the engine start down the switch in the direction of the track. The nearer it approached the faster, and as the train could not be stopped before passing the end of the switch it was a race in the hope of getting past ere the locomotive came crashing upon them. It was no use, however, and just as the train got half way by, the truant engine came into the train, striking it about midway and about two cars ahead of the passenger coach. Three freight cars were knocked helter-skelter off the track and were badly wrecked, while the engine, which also ran off the track, at the end of the switch, was also considerably damaged. Had the train been an instant sooner the locomotive would have crashed into the passenger coach, when the loss of life would have been—no one knows. The wrecking car was sent out at once, and the wreck cleared away, though the eastern train did not continue on its way till after noon. We have heard of no satisfactory solution as to what caused the engine to cut such a caper, although many surmises have been offered. We rather imagine that the singular occurrence had better be handed over to a committee of Spiritualists and let them work up the case—they could doubtless get a good deal of “proof” out of the matter. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 May 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


30 May

The first Northern Pacific lands in Minnesota are sold. (Minnesota Historical Society Finding Aid M459, p. 10)


02 June

More Residences, Etc.


[...]


The new Immigrant House across the river is about completed, and is one of the finest of its kind in the west. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 June 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


08 June

A MONSTER MANUFACTORY


A character for enterprise induces its like, and it is only a natural consequence that it is our pleasure to-day to announce that early next week ground will be broken on Laurel street east of Broadway, for a monster foundry and blast works. It will be known as the Superior and Pacific Car Wheel Company, and will be under the superintendency of C. N. Parker of St. Paul. Brainerd, from the location of its first house and the pitching of the first tent of the followers of the great Northern Pacific has been marked for commercial importance and manufacturing greatness, and who that ever remained here twenty-four hours can gainsay the prophetic fact? We don’t have to offer bonus to such enterprises as the above—Nature holds out the inducement, and the march of inevitable progress to success insures the dividend. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 June 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


SEE: 06 July 1872

SEE: 13 July 1872

SEE: 03 August 1872

SEE: 24 August 1872

SEE: 01 March 1873

SEE: 18 July 1874

SEE: 21 January 1882

SEE: 28 January 1882

SEE: 25 June 1882

SEE: 17 November 1882

SEE: 14 November 1884

SEE: 31 March 1885

SEE: 01 April 1885

SEE: 03 April 1885

SEE: 18 April 1885

SEE: 02 April 1886

SEE: 10 January 1890

SEE: 02 June 1893

SEE: 10 November 1893

SEE: 25 December 1896

SEE: 09 June 1898

SEE: 21 December 1899

SEE: 31 May 1901

SEE: 29 January 1902

SEE: 21 December 1907

SEE: 16 June 1908

SEE: 04 April 1910

SEE: 09 April 1910

SEE: 18 April 1910

SEE: 20 April 1910

SEE: 25 June 1910

SEE: 01 July 1910

SEE: 27 July 1910

SEE: 03 October 1910

SEE: 05 October 1910

SEE: 06 October 1910

SEE: 13 October 1910

SEE: 04 August 1911

SEE: 20 February 1914

SEE: 15 April 1914

SEE: 14 May 1915

SEE: 28 September 1922

SEE: 13 October 1922

SEE: 10 July 1924


Fire animation The foundry building above becomes a theater and burns down with all of its equipment in 1878. It is the largest building in the city at the time.


SEE: 1878 Shupe’s Theater Burns in the Brainerd: City of Fire page.


SETTLEMENT, IMMIGRATION, AND COL-

ONIZATION ON THE NORTHERN PA-

CIFIC RAILROAD.


With the attractions of soil, climate, and scenery, which Nature has given the new North West, the simple building of the Northern Pacific Railroad would suffice ultimately to people the country along its line. Accessibility is about all that is needed to turn the tide of migration into this fertile region. Already thousands of settlers are following, and often preceding, the surveying and construction parties on the Road through Minnesota and Dakota. The same is true on the Pacific slope. As fast as the Road can be built, it will find a population already on its flanks. But, to render this natural movement certain, rapid, and constant, the Northern Pacific Railroad Company is organizing an Immigration Bureau in connection with its Land Department. The system adopted is practical though new and on a scale worthy of the great trust the nation has confided to this Corporation.

In carrying out the details of this scheme the Company will aim: 1. To employ as its Land and Emigration Agents, at home and abroad, only men of the highest character. 2. To permit no representations to be made by its authority which the facts will not fully warrant. 3. To promote, as far as possible, the formation of colonies, both in Europe and the older States of our own country, so that neighbors in the old home may be neighbors in the new; so that friends may settle near each other, form communities, establish schools, and, in short, avoid most of the traditional hardships which have usually attended pioneer life. 4. To exercise over emigrants, en route whatever supervision their best interest may require, seeing to it that transportation charges are the lowest attainable, that accommodations on ships and cars are comfortable, that their treatment is kind, their protection against fraud, compulsion, and abuse of all sorts, complete, and that every dollar of unnecessary expenditure on the way is avoided, and the emigrant enabled to husband his means for the work of starting a homestead. The company intend to complete the work of caring for the settlers who move to the line of their Road by furnishing lands at such moderate prices, and long credit, that the poorest need not remain landless; by aiding all who prefer it to secure homesteads from the Government domain; by transporting settlers, their families and goods at reduced prices; by seeing to it that all the elements of a sound civilization, including educational, church, and mail facilities, keep pace with the progress of the road and the growth of communities.

Mammoth buildings, designed for Homes for immigrants, are being put up at all the principal points along the line. They are not only homes in name, either, but are beautifully planned, airy and rich in architecture. Here, immigrants can tarry with their families, upon their arrival, until they have an opportunity to locate, with all the comforts, (so far as nice, clean and healthy quarters are concerned) as they could have at a first-class hotel. The Immigrant Home at Brainerd, is a monument to the good hearted liberality of the Company, and is a beautiful ornament to our town. It is no mere shell, hastily and carelessly put together, but a handsome and permanent structure, built with every care, and all due regard to substantiality and complete appropriateness. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 June 1872, p. 1, c. 6)


EXPRESS CHANGE.


The U. S. Express office has been removed from H. A. Hills to the depot, and the Brainerd Agency of that company is now under the management of Mr. Ferris.

The Northwestern Express Company’s office, however, still remains in charge of Mr. Hills, with himself as agent, and a continuance of the very liberal patronage that has been given this excellent company is respectfully solicited, and all business entrusted to Mr. Hills for this company will receive his best attention. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 June 1872, p. 1, c. 6)


15 June

Mr. Thomas Harvey, an old time friend of ours, from Duluth, was in town this week. Mr. Harvey has a contract for all the brick work and plastering for the N. P. Co., between Duluth and Red River. He already has a crew of eight or ten men here, who have been engaged this week in building chimneys in the mammoth Immigrant House building over the river. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 June 1872, p. 1, c. 6)


22 June

PERSONAL.


GEN. SPAULDING, late Chief Engineer of the Minnesota Division Northern Pacific Railroad has been in Brainerd during a portion of the week and favored us with a call. General Spaulding, since the close of his responsible duties on the great Northern Pacific, has been enjoying a sort of holiday, or vacation, and will remain in our State probably several weeks, during the hot term, when he will return again to New York. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 June 1872, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: 29 February 1872

SEE: 14 December 1872

SEE: 02 October 1875


GRAND OPENING BALL.


There is to be given on Thursday evening next a grand ball and opening “blow-out” at the splendid new Immigrant Reception House, belonging to the N. P. Railroad Co., on the opposite side of the river. Three hundred invitations have been sent out, and it is expected that a great number of persons of note will be here from abroad. Our friend T. B. Shoaff, is one among the number who is superintending the preparations for this grand time. Music will be furnished by a string band from Duluth. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 June 1872, p. 1, c. 6)


27 June

Colonists’ Reception House, built by the NP to house newly arrived immigrants on their way to purchase NP land, ca. Unknown.
Source: Carl Faust

THE party at the Headquarters Hotel on Thursday evening in honor of the opening by the N. P. R. R. Co. of the Colonists’ Reception House, located on the west bank of the Mississippi, was the most complete affair ever gotten up in these pines. It was a brilliant array of the beauty, talent, and worth of the city of the pines—rendered more beautiful by the graceful presence of the beaux and belles of Duluth, Fort Ripley, St. Paul, Minneapolis, James River, D. T., Hastings and points east and west on the line of the N. P. The company was very large, the music and prompting unexceptionable, the refreshments choice, and richly served, and the enjoyment of those present most complete. The opinion has prevailed, and been to some extent demonstrated, that it was very difficult to get up a party of ladies and gentlemen, “to trip the light fantastic toe,” in Brainerd, without drawing the lines of class so taut as to raise objections and insure financial failure. From this time forward, this impression ceases. The moral and cultivated sentiment of the community has asserted its prerogative to rational amusement and enjoyment, and future calls from as respectable a corps of managers, and under the countenance of so worthy a person as the host of the “Headquarters” will be answered by the same array of beauty and real worth, as formed the basis of the attendance at the party of last night; may that call be not long distant.

The following is a list of guests, from abroad, in attendance:

Duluth, J. H. Hepham and wife, Maj. J. L. Smith, L. L. Trumbull and lady, H. Russell, W. P. Sargent, Mr. Munroe, Mrs. R. S. Morford, Miss Morford, S. Seaton and daughter, Hazen and wife, Miss D’Unger, H. A. Stratton, C. Adams, J. H. Shoenberger, Col. W. B. Gaw, Geo. H. Shoenberger, E. L. Bailey, Mr. Gates, E. W. Brady, A. J. Sawyer.

St. Paul, Charles Commisky, Temple Clark, E. C. Judson, James R. Day, C. D. Lombard, J. D. Sturgess, B. Hedge, Geo. B. Wight, Minneapolis; M. L. Knotten, N. P. R. R.; Mr. and Mrs. Doty, J. D. Weed, Capt. McCorsky and three ladies from Fort Ripley; Mr. Brown. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 June 1872, p. 1, c. 3)


29 June

J. GREGORY SMITH, President of the N. P. R. R. arrived in town last Saturday night by special train, and has been bobbing back and forth from Duluth to Moorehead [sic], and Fargo ever since. He and his party, which includes U. S. Senator Windham [sic] [Windom] of this State, are still at the west end. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 July 1872, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: 13 July 1872


02 July

R. R. Accident.


On Tuesday last a construction train ran off the track a mile or two this side of Sicottes and killed one man instantly and injured another fatally. The man killed was Wallace A. Page, who was crushed among the rocks with which the car was loaded, and upon which he was sitting at the time. The other was James Pike, fireman, who was scalded in such a manner that he died twelve hours later. John Neely had both legs broken, and is here, doing as well as may be expected. Several others received slight injuries. The accident was occasioned by the expansion of the rails, by heat from the sun, which threw them out of line. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 July 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


SEE: 13 July 1872

SEE: 03 August 1872


04 July

SEVERE ACCIDENT.


Henry Cunningham, a locomotive engineer, met with a very severe accident on Thursday last at the turn-table up at the machine shops. He was standing on the table with his foot at the extreme end of the rail thereon, as it was swinging around into position to receive an engine. As the end of the rail came up to the end of the one on the track approaching the table, his foot was caught between the rails and crushed to pieces. He is now under the care of Dr. Thayer, and is doing tolerably well, although it is feared that he will lose his foot. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 July 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


SEE: 03 August 1872


06 July

GENERAL TICKET AGENT.


Mr. G. G. Sanborn has been appointed General Ticket Agent for the Northern Pacific Railroad, and has his headquarters at Brainerd. Mr. Sanborn is a Virginian, and will be assisted by his brother in the office here. He is a gentleman of fine business talents, courteous in manner, and full of energy. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 July 1872, p. 1, c. 6)


OFFICERS OF THE NORTHERN PA-

CIFIC RAILROAD

_____


New York Headquarters, 120 Broadway; Minnesota Headquarters at Brainerd.

President—Hon. J. Gregory Smith.

Vice President—Hon. R. D. Rice.

SecretarySamuel Wilkeson.

Treasurer—A. H. Barney.

Chief Engineer—W. M. Roberts.

Assistant Chief Engineer—D. C. Linsley.

General Manager—Chas. W. Mead.

Superintendent—C. T. Hobart.

General Freight Agent—R. W. Chase.

Gen. Agt. Land Dept.—Geo. B. Wright.

Disbursing Agent—R. M. Newport.

Supt. of Machinery—G. W. Cushing.

Attorneys—Sweet & Wood.

(Brainerd Tribune, 06 July 1872, p. 2, c. 1)


SEE: 1869

SEE: 09 March 1870

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 11 November 1876

SEE: 09 December 1876

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 31 December 1882


Dr. Samuel W. Thayer, first Medical Director, Northern Pacific Railroad, ca. 1864.
Source: Styles, Burlington, Vermont, Timothy G. Cooper

MR. EDITOR.—As you have given your readers from time to time items of interest concerning the Northern Pacific R. R. and its progress, your correspondent has interviewed a number of the medical staff and obtained the following information which may be of interest to the thousands of readers who have friends and relations employed upon the Northern Pacific and its divisions. The Medical Department was organized February 2d, 1871, with Dr. S. W. Thayer, of Burlington, Vt. as Medical Director. In order to sustain it a tax of 50 cents a month was deducted from the pay of its employees from the highest to the lowest. This tax has been regularly paid into the Company’s Treasury ever since. The system at first was unpopular and met with opposition from many of the employees, but the Company persisted in its deductions, knowing the practical value such an Arrangement, and as from time to time, employees began to receive medical aid and assistance, often of a nature that it would benefit them as many dollars as they had paid cents, without an organization of this kind, the old prejudice wore away and now its benefits and advantages are sought after and acknowledged by all. During last summer a hospital car was fitted up and maintained by the Northwestern Construction Company for the benefits of its employees, and in it were beds, bathing facilities and dispensary, accompanied by a nurse and under the constant care of a competent physician. During the present season the car will be in the service of Payson, Canda & Co., west of Fargo, and no doubt will be of inestimable service to many of the workmen of the Dakota Division.

As soon as the Northern Pacific took charge of the Lake Superior and Mississippi R. R. the same arrangement went into effect upon that line, and now the whole line is under medical supervision, and the following physicians have charge of it:

DRS. MURPHY and WHARTON, of St. Paul, look after the road from St. Paul to Hinckley and Stillwater. DRS. GOODRICH and KIMBALL, of Minneapolis, take care of the line between White Bear Lake and Carver. DR. S. S. WALLBANK, of Duluth, has charge between Duluth and Hinckley. On the mainline of the Northern Pacific, DR. C. P. THAYER, of Brainerd, presides over that portion between the Junction and Oak Lake, including the dispensary at Brainerd. DR. J. C. ROSSER, of Fargo, takes care of the road between Oak Lake and Cheyenne, D. T. From Cheyenne to a point 50 miles east of the Missouri is under the professional care of DR J. KURTZ, while the remaining 50 miles to the Missouri is under DR. C. A. McCOLLUM.

Thus the whole line is under the care of competent physicians and surgeons, and in case of illness or accident medical aid can be procured at once.

Dr. Charles P. Thayer, Northern Pacific physician, son of Dr. Samuel P. Thayer, ca. Unknown.
Source: Start, Tufts University Digital Archives

It is the intention of the R. R. Co. soon to erect a hospital at some point along the line, at which employees can obtain that care and attention which is so essentially necessary to their comfort, when overtaken by sickness or accident. The Northern Pacific is making early provisions for the comfort of its employees, and setting and example worthy of imitation by every Railroad corporation in the county.

Yours truly,

QUIS-QUIS.

(Brainerd Tribune, 06 July 1872, p. 4, c.’s 1 & 2)


THE NEW FOUNDRY.


We received a call on Saturday last from Mr. Spier, who is here for the purpose of superintending the construction of the new mammoth foundry, now in course of construction above Broadway near the Railroad track. This great and valuable enterprise will be pushed to completion at once, and will be one among the many stable institutions that is springing up in this new, beautiful and almost alarmingly enterprising young “city of the pines.” (Brainerd Tribune, 06 July 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


13 July

THE BRAINERD BRANCH.


Though a lull has taken place in the operations on the Brainerd Branch, from St. Cloud to this city, we feel fully authorized in saying that it is only a lull, and has not been abandoned altogether, as some of our down-country papers would like to have it. The Pembina Branch must needs be pushed with might and main to an early completion, that the interests of the Company may be subserved. Iron sufficient to push ahead on both branches cannot be obtained, and consequently our little branch to St. Cloud must “await its time with patience.” Nature, in all her phases, says the Brainerd Branch must be built; thousands of people are beginning to feel the need of it, and the authorities say IT SHALL BE BUILT, and that, too, inside a year. Our busy contemporaries will please stick a peg here, for we imagine we know what we are talking about. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 July 1872, p. 1, c. 3)


SPECIMEN BRICKS.


Ad for manufactured bricks, 06 July 1872.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

Mr. Knapp, Supt. of the Manufacturing Co.’s operations here, placed upon our table some specimen of the first brick made at the new Brainerd Brick yard, the other day. The first kiln was finished a few days ago, and contained 75,000. Another one to contain 150,000 will soon be burned. The brick, we are pleased to announce, far more than satisfied the most sanguine expectations, and are pronounced A No. 1, both in quality and manufacture. They are smooth, solid, and free from lime, to speak of, and are pronounced a better quality than any that have ever been imported to these parts. This is another highly important branch of manufacture to our town, and the Northern Pacific Manufacturing Co. can hereafter supply the great demand for brick with promptness, and need not fear competition. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 July 1872, p. 1, c. 3)


PERSONAL.


Mr. M. C. Kimberley, the efficient Chief Engineer of the Minnesota Division N. P. R. R. has been in town a portion of the week. Since his appointment to fill the place of Col. Gaw, as Engineer-in-charge of the docks at Duluth, we imagine his duties must be somewhat arduous. He will spend about half his time on the line between Duluth and Moorehead [sic]; and the remainder at Duluth. Mr. Kimberley is physically strong and mentally vigorous, however, and can readily come up to any emergency in his department, and is, withal, one of the many No. 1 men of the N. P. with whom we delight to meet. They are all good commonsense men, and do not belong to the “Big I and little you” order. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 July 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


PROMOTED.


Mr. Wm. Doyle, heretofore a brakeman with Conductor Edwin Schofield, running west from here, has been promoted to the conductorship of a freight train. Mr. Doyle is known to be a young man of strict integrity, and those best acquainted with him say the promotion was well deserved. We delight to record such incidents, and wish Mr. Doyle a thousand safe and pleasant “runs.” (Brainerd Tribune, 13 July 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


THE FOUNDRY.


The new Brainerd Foundry is being pushed forward with giant strides, and during the past week the frame work has been erected; Mr. W. F. Bailey, the manager, is a man full of energy, and proposes to be melting metal in this important manufactory, a week or two hence. We wish this firm success in this splendid enterprise. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 July 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


MR. EDWIN SCHOFIELD.


We had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of this gentleman the other day. Schofield is a conductor on the N. P., and one of those trustworthy and solid men that it is a pleasure and gratification to enjoy the acquaintance and friendship of. Mr. S. used to be conductor on the Union Pacific Road, we believe, when under the management of that accomplished gentleman and efficient General Manager of the Northern Pacific, Mr. C. W. Mead, and is one of the many valuable men that the Northern Pacific Company is getting together to conduct its important affairs. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 July 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


The Duluth Herald says: “We learn that the N. P. Company are making arrangements to let still another division (the Montana) of their road. The work on the Dakota Division is progressing so rapidly, that they feel no hesitancy in letting out an additional division. The contractors on the Dakota Division are pushing not only the grading, but also the track laying, and trains can now go 13 miles beyond Fargo.” (Brainerd Tribune, 13 July 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


PERSONAL—ERRATUM.


During a day’s unavoidable absence the latter part of last week, several matters for our last issue had to be written up by another party, and that party—we know thoughtlessly, but carelessly—made an awkward blunder from first to last of the personal notice of the Hon. J. Gregory Smith and party on the line of the N. P. Editors, like other men, are sometimes placed in a very awkward position before the public by trusting to others, and the item in question succeeded very successfully in putting us in an awkward position, which we regret exceedingly—it being a misstatement very poorly told.

Gov. Smith, (who is President of the N. P.) with a party of officials, made a thorough tour of inspection along the line of the Minnesota Division of the Road, and we are glad to learn that he was greatly gratified at the rapid progress of the Road, its local management, and greatly surprised at the wonderful development of the country along the entire line. On the other hand, his visit has been conducive of the greatest good benefits, lending a thrill of good cheer to the hearts of all, from the heads of departments and capitalists down to the humblest cottager throughout this great Northern Pacific country.

Gov. Smith was accompanied by his son, and Senator Windom, among the rest, and on their return from the west they tarried at Headquarters here a day or two, when many matters of great importance to the Company were considered, and we dare say disposed of with satisfaction to all. They here to inspect the L. S. & M. Division. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 July 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


SEE: 29 June 1872


The accident on the Northern Pacific west of Brainerd, referred to in last week’s TRIBUNE, was caused by the expansion of rails. An engine and six freight cars were totally wrecked. Two men were killed, and several others badly injured. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 July 1872, p. 2, c. 2)


SEE: 02 July 1872


20 July

INTERESTING LETTER FROM THE MIS-

SOURI RIVER CROSSING.


EDITOR TRIBUNE:—About the 20th of May I bade my friends at Brainerd good-bye, and reluctantly (for a time only) severed the many pleasant ties of friendship formed after a residence of a year and a half among the enterprising people of your thriving little city. For Brainerd, and her growth and prosperity I shall ever feel a lively interest. My destination was the new town at the Missouri River,” and securing passage for Sioux City, Iowa, thither I was hurried as fast as the iron horse could carry us. On arriving there my first business was to procure passage up the Missouri on some one of the many steamboats plying up the river. I found the fine steamer Ida Stockdale, which had just been purchased by the N. P. R. R., was about to start up the river to the Missouri crossing, and although it was not the intention of W. E. Wellington, Supt. of the Transfer Dept., N. P. R. R. to take passengers, I secured passage. Mr. Wellington had put the Stockdale in perfect order, and on our voyage up everything was kept neat and tidy as a lady’s parlor. Mr. Wellington has as good a steamboat record as any man in the west, and the Company is fortunate in securing him to organize their Transfer Department. The trip was very pleasant, as one sees so much to interest and amuse. Today a herd of antelope, grazing like a flock of sheep; tomorrow a cry of elk is raised, and all hands go for the pilot house, and then the scenery is ever charming, ever varied. After many days we pass Ft, Rice, and there we begin to look out for the famous town at the crossing. Somebody says,”I see tents;” and away beyond the bend are seen the tents of Engineer Ecalson [sic] [Eckelson], who is camped near the mouth of Heart River. We land and find that the town is six miles further up river, so still up we go. On arriving at Edwinton we find a real Minnesota community. Geo. P. Sweet is here representing the town interests, while among the many residents we see many familiar faces. The question of where the crossing will be is the great question with the people here. About seven miles up and down the river the land is covered with claim shanties, and every settler is confident that the road will cross his claim; but time will settle the question. The population of this place is variously estimated at from three to six hundred, and is composed mostly of people from Minnesota and the pioneers up and down the Missouri. Nearly every boat down brings people from Montana and the upper country. The general character of the people here is the best that I ever saw in a new town. No disturbances or trouble have occurred here, and the lawless element that prevails so largely in new towns has no existence here. In fact I never saw so many men gathered together from different parts of the country that were so quiet and well disposed. There is every promise of a fine town here. The geographical location, the fine land adjacent, the great amount of freight which must be disembarked here, all render it certain that here will be the town of the road, and already business is increasing rapidly. If the line was located, or is located within thirty days, I believe winter will find us with a population of three thousand souls. Shaw, Cathcart, & Co. have an immense stock of goods here, and several other parties have large stocks also, while of saloons there are only two. Prescott, Bly, & Co., of your city, have a good saw mill in operation. Ayers & Sanbut, also of Brainerd, are here as general contractors, and every day brings new arrivals, both from Minnesota and along the line of the Missouri River, and the people are evincing that they have confidence in the energy and enterprise of the N. P. R. R. that the road will be speedily pushed forward to this point. I believe that Edwinton has advantages second to no point on the road, and would say to all come and see for yourself.

Yours truly, A.

(Brainerd Tribune, 20 July 1872, p. 1, c. 3)


THE N. P. SURVEY WEST OF THE

MISSOURI.


General Rosser, in the light suit and hat, and Staff, ca. 1872.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

The Pioneer understands that Governor Smith, President of the N. P. R. R., has recently ordered a new and very critical transit and topographical survey of the region of country west of the Missouri River, and the survey is to be conducted under the direction of Gen. Thomas L. Rosser, the distinguished Chief Engineer of the Dakota Division. Ample arrangements have been made with the military authorities for a large and effective escort to accompany the observers. The corps of engineers are being made up, preparatory to take the field on the 20th inst. It is proposed to extend the examinations of the country even beyond the Yellowstone River, to a connection with examinations of the country coming from central Montana. When the survey is completed, a full and critical examination will have been made from Duluth to Puget Sound. Doubtless this extensive survey about to be put on foot, going both east and west, is being done with a view to the extension of the road at least from the Missouri River to the Yellowstone. This survey will be completed, and the notes reduced to tabular statement, showing sufficient data and preliminary facts upon which to invite, and even accept, if necessary, propositions for construction by the 1st of Nov. next. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 July 1872, p. 1, c. 3)


SEE: 14 December 1871

SEE: 29 February 1872

SEE: 25 October 1872

SEE: 26 October 1872

SEE: 14 February 1873

SEE: 01 March 1873

SEE: 18 March 1873

SEE: 02 August 1873

SEE: 23 August 1873

SEE: 25 October 1873

SEE: 15 April 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 28 October 1876

SEE: 06 January 1877

SEE: 17 March 1877

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 30 April 1877

SEE: 05 May 1877

SEE: 12 May 1877

SEE: 17 May 1877

SEE: 26 May 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 21 July 1877

SEE: 11 August 1877

SEE: 29 August 1877

SEE: 15 September 1877

SEE: 25 October 1877

SEE: 08 November 1877

SEE: 22 December 1877

SEE: 26 February 1878

SEE: 15 June 1878

SEE: 06 July 1878

SEE: 17 August 1878

SEE: 24 August 1878

SEE: 23 January 1879

SEE: 25 January 1879

SEE: 11 March 1879

SEE: 15 March 1879

SEE: 05 April 1879

SEE: 12 April 1879

SEE: 24 May 1879

SEE: 06 December 1879

SEE: 13 December 1879

SEE: 27 December 1879


TO BE BUILT AT ONCE.


The magnificent new passenger depot, that was fully described in the TRIBUNE a couple or three months ago, is to be built at once, and the workmen have already commenced operations. This will be another fine ornament to our town, and in point of beauty, in design and finish, will compare with any in the west. The second story of the structure is, we believe, to be finished off as described in our previous article, for Headquarters offices. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 July 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


PERSONAL.


Mr. Luther Allen, of New York, has been appointed Auditor of the Northern Pacific, and will have his headquarters at Brainerd. We received a call from Mr. Allen a few evenings ago, and spent a very pleasant half hour. He thinks this western country is decidedly a novelty, to one who has spent his whole life amid the straight-jackets of the East, but readily acknowledges its fine natural attractions, comparative freedom of style, and feels sure he can “harmonize” with we ‘uns and greatly enjoy a life in the West. He appears to be a gentleman of fine social qualities, with broad ideas, and knows just when the appreciation of anything comes in. We welcome him, and all such, to the gem city of the pines—”our latch string is always out.” (Brainerd Tribune, 20 July 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


STILL GOING LIKE HOT CAKES.


Mr. Lyman P. White, the efficient town-site Agent of Brainerd, has been kept busy for the past month in selling real estate to actual settlers in Brainerd, and as fast as they are disposed of, residences, business houses, and factories are looming up all over. The sales continue, and ere we are aware of it an important manufacturing city will have grown into existence here, on the beautiful banks of the upper Mississippi. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 July 1872, p. 1, c. 6)


One thousand Indians are reported to have collected at a point on the route to be taken by the Yellowstone expedition, which is to leave Fort Rice the 25th inst., and that the Indians are determined to prevent, if possible, the survey of the Northern Pacific Railroad through their lands. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 July 1872, p. 2, c. 3)


24 July

STATE NEWS.

_______


CROW WING COUNTY.


Workmen have commenced on the new passenger depot at Brainerd. (Minneapolis Tribune, 24 July 1872, p. 2)


Originally built by the Northern Pacific Railroad in March [sic] 1872 as its headquarters building [and remodeled as the depot in 1883], it stands on the southeast corner of Washington [Main] and Sixth Streets, near where the concrete water tower now stands, this depot burns down in 1917. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 19)


NOTE: The construction of the depot in 1872 is started in July NOT in March as stated by Dillan above.


27 July

KILLED.


One night this week somebody’s horned critter came to grief, on the N. P. at this place, in attempting to butt one of the powerful locomotives off the track. It got everlastingly scooped out, and now sleeps in the valley. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 July 1872, p. 4, c. 1)


28 July

[...]


ON THE ROAD.


At four o’clock the train left Brainerd for the Junction, a distance of 92 miles. Reader, did you ever ride on an engine? The reporter never had either, and he secured the necessary permission and perched himself on the fireman’s seat. If the inexperienced reader will take his advice, he will remain in his legitimate seat in the coach. The heavy mass of iron goes jolting and jerking over the road rendering it necessary for the occupant to cling on for dear life, while smoke and cinders fill his eyes and streak with soot the jumbled up vision he has succeeded in impressing therein. For reportorial purposes, however, there’s nothing like it. That is, always providing that the engineer is disposed to talk and disperse information.

A dense fog filled the atmosphere when the train pulled out of Brainerd, and so completely obscured the track that it could be seen scarcely two rods ahead. But into the density dashed the locomotive plunging along under the universal order of railroad companies to their engineers: “You are to presume that the track is clear, and go ahead.” Go ahead he did, at twenty-five miles an hour. Soon the sun came up and dispersed the fog. Straight as an arrow, for miles upon miles ahead, the track stretched towards the glory of the east, and the sun threw slant beams upon the bright rails, and they became two threads of silver. When two miles beyond the first station—Withington [Deerwood]—a large lake drifted by the train on the south. A long line of earth and trestle work skirted its borders—apparently an abandoned track.

“That’s where the famous sink hole is that swallowed up as many tons of earth and a whole section of trestle,” says the engineer. The roadmaster is constantly in trouble about those sink holes, which are numerous through the woods and swamps. They are apparently bottomless, or at least many of them, and a great deal of time and money has been expended in trying to fill or bridge them. In a great many places the road has been changed, sometimes a considerable distance, in order to avoid a slough which it was impossible to fill. The plan pursued, and which is the only one by which they can be crossed, except in occasional exceptional cases, is to corduroy them with long tamarack poles, upon which earth is then thrown until the mass ceases to sink. Trains can then cross these places, but necessarily at slow speed, for the track is very uncertain, and heaves and sinks sometimes with a deflection of a foot or more. At Sicotte, 59 miles from Brainerd, there is one of these places fully half a mile in length. An immense mass of earth has been dumped in here, with no result at all, and a sort of pontoon bridge is being built. A short distance beyond, another place a mile in length, is being piled, bottom fortunately having been found.

The only houses to be seen along the track, from Brainerd to the Junction, are at the few stations, and these are generally depots and water tanks, with a residence at the back end. The country from Brainerd to Kimberley, 39 miles, is of a very fair description, being high and rolling, and consequently well drained. Beyond Kimberley to the Junction it gradually grows from bad to worse, and is either swampy or rocky.


WORK ON THE ROAD.


The Superintendent is confident that the road will be completed to the Missouri river by the 1st of November. The track is laid 282 miles from the Junction, and iron is being laid at the rate of four miles per day, on the different divisions. At Brainerd, the new office headquarters are well underway, and are to be the finest in the State. A number of new depots are being built along the road, by one contractor, a man by the name of Bridges. They are all very large, and are elegantly finished. As an evidence of the style of finish, it may be well to say that each door, in each depot, is to cost not less that $25.00, and even the knobs cost four dollars a piece.

The road, or the running portion of it, is to be ballasted over the whole length, immediately, and will undoubtedly be one of the finest tracks in the State. (St. Paul Daily Press, 28 July 1872, p. 4)


29 July

SAD ACCIDENT.


On Monday evening last a deplorable accident occurred at the machine shops, or near them, whereby one man lost his life and five others were injured. The Company were having a brick “dry house” built, wherein to season the lumber consumed in their operation in car building, and the brick masons had just completed their part of the work when the accident occurred. The dry house was made of brick with an arched ceiling. After completing the arch the men undertook to remove the “center” or supports, inside, but in order to do so had to pry up on one or more of them with a lever power, in order to get the arch supports out; this sprung the mason work, and when the middle center was removed the whole arch, including a portion of the sides, came crashing down upon all within, of whom there were six. Wm. Dibble, a carpenter, and who was standing about in the center of the building, was buried and crushed to death almost instantly, although the other five, strange to say, came out with only severe bruises and contusions but nothing more. Mr. Dibble was a young man, in the prime of life, and was from Hoks [sic] [Hokah], Houston county, in this State. What makes his untimely death all the more sad is the fact that his brother was also killed on the Southern Minnesota Road some three months ago, and his aged mother came near dying from grief at his loss; and now that another of her sons has been sent home to her, a corpse, the shock will probably cause her death. Mr. Dibble is said to have been a fine young man, much esteemed by his fellow associates. On Tuesday his remains were deposited in a coffin, and was followed by a hundred or two of the estimable men employed about the machine shops and car works to the depot, who witnessed with tearful eyes the departure on the noon train of the remains of their unfortunate comrade. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 August 1872, p. 1, c. 6)


30 July

FATAL ACCIDENT.


On Tuesday evening last a train coming in from the west ran over a squaw a few miles out from here, belonging to the Gull Lake band of Chippewas. She was lying on the track directly across the rail, as we understand, and was supposed to be stupefied with whiskey, and laid down to sleep—her last sleep—on the track. Her body was severed in twain, killing her instantly. She was not discovered in time to save her, by the engineer. This is the first accident of the kind we ever heard of among the Indians, and was doubtless as “new” to them as it was sad. A coffin was sent out on Wednesday in which to bury her remains. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 August 1872, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 10 August 1872


02 August

What We Know About “Branches.”

HURRAH, FOR BRAINERD!

_____


The “Brainerd Branch” to be

Completed Immediately—

Brainerd, its Permanent

Terminus—Direct Com-

munication with St.

Cloud, Minneapolis

and Saint Paul.

_____


Good Times in Brainerd Now,

and Still Better Coming—

Let Everybody Hold

Fast, and “All

Promenade!”

_____


ANNOUNCEMENT.


NEW YORK, August 2, 1872.


Editor Brainerd Tribune.

“The Directors have ordered the track to be laid, and the Railroad completed im-

mediately, from Sauk Rapids to Brainerd.

THOMAS H. CANFIELD.”

The above is authoritative, and we return thanks for the prompt information. We feel as though we, ourself, are entitled to some credit, for stubbornly resisting the attempts of the interested people and newspapers of the lower region, in their persistent efforts during the past few months to not broadcast the idea that the “Brainerd Branch” would NEVER be built. We have done all that was consistent to assure our citizens, and those seeking homes in Brainerd and vicinity, that this important railroad WOULD BE BUILT, for we felt sure that Nature had decreed it, and that its construction was but a question of time, and we firmly BELIEVED that the time was close at hand. The importance of this branch line—laid from Brainerd straight down the Mississippi to St. Paul—to Brainerd, cannot be estimated as yet; and from this day onward, notwithstanding the great enterprise and wonderful growth of our place as it is, our Gem City of the Pines will take a fresh start and shoot forward with a velocity unheard of in the establishment of cities. Manufactories of every kind will spring into existence like mushrooms, and the inexhaustible lumber resources of this section will find a market here, west of here and south of here, in every form of manufactured articles and in the form of lumber. Although our growth for the past six months has been pronounced a solid one, now that the Brainerd Branch is to be immediately built and put in operation, the last ray of doubt as to the future of this important point vanishes like dew beneath a noonday sun. THREE CHEERS FOR BRAINERD! (Brainerd Tribune, 03 August 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


03 August

N. P. RAILROAD.


Gentlemen just in from the extreme end of the N. P. say that the great work is being put forward at a rapid rate; about two miles of track per day are being laid.

Work on the line is progressing favorably, and is being pushed forward as rapidly as possible. Mr. Loring states that the grading will be completed to the Missouri by the first of October, and that the iron will be laid through to that point as early as the 15th of November. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 August 1872, p. 1, c. 3)


COMPANY’S HOSPITAL.


Colonists’ Reception House, Frank Jay Haynes, 1877.
Source: Haynes Foundation, Montana Historical Society

The beautiful new and mammoth building lately completed here for an Immigrant Home by the N. P. Co., is, we understand, to be taken and used as the Northern Pacific Hospital. The building at Duluth, and the one at Glyndon—duplicates of this—are considered sufficient to answer as Immigrant Reception Houses, and it has been very wisely, as we understand, determined to convert the one here at the General Headquarters of the road, into a hospital for all employees, where the sick or wounded of the entire road may be properly cared for medically, and every other way. This, we consider is a grand idea, and the project verifies assertions everywhere made that the Northern Pacific Co. is the most liberal of any corporation in the country, in the noble matter of taking care of its sick and unfortunate employees. This fine and extensive institution will, of course, be under the immediate supervision of the Drs. Thayer—Dr. Samuel Thayer being the Medical Director of the Company, ably assisted by his son, Dr. C. P. Thayer. These gentlemen, besides standing in the front rank of their profession, are highly esteemed citizens, and are generally beloved by all employees of the Company for their kind and attentive attention to all the sick; hence, the news that a general hospital is to be established at this place will be hailed with the greatest satisfaction along the entire line of the Road. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 August 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


THE NEW PASSENGER DEPOT.


At Brainerd is progressing rapidly. The excavation for the basement story has been completed, and the walls are being fast put up. We have seen a portion of the brackets and other ornamental supports, etc., at the warehouse of Lyman Bridges, and we feel sure our young city is to have a passenger depot that will prove a great ornament to our place, and a fitting structure for the General Headquarters of the Northern Pacific. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 August 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


THE FOUNDRY.


This splendid enterprise, which is being superintended by our friend, Mr. Bailey, one of its proprietors, is nearly ready for operation, and is a fine appearing structure in addition to its valuable character as a manufacturing institution. We propose to try and get time to visit the Brainerd Car Wheel Works ere long, when we shall take occasion to describe fully what we know about the manufacture of car wheels and things. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 August 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


RAILROAD velocipedes are all the rage on the Northern Pacific—hand cars. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 August 1872, p. 1, c. 6)


THE NEW DEPOTS.


We could not help admiring, during a recent trip over the road, the neat little railway depots the Company are erecting at all the stations along the line. What seems admirable and rather peculiar to us is, that instead of building their passenger and freight depots both in one, they make two separate buildings—one on one side of the track and one on the other. They have adopted a uniform style of architecture, too, and at every station they are exactly alike. They are emphatically multum in parvo, and both in beauty of architecture and practicability seem to us to be just the thing. Lyman Bridges, of the celebrated Chicago firm of Bridges & Co., is the gentleman who has the contract for the building of these depots, and when the road is furnished with them they will prove monuments to the liberality and far-seeing enterprise of the N. P. Company. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 August 1872, p. 4, c. 1)


RAPIDLY IMPROVING.


John Neely, who had both legs broken by an accident on the road a few weeks ago, and Mr. H. Cunningham, who had his foot crushed about the same time in a turn table, are both, we are highly gratified to learn, improving very rapidly, under the care of the Drs. Thayer. They expect to be about again, ere many more weeks, and upon the cheering prospects of so rapid a recovery we congratulate them, and wish them better luck in the future. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 August 1872, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 02 July 1872

SEE: 04 July 1872

SEE: 13 July 1872


08 August

ACCIDENT.


On Thursday last an Indian, in an attempt, we understand, to get off a train, east of town, while in motion, missed his footing when one of his feet was run over by the cars, crushing it in a frightful manner. He was brought to town, when Dr. Thayer dressed it after amputating a portion of it. The Indian suffered great agonies, except when under the influence of anesthetics. We understand he is now doing as well as possible under the circumstances. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 August 1872, p. 1, c. 3)


10 August

NEW COACHES.


Several new and handsome railway coaches have recently been received on the N. P. R. R., which in point of elegance will compare with the finest passenger cars now made. The N. P. Co. evidently go on the principle, throughout all their operations, that what is worth doing at all is worth doing well; for, we heard a well informed gentleman say the other day, that he never saw a road anywhere that had so fine and substantial a lot of rolling stock as was to be found on the N. P. Railroad. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 August 1872, p. 1, c. 3)


ANOTHER MAN KILLED.


As one of the regular freight trains—Conductor Schofield—was coming from the west, and a short distance this side of Detroit [Lakes], the engineer discovered, upon coming around a curve, a man lying on the track, ahead. He promptly reversed his engine, whistled on the brakes, and used every effort to stop his train before reaching the prostrate form on the track; but as there was over thirty cars in the train, and the distance so short, it was impossible to save him. It was about dusk. The man laid with his neck across the rail, his face downward and his arms folded across under his face, his head resting on them. His head and arms were cut off, and his body frightfully mangled. The remains were taken up and brought to this place. From a small account-book found on his body, is name is presumed to be Jack Gannon. He was a stout, heavy-built man, and probably about middle-aged, and evidently a laborer. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 August 1872, p. 1, c. 3)


LEG CUT OFF.


A very valuable horse, belonging to Mr. Hireen, had his leg cut off by a passing train a few days ago, near the round house. Of course, he had to be killed. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 August 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


MURDERED.


The squaw spoken of in our last as having been run over and killed by the train west of here, it proves, was murdered and then thrown on the track, by another Indian—both being drunk. Another Indian boy saw the fracas between the Indian and squaw, saw him kill her with his tomahawk, and subsequently brought the bloody implement into town, and showed it around and related the circumstances. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 August 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


SEE: 30 July 1872


Mr. O. C. Green, recently of the St. Paul & Pacific road, has been appointed superintendent of the telegraph line of the Northern Pacific Railway, including the Lake Superior & Mississippi Division, with headquarters at Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 August 1872, p. 2, c. 3)


The road-bed of the Northern Pacific Railroad will be graded through to the Missouri River by the 1st of October next, and the track will be laid by the 15th of November. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 August 1872, p. 2, c. 3)


MAIL SERVICE.


It is a pleasure, long sought, to announce that arrangements have finally been made whereby mail service, in charge of route agents, will hereafter be enjoyed on the line of the Northern Pacific Railroad. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 August 1872, p. 4, c. 1)


THE NEWS.


In reference to the immediate completion of the Brainerd Branch from Brainerd to Sauk Rapids, has been hailed by our citizens, and the people all along west of here, with the greatest gratification, and Brainerd’s future and present is being made the theme of conversation everywhere. “Brainerd” and “business” are acknowledged now on all sides to be synonymous terms. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 August 1872, p. 4, c. 1)


COLONY COMING.


We hear of an English colony, composed of 500 families, who are coming to the N. P. Railroad country early this fall, and who will settle between here and the Red River, on the line of the road. We send them a hearty welcome, in behalf of the thousands of good people already citizens of the new Northwest, and congratulate this section on the prospect of so valuable, respectable and extensive an accession to their numbers. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 August 1872, p. 4, c. 1)


12 August

ACCIDENT.


By an accident near Glyndon, on Monday night last, conductor Lockwood, of this place, had both his hands severely scalded. Although painful and quite severe, his many warm friends will be pleased to know that his injuries are not serious, and he will be able to be about again in a week or two, as we understand. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 August 1872, p. 4, c. 2)


17 August

STILL THEY COME.


The General Disbursing Agency of the N. P. Railroad, which has up to the present been located in St. Paul, has been removed to Brainerd, where Col. R. M. Newport, the N. P.’s efficient Disbursing Agent, will hereafter have his Headquarters. Paymaster Thomson has also removed his quarters hither, and with this branch of the Treasury department we have also to welcome to the Gem city of the Pines, Cashier Gardner and Messrs. Harvey and Degson. We wish them every enjoyment here in our young city, and know that their presence, as citizens with us will be appreciated and hailed with delight by all our good people. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 August 1872, p. 1, c. 2)


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24 August

THE BRAINERD FOUNDRY IN FULL

BLAST.


Ad announcing the arrival of Charles N. Parker and his foundry in Brainerd, 24 August 1872.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

The Brainerd Foundry and Car-wheel manufactory, made its first cast on Monday last, and the great success that attended it showed with what correctness the arrangement of this fine and extensive establishment was planned and fitted up. Their first melting consisted of five tons of iron, which was chiefly used up in casting articles for their own use. This company, consisting of Messrs. Parker, Bailey, Howson, & Co., style themselves here the “Superior & Pacific Car Wheel Company.” We presume, from the style of the firm, they are to execute a heavy line of castings, chiefly for the furnishing of the Northern Pacific Railroad and its branches with all classes of Railroad iron and brass castings. But they will do a general business in the foundry line, supplying the country far and near with all kinds of castings, either in iron or brass, as cheaply and promptly as any foundry in the west. Their facilities are ample for any emergency, their corps of foundry men large, the whole superintended by Mr. Henry Rudgate, as foreman, who is a master workman in his profession. It is a real sight to visit this fine institution, especially on casting days, and our citizens visit it by scores to see the molten iron transformed into every description of useful articles, from a car wheel or immense shaft down to a two inch cog wheel, Mr. Parker, a member of the firm from their extensive foundries in St. Paul, was here on the occasion of their first cast, and he with Mr. Bailey, the partner in charge of the foundry here, must have been more than delighted with the result of their first effort here. This company is composed of men who are thorough, practical workmen in their business, and who have risen by industry and indomitable energy, to be one of the heaviest and most respectable firms in the western States. The value of so dignified and extensive an iron foundry to Brainerd can not well be over estimated, and the proprietors have started out with the kindest wishes of everybody in our young city for their prosperity. The first castings made for outside purposes, were some for Capt. Emerson’s steam wagon out at Fargo, which, when taken out of the moulds, and handed to the gallant Captain, caused him to smile audibly.

We call attention to the advertisement of the company elsewhere in the TRIBUNE. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 August 1872, p. 1, c. 3)


VISITORS.


It is astonishing, and nothing less, to know and realize the vast number of visitors that have passed over the Northern Pacific this season to see the renowned Northern Pacific Railroad country. Thousands have come and hundreds have remained at various points on the line, while hundreds more have returned to their homes in various parts of the world, only to prepare to come back again with their families and household goods, to locate permanently within the bounds of this great and inviting field. Next season, tens of thousands of immigrants will pour into this New Northwest, and this vast and recently howling wilderness will team with the industry of an educated civilization. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 August 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


THE “END” LEAVING US.


The rate at which the Northern Pacific is being laid down is simply marvelous. The cars are now being run away beyond Wahpeton—the second crossing of the Cheyenne River, and by the middle of next month the iron horse will scream at Jamestown—crossing of the James River, and November first will find the “dare-devil” locomotive smoking hot at the Missouri River, ready to take another leap in the spring, away into the pathless wilds of Montana and the Rocky mountains—away, away, away! (Brainerd Tribune, 24 August 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


07 September

PERSONAL.—President Thos. H. Canfield, of the Lake Superior and Puget Sound Land Company, accompanied by his Chief Clerk, George Follett, Esq., spent a portion of the week in our Gem City of the Pines. We enjoyed a brief but pleasant call from Mr. Follett, and found him to be one of your sociable, everyday men, that it is a treat to get acquainted with. He just thought, and very properly too, that Brainerd was “something,” to say the least of it—New York can’t hold a candle for it in some respects. Mr. Canfield did not favor our sanctum with the light of his pleasant countenance, this trip, because he didn’t have time. As a worker, and indefatigable applicant to business, Mr. Canfield is a remarkable success, and the onward and upward strides of the company he represents, in developing this grand region, points unerringly to him as being the right man in the right place. All the operations of the Company seem to be planned and executed with the greatest wisdom, and justice to the thousands of people now settling in this section both in town and country. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 September 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


MEN WANTED.


There is, seemingly, no end to the demand for men at this point and along the line of the Northern Pacific. Here at Brainerd, however, in the center of gravity on the line for the employment of men and the organizing of crews for all classes of employment. There are foremen, both in the labor and mechanical departments about in search of men. A prominent and experienced man assured us the other day that 5,000 men could find ready employment at Brainerd, between now and November 1st, at good wages. So, let the surplus men of the country below us come to Brainerd this fall if they want to work during the winter for good wages and ready cash. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 September 1872, p. 1, c. 6)


18 September

A YOUNG man named Bryant, had his foot crushed off on Wednesday last by the cars, while switching at the depot. He slipped and fell while getting on the cars when in motion, the wheel catching his right foot, and smashing it to pieces. He came near bleeding to death, but at last accounts he bade fair to survive the terrible misfortune, under the skillful treatment of Dr. C. P. Thayer. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 September 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


21 September

A HANDSOME STRUCTURE.—The grandest structure in the New Northwest is the General Headquarters office building, now being finished off in Brainerd. It is a mammoth building, three stories high, besides the basement—which latter contains three immense fire-proof vaults—with the heaviest, richest cornices and bracket-work, the whole surmounted by a Mansard roof, with heavy dormer windows, and an immense tower rising from basement away above the roof, ornamented at the top with an observatory and the richest finish. The whole building is surrounded by a great platform, and the offices inside for beauty, size and general arrangement and fit-up, will compare with any in the Western country. The whole structure is a thing we may all feel proud of, and all we Brainerdites are as proud of it as a little boy with a new knife. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 September 1872, p. 1, c. 6)


THE NORTHERN PACIFIC.


CHANGE OF PRESIDENTS—REASONS FOR

GOVERNOR SMITH’S WITHDRAWAL.


From the New York Evening Post:

The frequent rumors of the resignation by John Gregory Smith of the Presidency of the Northern Pacific Railroad have at last been confirmed by the action of that corporation’s board of directors. Mr. Smith’s retirement from the office was induced partly by the condition of his health, principally by the demand upon all his time made by the Vermont Central Railroad combination, of which he is the head. The Directors of the Northern Pacific have accepted the resignation of Mr. Smith, and elected as his successor, Geo. W. Cass, distinguished in American railroad enterprises, and recently the President of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago line. Mr. Cass will take up his residence permanently in New York, and give his entire time and undivided attention to the Northern Pacific. His name will be public assurance of a wise and successful management of the great enterprise he has been chosen to preside over.


From the Philadelphia Enquirer:

Ill health having compelled John Gregory Smith, Esq., to retire from the Presidency of the Northern Pacific Railroad, the directors of that great and thriving enterprise, have chosen in his stead Geo. W. Cass. A wiser choice than this could not have been made. Mr. Cass having deservedly achieved an enviable reputation as an administrator of various railroad enterprises, while performing the arduous duties of President of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago road. The new head of the Northern Pacific is, therefore, a gentleman of ripe experience in railroad matters, keenly alive to all the needs of the road he has been called upon to direct, and fully aware of the advantages which must accrue to the Northwest from the early completion of the Northern Pacific from Philadelphia to the shores of the Pacific Ocean. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 September 1872, p. 4, c. 1)


05 October

The rails are laid on the Northern Pacific railroad to Jamestown, within 50 miles of the Missouri river, and the construction train is running. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 October 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


19 October

BEAUTIFUL PRODUCTION.—General Manager Mead was presented, the other day, with a large photograph, in frame, of the “First Fruits” of the Land Department of the Northern Pacific Railroad, as they appeared at our State Fair. To say that the products are No. 1 among the best of this continent, is only repeating what everyone has said who saw them. The photograph, too, is a credit to the artist. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 October 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


Mr. O. C. Green, the accomplished and energetic Superintendent of Telegraph for the N. P. Co., is getting along finely in the work of putting up a second line of telegraph along the Northern Pacific. He will soon have two complete lines between here and the Red River, both of which will be worked to their fullest capacity in the discharge of the immense telegraph business of the road and the Fort Garry business. Our friend Greene is the right man in the right place, and under his accomplished management the clicking batteries along the line “emit no uncertain sound,” and his corps of assistants are all gentlemen and accomplished operators. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 October 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


25 October

PRESIDENT CASS AND PARTY.


Our little city was honored on Friday evening of last week by the arrival of George W. Cass, the new President of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company, and party, consisting of Directors C. B. Wright, Fred W. Billings, and Jas. Stinson; they were also accompanied in their visit over this end of the Northern Pacific by our esteemed and efficient General Manager, C. W. Mead, Superintendents C. T. Hobart, W. W. Hungerford, Engineer T. L. Rosser, and Hon. Wm. A. Howard. The President and his party came straight through from San Francisco in one of Pullman’s mammoth dining room cars, and the fact that a week before, this beautiful coach was on the other side of the continent, attached to it quite an interest as it tarried at our depot a day or two. President Cass spent Saturday in looking over the institutions and the results of the past operations of the Company over which he now presides, and on Monday morning left for the west. That this thorough business visit of “our new President” will have its beneficial results to the Northern Pacific enterprise and all matters and communities so greatly dependent upon its proud and speedy success, all have full faith. Everyone of thousands of people already settled along the line stands ready to do his part toward strengthening the courage of the noble men who have this gigantic and important work in hand. All our people have the fullest confidence in the present and future administration of President Cass, and in them our whole corps of managing officials here have a community of fast friends, who esteem them every one. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 November 1872, p. 1, c. 3)


HOBART:

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ROSSER:

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26 October

Gen. T. L. Rosser passed through Brainerd Tuesday bound east. The General is looking in splendid health, and has just returned from the Missouri River crossing. He states that everything is now quiet in that country. Since the late raid upon himself and Lieut. Adair, the Sioux have been quiet. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 October 1872, p. 1, c. 3)


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THE GREAT NORTHWEST.


The New York Tribune says: “The idea heretofore entertained that the climate of the Northwestern territories, along the line of the Northern Pacific Railroad, might not prove sufficiently temperate for the abundant production of all the cereals, is more than amply disproved by the wonderful agricultural products now on exhibition at the American Institute. Such evidences as these will have the effect of rapidly peopling these hitherto uninhabited regions, and thus open another immense and gloriously fertile territory, from which will be supplied grain enough to feed half the world.” (Brainerd Tribune, 26 October 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


Present Condition of the North Pacific

Railroad.

From the New York Tribune, Oct. 26.


It is announced that by the middle of November this new road will be completed to the Missouri River, 452 miles west of Duluth. This will be an addition of 200 miles since Spring. Trains have been running daily between Duluth and the Red River since April last, and new rolling stock is ready to equip the extension.

On the Pacific side in Washington Territory a small section of 25 miles has been sometime in operation. Forty miles more of track will be completed before the close of the season. Adding the completed portion on the Pacific side to the Eastern section, it gives a total of 517 miles of track laid in little more than two years from the commencement of work. When the delays encountered the first year in making the surveys and deciding on the best line through the forest region are considered, the result is marvelous, and attests the energy with which the work is pushed forward. Some idea of the work accomplished will be conveyed by stating that the finished portion of the road in November will exceed in length the New York Central, with all its lateral and branch lines included.

Besides the actual construction, the work of surveying and locating the entire line across the continent has proceeded with vigor. The exploring parties have fought a few scattering Indians but have carried their surveys successfully to the Yellowstone. The portion of the road now in operation has a large and increasing local traffic. It intersects the Red River at Moorhead, from which point a new railroad is being constructed northward up the valley to Pembina, where it will meet and join a line now being built southward from Fort Garry. It commands the eastward bound freight and travel of the British settlements in Manitoba, and also of the Hudson’s Bay Company. It is also the outlet of a large portion of the grain grown in Minnesota.

When the contracts for this season are completed, the Company will have a permanent business in the great traffic of the Upper Missouri River, with all the Government transportation in the Northwest. A few miles beyond the point where the railway strikes the Missouri the river bends to the westward, and is navigable for steamboats for 1,000 miles of water way from the railroad crossing to Fort Benton. At the foot of the Rocky Mountains, in Western Montana, nearly forty steamers are employed during the season in the trade on these upper waters.

In April next, at the opening of navigation, there will be direct communication, east and west, by rail and river, from Lake Superior, in longitude 92 degrees, to the populous districts in Western Montana, in longitude 110 degrees. From this point westward it is about 400 miles through the passes of the Rocky Mountains to that portion of the Columbia River whence it is navigable to the Pacific.

The finished sections of road entitle the Company to about ten million acres of land granted by the Government, constituting an area about twice the extent of Massachusetts. Ten million contiguous acres belonging to the Government are at the same time rendered habitable and salable. The lands are situated on either side of the line, and principally consist of excellent farming land, with the productive soil characteristic of all the prairie region. Settlers have already applied for more than a quarter of a million acres. The Company has already begun the cancellation of its seven-thirty first mortgage bonds by the proceeds of its sales of land, and is accomplishing its great work with the utmost success and economy.

There is a prospect of a large emigration of the tenant farmer class from England in the coming Spring. One colony alone, recently formed there, through its pioneer agents, secured a tract in Clay County, Minnesota, of 185,000 acres directly on the line of railway. The intended settlement is to be named Yeovil, after a town in the West of England, whence the majority of the colonists will come. The first contingent of this colony numbers about 2,000; the remainder will follow in 1873.

The bureau having in charge the Land Department of the road has built and furnished convenient reception houses for the free accommodation of intending settlers and their families while engaged in selecting their farms. One of these is at Duluth, another at Brainerd, where the road crosses the Mississippi, and a third at Moorhead, at the crossing of the Red River. Emigrants used to trundle with their ox-carts over forlorn and desolate prairies, and bivouac where the night found them. It is quite different now. They are carried in comfort to the very sites of their future homes,—and the organization of the system is such that they are protected from imposition or exploitation from the time they leave their old homes across the water till they begin the foundation of their new ones under the sunset. Every able-bodied and industrious man and woman who comes hither makes the nation richer and contributes to the general prosperity, and in this view the condition and prospects of the road are a source of legitimate congratulation. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 November 1872, p. 3, c. 2)


16 November

GROUNDLESS.—The rumor that for a few weeks past gained some local currency to the effect that Superintendent C. T. Hobart was to be superseded as Superintendent of the Northern Pacific, is, we feel safe in saying, entirely erroneous. Mr. Hobart contemplates getting a leave of absence for a couple of months during the comparatively dull season, we believe, to visit home and friends in New England. This fact is probably the groundwork of the rumor. Mr. Hobart, by his long faithful and laborious connection with the Northern Pacific from its infancy to the present time, has well earned a play-spell, and we wish him the fullest measure of joy and pleasure during his absence down in the country where cider and pretty girls do most abound. But so long as the local management of the Northern Pacific Railroad is in charge of such men as General Manager C. W. Mead and Superintendent C. T. Hobart, rumors about removals are very apt to be fallacious—for we dare say the Northern Pacific Railroad Company possess as great a degree of appreciation as other people. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 November 1872, p. 1, c. 3)


SEE: 24 February 1872

SEE: 16 March 1872

SEE: 15 April 1872

SEE: 27 April 1872

SEE: 04 May 1872

SEE: 25 October 1872

SEE: 14 December 1872

SEE: 29 March 1873

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 05 April 1873

SEE: 29 May 1873

SEE: 31 May 1873

SEE: 17 July 1880

SEE: 17 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


Northern Pacific.


The Minn. Tribune says: “There have been of late several rumors set afloat in regard to the N. P. R. R. that have worked great injustice to the Company. Coming from men who had just arrived from up the line of road they found their way into the newspapers, as those who uttered them intended they should. We learn from a reliable source the following facts: There has been an unavoidable delay of funds and a number of payments have had to be postponed. A letter was received in this city yesterday, from the officers of the Northern Pacific Railroad, stating that sufficient money to meet all liabilities of the Company would be here in thirty days. The grading on the road is completed to the Missouri River. The rumor that work had been discontinued and that horses, carts and other implements had been sent to the rear, was only true in part. There is now no more use for horses and carts as the road-bed is completed. At last accounts there were but twenty-two miles of track to be laid. The snow storm last week stopped work a few days, but it was resumed after the snow partially melted. At last accounts the track-layers were progressing with their work at the rate of one to one and a half miles per day. They confidently expected to be able to complete the track to the Missouri River before winter closed in. There still remains to be built a number of small bridges. If the snow storm of yesterday did not reach that point we may expect to hear of the completion of the road to the river within twenty days as the work will be pushed forward vigorously. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 November 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


22 November

Facts Regarding the Nor-

thern Pacific.


The Pioneer of yesterday, in refuting the damaging rumors set afloat by the enemies of this great national enterprise says: “It has been recently intimated by the enemies of the Northern Pacific Railroad that the work of construction is not completed to the Missouri river to this date, notwithstanding the report of the financial agents of the company, made some weeks ago, both in the United States and Europe, that the road would be fully completed to the Missouri river by the first of November. It is further intimated in the same quarters, that want of means, and the early closing up of the excavation by the drifting snows has been the cause. We deeply regret such wanton misrepresentations, calculated only to obstruct the financial operations of this great enterprise in order to benefit some others of much less importance.

The Northern Pacific Company were advised, both by Messrs. Payson, Canda & Co., the chief contractors, as well as by its own agents in the field, who had direction of the construction of the Dakota Division, that the work on the sub-division, including the laying of the track, would be completed by the 23d of October, as the necessary forces were engaged to do the work. When these reports were made to the authorities in New York, in the month of September, the entire earthwork had been completed and track-laying was progressing at the rate of two miles and a half per day. At this rate of progress, there being a certain number of miles of track and a certain number of bridges to build, with a full force of experienced builders engaged on each character of work, it was an easy problem to calculate the exact number of days required to complete the work, and, as stated above, was reported according.

The bridge contractors, Messrs. E. Sweet, Jr., & Co., were subjected to thirteen days’ delay, included in the months of August and September, in their department of bridge building, from want of bridge material. It is presumed that this delay was unforeseen by all parties concerned, and consequently no blame can attach either to Payson & Co. or W. E. Sweet & Co. But the delay of the track, caused by the want of bridge material, is the true cause of the non-completion of the road to this date, and therefore, not from want of means and snow, as has been maliciously intimated.

The track has reached a point 18 miles distant from the river, and if not completed this fall, it can be readily done in eight or nine days in the spring, and thus be in ample time to meet the opening of navigation on the Upper Missouri River.

We understand that negotiations are pending for freighting Government supplies over the Northern Pacific. This will necessitate the establishment of a line of steamers at the Missouri Crossing, of some considerable magnitude, as the Government alone will furnish a large carrying trade, besides the already great and growing trade of Montana. These large additional freights, taken in connection with the large freights going to Montana, together with the trade on the line of the Northern Pacific, the road must necessarily receive impulses in its opening business of ‘73, of no ordinary character.

In conclusion, it may be proper to state that the N. P. Co. has built on its main line alone 175 miles of first-class railroad in four months. This affords some idea of the vast amount that this Company has paid out in a comparative short time, and also of the energy displayed in every department of the work. The failure to lay a few miles of track, which can be done in ten days, is no cause for abuse of the Company. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 November 1872, p. 4, c. 1)


23 November

PERSONAL.—We are sorry to learn that Mr. John McGregor, who has been, since its commencement, one of the pillars of strength of the Northern Pacific Railroad enterprise, is to leave the road for the purpose of taking a similar position to the one he has always held here, (Road Master) on the Canada Southern Railroad. We are pleased to know, however, that the position he goes there to accept is a promotion, as he is to have the full control of the line as Road Master and ballaster, with a salary equivalent to the services of so accomplished a railroad man and gentleman. Mr. McGregor has made hundreds of fast friends, and no enemies, during his sojourn on the Northern Pacific, and he goes to his new field of labor with the best wishes of the entire community here. We understand Mr. McGregor resigned his position here because he could get fully as good a one, and at the same time be nearer home and friends, and we cannot blame him, although we are loth to lose any such men from this new and growing country. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 November 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


30 November

TRAINS on the N. P. are making regular trips, and running smooth as glass on the new time-table, from Duluth to Moorhead, 252 miles. This reminds us that they have a most wonderful way (to a greenhorn) of getting at the formation of a time-table. It is too big a job for us to undertake to tell how it is done, so that other outsiders could “know all about it;” we couldn’t do it any way, were we to “explain” till Christmas next year; but the result is, they cypher out a time-table by the aid of a mammoth diagram on paper, with about ten thousand perpendicular and horizontal lines on it, of various hefts; they have a regular cob-web of threads running at every conceivable angle across these lines—which lines mean ”time,” and the threads, distance—and secured at the angles by pins, the ends of the threads attached to small keys so that the thread cannot fly the track. By means of these distance threads crossing the time lines, they can tell just when trains can arrive at the various stations, passing points, meeting points, and can tell within five minutes when the passengers are hungry—except in the case of some old tough “cusses,” who can travel indefinitely on a cold doughnut—and accordingly certain stations are fixed upon as the right ones to “wood up” your stomach—the best place to do it on the line is at the Headquarters Hotel in Brainerd. Now, reader, isn’t it funny how they go to work to make a time-table? (Brainerd Tribune, 30 November 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


RESIGNED.—Our friend, Mr. S. V. R. Sherwood, for a year past one of the popular conductors on the N. P., has resigned his position on the road, and is hereafter to be a permanent resident of our city. Mr. S. will have in charge the personal supervision of his fine drug store here which he has built up to be a fine establishment. He sells every line of goods usually kept in a first class drug establishment at wholesale and retail. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 November 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


07 December

GENERAL Manager C. W. Mead, of the Northern Pacific Railroad, returned home, to the Headquarters of the road in this city a day or two ago, from a somewhat protracted visit to New York. Mr. Mead, we believe, was east strictly on important business connected with the present and future of this great Northern enterprise, and was in attendance at the late important meeting of the Directory Board in that city. We have not had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Mead since his return, but what seems to be pretty straight rumor, indicates the Company have laid out for their early spring work, the completion of this end of the Road to the Missouri River where it will connect with a regular packet line of steamers up into the rich Montana regions and with a line of steamers running down the river. The road to be pushed vigorously from the west end, eastward, and no doubt exists in our mind but that the Montana Division will also be pushed west from the Missouri during next season as rapidly as were the Minnesota and Dakota Divisions—although until the completion of that important link in the chain, the traffic between the Missouri River and Montana will likely be done by river. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 December 1872, p. 1, c. 2)


10 December

Report of the C. S. Commissioners on the Northern Pacific Railroad.


WASHINGTON, D. C. Dec. 10, 1872

To the President of the United States:


RECEPTION HOUSE.


In addition to the ordinary station houses the Company [N.P.R.R.] has constructed at Brainerd and also at Glyndon, the crossing of the St. Paul & Pacific railroad, a spacious and comfortable house intended for the accommodation of emigrants and others seeking homes near the line of the road. These houses will accommodate about 300 persons each, and are provided with plain and substantial furniture and necessary cooking utensils for the use of the occupants. It is intended that they shall be occupied, free of charge, by all persons in search of homes, either upon the Government or Company’s lands lying within the limits of the land agent of the road. A similar building is also located at Duluth.


14 December

We regret to learn that General Ira Spaulding, formerly chief engineer of the Minnesota Division of the N. P. R. R. is lying at the point of death in New York, with fever. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 December 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


SEE: 29 February 1872

SEE: 22 June 1872

SEE: 02 October 1875


SEVERELY ILL.—We are pained to announce that Superintendent C. T. Hobart, of the Northern Pacific Railroad, has been very sick during the present week, with the enteric fever, that has prevailed throughout the Northwest to such an alarming extent during the past three months. Mr. Hobart had a touch of it last week, and was confined to his room for two or three days; but, getting better, he went out and it is thought took a severe cold, when a relapse came on, and a good portion of the present week his fever has been raging, and at times his case has been considered very serious. Just before going to press yesterday evening we went to Headquarters to ascertain his condition, and were delighted to find that the fever had taken a turn for the better, and he was resting very comfortably. Dr. Samuel Thayer, the attending physician, says all he requires now is rest and good care. We hope our friend Hobart may not “get in a passion” about outside matters, but subdue his restless spirit, and let business wag as it will, until he becomes thoroughly convalescent, lest he should again be thrown upon a bed of sickness. As soon as he has sufficiently recovered he intends going east to spend three or four weeks on a visit of business and pleasure combined, and his hosts of friends here will wish him a pleasant time and safe and speedy return. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 December 1872, p. 1, c. 4)


SEE: 24 February 1872

SEE: 16 March 1872

SEE: 15 April 1872

SEE: 27 April 1872

SEE: 04 May 1872

SEE: 25 October 1872

SEE: 16 November 1872

SEE: 29 March 1873

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 05 April 1873

SEE: 29 May 1873

SEE: 31 May 1873

SEE: 17 July 1880

SEE: 17 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


Report on the Northern

Pacific R. R.


The Commissioners appointed to inspect the Minnesota Division of the Northern Pacific Railroad prior to its acceptance by the Government, on Tuesday, made their report to the Secretary of the Interior, substantially as follows:

“The section examined is found to be well located, both with reference to local and through traffic. The grades are light, three-fourths of the distance below the average of thirty feet, the sharpest curves being three degrees in radius, with two thousand feet embankment, and the excavations are within the requirements of the law. The ballasting is well done with gravel. The rolling stock is uniformly of excellent quality and good condition, and amply sufficient for all present and future requirements. The engine houses and repair shops are deemed to be adequate. Mention is made of the emigrant houses at Brainerd, Glyndon and Duluth, as being constructed with furniture and cooking utensils for the free use of those intending to settle on the Company’s or Government lands. The snow fences, water stations, telegraph lines are considered ample for their purposes.

The report closes as follows: Having found this portion of the road to be judiciously located, and well constructed and equipped, and believing that it substantially meets the requirements of both the letter and spirit of the law and department regulation, the Committee recommend its acceptance by the Government. The report covers a distance of 228 miles.” (Brainerd Tribune, 14 December 1872, p. 1, c. 5)


FROM JAMES RIVER.—By a private letter received by our fellow townsman, J. Ayers, Esq., from R. Lambert, at James River, Dakota, dated Dec. 24, we learn that the recent “cold storm” thereaway was terribly severe. A train of sixteen wagons, loaded with suttler supplies for Fort McKean, was caught between the Cheyenne and Jamestown, and the whole party, including Mr. Lambert and Mr. Christie, suttler at Fort McKean, came within a hair’s breadth of perishing. They were compelled to throw away half their loads, and finally to abandon teams entirely, and strike out for Jamestown every man for himself. Strange to tell, every man got in, but many of them were fearfully frozen. Pat. Hill, the mail carrier between the Missouri and Jamestown, came into the latter place about the same time, but was so badly frozen that legs and one arm will have to be amputated. The sutler party, that portion of them who escaped freezing, returned the next day to where they had left their teams and got them into Jamestown, but in a wretched condition. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 January 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


1873

04 January

GETTING READY FOR BUSINESS.—Mr. J. S. Campbell, Sup’t. of the Brainerd Lumber and Manufacturing Co., informs us that the new and improved machinery that they have been introducing into their planing mill, is nearly ready for business. This new lot consists of Sash, Door and Blind machines, of the most improved patterns, and taking the whole establishment together, as it now stands, certainly looks like an enterprise, and as though our city is hereafter to possess a manufactory equal to any in the State, of its kind. The country west of us, which will doubtless be flooded by immigration in the Spring, will find that their wants have been anticipated, and every imaginable thing, from a ready-made house to a light of 8x10 glass can be furnished them at a moment’s notice, and at the most reasonable prices. We wish this Company the most abundant success. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 January 1873, p. 1, c. 3)


ANOTHER grand presentation took place a few days ago at the Northern Pacific Machine Shops of this place. The little army of employees laid their heads together, and presented Master Mechanic Wiley with a beautiful stem-winding gold watch and chain, costing upward of $300. We are in possession of none of the particulars of the occasion, but feel sure that Mr. Wiley not only appreciated the situation, but did the handsome thing for the boys, as they certainly did by him in tendering so magnificent a token of their high esteem and regard. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 January 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


11 January

The Northern Pacific all Right!


The fearful snow and wind storm that visited all parts of the western and northwestern country this week, blockaded all the railroads as far south as Omaha, and through Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan. None of the roads are opened even yet, scarcely, and many of them, five hundred miles below here, will be closed for a week to come. But, what of the Northern Pacific? we hear you ask. Why, it was opened up its entire length, WITHIN FORTY-EIGHT HOURS after the storm abated, and trains are now making regular and “COMFORTABLE TRIPS.” Will the enemies of this grand continental thoroughfare please put these facts in their pipes and smoke them? (Brainerd Tribune, 11 January 1873, p. 1, c. 3)


IMMIGRATION.—Never before were the prospects half so bright as now for an immense immigration into the rich and beautiful country along the Northern Pacific Railroad. The opening of Spring, will be the signal for an incoming rush of settlers, such as never before been equaled even in this State. We draw our conclusions from a multitude of sources. We see by papers both in this country and Europe, that thousands are making preparations to come. From and after the first day of May next, the country between Brainerd and the Red River will have become a thickly settled one, and occupied by a high order of people; and a year further on will see the magnificent prairies thereaway, teeming with agricultural wealth, and dotted far and near with the habitations of an industrious, intelligent, Christian people. Let these “beauty-spots” on the face of nature, be added to the hundreds of beautiful groves, the scores of sparkling lakes, and the flower bedecked prairies, and he who looks out upon the panorama will do so with the determination to live among them. These are facts, not fancies; and in less than two years the country between this place and Fargo, which is unsurpassed for beauty and fertility under the shining sun, will be owned, and tilled by the industrious hands of the “actual settler.” We extend a hearty welcome to all good people from every clime to come and secure a home in the land of which we speak. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 January 1873, p. 1, c. 3)


THE PROSPECT.—Aside from the immense immigration that is to pour in upon us in the spring, Brainerd has many things in store for her, in the immediate future, calculated to bring good cheer to her people. It has been definitely decided to finish up the Brainerd Branch Railroad as soon as spring opens. The Pembina, or St. Vincent Branch, is also to be completed, and equipped for the immense business in waiting for it. The main line of the Northern Pacific will, immediately upon the disappearance of winter, be shoved to the Missouri River, and placed in connection with a splendid line of steamers up and down the river, giving us communication with Montana. Many extensive manufacturing establishments will be added to those already here, to work wealth in manufactured articles from the inexhaustible pine forests made tributary to Brainerd by the Mississippi River and its scores of branches. The projected branch road from Brainerd to Fergus Falls must also, from the very nature of the case, be a thing speedily consummated. Although times are, comparatively speaking, rather dull here at present, still there is double the life and money here that any place below us enjoys, and the approach of spring must needs bring us back again to our wonted life and vigor. All in all, the future of, not only Brainerd, but all the Northern Pacific country, was never so bright as it is now. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 January 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


A HEAVY CONTRACT.—Col. W. S. King, and others, have concluded a contract with the Northern Pacific Railroad Company for the construction of 300 miles of the west end of the road, work to be commenced immediately and completed early next season. That don’t look very much like a failure of this great enterprise. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 January 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


15 January

THE NORTHERN PACIFIC.—The New York Sun of the 15th inst., says:—”The Herald reports that the Northern Pacific Railroad is in embarrassment, and is not able to pay its current debts. Without having made any special inquiry into the accuracy of this report we do not hesitate to say that there must be a mistake about it. The Northern Pacific means Mr. Jay Cooke. That great banker has brought the enterprise before the public and is morally responsible for its success. In his case, too, moral and financial responsibilities are equivalent. He cannot afford to allow the Northern Pacific to fail, or what is the same thing, to remain under pecuniary embarrassment. Whatever may have been his original intention, he must put his whole private fortune—and this is believed to be many millions of dollars—into the undertaking, sooner than suffer it to stop or languish and fall into discredit. For this reason the Herald’s report must be inaccurate: and we are confident that Mr. Jay Cooke will at once reassure the public by recognizing and meeting the obligation that rests upon him.” (Brainerd Tribune, 25 January 1873, p. 1, c. 7)


17 January

The Pay-car visited the machine shops yesterday, and paid for the month of November. It left this morning for Duluth, and will pay from here eastward, when it will return and go to the west, paying all the industrious men who are standing to their work in the various departments of the great Northern Pacific—the path-finder of the world. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 January 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


18 January

A CAR was lately shipped directly through from Brainerd to Boston, loaded with 12,000 pounds of venison, one ton of turkeys, 2,000 pheasants, 4,000 pounds of butter and two carcasses of youthful bear. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 January 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


22 January

A SURPRISE PARTY.—On Wednesday evening last, agreeable to previous arrangement and invitation, somewhere near a hundred and fifty of our best citizens, old and young, might have been seen gathering from the “three quarters” of our city, at a given point in the Third Ward. Every group had in transit, baskets, bundles, buckets, and parcels of various kinds. By 7 1-2 o’clock the place of rendezvous resembled a camp in the African diamond field, barring the presence of “natives,” and at a given moment the bundled-up assemblage commenced stringing out in a southerly direction led by someone with a brilliant lantern. Silently, that immense concourse of youth and beauty, steadied in its proceedings by gray hairs, old in wisdom but young in spirit, followed on, many scarcely knowing whither they were going, nor what for, only sure that fun was ahead. Southerly for a time and then westward down Main Street, that “head-light” wended its way, until the river was reached; then across its frigid bosom down its western shore, then up the precipitous bank, wended that long troop, ‘neath the pale beams of the Goddess of Night—except that there was “no moon, no how.” The snow banks of Cass County proved no obstacle, whatever, but the invincible column of pioneers and pioneeresses waded, scrambled, went out of sight in the beautiful snow, ever and anon but when one was lost a score of willing hands commenced the work of excavating, in a manner that would put a snow plow to the blush. The victim of the treacherous snow once above board, the column would proceed, with a few remarks apropos to the condition of things, until the head of the procession entered the capacious apartments of the magnificent Northern Pacific Reception House in West Brainerd, where the weary found rest, and refreshments mountains high.

After the destruction by fire of the building over in West Brainerd used by the Ahrens brothers as a County building for Cass County last fall, the Company very liberally tendered these gentlemen the temporary use of the fine Reception building for County offices, and they have placed the entire premises in the most tasty and tidy condition. It was these two popular young gentlemen, (the Ahrens brothers) who were the surprised parties, as they found themselves suddenly in possession of so formidable an army, and all they could do was just what they did do—surrender with grace, and, comprehending the situation in a moment, made every effort to put all at perfect ease by a warm welcome, accompanied by every sign of true, genuine hospitality.

After all had doffed their outer garments, the supplies had all been stored in the capacious larder, and committees had been appointed in the various departments, the great company gave themselves up to enjoyment appropriate to the occasion. In a few minutes Fretwell, Conant & Stearns’ String Band appeared on the scene, and this ends the description of what all this thing meant—it meant “business” nothing more, nothing less. A most bountiful supper, including delicious coffee was served at 12 o’clock; the dance continued until 2 A. M., and then all went home again, pronouncing the whole affair the grandest success, and happiest event that ever occurred in this New Northwest. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 January 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


23 January

A Worthy Presentation.


On Thursday evening last a party of gentlemen quietly assembled in the parlors of Messrs. Martin & McLean, who had loaded tables with choice meats, game, viands, confectionery, prepared by Messrs. Salisbury & Wilson, of the St. Charles Restaurant. MR. JOHN McGREGOR, who has been connected with the N. P. R. R., since its commencement, always holding important positions in the construction of the Road, and for the past year and a half being the Road Master of this great Railway, was invited to occupy the head of the table, Mr. W. W. Weed, Road Master, occupying the foot of the table as Master of Ceremonies. After the party had been seated, Mr. Jno. C. Robinson, who had been appointed for the purpose, addressed Mr. McGregor as follows:

Brainerd, Jan. 23rd, 1873.

Mr. Jno. McGregor.—Roadmaster Minn. Div.—In behalf of the Section Foremen and men of the Minnesota Division, N. P. R. R., it gives me great pleasure to be the medium through which you are presented this chain, ring, and set of sleeve buttons, as a slight token of their esteem for you as a gentleman, and your uniform kindness as a superior officer.

May the token thus presented be received by you in the same spirit as it is bestowed, and ever be a reminder that true merit never falls short of due appreciation among men.

In conclusion, we wish that Heaven’s choicest blessings may fall upon you hereafter, and we crave a place in your memory in the future, as we have in your kindness of heart during the past.

Mr. McGregor, being taken very much by surprise, and also being a man of action instead of words, replied briefly by thanking, with a few well-timed and grateful remarks, the donors of the rich gift; after which the articles of jewelry mentioned were examined by the friends. They were furnished by Mr. E. L. Strauss, the well-known Jeweler of Brainerd, and are exceedingly rich in appearance, and show great skill in workmanship.

And now came the order to ’set to.’ Twenty-five or more gentlemen paying strict attention to the order, partook of a finer supper than we have ever seen served before in this section of the country.

After the feast, “Auld Lang Syne” sung with heart and by strong voices, produced a pleasant effect upon the party. A few remarks by some of those present closed the ceremonies, and the party adjourned, all delighted with the pleasantness of the affair, its conception, its presentation, its acceptance, and its close. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 January 1873, p. 1, c. 3)


24 January

ORDINANCE NO. 8.—An ordinance to prevent the encumbering of streets, and alleys, side-walks, lanes and public grounds, and to prevent and punish immoderate driving or riding in the streets, and to regulate the speed of cars and locomotives in said City.


[...]


SEC. 3. Whoever shall obstruct any of the crossings of the streets in said city by locomotives, tenders, cars, or other vehicles, or whoever shall be in charge of any locomotive engine or train of cars, and drive or run the same in or through the City of Brainerd, at a greater rate of speed than six miles per hour, shall, upon conviction therefor, be punished by a fine not exceeding Fifty dollars for the first offense, or by such fine or imprisonment not exceeding Thirty days for the second offense, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

Passed January 24, 1873.

LYMAN P. WHITE,

President of Common Council.

(Brainerd Tribune, 25 January 1873, p. 4, c’s 2 & 3)


25 January

THE following appeared among the Washington dispatches of the New York Herald of Tuesday last:

“It is rumored that the financial embarrassment of the Northern Pacific Railroad is such that they are preparing to ask Congress for a guarantee of their bonds.”

The Philadelphia Press of Wednesday, in alluding to the matter, says it learns from the highest authority that there is no truth whatever in the rumor; on the contrary, the finances of the company are in an excellent condition; the average sales of bonds since the first of January are fully equal to the sales of last January. They have not applied, nor are they preparing to apply, to Congress for a guarantee of their bonds. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 January 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


02 February

A COLLISION between the westward bound train and an eastward bound snow plow took place the other day, out at Hobart. The passenger train was standing on the track at that Station, when along came the snow plow train from the west, at a good speed and smashed into the train, scooping the passenger locomotive right up on the plow, running it clear up on to it. The engineer on the plow engine knew nothing of it, till the other engine came rearing up clear to the top of his giant drift-annihilater. The engines were considerably damaged, and some of the cars smashed somewhat, but fortunately no one was hurt—the passengers all being out in the depot. The engineer on the snow plow train, did not know he was approaching a station, as we understand; the snow was blowing considerably, and he lost his reckoning, and was just “letting ‘er pound.” (Brainerd Tribune, 02 February 1873, p. 1, c. 3)


06 February

SWIFT JUSTICE.—On Thursday the 6th inst., when the N. P. Pay Car was paying off the employees at Detroit [Lakes], a man named Mat. Diamond entered the car, and, with account in hand, impersonated another man named S. Diamond. The account he presented, exactly corresponded with that due S. Diamond, as shown by the books, and accordingly the amount was paid over and his receipt taken as S. Diamond. After getting the money, he started off down the line; the forgery, however, was soon discovered, when the Paymaster telegraphed to the section men who captured the rascal and returned him to Detroit [Lakes]. The next day he had his hearing before a Justice Court, was held for trial at the next term of the District Court, and on Wednesday he passed through Brainerd on his way to the Ramsey County jail for safe keeping. This is not the first occurrence of the kind, but from this time forward those guilty of such a crime are to be punished to the fullest extent of the law, in order to effectually squelch such offenses, and it is probable that Mr. Mat. Diamond will lead off in the State Prison gang, convicted of forging accounts on the Railroad. A word to the wise is sufficient. Let this Diamond stand out as a brilliant warning to others. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 February 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


07 February

AMUSEMENTS.—We have before remarked that we have seen in no other place, with like population of Brainerd, so many fun-loving people; we have now to say, or more amusement lovers, particularly in the Terpsichorean Art. Dancing occurs nearly every week night, and it frequently happens that two or even three parties of this kind occur on the same evening. Among the most notable of the season was the Sociable given on Friday night of last week, under the auspices of the employees of the machinery department of the N. P. R. R., at Bly’s Hall, a large commodious room which was well filled early in the evening by a joyous crowd of both sexes. The Duluth quadrille band served their finest music, and all were “merry as a marriage bell.” Under the care and gentlemanly management of Mr. J. E. Wilson, who guided the wary and unwary with equal regularity to all, and by the aid of “MIKE,” the participators had “GRACE,” and all was lovely. As this was particularly a Railroad Ball, we give below the programme, which is characteristic as well as novel:

1. Grand March—R. R. Boys.

2. Quadrille—Snow Plow.

3. Schottisches—Dakota.

4. Les Lancers.

5. Walz—Engines 40 and 43.

6. Quadrille.

7. Varsouvienne.

8. Les Lancers—By having Grace we go Through.

9. Schottische.

10. Quadrille—”Toot, toot,” now we’re off.

11. Polka Mazourka.

12. Fireman’s Dance—Locomotive.

13. Polka—Stop here for Supper.

INTERMISSION.

14. Quadrille—All Right, Go Ahead.

15. Waltz—Ladies’ Choice.

16. Tempest—Down Brakes.

17. Virginia Reel.

18. Quadrille—Caledonia—On Time.

19. Schottische—”Couple Up.”

20. Sicilian Circle.

21. Quadrille.

22. Opera Reel—A Life on the Iron Rail.

23. Waltz and Five Step.

24. Quadrille.

25. Les Lancers—Blow your Whistle.

26. Monie Musk.

27. Schottische—All Aboard.

“HOME, SWEET HOME.”

The party intact lingered into the “wee sma’ hours ayant the twal,” and then reluctantly departed, all well pleased with their night’s entertainment. Much credit is due the gentlemen who planned and carried out so successfully the “ne plus ultra” of the season.

Another pleasant affair of last week of like nature was the party given by the employees of the Hotel de Headquarters to their friends and acquaintances. Many were there, and all enjoyed hugely the tripping of the light fantastic toe. Mr. James Bagley, the genial Steward of the hotel mentioned, graced the floor as Manager, with the same courtesy he extends to the numerous guests that come under his care.

During the present week the Club dances were well attended, and passed off quietly and agreeably. Surely the dancing-loving community are afforded sufficient amusement and exercise to keep away spleen and dyspepsia. It is well. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 February 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


12 February

TERRIBLE TRAGEDY.


A terrible tragedy occurred at the Shades billiard Hall, of this place, on Wednesday evening last, whereby one Patrick Egan lost his life. It appears that he and a man named Jesse E. Wilson, (son of J. P. Wilson, of St. Cloud), were engaged at a game of cards—five cents ante—and after playing for some time a dispute arose as to which had won the stakes, which by this time had increased to two dollars. Finally a full-fledged quarrel came about, and blows soon followed. The two clinched, and during the scuffle Wilson drew a revolver from his pocket and fired. The bullet took effect in the upper portion of the forehead of Egan, who dropped dead without uttering a word. Before anything could be effectually done either to separate them or detain Wilson after he fired, he escaped through the back door and fled southeastward toward the river. Very soon the police were at the scene, and a party of citizens started in pursuit. Hand cars were dispatched east and west on the line, and a team was sent to Crow Wing. The snow in the woods being very deep, it was evident that he would strike for some road. The party who followed him, however, (consisting of Messrs. McInnis, Hamilton, and several other men) overtook him on the river, some two miles below the city, and brought him back. The sad affair occurred at 5 1-2 o’clock in the evening. He had his examination before a justice court at 12 o’clock the same night, and Sheriff Gurrell started with him to St. Paul on the early morning train; he will be kept in the Ramsey County jail, until the sitting of the Court here. The parents of Mr. Egan live in St. Paul, whither his remains were sent. He was a young man, and had for the past year been night dispatcher of engines at the round house. The occurrence cast a deep gloom over our new city, and it is the first death occasioned by the pistol in our history—and we can only pray it will be the last. The prisoner claimed he did not intend to shoot Egan, but that he only drew his pistol to frighten him, and that the discharge of the weapon was accidental. The courts will decide that. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 February 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


SEE: 17 January 1874


14 February

Northern Pacific Railroad

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EXTENSION TO THE YELLOWSTONE

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RIVER FROM THE SECRETARY OF WAR

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On Friday last, the Secretary of War sent to the House of Representatives the following important communication, announcing the proposed letting of the contract for construction of the Northern Pacific between the Missouri River and the Yellowstone, and the necessity of military protection for the workman, &c:


WAR DEPARTMENT, FEB. 14.

Northern Pacific construction on the Great Plains, 1872.
Source: Alfred R. Waud, Minnesota Historical Society

The Secretary of War has the honor to report to the House of Representatives for the information of the Committee on Appropriations, that a telegram has been received from Mr. Cass, President of the Northern Pacific Railroad, that the Company intend to put their road from the Missouri River to the Yellowstone under contract this spring. The work of construction will commence early in summer, and he asks for a sufficient force to be stationed along the line of the proposed road. This will require a strong escort, and will necessitate the establishment of two large posts between the Missouri River and Fort Ellis. General Sheridan reports that our expense for barracks and quarters will be greatly increased, and he thinks it advisable to notify Congress of this fact, so that sufficient additional appropriations may be made for the establishment of these two posts. He says: “The posts to be established will be expensive, and I would respectfully recommend that the fund for barracks and quarters be increased at least in the sum of $250,000.” General Sherman, to whom this subject was referred, says: “This Railroad is a National enterprise, and we are forced to protect the men during its survey and construction through probably the most warlike nations of Indians on the continent, who will fight for every foot of the line. It is a matter of war, requiring near 2,000 troops, who in winter must be sheltered.” I therefore earnestly recommend the appropriation by Congress of the sum of $250,000, to be expended in the erection of two posts, the location of which shall be selected by General Sheridan. I concur with General Sherman in his view that this is a National enterprise, and should receive the support of the Government. It will also prove to be an economical measure, and will tend to the solution of the Indian problem in the Northwestern territory.

WM. M. BELKNAP,

Secretary of War.

(Brainerd Tribune, 22 February 1873, p. 1, c. 7)


NOTE: George Armstrong Custer and the 7th Cavalry are sent to protect the Northern Pacific Railroad from Indian attacks—this would be his first introduction to Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. The Chief Engineer of the Northern Pacific, Thomas L. Rosser, who is in charge of finding a route across the plains, was Custer’s roommate at West Point. Rosser fought for the Confederacy and Custer for the Union during the Civil War.


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15 February

VALUABLE INVENTORS.—We enjoyed a brief but very pleasant visit to the Machine Shops the other day, in company with a friend, and were kindly shown over the interesting portion of the premises by Master Mechanic Wiley, and Mr. Heathcote. The new bolt-making machine, the invention of Mr. Wiley, was a wonder in its workings, and is pronounced by men versed in mechanism, to be fifty per cent ahead of anything of the kind ever yet invented. The wonderful dry kiln, where all the lumber used in the wood-work departments is seasoned, is also a giant’s stride ahead of anything we ever saw before, and is the invention of Mr. Heathcote. We are sorry that our space this week will not permit a detailed description of these two most valuable improvements but we shall take occasion to speak of them more fully in the future. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 February 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


THE NORTHERN PACIFIC.—The following notice of General Manager C. W. Mead and the Northern Pacific is clipped from the Phil’a Enquirer:

“Mr. C. W. Mead, general manager of the Northern Pacific Railroad, is in town. He states that trains have run regularly on schedule time all winter from Duluth to Moorhead on the Red-River-of-the-North without delay or obstruction from snow, except for two days of the great storm, Jan. 8th and 9th, during which time all trains were suspended by orders from headquarters, waiting for the storm to close. On the following day the whole road was opened, and there has been no trouble since. The snow fences have proved a complete success and protect the track perfectly. Mr. Mead will lay thirty miles of track, remaining to reach the Missouri River, in twenty days, and will have a line of boats running to Fort Benton, twelve hundred miles further up the Missouri River, as soon as navigation opens.

“The most friendly relations exist between the Northern and Canadian Pacific roads, and it now appears probable that the construction of the latter road will be begun at Fort Garry, advancing westward from that point, and turning its trade and travel over the Northern Pacific through Duluth on their way to eastern markets”[and through Brainerd.—ED. TRIBUNE.] (Brainerd Tribune, 15 February 1873, p. 1, c. 7)


20 February

THE grand picnic party over at the N. P. Reception House in West Brainerd, on Thursday night, was attended by some 150 ladies and gentlemen, and is said to have been a dazzling affair. We know it could not have been otherwise, and the right kind of timber was there, and no one could be any other way than happy with the gentlemanly Ahrens Brothers as hosts. We regret not being able to be there. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 February 1873, p. 1, c. 3)


22 February

JAS. PETERKIN, engineer, got his hand badly smashed on the road the other day, as we are informed. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 February 1873, p. 1, c. 2)


SEE: 27 July 1875

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SEE: 04 September 1875


WHILE the Central and Union Pacific Railroads are often visited with six or eight feet of snow, the Northern Pacific never has more than twenty inches, or a temporary maximum of two feet, and we dare say NEVER WILL experience over two feet of snow at any point on the line in all time to come. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 February 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


CHEERING NEWS.—As will be seen by an article elsewhere, the prospects of the Northern Pacific Railroad, the Northern Pacific country and the Northern Pacific people, are decidedly looking up. To us, however, the news is not unexpected, because we have always had an unlimited stock of faith in the Northern Pacific enterprise, and we don’t believe we have had an ounce too much. We have felt it in our bones that although little checks, temporary delays, etc., might come to pass, yet the great enterprise must and would be pushed through without any delay worthy of mention. The fact of the Northern Pacific Railroad’s being the shortest and most practicable route from ocean to ocean; the fact that, the country traversed by it is, as a whole, the richest in agricultural resources and mineral wealth; the fact that it has less snow in winter than the Central and Union Pacific, and that it is a delightful, direct and cheap route across the continent, are all facts now established and recognized as such, both in this country and Europe. By its construction an almost limitless country of unequaled fertility will be thrown open to settlement, and the Indian problem will be effectually solved, saving the Government a mint of money in a fruitless contention with the Sioux west of the Missouri.

The road is to be pushed westward from the Missouri River this spring, and by the time snow flies again the iron horse will be thundering into the valley of the Yellowstone—seven or eight hundred miles west from here, into the avenues of the National park, and the heart of the Montana gold regions. Thousands of laborers and mechanics will flock hither in a few weeks more, and other thousands of industrious immigrants will pour along the line to choose homes of agricultural wealth from the bosom of the unequaled country along the line of the Northern Pacific Railroad. And so we go. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 February 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


27 February

THAT excessively enterprising ‘news’ journal, the St. Paul Pioneer, repeats about once a month, as a matter of “inside” news of course, that the General offices of the Northern Pacific Railroad are about to be removed from Brainerd to St. Paul. It got that story off on Thursday again, but we happen to be able to assure the public that the ‘news’ man of Pioneer is entirely ignorant of the “lay of the land” in this particular, and that the powers of our great Northern Pacific have no such intention. Brainerd is the loveliest place—and when the Brainerd Branch is completed, will be the most central location—for the general offices of the Northern Pacific—as well as the capital—that could be selected; besides, the efficient corps of officers of the Road have more convenient, richer and more cheerful office rooms here than they could possible obtain in St. Paul. Will the Pioneer please give us a rest on that item of “news.” (Brainerd Tribune, 01 March 1873, p. 1, c. 3)


GENERAL MANAGER MEAD returned to Brainerd again from a business trip to New York, on Thursday; spent Friday here in setting everything to going smoothly, and was off again on Saturday morning. He stands the pressure of business and travel remarkably well, and seems as vigorous, full of life, and withal as pleasant and courteous as ever. General [Manager] Mead is certainly a host within himself in all matters pertaining to the successful management of a giant railroad enterprise. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 March 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


01 March

PERSONAL.—We received a friendly call the other day from those jolly good fellows, Messrs. Howson and Bailey, two members of the firm that own the Brainerd Foundry, and also the big foundry at St. Paul. They will start up their foundry here again in a few weeks, of which our friend Bailey will have charge again, as of yore. Friend Howson had on his store clothes, and we suspicion that under the cloak of “business” he was up quietly looking over the chances or desirability, rather, of representing the St. Paul and Pig’s Eye district in the Legislature as soon as the capital is removed to Brainerd. He seems to have found our boarding houses amply provided, liked our city, and will no doubt, be with us as a legislator. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 March 1873, p. 1, c. 2)


CASH UP AND NO GRUMBLING.—Lyman Bridges returned to Brainerd a few days ago, and with him he brought a small cart load of the root of all evil, with which he paid off every man on the line of the Northern Pacific Railroad to whom he owed a cent. Some $75,000 was thus distributed, and, as a consequence, the people are happy. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 March 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


DANGEROUS ILLNESS.—Mr. Edgerton, Paymaster on the Road, and brother-in-law to our esteemed citizen, Col. R. M. Newport, has, during the past week, been very seriously ill with erysipelas in the head. During the fore part of the week his life was entirely despaired of, and his father’s family sent for. We are pleased to add, however, that his disease took a favorable turn on Wednesday morning, and although he is yet very low, there is strong hope of his recovery. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 March 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


SIGNATURES—given by all to Petition for retention of Doctor Thayer by the R. R. officials; the gentlemanly McGregor in charge of Document. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 March 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


WE are informed that the first installment of the Yeovil colony, composed chiefly of young men, will leave England for this country about the 23d of next month. Their families, and the older members, will follow a month later. They will number one thousand in all, and will settle in the vicinity of Muskoda, on the line of the N. P. R. R. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 March 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


GEN. T. L. ROSSER is to be at the head of the engineering operations on the line of the Northern Pacific during the extensive movements of the coming season. He is a gentleman eminently fitted for that high and responsible position. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 March 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


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08 March

REDFIELD, correspondent of the Cincinnati Commercial, who called on us a week or two ago, acknowledged to us that he had been sent on to the Northern Pacific Railroad to write it DOWN, and not to write it up. Well, that individual wrote a letter from Brainerd, and the Commercial containing it is before us. He faithfully fulfilled his mission, so far as TRYING to do as his master bade him. But in doing so, he left truth entirely out of the question, and went in to manufacture lies out of whole cloth to attain the end desired. A more frivolous, contemptible, unscrupulous batch of untruths, and untrue insinuations, calculated to give untrue impressions abroad in regard to the Northern Pacific country, could not be well conceived, and for which the Cincinnati Commercial ought to be damned as an unreliable, unscrupulous, contemptible sheet, unworthy of the dignified position it strives to maintain in journalism. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 March 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


THAT the Northern Pacific and its interests are to be pushed ahead in various ways this season, we have no doubt. But the great long “programme” that has been going the rounds of the papers since the return of General Manager Mead from New York, (and which is credited to the St. Paul Press), we feel warranted in saying, is an unauthorized “plan of operations” on the part of the Press. The reporter who got up that extended “From the Pacific to the Rocky Mountains,” etc., we venture to say never got his information from Mr. Mead, but simply went in on his muscle with simply rumors for a foundation. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 March 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


12 March

NORTHERN PACIFIC DIRECTORS.—At the annual meeting of the stock-holders of the Northern Pacific Railroad, in New York, the 12th inst., the following directors were elected: W. G. Fargo, Geo. W. Cass, R. D. Rice, Chas. B. Wright, W. B. Ogden, J. G. Smith, W. G. Moorhead, A. H. Barney, Wm. Windom, Jno. Stevens, B. P. Cheney, and Albert A. Catlin. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 March 1873, p. 1, c. 2)


15 March

THROUGH TICKETS.—We have omitted to mention before, that the public can now purchase tickets at any station along the line of the Northern Pacific through to all principle points in the Eastern States, and elsewhere. Also, to Manitoba, Fort Benton, Helena, and other points in the Great West. Mr. G. G. Sanborn the efficient General Ticket Agent of the Northern Pacific, is getting his department in the management of our great trans-continental thoroughfare thoroughly systematized, and it is now in perfect working order. We admire Mr. Sanborn’s plain, simple forms of coupons and traveling tickets of all grades, and more than all, his easy, gentlemanly manner of discharging the duties of his somewhat complicated position—which, we presume, however, is as plain as the nose on a man’s face to anyone who understands his business. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 March 1873, p. 1, c. 3)


ARRIVED.—The arrival is chronicled of Mr. R. Rogers, Mr. Sibley and Mr. Lewis and son, from Yeovil, Somerset, England. These gentlemen are the vanguard of the Yeovil colony now organizing in England. They are to settle eight townships in the Red River Valley on the line of the Northern Pacific Railroad. Mr. Rogers is a builder and is here in advance to erect buildings for the accommodation of the Colony. Among other buildings to be erected immediately is a school house to accommodate 100 persons and which will serve as a public room for all purposes until others are built. The Colony will number from one hundred to one hundred and fifty families this spring, and are expected to start from England about the 15th of April. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 March 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


18 March

A. O. ECKELSON, a well known Civil Engineer, of the N. P. R. R., went west on Tuesday morning. He will be in Gen. T. L. Rosser’s department. He has been spending some weeks on the old stamping ground “down East.”

WE noticed, also, the arrival, at Headquarters House, of several gentlemen from St. Paul, Duluth, and various other points. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 March 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


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22 March

BUSY times at the Machine and Work Shops of the N. P. R. R., these days. Getting ready for business, you know. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 March 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


INDICATIONS are, that work on the Brainerd and Sauk Rapids Branch Railroad, is to be commenced as early as possible. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 March 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


25 March

ONE hundred English farmers left Liverpool the 25th inst., who intend to settle in Clay and Becker counties, of this State. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 March 1873, p. 1, c. 7)


29 March

THE NORTHERN PACIFIC.—We have reliable information upon the noticeable fact that down in New Hampshire, on a diminutive line of Railroad, only 30 miles long, there has been more money expended in keeping the road open the past winter, than has been expended on the whole line of the Northern Pacific. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 March 1873, p. 1, c. 3)


RESIGNED.—We had heard it intimated on the street that the following resignations were to take place, several days since, but scarcely felt authorized to say so as yet, until reading the following special telegram in the St. Paul Press. We only have time in this issue to say that we, and all others who have had the honor of an acquaintance with these gentlemen, fully endorse the complimentary tone of the dispatch, and, in brief, are most extremely sorry that they have decided to leave us, and the great Northern Pacific enterprise, of which they have ever been three pillars of strength. May God bless them wherever they go. Here is the dispatch:

Brainerd, March 27.—Mr. C. T. Hobart, Superintendent of the Minnesota Division of the Northern Pacific railroad, R. W. Chase, General Freight Agent, and M. L. Allen, Auditor, have resigned their positions, to take effect on April 1st. These gentlemen are all extremely popular, and the news of their resignation occasions general regret. Superintendent Hobart is regarded as one of the best railroad men in the country. Of the causes of their resignation I am not informed. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 March 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


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NORTHERN PACIFIC things are moving and spreading for a good earnest season’s work, in completing and extending.

THE early completion of the Brainerd Branch Railroad to Sauk Rapids is a fixed fact. Hurrah for Brainerd! (Brainerd Tribune, 29 March 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


01 April

James Buel Power was appointed agent [01 April 1873] to select lands for the Company in the State of Minnesota inuring to it by virtue of Congressional grants. (Northern Pacific Book of Reference: For the Use of the Directors and Officers of the Company; compiled by E. V. Smalley; New York: E. Wells Sackett & Rankin, Printers and Stationers; 1883, p. 108)


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SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


FAREWELL BANQUET TO MR. C. T. HOBART.—At the Headquarters Hotel on Tuesday evening last, there gathered together some fifty of the friends (both railroad men and citizens) of the late Superintendent of the Northern Pacific Railroad—Mr. C. T. Hobart. When we arrived we found all seated at the table in the spacious dining hall, preparatory to commencing active hostilities upon one of the grandest suppers ever spread in Northern Minnesota, and which was being directly supervised by Mr. and Mrs. Dewolf, aided by their efficient corps of assistants. At the head of one of the long tables was seated the venerable Bishop Whipple, and at the other table our esteemed citizen, Dr. S. W. Thayer. A finer looking company of men, would be difficult to find. The gray-haired Father Gurley was also present, and also Rev. Gilfillan. After a hearty supper had been partaken of, Dr. Thayer proposed the health of the retiring Superintendent, by all drinking a glass of pure cold water, and Bishop Whipple responded in a beautiful little address, delivered in his inimitable style and happy application. The Bishop, was followed, in response to loud calls, by Dr. Thayer, Rev. Gurley and Gilfillan, L. P. and Edward White, Messrs. Chase, Allen, Coykendall, and many others. Each had some happy incidents to relate in the history of the great Northern Pacific enterprise with which Mr. Hobart had been so intimately connected from the first, and all paid him high compliments, as a gentleman of noble, manly qualities, and efficiency as a railroad man, whose abilities were so greatly portrayed in the early success and fine condition of the Northern Pacific Railroad. At the close of the grand banquet, Mr. Hobart arose, and in a most feeling address returned the thanks that came direct from his kind nature and warm heart, for so great an ovation in his honor, and paid a high tribute to the many noble men who had from the first so ably seconded him in bringing the Road to its present status among the great thoroughfares of the continent. After he had concluded, all arose, bade him a hearty farewell, and dispersed reflectively and almost sadly to their respective homes.

Mr. Hobart left on the Wednesday morning train for the east, and will, we understand, bring up ere long at Ottawa, Canada, where he has had flattering offers to become connected with important contracts on the Canadian Pacific Railway. Wherever he may go, however, he carries with him the warmest and best wishes of hundreds of true hearts in Brainerd and along the line of the Northern Pacific. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 April 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


HOBART:

SEE: 24 February 1872

SEE: 16 March 1872

SEE: 15 April 1872

SEE: 27 April 1872

SEE: 04 May 1872

SEE: 25 October 1872

SEE: 16 November 1872

SEE: 14 December 1872

SEE: 29 March 1873

SEE: 05 April 1873

SEE: 29 May 1873

SEE: 31 May 1873

SEE: 17 July 1880

SEE: 17 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


WHITE:

SEE: 20 September 1870

SEE: 10 May 1873

SEE: 06 August 1875


05 April

NEW APPOINTMENTS.—The vacancies occasioned by the resignations of Messrs. Hobart, Chase and Allen have been filled as follows: J. H. Sullivan, Superintendent Minnesota Division; W. S. Alexander, General Freight Agent, and L. M. Ford, Auditor. The two latter gentlemen we have not the pleasure of being acquainted with, but understand them to be excellent men for the positions to which they have been appointed, and we welcome them on behalf of our good citizens to a place among us here in the City of Pines.

Mr. J. H. Sullivan is well known on the line as having heretofore been General Manager Mead’s private Secretary, and although he has not been in a position to become extensively known along the line, as yet, still he has formed scores of warm friendships hereaway, and many will rejoice to congratulate him upon his promotion. He is a well versed railroad man, a courteous gentleman and will be a faithful officer of the Road. We wish him the greatest success in his new role, for we know he will strive hard to not only deserved success as Superintendent, but to prove himself wholly worthy of the confidence and high esteem of the thousands with whom he must come in contact, in discharge of his duties. Here’s to our friend Sullivan. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 April 1873, p. 1, c. 2)


SEE: 24 February 1872

SEE: 16 March 1872

SEE: 15 April 1872

SEE: 27 April 1872

SEE: 04 May 1872

SEE: 25 October 1872

SEE: 16 November 1872

SEE: 14 December 1872

SEE: 29 March 1873

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 29 May 1873

SEE: 31 May 1873

SEE: 17 July 1880

SEE: 17 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


TO THE LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS.—Although we have most of it in type we are compelled to leave the article on “The Strike,” handed us yesterday, over till our next issue—owing to its extreme length and the late hour at which it was received. It will appear in full next week, which is the best we can do, even after making a big effort to get it in for “the boys” this week. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 April 1873, p. 1, c. 3)


The “Removal” Rumor.


There has been in circulation the past few days—aided and abetted by the St. Paul papers—a rumor that the General Offices of the Northern Pacific Railroad were, ere long, to be removed from Brainerd to St. Paul. Right here we put in our “veto” on the policy of any such step on the part of the managers of our great railroad across the continent, and if our reasons after being offered and considered are not good ones, then let them drop; but otherwise, we ask that they be considered favorably. Even without the Brainerd Branch we cannot see for the life of us a sufficiently abundant amount of reasons why they should be removed to St. Paul, and, certainly not, with. We say so, not entirely unmindful or ignorant of the reasons adduced in favor of their removal, but after being assured by many of the officers that they experience scarcely any difficulty in having their offices located in Brainerd, and would experience no inconvenience after the Branch road was completed. It seems perfectly rational to us that, with one headquarters abroad (in New York), the other should be somewhere on the line of the road. Now that such fine offices have been provided at Brainerd for their accommodation, and they are all snugly ensconced here in our beautiful and healthful location, it seems diametrically opposed to the best interests of the road to take them away. Here they are at the natural business center of the line; right in the heart of their great timber supply country, on the Mississippi, where it is convenient to make all sorts of contracts, equip outfits, and settle claims of every character; right at the junction of the St. Paul branch with their own line, convenient for the transaction of all Manitoba business, with telegraph wires for communication in all directions. To remove their Minnesota headquarters off the line, and take it away to St. Paul, a hundred and fifty miles from their main line, would seem at least like a partial abandonment of the enterprise, and stagger confidence among the masses now along the road, who are the groundwork to all future success of the enterprise. The removal of the General Offices from Brainerd—away off from the Northern Pacific Railroad proper—would not be regretted in Brainerd, nor any one point on the line alone, but would send a thrill of doubt and regret along the entire road, felt equally everywhere. By their continuance here, their natural location, every individual and every valuable enterprise would be stimulated to further exertion in developing the resources of the vast country from Duluth to the Missouri River. If, AFTER HAVING BEEN HERE, they are drawn away, and we have no general headquarters nearer the line than St. Paul, the feeling and results will certainly be the opposite, and a wet blanket will be thrown around the present great energy everywhere exhibited along the line. We certainly can see no tangible reasons why they should be taken away; and knowing what we do about the feeling aroused by the suspicion among every class along the road, and being satisfied from our knowledge thereof that no good would result from such a step, we feel sure the judgement of the Company would be in error in making it. In going to St. Paul we cannot see that they have any friendships to cement, no valuable communities to encourage and strengthen by their presence, nor any interests of any kind, that would be the better subserved. While, on the other hand, they would weaken confidence where it should be strengthened, and go away from friendships which are now daily growing into one common interest—each becoming a power to the other, (and equally dependent upon each other), besides showing in the act an uninviting aspect to the outer world. We hope, with every man now on the Line, the Company may consider well the INFLUENCE of such a step before making it. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 April 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


12 April

The first installment of about seventy-five men of the Yeovil or English Colony, who are to locate out at Hawley, on the line of the road, are expected here on Monday evening, and will complete their journey on Tuesday. They are to spend tomorrow, Sunday, at the Reception House in Duluth. Mr. Lyman P. White, our efficient and kind-hearted Townsite Agent, has been out to Hawley with a crew of men this week, putting up a house and tents for their comfortable and free accommodation until they can build for themselves. He, in behalf of the Land Company, is and will do everything in his power to make our English friends comfortable, contented and at home among us, until they can get their own little domiciles all fixed up for the reception of the dear ones who will soon follow them. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 April 1873, p. 1, c. 2)


Our Manufacturing Interests.


WE have what we consider reliable information that the big gang sawmill so much talked of, will unquestionably be built here this season. The Townsite Company, we are informed, have interested themselves in earnest concerning the VERY IMPORTANT matter of starting Brainerd’s manufacturing interests fairly and immediately on foot. In doing so, quickly, they will not only strike the very key note of their own rapid success, but they will, by improving the great natural advantages of Brainerd as a manufacturing city, give a new impetus to this and every town along the line. All the people west of us are naturally looking to Brainerd as their supply headquarters for lumber, timber, shingles, lath, and all kinds of building materials, with, at no distant day, wooden ware, plows and other agricultural implements; and Brainerd is the natural place on the whole line for all these classes of manufactories. The country west of here is already demanding an immense amount of lumber, etc., that ought to all be furnished from this point, and were there half a dozen extensive additional mills and other factories put up here this summer they need not wait an hour from now henceforth for profitable business.

The Brainerd Lumber and Manufacturing Co. started up their large and effective establishment on Tuesday last, and expect to have their hands more than full of business, even with their greatly enlarged facilities over last year. They will furnish everything form a palatial ready-made residence or commodious store building down to the smallest item used in any building—in its equipment and finish from corner-stone to ridge-pole or the weather-vane of a spire. Their enterprise is sure to receive the rich reward it deserves.

The extensive mills of the Northern Pacific Manufacturing Co., down at the river are also running constantly, in a vain endeavor to supply a hungry market, and so it will be with half a dozen more if built this season, and all other manufactories will be needed in proportion, to supply the Northern Pacific country. Let us have them. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 April 1873, p. 1, c. 2)


26 April

ABOUT AGAIN.—Col. R. M. Newport, the deservedly popular and efficient Assistant Treasurer of the Northern Pacific, at these headquarters, is at his post again, after a fortnight’s illness with pleurisy. The Colonel having been one of us for so long a time now, has come to be one of Brainerd’s most valued citizens; and there is no one missed more, when he is absent from our business circles, than he. During his indisposition, however, the cares of his office were ably taken charge of by his gentlemanly assistants—Messrs. Edgerton, Davidson and Worman. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 April 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: 17 August 1872

SEE: 12 December 1874

SEE: 19 December 1874

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 29 January 1876

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 03 June 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 09 June 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 07 February 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 17 March 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 30 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 11 February 1882

SEE: 18 February 1882

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


03 May

NORTHERN PACIFIC IMMIGRATION.—We received a very pleasant call from Mr. J. B. Power, General Agent of the Land Department of the Northern Pacific Railroad. Mr. Power we found to be an exceedingly pleasant gentleman, and chock full of good, practical ideas befitting to his position. He had just been out looking after the interests and locating the Yeovil colonists, in the beautiful region between Audubon and the Buffalo River. He informs us that they are nearly all permanently settled on lands of their own choice, and are now highly delighted with the country. Mr. Power met, at this place, the committee of another English Colony—who came on in advance to look the country over along the line, with a view to selecting a location for their colony, another detachment of whom will arrive here during the present month. The Committee will select a site, during their trip west with Mr. Power, and will have a reception house put up at some convenient point on the line immediately, which will accommodate the first detachment soon expected, till they have time to build. Farmers with them will also put in crops as early as possible. It is called the Furness Colony. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 May 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


08 May

SINGULAR DEATH.—On Thursday morning about 8 o’clock, John Anderson, boss repairer and oiler of the cars at the depot, was found by one of his associates in a small building close by the track, used for their tools, etc., in a large kettle of water, drowned. The building, as before stated, is used as a depot for the necessary repairing supplies, and as a headquarters for the night and day watchmen. In the back room is a furnace with a very large kettle, used for heating water, and the kettle was nearly full of water, which was at the time warm, but not hot. Mr. Anderson came at half past five in the morning, and relieved the night watchman, who says he last saw Anderson in the front room at the time indicated. Two or three hours later, one of his assistants in the business of attending the repairs, went to the house and returned in a moment reporting to Superintendent Sullivan that he had found Anderson drowned in the big kettle. Mr. Sullivan and others at once repaired to the building, and, as reported, found Anderson lying across the edge of the kettle on his back, with his head and shoulders down in the kettle, his hands elevated out of the water, and his legs and lower part of the body hanging outside with his feet off the ground. He was taken out and laid on a board in the front room, and Doctor S. W. Thayer, the Coroner, notified at once. The Doctor, though laid up with an injured leg, made out to get to the scene—which was only a few rods from his office in the Headquarters Hotel—and viewed the body, and ordered a jury impanelled, for the purpose of holding an inquest. After a thorough examination into the case the jury returned a verdict [here we left off until the jury would return a verdict; but after holding our paper open as long as possible, we fail to get it. The Jury are still in session and from all we can learn, the matter stands about even between suicide and murder.]

The following is a list of effects found in his trunk:

Currency $196.15; Certificate of Deposit on National Marine Bank, St. Paul, $400; one note for $100; one note for $50; one watch, with letters, papers, etc.

Mr. Anderson was of Swedish birth, about forty years of age, but had no family as far as is known here. He was highly esteemed by all who knew him, as an honest, faithful man. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 May 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


SEE: 17 May 1873


10 May

THE Headquarters Hotel is full of guests these days, and they are always pleased with the excellent treatment and good fare they receive. Friend Dewolf knows how to keep a hotel, and he has an assistant in the edible department, in the person of Mr. James Bagley, Steward of the hotel, who just exactly understands his business in its every detail, and he is ever gentlemanly and faithful in the discharge of his duties. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 May 1873, p. 1, c. 2)


UNCLE ED. WHITE has resigned his position of Master of Bridges on the Northern Pacific. He has been on the line two years, without losing a day or an hour. This may be classed as sticking to one’s business. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 May 1873, p. 1, c. 3)


SEE: 20 September 1870

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 06 August 1875


THE railing and new walk on the railroad bridge across the Mississippi at this point is a big thing. West Brainerd is fast becoming a fashionable resort for we city swells, and others, now that a fine promenade has been secured by the new walk on the bridge. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 May 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


17 May

THE track this side of Bismarck, on the Northern Pacific, is now being put down at the rate of two miles per day. Inside of two weeks the trains will be running through to the Missouri. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 May 1873, p. 1, c. 2)


THE verdict of the Coroner’s Jury, in the case of John Anderson, who was found in a kettle of water at the oil house, as referred to in last week’s TRIBUNE, was, “Come to his death at the hands of some person or person, to the jury unknown.” (Brainerd Tribune, 17 May 1873, p. 1, c. 3)


SEE: 08 May 1873


24 May

WE have heard it intimated that Maj. Geo. H. Smith, present Train Dispatcher of the Minnesota Division, is to be appointed Superintendent of the new Dakota Division of the Northern Pacific Railroad. Certainly his appointment would give the widest and most perfect satisfaction, both among railroad men and the people at large, and would be an eminently well deserved promotion. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 May 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


THE Northern Pacific Railroad Company has given formal notice that the success of the company has been such that its loan, paying 7.30 per cent interest, will be limited to $30,000,000 of which $21,000,000 have already been issued. After the remaining nine millions of bonds are sold the company will issue only six per cent bonds. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 May 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


29 May

PRESENTATION TO MR. C. T. HOBART.—It was our good fortune, on Thursday evening, to be present at one of the most pleasant “surprise parties” we ever attended. Our friend, C. T. Hobart, Esq., late Superintendent of the Minnesota Division N. P. R. R., was the recipient of a magnificent present, on the occasion referred to, the gift being a diamond Maltese cross—emblematical of a high degree in the Masonic order—which cost the snug sum of $450.00. The occasion took place in the office of Dr. S. W. Thayer, where quite a number of the friends of Mr. Hobart were notified to meet at 8 o'clock. When all had assembled, Mr. L. B. Perry arose and addressed Mr. Hobart as follows:

“Mr. Hobart—I have the honor of having been selected by the employees of the Northern Pacific Railroad, and a few of your many personal friends in Brainerd, to present you with this diamond cross. It is given as a token of their high appreciation of your character as a gentleman, of your services in your late position, and of their personal respect for, and attachment to you during the period we have been associated together on this road. Please accept it in remembrance of us, and as an earnest [expression] of our best wishes for your happiness, prosperity and usefulness, always!”

Mr. Hobart, between the sensations of surprise and thankfulness for so beautiful and costly a token from such a source, could scarce find utterance for the volume of thanks he felt in his heart. Yet, he did return his thanks in a most feeling manner to the friendly donors, both present and absent, and particularly requested to be remembered to any and all whom he might not be able to meet and thank in person. Mr. Hobart then reverted at some length to the experiences of the past two years on the Northern Pacific, and the address was as appropriate as it was earnest; he paid the highest compliment to all the employees of the road, both present and past, and to our citizens here, as well as to all persons now connected with this grand continental enterprise; and expressed his warmest wishes for the happiness in the future of all his many friends along the line, and the final grand success of the Northern Pacific Railroad, of which he has had the honor of being one of the earliest attaches.

After a most agreeable hour or two more, the happy gathering dispersed, but not until they requested Mr. Hobart to ornament his shirt bosom with the princely gift; made doubly precious to him because, in its sparkling beauty, it represented the character of friendship which made him its possessor—a friendship true, and pure as itself, and both of the first water. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 May 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


SEE: 24 February 1872

SEE: 16 March 1872

SEE: 15 April 1872

SEE: 27 April 1872

SEE: 04 May 1872

SEE: 25 October 1872

SEE: 16 November 1872

SEE: 14 December 1872

SEE: 29 March 1873

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 05 April 1873

SEE: 31 May 1873

SEE: 17 July 1880

SEE: 17 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


31 May

PERSONAL.—Thos. H. Canfield, President of the L. S. & P. S. Co., was in town most of the week, and left for the east again yesterday.

Gen’l. Cass, President of the Northern Pacific Railroad, spent a few days in Brainerd, and along the line, this week. We are glad to welcome Mr. Cass to a second visit to the great enterprise over which he presides, and hope he may make his visits more frequent hereafter. His presence is stimulating to all the thousands of good people who have cast their lot and fortune with that of the Northern Pacific, and he is ever welcome among us. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 May 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


IN FINE CONDITION.—The Minnesota Division of the Northern Pacific Railroad is now in as fine condition as any road in the west—smooth, firm, and sound as a nut, with first-class rolling stock of all kinds. Superintendent Sullivan, too, is diligent and indefatigable in his watchfulness and care to keep it so. No locking the stable after the horse is stolen, with friend Sullivan. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 May 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


A NEW brand of cigars, called the N. P. R. R., to arrive at the New Le Bon Ton. It is elegant and fragrant. To smokers:—A word to the wise is sufficient. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 May 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


...This church [Episcopal] was the first built in Brainerd, and is said to be the finest wooden Episcopal church edifice in the Diocese. Its cost—now all paid off—has been very nearly $5,000; Mr. Hopkins, of Plattsburgh, was the architect; the subscription was first started on the 7th of November, 1870, in the office of C. T. Hobart, who procured most of the subscriptions, and who personally superintended every part of its construction, and without whose indefatigable energy in procuring subscriptions and carrying on the work, the church could not have been built. The subscription was headed by Thos. H. Canfield, President of the L. S. & P. S. Land Co., with a subscription of some $1,800; the church was completed in August, 1871, and has since been beautifully furnished and appropriately decorated. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 May 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


NOTE: C. T. Hobart and Thos. H. Canfield were both employees of the Northern Pacific Railroad.


SEE: 24 February 1872

SEE: 16 March 1872

SEE: 15 April 1872

SEE: 27 April 1872

SEE: 04 May 1872

SEE: 25 October 1872

SEE: 16 November 1872

SEE: 14 December 1872

SEE: 29 March 1873

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 05 April 1873

SEE: 29 May 1873

SEE: 17 July 1880

SEE: 17 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


IMPORTANT NOTICE.

_____


THE undersigned would hereby give notice to the people of Brainerd that he forbids them from strewing their offal and refuse matter of whatever kind, about over any part of the property of the Townsite Company, and also gives notice that persons having any refuse matter they wish to hand off, will be informed of the proper place of deposit by applying to him; i. e. in the ravine at the east end of Juniper Street, where the road has been graded and made convenient for unloading, etc.

L. P. WHITE,

Agent, L. S. & P. S. Co.

(Brainerd Tribune, 31 May 1873, p. 1, c. 7)


[From the TRIBUNE EXTRA of Saturday last.]


The General Offices to be Removed to St. Paul or

Minneapolis—In a Horn.


BRAINERD, MINN., May 31, 1873


PRESIDENT CASS, of the Northern Pacific Railroad, returned last evening from the west, and was waited upon by Mayor E. H. Bly, who stated to President Cass that he had been requested by several of our citizens to call upon him and ask the truth in reference to the reports continually being circulated by the St. Paul and Minneapolis papers that the General Offices of the road were to be removed from Brainerd to one or the other of those cities. Mr. Cass very promptly, and in the most emphatic manner, assured Mr. Bly that such a thing had never been dreamed of at the New York Headquarters; that these stories had originated in St. Paul and Minneapolis; that no such intention was entertained by the Northern Pacific Company, and that it WAS the intention of the Company TO KEEP THE GENERAL OFFICES AT BRAINERD—on the line of the road.

Will the intensely enterprising(!) and reliable(!) journals of St. Paul and Minneapolis please stuff this bit of information into their cobb-pipes and smoke it? and then give us a rest on “removals.”

P. S.—The Directors of the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad hold an important meeting in St. Paul on the 11th of June, at which meeting it is expected arrangements will be made to complete the Brainerd & Sauk Rapids Branch Railroad, forthwith.

We predict that from and after the first of July, Brainerd will experience a more solid and continuous prosperity than ever before, and that, commencing with early autumn, our streets will resound with business and industry, that will change only from good to better for years to come. Our beautiful and bountiful businesses, our General and Division Railroad Headquarters, our mammoth Machine and Car Shops, Finishing Mills, and other Factories within our city just as full of genuine western enterprise and No. 1 men as a nut is full of meat! Who says ”dull!” Git cost?

Another P. S.—The grand mill-site at the foot of the River Switch, is likely to be improved ere long by putting a $50,000 gang saw mill, planing mill, bucket factory, etc., thereon, which will only be the first gigantic manufacturing institutions of a dozen or more that will be howling in the city inside the next two years.

Still another P. S.—Brainerd holds out the greatest number, and the most desirable attractions to the tourist, to the man of leisure, to the invalid, to the sportsman, to the lovers of grand natural oddities, to families and all others, of any other place in the United States. We already have fine private and public hotel accommodations, and just as soon as the Brainerd Branch Railroad is completed, thousands of visitors can come here from St. Paul in five or six hours—passing up a beautiful and romantic valley, and landing in a young city and among a people they will be very loth to leave.

Concluding P. S.—St. Paul and Minneapolis papers will please do themselves the honor of publishing the above FACTS, and they will be partially forgiven by

Yours truly,

M. C. RUSSELL,

Editor Brainerd Tribune.

(Brainerd Tribune, 07 June 1873, p. 1, c.’s 6 & 7)


03 June

The Brainerd Tribune is out with an extra containing an account of an interview between Mayor Bly of that city and President Cass of the Northern Pacific railroad, in regard to the moving of the general offices of the road to St. Paul. In this interview President Cass says: “The company have no idea of moving their headquarters from their present location at Brainerd.” The early completion of the road to Minneapolis via St. Cloud is also predicted. Brainerd is jubilant over the news. (Minneapolis Tribune, 03 June 1873, p. 2)


04 June

The Minneapolis Tribune of the 4th inst. says that information has been officially received in that city to the effect that the Northern Pacific R. R. thirty million seven and three-tenths loan has been finally closed out, a New York syndicate having just subscribed for the nine millions that remained unsold at a recent date. This makes a thorough financial success of this loan, and while placing funds at the disposal of the road for construction, strengthens its credit very materially. This entire thirty millions has been taken at home and by our own people, which fact cannot fail of being duly appreciated should the company ever seek negotiations abroad.

The completion of the road to the Missouri river crossing—which is now an accomplished fact—is a matter of congratulation, especially to Minnesota, as it seems evident that the State is to be generally benefitted thereby. The indications now are that the road will be pushed immediately forward across the Missouri, at least as far as the coal fields, and that by another season we shall be in direct communication with those immense mines of wealth. The present management of this road seems to be energetic and able, and to be in entire sympathy with the great Northwest. There was a time it was somewhat embarrassed, but never so much so as represented. It has paid nearly every dollar that it owed in this State, and what little is due will soon be liquidated from the proceeds of the loan just closed. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 June 1873, p. 1, c. 7)


07 June

This may be a view of the boarding house built by the Northern Pacific in east Brainerd near the shops in 1873.
Source: F. A. Taylor

THE company’s beautiful new hotel building, up near the machine shops, over the “big ravine,” is to be opened up for the reception of guests and regular boarders in a few days, and will be under the charge of Mr. Whitaker, an experienced man in the business. We are very glad this fine structure is to be put into operation; it is beautifully situated, and will make a delightful home for all who have no home of their own. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 June 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


10 June

General Alfred Howe Terry, military commander of the Dakota Territory from 1866 to 1869 and again from 1872 to 1886. He was Custer's commanding General in the Dakota Territory, ca. Unknown.
Source: Unknown

Gen’l. [Alfred Howe] Terry and staff passed west on the road, Tuesday last. He goes to Fort Lincoln, and will accompany the great Northern Pacific surveying expedition to the Yellowstone.

General Manager Mead went west on Tuesday last, and our friend, Superintendent Sullivan, has also been west most of the week. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 June 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


NOTE: In 1873, the 7th Cavalry under General Alfred Howe Terry, including Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, would be charged with protecting the Northern Pacific Railroad Survey as it moved along the Yellowstone investigating a route for the railroad. The Lakota, among other tribes, took particular issue with the construction of the railroad. Soon, the Lakotas were attacking survey sites regularly. While neither party realized it at the time, this would be the first contact between Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse and Custer.


27 June

HORRIBLE.—We stop the press to say that last night, Mr. John Wilham, of this place, who was braking on a freight train, fell under the cars, and was literally torn to pieces. He has been in the tailoring business here for a year past, and was a highly esteemed gentleman. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 June 1873, p. 1, c. 3)


28 June

ROAD BREAKS.—The recent heavy and frequent rains have, in several places between here and Wadena, endangered the track of the railroad, and in one or two of them the track was washed out during the past week. A freight train got ditched last Saturday night, and one on Monday evening last. No one was injured, however, although considerable damage was done to the engines and half a dozen box cars. On our way out on Monday, we found our friend, Superintendent Sullivan, at one of the breaks, with a large crew of men, working like beaver in the mud and water, repairing the track and getting the engine and cars out of the slough of despond. Mr. Sullivan is a patient, pushing man, and when work is to be done, he is there to do it; and it is owing to his untiring energy, night and day, immediately after the accidents, that the regular trains have been kept right on time all the while; which we should think, must have taken big work in the instance referred to, judging from the ugly looking gap made by the torrent of water. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 June 1873, p. 1, c. 3)


12 July

OUR good friend, M. C. Kimberley, Esq., who has long been Chief Engineer of the Minnesota Division N. P. R. R., has recently had the Dakota Division placed under his charge as Chief Engineer. His many friends are pleased at this mark of appreciation for his valuable services on the Northern Pacific, but hope the labor and responsibility will not prove an overwork. We believe, however, that he is assisted on the Dakota Division by Mr. M. P. Martin, as fine a gentleman and faithful a man as any on the line. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 July 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


19 July

“The Furness Colony, the advance guard of which passed through our city early in the summer, have purchased 40,000 acres of land at Wadena, on the N. P. Railroad, and are putting up a reception house of their own, which is about finished. They have engaged a Congregationalist minister from Scotland—who will arrive next month. Two hundred colonists are now on their way, and a few have already arrived.—[St. Paul Pioneer. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 July 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


21 July

SAD ACCIDENT.—A young man by the name of William Dowell, who has for a year past, and up to two weeks ago, been clerk in the freight office with Mr. Canfield here, met with a most painful accident on Monday last, out near Detroit [Lakes]. Not long since he went to braking on the road, and in an attempt to jump off the platform while the train was backing up, he slipped and fell, and one of his feet was run over and crushed by the wheels of the cars. He was brought to Brainerd, and is now under the care of Doctor S. W. Thayer, and is doing as well as could be expected. Most of his foot had to be amputated. Mr. Dowell has the deep sympathy of his many friends here, in his great misfortune, who stand ready to do anything in their power to ease his condition. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 July 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: 06 December 1873


24 July

ONE of the most pleasant social hops imaginable came off Thursday evening at the Headquarters Hotel. All present enjoyed themselves very much, and voted it one of the best parties of the year. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 July 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


26 July

TO LEAVE US.—It is with the profoundest regret that all of our good people learn of the intention of Dr. Samuel W. Thayer to return to his home in Burlington, Vermont, there to take up his residence again for the future. Doctor Thayer has occupied the position of Medical Director of the Northern Pacific ever since the organization, and has had charge, in person, of the Medical and Surgical Department. He is known and greatly esteemed along the line, but as his headquarters have been with us in Brainerd, we feel the loss more directly here. We could say none too much in praise of Dr. Thayer, either as a kind, generous, noble-hearted man, or a medical gentleman of the ripest experience. Hundreds of poor men on the line owe him today for the life and health they are now enjoying, while the maimed live to thank him for their comparatively happy condition through his attentive kindness and great skill as a surgeon. And after all this, Brainerd will lose, in the departure of Dr. Thayer, one of its most valuable citizens and most enterprising friends. All classes here have grown to more than esteem the venerable Doctor, and his scores of acts of generosity among the poorer classes, have endeared him to all—his charity is boundless. The heartfelt wishes of every man, woman and child in Brainerd, for his prosperity and the continuance of his valuable life, will accompany him to his old New England home. It will be long ere his place can be filled, in the hearts of our people, or as a valuable citizen in our community. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 July 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


GONE.—It is with regret that we learn of the removal to St. Paul of our good friend, J. A. Hannaford, Esq., who has for a year past been chief clerk in the Freight Department of the Northern Pacific at this place. All the good “boys” at the General Office building are mourning his loss, and hosts of his other friends in Brainerd are similarly engaged—ourself among the number. Now, J. A., don’t forget your country cousins while glittering about the dazzling boulevards of the metropolis, but just come up occasionally; and if we don’t give you a lively clatter, there’s no snakes in Cork, that’s all. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 July 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


The offices of the Northern Pacific Railway are moved to St. Paul. J. M. Hannaford, until then a clerk in Brainerd, is promoted and transferred. Since then he has advanced steadily. For several years he was president of the road, and is now vice-chairman of the board of directors. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 20)


First Northern Pacific Depot, standing on the southeast corner of Washington [Main] and Sixth Streets originally housed the headquarters of the NP Railroad, it burns down in 1917, ca. 1890.
Source: Unknown

The Headquarters of the Northern Pacific Railroad move from Brainerd to St. Paul, Minnesota. (100th Anniversary, Aurora Lodge, No. 100—A. F. & A. M., 1973; containing 75th Anniversary History, 1947, Carl Zapffe, p. 7)


NOTE: I’m not so sure that Dillan and Zapffe (who undoubtedly copied his information from Dillan) is correct about the moving of the headquarters to St. Paul in 1873, the only person mentioned in the newspaper of the time is Hannaford.


The officers of the Ida Stockdale (the Northern Pacific transfer steamer on the Missouri River at Bismarck) have been relieved, owing to the fact that the boat was transferred to the Coulson Line. Capt. Haycock, Mate Ellet Haycock, Clerk ---- Haycock and Engineer Pond all passed through here this week on their way to St. Paul. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 July 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


The Northern Pacific shops in Brainerd in 1873.
Source: F. A. Taylor

THE MACHINE SHOPS.—The 180 men at the machine, car and paint shops of the Northern Pacific, at Brainerd, as now organized under the superintendence of Master Mechanic R. B. Small, and his able assistants are without flattery, as orderly, courteous and intelligent a set of men as we ever saw together. They are composed of various nationalities,—Americans largely predominating, we believe—are the best workmen that could be procured, in the various branches, and are gathered together from the manufacturing establishments of the country. They work ten hours a day, during which time no needless conversation is carried on, and the various departments are tidy and neat as a reading room. Visitors always feel at home among them, and naught but the most courteous and gentlemanly conduct is observable. A large proportion of the workmen are extraordinarily intelligent and well-informed, and are posted on all the popular topics of the times, taking and reading a large number of newspapers and other periodicals. A visit to the machine shops is very enjoyable, and is indulged in the hundreds of sight-seers who come to Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 July 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


THE Brainerd and St. Vincent Railroad Branches are probably to be built this fall; we think they will be; we state this just to relieve the public; we have said so several times; said they would be built last fall; but they weren’t; we never thought we could tell a lie, until we commenced saying the Brainerd Branch was going to be built; but we are a success; the Branch will certainly be built; just what day, we cannot consistently promise, but it will probably be the day after the work has all been done in its construction, except one day’s work; we have bet a new hat that the Branch will be built before Dec. 1st; come around and see us on Dec. 2d, and if we are wearing a new roof, you can calculate the Branch is built; if the other chap is seen reclining under our roof, you can draw your own conclusions; but we think the Branch will be built, and the reason we think so, is because we do. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 July 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


THE western terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad has at last been officially fixed at TACOMA, on Puget Sound. The whole population of the western slope are now galloping in that direction. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 July 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


Our city was also favored this week by a visit of several days from Thos. H. Canfield, President Lake Superior & Puget Sound Land Co.; J. N. Hutchinson, President First Div. St. Paul & Pacific Railroad; S. K. Cass and brother, sons of President Cass, of the Northern Pacific; Rev. Dr. Hawley, of Danbury, Vt; Geo. B. Wright; Col. G. W. Sweet; and Mr. J. D. Sailer, of Philadelphia, who is connected with the L. S. & P. S. Land Company. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 July 1873, p. 1, c. 7)


29 July

OUR young folks had another of those inimitable parties over at the Reception House, West Brainerd, on Tuesday evening last; the dance went merrily on all the evening, and whole-souled enjoyment was the order. Refreshments were served, and, while looking on an hour or two, we could not but conclude that these Brainerd folks could just get up a better party, on shorter notice, than any folks we ever saw. The Ahrens Brothers did the handsome thing by their gay and numerous guests, as they always do, and as they can do. They deserve a thousand thanks for their kindness and courtesy. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 August 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


01 August

No Receiver!

_____


Judge Dillon Decides that no

Receiver for the St. Paul & Pacific is to be

Appointed.

_____


He Compliments the Old Man-

agement in the Highest

Terms.

_____


Glyndon and Brainerd Love Each Other,

but still they Mourn.

_____


Special Dispatch to the Brainerd Tribune.

ST. PAUL, Aug. 1, 1873.


“Judge Dillon, at Davenport, has decided that no Receiver will be appointed for the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad. Following his decision denying the appointment of a Receiver, as petitioned by the stockholders, he took occasion to comment, in the highest terms of praise, on the management of that corporation by Mr. Becker, and upon the manner in which its affairs had been conducted generally, under the old management.”

Thus endeth the agony.

Unless the Amsterdam capitalists take back what they said, (provided a Receiver was denied them), the probability is, the Brainerd or Glyndon Branches will not be built for the next five years.

The land grant will be lost and cannot be renewed.

Private enterprise will be compelled to build the roads, if built.

We shall wait patiently to see if the Dutchmen will take back their threats—that they will let the road, as it now stands, rot, and the land grant go to der dible, before they will furnish another tam dollar to build the road under the present management.

We don’t believe they can take it back, and don’t believe the branches will be built this fall, although they POSSIBLY may be built. We don’t know as we care a cuss about the Brainerd Branch, as our well-being does not entirely depend upon its construction, although it would be a great convenience; but we do feel deeply terrible for our Glyndon friends—Glyndon will make a good farm. Brainerd is not first-class grain land, and consequently MUST become a large and prosperous city. Every place is good for something. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 August 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


WE were informed yesterday that a cable dispatch had been received from the Amsterdam bankers that all the money required to finish the St. Paul & Pacific Road before the 3d of December next will be ready.—Pioneer 27th. [Buncombe.] (Brainerd Tribune, 02 August 1873, p. 1, c. 7)


MORE ABOUT THE BRANCHES.


The Pioneer of the 1st closes an editorial on the Branch probabilities as follows:

“The public interest centers upon the probable effect upon the prospects of the completion of the St. Vincent and Brainerd Branches of the St. Paul & Pacific Road. Mr. Cass, the President of the Northern Pacific, gave assurance to the court upon authority of European bondholders, that if the St. Paul & Pacific did not go into the hands of a receiver, the money to finish the St. Vincent Branch the coming fall, would be furnished. In regard to the Brainerd Branch we have no definite information, It is but justice to the applicants for a receiver to say that similar assurances were given on their part. As the land grant will again lapse, if the road shall not be completed this year, we cherish the hope that nothing will prevent the accomplishment of the work within the time specified in the Congressional act. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 August 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


02 August

RETURN OF GENERAL ROSSER.


General Rosser and three of his children, Sarah, John and Thomas, Jr., ca. 1872.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

General Rosser, Chief Engineer of the surveying expedition which has been engaged in locating the line of the Northern Pacific Railroad from the Missouri River to the Yellowstone River, passed east on Saturday’s train. The General completed his portion of the expedition’s object, and has now returned to put his survey and profiles into shape for the government of future operations of the continental road, in adding another, and most important link to its great chain. We had not the pleasure of an interview with Gen. Rosser as he passed through, but we learned the following facts from a prominent gentleman who came from Bismarck in company with him: Gen. Rosser is perfectly delighted with the result of his official duties, and has found a route across the plains, between these two great valleys, that he, nor no one else, knew existed—a distance of some two hundred miles. The country between Bismarck and the Yellowstone Valley has heretofore been generally considered, for the most part, a barren waste, made up largely of the noted and much talked of Bad Lands. But the third and last line run through, we are delighted to learn, traverses one of the most beautiful and fertile regions on the line, grandly adapted to agriculture, grazing, etc. Only one spur of the Bad Lands was encountered, and that only fifteen miles in width; and with this solitary exception, the country is everything that could be desired for settlement and cultivation. In this region, too, there is inexhaustible quantities of coal, iron ore, and other minerals, and the western terminus of this new division brings the Northern Pacific into the great national park region, and reaches into the rich mining region of the Montana country. Next year, without a doubt, the Northern Pacific Company, with its characteristic energy, will push its iron rails on to the Yellowstone, and, with their powerful engines, wake up the dead mound builders and living heathens of that remote garden of our continent.

This is good news for all concerned in the prosperity and advancement of the great Northern Pacific, and is especially encouraging to our Bismarck friends, as it makes that point the permanent crossing of the Missouri by the Road. For some years to come, instead of trying to bridge the Missouri, the Company will probably put on mammoth transfer steamers, which will answer all practical purposes, and save detention in the final completion of the line from lake to ocean. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 August 1873, p. 1, c. 3)


SEE: 14 December 1871

SEE: 29 February 1872

SEE: 20 July 1872

SEE: 25 October 1872

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SEE: 14 February 1873

SEE: 01 March 1873

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SEE: 15 April 1876

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SEE: 25 January 1879

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SEE: 13 December 1879

SEE: 27 December 1879


05 August

PROSPECTS OF THE ST. PAUL &

PACIFIC EXTENSIONS.


The St. Paul Press of the 5th inst., says, editorially: “We inadvertently omitted to state, on Sunday morning, in attempting to give the main points of the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad controversy, and its result, that the determination of Judge Dillon to co-operate with any parties who would furnish the means to complete the road, and save the land grant, by appointing a receiver to expend the moneys so provided under the orders of the court, was cordially accepted by the officers of the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad and its various branches, including the representatives of the trustees of all the parties including the representatives of the trustees of all the parties in interest. Judge Dillon stated that such appointment was to be considered in no respect as a reflection on any of the officers, or on their past management. In fact, when during the course of the last conference between the litigants on Friday, a proposition was made that in case the decree to be issued by the Circuit Court, an order should be included to compel the present management to afford all reasonable facilities in its power to aid in finishing the extensions, under the order of the Court, the Judge refused the request, and said it would be time enough to issue such an order when such reasonable facilities were denied. Without some further evidence than he had yet had, to the effect that the present officers of the road were inimical to the success of the proposed extension, by whomsoever accomplished, he refused to make any order which would have the appearance of want of confidence in their good faith. The theory on which the court proposed to appoint a receiver to take charge of the unfinished portions of the road was, that the Holland bondholders, represented by the parties in the suit, were the principal parties in interest; that unless they furnished the means to finish the projected lines, a portion of their land grant would be lost, and an important portion of their security for money already advanced would be unavailable; and that as they had ostensibly expressed a want of confidence in the former management, the court would relieve them of this excuse by undertaking to disburse the funds to be provided through an officer of its own. If under guarantee—which is the guarantee of the Circuit Court of the United States—the parties most directly interested will not advance sufficient funds to finish the lines covered by their mortgages and to earn and acquire the lands granted by Congress, on which their mortgage is based, it will be pretty evident, in the language of Judge Dillon, “that they do not want a railroad, and do not care for the sufficiency of their securities.”

As before intimated, we doubt the willingness of the Holland parties to furnish the five millions required to complete the uncompleted lines. Their offer to do this, made by Lippmann, Rosenthal & Co., was based on the condition that the U. S. Circuit Court should give to the men furnishing the necessary money a priority of lien on all the property, franchises and lands of all the different companies—but which are, in fact, all one company—which were covered by four mortgages. The court had no power to thus impair the obligation of contracts; and when this fact is made known to Lippmann, Rosenthal & Co., it may be reasonably anticipated that the game is up, so far as they are concerned. They, led by Willmar, wanted to come into full control of all the railroad property of the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad Company; if the court will not lend its aid to their scheme, it may well be doubted whether they will be ready to advance more money. But in case satisfactory assurances to this effect are not forthcoming in a few days, other parties, it is intimated, stand ready to make favorable propositions for the completion of the branch line from Watab to Brainerd, and probably from St. Cloud to Alexandria—propositions which will meet the views of the court to this extent. So that, whatever may be the result of the negotiations now in progress through the cable with the Holland bondholders, the important connections with Brainerd and with Alexandria, are likely to be completed within the time stipulated by Congress, and these most necessary auxiliaries to the railroad system of St. Paul secured beyond a peradventure. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 August 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


09 August

EX-VICE PRESIDENT Schuyler Colfax will pass through here early next week, on a visit over the Northern Pacific, to Bismarck and return. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 August 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


AS IT OUGHT TO BE.—There is what seems to be an authentic rumor that the Land Department office of the Northern Pacific is to be removed, in a week or two, from St. Paul to Brainerd. We believe this rumor fully, for the reason that Brainerd is the only suitable location for that Department under the shining sun; and why it has not been located here two years ago, passes all our understanding. It seems to us that the Company have been very slow in seeing that this Department, above all others, should be on the line of their road, right among the people who have to do with it. It might as well open its office in the Bahama Islands as in St. Paul, for on the line of the road is where the office, for the transaction of all office business, ought to be, by all means; if they desire to have an Agent in St. Paul, or in any other distant city in Christendom, why, that is eminently proper; but here is where the office ought to be, if they wish to subserve the best interests of the thousands of people who are buying their lands. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 August 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


Progress of the Northern Pacific.


In little more than twenty-four months of working time, the Northern Pacific Railroad Company has accomplished the following results:

1. It has built and opened to business more than 500 miles of its line of Road, besides an additional section of one hundred miles put under contract and now being constructed.

2. It has completed the entire Eastern Division of its Road, uniting the commerce of the Lakes with the navigation of the Upper Missouri, and has formed favorable connections with lines of steamers eastward from Duluth to Buffalo, Erie and Cleveland, and westward from Bismarck (where the road strikes the Missouri), to Fort Benton in Western Montana, thus opening a new and direct east and west route of travel and transportation 2,500 miles in length by lake, rail and river, between the Atlantic States and the New Northwest.

3. It has secured—by reason of the shortness and directness of its line—the trade of the Northwest, including the transportation of Army and Indian supplies.

4. It has earned title to nearly ten million acres of lands granted by the Government to aid in the construction of the road, and these consist mainly of good prairie, farm and grazing lands in Central Minnesota and Dakota, and valuable timber lands about Puget Sound.

5. It has fully organized its Land and Emigration Department, and successfully begun the work of selling and settling its land grant. It has realized from lands thus far sold an average price of nearly six dollars per acre, and from the proceeds has already begun the purchase and cancellation of its 7-35 first mortgage bonds.

6. It has opened to the landless citizens of this and other countries, and to the markets of the world, 200,000 square miles of the grain belt of the continent, from which the bulk of the wheat export of the United States must, ere long, be drawn.

The work of construction is progressing satisfactorily, mainly in Washington Territory, where the connection is being completed between Puget Sound and the Columbia River. The Company’s engineers, escorted by U. S. troops, are now making a final location of the line of the road from the crossing of the Missouri to the crossing of the Yellowstone, and up the valley of the latter to the mountains—this being the only portion of the route not yet determined. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 August 1873, p. 4, c. 1)


11 August

EX-VICE PRESIDENT COLFAX passed west on Monday. He was accompanied by Senator Windom and other distinguished gentlemen. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 August 1873, p. 1, c. 7)


12 August

THE EXTENSIONS.—Advices received from New York yesterday, announce that the cable telegrams from Europe in regard to the St. Paul & Pacific extensions are of an encouraging character, and that full particulars have been forwarded here by mail. Definite information in regard to the work on the St. Vincent and Brainerd extensions will not be received here before tomorrow, and in the meantime the contractors stand ready with a large force of workmen to resume operations on the lines immediately after the reception of the word authorizing them to go ahead.—[Press, Aug. 12 (Brainerd Tribune, 16 August 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


16 August

THERE are no further ”probables” in regard to the Northern Pacific Company extending its road thirty miles beyond the Missouri this season; it will positively be done, and preparations are now being made to commence work at once. The chief object is to reach the vast coal mines lying just west of the Missouri River, this fall, and then, during the coming winter, we can all “warm up the subject,” or any other man. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 August 1873, p. 1, c. 3)


23 August

GEN. ROSSER has made his official report on the survey of the route from the Missouri to the Yellowstone—205 miles—to the board of directors of the Northern Pacific Railroad, and the report has been unanimously accepted. The company have already authorized the reception of bids for its construction. This division of the Northern Pacific will be built next season, and this winter, we doubt not, the timber and ties for its construction will be gotten out in the vicinity of Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 August 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


SEE: 14 December 1871

SEE: 29 February 1872

SEE: 20 July 1872

SEE: 25 October 1872

SEE: 26 October 1872

SEE: 14 February 1873

SEE: 01 March 1873

SEE: 18 March 1873

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SEE: 15 April 1876

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SEE: 15 June 1878

SEE: 06 July 1878

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SEE: 25 January 1879

SEE: 11 March 1879

SEE: 15 March 1879

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SEE: 06 December 1879

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SEE: 27 December 1879


“OLD MIKE”—all the name we know for him—laid down on the track the other evening up near Bridges’ warehouse, and the nine o’clock train coming along, at only a moderate gait, struck Mike and knocked him off to one side—the engine happening to have a very low pilot—and he sustained no other injuries than several severe bruises and contusions; but it was one escape in a thousand. Mike was going to “bate hell” out of the whole train crew for hurting him so. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 August 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


BRAINERD.

_____


Her Condition and What She is Doing.

_____


No. 1.

_____


Most of our citizens know what our circumstances and conditions were one year ago; they can easily call to mind the crowded streets, the busy stores, the jammed hotels; and how the rumbling of the cars and sound of the hammer were heard all day, and not infrequently all night. Then, money was handled freely, and it was not hard work to save a dollar. Every thinking man knew that the kind of work that brought most of the money into circulation at that time was only temporary; that Lyman Bridges would not always have in his employ, with his headquarters at Brainerd, several hundred men, and that the Northern Pacific Company would not keep employed as many more men in building water tanks, laying foundations and putting in side-tracks. This work has been done, and we must look about us and not count upon anything that is not permanent and solid. I propose to mention a few of the more prominent institutions that our young city can already boast of, from week to week. With a desire to find out really what we had by way of a start “in the solids,” I took a stroll around town, and first struck the Brainerd Lumber and Manufacturing Company’s establishment, where I was struck with indications of business that surprised me. The main building is 30x50, two stories; the wing, 25x40, one story. There are three machine rooms; the first has the machinery for putting doors together, by the celebrated door clamps. This machinery takes up the entire room. In the south room there are five large machine tables—the surface or planing machine, the flooring and matching machine, the siding machine, the cut-off, and the saw table. There is but one room in the second story, and in this room there are also five machine tables—the sticker, for mouldings, the blind and slat machine, the sash clamps, the mortising machine, and the saw table. All the machinery is new, and the rapidity with which they turn out work is an evidence of the profitableness of the business. The business of this company is the manufacturing of doors, sash, mouldings, casings, store fronts, blinds, etc. In connection with the factory they keep a corps of carpenters employed in putting up all sorts of buildings. Their business extends all along the line of the N. P., and is and will continue to be a great source of wealth. Mr. J. S. Campbell is the business manager and Superintendent of the same. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 August 1873, p. 1, c. 7)


27 August

ANOTHER HAPPY AFFAIR.—We are pleased to record another of those events in our local history which are so well calculated to bring “men nearer to men,” and through which that better part of man is so beautifully and forcibly illustrated. Our friend, Mike Grace, Esq., as all who live hereabouts know, has long been one of the many main props of the Northern Pacific, in the capacity of Traveling Engineer. A short time since, the co-workers and friends of Mr. Grace took it into their heads to make him a present, as a proof of the high estimation in which he was held among them as a gentleman and artisan. Accordingly, the engineers on the Road and the machinists at the Shops, subscribed the snug sum of $135.00, with which a handsome watch and chain was purchased at the jewelry store of E. L. Strauss, Esq., Brainerd, and suitably inscribed. On Wednesday evening, the subscribers and friends of Mr. Grace to the number of a hundred or more, congregated at Martin Shades Billiard Hall, where a bounteous supper had been prepared, when Mr. G. was waited upon by a committee and requested to “fall in.” He did so, and was ushered into the banquet chamber, where all awaited his presence. Mr. C. Bloom, the popular Clerk at the Headquarters Hotel, then stepped forward and presented the gift to Mr. Grace, accompanying the present with the following remarks:

FRIEND GRACE.—I have the pleasant duty assigned me by your many friends of the Northern Pacific Railroad, and on their behalf, of presenting to you this beautiful watch and chain, which we trust you will accept as a slight token of their regard and esteem. This, Sir, is not presented for its intrinsic worth, nor do we expect you to value it on that account, but rather as a voluntary tribute of those with whom you have been long associated, and who have learned your high attributes as a man, your uniform courtesy toward those who have had the good fortune to be associated with you, and the competency always exhibited by you in the performance of the responsible duties which has devolved upon you to perform. For these and other reasons which we might assign, we tender you our appreciation in this manner; and in the future, wherever duty may call you, however widely our paths may be separated, rest assured you will be remembered with that regard which has manifested itself on this occasion. In conclusion, we would say (one and all), may health and prosperity attend you, and may you, as we know you will, wear this little souvenir with honor to yourself and friends.

The whole affair was a complete surprise to the recipient of the beautiful gift, so well had the plan been laid and executed, and he was only able to give utterance to his heartfelt thanks. It is needless to add that a grand time followed, at supper and during the evening, in honor of one of the most popular men in the operating departments of the Northern Pacific, and who, we regret to learn, has left us for another field of labor. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 August 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


30 August

Geo. W. Cushing, Esq., recently the Superintendent of Motive Power on the N. P. R. R., has resigned his position, to accept a similar position on the Toledo, Wabash & Western R. R. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 August 1873, p. 1, c. 3)


GOOD FOR BISMARCK, AND EVERYBODY.—Material is now being shoved westward for the purpose of fencing the cuts along the Dakota Division, so that the road from Fargo to Bismarck will be kept open and operated during the coming winter. We believe Mr. E. H. Bly, of this city has the contract. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 August 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


BRAINERD.

_____


Her Condition and What She is Doing.

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No. 2.

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The Establishment of the N. P. Manu-

facturing Company.

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This company employs from 22 to 25 men, and have a capacity for, and do manufacture 20,000 feet of lumber, 20,000 shingles, and 10,000 laths per day.

They, of course, are doing a good business, while they have hardly made a commencement towards opening the large field that is before them. H. D. Pettibone, Esq., is the business man of the concern.

One cannot look into and examine the permanent improvements of our city without noticing the liberality and public spirit of the L. S. & P. S. Co. They have, during the past season, erected buildings, graded streets, and put down sidewalks, at a cost of over seven thousand dollars. They seem to realize the fact that, to make a wealthy city, we must induce men of capital to settle here. We understand they are holding out very liberal inducements to any parties wishing to engage in manufacturing of any kind. They have been very liberal to all religious and benevolent societies, and especially to any move that has for its object the advancement of education. Mr. L. P. White, their Agent, with his broad views and liberal public spirit, has won the confidence of our people, while he has sustained and held up the reputation of the company. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 August 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


The Lake Superior and Puget Sound Company, a subsidiary of the Northern Pacific Railroad, spends $7,000 on buildings, streets, and sidewalks, in order to induce men of capital to find favor here. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 15)


A “DUCK.”—As our friend, Mike Grace, Esq., traveling engineer of the N. P., was spending a day here recently, he had a little experience in the ante-chamber of a “watery grave.” Being down to the river for a walk, he stepped out on the boom logs, and from thence to some floating ties nearby. Those ties, however, like some marriage ties, proved treacherous, and friend Grace proceeded from thence to the bottom of the Old Father of Liquids—the Mississippi. After a short interview with the catfish below, he came to the surface and crawled to the shore, where, with as good a “grace” as possible, our friend Grace sat in deep contemplation on the downs and ups, and the ins and outs of life, till the warm rays of Old Sol dried the surface of things once more. It is intimated that “Mike” got off a few “quotations” from the old master, upon getting to shore, by way of an effort to do that dampness full justice. He was perfectly excusable, we think, for perpetrating a few stanzas, under the aggravating circumstance, for we know how it is ourself. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 August 1873, p. 1, c. 7)


09 September

THE FAREWELL PARTY—

A PRESENTATION.


Mr. R. B. Small, who for a long time past has been the Master Mechanic at the Northern Pacific Machine Shops here, but who recently resigned to go on to the Toledo, Wabash & Western Road, was made the subject of a grand surprise on Tuesday night last, by his little array of co-workers in the various branches of the mammoth machinery institution named. A day or two before, “the boys” who had spent pleasant days under the kind direction of Mr. Small, and who very sincerely regretted his departure, determined to show their hearty appreciation of him as a noble gentleman and artisan, by giving a grand party in his honor, and making him a present of a watch and chain, and diamond pin. Now, it is well known that the men—everyone of them—in the several departments of the Machine Shops, are among the most open-hearted, generous and appreciative men in even this western country of proverbial open-hearted liberality; and it is well-known that when they undertake to do a thing they do it right and in no half-way manner, proof of which has been abundantly illustrated within the past year. Well, the boys of the various departments put their heads together and purchased a most beautiful gold watch and chain at a cost of $400.00, and a diamond bosom pin at a cost of some $200.00; this part, of course, was all “done on the sly.” Then, they arranged for a grand party at Bly’s Hall, gotten up in first-class style, with printed programmes, etc., and paid a hundred or two dollars for a refreshment place to be kept open for the accommodation of the whole company, and hired the Brainerd Band—which, by the way, has grown to be a splendid affair—to furnish the music for the occasion. They then engaged a sumptuous supper—to be prepared at the Headquarters Hotel, to feed the whole multitude, the whole affair, from beginning to end to be free as water to the two or three hundred invited guests. Evening came, and with it the company gathered. We looked in upon the grand doings about ten o’clock, and are free to say that the company excelled any we ever saw in the city, in extent, gaiety, and “youth and beauty.” After two or three dances had been enjoyed, the house was called to order, when Mr. Jno. H. Whyte invited Mr. Small to mount the platform with him, when he presented the confused “Master” with first the watch and chain, and then the pin, accompanied by a few appropriate remarks, and the two following letters:


From the Employees of the Locomotive Department.

MR. R. B. SMALL.—Respected Sir: It is with mingled feelings of pleasure and regret we have learned that you are about to leave us. Regret at losing one whom we have all learned to respect and esteem as our worthy Master Mechanic, and pleasure in the knowledge that in the distant part of the country to which you are going, fresh honors await you. Your familiar face and genial presence will be missed from amongst us, and will long be remembered by us; and as a small token of the regard and esteem in which you are held, and with the hope that your future life may be crowned with success, we ask you to accept this watch and chain. You will often look at it, and as it denotes the moments, days, and months as they fly past, we trust it will also preserve in your mind a vivid remembrance of the Employees of the Northern Pacific Railroad.

May you live a long, happy and prosperous life, is the hope and sincere wish of all.

_____


From the Employees of the Car Department.

MR. R. B. SMALL.—Respected Sir: We have heard with deep regret, that you are about to sever your connection with us, and to remove to new spheres of labor in a distant part of the country. It would be ungrateful of us to allow the present occasion to pass without showing you some mark of respect. We have therefore selected a diamond pin, not so much for its intrinsic worth, but as a fit emblem of the pure regard in which you are held by us, we ask you to receive it as a token of sincere respect, and may you live long to wear it.

Our united and best wishes will follow you.


Mr. Small, in the matter of this part of the programme, was completely surprised, and acknowledged himself squarely outflanked. The grand and costly party given in his honor he thought quite enough as a mark of esteem, but to add to that these princely gifts was more than he was prepared to meet. With a few touching words that came straight from the heart, he had to ”give over,” and after three cheers for Mr. Small, the dance went on, and did not close till four o’clock in the morning, when the participants dispersed to their homes to the tune of “Home Sweet Home” by the band, the chorus being sung by two hundred voices. Thus ended one of the proudest successes of the many put on foot by the noble boys up at the Machine Shops, participated in by all the railroad men within reach and their excellent families. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 September 1873, p. 1, c. 4)


18 September

The Panic of 1873 begins with the collapse of the Jay Gould bank, which is sponsoring the building of the Northern Pacific Railroad.


19 September

“BUSTED.”


News reached here yesterday morning that Jay Cooke & Co. had failed, and their banking houses in Philadelphia, New York and Washington had been closed, and the news has since been confirmed. Besides this, news also comes of the failure of Fisk & Hatch, New York, and near a dozen other firms in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and New York, of less note, and still more tumbling. The two first named houses announce, however, that they hope to be only temporarily closed, and will prepare statements as soon as possible, showing their condition to be better than present circumstances would seem to indicate. We are not able to judge where failures will end, nor what the general effect is to be; but it would seem that the pressure of the summer months, in the financial world, was about to finish up by plunging the country into a panic similar to that of 1857. We await further news with great solicitude. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 September 1873, p. 1, c. 3)


Anton Mahlum relates, “I was employed in the capacity of yard clerk in the lumber yard under the late J. C. Barber. One day in September 1873, he brought out to me a copy of a telegram announcing the failure of Jay Cooke. The significance did not impress me until a few days later, when I was discharged, along with two-thirds of the entire shop force. J. C. Barber headed the list of the discharged from the car department. Then came several years of the hardest times Brainerd has ever seen; the population dwindled to less than half of what it was in 1872.... (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 20)


THE “CHICAGO TRIBUNE” AND

THE NORTHERN PACIFIC—

A FEW FACTS VERSUS A

SCORE OF UNMITIGA-

TED FALSEHOODS.


The Chicago Tribune of the 19th has an editorial commenting upon the failure of Jay Cooke in the outstart, and which soon switches off on the past, present and future condition of the Northern Pacific Railroad, with elaborate comments on the character of the country and the climate of that part of the United States tributary to this road. We are unable to find words, in any language, of sufficient strength to convey our opinion of a newspaper that has become so debased and so lost to common decency as to go on and make comments and statement of so desperate a character, right in the face of a thousand facts to the contrary that must be perfectly familiar to the conductors of that journal. We can account for its madness and meaness in only two ways: its paid interest in some other western road and consequent jealousy of the grand country being opened up to settlement by the construction of the Northern Pacific, and because of the fact that it is being peopled by the best of citizens as fast as possible; and because, having proved recreant to its trust as a Republican newspaper, it was very justly read out of the party a year ago, and having ever since been soured with the acid of remorse, it loses no opportunity to malign the acts of Congress and the party—as in this instance concerning the act of Congress in conferring the Northern Pacific Land Grant; but in doing so it forgets consistency altogether. For, after repeating the “gross outrage perpetrated by Congress upon the people and country in donating 47,000,000 acres of the VALUABLE PUBLIC DOMAIN to the Northern Pacific enterprise,” it goes on to say that “if the road should ever be completed, by hook or by crook, all those furnishing the $36,000,000 required will receive in return, is 47,000,000 acres of BARREN, UNSALABLE land, as the road will never pay expenses even when completed” from lake to ocean.

It says “the completed portion now consists of 600 miles of poorly constructed road.” This is the first lie, and a mean lie it is too, for the fact is, no stretch of 600 miles of railroad west of Chicago is better or more substantially built, with easier grades and better curves; further, it is 25 per cent, the smoothest, solidest track we ever traveled over, west of Chicago, with the best and most comfortable rolling stock, and such a thing as accidents, of any character, is comparatively unknown. So much for that particular falsehood.

“Hundreds of poor, starving people, deceived into coming into this country, from Europe and elsewhere, by Northern Pacific Agents.” This is lie No. 2, and is scarcely worthy of notice, from its sheer ridiculousness. Although two years has scarcely passed since the country between here and the Red River has been opened to settlement, there are now thousands of people snugly ensconced in comfortable homes, not one in a hundred of whom could be induced to sell for less than a good round price, and why? Because, without exception, they are all self-sustaining, even so soon, while those who have been there a second season have this year a fine surplus of grain and other products to sell; and this year, from here to Red River, there will be shipped at least a million bushels of surplus grain to Duluth, where (and right here let the lying Tribune stick a peg) they will realize as much per bushel as they could in Chicago and this fact, coupled with the unequaled fertility and productiveness of the country in question, will densely people the Northern Pacific country over all other sections of the West, south of us, in spite of the combined efforts of all the journals of Illinois and Iowa to the contrary. The Northern Pacific, too, has heretofore, and we doubt not will continue for all time to come, to carry the products of the country tributary to it at a close margin, in order to give the producer the greatest advantages possible to realize largely on what he raises—an advantage not offered the “starving” farmers of Iowa and Illinois, by any means.

“The road is months in arrears, in the payment of its employees, and the workmen only remain because they are too penniless to get away.” To this stupid lie, No. 3, we need only say, that the Company pays its employees, of every class, from one end of the road to the other, each month, every dollar due them. Hence, if they remain with the Company, it must be as a matter of choice, and not otherwise. Further, in everyone of the operating departments of the line, there are none but first-class men employed, and men who would be sought after wherever they went.

“The interest on their bonds cannot be paid in future, save by the sale of new bonds.” This statement needs confirmation in a sad degree, and after the Company proves unable to pay said interest when due and demanded, would be the most seemly time for such an assertion. The interest will, no doubt, be fully provided for in ample time to meet all demands.

“The road will not pay when completed.” The Company will, no doubt, be very thankful to the Tribune for this highly important prophesy, at so opportune a moment. Among men who know the general character of the country skirting this gigantic enterprise, and the available resources, it is believed that from the time the first train reaches Puget Sound, the local business alone will pay running expenses, and in two years thereafter the dividends will be highly satisfactory to all concerned. And further, that it will be the only and BEST paying trans-continental railway for several decades to come.

The Tribune goes on with a long article composed of assertions and appellations of which the foregoing are only specimen bricks, such as, “A bubble that can never be repeated in history;” “Woeful condition of the Northern Pacific, owing to the failure of Jay Cooke & Co.,” when the fact is, that the failure of that firm will not even stagger the Northern Pacific, nor materially impede its progress, completion, and final proud success. “As desolate a waste and bleak a climate as is under the canopy of heaven,” says the Tribune. To which we only answer, that during all last winter, when a dozen roads in Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois and Southern Minnesota were blockaded and dead for days and weeks at a time, the trains on the Northern Pacific failed to run its whole length but about three days, all told; and even this insignificant loss was caused only by the “great storm” that alone laid all the roads below here up for from one to three weeks. It cost $30,000 more to keep a single little road open 35 miles long, in New Hampshire, last winter, than it did to clear the snow from the entire length of the Northern Pacific track. So far as the “desolate waste” goes, we will say that the country along the Northern Pacific, for fertility of soil, healthfulness, beauty, and natural advantages, can, and DOES COURT COMPARISON with any equal extent of country in any portion of the civilized or uncivilized world, and, so far as climate is concerned, it stands head and shoulders above any equal stretch, in anything near the same latitude, on this continent; and is far preferable, as a place of habitation, to almost any location we ever visited in all our travels east or west, north or south, when everything of any importance is considered.

NOTE.—We published these answers to some of the grossly false statements of the Tribune, simply as an act of justice, and on the principle of “give the devil his due,” and do so, too, as an individual citizen on the line of the Northern Pacific, with a desire that this great enterprise, (the success of which will be a pride to the nation) and the fine country it is developing, may be protected from the designing slanders of newspapers and men who have interests elsewhere that they fear may suffer if the Northern Pacific country gets its fair and merited proportion of immigration, and the enterprise meets with the success it is fairly entitled to.—ED. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 September 1873, p. 1, c.’s 3 & 4)


THE BRAINERD BRANCH.—Some newspaper down at St. Paul said a few days ago that somebody had telegraphed from New York to somebody in St. Paul, that somebody had said that he suspicioned that from what he had seen in New York, that somebody had a very big notion that if somebody would furnish the money he would bet somebody that he would build the Brainerd Branch Railroad, from Sauk Rapids to Brainerd, or bust. We don’t know how it is ourself, however, and can only say that there is a rumor afloat that the Branch is to be completed before Dec. 1st; if it is, we shall hasten to tell our readers that the thing is did; but at present WE DON’T KNOW anything about it.

LATER, BUT NO BETTER.

[Special Dispatch to the Brainerd Tribune.]

ST. PAUL, Sept. 19.—Mr. Delano returned last evening. Nothing definite as to when work will commence, as there are several points to be settled yet. The Brainerd Branch being under same mortgage as St. Vincent Branch, it is subject to a lien of fifteen million dollars or portion of bonds sold. They hope to effect amicable arrangements for pro rata apportionment of this, and go ahead—as I understand it. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 September 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


20 September

Cranberries.


CRANBERRIES are lively now-a-days, and large quantities are being shipped by our dealers. There will probably be more of these berries shipped from Brainerd this year than there were blueberries. Of the latter, the shipments of the season footed up over 2,500 bushels. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 September 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


MAJ. HIBBARD, the indefatigable Superintendent of Immigration N. P. R R., also smiled upon us this morning. The Major is all life and business in his work. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 September 1873, p. 1, c. 7)


25 October

Northern Pacific Railway.


A Washington special to the Chicago Inter-Ocean says:

A bill has been prepared by Minnesota gentlemen for presentation early in the coming season, providing for the United States guaranteeing the interest of the bonds of the Northern Pacific Railway. It is claimed by them that they have secured the support of nearly the entire Minnesota and Wisconsin delegations in Congress. A draft of this bill was prepared before the failure of Jay Cooke & Co., and as long ago as July last. The parties engaged in the matter have spent the greater part of the summer in perfecting their plans for pushing it through Congress. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 October 1873, p, 1, c. 4)


GEN. THOS. L. ROSSER, Chief Engineer of the Northern Pacific Railroad, has tendered his resignation to the company, which is to take effect Nov. 1. Gen. Rosser has made an excellent and efficient officer. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 October 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


SEE: 14 December 1871

SEE: 29 February 1872

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29 October

MERIT FINDS ITS REWARD.—It is with more pleasure than we can well express that we announce the promotion of our good friend, Major Geo. H. Smith, of the N. P. R. R. Major Smith has for this long time been Train Dispatcher for the road at these headquarters, and on Wednesday he received notice of his appointment as Superintendent of the L. S. & M. Division of the Northern Pacific, vice Hungerford resigned. This appointment will necessitate the removal of himself and his excellent family from this place, and right here is where the pain comes in to Major Smith’s hosts of friends here and along the line. No man ever lived in Brainerd who was more worthy, in every respect, of the high esteem and fast friendship of our entire community than Major Smith, both of which he has fully enjoyed; and the warm good wishes of everyone who knows him will go out after him in his new position. The Company has done themselves honor in thus rewarding a faithful servant and accomplished gentleman. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 November 1873, p. 1, c. 5)


RESPONSIBILITIES EXTENDED.—Our friend, Superintendent John H. Sullivan, has had the Dakota Division of the N. P. also placed in his care, by order from General Manager Mead. This increases Supt. Sullivan’s responsibilities largely, we should suppose, and makes him the manager of some 600 miles of road. Mr. S., having hosts of friends along the line, however, and being a thorough business and railroad man, will, we hope, find his extended field a pleasant one in which to operate. The care of the road could not have been placed in better hands. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 November 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


PREPARING.—Workmen have been engaged, the past ten days, in finishing off a suite of office rooms in the second story of the handsome General Office building of the Northern Pacific at this place. These rooms are to be occupied by the Land Department officials, Dec. 1st, as we are informed, and hereafter this highly important and prominent branch of the N. P. enterprise will be located at this place. These offices, and the corps of gentlemanly officials having charge of that department, will give Brainerd an addition, in more sense than one, of which she may well feel proud, and our good citizens will warmly welcome all the attaches thereof. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 November 1873, p. 1, c. 7)


08 November

APPOINTED.—It is with pleasure that we record the promotion our good friend W. H. Shreffler, Esq., to the position of Train Dispatcher, Minnesota Division N. P. R. R. at these headquarters. Mr. Shreffler succeeds Major Smith in this position; he has been the Major’s assistant the past year, and this fact, coupled with his high accomplishments as a telegrapher and director of trains, especially fits him for the important and responsible place he now holds. We congratulate friend “Shreff,” and his promotion simply implies that “merit finds its reward.” (Brainerd Tribune, 08 November 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


22 November

N. P. R. R.

_____


NORTHERN PACIFIC R. R.


TIME TABLE.


WEST TRAIN— Leaves Duluth 10:20 A. M.

Ar. at Brainerd 7:30 P. M.

Leaves Brainerd 8:00 A. M.

Ar. at Moorhead 2:25 P. M.

_____


EAST TRAIN— Leaves Moorhead 8:05 A. M.

Ar. at Brainerd 5:30 P. M.

Leaves Brainerd 6:30 P. M.

Ar. Duluth 3:50 P. M.

_____


LAKE SUPERIOR AND MISSISSIPPI DIV.

TRAIN— Leaves Duluth 10:20 A. M.

Arrive St. Paul 6:10 P. M.

Leaves St. Paul 8:10 A. M.

Arrive Duluth 4:40 P. M.

(Brainerd Tribune, 22 November 1873, p. 1, c. 2)


01 December

THE LAND Department of the Northern Pacific, in charge of Mr. Power, the gentlemanly and efficient Commissioner, arrived at these headquarters from St. Paul, on Monday evening last, bag and baggage, and have taken full possession of their beautiful and commodious quarters in the General Office building, second floor. There are some six or eight attaches of this Department, some of whom, we understand, are men of families, and the whole will be a most valuable as well as a desirable accession to our fine community, socially and otherwise. On behalf of our good people, we welcome them cordially among us. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 December 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: 05 October 1871

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SEE: 05 February 1917


06 December

GENERAL MANAGER C. W. Mead, spent a day or so at these headquarters, this week. Mr. Mead spends nearly all of his time at St. Paul; but Superintendent Sullivan is always at his post here, and all goes smoothly and safely under his careful and efficient management. No more faithful officer holds position on any road than friend Sullivan. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 December 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


WE have authority for saying, the rumor that the Northern Pacific and L. S. & M. Railroads were about “to split the blanket,” and hereafter be distinct in every respect again, is incorrect in every particular. The latter will, as usual, remain under the management of the former. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 December 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


THEO. GLENN, one of the popular conductors of the line, has been promoted, as we understand, to Train Dispatcher of the Minnesota Division N. P. R. R. Harry Brintnell takes Mr. Glenn’s place on a train running east from here, while Fred. Sweetman will take the train lately run west by Mr. Brintnell. All quiet at the front. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 December 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


WE are delighted to notice that our young friend, Wm. Dowell, who had his foot cut off early in the fall while braking on a train, is nearly well again, and is able to “navigate” about the house, do writing, etc. He is stopping at Gurrell’s Restaurant, Fifth St. He is a worthy young man, and we are glad to see him so nearly well again. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 December 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: 21 July 1873


FRIEND WORMAN, who has been one of the valuable attaches of Col. Newport’s office for so long, is about to change his location to Fargo, where he will take charge of a responsible position for the N. P. Railroad. Mr. Worman has won many warm friends in Brainerd, and he will always be a welcome visitor. Success go with him. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 December 1873, p. 1, c. 7)


13 December

ABOUT twenty-five Finlander immigrants arrived at the Reception House over in West Brainerd, direct from their native land, about a week ago. They will remain at the Reception House this winter, working at whatever comes in their way, and in early spring will locate on homesteads hereabouts. They are a healthy, hardy people, and will make valuable citizens. Some of the children are enjoying a slight touch of scurvy, contracted while in transit. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 December 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


20 December

ENLARGED DUTIES.—We are pleased to learn that our friend, J. C. Congdon, Esq., who has for so long been the accomplished painter for the Minnesota Division N. P. R. R., has recently had the L. S. & M. Division placed under his care, in the artistic department. Mr. C. is not only an artist, but also a most worthy gentleman and estimable citizen, and we are pleased to note his merited success. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 December 1873, p. 1, c. 7)


27 December

CANED.—Mr. J. B. Power the Land Commissioner of the Northern Pacific at this place, received a package from Chicago on Tuesday last. Upon opening it he found an elaborately carved and gold-headed cane. It was a beautiful present, and was sent him by the “Dakota Land Improvement Association,” which is a colony of people intending to locate, next summer, on the N. P., at the crossing of the Cheyenne. This is a kind remembrance for courtesies extended, and most worthily bestowed. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 December 1873, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


1874

10 January

Specimens, displayed in the first NP Depot in Brainerd, consisting of potted plants, a rack of antlers, sheaves of grain and framed pictures, ca. 1874.
Source: Frank Jay Haynes Collection, NDSU

A SIGHT.—The “sample room” connected with the Land Department of the Northern Pacific, at these headquarters, is a perfect museum of wonderful productions. Mr. J. B. Power, the Commissioner, has exhibited the most praise worthy and well directed energy in collecting and arranging before the eyes of the skeptical, samples of the actual productions of the RICH country traversed by the Northern Pacific, in the form of the most wonderful specimens of fruits, vegetables, and all the small grains. Those eastern bigots, who have taken so much diabolical delight in cursing the Northern Pacific Railroad, and the country through which it runs, had better take a peep at this sample room and its contents, and come out and experience a little of the superbly magnificent weather of this winter, and then crawl around into some dark alley and cowhide the dirty clothes off their miserably lying carcasses. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 January 1874, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: 27 August 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 01 October 1880

SEE: 02 October 1880

SEE: 28 August 1885

SEE: 07 July 1898

SEE: 20 September 1911


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


17 January

THE WILSON CASE.


The case of young Wilson for the killing of Egan in this city a year ago was finally disposed of last night at the Special Term of the District Court, Judge McKelvy, now in session here. The prosecution on the part of the State was conducted by Attorney General Geo. P. Wilson and County Attorney Geo. W. Holland. The defense was managed by Col. Flint, of St. Paul, Capt. L. W. Collins, of St. Cloud, and J. W. Steel, D. O. Preston, and C. B. Sleeper, of Brainerd. The case was opened by Holland and closed by Wilson, on the part of the State. Defense opened by Steel and summed up by Flint. Yesterday the jury retired at about 3 o’clock p. m.; and at ten o’clock they returned a verdict of “NOT GUILTY!” The very late hour to which we have waited in order to get the verdict for this issue, prevents us making any further notice of this important case at the present time.

P. S.—The Court adjourned at 9 o’clock this morning. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 January 1874, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: 12 February 1873


WE learn, from a reliable source, that trains on the Northern Pacific will again commence running through to Bismarck on the first of March. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 January 1874, p. 1, c. 7)


24 January

Mr. Thos. H. Canfield, of New York, and President of the Lake Superior & Puget Sound Company, has been here, and along the line, for the past week. He was accompanied by Col. Geo. W. Sweet, the Attorney for the Company, and their visit has been a strictly business one. Mr. Canfield straightening up matters and putting the affairs of the Company upon a well-trimmed business basis at all the towns along the line, and particularly at Brainerd. He and Col. Sweet, with Mr. Lyman P. White, the resident agent here, were engaged a day or two in “straightening” some things here that were suffering for they they are now likely to get. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 January 1874, p. 1, c. 6)


SENSIBLE PLEASURE.—The gentlemanly corps of General office employees and heads of departments of the N. P. R. R., at this place, have fitted up a beautiful club and reading room in the second story of their fine office building here. They have all the leading journals and magazines of the country, and also a full list of the popular games, and other pastimes, with which they can profitably and pleasantly pass away their leisure hours. They have purchased and set up a handsome billiard table, among the rest, and all in all they possess quite an enviable retreat; it almost makes one wish he were a railroad man. But then they, one and all, being “white headed boys,” it does us good to see that they have hit upon, and so successfully carried out a plan whereby they can enjoy themselves during the winter months. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 January 1874, p. 1, c. 7)


28 January

INDIANS.


The report that was flying around town, last Wednesday, like a half-sled on a drunk, to the effect that “Bismarck had been took” by the Sioux, and half the people sent to Kingdom come, at the muzzle of the tomahawk, was very soon found to be a most outrageous case of rumor. Nothing of the kind occurred, and is not likely to occur, right under the noses of enough soldiers to manage all the Indians in that section. The completion of the Northern Pacific Railroad, however, will be the cheapest and most effectual way those red devils of the plains can be finally subdued. If the Government will only promptly and liberally encourage the completion of this great thoroughfare—yea, even were it to build the road—millions of money would be saved to the public treasury in the end, and we would have a grand continental railroad in the bargain. We hope Congress may be far-seeing and liberal enough in its views to know the great result that must immediately be gained in solving this “Indian mystery” by completing the Northern Pacific, and have stamina enough to act in accordance with their honest belief. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 January 1874, p. 1, c. 5)


06 February

THE L. S. & M. RAILROAD TO GO

BACK TO ORIGINAL OWNERS.


From the St. Paul Press of the 15th, we learn that at a meeting of the directors of the L. S. & M. road, and the Northern Pacific company, held in New York on Friday, the 6th instant, Gen. Cass and other officers of the Northern Pacific being present, satisfactory agreement was entered into by the parties interested, by which the lease of the Lake Superior line will be surrendered back into the hands of the former directors. It is true, that the legal documents preceding and authorizing such important transfers had not been signed on the day mentioned—there being still some unimportant details to be completed—but these were subsequently attended to, and the assurance is now given that the papers were passed on either Tuesday or Wednesday last, and the title to the valuable property is again vested in the hands of the Directors of the old Lake Superior & Mississippi Company.

As there are some sweeping and important changes contemplated, it will necessarily take time to perfect them, and it is averred that the line will not formally pass under the active control and management of the old Directors until on or about the first day of March, although the time of transfer is stated in some quarters as early as the 25th of February. There are, however, substantial reasons for the belief that the change cannot be smoothly and satisfactorily made by the date last designated.


THE BRAINERD BRANCH.


After having kept quiet for some months in remarking anything about the probabilities of the “early completion” of the Brainerd Branch—in fact, that we have given our readers an absolute “rest” on the subject—we trust they will permit us now to remark, that in consideration of the loss to the Northern Pacific of its L. S. & M. Division, it is our candid opinion (No. 1,550) that the show is somewhat flattering, now, for the early completion of the Brainerd and Sauk Rapids Extension, commonly called the “Brainerd Branch.” Bets are offered by several in town that a train will run through from Brainerd to St. Paul, via the Watab gold mines, touching at the soap mines, of course, by July 1st next. And now, hurrah for the Branch again. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 February 1874, p. 1, c. 5)


14 February

H. C. ROOT, Esq., who has, with his estimable family, been a resident of Brainerd, in the telegraph department of the road, for a long time, has taken his departure for another field of labor. Root was a good boy, bless him, and could get as much lightning, per foot, out of telegraph wire as any man on the job. Lots of folks will regret the loss of Root, for he was always crammed full of fun—jolly and liberal. Success attend him. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 February 1874, p. 4, c. 1)


21 February

GENERAL HAZEN, writing from Fort Buford (at the mouth of the Yellowstone) to the New York TRIBUNE, gives the Northern Pacific country, from the Red River Valley west to the Pacific Ocean, a fearful dose. He says, outside the few little valleys along the route, the country is worth about one cent per acre, and that the “Iceothermals” are a humbug. He concedes the point, however, that the country on the Northern Pacific Railroad east of and including the whole Red River scope, is all that is claimed for it. The General is very evidently in a bad humor—probably the supply of wine, etc., has given out at that remote military post, and the General, in order to relieve himself, has to pitch into something, and the Northern Pacific being the chosen victim, he goes for it heavy. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 February 1874, p. 4, c. 1)


22 February

THE SNOW storm of last Sunday, in the State, blocked up all the roads in Minnesota, EXCEPTING the Northern Pacific. Our trains were detained some, a few days ago, but it was not the storm, as we understand it, but a small body of the old icy snow that got into some of the cuts. Many trains on roads below here were literally lost for several days. Tally one peg for the Northern Pacific. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 February 1874, p. 1, c. 6)


25 February

MORE RAILROAD RUMORS.—Among the latest of the various railroads rumors which have been set adrift in this city is one that General Manager Mead, of the Northern Pacific, has tendered his resignation. As Mr. Mead is still absent at Omaha, it cannot be ascertained whether or not, there is any substantial reason for the statement, but it is averred that his letter of resignation was received and considered in Philadelphia on Friday last.

It is conceded that there are the best of reasons for the reported surrender of the Lake Superior & Mississippi road into the hands of the old directors, the agreement to that effect having been agreed upon, provided payment was made of a certain stipulated sum said to be due the Northern Pacific company.

In the event of the change herein indicated, it is further rumored that Frank H. Clark, Esq., will be called to the Presidency of the Lake Superior & Mississippi railroad, and that there will be a considerable shuttle movement among the minor officials of the road, which involves the recall of a number heretofore prominently connected with it.

As yet, the reports above made public are simply current on the streets, and have not been traced back to any official authority.—[St. Paul Press, 25th. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 February 1874, p. 1, c. 1)


06 March

THE DUTCH.—We understand that a dispatch was received yesterday from the Dutch bondholders of the St. Paul & Pacific, to the effect that they would not advance money for the completion of the branches, with the lien imposed by what is known as the De Graff Bill, which has become a law, upon the same, but would seek relief in the courts. This dispatch is regarded as a game of bluff to influence legislation.—St. Paul Pioneer. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 March 1874, p. 1, c. 3)


07 March

THE N. P. Machine Shops here are, we understand, to receive a large reinforcement of mechanics about the 1st of April, in all departments, and thereafter these immense shops will assume their wonted air of business—all of which will tend to make it more binding. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 March 1874, p. 1, c. 6)


14 March

POOR NORTHERN PACIFIC!--The recent blockading snow storm, which caused a general suspension of railroad trains in central and southern Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa, was not felt on the Northern Pacific Railroad at all, and trains made their daily trips, on time, from Fargo to Duluth. Oh, yes; we live in an “uninhabitable,” “snow-bound country.” Trains making regular trips everyday the year round without accident or delay; wood choppers, along the Northern Pacific have worked everyday throughout this winter in their shirt-sleeves; just cool enough to be delightful and extremely healthful, and keep the sleighing good all the time. If such winters as we have on the Northern Pacific are misery in themselves, we desire to experience a heap of such grief all the rest of our days. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 March 1874, p. 1, c. 4)


THE L. S. & M. Division of the N. P. R. R. is probably not going back to the original owners; and C. W. Mead, General Manager of the Northern Pacific, is probably not going to resign. How about the St. Paul Press making these “far-seeing statements, and staking its reputation on their truth?” etc. As a prognosticator, had not the Press better take a back set for a while, and let some “country daub” take a guess or two at it? Its time run out the first of this month. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 March 1874, p. 1, c. 6)


SUPERINTENDENT JOHN H. SULLIVAN, N. P. R. R., who has been absent some time at Hannibal, Mo., and elsewhere, is again at his headquarters here, just ripe for the labors of the coming season, and pleasant as ever in his intercourse with all. He informs us that trains will leave Fargo on Monday next in the direction of Bismarck, and that the Dakota Division will be opened up as quickly thereafter as a large force of men and well-directed labor can accomplish it. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 March 1874, p. 1, c. 6)


21 March

RETURNED.—Mr. Dewolf, the very popular landlord of the Headquarters Hotel, who has been on a protracted visit to the hills of New England, returned home a few days since, and was duly welcomed by his friends. We regret to learn that Mr. D. contemplates going back to his old home to reside permanently, ere long, having purchased a $90,000 hotel while he was away. We are sorry, indeed, to lose so valuable a citizen as Mr. Dewolf, and in going he will leave many good friends, whose heartiest good wishes will accompany him. We hope he may try and visit us on a pleasure excursion once a year, at least, in the future, and if he does so, we shall all do our best to “make it warm” for him. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 March 1874, p. 1, c. 4)


THE opening of the Dakota Division is progressing with a rush. We presume by the hour we go to press (Friday noon) the iron horse is frolicking around in Bismarck, and the Bismarckers are happy. Northern Pacific now open from Lake Superior to the Upper Missouri. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 March 1874, p. 1, c. 7)


26 March

THURSDAY evening, General Manager Mead, accompanied by a party of friends and officials, arrived from St. Paul. Mr. Mead has just returned from an important business tour to New York, and is now looking over the road with a view to setting things whirling for the season just opening. Having a due sense of sympathy in our heart, we spared him from a reporter’s interview yesterday, and thought that as he had made good his escape for a few days from the newspaper boxes of St. Paul, it would be absolutely outrageous to besiege him for news just as he imagined himself safe. We therefore go to press without any scrap-box of late railroad news, which we might have worked up, probably, had we made an impudent onslaught on Mr. Mead during his busy hours of business. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 March 1874, p. 1, c. 6)


28 March

THE L. S. & M. DIVISION.—The rumors in regard to the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad (now, by lease, one of the divisions of he Northern Pacific) going back to the original owners, and away from the control of the N. P. has assumed the form of a “vexed question;” a sort of “chronic rumor” manufactory. Almost everyday it has “gone back” from those three to six times, and as many times it has not gone back, by a jug full; but is to belong wholly and solely to the Northern Pacific, by lease, for ninety-nine years, with fine prospects, at the end of that time, of having the lease extended still further a thousand years, or until the millennium, or thereabouts. These rumors being in continual see-saw, we can give no definite information, “on our reputation as a news monger,” about it. We know of but two questions, however, in the United States which convulse the public mind up this way equal to the L. S. & M. matter—the Temperance Crusade, and “Will the Brainerd Branch be built this year?” (Brainerd Tribune, 28 March 1874)


30 March

THROUGH TO BISMARCK.—The pioneer train of the season, on the Dakota Division N. P. R. R., got through to Bismarck on Monday evening last at 7 o’clock. The iron horse was received amid great ado by the populace. Trains are now running regularly from Duluth to Bismarck, and ere long, we presume, a new summer time table will be out for the government of trains on all the divisions. General Manager Mead and Superintendent Sullivan got back to these headquarters from the “Dakota opening” on Wednesday morning. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 April 1874, p. 1, c. 5)


04 April

LONG and heavy trains are commencing to pass west on the road now, which brings back the old aspect of things. Large quantities of Manitoba bonded goods, as well as Government supplies, are commencing to come thick and fast. The Northern Pacific is certainly destined to do a vast amount of freighting this year, as well as passenger business. If it had three hundred miles more road built west, it would almost require a double track for the accommodation of the immense traffic over it, as then no other route could begin to compete with it in the transportation of the vast freights to Montana and the posts and settlements in the region of the Rocky Mountains. “Will the Northern Pacific pay?” “does it pay now?” Oh no, guess not! (Brainerd Tribune, 04 April 1874, p. 1, c. 4)


11 April

A NEW YORK COLONY.—We learn that a gentleman from New York State has been negotiating with the Land Department N. P. R. R. here this week for from twenty to forty sections of land on the line of the Northern Pacific for the accommodation of a colony of farmers from that State. Although we have got millions of acres of earth’s choicest lands between here and the Missouri, yet, five years hence, with the way immigration is to come in this season as a guide to guess from, this whole vast wealth of country will be densely peopled. Come on, ye longing thousands who want rich land, good climate and health, for we have it in profusion, just waiting for you. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 April 1874, p. 1, c. 3)


“GOING BACK.”


The L. S. & M. Railroad is supposed, now, among the very best professional guessers, to be going back very soon into the hands of the orig— that is, there is a rumor afloat to the effect that the thing has taken a positive turn now, and the matter about the Lake Superior and Mississippi Division of the Northern Pacific Railroad—the great trans-continental iron belt from Lake to Ocean—” “going back,” has assumed a tangible form, and that no doubt can now be reasonably entertained that it will very soon revert—that is, if it should “go back” many believe such a result would unquestionably cause the building of the “Brainerd Branch,” or else it wouldn’t, one or the other. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 April 1874, p. 1, c. 4)


15 April

THE BRAINERD BRANCH.


By the Bismarck Tribune of the 15th, we are delighted to learn that the “Brainerd Branch Railroad, from Brainerd to Sauk Rapids, is completed.” That is what it says among its headings over its St. Paul batch of special telegrams. At first thought we were going to deny the rumor; but we have not been over to the track for several days, and in denying it might be mistaken. Probably the thing might have been done in the night, without saying a word to us about it—we’ll go and see. Here, however, is the Tribune’s special telegram concerning the “Branch:”

St. PAUL, April 15.—The iron is purchased for the Brainerd Branch, and arrangements completed that will cause the completion of that road within ninety days. The Northern Pacific people have surrendered to the stockholders their lease of the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad, which has brought about this Brainerd Branch arrangement, which, when completed, will be operated by the Northern Pacific people. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 April 1874, p. 1, c. 2)


18 April

THE landlord of the Headquarters Hotel is now, Mr. E. W. Weed, Roadmaster N. P. R. R., who took possession this week. Mr. Dewolf left for his future eastern home on Wednesday morning, where ie has purchased a hotel property. If Mr. Weed knows as much about “keeping a hotel” as he does about keeping a railroad track in proper tone, the “Headquarters” will prove a most valuable public institution to the traveling public—and we feel sure he does, as he possesses all the essential elements to make a popular landlord. He also has an accomplished lady assistant in the person of Mrs. Weed, his wife. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 April 1874, p. 1, c. 7)


20 April

THE L. S. & M. Railroad has certainly gone back into the hands of the old stockholders; it did so on Tuesday—thank the Lord. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 April 1874, p. 1, c. 2)


02 May

NORTHERN PACIFIC FARMING.—From Mayor White, who has this week been to Moorhead and back, we learn that Mr. Engbretsen, at his place four miles north of Lake Park, has got his little patch of wheat about all in. The little patch consists of 1,500 acres in one field. Twenty-six double teams are at work dragging in the seed. This field will, with a fair season, yield at least 30,000 bushels of the golden grain, or $30,000 in filthy lucre.

Many other extensive farms are being opened up along the line. Among the number is one by Thomas H. Canfield, near the farm named above; Mr. Canfield will have two sections, or 1,280 acres broken up this season as a commencement. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 May 1874, p. 1, c. 3)


09 May

A SPECIAL dispatch from Washington to the St. Paul Press informs us that the House Committee on Public Lands have instructed Mr. Dunnell to report the Senate bill for the extending the time for the construction of the St. Paul & Pacific lines, and that the amendment to the bill referred to in our dispatches simply restores the provisions of the bill as originally introduced by Senator Ramsey, that all rights of actual settlers and their grantees, who have entered on and are residing in good faith on the railroad lands prior to the passage of this act shall be saved and secured. This provision was modified by the Senate committee so as to refer only to settlements made prior to September 3d 1872. It was restored by the Senate. If we may judge by the prompt action of the House committee there will be less opposition to the bill than was anticipated. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 May 1874, p. 1, c. 4)


THE NEED OF THE HOUR.


One of the most important needs of this hour is the completion of the St. Paul & Pacific road to the British line. In response to a deputation of anxious Manitobans that recently waited on Hon. Mr. Mackenzie, present Premier of the Dominion, inquiring when the Pembina & Winnipeg road would be built, he replied:

“The Government are prepared to go on with that road as soon as the St. Paul & Pacific people are ready to push theirs to the boundary line.”

Last week some Fort Garry people telegraphed to Consul Taylor, in the sates, inquiring about the St. Paul & Pacific extension bill, and he answered that it has not yet passed the Senate, and its chances were dubious, and added:

“It is doubtful whether the branch from Glyndon to Pembina will be completed until the Canadian line from Winnipeg to the frontier is fully graded and ready for the iron.”

From these opinions of the Premier and the Consul, it would appear that each party is believed to be waiting for the other, and is trying to stimulate the other. But, in fact, the bill has since passed the Senate by a vote of more than two to one, and its chance in the House, where it has been favorably reported, is believed to be good. Of course, the American end of this international line ought to be built first, so as to keep the through connections intact, and it is hoped that the bill will pass, and that the Legislature will restore the grant on such terms as will insure the speedy construction of the line. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 May 1874, p. 1, c. 4)


L. S. & M. OFFICERS.—The following is a list of the officers of the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad under the new order of things, as we get from a circular sent us:

J. P. Ilsley, President.

George H. Smith, Superintendent.

E. D. Ilsley, Auditor and General Ticket Agent.

T. M. Davis, Treasurer.

H. A. Towne, Sup’t. Machinery.

S. J. Wallace, Sup’t. Bridges and Buildings.

All of which compose a square ticket.

(Brainerd Tribune, 09 May 1874, p. 1, c. 5)


COL. JOHN H. STEVENS, of Minneapolis, an old citizen of Minnesota, and a man whom for many years we have felt honored to call a personal friend, spent a day in Brainerd this week. Col. Stevens has charge of the tree planting project on the Northern Pacific prairies, and is taking great interest in his work. He established, and for several years conducted the Farmers’ Union, our able Minnesota agriculture paper, at Minneapolis, and he is one of the most scholarly as well as practical agriculturists of Minnesota—and is styled the “Father of Minnesota Agriculture.” Some papers are talking of forcing Col. Stevens on the Congressional track this fall; we hope they will desist; and we trust he will not listen to such twaddle, for he is too good a man and useful a citizen in other ways, to be kicked about a whole Congressional District on a red-hot political griddle. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 May 1874, p. 1, c. 5)


Headquarters Hotel Ad, 20 June 1874.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

SEE the advertisement today for the Headquarters Hotel—E. W. Weed, proprietor. The “Headquarters” is par excellence this season, and travelers, tourists, invalids and pleasure-seekers will find it a home fully up to the necessities of this location. For hunting, fishing, health, happiness and pleasure, Brainerd can’t be beat on the continent, and the Headquarters Hotel can’t be beat for comfort and good cheer. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 May 1874, p. 1, c. 7)


The St. Paul & Pacific great extension bill, as it passed the Senate provides that, in case the said Railroad Company or its bondholders shall fail to produce by the 1st day of September, 1874, to the Governor of Minnesota its satisfactory evidence that sufficient means to complete said lines of railroad have been provided, the said Governor may contract with other parties for the completion of the railroad. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 May 1874, p. 1, c. 7)


11 May

A SPECIAL telegram to the Press from Washington, says Gen. Averill yesterday introduced the Northern Pacific subsidy bill. As we understand it, this bill is not correctly described as a subsidy bill. The bill provides that the Government shall guarantee the interest on the Company’s bonds—the Government being secured by a transfer of the land grant of the Company, with the power to sell the lands to indemnify itself in case the Company should default in the payment of interest.—Press, 12th. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 May 1874, p. 1, c. 5)


12 May

PROPOSITION FOR GOVERN-

MENT AID TO THE NORTH-

ERN PACIFIC.


WASHINGTON, May 12.—The long expected appeal of the Northern Pacific Railway Company to Congress for aid, made its appearance to-day in the shape of a bill asking the Government to guarantee five per cent interest on a new set of bonds. The bill is accompanied by a long memorial giving the reason for this demand, which concludes as follows, viz.: “Your memorialists while waiting your action in the premises, hope that it will not be considered obtrusive to respectfully suggest as the result of our experience in this undertaking, that the Northern Pacific Railway can be completed and equipped within a reasonable time, and all its obligations met, if the Government will guarantee the interest at the rate of five per cent per annum on the company’s bonds for security. Against the liability to be incurred by this guarantee the company will hand over its land grant to the Government, to be managed by the General Land Office, the lands to be sold in limited quantities to actual settlers, at prices not less than those of the public lands similarly situated, the proceeds of these sales to be applied to meet any liability of the Government on account of the guarantee; the net earnings of the road also to go into the United States treasury. As further security against this guarantee, and to insure the payment by the company of the interest thus guaranteed, its bonds to the amount of $10,000 per mile shall be left in the United States treasury, and in the event of default or probable default may be sold in the open market, and the proceeds applied to meet deficiencies. A sufficient sinking fund to redeem the company’s bonds shall be established in five years after the completion of the road.” (Brainerd Tribune, 16 May 1874, p. 4, c. 1)


23 May

SPECIALS from Washington say the petition of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company for aid from the Government has not the remotest chance of serious consideration, either by the committee, or by either branch of Congress. The matter will have to go over, with many other things, until next winter. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 May 1874, p. 4, c. 1)


26 May

THE NORTHWEST.


Lieutenant Colonel George A. Custer, ca. 1875.
Source: Unknown

BISMARCK, May 26.—The Peninah, the first boat from the upper Missouri, arrived last night at Bismarck with seventy tons of ore from the Montana mines to go east over the Northern Pacific railroad. Large quantities of freight from the east for Montana are now going forward over the Northern Pacific road to Bismarck, thence by steamboats.

An expedition of adventurers to the celebrated Black Hills of Dakota Territory is organizing at Bismarck, to start about the 20th of June. The Black Hills are supposed to be rich in gold and silver, but it is all supposition and tradition, as none but Indians have ever explored them.

SIOUX CITY, IOWA, May 26.—The Journal this morning publishes information received from the Upper Missouri, that Gen. Custer is preparing a large force at Fort Abraham Lincoln, to move into the Black Hills about the first of June. This force is to consist of ten full companies of cavalry, with a full battery of Gatling guns. In anticipation of such movement on the part of the military force of the government, an expedition composed of men accustomed to frontier life, has been quietly organizing here for the past month, and will leave for the Black Hills region on the first of June. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 May 1874, p. 1, c. 6)


30 May

THE PROSPECT.


It is generally believed among those who would be likely to do the best guessing in the matter, that there is no prospect of Congress passing the bill or taking any action at all in the matter of guaranteeing the bonds of the Northern Pacific Railroad at the present session. The probability is, that the whole matter, after having been merely broached to Congress, will remain with the Committee until next winter—or the next session—when it is believed its prompt passage, in something of the same form as introduced, is a foregone conclusion. This conclusion is, we think, fully warranted, too, because of the indisputable fact that the success of the Northern Pacific Railroad has largely to do with the good of the country in very many respects, which is now rapidly coming to be acknowledged by hosts of men of influence and position who have heretofore given this great continental belt the cold shoulder, or been positively hostile to it. In fact, the Northern Pacific enterprise, after having been abused, cursed, and most damnably libeled and maligned by writers bought up and hired to misrepresent it to the last degree of meaness, by jealous and interested parties, is springing up through the debris of malignity green as a garden plant, and has to-day more friends, and better friends, all over the country, than it ever had. “Truth crushed to earth will rise again,” is a quotation that can be used with the greatest propriety in connection with the history of the Northern Pacific, and with most singular appropriateness.

Not only is the enterprise, as a whole, viewing its importance to the country after it will have been completed, coming to be considered as entitled to all that has ever been claimed for it by its warmest advocates, but the importance to the Northwest, just as it now stands, is being acknowledged. It has opened up and peopled, for six hundred miles, a section of country that without it would have still been an unproductive, unexplored wilderness, instead of the very garden that it is. In rooms of the scores of thriving towns and thousands of farm houses, and the multitudes of intelligent citizens and thriving, Christian communities that now are found throughout the country traversed by that portion of the road already completed, without it would yet have been a waste, and asylum for hostile and marauding Indians. Where all is now productiveness to the people from crowded eastern communities, a home to the European emigrant, and hence a rapidly developing and immense source of revenue to the Government itself, would, without the Northern Pacific Railroad, have yet remained a worse than useless appendage to our scope of territory. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 May 1874, p. 1, c. 3)


06 June

TO LEAVE US.—Mr. Spaulding, who has for so long been chief clerk in the Northern Pacific Land Office, with Mr. Power, is soon to leave Brainerd to take a similar position in the Adjutant General’s office, at St. Paul, to which he has recently been appointed. While we most heartily congratulate Mr. Spaulding on his promotion, and while we could say none too much in favor of his eminent fitness for the new position-as a No. 1 gentleman and correct business man—yet we don’t like the way things have “panned out,” for all that; because it takes from among us a respected and valuable citizen and an estimable family. But—well—yes, of course; that’s the way it is; so, good-bye, Spaulding, God bless you, all the same. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 June 1874, p. 1, c. 4)


SEE: 13 June 1874


SOMETHING ABOUT N. P. TREE PLANTING.


From Mr. J. B. Power, the enterprising and efficient Land Commissioner of the Northern Pacific, whose headquarters is in this place, we learned a few facts about the tree-planting enterprise of the Company, worthy of note.

The Land Department has this season established a nursery of forty acres, located on Goose Creek, twenty-five miles west of Fargo. There is now growing in the nursery, in the most thrifty condition, and of a most astonishing growth, 100,000 cuttings, and some five million seedlings. The varieties are soft maple, white willow, box alder, Lombardy popular and other varieties. The seed for the soft maple was planted along during the first days of last month, (May) and already the little baby trees are all up some eight or ten inches above ground, and growing away “like mad.” The cuttings, too, have all lived, and are rushing their beautiful green sprouts along, seeming to vie with their little neighbors, the seedlings, to see which can reach the height of towering trees the quickest. Altogether they are said to present a magnificent sight by those who have seen them within the past few days. A force of men with cultivators are working and guarding the nursery, subduing the land and there can be scarcely a doubt but that the enterprise will prove a most satisfactory success. The plan of the Company is that next year, and in the future, transplanting can be done from this nursery all along the line, for live snow fences, wind-breaks around buildings, etc. The Company also expect to be able to supply each purchaser of land from them with an ample allowance of, live, thirty trees acclimated, hardy and growing, with which the settler on prairie lands along the line can in six or eight years have a “home-made” forest in which to live, and from which to draw his supplies of fuel and timber, in just such form and quantity as he may desire.

The varieties now growing in the nursery are considered a “sure thing,” and other varieties of forest trees, as well as fruit-trees, ornamental shrubbery, etc., will be experimented with, as the Company gets their nursery grounds prepared for it.

This enterprise, on the part of the Company, is most praiseworthy, and it will be cheerful news to all, that it has thus far proved, and is likely to prove such an abundant success. It is confidently asserted by all who have seen this, and other smaller enterprises in tree-planting, and who know the wonderful properties and richness of the soil, throughout the Red River country, that in ten years hence all that section will be filled with heavy and well-ordered groves of timber—and then it will certainly be a very Eden, as nothing is lacking now but timber. The Company having started the tree-planting so extensively, and so timely, and so successfully in that country, will not only stimulate others but will materially aid all in starting at an early day and almost simultaneously into the grand work.

For his foresight, care, enterprise and patience Mr. Power deserves credit only equaled by the Company’s liberality in enabling him to go forward in what he and they will, we hope, live to experience as an inestimable blessing to the country and thousands of people. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 June 1874, p. 1, c. 4)


SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


13 June

FINE GROUNDS.—The grounds and premises around about the Headquarters Hotel—in the rear yards—are presenting a most beautiful appearance now. Everything is clean and tidy as a new pin. Besides the beautiful sward of clover and genuine shamrock, which is Mr. Weed’s especial delight, is considerable of a garden, which was planted and particularly cared for by Mr. and Mrs. Bartell—the accomplished house-keepers of the Headquarters. All the many kinds of vegetables and plants, besides being beautifully arranged in the spacious grounds are wonderfully advanced, and it does one’s eyes good to look upon them. It is everything in “knowing how to keep a hotel,” for a fact. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 June 1874, p. 1, c. 4)


ERRATUM.—In last week’s “family journal” we made an error, inasmuch as we said Mr. Spaulding had been appointed to a position “in the Adjutant General’s office.” We should have said in the SURVEYOR General’s office. We tried at first to saddle the mistake off on to the compositor; but alas! it wouldn’t work—it was “we” who did it with our little pencil. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 June 1874, p. 1, c. 6)


A KIND REMEMBRANCE.


Upon the retirement from the Land Department N. P. R. R., Mr. S. M. Spaulding, who has so long been Chief Clerk therein, was presented with a handsome gift, in the shape of a purse of money, by his office colleagues. We give below the letter of the “boys” accompanying the gift, and Mr. Spaulding’s reply:


BRAINERD, MINN., JUNE 13th, 1874.

S. M. Spaulding, Esq., Chief Clerk:

DEAR SIR.—Your fellow associates in the office of the Land Department of the N. P. R. R. take this opportunity, as you are about resigning your position as Chief Clerk, to express our regret that connections so long and so pleasantly held are to be severed, at the same time congratulating you upon being called to a higher position, easier work and metropolitan surroundings. While wishing for you a pleasant and profitable future, and extending the right hand of fellowship in saying our farewells, without letting that right hand know what its fellow is doing, accept from the left hand (not, however, as a left handed compliment) the enclosed token of remembrance, not in any way to be considered as the measure of our esteem, but as an expression only of our esteem and good will.

Very truly, your friends,

THE EMPLOYEES OF THE GEN’L. OFFICE LAND DEPT. N. P. R. R., Brainerd, Minn.

_____


BRAINERD, MINN., June 15th, 1874.

The Employees of the Gen’l. Office Land Dept. N. P. R. R. Co.:

GENTLEMEN.—Your communication, by the hand of Mr. Kopper, and contents, are received. For your kind wishes and substantial remembrance I thank you most sincerely.

It is not unusual where numbers are associated together, for them, upon the retiring of one of their members, to present him with some keepsake, but I had not expected such from our small corps; it is, therefore, doubly a surprise and gratification to receive so generous a gift, and I beg to assure you I shall “put it away” where it will be to me a reminder of the pleasant years passed together. I wish also to thank you for the uniform kindness which I have always received from each and every one and while I have essentially severed my connection with the Land Department, I shall not forget, and trust shall not be forgotten by my fellow associates.

Again thanking you for the “right hand of fellowship” so cordially extended, and especially the other hand that “shipped” the responsibility so munificently, I bid you all affectionately, Farewell.

I am, very truly yours,

S. M. SPAULDING.

(Brainerd Tribune, 20 June 1874, p. 1, c. 7)


SEE: 06 June 1874


NOTE: This move, I believe, paves the way for Charles F. Kindred to arrive on the scene as Power’s Chief Clerk in the Land Department.


SEE: 07 November 1874


20 June

THANKS.—We can scarcely express sufficient thanks to Mr. Lewis, the Master Mechanic of the N. P. Machine Shops here for the favor he did us the other day. We broke a very intricate piece of our machinery, and for some hours there was sadness around this establishment, as we saw no way of getting it “fixed” this side of Chicago. But upon going to Mr. Lewis, and after he had examined it critically, he expressed the belief that he could make the repair. The result was, that one of his fine mechanics, with Mr. Lewis’ counsel, finished the job in a few hours, and the machine is now far better and more substantial than it was originally, and a better finished job. All we can say is that it does one’s soul good to meet a “white man”—for it is so very seldom you strike one in this world. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 June 1874, p. 1, c. 5)


27 June

THE EXTENSION.


As we understand it, with no positive authority at hand, the extension of nine months given by Congress to the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad, in which to complete its branches—the St. Vincent and the Brainerd Branches—means that they shall be completed between now and winter; also, that the bill, as passed, places the whole matter within the jurisdiction of our State authorities, and that if the Company does not prove to the Governor by September 1st next its ability and willingness to complete these branches, that he will then have full power to contract with any other parties for their immediate completion within the time specified.

We venture to say that this arrangement means positively, at last, the completion of the Brainerd Branch this season. For, if we remember correctly, we have Governor Davis’ own word that he shall exercise his privilege in this matter to its fullest extent, and that our branches SHALL BE BUILT this time, and no ifs nor ands about it. Governor Davis is alive to the great importance of the completion of the system of railroads which these branches will give to the northern end of the State, and he is the man that will look well to the interests of any and all sections of our young State, and if any golden opportunities are lost it will not be his fault. If these are the provisions of this bill that has passed, we stake our reputation that Governor Davis will see to it that they are enforced, and that our long needed branch railroads will be built without delay! for we know the man. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 June 1874, p. 1, c. 6)


THE N. P. pay car has been the full length of the road this week making its regular monthly payment to all employees. The Northern Pacific is able to pay all its expenses, the year round, and has piles of the “stuff” left in the bag. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 June 1874, p. 1, c. 7)


04 July

THE Brainerd Branch railroad will be built and in running order, possibly this year, but at any rate within the bounds of the recent extension granted by Congress. Inside a year the un-thought of advantages of Brainerd, as a manufacturing town, will begin to be taken hold of. Thousands of visitors, sojourners and tourists will make Brainerd their headquarters annually, after the “Branch” is completed. Brainerd is naturally the most healthy and delightful retreat anywhere in the western country. All who have interests in Brainerd must not “fool them away,” or they will regret it. The money panic, and general depression in business of the past year, will all pass away with the snow next spring. Brainerd is bound to be a good, lively, thrifty town, full of enterprising, liberal people as permanent residents. We think more of Brainerd to-day, and have greater faith in its future prospects than we ever had before. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 July 1874, p. 1, c. 4)


11 July

PERSONAL.—Gen. Geo. W. Cass, President Northern Pacific Railroad, and party came up from Sauk Rapids along the Brainerd Branch, and thence west to Bismarck and return, this week. He was accompanied by General Manager Mead, C. W. Cass, and J. N. Hutchinson. Whether the gazing upon it by this distinguished party will raise the dead Branch or not, remains to be seen. We can discover no immediate effect upon it, but shall watch it daily, and if we see any signs of life we shall hasten to toot our bugle again on the subject of the Brainerd Branch. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 July 1874, p. 1, c. 6)


18 July

WINDOW SMASHING.—It makes one sick to look at the present condition of the fine foundry building, of Parker, Bailey, Howson & Co., in this place. This foundry has been idle for a year past, and the large windows are literally smashed to pieces by boys throwing stones through them. There is scarcely a whole light left in the building. We have no words that would sufficiently denounce the graceless young vagabonds who have it in them to perpetrate such deeds. Parents of such children are responsible, and they ought to teach them better if they had to skin them to do it. It is an outrage on civilization. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 July 1874, p. 1, c. 7)


31 July

LEFT US.—Our fellow Citizen, Mr. W. S. Heathcote, who has for two years been foreman in the wood department of the N. P. Machine Shops; has left his place, and our city to go onto his farm out near Wadena—in other words, friend Heathcote has “granged.” He has a beautiful place out in the Wadena country, and hereafter will only answer to the call of “Farmer Heathcote.” Upon bidding his old comrades good-bye on Friday evening, up at the shops, they exhibited their regard for their old foreman by handing him a beautiful stem-winding American watch, from Mr. Strauss’ jewelry store, which cost ninety dollars. There was no “fuss and feather” about it; but it came as a token of regard from men whose hearts are honest and true, and whose natures are in keeping with their professions—noble and generous. Mr. H. was very much affected at so unexpected a kindness and was justly as proud as a man could be of his beautiful and valuable present. May peace, happiness and abundant harvests be the portion of Mr. Heathcote in his farm home, is the wish of all of us. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 August 1874, p. 1, c. 7)


05 September

THE Railroad Company is erecting a large building at this place for the protection of its numerous passenger coaches. It is also constructing an immense water tank for the use of the machine shops. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 September 1874, p. 1, c. 4)


12 September

Wonderful Growth.


As will be remembered, we gave a full account, a few months ago, of the tree culture and nursery being engaged in by the Land Department of the Northern Pacific, out at Goose Creek in Dakota, a few miles west of Fargo. Mr. Power, the hard-working and efficient Land Commissioner of the Company, with headquarters at Brainerd, has given this enterprise his careful attention, and is being nobly rewarded. A specimen of the season’s growth of several kinds of trees have been sent in to the office here. The cuttings and the seeds were planted about the 10th of May last, and now show a growth as follows:


FROM CUTTINGS.

White willow, seven feet.

Lombardy poplar, six feet.


FROM SEED.

Box Alder, three feet.

Soft Maple, two feet.

White Elm, fourteen inches.

Oak, eighteen inches.

These are but a fair, average sample of the whole nursery. Their growth is strong and heavy, the stems being woody and vigorous. There are now two and a half million of these hardy young forest trees, and Mr. Power confidently expects them to all go through the winter in good shape, and in five years, we certainly think, the Goose Creek Nursery will have supplied the whole prairie country along the line with hundreds of wildernesses. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 September 1874, p. 1, c. 5)


SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


05 October

Fatal Accident.


One of the workmen on Railroad Section 12, (the section first east from this place, under charge of Mr. Robert Cowley) met with his death on Monday morning last about four o’clock, in being run over by an engine. His name was August Vest, a Swede. He had been in this country about three years, and had been with Mr. Cowley for the past two years. He was a single man, about thirty-five years, and has no relatives in this country, we believe. There is a man working on Section 6, however, that knew him in the old country, and is acquainted with his people; he will doubtless be able to impart the sad news to the family of Mr. Vest in Sweden. It seems he had become intoxicated during Sunday night, and was on his way up to the Section house, when he lay down across the rails, right in front of the Shops, and fell asleep. The engine was backing down from the round house to the depot to take the early freight east, and it being dark, and the headlight of the engine being in an opposite direction, the engineer was unable to see him. His remains were given a respectable burial in the cemetery, after the body had been viewed, and the circumstances made a note of by Justice Burns—the Coroner being absent. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 October 1874, p. 1, c. 3)


10 October

The Northern Pacific Region.


We take the following scattering extracts from a lengthy and handsomely written letter which appears in the Monroe (Mich.) Commercial. The letter was written by Mr. S. Martindale, who spent a week or two along the line visiting with his old time friend and class mate, Thos. P. Cantwell, Esq., of Brainerd:

We told you in our last of our experiences as far as Brainerd on the N. P. R. R., at the crossing of the Mississippi. We knew it would rouse the Nimrod born in every true lover of woods and streams; and when thus inborn, yields to no exorcism of any kind.

NP Bridge, ca. 1874.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The Mississippi at this point is about 400 feet wide, and spanned by a Howe truss bridge 80 feet above high water mark. Stepping aboard one of the N. P. R. R.’s magnificent coaches at the Headquarters Hotel, we are soon moving out and along upon one of the smoothest, if not the smoothest, running roads in the United States. Thirty miles an hour is the speed, while we would suspect it only 15 or 20 miles, if our eyes were not outside upon the objects whirling past us. Grand and glorious is the sparkling sunshine in these northern days! The senses are braced to the plenitude of new experiences, and the spirits dance to a chorus of new joys. We are soon running past the many lakes where we have “wetted our line,” and were you here, you would say, “surely your lines have been cast in pleasant places.”

The rude attire of the wilderness has yielded to a floral exuberance and vegetable wealth unsurpassed in any part of our vast and fertile country and you would be ready to say, “Jay Cooke’s pamphlets are not all a fable.”

The date of the sportsman’s tether—August 15th—is not yet passed, and our jottings of personal experience are few in the line of “fur, fin and feather;” but we know the forests are full of pigeons, deer and bear, the lakes of fish, and the prairies swarm with coveys of prairie chickens that have gone “unflushed” since the days of Noah.

At Fargo, on the west bank of the Red River, the train draws up in front of another of those Headquarters Hotels, and we step out upon its broad piazza, and through spacious, airy halls to our room, made as comfortable for us as could be at any metropolitan center 2,000 miles away. From the upper piazza and the observatory above, our eyes reach out upon the expanse of prairie—to the north and east, skirted by the heavy growth of timber that marks the sinuous course of the Red River—to the south, the vision is unobstructed, except by the sparsely scattered pioneers’ cabins; and to the west, the straight, undeviating track of the road points with unerring finger “whither the star of empire takes its course.”

Please say to the people “down east,” that to the sportsman, to the overworked in delving for sixpences, to the adventurer, for childhood’s past-time, or manhood’s sterner joys, there can be no more favorable retreat from the warfare of life than out along, and upon the N. P. R. R., with headquarters at Brainerd. We shall expect you to form one of our company to this region of newness and delight, at a future time. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 October 1874, p. 4, c. 1)


24 October

SOCIAL HALL.—Mayor White has kindly offered the ladies of the Congregational church the free use, for six months, of the pleasant office formerly occupied by Lyman Bridges. The pleasant entertainments and social gatherings formerly held in the Reading Room will now be removed to this larger and more commodious building, and it is the intention of the ladies to make a corresponding increase in the attractions offered. Its use as a Social Hall will be inaugurated with an Oyster Supper on Friday evening, Oct. 30th. The best of oysters—the choicest grapes. Come and see, and bring a friend! (Brainerd Tribune, 24 October 1874, p. 1, c. 6)


07 November

OUR friend, Mr. Kindred, of the N. P. Land Department, has removed his fine residence building—formerly L. B. Perry's house—to his two fine lots on the corner of Sixth and Norwood [sic] [Kingwood] streets, just north of the General Office building one block. This is a fine location, and Mr. K. will have a beautiful home when he once gets the place fixed up. May he long enjoy it with us, provided, you know—well, provided he does not insist in "going it alone" much longer, you see. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 November 1874, p. 1, c. 4)


KINDRED

SEE: 14 November 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 07 June 1876

SEE: 23 March 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 18 January 1879

SEE: 31 May 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 20 September 1883

SEE: 23 September 1883

SEE: 26 August 1885

SEE: 13 December 1887

SEE: 31 May 1889

SEE: 25 March 1898

SEE: 05 February 1917


THE ENGINEERS.


Locomotive engineers of the West belonging to the so-called Brotherhood are preparing to resist with all their combined strength, a reduction of wages, which the principal lines have decided on. The strike of last spring had its unpleasant features, and the one in contemplation, if it is forced to an issue, will be even more unrelenting. Grand Master Wilson, more than any other man, curbed the violent spirit of the engineers in the last strike, and he paid for his moderation and prudence with his official life. His successor, according to common belief, will approve any action of the Western Division engineers, however contrary to the regulations and precedents of the Brotherhood. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 November 1874, p. 2, c. 3)


14 November

Our Park.


At last we are happy to be able to announce that our public park, in front of the Headquarters Hotel, is to be brought into full fledged existence by the Railroad company, and work has already begun. It will be a block in length, and occupy all that space lying between the railroad track and Front Street and a most beautiful place it can be made, too. Of course the company has placed the whole work under the supervision of Mike Smith, the champion lawn planter and tree culturist of the Northwest, and who, assisted by his son Dennis, has charge of the grand and wonderfully successful Northern Pacific Nursery at Goose Creek, Dakota. Mr. Smith, and Dennis his son, have already laid out the ground of the park and are getting the trees, which will be chiefly soft and hard maple. Owing to the lateness of the season Mr. Smith will probably not be able to do more than get in the trees this fall and put up a temporary fence. But in the spring he will push the park to completion, and you can wager high that if “Mike” lives to complete the job it will be made a lasting and valuable ornament to our beautiful young city. There will be two rows of trees around the outer edge of the park, with gravel walk between, and the grounds will be entered only from the corners; from each corner there will be a walk straight to the center, where will be two circular rows of trees—with walk between—and within this grand center will be a mammoth fountain, fed from the water main that supplies the machine shops, which will have head sufficient to throw the crystal spray twenty feet in the air. No one can estimate the extent of beauty that will thus be added to our town, and the benefit it will be to property, when completed. The company deserve the warmest thanks of our citizens for their liberality and kindness in contributing to us so great and valuable an ornament; and long live Mike Smith, who has been mainly instrumental in bringing it about—always having an eye to the beautiful, he could not overlook so handsome a spot. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 November 1874, p. 1, c. 7)


Mr. Kindred, of the Land Department of the Northern Pacific Railroad; has been in town a part of this week, and has made it lively selling lands and town lots, and making many happy by giving them titles to their farms. He is one of the most genial and accommodating men connected with the road. The company are putting their lands down low, so as to induce settlers to come into this country. By purchasing N. P. bonds, which are taken by the company at par, brings their lands within the reach of everyone, and this will be a great benefit to the country, as a large share of it will thus be occupied by the actual settler.—Fargo Mirror. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 November 1874, p. 4, c. 1)


KINDRED:

SEE: 07 November 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 07 June 1876

SEE: 23 March 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 18 January 1879

SEE: 31 May 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 26 June 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 20 September 1883

SEE: 23 September 1883

SEE: 26 August 1885

SEE: 13 December 1887

SEE: 31 May 1889

SEE: 25 March 1898

SEE: 05 February 1917


17 November

General Manager C. W. Mead spent Tuesday in the city, on his return from the west end, and returned to St. Paul on Wednesday. General Mead’s “extra” was the last train of the season over the Dakota Division, and the two hundred miles of Road between Fargo and Bismarck closed its career, for the winter, at the heels of the General’s train. Bismarck has, therefore, holed up with the prairie dogs, and will scarcely again be heard of till the cactus blooms once more. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 November 1874, p. 1, c. 3)


21 November

AS WILL be seen, the winter time table on the Northern Pacific has been inaugurated. The trains from both ways now lay over at Brainerd every night, and the hotel keepers are happier than usual. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 November 1874, p. 1, c. 5)


28 November

Some Curiosities.


Dr. John C. Rosser, Northern Pacific physician and coroner, ca. 1908.
Source: Special Collections, University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Virginia

Dropping into the office of our friend, Dr. J. C. Rosser, the other day, we enjoyed a most pleasant hour. The Doctor, wherever known is esteemed a man of culture and refinement, a master in his profession, a social lord, and a gentleman in the finest construction of the term. Dr. Rosser has charge of the Northern Pacific Medical Department, and during his occupancy of their fine medical office he has added many rare specimens to the museum thereto attached. Among the latest additions, we notice a fully developed skull of a white man, found close to Crystal Springs, which are located on the Northern Pacific in Dakota, about midway between Fargo and Bismarck. The skull gives every evidence of having been at one time, many decades ago, the “cap-sheaf” to an intelligent anatomy, and is certainly the finest specimen in the collection of skulls. Tradition among the Indians in that region leads to the almost positive fact that it is the skull of an English Lord, who many years ago made a tour to the Selkirk Settlement, and who with his party, undertook the exploration of the country across from the Red River to the Missouri River, but who, about midway in that unexplored country, fell into the hands of the hostile natives; the Chief (the Lord) of the party was taken into captivity and was massacred at the verge of the wonderful springs mentioned, and his body left to decay and his bones to bleach on the bosom of the plains, until the onward progress of civilization came along and found this relic of a once highly intelligent and adventurous man; while the remainder of the party shared a similar fate in other directions; but the superstition of the natives taught them that the most important of the party of strange white beings should, of right to the Great Spirit, be slaughtered at the most sacred spot in their domain, which was at what is now known as the celebrated Crystal Springs, on the Northern Pacific. A hole through the right side of the crown of the head, seems to show that he was killed by the stroke of a pointed war club, made of flint stone, occasionally seen among the Sioux even at this late day.

Another skull is of a young native, which belonged undoubtedly to the pre-history race of this vast country, or in other words, the Mound Builder’s period. The reasons for this conclusion are these:

The skull itself differs in several respects from those of the natives of the present day, and exhibits a much higher degree of intellect and cultivation; a stronger reason is, that this one seems to have been regularly interred—a mode of burial generally accorded to the famous Mound Builders, while the natives of more modern times ”bury their dead in a tree-top or up on a scaffold.”

Many other fossiliferous specimens are to be seen, which excite the wonder of the intelligent mind; some human bones that have been buried so long that they have turned into solid stone, but are perfect as may be in their form. One bone in particular, was well worthy of the study of those who understand the human anatomy. It is a bone, the Doctor informed us, that belonged to the arm from the elbow to the shoulder. Its peculiarity was in the raised ridges extending along its length, which never appear to any degree whatever on that bone unless the man be a Hercules of strength and physical power; this being the case, the possessor of this petrified bone must have been a terror, and had a muscle upon which could have cracked anything from a hazelnut to a quartz rock without breaking the skin.

Several most wonderful geological specimens ornament Dr. Rosser’s cabinet, which for real merit in the kingdom geology, surpass anything we have ever had the pleasure of examining, all selected from along the Northern Pacific.

Speaking of the practice of the natives of the present day, in “burying their dead in the tree tops,” calls to mind an item we had forgotten to mention. Dr. Rosser has some billets of wood cut from a tree recently, that contain bones thoroughly imbedded in the sound wood, having been placed in the fork of the tree many years ago, the tree as it grew enclosed and preserved them as perfectly as though petrified, until the tree was cut down and split open, disclosed them in their wonderful tomb. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 November 1874, p. 1, c. 3)


SHIPMENTS OF EVERGREENS.—Our fellow townsmen, Messrs. Keating & Hallett, have shipped a car load of beautiful evergreen Christmas trees—principally balsam and fir—to Chicago, and also some twenty sacks of running pine and prince’s feather, with which to make wreaths and other ornaments. The car contained a thousand trees, which will unquestionably be the finest Christmas trees ever introduced into Chicago, and the enterprising firm will doubtless realize handsomely on their venture. Mr. Keating accompanied the trees and will retail them out. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 November 1874, p. 1, c. 5)


28 November

Mr. J. B. POWER, Land Commissioner N. P. R. R., who has been east for some time, accompanied by his family, returned a few days ago to St. Paul.

Mr. Kindred, Chief Clerk in Mr. Power’s office, left on Monday last for a visit of a week or so to Chicago. We are not positively informed as to whether friend K. will bring his family back with him or not—hope he may, however. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 November 1874, p. 1, c. 6)


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


KINDRED:

SEE: 07 November 1874

SEE: 14 November 1874

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 07 June 1876

SEE: 23 March 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 18 January 1879

SEE: 31 May 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 26 June 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 20 September 1883

SEE: 23 September 1883

SEE: 26 August 1885

SEE: 13 December 1887

SEE: 31 May 1889

SEE: 25 March 1898

SEE: 05 February 1917


05 December

A Line from Jo. Wilson.


Editors Brainerd Tribune:

For the next few years I expect to make my home in Texas, at a town called Palestine; R. B. Small, H. J. Small, Mike Grace, Geo. Wadham, Frank Fakir, J. Glispin, Henry Doll, and a host of other N. P. boys, are congregating down there, for the purpose of showing the “Texicans” how to run a Railroad. When I get there you will hear from me. So, goodbye. How is the Literary? Regards to the boys.

“CHO VILSON.”

(Brainerd Tribune, 05 December 1874, p. 1, c. 6)


08 December

The Grand “Close” at Brainerd.


As is mentioned elsewhere, the event of the season thus far was the opening of the new Headquarters Hotel at Fargo, on Tuesday night. During Wednesday, Mr. E. W. Weed, the jolly host of the Headquarters Hotel at Brainerd, bethought himself that as the ball was opened at Fargo, he would just quietly go to work and have the thing closed at his house on Wednesday evening, upon the return of the excursion train, east. Accordingly, he called to his side a friend or two, to assist in carrying out the details, and about noon invitations commenced flying about the City of the Pines, to the effect that all hands were wanted at his house that evening to indulge in a little hop of welcome to the returning excursionists. As only Brainerd can do, our good people rallied, and at 8 o’clock p. m., the spacious parlors of the Headquarters fairly shone with the beauty of Brainerd, and a little later the great dining hall, with some seventy-five couples, was ablaze with the social cheer of one of the most royal parties that has ever been witnessed on the line; all dancing to the music of Hazen’s band, and in short, just going in for amusement, social greetings and pastimes of the most sensible kinds. It was truly a gathering of friends, in the good, old-fashioned, broad sense of that term; not the slightest stiffness of manner, our ladies dressed in beautiful taste, with pleasant faces and jolly greetings, the scene was one to be remembered with the utmost pleasure. Our visiting friends were almost in ecstasies over the affair, and they, as well as our own good people who were present, just went in for what they universally acknowledged they had enjoyed, one of the best social occasions of their lives. Promptly at 12 o'clock tattoo was sounded, and bidding our guests a most friendly farewell, our Brainerd ladies and gentlemen retired to their homes, while the visiting friends retired to the palatial rooms of the Headquarters Hotel to enjoy a few hours sleep preparatory to pursuing their journey homeward on the morning train bound eastward.

There’s no use in talking, Weed is a brick; and our people know how, and stand ready to do the nice thing by visitors from abroad on the shortest notice and at any time. Brainerd beats ‘em all, and if we didn’t know it, we shouldn’t say so. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 December 1874, p. 1, c. 2)


10 December

THE pay-car started west Thursday morning, in charge of Mr. J. W. Edgerton, to replenish the pockets of all employees west of us, to Fargo. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 December 1874, p. 1, c. 7)


12 December

CHANGE OF OFFICERS.—We learn that a change has occurred among the General officers of the Northern Pacific Railroad, located here. Mr. Pritchard, the Treasurer of the Company, who has heretofore had his office in New York, will remove to Brainerd, and merge the office of Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer (the latter having up to now been filled by Col. R. M. Newport, here) into one, and take charge thereof himself in person. Col. Newport will hereafter fill the Auditor’s chair in place of L. W. Ford, Esq., resigned.

We understand that Mr. Ford will return to New York again, where he will fill a prominent position. Mr. Ford is a most accomplished accountant, and a clever gentleman in every way, and we regret that he, with his excellent family, is to leave our young community, of which both he and his good wife had become highly esteemed and valued members. May success attend Mr. Ford wherever he may be, is the wish of his many warm friends and admirers in Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 December 1874, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: 17 August 1872

SEE: 26 April 1873

SEE: 19 December 1874

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 29 January 1876

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 03 June 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 09 June 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 07 February 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 17 March 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 30 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 11 February 1882

SEE: 18 February 1882

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


GONE TO TEXAS.—Quite a number of the railroad men at the Machine Shops have left for Palestine, Texas, within a short time, and among the number Mr. Thos. Bason, the tinner and brass founder, who has upon many occasions entertained our people in the literary society, exhibiting on all occasions a brilliancy of talent and profundity of knowledge which is rarely possessed by men of any walk in life these days. They go to Texas to become connected with railroad operations there in similar positions they occupied here. Success to them. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 December 1874, p. 1, c. 7)


19 December

DOUBTFUL.


A Washington correspondent is responsible for the statement that the friends of the Northern Pacific have become discouraged and are leaving Washington—having given up all hope of securing aid by Congressional action. He also says that the prospects for the Southern Pacific are good and still brightening; that besides the solid Southern support, it has Pennsylvania secured in its behalf, as well as several other powerful knots of friends, all of whom are dead set against the Northern Pacific Railroad—now that they think they can handle their own measure without the aid of the N. P. influence. This may all be true, but we are not yet convinced thereof; we don’t believe that the Southern Pacific can afford to go back on the Northern Pacific, but that both enterprises will go before Congress, the one leaning upon the other for support and that they will either stand or fall together. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 December 1874, p. 1, c. 5)


AN ERROR CORRECTED.—In noticing the changes in some of the Railroad officers here last week, we made an error, through the rush of getting to press, mixed with a little carelessness. Mr. Pritchard, the Treasurer of the Company, will not come to Brainerd, but will remain in New York as heretofore; though, so far as the operating of the Road concerns that office it will be at Brainerd, and in the charge of Col. R. M. Newport, as usual, who is under the new arrangement made both Auditor and Assistant Treasurer of the Company.

We also learn that the General Ticket Office has been merged with the General Freight Department, and hereafter both departments will be under charge of W. S. Alexander, Esq., as General Freight and Ticket Agent, with headquarters at Saint Paul. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 December 1874, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: 17 August 1872

SEE: 26 April 1873

SEE: 12 December 1874

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 29 January 1876

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 03 June 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 09 June 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 07 February 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 17 March 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 30 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 11 February 1882

SEE: 18 February 1882

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


25 December

CHRISTMAS PARTY.—Mr. E. W. Weed, the jolly landlord of the Headquarters Hotel, gave a party to our citizens last evening, and it was one of Brainerd’s best, which embraces all the good things we could say about it, if we wrote adjectives for a week. Ben Hazen furnished music, and a hundred happy dancers tripped the hours away in happy mood and social enjoyment. Long live Weed—one of the live and liberal men of the Line. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 December 1874, p. 1, c. 7)


1875

02 January

Mr. J. G. Pinkerton is now in charge of the telegraph office here, as Train Dispatcher, in place of C. M. Green, who has gone to Decorah, Iowa. Mr. Pinkerton is said to be an accomplished man in his profession, and a gentleman universally esteemed by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 January 1875, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: 29 June 1875

SEE: 27 July 1875

SEE: 08 August 1875

SEE: 28 August 1875


A Presentation.


The evening previous to the departure of C. M. Green, Esq., (late Train Dispatcher here), to go to Decorah for the purpose of commencing the study of the law, his friends and railroad associates presented him with a handsome gold watch. We did not have the pleasure of being present, but learn that it was a happy affair, and a complete surprise to friend “Clem.” We met him in St. Paul the day after, and we can assure his friends here that he was proud of his present. The gift made was most worthily bestowed, and will ever be fondly appreciated by Mr. Green. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 January 1875, p. 1, c. 6)


13 January

MAJ. GEO. H. SMITH, who has for a year past been Acting Superintendent of the L. S. & M. Railroad, has recently been promoted to General Superintendent, and the entire operating department put under his care. We always knew it would be so, ‘cause you know they have quit making any better men than Maj. Smith for any position. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 January 1875, p. 1, c. 6)


23 January

SOCIAL DANCES.—Matters have now been arranged whereby a series of social dances will be given at Headquarters [Hotel] under the management of Mr. Weed during the season. They will be given every Friday evening. Ben Hazen’s splendid band will furnish the music, which will render this important item of such affairs a proud success. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 January 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


WHAT WE SHALL DO.


Everybody, and all his relatives, in this town and along the line of the Northern Pacific, are holding their breath, fairly, waiting as patiently as possible to see what Congress is going to do about assisting the onward march of the Northern Pacific Railroad toward the Pacific, and also what our Legislature is going to do toward forcing the completion of the branches—the Brainerd and St. Vincent. If both, or either, of the propositions are successful, there will be joy and merry-making lying around loose all over this northern country. We are not certain as to what we shall do, for instance, when the good news comes—if it comes. We feel sure there will be fun, for awhile, all around wherever we are located, however. We shall come as near turning four double somersaults as we ever did, even if we don’t light on our feet—it won’t matter how we light, for we can stand it under the circumstances. We shall gallop down town and get an awful big—pound or two of nails, and just assure the boys that it’s all right, and not excelled by anything short of the 17th of March or 4th of July. We’ll advise Uncle White to raise the price of lots fifty per cent, and chalk us out a dozen corner’s and bring in his bill. The thing will be literally gorgeous, you know. We propose to get five or six tie contracts, and the job of building the Missouri River bridge, and sublet them to our brothers-in-law, while we put up a brownstone front on the TRIBUNE office, then raise the d—l and sell newspapers. We shall also have the Brainerd soap-mine opened up, and develop our interest in the Watab gold diggings, build four watering places for the accommodation of the thousands of visitors—and they’ll be hotels as are hotels, too; the Grand Pacific, of Chicago, wouldn’t make a respectable dog kennel to any of them. The machine shops shall be enlarged eight times,—employing fifteen thousand men,—the Townsite Company will turn Gregory Park into an aquarium with a mammoth fountain in the center, with a whale, and rhinoceros, and a hippopotamus, as the big attractions, we shall have a brass band with silver instruments, and a hundred of them, to play perpetually, we shall see that a park is fixed off, for the pleasure of our citizens, in which Central Park couldn’t be found except with a microscope, and we shall see to it immediately that proceedings shall at once be instituted to commence, or rather to inaugurate the original beginning of the initial superstructure of the foundation that will be made to support the lower part of what will be one of the—well, yes, of course we shall; because who will care for expense, no how, and—and—you know if everybody else will do as much, won’t Brainerd be some, though? You are just whistling! (Brainerd Tribune, Morris C. Russell, Editor, 23 January 1875, p. 4, c. 1)


30 January

DEFEAT OF THE NORTHERN PACIFIC BILL.


A special to the St. Paul papers the other day announced that the Congressional Railroad Committee had reported adversely on the Northern Pacific bill, asking a guarantee of the interest on its bonds, which, if true, would doubtless cook the Northern Pacific goose for the present, and such a result has not been entirely unlooked for. Yet, outside of this “special” rumor we have at this writing heard nothing more from it, and there is a possibility that the rumor is false—at any rate, so far as its being tee-totally fatal is concerned—and hence we wait further particulars before concluding to annihilate the committee. But if it has done as reported, the doom of the members thereof is sealed just as soon as we get around to their case. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 January 1875, p. 1, c. 3)


CALLED.—Mr. Fitzpatrick, Road Master of the Dakota Division, called upon us the other day. Mr. F. is just recovering from the lively old squeeze he got in the fall, between an engine and a caboose—which same squeeze compressed his body into a space of seven inches, and he is an uncommonly large man, too. This is probably the smallest amount of territory ever occupied by any man, that ever lived afterward to tell the tale. Mr. Ftizpatrick has been spending a week or two with mine host Weed, of the Headquarters [Hotel]. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 January 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


SEE: 16 June 1875


06 February

RAILROAD employees are paid punctually at the end of every month. Our friend, J. W. Edgerton, does it with his little car. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 February 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


A GREAT quantity of letters are being received at the Northern Pacific Land Department headquarters here, from all over the country, relative to the obtaining of the rich acres in the Northern Pacific country. Mr. Power’s department will doubtless be over-run with business as soon as spring opens. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 February 1875, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


10 February

CALLED.—General Manager C. W. Mead spent Wednesday in the “City of the Pines,” and, with Superintendent Sullivan favored our “Brown-stone front” with a friendly call, illuminating our sanctum and cheering the whole establishment from rudder to jackstaff with their encouraging manner. Call again, gentlemen; every inch of the slack of our latch string is always at your disposal. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 February 1875, p. 1, c. 6)


13 February

THE most artistic painters and sign-writers west of Chicago are the gentlemen who swing the brush in the Northern Pacific paint shop at Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 February 1875, p. 1, c. 6)


20 February

THE “BRANCHES.”


We are pleased to note the activity of the Legislative Railroad Committee in reference to the much needed branches of the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad.

The Joint Committee held an animated meeting a few nights ago, and took the male bovine by the antlers with a vigor that seemed to bode no good to the bull. The condition of these branch lines is briefly, yet exactly this, as we understand it: The Government granted an extension of two years’ time for their completion, which time expires a year from next month. The conditions were, that the first year of this time was to be held open and at the disposal of the bondholders; they to have that time in which to decide whether they wished to complete the lines and secure to themselves the land grant or not; at the end of a year, if the bondholders did not commence the construction, with a guarantee to promptly complete them, then the grant was to fall to the State, to be disposed of by the State in like manner to any party who would go on and complete the work during the second and last year of the time; if the State failed, as a sort of agent, to build the roads during the second year, then the land should again revert to the Government, and the game of “Branch” would be effectually and permanently “up.” The bondholders have failed to turn a hand in the matter, and the liberal time given them has expired. They claim that they have been swindled in the large investments they have already made in the St. Paul & Pacific, and this is the reason they dare not invest any further— they “had rather lose what they have already invested than to run the chance of losing more.” No doubt, through an unpardonably loose manner of doing business, and by means of rascally agents, they have been outrageously swindled by private individuals. But that the State or Government is under the slightest obligation to the bondholders, or that either is in any manner responsible for their misfortunes—especially the State—is not conceded, by a long shot; and this is the view taken by a majority of the committee, as a matter of course. The bondholders’ agent is baying at the heels of the committee, endeavoring to make out that by the State stepping into their now empty shoes and causing the prompt construction of the roads on behalf of the people who are suffering so sorely because of their non-completion, a glaring wrong is about to be wrought upon them. They might with more consistency hold the man in the moon responsible for their losses than the State of Minnesota, because he may have lent his countenance to the plottings that caused their overthrow, but the State or its agents—never.

We doubt not the Committee will recommend emphatically that the State, through its chief executive, sees that the people, and the promising portions of the State directly interested, now have long delayed justice done them, by the completion of the Brainerd and the Pembina Branches the coming summer—ere the extension of time again runs out, not again to be renewed, in all probability. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 February 1875, p. 1, c. 3)


27 February

ALL the world knows there was, “jobs” perpetrated by contractors, etc., in the early history of the Northern Pacific Railroad (as there has been in every great public enterprise since Adam was a yearling). Who says there wasn’t? But who can say that for the past year or two the Northern Pacific has not been the best managed railroad in the west, and that—from the highest to the lowest—the officers of the Company are not doing their level best for the interests of all concerned? Say something, Doctor! (Brainerd Tribune, 27 February 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


10 March

A CAR in Wednesday evening’s train from the east took fire when within about six miles from Brainerd, and burned up, with its contents. It contained several bails of oakum, and it is thought a spark from the engine drifted into some little opening and ignited the oakum. Loss not very heavy. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 March 1875, p. 1, c. 6)


13 March

Opening the Dakota Division.


Superintendent Sullivan, with a crew of men, will commence the opening of the Dakota Division the coming week. It is thought that but little difficulty will be experienced, as the winter in the Northern Pacific country has been a very harmless affair—quite the reverse of the country below us. The Dakota Division once open, business and travel will again begin to flow to and from the frontier posts. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 March 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


20 March

MR. J. B. POWER, Land Commissioner, N. P. R. R., who has been in New York for several weeks, on business connected with his department, has again returned home. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 March 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


27 March

PERSONAL MENTION.


Friend W. H. Lewis, Esq., Master Machinist N. P. R. R., returned home a few days ago from a visit to his old home in Brookfield, Missouri....


We were glad to welcome home, the other evening, our former fellow citizens, Mr. Thomas Bason, who went to Texas last fall and spent the winter in that State. Mr. B. is the brass founder and tinner in the N. P. shops here, and expresses himself as greatly delighted to get back once more to our beautiful “City of the Pines,” which he does not care to leave again in a hurry. He thinks the Northern Pacific country eminently preferable to Texas as a place to reside, particularly on account of its peculiarly healthful, social and educational advantages, and he says all the northern men he met in Texas would come north again as soon as they could, or at least, when they desire to locate permanently. The longer we live, the more anxious we become to put this Northern Pacific region up against any other patch of territory on the face of the earth, for a good, square, comfortable country in which to live, move and rotate. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 March 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


THE NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD.


The recent meeting of the bondholders of the Northern Pacific Railroad in New York was a large one, several millions of dollars being represented from all parts of the United States, and we are told by the New York Tribune, that the meeting was remarkably harmonious, a general feeling of confidence being manifested in the merits of the enterprise, and in the value of the property. An equally strong feeling of confidence was expressed by those present in the integrity and ability of the management, and there was a strong desire shown throughout the session to put the road through at the earliest possible opportunity.

Hon. L. D. M. Sweet, of Maine, presided, on the motion of Mr. George W. Cass, the President. Mr. Cass’ address to the bondholders was the most important feature of the meeting. He set forth the advantages of the route and the value of the property in a way that would seem to have inspired a sanguine confidence in the success of the enterprise. He cited the Union Pacific Railroad as a measure of comparison, and stated that the Northern Pacific road would be better than the Union Pacific road, on account of having lower grades, straighter line, better lands, more and richer minerals, more and better coal, vastly more timber, better climate, less snow, better agricultural and pastoral soil, more water, and a greater supply of stone for building. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 March 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


THE OPENING.


We are informed that Superintendent Sullivan will commence the work of opening the Dakota Division on Tuesday next. The recent storm, which was of unheard of severity, will have rendered the opening of that division very tedious, comparatively, and it will tax the well known energy of Mr. Sullivan, and his noble assistants, to the utmost; though we feel sure the work will be performed in the shortest possible time, for the N. P. boys, though they have had less experience than the operators of some of the continually snow-bound roads three or four hundred miles south of us, are a perfect terror to a snow bank, and a crew of men, under such competent corps of directors, mostly go through a cut filled with snow like a dose of epsom salts. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 March 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


01 April

THE family of Mr. H. A. Towne, Supt. of Machinery, N. P. R. R., arrived in Brainerd on Thursday evening’s train, and will take up a residence among us. The family party was composed of Mr. and Mrs. Towne and little son, and Mrs. and Miss Scoville, mother and sister of Mrs. Towne. Our good people welcome the “new comers” heartily, and wish they may find their residence in the “City of the Pines” a pleasant one. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 April 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


12 April

A FAREWELL INCIDENT.


John Davidson, so long and favorably known on the Northern Pacific Railroad, for a time, as Cashier and Paymaster, but for the past year as chief accountant in the office of the Land Department in this city, has been advanced to the more prominent position of agent, in charge of the company’s interest at Bismarck, and left Monday evening with General [Manager] Mead to enter upon the duties of his new position. We have learned of a little incident worthy of mention, as showing the kindly feeling existing between himself and the employees of the Land Department. The gentlemen of the office were passing an evening with Mr. Davidson—in fact a farewell gathering—and at its close, as they were preparing to leave, Mr. Power, the General Agent of the Department, stepping up to him, says:

“Mr. Davidson, it has become a fixed rule in our Department to make to any of its employees who, for any cause have to leave, a little speech; this duty has been delegated to me. I am not a speaker and therefore will hand you this token of remembrance, which in better language than mine tells you of pleasant associations, kindly feelings, regret that you are to leave us, at the same time carrying with it congratulations for advancement and the best of wishes for your future prosperity and happiness, knowing that in days to come the memory of friendship formed by our pleasant connections, will abide forever, wherever or whatever our future may be.”

Mr. Davidson was taken completely by surprise, but replied by saying:

“This is certainly an unexpected pleasure, and as proof that there is or ever was aught but the best of good fellowship among us, ‘entirely unnecessary.’ The uniform courtesy and kindness that is a marked and pleasing feature among all who have any connections with the gentlemen of the Land Department, has day by day expressed your true feelings more plainly than could possibly be expressed in any other way. I accept your gift, thank you for it, and shall cherish it. I can but add that it is with regret that I leave you, knowing that no position can be more pleasant, or more congenial to my feelings and tastes; wishing also to say, that my connection with your office has been a valuable one to me, not only on account of forming the acquaintance and acquiring the friendship of true men, but also in learning to a degree never before fully appreciated, the advantage of a complete, simple, and yet comprehensive system; for I never was before connected with an office where such an amount of labor—much of it very intricate and complicated—is done by as few, and in such harmony of action as in that of the Land Department here. Wherever my future lot may be, my year with the Land Department of the N. P. R. R. Co. will always be remembered as one of the green spots of my life.”

The token of remembrance was a beautiful pipe, and as known, our friend Davidson will never let the fires of friendship go out, or the ashes of kindly feeling toward the donors grow cold. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 April 1875, p. 1, c. 3)


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


GENERAL MANAGER MEAD, and party, passed through Brainerd on Monday night last, bound west to Bismarck. The opening of the Dakota Division has progressed rapidly and satisfactorily, when considering the unheard of severity of the recent storm which prevailed all over the Northwest. Mr. Mead speaks in the most encouraging terms of the business prospects of the road this year. It will nearly double its last year’s business, and even last year the road “paid big.” Let the good times come; we can all stand it. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 April 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


16 April

THROUGH TO BISMARCK.


The Dakota Division is open! The train arrived at Bismarck at five o’clock yesterday evening, and was received amid the cheers of the populace. Trains will commence running from Fargo to Bismarck on Monday morning next, the 19th inst., and run regularly thereafter. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 April 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


17 April

MIKE SMITH, the irrepressible Northern Pacific nursery man, has got back to Brainerd again, and will forthwith proceed to fence and plant out to hardwood trees the fine square of ground in front of the Headquarters; after which he will hie himself to Goose Creek Nursery, out beyond Fargo. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 April 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


PAID OFF.—Capt. J. W. Edgerton made his usual monthly trip along the line this week, and “gave to each laborer his hive,” making all the sturdy and noble men who assist in operating this great continental railway, correspondingly happy. The Northern Pacific is the only road in these parts that always pays its employees punctually at the end of each month. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 April 1875, p. 1, c. 6)


FREIGHTS.


The Northern Pacific Railroad Company will carry freight this season at the following rates, as we are informed:

From St. Paul to Bismarck, 75c. per hundred, for Montana freight.

All first-class freight from St. Paul to Fort Garry, $2.00 per hundred.

This is a very large reduction from the rates of any previous season. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 April 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


19 April

ANOTHER SURPRISE.


Mr. C. W. Mead, general manager of the Northern Pacific road for G. W. Cass, the receiver, on Monday last took possession of the road, and all the property, rights and franchises of the company, connected therewith, in Minnesota and Dakota, for and in the name of George W. Cass, receiver appointed by the United States court. From this time forward all accounts will be kept in the name of the receiver. No change has been made in the management and business of the road; and the same will be conducted as heretofore, until further orders.

This must be the age of surprising events. No one was prepared in his mind for this “new deal” in Northern Pacific affairs, but there is probably no one on the line of the road—nor elsewhere, for that matter,—but what exclaims amen! That is, we have all been ripe, for months past, for something to turn up that would look to an advance in the progress of this great thoroughfare, and it is universally conceded that this move means “business.” And further, all who have had any opportunity to know, and who are immediately interested—such as the thousands of settlers along the line—are most profoundly grateful to be assured that the local management of the affairs of the Northern Pacific is not to be changed. Mr. C. W. Mead, and his corps of subordinates, in the opinion of us people of the Northern Pacific country, stand pre-eminent as noble men and gentlemen, and as men who know their business, and do it in a business way, and have a just appreciation of the needs and rights of the settlers; and with such men in control, the Northern Pacific has on its line thousands of men who stand ready, night or day, to defend its good name and sustain the great enterprise by their good words, deeds, and complete endorsement. With the management now in charge, we defy the production of a single parallel in the whole history of the civilized world where a people will so stand by a corporation, or have such a feeling in favor of a public enterprise, as have the people (directly interested) of this whole section for the Northern Pacific and its immediate conductors. Strike a blow at our home managers, or say a word against the Northern Pacific, and you strike the finest feelings of twenty thousand people who live right on the line. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 April 1875, p. 1, c. 3)


24 April

THE PARK.—By the energy, particularly of Mr. Eber H. Bly, our public park has been placed in competent hands, and is already being improved, and the work will be shoved to a speedy completion. Verily, it will be a grand addition to our beautiful city, and verily the enterprise and liberality of our people knoweth no bounds. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 April 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


01 May

FULL OF STRANGERS.


These days remind one of the ancient days in the history of our not very ancient city. The trains from each way stop over night here, and although we posses quite extensive hotel accommodations, yet the travel is becoming so great on the road that our hotel folks have been compelled to commence “hanging ‘em up on a nail”—the rooms being clean gone at an early hour each evening. Friend Weed, of the popular “Headquarters,” with his able assistants, Messrs. Low and Hicks, can stow away a good many people, in as fine quarters as the Northwest affords; but he says there’s just one of two things got to be done: either the people must stay at home and quit traveling so much over the popular Northern Pacific, or else he shall have to run his hotel up five or six stories higher or enlarge it on the ground a block or two. As for ourself, “we repeat it, let ‘em come.” (Brainerd Tribune, 01 May 1875, p. 1, c. 3)


THE Headquarters Hotel has now attached one of the prettiest billiard halls in this section of country. The rooms have been beautifully fitted up, painted, frescoed and tinted, and all guests hereafter who are fond of this interesting game can find the finest of tables at their disposal. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 May 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


THE NORTHERN PACIFIC.


The work of the recent meeting of directors of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company, at which General Cass’s resignation as president was presented and accepted, consisted principally of an investigation of the liabilities and assets as furnished by the Company’s report. By these it appears that the assets consist of 550 miles of finished road and over 10,000,000 acres of land, on which the liabilities are mortgaged bonds to the amount of $30,000,000, stock to the amount of $25,000,000, which was distributed as a premium to the bonds, and a floating debt of less than $700,000; of which $500,000 is due to the directors of the road. Besides this, there is $2,500,000 of back interest due, which is unclassified and which will probably be relinquished by the bondholders in their settlement of the present difficulty. After the examination of their report, the committee discussed with the company’s officers the financial difficulties of the road, and the best way out of them. Three plans were prominent among the many proposed. First, to form an association of bondholders that might be strong enough to foreclose the mortgage and buy in the road; second, for the bondholders to exchange their bonds for preferred stock, leaving the completed road clear of debt as the basis of a new series of loans, and then later to effect a second exchange of bonds for the stock if desired; third, to hold the road built and lands earned as sole security for the bonds now out, to divide the road to be constructed into sections of twenty-five miles, and to make an issue of bonds for each section, to be secured by that particular section, and the lands earned through it. No decisive action has as yet been taken. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 May 1875, p. 4, c. 1)


08 May

CITY PARK.—Under the skillful management of the invincible Mike Smith, the Northern Pacific tree planter. Our Park is fast approaching in appearance a real city park. When Mike has his trees all planted, and the fence is completed, it only remains for nature to perform her part of the business to make this an ornament to the city, commanding the admiration of every passer-by, and feeding the pride of every citizen of Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 May 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


12 May

The General Manager Mead, Directors, and various other notables of the N. P. R. R., were in the city Wednesday night en route for Bismarck, where a heavy land suit, in which the N. P. is interested, is to be tried on the 17th inst. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 May 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


14 May

THE NORTHERN PACIFIC.

_____


The Road and Its Equipments and

All Its Vast Empire of Lands to

be Sold.


New York Sun 14.

Judge Shipman has made a decree in the foreclosure suit against the Northern Pacific Railroad that will undoubtedly result in the liquidation of the affairs of that insolvent corporation, if adverse litigation does not interfere. The initial pleading on which the suit is founded is pro forma styled Jay Cooke, et al. against The Northern Pacific Railroad Company. Jay Cooke being hopelessly bankrupt, can have no legitimate individual interest in the suit. He is a necessary party to it, because he and J. Edgar Thompson, late president of the Pennsylvania railroad company, were named in the first mortgage of the Northern Pacific railroad company as trustees for the purchasers of the bonds attempted to be secured by that mortgage. Mr. Thompson is dead. Under the provisions of the original instrument for a succession of trustees, Mr. Charlemagne Tower takes Mr. Thompson’s place. Other necessary parties plaintiff are named, for reasons that do not appear in the decree.

The orders of the decree, which is very elaborately drawn, are substantially as follows: The road bed, bridges, superstructure, station houses, water tanks, sidings, switchings, rights of way, easements, rolling stock, and, in short, every material thing pertaining to the completed portion of the railroad, which is now nearly five hundred miles long, is to be sold in front of the custom house in this city, after advertisement in a prescribed manner for sixty days. The sale is to be conducted under the supervision of Kenneth G. White, clerk of the court, and U. S. Marshall, Oliver Fiske, the former of whom is termed “Master Commissioner,” and upon whom devolves large discretion as to postponements, advertising, and reporting the sale finally effected to the court for confirmation.

The immense land grant of the road is not to be included or effected in any way by this sale of the railroad. The decree provides that Messrs. White and Fiske shall sell the lands, after due advertisement, in the states and territories in which they lie, in tracts not exceeding a section, (640 acres) and that may be any ordinary subdivision of a section, such for instance, as the quarter of a quarter of a section (40 acres). Under this arrangement it is estimated that it will be at least five years before the sales of the lands are completed by Messrs. White and Fiske and their sales finally confirmed. In the mean time the property is to be in the possession of the Hon. Geo. W. Cass, president of the railroad, who has by another recent decree of the court been appointed receiver, and upon whom, by virtue of that decree, all the powers, privileges, and functions of the corporation are devolved. He is also ordered to join in the proper execution of this later decree. There is a further provision that Messrs. Cooke and Tower, the trustees, may bid for and purchase any of the property, in behalf of all the holders secured by the mortgage, in the proportion of the respective interests of the holders. Just what this means it is hard to tell, but it looks like a quiet method of turning road, franchises, lands and everything over to such large bondholders as may be willing to arrange with Jay Cooke and his co-trustees. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 May 1875, p. 1, c. 3)


15 May

NEW TIME TABLE.—On Monday next trains on the Northern Pacific commence running on the new time table, which in our opinion is the best arrangement ever inaugurated on the line. Trains will run through to St. Paul from here in the night, with sleepers attached, and without changing cars at the Junction, as heretofore. This arrangement rather ignores Duluth; but, then, the interests of Duluth are only trivial compared with those of Brainerd, any how. Don’t it, Russell? But, then, Russell, we will run a daily accommodation train to your little burgh, which will answer all your actual requirements if it don’t entirely fill the bill with your pride. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 May 1875, p. 1, c. 4)


22 May

THE NORTHERN PACIFIC.—The travel and freight business on the Northern Pacific this season is immense. The passenger trains are crowded both ways, and the increased freights are scarcely able to keep their docks clear. As high as four hundred passengers have gone through here in one day. If the road continues thus for the season, it will tend to help them out of their financial difficulties. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 May 1875, p. 1, c. 6)


26 May

Personal.


Mike Smith, the tree planter, of Goose Creek, D. T., gave us a call on Wednesday. He had with him some pie plant, cut on the 24th of this month in his garden at Goose Creek, from a root planted on the 27th of April last, measuring twenty-two and one-half inches in length, which averages nearly an inch per day. He has already planted fifty acres of trees this spring, all doing well excepting those in our park, many of which he thinks will die if nothing is done for them, as the ground is too dry and the heat too great. If they were worth planting they are worth taking care of, and a little mulching around the roots of each will not only preserve them from death but will cause them to grow one hundred per cent better than they otherwise would with the most favorable weather. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 May 1875, p. 1, c. 4)


29 May

Vice President Wright, Gen’l. Manager Mead, Attorney Grey, and several of the Directors and other notables of the Northern Pacific passed east through Brainerd this week. At Moorhead they held a council with the citizens regarding the objections of that town to the Road, and heard speeches from Messrs. Nickles, of the Star; and Finkle, of Burns & Finkle. Nickles raised to give his views of the matter, and Finkle requested him to keep his seat for the reason stated that the citizens of Moorhead did not in any degree sanction the opinions or statements of the Star or its editor.

The R. R. party made an excursion to White Earth from Detroit [Lakes] on Tuesday, to see the country. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 May 1875, p. 1, c. 6)


Mr. Bryant, of the firm of Shoenberger & Bryant, of Duluth, whose Iron Foundry was burned last week at that place, has removed to Brainerd, and will open an Iron Foundry in connection with the N. P. Machine Shops here. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 May 1875, p. 1, c. 6)


31 May

Gen’l. [Manager] C. W. Mead was in the city Monday. He is very sanguine regarding the future prospects of the Northern Pacific since the change. May his expectations be more than realized. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 June 1875, p. 1, c. 6)


05 June

TO-MORROW the time on the Northern Pacific changes to accommodate the Lake Superior travel. Trains will run to Duluth and there connect with the Lake Superior & Mississippi road, instead of at the Junction, and meet at Brainerd at noon. A night Express will run on the L. S. & M. to connect. We have not seen the time card and cannot give the figures. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 June 1875, p. 1, c. 4)


16 June

Sad Accident.


The Westward bound train on the Northern Pacific met with a serious accident Wednesday on the Dakota Division, about three miles west of the 13th Siding. The very heavy rain the day previous had washed away the track at this place, which was not discovered until too late to avoid the accident. Though the engine was reversed, and everything possible done to stop the train, the engine and five freight cars were ditched. The Superintendent, John H. Sullivan, Road Master Wm. Fitzpatrick, Engineers Chas. Saunders and Clinton Rand, and Fireman Chas. Foster were on the engine. Messrs. Sullivan, Rand and Foster jumped the engine, but Fitzpatrick and Saunders remained aboard and were instantly killed, and Sup’t. Sullivan sprained his ankle in jumping from the engine, otherwise no one was injured, though a large number of passengers were aboard, as the passenger cars fortunately remained upon the track.

LATER.—Since the above was in type we have learned the following additional facts and corrections regarding the accident: Sup’t. J. H. Sullivan and Road Master Wm. Fitzpatrick were riding on the pilot and not in the cab. Sullivan did not jump off, and does not know how he escaped death, or yet how he was hurt, and it is a miracle he was not killed, as he was sitting upon the side of the engine that went down. Saunders, Rand and Foster were in the cab, and several cars went over them—one a flat-car, with two men on it, who were unhurt—and after the accident Rand and Foster crawled out of the cab, not uninjured, as stated above, though not seriously hurt. H. S. Lyle, telegraph repairer, was riding on a freight car, and badly hurt by the car falling upon him, rupturing his abdomen. Sup’t. Sullivan and Lyle arrived here yesterday by train—both pretty sore. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 June 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


SEE: 30 January 1875


25 June

About the Sale of the N. P. Railroad.


A letter received from Washington yesterday states that at a meeting of a large number of the bondholders of the N. P. Railroad, held in that city last week, and presided over by Dr. J. Evan Snodgrass, it was determined to appeal to Judge Blatchford, of the U. S. district court, for a modification of his decree ordering the sale of the company property on the first Monday of August. It is somewhat expected that the application will result in a postponement of the sale. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 June 1875, p. 1, c. 4)


29 June

Dr. J. C. Rosser went to St. Paul Tuesday. It is stated, semi-authoritatively, that somethings goine to happen upon his return. Mac. is busy pouring over the doctor’s library through those gold rims and attending patients in his absence. Dr. Mcgahey [sic], ahem! (Brainerd Tribune, 03 July 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


O. C. Green, Sup’t. of Telegraph on the N. P. and L. S. & M., was interviewing friend Pinkerton, at Headquarters, Tuesday. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 July 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


SEE: 02 January 1875

SEE: 27 July 1875

SEE: 08 August 1875

SEE: 28 August 1875


30 June

AT an adjourned meeting of the Northern Pacific bondholders at New York Wednesday, all differences were amicably settled, and a feeling that the investments in the road would yet be saved and the road completed existed.

It is estimated by the officials that the Road already has sufficient rolling stock on the east end to run it through to Montana. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 July 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


Gen’l. [Manager] C. W. Mead and party went west Wednesday after a day in and about Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 July 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


24 July

The Northern Pacific R. R.


This Road, with all its property and franchises, is to be sold at auction under decree of Court, August 2d, in New York City for the benefit of the first mortgage bondholders.

The general body of bondholders have united in a plan for protecting their interests, by causing the Road and property to be bid in for them by a Bondholders Committee, selected for the purpose. This Committee consists of Johnston Livingston, New York; Frederick Billings, of Vermont; George Stark, of Massachusetts; J. K. Moorhead and J. N. Hutchinson, of Pennsylvania; and Jno. M. Dennison, of Maryland. The plan of purchase and reorganization represented by this Committee has been unanimously approved by a general meeting of the bondholders. All bondholders who wish to share in the benefits of the plan or desire information, should immediately address THE PURCHASING COMMITTEE, N. P. R. R., at 23 Fifth Avenue, New York. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 July 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


27 July

NP Bridge Collapse


NP Bridge Collapse, 1875.
Source: Images of America: Brainerd, Crow Wing County Historical Society

Anton Mahlum relates, “The year of 1875 [8:30 a.m.] saw the bridge over the Mississippi River collapse under the weight of a train consisting of twelve cars of steel rails and ten [sic] cars of merchandise, killing the engineer, fireman, and one or two caboose passengers. The narrator, then working in the yard as car repairer, under Peter Early, heard the noise of the crash and escaping steam, and ran down the track to the bridge, first stepping in at the Headquarters Hotel for a flask of brandy; coming to the collapsed structure, where on top of the first pier were five survivors sitting on the debris.... There were rich pickings of barrels of flour, pork, and other merchandise floating down the river, and the Indians especially profited by the spill.” (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 20)


The Northern Pacific Railroad bridge over the Mississippi River in Brainerd collapses [8:30 a. m.] killing the engineer, fireman and two Native American women from Sawyer. The engine, twelve cars of merchandise and eleven [sic] cars of steel rails go into the river. The span from the west side of the river to the center is the portion that collapses. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 12)


A DAY’S ACCIDENTS


FOUR PERSONS KILLED ON THE

NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD


NP Bridge Collapse, 1875.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

ST. PAUL, Minn., July 27.—News has been received in this city that a mixed train on the Northern Pacific Railroad, consisting of twenty-two cars, went through the bridge across the Mississippi at Brainerd this morning, killing four persons. The bridge is about eighty feet high. The following special dispatch to the Pioneer-Press is all that has been received from the scene of the accident: The railroad officials throw every obstacle in the way of obtaining news. At present it is impossible to say what was the direct cause of the accident, whether a car jumped the track as is stated by a passenger, or whether the train was too heavy for the bridge. The train went down near the middle of the bridge, the engine and forward part of the train backing into the break, and the rear part piling on top. The bridge and cars are almost a total wreck. The following is a list of the dead and injured: Dead—Peterkin, engineer; Grandon, fireman; M. Aiken; two Indian women. Injured—Mrs. M. Warren, of White Earth, hurt in the head and chest; Miss Johnson, of Motley, skull fractured and hip broken. The above went from the top of the bridge into the river. The caboose struck on a pier and broke in two, leaving A. J. Sawyer, of Duluth; Dr. R. C. Lloyd, of Watervliet, Mich., and a stranger from Moorhead among the debris on the top of the pier, where they remained until lowered by ropes. Sawyer was hurt in the face and limbs, although not seriously. Lloyd was injured in the face. The stranger was slightly injured. A Coroner’s inquest will be held tomorrow. (New York Times, 28 July 1875, p. 5)


SEE: 22 February 1873

SEE: 04 August 1875

SEE: 06 August 1875

SEE: 28 August 1875

SEE: 21 October 1875

SEE: 31 October 1875

SEE: 04 September 1875

SEE: 10 September 1875


A FATAL DIVE.

__________


Twenty-two Cars Through a Bridge Over the Mississippi.


The particulars of the great railroad accident yesterday, at Brainerd, will doubtless be found in other columns of the Tribune this morning. In St. Paul few details were received up to the time of forwarding our report. General Manager Mead left for the scene of the disaster in a special train at the rate of thirty miles per hour. The following dispatches were received at General [Manager] Mead’s office:


SECOND DISPATCH.


BRAINERD, July 27.


C. W. Mead, General Manager:

James Peterkin, engineer, Richard Granville [sic] [Grandon], fireman, and one old lady, unknown, are killed. Five ladies and three gentlemen are more or less injured.


THIRD DISPATCH.


BRAINERD, July 27, 11:10 a.m.


C. W. Mead, General Manager:

Two more killed have been found. The only physician here is Dr. Rosser. Men are all hard at work looking for other bodies.


ENGINEER PETERKIN,


who was in charge of the train, was we learn, from Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and unmarried. He had been in the employ of the Northern Pacific Railroad for several years, and is spoken of as a most efficient, reliable and worthy officer and man. He was not the regular engineer of No. 5, but was serving in the place of engineer Richard Bushnell, who had secured a leave of absence the day before, and had come to this city, where he is now, awaiting the arrival of his mother.


A SCOUNDRELLY OPERATOR REFUSES TO SEND NEWS.


We go to press (says The [St. Paul] Dispatch of last evening) with our second edition without any further intelligence of the terrible accident at Brainerd, Minn.

Upon receipt of the news in this city, we telegraphed to a resident of Brainerd, ordering the fullest possible details. This message we understand the Brainerd operator refused to deliver, and also refuses to give any information himself. He is in the employ of the Northern Pacific Company, and is forbidden by the rules of the company from furnishing news matter. Those rules, however, can hardly be considered to extend to refusing to deliver a message addressed to a citizen wholly disconnected with the railroad. All day The [St. Paul] Dispatch office has been besieged by persons anxious to obtain the names of the killed and injured, and the brutal operator at Brainerd has been again and again appealed to, to send the names simply giving no news details. This he has insultingly and infamously refused, and the public must wait in suspense.

The name of this scoundrel is J. G. Pinkerton. We trust the newspaper fraternity will give him a gratuitous advertisement, and The [St. Paul] Dispatch, at least, will conceal his death from his friends if there can be any such good luck as his being killed by the next accident. Pending his hoped for death, we commend his case to the consideration of Manager Mead. If he has any regard for the fair future of the company, he will see that Mr. J. G. Pinkerton leaves its service very promptly. (Minneapolis Tribune, 28 July 1875, p. 3)


SEE: 22 February 1873

SEE: 02 January 1875

SEE: 29 June 1875

SEE: 27 July 1875

SEE: 04 August 1875

SEE: 06 August 1875

SEE: 08 August 1875

SEE: 28 August 1875

SEE: 04 September 1875

SEE: 10 September 1875

SEE: 21 October 1875

SEE: 31 October 1875


The Dispatch Tries to Run the N. P. and Can’t

and Gets Mad About it, As Usual.


The St. Paul Dispatch of the 27th inst. comes to us with a tirade of abuse—Hall’s best, double and twisted—upon the gentlemanly Train Dispatcher of the Northern Pacific, Mr. J. G. Pinkerton. The air of the writer of the article is completely hidden by the unmistakable malice sticking out in every line. The alleged ground of this base attack is the refusal of Mr. Pinkerton to deliver a message for the Dispatch on Tuesday last, the day of the bridge disaster, or to send the details of the disaster to the Dispatch, while the facts are as follows: The General Manager, Mr. Mead; the Superintendent, Mr. Sullivan; the Bridge Superintendent, Mr. Wallis [sic]; and the resident Engineer, Mr. Kimberley, were all absent from the city. Every officer and employee of the Road, in Brainerd, was at the wreck trying to save life and render what assistance to the suffering that was in their power, while Mr. Pinkerton more than had his hands full communicating with and transmitting orders to and from the absent officers, running the numerous trains on the Road, sending messages to the friends of the deceased and wounded, and conducting the business of his office without running over the city delivering messages for the Dispatch or anyone else, and the rules of the Company strictly prohibit him from transmitting news. Mr. Pinkerton had numerous calls that day for particulars, etc., but he deemed it most prudent to give the business of his office the preference, and it is just possible Mr. Mead will please himself in regard to the impertinent demands of the Dispatch for his discharge. Hall may, doubtless will, when he cools off and learns who Mr. Pinkerton is, retract what he has said, but that does not exculpate him from the dastardly attack or make it any the less villainous and cowardly, and will be now viewed by those interested. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 July 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


SEE: 02 January 1875

SEE: 29 June 1875

SEE: 08 August 1875

SEE: 28 August 1875


TERRIBLE DISASTER AT

BRAINERD.

____________________


THE RAILROAD BRIDGE GIVES

WAY.

____________________


A whole Freight Train, Twenty-three

Cars and Engine Precipitated

Sixty Feet into the Mis-

sissippi River.

____________________


ENGINEER, FIREMAN, AND TWO

PASSENGERS KILLED.

____________________


NP Bridge Collapse, 1875.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

A few minutes before 8 o’clock Tuesday morning, and just after the departure of the freight train west, we were startled by a terrible crash, accompanied by the rushing of escaping steam, that told us in unmistakable language that the Mississippi railroad bridge had gone down with the train, though we were at the time in our office—over half a mile distant. We were not long in reaching the scene of the disaster, and there we beheld a spectacle that baffles description, though it is riveted upon our mind so completely that we never can forget it while we live.

In order that our readers may properly understand the following poor account of the accident, a description of the bridge is here necessary.

It was a Howe truss, with one up-right span, one shore span, and an abutment on either side; the length of the upright and deck spans 134 feet each, total length of bridge and approaches 650 feet, height 59 1-10 feet from low water mark to the track. The upright, western deck, and shore spans and abutment were a total wreck, with the complete train consisting of engine, tender, twenty-two cars and caboose at the bottom of the river.

For a time every thing was as still as death, with the exception of the hissing engine and the rushing waters under the eastern deck span, being almost completely dammed up by the wreck in the other two spans.

In an almost incredibly short space of time nearly every citizen of the place was present, but no one knew how many passengers were on the train, whether any had escaped death or not, or whether life in any shape or form existed in the terrible mass of debris and destruction.

Not very long, however, in this state did the excited crowd remain. Our attention was very soon called to the eastern river pier, upon the top of which had lodged a portion of the caboose, and we beheld three men crawling out of the wreck and seating themselves as best they could until help could reach them. The blood streaming from their faces and hands told they were not unhurt though they answered the inquiries as to their condition that they were not badly hurt. We were next startled by the almost gratifying sound of screaming from the wreck below, which appeared under ground, as though from some bottomless pit, but told of life and hope. Boats were launched from the ferry and soon at the wreck, and the work of extracting the human victims from the horrible mass began.

The first to receive assistance was a half-breed girl, Miss Lizzy Harriman, a step-daughter of Daniel Moore, of Fort Ripley, she was but slightly injured.

The next was Mrs. Magdaline Aitkin, an elderly Indian woman, of White Earth, Minn., her lower limbs were badly fractured in several places, and she was otherwise severely injured, but alive, though she died about three hours afterward.

The next, Miss Abbie Johnson, a daughter of Wm. and Mary Johnson, and granddaughter of Colin Priestly, of Motley, Minn., was brought ashore and taken to the house of W. H. Lewis, Esq., where her sister was residing. Miss Johnson was found to be very seriously injured, her right thigh being broken, her head badly bruised, amounting to a contusion of the brain, and her chest jarred internally. She lingered a great sufferer until yesterday morning at about three o’clock, when she died. She was taken to her home yesterday, and will be buried to-day. She was born in Aroostook Co., Me. Age 16 years.

In the meantime a boat had gone across to the engine in quest of the engineer and fireman, and at this juncture returned with their bodies, life almost extinct. The engineer, James Peterkin, did not speak after he was found, and died in a few minutes after he was brought ashore. He was a young unmarried man, about 25 years of age, a native of Poughkeepsie, New York, and had many warm friends on the line. His remains were taken to his people, leaving here Wednesday.

The fireman, Richard Grandon, did not long survive the engineer (about 15 minutes), he had his senses till he died, and talked very intelligibly, giving instructions about his business, etc. He said they could have jumped, but Peterkin stood to his post trying to save the engine by breaking the coupling, and he would not desert him. His leg was broken and nearly severed from his body, and it was found necessary to cut the remaining cords and fibres with a knife in order to free him from the engine. He also was a young single man, about the same age as Peterkin. He has a brother in Omaha, Neb. He was buried here Wednesday.

Mrs. Matilda La Fontain, a daughter of Mrs. Aitkin, above named, and the mother of Tyler Warren, of White Earth, was next to come ashore. Her injuries were slight, comparatively, a broken rib and some bruises being the extent. She and her mother were taken to the Bishop House, where they were cared for, and where Mrs. La Fontain still remains.

The last was the dead body of Buk-quan-ja, an Indian woman, a sister of Mrs. Aitkin.

Attention was next directed to the three men on the pier. They were let down into the boat below by ropes and brought ashore, and proved to be A. J. Sawyer, of the commission house of Sawyer & Davis, of Duluth; Dr. J. C. Lamb, of Watervielt, Mich.; and Louis Thirgart, of Moorhead, Minn. Mr. Sawyer had some bruises about the head, a small cut on the wrist and a sprained leg. Dr. Lamb’s upper lip was badly cut, being split up past his nose into his cheek, and his left arm and leg slightly bruised. Mr. Thirgart was bruised in several places about the head and limbs, and considerably jarred.

These it was found by this time constituted all the passengers, and ended the search about an hour after the disaster.

M. T. Salisbury, who was conducting the train for the regular conductor, R. Bushnell, who was away on leave of absence, and the brakeman, J. R. Wauh [sic], very narrowly escaped injury by jumping from the train to the bridge and running back to terra firma, and it is generally supposed that after they struck the bridge they made tolerably good time until they were at a safe distance; though they appeared to know but little about it themselves.

The wounded, excepting Mr. Sawyer, who went home Wednesday, are under the care and treatment of Dr. J. C. Rosser, receiving every attention, are progressing finely; and will very soon be entirely recovered.

The accident has been a very severe one, the greatest ever met with on this road, which has been noted for its freedom from accident.

The amount of damage sustained by the road in the loss of the train, freights, etc., we have been unable to learn, but it must be very large as the cars were all loaded.

The transfer of passengers across the river, by the ferry, was commenced the day of the accident, and will be continued until a temporary bridge is erected upon which work is progressing with all possible speed, and no delay in travel ensues, and very little to freight, as the bridge will be ready for trains by this day week, Aug. 7th.

Many theories existing regarding the cause of the disaster, a coroner’s jury was summoned on Wednesday by the coroner, Dr. Rosser, and an investigation had, which lasted through Wednesday, Thursday, and until noon yesterday, and the following verdict was arrived at at 5 o’clock yesterday evening:


STATE OF MINNESOTA, County

} ss.

of Crow Wing.


A card advertising the services of Dr. Rosser, 06 May 1876.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

An inquisition taken at the City of Brainerd, in the County of Crow Wing, on the 28th day of July, A. D. 1875, before J. C. Rosser, coroner of said County of Crow Wing, upon view of the bodies of James Peterkin and Richard Grandon, lying there dead by the oaths of the jurors, whose names are hereunto subscribed, who being sworn to inquire on behalf of the State of Minnesota, when, how, and by what means the said James Peterkin and Richard Grandon came to their death upon their oaths do say: That the above named persons came to their death on the 27th day of July, A. D. 1875, by the falling of the railroad bridge over the Mississippi river, at or near Brainerd, Minnesota, while freight train No. 5, drawn by engine No. 45, of which they were engineer and fireman respectively was passing over;

And we further find that the above train, No. 5, was passing over the bridge at the usual speed of about four miles per hour. That the west span of the bridge broke first, caused by its being constructed of unsuitable and unseasoned timber; that it broke by the actual weight of the train; and that the whole bridge was considered unsafe by many persons not connected with the Northern Pacific Railroad, and several that were men who were competent to judge of its condition.

And we find further, That the several officials of the Northern Pacific Railroad, whose duty it was to make examinations of the bridge, as to its safety, were either incompetent to judge of its condition, or were guilty of gross neglect in not making the necessary repairs.

And we further find, That the conductor of the train did not warn the passengers of their danger when he had ample time to have done so.

H. D. PETTIBONE,

J. L. STARCHER,

E. L. STRAUSS,

THOS. P. CANTWELL,

W. H. LELAND,

H. G. COYKENDALL.


In giving this verdict to the public we do not wish to be understood as advancing it as our theory or opinion in the matter. There is to this, as every thing else, two sides to the argument, and while we give the verdict as one side, we think it but simple justice that the other side be heard.

If the bridge went down by the actual weight of the train, owning to inherent defects in the bridge of long standing, why has it not gone down before, when far greater weight has been upon it, and under less favorable circumstances? Two and three engines, coupled together, have crossed it repeatedly, and that too since the time it is claimed it has been unsafe! And why did the engine at this time, which weighs three times as much as the cars, pass over it in safety, and the cars break it down? For the testimony, all goes to show that the engine and several cars were off the bridge when it fell.

The testimony of none of the passengers was taken before the jury, and it will be remembered that one of them, Mr. Sawyer of Duluth, persisted very strongly that a car jumped the track and caused the disaster. It will also be remembered that the testimony of all experts taken before the jury, with one exception, pronounced the bridge in a safe condition, and that one said it was a safe and good bridge up to the time he was discharged from the services of the company as bridge inspector and repairer.

And as to the conductor, it must be remembered that he was inexperienced and that his “ample time” was extremely limited, taking into consideration the fact that he did not know that the whole bridge was not going down. We think it very expedient under such circumstances for every man to look out for himself. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 July 1875, p. 1, c.’s 5 & 6)


SEE: 22 February 1873

SEE: 04 August 1875

SEE: 06 August 1875

SEE: 21 August 1875

SEE: 28 August 1875

SEE: 04 September 1875

SEE: 10 September 1875

SEE: 21 October 1875

SEE: 31 October 1875


28 July

THE BRAINERD RAILROAD BRIDGE DISASTER.


FURTHER ACCOUNTS OF THE WRECK—NARROW ESCAPE OF A BRAKEMAN—THE WOUNDED DOING WELL.


ST. PAUL, Minn., July 28.—Persons who have arrived from the scene of the railroad bridge disaster at Brainerd furnish additional particulars of interest. As the train was crossing the bridge the engineer heard a cracking and put on steam to escape, but his efforts proved too late to save his life. The central span of the bridge broke down under the weight of the cars loaded with iron, and both ends of the train were drawn into the wreck, the engine and several cars being drawn backward and the remainder of the train forward. The central span and the two western spans of the bridge went down, the engine, tender, and two cars that were pulled backward falling on the west shore, and the remainder going into the river. The crash made by the wreck was heard at a distance of three-quarters of a mile. The river at this point is about 300 feet wide, and the water is from six to eight feet deep. There appears to have been but one brakeman on the train. Luckily, he was behind the cars loaded with iron, and as he saw them going down he ran for his life across the top of the freight cars, but finding he could not reach the end of the train in time, he climbed down upon the ladder upon one of the cars, and jumped off on the portion of the bridge which remained standing, and was unhurt.

The wreck is described as frightful to behold. With the exception of the engine and the two cars on the west bank, the entire train, numbering, including the caboose, twenty-one [sic] cars, is piled in a heap in the river. The cars are completely smashed into kindling-wood. All accounts agree that the bridge absolutely broke down beneath the weight of the train, and that no car left the track until the break occurred. The names sent yesterday include all the persons fatally injured. The few wounded are doing well and will soon recover. (New York Times, 29 July 1875, p. 4)


31 July

Another Railroad Accident, on the

Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad.


At 5 o’clock this morning the regular freight train, No. 10, going North and an extra freight going South, collided in a cut four miles south of Black Hoof on the L. S. & M. R. R. The engineer and fireman on No. 10 jumped from their engine and were saved. The engineer and fireman on the extra remained on their engine and the fireman, Miles [sic], was killed instantly, and engineer Matt. Eagen seriously injured—it is thought fatally. The engines are a total wreck.

It is stated that the conductor Heaney forgot that the other train was coming which caused the accident. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 July 1875, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: 07 August 1875


03 August

THE BRAINERD BRIDGE DISASTER.


The Coroner’s investigation of the causes which led to the giving way of the railroad bridge at Brainerd, whereby a train of cars was precipitated into the river and several persons killed, results in a verdict of censure against the employees of the N.P.R.R., whose duty it was to have seen that the necessary repairs to the bridge were made. There is no doubt but the bridge was substantially built, of good material, and fully up to the standard required by the contract. But it is necessary to secure the safety of any bridge that it should be kept in repair, and this seems not to have been done with the Brainerd bridge. Several persons testify to having reported the dangerous condition of the bridge, but somehow, the man whose duty it was to order the necessary repairs to be made seems never to have been notified, or to have neglected his duty. His neglect has been attended with a most lamentable loss of life, and great loss of property to the company. It is to be regretted that the Coroner’s jury could not have placed its censure directly upon the individual who is responsible for this accident, for surely some one person was chargeable with the case of this bridge. Who it was is not shown by the testimony, nor does the jury seem to have taken any pains to find out. They simply said “that the several officials of the Northern Pacific railway whose duty it was to make examination of the bridge, as to its safety, were either incompetent to judge of its condition, or were guilty of gross neglect in not making the necessary repairs.” Which is as definite as if they had said “the people of the United States are to blame for the accident for having permitted the road to be built.” Furthermore, it is an unjust reflection upon the officers of the road in general, and may be held to include everybody, from the President down to the switch tenders. It was within the province of this jury to fix this responsibility definitely upon some one or half a dozen individuals, to have called them by name, and to have presented them to the grand jury for such action as it might deem proper. The builders of the bridge cannot be held responsible, for it was well built, was a strong, substantial structure when completed, and pronounced by experts as good as any railroad bridge in their country for the purpose required. The managers of the road cannot be held responsible, for they had specially designated certain of their employees to take charge of this section of the road, including the bridge, and to keep everything in good order. All that seems to have been required was a daily supervision to have kept it in good serviceable condition. But timbers were allowed to work loose, one or two to decay, nuts and bolts were missing, and finally the bridge, from want of attention to these little matters, sagged below its proper line, and became unsafe. Even when this fact was reported and the bridge pronounced dangerous, the person whose business it was to see to it, seems to have paid no attention to it whatever, but left it unrepaired, till finally death and destruction have resulted. This sacrifice of human life seems to have been wholly unnecessary, attributable entirely to the most culpable neglect. The loss to the railroad company is also a serious one, the bridge being a costly structure, while involved in the ruin are cars, locomotive, and a large amount of freight. The Coroner’s jury having failed to point out the guilty author of this disaster, we presume the railroad company will be more thorough in its investigation, and will fix the responsibility right where it belongs. (Minneapolis Tribune, 03 August 1875, p. 2)


The Bridge Good Enough—Verdict by the Engineers on the Brainerd Trap.

____


The invited engineers to Brainerd have given out the following intelligent view of the Brainerd bridge disaster:


BRAINERD, Aug. 3,


To C. W. Mead, Esq., General Manager for Brainerd N.P. Railroad:


DEAR SIR:—The undersigned have to-day, in response to your request, made an examination of the wreck of the Northern Pacific Railway bridge at Brainerd, as it lies, and of the remaining east span of the said bridge as it now stands, with a view of accounting if possible, for the casualty. We find nothing in the appearance of the debris of the wrecked spans to justify us in attributing the wreck to defective or improper materials or workmanship or design in the original construction, or to the want of proper attention and repairs since it was built. We find the east truss yet in place, and in good and safe condition. This truss was constructed at the same time that the others were, and we are informed that it has received the same care and attentions from the officers of the road. If we may judge of the condition of the other trusses from our examination of this one, they could not have been broken by the weight of any ordinary train. While we find ourselves unable to definitely describe the manner of the wreck, we are unanimously of the opinion that it was caused by some accident to one of the flat cars loaded with rails, crossing the bridge at the time by which a part of the car or a rail became entangled in the truss, thereby displacing some of the timbers nearly or immediately over the west channel pier.

Most of us are acquainted with Mr. S. J. Wallace, the foreman of bridge repairs on the Northern Pacific road, and know him to be a competent and faithful man in the discharge of such duties.

We are very respectfully, &c.,

[Signed]

J. W. Bisnor, Gen. Man. & Chf. Eng. St. P. & S. C.

F. R. Delano, Civil Engineer.

Chas. A. F. Morris, Chf. Eng. St. P. & P.

J. S. Sewall, Civil Eng. and Builder.

C. H. Prior, Supt. M. & St. Paul. (Minneapolis Tribune, 05 August 1875, p. 3)


The Bridge Disaster—Examina-

tion of the Wreck by Scientific

Experts, and Their Report, Ex-

onerating The Management of

The Road.


On Tuesday last a party of Scientific experts, consisting of C. A. F. Morris, Chief Engineer of the St. Paul & Pacific railroad; J. W. Bishop, Chief Engineer and General Manager of the St. Paul & Sioux City railroad; C. H. Prior, Superintendent and Engineer of the Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad, now Civil Engineer of St. Paul, and Hon. F. R. Delano, of the St. Paul & Pacific railroad, arrived here pursuant to an invitation from General Manager Mead, to make a thorough examination of the wreck with a view to arriving at and reporting the general character of the structure, and the most probable cause in their opinion of the disaster.

The following is their report:


BRAINERD, AUG. 3, 1875.

To C. W. Mead, General Manager for Receiver

N. P. Railroad:

Dear Sir:—The undersigned have to-day, in response to your request made an examination of the wreck of the Northern Pacific railway bridge at Brainerd as it lies, and of the remaining east span of the said bridge as it now stands, with the view of accounting, if possible, for the casualty. We find nothing in the appearance of the debris of the wrecked span to justify us in attributing the wreck to defective or improper materials or workmanship, or design in the original construction or to the want of proper attention and repairs since it was built. We find the east truss yet in place, and in good and safe condition. This truss was constructed at the same time and as the others were, and we are informed that it has received the same care and attention from the officers of the road. If we may judge of the condition of the other trusses from our examination of this one, they could not have been broken by the weight of any ordinary train. While we find ourselves unable to definitely describe the manner of the wreck, we are unanimously of the opinion that it was caused by some accident to one of the flat cars loaded with rails, crossing the bridge at the time by which a part of the car or a rail became entangled in the truss, thereby displacing some of the timbers nearly or immediately over the west channel pier.

Most of us are acquainted with Mr. S. J. Wallace, the foreman of bridge repairs on the Northern Pacific road, and know him to be a competent and faithful man in the discharge of such duties.

We are, very respectfully, etc.

(Signed)

J. W. Bishop, General Manager and Chief Engineer St. P. & S. C. R. R.

F. R. Delano, Civil Engineer.

Chas. A. F. Morris, Chief Engineer St. P. & P. R. R.

J. S. Sewall, Civil Engineer and Builder.

C. H. Prior, Superintendent M. & St. Paul R. R.


This report confirms the testimony before the coroner of M. C. Kimberley, resident engineer; M. P. Martin, assistant engineer; S. J. Wallace, superintendent of bridges, and H. J. Bradford, bridge builder and repairer of the N. P. road. Very many theories or opinions exist aside from this, as to the cause of the accident; in fact nearly every man you meet has an opinion of his own, and nearly all differ. They are all only opinions after all, for the real cause can never be ascertained to a certainty. There are hundreds of ways it might have happened, the bridge might have been tampered with, some of the braces cut or cords weakened by some malicious party or parties. Some of the rods may have been parted in a place and manner that would defy detection. A car wheel might have been broken, or a rail broken, and so a hundred other “might-have-beens” could be named all with equally as good grounds as any theory we have yet heard. But we think that men who have spent a life-time in this business are far better prepared to give a reliable opinion that we who know nothing about the bridge scarcely farther than the fact that it is built to cross on, and we think (and quite strongly, too) that the imputation that the witnesses we have named above perjured themselves because they are in the employ of the company, through fear of being discharged, and that the Board of Engineers above named compromised their reputation and veracity by making a false report in the matter simply because they were invited here by Mr. Mead “to make a thorough examination of the affair and report the facts,” is simply too contracted a view to meet with aught but scorn. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 August 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


04 August

I. O. O. F.

PREAMBLE AND RESOLUTIONS.


At a regular meeting of Wildey Lodge, No. 37, I. O. O. F., held in their hall in Bly’s building, on Wednesday evening, August 4th, 1875, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted:

Whereas, Brother Richard Grandon, of our Lodge, and Bro. James Peterkin, of Council Bluffs, Lodge No. 49, of Iowa, lost their lives while at their post of duty on the morning of July 27th, 1875.

And Whereas, The visiting Brothers and citizens of Brainerd so cordially and heartily assisted the members of Wildey Lodge, No. 37, I. O. O. F., of Brainerd, Minn., in paying their last tribute of respect to the two deceased Brothers above mentioned.

Therefore be it Resolved, That we tender to the visiting Brothers, the citizens of Brainerd, and to the officers and employees of the N. P. R. R. our heart felt thanks and gratitude for their kindness, attention and assistance to us, in this our first bereavement since the foundation of our Order in this city.

Resolved further, That our Secretary be requested to have these resolutions published in the Brainerd Tribune.

Attest: JAMES DEWAR,

Recording Secretary.

(Brainerd Tribune, 07 August 1875, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: 22 February 1873

SEE: 27 July 1875

SEE: 06 August 1875

SEE: 28 August 1875

SEE: 04 September 1875

SEE: 21 October 1875

SEE: 31 October 1875


06 August

A ROTTEN BRIDGE.


THE RECENT NORTHERN PACIFIC DISASTER

—CENSURE FROM A CORONER’S JURY.


The St. Paul (Minn.) Dispatch prints a full report of the evidence before the Coroner’s jury in relation to the recent accident on the Northern Pacific Railroad near Brainerd, Minn., from which it appears that the bridge has been in an unsafe condition since May last, its condition being a subject of common talk among citizens and having been reported to Kimberley, resident engineer of the Northern Pacific, and Wallace, the bridge foreman, who examined the bridge. Wallace said in June he was going to repair the bridge, and was told by Edward White, bridge-builder by occupation, that it was time; if he didn’t soon he would have a train through it. White and other witnesses swore that on account of the centre piers being low, the bridge sagged down in the centre; that one of the lower cords was dangerously rotten; that some of the braces were rotten; that the bolts needed tightening; that the foot-braces and step-iron to the braces were broken; that one of the side-braces was two inches out of place, and that the west span had swayed two inches from its place. One witness saw the bridge swinging sideways as trains went over, and cautioned the company employees, saying it was likely to be displaced by such swinging, so that it would break down under the next following train. One passenger thought the cars were off the track when the bridge went down. All the others thought none went off the track till after the bridge broke. The company’s officers and employees hold the theory that the bridge was broken by a car-brake falling down and throwing some car off the track and against the side of the bridge. The jury’s verdict, however, is as follows:

That the above-named persons, Peterkin and Grandson [sic] [Grandon], came to their deaths on the 27th of July, 1875, by the falling of the railroad bridge over the Mississippi River at or near Brainerd, Minn., while freight train No. 5, drawn by engine No. 45, of which they were engineer and fireman respectively, was passing over; and we further find that the above train No. 5, was passing the bridge at the usual speed, about four miles per hour; that the west span of the bridge broke first, caused by its being constructed of unsuitable and unsound timber; that it broke by the actual weight of the train, and that the whole bridge was considered unsafe by persons not connected with the Northern Pacific Railroad, and several who were—men who were competent to judge of its condition; and we further find that several officials of the Northern Pacific Railroad, whose duty it was to make examination of the bridge as to its safety, were either incompetent to judge of its condition or were guilty of gross neglect in not making the necessary repairs; and we further find that the conductor of said train did not warn the passengers of their danger when he had ample time to have done so.

The above censure of the conductor was based on his own evidence, that, after looking out from the caboose and discovering what had happened, he jumped from the car without saying anything to his passengers, who, if they had been then warned, could have easily escaped. (New York Times, 06 August 1875, p. 2)


SEE: 20 September 1870

SEE: 22 February 1873

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 10 May 1873

SEE: 27 July 1875

SEE: 04 August 1875

SEE: 28 August 1875

SEE: 10 September 1875

SEE: 21 October 1875

SEE: 31 October 1875


Some of the coroner’s jury, to sustain their verdict against the N. P. Road, brought into the city yesterday a stick of timber, eight or ten feet long, with a rotten spot in the middle of it two or three feet long and three or four inches deep, claiming it is a piece of the defective cord so much has been said about. But we have been told that Ahrens Bros. claim the timber, and that it is not a part of the bridge at all, and if it was it did not break where the rotten place is, but is sound timber at both ends. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 August 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


07 August

The temporary bridge over the Mississippi here is fast approaching completion, and trains will cross Wednesday with good luck. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 August 1875, p. 1, c. 3)


Facts and Figures.


We are under obligations to J. B. Power, Esq., Land Commissioner of the Northern Pacific Railroad, for the following figures, showing the amount of land sales by the Land Department at this place up to July 31st, when the disposal of lands at private sale was closed by decree of the Circuit Court.

Sales to June 30th, 1875, 370,605.80 acres—$1,997,595.56. Month of July, 91,897.87 acres—$412,347.57. Total, 462,503.67 acres—$2,409,943.13. Average price per acre, $5.21. And to Mr. Bloom, in the Auditor’s office we are indebted for the statement that 1,600 Mennonites have passed west over this Road during the months of May, June and July to July 31st. We think this pretty thoroughly explodes the General Hazen bubble, and establishes the fact, beyond a shadow of doubt, that the Northern Pacific Railroad is opening up a vast belt of territory from the lakes to the Pacific that is destined at no distant day to be one of the richest, most thriving sections of the globe. It is a generally conceded fact already demonstrated, that the Yellowstone and other valleys along the route of the N. P. excel anything yet heard of in the United States for stock raising and the purposes of general tillage; and those have not yet been reached. The Red River valley that four years ago was almost totally uninhabited for want of a railroad, is now as thickly settled and prosperous a farming district as exists in the State. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 August 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


L. S. & M. Collision.


The following is the verdict of the coroner’s jury in the matter of the collision on the L. S. & M. R. R., recorded by us last week. The name of the fireman killed should have been Daniel Curtain, instead of Miles, as stated in our last:

“That the said Daniel Curtain came to his death by the collision of the regular freight train, No. 10, and an eastern freight train, bound south, on the L. S. & M. railroad, which took place about eight and one-half miles north of Moose Lake, on the morning of the 31st day of July, 1875; and we also find the conductor, John Heaney, and engineer Matt. Egan, of the extra freight train guilty of gross negligence of duty and a direct disobedience of orders, and are responsible for the disaster and death of the said Daniel Curtain.” (Brainerd Tribune, 07 August,1875, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: 31 July 1875


The Northern Pacific loss in freighting alone in the wreck here of the 27th ult. is $10,000.00, the temporary bridge will cost $6,000.00 in all $16,000.00 in cash, besides the loss of the cars, engine, and bridge which cannot be estimated. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 August 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


County Attorney Holland is terribly out of patience with the progress of the R. R. bridge. He has a new hat bet that trains will cross on it next Friday, and he thinks the work don’t go on fast enough. He thinks of going to work on it himself Monday. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 August 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


08 August

THE BRAINERD OPERATOR.


Why J. C. Pinkerton Failed to Send Accounts of the Brainerd Disaster—Investigation by Superintendent O. C. Green.

______________


AS THE TRIBUNE copied the article of the St. Paul Dispatch concerning the alleged refusal of the telegraph operator at Brainerd to send the names of the killed and other particulars for publication, it deems it but an act of simple justice to publish the following exculpatory letter from Superintendent Green, to Assistant Superintendent Hankinson, of this city. It will be seen that the Brainerd operator furnished the news in his possession promptly as possible, and that he did nothing more reprehensible in the case than to obey instructions from the general management of the Northern Pacific road. Mr. Green says:

“Referring to the enclosed papers. I will say that I have investigated the case sufficiently to find that Mr. Pinkerton claims that he had no desire nor intention to suppress the message mentioned, and that he did, as soon as he had an opportunity, deliver it. That he has no messenger, and could not leave the office himself, having no assistance whatever as operator and train dispatcher, and it being of the most urgent importance that he should be at his post. As far as furnishing information himself is concerned, to outside parties, it would have been contrary to his instructions.

The General Manager was in communication with Brainerd, and gathered most of the facts reading the accident, to which I understand the Dispatch had access, and as far as I can learn, their very brutal article seems uncalled for. Mr. Pinkerton claims that the officers of the road fully sustain him. I have not been able to see them yet. Yours rsp’y,

O. C. Green, Supt.

(Minneapolis Tribune, 08 August 1875, p. 8)


SEE: 02 January 1875

SEE: 29 June 1875

SEE: 27 July 1875

SEE: 28 August 1875


12 August

Northern Pacific Sold.


NEW YORK, August 12.—The Northern Pacific railroad was sold to-day to the purchasing committee of bondholders for nominally $100,000. There was no competition. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 August 1875, p. 1, c. 6)


14 August

A Very Reasonable and Sensible

View of the Verdict of the Brain-

erd Jury by the Pioneer-Press.


The Pioneer-Press wishes the jury in the Brainerd Bridge case and all its readers to understand that it does not undertake to decide the questions raised by our special reporter’s criticisms of their investigation of that matter, and their verdict as to the cause of the disaster. We have printed his report and conclusions as we printed the testimony elicited at the inquest and the verdict of the jury, the conclusions arrived at by the committee of scientific experts, and the letters of Dr. Rosser and Mr. Coykendall, as a part of the testimony in the case. The Pioneer-Press unhesitatingly accepts the deliberate conclusions of the eminent and distinguished engineers, who were summoned to investigate the wreck and the cause of the disaster, as for the present conclusive against the theory of the jury that the disaster was caused by the defective and precarious condition of the bridge, or its inability to sustain the weight of the train. We accept the judgment of competent experts, wholly free from bias, or any motives for a partial or incorrect decision, as decisive, in the absence of any equally weighty testimony to sustain the conclusions of the jury; and we accept it the more readily and confidently because we know some of the gentlemen who subscribed to the decision, and know that nothing could induce them to record a professional opinion on such a subject, unless it expressed their honest and unbiased conviction. We express no opinion whether the members of the jury were influenced by sentiments of personal hostility to the present manager of the Northern Pacific railroad company, as our report honestly concluded, after a full examination of the facts on the ground. And on general principles we do not blame them for their verdict. As a general rule when a railroad bridge gives way under a train so as to cause loss of life it is a reasonable presumption prima facie that the disaster was caused from some defect in the structure, and justice and the security of the traveling public require that the company or management should be held to the strictest accountability for such disasters. It is perfectly natural that a jury of citizens summoned to the scene of such a tragic catastrophe to inquire into its causes should show the general and natural presumption that it was caused by the fragility or defective condition of the structure, and that they should show the general popular indignation which is always excited when from some unknown cause a bridge breaks up under a train and human life is sacrificed. It is easy to suppose that the jury controlled, by this prepossession and inflamed with this indignation, would have given the verdict they did without necessarily supposing they were influenced by personal hostility to the responsible officers of the company. This is what the Pioneer-Press meant when it spoke of the jury as “prejudiced and probably excited”—not meaning to endorse or accept the conclusions of our reporter as to the personal bias, which is to the Pioneer-Press still an undecided question, but referring to the natural popular prejudice against any corporation or management which allows such sanguinary casualties to occur, and to the spontaneous indignation which such tragedies always excite in the public mind. The Pioneer-Press desires further to say that the testimony before the jury showed that at least there were reasonable grounds for the hypothesis that the bridge might possibly have been in an unsound and unsafe condition. And in that case it was their duty to bring in a verdict to that effect. An exculpatory verdict under the circumstances was not desirable, and though the positive condemnation of the character of the bridge included in their verdict was not sustained by the scientific experts who examined it, and would not probably, therefore, be sustained by a judicial investigation, yet in a preliminary proceeding like a coroner's inquest, it was a great deal better to err on the side of the too strong and comprehensive, than too weak and narrow an indictment; and it was eminently proper that the verdict should be such as should bring the case up for a searching investigation of the causes of the disaster and the official responsibility therefor before the courts. So that while we accept the conclusions of the scientific experts as far more likely to be correct than those of the coroner’s jury, we by no means wish it understood that we are disposed to censure them for their verdict. On the contrary, we regard it, though somewhat too positive in its inculpations, as on the whole a wholesome verdict, insuring a searching judicial inquiry into the facts, and a full disclosure of any blame that may lie at the doors of the officers of the company. As long as there is, or was, any ground to suspect that the disaster was, or might have been, caused by any official carelessness, a wholly exculpatory verdict would have been a public calamity, in that it would have tended to weaken the sense of official responsibility on the part of railroad companies for imperiling human life by their want of prudence and forethought. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 August 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


Notwithstanding the sad calamities the Northern Pacific has met of late, Col. R. M. Newport and staff made their usual monthly trip over the road this week with the pay car paying up for July, while very few if any roads exist in the State that are not from two to six months behind. The Northern Pacific is certainly the best paying road in this State. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 August 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


Local Rip-Raps


—The first train passed over the new trestle bridge at Brainerd on Wednesday evening at 9 o'clock. (Duluth Minnesotian, 14 August 1875)


The New Bridge.


The temporary bridge across the Mississippi at this point was completed Wednesday, less than two weeks from the time it was commenced, and the regular passenger trains crossed over on it Wednesday evening, being held here a few hours for the finishing touches.

Very many availed themselves of the opportunity to ride over it, and their safe arrival at this side was greeted by loud cheers from the large crowd assembled to witness the first test of the structure, and the loud and long whistle of the crossing locomotive as she reached the bank, like a great shout of triumph, was taken up and repeated by the locomotives standing on either bank, reminding one of some large monster greeting its mates after a hard fought battle.

A motion for three cheers for Mr. Wallace, the Superintendent of the construction of the bridge, was responded to with loud huzzahs, and once more this great public thoroughfare, the Northern Pacific, was opened for travel and freights. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 August 1875, p. 4, c. 2)


17 August

T. F. Lowe, who for a long time has filled the position of Clerk at the Headquarters Hotel at this place; departed for his home in Illinois on Tuesday, and his place is filled by Richard Ahrens, of Cass County. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 August 1875, p. 1, c. 6)


18 August

Another Railroad Smash on the

L. S. & M.


WHITE BEAR, Aug. 18.—A freight train comprising twenty-five cars left here at 6:25 last evening, and had proceeded six or seven miles, when crossing a bridge it ran into a herd of cattle, ditching the engine, tender and twelve cars. Fortunately no passengers were on board.

The engineer, Miller, and conductor were badly bruised, but will both recover. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 August 1875, p. 1, c. 6)


21 August

The Brainerd and St.

Vincent Branches to

be Built at Once!

_____


“RISE AND SING!”

_____


F. R. Delano, Esq., returned from New York this morning, where he went in company with Messrs. Geo. L. Recker, Samuel S. Broad and T. B. Campbell to meet with the full Board of Directors, and the representatives of the Dutch bondholders of the First Division of the St. Paul & Pacific Company.

The result of the meeting was an agreement upon a basis of settlement of all pending litigation and differences as follows: The foreclosure suits are to be withdrawn, following which the St. Vincent extension line will be withdrawn from the Receiver.

Work will then—that is to say, within the shortest possible time—be commenced for completion of the line including the Brainerd Branch, sixty miles, already graded and four and a half miles ironed; the St. Vincent branch, from the northern terminus of the completed section to St. Vincent; and the newly projected, connection from the main line terminus at Breckenridge, thirty-two miles to Glyndon, the southern end of the ironed part of the St. Vincent extension.

Briefly, this agreement is to provide a completed line from St. Paul up the Mississippi to Brainerd, and by way of the main line and all rail routes to St. Vincent on the British border, where it will be met by the completed branch of the Canadian Pacific from Winnipeg, (Fort Garry).

Better yet, the agreement, is to build, finish and put in operation these lines this fall, and there’s money enough pledged to do all that’s promised.—[St. Paul Dispatch.

This news seems almost too good to be true, and considering the numerous false reports heretofore circulated regarding the immediate completion of these branches, many are inclined to discredit its reliability. We await developments with almost breathless anxiety. Meantime, three cheers and a tiger for F. R. Delano, Brainerd’s best friend in the matter of the Brainerd Branch. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 August 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


Improving.


The injured in the late bridge disaster at this place are, we are glad to learn, improving very rapidly.

Dr. J. C. Lamb’s lip is nearly healed, though a few splinters of wood working out of the wound render it quite painful and compels him to keep a pretty “stiff upper-lip.” His bruises otherwise are greatly improved, and he is able to walk about quite comfortably.

Mr. Thirgart has also quit his bed, and will soon be a well man again.

Concerning Mr. Sawyer, of Duluth, we clip from the Duluth Tribune: A. J. Sawyer is able to ride down to his store in a carriage, but he still has a very sore ankle which gives him a good deal of trouble. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 August 1875, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: 27 July 1875


28 August

The Brainerd Tribune, in its undue excitement, says the Dispatch censured the Brainerd telegraph operator because he did not neglect his regular business and send us the news of the railroad accident at that point. The Dispatch knew the operator had no time to attend to such matters, and that he was forbidden from doing so, even if he had the leisure. The Dispatch simply sent a private telegram to the editor of the Tribune asking for the news, and would have been very glad to have paid him liberally for the service. The editor of the Tribune knows whether that message reached him promptly or not. If it did, then our information was incorrect, and the censure was unjustly bestowed under a misapprehension of facts. If it was not promptly delivered, as we now believe, then the remarks were correct. We asked nothing of the operator at Brainerd, save the discharge of his duties in delivering a private message. The editor of the Tribune may be perfectly satisfied to have telegraphic messages addressed to him, held at the will or whim of the operators, but the Dispatch regards telegraph operators as public servants, bound to transmit and deliver whatever is sent them. We pay for telegraphic service, and don’t propose to allow a common carrier to regulate our business.—[St. Paul Dispatch.

The message referred to did not reach us promptly, but we think the operator entirely excusable under the circumstances, as he had no carrier, and could not leave the office himself to deliver messages on that day, and in any event we think the attack of the Dispatch uncalled for and ungentlemanly in the extreme.

If we had received the message, we would have been very glad to have attended to the wants of the Dispatch, and do not ask or accept pay for such services, and shall consider it a pleasure to report news at any time to any of the dailies, when desired. At this time the thought occurred to us to send an account of the accident to the St. Paul and Minneapolis papers, but we then supposed, we know not why, that it was a duty of the operator, by virtue of his office to send an account. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 August 1875, p. 1, c. 4)


SEE: 02 January 1875

SEE: 29 June 1875

SEE: 27 July 1875

SEE: 08 August 1875


The Brainerd Branch Bubble.


The report last week that the Brainerd and St. Vincent Branches of the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad were to be built at once, has, like similar reports heretofore, proved a mere newspaper bubble. While in St. Paul we endeavored to get at the facts in the case, and as near as we can learn the only truth to the report this time is that the company has made a proposition to its bondholders to sell them the road and its franchises, which it is thought they will accept for the reasons that the foreclosure of their mortgage would thus be dispensed with, which is a big item, as the selling of the lands under the mortgage would submit the whole thing to taxation, which would be avoided by this transfer, and hence the statement of the Dispatch that, “The result of the meeting was an agreement upon a basis of settlement of all pending litigation and differences,” but it omitted to state that this proposition has yet to be submitted to the Dutch bondholders in Europe, and that under the most favorable circumstances work could not possibly be commenced on these branches this fall, much less to have them completed, while if they were on the ground and ready to begin work on them to-day the time is too short for their completion before winter. The one item of iron alone renders the feat impracticable, for there is not we are told sufficient iron in the State to complete the amount of road promised by the Dispatch, and it cannot be procured in time under any circumstances to complete them before the expiration of the grant on the 4th of March next. So that it can readily be seen that additional legislation will be necessary first.

It has, we believe, been held by the Supreme Court of the United States that the land under a similar grant did not revert to the United States government in case of non-fulfillment of its provisions, but that it falls to the State government for the completion of the road for which it was originally granted. In that case it will be seen that the consent of our legislature will also be a necessary adjunct to the “amicable settlement and immediate completion of these branches” reported by the Dispatch.

Of course there is little room for doubt that this proposition will be accepted, and that if required the necessary legislation will be had; but we will never again place any dependence upon any report that the Brainerd Branch is to be completed until we see the last rail laid and properly spiked. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 August 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


REWARD OFFERED.


The pocket-book of Jas. Peterkin, the engineer killed in the bridge disaster here in July last, was by some means lost at the time of the wreck, and contained some valuable papers and some money. If the finder will leave the book and papers with the editor of this paper he will be entirely welcome to the money and liberally rewarded besides, and positively no questions will be asked. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 August 1875, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: 22 February 1873

SEE: 27 July 1875

SEE: 04 August 1875

SEE: 06 August 1875

SEE: 04 September 1875


04 September

REWARD OFFERED.


The pocket-book of P. [Pervis] J. [James] Peterkin, the engineer killed in the bridge disaster here in June last, was by some means lost at the time of the wreck, and contained some valuable papers and some money; also, two certificates of deposit on the first National Bank, St. Paul, bearing the following numbers and dates:

No. 17144, Feb. 25, 1875—$800.00

No. 17647, July 19, 1875,—$300.00

Payment upon which has been stopped. Any person returning the above certificates to me will be liberally rewarded, and positively no questions will be asked.

T. H. BRADY,

P. O. Box 74. Brainerd, Minn.

(Brainerd Tribune, 04 September 1875, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: 22 February 1873

SEE: 27 July 1875

SEE: 04 August 1875

SEE: 06 August 1875

SEE: 28 August 1875


Dr. J. C. Lamb, of Watervliet, Mich., who was injured in the bridge disaster here in July last, started for home yesterday nearly a well man. He desires us to thank the people of Brainerd who extended favors to him during his stay here, for their attention and kindness. He says many citizens of Brainerd will be ever remembered by him with the warmest feeling of gratitude and friendship. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 September 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


SEE: 27 July 1875


The Northern Pacific Railroad Co. owns seventy locomotives, which is more than is needed for the present, hence, ten of them have been transferred to the Milwaukee and St. Paul road, and six to the West Wisconsin. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 September 1875, p. 4, c. 2)


10 September

Yesterday evening the locomotive that went down in the wreck of the bridge was finally drawn out of the river and up the steep bluff to the track, and taken to the machine shops. It was a very tedious process; a force of men have been working at it for a week or two. The bluff on the west side of the river was graded to an inclined plane, and a track laid down to the rusty and battered monster, and after getting her jacked up on to her feet again and squared about on the temporary track, a couple of powerful locomotives on top of the hill slowly and sadly drew her up to a proper level once more. She was a sad looking sight, and as she was slowly drawn across the fearful chasm on the new bridge, and up through the city, everyone stopped and gazed on her remains, but spoke not a word as it were. She was enabled to proceed on her own wheels, by the use of care, but the boiler, the heavy frame, and the skeleton of the cab, (wherein stood the noble Peterkin and his gallant fireman, Grandon) were all that remained and they were covered with mud and rust. The sight, on that quiet Sabbath evening, as she proceeded through the town at funereal gait, was indeed a sad reminder to those who still hear that crash ringing in their ears, and whose eyes still behold the awful wreck and the remains of their noble friends, who exchanged worlds in the twinkling of an eye. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 September 1875, p. 1, c. 6)


NOTE: Sometime after the locomotive was hauled up the west bank of the river, the temporary track was extended out into the river and pilings were driven as a base for supporting a platform from which a steam crane was used to haul the wreckage of the cars, etc. from the river and up the west bank. Those oddly shaped pilings remain in the river and can be seen today.


SEE: 27 July 1875


11 September

ENTERPRISE.


The Brainerd disaster brought all energies to the front. Supt. Sullivan and his men worked like heroes. The terrible break occurred July 27th, and on August 11th a strong, new bridge was ready for the usual trains. Of the fifteen intervening days, five were consumed in collecting materials and men. The latter especially were far to seek. Thunder Bay, and even Winnipeg, contributed skilled artisans. When everything was on the ground, the work went on day and night. In ten days the bridge was built. The hammers were heard driving home the spikes until within a few minutes of the crossing of the first train. For its purpose, the bridge is an admirable structure; there is not a quiver as the monstrous weight rumbles over it, yet it is only a temporary expedient. Being a trestle bridge, it cannot withstand the breaking up of the ice in the Spring, so this Winter it is to be replaced by a truss bridge.

It is no more than fair to the officials of the road, to state that the old bridge that gave way, was one that had long survived its expected term of service. Had it not been for the great failure, this and other wooden bridges would have yielded to permanent stone structures, rendering such accident impossible. (Minneapolis Tribune, 11 September 1875, p. 2)


NORTHERN PACIFIC.


DOES THE ROAD PAY?


It is easily seen that all this thronging population cannot do without the railroad. But what does the railroad say? Does it pay? Let me present a few facts.

There have recently been two disasters upon the Northern Pacific—the breaking of the bridge at Brainerd and the burning of a baggage car. The latter involved a loss of some $10,000; the former, including payment for wrecked freight and the building of a new bridge, footed up to about $200,000. There was no mean higgling over accounts presented, the whole was paid for in cash. (Minneapolis Tribune, 11 September 1875, p. 2)


25 September

At noon everyday there is always an hour’s pleasant excitement at the Headquarters Hotel; both trains eat dinner at this point, or rather the passengers on the trains do—all except those who carry a handkerchief full of doughnuts along when they travel; that class seem to take a fiendish delight in sitting at the car windows chewing doughnuts and making mouths at the hotel keepers. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 September 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


WE have heard, by way of the town pump or otherwise, that Mr. Thompson, of the N. P. Land Department here, is a candidate for the office of Register of Deeds. Friend Thompson is an efficient man and popular. Next. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 September 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


30 September

Northern Pacific.


NEW YORK, Sept. 30.—At a meeting of the bondholders of the Northern Pacific railroad the report of the purchasing committee was read and approved. The report of the receiver, G. W. Cass, was also read and unanimously adopted, after which the following directors were elected for the coming year: Edwin M. Lewis, Johnston Livingston, J. K. Moorhead, J. N. Hutchinson, George Stark, John M. Dennison, George W. Cass, C. B. Wright, Joseph Dilworth, B. P. Cheney, Charlemagne Tower, Fred. K. Billings, J. Gregory Smith. The directors elected C. B. Wright, president, George Stark, vice president, and Jay Cooke, financial agent. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 October 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


01 October

OFFICE OF RECEIVER,

NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD.

_________________


SPECIAL NOTICE.

_________________


NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 1875.

ON Sept 29th, 1875, the undersigned turned over to the Purchasing Committee, the Northern Pacific Railroad, and its business, and from and after that day the Receiver makes no accounts and incurs no indebtedness or liabilities to employees, or others on account of said railroad, property, or business.

GEO. W. CASS,

RECEIVER.

(Brainerd Tribune, 02 October 1875, p. 1, c. 3)


02 October

Sudden Death of Ira Spaulding.


The following from a Washington paper of Oct. 4 was kindly forwarded us by letter of same date by Thos. H. Canfield, who says: “The gentleman referred to I think must be Gen’l. Spaulding, the first resident engineer of the N. P. R. R., in Minnesota, and who had charge of the construction from Komoka to Red River, and who resided in Brainerd:”

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 3.—An unknown man died suddenly on a passenger train of the Philadelphia and Reading railroad on Saturday morning. He had numerous papers in his possession, showing that he was largely interested in the Northern Pacific railroad. The name of Ira Spaulding was engraved on his watch. The deceased was apparently 60 years of age. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 October 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


SEE: 29 February 1872

SEE: 22 June 1872

SEE: 14 December 1872


09 October

To the Electors of Crow Wing

County.


GENTLEMEN: I hereby announce myself as an independent candidate at the coming election for the office of Register of Deeds, of your county, for the ensuing two years. Of my ability to fill the office it is unnecessary for me to speak, and I will only say that if elected it shall be my endeavor to perform its duties faithfully, carefully, courteously and impartially. Believing the office to be one in which party or politics should be in no way interested, being no politician myself, I respectfully submit the matter to your decision at the polls.

Respectfully, your humble, obedient servant, FRANK B. THOMPSON.

(Brainerd Tribune, 09 October 1875, p. 1, c. 4)


Northern Pacific Railroad Directory.


Charles B. Wright, of Philadelphia, President; Geo. Stark, of New Hampshire, Vice President; Samuel Wilkeson, of New York, Secretary; Geo. E. Beebe, of New York, Treasurer; George Gray, of Minnesota, General Counsel; Charles W. Mead, of St. Paul, General Manager.


SEE: 1869

SEE: 09 March 1870

SEE: 06 July 1872

SEE: 11 November 1876

SEE: 09 December 1876

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 31 December 1882


MINNESOTA AND DAKOTA DIVISIONS.


R. M. Newport, of Brainerd, Assistant Treasurer; James B. Power, of Brainerd, Agent Land Department. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 October 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


NEWPORT:

SEE: 17 August 1872

SEE: 26 April 1873

SEE: 12 December 1874

SEE: 19 December 1874

SEE: 29 January 1876

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 03 June 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 09 June 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 07 February 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 17 March 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 30 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 11 February 1882

SEE: 18 February 1882

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


16 October

It is rumored, upon what seems to be good authority, that C. W. Mead has resigned the position of General Manager of the Northern Pacific Railroad, which he has so long and honorably filled. This, if true, will be generally regretted along the line of the Road. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 October 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


19 October

O. C. Green, Esq., of St. Paul, Sup’t. of Telegraph on the N. P. R. R. and L. S. & M. R. R. was on the western bound train, Tuesday. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 October 1875, p. 1, c. 6)


21 October

THE remains of Richard Grandon, the fireman killed here in July last in the bridge disaster, were disinterred Thursday by the Odd Fellows Lodge, and forwarded to his friends in Omaha, Neb. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 October 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


SEE: 27 July 1875

SEE: 04 August 1875

SEE: 06 August 1875

SEE: 31 October 1875


22 October

A party of N. P. R. R. officials, consisting of Geo. Stark, Vice President; Gen’l. Jno. M. Dennison, Director; C. W. Mead, General Manager; W. S. Alexander, General Freight and Ticket Ag’t.; J. H. Sullivan, Superintendent, and Thos. H. Canfield, President of Lake Superior & Puget Sound Co., arrived in Brainerd yesterday noon by special train, and passed the afternoon by looking over their interests here, proceeding west this morning. Their tour is one of inspection, and if any changes in the management of the road or otherwise occur it will be after the return of Gen’ls. Stark and Dennison to New York. It is their aim to have work resumed on the construction of the line west, as projected, at the earliest possible period, and to this end are they striving. Their faith in its early completion is strong, which will of necessity largely enhance their success. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 October 1875, p. 1, c. 6)


THE contract was completed yesterday at Duluth with parties from Hastings, Minn., for the building of the piers and abutments of a bridge across the Mississippi at this point, work to be commenced at once, and to be completed on or before the first of next January. They are to be built of Duluth granite. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 October 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


30 October

Another Step Downward.


A change in the management of the affairs of the Northern Pacific Railroad took place this week. The resignation of C. W. Mead, Gen’l. Manager, was accepted, and that office merged with the office of General Freight and Ticket Agent, and W. S. Alexander placed in control.

J. H. Sullivan, the Superintendent, came on to the road with Mr. Mead, and did not feel like remaining after he left, and consequently also resigned and Mr. H. A. Towne, the Sup’t. of Machinery, was appointed in his place and performs the duties of both offices.

The employees on the Dakota Division have been reduced in number one-half, and a reduction in salaries and wages throughout has been made. Trains are to be withdrawn from the Dakota Division within ten days, and a new time table goes into effect on this Division on Wednesday next, passenger trains stopping overnight here. In fact everything has been cut down to the very lowest possible notch—a good deal, we fear, upon the penny wise and pound foolish system.

However, it is to be presumed that the directors understand their business, and we can only acquiesce and be content, though we do not think such measures are for the best interests of the road, and we would if we could induce them to believe us, but that they probably will not do.

The appointments made are excellent good ones, and perfectly satisfactory to everybody, so far as we know. Mr. Towne is a gentleman in the fullest sense of the word, and is well liked as a citizen as well as in the position he has occupied heretofore, and he is in every way capable of filling with credit to himself and profit to the Company the offices to which he has been promoted; and what we have said of Mr. Towne may be said with equal propriety of Mr. Alexander, the new Manager.

Mr. Sullivan was honored last night by a grand ball at Bly’s Hall, gotten up by his many friends here in honor of his departure to-day from among us, at which we are informed a very pleasant time was enjoyed. Official duties prevented our attendance, which we regretted exceedingly. Both Mr. Mead and Mr. Sullivan take with them many kind wishes for their future welfare, and strong hopes are entertained by many that their departure is only temporary. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 October 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


31 October

Odd Fellow's Funeral—

Burial of Richard Grandon.


[As will be seen from the following taken from the Omaha (Neb.) BEE of the 1st inst., the remains of Richard Grandon, deceased, who was a member of Wildey Lodge, I. O O. F., No. 37, of Brainerd, reached his friends and relatives in that city in safety, and were there consigned in due form to their last resting place in accordance with the plans of his brethren here, and in a manner highly gratifying and satisfactory to this Lodge.—Ed.]

_____


Yesterday afternoon at 2 o'clock the Odd Fellows of this city consigned the remains of the late Richard Grandon to their last sad resting place, the ceremonies being of a most imposing and solemn character.

The deceased was formerly a citizen of this place. He was a brother-in-law to Mrs. Mary Grandon, and he has a brother in Texas and one in Utah.

He was about 30 years of age, and was a locomotive fireman by occupation. He was killed July 27, 1875, by the falling of a train through the railroad bridge across the Mississippi river at Brainerd, Minnesota, in which accident several were killed and drowned.

When Grandon was found he was not quite dead; being conscious long enough to request that he should be buried at Omaha, among his friends in the Catholic cemetery, which request was refused, as he was a member of the Order of Odd Fellows, a secret society.

At his death-bed he was surrounded by Odd Fellows, who did all in their power to alleviate his sufferings, until they were ended by death. His remains were placed in a metallic casket, and arrived here last week.

The funeral yesterday took place from the undertaking rooms of Coroner Gish, the Rev. Leroy F. Britt officiating.

The Union Pacific band headed the long procession; then came the members of the several lodges in regalia, followed by the hearse and a large concourse of sorrowing friends and brothers in carriages. The line proceeded to Prospect Hill cemetery, where were deposited the remains of the deceased, who was known as honest Dick Grandon among his acquaintances. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 November 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


SEE: 27 July 1875

SEE: 04 August 1875

SEE: 06 August 1875

SEE: 21 October 1875


06 November

THE Northern Pacific has sold one hundred and fifty flat cars to the St. Paul and Pacific. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 November 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


THE hotel registers at the Headquarters and the Leland House are well filled now-a-days. The passenger trains stop overnight here. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 November 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


13 November

THE first lot of stone for the new R. R. bridge arrived here last week, and a crew of men are at work clearing away for the foundations. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 November 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


16 November

HONOR TO WHOM HONOR IS DUE.

_____


J. H. Sullivan, the Retiring Superin-

tendent of the N. P. R. R.,

the Recipient of Rich

Presents.

_____


ALSO, A HIGHLY COMPLIMENTARY BALL.

_____


The event of the season transpired at the Headquarters, in this city, on Tuesday evening, the 16th inst. It was opened by the presentation to Mr. John H. Sullivan by the employees of the N. P. R. R. of the following rich testimonials of their very high appreciation of their retiring Superintendent:—

A fine gold watch and heavy neck-chain and a beautiful solitaire diamond pin. The watch was a Howard hunting case and bore the following inscription inside the case, “J. H. Sullivan, presented by the employees of the N. P. R. R., Nov. 16th, 1875,” and the beautifully engraved monogram, “J. H. S.,” on the outside. They were purchased in New York at a cost of $650. John B. Davidson, Esq., who for a long time has filled the position of paymaster of the Road, was selected by the boys to make the presentation, which he did with the following very appropriate address:

MR. SULLIVAN:—As you have severed your connection with the N. P. R. R. and us, we have assembled here to-night to express our regret that the necessity has arisen which prompted you to such a step, and at the same time to wish you God speed in all your future undertakings. During the years in which we have been associated together, you as Superintendent and we as employees of the several departments of the Road, our relations have been of the the most pleasant nature, and the lapse of time has served but the more closely to bind us the one to the other. The ties that have been formed during those years are now to be rudely snapped asunder, but the friendship engendered by our intercourse will remain. To your uniform kindness and courtesy in the discharge of the duties of your position, your keen appreciation of the difficulties under which we, in our several avocations, have at times labored, and your earnest endeavor at all times to lighten rather than to impose burdens, is this result mainly to be attributed. We will miss your familiar face from amongst us, but it may be some satisfaction to you to know, while amid other scenes, and occupied by other duties, that the respect and esteem of the entire working force of the N. P. follow you to your new sphere of usefulness. In token of the sincerity of these expressions your late co-works have procured this diamond pin, watch and chain, and honored me in selecting me to present the same to you. This, I now, with great pleasure do; asking you in the name of those you leave behind you to accept these gifts, to cherish them, and as from time to time you look on them, to read in them in unmistakable characters, the assurance that our best wishes for your continued welfare, prosperity and happiness will follow you and abide with you wherever God in his providence may cast your lot.

The affair was a complete surprise to Mr. Sullivan, who had only been informed that he was invited to a “Complimentary Ball,” and he was scarcely able to control his feelings much less to give them expression in words, and he only said, “Gentlemen, you know my feelings better than I can express them,” and the truthfulness of the remark and the eloquence of his actions, which spoke volumes, was felt by all present, and a gleam of satisfaction passed over their countenances, followed by a sort of indescribable feeling of appropriateness.

Immediately following the presentation the spacious dining hall of the Headquarters Hotel was found in readiness, and the enchanting music of Seibert’s band, of St. Paul, fell upon the willing ears of the hundreds who had gathered from every town on the line, and they were soon lost in the merry whirl. Among those in attendance from abroad we noticed E. B. Chambers, of the Fargo Times, and wife; W. B. Nickles, of the Red River Star, and lady, and Miss Connie. C. W. Mead, the retiring Manager, and Mr. W. T. Williams, the Purchasing Agent of the Road; E. H. Davie, wife and daughter, P. W. Kennedy and wife, J. S. Rogers and wife, A. T. Fitzpatrick, F. J. E. Sweetman, and E. S. Tyler, of Fargo, D. T.; H. G. Finkie, Dr. Jno. Kurtz and Jas. Sharp, of Moorhead; Judge J. S. Carvelle and M. H. Kellogg, of Bismarck, D. T.; C. B. Jordan and wife, of Wadena, Minn.; and D. Willard, of Aitkin, Minn.

The dance was decidedly the very best and happiest affair that has occurred in Brainerd, and only drew to a close at an early hour the following morning, when the happy participants hied them away home with the universal expression of complete satisfaction.

Mr. Sullivan took his final leave of Brainerd and the Northwest on Thursday morning, and departed for his home in Excello, Macon county, Mo., and dame rumor has fixed a day in the near future when he is to take to himself a life partner, after the custom of his fathers. May joy, peace and happiness be his new role, and his partner be worthy of him, is the earnest wish of the subscriber. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 November 1875, p. 1, c. 6)


NOTE: M. H. Kellogg died at the Battle of the Little Big Horn in June 1876. He was accompanying Custer as a special correspondent for the Bismarck Tribune.


F. J. E. Sweetman, the very diminutive conductor of the Dakota Division, has taken winter quarters at Col. Weed’s, and has accepted a commission under Col. Frost. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 November 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


23 November

A Mail and Express Car Burned.


On Tuesday night last, at about 11:15 P. M., the mail and express car bound west and lying at the depot here was burned, together with a large Canadian mail and some U. S. paper mail. The fire was first discovered by the express route agent, who had just gone to the car to go to bed. There was no express matter in the car, and a very little baggage, which was saved. The fire when discovered was breaking out from the mail room, which was locked, and is supposed to have originated in the mail bags, of which there was a number, falling or being left too near the stove, the room being small. The statement in the account telegraphed from here to the Pioneer-Press, that the mail burned was in charge of mail route agent O. J. Johnson, is an error, as Mr. Johnson’s run was at the time on the east end, and he was asleep in his car and knew nothing of the fire until the following morning, and though the article does not attach blame to Mr. Johnson, it misstates the facts and should be corrected. The fire was purely accidental, and no one is or can be blamed in the matter. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 November 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


27 November

Northern Pacific Railroad.


Rapid progress is making, says the Philadelphia World, in the adjustment of Northern Pacific affairs under the plan recently adopted. Out of 30 millions of bonds originally issued, 23 millions have been returned to the Farmers’ Loan & Trust Co., of New York, to be exchanged for preferred stock, and an additional two millions, making 25 millions in all, were canceled last week by deeds for lands of the company. The purchases they represent have been made during the last two months. The development of the region adjacent to the western terminus has been rapid. The Pacific Mail Steamship Co., has already put on a line between San Francisco and Puget Sound, terminating at Tacoma five steamers a month from San Francisco, and three a day to Victoria, British Columbia and Sound ports. The tonnage of Puget Sound is now greater than that of San Francisco, a fact attributable mainly to the magnitude of the lumber interests.

Says the Pioneer-Press: A late letter from New York to a friend in this city, amongst other things, says that there is every probability the work of reconstruction of the Northern Pacific railroad will be commenced as early in the spring as the weather will permit; indeed it is understood that the money for building the first 25 miles west of Bismarck is already promised. It is further stated, in the letter in question, that the president of the new company, Mr. C. B. Wright, is determined to push the road to completion at as early a day as possible, and to that end is giving his undivided attention to the work. No one, as yet, has been appointed in the place of Gen. Manager C. W. Mead, the late manager, who, it is understood has tendered his resignation; but it is thought that R. M. Newport, Esq., the present assistant treasurer, will receive the appointment. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 November 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


NORTHERN Pacific Railroad people appear to be highly pleased at the appointment of Mr. H. A. Towne, as superintendent of their great road. One of them tells us that he’s the right man in the right place.—Pioneer-Press.

Correct, Mr. P.-P. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 November 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


10 December

AMONG the bills of interest to Minnesota and the west introduced into the national senate yesterday, was one to extend the time for the completion of the Northern Pacific railroad. It allows the company ten years additional time in which to build and equip the road. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 December 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


11 December

HARRY BRINTNELL, one of the most gentlemanly conductors on the Northern Pacific, has severed his connection with the road, and is going into trade at some point west. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 December 1875, p. 1, c. 6)


THE directors of the Northern Pacific railroad are to meet in New York on the 15th inst. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 December 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


THE stone in the Hinckley quarry has proved utterly valueless and has been abandoned, and it has been decided to build the abutments of the bridge here with stone as far as what stone is here will build it, and complete them with wood. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 December 1875, p. 1, c. 7)


15 December

THE NORTHERN PACIFIC.

_____


No Alliance Sought With the Southern Pacific—

What Mr. Jay Cooke Says of the Road.


Philadelphia Letter of 15th to New York Tribune.


Mr. Jay Cooke, who still takes a warm interest in the affairs of the Northern Pacific railroad, says that there will be no effort on the part of that company to secure aid from Congress by joining hands with Col. Thomas Scott’s Texas Pacific project. It appears that Col. Scott is confident of his ability to push his scheme through on its merits, and that the Northern Pacific managers, while not opposing it, are not seeking an alliance. Mr. Cooke is just as confident as ever of the future success of the railroad which swallowed up his great fortune and brought him to bankruptcy. He says it now occupies the proudest position of any road in the country, being entirely free from debt, its bonds having been converted into preferred stock. Both ends of the road earn a monthly surplus over running expenses which amounts to about $60,000.

The value of the company’s land grant, Mr. Cooke says, is far greater than even the directors themselves imagine. The completion of the last 200 miles in Dakota gave the company 200,000 acres more than are contained in the whole state of Massachusetts. The reservation of the alternate sections belonging to the government for actual settlers, in tracts of 80 acres, or 160 to soldiers, enables the company to virtually offer the settler who buys a farm of it another farm adjoining as a free gift. The settler who buys 80 acres from the company has only to build a house on the adjoining 80 acres to own the whole 160. If he was a soldier he gets 320 acres by the same process. Mr. Cooke argues that the strict provisions of the law to prevent speculators getting possession of any land within the limit of the grant will eventually result in thickly populating the region through which the Northern Pacific runs, and as a consequence, will produce a large local business for the road. The friends of Mr. Jay Cooke will be glad to learn that he is in excellent health and spirits. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 December 1875, p. 1, c. 5)


18 December

The Brainerd Bridge.


The directors of the Northern Pacific now in session in New York have telegraphed orders to the authorities here to procure granite from Sauk Rapids sufficient to build piers of the Brainerd Bridge up to high water mark, and complete them with wooden trestle work, which will be removed in the spring after the ice has gone out and replaced with stone, as first intended. On this trestle work the bridge proper will be built according to the original plans. The granite will be shipped by way of St. Paul, a distance of over three hundred miles, where if the Brainerd and Sauk Rapids road was open the distance would be less than seventy miles. The extra expense for shipping the stone by the present route will exceed $5,000, one eighth of the cost of completing the Sauk Rapids Road. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 December 1875, p. 1, c. 6)


22 December

L. S. & M. Railroad.


The Pioneer-Press of the 22d inst., in a lengthy article digesting the report of President Ilsley on this road, says:

“The receipts of the road for the year 1875 will be about $525,000, while the expenditures will be about the same, leaving nothing to provide for former liabilities or the interest on bonds.”

This is certainly a bad showing, especially in view of the fact that under the management of the Northern Pacific during the term of its control of that road it paid handsome profits, as the following figures from the report of the Railroad Commissioners for the ten months ending April 30th, 1874, will show:


Gross earnings,—$573,684.35

Total expenditure,—$340,620.47

Net earnings,—$233,063.88


This, it will be seen, does not include the months of May and June, claimed to be the best months in the year, but does include the winter months, when the lake traffic is closed.

The report states that the expenditures have been large on account of renewals of tracks and bridges, but even that would not seem to justify the expenditure of such an amount. The expenditures in ‘73 and ‘74 were thought to be extraordinarily large, owing to the large amount of repairing done on the rolling stock, but the passenger travel and freights over this road were supposed to be far greater in ‘75 than either of those years, and this showing is certainly a surprise. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 December 1875, p. 1, c. 6)


31 December

LOUIS N. GADBOIS, telegraph operator at Fargo, D. T., and formerly of Brainerd, committed suicide about 2 o’clock on Friday evening of last week by shooting himself in the head. He lived until the next morning at about 5 o’clock. The act was committed under temporary mental aberration, and the poor fellow begged of his friends to save him when he realized what he had done. His father and brother, who reside in St. Paul, went west Tuesday to receive his remains. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 January 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


1876

08 January

SICK.—Conductor Wm. Doyle has had a very severe attack of paralysis of the bowels and lower limbs, and for a time his life was almost despaired of, but thanks to the very skillful treatment of Dr. Rosser and good nursing, he is in a fair way for recovery. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 January 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


19 January

THE following resolution was passed by the Northern Pacific Board of Directors, at a meeting held Jan. 19th, 1876:

Resolved. That any purchaser of lands from the Northern Pacific Railroad Co., which have not been certified, may, if he chooses to do so procure the same to be certified from the proper officers, by paying the costs thereof, and this Company will repay to him the amount of such costs, with interest from the date thereof. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 January 1876, p. 1, c. 4)


22 January

BLY’S MILL.

_____


A Visit to the Mill that Eber H. Bly

Built—And What We Saw There.

_____


In response to an invitation the other day, the writer piled himself into a vehicle, with two or three other gentlemen of elegant leisure, and went on a voyage of pleasure and discovery, with Bly’s steam saw mill at Boom Lake as the objective point in our travels. After a fine ride of half a mile from the town pump, we hauled up “furninst” the north-east end of the new mill and a busy scene. Upon arriving, the mill, just for the moment, was enjoying a panicked condition—occasioned, as we learned, by the band getting off the fly-wheel, or the bull-wheel slipping an eccentric, or the saw-dust conductor getting its mouth too full for utterance, or something of the sort. We only had time, however, to play brave, and go round feeling of this thing and that, and to carry the idea among the workmen about the mammoth “sawery” that we knew all about such matters, and had just got along to that part of the thing where the most business was done in a given period, when the score of workmen suddenly distributed themselves, and then something “broke loose,” like. Everything that was circular commenced revolving, everything that was round commenced rolling; straight things commenced going endwise, square things commenced bobbing, and every thing that could, commenced howling. About this time we commenced getting scared, and was afraid to move or even wink, for fear we should, in the twinkling of an eye, be transformed into a thousand feet of common boards; as the thought of such an ultimatum flashed through our mind, we didn’t care half so much about being ground up into that kind of a “bill of lumber,” as we did about being sold afterwards at the insignificant sum of thirteen dollars. One of the generous workmen, seeing that we didn’t seem to hanker after a steam saw mill—not till we became a “little useder to it”—kindly took us by the slack of the pants and deposited us in a place of safety, just in time so that we didn’t obstruct the passage of the log that slid along on a long sliding thing. This act of kindness also prevented the mill being clogged up by an ordinary newspaper correspondent, and a waste of time on the part of the workmen—we felt extremely thankful for this, because, where a mill is engaged in sawing out all the mammoth timber for the new railroad bridge across the Mississippi river at this point, to take the place of the old one that broke down last summer, it would have been a ridiculous thing for us to do, to interfere in the grand work. And this just reminds us that the new mill is not only a proud monument to the enterprise and energy of Mr. E. H. Bly, in the way of a general lumber producer, but that the contract of immense-sized timber for the structure above referred to, is being handsomely carried forward, notwithstanding the difficulties naturally attendant upon an undertaking of the kind at this season of the year. The monster Norway pines—from twenty to sixty feet in length and squaring from ten to twenty inches—are being put through with but slight delays, notwithstanding they are frozen hard as a stone, and more difficult to manufacture in this condition than oak itself. The mill has been placed in the finest condition for winter work, the crew selected with care, so that everything moves off grandly within, though it may blow ever so cold without. All the modern appliances have been put in, and it is interesting in the extreme to watch the systematic manufacture of lumber and timber going on. Aside from the main saws, there are board edgers, adjustable rip-saws—to saw the boards into any desired width—slab-saws, to transform the slabs into stove wood, sawdust conductors, a log-hauling bull wheel, a railroad to take the products from the mill to the yard, and dear knows what all. In short, it is a good thing—a big thing—and an institution that is as much of a pride to our young city as it is a credit to the indomitable owner. Bly is a brick! and that is all there is about it.

We feel called upon, however, to give him a piece of our mind about permitting our ice dealers to cut ice from the bosom of Boom Lake. The lake is his asylum for storing the immense supply of logs he is getting out this winter, for the use of the mill next summer; and, as the ice is two feet thick, you see after a layer is taken off, it must necessarily ensmall the area of the lake and enshallow it as well—hence, it will decrease the booming capacity thereof. Eh, Mr. B.? At all events we charge nothing for this timely warning, shrink or no shrink.

After a thorough look at the elephant, we returned homeward, well satisfied with ourself, with Bly’s steam mill, the world and everybody in it, and—the balance of poor fallen humanity. (Brainerd Tribune, Morris C. Russell, 22 January 1876, p. 1, c. 6)


THE PAY CAR on the Northern Pacific made its first regular trip in the Centennial year over the road this week in a new dress, in which it appears quite becomingly. It has been remodeled and repainted at the shops in this city, and is now a little beauty, and will be welcomed every month by the many employees on the line hereafter in a two-fold sense. We almost envy friend Edgerton the pleasant trips before him in his little palace. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 January 1876, p. 1, c. 6)


29 January

THE BLACK HILLS.

_____


THE GREAT RUSH VIA THE

NORTHERN PACIFIC RAIL-

ROAD ABOUT TO SET IN!

_____


Gold Fields Unparal-

leled, Both in Rich-

ness and Extent!

_____


INEXHAUSTIBLE RESOURCES OF THE

BLACK HILLS COUNTRY IN

_____


MINERALS, TIMBER, GRAZING,

AND AGRICULTURE!

_____


A Mild Climate and an

Abundance of Pure

Running Water.

_____


BEAUTIFUL AND HEALTHFUL COUNTRY,

_____


Parties and Expeditions

Carried Through to

Bismarck, Directly

and Quickly, by

_____


THE NORTHERN PACIFIC R. R.

_____


ONLY SEVENTY-TWO HOURS BY TEAM

FROM BISMARCK TO THE “HILLS.”

BEAUTIFUL ROUTE, SAFE CAMP-

ING PLACES, AND PLENTY OF

WOOD, WATER AND GRASS.

_____


THE ROUTE BY BISMARCK AND

THE NORTHERN PACIFIC, BY

FAR THE SAFEST, QUICK-

EST, AND MOST PLEAS-

ANT OF ALL OTHERS!

_____


HUNDREDS PREPARING TO RENDEZVOUS

AT BISMARCK, TO JOIN THE 1,500

MINERS ALREADY IN THE MINES.

_____


THREE YOUNG CITIES ALREADY

ESTABLISHED!

_____


Northern Pacific broadside advertising its route from Minnesota to Bismarck, then to the gold fields of Deadwood, Dakota Territory, ca. 1875.
Source: North Dakota State Historical Society

By the recent advices from Bismarck, the facts concerning the much talked of Black Hills country, we esteem have finally been reached. Being personally acquainted with the men who subscribe to the news and reports now coming in from the Hills, we place the fullest confidence in the statements now abroad over their signatures—as they are men of well known veracity and integrity, as well as being well educated, intelligent business men, who have lived neighbors with us ever since the commencement of the Northern Pacific railroad. It seems that as early as during the autumn months, the leading men of Bismarck conceived the idea of going to work systematically to discover the truth about the Black Hills, in all its phases and not to be satisfied to say yea or nay concerning what they believed to be true of them, until they knew all about the subject from personal knowledge after a thorough investigation of the subject and the Black Hills country as well. Accordingly, some two months since a party of the leading men of Bismarck, abundantly equipped for the journey, left for the new Eldorado for the purpose of learning what they, and the public at large so earnestly wanted to know—”the truth about the Black Hills.”

But little was heard from them after their departure, save by way of an occasional prairie ranger who came into Bismarck who had met the expedition en route, and reported them as going along finely and having a jolly good time generally on the trip. They were gone from Bismarck some five or six weeks, when their expected return became the all-absorbing topic of conversation, and eye-glasses from Fort A. Lincoln (across the Missouri River from Bismarck) came to be popular “arms,” as both citizens and soldiers spent hours gazing away off to the southwest, up the Little Heart Valley, in a laudable effort to see who could first discover the van of the returning party—in which were numbered friends of all remaining behind.

As the sun sank down one evening behind the western buttes, common in western Dakota, the cry came from the look out, “They come, they come!” and in a few hours more the little band so anxiously looked for were ensconced at the firesides kept warm for their reception, and they were received by the huzzas of all the villagers, while the cannon of the barracks pealed out a welcome to the adventurous explorers.

Soon as a little rest had refreshed the travelers, they gave to the public a brief account of their explorations and travels, which is something in substance as follows:

The had gone from Bismarck as nearly in a direct line for Harney’s Peak as practical, and after a most pleasant journey of seven easy days’ travel they arrived at Custer City, which is located a few miles south of Harney’s Peak, where they made their headquarters during their explorations throughout the mining regions. On their trip from Bismarck through they had encountered no Indians; there was no snow on the route, whatever; each night they camped on the banks of beautiful streams of water, with an abundance of wood and natural advantages for easy defense, in case of molestation by roving bands of redskins. Good grazing was found in the valleys—green and tender rushes, while the buffalo grass on the table lands afforded tolerable pasture, even in the winter months.

They found some twelve or fifteen hundred miners at work in the Hills, engaged in placer mining, and they did not find any who were not panning out—even by the rudest method—good wages, while a majority were making extraordinary wages, and some fabulous amounts of glittering nuggets of gold.

The party made a thorough and most exhaustive exploration of the ranges of country occupied by the miners, and much more besides. They found all the miners well supplied in all the necessaries of life which could be bought at reasonable prices from all who had brought a surplus, or supplies into the Hills to sell. Three cities have already been established, and each of them expect, by the middle of next summer to have a population respectively of from three to seven or eight thousand industrious inhabitants. The names of these embryo cities are, Custer City, four miles south of Harney’s Peak, Hill City, nine miles north of Harney’s Peak, and Golden City, eight miles east of Hill City. Hill City is at the junction of the roads leading to all parts of the Hills and will probably be the metropolis.

The richest mines are on Bear Butte Creek, 20 miles west of Bear Butte, and from that point on west to near Inyon Kura. They saw thirty-four dollars taken out of one pan, there being one nugget of $20, one of $2.50, and other smaller particles.

E. R. Collins, a Bismarck man, has a $2.50 nugget in his possession sent him by Jake Testers, a well known Montana miner.

The principal mining is being done on Spring Creek, where the party saw Spencer & Co., located near Golden City, take out one hundred and thirty-seven dollars, being the work of four men six hours. Next day the same force in the same time took out one hundred and twelve dollars. They had taken out thirty-six ounces of gold from a space twelve feet wide, thirty feet long and six feet deep.

Miners are coming in at the rate of seventy-five a day. They are coming from all localities and all directions.

The party having spent some three weeks exploring and looking over that noted country, bade the jolly miners adieu, and set out in their return, accompanied by the famous California miner and prairie guide, “California Joe,” who returned to Bismarck with the party—and who will pass through Brainerd the first of next week in company with several of the leading business men of Bismarck, en route for St. Paul.

They saw no Indians or traces of Indians en route to Bismarck. The trip was made in 72 hours traveling. They left the Black Hills at Rapid Creek pass, struck Bear Butte Creek at its mouth and took a bee line for Bismarck.

They believe the distance from Golden City to Bismarck, as traveled by them, to be 216 miles, but California Joe says twelve miles may be saved on this end of the route, making the distance to Hill City from Bismarck 204 miles, over the finest natural road, Joe says, he ever saw. The party were just seventy-two hours of travel in coming from the mines to Bismarck.

En route from Cheyenne teams require eighteen to twenty days, while the Bismarck party made the return trip in the dead of winter in seventy-two hours and a party made it last summer, with pack mules, in eight days.

Joe says no other route can be compared with the one from Bismarck. He says the Northern Pacific company had better turn their road around and butt the “dushed” thing against the Hills, where they will find all the business they can attend to for the next few years.

Joe returns with a train of thirty wagons in a few days.

The distance from Bismarck to Bear Lodge mines in 195 miles.

The weather in the Hills is reported splendid. There is no ice in the streams, while millions of ducks may now be found in Rapid Creek and other streams.

These comprise a bare outline of the facts concerning the richness and extent of the diggings in the Black Hills, and a proof that cannot be gainsaid that the route by the way of the Northern Pacific, with Bismarck as a fitting-out point, is the route of all routes to reach the Hills in the shortest time, and is the most economical, pleasant, and safest route to go. All that is necessary, is to give the facts to the outside world, as to the many and eminently superior advantages of the Northern Pacific route, and in a few weeks more thousands of people desirous of going to the Hills will be pouring this way—as safety, speed, conveniences and economy are the items that will be sought after by expeditions moving toward the gold fields, and the Northern Pacific route has now been proven to be ahead of all competing routes on every “count.”

We have authority for stating that the Northern Pacific company will be prepared any day to deliver expeditions and outfits through from St. Paul to Bismarck, in the shortest time and reasonable rates. So, all the eastern expeditions have to do is to come to St. Paul and put themselves in the care of the Northern Pacific folks—a more efficient, careful, obliging and thorough set of railroad men and gentlemen do not exist—and they will very quickly thereafter find themselves in Bismarck, in fine shape to start across to the Black Hills—the finest of all overland routes yet discovered—and in six easy days’ travel can commence panning out the precious metal for themselves.

Now that we have given, in the rough, all that need be said at this time concerning the mineral resources of the section of country under consideration and given something of a detailed description of the route and best manner to go about to get to the mining region, we shall conclude by a few words as to the general character of the Black Hills country, outside its mining or mineral features.

The country, as might be naturally supposed is, as a whole, a succession of hills, buttes, and valleys, with occasional parks and table lands. The entire country is well timbered, and the most luxurious and nutritious pasturage and rich soils is found in all the valleys. Sparkling steams, filled with choicest fish thread their way like ribbons of silver through every valley, while gushing springs pour out from the sides of the hills and mountains on every hand. There are many kinds of valuable deposits there, besides gold, which exists in endless quantities—such as gypsum, granite, and other deposits. The climate is of even temperature in all the districts fitted for agricultural pursuits, and is suited for the general production of all crops incident to our own State. Either agriculture, stock raising, lumbering or mining, can be carried on to an unlimited extent, which fact renders it a country quite unlike most other mineral regions, and hence, it offers the finest inducements to every branch of industry, and must speedily be filled with all classes of industrious producers. All productions, for the first, will find ready market at their own door, and the enviable and central geographical location of the Hills country, with its wealth in mineral, and other wonderful resources, must speedily, like an irresistible magnet, draw the thoroughfare of transportation to it from the old inhabited portions of the country—including the Northern Pacific—or rather a branch of it. For the reasons given, we expect to see a greater rush to the Black Hills gold regions, than to any yet developed in the history of the country; because all classes of industry can safely center there with a full assurance that their willing hands may readily find plenty of profitable employment, outside of the golden gulches. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 January 1876, p. 1, c.’s 5-7)


SUGGESTION.—Will some of our leading citizens move in the matter, prepare Bly’s Hall, and invite “California Joe,” and his party, from Bismarck; to a public reception, the evening they arrive here, and while doing honor to the stated guest and his friends, also talk Black Hills with Joe, and have a pleasant evening generally. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 January 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


THE Free Reading Room to be thrown open in a few days, through the liberality of the Railroad Company and its representatives here—in the spacious general office building of the Company, will certainly prove a most popular affair, and supply a want most grievously felt in this community. We learn that President Wright has consented, or ordered, that the pleasant and convenient room formerly occupied by Mr. Sanborn—first door to the left as you enter the building—be suitably fitted up, lighted and heated at the Company’s expense, and the citizens of Brainerd, without distinction, be cordially invited to come at any hour of the day or evening—as late as ten o’clock—and read all the popular papers and periodicals of the day. All of which is certainly most thoughtful and generous.—[Third T (Brainerd Tribune, 29 January 1876, p. 4, c. 1)


Col. R. M. Newport has been appointed Gen’l. Agent for Minnesota, for the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad Company. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 January 1876, p. 4, c. 1)


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03 February

From the Third Termer Feb. 3rd.

ACCIDENT.—Mr. Wadham was severely injured at the Shops on Monday by the falling of a stick of wood on his head. Not dangerously injured. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 February 1876, p. 4, c. 2)


04 February

John A. McLean, Mayor of Bismarck, D. T., Col. Lounsberry, editor of the Bismarck Tribune, and J. W. Watson, a merchant of that place, accompanied by Lieut. Walker of Fort A. Lincoln, arrived at the Headquarters, this city, last evening, prepared with samples of the precious metal direct from the Black Hills, well authenticated reports of the richness of this new Eldorado, and many other overwhelming proofs of the reality of the reports in circulation that there are millions in the Hills, and that a half has not been told to make the most incredulous mortal breathing wild with gold fever in five minutes. The object of their trip is to impress upon the Northern Pacific folks the necessity for opening their road at once to Bismarck, to secure the trade and travel incident to the opening rush to the gold fields, this being by all odds the shortest and most direct, and hence the cheapest and easiest route for eastern parties, and to perfect arrangements with St. Paul merchants for supplies. They held a consultation last evening with Sup’t. Towne, and were by him authorized to telegraph “California Joe” and his party about to start from Bismarck for the Hills, that they could notify parties in the Hills that the road will be open for supplies, etc., to Bismarck, in ample time for them to get their outfits through from the latter place before the roads to the Hills break up in the spring. It is the practice, we believe, to have the road open by the first of March. They took the eastern train this morning for St. Paul to complete their business and afterward the party intend going to Chicago before their return. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 February 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


05 February

THE gratifying rumor is current that the new Northern Pacific directory, at a recent meeting in New York, resolved to assess a percentage on each bondholder to enable the company to build twenty-five miles of road west of Bismarck. This extension would take the road into the coal region and add largely to the business of the road. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 February 1876, p. 1, c. 4)


THE reading room in the Headquarters office building is nearly ready to be opened, and will be found a pleasant and profitable place to spend an evening—a thing very much needed in this city, and that cannot fail to be highly appreciated. Files of the leading eastern and St. Paul dailies will there be found, and many other prominent papers, the BRAINERD TRIBUNE of course included. Papers on the line of the N. P. and elsewhere are invited to place the “Brainerd Reading Room” on their “D. H.” list, and we assure them that in so doing their favors will be duly esteemed. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 February 1876, p. 1, c. 6)


11 February

We learn that Chas. Johns was quite severely injured last evening, while switching some cars in the yard here, though not as badly hurt as was at first supposed. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 February 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


12 February

THE NORTHERN PACIFIC R. R.

_____


$2,000,000.00

_____


Loaned by Montana to the Road.

_____


200 MILES TO BE BUILT FROM BISMARCK

INTO MONTANA IN TWO YEARS,

OPENING UP THE BLACK HILLS,

YELLOWSTONE VALLEY AND

MONTANA MINES.

_____


Construction to be Commenced in the

Spring.

_____


The Road has Shaken Off its In-

cumbrances and is Going

Ahead.

_____


Three Cheers for the Northern Pacific!

_____


WE give below, this week, the full text of the memorial to the Montana Legislature of Vice President Stark and Chief Engineer W. M. Roberts, of the Northern Pacific Railroad, who went last month to Montana for the purpose of securing a loan from that Territory for the extension of the road into their borders, as more fully set forth in the memorial.

The prospects of their success have been good from the very first, owing partly to the very feasible proposition of the company to the Territory, and partly to the strong desire of the people of the Territory for a railroad, and last evening the report reached here that Montana had accepted the proposition of the company in full. The report received is not official, but is yet quite authentic and at the hour of going to press is not successfully contradicted, and we feel justified in calling it reliable.

This is certainly good news to this section, not entirely undeserved by those who have stuck to the road through the dark years that have overshadowed it since the failure of J. Cooke & Co., maintaining faith in its future through all, though at times almost against hope. Hurrah for the Northern Pacific against the world, after all!

_____


A Memorial to the Council and

House of Representatives of the

Legislative Assembly of Mon-

tana:


George Stark, Vice President, Northern Pacific Railroad, ca. Unknown.
Source: Unknown

The undersigned respectfully represent that they are the agents of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company, duly accredited to appear before your Honorable Body in behalf of said railroad company, to confer with you upon measures needful for the extension of said railroad into your Territory, and to execute any such contract therefore as may be mutually agreed upon.

That the said Northern Pacific Railroad is now constructed from Duluth, on Lake Superior, to Bismarck, on the Upper Missouri, a distance of about 250 miles; and is also constructed from Tacoma, on Puget Sound to Kalama, on the Columbia River a distance of about 110 miles. That said Eastern and Western divisions, aggregating about 550 miles of railroad, are successfully operated, each of them paying considerably more than running expenses.

The said Northern Pacific Railroad Company has lately been reorganized by a foreclosure of its mortgage, and agreements of parties in interest, so that it stands to-day free from bonded debt, and with no liabilities except a small floating debt not exceeding half a million dollars, secured by collateral, and being rapidly extinguished. Its unencumbered property consists of 550 miles of first-class railroad, thoroughly equipped with about 50 locomotives and 1500 cars, that earned the past year more than one hundred thousand dollars over running expenses and a land grant now amounting to more than six million acres of land, earned and remaining unsold. The charter of the road also secures to it about 25,600 additional acres of land for every mile of road hereafter constructed. Probably there is not to-day another railroad of any magnitude in the country so free from debt, or where a tithe of so much property lies comparatively dormant, through lack of more complete development.

Your memorialists further respectfully represent that the interests of your great Territory are identical with ours, and that the extension of the Northern Pacific Railroad into your interior mining districts is the one thing absolutely essential for your future development. We state our case thus strongly because ours is the only direct route between the East and the West; the only transcontinental line to pass within your borders, and the only first-class route in contemplation. Any and all others can be but branched to the line nearly five hundred miles due south from you, to reach which, you must travel nearly five hundred miles out of your way, and then be subject to a monopoly of rates, that has been, and continues to be, complained of as exorbitant.

We are credibly informed and have statistics prepared by your own citizens, showing, that you are expending a million of dollars per annum for teaming your freight to and from the Union Pacific Railroad. That your goods are freighted to you at an average cost of one hundred and twenty dollars per ton by rail and team, and twenty cents per pound by express. That your stage line averages sixty dollars per passenger, each way. That your transportation facilities, even at these enormous rates, are so inadequate to your wants, that you have to-day more rich ores out of the mines and lying in cache or storage (much of it held for deliverance at from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 per cent per month) than can be hauled away during the coming season. While these disabilities embarrass the working of your richest ores, they completely embargo the mining of such of your second class ores as, in more accessible parts of the country, would be considered of incalculable value. In consequence, out of many thousand gold and sliver veins recorded in your various counties, comparatively few are now worked at all.

Our railroad, extended into the heart of this rich mineral region, or to within an easy distance, would develop and bring out your dormant wealth, to an incalculable extent. Your development and growth would be more rapid and startling that has been known in the history of this or any other country.

On the other hand, such a connection with you, and the consequent development of business, would place one thousand miles of our road between this point and the great interior lakes, in immediate paying condition, and secure an early connection with the Pacific coast.

With interests thus identical, and equally vast, we desire your earnest co-operation in the effort for an immediate advance. Our road is now within one hundred and sixty miles of your eastern border. The line of construction to that point and thence up the Yellowstone river is extremely feasible. The low price of labor and material makes the present time a favorable one for commencing construction. But in order to overcome the existing timidity of capital, to make it certain that the money invested is to be protected by the business of the Territory, we feel it will be necessary that the road should be extended at least two hundred miles within your borders, and that your interests in it should be such as to make it your line of travel and transportation. An extension of the road not less than three hundred and sixty miles west from Bismarck would make it easily accessible to you. An investment of your credit in the construction, secured by the proceeds of your business, would make it sure that the business would come, and equally certain that it would immediately increase to such an extent as to stimulate a steady and rapid extension of the railroad throughout the entire length of the Territory.

We beg leave to suggest for your consideration, a plan under which you can extend the helping hand to this great enterprise and put its wheels in motion, with giving a subsidy, and without taxation, either for interest or principal. And we now offer in behalf of our company, to construct our road from Bismarck to your eastern border, and to rail and operate so much road as you will furnish us bonds to grade and bridge and tie, not less than two hundred miles, in continuation of the same. The work to be commenced next spring and completed in two years.

We propose that you should issue for this purpose, two millions of Territorial bonds, bearing interest at the rate of eight per cent per annum, payable semi-annually, and maturing in twenty-five years. And that both interest and principal be secured by a lien upon the traffic of the road to and from Montana, the interest to be paid by the Railroad company out of such gross receipts, and such further sum to be paid out of said receipts semi-annually, and placed in trust, as will, with accruing interest, constitute a sinking fund sufficient to pay the bonds at maturity. One hundred and sixty thousand dollars per annum will create a sinking fund ample for the final redemption. Thus two hundred thousand dollars per annum, or about twenty per cent of your present freight bills, would be ample to secure you, on interest and principal, without any taxation whatever. The security is your own, and must be good as long as you do even the present limited business of the Territory; and by this simple loan of your credit, and assurance of your support, you open a channel of communication which is absolutely certain to increase your production, and your consequent security, a hundred fold.

Having thus briefly presented the ground work of our proposal, we hold ourselves in readiness to confer with you upon details, or to make full explanations, or to conclude contracts at your pleasure.

GEORGE STARK,

Vice President.

W. MILNER ROBERTS,

Chief Eng’r. N. P. R. R.

HELENA, January 17th, 1876.

(Brainerd Tribune, 12 February 1876, p. 1, c.’s 4 & 5)


DISSOLUTION OF CO-PARTNER-

SHIP.


The hotel business heretofore conducted under the firm name of E. W. WEED, at Brainerd, Minnesota, is this day dissolved by mutual consent.

E. W. Weed is hereby authorized to collect all monies due the firm, and binds himself to pay all outstanding liabilities.

Brainerd, Minnesota, February 11th, 1876.

E. W. WEED.

E. H. BLY.

(Brainerd Tribune, 12 February 1876, p. 4, c. 2)


19 February

“ROBERT,” ON THE NORTHERN PACIFIC

AND ITS MANAGEMENT.

_____


Editor Brainerd Tribune:


It has always been characteristic of your excellent local paper to improve every and all opportunities to uphold the Northern Pacific Railroad enterprise and say good words of encouragement when referring to any of the individuals in charge of its affairs—especially those of them who have been entrusted with its operating department and local management, they being more within the scope of your argus-eyed TRIBUNE, in their daily movements and conduct.

Among the piles of evidence in favor of the management of the Road in all its departments, and in praise of the country which it traverses, I am free to confess that, after over four years residence on the line, I cannot recall a single erroneous nor exaggerated statement your paper has ever contained in its uniformly kind reference; and, indeed, by reason of the consistent modesty you have necessarily had to observe, owing to your peculiar location on the line, the TRIBUNE, through its editorial columns has been constrained from even doing full justice to the efficient men in charge of its departments here, because you have feared, and very properly, that had you said more of them, the world outside might construe it, as poor mortals are too apt to construe kindly comments,—attribute them to selfish motives, and dub them “base flattery.”

Of the ultimate success and final grandeur of the Northern Pacific scheme, none have had the slightest doubt, who have lived on its line, and looked through the country it has, and is to open to the world. Nearly five hundred miles of road is now in successful operation, and it has, for three years past, united the deep blue waters of Lake Superior, by a continuous rail, with those of the Upper Missouri River; and now we are authoritatively informed that within a few weeks a commencement is to be made which will, within three years, lengthen the iron path away four or five hundred miles more toward that strangely fascinating country on the Yellowstone.

When I sometimes reflect on the wonderful things that have already happened during the present generation, and are continually transpiring in this great country, I am almost awe-stricken at the realization of them. Here, where but a few years ago a white man had scarce penetrated, and concerning which the wide world knew nothing, has for five hundred miles, opened like a bud ‘neath the rays of a morning sun. Now, all along the Northern Pacific are tasty, beautiful towns and villages, settled by Christian people, and amid the white cozy homes the glittering spires of churches and school houses rise high above all, shedding a moral influence o’er the whole, and here as in eastern communities, may be seen, every Sabbath, a worshiping and church-going people wending their way in crowds to the altar, in response to the sweet chimes of sacred welcome from the bells of Heaven. Cultivated farms extend far and wide upon every hand, and the busy husbandman is earnestly engaged in his noble toils to develop the wealth of the rich soil, spread over the landscape a new beauty, and rear a home to shelter those he loves, and extend a Christian hospitality to the traveler who may come to his door.

Six years ago, throughout this vast extent of country—now blooming with the industries of civilized and Christianized occupation—no woodsman’s axe had yet been heard, no builder’s hammer gave an echoing sound, no hum of business had stirred the silence which reigned both deep and broad throughout this vast and scarcely explored region. Until within so short a period, the lakes and lakelets, scattered in such profusion over the land, laved their pebbly beach and mirrored back the heavens in their panoramic grandeur, all unobserved and unadmired; no human sound, save the lullaby of the Indian mother or the whoop of the savage warrior e’er broke upon the silence of the plains or reverberated from hill to forest; the crystal brooks leaped and laughed in solitude, and the flowers, of a thousand hues, bloomed and studded the green earth like rich diamonds, and drooped with age only to return again with renewed beauty during countless years, with none to group them into bouquets of beauty, or rejoice over their coming and lament their annual passing away. The winds swept the grassy plains into waving majesty, brushed the crystal bosom of the lakes into sparkling riplets, and moaned among the boughs of the woodland with solemn and measured cadence, as if marking the elapse of time until the tread of man was heard to approach. But now, how changed!

Soon, man in all the power and majesty given him by civilization, will stride across and beyond the turbid waters of the Missouri, and conquer the plains toward the setting sun; the valleys will resound with the works of art, the streams will be guided into the mill wheels, and the mountain sides will give up their wealth of metals. The iron horse with trembling tread will fly across the prairies, plunge through forest, speed down the valleys and girdle the hills, while the buffalo will fly in frightened chase from the approach of the iron monster, and the red man’s trail will be lost among the highways of civilized man.

The Northern route to the Pacific, as is readily admitted by all who are informed, possess five times the amount of habitable domain as does the Central route, and almost as much as the country spanned by the proposed Southern route. As a grain growing country it eclipses both the other routes combined, and embraces within its own land grant by far the most gigantic, important and productive wheat field of the world—notably the Red River Valley. In a mineral aspect, its line passes through, and contiguous to most of the great gold and silver ranges on the continent, and will be the outlet for two-thirds the mineral products of the country, reaching sums of untold millions in value. Compared with the Central route, and as has by this time been proven to the most skeptical minds, the Northern Pacific route is emphatically free from all obstructions by snow blockades, and trains will be enabled to traverse the continent by this route during the winter months with no delay from snow worthy of a passing mention. This, we repeat, has been now proven beyond a question, by the experience of at least three of the hardest winters on record; and while the trains on the Northern Pacific ran daily during every one of these winters, with an average of less than sixty hours delay from snow (and the other two winters, including this one, with no detention whatever) all the roads south of it were blockaded for days at a time—some for weeks—and the Central Pacific terribly swamped several times every winter. And, the further extension of the Northern Pacific westward will, every mile, take it into ranges of country far less subject to snow than even the country though which it now runs.

No country on the globe surpasses the Northern Pacific region for health, richness of soil, varied resources, and, in the abundance and purity of the water.

As a region for the sportsman, the invalid, the lover of natural beauty, tourist, artist, or man of leisure, it offers a field equal to any we have ever visited or read about; and as soon as the road is extended to the Yellowstone country, the greatest of the world’s travelers—after having visited all the great wonders of the world elsewhere—can go and spend months in the Yellowstone region, when he must and will freely acknowledge that the greatest and most profound wonders of creation were left to be seen last.

The Road, now open from St. Paul to Bismarck, will be the highway for travel to the Black Hills, as it is a shorter route, more comfortable and safer, than any other. We expect during the next month or two to see hundreds flying westward by our quick trains toward the gold fields.

Although this great railroad, like every other uncompleted enterprise, and in fact the whole country, has for the past two years been under a cloud of embarrassment—so far as the progress of construction is concerned—now that it has been placed in shape, and obtained aid sufficient, coupled with its own abilities, it is now to move on to the west; and in another year or two at most, it is to be presumed, will run trains from Duluth and St. Paul into Helena, Montana; when, tapping an immense additional trade and business it will at once assume its natural place, as one of the greatest, most important and best paying railways in the world.

I spoke in the outset something concerning the officers of the Road here. What may be said of one of them may be truthfully said of all, and the whole may be briefly stated: They are men of eminence in their respective roles, and in every department the most perfect harmony, and business exactness prevails. They are, without exception, the nearest to natural born gentlemen of any set of officials in similar position that I have ever met. The humblest citizens may gain an audience with the highest of them at any time, and have the satisfaction of a respectful, and even kind hearing of their matters. They are as courteous and obliging as they are accomplished and gentlemanly, and I have often heard strangers traveling over the Road remark that they never, in all their travels, met so obliging and gentlemanly a set of men as were in charge of the Northern Pacific; and never saw matters progress so smoothly nor a road conducted with so few delays or accidents.

The Company has indeed been fortunate in being able to group together a corps of such gentlemen to operate the Road and conduct its business, and with whom the business men of the country, and the humble settlers along the line can take such perfect satisfaction in doing business.

I give below a list of the home officers at the General Headquarters at Brainerd:

Superintendent’s Office.—H. A. TOWNE, General Superintendent. Clerk—T. J. DeLamere.

Audit and Disbursing Department.R. M. NEWPORT, Auditor and Disbursing Agent. Assistants—J. W. Edgerton, M. P. Martin, C. Bloom, C. D. Child and Wm. Selby.

Land Department.J. B. POWER, General Agent. AssistantsC. F. Kindred, Edward Kopper, F. B. Thompson, John Holmes, and M. H. Davis.

Machinery Department.—W. H. LEWIS, Master Machinist. Clerk—Chas. Williams.

Engineering Department—M. C. Kimberley, Resident Engineer. Assistant—Ben. Franklin.

Master of Bridges.—S. J. WALLACE.

Train Dispatcher.—J. G. PINKERTON.

W. S. Alexander, the General Freight and Business Agent, (with J. W. Hannaford, his accomplished Assistant) is located in St. Paul, and though I have never had the pleasure of meeting him, I hear him highly spoken of, and doubt not he is a chip off the same block I have been describing.

At any rate, to meet any of them is a pleasure—whether met in business or social circles—and their friendship an honor to anyone. I should like to speak of the machinists, conductors, engineers and other train men, had I room in this already too voluminous letter, but shall take occasion to do so at a future time.

ROBERT.

(Brainerd Tribune, Morris C. Russell, 19 February 1876, p. 1, c.’s 4 & 5)


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SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


NEWPORT:

SEE: 17 August 1872

SEE: 26 April 1873

SEE: 12 December 1874

SEE: 19 December 1874

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 29 January 1876

SEE: 03 June 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 09 June 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 07 February 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 17 March 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 30 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 11 February 1882

SEE: 18 February 1882

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


KINDRED:

SEE: 07 November 1874

SEE: 14 November 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 07 June 1876

SEE: 23 March 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 18 January 1879

SEE: 31 May 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 26 June 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 20 September 1883

SEE: 23 September 1883

SEE: 26 August 1885

SEE: 13 December 1887

SEE: 31 May 1889

SEE: 25 March 1898

SEE: 05 February 1917


NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD.

_____


What Vice President Stark Says

of the Proposed Montana Subsi-

dy, Etc.


Vice President Stark, of the Northern Pacific, arrived in Chicago Saturday, from Helena, Montana, and in an interview with a Chicago Tribune reporter gave the following information:

In response to the reporter’s queries, Gen. Stark stated that the Montana subsidy bill had passed the council by a vote of 11 to 1, and the house by a vote of 23 to 3.

“What is the amount of the subsidy?” queried the reporter.

“Three and a half millions, the amount being raised by territorial bonds running twenty-five years.”

“It is understood here that the grant is conditional.”

“So it is. The bill granting the subsidy provides that the railroad company shall raise enough money outside to complete the road to Bozeman. What we originally asked was that the territory give us outright $2,000,000 with no conditions; but perhaps this is just as well.”

“You spoke of Bozeman as the proposed terminus of the line. Many people in this part of the country are doubtless ignorant of its exact location.”

“Bozeman is situated 500 miles west of Bismarck, and 120 miles distant from Helena.”

“Will the road be pushed through to Helena?”

“That is impossible to tell. It is still an open question with us whether to run the road through to Helena or Deer Lodge. If we go through Helena, the route beyond that will be difficult to complete, as, on account of the nature of the country, there must be a great deal of tunneling and grading, or else a long detour must be made.”

“How many miles of track are now completed on the entire route?”

“There are two sections now in operation. One of these begins at Duluth and runs to Bismarck, a distance of 450 miles. Then, on the Pacific division, the road is finished from Puget Sound to the Columbia river, a distance of 105 miles.”

“How many miles are yet to be completed?”

“The gap between the two termini is about 800 miles in width.”

“Is there any immediate prospect of extending the Pacific division?”

“There is a very good prospect. In fact, negotiations are now pending for a continuation of the work on that portion of the road.”

“Concerning the work between Bismarck and Bozeman, how long will it take to put this part of the line ready for operation?”

“As near as I can judge from present appearances, it will take about three years.”

“Is the country so hilly as to hinder seriously the progress of the work?”

“No; there is nothing but a level plain between the two points, or at least until we strike the valley of the Yellowstone, and that is as easy for track laying as the generality of river bottoms. The chief obstruction to the work comes from the Indians.”

“You spoke about a condition attached to the subsidy grant, that the company is to raise enough money to complete the proposed extension. What do you estimate will be the amount required to be raised?”

“I figure it at about $6,000,000, and I am now on my way to New York to see about negotiating for loans to that amount.” (Brainerd Tribune, 19 February 1876, p. 1, c. 6)


A TRAIN will leave here to-morrow morning at 7 o’clock, direct for Bismarck—as direct as possible. But little difficulty will probably be experienced, though the stations will have to be supplied, and general arrangements made for a continuous business over the Dakota Division, all of which will take some time. We imagine the opening train will return the last of the coming week, with all its labors well done. General Superintendent Towne will go in charge of the work, which will guarantee “business.” (Brainerd Tribune, 19 February 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


THE NEW Reading Room at the General Railroad Office building, is now in full blast, and is a most creditable affair. The floor is newly matted, and the room most tastily and conveniently furnished with file desk, writing desk, tables, chairs, etc., and the sign, “Free Reading Room,” artistically painted on the front window. Our young men, and old men, too, can now spend their evenings most pleasantly and profitably.

The following papers are, or soon will be, on file in the Reading Room: Harper’s Monthly, Harper’s Weekly, Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Paper, Scribner’s Monthly, The Aldine, the most elegantly illustrated paper in the country, The Daily Graphic, Daily Pioneer, Daily Chicago Tribune, and Times, Daily Philadelphia Press, Semi-Weekly N. Y. Tribune, Weekly Springfield Republican, Weekly Detroit Free Press, New York Ledger, Scientific American, Western Manufacturer, Railroad Gazette, Brainerd Tribune, Detroit Record, and Fargo Times. This is an interesting list. It is hoped that all the other local papers on the line of the N. P. will soon be added. The Directors of the Room are H. A. Towne, R. M. Newport and M. C. Russell. They have imposed next to no restrictions, the only rules being, no smoking, no talking (for it is designed for a reading room, and people can’t read in a debating club) no defacing papers, or removing them from the room; the light to be put out at 10 1-2 p. m. Many thanks are due to the railroad officials here for their painstaking liberality in thus affording so a grand a Reading Room, free to all our people, and all are earnestly invited to make it their headquarters during their leisure hours. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 February 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


THE bill for extending the time for the completion of the Northern Pacific railroad passed the Senate by a large majority. When Holman and the other champions of the “no subsidy” policy in the House, get a crack at it, it may not be so successful. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 February 1876, p. 2, c. 1)


WE desire to wager another hat on the building of the Brainerd Branch this season, in hopes to retrieve the one we lost on the same proposition last year—or would have lost, had we paid the hat. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 February 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


22 February

THE NORTHERN PACIFIC BELT.

_____


What an Experienced Observer Says About the Splendid Country

Which Lies Between Minnesota

and the Black Hills.

_____


Pioneer Press Feb 22nd.


Knowing that any information in reference to the country along the line of the Northern Pacific railroad (especially that portion of it lying west of the Red River of the North) is now eagerly sought after and thankfully received by many persons, both in our midst and in other states, who are contemplating a trip to the Black Hills, the reporter took occasion yesterday to interview Mr. J. J. Brooks, of this city, who has just returned from a business trip to Fargo, and the Northern Pacific railroad west of that place. At the time Mr. Brooks left Fargo the road had not yet been opened, but a large corps of workmen were busily engaged along the line and repairs on the bridge about eight miles west of Fargo, which had been burnt by prairie fires, were being rapidly pushed to completion. This latter was the only impediment to running through trains to Bismarck.

Mr. Brooks reports Fargo as a thriving and promising young town, with all the necessaries and some of the luxuries of older and larger cities, including an opera house; and judging from a programme of the performances at this far western temple of Thespis, the inhabitants are fortunate in the possession of so strong a stock company. There is of course considerable excitement both at Moorhead and Fargo on the all engrossing topic of the Black Hills, and there are almost daily departures from the latter place for the new El Dorado of the northwest. Mr. Brooks did not himself go in search of big bonanzas or Comstock lodes, his business being the less exciting but more profitable one, of investigating the quality and fertility of the soil, and the general condition and prospects of that section of country for agricultural purposes. From him we learn that the land along the line of railroad west of Fargo is being rapidly taken up by actual settlers, who express themselves well satisfied with their new homes. There are already thousands of acres broken and ready for seeding the coming spring. The soil is a black loam from two to three feet in depth. Beneath this is a cream colored clay subsoil, from which the finest building bricks are being made. Mr. Brooks who is himself a practical farmer, unequivocally says that for richness and fertility he considers this soil unsurpassed and both soil and climate particularly adapted to the raising of our chief product, wheat. The yield from last year’s crop ran from 25 to 40 bushels per acre, the wheat being the best article of No. 1 and weighed from 60 to 65 pounds to the measured bushel. Vegetables of all kinds grow in profusion. Mr. Brooks brought down with him from the Northern Pacific nursery located 18 miles west of Fargo, specimens of both cottonwood and willow trees of one season’s growth, from cuttings, measuring eight feet in length, which are self-evident proofs of the practicability of timber culture in that part of the northwest. The question of fuel, however, is one of but secondary importance, as compared with other prairie counties, for the railroad company deliver wood along the line of the road, from the inexhaustible forests of northern Minnesota, at the reasonable rate of three dollars and a half per cord. The more enthusiastic residents are looking for the good time coming when the road will be completed west of Bismarck, and they can draw their supply of coal from the as yet undeveloped coal mines of Montana and Western Dakota. Mr. Brooks corrects the erroneous idea that the soil of Northern Dakota is impregnated with alkali. On the contrary, the whole country is well watered by innumerable pure and clear streams, and wells dug to the depth of 50 to 100 feet furnished an equally pure article of water which very frequently rises to the top of the well, seeking of course its own level.

Mr. Brooks thinks it a fixed fact, that the Red River valley is soon to be the great wheat belt of the northwest, with the unexcelled facilities for the transportation of its products by rail and the great lakes to the markets of the world. Mr. Brooks tells us that active preparations are now going on in anticipation of an active business season as soon as navigation opens on the Red River. A new steamboat is in progress of construction and is now nearly finished, for the Kittson line of steamers, and the Red River trade, already a large one, promises to become enormous this year. Very lively times are expected by the steamboatmen from Fargo to Fort Garry.

As an evidence our informant is no theorist, Mr. Brooks will himself return in the early spring to the vicinity of Maple river, a beautiful stream 12 miles west of Fargo, where he proposes at once opening up a large farm on part of his recently purchased lands. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 February 1876, p. 1, c. 5)


25 February

N. P. R. R.

_____


OPENING THE DAKOTA.

_____


Three Days to Jamestown.

_____


Cuts Full West. The Only Accident a

Broken Rail Wrecks the Plow and

Damages the Engine

Slightly.

_____


PROSPECTS OF REACHING BISMARCK

SUNDAY.

_____


Ticketed for Hades.

_____


A PARTY FOR BLACK HILLS.

_____


Special to the Tribune.

JAMESTOWN, D. T., Feb. 25.—Left Fargo Monday morning about 9 a. m., got through to Jamestown Wednesday night in good shape and everything in good condition. Left Jamestown 7 a. m., Thursday, and in opening a cut about one o’clock p. m. yesterday the plow struck a broken rail, wrecking the plow and damaging engine No. 10, but not badly.

We are back here with damaged engine and plow—but little damaged by the accident. In the morning I will start again early for the front. Very little snow on the plains, but the cuts are full. Everybody well; no serious accidents. Fair prospect of reaching Bismarck Sunday night. I had my run on the plow at the drift just before the plow broke when going into the drift at a speed of 25 miles per hour. I thought I was ticketed for Hades, and preferred to be excused from any more. Towne, Lewis, Fitzpatrick—in fact all the boys work like heroes, and the tremendous obstacles to free transportation over Dakota Division sink into insignificance before their gigantic efforts. With fair luck will be back in Brainerd inside of a week, and the road open to the Missouri. Yesterday was warm, balmy and thawing, and the voice of the badger was heard in our land. To-day the wind blows severe and no immediate prospect of storm. This a. m. a train composed of a dozen sleds, drawn by ponies, passed us near 10th Siding. There were about 15 men fully armed and equipped, and they appeared to be ready for business. More from Bismarck.

ROBERT, JR.

(Brainerd Tribune, Chauncey B. Sleeper, 26 February 1876, p. 1, c. 3)


26 February

Dakota Fencing.


Actions speak louder than words. As an inkling of what the Northern Pacific Company propose to do in the future, we would state that Eber H. Bly has obtained the contract to get out cedar posts enough to completely snow-fence the Dakota Division this season, and he now has men engaged in the work. This is conclusive evidence that the Company intend to operate the whole road hereafter winter and summer, and also indicates an early movement in the construction of the Road west of the Missouri river. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 February 1876, p. 1, c. 5)


TO FARGO AND BACK.


We were permitted to ride out as far as Fargo the other day, on the “Opening Train,” and see the snow outfit leave Fargo for Bismarck, to open the Dakota Division. The outfit, under the immediate management of General Superintendent H. A. Towne, assisted by W. H. Lewis and J. B. Davidson left Fargo about eight o'clock Monday morning, and made an imposing display—next to a brigade about to storm the enemy’s works. A monster plow led the van, with three engines to force it through; then there was the workmen’s train with some seventy-five professional shovelelists, and all armed to the teeth with all the articles incident to that kind of warfare; following the “work train” which also embraced several car loads of coal and wood—was the boarding and supply train, and then the Superintendent’s train. The whole organization and the “start” was formed, and made on that frosty morning with the utmost precision and quiet order, and when ready, moved westward watched by a multitude of well wishers until the last had faded from sight across the beautiful Maple River. We could not think but that the “opening” of the Division must prove a comparatively easy task, with the thorough arrangements, efficient corps, and perfect order, that must have been apparent to the most casual observer. Certainly, anything but the “toughest of nuts” must crack easily, when attacked by such a force, which consisted in detail of two plows, four engines, ten cars of coal, six cars of wood, three sleeping cars, three dining cars, three commissary cars, two kitchen cars, one tool car, two cabooses and the superintendent’s car, and manned by over one hundred men—including the train men.

Capt. Sleeper accompanied the outfit and will keep the Tribune readers posted on progress.

We had a pleasant trip, and a comfortable entertainment at the Headquarters Hotel—with its fine rooms, soft beds, and left-handed dining room—for Carson, the clerk, and Hubbard & Tyler, the proprietors, do know how to engineer a hotel and make guests feel good at every turn. The Fargoites are all happy and prosperous, and “swear by their town;” they claim that in ten years Fargo will contain ten thousand population, and be surrounded by the best agricultural country that lays out of doors in any country; and although we were hunting around for bets on almost any proposition that day, we didn’t bet against this assertion—because, bets where we were dead sure to lose, wasn’t the sort of wagers we were hunting for. Fargo is a good town, with a grand prospect before it.

P. S.—So is Moorhead. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 February 1876, p. 1, c. 6)


IT is stated by judges that the railroad ties being gotten out along the Northern Pacific this winter are uniformly of a very superior quality—the best ties ever delivered on this or any other western line. Mr. Williams, the Purchasing Agent, has been very particular as to specifications, and in return, when receiving day comes, he will have the gratification of receiving a lot of ties the poorest of which will average with the best ties put into many of the western roads. You see the Northern Pacific tie men know how to make a railroad cross ties, and are making ties fit to send to the Centennial, even at the very moderate price allowed. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 February 1876, p. 1, c. 6)


THE Northwestern Bridge Company’s crew arrived in the city Thursday night from Chicago, taking quarters at the Leland House, and commenced work on the superstructure of the railroad bridge here in good earnest yesterday morning. Their time is short for completing the job before the ice goes out, a fact they appear fully to appreciate. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 February 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


28 February

OPENING THE DAKOTA.

_____


The Opening Outfit En Route—

The Boys Jolly, Working Hard,

With Good Luck and Fair Pros-

pects.

_____


ELEVENTH SIDING, DAKOTA DIVISION, N. P. R. R., Feb. 28th, 1876.

Bro. Hartley: We “came, saw, and conquered,” the heaviest snow drifts on the line. Bucking snow is lively—Moses! how it flies! How tremendously the wind howls. Time moves slowly, but all things considered the expedition has progressed rapidly to this point. Cuts are full—hard as ice—and much of it ice two feet thick, pressed down by ten to fifteen feet of snow.

This is a country of great awe—expansive. Man expands into a—pygmy, a poor weak vessel. But we have lots of “push” with us and lots ahead of us. Are we equal to the emergency? Yes. What lies beyond? “No one has passed the charmed boundary and come back to tell” the truth about it. The future “casts its shadows before.” We don’t like the shadow. The same shadow obscured No. 10, and she is soliloquizing under the walls of Fort Seward. The valley of the James opens up her many beauties to the passing traveler, but No. 10 stands mute and passive on the side track a monument to that uncertainty that surrounds snow bucking enterprises. All glory, and honor, and majesty to No. 10.

NP snowplow clearing the track between Fargo and Bismarck, ca. 1877.
Source: Frank Jay Haynes

Towne says, “Push boys, push—push with care. Push in the presence of the passenger” (which means me) Lewis says, “Amen,” and Fitzpatrick seconds the motion, and we move. Jabez weighs a ton. Sweetman says “All right, boys.” Mel. Richards smokes and makes a clean run towards the Black Hills, but stops into the next cut, buried under the snow and ice. Colter looks composedly on and waits for the signal to advance and help the plow out. Brady holds his lever with a firm grip and abides his time. Rand draws Sweetman’s train. Here they are, Richards and Colter, backing down half a mile for a run at the snow drift. There they go! like a thing of life, the two-celled screaming, screeching catapult, projected with mighty power, and, with a momentum of 50 miles per hour, strikes the solid snow. How she flies! and how these ponderous monsters thrown “wide open” puff, and blow, and smoke, and make the earth tremble with their mighty laborings! Great rakes of ice and snow roll up the faces of the plow and fly out sixty feet from the track. The quick, lightning stroke of the piston, the escape of exhausted steam, and the rapid whirl and buzz of the ponderous drivers tell their story, to-wit: That seventy tons of solid iron, cast, wrought, bays, bolts screws, valves, frames, cocks, wheels, trucks, discs, brakes—with steam, fire, coal, water wood, and men acting in concert and to one accomplishment—a creation that Jove would have delighted in—cannot go through these cuts filled with 15 feet of snow and ice, pounded down into a compact and solid mass by these Dakotian winds, unless used on the principle of a battering ram, and then they will present lots of cheek and stand any amount of batter. The engines rest from their labors for a time. Tom, Jim, Fitz., and Con. Short bring up the “shovel brigade” in fine style. They are just up from Bro. Swain’s commissary quarters, and have got that full head of steam on which his carbonaceous and muscle blowing provision never fails to generate; and they are told that the Black Hills are just over the summit and the Sioux Indians just in the rear; they don’t make the snow fly much! Who says that? The engine is dug out in just four minutes, ready for another batter; and this goes on from cut to cut, across this wilderness of wildness and desolation, from hour to hour and day by day—I won’t say week to week, I can’t comfortably—so I’ll skip that part of it to-day. Can I next week? “Aye, there’s the rub.” (This little bit of Shakespeare carries me back to “home, love and kindred,” like, but I won’t try; I don’t wish I was back; in fact, I wouldn’t go back on this snow—not much! I want to stay with it perhaps all the summer. How cold it would be and refreshing then! and how you good people of Brainerd would envy such deliciousness. But I am anticipating. I would rather not, but it is so easy to anticipate with a thousand cuts ahead, each one pregnant with its anti-combustive impregnation). Sixty miles per hour! No! Yes, sir; sixty miles per hour and not much of a day for wind either. Oh, I thought you meant the train. Well, well; if there is any train in this community that can drift along one-fifth as fast as that, I should like to see it. See it? Look ahead then; see! No. 31. Yes. She moves over one quarter of a mile at that rate, but she gets out of breath too quick. She likes to rest and cool her panting sides in the appalling drifts, and she is getting so used to it she sometimes won’t go a mile in sixty hours! Predicating a calculation upon the above, how long will it be before we reach Bismarck? If any Tribune readers solve this problem before we do, let us know. We are getting anxious for a solution. But we are dreaming. We “must to business.” We are all here, and all of each of us, and all the material of the outfit in fine condition.

Mind analyzes matter; obstacles yield to its combinations, and the Dakota Division bares its bosom to the world’s traffic, accepting the mastery of skilled intellect. That is what it means, and why this outfit is here.

Sup’t. Towne, W. H. Lewis, Fitzpatrick, Tom, Jim, and Short work like heroes. They know how to do this thing, and they are doing it with a will. Bro. Davidson says it is time to quit. I yield to his suggestion. I am, where? (who answers, where)? Regards as Robert; why don’t the old man write us a line?

Yours truly,

ROBERT, JR.

P. S.—Charley McKneven, our boss cook, commissary and steward, and prince of good boys, says supper is ready and Robert, Jr., deserves a rest at the right of the head. We like it and shut down on our warm steak with great unction and thankfulness to Charley. “May he never live to starve.” (Brainerd Tribune, Chauncey B. Sleeper, 04 March 1876, p. 1, c.’s 4 & 5)


07 March

OPENING THE DAKOTA.

_____


FARGO, D. T., March 7, 1876.


Editor Tribune:—Since my last we have made haste slowly. Each day has been simply a repetition of the first—out of one cut into another. All of them full. The boys have all done their duty. Sup’t. Towne and Lewis personally inspected the cuts, and persevered through prodigious difficulties. The 29th of February we made about twenty miles, March 1st about six miles, and the 2nd inst. about 10 miles. Friday a big day’s work was accomplished, making about six miles and stopping over night just west of 16th Siding. We had been told that there was no snow in this part of Dakota, but here we found the most of it. The fact is, that along the whole line of the road there is a large amount of snow in the valleys, and wherever it is protected from the wind; and we found that its quantity did not diminish until across the “Big Slough,” near 17th Siding, and 29 miles east of Bismarck.

Saturday was another day of hard work, but by superhuman exertion we reached 17th Siding at 5 o'clock p. m. and Bismarck 20 minutes to 8, every man sound in wind and limb, and the material of the expedition in good condition, excepting engine No. 10 slightly disabled, as stated in former communication. All of Bismarck turned out and greeted us with cheers, and seemed highly pleased that the sunlight of civilization had again penetrated their far off hamlet. Their night of desolation and dreariness had ended after over three months duration. The Black Hills looked to them less dim in the distance, and its particles of gold took on a brighter luster. Fort A. Lincoln, from its elevated plateau, smiled down upon us, and old “Muddy” hid its sedimental currents under its ice-bound covering that we might be properly received on such an occasion.

At half past 8 a. m., Sunday, we took our leave of Bro. Davidson and Bismarckers generally, and with fair prospects started for Fargo and home. As we reached the elevated grounds at 17th Siding the blizzards were having a jubilee. Still we moved on, but before reaching 13th Siding were shut in. The winds flew terrific, and the snow falling rapidly soon hedged us in. Here we laid up for the night. Next morning the winds had subsided, and we telegraphed for Sweetman to come on with fuel and the reserved plow and pusher to meet us, which he did at about 4 o’clock p. m. We found lots of snow, but it was not hard and could be thrown out easily by the plow. Monday night we laid up at Jamestown; Tuesday moved forward, finding cuts nearly all full, and after a hard day’s work made Fargo at 9 o'clock p. m. after an absence of 16 days. In that time—throwing out mountains of snow, traversing 392 miles of road that had been surrendered to the elements over three months of winter, without injury to any of the men, and a slight injury to one engine of the six that had been engaged in the enterprise. We think this speaks well for the intelligence, prudence and good judgment of those in charge of the expedition, and tells its own story much better than we can.

We wish in conclusion to express our substantial gratitude to Sup’t. Towne, Master Mechanic Lewis and others for the many evidences of their gentlemanly attentions during our sojourn with them, and assure them the time passed on the Dakota plains, under their pilotage, will be kindly remembered. The N. P. R. R. Co. should feel proud of such men, even as they are proud of it.

ROBERT, JR.

(Brainerd Tribune, Chauncey B. Sleeper, 11 March 1876, p. 1, c. 5)


09 March

Sup’t. H. A. Towne arrived in the city Thursday evening from the Dakota Division of the N. P. R. R., which he has opened to Bismarck, and trains are now running regularly from St. Paul to Bismarck, carrying the crowds of Black Hillsters to within 195 miles of the region of gold. The fare from Chicago to Bismarck is fixed at $31 for first class and $25 for second class passage, and very many are taking advantage of the extremely low rates by this route. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 March 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


18 March

A Sketch of the Life of M. C.

Russell, Founder of the Brainerd Tribune.


Morris Craw Russell, founder, editor and publisher of the Brainerd Tribune, the first newspaper on the line of the Northern Pacific Railroad east of the Rocky Mountains, ca. 1904.
Source: Uncle Dudley's Odd Hours, The Home Printery, Lake City, Minnesota: 1904

By the departure of M. C. Russell, Esq., from among us for his new home at Lake City, Minn. we are reminded that one by one our early settlers drop out from the ranks of those who laid the foundation of our young “City of Pines,” while others step in to fill their places. As the waves rolling across the face of the great deep are followed closely by their successors, so we, as we enter upon, pass over and step off the stage of action in this world are only giving place to the pressing throng behind, and the “place that knows us to-day will soon know us no more forever.” Pleasing or otherwise these reveries are facts, as fixed as Gibraltar, and finding their evidences in every transaction in every day life.

If an apology for this lengthy personal was necessary, the particular prominence in which Bro. Russell has “figured” in this section would, in the absence of any other excuse, (though we think others will occur to the reader in the following) be sufficient reason for giving at this time this brief sketch of his past life as we have gathered it, partly from himself and partly from personal observation during our, we may say, very intimate acquaintance of the past four years. He has, from his early youth, led an active, not to say, adventurous life. In 1854 a lad of 14 he came to Minnesota, (then only the home of the savage, and a few traders and adventurers) to use his own language “afoot and alone.”

His first avocation in Minnesota—that of boatman on the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers—he abandoned in his nineteenth year, assuming the editorship of the Belle Plaine Enquirer. He subsequently conducted the Shakopee Argus, the Shakopee Spectator, and during its existence was the local editor of the Winona Daily Democrat. Thence he enlisted in the Second Minnesota Infantry, (having resigned a lieutenancy in a regiment that was to remain at home to enlist as a private in the Second going to the front) and served a year in the South, when he was discharged for physical disability, and returning home joined Gen. Sibley’s army in the Sioux massacre, assuming with the [sic] [three] others the most dangerous duty to be performed on that expedition—that of an advanced spy to “feel of the ground” on the west side of the Minnesota and report at Traverse des Sioux, while Gen. Sibley proceeded up the east side.

After this horrible massacre was over and the bloody war was ended, Mr. Russell, now a married man, removed with his family to Tennessee, and for some time was the local editor of the Nashville Daily Union and American. This he abandoned for a position of promise on the Russellville (Ky.) Herald, and with his family removed to Kentucky, where he was attacked by the chills and fever incident to those low lands, and after suffering very poor health for some time finally decided to return north, which he did, landing in Brainerd in November, 1871, his means nearly exhausted in battling disease. Here he struck the hotel biz in partnership with a brother he chanced to meet, and built what is now the No. 1, calling it the “American House;” but three months sufficed to convince him that he “couldn’t keep hotel,” and he turned over his interest to his brother, and with a five cent nickel in his pocket he conceived and immediately entered upon the greatest project of his life, to date—that of founding the BRAINERD TRIBUNE—the first newspaper on the line of the Northern Pacific railroad. To this project is Brainerd indebted to a great extent for her early notoriety and subsequent greatness, the Northern Pacific railroad would be less flourishing, its country more sparsely settled, and its extraordinary advantages and resources by far less known to the outside world had it not been for Bro. Russell’s project—the BRAINERD TRIBUNE. Go where you will, speak to whom you may of Brainerd and the Northern Pacific, and they know all about them, they “have read the BRAINERD TRIBUNE.” We have faith greater than a grain of mustard seed that in the near future, when the question of the grand success of the Northern Pacific scheme shall be a thing of the past; when its thousands of feeders in the shape of branch lines have reached into and opened up its myriads of tributary valleys yet uninhabited and “flowing with milk and honey;” its rich mining districts yet undeveloped and teeming with gold, silver, iron, coal—in fact nearly every mineral known; its yawning canyons in the Yellowstone valley, as yet but partially explored, abundant with mammoth caves, geysers, burning mountains and natural wonders and curiosities of every nature, eclipsing Iceland, casting Italy in the shade, and excelling in magnitude, grandeur and variety anything the known world produces, that skirt its line on either hand from Lake Superior to Puget Sound, holding out inducements to the farmer, stock raiser, fruit grower, gold prospector, coal miner, curiosity seeker, tourist—in fact the whole world, with something for all; when it has extended its connections into Russian America, thence flying the turbulent Behrings and passing through Siberia and Russia to St. Petersburg, Paris, London, Madrid, Rome and Constantinople, and through China touching at Pekin and Hong Kong to farther India, Hindustan, the Holy Land, Arabia, Egypt and the countries of Africa, running through trains and trade from all the principal points in the Old World by our very doors; when all these things shall have come to pass—even though Bro. Russell and ourself should be in tottering old age, or perchance “gathered unto our fathers,” having died in full faith in the final consummation of “all the prophecies in this book contained,” the BRAINERD TRIBUNE will stand in the glory of its might a living, thriving, shining, invincible, imperishable monument to the memory of its founder, M. C. Russell, and a result of the success of the object of its existence.

But to return to our “story.” At that day Brainerd was a “shanty” town, its streets full of logs and brush, with a surging mass of men from all parts of the country (composed of many of the worst, and some of the best, men in the world) as inhabitants, with dens of vice on every hand of every description, and the day as well as night made hideous by the brawls in the streets and infamous places of resort.

We remember well our first introduction to Bro. Russell; he came to our office to disclose to us his project—that of starting the Tribune and to solicit our subscription, saying that he was “a stranger in the place and scarcely knew one man from another, but as every one else seemed to be a stranger in the town, and all strangers together, he didn’t know as it made much difference where he commenced his canvass.” Incredulity ran high as to the prospects of the project in the crowd present, and knowing grins were exchanged freely at Bro. R.’s expense, but as times were flush all hands subscribed, being somewhat captivated by the earnest, sanguine and withal honest, candid appearance of the good looking stranger. The incident was soon forgotten amid the rush and excitement of the day, and was not again thought of until Sunday morning, February 6th, 1872, at the hour of the arrival of the mail when on a table in the post office Bro. Russell unrolled his first edition of the BRAINERD TRIBUNE—red-hot, newsy, full of life and a pretty sheet. The post office was crowded with men, and he sold six hundred copies at ten cents each as fast as he could fold them and rake in the dimes. The first six numbers were printed entirely at the St. Cloud Journal office, seventy miles distant, by stage; the “copy” being written up here and sent by mail, and the completed edition being returned by stage each Sunday morning.

At the end of this time he had saved enough to buy a small outfit of printing material, and thereafter he printed his paper at home, and by strict economy and hard work, as time rolled on, he added new material as he was able, until within a couple of years he had a fine newspaper and job printing office, costing nearly four thousand dollars. Finding his quarters—a board shanty—too small for his growing business he removed his office to the second story of a fine building on Front street, which on Dec. 18, 1874, was burned to the ground, and with it every dollar of his savings, leaving him where he started, excepting that he was minus the five cent nickel. This was a severe blow to Bro. Russell and his cherished project the BRAINERD TRIBUNE, and doubtless cooled his ardor to a great extent; yet, though not a little abashed by what with one possessing less fortitude and experience would have been signal defeat, he was not vanquished, but with an eye single to his one great aim he at once determined to raise the Tribune from its ashes, which he did with the aid of our citizens, purchasing a new office complete, largely on credit, and issuing the Phoenixized Tribune the next week on its regular publication day.

But the hard times grew harder, the heavy debt incurred in his purchase grew heavier from accrued interest, etc., and he found the load greater than he could carry, and in April last he decided to sell the TRIBUNE, the present proprietor becoming the purchaser. After disposing of the Tribune, Bro. Russell, with his job department, went to Duluth and purchased an interest in the Herald of that city, hoping to build himself up in business once more, but a lack of support drove him to abandon that scheme after three months trial and he returned to Brainerd with his job office to get his bearings once more and take a fresh start. What he conceived to be a good offer of partnership was made him by the Leader, of Lake City, Minn., shortly after his return, which he has finally accepted, and selling to us his job material, presses, etc., has removed with his family to that place where, after a life of labor and adventure experienced by few of his age, he “hopes to become permanently settled, engaging the balance of his life in his favorite calling—that of journalist, with the Lake City Leader as his journal.

Although Bro. Russell can beat the fellow who “started out in life without a cent, and after thirty years labor didn't have a darned cent yet,” still, owing to misfortunes and untoward circumstances generally, he leaves our “City of Pines” with but little of this world’s goods to show for the extraordinary labor he has performed and hardships he has undergone, and we sincerely hope that hereafter his labors may be attended with that success he deserves. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 March 1876, p. 1, c.’s 4 & 5)


NORTHERN PACIFIC EXTENSION BILL.

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A private letter to one of our citizens from a friend at the Capital, conveys the unwelcome intelligence that the probabilities are strong that the bill extending the time for the Northern Pacific company to complete their road will be defeated in the lower house of Congress. The writer gives as his reason for the prediction the fact that the Democrats in the Senate, when the bill was on its passage in that branch, voted solid against it, and that being true the presumption is strong and quite reasonable that the Democratic house will defeat it.

This would certainly be a very serious setback to the Northern Pacific and this section of country—in fact a territory equal to one-fourth of the Union looking to this road to open it to civilization would be very materially damaged by it, as it would check and probably stop entirely the tide of emigration thus fairly turned in this direction, which in any event could not be regained in two or three years.

The time under the present charter expires July 1, 1877, and the road must have an extension or forfeit its grant, the immediate result of which would be to defeat the present Montana project, leaving that Territory to accept its only alternative—the narrow gauge road offered by the Union Pacific—and to postpone indefinitely a resumption of construction, which would effectually place the hope of any aid from Montana forever beyond the reach of the Northern Pacific.

In fact, a breach occurring now at the very juncture of success would over throw all present laid schemes, necessitate an entire change of base, and be largely detrimental, financially, to the company.

We trust; however, that these fears are not well grounded, and that the required time (eight years) will yet be granted. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 March 1876, p. 1, c. 6)


THE NORTHERN PACIFIC.

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When Jay Cooke & Co. went down amid the ruins of their banking establishment seemingly carrying the country with them, the future was very dark, and the Northern Pacific enterprise quite hopeless. But we were among those who believed that the road would eventually be built, for everything tended to teach that it was a project of absolute necessity. The news that have come from Montana helps to confirm our faith. The Legislature in both branches has almost unanimously voted a subsidy of three and a half millions of dollars. This action must be ratified by the people, but there is no doubt about the matter. One condition has been attached to the subsidy grant and that is the company must raise about six millions outside to complete the extension of the road to Bozeman. Vice President Stark is now in New York city negotiating for loans to the amount. On the Pacific Division the road is completed from Puget Sound to the Columbia River, a distance of 105 miles. The section between Duluth and Bismarck, 450 miles in length, is in operation, so that the gap between the two termini is about 800 miles.

The Northern Pacific has one overwhelming advantage over the Union Pacific R. R., and that is, the question of distance—being 700 miles nearer the Asiatic ports than San Francisco.

Writing from Olympia, W. T., a correspondent of the Philadelphia Press says:

“Following along the 48th degree of latitude we find it is 28 miles across one degree of longitude. Take the latitude of San Francisco near the 37th parallel, the degrees of longitude are 49 miles in length, or a difference of 10 miles. This, in crossing the continent and the Atlantic to Liverpool, makes a difference of twelve hundred miles, as the entrance of Puget Sound and San Francisco is in longitude 122 degrees. Looking westward across the Pacific the difference is not so much in the length of the degrees of longitude, as the shipping from San Francisco run up to and even about the latitude of Puget Sound, and all the shipping across the Pacific Ocean, both from San Francisco and Puget Sound, take the same track in consequence of certain prevailing ocean currents. Hence San Francisco is further removed from Asiatic ports than Puget Sound by the difference of the distance between them, which is nearly seven hundred miles. These considerations will not be overlooked by the commercial world, and eventually will turn the tide of freight and travel over to the northern channel for transportation.

The eastern shore line of Puget Sound presents a series of locations, from the forty-ninth parallel of latitude down to the forty-seventh, that are favorably situated for shipping by the common outlet, the Fuca Strait, and we may yet see not one vast city like New York, overcrowded and overburdened, but a succession of cities upon the beautiful shores of the sound, giving room to all and great convenience to many.”

Steadily, though quietly, yet surely, a railroad is building from St. Petersburg to the mouth of the Amoor river, and already negotiations are pending for early establishing of a line of steamships and sail vessels to connect with the “shortest and speediest route to the interior Continent of America,” which we interpret here to point to Puget Sound as the great entrepot of this new trade, and her railroad connections east and south for the connecting links with the interior.

The completion of the Northern Pacific, we hope, will not be delayed many years. Think of the rapidly increasing and profitable trade of China, Japan, and Russia rolling past our doors!--We of the north-west of course look forward with great interest to the steady development of this trade. As the Central Pacific R. R. was the vignette of a new era and a higher civilization for the far west so the Northern Pacific will be. We regard it as the inauguration of a new era of prosperity in the great northwest, in fact throughout the whole country. We look to it, also, as the iconoclast of the fearful monopoly that has grown up and strengthened under the auspices of the only thorough continental line now in operation, the Central and Union Pacific.—[Stillwater Lumberman. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 March 1876, p. 4, c. 2)


23 March

Gen. Custer was in Brainerd Thursday night on his way to Washington in obedience to a subpoena from Congress to appear and testify before one of its committees. He took the eastern train yesterday. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 March 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


25 March

THE latest news regarding the St. Paul & Pacific railroad, is the following from the New York Railroad Gazette of last week: “Messrs. Geo. S. Coe, John S. Barnes, Edwin C. Litchfield, J. Carp and J. C. DeVries, trustees under the agreement of August, 1875, give notice that more than $9,000,000 out of the $11,500,000 of bonds embraced in that agreement have been deposited in accordance with its terms. All holders of any of the said bonds who desire to participate in the arrangement are required to deposit their bonds and past-due coupons with the Associatie Cassa in Amsterdam, Holland; the Union Bank of London, England, or the United States Trust Company, New York, within 20 days from March 9. The bonds to be surrendered are the Main Line $3,000,000 mortgage of 1864; the Main Line $6,000,000 mortgage of 1868; the $1,200,000 Branch Line mortgage of 1862; the outstanding $1,134,000 of the $2,800,000 Branch Line mortgage of 1865, and the outstanding $1,000,000 of the mortgage of 1870, together with all outstanding coupons.” (Brainerd Tribune, 25 March 1876, p. 1, c. 5)


THE snow blockade on the Dakota Division has been raised, and through trains run once more. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 March 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


THE Bridge Company expects to have the fifth and last span of the R. R. bridge swinging to-morrow, Sunday night. The other four are up and complete. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 March 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


31 March

The New Bridge.


New NP Bridge, north from below the bridge, 1877. A 1722x1818 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Frank Jay Haynes Collection, NDSU
NP Bridge and Colonists’ Reception House, south from the ferry landing, Frank Jay Haynes, 1877.
Source: Haynes Foundation, Montana Historical Society

The new railroad bridge across the Mississippi River at this point was finally completed yesterday, the last rail being laid at about six o’clock last night, after which that beautiful structure was submitted to a very severe test, in fact the strain put upon it was as great as could possibly be brought to bear, and with the following very flattering results to the buildings: A single engine was first run over by Mr. T. J. DeLamere, Sup’t. Towne’s very gentlemanly assistant, stopping in the middle of each span while deflection was measured by Mr. Brady, foreman of the construction corps, after which he ran back and coupled to a second engine, running over the back as before, when a third engine and the N. P. tool car—the heaviest car on the line—were coupled on and ran over and back as was the first, making a total weight of about 140 tons, and the following is the result of the measurement: greatest deflection with one engine, three-fourths of an inch—return, five-eighths; greatest deflection with two engines, one inch and one-fourth—return, one inch and one-eighth; greatest deflection with three engines, one and one half inches—return, one inch and three-eighths, from which it will be seen that the whole returned, after the weight of the three engines and car was removed, to within one-eighth of an inch of its original position, which (in a structure of that length the longest span being 143 feet) is a very small allowance for the settling together of the joints of the timbers in finding their positive bearings; so that it is quite evident there was no permanent deflection whatever beyond that, and after the rods have been screwed up today and the second test applied the deflection cannot exceed three-fourths of an inch with that weight. Among those who exhibited their courageous proclivities and earned the high honor of “going over on the first engine” were Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Lewis and son, Miss Agnes Campbell, Miss Mary Chapman, Miss Fannie Robinson, Miss Ella Smith, and Messrs. W. A. Smith, A. O. Canfield, and the Tribune reporter.

When the test of the two and three locomotives coupled together came to be applied, however, we were forsaken by some of the faint hearts—who “wanted to go home”—but Miss Campbell and Mrs. Lewis remained on board until the test was completed. (Brainerd Tribune, Saturday, 01 April 1876, p. 1, c. 3)


01 April

We open our columns just before going to press to another horrible accident this (Saturday) afternoon on the fatal railroad bridge here, by which James Hopkins, formerly of this place, lately a resident of Moorhead, Minn., comes to his death. He was at work tearing down the old trestle bridge when a heavy stock of timber fell a distance of about thirty feet striking him on the head. At this writing he still breathes, but cannot live to exceed an hour. He leaves a wife and three children. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 April 1876, p. 1, c. 3)


THE railroad company have changed their time for leaving Brainerd going east, from 6:10 to 5:45 a. m., owing to the rough road between here and the Junction caused by the frost coming out of the ground. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 April 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


As we presumed in our last, James Hopkins, the victim of the sad accident on the railroad bridge at this point on Saturday last, did not live an hour after he was struck. His wife reached here on the Monday night train, and his funeral took place on Tuesday. It is stated that the men near him at the time of the accident saw the timber falling and called to him to get out of the way, and that he apparently thought they were "April Fooling" him and did not move, though he might have done so and avoided the blow. Another victim to this very silly custom. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 April 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


DR. ROSSER received a handsome present this week from an unknown friend, in the shape of a beautiful microscope. It affords truly wonderful sights from very small and ordinary objects; even the editor of the Detroit Record would attain quite fair proportions under its lens. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 April 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


05 April

THE BRAINERD BRIDGE.


The traveling public will be pleased to learn that the somewhat noted Brainerd bridge has been fully completed and opened for travel. Although erected in a remarkably short time it has withstood the several tests to which it has been subjected, without displaying a single objectionable feature. It proved perfectly satisfactory to the powers that be. (Minneapolis Tribune, 05 April 1876, p. 4)


06 April

THREE trains with the necessary equipments left Fargo Thursday morning for the purpose of raising the blockade on the Dakota west of Jimtown [Jamestown]. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 April 1876, p. 1, c. 5)


08 April

ECONOMY is the watchword of the new administration on the St. Paul & Pacific railroad under President Earley. In addition to twenty-nine employees discharged on Saturday last, on Monday one brakeman from each train was discharged, and each conductor is hereafter to perform, in addition to his own regular duties, the duty of the discharged brakeman. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 April 1876, p. 1, c. 4)


BOOM LAKE BRANCH.

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We learn through Mr. E. H. Bly, of this city, that the N. P. officials at New York have rejected his proposition to have a track laid on the Boom Lake branch to his mill; which is, in our opinion, not only an unwise action upon the part of the company for the interest of the road but also very unfortunate for the interests of Brainerd. Mr. Bly proposed to the company that he would rebuild the entire grade, which has become badly demolished and washed out in places, furnish the ties, and build the culverts and trestle work necessary to reach his mill, and that he would enlarge his mill, put in larger boilers and engine and build a dryer and planing mill in addition thereto at a total cost of over $12,000, provided the company would furnish the iron and lay the track. The company it seems to us has old iron unfit for other than such uses, that has been taken out in places on the road because it is partly worn out, amply sufficient for this purpose; and the cost of laying it would not exceed $300, which would be a mere trifle compared with the increase in freight it would afford the road saying nothing of the additional advantage of building up one of its principal towns. In lieu of this the company offers to sell the old iron to Mr. Bly at a low rate, which would add at least $4,000 to his investment, an outlay he does not feel justified in making. In consequence of this he has not only abandoned his project of enlarging his mill, but will not run it at all this summer, and anticipates taking the machinery he has here to Crookston.

This action on the part of the company seems doubly short-sighted in view of the facts that Brainerd is destined with the progress of the road—situated as it is on the Mississippi river, and thus in direct connection with the great pine forests of the north—to become THE great lumber manufacturing point on the road; that Boom Lake will be the inevitable location of our mills; that this branch was graded years ago for this very purpose; and that the final consummation of these things rests only upon the question of a little time, governed largely in its limits by the action and co-operation of the company. As it is, lumber cannot be sawed here to compete with other mills on the line to which tracks are laid, (in every instance we believe to their very doors) for the reason that the cost of drayage from the mill to the road would exceed the profits on its manufacture. We of course do not understand why the company takes the action in this matter it does, but we certainly think if the matter was thoroughly understood by the directors in all its phases their action would be re-considered in very short metre.

In referring to this as we do, we are impelled by our interest in the future of Brainerd, in building up her business and establishing her prime objective—that of a lumber manufacturing centre, and in the interests of the road in building up freight and other business by encouraging the development of manufacturing and other enterprises on its line.

In conclusion, if we were permitted to suggest a remedy in this case we would say, let the L. S. & P. S. Co., being largely interested in Brainerd, step in now and supply the missing link by purchasing the iron of the company and secure the track at once; thus securing the improvements here Mr. Bly proposes to make, and opening up and establishing permanently this branch of industry in our midst. The result is plain—property will increase in value here many times the amount of this paltry investment, sales will be enlarged, and the place will take a stride ahead that it will take years to make without it. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 April 1876, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: 17 May 1871


THOS. H. CANFIELD has resigned the position he has held for the past five or six years, that of President of the Lake Superior & Puget Sound Land Co., and George Stark, vice president of the Northern Pacific has been appointed in his place. Our townsman, L. P. White, still retains the local agency of the company here. Mr. Canfield will personally supervise the working of his mammoth farms on the N. P. this summer, and is now building a large barn at Lake Park and making preparations for putting in his crops. Mr. L. P. White has purchased for him over 1200 bushels of wheat for seed and ten span of heavy farm horses. There will be some wheat raised on the N. P. this summer if the grasshoppers behave themselves—probably more on the farms of Mr. Canfield, Oliver Dalrymple and Gen. Hawley alone than in the whole New England states united. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 April 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


ON DIT.—That Fred. Sweetman, conductor on the Dakota Division, J. G. Pinkerton, train dispatcher at Brainerd, and John Powers, locomotive engineer, have severed their connection with the road this week. We have not learned who their successors are to be. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 April 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


Captain A. R. Russell and John S. Seger passed west this week en route for the Red River of the North, to be on hand when navigation opens to take charge of their boats to run between Moorhead and Fort Garry. They expect a heavy business on this line the coming season. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 April 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


NOTE: Aaron R. Russell is the brother of Morris C. Russell, founder of the Brainerd Tribune.


10 April

THE mixed train going west from here on Monday ran into a wash-out near Glyndon, ditching the engine and all the freight cars, the baggage and passenger cars only remaining on the track. Sup’t. Towne was soon upon the spot and had the track cleared, but the engine and freight cars, seven in number, still lie in the ditch, the wrecking car and tools being out in Dakota. Geo. Dow the conductor, states that $10.00 will cover all damage to freight, and that the engine and cars are only slightly damaged, and that fortunately there was no one hurt. He informed us that a man living at Glyndon, of full age, and otherwise not apparently insane or a villain, told him after the disaster that he passed over the place washed out in the road less than a half an hour before and that when he heard the train coming, he climbed up on the roof of his house to see it run over—he thought it would jump it. This is certain to be the dumbest case in Christendom, heartbreak or hell for the fool-killer, and if he engages that benefactor long enough we will be under many obligations to him if he should send us his photograph and name—we should like to frame them. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 April 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


11 April

THE snow bucking outfit on the Dakota Division reached Bismarck on Tuesday night, leaving the road clear of snow behind them once more, but they had no more than cleared the track of snow when a bridge near Fourteenth Siding was carried away by the water leaving a breach in the road that it will take several days to heal. Sup’t. Towne and the bridge crew have gone to the scene of the disaster, and it will be speedily repaired, and it is hoped that trains will be running regularly on that division very soon, though it does appear that the old adage, “Misfortunes never come singly,” is proving itself with this road of late. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 April 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


15 April

GEN. T. L. ROSSER, brother of Dr. J. C. Rosser of this city, has been elected city engineer of the city of Minneapolis. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 April 1876, p. 1, c. 5)


SEE: 14 December 1871

SEE: 29 February 1872

SEE: 20 July 1872

SEE: 25 October 1872

SEE: 26 October 1872

SEE: 14 February 1873

SEE: 01 March 1873

SEE: 18 March 1873

SEE: 02 August 1873

SEE: 23 August 1873

SEE: 25 October 1873

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 28 October 1876

SEE: 06 January 1877

SEE: 17 March 1877

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 30 April 1877

SEE: 05 May 1877

SEE: 12 May 1877

SEE: 17 May 1877

SEE: 26 May 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 21 July 1877

SEE: 11 August 1877

SEE: 29 August 1877

SEE: 15 September 1877

SEE: 25 October 1877

SEE: 08 November 1877

SEE: 22 December 1877

SEE: 26 February 1878

SEE: 15 June 1878

SEE: 06 July 1878

SEE: 17 August 1878

SEE: 24 August 1878

SEE: 23 January 1879

SEE: 25 January 1879

SEE: 11 March 1879

SEE: 15 March 1879

SEE: 05 April 1879

SEE: 12 April 1879

SEE: 24 May 1879

SEE: 06 December 1879

SEE: 13 December 1879

SEE: 27 December 1879


21 April

A SPECIAL train arrived in this city yesterday evening from the east bringing the following N. P. R. R. officials: Gen. Geo. Stark, vice president, and his son J. F. Stark, of New York; W. S. Alexander, general freight agent, and H. A. Towne, general superintendent and lady; also, Thos. H. Canfield, ex-vice president, and L. P. White, local agent of the L. S. & P. S. Co. The party will remain in town until this evening, when they will proceed west inspecting matters on the line to Bismarck. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 April 1876, p. 1, c. 6)


22 April

WE are pleased to notice that freight and travel on the Northern Pacific is increasing very rapidly and bids fair to be larger this season than ever before. The Dakota Division is now open to Bismarck and trains run regularly the whole length of the road (see new time card in another column) and the rush to the front—the Black Hills, Montana, and Manitoba—is simply enormous. Parties east bound for the Black Hills are beginning to learn that this is by large odds the shortest, safest and cheapest route; shortest from Chicago by nearly 200 miles; the safest because there is nearly 200 miles less staging by this than any other route and consequently less difficulty with the Indians (as yet no Indians have molested this route) and the parties from Bismarck are larger and consequently afford better protection—and it is the cheapest, the railroad fare being only $31 for first-class and $25 for second class passage from Chicago to Bismarck, which is within 195 miles of the Hills.

The passenger cars going west are crowded every day, while freight is accumulating faster than it can be forwarded, the yard here being completely crowded with loaded cars of freight—largely bonded goods for Manitoba—and still it comes from all directions. The Dubuque Herald of last Sunday says, “The steamer Savanna, on her way from St. Louis to St. Paul, has an enormous quantity of freight in tow. Four hundred tons of it is composed of assorted goods for Montana Territory, which will be taken to St. Paul and transferred to the Northern Pacific cars for Bismarck.” The N. P. officials say, “let it come,” and so say we all. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 April 1876, p. 1, c. 4)


GEN’L. [MANAGER] C. W. MEAD, late manager of the Northern Pacific railroad, has been appointed General Superintendent of the Missouri Pacific. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 April 1876, p. 1, c. 6)


TO PARENTS.—That we may prevent the possibility of accident to any of the children who have occasion to cross the railroad, or who are in the habit of playing around the cars, I hereby earnestly request that parents take immediate occasion to caution their children in this particular. Trainmen are prohibited from allowing any children to ride on the cars, or assist them in any way; and I trust parents will observe their part of a duty so essential.

H. A. TOWNE, Sup’t.

(Brainerd Tribune, 22 April 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


29 April

THE ST. PAUL & PACIFIC BRANCH AND

THE GILMAN BILL.


The Alexandria Post, referring to the Brainerd and St. Vincent Branches of the St. Paul & Pacific railroad, very pertinently says: “These lines pass through some of the richest timbered and agricultural portions of the State—the most attractive and beautiful parts of the fair northwest. Throughout the whole extent of this wide region, improvements have been steadily going on, and in patient expectation the people have waited from year to year for the fulfillment of the contract on which their hopes and prosperity are founded. Deluded by specious and oft broken promises, their patience is now well nigh exhausted. That a wrong has been done these people, there can be no question. The railroads’ legacy, guaranteed to them years ago, are not yet completed; and, to make the matter still worse, schemes are proposed which violate law and contracts and look to an entire abandonment of the branch lines.

The spirit of the Gilman railroad bill is right; and all denunciation of its supporters is irrelevant. That such legislation should become necessary to attain the ends of justice is to be regretted, and it is equally to be regretted that the state of society is such that laws to prevent and punish crime and enforce the performance of contracts make the larger part of all our statutes.”

Aye, and it is to be regretted that our legislature has so long deferred its action of last winter, or similar action, in this matter, and it is equally to be regretted that if possible more stringent measures were not adopted.

We can recall an instance, and but one, where the public has been imposed upon, deceived, defrauded, swindled, bamboozled, humbugged, in fact put through the whole category of nasty imposition and had them rubbed in to an absolute demonstration with more than impunity for years, and that instance is the persistent delay in the fulfillment of the contract for the construction of the Brainerd and St. Vincent Branches, though extension after extension to the charter has been granted and every favor bestowed and inducement offered within the reach of a deluded people, upon the fair promises and protestations of the company, made only for the purpose of gaining their ends and not with any regard whatever for their consummation.

But there is said to be an end to all things, a time when forbearance ceases to be a virtue or even a possibility, and that time has arrived in the St. Paul & Pacific branch line business; and an amendment to our statute of frauds has become a necessity which the Gilman railroad bill is intended to supply, and it can only fail in constitutionality, and is only objectionable in that it is not severe and strict enough. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 April 1876, p. 1, c. 4)


THE Bill granting eight years additional time to the Northern Pacific Railroad Company in which to complete their road, has fortunately passed both houses of Congress. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 April 1876, p. 1, c. 4)


VICE PRESIDENT STARK, of the Northern Pacific, while in Brainerd this week, personally inspected the matter of Mr. Bly’s application to have a track laid to his mill on Boom Lake, and re-considered the previous action rejecting the application, and gave instructions to have it built at once, and grading has accordingly already been commenced. Mr. Bly, owing to the lateness of the season, cannot put in the improvements now that he proposed and that we recited in speaking of this subject two weeks since, but will run his mill as it is this summer and add them next spring. This is certainly good news for Brainerd and looks to the era of better times. Three cheers and a tiger for President Stark. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 April 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


FREIGHT and passenger travel is steadily increasing on the Northern Pacific, and is simply enormous. At this rate what will it be when the lake navigation opens to Duluth. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 April 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


02 May

WE are credibly informed that E. C. G. Stahlman, a son of John Stahlman, of St. Paul, who stopped overnight here on Tuesday night was victimized by Shang and his pals in a game of three card monte, losing what money he had with him, about $70, and his watch. We had supposed that game to be sufficiently well known, in this country especially, to entirely exclude the possibility of the existence of one so green as to be trapped by it. But it appears suckers still bite at bait the most stale, and occasionally one gets out without his mother’s knowledge and gets caught. We must say our pity for him or anyone else so verdant is extremely limited. A communication in another column from one of our citizens refers to these parties and infers, we think erroneously, that they have plied their vocation on the N. P. railroad trains. It is possible our correspondent, is correct, but we are inclined to think not. Certainly, if they have, it has been without the knowledge and contrary to the orders of the officials. At all events where are our magistrates and officers whose duty it is to correct immorality and punish them? “Let no guilty man escape.”

LATER—Since writing the above, we learn that young Stahlman’s is only one case of many where they have victimized the poor, unwary simpleton in this place in the last two weeks to the tune (it is estimated by those having an opportunity to know pretty well) some six hundred dollars in the aggregate. They took their departure yesterday morning for new fields as “game is up” here for a while. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 May 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


06 May

We were likewise premature in stating that the Northern Pacific extension bill had passed the House. It was reported upon favorably by the committee, and will doubtless pass. No fears are entertained for its success. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 May 1876, p. 1, c. 4)


WE are informed that while the N. P. special train was being brought by the Horse Shoe Curve, between Fond du Lac and Thomson, the engine, owing to a pile of wood falling on the road, left the track. Brown, the engineer, reversed his engine, and the conductor set his brakes, stopping the engine such a short distance from the 60 foot precipice, that inches instead of feet would measure the distance. The short distance they ran after getting off the rail, shows that all the men were wide awake to their duty. The Rev. Mr. Millspaugh, who on his way to our place to hold services tomorrow at the Episcopal Church, was lying asleep in the pay car, was awakened by the shock, and undoubtedly surprised by the accident, and thankful for their escape.—[Minnesotian-Herald. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 May 1876, p. 1, c. 5)


THE three card sharps were at the depot the other morning, just before the train started west, and followed a fellow they were trying to “take in” into the car. Geo. Dow, the conductor, was notified of the fact, and he made a bee line for that car with blood in his eye, and opening the car door he shouted, “You d----d thieves, get out of here.” They hesitated, and he collared them, and you had better believe they went out of that car in a hurry. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 May 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


SEE: 07 June 1876

SEE: 22 February 1879


GRADING is progressing rapidly on the track to Bly’s mill, and trains will run over it in two weeks. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 May 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


12 May

CHAS. WILLIAMS, book-keeper at the machine shops, met quite a severe accident yesterday at his office. He was leaning backward in his chair, poising it on two legs, when he lost his balance, and to avoid falling threw his hand back to catch something behind him, striking his wrist, unfortunately, across the edge of a razor in the hands of a man named Sweeney, who chanced to be standing behind him shaving himself, Williams not knowing he was there. The razor entered the joint in the wrist on the under side, severing some of the cords and veins, making an ugly gash and relieving him of a good deal of blood, but how serious it will be is not known, as the doctor is out of town. The wound was dressed by our druggist, N. McFadden, in good shape, and is doing “as well as can be expected.” (Brainerd Tribune, 13 May 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


13 May

TIME on the Northern Pacific railroad will be changed on Sunday the 21st inst. Under the new arrangement the trains will meet here at noon and stop thirty minutes for dinner. It was the intention to make the change to-morrow, but it could not be effected owing to the fact that the L. S. & M. folks have not yet decided what their time will be. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 May 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


20 May

TIME.—The summer arrangement on the Northern Pacific and Lake Superior and Mississippi railroads goes into effect to-morrow (Sunday) at 12 o’clock p. m. On the Northern Pacific, Minnesota Division, passenger trains westward leave Duluth at 3:45 a. m., reach Brainerd at 9 for breakfast, and Fargo at 4:40 p. m.; and eastward leave Fargo at 8 a. m., reaching Brainerd at 2 p. m. for dinner, and Duluth at 8:40, connecting at the Junction, both ways, with the L. S. & M. trains to and from St. Paul, and at Glyndon with trains from Crookston, Minn. On the Dakota Division trains leave Fargo, going west, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and Bismarck, going east, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, at 7 a. m.

On the L. S. & M., trains going north leave Minneapolis at 7:30 and St. Paul at 8 p. m., arriving at the N. P. Junction at 4:55, and Duluth at 6:30 a. m., and going south leave Duluth at 6:25, arriving at the Junction at 8 p. m., St. Paul at 5:50 and Minneapolis at 6:20 a. m., connecting at the Junction with N. P. trains both ways, making the time from St. Paul to Fargo only twenty hours. The Brainerd and Duluth Accommodation leaving Brainerd at 4 a. m., connects with the L. S. & M. Day Express at the Junction, which arrives at St. Paul at 5 and Minneapolis at 5:35 p. m., and returning leaves Minneapolis at 7:45 and St. Paul at 8:30 a. m., connecting with the Accommodation at the Junction, which arrives at Brainerd at 9:15 p.m.

Owing to the very low rates fixed for passage down the lakes the coming summer, very many people from the States of Wisconsin, Iowa and Nebraska, the Territories of Dakota, Montana and the country west and the Province of Manitoba visiting the Centennial, will take this route either going or coming, or both, and the passenger traffic over those roads is expected to be larger the coming summer than ever before. So must it be. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 May 1876, p. 1, c. 6)


27 May

CERTAIN parties in our town who visit the Free Reading Room, whose names are withheld at present for good reasons, are in the habit of carrying away papers and periodicals from the room, which is nothing short of petty larceny, and will be publicly exposed and examples made of the thieves if it is not stopped. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 May 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


30 May

A PARTY of surveyors and assistants went west on Tuesday to lay out a town at Swan Creek, to be called Casselton. The town-site is on the ground now occupied by the N. P. nursery and is a beautiful location. Streets are 100 feet wide and trees have already been set out on both sides of the streets in front of eight blocks. Side tracks have been put in and the company will proceed at once to build a depot. Another town is to be laid out near Maple River on Mr. Dunlap’s farm, called Worthington. The company will also put up a depot, tank house and other buildings.—[Fargo Times. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 June 1876, p. 1, c. 6)


03 June

A PIC NIC to the Sunday School of the Congregational Church of this place takes place to-day at Withington [Deerwood], given by Mrs. Col. R. M. Newport, a well-beloved teacher of the school, in view of her intended departure east next week for a pleasure trip, upon her return from which the Col. and his family will take up their abode in Minneapolis, rendering Mrs. Newport’s departure from among us permanent, which will be seriously regretted by our citizens. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 June 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


NEWPORT:

SEE: 17 August 1872

SEE: 26 April 1873

SEE: 12 December 1874

SEE: 19 December 1874

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 29 January 1876

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 09 June 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 07 February 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 17 March 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 30 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 11 February 1882

SEE: 18 February 1882

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


From the Moorhead Star, June 3rd.

WE have the best of authority for stating the Dakota Division will be open next winter. Gen. Stark has given orders for the usual preparation—the building of snow fences, Mr. Bly of Brainerd, having the contract for the material. The track through the smallest cuts is to be raised to obviate the necessity of fences, but around the deeper excavations a double line of high picket fence is to be placed. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 June 1876, p. 4, c. 2)


07 June

A FATAL RAILROAD ACCIDENT

ON THE N. P. R. R.

_____


On Wednesday morning last at about ten o’clock our quiet little town was startled by the terrible report coming flashing over the wires that the passenger train, then an hour past due here from Duluth, had gone through a burning bridge across the Tamarac river, about 55 miles east of Brainerd, at 6:50 o’clock that morning, killing the baggage-master, Hugh Kilpatrick, wounding the engineer, W. G. Wheeler, who would probably die, and injuring some of the passengers and others of the trainmen. The horrible details of the Brainerd bridge disaster of scarcely a year ago at once flashed vividly across the mind, sending a sickening horror to the heart of all who heard it, which was greatly intensified by the fact that was only a freight train, while this was a passenger train, freighted with probably a hundred human lives. Beyond these meager details nothing could be learned of the extent of the wreck, the injuries received, or the names of the wounded. An engine and caboose was at once dispatched from Duluth, carrying doctors Walbank and McCormick, of that place, to the scene, and a train consisting of two coaches, baggage car, wrecking car, and the pay car containing berths for the wounded, carrying Sup’t. H. A. Towne, Master Mechanic W. H. Lewis, Col. R. M. Newport, J. W. Edgerton, C. F. Kindred, Dr. T. H. Ward, Mrs. Wheeler, the wife of the unfortunate engineer, and a number of others of our citizens, who went prepared to render any assistance in their power to the wounded and dying, was ordered from here. Upon this we took passage to visit the scene and obtain the “exact facts” for the readers of the TRIBUNE. We soon reached the point of disaster where we met the sad tale that poor Gib Wheeler, the engineer, was killed instantly, and that the telegram was worded to convey the impression that he was not dead in order to break the news not too suddenly to his wife and friends. But we fear that what was intended as a kindness proved an injury to the stricken wife, now a widow, for upon learning her husband’s fate after having been held in suspense between hope and fear so long, her extreme agony was indeed heartrending to witness. We next directed our attention to


THE WOUNDED,

and fortunately found they were not as many as we had anticipated, that their injuries, in every instance, were very slight, no bones being broken, and all being able to walk about quite comfortably. They were as follows: Larry Welsh, of Brainerd, fireman, neck, left arm and hand, scalded; C. M. Tennis, of West Brainerd, Mail Route Agent, a scalp wound and bruised about the arm and shoulder; George H. Lewis, of St. Paul, Mail Route Agent, a bruised leg and arm; George Dow, Conductor, hand scratched, forehead and hip bruised; Thomas Faugh, Express Route Agent, face, head and limbs bruised, and Col. C. A. Lounsberry, a slight cut on the left hand. Beyond this, no one was hurt, and all were feeling thankful their lives were spared.


THE CAUSE.

The accident was caused, as stated above, by the bridge being on fire—it was an ordinary pile bridge, about 125 feet long, situated at the end of a short curve running through a cut, where a train approaching from the east could not possibly sight it fifteen rail lengths off. A close inspection showed that the tops of the piles supporting the north chord were all burned, some of them entirely off; the caps resting on the piles and supporting this chord were all burned, and many of them entirely through; the chord was almost entirely consumed the whole length of the bridge, particularly where it crossed the caps, and the ties were burned where they touched the chord, and many of them burned off. Enough, and barely enough of the timbers remained to keep the track nearly up to grade; being supported by the few ties that were not entirely consumed, and making a complete trap—the bridge would doubtless have fallen itself in an hour longer. The origin of the fire is not known, but is supposed to have been occasioned by cinders falling from the fire box of the engine pulling the passenger train of the night previous that passed over it about six o’clock. If not this, it was the work of an incendiary. In either case, however, no reasonable precaution could have prevented the accident and no blame can possibly attach to the management or employees of the road. It was utterly impossible to have stopped the train after the fire was discovered, in so short a distance, though the engineer and brakeman died at their posts in their efforts to do so and to their noble and heroic action are the passengers chiefly indebted for their lives.


THE WRECK.

The skeleton of the engine (No. 42) lay on the west bank, about twenty feet from the track, its full size embedded in the mud (which was as soft as mortar) literally broken to smash. The head-light was thrown in one direction, the cab roof in another and the tender lay in another. At the end where the cab should have been was a hole in the mud where, we were told, the engineer was found, buried five feet under ground, of sand, with the fireman standing on him buried to his neck. The baggage and mail car laid on its side in the stream, one end on the west bank, telescoped by the tender, the second class coach laid with the forward end in the stream, telescoped by the baggage car and partially resting on it and the rear end on the bridge, while the first class coach was fortunately stopped before it left the track and was “right side up with care.”

The mail and express matter was very much damaged by getting wet but nothing lost.


THE KILLED.

W. G. Wheeler, the engineer, was a native of Osseo, Trempealeau county, Wisconsin and a resident of Brainerd, about 29 years of age, highly respected by his fellow laborers and all who knew him and a worthy member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. He leaves a wife, infant son and brother here, beside numerous relatives and friends at his native home, to mourn their loss.

Hugh Kilpatrick, the baggage-man, resided at Brainerd, was a single man about 25 years of age, and a member of Northern Light Lodge No. 26, of I. O. O. F., at Fargo, D. T., a man of good habits and attentive to business. He leaves a sister, who once lived here with a Mrs. Finley, but has since married and removed to Watertown, N. Y., where she at present resides. Rev. R. Wainwright, who was onboard, kindly attended to washing, dressing and laying out the bodies, and they were brought to Brainerd on the return train.

On Friday Wheeler was taken, accompanied by his wife and brother, to his home in Wisconsin, where his funeral services will be held, and on the same day Kilpatrick’s remains were taken to Fargo there to be buried under the auspices of his Lodge.


THE INQUEST.

On Thursday a coroner’s inquest was called by the coroner of Carlton county, that being the county in which the accident occurred, and the coroner and jury personally visited the scene of the disaster, came to Brainerd and viewed the bodies and took the testimony of the principal witnesses, and returned the following verdict:


VERDICT OF CORONER’S JURY.

N. P. JUNCTION, June 9, 1876.

The jury, after a careful investigation, find that the engineer, Gilbert Wheeler, and baggage-master, Hugh Kilpatrick, came to their deaths by the wrecking of a passenger train at a crossing of Tamarac river, on the Northern Pacific railroad. That the cause of wrecking of said train was the partial burning of the bridge across the Tamarac River during the night of the sixth (6th) of June, 1876, between the time of trains passing this point and between the hours of the section patrol, and that there was no negligence on the part of any officers or employees of said Railroad Company, and that the accident was wholly unavoidable.

Signed.

JOHN G. WILLIAMS, Coroner.

JAS. M. PAINE,

L. W. GREENE,

W. DUNLAP,

JOS. BURGOYNE,

H. W. McNAIR,

H. D. WIARD, JURORS.

(Brainerd Tribune, 10 June 1876, p. 1, c.’s 5 & 6)


KINDRED:

SEE: 07 November 1874

SEE: 14 November 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 23 March 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 18 January 1879

SEE: 31 May 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 26 June 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 20 September 1883

SEE: 23 September 1883

SEE: 26 August 1885

SEE: 13 December 1887

SEE: 31 May 1889

SEE: 25 March 1898

SEE: 05 February 1917


DOW

SEE: 06 May 1876

SEE: 22 February 1879


10 June

THE “Brainerd Branch” ghost received its regular periodical exhumation last week, and was paraded, as usual, on stilts and in rose colored attire to the public gaze; and received its customary boost back to the land of skeletons. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 June 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


CHANGE of time on the Northern Pacific goes into effect to-morrow (Sunday) under which the passenger trains leave Fargo, going east, at 10:30 a. m., arrive at Brainerd at 5:15, depart at 5:45, arrive at the Junction at 9:50, and Duluth at 11:30 p. m., connecting at Junction with the L. S. & M. The time westward and on the Dakota Division is unchanged. On the Lake Superior & Mississippi the night express, going south, leaves Duluth at 8:30 and the Junction at 10:00 p. m., arriving at St. Paul at 6:00 a. m., and going north leaves St. Paul at 8:00 p. m., arriving at the Junction at 4:55 and Duluth at 6:20 a. m., connecting at the Junction, both ways, with the N. P. passenger trains. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 June 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


17 June

THE wounded in the late railroad bridge disaster are all as “good as new” again. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 June 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


21 June

G. G. SANBORN; formerly General Ticket Agent of the Northern Pacific railroad, spent Wednesday in town, returning in the evening to St. Paul. W. S. Alexander has tendered his resignation to the company to take effect on July 1st, and Mr. Sanborn has accepted the appointment as his successor, thus virtually returning to his old position, and while the departure of Mr. Alexander will be deeply regretted the return of Mr. Sanborn to the Northern Pacific corps will be hailed with delight by many warm friends. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 June 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


24 June

HENRY DOUGLASS, a colored porter on a sleeping car on the L. S. & M. road attempted the murder of George Eastwood, a brakeman on the same train, while en route from Duluth to St. Paul, striking him over the head with an iron poker and afterwards stabbing him with a knife seven times. The cause was an old grudge. Douglass was arrested and taken to Stillwater for examination. Eastwood it is thought will recover, though it is by no means certain. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 June 1876, p. 1, c. 6)


H. A. TOWNE, Sup’t., M. C. Kimberley, Resident Engineer, and S. J. Wallace, Sup’t. of Bridges of the Northern Pacific, made a trip over the Dakota Division last week, locating snow fences on the deep cuts, planning a raise of the grade on others, making estimates, etc., preparatory to putting that portion of the road in condition for winter traffic. Bismarck is no longer to be shut out from the world six months in the year. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 June 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


WE understand the R. R. folks offer to attach a safe walk to the railroad bridge across the river here, if the people or anybody else will furnish the lumber. Will our citizens move in this matter. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 June 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


22 July

Construction of the Northern Pa-

cific Railroad, the Best Means

to Settle the Indian Question.

_____


A Duluth correspondent to the Pioneer-Press and Tribune very truthfully says:

“It seems to me that the very best means to settle this Indian question in the northwest cheaply and permanently, is for the government to extend a helping hand to the Northern Pacific Railroad Company, and enable them to push its way to completion at the earliest possible day. Why is it that a work of such great national importance should be allowed (mainly through the opposition and jealousy of a rival road subsidized by the government into a great and oppressive monopoly) to languish for the want of such encouragement as the government could rightfully bestow, and by the creation of a competitive road help break down the monopoly created by itself, and relieve the people of an enormous burden? How few people have an adequate idea of the extent and resources of the magnificent empire of the great northwest, which is destined to be the Mecca or promised land to which the overburdened population of the east must look for help. Could the New England farmers, who patiently and toilsomely grub among the rocks on their hillsides in a seven by nine field, hardly big enough to turn a yoke of oxen in, be transported along the Northern Pacific Road, and see some of the immense farms, where a plowman when he starts his team in the early morning to plow around his field, straps his camp equipage on the horns of his oxen, and, shouldering his gun, with compass in hand, he kisses his wife and babies good-bye—or could they see the miles on miles in straight unbroken line of golden wheat waving and ripening in the sunshine, that will yield thirty to forty bushels per acre, it would make their hearts jump for joy and their eyes twinkle and blink like a toad winking in a thunder storm.” (Brainerd Tribune, 22 July 1876, p. 1, c. 4)


FROM J. B. Power, ESQ., Gen’l. Agent of the Land Department of the Northern Pacific Railroad we learn that the lands sold at the office here during the month of June, 1876, amount to 42,361 acres, making the grand total of sales to June 30th, 1876, 687,128.40 acres for the enormous sum of $3,293,951.09. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 July 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


Gen. Rosser writes as follows to the Minneapolis Tribune: “I knew Gen. Custer well; have known him intimately from boyhood, and, being on opposite sides during the late war, we often met and measured strength on the fields of Virginia, and I can truly say now that I never met a more enterprising, gallant, or dangerous an enemy during those four years of terrible war, or a more genial, whole-souled, chivalrous gentleman and friend in peace than Maj. Gen. George A. Custer.” (Brainerd Tribune, 22 July 1876, p. 2, c. 1)


ROSSER:

SEE: 14 December 1871

SEE: 29 February 1872

SEE: 20 July 1872

SEE: 25 October 1872

SEE: 26 October 1872

SEE: 14 February 1873

SEE: 01 March 1873

SEE: 18 March 1873

SEE: 02 August 1873

SEE: 23 August 1873

SEE: 25 October 1873

SEE: 15 April 1876

SEE: 28 October 1876

SEE: 06 January 1877

SEE: 17 March 1877

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 30 April 1877

SEE: 05 May 1877

SEE: 12 May 1877

SEE: 17 May 1877

SEE: 26 May 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 21 July 1877

SEE: 11 August 1877

SEE: 29 August 1877

SEE: 15 September 1877

SEE: 25 October 1877

SEE: 08 November 1877

SEE: 22 December 1877

SEE: 26 February 1878

SEE: 15 June 1878

SEE: 06 July 1878

SEE: 17 August 1878

SEE: 24 August 1878

SEE: 23 January 1879

SEE: 25 January 1879

SEE: 11 March 1879

SEE: 15 March 1879

SEE: 05 April 1879

SEE: 12 April 1879

SEE: 24 May 1879

SEE: 06 December 1879

SEE: 13 December 1879

SEE: 27 December 1879


29 July

St. Paul & Pacific.

_____


A report of the Amsterdam committee in regard to the St. Paul & Pacific railroad states that a reduction of $60,000 a year in expenses has been made by the new management; that the president judges it necessary to lay a track from the western terminus of the main line at Breckenridge northward to the junction of the Northern Pacific and the St. Vincent extension at Glyndon (40 miles); that the earnings are increasing, 5,000 families having settled along the line last spring; that $1,812,690.66 in bonds and coupons were canceled in eighteen months by being accepted in payment for lands; that the difficulties between the First Division of the St. Paul & Pacific railroad company, the St. Vincent and Brainerd extensions and the Northern Pacific will probably be settled this year, that the percentage of increase on the two lines for ten months, from July to April, was on the main line 35.8 per cent. Branch line 5.5 percent.

During April last the land department sold 240 acres of branch line lands, 200 at $5 and 40 at $4 an acre, while it in the same month sold 12,628 1-2 acres of main line lands, at an average price of $6.41 per acre.—[N. Y. R. R. Gazette.

The recommendation of the president that the forty miles from Breckenridge to Glyndon be built is very fortunately rendered void by the Gilman railroad law, and we trust those interested in this matter will see to it that legislators are elected this fall who will oppose its repeal. The Todd County Argus makes this measure its prime issue in the coming campaign, and a very good issue it is too. Let the counties of Crow Wing, Morrison, Benton, Sherburne, Mille Lacs, Anoka, Hennepin, Wright, Stearns, Todd, Pope, Douglass, Grant, Otter Tail, Wilkin, Clay, Becker, Wadena, Cass and Aitkin consider this their main interest and vote solid only for men pledged to support the Gilman law. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 July 1876, p. 1, c. 3)


01 August

Mrs. Gen’l. G. A. Custer and other ladies, widows of the killed in the horrible Custer massacre, passed east this week, Tuesday, in a special car very kindly furnished by Sup’t. H. A. Towne for their comfort. As they passed through the town the large flag on the office building at the R. R. machine shops was lowered at half mast. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 August 1876, p. 1, c. 5)


03 August

Supt. H. A. Towne and Master Mechanic W. H. Lewis went west with a special car Thursday morning, on a tour of general inspection over the road to Bismarck. They will also finally perfect their plans for snow-fencing the Dakota Division, for which Mr. Bly has already received orders to saw 100 car loads of fencing. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 August 1876, p. 1, c. 5)


08 August

ELEVEN hundred emigrants—six hundred Mennonites and five hundred Icelanders—arrived in Duluth on Tuesday, and were shipped by special train over the Northern Pacific to Glyndon en route for their new home in Manitoba. The interpreter in charge of the Mennonites, John Koch, is a gentlemanly appearing man of German decent, and resides in Millersville, Ont. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 August 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


16 August

GROWN weary of waiting upon the action of our citizens in the water works business, the railroad officials have tapped their water main near the headquarters buildings instead of running a pipe into the park and attaching their hose connections there as at first proposed to the city, and on Wednesday a test was made of the much argued question of how high the water could be thrown, that must have been at least convincing to those who have so strenuously opposed the measure and so persistently maintained that a stream “could not be thrown six feet high.” The hose was two and one-half inches and the nozzle one and one-fourth inch, and threw the water with ease far above the weather vane on the office building which is over seventy-five feet from the ground. Had the nozzle been about half or three-fourths inch, it would have thrown much higher, but an inch and a quarter stream of water capable of being thrown to that height would answer all practical purposes in this town, and in fact be more effectual than a smaller stream; and the water supply being inexhaustible can easily afford it.

It is proposed now we learn to raise by subscription the amount necessary to purchase about six hundred feet of hose, among those who can be reached by it to connect with the present pipe. The hose will cost, for three-ply, forty-five cents per foot or $270, which with an ordinary hose-cart and a proper storage and dry-house, would not exceed $325 to $350, and of this Mr. Bly alone offers to pay a large proportion and others have agreed to pay their share. Do not delay; chip in and at once, do not wait until the town is burned down, it would be useless then. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 August 1876, p. 1, c. 6)


29 August

M. C. Kimberley has resigned his position as resident engineer of the N. P., to accept a similar position on the Missouri, Kansas & Texas railway at an increased salary, and took his departure with his family for his new quarters on Tuesday last. We regret the circumstances occasioning this change deeply, but hope Mr. Kimberley’s new berth may afford him a sufficient increase of lucre to warrant him in leaving the many friends he has in Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 September 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


02 September

Joseph Dilworth, Springer Harbaugh, W. S. Bissell, Jas. H. Swett, A. M. Marshall, David S. Bissell, and Lawrence Dilworth, all of Pittsburgh, Pa., passed west over the Northern Pacific this week, intending to visit Bismarck ere they returned. Mr. Joseph Dilworth is one of the directors of the N. P., and the others of the party are among the heaviest bondholders of the road. They were armed and equipped for a raid on chickens, intending to combine a little pleasure with their business—their first tour of inspection over the road they hold so heavy an interest in. They are all agreeable, courteous gentlemen, deeply interested in the people and enterprises along the line, and apparently well pleased with the manner in which their interests are being attended to. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 September 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


16 September

WE were shown through the Northern Pacific Business Car one day this week by Master Mechanic W. H. Lewis, and can say of a truth that as a thing of beauty it must be a joy forever, and as a combination of conveniences it knocks a “pocket in a shirt” all to smithereens, and excels anything we ever saw—in fact it is complete. It has recently been overhauled and remodeled throughout under Mr. Lewis’ supervision, and now contains all the comforts of a Grand Pacific or a Tremont in the small compass of a railroad car. At one end is the spacious drawing room beautifully and tastefully carpeted, ornamented and furnished. Then follows a series of apartments, five in number, conveniently arranged for berths at night or parlors by day, each separate and distinct from the rest, or all thrown into one at pleasure, affording excellent opportunities for a pleasant, uninterrupted tete a tete without the necessity of waiting for a tunnel, or a quiet smoke by yourself without offending the tastes of the company. These are supplied with clothes presses, wash room, closet, wine room, etcetera. Passing on you enter the dining room, which is simply in keeping with the rest of the car. The dining-table, Arab like, is folded up and laid away when not in use, leaving a very comfortable sitting room. Last, but not least, comes the kitchen, quite small in its proportions, though plenty large enough for all useful purposes, unless it might be to kiss the servant girl, there being room only for the cook. The cooking range we are satisfied could not be improved. It is made chiefly of wrought iron throughout, stands about eight feet high, and occupies a space in the corner about two by four feet square. The first or lower section of the range is the fire box, next comes the cooking apartment, next the baking oven, and above all a warming oven. At one side is a reservoir for heating water, in the middle of which is a coffee tank with the hot water all around it. In this the coffee is steeped by heat from the water, without coming in contact with the fire, which adds greatly to the flavor of this excellent morning beverage—with which the flavor is everything. On the opposite side, above, is a cold water tank, and a pipe each from this and the hot reservoir leads to the sink beside the range, affording hot and cold water faucets. On the other side of the room is a commodious refrigerator, table, root-bin, flour-bin, wood box, china closet, knife and spoon drawers, linen closet, and a profusion of small closets and drawers of a miscellaneous character. A passageway leads from the dining room around the kitchen on one side to the end of the car, thus avoiding interruption to the cook or danger of coming in contact with the pots and kettles in passing out at that end of the car. Upon the whole it is a rare combination of neatness, convenience and comfort, that speaks volumes for the inventive genius and systematic, architectural ability of Mr. Lewis and Sup’t. H. A. Towne, whose device it is, and for the exquisite skill of the workmen whose handiwork it bears. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 September 1876, p. 1, c.’s 6 & 7)


21 September

Gen’l. A. H. Terry and staff, consisting of Major Brisbin, Col. Benteen, Adjt. Smith and others, arrived here on Thursday from the front, en route for St. Paul. It is rumored that an effort is being made to have the General removed upon his arrival at St. Paul. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 September 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


30 September

The Brainerd Branch.


The St. Paul & Pacific Company sent an agent up here a few days ago to gather up and remove the fish plates, spikes, bolts, etc., at this place, belonging to that road, and he took away a full car load. Thus endeth the fitful and faded hopes of the much mooted Brainerd Branch. Sic transit gloria mundia. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 September 1876, p. 1, c. 6)


Wheat on the Northern Pacific.


We have procured from official and semi-official sources a statement of the wheat product in the Red River valley and along the line of the Northern Pacific Railroad, which is encouraging for the enterprising settlers of that region, and of interest to the people of the whole State.

The cultivation of wheat within the territory, spoken of is comparatively of recent date. Up to 1876 the amount grown was scarcely sufficient to meet the demand of home consumption. The yield for 1875 was about 500,000 bushels, of which 125,000 bushels went to Manitoba, and 40,000 bushels only found its way via the Lake route to Eastern markets.

The area under cultivation in 1875, all crops included, was some 75,000 acres, of which 30,000 acres was in wheat. The area in wheat alone for 1876 was 60,000 acres, making a total area under cultivation for all crops, of not less than 110,000 acres. In addition to this there has been broken up the present year of new ground some 80,000 acres for wheat cultivation for 1877.

The product of wheat the present year is estimated by those most competent to judge, at 900,000 bushels. The large additional area of new ground broken for cultivation next year requiring seed; the amount necessary for home consumption; and the large amounts of flour already contracted for delivery by local millers for the British Province of Manitoba, which is this year largely dependent on this source for a supply, will absorb a large per centage of the aggregate product stated, and consequently the amount that will find a market East will not exceed 400,000 bushels. The average yield per acre of the area sown this year is about twenty bushels, although some, possibly too sanguine, say it is greater. If nothing prevents the sowing of the immense new area prepared for cultivation next year, and no unforeseen calamity overtakes the growing of the crop, the general aggregate will reach the enormous amount of one million seven hundred thousand bushels. If the annual increase of area devoted to the cultivation of wheat keeps pace with the present year, within five years the aggregate wheat crop in the Red River Valley Railroad in Dakota, will equal the aggregate product of the present year’s crop in all Minnesota. Taking only the part of the Red River Valley embraced within the grant of lands to the Northern Pacific Railroad, it embraces thirty-two hundred square miles, or 2,048,000 acres. Fully eighty per cent of this vast area is said to be admirably adapted to wheat culture, and if fully utilized will produce thirty millions of bushels of wheat. But if the now warmly discussed project of a diversification of crops should prevail, it is still safe to say that at least one-half of the immense area spoken of will be successfully devoted to the culture of wheat.

The facts here given in brief are full of grave import to those seeking new homes in the West. Here millions of acres of excellent farming lands are suffered to remain in their pristine wilderness, although easy of access, convenient to railroads, and far from being destitute of timber. No finer field for immigration effort can anywhere be found than the work of bringing these important and cheering facts to the attention of the unemployed thousands in the East, who are looking for an opportunity of bettering their condition.—[St. Paul Dispatch. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 September 1876, p. 1, c. 6)


07 October

THE NORTHERN PACIFIC.

_____


From the Pioneer-Press and Tribune.

Mr. J. G. Williams, of the N. P. Junction, has been collecting some information in regard to the Northern Pacific railroad, and among other items of interest is the following accumulation of important and reliable facts from Mr. J. B. Power, agent of the land department of the N. P. Railroad company:

ST. PAUL. MINN., Aug. 19, 1876.

John G. Williams, N. P. Junction:

DEAR SIR:—Your favor of the 31st ult. to H. A. Towne, Superintendent, having been referred to this office, I would reply taking the interrogatories in order, as follows:

First—From lands within the limits of the grants to the Northern Pacific Railroad, and directly tributary to the road, the best information now attainable, enables me to estimate the yield of wheat for 1876 at from 850 to 900,000 bushels, all promising to be of the usual quality of Northern Pacific wheat, i. e. “extra No. 1 hard.” The large area of new ground plowed this year for the first time for cultivation next season; requiring seed, the amount of flour required for home consumption by the 30,000 or more people settled on the line of our road and tributary country, and the contracts already made for supply of flour for the British Province of Manitoba, which depends upon this section of country the next year for their breadstuffs, all of which is manufactured by the local mills on the line of road, will hold a considerable part of the crop from shipment to the eastern market. If the proportion of shipment to the yield is the same this year as the last, but from 350 to 400,000 bushels of the crop of 1876 will go forward to Duluth for lake shipment to eastern markets.

Second—The total yield of wheat in the same territory for the year 1875 was about 500,000 bushels, some 125,000 bushels went to Manitoba, 228,000 to Duluth, remainder held for seed and home use.

Third—Area under cultivation in 1875 to all crops, including hay culture, was some 75,000 acres, about 30,000 acres in wheat. Area to wheat in 1876 from 45 to 50,000 acres, for other crops the increase has been about 25 per cent. The total area under cultivation to all crops, at present date is not less than 100,000 acres.

Fourth—There has been this year not less than 60,000 acres (by some estimated at from 75 to 89,000) new ground broken for wheat cultivation in 1877. An ordinary crop next season will give a total yield of from 1,500,000 to 1,750,000 bushels, three-fourths of which will be sent forward to Duluth. The annual increase from this time forward will of course depend largely upon the yield and profits derived from the staple crop. There is no question, however, as to the probabilities of advancement. I think that in the future it will be in equal proportion to the past, and that the surplus crops after the next five years will be counted by the millions of bushels instead of as now by the thousands.

Fifth—The area now under cultivation to wheat within the limits of the land grant to this road as compared with what can be utilized for that purpose is so small that it can be said that the commencement has not yet been made.

Taking only that part of the Red River Valley embraced within the grant, that is, forty miles east and west, we have 3,400 square miles, or 1,049,000 acres, about the same area as is embraced in but three of the principal counties in southern Minnesota. Fully ninety per cent of this can, with mere cost of plowing, be put in condition for wheat culture, and would produce from 35,000,000 to 40,000,000 bushels annually. Under the ordinary process of cultivation, however, but one-half would be utilized for this purpose, say 4,000,000 acres, which with an ordinary crop, would produce 20,000,000 bushels, two-thirds of what is now the entire surplus crop of the whole State of Minnesota. When, however, we take into consideration the entire area of what is good wheat-producing land within the limits of the grant, and what is directly tributary to the road, using but the one-half of it for wheat culture, we have not less than 10,000,000 acres, capable of producing from one hundred and eighty to two hundred million bushels, we are reaching figures requiring a very comprehensive imagination to take in the possibilities of the future of this great northwest and the prospective value of the road that has been the means of opening this vast country to settlement.

The foregoing estimates are of course based upon the known capacity of the country for agricultural development, and as stated, the work of demonstrating its capacities has barely commenced. We are not in any way depending upon or discounting the future, but simply work upon what we now have, encouraging advancement by a liberal policy toward all who cast their lives with us, well knowing the circumstances beyond human control may so retard future progress, that even with the present promising outlook for rapid and constant advancement, it may be many years before the road will realize anything approximating what the country is capable of.

Sixth—The title to all lands within the limits of the grant from Duluth to the Missouri river, (the terminal point of the eastern division of the road as now built, a distance of 450 miles) is by the terms of the charter confirmed to the company, and as fast as is necessary, we are having them certified to us by the government.

Seventh—All of the agricultural lands of the company are in market at prices ranging from $2.50 to $10 per acre, according to quality and distance from road, and in payment for them the company take their first mortgage bonds at par and accrued interest, and the preferred stock of the company at par.

Eighth—The surface soil of the upland prairie is a dark sandy loam from 12 to 20 inches deep, in the Red River Valley it is a black alluvial mold from 15 to 30 inches deep. Subsoil as a rule is tenacious clay. In the hardwood timbered land the surface soil is as a rule a black sandy loam with a large proportion of vegetable clay subsoil.

Ninth—Cost of first breaking the sod is from $3 to $3.50 per acre. Cost of producing wheat, including price of seed, harrowing, seeding, harvesting, threshing, delivery at granary and fall plowing is from $9 to $10 per acre. Transportation from Red River to Lake Superior is now 15c per bushel. Frame dwelling house and barn, both comfortable and sufficient size for 160 to 320 acre farms can be built for from $600 to $1,000. In Dakota the herd law requiring cattle to be herded or fenced in, renders the fencing of wheat fields unnecessary.

There are many reasons that might be urged in favor of the Northern Pacific country as being more attractive to persons seeking new homes than any other in the northwest, but this is beyond the scope of this communication, and I will simply let the facts as stated advance their own arguments.

For a general description of the country traversed by the Northern Pacific road as now built and running, showing what parts of it are embraced in the grant and which in part by the development of the past three years has been so clearly demonstrated, is peculiarly adapted to the successful and profitable cultivation of wheat. I enclose skeleton maps of Minnesota and Dakota, on the backs of which will be found printed matter descriptive of the lands, together with other interesting and valuable information to all who are looking to the line of our road for the purpose of investment or the selection of a new home.

I will be happy at any time to give you such other information relative to our road as the work of the land department will enable me to furnish. Trusting that the foregoing may be of interest to your correspondent, I remain, truly yours,

JAMES B. POWER,

General Agent.

(Brainerd Tribune, 07 October 1876, p. 1, c.’s 2 & 3)


POWER:

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Sup’t. H. A. Towne and family returned this week from a pleasure trip east, taking in the Centennial. Mr. Towne has good reasons for feeling gratified that his administration of the affairs of the Northern Pacific railroad has been so warmly approved by the directors who have returned him to its management for another year. Mr. Towne is a gentleman, however, who wears his honors easy, and is not, as some are inclined to be, injured by promotion. He is the same Towne he was before he became superintendent, and would be if he was president of the United States. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 October 1876, p. 1, c. 6)


28 October

NORTHERN PACIFIC.

_____


Probability that it Will be Extended Next

Season Westward a Couple of

Hundred Miles.

_____


Gen. T. L. Rosser, city engineer, and formerly chief engineer of the Northern Pacific Railroad, prior to the disastrous failure of Jay Cooke & Co., has received a request from President Wright to be present at a meeting of the officials of the road to be held in Philadelphia the middle of next month, to take into consideration the extension of the Northern Pacific westward. The extension bill, it will be remembered, has already passed the Senate and been recommended to favorable consideration to the House, which body it is hoped it will pass at an early day. It is, in all events, confidently believed it will pass without much delay, when the company will be ready to extend the line westward 205 miles, which embraces what is known as the Yellowstone division. The surveys had been made when the financial crash came in 1873, the land under this land grant had all been located, and the bids for the work of constructing the line had actually been opened, but was not awarded because the managers did not see their way clear to pay for the construction. Now the company is said to be entirely free from debt, thanks to the good management of President Wright and his associates, and Gen. Rosser expresses it as an opinion that next season will see the dirt flying along the line. His familiarity with the exact condition of affairs at the time of the crash, and his having made the surveys, is why his presence is required at the meeting. The extension of the line must be considered as opening up to Minnesota and her cities a new field into which to ship her produce and merchandise, and vigorously pushed work on the great line must result in increased business activity. It is only to be hoped that the conference next month may result as Gen. Rosser confidently believes.—[Minneapolis Tribune. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 October 1876, p. 1, c. 4)


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04 November

Gen. Geo. Stark, vice president of the N. P., and Gen. G. G. Sanborn, business agent at St. Paul, passed west over the road last evening, by special, on a tour of inspection. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 November 1876, p. 1, c. 5)


11 November

Northern Pacific Directory.


The Fergus Falls Advocate gives the names of the present officers of the Northern Pacific Railroad, as follows: President, Charles. B. White; Vice President, Samuel Stark; Secretary, Samuel Wilkeson; Treasurer, George E. Bebee; General Counsel, George Gray. And a Board of eight other directors.

It should read: President, Charles B. Wright; Vice President, George Stark; Secretary, Samuel Wilkeson; Treasurer, George E. Beebe; Counsel, George Gray, and a board of thirteen directors, as follows: Charles B. Wright, Frederick Billings, Johnston Livingston, Charlemagne Tower, Benj. B. Cheney, Geo. Stark, Joseph Dilworth, J. Frailey Smith, Geo. W. Cass, Richard Ashurst, Alexander Mitchell; John M. Denison and Albert E. Tilton. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 November 1876, p. 1, c. 4)


SEE: 1869

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Gen’l. Geo. Stark, Vice President of the N. P. R. R., was here on Tuesday last, and took a special for St. Paul in the afternoon. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 November 1876, p. 1, c. 7)


18 November

SEVERAL changes have taken place this week among the Northern Pacific officials. A. O. Canfield, who for years has filled the position of local freight agent at this place, took his departure, and Thos. C. Fernald has been appointed in his place; J. C. Whitaker, superintendent of pump repairs has resigned, but we have not learned who his successor will be; Thos. J. DeLamere has received the appointment of train dispatcher; E. T. Williams, general purchasing agent at St. Paul, has resigned to accept a situation on the Missouri Pacific, under Gen. [Manager] Mead; and T. Glann, Chas. Jabas and Thos. Pillon, conductors have taken final leave of the old N. P. The departures named are to be regretted. They are pleasant, agreeable gentlemen, good and efficient railroad men, and old timers on the road. But this is a world of changes, and we can only hope that their lines may fall in pleasant places. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 November 1876, p. 1, c. 6)


02 December

James R. Magahey, who for several years has filled the position of night watch at the office building of the Northern Pacific Railroad at this place, is bidding his friends here good-bye, preparatory to his intended departure from among us on Monday for his home in Quincy, Ills. Mac. has been in the position named so long, that he has almost come to be looked upon as a fixture at “Headquarters,” and will be greatly missed, but a general reduction of expenses and cutting down the forces by the company does away with the office he has filled, and consequently with the officer. We are sorry to lose Mac. and his Chicago Times, but then we must, and can only say good-bye, God bless you. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 December 1876, p. 1, c. 4)


09 December

Election of Officers and Directors

of the St. Paul & Pacific

Railroad.


At the meeting of the stockholders of the St. Paul & Pacific railroad company in New York on the 15th of November, the following directors were elected:

Frederick Billings, Woodstock, Vt.

Alexander Ramsey, St. Paul, Minn.

Charlemagne Tower, Philadelphia, Pa.

George Stark, Nashua, N. H.

George W. Cass, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Wm. W. McNair, Minneapolis, Minn.

Charles B. Wright, Philadelphia, Pa.

At the meeting of the directors on the same day, the following officers of the company were chosen:

Charles B. Wright, President;

George Stark, Vice President;

Samuel Wilkeson, Secretary;

George E. Beebe, Treasurer.

This action relates to the St. Paul & Pacific railroad company proper, and not to the First Division Company, which has a separate organization.—[Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 December 1876, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 1869

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SEE: 31 December 1882


23 December

NORTHERN PACIFIC EXTENSION.


The bill introduced in the Senate at the last session of Congress for the extension of time for the completion of the Northern Pacific Railroad eight years, it will be remembered, passed the Senate in the early part of the session, and was unanimously recommended to pass the House by its committee on Pacific Railroads, and so went over among other unfinished business.

On Wednesday last, however, the House committee reconsidered its vote by which it recommended the passage of the bill, with a view to amending it for the protection of homestead and preemption settlers. If it is amended in the House it will have to go back to the Senate for the concurrence of that body. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 December 1876, p. 1, c. 3)


1877

06 January

A LOCOMOTIVE engineer on the Northern Pacific bantered a squaw standing on the platform about her “little injin” papoose. He go it thus” “Ough! Half Injin, half engineer.”—[Dispatch. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 January 1877, p. 1, c. 4)


GEN’L. T. L. ROSSER has returned to Minneapolis from Washington, and reports the passage of the Northern Pacific extension bill about certain, and the construction of 200 miles the coming summer quite probable. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 January 1877, p. 1, c. 4)


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07 January

H. A. TOWNE, Gen’l. Sup’t. of the N. P. R. R., and brother, Master Mechanic Lewis, and Mr. Ayer, of Chicago, left Sunday evening on a special, bound for Bismarck. They found some “snowy” opposition to their progress before they reached the Missouri—but with lots of pluck and energy they “waded” through it and returned to headquarters, Brainerd, Thursday evening safe and sound—excepting bad colds, chills, etc., etc. Snow drifts have no business being “around” on the Dakota division. They have had their own way for years, but must now yield to their masters. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 January 1877, p. 1, c. 5)


13 January

THE BRAINERD BRANCH.

_____


The prospects for building the Brainerd Branch are brightening, and it is even hinted that work on the road will be commenced in the spring. We know of nothing that would please the people of the upper country more.—[Sauk Rapids Sentinel.

Thank you for saying so.—ED. pro tem. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 January 1877, p. 1, c. 5)


THE NORTHERN PACIFIC.

_____


There is a report that the Northern Pacific railroad company has concluded arrangements for the extension of the road from Bismarck, westward 205 miles, to Glendive river in Montana territory, and that work will be begun early in the spring.—Pioneer Press.

The national government could in the present depressed condition of business do no better thing that to encourage this movement. The company is ready to secure the government for any substantial aid in this direction, and it should with all possible dispatch be constructed through to the business centers of Montana. The road is more than paying expenses now, and would be the second-best paying road in the country with the Montana trade secured. Its present management is economical, and the debris of its bankruptcy having been all cleared away, its future is assured. Congress could now give it a healthy lift, and by so doing settle the vexed “Indian question” more satisfactorily than in any other way. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 January 1877, p. 1, c. 5)


20 January

THE Northern Pacific has run regular through trains from Brainerd to Bismarck this winter without missing a trip, and with very little delay. How is that for high? (Brainerd Tribune, 20 January 1877, p. 1, c. 4)


THE NORTHERN PACIFIC.

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The House Committee on the Pacific railroad has agreed to report favorably the Senate bill to extend the time for the construction and completion of the Northern Pacific railroad, with an amendment providing that the company shall, before the 4th of July, 1879, at its own expense, cause to be surveyed and located its entire line and file a map of it with the Secretary of the Interior, in order than all lands not included in the grant to this road may at that time be thrown open to actual settlers under the pre-emption and homestead laws. The bill extends the time for completing the road eight years under its charter and the acts and resolutions of Congress relating thereto. The extension is granted on the express condition and understanding that where pre-emption and homestead claims were initiated, and private entries and locations were allowed, upon the lands embraced in the grant to the Company prior to the receipt of orders for the withdrawal of them at the respective district land offices, the titles may be perfected, and the Company shall receive immediately therefor, as now provided by law. The extension of time granted by the bill does not apply to the branch line of the road from Lake Pendareille [sic] across the Cascade Mountains to Puget Sound and Washington Territory. The Northern Pacific Company is also required to file with the Secretary of the Interior, within six months from the date of the passage of the act its assent to and acceptance of the provisions of the act. The bill will probably be reported to the House next week.—[Wash. Tel. to Chicago Tribune. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 January 1877, p. 1, c. 5)


THE Northern Pacific railroad company means business. They are now sending forward the iron for the extension on the west or Pacific end, and propose to build thirty-five miles eastward this year. This indicates that the reconstructed company has got down to a solid financial foundation, and that it is bound to march forward step-by-step, from buttress-to-buttress, til it has bridged over the whole vast gap from the Missouri river to the Pacific slope. There is now, happily, no doubt that Congress will extend the time for the completion of this great national highway and realize the grand conception which proved so disastrous to Jay Cooke and some of the other responsible originators who proved their faith by their investments. The newly organized company propose to proceed on a less magnificent but on a surer and firmer scale, though a much slower rate of progress. We doubt very much whether the Company’s resources or the financial market are in any such condition as will permit them this year to carry out their cherished purpose of carrying forward the construction of the line at this end to any great extent; but they will be able within a year or two to resume the work of completing the line from the Missouri to Montana.—[Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 January 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


27 January

THE NORTHERN PACIFIC EXTENSION BILL.


Mr. Lamar, of Mississippi, from the Pacific Railroad Committee, reported favorably on Wednesday last the senate bill extending the time for completing the Northern Pacific railroad for eight years. Mr. Holman, of Indiana, made the point of order that under the rules the bill must first receive consideration in committee of the whole, because it involves the disposition of a portion of the public domain, and he was sustained by the chair. Mr. Lamar then asked unanimous consent to have the bill considered on Tuesday next, to which Mr. Holman objected, and declined to withdraw his objection, though appealed to by Messrs. Kasson, of Iowa, and Maginnis, of Montana.

We would advise the Northern Pacific folks to invite this obdurate, unreasonable, infernal Holman to take a trip over their road and then dump him off the Brainerd bridge or leave him on the Dakota plains in a blizzard to freeze to death or “hunt a hole.” While on the other hand if Mr. Lamar, if he is a democrat, should ever visit this section, he will find that the people on the N. P. appreciate his action regarding their railroad. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 January 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


LAND GRANT RAILROADS.

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The United States Supreme Court has recently decided that land grant railroads are not bound to carry government troops and property free of charge, but are only bound to give the government free use of their tracks.

This decision entitles the Lake Superior and Mississippi railroad, which has, under the old construction of its charter, been transporting government freight and troops free for years, to an enormous claim against the government—a regular bonanza—which it will doubtless proceed at once to collect. A number of other roads working under similar charters will also now receive handsome stakes from Uncle Sam under this ruling. The Northern Pacifica, however, though a land grant road, is organized under a different charter, which provides a government rate for transportation, and it has been paid for the work as it was done, that these other roads have been doing for nothing, and is now really unfortunate in what has heretofore been considered its good fortune in that the rates prescribed by its charter are small while now these other roads are entitled to full tariff rates. An effort is now being made to construe this decision to mean that land grant roads are public thoroughfares upon which any company or individual is entitled to run an engine or train of cars with the same rights as a team or wagon on a State or county turnpike road, or a steamboat upon a river, subject only to reasonable time schedules and running rules of the roads. It is needless, however, to add, in this regard, that such a construction can only be the senseless effervescence of the injured brain of some bigoted Communist or cracked Donnellyite. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 January 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


03 February

A CORRECTION.


Since our last issue we have been informed that a slight mistake occurred in our article last week upon “Land Grant Railroads,” in that we represented the Northern Pacific government transportation rate as smaller than regular tariff rates. The charter of the Northern Pacific simply provides that the company shall not charge the government more than individuals for transportation. Under this provision the company ever has, and still continues to charge, the government full rates. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 February 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


THE ST. PAUL & PACIFIC BRANCHES.

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Much has been said the past week through the daily papers of St. Paul and Minneapolis regarding the Brainerd and St. Vincent branch lines of the St. Paul & Pacific railroad, bearing the pleasing evidence that this question has gained a wider interest than ever before, and conveying the still more satisfactory testimony that the present Legislature has it in its power to give us the early completion of these lines. Much light has been thrown upon this dark question, of considerable importance to those who have cast their lot in Northern Minnesota, and showing that the delay in the construction of the Brainerd & St. Vincent branches is entirely and solely chargeable to the “Dutch bondholders,” who have acted the “dog in the manger,” tied the roads up in court, and refused to either complete them themselves or permit anyone else to do so, though the lands by which their bonds are in part secured depended upon their completion and they knew they would be forfeited to the State if the work was not done, and yet after having obtained repeated extensions and repeatedly forfeited their pledges; after stealing outright six millions of dollars of bonds directly of the St. Paul & Pacific company, and through them indirectly of Northern Minnesota, and after submitting the people of this section to indignity upon indignity utterly fathomless, they have the cool, brazen impudence to come before the Legislature again and ask for what? Another extension only? Nay, experience has taught them that they have asked for too little in the past, that had they asked the Legislature to compel the people of Northern Minnesota to stand on their heads and wear no clothes they are persuaded their request would have been conceded to be a very reasonable and plausible one, and would have been as readily granted as any any they have heretofore made, and they are determined to profit by that experience by asking in addition to another five years’ extension that they shall also be permitted to build what is known as the “Breckenridge cut-off;” to set aside and destroy the whole admirable railroad system of this part of the State; to totally ignore the rights of the people, who have waited, suffered privation, paid double minimum prices for their lands, and been submitted to untold wrongs in this matter on the account, and for the exclusive benefit of these sharks; to discountenance entirely the Northern Pacific company, which has done more towards bringing about the completion of these lines than any other influence, which has furnished these people with the only railroad facilities they have, and has or ought to have some rights and is entitled to some consideration in this matter. In fine, they ask that the entire interests, welfare, aye, the very blood of the poor people who have made their homes on these lines should be poured out at their feet and sacrificed to their selfish ends. Their highwayman-effrontry in this, however, is quite equaled, aye, even excelled by the barefaced impudence of those in our own State whose interest should be with us, and whose influence should be exerted in behalf of the interests of the State, but who heretofore have been and are today rallying round the standard of these spoilers and crying themselves hoarse with “Good Mr. Pirate, please take it all.” But in view of the past none of this is surprising. We are pleased, however, to observe a firm determination, notably upon the part of many of our legislators, of late, to put a stop to this legal robbery, to call off these dogs and chain them up, and the indications at present are quite strong that they will be successful. The President of the Northern Pacific company has offered, if the Legislature will refuse to extend the grant on the unfinished branches, which has expired, and will turn the Brainerd Branch over to his company, to enter into contract to complete it next summer. Likewise the St. Vincent Branch from Melrose to St. Vincent we doubt not would gladly be contracted for if released from the present encumbrance, and would be completed at an early day, not unlikely by the N. P. company, whose aim it is to one day control all these lines, and even now owns a largely controlling interest in the St. Paul & Pacific stock. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 February 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


10 February

THE BRAINERD BRANCH VERSUS THE

GLYNDON CUT-OFF.


We cannot see why St. Paul and Minneapolis should be so anxious for the Breckenridge-Glyndon Cut-off, and so indifferent to the Brainerd Branch. The latter is certainly the road these two cities, and Minneapolis in particular, stand in need of more than any other for the reason that it taps the whole wheat country of the Northern Pacific at its legitimate outlet. Suppose the Cut-off is built and the Brainerd Branch not, the Northern Pacific wheat would never take that route. It would be the easiest thing in the world and a very natural thing for the Northern Pacific to make freight rates against that route and in favor of the Duluth buyer, and it could not be expected to do otherwise, while if the Brainerd Branch was built and in the hands of the Northern Pacific it would be entirely immaterial to this road whether the wheat went to Duluth or Minneapolis. It certainly never will go by the Glyndon Cut-off. And so with the Black Hills and northwestern trade the Northern Pacific can easily make a special rate on freight and travel from the Cut-off that would drive it the other way.

Nor can we understand why the Moorhead people should be so strongly in favor of this Cut-off as against the Brainerd Branch. The latter would bring them as near St. Paul and Minneapolis as the Cut-off; the Cut-off would not run to Moorhead, and the same reasoning would apply to that place, as to St. Paul and Minneapolis on the wheat question. The Northern Pacific could readily put a tariff on freight and passenger travel that would make even the present route the cheapest.

By all means let the railroad system of this country be perfected as originally mapped out—it cannot be improved—and do not cut the throat of the interests of the whole Northwest by building this Cut-off. The argument used in favor of the Cut-off, “Let us have all the railroads we can get,” is too narrow and puerile for toleration, and reminds us of the tale of the man who killed his goose that was laying the golden eggs in order to get all the gold at once. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 February 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


The Vital Necessity to Minneapolis

and St. Paul of the Brainerd Branch.


To the Editor of the Minneapolis Tribune, 10th.


There is one consideration, in connection with the much discussed question of the Breckenridge & Glyndon cut-off, which I have not seen mentioned, and which is especially commended to the attention of the millers of this city, and that is, that the building of the Glyndon cut-off, which some of them advocate in preference to the Brainerd Branch, would effectually “cut-off” from the Minneapolis market, the wheat raised in all that belt of country from Glyndon east to Wadena, on the Northern Pacific line, a distance of of over eighty miles, and comprising some of the very best wheat lands in the state. There is a much larger quantity of wheat shipped annually from Perham, fifty-eight miles east of Glyndon, than from any other point on the Northern Pacific road, and no one supposes that the management of that road would give a rate on wheat which would allow a bushel to find its way to Minneapolis via Glyndon and Breckenridge. On the other hand, if the Brainerd Branch were built and the construction of the cut-off prohibited, Minneapolis buyers would have equal chance with those of Duluth for the wheat along the entire line of the Northern Pacific, during the season of navigation, and in the winter they would have that field to themselves, while they would, of course, as they do now, command the product of the country tributary to the Breckenridge road. The milling interest urgently demands access to a larger wheat producing area, and if it will work earnestly and effectively for the building of the Brainerd Branch by the Northern Pacific that road will bring to Minneapolis the wheat of an immense acreage, which will otherwise find an exclusive market at the lake.

All the business interests of this city, as well as those of St. Paul, will be as surely and effectively promoted by the construction of the Brainerd Branch as by the proposed Glyndon cut-off. The distance from St. Paul and Minneapolis to Glyndon by the Brainerd Branch is only four miles greater than via Breckenridge, and it can be run in as short a time. The two cities will secure just as much of the trade of Manitoba, the upper Missouri country and the Black Hills by the Brainerd route as by the other. The Northern Pacific is able to build the Brainerd Branch, and stands ready to do it, within twelve months, if the legislature will give it a chance. At the time the receiver for the extension lines was appointed, the bondholders pledged themselves to build the branch, and they violated their pledge. It is not to their interest to build this road, and they will never do it unless compelled to. On the other hand, the interests of the Northern Pacific require the construction of the Brainerd Branch, and the company ask to be placed in a position where they can build it. The selfish interests of the Northern Pacific furnish a surer guarantee that the company will do what it proposes to do, than all the forfeitures which can be imposed by legislative enactment. And, Mr. Editor, in your unjust wholesale criticism on the 7th inst., you should remember that the Northern Pacific will, as soon as the extension bill passes the lower house of congress, be enabled to commence building westward to Montana. Once the trade of Montana starts this way, do you suppose you can make our people believe that traffic will leave the N. P. at Glyndon and take the cut-off? Not by any means; but it will follow their own road to Brainerd, and then with the Brainerd Branch built, it would come to our city. But if you allow first the cut-off to be built, and then as foreclosure by the Dutch bankers, you will not very soon have the Brainerd Branch built. Then where will the Montana, upper Missouri and northern Minnesota traffic go to? You force it to go further east and, eight months in the year to go via the L. S. & M. to St. Paul. Please don’t go off in ecstasies over Kennedy & Co.’s letter to Farley, which was gotten up to order. The N. P. don’t want to control the railroads of north Minnesota for the purpose of running everything to Duluth, as that letter states. What would they do with their freight at Duluth eight months in the year without navigation—that’s too thin. It is clearly the interest of St. Paul and Minneapolis to first have the Brainerd Branch, and our wholesale merchants realize this fact. The Northern Pacific does want the Brainerd Branch, and if a clean sheet is given them they will build it. Yet, they have for two years tried hard to have the St. Paul & Pacific build it for them, which was one of the conditions promised by the St. P. & P, when they got the receiver appointed. Now ask the legislature to defer the building of the Brainerd Branch. Mr. Editor, there are “millions” in the project of cut-off and foreclosure to this same Dutch banking firm, who, as Kennedy & Co. affirm, control the bonds.

Yours, etc., MINNEAPOLIS.

(Brainerd Tribune, 17 February 1877, p. 1, c. 4)


THE Pioneer Press estimates the cost of completing the St. Paul & Pacific branches as follows:

From Sauk Rapids to Brainerd, 56 miles, at $8,000 per mile, $448,000.

From Melrose to Glyndon, 118 miles, at $10,000 per mile, $1,180,000.

From end of track near Crookston to St. Vincent, 63 miles, at $9,000 per mile, $567,000. Total $2,195,000.

(Brainerd Tribune, 10 February 1877, p. 1, c. 5)


The Dakota Division of the Northern Pacific.


The fact having been thoroughly demonstrated that trains can be run during the winter on the Dakota Division of the Northern Pacific railway, it has brought to light many things favorable to this national highway across the continent. We are informed that this division has paid its expenses, and even more, thus far. We congratulate Superintendent Towne on his successful operation of this division of the road, for to him is due no small degree of credit.—[Red River Star. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 February 1877, p. 1, c. 5)


SOMEONE is stealing papers and pamphlets from the reading room again, and that someone will get hurt very soon if it is not stopped. Look out! (Brainerd Tribune, 10 February 1877, p. 1, c. 7)


13 February

ST. PAUL & PACIFIC COMPROMISE BILL.

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Mr. C. A. Gilman’s substitute for the bill of Hon. E. Rice, extending the time five years for the completion of the extended lines of the St. Paul & Pacific railway, was offered to the railroad committee as a compromise between the conflicting interests and was reported accordingly to the house Tuesday. It provides as follows:

All rights, property, etc., pertaining to uncompleted portions of both lines are forfeited to the State absolutely. The bondholders, by organizing as a railroad company, shall have the priority of right to construct either line, and upon construction become invested with full rights, franchises, property, etc. In order to acquire this prior right they must file their written application with the Secretary of State by the first of May next, and at the same time must deposit as security for a faithful performance, with the State Treasurer, money or bonds, as follows. Twenty-five thousand dollars as security for the construction of the Brainerd Branch within one year, and 75,000 as security on construction of St. Vincent extension, which is to be completed from Melrose to Alexandria within one year from the date of said notice and deposit; from Alexandria to Otter Tail River, at or near Fergus Falls, in two years, and in three years to the Glyndon connection, and from Crookston to St. Vincent. Work to be commenced by June 1st, 1877, and not to be abandoned or suspended except for inclemency of the weather. Upon any failure in the performance required, the money deposited in connection with the St. Vincent branch to be forfeited to the State, to be thereafter applied to the construction of the road from Melrose to Otter Tail river, and that put up on the Brainerd Branch to be applied, of course, to aid said line thereafter.

In case of a failure of the “Bond Company” to come in, the enterprise is to become available, upon similar conditions, to any other company, who upon completion of the line proposed to be built, are to be invested with full rights, property, etc.; also to any money that may have been forfeited.

All lands within the indemnity, or twenty mile limits, are to be reserved for construction of the road between Melrose and Glyndon until a full quota is reached, though it is claimed that all the indemnity land will fail to put that part of the line on an equality with the portion north of the Northern Pacific road. Provision is made for the claim of all actual settlers. To satisfy the claims of DeGraff and Crooke, contractors, and of other creditors for construction, material furnished, etc., there is to be withheld one hundred thousand acres of land to be earned hereafter upon construction of the Brainerd Branch, and two hundred thousand acres to be earned upon the St. Vincent branch, north of Crookston.

One of the most important and marked features of this bill is the last section, which repeals the ”Gilman bill” so called, of last year. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 February 1877, p. 1, c. 5)


17 February

THE N. P. OFFERS TO BUILD THE ST.

PAUL & PACIFIC BRANCHES.

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Distrusted by the Pioneer-Press.

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As we predicted last week Gen’l. Stark, vice president of the North Pacific railroad company, emphatically denies the false statements of Kennedy & Co., the agent of the Dutch bondholders of the St. Paul & Pacific, in reference to the attitude of the North Pacific on the question of the Brainerd and St. Vincent extensions, and adds:

“This company earnestly desires the early completion of the Brainerd Branch and St. Vincent extension, and believes its true interests in this matter to be identical with the interests of the people of Minnesota, and especially of St. Paul and Minneapolis, and I beg to state again, for the company, that if the Legislature will put us in possession of these lines we will complete and operate them.”

Referring to this offer the Pioneer-Press says:

“It is not so clear as it might be that it would be safe to entrust the construction of these lines to the Northern Pacific company without some little guarantee more than their mere word for it. The interests of that company do not point that way. It is, of course, very important to them to obtain control of the St. Vincent extension north of Glyndon and the Brainerd Branch; but it is not so clear that they have any special interest in the construction of the latter.”

Right here is where the Pioneer-Press makes a mistake and shows that its interests are with the Dutch bondholders and against the North Pacific. It raises no objection to giving the bondholders everything they ask—extension after extension without limit or stint—the right to build the Breckenridge cut-off and cut the throats of the North Pacific and the interests of northern Minnesota without condition or proviso; and it has never occurred to that independent (?) journal to suggest the least guarantee, upon the part of the bondholders, notwithstanding the fact that they have been the means of, and are today responsible for, the outrageous imposition and repeated delays that have been practiced upon the people of this country in this matter. But as soon as the North Pacific, a company prepared and even anxious to build our roads, comes forward and offers to give these people what they have waited for lo these many years, waited for until “hope deferred hath made the heart sick,” the righteous Pioneer-Press lifts its hand in holy horror and at once proceeds to unearth a huge “African in the paling,” and calls for a guarantee, adding that “The interests of that company do not point that way.”

If the Pioneer-Press in not a hireling in the interest of the bondholders it must be woefully ignorant for a journal of its standing or pretensions. Anyone with the least knowledge of the geography of this section must see at a glance that the North Pacific has as great an interest, if not a greater interest, in the completion of the St. Paul & Pacific lines, and particularly the Brainerd Branch, than even the people who have made their homes upon them and depend upon them for connection with the world. These lines are a very essential part of the great Northern Pacific scheme. They are its natural outlet. The North Pacific is in fact the only company interested in their completion. The past bears conclusive evidence that the St. Paul & Pacific does not desire their extension or they would have been built long ago, and the L. S. & M. does not want to see them built because they would take the N. P. traffic it now receives. The North Pacific has suffered the inconvenience of its present roundabout winter outlet simply because it has been compelled to. Its stockholders purchased a controlling interest in the St. Paul & Pacific stock some time since for the sole purpose of completing and operating these lines, and in 1872 they actually commenced the construction of the Brainerd Branch. The whole road was graded, the bridges built, the ties gotten out, the iron purchased and on the ground, and six or eight miles of track laid on this end, and in a very short time they would have had trains running from Brainerd to Sauk Rapids, when they were interrupted by the foreclosure proceedings of these precious bondholders, who then discovered the identical “African” that troubles the Pioneer-Press today.

In consequence of these proceedings the iron was sold, the ties have rotted and burned, the bridges have decayed and the track has been washed away and demolished, and this is why the Pioneer-Press favors an extension to these cutthroats; this is why the great portentous asks for a guarantee from the Northern Pacific; this is why the independent hyphenated favors a foreign interest, in every way adverse to the interests of the state, in preference to a home institution, seeking to build itself up by advancing the interest of the country; this is why our one-eyed contemporary is not so clear that the North Pacific has any special interest in the construction of the Brainerd Branch.

We do not presume that the North Pacific has any objection to giving a reasonable guarantee if properly required of them; in fact they will do it gladly if given these roads and an opportunity to build them, but the attempt of the Pioneer-Press to create distrust in the propositions of the North Pacific is nonetheless ignoble on that account. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 February 1877, p. 1, c.’s 3 & 4)


THE present indications are that the “St. Paul & Pacific compromise bill,” a synopsis of which appears in another column, will pass both houses of the legislature by a large majority. It is well. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 February 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


22 February

THE ST. PAUL & PACIFIC COMPROMISE.


In the midst of the controversy over the railroad question in the house of representatives yesterday, the friends and opponents of Gilman’s so-called compromise bill came to the amiable and sensible conclusion to stop fighting and go to reasoning. They accordingly adjourned to a suitable apartment, conferred together for a session, and agreed substantially upon a bill granting a condition extension of time for the construction of the St. Vincent branch, instead of applying the forfeiture process, which, however, is continued unchanged to the Brainerd Branch. The “Bond Company” is required to construct the road to Sauk Centre before the first day of January next; to Alexandria and to St. Vincent during the second year; to Fergus Falls the third year, and to the Glyndon connection the fourth year, a forfeiture to take place if the company fails to perform in either case. The provisions for the protection of settlers and Minnesota creditors are kept in force as in the compromise bill, and all the indemnity lands are applied to the road between Melrose and Glyndon.

The above is given by the Pioneer-Press as the substantial results of the conference. It is plain that any adjustment which shall be accepted by all parties’ in interest, including the people, is of all things desirable and even necessary. The one arrived at appears to cover the case, and if the parties in interest are sincere, will give us all the roads in a reasonable time. The Northern Pacific profess a desire amounting to eagerness to be permitted to build the Brainerd Branch. To this end they demanded a forfeiture of the franchises and lands pertaining to this link. By the agreement entered into yesterday this forfeiture is assured, and if the Northern Pacific perform the promises we have lately seen over the sign manual of the president of the road, the present year will see the completion of this branch. The St. Paul & Pacific demanded the deeding of its lands, the repeal of the Gilman bill prohibiting the construction of the Glyndon cut-off, and a reasonable extension of time for the completion of the St. Vincent branch. The lands have already been deeded, the Gilman prohibition will be repealed, and in conformity to yesterday’s compromise an extension of time is granted for the completion of the Sauk Valley or St. Vincent extension to Glyndon for over three years. As the result of this agreement, if the parties concerned perform their promises under it, we shall get the Glyndon and Breckenridge and the Watab and Brainerd gaps filled up the present year, and the Melrose and Glyndon gap in less than four years. This ought to be satisfactory all around, so far as legislation is concerned. Now let the companies take hold, for once, and perform the promises by which this legislation is secured.—[Minneapolis Tribune, 22d. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 February 1877, p. 1, c. 4)


23 February

Thos. Pillon returned to Brainerd last evening from Texas, where he has been for several months past. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 February 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


24 February

WE are informed by C. C. Brown, Yardmaster at this place, that since October 1st, 1876, 4,861 cars have arrived at and departed from Brainerd up to the 22nd inst.; an average of forty cars per day. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 February 1877, p. 1, c. 7)


26 February

THE BRANCHES.


The compromise St. Paul & Pacific railroad bill, synopsis of which has already appeared in these columns, and which, as stated last week, passed the lower house of the Legislature by a vote of 86 to 1, on Friday of last week, was taken up in the Senate on Monday last and passed unanimously, and now only needs the signature of the Governor to make it a law. The repeal of the Gilman law was also passed at the same time, and now we may confidently look for movements in local railroad matters of no trifling interest to this section. Mr. B. B. Eaton and M. M. Williams, agents of DeGraff & Co., are here investigating the condition of the road bed, ties, etc., of the Brainerd Branch, with a view to preparing to complete that line, ascertaining what is required to be done, etc. Preparations are already on foot for the construction of the Glyndon “cut-off” and that line will doubtless be completed and through trains running from St. Paul to Crookston within 60 days, after which the road will be pushed forward with all possible speed to Pembina, where it will doubtless be met before snow flies by a Dominion line from Winnipeg.

The construction of the “cut-off” will of course cut off all Manitoba trade over the Northern Pacific, excepting the lake traffic, and render a connection between the N. P. Junction and the Wisconsin Central a necessity to the Northern Pacific. This will give that road a direct eastern outlet, and enable it to retain control of that trade, which for the last three years has constituted a large proportion of its business, and render it entirely independent of any and all of its by-way connections, and we have it from pretty high authority in railroad circles, that the completion of this connection is earnestly sought by both the Wisconsin Central and the Baltimore & Ohio roads, that the Central agrees to extend its line to Superior City, and the B. & O. offers aid in the construction of the balance of this important missing link, and that its construction the coming summer is more than probable. Be this true or only imaginary the facts remain that such a step will be almost indispensable to the life of the Northern Pacific, and the amount of capital required to consummate it will not be great, as the distance from the Junction to Superior City is only twenty-eight miles and over an extremely practicable route. If this is done the St. Paul and Minneapolis papers may find time to regret their extreme hostility to the Northern Pacific in the recent legislative contest, and may conclude that their precious Glyndon “cut-off” is not such a heavenly blessing as it might be, for this would leave those two cities out on a side track and carry the extensive trade of the great Northwest, which rightfully belongs to them, by their very doors to Chicago and Milwaukee. The argument, however, of those papers was, “give us all the railroad we can get,” and, now we hope it may be carried out to the letter.

We have heard it hinted that the ‘dog in the manger’ bondholders of the St. Paul & Pacific do not intend to comply with the law, either in making the required deposit of the $15,000 forfeit on the Brainerd Branch, or building the road, but propose, if any other company attempts to do so, to serve them with an injunction, and thus procure delay until another session of the Legislature, hoping to obtain legislation more in accordance with the impertinent demands contained in their circular of February 14th to the members of the Legislature, protesting against the proposed action of that body, in which they instructed (?) the Legislature that “The bondholders do not now ask any legislation of your honorable bodies beyond a simple unrestrained extension of time.” These bondholders are so unaccustomed to adverse legislation, that they have been taken completely by surprise by the action of the past year, and like Sampson of old after he was shorn of his locks, they will rise to meet the Philistines in vain, if they attempt any such game as that mooted. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 March 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


03 March

THE CUSTER ROUTE TO

THE BLACK HILLS.


From the St. Paul Dispatch and the Bismarck Tribune we gather the following interesting information regarding the Northern Pacific route and the Black Hills.


St. Paul Dispatch:

An enterprise has recently been inaugurated in this city which, though to a certain extent private in its nature, is yet fraught with sufficient public importance to justify our citizens in taking a deep interest in its progress.

Northwestern Express Stage and Transportation Company moving freight from Bismarck, D. T. to Deadwood, 1879.
Source: Frank Jay Haynes
Deadwood, Dakota Territory, ca. 1876.
Source: Unknown

The Northwestern Express Stage and Transportation Company, has its headquarters at St. Paul, and we believe Capt. Russell Blakeley, C. W. Carpenter and N. P. Clarke are its leading spirits. This company proposes to put at once a line of stages, express and freight wagons on the route from Bismarck to Deadwood. A force of men will leave St. Paul on Thursday morning, to be distributed along the route and will do work building the necessary stations, stables, etc., for the use of the line at convenient intervals. The work will be hurried forward with the utmost rapidity, and within a week or two will be in readiness for the commencement of operation. The line will be abundantly stocked, and supplied with everything which abundant capital can command, and long experience propose. Arrangements will be complete for accommodating the large travel which will undoubtedly pass over the line during the season.

A handbill has been prepared and circulated by thousands throughout the country, a copy of which is before us. It contains a map of the route from Chicago to the Black Hills, via St. Paul and Bismarck, a single glance at which shows the immeasurable superiority of this over any other route.

The distances are given as follows:

Chicago to St. Paul, 409 miles.

St. Paul to Bismarck, 560 miles.

Bismarck to Deadwood, 211 miles.

Total, 1180 miles.

The time to be occupied by the passenger line is to be, as soon as the roads are settled and the line in running order; Chicago to Bismarck, by rail, 48 hours; Bismarck to Deadwood City, by stage, 36 hours. The fare from Chicago to Deadwood will be, first-class, $55.25; second-class, $45.25.

Prospectors on their way to the Black Hills gold fields, ca. Unknown.
Source: John C. H. Grabill

This has been christened the “Custer Route,” because it is that selected by General Custer for the transportation of United States troops, munitions and supplies, and the government has constantly patronized it for that purpose. The stage and wagon roads are said to be excellent; “the soil well adapted to easy travel, grades light, country picturesque, with abundance of wooded lands and never failing supply of good wholesome water. The stations are conveniently located as to distance, and plenty of forage for stock and subsistence for the traveler, of good quality, and reasonable rates, can be had thereat. This route is free from malarious marshes, sandy deserts, dangerous streams, deep chasms, and tedious river navigation. The traveler has plenty of shade for protection against the oppressive rays of the sun, experienced in open country.”

The completion of the Brainerd Branch to the Northern Pacific during the early part of the summer, which is now probable, will materially reduce the distance to be traveled, and beneficially effect especially the freight traffic. St. Paul will then be in almost air line communication with Bismarck, and in a position to assert her right to be considered the base of supplies for the whole Black Hills region.

This enterprise is an important one for this city, and its influence must necessarily be felt in the largely augmented trade from emigrants en route to the Hills, and from dealers located there. Here is an opening which our merchants must not be slow to seize. With the opening of this line a long stride has been taken toward the realization of past dreams of the commercial supremacy of St. Paul, in the Northwest.


Bismarck Tribune:

The Black Hills are now open to settlement. Those going to or returning from the Hills and those located in the Hills are now entitled to protection from the government, and thereafter they will receive it.

The Legislature has authorized the location of a territorial road from Bismarck to the Hills, making an appropriation for surveying and for the work of a commission to locate, which commission will meet at Bismarck next week and immediately proceed to business.

Stagecoaches in the Black Hills, ca. Unknown.
Source: Unknown

Peter Seims, one of the gentlemen interested in the stage, express and freight line mentioned above, is one of the commissioners to locate the road, and as practical men, who have passed over the route several times will accompany him, we are assured the work will be well done, and done in time to meet the demands of spring travel for a route as direct as the lay of the country will permit.

The effect of an effort on the part of the railroad company, and others interested, to turn the tide of business into its proper channel is already felt. Maj. Whitehead will arrive in Bismarck early in March with a large party from Minnesota and Wisconsin en route for the Black Hills.

A. P. Horton, of Goodsell, Horton & Co., is now in the city and has contracted with Chas. Francis and Joseph Pennell to haul a ten-stamp quartz mill weighing about eight tons, requiring forty odd yoke of oxen for its transportation to Deadwood. Mr. Horton will accompany Whitehead’s party which starts in a few days, taking with him a saw mill. The saw and quartz mill will be put in at Sirton [?] City, in Bear Gulch, a few miles west of Deadwood, where Prof. Jenney reported the richest mines in the Hills.

Nathan Myrick, of St. Paul, well known throughout the northwest, is connected with this enterprise, and will go to the Hills with the quartz mill.

We learn from Mr. Horton, and his statement is confirmed by Black Hills papers, that new and rich placer diggings, have been recently discovered in the Hills and are being developed while the country abounds in quartz rich in gold and silver. Immense fortunes have already been made in the Hills, and there is abundant opportunity for others to do equally well. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 March 1877, p. 1, c. 4)


04 March

MESSRS. B. B. EATON and W. W. Williams, of St. Paul, gentlemen connected with the N. P. R. R., arrived in town on Sunday evening, having walked from Brainerd down, over the railroad grade, for the purpose of inspecting the roadbed, and looking after ties. Of the latter they found a considerable number in a pretty good state of preservation. Messrs. Eaton and Williams took the train for St. Paul yesterday. We learn that it is the intention to commence work on the road about the first of May.—Sauk Rapids Sentinel. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 March 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


10 March

SUP’T. H. A. TOWNE, of the Northern Pacific, has invented an improved locomotive, said to be far superior to anything ever yet introduced, as it contains many valuable improvements over the present. He is a practical engineer and a skillful machinist, and knows what he is doing, and we have no doubt has constructed a machine that will soon take the place of those now in use, and make him correspondingly wealthy. We may give our readers a full description of it at a future day. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 March 1877, p. 1, c. 1)


THE summer arrangement of time on the Northern Pacific and L. S. & M. railroads will go into effect on the 20th inst. Westward trains will leave St. Paul at 8 and Minneapolis at 7:30 a. m., Duluth at 12:30, and Junction at 2:30 p. m., and arrive at Brainerd at 7:30 and depart at 8 p. m.; arrive at Fargo at 6 and depart at 7 a. m., and arrive at Bismarck at 6:30 p. m.

Eastward, they will leave Bismarck at 7:00 a. m., arrive at Fargo at 6 and depart at 8 p. m., arrive at Brainerd at 6 and depart at 6:30 a. m., arrive at the Junction at 10:30 a. m., Duluth at 12:10 p. m., St. Paul at 4:30 and Minneapolis at 5 p. m.

Sleepers will be attached to the train between Brainerd and Fargo. This time will be for the through train, a day train will be put on between Brainerd and Fargo to accommodate the local travel. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 March 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


13 March

[...]


The great Northwest, five years ago,

Had glorious expectations;

But the failure of Jay Cooke & Co.,

Suspended operations.

Still, rumor—fickle dame, you know,

She sometimes is correct—

Says, at no distant day we’ll go

To Puget Sound direct.

We wait, and hope, and westward gaze,

Beyond the muddy river;

Wait patiently for prosperous days.

But “better late than never.”


The Brainerd Branch for years has lain

Neglected and forgotten.

Its bridges down, and greatest shame,

Its ties and timbers rotten.

Our people long have hoped to see

This favorite route completed;

Time after time continually

Their hopes have been defeated.

Still, if the famous Gilman bill,

With compromises clever,

Secures for us this route, it will

Be “better late than never.”


Thus we can see from day to day,

If we only pay attention;

There are difficulties in the way

Too numerous to mention.

But what’s the use to make a fuss,

Or fret, and fume, and pine;

We never can be prosperous

While wasting precious time.

Our share of what remains undone,

To do we should endeavor;

If right at last, though wrong begun,

Is “better late than never.”—T. B.

BRAINERD, MARCH 13.

(Brainerd Tribune, 17 March 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


16 March

BLACK HILLS, HO!


Major James Whitehead and his Black Hills party, numbering over one hundred and fifty men well armed and equipped, arrived in Brainerd last evening at 10 o’clock, and departed at about midnight by special train for Bismarck. He was joined here by about a dozen more, and had notice from parties at nearly every station along the route, wishing to unite with his party. Among those who fell into line and took up the march from here, were William Wade, of Leech Lake, James Mathews, and George Clark, of Brainerd, and J. Simmons, J. Root and George Coe, of Little Falls. At Aitkin he picked up W. H. Williams and wife, who propose to push their fortune in the tempting fields of golden wealth. The Major thinks he will return here in May if his topknot is preserved until that time. Thus is this favorite route fairly opened by the largest party that has yet gone into the Hills. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 March 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


17 March

THE BRAINERD BRANCH.

_____


Its Completion This Year Assured.

_____


Good news for the upper country and Minnesota in general. We are authorized to state that the “Brainerd Branch” will certainly be constructed and put in running order during the coming summer. What is known as the Brainerd Branch is the line from Watab to Brainerd, a distance of about sixty miles. On the Brainerd end of this line four miles of iron are already laid, and the grading, bridges and culverts are completed, save about four miles at the Watab terminus. The ties are also distributed along the entire line, and there remain but three Howe truss bridges to put in.

General Rosser, from whom our information is obtained, assures us that the completion of the road as above is a certainty, and we may also state that in view of the fact that the Northern Pacific will require his services, he will not be a candidate for re-election as City Engineer this spring.—[Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 March 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


SEE: 14 December 1871

SEE: 29 February 1872

SEE: 20 July 1872

SEE: 25 October 1872

SEE: 26 October 1872

SEE: 14 February 1873

SEE: 01 March 1873

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SEE: 15 April 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

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SEE: 26 February 1878

SEE: 15 June 1878

SEE: 06 July 1878

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SEE: 25 January 1879

SEE: 11 March 1879

SEE: 15 March 1879

SEE: 05 April 1879

SEE: 12 April 1879

SEE: 24 May 1879

SEE: 06 December 1879

SEE: 13 December 1879

SEE: 27 December 1879


24 March

ON DIT.—That the St. Paul & Pacific bondholders have been heard from touching the law passed last winter, providing for the completion of the Brainerd and St. Vincent branch lines, and that they propose to let the Northern Pacific build the Brainerd Branch, and devote their energies and capital to the construction, at once, of the Glyndon cut-off, and within the limits and according to the provisions of the law, to the completion of the St. Vincent extension from Melrose to Glyndon, and from Crookston to St. Vincent, and thus save from forfeiture their entire system. This is a very sensible conclusion, and will be a god-send to this country. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 March 1877, p. 1, c. 5)


07 April

THE CUSTER ROUTE.

_____


The summer arrangement of running time on the Northern Pacific and L. S. & M. railroads goes into effect on tomorrow (Sunday). See schedule elsewhere. Two fine Pullman Palace Cars arrived from the East this week and will run regularly hereafter between Brainerd and Fargo, the first leaving Brainerd on this morning’s train. At Bismarck close connections are made with the Northwestern stage line for the Black Hills, and steamers for the Yellowstone, Tongue river and Montana Territory; at Moorhead with boats, and at Glyndon with the St. Vincent R. R. for Fort Garry and other points north; and at St. Paul with eastern and southern roads from all sections of the country. Through tickets are sold from Chicago or any point along the line to the Black Hills by this, which is called the Custer Route. The time from Chicago to the Hills by this route is as follows: Chicago to St. Paul, 12 hours; St. Paul to Bismarck, 34 1/2 hours; and Bismarck to Deadwood, 36 hours, making the total time between these two points 82 1/2 hours, or less than 3 1/2 days. Every precaution and preparation has been made between Bismarck and Deadwood to insure perfect safety, comfort, and dispatch. Strong stockades or forts have been erected at regular intervals along the route, and are well guarded by a company of armed and resolute men at each, so that trouble from the Indians need not be thought of. The company in charge of this route is composed of the wealthiest capitalists in this country, who are abundantly able to carry out to the letter every part of their plans. The name of N. P. Clark one of the firm, is alone a sufficient guarantee that what we have said is true and can be relied upon. He alone could, if necessary, raise, arm and equip and place in the field an army as formidable as the present entire United States forces, on short notice. The passenger rates from Chicago to Deadwood by this route are: First-class, $55.25; second-class, $45.25; emigrant, $32.25; and from intermediate points in proportion to those rates.

Upon the whole this route cannot fail to command the attention of everybody as the cheapest, safest, quickest and pleasantest to the new Eldorado in the Black Hills, to Manitoba or any point north, to the Yellowstone, Tongue river, Montana or any point west or northwest. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 April 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


THE work on the stations along the Custer route of the Northwestern Express Company, to the Black Hills, is being rapidly pushed forward, and as soon as the frost will permit of comfortable travel, the stages will start. This will probably be about the 15th of this month, at which time the spring will be settled. Emigrant and transportation teams will begin to move about the 8th inst. The Custer route is destined to be the most popular one to the gold mines, and the managers of both the railroad and stage lines are determined to have everything in such shape as to deserve the support of the public.—[Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 April 1877, p. 1, c. 5)


14 April

ADVICES from private sources lead us to believe that the prospects for the completion of the Brainerd Branch during the coming summer, are very good, and that the work will be commenced at an early day.—[Sauk Rapids Sentinel. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 April 1877, p. 1, c. 4)


THE Northern Pacific railroad earned $400,000 above expenses during the past year. This surplus will come in handy in building the Brainerd Branch. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 April 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


THE N. P. passenger train was booming along between the Junction and Brainerd one night this week a little behind time and the conductor a good deal out of sorts endeavoring to make the latter point on time, when they came in sight of a lumber camp beside the road (where trains halt occasionally to leave freight when they have any for that place), and a man came rushing out to the road frantically waving a red flag. The engineer of course whistled brakes, the train was with great difficulty brought to a stand, and the conductor stepped off to see what was wanted only to hear the ignoramus who had stopped him inquire, “Is there any freight on that train for me?” There was, but he didn’t get it, for “Brink,” remarked after the train had started, “I kicked at him, but didn’t reach him.” (Brainerd Tribune, 14 April 1877, p. 1, c. 7)


A WARNING.—We are requested by the railroad officials to notify parents once again to keep their children from playing on and about the cars and engines in the yard at this place. A number of narrow escapes from fatal accident have occurred of late, and yet it is impossible for the train men to keep boys and sometimes even little girls from clambering upon and about the cars and engines, while in motion, and stealing rides in most dangerous position. We personally saw a number of small boys climb upon the rear of a tender one day this week, without the knowledge of the engineer, where the means of clinging on are extremely precarious even to experienced men and where they were liable at any moment by the slightest oscillation or sudden motion of the tender to be thrown under the wheels and run over, and they rode in that position the length of the yard, the engine running backwards at a rapid rate of speed. We shall certainly have a horrible accident to record one of these days from this cause unless it is stopped. Take warning. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 April 1877, p. 1, c. 7)


SUP’T. H. A. TOWNE returned from Bismarck last night. He says the damage by the ice gorge and flood, at that place, to the railroad company is large. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 April 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


25 April

RAILROAD PROSPECTS AND CONJECTURES.


Wednesday evening’s train brought to our quiet little city the following Northern Pacific officials: Gen. George Stark, vice president; Gen. George W. Cass, director; Gen. Thomas L. Rosser, chief engineer; Gen. G. G. Sanborn, business agent, and Col. C. A. DeGraff, contractor.

They remained here until Thursday morning, when they proceeded by special train, accompanied by H. A. Towne, superintendent; Col. R. M. Newport, auditor; James B. Power, general land agent; S. J. Wallace, sup’t. of bridges; and L. P. White, agent of the Puget Sound Co., to Bismarck, whence Gen’ls. Stark and Rosser, and others of the party, propose to inspect the country along the proposed line of the North Pacific as far west as the coal fields, thirty miles west of the Missouri river. Returning, they will come to Brainerd and pass over the Brainerd Branch to Sauk Rapids by team. The object of this trip is to make a thorough practical examination of these two lines in order to report their exact condition to the Northern Pacific stockholders at their meeting to be held at New York on May 9th, with a view to making the necessary arrangements for the early completion of the Brainerd Branch and the extension of the North Pacific to the immense fields of coal lying just beyond their Missouri terminus. It will be remembered that on May first the St. Paul & Pacific company forfeits its right to the Brainerd Branch unless it deposits with the governor the $15,000 bonus provided by the act passed last winter. This it has been well understood all along would not be done. After May 1st, therefore, the road will be open to any person, company or corporation who will make the required deposit and build it. This the Northern Pacific proposes to do. It will also be remembered that on July 1st, 1877, the last extension of the Northern Pacific charter expires, and as no session of Congress is liable to occur in the interim its forfeiture at that time is inevitable, and the company will be compelled to do sufficient work on its line west of the Missouri to hold its title to the valuable coal lands in that section before that time, to prevent their possible irretrievable forfeiture. This, if done, will necessitate some pretty rapid movements and no little work upon the part of the company.

Gen’l. Rosser will establish his headquarters at Bismarck in order to give the construction of the road west of the Missouri his personal attention, and it will doubtless be pushed forward with all possible speed. Upon the whole, the prospects are good for plenty of work, good times, and a long stride to the front in our railroad interests. The time has come at last when the people are to know whether they are to have any railroads or not, and how much; when, in fact, “something’s got to be did,” and that fact appears to be fully realized by the railroad magnates themselves. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 April 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


ROSSER:

SEE: 14 December 1871

SEE: 29 February 1872

SEE: 20 July 1872

SEE: 25 October 1872

SEE: 26 October 1872

SEE: 14 February 1873

SEE: 01 March 1873

SEE: 18 March 1873

SEE: 02 August 1873

SEE: 23 August 1873

SEE: 25 October 1873

SEE: 15 April 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 28 October 1876

SEE: 06 January 1877

SEE: 17 March 1877

SEE: 30 April 1877

SEE: 05 May 1877

SEE: 12 May 1877

SEE: 17 May 1877

SEE: 26 May 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 21 July 1877

SEE: 11 August 1877

SEE: 29 August 1877

SEE: 15 September 1877

SEE: 25 October 1877

SEE: 08 November 1877

SEE: 22 December 1877

SEE: 26 February 1878

SEE: 15 June 1878

SEE: 06 July 1878

SEE: 17 August 1878

SEE: 24 August 1878

SEE: 23 January 1879

SEE: 25 January 1879

SEE: 11 March 1879

SEE: 15 March 1879

SEE: 05 April 1879

SEE: 12 April 1879

SEE: 24 May 1879

SEE: 06 December 1879

SEE: 13 December 1879

SEE: 27 December 1879


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

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SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

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SEE: 06 August 1878

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SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

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SEE: 17 February 1881

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SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

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SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


NEWPORT:

SEE: 17 August 1872

SEE: 26 April 1873

SEE: 12 December 1874

SEE: 19 December 1874

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 29 January 1876

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 03 June 1876

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 09 June 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 07 February 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 17 March 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 30 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 11 February 1882

SEE: 18 February 1882

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


27 April

FIVE first-class passenger coaches and a Pullman sleeper, all crowded, and that principally with first-class passengers, was the way the evening’s express pulled out from Brainerd last evening for the west. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 April 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


28 April

Signs of Vitality in the N. P. R. R.


The Northern Pacific railroad exhibits signs of vitality that must be gratifying to the stockholders. The officers give official notice in the Philadelphia Inquirer columns that on the 9th of May next a meeting will be held to consider the further extension of the road at once, at both ends, and the prudent management of the corporation will do much to inspire confidence in its ultimate success.—[Minneapolis Tribune. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 April 1877, p. 1, c. 4)


THE Headquarters Hotel shed its winter coat of storm windows and donned its summer garb of mosquito bars on Thursday morning. The change is significant. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 April 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


THE Street commissioner has made a great improvement in the Fifth street crossing of the Boom Lake railroad branch. A culvert has been built on either side of the track, and the street has been graded up in good shape. Let the good work go on. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 April 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


THE improvements in the rooms of the Land Office are completed, and a nobbier suite of rooms do not exist anywhere. The color finally decided upon for the paint is tasty and appropriate, and the changes are for the better. The gentlemanly officials who rule in that domain are now prepared to sell you the cheapest and best farms in the world in elegant style. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 April 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


30 April

E. W. WEED, W. H. Leland, and J. D. Whitaker accompanied the railroad party of Gen’ls. Stark and Rosser and Col. DeGraf over the Brainerd Branch on Monday, on their trip of inspection. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 May 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 14 December 1871

SEE: 29 February 1872

SEE: 20 July 1872

SEE: 25 October 1872

SEE: 26 October 1872

SEE: 14 February 1873

SEE: 01 March 1873

SEE: 18 March 1873

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SEE: 15 April 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 28 October 1876

SEE: 06 January 1877

SEE: 17 March 1877

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 05 May 1877

SEE: 12 May 1877

SEE: 17 May 1877

SEE: 26 May 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 21 July 1877

SEE: 11 August 1877

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SEE: 22 December 1877

SEE: 26 February 1878

SEE: 15 June 1878

SEE: 06 July 1878

SEE: 17 August 1878

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SEE: 23 January 1879

SEE: 25 January 1879

SEE: 11 March 1879

SEE: 15 March 1879

SEE: 05 April 1879

SEE: 12 April 1879

SEE: 24 May 1879

SEE: 06 December 1879

SEE: 13 December 1879

SEE: 27 December 1879


02 May

THE freight business on the N. P. now is simply enormous. The regular freight trains carry from forty to fifty loaded cars with two engines besides several specials every day. Wednesday morning’s train came in with fifty loaded cars and two engines, the heaviest train that ever passed over the road. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 May 1877, p. 1, c. 5)


03 May

Accident on the L. S. & M.


The engine pulling the passenger train out of St. Paul on Thursday morning on the L. S. & M. R. R., went through the bridge crossing Willow Creek a short distance from St. Paul. Fortunately, none of the cars followed, and no one was killed or badly hurt though one man was scratched. The train reached here some two hours late in consequence. The engine was nearly buried out of sight in the mud. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 May 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: 12 May 1877


05 May

IMPORTANT RAILROAD NEWS.


We are very glad to be able to announce this morning that there is an assured prospect of the early completion of the Brainerd Branch of the St. Paul & Pacific railroad. It will be recollected that under the bill enacted last winter the forfeiture to the State of the uncompleted portion of the Brainerd Branch and of the grant pertaining thereto was declared; that the bondholders of the St. Paul & Pacific were then given the privilege of building the road provided they should give notice of their intention to do so with a deposit of $15,000 as guaranty before the first of May. In the event of their failure to do this before the first of May any other company undertaking to do it and making a similar deposit as a pledge of good faith was empowered to do it. The bondholders of the St. Paul & Pacific road having failed to do anything about the matter. A new company formed under the general State law called the Western Railroad Company, and really representing the Northern Pacific Company, have undertaken to complete this branch, and will today make the necessary deposit of $15,000 as security for the faithful performance of their agreement. The law requires that they shall commence work in thirty days, and that the work shall be completed within a year. Of the 61 miles between Watab and Brainerd all but four miles was graded in 1872, and Gen’ls. Stark, Rosser, DeGraff and others who have just passed over it report it in excellent condition, and that it will not cost more than $400,000 to complete it. The construction of this branch will be of incalculable importance to St. Paul and Minneapolis, and to the whole northwestern country, which it will provide with an outlet in this direction without requiring all trade and travel to take the present circuitous route around two sides of a triangle. We also learn that Mr. Farley, the Receiver of the St. Paul & Pacific, is about to order a survey of the cut-off between the main line and Glyndon, and that if the Dutch bondholders do not furnish the funds for the construction of this important link the money will be found elsewhere, and the cut-off completed this summer. Both these two links are of great importance to the commercial and milling interests at this end of the line, and the lack of them is deeply felt. Their construction will give a new and powerful stimulus to the commercial prosperity of these two cities and to the development of the Red River valley. A third important piece of railroad news is that yesterday the Lake Superior & Mississippi railroad was sold under foreclosure to the bondholders for $500,000. This wipes out all the immense debt of the road, and will enable the company to start afresh and put the road on a paying basis.—[Pioneer Press, 2nd.

The deposit of $15,000 was made with the Secretary of State as above intimated on Wednesday, and operations have already commenced. We are credibly informed, further, that it is not the intention of this company to stop at Brainerd, but to push the road on north to the lumber districts on the upper Mississippi to some point in the Pokegama or Leech Lake region. This will certainly be a paying enterprise. Let the good work go on, and we solemnly agree not to put a straw in its way. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 May 1877, p. 1, c. 4)


SEE: 14 December 1871

SEE: 29 February 1872

SEE: 20 July 1872

SEE: 25 October 1872

SEE: 26 October 1872

SEE: 14 February 1873

SEE: 01 March 1873

SEE: 18 March 1873

SEE: 02 August 1873

SEE: 23 August 1873

SEE: 25 October 1873

SEE: 15 April 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 28 October 1876

SEE: 06 January 1877

SEE: 17 March 1877

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 30 April 1877

SEE: 12 May 1877

SEE: 17 May 1877

SEE: 26 May 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 21 July 1877

SEE: 11 August 1877

SEE: 29 August 1877

SEE: 15 September 1877

SEE: 25 October 1877

SEE: 08 November 1877

SEE: 22 December 1877

SEE: 26 February 1878

SEE: 15 June 1878

SEE: 06 July 1878

SEE: 17 August 1878

SEE: 24 August 1878

SEE: 23 January 1879

SEE: 25 January 1879

SEE: 11 March 1879

SEE: 15 March 1879

SEE: 05 April 1879

SEE: 12 April 1879

SEE: 24 May 1879

SEE: 06 December 1879

SEE: 13 December 1879

SEE: 27 December 1879


08 May

THE NORTHERN PACIFIC.

_____


Able to Build Its Coal Branch on the Pacific

Slope Without Mortgaging Its

Present Property.

_____


NEW YORK, May 8.—At a meeting of the board of directors of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company, the finance committee reported adversely to placing a mortgage on the line of road now in operation on the Pacific coast. A resolution was passed requesting that the stockholders be informed that, in view of the increased and increasing business of the road, the board was of the opinion that all the money necessary for the completion of a branch into the coal fields of the Pays [sic] Lap [sic] [Puyallup] valley can be had without resorting to a mortgage. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 May 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


12 May

BAGGAGE is checked now from Philadelphia to Bismarck via the Northern Pacific Railroad. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 May 1877, p. 1, c. 4)


AN error occurred in our item last week regarding the accident on the L. S. & M. R. R. It was the engine drawing a freight train that went through the bridge, and the delay to the passenger was in transferring passengers and baggage by the break. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 May 1877, p. 1, c. 4)


SEE: 03 May 1877


OUR section boys are doing lively work now putting in new ties. They know just how to do it, and that’s what makes a ride on the N. P. so pleasant when you find yourself in a first-class coach and running over a good road bed. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 May 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


HON. F. R. DELANO, president, and Gen’l. T. L. Rosser, chief engineer of the Western Railroad Company, which has undertaken the construction of the Brainerd and Sauk Rapids railroad, were in town this week and Gen’l. Rosser is now on the road making the estimates of completion preparatory to letting the contracts. Mr. H. A. Towne, Sup’t. of the N. P., returned from St. Paul this week, says the St. Paul and Pacific folks say they have no intention of putting anything in the way of the completion of the road. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 May 1877, p. 4, c. 2)


SEE: 14 December 1871

SEE: 29 February 1872

SEE: 20 July 1872

SEE: 25 October 1872

SEE: 26 October 1872

SEE: 14 February 1873

SEE: 01 March 1873

SEE: 18 March 1873

SEE: 02 August 1873

SEE: 23 August 1873

SEE: 25 October 1873

SEE: 15 April 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 28 October 1876

SEE: 06 January 1877

SEE: 17 March 1877

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 30 April 1877

SEE: 05 May 1877

SEE: 17 May 1877

SEE: 26 May 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 21 July 1877

SEE: 11 August 1877

SEE: 29 August 1877

SEE: 15 September 1877

SEE: 25 October 1877

SEE: 08 November 1877

SEE: 22 December 1877

SEE: 26 February 1878

SEE: 15 June 1878

SEE: 06 July 1878

SEE: 17 August 1878

SEE: 24 August 1878

SEE: 23 January 1879

SEE: 25 January 1879

SEE: 11 March 1879

SEE: 15 March 1879

SEE: 05 April 1879

SEE: 12 April 1879

SEE: 24 May 1879

SEE: 06 December 1879

SEE: 13 December 1879

SEE: 27 December 1879


17 May

HON. C. A. GILMAN, of St. Cloud, the champion of the Brainerd Branch road, and the member of the Legislature to whom our people are principally indebted for the present exceedingly favorable prospects of that road, was in town on Thursday, and left by yesterday morning’s accommodation for the west. He reports Gen’l. Rosser as saying that he thought the company would be ready to commence operations in earnest upon the branch before June 1st, and that if they were not, there would be men enough taken from the N. P. Road to commence operations within the meaning of the law and comply with that statute requiring work to be commenced within thirty days from May 1st and kept up continuously until the road is completed. The citizens of Brainerd should, we think, when this branch is completed, get up a sort of ratification jollification, or some kind of a -----fication meeting, and a public dinner, in honor of or by way of acknowledgement of Mr. Gilman’s able and indefatigable efforts in our behalf in this matter, and invite him to be present, and give us a speech. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 May 1877, p. 1, c. 7)


SEE: 14 December 1871

SEE: 29 February 1872

SEE: 20 July 1872

SEE: 25 October 1872

SEE: 26 October 1872

SEE: 14 February 1873

SEE: 01 March 1873

SEE: 18 March 1873

SEE: 02 August 1873

SEE: 23 August 1873

SEE: 25 October 1873

SEE: 15 April 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 28 October 1876

SEE: 06 January 1877

SEE: 17 March 1877

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 30 April 1877

SEE: 05 May 1877

SEE: 12 May 1877

SEE: 26 May 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 21 July 1877

SEE: 11 August 1877

SEE: 29 August 1877

SEE: 15 September 1877

SEE: 25 October 1877

SEE: 08 November 1877

SEE: 22 December 1877

SEE: 26 February 1878

SEE: 15 June 1878

SEE: 06 July 1878

SEE: 17 August 1878

SEE: 24 August 1878

SEE: 23 January 1879

SEE: 25 January 1879

SEE: 11 March 1879

SEE: 15 March 1879

SEE: 05 April 1879

SEE: 12 April 1879

SEE: 24 May 1879

SEE: 06 December 1879

SEE: 13 December 1879

SEE: 27 December 1879


19 May

NORTHERN PACIFIC.

_____


Building and Leasing of the Brainerd Branch

Authorized by the Directors.

_____


New York Special to Chicago Tribune.

At a meeting of the Northern Pacific railroad stockholders today Vice President Stark said the road was in good condition throughout, and had never done a better business than this year. The finance committee reported adversely on the proposal to mortgage the western end of the road to build the extension from Kalama to Portland, and the stockholders were gratified by the information that, in view of the increased revenues, all moneys necessary to complete the branch into the coal fields of the Puyallup Valley could be had without mortgaging the company’s property. G. W. Cass, of Pittsburgh, said the business in Dakota, passenger and freight, was heavier than ever before, and the road had much improved. West of Red River he had found a track well occupied by farmers, while three years ago it was bare for miles. The grasshopper scare, he said, had been magnified, and his experience was that 80 per cent of the damage to crops last year was due to climatic influence, and not more than ten per cent to grasshoppers. A resolution was adopted authorizing the building and leasing of a branch from Sauk Rapids to Brainerd, a distance of sixty miles. The directors were also instructed to ascertain the cost of constructing the road from Bismarck west to Montana, and propose a plan for furnishing the means. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 May 1877, p. 1, c. 4)


21 May

MONDAY’S train from Duluth was somewhat interrupted by a land slide east of Thomson that delayed passengers nearly two days. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 May 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


22 May

A SLIGHT accident occurred at the depot at this place on Tuesday evening last that somewhat marred a tender, baggage car and a boxcar, and slightly injured a couple of ladies. The engine just arrived from the east with the passenger train had uncoupled from the train, run up to the end of the yard, coupled to the sleeper, and was running down the main track backwards, intending to set the sleeper in on the rear of the train for the west, when unfortunately the blind switch opposite the freight house had been carelessly left on the north side-track where the train was standing, instead of the main track, where it should have been, and the tender ran into the train broadside, striking the side of a boxcar used for baggage, glancing past it and bringing up standing against the corner of the baggage, mail and express car. The concussion upon the train was so great that the passengers, some three or four hundred in number, were many of them thrown forward from their seats, and some who were standing in the aisle were thrown down, though no one was injured excepting two ladies, Mrs. Wick and Mrs. Widing, of this place who had accompanied a friend to the train, and were standing in the rear car. They were thrown down, Mrs. Widing being slightly bruised, and Mrs. Wick receiving a sprain in the back. The injury to the rolling stock was not heavy. The step to the express car was smashed, and the corner of the car broken in, a hole was made in the boxcar, and the corner of the tender was splintered up some. The yardmaster, Kelly, whose duty it was to have changed the switch, has been laid off. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 May 1877, p. 1, c. 7)


25 May

Work to be Begun on the Glyn-

don Cut-Off Within Ten

or Twelve Days.


A reporter of the Tribune fell in with Superintendent Fisher, of the St. Paul & Pacific railroad yesterday, and learned from him that the surveyors at work on the Glyndon cut-off are locating the line as rapidly as possible, with a view to immediate construction. He says the Dutch bondholders have responded favorably to the recommendation to build the road; that General Manager Farley is on his way home from New York with the necessary orders and authority, and that in ten days from this date dust will be flying, and continue to fly until a connection is formed between the St. P. & P. and the Northern Pacific between Breckenridge and Glyndon. It seems now that all apprehension may be dismissed regarding the completion of this branch, and that Minneapolis will speedily boast of two straight cuts to the Northern Pacific—one via Brainerd and the other via Breckenridge and Glyndon.—[Minneapolis Tribune, 26th. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 June 1877, p. 1, c. 5)


26 May

GEN’l. STARK, of the Northern Pacific, has written to Gen’l. Rosser, stating that a number of gentlemen interested in the immediate construction of what is known as the Brainerd Branch, will shortly hold a meeting in Minneapolis to arrange for the early commencement of work upon that line.—[Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 May 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: 14 December 1871

SEE: 29 February 1872

SEE: 20 July 1872

SEE: 25 October 1872

SEE: 26 October 1872

SEE: 14 February 1873

SEE: 01 March 1873

SEE: 18 March 1873

SEE: 02 August 1873

SEE: 23 August 1873

SEE: 25 October 1873

SEE: 15 April 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 28 October 1876

SEE: 06 January 1877

SEE: 17 March 1877

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 30 April 1877

SEE: 05 May 1877

SEE: 12 May 1877

SEE: 17 May 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 21 July 1877

SEE: 11 August 1877

SEE: 29 August 1877

SEE: 15 September 1877

SEE: 25 October 1877

SEE: 08 November 1877

SEE: 22 December 1877

SEE: 26 February 1878

SEE: 15 June 1878

SEE: 06 July 1878

SEE: 17 August 1878

SEE: 24 August 1878

SEE: 23 January 1879

SEE: 25 January 1879

SEE: 11 March 1879

SEE: 15 March 1879

SEE: 05 April 1879

SEE: 12 April 1879

SEE: 24 May 1879

SEE: 06 December 1879

SEE: 13 December 1879

SEE: 27 December 1879


WE are informed by Mr. H. A. Towne, Supt. of the Northern Pacific Railroad, that, owing to the unavoidable difficulties attending travel to the Black Hills via Fort Pierre, that route has been entirely abandoned, and the company has withdrawn its tickets from the market, so that now the Bismarck route has virtually no opposition. The Cheyenne or Sidney route is still open, ‘tis true, but no man knowing anything about that route will ever go that way. The Bismarck or “Custer Route” is now the shortest cheapest, quickest and most direct route to the Hills from the east or south. The total time by this route from Chicago to Deadwood is three days and one-half; and when the Brainerd Branch is completed, the trip will be made in less than three days. The time from Bismarck to the Hills now is twenty-four hours. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 May 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


28 May

The Brainerd Branch.


A crew of men commenced work on the Brainerd Branch on Tuesday morning in order to comply with the law requiring operations to be commenced before June 1st. The stockholders of the road are to meet in Minneapolis on Wednesday and elect a new president and board of directors, after which operation will be commenced in earnest and the road completed as soon as men and means can do it. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 June 1877, p. 1, c. 5)


29 May

THE top of one of the large chimneys on the Headquarters Hotel blew off during the heavy gale of wind on Tuesday, rattling the bricks down the chimney and roof like a shower of rocks and alarming the inmates with the impression that the judgment day had come, the house was on fire, the roof was falling in or something. Hon. Wm. Bickel was in bed taking an afternoon nap in a room adjoining the chimney when the accident happened, and was awakened so suddenly by the thundering noise that he was only restrained from rushing into the street anatomus nudubus by discovering a number of ladies in the hall as he opened his room door. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 June 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


31 May

G. G. SANBORN, Gen’l. Business Agent of the N. P., came up from St. Paul on Thursday to look after railroad matters. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 June 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


02 June

Ten car loads of Silver passed east over the Northern Pacific this week from Montana. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 June 1877, p. 1 c. 3)


The N. P. to be Extended to the

Yellowstone by St. Paul

Enterprise.


Dispatch:

Now that St. Paul enterprise has provided from Bismarck the best stage and freight line into the Black hills, a telegraph line into the Hills country from Bismarck is the next needed, and after that an effort should be made next to extend the Northern Pacific Railway westward to the Yellowstone. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 June 1877, p. 1, c. 5)


05 June

ENGINE 69 was off the track on the Boom Lake branch on Tuesday, but was pulled on by 19 and taken to the shops for repairs. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 June 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


06 June

Brainerd Branch.


The following officers and Board of Directors were elected by the “Brainerd Branch” (Western) railroad stockholders at their meeting at St. Paul on Wednesday: President, Geo. L. Becker; Vice President, S. W. Kittson; Secretary and Treasurer, R. M. Newport; Executive Committee, Geo. L. Becker, L. E Reed, George Stark, S. E. Neiler, Alexander Ramsey, and C. A. Pillsbury. Directors: C. B. Wright, Philadelphia, George L. Becker, St. Paul, Frederick Billings, Woodstock, Vt. Alex. Ramsey, N. W. Kittson, St. Paul, George Stark, New York, S. E. Neiler, C. A. Pillsbury, Minneapolis, F. R. Delano, St. Paul, C. A. Gilman, St. Cloud, and W. W. McNair, Minneapolis.

The contract for completing the road has been let to R. R. Landon, of Minneapolis, and Gen’l. Rosser, the engineer, has telegraphed to Roadmaster McDonald to take the men in employ of the Northern Pacific (at work simply to comply with the law) off, and the contractor Landon, has telegraphed D. McNannay, of this place, to have his teams ready on Tuesday morning to go to work. The work will commence in earnest on Tuesday at both ends of the line, and the road will be completed as soon as possible. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 June 1877, p. 1, c. 4)


NEWPORT:

SEE: 17 August 1872

SEE: 26 April 1873

SEE: 12 December 1874

SEE: 19 December 1874

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 29 January 1876

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 03 June 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 09 June 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 07 February 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 17 March 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 30 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 11 February 1882

SEE: 18 February 1882

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


ROSSER:

SEE: 14 December 1871

SEE: 29 February 1872

SEE: 20 July 1872

SEE: 25 October 1872

SEE: 26 October 1872

SEE: 14 February 1873

SEE: 01 March 1873

SEE: 18 March 1873

SEE: 02 August 1873

SEE: 23 August 1873

SEE: 25 October 1873

SEE: 15 April 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 28 October 1876

SEE: 06 January 1877

SEE: 17 March 1877

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 30 April 1877

SEE: 05 May 1877

SEE: 12 May 1877

SEE: 17 May 1877

SEE: 26 May 1877

SEE: 21 July 1877

SEE: 11 August 1877

SEE: 29 August 1877

SEE: 15 September 1877

SEE: 25 October 1877

SEE: 08 November 1877

SEE: 22 December 1877

SEE: 26 February 1878

SEE: 15 June 1878

SEE: 06 July 1878

SEE: 17 August 1878

SEE: 24 August 1878

SEE: 23 January 1879

SEE: 25 January 1879

SEE: 11 March 1879

SEE: 15 March 1879

SEE: 05 April 1879

SEE: 12 April 1879

SEE: 24 May 1879

SEE: 06 December 1879

SEE: 13 December 1879

SEE: 27 December 1879


09 June

THE Northern Pacific Company have just completed thirty-one miles of road on the west end to the coal beds in Pays [sic] Lap [sic] [Puyallup] Valley, and is now about to build the “Brainerd Branch,” 62 1/2 miles, without borrowing one dollar. The road owes no man a dollar it cannot pay. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 June 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


THE Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad has changed owners and name. It is now called the “St. Paul and Duluth Railway.” A very agreeable change. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 June 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


SIXTY car loads of Montana silver are en route for the east via the Northern Pacific. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 June 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


Name Changed.


We have this week, in due form and with proper ceremony, re-christened the Western Railroad Company, giving it a name that everybody will readily understand and recognize, to wit: The “BRAINERD BRANCH RAILROAD” Company, and as such it will hereafter be recognized and designated by us. We, the citizens of Brainerd and along the line of the “BRAINERD BRANCH,” have waited too long, and suffered disappointment upon disappointment too severe and heart-rending, now as we are upon the very threshold of the consummation of our fondest hopes, upon the very eve of that oft-sought answer to our many prayers and supplications bathed in tears of sorrow and long-suffering, at the very opening of that rich harvest the seed for which we have sown in deep humiliation and grief, at the very dawn of that grand and glorious victory for which we have “fought, bled and died”—to be deprived of the very pith of our unbounded joys, that name we have stood by, sworn by and bet on, lo these many years, that name of all names the sweetest on earth and among men to those who have grown gray in waiting for the “BRAINERD BRANCH.” (Brainerd Tribune, 09 June 1877, p. 1, c. 4)


J. F. STARK, of Nashua, N. H., son of Vice President Stark, of the Northern Pacific Railroad, is in town. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 June 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


HEADQUARTERS HOTEL is receiving some repairs. An outside door and another window now being put in the ladies’ sitting room.(Brainerd Tribune, 09 June 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


SUPT. H. A. TOWNE and Col. R. M. Newport have been in St. Paul this week attending the meeting of the stockholders of the “Brainerd Branch” railroad Company. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 June 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 17 August 1872

SEE: 26 April 1873

SEE: 12 December 1874

SEE: 19 December 1874

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 29 January 1876

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 03 June 1876

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 07 February 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 17 March 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 30 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 11 February 1882

SEE: 18 February 1882

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


O. C. GREEN, Sup’t. of Telegraph for the Northwest, has been in this city the past week superintending chances and improvements in the telegraph rooms at this place preparatory to the opening of the “Brainerd Branch” road and the addition of its business to this office. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 June 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


EXCURSION TICKETS.—Mr. Fernald, N. P. agent at this place, informs up that he has excursion tickets now from Brainerd to Withington [Deerwood] and return, at $1.00 for the round trip. The notice of the company in making this rate will be highly appreciated by the lovers of a day’s sport now and then on the beautiful Serpent Lake. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 June 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


14 June

A PARTY passed through here by special train on Thursday, bound west, consisting of Chas. B. Wright, President of the Northern Pacific, Hon. O. D. Conger, Member of Congress from Michigan, Hon. Martin Maginnis, Delegate in Congress from Montana, Hon. J. H. Stewart, Member of Congress from Minnesota, J. H. Humphreys, of St. Paul, Chas. B. Wright, Jr., of Philadelphia, G. G. Sanborn, business agent, H. A. Towne, Superintendent, Col. R. M. Newport, Auditor, and J. B. Power, Land Agent, of the Northern Pacific. They will return here this evening or during the night when President Wright will stop over with us for a few days. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 June 1877, p. 1, c. 5)


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


NEWPORT:

SEE: 17 August 1872

SEE: 26 April 1873

SEE: 12 December 1874

SEE: 19 December 1874

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 29 January 1876

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 03 June 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 09 June 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 07 February 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 17 March 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 30 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 11 February 1882

SEE: 18 February 1882

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


16 June

A NEW side track has been laid on the south side of the railroad yard at this place, giving much needed extra room. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 June 1877, p. 1, c. 5)


20 June

BRAINERD.

_____


BRO. GROHEGAN, editor of the Perham Independent, visited Brainerd last week, and here is what he had to say when he returned home:

Business calling us down the line we, in company with a friend, Mr. J. B. Kemper, of this place, took the noon train for Brainerd on Wednesday of last week, and, after a pleasant ride of a few hours stepped off on the broad platform that extends from the Headquarters Hotel to the main track in the “City of the Pines.” As we stepped off we were welcomed to Brainerd by W. W. Hartley, the able editor of the Brainerd Tribune, and Mr. White, the agent of the L. S. & P. S. Co., and we were further made welcome to Headquarters Hotel by the courteous greeting of Mr. E. W. Weed, the very efficient and gentlemanly proprietor of this splendid hostelry, which both for style and comfort ranks as No. 1 on the line of the N. P. R. R.


HEADQUARTERS.

On Thursday morning, guided by Mr. Hartley, we went over to the office building known as Headquarters. Its outward appearance is very attractive to the eye, the style of architecture being a mixture of the Gothic and Oriental. Over the main entrance a square and symmetrically proportioned tower surmounted by a battlement affords relief to the front of the building, and owing to its numerous oriel windows is in itself an object of beauty. Internally the building agrees with its fine exterior, and, while there is a total absence of ostentatious display, every office is neat, comfortable, and well ventilated. We proceeded to the superintendent Mr. Towne’s office, and there we found this gentleman and the master mechanic Mr. Lewis, to both of whom we were introduced by Mr. Hartley. We found Mr. Towne a courteous officer, ready to impart any information in his possession, and if we were to judge of his familiarity with the minutiae of the business over which he has control by his direct replies to our several questions, there is not a single transaction that takes place in the routine of business that he is not cognizant of. After a very pleasant interview with Mr. Towne we started to visit


THE WORK SHOPS.

The shops of the company are situated some half mile from headquarters, and consist of the round house, the machine shop, the car and carpenter shop, and the blacksmith, foundry and paint shops. Going into the machine shop we again met Mr. Lewis, the master mechanic, and under his guidance we visited all the others. This gentleman pointed with laudable pride to the huge turning lathe that had the capacity of turning two drive wheels at once. It is a magnificent piece of machinery, and cost some $5,000; he then pointed out the powerful hydraulic press that is used to press the wheels on and off the axles, it is capable of exerting a power of 120 tons. He then pointed out every machine in the building and described their uses and excellencies with a thorough mechanic’s pride and terseness of language. We noticed one great virtue in this building, which we afterwards noticed in all, and that was—every man was in his place, and everything where it belonged—no dust, no dirt, no muss or useless debris disfigured the looks of the room; the men looked happy and contented, and by the kindly way in which Mr. Lewis spoke to his employees, and the way in which he was answered, it was plain to be seen that while they respected him as a man they acknowledged his worth and thoroughness as a mechanic.


THE CARPENTER SHOP.

Here we found some emigrant cars being built, and also the first iron car for the new branch to St. Paul. From this we passed into the


BLACKSMITH SHOP,

And there we saw the trip-hammer weighing 600 pounds, and capable of hitting a blow just sufficient to bend a piece of tin, or a crushing one that would burst the dies all to pieces. The next building visited was the


FOUNDRY.

Here we found moulds and castings of everything needed on the road but car and engine wheels. We next entered the cleaning room, where boilers are relieved of their incrustations. And here we also saw the puncher and shears. Looking at them work, we felt an almost irresistible desire to put our toes under the shears and our fingers under the punch bit; but in respect for our feelings, we abstained from so doing. From this shop we went into the Store-Room, and there got an idea of what it takes to run a railroad. Every imaginable article needed was there to be found, and after looking at them we went into Mr. Lewis’ office, where, in a cabinet, we saw specimens of boiler incrustations that were from one-half to one inch in thickness. Mr. Lewis also tested some chemical he had by pouring water into a test tube and dropping a few drops of his chemical into it, when lo! the water that looked so clean the moment before began rapidly to deposit a precipitate of lime at the bottom of the glass. Our amateur chemist said that this precipitate caused them more trouble, in the form of incrustations on boiler flues and tubes, than any other one thing. If Mr. Lewis will correspond with Mr. Wm. Collins, of this place, he will receive some information of value on this point. The latter gentleman has run an engine, to our knowledge, for some three months back, and by a simple process has kept its boiler clear and clean, and that by the use of a chemical cheap and harmless to the iron.


THE PAINT SHOP.

In this place we saw some cars being painted, and some colors being mixed, in a style that proved to us that the N. P. had first-class workmen at first-class work.

Leaving the shops, and thanking Mr. Lewis, we returned to town by the way of Bly’s lumber mills, where we saw logs converted into boards with surprising rapidity.

Arriving at the Headquarters Hotel, we were ready for the excellent supper set before us; and, bidding our friends good by, took the 8:15 train for home, well satisfied with our visit to Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 June 1877, p. 1, c.’s 2 & 3)


23 June

ROADMASTER McNaughton, of the St. Paul & Pacific railroad, brother of John McNaughton, of this city, was in town several days this week gathering up and shipping to St. Paul the remainder of the bolts, fish plates and other material on the Brainerd Branch belonging to his company, and gave the TRIBUNE office a call. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 June 1877, p. 1, c. 4)


Fourth of July Excursions.


We are requested by Mr. Towne, Sup’t., to say that the N. P. railroad company will sell excursion tickets to and from any station on their line at half-fare rates on July 4th. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 June 1877, p. 1, c. 4)


Headquarters Hotel Ad, 17 March 1877.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

A NEW ticket office is being fitted up in the Headquarters Hotel. A nice thing. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 June 1877, p. 1, c. 4)


28 June

Railroad News.


Work on the Brainerd Branch is now being pushed forward vigorously. Col. C. A. DeGraff arrived in town on Thursday, and gave the sub-contract for finishing up the grading to Larson & Co. This firm is the same who did what grading was done a few years ago. A number of men and a lot of tools arrived on Friday, and all preliminaries for setting them at work were completed on Saturday. A shanty was put up on section 4, a short distance above town, for boarding and lodging the men, and yesterday crews commenced making the dirt fly at several points between here and Watab. Besides the men hired about town, a large number will come up from below, mostly Scandinavians, and before this week is gone, over one hundred will be on the line.—[Sauk Rapids Sentinel. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 June 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


02 July

The interior of a Pullman Palace Car, ca. 1890’s.
Source: Chicago Historical Society

A PARTY from the east, consisting of Mrs. and Governor J. Gregory Smith, of St. Albans, ex-Governor of the Green Mountain State, and ex-President of the Northern Pacific Railroad, Miss Julia Smith, their daughter, E. C. Smith, their son; Thos. H. Canfield, of Burlington, ex-President of the Lake Superior & Puget Sound Co.; F. S. Stranahan and wife, and J. P. Clark, all of Vermont, and Rev. Dr. Hawley, of Connecticut, arrived in town on Monday evening on board a Central Vermont Palace car. They spent Tuesday in Brainerd, some of the party being engaged most of the day in the land office of the company, investing in and looking up lands. The Governor and Mr. Canfield favored the TRIBUNE office with a very pleasant call in the afternoon, giving us an opportunity to form an opinion of the choice in the days gone by of old Vermont for her chief executive. We found him to be a very pleasant and social gentleman in the truest sense. Like Mr. Canfield, he takes a lively interest in the welfare of every institution on the line of the N. P. Road, in which they each own large interests. He appeared particularly solicitous in the progress of our town and its paper, thought Brainerd had improved very much since his last visit in 1872, that the Brainerd Branch was our only missing link, and that supplied, we would have nothing to fear as a town and ordered the TRIBUNE sent to his address, saying he wished to keep posted in our local matters. His good wife, Mrs. Smith, by the way, is a daughter of Lawrence Brainerd, the gentleman (since deceased) from whom our town derived its name.

They left the ladies here in care of mine host Weed, and took the evening train for Lake Park, thence they proceeded by carriage to Fergus Falls on business connected with large landed interests of the Governor and others of the party in that vicinity, and it is whispered that their visit is not without import to the proposed Fergus Falls & Wadena Railroad. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 July 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


07 July

GEN’L. SHERMAN and son passed west this evening en route to the Big Horn and Montana forts on a tour of inspection. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 July 1877, p. 1, c. 2)


08 July

WE regret that we are unable, for want of time and room, to refer more at length this week to the princely offer made by Gov. J. Gregory Smith and family to the Congregational society of this town; and to the excellent services held at the church of that society on Sunday last, particularly the evening social service, which was a season [sic] of great interest, but which sickness prevented our attending. The substance of the offer, however, is as follows: The Governor agrees to donate $200 towards putting pews in the church, and $100 per year for five years towards the support of a minister in it. His wife agrees to give $50, and Mrs. Stranahan, her sister, a like amount each year for five years towards a minister’s support. This with the princely gift from the Governor to this society a number of years ago of its present beautiful church edifice and the lots it occupies, and from his good lady of the beautiful organ that adorns it, certainly claims for each and all of these generous, good people the hearty thanks and prayers of not only the members of this fortunate society but of the whole town. The reason for the interest taken by these parties in this matter is the fact that our town received its name from Lawrence Brainerd, father of the Governor’s lady and her sister, Mrs. Stranahan, and they certainly have a deep interest in our little town that bears evidence in its fruits—in return for which we can only say, “Thank you, and God bless you and yours.” (Brainerd Tribune, 14 July 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


10 July

Minnesota Northern Railroad—Its Organization and Prospects.


The stockholders of the Minnesota Northern Railroad Co. met in Fergus Falls on Tuesday of this week and elected the following officers for the ensuing year:

President—Geo. B. Wright.

Vice President—R. L. Frazee.

Treasurer—Jas. Compton.

Secretary—W. C. Bacon.

Board of Directors—J. A. Bowman, Geo. B. Wright, R. L. Frazee, Jas. Compton, W. C. Bacon.

Chief Engineer—J. B. Clough.

The company is meeting decided encouragement in the matter of obtaining the funds necessary to build the whole road and at once, and hope to get considerable grading done this fall, and to get out all the ties, piling, and timber for bridges and buildings next winter.

A great deal of hard work has to be done, however, and the officers are busy with the preliminaries. The engineer force is crowding the surveys and estimates, to have them completed as early as possible. It is expected that accurate plans and estimates will have to be made and a general release of right of way procured before the arrangements for obtaining the money to go on with the work can be perfected. The company hopes to get this all done within 60 days, so that work can be commenced by September 10th, and 15 or 20 miles of grading done this fall. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 July 1877, p. 1, c. 4)


14 July

THE iron for the Brainerd Branch has been purchased, and will reach here about August first, and track laying will commence. The grading is completed. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 July 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


NEGOTIATIONS are in progress for the purchase, by the Northern Pacific company, of the branch line of the St. Paul & Pacific road from St. Paul to Sauk Rapids. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 July 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


A TERRIBLE wind, thunder, lightning and rain storm passed over our town on Saturday evening last, tossing trees, wrecking buildings, and raising old Ned generally. A pine tree was lodged on the roof of a house on Sixth Street belonging to Rev. J. Squire, making an ugly hole in it; the coach house of the railroad company, a large building about 150 feet long and three tracks wide, was totally destroyed, and the streets were blockaded in every direction by fallen trees. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 July 1877, p. 1, c. 5)


21 July

GEN’L. ROSSER & B. B. Eaton, of the Brainerd Branch, arrived in town this week. The General reports the iron on the way here for the road, and that track laying will begin by the first of next month. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 July 1877, p. 1, c. 4)


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THE grade through several of the cuts between Bismarck and Fargo, on the line of the Northern Pacific, has been raised, thus rendering snow fences unnecessary, and saving vast sums of money in the operation of the road in the winter.—[Bismarck Tribune. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 July 1877, p. 1, c. 4)


28 July

THE BRAINERD BRANCH.

_____


DeGraff & Co., contractors of the Brainerd Branch railroad, sub-let the contract on Monday last to Filteau & Co., of Minneapolis, to furnish materials for and build all bridges, culverts, trestles, cattle guards and other structures required on that road, including two Howe truss bridges, one 150 feet long the other 110 feet. The grading is all completed, and the men are being transferred to this end of the line to commence laying the track as soon as the iron arrives. An engine and crew commenced here this morning distributing ties and making other preparations for track laying. Considerable uneasiness however is felt over the progress of the iron which was purchased at Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and would have to pass through Pittsburgh en route. It has not yet been ascertained that it was shipped or passed Pittsburgh before the strike, and if it has not it cannot do so until the disturbance is over. The St. Paul & Pacific iron held in litigation at Duluth is advertised to be sold on the 7th of August, however, and unless advices from the Johnstown iron are obtained in the meantime it is probable that this will be bid in by the company or DeGraff & Co. and track laying commenced at once.

LATER.—Advices have been received that one thousand tons, about one-fourth of the iron, has been shipped and is now on the way to Duluth via Cleveland and the lakes. Whether it is this side of the strike or not is not known. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 July 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


Green Eyed.


The following item from the Duluth Herald is about as puerile an exhibition of childish jealousy and selfishness, to say nothing of its falsehood and insult, as is ever witnessed in an ill-bred youth of half a dozen summers, and is certainly without precedent in a public journal:

WE learn that J. Gregory Smith, ex-President of the Northern Pacific railroad, agrees to donate to the Congregational Society at Brainerd $200 towards putting pews in the church, and $100 per year for five years to aid in sustaining the minster. His wife, and her sister, each contribute $50 a year for five years for the same purpose. We are glad of the donation for Rev. C. A. Conant, the pastor’s sake; but Mr. Smith should contribute to all the churches along the line of the N. P road to appease in a measure for his extravagant and willful waste of expenditures, and the gouges on the company who built the road, and sacrificed it by their squandering. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 July 1877, p. 1, c. 4)


THE RIOT.


On our second page this week will be found a detailed account, up to the hour of going to press with that side of our sheet, of the riot which has grown out of the railroad strike in the Eastern States. It has, since our last issue, attained a very serious national importance, and extends from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

The situation in Chicago at present writing is extremely critical. The mob has turned out in full force, and the roughs are gathering from all directions to that city, and number now about 20,000 violent, frenzied men bent upon mischief. Numerous engagements have been fought on the streets of that city between the mob and the police and military during Thursday and yesterday, resulting in killed and wounded variously reported at from one to three hundred.

Gen’l. Sheridan has returned from the frontier, passing through here at an early hour this morning by special train making all possible speed for the scene of action.

The excitement in other places has apparently abated, pending the result in Chicago, excepting in a few minor instances, and in San Francisco. Men everywhere having grievances of whatever nature to avenge, appear to be taking advantage of the unsettled state of affairs under cover of the strike, to wreak their vengeance, and so in San Francisco the Celestials receive the attention of the mob. Chinese houses are attacked by them, and the following notices are circulated freely on the streets:

“Pro Bono Publico! The attention of the Thousand and One will be drawn to any and all premises where Chinese are employed or allowed.

Property owners, insurance companies and employers may make a note of this while there is time, and before the avengers of oppressed labor thunder at your doors.

THOUSAND AND ONE.”

What may be the final result of the whole affair is hard to divine at present; business all over the country, however, is temporarily suspended. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 July 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


The Total Weakness of the Strikers.


New York Times.

So far as heard from, in every case of insubordination, the issue is merely a question of wages. If they are not paid at this rate, they will not only quit work, but will prevent others from taking their places on any terms. This is the tyranny of trade-unionism. There is something about it which is so antagonistic to the proverbial Anglo-Saxon love of fair play that most fair-minded men refuse at once all sympathy with the movement.

_____


The Average Public Sentiment.


Chicago Inter-Ocean.

The sympathy of the people was possibly with the strikers in their protest against the reduction of wages and the public was disposed to place the best possible interpretation on their action in stopping trains and compelling the acquiescence of other employees in their schemes. It was disposed to be lenient, and was not inclined to say the strikers were wholly in the wrong. At the same time the people could not, and did not, countenance unlawful measures. As soon as any body of men defy the law and make the great interests of the public subordinate to their selfish ends and aims, they stand forth as outlaws, and lose sympathy. Judgment, instincts of common safety, and regard for the principles of good government, takes the place of sympathy, and demands the suppression of the mob spirit. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 July 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


THE RAILROAD STRIKERS.

_____


The Cause Cannot Now Be Considered.


New York World.

We will take it for granted that the strikers have just cause for complaint, though while they are violating the laws this cannot be considered. We do not pretend to say that in the beginning all the wrong was on the part of the strikers; we will not even say that their strike was not entirely justifiable. But nothing justified their misconduct, their lawlessness, their violence, their attempts to prevent other men from accepting the wages they reject and filling the places they have abandoned. Whatever, therefore, may have been the right of the strikers we urge, in the interest of all honest and law-respecting workingmen, that violence shall be crushed out with a stern hand. There should be no parleying with men who defy the laws. Wherever a company can hire men to run its trains those trains must be run at once, if to accomplish this requires the whole force of the State. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 July 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


THE grading of the Brainerd Branch is completed and the iron has been purchased and will arrive the first of August, when track laying will be in order, and in a few more weeks the Brainerd Branch will be a certainty, and those good people from St. Cloud to Brainerd who have been watching and praying for the consummation of this enterprise will soon be seated in a nice coach journeying over the Brainerd Branch and singing this good old song:

“This is the way we long have sought,

And mourned because we found it not.”

(Brainerd Tribune, 28 July 1877, p. 1, c. 7)


04 August

PROCEEDINGS OF THE PARK IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION.


At a meeting of the citizens of Brainerd interested in the improvement of the Public Park Therein, held at the office of C. B. Sleeper, August 4th, 1877, James B. Power was called to the chair and C. B. Sleeper selected as secretary.

On motion of H. A. Towne a committee of three was authorized to be appointed by the chairman to set as an executive committee in soliciting subscriptions for the improvement of the Public Park, and superintend the lay out of walks, procuring shade trees, erecting turn-stiles and other improvements and adornments.

The chairman appointed as such committee R. W. Weed, H. A. Towne, and N. McFadden. N. McFadden was then elected treasurer.

On motion, the said committee was requested to confer with the Railroad Company and the Lake Superior and Puget Sound Company, and if possible secure the dedication of parts of blocks adjacent to the railroad track between the present Park and Broadway for an extension of the public park—to be improved by the citizens of Brainerd.

On motion of H. A. Towne, the citizens of Brainerd and all others interested in the improvement of the city, are invited to call upon the treasurer and subscribe and pay in such amount as they may feel able toward such improvement of the Park. And the said executive committee are requested to solicit subscriptions for such purpose.

E. W. Weed, Esq., was duly appointed chairman of the executive committee.

On motion, meeting adjourned.

August 4th, 1877.

JAMES B. POWER,

Chairman.

C. B. SLEEPER,

Secretary.

(Brainerd Tribune, 11 August 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


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11 August

MISCHIEF BREWING TO THE BRAINERD BRANCH.


A notice prohibiting trespassers on the lands gained from the St. Paul & Pacific railroad for the Brainerd Branch, which was called the Western Railroad Company, 07 July 1877.
Source: Brainerd Tribune

Mother Grundy, with her thousand tongues and tales of woe and obstruction, has had her mouth effectually closed of late by the persistent, unceasing and rapid progress of the work of construction on the Brainerd Branch and its close proximity to completion, inasmuch that the old lady was fast fading from memory dear, and in great danger of actually perishing from gaunt starvation. But she has found a gallant knight to the rescue in the form of J. P. Farley, manager for the odoriferous bondholders of the St. Paul & Pacific railroad company, who has furnished her food sufficient, at one sitting, in the morsel given below, to last her for several weeks to come—probably until the last spike is driven on the Branch, which we predict will be ere long, and at the same time will be the last nail in the dear old lady’s coffin, who, Othello-like, will have lost her occupation, and a tolerable solid clincher upon the last resting place of the obstinate obstructionists who for years past, temporarily controlling the fate of our road, have acted the “dog in the manger” policy until the people of the State have become entirely disgusted with them and their every proceeding.

From the recent action of Manager Farley, given below, it appears, though they have not made any particular demonstration for sometime past, that the evil one and his angels cannot conceive anything so mulish that this festering rotten incubus upon our State’s fair prospects will not even yet attempt to carry into effect, and they will persist in their untoward conduct until as a result they will be kicked out of the State, bag and baggage, and taught what they have yet to learn, that they do not carry the whole State of Minnesota in their vest pockets.

The proceeding upon the part of the bondholders referred to above is in the following “Notice of trespass” served upon the Branch company this week, and the evident animus attendant thereupon, as shown by the very extraordinary detention on a locked side-track, on Thursday last, of the N. P. engine and business car carrying Gen’l. Rosser and Col. DeGraff, of the Brainerd Branch, out over the St. Vincent extension on a tour of inspection directed by the Governor of the State. The following is the

TRESPASS NOTICE.

“To the Western Railroad Company, their officers, agents, contractors and employees:

“You are hereby notified that the undersigned is the Receiver of the St. Paul & Pacific railroad company, duly appointed as such by the Circuit Court of the United States for the district of Minnesota, in the suit of John S. Kennedy and others against the St. Paul & Pacific railroad company and others, and as such is entitled to the possession and control of all the property of said company, including the line of said road from Watab to Brainerd and the grading thereon, together with the iron ties, piling, bridge timbers and materials and other railroad property upon and adjacent to said line.

“You are further notified that the undersigned as such receiver objects to your entering into or upon the possession of said line and property, or continuing in such possession or interfering with the same or any part thereof in any way or manner whatever, and that all acts heretofore done or hereafter to be done by you on the premises are against his objection and protest, that you have no right to interfere with his possession or control of said line or property, or to acquire any interest therein by any thing you may do or place thereon.

J. P. FARLEY,

Receiver St. Paul & Pacific R. R. Co.

ST. PAUL, August 4, 1877.

(Brainerd Tribune, 11 August 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


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A DISTINGUISHED party, consisting of B. P. Cheney and wife, of Boston, Mass., Wm. G. Fargo and wife, and Miss Fargo, of Buffalo, New York, and Thos. H. Canfield, of Burlington, Vt., paid homage to the goddess Ceres on the Northern Pacific this week.

Mr. Cheney is a director of the road; Mr. Fargo is a member of the Wells, Fargo Express Co., and a stockholder of the N. P., and from him Fargo, D. T., took its name, while Mr. Canfield needs no introduction to our readers.

The party, accompanied by Mr. Towne, Superintendent, went as far west as Fargo, returned here last evening, and proceeded east this morning both greatly surprised and well pleased with what they had seen of the Northern Pacific country, and using the universal expression of the thousands who have preceded them. “The half has never been told me.” (Brainerd Tribune, 11 August 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


18 August

THE Moorhead Advocate, of this week, endeavors to excuse the extraordinary conduct of the officers of the St. Paul & Pacific railroad in their recent futile manifestation of a petty animosity towards the management of the Brainerd Branch, referred to by the TRIBUNE of last week, and charges the TRIBUNE with being greatly exercised and furious about the matter. In this the Advocate is simply mistaken. We do not consider the subject one worth getting furious about. We do believe, however, in representing this and similar institutions in their true light and calling things by their true names, that is all. Nor do we understand that our neighbor the Advocate will ever reap any large amount of glory from its championship of the cause either of the Dutch bondholders or their agents, Manager Farley and Supt. Fisher, who feel their importance because supported by the Supreme Court of the United States, and while we are upon this subject we may as well add, as think it, that if Judge Dillon, by whose sufferance or connivance these men maintain their positions, and through them all the Farleys and Fishers in the country, with all their relatives, entirely regardless of the rights or convenience of the public, he may find it necessary ere long to call another convention of the legal talent of Dubuque and vicinity to give him another coat of whitewash a la Page. That old one must be getting exceedingly shabby by this time. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 August 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


THE senseless rumor, prevalent here for the past few days, that no fixtures—fish-plates, bolts and spikes—had been purchased for laying the iron on the Brainerd Branch, has proved untrue. They were not purchased at Johnstown with the iron, but ordered of Dilworth & Co., of Pittsburgh, Pa., and are now on the lakes en route for Duluth, and will reach that port in a few days. We received this information from Col. R. M. Newport, who is secretary and treasurer of the Brainerd Branch Company, and may be relied upon. We have seen the bills of lading. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 August 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


GEORGE FOLLETT, Esq., the well known agent at 23 Fifth Avenue, New York, for the Lake Superior & Puget Sound Company, arrived in town today on a visit to the beautiful Northern Pacific country, and will proceed west on Monday as far as Bismarck in company with Mr. L. P. White, and family, agent for the same company at this place. Mr. Follett was last here some five years ago and expresses himself as highly pleased with the improvements during his absence. The Northern Pacific scheme has in that short space of time grown from a somewhat precarious adventure and uncertain speculation to a grand and successful enterprise, and the country it traverses from a howling, uninhabited wilderness to a rich, thickly settled farming country groaning under the most magnificent crops the world has seen. With Brainerd, notwithstanding her ups and downs and repeated losses from fires and other causes all of which he has observed through the columns of the TRIBUNE, he expressed himself particularly well pleased. To the BRAINERD TRIBUNE he referred in the highest terms as a “very spicy sheet,” and said, “its arrival is looked for by all in his office every week with greater interest than that of any other paper he receives, and that all work is suspended, no matter what is going on, until it is perused.” It is quite unnecessary for us to remark in this connection that such testimonials as this are extremely gratifying to us, and we feel renewed courage and energy to push forward, for nothing can be more gratifying to an editor than the interest of his readers. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 August 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


THE Brainerd Branch will be completed by September 15th. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 August 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


23 August

The Brainerd Branch.


Track laying commenced on the Brainerd Branch on Thursday morning, and will probably be completed in thirty days, when the people of Brainerd will sing “Glory Hallelujah” as though they meant it; when the doubtful Thomases will be seen and heard on our streets no more; when we can go to St. Paul or Minneapolis and return in a day instead of two, as at present; when the capital of the State will be brought a hundred miles nearer to Brainerd, its certain future ultimatum; when the present favorite Northern Pacific route to the Black Hills, Montana, Yellowstone, Manitoba and the Great Northwest will be made one hundred miles shorter than ever before; when the editor of the BRAINERD TRIBUNE will be the proud possessor of a new pair of $14 boots made contingent upon the completion of the road, and when the “Brainerd Branch,” long sought, oft-dreamed “Brainerd Branch” will cease to be a proverb and commence its era of usefulness and reality. Ah, the “Brainerd Branch,” how sweet the name, the good old “Brainerd Bra-a-a-a-a---- (Brainerd Tribune, 25 August 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


GEN’L. C. W. MEAD, of Omaha, formerly General Manager of the Northern Pacific Railroad, accompanied by his brother, Henry W. Mead, of Quincy, Ill., his son, Chas. H. Mead, and Mr. Starring, of Chicago, arrived in town on Thursday evening, on a pleasure trip, and viewing the changes in his old stamping ground, the Northern Pacific country. On yesterday morning the party, excepting General Mead, under the care and guidance of E. W. Weed, of the Headquarters Hotel, drove out in carriages to Gull Lake on a fishing excursion, returning in the evening. On their return they took the evening train for Bismarck, accompanied by the two Boss hotel proprietors on the N. P., Col. Bly of the “Sheridan,” Bismarck, and Weed, of the Headquarters, Brainerd, and will return next week. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 August 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


29 August

TRACK-LAYING ON THE BRAINERD BRANCH.

_____


A New and Important Invention Tested.

_____


On Wednesday last we were kindly invited by Col. DeGraff, contractor building the Brainerd Branch railroad, to join himself and party in a trip to the end of the track to witness the test to be applied that afternoon to a new track-laying machine, invented by D. S. Moore, of Chicago, Ill., and brought here by the present proprietors of the patent, Mr. Moore and Edgar A. Nash, of Minneapolis, Minn., for this, its maiden effort. Accordingly, at 2 o’clock p. m., in company with Col. DeGraff, Gen’l. T. L. Rosser, engineer in charge, B. B. Eaton, Col. DeGraff’s assistant; Messrs. Moore & Nash, proprietors of the track-layer, W. H. Lewis Master Mechanic of the N. P. shops, Thos. H. Canfield, of Burlington, Vt., Major A. B. Brackett, of St. Paul, and a number of N. P. officials and citizens of Brainerd, we were “all aboard for the front” and our first ride over the Brainerd Branch. In less than an hour we were at the “rail’s end” with the patent apparatus and ready to witness a stroke in railroad construction as new to those present of many years’ experience as it was to ourself. While the proprietors are busy here putting their machine in order and preparing for operations, we will note a few of the surroundings.

The end of the track is at present about two miles below the residence of our friend D. McArthur, and about 12 miles from Brainerd. In the distance to the right, across the prairie, the church spire and roofs of several buildings in the village of Crow Wing rise to view; to the northwest is to be seen the buildings, and stacks of grain, some twenty in number, of D. McNannay, who has recently opened a very prosperous farm on what is known as the Crow Wing prairie. Opposite, on the other side of the track, and, in fact, on every hand, we find excellent farming lands that have been lying thousands of years awaiting the construction of the Brainerd Branch for development, and ere many years now we may confidently expect to see that section thickly settled by thriving farmers.

Our note book closed to these and our pencil is drawn by the magnetism of the machine before us now in successful operation under the animated and anxious eyes of its inventor and proprietors, the keen scrutiny of the practical Gen’l. Rosser, Col. DeGraff, Canfield and others, and the curious gaze of the many other witnesses there assembled.

Gen’l. Rosser very soon exclaimed that the principle was a good one, and the apparatus properly constructed would be very valuable, though his quick practical eye readily suggested improvements. Col. DeGraff expressed himself equally well satisfied, and referred particularly to the value of such a machine in swampy or bad lands. Mr. Canfield and Mr. Lewis also agreed that the principle was all right with a good machine. Mr. Stearns, the tracklayer in charge of the road, said he had seen the day he would give a thousand dollars for the machine just as it stood. In fact its success is no longer a matter of doubt, and the proprietors may consider their fortune established.

It consists mainly in a succession of rollers set in suitable frames attached to the cars on either side, running the length of seven cars on one side and three on the other and gradually descending to the front. Upon these the ties on one side and the iron on the other are easily rolled to the front where they are needed. Its capacity is four car loads of ties and two of iron, this being the proportion in which the material is used, and by double-loading the cars will carry material sufficient to lay a mile of track.

Its object is to obviate the use of teams in distributing the ties, it dispenses with the horse truck used for taking the iron forward, saves handling the iron over twice—from the construction train to the ground and back to the horse truck—and does away with about half the usual force of men. By the old method the grade is of necessity considerably cut up by the teams distributing ties, requiring considerable labor in re-surfacing, which is saved by this, and in many instances through swamps, hills or brush where it is difficult or impossible to take a team this will be found quite indispensable. Very simple in its construction and operation, it is quite easily managed even by inexperienced hands, and not easy to get out of repair, and foretells in no uncertain sound a great revolution in railroad construction.

This machine it is necessary here to state was not constructed or intended for practical use at all, but is a cheap affair constructed temporarily for this experiment to test the principle, and is, in fact, the first and only model Mr. Moore has had of his important invention. The rollers, which are of wood are of iron in the specifications in the patent; the journals are intended to be boxed instead of running in simple holes bored in the wooden rails; the ropes used for guys will be replaced with cables, and many other changes will be made that only practical experience could suggest. Yet with this very imperfect machine and a crew of less than a dozen men wholly unaccustomed to its use, with no time at all to adjust it or regulate its bearings, and many other serious disadvantages to contend with, they succeeded in laying on an average at the rate of one length, two rails, in six minutes, which in itself would be quite a saving in expense over the old method, though of course not quite as rapid; and even this could be improved upon very materially with a little practice. It is claimed, however, by Messrs. Moore and Nash, and we think quite within bounds, that with a perfect machine and a crew of not to exceed thirty men accustomed to its use, and in sympathy with it and working for them, a length can be laid in two minutes with ease the day through, making nearly two miles per day. Railroad men accustomed to track-laying will understand what this means.

The object of these parties in coming here was not to lay the track on the Branch, their apparatus was not calculated for that, but they came to get DeGraff & Co.’s endorsement of their track-layer, if found worthy, and it is sufficient evidence of its value to say that they leave with letters not only from DeGraff & Co., but also from Gen’l. Rosser and Master Mechanic Lewis, speaking in the highest terms of its success. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 September 1877, p. 1, c.’s 4 & 5)


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01 September

BETTER THAN THE MINES.


Oliver Dalrymple and associates are now harvesting nine thousand acres of wheat in Northern Dakota on the line of the Northern Pacific Railroad. The crop will average more than twenty bushels to the acre, and will yield a profit of about $90,000 over and above all expenses, including the cost of the land. At the present value of railroad bonds, the land on which this crop was raised cost sixty cents an acre. The breaking cost two dollars and fifty cents an acre. The crop was produced, harvested and sent to market at an expense of not to exceed six dollars an acre more. The return from this crop will be not less than twenty dollars an acre, giving the profit of $90,000 above mentioned.

But this is not all. The land on which this crop was raised is now worth twenty-five to thirty dollars an acre, and this gain can be fairly placed to the credit of the enterprise. Last year the crop was injured by grasshoppers, but after two years’ operations, Dalrymple and associates, among whom are Messrs. Cass, Cheney and other prominent men of the N. P., find their clear gain over $250,000. Now there are other lands on the line of the North Pacific just as good as those occupied by these gentlemen, and other opportunities even more inviting than they took advantage of three years ago, and well directed efforts are as certain to bring success in other cases.

This is the most prominent of the farming enterprises on the line of the North Pacific, but there are other enterprises where the same results have been reached, though on a smaller scale. Thos. H. Canfield, however, will realize this season a profit of not less than twenty-five thousand dollars on his farming operations at Lake Park.—[Bismarck Tribune. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 September 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


JOS. DILWORTH, one of the N. P. Directors, Chas. J. Clarke, Jas. H. Sweet, Frank Semple and George W. Dilworth, all of Pittsburgh, are in town stopping at the Headquarters. We are informed by Mr. Jos. Dilworth that it is the intention of the party to locate a large tract of land on the N. P. in Dakota and open a large wheat farm, even larger than the noted Dalrymple farm, and that they have set aside five million dollars for the purpose. Hurrah for Dakota and wheat. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 September 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


THE NORTHERN PACIFIC.

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Its Completion a National Necessity, Even at the Nation’s

Expense—The Country and Crops on Its Line—Advantages Offered

Settlers—Large Farms and Fortunes Already Made—Comparisons with California, Arizona, Wyoming, Utah, Etc.

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We take the following extracts from a communication to the Philadelphia Inquirer, dated at Glyndon, Minn., Sept. 1st. They will be found very interesting and bearing evidence of the fact that the writer understands whereof he speaks:

“The present season has very fully exhibited the character of the country traversed by the Northern Pacific. Perhaps a happier people cannot be found than the plucky settlers who, in the face of much croaking, came to this Northwestern country two, three and four years ago, and made their rude homes on the unturned prairie. The crops they have raised this year, coupled with the fair prices realized, have solved the problem, if one ever existed, as to the productiveness of what may be called the Northern Pacific belt in Minnesota and Dakota.

This single crop has placed in easy circumstances nearly every farmer who was fortunate enough to have in a considerable acreage of wheat. From all points the reports are the same—an enormous yield of the best quality of grain; crops other than wheat are equally good—oats, rye, potatoes, etc. Hundred of farmers who had taken up government homesteads adjacent to the railroad, or purchased lands from the company, find themselves this year realizing a net profit of $6 to $10 per acre on every acre devoted to wheat.

This section will soon rival California in the matter of great wheat farms.”

Speaking of the Dalrymple farms, he says:

“It is the intention, I learn, of the owners of the two above-named farms to break additional sod-land at the rate of 5,000 acres per year until the entire 51,000 acres shall be in grain. The two farms will then yield over a million bushels annually. While dealing with statistics I may as well add that Mr. Dalrymple’s crop alone will this year require five hundred box cars or thirty-three extra trains of fifteen cars each to carry it over the Northern Pacific to the lake.”

Speaking generally, he adds:

“I have said that the settlers here are not only content, but happy over present results and prospects. Grasshoppers have not made their appearance the present season, and I am satisfied that they will not seriously trouble this region. This is not within the grasshopper belt. There is abundant room and a hearty welcome among us for tens of thousands of honest and industrious settlers who are willing to work hard, live frugally and throw beer and whiskey to the dogs. Any other sort may as well remain where they are, for, with laziness and drink, pauperism awaits them wherever they go. There are railroad lands of good quality still to be had in exchange for the company’s preferred stock; there are government lands of equally good quality, but somewhat further from the road, to be had as free homesteads—and the climate is one of the healthiest on the globe.

In a somewhat extended trip of observation during the past year from Northern Montana along our western frontier down to Northern Arizona, through the richly cultivated valleys of the Mormons in Wyoming and Utah and the large grain fields and orange groves of Southern California, I have not seen any country that, all things considered, offers as great inducements to the farmer of very small means, who desires to obtain a 160-acre farm from Uncle Sam, or to the man possessing moderate capital, as Northern Minnesota or Eastern Dakota adjacent to the Northern Pacific railway.

While I have not one dollar’s interest in the Northern Pacific, and never expect to have, I believe the country will at no distant day discover that the crippling of that enterprise, resulting in the delaying its completion, was a most serious misfortune to the whole nation. The bloody, costly, and, thus far, scarcely successful Indian wars which the government has been compelled to wage for three successive seasons along the very belt of country traversed by the surveyed route of the road in question, ought to be enough to convince the most hide-bound critic that a railway completed through the northern belt of Territories; even if done at the nation’s expense, would be the best possible investment in the interest both of economy and of humanity. The locomotive is a cheaper and more effective civilizer and peacemaker than infantry, cavalry and artillery, as witness the complete safety and order prevailing throughout a belt six hundred miles wide along he Union and Central Pacific roads. With a railroad through Montana and Northern Idaho troops can be removed to and from that region; without such a railroad the people and the property in that valuable section of country cannot be protected, except by an increase of troops beyond the present strength of our army. Chief Joseph and Sitting Bull have done what nobler men had failed to do—they have rendered it absolutely certain that a Northern Pacific railroad is a necessity. N.” (Brainerd Tribune, 15 September 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


RATHER a serious accident occurred on the Brainerd Branch on Wednesday evening last, ditching a dozen cars and quite seriously injuring Mr. Stearns, the tracklayer. It appears the construction train composed of a number of flats, and the caboose with the engine located about the middle, was running into town from the end of the track, and had just crossed the bridge over the little creek about a mile below town, when a cow took a notion to cross the track ahead of the train and jumped on the grade just in advance of the foremost car, throwing twelve cars from the track, as stated above. Mr. Stearns and a number of other gentlemen were standing on the forward end of the forward car at the time the accident occurred, and how either of them escaped death is a mystery more fortunate than circumstance. Mr. Stearns jumped from the car when he saw the fate of the train, while the others remained on board, and he was the only one who suffered any injury beyond a few insignificant scratches. His injuries are fortunately, however, nothing more than rather severe contusions of the right leg, arm and shoulder, no bones being broken, and only kept him in bed two days. No blame can be attached to anyone in this matter but the cow, and it would be quite difficult to find a piece of her large enough to attach anything to. We have not learned the name of her owner. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 September 1877, p. 1, c.’s 6 & 7)


06 September

J. MARBLE, wife, daughter and child, and Mrs. C. C. Houghton and child, of Massachusetts, arrived in town on Thursday evening for another chicken hunt on the Northern Pacific. Mr. Marble has passed the autumn months for the past two years in this way with us, chartering a car, going, coming and stopping when and where he pleases, and is so well pleased with it that he proposes to follow it up. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 September 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: 20 October 1877

SEE: 10 August 1878

SEE: 14 November 1878


08 September

THE laying of the iron on the Brainerd Branch is going on rapidly—at the rate of a mile or more a day, from Brainerd southward to Sauk Rapids. When the work is done we ought to get up a little excursion to the City of Pines, and get acquainted with it.—[Sherburne Co. Star. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 September 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


15 September

WE hear that the N. P. Railroad company are gradually moving their business offices from Brainerd to St. Paul. If the object of that road is to have its headquarters as far from the line of their road as possible, why don’t they remove them to Chicago or St. Louis at once?—[Duluth Tribune.

They have not removed any of their offices yet, and we do not believe they will. The interests of the road forbid. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 September 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


IT is the intention of the company next season to build that section of the Northern Pacific between the Big Horn and Bozeman, Montana, and put on a through line of steamers between Bismarck and Big Horn, making direct communications from St. Paul to Bozeman under control of the Northern Pacific management. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 September 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


THE net profits to the Northern Pacific for 1877, it is estimated, will crowd a million dollars pretty closely. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 September 1877, p. 1, c. 4)


TRACK-LAYING on the Brainerd Branch is progressing finely. The end of the track reached Belle Prairie last evening, and will be in Little Falls on Monday evening, with good luck. Mr. Stearns, the superintendent for Col. DeGraff of the construction, is gaining more slowly than he expected to do, and, though able to walk about some, is not yet able to take charge of the work, and Col. DeGraff is at the front in person pushing on the work. Gen’l. Rosser, the engineer in charge, says the road will be completed by October 10th, which, at the present rate of progress, is a very liberal estimate. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 September 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


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THE Northern Pacific railroad lands in Crow Wing county are going like hot cakes. Since the last issue of the TRIBUNE, five or more sections have been sold, and the purchasers all propose to improve them at once and have crops in next spring. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 September 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


20 September

A LADY passenger on board Conductor Brinkerhoff’s train bound west on Thursday evening last became a mother between Motley and Aldrich, and left the train at Hawley, where she resides. The car was crowded, but there was only three other ladies on the train, and one of them a single lady, but everything was done for the poor woman that the circumstances and conveniences would permit. The youngster was wrapped in a shawl and made music for the passengers the balance of the journey. A traveling salesman on board had some tea samples with him, and a cup of tea was made for the mother, and constituted the only refreshment to be had on the train. She refused the offer of a berth in the sleeping car and sat up the whole distance—nearly 100 miles—without any food or other refreshment than the tea, left the train unaided and walked to the depot where a bed was fixed for her until her husband, who lived about three miles distant, was sent for and took her, and his heir, home. At last accounts both mother and child were doing well. We have not learned the lady’s name or the sex of the youngster who started out thus early in railroading, but the boys do say that “Brink” has won lasting honors as a proficient nurse and midwife. He desires us to say, however, that this being the second case of this kind he has had, he will charge a fee for such services hereafter. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 September 1877, p. 1, c. 5)


SEE: 05 October 1878

SEE: 30 August 1879

SEE: 27 July 1880

SEE: 11 February 1882


22 September

A FLASHING light that indicates the speed and distance of a train, and shows whether it is at rest or in motion, has been introduced as a rear light on freight trains. It is formed of two lights—one red and one white—and designed to be placed one on each side of the rear (caboose) car, so that they may be seen in both directions on the line. A simple device for hiding the lights at intervals is affixed to each lamp so that it may be made to “flash” or alternately appear and disappear, and by suitable gearing this is connected with one of the axles of the car. While the car is at rest the lights are steadily visible; when the train moves the lights flash once for each revolution of the wheels, and thus its movements and actual speed can be easily estimated as far as the lights can be seen. Another advantage results from the fact that the white light is visible at a greater distance than the red. The engineer of a following train may from this keep within the limits of safe distance by keeping the flashing white light fully visible, and the flashing red light dim or quite obscure, and by coming to a stop the moment the flashing runs slow or stops, and the lights become fixed or steadily visible. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 September 1877, p. 1, c. 3)


THAT IRON.

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DeGraff & Co. Win—A History of the Muddle.

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A decision was filed by Dillon, J., in the case of Jesse P. Farley, receiver of the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad company, plaintiff, vs. Charles A. DeGraff and William Cook et al, defendants.

This case involved the title to 4,580 tons of iron rails, bought in 1872 in England, and imported for use in the construction of the extension lines of the St. Paul & Pacific railroad running from St. Cloud to St. Vincent, and from Watab to Brainerd. When the sale of bonds in Holland ceased in the summer of 1872, and funds were therefore wanting to proceed with the construction of the lines, it was determined by the parties having charge of the construction to complete as much of the work as possible prior to the 3d of March, 1873, as on that day the time limited by the land grant acts of congress for the construction of the said lines would expire, and all the land grant pertaining to the unbuilt portion of the road would revert to the United States. Accordingly W. G. Moorhead, contractor with the first division St. Paul & Pacific Railroad company, for the construction of the lines, sold to parties in New York about 18,000 tons of rails, and used the proceeds in paying duties and other expenses connected with the work of construction. The contractors in charge, DeGraff & Co., kept on until Oct 1, 1872, when all work on the extension lines was suspended. At this time DeGraff & Co. claimed that there was due them on account of work, and material furnished by them in the construction of the said lines upwards of $700,000, and in part payment of that sum in the fall of 1872, Moorhead transferred to DeGraff & Co. 2,700 other tons of rails. All the iron not sold by Moorhead in New York, nor to DeGraff & Co., was used in ironing the roads, except about 800 tons.

A large portion of the iron sold by Moorhead in New York, was afterwards transferred to Jay Cooke, McCulloch & Co., of London, who were the owners of it, at the time of the bankruptcy of Jay Cooke & Co. At that time Jay Cooke, McCulloch & Co. were indebted to the United Sates in the sum of $1,000,000 in gold, and to secure the government against loss, a large amount of personal property, including the iron sold by Moorhead, was pledged by Jay Cooke, McCulloch & Co. to the United States. A small portion of the iron thus pledged, about 1,060 [sic] tons, ever since importation has remained with the duties unpaid, in the United States custom house at Duluth. The 800 tons above referred to as not having been used in the construction of the roads, nor transferred by Moorhead, have also remained in the same place.

In the summer of 1875 J. P. Farley, receiver of the St. Paul & Pacific railroad company, and of all property, etc., appertaining to said roads, set up the claim that the iron, purchased as stated, for the construction of the extension lines, was covered by the mortgage executed by the St. Paul & Pacific R. R. company to secure the payment of the bonds issued for the purpose of raising funds to build the extension lines, and accordingly he brought suit against DeGraff & Co., and against the parties claiming the iron which remained at Duluth to recover the same as receiver. This suit was originally commenced in the district court of Ramsey county, but was afterwards removed to the United States circuit court. On the 8th inst. it was argued before Judge Dillon and submitted. The decision filed adjudges the title of DeGraff & Co. to the 2,700 tons of iron sold to them to be perfect, and also adjudges the title to the 1,065 [sic] tons transferred to the United States, as before stated, to be perfect in the United States, or its assigns, and deciding that the receiver was entitled to recover the 800 tons, or thereabouts, which had not been transferred or used in the construction of the roads, but was still at Duluth. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 September 1877, p. 1, c. 5)


SUP’T. H. A. TOWNE received this week from the manufacturers—the Wooton Desk Co., of Indianapolis, Ind.—a new desk, a recent patent, that is a perfect beauty and without exception the most complete and convenient desk we have ever seen. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 September 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


26 September

SUMMARY OF THE GENERAL NEWS.

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Annual Report of the Northern Pacific Railroad.


The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Northern Pacific railroad was held in New York on the 26th. The report for the past year up to September, 1877, showed the gross earnings of the year to be $965,823; expenses, $573,124, leaving a balance of $392,699—an increase of nearly 25 per cent over last year. The report urges that congress be petitioned to pass a bill extending the time for the completion of the road to the Pacific, and sets forth the advantages to accrue to the country by its construction. A resolution was adopted stating that it was the judgment of the stockholders that the construction of the road westward from the Missouri river should be forthwith commenced and eastward from the Columbia river on the Lake Pend Oreille division as soon as compatible with the best interests of the stockholders, with a view to completing the road to the Pacific. A resolution was also passed requiring the purchasing committee of bondholders to fix a day within which all bonds outstanding must be surrendered for conversion into preferred stock as provided for in the plan of reorganization adopted two years ago, all persons not surrendering to be debarred from the privilege of conversion forever afterwards. About four million dollars worth of these bonds is still outstanding. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 September 1877, p. 2, c. 1)


29 September

WE should judge the whistle at the shops is run by a rutabaga turnip, from the way it “bobs” about. Can’t the company afford a time piece that will keep good time and be regular in the hours? Very many of our citizens “go by the whistle,” and almost any of them could guess at the time better if they tried. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 September 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


THE BRAINERD BRANCH.

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Twenty Years Ago—Little Reminiscences in Regard to

Railroading in Minnesota.

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A small party talking of our railroad prospects yesterday was joined by F. R. Delano, Esq., who has had something to do with railroads. Among other reminiscences, he mentioned the fact that twenty years ago the fifth of this month, he left St. Paul, on foot, and followed the engineer’s stakes through to Crow Wing, at which place he arrived on the twentieth of September, 1857. Col. Crooks, of this city, the engineer in charge of the survey and location, having done his work in July and August of that year. At that time the contract for building the road from St. Paul to St. Cloud had been let to Selah Chamberlain, and he had commenced work on the St. Paul end, and it was expected to let the work of building from St. Cloud to Crow Wing to be completed in 1858. This was not done, and twenty years have rolled away, and two at least of the men who were then engaged upon the line interested, and engaged in its construction—Crooks and Delano—are actively engaged in its completion with every prospect of seeing it done within the present month. Twenty years ago Delano was a director in the company which then undertook to build this road, and today he is a director in the company which is building it.

Twenty years ago, the third of March last, the land grant act passed congress to aid in the construction of this line. Twenty years have the people of St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, Watab, Little Falls and Crow Wing, waited for the iron horse to pass north through their towns. All have stood the waiting pretty well except Crow Wing; this town, the then proposed northern terminus for a short time of the road, and the most important point at that time in Northern Minnesota, has given up the ghost and nothing but the old church and two houses remain of its former glory, the survey stakes were moved a mile away to straighten the line, and now the locomotive goes screaming along to Brainerd to join the Northern Pacific road, a town, and road at that point unthought of twenty years ago.

The first work on this railroad from St. Paul to Crow Wing was the first railroad work done in the State of Minnesota. The first locomotives ever run in the State were run on this road.

Twenty years of railroading in Minnesota, what changes, and as we contemplate the completion of the Brainerd Branch we repeat the words of one of the party: “When the Branch is finished let all the old fellows who used to go to Indian payments up that way, and let all who have waited there twenty years, get ready for a hell of a time.—[Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 September 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


WORK on the Brainerd Branch has been somewhat delayed this week, owing to the non-arrival of splices and bolts. The end of the track is at this writing about ten miles below Little Falls. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 September 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


06 October

PREPARATIONS, we regret to relate, are at last being made to remove the auditor’s office of the Northern Pacific to St. Paul. Vague rumors of this proposed change have been afloat for some time past, but we have been both unable and unwilling to believe them until we now behold them taking tangible form. The reason given us by Col. Newport for the change is, that he could not obtain educational facilities for his children here such as he wished, and he disliked very much being separated from his family as he has been obliged to be of late. Hale’s block, on Jackson street, near Third, opposite the Merchant’s hotel, has been rented by the company, and is being fitted up for the purpose, and will be occupied in addition by G. G. Sanborn, gen’l. business agent, E. T. Williams, purchasing agent, James B. Power, land agent, and Geo. Gray, attorney. Those who leave here with Col. Newport are J. W. Edgerton, paymaster; and M. P. Martin, R. H. Morford, and C. Childs accountants. We regret exceedingly the loss of so many valuable citizens from our midst, but hope their absence may be only temporary, and that we shall ere long greet their welcome faces back again. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 October 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


NEWPORT:

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SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


POWER:

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SEE: 07 August 1875

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13 October

AN exchange says: “The Northern Pacific Railroad Company is doing an immense land office business. The land sales by this company for the month of August last were 76,678 acres; for which was received $339,717. The total sales of this company in Minnesota and Dakota amount to 1,025,460 acres, for $4,754,400.” (Brainerd Tribune, 13 October 1877, p. 4, c. 2)


15 October

A General Manager of the N. P. R. R. Appointed.


CHICAGO, Ill., Oct. 15.—H. E. Sargent, formerly general superintendent of the Michigan Central railroad, a gentleman of experience and ability, has been offered the position of general manager of the Northern Pacific railroad, and has gone to New York to accept and to arrange for pushing the road to an early completion. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 October 1877, p. 1, c. 5)


19 October

THE BRAINERD BRANCH.

_____


Probable Running Arrangements With the St. P. & P.

_____


Rumors were prevalent yesterday in St. Paul to the effect that the Northern Pacific Railroad company had failed to secure running arrangements with the St. Paul and Pacific railroad from Sauk Rapids to St. Paul—that, in other words, the St. Paul & Pacific had demanded such extravagant terms for the privilege as to, in fact, prohibit the trains of the Northern Pacific from running south of Sauk Rapids. This report was regarded by a Pioneer Press reporter of sufficient consequence to justify a public verification or contradiction, and, hence Mr. J. P. Farley, the general manager of the St. Paul & Pacific railroad, was interviewed, and that gentleman promptly contradicted the statement as without the shadow of foundation.

In the conversation with Mr. Farley which followed from that inquiry, the fact was elicited that the old trouble between the Northern Pacific and the St. Paul & Pacific has never been healed. In consequence of this, or from some other cause, the officers of the Northern Pacific have substantially ignored the existence of the St. Paul & Pacific, and although the Brainerd Branch is said to be nearly completed, no attempt has ever been made to secure running arrangements from Sauk Rapids to St. Paul. “Indeed,” said Mr. Farley, “with the exception of a casual remark made to me some time ago in the Metropolitan Hotel by Mr. Wright, president of the Northern Pacific, that the time would soon come when we must agree upon some plan for running our trains over your road, the subject has never been broached to me at all by anyone.”

In response to another inquiry, Mr. Farley said he was willing to make any fair and equitable arrangements, such as existed between the West Wisconsin and the Chicago & Northwestern roads, or any others that are just and honorable. “We are willing to give and take,” said Mr. Farley. “They want some accommodations at this end of the line; we want fair dealing at Glyndon, where our road intersects the Northern Pacific. When they are ready to run over the Brainerd Branch they will find us ready to accommodate them on equal terms. On the other hand, I shall not consent to be imposed upon, but shall insist upon the St. Paul & Pacific road receiving what it has not in the past, a fair equivalent for the privileges which it grants to the Northern Pacific.”

An explanation of the last remark brought out the fact that Mr. Farley, manager of the St. Paul & Pacific, granted free passes to Col. DeGraff and all his managers and superintendents of work on the Brainerd branch, and half rates for laborers or freight employed on or required in the construction of the Brainerd Branch, which no such favor was granted in return by the Northern Pacific. On the contrary, Mr. Farley says that while he did the fair thing, the Northern Pacific charged him full fare and full rates of freight for men and materials carried over that road for use on the Glyndon cut-off. Mr. Farley smilingly intimated that if the Northern Pacific people adopted that style of business as a basis of negotiations for running over the rails of the St. Paul & Pacific, there might be some disagreement!

But as before remarked, no overture have yet been made by the Northern Pacific for the privilege of running to St. Paul, and it will be time enough to criticize Mr. Farley and the trustees of the St. Paul & Pacific road when they fail to grant that privilege on fair and honorable terms.—[Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 October 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


20 October

The rail connection between Sauk Rapids and Brainerd is completed; on 22 October 1877 the ‘Spike’ is driven at Sauk Rapids; this gives a direct rail connection between St. Paul and Brainerd and makes stage-driving a thing of the past. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 12; and 100th Anniversary, Aurora Lodge, No. 100—A. F. & A. M., 1973; containing 75th Anniversary History, 1947, Carl Zapffe, p. 12)


NOTE: It would appear that Zapffe’s date of 22 October above is incorrect.


The last spike is driven at Sauk Rapids, connecting the Twin Cities and Brainerd by a direct line. Formerly, all traffic to southern Minnesota had to go by way of Duluth or N. P. Junction. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 20)


FIRST train from Brainerd to St. Paul passed over the Brainerd Branch today. Hurrah! (Brainerd Tribune, 20 October 1877, p. 1, c. 1)


Hunting in Palace Cars.


Jerome Marble and C. C. Houghton, of Worcester, Mass., and Chas. Messister [sic], of England, arrived last night in a special car or cars. They constitute a hunting party that left Brainerd on Sept. 10th and have been working this way, shooting ducks, geese, chickens and plover. They stopped at Crystal Springs for two weeks and had a rare good time around there. This is the third season these gentlemen have been out here. They hunt in style or rather under circumstances more convenient that the average hunter enjoys. They have chartered two cars. One of these is divided into kitchen, dining-room and drawing-room, with the usual Palace car berths in the same car. The other is devoted to the four hunting dogs, a supply store and game depot and sleeping room for one of the party. Accompanying the party are Mrs. Jerome Marble and two daughters, and Mrs. Houghton and daughter. They enjoy life on the track. The gentlemen expect a week’s hunt in this vicinity with officers of Fort Lincoln. The party didn’t stop at the Sheridan, but live in their cars built on wheels.—[Bismarck Tribune. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 October 1877, p. 1, c. 5)


SEE: 06 September 1877

SEE: 10 August 1878

SEE: 14 November 1878


The Brainerd Branch is completed, COMPLETED, COMPLETED. Do you hear? (Brainerd Tribune, 20 October 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


THE auditor’s office of the Northern Pacific takes its departure for St. Paul today. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 October 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


THE railroad headquarters office building is heated throughout now with hot air, the furnaces, pipes and registers having recently supplanted the stoves. The change is a pleasant one. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 October 1877, p. 1, c. 1)


23 October

WE noticed the arrival on Tuesday evening at Headquarters of the following N. P. R. R. officials: Gen’l. Geo. Stark, vice president, and L. R. Kidder, his private secretary, of New York; H. E. Sargent, general manager, of Chicago; G. G. Sanborn, general passenger and ticket agent, of St. Paul, and James B. Power, general agent of the land department, Brainerd, accompanied by F. R. Delano, Col., DeGraff, C. A. Gilman, and C. A. DeGraff, of the Brainerd Branch. They came up over the Brainerd Branch, and the N. P. officials proceeded west with the engineer corps the next day to commence operations on the construction of the Northern Pacific west of the Missouri river. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 October 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


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25 October

Extension of the N. P. Railroad.


Gen. Rosser, chief engineer of the Northern Pacific railway, and an engineering party, crossed the Missouri river on the morning of October 25 and are staking out five miles for the graders, who will be here in full force next week. The extension is the much talked of division to the Yellowstone, two hundred and five miles hence. A yard will be built, and this winter the material shipped to Bismarck for an early spring campaign along the whole division at once. The grading and track will be completed to the coal fields, thirty miles distant. The excitement over the extension is breaking out, and squatters on the land on the west side of the Missouri, where the road runs up the Heart river have begun to get out on the prairie, and are already putting up shanties and building imaginary cities. Everybody thinks it is business this time. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 November 1877, p. 2, c. 1)


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27 October

“IT IS FINISHED.”

_____


All Aboard for St. Paul.

_____


As briefly announced by the TRIBUNE last week, the last rail on the Brainerd Branch was laid on Saturday last at high noon. Since that time the work of surfacing, ballasting and side-tracking has progressed satisfactorily to all concerned, and it is now determined by the authorities to open the road to public traffic on Thursday next, November 1st. So mote it be.

It would ordinarily, perhaps, be quite natural to suppose that such an event would call forth an elaborate article from a paper located, as the TRIBUNE is in this instance, at a point so directly interested, but the fact is, we have written and said so much about this road in the past, and have waited so long for its completion, that we have quite exhausted the subject; and now that it is finally consummated we feel disinclined, if not, positively unable, to say more that would be new upon the subject, than that “It is finished.” In fact, we do not know that more can well be required. It is enough. We have waited for it long and patiently and now propose to be glad and enjoy it.

The question of running arrangements with the St. Paul & Pacific road, which has of late so greatly exercised and troubled Manager Farley, who could not understand why he was not approached by the Northern Pacific officials with terms of compromise of a difficulty that existed mainly in his fertile brain, has also very opportunely been disposed of in a somewhat summary and unexpected manner (to those not directly engaged in its consummation) by the purchase of the bondholders interests by parties friendly to the Northern Pacific, if not directly in the interest of that road. This, in connection with the fact that the Northern Pacific stockholders constitute a majority of the stockholders of the St. Paul & Pacific road, points to an earlier consummation of the great Northern Pacific scheme in its entirety (which is to one day own and control the St. Paul & Pacific system, making it a part of the Northern Pacific) than has been generally anticipated.

The running time under the new schedule to take effect on November 1st, will be as follows: Lightning express trains for Bismarck will leave St. Paul daily, except Sundays, at 7:50, and Sauk Rapids at 11:10 a. m., arrive at Brainerd for dinner at 1:10 p. m., leaving at 1:40; arrive at Fargo for supper at 6:40, and leave at 7:10 p. m., reaching Bismarck at 6:30 a.m. next day, making the time from St. Paul to Bismarck 22 hours and 40 minutes. Returning, they will leave Bismarck at 7 p. m., daily except Saturdays, arrive at Fargo for breakfast at 6, and leave at 6:30 a. m., arrive at Brainerd for dinner at 12:40, leave at 1:10, arrive at Sauk Rapids at 3:10, and St. Paul at 6:30 p.m. At Brainerd, close connections will be made each way with trains for Duluth and the St. Paul & Duluth road, at the N. P. Junction.

This is certainly the best arrangement for running time that could possibly be made, and will give entire satisfaction to all parties concerned. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 October 1877, p. 1, c. 4)


A Correction.


Since our last issue our attention has been called to a number of erroneous statements contained in an article quoted by us from the Pioneer Press, regarding the probabilities of running arrangements of the Northern Pacific with the St. Paul & Pacific. Prominent among these, and the only one meriting attention, is the statement accredited to Manager Farley, that he had “granted free passes to Col. DeGraff and all his managers and superintendents of work on the Brainerd Branch, and half rates for laborers or freight employed on or required in the construction of the Brainerd Branch, while no such favor was granted in return by the Northern Pacific; that on the contrary, while he did the fair thing the N. P. charged him full fare and full rates of freight for men and materials carried over that road for use on the Glyndon Cut-off.” This we have ascertained to be a flat out and out falsehood, whether Manager Farley is responsible for it or not, and if he is not responsible for it he has not contradicted it. The facts are that all officials of the St. Paul & Pacific have ever been courteously passed over the Northern Pacific when they chose to avail themselves of that favor, and that all men and materials both for use on the Glyndon Cut-off and the St. Vincent extension, carried over the Northern Pacific, were carried at half rates. The evidences of these facts lie in the passes and vouchers therefor in the auditor’s office of the Northern Pacific. It is farther the fact that Manager Farley was tendered half rates on the iron on the Cut-off by the N. P. from Duluth to Glyndon, but preferred shipping it via the St. Paul & Duluth road to St. Paul and thence by his own road to Breckenridge; and it is also a fact that he paid the St. Paul & Duluth road the same rate per car to St. Paul—$30—that the Northern Pacific asked for hauling it to Glyndon, and the had to haul it himself the additional distance of two hundred and seventeen miles to Breckenridge. His reasons for this are unknown to any but himself, unless it be that he preferred to pay more elsewhere than pay the Northern Pacific even half rates. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 October 1877, p. 1, c. 5)


THE NORTHERN PACIFIC.

_____


Something About the Newly Appointed

General Manager.


Chicago Tribune:

Homer E. Sargent, General Manager, Northern Pacific Railroad, 1877-1881, ca Unknown.
Source: Unknown

The position of general manager of the Northern Pacific railroad has been offered to Mr. H. E. Sargent, formerly general manager of the Michigan Central railroad, and that gentleman has gone East to accept the position. This is an excellent appointment, as Mr. Sargent is a railroad man of vast experience and of great energy, and his appointment shows that the directors of the road are determined to have a man at the helm whose standing and ability will satisfy the public that they really mean to push the road forward to completion at as early a day as possible. The annual meeting of the directors of this road was held in New York on the 26th of last month, when the change in the management was decided upon. At the meeting a report was submitted which strongly urges that congress be petitioned to pass a bill extending the time for the completion of the road to the Pacific, and shows the advantages to accrue to the country by its construction. A resolution was adopted that the construction of the road westward from Bismarck should be forthwith commenced, and eastward from the Columbia river as soon as practicable.

The extension of the Pacific division from Tacoma, Washington territory, to the Puyallup coal fields is nearly completed. The grading of the thirty-one miles is finished, about one-half the rails are laid and the remainder are being delivered. The line will be in operation in November. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 October 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


A CAR load of nitro-glycerine passed over the Northern Pacific this week for the Canadian Pacific. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 October 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


01 November

The first passenger train from St. Paul, by way of Sauk Rapids, arrives in Brainerd. The Conductor is W. P. Spalding. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Winchell, Neill, Williams and Bryant, Minnesota Historical Company, Minneapolis: 1881, p. 644)


AT a meeting of the directors of the Western (Brainerd Branch) railroad held in St. Paul Thursday, it was decided not to contest the claims of bona fide settlers on the lands of the company, but to permit them to purchase within the ten mile limit at $3, or outside at $2 per acre, on long time. Arrangements for leasing the road to the Northern Pacific were partially perfected. A proposition for giving St. Cloud closer connections was considered, also the telegraph and express affairs of the line. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 November 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


02 November

WESTERN RAILROAD CO. OF MINNESOTA,

LAND DEPARTMENT,

ST. PAUL, MINN., NOV. 2, 1877.


Dear Sir:

The attention of this office has been called to various suggestions made to settlers on lands within the limits of the land grant to the “Brainerd Branch,” relative to securing their titles, all of which involve the employment of attorneys and incurring other expenses that are entirely unnecessary.

This Company has no intention of treating settlers on its lands otherwise than in a fair and liberal manner, and the Board of Directors has authorized the Land Commissioner to give notice that all bona fide settlers upon odd sections within the limits of the grant whose settlement was made prior to March 1st, 1877, can secure their titles through this company upon the following terms:

For lands within the ten mile limit $2.50 per acre, cash.

For lands between the 10 and 20 mile limit, $1.25 per acre, cash.

Or, for the purpose of still further accommodating the settler, purchase can be made of the lands within the ten mile limit at $3.00 per acre, and between the 10 and 20 miles limit at $2 per acre on time, and at the low rate of seven per cent interest.

The acceptance of this offer will save the settlers all costs for witnesses, land office and attorney’s fees, and avoid all further trouble and delay in securing title.

All who are entitled to the benefits of this liberal proposition should notify this office at once, giving name in full, post-office address and description of land claimed.

Yours truly,

JAMES B. POWER,

Land Comm’r.

(Brainerd Tribune, 24 November 1877, p. 1, c. 5)


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03 November

THE Northern Pacific will lay a track across the Missouri river on the ice this winter for the purpose of transferring the supplies for the extension. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 November 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


WORK on the Northern Pacific west of the Missouri is rapidly progressing. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 November 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


The cost of operating the Northern Pacific the past year has been but sixty per cent of the gross earnings, leaving forty percent profit. This speaks volumes for the management. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 November 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


COL. DeGRAFF offers to bet ten thousand dollars that an engine with three passenger coaches can be run through from Sauk Rapids to Brainerd in one hour on the new track. The distance is just sixty miles and eleven hundred and thirty-three feet. This is conceded to be the best piece of new track ever laid in this State.—[Little Falls Transcript. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 November 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


Grading to Commence on the N. P. R. R.


At a late meeting of the directors of the Northern Pacific railroad, it was determined to commence the work of construction beyond the Missouri river without delay. Gen. Stark, vice president, has just returned from Bismarck, where he has made arrangements for immediate work this fall, and a corps of laborers will cross the river at once to commence grading. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 November 1877, p. 2, c. 2)


THE COMPLETION OF A GREAT WORK.—The Northern Pacific Railroad, which is the chief and only means of rendering accessible and developing the New Northwest, has been retarded in its construction by the same cause that has temporarily crippled so many other enterprises in the country. Its timely construction is more important, more vital to the welfare of the whole country, than any other possible event. The time fixed by congress for the building of the road has proved, under the extraordinary circumstances of the last four years, too short for the purpose. Without additional legislation, securing an extension of time, important chartered rights of the company will be forfeited. There should not be, and probably is not, a shadow of doubt that congress at the coming session will grant the further time needed. Last year the United States Senate passed an act giving eight additional years, and this measure would have become a law but for the confusion haste attending the closing days of the last congress.—[Superior Times. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 November 1877, p. 4, c. 2)


08 November

AN excursion over the Brainerd Branch on occasion of the official inspection of the road, pursuant to the law of last winter, took place on Thursday. The company left St. Paul in the morning reaching Brainerd for dinner, and included Gov. Pillsbury, Secretary of State Irgens, Ex-Senator Ramsey, Hon. Geo. L. Becker, Hon. Edmond Rice, J. C. Ramsey, S. Folsom, Hon. F. R. Delano, Capt. Castle of the Dispatch, L. E. Reed, Julius Engels, G. A. Hamilton, Hon. P. Pusey, Hon. T. M. Metcalf, Earl S. Goodrich, Col. DeGraff, Hon. Wm. Crooks, Greenleafe, Clarke and B. B. Eaton of St. Paul; L. Gorton, S. E. Neiler, S. R. Thayer and Gen. Rosser of Minneapolis; Ex-Lieut. Gov. Yale, Hon. C. F. Buck and Col. Cockerell of Winona, and Hon. C. A. Gilman of St. Cloud, accompanied by H. E. Sargent, Gen. Manager, and H. A. Towne, Sup’t. of the N. P. R. R. They report the roadway of the Branch solidly built and smoothly finished, ready for rapid and safe running. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 November 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


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10 November

THOS. DUNCAN, contractor and builder, who has the job on the Brainerd Branch of constructing the depot buildings, gave us a call. He expects the contract for putting up the buildings on the Northern Pacific west of the Missouri. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 November 1877, p. 3, c. 1)


17 November

J. W. EDGERTON, Paymaster of the N. P., visited Brainerd this week with his little pay car, disbursing happiness and affluence among the employees of the company in this vicinity. City life has not apparently affected Jim any, yet; he will recognize common folks just the same as ever. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 November 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


23 November

CHIEF JOSEPH, with over four hundred Nez Perces, including women and children, prisoners of Gen. Miles, passed through town yesterday en route for Fort Leavenworth, Kan. The tribe now numbers seventy braves, one hundred and seventy-eight women, and one hundred and sixty-five children. They were guarded by three officers and seventy-five men of the U. S. A., and Joseph was accompanied by a special interpreter, who showed him around while here and introduced him to the ladies, who turned out to see him more as though he had been some distinguished hero or personage of high rank than the greasy savage and leader of a band of cut-throats—a prisoner for murdering defenseless women and children—that he is. And those ladies, who took so much pains to shake his hand and those of his villainous followers, would entertain different opinions of him and them if they were once in his power and subjected to the insults and abuse his band so well understand how to administer. We are not heartless enough to wish anyone such a horrible fate, but we would like to shriek “bosh” in the ears of such senseless sentimentalists loud enough to frighten them out of about a year’s growth and bring them to their senses. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 November 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


24 November

IN answer to a letter of inquiry, J. A. Williamson, commissioner of the general land office, states that the lands inuring to the Northern Pacific railway under its grant continue in the possession of that corporation until a declaration of forfeiture, either by some judicial proceeding authorized by law, or by legislative assertion of ownership on the part of the government has been made, notwithstanding the company has failed to construct its road within the period prescribed by the statue. An extension of time will undoubtedly be granted by congress this winter. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 November 1877, p. 1, c. 4)


OUR MAILS.

_____


No little inconvenience is realized here at present in our mail facilities owing to the opening of the Brainerd Branch road in advance of mail service on that route. The old mail route from St. Paul via the St. Paul and Duluth road is too slow owing to the fact that no connections are now made at the Junction, and mail could not reach Brainerd by that route in less than two days from St. Paul. To obviate this as far as possible the railroad officials have arranged to carry the mail from Sauk Rapids, the terminus of the St. Paul & Pacific mail route, to Brainerd, in locked pouches. Upon its arrival here the agents on the Northern Pacific route have but twenty minutes, while the train waits here for dinner, in which to select the Brainerd mail from the tons of through matter and the consequence is a very large portion of our mail goes west to Fargo and returns the next day. Of course even this is a great improvement over the old route under the present running arrangements, but we fail to understand why the government cannot display a little ordinary business judgment and accommodate the people of this place and along the route of the Brainerd Branch road with mail service without so much delay and red tape. We hope the difficulty will soon be obviated. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 November 1877, p. 1, c. 5)


01 December

G. H. SHAVER, contractor, grading the N. P. west of the Missouri, has returned to Brainerd with his men and teams, where he intends to winter. He will resume operations in the spring. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 December 1877, p. 1, c. 1)


T. J. DELAMERE, train dispatcher of the Northern Pacific, who has been severely afflicted of late with erysipelas is, we are pleased to learn, improving, and will soon be attending to his duties once more. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 December 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


04 December

H. E. SARGENT, of St. Paul, general manager, and A. P. Farrar, of Jackson, Michigan, the new master mechanic of the Northern Pacific, arrived in town on Tuesday. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 December 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


08 December

Effects of the Brainerd Branch and the Glyndon Cut-Off.


The completion of the Brainerd Branch and the Glyndon Cut-off has caused a marked decrease in the traffic of the N. P. road east of those points. Formerly the N. P. road had all the freight and travel of Dakota, Manitoba and the Black Hills country from the Junction west; but now nearly all the business which comes from, or passes through St. Paul or Minneapolis, goes over the Brainerd Branch, or over the St. Paul & Pacific to Glyndon; and there are apparently well grounded rumors of a combination between the St. Paul & Duluth and the St. Paul & Pacific roads, to even eucher the N. P. road out of the freight brought up the lake and bound for Manitoba, by carrying it away down to St. Paul and then up to Glyndon on the St. Paul & Pacific road. We do not know that it makes any special difference to Duluth as to what road, or roads shall carry such Manitoba freight, or as to what road shall carry the freight from Chicago, St. Paul and Minneapolis, to the New Northwest, but it is evident that the N. P. road will soon have to “do something” in self defense.

Probably by another year, that road will get up on its ear, and see the urgent financial necessity of hurrying up a connection between Duluth and Ashland, so that it can have a chance at western-bound freight and travel before it shall have reached St. Paul. The completion of the latter connection would give the N. P. road, an eastern, winter outlet, which it seems to us is indispensable for its complete success. One year ago, there appeared to be a slim chance for the Brainerd Branch or the Glyndon cut-off, but now they are both accomplished facts. There are as yet no positive proofs that the road from here to Ashland will be completed within one year from this date, but such a thing is the more unlikely now, than it was a year ago that the Brainerd and Glyndon roads would now be completed and in running order.—[Duluth Tribune. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 December 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


THE N. P. company have now removed almost everything that they own to St. Paul that can be removed there. The N. P. track and the railroad lands will probably be allowed to remain where they are.—[Duluth Tribune. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 December 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


A CHANGE takes place this week in the management of the Northern Pacific machine shops that has shocked everyone who has heard of it, and will carry deep regret to the hearts of every employee of the company in that department. We refer to the removal of our genial friend, Master Mechanic W. H. Lewis, and the appointment in his stead of Mr. A. P. Farrar, of Jackson, Michigan.

Mr. Lewis came here four years ago without any acquaintances on the road, either in its management or otherwise, and assumed control of the mechanical department of the shops of the company, and held the position of master mechanic since solely and purely upon his merits as an efficient and thorough mechanic in every way adapted to the position, and the General Manager, Mr. Sargent, in causing his removal accords him the highest praise as a mechanic and officer in the position he has filled, but he is acquainted with Mr. Farrar, and is quite as confident of his ability, and of course prefers him to Mr. Lewis. Such is railroading the world over, and that is about all that can be said about it.

A change in the administration of a railroad or of state carries with it changes to a greater or less extent in the officials without any particular cause being given or required and to this and this alone, Mr. Lewis owes his removal. Mr. Sargent, we understand, has tendered him other positions on the road if he chooses to accept them and cheerfully offers to do anything he can in the way of recommending him elsewhere.

Mr. Farrar we have not met but understand him to be an excellent gentleman and mechanic, which of course he must need be to have received the appointment he has from Mr. Sargent. We hope Mr. Lewis may decide to remain with us in some other capacity on the road for we very much dislike to loose so valuable a citizen and friend. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 December 1877, p. 4, c. 1)


15 December

Our Mails.


Arrangements have been perfected this week with the post-office department at Washington, and the contract let to the Northern Pacific railroad company to carry the mails between Brainerd and Sauk Rapids, commencing on Monday next the 17th inst. After which we shall have regular and reliable mail facilities once more. Exactly why this was not done before does not yet appear. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 December 1877, p. 4, c. 2)


21 December

A FREIGHT train on the Brainerd Branch on Friday afternoon of last week had a very narrow escape from being wrecked near Watab, by two ties which had been placed on the track under one rail and over the other. They were not very firmly placed, however, and gave way when the locomotive struck them and were carried some distance, but did no damage. This is but one of a number of repeated efforts which have been made of late to wreck Northern Pacific trains, and commit murder and destruction. The motive or identity of the dastardly villain or villains engaged in these vile efforts neither the authorities nor anyone else have been able as yet to discover, though no pains have been spared to ferret out and bring the guilty parties to justice. We may add in this connection that any information leading to their detection or conviction will be handsomely rewarded by the company. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 December 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


22 December

The Northern Pacific Management.


The Philadelphia Commonwealth of a recent date ably and appropriately refers to the management of the Northern Pacific railroad, in terms that must be extremely gratifying to the officers of the road and reassuring in the extreme to its thousands of stockholders. It says:

Every man on the payroll was as aware of the money as he was of the arrival of payday. He knew there was no inside rings stealing the honest earnings of the line and making it necessary to refuse its wages in order to increase somebody else’s plunder. It owes nothing but some unimportant advances from the private pockets of its own stockholders, in this respect it is probably in the most remarkable condition of any road in America. No bonds! No debt! Nothing! No thieves!

Charles B. Wright, President, Northern Pacific from 1875 -1879, ca. Unknown.
Source: Unknown

Mr. Wright, the new president, went the right way in work. He stopped off every penny of unnecessary expense. He contracted the business of the company into a few apartments of the large building under house in New York, and rented the rest. He sold the luxurious furniture which could not be used, dismissed the French caterer, and taught gentleman to bring hash, wrapped in a little brown paper. The fine directors’ car, which had been used for magnificent official tours was disposed of to the highest bidder, and when he goes over the road he rides in a box-car, or takes a seat on a passenger line where he can get it, like anybody else. Although his duties involve a vigilant superintendence over nearly 600 miles of road in operation, and some in construction, he draws the modest salary of $4,000 per annum. The secretary and treasurer draw $1,000 each, and the chief engineer is supposed to shoot grouse for a living. This gentleman—the gallant General Rosser of Virginia—is entitled to an individual subsidy from the Federal Treasury, for he has done more stand-up Indian fighting on his own account, and done it better than any battalion in the army.

The result of all this shows that honesty in railway management is, as in everything else, the best of policy, paradoxical as the thing may seem to the splurging practices of roads past or hence. The Northern Pacific, which a few short months ago was considered a hopeless wreck, is a perpendicular and growing concern. The gross earnings of this year are $965,823.37, and the expenses $573,124.90, leaving a net balance of $392,698.47, being an increase of twenty-five per cent over the business of last year.

The Pacific Division has been extended thirty-one miles, from Tacoma on the sound to the Puyallup coal fields, and equipped and the routes opened, at a cost of a little more than $300,000. Of this sum $200,000 was appropriated from the net earnings, and the balance represents temporary loans from the officers, which, strange to say it is prepared to repay from the earnings of the next year. Still cutting the cost according to the cloth!

If Congress shall grant the road an extension of time, the Directors are prepared to put under contract the Missouri Division, from Bismarck, on the Missouri, to the mouth of Glendive’s Creek, on the Yellowstone in Montana, a distance of 205 miles. And here we may pause to observe that while Tom Scott asks the Government to loan its credit on the Texas Pacific to the amount of $15,000 per mile, Mr. Wright expresses no sort of doubt of his ability to build his road for $15,000 per mile. Why the enormous difference? Is it because the one proposes to build with the public means, and the other with his own money and that of his associate stockholders? At all events Mr. Wright asks for no subsidies, and judging from his annual report, from which we have taken these interesting facts and figures, he is quite satisfied of his ability to complete the Northern Pacific without further public aid, and save the investments of thousands of all classes who originally bought its lands, if Congress will only grant him reasonable time to do it in. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 December 1877, p. 1, c. 6)


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25 December

W. H. LEWIS, ex-master of the mechanical department of the Northern Pacific railroad, was treated by the employees of that department to an elaborate surprise on Christmas day, in the shape of a beautiful gold chronometer and chain at a cost of over $300. The watch is certainly the most complete we ever saw. The works are the very highest grade of the Howard movements, stem winding and gem setting, and the case most elegantly engraved—on the front case outside with a finely executed monogram, “W. H. L.,” and on the inside lid with the following inscription: “W. H. Lewis, Gen’l. M. M. Presented by the employees of the Mechanical Department N. P. R. R., as a token of their Friendship and Esteem, Christmas, 1877.”

The presentation was informally made, and no direct expression was received at the time, from Mr. Lewis of his appreciation of this valuable token of regards, but to say that he was pleased and fully appreciated [unreadable] express his sentiments regarding it. Its value is enhanced also by the fact that it could not have been induced by any sinister motives, but was only prompted by pure, true friendship and esteem, Mr. Lewis being out of the employ of the company and in no way connected with the parties who presented it.

The purchase was made of our popular jeweler, Mr. A. Lebon, and certainly excels anything of the kind ever before brought to the city. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 December 1877, p. 4, c. 2)


28 December

BENJ. ASKINS, of the N. P. blacksmith shop, met a severe accident yesterday morning that will lay him up for some time and maim him for life. He was engaged in welding a car drawhead, and undertook to change both his position and his hold upon the iron, which stood on end upon the anvil and, which he was holding for the strikers, and, glancing downward for a place to move his foot he unwittingly passed his right hand over the end of the bar and under the sledge as it came down, the hammer striking his forefinger, completely severing it just below the second joint. Doctor Rosser amputated the finger soon after and Ben will take a rest for awhile. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 December 1877, p. 4, c. 2)


1878

08 January

A MAN named Mike O’Brien met a very severe accident at this place on Tuesday, resulting in the loss of a large portion of his right hand. He was engaged in cutting wood with the N. P. steam wood saw when his hand was accidentally thrown against the saw, cutting entirely through the back of his hand, severing two fingers and nearly severing a third. His fellow workmen raised a purse for him that evening, and the next day he took the train for Minneapolis, where he has relations. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 January 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


19 January

WE are informed by Mr. A. P. Farrar master mechanic of the Northern Pacific, that the net earnings of the road for November are $40,000. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 January 1878, p. 1, c. 4)


EX-ROADMASTER D. McDONALD, of the N. P. was the happy recipient today of a token of the esteem of the employees of that department in the form of a beautiful gold watch and chain, at a cost of $250.00. The watch is quite similar to that presented on Christmas to Master Mechanic W. H. Lewis—a Howard movement, and beautifully engraved on the front, with the monogram “D.McD.,” and on the inside of the case with the inscription, “D. McDonald, Gen’l. R. M., Presented by Employees, Track Department, N. P. R. R.”

The goods were ordered of our jeweler, Mr. A. Lebon, and were the very best that could be obtained anywhere for the money. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 January 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


O. C. GREENE, sup’t. of telegraph on the Northern Pacific, has established a telegraph fire alarm in this city, extending from the machine shops to the pump house at the river. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 January 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


PREPARATIONS have been perfected, the preliminary surveys made, and work will open in the spring upon the construction of the road from Detroit [Lakes] on the N. P. R. to Pembina, and from the N. P. Junction to Ashland. Both roads will be completed this year. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 January 1878, p. 1, c. 4)


21 January

“HOLDING THE FORT.”—Our former townsman J. W. Jones, at present the sole occupant with his family of Fort Ripley, was in town on Monday evening. He has charge of the N. P. tank at Ripley station and his choice among the many fine buildings at the Fort for a residence, and has selected one of the officers quarters, a beautiful cottage in the heart of the city, and there “holds the fort” all alone, “Monarch of all he surveys.” He is in fact mayor, alderman, and chief of police of the city, and generalissimo of the post. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 January 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


23 January

E. J. DOWNS, of the N. P. Bridge corps, fell from the Crow Wing river bridge to the ice a distance of 16 feet, on Wednesday, severely bruising his hip and giving him a good shaking up generally. He is hobbling about town with a cane today feeling quite thankful that his was a less severe accident than that of his fellow workman, Paul Johnson, which occurred on the same day and at the same place. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 January 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


24 January

A MAN named Paul Johnson met an accident at Motley on Wednesday, which resulted on Thursday evening in his death. He was in the employ of the Railroad Company with the bridge corps rebuilding the Crow Wing river bridge and, standing on the ice beneath the trestle a piece of timber 22 feet long and 6 by 8 inches through fell a distance of 16 feet and struck him upon top of the head fracturing the skull. He was brought to this city and treated by Dr. Rosser and, singular to relate, was walking about town unaided at noon on Thursday but died at 6 o'clock in the evening. He leaves a wife and seven children in his native country—Sweden—who have been waiting patiently these many years, since he left them, for the welcome summons to join him in his new home. Quite sad, indeed, will be the change in the spirit of their dreams, instead of a summons to meet him in Minnesota they are called to join him in that great hereafter. His character has ever been that of an honest, faithful, sober, Christian man. He never indulged in drink, was ever quiet, unobtrusive and respected by all who knew him. He has been on the N. P. bridge corps for some time and, though necessity has frequently driven the crew to encroach upon the Sabbath, yet he never could be induced to join them. His evenings were always carefully husbanded, and all that he could spare promptly sent at every opportunity to his family, and at the time of his death he had on his person $115, which he intended sending when he reached Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 January 1878, p. 4, c. 2)


26 January

Big Land Suit.


The Northern Pacific railroad company has commenced suit against the St. Paul & Pacific company, to contest the rights of that company in the lands recently deeded it by Governor Pillsbury in consideration of the completion of its line, south from Glyndon to Crookston. The lands upon which the Northern Pacific claim a lien, are located in the counties of Wilkin, Otter Tail, Becker, Clay, Polk, Todd, Douglas, and probably others, and embrace about 500,000 acres. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 January 1878, p. 2, c. 2)


T. C. FERNALD, Northern Pacific freight and ticket agent at this place, has just received a complete supply of tickets to Chicago, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Washington, New York, Boston, Portland, Ottawa, Montreal, and in fact nearly every point East or South that can be named, and is selling them at through rates surprisingly low. This will be found a matter of convenience as well as a great saving to parties traveling east from this place. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 January 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


09 February

THE Northern Pacific railroad extension bill has been reported favorably by the committee and will undoubtedly pass. “All aboard for the Yellowstone” will be the next step. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 February 1878, p. 1, c. 4)


Two hundred and fifty soldiers, to reinforce Miles, passed through Brainerd Wednesday. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 February 1878, p. 3, c. 4)


IT was discovered this week by Master Mechanic A. P. Farrar, that some miscreant not having the fear of the law before his eyes had wantonly attempted to force an entrance into the Northern Pacific business car standing housed in the car house at the shops. A chisel or some iron instrument had been driven under one of the windows and again beneath the door, but without avail. The object of the villain was doubtless plunder. The furniture and fixtures have since been removed from that and the pay car. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 February 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


23 February

NORTHERN PACIFIC stock is now worth 20 cents on the dollar. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 February 1878, p. 1, c. 4)


26 February

GEN’L. ROSSER returned on Tuesday from Washington, and reports the prospects of the Northern Pacific extension of time bill bright and still brightening. He thinks the company will build one hundred miles of its own road and a narrow gauge to the Black Hills this year. He says Mr. Williams, the purchasing agent, is already contracting for ties for the work. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 March 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


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01 March

THE house committee on Pacific railways yesterday directed a favorable report on the bill to extend for ten years the time for the completion of the Northern Pacific railway. An amendment has been made authorizing the company to issue bonds to the amount of $25,000 on each mile of road, with the assent of two-thirds of the stockholders. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 March 1878, p. 1, c. 5)


02 March

A WASHINGTON telegram states that the president of the Northern Pacific railroad says he will complete a contract by the close of this week for the construction of two hundred miles more of road.—[Pioneer Press, March 2. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 March 1878, p. 1, c. 4)


16 March

BY some mischance we failed to notice at the proper time the presentation of a beautiful gold watch chain to Thos. Bason, of our new hardware firm, Brown and Bason, by the employees of the N. P. shops, where Mr. Bason has been a valuable and agreeable workman and foreman for years until he left the employ of the company to embark in his present business venture. Mr. Bason is one who can appreciate a token of regard from his friends, and we heartily rejoice to witness this generous recognition of true merit upon the part of his former fellow workmen. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 March 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


18 March

N.P.R.R.—Summer Time and Fare.

_____


Trains leave St. Paul for Bismarck on and after March 18th, 1878, at 7:20 A. M. daily, except Sunday, making the trip in 22 hours, connecting at Bismarck with daily line of stages for Deadwood.


RATE OF FARE ON AND AFTER APRIL 1st, 1878.

1st Class

St. Paul to Bismarck—$22.00

St. Paul to Deadwood—$45.00

Duluth to Bismarck—$22.50

Duluth to Deadwood—$42.00

2d Class

St. Paul to Bismarck—$15.00

St. Paul to Deadwood—$40.00

Duluth to Bismarck—$17.50

Duluth to Deadwood—$38.00

Emigrant

St. Paul to Bismarck—$18.00

St. Paul to Deadwood—$27.00

Duluth to Bismarck—$17.50

Duluth to Deadwood—$25.00

By taking this route you secure elegant Palace Sleeping Cars to Bismarck, to a point 75 miles nearer Deadwood than via any other route to the Black Hills. First and second-class passengers are carried in first-class Concord coaches from Bismarck to Deadwood. Emigrant passengers are carried in covered freight wagons. For further information apply to or address Northern Pacific Railroad office, No. 43 Jackson Street, St. Paul.

G. G. SANBORN,

General Passenger Agent.

H. E. SARGENT,

General Manager.

(Brainerd Tribune, 23 March 1878, p. 1, c. 7)


21 March

A CARELESS switchman in the employ of the St. Paul & Pacific company left the switch open at Glyndon on Thursday evening, and the N. P. train bound west ran into it, seriously demolishing an engine, though, fortunately, no person was injured. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 March 1878, p. 1, c. 6)


23 March

C. F. Kindred is having the heretofore very untidy square in the rear of the Headquarters Hotel cleaned up for a park. Correct. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 March 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


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The land sales of the Northern Pacific at the Brainerd office alone last month amounted to $175,000. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 March 1878, p. 1, c. 6)


26 March

The Northern Pacific Defended.


To the Editor of the Pioneer Press:

I have to take exception to some of the remarks of your Bismarck correspondent. In his letter of March 20th, which appears on the 25th inst., he says, “the people of this region do not love the Northern Pacific.” Consistency, thou art indeed a jewel. All the people of Bismarck have all they own and all they owe, [and for all of it] they are indebted to the Northern Pacific.

He says, ”the management of that road has discriminated against Bismarck, both in regard to passenger and freight rates, as against other localities west of this point.” Does he know this is customary with all railroads of the country? Does Buffalo evince a profound dislike and hatred for the New York Central or Erie because they discriminate against Buffalo and that region in favor of points farther west? Most individuals make an effort for self-preservation. Is it consistent, then, to dislike a crippled corporation like the Northern Pacific when it makes an endeavor to live and pay its expenses promptly, as it always has done?

He says “all the officers of the road own large farms in the Red River valley, and they use their influence to build up that locality.” Officers of the road have some rights which we should respect, and I cannot perceive why they should not own farms on their line of road, especially when they all improve them, some of them to the extent of several thousand acres, which they are doing to develop the resources of that country, and from which Bismarck is at least indirectly benefitted.

Again “he says the land department do not not even keep an agent here to sell land, and when parties do apply for land, intimate and convey the idea that this is a ”barren country.”

I think the facts will show your correspondent that the land department has not had a local agent to sell their lands at any point on the line of their road for the past five years.

During that time I have had dealings with the officers of the land department to the extent of purchasing thousands of acres of their lands in Minnesota for myself and others, and have never known them to represent that any of their lands in Minnesota and Dakota was a “barren country.”

The Northern Pacific company have lands that are adapted to general and special farming purposes, and I have always observed that the officers of the land department gave every facility possible to enable parties to select any kind of farm they desired and anywhere they pleased.

S. S. GARDNER,

WADENA, March 26, 1878.

(Brainerd Tribune, 06 April 1878, p. 1, c. 7)


30 March

An Effort to Kill the N. P.


The following from the Chicago Times is a clear interpretation of the Hipple-Mitchell bill now being pushed in Congress by all the influence and intrigue at the command of Jay Gould’s Union Pacific Monopoly and its friends and satellites. The Times says:

The stockholders of the Northern Pacific railroad are endeavoring to obtain an extension of time in which to complete it under the terms of the original bill—asking no moneys and no favors, but the time. But the completion of the Northern Pacific would break down Jay Gould’s monopoly, and the finger of this genius is visible in every letter of Hipple-Mitchell’s bill just submitted to the Senate Committee on railroads. This bill proposes to extend the time for completing the portion of the Northern Pacific lying between Portland and Umatilla, and to compel the company to build this portion south of the Columbian river instead of on the north of it, according to the original survey. It proposes no extension of the time for completing the main line from Bismarck west through the Indian region—the very portion of the country in which it is needed to put a stop to Indian wars. Not to give an extension for the completion of this—the essential and most important division of the road—is equivalent to killing the enterprise. But why are Gould and Hipple-Mitchell willing to grant an extension of the time in which to build from Portland to Umatilla, and why do they propose to compel the stockholders of the Northern Pacific to build on the south side of the Columbia river, where they must tunnel mountains, fill up ravines and bridge numerous streams? For the very good reason that Jay Gould is building a road from Umatilla to Salt Lake City, the western end of which he can thus compel the Northern Pacific people to build for him, provided the Hipple-Mitchell bill passes; while, at the same time, any possibility of competition against the Union Pacific monopoly will be eternally disposed of by refusing the Northern Pacific stockholders an extension of time in which to complete their trunk line. In other words, the Hipple-Mitchell bill is a proposition to kill the Northern Pacific Railroad, and to rob the corpse to build a branch railroad for Jay Gould!

The monstrosity of the scheme is only equaled by the impudence which characterizes the dealings of the Union Pacific with the government and the people, and altogether is so fraught with glaring injustice that it seems impossible that such a bill can find favor in Congress or receive even a respectable minority vote. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 March 1878, p. 1, c. 6)


The management of the Northern Pacific Railroad is having the Westinghouse Automatic Air Brake put on all the passenger stock, and this valuable invention will soon be in use on all the passenger trains on the road. The first train with these brakes and attachments was taken out of the shops this morning, and under the superintendence of Mr. Clay, the Westinghouse agent, ran down the branch several miles with a number of railroad officials and others on board, among whom were Gen. Manager Sargent, Supt. H. A. Towne; and ye editor, when a thorough trial was made of the various uses and conveniences of the brakes, which resulted very satisfactorily and was quite flattering to the project. The train, consisting of an engine, baggage car and two coaches, was brought to a speed of about forty miles per hour and then stopped in a distance of 300 feet to a dead halt—stopping time 19 seconds, and even this record will be excelled by a heavier train, when the momentum of the engine, upon which there is no brake, will be less in proportion to the whole train. We have not the time or room, however, this week to go into details or give an extended description of this admirable invention and its uses, but will refer to the subject more at length next week. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 March 1878, p. 1, c. 7)


General Manager H. E. Sargent passed over the road this week accompanied by Supt. H. A. Towne, and returned to Brainerd last evening. He witnessed the trial of the Westinghouse Automatic Air Brake this morning, and took the noon train for St. Paul. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 March 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


01 April

We were shown at the N. P. Shops, on Monday, the Patent Office model of Mr. H. A. Towne’s patent car truck. It went through the late fire in the Patent Office building at Washington, and is considerably demolished. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 April 1878, p. 1, c. 5)


06 April

THE N. P. R. R. ADOPTING THE

WESTINGHOUSE AUTOMATIC

AIR BRAKE.

_____


A Review of the Superior Advantages.

_____


George Westinghouse, inventor of the Westinghouse air brake installed on the NP in 1878, ca. Unknown.
Source: Unknown

In our last issue we briefly referred to the fact that the Northern Pacific Railroad Company is applying the celebrated Westinghouse Automatic Air Brakes to all its passenger stock, and that very soon all trains between St. Paul and Bismarck will possess these valuable appliances. We are now able to state that the work is progressing rapidly at the shops of the company at this place under Mr. A. P. Farrar, master of machinery, and that in about two weeks the brakes will be in operation on the whole line.

Since penning the item which appeared last week, through the kindness of Mr. Richard Clay, the engineer for the Westinghouse Company, superintending the application, we have learned much of interest to the general public regarding these brakes which we shall endeavor, briefly, to give our readers.

The brake, as its name would indicate, is operated by means of compressed air which is forced, by a pump attached to the engine, into a cylinder located between the engine and tender whence it passes through a pipe to the cylinder under each car in the train. Of this motive there are two forces, negative and positive, divided under each car by a valve so constructed that the negative being removed the valve follows the retiring force until a slot is opened leading to the brake cylinder and the positive or reserve force immediately fills the chamber and the brakes are instantly applied. In this feature lies the automatic property of the brake, which constitutes its most valuable characteristic, for, as will be readily observed, the opening of the air pipes at any point in the train has the effect to remove the negative force and instantly set the brakes on every wheel of every car in the train. In each car is an escape valve tapping these pipes and a cord attached passes nearly the entire length of the car inside, convenient to conductor or passengers, to pull which will stop the train in spite of the engineer, thus placing the entire train under the complete control of every passenger or the person first detecting danger. In the same way the separation of the train at any point from any cause will instantly bring every car to a dead halt by separating the hose at the coupling and evacuating the negative force, or an incision made in the hose with a pen-knife would have the same effect. In addition to this a valve in the engineer’s cab places the whole train under the control of the engineer and he can in the same manner set the brakes on an instant’s warning.

FIRST.—Some of the superior advantages of this brake over any other are the following: If a car should take fire and the signal bell, from the burning of the cord or any cause, fail to notify the engineer, destruction of life an property could be avoided by simply pulling the brake cord by any person inside any of the cars and applying the brake to the whole train.

[NOTE.—This stop has been made with a train of six cars and an engine running at the rate of forty-six miles per hour, in a distance of 522 feet, stopping time 15 seconds, by actual measurement.]

SECOND.—Should the rear portion of a train become separated accidentally while running at a high rate of speed the brake would instantly apply automatically to both sections of the train and prevent the detached section from running back down grade and colliding with a following train or running ahead and colliding with the forward section.

[NOTE.—This stop was made in 463 1/2 feet, with the train running at the rate of forty-seven miles per hour when separated; stopping time 14 seconds.]

THIRD.—Should the engine or any car in the train be precipitated into the ditch by a defective rail, wheel, bridge or a washout, the brakes would instantly apply automatically to the whole train and prevent the remaining portion following into the abyss.

FOURTH.—Should the engineer of a passenger train running at forty miles per hour, see a freight train coming towards him at fifteen miles per hour, on a short curve, the engineer of the freight train not seeing the passenger, he could set the brakes and back his train out of danger in less time than, under the old plan, it would take to whistle for brakes and an extraordinarily nimble brakeman to reach his wheel in response to the whistle. In the same way any danger ahead—cattle on the track, a burning bridge, or any obstruction—could be avoided.

[NOTE.—This stop was made while running at forty miles per hour, distance run after brake was applied 417 1/2 feet, time consumed in making stop and backing up past the flag where brake was first applied one minute and three seconds.]

While the air brake has been in use for a long time, the automatic feature, the most valuable quality of the brake, is a comparatively new invention it having been in use but about three years, and yet it is already largely used in England, France, Germany and on all the principal lines in this country, and even now the Westinghouse Company is filling an order from the old country for $1,250,000 worth of them. Nor can we see how any railroad company can afford to be without them. Their cost is nominal and we are informed by Mr. Sargent, Gen. Manager of the Northern Pacific, who has had experience with them on the Michigan Central Railway, that the saving effected by their use in the one item of fuel alone will pay for them in a short time saying nothing of the life and property saved in case of accident.

With this brake how easily the lives of poor Gib. Wheeler, and Hugh Kilpatrick could have been saved and the wounding of others and the destruction of property and other minor casualties could have been avoided on the fatal morning of June 7th, 1876, at Tamarac Creek.

And who has forgotten the horrible story of Ashtabula that could have been robbed of hundreds of its poor victims by the Automatic Air Brake?

In conclusion, we are pleased to observe this with other evidences of progress on the part of the management of the Northern Pacific, and its determination to be second to none in the country, but strictly first-class in point of convenience, safety, comfort, and quick transit to its passengers. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 April 1878, p. 1, c. 4)


WINDOM AND HIPPLE-MITCHELL.

_____


A Little Personal Recontre Growing

Out of the Northern Pacific

Railroad Bill.


Washington Telegram Chicago Times.

The morning hour of the senate today was enlivened in a refreshing degree by a little personal recontre between Senators Hipple-Mitchell and Windom. It all grew out of the bill reported to the senate a day or two ago by Mitchell, from the committee on railroads, granting an extension of time to the Northern Pacific Railroad. The spat today arose about as follows: Mitchell rose to a personal explanation, saying that he desired to call the attention of the senate to what he regarded as the extraordinary behavior of Senator Windom. The latter had told Mitchell he desired to make a minority report on the bill for the Northern Pacific extension and Mitchell had agreed to the proposition. To his surprise, however, he claims that when he was absent from the chamber Windom introduced a bill similar to the one upon which the railroad committee had acted, and asked its reference to the committee on public lands. Mitchell quite naturally took exception to this procedure and characterized it today as most extraordinary. Windom dealt Mitchell a still heavier blow by saying that what he had done had violated no rule of the senate, as he had a perfect right to introduce the bill and to ask its reference to the committee on public lands, which he knew was a just committee, and would give the bill an impartial consideration. Mitchell reddened in the face at this pretty broad reflection, and again emphasized the word extraordinary. Windom again retorted, and told Mitchell that his course on the railroad committee was even more extraordinary. Mitchell swallowed a mouthful of condensed wrath and demanded to know what Windom meant to insinuate. The latter, however, with a taunting look of defiance upon his phlegmatic round face, mildly declined to specify his meaning, and with a few spiteful snaps at each other the unruly pair sat down. Windom, it seems, is vexed about some incidental features of the bill as reported by the committee, and has conceived the idea that Mr. Hipple-Mitchell acted unfairly. It is on this account that he has shown such a lack of confidence in his colleagues in general, and the chairman of his committee in particular. Windom’s was the only vote against the bill as reported by the committee on railroads. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 April 1878, p. 1, c. 6)


It is rumored here, we do not know with what authority, in fact, that J. W. Hannaford, who for years has been connected with the General Freight Office of the Northern Pacific Railroad at St. Paul has accepted the position of General Freight Agent of the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad in place of J. W. Doran. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 April 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


13 April

The first regular train on the N. P. supplied throughout with, and using the Westinghouse Automatic Air Brake, left Brainerd this afternoon for the west. They will soon be on all trains on the road, and then good-bye accident. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 April 1878, p. 1, c. 4)


20 April


The Northern Pacific extension bill has been reported in the house and referred to the committee of the whole. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 April 1878, p. 1, c. 5)


Senator Windom’s Northern Pacific bill has been taken from the committee on public lands, and together with Hipple-Mitchell’s new bill, referred to the committee on railroads, and by the committee referred back to the senate for consideration. It was placed on the calendar, and will pass at an early day. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 April 1878, p. 1, c. 5)


A large lot of F. Jay Haynes’ Views of the Black Hills and Northern Pacific Scenery—just received at the Drug Store. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 April 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


22 April

A Man’s Life Saved by the West-

inghouse Air Brake.


From the Wadena Tribune.

David L. Jewell, an old gentleman, living a few miles south of this place, was run over and quite badly injured on Monday morning last by the eastern bound N. P. train about five miles west of Wadena station. Mr. Jewell started out in the morning from New York Mills to walk to Wadena on the railroad track, and it seems had lost his reckoning and thought it was Sunday, and consequently took no thought of the cars. Mr. J. unfortunately is very deaf, and when the cars approached him he said he heard a noise but thought it was thunder. The engineer mistook him at first for a section man, as a party was at work near where Mr. J. was walking on the track. When the engineer found the man was apparently bound to stick to the track, he tooted his whistle again and ”let on” those air brakes, but the distance was too short, and Mr. J. was caught and thrown back on to the cow catcher, receiving quite a flesh cut in the forehead and one over his right eye. He was taken on board the train and fortunately there were two surgeons among the passengers who at once attended to his case and sewed up the cuts, and afterwards Dr. Cromett, of Wadena, came and took him in charge, and after a careful examination concluded Mr. J. would come out all right in a few days. No doubt he would have been killed had it not been for those air brakes, for short as the time was the train was nearly at a standstill when it struck him. Although we are aware that Mr. J. had no business on the track, still under the circumstances the old man considered himself safe, while on the other hand we believe the engineer did his best under the circumstances and consequently should not be censured. However, we advise Mr. J. to keep his almanac in pocket for handy reference hereafter, and the engineer to consider every man he sees on the track to be deaf and out for a Sunday walk. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 April 1878, p. 1, c. 5)


24 April

Frank P. Smith, one of the N. P. boys, had three fingers and the thumb of his right hand pretty severely jammed at Aldrich on Wednesday coupling cars. He carries his hand in a sling but hopes to lose none of his fingers. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 April 1878, p. 1, c. 6)


27 April

The storm of wind and sleet snow which we had on the 10th inst. was a regular blizzard to the west of this, obstructing the N. P railroad with snow between Fargo and Bismarck, and extending into Iowa where it proved a widespread hurricane.—[Fergus Falls Journal.

Now, gentlemen, this has gone just far enough. We have read this item in fifty papers in the past three weeks, and we wish it understood right here that our coat is off and our sleeves rolled up for the next editor who repeats it. Blizzard—west—obstructing—N. P. railroad—snow—Fargo—Bismarck—Iowa—hurricane; s’blood—it’s a—it’s a 1—it’s a confounded no such a thing. Now, do you hear? There has not been snow enough in the Northern Pacific country during the past year, if it should come all in one fall, to obstruct a train, or even a hand car for five minutes at any point on the road. The Northern Pacific country has not seen to exceed one inch of snow all told during the past winter. The storm referred to in the item above was a severe rain storm in Western Dakota, that “arid region” which troubled Gen. Hazen and Maj. Powell so much until the country became settled and actual observation exploded their theories and drove them and their prejudices to the wall; and the obstruction to the N. P. railroad referred to consisted in a washout in the grade near Crystal Springs; only that and nothing more, and snow enough did not fall upon that occasion to whiten the ground. We trust the papers that gave currency to this report, so grossly incorrect, will make the correction. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 April 1878, p. 1, c. 4)


Once again we feel called upon to warn parents and guardians in this place against the terrible calamity that is, one of these days, sure to follow the reckless and frequent practice among children of all ages and both sexes of climbing and riding upon the cars moving back and forth in the railroad yard. One misstep, one careless push or one trifling slip and some fond mother’s heart will be saddened for life by the loss of her much loved darling, or a kind father’s heart enshrouded in gloom by the vision of that joy of his life crippled for life.

We are promised by the railroad officials the names of children indulging in this dangerous pastime upon the next occasion, and we shall make them public for the benefit of their parents who may be in the dark on the subject. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 April 1878, p. 1, c. 6)


04 May

The shipments of freight over the Northern Pacific at present are enormous, and the coaches are crowded daily with passengers. Give us the extension and we will show you how to run a railroad. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 May 1878, p. 1, c. 4)


11 May

General Manager H. E. Sargent, of the N. P., passed over the road this week, accompanied by Mr. Towne, Superintendent. The object is the enlargement of warehouse room at Bismarck to meet the largely increasing traffic of the company. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 May 1878, p. 1, c. 6)


25 May

Mr. James Dilworth, one of the leading directors of the Northern Pacific railroad, is very much dissatisfied with the operation of the running arrangements of the Northern Pacific with the St. Paul & Pacific from Sauk Rapids to St. Paul, and has determined to urge at the next meeting of the directors the construction of a new railroad from Sauk Rapids to St,. Paul on the west side of the river, crossing the river at St. Cloud,—[Little Falls Transcript. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 May 1878, p. 3, c. 4)


31 May

A difficulty took place yesterday at the N. P. Shops that is being adjusted as we write by the courts. Fred Wertenberg was arrested last evening on complaint of Thos. Cochran on the charge of striking complainant on the head with a club. The court fixed his bail at $200, to appear this morning and he gave bonds and was released. This morning the case was continued until next week and a warrant was issued for Cochran on complaint of Wertenberg for making threats against complainant, and the hearing of that, too, was continued. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 June 1878, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: 19 June 1878


15 June

It is rumored that the Northern Pacific R. R. Co. will not use the St. Paul and Pacific R. R., from St. Paul to Sauk Rapids after the 15th inst. which had hitherto been leased by the N. P. This will cause the N. P. R. R. Co. to send its freight over the St. Paul and Duluth road to the Junction. It is an ill wind that does not blow somebody good.—[Duluth Herald. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 June 1878, p. 1, c. 4)


Northern Pacific.


Gen. Thos. L. Rosser, chief engineer of the Northern Pacific railway, writes to an agent in this city notifying him to get equipage ready for a brief engineering tour, and be ready for business as soon as he (the general) returns, which will probably be the fore part of next week. There is no definite knowledge of what this means but it is shrewdly suspected that it is the purpose of the company to construct a branch down the Red River to the vicinity of the Grandin farm—40 miles or so.—[Globe, Minneapolis end. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 June 1878, p. 1, c. 4)


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John Ross, the famous railroad contractor who figured prominently in the early history of the Northern Pacific railroad, was in Brainerd this week attracted this way by extensive landed interests owned by him on the line of the Northern Pacific in the vicinity of Perham and West. He proposes also taking in a fishing excursion to Gull Lake ere his return East. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 June 1878, p. 1, c. 7)


A PARTY of engineers left Brainerd one day this week to locate a railroad line from some point on the Northern Pacific West of Fargo to Fort Garry. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 June 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


18 June

The attempt to take up and pass the Northern Pacific extension bill in the House on Tuesday evening was a failure again. The majority however against it were not opposed to the measure so much as action upon it at so late an hour. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 June 1878, p. 1, c. 3)


A party of Northern Pacific officials consisting of Frederick Billings, O. R. Billings, Frank Billings, O. C. Chandler and T. E. McCary, of New York, and H. E. Sargent and J. B. Power of St. Paul, arrived from St. Paul on Tuesday and accompanied by Supt. H. A. Towne proceeded by special train to Duluth.

They returned the next morning and after a brief halt, proceeded west. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 June 1878, p. 1, c. 5)


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A Collision at Minneapolis.


The Northern Pacific train which left St. Paul on yesterday morning for Brainerd met a collision at Minneapolis junction which delayed it until noon and it did not reach Brainerd until 5 p. m.

We clip the following particulars of the accident from the Pioneer Press:

It appears that the main line passenger train from St. Paul had reached the junction and came to a halt according to custom, when an excursion train on the Minneapolis & Duluth road destined to White Bear, pulled out before the St. Paul & Pacific train had passed beyond the reach of danger. It is stated that the engineer of the former did not observe the position of the St. Paul & Pacific train on its track; or failed to check his engine in time, and in consequence, his engine was run against the main line train, partially smashing the smoking car, and injuring the locomotive. There were eight emigrants in the smoking car at the time of the collision, but all escaped injury except two who sustained a few slight bruises. The track was also damaged to a considerable extent, and the remainder of the day was spent in making repairs. The injured locomotive and car were pulled over to the West Side, the debris removed, and everything was placed in its usual working order before night. The excursionists included the Sunday School scholars of Gethsemane parish, and their departure for White Bear was delayed until noon. Then a start was made and the afternoon was pleasantly passed at White Bear. The fact that no one is seriously injured is surprising. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 June 1878, p. 1, c. 5)


19 June

Chas. Wertenberg arrested two weeks since for striking Thos. Cochran with a dangerous weapon with intent to do great bodily harm received his preliminary examination on Wednesday before Justice Follett and was by him held in the sum of $250, to appear at the term of the District Court in October. The bail was furnished and the defendant discharged. The effort on the part of Wertenberg to have Cochran give bonds to keep the peace was not entertained by the Court, and Cochran was also discharged. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 June 1878, p. 1, c. 5)


SEE: 31 May 1878


22 June

As will be observed by referring to his card in another column this week Dr. A. S. Campbell of this city has been appointed MEDICAL DIRECTOR of the Northern Pacific railroad, and he desires us to say that he will, in a few days make a professional trip over the line and thereafter at regular intervals, or as called upon, visit the various towns on the line from Sauk Rapids and Duluth to Fargo, thus enabling patients at all points to avail themselves of his services without extra cost. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 June 1878, p. 1, c. 5)


06 July

Gen. T. L. Rosser, who arrived home on Saturday, returns somewhat disappointed by the failure of the Northern Pacific appropriation, which will result in no extension of the main line being made this season. He, however, hopes that several important branches will be constructed during the season, and himself headed a party of surveyors who left this morning for Fargo to run a line down the Red River Valley, on the Dakota side, to the British possessions. The party included among others Messrs. Bick, Winston, Rufus R. Rand, Lucius B. Bartlett, a son of Senator Lamar and Mr. Lee, of Maryland, a relative of the late Gen. R. E. Lee. The party expect to be out a month or more. The party may then survey the line down from Sauk Rapids to this city, where it is proposed to make a connection for the Northern Pacific with the Milwaukee & St. Paul road which will be highly advantageous to both companies. Gen. Rosser states that the board of directors are to meet at St. Paul on the 10th of July, at which time he expects to report the results of the above surveys, and he believes that both lines will be put under contract at once, and completed at the earliest possible moment. The line between Fargo and Pembina will unite the Northern Pacific and the Canada Pacific, while the extension of the Brainerd Branch from Sauk Rapids to Minneapolis, on the west side of the river, will largely benefit the rich agricultural country through which it passes, will render the Northern Pacific independent of the St. Paul & Pacific, and at Minneapolis will give a connection with the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Minneapolis railway, a connection of the highest importance of both roads named, and one that cannot fail to largely benefit Minneapolis.—[Minneapolis Tribune. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 July 1878, p. 1, c. 5)


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10 July

The following railroad officials and suites arrived in St. Paul on Wednesday morning by special train: C. B. Wright, president of the Northern Pacific; C. B. Wright, Jr., and Miss Katie Wright, of Philadelphia, and Miss Mary Cook, of Sandusky; Alexander Mitchell, president of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul; S. S. Merrill, General Manager; D. L. Wells, Miss Belle Mitchell, Miss Annie Ilsley, Miss Nellie Ilsley and Miss Carrie Williams of Milwaukee; George Mitchell, of Aberdeen Scotland; Alex. Mitchell, Jr., of Milwaukee; Wm. Duthie, Aberdeen; and Frank B. Dean, Wm. Crosby and W. G. Swan, Milwaukee; H. H. Porter, president of the Chicago, St. Paul & Minneapolis road and Henry G. Wicker, general freight agent, and wife. J. C. Easton, president and W. C. VanHorne general manager of the Southern Minnesota railroad.

A road from Sauk Rapids to Minneapolis on the west side of the Mississippi river giving the Northern Pacific an eastern outlet of its own and opening up a large, rich and thickly settled portion of the state, giving it a thoroughfare and market is one of the important measures under consideration by this Congress of magnates.

They, or a portion of this party, will visit the Headquarters of the Northern Pacific, at Brainerd, in a few days and perhaps pass over the road further west. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 July 1878, p. 1, c. 3)


13 July

D. R. Taylor, late train manager of the Michigan Central railroad, now with A. E Taylor, roadmaster of the N. P. R. R., was the happy recipient last week of a valuable testimonial of friendship and esteem from his “Friends of the Mich. Central R. R.,” in the shape of an elegant gold watch, chain and charm valued at $300.00 sent to him by express. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 July 1878, p. 4, c. 2)


14 July

THE NORTHERN PACIFIC.


To the Editor of the Pioneer Press.

Some weeks ago I came up in this northern region with as ample a stock of ignorance as is generally possessed by those who visit it. It is astonishing how little, even the most intelligent among us know of the vast country which is now being called “The New Northwest.” While we talk so glibly of the wonders of foreign lands, we seem altogether to lose sight of the fact that a large portion of our own continent is a terra incognito to the most of us. There are marvels in our own land, and in the lands far to the north of the international line, to which public attention is but just beginning to be called, but which must soon excite universal surprises. The vastness and the richness of our northwestern territories, which are now being opened to civilization by the mighty power of steam, is a theme upon which the temptation to enlarge presses upon me with force. But a profound respect for your readers, and an inkling of the limitations of human patience, particularly on the part of those who are wont to glance over lucubrations of this kind warns me to be brief.

One of the strongest objections made to the construction of the Northern Pacific railroad, and one that by many was deemed insurmountable, but which has been shown to be false, was its high latitude. Who would ever wish to live in such a bleak and cheerless region, where eternal winter was supposed to reign? What kind of crops could be produced in such an icy country? And how would it be possible for civilized man to endure the rigors of a climate fitted only for the Esquimaux and polar bears?

Such were the queries which the friends of the Northern Pacific were obliged to confront and in some sort answer, and it must be admitted, that for a time these answers were lame enough. Those who propounded the questions had, or seemed to have, decidedly the best of the argument. An immense prejudice was thereby engendered in the public mind against one of the most grand and useful projects that was ever conceived. To build such a highway, at such a vast cost and through such a frigid and uninhabitable waste, was as wild and wicked a conception as ever entered the human mind.

The men who devised such an impracticable scheme must of necessity be either crazy visionaries or swindlers of the blackest dye. There could not be a man of common sense or of common honesty among the lot.

Such was the conclusion to which men were fast coming—the focus to which the rays of ignorance and prejudice was rapidly converging—when, like a thief in the night, the panic of 1873 came, and the Northern Pacific, loaded with obloquy, sank in the dark waters, and, to all appearances, was forever blotted out of existence.

But it was only an appearance, after all. The monster that had caused the panic, or that was popularly supposed to have caused it, had not been so thoroughly exterminated, as the advocates of monopoly and their dupes, the people, have supposed. To the disgust of those who would restrict the interoceanic commerce of the continent to a single line, and that one the longest that can be found, this much abused and culminated and odious Northern Pacific began to show symptoms of life.

The creature was a phoenix! It was dead enough—no one had any doubt of that—and yet behold the miserable thing flaunting its immortal wings in the faces of the congressmen once more! Surely wonders never cease, or this healthy ghost of the Northern Pacific would never have arisen to vex the quaking souls of the monopolists again.

There is a spectacle, we can well imagine, more impressive than that of the one who has been decently buried, and was supposed to be rotting in the ground, quietly and without any fuss getting out of his grave, and then marching about as vigorously as if nothing had happened! And this is precisely what the Northern Pacific is now doing. It is the most wonderful event of the times!

Sustained by its own inherent vitality, the Northern Pacific is rising out of the mists that for so long a time have obscured its merits, and is proving to the world that it is worthy to live—and live it will, in spite of all the efforts that may be made to crush it back into the gloom from which it has emerged.

The Northern Pacific has returned to life in a strong and lusty shape. Where is there a line of railroad in the country in a healthier or more unembarrassed condition? Where is there one more free from debt, or in a more thoroughly equipped state for the discharge of its duties to the public? Where is there one that in so short a time has converted so large an area of wild lands into a garden as lies along its entire course through this beautiful valley of the Red River? Where is there another that can reach the Pacific with so short a span, or that runs through a region so rich in all the varied treasures of the earth? Surely here are questions enough for the present. One answer may be given to them all: There is no such road!

I have seen enough already to cast away the shadows over my own mind, and to justify me in doing what I can to dissipate the shadows which still cloud the minds of others. The Northern Pacific deserves well of the people, and it should have their undivided support in order that it may be quickly completed, all selfish motives crushed, and the development of the continent promoted.

Yours respectfully,

J. ESAIAS WARREN,

Fargo, July 14, 1878.

(Brainerd Tribune, 20 July 1878 , p. 1, c. 3)


17 July

Gen. P. H. Sheridan and Staff arrived in the city on Wednesday, by special train from Duluth, and after dining at the Headquarters, took the 2 o’clock train west the same day, on board the N. P. Palace car Fargo, for Bismarck. He is en route to the Black Hills to locate in person a fort to be established in that vicinity. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 July 1878, p. 1, c. 1)


19 July

What the N. P. R. R. Cannot Afford.


Mr. H. E. Sargent, the general manager of the Northern Pacific railroad, said yesterday to a Pioneer Press reporter that “it is a question for grave consideration whether under any arrangement, however favorable, the Northern Pacific can afford to maintain its main line east of the river, and at so inconvenient a distance from Minneapolis.” Mr. Sargent was alluding to the differences existing between his company and the St. Paul & Pacific in the matter of the use of the latter’s track between Sauk Rapids and St. Paul. However happy a solution might be made of these differences, Mr. Sargent thought the Northern Pacific could not afford to continue its main line east of the river, and at so inconvenient a distance from Minneapolis. Mr. Sargent is something of a stranger in Minneapolis, but he has evidently been here sufficiently long to take in the situation. He has comprehended at a glance what every sagacious railroad man in this state understands, and what has in part called the convention of railroad magnates interested in this city today, that no railroad pointing in the direction of Minneapolis can afford to be without a direct connection with it. Minneapolis, by reason of the character and extent of its incoming and outgoing freights, furnishes so large a proportion of the business of such roads, that the very end of railroad management, to wit, the accession of business—demands that such a connection be formed. It is a mere question of time when any railroad of any importance or length coming within reach of its influence, must secure with it an independent connection. In the present case this is peculiarly true. The St. Paul & Pacific and the Northern Pacific are natural enemies. They traverse for long distances contiguous territory; cross each other at different points, have a common southern terminus (so-called) and are active competitors for the business of a long reach of territory. It is therefore, in the nature of things, impossible that these two roads can occupy sixty-five miles of track in common without endless trouble and difference, such as at the present time the public have been made acquainted with. Each road has its separate and distinct interests, hostile to those of the other, and none short of divinely-appointed agents could steer clear of friction in endeavoring to make one line do the business and be the terminus of both. Mr. Sargent is, therefore, clearly right when he says that ”is a question for grave consideration whether under any arrangement, however favorable otherwise, the Northern Pacific can afford to maintain its main line east of the river, and at so inconvenient a distance from Minneapolis.”—[Minneapolis Tribune. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 July 1878, p. 1, c. 2)


20 July

There may be no business meant in the talk about the extension of the Northern Pacific railroad; but if not, its directors and managers are without the foresight and intelligence pertaining to their craft, and are unworthy of their trust. When you tell us that a grand inter ocean railway, destined to span a continent, and already arrived at the proportions of a mammoth corporation, will finally dwindle in its pretensions and end in a squirrel track up a tree in a country town, you tell the story of the Northern Pacific, beginning at the Pacific ocean and stopping at Sauk Rapids, only sixty miles from a metropolis. The thing doesn’t stand to reason. The Northern Pacific has got to come to Minneapolis, when its business will be sought after and fought for by the three great through eastern routes, whose connections terminate by a hundred devious roads at the Atlantic coast.—[Minneapolis Tribune. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 July 1878, p. 1, c. 2)


Trying to Sleep on a Car-Seat.


Every passenger coach has a short seat at one end, that is made uniform in length with the width of the little house that is located at one end or the other of every passenger car where the comfort of travelers is taken into consideration. Being a passenger the other night on a car that was crowded with people, we could not help but notice the man who occupied the “short seat” we have described, and note his efforts to get a little sleep as the train sped on. Most of the folks that occupied the long, or double seats, were enjoying more or less comfort in the arms of morpheus and the man in the short one seemed to be even more weary than the sleepiest of his fellow-travelers, and soon became so overcome by drowsiness that sleep he must have. First he sat with his head back against the wall, drew both feet up in the other end, and with his hat over his eyes, seemed to have a real good show of a nap, in about five minutes, however, he aroused up, put his feet on the floor and rubbed his shins where they had been chafed and nearly cut by the sharp corner of the seat arm. Then he yawned, scratched the back of his neck a little, and took a very tired look around over the other sleepers, as much as to say, “This is too bad, isn’t it?” He stood up, turned around and while he steadied himself with one hand, looked the seat over to see about which was the best way to shape himself to suit its capacity; he turned around, lay his head on the arm, doubled one foot up under him, and stuck the other out through the open window; pretty soon the conductor came along and told him it was against orders to stick his feet out at the windows, and so he sat up again. Then he placed his elbows on his knees, his head between his hands—his feet resting on the floor—and was soon wobbling around in a reckless manner; pretty soon, a sudden lurch of the car threw him off his balance and he went head first against the stomach of the old chap that was snoozing on the seat that was fronted towards his; the old fat man asked him if he meant that, or was it only a joke; and the sleepy man stammered out that it was neither one—that it was purely accidental. Then he backed up into his own stall again and reached around and scratched his left elbow, and twisted his mouth around toward his right ear, just as though he was real uncomfortable, and knew it. Next, he leaned back against the wall and ran both legs out under the arm and into the passage-way, and settled down to business; it wasn’t long, however, until the brakeman came rushing through the car and fell headlong over the man’s legs, and nearly broke them off against the corner of the little house; our sleepy friend jerked his bruised limbs back into position and wanted to know of the brakeman why he came so near breaking the legs of a peaceable citizen; and the brakeman wanted to know why in thunder he had his old bones sticking out in the road, anyway; and he then passed on to another car. Our friend pushed his pants-legs up and pulled off the loose skin, and made several remarks that would have made a Christian audience stare with both eyes. Then he just curled up into the corner, and rested his head against the window-jam; pretty soon he turned around and felt up with his hand to see what the shape of the screw head was that was annoying him, and rubbed the back of his head with the other hand. Pretty soon he ran his legs under the fat man’s seat and reposed his head on the sill of the window, but it was no use—it only took two minutes to cut his ear in two on the sharp edge—and then he got mad. He slammed his hat down on the floor, got up and asked if any man in the car could tell him how long it would be till they got to Reads Landing; someone awake, told him it would be about two hours; then he said if there was anyone who would sell a long seat until he got to Reads, for a dollar, he was their huckleberry. But no one offered to sell, and when we left the train our sleepy friend was reclining on top of the wood-box with his legs hanging over the top of the stove.

UNCLE DUDLEY.

(Brainerd Tribune, Morris C. Russell, former editor and publisher, 20 July 1878, p. 1, c. 9)


The heaviest train that ever passed over the Northern Pacific railroad pulled by one engine, came into Brainerd last evening from Sauk Rapids. It consisted of forty loaded cars, the engine and caboose. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 July 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


Among the arrivals at the Headquarters Hotel on Saturday last, were Thos. H. Canfield, of Burlington, Vermont; C. B. Wright, President of the Northern Pacific railroad, C. B. Wright, Jr., Miss Wright and Miss Cooke, of Philadelphia, Pa.; J. B. Power, Land Commissioner of the Northern Pacific railroad of St. Paul.

They were joined here on Monday by W. P. Hilliard, of St. Paul; Mrs. L. P. Hilliard, of Chicago; B. Gratz Brown, of St. Louis, ex-Governor of Missouri and Liberal Republican candidate with Horace Greeley in 1872, for the vice-presidency; D. H. Armstrong, of St. Louis, U. S. Senator from Missouri; E. C. Brockmayer, Lieut. Governor, of Missouri; D. H. McAdam, Recorder of the City of St. Louis, also representing the St. Louis Republican; Robert A. Campbell, member of the Missouri Legislature; Joseph Brown, ex-Mayor, and T. F. Espenchild, Secretary to the present Mayor of the City of St. Louis; Theophile Papin, Real Estate dealer and President of the St. Louis Board of Trade; J. A. Gregory, merchant of St. Louis; Alexander Ramsey, of St. Paul, ex- U. S. Senator and Governor of Minnesota; Martin Maginnis, Member of Congress from Montana, and wife; H. E. Sargent, of St. Paul, General Manager, and H. A. Towne, of Brainerd, Superintendent of the North Pacific railroad.

The party proceeded by the 2 o’clock train on Wednesday afternoon to Bismarck, where they were joined by Col. Fred. Grant, of the U. S. A., and after viewing the growth and development of the great Northwest, the enormous Dakota wheat fields and other objects of interest by the way, returned to Brainerd on Wednesday, whence a number of the excursionists including Hon. B. Gratz Brown and Col. Fred. Grant “went a fishing” on the beautiful waters of Serpent Lake, proceeding South to St. Paul on Thursday. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 July 1878, p. 1, c. 4)


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27 July

The announcement is made that the Northern Pacific and the St. Paul & Pacific have agreed upon a basis for settling their difficulties concerning the running of trains between Sauk Rapids and Minneapolis and St. Paul, and for the interchange of service. The difficulties will be referred to arbitrators whose decision will be accepted. Mr. Charles B. Wright, president of the Northern Pacific, has been in St. Paul for some days, during which time he has been in consultation with the trustees and general manager of the St. Paul & Pacific, and the result has been that the parties concerned have signed an agreement to submit the points in the controversy to disinterested arbitrators. President Wright has selected as one of the members of this commission Mr. Robt. Harris, of Chicago, superintendent of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad, and Mr. Farley has named Mr. J. F. Tucker, of Chicago, general freight agent of the Illinois Central road.—[Minneapolis Tribune. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 July 1878, p. 1, c. 2)


31 July

Gen. P. H. Sheridan and staff passed through town and on to Duluth on Wednesday morning, by special train, on his return from the Black Hills. The result of this visit is noted in our Black Hills correspondence this week. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 August 1878, p. 1, c. 1)


03 August

The Sauk Rapids Sentinel says in consequence of the adjustment of the differences between the St. Paul & Pacific and the Northern Pacific roads, the prospect of the road on the west side of the river from Sauk Rapids to Minneapolis is virtually at an end. We do not so understand it. The adjustment as we understand it, is only temporary, pending the construction of the proposed connection. The St. P. & P. refused to make any further concessions than that. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 August 1878, p. 1, c. 1)


The gross earnings of the Northern Pacific railroad for the year ending June 30th are $695,799.36, of the Western railroad $61,169.07. Total $756,968.43. Total net earnings for the year $400,061.20. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 August 1878, p. 1, c. 1)


The Northern Pacific engineer corps completed the survey last week of the branch line from Mapleton to Pembina, and moved camp to Sauk Rapids and commenced the survey on Monday last of the proposed line from Sauk Rapids to Minneapolis, on the west side of the river. The Minneapolis Tribune states that the road to that city will be built at once. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 August 1878, p. 1, c. 2)


06 August

Distinguished Visitors.


The Chicago editorial party of whom mention has already been made in these columns, arrived in Brainerd at 1:50 on the 6th, on their way to the mammoth wheat fields of the west. With the Chicago strangers was a goodly representation of prominent Minnesota people. A full list is given below:

Joseph Medill, Chicago Tribune; Andre Matteson, Chicago Times; W. K. Sullivan, Chicago Inter Ocean; Murray Nelson and J. W. Preston, of the Chicago Board of Trade; E. P. Hilliard, agent N. P. R. R. Chicago; ex-Gov. Ludington, John P. McGregor and H. A. Chittenden, Milwaukee; S. S. Merrill, general manager C. M. & St. P. R. R.; D. Blakely, Capt. John Martin, L. P. Plummer, Hon. R. B. Landon, Minneapolis; Gen. R. W. Johnson, Gen. Sibley, H. P. Hall, H. A. Castle, J. A. Wheelock.

The party after dining at the Headquarters hotel, went west on a special in the N. P. Co.’s business car, under the immediate charge of General Manager H. E. Sargent, Supt. H. A. Towne and Land Commissioner J. B. Power, which is a good and sufficient guarantee that they will be properly cared for. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 August 1878, p. 1, c. 1)


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POWER:

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08 August

The Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul party of excursionists returned from their western trip on the 8th, loud in their praises of the land and more wonderful crops that were exhibited to their astonished eyes. Engineer Carney, who pulled the train engine No. 8 from Fargo to Brainerd, treated them to an occasional burst of speed, 28 miles in 32 minutes, and similar flights, which assured the party that the N. P. R. R., in its working department, was fully up to the occasion. Speed like this with scarcely a jar or swinging motion, speaks volumes for the admirable management of the road, as well as for the consummate skill of the practical and experienced engineer. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 August 1878, p. 1, c. 1)


09 August

THE NORTHERN PACIFIC.

_____


The Recent Visitors to the Country it Traverses Express Their Praise of the Territory in Question.


A meeting of gentlemen of the commercial bodies and press of Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Minneapolis, who have just returned from a trip over the Northern Pacific railway from St. Paul to Bismarck via Brainerd, was held at the Metropolitan hotel, St. Paul, August 9, 1878.

Hon. Harrison Ludington of Milwaukee, was called to the chair, and Mr. J. A. Dapray, of the Chicago Inter-Ocean, was elected secretary. It was the unanimous opinion of the meeting that the Northern Pacific railway traverses a section of the country susceptible of general cultivation, and capable of producing a variety of crops in unlimited abundance. The agricultural resources of the country are but imperfectly known to the general public, and erroneous impressions prevail in many minds. The country is healthy, and the land is rich and capable of supporting, in comfortable independence, millions of hardy yeomen. Livestock, vegetables and grain can be produced as easily and abundantly as in Iowa and Nebraska, and more than this need not be said. Homesteads are being rapidly located all along the line. Considerable colonies have established themselves at various points, numerous and advanced enough to support local newspapers, as well as churches and schools. In the Red River valley which is of unsurpassed fertility, immense progress has been made during the past two years and in a short time that great valley will be swarming with a prosperous population.

All the accounts heard concurred in the statement that the territory beyond the present terminus of the road as projected, is a good agricultural country, and especially well adapted to cattle raising. There seems no doubt that the road will develop a large local business as fast as it is pushed forward. Much trade, both mineral and agricultural, already anxiously awaits its coming; and the time has undoubtedly arrived when the Northern Pacific railroad ought to be completed in the good of the country.

For the opportunity of viewing the country and all that was seen, the party is indebted to the general manager of the Northern Pacific railroad, Mr. H. E. Sargent; he has been untiring in his attention, and has made the trip one continued pleasure from the beginning to the end, and the sincere thanks of the party are hereby tendered for the same.

HARRISON LUDINGTON, Chairman.

S. A. DAPRAY, Secretary.

They also addressed the following letter to Mr. Sargent:


St. PAUL, Aug. 9, 1878.

H. E. Sargent, Esq., General Manager of the Northern Pacific Railroad:

DEAR SIR: Having visited, at your invitation, the belt of country lying along the line of your road from Brainerd, on the Mississippi, to Bismarck on the Missouri river, we desire to thank you, not only for the pleasure afforded us by the excursion, made so delightful by the brilliant weather, the novel scenery and by the kind attentions of yourself and of other gentlemen connected with your company, but also to express our obligations to you for the opportunities thus given us to enlarge and correct our conceptions of this great and productive territory lying between these rivers and tributary to your road.

We know those who have not seen it cannot realize the magnificence and productiveness of this great region, nor the rapidity with which it is being brought under cultivation, nor the boundless extent of it possible resources.

We have seen and examined great farms of thousands of acres, each teeming with a wealth of golden grain, where farming is carried on with a system and on a scale that can only remind one of the operations of an army, and where, but three or four years ago, was a stretch of unbroken prairie.

We have seen the emigration pouring in and the towns springing up all along the line, and we have found intelligent and energetic citizens from our own States engaged in cultivating many thousands of acres of most fertile soil in the very midst of what has been considered a barren alkaline desert.

We feel bound to express our convictions that this region, including the great valley of the Red River, is, in general, of almost inexhaustible fertility, and excellently adapted to the profitable growing of all small grain and to the raising of cattle, and it will in the near future contain within its borders many hundreds of thousands of people, who will be engaged in supplying bread and meat and wool for millions elsewhere.

In our judgment here is a field where unoccupied labor can find enough to do, and capital may find productive employment. In short, in this and similar half occupied lands of our country may be found the radical cure of “hard times.”

Very truly yours,

Harrison Ludington, R. W. Johnson, John P. McGregor, Murray Nelson, J. Medill, H. A. Chittenden, Jr., J. W. Preston, J. A. Dapray, Audre Matteson, W. D. Washburn, W. K. Sullivan, D. Blakely, Henry H. Sibley, R. B. Langdon.

(Brainerd Tribune, 17 August 1878, p. 1, c. 3)


SEE: 06 August 1878


10 August

Mr. Jerome Marble, of Worcester, Mass., has had built and splendidly equipped, an excursion car 52 feet long, 9 1/2 feet wide, 36 inch wheels, compromise tread. Everything inside and out in the best style. Mr. Marble and party will visit the N. P. on their annual shooting tour in this car some time in September. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 August 1878, p. 1, c. 1)


The City of Worcester, built by Jerome Marble 1878.
Source: Frank Jay Haynes, Minnesota Historical Society
Interior of the City of Worcester, 1878.
Source: Unknown
Mrs. Houghton and Mrs. Marble, 1878.
Source: Unknown

...It remained for a party from the East to show Minnesota sportsmen how to hunt in the grand manner. In the fall of 1875 a group of hunters from Worcester, Massachusetts, including Jerome Marble and C. C. Houghton, arrived in Brainerd to hunt upland game birds. The Northern Pacific Railroad furnished them with a car fitted with berths, tables, and cooking apparatus, and in it they traveled over the line of the road to the Red River Valley. Their car was placed on sidings and they hunted leisurely along the way. So pleased were they with the country and its opportunities for hunting that in 1876 and again in 1877 Marble and Houghton returned to Brainerd to shoot "ducks, geese, chickens, and plover." They chartered two cars, one of them "divided into kitchen, dining-room, and drawing-room, with the usual Palace car berths," and the other "devoted to the four hunting dogs, a supply store and game depot, and a sleeping room for one of the party." The two sportsmen were accompanied by their wives and daughters and two English army officers.

It would seem that hunting under such conditions would have satisfied the most fastidious of sportsmen; but evidently Jerome Marble felt that there was room for improvement. In 1878 he returned to Minnesota with a party of twelve. This time he came in a private car, the City of Worcester, which had been constructed under his supervision "with special attention to the wants of those who may go for a month or two on the plains in a hunting expedition." The car remained in St. Paul for a day, and according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, "it was the centre of an unusual degree of interest." This "palatial home on wheels," as it was described at the time, might well be the "centre of an unusual degree of interest" even in these more sophisticated times. The exterior was finished in "lake color," and "ornamented with gold leaf and silver mouldings." The steps leading to the platform were mahogany, with brass treads. On the platform was a large refrigerator, a coal box, and a water tank, and under the car were four lockers for ice, tools, vegetables, and miscellaneous stores. The interior was finished in black walnut, rosewood, and mahogany, and ornamented with gold leaf and silver plate. The furniture was upholstered in crimson plush, the curtains were "of rich silk damask" in green and brown, and the carpet was velvet brussels. There was a reading room furnished with a sofa which might be transformed into two beds, and a "grand drawing-room and dining room," furnished with six permanent seats, a dining table, a "Needham musical cabinet," portable tables "for cards or sewing," twelve double berths, silver-plated oil lamps, and two French plate-glass mirrors with embossed borders. A large closet, washrooms with tanks equipped with "double-action pumps of the latest pattern" for drinking and washing water, a butler's pantry with a china closet and shelves, and a kitchen with a large range and a water tank and pump completed the equipment. ...[They] then set out in all their splendor and magnificence, for the wilds of western Minnesota and Dakota." (Hunting in Minnesota in the Seventies, Mary Wheelhouse Berthel, Minnesota History, Volume 16, Number 3, September 1935, pp. 11-12)


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17 August

Considerable credit has been bestowed upon Gen. Rosser, for the sound discretion displayed in the selection of the distinguished portion of the Yellowstone surveying party. We believe there were only four distinguished ones of the party, and one unfortunate youth, and the Gen. no doubt bases the safety of his party upon the fact that these four distinguished members are bald headed—hence their presence with the party forms no incentive for an attack from Poor Lo, who manifests a silent contempt for a pale face that is not surmounted by a manly crown of flowing hair. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 August 1878, p. 1, c. 1)


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24 August

THE DAKOTA BAD LANDS.

_____


They Prove to Be a Myth—What

Messrs. Morrison, Brackett and

Rosser Say of the Country

West of the Missouri.


Bismarck telegram to the Chicago Times.

The party sent out by the Northern Pacific, embracing Hon. Dorilus Morrison, of Minneapolis, Gen. Rosser, John Ross, the railroad builder, Geo. B. Brackett, Rev. Mr. Tuttle and son, arrived this morning from inspecting the lands lying between the Missouri and Yellowstone. Their trip was not only an enjoyable one, but was fruitful of information that will certainly surprise the people of Bismarck, the settlers along the Northern Pacific, the citizens of Minnesota, and the officers and stockholders of the Northern Pacific. The popular impression is that the land west of Bismarck was good for twenty or thirty miles, and then fizzled out entirely. About the poorest land was found immediately west of the Missouri, and after the party had passed a point fifty miles west the land improved until they reached Beaver Creek, where they found a beautiful valley, as rich as the Red River valley. The creek was christened Pleasant Valley river. They speak of this valley in the highest terms. The “bad lands” they found to be high buttes, covered with the richest grazing along the route of the proposed railroad. As far as these gentlemen saw, the “bad lands” are a myth of the Missouri. Mr. Brackett says he saw as fine a hay ranch as he ever saw in his life. Mr. Ross holds that the pasture found in the bad lands is very superior. Fifty miles out and thence to the Yellowstone the country was as green as in June. They were all surprised to find such a significant difference in favor of a wild country over eastern Dakota and Minnesota. They found plenty of water. The streams were remarkably fresh and clear. Springs are not unknown, and Gen. Rosser and Mr. Brackett say there is ten times as much wood as there is between Bismarck and Fargo. They found plenty of coal and utilized it in one or two instances in cooking breakfast. They saw plenty of antelope, elk, deer and other game. There was an exciting chase after a grizzly bear, but he got away. The whole country Mr. Morrison reports, is better than that between Bismarck and Brainerd. Two-thirds of it is fine agricultural lands and the rest good grazing. One member of the party said he would not give an acre of this new land for that east of Bismarck. Mr. Morrison said he would quickly build the road to the Yellowstone, for the lands were salable, and he would advise the company to retain the lands and not surrender or pledge them to a syndicate who would build the road. He thinks it is policy to hold them, and the company build it as it can. The party did not see an Indian. They missed the 7th cavalry escort that was sent out from Bear Butte to meet them on the Little Missouri. They now don’t see the use of any escort. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 August 1878, p. 1, c. 5)


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We received a call on yesterday from Ed. Slater, one of the old-time Northern Pacific boys, who has for a number of years past run a train on the St. Paul and Duluth road. Business is diminishing on that road to the extent that a number of trains have been abandoned and Ed. has struck out for more prosperous prospects. He has secured a position on the N. P., his old stamping ground, and will commence work at once. He will remove his family to Brainerd in a short time. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 August 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


28 August

GATHERING ITEMS BY RAIL.

_____


The Yellowstone Survey—New Towns on the N. P.—Verndale—

N. P. Extension—Minneapolis and Sauk Rapids Road—The Tornado—New Papers—Samples for the Fair, Etc.


Having a little business west this week the two o’clock train on Wednesday carried us to Fargo and our reportorial ears being on the alert, here is what we gathered for our readers:

A party of about sixty men on board, in the employ of the government are en route to the mouth of Tongue river, there to construct small boats or skiffs sufficient to accommodate the party, and commence a topographical survey of the Yellowstone river thence to its confluence with the Missouri, under the command of the chief engineer of the Territory of Dakota.

Since our last trip over the road, about a year ago, numerous towns have sprung up, Minerva-like, into thriving villages principal among which we noticed the pretty little village of Verndale, with its carefully surveyed streets already delineated by substantial business blocks and neat residences, about which an air of freshness, quite attractive, seemed to rustle through the surrounding trees and shrubbery constituting the beautiful scenery in the picture. It is situated on a pretty little plateau between Aldrich and Wadena, in Wadena country, and bids fair to be no mean rival of its chipper neighbors.

A glance at the Pioneer Press reveals the fact that President Wright, now in St. Paul, is confident of the promulgation of the order, “Forward, march!” to the North Pacific west of the Big Muddy in early spring, and says 205 miles—to the Yellowstone—will be contracted to be completed within a year.

Taking supper at the Headquarters Hotel in Fargo, Hon. C. A. Gilman seated at our right passed a telegram to us he had just received from St. Cloud, saying, “Depot will be located at once and grading will commence tomorrow.” This refers to the Minneapolis & Sauk Rapids railroad, upon which work is now being rapidly pushed forward, the required funds having been procured, and the road will be opened to business within a year, making Minneapolis one terminus of the Northern Pacific.

A special train of stock cars left Fargo for Bismarck to bring a portion of a consignment of Montana cattle, numbering some 700 head, just arrived in Bismarck en route to Chicago, and this consignment is but an advance installment of a shipment, now en route, of over one hundred car loads. This is a new feature in North Pacific traffic, and affords but a comparatively meagre example of what is in store for the road when it has tapped the very productive territory of Montana and the great Northwest—walled in at present by many hundreds of miles of intervening, Indian-infested territory—and patiently awaiting an avenue and opportunity to pour its vast store of untold wealth and business prosperity in the lap of eastern commerce and enterprise.

Fargo we expected to find a mass of ruins and debris, from the reports of the hail storm of Monday evening which visited that city, but aside from a goodly display of broken glass and some of the store fronts boarded up, there were no tokens of the disaster visible to the casual observer. We were informed, however, that a number of buildings—a flour mill, livery stable and several dwellings were blown down; one or two more unroofed and others, including the Episcopal church, badly wrecked and otherwise injured. No human lives were lost, though a family named Newman, whose dwelling was blown down over their heads, were all more or less injured, none seriously, however. Five horses in the livery stable were killed and others injured, but aside from these instances, casualties were miraculously avoided, and many hairbreadth escapes are narrated by the citizens. The total loss will approximate $15,000, but this to Fargo is a mere bagatelle, and the wheels of trade roll on and the bushels of wheat pour in just as though nothing had happened. A car load of glass just arrived by express will heal the aching panes in the shattered windows, and the inpouring “staff of life” will soon banish the memory of the calamity. Two new papers are about to start here and divide the very good field Bro. Chambers has enjoyed of late, but we fear what has been a handsome patronage for the one will prove insufficient for three.

We found O. J. Johnson busily engaged gathering samples of the products of the renowned Red River valley for the great Minneapolis fair, and were shown by him some truly wonderful efforts of this famous soil—carrots measuring two feet in length without the tops—beets, as long and 25 inches in circumference—wheat, weighing 63 1/2 pounds to the bushel, etc., etc.

But we are asleep and must close our note book or we will — —. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 August 1878, p. 1, c. 1)


31 August

We are in receipt of No. 1, Vol. 1, of the North Pacific Times, published at New Tacoma, Washington Territory, and judging from its able and interesting editorials and sketches, they have a Northern Pacific railroad in that far western clime, as well as we have in Minnesota, and they are just as deeply interested in its progress eastward as we are anxious for its extension westward. That is right Bro. Times, you push on the column there, and we will sound the westward Ho here, until in a few short years the two extremes of this grand national thoroughfare, destined to revolutionize trade and traffic, both east and west, will come together with a sound that will startle the globe, and tingle the ear of Jay Gould and his opposition monopoly. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 August 1878, p. 1, c. 2)


21 September

THE NORTHERN PACIFIC.

_____


Sends an Exhibit to Madison Which Sur-

passes That of all Competing Roads

in Cereal Products.

_____


The Same to be Forwarded to Freeport, Ill.

The State Immigration Pamphlet

Being Judiciously Distributed.

_____


Commissioner J. B. Power of the Northern Pacific Land Department has made up a nice line of exhibits and sent them to the Madison, Wis., State Fair, whence they will be forwarded to the Freeport, Illinois, fair and placed on exhibition there.

Since sending them to Madison, Commissioner Power has heard from that place to the effect that the Burlington & Missouri and the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroads were represented, and that with the exception of an excellent display of fruits, the Northern Pacific exhibit discounted that of the other roads by ten to one, especially in the matter of vegetables, wheat, corn, oats, rye and barley.

Both at Madison and Freeport, Mr. Power has taken the precaution to have on hand a large supply of the Minnesota State Immigration pamphlets and to distribute them judiciously, not promiscuously, but to parties who are seeking after information.

At the close of the three fairs at St. Paul, Madison and Freeport, he will have distributed fully five thousand of the pamphlets and all to parties in quest of the desired information. Mr. Power’s theory in regard to this business is that by combining and distributing general information in regard to the whole State, the larger will be the immigration which each section will get. He has no relish for the narrow policy of the railroad companies which simply advertise lands on their line and nowhere else. He believes in advertising the whole State directly and indirectly and in consequence has continued to issue the State pamphlet along with other Northern Pacific documents, so that people who don’t like the northern section can seek other localities which may possibly please them and induce them to settle there.

It is in this way that the State of Kansas has made such a grand success in the matter of immigration. All the railroads are a part of the great whole, and work together for the general good of the whole.

In view of the generally acknowledged fact that the Northern Pacific is the only region where number 1 wheat was raised this season, the people of Iowa and other localities are looking there for their supply of seed, and no doubt a large amount of the wheat raised there will be sold for seed. This is likely to create a brisk demand for the entire crop raised along the line.—[St. Paul Dispatch. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 September 1878, p. 1, c. 3)


SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


The Northern Pacific officials complain of a scarcity of common laborers. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 September 1878, p. 3, c. 1)


25 September

At the annual meeting of the N. P. stockholders in New York, on Wednesday, the old board of directors was re-elected with little exception, and the directors re-elected Chas. B. Wright, president; Samuel Wilkinson, secretary and Geo. E. Beebe, treasurer. No change therefore in the management or projects of the road may be anticipated. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 September 1878, p. 1, c. 2)


28 September

Criticisms of a Friend


Are kinder than the plaudits of a foe, therefore resting my claims as a friend of the Northern Pacific upon the record of my efforts in their interests for the past eight years, I would say, there is one thing in which they should make themselves square and straight before the people along their line in Dakota. For as it exists, it is a perfect confession of their weakness in the Congress of the United States, before whom they now are as petitioners for their simple dues. It is that they do not arrange for the settlement of their dispute with the Land Department of the United States regarding the expense of the land surveys along their line. Its delay is looked upon by the people interested, either as aforesaid, a confession of their weakness, or else of dishonest design, either of which are too bad to let stand. Today the Northern Pacific has not a direct and clear title to an acre of the land they claim and have sold in Dakota, on account of the dispute about the payment of the surveying expenses; the government, for some unknown reason, claiming that the road should pay for these surveys. The practical result of this state of affairs is this: the road not having received any title from the government cannot of course give any registered title, hence the purchasers cannot or do not get them put on the various County Registers’ books, so that they are not accessible for taxation. As most of the improved lands along the lines of the road, in the Territory are those purchased from the road, they are not available for taxation to carry on the necessary local improvement, and the cost of what improvements they do make falls very heavy on the few who are living on the sections obtained from the Government. Now this would not look so suspicious to the taxpayers if the great bulk of the lands sold did not belong to the railroad men and their friends, who thus go “scott free” of any taxes whatever and that on land too that they hold at high prices, although its cost to many of the present holders is small; for quite all the railroad land they have sold in Dakota and good deal of it in Minnesota was paid for in stock at par value, that only cost from 10 to 15 cents on the dollar, thus making the land cost on an average of only 45 cents an acre. Perhaps the railway company cannot remedy this state of affairs, as an act of simple justice to those along their line who are trying to build up its most important interests, i. e. its local improvement. All I can say is this: if they can’t, how do they expect to be able to get their charter extended. Honesty and square dealing, gentlemen, is the best policy, especially among neighbors.—[Thos. Dowse, N. W. Editor Chicago Com. Adv. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 September 1878, p. 1, c. 3)


NOTE: This allegation may have been the beginning of the end for Charles F. Kindred, Chief Clerk of the N. P. Land Office and James B. Power, N. P. Land Commissioner.


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


KINDRED:

SEE: 07 November 1874

SEE: 14 November 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 07 June 1876

SEE: 23 March 1878

SEE: 18 January 1879

SEE: 31 May 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 26 June 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 20 September 1883

SEE: 23 September 1883

SEE: 26 August 1885

SEE: 13 December 1887

SEE: 31 May 1889

SEE: 25 March 1898

SEE: 05 February 1917


05 October

Ups and Downs.


When the history of the Union Pacific railroad comes to be written, it will be found to have had its periods of rapid progress, of hesitation and temporary pause. Unlike the Central and Union, which connects the great middle States of the republic, the Northern Pacific starts out of the wilds of Lake Superior and plunges into the still more inaccessible wildernesses of the continent, neither beginning with, finding or reaching communities of present importance in point of number or wealth.

On the other hand, the Northern Pacific born in the throes of the rebellion, was the offspring of the widely separated East and West, filled with the mighty desire to cement the relations by some link, which neither domestic commotion nor foreign war could discover. The public heart opened without stint, and endowed that favorite with more than princely gifts of land and money. It was the great and original achievement of the age to carry their highway from the levels of either ocean up over heights which arrest even the clouds in their flight.

It was a sort of spectacle to the nations this prodigy of human audacity, and the war went on with all the inspirations that can animate and sustain an enterprise of such nature—the world’s admiration, and a nation’s ambition and money.

The idea of the North Pacific was agitated during the same stormy period, but feebly in comparison with its more splendid competitor. An obscure man whose name is seldom or never mentioned now, in this connection, was unwearied in his effort to make interest in Congress for a landed endowment, in behalf of the attempt to carry across a second railway north of the forty-fifth parallel. No personage was too high or too humble, that he did not seek to enlist his sympathies and his active influence and aid in a cause which was near to the hearts of Isaac I. Stevens and Edwin F. Johnson illustrious names now passed away.

This man was the first president of the road—Josiah Perham, of Maine.

Upon assuming the office he said to the stockholders “that years of the best portion of his life and many thousands of dollars had been devoted by him to the accomplishment of this enterprise. With the footsteps of time and the avidity of death, in summers heats and winters storms, against opposition open and covert jeers and sarcasms, alone or aided only by those he employed, he had struggled on until a point had been reached that defied opposition and gave assurance of final success.”

The first president fell by the way, long since, but the record bears witness to his energy, zeal and perseverance. Then the project rested for a few years, and was taken up by a man who had tasted the fruits of lofty enterprise, and sighed for more conquests—nothing less than to subjugate the bulk of a continent to civilized occupation and rule, by means of the Northern Pacific Railway. Under this impulse we have seen immense activity, great progress for the time it continued, and great errors committed, which a more sober and prudent management would have avoided.

While a review of Jay Cooke’s administration will deal in unsparing criticism of whatever in it was unjust, extravagant and foolish, and there has been much, it will accord perhaps due credit to his energy and general good intentions in behalf of the road. It will show that a man to be successful as financial manager of such an enterprise, must be governed less by imagination than by good sense; must be impartial, prudent, experienced, and deserving of public confidence at home and abroad.

The prologue and first act of the Northern Pacific have been given to the public. The play will not stop until the final consummation. Each shifting of the scene shows more able and careful actors upon the stage. The dramatic interests will be sustained to the end. And when the performance is over there will be a unity of action and a logical connection between all the papers then manifest to the observer, however much he may be puzzled and discomfited in the interludes.—[Bismarck Tribune. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 October 1878, p. 1, c. 3)


SEE: 1867


Mr. M. Brinkerhoff, one of the gentlemanly conductors of the Northern Pacific, accompanied by his niece Miss Del Plain, took his departure by today’s train South to join the annual meeting of the Railway Passenger and Freight Conductor’s Association of the United States and Canada, which takes place on Tuesday next, the 8th inst., at the Tremont House, Chicago, followed by a grand ball and banquet in the evening, and an excursion thence by a full train of Pullman Palace Sleeping Cars to St. Paul and Minneapolis and perhaps over the Northern Pacific road to Bismarck. Every road in the Union and in Canada will be represented and a royal time will undoubtedly be the result. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 October 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 20 September 1877

SEE: 30 August 1879

SEE: 27 July 1880

SEE: 11 February 1882


07 October

Some miscreant for cause unknown displayed a wanton and cowardly disposition on Monday evening last, between the hours of seven and eight o’clock, by breaking the glass in all the windows in five of the Northern Pacific coaches standing in the yard at this place. The thing most to be regretted in this connection, is that the villain was not captured and started on the path to Stillwater. We might write a lecture to the brute, but it would be labor lost, as such cattle do not read the newspapers, and he of course would never see it. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 October 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


12 October

Our new freight depot on Broadway is fast approaching completion, and will be an ornament to the city. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 October 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 06 March 1891

SEE: 25 April 1900

SEE: 18 October 1901

SEE: 31 March 1902

SEE: 02 May 1902

SEE: 11 July 1902

SEE: 29 July 1902

SEE: 23 August 1902

SEE: 02 November 1902

SEE: 17 November 1902


02 November

The TRIBUNE office was favored with a pleasant call, this week from R. N. Goodsell, of Grand Rapids, and M. J. Noyes, of Chelsea, Mich., who with a party consisting of six Wolverines are enjoying an elaborate hunting tour along the Northern Pacific. The party in addition to the two gentlemen named includes Col. A. L. Rich, Jas. Atwood and Elias Pardee, of Dowagiac, and E. Merrill, of Grand Rapids, Mich. They have the N. P. observation car chartered, going, coming, and stopping as and where they please, and, for the past month, have been reveling in the game peculiar to the Dakota plains, taking large numbers of duck, geese and brant, and a few antelope, and are now bivouacked in the timber on the beautiful Serpent lake at Withington [Deerwood], improving the brief season for deer hunting in Minnesota. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 November 1878, p. 1, c. 2)


09 November

We received another call today from Mr. R. N. Goodsell, of the Michigan hunting party, who came up from Withington [Deerwood] this morning in company with General Manager H. E. Sargent, who has been enjoying the chase with them for a few days and returned to St. Paul this afternoon. Mr. Goodsell says Mr. Sargent shot three deer, while out. The party will remain at Withington [Deerwood] until the first of the week when, after a couple of days in Brainerd, they will proceed to the Dalles of the St. Louis river to spend a few days, and then return to the Cheyenne river, in Dakota, for elk. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 November 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


Mr. DeLamere, Train Dispatcher of the N. P., has lodged complaint in this office against a number of boys who persist in meddling with the cars left standing on the Boom Lake track. The grade is quite steep towards the lake, insomuch that the brakes have to be set to hold the cars on the track, and yesterday a number of mischievous lads removed the brakes on one of the cars, the last one of the train, and ran it down the track to within a car length of a declivity in the grade, on which it would have been impossible for them to stop it, and whence would have run with rapidly increasing velocity until the mill was reached, when it would have been dashed to atoms, together with the boys who chanced to be on it. This is indeed dangerous pastime and should be stopped short. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 November 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


12 November

Gen. John B. Sanborn, of St. Paul, attorney for the Western Railroad of Minnesota, was in the city on Tuesday last instituting proceedings for the injunction, upon the governor, referred to elsewhere this week. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 November 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


14 November

The hunting car City of Worcester conveying Mr. Marble and party arrived in Brainerd on Thursday, and after a brief halt proceed south en route to Vermont. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 November 1878, p. 1, c. 2)


SEE: 06 September 1877

SEE: 20 October 1877

SEE: 10 August 1878


A man named John Somers was run over and killed at St. Paul by the engine pulling the Brainerd passenger train out of that city on Thursday morning. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 November 1878, p. 1, c. 3)


16 November

The Governor Enjoined.


Suit has been instituted the past week in the District Court, of Crow Wing county, by the Western Railroad Company of Minnesota, plaintiff against C. A. DeGraff and William Crooks, surviving partners of the late firm of DeGraff & Co., Chas. A. F. Morris, Nathan Myrick, Russell Blakely and Cepheus W. Carpenter, comprising the firm of Blakely & Carpenter, and the lion, John S. Pillsbury, governor of the State of Minnesota, defendants, and application has been made to the court, and granted, for a preliminary injunction in said action, to issue to said Hon. John S. Pillsbury, governor, as aforesaid, enjoining and restraining him, his officers, agents, attorneys and counsel, and each of them from selling and from offering and attempting to sell and from conveying except to the plaintiff, its successor or assigns, any of the lands described in the complaint in the action, or acquired or to be acquired on account of the construction of said line of railway from Watab to Brainerd, by virtue of any grant of said lands which has been made to aid in the construction of said line of the railroad, which includes the lands advertised in another column by the governor to be sold at the capitol on the 27th inst. This will undoubtedly have the effect to postpone the sale, if it does not entirely prevent it. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 November 1878, p. 1, c. 3)


23 November

The Compromise.


What we stated yesterday in regard to the treaty between the St. Paul & Pacific and the Northern Pacific railroad companies covers substantially all the important points. The St. Paul & Pacific grants the Northern Pacific the joint use of the tracks and depots from Sauk Rapids to St. Paul under a lease in perpetuity, or for ninety-nine years—which, though necessarily in the form of a lease, is in effect a sale to the Northern Pacific of one undivided half interest in that line of road, the St. Paul & Pacific reserving the local traffic on the line, and agreeing also to keep the track in good condition, to replace the iron rails when worn out with steel rails and when the necessities of the business require, to put in a double track. The St. Paul & Pacific also reserves to its own use its track and depot grounds at St. Paul, except that it is to share its passenger tracks and houses with the Northern Pacific; but a supplementary arrangement has been made with a committee of citizens whereby the latter is to be furnished with sufficient grounds for its terminal track and freight houses. The Northern Pacific reserves the right to run on the St. Paul & Pacific track into Minneapolis West, and also into St. Cloud. If any west side railroad is built it is to be built by the two companies jointly. The controversy which has been pending between the two companies as to the title of certain lands where their respective grants interlap [sic] in the territory of which Glyndon is the centre has been adjusted on mutually satisfactory terms. About 400,000 acres of land were in dispute, and the representatives of the two companies found no difficulty in settling that little matter when the subject was approached in a friendly disposition. The two companies are not to encroach by lateral lines on each other’s territory, though the Northern Pacific reserves the right to build a lateral spur of thirty miles on the west side of the Red River. This leaves the St. Paul & Pacific in full possession of the Red River valley, except the belt adjacent to the Northern Pacific, and of the Manitoba trade. Minor points relating to freight arrangements it is unnecessary to mention, except to say that all freight coming to Duluth for either road is to be carried by the Northern Pacific. If destined for Manitoba or points on the St. Paul & Pacific, the revenues are to be divided pro rata. We may repeat, however, that the arrangement covers all points of conflict between the two companies, provides for the amicable settlement of all disputes, and is to all intents and purposes a treaty of perpetual peace between these great corporations, who were represented in the negotiations by some of their ablest and most sagacious men. They recognized, as the common basis of their efforts to compromise their difficulties the broad fact that there was ample room in the vast regions of the Northwest traversed by their lines for both their great enterprises, and that the mission of each was distinct and independent of the other—and too grand in its scope to be trammeled by any loud disputes arising out of the convergence of their lines at this end. The St. Paul & Pacific, while looking to the development of the stretch of fertile territory traversed by its lines in Minnesota, is reaching out to lay hold of the trans-continental trade to be created by the Canadian Pacific, through the chain of British colonies which are being rapidly organized through the chain of British colonies which are being rapidly organized through the rich plains of the Saskatchewan. The Northern Pacific is left free by its disentanglement from local conflicts in Minnesota to work out its great mission in extending its great continental highway to Puget Sound. As we said yesterday, another section of 200 miles of the Northern Pacific is to be built next year, from Bismarck to the Yellowstone. The road has been placed upon such a solid footing of commercial credit by its large earnings for two or three years past that it is enabled to command all the money necessary to complete this section, and its wealthy stockholders are themselves abundantly able from their own resources or credit to supply the needed funds. And they have concluded to go on and build this additional two hundred miles without waiting for any congressional extension of their time—relying upon the decision of the United States supreme court that the grant is valid until a declaration of forfeiture is made by congress or by the judicial department of the government. This, it is certain, will never done, and in this faith the company is going on to prosecute the construction of their great highway—in the full confidence that within five years they will reach the Pacific coast.—[Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 November 1878, p. 1, c. 2)


Northern Pacific Railroad Co.,


Minnesota and Dakota Divisions.


SPECIFICATIONS FOR MAKING CROSS TIES.


All cross ties must be made from live, sound, green, round timber, as follows, viz: White, burr and red oak; rock and red elm, tamarac, and white pine. They must be eight feet long, when squared at the ends; not less than six nor more than six and a half inches thick; hewn straight, and smooth, and out of wind, with two parallel faces of not less than seven inches at the smallest place on each hewn side, entirely free from splits, shakes, wanes, large black and unsound knots. All cross ties must be piled one over the other, with small ends of ties in each tier piled one way, and facing towards the track; with an open space of three feet between piles, and not less than ten nor more than forty feet from the track, at or above grade. Black oak and other kinds of timber or dimensions not enumerated above will not be taken at any price. The owner’s name must be plainly marked on each and every pile.

St. PAUL, Nov. 7, 1878.

The Northern Pacific Railroad Company will pay for wood and ties, when delivered according to specifications, as follows:

Hard maple, white burr and red oak, $2.00 per cord; black oak, tamarac, rock and red elm and birch, $1.65 per cord; Jack pine and spruce, $1.35 per cord; basswood and poplar, $1.00 per cord.


CROSS TIES.

White and burr oak 27 cts each; red oak, rock and red elm, 22 cts each; tamarac, 20 cts each; white elm, 15 cts each.

To be inspected and accepted about April 1st, 1879.

Payment. One-third on or about the 20th day of each of the following months, viz: April, June and August, 1879.

E. T. WILLIAMS,

Pur. Agt.

Approved,

H. E. SARGENT,

Gen’l. Manager.

(Brainerd Tribune, 23 November 1878, p. 1, c. 4)


30 November

The news came flashing over the wires this morning of a disastrous fire at Fargo, destroying a portion of the N. P. round house and some rolling stock. A reporter of the TRIBUNE who called upon Mr. Towne, the superintendent, at his office, to learn particulars, was informed that the wooden or frame section of the round house, which consisted of six stalls built of brick and six of wood, was burned, together with four locomotives, the brick structure and more locomotives only being saved by the almost miraculous efforts of the citizens and employees of the company. The fire broke out at 4 o’clock, but from what origin is unknown. The locomotive boilers being filled with water they are not badly injured, so that the damage to stock and building is estimated at less than $10,000. This is partially covered by a general insurance policy upon all the company’s buildings and property. Mr. Towne went west this afternoon to view the ruins, direct the removal of the locomotives to the shops at this place for repairs and arrange for the reconstruction of the building. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 November 1878, p. 1, c. 2)


Mr. T. B. Harris, the railroad agent here, has received a letter from Supt. Towne, informing him that through Mr. Klaus’ speculation, a car load of wood was on the way to Jamestown to be sold to “actual settlers” on farms, not “villages,” at the rate of $4.50 per cord, cash on delivery.—[Jamestown Alert.

The Company has arranged to sell wood to actual settlers anywhere on its line from Brainerd to Bismarck at $4.50 per cord. This will be found of immense advantage to the settlers particularly in Dakota, and is very commendable by the management. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 November 1878, p. 1, c. 1)


We have noticed in a few obscure exchanges—the Pioneer Press, Minneapolis Tribune and others—the advertisement of the president of the Northern Pacific road for proposals for constructing about 200 miles of the road from the Missouri river to the Yellowstone, sealed proposals to be received up to and including the 17th December, by the board of directors, at 23 Fifth Avenue, N. Y. Feeling interested as we do in the success of the project, we notice the fact lest the advertisements published should fail in securing the necessary proposals. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 November 1878, p. 1, c. 1)


WE are informed by Mr. A. P. Farrar, master mechanic of the N. P., that the five miles of steel rails just laid from Brainerd west, is only the commencement of an organized plan to exchange iron for steel rails on the whole road. Five miles will be laid at a time, taking up the old rails and using them for repairs as needed. When these are exhausted another five miles will be taken up and replaced in the same way, and so on until the whole has been exchanged. All worn out rails are shipped to the factory, where they are taken in exchange for steel, making the cost of the change very light to the company. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 November 1878, p. 1, c. 1)


07 December

I. T. Dean, of the N. P. paint shops, went west last week with the painter’s business car and a crew of men to paint a number of new depot buildings just completed on the Dakota division. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 December 1878, p. 1, c. 4)


H. E. Sargent, general manager of the N. P., went west this week to look over the Fargo ruins, returning to St. Paul today. He was accompanied by Mrs. Sargent, this being her first trip over the road. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 December 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


20 December

Arrangements were completed yesterday for the construction of a railing at the St. Paul & Pacific depot inside of which the motley crowd of hack drivers, hotel and clothing house hummers are hereafter to stand upon the arrival of trains. The passengers are to be protected, and a recurrence of the disgraceful scenes which have been so common heretofore when travelers have been pulled and hauled about, is to be prevented.—[Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 December 1878, p. 1, c. 3)


21 December

General [Manager] Sargent, manager of the N. P. R. R. sent a check for an extra month’s pay to Hugh Phelan, as a reward for his exertions in saving engine No. 12, at the late fire.—[Moorhead Advocate. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 December 1878, p. 1, c. 3)


23 December

A shooting affray occurred in this town on Monday evening last by which D [sic] E. W. Kaley, tin and coppersmith at the N. P. shops, narrowly escaped serious and even fatal injury at the hands of Peter Logue, an engineer. The facts in the case, as gathered by a TRIBUNE reporter are about as follows: Kaley and Logue were boarders at the same house—corner of Laurel street and Broadway—and Kaley, who is a very quiet, steady young man of good habits, had some time previous incurred the displeasure of Logue, who is a drinking and quarrelsome fellow, by informing the proprietor, incidentally, of certain misconduct at the home while intoxicated, upon the part of Logue, for which the proprietor reprimanded him, urging strongly upon him the necessity for a change, intimating that he would lose his place if he didn’t stop drinking, but Kaley thought nothing more of it. On Monday evening, however, Logue, who had been drinking a considerable amount during the day, called Kaley to his room as he returned from his work, saying he wished to speak to him. Kaley entered the room, when Logue commenced abusing him for reporting what he had done. Kaley insisted that he had stated nothing but the truth, still not guessing the feelings entertained by Logue. Logue replied hotly that it was a damned lie and struck Kaley. Kaley pushed him aside, remonstrating with him, and the room being dark did not observe until he struck him a second time that he had a revolver in his hand. He then hastened from the room with all the speed possible, only passing through the door in time to escape the shot which followed him from Logue’s revolver. The ball struck a looking glass near the door, breaking that and passing through the wall dropped harmlessly in the hall. Kaley ran down stairs and Logue, who was partially undressed for bed at the time, dressed himself, and going over town sent a friend back to enquire if Kaley was hurt. Sheriff Whitney arrested him soon after, locked him up in jail, and the following morning took him before Justice Follett who placed him under $800 bail to appear at the next term of the district court. Unable to furnish the required bail he was remanded to jail, where he will probably remain until next October, unless a special term of court is called for his trial. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 December 1878, p. 1, c. 4)


SEE: 04 January 1879

SEE: 18 March 1879


24 December

A number of the “boys,” intimate friends of Tom C. Fernald, the genial freight and ticket agent of the Northern Pacific at this place, “surrounded” him on Christmas Eve and presented him with a slight token of their high regards, in the form of a beautiful meerschaum pipe and cigar holder. The address was delivered by a novice, and was a miserable attempt, and we would advise the ”boys” another time to select a better spokesman, but the little affair resulted very pleasantly, Tom helping the speaker out and all hands joining in a “Smile as was a smile.” (Brainerd Tribune, 29 December 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


25 December

One of the drivers on the engine east bound from Fargo to Brainerd on Christmas day flew to pieces near Motley. The work train engine pulled the train in to Brainerd 2 hours late. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 December 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


26 December

A fracas occurred on the Duluth train on Thursday, between two brakemen—Brauley and Sargent—in which a lantern, a chair and some articles of freight in the car they occupied were demolished, when Brauley finally drew the stove poker and struck at Sargent’s head, missing him and striking the conductor, Henry Spalding (who was endeavoring to stop the affray), on the left arm between the elbow and wrist, nearly breaking his arm. The poker cut through his overcoat, undercoat, shirt sleeve and the flesh to the bone, and for some time the bone was thought to be broken. Had it struck Sargent’s head, as intended, it would have killed him instantly. The combatants have both been laid off by Mr. DeLamere, the train dispatcher, pending the return of Mr. Towne from the east. The conductor will be laid up for a long time. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 December 1878, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 17 August 1878

SEE: 06 March 1879


1879

03 January

The Northern Pacific.


All questions or speculations as to who was the successful bidder for the construction of the Northern Pacific extension are settled by a dispatch from the Northern Pacific railroad office in New York to the Pioneer Press, announcing that the contract for building the first hundred miles was yesterday awarded by the directors to Stephen C. Walker, of Peeksville, New York; Herman Clark, of East Orange, New Jersey; James Bellows, of Rochester, New York, and Robert J. Campbell, of Bath, New York—the work to be completed and the road ready for operation by March 1st next. Mr. George A. Brackett, who was one of the bidders, supplements this announcement with some interesting information to our Minneapolis reporter as to the bid itself—which is estimated to amount to about $7,100 per mile—but this is a mere approximate estimate—no survey of the one having yet been had except of a section of about twenty-five miles. Mr. Walker, who made the bid, seems to have found ample backing on his bond. It is a very significant bid. If 100 miles of the Northern Pacific shall be built for $7,100 per mile, it will be unquestionably the cheapest piece of road of like length—considering its geographical situation and topography, and its distance from any base of supplies—ever built in this or any other country. Farley’s feat in building the Breckenridge cut-off over the dead level of the Red River valley for about $6,000 a mile, was considered a marvel of cheap construction, but if Stephen C. Walker completes the job he has undertaken, several hundred miles farther west, over a country which is estimated to offer 10,000 square yards of excavation per mile, he will beat Farley by several lengths. He may and probably will complete his contract, but he will certainly make no money out of it. It should be understood, however, as a partial explanation of this low bid, that the Northern Pacific railroad company has agreed to transport men, materials and supplies of all kinds on their road free of cost to the contractor, so that this fact compensates to a considerable extent for the distance of the scene of operations from the points of supply. Moreover it is a cash bid, and no discount for depreciated bonds enters into the calculation.—[Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 January 1878, p. 1, c. 2)


04 January

Manitoba sends her locomotives to Brainerd for repairs.—Dispatch. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 January 1879, p. 1, c. 2)


Dr. A. S. Campbell has removed his office to the second story of the N. P. General Office Building first door at the head of the stairway. Observe change in his card elsewhere. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 January 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


A Correction.


ED. TRIBUNE:—With reference to the shooting affray described in your last issue, you state that Mr. Kaley had informed the proprietor of certain misconduct of Mr. Logue, for which the proprietor reprimanded him. This is not the fact. Mr. Kaley did not inform the proprietor of any misconduct nor did the proprietor ever reprimand Mr. Logue or speak to him in any way about misconduct at or about the house. The proprietor did say to Mr. Logue the day of the shooting that his drinking would lose him his employment at the N. P. shops, and in justice to himself he ought to stop it entirely, and only that was ever said. Please make the correction. PROPRIETOR. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 January 1879, p. 4, c. 2)


SEE: 23 December 1878

SEE: 18 March 1879


06 January

LETTER FROM NEW YORK.

_____


NEW YORK, Jan. 6th, 1879.

It has been stated here within a week that the Northern Pacific Railroad Company has concluded a contract to grade, tie and lay with steel 100 miles of that road west from Bismarck at a cost of $7,100 per mile. This, it is also claimed, is the cheapest contract yet taken from a railroad in the United States.

Singular is the coincidence that the railroad which in 1873, by the collapse of its promoters, brought on the panic, should in five years have recovered enough confidence in its territorial grant and enough carefulness in its directory to resume its continental purposes and start westward again on the line of the Upper Missouri. Have we reached the end of the dog days?

There is another coincidence. When Jay Cooke & Co. failed in Philadelphia the members of that firm imputed some strong personal or rival opposition to the house of Drexel & Co. Circulars had been issued anonymously, money articles in newspapers given a bias and satire called into request to prejudice the Northern Pacific enterprise. Bankers can hate like poets and women.

In the course of four or five years the Drexels turned out to be heavy lenders of money to the Poppenhusens and others, proprietors of one of the oldest and most conservative railroads in the East. There seemed to be a wide difference in the degree of risk. The Long Island railroad had almost the monopoly of a fertile and populous island, on which was one city of a half a million people. The Northern Pacific railroad ran through a country without other towns than such as the railroad could create. Yet both parties were wound up within five years of each other. The Poppenhusens were close and penurious German people who had risen from humble position to be proprietors of Goodyear patents, and were reported to be worth $6,000,000 when they took up the Long Island railroad for mere bagatelle, just as the Cookes, in want of occupation, made the Northern Pacific road a protege. Today the Drexels, as bondholders, are said to own the Long Island railroad and are anxious to see it reorganized; the Poppenhusens are ruined and their friends who followed them in, and the Cookes have the start on the next era of prosperity. All of which proves that business ability is a temporal thing and not a matter of individuals. C. H. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 January 1879, p. 1, c. 3)


11 January

L. McPherson, one of the employees at the N. P. shops, met a severe accident while at work one day this week, and has been obliged to quit work in consequence. An iron, he was handling at the bench, fell to the floor and in dodging to save his toes struck his eye, upon some object before him, cutting it badly. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 January 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 25 January 1879


Mine host, Weed, of the Headquarter’s hotel, is having new floors laid throughout and is otherwise repairing and renovating that popular hostelry preparatory to the great rush of travel to this place which will be inaugurated in the spring. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 January 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


A change takes place on Monday in the running time of the Northern Pacific railroad, as our readers will observe by referring to the advertisement in another column. Trains on the Dakota division leave Fargo for Bismarck on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, returning Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, so that travelers from the east desiring to avoid delay at Fargo should leave St. Paul, Brainerd, or points intermediate, on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays for Bismarck or west. The accommodation trains on the Brainerd and St. Paul and Brainerd and Fargo divisions run tri-weekly also, all other trains run daily. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 January 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


18 January

Mr. C. F. Kindred, agent at this place of the land department N. P. R. R. is having the land office building renovated and repainted and otherwise put in first class shape preparatory to the grand rush in the spring for the cheap lands offered by the company. He is temporarily located, pending the improvements, in the north-west corner room—last door to the right. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 January 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


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23 January

Northern Pacific Extension Notes.


BISMARCK, D. T., Jan. 23.—”Town-site” seems to be the rage. The proposed extension of the Northern Pacific west of the Missouri has put all hands in motion, and already erected at least four town-sites, with a fifth one as the “dark horse.” Lincoln City, Sheridan and Mandan are three of them. The others are not named. citizens of Bismarck are the principal parties in interest. The railroad company have not made any move in the direction of a city. When they play their cards some shrewd people suspect the “jolly joker” will turn up. It is a reasonable inference that they can control the real site if they have a mind to.

The Sheridan town-site is the most important. It is backed by a company officered as follows: Hon. Robert Macnider, president; Mayor George Peoples, vice president; Capt. Stephen Baker, of Fort Lincoln, treasurer; Mr. J. Edgerly, secretary.

There are few who now doubt the good intentions of the railroad company. “Only an earthquake or financial ruin” will defeat the extension.

In December the common stock of the Northern Pacific railroad went up to 6 1/2 cents. The cause of this advance is traceable to Jay Gould, who started out to buy up the common stock, not knowing exactly how much was afloat. Through his emissaries he got two millions and the information that there was not a controlling interest in sight. President Wright and the Pennsylvania interest, amounting to two-thirds of the company’s stock, constituted a stone wall that even Gould couldn’t buck against. He, however, unloaded at six cents. He bought it at two cents. Margin obvious.

P. P. Winston and a gang of thirty men arrived this evening to work on the grading necessary to get down to the river. The labor here was so entirely employed that Gen. Rosser, yesterday, could not find a chain man. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 January 1879, p. 1, c. 3)


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25 January

Gen. Rosser and his assistant engineer of the Northern Pacific road have arrived at Bismarck, and the contractors of the new Missouri division are expected soon, when work will be begun on the extension. A temporary bridge will span the Missouri at Bismarck for the transportation of ties and iron. Twenty-five hundred tons of iron have been purchased, deliverable in this city at $39 per ton, and shipments will begin at once. The company will relay the Minnesota division, from Sauk Rapids to Fargo, with nine thousand ton of steel rails early next season, making it one of the best roads in the country. Work will be pushed as rapidly as possible, and the new Northwest will receive an impetus heretofore unparalleled.—[Minneapolis Tribune. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 January 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


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L. McPherson has returned from St. Paul, where he has been having his eye treated, and reports it past danger and much improved. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 January 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 11 January 1879


01 February

The customary “winter arrangement” for running time on the Northern Pacific road, reducing all trains on Dakota division to one tri-weekly accommodation, and making the freights on the Brainerd and Fargo and Brainerd and St. Paul divisions tri-weekly was of very brief duration. On tomorrow a new schedule goes into effect, giving two daily trains each way on Dakota division—one a passenger and the other a freight—making the freight trains on the Minnesota divisions daily, and shortening up the time somewhat on the passengers, making no change however in the time at Brainerd. The largely increasing travel and traffic consequent upon the extension of the Missouri division is the cause. “So mote it be.” (Brainerd Tribune, 01 February 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


07 February

Three car loads of iron for the Missouri division of the Northern Pacific road arrived in the city yesterday, en route for Bismarck, three today, and fifteen are expected tomorrow. The whole amount contracted for at this time is about 200 car loads—enough to lay 25 miles of track.—[Minneapolis Tribune. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 February 1879, p. 4, c. 2)


08 February

Nine hours instead of eight, and additional force have been ordered at the N. P. shops. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 February 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


12 February

NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD.

_____


Westward Extension Inaugurated—An Engine, Cars and Iron [Cross] the Big Muddy.


BISMARCK, D. T. Feb. 12—The Northern Pacific extension was inaugurated today by the triumphant passage across the Missouri river, on the ice, of engine No 57 and two car loads of iron. For two days past a great deal of anxiety has been apparent in regard to the success of this heretofore unattempted feat of engineering. Tonight everybody is jubilant. The Big Muddy has been crossed by the iron horse on nature’s bridge, and material will be crossed to complete the hundred miles contracted for. (BrainerdTribune, 15 February 1879, p. 1, c. 5)


22 February

We are pleased to learn that George Dow, one of the early-day conductors on the Northern Pacific, takes a train again today on the road. His many warm friends, in this country, who have felt that he was unjustly removed from the position he now resumes, will be highly gratified by this his final and full vindication by the management which removed him and would never have replaced him had they not been fully convinced that the charges brought against him were wholly and entirely false. The courage of Mr. Dow in remaining in the country under the unfortunate cloud his removal placed upon him, calmly awaiting the full vindication his innocence assured him would come—"living down the Lie"—is indeed commendable and one strong evidence of his personal honor and integrity, and we congratulate him most heartily upon its ultimate success. Mr. Dow re-commences by taking a freight train, but we are assured that promotion to his old position, that of passenger conductor will follow at an early day. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 February 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


01 March

The Yellowstone and upper Missouri rivers are reported as breaking up and “just a booming.” If such be the case the N. P. railroad bridge on the ice at Bismarck will be short lived. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 March 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


06 March

Henry Spalding, conductor on the Brainerd and Duluth division of the N. P., met a severe accident on Thursday morning last while coupling cars at Duluth. His right hand was caught between the bumpers, badly mutilating three fingers. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 March 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 17 August 1878

SEE: 26 December 1878


11 March

Lively Times at the Front.


The Northern Pacific ice bridge on the Missouri River, 1879.
Source: Frank Jay Haynes

BISMARCK, D. T., March 11.—There was a scene at Mandan this morning. Several jumpers of lots, whose houses had been moved into the streets by the railroad company, arrived on the ground, armed with rifles, and ordered the carpenters at work on the offices of the railroad to quit business. The workmen obeyed and retired. Soon after, Gen. Rosser, the chief engineer, arrived from Bismarck, and stepped to the front. He told the men to go to work, and the riflemen that they wouldn’t shoot. His commanding presence had the desired effect, and after a lively war of words the disturbers of the peace withdrew. The efforts to defy the railroad company’s authority over the new town have totally failed. Today was the last day of railroading on ice, and the track was taken up. The water was three feet deep for five hundred feet on the ice, with heavy cakes floating. The locomotives could not run on the ice on account of the water putting out the fires. The trains were giving sufficient momentum to send them splashing and crashing through the water and floating ice until they reached the opposite shore where locomotives reached the first car and dragged them out. The water was over the trucks, giving the picture of the flats shooting on the surface of the overflow. The cab of the last locomotive that reached the side of the river was flooded and the engine careened, but nothing more serious occurred. The fire-box was deluged but the momentum was sufficient to carry the locomotive out on dry ground. The 2,500 tons of iron were all transferred except twenty tons not here, for the first twenty-five miles of the extension. Since last Thursday over 300 cars have gone across. Most of the ties for the same distance were let, but their transportation by boat will not be a difficult matter. Gen. Rosser has inaugurated the extension job successfully. He defied the elements and won. About 150 permits to occupy and improve lots in Mandan have been issued by the railroad company. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 March 1879, p. 1, c.’s 2 & 3)


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14 March

St. Paul & Pacific Out of Court.


Important action was had yesterday toward a settlement of the matters heretofore in dispute between the bondholding and stockholding interests in the First Division of the St. Paul & Pacific railroad company. The action was had under the provisions of an act passed by the legislature which adjourned at 12 M. of Friday last, the material portion of which is in the following language:

That any judge of the supreme court shall during vacation, have the same power as the court at term to dismiss an appeal and remand the case to the court below upon the stipulation of the parties to such appeal consenting to such dismissal, to be filed with the clerk of the said court.

In accordance with the above stipulations on the part of six mortgage foreclosure suits brought by the bondholding interest in the district court of Ramsey county, and appealed from the stockholding interest, were filed with Clerk Nichols, yesterday, Associate Justice Berry signing the order, dismissed the cases and remanding them to the court below. The general character of the cases are the same, though some little change is made in the wording of the title, and the names of the parties impleaded.

The following is the title of one of the cases: Horace Thompson and Samuel J. Tilden, trustee, respondents, vs. Henry T. Wells, Greenleaf Clark and Edwin C. Litchfield as trustees, impleaded with the first Division of the St. Paul & Pacific railroad company and others, appellants.

Action to foreclose mortgage for $6,000,000.

Appeal by Henry T. Wells and others as trustees for order overruling demurrer to complaint.

The other cases appealed from are to foreclose mortgages in the sums of $6,000,000, $1,200,000, $3,000,000, $3,000,000, and $2,800,000 respectively, making a grand aggregate of $22,000,000.

The cases now go back to the district court of Ramsey county, where the original order of judgment of that court in favor of the bondholders will be certified, thus ending the proceedings as far as that court is concerned. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 March 1879, p. 1, c. 3)


A train of twenty-two car loads of iron, etc., crossed the Missouri river ice bridge yesterday. The total weight being about four hundred tons.—[Bismarck Tribune. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 March 1879, p. 1, c. 4)


15 March

Six daily freight trains on the N. P. take one hundred car loads of freight per day into Bismarck. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 March 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


The Northern Pacific Extension.


Bismarck Tribune.

The longest blockade on the Northern Pacific this season, was raised this week and three mails came at once on Thursday. During the afternoon of that date, General Manager Sargent, Sup’t. Towne, General Roadmaster Taylor, Master Mechanic Farrar, and H. Clark, of New York City, one of the contractors on the west side came through in the directors’ car, attached to a mixed train. A few minutes later another train arrived, and before Friday noon five more, bringing miscellaneous freight, piles, ties and railroad iron, put in their appearance, and under Gen. Rosser’s management were rapidly snaked over to Mandan. The storms and consequent delay have almost ruined the scheme of transferring nine hundred cars of material over the Missouri before the ice gives way. The only hope now rests in a change of weather and a suspension of the wear and tear on the ice from the current underneath and the sun’s rays from above. Mr. Sargent reports that he will rush the material forward from date, and will keep the Missouri division employed in receiving and unloading the numerous trains. Gen. Rosser intends to use horses in pulling trains across after the ice is too thin for a locomotive. He will therefore keep up the transfer to the last moment. He will, however, have to suspend in time to take up the track which will require two days, at least. Last year the ice went out on the 15th of March, the earliest record since ‘73. The chances are favorable to a later date this year. There is not, at best, any reasonable prospect that the ice will hold up until the material for the first twenty-five miles is all over. The company have let the contract for a transfer boat, to arriver here about June. This will carry six cars. Meantime, the Dr. Burleigh, Denver, or some other boat will have to be chartered to ferry over April and May. The telegraph line has been completed to Mandan via Lincoln, and an office established in Gen. Rosser’s car. Mr. Gridley, one of the crack operators of the St. Paul office, has been placed in charge. The engineer corps have been running sound lines on section 27, that look as if they were laying the ground work for a paper city. In that belief several parties have dumped lumber on a front block and in face of the protest of the railroad company have commenced building. The two houses at Sheridan City (re-christened by the Legislature, Gray City) were on wheels yesterday, moving west behind a string of bull teams. Mandan is a railroad section and Vice President Stark, chairman of the land committee, gives due notice that the company propose to have it, and jumpers may govern themselves accordingly. All odd sections are the company’s and they are not in the townsite business, as they once were. They want to control and manipulate their own sections according to their own judgment, and as they intend, to the interest of all who regularly purchase of them. The government sections are the people’s. They will make no effort to rope any of them into any townsite they may lay out.

The Northern Pacific Railroad builds an ice bridge across the Missouri River between Bismarck and Mandan, 15 March 1879.
Source: Harper’s Weekly

Pile driving has been going on rapidly. Cottonwood piles have been pressed into the service in consequence of the non-arrival of the piles from Minnesota, Winston and Lehroy are driving as high as sixty per day. They find four feet of frozen sand in the Heart. It is all ice and frosted sand. Winston says it is the hardest pile driving he has encountered in many years. He was three days making one hole. The upper crossings on the Heart do not offer such stubborn resistance, and by the liveliest kind of work the piles go in. Some of them crumble, however, under the weight that is let down on them. There is scarcely enough water in the Heart to supply the teams, thus there will be no trouble on account of the breaking up of the ice in that river. Mr. Clark, of the contractors, has come to stay. He will build an office on the west side and stay with the boys until the first of November. He says he is ready to build more than one hundred miles this season, if the company orders it.

The Northern Pacific ice bridge on the Missouri River between Bismarck and Mandan, March 1879.
Source: Frank Jay Haynes, University of Washington

The engine house is completed. Three engines are on the Mandan side, including the little St. Cloud.

Water appeared on the Heart river ice yesterday. It came from the prairie. There was one foot of water on the Missouri at this point, this morning. Gen. Rosser expects to take up the track on the ice, tomorrow, if the present unfavorable conditions continue. The winter transfer of material by rail will therefore terminate. On account of the non-arrival of material the transfer business will be set down a flat failure. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 March 1879, p. 1, c.’s 3 & 4)


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18 March

Peter Logue who has been in jail for several months awaiting trial for shooting at E. W. Kaley procured bail on Tuesday and was released and the county will save about $500 by the transaction. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 March 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


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20 March

Thomas Ogden, a brakeman on the N. P. R. R., met an accident at the yard in this city on Thursday morning, which was at first thought to be serious, but fortunately proved to be very slight. He was ascending the steps on the side of a box car that was being switched when he was knocked to the ground by coming in contact with another car standing too near the switch. He was picked up insensible and carried to the Merchants hotel—his boarding place—where he soon revived and his injuries were found to be only a few bruises. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 March 1879, p. 4, c. 2)


21 March

Withdrawal of Trains on the Pembina

Branch of the C. P. R. R.


Globe.

A call upon W. S. Alexander, general freight agent of the St. Paul & Pacific railroad, yesterday resulted in confirmation of a street rumor to the effect that trains were to be withdrawn from the Pembina branch of the Canadian Pacific railway, running from St. Vincent to Winnipeg. Mr. Alexander stated that he was notified by Mr. Willis, one of the contracting operators of the road, of such intended action on Friday last and that he had been informed Mr. Willis had left for St. Vincent to execute the withdrawal that morning. Mr. Alexander had no reason to give for this withdrawal and the reporter was unable to learn anything beyond a surmise that it was the result of complications between the contractors and the Canadian government. Whatever the cause the result is quite a serious one to our merchants and other shippers, the St. Paul & Pacific having now some one hundred cars loaded for points in Manitoba, while applications for other large shipments have been made which were necessarily refused, and must of course be held until the opening of navigation or running rail arrangements are renewed with the Pembina branch. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 March 1879, p. 1, c. 3)


22 March

The spring arrangement on the N. P., commencing April 1st, will be about the same as last season, the through passenger train leaving St. Paul in the morning and reaching Bismarck the next morning, running sleepers on Dakota division. As last season, also, a night train will run between Duluth and Fargo to accommodate the lake and Manitoba travel, with sleepers attached. The addition now of a night passenger on the Brainerd and St. Paul division to connect here with the Duluth and Fargo train would make the arrangement complete and greatly accommodate the local travel and business. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 March 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


It is with deep regret that the TRIBUNE records the fact this week that Mr. Edward Kopper, of the land department of the Northern Pacific railroad, one of the pioneer residents of the City of Pines, and one who had in fact almost become a fixture here, will relinquish his position in the department and take his departure from our midst on Tuesday next. It is Mr. Kopper’s purpose to engage in the real estate business in partnership with his brother in the city of New York, and during a residence here of over eight years he has acquired many warm friends, both here and elsewhere on the line of the Northern Pacific, who, while they will learn with sorrow of his determination to leave them, will wish him success and happiness, in this new departure, beyond his most sanguine hopes. The business in which he intends to engage is, we learn, somewhat of an experiment, however, and may not meet his expectations, in which event we shall have the pleasure of welcoming his return, his position in the land office here being open to him at any time he desires, and though none would hope for failure in his new enterprise all would hail his return to Brainerd with pleasure. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 March 1879, p. 1, c. 2)


We are pleased to notice the return to the Northern Pacific of John McManus, conductor during last season on the Duluth and Fargo night passenger. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 March 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


29 March

The flood of immigration into the Great Northwest amounts now to over one thousand per day, over half of which is pouring into the Northern Pacific country. Every train on every road running in this direction is crowded with immigrants daily, while thousands are traveling to this country by private conveyance, and we predict that the increase of population on the line of this road for 1879 will be entirely without precedent. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 March 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


James Duty, one of the most courteous of all the gentlemanly Pullman car conductors it has been our good fortune to meet in our travels gave the TRIBUNE a call today on his way to Dakota to take charge of the famous sleeper Fargo, between Fargo and Bismarck during the coming summer. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 March 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


30 March

The New N. P. Extension Bill.


Washington Special, 30th, to Chicago Inter-Ocean.

The bill introduced today, by Senator Grover, in regard to the Northern Pacific railroad provides that the time for the completion of its main line shall be extended ten years, upon conditions, which, are, in substance, as follows:

1. That the company shall, within one year of the enactment of this bill, commence work on the main line, at or near Umatilla, Oregon, complete not less than two hundred miles of its road eastwardly every year thereafter, and shall construct a total of at least one hundred miles of the main line within two years from same date, and not less than one hundred miles of the main line each year thereafter including the twenty-five miles per annum expressly designated.

2. The main line between Portland and Umatilla shall be constructed on the south side of Columbia.

3. That with the exception of the land heretofore earned by the company, all agricultural lands within its grant shall be open to purchase from the company by actual settlers, in tracts of 160 acres each, at the price of $2.50 per acre.

The extension of time and continuance of all former rights and franchises are also made conditional upon the requirements that said company shall complete its road around the cascade of Columbia river within two years, and around the Dalles of Columbia within three years from the enactment of this bill, and that in the use of these portage railroads the company shall make no discrimination or excessive charges against any person or corporation. All lands heretofore withdrawn from the branch line are to be restored to the public domain except for a distance of twenty miles north of the portion now completed, from Tacoma to Wilkeson, Washington Territory.

The bill embodies the provisions of the house bill last year, protecting the right of homestead and pre-emption settlement made prior to the receipt of orders of withdrawal at local land offices, and, in conclusion, authority is reserved for congress to amend or repeal this act any time (having due regard for the rights of the company) and to provide by law against discriminations and excessive charges. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 April 1879, p. 1, c. 2)


05 April

Another Northern Pacific extension bill is before Congress. The substance of its provisions appears in another column, and its chances for success are now good. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 April 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


A correspondent of the Fargo Republican thinks “the ‘Michigan men’ in connection with the N. P. R. R., and in business interests identical with the advance of the country through which the road passes, will be in favorable comparison with the rebel brigadier element, which seeks notoriety through the newspapers but, is adding nothing to the material prosperity.” (Brainerd Tribune, 05 April 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


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Gen. Rosser, chief engineer of the Northern Pacific railroad and a Southern man, will put 500 Negroes to work upon the extension of that road this summer.—[Dispatch. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 April 1879, p. 1, c. 3)


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Headquarters hotel has been repaired throughout with new floors and otherwise improved, and is as ever the only first class hostelry in the northwest. Tourists and sportsmen will make a note of this in connection with the excellent advantages this section affords patrons of the rod and gun. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 April 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


07 April

Frank Littlefield, section foreman on the N. P. at West Brainerd, met a severe accident on Monday morning last, resulting in a broken leg. He was unloading some ties from a hand car near the east end of the bridge, when a number of them tumbled down upon him unexpectedly knocking him backwards and falling upon his left leg breaking the bone just above the ankle. He was at once carried to the Marshal House and Dr. Campbell called in to attend him. At this writing he is reported in a great deal of pain and is liable to be laid up with it for a long time. He is a married man, his family residing in Michigan. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 April 1879, p. 4, c.’s 1 & 2)


12 April

Another and radical change in the running time of the Northern Pacific railroad goes into effect on Sunday next the 20th inst., by which the through St. Paul and Bismarck express will leave St. Paul in the evening, reaching Bismarck the next evening, and returning leave Bismarck in the morning reaching St. Paul the next morning, passing Brainerd each way at midnight and connecting here with a night passenger from Duluth. A mail and way passenger, in addition to this, will run between St. Paul and Fargo on about the present time, so that in reality the night express is an additional and entirely new train on the road. The N. P. sleepers will run between St. Paul and Fargo, instead of Fargo and Bismarck, and with the new arrangement commences the occupancy of the new lease by the Northern Pacific of the road between Sauk Rapids and St. Paul, so that thereafter all Northern Pacific trains will run into St. Paul. The exact running time of the through express will be as follows: Leave St. Paul 5:30 p. m., arrive at Brainerd 12:30 a. m., leave Brainerd 12:40 a. m., arrive at Fargo 7:40 a. m., leave Fargo 8:10 a. m., arrive at Bismarck 7:10 p. m., returning leave Bismarck 7:45 a. m., arrive at Fargo 6:45 p. m., leave Fargo 7:15 p. m., arrive at Brainerd 1:30 a. m., leave Brainerd 1:45 a. m., arrive in St. Paul 8 a. m. This is, without exception, the very best arrangement that could possibly be adopted on the road and will be hailed with pleasure universally, both as an indication of prosperity and for its conveniences which are manifold over any previous arrangement. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 April 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


H. E. Sargent, general manager of the N. P. R. R., has kindly offered to Duluth the transportation free from Moorhead of a car load of shade trees for the streets of that city. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 April 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


A Bismarck correspondent to the Fargo Republican pays the following just tribute to Gen. Rosser, the “Rebel Brigadier” referred to by a previous correspondence to that paper quoted in these columns last week.

Your correspondent who signs himself “H,” has evidently taken the story told of Gen. Rosser in one of my late letters, as a slur at the sons of Michigan. Such an idea certainly never entered my head and as for the General, why, seeing that he got whipped every time he met the “Michigan Brigade,” a gallant corps of cavalry, commanded by the still more gallant Custer, during the late unpleasantness, it is reasonable to suppose he might feel a little sore over the mention of the name; but “honor to whom honor is due.” When your correspondent states that the “Rebel Brigadier” is doing no material good for this part of our country, he states that which is not a fact, for it is owing, in a great measure, to Gen. Rosser’s indefatigable labors, that the railroad extension has got along as well as it has, and it must be remembered that this extension is to open up the rich country of the Yellowstone to future settlers from Michigan, or any other State of our Union. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 April 1879, p. 1, c. 2)


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ROSSER:

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C. Joslin, conductor on the Northern Pacific for the past year, has resigned that position, and moved with his family to Island Lake, 46 miles from Duluth, on the Northern Pacific, where he will have charge of the railroad pump and the eating house, and his daughter, Mrs. Nichols, will be the telegraph operator. Island Lake itself is a fine body of water, full of black bass, pickerel and so forth. There are a number of other lakes nearby, and Mr. Joslin proposes to offer such accommodations to lovers of fishing and hunting, as have not been known heretofore between Duluth and Brainerd.—[Duluth News. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 April 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


16 April

The Eighteenth U. S. Infantry under command of Gen. Rogers passed through this city on Wednesday morning by two special trains from Atlanta, Georgia, en route for Fort Assiniboine, a new post on Milk river. The regiment, including officers’ families and servants, numbered 450, and contained 330 enlisted men. The passenger train was the largest ever run into this city, and consisted of fourteen coaches, and one baggage car. Two heavy sleepers attached to the rear of this train were transferred at this point to the baggage train which preceded and consisted of fourteen box-cars, three baggage cars and one caboose. The cars were all from eastern roads, mostly the Evansville and Terre Haute road. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 April 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


18 April

A special train went up to Sauk Rapids yesterday bearing General Managers H. E. Sargent, of the Northern Pacific, S. S. Merrill, of the Milwaukee & St. Paul, and J. W. Bishop, of the St. Paul & Sioux City road. The object of the trip was to enable Messrs. Merrill & Bishop to act as arbitrators to determine what amount the Northern Pacific should pay the St. Paul & Pacific for use of that line of road.—[Globe. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 April 1879, p. 1, c. 4)


19 April

The N. P. R. R. company has negotiated a loan of $2,000,000 on 6 per cent bonds for the construction of the Yellowstone division, which looks as though both the Missouri and Yellowstone divisions would be completed this year. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 April 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


26 April

Judge Stearns has rendered a decision in the suit of the Western Railroad Company against C. A. DeGraff & Co. et al., in which a temporary injunction was issued restraining the governor of the State from selling certain Brainerd Branch lands, as advertised last fall, which were sold regardless of the injunction. The decision sustained a demurrer of the defendants interposed upon the grounds that the governor could not be enjoined, and rested upon Article 3 of the Constitution, which reads:

“The powers of the government shall be divided into three distinct departments: legislative, executive and judicial, and no person or persons belonging to or constituting one of these departments shall exercise any of the powers properly belonging to either of the others except for the instances expressly provided in the constitution.”

The plaintiff has appealed to the Supreme Court. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 April 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


The new locomotives and rolling stock ordered by the Northern Pacific are now arriving. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 April 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


Lyman P. White, Esq., agent for the town site company of Brainerd, sold forty lots in town in one day this week. The company has put the price of its lots down to a figure at which everyone can afford to buy and own his home—with plenty of room at that—and the people are taking advantage of it; which is sensible all around. The Co. is disposing of its property, and the cheap lots will induce a great many buildings to go up this season improving the town and enhancing the value of property in it. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 May 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


In another column this week will be found a notice from the land commissioner of the Western Railroad company, warning all parties against purchasing any of the lands in odd sections within the limits of the Brainerd Branch land grant from DeGraff & Co., or any other party claiming title under the sale in November last by Governor Pillsbury, the validity of which sale is being contested by the railroad company in the courts. In this case, as stated last week by the TRIBUNE, the demurrer of the defendants DeGraff & Co. was recently sustained by Judge Stearns, and that decision has been filed with the clerk of the court in this county, but in his memoranda to the decision the judge states that his decision is only upon the first point made by defendants, “that the governor is not subject to injunction,” and he does not therefore decide upon the merits of the case; and upon even this point the judge admits that he decides contrary to his judgment in complying with former decisions. He says:

In this state of the authorities I feel justified as representing an inferior court in yielding to what seems to be the prevalent opinion that the cases which in this State have settled the law adversely to the authority of the courts in any case to interfere with the officers of the executive department by mandamus, have also settled the law adversely to any authority to interfere in any case by injunction, but I cannot do so without expressing a clear conviction that in principle there is a vital distinction which ought not to be disregarded; and the doctrine of Marbury vs. Madison rests on sound legal reasoning; that analogous but still more cogent reasoning established the authority of the judiciary, where no special constitutional provision prevents, to interfere by injunction to restrain ministerial acts of officers of the executive department, threatened to be done under color of office, but which in fact transcend the law, and which will work irreparable injury to private rights; that article 3 of the constitution of Minnesota, while it clearly does prohibit interference by the judiciary with officers of the executive department by mandamus, to compel the permanence in any case of official duties, does not on its face, nor by any fair construction, take from the judiciary authority to restrain executive officers by injunction, in cases that would be proper in the absence of such constitutional provision.

Farther than this, the merits of the case which Judge Stearns did not reach, and which we have thoroughly and carefully perused, are in our opinion largely in favor of the railroad company, and will be so decided by the supreme court, to which the matter has been appealed; and for these reasons we consider the warning of the land commissioner a valuable one, and would advise all readers of the TRIBUNE to obey its behest. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 May 1879, p. 1, c. 2)


07 May

An accident of a trifling character took place on the Northern Pacific railroad on Wednesday at Greeley Switch, which a sensational Pioneer Press reporter has located within ten feet of the deep gulch at that place and magnified into “a narrow escape from one of those sickening horrors which it would seem the very best of railroads are subject to,” etc., totally disregarding the facts and apparently indifferent to the injury its sensational lies may inflict upon the company. That paper says the entire train left the track, when the engine alone was thrown off; “on a down grade,” says the “Truth-teller,” when in fact it was on an up grade, though the reporter probably intended to say it was a down grade backwards, hence we give him credit here for trying but failing to tell the truth; but “only ten feet from the edge of a chasm” is unaccountable in view of the fact that the distance was in reality over 350 feet, though he may have endeavored here also to give the figures as they were given to him, and his naughty pencil, accustomed to twisting facts, persisted in writing it “only ten feet” instead of “over ten car lengths.” The Pioneer Press of course published a correction the next day, but ten feet makes a better item than 350, and the consequence is the press all over the country rings with “the narrow escape from a horrible fate of a Northern Pacific train, which was stopped only ten feet from a chasm over ninety feet deep,” while the correction will fall at the portals of the Pioneer Press office. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 May 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


10 May

The railroad shops are overcrowded with work and enlargement, with an increase of workmen, is contemplated. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 May 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


The branch lines of the St. Paul and Pacific railroad were sold this week in St. Paul to the bondholders who at once proceeded to contract for the building of the missing link of the Pembina Branch from Alexandria to Glyndon via Fergus Falls. Amen. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 May 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


The house committee on railroads have decided not to report back any railroad bills this session—but the Northern Pacific extension will go right on all the same. We shall be disappointed if when the road is finally completed to the Pacific, that same persistent extension bill is not knocking at the doors of a congress which is unwilling to be convinced, if it is not ready to be bribed.—[Minneapolis Tribune. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 May 1879, p. 1, c. 2)


L. P. White, agent for the town site company, says he has only a few company lots left in the town. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 May 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


In overhauling a car at the shops this week the men found a letter behind the wood box, containing a check of Yaogan & Co., a Bismarck firm, for $200.00. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 May 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


NOTICE.

_____


The WESTERN RAILROAD COMPANY, is the absolute equitable owner of all the odd sections within the limits of the Grant to the old Brainerd Branch of the St. Paul & Pacific Road, between Sauk Rapids and Crow Wing, that were not sold through the United States Land Office prior to the grant made this Company, and is the only party that can give good and sufficient title to the same.

All parties are warned from purchasing any of these land from DeGRAFF & Co., or any other party claiming title under the late sale by the State, as the company is contesting, and will contest, until final decision by the U. S. Supreme Court, all claims of this character, and all parties purchasing from anyone, other than the WESTERN RAILROAD COMPANY, any of said lands, or cutting timber, or entering upon any thereof without permission of said Company, will lose the moneys they pay, and be subjected to suits for damages by said Western Railroad Co. JAMES B. POWER.

Land Commissioner, W. R. R. Co.

(Brainerd Tribune, 10 May 1879, p. 4, c. 4)


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13 May

N. P. Items.


Special to the St. Paul Dispatch.

BRAINERD, May 13.—The Northern Pacific railroad will change running time again Sunday.

O. C. Greene, superintendent of telegraph, is in town on one of his regular weekly trips to Duluth.

The N. P. business car has been remodeled again and makes its first trip over the road today. The N. P. sleepers built here are now running on the Brainerd and Duluth division. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 May 1879, p. 4, c. 2)


17 May

J. W. Edgerton, paymaster of the N. P. R. R., is in town scattering the ducats among the boys with a liberal hand, for the month of April. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 May 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


21 May

Robert McKee started Wednesday for the front with teams, scrapers and a crew of men to commence operations upon a grading contract he had taken on the Missouri division. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 May 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


A telegram from Philadelphia, dated the 21st, states that President C. B. Wright of the Northern Pacific railroad has announced his intention of resigning the presidency to gain health and strength to undergo a surgical operation for cataract. He will, however, retain his desk in the directory. The change will not affect the present policy of the company.—[Dispatch. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 May 1879, p. 1, c. 4)


24 May

Mr. Charles B. Wright, president since its reorganization in 1876 of the Northern Pacific railroad, tendered his resignation to a meeting of the board of directors in New York today, owing to failing health and eyesight. Frederick Billings was promptly elected his successor, which means “forward march” to the Northern Pacific enterprise. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 May 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


A new time schedule goes into effect tomorrow on the N. P. R. R. There is no change under it in the arriving and departing time of passenger trains at Brainerd, the principal change being that the night passenger hereafter will leave St. Paul on Sunday evenings instead of Saturday evenings, and arrive in St. Paul on Sunday mornings instead of Monday mornings. This is a decided improvement over the previous arrangement, for this section at least, as it will enable parties busy all the week and unable to fine time to leave town during working days to take the Sunday morning train for St. Paul or Minneapolis and attend church or otherwise enjoy the day in either of those cities, returning the evening. This train leaves Brainerd every morning except Monday at 2:50 a. m. and returning leaves St. Paul every evening except Saturday at 5:40 p. m., reaching Brainerd at 12:30 a. m.

_____


Under the new running arrangement of the Northern Pacific railroad the arrivals and departures at Brainerd number eighteen trains daily, making the depot at this point a pretty lively place, and affording an opportunity to come or go in either direction at almost any hour of the twenty four. The following are the periods of arrival and departure in detail:


ARRIVALS.

St. Paul Express, 12:30 a. m.

Fargo Express, 2:25 a. m.

Fargo Freight, 3:15 a. m.

Fargo Mail, 12:00 a. m.

St. Paul Mail, 1:50 p. m.

Fargo Freight, 3:30 p. m.

St. Paul Freight, 4:20 p. m.

Duluth Freight, 6:00 p. m.

Duluth Express, 12:00 p. m.


DEPARTURES.

Fargo Express, 12:45 a. m.

St. Paul Express, 2:50 a. m.

Duluth Express, 3:05 a. m.

Fargo Freight, 5:15 a. m.

St. Paul Freight, 6:00 a. m.

Duluth Freight, 8:00 a. m.

St. Paul Mail, 12:25 p. m.

Fargo Mail, 2:15 p. m.

Fargo Freight, 6:45 p. m.

(Brainerd Tribune, 24 May 1879, p. 1, c.’s 1 & 2)


“Doc.” Taylor, brother of the general road master of the N. P., came near losing his right foot a few days since. He has been railroading for 20 years, but the pilot of an engine caught him near the shops in Brainerd. The engineer backed off and saved him. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 May 1879, p. 1, c. 3)


GEN. ROSSER, chief engineer of the Northern Pacific Railroad, says the migrating Negroes who take employment under him will work less than is required on Southern plantations, and get more pay. The 500 already hired will, if they desire, be enabled to establish themselves as farmers on homesteads on the line. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 May 1879, p. 2, c. 1)


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The Northern Pacific railroad is rapidly shipping men and material west to construct the Missouri division of 100 miles, which is to be completed before fall. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 May 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


Girl Wanted.


One that is a good cook, and can do washing and ironing nicely. None other need apply. Wages $4.00 per week. Apply to Mrs. Charles Tucker, N. P. R. R. Boarding House. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 May 1879, p. 4, c. 2)


29 May

Attempted Suicide and Threatened

Murder.


BRAINERD, Minn., May 29.—M. L. Dunham a brakeman on the Northern Pacific railroad, attempted suicide here yesterday by taking an ounce of laudanum. He had been discharged the day previous by the company for drunkenness and inattention to his duties; his wife had left him on account of his waywardness and general cussedness, and his wages were garnisheed for house rent by his landlord. Being too weak-minded to overcome his troubles in a manly way, he undertook in this cowardly manner to dodge them. A stomach pump promptly applied with the untiring efforts of Dr. Campbell who attended him and his assistants Sheriff Whitney and deputies Trask and Shontell, who gave him a pretty coarse deal until the poison was ejected from his stomach and the danger was passed, rendered his attempt abortive and held him to the rack, so that he still faces the music, though very weak. In his ravings yesterday he insisted that he would yet consummate his effort after he had shot Vanderpool and Wilson, the conductors who were responsible for the complaints against him; DeLamere, the officer who discharged him, and Hartley of the Tribune, who garnisheed his wages for house rent, and he declared that he would do the job next time in such a manner that no damned doctor could save him. It was indeed a very close call, and only the most rigorous measures saved him. The doctor says one-third of the dose was sufficient to produce death, and it was nearly an hour after he had taken the poison before the fact was known and the doctor called. He is now in Sheriff Whitney’s charge.—[Special Telegram to the St. Paul Dispatch.

Since his recovery Dunham feels very much ashamed of the affair, and particularly of his threats towards the parties named, and seems to have obtained wisdom from the transaction. He has left town in pursuit of work, and let us hope his narrow escape may be the means of making a man of him. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 May 1879, p. 1, c.’s 2 & 3)


30 May

M. L. Dunham, the would be suicide, departed toward the setting sun yesterday afternoon at two o’clock. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 May 1879, p. 6, c. 1)


31 May

O. J. Johnson, emigrant agent of the N. P. R. R., was in town this morning with the advance agents of a colony of seventy-five families from the Missouri bottoms, below Sioux City, who propose to settle in Crow Wing county. They have gone today to Withington [Deerwood] to look over the country there, and will spend tomorrow in “spying out the land” southeast of Brainerd and on to Long Lake. They are all ready to remove here as soon as their agents report, which is their reason for traveling Sunday, as otherwise they would defer their trip through to Long Lake until Monday. One of the party has a steam saw mill, and if they locate in Crow Wing county will remove it to Brainerd. The officers of the company, and particularly Mr. Kindred of the land department, are fully alive to the importance of getting them here and will do all in their power to locate them in Crow Wing country. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 May 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


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PUBLIC SALE

OF

Railroad Lands

IN

MINNESOTA.

_____


In compliance with an Act of the Legislature of the State of Minnesota, approved March 1st 1877, entitled “An Act to provide for the completion of the lines of railroad commonly known as the Saint Paul and Pacific extension lines.” I will sell at public auction, to the highest bidder for cash, at my office in the Capitol building, in St. Paul, on THURSDAY, THE 26TH DAY OF JUNE, 1879, and from day to day thereafter until the whole shall have been offered, about 18,500 acres of land—in legal government subdivisions, situated in the counties of Morrison and Crow Wing, and State of Minnesota, through which counties the railroad is completed and in operation.

These lands are advantageously situated, convenient to settlements, are generally well watered and gently undulating, and consist of choice hardwood timber land, pine land, prairie and meadow, and are all within ten miles of the railroad track.

Maps are on file at the Executive office showing the relative situation of these lands, and descriptive lists of them can be obtained by application in person or by letter to me.

J. S. PILLSBURY,

Governor of Minnesota.

Executive office, St. Paul, Minn., May 31, 1879.

(Brainerd Tribune, 14 June 1879, p. 4, c. 4)


05 June

A special train going west containing Col. Lee’s company of mechanics for the erection of the new military post at Milk river, ran into a freight train halted at Detroit station, at 4 o’clock a. m. Thursday morning, demolishing the engine of the special and several cars, but fortunately injuring no one. The accident was occasioned by a violation of the rules of the road by the engineer, who undertook to run past the station at full speed, contrary to rule 48, and did not even whistle for the station until after he had crossed the switch. The foggy excuse for the accident, given by the correspondent of the St. Paul papers, does not change the rule named or exculpate the engineer. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 June 1879, p. 4, c.’s 1 & 2)


07 June

Hon. Frederick Billings, president of the Northern Pacific railroad, and by far its heaviest stockholder, is in the city, accompanied by General Manager H. E. Sargent and Superintendent H. A. Towne, inspecting in person, the business interests of the company in this place. They returned this morning from Duluth, and have visited the shops, offices and land department of the company since their arrival, and Mr. Billings expresses himself in every way highly pleased with the management of the road from St. Paul and Duluth to Bismarck. He is very much annoyed by the false rumor, set afloat by the imagination of the Bismarck correspondent of a sensational St. Paul newspaper, alleging a proposed change in the office of General Manager, and characterizes the statement as wholly and entirely false in every particular, adding the desire that such outrages could be adequately punished. He says emphatically, that no change whatever in the local management is contemplated; that he is well pleased with Mr. Sargent’s superior ability and manner of conducting the important business of the road, and that it is entirely immaterial to him, who fills the offices from president down, so long as they do their duty, and the interests of the company are preserved. He has no choice of men for the positions and will make no changes which, the company’s interests do not demand, so that the present general manager, Mr. Sargent, will retain his position until he voluntarily relinquishes it, the Pioneer Press sensational correspondent to the contrary notwithstanding. Mr. Billings says he proposes to have 400 miles of road built this year—200 miles from Bismarck west, and 200 miles from Columbia river, east. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 June 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


The air is stiff with rumors pertaining to a grand and sweeping change in the management of the N. P. R. R. The names of several men, prominent in the railroad world, are mentioned, but don’t you bet a nickel on the strength of any report, for you “can’t sometimes most always tell.” (Brainerd Tribune, 07 June 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


The Lumber Business.


The importance of furnishing cheap lumber to the thousands and tens of thousands of immigrants who are settling along the Northern Pacific railroad, has given an impetus to the project of establishing saw mills at Sauk Rapids and other places on the Mississippi above that point. Several parties are meditating erecting saw mills at West Brainerd, and the president of the Northern Pacific road, Mr. Billings, who is now making a tour of the line, it is believed will encourage the immediate establishment of lumber mills at West Brainerd and other feasible points along his line. It is regarded as extremely short-sighted policy to float logs down the river for hundreds of miles, that are merely to be sawed up and then carried directly back by rail in the shape of lumber for a hundred and fifty miles more, when the logs might be sawed near the source of supply, and all this expense of transportation saved to the consumer. The Northern Pacific will be wise if it manages to furnish lumber to its vast army of settlers at the lowest possible cost, and thus add additional attractions to the magnificent country which it is so rapidly developing.

The above, from the Pioneer Press, has the right ring, and is just what this paper has always strongly advocated. In this connection we will say that the fine mill owned by the Jones Bros., a mile from town, is now in operation, and they are fully prepared to saw up anything from a shingle bolt to a dimension stick. They have refitted and remodeled the mill, have a first class engine and the best set of boilers we ever saw in a mill. With the proprietors to manage matters, assisted by a full complement of able assistants, they cannot fail to do a slashing business. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 June 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


It is now generally conceded that the business out of which railways make money is not the carrying of passengers, but the transportation of freight and we are glad to notice that the N. P. is so full of business as to need the entire attention of its efficient freight agent, T. C. Fernald, who will not be found at the ticket office after this date, Mr. Leonard having charge of that department. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 June 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


08 June

DIED.


WILLIAMS.—At the residence of Lyman P. White, Esq. in this city, on Sunday last, June 8th, at about noon, of heart disease, after an illness of a few weeks, Charles E. Williams, Auditor of Crow Wing, Cass and Itasca counties, and chief clerk in the machinery department of the N. P. R. R.

Deceased was born in Auburn, New York, in 1851, and came to this city in the spring of 1874 to take the position in the employ of the company he filled at his death. He leaves a father, mother and two sisters residing in Auburn, who will mourn the departure of a much loved son and brother, and a very large circle of friends in this town, particularly among the railroad employees at the shops with whom he has associated, who will drop many a tear to his memory. The railroad shops were closed and work suspended on Monday by order of the superintendent of machinery, Mr. Farrar, and at 11 o’clock a large concourse of people gathered at the residence of Mr. White, where prayer was offered by Rev. Herbert Root, when the remains of the deceased were conveyed by the Masonic fraternity, of which he was a member, to the south bound train, by which they were taken in charge of W. A. Smith, of Smith & Campbell, to his home in Auburn, where they will be interred. Peace to his ashes. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 June 1879, p. 1, c. 4)


13 June

The presidents of the Northern Pacific and the St. Paul & Pacific, with other officers of the respective roads, held a conference at the Merchants’ Hotel yesterday afternoon upon matters connected with their common line from St. Paul to Watab. It is understood that the meeting was pleasant and harmonious, and the time having arrived for business, this important line will soon be furnished with double tracks, “steel” rails, side-tracks, station, houses, and all the other improvements that are required for a road upon which are moved every day more trains than upon any other road of similar length in the State.—[Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 June 1879, p. 4, c. 3)


14 June

The Western Railroad Company.


The stockholders of the Western Railroad Company of Minnesota, which owns the portion of the Northern Pacific Railroad between Brainerd and Watab, held a meeting in St. Paul this week and elected the following board of directors of that company: Messrs. Frederick Billings, C. B. Wright, George Stark, Geo. L. Becker, F. R. Delano, L. E. Reed, R. M. Newport, Alex. Ramsey, S. E. Neiler.

The directors subsequently met and elected the following officers:

President—Geo. L. Becker.

Secretary and treasurer—R. M. Newport.

Executive committee—Geo. L. Becker, Frederick Billings, George Stark, and L. E. Reed.

The directors received the reports of the officers and agents, which were of the most satisfactory character, showing among other things that the earnings of the past year have been sufficient to pay all obligations, and to declare a dividend upon the stock of 10 per cent. In addition to this a surplus remains in the treasury with which to fence and otherwise improve the already excellent road. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 June 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


A party of railway magnates passed over the Northern Pacific road this week, which undoubtedly represented more railway stock and constituted more significance in railway circles than has ever before visited the Northwest at one time since the conception of the great trans-continental thoroughfare from lake to ocean, all of which bears the pleasing indication that the Northern Pacific country is attracting no little attention abroad. The personnel of the party is as follows:

Hugh Riddle, of Chicago, president of the Rock Island railway; H. H. Porter, of Chicago, president of the Chicago, St. Paul & Minneapolis railway, and Mrs. Porter; Hon. P. Sawyer, of Oshkosh, Wis., president of the North Wisconsin railway, Mrs. Sawyer and daughter; P. L. Cable, of Rock Island, president of the Peoria & Rock Island railway; David Dows of New York, vice president of the Rock Island and director of the Rock Island and director of the Rock Island, Union Pacific, Chicago & North Western, Chicago, St. Paul & Minneapolis and Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railways, and Mrs. Dows; R. P. Flower, director of the Rock Island, Chicago & North Western and Chicago, St. Paul & Minneapolis railways, and Mrs. Flower; Henry Seibert, director of the Chicago, St. Paul & Minneapolis railway, and daughter; Judge Schley and wife, of New York, Mrs. Schley, formerly Mrs. Henry Loep, being a heavy stockholder in the Rock Island and Chicago & Northwestern railways; George Coplin, of New York, director of the Chicago, St. Paul & Minneapolis railways; Benjamin Brewster, wife and son; R. S. Middleton and Barlow Stevens, of New York, stockholders in various roads; N. W. Mundy and wife, Mrs. A. A. Carpenter, Mrs. S. M. Nickerson, R. C. Nickerson and C. H. Hillard, of Chicago, well known in railway circles and interested in a number of roads; J. Q. Adams and son, St. Paul; J. B. Rice, assistant superintendent of the St. Paul & Pacific railway, and Joseph Upper, of Winnipeg, manager of the Pembina & Winnipeg and Canada Pacific railways. They were accompanied from Glyndon, where they reached the Northern Pacific, to Bismarck and return, by H. A. Towne, superintendent of the Northern Pacific, after which they were conveyed by special train to Winnipeg and thence by the St. Paul & Pacific to St. Paul. What this visit may portend we are not prepared to relate, but that its significance is important cannot admit of a doubt. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 June 1879, p. 1, c. 2)


21 June

We received a pleasant call today from J. B. Davidson, agent at Bismarck for the N. P. R. R., who came into Brainerd this morning to spend Sunday with his family. He reports the extension progressing rapidly. The graders he says are fifty miles out from Bismarck, and the hardest portion of the first one hundred miles is completed. The freight business to Bismarck he reports greatly increased over any previous year, the receipts from freight received at Bismarck alone during the month of May being $100,000, saying nothing of freight forwarded. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 June 1879, p. 1, c. 2)


28 June

A reduction in the price of Northern Pacific lands was ordered at the last meeting of the directors of the road in proportion to the recent advance in the price of preferred stock of the company, which is receivable for lands; which is a move in the right direction. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 June 1879, p. 1, c. 2)


A. O. Canfield, of Bismarck, formerly freight and ticket agent at Brainerd returned last week to take the ticket office at this place, which has been taken from the duties of the agent here and made a separate office. Mr. Canfield has had the promise of the position for some time whenever it became a separate office, and when the change was made a few weeks ago he had the prior right, and it was accorded to him. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 June 1879, p. 1, c. 3)


05 July

Gen. Geo. Stark, vice president, and J. B. Power, Esq., land commissioner of the N. P., with representatives of the contractors west of the Missouri river, returned this week from a trip over the proposed route to the Yellowstone. Mr. Power is quite enthusiastic over the prospects for his department in the country now being opened by the extension. He says the land after passing the bad lands which extend a few miles west of the Missouri, is as good, clear through the Yellowstone, as any of the land in Dakota sold by the company, and is destined in a very short time to be as eagerly sought and as rapidly settled up, all of which adds very materially to the encouraging prospects of Brainerd. The unlimited immigration that will flock into that country under this state of facts, together with the thousands upon thousands that have already and still are rushing into the country this side of the Missouri and Northwest, will all have to be supplied with lumber for houses, barns, fencing, etc., by Minnesota; and Brainerd has so many advantages in this line over all other points that it cannot fail ultimately to control this entire trade and become ere long the largest lumber manufacturing center in the Northwest. Among the numerous superior advantages possessed by Brainerd for controlling this great lumber trade, we may mention the following: First, it is situated on the Mississippi river, on the headwaters of which lies an inexhaustible supply of pine timber; second, its booming facilities and sites for erecting mills are unexcelled; third, being the end of a division, freight rates are lower than from any point west where lumber is manufactured, and being over one hundred miles nearer the demand than Minneapolis, Duluth or points east, can lay lumber down in Bismarck or any point west $3.00 to $3.50 per thousand feet cheaper than any competitor. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 July 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


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Quite a serious accident occurred near Sauk Rapids, to this evening’s passenger train for St. Paul, occasioned by a washout in the track, by which one man was injured though not seriously, and the conductor Capt. Spalding, was slightly bruised below the right knee. The engine, baggage-car and one coach passed over the break; the second coach and sleeper, only dropping in. These however pulled the two cars which passed over, off the track, but the engine breaking from the train was entirely uninjured. The injured man, whose name is Augustus Charles, was riding in the rear coach, in the seat next forward of Conductor Spalding, and had his ribs fractured by the concussion which bruised the Captain’s knee, and is the first passenger ever injured on a train run by Capt. Spalding in all his railroad experience. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 July 1879, p. 4, c. 2)


12 July

The N. P. sleeper, demolished in the accident at Sauk Rapids on Sunday morning last has been repaired in the car shops at this place and is again on the road as though nothing had happened. The first trip was made with it last night. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 July 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


19 July

H. A. Towne, sup’t. of the N. P., expresses fears that the company has not cars sufficient to ship the wheat that will seek transfer from Dakota and western Minnesota to the Lake this autumn. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 July 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


Heading Off the Northern Pacific.


Helena (Montana) Herald.

The announcement that Jay Gould and partners have bought out the entire property and franchises of the Oregon Steam Navigating company will quite astonish most people, who were hardly aware that the Union Pacific had any intention of connecting with the ocean over a line of its own. By the purchase the Union Pacific has already half completed its work, and it only remains for it to span the interval between Umatilla and the Utah Northern at the mouth of the Blackfoot, when it will virtually be independent of the Central Pacific and prove a powerful, if not a successful competitor for the business the Northern Pacific has considered its own, to be taken at its leisure. Portland now becomes the proper terminus of the Union Pacific, and may be expected to prove no mean rival of San Francisco before many years are gone. The Northern Pacific loses one part of its Pacific connection, and must now content itself with a terminus on Puget Sound, where, in course of time, it may build up a third rival for the commerce of the Pacific.

It looks strange to us that the Northern Pacific has suffered itself to be thus outdone and driven from the line of the Columbia River. It cannot but seriously cripple the operations reported as begun by that company in building east from the head of navigation of the Columbia. It has no through connection with the coast except by this transportation line, which has now gone into the hands of its rival. All its iron and material must pass by this route, or labor suspended till the line is brought up through Washington territory from Puget Sound. Eventually, when the government canals are completed up to the cascade and dalles, there will be free navigation on the Columbia, and the Northern Pacific may catch a share of the trade from Portland, but this will be years hence, and meanwhile the Union Pacific will have strengthened itself so that it cannot suffer from rivalry.

Never before on this continent has there been such sharp playing for such high stakes between rival railroad companies. The prize is the commerce of the Pacific, and the latter with the least natural advantages, seems at this moment destined to win the lion’s share. We may naturally look for a lively race to win the prize, and also a lively competition between these lines when completed. We may expect within two years to see the cars run between Ogden and Umatilla, and carrying freight from Portland to New York. It will be a close race between this line and the Central Pacific’s southern connection through Arizona, New Mexico, etc. These through lines to the Pacific are all of them sure of being good investments, and there is plenty of capital in the country ready for just such enterprises.

It is greatly to our advantage that such agencies are at work to force the Northern Pacific into action, at the peril of losing its best trade and customers. Though the line from Ogden to Umatilla will be of narrow-gauge at first, it will eventually be changed to a full broad-gauge. Our people will soon have offered them a chance to connect on very favorable terms with a trans-continental line, and within two years, if we will, we can have cars running into the heart of Montana that will connect with New York, San Francisco, and Portland. This connection once made will give us the best commercial facilities that we could ask for. We are united forever by iron and steam with the three great cities of the future on the Pacific, and to the East by the two trunk roads, besides the Missouri river. Thanks to fortune, events beyond our control have brought us the opportunity for a short, cheap, perpetual delivery, and it only remains to be seen whether we can be so blinded as to neglect a chance that is worth millions to us and never will come again. We may be absolutely certain that if we beckon forward the Utah & Northern to our midst within the next year, the Northern Pacific will be here two years earlier than it otherwise would, with direct outlets both to the East and West. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 July 1879, p. 1, c. 2)


26 July

THE NORTHERN PACIFIC.

_____


The Company to Own and Operate All El-

evators on Its Line, All Sleeping

or Parlor Cars and All

Freight Business.

_____


Authoritative Denial of the Story that

Jay Gould Has Got Control of

the Oregon Steam Nav-

igation Co.

_____


Vigorous Arrangements to Push the Con-

struction of the Road East and West

of the Mountains.

____


Pioneer Press.

An important meeting of the directors of the Northern Pacific railroad company was held in New York on Monday the 16th inst., whereat the following resolution was adopted:

Resolved, That it is the true policy and interest of the company, and its duty to the stockholders and the public, that the company shall own, and by their own officers and agents control, manage and operate all grain elevators now or hereafter to be erected on the line of the company’s railroad, and all sleeping and (so-called) parlor cars regularly run on the lines of railroad operated by the company; and that no special or private freight line or lines shall be permitted or admitted to be maintained or operated on any line of railroad owned or controlled by this company, and the president is hereby requested and instructed to take such means as shall in his judgement be necessary and advisable to hereafter carry into effect and maintain this resolution.

In accordance with the policy resolved upon, an elevator is being built for the company at Fargo with a capacity of 125,000 bushels. It is being built by Barnes & Co., of Glyndon, but the company is to take it at an agreed on valuation. Other elevators are to be built at different suitable points along the line of the road.

The Pioneer Press of the 19th, adverting to a widely circulated report, that Jay Gould had got possession of the Oregon Steam Navigation company, upon which the Northern Pacific now relies for the transportation of its freight from Walla-Walla to Portland, and that it was hereafter to be run in the interest of Gould’s narrow gauge branch line, stated on the authority of Mr. Sargent, that the report was obviously false, as nearly all the stock of that company was owned by the Northern Pacific people. A message from President Billings to Mr. Sargent authoritatively denies the report which was based on the recent purchase of the Oregon Steam Navigation company’s stock by a Mr. Willard and its consolidation with the Oregon Steamship company. The former carries on the navigation business of the Columbia river on the Columbia, Willamette and Snake rivers. The latter runs its steamships between Portland and San Francisco. Jay Gould has nothing whatever to do with the purchase or consolidation of these interests, and has no connection with the organization.

It was stated, some days ago, in these columns, that the two millions of bonds offered by the board for the construction of the Walla-Walla and Pend Oreille division of two hundred miles had been promptly taken by the stock holders of the road. President Billings himself we now learn led off with a subscription of $500,000, being one-quarter of the entire amount.

In addition to 2,500 tons of rails shipped from New York for that division two months ago and the 12,000 tons of steel rails purchased last week to be shipped immediately, negotiations are now in progress for the purchase of steel rails for early spring delivery to complete the Missouri division to the Yellowstone.

Another party of surveyors is to be put on that division between the Little Missouri and the Yellowstone, and the entire work is to be pushed forward under the direction of Chief Engineer Thomas Doane.

The enormous increase of the wheat areas and the splendid crops along the Northern Pacific will add very largely to the demands upon its rolling-stock, which is accordingly to be increased by the purchase of one hundred box cars and four powerful freight locomotives, which latter are being now built by the Baldwin Locomotive works. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 July 1879, p. 1, c. 2)


A new time card goes into effect this week on the N. P. R. R. adding a number of freight trains demanded by the increase of freight business on the road. Very little change is made in the passenger trains—the only change at Brainerd being in the afternoon passenger from St. Paul, which reaches here at 1:40 p. m. instead of 1:50, and leaves at 2 p. m. instead of 2:10. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 July 1879, p. 5, c. 1)


30 July

John H. Sullivan, formerly superintendent of the Northern Pacific railroad, and now superintendent on the Missouri, Kansas & Texas road, was in town on Wednesday shaking hands with a host of old friends all delighted to see him. He was on his way back from a trip over the road to Bismarck noting the numerous and wonderful changes the few years have wrought, which mark his absence. Time and Southern climate have dealt kindly with him, and he still retains his robust appearance and health-hued countenance. May his shadow never grow less, and may his visits Brainerd-ward be more frequent in the future than in the past, is the wish of the TRIBUNE. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 August 1879, p. 1, c. 3)


EDITORIAL EXCURSION.

_____


The Great Northern Pacific

Wheat Fields Being Interviewed

by the Leading Editors of the Country.


The immense wheat fields of the Northern Pacific country are a source of wonder, interest and admiration in all parts of the country, and are frequently visited by parties who are desirous of beholding with their own eyes the extraordinary scenes (which are so noted and commented on by the press in general) incident to farming, where a single field covers a county, and thousands of acres comprise a farm. The latest party of tourists to make this trip passed through Brainerd on Wednesday last and consists of representatives of the press of Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit, Toledo and Cleveland. They were met at St. Paul by H. E. Sargent, general manager of the Northern Pacific railroad, where they were provided with a special car upon which they continued their trip westward accompanied by Superintendent H. A. Towne and J. B. Power, land commissioner of the road. The party is under the charge of Mr. Coffin, who has had ample experience in that line, and is thoroughly acquainted with the beauties and resources of the Northwest, and consists of the following persons: F. F. Brown, Chicago Journal; Milton George and wife, Western Rural; C. C. Blackmer and wife, Prairie Farmer, Chicago; H. R. Hobart and wife, Railway Age, Chicago; Simeon Gilbert, Advance, Chicago; W. C. Gray , of the Interior, Chicago; Edward Goodman, of the Standard, Chicago; C. K. Backus, Detroit Post and Tribune; D. B. Austin and wife, Toledo Commercial; Robinson Locke, Toledo Blade; C. W. Stevens, Cleveland Herald; C. C. Coffin, wife and daughter, New York and Chicago Tribune; Chas. W. Cass, proprietor of the celebrated Cass Farm, Dakota; H. A. Towne, superintendent, and J. B. Power, land commissioner of the Northern Pacific. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 August 1879, p. 1, c. 3)


SEE: 05 October 1871

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SEE: 05 February 1917


31 July

Brainerd received a very refreshing little shower on Thursday afternoon and evening. The day had been uncomfortably warm and sultry, the thermometer making 95 to 100 degrees in the shade, until about five o’clock p. m., when a gentle shower relieved the burdened atmosphere and caused the people to rejoice exceedingly. A little before six o’clock the rain commenced to fall again, and in a short time our streets presented the appearance of so many canals or narrow rivers and afforded a great source of amusement to persons safely seated or standing under the shelter of the verandah of the hotels, watching pedestrians making their way across the streets where mud and water covered their ankles at every step, and the rain coming down in sheets. Although the wind blew fiercely for about half an hour we have learned of no damage being done in consequence except the destruction of several ornamental trees which were amputated near the ground. Several small washouts occurred on the railroad, but the night trains being held at several stations along the line of the N. P. until daylight, they proceeded without accident the next morning. Just below the Fifth street crossing of the Boom Lake track the volume of water was so great that it could not pass through the culvert, and consequently rushed past on either side leaving the track suspended for a short distance and necessitating a few repairs. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 August 1879, p. 1, c. 3)


SEE: 17 May 1871


09 August

Wilber F. Story, of the Chicago Times, passed over the Northern Pacific by special train this week, accompanied by Gen. Manager H. E. Sargent. The great wheat fields were the source of attraction to this famous quill-driver, who has ever taken a lively interest in the glowing reports from the Northwest, and has now visited it in person to verify them. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 August 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


John Brown, Jr., son of the famous “Old John Brown” we delight to sing about, will visit the Northern Pacific country at an early day in quest of a favorable location for a Negro colony. Mr. Brown is taking a lively interest in Senator Windom’s Negro exodus from the South, and his influence with the downtrodden race is adding much to the grand rush northward, which is depopulating large districts of the South, and will greatly reduce the representation in Congress of the southern States after next census. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 August 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


A Feeder to the Northern Pacific.


Pioneer Press.

By an advertisement in our columns this morning for railroad grading, it will be seen that another important line is staked and ready for the shovel. This line starts from Casselton, the present great wheat point of Dakota Territory, thence in a northwesterly direction, strikes the British line from eighty to one hundred miles west of Pembina, on the Red river. The distance from Casselton to the boundary line is about one hundred and forty miles, and the route or location of this line is through the great wheat belt which extends from the Dalrymple farm at Casselton, away north to the valleys of the Assiniboine and Saskatchewan rivers, in Manitoba, the reputation of the district being that the further north you go the better the wheat and the quality of soil for raising it. The company building this line is composed of eastern and Canadian gentlemen, who have given the matter a careful investigation, and have faith in the future of the New Northwest. In view of the construction of this line the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba company have surveyed a line from Breckenridge to Casselton, in order to get their share of the business that will be transacted on this new route. It is probable that fifty miles of the line will be graded this fall and twenty-five to thirty miles of track laid. F. R. Delano, Esq., the former “old man” of the St. Paul & Pacific railroad, with an engineering force in charge of Mr. I. F. Stark, has been locating the line for sixty or seventy miles, and is, as now seen, ready for grading. Wheat, wheat for the hungry is what we want; and it is suspected that is what these folks are after. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 August 1879, p. 1, c. 2)


16 August

The Northern Pacific is the best advertised railroad in the country. All the newspapers contain descriptions of the big wheat farms, written in the most attractive style, with glowing statements of the enormous profits of wheat raising and the wonderful and inexhaustible fertility of the soil from Duluth on the Lake to Tacoma on Puget Sound.—[Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 August 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


23 August

Russell Threatens the N. P.


It is barely probable that your venerable “Uncle” may take a “twist” next week up to and along the great Northern Pacific Railroad, from Duluth west to Bismarck, Mandan, and possibly to Miles City, Montana. We shall, after over three years of absence, go to visit among friends along the grandest of national thoroughfares, and see what the “boys” have been doing up there since they had to dispense with our valuable services. We are a warm friend to several thousand of the men along the Northern Pacific, and we doubt not we shall be just about “tickled to death” to see them all, once more; because they are the “whitest headed” set of fellows that ever opened up an empire—all of which they have done inside of eight years; developed a country that is already causing the eyes of the reading and traveling world to open in amazement, and, when the road once reaches the Pacific shore will hold the scepter that will rule the continent. We shall be gone, all the way from, well, it will be owing somewhat to the extent of our joy at meeting our old friends again—and we shall try to make good use of our time in more ways than one. There, There! now, don’t cry—because, like a bad penny, we’ll return, and soon, again, be on hand like a sore thumb. Bye, Bye!--boo, hoo!--[Lake City Leader. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 August 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


SEE: 26 August 1879


The ill-fated Northern Pacific railroad is gradually emerging from the disasters which overwhelmed it in 1873, and is being pushed forward into the Northwest this season at the rate of a mile a day. Villages are springing up all along the road, and the sales of land along the line by the railroad and government amounted to two million acres last year and will probably reach three million this year. Glowing reports of the capacity of the country as a wheat growing section are made by recent visitors, and there seems to be a bright prospect for the railroad yet.—[Philadelphia Times.

Yes, there does seem to be a bright prospect for the road. In fact its success is assured, and those who have ridiculed the scheme will be surprised within three years to find it completed to Puget Sound, and throwing the wealth of the great northern half of the country into the lap of St. Paul.—[Globe. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 August 1879, p. 1, c. 2)


A number of Brainerd citizens took a trip this week on the N. P. pay car—guests of the gentlemanly paymaster, Mr. George Sheriff—to Bismarck and return, and were handsomely treated and withal delighted with the trip. At the Steele farm, D. T., they were treated to a bountiful lunch provided by Mr. Steele, and they express their sentiment over the occasion by the following resolution, handed us with a request for its publication:

At a lunch partaken of by the undersigned on the pay car of the N. P. R. R., Aug. 22d, 1879,

It was unanimously resolved, That for the “lay out” spread before us we are indebted to the generosity of W. F. Steele, Esq., of the Steele Farm, D. T.; that we are full of thanks, ginger snaps and corned beef, and in this happy frame do hereby declare that his liberality is unbounded as his prairies.

MRS. E. M. WESTFALL,

BELLE SCOVILLE,

ANNETTE E. CROCKER,

GEO. SHERIFF,

H. D. FOLLETT,

E. M. WESTFALL.

(Brainerd Tribune, 23 August 1879, p. 4, c. 2)


26 August

Russell on the Northern Pacific.


Bro. Russell, of the Lake City Leader, accompanied by Henry Miller, of Lake City, dropped in upon us on Tuesday last, and to say that he was welcomed to his old stamping ground but mildly expresses the fact. How he enjoyed himself is best told by his racy pen in a letter to the Leader:

Trying to write on a railroad—when the railroad is in motion—is somewhat like a “tired” man trying to find the key-hole after a very late club meeting. Nevertheless, fearing that you might need something to “fill up the paper,” and that all my nephews, nieces, cousins and aunts are anxious about me, I make the attempt. I see the conductor, every now and then, writing in his little book, or on a ticket, and “if he kin, I kin.” But, there’s a “nack” about this writing when the train is in motion. A conductor never writes unless he is standing; when he has occasion to transcribe any little “editorial,” he sort of half squats, limbers his legs, and then goes for it. I am, naturally, too tired, however, to stand up to write even to my best friends.

I commence this scrap on the Northern Pacific, at Big Lake Station, which is some fifty miles above St. Paul and a few miles below Sauk Rapids—or St. Cloud—and I expect to finish it about the time we arrive at Brainerd. That will make a letter about seventy miles long. If Jo Wheelock, Castle, Hall, or any other “Slocum” in the State can beat that, I will buy a thousand mile ticket, especially adapted to editorial purposes—then we’ll see!

The captain of this train is William Doyle—familiarly called, “Billy Doyle.” He happens to be one of God’s noblemen, a large number of whom got strayed away from where they make ‘em, and, of course, naturally struck in, or lit down on the Northern Pacific railroad. “Billy” is one of the best of them, too, a regular thoroughbred, gilt-edged gentleman, who has been with this company ever since its infancy, and is a young man who will stay until its and his old age. He and Capt. Spalding—who runs another of the mail trains—will receive our especial attention when we write up the biographies of “The Best Railroad Conductors in America.” The engineer of this train is also an old stand-by of this road, whom we knew in “early days” in the history of this trans-continental enterprise, and is a man whose faithful, trustworthy and noble character it does an editor good to record away in the files of his journal. His name is Henry Cunningham.

Of course, as you may imagine, I feel greatly at home on this road, meeting friends and old companion frontier-men, at every turn, until I almost feel as though most of the warmheartedness of the world had drifted up into this region.

I learned upon arriving at St. Paul, that Mr. H. A. Towne, Superintendent of the Northern Pacific, had been taken sick a week before, and was then lying in that city, seriously ill. I called upon him at the residence of Dr. Higbee, under whose care he was, and was pleased to find him improving, and he expected to be about again the latter part of the present week. Though quite ill I found his bed strewn with writing material, much of the paper being will filled with the tracks of his pencil—instructions, orders, etc., to the various departments of the road under his care. I have often heard of busy cities, and I certainly voted him a busy Towne. He is a thorough railroad man, in all of the complicated concerns and departments incident to the term. Beginning life in a machine shop, his great natural endowments coupled with studious habits, brought him early in life to the most responsible and honorable of positions in the management of many of the great transportation arteries of the continent. By his own choice, however, he came step-by-step through all the departments of machinery, gathering, as he came, a solid and comprehensive knowledge, not only of the things pertaining to his profession, but of all public concerns, even to the point of a gifted literati. Today he not only stands as an authority in the mechanical publications of the country, but is sought for, from far and wide, as a contributor to the standard works on mechanics, and railroad management. Mr. Towne is a “broad-gauge” man, and one of the oak-ties of the Northern Pacific railroad.

I am now in Brainerd, and am having my “pump-handle almost wrung” off on every hand. The town is prosperous, ditto the people, and all in all, this remarkable town with a remarkable history is on the upward scale. As soon as I had taken dinner, my noble old friend Hon. Lyman P. White—who has always been the humane and popular townsite agent for all towns on the line—accompanied by brother Hartley, of the TRIBUNE, who is also a reputable thoroughbred, drove up to the Headquarters hotel with a fine barouche, and, accompanied by Lake City’s popular druggist, Henry Miller, we were driven all over the city and shown the sights, ending up our inspection by visiting the great saw mill of the Jones Brothers at Boom Lake, where we spent an hour or two in witnessing how they tear a pine log into boards, etc. It is a magnificent establishment, and a big thing for Brainerd. The Jones Brothers informed me that fourteen years ago they had a lumber yard at Lake City, and rented their ground of Mr. Adam Sigles. They inquired after Mr. Amsbry, Mr. Williamson, Fletcher and a host of other citizens, very kindly.

After we returned to our hotel, I found E. W. Weed waiting for me with his private carriage, hitched to his blooded Missouri horse, Pompey, and I again started for a tour of the place. After a rattling and most delightful ride, he showed me his new stables and barns, filled with fancy cows, horses, chickens, pigs, calves, and a brindle cat that he assured me was also a blooded animal. He also took me through the great ice-house, to his hotel, which is the most complete thing we ever saw in its way, for keeping all hotel supplies in shape, and through his great cellars, and other buildings, where the real secret of keeping a metropolitan hotel begins. I took tea with brother Hartley. I remain tonight the guest of Mr. Weed, and tomorrow after dinner I will leave here for Fargo, thence to Bismarck and Mandan, accompanied by four or five gentlemen friends from here who have volunteered to go through with me, “just for old friendship’s sake.” Adieu! until another time.

UNCLE DUDLEY.

(Brainerd Tribune, Morris C. Russell, former editor and publisher, 30 August 1879, p. 1, c.‘s 1 & 2)


SEE: 23 August 1879


30 August

M. Brinkerhoff.


A correspondent of the Fargo Republican gives the following very interesting biographical sketch of the above-named gentleman:

During a recent trip on the Northern Pacific road my companion called my attention to the conductor, a slender, keen, grey-eyed man, with iron-grey hair, quiet in appearance, but evidently of a nervous, wiry constitution. In response to my inquiry as to anything of interest connected with him, my friend told me substantially as follows:

The conductor has been railroading for over thirty years. He began as a brakeman on the Hudson River road about the year 1849, but was soon promoted to the position of conductor.

In the year 1856 he was appointed conductor on the Panama railroad, then just completed, and on the first of July took charge of his train. Soon after this he was seized with the yellow fever, but a good constitution carried him safely through it.

On the 15th of April, 1856, he had charge of a train composed of two sections going west to Panama. The first section, with which he was, consisted of twelve coaches and some six hundred passengers, while on the second section, or train, was a million dollars in specie, some ten tons of United States mail matter and a large and valuable amount of express goods and merchandise.

He reached Panama at 5:30 in the afternoon, and the second section was due at 12 o’clock, midnight. Soon after his arrival, or near 6 o'clock, between 2,000 and 3,000 of the natives arrived, with machetes, which are heavy knives, about two feet long, and guns, and attacked the depot where the train had just arrived and the passengers still were. It was a fearful conspiracy by the natives to destroy this train and as many of the railroad men and passengers as possible, in order to prevent communication with the train following, which it was their prime object to seize, plunder and destroy.

They had torn up the track after the first section came in, and it was impossible to back the train out. To resist this mob of natives were the railroad men and passengers and some steamship men—in all about one hundred and fifty, generally armed with revolvers, and a few shot-guns and rifles. Near the depot was a large stone building, used by the railroad company for storing oil. Into this the conductor got all the women and children. This building was strongly built, having only one window and a massive iron door. About this building the fight raged for hours, and many of the natives were killed. The conductor’s great desire, after getting the women and children into as safe a place as possible, was to save the second section of his train. He ascertained that the leader of the mob had sent a party of twenty or thirty natives out on the track to tear up the rails about a mile from the station. Armed with only his revolver he followed this party. The dense forests, with heavy undergrowth and deep, impenetrable swamps, rendered it impossible for him to flank and so get in front of them. Watching his opportunity, and favored by the darkness, he at length dashed through them when within a mile of the next station east. His sudden dash surprised these natives enough to give him a little start, and as they pursued him with their machetes, he could turn and shoot, till, as the result proved, he killed three in succession as they had respectively nearly reached him. At the station he procured a lantern, stopped the train, ran back some miles, picking up all the section men he could; coupled on a car in the front and pushed forward to the wreck, left a guard with the train, and hurried to the scene of the fight. It was then nearly daybreak, and on the approach of this reinforcement the natives retired. Men dead and dying and wounded lay all about, with heaps of baggage broken open and the contents strewn on the ground. He then unlocked the door of the stone building, having retained the key himself, and let the women and children out, and an eyewitness who told me this, said the scene of wives and children, husbands and fathers, looking for each other was indescribable.

The bravery, energy and decision of that one man saved many lives, and prevented the loss of the second section of the train, with its valuable treasure and mail. You will notice he wears a fine diamond pin. This was given him by the ladies, as a token of their gratitude for his action. He also carries a valuable gold watch given to him by the railroad company, as well as a navy revolver, richly mounted.

For the tons of mail matter he saved, I have heard him say that neither the Government or the Post Office Department ever even so much as thanked him.

At my request, my friend introduced me to Mr. Brinkerhoff, and I found in this Northern Pacific conductor as pleasant and genial a man as the Panama Company found him brave and efficient. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 August 1879, p. 1, c.’s 2 & 3)


SEE: 20 September 1877

SEE: 05 October 1878

SEE: 27 July 1880

SEE: 11 February 1882


Mr. T. J. DeLamere, late train dispatcher of the Northern Pacific railroad, was quite forcibly reminded last evening by a little unostentatious transaction which took place at his office in the railroad building that the human heart, particularly among the railroad boys, still possesses a tender spot for its friends and is still susceptible of kind acts of appreciation and of the additional fact that he has not had charge of the train department of the road for the past three years, to be soon forgotten. He was seated at his desk busily engaged with his books, little dreaming of the pleasant surprise in store for him that has been in process of preparation for the past month, when one of the ”boys” stepped quietly in and laid a parcel on his desk and disappeared. Examination of the mysterious deposit disclosed a beautiful gold watch and chain, purchased at a cost of $200.00, and presented to him by the train men of the Northern Pacific road as a token of their high esteem. The mark was one very appropriately placed as it was one highly deserved and fully appreciated by Mr. DeLamere and the TRIBUNE heartily congratulates all concerned. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 August 1879, p. 4)


06 September

Train exiting the transfer boat after crossing the Missouri River at Bismarck, ca. 1879.
Source: BNSF Archives

The Northern Pacific road is pushing right along. On the 13th ult. the transfer boat carried the first loaded cars across the Missouri. The track is now laid for twenty-five miles beyond Bismarck and the grading is nearly finished for seventy miles. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 September 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


Our townsman S. J. Wallace, was so fortunate this week as to receive the appointment of superintendent of bridges on the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba railway, with headquarters at Minneapolis, and takes his departure on Tuesday to enter upon his new duties. We congratulate Mr. Wallace upon receiving this important appointment, though it is with regret that we part with so valued a citizen and neighbor, and we congratulate the railroad company which has thus secured the valuable services of a first-class bridge builder. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 September 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


19 September

At about ten o'clock on yesterday morning our citizens were greatly pained by the sad intelligence flashed over the wires from Wadena, that Fred Lowe, of this city, engaged as brakeman on the Western way freight—son of L. N. Lowe, locomotive engineer, residing on Fifth street—had been run over and seriously injured; one leg being reported badly smashed. Inquiry as to how the accident occurred disclosed that while in the act of switching at Wadena station he slipped and fell upon the track, the wheels passing over one leg and bruising the other. He was soon after brought into town by the noon passenger accompanied by Dr. Cromett of Wadena, who had administered chloroform and splintered his leg and otherwise made the wounded man as comfortable as possible. At the depot he was met by Drs. Rosser and Campbell and a large number of friends, who carried him to his father's house. An examination was promptly made of his wounds, when it was ascertained that the bone of the left leg near the ankle was completely shattered. A consultation was held by the surgeons, however, resulting in the determination to endeavor to save his foot, though it was admitted the attempt would be attended with considerable risk. The effort was made, and we are pleased to learn that the sequel has proven the wisdom of their decision. About one and one-half inches of the shin bone were sawed out, removing the entire shattered portions. The bones were then brought together and the wounded limb bandaged up, and at present writing, though of course in some pain, the patient is reported quite comfortable and doing finely. Fred has a wife and one child dependent upon him as their protector and provider—a position he was abundantly able to fill before this terrible disaster, and we sincerely hope, for their sake as much as his own, that he may yet be restored and that speedily to his wonted health and strength. His mother was in St. Paul at the time of the accident where the sad news was telegraphed her, bringing her home on last evening's train. If the best surgical and medical aid and good nursing can save him, his brother-in-law, Dr. Rosser, ably assisted by Dr. Campbell and friends at home, cannot fail. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 September 1879, p. 1, c. 2)


SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 04 October 1879

SEE: 25 October 1879

SEE: 15 November 1879

SEE: 20 November 1879

SEE: 06 December 1879


27 September

The regular annual meeting of the stockholders of the North Pacific road was held in New York this week, and resulted in the election of the following new board of directors:

Frederick Billings, of New York; Joseph Dilworth, of Pittsburgh; Jno. Livingston, of New York; C. B. Wright, of Philadelphia; Hugh McCulloch, of New York; B. P. Cheney, of Boston; J. Fraley Smith, of Philadelphia; J. M. Denison, of Baltimore; Water Ferguson, of New York; Joseph D. Poore, of Philadelphia; Alex. Mitchell, of Milwaukee; J. C. Ainsworth, of Oregon, and James B. Williams, of New York.

The directors then elected Frederick Billings, president; Samuel Wilkinson, secretary; Robert S. D. Belknap, treasurer, and James B. Power, land commissioner. Mr. Belknap, as treasurer, takes the place of George E. Beebe, who has filled that position since the commencement of the road, and Mr. Power takes the position originally filled by John S. Loomis and later by W. A. Howard, at present governor of Dakota Territory. Mr. Power’s position heretofore has been that of general land agent for Minnesota and eastern Dakota, but his present happy promotion places him in full control of the land department of the road through Minnesota, Dakota, and Montana. He began in the employ of the land department of the road in 1871, and has been in constant service ever since, and though most of the time under a commissioner has in fact been the head and chief manager of that branch of the business of the road, so that his present preferment, while it reflects high credit upon the good judgement of the management which has appointed him, is in reality only conferring upon him the proper title of the office he has conducted with marked ability and unparalleled success for years. To Mr. Power’s untiring and indefatigable efforts, more than to any other agency, is the company and the people of this vicinity indebted for the removal of the numerous prejudices which prevailed throughout the entire world against the climate, soil, and character of the Northwest, which today blooms as the rose and is receiving wider attention and performing greater wonders than any other portion of the globe. Mr. Power, ably assisted by a skillful corps of clerks, who have been with him since 1871, under the valuable management of Mr. C. F. Kindred, assistant general agent, (hereafter general agent, we presume) at Brainerd, has succeeded in disposing of more land than any other land grant road in the country, in the same length of time, and in bringing settlement, development and thrift to the North Pacific country, unprecedented in the history of the rapidly developing great west where wealth is born, where States are hewn out of the unknown and cities are built in a day. Mr. Power’s able and courteous management has begotten him many warm friends on the line, who will learn of his advancement with deep pleasure.

In the new management, which has seen little change, the present policy of progress and development of the great Northern Pacific scheme is prominent. Mr. Billings’ name is the synonym for push, and push let it be. So say we all of us. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 September 1879, p. 1, c.’s 2 & 3)


POWER:

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SEE: 07 August 1875

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SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


KINDRED:

SEE: 07 November 1874

SEE: 14 November 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 07 June 1876

SEE: 23 March 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 18 January 1879

SEE: 31 May 1879

SEE: 26 June 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 20 September 1883

SEE: 23 September 1883

SEE: 26 August 1885

SEE: 13 December 1887

SEE: 31 May 1889

SEE: 25 March 1898

SEE: 05 February 1917


Mr. L. N. Lowe desires through the columns of the TRIBUNE to express his thanks to the many friends who aided in the care of his son Fred, after his severe accident last week. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 September 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


We are pleased to learn that Fred Lowe, an account of whose accident appeared in these columns last week, is rapidly improving, insomuch that the doctors think he will be able to walk inside of three months. His left leg—the broken one—is healing up nicely, but the other which was badly bruised and swollen has given him a great deal of pain until yesterday when the doctor lanced it, removing considerable ulcerated matter, since which time he has been greatly relieved. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 September 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 19 September 1879

SEE: 04 October 1879

SEE: 25 October 1879

SEE: 15 November 1879

SEE: 20 November 1879

SEE: 06 December 1879


04 October

THE NORTHERN PACIFIC.

_____


We have received an advance copy of the annual report of the board of directors of the Northern Pacific railroad to the stockholders. This report is made and signed by Hon. Frederick Billings, president, and is of such an interesting nature that we greatly regret our inability to copy it in full. We present, however, an abstract of its more important features, quoting points which have a more direct local bearing.

The report opens with a history of the organization of the company, which has proceeded so satisfactorily that over $30,000,000 of the bonds have been converted into stock, leaving only about $500,000 outstanding.

The business of the road, both in local and through traffic, is constantly increasing.

The acreage of wheat along the line this year is estimated to be double that of the past, and the new breaking of land indicates that next year it will be double that of the present.

The gross earnings for ten months, ending June 30th, 1879, are $1,167,261.82. The gross earnings for the same month last year were $947,238.29; an increase of $220,023.53. The operating expenses were $811,463.81, leaving net over operating expenses, $455,798.01. From this is to be deducted taxes, insurance, interest, general office expenses, salaries, legal expenses, rents, stationary, printing and incidental $107,492.81, leaving net overall for ten months, $348,305.20.

General Manager H. E. Sargent estimates that to meet the demands of the prospective increase of traffic, a very considerable increase of rolling stock will be required; and he recommends the purchase of ten locomotives, at least two hundred box cars, fifty stock cars, one hundred flat cars, four passenger coaches, three baggage cars and one sleeping car.

On account of the growing traffic between Brainerd and Fargo, a distance of 138 1/2 miles, over which portion of the road passes not only the business to and from the lakes, but also that to and from St. Paul and Minneapolis, it was deemed expedient to replace the iron with steel rails on the entire track of that section. For this purpose the company purchased 11,000 tons of steel rails, viz.: From the Cleveland rolling mills 6,000 tons, and from the Pennsylvania steel company 5,000 tons. These rails will all be laid before winter under the contract perfected with the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba Railway company, this company began to run its trains between Sauk Rapids and St. Paul on the 21st of April, 1879. The expenses of operating and maintaining this road, payable by this company, are made equal to the gross receipts therefrom, for the reason that the net earnings are devoted to the payment of our share of the expenses incurred in laying the entire track with steel rails, which is now being done.

By the construction of the road the company has acquired the absolute unconditional title to 18,579,200 acres, of which 7,871,200 are in Minnesota and Dakota, and 2,688,000 acres are in Oregon and Washington Territory.

Previous to the reorganization, which was perfected Sept. 9th, 1875, the company sold 686,000 acres, and since that period, to the first day of July last, there have been sold on the Pacific coast 15,260 acres of which 5,861 acres were sold during the last fractional year, at an average price of $3.12 per acre, and in Minnesota and Dakota, 1,610,869 acres of which 386,142 acres were sold during the last fractional year, at an average of $4.45 per acre.

Five successive abundant harvests have now demonstrated the extraordinary capacity of the soil, and the favorable climatic conditions, of the regions extending from east of the Red River of the North to the Missouri.

The company has completed and in operation of its chartered line, 136 miles on the Pacific side, and 424 in Minnesota and Dakota from Thompson Junction, 24 miles east of Duluth, on the St. Paul & Duluth road, to Bismarck 560 miles.

Also owns, by deed, the undivided half of, and operates, the St. Paul & Duluth railroad from Thompson Junction to Duluth, Minnesota, 24 miles.

Also owns the controlling interest in, and operates, under a 99 years’ lease, a completed railroad from Brainerd, on the main line, to Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, 60 1/2 miles.

Length of completed railroad, exclusive of siding, operated by this company, 720 miles.

On the 30th of June, 1879, the equipment of the road was as follows: Fifty-five locomotives, 23 passenger cars, 11 baggage, mail and express cars, 523 freight box cars, 639 platform cars, 41 stock cars, 100 coal cars, etc.

Shop tools and machinery, valued at $125,000.—[St. Paul Dispatch. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 October 1879, p. 1, c.’s 3 & 4)


Mr. Fred. Lowe, who was so badly injured some days since by being run over by the cars at Wadena, is gaining rapidly, and the operation so ably performed by Drs. Rosser, Campbell and Cromett will be—is a success. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 October 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 19 September 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 25 October 1879

SEE: 15 November 1879

SEE: 20 November 1879

SEE: 06 December 1879


09 October

A somewhat disastrous fire occurred at about midnight on Thursday night of last week at Rice’s station on the Western railway, in Morrison county, resulting in the total destruction of the depot building and contents, consisting of 400 bushels of wheat, a car load of plows and another of salt, together with other freight, and the books, records, furniture, tickets and a small sum of money in the till. How the fire originated is not known. The north-bound night express passed the station at about 11 o’clock when no evidences of fire appeared, and the south-bound express re-passed it at a quarter past five when the building was in ashes. The agent in charge resides on the opposite side of the track a short distance away, and was the first to discover the fire, the light through his window waking him at one o’clock, when the flames were bursting out through the building, and it was impossible to enter it or rescue any of the property. The writer passed the place on the express train before the fire and the other after, and was unable to obtain any clue whatever to the cause, which still remains a mystery. The most probable solution, however, is, that a spark from the engine of the north-bound train did the mischief, though the heavy rains just previous would, in the presence of any more plausible cause, render even that highly improbable. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 October 1879, p. 1, c. 2)


18 October

We are favored by Gen. Manager H. E. Sargent with a pamphlet copy of the able and exhaustive report of President Billings, submitted to the stockholders of the Northern Pacific railroad company at their annual meeting recently held in New York, the substance of which was given in a recent issue of the TRIBUNE. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 October 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


The first installment of the 100 new freight cars, ordered some time since by Gen’l. Manager H. E. Sargent, to meet the largely increased and still increasing freight business of the N. P. R. R., will be received next week and go into immediate use on the road. These cars have been sorely needed by the company for some time past, and should have been delivered long ago but for the inevitable delay of getting the springs—the firm in Pittsburgh of whom they were ordered being unable to furnish them until this, owing to pressure of business. The springs were shipped to the car factory, however, on the 10th inst., and Mr. Sargent has been informed by telegram that the cars will all be completed as soon as possible and forwarded promptly when completed, the first installment, as before stated, reaching the road next week. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 October 1879, p. 1, c. 2)


25 October

We are informed this morning by Dr. Rosser that his brother-in-law, Fred Lowe, is getting along as well as could be expected; that his wounds have passed their worst stage and are now on the mend. He says Fred will be a cripple but will save both feet. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 October 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 19 September 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 04 October 1879

SEE: 15 November 1879

SEE: 20 November 1879

SEE: 06 December 1879


29 October

A collision at Detroit delayed the passenger train from Fargo on Wednesday morning for a short time. The freight train bound west had taken the side-track at the station, but accidentally left the switch open so that the passenger ran into it, the two engines colliding, throwing both from the track and sadly demolishing the pilots. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 November 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


08 November

This appears to have been a week of accidents on the Northern Pacific. On Tuesday at Bismarck, Dick Herbert was run over, rendering amputation of one leg necessary; on Thursday at Casselton, a brakeman named McMonigan lost two fingers of the left hand ; the same evening Ed. Hawley caught his foot in a frog in the Brainerd yard, and was run over by a car loaded with wheat, badly smashing his ankle, though the doctor thinks he can save his foot, and last night at Fargo John Welsh was run over by the switch engine and killed. We clip the following account of this sad accident from the Fargo Times:

As is done every hour in every yard in the country, he made the old step, or jump, to reach the foot board of the tender, and missed it. One wheel of the truck passed over his body, and the engineer, seeing the shocking accident, was able to stop his locomotive before another wheel crashed through his mangled body. He lived until half-past one o’clock. Mr. Welsh has been here about two months, and was for twenty years an employee on the Michigan Central. He leaves a wife and six children in Chicago. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 November 1879, p. 1, c. 2)


NOTE: Dick Herbert moved the Brainerd Lumber Company office building to the corner of Sixth and Washington Streets in 1906. It eventually became Van’s Cafe.


SEE: Brainerd Lumber Company Main Office Building / Van’s Cafe in the Buildings & Parks of Brainerd page.

SEE: 27 March 1880

SEE: 15 April 1880


An Indian was run over and killed at Kimberley last week by the night train. He, with a number of comrades, was drunk and had made his bed on the track with the rail for his pillow. The engineer had to stop and roll the others off the track before he could pass. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 November 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


15 November

Policy of the North Pacific.


Along the Northern Pacific there has been a growing feeling that there was something wrong in the management of the elevator system. Barnes & Tenney of Glyndon; for seven years wheat buyers on the Northern Pacific, have grown into large grain dealers. It appears that the directors of the Northern Pacific propose to own and control the elevators on their line. Their proposed policy is based upon the theory that they can manage them more successfully and satisfactorily than outside parties. There are to be no fast freight lines, palace car monopolies or wheat rings to rob either the railroad or the people. When the management, this spring, was confronted with the fact that there would be an immense wheat crop, it was discovered that there was a sad lack of elevator capacity. The company were not prepared to go forward and build the necessary warehouses, but accepted an offer of Barnes & Tenney, who said they would put up the buildings and turn them over to the company upon demand. The management saw fit to deal with one firm and not permit every man who wanted to put up a little warehouse to come in and build. By next season the company intended to own all the elevators on the line, and handle the wheat brought to them the same as any other freight. Building the elevators as they would depots. Barnes & Tenney have twenty-seven warehouses and elevators between Sauk Rapids and Valley City, D. T. About the time the movement of the crop commenced there was a blockade at Duluth and one hundred and fifty cars stood idle. The warehouses, therefore, filled, and there was necessarily some friction. One hundred new cars expected by the middle of September failed to arrive. The builders were disappointed in getting their springs. Some of these cars have arrived and the others are expected daily. The crop was larger than anyone expected, and if there has been any delay it is traceable to a lack of cars and elevator capacity. Mr. Barnes thinks nine-tenths of the wheat of the Northern Pacific country goes to Duluth. The freight from all stations on the N. P. to Duluth is 15 cents per bushel.—[Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 November 1879, p. 1, c. 2)


We regret to learn that Fred Lowe, of this city, who was run over and badly mutilated at Wadena some weeks since, is not progressing as well as was hoped, and that the doctors have about decided that amputation of both legs will be unavoidable. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 November 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 19 September 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 04 October 1879

SEE: 25 October 1879

SEE: 20 November 1879

SEE: 06 December 1879


19 November

CHEAP LANDS.

_____


The Price of Northern Pacific Lands Re-

duced to a Merely Nominal Figure

to Encourage Settlement.

_____


A Grand Opening for Emigra-

tion.

_____


NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY,

November 19th, 1879


Resolved, That the agricultural lands of the company west of the Missouri River, to Puget Sound, shall be offered for sale to actual settlers at the Government price of two dollars and a half, cash, per acre, with an addition thereto of ten cents per acre, to be paid to the Company to re-imburse it for the cost of selecting, surveying and conveying said lands. This resolution does not apply to coal or iron lands, nor to lands chiefly valuable for timber, nor to lands required for town sites, nor, in regions where water is scarce to lands containing springs or other natural supply, where it shall be for the interests of settlers at large that such water privileges shall not be exclusively held or controlled by and individuals; nor to lands required for the use of the company in connection with the operation of the road.

FREDERICK BILLINGS, Pres’t.


As will be seen by the above official copy of the resolution recently adopted by the board of directors of the N. P. R. R., the management is desirous of hastening the settlement of the country beyond the Missouri river, and to that end offer their lands at the low government rates. The liberal policy of the company is well displayed by this action, and reminds us that it is but a continuation of the far-seeing plan of placing the road on a profitable basis by encouraging the development of the country, rather than by making money out of its lands. If it had been the intention to make money in this way the price of lands would have been advanced when the preferred stock was, in times of depression, very low, but the policy of the company was strictly adhered to, and when the price of stock advanced the land rates were reduced.

All will share a like advantage in the selection of the most desirable lands in that new country, for it will be observed that the most valuable tracts have been exempted from its operations, thus cutting off speculators and capitalists from taking the advantage of less fortunate men. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 November 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


20 November

As was intimated by the TRIBUNE last week in a brief item, the doctors finally came to the conclusion in Fred Lowe's case that amputation of both legs must take place or the patient would die, a heavy fever having set in, and mortification of the parts affected being imminent. Accordingly Dr. Hagan, of St. Paul, was sent for by Dr. Rosser, who desired that the operation be performed by the recently invented, bloodless method, and on Thursday morning he arrived with the necessary apparatus and appliances, when with the assistance of Doctors Campbell and Rosser he amputated both legs below the knee. The ordeal to poor Fred was of course a severe one, but after recovering from the shock we are happy to learn that he is doing remarkably well, and bids fair to soon be in sound health once more. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 November 1879, p. 4, c. 2)


SEE: 19 September 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 04 October 1879

SEE: 25 October 1879

SEE: 15 November 1879

SEE: 06 December 1879


22 November

The winter time schedule on the Northern Pacific goes into effect one week from tomorrow, Sunday, Nov. 30th. There will be little or no change in the present arrangement for passenger trains beyond the addition of freight to the mail train west of Brainerd in the afternoon, and in the Brainerd and Duluth Division which will probably be accommodated with a day instead of a night train. The night passenger from St. Paul to Brainerd and west is a fixture which it is the policy of the present management to maintain summer and winter. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 November 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


26 November

Thanksgiving Party.


The Northern Pacific Mechanics of Brainerd gave a social party and hop at Bly’s Hall on Thanksgiving eve that eclipsed anything of the kind that has taken place in Brainerd for a long time. The attendance was very large, the programme was quite new, including The Rocky Road to Dublin which created much enjoyment, and a royal good time was had by all. A supper was given at the Leland House at midnight, and dancing continued well into the wee sma’ hours—until in fact the guitar player had worn the ends of his fingers off, and all had danced and enjoyed themselves to their full satisfaction. The next N. P. M. Ball will be if possible more largely attended than the last. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 November 1879, p. 4, c.’s 1 & 2)


06 December

A new time schedule—the Winter arrangement—goes into effect on the Northern Pacific tomorrow (Sunday) at noon. Very little change takes place in the passenger trains. The day and night trains between St. Paul and Brainerd remain, as also the night passenger from Brainerd to Fargo, and Brainerd to Duluth. The day train between Brainerd and Fargo will run mixed through the winter and on slower time. The time on the Dakota Division is shortened nearly two hours, bringing the night train into Brainerd from the west at 1:15 a. m. instead of 3, and reaching St. Paul at 7:55 a. m. instead of 10:05 as heretofore. Returning, it will leave St. Paul at 6:20 p. m. instead of 5:40, reaching Brainerd at 12:50 a. m. instead of 12:40. The day train will arrive from St. Paul at 1:20 p. m. instead of 1:40, and from Fargo at 12:20 p. m., instead of 12 noon as heretofore. For further particulars our readers are referred to the time schedule in another column in this issue. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 December 1879, p. 1, c. 2)


We are pleased to learn through Dr. Rosser that Fred Lowe is progressing finely, and bids fair to soon be well and strong again, rumors to the contrary notwithstanding. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 December 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 19 September 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 04 October 1879

SEE: 25 October 1879

SEE: 15 November 1879

SEE: 20 November 1879


29 November

George Stark, President of the L. S. & P. S. Co., has resigned his position as such, and Robert L. Belknap, of New York, has been appointed in his place. The company has disposed of nearly all its lands and franchises, and the policy now is to close out entirely within the next year and dissolve the company. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 November 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


Dr. Campbell has removed his office to the rooms lately occupied by roadmaster D. R. Taylor, in the northwest corner of the N. P. office building, first floor, entrance last door to the right in the western hall. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 November 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


01 December

Another drunken Indian was run over on the Brainerd and Duluth Division of the N. P., a few miles east of Withington [Deerwood], by the night passenger on Monday evening last. One of the train men gives us the following account of the incident:

About six miles east of Withington [Deerwood] the engineer, R. H. Carr, whistled for brakes, and as soon as the train was stopped he came back and said he had struck a man. On going back about 500 yards the boys found the man to be a drunken Indian with a bottle in his pocket. He was stunned by the blow, and the boys carried him forward to the baggage car, but before reaching Withington [Deerwood] he had revived, and baggage man Hubbard had him dancing and shouting the war whoops as though nothing had happened. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 December 1879, p. 1, c. 2)


06 December

Gen. T. L. Rosser has resigned his position as Chief Engineer of the Northern Pacific, and will spend the winter in Washington, prepared to attend to Congressman Acklin again if necessary. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 December 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


SEE: 14 December 1871

SEE: 29 February 1872

SEE: 20 July 1872

SEE: 25 October 1872

SEE: 26 October 1872

SEE: 14 February 1873

SEE: 01 March 1873

SEE: 18 March 1873

SEE: 02 August 1873

SEE: 23 August 1873

SEE: 25 October 1873

SEE: 15 April 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 28 October 1876

SEE: 06 January 1877

SEE: 17 March 1877

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 30 April 1877

SEE: 05 May 1877

SEE: 12 May 1877

SEE: 17 May 1877

SEE: 26 May 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 21 July 1877

SEE: 11 August 1877

SEE: 29 August 1877

SEE: 15 September 1877

SEE: 25 October 1877

SEE: 08 November 1877

SEE: 22 December 1877

SEE: 26 February 1878

SEE: 15 June 1878

SEE: 06 July 1878

SEE: 17 August 1878

SEE: 23 January 1879

SEE: 25 January 1879

SEE: 11 March 1879

SEE: 15 March 1879

SEE: 05 April 1879

SEE: 12 April 1879

SEE: 24 May 1879

SEE: 13 December 1879

SEE: 27 December 1879


08 December

H. E. Sargent, general manager of the N. P. R. R., and Robt. L. Belknap, president of the L. S. & P. S. Co., were in Brainerd Monday morning, and the TRIBUNE was favored with a call from the latter gentleman. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 December 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


13 December

The cause of Gen. Rosser’s resignation as Engineer of the Northern Pacific Railroad is understood to have been impatience expressed by the Directors at the delay in getting material across the Missouri river for the extension of the work westward. The difficulties in the way were almost without limit and were such as could scarcely be appreciated by persons not on the ground or familiar with it. Gen. Rosser’s place will not be an easy one to fill.—[St. Cloud Journal. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 December 1879, p. 1, c. 1)


SEE: 14 December 1871

SEE: 29 February 1872

SEE: 20 July 1872

SEE: 25 October 1872

SEE: 26 October 1872

SEE: 14 February 1873

SEE: 01 March 1873

SEE: 18 March 1873

SEE: 02 August 1873

SEE: 23 August 1873

SEE: 25 October 1873

SEE: 15 April 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 28 October 1876

SEE: 06 January 1877

SEE: 17 March 1877

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 30 April 1877

SEE: 05 May 1877

SEE: 12 May 1877

SEE: 17 May 1877

SEE: 26 May 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 21 July 1877

SEE: 11 August 1877

SEE: 29 August 1877

SEE: 15 September 1877

SEE: 25 October 1877

SEE: 08 November 1877

SEE: 22 December 1877

SEE: 26 February 1878

SEE: 15 June 1878

SEE: 06 July 1878

SEE: 17 August 1878

SEE: 23 January 1879

SEE: 25 January 1879

SEE: 11 March 1879

SEE: 15 March 1879

SEE: 05 April 1879

SEE: 12 April 1879

SEE: 24 May 1879

SEE: 06 December 1879

SEE: 27 December 1879


20 December

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers are preparing to give their first annual Ball on Tuesday evening next the 23d inst., at Bly’s Hall. A grand supper will be given at the Headquarters Hotel at midnight, and a really enjoyable time may be expected. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 December 1879, p. 4, c. 1)


23 December

B. L. E.

_____


A Grand Ball Given by the Boys of

That Order.


The first annual ball given by Division No. 144 of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers came off at Bly’s Hall on Tuesday evening last as previously announced in these columns, and though the snow blockade on the road kept a large number of engineers out on the prairies who proposed participating in the gay festivities, it was a grand success—just such a success in fact as the courageous fellows who know so well how to go plunging and crushing, crashing and thrashing, pounding and bounding every day and every night, over bridges, trestles, frosted rails, and pitfalls, through mountains of snow and dangers innumerable, seen and unseen, in the performance of a noble duty, know how to inaugurate.

Over fifty couples were early in attendance slippered and ribboned ready for the “trip.” They had not long to wait for always “on time” they soon went “whirling” in the mazy waltz to the “time” of the St. Cloud band which furnished the music for the occasion. The various “stations” on the “card” were reached and passed with customary precision. First “The Ladies,” then “Our Officers,” “Turn the Table,” “Down Brakes,” “Switch Off,” “Send out the Flag,” “Fire Up,” etc., whirled past in rapid succession until at twelve o’clock sharp the party brought up at the “dinner station” in good condition when “one hour for supper” was announced and all repaired to mine host Weed’s dining hall. Here a grand and pleasant surprise was in store for all. If the dance was a success this was the crowning success of all. Weed had indeed outstripped himself and a supper that at once entranced the entire party lay before us. Twenty tables laden and decorated without stint were soon made captive by the dancers who did ample justice to the display, thanks to the practical eye and watchful care of “Old Grizzly,” who superintended the dining hall in person, determined that all should be pleased, filled and satisfied, and he succeeded.

After supper a quadrille and a waltz soon got all hands down to business again, when “Clear the Track,” “On Time,” “Our Conductors,” and several other numbers on the programme were gaily passed before the boys began to call for a “Lay Off” and “Take the Side-track.” A goodly number however remained until the “Good Morning” dance was handsomely and friskily turned as “Old Sol” began to tint the eastern horizon, after which the boys “went home with the girls in the morning,” well pleased with the dance, the music, the supper, themselves, and particularly with the sparkling gems in flounces they carried on their left arms.

May the next “annual” of the B. L. E. be as pleasant an occasion as the first, is the parting wish of the TRIBUNE. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 December 1879, p. 1, c.’s 1 & 2)


24 December

H. S. Lyle, general telegraph repairer of the Northern Pacific, had a Christmas present backwards on Wednesday afternoon last. He left the train at Royalton to fix the wires at that station, and after two or three hours work he missed his roll—sixty dollars in bills—he had placed in his pocket just before he commenced work when he discovered a hole in the bottom of his pocket, and his money was gone. Search was instituted and continued until dark, but without avail, it had been tramped under the snow and could not be found. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 December 1879, p. 4, c. 2)


27 December

THE NORTHERN PACIFIC.


A few days ago Senator Morgan offered a resolution to take from the various railroad and telegraph lines of the country that have not complied with their charter, public lands which were donated by the government to aid in their construction. He presented with the resolution a list of the companies in default, included in which we notice the Northern Pacific Railroad company. In an interview on the subject the Senator said he could se no good reason why millions of acres of public lands should be kept from pre-emption by actual settlers by lines of railways who have no right to their control; and, as proposed in his resolution would at once declare their charter rights forfeited for non-compliance, and open the lands for actual settlement.

Theoretically Senator Morgan is right. We believe that in nine cases out of ten a company which has accepted grants from the government and has failed to comply with the conditions prescribed in the grant, its lands should revert to the government promptly. But there are exceptions to the rule, and one of these is the Northern Pacific company. It was chartered long before the panic of 1873, and the grant of lands was accepted in good faith. The road was being built with great rapidity when the crash came, and Jay Cooke, its chief promoter, was engulfed in ruin. The work came to a stand-still, and during all the years of business depression that followed no progress was made. But the moment there were signs of renewed prosperity the work was taken in hand, and for the past year and a half track laying has progressed from both ends with a rapidity seldom equaled in the history of railroad construction. The grant has expired, it is true, but the company is giving every evidence of its good faith by endeavoring to comply with its conditions as early as possible. A banker will not refuse to renew a note given by a businessman if he shows evidences of a desire and ability to pay it soon, and we see no reason why the government should depart from so good a custom that governs the commercial world.

Senator Morgan is evidently laboring under a misapprehension as to the effect of the land grant system as far as the Northern Pacific is concerned. He would find, by taking a trip over the line, that as fast as it is constructed a ceaseless tide of emigration flows in to occupy and improve the land. Thousands upon thousands of acres of land have been put under cultivation all along the line, and innumerable thriving villages have sprung up, each teeming with life and enterprise. Hundreds of families, anticipating the extensions of the road, have gone in advance of the graders and settled upon farms and constructed homes for themselves where they expect to live and die. It is a grave mistake to suppose that the grant to this railroad in any way interferes with the settlement of the country. In fact it stimulates it as never was settlement stimulated before.

We repeat that it would be unfair to revoke the grant to this company. Its lapse has only been a technical one. The road is being constructed from the proceeds of the land sales, and to deprive it of this source of revenue would seriously retard if it did not wholly prevent the completion of this great natural highway from the Pacific ocean to the great lakes.—[St. Paul Globe. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 December 1879, p. 1, c. 3)


Gen. Rosser is inclined to become chief engineer of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railway, that position having been tendered by ex-President Wright, of the Northern Pacific, who is now prominently connected with the first-mentioned road.—[Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 December 1879, p. 1, c. 3)


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The Northern Pacific Express.


The following circular issued by General Manager H. E. Sargent of the N. P. R. R. explains itself:

In conformity with a vote of the Board of Directors of this company, the company will, on and after January 1, 1880, assume and do all packages and other express business upon its road and leased lines, under the name and title of “Northern Pacific Express.” Mr. William J. Footner is appointed superintendent of that department, and will be recognized as such by all officers and agents of this company.

H. E. SARGENT,

General Manager.

Mr. Footner, the newly appointed Superintendent, has just completed a trip over the road organizing his management and appointing his local agents preparatory to the transfer on January 1st. This disposes of the United States and American express offices in this city, and hereafter all express business will be done through Mr. W. H. Lowe, who has been appointed as local agent at Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 December 1879, p 1, c. 3)


28 December

Narrow Escape.


The night passenger train from the west, five hours late, at about half-past 5 o’clock Sunday morning last, when five miles west of Motley, miraculously escaped a terrible wreck. It was being hauled by two engines, and just at the foot of Hayden hill the rear engine jumped the track, breaking loose from the front engine, and plunged into the marsh from a four foot grade. The engine turned nearly upside down, burying the engineer, Geo. Ames, and the fireman, Terrence Vane, in four feet of water, ice and mud. The tank of the engine careened over, with the trucks uppermost, and tore the cab of the engine to pieces. The plucky fireman managed to get his head through the debris of the wrecked engine out of the water, and feeling Ames the engineer under him, reached down and assisted the drowning engineer out of his perilous predicament. They were both, assisted by the conductor and brakeman who were immediately on the wrecked engine, taken into the sleeping car and properly cared for, and got off with a few unimportant bruises. From various parties who were present, we are inclined to believe that their escape from instant death was as miraculous a one as we have ever been called to record. The baggage car was turned nearly half round, one end out in the marsh and the other resting on the grade; the two passenger coaches and sleeper off the track and very near upsetting. There were quite a number of passengers aboard, and many of them owe their lives to the coolness and thoughtfulness of the engineer who, the moment the engine left the track sounded the whistle and put on the air-brakes. The train was going at a speed of 25 miles an hour, and stopped within the space of 250 feet. Had the couplings of the coaches or any of them broken, the whole train would have tumbled over into the ditch. Mr. A. P. Farrar, Major Brackett, C. B. Sleeper, engineer Gardner and other prominent citizens were aboard, and testified their gratitude to the engineer, fireman, conductor and brakeman for their thoughtfulness and careful attentions to all. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 January 1880, p. 1, c. 2)


1880

In 1880 the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia charges $8,000 per steam locomotive it sells.


03 January

The Northern Pacific Railway.

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Had we the time and space we would be glad to spread before our readers what this enterprise has become, and what it promises. We can in a short article, however, only hint at its magnitude.

This trans-continental highway has already built and equipped over seven hundred miles of road. A year ago the population along and tributary to it was about 45,000; now it is nearly 70,000. Upwards of 5,000,000 bushels of wheat were harvested along this line in 1879, and the estimate for the present year, with an average crop, is 8,000,000. This, where only seven years ago there was not, along this entire route of 700 miles, a single acre under cultivation, or a habitation west of Fond du Lac on the St. Louis river.

Now thriving towns of from 500 to 3,000 inhabitants are numerous between Duluth and Bismarck, and the largest wheat farms east of California have been opened up along this highway, paying enormous profits to their owners. The lands for twenty miles on either side of the line are mostly taken up, and inside of five years will be yielding 20,000,000 bushels of wheat. This is what this railway has done and is doing for this country.

This thoroughfare transported to the port of Duluth in 11 months in 1879, 120,000,000 lbs. of freight, with which is included nearly 4,000,000 bushels of wheat. This, with its other extensive freight and passenger traffic, has tested the capacity of its carrying facilities to its utmost; and to provide for its increasing traffic the Board of Directors, at a late meeting in New York, authorized General Manager Sargent to provide for 200 box cars, 100 flat cars, 50 stock cars, 4 passenger cars, 2 parlor cars, 1 sleeper and 3 baggage cars, in addition to its present extensive outfit of rolling stock, which we are informed will be built at their own shops in Brainerd the present winter. The company is now employing about 150 men at these shops, and the force will have to be doubled, or nearly so, to turn out this work ready for the rush of the spring trade. Skilled artisans and mechanics are consequently in demand, and the company is finding considerable difficulty in procuring them.

The Missouri Division will be completed to the Yellowstone next summer, and also the Pend Oreille Division on the Pacific coast. The company has plenty of means to accomplish this work, and with its own earnings inside of five years and the sale of its lands will stretch its iron band across the continent, opening up a new empire to astonish the world. Wheat, silver, coal, gold, all along its route, promises to add to the wealth of the country beyond the most sanguine predictions of enthusiasts and all the glowing tributes of a Jay Cooke and his far-seeing coadjutors.

Mr. H. E. Sargent, the able Manager of this vast enterprise, with his able assistants, H. A. Towne, A. P. Farrar and A. E. Taylor, in their respective departments, are working with the energy and skill of masters to complete it and make it a success; and the corporation ought to, as it undoubtedly does, congratulate itself upon having the aid of these gentlemen to insure it. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 January 1880, p. 1, c.’s 1 & 2)


06 January

Northern Pacific Machine Shops at

Brainerd.


Fargo Republican.

It is worth a traveler’s while to visit the railroad shops at Brainerd. A Republican attache, through the courtesy of Superintendent Towne, went through these shops on a recent visit to Brainerd, and was given an opportunity to view the various departments. There are employed in these shops 165 men. Several of the finest cabooses ever put out have recently been built here. In this connection it might interest the readers of The Republican to know how many engines, cars, etc., there are now used on the road. The following are the numbers, kindly furnished by Mr. Mahlum, chief clerk: 51 engines, 4 sleepers, 19 passenger cars, 1 business car, 1 pay car, 9 baggage, mail and express cars, 2 observation cars, 4 accommodation cars, 21 conductors’ way cars, 606 box, grain and merchandise cars, 590 flat cars, and 54 miscellaneous cars. There will be ten new engines put on the road in the spring, and those who intend coming to the Red River Valley will find ample accommodations on the Northern Pacific. (Minneapolis Tribune, 06 January 1880, p. 1)


10 January

AN IMPORTANT DECISION.

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Railroad Lands Taxable.


Judge O. P. Stearns has handed us the following full text of his decision in the Morrison tax case which will be found of considerable interest to land owners along the N. P. R. R.


DISTRICT COURT, } STATE OF MINNESOTA,

Crow Wing County, } 11th Judicial District.

The State of Minnesota,

against

Certain Lands claimed by D. Morrison.

The defendant Morrison contests the validity of taxes levied upon lands granted to the N. P. R. R. Co. by its Charter and which the Company has contracted to sell to the defendant.

No patents have been issued by the U. S. covering the lands in question.

The Company has done everything required by its Charter to entitle it to patents.

The U. S. refuses to issue patents until the Company shall have paid into the Treasury of the U. S. the cost of surveying and conveying the lands.

The Company has thus far neglected and refused to pay such expenses.

The Company treats the lands thus obtained under the provisions of its Charter as its own, has sold large quantities of them to private parties who are proceeding to denude them of timber, convert them into farms and build villages or cities upon them without hindrance from the U. S. or notice of any claim of ownership in the U. S.

For a number of years the State has been levying and collecting taxes on large quantities of these lands lying along the line of the N. P. R. R.

If the defense in this case is valid the State must surrender its claim of right to tax these lands so long as the Interior Department and the N. P. R. R. Co. choose to remain at a dead lock as to which shall pay the expense of surveying them.

In general all land within the jurisdiction of a State are subject to taxation by the State. It is said the power of taxation is an incident of sovereignty and co-extensive with that of which it is an incident. There is no limitation of this power except such as may have been established by the consent of the State itself. It is a power essential to self-preservation and compacts limiting its exercise ought to be strictly construed.

The act of Congress authorizing a State constitution for Minnesota offered valuable grants to the State on condition that the State should by a clause in its constitution, or by an ordinance irrevocable without the consent of the U. S., provide among other things that “no tax shall be imposed on lands belonging to the United States,” and the State did so provide by a clause in its constitution; wherefore it follows that if these lands belong to the United States within the meaning of this compact, they are not taxable by the State; otherwise they are so taxable.

The operative words of the grant of lands to the N. P. R. R. Company are contained in Section 3 of its Charter, as follows: “That there be and hereby is granted to the Northern Pacific Rail Road Company its successors and assigns, every alternate section of public land not mineral, designated by odd numbers to the amount of twenty alternate sections per mile on each side of said Rail Road line as said Company may adopt.”

This language clearly imports a grant in presenti, needing only the acceptance of the Company and the locating of the line to render it certain and complete.

But the whole act must be read together, and if it contains conditions intended by Congress to be precedent to the passage of title, or if it appears to have been the intention that title should pass with and by the patent, the construction of the language quoted from Section 3 must be toned down so as to give operative effect to such intention.

Section 4 provides, “That whenever the N. P. R. R. Company shall have twenty-five consecutive miles of any portion of said railroad ready for the service contemplated patents of lands as aforesaid shall be issued to said company confirming to said company the right and title to said lands.”

That definition of “confirm” which seems most applicable in this connection is “To put past doubt by additional evidence.”—Worcester.

This language seems to me to have been selected for the very purpose of indicating or rather expressing the intention of Congress that title should pass by the grant and not with the patent. Sections 3 and 4 of this Charter were evidently copied from corresponding sections in the charter of the Union Pacific R. R. Co. That charter provides that the patent shall “convey” the right and title to the land. In this the word “convey” is changed to “confirm.” I think the change was made intentionally and for an important purpose, and that the purpose was to leave the language used in Section 3 its full force as making a present grant.

It was, nevertheless, a conditional grant, and here are the conditions:

Section 8. That each and every grant, right and privilege herein are so made and given to and accepted by the said N. P. R. R. Co. upon and subject to the following conditions, namely:

That the said company shall commence the work on said road within two years from and after the 2d day of July, 1868, and shall complete not less than one hundred miles per year after the second year thereafter, and shall construct, equip, furnish and complete the whole road by the 4th day of July, 1877.

If there is anything in this section that evidences an intention to make these conditions precedent to the passage of title under the grant, I am unable to discover it. By reading the whole act it will appear that the right to build the road and all other rights and privileges pertaining to the company—including the right to exist—are conditioned precisely as the grant of lands is conditioned. If the conditions expressed in Section 8 are conditions precedent to the vesting of “grants,” they are conditions precedent to the vesting of “rights and privileges.” But to say that the building of a road is a condition precedent to the vesting of a right to build it, or even the right to exist, is absurd.

The United States, by reserving in Section 9 the right in case of a default of the company continuing one year to do any and all acts and things which may be needful and necessary to insure a speedy completion of the road, and by reserving in Section 20 the right, “having due regard for the rights of the company, to add to, alter, amend or repeal the act, undoubtedly reserved to itself the means of compelling the application of the lands to the accomplishment of the purpose for which they had been granted, but after acceptance by the company and location of its line, the lands granted no longer belonged to the United States within any fair construction of the terms of the compact above mentioned.

But let it be conceded that it was the intention of Congress that title should only pass with the patent, and that the building of sections of the road was made a condition precedent to the right fulfillment of the conditions. Nelson, J., says: “at common law or in equity a conditional grant is just as obligatory and indefeasible between the parties as one that is absolute. The grant carries with it not only the right but the obligation of the grantee to fulfill the conditions, and until the failure to fulfill the obligation is complete and the grant irrevocable. It would be singular if the grantor by availing himself of his own wrong in not waiting for the performance of the condition could defeat the grant.”

Defeating a grant and adding new conditions are indistinguishable in principle.

On the 2d day of July, A. D. 1870, the N. P. R. R. Company was not in default.

On that day Congress attached the following proviso to an appropriation bill, to-wit:

“And provided further, that before any land granted to said Company (N. P. R. R. Co.) shall be conveyed to any party entitled thereto under any of the acts incorporating or relating to said company, there shall first be paid into the Treasury of the United States the cost of surveying and conveying the same by the said company or party in interest.”

This, if valid and binding on the company, clearly establishes a condition precedent to the issue of patents.

If the patent is to be regarded merely as additional and confirmatory evidence of title already vested in the company, the validity or non-validity of the Statute is a question in which the State has no interest; but if it was the intention of Congress to add a new condition not contained in the Company’s Charter, and make it precedent to the passage to the Company of such right and title in the lands as would render them taxable by the State, then we are forced to inquire whether Congress had any power to impose such additional condition. On the one hand is the State claiming the right to tax, and on the other the United States through one of its executive departments making a claim inconsistent with the existence of such right. We cannot recognize either claim as having the force of law or the weight of a judicial decision. We must adjudicate between them, and until the Federal Courts settle the matter the State courts must rely upon their own opinions of the law.

For reasons already given it seems clear to me that Congress had no such power. If Congress had the power independently of any reservation in the Charter to arbitrarily impose upon the Company while not in default such conditions as it saw fit, why did it make the reservation contained in Section 9 of a power of legislation that can only be used after a year’s continuing default? If such legislation is valid without any sanction in the Charter, why the reservation of the right to amend the Charter contained in Section 20? If this legislation is binding on the Company, I know of no right their Charter would protect against hostile legislation without these reservations.

The defendant relies mainly on R. R. Co. vs. Prescott, 16 Vol. 603, and Railway Co. vs. McShane, 22 Vol. 444, as being in point and decisive of this case.

I do not so regard them for these reasons:

They arose under the charter of the Union Pacific R. R. Co.

The Charter itself, by an amendment authorized by the Charter, and which showed due regard for the rights of the Company, by doubling its land grant made payment of the cost of surveying and conveying the lands a condition precedent to the issue of patents, and the Charter itself provided that the patent should convey the right and title to the land to the Company.

O. P. STEARNS,

Judge.

(Brainerd Tribune, 10 January 1880, p. 1, c.’s 1-3)


17 January

Railroading in Dakota.


Last week General Manager Sargent, Superintendent Towne, Supt. of Machinery Farrar, Roadmaster Taylor, Supt. of Express Footner, of the N. P. R. R., and others, were caught in a blizzard at 14th Siding, Dakota, and notwithstanding the exertions of engineers to open the way, these gentlemen were kept close prisoners—but we learn on excellent rations—from the 9th to the 16th inst., when they were released, and turned eastward to more congenial climes and surroundings.

During this time several engines were sent out from Fargo, but meeting obstructions in cuts filled with snow, became “dead” engines, and the prospect looked gloomy enough as engine after engine stuck in huge drifts and soon became powerless for want of fuel.

We venture a suggestion in this connection, which a slight experience has taught us is the better part of wisdom; and we are satisfied that such difficulties can only be avoided in the future by proper provision to meet and overcome them successfully. Anyone familiar knows that across these vast plains the wind sweeps with irresistible force, gathering in its onward career fine particles of snow, which, coursing over the endless fields of snow, become ground as it were to powder, and finding a lodgment in the various cuts, is packed, hammered down by the force of the wind, until it will frequently hold up the weight of an engine. With half an inch of snow on these plains the wind will force it into depressions, and as long as snow continues just so long are trains liable to be impeded—as it were “snowed in.” Wherever the grade is above the level of the prairie there is no trouble. Wherever it is level with or below it the continual throwing out of snow soon forms a “cut,” and in a short time the snow plow will be compelled to throw out from two to six feet of snow, or stick and “die” as did several engines last week.

The remedy, or remedies, would seem to be: 1st. To raise the grade wherever it can be done, above the prairie. 2d. Two or three lines of snow fences. 3d. A supply of fuel at all stations and side-tracks. 4th. An operating force, with shovels, of from 10 to 20 men, with an extra car, and fuel and provisions for one or two weeks, accompanying every passenger train. Otherwise trains are liable to be blocked in any day. We make no pretension to a knowledge of R. R. managing, and believe the N. P. management to be amply competent to cope with any difficulty in railroading that may be met with, but we have seen and known of the causes that have impeded transportation on the Dakota plains for several years, and believe the plan suggested to be the safest and most economical. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 January 1880, p. 1, c. 2)


24 January

Addition to Brainerd R. R. Shops.


We are informed that it is proposed to enlarge the Brainerd R. R. shops in the spring, by erecting an engine house with 20 stalls, and the erection of another building for wood work and car building and repairs the size of the present main building to be located east of the present one. This will necessarily increase the working force to 250 men. These shops are already the largest and most complete of any in the State, and with this proposed addition will be as commodious as any in the west. The rapid increase of the business of this road will require even a greater force, and when the road builds its own cars, as it is, we believe, the intention to do after this year, the force will necessarily be increased to 500 men. These additions are to be of brick manufactured by Wm. Schwartz of this city. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 January 1880, p. 1, c.’s 2 & 3)


31 January

Mr. Schwartz is negotiating with the Railroad company for a branch track to his brick yard. If it is built it will be extended to Rice Lake where several new saw mills will be erected. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 January 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


Mr. H. A. Towne, the able Superintendent of the Northern Pacific Railway, has shown his confidence in the “boom” in store for Brainerd by the purchase of ten entire blocks this week in the Northeastern part of town, taking in all the unoccupied blocks north of the Episcopal Church, and east to the shops. This is indeed a valuable purchase, and pleasantly and beautifully located, it is destined under the skillful management of its new owner to make the prettiest part of town. He has also secured the lots on the corner of Front and Sixth streets, upon which he proposes in the spring to erect a three store block, three stories high, of solid brick. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 January 1880, p. 1, c. 2)


Mr. H. A. Towne, Gen. Supt. of the N. P. R. R., is contemplating the erection of a fine brick block this spring on the corner of 6th and Front Streets, with a frontage on Front St. of 75 feet, depth 80, with offices on the second floor, and a commodious public hall in the third story. Several other store buildings will be built on Front street between 6th and 8th. Who says Brainerd is not a live town? With a hundred farms under cultivation within 2 miles of town, who says we can’t prosper? (Brainerd Tribune, 31 January 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: McFadden Drug Store and Westfall Clothing Store in the Buildings & Parks of Brainerd page.


07 February

Mr. Easton, of New York, General Accountant of the N. P. R. R., with Col. R. M. Newport and Mr. Martin, of St. Paul, are in Brainerd, re-organizing the system of keeping the Company’s accounts. They are expected to remain a week with us. Mr. Eastman is a very pleasant and agreeable gentleman, and officials of the Company will find him master of the situation. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 February 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


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Mr. J. H. Sullivan, formerly Supt. of the Northern Pacific R. R., has accepted the position of Gen’l. Supt. of Construction of the St. Paul & Pacific R. R. tendered him by Manager Hill. We are glad that Mr. Sullivan has returned to his early love, and intends to stick by Minnesota. Mr. S. is expected in Brainerd next week to spend a few days with his old time friends. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 February 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


12 February

Gen. Manager Sargent was in town Thursday, looking over the shops and preparing for lively work all along the line. The season will open with a big rush about the middle of next month, and the company will have by far the largest work since its construction. Its facilities are being greatly increased, and still with its additional equipment it will need more for the Spring trade. Mr. Sargent is the man for all such emergencies, and under his skillful and far-seeing management this road steps to the front rank as a useful and paying enterprise. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 February 1880, p. 1, c. 3)


14 February

Immigration to the Northwest.


O. J. Johnson, who has been traveling for several months in the interest of the N. P. R. R. Co., and visited several eastern and middle states, called on us this week. Mr. Johnson is a close observer and a man of large experience, and his judgment is valuable in the direction indicated. He reports a feverish excitement as existing wherever he has been, with reference to Minnesota and Dakota lands, particularly those in the Red River valley. His idea is that the immigration to these localities will be at least three-to-one over that of any former year. The whole western border of the State will receive a numerous addition to its population, but by far the larger portion will settle in the Red River valley, contiguous to the N. P. R. R. There seems to be a general uprising throughout the east, and the movement of six years ago will be more than repeated but this year it will be in the direction of Minnesota instead of Texas. Everything points to a prosperous year throughout the great Northwest. The extension of the N. P. R. R. to the Yellowstone; possibly a standard gauge road from Bismarck to the Black Hills; the extension of the Casselton branch of the N. P. north, and the large influx of population to that section will create a lively demand for agricultural products, merchandise and lumber. Already the evidence of increased activity are numerous, and the tide has set in a month earlier than in any former season. It is already “boom,” full fledged. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 February 1880, p. 1, c. 2)


A new time schedule goes into effect on the Northern Pacific tomorrow. There is very little alteration in the running time, the only change at Brainerd being in the Duluth train which leaves at 1:35 a. m. instead of 3:15, as heretofore. The chief object of the new card was the addition of the Missouri division, upon which regular trains will run hereafter. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 February 1880, p. 1, c. 3)


The directors of the free reading room at Headquarters have finally decided to prosecute any parties stealing papers, magazines or periodicals from the tables or files. The names of some parties are already known to the directors, and it will not be at all agreeable to be found doing the thing over again. There has been so many offenses of this character recently, that some active measures have had to be taken to prevent repetitions. Now, look a leetle out! (Brainerd Tribune, 14 February 1880, p. 1, c. 3)


18 February

James B. [Buel] Power was appointed Agent to select lands inuring to this Company in the States of Wisconsin and Minnesota and the Territories of Dakota and Montana, under the grants made by Congress to aid the construction of the Company’s road. (Northern Pacific Book of Reference: For the Use of the Directors and Officers of the Company; compiled by E. V. Smalley; New York: E. Wells Sackett & Rankin, Printers and Stationers; 1883, pp. 183 & 184)


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21 February

The first No. of the Golden Northwest has come to our table. It is a paper published at St. Paul under the supervision of the Northern Pacific Land Department, Mr. J. B. Power, land commissioner, and its mission is to lay before the world the facts with reference to the lands of this company.

It is ably edited and a neatly printed journal, with engravings well executed, and the whole make up displays of rare ability and skill. It gives Crow Wing county a very just place in its estimate of valuable farming, grazing and timbered lands, and predicts that right here, in this county, are destined in the no distant future, to be many of the best stock farms in the west. It figures the population of Brainerd 2,000 being at least 500 below the actual figure, but concedes it to be the future lumber center from whence the “Golden Northwest” is to draw its supplies. That is glory enough for the present. But it is not all. The R. R. company are about to increase the capacity of the shops at this place, and will require about 300 men in the various employments of building and repairing cars, repairing engines, etc. Within the next three years the population will be at least 5,000, and Brainerd must then be, and continue to be, as it is, the largest town on the line of the road. Already the reflux wave of population that drifted westward five and six years ago is returning to seek the shelter of our beautiful town and to participate in its development. The thoughtful businessman who has been to the front chasing shadowy fortunes, wearied with the effort, and looking calmly over the situation, sits down under our pine trees and is glad to rest in a locality where the winds of fortune do not blow hot and cold, and where the storms of adversity have never yet seriously affected the community of businessmen. Where a steady flow of reasonable prosperity insures every businessman a fair success and the daily toiler competent remuneration. We have here no paupers. The idle, shiftless man, overcome by the loneliness of his surroundings, drifts to the westward. Even tramps dropping into an influence of busy life become animated with the vigor of renewed manhood, drops his vagabondish ways and earns his bread by the “sweat of his brow.” The impulse is to labor. Everybody works, because there is work here for everyone that comes. Our forests resound all winter with with the whizzing sound of the axe and buzz-buzz of the saw and in the summer the farmer whistles and sings after the patient ox as he turns the rich mold of our fertile farming lands. The artisan and skilled mechanic find ready employment at all seasons, so that we have a land where the noise of the loafer is not heard, and those who “toil not neither do they spin” have no abiding place. And still there is room for the worker and the capitalist, for here industry predominates and new material abounds. Prosperity triumphs, and Brainerd moves to the front. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 February 1880, p. 1, c. 2)


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


28 February

Northern Pacific Coal Fields West

of the Missouri.


From the best information we can obtain, one of the most extensive coal fields on the globe is located west of the Missouri river, and along the line of the Northern Pacific R. R. The first outcropping of this deposit is about 26 miles west of Mandan, commonly called the coal banks; but, so far as prospected, only a three-foot vein has been struck. This vein is a lignite—when first exposed—burning with a clear flame, developing somewhat in combustion the characteristic of camel and bituminous, but not so good as the Pennsylvania or Ohio coal. This is the quality of all the coal undoubtedly in this whole region of country. Forty miles west of Mandan is the extensive mine of Mr. E. H. Bly, proprietor of the Sheridan house, Bismarck, who prospected a large section of country on the line of the R. R. last spring. This mine is a seven-foot vein, thirty feet below the level of the R. R. grade, and dips about this distance in 400. Over this is a four foot vein, and still another above this, corresponding with the level at the coal banks of three feet. At Green river, 107 miles west of Mandan, is a monster vein of coal of thirteen feet. Mr. Bly in his explorations discovered numerous veins of coal from three to seven feet in thickness, and claims that anywhere in this great area in the bend of the Missouri, to and including the Bad Lands, on the same level, the same veins may be struck. On the south side of the Missouri river, near Fort Stevenson, a subterranean fire has been burning coal for years. Even the Indians have no knowledge of how long, but by report extending far back, making there miniature Bad Lands, like those west of the Green river, where the fires are extinct. There is no doubt that the so-called Bad Lands were underlaid with extensive layers of coal, and that upon burning out the surface settled down, leaving the peculiar characteristics which constitute their present formation. This is at least the accepted theory with those who have seen the process going on in northern Dakota. The question of coal for fuel, for all the ages to come, and at cheap rates too, for the treeless prairies of the Great Northwest, is settled—and permanently settled. There is enough for all. Mr. Bly has already contracted to get out 25,000 tons the coming season. These coal lands can be purchased of the government at $20 per acre, and the R. R. Co. will sell at the same price. One thing is certain, that no one man or company can ever monopolize this business. There is too much of it. There will be coal on every 160 acres for 200 miles west and 200 miles south of the Missouri river—in western Dakota. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 February 1880, p. 1, c.’s 3 & 4)


SEE: 28 August 1880


The N. P. R. R. is finally open to Bismarck and through trains running. There has been mountains of snow, but the road is open for all that. The N. P. managers have a way of getting over all such difficulties. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 February 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


06 March

The Northern Pacific Blockade.


Explanatory of the recent serious blockade of the Dakota division of the N. P., the Fargo Argus says:

It happened that a heavy snow storm was followed by a sudden thaw. The thaw melted the snow between the rails until it was almost water; then a sudden cold snap followed and froze the snow and water from rail to rail. Following immediately upon this came another drifting snow storm. When the snow plows undertook to attack the drifts, the mass of ice underneath made it impossible for them to accomplish anything, as the engines of course were thrown nearly every time. An enormous force of men were put on, and have chopped out the way at a cost of great labor and money. There will not be any occasion to grumble another year, for the Northern Pacific company, with characteristic enterprise has arranged to raise the grade of the track from Fargo to Bismarck, rendering it impossible for the present trouble to occur again. Nobody is more vitally interested in keeping travel unobstructed than the railroad management, and it is poor return for the hard work Mr. Sargent and his associates have put in for the benefit of Dakota to continually growl at things which are the acts of Providence, and not the fault of the N. P. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 March 1880, p. 1, c. 2)


Sup’t. Towne is at the front superintending in person the opening of the Dakota division of the N. P. R. R. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 March 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


Dave Taylor, our amiable assistant roadmaster after hearing all reports from the front, and taking little stock in the pretended difficulties on the Dakota division, has gone out to see “how ‘tis himself.” Dave never swears, but he’ll come mighty near it this time. He has only been gone a week, and is nearly 90 miles west of Fargo now. Go slow, David! (Brainerd Tribune, 06 March 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


One of the active workers on the “west end” is Mr. A. E. Taylor, general roadmaster, N. P. R. R. Fighting snow and ice for three weeks has so braced him up that with an army blanket over shirt he can defy old Boreas, and wear him out, sure, by the first of May. He doesn’t like the soft, mild airs and jack-pine breezes any more, and he has ordered an ice closet erected to meditate in next summer. There is nothing like being comfortable. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 March 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


10 March

On Wednesday last Harry Brintnell’s freight train bound north was boarded at Sauk Rapids by five tramps, who secured and made off with all the baggage in sight including Harry’s overcoat and the wraps of a number of passengers. J. McKee, brakeman, pursued them and secured a part of the plunder, when he returned, procured a horse and two revolvers and started again in pursuit. This time he succeeded not only in recovering the remainder of the stolen property but in returning the thieves to Sauk Rapids, where a warrant was procured for them. They were arraigned before a justice and bound over to the next term of court. Unable to furnish bail they were lodged in the St. Cloud jail where they now are. Mac’s experience in deer hunting on horseback evidently served him a good purpose for once, and all honor is due the hero of the occasion. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 March 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


13 March

The plans are being drawn and the location platted for the proposed extension of the N. P. railroad shops at this place. The company has contracted with Wm. Schwartz for 1,000,000 brick for the purpose of their construction, and a track will be laid from a point near the present shops to Mr. Schwartz’s brick yard. This track should be extended at the same time to Rice Lake, where a number of saw mills would undoubtedly be erected the coming season. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 March 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


The N. P. Blockade.—Who’s to

Blame?


Some of the journals in Dakota have been uttering complaints against what they deem the bad management of the N. P. R. R. in consequence of the blockade of said road by snow. Trains have been moving everyday on the Dakota division, and, though making connections irregularly, and in one or two instances closed in for several days, yet we deem it a great injustice to Gen’l. Manager Sargent and other officials to undertake by direct charge or insinuation to censure him or them. There have been times within the last four years when the Union Pacific R. R. has been blockaded for seven days and this corporation has had unlimited means and material to contend with the elements successfully. We know that, except in one particular, every precaution has been taken by the N. P. management to guard against blockade, and, in that one respect, could not this season be provided for—we refer to raising of the track above the level of the prairie. There has been no lack of men or fuel, or engines with the most approved plows; and the fact is this has been an exceptionally boisterous winter, with a sufficient depth of snow and almost continuous winds, so that each day’s accomplishment has had to be done over again. The time has been, and within the last few years, when snow covered the plains west of Fargo, clear across Dakota, to the depth of four or five feet. Major C. A. Ruffee, who carried the mails across these plains for several years, has informed us that during more than one winter he has seen the snow exceed five feet on the level, for hundreds of miles west of the Red River. But with one-half that depth of snow a railway could only be operated and kept open continuously during the winter by raising the track on trestles, the whole distance, and at such a height from the ground that the snow could have free passage under it. We have seen every cut between Fargo and Bismarck filled from less than one inch snow fall. The fact is, that across these plains the wind is always blowing strong, and after snow commences to fall a train could not run ten miles without running into a snow drift deep enough to cover the smoke stack of the engine. Every depression is bound to be filled to a level, and there are certainly localities where no engineer could locate a railroad without going through some depression from the general level of the country. Gen’l. Manager Sargent is certainly one of the most energetic, competent and efficient R. R. managers in this or any other country, and he has as able an assistant in Superintendent Towne as there is in the west. Besides A. E. Taylor, general roadmaster, has had valuable experience for years. Sup’t. of Machinery, Farrar, is as capable as the best, and we know that all of these gentlemen have been exerting every effort and means in their power, or that could be commanded to keep the Dakota division open; and that they have done well in contending with the elements that have terrific sweep and play across their roadway, no candid man will doubt for a moment. Gentlemen, grumble if you will, damn the locality and the appalling blasts of winter, and whirling, blinding snow falls, hurried along with the rapidity of a hurricane to seek lodgment where it may. Damn the luck that attracted you to that section of the world, and the elements that must keep you housed in winter from freezing cold, and in excavated or sod “cottages” in summer to avoid being blown away, if you will, and be as positive about such damning as you please, and we would not object to assist in making it a little more so—but do not visit upon the aforesaid officials responsibilities that only rest with “Nature and Nature’s God.” We ask this in behalf of justice, and expect you to stop finding fault in this direction. If you live in “God’s country” stand it like men, and put up with it. Mind, now. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 March 1880, p. 1, c. 2)


Adna Anderson, Chief Engineer, Northern Pacific Railroad 1880-1888, ca. 1880.
Source: Unknown

The chief engineer of the N. P. railroad is having offices fitted up in the Headquarters building for his occupancy. Mr. Adna Anderson has a record as a capable and efficient engineer, excelled by few, if any, in this country—holding the position of superintendent of construction of government roads during the war. He has been superintendent, general manager and chief engineer of several railways. His connection with the N. P. is significant of extension. It means business. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 March 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


20 March

If you do not like winter blizzards in Dakota, keep away from them, and do not blame the N. P. management because one happens to strike you. Tisn’t wise. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 March 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


The Northern Pacific is to have an eastern outlet by way of Superior, Ashland and Houghton, a direct route to the East. The gap will be filled the coming year, sure. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 March 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


Owing to the protracted absence of Superintendent Towne and Roadmaster Taylor on the snow bucking expedition on the Dakota Division this month, the pay rolls of the company for February could not be completed, and pay day is somewhat delayed. The pay car left for St. Paul yesterday, however, and “pay day” may be expected early next week. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 March 1880, p. 1, c. 3)


Supt. Towne returned this week from Dakota, where he has been since February 22d superintending the opening of that Division of the N. P. No less than twelve engines and 190 men were engaged in this mighty undertaking. Mr. A. E. Taylor, General Roadmaster, returned at the same time. These weather-beaten, storm-worn veterans have merited the rest and comfort that welcomed them, and we trust they will not be called upon again to endure the rigors of so extended a campaign. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 March 1880, p. 1, c. 3)


26 March

Mr. D. R. Taylor, assistant roadmaster N. P. R. R., returned yesterday from Dakota, where he has been for some time fighting snow drifts. He is not quite worn out, but thinks a little change and rest is very desirable. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 March 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


27 March

A Deserved Benefit.


The Brainerd Minstrel Troupe will give an entertainment to the people of Brainerd, on the evening of April 6th, at Bly’s Hall, for the benefit of Ed. Hawley, who lost his foot in the yard at this place last fall. Ed. is a deserving young man and is entitled to the sympathy of our good people in his great misfortune. We trust the entertainment will be well patronized, and that a full house will respond to this benevolent undertaking. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 March 1880, p. 1, c. 2)


SEE: 08 November 1879

SEE: 15 April 1880


Sup’t. Towne has gone west to look after the Dakota division and get trains to running regularly, like, which they will do if there are no more blizzards. But them things cannot be bet on, as it were, with any certainty of winning, except on one side. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 March 1880, p. 1, c. 2)


10 April

Westward the horses and mules, household goods, and immigrants, take their way, as usual, but more so. The N. P. Co. is running trains to its full capacity, to accommodate the press of business in this direction, and still they come, at the rate of 50,000 more for the summer. They drop off all along the line, Crow Wing county getting its quota, but the larger proportion settling down, on the vast plains of Dakota, like grasshoppers on a field of peas, and still there is room. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 April 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


Horses Burned.


Three horses belonging to Mr. Blair of Chicago were burned on a freight car, three miles west of Brainerd, on the night freight last Saturday night, so that they died. One horse in the same car was saved. Mr. Blair had chartered a car for Wadena, and had his household goods in the same car with the horses. The fire, it is supposed, was occasioned by a spark from the engine falling upon the bedding, and before it was discovered the three horses were so badly burned that they died the next morning. The car was saved with slight damage. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 April 1880, p. 1, c. 2)


15 April

Hawley’s Benefit at Bly’s Hall on Thursday evening was largely attended, and we are pleased to learn resulted in a handsome donation to the crippled young man. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 April 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 08 November 1879

SEE: 27 March 1880


17 April

The Northern Pacific will push its road on to completion just the same, notwithstanding the combined lobby of Jay Gould, Tom Scott and the Southern Brigadiers. The great transcontinental thoroughfare cannot be blockaded even by so formidable an opposition. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 April 1880, p. 1, c. 3)


A tunnel under the Missouri at Bismarck is contemplated by the Northern Pacific Company in lieu of a bridge. It certainly would be preferable in point of safety, convenience and durability, and it is claimed will cost but about one-third the expense of a bridge. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 April 1880, p. 1, c. 3)


23 April

The afternoon passenger train from St. Paul due here at 1:20 yesterday afternoon, was delayed until 4:25 by the engine and baggage car jumping the track at St. Paul as the train was starting out. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 April 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


24 April

The grounds about the Headquarters offices are being graded, and trees set for shade. Mr. Towne has procured a large number of box elders from near Moorhead. A large number of these beautiful and fast growing trees are being set out in our park in place of the dead elms killed by the drouth last summer. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 April 1880, p. 4, c. 2)


01 May

Mine Host Weed of the Headquarters Hotel sold his interest in that popular house last week to Mr. W. M. Steel, who assumes the proprietorship from May 1st, and Mr. Weed took his departure on Wednesday for Brookfield, Mo., where he will make his future home. His loss from our town and business circles will be deeply felt by many friends who wish him success in his new home. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 May 1880, p. 5, c. 2)


11 May

IS IT MURDER?

_____


T. H. Ryan Dies Very Suddenly

on the N. P. Work Train

near Aitkin.

_____


Drs. Rosser and Howes Hold a

Post-Mortem Examination.

_____


STRYCHNINE THE CAUSE OF DEATH.

_____


Zeb. Sutherland Suspected, and

“Skips the Country.”

_____


A man named T. H. Ryan, employed on the work train of the Northern Pacific, died very suddenly a few miles east of Aitkin, on board his train, on Tuesday morning last under circumstances which pointed at once to murder by poison. He stopped at the Douglass House, Aitkin, on Monday night, and not feeling well ate no breakfast on Tuesday morning, but went in company with a man named Zeb. Sutherland to William Boswell’s saloon and took a drink and at once boarded his train, saying to his fellow workmen, as he did so, that he was poisoned. The train immediately left Aitkin, and he was taken at once with convulsions, and before the train had gone five miles he was a dead man. Dr. Howes and Rosser, of this city, were immediately sent for by Mr. Boswell and the citizens of Aitkin to make a post-mortem examination. Going to Aitkin on Wednesday morning the doctors had an examination, returning in the evening with Ryan’s stomach and brain in their possession, and their verdict is that the evidence is conclusive of death from strychnine, which they found in large quantities in the stomach. It is rumored that Sutherland changed glasses with Ryan at the bar, and afterwards alleged as his reasons that he and Boswell were bad friends and he feared a dose from him. What the relations of Sutherland and Ryan had been we are not advised, but a very suspicious circumstance in connection with the affair is the fact that Sutherland disappeared at once and has not been seen or heard of since. Mr. Boswell invites the closest scrutiny of any connection he had with the case, and took prompt measures to bring out the cause of the death, because of the supposed fact that the dose was administered in his saloon. We are informed by the doctors that Ryan had been ailing for some time, and was taking medicines administered by some Minneapolis doctor for tape-worm. His liver was in a very abnormal condition, with adhesions to the walls of the chest and much inflamed and tubercle of one lung indicated that he had pneumonia, but no signs of tape-worm were revealed. His brain was in a very healthy condition and weighed 59 1/2 ounces. His stomach has since been sent to doctors in St. Paul for further examination to corroborate the decision of doctors Rosser and Howes as to the result of which however there can be no question. Mr. Holland, the county attorney, has been advised of these facts, and will visit Aitkin at once to look up the evidence in the case, and further developments will be awaited with deep interest.

Ryan’s name appears on the pay-rolls of the company as D. C. Day, but he was known at Aitkin as Tom Ryan. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 May 1880, p. 1, c. 3)


SEE: 22 May 1880


A new time schedule went into effect on the Minnesota division of the Northern Pacific, Tuesday, adding a through passenger train from Duluth to Fargo, making fourteen passenger trains daily arriving and departing at Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 May 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


12 May

On the 12th inst. eight horses and colts, belonging to D. S. Mooers, of Fort Ripley, went inside the wire fence that is being built along the track by the railroad company. When the next train came along the horses tried to escape through the fence, and they were all badly cut and injured by the barbs in the wire. Mr. Mooers had the cuts examined by persons who are capable of understanding and explaining the nature and extent of the injuries in order to be able to produce evidence in case the matter should go to the courts for adjustment. A man was sent by Superintendent Towne to examine the injuries.—[Little Falls Transcript. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 May 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


15 May

D. R. Taylor, Division Superintendent.


Mr. D. R. Taylor, for two years last past assistant roadmaster of the N. P. R. R., has been advanced to the active and responsible position of division superintendent of the road west of the Missouri, with headquarters at Mandan. This is a well-deserved tribute to a very worthy man. Mr. Taylor has always been an unassuming man, but ever ready to perform his duty in an unostentatious manner, and during the two years he has been with us has made a host of friends who, though rejoicing at his promotion, regret to lose his society. Mr. Taylor is a very competent businessman, and by his devotion to the interest of the company has deservedly earned the confidence of his superiors. The best judgment of the best men is that Mr. Sargent has put the right man in the right place, and that the arduous responsibility of that division will be assumed and disposed of in a manner entirely satisfactory to the company and the public. The best wishes of his friends go with him to his new position. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 May 1880, p. 1, c. 2)


22 May

Nothing new of importance has developed touching the Aitkin poisoning case. The stomach of the murdered man, which was sent to a doctor in St. Paul for analysis, as stated last week, has been returned upon the request of doctors Rosser and Howes, who have procured the necessary appliances and apparatus and analyzed the contents themselves, the St. Paul man requiring a fee of $150.00 for the job. It is scarcely necessary to add that the result of the analysis was correctly foreshadowed last week by the acid tests used by them, reported by the TRIBUNE, and that strychnine was found to exist in large quantitates. The case is in the hands of the country attorney, who is working it up. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 May 1880, p. 1, c. 4)


SEE: 11 May 1880


Col. E. H. Bly of the Sheridan House Bismarck was in Brainerd several days this week engaging men for his extensive tie contract on the Little Missouri River. He Says Gen., Anderson Chief Engineer of the N. P., pronounces the tunnel under the Missouri at Bismarck a feasible project in consequence of which it will undoubtedly be consummated at an early day. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 May 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


24 May

The Northern Pacific.


General manager H. E. Sargent of the Northern Pacific told a Chicago Times reporter on Monday, that the engineering department of the company had just accepted from the contractors twenty-five miles of new road on the extension, making with what has been accepted, seventy-five miles of line now in operation west of the Missouri river. He also stated that engineers are now making an examination with a view of determining the question between a bridge or a tunnel at the Missouri crossing at Bismarck. The feasibility of the latter is not at all improbable. Indeed, it is not unlikely that the construction of a tunnel will be determined on by the company, if the examination now in progress by the engineers shall continue favorable to the undertaking. A tunnel would have to be at least a mile and half in length. The channel of the river, though variable, is about 2,400 feet wide at that point. Below the shifting quicksand of the bed of the channel is found a tenacious clay underlaid with sandstone. The floor of the tunnel would be about seventy feet below the bed of the river. Mr. Sargent stated that the local traffic of the Northern Pacific is becoming very large, and the lands adjacent to the line, especially in western Minnesota and eastern Dakota, are being rapidly occupied by thrifty emigrants from the eastern States and foreign countries. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 May 1880, p. 1, c.’s 2 & 3)


29 May

The House committee has favorably reported the Northern Pacific time extension bill. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 May 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


President Billings of the Northern Pacific road is a delegate to the Chicago convention and after its close it is understood that he will take a trip over his road and determine the bridge-tunnel question at Bismarck, and other important matters pertaining to the road. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 May 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


09 June

President Billings of the North Pacific who is now on a visit of inspection over his road to the terminus was interviewed briefly at St. Paul on Wednesday by the Editor of the TRIBUNE. The question of enlargement of the shops of the company at Brainerd, Mr. Billings said was one of the matters he desired to look into while here, though he hoped to get along another year with the present buildings. The company he said had been put to great expense by the blockade last winter, the Missouri division was costing more than was expected, the track raising in Dakota and the construction of the stalls at Fargo last year, had cost a great deal, and the company was compelled to economize as much as possible though he admitted they could not get along without enlarging much longer. When asked if there was any doubt that such enlargement when made should be at Brainerd, he said with considerable surprise he had never heard or even thought of any other project. The shops should always be in one place and Brainerd is the most favorable location on the line for them. Could the handful of croakers who are predicting their removal from this place to St. Paul, or some other point, have witnessed the smile which met our inquiry their mouths would be closed henceforth. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 June 1880, p. 1, c. 2)


11 June

Mr. Frederick Billings, president of the Northern Pacific railroad, passed through this city yesterday, going west. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 June 1880, p. 1, c. 4)


The Buffalo Creek railroad bridge and the bridge at Belle Prairie were carried away by the flood of yesterday. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 June 1880, p. 1, c. 4)


THE NEW DELUGE.


The Accounts Concerning Its

Ravages at Other Points.


Latest Information from all the

Deluged or Threatened Districts.


Condition of Affairs in the

Upper Mississippi and

Its Tributaries.


No Additional Damage Re-

ported—The Worst

Probably Over.


Rum River Rapidly Receding—

The Mississippi Slowly

Rising.


THE MISSISSIPPI.

______


AT BRAINERD.


BRAINERD, Minn., June 11.—The heavy rains of last week did considerable damage in this vicinity. The Buffalo creek and Fort Ripley railroad bridges were carried away. The mill branch track is badly washed, hanging in mid air in several places. The ferry boat was carried away. Schwartz’s brick yard is inundated and the river is still on the rise, raising one foot yesterday. Minneapolis lumbermen have boomed the river at Aitkin to stop the logs. Farms near Brainerd are all under water, and farmers considerably alarmed for their crops.


[...]


(Minneapolis Tribune, 15 June 1880, p. 2)


NOTE: The “mill branch track” above refers to the 1871 Northern Pacific Railroad spur running to an early sawmill located on the river flats near Boom Lake, in later years it served the J. J. Howe mill.


SEE: 17 May 1871


19 June

All crops along the N. P. R. R. are looking exceedingly well. The late heavy rains have not injured them materially, and the promise now is an excellent harvest. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 June 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


25 June

Scalded to Death.


Brainerd Tribune.

Louis Dumond, engineer in charge of N. P. Woodsaw No. 9, while cutting a lot of wood at Aldrich on Wednesday undertook to stop a leak in the boiler by screwing up a plug which blew out into his face. Being on his breast under the boiler at the time he was unable to escape and was so badly scalded that he died the next day at his residence on Fifth street in this city whither he was removed soon after the frightful accident. Dr. Rosser, who attended him, says the hot water and steam entered his throat scalding him internally which caused his death, his external injuries not being very serious. (Minneapolis Tribune, 25 June 1880, p. 4)


26 June

Mr. Dilworth, one of the directors of the N. P. R. R. company, with Mrs. Dilworth, son and daughter, and a brother of Dilworth’s from Nebraska, were in town this week. After spending a couple of days at Sylvan Lake club house, the guests of Mr. C. F. Kindred, they went west to Fargo Thursday to visit Mr. D.’s farm and the great wheat fields. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 June 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


KINDRED:

SEE: 07 November 1874

SEE: 14 November 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 07 June 1876

SEE: 23 March 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 18 January 1879

SEE: 31 May 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 20 September 1883

SEE: 23 September 1883

SEE: 26 August 1885

SEE: 13 December 1887

SEE: 31 May 1889

SEE: 25 March 1898

SEE: 05 February 1917


04 July

Among the patriotic railroad men who made fine displays in honor of Independence Day, our old-time friend, L. N. Lowe, of Brainerd, and one of the oldest and most reliable engineers on the Northern Pacific, made probably the most beautiful display of all others. He came in with his fine engine, the "No. 63" on Sunday and she was a sight to behold. Mr. L. had her, as he always does, shining like silver and gold, and decorated all over with flags, evergreen trees, festoons, and wreaths, bouquets of flowers, etc., arranged with the greatest taste. All these, with the glittering trimmings of the engine, herself, peeping out through all the floral and evergreens and flags, made it a sight not often seen, in the line of beautiful things in this world. She looked like a veritable May Queen, on silver wheels.—[Duluth Tribune. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 July 1880, p. 4, c. 2)


13 July

A collision took place Tuesday morning, three miles west of Fargo, between engine No. 4, running in from Bismarck empty, and a special freight train going west. The engine had stopped to pick up the body of a man named Thomas Thomson who had been run over near Mapleton and the special freight pulled out of Fargo supposing the engine had gone into the round house at Fargo and the morning being foggy they were at a deadlock before they knew it. The body of Thomson had been placed in a box on the pilot of engine 4 and the two engines coming together mutilated him out of recognition. Seventy-five dollars he had on his person was missing and a mystery overhangs his death which his part in the collision renders it impracticable to unravel. The brief examination of the body by the engineer at Mapleton fails to throw any light upon it. A coroner’s inquest is probing the matter at Fargo. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 July 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


17 July

Commissioners have been appointed by the government to examine and report upon the last section of the Northern Pacific railroad, 100 miles west of Bismarck, just completed. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 July 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


Mr. H. E. Sargent, General Manager N. P. R. R., has purchased thirteen acres of land on the west bank of Detroit Lake and will proceed at once to erect a beautiful summer residence thereon. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 July 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


C. T. Hobart has been appointed engineer in charge of the local improvements of the Northern Pacific road at St. Paul. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 July 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


SEE: 24 February 1872

SEE: 16 March 1872

SEE: 15 April 1872

SEE: 27 April 1872

SEE: 04 May 1872

SEE: 25 October 1872

SEE: 16 November 1872

SEE: 14 December 1872

SEE: 29 March 1873

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 05 April 1873

SEE: 29 May 1873

SEE: 31 May 1873

SEE: 17 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


24 July

Two patients were added to the care of Dr. Howes at the N. P. hospital this week, one a man with a ruptured lung occasioned by being jammed between two cars, and the other with a leg amputated near the body by being run over near Crystal Springs. Milton McFadden has been appointed to the position of nurse or hospital steward. Drew, the man scalded near Bismarck, will soon be able to leave the hospital. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 July 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 04 December 1880

SEE: 25 June 1881


27 July

A young man named E. P. White, of Verndale, Minn., was run over by the east bound passenger about four miles west of Staples Mills, on Tuesday morning, severing his head from his body and killing him instantly, if indeed he was alive when the train struck him, which however is doubted by the conductor, Mr. Brinkerhoff and other railroad men who were at his side in less than a minute after the accident and say there was not a muscle or finger moved or any sign of life visible, though nothing is known positively of the cause of his presence on the track. He was a son of Mr. E. White of Verndale, aged about twenty-one years, had been in the employ of Staples Brothers at their mill, quit the morning of the accident and started on foot for his home, but two or three hours before his death. Was not intoxicated and had no means of getting liquor as none was to be had in that section and was in apparent health when he started. Foul play is not suspected as he had little money with him and that had not been disturbed. Suicide is the most probable solution of the mystery. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 July 1880, p. 1, c.’s 1 & 2)


SEE: 20 September 1877

SEE: 05 October 1878

SEE: 30 August 1879

SEE: 11 February 1882


31 July

Among the new patents issued from the United States patent office we notice Mr. H. A. Towne, Sup’t. of the N. P. R. R., has at last been awarded a patent upon his locomotive boiler invented several years ago. He has more recently invented a self-acting end freight car door faster, a very useful and simple device by which the door is securely fastened automatically on the inside whenever the door is closed, which he will also have patented. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 July 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


04 August

Sad R. R. Accident.


Railroad accidents are becoming frequent, and all of them sufficiently painful, but one of the saddest ones we have been called upon to record, occurred at Wadena Wednesday morning. As the east bound morning freight was nearing the station a brakeman, H. M. Newell by name, undertook to set a brake from the top of a freight car, when the brake gave way.

Newell, to avoid falling between the cars, sprang out sufficiently to clear the track and save himself from getting under the moving train, but fell and struck his head on the iron rail of a side track, fracturing his skull, and producing concussion of the brain. He was brought to Brainerd in charge of Dr. Crommett, and immediately placed under the care of Dr. Howes at the N. P. Hospital, where he still remains in a very critical condition.

Mr. Newell is a young man of excellent habits and principles and very much liked by all his associates. He was recently from Iowa. His wife who has been here but a few days, is almost paralyzed with the shock, and her sorrow is painful in the extreme. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 August 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 14 August 1880


14 August

H. M Newell, who was so severely injured several days since, as reported in last week’s issue, and whose life was for a time despaired of, is, we are glad to learn, in a fair way of recovering. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 August 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 04 August 1880


27 August

AROUND THE STATE.

_____


BRAINERD.


BRAINERD, Aug. 27.—A new baggage car built at the company’s shops in the this place, is being ornamented with all kinds of grain from the northwest, which of course means along the Northern Pacific, preparatory to visit the coming fair. (Minneapolis Tribune, 28 August 1880, p. 8)


SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 27 August 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 01 October 1880

SEE: 02 October 1880

SEE: 28 August 1885

SEE: 07 July 1898

SEE: 20 September 1911


28 August

“Northern Pacific Coal Fields West

of the Missouri.”


This is the title of an article quite learnedly elaborated in this paper some time in July [sic] [February] last, and quite extensively quoted by newspapers east and west, and generally credited to this paper. The Golden Northwest, a journal published at St. Paul, Minn., quotes the article and gives the credit to the “Bismarck,” instead of the “Brainerd” TRIBUNE. We do not object to have our thunder used, and pretty extensively, too, but it is not at all flattering to our vanity to have it used in this way; in fact we protest against being robbed of “that which enriches him” of the Bismarck Tribune, “and make us poor indeed.” If there is anyone that knows anything about those coal-fields, “we” are “that” man, and we do not wish to be advertised as not knowing; it hurts our business. The “scissors man” of the Golden Northwest will please take notice and govern himself accordingly. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 August 1880, p. 1, c. 2)


SEE: 28 February 1880


THE GOLDEN NORTHWEST.

_____


For the Eastern Fairs, Grains,

Vegetables, Grapes and Pro-

duce. What the Northern

Pacific Country Can Do.

_____


James B. Power, Land Commis-

sioner, Concentrating the Es-

sence of Advertising and

Demolishing all Former Pre-

cedents, Steps to the Front

with a Grand Idea.

______


“He Who Runs May Read.”

_____


Standing in front of our sanctum is a new baggage car, belonging to the Northern Pacific railroad, gorgeous in yellow, gold and black. It is just out of the shops, new from truck to door and window fastenings, capacious, and inviting. This vehicle has its mission to fulfill. It has been furnished by the railroad company to transport to various Middle and Eastern states (going directly from Brainerd to Worcester, Mass.) the cereals and various other productions of the country through which the Northern Pacific railroad runs from Duluth to Puget Sound.

The wheat fields of Minnesota and Dakota are represented by sheaves of golden wheat, oats, barley and rye. Oregon, Washington and Montana contribute the wealth of their splendid soils and climates to an exhibition not to be excelled anywhere hereafter and that has never been in any age of the world’s history.

But here we are on the platform looking into the car, and a beautiful vision presents itself:

“Grain to right of them,

Grain to left of them,

Grain in front of them,

Rich wheat fields plunder’d,”

to make up bunches, bundles and wreaths of grain, tastefully distributed along the sides and ceiling of the car. Shelving holds numerous glass jars, with specimens of the various cereals from the various counties along the line of the road, from Minnesota, Dakota, Montana and the Pacific slope. The wall on one side of the interior, between the doors, bears a remarkable and significant display. There are no less than twenty-three varieties of grasses, from the short, sweet clover, with its succulent blooms, to the stately blue-grass which stands higher than a man’s head. Some of these grasses are from the uplands and lowlands in the timber, and others from the open prairie, showing the natural productions from Lake Superior to the western boundary of Dakota territory. To this beautiful and remarkable exhibition Crow Wing county has made extensive and valuable contributions, and it is admitted that the samples of grain and vegetables gathered in this vicinity are equal, and in many cases superior to any in the display. The various grasses, numerous and splendid specimens, are conspicuously displayed, and stands and compartments hold the rich productions of garden and field. This display is a grand idea, and had more time been permitted to make in all instances the choicest selections, a far better presentation could be made. But it is good enough and none too good to represent the production of this Northwestern country fairly. We wish we had space to fully describe the tastefulness of the grain and vegetable decorations of this car. It is a vision of beauty, and wherever seen will introduce a veritable picture of a land of plenty, where the poor can feed themselves, the houseless find shelter, the rich splendid investment, and the Eastern farmer eking out a poor existence on poor soils a great temptation to “go west.” It will, in fact, bring the “Golden Northwest” before them all, where they can see with their own eyes, feel with their own hands, and wonder as they look and feel why they have not known more of this land of promise. God speed its mission.

The car leaves Brainerd this evening, and its onward career is one of glory. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 August 1880, p. 1, c. 3)


Col. J. B. Power, Land Commissioner of the N. P. R. R. is in Brainerd, superintending in person the arranging of the samples of grain, vegetables, etc. in the great Northern Pacific Exhibition Car. He says the best and largest samples of grain and vegetables he has received are from Crow Wing county. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 August 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 27 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 01 October 1880

SEE: 02 October 1880

SEE: 28 August 1885

SEE: 07 July 1898

SEE: 20 September 1911


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


31 August

A Pageantry of Products.


Pioneer Press, Aug. 31:

The exhibitions made by the Northern Pacific Railroad company have always been remarkable for their elegance, tastefulness and extent, but this year Mr. James B. Power, the indefatigable and energetic Land Commissioner of the company, has quite outdone all of his previous efforts, and has prepared a novelty which for originality and boldness of design has never been approached. The idea, which was conceived many weeks since, has been quietly worked out and the grand result will awaken the admiration of a St. Paul public today, and show them how the great railroad corporation is working to build up the splendid Northwestern Empire. The novelty is nothing less than a beautiful and extensive traveling exhibition of the products of Minnesota, Dakota, Montana and Washington. A special car, which has for more than a month been undergoing the process of preparation at Brainerd, arrived in St. Paul this morning, and will this afternoon be on exhibition at the foot of Wacouta street.

The car is one of the standard baggage cars, of which the railroad has recently procured a number, and it has been provided with springs which make it as easy and steady as the finest railway coach.

The exterior is painted a bright straw color and varnished to a high degree of polish. On the sign board are the words Northern Pacific in gold and green. On the center of each side is an oval medallion thirteen feet long and five feet wide, the ground of which is painted a rich wine color with a broad, black moulding around it. These medallions bear the legend, “Products from the Golden Northwest,” in elegant and massive letters in gold with bronze shading and ornamentation. At each end of the sides are shields nine by four feet, bearing the names of the State of Minnesota and the Territories of Dakota, Montana and Washington. These are original and elegant in design, the Eastlake style having been adopted. These ornamental decorations are highly polished, and the whole work reflects great credit on the artists connected with the railroad. Steps are provided as extensions for the regular steps of the car, affording easy access from the ground.

The interior is a bewildering scene of beauty, every product of the regions’ endless resources being displayed in beautiful designs. At one side of the center is a semi-circular pyramid of shelves in varnished black walnut, reaching to the roof. These shelves bear glass bottles, which contain samples of all descriptions of grain, handsomely labeled. Beneath and at each side of the pyramid, and also on the opposite side of the car, are ornamental bins containing splendid specimens of vegetables while in boxes above the bins are minerals and curiosities. Several thousand little sheaves of grain, principally when bound with red and blue ribbons, and combined in beautiful designs on the walls and arched roof, and even the extension roof with its windows are artistically decorated. The walls are painted a delicate buff and the interior of the roof a dainty pink.

On the wall next to the pyramid an elegant design inwrought in twenty-three different grasses, found on the line of the road, and at each side of the pyramid are massive frames, containing stereoscopic views of the scenery from the Dalles of the St. Louis to the Rocky mountains.

It would be impossible to give a full description of this agricultural marvel at this time, hence a brief list of the contents of the car must suffice.

There are twenty-three different varieties of woods from Minnesota forests showing the value of the country as a point of manufacture. Nine varieties of corn from Crow Wing, Wadena and Becker counties, in Minnesota. Twenty-three varieties of native grasses prove the adaptability of the region for stock raising. There is fine flax from Dakota. Amber sugar cane and Patagonian cane with stalks nine and ten feet long, from Wadena and Crow Wing counties. Tobacco, both Scotch and Connecticut seed. Field peas, beans, red clover. Burberry from Missouri river bottoms, valuable for its fruit and for hedges, equal to osage orange. Wheat of several varieties, the justly celebrated Scotch Fyfe predominating. Barley, oats, rye from every county on the line. The celebrated Grandin, Cass-Cheney, Kindred, Troy, Steele and Spiritwood farms are all represented by fine samples.

All the varieties of grain are shown the stalk and berry, some of the straw being four and a half and five feet high. There are vegetables of every variety both field and garden, splendid specimens of potatoes, including early rose, peerless, rose of Hebron and snow flake, that cannot be excelled in the United States. Samples of hops from Sheyenne valley equal to the best cultivated vines.

The Bad Lands of Pyramid Park are represented by an interesting collection of petrifactions and curiosities. Montana and Washington Territories contribute ten varieties of wheat, three of barley and two of oats, all noticeable is the size of the berry and the large yield.

This splendid exhibition, which leave St. Paul tonight will be on the road about six weeks, passing through and exhibiting at the principal points of Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Canada, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana, refuting the prevalent opinion that the great northwestern empire is adapted only to the production of wheat, and instructing the people about the splendid resources of this favored part of the national domain. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 September 1880, p. 1, c.’s 3 & 4)


SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 27 August 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 01 October 1880

SEE: 02 October 1880

SEE: 28 August 1885

SEE: 07 July 1898

SEE: 20 September 1911


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


KINDRED:

SEE: 07 November 1874

SEE: 14 November 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 07 June 1876

SEE: 23 March 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 18 January 1879

SEE: 31 May 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 26 June 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 20 September 1883

SEE: 23 September 1883

SEE: 26 August 1885

SEE: 13 December 1887

SEE: 31 May 1889

SEE: 25 March 1898

SEE: 05 February 1917


04 September

CROW WING COUNTY AHEAD.

_____


The best samples of vegetables and grain contributed to the collection of the “Products of the Golden Northwest,” on exhibition in the great Northern Pacific agricultural car, now making a tour of the east, were raised on Crow Wing county farms.

JAMES B. POWER,

Land Commissioner N. P. R. R.

(Brainerd Tribune, 04 September 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


A new side track is being laid in front of the Headquarters building, to accommodate the increased yard work, and still more is needed. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 September 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


EN ROUTE.


CHICAGO, Sept. 1.—The agricultural fair on wheels, consisting of the N. P. car with the exhibition of product of the country along the Northern Pacific railway, arrived today, and excited much interest. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 September 1880, p. 4, c. 2)


Our Reporter in a Chair Car.


The Dakota Division has just put on each of the express trains a Parlor Chair Car, which in beauty, elegance and comfort, are not excelled by anybody’s railroad. They are of the same light color on the exterior as the new coaches of maple, oiled and varnished, and in the comfortable cane chairs within, one, however large, may rotate and take in the happy situation. At one end of the car is the ladies’ toilet room, a closet room with an elegant steam heater, from which three coils of pipe girdle the rooms at the floor. Leather trimmed cloth curtains shade the windows as may be desired. The main room has 28 chairs. The light cool canes now will be replaced by those elegantly upholstered. Each chair revolves upon an iron pillar secured to the floor. Tables may be attached and let down before any of the twenty-six windows where others, as I now, may ride and write nearly as well as in an office (at least the writer thinks this copy an improvement on his usual hand). At each end of the main room are two tall mirrors, of plate glass, with beveled edges. At the opposite end of the car from the ladies’ apartments are the rooms for gentlemen—closet, bath and smoking. The rooms are nicely carpeted and in their arrangements for ventilation very complete. Taken all together the taste displayed in the finish and furnishing of these palaces must please every occupant.—[Northern Pacific Times. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 September 1880, p. 4, c. 3)


14 September

The first thirty miles of the Casselton branch of the N. P. road was opened to public traffic on Tuesday, and is already enjoying a good business. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 September 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


16 September

Farmers, Send in Reports.


The following letter from Col. J. B Power, Land Commissioner N. P. R. R., explains itself, and is an excellent idea. We hope the farmers in Crow Wing, Cass and Aitkin counties will give us the requisite information promptly. It will be published as received and afterwards summarized collectively.


LAND DEPARTMENT, N. P. R. R. Co.,

ST. PAUL, Sept. 16, 1880.


Editor of Brainerd Tribune.

Dear Sir: One of the most effective agencies that can be made use of in attracting immigration to the “Golden Northwest” is the authenticated reports of the profitable results of farming by those already here, and especially so as results in the Northern Pacific belt can so favorably be put in comparison with less favored localities.

Every farmer is benefitted by increase of settlement, and should be as deeply interested as the railroad company in all efforts made to direct attention to the broad acres yet awaiting occupancy, and if they will aid by contributing as their mite a “crop report” for 1880, the great tide of immigration now turning its way towards us will become as a “mighty rush of waters” before the close of another season. To this end we ask your co-operation, by requesting all farmers in your neighborhood to make a report for publication in their local paper of what they have done the past year.

The reports should state name of farmer, area, yield and quality of different kinds of grain, corn, vegetables, etc., peculiar and somewhat out of usual order can be stated, it will add much to the interest and value of the statement.

The publication of these reports every week, or from time to time as they come in, will be read with interest and become constant and effective immigration arguments.

Hoping you will consider the suggestion of sufficient value to induce efforts to get this matter.

I am, truly yours,

JAMES B. POWER,

Land Com’r.

(Brainerd Tribune, 18 September 1880, p. 4, c. 2)


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


18 September

A meeting of the Northern Pacific directors and leading stockholders is to be held in New York tomorrow, at which will be present a delegation representing interests of the South Shore country of Lake Superior and the northern peninsula of Michigan, to urge the easterly extension of the Northern Pacific along the south shore and through Michigan to a connection with Canadian roads at Sault Ste. Marie. This proposed extension would give the Northern Pacific an independent rail outlet to the Atlantic coast and will doubtless be favorably considered by all interested in that road.—[Globe. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 September 1880, p. 1, c. 2)


A new coat of paint is improving the external appearance of the N. P. Headquarters office building and hotel. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 September 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


30 September

Thursday evening of last week, a special train of thirty cars, all loaded the same day at this point with wheat pulled out of Casselton for Duluth. Agent Newton informs us that a special train of twenty cars loaded with Casselton wheat, is almost an everyday occurrence.—[Casselton Reporter. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 October 1880, p. 1, c. 2)


01 October

Northern Pacific Agricultural Car

at Montreal.


Montreal Special to the Chicago Tribune.

A railway car from one of the American railways which exhibited at Ottawa a number of specimens of agricultural and dairy products grown along the line of the railway in Dakota and other points south of the Dominion border line at Manitoba, was invited to exhibit here, and arrived at the exhibition grounds yesterday, when the parties in charge issued a number of circulars with which to advertise their lands. An order was issued last night to have the issue of these circulars stopped. This morning the car was closed, and when the committee inquired the reason they were told that the car had been invited to the exhibition, and if they could not issue circulars in common with other exhibitors they would leave. The order was rescinded, and no one could be found today who would take the responsibility of having issued it. The circulars were flying about in all directions, principally in the French language, as all the English ones had got distributed. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 October 1880, p. 1, c. 4)


SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 27 August 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 02 October 1880

SEE: 28 August 1885

SEE: 07 July 1898

SEE: 20 September 1911


02 October

It is estimated that over 50,000 people have visited the Northern Pacific Agricultural car since it left Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 October 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 27 August 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 01 October 1880

SEE: 28 August 1885

SEE: 07 July 1898

SEE: 20 September 1911


A recent order removing the Northern Pacific Land office from Brainerd to St. Paul has been rescinded and the office will remain here as heretofore. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 October 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


09 October

The Bismarck Tribune says a bridge instead of a tunnel has been decided upon at the Bismarck crossing of the Missouri river. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 October 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


The NP Company is having partitions made of iron grating at their shops in this city for dividing their baggage and express cars separating the express from the baggage end. The object is to exclude everyone from the express room excepting the agent and without shutting him up alone where express robbers could corral and rob him and nobody know it. He is in view of the baggage and brakemen all the time and yet beyond the reach of everybody. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 October 1880, p. 1, c. 2)


Frank B. Thompson has returned from the Northern Pacific Agricultural car to attend to some official business as County Auditor, being relieved at Rochester, N. Y., by Mr. Wm. Craswell of the N. P. Land Office of this city. Frank reports a deep interest in this country in all parts of the east and predicts that the car will be the means of directing a large immigration to the Northern Pacific country next season. Instead of 50,000, as reported by the TRIBUNE last week, he says over 150,000 people had visited the car up to his departure and he had distributed 120,000 circulars. He has the addresses of nearly 50,000 people who have asked to have printed matter and other information regarding this country sent to them, which will be done extensively by the Land Department during the coming winter. The principal inquiries he says are among the laboring classes in the east who are working for low wages and living from hand to mouth and who are ripe for any scheme that will give them a farm a home and independence all of which are to be had in this country for the asking. Upon the whole this plan of Mr. Power of sending this car through the Eastern States is the most gigantic and successful advertising scheme on record. Barnum, even, is outshone. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 October 1880, p. 4, c. 2)


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


23 October

A new time schedule goes into effect on the Northern Pacific tomorrow, by which regular daily trains are put on the Missouri division from Mandan to the Little Missouri, a distance of 156 1/4 miles, and on the Casselton branch, from Casselton north to Blanchard, a distance of 31 miles. The running time, for a mixed train on the Missouri division from Mandan to Little Missouri is 11 hours. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 October 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


Two Northern Pacific time schedules in one week are about all the force of this office is capable of doing justice to, and the TRIBUNE is once more delayed. We regret being obliged to disappoint our readers in this way, but as we can neither afford to refuse job printing when it come nor employ a sufficient force to overcome the difficulty, keeping half of it idle in the interim, we see no way of avoiding it and so ask our readers to bear with us. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 October 1880, p. 4, c. 2)


01 November

The Northern Pacific Agricultural car returned to Brainerd Monday from its eastern and advertising tour and proceeded west on Tuesday for exhibition along the line. It has been visited by an immense multitude since it left here in September and it shows it. The floors and steps are badly worn by the constant tramping, but the samples are still in a good state of preservation. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 November 1880, p. 4, c. 2)


03 November

Speech of Frederick Billings

President of the N. P. R. R.


The following congratulatory address by Hon. Frederick Billings, President of the N. P. R. R., delivered at the close of a torch-light procession on November 3d at Woodstock, Vermont, is clipped from the Woodstock Standard of the 11th inst.

FELLOW CITIZENS:—If I had a thousand hearts, and I wish I had, they would all swell and beat with joy tonight! If I had a thousand voices they would all be lifted up tonight in glad exultation!

When the sun rose this morning in its clear splendor on our great nation, stretching from ocean to ocean, it shone on a people saved from a gigantic peril! Saved this time, thank God, not by the conflict of arms, not by blood, but through the peaceful ballot, by the intelligence and conscience of the people, and the blessing of Almighty God. So profound is my conviction that the magnificent victory we celebrate is not that merely of a party, but the victory of peace and prosperity and justice and liberty and righteousness, my first thought was that all the church bells should ring out their loudest peals, and we should all assemble in the churches, and sing a Te Deum, praising God from whom all blessings flow.

This nation has won the crown of liberty. The question yesterday was, is she worthy and able to wear it with honor? I know material interests were at stake. I know there was a question, whether the farmer in his fields, the merchant in his store, the weaver at his loom, the carpenter in his shop, the laborer working for daily pay, the workman everywhere, was to be made glad in his work, or whether evil days of doubt and despondency were to come again. But there was far more than this at stake. Far more, too, than questions of honest money and sound currency and an untarnished national honor; far more that salvation from a sort of material and financial chaos.

There was the fundamental question whether honest ballots honestly counted should govern this nation, or tissue ballots and KuKlux and fraud are to bear away. The question, too, whether this nation is capable of protecting and will protect its citizens, clear down to the humblest, in all their rights, or whether liberty only means license for the old rebel spirit to do just as it pleases. The question, whether this government is to be Republican or no.

The old rebel spirit had got a good start. It had captured the United States Senate. It had captured the House of Representatives. It had laid siege to the White House. Yesterday’s battle drove them straight out of the Capital; routed them everywhere save down in the old confederate lines. Yesterday the rebellion was squelched the second time!

I pray God that we may never have to make that fight over again. But if that time ever comes, yesterday’s great victory shows in the crisis the great moral ideas of the aroused and united North, will surely triumph. I never had more faith in the people, never more faith in the providence of God.

Never in my opinion will the South try to come up solid again. Never again in a Presidential contest, will her orators say they are fighting for the same principles for which Lee and Stonewall Jackson fought. Never again will it deny the great, magnificent, imperial North. Industrial forces, moral forces, the consciousness of the dead earnestness of the North, will break up the solid South in the four years to come, the four years of the administration of that man, who Fred Douglass called the broad-chested, big-hearted, three-story headed James A. Garfield; of whom another has said, he has been over a score of years in public life and is poor in money, but is rich in honesty and character, and in brains a millionaire!

As the years go by, this election will be looked back to as one of the great epochs in our history. Its grand beneficent result will be a blessing to everybody of every section of every party. And I believe the time will come when the South as well as the North and every fair-minded Democrat as well as Republic will say so.

So let the torches blaze, and the cannon speak, and the cheers go up, and everywhere in every place the heart express its gladness and gratitude. The very stars shine down rejoicingly. Let the hills break forth into singing and all the fields clap their hands! (Brainerd Tribune, 20 November 1880, p. 1, c.’s 2 & 3)


A young man named Harry Lindell was brought in from the Missouri division to the Northern Pacific hospital on Wednesday and placed in care of Dr. Howes. He fell under a car on Thursday of last week, and had his arm severed above the elbow. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 November 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


06 November

Driving a Silver Spike on Montana Boundary.


General Manager Sargent and several other prominent officials of the Northern Pacific road, with a number of invited guests, among whom the editor of the TRIBUNE has the honor to be numbered, will leave Brainerd on tomorrow evening, by special train with the N. P. business car, for the end of the track, which has reached the Montana boundary, to perform the ceremony of driving a silver spike on the line between Montana and Dakota. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 November 1880, p. 1, c. 4)


Prof. Hill took several views of the N. P. Agricultural car while here, interior and exterior, and has them on hand at his gallery, for sale. Call early if you want one. They are excellent views. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 November 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


10 November

The Silver Spike.


On Wednesday afternoon the driving of the silver spike at the Northern Pacific crossing of the Montana boundary, was an incident of interest along the whole line. At 2:50 p. m., sharp, the drivers having congregated at the boundary and the telegraph wire having been extended to that point, at the request of Mr. Sargent, business was suspended along the entire line, keys were all closed and through connections made from Brainerd to Montana. A ground wire had been connected with the spike and the end of the main line with the hammer to be used in driving it, so that every blow momentarily closed the circuit, and was instantly and distinctly heard by Mr. Towne, general superintendent, and others congregated in the general office at this place, and in every office on the line. As soon as the line was re-opened to business, the following message of welcome passed over the wires from Virginia City, Montana, to the spike drivers:

VIRGINIA CITY, M. T., Nov. 10.

S. D. MASON:—Forty thousand pioneers welcome your road to Montana, in the confident hope that all its influence will be beneficial, and that it will impart with new life the moral, social and industrial interests of this commonwealth.

W. F. SAUNDERS.

The following special telegram to the St. Paul Pioneer Press gives an account of the elaborate ceremony at the grounds, and will be found of deep interest to all who are interested in the progress of this great trans-continental thoroughfare opening up homes for millions.

CANTONMENT, (Little Missouri) D. T., Nov. 10.—At two o’clock today the ceremony of driving the silver spike in the tie of the Northern Pacific railroad that lies on the boundary line between Dakota and Montana, was carried out in the most satisfactory manner and under circumstances and surroundings that were both interesting and impressive. The party consisted of General Manager Sargent, Dr. Hatch and Professor Winchell, of Minneapolis; S. D. Mason, Commodore S. McGarry, Col. Clough, Resident Engineers James Bellows, H. C. Clark and S. C. Walker, the contractors; Col. Merrill, I. C. Krutz; S. N. Keith, locating engineer; Superintendent Taylor, of the Missouri division; Col. Lounsberry, Dr. Benham, Lieut. Burnes, J. A. Rea, register of the Bismarck land office, F. H. Foster, civil engineer, Dr. Miller, Little Missouri cantonment; P. B. Winston, Maj. Camba and Lieut. Robinson of the Little Missouri cantonment, Col. Bauserwein, chief of construction and master of ceremonies, Engineer Kendricks, A. S. Capehart of the Fargo Argus, Mr. Holbrook, assistant engineer, E. P. Wells, Dr. H. R. Porter, E. F. Doran, master mechanic, W. Hall of the Fargo Republican, C. H. Dixon, R. White, H. Morgan, R. Relf, the oldest engineer on the road. Harry Haffuken was the engineer of the train and Patrick Farry the fireman, with F. J. Horton conductor. C. S. Fainy accompanied as telegraph operator. The engine was No. 58, with a caboose, the observation car, the sleeping car, Brainerd, and the business car. D. J. Stevenson and C. Harrison presided at the breaks.

Upon the arrival of the party at the point where the construction corps were at work, they were still about half a mile from the boundary line, which was marked by a flagstaff, surrounded with a deer head with its antlers pointing toward the Pacific. When the track layers reached the line the polished tie was placed in position, a large crowd of Manager Sargent’s guests and the railroad builders surrounded the scene. Mr. S. D. Mason, of the railroad engineer corps called the meeting to order, whereupon General Manager H. E. Sargent moved that Mr. G. P Flannery of Bismarck, be requested to represent the Territory of Montana, the delegates that were expected from Helena and Bozeman having failed to arrive. Mr. Sargent then took up the silver spikes contributed by the citizens of Helena, inserting them in the holes in the tie, and gave them the first blow, amidst much applause. Mr. Flannery was then handed the mallet, who took it and said:

The Territory of Montana welcomes to her border the great modern agents of civilization, the railroad and locomotive, and especially does she welcome the Northern Pacific railroad within her borders, and today sends greeting to the Territory of Dakota, and will rejoice with her in pressing the track of this great trans-continental railroad, which in a few years, will unite the North Pacific coast with the unsalted seas; uniting together and cementing more closely the common destinies, common interest of the two great Territories of the Northwest, Dakota and Montana.

Col. A. M. Thompson then took up the mallet and spoke in behalf of the Territory of Dakota, and said that it was the happiest day of his life. It was, he said, a day fraught with vast importance to the Territories of Dakota and Montana, for we have conclusive evidence that the great trans-continental railway was in process of a speedy completion. He believed that the Northern Pacific promised to be one of the greatest railways of the continent, and as it was run in the hands of men of brains, and money and skill, the whole nation was to be congratulated on this auspicious and memorable occasion. Mr. Thompson complimented the present management, and especially Mr. H. E. Sargent, the general manager, for the marked success of the road and the confidence the company has impressed throughout the country.

A new flag was now run up the flagstaff, and under the leadership of Mr. Mason, three rousing cheers were given for the completion of the union between Dakota and Montana. Mr. J. C. Walker of the firm of Walker, Bellows & Co., gave the silver spike a tap for the contractors. Professor Winchell, on the part of the State of Minnesota, said he had watched the courtship of these young Territories and he was glad to ratify their marriage, and he smote the spike. The representative of the Pioneer Press were next called upon on behalf of the journalistic profession of the United States, to hit three strokes, and he hit them. Col. Merrill was then called upon to represent the army, and he said the army had a few years ago some rather successful experience in uniting States, so that I may say they came to the task of uniting two Territories with at least a knowledge bred of past experience, but the method here illustrated is pre-eminently the best and peaceful, which creates, not destroys. We had celebrated this day not only selfishly as citizens, but selfishly as soldiers. With the progress of our frontier roads comes to us the prospect of Peace and quiet rest from the frontier skirmish. Col. J. B. Clough and Mr. Holbrook, of the engineer department, followed with pertinent remarks. Among others who handled the mallet and made brief speeches were James Bellows, contractor, S. M. Cary of St. Paul, Col. Lounsberry, Mr. Kudde of the supply service, Col. Bauserwein engineer of bridge and track laying, John A. Rea for the land department, representing a land district larger than the State of New York., John F. Wallace of Bismarck, Maj. Combs of the cantonment, Richard Relf, the oldest engineer on the road, who saw the first mile staked out and hopes soon to see the last mile built, and various members of the construction party were called upon to add a blow to the silver spike and say what they though about it. cheers followed for the Northern Pacific, for General Manager Sargent, whose rare courtesy and boundless hospitality were the theme of general remark for Dakota and Montana, and the whole party adjourned to an adjoining room, where a splendid breakfast was spread out and rapidly consumed. Returning to the train the occasion was further celebrated in a variety of ways, amidst which champaign corks exploded with a rapidity that would have saddened the heart of a temperance man. Thus closed the advent of the Northern Pacific railroad in the Territory of Montana. The iron horse in a few weeks will take water from the once distant Yellowstone, and will soon be prancing over the Rockies to its junction with the line that is climbing the western slope of the mountains. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 November 1880, p. 1, c.’s 2 & 3)


13 November

A Frightful Accident.


From the Little Falls Transcript.

This forenoon shortly before nine o'clock a terrible accident occurred on the railroad track at Belle Prairie, near the Catholic church. Emmet Mason and a man named Glass were walking on the track when an extra train came along, moving very rapidly. Mr. Glass got off the track on one side and Mr. Mason on the other, when Mr. Mason undertook to cross over to the same side with his companion. He evidently mistook the speed of the train, for before he was out of the way the engine struck him and knocked him six or seven feet high in the air. He was immediately taken to a house nearby, and Drs. Guernon and McMannis were sent for. Upon arriving there the doctors found that no bones had broken but he was terribly bruised and internally injured. He was quite fleshy, which accounts for the fact that none of his bones were broken. He will probably be dead before these lines reach our readers. He is well-known and highly esteemed in this county, especially in the towns of Little Falls, Belle Prairie and Green Prairie. He has no family, but has several sisters and one brother living in this county. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 November 1880, p. 4, c. 3)


20 November

A change of time goes into effect on the Northern Pacific road tomorrow. Under the new schedule the day mail train will arrive from the south at 12:50 P. M., meeting the train from the west, which arrives just five minutes later. This change is made to meet the time of the St. P., M. & M. which has recently completed its line into Moorhead and opened competition with the N. P. for the Moorhead and Fargo business. The N. P. trains will hereafter reach Moorhead an hour and a half earlier in the evening than heretofore and depart in the morning one hour later, the time at St. Paul remaining as before, thus shortening the time between St. Paul and Fargo an hour and a half. The change is a very agreeable one to the postoffice officials at this place as it brings both the southern and western mails in together thus very materially reducing the labor of delivering. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 November 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


02 December

Ed. Huntington, resident on 6th street, south, met a severe accident at Detroit [Lakes] Thursday morning. It was his second trip on the road as brakeman and he was engaged in coupling cars when he missed his aim with the usual result, a mashed right hand. Dr. Howes amputated the two first fingers and he is doing as well as can be expected. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 December 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


04 December

The N. P. Hospital.


Dr. Howes has now under his care at the N. P. Hospital, six patients.

Fred S. Drew—scalded about the lower limbs, but rapidly approaching entire recovery and release from the Doctor’s care.

Harvey Lindell—left arm amputated at the shoulder. Doing well.

Geo. Haas—right hand mangled by coupling cars. His hand will be saved.

Fred Davis—right hand crushed by coupling cars. One finger amputated.

James Miller—burned about the face and left arm broken, about the elbow by an engine being upset by a broken rail at Fargo. Will come around all right in a short time.

Frank Hansman—badly bruised by being run over by a hand car. Not seriously injured.

In addition to these the Doctor has the care of Ed. Huntington, with right hand mangled by coupling, who is at home at his residence on Sixth street. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 December 1880, p. 4, c. 2)


SEE: 24 July 1880

SEE: 25 June 1881


08 December

Return of the N. P. Conductors from

Their California Jaunt.


Robt. Downer and wife and J. E. Goldsmith, two of the popular conductors of the N. P. R. R., returned on Wednesday evening of this week from their excursion across the continent with the party of eastern conductors, members of the Railway Conductors Aid and Benefit Association.

Heading this party was one of the oldest punchers in the service, Mr. J. G. Sherman, of the Washington Central R. R., President of the Association. There were one hundred and sixty-two persons who availed themselves of this opportunity to visit the “far west,” ninety-seven conductors in active service, sixty ladies and five children. They left Chicago on November 19th and arriving at San Francisco they were very hospitably entertained by railroad men and everywhere treated with courtesy. Trips down the Bay up to the Redwoods, through Santa Clara valley to Monterey, where the residents were basking in summer climates, and to many other points of rarest interest on the Pacific coast, made their stay in California, though brief, very agreeable, and Messrs. Downer and Goldsmith express themselves delighted with the climate, scenes and attentions they experienced.

At Reno, Nevada, they were entertained by a grand ball. At Carson they visited the U. S. mint, capitol and R. R. shops. They visited the celebrated Belcher mine, and at Virginia City, were invited to the consolidated Virginia office and went through some of the shafts of the Comstock mining operations which is one of the wonders of the world. They visited Ogden, Salt Lake City and Denver, interviewed peaks, canyons, mountains and valleys, and were everywhere charmed with the beauty and sublimity of the west.

Returning they struck a cold wave once more when on the plains of Nebraska, and all wished their baggage checked to the fruitful and sunny climes of Santa Clara and Los Angeles. The N. P. party caught old Boreas at St. Paul at 26 below zero and sighed to think their recent experiences were so completely congealed in this “chilly clime.” (Brainerd Tribune, 11 December 1880, p. 1, c. 2)


09 December

To Homer E. Sargent

December 13, 1880

On Thursday last [09 December] I [Frederick Billings] sent a letter to Mr. [James B.] Power directing him to summarily dismiss...Mr. Kindred of the Brainerd [Land] Office. The proofs are so great of his personal speculation and favoritism...[and] absolute personal dishonesty.... (Railroad Leaders 1845-1890: The Business Mind in Action; Cochran, Thomas C.; Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts; 1953, p. 259)


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


KINDRED:

SEE: 07 November 1874

SEE: 14 November 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 07 June 1876

SEE: 23 March 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 18 January 1879

SEE: 31 May 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 26 June 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 20 September 1883

SEE: 23 September 1883

SEE: 26 August 1885

SEE: 13 December 1887

SEE: 31 May 1889

SEE: 25 March 1898

SEE: 05 February 1917


11 December

The New York Independent referring to the recent loan of $40,000,000 by the Northern Pacific Company, which it classes as the largest transaction in railroad bonds ever made in the United States, says the bonds will be six per cent gold bonds, forty years to run, to be issued as the road is finished and accepted by the government, and secured by a mortgage, not only upon the line of the road but also upon the immense land grant of the company, estimated, exclusive of all sales, at forty-five to forty-seven million acres, larger than the New England states combined. These securities include the 600 miles of completed road now in operation on which there are no mortgages or liens of any kind. By the terms of the agreement the contractors of the loan are to name two directors in the board and have selected Messrs. J. C. Bullitt, of Philadelphia, and John W. Ellis, of Messrs. Winslow, Lanier & Co. of New York. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 December 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


16 December

W. J. Footner, Supt. of the N. P. Express was in Brainerd Thursday looking up lost goods and adjusting certain losses incurred in transportation by the company upon goods consigned to Brainerd parties. He returned to St. Paul yesterday morning. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 December 1880, p. 4, c. 1)


25 December

The Northern Pacific Railroad company has changed the location of its proposed general office building in St. Paul from the site originally purchased for the purpose on the corner of Fourth and Wacouta streets to the corner of Broadway and Prince streets where they will have a frontage of 100 feet on Broadway and 200 feet on Prince street. The building will have streets on three sides and an alley on the fourth and will cost $50,000. The new site cost $16,000. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 December 1880, p. 1, c. 1)


The Brainerd Branch of the N. P. land office was removed to St. Paul this week in pursuance of the plan meditated from some time past by Mr. Power, the land commissioner, of consolidating the two offices and bringing the plats and records together. Mr. Kindred, the general agent, in anticipation of this change, resigned his position some months since, not desiring to leave Brainerd and is now visiting the East and South with his family and will return here in the spring. Mr. F. B. Thompson, clerk, has also resigned and will remain here in charge of his office of county auditor. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 December 1880, p. 1, c. 2)


NOTE: Mr. Kindred was fired on 09 December 1880.


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


KINDRED:

SEE: 07 November 1874

SEE: 14 November 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 07 June 1876

SEE: 23 March 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 18 January 1879

SEE: 31 May 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 26 June 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 20 September 1883

SEE: 23 September 1883

SEE: 26 August 1885

SEE: 13 December 1887

SEE: 31 May 1889

SEE: 25 March 1898

SEE: 05 February 1917


28 December

A rather serious railroad accident occurred at Valley City, D. T., on Tuesday morning, occasioned by a broken rail which precipitated the whole train into the ditch injuring several passengers and the conductor, Parker. B. Askins and daughter of this city and John O’Brien of the road master’s force, are among the injured, Miss Askins being severely bruised about the head, Mr. Askins suffering a badly lacerated hand and head, and Mr. O’Brien receiving several broken ribs. Conductor Parker has one or two broken ribs and is severely bruised about the body. Fortunately, however, no one was fatally injured and all are doing finely at present writing. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 January 1881, p. 1, c. 2)


1881

03 January

FARGO, D. T., Jan. 3.—It is reported here that the Northern Pacific Railroad company contemplate moving the round house and machine shops from here to Moorhead, and make that place the end of the division. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 January 1881, p. 1, c. 3)


08 January

A force of men have been put at work at the N. P. Junction to clear the line of the eastern extension of the N. P. R. R., from the Junction via Superior City and Ashland, to connect with the Grand trunk and other eastern lines. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 January 1881, p. 1, c. 3)


A branch line from Detroit, Minn., by way of Wild Rice, Twin Valley and Ada to connect with the Casselton Branch, is one of the projects of the N. P. R. R. folks the coming summer, now under consideration. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 January 1881, p. 1, c. 3)


Mr. A. P. Farrar, Supt. of Machinery, N. P. R. R., was made the recipient of a handsome New Year’s present by the employees of the shops, in the form of an easy chair and lounge. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 January 1881, p. 4, c. 1)


14 January

A very unfortunate accident occurred at the N. P. Railroad shops in this city on yesterday afternoon by which Thomas King, a striker in the blacksmith shop had his right eye knocked out by a flying piece of iron chipped from a bolt by his fellow workmen. He went to St. Paul last night for treatment by a skilled oculist but his eye is lost beyond hope. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 January 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


15 January

Gen. G. G. Sanborn, who has filled the position in the employ of the Northern Pacific company of general ticket agent almost since its birth, and for several years that of general freight agent also, has, his many friends along the line will regret to learn, resigned his position. The duties are assumed by his able and faithful assistant, Jule M. Hannaford, well and favorably known in Brainerd, who is receiving numerous congratulations from all quarters upon his promotion. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 January 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


Thirty new locomotives have been ordered for the business of the coming season on the N. P., and will begin to arrive in March. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 January 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


25 January

Col. E. H. Bly, of Bismarck, stopped over in Brainerd part of Tuesday last to perfect the sale of his block on Sixth and Front streets, after which he proceeded south. He was en route to Iowa and eastern States, where he proposes visiting various coal mines with a view to applying improved machinery and methods in his mine west of Mandan, on the Missouri division of the N. P. the machinery and appliances he designs procuring will cost him $1500 to $2000, but will soon pay for themselves in the reduction of expense that will be effected by their use. The Northern Pacific company is procuring locomotives especially constructed for burning this coal, and has contracted with Mr. Bly for its entire supply the coming season for the Missouri and Yellowstone divisions. There is no wood in that country, and the company is obliged to use this coal or import fuel—either wood from Minnesota or hard coal from the east, so that the question of its practicability for locomotive use becomes a vital one to the interests of railroading in that section. Several car loads of Bly’s coal were shipped to Pittsburgh, Pa., this winter, and Mr. A. P. Farrar, superintendent of machinery of the N. P. followed and personally superintended a rigorous test of its qualities upon different makes of locomotives there to be had for the purpose. A peculiarly constructed locomotive called the Mogul, the grate of which is made in three sections, allowing one section to be cleared at a time without disturbing the fire upon the other two was found to give very satisfactory results, and the company has accordingly ordered several of that make. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 January 1881, p. 1, c.’s 1 & 2)


BRAINERD, Jan. 25.—Wm. Schwartz, proprietor of the Brainerd brick yards, has closed a contract with the Northern Pacific Railway company for 3,000,000 brick, to be used for the extension and completion of the Brainerd shops. This settles the question as to the permanency and future welfare of this town. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 January 1881, p. 1, c. 3)


29 January

General Manager Sargent has ordered of the Barney & Smith manufacturing company $1,500,000, worth of new rolling stock, consisting of sleeping cars, coaches, box-cars, stock-cars and flat-cars for use on the N. P. road the coming season, in addition to a number of engines, among them several Moguls especially built for burning Bly’s lignite coal on the Missouri and Yellowstone divisions. Mr. Sargent denies the rumor that the road has been sold or leased to another road, or undergone any change of ownership or management whatever. On the contrary, the Northern Pacific was never as prosperous, financially or otherwise, as today, in fact it is just emerging upon a regular and genuine boom, which will be shared by every town on its line and throughout the great Northwest. The line will be extended the coming summer eastward to an all rail outlet down the south shore of Lake Superior, as well as pushed westward as rapidly as men and material can be applied to that end. Three cheers for the Northern Pacific, the grandest scheme of the present age. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 January 1881, p. 1, c. 2)


12 February

The Boom.


The prospects of a grand business boom throughout the entire Northwest and more particularly the Northern Pacific country are rapidly developing every day all along the line. The plans are being rapidly arranged in Brainerd for the proposed enlargement of the N. P. shops. Mr. Schwartz is making things fly about his brick yard preparing to add four new machines as soon as practicable, several new saw mills are floating around among the pine trees, new brick yards—one on Boom lake and another south of the railroad shops—are being projected, plans are being drawn for large brick business blocks and corner lots are in active demand. Fortunately, too, Brainerd is not alone in her harvest. Every town along the line seems to be enjoying similar evidences and premonitions of the coming prosperity.

Moorhead, next to Brainerd, seems to be sanguine of a grand rush and though the following, clipped from Thursday’s Argus may be somewhat overdrawn, yet we give it in full believing that one is more apt to underrate than to overestimate the great possibilities of the next five years in the Northwest. If the great schemes therein projected are not all consummated others of equal or greater importance will gradually develop as time advances and the business of the country demands them. No mind can fully grasp or pen portray the great future of this country and, to record today the history of the next five years, would be called wild and visionary.

The Argus says:

It has been known to a few people of this city that several prominent Moorhead citizens have been in close consultation with the controlling spirits in the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba railway interests for some time past, but what the deliberations in question amounted to was not divulged by the parties until yesterday, when an Argus reporter succeeded in interviewing one of the chief movers, a gentleman justly noted for shrewd business judgement and length of head in all schemes of local progress. He was found willing to give the readers of this journal the benefit of what he had learned in regard to the probable future action of important influences in relation to Moorhead’s railway system. He states in substance that it was well understood that the Canada Pacific syndicate business is now a fixed fact, and the opening of spring will see the construction of this line hurried along, and that no railroad corporation will play any more prominent part in the syndicate than the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba railroad company. The construction of this line and the completion of the proposed routes of the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba railroad, will make Moorhead the only city in the United States the direct headquarters and junction of the Pacific Railroad routes, and without any further comment it will be plainly seen what a stupendous entre Moorhead will have to the markets of the world.

It is said that this company has positively promised that next year will witness the completion of the Moorhead and Ada branch, and it is also reported that the Breckenridge branch, running from Barnesville to Breckenridge is to be taken up and run down the Red River valley to the dual city, and connect at Moorhead with the Ada branch, from which place the company is now figuring on a line to Lake Superior through the great pineries of the famous St. Louis river, by way of Knife Falls where D. M. Sabin, with other interested financiers, is constructing what is to be the largest lumber producing mills in the world, and to which place the Northern Pacific railroad company have already constructed a branch line. It is claimed that the water power at Knife Falls is all that could be wished for as to extent of power, while it is well- known that the St. Louis river country contains as much, if not more lumber than the Mississippi pineries, as no timber has yet been felled along the former owing to the precipitous rapids of the river on its way to Lake Superior, and as a matter of course, this lumber must of necessity find an outlet by rail. The combination which Mr. Sabin heads has four hundred million feet of stumpage in this valley, and the completion of this line of road will not only bring competition in this much needed article in the valley, but also give to the dual city and the great Red River valley another outlet to the world from the golden wheat fields without being “under the thumb of the markets of St. Paul, Minneapolis and Chicago.” It is believed that General Manager Hill meant just what he said when he told the people of Fergus Falls that if they voted the bonds he would remove the railroad buildings already located at that place, and it is known that a prominent official of the company announced that he knew the division headquarters would be removed from Fergus Falls, and those who are in a condition to know feel perfectly confident that Moorhead will be made the division headquarters.

The company is now in correspondence with Mr. Scriber for the purchase of all that portion of his farm lying between the Northern Pacific railroad track and James street, and on this it is thought shops, etc. will be built. In case this change is made it will make Moorhead the ending and beginning of the Winnipeg & Northern branch, the ending and beginning of the St. Paul & Minneapolis divisions via Breckenridge, the same of the Moorhead & Hill City branch to Grand Forks, Davis’ Lake and the Canadian line, and likewise of the St. Vincent & Crookston division, and the grand junction of the Dakota and Minnesota lines of this great corporation, and the head centre of the lines tapping Northern Dakota and the Canada Pacific on their way to and from the states and the wheat markets of the world. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 February 1881, p. 1, c.’s 1 & 2)


14 February

AROUND THE STATE.

_____


BRAINERD.


BRAINERD, Feb. 12.—The Northern Pacific Railroad shops are overcrowded with work, and many of the departments are running nights and Sundays, at times, to keep the rolling stock in repair. (Minneapolis Tribune, 14 February 1881, p. 5)


17 February

The special committee on the management of the Land Department reported that the investigation made by the Company’s Auditor, R. M. Newport, under instructions given to him by the committee, furnished evidence of malversation to sustain the charges in a presentation made by the committee of James B. Power, Land Commissioner. (The charges will be found in Directors’ Record, Vol. III., pp. 305-306.)

The committee reported that Mr. Power had attended some of the committee meetings, had heard the charges, and had full opportunity to disprove them if untrue, but had not done so. The Board adopted a resolution of dismissing James B. Power from his position as Land Commissioner for the Eastern Division, the dismissal to take effect immediately. Also a resolution instructing the General Counsel to take steps to obtain from James B. Power and Charles F. Kindred such legal redress and compensation as the Company is entitled to have in respect of the matters stated in the report of the special committee on lands and the management of the Land Department.

R. M. Newport, of St. Paul, Minnesota, was elected General Agent of the Eastern Division of the Land Department, with a salary of $4,000 per annum. (Northern Pacific Book of Reference: For the Use of the Directors and Officers of the Company; compiled by E. V. Smalley; New York: E. Wells Sackett & Rankin, Printers and Stationers; 1883, p. 211)


NOTE: After he was fired from the Northern Pacific Railroad in February 1881, James Buel Power became the Land Commissioner [in 1881] of the St. Paul and Manitoba Railroad [Great Northern Railroad] which he resigned in 1885 to become Secretary-Treasurer of the South St. Paul Stockyards.


Announcement.


At a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Northern Pacific Railroad company, held in New York, February 17th, 1881, R. M. Newport was elected General Agent for the Land Department for the Eastern Division, in place of James B. Power. All communications with reference to the Land Department business, should be addressed to R. M. NEWPORT, GENERAL LAND AGENT, ST. PAUL, MINN. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 March 1881, p. 1, c. 4)


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


NEWPORT:

SEE: 17 August 1872

SEE: 26 April 1873

SEE: 12 December 1874

SEE: 19 December 1874

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 29 January 1876

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 03 June 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 09 June 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 07 February 1880

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 17 March 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 30 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 11 February 1882

SEE: 18 February 1882

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


KINDRED:

SEE: 07 November 1874

SEE: 14 November 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 07 June 1876

SEE: 23 March 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 18 January 1879

SEE: 31 May 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 26 June 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 20 September 1883

SEE: 23 September 1883

SEE: 26 August 1885

SEE: 13 December 1887

SEE: 31 May 1889

SEE: 25 March 1898

SEE: 05 February 1917


21 February

C. F. Kindred, Land Commissioner.


NEW YORK, Feb. 21.—Director Dilworth, of Pittsburgh, one of the leading members of the Northern Pacific directory, is urging the appointment of C. F. Kindred to the position of Land commissioner of the road, vice Power resigned. It is thought Mr. Kindred will be appointed and his headquarters established in Fargo, as he desires to retain his residence in Dakota, being commissioner from that territory to the international exposition. Mr. Kindred’s long connection with the land department, and his active business qualifications, it is believed, renders him peculiarly fitted to fill the highly responsible position vacated by Mr. Power. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 February 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


KINDRED:

SEE: 07 November 1874

SEE: 14 November 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 07 June 1876

SEE: 23 March 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 18 January 1879

SEE: 31 May 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 26 June 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 20 September 1883

SEE: 23 September 1883

SEE: 26 August 1885

SEE: 13 December 1887

SEE: 31 May 1889

SEE: 25 March 1898

SEE: 05 February 1917


22 February

Wisconsin Division of the Northern Pacific.


As will be seen by the following circular, which has been published by the chief engineer of the Northern Pacific, the eastern extension of the road from the N. P. Junction down the south shore of Lake Superior is to be constructed forthwith. The route determined upon is, as indicated by the TRIBUNE some weeks since, by way of Superior City, Wis., which, after the road is completed, will become the Northern Pacific lake port, instead of Duluth.


Northern Pacific R. R. Company.


ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT,

BRAINERD, MINN., Feb. 22, 1881

Proposals will be received at this office until Thursday, March 10th, 1881, inclusive, for doing the work of CLEARING and GRUBBING, GRADING, MASONRY, BRIDGING, and furnishing CROSS TIES for, the Western portion of the Wisconsin Division of the Northern Pacific Railroad, commencing at N. P. Junction, 24 miles from Duluth, and extending eastward.

Maps, plans, profiles and specifications may be seen by applying to S. D. Mason, Assistant Engineer, Brainerd, Minnesota.

Bids will be received for the different classes of work above mentioned, either separately, or embracing all.

A. ANDERSON,

Engineer in Chief.

(Brainerd Tribune, 26 February 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


24 February

FIRE AT THE RAILROAD SHOPS.

_____


The Blacksmith Shop in Ruins,

and a Narrow Escape for

the Car Shop.


Wheel shop ca. 1872-1881. A 955x660 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

On Thursday evening last occurred one of the most exciting scenes Brainerd has witnessed in many a day resulting in a bad scare and a very narrow escape for the extensive railroad shops of the Northern Pacific company in the eastern part of town but fortunately ending, figuratively speaking, in smoke, the blacksmith shop only being burned.

At about 6:30 o’clock the alarm of fire was sounded from the steam whistle at the shops followed by a succession of dismal unearthly shrieks from the throats of half a dozen locomotives at various points along the yard through town and taken up and re-echoed by men, women and children on every street and in every part of of the city. A glance revealed the cause of the alarm in a large volume of smoke and flame bursting from the company’s buildings and brought to the mind of everyone the keen sense of the terrible calamity which threatened the town and the hundreds of mechanics who would be thrown temporarily out of employment if the shops were burned, and everyone who could possibly do so started with the greatest possible speed for the scene, determined to fight to the bitter end if at all possible to avoid the disaster which appearances indicated to be almost or quite inevitable.

A thousand men were upon the ground in almost less time than it takes to relate it and encouraged to find the flames as yet confined to the blacksmith shop, a one story building 50x100 feet, they went in to win and they won, though not without a terrible struggle and an exceedingly close call for the car shop, which stood within 15 feet of the burning building and was actually connected with it by an archway or roof covering the belting which connected a bolt cutting machine in the blacksmith shop with the shafting in the main building.

The supply of water was ample, the hose though considerable of it was in bad order, was soon applied, a bucket brigade was organized and those who could find nothing else to do threw snowballs. Mr. A. P. Farrar the master mechanic, was, fortunately, in his office when the alarm was given and organized the army with a masterly hand and in about an hour the victory was won, the fire was under control and the shops were saved, though most of the machinery had been removed and disorder prevailed on every hand.

A crew of thirty men was detailed to watch the ruins until morning, and wet, frozen, begrimed, covered with ice and glory and nearly exhausted the impromptu “firemen” retired from the scene of action, with thankful, joyous hearts.

The cause of the fire is a mystery, the only plausible theory being incendiarism. The employees had quit work nearly an hour before the fire was discovered, the shop time being half an hour faster than real time; several parties had passed the building and the night watchman passed through it less than fifteen minutes before the alarm was given. A puerile sentiment seems to prevail with some that if the present shops were burned the company would not rebuild in Brainerd and the belief that some morbid idiot acting upon this theory in order to gratify some whim or gain some fancied advantage by the removal of the shops set the fire, is accepted by a few, but the theory that a fire or half a dozen fires would change the plans of the company or cause it to remove the shops from Brainerd is absurd and if anyone is troubled with any such silly fears or hopes we can assure them that the company will never build its shops anywhere else.


ANOTHER ACCOUNT.


Special Telegram to the St. Paul Dispatch.

BRAINERD, Feb. 23.—Last evening at about 6:30 o’clock an alarm of fire was sounded. In less than five minutes the whole town was aroused, and a bright rolling flame was seen in the direction of the extensive shops of the Northern Pacific railroad. “The shops are on fire!” was despairingly shrieked from a thousand throats. Your correspondent was soon on the ground, and the outlook was anything but hopeful. The fire had completely enveloped the large blacksmith shops, which are situated at the northeast corner of the main building and only fifteen feet distant from it, and soon caught into the main building. There seemed to be no hope of saving any of the buildings except, possibly, the round house, the wind being favorable to accomplish this. Hundreds of citizens were on hand vying with the employees in saving machinery and materials. The hose apparatus was soon employed in doing effective work—a bucket brigade co-operating and passing water in every direction where it could be available. A large amount of valuable machinery, in both machine and carpenter shop and store room and office was removed to places of safety. Mr. A. P. Farrar, superintendent of machinery, who happened to be in his office at the shops when the first alarm was sounded immediately assumed the direction of affairs, was everywhere present, organizing forces to save property and stay the flames and by his extraordinary coolness accomplished a great work. Hundreds of businessmen of Brainerd went into the fight, to win, ably seconding the heroic efforts of mechanics and others. Three-quarters of an hour after the first alarm the blacksmith shop was in ruins, but the main shops were saved.

The building burned was 50x100 feet and accommodated twenty-two fires, two large blast furnaces and a steam hammer. Temporary sheds will be erected, and this department will be in running order in two or three days. The loss to the company will be comparatively light. The building, we learn, was insured, but the loss is not heavy. The main building was damaged not to exceed $500.

It is supposed that the fire resulted from friction, along the belting that extends from the main building to the steam hammer in the building that burned. The men had left the building but a short time before the fire broke out, and the night watchman came out of it not more than 15 minutes before the fire broke out, through the roof. The “impenetrable dust theory” would hardly account for the fire though it unquestionably added to its sudden and mysterious distribution throughout the upper part of the building. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 February 1881, p. 1, c.’s 3 & 4)


26 February

Northern Pacific Land Department.


The announcement is made this week that Col. James B. Power has resigned the position of Land Commissioner of the Northern Pacific railroad and that office has been placed temporarily under the management of Col. R. M. Newport, the auditor of the road, pending the selection of Mr. Power’s successor. The resignation of Col. Power is no matter of surprise to the TRIBUNE, in fact it has been known for some time that his views did not accord with the policy of the newly constituted board of directors of the road upon the question of raising the price of the company’s lands in Dakota, a policy to which the TRIBUNE referred some weeks since as being very unwise and detrimental to the interest of the northwest and eventually of the company itself, and it has also been known to the TRIBUNE for some time that Col. Power had frankly informed the directors that if this policy was adhered to he should resign; that he had advertised the price of these lands all over the world and used it everywhere as an inducement to immigration which with the opening of spring would begin to pour into the Northern Pacific country in response thereto, and that if the company now proposed to use such bad faith as to tell these people that it had changed its mind and instead of $2.50 per acre it must have $5.00 he would not because he could not consistently undertake the very disagreeable burden of meeting these men, invited by him to come here because the lands were cheap, with the information that the company wants more for its land now than he had virtually promised they should have them for.

This of course may not be the true theory of Col. Power’s resignation but knowing these facts the TRIBUNE very naturally takes this view of it and if correct this resignation must be taken as proof that the board insists upon the advance in prices, a decision which as already stated by the TRIBUNE will prove very injurious to the interest of this country and seriously retard the natural and at present rapid development of the great Northwest.

Col. Power, too, has ever been a warm friend to every indication of progress, and has taken a lively interest in the numerous industries, from the greatest to the smallest, along the entire length of the Northern Pacific line, and as they have budded and bloomed into maturity has watched over and cherished and encouraged them with the thoughtful care of a father, and in his resignation the Northern Pacific country will suffer an irreparable loss. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 February 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


NEWPORT:

SEE: 17 August 1872

SEE: 26 April 1873

SEE: 12 December 1874

SEE: 19 December 1874

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 29 January 1876

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 03 June 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 09 June 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 07 February 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 17 March 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 30 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 11 February 1882

SEE: 18 February 1882

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


28 February

The New Snow Plow.


While making a brief tour of the Northern Pacific car shops, of Brainerd, last Monday, we were shown a new device in the way of snow-plows, designed for use during blockages, and for clearing ice, etc., from the tracks. This apparatus, Mr. A. P. Farrar, master mechanic of the above named shops, who is the inventor, expects to utilize in a manner that shall do away to a large extent the troubles and difficulties heretofore experienced during the winter season. It is so regulated that during the progress of the train, it may be operated by a mere shift of the hand, by the engineer in charge. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 March 1881, p. 4, c. 2)


04 March

AROUND THE STATE.

_____


BRAINERD.


BRAINERD, March 4.—The Northern Pacific Company have put up a temporary blacksmith shop in the place of the one recently burned. It will be replaced by a fine brick structure in the spring when the other shops are built. The loss by the fire was covered by insurance. (Minneapolis Tribune, 05 March 1881, p. 5)


05 March

Mr. A. Cass, formerly of Newport, Minn., has just entered upon his duties as Superintendent of the Northern Pacific Hospital at this place, vice Mr. Lowe, resigned. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 March 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


The blacksmith shops, connected with the N. P. R. R. car shops, which were consumed by fire a short time since, have already been rebuilt and in full running operation for several days. Such enterprise as this reflects great credit upon the management of these shops, and shows a spirit of energy and stick-to-itiveness that knows no such thing as fail or give up. As a matter of news, it may be stated that the shops were insured in the Liverpool, London and Globe Insurance Co. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 March 1881, p. 4, c. 1)


11 March

ANOTHER ACCIDENT.

_____


Fred. Heathcote, Formerly of Brainerd,

Instantly Killed at St. Anthony Junction.


Early yesterday morning, Thos. W. Heathcote, employed in the N. P. shops, at this place, was notified by telegram that his son, Fred, had been instantly killed, a short time before, at St. Anthony Junction, and wishing to know what steps should be taken with regard to the matter. The grief-stricken father at once proceeded to the place where the unfortunate affair had occurred, to take the necessary steps toward the disposition of the remains of one who was by kindred ties near and dear to his heart.

The young man had been for some time employed as brakeman on the St. Paul and Manitoba railroad, and the circumstances of the unfortunate affair are as follows: Upon the arrival of the train at the junction as stated, the employees set about doing some switching. The train consisted of about twenty cars, and some of these had to be taken out and replaced by others. While this was being done young Heathcote lost his life. All that is positively known of the matter is that the engineer signaled to brakeman Heathcote, who was on the third car from the rear, and was answered by him as usual. The train then moved up a short distance, and after the lapse of a few minutes Heathcote was missed. Search was made and he was found on the track horribly mangled, both legs crushed and severe bruises about the breast and shoulders. Life was extinct when the body was picked up, and from appearances it is safe to presume death had been instantaneous. Only a few moments had then elapsed since he had answered the engineer’s signal, but in that brief period the soul of the unfortunate man had passed into eternity. Just how and when he fell will perhaps never be known. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 March 1881, p. 1, c. 5)


12 March

Immigrant baggage will hereafter be carried by the Northern Pacific railroad at one-fifth less rates than heretofore. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 March 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


$6607.54


The above amount of insurance has been adjudged due on the policy of insurance held by the N. P. R. R. Co., on their buildings, material, etc., damaged by the recent fire, proportioned as follows: Building, $5,000; car shops, $550; bolt cutter, $38; steam hammer, $50; shaft, pulley, etc., $223.72; 22 forges $138.54; smoke stacks, $113.56; 18 anvils, $56; tools, car springs, stock, etc., $437.72. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 March 1881, p. 1, c. 6)


Northern Pacific Earnings.


The following returns were filed recently in the office of Railroad Commissioner Marshall:

Northern Pacific gross earnings on road from Sauk Rapids to St. Paul for the year ending December 31, 1880, under its contract with the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba Railroad company: Freight, $205,885.73; passengers, $118,052.60; mails (June only), $2,044.28; express, $17,772.48. Total, $343,755.19. Tax on same at 3 per cent, $10,312.65.

Earnings on the Western railway of Minnesota, from Sauk Rapids to Brainerd, Minn., under lease to the Northern Pacific Railroad company: Freight, $175,217.36; passengers, $85,961.41; mails, $8,982.93; express, $13,745.81. Total, $283,907.31. Tax on same at 1 percent, $2,839.07.

Earnings on the Northern Pacific railroad from Duluth to Moorhead, Minn.: Freight, $1,016,341.06; passengers, $196,090.81; mails $12,152.58; express, $24,791.35; miscellaneous, $723.35. Total, $1,250,099.15. Tax on same at 2 per cent, $25,001.98.

Grand totals—Freight, $1,397,443.15; passengers, $400,104.32; mails, $23,179.79; express, $56,309.74; miscellaneous, $723.35. Totals, $1,877,761.85. Total tax, $38,173.70. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 March 1881, p. 3, c. 1)


General Manager Sargent’s Resignation.


An exchange says: “We have been aware for several days that the recent changes among the subordinate officials of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company were to be followed shortly by the retirement of General Manager H. E. Sargent. There being no longer any occasion for postponing publicity, we now record the fact with sincere regret. Mr. Sargent has devoted to the management of the affairs of the Northern Pacific Company an amount and kind of talent and a degree of energy that it will be difficult for his successor to equal. He came to his position when the affairs of the corporation were in a discouraging shape, and largely through his foresight and skill they have undergone a most gratifying revolution. Mr. Sargent retires from the position he has so admirably filled, not because the directors wish him to do so, but because he thinks he cannot consistently remain under the new conditions of control made necessary by the recent stipulations of the company with the syndicate of capitalists who have placed the forty million dollar loan of the company. Seeing that the Northern Pacific was suffering in its competition with the Minneapolis & Manitoba system of roads through the attempt to shape its policy from New York city, the capitalists referred to insisted, as a preliminary to the negotiation, that a vice president of the company, approved by them, should make his headquarters in Minnesota, so that, being thus on the ground, he could act with promptness and vigor as emergencies arise without referring questions to New York. This policy has been adopted, and an executive officer, with title of first vice president, whose name is not yet made public , will reach St. Paul early in April and assume general supervision of both the operating and construction departments of the road. Mr. Sargent was asked to retain his position of general manager of traffic under the new arrangement, but he preferred not to do so, and hence his resignation has been tendered. He will return to Chicago, where he will devote himself to the various large business interests he has in that city. Mr. Sargent will carry with him the esteem and regard of the people of the Northwest. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 March 1881, p. 4, c. 1)


17 March

The directors of the Northern Pacific road met in New York Thursday, to take up and consider the resignation of General Manager Sargent, also appoint a successor to R. M. Newport in the auditor’s department, that gentleman now being general land agent of the road. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 March 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


NEWPORT:

SEE: 17 August 1872

SEE: 26 April 1873

SEE: 12 December 1874

SEE: 19 December 1874

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 29 January 1876

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 03 June 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 09 June 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 07 February 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 30 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 11 February 1882

SEE: 18 February 1882

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


R. S. Perkins, brakeman on a freight train running on the N. P. line, undertook to jump from a pile of wood near the track, upon a moving train, last Thursday, but missing his hold, fell and broke his arm just above the wrist joint. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 March 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


19 March

A branch of track is to be built from the main line to the brick yard of W. Schwartz. This is to be utilized in transporting brick for the new car shops, and loading for general shipments. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 March 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


Mr. Geo. K. Barnes, general ticket and passenger agent of the Northern Pacific, is in New York, engaged with other officers of the road in arranging for the immigration traffic for the coming season. It is expected the road will transport 200 to 300 per cent more immigrants this season than it did last year. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 March 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


Northern Pacific Colonies.


Mr. George K. Barnes of the Northern Pacific, says the indications are that the emigrant business of the road this season will be treble what it was last year. The company is already under contract to transfer between fifty or sixty large colonies from points in Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and Canada between now and May 1. A party of 128 from Clinton, Canada, will pass through this city in a few days, and will be followed by another of twenty-five families from St. Carolinas, Canada. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 March 1881, p. 1, c. 3)


26 March

The Fargo papers have a standing advertisement, which declares that the machine shops, etc., of the N. P. line through that section of the country are located there. Why is it, if such be the case, that every time an engine or car is in need of repairs, it has to be run down to Brainerd before anything of the kind can be accomplished. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 March 1881, p. 1, c. 2)


The Northern Pacific.


It is understood that legal proceedings will be begun by the chief owners of the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company, and also heavy holders of Northern Pacific railway shares, to restrain the latter company from issuing $18,000,000 of common stock which the executive committee of the Northern Pacific board recently authorized. However, the statement frequently made is now fully confirmed that the recent issue of eighteen million dollars of Northern Pacific common stock results largely to the benefit of the Billings management and practically ends all prospects of the Villard party getting control. The entire block of new stock goes to less that two hundred persons and two-thirds of the entire amount is received and will be firmly held off the market by the present management and their friends. This is the fact, and is now the settled understanding of the matter. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 March 1881, p. 1, c. 3)


A New Departure.


The Northern Pacific R. R. Co. has recently branched out in a new departure which will undoubtedly prove a great advantage to the points through which their trains pass, at least. Arrangements have been perfected whereby anyone desiring to send an order for goods to be shipped from any point to points on the above named company’s lines, can do so by simply leaving their order with the express agent in charge, stating their desires in their own language, should a formal order not have been previously made out. The agent immediately forwards the order to its destination, with injunctions for the prompt fulfillment thereof, conditioned for shipment by the N. P express, without additional charges to the ordinary rates of expressage. All purchases to the amount of $5 will be made without additional charge, as stated above. This will be very convenient for parties desiring to order goods from any point. The company will also make purchases, if desired, for any responsible persons. If goods cannot be obtained as per order, parties will be notified by return express, with reasons therefor. This is decidedly a step in the right direction, and evinces a determination on the part of the company to cater to the to the interests of their patrons, and add whatever attractions that may result in the most good, and tend to the accommodation of those who may wish to secure transportation over their lines. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 March 1881, p. 1, c. 4)


28 March

Last Monday, Dr. Howes, surgeon of the N. P. Hospital at this place, discharged three patients from further treatment, viz: James Wiler, who was injured at Fargo last December while coupling cars; R. S. Perkins (who has since been returned owing to a second accident) who had his arm broken in the Brainerd depot a few days ago while attempting to jump on a moving train, and Mr. J. Nicher, who met with an accident while coupling cars in the yard at this place some time ago. Mr. Nicher’s injury resulted in the loss of all the fingers of his right hand. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 April 1881, p. 1, c. 3)


30 March

Disaster at Detroit.


Those who are engaged in railroading are constantly subject to accidents and injury, and we regret to so often be called upon to chronicle the various mishaps which occur in the pursuit of that avocation. Last Wednesday morning, while Messrs. M. Merritt and R. S. Perkins, both of this place, were endeavoring to couple the engine to the main line of cars at Detroit [Lakes], this State, owing to some misunderstanding or lack of proper discretion on the part of some of the men in charge, they were caught and rather roughly jammed between the bumpers. Mr. Merritt had two ribs fractured, and sustained quite serious spinal injuries also, while Mr. Perkins experienced quite an injury to his spinal column besides being badly bruised, about the thighs. The two men were brought down to Brainerd on the noon train, where they were placed in charge of the hospital surgeon, under whose treatment it is to be hoped they will soon be up and around. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 April 1881, p. 1, c. 5)


02 April

It is now rumored that Col. T. F. Oakes, formerly of the Kansas Pacific railroad, will succeed H. E. Sargent as general manager of the Northern Pacific railway. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 April 1881, p. 1, c. 2)


President Billings says there has been no new issue and no increase of Northern Pacific stock. The whole issue was provided for by the plan of reorganization, and the whole amount was long since listed on the New York stock exchange. The stock now in question was held in trust by the treasurer for those to whom the plan said it should go. He had heretofore hoped that it would go out gradually as the road was built; but parties in interest claimed that they were entitled to its delivery, and the council so directed. So it was distributed instead of being long held in trust. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 April 1881, p. 1, c. 3)


Judge Spier, of the Superior Court of New York, has granted an injunction restraining the Northern Pacific Railroad Company from issuing the $18,000,000 worth of extra stock. The injunction was granted on the complaint of Henry Villard. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 April 1881, p. 2, c. 3)


An immense passenger traffic is just now being carried on over the Northern Pacific lines, and this is expected to greatly increase as the season opens. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 April 1881, p. 1, c. 2)


09 April

A RAILWAY LAWSUIT.


THE NORTHERN PACIFIC SUING ITS FORMER


LAND COMMISSIONER AND OTHERS.


Charles Firman Kindred, ca. Unknown.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

St. PAUL, Minn., April 9.—A great sensation will be caused not only in the Northwest, but also throughout the country, by the publication tomorrow morning of a series of suits, filed in the Federal court this afternoon, against ex-Land Commissioner James B. [Buel] Power, of St. Paul, now in New York, and also against Helen Power, as well as Chief Clerk Kindred, of the same department, and his wife, and also other members of each of these gentlemen’s families. The complainant is the Northern Pacific Company, and the complaint charges that some time in September [sic], 1875 [sic], the company employed James B. Power and Charles F. Kindred as its agents for the sale of the lands belonging to its land grant, and that they continued to act as its agents from that time until they were discharged from the company’s service—Kindred in December, 1880, and Power in February, 1881; that as such agents their duties were to negotiate sales of the company’s lands, and to enter into written contracts for such sales, but to negotiate sales only to actual and bona fide purchasers, and at prices that should represent a fair value of the lands sold not to be less in any case than their appraised price, to sell lands valuable for timber only in small lots and only to actual settlers, and at prices based upon the quantity of timber standing on the lands in addition to the price of the land itself, to collect and receive payments for land, and in general to look after and promote the interests of the company in all things.

The bills further allege that, during the period that Power and Kindred were employed by the company, there was outstanding a large number of the shares of the company’s preferred stock; that, by the by-laws of the company and by the terms of the stock itself, the stock was receivable at par in payment for such of the lands of the company as lay in the State of Minnesota and Dakota; that this stock has never been worth par on the market. During all the period Power and Kindred were employed by the company it was worth only from about 11 to 70 cents on the dollar. The bills then state that, notwithstanding the duty of Power and Kindred as the company’s agents, on numerous occasions they wrongfully and fraudulently conspired, together with other persons, to deprive the plaintiff, and did actually deprive him of the benefit which the plaintiff ought to and other wise would have derived from the sale of large quantities of its lands, whereby they wrongfully and fraudulently obtained the title to large quantities of said lands, and the proceeds in whole or in part of other large quantities of lands for their own private use and benefit. The bill of complaint specifically charges 44 violations of his duty by Mr. Power, in having caused to be sold a large number of tracts of land belonging to the company to a large number of people, ostensibly on behalf of the company, for certain sums, payable in money; that money had been paid or secured; that Power then obtained preferred stock of the company at a small fraction of its par value, and turned it in to the company at its par value, in payment for these same tracts of land, and pocketed the difference between what the purchasers paid in money and what the preferred stock cost him.

In the bill, to which Mark Paine is a party, it is charged that Power and Kindred, some time in the Fall or Winter of 1880, conspired with Paine to obtain a large quantity of the most valuable pine land of the company, situated in the County of St. Louis, Minn.; that to carry out this purpose, Power and Kindred made out an instrument which purported to be a contract between the company and Mark Paine to sell him all the said lands for $3,700; that these lands, as a matter of fact, at the time of the transactions, contained over $30,000 worth of pine timber. This instrument, the complaint charges, was part of a conspiracy to cheat and defraud the company.

James Buel Power, Land Agent and Commissioner, Northern Pacific Railroad, 1871-1881, ca. 1890.
Source: North Dakota State University Libraries

The bill against Power and wife and Kindred and wife states 29 transactions, concerning many thousand acres of land situated in the Counties of Cass, Barnes, Ransom, Richland, and Traill, in Dakota Territory. The bill against Power, C. F. Kindred, W. A. Kindred, and F. E. Snow states three transactions concerning about 8,000 acres of land, situated in the County of Barnes, Dakota Territory. The transactions set forth in the last two bills are similar. They are stated to be that James B. Power and C. F. Kindred, the Land Commissioner and chief clerk of the company’s land department conspired together and with divers other parties, to obtain large quantities of the company’s best and most valuable lands, for their own private use and benefit, at prices much less than their real value, to be paid for in the same way. The method of the alleged conspirators was to have the conveyances made to a third party, then one or the other of the principals would obtain the preferred stock of the company at prices way below par and turn it over to the company as having been received on the contract from the person buying the land. Then the plan was to have the third party convey to the principals or hold in trust for them. The complainant company claims to have lost land and money in large amounts, to it as yet unknown, and it asks that the title of the land shall pass back to the company, and for damages and all other proper relief. The defendants are all out of the city, and it is impossible to secure their side of the story. (New York Times, 10 April 1881)


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


KINDRED:

SEE: 07 November 1874

SEE: 14 November 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 07 June 1876

SEE: 23 March 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 18 January 1879

SEE: 31 May 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 26 June 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 20 September 1883

SEE: 23 September 1883

SEE: 26 August 1885

SEE: 13 December 1887

SEE: 31 May 1889

SEE: 25 March 1898

SEE: 05 February 1917


The New General Manager.


Gen. Herman Haupt, of Philadelphia, is the new general manager of the Northern Pacific railroad, so that the controversy upon this subject is at last at a terminus. Gen. Haupt was born in Pennsylvania in 1816, and graduated from West Point in 1835. He was appointed chief engineer of the Philadelphia & Columbia railway in 1847, and was also principal engineer on the Hoosac tunnel line. He is one of the most prominent civil engineers of the country, and it is claimed he has no superior as a railroad and bridge builder. During the late war he was a brigadier-general. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 April 1881, p. 1, c. 4)


WE learn from one of our exchanges that Col. Newport, Land Commissioner of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company, last week sold twelve thousand acres of the company’s land situated about twelve miles southeast of Jamestown, D. T., to Calvin E. Brown, Esq., of St. Catharines, Ontario. Mr. Brown will bring out a valuable colony to the lands this season. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 April 1881, p. 4, c. 1)


NEWPORT:

SEE: 17 August 1872

SEE: 26 April 1873

SEE: 12 December 1874

SEE: 19 December 1874

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 29 January 1876

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 03 June 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 09 June 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 07 February 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 17 March 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 30 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 11 February 1882

SEE: 18 February 1882

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


12 April

Owing to the breaking of a drive-rod the south-bound train was about five hours late on Tuesday. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 April 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


13 April

N. P. LAND TROUBLES

_____


An Interview with C. F. Kindred,

in Which the Charges of Fraud

are Denied.


With regard to the alleged land frauds claimed to have been brought about during the administration of James B. Power as land commissioner of the Northern Pacific railroad, we can give no better statement regarding the charges and their refutation than by copying the version of a correspondent of the Minneapolis Journal upon the subject; giving in detail the result of an interview with Mr. C. F. Kindred concerning the matter; and while we refrain at present from publishing all the facts in our possession, yet the statements portrayed below will doubtless be sufficient to convey a fair idea of the nature of the matter which is exciting the stern comments of the press on all sides. The report in the Journal herewith reproduced:


BRAINERD, Minn., April 13.—I had a master-stroke of good fortune in finding C. F. Kindred, for many years chief clerk in the Northern Pacific Land Commissioner’s office, at home. That was what I hoped and pra— longed for most devoutly. By chance he was in his office, and as good natured and complaisant as a man could be. The late sensational reports that have been published about Chief Clerk Kindred and commissioner Power—all Evening Journal readers know what they are, for they have already appeared in these columns—were the prime cause of the visit. Having given one side of the case, an epitome of the bills files against Power and Kindred—charging gigantic frauds by them, as commissioner and chief clerk, in the sale of Northern Pacific lands—the Evening Journal was determined to give the other side also. Hence this bearding of the lion in his den.

“Take an easy chair,” said the urbane whilom chief clerk as the interlocutor made his beneficent presence known. The small bore gimlet—or great bore, as the case may be—did as invited. An easy chair has charms to him (said bore) that are not to be resisted.

“Thank you. You do not appear to be suffering in mind or body, Mr. Kindred. Can’t see any evidence of nervous prostration or bodily deterioration. How about prospective annihilation?”

“Call it damnation. One term’s as another, if I correctly grasp the towering idea you are struggling to present. Me prostrated, or deteriorated, or debilitated! Why should I be? I have a good stomach, eat hearty, sleep well, and have a non-elastic conscience in good trim and constantly on deck. What more can a man want?”

“You are well fixed, assuredly. Now, Mr. Kindred, I am commissioned to talk to you like a father. I would like to ask you a few questions and hear what you have to say concerning the charges made against yourself and Mr. Power, and the bills filed in court against you both, in relation to the sales of lands for the Northern Pacific railroad company. May I proceed with the questions?”

“Open your battery, sir. I’m not only all attention and submissive as a sheep led to the slaughter, but am also curious to know what it is I know that you would like to know.”

“Keno. That’s the stage of amicability I am anxious to arrive at. Here goes.”

Q. “In what light do you regard the bills filed against yourself and Mr. Power and others?”

A. “They are instigated by the personal malice of R. M. Newport, present general land agent of the Northern Pacific.”

Q. “You are so convinced?”

A. “We can prove it.”

Q. “Do you think they will be able to sustain the charges?”

A. “No, sir, emphatically no!”

Q. “Has the company any ground for filing such bills?”

A. “None whatever.”

Q. “Do you expect the suits to come to trial?”

A. “I think they will.”

Q. “Do you expect to be able to disprove and refute the charges in the bills?”

A. “We can do it. I don’t expect anything about it. I have not seen the bills, but I can refute anything that reflects on my character.”

Q. “You are willing that a full and free investigation of the charges should be had, are you?”

A. “You may rest assured we shall not take any steps to stop it.”

Q. “Were there ever any Northern Pacific lands sold for cash, so understood between you and Mr. Power, as the parties selling and the parties purchasing, that were paid for by preferred stock of the company?”

A. “No, sir, never a case. We never did any such business. We are not thieves and robbers up here. We could never have held the positions through so many years if we had been.”

Q. “Were there any cash sales at all?”

A. “Not of lands. There were such sales of town lots.”

Q. “Have you any idea of compromise in any shape whatever in these suits?’

A. “None whatever. We won’t compromise one iota. The cases are in court and we will fight them out if it takes all summer.”

Q. “What do you think of the similar charge that is made against President Billings appearing in a New York letter to the Fargo Argus, that is a charge similar to that made against you and Mr. Power?”

A. “He is in the same boat we are. If there is any blame attaching to us, it attaches also to him.”

Q. “Did you ever, in any case, transcend the authority vested in you by the company in the sale of the company’s lands?”

A. “We never did.”

Q. “You sold the lands for the company, I am to understand, just as you would for yourself?”

A. “We protected the company’s interests, just as we would our own.”

Q. “Have you any statement to make or further information to offer, or suggestions to make, Mr. Kindred?”

A. “None whatever. You have applied the pump pretty thoroughly, and I have freely answered, because I have nothing to hide. If I were to express an opinion I would say these charges are an outrage, but I don’t care to be expressing opinions or making counter-charges or tearing around like a chicken with its head cut off. What I may have to say will be said in court, where it will count a full score.”

Q. “Have you filed your answer, or cross-bill, or in any way made response to the bills already filed?”

A. “No, sir. I have not yet conferred with my lawyer, ex-Gov. Davis, but we will have our deck cleared in time for action, and when we do and the fight begins there will be music on the ambient air, and don’t you let it escape your feeble memory; in other words, don’t you forget it. Have a cigar?” The invitation to have a cigar floored me. Such a thing hasn’t occurred before for years, and I was overcome with gratitude. The idea of smoking a free cigar was gorgeous. I smoked and listened to the entertaining talk of the well-nigh exhausted interviewed, and thought him all the time the greatest man since George Washington or N. Bonaparte, Esq., for he gave me a sure-enough fragrant Havana.

NORMAN.

(Brainerd Tribune, 16 April 1881, p. 4, c. 3)


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


NEWPORT:

SEE: 17 August 1872

SEE: 26 April 1873

SEE: 12 December 1874

SEE: 19 December 1874

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 29 January 1876

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 03 June 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 09 June 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 07 February 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 17 March 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 30 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 11 February 1882

SEE: 18 February 1882

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


KINDRED:

SEE: 07 November 1874

SEE: 14 November 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 07 June 1876

SEE: 23 March 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 18 January 1879

SEE: 31 May 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 26 June 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 20 September 1883

SEE: 23 September 1883

SEE: 26 August 1885

SEE: 13 December 1887

SEE: 31 May 1889

SEE: 25 March 1898

SEE: 05 February 1917


15 April

Gen. Herman Haupt, the newly elected general manager of the Northern Pacific railroad, arrived in Brainerd on the No. 2 yesterday. A large crowd gathered at the depot, in anticipation of catching a glimpse of this new official, it having been noised about that he was expected. He was accompanied by his wife and ex-general manager Sargent. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 April 1881, p. 1, c. 2)


16 April

The second annual ball of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, Division 144, will be given in Bly’s Hall, Brainerd, on Thursday evening, April 29th. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 April 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


The Northern Pacific Railroad is having a boom in steel rails. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 April 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


Boarding Cars.


Many of our readers will doubtless remember reading an article which went the rounds of the press some two or three weeks ago, relative to the death of two men at Detroit [Lakes], Minn., whose death the coroner’s inquest developed the fact to have been caused by the close and filthy condition of a boarding car in which they were holding forth at that time. Now many may entertain the false idea from this that all boarding cars on the Northern Pacific line are of this kind; but in justice at least to our friend Mr. N. F. Segers, who desires to have this probable misconstruction of the proper condition of affairs rectified, we will state that it was by no means the series of boarding cars under his charge, as they are kept in a condition fit for the abode of the most fastidious. These cars, which are under the thoroughly competent supervision of our worthy roadmaster, Mr. A. E. Taylor, are kept well ventilated and in a clean, healthy condition at all times, and under all circumstances. They are supplied with a door and ventilator in each end, and are also prepared for additional airing by means of fourteen windows. Mr. Segers also desires to say that these cars are thoroughly washed and scrubbed out at least twice a week, besides receiving a good and ample airing and ventilation every day from the open doors and windows, and he also considers that the manner of general conduction under which the cars are supervised reflect great credit upon Conductor P. J. Mongovin, who has charge of them. One thing is quite evident, that under the scrutiny and management which these boarding cars are subjected, if they were kept in an improper or foul condition, a man would be put in charge of them who would see that proper measures were strictly adhered to. Therefore, we trust that wherein one many may have erred, all mankind may not be judged from the one unjust standpoint. It is with pleasure that we make this statement for the benefit of all parties concerned, and in justice to the cause represented. (Brainerd Tribune, 16 April 1881, p. 1, c. 3)


SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 30 April 1881


20 April

The Fargo Republican of last Wednesday contains this item: N. L. Heath, of Brainerd, arrived in Fargo yesterday from Mandan. He reports that the water in the Heart river began to rise Sunday morning. Monday noon it had overflowed its banks, and from Mandan to the boat landing the water was from one to three feet deep and all communication with Bismarck was cut off. On the Sweet Briar, about sixteen miles above Mandan, eighteen bridges have been swept away; one or more also on Green river. Nearly all of the bridges west of Mandan for nearly one hundred miles have been swept away. Mr. Morgan, roadmaster of the Missouri division, went west on the railroad Saturday and he cannot get back until the bridges are replaced. Mr. Taylor, superintendent of the Missouri division, is doing all in his power to repair damages. Several hundred men arrived in Mandan to work on the extension and they have been set to work to repair bridges.

Several towns in southern Illinois have been inundated by the recent floods. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 April 1881, p. 1, c. 3)


23 April

Charles F. Kindred sent notarized copies of letters Billings had sent to James B. Power in 1878 concerning the purchase of Dakota land, with a note dated April 23, 1881, transmitting the letters with the explanation that they showed “pretty conclusively...that [Billings] had something to do with the lands of the Co.” (Frederick Billings: A Life From Gold Rush Lawyer to railroad builder to conservationist; Winks, Robin W.; University of California Press; 1998; pp. 239 & 240)


Harvard Business School, Baker Library, Henry Villard Papers, box 26: Kindred to Villard, April 23, 1881, with copies of Billings to Power, January 18, March 18, August 28, September 7, 11, 23, October 12, 28, 1878. Billings’ brothers apparently purchased land which they had deeded to him, thus obscuring precisely how much property he had bought.... None of these acts were illegal.... (Frederick Billings: A Life From Gold Rush Lawyer to railroad builder to conservationist; Winks, Robin W.; University of California Press; 1998, p. 346)


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


KINDRED:

SEE: 07 November 1874

SEE: 14 November 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 07 June 1876

SEE: 23 March 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 18 January 1879

SEE: 31 May 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 26 June 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 20 September 1883

SEE: 23 September 1883

SEE: 26 August 1885

SEE: 13 December 1887

SEE: 31 May 1889

SEE: 25 March 1898

SEE: 05 February 1917


23 April

The N. P. railroad company consumes about twenty-five cords of wood per day on the Minnesota division. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 April 1881, p. 1, c. 2)


Right to Wrong Does Not Belong.


The TRIBUNE is sorry to learn that someone’s toes were unintentionally trodden upon by an article in last week’s issue, relative to boarding cars, as the intention was merely to rectify a possible wrong, much less to create a new one. We are informed that a thorough sifting of the Detroit [Lakes] matter relative to the death of the two men mentioned, discloses the fact that they had just taken quarters in the boarding car implicated by the coroner’s verdict, only a day or two before the deaths occurred, and that a much more probable cause of their demise was over-eating, than filthiness or impurity in the car. The men had been so situated for some time previous that they had been able to obtain only a mere life-sustaining supply of the good things this world affords, and when an opportunity presented itself, the limit of nature’s endurance were over-reached, bringing on rigid indigestion and terminating in premature death. This, we are led to believe, is the exact condition of the whole affair; however, we only speak from hearsay. We trust this explanation will place things in their proper light, and that no measure of injustice may seem to have prompted the TRIBUNE in the former article. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 April 1881, p. 1, c. 3)


SEE: 16 April 1881

SEE: 30 April 1881


A few have been somewhat troubled in spirit about the N. P. shops—as to whether they would be erected in Brainerd or not, and all of those kinds of ideas, you know. For the peace of mind of those the TRIBUNE would notify that when the two general managers were here, a few days since, they were interrogated relative to the shops, and replied that no other idea had been entertained than that the shops would be erected here, and work would commence as soon as possible. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 April 1881, p. 1, c. 3)


THE NORTHERN LAND GRAB.

_____


What the New York World has to Say

of the Alleged Land Frauds.


The New York World of a recent date mentions the suits recently announced in the United States Circuit Court for the District of Minnesota, by the Northern Pacific Railroad Company against Mr. J. B. Power, a former land commissioner, and Mr. C. F. Kindred his chief clerk to compel a re-conveyance to the company of land purchased by them from it and the repayment of the purchase price. There are two sides to every consideration and the “true inwardness,” as Mr. Kindred would say, of the prosecution is as follows:

For some years past the land department of the Northern Pacific has been under the charge of a land commissioner to whom persons desiring to purchase land made application from time-to-time and from whom they obtained their contracts. Payment for the lands of the Northern Pacific Company have been made of late years in the preferred stock of the company, which is receivable at par in payment for lands. Monthly reports were made by the land commissioner or his chief clerk, to the land committee of the board of directors of the Northern Pacific Company at New York, or direct to the president, enclosing the name of the purchaser, the price, the description of the lands and sending deeds for execution; and the deeds, upon execution by the president and secretary of the company, would be returned for delivery. A number of members of the board of directors of the company, including Frederick Billings, Charles B. Wright, Samuel Wilkeson, George W. Cass, B. P. Cheney, Charlemagne Tower, the general counsel, George Gray, and others from time-to-time purchased lands directly from the company in this manner, and paid therefor in preferred stock. In other words, they, the officers of the company, bought these lands of the company.

Prior to the determination and announcement by the company of the building of the Casselton branch of the road the president, Mr. Frederick Billings, bought very largely of the lands along the line of that proposed road and paid for the same in stock, and just prior to the determination of the company to build what is known as the Southwestern branch, Mr. Billings, the President, telegraphed to the Land office, directing that all the lands upon the line of the proposed road should be reserved for him. About this time one of the officers of the road obtained contracts from the Land office for a part of this last-mentioned land, whereupon the Land Commissioner and chief clerk—because of making this contract to the detriment of Mr. Billings and subsequently on this ground, and for having at other times purchased lands on their own account, at the market price and in precisely the same manner as the officers of the company had—were discharged, and these suits have been brought against them to compel them to reconvey the land upon repayment of the purchase price. The amount of lands bought from time to time by Mr. Billings is between 30,000 and 35,000 acres. Mr. Tower has taken 100,000 acres, Messrs. Cass & Cheney have taken from 6,000 to 10,000 acres each, and Mr. Wright from 2,00 to 3,000 acres. Ex-Governor Davis, of Minnesota, certainly a very high authority, writing to Mr. Kindred of these transactions, says: “The same course of dealing in company lands which is charged against you in these cases has been indulged in by Mr. Billings and others who are co-operating with him in his efforts to retain control of the company. It is not necessary to state here the extent to which they have purchased lands or the manner in which they have done so. There is no doubt that the value of the property of the company has been seriously impaired by their operations—so much so, in my judgment, as to authorize the stockholders to maintain a bill in equity to set aside their transactions and reinvest in the company the lands they acquired, and to compel them to account for the value of the lands they have disposed of and to which they no longer have title. They have not the defenses which exist in your case, as the facts are entirely different. But all that is alleged in the complaints against you, most undoubtedly exists against them. The fact is, as you have stated matters to me, this land business out here has been for the private benefit of Mr. Billings and his associates.” (Brainerd Tribune, 23 April 1881, p. 1, c. 4)


WILKESON:

SEE: 1869

SEE: 09 March 1870

SEE: 06 July 1872

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 11 November 1876

SEE: 09 December 1876

SEE: 31 December 1882


GENERAL MANAGER HAUPT.

_____


Circular Number One to Officers and Em-

ployees of the Company.


General Herman Haupt, General Manager, Northern Pacific Railroad 1881-1885, ca. Unknown.
Source: Unknown

The new general manager of the Northern Pacific Railroad has seen fit to send out a few words of admonition, and a sort of reply to handling applications for positions in the company employ. It may be seen by this that Gen. Haupt is business from the ground up, and that while no radical changes in the administration are liable to occur, yet the employees and subordinate officials are given to understand what may be expected in cases of necessity for promotion or discharge. The circular is addressed to officers and employees of the company, and reads as follows:

“Mr. H. E. Sargent having pressed the acceptance of his resignation, the president and directors of the Northern Pacific Railroad company have appointed the undersigned as his successor.

“In assuming the duties and responsibilities of general manager, the candid co- operation of all officers and employees of the company is desired.

“It is not proposed to make any changes in the several departments except such as the efficiency of the service may from time-to-time require.

“The general manager will consider it his duty so far as practicable, to promote the comfort and advance the interests of all classes of employees, to avoid favoritism, and recognize merit as the only proper claim to promotion.

“When vacancies occur, a preference will be given, other things being equal, to employees in service of lower grade.

“Vicious habits of any kind, profanity, or the use of alcoholic drinks will be an obstacle to promotion or employment, when others who are free from such disqualifications can be found.

“The use of stimulants when on duty, even if not taken in excess, will be sufficient cause for dismissal, and entire abstinence is recommended to all.

“It is also recommended that brotherhoods, combinations and unions be avoided. Efforts will be made to secure the beneficial objects proposed in such organizations by substitutes less liable to be controlled by designing leaders for mischievous purposes.

“Loyalty should be the duty of every employee. The interests of the company must not be sacrificed to those of the individual. No officer or agent must expect to receive pecuniary profit from his position other than his regular compensation. The acceptance of presents or commissions for performance of any official service will not be permitted, and no interest in contracts or transportation, the profits of which can be affected by use or abuse of official position will be tolerated.

“The general manager deems it proper his position and policy should be unmistakably defined. He expects to be the friend of every man who does his duty, and will seek to do justice to all with strict impartiality.

“That the anticipations of a brilliant future for the Northern Pacific railroad may be fully realized, the management must rely upon the fidelity of subordinates, and that the relations now assumed may prove pleasant and mutually advantageous, is the earnest desire of

H. HAUPT, General Manager.”

(Brainerd Tribune, 23 April 1881, p. 1, c. 6)


25 April

Last Monday work was commenced on the Northern Pacific and brickyard railway. That looks like business. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 April 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


28 April

TERPSICHOREAN FESTIVITIES.—B. OF L. E.


Brainerd Division, No. 144, of this organization held their annual ball on Thursday evening, and it was in every particular a grand success. Several days prior to the occasion, neat invitations were issued by the Brotherhood to parties, not only in Brainerd, but all along the line as well, calling those who felt so disposed to participate in the festivities of the evening with the fraternity here. All necessary arrangements were perfected for a season of amusement and pleasure that should not only redound to the satisfaction of those who chose to attend, but should be a success in every other particular. The music was furnished by the Fargo band, consisting of six pieces, viz: First and second violins, cornet, flute, clarinet and double bass viol, and to say that it was good would not fill the bill by any means; it was exquisitely sweet and thrilling. The notes of harmony pealing forth in the old hall reverberating with a distinct echo lent to the occasion attraction that was irresistible to anyone who might be fortunate enough to possess even a nominal ear for the gentle strains of music, such as would challenge the admiration and prevent the criticism of an admirer of the divine symphonies of Beethoven. Thither, from at home and sister villages and cities gathered a large assemblage of the followers and students of Terpsichore, and dull care was scatted to the four winds for the time being, while happiness and harmony reigned supreme and triumphant, and the dreamy quadrille, the mazy waltz, and the fantastic schottische while away the moments at a rapid rate. There was revelry by night, and Brainerd’s elite had gathered there; fair men and brave women, whose hearts beat with rapture as a harp with a thousand strings, and all went merry as a wedding morn. Excellent plans and latent enterprise had been brought into thorough requisition to made it a recherché occasion, and nothing more could have been added toward the accomplishment of this end. After a series of marches, waltzes, quadrilles, etc., a grand march, “Take your ladies to—supper,” closed the exercises, necessarily, for a brief period, and the inner man was made happy by a replenishment of the good things of the land, and nature’s larder must have been of extraordinary dimensions not to have been amply filled. A splendid supper that savored not of mediocrity had been prepared at the Headquarters hotel, and it is safe to observe that all did justice thereto. Supper over, and the replenished disciples of the fabled muse wended their way back to the hall, where a second series of pleasure soon dragged along into the “wee small hours” of morn, and the crowd began to disperse and depart for retreats of seclusion, soon to be subject and willing slaves to the more silent and sombre muse,—soon to be folded in the peaceful embrace of Morpheus dreaming about the “Next Set,” “On Time,” with “Shandy Maguire,” and that the “Old Folks” were getting ready to “Fire Up,” and “Turn the Table” for breakfast. The fraternity deserve great credit for the commendable management of their ball, and the repleteness in every particular of their efforts to make the event a memorable affair of the season, and an epoch in the history of Brainerd that shall linger long in the minds of those who were fortunate enough to attend. No one could but feel that his money’s worth had been returned to him, and that with usury. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 April 1881, p. 1, c 4)


30 April

The Northern Pacific Extension lost eighteen bridges on the little rivers, west of the Missouri. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 April 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


Capt. W. P. Spaulding has been appointed claim agent for this division of the Northern Pacific Railroad. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 April 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


Frank Segers has now secured control of all the boarding cars on this division of the N. P. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 April 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


SEE: 16 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881


A leading exchange notes the following: “G. G. Sanborn, ex-general passenger and freight agent of the Northern Pacific, who last fall severed his connection with the road, is again about to resume relations with his old company—this time as local treasurer, a position formerly held by R. M. Newport in connection with the auditorship, but which has since become so important as to justify a separate and distinct head for same.” (Brainerd Tribune, 30 April 1881, p. 1, c. 2)


NEWPORT:

SEE: 17 August 1872

SEE: 26 April 1873

SEE: 12 December 1874

SEE: 19 December 1874

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 29 January 1876

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 03 June 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 09 June 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 07 February 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 17 March 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 11 February 1882

SEE: 18 February 1882

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


May

Between 1878 and 1890 making brick constitutes a major industry in Brainerd. It reaches its peak between 1882 and 1886. The premier brick-maker is William Schwartz, a German who comes to Brainerd about 1875 [1872] and in 1878 purchases a piece of land about a mile up-river from Main Street. (Now bordered on the east by Mill Avenue.) The land contains a bed of clay thirty feet thick; when fired, the clay turns to an attractive cream or buff color, Schwartz calls his business the Brainerd Steam Brick Yards. His process makes an exceptionally tough and durable brick, which quickly becomes famous and is called “Milwaukee cream brick” for the city, which is known for such brick. He ships to Duluth and the Twin Cities and places in between. The business becomes so big that it warrants the Northern Pacific building in May of 1881 a mile and a half long railroad spur, north from its shop yards to serve this infant industry brickyard. (The spur currently runs down the avenue adjacent to Evergreen Cemetery to the paper mill in northeast Brainerd.) Among the local buildings of note built with Schwartz’s steam brick are the Northern Pacific shop buildings. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 37-38)


02 May

The railroad spur to the Brainerd brick yard was completed yesterday. The site of the new railroad shops to be built there has been staked out, and work will be commenced on them at once.—[Little Falls Transcript, 3d. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 May 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


07 May

The pines on the south side of the track are all being cut down and the grounds cleaned up generally. Now that the location of the shops is a certainty, we may safely calculate to see a big boom in building this season. Parties desiring to erect residences and business establishments have delayed so doing on account of a faint fear that something would transpire to prevent the erection of the shops at this point; all doubts being now dispelled, it may be expected that people will at once go ahead in their contemplated enterprises. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 May 1881, p. 1, c. 2)


10 May

General Manager Haupt was in Brainerd last Tuesday, looking after matters pertinent to his position. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 May 1881, p. 1, c. 2)


A party of Northern Pacific officials arrived here on Tuesday evening, from St. Paul; Gen. Manager Haupt, Supt. Towne, Mr. A. E. Taylor, the roadmaster, and Mr. S. D. Mason, engineer of the Minnesota Division. Mrs. Haupt, who quite frequently accompanies her husband on his trips, was also in the party. On Wednesday morning they went to Superior to look over matters connected with the extension of the road to that point, work on which will commence, it is expected, about the first of June. Mr. H. W. Shaw, chairman of the Superior board of supervisors, accompanied the party from Brainerd to Duluth, and it is to be supposed that he gave them valuable information in regard to the other side of the bay.—Duluth News. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 May 1881, p. 1, c. 3)


14 May

Idle Rumor.


Some person, probably interested more in some other locality than in Brainerd, is circulating the story that quicksand has been found in the vicinity of the additions to the railroad shops at this point, so that a secure foundation cannot be had. We wish to say, from authority, that upon excavating about six feet, a solid clay subsoil is found that will support 10,000 tons of brick or stone, the bed of solid clay being over forty feet thick. Strike in some other direction boys. You have not hit it right this time. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 May 1881, p. 1, c. 5)


Notice.


The Northern Pacific Temple of Honor is in fair working order. Its prospects are promising. At the next session, Monday, at 8 p. m., work of importance is expected. All the brethren are desired to be present. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 May 1881, p. 1, c. 5)


THE secretary of the interior has decided that the Northern Pacific railroad has a right, secured to it by its charter to survey and build its road across the Crow Indian reservation on the Yellowstone river, eastern Montana. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 May 1881, p. 4, c. 1)


GENERAL MANAGER HAUPT is giving the work of construction on the Northern Pacific his close personal supervision. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 May 1881, p. 4, c. 1)


16 May

AROUND THE STATE.

_____


BRAINERD.


BRAINERD, May 16.—A report is in circulation that the work on the new railroad shops here has been stopped owing to the fact that quicksand was found. We state from authority that the report is false, and was originated by someone more interested in some city farther west. (Minneapolis Tribune, 18 May 1881, p. 2)


General Manager Sargent, of the Northern Pacific Railroad, has signed a contract with Wm. Schwartz for three million brick with which to build the new roundhouse and enlarge the present machine shops in this city. The new buildings to be constructed of brick are to be located on the south side of the track, east of the paint shop, and the general repair shop on the north side of the track. (Minneapolis Tribune, 18 May 1881, p. 2)


19 May

A Lively War Promised.


FARGO, May 19.—W. A. Kindred [brother of C. F. Kindred] has commenced suit in the United States district court here against Frederick Billings, president of the Northern Pacific railroad, for $25,000, and has attached all of Billings’ lands in Cass and Richland counties, pending the action of the court. The animus of the suit is doubtless the allegations made by Col. Newport in the recent [suits] instituted against Power and [C. F.] Kindred by the company. Kindred claims in his complaint that Billings owes him money on account of some land transactions in which they were mutually interested; that a settlement was never had. It is also claimed that the evidence will go into Billings’ penchant for catching on to numerous sections of land through which branches of the Northern Pacific were about to be ordered built, and that the air will be black with mud. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 May 1881, p. 4, c. 1)


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


NEWPORT:

SEE: 17 August 1872

SEE: 26 April 1873

SEE: 12 December 1874

SEE: 19 December 1874

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 29 January 1876

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 03 June 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 09 June 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 07 February 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 17 March 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 30 April 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 11 February 1882

SEE: 18 February 1882

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


KINDRED:

SEE: 07 November 1874

SEE: 14 November 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 07 June 1876

SEE: 23 March 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 18 January 1879

SEE: 31 May 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 26 June 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 20 September 1883

SEE: 23 September 1883

SEE: 26 August 1885

SEE: 13 December 1887

SEE: 31 May 1889

SEE: 25 March 1898

SEE: 05 February 1917


EVERYBODY SMILE!

_____


Yes, Verily, Let Everybody Laugh,

and Ye Who Cannot Smile,

Tickle Yourselves!


When Brainerd assumes the title of a “boomer,” it adopts no pseudonym; it only needs one good look to convince anyone of the gigantic strides the town is just now taking by way of rapid progression. The following, clipped from the Pioneer Press, so fairly expresses the facts as they are, that we herewith produce it:

The pretty and prosperous town of Brainerd is preparing for a boom of magnificent proportions, and is looking for an increase in its population of from 800 to 1,000 men, whose families will add at least 1,000 more. There have been 150 houses erected this spring, and 200 more will be built immediately. Property is in good demand, and the town is extending. Capt. C. B. Sleeper has laid out an addition with 500 building lots in the vicinity of the railroad property, where the new shops are to be located.

NP roundhouse built in 1881, demolished sometime in the 1980s, ca. Unknown. A 850x668 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society, Courtesy of the Birney Wilkins Family
NP roundhouse built in 1881, demolished sometime in the 1980s, ca. Unknown. A 850x670 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society, Courtesy of the Birney Wilkins Family

The plans for these shops, which will be very extensive and complete, are about finished. They will be located on land adjoining the present shops east of the station, and about thirty-five acres of land will be required for the buildings, tracks, storage, etc. First is the great round house which will be 320 feet in diameter, and have stalls for forty-four engines. Beyond, and connected by tracks with the engine stable, will be located the machine and erecting shop, 500 feet long and 120 feet wide, in which twenty-three engines can be under repair or in process of construction at one time. In connection with the buildings is to be an engine and boiler house 40x80. It will contain, besides the engine, four boilers, which will supply steam for the machinery, and also for warming all the buildings. A smokestack 100 feet high will be erected at the side of the building.

Along the front of the machine shop will extend a transfer table 40x550 feet on which engines can be removed to any part of the shop. Beyond and parallel with this will be located a boiler, blacksmith and tank repairing shop 80x508 feet.

At right angles with the shops described, and at a distance of about the width of four tracks, a two-story 40x300 feet storehouse will be erected, with a broad platform all around it. Tracks in every direction will connect all the new buildings, as well as those now in use.

It is further proposed to build a foundry 80x250 feet, and ultimately a car factory will be added, thus making as complete a set of shops as there is in the country. All of the buildings will be constructed of brick, with substantial granite foundation. The requirements of the railroad demand these accommodations, and it is expected that they will be immediately proceeded with.

Another enterprise which will give an impulse to Brainerd is that of Chase, Pillsbury & Co., who will immediately commence the erection of the largest lumber factory in the State of Minnesota. It will be located about a mile east of the city on Rice Lake, which is a mile long and half a mile wide. This lake is a tributary of the Mississippi, and by widening the channel to the river the logs can be easily driven into the natural boom, which will hold at least 10,000,000 feet. The firm of Chase, Pillsbury & Co. own 60,000 acres of pine land on the upper Mississippi river. They are running their large mill at Gull creek [sic], a short distance above Brainerd, to its fullest capacity, and calculate that they will exhaust the supply of logs on which they depend in about ten years. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 May 1881, p. 1, c. 2)


31 May

Slight Scare of Fire.


Last Tuesday evening about 9 o’clock the citizens of Brainerd were aroused by a furious blowing of whistles and a terrific tooting of locomotives, and everything else that would make a noise. The cry was soon heard that the shops were on fire. Everybody rushed to the supposed scene of conflagration, but it only proved to be a little blaze in the foundry department, which was extinguished without any difficulty, and the people breathed freer. The ”Fire Company” did it with their little buckets. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 June 1881, p. 1, c. 5)


June

Northern Pacific Shops, ca. 1885.
Source: Northwest Illustrated Monthly Magazine, E. V. Smalley, Editor and Publisher

NP President Frederick Billings plans the enlargement of the repair shops in Brainerd. This work begins in June of 1881. The new shops, as they come to be known, are of a size to create a daily payroll of 1200 men. They require two years to build. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 15 & 16)


The Northern Pacific Railroad begins to enlarge the repair shops in Brainerd, creating a payroll of 1200 men; two years are required to complete the expansion. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 17 & 18)


04 June

HAIL, JOYFUL MORN!

_____


THE TOOT OF GABRIEL’S LITTLE

HORN TO YE PEOPLE OF BRAINERD.

_____


No More Grumbling About Old

Probe, but the Erection of the

N. P. Shops Now a Reality,

and Things About Town

On the Run, Tear and

Slide.


Yea, verily, and in these days are many wonders performed unto the people, and the hosts of Isra—Brainerd are made thrice happy with the prospects which now loom up before us; and why should we not rejoice when we observe the approaching era of prosperity which so auspiciously dawns upon us? With the first reports that Gen. Anderson had issued a circular asking for bids for the stone and brick work for the machine shop at Brainerd, and also for the erection of a locomotive round house, everything seemed to assume an aspect bordering on transformation. The following is a copy of the circular issued:


NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD CO,

CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT,

ENGINEER’S OFFICE, BRAINERD, MINN.

May 30, 1881.


Proposals will be received at this office, addressed to the undersigned, until Wednesday, June 8th, 1881, inclusive, for furnishing the stone, and doing the stone and brick work for erecting a Machine Shop, 120 by 244 feet, with engine and boiler room and chimney 100 feet high and a Locomotive Round House, 316 feet in diameter, at Brainerd, Minn.

Brick will be furnished, delivered at site of the buildings.

Plans and specifications may be seen at this office, or at the Engineer’s office, Northern Pacific R. R. , Room No. 35, Davidson’s Block, corner Jackson and Fourth Streets, St. Paul, Minn.

Blank forms of proposals may be obtained at the offices as above, or will be sent on application.

A. ANDERSON,

Engineer in Chief.


Northern Pacific Machine and Boiler Shops with transfer table in between, 14 May 1915. A 1100x692 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Marie A. Canan, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, p. 13

When other points along the line of the Northern Pacific Railroad began to agitate the subject of erecting these shops at some other place than Brainerd, our people, many of them, looked sadly down their respective proboscis, and gushed imaginary tears by the spoonful; but the strong-hearted would not say give-up, and now have the infinite satisfaction of using that stereotyped, yet applicable old phrase, “I told you so,” and it affords a great relief to cast off this little bile of enthusiasm when such an occasion presents itself as the present one. The shops are to be located on land adjoining the present shops east of the station, and a considerable tract of land will be required for the other appurtenant buildings, tracks, etc. The round house in itself will be a mammoth affair, 316 feet in diameter, or over 1,000 feet in circumference, and is to be finished off with stalls for forty-four engines. Along the front of the machine shop is to extend a transfer table 40 by 550 feet, on which engines can be removed to any part of the shop. Every building that it may be necessary to erect will be constructed of brick, with firm and substantial foundations. The railroad’s requirements here demands an extension and enlargement in almost every branch of its operating departments, and they are to be immediately carried into execution as a real fact. Boom! boom! (Brainerd Tribune, 04 June 1881, p. 1, c. 3)


Miss Genevieve Ward, the sweet creature, is shocked beyond all expression at the idea of men and women being compelled to sleep in the same sleeping car. It is dreadful, really, when we come to ponder over the matter. In fact we have often worried over the same thing, and been afraid to go to sleep lest some female woman would chloroform us and kiss us in our dreams. No man is safe in a mixed sleeping car. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 June 1881, p. 4, c. 2)


11 June

HEADLIGHT FLASHES.

_____


A large force of men and teams are to be set at work next week grading the Pelican branch of the Northern Pacific road.

General Manager Haupt, of the Northern Pacific road has received very flattering reports of the condition of the crops along the line.


The Northern Pacific company has contracted for 1,900 cars, for the eastern section, to be delivered this season, including 400 flat cars, which were ordered Tuesday.


During May the Northern Pacific land department sold 12,260 acres of land to fifty buyers, an average of 285 acres to each buyer. It also sold during the month 127 town lots.


Commissioners have been appointed by Judge Hudson, of Fargo, to approve damages for the right of way of the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba Railroad through certain lands on the surveyed route from Breckenridge to Casselton.


Mr. T. J. DeLamere, who has been in the employ of the Northern Pacific company for a long time, as machinery clerk, train dispatcher, assistant superintendent, etc., has been appointed car accountant of the company, with his office at Brainerd.—Ex.


The St. Paul & Duluth company have just received a new mail car, from the Barney & Smith shops, Dayton, Ohio, which is provided with an improved device for holding mail pouches so as to facilitate the distribution of letters and papers.


The statement that T. F. Oakes of the Northern Pacific was to make his headquarters in Minnesota appears to be as false as other rumors have been regarding the future management of the road. It is learned from a reliable source that Mr. Oakes, has stated that his headquarters would be in New York.


The people of Brainerd are just now happy. The Northern Pacific Company has decided to build at that place, a new machine shop, 120x244 feet, with engine and boiler rooms and a locomotive round house 316 feet in diameter, with stalls for forty-six engines. The buildings are to be of brick.—Sauk Rapids Sentinel.


Suit was commenced today in the United States Circuit Court, by Captain James Starkey, against the Northern Pacific Railroad Company for breach of contract, laying damages at $20,000. The complaint in brief alleges that on March 10th last the contract for the construction of twenty miles of road from Northern Pacific Junction, easterly, to Superior City, was awarded the plaintiff, and that notice thereof was given him on the 16th of March. He accepted the same that day, and on the 17th was ordered to proceed with the work and not to await a formal execution of the contract. Plaintiff thereupon proceeded to purchase supplies, camp equipage, etc., and hiring men, went on the line and establishing supply routes, receiving points from the engineer in charge where to commence work. March 29th, at the company’s office in St. Paul, plaintiff executed a written formal contract in duplicate, and was notified by Chief Engineer Anderson that this contract, as a mere matter of form, would have to be sent east to receive President Billings’ signature, but that he should go ahead and push the work as rapidly as possible. Early in April plaintiff was notified of the ratification of the contract by President Billings, who urged an energetic prosecution of the work. Three days thereafter plaintiff was required to sign a bond for $10,000 for the faithful performance of the work, which he refused to execute on the ground that never under the advertisement calling for bids and in their letter to and conversation with plaintiff, and even after the execution of the contract was anything said about such a bond. Having already commenced the work, plaintiff demands to be allowed to proceed therewith, which was refused by defendant, and the engineer instructed to give him no further points. The document concludes with the allegation that plaintiff has incurred heavy expenses and claims $20,000 damages for the same. Sanborn & Sanborn are the plaintiff’s attorneys. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 June 1881, p. 1, c.’s 4 & 5)


The Railroads.


[...]


Cushman K. Davis, Minnesota Governor, 1874-1878, ca. 1882.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

Ex Gov. Davis, as counsel for James B. Power, late land commissioner, and C. F. Kindred, late chief clerk of the land department, Northern Pacific Railroad Company, has filed demurrers [sic] to the complaints in the several cases brought by the company to recover on account of land purchased and sold by Power and Kindred for their own interest. The demurrer does not attack the allegations of the complaint or set up another version of facts, but simply presents certain legal propositions as to the sufficiency of the facts alleged to constitute cause of action. The demurrer will have to be first argued and denied before the cases can come to trial on their merits or facts. (Minneapolis Tribune, 11 June 1881, p. 5)


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


KINDRED:

SEE: 07 November 1874

SEE: 14 November 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 07 June 1876

SEE: 23 March 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 18 January 1879

SEE: 31 May 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 26 June 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 20 September 1883

SEE: 23 September 1883

SEE: 26 August 1885

SEE: 13 December 1887

SEE: 31 May 1889

SEE: 25 March 1898

SEE: 05 February 1917


18 June

HEADLIGHT FLASHES.

_____


Eastern freight rates have been cut down considerably of late.


General Manager Haupt arrived in Brainerd last Thursday noon. He is making his regular monthly trip over the line.


DeGraff & Co., who are working all the men they can hire all along the Northern Pacific branch from Wadena to Fergus Falls, are said to be making preparations to begin work next week on the road proposed to be built from Little Falls via Sauk Center, etc., to Brown’s Valley.


Of the immigrants who arrived in St. Paul Monday morning 129 were ticketed to Fergus Falls, Ashby, Alexandria, Ada, Crookston and other points on the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba road. Most of them were Scandinavians, direct from the old country, and the first fruits of the work last winter in the Scandinavian countries of immigration agents of the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba company.


Bismarck dispatches of yesterday to General Freight Agent Hannaford, of the Northern Pacific, read as follows: “The steamer Overpeck sailed yesterday morning with 300 tons of freight and a good passenger list. The Rosebud sailed this morning with 225 tons of freight and a light cabin list. The steamers Helena, Eclipse, Ferry, Sherman and Josephine left Keogh this morning with about 1,900 Indians for Standing Rock They will arrive here tomorrow night.”


Letters of the 10th from agents of the Northern Pacific addressed to the general manager, and dated at New York Mills, Rice’s, Perham, New Buffalo, Glyndon, Hawley and Fargo, all represent grain crops to be full as well advanced as at the same time last season with better prospects for a large yield. Hail has occurred in some localities but done no damage. The wheat is in good color, every seed seems to have germinated and to have stood well. Corn is looking fine.


The following was received in St. Paul Tuesday:


NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD CO.

SECRETARY’S OFFICE, N. Y. June 10, ‘81.


The heads of departments and bureaus in this company’s organization are hereby notified, that at a meeting of the board of directors on the 9th day of June, Frederick Billings, Esq., resigned the office of president of the company, and Ashbel H. Barney, Esq., was elected to fill it temporarily, and that Thomas F. Oakes, Esq., was elected vice president of the company, and James B. Williams. Esq., was elected second vice president.

SAMUEL WILKINSON, Secretary.


The party of surveyors in the employ of the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba railroad, that have been at work out west of Dwight, for a week or two past, receiving orders to return to Bismarck, which they did last Monday, and are encamped on the Bois de Sioux, just south of the Burbank place. They say they do not know where their services will be demanded next. Of course the matter is open to conjecture, and the most reasonable seems to be that they will make a survey southward from that point for the purpose, it may be, of heading off the Wadena branch, but about the only way to find out what the intention is, is to wait and see what will be done.


The following circular explains itself:


NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD CO.

OFFICE SUPT., MINN. & ST. PAUL DIVS.

BRAINERD, MINN., June 15, 1881.


Mr. A. E. Law is this day appointed train master at St. Paul. He will have immediate charge of all train men subject to the rules and regulations of the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba railroad. His jurisdiction will extend to Minneapolis, where he will attend to the duties hereafter assigned to him.

Approved.) H. A. TOWNE, Supt.

HERMAN HAUPT, General Manager.


This promotion is a just recognition of the merits of one of the most efficient employees of the road. Mr. Law has for the last nearly seven years been with the Northern Pacific company, three years as conductor on the Dakota Division, and three and a half years on the Minnesota Division, on the run between St. Paul and Fargo. Prior to his connection with the Northern Pacific, Mr. Law was a conductor on the old Chicago & Northwestern, and a most popular one with officials and the public. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 June 1881, p. 1, c. 4)


A. H. Barney, Esq., who has been selected to succeed Mr. Billings as president of the Northern Pacific railroad until the September meeting, is a capitalist of large means, and with heavy investments in Minnesota. He has held high executive positions, notably president of the United State Express company, and is now the managing director of that great corporation, and also a director in Wells, Fargo & Co.’s line, and he is counted an able and experienced executive officer. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 June 1881, p. 2, c. 2)


THE Headquarters hotel is being remodeled and greatly improved in various ways. The building will be enlarged and the upper story finished up in complete style. Lack of space prevents our giving it due attention this week, but we hope to give the matter more detailed notice next week. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 June 1881, p. 1, c. 3)


24 June

Friday night, of last week, three men effected an entrance into a boxcar standing in the depot yards, and took therefrom two chests of tea, which they afterwards endeavored to dispose of to Mr. J. L. C. Miller, who at once notified Deputy Sheriff Brockway, who chased the men to the river, and succeeded in capturing two of them, and lodging them in the jail. The railroad company have taken the matter in hand, and will prosecute the guilty parties to the fullest extent of the law. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 July 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


25 June

Northern Pacific Matters.


Mr. W. H. Starbuck of New York, the confidential agent of Mr. Henry Villard, now the principal and controlling power in the destinies of the Northern Pacific road, arrived in St. Paul last week. Thursday morning, accompanied by General Manager Haupt and their wives, they started out on the line of the road, and returned, arriving in St. Paul last Monday morning. About the purposes and plans of Mr. Villard he could tell nothing, he said upon being interrogated. He knew nothing about Mr. Gould’s operations in building a branch line from the Union Pacific at Granger, to run to Boise City, Parker City and thence to the Columbia River. He could not tell whether Mr. Gould had any affiliations with the Northern Pacific or was working in antagonism. He said that he was the general agent of the Oregon Railway & Navigation company residence at New York, but was not general manager of the company since the election of Mr. Oakes to the vice presidency of the Northern Pacific, as the reporter had been informed.

From inquiry elsewhere it was learned that Mr. Starbuck had been sent by Mr. Villard to examine the country traversed by the Northern Pacific road. Mr. Villard had intended coming himself, but other engagements prevented, so he deputed Mr. Starbuck to take the trip and report verbally. The latter gentleman departed for New York Tuesday evening. From all that can be learned, Mr. Starbuck was very much pleased with what he had seen, and the marked evidences of prosperity of the country traversed by the road. The trip was so arranged that they traveled by daylight over the whole road; that is, the country passed in the night, going west, was seen by daylight on the return trip. They went to the end of the line, now tracked to within eight miles of Glendive, which point will be reached by the track layers within a week. The distance from and to St. Paul was 1,400 miles. No doubt Mr. Starbuck’s report will be favorable, and it will probably have weight in determining the direction of capital in further support of measures to insure the speedy completion of the road and the quick building of branches that may act as feeders to its trade. It is said that the company has and can control all the capital needed. The same men who so readily backed Mr. Villard in his “blind pool” are equally ready to help him consummate his further plans. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 June 1881, p. 1, c.’s 5 & 6)


The Northern Pacific is using up 10,000 tons of steel rails for its Dakota division, a large amount of which is already laid in the track and more arriving daily. Within the last year, nearly the whole division has been retied with the best oak ties brought from Minnesota. For the last three months several hundred men have been engaged in raising the tracks in low places and in making general improvements. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 June 1881, p. 4, c. 1)


Fred Drew, for over a year confined to the N. P. Hospital, is able to be about, and will soon leave for Chicago, where his relatives reside. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 June 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


SEE: 24 July 1880

SEE: 04 December 1880


The Northern Pacific has rejected all bids for the stone and brick work on the new shops, and the company will do its own contracting. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 June 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


We shall be very thankful if some of our railroad friends would drop in and inform us of any little items worthy of note which may occur along the line. We hope to be able to glean many little grains of information relative to general occurrences on the N. P. during the week, and any assistance in this behalf will be appreciated. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 June 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


On Monday evening as the section hands were leaving this station for the Pillager section house, they were met by the eastern bound train, from which they had to make lively back tracks, but before they could get their handcar clear off the rails, the engine struck the car and quickly moved it out of the way. The engineer had no chance to bring his engine up, as he was followed by empty cars from which he was detached, and running ahead of them to switch them on the spur track of Chase, Pillsbury & Co. the boys had to jump round some to get out of the way. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 June 1881, p. 5, c. 4)


How Villard Won.


The public has at last learned the true story of how Mr. Villard obtained control of the Northern Pacific railroad and how his suit against the company came to be abandoned. Capt. Ainsworth, an old Pacific coastman, was the mutual friend who was chosen to pour sweet words into the ear of President Billings. He made long ago a direct offer of $50 for that gentleman’s common stock, and $80 for preferred, in all some $9,000,000. Mr. Billings spurned the offer, and insisted that there could be no compromise until all the lawsuits were withdrawn. He was sincere, and his action disarmed his friends who owned a majority of the stock of the road. Then Villard began to use a little diplomacy and gradually Billings began to weaken. He was surely under great temptation, and Mr. Villard proved an arch tempter. Mr. Billings owned 50,000 shares of stock that he had paid $1.50 for, seven years ago. He was offered $50 cash for it. It was also suggested to him that he was killing himself by hard work, and that it was time that he should retire from business, and make provisions for the disposal of his estate. This argument was a potent one, for Mr. Billings’ health is very precarious. Carl Schurz also used his power of persuasion on Mr. Billings, and at last that gentleman, whispering, “He would never consent” to his friends, consented. A plan of compromise was secretly drawn up and agreed upon. It involved a fair agreement for both sides and an entire desertion by Mr. Billings of his friends. It was generally said that there was a private agreement between Mr. Billings and Mr. Villard by which the former would retire from the presidency of the road before June 15, and it was thought Mr. Villard would succeed him. The compromise and sale of Mr. Billings’ stock gives Mr. Villard undisputed control of the road. It will be seen that Mr. Billings sells Mr. Villard $9,000,000 which cost him $75,000. To get the rest, which was necessary to give Mr. Villard control, Mr. Billings bought $1,000,000 of stock in the market and took two friends into the secret, who furnished the other $30,000,000, either out of their holdings or by purchase in the market. When the board met, no one knew of the arrangements of the proposed compromise, and when it was announced Mr. Billings excused his action on the score of ill health. The actual sense of the board in the agreement was not taken. Mr. Villard had control of the road, and there was nothing to do but to agree to what was inevitable, so there was no opposition to it. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 June 1881, p. 8, c. 2 & 3)


27 June

A man in the employ of the railroad company, engaged on the Headquarters hotel, was sun struck last Monday, and fell from the roof, but his injuries are not considered of a very serious nature. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 July 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


01 July

One of the McNaughton brothers, at work in the N. P. shops, got his hand caught in the machinery yesterday and sustained quite painful injuries. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 July 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


02 July

MR. HENRY VILLARD, with a party of capitalists from the east, will visit the Northwest shortly, going over the line of the Northern Pacific in operation not only as most capitalists would do, but will take teams and drive out on the line of survey, and make a thorough inspection of his new possessions. The New York special of the Pioneer Press from whom this information was received, says further that Mr. Villard’s pluck and success in the Northern Pacific blind pool affair has won for him a name as a financier that ranks with Gould and Vanderbilt in the gossip of Wall street. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 July 1881, p. 4, c. 1)


The Northern Pacific railroad makes a reduction of 60 per cent on all regular fares on the Fourth. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 July 1881, p. 5, c. 1)


TEMPLE OF HONOR.—Northern Pacific Temple, No. 35. Meets in Odd Fellows’ Hall on Monday evening of each week, at 8 P. M. All brothers in good standing are invited to visit with us.

J. C. CONGDON, W. C. T.

(Brainerd Tribune, 02 July 1881, p. 5, c. 1)


Mr. Adam Bardsley, of this place, who has had charge of the Mandan shops during Mr. E. F. Doran’s recent absence from that place, has returned to Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 July 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


Work on the Headquarters hotel is progressing rapidly, and it will soon be one of the finest hotels in this section of the country. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 July 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


Next week a special car containing several officials of the Northern Pacific railroad, among whom will be Messrs. Villard and Williams, will pass over the road for an extended tour over the entire line and its branches, and projected branches. The trip will probably last some two or three weeks and a thorough inspection will be made of the whole route. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 July 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


Mr. Henry Mahle, train dispatcher at Brainerd, has been somewhat indisposed this week, and his place has been filled by Messrs. DeLamere and Aldrich. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 July 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


SEE: 05 November 1881

SEE: 15 January 1892

SEE: 05 January 1893


An Oregon capitalist, who claims to know, says that Henry Villard has $32,000,000 derived from the sale of bonds in the two companies he controls, the Northern Pacific and the Oregon Railroad and Transportation Company. This is independent of any stock in the two companies and constitutes the largest sum of money on hand with any railroad manager of the day. (Brainerd Tribune, 02 July 1881, p. 8, p. 3)


06 July

The N. P. officials, who stopped in Brainerd last Wednesday night and Thursday morning, were highly impressed with this place, and its prospects. Mr. Villard states that Brainerd is to be made a leading and principal point on the road, and that there is no plausible reason why the town should not have 25,000 inhabitants in a few years. We trust and believe the gentleman’s ideas to be about correct, and surely everything indicates it at present. The officials took the noon train Thursday for other points on the line. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 July 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


09 July

Villard’s Gigantic Plans.


Mr. Henry Villard, principal owner of the Northern Pacific, Oregon Railway & Navigation line, Oregon & California railroad, etc., and chief financier of a powerful syndicate, is now traveling on the line of the Northern Pacific. Mr. Villard states that he and his party will inspect the complete and projected lines of the Northern Pacific, east of the Rocky mountains. He said the Oregon Transcontinental company, which, he explained, now controls the Northern Pacific, the Oregon Railway & Navigation line, and the branches of each will probably build 800 miles of tributary railway east of the Rocky mountains. Two branches, at least, will be built, in part, or entirely this year. One extends from Wadena, on the Minnesota Northern, now included in the Northern Pacific system, to Breckenridge, and the other from Little Falls in a parallel direction to Big Stone Lake, in Dakota. Another line under immediate projection will extend northward and southward from Jamestown. This road or these two roads, will follow the general course of the James river, the valley of which is extremely fertile. The line northward will penetrate the valley of the Mouse river. West of the Rocky mountains the company will have 2,000 miles of tributary railroad in state of completion and operation by the time the Northern Pacific main line shall be completed. The Oregon Railway & Navigation company have 300 miles of road in operation. The length of this line will be increased by extension and lateral addition to 780 miles. The present length of the Oregon & California line, a standard gauge, is 312 miles. This will be lengthened to 360 miles. One hundred miles of road will be built between Portland and Astoria. Mr. Villard said the new company represented all the capital that could be judiciously employed in carrying forward the plans already matured. The paid in subscriptions amount to $30,000,000. The limit is $50,000,000. He wishes he could fix definitely the date of the completion of the Northern Pacific as a through transcontinental line, but he would predict its completion within two years. The Northern Pacific system, which completed in accordance with present plans, will embrace about 6,000 miles of main and tributary railway.

Mr. Villard and party travel by special train. In company with him are two other Northern Pacific directors, Mr. W. Endicott, Jr. and Mr. Richard Fay, of Boston, and Gen. Haupt, general manager of the road. The other members of the party are Senator Allison, of Iowa, Senator Corbett, of Oregon, Capt. Gorringe, the importer of the Egyptian obelisk, Mr. Elijah Smith, of Boston, Gen. James B. Frye, and other officials from different points along the line. (Brainerd Tribune, 09 July 1881, p. 1, c. 3)


22 July

DEATH

_____


Of Jerry McCarthy, a Brakeman on

the N. P.


Jerry McCarthy, a brakeman on the Northern Pacific railroad, met with a fatal accident at Deerwood, yesterday morning by slipping from the step at the entrance of the engine, and falling beneath the drive wheel. The wheel passed over the left leg of the unfortunate man, striking just below the knee. He was picked up and brought to the railroad hospital at Brainerd, and the injured limb amputated by Doctors Howes and Rosser. All efforts, however, to save the life of the man were unavailing, and death resulted some two hours after, from the shock occasioned by the operation. The remains were shipped last night, to his former home at Belle Plains, Iowa. He had only been in Brainerd since the 17th of this month. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 July 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


23 July

The Northern Pacific passenger department, in connection with the principal trunk lines, is issuing posters advertising the great harvest excursions of July 26, August 2, 9, 16 and 23, from the East to Fargo, Jamestown and Bismarck. The literary artist who composed the matter of the poster has “done himself proud,” as witness this opening sentence of a description of the North Pacific country and towns: “At this glorious season of the year, when nature is bright and beautiful and the garden of the world wears its brilliant carpet of gold, o’er which the prairie zephyrs play, the tired toilers of the old and crowded portions of the country should seek the great Northwest and witness the wonderful development of the new and rich region of the new land of promise.” (Brainerd Tribune, 23 July 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


RAILROADS.


It is announced by Col. Newport, auditor of the Northern Pacific, that the suits against Messrs. Power and Kindred are to be prosecuted vigorously by the Northern Pacific company. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 July 1881, p. 6, c. 2)


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


NEWPORT:

SEE: 17 August 1872

SEE: 26 April 1873

SEE: 12 December 1874

SEE: 19 December 1874

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 29 January 1876

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 03 June 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 09 June 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 07 February 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 17 March 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 30 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 February 1882

SEE: 18 February 1882

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


KINDRED:

SEE: 07 November 1874

SEE: 14 November 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 07 June 1876

SEE: 23 March 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 18 January 1879

SEE: 31 May 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 26 June 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 20 September 1883

SEE: 23 September 1883

SEE: 26 August 1885

SEE: 13 December 1887

SEE: 31 May 1889

SEE: 25 March 1898

SEE: 05 February 1917


RAILROAD COMPETITION.

_____


Brisk Work Between Two Competing Rail-

roads.—The People Look On and Smile.


Mr. Henry Villard, principal owner of the Northern Pacific, who passed through Chicago on Sunday en route to New York, said to some friends that he expected to have completed and in operation during the ensuing year 1,200 miles of tributary lines east of the Missouri river. He has secured the charter of the Northern Minnesota railroad and the line will be built with all possible dispatch from Breckenridge on the Red river by a direct route to Deadwood, to the Black Hills. The two branches from Jamestown, one northward on the Meade river, and the other southward through the valley of the James river, will also be pushed to an early completion. Mr. Villard said that a northern branch of the Northern Minnesota railroad will be constructed from Detroit, on the Northern Pacific, northward to Manitoba, tapping all the important locations now reached or hereafter to be reached by the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba railroad. The completed branch from Casselton, near Fargo, to Newburg in the Red river valley, will be extended this year and next down the valley on the west bank of the river to the Pembina mountains, across the Assiniboine valley and into the British possessions. The gentlemen who held the conversation with Mr. Villard believe that the Northern Pacific will make war on the Manitoba road at every competing point. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 July 1881, p. 6, c.’s 3 & 4)


30 July

The Northern Pacific company have just contracted with the Lafayette Car company, of Lafayette, Ind., for the building of 100 flat cars. This number makes 2,200 new freight cars for this year’s delivery to the company. The 100 cars will be delivered, probably by September next. (Brainerd Tribune, 30 July 1881, p. 2, c. 2)


04 August

A young man named Joseph L. Dumond had a finger crushed in one of the machines at the shops Thursday. The injured member was amputated, and the wound dressed by Dr. Parsons. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 August 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


Cut in Two.


A sad accident occurred four miles west of Detroit, Thursday morning. The work train under charge of conductor Downer was at Oak Lake cut loading with gravel, when Andrew Johnson, the car repairer of the train, went under the car to make some necessary repairs without advising any one of what he was going to do. It being about the time for the arrival of the eastern express, the men were left working in the cut, while the train was pulled out for Audubon, so as to leave the track clear. As soon as the train started a succession of screams were heard by the laborers in the cut, and watching the cars they saw a body roll from under the train, about half a mile from where they were working. The men immediately ran to the spot and found the body of the car repairer, nearly cut in two with the left shoulder dislocated. Life was not quite extinct though he lived but a few minutes after he was picked up. After the express train passed, the work train returned to the cut and the conductor and engineer were horrified to learn what had occurred. The body was brought at once to Detroit, and, under direction of station master Johnson, packed in ice.

An inspection of the cars showed that one axle of flat car No. 2,131 was now nearly bright. It is presumed the unfortunate man clung to this for life, until loosing consciousness he dropped, and as the train passed over him each succeeding brake beam struck him. His brother, who resides in Brainerd, arrived in Detroit on the evening train and took charge of the body.

Mr. Andrew Johnson, or W. A. Johnson, as his name appears on the company’s books, was a single man, about thirty-four years of age. He has been in the employ of the Northern Pacific for eight or nine years as car repairer and for about three months has been attached to Conductor Downer’s crew in that capacity. From conversation with the laborers employed on this train your correspondent learned that the deceased had been frequently warned by conductor Downer “not to go under the cars at any time without giving him notice, as they were likely to move at any minute,” and that he had always laughingly replied, “not to be uneasy about him, as he would take care of himself.” (Brainerd Tribune, 06 August 1881, p. 5, c. 4)


06 August

During the past year about 360 miles of new Northern Pacific road have been finished, and it is expected that, by the close of 1882 the company will have 1,400 miles of completed road. The earnings, as reported on 754 miles of main lines, are nearly sufficient to pay the interest on the cost of 1,500 miles. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 August 1881, p. 2, c. 1)


HEADLIGHT FLASHES.

_____


General Points of Interest Gathered

Up During the Week.


Engineers are engaged in surveying preliminary to locating shops at Mandan.


It is rumored that there will soon be another change of time on the Northern Pacific railroad.


The Northern Pacific is doing a good business in passenger traffic to Glendive, and ticket agent Barnes is happy.


J. M. Hannaford, general freight agent of the Northern Pacific, returned Sunday from a short vacation spent at the east.


A party of eighteen Scandinavian immigrants, bound for Polk county, went out on the St. Paul & Manitoba road Monday morning.


Mr. Callahan, the recently appointed land commissioner of the St. Paul & Duluth railroad, took formal possession of his office last Monday.


Mr. Vermilye, private secretary to General Manager Haupt, rejoices in the possession of Sitting Bull’s goggles, given to him personally by the “big injun.” Mr. V. says he cannot see through the Indian question any plainer than he could before the gift was tendered to him. Capt. Batchelor has Bull’s pipe of red clay, bowl curiously colored. The stem is willow. It is a curiosity in its way.


There is a report in circulation that the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba company have leased a considerable tract of ground near the Pacific elevator in Minneapolis for depot purposes, the movement being necessary in order to make room for the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha company when they run their trains to the city. Upon making inquiry, however, the reporter was unable to verify the report.


The work of relaying the St. Paul & Duluth road with steel rails is progressing rapidly. The line between Wyoming and St. Paul is all steel, about half the distance between the Northern Pacific junction and Duluth is also re-laid with steel, and now the track men are at work between Harris and Rush City. Travelers report the road rather dusty where the ballasting of the new track is going on. About 1,000 tons more of steel rails are to be received during this month by the company is Duluth, which will about finish up the work for this season.


A recent telegram from San Francisco is as follows:

J. D. Walker, representing foreign capitalists, has made an examination of the North Pacific Coast railroad with a view of purchasing the property and preliminary steps to complete the purchase have been taken. The estimated value of the property is $2,500,000. The road runs from San Cileto [sic] [Sausalito] along the northern coast, a distance of some ninety miles, with the franchise for several hundred miles, right-of way additional. It is said that the purchaser is really Villard, of the Northern Pacific syndicate. This road would give the Northern Pacific system a comparatively short and easy entry to San Francisco. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 August 1881, p. 8, c. 1)


08 August

Mr. Chase, local editor of the TRIBUNE, went out with a party from Minneapolis and this place, by special train, last Monday night, over the N. P. R. R., to Fargo, Bismarck, and probably to the terminus of the road. Accounts of the trip, of the towns through which they passed, and of the country in general will be published in next week’s issue of the TRIBUNE. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 August 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


SEE: [TOC: 1881 Along the Line in the Early Accounts of Brainerd page.]


The Small Boy.


The small boy is generally the origin of more genuine deviltry than any other class of “biped.” Last Monday, a number of the class alluded to, who had passed some six summers, climbed up on an engine standing near the Eighth street crossing, pulled the throttle, and jumped off and ran. Fortunately the switch was so set as to form an obstruction, and the whole thing was thrown from the track, just in time to prevent a collision at the curve, with the No. 1, which was just coming from St. Paul. If the switch had allowed the engine full sweep, nothing could have averted a collision. A little extract of pine shingle would be a good vitalizer for that boy. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 August 1881, p. 5, c. 4)


13 August

HORACE WHITE, formerly editor of the Chicago Tribune, has been acting as confidential secretary of Henry Villard, and it is reported Horace is $500,000 in pocket from Henry’s timely hints about investments. How glibly the blind pool magnates talk of the millions under their control. (Brainerd Tribune, 13 August 1881, p. 2, c. 1)


17 August

A young Dane named Ernest Wikoff was caught between the cars, last Tuesday while painting, and jammed terribly. He was taken to the N. P. Hospital, and lingered along until Wednesday evening, when he expired. He had no relatives in this country, and only a sister in the old world. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 August 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


19 August

Last evening when a party of section men were returning from up the road to Brainerd, one of the men named Connell, was thrown off in front of the two handcars, both of which passed over his body, inflicting severe internal injuries. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 August 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


20 August

Geo. K. Barnes, general ticket agent, of the N. P., has issued a circular proclaiming a great reduction of rates to points east. For particular information call on E. M. Westfall, ticket agent at Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 August 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


We hear considerable complaint about parties breaking into cars that are standing in the yards, almost every night. (Brainerd Tribune, 20 August 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


25 August

Wm. Fisher, a section man, was terribly bruised up, while engaged in unloading lumber in the yards last Thursday evening. His wrist was dislocated, and a severe bruising up in general was the result of the tumble. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 August 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


27 August

Vice President Oakes.


Mr. T. F. Oakes, vice president of the Northern Pacific, is a comparatively young man, not over forty years of age, and is said to be one of the brightest railroad men in the United States. He recently reached Bismarck after a horseback ride of 38 days from the Pacific slope, following the proposed route of the Northern Pacific. He was favorably impressed with the mineral resources of Montana, and estimates that the mining interests of that territory alone will pay the running expenses of the road, and a dividend beside. He puts the time of the completion of the road three years from this summer, though he admits that Mr. Villard talks of 1882. Comparing the Central route (which includes both the Union and Central Pacific roads) Mr. Oakes is reported as saying:

“When it is remembered that the Northern Pacific, when completed, will be a much shorter route across the continent than the Union and Central Pacific, that it will run through a region richer in mineral and agricultural resources, and will bring the vast commerce of China and Japan about 800 miles nearer to New York than the route by San Francisco, its contrast with the Union and Central Pacific becomes even more favorable. The following problem is then one of easy solution: If the Union and Central Pacific have an aggregate indebtedness of $145,000,000, and an aggregate capital stock of $155,000,000, and both bonds and stock bear a premium in the market, what must be the value of the bonds and stock of the Northern Pacific, a more valuable continental road when its total bonded debt will only reach $40,000,000 and its total stock is fixed at $100,000,000.—[Duluth News. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 August 1881, p. 4, c.’s 1 & 2)


The Golconda of the North.

[Bismarck Tribune.]


Mr. Oakes’ observations have been practical and thorough, and his tour has given him more than a bird’s-eye-view of the country. His observations have been carefully noted and will be referred to as a basis for the practical suggestions and recommendations that he will make to Mr. Villard when they meet in St. Paul in September, to consult as to the eastern terminus, and together take a trip to the end of the track. Said Mr. Oakes to the Tribune reporter:

“Why, the mining interests of Montana that must pay tribute to the North Pacific will pay the running expenses of this road and a dividend besides. There is enough ore in sight to guarantee this statement for at least 20 years.”

“When will the road be completed?” said the reporter.

“Well, I think in three years, although Mr. Villard puts the date of completion during the year 1882, and he is a man who generally accomplishes what he undertakes.”

In the course of the conversation Gen. Oakes expatiated on the splendid financial condition of the North Pacific. This he made evident by a contrast with the Union and Central Pacific. When completed, he said, that the indebtedness of the North Pacific would be less than half that of the Union and Central Pacific.

In round numbers the Union Pacific has an indebtedness of about $65,000,000, and the Central Pacific one of about $80,000,000—making a total of about $145,000,000. On the other hand, the existing bonded indebtedness of the North Pacific is only $24,500,000, and Gen. Oakes estimates that it will only require $20,000,000 more to complete the road.

The land grant along the Northern Pacific is an empire in itself. We all know the value of its lands in Montana, and Gen. Oakes considers those of Dakota more valuable.

When it is remembered that the North Pacific, when completed, will be a much shorter route across the continent than the Union and Central Pacific, that it will run through a region richer in mineral and agricultural resources, and will bring the vast commerce of China and Japan about 800 miles nearer to New York than the route by San Francisco, its contrast with the Union and Central Pacific becomes even more favorable. The following problem is then one of easy solution. If the Union and Central Pacific have an aggregate indebtedness of $145,000,000 and an aggregate capital stock of $155,000,000 and both bonds and stock bear a premium in the market, what must be the value of the bonds and stock of the Northern Pacific—a more valuable continental road—when its total bonded debt will only reach $45,000,000 and its total stock is fixed at $100,000,000.

This conundrum was propounded just as the train was about to move away, and therefore remained unanswered. Mr. Oakes is thus far better pleased with Dakota than Montana, but other than the above would not speak about the present and future plans of the management. He did, however, say that the Helena or Pipestone pass would undoubtedly be adopted across the mountains, and with that he bid adieu to Bismarck, and seated himself for a car window survey of the Dakota prairies and bonanza farms.

Mr. Oakes stated that during his entire journey, including the travel of many miles across the mountain roads, that he had not met with a single mishap, and was especially unbounded in his enthusiasm when speaking of the national park. Here, he said, you have congregated all of the natural attractions of the globe, the mountains, prairies, geysers, hot springs, etc., all brought together in one grand conglomeration. Here you can see in a few days what would take you months to see in other parts of the world. Mr. Oakes stated he would favor the immediate building of a branch line into the Yellowstone park, believing that it would even now pay a handsome profit if constructed. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 August 1881, p. 4, c.’s 2 & 3)


We are informed on good and official authority, that next year the new shops, now under course of construction, will be extended to five hundred feet in length. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 August 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


Vice President Oakes, General Manager Haupt, of the Northern Pacific, General J. B. Hammond and James Gamble formerly of the Union Pacific road, passed through the metropolis last evening, on their way east. A portion of of the distinguished party have come right through from Portland, Oregon, leaving there July 11th. (Brainerd Tribune, 27 August 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


01 September

RAILROADS.


On September 1, Mr. James B. Power, late land commissioner of the Northern Pacific railroad, will assume the position of land commissioner of the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba railroad. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 September 1881, p. 2, c. 1)


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


A fireman named Clary was severely bruised about the face, on Thursday, from a rock hurled through the engine window by some unknown party, while the train was coming into town from the west. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 September 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


03 September

Vice President Oakes of the Northern Pacific was at Superior City the other day and expressed himself as highly pleased with the route of his road into Superior and with everything pertaining to it at that point, and gave assurance that the road would be completed to that harbor by the 1st of November next. He urged the speedy construction of docks to receive iron this fall for his road in Montana, and agreed to the plans for dredging the bay up to the dock lines. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 September 1881, p. 2, c. 1)


A great many eastern parties are daily passing through this place, bound for the Yellowstone, to indulge in buffalo hunting. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 September 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


The new roundhouse is almost completed. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 September 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


The N. P. Shops are in rapid course of construction. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 September 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


Vice President Oakes is highly elated over the golden prospects of the Northern Pacific. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 September 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


Gen’l. Ticket Agent Barnes has issued a circular proclaiming an excursion to the Yellowstone, at greatly reduced rates. This will afford parties desiring an excellent opportunity for visiting the Bad Lands, and other interesting features of the west. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 September 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


10 September

The general shops of the Northern Pacific railroad will be at Brainerd, Glendive, a point some two hundred miles beyond Miles City, and another on the coast. Making four points all told. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 September 1881, p. 1, c. 6)


An exchange calls attention to the enormous land grant of the Northern Pacific, the extent and value of which is greater than is usually known. Where it runs through a state, the company has half the land—distributed in alternate sections—for twenty miles on each side of the track. Where it goes through a territory, it has half the land for forty miles on each side. It take one-half of a belt forty miles wide through Wisconsin, forty miles wide through Minnesota, eighty miles wide through Montana, eighty miles wide through Idaho, eighty miles wide through Washington, along the Cascade branch, forty miles along the Portland branch, in Washington, and twenty miles wide in Oregon, along the last named branch. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 September 1881, p. 1, c. 6)


Says the Pioneer Press: “General Manager Haupt of the Northern Pacific, has forwarded to Mr. J. W. Sprague, general superintendent of the Pacific Coast division, full copies of coach patterns, with samples of body colors, for the standard Northern Pacific coaches, together with copies of specifications for turntables now being manufactured at Brainerd. The object is to secure uniformity in the rolling stock of both the Eastern and Western divisions.” (Brainerd Tribune, 10 September 1881, p. 1, c. 6)


By circular issued by General Manager Haupt, the announcement is made that Mr. Thomas Richardson has been appointed agent of the Northern Pacific railroad company, for the purpose of superintending the receipt and shipment of grain through elevators and warehouses on the line of the said company’s road. He will enter upon his duties forthwith. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 September 1881, p. 2, c. 1)


The arrangements for the first excursion to the Yellowstone over the Northern Pacific road are now completed. The train will leave September the 12, at 7 p. m. conveying passengers in sleeping cars through the wonderful “Bad Lands” to Glendive and return. This excursion is designed for the express purpose of giving businessmen and tourists and opportunity of familiarizing themselves with the wonderful country now being made directly tributary to our leading cities of Minnesota. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 September 1881, p. 2, c. 1)


01 October

The construction of all the various sections of the Northern Pacific have to be inspected and accepted by the government. On Saturday morning six commissions—three for each section, eastern and western—were made out at the Interior department, and Assistant Secretary Bell was appointed a special messenger to take the commissions to New York for the signature of President Arthur. The gentlemen named for this duty are for the Pend Oreille section in Washington Territory: Dr. T. T. Miner, of Fort Townsend, Capt. H. H. Gorringe, of New York, and C. W. Slage, of Iowa City, Ia.; for the Dakota portion of the road, D. C. Shepard, of St. Paul, Minn., E. Clark, of Iowa City, and D. Burns, of Mansfield, Oh. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 October 1881, p. 2, c. 1)


The general superintendent of the Northern Pacific railroad has given timely notice to settlers on that line that the company cannot supply them with fuel the coming winter—having scarcely enough on hand to feed its own locomotives—but will transport it for dealers and others at low rates. This should be a hint to people on other lines to look out for themselves, and not depend too much on the railroads for anything but transportation. Everybody ought to have a respectable woodpile before his door in October, and as much earlier as possible. The middle of October of last year brought a blockading blizzard that lasted for months with brief intermissions. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 October 1881, p. 6, c. 1)


03 October

The case of the Northern Pacific railway company vs. ex-Land Commissioner James B. Power and the Messrs. Kindred appeared last Monday in a minute on the United States court record. Judge Nelson (McCrary concurring) having overruled the demurrer filed by defendants, said demurrer alleged, in effect, that plaintiffs had no cause of action as set up in their bill of complaint, but the court having decided to the contrary, trial on the original charge may be expected on the original bill and the answer which, under the rule, must be filed within twenty days. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 October 1881, p. 2, c. 1)


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


KINDRED:

SEE: 07 November 1874

SEE: 14 November 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 07 June 1876

SEE: 23 March 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 18 January 1879

SEE: 31 May 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 26 June 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 20 September 1883

SEE: 23 September 1883

SEE: 26 August 1885

SEE: 13 December 1887

SEE: 31 May 1889

SEE: 25 March 1898

SEE: 05 February 1917


05 October

Joseph Blomberg, a carpenter at the shops, had his left thumb badly mangled by a saw last Wednesday. Dr. Parsons found amputation necessary. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 October 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


08 October

The Northern Pacific is now within fifty miles of Miles City. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 October 1881, p. 2, c. 1)


The report, several times repeated, that General Haupt will be displaced is without foundation. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 October 1881, p. 2, c. 1)


10 October

GENERAL MANAGER’S OFFICE.

St. Paul, Oct. 10th, 1881.


Horace A. Towne, Superintendent of the Minnesota Division of the Northern Pacific Railroad, having voluntarily severed his connection with said road, and asked to be relieved at the earliest period practicable, B. McHugh has been appointed his successor, and will enter upon his duties forthwith.

The retirement of Mr. Towne from an office that he has held so long and filled so ably, will be a source of regret to all who have been connected with him. Official and personal relations that have given rise to warm feelings of respect and attachment, cannot be severed without pain, and the good wishes of all will no doubt follow Mr. Towne, in any position that he may hereafter occupy.

It is the hope and desire of the undersigned, that the loyalty heretofore manifested toward Mr. Towne by his subordinates, will be transferred to his successor, who, from his previous record, will no doubt recognize merit and reward fidelity, and, by courtesy and impartiality in the discharge of duty, deserve and receive the respect and support of all officers and employees connected with his Division.

H. HAUPT,

Gen’l. Manager.

(Brainerd Tribune, 15 October 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


15 October

All the railroads are handling more freight than ever before at this season of the year, and nearly all are short of cars and engines. The trouble is that everybody wants to send all the wheat at once. The Northern Pacific, for instance, has doubled its complement of freight cars within the last twelve months. Even if there were more, the engines could not haul in one month all the grain that will be moved in the next three months. To supply all the cars now needed would involve a loss in interest cost on the extra cars that would likely to be idle during two-thirds of the year, waiting for the opening of crop seasons, which interest would more than absorb the profits secured in the busy months. Other roads are in the same fix. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 October 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


19 October

The undersigned railroad employees desire to state to the public, that on last Wednesday evening they were refused supper without any cause by the Proprietor of the Headquarters Hotel. That they were orderly in every respect, and that the Proprietor met them at the hall door and said he could not accommodate you R. R. men, and further that one Mr. Richardson had been taking meals regularly, and that he had invited the others to take supper with him, and that R. R. men have been refused heretofore.

GEO. RICHARDSON, Engineer

CHAS. SHERWOOD, Engineer

H. C. VAUPEL, Engineer.

The above statements are made for the benefit of R. R. men and the public in general. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 October 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


22 October

Vice President Oakes of the Northern Pacific has given out his authoritative and emphatic personal denial of the truthfulness of any and all reports concerning the reported intention of General Manager Haupt to resign, either under pressure or voluntarily. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 October 1881, p. 1, c. 1)


The car accountant’s office has been removed to St. Paul. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 October 1881, p. 5, c. 2)


29 October

Mr. Delano, of the Northern Pacific railroad company, announces that the Northern Pacific will build the branch line from Brainerd, Minn., down through the Red River Valley to the boundary line; that he has the contract for the grading, and that the work will be pushed through next spring. The road will strike the international boundary line at Emerson. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 November 1881, p. 2, c. 1)


31 October

A terrible accident happened in the Brainerd railroad yards last Monday, resulting in the death of a young Norwegian named Thomas Allen. While the switch engines were busily engaged switching cars about the yard, Allen was in some manner caught under the cars and the wheels in passing over him severed his right leg, below the knee, from the body, also his right arm was cut off, four toes from the left foot, and mangled the left hand somewhat. He was taken to the N. P. hospital., but never regained consciousness, dying in a few hours. A brother of the deceased, living in Wisconsin, was telegraphed to, and arrived on Wednesday, when the unfortunate man’s remains were buried in the Brainerd cemetery. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 November 1881, p. 5, c. 4)


01 November

FACIAL PROPENSITY.

_____


General Manager Haupt Severe-

ly Criticized.

_____


The Fargo Argus “Suggests” that

General Haupt Resign, and

Proposes other Changes in

the Management of the

N. P. R. R.

_____


Never, perhaps, in the history of the Northern Pacific railroad and its varied management has a more uncalled for comment on the control of that road appeared in any journal than that which appeared in the Fargo Argus of last Tuesday. The idea of that illustrious journal presuming the authority of suggesting the proper disposition of matters pertinent to the management and control of this great line of road has been made the subject of much ridicule since the publication of the article in question. Relative to the “innumerable reports” which have been published relative to the retirement of Gen. Haupt, it is quite plausible to assert that the majority of such articles have been a portion of the reading matter furnished the subscribers of the Argus from time-to-time. Relative to the rules laid down by the General at the beginning of his administration, they were such as but very few would find difficult to maintain and submit to; as to stringency and severity, they would not compare with the regulations required by any eastern line. A young man is suggested—evidently the Argus opines that an eastern man of wide and varied experience is not worthy of qualification in preference to a young man of limited comprehension, if such youthful representative only be a western man. On this basis the Argus makes, by self-committed insinuations, a most absurd assertion, and betrays great lack of intuitiveness and discretion. That there is a screw loose somewhere is quite evident, indications point strongly to the fact that naught but selfish motives prompted the publication of the article mentioned. Mark the sentence; “what is wanted is a man without grooves, and capable of running outside of a rut.” An insinuation of so characteristic a type as the above, should be ignored as unworthy of even a passing notice by every man who has the interests of this great western country at heart, and who appreciates a pure and systematic control of any corporate organization or interest general to the interests of a great people. When have matters run more smoothly, and when have needs and wants been adjusted with more promptitude and precision than under the present administration? This is a question that it will take more calibre than backs the Argus or any other newspaper to answer. Gen. Haupt has been the subject of much admiration and significantly favorable comment by virtue of his recognized qualifications to properly conduct the arduous duties imposed by his present position as general manager of the Northern Pacific railroad. The situation is one which requires good, sound judgement and cool forethought at all times and under all circumstances and intimidations that may arise. A gentleman has been selected who possesses these necessary qualifications in their most technical and formal requirements. But the scuff offered which most decisively determines the origin and design of the article published is the one where the paper suggests that a manager should be selected whose word and promise is a sufficient guarantee of their fulfillment. The people of this section are already too familiar with the policy of Gen. Haupt to place any credence whatever upon this most unwarrantable slur. The conclusion of the Argus effusion concludes the aim of the selfish motives which have promoted its publication. It is as follows: “It is the opinion of many of the wisest men fully alive to the facts, that Mr. Villard could not do better than to put Mr. Sargent in charge of the Northern Pacific railroad.” Dear Argus, it will never be thus, Gen. Sargent resigned through the prompting of his own judgement, and it will never be expected or presumed that he will again assume the management of the N. P. The TRIBUNE entertains none but the highest appreciation and esteem for Mr. Sargent, but the foolish suggestions of the Argus are truly ridiculous. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 November 1881, p. 1, c. 5)


A Serious Affair.


A man named J. Harding, who has been in the employ of the N. P. railway company for some time past was terribly cut and pounded up with a razor and hammer last Tuesday evening, while walking with another party down by the river. The man in company with Harding, (whose name is St. George), brought the wounded man into the doctor's office, with a pitiful story to the effect that three men had attacked them, robbed and nearly killed Cole [sic]. Drs. Parsons and Howes took the patient in charge, dressed the wounds, and he is now improving. Circumstances soon developed which led to a suspicion that the partner of Harding was interested, and he was accordingly arrested, and after a brief imprisonment in jail, made a full confession to the whole affair. Lack of space forbids giving further details this week, but suffice it to say the guilty party should suffer the strictest penalty of the law. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 November 1881, p. 5, c. 4)


05 November

Walla-Walla Statesman: There have now been ordered by the Northern Pacific and Oregon Railway & Navigation companies 200,000 tons of steel rails, 1[?]0 locomotives and 6,000 freight and other cars. So vast an amount of material affords most striking proof of the energy with which the enterprises of these companies are being directed. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 November 1881, p. 2, c. 2)


Mr. Westfall, for some time past freight agent for the Northern Pacific railroad at Brainerd, we are informed has resigned his position, and will sever his connection with the company. We have not as yet learned who is to be Mr. Westfall’s successor. We trust, however, that the ex-freight agent will still remain in Brainerd as one of our citizens. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 November 1881, p. 5, c. 3)


We are informed that some evil disposed person attempted to play the little game of grab upon Mr. Jack McNaughton a few evenings since. While returning from the N. P. shops, where he is foreman of the blacksmithing department, he was accosted by some unknown party and ordered to throw up his hands. He immediately did so, when the fellow attempted to go through him. But the poor devil had reckoned without his wits about him, for a tremendous blow from McNaughton's fist sent him reeling to the ground, and the above named gentleman quietly walked on home, as though nothing unusual had transpired. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 November 1881, p. 5, c. 4)


We are informed that Mr. Henry Mahle, for some time train dispatcher at Brainerd for the Northern Pacific R. R. Co., has resigned his position, and will hereafter devote his attention to the wood and coal business in which he is interested with Mr. L. B. Carver. Mr. Mahle has been recognized as an able and efficient official, and his many friends will be sorry to learn of his severance from the railway service. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 November 1881, p. 5, c. 4)


SEE: 02 July 1881

SEE: 15 January 1892

SEE: 05 January 1893


One Who is Worthy.


We are highly pleased to announce that Mr. M. L. Vining, for some time past an employee in the Chief Roadmaster’s office at Brainerd, has received the appointment of Roadmaster of the Northern Pacific, Fergus & Black Hills railroad, with headquarters at Fergus Falls. Mr. Vining came to Brainerd last August and since that time has formed a circle of many warm friends, who are loth to see him leave, though pleased over the honor justly conferred. A man amply qualified, and with a number of years of active service, a no better appointment could have been desired. May further honors come in due time. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 November 1881, p. 5, c. 4)


SEE: 24 December 1881


12 November

MR. GEORGE A. PILLSBURY of Minneapolis, who traveled with Villard and his party of railroad men and capitalists over the western line and branches of the Northern Pacific and the connecting lines of the Oregon Railway and Navigation company, returns filled with enthusiastic admiration for the young Napoleon of Wall street, with confidence in his powers of future achievement, and in his intentions regarding the eastern terminus of his magnificent consolidated line. He says Villard controls every foot of railway in the Oregon and Washington company, and will manage all his interests there in harmony with those of the Northern Pacific. Together, they will constitute the greatest transcontinental line in America, reaching from St. Paul to San Francisco. Mr. Villard seemed to Mr. Pillsbury fully alive to the importance of the eastern terminus of his line, and to have a livelier conception of its splendid future than the people of the two states themselves. He is already making plans for erecting a fine depot building at Minneapolis, and for building the much-needed independent line from Sauk Rapids to St. Paul on the west side of the river. Mr. Pillsbury seems to have had a good time on his own account, too. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 November 1881, p. 1, c. 5)


A LINE of railroad will soon be built by the N. P. R. R. Co., extending from Sauk Rapids to Saint Paul. (Brainerd Tribune, 12 November 1881, p. 4, c. 1)


15 November

On Thursday last, Mr. E. M. Westfall severed his connection with the Northern Pacific R. R. Co., as freight agent at this place, and was succeeded by Mr. W. C. Cattell, of Cleveland, Ohio. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 November 1881, p. 1, c. 6)


General Manager Haupt, Mr. Geo. W. Cross, superintendent of transportation, and Herman Frost, land agent of the Northern Pacific, were in town on Tuesday. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 November 1881, p. 1, c. 6)


A man named Thornton was severely jammed by a switch engine, at the N. P. Junction, last Thursday. He was brought to Brainerd, and placed in the Northern Pacific Hospital where the operation of amputating his limb was performed, and it is hoped he will soon be around again. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 November 1881, p. 6, c. 3)


19 November

Northern Pacific Matters.


President Villard, of the Oregon Railway & Navigation company, has just issued his annual report to the stockholders. As shown in the report, the company has during the past year completed 250 miles of standard gauge road, and before January 1, next, Mr. Villard expects that fully 300 miles of new road will be completed and in active operation. There has been constructed 1,464 feet of Howe truss, and 11,268 feet of trestle, and the large bridge over Snake river, two miles below Texas ferry, representing an aggregate length of 11,268 feet, is now in process of construction. All questions of right of way have been settled at comparatively small cost to the company, and with scarcely any litigation. The right of way across the Umatilla Indian reservation, on the Baker City line, was amicably settled at a council, by an agreement on the part of the company to pay the Indians $2.50 per acre for all wild lands, and $27.20 per acre for cultivated lands necessary for the roadway and depot grounds located within the reservation, the whole cost of which will be $3,000. The report enlarges somewhat on the consolidation recently effected with the Northern Pacific railroad, and the transfer of the controlling power over both corporations to a third corporation—the Oregon & Transcontinental company, having an authorized capital of $50,000,000. Mr. Villard expresses the conviction that the large proprietary interest of this company in the other companies is the best guarantee to the latter that its power will be only exercised to promote their legitimate development to the fullest extent; or in other words, that the new company can only promote its own interest, as a great holder of Oregon Railway & Navigation and Northern Pacific stocks, by taking the best care of every other stockholder in both companies. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 November 1881, p. 1, c. 5)


Two thousand men and sixteen hundred mules are at work on the Yellowstone division of the Northern Pacific, and they will soon have the road completed to Miles City. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 November 1881, p. 1, c. 6)


A prophecy made by an eastern capitalist, after a tour from St. Paul to Glendive: That in 1885, Brainerd would be the largest and most prominent point on the Northern Pacific railroad. Indications of the improvements to be made next spring, surely look like something of this nature. It will always be a growing place, and not a mere farming community. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 November 1881, p. 1, c. 6)


Mr. Henry Villard makes a splendid showing for his Oregon Railway & Navigation company in his report just published. The building of 250 miles of railroad on the western coast in one year is of itself no commonplace accomplishment. The receipts of the company are reported at $9,508,620.50; disbursements, $8,014,360.80, leaving net earnings of $1,666,861.83. These figures have a local interest from the intimate connection of the Northern Pacific railroad with Mr. Villard’s Oregon system. (Brainerd Tribune, 19 November 1881, p. 2, c. 2)


26 November

HENRY VILLARD, president of the North Pacific, is nothing if not a prince. He has just had built the finest car in the world. It is made in great part of mahogany and rosewood, and the lamps and mouldings are plated with gold. It is pronounced a royal palace on wheels. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 November 1881, p. 1, c. 5)


The Northern Pacific Railroad reached Miles City today. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 November 1881, p. 1, c. 6)


The Headquarters hotel is now running under the competent management of the Messrs. Witt & Leland, two gentlemen who thoroughly understand the business. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 November 1881, p. 5, c. 4)


03 December

The New York Tribune says: “Thomas F. Oakes, vice president of the Northern Pacific company and Henry Villard’s man of action, has one of the shrewdest heads upon a pair of shoulders of all the railroad men of the country, and is fast going to the top-most rung of the ladder.” (Brainerd Tribune, 03 December 1881, p. 3, c. 1)


A New York dispatch says: Northern Pacific sold up from 80 1/2 to 81 7/8c. closing at the highest notch. A report is in circulation that the finance committee have about concluded to make the proposed dividend on the preferred stock payable in a 10 per cent scrip which will draw interest from January 1. This is equal to 8 per cent in cash. The common stock is also pointed higher. The granger shares were largely dealt in at advance figures. Flower & Osborne were buyers of St. Paul. Northwestern common and preferred, Omaha common and preferred, and St. Paul, all closed strong at top prices. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 December 1881, p. 3, c. 3)


On account of poor health, Mr. H. D. Follett has been compelled to resign his position as store-keeper at the N. P. shops.

Mr. Elvidge, of Philadelphia, is the newly appointed fuel agent of the Northern Pacific railroad, with headquarters at Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 December 1881, p. 6, c. 4)


Another gentleman from the Michigan Central railroad has accepted a position on the N. P. this time it is Mr. N. D. Root, who succeeds Mr. Henry Mahle, as train dispatcher, the latter having retired from the railroading business, and adopted another occupation. (Brainerd Tribune, 03 December 1881, p. 6, c. 4)


06 December

The Vice President [Thomas Fletcher Oakes] reported that at the instance of the defendants he had agreed to settle the suits brought by the Company against James B. Power and C. F. Kindred for good reasons given, and on terms of advantage, whereupon authority was given by the committee for such settlements to be made. (Northern Pacific Book of Reference: For the Use of the Directors and Officers of the Company; compiled by E. V. Smalley; New York: E. Wells Sackett & Rankin, Printers and Stationers; 1883, p. 242)


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


KINDRED:

SEE: 07 November 1874

SEE: 14 November 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 07 June 1876

SEE: 23 March 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 18 January 1879

SEE: 31 May 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 26 June 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 20 September 1883

SEE: 23 September 1883

SEE: 26 August 1885

SEE: 13 December 1887

SEE: 31 May 1889

SEE: 25 March 1898

SEE: 05 February 1917


10 December

The following are the new stations of the Northern Pacific and their distance west from Glendive: Milton, 15 miles; Fallon, 29; Terry, 39; Morgan, 49; Tilley, 59; Miles City, 78; Fort Keogh, 81. (Brainerd Tribune, 10 December 1881, p. 4, c. 1)


17 December

Bozeman, which will be reached by the Northern Pacific in December, 1883, is 575 miles west of Bismarck. It is one of the oldest villages in Montana, and has prospered since its location. It resembles a New England village, and will make one of the best towns on the line of the Northern Pacific. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 December 1881, p. 2, c. 2)


The first train on the Northern Pacific to Superior city, arrived on Saturday last, among those on board were Vice President Oakes, Gen. A. Anderson, chief engineer; Gen. Haupt, general manager; Gen. J. H. Hammond, vice president and superintendent of the Manitoba & Southwestern railroad; Gen. W. G. Saunders of Helena, M. T.; Hon. Edmund Rice, mayor of St. Paul; B. Roberts and N. Starbuck of New York; A. N. Ackley of Chicago; F. R. Delano of St. Paul; F. G. D. Holbrook, chief engineer of the Wisconsin division of the Northern Pacific, and Messrs. D. J. McDermid and John Ross, the builders of the extension to Superior. They had a most cordial reception from people who had been “Waiting for the wagon” for a quarter of a century or less. (Brainerd Tribune, 23 December 1881, p. 2, c. 2)


Thomas Russell, a young man working in the Northern Pacific yard received a severe knock on the right side, just below the ribs, from a stick of wood which was being used to assist in raising a car on the track. He is doing well under the care of Dr. Rosser. (Brainerd Tribune, 17 December 1881, p. 4, c. 1)


24 December

Mr. M. L. Vining is again holding forth in the Roadmaster’s department of the Northern Pacific Railroad company, at this place. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 December 1881, p. 4, c. 3)


SEE: 05 November 1881


Shop People.


The number of men at present employed in the Northern Pacific railroad shops is 503. They may be classified as follows in the different departments: Carpenters, 175; blacksmiths, 60; machinists, 92; boilermakers, 27; tinsmiths, 14; moulders, 19; round house men, 38; yard laborers, 28; office clerks, etc., 13; painters, 38. (Brainerd Tribune, 24 December 1881, p. 4, c. 3)


1882

01 January

SAINT PAUL.


OUR RAILROADS.


A Pullman sleeper for the Northern Pacific is being built at the railroad company’s shops in Brainerd, under the supervision of a master mechanic of the Pullman company. Railroad men say “it will be a daisy.” (Minneapolis Tribune, 01 January 1882, p. 4)


Minneapolis Cornice Works.


[...]


Northern Pacific R. R. shops and roundhouse, Brainerd, Minn.... The Brainerd job took thirty-six car-loads of slate, six car-loads tarred roofing felt, one car-load of glass for sky-lights and two car-loads of galvanized iron. (Minneapolis Tribune, 01 January 1882, p. 6)


07 January

The TRIBUNE received a call yesterday morning from Mr. James A. Walker, who is now stationed at Brainerd, with charge of the Northern Pacific ticket office. Mr. Walker has for some time past been traveling agent in the New England states and the provinces, for the Northern Pacific, but will hereafter make his headquarters at Brainerd. He is a genial gentleman, a ready conversationalist; just the kind of man it does one good to meet. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 January 1882, p. 5, c. 5)


James Willis, who has been employed in the car department at the shops during the last five years, is compelled to abandon his occupation on account of dust from the machinery, which he says is rapidly accumulating in his lungs. His intention is to go on the road. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 January 1882, p. 5, c. 5)


Ed. O’Neill, who has been in the employ of the Northern Pacific Railroad company for the past twelve years, has severed his connection with the company and will go east. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 January 1882, p. 6, c. 3)


Mr. C. E. Newport, a contractor on the N. P., it is reported, has already contracted to get out $100,000 worth of ties this winter. He has opened out five camps along the Mississippi, and is doing an extensive business. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 January 1882, p. 6, c. 3)


Engine No. 82, which was burned in the Bismarck fire, will be completely repaired by Saturday, the 7th inst. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 January 1882, p. 6, c. 3)


Engine 82, one of the relics of the Bismarck fire, has been thoroughly repaired, varnished, and completely fitted up in running order in four days. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 January 1882, p. 6, c. 3)


Master Mechanic Farrar has ordered snow plows put on the engines, to be ready for any case of emergency. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 January 1882, p. 6, c. 3)


A New Gymnasium.


A gymnasium association has been organized by gentlemen connected with the Northern Pacific offices, and much has already been done toward fitting up a large room, which has been secured in the third story of the general office building. The apparatus already put in consists of parallel bars, turning pole, horizontal bars, trapezes, swinging rings, climbing ropes, etc. Indian clubs, boxing gloves, foils and dumbbells are also parts of the equipment and the pleasurable business of physical education and recreation will be entered into with a zest by the thirty gentlemen now members of the association and all others who may join. New members are admitted at the monthly meeting upon receiving a favorable ballot and paying a small initiation fee. The officers of the association are:

President—F. W. Gilbert.

Secretary—A. G. Michie.

Treasurer—S. D. Mason.

These three officers also constitute an executive committee. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 January 1882, p. 6, c. 4)


Mr. Frank Bell, one of the Northern Pacific company’s old and reliable engineers, has been promoted to the office of Master Mechanic of the round house and repair shop in St. Paul. (Brainerd Tribune, 07 January 1882, p. 6, c. 4)


Sunday morning two freight trains collided near Muskoda, on the Northern Pacific, caused by a careless operator at Glyndon, who neglected to hold an east-bound freight at his station. The engines were Nos. 91 and 62, run by Messrs. Sunley and Sutherland, Engine 62 was a total wreck. Several cars loaded with wheat were badly damaged, but no one was injured. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 January 1882, p. 1, c. 6)


14 January

Mr. Stoughton of the Detroit Bridge and Iron Works is giving his personal supervision to the work of roofing the new machine shops and round house. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 January 1882, p. 1, c. 6)


Mr. Tom Palmer who recently returned from the south with his bride has resumed his position as foreman of construction at the new shops. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 January 1882, p. 1, c. 6)


E. W. Kaley has received an offer of $4 a day from a railroad company at Eagle Rock, Idaho. It is hoped Mr. Kaley will not leave Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 January 1882, p. 1, c. 6)


Visitors who come to Brainerd do not think that they have seen all the sights until the immense improvements at the car works are inspected. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 January 1882, p. 1, c. 6)


The big engine for the new machine shops has been put in position. The four large boilers are on the ground and work has commenced putting them in. Their weight is 22,000 pounds each, and they will furnish steam for heating the new buildings as well as for running the engine. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 January 1882, p. 1, c. 6)


Mr. H. A. Towne, formerly superintendent of the Minnesota division of the Northern Pacific, has accepted the position of superintendent of machinery for the Minneapolis & St. Louis road, with headquarters at the new shops at Minneapolis. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 January 1882, p. 2, c. 2)


The Northern Pacific House in East Brainerd is doing a thriving business nowadays. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 January 1882, p. 4, c. 4)


Northern Pacific Earnings.


The earnings of the Northern Pacific for the month of December were $434,331, an increase of $213,338 over the previous month. The earnings from July 1 to December 31 were $2,808,889, an increase of $1,113,604 over the same period last year. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 January 1882, p. 4, c. 5)


The framework is being placed upon the new machine shop, preparatory to putting on the roof. The framework throughout the shops will be entirely of iron. (Brainerd Tribune, 14 January 1882, p. 4, c. 5)


19 January

OUR RAILROADS.


The N. P. Pullman Car, Minneapolis, a

Beauty.


The Northern Pacific sleeping car Minneapolis has been converted into a pullman of most modern design and appliances. The work was done at the railroad company’s shops at Brainerd, and was well done, so that the car is worthy of the good name it bears. The painting is especially elegant and high finished, so that the exterior view of the car is accordingly very attractive. Two more of the company’s sleeping cars, the St. Paul and the Fargo are to be similarly converted. (Minneapolis Tribune, 19 January 1882, p. 4)


21 January

New Foundry.


The N. P. railroad company are continually adding to their already extensive shops in Brainerd by building new and commodious buildings, all of which are rapidly filled with men and material, and work commenced as soon as the necessary facilities are ready for business. The latest enterprise in this direction is that of a new foundry, which is to be erected directly east of the present foundry building and will be 200 feet in length by eighty feet in width. Building will begin in early spring. In this new structure all the car and drive wheels will be manufactured and all the casting done which will be required in the Brainerd shops. A force of forty moulders will be employed and this new feature, it may be expected, will bring a hundred more families to the city of Pines. Welcome all. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 January 1882, p. 1, c. 5)


Master Car Builder Davis of the Northern Pacific shops has received orders from superintendent of transportation, George W. Cross, to build 12 new baggage express and mail cars. Some of them will contain the three departments mentioned above while others will be mail, baggage and express separately. Mr. Davis says that on account of the enormous amount of work on hand only three cars can be built at these shops. The remainder of them will be built on contract by eastern car builders, and they will be compelled to guarantee their completion ready for the road by May 1st. Mr. Davis also informs us that the rapidly increasing demands of the road necessitate the building of the cars and many more as soon as time and help will allow. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 January 1882, p. 1, c. 6)


The Pioneer Press pays a very high compliment to the decorative artists at the paint shops in this city, and in noting the arrival of the beautiful sleeper Minneapolis there, says: It is one of the handsomest in the service, having been thoroughly refitted in Pullman style, with all the luxuriant appointments that taste could suggest and money pay for. The car is a beauty. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 January 1882, p. 1, c. 6)


The Northern Pacific railroad company has awarded to Messrs. Williams & Upham of Duluth the contract for building a dock at Superior City, which is to cost, when completed, the sum of $100,000. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 January 1882, p. 2, c. 2)


We noticed J. A. McColl, the city artist, at the new shops yesterday afternoon taking a photograph of the iron roof and false works. On looking at the negative we saw Mr. Will Palmer standing out very prominently performing the necessary duties that his office enforced upon him. If Mr. Howe had been about two feet to the west, his pose would have been appreciated by the buyers of the photograph. Mr. McColl says he will have them finished in a few days. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 January 1882, p. 4, c. 4)


Mr. C. M. Grimell, from Tioga county Pennsylvania, has just taken up his abode in Brainerd, and will be engaged for the present in the N. P. paint shops at this place. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 January 1882, p. 4, c. 5)


Mr. E. R. Spofford formerly a resident of Brainerd, but who has been south during the past few years has returned and will make Brainerd his future home. He will be employed in the shops. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 January 1882, p. 4, c. 5)


The Northern Pacific road has appointed Mr. A. Rodelheimer of Kansas as general European agent for that road, with headquarters at St. Paul. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 January 1882, p. 5, c. 2)


The bolt machine in the N. P. blacksmith shop in this city turns out 2,000 bolts per day. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 January 1882, p. 5, c. 2)


A stationery engine has been placed on the new pile-driver, which will soon be ready for work. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 January 1882, p. 5, c. 2)


The N. P. foundry at Brainerd is now casting about 6,000 pounds of iron and 1,000 pounds of brass daily. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 January 1882, p. 5, c. 2)


General Manager Haupt is off on a trip to the Yellowstone over the road. Mr. Geo. W. Cross, assistant manager, will run the office during Gen. Haupt’s absence. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 January 1882, p. 5, c. 3)


BROTHERHOOD of LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS. Meets first and third Sundays of each month, in Odd Fellows’ Hall.

JAMES GARDNER, Secretary.

PATRICK CARNEY, Chief Engineer

(Brainerd Tribune, 21 January 1882, p. 5, c. 4)


BROTHERHOOD of LOCOMOTIVE FIREMEN. Meets first and third Sundays, in each month in Odd Fellows’ Hall.

F. D. MILLSPAUGH, Master

THOS. COLLINS, Sec’y.

(Brainerd Tribune, 21 January 1882, p. 5, c. 4)


The authorities of the Northern Pacific are apparently not apprehensive about congressional action in the direction of working a forfeiture of their land grant. They are on the alert to buy in stock if the bears force values down by their stock-jobbing sensations. (Brainerd Tribune, 21 January 1882, p. 8, c. 2)


28 January

OUR RAILROADS.


[...]


The Northern Pacific Railway Company is making ready to build a new foundry at Brainerd, for the casting of car wheels, which will give employment to forty moulders. The building will be 80x200 feet, with brick walls and an iron covered roof. (Minneapolis Tribune, 28 January 1882, p. 4)


A PAINFUL ACCIDENT,

_____


By Which Mr. Norbeit Wood, Fore-

man of the N. P. Chain Gang,

Gets Badly Crushed and

Will Probably Die.

_____


Wednesday afternoon about 2 o’clock a very painful accident occurred at the N. P. shops. The chain gang were hauling one of the large snow plows from the platform where they are kept to the round house, and one end of the plow was placed upon a push car and the other end on blocks. From some unknown cause the end that lay upon the car slipped off, crushing the foreman, Mr. Norbeit Wood, in a terrible manner. Fortunately there was a bolt about a foot long that kept the plow from doing more harm, but as it was Mr. Wood’s injuries are very serious. He was at once placed upon an engine and brought down to the Sixth street crossing, where he was removed to a sleigh and taken to his residence on South Fifth street. Dr. Howes was at once summoned and found Mr. Wood in quite a critical condition, the nature of the injury being a concussion of the spine.

The lower part of the body being paralyzed. When asked by a TRIBUNE reporter if he suffered any pain, Mr. Wood replied: “Oh my body is dead, I can feel nothing.” The clothes of the unfortunate man were cut from his body as he could not be turned on his side nor set erect.

During the afternoon a report was current that Mr. Wood had died, but about 7 o'clock last evening a TRIBUNE reporter called at his residence and found him still alive but in terrible agony. There is little hope of his recovery, and he said himself that he did not expect to reach his home alive. He has a wife and five small children, the oldest being seven years. As soon as the accident was made known at the shops, the men expressed deep sorrow for their fellow workman, and volunteered to aid him and the family all that was in their power. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 January 1882, p. 1, c. 6)


A Circular.


Mr. Geo. W. Cross, superintendent of transportation on the Northern Pacific road, has issued the following circular:

“Referring to my circular dated November 25, 1881, appointing Mr. Frank H. Elvidge fuel agent of this company, with headquarters at Brainerd, Minn. I wish to say that the fuel agent’s department is now fully organized, and from this date the receipt and distribution of both wood and coal, for all purposes of the company, and the wood-sawing business, will be conducted by and through that office. This will relieve all division superintendents, machinery department and roadmaster’s department from further care in the matter. The fuel agent will, in accordance with the organization, provide for the supply and distribution by direct consultation with all parties interested, including wood for settlers. Therefore, all correspondence on the subject should be addressed to the fuel agent at Brainerd. Purchases of all fuel will still be made by purchasing agent.

GEO. W. CROSS, Supt. Transportation.

(Brainerd Tribune, 28 January 1882, p. 1, c. 6)


Mr. W. W. Havens has been promoted to the position of car inspector at the shops. He will be kept busy looking after the wants of coaches, sleepers, etc. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 January 1882, p. 4, c. 3)


A blizzard is blowing in eastern Dakota, on the line of the Northern Pacific, and the west bound extra in in charge of Conductor Brown was snow bound near Muskoda. East bound freight No. 28 made three attempts to leave Hawley but finally had to give it up and wait for the passenger. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 January 1882, p. 4, c. 3)


The roofing of the new machine shops is nearly up and planks are being laid upon it. It will soon be ready for the slate. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 January 1882, p. 4, c. 3)


The New N. P. Offices in St. Paul.


The Northern Pacific officials have closed a lease with commodore Davidson for all the offices on the upper floor of the block, corner of Fourth and Jackson streets, commencing February 1. The offices of the company, now located on the opposite side of Jackson street, except the manager and land department on the first floor, and the general freight agent’s two offices on the second floor, will be transferred to the Davidson building. The vacated rooms in the old office building will be rented out by the company.—[Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 January 1882, p. 4, c. 4)


An accident near Jonesville on the Northern Pacific resulted in a crippled engine and several maimed boxcars. An open switch was the cause. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 January 1882, p. 5, c. 3)


Mr. G. K. Barnes, general passenger agent of the Northern Pacific railroad, in speaking of the new line to be opened from Northern Pacific Junction to Superior, expressed the conviction that with the advanced facilities thus afforded her, Superior would very soon out rival her northern neighbor, Duluth. He thinks Superior has much the advantage in point of harbor and dockage. (Brainerd Tribune, 28 January 1882, p. 5, c. 3)


03 February

BRAINERD.

_____


Notes From the Thriving City in the

Pines.


BRAINERD, Feb. 3.—...The roof of the new machine shop is nearly covered with plank and the slate will be laid in a short time. The roundhouse will be roofed next. It will probably take two months to complete the roofing of the new shops. (Minneapolis Tribune, 04 February 1882, p. 3)


04 February

FACTS ABOUT RAILROADS.


[...]


The new business cars, Yellowstone and Montana, now being remodeled at Brainerd, when completed will be the finest on the Northern Pacific. Several first-class workmen, recently from the Pullman Car Company’s shops, are employed at Brainerd on the cars, which is a guarantee of good work. (Minneapolis Tribune, 04 February 1882, p. 4)


SEE: 17 September 1883


08 February

DEATH ON THE RAIL.

_____


John Harte Instantly Killed While

Switching in the Yard

Yesterday.

_____


Wednesday, about 5 o'clock Mr. John Harte, while engaged in switching cars at the St. Paul crossing in the yards, fell from the top of a box car and struck his head upon the rail, causing instant death. No one saw the unfortunate man fall, but Mr. Thomas Pillon was within three car lengths of him, and was the first to see the body lying on the track.

The cars were moving very slowly when he fell, and Mr. Pillon at once gave the signal to stop the engine, which was done in time to prevent the wheels from crushing the body of the victim. No bruises or marks of any kind were found upon his person, except on the top of his head where it struck the rail. Blood flowed from the nostrils and covering the face presented a ghastly appearance.

Mr. Harte had been employed in the blacksmith department at the shop during the winter, and on Tuesday he complained of being sick and thinking the close confinement in the shop did not agree with his health. Yesterday morning he applied for and received the position he held at the time of his death. He has been in the employ of the company for some time, and was once engaged in the yard at Bismarck.

His home is in New York state, and his only relative near this part of the country is a half-brother, who called upon him a few days ago at the shop, but the exact whereabouts of his brother is not known at present, but he will undoubtedly receive word of the sad news, and hasten to pay the last sad rites to a beloved and unfortunate brother. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 February 1882, p. 5, c. 4)


The body of John H. Harte, the unfortunate brakeman who was killed in the yard Wednesday, was interred in the Evergreen cemetery yesterday. The funeral expenses were paid by the railroad company as he had no relatives in the city. A telegram was sent to some of his friends at Bismarck, but as no answer was received it was thought best to bury the deceased at once. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 February 1882, p. 5, c. 3)


10 February

The work of laying the slate on the roof of the new machine shop began yesterday. Tarred paper is laid first and the slate is then nailed on the same as shingles. Small holes are punched through the slate by machinery for the nails to be driven through. It will take the crew of men a long while to lay the slate as the roof is the largest in the state. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 February 1882, p. 5, c. 2)


11 February

Things Are Not What They Seem.


Mr. Brinkerhoff has been a conductor for thirty-two years, nine of which have been spent upon the Northern Pacific road. Trustworthy and faithful, he had the esteem of all with whom he came in contact, and was supposed to have furthered the interest of the company to the best of his ability which was not small. Judge of his surprise then when upon going to the St. Paul office for his mail he found a brief note telling him that his services as conductor would be dispensed with by the company in the future. It was intimated, however, that if he would call at the office of the general manager an explanation would be vouchsafed him. Repairing thither at once he was informed that it was indeed true, that another man would take his place. He was further told, however, that the office of superintendent of equipments for the entire road was open for him, and prospects at once assumed a more roseate hue. Mr. Brinkerhoff well deserves this promotion and his many friends will rejoice at this recognition of his merit. During the long time Superintendent Brinkerhoff has spent on the rail, no passenger carried by him has ever lost his life as the result of an accident and since he has been on the Northern Pacific he has not even had a wheel off the track. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 February 1882, p. 1, c. 5)


SEE: 20 September 1877

SEE: 05 October 1878

SEE: 30 August 1879

SEE: 27 July 1880


Pushing the Road.


The Northern Pacific railroad company will start a corps of engineers next week from or near Coulson, with orders to survey a line to Benton, to ascertain the best route to take for the projected railroad from this to the latter point. The road will pass directly through the Maginnis country and open up the wealthiest portion of Montana. There is no doubt but that that country will soon demand a railroad, and that Coulson will be the junction, as by so doing the road can follow up the Musselshell valley, a natural roadbed, besides being fertile and thickly populated. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 February 1882, p. 1, c. 5)


Col. R. M. Newport, land agent of the Northern Pacific, has closed a sale of six sections of land north of Jamestown, D. T. The parties will make a portion of the land a sheep farm, beginning by placing thereon this spring 1,000 head of sheep. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 February 1882, p. 2, c. 2)


NEWPORT:

SEE: 17 August 1872

SEE: 26 April 1873

SEE: 12 December 1874

SEE: 19 December 1874

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 29 January 1876

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 03 June 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 09 June 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 07 February 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 17 March 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 30 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 18 February 1882

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


It is expected that the Northern Pacific will construct a depot building at Crow Wing station soon. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 February 1882, p. 5, c. 2)


Two new six-drive-wheel locomotives from the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia. Nos. 106 and 107 have been put on by the Northern Pacific. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 February 1882, p. 5, c. 3)


18 February

A large block of some 20,000 shares of Northern Pacific preferred, which recently came on the market has been traced, it is said, back to ex-President Wright of the company. Now that possession of this stock has been secured by the insiders, it is said that an upward movement is more probable. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 February 1882, p. 2, c. 3)


The executive committee of the Northern Pacific company has passed a resolution publicizing a contract to be made with L. B Hodges for five years and setting apart a fund for carrying on the work of tree planting, and tree cultivation along the company’s right of way in Minnesota, Dakota, and Montana for that term of years. The resolution adopts substantially the recommendations of Mr. Hodges’ report recently made after inspection of the right of way, and under it Mr. Hodges, the coming season, will protect all the cuts along the road, where there is danger of snow drifts, by planting trees on both sides, one to two rows on the south side, and three to four rows on the north side of the cuts. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 February 1882, p. 2, c. 3)


The earnings of the Northern Pacific road for the first week in February showed an increase of 500 per cent over those of the corresponding week in 1881. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 February 1882, p. 2, c. 3)


The wages of the night brakemen on the Northern Pacific have been increased from $55 to $65 per month. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 February 1882, p. 2, c. 3)


Col. R. M. Newport, land agent of the Northern Pacific, has closed a sale of six sections of land north of Jamestown, D. T. The parties will make a portion of the land a sheep farm beginning by placing thereon this spring 1,000 head of sheep. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 February 1882, p. 2, c. 3)


NEWPORT:

SEE: 17 August 1872

SEE: 26 April 1873

SEE: 12 December 1874

SEE: 19 December 1874

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 29 January 1876

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 03 June 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 09 June 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 07 February 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 17 March 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 30 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 11 February 1882

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


Three new baggage cars complete will be built at the car shops immediately, and twelve more are being built at eastern shops. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 February 1882, p. 5, c. 2)


Under the supervision of A. P. Farrar the baggage and mail cars are being considerably renovated. The baggage department [sic] is being separated from the mail cars, and in their stead will be a smoking department [sic]. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 February 1882, p. 5, c. 3)


P. W. Resseman, after two months of twisting brakes, has now been promoted to conductor, and uses the punch with great handiness. This gentleman is somewhat of a printer, being correspondent of the Elmira Telegram. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 February 1882, p. 5, c. 3)


“Skip” Dean is generally considered a harmless being, but during the absence of J. C. Congdon, the foreman of the paint department, “Skip” assumes the role, and the boys fairly tremble at the sound of his voice. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 February 1882, p. 5, c. 3)


24 February

A Testimonial.


A very pleasant affair occurred at the Headquarters hotel last evening. A large number of the boarders congregated in the dining room to show their respects to that highly esteemed lady, Miss Josie Griffin. The following letter was read which explains the object of the meeting:

To Miss Josie Griffin:

We, the undersigned boarders at table No. 1, appreciating your attention to our wants while at your table herewith desire to make the following substantial acknowledgement of the same by our thanks and good will for the future.

Then followed the list of thirty-three names accompanied by $1 each.

The affair was a complete surprise to Miss Griffin, and her gratitude to her friends was fully expressed in her graceful acceptance of the present. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 February 1882, p. 1, c. 5) 


Mr. John A. Jackson, one of the oldest painters employed by the Northern Pacific railroad company, resigned his position yesterday. Mr. Jackson has been a resident of Brainerd for nearly ten years, is a very fine painter, as well as a thorough gentleman and a good citizen. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 February 1882, p. 5, c. 2)


A Collision on the Dump.


Last evening about 7 o’clock switch engine No. 54, run by Luke Flood and attached to 22 cars loaded with wood, and engine 90, run by T. Godfrey and pulling the freight train from Duluth, collided on the dump, smashing up things in general. The freight train had come nearly to a standstill, but the switch engine was going at the rate of about one mile per hour when the collision occurred.

Engine 90, having a large snow plow attached was not so badly injured as engine 54. The latter was badly broken up. The tank was driven back on a car of wood, and the trucks piled up one on top of the other. Superintendent of Machinery A. P. Farrar was at once on the ground and cleared away the debris with a large force of men.

Both engineers and their firemen remained upon their engines unharmed by the collision, and did their utmost to check the speed of the trains. The wreck was cleared away in time to let the passenger train from Duluth pass.

Fortunately both engines remained upon the track, but had they been going at a greater speed considerably more damage would have been done, for both engines would probably have gone down the embankment, a distance of fifty feet. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 February 1882, p. 5, c. 3) 


25 February

OUR RAILROADS.


What the Northern Pacific Proposes to do

About the New System of Pay-

ing with Checks.


Paying Railroad Laborers by Checks.


According to the account of “A. H.” in the [Brainerd] TRIBUNE yesterday, the experiences at Brainerd were not encouraging of the Northern Pacific company’s new plan of paying its employees with checks drawn on the local or general treasurers of the company. His statements and all other information received as to the operations of the plan, will be forwarded to the executive committee at New York, and if it shall appear that the check system cannot be carried on without harm to either the employees or the company, then it will be abandoned and the paymaster will carry cash instead of check books. But the same system is in successful operation on many other railroads, where it works to the advantage of companies and employees, and is approved and sustained by merchants and financial institutions along the lines. In this latter respect, if “A. H.” is correct in the statement that the men had to pay fifteen cents each for getting their checks cashed, the otherwise fortunate location of the company’s shops at Brainerd is a misfortune. In almost any other business centre along the Northern Pacific exchange on St. Paul and New York is in demand always at par and sometimes at a premium. The company will take steps to save its men from losing money on its checks, but in other places the men would have been saved from the loss they are said to have incurred at Brainerd, by some public spirited merchant or banker. (Minneapolis Tribune, 25 February 1882, p. 1)


The earnings of the Northern Pacific road for the first week in February showed an increase of 500 per cent over those of the corresponding week in 1881. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 February 1882, p. 2, c. 3)


The warfare made on the Northern Pacific road, and the efforts to wrest from it its land grant, appears to be an exceedingly unjust proceeding. The land grant was absolute and not subject to forfeiture, and the lands vested in the company from the time the location is made and filed. The government reserved for its protection the right, in case the work was not prosecuted. As to the work going on fast enough the government has no ground to complain. Never in the history of railroad building has the rapidity of work been more conspicuous than in the construction of this road. All the rails and material at Duluth and Rice’s Point have been moved forward to the front and all the men are engaged in its construction that can be worked to advantage. Next year the road will carry to the front 45,000 tons of rails, and 2,000,000 ties have been contracted for. Grading will be finished to the Rocky mountains by June next. The Missouri river bridge will be completed and passable by October next, and by the close of the present year the whole road will be finished, except 1[?]0 miles, and that will be completed in 1883. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 February 1882, p. 4, c. 1)


Ed. Kaley is seriously considering a proposition made to him by the St. Louis railroad company to work for them at Minneapolis. Mr. Kaley is well-liked by his employees at the shops, and his many friends hope he will remain here, but the attractions at Minneapolis will probably prove too great. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 February 1882, p. 5, c. 2)


04 March

A MERITORIOUS SCHEME.

_____


A Well Devised Plan for a Mutual

Beneficial Society for Attaches

of the Northern Pacific

Sent Out by

_____


GENERAL MANAGER HAUPT.

_____


General Manager Haupt of the Northern Pacific is sending out copies of a prospectus for a plan of organization for a Mutual Beneficial association, to embrace all officers, agents, and employees of the road, its branches and leased lines, which contemplates a model organization, and one well worthy of general adoption. The pamphlet of sixteen pages concludes with the following paragraph” “Respectfully submitted to the consideration of the officers and employees of the Northern Pacific Railroad company.”

The bill of particulars, in this scope shows a remarkable fidelity of purpose to accomplish real good for the employees of the company at a minimum expense to them. A similar organization on the Baltimore & Ohio road has met with unprecedented success. It was formed in May, 1880, 17,175 employees have already joined the association, which has become the largest of the kind in the United States. It has disbursed $131,963 to its members. It is purely mutual, and the surplus of last year’s workings was refunded to the members in the form of increased allowance.

The principal object to be secured in a relief association are:

First—The payment of a sum weekly, during sickness or disability to perform service from accident.

Second—The payment of funeral expenses, in case of death, and of a specified sum to legal representatives after death.

To this may be added, says the prospectus, if the funds shall increase sufficiently to warrant, a pension in old age and homes for disabled employees, where ample provision can be made for their support during the rest of their lives.

It is probable that the company will consent to erect or furnish hospital buildings, and might guarantee, under proper limitations, payment of the stipulated benefits, in consideration of a release from annoyance of suits. It is also probable that the funds might receive considerable additions from bequests from wealthy stockholders, so that, in time, homes for old and disabled employees could be provided for, and also reading rooms for recreation and improvement.

It is proposed that the association shall be managed by a board of officers a majority of whom shall be elected by the employees contributing to the funds.

A brief outline of the proposed plan would be:

First—To organize an association, the title of which might be Northern Pacific Beneficial association.

Second—All officers and employees of the Northern Pacific railroad to be members.

Third—The dues to be two cents per day or fifty cents per month, but any member by paying an increased amount of dues could have a proportionate amount of benefits in case of accident or sickness.

Fourth—The amount of benefits to be paid in case of sickness or disability could be determined by the board of management, and varied from time-to-time as the funds should warrant.

Fifth—A general hospital would be provided at Brainerd, and division hospitals on each division, the buildings for which at the commencement would probably be furnished by the railroad company.

Sixth—A medical and surgical staff would be provided, consisting of a superintending physician at the head, district physicians and local physicians. The compensation for services would be prescribed and limited by a fee-bill, which would be made part of the contract, and reduce, as far as possible, the draft upon the funds of the association for medical attendance; a large proportion of such sums could be paid for by free transportation as part of the contract.

Seventh—The association would be controlled by a board of managers, a majority of whom would be elected by the contributors themselves.

Eighth—Dues would be deducted from monthly wages, and no payment required when wages were not earned.

The cases in which relief would be accorded would be—

Temporary disablement caused by accident.

Permanent disablement caused by accident.

Death by accident.

Injuries or sickness from other causes than accident while on duty.

Death from other causes than by accident while on duty.

The compensation in these and in other cases would be fixed by the board, and awarded from time-to-time as the funds would warrant.

Provisions could also be made for annuities, after a given number of years of service, proportioned to the amount of dues paid in.

Also homes where men without families, who have become incapacitated from age or other causes, could be cared for and comfortably supported for the remainder of their lives.

Tenth—A life insurance department could be included, if the board should deem such an action expedient. The premiums for life insurance would be in addition to ordinary dues, and would be optional. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 March 1882, p. 1, c. 3)


The expense of remodeling the seven engines that were built for burning Baby Mine coal is to be borne by the Baldwin Locomotive company, as they built the engines and vouched for their ability to burn the coal, but the Northern Pacific company pronounce them a failure. The repairing will be done in the shops at this place. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 March 1882, p. 5, c. 2)


The Fargo freight war between Manitoba and Northern Pacific companies continues, with no prospect of cessation. Meanwhile the fur is flying in unwonted profusion and somebody is bound to get hurt before a treaty of peace. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 March 1882, p. 5, c. 2)


The old machine shop is to be converted into a wood-working department, a vast amount of new machinery having already been ordered for this class of work. Through the kindness of Mr. E. R. Farrar and Mr. John Willis, the TRIBUNE man was permitted to gaze upon some of the ponderous machines to be used in the wood manufacturing department. The machinery is all from the mammoth establishment of J. A. Fay & Co. of Cincinnati, Oh. Among the different pieces of machinery may be mentioned the large car sill dresser, which will admit a piece of timber 14 inches thick by 16 inches in width, and will dress the stick on all four sides at once. One patent planing, heading and matching machine, working on all four sides similar to the one last referred to; an automatic gaining machine for cutting and gaining sills, etc.; a large rotary car mortising machine, and one vertical mortiser for end work. A large rip-saw, a vertical tenoning machine; also a large vertical car tenoning machine; universal wood-working machine; large re-sawing machine, with 40-inch saw; one large patent railway cut-off saw, and a large automatic knife-grinder. This machinery is all of the heaviest kind, and possessing all the latest improvements, and it will require an additional force of about 275 men to keep pace with the power to be utilized. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 March 1882, p. 5, c. 5)


G. W. Cross and J. H. Ames, superintendent of transportation and purchasing agent of the Northern Pacific are in the city. (Brainerd Tribune, 04 March 1882, p. 5, c. 5)


06 March

CRIMINAL CARELESSNESS.


A serious accident occurred on the Northern Pacific railroad last Monday night at Watab station, by which two locomotives were disabled and several cars wrecked. The particulars of the accident, kindly furnished by Division Superintendent McHugh, are as follows: When the east-bound freight reached Watab it sidetracked to allow the west-bound night express to pass. The forward brakeman was supposed to open the switch after the express had passed, to allow the freight to take the main line. The brakeman, however, went back to the caboose, detailing Fireman Gavin of the freight engine to tend the switch. When the express engine’s whistle blew, on its approach to the station, the fireman ran to the switch which was all right for the main line, and turned it for the side track. The express train was then close on the switch and could be checked but very little before dashing into the engine of the freight.

The express train was drawn by engine 40, Engineer Couley, and the freight by engine 23, Engineer Farrell. Both engines were disabled but not wrecked. The forward end of the baggage car was somewhat smashed, but no damage was done to the passenger cars. Four or five freight cars were badly smashed. The engineer of the freight stepped off his engine before the smash, but both engineer and fireman of the express train stuck to their posts. No one was injured, although it is a matter of wonder that such is the fact.

Mr. McHugh went promptly to the scene of the accident, and succeeded in getting the track cleared so that the express train arrived here at 8 o’clock yesterday morning. The blame rests on the fireman, Gavin, and judging from the above facts it would seem on him alone. A report was current in the city yesterday that the fireman had fled, but this Mr. McHugh says is incorrect. Just what course the company will pursue in regard to Gavin has not yet been decided upon. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 March 1882, p. 1, c.’s 3 & 4)


09 March

THE NEW ENTERPRISE.


Fargo is pushing herself forward for all she is worth to get the new foundry and car wheel works established in that city. A meeting of citizens was held Thursday night, and another one called for last evening to discuss the matter with Messrs. Lenhart and Muichaey [sic]. Committees were appointed, and in fact everything done in the way of big talk which it is possible for Fargoites to do, and it is very evident that considerable pressure will be brought to bear upon the gentlemen to get the works established in Fargo. The matter lies between Brainerd, Fargo and Superior City, with many strong reasons why Brainerd should be the choice. The Northern Pacific railroad will be the heaviest single patron of the institution, and Brainerd is their choice. The three divisions of the Northern Pacific form junctions at Brainerd, another important argument in its favor. The extensive shops of the railway company are at Brainerd, and plenty of land for a splendid site for the new works could be obtained, and would in all probability be donated, closely adjacent to the railroad shops, and every businessman knows that a cluster of manufactories, or in fact of any business similar in nature, is particularly advantageous to all. As has been before stated, good water, moulding sand and plenty of wood can be easily obtained, and at comparatively low prices. We might cite many other important reasons, but it is not necessary. The evident “bluff” policy of Fargo is decidedly “given away” in the following in the Argus report of Thursday night’s meeting:

“Mr. McCarthy advocated that Fargo should not commit itself, as Brainerd had not, for Brainerd might go some better.” (Brainerd Tribune, 11 March 1882, p. 1, c. 5)


Frank Straight, the unfortunate brakeman who was injured at Detroit the other day, says he will not be of any account in this world hereafter, but Dr. Howes thinks far differently. The doctor has had many cases in the hospital much worse than Frank’s. Although Frank will lose the use of one of his legs, he will soon be able to be around again. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 March 1882, p. 5, c. 3)


SEE: 11 March 1882

SEE: 12 March 1882


11 March

DEATH FROM HIS INJURIES

_____


And for Want of Proper Care at

Detroit, Whose Inhuman Land-

lords Refuse to Take

Him In.

_____


Poor Frank Straight died at the Northern Pacific hospital Saturday morning from injuries received at Detroit Thursday. It is stated that the proprietors of all the hotels at Detroit refused to admit the unfortunate man as he would be too much trouble, and so Drs. Camron and Norton performed the amputation in the depot. We understand that Mr. Bean of the Fargo Argus, and several others stopping at the hotels offered to give up their rooms, but none of the landlords would allow it, and so, immediately after the operation, Mr. Straight was placed in a train and brought to this city. The probabilities are that could he have been provided for at Detroit he might have survived the operation, and if we are correctly informed the conduct of the Detroit landlords was shameful and inhuman. The deceased was about 23 years of age, and was very generally liked by the men on the road. Until his friends can arrive, the remains will be taken care of by the railroad officials. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 March 1882, p. 1, c. 4)


SEE: 09 March 1882

SEE: 12 March 1882


The last issue of the Brainerd Weekly Dispatch contains some pointed truths in regard to the policy which has been pursued by the Northern Pacific Railroad company in keeping up rates to such a standard that a great many different capitalists who fully recognize the many advantages this point affords for the establishment of lumber mills and manufactories here, and who were attracted by the well-grounded fact that Brainerd will sooner or later be a great lumber producing center, have decided not to locate here for no other reason than the foregoing. To the personal knowledge of the writer, at least two large mill owners have refused to locate here upon the grounds stated above, besides having reliable information from authentic sources that such is the fact which deters other capitalists from choosing this place as a base of operations. The TRIBUNE heartily endorses all the Dispatch has said in this matter, as it is a move in the right direction. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 March 1882, p. 4, c. 1)


The Northern Pacific is making rapid progress to the westward. The track is now laid thirty-eight miles west of Miles City. It is estimated that the Big Horn tunnel will be completed by May 1, and that the track will by that time reach that point. They hope to reach Coulson, 228 miles west of Glendive, by the 1st of July. (Brainerd Tribune, 11 March 1882, p. 4, c. 1)


12 March

Last Attentions to the Dead.


Mr. and Mrs. Charles Straight arrived in the city Sunday morning from Eau Claire, Wis. to take charge of the remains of Mr. Straight’s brother, Frank, who died Saturday morning from the effects of injuries received in an accident at Detroit last week. Yesterday the body was carefully laid in a neat coffin and taken to the shops, where a box was made in which to enclose the coffin. The box was lined with zinc, the coffin placed inside, and a zinc cover soldered on, making the box perfectly air tight. Mr. and Mrs. Straight left last evening with the remains for York, Nebraska, where the mother of the unfortunate man resides. The Northern Pacific Railroad company furnished transportation for the remains as well as for Mr. and Mrs. Straight.

Mr. Straight wishes to express, through the TRIBUNE, his sincere and heartfelt thanks to the many friends of the deceased for the interest they have manifested in his behalf, and especially to Superintendent McHugh, to whom much honor is due for the many favors and brother-like interest he has taken in making poor Frank’s condition pleasant while life remained, and after death for the care taken to secure his removal to his home and friends. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 March 1882, p. 5, c. 5)


SEE: 09 March 1882

SEE: 11 March 1882


16 March

Local and Personal Rail Notes.


[...]


The new pay system of the Northern Pacific—paying by checks instead of in cash—works better this month. At Brainerd, where the men had to pay fifteen cents each last month for having their checks cashed, the bankers and merchants now take them at par. It is now hoped the system will work to the advantage of all concerned. (Minneapolis Tribune, 16 March 1882, p. 4)


17 March

A. Peterson, a brick-layer on the new shops and boarding at the Northern Pacific Hotel, was arraigned before Justice Follett yesterday upon complaint of a couple of young ladies for using indecent language. As Peterson could not speak a work of English, and was too drunk at the time to articulate, the judge could not clearly see through the enigma, and accordingly discharged him. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 March 1882, p. 5, c. 5)


18 March

Sale of Baggage.


A large amount of unclaimed baggage has accumulated at various stations on the Northern Pacific. Mr. W. H. Lowe general baggage agent of the company, with headquarters in this city, was in St. Paul Thursday in conference with General Passenger Agent, G. K. Barnes, as to a sale of this baggage at an early date. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 March 1882, p. 1, c. 4)



NORTHERN PACIFIC stock has been subject to some fluctuations since the project to annul the land grant was introduced in Congress. Last week, after selling at 72 1/8, the preferred dropped to 66 7/8, and after advancing to 69 1/4 it again fell to 68 1/2. The stock was very active, more than 25,000 shares being dealt in. The common was also quite active and fluctuated widely. Opening at 33 5/8, it touched 30 1/2, and recovered to 31 1/4. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 March 1882, p. 2, c. 1)


The Northern Pacific is soon to erect a new and handsome passenger station at Valley City. (Brainerd Tribune, 18 March 1882, p. 8, c. 1)


21 March

DOWN TO DEATH

_____


Dire Disaster Overtakes a Train

on the Northern Pacific

West of Mandan,

_____


Crashing Through a Bridge and

Into the Dark River Thir-

ty Feet Below.

_____


Promiscuously Piled Together the

Cars Take Fire and Cause

a Terrible Scene,

_____


A Number of Unfortunates Being

Almost Consumed in the

Holocaust.

_____


Everything Possible Being Done

for the Killed and Injured

—Full Particulars.


Special Telegram to the Tribune.

BISMARCK, D. T., March 22—The most disastrous accident which has ever occurred on the Northern Pacific railroad, took place on the Missouri division Tuesday evening at the crossing of the Heart river, west of Mandan, D. T., forty miles, a work train falling through a bridge, killing eight people and injuring twenty-three others. The coroner will hold an inquest at the scene of the accident and the victims will be buried there. Several of them were burned beyond recognition. The injured were brought to Mandan, where the carpenter shop was fitted up with cots, the company doing all in its power to make them comfortable. The accident was beyond all human foresight, and under the circumstances was unavoidable.

The following is the exact list of the killed and injured.


KILLED.

THOS. BRADY [sic],

GEO. MOSHER,

THOS. WILSON,

OLE JOHNSON,

J. McCORMICK,

WM. WATSON,

JOHN O’BRIEN,

M. McANDREWS.


INJURED.

George Miller, arm broken and head cut.

T. O. Berry, injured internally, but not thought seriously.

The slightly wounded are—

S. Hanson, Peter Lombard, A. Sundstrom, James Kennedy, Peter Mahn, John Purcell, Thos. Price, Thos. Cannon, Nels Quorstrun, Fred Mosher, Fred Harris, Chas. Corwin, Chas, Lanidgan, Wm. Brennan, Chas. Sage, John Norry, Joe Smith, James Dunnigan, Henry Dunnigan, Henry Mahn, W. J. Babcock, Thos. McQueen.

Total number of injured, 23.

_____


All sorts of rumors were current on the streets yesterday afternoon, and when the special train consisting of engine No. 100, caboose 52, and business car No. 99, bound for the scene of the accident arrived in this city last evening at 6 o’clock, a TRIBUNE reporter boarded the train, and after being courteously received by Superintendent of Transportation G. W. Cross, obtained the following reliable information relative to the accident:

A work train was following the snow plow outfit, westward bound. The snow plow engine stuck in the snow about one-half mile west of the Heart river, the work train stopping east of the river. The engine drawing the work train then uncoupled from its train and assisted the snow plow engine out of the difficulty, and then ran back and coupled onto the work train and started ahead. It had hardly got under headway when it arrived at the bridge across the Heart river. As the train came upon the bridge the first car behind the engine jumped the track and went down into the river, a distance of thirty feet taking with it two sleeping cars and a baggage car loaded with forty-two workmen. The cars were piled one upon another in a shapeless mass. Repots say that one of the wrecked cars caught fire and two of the unfortunate workmen (names unknown) were burned to death before the eyes of their helpless comrades.

Superintendent Taylor immediately dispatched a special train and a number of physicians to the scene of the accident. The dead and injured were taken to Mandan where the dead will be buried by the railroad company. The injured were placed in the company’s hospital at Mandan and carefully attended to.

A telegram received by Supt. McHugh late last evening stated that the injured were all doing well and would soon recover from the effects of their injuries. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 March 1882, p. 1, c. 3)


SEE: 22 March 1882

SEE: 01 April 1882


22 March

THE VERDICT

_____


Of the Coroner’s Jury in the Re-

cent Accident—Funeral

Services to be Held

in Mandan.

_____


The jury after hearing the testimony of the witnesses, and its being corroborated by Master Mechanic Doran of the Missouri division, without hesitation rendered the following verdict:

TERRITORY OF DAKOTA,

Morton County.

An inquest was held at Mandan, Morton county, territory aforesaid, on the 22d day of March, A. D., 1882, before John Hanna, coroner of the said county, upon the bodies of Thomas Grady [sic], George Mosher, James O’Brien, Wm. McAndrews, Thomas Wilson, ______ Johnson, James McCormick, and James Watson, those lying dead, by the jurors whose names are hereto subscribed. The said jurors upon their oaths do say that the said persons came to their deaths by reason of the cars being thrown from the bridge across the Sweet Briar river, on the Northern Pacific railway, on the 21st day of March, 1882. The accident occurred without the fault or negligence on the part of said company or any of its employees, and we take occasion to commend Superintendent Taylor and Master Mechanic Doran for their promptness in sending succor to the wounded.

In testimony whereof, the said jurors have hereunto set their hands this day and year aforesaid.

I. J. MITCHELL.

MARK BATEMAN.

J. FRENCH.

WM. WATSON.

Attested,

JOHN HANNA, Coroner.

The verdict meets the approbation of all who are cognizant of the facts in the case. Funeral services will be held at the various churches in Mandan Sunday morning. The wreck has been entirely cleared away, the bridge repaired, and trains are now running regularly over that division. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 March 1882, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: 21 March 1882

SEE: 01 April 1882


25 March

RAILROAD RESEARCH

_____


Sanctions the Assertion That the N.

P. Has About Concluded to

Purchase the West Side Line

From Sauk Rapids to Min-

neapolis—The Par-

ticulars.

_____


It is said that the Northern Pacific company has about concluded negotiations for the purchase of an independent line from Sauk Rapids to Minneapolis, and it is claimed that ever since Mr. Villard’s visit to Minneapolis and St. Louis last autumn he has been determined to have a line into Minneapolis independent of the Manitoba company, partly because he saw at a glance that the one line could not accommodate the multiplying traffic of both companies, and partly because he saw it would be suicidal for the Northern Pacific to depend upon the courtesy of a bitter and powerful rival for access to the chief city on its line. Early during the present year, and while the competition and friction between the two companies were severest, the Villard management took measures to inform Vice President Hill of their intention to at once own an independent line to Minneapolis. This information was followed up by the purchase of some $300,000 worth of real estate in Minneapolis for terminal and transfer facilities. This and other steps convinced the Manitoba people that the Northern Pacific meant business, and that the latter would speedily build a river line of its own unless some arrangement was promptly made. The result was a proposition from Mr. Hill to sell to the Northern Pacific either the east side or west side line, a price being fixed on each, and the Northern Pacific being given their option for a reasonable price of which to purchase. That option is still open, and my informant’s latest advices indicate that the Northern Pacific board has practically, though not formally, decided to take the west side line, provided that on an inspection now to be made by General Manager Haupt and Chief Engineer Anderson the line proves to be as represented. In that case the Northern Pacific will complete the line from Clearwater to St. Cloud or vicinity, and there bridge the Mississippi and connect with their road to Brainerd. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 March 1882, p. 1, c. 5)


Relative to the Delay and Expense

of Emigrants Coming West.

_____


It is due to the large number of emigrants coming in swarms to seek new homes in the northwest, as well as to the people already here, and whose interests are identified with this favored section of the United States, that the railroad companies provide adequate facilities for the transportation of the newcomers. At present this is certainly not done. Not only are emigrants compelled to stop over in Minneapolis and St. Paul at heavy expense for lack of transportation over the roads running from these cities, but are finally transferred in cars which are packed until standing-room, even, is at a premium. All of which is very wrong. While it is not denied that the tide of immigration in this section is unprecedented, and even beyond all previous calculation, still it does seem as though something might, and therefore should be done to improve upon the present state of affairs. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 March 1882, p. 1, c. 6)


Mrs. Shaw, recently from Portland, Me. is acting temporarily in the capacity of stenographer in the private office of Superintendent McHugh. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 March 1882, p. 6, c. 2)


The frame work of the new engine 151 has been found to be defective to the extent that it has been taken apart and is being welded together at the blacksmith shop. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 March 1882, p. 6, c. 2)


Because General Manager Haupt of the Northern Pacific, and Assistant General Manager Manuel, of the St. Paul & Manitoba road, have gone to New York, the wise men have started a theory that some scheme is on foot to pool their issues in some way. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 March 1882, p. 6, c. 2)


Superintendent of Machinery Farrar is making a decided change in the exterior appearance of chair cars Nos. 22 and 24. No. 22 will hereafter be known as Katie, and No. 24 will be called Helen. The ends of the cars will be lettered “chair cars,” with their respective numbers. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 March 1882, p. 6, c. 2)


John Bradford, of the paint shop, has called for his time. An unfriendly dispute with the foreman was the cause of the affair. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 March 1882, p. 6, c. 2)


James Wells has returned to his old vocation in the car department. Jimmie has been engaged in the round house for some time with the intention of going on the road. He has now decided to remain in the shop. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 March 1882, p. 6, c. 3)


Four more combination cars like No. 6 are to be built at the shops as soon as the business will permit. These cars contain the latest improvements in the mail department, and the smoking apartments are cushioned the same as a first-class car. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 March 1882, p. 6, c. 3)


Engine No. 6 came down from the Wadena, Fergus Falls & Black Hills railway yesterday to undergo slight repairs. Tom Hooker is engineer in charge. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 March 1882, p. 6, c. 3)


Two new boilers are being made in the boiler shop. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 March 1882, p. 6, c. 3)


The sleeper Duluth received a coat of varnish yesterday. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 March 1882, p. 6, c. 3)


The pony engines Nos. 1 and 2 having been thoroughly repaired and repainted will be taken to Duluth and stored away until they are needed. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 March 1882, p. 6, c. 4)


Engine No. 5, one of the engines that was in the Watab wreck, will leave the shop today having had a new drive wheel put in and other repairing done. (Brainerd Tribune, 25 March 1882, p. 6, c. 4)


27 March

TRIBUNE NOTES.

_____


From Bismarck—The Missouri Bridge—Chat

with Chief Engineer of the Missouri.

_____


Original bridge across the Missouri River at Bismarck completed in 1882, ca. Unknown.
Source: Unknown

BISMARCK, March 27.—Bismarck seems unusually quiet just at present but this is explained by her people in the fact that it is just ”between hay and grass,” and people are waiting. The hotel (Sheridan) has been unusually quiet for several days, and only enlivened by an occasional lot of officers from Lincoln, until last Saturday night when a large party came in from the East and quite a number from the West so that this Sunday morning the house presents a lively appearance. Among the guests are Mr. Morrison of New York city, chief engineer of the new bridge, H. Clark, Esq., the Coulson boomer, and Mr. Keyser well known in Brainerd and a member of the firm of Rothschild & Co. of Minneapolis. This last gentleman is doing a slashing business and it is said he has measured, for a fine spring suit, every man in Bismarck and Mandan, who has any pretensions or aspirations to be stylishly dressed. The snow is rapidly disappearing and the river is open above and below us but just at this point the ice seems solid as a rock. The trains still cross on the ice bridge although a short thaw would put an end to it. The TRIBUNE man approached Mr. Morrison at the hotel Saturday evening and asked for a few points concerning the work at the bridge. Mr. M is a genial gentleman and received the T. M. [Tribune Man] very cordially although he said the bridge was not far enough along to make much talk about it, but that before the ice forms another season he proposes to have it in a condition that the newspapers could fully describe a completed structure. The bridge from bank-to-bank will be 1450 feet, with four piers, two of which are completed, and handsomely they look too. The foundations are 26x74 feet; the smallest place in the piers below the coping is 10x35 feet. From the foundation to the top is 120 feet. There will be three spans of 400 feet each, and a short one at each side. The approach from the east side is completed, and the track laid with the exception of one short cut and on the west bank the approach is graded about one-half the distance. Mr. Morrison says the bulk of the work, preparatory to raising the superstructure, is done, and that sometime during the fall of 1882 he hopes to have trains running across. The work is being pushed under the charge of Mr. Crosby the resident assistant engineer, although Mr. Morrison spends a large amount of time here, giving it his personal supervision. He also has an assistant in Detroit, Mich., and another in Pittsburgh, Pa., in charge of the steel and iron work, respectively. This bids fair to be one of the finest bridges on the Missouri, and one of the finest in the country. The only bridge on the Missouri or Mississippi having piers is that at St. Louis.

This is a most beautiful morning. The water is running through the streets, but in a few days the ground will be comparatively dry.

GUSTAVUS.

(Brainerd Tribune, 01 April 1882, p. 2, c. 3)


SEE: 31 December 1882


31 March

A baggage car that was being deadheaded from St. Paul caught fire when about three miles below this city on the noon train yesterday. There was nothing in the car at the time, which lessened the loss considerably. The bell rope burned off which cut off all communication to the engine. Harry Vaupel was the engineer in charge of the train and by his skillful watching discovered the fire in time to avoid a much greater disaster. Will Vaupel, the fireman, rushed back to the rear end of the tank and threw a pail of water on the flame, which dashed up in his face driving him back to the engine. Considerable excitement prevailed for a few moments. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 April 1882, p. 6, c. 3)


01 April

THE RAILROAD VELOCIPEDE.


There was a good deal said a year or two ago about “railroad velocipedes,” which run on the rails, and which were said to be the thing for superintendents to use in running over the track to inspect it. As we understand them, there were two wheels on one rail, and one on the other, and they are worked by treading like a bicycle. We asked a railroad superintendent the other day if he used his railroad velocipede much to run around with, and he sneered and said he wouldn’t have one of them on the road for a thousand dollars. Said he, as he rubbed a lame back that he had got on one of them, “they are worse than a balloon. They run like the very old Nick, and you can’t stop them quick enough to keep from running over a cow, or if you do stop them quick you go right over the dashboard and run into the cow yourself. I was running one last year out by Fargo and struck a farmer who was walking on the track, and knocked him over the fence.” When he struck the ground he looked round and saw what he thought was a wild man walking in the air, and he ran across an eighty-acre field yelling murder. He has had fits ever since. “One day I was treading along about eighty miles an hour up there by Fall river and a switch was turned, and before I knew it the velocipede was side-tracked, striking a flat car loaded with steel rails, and threw me clear over the car and into a load of hay that a fellow was pitching into a hay press, and if he had not happened to see my feet sticking out of the side of the load of hay I should have been baled up with the hay, and made some cow sick when she comes to try to eat me this winter. No sir, not any railroad velocipede in mine. Why, the boys wanted to present me with one, and I told them I would take an elephant or a litter of prairie wolves, but not any velocipedes. Some of them asked me if I didn't think Manager Merrill would just like one. I would just like to see the old man riding on one them things once. There would be a blue streak all the way from Milwaukee to Mankato, if he couldn’t stop it, and a cow was on the track. They say Fred Underwood, superintendent of the southern Minnesota division, had one, and he was running out West to connect with a freight train wreck when his hat came off and the settlers along the line of the road, lots of them moved away. Fred’s head is as bald as a wash bowl. The people thought it was a sign that grasshoppers were coming this year. Good-bye railroad velocipede,” and the superintendent went off as though he had a hot box.—[Peck. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 April 1882, p. 2, c. 6)


Northern Pacific shares have gone up 3c. in the last two days. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 April 1882, p. 2, c. 6)


The Northern Pacific has appropriated $10,000 per year for five years for tree planting along the line of that road in Montana and Dakota. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 April 1882, p. 6, c. 2)


Mr. D. R. Bunnell, a gentlemanly employee of the Northern Pacific department of telegraphy, will go to Wadena Saturday, where he will still be in the company’s employ. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 April 1882, p. 6, c. 2)


The freight department of the Northern Pacific road has been notified of the starting of seven cars of emigrants movable from Green Bay for Fargo, and four cars of movables from Port Huron with eight passenger coaches also for Fargo. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 April 1882, p. 6, c. 2)


Geo. W. Cushing, lately appointed superintendent of motive power and machinery of the Northern Pacific, is in St. Paul, and will open an office there next Saturday. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 April 1882, p. 6, c. 2)


Superintendent Cross has secured the arrest of Engineer Thompson, who it is claimed caused the Spiritwood accident by disobedience of orders, and he has been held on $1,000 bail to answer to disobedience of the company’s orders, causing loss of life, and for manslaughter, incident to the death of the man Mott. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 April 1882, p. 6, c.’s 2 & 3)


THE SPIRITWOOD COLLISION.


From facts gleaned near the scene of the disaster of Sunday it would seem that the engineer of the West bound freight could hardly be blamed under the circumstances which are as follows: The West bound freight stopped on the main line and waited for the train from the East, which had a plow in front of the engine. As the train approached the engineer had his head out of the cab window endeavoring to get his bearings, but the snow blinding him so completely that he ran by the whistling post without seeing it and only knew where he was when the engine struck the switch rail, but it was then too late to stop and then they struck the other train with great force. The coroner's jury in the case of the unfortunate man Mott, who was killed, returned a verdict exonerating the railway company and employees from all blame, we understand. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 April 1882, p. 9, c. 2)


Supt. Taylor, of the Missouri division, Northern Pacific, telegraphs that nine of those wounded at the Sweet Briar accident have been discharged from the hospital at Mandan and the rest are doing well. (Brainerd Tribune, 01 April 1882, p. 7, c. 3)


SEE: 21 March 1882

SEE: 22 March 1882


08 April

While to certain persons the policy of the Northern Pacific railroad in vigorously pursuing employees committing offenses seems harsh, yet to the candid man, who stops to think, it must be clear that the officers of the company are right. Take, for instance, the two recent accidents by collision, one at Watab in which a fireman turned the switch the wrong way right in front of the rapidly approaching night express train. It was a miracle, almost, that there was no loss of life. Now in this case the fireman was criminally careless and the company took measures to have him arrested, but he escaped. On the other hand, the engineer of the express train by his praiseworthy caution succeeded in averting a serious accident, and the officers of the company, to show their appreciation of a faithful and trusty employee, published in the leading journal of this state a testimonial letter, complimentary to the engineer. Later comes a collision at Spiritwood, by which an emigrant is killed, two engines and several cars wrecked. It is stated that Engineer Thompson testified that had he lived up to the rules and regulations the accident would not have happened. For this violation it is the purpose of the railroad officers to punish, or cause to be punished, any employee who violates a rule whereby there is loss of life or property, and particularly where there is loss of life through carelessness should punishment be dealt out, as it is but simple justice to all, that the careless offender should be punished, and Superintendent of Transportation Cross is right in enforcing his orders. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 April 1882, p. 4, c. 2)


In consequence of the water in the river being too high the Northern Pacific authorities here have received orders to charge five cents per hundred or five dollars per car for all freight transferred over the river, without regard to classification.—[Fargo Argus. (Brainerd Tribune, 08 April 1882, p. 5, c. 2)


14 April

The office of General Fuel Agent Eldredge, which has been recently fitted up for his use in the general offices, was made ready for occupancy yesterday, the painters having finished a very fine job. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 April 1882, p. 5, c. 3)


Yesterday evening Frank Titton, who is employed in the blacksmith shops of the Northern Pacific received quite a serious injury at the hands of a fellow workman while engaged in playing the game known among the boys as “duck on the rock.” In the course of the game Titton passed before one of the players just as he hurled a brick at the object, receiving a blow on his left temple, which cut an ugly gash, from which blood flowed freely. He was assisted to his boarding house and it is thought nothing very serious will result from the wound. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 April 1882, p. 5, c. 3)


Mr. J. W. Footner, superintendent of the Northern Pacific express, was in town on Friday last. Mr. Footner was agreeably surprised at finding so beautiful an agricultural country as that which surrounds Perham, and the evidently thrifty growth of our village.—[Perham Journal. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 April 1882, p. 6, c. 3)


15 April

Mr. Charles Boyden, of Eau Claire, Wis., has accepted a position in the paint shop of the Northern Pacific. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 April 1882, p. 5, c. 2)


Three new headlights of the Buffalo patent have been introduced on the Northern Pacific. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 April 1882, p. 5, c. 2)


The twelve coaches recently purchased from eastern roads by the Northern Pacific are under general repairs and will be equipped with the automatic air-brake, re-lettered and re-numbered, commencing at sixty-one and running upwards. One of these coaches is from the Cape Cod railway. The general appearance of these coaches makes us think that eastern people are a ways behind us in point of construction and style. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 April 1882, p. 5, c. 3)


A. E. Taylor has a crew of men repairing the track in the paint shop. The piles [sic] [ties] upon which the track rests had so rotted away that the track settled considerably. Repairs are being made on the frame of the shop, and it is also being strengthened with trusses. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 April 1882, p. 5, c. 3)


Superintendent of Motive Power, G. W. Cushing, has issued an order to the effect that hereafter no over time work will be done at the shops in all of the departments, except on occasions of great emergency. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 April 1882, p. 5, c. 3)


Commencing Sunday, the 10th inst., a sleeper will be run through between Fargo and Duluth, leaving Fargo on No. 4 and going east from Brainerd on No. 8, leaving Duluth on No. 7 and going west from Brainerd on No. 3. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 April 1882, p. 5, c. 3)


The new office car being constructed at the Yellowstone shop east of the new roundhouse, is, with the exception of its outside appearance, a credit to the shop and those in charge. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 April 1882, p. 5, c. 3)


Superintendent Cushing has ordered an inventory of all stock at the general storeroom and that in all the departments of the shops. Employees are busily engaged in fulfilling the order. (Brainerd Tribune, 15 April 1882, p. 5, c. 3)


17 April

STRIKERS’ STRIKE.

_____


Helpers and a Portion of the Black-

smiths Employed in the Northern

Pacific Blacksmith Shop

Quit Work Wednes-

day—Both

Sides.

_____


On last Monday the helpers in the Northern Pacific blacksmith shops informed superintendent of machinery Farrar that they desired an increase of wages from $1.65 to $1.75 per day, and, as is claimed by them, upon receiving assurance that he would do all he could for them, resumed work. Yesterday afternoon they again presented their claims and were informed by Mr. Farrar that he could not then promise them an increase, but told them that the best thing they could do would be to go to work. The helpers then put on their coats and quit work. Several of the blacksmiths also left, saying they would not work with inexperienced helpers.

A representative of the TRIBUNE was informed by Mr. Farrar that he never made any statements to the men to the effect that their demands would be acceded to, as their pay was as large proportionately as other employees of the shops. He says that the strikers’ places have nearly all been filled by new men, and will be quite so today, as there are plenty of men who are glad to work at that price, and that no trouble or delay will be experienced by the strike.

The following statement was handed in for publication in the TRIBUNE by Mr. F. Tippin last evening:


To the Editor of the TRIBUNE:

I desire through your paper to make the following denial of a portion of an article that was published last evening in the News, which states that Mr. Farrar said that the helpers were receiving the same wages here as in St. Paul. The poorest and most inexperienced helper in St. Paul receives $1.60 per day, while a good, first-class helper receives $1.80. They are paid there according to their ability, but here everyone is paid the same, $1.65 per day. It also states in the same article, that Mr. Farrar said that he had not promised them anything or given them any reason to expect an increase of wages. Now, Mr. Farrar said to us last Monday that he would consider the matter and give a satisfactory answer in a day or two, and on that assurance the helpers went to work again. I am a blacksmith and do not wish to work with an inexperienced helper, as I received a bad cut in the forehead from one of them shortly after going to work in the Brainerd shop. Hoping that you will publish these facts in the case. I sign myself

FRANK TIPPIN, Blacksmith.

With the high prices of rent, flour, meats and all the necessaries of life, no one can blame them for their efforts to secure better pay for their labor, which is indeed too small, for any man to support a family on especially. An unmarried man can manage to live and clothe himself, but a married man will have to economize uncommonly well to make both ends meet on $1.65 per day. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 April 1882, p. 1, c. 6)


22 April

All but seven of the twenty-five forges in the Northern Pacific blacksmith shop are running again, and those will have to be filled by new men who are expected to arrive soon. Some of the helpers went to work yesterday, saying that they had been influenced into the strike, when in reality they did not want to go, and as they had not asked for their money they were allowed to go to work. Foreman McNaughton says he is kept busy watching the new helpers. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 April 1882, p. 6, c. 2)


There is some talk of moving the Northern Pacific paint shop 100 feet north which will bring it very close to the track. (Brainerd Tribune, 22 April 1882, p. 6, c. 2)


23 April

NORTHWESTERN NEWS NOTES.


[...]


The recent strike in the Northern Pacific shops at Brainerd has resulted in filling the vacated places with new men. (Minneapolis Tribune, 23 April 1882, p. 8)


28 April

W. H. Witt yesterday purchased the stuffed deer formerly belonging to Sheriff Mertz and intends placing it in the spacious dining room of the Headquarters. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 April 1882, p. 5, c. 2)


Master Painter Congdon yesterday received an order to have painted new signs for the following stations: Watab, Rice, Royalton, Little Falls, Belle Prairie, Fort Ripley and Crow Wing. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 April 1882, p. 5, c. 2)


29 April

SPLINTERS.

_____


The laying out and excavation of the grounds for the new railroad shops, to be built directly opposite the one now nearly finished, was commenced yesterday. They are to be 80x332 feet, and will comprise the boiler tank, and tin departments. Taken together, the two buildings will be a mammoth affair and the transfer table between and running the entire length of the buildings, will make everything compact and handy. The company intend to keep the old shops running also, as the necessary increase of work will give both all the work that can be done.

Mr. C. B. Lamborn, who has been appointed land commissioner of the Northern Pacific, was formerly secretary of the Kansas Pacific railroad company for several years. About a year ago he became identified with the land interests of the Denver & Rio Grande railroad, residing at Colorado Springs. He is a gentleman about forty-two years old, and has had a long-time experience that evidently makes him a valuable officer. It is understood that Mr. Lamborn has either gone or will proceed directly to the Pacific coast, from whence he will return overland, taking in the land offices and department of the road. He will arrive in St. Paul probably in mid-summer, if not earlier.—[Exchange. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 April 1882, p. 1, c. 6)


The chair cars 22 and 24 will leave for St. Paul and Fargo today to be ready for their regular runs on trains No. 1 and No. 2, Monday, May 1, between St. Paul and Fargo. These coaches have lately been refitted at the shops and are conceded to be as fine as any that run into St. Paul. They will run through our town daily on trains No. 1 and No. 2 for the season. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 April 1882, p. 5, c. 2)


The painters’ car is being repaired and put in order for the coming season’s work, and will make a trip next week. It will be in charge of Joseph Capron. (Brainerd Tribune, 29 April 1882, p. 5, c. 2)


04 May

A box car was found yesterday morning to have been broken open the night previous, but there was nothing taken. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 May 1882, p. 5, c. 1)


Progress on the Big Horn Tunnel.


Big Horn Tunnel and Bridge west of Glendive, Montana, 1883.
Source: The West Shore, L. Samuel, 1888, p. 561

Glendive, M. T., May 5.—The bore of the Big Horn tunnel is through. The laborers working from the east end and those working from the west end met last night. The work will be completed May 15 for the passing of cars. The tunnel is 1,150 feet long. It was begun last November, and the work has been pushed right along. It was the most serious obstacle that was encountered between Glendive and the Rocky Mountain division. The grading to Benson’s Landing, 340 miles from Glendive will be finished July 1. Thirty-six hundred men and 2,200 mules are being employed in the completion of this work. Thirty trains will run to Billings by July 1. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 May 1882, p. 1, c. 6)


The Northern Pacific construction corps pierced the big Horn tunnel Thursday, and announce that cars will be run through to Billings July 1. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 May 1882, p. 4, c. 1)


05 May

A new sewing machine was received in the upholstering department of the Northern Pacific shops yesterday. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 May 1882, p. 5, c. 1)


06 May

Turn It In To the Company Then.


The “boys” are telling a good story on Billy Doyle, the well known and popular Northern Pacific conductor. As the story goes in Doyle’s run out from St. Paul a few evenings since, was a man full of booze, who was trying to beat his way back to Minneapolis, Billy struck him for the fare. He swore and protested that he had no money. “Then off you go,” said Billy. With that the would-be beat produced a terribly dilapidated two-dollar bill, and rendered it in payment. Billy took the bill, and after an examination handed it back with, “I can’t take that.” “Turn it in to the company then,” was the response, and Billy wilted, and the beat got a free ride to Minneapolis.—[St. Paul Globe. (Brainerd Tribune, 06 May 1882, p. 1, c. 3)


06 May

With the new uniform the Northern Pacific passenger conductors will receive a strong and handsome, medium-sized, green shaded lantern, and also a new cash box for tickets and checks. Hereafter it will require a ten-foot pole to touch Comstock, Parker, Pillon and others.—[Bismarck Tribune. (Brainerd Tribune, 05 May 1882, p. 5, c. 2)


16 May

NORTHWESTERN NEWS NOTES.


Vice President Oakes and party spent Saturday at Sylvan lake, near Brainerd, and captured over 400 pounds of black bass. (Minneapolis Tribune, 16 May 1882, p. 8)


18 June

NORTHWESTERN NEWS NOTES.


BRAINERD.


...Brainerd is to have telephone connections at once. Messrs. Carver, Mohl & Co. have organized as the Brainerd Telephone Company, put up their poles and are daily expecting their wire. They have already twenty-five subscribers, and the Northern Pacific company will use it between their offices and shops. (Minneapolis Tribune, 18 June 1882, p. 8)


25 June

THE STATE.


BRAINERD.


It is spoken of that we are to have a large foundry here in connection with the N. P. R. R. shops, which explains why the road did not offer special inducement to the firm that located at Fargo. (Minneapolis Tribune, 25 June 1882, p. 8)


Mr. A. P. Farrar, who had been master-mechanic of the N. P. shops here for several years resigned last week and Mr. H. J. Small is acting temporarily. Mr. Farrar is a very able an popular official and a fine organizer. (Minneapolis Tribune, 25 June 1882, p. 8)


General [Adna] Anderson, engineer-in-chief of the N. P. R. R. is expected back here from the west early next week. Mr. M. C. Kimberley, his assistant, who was connected with the construction of the road from February, 1870, to 1877, is now in town awaiting General Anderson’s arrival. (Minneapolis Tribune, 25 June 1882, p. 8)


04 July

BRAINERD’S BOOM.


The Great Railroad Shops Under Construction

by the Northern Pacific

Railroad Company.


Something About Their Cost and the

Number of Men They Will Give

Employment.


PROGRESS OF THE WORK.


Aerial View of the Northern Pacific Shops, 1952.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

Few that have not been there have any correct idea of the number and magnitude of the railroad shops built and being built by the Northern Pacific company at Brainerd. Nor can they know with what regard to solidity and beauty they are being erected. The time has long since passed when the permanence and success of the road is questioned. They no longer build for a season, but are putting up structures that seem to say, Your service will be needed for a long time.

The roundhouse, which makes a complete circle and contains forty-four stalls, is, as are all the new shops, built of brick with iron trusses and a slate roof. It has in and about all the conveniences in shape of heating, lighting, water, center turn-table, tracks, etc., that can be imagined, and is without doubt the most complete engine house in the state if not in the union.

General Office building on the left and the front of the Machine and Erecting shops in the center, ca. 1885.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Of the machine shops to be built only one-half of one is finished. This directly east of the roundhouse. Its dimensions are 120x250, one side for machinery, the other for engines. Solid granite foundations have been laid for all the machinery, which is being put in place. The engine room, 40x80, is built on the north side, and a 1500 horse-power Corliss engine with five boilers, is ready for work. The other half of the machine shop which will be built in the future, is to be of the same dimensions as the part built. West of these shops and parallel with them, are the tank, repair, copper and boiler shops, making, when finished, a building 80x175. These parallel buildings have running between them a transfer which will run an engine into any part of the two shops. It runs on six tracks, the motive power being a small stationary engine on one side of the carriage which moves the wheel by cogs. The foundation of the latter building has been laid and the balance of the work has been contracted for and will be done at once.

North of the boiler shops is the oil house. This is to be 40x60, two stories high. The ground floor is to be built partly underground and to be filled with wrought iron oil tanks fifteen to seventeen feet in diameter, holding from 15,000 to 25,000 gallons each. Pumps are to be arranged on the next floor and oil is to be pumped up as needed. This building is very well built and is as nearly fire proof as possible.

Northern Pacific Main Office and Store House, 1971.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society
Northern Pacific Shops Office Building, 2000.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch

Between the main track and the roundhouse a storehouse and office is being built in one large building 44x280 two stories high. Seventy five feet of the west end is to be cut off to be used as offices for the superintendent of construction, master mechanic, etc. On the front a clock tower 65 feet high is to be erected. The foundation of this building is completed and walls are being built. It will be of brick with iron truss and slate roof.

Northern Pacific Shops, 1971.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

The new blacksmith shop south of the roundhouse is to be a very large one. The shops and yards are to be lighted by the Brush electric light. The chimney, which is 106 feet high, has been utilized as a tower. Fred R. W. Gilbert, assistant engineer of the Chicago shops, estimates the cost of the new shops, when completed, at $450,000 and that they will employ from 600 to 800 men when finished, which they will be in the fall. The old shops on the north side of the track will be used for car building and car repairs, while the new ones will be for the motive power works.

About a year ago the Northern Pacific company had made for their use nine powerful engines, with large fire boxes, in which they supposed they could burn the soft coal found on the west end of their line. It was given a good trial and failed; then Iowa coal was tried, but that would not work, so they are all being rebuilt with smaller fire boxes.

Northern Pacific Stock Certificate with a picture of Frederick Billings on the front and signed by J. P. Morgan on the reverse, ca. 1881.
Source: Unknown

There are now in course of construction sixty caboose, 200 hand cars, twelve boarding cars, two baggage cars and one new pay car. The pay car, which is nearly finished, will be a great improvement on the old one, being of the same length as the baggage car, having sleeping and eating accommodations, and having in the end two doors for men to pass in and out. All these improvements give work to nearly 2,000 men, who are paid nearly $75,000 a month. Brainerd owes much to the Northern Pacific company, and Minnesota should be grateful that so good a company is doing so much in her borders. (Minneapolis Tribune, 04 July 1882, p. 4)


21 July

THE CASUALTY RECORD.

_____


Crushed to Death.


BRAINERD, July 21.—As a freight train was backing toward Deerwood this afternoon, and when distant about a mile and a half, the track spread and the engine was ditched. The engineer, F. Millspaugh [sic], was crushed to death under the engine and the fireman had one leg badly crushed and his shoulder hurt. His injuries are serious. The engineer had been running only about a year. (Minneapolis Tribune, 25 July 1882, p. 2)


SEE: 20 September 1883


30 July

KINDRED’S RECORD.

_____


A Readable Exposé by One of

the Bolter’s Neighbors and

Constituents.

_____


OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS.


One of the ablest, fairest and most judicious journals in the new Fifth district is The Red River Valley News, of Glyndon, Clay county. It is edited and published by Luther Osborn, Esq., well known as an old Minneapolitan of brains and character. In his issue of July 27 Mr. Osborn breaks ground on the subject of C. F. Kindred’s personal character, as shown by that only test, his record and acts as a man among men. Referring to well known facts in Mr. Kindred’s history, The News makes the following exhibit:


CHARACTER AND RECORD.

Some people and papers want to know what The News meant last week in saying “no republican candidate (for congress) in Minnesota can stand the ripping up of character and record which Mr. Kindred will suffer if he stays before the people.” and in the same connection expressed the belief that Kindred will be forced to retire from his candidacy before election time. The case is plain enough, or ought to be. We have thought from the first that should Kindred be definitely a candidate, the real question of his fitness for public station would hinge upon what his past conduct showed him to be as a man. Indeed, that is The News’ rule as to candidates for office and how this journal should stand toward them—what sort of men are they? We always want capable men, men of integrity. We prefer republicans for congress over democrats, other things being equal. But if the republicans in mass put forward morally rotten men, they cannot command our support, if we know it. We should proceed to punish the mass for its own good, and count ourselves the better republican for doing it.

Our inquiries after some of Mr. C. F. Kindred’s deeds (including misdeeds and warranty deeds) done in the years of his incumbency of the chief clerkship of the Northern Pacific railroad land department enabled us to say, the week before the Detroit [Lakes] convention, “the various charges of campaign corruption against the latter (Mr. Kindred) might perhaps be found hard to make stick in an investigation, but the somewhat vague hints at his crookedness while in the Northern Pacific railroad employ—the period when he made all his record before this people—are susceptible of so much backing up that it would be a millstone about the neck of the republican party here if he were its standard bearer.” We supported this general statement by declaring it to be true that the compromise of the Kindred-Power suits with the Northern Pacific Railroad Company was effected through avenues proceeding from defendants P. and K., negotiations being somewhat lengthened, and terms of settlement agreed on some time before March 3, 1882, in pursuance of which lands and lots in Dakota and Minnesota valued at $50,000 to $70,000 were re-conveyed to the company. There was no such thing as the bold deeding by either Kindred or Power to the company direct—it was a “mutual friend” (two or more) arrangement. The actual conveyance was by Joseph Dilworth, trustee, March 9, 1882, of lands in Griggs, Stutsman and Foster counties, Dakota Territory, being the same land conveyed to him by Eugene F. Powers, of St. Paul, Minn., by deed bearing date January 9, 1882; recorded in the register of deeds office, Barnes county, in book A, pp. 17, 18, and in register’s office of Stutsman county, book C, p. 527.”

Description of tracts:

All of section 35, township 145, range 59.

All of sections 5, 7 and 9, township 144, range 58.

All of sections 5 and 7, township 144, range 62.

All of section 19, and n1/2, sw1/2, and nw1/4, se1/4 section 17, township 145, range 52.

—Five thousand acres.

Also, 100 acres of land in Cass county, Minn., and 103 lots in the city of Fargo. A certain explanation of this last (the roundhouse site) is extant, but The News considers that it does not explain to any great extent.

The method of this conveyance, and the official record of it, may furnish technical ground for denying that the restitution was made by the defendants to the company, but what avails that plea in considering the moral question involved? Of course, it was a mercenary and conscienceless settlement on the company’s part to accept $50,000 or $70,000 and leave Kindred in possession of $200,000 in land or proceeds of land, but that affords no relief from the moral blackness of Kindred’s conduct. The company welcomed riddance from a detailed exposure in court, which would have shown it possible for its own high and trusted officials, through six long years, to enrich themselves by bold and colossal embezzlement and wholesale breach of trust; the company, aside from the consideration of saving a part of its corporate reputation for vigilance and good management, were probably made to see that oblivion for some of its directors or ex-directors would promote peace and comfort!

Colonel Reese Marshall Newport, Treasurer, Northern Pacific Railroad, ca. 1865.
Source: Unknown

And it will not do to forget, in gauging the morals of this business, that the instituting of these suits was the act of the Billings regime, and their compromise that of the Villard-Oakes administration. Kindred had been summarily dismissed by President Billings when the corruption came to light through the investigation made by Auditor Newport in 1880, while his associated defendant remained to answer to the formal charges brought by the committee of directors appointed December 16 of that year. Whether the corporation compounded a felony by compromising its civil suit or not, Mr. Kindred’s record and character appear in a sorry light. Major Ruffee, one of his adherents, told the editor of The News, the morning of convention day at Detroit [Lakes], that the paper’s assertions about restitution (in issue of July 6) were incorrect, and promised to see him later and give the true story thereof; but up to this date has not been heard from.

The committee of directors above mentioned made report February 17, 1881, the board first summoning Mr. Power to appear at New York to be interrogated, and allowing time for explanation of the transaction. We append sundry extracts from the said report:

From the records of the land department it appears that, in many instances, the company’s lands have been sold to Mr. Power and Mr. Kindred and to their relatives and friends, at prices below the schedule prices authorized by the company, and below the prices for which similar lands were sold to others about the same time.

(1.) It appears that in very many instances lands of the company were nominally disposed of to third parties, but in reality for Power and Kindred, for it is how that the consideration actually paid for these lands was paid and secured to be paid to them individually—in some cases to one and in some cases to the other—which consideration was greater in value than that accounted for to the company. From the large number of these cases reported there is no doubt that Mr. Power and Mr. Kindred were in the habit of selling the company’s lands to settlers for payment in cash usually on time with interest, and accounting to the company for the sales reported in the securities of the company.

There was sold to O. S. Molden, contract 1 914, dated Nov. 16, 1879, for $400 in preferred stock, a piece of land which the records of Traill county, Da., show was mortgaged to C. F. Kindred June 3, 1879, for $800.

For Kindred’s profits, figure margin between market value of preferred stock (part of the time as low as 10 cents on the dollar) and cash price realized from the innocent purchaser. Again, from report:

Frederick Billings, President, Northern Pacific, 1879-1881, ca. 1880.
Source: Unknown

(2.) The records of the office at Brainerd, where sales were made, were so kept and unstipulated as in many instances, to mislead verso a proposing to purchase. Lands appearing on the plats as open for sale would, on application therefor by persons desiring to purchase, be surreptitiously taken by friends and relatives of the land department officials (See affidavit of C. F. Hollingsworth). In frequent instances lands were sold to persons, and afterwards [sic] they were enforced, were sold to other parties.

On the plats, lands were, for a long time, marked as sold or applied for when no such sale had been made or was then existing, and the persons seeking to purchase were compelled to take other lands or none. The effect of this was to bring the company into disrepute with respect to the management of its lands, and to discourage purchases.

Both Mr. Power and Mr. Kindred speculated in and on the lands of the company by borrowing money for themselves, and giving as security mortgages on lands which had at the time neither been sold or contracted to be sold. The records of Barnes county, Dakota Territory, show that James B. Power and C. F. Kindred mortgaged certain lands aggregating 2518.52 acres to J. S. Huntington, of New Haven, Conn., June 16, 1876 by three mortgages of $1,000 each, said mortgage notes drawing interest at 10 per cent, per annum, and due and payable at Kountz Bros.’ bank, New York, June 16, 1881. These lands were contracted to be sold to Asa Sargent, June 23, 1876, by contract No. 97, and deeded by the railroad company to him June 30, 1876. The deed from Sargent to Power and Kindred bears the date June 4, 1876, and the mortgages from Power and Kindred to Huntington bear date June 16, 1876.

There is on record in Barnes county, Da., under date of Dec. 19, 1877, a mortgage executed by C. F. and Sarah E. Kindred, and William A. and Lillian M. Kindred, in favor of James Brand of Lorain county Ohio, to secure the payment of $1,000 due Dec. 17, 1882, with interest at 10 per cent, per annum, and payable at the office of Kountz Bros., New York, which said the mortgage covers 2,000 acres of land, more or less. Included in these lands so mortgaged are certain parcels contracted to be sold by the railroad company to F. E. Snow, father of Lillian M Kindred, under date of Aug. 28, 1878, and Sept. 2, 1878, respectively.

The full text of this arrangement, in our possession, is cumulative evidence of the same sort, but would unduly load the columns of our humble sheet. It will be published in all its length and beauty if needed to add force to what we have here summarized. This brief record—even the briefer one of the committee’s conclusions, published by us three weeks since—is enough to label the candidate from Brainerd correctly. The trio of sins laid to his charge would be defined, under the laws of Minnesota—

Breach of trust.

Embezzlement.

Forgery.

(Minneapolis Tribune, 30 July 1882, p. 3)


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


KINDRED:

SEE: 07 November 1874

SEE: 14 November 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 07 June 1876

SEE: 23 March 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 18 January 1879

SEE: 31 May 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 26 June 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 20 September 1883

SEE: 23 September 1883

SEE: 26 August 1885

SEE: 13 December 1887

SEE: 31 May 1889

SEE: 25 March 1898

SEE: 05 February 1917


NOTE: Colonel Reese Marshall Newport, 1838-1912, when the Civil War broke out, Newport joined the army as assistant quartermaster. By the end of the war, he had risen in the quartermaster's department from colonel to chief quartermaster of the Baltimore depot. On March 13, 1865, he received the brevet brigadier general commission "for faithful and meritorious services during the war." After the war he was a banker, real estate agent, Auditor and Treasurer of the Northern Pacific Railroad.


NEWPORT:

SEE: 17 August 1872

SEE: 26 April 1873

SEE: 12 December 1874

SEE: 19 December 1874

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 29 January 1876

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 03 June 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 09 June 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 07 February 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 17 March 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 30 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 11 February 1882

SEE: 18 February 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


01 August

THE STATE.


BRAINERD.


The engineers connected with the operating department here have in view the presentation of a handsome gold watch and chain costing $400 to the late master mechanic, Mr. A. P. Farrar, on his return from Michigan. The hunting case is plain finish and will have engraved on the front Mr. Farrar’s monogram and on the inside of the case the words “Presented to Mr. A. P. Farrar by the N. P. engineers.” The chain is of massive links elegantly engraved, and pendant from it is a beautiful Knights Templar cross. (Minneapolis Tribune, 01 August 1882, p. 8)


Engineer Bell, who was severely bruised and had a finger cut off by falling from his engine going forty miles per hour with President Villard’s special a few weeks ago, is able to be about again. (Minneapolis Tribune, 01 August 1882, p. 8)


02 August

KINDRED IN NEW YORK,


FRESH LIGHT FROM OFFICIAL NORTHERN PA-


CIFIC SOURCES.


NEW YORK, Aug. 2.—In an interview with a leading official of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company to day, your representative asked the categorical question whether or not C. F. Kindred and J. B. Power had compromised the company’s suits against them by making a restitution of part of the stolen property. After a moment’s hesitation the official expressed regret at the course the company had pursued in attempting to


KEEP THE COMPROMISE SECRET,

and then squarely stated that the compromise was made, that property to the value of about $150,000 was surrendered by Mr. Power and Mr. Kindred. He added the remark that the extraordinary course of Mr. Kindred in pushing himself forward as a candidate for office, and publicly declaring that he had made no settlement with the company, and that the corporation had backed out of its suits against him because they could not be sustained, practically absolved the board of directors from all implied obligations to keep still. The official has furnished me with a full list of


THE PROPERTIES SURRENDERED

by Kindred and Power, and copies of other voluminous documents in the case, some of the most important of which are not on file in Minnesota. These I send you by mail. [The list of surrendered property THE TRIBUNE published last Sunday.—ED. TRIBUNE.] The board of directors just begin to see that Kindred is placing them in a position where they are compelled to speak in order to protect themselves—and they speak with emphasis.

Since the preparation of the special report on the Kindred-Power rascalities [sic] signed by Directors Cheney, Barney and McCulloch, my informant states that innumerable cases have come to light where the game of the artful dodger was played by the same men, and bitter complaints have come up to the company


FROM POOR SETTLERS,

who have found themselves swindled out of half the cost of their lands by the frauds of Kindred. I shall be able to get an exhibit of some of the more recent of their complaints and send THE TRIBUNE. The company is at last ready to furnish any reasonable amount of information called for. (Minneapolis Tribune, 03 August 1882, p. 2)


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 05 February 1917


KINDRED:

SEE: 07 November 1874

SEE: 14 November 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 07 June 1876

SEE: 23 March 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 18 January 1879

SEE: 31 May 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 26 June 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 20 September 1883

SEE: 23 September 1883

SEE: 26 August 1885

SEE: 13 December 1887

SEE: 31 May 1889

SEE: 25 March 1898

SEE: 05 February 1917


17 August

Northern Pacific Mutual Benefit Asso-

ciation.


Several months ago General Manager Haupt submitted to the officers, agents and employees of the Northern Pacific Railway Company, a proposed plan of organization for a mutual benefit association for sick relief, aid to families, funeral expenses and possibly providing asylums or pensions for aged and disabled members; and yesterday a meeting was held to make the organization. The meeting was at Gen. Haupt’s office, and was attended by Gen. Haupt, Treasurer Sanborn, Supt. Cross and representatives of the employees in St. Paul, and also by C. T. Hobart, of Fargo, superintendent of the Dakota division, E. F. Doran master mechanic, A. S. Chase, of Duluth, general agent, A. E. Taylor, of Brainerd, chief roadmaster, and H. J. Small, of Brainerd, master mechanic. The meeting was employed all day in discussing details and drawing up a constitution and by-laws, forms of agreement, etc., and had not concluded its labors on adjournment at 6 P.M. The association will be voluntary, but it is thought the plan will prove so satisfactory that every one in the service of the company will be glad to be enrolled as a member. (Minneapolis Tribune, 17 August 1882, p. 4)


SEE: 24 February 1872

SEE: 16 March 1872

SEE: 15 April 1872

SEE: 27 April 1872

SEE: 04 May 1872

SEE: 25 October 1872

SEE: 16 November 1872

SEE: 14 December 1872

SEE: 29 March 1873

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 05 April 1873

SEE: 29 May 1873

SEE: 31 May 1873

SEE: 17 July 1880

SEE: 05 February 1917


23 August

THE CASUALTY RECORD.


A BRAKEMAN KILLED.


BRAINERD, Aug. 23.—About noon today a young man named J. Kingsley, who was employed as a brakeman in the Northern Pacific yard here, was caught between two cars which he was coupling, and was so badly crushed that he died shortly after being removed to the hospital. He was a stranger here, having only been in the employ of the company a few days. (Minneapolis Tribune, 23 August 1882, p. 2)


14 September

ST. PAUL.


RAILROAD NOTES.


The Northern Pacific Mutual Benefit Association, at the meeting mentioned yesterday chose Dr. C. H. Boardman of St. Paul to superintend the organization of medical and hospital service, Dr. J. H. Murphy of St. Paul to be surgeon and Dr. D. Bigger of Omaha to have charge of the association hospital at Brainerd. (Minneapolis Tribune, 14 September 1882, p. 6)


24 September

A frame structure at the end of the railroad bridge in West Brainerd, formerly called Immigration Hall, is converted into the Northern Pacific Beneficial Association Hospital; this is the main hospital for the entire Northern Pacific Railroad system. It stands on the north side of the railroad track at the west end of the railroad bridge. In its early years, the building is heated by wood-burning stoves and has no running water. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 22 & 23)


17 November

THE FIRE RECORD.


AT BRAINERD.


BRAINERD, Nov. 17.—About 5:40 P. M. an alarm was sounded by the screeching of whistles of all the locomotives that had steam up. A fire had broken out in the frame building on the north side of the track, used as a foundry for the Northern Pacific shops. As there is no fire engine in Brainerd, the building was necessarily burned to the ground, and all the efforts of the bucket brigades were needed to save the surrounding shops with their valuable machinery. There was not even a carbonic acid extinguisher in the place. Had there been a brisk wind the entire lot of shops with tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of machinery, would have been destroyed. As it was the only loss was the foundry building worth $1500 and about $1008 worth of machinery. This is the third narrow escape in the past two years. (Minneapolis Tribune, 18 November 1882, p. 4)


27 November

Headquarters Hotel and NP Depot, ca. 1875.
Source: Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923

The Headquarters Hotel is easily the leading building in the town. This three-story structure occupies a two-acre lot where the present depot stands [southwest corner of Washington and Sixth Streets]. It has fifty or sixty sleeping rooms, a dining room seating over one hundred, parlors, offices, and other rooms. It is exactly what the name implies, “Headquarters.” Water from an overhead reservoir is piped to all the rooms. The hotel has an icehouse of seven hundred tons capacity, arranged so as to provide refrigerator storerooms for fruits, vegetables, and meats. The building has “a great many chimneys and over six hundred joints of stove pipe.” (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 19)


A fire destroyed it [Headquarters Hotel] in 1889 [This date is INCORRECT, the hotel burned on 27 November 1882. SEE BELOW], whereupon the company [NP] encouraged R. R. Wise to erect his Arlington Hotel on the same site. (It Happened Here, Carl Zapffe, Brainerd Journal Press: 1948, p. 30)


...fires have destroyed dozens of large business blocks and scores of homes. Among them were: the Headquarters Hotel.... (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 66)


Sometime during the night in the winter of 1882 the Headquarters Hotel burned down. (Biography: 1936; Fred Hagadorn, born 27 July 1870; Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 1881-1981 Heritage Edition, p. 3B)


BRAINERD'S BIG HOTEL BURNED.


Destruction of the Headquarters House—Other Conflagrations


BRAINERD, Nov. 28—About 9:30 last evening a kerosene lamp in the ladies' waiting room at the Headquarters Hotel in this place exploded, and the burning oil falling on the floor burned a place about four inches in diameter. The fire was put out and to all appearances no further damage was done; but the burning oil had gone through the floor, and running along the under side of the joists and flooring, was slowly eating its way up through the partition into the second floor, where it suddenly burst out shortly after midnight. Although the house was crowded and most of the inmates were asleep, all were taken out, although some had to jump from the top of the porch to the ground, while their trunks were thrown out of the windows. About half the furniture and goods in the hotel were destroyed, the fire gaining instantly such headway that nothing could stop its progress in the dry old structure. During the progress of the fire quite a number of articles were stolen by some miserable wretches who were sneaking around.

The building was burned to the ground, not a stick standing in two hours after the fire broke out. It was 142 feet front, and the main building was 100 feet deep. It was owned by the Northern Pacific railroad. With the additions it cost about $20,000. The loss in furniture and goods will amount to about $6,000 or $8,000 more, the whole being covered by insurance. The hotel was run by Witt & Clayton, under a lease from the Northern Pacific. (Minneapolis Tribune, 29 November, 1882, p. 1)


NOTE: Sometime between the burning of the original Headquarters Hotel above in November 1882 and the remodeling of the Northern Pacific Depot in late 1883, I believe the Northern Pacific built a temporary building also known as the “Headquarters Hotel.”


SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 17 February 1872

SEE: 24 February 1872


31 December

NORTHERN PACIFIC.


This grand continental railway of the North before another year has passed away will have a completed line to the waters of the Pacific. The Eastern and Western divisions are now only 310 miles apart, and in this gap, with the grading partly finished, the work of construction is being carried on without interruption by as large a force of laborers as can conveniently be employed. It it expected that through train service can be begun about the middle of the year by crossing the Bozeman and Mullan passes, (where tunnels are being cut through the mountains) on temporary roadways of heavy grades. The tunnels at these passes are expected to be completed—the Mullan tunnel about the first of May next and the other about the 1st of September. This will leave of what may be called the main line, for future construction—on the Wisconsin division, from Superior City along the south shore of Lake Superior to Montreal river, the boundary between Wisconsin and Michigan, and of the Pacific divisions, the line through Washington territory over the Cascade range of mountains. But these divisions are for the time comparatively unimportant parts of the system. When the connection has been established in Montana, the railways meeting the Northern Pacific at St. Paul and the great lakes at Duluth will be connected by its track and its auxiliary lines on the Pacific coast with the seaports of Washington, Oregon and California.


THESE AUXILIARY LINES,

(controlled through the Oregon & Transcontinental company,) cover twelve hundred miles of railroad, which traverse all the settled portions of the valley of the Columbia east of the Cascade range, and the valleys of the Columbia’s principal branches, the Willamette and Snake rivers, including a rail connection with San Francisco; and further cover the navigation of the three rivers named and of Puget Sound as also the whole coastwise trade of the North Pacific coast, from the northern boundary of Mexico to Alaska, carried on by twenty-six ocean steamers. It may well be estimated that this tributary system of railways and steamer lines will at once bring to the trunk line of the Northern Pacific a traffic equal to that which has only been built up on other long roads after years of cultivation and development of business. The promises made regarding construction of the main line by the Villard management about a year ago have, so far, been well kept. On the western divisions about 340 miles of track have been added to the main line, and the eastern divisions have been advanced westward by 275 miles of main line track. During the fiscal year ending June 30 last, the immense demands made on the company’s treasury were met without borrowing a dollar in the open market. It is understood that the same may be said as to the operations of the last six months, and that the money required for the construction work of the coming year has already been provided.


THE EASTERN DIVISIONS.

The Northern Pacific has at this date in operation on its eastern Divisions which only are to be included in the review for this year, 1,432 1/2 miles of road, as follows: Main line, St. Paul to Livingston, Montana, 1,030; Duluth to Brainerd, 114; Superior City to Northern Pacific Junction, 23 1/2; Little Falls & Dakota branch line, Little Falls to Morris, 88; Northern Pacific, Fergus & Black Hills branch, Wadena Junction to Wahpeton, 78; Fargo & Southwestern branch, Fargo Junction to Lisbon, on the Cheyenne river, 56; Jamestown & Northern branch, Jamestown Junction to Carrington, 43 miles. The total of track laid at this date includes 24 1/2 miles extension of the main line from Livingston to Bozeman, Montana, and 17 miles extension of the Northern Pacific, Fergus & Black Hills branch westward from Wahpeton. mIleage total, 1,474.

The new line constructed this year is as follows: Horton to Bozeman, on the main line, 275 miles; Little Falls to Morris, 88; Fergus Falls to Breckenridge, 25; Fergus Falls Junction to Pelican Rapids, 21 1/2; Fargo Junction to Lisbon, 55; Jamestown to Carrington, 45—a total of 507 1/2 miles. But the company has lately transferred to the St. Paul & Manitoba company its Casselton and Pelican Rapids branches, a total of 64 miles, and received from that company with other concessions, 18 miles of track from Breckenridge, via Wahpeton, westerly—the extension of the Fergus & Black Hills branch above mentioned. These transfers reduce the gain of track for the year to 461 1/2 miles. On the main line the 24 1/2 miles from Livingston to Bozeman, and on the F. & B. H. branch 20 miles west from Wahpeton, will soon be added to the mileage operated. Construction of new roadway, besides on the main line west of Bozeman, is in progress, or merely suspended for the winter, as follows: Wisconsin division, Duluth to Superior City, 5 1/2 miles; Fargo Southwestern, Lisbon to La Moure, 32 miles; Jamestown Northern, from Carrington northerly, 25 miles; Livingston to coal mines, 8 miles; Livingston to the National park, 62 miles. As to


OTHER BRANCHES

and further extensions, nothing definite can be stated by authority, but that the country it traverses with its main line will be fully occupied and developed by branch lines is stated in the last annual report of the Northern Pacific company, in language substantially as follows: “The protection of its general traffic from competition, and a great enhancement in the value of its land grant, lies in the construction (by the Oregon & Transcontinental company, which is the largest stockholder in the Northern Pacific) of a well-ordered system of branch lines whenever and wherever needed in Minnesota, Dakota, Montana, Oregon, Idaho or Washington. The late agreement of the Northern Pacific company with the St. Paul & Manitoba company, relieves it from the pressing necessity of building new branches in Minnesota or northern Dakota, and it may be presumed, therefore, that all the capital and material the Northern Pacific will employ the coming year will mostly be expended in completing the main line.


THE BETTERMENTS,

of the property during the year have been extensive, including relaying the track with steel to the amount of 25,000 tons, completing the steel track to Bismarck; laying 430,000 new cross ties and new ballasting 125 miles of road. About seventy-five bridges, etc., were rebuilt and a large number were repaired. The additions include 160,000 feet of new sidings. Five stock yards have been provided and at Duluth 800 feet front of new coal docks. The new buildings include sixteen station houses, of which ten are on the Missouri division, or between Bismarck and Glendive; thirteen station buildings besides five nearly doubled in size; thirteen standard tanks, each of 1,600 barrels capacity; six pump houses; one freight house and four enlarged; three new engine houses and one round house enlarged by six stalls; repair shops at Jamestown and Glendive; and a large number of lesser buildings, such as telegraph offices, baggage and tool houses, etc. The new station house at Mandan is mentioned as the handsomest west of St. Paul. It is two stories, 30x100 feet, of brick, in the Queen Anne Style.

The new shop buildings at Brainerd are among the most important of additions to the facilities for operating the roads. They are all brick buildings with stone trimmings and slate roofs and will compare favorably in size and appointments with the best railway shops in the United States. The principal new buildings will occupy ground space as follows: Engine house, 316 feet in diameter, with forty-four stalls and at the center a wrought-iron turntable fifty-six feet in diameter. Machine shop, 120x240 feet, with engine and boiler house, 40x80 feet. Blacksmith shop, 80x200 feet, with engine and boiler room, 20x30 feet and storehouse 26x160 feet. Boiler shop, 80x175 feet. Cooper and tank shops, 80x160 feet, with boiler house 20x24 feet, and store and fuel house, 26x100 feet. Oil house, built throughout of iron and brick, 40x60 feet. Office and store house, two stories, 40x280 feet. Most of these buildings have been finished at this date and the others are rapidly approaching completion, as are also the round houses at Jamestown, which are being built of brick, each of the same diameter as the new one at Brainerd and ultimately to have the same number of stalls, forty-four.


THE MISSOURI BRIDGE.

Eight locomotives test a span of the Bismarck bridge over the Missouri River, 21 October 1882.
Source: Unknown

Another prominent work of the year is the completion and opening of the great steel bridge of the Missouri from Bismarck landing to Mandan. This bridge, which was lately fully described in the GLOBE, and the plan of which was discussed in the last annual review, is regarded among engineers and bridge builders as one of the most remarkable works of this era of railroad building. Primarily the great river had to be controlled by a difficult and costly dike. The bridge consists of two spans of 125 feet each and three spans of 400 feet each, besides an approach of a quarter of mile in length on the west side. The trusses are constructed entirely of iron and steel. The height of the trusses is fifty feet and the distance from the rail to the river surface is sixty feet. The piers and abutments are of massive granite and 120 feet in height. A year and a half was occupied in its building, and it was formally opened for traffic on the 21st of October last, when each of the 400-foot spans were tested with a continuous train of eight Mogul engines, having an aggregate weight of 1,120,000 pounds. The test which was witnessed by a large number of bridge engineers and railroad men from all parts of the country, was eminently successful and was made the occasion of great rejoicing in Bismarck and Mandan.


SEE: 27 March 1882


THE EQUIPMENT

of the road was increased during the last fiscal year by fifty-four locomotives, forty-three passenger cars and 2,079 freight cars. Of locomotives sixty-four have been added since the close of the fiscal year and General Manager Haupt estimates that the traffic of 1883 will require the further addition of 125 locomotives, 160 passenger, baggage and express cars, and 2,000 freight cars, of which 1,200 should be box cars.

The expenditures, improvements and betterments of the last year amounted to $1,185,944.70, of which the following are the principal items: Brainerd shops, $260,006.12; general office building, St. Paul, $70,141.03; other improvements in St. Paul, $64,388.18; buildings and grounds at way stations, etc., $210,058.94; cost of steel rails over iron taken up, $345,384.20; road bed, $53,750.77; side tracks, $124,071.50; and new docks at Duluth, $28,303.84.


AT ST. PAUL.

The general office building at St. Paul, 62x150 feet, four stories and basement, is built, the basement story of stone and the walls of brick, is roofed with iron and slate and has non-combustible floors, division walls and partitions. It is planned for twenty offices with sub-divisions, and will be ready for occupancy during next spring. Other improvements of the year in this city have been in bridge building, filling freight yards, laying, shifting and storage tracks, etc.

This company has lately purchased for its principal terminal grounds, 220 acres of land just northeast of the city. It fronts for over a mile on the north side of the right of way of the Manitoba company and its eastern line is two miles east of the eastern line of the stock yards at Minnesota Transfer. The tract is about one-quarter of a mile wide at its western boundary and about three-eighths of a mile wide at its eastern boundary, and lays quite favorably for the purposes for which it was intended. The space is ample and the company hopes to secure the erection here of elevators and packinghouses, and the establishment of other industries for which large railway conveniences are desirable.

Extensive improvements are also to be made on the valuable grounds the company purchased last year in East Minneapolis, and the obstacles which have delayed their beginning are now nearly removed.

In the recent agreement between the Northern Pacific and Manitoba companies the former was granted the right of track use in connection with its Little Falls & Dakota branch, of the Morris & Brown’s Valley branch of the Manitoba. It had also confirmed to its former right of track privileges from Sauk Rapids to Minneapolis and St. Paul, with an enlargement which adds to the significance of the large St. Paul purchase above noted. The enlargement of privileges is in part a right of way on the east side of the Manitoba track for laying another track from Sauk Rapids to Minneapolis, with use of the four tracks of the Manitoba from Minneapolis into St. Paul. It is also stated that the through passenger trains of both companies will probably run to St. Cloud over the new Manitoba line on the west side of the Mississippi, leaving the double track on the east side for freight and way passenger business.


THE TRAFFIC

of the Northern Pacific is drawn from so many increasing sources that its future volume is beyond estimate based on anything yet witnessed in this part of the country. Leaving out of consideration its part hereafter in transcontinental traffic, the resources of the country it traverses are so vast and varied as to give assurance that the way exchanges and exports and imports of commodities, with the attendant travel, will make the property of the road immensely valuable. Forest and farms, cities and mines will be united in giving large business to the road on its every subdivision and branch. The next large addition to the already great freight carrying of the road will be the transportation of coal from the vast coal fields of Montana to the prairie region it traverses from the Mississippi to the upper waters of Yellowstone. The first coal mine is now being opened near Bozeman and a fine quality of bituminous coal has been developed in a continuous bed of clear coal, four feet in thickness, 100 feet from the surface and above the water level. Coal of excellent quality has also been discovered in the Bull mountains, about thirty miles from Billings, near to the projected branch line of road from Billings to Fort Benton.


INCREASED EARNINGS.

Monthly increase in earnings 1882 over 1881, December 1882.
Source: St. Paul Sunday Globe, 31 December 1882

The earnings of the road continue to increase in a ratio keeping pace with the rapid development of the resources of the country it is opening to settlement. The annual report for the fiscal year 1881-82, uniting the earnings of both great divisions of the road, showed an increase of 81.35 per cent over the previous year in gross earnings, and an increase in the net earnings of 91.67 per cent; the ratio of expenses to earnings have been reduced 1.84. The gross increase per mile of road operated was $1,595.54, and the net earnings increase per mile was $884.34. On the right is a statement of the gross earnings of the eastern division each month of the calendar year 1882, with the earnings of the corresponding months in 1881, and the increase per month, with the totals for the two years, and the total increase of 1882, which is about 60 per cent.


PASSENGER RATES.

Passenger rates on the Northern Pacific are as follows, per mile: East of Fargo, local 4c. except between Brainerd and Duluth, 5c.; through rates 3.2c. Between Fargo and Mandan, local 5c.; through 4c. Between Mandan and end of the track, local, 6c.; through 5c. Second class tickets sold only to west bound passengers from St. Paul, Minneapolis or Duluth, average 3c. per mile.


OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY.

The principal officers of the company are located as follows: At New York—H. Villard, president; T. F. Oakes, vice president; A. J. Thomas, second vice president; Samuel Wilkeson, secretary; George Gray, general counsel; R. L. Belknap, treasurer; and J. A. Barber, general auditor. At St. Paul—Herman Haupt, general manager; Geo. W. Cross, superintendent of transportation; J. M. Hannaford, general freight agent; and G. K. Barnes, general passenger and ticket agent. At Brainerd, Minn.—A. Anderson, engineer-in-chief. At Portland, Oregon—J. W. Sprague, general superintendent; John Muir, superintendent of traffic. Superintendents of divisions are located at Brainerd and Fergus Falls, Minn.; Fargo and Mandan, Dakota; Glendive, Mont.; and New Tacoma and Ainsworth, Washington. No changes of heads of departments have taken place during the year.


LAND DEPARTMENT.

The land department of the Northern Pacific is organized as follows: Chas. B. Lamborn, land commissioner, St. Paul; P. B. Groat, general emigration agent, St. Paul; Herman Trott, general land agent, St. Paul; Ed. Stone, general land agent, Helena, Mont.; Paul Schulze, general land agent, Portland, Oregon; and H. J. Winsler, chief of the bureau of information, St. Paul. In the absence of the land commissioner from the city little information is obtainable at this time as to the operations of the land department during this year. It has been reported, however, for some time, without contradiction, that a sale has been made to a syndicate of Eastern and English capitalists of the remaining lands of the company east of the Missouri river, to the extent of three millions of acres. West of that river the company has now large tracts of lands for sale and over all its sales to this date, its whole land grant will amount to about 30,000,000 acres. (St. Paul Sunday Globe, 31 December 1882, p. 12, c.’s 4-6)


SEE: 1869

SEE: 09 March 1870

SEE: 06 July 1872

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 11 November 1876

SEE: 09 December 1876

SEE: 23 April 1881


1883

01 January

The new shops in Brainerd cost $260,006.12. (Minneapolis Tribune, 01 January 1883, p.12)


Total number of locomotives at the end of fiscal year 1882, 158; increase over previous year, 54. Total number of passenger cars at the end of fiscal year 1882, 101; increase over previous year, 48. Total number of freight cars at the end of fiscal year 1882, 5107; increase over previous year, 2079. Since the close of the fiscal year, June 30, 1882, 56 locomotives have been purchased for the Eastern divisions and 8 for the Western divisions, making a total of 64 not included in previous statement, ordered to be delivered before December 31, 1882.

It is estimated that 125 additional locomotives, 100 passenger, baggage and express cars, and 2000 freight cars, of which 1200 should be box cars, will be required for the traffic of 1883. (Minneapolis Tribune, 01 January, 1883, p. 12)


22 January

Immigration Hall, aka Colonists’ Reception House, located at the west end of the railroad bridge, ca. 1872.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

The NP Hospital at Brainerd was a small and inferior structure, originally built for a stopping place for immigrants. It was burned in the winter of 1883 when the mercury was forty-five below zero, but the thirty-five patients were all safely removed. The new Sanitarium, with its commodious wards, its airy halls, its excellent health appliances, its handsome grounds, and the efficient service for which it serves as headquarters, are the outcome of Dr. Bigger’s skill and administrative talent. The people of Brainerd are proud of this institution and hundreds of men owe their lives to its care. (The Northwest Illustrated Monthly Magazine, Volume VI, Number 7, July 1888; E. V. Smalley, Editor and Publisher, p. 10)


SEE: 22 June 1872


THE DAY’S FIRES.


A Lively Blaze at Faribault—Another at Brainerd—Elsewhere.


AT BRAINERD.


BRAINERD, Jan. 22.—The Northern Pacific Hospital and Old Colony House here burned this morning, the fire being discovered at about 1 o’clock in the morning. There were 35 patients in the building, 16 of whom were unable to help themselves but all were taken out safely and distributed about town. Two of the patients are in a dying condition. The weather was bitter cold, the thermometer 40 below zero and the suffering of the patients was terrible. The building was one mass of flames within three minutes after the discovery of the fire. It caught in the kitchen, supposed from a defective chimney. (Minneapolis Tribune, 23 January 1883, p. 5)


Northern Pacific Hospital, architect, Cass Gilbert who designed the state capital in St Paul, located on the north side of the railroad tracks at the west end of the railroad bridge, ca. 1885.
Source: Postcard

...About midnight January 1st [sic] [22nd], 1883 our hospital burned to the ground. When Jay Cooke constructed the Northern Pacific Railroad he erected three Colony Houses, they were wood-frame buildings, about 150-feet long, forty-feet wide and two stories high. One was located in N. P. Junction (now City of Cloquet) [sic] [Carlton] [sic] [Duluth], one in Brainerd on the west bank of the Mississippi River and one in Moorehead [sic] [Glyndon]. They were to be used to temporarily house colonists when settlers were on inspection trips to buy farm lands. The one in Brainerd was later converted into a hospital for the Northern Pacific Beneficial Association owned jointly by the company and its employees to receive medical surgical service when in need. To maintain this association the employees paid monthly dues of one dollar and up. Dr. D. P. Bigger was appointed Chief Surgeon and I his assistant, we arrived here and began our duties September 23rd, 1882.

The buildings and grounds of the NP Hospital in 1917. A 1533x749 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: 1917 Sanborn Map
NP Hospital plate, 1910. A 1600x1200 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Mark Youngblood

The fire started in a wainscoted partition behind a coal heating stove in a lean-to-wing used as an office and examination room, besides the office it contained two small rooms, one used as a pharmacy and the other was my sleeping room. The night watchman pulled me out of bed, I was dazed and suffocated by the smoke. We at once aroused everyone in the building and phoned for help. Soon one of the N. P. switching crews with two baggage cars and men from the Brainerd Fire Department arrived and gave us effective and efficient assistance. By this time the fire had made such headway that efforts to save the building were abandoned. In the meantime we had carried our twenty-one patients, in their beds, to the front entrance on the first floor and began loading them into the baggage cars for transportation to an empty shop building which had hurriedly been cleaned and made ready for use, the patients remained in the cars until morning. The night was very cold, the temperature way below zero.

The stoves in this shop building gave off some heat, but within a few days water and steam pipes were conducted into the building from the company’s water and steam plants, after that the wards were warm and comfortable. All but one of the patients made a good recovery, a pneumonia patient died, the exposure and disturbance caused by the fire was too much for him. Arrangements were made with the Mahlum House, located south of the shop yard, for meals, food from there was carried in heated containers for bed patients but the ambulatory patients walked to the hotel for meals.

Of course we were handicapped to give proper medical and surgical service, all our medical supplies and equipment had been consumed in the fire. The Officers of the N. P. B. A., with the supervision of the Chief Surgeon, arranged to take care of the sick and injured employees in their homes and in local hospitals along the line as much as possible, however, our wards were filled to capacity most of the time. Plans for building a new hospital were immediately begun and before the end of the year a new building had been erected on that previous site, equipped and we moved in. (As I Remember, Dr. Werner Hemstead)


The NP Hospital burns and is replaced by a $25,000 [sic] building. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 22 & 23)


25 April

Locomotive Firemen’s Ball.


BRAINERD, Minn., April 25.—Pine City Lodge, No. 81, of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen of the Northern Pacific gave its second annual ball at Hartley Hall. The hall was handsomely decorated with festoons and the emblems of the order, while locomotive headlights without, lighted up the streets and approaches to the hall. The firemen, dressed in their jaunty fatigue jackets, devoted themselves to Brainerd’s fair ones, and both were lost in the delights of Dennis’ orchestra. Midway of the festivities supper was introduced and served in elegant style at the Metropolitan. Seventy-five couples were present and the proceeds, a handsome sum, will go to the benevolent fund of the brotherhood. (Minneapolis Tribune, 26 April 1883, p. 4)


August

In 1883 Eugene V. Smalley wrote a History of the Northern Pacific Railroad and in 1884 began publishing the Northwest Illustrated Monthly Magazine, ca. 1897.
Source: Progressive Men of Minnesota

E. V. Smalley, a prominent Republican journalist in Washington and New York during the period following the Civil War, and in later years an author, magazine writer, and publisher, was born in Randolph, Portage County, Ohio, in 1841. He was the son of a small farmer, who was warmly interested in the anti-slavery movement, and who wrote articles and delivered lectures in its support. The father died when the boy was eleven years old, and at thirteen the latter apprenticed himself to learn the printer's trade in the office of the Advertiser, at Fredonia, New York. He completed his apprenticeship on the Telegraph, at Painesville, Ohio, and then managed to get a few terms of schooling in a little anti-slavery college at McGrawsville, New York, endowed by Gerrit Smith. This was accomplished by teaching school and setting type part of the time. At the age of nineteen he was part owner and local editor of the Press and Advertiser, in Painesville, Ohio. At twenty he enlisted, on the outbreak of the Rebellion, in the Seventh Ohio Infantry, under the first call for volunteers. He was discharged in 1863 on account of wounds received in the battle of Port Republic. He worked for a time on the Cleveland Herald, and then obtained a clerkship in the treasury at Washington. This post he resigned in 1865 to buy the Register at Youngstown, Ohio, in the congressional district of General Garfield, who obtained for him the clerkship of the committee on military affairs in the House at Washington. He sold his newspaper in 1868 traveled in Europe in 1869, and in 1870 began to furnish Washington correspondence for the New York Tribune. In 1871 Horace Greeley gave him place on the staff of that paper, and he went South to investigate the Ku-Klux outrages. His letters from South Carolina led to the suspension of the habeas corpus in five counties of that state by President Grant, and to the arrest and punishment of a large number of the leaders of the cruel Ku-Klux Klan. In 1883 Mr. Smalley was sent to Europe to describe the World's Fair at Vienna. The Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia was his special field in 1876. As a political correspondent, he visited nearly every state in the Union, frequently taking part in campaigns as a platform speaker. In 1880 he wrote A Brief History of the Republican Party, which had a large sale, and also a life of General Garfield. He served continuously for twelve years on the Tribune, except one year spent in the position of managing editor of the Cleveland Herald. In 1882 he was commissioned by the Century Magazine to travel through the northern tier of states and territories, from Lake Superior to the Pacific ocean, and write a series of articles. This journey led him to write a History of the Northern Pacific Railroad, which was published in a large volume in 1883 by G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York. In 1884 he established in St. Paul the Northwest Illustrated Monthly Magazine, with the purpose of promoting the development of all the new regions of the northwestern part of the American continent. Of this periodical he is still editor and publisher. Mr. Smalley has been a frequent contributor to Eastern magazines, notably to the Atlantic, the Century and the Forum. His home is in St. Paul. His extensive travels in the Northwest and his close study of its topography, climate, resources and people, for fourteen years, has made him a recognized authority on this section. He has enjoyed the acquaintance of seven Presidents of the United States, and was the trusted personal friend of Hayes and Garfield. His newspaper work brought him into intimate relations with nearly all the eminent men who organized the Republican party and were its national leaders during the first thirty years of its existence. (Progressive Men of Minnesota, Edited by Marion D. Shutter, D. D., and J. S. McLain, M. A., The Minneapolis Journal, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1897, p. 154)


01 August

Change in the N. P. Officials.


Several changes took place in the Northern Pacific management on the 1st of August, and the positions occupied by officials now is as follows:

J. P. Odell is appointed assistant general manager of the road east of Helena, and J. M. Buckley west of Helena, with headquarters at Tacoma, W. T., John Muir is appointed superintendent of traffic for the whole line. The operating divisions east of Helena are consolidated into three grand divisions. The first to include the main line and branches in Minnesota and known as the Minnesota division; the second, known as the Dakota division, and embracing the several branches and main line in Dakota, and the third includes what was formerly the Montana and Yellowstone divisions. M C. Kimberley is superintendent of the first, with offices at Brainerd. J. M. Graham, superintendent of the second, with offices at Fargo; S. R. Ainslie, superintendent of the third, with offices at Glendive. (Little Falls Transcript, 10 August 1883, p. 1)


02 August

On the occasion of the passage of President Villard’s special train westward, which takes place early in September, it is desirable that the depot grounds and the surroundings be properly decorated. The people of Brainerd should see that the metropolis is duly set forth. The special party will pass through Brainerd in day light. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 August 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


THE N. P. BENEFICIAL ASSOCIATION

_____________


The Annual Report of the Surgeon In Chief, Dr. D. P. Bigger.


Chief Surgeon, Northern Pacific Hospital in his office, ca. 1885. A 1950x1394 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The annual report from the general hospital of the Northern Pacific Beneficial Association, by the surgeon in charge, Dr. D. P. Bigger, has been made, and covers in this instance the eight months ending June 30, 1883. The report makes a remarkably good showing of the efficiency of the service, and the reader can only wonder that notwithstanding the serious disadvantages that Dr. Bigger and his assistants have contended with, there is a such a wonderfully small number of deaths. During a portion of the time there were reasonably good accommodations at the old hospital, but that building was consumed by fire in mid-winter, and since then the comfort of the patients has only been secured by the close attention given and interest taken by those in charge. These disadvantages are not to be permanent, however, as the construction of the new hospital is now being hurried along by a large force of workmen, and when completed it will be all that could be desired. The number of patients admitted during the eight months ending June 30th was 952, of whom 284 required surgical treatment and 668 were sick. Of this number, 207 were “hospital” patients, 89 out-door patients, and 656 office patients. The number of sick who call at the office for medical treatment appears very large, showing that the members of the association freely make use of the opportunity to be treated for even a slight ailment. The total number discharged cured is 870, of which number 257 are from the surgical department and 613 were sick. The number discharged improved is 18 and the number who died is 12. Six died in the surgical department and six died of sickness. The youngest patient receiving treatment was sixteen years of age and the oldest was seventy-one. The nativity summary, not including office patients, is as follows: Americans 125, Irish 34, Swedes 33, Finlanders 23, Germans 22, Canadians 17, English 15, Norwegians 13, Scotch 8, Danes 5, French 1.

Dr. Bigger has two assistant surgeons in his office, Dr. Werner Hemstead and Dr. C. H. Haupt, both of whom are spoken of as being thoroughly efficient and competent. Dr. Hemstead was with Dr. Bigger as assistant surgeon in a railroad hospital at Omaha, Nebraska, before coming here, and has had considerable experience in that line of work.

Dr. Haupt came here from San Francisco, where he practiced medicine and surgery a number of years, and is a man [of] large experience.—Journal (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 August 1883, p. 3, c. 4)


The Northern Pacific Completion.


WASHINGTON, Special Telegram, Aug. 1.—A large party will leave New York on Aug. 2 as guests of Henry Villard, president of the Northern Pacific railroad, to witness the opening of the road at a few miles [west] of Mullan tunnel, on the western slope of the main division of the Rocky mountains. The party will leave Aug. 29, and will stay a day each in St. Paul and Minneapolis, reaching Helena, Mont., on the evening of Sept 7. The party will go to the junction of the tracks in the morning.—William M Evarts will make an address, and Mr. Villard will drive the last spike that will unite the two divisions of the road. It is expected that President Arthur will be present, having by that time finished his tour of the Yellowstone park. All the ex-presidents of the road will be present except the first, Josiah Perham, who obtained the charter and died in 1868, before a shovelful of dirt had been dug for its construction. The ex-presidents are: Ex-Gov. J. Gregory Smith of Vermont, Gen. George W. Cass of New York, C. H. Wright of Philadelphia, and Fred Billings of New York. A number of prominent English and German guests, public men and journalists will arrive on Aug. 26 to join the party. After the ceremonies some of the party will return East, and the remainder will go over the whole road to Portland, Puget sound and through the Willamette country, returning to New York on Sept 28. The terminus of the road is at Puget sound. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 August 1883, p. 3, c. 5)


07 August

Mr. A. E. Taylor was the recipient of a very handsome gold watch and chain on Monday night at his residence at the corner of 8th and Juniper streets. Mr. Taylor has been General Roadmaster on the N. P. R. R. for a number of years past, but has lately resigned his position, and the men who have been under him concluded that they would make him a present, one that would be a thing of beauty as well as substantial worth, so they purchased the above article for which they paid $500, and proceeded to his residence where it was given to him, Mr. W. L. Fratcher being selected to do the honors to the occasion. It was a total surprise to Mr. Taylor, but Mrs. Taylor had been apprised of the coming event, and had a fine supper prepared for the gentlemen assembled, of which they partook with a hearty relish.

The watch is a fine piece of workmanship, on the outside case being a monogram of the letters, A. E. T., neatly executed. On the inside case is inscribed the following: “Presented to A. E. Taylor by the employees of Tracks, Bridges and Buildings of Minnesota Division, N. P. R. R.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 August 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


15 August

Over four hundred people were fed at the Headquarters Hotel yesterday. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 16 August 1883, p. 3, c. 1)


16 August

The N. P. hospital is fast approaching completion. The building is large and convenient and will add much to the comfort of the occupants. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


NOTE: The hospital consisted of two buildings; the two-and one-half story wood frame shingle-style hospital building with wide porches, decorative shingle work, towers and a roof that did not project beyond the shingle-covered exterior walls of the upper floors. This building was 35x120 feet, costing $11,500. The second bare-bones and smaller, two-story hospital ward building cost $4,800. The plumbing contract was separate and cost $6,000 for both buildings. (Cass Gilbert Society)


NOTE: At the age of twenty-four, Cass Gilbert designed the NP Hospital. He also designed the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul in 1895.


The private car of the Northern Pacific, Leaf River, went west on Sunday night on its way to Helena to return with the excursionists from Ohio. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


We understand that the N. P. road will take off their dining cars on this section of the road about the 26th, and that the trains will stop here for dinner as before. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


Mr. A. E. Taylor is still receiving more tokens of regard, this time it being an elegant gold headed cane and set of fishing apparatus. They were presented last Thursday by the track employees of the east half of the Dakota division N. P. R. R. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 August 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


23 August

The passenger engines at the shops have all been receiving a coat of varnish this week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 August 1883, p. 3, c. 1)


The sidewalk and platform at the depot has been fixed up with new plank where needed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 August 1883, p. 3, c. 1)


The Northern Pacific House, in East Brainerd, is having a good run of custom these days. The hotel is owned by Mr. J. H. Koop, but is under the immediate supervision of J. H. Brannon, a gentleman who thoroughly understands the hotel business, and who is just the man for the place. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 23 August 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


Monday’s delayed passenger train brought from the east baggage car No. 41, and the director’s private car of the Chicago & Northwestern, and the private car Pioneer of the Northern Pacific, taking them west to the Yellowstone National Park for President Arthur and party, who will return going through here about the twenty-seventh. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 August 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


The work on the N. P. hospital progresses. The foundation for the hospital building was laid this week. The building will be brick veneered. The ward building is up and enclosed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 August 1883, p. 3, c. 4)


30 August

The trains for Duluth will be day trains hereafter, instead of night as before, the same taking effect next Sunday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 August 1883, p. 3, c. 1)


Brainerd will Celebrate.


A very enthusiastic meeting was held on Wednesday evening last at Hartley Hall, to see about making arrangements for celebrating the occasion of the completing of the Northern Pacific railroad on Saturday the 8th of September. G. G. Hartley was chosen chairman and Eugene Campbell secretary. J. E. Wilson was elected chairman of the committee of arrangements, which is composed of the following gentlemen. Thos. Watts, Jno. Willis, H. J. Small, Eugene Campbell, C. F. Hollingsworth, N. McFadden, N. D. Root, R. G. Sparks, L. E. Lum, M. C. Kimberley. This committee will perfect all arrangements and make this one of the grandest occasions Brainerd has ever seen. What the programme will be we are unable to state at the hour of going to press, but suffice it to say that it will be complete in every detail. Let all join hands on this occasion and make it a day long to be remembered. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 30 August 1883, p. 3, c. 4)


06 September

CELEBRATION EXTRAORDINARY!

___________


BRAINERD TO THE FRONT

With an Industrial and Trades

Procession, Speeches, Cannonading. Etc.

___________


Let Everybody Turn Out and Make This an Occasion Long to be Remembered.

___________


Saturday, Sept. 8th, 1883.

___________


Henry Villard, President, Northern Pacific Railroad, 1881-1884, ca. Unknown.
Source: Unknown

By the above heading it will readily be seen that something out of the usual line is to take place on Saturday of this week. This celebration is on the occasion of the driving of the Golden Spike, by Henry Villard, which will connect the gap and complete one of the greatest projects of man, the Northern Pacific railroad. In Consideration of the fact the people of this city have concluded to have a gala day, one of general rejoicing and jollification. The meeting that was called to make arrangements for this occasion have appointed committees and completed the program and everything for a good time. The shops and business places will be closed and everybody is expected to lend a helping hand. The Little Falls band and Hartley Guards will be here to lend assistance, and if the arrangements that are laid down are carried out everything will pass off smoothly and to the satisfaction of all.

One of the prominent features of the day will be an Industrial and Trade procession, which will form at the corner of Sixth and Front streets at 1:30 p. m., where a line of March will be commenced, ending at Gregory Square, where speeches, music, refreshments and other attractions will be indulged in.

Excursion rates have been obtained from all points on the Northern Pacific railroad, so that parties from neighboring localities and towns can participate.

This occasion is intended to be the banner celebration north of St. Paul and with the co-operation of the citizens it can be made so.

The following letter was sent by the committee appointed to President Villard and, as will be seen by his reply, his party will stop at Brainerd on their way back, about the 19th or 20th, when another demonstration will be indulged in:

H. Villard, Esq.,

President N. P. R. R. Co.

Sir.—We, the undersigned, appointed is a committee for the purpose by the Citizens of Brainerd, would earnestly request that, on your return from the ceremonies incidental to driving the Golden Spike that formally completes your great road, you with your distinguished guests will make it convenient to spend a few hours in Brainerd.

It would be a pleasure to us and perhaps of interest to yourself and guests to view this rapidly growing town, which has increased from a population of 1,960 in June, 1880, to 12,000 at the present moment.

Its citizens would be greatly pleased to greet you.

We are, with great respect, and in behalf of our fellow citizens,

Your obedient servants,

A. Hollingsworth,

Leon E. Lum.

Hotel Lafayette,

Minnetonka Beach, Minn., Sept. 3, 1883.

Messrs. A. Hollingsworth and Leon E. Lum, committee.

Brainerd, Minn.

Gentlemen.—I beg to acknowledge receipt of and thank you for your favor of 1st inst.

In reply I am happy to say that myself and guests expect to stop at Brainerd on our return.

Respectfully yours,

H. Villard.

(Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 06 September 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


08 September

The Northern Pacific Railroad is completed; the tracks are joined with a golden spike at Gold Creek, Montana. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 19)


Celebration of the completion of the Northern Pacific Railroad at Gold Creek, Montana, 08 September 1883.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

The most notable event in the history of the Northern Pacific is its completion of a through line to the coast in 1883. Somewhere out in Montana, where the rails met, thus joining the east and the west by bands of steel, a golden spike is driven, with ceremonies appropriate to the great occasion. All along the Northern Pacific the wire flashes the news. In every town on the line the people give vent to their feelings in celebrations such as they had never seen before or—in many cases—since. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923; pp. 20 & 21)


I think it was in 1883 that the NP drove the Golden Spike, for they had a big parade in Brainerd that summer. It was sure good. They had built small locomotives, freight cars, cabooses and passenger cars and had them on wagons. Captain Spaulding rode a big horse in front of the parade, he carried a big wooden stick painted gold with a ribbon wrapped around it. After that parade some of the foremen took the cars and cabooses and put them in their front yards. (Biography: 1936; Fred Hagadorn, born 27 July 1870; Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 1881-1981 Heritage Edition, p. 3B)


...Brainerd had celebrated the driving of the Golden Spike with a monster street parade of floats and marching men, over a thousand men were in line; streets and buildings displayed flags and bunting. The procession was headed by Mayor Frank Hartley and the city council, the Volunteer Fire Department, the Municipal Band and civic organizations. Floats on wheels representing logging and river driving operations, saw mill and lumber industries, bateau [boat] floats on wheels manned with colorful costumed lumber jacks with peaveys on their shoulders, wanigan boats on wheels with cooks tossing hot flapjacks and donuts to spectators on the curb, huge loads of logs piled high, log cabins, the replica of the woodsman’s bunkhouse, axe hewn go-devils dragging suspended logs, decorated wagons representing numerous logging and saw mill firms, all pulled by four-to-ten-yoke ox-teams at a slow and lumbering speed; fantastic clowns, made-up fife and drum corps, sometimes consisting of only one or two men added the ludicrous features to a spectacular parade; fun frolic and sports ruled day and night. So ended the passing of a perfect Minnesota autumn day. Then the blow struck, we awoke the next day with a headache. (As I Remember, Dr. Werner Hemstead)


On 08 September 1883, the golden spike is driven at Gold Creek, Montana completing the Northern Pacific Railroad from the east to the west coast.


TRIUMPHANT SUCCESS.

_______


Brainerd’s Celebration Proves Her

Greatness and Shows Her Gratitude

to the Gentlemen Who

Have Just Completed the

Gigantic Scheme.

_______


A Blaze of Banners and Pageantry.

_______


Moving Exhibition of Manufacturers

and Trade Never

Equaled in a City of

Her Size.

_______


Decorations So Lavish as to Call

Forth Comment and Arrest the

Attention of All.

_______


The day set for the driving of the Golden Spike, Saturday, September 8, 1883, will be one long to be remembered by the people of the northwest, and Brainerd in particular. The weather was fine, a sky of Minnesota’s bluest and brightest, a sun beneficent, and air pure and fresh, and no mortal could complain that the elements had not combined to do honor to the occasion. And then the enthusiasm—there was enough of it to have survived the drenchings of the severest thunder shower or the blinding shadows of a storm. Imagine the condition of our reporter, if you can, in trying to do descriptive honor to the event which in all truth and soberness cannot be too highly lauded. Beautiful, grand, elegant—it was all of these and more too. It was unique in conception and execution so far as the industrial exhibition was concerned. The decorations were elegant and tastefully arranged and were worth a “Sabbath” day’s journey” to see, nearly all the buildings were decked out in flowers, flags, wreaths and emblematic banners. The ordinary gained the gala air to the fullest extent, while the smaller cigar or fruit stands launched out into an excellence no one would have thought possible to acquire. The procession moved as if by clock work, not a serious accident marring the line of march which extended nearly two and a half miles and not an iota of space was wasted. So far as details are possible they are given below, but none know better than the writer how poor comparatively the descriptions necessarily are.

At 1:30 p. m. the different divisions of the trades procession commenced to get in line and at 15 minutes to 3 commenced to move along the streets laid out by the committee.


THE FIRST DIVISION


was headed by W. P. Spaulding, the chief marshal of the day, and assistants E. R. French and P. Mertz, and the chief of this division G. G. Hartley, riding on horseback. Behind came the police force in uniform, and the Brainerd Cornet band discoursing martial music. Then came the carriages containing the city officials and other prominent guests. The procession that followed was as follows:

Twenty boys in uniform under the supervision of Master Joseph Howe drawing fire extinguishers.

The Brainerd Hose company No. 1, A. J. Hawks foreman.

Brainerd Hose company No. 2, S. Hall foreman.

Brainerd Hook & Ladder company, F. Davenport foreman.

Cohen Bros. with 18 little boys representing their 99 cent store.


SECOND DIVISION


headed by H. J. Small and assistants, mounted.

Northern Pacific Engineer Corps “float” in the gigantic parade held in Brainerd on September 8, 1883 to celebrate the completion of the Northern Pacific Railroad.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

N. P. engineers corps, C. F. Hollingsworth, S. H. Relf and clerks, with instruments and various tools used by them.

The N. P. locomotive and car drawing shops were next represented under the supervision of Messrs. Reynolds and Carter. The wagon had men at work and got out the blue print work with the gold spike and lettering which were prominent ornaments on the various wagons.

Then came the display from the machine shops which was certainly the most elaborate and finely arranged of any department in the procession. The description which we give cannot convey to the mind of the general reader an inkling of the trouble and ingenuity that it took to get it up. The wagon belonged to Hartley Bros. and Deware [sic] [Dewar] and was drawn by Carver & Mohle’s team. On the right hand side of the wagon was a large circular board on top of which rested a miniature steam boat, which by the way is quite a relic, being made by Warren Mallot, a young boss at the shops, when he was only 12 years of age, at Logansport, Ind. under which came the motto “Cooke & Villard” with a representation of clasping hands. This motto was neatly executed on brass and does much credit to the author of it, and was original, it being the first used at the shops. Below this were drawing instruments and all the various tools and instruments used by the men in their work at the machine shops, numbering 150 distinct and separate pieces. On a nail hung a shaving taken from a driver wheel which measured over one hundred feet in length. At the bottom was the motto “Linked at Last” with the name of Brainerd on one side and Albina [Oregon] on the other. Around the sides of this board arranged in order were forty standard gauges, ranging in size from one-half inch to four and a half inches. Those arrangements were supported by brass standards highly polished and made especially for the occasion. In front was a very handsome and elaborate design of a wreath and star made from Dakota wheat heads and decorated with artificial flowers. The design was gotten up by Phillip Brown, of the roundhouse, and the flowers were furnished by Mrs. Brown. On the left hand side was a similar board on top of which was perched a brass engine, below this was the words on a brass standard “Machine Shops” with a large spread eagle in the background. Below was an elegant display of the bass steam fixtures which are found on an engine which were all made at the machine shops, and were all burnished and polished to the highest degree, presenting a grand spectacle. The first was the large steam gauge with a bouquet of flowers which were presented by Mrs. Favrou. On each side was a very fine water glass, said to be the very best turned out by any institution, under the steam gauge was an elegantly executed compound injector throttle, and on each side of it a large steam whistle. The balance of the board was covered by brake valves, large and small lubricators, hose nozzles, gauge, cylinder and drip cock, injector and intermediate checks. Above these decorations was an engine bell weighing some 400 pounds which kept up the merry ringing during the entire line of march. Behind these was a steam gauge testing machine, and still further came a Fox brass finishing lathe in operation. To get these things in position and in running order it took four days and nights and much credit is due to A. Bardsley, general foreman, and Jas. McNaughton foreman of the machine shops, together with the assistance of the men employed under them. Behind this wagon came a full sized engine made of wood and fully equipped which was built by Wm. McLean, B. Hascall and Abe Adams, assisted by the men under them. Its construction was not thought of until 11 o’clock on Friday and it was rushed through with speed that was astonishing and when finished made a very creditable appearance bearing the name “Old Ironsides No. 999.” But this was doomed to destruction and was wrecked near the freight house, the horses that were pulling it becoming unmanageable and threw it over on its side where it took fire and was consumed. No lives were lost, although the wreck was a bad one. The escape (!) of the fireman and engineer being miraculous.

The entire outfit from the machine shops was valued at over $3,500 and the display was not equaled in St. Paul or Minneapolis during the recent festivities there.

The next to come was the N. P. Fire department, J. E. Wilson chief.

Hose company No. 1, Charley Pegg foreman, with sixty men drawing hose cart, men dressed with red shirts and uniforms.

Hose company No. 2, H. Child foreman, with 55 men drawing hose cart, men dressed in blue shirts and uniforms.

N. P. Hook and Ladder company with J. D. Doyle in charge, H. J. Small chief and F. Howard, assistant.

Man bearing banner “The Last Spike.”

The car shops were next and their display was fine, the first representative being a passenger coach on wheels and drawn by a span of horses. This coach was gotten up on short notice, the most of it being finished after 9 o’clock on Saturday morning, and Mr. Frank Howard, master car builder, informs us that the “entire painting was done on all the work from that department Saturday forenoon.”

A small caboose painted red and fixed off with all the requirements of a full fledged caboose came next.

Behind this came a freight car on wheels.

The cabinet shops were next represented and the carpenter shops after them in their turn.

The pattern makers came next in charge of Jack Zuber with two wagons. These were making patterns.

The second wagon represented the different patterns, and the interior of the pattern shops.

The foundry department under the supervision of Mr. T. A. Burns had a fine display. They were followed by workmen on foot. The brass foundry, Mr. Randolph foreman, came next with men at work moulding and casting brass.

The blacksmith shops, N. W. Wheatley foreman, had one wagon with forge and men at work, and a steam hammer in operation.

The tin shops was next represented, headed by the Tinker’s band, which by the way was quite a novel feature. The band consisted of seven pieces, four whistles or flutes, two drums and a triangle. The drums and other instruments were all made by the boys at the tin shop and created many remarks and much praise from the lookers-on. Their caps were decorated with tin and had the inscription “Tinker’s Band” cut into it. The drum major was Mr. Rosenblood, Joseph Midgley being the originator of the band. Three wagons followed, the first being the tin workers busily engaged in turning out cups and oil cans, of which they made 12 dozen of the former and 6 dozen of the latter on the march. The second wagon contained the sheet iron workers, engaged on locomotive stack and on galvanized iron work.

The third wagon had the coppersmiths and steam fitters at work on copper pipes and steam fitting. The entire outfit at the tin shops was gotten up at the expense of the employees, under the supervision of Mr. Watts foreman, and much credit is due to the men who worked faithfully.

The boiler shops, Wm. Allen foreman, were represented by men at work on a stationary boiler, followed by men with tools on foot, and preceded by the foreman on horseback.

The paint shops, J. C. Congdon, foreman had an elegant display. The first wagon having canvas stretched the whole length on which was painted a facsimile of the “Pioneer” coach with men putting the finishing touches onto it.

The second wagon represented the freight car painting department, with men at work mixing paint, &c., with Skip Dean in charge.

There was 12 stationary engineers behind in charge of Thos. Wadham, chief engineer, with badges representing the different engines they worked at.

One hundred track layers on foot.


THIRD DIVISION


headed by J. J. Howe and assistants mounted.

Garden theatre band of seven pieces.

T. R. Congdon, art gallery with six pictures, pastel painting, very fine and showing the artist to be one skilled in his profession.

Peter Ort’s brewery wagon making beer and everything in full blast.

Team with a large load of keg beer belonging to the same man.

Then followed the display from J. J. Howe & Co.'s lumber, lath and shingle mill which was one of the main features and did much credit to the gentleman who studied out the various contrivances for operating the machinery, Mr. R. E. Gleason. The first wagon was the representation of a logging camp in full blast with the cook turning out pies, cake and “sich,” and as the scribe had the honor to do justice to one of the aforesaid pies he can testify to the fine hash that the boys in the woods must be accustomed to who work for this firm.

The next team was two yoke of cattle [sic] [oxen] drawing a load of pine logs with the motto “The pines of Minnesota meet the firs of Oregon.”

Then came the saw mill in full blast. On this wagon was rigged a large circular saw, beside which was the carriage in full operation, moving back and forth with a log on it and with men going through the operations the same as in a mill. This was the crowning feature of the mill exhibits and was a more novel sight than was exhibited at St. Paul in all the display that was made there.

Three wagons containing loads of lumber, representing lumber yards.

Dry kiln wagon with fixtures representing the men at work.

Wagon containing blacksmith shop, ironing bobsleds and doing other work.

Shingle mill wagon with 14 men at work turning out shingles, edging them and packing. The machinery was rigged to run by a belt from the hub of the wheel and was as regular as clock work.

Then the lath mill followed which was fixed out and in running order, the saw buzzing merrily and the lath flying in all directions.

Then there was a wagon representing the filing rooms with men at work.

C. M. Patek & Co., furniture, with a fine display of goods from his store at the corner of Sixth and Laurel streets.

C. Roth, clothing store with a fine display of goods in his line.

W. Bean, vegetable wagon, showing that garden sass will grow as well on the sandy soil of Brainerd as elsewhere.

Cutler’s pop factory wagon, making pop on the run and bottling the same.

Leopold wagon displaying their goods in the parade, 14 September 1883. A 599x597 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Leopold, the “Boss” clothier, with an elegant display of gents’ furnishing, trunks &c.

McFadden & Johnson, druggists, with wagon richly decorated. The cross bones and skull being a prominent feature on the sign.

E. E. M. Smith, confection and fruit dealer, tastily arranged to show off goods to the best advantage.

D. D. Smith, finely arranged pyramid of canned goods, groceries, &c.

Boston One Price clothing store, an elegant and very nicely arranged wagon, showing off their gents’ furnishings and other goods in a pleasing manner.

W. & J. Paine, gunsmiths, a very fine decorated pyramid of their wares, arranged with taste.

F. H. Elvidge, coal and wood, wagon with wood piled up in center and other fixtures pertaining to the business. On the back of the wagon was a negro and a woman (!) and child which called forth rounds of applause.

H. S. Totton, boots and shoes, with neatly arranged case of goods.

D. C. Herbert, representing Brainerd in 1871 in tent and showing how the pioneers roughed it that first settled this section.

C. V. Wadham, with a finely gotten up wagon, showing off his boot and shoe store to good advantage.

Kentucky liquor Co.’s wagon.

W. A. Smith with two wagons loaded with goods carried at their double store on Front street. Their carpet and dry goods display was very fine.

Hagberg & Honnett, grocers, with a wagon loaded down with wares that made a fine appearance.

Brainerd bottling works, with a fine display of their wares.

Tailor & Lagerquist, wagon loaded with groceries.

L. J. Cale, dry goods, groceries, etc.

Slipp & Long, hardware merchants, very fine display of goods.

Brainerd water works, wagon with pipes, &c.

Northwestern Tribune, press in motion and men at work at case, fine display.

Congdon’s milk wagon.

Crow Wing dairy wagon.

Pony dairy wagon.

C. E. Smith & Co., two wagons, the first loaded with bed room furniture of the finest grades, the second with parlor furniture, showing some elegant samples.

F. M. Cable, druggist, a very fine display, with emblematic mottos suspended from pole and a “medicine man” dressed in the habiliments of the noble red man, that are on exhibition at his store, and which at one time belonged to Sitting Bull.

Conklin, Clark & Co., an elegant showing of hardware, tastily arranged, and making a fine display.

Linnemann & Koop, with an elegant display of dry goods, clothing, provisions, two wagons loaded down with as fine a display of goods as has been seen in many a day.

N. P. Steam laundry wagon.

A. Olson, merchant tailor.

W. W. Hartley, sewing machine wagon.

Heard & Koop, jewelers with a very valuable display of wares.

During the entire line of march there was comments of praise from the citizens and visitors. It surpassed the expectations of the most sanguine and was a sight that will not be witnessed in Brainerd again for years, if ever. Parties from Chicago, St. Paul, St. Louis and elsewhere who happened to be in the city on this memorable day say they never saw the like before, and our people can well congratulate themselves on the grand success. It was not merely a show, but exhibited to the inhabitants and others the vast greatness of the business that is going on within the limits of our modest but thriving city, in such a light as they never thought of before.

Upon reaching Gregory Park the procession gave way and the participants who were tired out with exertion during the miles of travel and dust-begrimed, took part in the refreshments that were offered, beneath the towering pines. After which came speaking from the band stand by the following gentlemen, who were first introduced by Mayor Hartley: W. P. Spaulding, Hon. L. P. White, Rev. Dr. Hawley, C. F. Hollingsworth, Dr. J. C. Rosser, Ex-Senator J. Simmons of Little Falls, Rev. W. W. Regan, Rev. E. C. Evans, and Rev. M. D. Terwilliger. It would be impossible to go into details in regard to the speech-making on account of the space already taken, but suffice it to say that each and every one done their level best and their efforts were appreciated by the assembled crowd.


NOTES BY THE WAYSIDE.


This arch was built on Sixth and Front Streets to celebrate the completion of the Northern Pacific Railroad on September 8, 1883. The motto on the north side of the arch read: J. Cooke, 1870 Commenced {Our City} H. Villard, 1883 Finished. On the south side it read: Cooke, 1870 {Hands clasped.} Villard, 1883. These mottos were constructed so they could be illuminated on the evening of September 8. The arches remained in position until September 23, when Villard visited the city. Brainerd held a gigantic parade to celebrate the completion of the railroad and erected the arch as part of that celebration.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

The grand arch across Sixth street where it merges into Front was most elaborate, being made of evergreens and trimmed up in fine shape. The motto on the north side is: J. Cooke, 1870 Commenced {Our City} H. Villard, 1883 Finished. On the south side [it] reads: Cooke, 1870 {Hands clasped.} Villard, 1883

These emblems or mottos are made so that they can be illuminated and presented a very pleasing aspect on the evening of the 8th inst. It is intended to leave this arch in its present position until the 18th or 20th, when the Villard party will return.

The golden spike was driven at 6:15 p. m., somewhat later than was intended on account of some slight accident to the train. Immediately upon receipt of the news a cannon, made for the occasion, was fired several times near the offices and after which it did good service at the Park.

There was a general kick in regard to the charge for supper at the Park for the church benefit, but we are informed that the different organizations were not to blame, as it was suggested to them and they merely followed out the plans that were laid down for them. It did seem as though it was tucked on a little steep, to ask the citizens especially the members of the bands and fire companies after having traveled around all the afternoon through the dirt of the streets on foot, to “whack up” the fifty cents before they could partake of the tempting viands spread out before, them. But such was the case, nevertheless, and many left the park in disgust, while others who are more apt to take things as they come, quietly submitted and took their medicine. We hope the next time a public demonstration of this kind is gotten up here that no society whatever will try and make profit from any of the proceeds.

The fire works that were touched off at the park at just dusk were very fine, and much credit is due the gentlemen who had charge of them for their excellent selection and the manner in which they were discharged.

We understand that the Tinker’s Band will be a fixed institution hereafter. The boys intend to organize with a band of 20 members and they say Prof. Dreskell with his fine brass band will have to get up and dust, to keep ahead of them.

Mr. A. Bardsley wishes us to say through the columns of the Dispatch that he desires to return thanks to the shop employees for their hearty co-operation and willingness in helping to make the display at the celebration on Saturday a success.

We are informed that all the flags that decorated the railroad exhibits on Saturday were donated by “Yankee” Thompson, an engineer, the oldest on the road.

After the boys got through celebrating with their cannon at the park it was taken to East Brainerd, where it was placed in front of a store and fired, the force of the shock knocking out the front and smashing the glass, costing the boys some $15.

Among the various decorated store buildings the most noticeable was that of H. A. Hay’s Chicago Hat Store on Sixth Street. The front was finely decorated with evergreen and flags artistically arranged.

Conklin, Clark & Co. have the thanks of the machine shop men for assistance rendered last Saturday.

Several business firms that would have been in the procession on Saturday, were unable to procure conveyances and in consequence were unable to parade.

The Dispatch acknowledges the receipt of two or three of the blue print mottoes, which was handed the scribe as the locomotive and car drawing exhibit went by. These souvenirs will be kept by many in memory of this great day. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 14 September 1883, p. 3, c.’s 3-6)


SEE: 07 April 1884

SEE: 30 January 1886

SEE: 11 March 1886

SEE: 27 May 1887

SEE: 04 June 1887

SEE: 24 March 1888

SEE: 24 May 1889

SEE: 07 June 1889

SEE: 17 January 1890

SEE: 01 August 1890

SEE: 22 May 1891

SEE: 30 September 1892

SEE: 07 October 1892

SEE: 14 September 1894

SEE: 21 September 1894

SEE: 04 December 1896


14 September

The cannon which did the honor to the occasion in Gregory park on Saturday last was made at the shops, and was a squealer and no mistake, making Rome howl. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 14 September 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


One of the figures on Leopold’s wagon broke off and fell to the ground while the procession was passing the county jail. The “animal” was promptly captured and closeted in the strong house to keep it from doing damage until called for. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 14 September 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


17 September

Gen. Grant and Mr. Billings passed through Brainerd on Monday morning on their way to Duluth, in the cars Yellowstone and Adirondack. They stopped and looked over the shops and expressed much surprise at the mammoth enterprises. They were accompanied by other notables, among who were Jessie Grant and Mr. Billing’s son. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 20 September 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


SEE: 03 February 1882


20 September

I. F. Wheaton, of this city, is attending the grand lodge meeting B. of L. F [sic]. at Denver. While there he will take steps to have the insurance on the life of Frank D. Millspaugh [sic], paid to the widow. Mr. M. was killed on the N. P. road something over a year ago and at the time his receipt for insurance could not be found and until a few days ago nothing was known concerning it, when it was found in a pocket note book, the leaves of which were stuck together and the receipt happened to be between them. The amount is $1,000 and will be thankfully received. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 September 1883, p. 3, c. 4)


SEE: 21 July 1882


...The years which immediately followed 1882 embraced an era which presaged events that had an important bearing on the history of Brainerd. The first major event was the collapse of the Northern Pacific system following the celebration in Montana, Dakota Territory of driving the Golden Spike uniting the east and west ends of the railroad from the Great Lakes to Puget Sound and the Northwest Territory. This started a succession of catastrophes. When the special train, carrying the bond and stockholders from London and Amsterdam arrived on the Western Plain, and the foreign capitalists saw the wide expanse of bleak and barren prairie lands of Dakota Territory, no fertile fields and cultivated farms, no prosperous cities on this wide-extending range to beyond the field sight, and realized there would be little or no revenue from freight and passenger service for their property for years to come, they became discouraged at the unfavorable outlook and began sending hurried telegrams of instruction to their broker in Wall Street to sell their holdings at once; N. P. securities dropped; the management was discredited; a receiver was appointed, who at once instituted retrenchment along the line.

Brainerd having been, from the beginning, the focal concentration point for the building of new, and the repair of old freight and passenger cars; locomotive, foundry and other machinery work; the distributing depot for the various store and equipment supplies; the headquarters of three divisions, was hit the hardest of all the cities along the system. From some 1200 shop employees a thousand were discharged; by reason of many trains being discontinued trainmen, section men, station agents, dispatchers, clerks, too, were discharged.

...In the general reorganization by the receiver, the coach shop department, with its highly skilled workmen of cabinet makers, car builders, plumbers, tinners, painters and decorators, was moved to Como, near St. Paul, in charge of W [sic] [E.] W. Kaley. [NOTE: Since the Como Shop was not built until October 1884, the above-mentioned move did not take place until sometime after October 1884. SEE: 19 November 1884.] Once a month was the Northern Pacific payday. The retail business of merchants with employees was on a thirty-day-credit basis, when paydays were curtailed, and for some men stopped altogether, the merchants incurred heavy losses [not to mention the hardships and havoc created among the fired shop men]. (As I Remember, Dr. Werner Hemstead)


SEE: 31 October 1883


DEMONSTRATION NO. 2.

_______


Brainerd Will Entertain Mr. Villard

and His Distinguished

Guests.

_______


IN ROYAL STYLE

_______


Extensive Preparations in Regards to

Reception, Arrangements

and Banquet.

_______


A call signed by W. W. Hartley, E. R. French and H. J. Small was issued on Wednesday for a meeting in Hartley hall on that evening to make preparations to receive Mr. Villard and his party, who will reach Brainerd on Monday next, as near as can be ascertained. Accordingly quite a congregation assembled and commenced business by appointing Ed. French as chairman and O. T. Brigham as secretary. After which remarks were made by Mr. Canfield in regard to his interview with Mr. Villard at Helena, in which he said that as long as Brainerd had extended an invitation, and as they has extensive interest here he would be pleased to stop and view the city of the Pines. A motion was then made to appoint a committee on reception and to give this committee the power to appoint and call to their aid 60 or as many of the citizens as they deemed necessary to help carry out and perfect the plans. The committee as appointed was, chairman [sic], Mayor B. F. Hartley, C. F. Kindred, J. J. Howe, W. W. Hartley and J. H. Koop. This committee will make all necessary arrangements for receiving the distinguished guests and providing for their entertainment. A general committee of arrangements was appointed as follows: Chairman, J. E. Wilson, F. H. Elvidge, J. N. Nevers, Peter Ort and Thos. Watts. This committee has the power to appoint sub-committees and will act in unison with the former one. The finance committee is H. Spaulding, F. M. Cable, Eugene Campbell, Jas. McNaughton and W. W. Havens. Of course money will be the most necessary article on this occasion and the financial committee will solicit subscriptions which it is hoped will be liberal. It is proposed to decorate the public buildings as much as possible, build one or two grand arches and prepare a grand banquet to be served in the court house or some other convenient place. The visitors will be shown around over the city and shops and the committee will endeavor to make it as interesting as possible.

We understand that Hon. C. F. Kindred has purchased 1000 yards of bunting and 700 flags which are at the disposal of the citizens in decoration the various places that will come under the immediate notice of the visitors. Let every one do their level best, and show Mr. Villard that Brainerd is not backward in showing her gratitude toward the corporation that has made her what she is.

The committee will meet at J. B. Douglas’ office this (Thursday) evening to perfect arrangements. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 20 September 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


KINDRED:

SEE: 07 November 1874

SEE: 14 November 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 07 June 1876

SEE: 23 March 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 18 January 1879

SEE: 31 May 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 26 June 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 23 September 1883

SEE: 26 August 1885

SEE: 13 December 1887

SEE: 31 May 1889

SEE: 25 March 1898

SEE: 05 February 1917


On Wednesday afternoon a freight car loaded with lumber from J. J. Howe & Co.’s mill was run off the track near the Fifth street crossing. This was caused by the rail spreading. The side track is in poor condition. Many of the ties being so rotten as not to hold the spikes. The lumber had to be taken out of the car in order to get it back on the track. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 September 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


NOTE: The “mill spur trackage” above refers to the 1871 Northern Pacific Railroad spur running to an early sawmill located on the river flats near Boom Lake, in later years it served the J. J. Howe mill.


SEE: 17 May 1871


23 September

BRAINERD GETS ‘EM

______


In Preference to St. Paul or Minneapolis.

No Arrangements for

Complete Car Shops Made.

______


PRESIDENT VILLARD SAYS

______


That the Brainerd Shops Will be

Greatly Enlarged and Improved,

and That the Shops here Will

Necessarily be the Shops of

the Road.

______


The Fact is Settled and Brainerd Will Continue to Boom.


News was received here on Saturday last to the effect that President Villard and party would reach Brainerd on Sunday morning at 11 o’clock. As we announced last week special arrangements had been made for a grand reception and banquet to take place on Monday. This piece of intelligence of course put a stop to any more arrangements, as it would have been entirely out of place and impracticable to try and celebrate on the Sabbath. When the train arrived at 11:14, President Villard and his distinguished guests were waited on by Mayor B. F. Hartley, L. P. White, J. H. Koop, C. F. Kindred and several other prominent men of the city. Mr. Villard said that their stay in Brainerd would be limited, and asked the gentlemen on board the train and to accompany them to the shops, where the party would spend an hour or so in looking over the gigantic industries. Arriving at the shops everything was found as neat as a pin, they being decorated with evergreens, arches, etc., and the Villard party inspected them carefully from beginning to end, the guests seeming much pleased and very enthusiastic over the mammoth proportions which they presented. After everything had been looked over the party boarded the train and were pulled back to the Headquarters. Mr. Villard was accompanied into his coach by Mayor Hartley, L. P. White, J. H. Koop, and the newspaper reporters. In conversation on the way up Mr. V. stated that the shops of the company would necessarily be enlarged as the road was now completed and many engines and much rolling stock would be necessary to keep it in successful operation. In regard to the rumor that the car shops would be built at St. Paul or Minneapolis, he said that no such arrangements had been made or intended, and that there was no probability that extensive car shops would be built up exclusive and in another place away from the other works of the company. In regard to the improvements at Brainerd he said that it was impossible to state exactly, but that 500 more engines would have to be constructed besides the other equipments, and Brainerd could rely on getting large and extensive additions and improvements.

In all his remarks Mr. V. was very candid in what he said, although he was also very guarded, and his remarks were such as to give his hearers entire belief in what he said. Brainerd already has the principal shops of the road and consequently when the additions are made to the company’s rolling stock, etc., we will get the largest share of the improvements, and the future of Brainerd is entirely established. People will continue to build their brick business blocks, grist mills and manufacturing establishments, and we will be blessed with an abundance of prosperity by a good healthy growth. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 27 September 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


KINDRED:

SEE: 07 November 1874

SEE: 14 November 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 07 June 1876

SEE: 23 March 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 18 January 1879

SEE: 31 May 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 26 June 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 20 September 1883

SEE: 26 August 1885

SEE: 13 December 1887

SEE: 31 May 1889

SEE: 25 March 1898

SEE: 05 February 1917


01 October

Fred Manning met with an accident on Monday, the 1st inst., that will cost him many weeks time and much painfulness. He was employed in running a buzz saw at the N. P. shops and while cutting a short board it accidentally raised from the table and being caught by the saw was thrown back with great velocity, striking him on the arm with such force as to break it, and prostrate him several feet from the table. Friends were at his side immediately and assisted him to the hospital, where Drs. Bigger and Hempstead [sic] reduced the fracture, after which he was conveyed to his home on Ninth street. Mr. M. feels this blow the more heavily on account of having lost several weeks time in building a house recently.

Chip in, boys, and help Fred out.

S. C. M.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 04 October 1883, p. 3, c. 4)


SEE: 18 October 1883

SEE: 25 October 1883


11 October

The numerous wrecks of late are filling up the shop yards more rapidly than they can be disposed of. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 October 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


13 October

The Northern Pacific passenger train from the west, Saturday, run over and killed an Indian and squaw, five miles west of here. Both were lying in the middle of the track, dead drunk. Their bodies were horribly mangled and had to be picked up with shovels. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 October 1883, p. 2, c. 2)


18 October

A subscription paper was circulated for the benefit of Mr. Manning, who had his arm broken at the shops recently, and the handsome sum of $105 was realized. Good deed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 October 1883, p. 2, c. 4)


SEE: 01 October 1883

SEE: 25 October 1883


An Absconding Agent.


All agents of the Northern Pacific road have received the following circular from M. C. Kimberley, superintendent at this place, which explains itself:

ALL AGENTS:—McLaughlin, agent at Dawson, Dak., has absconded with about $1,000 of the company’s funds. He was last seen at Glendive last Sunday morning. The following is his description: Height, about five feet eleven inches, round shoulders, slim built, generally wears glasses, is near-sighted, sandy complexion, dark brown hair, brown eyes, high, thin nose, rather long face and very awkward in his movements. When last seen in Dawson he wore a black diagonal worsted suit, frock coat bound with plain braid and cloth buttons. If found by any of you arrest him at once and notify me by wire. M. C. KIMBERLEY. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 October 1883, p. 2, c. 4)


25 October

Frank Pipin succeeds Mr. T. C. Lowe as truck foreman at the Northern Pacific shops. The change took place on Wednesday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 October 1883, p. 2, c. 2)


The Northern Pacific House in East Brainerd, now owned by J. H. Koop, is receiving a liberal share of patronage these days. Since it has been remodeled and repainted it makes a very handsome appearance. (Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 25 October 1883, p. 2, c. 2)


A Card.


I wish to return my heartfelt thanks to the friends who so liberally and generously aided me at the time of need.

FRED MANNING.

Brainerd, Oct. 24, 1883 (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 October 1883, p. 2, c. 6)


SEE: 01 October 1883

SEE: 18 October 1883


31 October

The force of men at the railroad shops were somewhat reduced on Wednesday night. The cause for this is the trouble that has been occasioned in floating the $20,000,000 of bonds. This reduction will only be temporary and in a short time more men than ever will be at work. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 November 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


NOTE: Although the number of men laid off is not given in the Dispatch article above and the Dispatch says “this reduction will only be temporary,” I believe these are the “thousand employees discharged” mentioned by Hemstead in his As I Remember.


SEE: 20 September 1883

SEE: 19 November 1884


08 November

The general foreman of the car shops, Mr. Dodge, says they will be taking on men again in that department in a few days. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 November 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


The N. P. road are making some very bad runnings on the West end of the road. The night train is invariably from five to eight hours late. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 November 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


A much-needed and long-wished-for ventilator is being built upon the large N. P. blacksmith shop. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 November 1883, p. 3, c. 5)


There are at present writing sixty locomotives in and about the N. P. shops. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 November 1883, p. 3, c. 5)


14 November

Vice President Oakes, accompanied by Assistant General Manager Odell, arrived in Brainerd on Wednesday morning from Duluth and spent a part of the day looking over the shops and the interests of the Northern Pacific road here. The visit was in consequence of the official report that the company’s interests have suffered by the large reduction of men in the shops, all departments of which are rapidly running behind with the work accumulating. While nothing definite is officially stated, it is believed by those in a position to know the true situation that the force will be increased at once. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 November 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


15 November

Track layers are at work putting down the iron on the N. P.’s new line from Minneapolis to Sauk Rapids. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 November 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


The Northern Pacific railroad appears to be ready for all emergencies and has started out snow plows on the west end of the road, in order to be sure and have them there in time. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 November 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


The new business car Glacier, that is now in progress of construction at the Northern Pacific shops, is nearing completion, and when finished will be one of the finest any where in the west. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 November 1883, p. 3, c. 4)


SEE: 29 May 1885


18 November

Standard Railway time is established in the United States at noon on Sunday, 18 November 1883 with the fall of Western Union’s New York time ball. U.S. railroads adopt standardized time, with four zones each one hour apart. Standard Railway Time becomes federal law with the Standard Time Act of 1918. (Victorian America 1875-1915, Thomas J. Schlereth, Harper Collins Publishers, Inc., New York: 1991, pp. 30 & 31)


24 November

The pay wagon, although several days behind, made the hearts of the railroad boys happy last Saturday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 November 1883, p. 3, c. 1)


Bold Robbery.


On Saturday night of last week as Harry Tomlinson, an employee of the machine shops, was going home he was held [up] in the strip of woods between the dump and Mays saloon by three roughs and robbed of his month’s earnings, he having that day received his pay from the pay car. The amount he had with him was $78 but the sluggers only succeeded in finding $63 of it, $15 being in a back pocket which they did not discover. Mr. Tomlinson in conversation with a DISPATCH reporter says that the first he saw of them was the foot and leg of one protruding from the brush but thinking nothing of it passed on and in less time than it takes to tell it he was struck in the face with a slung [sic] shot twice and knocked down and the money taken from him. As soon as the ruffians obtained their booty they disappeared, before Mr. T. could recover enough to recognize them. If respectable citizens cannot walk the streets of our city with a few dimes in their pocket with safety it is high time something was done to remedy the matter. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 November 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


25 November

The new standard time has been adopted by the N. P. railroad east of Fargo and went into effect last Sunday. The change made Brainerd time 12 minutes and eight seconds faster than before. Turn your watches and clocks ahead if you desire to keep up with the times. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 November 1883, p. 3, c. 1)


03 December

Another Unfortunate.


Jacob Argue, a yard switchman, fell from one of the cars in the yard last Friday night and had both legs crushed.—It seems that he had set his lantern down and was walking along on the cars, which were backing at the time and thinking there was one more car he walked off and fell to the track below with the above result. He was immediately taken to the Northern Pacific hospital and on Saturday morning Dr. Bigger amputated both legs, one below and the other above the knee. After the operation the patient seemed as well as could be expected under the circumstances and it was thought that he would get along all right, but on Monday night at about 12 o'clock he died. The case is indeed a very sad one as he was a young man just in the prime of life having but within a few months been married to a young lady from Canada. His wife watched over him from the time that he was hurt until his death. It was her wish that his remains should be sent to his native home for interment but as her means were limited it was impossible to do so and the funeral services were held at the Methodist church at 2 o'clock on Wednesday afternoon, the remains being laid to rest in Evergreen cemetery. The young wife has the sympathy of the community in her bereavement. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 December 1883, p. 3, c. 2) 


Some N. P. Hospital Rules.


NP Hospital Visitors’ Room, ca. 1900. A 1198x815 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Visitors to the Northern Pacific hospital will be received from 2 to 4 p. m. on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, and except to immediate relatives of injured persons or those seriously sick, this rule is imperative.

A register will be kept in the surgeon’s office, where all visitors must register their names, places of residence and the purpose of their visit before entering wards.

Visitors or relatives will not be permitted to give any article of diet or any stimulant directly to a patient in the hospital, and any person known to break this rule will not again be permitted to enter the hospital building. Such articles may be left in care of the ward master for the benefit of any patient, but its delivery must be made at the discretion of the surgeon.

D. P. BIGGER.

Surgeon in Charge.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 06 December 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


14 December

On Friday last a fatal accident occurred in the railroad yard to a ten-year old son of engineer Pat Carney. It seems the boy was riding on a freight and fell off under the car the wheels passing over his left arm and crushing the bones and arm to the shoulder. The boy was taken home and the arm amputated the next morning by Dr. Wheaton of St. Paul, but the boy could not survive the shock and died shortly after the operation. He was conscious to the last and told his father that he should die. The accident was a terrible shock to his parents and friends. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 December 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


20 December

Resolutions of Condolence.


At a regular meeting of Brainerd Div. No. 144, B. of L. E., the following resolutions were adopted:

Whereas, it is with feelings of sorrow that we are called upon to record the death of Peter Francis, the only son of Brother P. H. Carney, our worthy Chief, who died from injuries received in falling from a freight train in the Brainerd yard.

Resolved, That in his death we lose a young life of much promise, the memory of whom will ever be fondly cherished.

Resolved, That we extend to the bereaved parents our heartfelt sympathies, in this their hour of great distress, and pray that the Omnipotent Ruler of all things may sustain and comfort them in this sad and unexpected affliction.

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the Engineer's Journal for publication and also to Brainerd papers.

C. M. SHAW,

J. GOODMAN,

A. C. Coventry,

Committee.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 20 December 1883, p. 3, c. 6) 


27 December

The new depot is about finished and will be a convenience to the traveling public that they have not experienced in Brainerd for some time. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 December 1883, p. 3, c. 2)


The Northern Pacific railroad company is either about busted or else they intend to keep their men out of their wages that they have earned and that is due them for the past two months labor until it best suits their convenience to pay. The pay car, which should have been here on the 15th, has been detained from some reason not explained by the officials and will not now be along until next month, so we are informed by good authority. This unreasonable delay has caused its employees in this vicinity, (of which the city is largely composed) much disappointment by not reaching here before the holidays, to say nothing about the hundreds of men along the line that need the cash every month to obtain the necessaries of life. If the N. P. company wish to have the good will of its employees it should be punctual in its payments. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 December 1883, p. 3, c. 3)


29 December

A break in the machinery at the shops on Saturday morning caused them to shut down for the balance of the day. The work at the shops is fully two months behind and still accumulating. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 January 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


1884

02 January

The first air-brake freight train on the N. P. left Brainerd for St. Paul on Wednesday morning. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 January 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


03 January

Dr. Haupt who has been under Dr. Bigger at the N. P. Hospital, has left the employ of the company and will commence the practice of medicine in St. Paul (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 January 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


06 January

Interior of the first Northern Pacific Depot, ca. Unknown.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The ticket, baggage and express office were removed on Saturday last to the newly arranged depot in the first story of the headquarters building. The rooms have been nicely arranged and fixed up for the convenience and comfort of the public and the employees. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 January 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


31 January

The Duluth Tribune says a gleam of light begins to break along the horizon of Northern Pacific railroad affairs: A new sun is soon to rise. The old sun which recently sank amid such clouds of blackness and distress sank not to reappear. The new light has a healthier glow. The prospect which is now seen is more reassuring than at any time for many months for the immediate fruition of Northern Pacific hopes. Mr. Villard was a glittering incubus, who, by a doubtful course of management, marred rather than brightened the road’s prospects and greatly lamed its capabilities. Now a new soul is infused into the direction of affairs, not alone by the election of a new president, but by a new policy on the part of the board of directors. Mr. Robert Harris personally represents the new infusion, and may be said to be more closely related to the Oakes-Billings regime than ever Mr. Villard was. In the first place he is a practical railroad man and manager, understanding the details of railroad requirements by having had personal and protracted contact with them. This gives him immense advantage over any man who has not passed through the same course of railroad scholarship. Then again, he has the confidence of men of finance as being himself a financier, a man of large experience in money matters and business economy. To better add to his store of qualification he is a man of broad views in general subjects, a ready observer of other men and their doings, thoroughly comprehending not only the general railroad but the general business developments that are going on throughout the country. He is represented as being, in short, the right kind of a man to be placed at the head of as important an enterprise as the great Northern Pacific road, and who will lend to that organization strength and not detract from it. Certainly his election to so important an office could not have been consummated except by such men as himself, and that he is surrounded by such men both in the official board and the directory is another reassuring fact that the Northern Pacific road entered upon a new and better era. The assurance is all that is needed. The strengthening in public confidence which the road receives will accomplish what before could not have been accomplished in a satisfactory manner. The Northern Pacific will now be a grand success in fact. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 January 1884, p. 1, c. 3)


The Career and Ability of the New President of the Northern Pacific.


Robert Harris, President, Northern Pacific from 1884 to 1888, ca. Unknown.
Source: Unknown

The appointment of Mr. Harris to the presidency of the Northern Pacific railway, is universally approved by railroad men who are in Chicago. Mr. Harris has for the past six years been vice president and general manager of the New York, Lake Erie & Western railway. Before going to Erie he filled the position of president of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railway, and previous to that general manager of that road. Under his management the Burlington stepped into the front rank of American railroads. There are hundreds of prominent railroad officials who received their training on the Burlington during the Harris management. Among them may be mentioned W. B. Strong, now president of the Santa Fe, H. B. Ledyard, president of the Michigan Central, C. W. Smith, general manager of the Chesapeake & Ohio, H. N. Towne, general manager of the Central Pacific, J. S. Clark, general superintendent of the Milwaukee & St. Paul, and J. F. Goddard, traffic manager of the Santa Fe. Mr. Harris worked his way up from the foot of the ladder, and there is not a branch of railway service in which he is not thoroughly posted. He has taken a prominent part in Northern Pacific affairs for some years past, and during the last two or three years has been a director of the road. He has made several trips of inspection over the Northern Pacific and is thoroughly acquainted with its affairs and requirements, Mr. Harris’ election to the presidency of the road would be another indication that close relations are to be established between the Burlington and Northern Pacific systems, and that the two roads mean to make common cause against the Union Pacific combination. The rumor that the Burlington is now surveying and will soon construct a new line from Clinton, Iowa to St. Paul, still further confirms the reports that the companies are about to perfect a close alliance. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 January 1884, p. 1, c. 4)


The salary of Robert Harris, as president of the Northern Pacific Railroad company, is $20,000 a year. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 January 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


John Muir, superintendent of traffic of the Northern Pacific road, has resigned that position to take entire charge on the Pacific coast of the railroad, steamships, coal and other interests of the Oregon Improvement company. A number of changes will be made by Mr. Muir’s resignation, as follows: J. M. Hannaford will be general freight agent for the entire Northern Pacific railroad and branches. C. S. Fee will be general passenger agent, his title covering both the passenger and ticket departments. H. C. Davis will be assistant general passenger agent. S. F. Boyd will be general ticket agent. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 January 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


The papers in various sections of the state are reproducing the statement made in the Tribune that 250 men would be put on in the shops immediately and that business would boom as before. Already this report has had an effect and several men have come to the city expecting to get employment only to find out that there was no truth in the statement. There is time enough to boom things, especially a matter of this kind, when there is any grounds for it and not before. Undoubtedly men will be put at work soon and business will once more resume its usual activity, but as yet no men have been hired and there are no signs of there being for a month or six weeks yet. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 January 1884, p. 3, c. 4)


14 February

Northern Pacific Pay System.


The following circular has been issued from the Treasurer’s office, No. 17, Broad street, New York City, which explains itself:

Commencing with February, 1884, the checks issued in payment of employees, on all divisions and branches shall be made by the local treasurer in favor of the Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent of the division or branch on which each man is employed. The roll and line number shall be placed on each check, and the consecutive number of each on the corresponding line of the roll. The local treasurer shall send the pay rolls of each division to the superintendent thereof with the drafts for their payment, as soon as prepared, and without waiting for other divisions. As soon as instructed by the local treasurer, after their receipt, the Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent shall go over his division to pay off the men. The drafts intended for each man shall be delivered to him, endorsed by the Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent, in black, and his receipt taken therefor on the pay roll.

Employees who cannot sign their names shall make their mark, (touching the pen) the Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent witnessing the same.

Drafts undelivered by the Superintendent at the conclusion of his trip, shall be held by him for two months, and with their corresponding roll, shall be taken on the succeeding pay trips. All drafts then undelivered shall be immediately returned to the local treasurer with the rolls. A “remainder roll” shall then be prepared, which shall be held by the local treasurer for payment thereon upon application.

Drafts for the payment of employees of the Engineer’s Department, shall be drawn to the order of such person as the Engineer-in-Chief may designate. The same course in paying shall be followed as is described above for division superintendents.

R. L. BELKNAP, Treas,

Approved: T. F. OAKES,

Vice President and Gen’l Manager.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 14 February 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


13 March

An important change in the rates for emigrant’s moveables went into effect on the Northern Pacific the 10th last. Under the new tariff emigrants are allowed to load in addition to second hand household goods and farm machinery, lumber not to exceed 2,500 feet, or a portable house, fence, container, exceeding 500 in number, live fowls, trees, shrubbery, and not exceeding ten head of live stock and feed for the same, and 50 bushels of seed grain. When live stock accompanies a car load shipment one man will be passed free. Car load rates range from $26 to Brainerd, $35 to Fargo, Milnor and Sanborn, $40 to LaMoure, Jamestown and Bismarck and $85 to Glendive, with corresponding rates to intermediate points. Less than car load lots range from 38 cts. per hundred pounds to $1.10 to same points. These rates apply from St. Paul or Minneapolis. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 March 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


19 March

On Wednesday morning as the freight from the west pulled in, the mangled remains of what had once been a man was discovered on one of the trucks of a freight car. The body was immediately taken to Veon’s undertaking rooms to be prepared for burial. It was mutilated so badly, that it was impossible to identify him and it was at first supposed to be a tramp who had been stealing a ride on the train and had been thrown under the wheels but later investigation proves that the man’s name was John Green, and that he lived at Gull River. Mr. Nelson Welsh, Mr. Green’s father-in-law came to Brainerd early Wednesday morning to see if the report that his son-in-law had been killed was true, and in an interview with a DISPATCH reporter he said that Mr. Green left Gull River on Tuesday intending to come come to Brainerd and transact some business and return that night; but it seems he did not start from home until about dark and was in some way struck by the freight train and twisted around the truck of the car while walking on the track. Section boss, M. S. Lyon who runs west from the bridge over section 16, states that when he went to work this morning he found two shirts and a part of a pair of pants about a half mile out from town, and saw all the way out indications that the dead man had been dragged along the north rail of the track; a mile and a half out he found a coat and a vest and two and three-quarters out he found a skull and a quantity of brains on the track which was probably the place where the man was first struck as no further indications were found on the section. The man was 35 years of age and leaves a wife and two children aged, 2 years and 1 year and 8 months respectively, without the care of husband and father. Mr. Green has been at Gull River for two years having come there from Thompson station, and had been engaged working in a store a short time previous to his untimely death. The father and mother of the deceased live at Verndale and they were notified immediately of the sad news. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 March 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


27 March

Passenger and freight traffic is on the increase along the N. P. road. On Saturday evening last the Northern Pacific train took out the heaviest load ever hauled from the Union depot. It consisted of 13 coaches heavily laden with human beings, a large part of them bound for the great west along the Pacific coast. This immense train was hauled by two of the largest sized locomotives. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 March 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


Sitting Bull, Gen. Grant, President Arthur and all the boys have been invited to attend the dance to be given the 22d of April by the B. of L. F. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 March 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


The Coming Event.


The members of Pine City Lodge of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen are making extensive preparations for the coming annual ball of that order which is to be given the 22d of April at the roller skating rink in this city. Already one thousand invitations have been issued and the event promises to be the finest of the season. Music will be furnished by Dresskell’s orchestra which together with the fine floor at the rink for the dancers make attractions enough to insure a large attendance. The committee on arrangements are J. W. Brown, H. A. Boedecker, H. M. Curry, A. O. Farrar, and W. J. Bain. The price has been fixed at $2.50 per couple for dance and supper, or $1.00 for dance tickets alone. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 March 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


Thursday’s passenger train from the west met with an accident at Lake Park and was detained 18 hours. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 April 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


31 March

Eighty-seven passengers on the east bound passenger train took dinner at the Villard hotel on Monday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 April 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


01 April

About one hundred men were put at work in the railroad shops on the first, and more are to follow. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 April 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


07 April

Presentation.


On Monday evening last Adam Bardsley, late general foreman at the railroad shops, received a very pleasant surprise in the shape of a fine gold watch and chain. Mr. B. has been employed by the N. P. company for about eight years and was last week promoted from his position to that of master mechanic at Mandan, and the railroad boys who had been at work under him decided to make him a present before his departure. Accordingly they assembled at the residence of Mrs. Pegg on 10th street, where Mr. B. and wife were stopping, and took them completely by surprise, when Mr. James McNaughton, in behalf of the company assembled stepped forward and with the following well chosen words handed him and his wife the tokens of remembrance and friendship:

“In view of the fact that you are about to sever your connections with us at the Brainerd shops, we have met tonight to express the high appreciation we hold for you, and although we regret the circumstances which necessitate your removal from our midst, yet we rejoice to hear of your rising fame from all quarters and we trust and expect it may tower still higher by your recent promotion, and you must prepare for detraction and envy, a train that always follows men in your position. Having been connected with the Northern Pacific railway for the past ten years you have won for yourself a host of friends and admirers, and we trust that the number will always increase. We congratulate you on your promotion and predict for you a bright future. We also congratulate the officers of the machinery department in selecting you, knowing that they will never have occasion to regret the appointment and will find you a sanguine and enthusiastic official having at all times the company’s interest at heart, and to demonstrate our appreciation of your efforts to promote the welfare of those around you, and of the high esteem in which you are held by us please accept this gold watch and chain. We trust you will always look upon it as an emblem of friendship, and that the character you now bear, which is as bright as the emblem itself, may always remain so. To your amiable wife we present this silver water tilter coupled with our most sincere wishes for improved health, and we trust that when she leaves for your new home in the west the change may prove beneficial. We also trust that years of health and happiness are in store for you both, and when the period of your life does come may these presents be held by your children as tokens of our good will towards you, and as I said before it affords us sincere pleasure to acknowledge the high appreciation in which you are held, who during the period of our association with you have proven yourself fully deserving of the esteem in which you are held by your subordinates and the officials of the machinery department. Allow me to extend to you our best wishes for a bright and glorious future.”

The watch is one of the finest made, with Howard movement, which is considered to be the best manufactured, 18 karats fine. The inscription on it read as follows: “A token of esteem to A. Bardsley from employees N. P. railroad shops, Brainerd, Minn., April 7th, 1884.” The water filter cost some $26 and the word “Bardsley” was engraved on the front of it in a beautiful design. The presents were bought at F. G. Sundberg’s jewelry store, and were both engraved by Wm. Dresskell. The watch cost $140. Mr. B was so completely taken by surprise that it was hard work for him to find words to thank his friends for their kindness. After speeches from H. J. Small, T. Watts, T. Wadham, Mr. Wheatley, W. Perley and others refreshments were passed around and the company dispersed after wishing Mr. B. success and prosperity in his new field of labor. He took the 9:49 train that evening and his family will leave in a few weeks. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 April 1884, p. 3, c. 5)


SEE: 08 September 1883

SEE: 30 January 1886

SEE: 11 March 1886

SEE: 27 May 1887

SEE: 04 June 1887

SEE: 24 March 1888

SEE: 24 May 1889

SEE: 07 June 1889

SEE: 17 January 1890

SEE: 01 August 1890

SEE: 22 May 1891

SEE: 30 September 1892

SEE: 07 October 1892

SEE: 14 September 1894

SEE: 21 September 1894

SEE: 04 December 1896


09 April

The building formerly used as the Headquarters Hotel and ticket office is being taken down and removed by the railroad company. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 April 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


Mr. J. McNaughton for two years foreman in the Machine shop has been promoted to general foreman at the shops in place of Adam Bardsley who has gone to Mandan. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 April 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


Mr. Angus Brown has been promoted to the position of foreman in the Machine shops. Mr. B. is a good workman and a general favorite among the boys and deserves the position. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 April 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


The fast trains that have been put on the N. P. road are a great convenience to our people. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 April 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


The Northern Pacific trains are now made up with the sleepers in front next to the baggage car, the dining car, and second and third-class coaches following in the order named. This is just the reverse of the old method. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 April 1884, p. 3, c. 3


Orders have been issued by Sup’t.. Kimberley for clearing up the railway property skirting the yards through the city. The plats will be neatly fenced and all the rubbish done away with. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 April 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


17 April

Mr. Frank Bell who has been foreman of the roundhouse for several months past, has returned to his old position as engineer, running between Brainerd and Fargo. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 April 1884, p. 3, c. 4)


22 April

B. of L. F. Ball.


The ball and banquet given by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen of this city on Tuesday evening was one of the finest and most enjoyable occasions ever given in Brainerd. The skating rink was decked and festooned with evergreens and drapery in the most artistic style imaginable, together with mottoes and emblems of their order, the whole presenting an appearance that will not soon be forgotten. The rink was crowded with merry dancers until the small hours of the morning, Dresskell’s orchestra furnishing the music which in itself is enough to guarantee a good time. The banquet was gotten up at the Villard and was in itself sumptuous and elegant in the extreme, and those who partook speak in the highest praise of it in every detail. It is a noticeable fact that when this order get up a ball it is always a success, and if each succeeding party is as much in advance of the preceding ones as they have been in the past, they will have attained a faculty that will gain for them an enviable reputation in the eyes of the amusement loving people.

The committee desire the Dispatch to extend through its columns their sincere thanks to the proprietors of the Villard for the courteous manner in which their party was received at the banquet and for the manner in which the same was served. Also to the N. P. road officials for favors and services rendered, all of which was highly appreciated by the Brotherhood and the remembrance of which will not soon be forgotten. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 April 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


On Tuesday night as G. N. Day and W. Jones were retiring for the night in the Northern Pacific House, in East Brainerd, they saw the high board fence that surrounds the railroad shops on the south had been fired by some one, in different places. They immediately commenced work pulling the hay and other combustible material away that had been piled up in order to do the work effectually and soon had the blaze under control. Had it not been for them the probability is that the fine hotel property would have been destroyed, as the fence runs within a very few feet of it, and as the hotel is idle there would have been no one there to check the fire until it got under good headway. Whether the parties who had a hand in the firing of the fence will be brought up or not remains to be seen, still it is known pretty near who they are and their actions will be watched closely. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 April 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


24 April

The railroad yard begins to present a very tidy appearance. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 April, p. 3, c. 2)


01 May

The Duluth passenger train has been crowded with rivermen during the past week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 May 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


15 May

The Horton reclining chairs are being run between Fargo and St. Paul on the day trains, and are free to ladies or gentlemen accompanied by ladies holding first class tickets. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 May 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


FOR SALE.


The Northern Pacific Hotel containing 57 rooms, close to the large N. P. R. R. Shops at Brainerd for sale cheap. Inquire of Capt. I. A. Owens, St. Paul, or J. G. Huber, Brainerd, Minn. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 May 1884, p. 3, c. 5)


22 May

Report has it that the bridge yard of the N. P. road will be moved to Brainerd from Jamestown. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 May 1884, p. 3, c. 1)


Train No. 2, from the west, arrived at Brainerd three hours late, overburdened with a large party of Portlandites bound for the East, and some going abroad. (Brainerd, Dispatch, 22 May 1884, p. 3, c. 1)


What the policy of the Northern Pacific road is in cutting the men at the shops down to eight hours a day at the present time when everything is rushing is an enigma. Last fall the force was decreased some four or five hundred men, and the time of the remaining workmen was reduced to the eight hour system. The first of April they commenced working ten hours a day and increased their force up to the present time to nearly what it was before. On Tuesday notices were posted to the effect that the shops will quit business at 4 p. m., and they would close up entirely on Saturdays until June 1st, which seems more like boys play than anything else, to outside parties, considering that there are only six more working days until that time. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 May 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


29 May

The earnings of the Northern Pacific for the third week of May were $288,000. The official statement of receipts and expenses, for the month of April shows the following figures: Gross earnings, $1,441,514.68; operating expenses, $598,167.98, or 41.49 per cent. The gross earnings for the corresponding month of 1883 were $543,000 and the operating expenses 70 per cent of the same. In April 1881, the company earned $427,710.62. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 May 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


05 June

The employees at the railroad shops are working 9 hours a day now, until further notice, commencing on Monday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 June 1884, p. 3, c. 1)


07 June

On Saturday afternoon, the engine on the Duluth freight run off the track near the Eighth street crossing. It seems that the signal which is at the switch track at that place was all right for the engineer, but a push car had been run in on the track by a couple of workmen, and the switch had not been replaced, and when the engine reached the switch it run off shaking things up considerable and damaging the engine to quite an extent. No one was injured, but the “Wanted—a Husband” troupe who were on board, thought their time had come. The engine was not got back on the track until Sunday forenoon. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 June 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


12 June

The shops are working ten hours now, closing down Saturday afternoons. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 June 1884, p. 3, c. 1)


18 June

On Wednesday afternoon as the switch engine was pulling out a train load of lumber on the mill track one of the cars jumped the track near the Fifth street crossing and broke through the bridge. One car was overturned and the other badly racked. The bridge is a total wreck. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 June 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


NOTE: The “mill track” above refers to the 1871 Northern Pacific Railroad spur running to an early sawmill located on the river flats near Boom Lake, in later years it served the J. J. Howe mill.


SEE: 17 May 1871


19 June

The Northern Pacific company have given notice that on and after July 1st, they will operate their own line between Sauk Rapids and Minneapolis. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 June 1884, p. 3, c. 1)


24 June

Northern Pacific Beneficial As-

sociation.


Northern Pacific Hospital, architect, Cass Gilbert, located on the north side of the railroad tracks at the west end of the railroad bridge built in 1883, ca. Unknown.
Source: Postcard, Crow Wing County Historical Society Legacy Program
The pharmacy in the Northern Pacific Hospital, ca. early 1900’s. A 1013x708 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
An examining room at the Northern Pacific Hospital, ca. early 1900’s. A 1021x722 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
Chief Surgeon's office in the Northern Pacific Hospital, ca. early 1900's. A 1017x713 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
The dressing room at the Northern Pacific Hospital, 1902. A 640x434 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

On Tuesday there was a meeting of the Physicians and Surgeons of the N. P. B. A., west of Fargo, at the Hospital in this city. The meeting was the first of the kind ever held here, and was for the purpose of showing the gentlemen the fine building and grounds, and for mutual benefit and a general good time. The M. D.’s arrived on the morning train, and were taken to the Hospital where a business meeting was held in the forenoon. After dinner the party went to Gilbert Lake, and enjoyed the fine boating and fishing in that vicinity until evening, when they returned. The gentlemen all seemed charmed with the lake and its attractions, and Dr. Hemsted [sic], Roberts and Parker, became so absorbed in the sport, that they forgot to come back until about 9 o’clock after all the others had returned, and some of the party began to fear some accident had happened, but they turned up with a fine string of fish, and none the worse for the tramp after dark. The visiting members of the fraternity who had never stopped at Brainerd or seen the magnificent new Hospital, were agreeably surprised to see the ample accommodations, the elegance of the building and surroundings, and the neat and tidy appearance of every detail in and about the premises. The Hospital is one of the best of the kind in the Northwest, being new, having plenty of light and air, and supplied with every modern convenience. Besides taking care of the railroad boys who are injured or taken sick, private patients are admitted for treatment at a reasonable rate, and the superior advantages offered, make it a very desirable resort for those in need of medical aid. Mr. Knauff, Secretary of the Beneficial Association, visits the Hospital every Tuesday, and was present at the social meeting. Mr. K. is a very agreeable gentleman to meet, and a DISPATCH reporter spent a half hour in social conversation with him, gaining considerable knowledge in regard to the workings of the institution along the line of the road. At 9 o’clock the company were invited to the dining hall where an elegant collation was spread, and which was partaken of with a hearty gusto. The supper was presided over by Mrs. Dr. Bigger, a royal entertainment and a very accomplished lady. After partaking of the refreshments the guests strolled through the spacious halls of the institution, or joined in social converse in the sitting room, all feeling that they had been royally entertained. Several of the doctors left on the 9:45 train which stopped for their accommodation at the Hospital, the balance of the party leaving on Wednesday noon. The following are the names of the gentlemen who were present from Dakota:

Dr. J. J. Buckley, Fargo.

Dr. H. J. Rowe, Casselton.

Dr. H. Gordon Fish, Wheatland.

Dr. J. W. Vidal, Valley City.

Dr. A. F. Graves [sic] [?Groves], Sanborn.

Dr. D. Baldwin and R. G. DePuy, Jamestown.

Dr. A. B. Herrick, Lisbon.

Dr. C. F. King, Mandan.

Dr. J. B. McDonald, Dickinson, Montana

Dr. A. R Duncan, Glendive, Montana.

Dr. D. M. Parker, Billings, Montana.

Dr. ]L. W. B.] Roberts, of Illinois.

Before taking their leave the following resolution was passed:

DR. BIGGER, SURGEON, GENERAL HOSPITAL:

The Physicians and Surgeons of the N. P. B. A. of the Dakota, Missouri, Montana and Yellow Stone Divisions wish to express their sincere appreciation of your kindness in inviting us to be present at the meeting held at the General Hospital at Brainerd, June 24th 1884, for the purpose of viewing the Hospital and meeting Dr. Hempsted [sic] and Mr. H. W. Knauff, Secretary of the Associating, and of becoming better acquainted with each other, and for the purpose of conferring together upon matters pertaining to the welfare of its members. We wish further to add, that for the good cheer and entertainment so bountifully provided for by the hostess, Mrs. Bigger, we express our grateful acknowledgement.

(SIGNED), Drs. C. F. King, A. R. Duncan, J. B. McDonald, R. G. DePuy, D. Baldwin, D. M. Parker, H. Gordon Fish, A. F. Graves [sic], J. W. Vidal, H. J. Rowe, A. B Herrick, J. J. Buckley.

There will be a similar occasion sometime next month for the members of the Association east of Fargo. The Brainerd fraternity were invited to participate, and was represented in the evening by Drs. Brinley, Howes and Camp.

H. J. Small, W. L. Fratcher, A. J. Halstead of the Tribune, H. C. Stivers of the Journal, and N. H. Ingersoll of the Dispatch were also present. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 June 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


26 June

An engine ran off the mill track near the Broadway crossing on Thursday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 June 1884, p. 3, c. 5)


NOTE: The “mill track” above refers to the 1871 Northern Pacific Railroad spur running to an early sawmill located on the river flats near Boom Lake, in later years it served the J. J. Howe mill.


SEE: 17 May 1871


03 July

The shops shut down Thursday night till Monday morning in order to give the boys a chance to celebrate. The N. P. issued passes to all the employees and their families who wished to visit neighboring towns and cities. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 July 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


Trouble Over Trackage.


The lease of the Northern Pacific to the trackage of the Manitoba, between Minneapolis and Sauk Rapids, expired at 12 o’clock on Monday night, and in consequence the train reaching St. Paul at 7:55 yesterday morning was the first to be brought in over the new line. The St. Paul & Northern Pacific had built its track to a point in Sauk Rapids below the old depot building and grounds, and had anticipated that it would be possible to use a piece of track, about half a mile in length, along the central portion of the city. The ownership of the track it appears, is in dispute, and on Monday the St. Paul & Northern Pacific was given to understand it could no longer use the line, and the main track and side tracks were filled with cars. Monday morning a large crew of men were put on, land summarily appropriated belonging to private parties, a warehouse belonging to A. J. Demeules was removed, and the half mile of track built to connect the line of the St. Paul & Northern Pacific with the old line of the Minnesota Western, terminating nearly opposite the Lufkins house, in Sauk Rapids. The interest of property owners did not avail, and a series of suits and settlements will probably follow before the excited citizens of Sauk Rapids will be entirely appeased. The morning train of the Northern Pacific passed over the new track safely, but the train due at St. Paul at 12:25 was not so fortunate. In the haste to complete the work the rails were insecurely fastened, and spread, dropping the driving wheels of the locomotive onto the ties. A delay of nearly six hours resulted. The old track below Fridley is still being used, but tracklaying is being pushed on the west side of the Mississippi at Minneapolis, and as soon as the bridge at Plymouth avenue—probably three or four days hence—can be completed all Northern Pacific trains will be run over the new bridge at Minneapolis and through the terminal points of the St. Paul & Northern Pacific on the west side of the river in that city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 July 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


H. J. Small, assistant superintendent of motive power, machinery and rolling stock, came in from Brainerd yesterday and paid off the Northern Pacific employees in this city belonging to his department.—[Fargo Argus, Tuesday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 July 1884, p. 3, c. 4)


In 1876 A. E. Taylor, now one of Brainerd's city aldermen, originated the idea of driving in wooden wedges at such places in the railroad track frogs and switches as were liable to catch a person’s foot and hold it. Those places about frogs where a person’s foot is liable to become wedged in, if careless in walking, has always been a great source of fatal accidents to yardmen and others, and the wooden wedges referred to rendered such an accident impossible, because the foot could not enter where the wedge had filled the space. Mr. Taylor had these wedges put in along the entire line of the Michigan Central road in 1876, and the following year he came on to the Northern Pacific and had them put in here. The idea, although simple enough, was new, and Gen. Haupt noticed the improvement and wrote a description of it to the Railway Age, referring to Mr. Taylor as the originator. Of course it was adopted by other roads, but three years ago some enterprising fellow got a patent on it and now demands a royalty of the roads using it, and the officials are now writing to Mr. Taylor for proof that he used it before the patent was taken out, which evidence would have the effect to nullify the patent. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 July 1884, p. 3, c. 4)


10 July

The examining physicians of the Minnesota division of the Northern Pacific railroad met at Brainerd Tuesday to hold social intercourse, and also to examine the Northern Pacific hospital located here. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 July 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


17 July

Harry Ford, a boy working at the shops had his eye put out on Thursday by the breaking of a drill. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 July 1884, p. 3, c. 1)


Victor Johnson, a young man, who had his foot smashed between the drawheads some time ago and who was brought to the Sanitarium here and had the injured member amputated now has the lockjaw, with little hopes of recovery. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 July 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


08 August

An N. P. freight brakeman named Barney Smith was arrested on Wednesday night for robbing a man of $4.50. The man had asked for a ride west, so he could get work in the harvest fields, and the bad brakeman told him all right, but when he got into the freight car he was asked to “shell out” and he gave the brakeman a quarter, whereupon he was pounced upon and all his cash taken from him. The man was poor and an outrage of this kind should not be passed over lightly. This is not the first occurrence of the kind reported. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 August 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


15 August

There is a project on foot for the opening of a reading room and library at the shops for the use of the employees during their leisure hours. The company have donated the use of a large room in the store-house building, which can be made very convenient and pleasant with a little labor. All that remains is for the boys to set the ball rolling. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 August 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


N. P. Refrigerator Car Co.


The above named corporation have an announcement in this week’s DISPATCH. This firm have just received at their cold storage house at Brainerd several car loads of dressed beef, hams, both covered and plain, bacon, mess pork, corned beef, fresh eggs, creamery butter, etc., which they offer for sale at the lowest market price. The institution is one of the most complete in the northwest, and the largest, with the exception of the one at Duluth, on the N. P. Road. The industry bids fair to assume enormous proportions and the agent at this place, Mr. R. H. Paine, informs us that their business is increasing rapidly. It is a great source of convenience to the dealers in this city, giving them a chance to get their meets fresh in such quantities as they need for the time being. Besides this the management has ample storage room for any perishable goods the merchants or others may be desire to keep in a cool place, which they furnish at a very low figure. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 August 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


We had the pleasure of meeting Col. F. O. Von Fritsch, of the N. P. Refrigerator Car Co., on Thursday. The gentleman has had large experience in pork and beef packing in St. Paul and other cities. He will remain in Brainerd for the present. The St. Paul Globe of Aug. 6th says of his departure from that city:

Colonel F. O. Von Fritsch, who came to St. Paul about a year ago in order to regain his health, somewhat impaired by arduous labor as a civil engineer on Mexican railroads, left this city last night in the interest of the Northern Pacific Refrigerator Car Co., for Brainerd. The Colonel served four years during our war as a staff officer in the eleventh corps, was a well known real estate broker in Chicago, and since 1871 has visited pretty much all points of interest in the world, filling responsible positions wherever he decided to remain some time. In St. Paul he was connected with the Van Hoven Live Stock Co., and by his genial ways made many warm friends, who will be glad to welcome him back at any time. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 August 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


22 August

The refuse and dirt that is being unloaded along the track through the city from the cattle cars does not have a very savory odor, although we presume it will aid the growth of grass and sod with which the company propose to have their grounds covered. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 August 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


The Northern Pacific trains are bringing large numbers of empty cars from eastern points, along the side tracks to receive the new wheat. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 August 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


19 September

Frank Howard, formerly master car builder of the N. P. road located at Brainerd, but who now holds the same position on the Texas Pacific, has been in town for several days. It is reported that J. E. Daily, his chief clerk while here, has resigned, to take a position with him on that road. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 September 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


22 September

On Monday the auditor of the N. P. road arrived in this city and demanded the keys and books of W. C. Cattell, the local freight agent. The demand was a surprise to Mr. C. and at first he refused to comply on account of the manner of the demand, but he has since turned everything over to him and withdrawn from the office. The difficulty arises from some technical point in regard to some railroad freight and his manner of keeping the accounts. Mr. Cattell is a gentleman well liked by the public and it is to be regretted that he has been forced to resign his position. The Pioneer Press of Thursday says of the matter:

Special Auditor Henry Foss of the Northern Pacific freight department, has so far progressed with his examination at Brainerd of Local Freight Agent Cattell’s accounts as to make it certain on his statement that nothing in the agent’s financial accounts [was found]. The trouble, Mr. Foss states, was that owing, he thinks, to Mr. C. having been recently in poor health, the office work had accumulated and a mix occurred in some of the accounts. He also disclaims any discourtesy toward Mr. Cattell, but the latter has today tendered his resignation on such grounds. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 September 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


26 September

F. O. Von Fritsch, of the cold storage house has decided to leave Brainerd and will go from here to Duluth where he will have charge of the books of the company at that place. Mr. Wilson, late of Winnipeg, has been engaged to take the place vacated by the former gentleman. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 September 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


The St. Paul dailies have been considerably agitated over an alleged telegram from Chicago stating that the Northern Pacific railroad would immediately commence the construction of mammoth car shops at Como Lake near that city. The telegram is said to have been manufactured out of whole cloth in the Pioneer Press. A. G. Postlethwaite, land commissioner of the N. P. road, as well as other officials who would be in a position to know, brand the report as a falsehood from the bottom. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 September 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


03 October

The freight and live stock going over the N. P. road at the present time makes it lively for the employees. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 October 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


St. Paul is again all tore up over an alleged report that the N. P. road has completed arrangements to build large shops there. Truly there must be a dearth of news when they will manufacture such items without foundation. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 October 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


05 October

AN AWFUL DOOM.

______


A Northern Pacific Freight is Precipitated

60 Feet Down an Embankment

______


Into the Foaming Waters of the St.

Louis River.

______


Three Brainerd Men Killed.


News reached this city on Sunday morning that a fearful accident had occurred near Fond du Lac on [the] St. Paul & Duluth road, in which a freight train of the Northern Pacific had been thrown from the track down the embankment 60 feet high which overlooks the St. Louis River, and that the engineer, fireman and head brakeman had been instantly killed, the locomotive, six cars of coal and two empty cars leaving the track, the engine turning over four times and landing on its back in the river with only the cow catcher in sight. The following particulars we copy from the Duluth Herald, and which is about correct as they had a reporter at the scene of the accident that day:

To-day we are called upon to chronicle the most disastrous accident that has ever occurred on this end of the St. Paul and Duluth railroad. The accident occurred about one mile and a half south of Fond du Lac, near the residence of M. E. Chambers. Any person who is familiar at all with the road between Duluth and the Junction knows that for three miles south of Fond du Lac, and even further, the road is built on an embankment which over looks the St. Louis river. To keep the ground from being washed out from under the track into the river by heavy rains and the action of the water, huge walls of solid masonry have been built down to the water’s edge. It appears that either the action of the water of the St. Louis river or the heavy rains of Saturday night completely washed away the soft clay from underneath the masonry, and, the consequence was that the whole track for some feet fell down the declivity. The ill fated train was a Northern Pacific freight, engine 258, in charge of Conductor Jurnigan, and left Duluth some time between 8 and 8:30 o'clock. It consisted of an engine, twenty-eight cars, the regular up hill train compliment, and a pusher behind. A freight train into Duluth, which passed Conductor Jurnigan at Fond du Lac, passed over the spot all right, but a man living directly across the river saw the embankment give and endeavored to get across the river to give the alarm, but for some time could not find a boat and when he did the cars were gone, and as the river is very much swollen and in a turbulent condition, owing to the recent heavy rains it was impossible to ford it and he could do nothing but watch the train run on to its impending doom. The train was running very slowly and cautiously as is customary over that part of the road, and in fact it is impossible to do otherwise, as the grade between Fond du Lac and the Junction is very steep, there being an up grade some places of 90 feet to the mile. As near as can be learned from the men who are in a position to know the embankment gave way as soon as the engine went on it and she went tumbling down toward the river, turning over four times before she reached it, and landing on her back in the water, in which condition she was last evening when a reporter passed over the road. The pusher at first did not notice the turn affairs had taken until eight cars, six loaded with coal and two empties, had been dragged off the road and down the embankment, when she was reversed and the remaining twenty cars were hauled back. The body of the engineer was found on the embankment and the fireman was found about half way down with an immense stone resting on his abdomen. He lived about half an hour after the accident occurred and gave orders as to the disposition of his body, which he wanted sent home to his mother who lives in Maine. The news of the disaster was immediately telegraphed from Fond du Lac and both the St. Paul & Duluth and Northern Pacific wrecking trains were immediately dispatched to the scene of the accident. Superintendent Kimberley, of the Minnesota division of the Northern Pacific, Capt. Spalding, local claim agent, Mr. Small, master-mechanic, and Dr. Bigger, surgeon-in-chief of the road, reached Fond du Lac in the afternoon on a special from Brainerd, but returned again in the evening. Coroner Samuel J. Thompson received word from Superintendent Kimberley about 3 o'clock that his presence was required at the wreck and he crossed to Superior and took the 4:20 train which ran into that city yesterday. On reaching Northern Pacific Junction the coroner found the bodies of the engineer and fireman at that place and after viewing the bodies and questioning the railroad men arrived at the conclusion that an inquest was unnecessary. The bodies where then placed on board the train and taken to Brainerd. About 9 o'clock word was received at the Junction that the track had been repaired and at 6:30 the Duluth passenger arrived, being the first train to cross the place where the accident occurred. It was followed by Conductor Clark's Northern Pacific freight which brought Conductor Jurnigan to the Junction. In crossing the new made track a car on Conductor Clark's train left the track but was righted without any injury being received. Conductor Crap's [sic] St. Paul & Duluth freight then pulled out of the Junction at 10 o'clock for Duluth with the coroner and reporter on board. The scene of the accident presented a weird and ghostly appearance at that time. The engine could plainly be seen in the water upside down with the cowcatcher and top of the driving wheels sticking out. The cars were all turned over and lying half way down the embankment. The section men were still working grading the track taking precautions to prevent any further casualties. Men are at work endeavoring to raise the engine, which is very badly smashed. The cars are also in a demoralized condition, a couple of them smashed into kindling wood. Ordinarily the road between Fond du Lac and the Junction is very dangerous and too much care cannot be exercised in keeping the road in thorough repair.

R. S. Harter, the engineer, was a man about forty years of age, and has been a long time on the road. He has a wife but no family who resides in East Brainerd. He is insured in the Locomotive Brotherhood for $3,000. His body was taken to his home in Ohio for burial on Monday.

Judkins, the fireman, was about thirty five years of age and was a native of Waterville, Maine, where his family still resides. He was a widower with two children. He was a member of the order of United Workmen, and of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen. It was Mr. Judkin's last wish to be sent home to be buried but for some reasons best known to the parties who had the matter in charge he was interred here on Monday afternoon. When he was found a huge boulder was lying on his stomach but he could still talk. He realized his situation telling the men to "Hurry up boys, my breath is leaving me." We understand that his body has been sent for by the lodge he belonged to and it will be forwarded.

Olson's [head brakeman] body has not yet been found although pieces of his skull were found in the wreck on Wednesday. He was undoubtedly all ground up in the wreck. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 October 1884, p. 3, c. 4)


10 October

Thos. H. Kerr, auditor of the N. P. Refrigerator Car Co., has been in the city for several days attending to business connected with the institution. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 October 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


14 October

Vice President and General Superintendent Oakes, Assistant Superintendent Odell, Superintendent of the Minnesota Division Kimberley, General Freight Agent Hannaford, General Passenger Agent Fee, and the other Northern Pacific officials are on their semi-annual tour over the road. On Tuesday evening the party arrived in Brainerd over the Duluth road, looked over their vast interests here and passed a few hours at the Sanitarium, under charge of Dr. Bigger, and left the next day to inspect the Northern Pacific, Black Hills and Fergus Falls branch of the line. They reached the termination at Willmar at about two o’clock, and in the evening started on their return to Fargo, where they expected to arrive at midnight. The party intends to inspect every mile of the road, if possible, by daylight. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 October 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


15 October

S. C. Tennis has been tendered the position of time keeper in the car shops and commenced work there on Wednesday morning. Mr. Tennis occupied the same position for quite a period some time ago. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 October 1884, p. 3, c. 2) 


17 October

There is a good deal of unnecessary uneasiness among some of our business men in regard to the building of car shops at St. Paul. There is no reason under the sun why they should injure Brainerd. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 October 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


DON’T GET SCARED.

_____


The St. Paul and Northern Pacific

and not the Northern Pacific

_____


WILL BUILD SHOPS AT ST. PAUL

_____


Brainerd as Sure of Retaining the

Principal Shops as the Sun

is to Shine.


In Tuesday’s St. Paul papers was given an account of the shops that are to be constructed at Como near St. Paul, by the St. Paul & Northern Pacific railroad company. Linked with the account was diagrams and dimensions which were undoubtedly correct. This company is a separate corporation from the Northern Pacific railroad having succeeded the Western Railroad company of Minnesota as owners of the railroad extending from Brainerd to Sauk Rapids, and also the land grant connected with the railroad. The new company was organized under amended articles of incorporation on May 6, 1883, with a capital of $10,000,000, and for the purpose of extending its line from Sauk Rapids, and to provide proper terminal facilities in St. Paul and Minneapolis for the traffic of the road. This corporation has for some time back been securing property where the proposed shops are to be built and ostensibly for that purpose, and among the purchases have been some very valuable tracts, and including the land that was owned by the N. P. company as will be seen by the following from a St. Paul paper:

“The Rice purchase, so called, including the several purchases near Mississippi street and north of and adjoining the property of the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha railway, in Trout Brook valley, aggregating 130 acres, and also the land lying south of East Seventh street, and east of Broadway, constituting what is now the city freight yard of the Northern Pacific company, and containing fifteen acres.”

It is certain that should the N. P. company contemplate moving or constructing shops for their own individual use at this point that they would not dispose of their property to another road; and it also shows that the Brainerd shops are to be THE GENERAL shops for the whole line. It is absurd for anyone to imagine for a moment that any corporation or company would invest $2,500,000 in the construction of vast machinery and wood working shops to be ruthlessly abandoned and a similar outlay put in at a point not much over a hundred miles distant. The Globe further says:

“It is well known that the nearest shops of that company are located at Brainerd, one hundred and thirty-six miles distant from St. Paul. It is also an established fact that cars accumulate at such important business centers as are the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, the eastern terminal points, and that there is also a large accumulation of cars at the transfer grounds, midway between the two cities, where the inter-change of traffic is made with the other great railroads having an entrance to this city. Owing to the facts recited above, it is believed the interests of the St. Paul & Northern Pacific company will be best served by having its car shops at this end of the line, and it being the business of the St. Paul & Northern Pacific railway company to provide such shops when required, the executive officers of that company have authorized their construction, and work will be commenced within the next ten days or two weeks.”

Thus it will be seen by any clear sighted individual that the shops in question are entirely the property of the above mentioned road and that the Northern Pacific will not invest a dollar in their construction. Then again look at the dimensions of these structures as compared with those of Brainerd: Machine shop, 80 by 90; wood working shop 80 by 172; car erecting shop 80 by 172; paint shop 150 by 194; blacksmith shop 65 by 100; engine room 50 by 50. Besides these enumerated is quite a large freight shed which will be a cheaply constructed shed for running cars into while standing idle or waiting to be repaired, and a shaving and dust tower. The shops at Brainerd are all substantial and well built. They consist of a machine and erecting shop 120x250 feet; roundhouse 316 feet in diameter, has stalls for forty-four engines; boiler shops 80 by 175; engine room with a Corliss engine 40 by 40; blacksmith shop, 80 by 195; copper shop, 80 by 57; tank shop, 80 by 97; and paint shop 100 by 200 feet. The shops have a capacity for the employment of 1,600 men, while the capacity of the proposed shops will not be over 375 at the most. There is but one conclusion to come to, and that is, that these works will be for the repairs of that road and such work as the N. P. company shall see fit to have done there that may become necessary from cars accumulating at that end of the road, and for the use of roads having terminal points at St. Paul, and that Brainerd in the future as in the past will have the main shops of this transcontinental line, and when the Northern Pacific company see fit to build its car shops they will be located at Brainerd where their principal works are, and where they can be constructed and operated at almost half the expense. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 October 1884, p. 3, c. 5)


19 October

The Sunday morning passenger was seven hours late on account of a wreck west of Fargo. A stock train fell through a bridge, killing sixty or seventy head of cattle. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 October 1884, p. 3, c. 1)


24 October

Business east bound is very heavy on the Northern Pacific now. Nearly all the trains leaving Fargo are double-headers, as two engines are required to take 35 loaded cars to Detroit [Lakes], from which point to Wadena one engine can handle the entire train, and at the latter place five more cars are added, making a train of forty cars to run into Brainerd. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 October 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


28 October

Dr. Bigger and wife have gone to Kansas City, leaving Tuesday night. The Dr. will stay until after the election and Mrs. Bigger will spend the winter there. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 October 1884, p. 3, c. 1)


06 November

A wreck on the N. P. road near Fergus Falls occurred on Thursday. The engine and seventeen cars left the track, slightly injuring conductor Robert Carr, and breaking the brakeman’s leg. The accident was caused by a pile of dirt being left on the track which froze onto the rails. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 November 1884, p. 3, c. 1)


SEE: 14 November 1884


The Northern Pacific Inspection.


Vice President Oakes, of the Northern Pacific, returned Thursday from a four week’s tour of inspection over his road. He made a thorough inspection of the main line and branches by daylight and found everything in excellent order, and in better condition than they were a year ago. The company, he said, will go through the winter better than ever before. Mr. Oakes was accompanied by General Freight Agent Hannaford, General Passenger Agent Fee, Mr. Thrall, Mr. Cushing, and one or two other officials. While in Portland, a consultation was had with the merchants of that city regarding the dissatisfaction said to have existed among them. All matters of difference Mr. Oakes said, were adjusted. Mr. Hannaford was sent to Victoria to investigate the report that the same dissatisfaction existed there as among the Portland merchants. This was also amicably adjusted.

Jule M. Hannaford, President, Northern Pacific Railroad, ca. 1900.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

Mr. Oakes said there was no change in the matter of the lease of the Oregon Railway and Navigation company’s track and further, that there was no foundation for the report that work on the Cascade branch was to be rushed through. Work upon that branch, he said is progressing slowly but steadily. The company’s policy is to do the work with special reference to economy, and consequently the rate of progress will not be rapid. Fifty miles will probably be all that will be finished this year, and this will be from Ainsworth westward. The connection of the Oregon Short line with Oregon Navigation will be made the 1st proxime. At that time both the Union Pacific and Northern Pacific will put on trains which will run from Chicago to Portland in 104 hours. The Northern Pacific will have this train running Sunday the 23d inst. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 November 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


07 November

Northern Pacific Earnings.


Northern Pacific earnings for October were the largest month’s earnings in the history of the road. They fell short, however, of the estimate made by an official of the company and published in these columns a few days ago. This was due to a slight falling off during the last week of the month. During that time bad weather had a great effect upon both wheat and stock shipments. The earnings of the month aggregate $1,490,380 against $1,337,222 earned during October 1883. This is an increase of $64,183 [sic]. Practically the increase is much greater as during the fall of 1884 the company transported for its own use a large quantity of construction material. While this properly went into the earnings it was not money directly received into the company. The largest single month’s earnings previous to October was that of April last. These were $1,441,514.68 or $17,855.32 [sic] short of those of last month. During the present season the company has delivered at Duluth 7,100 cars of 1,300,00 bushels. The estimated number of beeves delivered at Minnesota Transfer for east bound shipment is 65,000 against 33,000 last season, and increase of 32,00. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 November 1884, p. 2, c. 3)


12 November

The shop men are now working nine hours a day, commencing their labors at 7:30. This arrangement took place on Wednesday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 November 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


Another Victim.


News reached this city on Tuesday night that Conductor Wm. [sic] [Willis] M. Geddis had been killed while discharging his duties. It seems that he was in charge of a freight coming from Duluth to Brainerd, and when this side of N. P. Junction he slipped from the top of the car in some way and fell down between them and was run over. He must have been killed instantly for the wheels passed over his body at the hips, cut one arm off and also ran over one foot and hand. He was brought to Brainerd on Wednesday evening and taken to Losey & Dean's undertaking rooms where the remains were laid out. The funeral services were held Thursday afternoon from the Baptist church.

Mr. Geddis has been in the employ of the N. P. road for some time, and [had] been promoted to the rank of conductor only about two weeks ago. He leaves a young wife, having only been married three months, to whom the news of his untimely death came with redoubled force. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 November 1884, p. 3, c. 3) 


14 November

Geo. Bertram, the engineer who was injured at Fergus Falls, and Jerry Sullivan the brakeman who was hurt at Detroit [Lakes] Monday are both at the Sanitarium. The former suffers from a fractured thigh, and the latter from a crushed arm. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 November 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


The Particulars.


The particulars of the railroad accident, which we mentioned in our last issue, in which Conductor Carr and Fireman Bertram were injured, is clipped from the Fergus Falls Journal:

Shortly after 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon word was brought to this city that a wood train on the Northern Pacific, Fergus Falls & Black Hills was wrecked near the Page mill, and a force of men at once went out to clear away the wreck. The train was bound east, and was a "wildcat" not one of the regular freight. There is a force of graders at work near the Page mill, and for that company, and they were using horse shovels to carry the dirt across the track. Not expecting any train at the hour the dirt and gravel had been allowed to accumulate on the track to several inches, the workmen, of course expecting to remove it before the time of the next regular train. The wood train came to the spot at a fair rate of speed. The engineer and fireman both saw the inevitable wreck and jumped, the engineer throwing himself head first through the cab window, landing in a gravel bank, and escaping without damage except a few bruises and a twisted ankle. The fireman, George Bertram, jumped on the other side, and was buried under a car load of wood, which smashed his thigh, fracturing it in two places, and inflicted many ugly and painful bruises. He was brought to the city at once and the surgeon of the road Dr. Hutton, is in attendance.

The engine, when it left the track, ran perhaps a hundred yards on the ties, sixteen cars following it and then it toppled over on one side. The cars piled themselves on behind in sympathy, and made about as complete a wreck as one would wish to see, cord wood and car wheels mingling in unstudied negligence. A number of workmen were on the train but all escaped without injury, which is remarkable. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 November 1884, p. 3, c. 4)


There are some eighteen cases of typhoid fever at the Northern Pacific Sanitarium, four patients having died of that disease there last week. There are twenty-two patients in the hospital at the present time. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 November 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


An alarm of fire from the shops on Thursday evening at a few minutes past six o’clock brought out the fire department in quick time. The cause proved to be a small blaze in the foundry which was easily put out before the hose carts could be gotten across the dump. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 November 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


The force of men employed by the Northern Pacific road west of here at Mandan and Glendive has been reduced 20 per cent for the winter, and although there is all the work that the present force of men employed at the Brainerd shops can do, it is stated on good authority that they will be reduced ten or fifteen per cent in a very short time. At this rate there would be 50 or 75 men discharged. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 November 1884, p. 3, c. 3)


19 November

The Lay Off.


On Wednesday night, according to the statement in last week’s Dispatch, the lay off at the shops took place. There were 60 men who were given their time in two departments making 120 men in all. Taking into consideration that last fall there were something over 700 men discharged, the outlook for the winter is much more encouraging than the most sanguine expected. It is altogether probable that the men who were retained will be kept at work all winter and that a much larger force will be put on in the spring than ever. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 November 1884, p. 3, c. 4)


Soon after the “Driving of the Golden Spike” Brainerd received a most severe and permanent setback when the main car-shops were removed to Como, St. Paul. About five hundred employees were taken away, including a large number of well-paid mechanics, such as coach builders and painters. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923; pp. 20 & 21)


NOTE: The new shops at Como were not built until October 1884, which was a little over a year after the driving of the Golden Spike.


SEE: 31 October 1883


21 November

Fred Ferguson, for a long time employed in the Brainerd machine shops, left on Tuesday night for London, England, from which place he will go to Egypt, where his father now is. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 November 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


J. Frost for some time employed in the machine shops leaves today for Milwaukee to take a similar position there. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 November 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


10 December

Gone But Not Forgotten.


The Duluth Herald of Saturday contains the following in regard to Von Fritsch:

Wednesday evening the Evening Herald became possessed of certain facts regarding Col. F. O. Von Fritsch, who has been acting as book keeper in the cold storage house in this city for the past three months, but in deference to the wishes of Thomas J. Kerr, auditor of the cold storage company, no mention was made of them in yesterday’s issue. It appears that on Nov. 31st Mr. Kerr came to Duluth and relieved Mr. Von Fritsch from any further duties in connection with the company. Returning to St. Paul the next day he received a dispatch from the colonel stating that the Marquis de Mores had granted him thirty days respite over his discharge. Mr. Kerr thought there was a screw loose somewhere, as the Marquis never interfered in a case of that nature, but he nevertheless waited a day expecting to be notified by the Marquis of his decision, but no word came. Mr. Kerr then telegraphed to the Marquis and received a reply stating that he had not interfered in the matter at all, although he had been importuned to do so by the colonel two or three times. The auditor then came to Duluth, but found in the meantime the colonel had skipped, first, however, going to Bell & Eyster’s bank and drawing $200 of the company’s money and giving his own personal note, payable sixty days after date. His whereabouts are now unknown, but a search will be made for him, and if found he will be brought back. The colonel was formerly in the German Army and also served in the civil war of the United States where he received the rank of colonel. Before coming to Duluth he was book keeper for the same company at Brainerd. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 December 1884, p. 3, c. 4)


12 December

Another slight lay off of men took place at the shops on Saturday last. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 December 1884, p. 3, c. 1)


Apprehension of a war between the Northern Pacific express company and the Wells & Fargo company have been set at rest by the following order from T. F. Oakes, who, in addition to being vice president and general manager of the Northern Pacific company, is president of the Northern Pacific express company. Mr. Oakes order: “Under the recent decision of the United States court for Oregon, Wells, Fargo & Company will become entitled to express privileges on the main line and branches of the Northern Pacific railroad company on and after Dec. 1, 1884, pending a final decision in the cases now before the United States Supreme court. In view of the foregoing, all officers and employees of this company will extend to said express company the same facilities and courtesies now extended to and enjoyed by the Northern Pacific Express company. Applications for space or office room in the company’s buildings will be received and acted on by the assistant general manager only. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 December 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


Fred Pike, a brakeman, was run over and killed at Wadena on Wednesday. His body was brought to Brainerd and sent from here to his friends in the east. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 December 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


The Northern Pacific train due at 7 o’clock Sunday morning was 18 hours late. The delay was occasioned by an accident at Jocko, on the Rocky Mountain division. No one was hurt by the accident, but the mail, express and baggage cars were somewhat damaged. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 December 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


John Corcoran, conductor on an N. P. freight received injuries on Thursday which will probably prove fatal. He fell from his train while between Belle Prairie and Fort Ripley and was badly crushed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 December 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


The Northern Pacific moves its main car shop to the new Como Shops in St. Paul and five hundred men and their families leave Brainerd. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 42)


22 December

The Northern Pacific company paid its employees in this city off on Monday which gave the holiday trade a boom. Despite the hard times in the northwest, the merchants of Brainerd report a very good trade. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 December 1884, p. 3, c. 1)


26 December

It is reported from reliable authority that the Northern Pacific company will erect 1000 freight cars the coming spring and that they will be built at their shops in Brainerd. This will necessitate the hiring of a large force of men in addition to the men that are now employed. If these cars are erected it is expected that they are to be ready for the spring trade. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 December 1884, p. 3, c. 2)


28 December

Track laying on the Wisconsin division of the Northern Pacific was completed Sunday. The two ends met at 3 p. m. about ten miles from Ashland. This completes the main line of the northern Pacific to Ashland, the eastern terminus. The Wisconsin division is sixty-four miles in length and extends from Superior to Ashland. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 January 1885, p. 2, c. 1)


1885

The Northern Pacific Railroad offers to provide a YMCA building “…to give aid to sons of railway men and not cause them to seek asylum and pastime in saloons.” (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 50)


01 January

Severely Caned.


On New Year’s evening at the office of H. J. Small at the N. P. shops, Jos. E. Wilson was presented with an elegant gold headed cane by the employees of the offices and the shops, that being his last day in the employ of the company, he having resigned to take his office as auditor of Crow Wing county. The presentation was made by H. J. Small in behalf of the donors who in a neat little speech told Mr. Wilson that they were all very sorry to lose him from their midst, but were glad to note his prosperity and good luck in securing one of the highest offices in the gift of the people of the county, and that the cane was a slight token of their regard for him. The affair was an entire surprise to Mr. Wilson, but nevertheless was a source of gratification to him, and he carries the memento with considerable grace. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 January 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


02 January

R. M. DeLambert is the gentleman who has taken Jos. E. Wilson’s place as chief clerk at the N. P. shops. He is from Sprague, W. T. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 January 1885, p. 3, c. 2)


The whole complement of the Northern Pacific snow force here has gone to Oregon to help the Oregon Railway and Navigation company through. This division is all right, but the Dakota and Montana is kept back. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 January 1885, p. 3, c. 2)


11 January

The dining car on the Northern Pacific road which was attached to train No. 12, due here at 7 a. m., Sunday [sic], caught fire from a range in the kitchen and was totally destroyed. The fire was discovered near Bedford and the car cut off from the train at that place. Conductor W. O [sic]. Thomas broke his leg in two places in attempting to throw the car from the track. The loss is $11,000. Insured for $10,000. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 January 1885, p. 3, c. 2)


16 January

W. D [sic]. Thomas, the dining car conductor of the Northern Pacific, who was injured on the morning of the 9th [sic] inst., died Friday morning at the Sanitarium. Mr. Thomas, it will be remembered, was conductor of the car burned last week at Bedford. Mr. Thomas was one of the most popular dining car conductors on the Northern Pacific and had been with the company since the first dining car was put on the road. He leaves a widow and two children. The remains were taken to St. Paul and the funeral was under the charge of the Northern Pacific Beneficial association, of which the deceased was a member. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 January 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


30 January

It is reported that the Wells-Fargo express company is distributing franks for express business to large merchants on the line, in the hope of getting Northern Pacific business. The Northern Pacific is making preparations to retaliate. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 January 1885, p. 3, c. 2)


The railroad shops shut down on Friday and Saturday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 January 1885, p. 3, c. 2)


19 February

The switch engine ran into an outgoing train on Thursday morning. No serious damage. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 February 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


23 February

FIGHTING THE FIRE FIEND.

_____


At five o’clock on Saturday morning the alarm of fire was sounded, and the department was called out and taken to East Brainerd on flat cars, where a pile of wood, containing some 1,500 cords, and belonging to the railroad company was in flames. The department reached there in good time to save the pile, only 100 cords being consumed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 February 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


27 February

It is reported that one hundred and fifty men will be put on at the shops before the 15th of March. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 February 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


02 March

Jacob Ditzeler, employed in the fuel yard at the Northern Pacific shops, in this city, was run over in the yard, Monday night, and badly hurt. It is likely his right leg and left arm will have to be amputated. His condition is very serious. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 March 1885, p. 3, c. 2)


09 March

Shop Changes.

_____


On Monday of this week several changes of importance took place at the Northern Pacific shops in this city. The change was surprise to many of the shop boys, but is nevertheless quite satisfactory to all concerned. Mr. A. Childs, who for some time has been general foreman of the shops, is transferred to St. Paul to take charge of the company’s work there, and is succeeded here by William Percy, late foreman of the coach department. Mr. W. Felton, late of the freight department, takes Mr. Percy’s place in the coach shop. Other changes are looked for at no distant day, but what they will be no one knows. About thirty-five new men were taken on the first of the week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 March 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


27 March

The Baggage Man Must Go.

_____


The Northern Pacific has a new plan of sending express messengers through to Portland instead of Helena, and which is of considerable importance. The change will be effected, as announced, April 5, and on that day express messengers will not only handle express matters but baggage, doing away with a baggage man on each passenger train. It was generally supposed that a messenger could not continue to make this long run for any length of time, and with good reason, as he would have a run of four and five days at a stretch without rest. But this will be remedied by each messenger having an assistant, and the one will sleep while the other works, relieving each other about every eight hours. With the dismissal of the baggage men, the expenses of the company will be lessened several thousands of dollars a month. The scheme has long been thought of, and to those who remember and understand the rivalry that existed and continues to exist between the Northern Pacific company and the Wells-Fargo Express company will readily notice that it is a direct hit at the latter company. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 March 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


Needs a Guardian.


The man who telegraphs the news to the Globe from Brainerd has sent the report that Brainerd will lose its foundry and now the state papers are copying it and saying that Brainerd will lose its railroad shops. The man who has no more interest in his town than to send out such a report which is entirely untrue should be shut up in some insane asylum until such time as his mental faculties return to him. The following is the telegram: “The announcement is made to-day that Charles Parker, of St. Paul, has leased the foundry department of the Northern Pacific shops at this point and will take possession April 1st. There is no little anxiety in consequence, as it is feared that Parker will close the foundry here and fill his contracts with the Northern Pacific company at his establishment at St. Paul.”

Mr. Parker has no foundry at St. Paul or elsewhere and the business will be carried on here as before only under different management. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 March 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


31 March

On Tuesday evening the employees of the N. P. Foundry presented their retiring foreman, T. A. Burns, with an elegant gold watch, chain and locket. The occasion was one of much interest. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 April 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


01 April

Leased the Foundry.

_____


Northern Pacific Foundry, ca. 1888.
Source: Northwest Illustrated Monthly Magazine, Volume VI, Number 7, July 1888, E. V. Smalley, Editor and Publisher

C. N. Parker has leased the Northern Pacific foundry at Brainerd and taken a contract to furnish the road with their iron and brass castings for a term of five years. The Brainerd foundry has a capacity of from fifty to seventy-five tons a day. Mr. Parker takes possession on the 1st of April. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 March 1885, p. 3, c. 6)


03 April

Ald. Topping, who is to remove from St. Paul to Brainerd to engage in business, was pleasantly remembered yesterday by the employees of the foundry and a number of his friends. They presented him with an office desk, chairs, lounge, bookcase and sideboard.—Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 April 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


Commencing next Sunday the N. P. will put on another passenger train, leaving here about 1 p. m. for St. Paul and arriving about 2 a. m. from the same place. This is the train that was taken off late in the fall. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 April 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


The locomotive firemen are making preparations for their annual ball, to be given in the roller rink the latter part of the month. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 April 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


Brainerd's Adam.


Adam Brown, ca. Unknown.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The following story, the hero of which is none other than Adam Brown of this city, we clip from the columns of the St. Paul Globe, but do not vouch for the truth of it. The following is the yarn:

"Locomotive engineers are very superstitious," remarked an engineer the other day. "One of the queerest cases illustrative of this tendency I know of," he continued, "was that of old Adam Brown, who ran an engine on the Northern Pacific for many years. Adam, who was a German, was quite an eccentric person, anyway, and had a habit of approaching the climaxes of his jokes of which, he was an industrious spinner, by the introductory announcement that 'we was joost a-going around the coorve about forty miles an hour,' under such circumstances a cow's tail would be discovered waving a danger signal, or some other emergency would present itself calling forth a display of the ingenious Adam's presence of mine and dexterity.

"Well, on the night in question Adam was pulling a mixed train—that is one composed of both passenger and freight—out of Duluth. I was train dispatcher for the Northern Pacific, whose trains ran over a joint stretch of road from Duluth to N. P. Junction, and were not under our immediate control until after passing the Junction.

"Adam's train left Duluth on time, but arrived at the Junction very late. We could obtain no satisfactory answers to our inquiries regarding the time lost. The conductor reported everything all right as far as he was concerned. The train continued to lose time, however, and reached Brainerd, the end of the division where I was stationed, five hours late. I tackled the conductor for an explanation when he came in, and what do you suppose he told me? Why, that Adam had dreamed the day previous that a huge tie had been strapped across the track by train wreckers. The whole surrounds were vividly impressed upon his mind and he had awakened just as his engine touched the tie. So firmly did he believe in the premonition that he could not be induced to run along at an ordinary rate of speed, but crept along all night." (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 April 1885, p. 3, c. 5)


SEE: 11 March 1871

SEE: 08 October 1886


10 April

The Northern Pacific express company Monday commenced running messengers and helpers through from St. Paul to Portland, a distance of 1,912 miles. This is the longest run in the world. Heretofore a change was made at Helena. The baggage men, formerly running in the express cars, have been taken off, and the joint work is now done by the messengers, who are furnished helpers. The run is made in four days, thirty-six hours being allowed each messenger on the west end and three days in St. Paul. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 April 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


17 April

Invitations have been issued for the fourth annual ball of the B. of L. F. to take place at the roller rink in this city, April 29th. Dresskell’s orchestra will furnish the music and supper will be served at the Metropolitan restaurant. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 April 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


18 April

Charles N. Parker arrives to make Brainerd his permanent home. He had come in 1872 to build the foundry for the Northern Pacific Railroad and get the operation started, but in 1885 he and his partner H. A [sic]. [Herbert W.] Topping leased the plant and named it Parker-Topping Foundry Company. It depends essentially on a contract entered into by the railroad for all its castings. That business grows to employ up to 150 men. In the course of time E. O. Webb and the grandson Clyde E. Parker became part of the organization. In 1888 the Northern Pacific foundry, being as aforesaid leased to Parker-Topping Foundry Company, is supplying castings for the entire system west of Spokane, Washington and provides a payroll that year amounting to $60,000. Sometime around 1917 the Northern Pacific replaces its old foundry building with a new one of double capacity. During the railroad strike of 1922-23, the railroad discontinues its contract with the Parker & Topping Foundry, the strike scatters the employees and the firm ceases to exist. In 1924 a few former participants, such as the grandson, Clyde E. Parker, and Fred E. Kinsmiller and E. O. Webb join their experiences into a partnership. They name it Brainerd Foundry Company and erect a building of their own at 801-807 South Tenth Street. With two employees they begin work at casting grey iron. In 1925 this new company makes its first brass castings and on 01 January 1928, negotiates its first contract with the Northern Pacific Railroad Company for brass castings. Things pick up enough to justify incorporation in 1930 by Parker and Kinsmiller. As of 1945 the company employs about thirty men and makes 2,200,000 pounds of brass castings and 400,000 pounds of grey iron castings per year. Much of its work is for Cuyuna iron mines; more goes to the pulp and paper mill at International Falls; and most of it goes to the Northern Pacific Railway Company for use between here and Spokane, Washington. [Many years later the foundry is torn down, the site is fenced and declared a hazardous waste site. To my knowledge it is still hazardous and has never been properly cleaned up.] (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 50, 51, 55, 112, 131, 132)


SEE: Brainerd Foundry in the Buildings & Parks of Brainerd page.


28 April

Information has been received here that Harry Vaupel was quite severely scalded in a railroad accident on the west end of the road on Tuesday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 May 1885, p. 3, c. 2)


30 April

Forty-four men were laid off at the shops last night. It is said that the reduction is made to make a good showing for the month of May at the annual meeting which takes place early in June. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 May 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


01 May

The B. of L. F. Ball took place at the rink on Wednesday evening. The decorations were elegant and showed artistic taste, and the participants report a very enjoyable time. Supper was given at the Villard hotel. About 145 couples took part in the ball. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 March 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


12 May

Small Pox Scare.

_____


Last week several men who usually go on the drive had places engaged on the Clearwater and went to Detroit [Lakes] to go across the country, but on reaching there were not allowed to go into the woods on account of small pox. At that time it was thought to be only a scare, but on Tuesday affairs looked more serious, and the following orders were issued to all train men.


BRAINERD, May 12, 1885.

TO ALL AGENTS: Small Pox has broken out in the lumber camps near White Earth and men are escaping. Please keep a look out for suspicious parties and prevent them from taking our trains.

M. C. KIMBERLEY, Supt.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 15 May 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


14 May

Two hundred cords of wood piled along the N. P. track at Hawley, west of Brainerd, burned yesterday. All freight trains and the evening passenger were delayed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 May 1885, p. 3, c. 2)


Luxury.

_____


Mann Boudoir Car, ca. 1885.
Source: Unknown
Madame Fanny Janauschek 1830-1904, actress born Prague, Austrian Empire (Czech Republic).
Source: Unknown

About three o’clock yesterday afternoon a large crowd of people were gathered at the depot, gazing with great interest upon the traveling car of Madame Janauschek, the tragedienne, which had just arrived from St. Paul. This beautiful traveling home of the great actress is a Mann boudoir car of cobalt blue, with a polished surface that glistened like a mirror. This brightness was enhanced by the old gold decorations of exquisite design, but relieved by the massive plate windows with unique ornamentations ground upon their face. These were capped by small mirrors which displayed engraved artistic etchings, emblematic of the field or chase. At the door, a pleasing combination of carved wood, polished brass work and ground glass, the DISPATCH reporter was met by a colored porter. And here it may be mentioned that the servants are all provided with uniforms—full dress of light blue, with “Janauschek” caps. The reporter’s card went in on a bronze salver, and while waiting for the summons to penetrate further the mysteries of this rolling domicile, he caught a glimpse of the comfort and splendor of the interior, oriental in its luxuriance and mellow lights and shades; panels and ceiling of embossed leather, gleaming in varied colors and of intricate designs, polished woodwork, carved and inlaid, and the softest and richest of finely woven carpets which gave back no footfall. The reappearance of the porter with an invitation to walk in reminded him that he had still more to see, and he followed him along a labyrinthian passageway where new surprises awaited him. The guide pushed aside the heavy folds of the portiere and he was ushered into the main salon. The picture here presented was one of elegance and also of home comforts. This car cost $35,000, and it may also be stated that Mr. Sargent was the first manager to bring out a private car for an actress. Modjeska, who was also brought out by Sargent, was the first to have a private car; but it was not built for her; nor was Langtry’s private car built for her, but leased from a company. The “Janauschek,” however, was constructed for the actress whose home it now is and the plans followed out in its construction were in accordance with her wishes and designs. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 May 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


15 May

Views of a Correspondent.

_____


From the St. Paul Globe.

BRAINERD, May 15.—


[...]


The Northern Pacific takes time from its vast business to beautify the station surroundings, and Superintendent Kimberley has had the good taste to have the vacant places all around cleaned off and seeded down.

The climatic change from St. Paul to this point is truly wonderful. One of our party who had to be careful of his diet while at home, and who confined himself to oatmeal for breakfast and for supper and to a light meal for dinner, finds himself able in a few days to master meat and crave for it three times a day. The Northern Pacific Railroad has a Sanitarium across the river for the benefit of the employees who from one cause or another may be sick. But Drs. Bigger and Hemstead have in the main empty wards. Mr. Odell and Mr. Kimberley have told the medical gentlemen that their salaries will be all the more cheerfully paid if there is not a patient in the hospital. The Sanitarium is supported by the contributions of the employees, each man earning $50 a month or less contributing 50 cents a month; those earning $50 a month contribute $1. Those who are injured or who are sick are taken in and treated free, and get from the hospital fund 50 cents a day. The members of the “Northern Pacific Beneficial Association” (the charter name of the charity) who may be stationed where there is no hospital, have their hotel or boarding bills paid from the common fund. All employees east of Helena, Montana, are members, excepting those who were over 45 years of age when they commenced work for the company, or those who may have chronic diseases.

...Mr. Albert B. Ropes, graduate of the Stevens institute, Hoboken, N. J. is doing a splendid work with a class of young apprentices of the Northern Pacific shops. The company is elevating the labor standard and the prospect for success is most encouraging. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 May 1885, p. 3, c.’s 4 & 5)


18 May

Throwing Dirt Lively.


The work of excavating for the basement of the Y. M. C. A. building commenced yesterday noon at the corner of Front and Sixth streets. The work of laying the foundation will follow immediately and the work pushed to completion as rapidly as possible. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 May 1885, p. 4, c. 4)


The Northern Pacific railroad company will build a new bridge over the Crow Wing river east of Motley soon. The bridge over that stream broke down nine years ago and let a freight train through killing six persons. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 May 1885, p. 3, c. 2)


The number of men employed in the railroad shops of the Northern Pacific on the Dakota division has been reduced for the reason assigned that there was no trouble with snow last winter, and less repairing to be done than usual. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 May 1885, p. 3, c. 2)


22 May

More Coming.

_____


The St. Paul Globe says that orders have been received from the Northern Pacific company’s headquarters in New York to cut down the construction force now engaged on the Cascade branch, to the smallest limit possible, and a good many men have been discharged. It is also reported that a sweeping reduction will be made this or next week in operating expenses by cutting down the number of employees and the salaries of those who remain. This step is considered necessary on account of the unexpected large decrease in earnings last month. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 May 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


29 May

The new Northern Pacific excursion car Glacier has been turned out by the Brainerd shops. The car has an office in the rear, four regular Pullman sleeping sections, a state room and kitchen, closets, etc. The car is finished in cherry in a neat, but inexpensive manner. Its first trip will be made June 1, when ex-President Billings will leave St. Paul for a trip through to the coast. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 May 1885, p. 3, c. 2)


SEE: 15 November 1883


The railroad company are to-day surveying their grounds opposite the depot and will immediately commence the construction of a neat fence around the same. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 May 1885, p. 3, c. 2)


04 June

An excursion train of ten cars loaded down with conductors and their wives who had been out to the Yellowstone National park for a pleasure trip, took dinner at Brainerd on Thursday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 June 1885, p. 3, c. 2)


05 June

The Northern Pacific has issued a circular to agents, instructing them to prohibit the placing of advertising boards or posters on the company’s cars. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 June 1885, p. 3, c. 2)


12 June

If the railroad company would have the kindness to cut down the tall pines near the dump which obscure the view of the shops from the city, it would be a decided improvement. As they are now fixing up the park along Front street it would be a good time to complete the improvements. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 June 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


19 June

The railroad company has decided to give its employees and their families at Brainerd a holiday, and will next Saturday place a train at their disposal. It has not yet been decided where the excursionists will go, but it will probably be to Detroit Lake, or some point in Dakota, the destination having been left to a committee consisting of the foremen of the various departments at the shops. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 June 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


26 June

The train leaving St. Paul at 8 p. m. July 3d and Brainerd at 2:10 a. m. July 4th will run only to Fargo. A special train will run between Fargo and Jamestown, leaving Fargo at 6:30 a. m. July 4th, and returning from Jamestown about midnight. Emigrant cars usually hauled on No. 3 will be hauled by No. 1 going west July 3d. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 June 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


27 June

A DAY’S DOINGS AT DETROIT.

_____


The Railroad Employees of Brainerd

and Their Families to the Num-

ber of 1000 Enjoy a Holiday

at the Lakeside.

_____


A MOST ENJOYABLE OCCASION

_____


[1st Annual Picnic] Saturday last was a day that will long be remembered by the participants of the excursion and picnic to Detroit Lake for more reasons than one. At 4 o’clock on that morning the cannon was fired a number of times in different parts of the city for the purpose of waking the slumbering inhabitants from their dreams of a glorious time on that day to a realization of the fact that the day had arrived. At 5 o’clock the streets were thronged with people, and the whole city was astir. Every mother’s son carried a lunch basket large enough to feed a dozen, and the platform in front of the old express office was piled full of provisions in receptacles of various sizes, shapes and colors, waiting for the car in which it was to be carried. At 5:45 the East Brainerd delegation arrived in coaches from the shops, which were pulled up to the depot by the engine that was to take out the excursion.

Engine No. 357 decorated for the NP employee picnic. Note the roundhouse in the background, 27 June 1885. A 714x960 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The engine was decorated in fine shape and was much admired by the picnickers and others before leaving, as well as by the citizens in various towns through which the excursion passed. On the right hand side, stretched from the cab to the front end of the engine was a banner, on which was inscribed the motto “Ho! For a Ramble” and lower down on the iron horse floating in the breeze the words “Drive Dull Care Away” could be seen. On the opposite side arranged in the same manner the words “We Come for Fun” and “Trouble We Defy” showed very plainly that the decoration committee proposed to have everybody along the line know that the party was out for a good time if such a thing was in the calendar. Besides these banners on the sides were evergreens and flags arranged in artistic taste, and also were the rods, etc. wound with the national colors. The front of the engine was decorated in artistic shape, and was certainly the most elaborate thing of the kind that it was ever been our pleasure to see. On the inside of the glass of the headlight were the photographs of H. J. Small and wife, representing the head man of the locomotive department, and around them were entwined flowers, the whole encircled by a beautiful wreath. This was certainly a fitting tribute to so popular a man and officer as Mr. Small is, and shows that the railroad boys all appreciate his endeavors in their behalf. Underneath the headlight hung a very handsomely painted basket with the word “picnic” standing out in bold relief on the front of it signifying “basket picnic,” and immediately above the basket was a wreath of flowers of artistic design and very handsome. This wreath and the one around the photographs were kindly presented for the occasion by Mrs. John Favrou and Mrs. D. W. Travis. At the top of the smoke stack was a large star in a circle, painted red and blue, and back of the stack on the sand box was erected a large flag.

At 6:13 Conductor Blessing shouted “All aboard” and the train moved slowly out of the yard with everybody in fine spirits, although the appearance of the clouds indicated that a heavy storm was raging in the vicinity of Detroit [Lakes]. When the train reached Gull River the rain came down in torrents, but when the party arrived in Wadena the storm had abated and the sun came out and a better day could not have been selected for the occasion. Short stops were made at Aldrich, Verndale, Wadena and Perham to take on any who might wish to participate, and at 10:30 the excursion train pulled into Detroit [Lakes]. The delegation from Fargo, Jamestown and Mandan had already arrived, and were waiting at the depot. The crowd was soon on the street and started for the lake, with the band in the rear, where the grounds had been fixed up for their especial benefit and the boats chartered. From the depot to the lake the distance is about three-quarters of a mile, and on each side of the street for the whole distance it was lined with people. There were thirteen coaches in the train and by actual count there were 987 people on board, which, with the 500 from Fargo and elsewhere made quite a showing in the quiet little village of Detroit [Lakes].

As soon as the crowd had got nicely settled in the grove and dinner partaken of, the programme of amusements was taken up and disposed of. The following are the names of the various games and the parties who succeeded in carrying off the various prizes:

Four oared boat race—First prize awarded to the boat “Maggie Adams” of the car department and rowed by T. J. Langtry, C. F. Miller, Andrew Wallace and Jno. Voerge. Second prize, awarded to the boat “Spunky” of the machine shop and rowed by Chas. King. W. Miller, J. McDonald and W. Malloy.

Ladies single scull race—First prize awarded to Miss Hagadorn, second to Mrs. Snell.

Tub Race—First prize awarded to H. Ludwig, second to A. Barkow.

Boys Foot Race—First prize to James Martin, second to W. Titus.

Girls Foot Race—First prize awarded to Bertha Whitney, second prize to Jessie Gibbs.

Men’s Foot Race—First prize to James P. Walsh, second to Robert Morton.

Foremen’s Cigar Race—First prize to Angus Brown, second to _____ McKinzie of Fargo.

Running hop, step and jump—First prize to Judd Wright, second to Wm. Harrison.

Standing long jump—First prize Walter Wilmot of Valley City, second J. O’Connor.

Running long jump—First prize to Walter Wilmot, second to Will McChesney.

Standing high jump—First prize to Will McChesney, second to J. O’Connor.

Wheelbarrow Race—First prize to James White, second to William Priest.

Sack Race—First prize to James Martin, second to James White.

Three legged race—First prize to L. Vogt and August Barkow, second prize to J. White and D. Cummings.

Putting the light stone—J. O’Connor first, Angus Brown second.

Putting heavy stone—P. O’Connor first, J. O’Connor second.

At the conclusion of the games which was about 4:15 the crowd wended their way toward the ball ground north of the depot, where the national game was in progress between the Brainerd nine and a nine composed of Fargo, Valley City, Jamestown and Grand Forks professionals. Six innings were played and the result was 11 to 8 in favor of the professional nine. At 6:07 p. m. the train started for home and everybody declared they had enjoyed one of the most pleasant occasions it had ever been their lot to experience. The train arrived at Brainerd at 10:30 without delay.


NOTES.


Engineer Frank Bell pulled the train.

Wilmot’s running long jump was 19 feet and four inches.

The engine was decorated with over 250 flags, large and small.

The engine used for the excursion was a new one, No. 357, and had only made one trip before.

Frank Mattison took the task of counting the people, and reported 977 persons and one yellow dog.

Much credit is due to the decoration committee for the manner in which they fixed up the engine.

Charlie Congdon was kept very busy serving ice cream and refreshments to the excursionists on the train.

Through some mistake the name of D. W. Travis appeared on the invitations as “Geo.” Travis. Mr. T. was on the invitation committee.

Photographs of the engine were taken by McColl and Hopper & Co., and parties who desire them can obtain the same at a reasonable price at the galleries.

The general committee desires the DISPATCH to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Brainerd band and also to the Lakeside band at Detroit [Lakes] for their services in making the picnic a success.

Several parties from this city who were not “eligible” to go out on the excursion train, not being employees, took the midnight train and were in waiting when the balance of the pleasure seekers came up.

The boys that participated in the tub race made considerable sport for the crowd. Barkow got off his balance and his tub filled with water and both went under. He succeeded in getting to shore with it though.

The wheelbarrow race was one of the most comical of the entire outfit. The participants were blindfolded, and the way they ran into the brush and post was a caution. Finally one fellow picked his barrow up and carried it on a run to the post.

The following telegram was received by Geo. Walker, at Detroit [Lakes], early in the morning:

BRAINERD, MINN., JUNE 27.

DR. GEO. WALKER, Detroit [Lakes], Minn.:—Be at the depot on the arrival of the excursion train with two bottles of liniment. I have a bad arm.

THOS. WATTS.

The names of the Brainerd Base Ball nine who played at Detroit [Lakes] on Saturday last were Sam Parker c., O. C. Wright p., J. C. Davis f. b., B. Hines s. b., Joe Howe t. b., Joe Westfall s. s., _____ Wiley l. f., _____Warner c. f., Frank Hogedon, r. f.

The foreman’s race was the big race of the occasion. The trick was to start, light your cigar, and the man who reached the rope first smoking his cigar was to be declared winner. Tom Watts declares he would have won the race if his cigar had not been such a “hard puller.”

There was some little dispute over the four oared boat race. The crew of the “Maggie Adams” claiming that the crew of the “Spunky” fouled them three times. They were nearly even at the finish, and the matter was left to the commodore of the boat races who decided in favor of the “Maggie Adams.”

There were only three men in the Fargo nine that belonged there. Their pitcher and catcher were imported from Valley City and were paid $30 for their services. The others were selected from the best that Dakota affords. They only beat the Brainerd boys by three tallys, and had the full nine innings been played our boys would have worsted them, notwithstanding they were professionals.

Only one accident happened during the day. After Mr. McChesney had taken the prize for the standing high jump, it being four feet, he wanted to see if he could clear the pole a couple of inches higher. When he jumped his pants caught on a knot on the pole and he fell on his right arm causing a severe sprain, but with good care it will be all right in a couple of weeks. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 July 1885, p. 3, c.’s 4 & 5)


01 July

Commencing July 1st, at the shops the men were put on full time. For some two months the time has been eight hours a day and four days out of the week. The outlook is certainly quite encouraging. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 July 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


08 July

Elmer Nettleberg met with quite a serious accident on Wednesday, at the machine shops. In some way his right hand came in contact with an emery wheel, and in less time than it takes to tell it he was minus a thumb on that hand. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 July 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


10 July

J. A. Jackson has been transferred from the Brainerd shops to St. Paul, where he has been put in charge of the company’s painting. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 July 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


The annual meeting of the Northern Pacific Beneficial Association is in session today at the Sanitarium. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 July 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


Messrs. Odell, Hannaford, Cushing, Knauff and Thrall, of the Northern Pacific railroad are in the city to-day attending the meeting of the Beneficial Association. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 July 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


Beneficial Association.

_____


The annual meeting of the Northern Pacific Beneficial Association was held at Brainerd last Friday afternoon. The treasurer’s report was submitted which showed the gross receipts for the year $37,000. The expenditures for maintenance of hospital amounted to $15,000 and the expenses for line service $11,000, that is work done outside of the hospital.

The surgeon’s report showed that 958 cases were treated during the year, including in and out door patients. The number discharged cured were 904, improved 11, and 15 died. The number remaining under treatment July 1st was 28. In addition to this there was considerable work done by the local surgeons along the line of the road. These reports have not as yet been prepared. They will, however, show that upwards of 3,000 members of the association received medical attention.

The following officers were re-elected: President, J. T. Odell; H. W. Knauff, secretary.

Executive Committee—J. T. Odell, M. Cushing, J. M. Hannaford.

Local Committee at Brainerd—Kimberley, Small and Fratcher. Dr. Bigger was re-appointed chief surgeon. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 July 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


17 July

The railroad company have enclosed their block of land in front of the Villard hotel with a neat fence. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 July 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


The Northern Pacific is preparing a new time card which will lessen the time between a number of stations on its line. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 July 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


A fast freight line will be put on the Northern Pacific from St. Paul to Portland, commencing one week from next Sunday. Westinghouse air brakes will be operated on the cars, and the time will be 160 hours, 38 hours quicker than at present. The distance is 1,912 miles and this run by a freight in six days and 16 hours is especially good time. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 July 1885, p. 3, c. 6)


24 July

The Northern Pacific Express company has issued a circular relating to the traffic of blueberries. The circular states that Minnesota blueberries are now in the market and can be furnished to dealers at $2 per bushel. Brainerd is the heaviest shipping point, but Fort Ripley, Gull River, and Motley, Minn., will also ship quite extensively. This traffic is the most profitable of any there is to the express companies. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 July 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


Some one has made a calf pasture of the railroad company’s enclosed grounds along Front street, and the midnight bleating of said infantile bovine disturbs the midnight slumbers of the dry goods clerks who are so unfortunate as to be located in that immediate vicinity. Some one should give the calf more rope. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 July 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


28 July

M. C. Kimberley, superintendent of the Minnesota and Wisconsin division of the Northern Pacific road at Brainerd, was in St. Paul Tuesday, preparing a new time table for his division. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 July 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


02 August

The Engineers Elect Officers.

_____


Henry James Cunningham, ca. 1888.
Source: Catherine Cunningham

The members of Brainerd Division No. 144, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers met in regular session at their lodge room in the Odd Fellows’ hall on Sunday afternoon and elected the following officers for the ensuing term:

C. E.—J. E. Goodman.

F. E.—F. C. Clayton.

S. E.—T. H. Brady.

F. A. E.—J. E. Phelan.

S. A. E.—A. C. Coventry.

T. A. E.—H. J. Cunningham.

Guide—J. B. Moore.

Chaplain—G. W. Ames.

Sec’y of Insurance—H. H. Scobie.

A. J. Sovereign was elected as a delegate to represent Brainerd Division 144, at the annual meeting of the Grand International Brotherhood of Engineers which meets in New Orleans the third Wednesday in October. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 August 1885, p. 3, c. 5)


07 August

A new coat of paint has been applied to the railroad fence along Front street. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 August 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


14 August

Railroad Accidents.

_____


Conductor Harkins was quite seriously injured at Duluth on Wednesday. He was in charge of a freight train on which there were several loads of railroad iron, and he noticed a rail that was sticking out so far that it would strike the switch. Accordingly he got down on the car and attempted to pull it in, when the rail slipped off and one end struck the ground while the other one caught him by the left thigh and shoved him clear to the top and up the end of the box car where Mr. Harkins managed to get loose from it. His leg was considerably bruised and cut up but no bones were broken and he was too badly hurt to admit of bringing him to Brainerd where his family lives. His wife went to Duluth Thursday morning, and from the latest reports he is getting along nicely.


BRAKEMAN TAYLOR KILLED.

Friday night the news was received here that C. D. Taylor, a freight brakeman had been killed while coupling cars on No. 13, at Anoka. It seems that Taylor went in between a fruit car and a box car and in some way got caught. Conductor Gallagher, who was in charge of the freight saw him go in between the cars and not seeing him come out again he went to where he supposed he was and found him dead, having been crushed about the chest and head. Mr. G. with assistance took him out and put him on the passenger train which was just due at Anoka, and he was brought to Brainerd. Instead of doing this Mr. Gallagher should have notified the authorities of Anoka, but under the excitement of the moment he did not stop to think. The coroner of Anoka learning the facts telegraphed to the officials here and the body was sent back to that place to hold an inquest, but upon examination after reaching there the authorities concluded that it was not necessary as it was evident that the killing was purely accidental, and the body was sent to Kansas where the parents of the deceased live.

Mr. Taylor was well known in Brainerd having made his headquarters here for some time, and he was well liked and respected by all his associates. He had passed the necessary examination required to be promoted to the rank of conductor, and was expecting to get a train before many days. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 August 1885, p. 3, c. 5)


Brainerd still continues to send out large quantities of blueberries over the Northern Pacific road. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 August 1885, p. 3, c. 2)


26 August

Mrs. T. F. Oakes and family, accompanied by Mrs. E. H. Asbury, a niece of Mrs. Oakes, and Miss Perry arrived in Brainerd on Wednesday morning from St. Paul and have been spending a few days at Sylvan Lake, the guests of Mrs. C. F. Kindred. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 August 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


KINDRED:

SEE: 07 November 1874

SEE: 14 November 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 07 June 1876

SEE: 23 March 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 18 January 1879

SEE: 31 May 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 26 June 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 20 September 1883

SEE: 23 September 1883

SEE: 13 December 1887

SEE: 31 May 1889

SEE: 25 March 1898

SEE: 05 February 1917


28 August

To the Farmers.

_____


In 1885 a special car, possibly built at Brainerd in 1880, containing grains, berries, grasses and other agricultural products as well as stuffed animals was displayed at the Minnesota State Fair. From the fair the car was sent to eastern cities, ca. 1885.
Source: Unknown

The Northern Pacific railroad company is desirous of making a full collection of agricultural products of Minnesota of 1885, for exhibition at the state fair at St. Paul and also to exhibit at the different county fairs in the Eastern states. For this purpose they request specimens of grain in the sheaf and in the berry and native and cultivated grasses be brought into Brainerd as well as other places along the line, and left with the Northern Pacific express agent who will send them to P. D. Groat, General Emigration agent of the road at St. Paul, for exhibition. Vegetables, fruit and other products will also be received, but the company are particular as to the former articles mentioned. Each article will be labeled giving the name of the producer, the yield, weight and other particulars. Let the farmers of Crow Wing county respond to the request and make an exhibit that will do justice to the agricultural resources of this region. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 August 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 27 August 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 01 October 1880

SEE: 02 October 1880

SEE: 07 July 1898

SEE: 20 September 1911


31 August

Several freight cars ran off the track in the yard on Monday. The switch was open. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 September 1885, p. 3, c. 2)


01 September

The railroad business is picking up and a considerable increase was made Tuesday in the working force of the car department of the Northern Pacific shops in this city. The train forces are also constantly being increased, with the increasing grain and stock business, and engineers and firemen are in demand. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 September 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


04 September

An order has been issued by M. C. Kimberley, superintendent of this division of the Northern Pacific, and addressed to roadmasters, section men and others, stating that no velocipede or hand-car shall be allowed to run on the line without a permit from the company. If any person is found running a velocipede or hand-car without a written permit, he is to be turned back or the velocipede removed from the track and the fact reported to headquarters. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 September 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


18 September

The railroad company have been painting up their passenger depot here during the past week. It was a needed improvement. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 September 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


22 September

Dr. Bigger’s grizzly bear which he had confined in an enclosure at the N. P. Sanitarium succeeded in escaping on Tuesday night by digging out and has not been heard from since. The animal was valued very highly by the Doctor, it having been a present to him. The bear was brought here from the [Yellowstone] National Park. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 September 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


Theodore Myers, a N. P. brakeman, was arrested here Tuesday, charged with having knocked a man down and robbed him of $40 at N. P. Junction, and was taken to that place. It is said by Myers’ friends that it is a mistake, as he is in no way guilty and can prove his innocence at the trial. Myers plays third base in the Brainerd baseball nine.

Since the above was in type we learn that he has had his examination and was bound over. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 September 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


SEE: 22 October 1885


24 September

Engine No. 50, of the N. P. road was badly wrecked at Superior yesterday. She was pulling out of the yard with twenty loads of iron when she ran into a car and was derailed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 September 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


Youthful Vandalism.

_____


Base ball is a very nice game and we never knew an instance until the present week where it led to vandalism and the mutilation and destruction of property. Brainerd has got two or three quite youthful base ball nines and one of these clubs composed, we understand of southeast Brainerd youths between the ages of twelve and fifteen years, made up their minds they must have uniforms with which to appear on the diamond in a creditable manner to themselves and their posterity, but how to obtain them was a mystery which was finally solved by some of the ring leaders. These bright youths made up their minds to get the material from the passenger cars which were standing on a side track in the yard at the shops awaiting repairs. This was on Friday of last week, and the day watchman at that place caught several boys in a passenger car that stood near the end of the coach shop. The boys on his approaching ran away and he did not think that there was anything wrong and so did not investigate further, but when the same crowd were found in the neighborhood again on Sunday he went into the car and found to his surprise that these young rascals had cut the plush from the cushions of twenty-six seats and the backs of eight seats in one car and stripped nine seats in another car in a similar manner. The matter was at once reported to the railroad authorities and the counsel for the road has under advisement what is best to do with the boys who so wantonly destroyed $250 worth of property. Several of the youths were not so much to blame as two or three who led them on, saying that the railroad men had told them the cars were discarded and that they could have all the plush they wanted. The manner in which they carried it away was in bags and two of them stuffed full were found in the brush nearby. The boys have not stated how they expected to get their suits made up without exciting suspicion if they were not detected before, but we will wager a uniform for them all round that it will be a sorry lesson for them and one that they will remember for some time. If they get off with only being sent to the reform school they may consider themselves lucky. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 October 1885, p. 3, c. 5)


28 September

Railroad Employee’s Library.

_____


A meeting was held in the library rooms at the Northern Pacific shops on Monday evening for the purpose of getting the proposed scheme of a library for the employees of the railroad in this city under headway. R. M. DeLambert was chosen chairman and A. Mahlum secretary. This meeting was the first one and the principal object in its call was to select men from the different departments to work up the organization and get it in running order, which was done, and the meeting adjourned until the first of next week, when business of importance will be transacted. This idea of a library for the workmen is by no means an original one in this instance, as it has been successfully carried out in other places, and is of considerable importance to those interested. It will furnish a place for the men to spend their leisure hours with both profit and pleasure to themselves and it should be encouraged on every hand. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 October 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


29 September

The fire alarm called out the citizens and department in double quick time on Tuesday morning at about 4 a. m. The blaze was in East Brainerd and from town it looked as though the car shops were on fire but it proved to be the old tank house near the paint shops. This tank was not used very much only in cases when the water works were out of order at which times the engine would be supplied from it and filled up again for an emergency. How the fire originated is a mystery and the theory is advanced that it was the work of an incendiary, but it is not at all probable as it is quite evident that if parties intended starting a blaze they would set something else on fire besides a water tank. The house that was built around the tank had been used for storing oil and waste up to a short time ago and it is thought that some tramps had engaged lodging there for the night and that a spark from a pipe must have done the mischief. The tank house will not be rebuilt. The loss is something like $2,000 or $3,000. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 October 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


30 September

The train from Duluth on Monday night was delayed some ten hours on account of a freight train off the track. Several of our attorneys and county officials were at Aitkin attending district court which was in session, and they were compelled to remain over. We understand, however, that they enjoyed themselves. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 October 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


We understand that it is the intention of the railroad company to fence in their grounds at the shops on the north side with a high board fence this fall. This will cut off the roadway that is now commonly used to reach East Brainerd and will make the new bridge across the ravine a necessity, as the other road is very steep and sandy. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 October 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


04 October

FIVE MEN KILLED

ACCIDENT TO A CIRCUS TRAIN IN MINNESOTA


St. Paul, Oct. 4—A Fergus Falls Special to the Pioneer Press says:

At 8 o'clock this morning, while John Robinson’s circus train, in two sections, was coming into this city from Wahpeton, on the Northern Pacific Railroad, about four miles west of this city, a coupling broke and the rear seven cars of the first section ran down the steep grade into the engine of the second section at a rate of 40 miles an hour. The caboose and two sleeping cars, containing 160 sleeping men, composed a portion of the section which had broken loose. The engineer of the approaching train stopped his engine, and he and the fireman jumped and were saved, but had not time to reverse, and both sections crashed into each other, killing 5 men outright, fatally injuring 3, and injuring 10 or 12 others slightly.

The watchman of the train, trying to warn the sleeping men of the danger of the collision, was killed himself, refusing to desert, although aware that a collision was inevitable. He was frightfully mangled; his heart was found on top of a flat car some distance away, his bowels lying on the ground, and his body cut to pieces. The other men were mangled almost beyond recognition; Eagles, the boss hostler, will probably die. He is injured internally. William Wingold, of the lamp department, has one side of his head badly cut, and other injuries. No performers or animals were hurt.

The men killed were the watchman, Wilson, and four canvasmen. The engine was badly smashed and cars reduced to kindling wood. The remarkable fact is that more were not killed and injured. Twenty or thirty others received slight cuts and bruises. The list of killed is: Roberts, canvasman, joined at Wadena on the way to Cincinnati; William Krouse, lived at Cincinnati; Sam Blair, joined at Colfax; James Wilson, watchman, formerly policeman at Cincinnati. The injured men were removed to the hospital at Brainerd and a Coroner's inquest will be held to-morrow. (New York Times, 05 October 1885)


09 October

The railroad company is having the enclosure along Front street plowed. It will be seeded to grass. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 October 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


12 October

They Collided.

_____


A bad wreck occurred on the Northern Pacific road Monday morning at the East St. Cloud crossing of the Manitoba road. The N. P. engine was No. 94 with engineer Daniel and fireman Fearl [sic] in charge. The Northern Pacific train, made up of a long line of empty cattle cars, was going north, and the engineer, who had been at work forty-eight hours without rest, was asleep; it did not stop for the crossing, and the fireman saw the Manitoba train in time to wake Daniel, who reversed his engine, and both jumped just as the crash came. The train was going at the rate of twenty-two miles an hour, when four miles is the usual rate of running at that point. The Manitoba train was an extra freight loaded with grain and the wreck was a bad one. The engine plowed into the ground for fifty feet, and the tender and a couple of cattle cars piled on top of it. The ground was knee deep with No. 1 hard wheat, and the three rear cars of the Manitoba train were smashed. The track is also torn up for two rods either way. Wreckers were sent out from St. Cloud and Brainerd, and the track was cleared and repaired. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 October 1885, p. 3, c. 5)


16 October

The library association formed among the railroad employees is getting along nicely and will soon be in running order. The boys are taking considerable interest in the matter, and it is bound to be a grand success. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 October 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


The increase in the business of the N. P. road has made it necessary to locate a new train dispatcher’s office at Detroit [Lakes] in order to handle the trains on the road between here and Fargo. Dispatchers McCabe and Green of this city having charge of it, the main office still remains at Brainerd. The Northern Pacific road is now hauling the largest business it has ever handled. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 October 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


Gull River is a station on the Northern Pacific road some seven or eight miles west of Brainerd. The railroad company have undoubtedly made up their minds that the patronage of the people of that place does not amount to much, for, although there are night trains, the depot is closed and locked as soon as the business of the day is finished, and if a man happens to want to take one of the night trains he is unable to purchase a ticket, or to even get into the waiting room of the depot. The company should keep the waiting room open even if there is no night agent. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 October 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


One hundred men have been taken on at the railroad shops in this city during the past week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 October 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


20 October

A tourist by the name of C. Butcer [sic] had the misfortune to fall between the cars on Tuesday night, and thereby lost an arm. It seems that on Monday night he was arrested for vagrancy and fined $5 which he paid, he having some $26 with him, and the officers told him to get out of town. So on Tuesday night he tried to board an outgoing freight in the yard and he was knocked down and the wheels passed over his left arm and shoulder. He was taken to the Sanitarium where the arm was successfully amputated by Dr. Bigger. The tramp will probably let box cars alone hereafter. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 October 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


21 October

On Wednesday a wreck occurred at Perham, in which three engines were smashed up and several cars demolished. If this thing keeps on, the N. P. folks will certainly have plenty of work in the shops for twice the present force all winter. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 October 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


The new station agent, Mr. W. S. Martin, arrived with his family from Little Falls on Wednesday evening. They are spoken of very highly by the papers of that city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 October 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


Quite a serious accident happened at the shops on Wednesday, B. Tomlinson being the unfortunate man. It seems that Mr. T. got between two large driving wheels, one pair of which were held up by a jackscrew and which in some manner tipped over and caught the gentleman between the two, squeezing him quite badly. He was taken to the Sanitarium, where, we understand, he is doing nicely. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 October 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


22 October

The case of Theodore Myers, the Northern Pacific brakeman, who was arrested early in September and taken to N. P. Junction upon a charge of robbery, came on for trial in Duluth yesterday, before Judge Stearns and a jury, and resulted in a verdict of acquittal, the jury being out only five minutes. G. S. Fernald of this city appeared for Myers. By this verdict Myers is fully exonerated, as his friends in Brainerd fully anticipated he would be. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 October 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


SEE: 22 September 1885


23 October

The postal service that has recently been put on the Northern Pacific road between this city and Duluth is proving quite a convenience to the merchants of both cities and also to the business men in the small towns on the run. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 October 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


25 October

On Sunday as a train load of wheat was crossing the Mississippi river bridge the front end of a freight car was pulled out, letting about 150 bushels of No. 1 hard into the river. The train was very heavy, and the strain was too much, which, together with the sudden start after slacking up for the bridge, caused the accident. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 October 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


A man by the name of Dewey had two fingers crushed while at work in the yard on Monday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 October 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


30 October

On Nov. 1st, C. S. Fee, General Passenger Agent, will introduce into the service of the N. P. road what is known as the “Thrall Mileage Ticket.” This ticket will be available to the general public, under conditions attached, for 1000 miles, east of Mandan at $30.00; and the purchaser will be entitled to receive a rebate of $5 if the cover is returned within six months from date of issue, with purchaser’s certificate that the ticket has been used in accordance with such conditions. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 October 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


EAST BRAINERD.

_____


Facts and Figures Picked up by Our Pry-

ing Reporter.


A second time keeper has been put on at the shops this week, which does not look like a lay-off this fall.

Fred Desplaines, an old shop hand, was here on Saturday last on his way to Livingston to take a position as car inspector under L. D. Lasher.

I. E. Fox is the new time keeper and Thos. Blackburn takes his position as telegraph operator for the shops.

Jas. Willis had his fingers quite badly shaved at the carpenter shop on Monday. Nothing very serious.

John Leigh had the misfortune to get his hand badly sawed the latter part of last week while at his work in the carpenter shop.

The railroad shops are piled full of work and it is with difficulty that the orders are all filled. The boys feel quite certain that they will not get quite as short time as they did last fall.

Our people have reason to feel proud over the new ravine bridge, as it will be a great convenience to them. Alderman Forsyth deserves much credit for his untiring efforts in securing this invaluable improvement for the people of his ward, as well as for the city at large.

The employees library association is getting along finely, and only needs a few preliminaries to be in running shape. The officers are President, H. J. Small; Vice president, J. C. Barber and Secretary, E. H. Haux. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 October 1885, p. 3, c. 5)


06 November

The Northern Pacific will string an additional telegraph wire from St. Paul to Fargo. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 November 1885, p. 3, c. 3)


New Appointments.


Mr. Thomas, fuel agent of the Northern Pacific road with headquarters at this city has announced by circular the following appointments:

H. O. Shaner, district fuel agent of the Minnesota and Dakota division, with office at Brainerd.

E. T. Furness, district fuel agent of the Missouri, Yellowstone and Montana divisions, with office at Mandan, Dak.

R. H. Henderson, district fuel agent of the Rocky Mountain, Idaho and Pacific division, with office at Missoula, Mont. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 November 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


06 November

W. Stager, a painter at the shops, has been confined to his bed with the painter’s colic this week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 November 1885, p. 3, c. 5)


14 November

John Bradford, night ticket agent at the depot, had the misfortune to meet with quite a serious accident on Saturday morning last. He attempted to get off a moving train and in so doing was thrown against a switch in the yard and quite badly bruised. He was taken to the Sanitarium and we understand is able to be about again. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 November 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


20 November

The B. of L. E. are already making arrangements for their annual ball which takes place on New Year’s evening. A most enjoyable occasion may be expected for the boys always exert themselves on an occasion of this kind. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 November 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


An order was recently received at the shops to put air brakes onto 1,000 freight cars. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 November 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


The high board fence around the shops has been completed, with the exception of painting. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 November 1885, p. 3, c. 7)


The new sidewalk being built by the railroad company from the bridge to the corner of Brockway’s store, will be a great convenience to the public. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 November 1885, p. 3, c. 7)


23 November

The pay wagon made the boys happy Monday. Upwards of $50,000 was paid out here to employees. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 November 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


27 November

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers have postponed their annual ball to the 22d February. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 November 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


The shops of the N. P. railroad in this city were shut down Thanksgiving day in order to give the boys a chance to eat turkey. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 November 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


The Northern Pacific has put on its through service a combination emigrant car, so that all emigrant travelers shall not be compelled to sit in cars in which smoking is permitted. These cars have been undergoing a thorough course of repairs at the Brainerd shops and are in elegant condition. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 November 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


Should be Sufficient.


Complaint has been made by the jobbers of St. Paul that their traveling men are greatly inconvenienced by not being permitted to ride on freight trains on the Northern Pacific road, claiming there is not a sufficient number of trains run to permit their men to visit more than one place a day. Officials say it is not so, as the following number of trains are run: Between St. Paul and Brainerd, three passenger and one freight each way; between Brainerd and Detroit [Lakes], three passenger and two freight trains westbound and three passenger and one freight eastbound; from Detroit [Lakes] to Fargo, three passenger and one freight train each way; on the Little Falls and Dakota branch one passenger and one freight train each way; between Fargo and Jamestown, westbound two passengers and two freights and three passenger and one freight eastbound. Between Jamestown and Mandan, one freight and one passenger train daily. This number, the Northern Pacific believes, should be satisfactory. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 November 1885, p. 3, c. 5)


30 November

Conductor Collins was made the recipient of a fine mink overcoat Monday, a present from his father who resides at Holsmesville, N. Y. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 December 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


01 December

The crew of workmen in the machinery department were put on nine hours time beginning Tuesday. The car workers are still doing full duty. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 December 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


04 December

The Library Association.


The reading room of the N. P. Employees Library Association is in running order and the organization is getting fairly under headway. Of course, as in all undertakings of this kind, at the outset the finances are low and in order to get started in good shape, cash is necessary. In view of this fact a committee has been appointed to procure the necessary funds, and this committee has decided on an entertainment to be given at the roller rink on the evening of January 1st, 1886. The matter is in the hands of a number of gentlemen who will do their utmost to make a success of it as they always do. After the association gets fairly underway the proceeds from membership will keep the institution running in fine shape. It is to be hoped that this entertainment will be liberally patronized. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 December 1885, p. 3, c. 5)


The N. P. company will pay its Brainerd employees on the 19th of this month in order that the boys may have plenty of time to pick out their Christmas offerings and pay for them. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 December 1885, p. 3, c. 4)


25 December

THE EVENT OF THE SEASON.

_____


All Arrangements for the Coming Concert,

Conversazione and Ball Have Been

Completed—The Programme

for the Concert.

_____


The concert, conversazione and ball to be given at the roller rink one week from tonight by the N. P. Library Association from present indications promises to be the social event of the season. No pains have been spared by the committee having the matter in charge to make the occasion an enjoyable one, and the names of those managing it are a sufficient guarantee that it will be all that is anticipated. An interesting and entertaining literary and musical programme has been arranged, comprising recitations and vocal and instrumental selections by the best literary and musical talent of the city. The following excellent programme has been prepared for the concert, which will begin at 7:30 prompt.


PROGRAMME OF CONCERT.


Overture, “Past and Present,” Suppe.—City Band

Chorus—Brainerd Musical Society

Quarrel, between Brutus and Cassius, Act iv, scene iii, Julius Caesar—Leopold Bros.

Extraordinary Pleading—Chas. Johnson

Song, “Village Blacksmith,”—Jno. W. Woods

Glee—by the Club, Messrs. Congdon, Camp, Hitchcock and Alderman

Song—Miss Katie Meekins

Song—Master W. H. Wood


GRAND SELECTION.


Maritine—W. V. Wallace, City Band

Chorus—Brainerd Musical Society

World Famed Westminster Abbey

Chorus—Geo. Woods

Bass Solo—Messrs. Shaw and Dagget

Cornet Solo—Prof. Dresskell

Song “Curfew Shall not Ring To-Night,”—S. Alderman

Song—Mrs. Dr. Courtney

Glee—by the Club


Mrs. Walter Davis will furnish one of her Fisher grand pianos for the occasion. Immediately after the concert and during the conversazione it will be decided who is the most popular lady in the city. We understand from the committee that there is to be no nominations, as is usual in contests of this kind, but the question is an open one, and when a lady’s name is accompanied by fifty votes she will be announced as a candidate for the prize. Already we hear it rumored by East Brainerd residents, that active steps are being taken by that portion of the city to carry off the honors. Likewise the West side people have their favorites, as well as the shop men, and we predict a close contest.

At 11 o’clock the floor will be cleared and the ball will commence, and all lovers of the terpsichorean art will have an opportunity to enjoy themselves to the fullest extent. The music will be furnished by the Brainerd String Band, which in itself is an indication that an enjoyable time will be had.

The concert will commence at 7:30, prompt, and we would impress upon every body the importance of going early in order to secure seats, as we have every reason to believe that the rink will be packed that night.

Messrs. A. C. Coventry, D. B. Shontz, O. H. Reynolds, D. W. Travis, A. Forsyth, M. E. Entriken, E. J. Pearson, W. Bain, compose the Reception committee, and in their usual gentlemanly way will look after the wants of the public. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 December 1885, p. 3, c. 5)


1886

01 January

Revised Programme.


In the hurry of going to press last week several errors crept into the programme for the N. P. Library Employees New Year’s conversazione and concert and we republish it with corrections:


PROGRAMME OF CONCERT.


Overture, “Poet and Peasant,” Suppe, City Band

Chorus, Brainerd Musical Society

Quarrel, between Brutus and Cassius, Act iv, Scene iii, Julius Caesar, Al. and Geo. Leopold

Extraordinary Pleading, Chas. Johnson

Song, “Village Blacksmith,”Jno. W. Woods

Glee, by the Club, Messrs. Congdon, Camp, Hitchcock and Alderman

Guitar Solo, Messrs. Shaw & Daggett

Piano Solo, Mrs. H. J. Small

Song, Miss Katie Meekins

Song, Master W. H. Wood


PART II—GRAND SELECTION.


Maratina, City Band

Chorus, Brainerd Musical Society

World Famed Westminster Abbey Chimes, Geo. Woods

Guitar Solo, Messrs. Shaw and Daggett

Cornet Solo, Prof. Dresskell

Song, “Curfew Shall not Ring To-Night,” S. Alderman

Song, Mrs. Dr. Courtney

Glee, by the Club

By special request we announce that the evening’s entertainment will positively commence at 7:30 o’clock in order to get through the programme in good season. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 January 1886, p. 3, c. 7)


New Year’s Night Enlivened by a Grand Con-

cert and Ball at the Roller Rink.

_____


The Library Benefit.


It is with much satisfaction that we chronicle the fact of the immense success of the concert, conversazione [sic] and ball given on New Year’s Night by the members of the N. P. Library Association of this city. Long before the time appointed for the entertainment to take place the mammoth rink was filled until it seemed there was hardly room for another person, but still they came; the gallery, the seating room and the standing room was all occupied. The first thing that met the gaze of the spectator as he entered the room were the beautiful decorations of evergreens, which hung in festoons and were twined into different shapes. Over the entrance of the rink on the inside was an arch make entirely of evergreens, and on which was a motto “Welcome All,” the “all” being in the shape of a shoemaker’s awl. Over the stage was a banner on which were inscribed the words “Happy New Year,” underneath which was a large open book and on the right hand page the words “N. P. Library Association,” the left hand page containing the words “Knowledge is Power.” Over the band stand was a large half circle bearing the name of the association and which was finely decorated and trimmed with evergreens; underneath the stand was spread the national color. The hall was lighted with the usual lamps with the addition of four headlights, while the light for the stage was given out by four beautiful hanging lamps which were furnished by Walter Davis for the occasion.

When everything was in readiness for the literary exercises, Capt. Spalding arose from his seat on the stage as chairman, and greeted the audience with a very neat and appropriate speech in behalf of the association, thanking the audience for their attendance and liberal patronage which had been of material aid in getting the association under headway. Mr. Spalding filled the chair with much credit to himself and to the association, and the committee are to be congratulated upon having made so excellent a selection. After concluding his remarks Mr. Spalding announced that the exercises would begin with and overture by the City Band entitled “Poet and Peasant,” which was delightfully rendered. Next was a chorus by the Brainerd Musical Society that was quite heartily encored. Then came a rendition of the famous quarrel scene, act iv scene 3, Julius Caesar, between Brutus and Cassius, by Al. and George Leopold, Al. impersonating Brutus while George did Cassius. This was one of the richest treats of the evening, for no where off the stage and rarely among professionals can be found a better interpretation of these characters than was here displayed by the brothers. Their make up was faultless, and must have required no little trouble and expense. They did not rant and rave as is so commonly done by amateurs, but rendered their parts with expression and in a manner that would have done credit to professionals. Not a few in the audience were surprised [to] find such dramatic talent in our midst, and they were encored with a gusto which indicated that their efforts were appreciated. Next came a recitation by Chas. Johnson, whose “Extraordinary Pleading” brought down the house, after which the audience was favored by a song, “The Village Blacksmith,” by John W. Wood. The glee club, composed of Messrs. Camp, Congdon, Hitchcock and Alderman, sang “Take me back to old Virginia” in such a credible manner that at its conclusion they were recalled and again favored the audience; the club never fail to arouse the enthusiasm of their hearers. The next on the programme was the guitar solo by Messrs. Shaw and Daggett, and the gentlemen displayed no little skill in the manipulation of the strings of this favorite instrument; they were recalled a second time. The piano solo by Mrs. H. J. Small came next and was executed in a manner that indicated the fine musical culture of this lady. A character song by Miss Katie Meekins was sung in such a manner as to completely captivate her hearers, and she was recalled and sang “Pretty Pond Lillies,” which was also well rendered, although we think the music was rather difficult for one so young. Master W. N. Wood then appeared before the audience in a character song “Papa’s Little Boy,” which was so well carried out that the audience was convulsed with laughter, and especially was that part of the audience pleased who had experienced the same thing themselves, and Master Wood was called again to the stage. Dr. Hawley was then called upon for a few remarks, and addressed the audience as follows:


ADDRESS


[...]


After the reverend gentleman concluded his remarks which were very attentively listened to, the band played a grand selection entitled “Maratina” which was the first it had been listened to by a Brainerd audience. Then followed a chorus by the Brainerd Musical society, after which came the imitation of the famous Westminster Abbey Chimes by Geo. Wood, which was certainly very interesting. The instrument used by Mr. Wood to produce the imitation is called a bellina, and is of his own manufacture; the instrument has ten wires, and on it he can execute anything from a hornpipe to the “Bluebells of Scotland.” Messrs. Shaw and Daggett again favored the audience followed by Prof. Dresskell in a cornet solo, which did not fail to draw enthusiastic applause from the hearers. The base solo by S. F. Alderman “Curfew Shall not Ring To-night,” was one of the finest selections of the evening; as a singer Mr. Alderman has few equals in this section. The following song by Mrs. Dr. Courtney was also well received; this lady has a clear soprano voice remarkable for its sweetness and strength. The programme was concluded by a song from the glee club “The Bugle Horn,” which well deserved the applause it received.

Immediately after the concert was over it was announced from the stage that the matter of deciding who was the most popular lady, would be the next proceeding. No names were allowed to be brought forward unless accompanied by fifty votes to start with, showing that they were popular to the amount of $5. The candidates were Mrs. Geo. Forsyth and Mrs. H. J. Small. The voting was spirited and lively, and at the conclusion the vote stood, for the latter lady, 502 votes, and for the former 293, and the handsome pyramid fruit cake made and given to the association by Mrs. Jas. McNaughton, was presented to Mrs. H. J. Small.

Immediately after this part of the programme was finished, the floor was cleared for dancing and over one hundred couples joined in the grand march. The lovers of the art tripped the light fantastic toe until late in the night, and every participator vowed on going home that the evening had been one of the most enjoyable that had ever been spent in Brainerd.


NOTES.


David Smith as “caller” for the dance gave good satisfaction.

There was somewhere in the neighborhood of 1260 people in the rink.

The proceeds from the sale of the “cake” paid all expenses within a few dollars.

Dresskell's orchestra was up to the times, as it always is, and furnished the finest music that Minnesota affords.

Three car loads of evergreens were brought to the rink for decoration purposes. On account of so much other work the committee did not have time to get it all into the rink.

It was generally noticed and remarked that there was never a more orderly crowd of people together in Brainerd than on this occasion. Everything passed off like clock work.

The several committees can congratulate themselves on the universal satisfaction expressed by all present, for it was to them mainly that the success of the entertainment depended on.

Besides being a very pleasant occasion, it was also a profitable one to the association, the receipts being about $550 and the amount netted $465, which will be used to purchase books for the library rooms.

The supper gotten up at the English Kitchen restaurant was one of the most elaborate ever set out to a hungry throng of merry dancers in this city. The decorations at the restaurant were very unique, and everything was in keeping with the occasion.

The only thing that did not pass off as the committee would have wished was the distribution of dance programmes. It was their intention to give them out to the dancers as they formed on for the grand march, but through some misunderstanding many of the spectators got programmes, which left them short when the dancers began to form on and consequently many had to do without. It was not expected that there would be such a turnout, and in this respect the committee could not remedy the annoying mistake:


A CARD OF THANKS.


On behalf of the committee on the late concert, conversazione [sic] and ball given by the Northern Pacific Library Association, we desire to express our sincere thanks for the many courtesies received at the hands of the public generally, and to those who participated in the concert, the success of which was largely due to the efficient manner in which they acquitted themselves.

B. HASKELL, Sec’y.

JAMES McNAUGHTON, Chairman.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 08 January 1886, p. 3, c.’s 4 & 5)


08 January

We understand that E. H. Houx has resigned his position with the Northern Pacific road at this place, and will leave for Sedalia, Mo., in a short time, where he will engage in business. His successor has been appointed in the person of E. O. Parks. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 January 1886, p. 3, c. 6)


30 January

They Surprised Him.


A very pleasant time was enjoyed last Saturday evening in the rooms adjoining Dr. Camp’s office. The friends of E. H. Houx, the retiring chief clerk of the car department, decided to give him a reception and accordingly the arrangements were all made privately, Mr. Houx being in entire ignorance that any thing of the sort was on foot. About 8 o’clock Dr. Camp and Jno. Willis went in search of Mr. Houx, and when they returned with him he was ushered into the presence of twenty-five or thirty of his friends. The surprise was complete. The evening was spent in social conversation, and at about 9:30 Mr. Houx was presented with a fine diamond scarf pin and a gold-headed cane, on the latter being inscribed the words, “from your friends of the N. P. R. R.” The presentation speech was made by Wm. Percy, as follows:

Mr. Houx, it affords me great pleasure to represent your numerous friends upon this occasion, and on their behalf to present to you this cane. It is not given because we fear you many soon need it to support your trembling form, for we trust that you may long preserve your present robust health and smiling countenance, nor is it expected that you will run around Sedalia raising cane with it, or apply it to the back of an opponent when you enter congress. But it is intended as a slight testimonial of the esteem in which you are held by your fellow employees, but more especially as a mark of friendship—a friendship that has grown and matured through the courteous, considerate and gentlemanly manner in which you have treated all who have come in contact with you during the time you have occupied your present important position. A position you have filled with such credit to yourself and satisfaction to your employers. Let me assure you, sir, that this feeling of friendship is not confined to Brainerd alone, but has radiated far and wide, and as a result, we have received from every foreman from St. Paul to Livingston the kindest expressions of esteem for you, and sorrow at your leaving and a wish to have some little share in this evening’s entertainment. Let me assure you that it is with deep regret on our part that you are about to leave us, but we all believe and hope that you are serving your best interests by going, besides performing a filial duty. Allow me on behalf of those whom I represent to wish you health, happiness and prosperity in your new field of labor, and may you never need this cane to lean upon until Old Father time has hung upon you and advanced you with the furrows and frosts of a ripe old age. Also accept from us this little gem, and may its purity and brilliancy be a fitting accompaniment to the purity and brilliancy of the heart of its recipient.

The recipient was entirely overcome and arose with the following remarks:

Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, I feel at this time unprepared to make a response suitable to the occasion. I can do nothing more than thank you for these generous gifts and this princely reception you have given in my honor.

After this came quite an elaborate lunch and “sich,” and merriment and good cheer prevailed. Mr. H. has been chief clerk of the car department in this city for something like two years, and during which time he has made friends among the railroad boys in abundance, and all of whom were sorry to see him leave the employ of the company. Among those present were W. Percy, J. L. Adams, E. J. Congdon, E. Felton, R. J. Eggleton, Geo. Forsyth, L. Stillman, Frank Pipping, J. Lowey, D. Vose, Dr. J. L. Camp, Dr. W. Hemstead, Fred Parker, Alex. Adams, J. E. Wilson, Angus Brown, Jas. McNaughton, N. W. Wheatley, L. McPherson, E. H. Houx, E. O. Parks, W. E. Entrikin, I. Seymour, John Willis, Peter Early.

Mr. Houx left on Tuesday morning for his new home in Missouri. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 February 1886, p. 3, c. 5)


SEE: 08 September 1883

SEE: 07 April 1884

SEE: 11 March 1886

SEE: 27 May 1887

SEE: 04 June 1887

SEE: 24 March 1888

SEE: 24 May 1889

SEE: 07 June 1889

SEE: 17 January 1890

SEE: 01 August 1890

SEE: 22 May 1891

SEE: 30 September 1892

SEE: 07 October 1892

SEE: 14 September 1894

SEE: 21 September 1894

SEE: 04 December 1896


05 February

B. Haskell, for some time foreman at the roundhouse, has been appointed master mechanic, with headquarters at Jamestown. Alex. McPherson no occupies Mr. Haskell’s position. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 February 1886, p. 3, c. 3)


23 February

Presentation at the Car Shops.


After the whistle blew to quit work at the N. P. railroad shops last Tuesday evening, Feb. 23, a committee consisting of John Willis, Peter Early, David Smith, Geo. C. Hastings and J. S. Robinson, together with their fellow workmen of the freight department, and J. C. Barber, master car builder, and foremen of the other departments who had been invited to be present, assembled to make a presentation of a splendid $125 gun and case to the foreman, John L. Adams, who had been appointed as general foreman of the N. P. shops at Sprague, Montana, and was to take his departure on the evening of the next day. The committee then authorized Peter Early to find Mr. Adams and present him to the assembly at the end of the car shop furthest from Mr. Adams’ office. After due time Mr. Adams was presented to the assembly, and J. S. Robinson stepped forward and spoke as follows:

Mr. J. L. Adams: I take much pleasure in presenting to you in behalf of my fellow workmen of the freight department this slight token of the great regard and esteem which we entertain toward you. Your gentlemanly treatment of all with whom you have been associated is highly appreciated by us, who have had the good fortune to work in the department of which you have had charge, and we feel that any article which we might present to you would but feebly express our high regard and respect. Hoping you may find this sporting piece useful and of good service, and that it will contribute to your pleasures and in preserving a remembrance of the ties of friendship which exist between you and the employees of this department. I can also state that you have the confidence and best wishes of your superiors in office, and we believe that the same may be said in the future regarding the position you are about to fill elsewhere. Allow me to assure you that your intended departure from us is deeply regretted by all, and that our best wishes for your future welfare and prosperity will follow you and yours.

Mr. Adams, although completely surprised, made a very neat speech of acceptance, expressing his thanks for the gift and good wishes from his fellow employees, and saying that they could not have selected anything that he would appreciate more than the one just given, and that he would always retain a kind and most friendly feeling toward the employees of this department. He said he hoped the same good feeling and harmony would continue in the shops as had existed heretofore.

Three hearty cheers were given for Commodore Adams, and as the gun and equipments were being examined cigars were passed around by the gallant commodore, after which all dispersed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 February 1886, p. 3, c. 6)


26 February

Tie inspector Bivins has returned to Brainerd after a month’s inspecting tour along the Northern Pacific. This has been, he thinks, the best season for tie makers, and the first owners of such and other timber, for several seasons past. He has inspected upwards of 300,000 ties and puts the whole output for Northern Pacific shipment at 200,000 more—500,000 and upwards says a correspondent. Prices have ruled low, from 16 to 21 cents for tamarack and oak, but he thinks first parties will make more money at those prices than they made when contractors themselves sold at a fancy figure—that is better prices are paid to makers than before. Long & Co. of St. Paul, and J. C. Flynn of Little Falls are the largest operators in the region. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 February 1886, p. 3, c. 3)


10 March

W. J. Footner, general superintendent of the Northern Pacific express company was in Brainerd Wednesday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 March 1886, p. 3, c. 3)


11 March

The Brainerd Co-Operative Building and Loan

Association.


A meeting of persons interested in this association was held in the Northern Pacific Railroad Library room, on the evening of Thursday, 11th inst., for the purpose of incorporating, electing officers, etc.

Mr. J. E. Phelan, who was called to the chair, briefly stated the object of the meeting, spoke highly in favor of building associations, assuring those present, who numbered over fifty, that the association about to be incorporated would be conducted on co-operative principles for the mutual benefit of its members, that the number of shares to be issued to any one person would be limited to prevent monopoly, and that no member would have more than one vote.

The list containing thirty-three names of parties who had subscribed for 1,310 shares of stock was then submitted to the meeting, when twelve more names were added, making a total of fifty-five members and 1,610 shares.

Messrs. Wheatley and Brown also spoke very favorably of incorporating a local building and loan association as a means of encouraging young men to invest in something they could rely upon, and of helping married men to buy or build and become the owners of their homes.

Mr. A. G. Michie, who was elected Secretary pro tem, moved that at this meeting there be a nomination of fifteen members to form a board of directors, who may adopt and sign articles of incorporation, formulate by-laws, to be submitted to a future general meeting, and to elect officers. The motion being carried unanimously, the following list of names was submitted by the Chairman and approved by the meeting:

N. W. Wheatley, Jas. McNaughton, Angus Brown, Thos. Halliday, Wm. Percy, J. B. Moore, A. G. Michie, H. H. Scobie, P. McCallum, D. E. Vose, T. Crawford, H. Penticost, I. Seymour, F. G. Fernald, H. J. Small.

The meeting then adjourned.

Notice of next meeting to be held will be duly announced in this paper. Parties wishing to take stock in the Brainerd Co-Operative Building and Loan Association will please send their application to A. G. Michie, Secretary, N. P. R. R. Co. shops. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 March 1886, p. 3, c. 6)


SEE: 08 September 1883

SEE: 07 April 1884

SEE: 30 January 1886

SEE: 27 May 1887

SEE: 04 June 1887

SEE: 24 March 1888

SEE: 24 May 1889

SEE: 07 June 1889

SEE: 17 January 1890

SEE: 01 August 1890

SEE: 22 May 1891

SEE: 30 September 1892

SEE: 07 October 1892

SEE: 14 September 1894

SEE: 21 September 1894

SEE: 04 December 1896


19 March

The locomotive engineers will give their annual ball on April 26, at the roller rink. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 March 1886, p. 3, c. 3)


28 March

A fire at the shops almost destroys them. (Brainerd Tribune, Friday, 02 April 1886)


In early 1886 the wooden car shops burn and are replaced by a new brick building that is a story and a half high. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 54)


BLAZE AT BRAINERD.

___________


The Northern Pacific Railroad’s Shops Partially Destroyed by Fire.


Loss $200,000, Believed to Be Fully Covered by Insurance.


The Shops Will Be Rebuilt on a Larger and More Substantial Scale.


BRAINERD, March 28.—Brainerd was at an early hour this morning visited by a most destructive conflagration, which laid in ashes a considerable portion of the magnificent railroad shops of the Northern Pacific company. As the watchman was making his rounds shortly after 3 a.m. he noticed a bright light in the planing mill department and upon investigation discovered that the dust tower was in flames. He immediately gave the alarm by sounding the shop whistle which was taken up by the locomotives in the vicinity and soon became general. In the meantime the flames had spread so rapidly that the whole building was burning like tinder, and adjacent buildings were threatened. By the time the fire department arrived on the ground the flames had obtained such headway that little could be done to check their advance, and the destruction of all the shop buildings on the south side of the railroad tracks was looked upon as inevitable. Finding it impossible to fight the fire with any show of success, principally from the fact that several of the hydrants were found to be frozen, the firemen and citizens turned their attention to saving the property of the company in the immediate vicinity.

The fire raged for several hours, burning the following buildings to the ground: Planing mill, machine shop, pattern shop and upholstering shop of the car department; the old roundhouse, where the freight work was done, and the general foreman’s offices. These were all wooden buildings. The roof of a brick building used as a bolt shop was also burned. The remainder of the shop buildings, being of brick and stone, with slate roofs, were saved. Between 35 and 40 freight cars were burned, besides all the expensive machinery, etc., and some $25,000 worth of stock in the various shops. A number of new coaches were badly scorched. It is impossible at this time to give an accurate estimate of the loss on buildings, cars, machinery, stock, tools, etc., but the railroad officials place it at anywhere from $150,000 to $200,000. The loss is supposed to be entirely covered by insurance, which was placed on the blanket plan with the London, Liverpool & Globe. About 125 men may be temporarily thrown out of employment, though notices have been posted about the grounds for them to report as usual tomorrow morning, and they will, it is understood, be put to work clearing up the debris. Mr. Barber had just received instructions to increase the force in their departments. It is semiofficially stated that larger and more substantial buildings will be immediately erected to take the place of the old ones and not one of the employees will lose his situation. Supt. Cushing will arrive here tomorrow for the purpose of consulting with the other officials and will, no doubt, take prompt action.

It is thought that the fire originated from sparks from the smoke stack which ignited a pile of shavings in the dust tower. Quite a breeze was stirring at the time, which, in a very few seconds fanned the flames into a disastrous fire. The buildings burned constituted the original plant of the railroad shops and were built in 1871. The main shops, which stand south of the track were put up in 1880, and are built of brick and stone with slate roofs. There are six of these large buildings which were not injured by the fire. It is confidently predicted that the company will at once erect larger buildings of a fireproof character to take the place of the burned ones, thus greatly increasing the capacity of the shops at this point. The disaster, it is understood, will not materially interfere with the orders now on hand, as the company have ample facilities for getting out the work. (Minneapolis Tribune, 29 March 1886, p. 2)


TO BE REBUILT


The Northern Pacific Shops at Brainerd Will Be Replaced at Once.


The Brainerd Shops.


BRAINERD, March 29.—Supt. Cushing arrived here last night, and has been in consultation with the heads of the departments of the Northern Pacific railroad, during the day in regard to the shops destroyed by fire yesterday morning. Mr. Cushing has already prepared his plans and recommendations and forwarded them to General Manager Oakes. He is of opinion that larger and more substantial buildings entirely fireproof will be immediately erected upon the site of the burned shops, and railroad officials generally state that there is hardly a doubt but this will be done. The original policy of the railroad company concerning the plant here will be followed just as if there had been no fire. Mr. Cushing says the burned buildings were 14 years old, and had lasted a great deal longer than he expected them to when he built them. The company can now carry out the plans they have had in contemplation for several years, of replacing the old wooden buildings with larger buildings of brick and stone. Instead of any of the workmen being thrown out of employment by the fire, the full force went to work as usual this morning and an increase of 15 new men that had just been ordered was put off. It was stated that all the men at the shops aggregating 600, will be put on full time of 10 hours per day, within a few days, and that a still further increase of 25 men has been ordered and will be added before the week is over. The citizens of Brainerd, while sympathizing with the railroad company in their loss, are not at all despondent over the present outlook. (Minneapolis Tribune, 30 March 1886, p. 1)


GONE UP IN FLAMES

_____


A Portion of the Northern Pacific Shops

Burned Last Sunday Morning.

_____


Loss $100,000, Fully Covered by Insurance.

_____


TO BE REBUILT IMMEDIATELY.

_____


The Plans and Specifications Already

Drawn and Work to be Com-

missioned Immediately.


At 3:40 Sunday morning last the shrill cry of fire and the ringing of engine and fire bells announced the fact to the slumbering citizens that a fire of unusual importance was raging, and its location was at the Northern Pacific shops. The blaze started in the engine room of the planing mill, having been kindled by a spark falling into the shaving tower, and was first discovered by the night watchman, but a heavy gale was blowing at the time, and before he could get the shop hose unreeled the flames had gained such headway as to make it impossible to stop their ravages, and he turned his attention to sounding the alarm. The flames lighted up the country for miles around and in the darkness of the night, with the flames roaring skyward, and the clouds of sparks and cinders being carried by the wind out over the city made a grand sight. An immense crowd had gathered to the scene of the conflagration and their attention was turned to saving rolling stock and preventing the flames from spreading to the adjoining buildings. The planing mill, machine shop and upholstery department, together with the old office, were soon a mass of flames, the wind driving the fire before it with terrible velocity. The old roundhouse was next ignited and was soon leveled to the ground, and here the fury of the flames was spent. This latter was a fourteen-stall building used as a freight repair shop and contained several refrigerator and other cars, which were destroyed alike, a car having been run off the turntable into the pit which made it impossible to get anything out even had the heat not been so intense as to make it impossible. The coach shop, paint shop and several other buildings, together with the lumber yard, was saved by the wind being from the northeast. The damage to the company is estimated at $100,000 which is covered by insurance in the Liverpool, London and Globe company. Twenty-five cars were entirely destroyed and several coaches were damaged by being scorched. The duration of the conflagration was not over thirty-five minutes from the time it was discovered and the area burned extended over several acres. The burned district covered that part built by Jay Cooke some fourteen years ago, and have been considered to be nothing but a tinder box for some time; the fire was not a surprise, it being more of a wonder that they have stood so long. The Villard portion of the Northern Pacific works are on the south side of the track and were completed some four years ago, being built of iron and brick, and fireproof, which were uninjured. The loss of tools and implements fall quite heavy on some of the employees nearly all of them having more or less about the shops. Wm. Perry’s loss will reach $200, he having lately purchased a fine outfit of drafting instruments. Geo. Forsyth also comes in for a share, and others which it is impossible to mention for lack of space and time. The burning of this portion of the shops cast a gloom over the community as somewhere in the neighborhood of 400 men are employed in that department, but all fears were dispelled by a notice posted by master car-builder Barber to the effect that no one would be thrown out of employment and for every man to report for duty Monday morning as manufactured materials had been accumulated which was not destroyed, and although some are obliged to work out of doors every man is at work, and the force increased in order to clear up the wreck.


TO BE REBUILT.


Located north of the tracks are the Machine Shop, Planing Mill, Pattern Shop and Power House built after the fire of 1886, 14 May 1915. A 1097x822 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Marie A. Canan, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, p. 13

It is good news to the citizens of Brainerd that we are able to announce that the shops will be rebuilt immediately and of a substantial character which forever settles the question as to whether Brainerd is to be the head center of operations for the company, a question which has agitated the minds of skeptical ones for some time. The construction of the new shops, so we are informed by Mr. Small, will be commenced as soon as the grounds can be put in shape and the burned machinery and debris cleared away. The new building will be 70x160 feet long and 40x70 feet of it being two stories high, with a wing attached for an engine room and boilers 40x65 feet. It will be a fireproof building built of brick and iron with a slate roof and will probably stand lengthwise of the track in the same position as the store building. We are informed, although not officially, that the machinery for the new works has already been secured, part of it to come from shops at Livingston, M. T., which were erected there but never used and the remainder coming direct from the manufacturers which will be of the latest improved patterns.

Let the people of Brainerd rejoice that the question of her future prosperity is forever settled.


THE LATEST.


The following telegram has just been received as we go to press:

W. W. HARTLEY, Ch’n Citizens Com.

I am in receipt of the resolutions adopted by the citizens of Brainerd at a meeting held the 29th of March, and beg to say that the Northern Pacific management has decided to build the shops recently destroyed by fire. The buildings will be of brick, and all of the work done will be of a permanent character. I requested our superintendent of machinery to advise you of this fact, and no doubt you will receive a communication from him before this reaches you.

Yours Truly,

T. F. OAKES.

St. Paul, April 2, 1886.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 02 April 1886, p. 3, c. 4)


02 April

Alex Adams, the retiring foreman at the N. P. foundry was the recipient of a very fine silver tilting water set with gold lined goblets, and a set of solid silver table and teaspoons from the employees. Mr. Adams has many friends in this city who will be glad to note his promotion to the position of general manager of the St. Paul foundry. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 April 1886, p. 3, c. 3)


09 April

The locomotive engineers will give a grand drawing at Mattoon, Ill., on April 19th, for the benefit of the widows and orphans of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. The prizes consist of real and personal property amounting to $100,000. Parties desiring tickets and information can obtain the same by applying to J. E. Goodman. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 April 1886, p. 3, c. 3)


14 April

Work on the New Shops to Begin Monday.


We had the pleasure of meeting Mr. J. L. Bjorkquist, of Moorhead, this afternoon, he being the gentleman to whom was awarded the contract of building the new shops in East Brainerd. The bids were opened at St. Paul last Monday, F. A. B. King, of this city, and one or two other gentlemen having proposals in. Mr. Bjorkquist informs us that the work of excavating will be commenced on Monday morning and that a force of 50 men will be employed. The stone for the foundation he has contracted at Watab, and he expects that by Thursday of next week to have the excavating done so that the stone work can be commenced. The building will be completed in 90 days and it is expected that the brick work will commence May 1. The brick for the construction will be brought here from Moorhead and are of a cream color, there being no brick that can be bought in this section, Mrs. Schwartz only having a few brick on hand at the present time, and it will take something like 900,000 to complete the job. On being questioned as to whether the work would be done by Brainerd laborers or by imported men for the occasion Mr. Bjorkquist informed us that he should hire all the men he could in this city, as he would rather do so than to bring other people here and that he would pay the going wages to those so hired. This gentleman has had considerable experience in contracting having built the entire plant for the Manitoba road at Barnesville, and did all the work for the Fargo and Southern. He also built the penitentiary at Bismarck and the state university at Grand Forks. There need be no more speculating as to whether the shops will be rebuilt here for if you are at all anxious you can see the work commenced on Monday next. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 April 1886, p. 3, c. 6)


16 April

President Harris, of the Northern Pacific, is expected in Brainerd the latter part of this month when he will make his annual trip over the road. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 April 1886, p. 3, c. 3)


20 April

The large brick smoke stack on the north side of the track at the shops was tipped over by the building contractor Tuesday. Its condition was unsafe and a new one will be erected. This one was built in 1872. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 April 1886, p. 3, c. 3)


23 April

Mr. P. J. Mungavin, roadmaster, who has had charge of the division from Brainerd to N. P. Junction for the past three years, with headquarters here, has been transferred to the east end, with headquarters at Superior City, Wis. His division comprises all N. P. tracks east of the Junction. He will put the east end in shape for regular traffic and as soon as it is possible, trains will be run from Brainerd to Ashland. Mr. and Mrs. Mungavin will be missed at Aitkin where they have a host of friends.—[Age. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 April 1886, p. 3, c. 4)


Monday evening will be the occasion of the fifth annual ball of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen, which will take place at the roller rink and which place is now being gotten in readiness. It will be artistically trimmed and will present a very fine appearance. Dresskell’s excellent orchestra will furnish the music and the supper will be served at Mrs. Closterman’s Front street restaurant. A large number of tickets are already sold and the occasion gives promise of being the most enjoyable occasion of the season. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 April 1886, p. 3, c. 4)


J. T. Odell, assistant general manager of the Northern Pacific railroad, has issued a circular, which makes the following changes and appointments to take effect May 1: M. C. Kimberley, superintendent St. Paul division, and L. F. & D. R. R.; office, Minneapolis freight depot; S. R. Ainslie, superintendent East and West Minnesota and Wisconsin divisions and N. P. F. & B. H. R. R.; office, Brainerd, Minn.; F. W. D. Holbrook, superintendent Yellowstone division; office, Glendive, Mont.; F. L. Richmond, superintendent Montana division and branches; office, Livingston, Mont.; F. W. Wilsey, lease agent, Eastern divisions; office, St. Paul, Minn. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 April 1886, p. 3, c. 4)


J. E. Phelan, well known to most of our citizens and a general favorite among the railroad boys, has been promoted the position of road foreman of machinery east of Fargo, with headquarters at Brainerd, the appointment taking effect the first of this month. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 April 1886, p. 3, c. 4)


Extensive Yards at West Brainerd.


The Northern Pacific railroad company have felt the necessity for larger yard facilities in this city for some time and have concluded to build six miles of new track in West Brainerd, just beyond the Sanitarium. John McGivern, who will have charge of construction, informs us that work will be commenced the latter part of next week, and that with a force of sixty or seventy-five men it will take from six to eight weeks to complete the job. About sixteen teams will be employed and the company have already shipped four span of mules to the place, the balance of which will arrive on Monday; these teams are company property and have been at work in Dakota. A large barn will be erected to accommodate them. This track when completed will be capable of holding about 900 cars, and taking everything into consideration, it is quite an item towards the prosperity of Brainerd. Certain it is that indications point to increased business and the company do not ignore the fact that Brainerd is a very important point on the trans-continental line. If railroad work increases at the present rate the shops in this city will be taxed to keep up during the coming season, and instead of a less number of men being employed it will be increased, all of which tends to the increase of business of all kinds in our city. The work of rebuilding the shops in East Brainerd is now fairly under way, and as soon as the men can be worked to an advantage there will be something like ninety or one hundred men employed on that job. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 April 1886, p. 3, c. 5)


27 April

They do say that Bert Blessing, the night caller at the railroad telegraph office, is afraid of tramps. On Tuesday morning he was on his way to call an engineer for an early freight, and being in the vicinity of the electric light which is transmitted from J. J. Howe’s saw mill to the sorting gap, he saw it shine brightly for a moment and then suddenly go out. Not knowing of the electric light he thought it was a party of tramps and that when they spied him they put their light out, and he expected to be pounced upon at every moment. No speed recorder was attached to him so it is impossible to tell what time he made in getting back to the depot, and no manner of persuasion could induce him to go over the route until broad day light. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 April 1886, p. 3, c. 4)


30 April

The annual ball of the locomotive firemen at the rink on Monday evening was a very fine affair, notwithstanding the storm which prevailed. The rink was finely decorated and hung with numerous lanterns showing colored lights, and everywhere was visible the work of the railroad boys in emblems, mottoes, etc. The fine music by Dresskell’s orchestra and the elegant floor, together with the manner in which the party was conducted, served to make the occasion most enjoyable. The supper which was served at Mrs. Closterman’s restaurant was spoken of very highly. This, the fifth annual ball will be spoken of as one of the most successful in the history of the order in the city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 April 1886, p. 3, c. 4)


Rumble of the Road.

_____


On May 1, the wages of the Northern Pacific construction force will be advanced from $1.35 to $1.50 per day.

Chas. Hornbeck is taking care of the Deerwood station, made vacant by the death of Agent Wheeler.

J. N. Hannaford has been promoted to the position of traffic manager on the Northern Pacific. This gives him control of the freight and passenger business of the road.

The employees of the Yellowstone division of the Northern Pacific have presented the wife of Supt. Ainslie with a fine carriage horse. Mr. Ainslie has been transferred to the Minnesota division and his headquarters will be at Brainerd hereafter.

Lew Hall, who has been conductor on the Little Falls & Dakota passenger train for some time, has been transferred to the Brainerd and Duluth division, and that genial young man, Pat Corcoran, is now collecting tickets between Little Falls and Morris.

The Northern Pacific company is taking out fifty tons of coal from the Bull Mountain coal fields, forty miles north of Billings, Montana. The coal is to be tested at Brainerd as to its steam making power. If the test proves satisfactory the company will this summer build a branch railroad to the coal fields from a point near the city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 April 1886, p. 3, c. 5)


Superintendent Ainslie is expected to arrive in Brainerd this evening and will start in on his duties as such officer tomorrow. Mr. Kimberley and Dispatchers Wilson and McCabe go to St. Paul tonight. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 April 1886, p. 3, c. 6)


04 May

Messrs. Odell, Kimberley and Ainslie made a tour of inspection over the St. Paul and Minnesota divisions of the Northern Pacific on Tuesday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 May 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


12 May

Quite a serious accident happened to Geo. Sisler in the yard near the depot on Wednesday evening. He was engaged in coupling cars, and while backing together he was caught between them and quite badly pinched about the hips, but the skin was not broken, and he is doing very nicely at the N. P. Sanitarium where he was conveyed. His injury is not considered to be anything that will prove fatal, although it was at first thought that he might be hurt internally. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 May 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


S. R. Ainslie arrived in his special car from the west on Wednesday, with his family. They will occupy one of the new McKay houses on Seventh street north. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 May 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


14 May

Work is progressing on the rebuilding of the Northern Pacific shops, though not as fast as contractor Bjorkquist would like. He has been much annoyed by delay in stone and brick. The foundations are already in for the main, or freight car building, and work has been begun on the “L” covering the machinery portion and engine house. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 May 1886, p. 4, c. 5)


28 May

The new building at the railroad shops is being pushed to completion as rapidly as possible, the walls being completed to the second story. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 May 1886, p. 4, c. 3)


04 June

John L. Beane, an employee of the boiler shops, burned his leg on Thursday of last week by escaping steam and at the time thought nothing of it, continuing his work up to Monday when the injured member commenced to pain him to such an extent that he went to the Sanitarium for treatment. His underclothing had irritated the scald, and a little inflammation had set in, and during the week he has been under treatment, although it is not a case of blood poisoning, as reported, and Mr. Beane is in a fair way to be around in a few days. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 June 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


05 June

Adolph Erickson, who was struck by an engine in the East Brainerd yards late last Friday night, died from his injuries at the Sanitarium Saturday evening. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 June 1886, p. 4, c. 3)


08 June

Killed by the Cars.


Word was received here Tuesday morning that James McAllister, a freight conductor had been killed at Watab. The accident happened while switching some cars to the stone quarry at that place, the conductor having sent his brakeman to flag a train and he was doing the brakeman’s work. A section of cars standing on the side track started down the grade and ran into the train and when they struck two empty flats came together and on one of these Mr. McAllister was standing when the collision occurred, it forcing one of these cars upon the other and struck him on the left side of the head and shoulders killing him instantly. The engineer saw that something was wrong and at once went back and found him lying close to the switch. His remains were brought to Brainerd and prepared for shipment by Losey & Dean and were forwarded to Dubuque on Wednesday night’s passenger train accompanied by conductors W. H. Cummings and Jas. Smith. Mr. McAllister was well known to every railroad man as one of the finest men on the road and a general feeling of sorrow and regret was expressed on every countenance when his remains were being conveyed from the undertaking rooms to the train. He had lived in Brainerd four years and was married on the second of January to a Dubuque lady, and who is now, and was at the time of the accident in that city. To her the news will come with terrible force. Mr. McAllister was member of the Order of Railroad Conductors and we understand had an insurance on his life. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 June 1886, p. 4, c. 5)


25 June

For several month’s past the Northern Pacific authorities have had painters at work renumbering all their cars, and they are not near through yet. The company has about 350 passenger and baggage cars, and something over 10,000 freight cars, from which it will be seen at a glance that the work of renumbering them is no small undertaking. The cost, it is said will amount to nearly $20,000. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 June 1886, p. 4, c. 3)


The Annual Picnic.


[2nd Annual Picnic] The annual picnic given to the employees by the Northern Pacific road will take place to-morrow (Saturday) the excursion leaving the depot at Brainerd for Battle Lake at 6 o’clock. Cannonading will begin at 4 o’clock in honor of the occasion, and in order to get the excursionists together. Although the clergy and the press have been excluded from attending, for reasons best known to the committee, it is expected that the occasion will be a grand success. The programme consists of dancing, boat racing, etc., and is billed as follows:

Double scull race, three-fourths of a mile and return,—Three prizes, $4, $2, $1.

Tub race,—Two prizes, $2 and $1.

Single scull race, three-fourths of a mile and return,—Three prizes, $4, $2, $1.

Bell boat race, blindfolded, one-fourth of a mile and return,—Three prizes, $5, $2, and $1.

Walking a horizontal greased pole for a prize of two dollars.

Boys’ foot race, for boys from 12 to 16 years of age, 50 yards. First prize one dollar, second 50 cents.

Girls’ foot race, for girls from 12 to 16 years of age, 50 yards. First prize $2, second $1.

Men’s foot race, 100 yards. First prize two dollars, second one dollar. To be handicapped.

A race between Prof. Joe Chaplin, (champion of northwest Minnesota), and the irrepressible Bob Morton, who intends to wrest the trophy from him; one hundred yards. Prize three dollars.

Foremen’s egg race, winners to take the eggs.

Three legged race, 50 yards and return. First prize two dollars, second one dollar.

Standing long jump. First prize two dollars, second one dollar.

Sack race, 50 yards. First prize two dollars, second one dollar.

Throwing hammer, 16 pounds weight. First prize two dollars, second one dollar.

Swimming race, 50 yards and return. First prize $3, second $2, third $1.

A match game of ball will be played between the shop nine and the Battle Lake nine. The races and sports are only open to employees and their families. The judges are Angus Brown, John Lowey and Werner Hemstead on boys’ and girls’ foot races. On aquatic sports are Jas. McNaughton, H. Edwards and Wm. Meekins. No one but strictly railroad men and families will be allowed to go on the excursion train. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 June 1886, p. 4, c. 6)


09 July

Conductor Reed carries a finger in a sling. He got it pinched between the bumpers. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 July 1886, p. 4, c. 3)


President Harris and party came in from the west this morning and went to Duluth. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 July 1886, p. 4, c. 3)


01 August

New Officers.


The annual election of officers of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers of this city took place Sunday, Aug. 1st.

They are as follows:

C. E.—J. E. Goodman.

F. E.—P. H. Carney.

S. E.—H. M. Curry.

F. A. E.—A. J. Sovereign.

S. A. E.—A. C. Coventry.

Guide—J. B. Moore.

Chaplain—C. E. Sherwood.

Secretary and treasurer—H. H. Scobie.

Journal Agent—Willard Lincoln.

Jas. E. Goodman was elected as delegate to the annual convention which takes place at New York City on the 30th of October. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 August 1886, p. 4, c. 7)


06 August

It was intended that the new shops which are nearly completed should be opened for business the 15th of the present month but it will take fully a month yet to get them ready. The machinery is being put in with all possible speed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 August 1886, p. 4, c. 3)


A dispatch says that tramps are coming into Moorhead over the Northern Pacific road from Brainerd and the East at the rate of about a hundred a day. They are piled out of box cars at the junction near the boundary, in swarms. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 August 1886, p. 4, c. 3)


Railroad News.


The earnings of the Northern Pacific for the month of July, 1886, were $1,120,865. For the corresponding month last year they were $1,000,011. This is an increase of $120,854.

The international convention of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers will be held in Minneapolis, commencing September 15. After the convention an excursion will be made to the Yellowstone Park.

One hundred men on the Duluth & Manitoba, at Hawley, have struck for $2 per day. The present wage is $1.75. Four of the leaders are arrested, and if the matter is not settled soon, more trouble is expected.

A petition was circulated on Tuesday which will be presented to Supt. Ainslie of this division asking that the fast mail train may stop at Perham the same as when under Supt. Kimberley. It is hoped that the petition will be granted.—Bulletin.

Mr. W. Walton, who has been with the N. P. pusher crew here for a long time received notice yesterday of his appointment as conductor of the work train in Duluth yard. Mr. Walton’s place here will be filled by E. Gallagher. Mr. Walton has received the warm congratulations of his many friends on his promotion.—N P. Junction Cor. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 August 1886, p. 4, c. 6)


13 August

At the last meeting of Pine City Lodge, No. 81, B. of L. F., Wallace Bain was elected a delegate to the Grand Convention which meets at Minneapolis next month. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 August 1886, p. 4, c. 3)


20 August

The Northern Pacific officials state that it will be impossible for them to change the railroad time between Duluth and Brainerd as asked by the Board of Trade, of the former city. A sleeper will probably be put on at an early date which will greatly improve the travel between the two points. Putting the departure of the train at a later hour would disarrange the whole schedule of the through train or delay all mail at Brainerd for twenty-four hours. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 August 1886, p. 4, c. 3)


23 August

The switch engine ran over a large dog at the Eighth street crossing on Monday, and it is said the part with the head on dragged itself along several yards before falling down. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 August 1886, p. 4, c. 3)


03 September

An Outsider’s Opinion.


The editor of the St. Paul Labor Echo visited Brainerd last week and in his Saturday’s issue he speaks of us as follows:

Brainerd has a population of about 8,000 live, energetic citizens; every branch of business is well represented, and the people are enjoying a fair degree of prosperity. But her buildings would accommodate nearly twice the population; the city, like many others of the west, are too far ahead of the surrounding country and must now wait until the town has grown up to it. Brainerd is in every sense a railroad town. It is the end of three divisions of the Northern Pacific and it is here that the large shops of that road are located. At present about 450 mechanics are employed in the shops, which have a capacity for employing over 1,000. The shops cover an extended area of ground, and are large and substantial structures, being greatly improved over the wooden buildings burned a short time ago. About all the resident machinists are employed, but there is no demand for outside help at present. The addition to the shops which has just been completed is now being supplied with machinery, which will soon be in place, after which extra men will go on. It is thought the number required will be returned to Brainerd from the Como shops at St. Paul, which will leave a number of vacancies at that point. The foundry attached to the shops is run by a private firm who do all the N. P. company’s work. It employs about 21 molders and about the same number of helpers and unskilled workmen. One large saw mill is in operation near the city and others are contemplated. The N. P. road treats its men fairly and justly; it pays as high, if not higher, wages than any other company in the northwest, and freely extends personal courtesies to all its workmen, such as free passes over its road to other points, etc. The master mechanic, superintendent and department foremen in the shops are highly spoken of by all employees, and so far as we have been able to learn there is nothing but the best of feeling on all sides. A cause of much gratification to the ECHO man was the complimentary manner in which the shop foremen spoke of the force of men in their employ, and we thought of the contrast between the existing state of affairs in these mammoth shops and those in similar institutions much nearer home. To illustrate more fully the consideration given its employees by the company, a few days since a member of the Knights of Labor employed as a tinner in the shops died, and a committee waited upon the master mechanic requesting him to close the shops in order that the employees might attend the funeral of their late brother workman. The request was complied with and the funeral procession was the largest ever witnessed in the town. How many of the shops in St. Paul or Minneapolis would have complied with a request of this kind? The Minnesota Protective Association has a flourishing assembly here with a membership of 500. The Knights will start a co-operative grocery store here in a short time, a sufficient amount of capital being already subscribed. The engineers and firemen have each a flourishing lodge of their Brotherhood. Brainerd has two good weekly papers, the DISPATCH and JOURNAL, both of which treat the labor question fairly. To the DISPATCH editors, in particular, we are indebted to many courtesies extended. THE ECHO will make weekly visits to many of the Brainerd workmen in the future, and our readers will be regularly informed of the labor doings of that busy centre hereafter. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 September 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


10 September

The men who have been engaged in filling the Northern Pacific yards at Duluth have returned to Brainerd. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 September 1886, p. 4, c. 3)


16 September

Hon. Frederick Billings, director of the Northern Pacific road, passed through Brainerd yesterday from his trip to the National Park. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 September 1886, p. 4, c. 3)


17 September

Harry Barnes, J. E. Phelan and D. W. Travis are among the Brainerd railroad men attending the annual convention of Locomotive Firemen at Minneapolis this week. Yesterday’s Minneapolis Tribune contained a lengthy speech from Mr. Phelan in behalf of the engineers which was well received and which reflected great credit on the speaker. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 September 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


C. S. Wheaton, grand chief conductor of the Order of Railway Conductors has organized a division in this city. W. P. Spalding is the chief conductor. J. A. Collins the assistant chief; W. H. Cummings, secretary and treasurer; C. E. Ray senior conductor; James Smith, junior conductor; E. J. Harkins, inside sentinel; and Wm. Reed, outside sentinel. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 September 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


J. E. Phelan, traveling engineer of the N. P. railroad, whose territory has recently been extended over the entire length of the road, has just returned from a trip to the coast. Mr. and Mrs. Phelan expect to go to New York City via Washington next month on a pleasure trip, at which time the annual convention of the B. of L. E. takes place in the former city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 September 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


08 October

Adam Brown is again employed by the N. P. after several years engaged in other business than railroading. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 October 1886, p. 4, c. 3)


SEE: 11 March 1871

SEE: 03 April 1885


15 October

The B. of L. E. will give a grand ball at the roller rink in this city on Thanksgiving evening. Preparations are being made for a grand time. Further particulars will be given in these columns. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 October 1886, p. 4, c. 3)


29 October

Dr. Bigger, it is reported, will assume entire charge of the culinary as well as the medical department at the N. P. Sanitarium. This is as it should be and will be good news for the patients and employees who are contributors. If the medical and surgical staff at the Sanitarium raise the standard of the culinary department to a par with the balance of the institution it will as a whole indeed be a grand success. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 October 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


02 November

John Murphy, an engineer at the Northern Pacific shops, was badly hurt Tuesday by a flying piece of iron striking him on the right leg. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 November 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


08 November

State vs. the Northern Pacific.


The case of the State of Minnesota against the Northern Pacific Railroad Company was argued before the full supreme court at St. Paul Monday, Attorney-Gen. Hahn appearing for the state and W. P. Clough for the Northern Pacific Railroad Company. The action was brought to recover 3 per cent of the gross earning of the Northern Pacific on its line from Brainerd to Minneapolis for the year of 1885. The railroad company claims it should only pay 2 per cent on its earning between Brainerd and Watab and 1 per cent from Watab to Minneapolis. The difference amounts to $20,000. The question involves the construction of the statute of 1877, under whose provisions the St. Paul & Pacific, under the name of the Western railroad, built the line from Watab to Brainerd. The state claims that the piece of road, being part of the old Minnesota & Pacific system, should pay the same rate that the old company pays. The second branch of the case involves the construction of the statute of 1873, known as the St. Paul, Stillwater and Taylor’s Falls tax law, which provides that the company should pay 1 per cent from Jan. 1, 1872, for each year for three years, and 2 per cent for the next seven years, and 3 per cent per annum after 10 years from Jan. 1, 1872, and that other new roads might accept its provisions. The Northern Pacific claims that they completed the branch in question in 1884, and should commence paying tax on the same basis as if it had been completed in 1872. The state claims that this act expired in 1882 as far as any per centum less than 3 per centum is concerned. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 November 1886, p. 1, c. 5)


A collision in the yard Monday demolished a box car and disabled an engine. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 November 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


12 November

The Northern Pacific road is still carrying daily large shipments of wool and bullion from Montana and other western territories. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 November 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


One of the large engines for the western division of the Northern Pacific road passed through Brainerd a few days ago. It is said to be one of the largest ever built in this country. The cylinders are twenty-two inches in diameter and have a twenty-six inch stroke. When in working order the engine weighs eighty tons. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 November 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


N. P. Livestock Shipments.


During the last season the Northern Pacific has shipped from Montana and Western Dakota to St. Paul, Superior and Chicago on hoof and dressed 83,000 head of cattle, against 73,000 last year. Of this amount 78,000 were shipped on foot and 5,000 were dressed. Last year’s figures were 67,000 on hoof and 6,000 dressed. The few shipments which are yet to come will probably swell the total figures to 85,000 head. Sheep shipments show not only a larger [number] than last year, but larger than was expected for this season. During the season there was shipped from Washington Territory and Oregon into Montana 45,000 against 28,000 last year. The shipment to St. Paul and Duluth and other Eastern markets from Montana, Washington and Oregon, foot up to 95,000 head. The shipments yet to arrive will swell the number to about 100,000 head. These figures are against 65,000 head shipped east last year. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 November 1886, p. 1, c. 5)


The annual ball and banquet of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers which was to have been held Thanksgiving night has been postponed for a few weeks. There has been such an enormous amount of traffic along the road and the engineers have been so busy that they have not had time to make the necessary arrangements, hence the postponement. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 November 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


30 November

John Gibbons, a brakeman, on freight train No. 17 going west Tuesday night, fell from the top of the cars near Motley and was run over and had his foot badly crushed, besides being badly bruised about the body. It was a bitter cold night, the thermometer registering 15 degrees below zero, and as no one saw him fall the train passed on leaving him laying on the track exposed to the bitter cold. He was picked up about three-fourths of an hour later by an incoming freight, and brought to the Sanitarium in this city where he is receiving the best of medical care. Dr. Hemstead reports his case as a precarious one, saying that he does not think that he can recover and that if he does his foot will have to be amputated. Mr. Gibbons has been in Brainerd about a year, during which time he has been in the employ of the N. P. company. Just previous to his coming here he was in the hospital at Fargo on account of a broken arm, which was injured while working on the N. P. in Dakota. At the present writing he is very low, and it is thought will live but a few hours. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 December 1886, p. 4, c. 7)


01 December

TRAIN WRECKED.

_____


Passenger Trains No. 1 and No. 6 Collide at

Muskoda and Mail Agent Tennis

of this City Killed.

_____


The N. P. through passenger train No. 1 collided with the Fargo accommodation at Muskoda, on Wednesday morning at 8 o’clock, badly wrecking both trains and killing C. M. Tennis, of this city, besides seriously wounding fireman John Doyle, also of this city, and Conductor Eldred, of the west bound train. The responsibility, it is claimed, rests with Train Dispatcher E. G. Cole, of this city, who gave contrary orders. Mr. Cole is a dispatcher of over twenty year’s experience, and has been an employee of the N. P. Company for several years. How he came to make such an error is a mystery to every one. The following is a report sent to the Pioneer Press by their correspondent, who was at the scene of the wreck:

The through Pacific coast passenger train (No. 1) which left St. Paul yesterday afternoon and the Fargo accommodation (No. 6) which left Fargo this morning on the Northern Pacific, came in collision just west of Muskado at 8 o’clock this morning. The engineer of No. 1 saw the other train approaching and slowed up, but No. 6 was around a curve and struck at full speed. The engineer and fireman jumped and escaped without serious harm except Fireman John Doyle, of No. 6, who was cut about the forehead and face. The shock disabled the engines and forced the tenders through the mail and baggage cars. The stove in the mail car was overturned, setting the car on fire. Attention was at once given to saving the rest of the train, and the mail car, with all the mail, except a few papers, was hauled away and left to burn. When the shock came, E. R. Lennen [sic], one of the mail agents, was asleep in the car, and on awakening found himself in the wreck. By hard work he managed to crawl out of the broken top, and fainted on the snow. He was soon found and removed to a car, when it was discovered that his shoulder was dislocated, his head cut and body bruised, and internal injuries are feared. He was delirious all the morning. It was then discovered that Mail Agent C. M. Tennis of Brainerd was missing, and Lennen [sic] stated that he was standing where the shock would throw him on the hot stove. As soon as the flames would allow, search was made for the body, and his heart and a few bones were found late in the afternoon. About noon a work train from Detroit [Lakes] arrived, and at once commenced to lay a track around the wreck which was finished, and trains moved at 6:30 p. m. The temperature was 20 below zero and blowing a gale, and the large number of passengers were obliged to remain in the cars all day or the waiting room of the depot. The loss of mail is complete. All the mail for points between Fargo and Portland, including registered mail, was totally destroyed. No. 6 did not carry mail except in pouches, and this was saved. Both engines are badly smashed, and besides the car and tender burned, several are badly broken and the baggage car was on fire and only put out with difficulty. Conductor Eldred was sitting in the baggage car and the tender went through it, crushing the chair he was sitting on, and bruising him about the head and chest. His escape was marvelous. It was deemed best by Dr. Lovell not to inform Lennen [sic] of the death of Tennis. Nothing prevented the destruction of both trains but the engineer of No. 1, seeing the smoke of the other train, slowed up. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 December 1886, p. 1, c. 5)


SEE: 10 December 1886

SEE: 26 March 1887

SEE: 09 December 1887

SEE: 09 January 1888


An Awful Death.


The tragic death of our fellow townsman, C. M. Tennis, U. S. Mail agent on train No. 1, that collided with passenger train No. 6 at Muskoda on Wednesday morning, has been the principal subject of conversation on our streets for the last two days. From what we can learn from the daily papers, and from what is reported that Lannen [sic], his assistant says, it seems that Tennis was standing close by a red hot stove sorting the mail when the collision occurred, while Lennan [sic] was lying down on a pile of mail sacks. The force of the collision must have thrown the hundreds of pounds of mail matter against him, crushing him against the red hot stove, which of course instantly set fire to the mail matter, and the whole car was consumed in a very few minutes. Lennen [sic] was more fortunate than Tennis, and with the assistance of the train men was taken out through the top of the car with no more serious injuries than a broken shoulder and some bad cuts about the face. As soon as the flames would allow, search was made for Tennis' body, but only a few charred bones could be found to tell the sad story of his death.

Mr. Tennis is the eldest son of the late S. C. Tennis, and has made this city his home, while not on the road, for the last fifteen years. He was about thirty-five years of age and unmarried, but he leaves an aged mother—whose only support he was—and three sisters and a younger brother to mourn his loss. His sad and tragic death greatly surprised and shocked the people of this city, who deeply sympathize with the afflicted mother and sisters of the unfortunate young man. His remains will be brought to this city and interred in Evergreen Cemetery. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 December 1886, p. 4, c. 6)


NOTE: Muskoda is in Clay County, Minnesota—abandoned when the N.P.R.R. shifted the route to less hilly terrain.


SEE: 10 December 1886

SEE: 26 March 1887

SEE: 09 December 1887


Andrew Gardner, an N. P. brakeman, fell off of freight train No. 15, near Big Lake, on Wednesday and was instantly killed. His remains were brought to this city Wednesday night and taken to Losey & Dean’s undertaking room where they were prepared for burial. The interment took place Thursday afternoon in Evergreen cemetery. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 December 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


10 December

The railroad company have made improvement by putting up three lamps on the depot platform and placing a bell there which is rung before the starting of trains. Heretofore when the passenger train was cut for the crossing and backed down there was a general rush and this bell and sign has been put up to do away with mistakes. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 December 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


E. R. Linnen [sic], the injured mail agent, did not die as was reported. He has been taken to his home in Lake City. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 December 1886, p. 4, c. 4)


SEE: 01 December 1886


Quite an improvement has been made in the mail service on the Northern Pacific road within the past week. Heretofore only the morning train to St. Paul and the evening train west has carried any mail but now in addition to this both day trains which arrive in Brainerd at 12:45 and 1:45 carry way mail which will be a great convenience to our people. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 December 1886, p. 4, c. 5)


1887

07 January

The Northern Pacific company are making several improvements on the depot grounds among which is the erection of a mammoth ice house on the yard track between Fifth and Sixth streets. A large building now near the roundhouse will be removed to a position near the freight depot and will be used as a store house. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 January 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


14 January

One thousand more freight cars will be equipped with air brakes at the Brainerd shops. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 January 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


21 January

Maud Fleming, soiled female well known in this city, has sued the Northern Pacific road for $10,000 damages caused by falling through a defective platform at Crow Wing. Chief of Police Shontell went to St. Paul last night to appear as a witness for the company. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 January 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


28 January

The earnings of the Northern Pacific for the third week in January were $113,768, against $112,187 earned during the corresponding week of last year. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 January 1887, p. 1, c. 4)


01 February

A collision occurred at Crow Wing station Tuesday morning, owing to a heavy fog. One of the trains was stalled, and a freight following ran into the rear of it, badly wrecking an engine and the caboose. The wreck was no sooner cleared up than another freight ran off the track at the same place on account of a defective rail. The passenger trains were held here some hours in consequence. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 February 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


04 February

Jas. Willis lost part of a finger in a moulding machine at the shops the first part of the week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 February 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


The Northern Pacific ice house is completed and is being filled. It will hold several thousand tons. The ice is being hauled to the house on freight cars. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 February 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


The old Yellowstone shop has been moved to the company’s ground on 7th street and is being put in shape there. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 February 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


11 February

The trains from the West have been delayed by snow and blizzards during the past week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 February 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


Invitations have been issued this week to the conductors’ ball which is to take place at the Villard hotel on the evening of Feb. 21st. Every possible arrangement that can be made to insure a good time is being attended to and the occasion will probably be one of the most pleasant that has occurred in Brainerd for some time. The gentlemen on the committee of arrangements are W. P. Spaulding, chairman, I. A. Collins, E. J. Harkens, Jas. Smith and A. T. Jurnegan. The reception committee consist of P. Corcoran, E. A. Rhodes, E. S. Richards, Jno. Davis, E. O. Mittix [sic], J. C. Magee, A. A. Sharp, E. H. Reed, C. E. Ray and T. C. Campbell. The floor committee is I. A. Collins assisted by A. T. Jurnegan, P. Corcoran, Jas. Smith and E. J. Harkens. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 February 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


18 February

The Northern Pacific is building an iron car from which light and heat are to be supplied to the rest of the train. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 February 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


The Northern Pacific company are filling their mammoth ice house from Red Sand lake. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 February 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


The trains from the South have been snowed in since last night. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 February 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


28 February

Monday afternoon a section hand working on the Sixth street crossing spied a railroad torpedo on a rail. Not knowing what it was struck it with his pick and exploded it. It is useless to say he was surprised for he threw his pick across the track and started down the yard at a 2:40 gait thinking a whole regiment of heavy artillery was in pursuit. He suffered a slight bruise on one hand. He claims he “didn’t know it was loaded.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 March 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


03 March

Andrew Cushing, a Northern Pacific employee, was seriously if not fatally injured last night in the yard. He was endeavoring to board a moving train and slipped under a car the wheels passing over his leg crushing it from the knee down. He was taken to the Sanitarium where everything possible will be done for him although the limb will have to be amputated and it is not expected that he will survive. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 March 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


04 March

B. Haskell, who arrived recently from Brainerd to take charge of the Northern Pacific roundhouse and shops during the temporary absence of H. C. Nelson, has been appointed master mechanic of the Wisconsin division of the Northern Pacific road, and also superintendent of the shops and roundhouse at this place, his appointment to take effect to-day. He will undoubtedly make the West End his headquarters.—Duluth News. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 March 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


Northern Pacific Wreck.


Passenger train No. 2, due here this morning at 7:10, was wrecked near New York Mills. The train consisted of two engines, two baggage and mail cars and seven coaches, including sleepers. The train was running at a speed of 25 miles an hour and struck a broken rail which threw it from the track and overturned every car. Luckily no one was killed, but it is a miracle how the passengers escaped. A wrecking train and physicians were sent from Brainerd and the injured passengers were cared for. At 5:30 this afternoon a train arrived bringing the five who were quite badly hurt to the Sanitarium. One gentleman has an ankle badly strained, if not broken, another a collar bone broken and the balance badly bruised. The late hour at which the train arrived did not give us time to get the names of the parties as our forms were all made up. The passengers on the train speak in the highest terms of the Northern Pacific in doing everything possible to make them comfortable. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 March 1887, p. 4, c. 5)


09 March

John Yost, a brakeman of this city, was slightly injured at Detroit [Lakes] on Wednesday by getting pinched between the cars. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 March 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


The employees at the shops commenced working ten hours Wednesday morning. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 March 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


18 March

For the past two weeks two car loads of emigrants a day have been carried west by the Northern Pacific railroad. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 March 1887, p. 1, c. 7)


21 March

The paint shop at the Northern Pacific works caught fire Monday about 11 o’clock. The fire originated in the roof and but for the timely alarm the entire building would have been consumed. The damage was light. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 March 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


26 March

Mrs. C. [sic] Tennis, mother of Chris. Tennis, who was killed at the Muskoda horror on the N.P., Dec. 24 [sic], 1886, received a check from the railroad company for $5,000 the latter end of last week in lieu of all claims against them. (Brainerd Tribune, 26 March 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


SEE: 01 December 1886

SEE: 10 December 1886

SEE: 09 December 1887


01 April

The railroad company has extended the brick yard track to the dam which will greatly facilitate work at the latter place. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 April 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


Martin Nelson, who has for the past few months been at work in Brainerd, is in Duluth on a short visit with his father, H. C. Nelson. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 April 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


08 April

The Northern Pacific earnings for March were $948,198, an increase of $90,081 over last year. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 April 1887, p. 1, c. 4)


T. F. Oakes and Party Coming.


Word has been received that T. F. Oakes and party will arrive in Brainerd the first of next week to look over the railroad shops and grounds here, and a general slicking up will be inaugurated before their arrival. Whether this visit of the officials has any significance or not is, of course, a matter of speculation as yet, but it is known that the company have under advisement the construction of more shops here and an enlargement of the present works, and it is not at all unwarranted to suppose that this visit is for the purpose of gaining an idea as to what is necessary in this matter. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 April 1887, p. 1, c. 4)


J. McNaughton has been transferred to Jamestown and Angus Brown fills Mr. M.’s place here as foreman at the N. P. shops. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 April 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


The B. of L. F. of this city, will give a ball at the roller ink the 21st of this month. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 April 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


The N. P. folks are painting their large ice house. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 April 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


10 April

There were four cars of lumber off the mill track on Sunday. After the company has a few more like experiences they will probably fix this piece of track up so it will be possible to run a train over it without danger of accident. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 April 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


12 April

The first steam heated train on the Northern Pacific came to Brainerd Tuesday evening. It will run between Brainerd and Duluth. Each car is heated by radiators at each end, and by steam pipes running from car to car and enclosed in metal boxes at the side, the heat being controlled by registers. The steam is taken direct from the locomotive boiler, but in a large train it is the purpose to use a separate boiler in an iron car. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 April 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


14 April

The first train of steam heated cars arrived in Duluth over the Northern Pacific railway yesterday in charge of Conductor Lou Hall. The train consisted of engine, combination mail and baggage car, smoker and ladies’ coach. The train is supplied with steam direct from the locomotive which is conveyed into ordinary radiators in each car. Ample provision, is made for the discharge of condensed steam and the couplings between the cars are a combination of brass knuckle-joints and rubber hose with sufficient “telescoping” capacity to cover an ordinary slack motion. The train will be retained, for the present on the east end of the Minnesota division between Brainerd and Duluth.—News. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 April 1887, p. 1, c. 5)


15 April

Geo. W. Cushing, for five years superintendent of machinery for the Northern Pacific railroad, has been succeeded by W. T. Small, formerly master mechanic of the Portland division. Mr. Small is a brother of H. J. Small, of Brainerd. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 April 1887, p. 1, c. 3)


SIXTH ANNUAL BALL.


Pine City Lodge, No. 81, Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen, of this city, will give a ball at the Roller Rink on the evening of April 21st. Five hundred invitations have been issued from this office and the affair promises to be one of the events of the season. The gentlemen on the invitation committee are as follows: W. J. Bain, J. F. McGinnis, Geo. Watts, Harry Barnes, A. D. Carr, Ed. Benton and W. Scott. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 April 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


The YMCA consists of two reading rooms. They are rooms numbered 9 and 10, upstairs in W. W. Hartley’s Bank Building. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 50)


Y. M. C. A. Building.


The Young Men’s Christian Association of this city are about to erect commodious quarters for the accommodation of the members. The building will be put up in the centre of the railroad park between Fifth and Sixth streets opposite the Town-McFadden block, the company having given free use of the ground as long as they desire it. In addition to donating the ground the company will contribute $500 toward the erection of the building provided $1,000 can be raised in this city by subscription for the same purpose, and up to to-day something like $400 has been pledged. The building is to be two stories high, with libraries, reading rooms, etc., below and a hall above. It is also the intention to add bath rooms and a gymnasium as soon as practicable. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 April 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


21 April

B. of L. F. Ball.


The sixth annual ball of Pine City Lodge No. 81, Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen, took place at the roller rink last evening, and like all former occasions of the kind, it was a success. The rink was beautifully decorated with evergreens and emblems of the order, and was illuminated with headlights and red lanterns making a very pretty contrast. Nearly 300 tickets were sold and the capacity of the mammoth rink was taxed to the utmost. Dresskell’s orchestra furnished the music and needs no comments from us—it speaks for itself. The following was the programme:

1. Grand March and Quadrille

2. Waltz—Welcome All

3. Lanciers—Bob Knoll for Mayor

4. Schottische—Our Wives and Sweethearts

5. Quadrille—W. J. Bain, Our Master

6. Polka, Redews—Ripeon is a Dad

7. Quadrille—She Won’t Steam

8. Gallop—Coal Test Mike

9. Centennial Lanciers—Brainerd Boomers

10. Waltz—How is Your Fire

11. Quadrille—Our Friends in the City

12. Opera Reel—Extension Front End

13. Newport—Whistled for the Crossing

14. Fireman’s Dance—B. of L. F.

15. Cirellian Circle—Fond du Lac Hill

16. Polka—Single Nozzle

17. Lady Washington—Let Her Go

18. Waltz—Pine City Lodge—No. 81

19. Virginia Reel—18 Miles from Home

20. Quadrille—Over the North Pole Extension

21. Schottische—Slap on the Air

22. Centennial Lanciers—Brainerd Dam Co., 18 Foot Fall

23. Gallop—Let Her Go, Gallagher

24. Sally Waters—The Alarm, Three Taps

25. Waltz Quadrille—Ladies Choice

26. Polka—Our Grand Lodge

27. Home, Sweet Home—Let Her Go, Doc

(Brainerd Dispatch, 22 April 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


24 April

Resolutions of the B. of L. F.


At the regular meeting of Pine City Lodge No. 81, B. of L. F., of Brainerd, Minn., held April 24, 1887, the following resolutions were adopted:

RESOLVED, That we tender our thanks to the committee of arrangements, our reception committee and our floor managers, for their efficient services at our Sixth annual ball.

RESOLVED, That we tender our thanks to our visiting brothers, Snyder, House, Dingwall and Fuller, for assisting in our decorations.

RESOLVED, That we especially thank H. J. Small, assistant superintendent of machinery, S. R. Ainslie, Div. Sup’t.., and P. Murphy, yard master, for their kindness and assistance.

RESOLVED, That we heartily thank the people of Brainerd and elsewhere for their attendance and appreciation.

RESOLVED, That the B. of L. F. present to Miss Maggie Meekins a card of thanks with a token of respect for her services.

S. W. GREENE,

C. B. WILLARD,

WM. CONGDON,

Committee on Resolutions.

GEO. WATTS,

Secretary.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 29 April 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


06 May

A large crew of men will be employed by the Northern Pacific at Detroit [Lakes] this summer. The yard work, commenced last summer, will be completed, and the six new side tracks will be extended through the village, making this one of the largest and best yards on the line. This work will necessitate the removal of the N. P. elevator. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 May 1887, p. 1, c. 3)


Villard’s Old Car.


Albina (Or.) Courier: For several years past a rather plain looking car has been standing on one of the tracks in the car yard of the Terminal works, beaten against by wind and storm until it became pretty rusty outside. This car was built for Henry Villard when he was president of the Oregon Railway and Navigation company, and is one of the finest in the world in its apartments. When Villard came to Portland on the “last spike” celebration he left the car here, and it has remained in the yard ever since. A few days ago a telegram was received from him asking for its use to make a visit to this city once more. Men were put at work cleaning and repairing the car at once, and it left the yard Wednesday for the purpose of bringing the ex-railroad magistrate to the land of webfoot again. He will not return with as much display as marked his last arrival, but like the young man kicked by the mule, he will “know a blamed sight more.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 May 1887, p. 1, c. 5)


H. C. Nelson's son Martin arrived home early in the week. He had the misfortune to get several fingers badly smashed in the drill press at the Northern Pacific shops in Brainerd, where he has been employed, and will be laid up several days.—Duluth News. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 May 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


The railroad company has put in crossings on Seventh street, each side of the mill track, as requested by the council. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 May 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


13 May

Another Reminiscence of Villard

Gone.


The old Villard hotel in Brainerd, now in ashes, was one of the few remaining reminiscences of Henry Villard. Not that he built it, but Witt & Leland completed the structure in the year 1883, about the time that Villard made his triumphal march across the continent, and it was named after him.—Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 May 1887, p. 1, c. 4)


General Passenger Agent Fee, of the Northern Pacific, has returned from his trip to the coast. He made the trip over the Cascade division to Tacoma, walking the gap of about three miles of the uncompleted switchback on the western side of the mountains. He says that part of the road is one of the best pieces ever turned over to the operating department by the engineering department of the Northern Pacific. He gives fascinating accounts of the splendid scenery along the line on both sides of the mountains, and says the switchback will undoubtedly be in operation by June 1.—Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 May 1887, p. 1, c. 4)


20 May

The Northern Pacific has begun to run through passenger trains from Grand Forks to St. Paul. We wonder what the Manitoba will do to offset this infringement on its territory. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 May 1887, p. 1, c. 4)


C. E. McMullen, for the past year night wire chief in the employ of the N. P. company in this city, has been promoted to the much more lucrative position of train dispatcher. Mac is a good faithful man, and merited the promotion he has received. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 May 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


W. Hufty, of Park Rapids, has accepted a position as operator in the N. P. telegraph office in this city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 May 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


The Northern Pacific will make a heavy reduction in freight rates the first of June. The rates at present from St. Paul to Brainerd are as follows: 1st class 58 cents, 2nd class 49 cents, 3rd class 41 cents, 4th class 35 cents, 5th class 29 cents. Class A 23 cents, class B 19 cents, class C 15 cents, class D 12 cents, class E 10 cents. The rates after June first will be: 1st class 49 cents, 2nd class 42 cents, 3rd class 32 cents, 4th class 25 cents, 5th class 20 cents. Class A 20 cents, class B 17 cents, class C 15 cents, class D 13 cents, class E 10 cents. This reduction on the part of the company is voluntary, and is in line with its policy of making reductions of rates as the country through which it passes becomes more thickly settled and the volume of business increases sufficiently to warrant it. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 May 1887, p. 4, c. 6)


22 May

A Railroad Excursion.


The third annual excursion of the railroad employees of the Northern Pacific from this city will be given some time the middle of next month and already the arrangements have been commenced which will make it a success such as always marks occasions of this kind, especially when gotten up by Brainerd railroad boys. The objective point has not yet been fully decided upon, but by the following from the Perham Bulletin it will be seen that the committee is making an effort to secure as good a place as can be found:

On Sunday a committee of railroad men from Brainerd, consisting of N. W. Wheatley, F. Allen, H. Edwards, L. McPherson, John Lowey and F. Schmeltz, arrived in the city to look over the grounds, with a view to bringing the railroad excursion from Brainerd to this place. They were met at the train by Mr. Thos. Simpson, who escorted them to the Grand Pacific where they had a sumptuous breakfast, after which, in company with Messrs. Simpson, Taylor and Baxter, they were taken to the club house, where the forenoon was put in fishing and looking over the grounds. One of the most elegant dinners ever served in this city was set up to them by Mr. and Mrs. John Scheidecker, at the N. P. restaurant. It was a dinner, as the gentlemen said, fit for the gods, and was especially prepared for them by Mrs. Scheidecker, who is perfectly capable of serving such a feast. After dinner they returned to the lake where the afternoon was spent pleasantly. Later in the day Mr. P. Schroeder drove them down to his brewery, after which they took supper with Col. Shea. The evening was spent at the residence of Postmaster Kemper, where they were entertained with some choice music by his accomplished daughters, assisted by Prof. Glab and Mr. Kemper. The party returned to Brainerd at 11:18 and before going assured us that they would make a favorable report, and that they had no hesitancy in saying that we might look for them with 1,500 people, about the middle of June. The matter will be definitely settled this week, but the chances are one hundred to one in our favor. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 May 1887, p. 4, c. 5)


SEE: 08 September 1883

SEE: 07 April 1884

SEE: 30 January 1886

SEE: 11 March 1886

SEE: 04 June 1887

SEE: 24 March 1888

SEE: 24 May 1889

SEE: 07 June 1889

SEE: 17 January 1890

SEE: 01 August 1890

SEE: 22 May 1891

SEE: 30 September 1892

SEE: 07 October 1892

SEE: 14 September 1894

SEE: 21 September 1894

SEE: 04 December 1896


23 May

An Elegant Present.


N. D. Root, now superintendent of the Montana division of the Northern Pacific road, and family left Brainerd Tuesday evening for their new home at Livingston, Montana, Mr. Root having been at that place during the past three weeks, he having returned Monday to accompany his family on the journey. The railroad boys of the Minnesota division, on which the gentleman had been assistant superintendent for some six or seven years previous to his promotion had a very pleasant surprise fixed up for his especial benefit in the shape of an elegant gold watch, chain, charm and diamond stud which they presented to him on that evening. The watch was a very handsome one, containing an expensive Howard movement, the case being a Louis 14th style set with diamonds, and engraved on the outside with the gentleman's initials after his own handwriting, and on the inside case the following: "Presented to N. D. Root, as a token of friendship by the employees of the Minnesota Division, N. P. R. R., May 24th, 1887."

On the charm were also his initials on one side and a beautiful diamond set on the opposite side.

The diamond stud was given him by the employees of the general offices, the freight office and the N. P. Sanitarium of this city. It was a beauty, being a first water diamond, and was purchased from Dresskell & Shedd of this city.

The presentation was intended to have taken place on Monday evening, but for some unaccountable reason, probably known only to Mr. Root, it was impossible to find the gentleman, and the matter was delayed until the following evening when he came up from St. Paul on No. 1. He of course went up into the general offices to say good-bye, as the boys expected, and they trapped him, Capt. W. P. Spalding, doing the honor and making the presentation speech in a very credible manner. In the course of his remarks he tendered Mr. Root the friendship and good will of the employees and also expressed their regrets at seeing him leave their midst, while at the same time they were glad to note his promotion.

Mr. Root was taken by surprise somewhat, and hardly knew how to express himself, but after a moment he managed to collect himself and thanked the gentlemen for the beautiful token of friendship, stating that had it not been for their hearty co-operation he would probably not have received the position in which he had been placed. All this was transacted while the train waited at the platform ready to carry the gentleman and family to their far western home. A hearty handshaking was indulged in all around and good-byes were exchanged and they departed. Mr. Ainslie kindly tendered them the use of his car to make the trip in. Taking everything into consideration Mr. Root may well feel proud of this leave taking, as no gentleman in our remembrance has departed from this city who has been so universally missed and whose promotion was more gladly received by the employees under him. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 May 1887, p. 4, c. 5)


SEE: 14 February 1889


Conductor Cummings and wife returned Monday morning from New Orleans, where Mr. Cummings had been in attendance at the 19th annual session of the Order of Railway Conductors. A very pleasant time was enjoyed aside from the pleasure of being in attendance at the convention. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 May 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


A broken brake-beam derailed a passenger car on No. 2, Monday morning at Pillager. No damage was done. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 May 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


27 May

President Harris, of the Northern Pacific road, is on his way to St. Paul and already official heads are falling in the basket in the minds of certain newspaper reporters. It is expected Mr. Harris will recommend some radical changes in the management. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 May 1887, p. 1, c. 3)


The annual railroad employees excursion will be given the middle of June. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 May 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


28 May

Stepped Off Into the River.


A fatal accident happened at Gull River Saturday night and the nature of it was such that does not often occur. The night train from the west pulled into the station and ran by a little, the train being stopped on the bridge over the river. The brakeman called out the name of the station as is customary and Charles Carlson, who lived there and was to get off, stepped out upon the platform of the car and the night being dark he did not notice but that everything was all right and he proceeded to alight from the train and fell through the bridge into the river below and was drowned. The conductor or brakeman heard him cry out for help and they knew that someone had fallen from the train and backed up to the station and notified the operator but it was then too late to do anything. The deceased was a single man and was working for the Gull River company, having two brothers there. The remains were buried in Evergreen cemetery Monday afternoon. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 June 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


SEE: 22 July 1887

SEE: 07 October 1887


03 June

The N. P. company are putting new ties in the road bed between this city and Deerwood. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 June 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


Mr. Small Resigns.


Mr. H. J. Small, ex-Mayor of this city, and who for a number of years has been assistant superintendent of motive power and machinery of the Northern Pacific road from St. Paul to Helena, has resigned his position and leaves tomorrow night for the East where he accepts a similar position on the Philadelphia & Reading road, under Geo. W. Cushing, formerly of the Northern Pacific. During Mr. Small’s residence in Brainerd he has made friends with all whom he has come in contact with, and his leaving will be regretted by every man who has been under him. Brainerd loses a worthy citizen and the Northern Pacific an efficient official whose position it will be hard to fill with such general satisfaction to all concerned.

It is rumored that a gentleman by the name of John Evans, from the western division of the road, will take the place made vacant by Mr. Small’s resignation. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 June 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


For Sixty Days.


The reduction of the force at the Northern Pacific shops in this city has been considerably exaggerated, and some putting the number as high as 100, when the fact is there were but 41 laid off, 25 being in the car working department and 16 in the machinery department. It was known for some time that this was coming the first of June and that it was only a temporary arrangement for sixty days, so it will readily be seen that it is not on account of a slackness of work, for there is work enough ahead now to keep the force busy nearly a year without figuring on what will necessarily come in during that time. There are as many men now in the shops as there were last year at this time, those who were discharged being about the number that were put on extra. The force will not work Saturday’s until further notice. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 June 1887, p. 4, c. 5)


04 June

Presentation to Ex-Mayor Small.


Previous to the departure of Mr. Small for his new field of labor at Reading, Penn., the shop employees and railroad men presented him with an elegant token of their regard, which took place at the library rooms Saturday afternoon. A large number of the railroad men had assembled to take part in the proceedings, and at 5:30 Jas. McNaughton escorted Mr. Small into the room. After being seated, J. W. Potter read the following address which was in writing and enclosed in a beautiful frame:


“??TAMINATIS FULGET MONOMENUS.”


To H. J. Small, M. E., Assistant Superintendent of Machinery of the Eastern Division of the Northern Pacific Railroad, From the Machinery Department Employees:

DEAR SIR: When, in the course of human experience, we were brought into business and social relations with those who govern and direct more by a potent influence and noble example than by the authority pertaining to their position as an officer, of whatever grade; when our surroundings are of such a nature as to enlist our sympathies and create in our hearts a deep-rooted feeling of attachment for associations connected therewith, we unconsciously draw around ourselves a chain of friendship, forged from links of human kindness, and strengthened by feelings of confidence and esteem. Living under such peaceful conditions, and engrossed with the cares of our individual lives, we seldom reflect seriously upon the mutability of human affairs; and are only awakened to their transitory state by the iconoclastic hand of Time disturbing the serenity of our mundane existence. To such reflections of these are our minds directed upon learning that you are about to sever your connection with this road. As we review the past five years which we have been under your control and direction, we realize with no slight feeling of pride that in all our relations and intercourse the most compete harmony has prevailed. In all matters, at all times, and under all the circumstances pertaining to your office, have you shown us an example that it is possible for a man to occupy a position such as yours and yet be just to all, partial to none and kind alike to every one, regardless of the sphere of life in which they may be placed, and still maintaining the dignity due to your own station, merit and receive the esteem of your fellow men. Not alone in your official capacity, but in your private life as a citizen, have we evidence of the truth of our words. The recollection of our association is one that will always remain in our lives, darkened only by the shadow of a deep and sincere regret that our relations are so suddenly severed by your departure for a new field of action. Our heartfelt wish and hope is that, if possible, greater measure of success may crown your efforts in the future than was given you in the past, and that ere long the highest position in the ranks of your profession may be the reward of him whose life among us has been above reproach. And as we pray for the seed of prosperity to cast its brightest rays upon you, most sincerely do we hope that the Great Master Mechanic of the universe will ever guard your family, and in His omnipotence keep them from all care in the peaceful calm of your home. And when time shall have worn out the wheels of our lives, and we stand upon the brink of the vast unknown, we can cast our thoughts back on our associations and know that your influence over us was ever for our good.

The presents were a gold watch and chain for Mrs. Small, an elegant silver cup containing $250 in gold for the gentleman himself, a silver set for each daughter and an elegant clock for the new baby boy. Mr. N. W. Wheatley did the honors and Mr. Small responded in a few words, thanking the gentlemen for their kindness and good-will. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 June 1887, p. 1, c. 5)


SEE: 08 September 1883

SEE: 07 April 1884

SEE: 30 January 1886

SEE: 11 March 1886

SEE: 27 May 1887

SEE: 24 March 1888

SEE: 24 May 1889

SEE: 07 June 1889

SEE: 17 January 1890

SEE: 01 August 1890

SEE: 22 May 1891

SEE: 30 September 1892

SEE: 07 October 1892

SEE: 14 September 1894

SEE: 21 September 1894

SEE: 04 December 1896


The Northern Pacific people received four new engines here Saturday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 June 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


10 June

THE GRAND EXCURSION.


The railroad excursion bids fair to beat all former efforts in that line and will take place a week from tomorrow, Perham having been decided on as the objective point. The railroad boys at Como, Fargo and other points will be invited. A meeting of the general committee is to be held this (Friday) evening when all arrangements will be completed. A grand time is expected. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 June 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


14 June

What might have been a very serious accident occurred last Tuesday evening as the passenger train from Duluth was coming down. A trestle beyond Cromwell had caught on fire and was burning quite briskly when the train reached there. The engineer stopped and the fire was extinguished, but it was not entirely safe to venture over, as some of the ties were nearly burned off. Should that train have been a half hour later there is no telling what might have occurred.—Aitkin Age. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 June 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


Perham All Agog.


The Perham Bulletin of yesterday says:

The Brainerd excursionists will arrive in this city on Saturday morning at 9 o’clock. Elaborate preparations are being made for their entertainment that day. The grounds at the club house have been doubled in size by cleaning out more underbrush and tables and benches for the accommodation of 1,500 people are being built; a large bowery 40x60, capable of holding twelve set is being built; the club house has been painted, additional boats secured for the day, swings are being put up, and everything else is being done to insure the success of the excursion. Teams especially, are needed, to convey the party to the lake, and we trust that every person owning a team, who reads this, will be at the depot at not later than 8:30 o’clock Saturday morning. Invite your neighbor to take his team, and help make this a day long to be remembered by every person in attendance as one of the most pleasant they ever spent. Turn out and lend a helping had.

Mr. M. J. Daly has been requested to deliver the address of welcome to the Brainerd excursionists next Saturday. From his ready command of language, and his recognized oratorical ability, we are led to believe that it will be a masterly effort. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 June 1887, p. 4, c. 6)


17 June

The Excursion.


[3rd Annual Picnic] The employee’s annual excursion will take place tomorrow, the train leaving the depot for Perham at 6 a. m., sharp. The Brainerd band will accompany the excursion and the day will be given to games, races, base ball and other amusements at the picnic grounds. The following is the programme:

Boys’ foot race, for boys 10 years old and under, 50 yards. Prizes first $2, second $1, third 50 cents.

Youths’ foot races, for youths 10 to 14 years of age, 75 yards. First prize $2, second $1, third 50 cents.

Men’s foot race, one hundred yards. First prize $5, second $3, third $2.

Sack race open to all, 50 yards. First prize $3, second $2.

Boat race, Mr. John Vorge, commodore, single scull half a mile and return, open to all. First prize $3, second $2, third $1.

Double scull race, three-fourths mile and return, between car, machine and blacksmith shops. First prize $5, second $2.50.

Tub race, 50 yards. First prize $2, second $1.

Walking horizontal greased pole. Prize $3.

These sports are only open to the employees of the road or members of their families. The races will be called at 12 p. m. sharp, and at 4 o’clock the game of base ball will be called, the railroad nine and the Perham club participating. A bowery dance will be one of the features, which will be in charge of the Perham band.

OFFICERS OF THE DAY.

Marshall of the day—Wm. Meekins.

Judges of Races—R. M. DeLambert, Thos. Watts and W. S. Martin.

Judges of Aquatic Sports—John Willis, John Lowey and Mike Reilly. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 June 1887, p. 4, c. 5)


Adam Bardsley, for a number of years a respected resident of Brainerd, and who was transferred to Mandan, has been returned to this city as master mechanic at the N. P. Shops. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 June 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


Angus Brown goes to Glendive as master mechanic of the shops there. He has held the position of general foreman in Brainerd for some time, giving general satisfaction. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 June 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


24 June

Vice President Oakes of the Northern Pacific will arrive in Brainerd this evening on No. 7, from Duluth. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 June 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


An Elegant Present.


George W. Cushing, first Superintendent of the Brainerd Shops, 1871-1873, ca. Unknown.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

Frank Farrell and Charles E. Sherwood, of Brainerd, were in the city yesterday with a very handsome album, elegantly bound in Morocco seal, with solid silver clasp, which is to be presented to George W. Cushing, late general superintendent of machinery rolling stock on the Northern Pacific road, who has lately gone to assume a similar position on the Philadelphia & Reading railway. The album is the gift of Brainerd Division No. 144, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and contains the photographs of the engineers of the road.—Globe. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 June 1887, p. 4, c. 5)


“Duplex” No. 444 built for the Lehigh Valley Railroad at Wilkes-Barre in 1886.
Source: Unknown

Train No. 1 from St. Paul last night created quite a stir among the railroad men when she pulled in at the station, at least the engine that pulled her was an object of curiosity. The engine is off the Lehigh Valley road and was numbered 444. This monster engine has six drive wheels and double extension boilers. She was of the consolidated class, and marked “Duplex” on the cab, being the largest engine ever run on the road. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 June 1887, p. 4, c. 5)


KILLED BY THE CARS.

_____


Conductor Ed. Richmond Meets a Hor-

rible Death.


The news that Ed. Richmond had been killed at Detroit [Lakes] at 12:45 last night was received here shortly after the accident occurred. Mr. Richmond was coming toward Brainerd with a stock train, No. 18. Just before pulling into the Detroit [Lakes] yard the hind brakeman and Richmond were conversing and he started ahead to go to the engine, when suddenly Richmond’s light disappeared and as the train stopped he was missed. The train men thinking that he had been thrown from the train went back and his lifeless body was found some three car-lengths from where the last car passed over him, his body lying between the rails with his head and arms over the rail. His left arm was nearly severed from the body, his right one mutilated above the wrist, and his head was mangled past all recognition, the wheels passing over it just above the eyes and severing that part completely as well as the back of the head. Death was instantaneous. A coroner’s inquest was held immediately and the remains were brought to Brainerd on the morning’s passenger train and taken to Losey & Dean’s undertaking establishment.

The cause of the accident is ascribed by some as having resulted from obstructions on the top of the fifth car from the engine in the shape of saddles which were tied on top of the cars, and it is believed that Mr. Richmond in running did not notice them or in trying to get over stumbled and fell, for on the next car ahead were found pieces of his lantern which was smashed as he fell.

Edward W. Richmond was a general favorite among the railroad boys of this city and had friends among all classes of people with whom he came in contact. He was an unmarried man, and some twenty-five years of age, having come from Michigan to this place about four years ago, and part of this time he spent at N. P. Junction for the company. His father, we understand from an intimate friend of his, is a Methodist clergyman. He was a member of the B. R. B., and his life was insured for the benefit of his sister. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 July 1887, p. 4, c. 5)


15 July

Jake Paine is now tie inspector for the Northern Pacific road. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 July 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


22 July

Gull River Items.


The Northern Pacific folks have put a railing on the bridge at this place and widened the bridge four feet, which makes it safe to get off a train even when standing on the bridge. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 July 1887, p. 4, c. 6)


SEE: 28 May 1887

SEE: 07 October 1887


28 July

Engine No. 346 turned herself loose yesterday and pushed another engine through the roundhouse wall. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 July 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


Joseph Bain is suffering from a badly smashed foot which is the result of an engine pilot having fallen on it at the roundhouse yesterday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 July 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


02 August

The notice of speculators and real estate dealers is called to the administrators sale of real estate by auction, to take place on August 2nd, 1887. The premises are known as the Northern Pacific hotel. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 July 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


05 August

The many friends of G. W. Vanderslice were much pleased to learn of his formal appointment as assistant superintendent of the Minnesota division. Mr. Vanderslice has been filling the position since N. D. Root was transferred to the Montana division. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 August 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


12 August

The Northern Pacific will shortly divide the western Minnesota division in two parts for the purpose of more conveniently handling their trains during the rush of business this fall, and will put in another set of dispatchers in their office in this city to conduct the west half. The division will be divided at Perham. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 August 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


A Narrow Escape.


John Bartlett, a cruiser in the employ of the Northern Pacific company who resides in East Brainerd, had quite an exciting time of it in the woods at the head of Little Pine river last Friday. Mr. Bartlett was going along through the timber when he espied a small cub bear near a small tree. Not having a gun with him he thought it would be the right thing to catch the young fellow, and he accordingly drove him up the tree and followed up after him. About the time he got half way up he heard a noise behind him and looking around he saw the she-bear and another cub, the old bear making a bee-line for the tree. About this time Mr. Bartlett began to feel a trifle uneasy and made up his mind the only thing that would save him would be to catch the young bear and throw it out of the tree and he did so, the infuriated mother bear being only six or eight feet from him when he dropped the little one, and she immediately scrambled down and ran with her little ones into the forest. Mr. Bartlett will not tree another bear unless he has a gun with him. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 August 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


19 August

New Officers.


Division 144, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, of this city recently elected the following officers:

C. E.—J. E. Goodman.

F. E.—C. E. Sherwood.

S. E.—H. M. Currie.

F. A. E.—A. J. Sovereign.

S. A. E.—A. C Coventry.

T. A. E.—H. J. Cunningham.

Guide—J. B. Moore.

Chaplain—P. H. Carney.

Delegate to convention to be held at Chicago, Oct. 19,—J. E. Phelan. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 August 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


02 September

A. J. Demeules has severed his connection with the post-office department, and accepted a position under I. Seymour at the Northern Pacific store house. Mr. Demeules has made a very efficient assistant postmaster, and gained many friends during the time he has served in that capacity. We understand that Postmaster Koop will hereafter attend to the business part and that Miss Lizzie Earley will preside at the money order window, Miss Mamie McCarthy having been engaged as delivery clerk. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 September 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


Attempt at Murder.


While Pat. Murphy, the N. P. yardmaster, was standing talking with a friend in the Merritt Bros.’ place on 6th street this morning, a man came into the place carrying an iron bolt about eighteen inches long in his hand, carefully wrapped about with paper, and as nobody present knew the man, nothing was said to him, and he approached the bar, called for and drank a glass of beer. Then quickly running across the room to where Mr. Murphy and his friend were standing, he struck Mr. Murphy a heavy blow upon the head with the deadly instrument, felling him to the floor. Had it not been for the interference of Mr. Frank Merritt in catching hold of the iron bolt, as it was descending, death would have undoubtedly been the result. He then dropped the iron and ran out into the street. Dr. Camp was called and cared for Mr. Murphy. An ugly wound was found on his head but it is thought not to be dangerous. Various reports are in circulation as to the cause of this outrageous assault, but nobody seems to know the exact reason. At present the culprit has not been caught, although the police are after him, and he will undoubtedly be over hauled.

Since the above was put in type it is learned that Mr. Tim Murphy recognized the man who assaulted his brother to be a former yard employee with whom Mr. Murphy had had an altercation about a year ago, at which time the fellow drew a revolver on Mr. Murphy, but was prevented from using it by persons standing by.

About noon Mr. Murphy’s wound began to bleed profusely and it was at one time feared that he would bleed to death, but at 1 o’clock Dr. Camp informed a DISPATCH scribe that he was all right and would soon recover. The would-be assassin has not yet been caught. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 September 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


SEE: 09 September 1887


09 September

The Northern Pacific company are laying the third track across the dump. This is to relieve the main track from any switching. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 September 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


Pat. Murphy, who was assaulted in the Vendome saloon last Friday, was not as seriously injured as was at first supposed, and is around at his post of duty again. It was a close call, however. The public are still in ignorance as to “who struck Pat. Murphy.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 September 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


SEE: 02 September 1887


27 September

Ed. Murphy, a brakeman on No. 17, was quite badly injured at Royalton on Tuesday, although no bones were broken. He slipped and fell from a car when it was in motion and was bruised about the legs and shoulders. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 September 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


06 October

A freight train on the east end was thrown from the track near Kimberley yesterday morning and fourteen cars ditched, the engine going into the swamp and sinking nearly out of sight. No one was killed, Fireman Seymour being the only person hurt and his injuries consisted of a badly bruised arm. The train ran into some cattle which caused the wreck. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 October 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


07 October

Our readers will remember that some months ago a man walked out of a car and stepped down on what he supposed was the ground, at Gull River, but that the train was standing over the bridge, and he fell through and was drowned. Suit has been brought against the railroad company by his brother for damages, and yesterday Judge Sleeper ordered the same transferred to the United States Circuit court on motion of the defendant. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 October 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


SEE: 28 May 1887

SEE: 22 July 1887


16 October

Bad Smash Up.


A bad wreck occurred on the Northern Pacific road Sunday afternoon at Fridley. On that day there were 263 cars of stock on the road between Brainerd and Minneapolis. All were gotten to the transfer in safety but this one train which was thrown from the track by a broken rail. The engineer was H. Jones, and he jumped and escaped with a broken arm. The engine ploughed deep into the ground between the Northern Pacific and Manitoba tracks, and a dozen or more cars were smashed into splinters, and the stock in them was killed or injured so that they had to be shot. A temporary track was laid around the wreck, and travel was delayed but little. The engine remained buried half way up to the boiler in the ground, and the cars were telescoped into the length of three or four. More than fifty head of cattle were killed, and it is a miracle that the engineer escaped with his life. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 October 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


21 October

President Harris, of the Northern Pacific, denies that there will be any consolidation with the Wisconsin Central in the interests of the Standard Oil company or any one else. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 October 1887, p. 1, c. 4)


The changes that are going on in the management of the Northern Pacific road at headquarters makes some uneasy heads in Brainerd. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 October 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


There is talk of moving the Northern Pacific library to the business part of the city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 October 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


S. R. Ainslie’s Promotion.


Mr. Odell, having resigned his position as assistant general manager of the Eastern division of the Northern Pacific road, the place has been tendered to and accepted by Mr. S. R. Ainslie, who for some time has been superintendent of the east and west Minnesota and Wisconsin divisions with headquarters at Brainerd. Mr. Ainslie is a thorough railroad man of large experience and his promotion is but a just reward for valuable services rendered the company. Of his career as a railroad man the following will not be uninteresting to our citizens who have the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with him:

Samuel R. Ainslie, who will succeed Mr. Odell, was born in Sandusky, O., Dec. 10, 1848. He entered the railroad service in 1864 as clerk and errand boy in the general freight office of the Mad River & Lake Erie railway. In 1865 he was promoted to the position of chief clerk and cashier in the local freight office of the same road. Later he entered the employ of the Kansas Pacific at Lawrence, Kan. Subsequently he was in the employ of various western roads, and in 1882 was appointed to the position of superintendent of the Yellowstone and Montana division of the Northern Pacific.

Mr. N. D. Root succeeds Mr. Ainslie as superintendent of the east and west Minnesota and Wisconsin divisions with headquarters at Brainerd. He was promoted from assistant superintendent of this division to superintendent of the Montana divisions and branches some months ago, and his return will be received with universal satisfaction by the railroad men among whom he is a general favorite. The changes will take place immediately (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 October 1887, p. 4, c. 5)


22 October

John Peterson was run over and horribly mangled by a freight train last Saturday at Gull River. Peterson was in the employ of the lumber company at that place and was going to his work. In attempting to cross the railroad track in front of the train he slipped and fell with the above result. He was brought to the Sanitarium where the amputation of a leg and arm was performed but he died the following day from internal injuries. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 October 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


24 October

E. W. Kaley was in the city Monday evening. He will shortly leave for the Pacific Coast where he will reside in the future, having severed his connection with the Northern Pacific road. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 October 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


25 October

N. D. Root, now superintendent of the Minnesota and Wisconsin divisions of the Northern Pacific road, arrived from the west Tuesday morning and at once assumed the responsible duties of his office. Mr. Root’s family accompanied him, and their acquaintances in Brainerd are all pleased to welcome them back. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 October 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


30 October

John Perrin was quite badly injured on the dump Sunday evening. He stepped from one track off onto another to let a train pass and was struck by a switch engine and badly bruised. He was an employee at the railroad blacksmith shops. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 November 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


03 November

E. W. Kaley, foreman of the Northern Pacific tinshop at St. Paul, arrived in Brainerd yesterday on his way to San Francisco, where he will spend the winter. In regard to the lay-off at Como he says that the wood working machinery has been shut down entirely and that about seventy men are still employed out of 242. The paint shop will probably be closed and it is not improbable that December first will see the works closed for the winter at least. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 November 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


04 November

The anticipated lay off at the shops did not materialize Monday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 November 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


Clyde Warner and E. A. Fader who were sent to Como at the time the shops were opened there have returned to Brainerd and are employed again at their old posts in the shops here. We are glad to see them back again. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 November 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


18 November

A FAST TRAIN.


The Northern Pacific will begin on Nov. 20th running a fast limited train to the coast, by which the running time will be shortened twenty hours. This train will leave St. Paul at 4 p. m., and will stop only at principal points. The time to Helena will be forty and one-half hours and to Butte forty-six hours, which is eleven and one-half hours less than the present time. To Tacoma and Portland the time will be seventy-one and one-half hours, which is practically a gain of a whole day. The train will be composed of Pullman sleepers, dining cars, first-class coaches, mail and express cars, and will carry both first and second-class passengers destined to principal points in Minnesota, Dakota and Montana, also holders of first-class tickets destined to points in Oregon and Washington. This train will also carry the mail, receiving it from the fast mail train on the Milwaukee & St. Paul, which arrives in St. Paul at 3:30 p. m. A corresponding east-bound train will run from Portland and Tacoma in seventeen hours less than the present schedule. In addition to the fast limited train the Northern Pacific will also run a second through express train, leaving St. Paul at 8 o’clock in the morning, connecting with the night trains from Chicago. This train is destined to accommodate local travel, but will make the time to Helena in four hours less than the old schedule. It will be made up of Pullman sleepers, first and second-class coaches, dining cars, mail, express cars and emigrant sleepers. The Northern Pacific is the first of the Pacific roads to run two through trains. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 November 1887, p. 1, c. 5)


25 November

Pioneer Press: Mr. Small, superintendent of motive power and machinery of the Northern Pacific, is having passenger coaches fitted up with steam heat to be run between St. Paul and Fargo during the winter. The train fitted up last year by Mr. Klemfelter and which was used a short time between Brainerd and Duluth, is being improved and will be put on the regular run between these cities. The coaches to be used on the Fargo train are to contain the system of the New York Safety Heating and Lighting company, and will probably be fitted also with electric light. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 November 1887, p. 4, c. 6)


06 December

Had the “Jim-Jams.”


Karl Raben, a commercial traveler representing Burdette, Smith & Co., of Chicago, came down from Bismarck Tuesday on Conductor Horn’s train as far as Wadena, where he was put off by the train men on account of his insane and threatening actions, having driven all other passengers out of the car he occupied. Later on he boarded a freight and came to this city, purchasing a revolver the first thing on his arrival. Supt. Root desiring to talk to the man concerning his difficulty with the train men before the officers who were watching him took him in charge, he was induced to go to the superintendent’s office. While there Chief Mertz went into the room with the intention of arresting him when the interview with the superintendent was over. No sooner had the chief entered than he drew a revolver on him and exclaimed with an oath: “You are the man who robbed me last night.” With no little difficultly the man was secured and disarmed and lodged in jail where he is now being held to await the arrival of a representative of the firm who will take him in charge. Dr. Camp, who examined the fellow at the lock-up yesterday, says that it is nothing more than a genuine case of the “jim-jams,” and that a little rest will bring him out all right. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 December 1887, p. 4, c. 5)


08 December

Frightful Railroad Accident.


A serious railroad accident occurred at Tamarack yesterday in which two brakemen lost their lives and D. W. Travis was severely injured. Two freight trains collided, nearly demolishing both engines and derailing many cars. Many rumors are afloat as to the cause of the accident, but the one which is given the most credence is that one of the engineers was asleep and failed to side track his train as he was ordered to do, to let the other train by. Mr. Travis’ injuries are very serious, but are not considered fatal—his arms are crushed and his head and body scalded. Brakeman Kline was killed instantly. O. W. Holmes, the other unfortunate, was hurt about the head but lived until the train which was bringing him to Brainerd arrived at Aitkin, and was conscious all the time, relating to the train men where he was and other details. Kline’s friends have been telegraphed but up to this afternoon no word has been received and he will be buried in Evergreen cemetery unless orders are received to the contrary. Mr. Holmes was a married man, his family consisting of a wife and little baby two months old, they residing on Fourth street north, in this city. His remains will be taken to Merillan Junction, Wisconsin, to-day for burial.


STILL ANOTHER.


An account of a smash up at St. Cloud yesterday morning in a dispatch from that city reads as follows: “The N. P. freight train from the west ran into the middle of the freight train going to Hinckley, smashing eight cars of the latter, and the engine and three cars of the Northern Pacific train. Engineer Cooper, of the N. P. train, says that the fog was so dense that he did not see the crossing train until about 30 feet from it, when he immediately reversed his engine and jumped, the fireman following, thus saving their lives.“ (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 December 1887, p. 1, c. 4)


09 December

The case of John Doyle against the Northern Pacific R. R. Co., come on for trial in the United States Court at St. Paul on the 12th inst. The plaintiff was, it will be remembered, the fireman on the freight train which collided with the passenger at Muskoda a year ago and sustained severe injuries. He sues for $10,000. E. N. Donaldson and W. A. Fleming are Mr. Doyle’s attorneys. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 December 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


SEE: 01 December 1886

SEE: 10 December 1886

SEE: 26 March 1887

SEE: 09 January 1888


B. Hasskell, at one time foreman of the roundhouse in this city, but more recently of Duluth, as been appointed master mechanic at Missoula, Mont. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 December 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


13 December

MAMMOTH SAW MILLS.

_____


To be Erected at Brainerd by the

Northern Pacific Railroad

Company.


The Minneapolis Star-News of Tuesday says:

It is rumored to-day that the Northern Pacific railroad company has closed a deal with the Brainerd Water Power company for a site for a saw mill to be erected there, and that the Northern Pacific will build at once one of the largest saw mills in the country and cut their own lumber for the use of the entire road.

The officials are very reticent on the subject, but neither deny nor affirm any thing concerning the rumor.

Another report asserts that the company have withdrawn all of their pine lands in Minnesota, tributary to the Mississippi, from the market. If this be true, the probabilities are strongly in favor of the acceptance of the site as reported.

C. F. Kindred, president of the Brainerd water power company, verifies the announcement made exclusively in this paper on Tuesday, that the Northern Pacific company were going to build a mammoth saw mill at that place, and cut their own lumber. He says that the contract has been prepared and agreed upon and only awaits the signatures of the contracting parties to become final and binding. He also confirms the report that the Northern Pacific company have withdrawn their pine lands from the market.—Star-News, Thursday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 December 1887, p. 1, c. 5)


SEE: 07 November 1874

SEE: 14 November 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 19 February 1876

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SEE: 28 September 1878

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SEE: 25 March 1898

SEE: 05 February 1917


16 December

The freight and passenger business of the Northern Pacific road in Brainerd alone amounts to $18,000 per month, or $216,000 per year. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 December 1887, p. 1, c. 4)


21 December

A. J. Demeules has tendered his resignation as clerk in the office of Mr. Seymour at the railroad shops, and left Wednesday for Sauk Rapids, where he will devote his time in the interests of his property in that vicinity. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 December 1887, p. 4, c. 3)


23 December

A decision was rendered by the supreme court, in the case of the Northern Pacific Railroad company against Richard Mares, brought there by a writ of error to the supreme court of Dakota, awarding $20,000 damages to Richard Mares, a brakeman in the employ of the Northern Pacific Railroad company who lost both legs in an accident caused, it was alleged, by the carelessness and incompetence of a switching engineer, who was also employed by the railroad company. The interest amounts to $5,000 more. Mares lives in Fargo. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 December 1887, p. 1, c. 4)


The Northern Pacific company do not propose to be delayed by snow this winter and have added four rotary snow shovels, two of which have recently been put together at the shops in this city. The machine is a new one in the Northwest, and is built on a separate car, a rotary engine working the shovel, which is rotary and which gathers up the snow, it passing back and is thrown out over the car by means of a spout. A locomotive can push this apparatus through a seven-foot snow bank at the rate of fifteen or twenty miles an hour. The shovel runs three-hundred revolutions per minute. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 December 1887, p. 1, c. 4)


The Order of Railway Conductors of this city held their annual election of officers the first of the week and these were honored: Ed. A. Rhodes, chief conductor; A. T. Jurnegan, secretary and treasurer; F. D. Stillings, junior conductor; Geo. Sisler, senior conductor; J. C. McGee, inside sentinel; A. Earnest, outside sentinel. W. H. Cummings was elected delegate to the grand lodge which meets at Toronto, in May. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 December 1887, p. 4, c. 4)


1888

01 January

Wanted to Ride for Three Cents.


The conductor on the afternoon passenger train was downed completely last Sunday while the train was stopped at this place. Dr. Ellis came up from Deerwood and when he boarded the train he tendered the conductor three cents per mile to Aitkin which he (the conductor) returned, however, he took the thirty cents and when that amount gave out the bell on the train was pulled and the train stopped. The Doctor paid the other twenty cents required by the conductor in order to ride to Aitkin. While the train was standing at the Aitkin depot Dr. Ellis told the conductor he would make him sweat for it, and “that he would make him cackle worse than a hen when she laid a goose egg.” The bystanders roared.—Aitkin Age. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 January 1888, p. 4, c. 5)


06 January

General Claim Agent Ford, of the Northern Pacific railroad, who is reorganizing his department, has appointed E. F. Furness to the district claim agent, located at Miles City, Mont. District Claim Agent E. H. Shaw will be removed from Helena to Spokane Falls, Wash., while Capt. W. P. Spalding, who has been in the service of the company for more than fifteen years, will remain at Brainerd.—Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 January 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


It is understood that the Northern Pacific is going to build a branch northward from Wadena and tap the Shell Prairie country. It is said the ties and supplies are being prepared now. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 January 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


The New Snow Plows.


Some little time ago the DISPATCH made mention of the fact that the Northern Pacific road had received two rotary steam snow plows and that they had been set up at the shops in this city. Report comes that the machines sent out from Brainerd two weeks ago to the switchback on the Pacific Coast where the road has been blocked for several days, has been doing excellent work. A newspaper account says:

The snow was packed down, heavy and solid, for about ten miles up the side of the mountain, from six to ten feet all the way. This machine was put to work against the body of snow, and though it fought at a disadvantage by having to run up the mountain side on a grade of 300 feet to the mile, it cleaned the track from one end to the other, a distance of ten miles, in one day. The officers of the road are greatly pleased with it, and regard the feat performed by the machine, of cleaning the track, as a satisfactory test of the plow. When the plow first struck the snow it marched steadily and uninterruptedly against it up the zig-zag path to the summit of the mountain, and thus opened the road without trouble. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 January 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


09 January

The case of John Doyle against the Northern Pacific railroad company for $10,000 damages, was settled on Monday by the company paying the plaintiff $2,200. The case has been ably conducted for the plaintiff by Attorneys Fleming and Donaldson, of this city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 January 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


SEE: 01 December 1886

SEE: 10 December 1886

SEE: 26 March 1887

SEE: 09 December 1887


13 January

The Northern Pacific railroad company will pay out over $6,000,000 this month for interest on its bonds. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 January 1888, p. 1, c. 5)


The Detroit Record says that the Northern Pacific has put on a night track walker on each section where there are many curves, and the track not of the best. This man goes over the road before each passenger train. This is certainly a good move on the part of the company. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 January 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


Over one hundred thousand dollars worth of material was sent out from the N. P. store room during the month of December, this being the largest amount sent out in any month in the history of the road. More men are now employed in the shops than at any time since the big layoff in 1883, and the number will probably have to be increased in order to get out the work that is accumulating. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 January 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


The Northern Pacific road has received the third rotary snow plow at this city which will be set up at the shops here and sent west. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 January 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


The worst snow storm that has been experienced in the northwest since the winter of 1881, has raged throughout Minnesota and Dakota for the past three days, completely stopping travel on all the railroads. Trains from the west are over two days late, and not a single train arrived from the south yesterday, all being abandoned except No. 1, which was started out of Minneapolis last night, but stuck all of Thursday night in the snow at Clear Lake. She did not reach Brainerd until late this evening. The storm in this section has stopped, but the snow is drifting so badly as to impede travel almost as much as the storm. On the Missouri and Dakota divisions of the N. P. the storm is reported as the worst ever known. On these divisions travel has been entirely stopped, and no effort will be made to move trains of any kind until the storm ceases, as it is utterly impossible to do so. However, it will take the company but a very short time to clear the track with their new rotary plows after the storm ceases. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 January 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


F. E. Forrest has resigned his position as superintendent’s clerk in the N. P. office here, and has accepted a similar position on the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe road, at Topeka, Kansas, for which city he left on Wednesday night’s train. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 January 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


20 January

HOW THE ROTARY WORKS.


Northern Pacific Rotary Snow Plow Number 2, built in 1887 by the Cooke Locomotive Works, 11 April 2013.
Source: Dave Schauer

Assistant General Manager Ainslie, of the Northern Pacific, returned home yesterday, having been out on the line since the first day of the storm, superintending the clearing of the tracks. Mr. Ainslie says he saw snow drifts in Mandan twenty feet deep and so hard that teams drove over them. The main line of the road was all cleared by the old snow plows before the rotary got to it, as no trouble of consequence was experienced this side of Mandan. Mr. Ainslie says that on the Dakota division, which runs west to the Missouri river, all of the cuts that are usually filled with snow after a storm, were blown out clean, while others were full. The snow was so hard on the Jamestown & Northern, where it was in many places fifteen feet deep, that it took three mogul engines to keep the rotary up to its work so it would feed. Two engines were tried and proved insufficient. In three or four feet of snow Mr. Ainslie says the rotary runs twenty miles an hour. Yesterday the rotary had proceeded thirty miles on the Jamestown & Northern, and during yesterday forenoon the other cleared forty miles of the Duluth & Manitoba, getting through the worst of the drifts.—Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 January 1888, p. 1, c. 4)


Sued the Hospital Association.


Olaf Kalen has entered suit for damages against the Northern Pacific Railroad company on a peculiar charge. Some time ago the railroad company had organized a society known as the Northern Pacific Beneficial Association, with a hospital at Brainerd, supported by assessments from the employees of the company who join the association. On Nov. 26, 1885, while the plaintiff was unloading logs from the cars one fell upon his leg, fracturing it. He was sent to the association hospital at Brainerd, and was attended by Dr. Theodore H. Johnson. In his complaint he alleges that Dr. Johnson’s surgery was so poor that the fractured leg was set shrunken and crooked, and has ever since been unserviceable and painful. He sues the company and Dr. Johnson for $10,000 damages.—Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 January 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


27 January

THE WAY IT WORKS.


In past winters the railroads have experienced great difficulty in clearing their tracks, the old-fashioned wedge-like snow plows being unequal to the task of cutting a passageway through. When the snow is mixed with sand it impacts so firmly that nothing but an axe or pick can move it. This forced the railroads to put on large forces of men, which proved expensive both in time and money. It has been a common thing for a road to be snowed under for a week or ten days at a time. This led the inventors to experimenting, and the result is the rotary steam snow shovel, says the Star, which is said to accomplish the work more satisfactorily than any other invention heretofore tried. It has no resemblance to the old snow plow which was placed in front of one or more engines and forced through the snow. The rotary shovel cuts it way through the snow and ice and clears the track without the aid of an army of men with shovels. The keen blade or ice-cutter in front, in its rapid revolutions, cuts the ice or snow into small particles which are taken up by iron buckets or shovels and thrown with such force from the top of the shovel car as to give the road no more trouble. The power is obtained from an engine in the snow car, behind which is the locomotive or pusher. The Northern Pacific, with the rotary snow-shovel, cleaned over 200 miles of track in Dakota of snow averaging 15 feet deep. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 January 1888, p. 1, c. 4)


The Northern Pacific company has closed the railroad offices and depots at Vining and Clitherall stations. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 January 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


03 February

New Y. M. C. A. Building.


As soon as the weather will permit in the spring the Young Men’s Christian Association of this city, will begin the erection of a handsome and durable structure for the accommodation of the association, the stone for the foundation of which is now being hauled. The building will be located in the center of the park on Front Street, between 5th and 6th, the N. P. company having generously given the association a lease to the property. The building will be two stories, with a 16 foot basement underneath, in which will be located a gymnasium and bath rooms. In the first story will be the library, reception room and parlor, and in the second story the assembly room and kitchen will be located. The gymnasium will be furnished with all the latest conveniences and appliances. The bath room will be for the convenience of the members of the association, who will have access to them at any and all times. The building when completed will cost between $3,500 and $4,000, over half of which has already been raised. Besides granting a lease for the ground free of cost and giving $500 a year for annual expenses, the N. P., through Mr. Harris, the president, has agreed to give $1,000 to aid in constructing the building, provided that enough money can be raised by subscription to complete the building and place the association out of debt. This will require the raising of about $2,500 among our citizens, who should subscribe liberally, as it is a worthy enterprise, and the building will be an ornament to our city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 February 1888, p. 4, c. 5)


13 February

Freight trains No. 13 and 14 collided near Motley on Monday, badly demolishing the engines and throwing fourteen cars into the ditch. Engineer Willard received a broken arm by jumping from the engine as they came together, luckily no one else was injured. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 February 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


17 February

E. A. Fader had the misfortune to lose the little and middle fingers on his left hand yesterday besides getting the other fingers badly cut. He was working in the railroad carpenter shops at a saw and a misstep caused him to put his hand upon the saw. He is at the Sanitarium. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 February 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


24 February

W. H. Meekins has been promoted to the foremanship of the boiler department of the Glendive, M. T., shops and has gone to that place. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 February 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


SEE: 07 September 1888


Jas. Gardner has taken the contract for loading the cross ties along the line of the Northern Pacific in Minnesota. This is a large contract and Mr. Gardner expects to employ some forty men during the summer to complete it. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 February 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


27 February

T. D. Green, a lumber merchant of Fargo, was in a caboose at Wadena Monday on his way to Brainerd, when a freight car was switched violently into the caboose, throwing Mr. Green upon a red-hot stove, which was upset and fell upon his leg. He was quite badly burned. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 March 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


02 March

R. M. DeLambert succeeds I. Seymour as storekeeper at the shops. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 March 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


09 March

The Order of Railway Conductors are already making arrangements for their annual ball which takes place at the Opera House on the evening of April 2nd. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 March 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


16 March

A. A. Green, who has for the past five years faithfully served the N. P. company as train dispatcher in this city, has resigned his position here, and will go to Kansas City where he has accepted a similar position on the Missouri Pacific. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 March 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


23 March

R. E. Purcell, for some time past N. P. operator in this city, has been promoted to the much more lucrative position of manager of the company’s office at Fargo. He left for the latter city on Monday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 March 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


C. H. Bevington and J. I. Cummings, both of Chicago, have been added to the force of dispatchers in the N. P. office during the past week. Both gentlemen are from the Chicago office of the Minnesota & Northwestern. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 March 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


H. O. Shaner, division fuel agent of the N. P. with headquarters in this city, will move his family to St. Paul about April 1st, where he will reside in the future. This change is made necessary by the removal of the division headquarters from this city to the general offices below. Mr. and Mrs. Shaner have hosts of friends in the this city who regret their departure. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 March 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


The O. R. C. Ball.


The Order of Railway Conductors of Brainerd Division, No 197, have sent out the invitations for their second annual ball, which will take place at the opera house on the evening of April 2nd. The party will surpass anything yet given in the city and extensive arrangements are being completed to make it a pronounced success. The committees are composed as follows:

Arrangements—W. P. Spalding, E. A. Rhodes, E. H. Reed, E. W. Hammer, Geo. Sisler and James Smith.

Floor—P. Corcoran, assisted by James Smith, C. E. Ray, A. T. Jernegan and E. S. Richards.

Reception—J. Furlong, Jas. Shanley, E. S. Richards, E. A. Earnest, J. C. Magee, C. E. Ray, E. A. Mattix, T. C. Campbell, John Davis, A. A. Sharpe, E. J. Harkins, I. A. Collins, C. Farmer, W. H. Cummings, H. L. Black, J. Dodge, W. M. Hanan and F. D. Stillings. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 March 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


24 March

A Token of Esteem.


On Saturday evening at the library rooms of the N. P. shops an event took place which will long be remembered by the participants, and especially by Mr. Jas. McNaughton, who was the recipient of an elegant gold watch and chain from his fellow laborers at the shops in this city. Mr. McNaughton has been advanced to the position of master mechanic at Livingston, M. T., and his friends desired to give him a token of their regard and esteem before he departed and the matter was arranged so nicely that when he was called into the library and Mr. N. W. Wheatley, as speaker, addressed him in a few words highly complimentary to him and at the close handed him the beautiful gift, he was so taken by surprise that it was with difficulty that he could give vent to his feelings. Expressions of regard for the gentleman’s success in his new field of labor were indulged in all ‘round and the meeting adjourned. The watch was nicely engraved and bore this legend: “A token of esteem to James McNaughton from the employees of the N. P. R. R. Co., at Brainerd, March, 1888.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 March 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


SEE: 08 September 1883

SEE: 07 April 1884

SEE: 30 January 1886

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SEE: 24 May 1889

SEE: 07 June 1889

SEE: 17 January 1890

SEE: 01 August 1890

SEE: 22 May 1891

SEE: 30 September 1892

SEE: 07 October 1892

SEE: 14 September 1894

SEE: 21 September 1894

SEE: 04 December 1896


27 March

A. A. Green went to Minneapolis on Tuesday to accept a position on the Soo road. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 March 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


29 March

Superintendent Root, of the Northern Pacific, who was in the city last night, stated that his road alone had 1,500 cars or about 840,000 bushels of wheat on track on its way to this city, all of which would be sent in here as soon as it could be brought through. The Manitoba road also has a very large amount of wheat on its way here, unable to get through because of the storms.—Duluth Herald. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 March 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


30 March

Gull River Notes.


The N. P depot has been very much improved by a new bay window, and the waiting room is to be enlarged. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 March 1888, p. 4, c. 5)


05 April

Beats the Record.


Train No. 2, the Tacoma express, yesterday made a run that beats any record lately reported on the east end of the Northern Pacific line, coming from Brainerd to St. Paul. The train was over an hour late in leaving Brainerd, and made it all up, getting in exactly on time, 5:15 p.m. The whole running time being three hours and forty minutes for the 136 miles. To Northtown Junction, Minneapolis, 124 miles, the whole time was two hours and fifty-eight minutes; and taking out the six stops made, the speed exceeded forty-five miles per hour. The train consisted of seven coaches, and was drawn by engine No. 401, with Pat Conley, engineer, John Elwell, conductor.—Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 April 1888, p. 1, c. 7)


06 April

The conductors are to be congratulated over the successful ball which they gave on Monday evening. In every detail the arrangements were so complete that nothing that could add to the comfort and pleasure of the participants was wanting. Lack of space prevents a more extended notice. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 April 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


The B. of L. F. Ball.


Invitations have been issued by Pine City lodge No. 81, B. of L. F. for their seventh annual ball to take place at the roller rink Friday evening April 20th. The committees are as follows:

Arrangements—Henry Dingwall, W. T. Colby, J. T. Wahlen, G. M. Haas, Chas Congdon.

Reception—Geo. Watts, D. H. Wilson, A. Brown, E. Scott, G. P. Gavin, E. Davenport, W. T. Lowery.

Floor Director—W. J. Bain assisted by John Downey, S. W. Greene, Hugh Murphy and W. F Ripson.

Dreskell’s full orchestra has been engaged for the occasion and the firemen are making due preparations for an excellent time. Tickets $1. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 April 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


20 April

B. of L. F. Ball.


The seventh annual ball of Pine City Lodge, No. 81, takes place at the roller rink this (Friday) evening. Every possible arrangement has been made and a very enjoyable time may be depended upon. The rink has been beautifully decorated with evergreens which hang in festoons all over the spacious room. Dresskell’s orchestra will furnish the music. The program is appended below:


[...]


(Brainerd Dispatch, 20 April 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


24 April

In an accident near Motley Tuesday A. C. Farrar and his fireman were bruised up quite badly. The train left the track and the engine was completely overturned. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 April 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


18 May

A Three Cent Rate.


The Northern Pacific railroad has done voluntarily what the state railroad commission found it very difficult to coerce it to do. It has reduced passenger fares between all points on its lines within the state from four to three cents per mile. This action of the Northern Pacific may have been influenced by the recent decision of the supreme court affirming the power of the railroad commission to fix rates; but it cannot be attributed entirely to respect for the might of the commission, because rates are reduced on the main line, which is chartered by the United States, as well as on leased and branch lines, which are under the state’s jurisdiction. The letter of Vice President Oakes, giving as his main reason for complying with the commission’s order the large increase of travel on his line is probably entirely sincere. It will be noted that Mr. Oakes is very careful not to recognize the authority of the railroad commission.—Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 May 1888, p. 1, c. 5)


Street cars now leave the N. P. depot every 40 minutes during the day, beginning at 7:20 in the morning. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 May 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


25 May

According to minutes of the Common Council, digging the basement for the YMCA is started. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 50)


28 May

Work has been resumed on the excavation for the Y. M. C. A. building. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 May 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


Engineers Sunley and Farrell were held up on the dump on Monday night by a couple of tramps, who demanded money or gore. Farrell succeeded in making his escape by using his legs to advantage, but Sunley was tapped for twenty-five cents, which he claimed was all he had. These road agents were undoubtedly novices at the business, or they would have made him fork over the $48, which he was nervously secreting in another pocket. The engineers will go armed to the teeth hereafter. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 June 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


15 June

John Dorsey, for many years in the employ of the N. P. as road master, has been promoted to the position of assistant superintendent of the Fergus Falls division. Mr. Dorsey has many friends in Brainerd who will be pleased to learn of his good luck. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 June 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


Work on the Y. M. C. A. Building is being pushed rapidly. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 June 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


On account of increased business on the N. P., it has been found necessary to employ an assistant to Chief Dispatcher Blanchard, and F. E. Potter, the genial night chief, has been given the position. Dispatcher Walters succeeds Mr. Potter as night chief. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 June 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


21 June

The Annual Excursion.


[4th Annual Picnic] The annual excursion of the employees of the Northern Pacific road at Brainerd, took place yesterday, the destination being Perham. The train was handled by Engineer Castle and Fireman Braden, with Chas. Ray as conductor. The train pulled out of Brainerd at 6:00 in morning, and made the run in two hours and a half without mishap. There were probably 1200 people on board and they all enjoyed themselves. The day as far as temperature was concerned, was lovely, but the lake was too rough to permit of any boating, the wind blowing a gale. This, however, did not seem to mar the pleasure of many. The train pulled into Brainerd on the return trip at 9:30 last evening. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 June 1888, p. 4, c. 5)


07 July

Dr. D. P. Bigger, Chief Surgeon, Northern Pacific Hospital, 1888.
Source: Northwest Illustrated Monthly Magazine, Volume VI, Number 7, July 1888, E. V. Smalley, Editor and Publisher

The Northern Pacific Beneficial Association maintains a large Sanitarium at Brainerd, by contributions of sums ranging from twenty-five cents to $1.50 per month from all the employees of the railway company on the divisions east of the Rocky Mountains. Each employee is entitled to receive free treatment and nursing, in case of sickness or accident, either in the Sanitarium or at his own home. The Sanitarium is a handsome building standing in the midst of spacious grounds in a commanding situation on the west bank of the Mississippi and overlooking the city. It is a model of neatness, order, and successful remedial effort. The death rate is surprisingly low. During the year 1887 the Association treated 1,050 patients, with only thirteen deaths, and of these five did not reach the hospital and three were mortally wounded. The building cost, exclusive of furniture, $27,000. The Association is free from debt and has a surplus fund of $35,000. Its chief surgeon is Dr. D. P. Bigger. (The Northwest Illustrated Monthly Magazine, Volume VI, Number 7, July 1888; E. V. Smalley, Editor and Publisher, p. 10)


The Brainerd shops are the most extensive owned by the Northern Pacific company and rank with the most important plants of the kind in the country. They represent a value of nearly $2,000,000. The buildings are of yellow brick, with slate roofs, the machinery includes every approved labor-saving invention applicable to car building and locomotive repairs, sanitary conditions have been carefully studied, there is a reading room for the free use of the workmen, the wages are as good as are paid anywhere in the East in like establishments, and life is made attractive and secure. A remarkably intelligent and thrifty class of mechanics fill these shops. Most of them own pleasant homes in the city and look upon it as their permanent residence. They take part in public affairs, secure a good education for their children and with their fast friends, the locomotive engineers, form a stable, conservative element in the population of the city. These mechanics number nearly 800 in all and they do most of the freight car building and locomotive repairing for all the Northern Pacific main line and branches east of the Rocky Mountains. The road has a number of division shops for lighter repairs, but the heavy work comes to Brainerd. The shop buildings consist of an office and storehouse, 43 x 282 feet, two stories high; boiler and tin shop 80 x 224 feet; a machine and erecting shop, 120 x 244 feet; a boiler annex 40 x 80 feet, with a 1,500 horse-power Corliss engine; a roundhouse, 316 feet in diameter, with stalls for 44 engines; a black-smith shop, 80 x 197 feet; an oil house, 45 x 62 feet; two iron and coal store houses, one 26 x 57 and the other 26 x 98 feet; a paint shop, 50 x 240 feet; a foundry, 80 x 235 feet; a wood working shop, 65 x 160 feet, with an annex for axle and car wheel work, 40 x 65 feet; a freight car repair shop, 80 x 160 feet and a lumber dry kiln, 40 x 70 feet. The present monthly pay roll of the shops amounts to about $80,000.

Next to the shop mechanics the train men form numerically the largest element of the city’s population. Headquarters of the Minnesota division are here, and about eighty locomotive engineers and probably five times that number of conductors, firemen and brakemen make the place their home. Shop men and train crews, with their families, must number in all not far from four thousand souls—a pretty solid basis for a large town by themselves. Sturdy, self-reliant men, they are, too, and worthy members of the great American industrial army. (The Northwest Illustrated Monthly Magazine, Volume VI, Number 7, July 1888; E. V. Smalley, Editor and Publisher, p. 8)


13 July

Conductor Eldred has made his last trip over the Northern Pacific in that capacity, having been promoted to the general superintendency of the Duluth Terminal company with headquarters at Duluth. Mr. Eldred’s friends in Brainerd will be pleased to learn of his merited promotion while at the same time they will regret to lose him from the list of popular and accommodating conductors for the N. P. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 July 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


20 July

East Brainerd Correspondence.


On account of the order issued by the N. P. Company prohibiting minors from being firemen, quite a number of our young men are laying idle, or have gone to work in different shops. Among those who have just passed the age of 21, was Henry Ludwig, whose birthday occurred last Friday. We trust Henry will be able to obtain his old situation again. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 July 1888, p. 4, c. 6)


10 August

G. S. Fernald has just returned from Long Prairie where he has been attending to a timber trespass case for the Northern Pacific road. The defendant, John McGilliveray, who was accused of cutting white oak timber from railroad lands near Staples Mills, was bound over to the grand jury. The railroad company are determined to stop trespass on their lands and will prosecute every case where probable cause for believing persons guilty of the offense exists. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 August 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


24 August

The passenger traffic on the Northern Pacific is greater at present than ever before. All trains are crowded and on Tuesday night of this week, No. 1, the evening limited train, ran in two sections, one of nine and one of ten cars, while No. 3, the night express, of the same night, was so heavily loaded as to require two engines. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 August 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


03 September

KILLED BY THE CARS.

_____


L. M. Powell, a Switchman in the N.

P. Yards, Run Over by the Cars

And Instantly Killed.


A most shocking accident occurred in the N. P. yards in this city on Monday night about 10 o'clock, whereby L. M. Powell, a yard switchman, lost his life. Switch engine No. 126 was at that time switching cars at the east end of the dump, and Powell was employed in cutting the cars off. The last seen of him was by the engineer as he gave the signal to back up. It is supposed he went between the cars to draw the coupling pin and that his foot got caught between the guard rail and the rail, and being unable to release himself he was thrown by the moving cars on the track and run over. The engineer, not seeing any signal to stop, kept backing up, supposing that Powell was riding on the break-beam, as switchmen frequently do, until another switchman fearing that a collision with other cars standing on the track would result, gave the engineer the signal to stop, which he did only about two car lengths from where Powell lay. When discovered he lay along side of the track with his head crushed to a jelly, his right arm broken and his hip dislocated. His remains were picked up and carried to Losey & Dean's undertaking shop where they were prepared for burial. On the following morning they were taken to his residence at the corner of 7th and Pine streets, and on Wednesday were buried in Evergreen cemetery, the burial services being conducted by Rev. E. J. Brownson, at the Baptist church.

Mr. Powell has been a resident of this city for several years past, during which time he has been in the employ of the N. P. company as conductor until two months ago when he was laid off. Since then he has been working in the yard. He was married about a year ago to a daughter of Christ Miller, the milk man, since which time they have lived happily together at their residence in this city on 7th street south. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 September 1888, p. 4, c. 5) 


06 September

The YMCA is incorporated. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 50)


07 September

Wm. H. Meekins, for some time past in the employ of the N. P. company at Livingston, Montana, has returned to this city, and will again take his old position at the shops. He is glad to get back. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 September 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


SEE: 24 February 1888


09 September

BRAINERD BREVITIES

Reopening of the Northern Pacific Hotel


BRAINERD, Sept. 9.—A new sign of prosperity is the prospective opening of the Northern Pacific hotel, at the shops on the East side, which has not done any successful business since the Villard downfall in 1883. The shops now contain more employees than at any time since that event. (Minneapolis Tribune, 10 September 1888, p. 8)


14 September

The N. P. company now employs 15 train dispatchers in its office in this city, several new men having recently been hired to handle the trains on the D. & M., which is now managed from the office clear through to Winnipeg. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 September 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


The foundation of the new Y. M. C. A. building is nearly completed and the erection of the building will be commenced at once. It is expected that the building will be ready for occupation before snow flies. The entire cost of the building will be about $5,000. It will be a handsome structure, one and one-half stories high above the basement and will be an ornament to the city. In the basement will be located the gymnasium, bath-rooms and bowling alley. On the first floor will be an audience room capable of seating 150 persons, and also a parlor, library and reception room. On the second floor will be a kitchen and several smaller rooms that can be utilized for various purposes. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 September 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


21 September

Dr. Werner Hemstead has resigned as assistant surgeon of the Northern Pacific Sanitarium and departed for his former home in Iowa, though he will return and retain his residence here. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 September 1888, p. 4, c. 5)


25 September

The following circular was issued Monday by Assistant General Manager Ainslie, of the Northern Pacific, being dated back to Sept. 25:

Dr. Walter Courtney is appointed surgeon-in-charge of the Sanitarium and medical service on the Eastern divisions, appointment taking effect this date, with headquarters at Brainerd, Minn., vice Dr. D. P. Bigger, transferred.

The circular is issued by Mr. Ainslie as president of the Northern Pacific Beneficial Association. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 October 1888, p. 1, c. 4)


27 September

HENRY VILLARD is again on top in the management of the Northern Pacific railroad. At Thursday’s meeting of the stockholders he voted 361,440 shares and dictated the election of T. F. Oakes to the presidency of the road, after having declined the place himself. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 September 1888, p. 1, c. 3


28 September

Dr. Bigger left last night for St. Paul. The Doctor wishes it understood that he is still in the employ of the company and has not left Brainerd for good. Dr. W. Courtney succeeds Dr. Bigger at the N. P. Sanitarium and has already taken charge. The appointment is a good one and is entirely satisfactory. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 September 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


09 October

5,000 MEN

_____


Is the Number President Oakes, of the

N. P., Predicted Would be Em-

ployed at the Shops in

Five Years.


Thomas F. Oakes, President, Northern Pacific Railroad, 1888-1893, ca. Unknown.
Source: Northwest Illustrated Monthly Magazine, E. V. Smalley, Editor and Publisher

On Tuesday afternoon word was received that President Oakes, of the N. P., accompanied by Mr. Villard and party, would pass through Brainerd on No. 1, en route for Winnipeg. As this would be Mr. Oakes first appearance here since his advancement to the presidency of the road, it was resolved to tender him an ovation. Accordingly at nine o’clock, in spite of a drizzling rain, a large number of our citizens, headed by the mayor, and accompanied by the band, had assembled at the depot. As the train drew up to the depot the distinguished visitors were greeted by a selection by the band and shouts of welcome by the assembled crowd. Scarcely had the music ceased ere Mayor Hemstead stepped forward and in a neat and appropriate speech welcomed Mr. Oakes to our city and congratulated him upon his advancement to the presidency, to which Mr. Oakes responded, substantially as follows:

Citizens of Brainerd and Fellow workers of the Northern Pacific road: I am pleased with this manifestation of regard and friendship. I commenced my career as a railroad man in the humblest lines of employment, and have been favored by promotions from time to time until I now have the presidency of one of the greatest and grandest railroads in the world. Five years ago 800 men were employed in the shops of the company in this city, but the affairs of the company were in such condition that we could not keep all these men at work and pay them. It pained me at heart to order the force to be reduced, but it could not be avoided, and the number of shop employees was reduced to a force of less than half. It has been the policy of the company to pay its employees good wages and pay them promptly, and we will not employ men unless we can pay them. The business of the road has increased and the men are now at work again in full force. But the road is even yet in its infancy. I have no doubt that within five years the gross earnings of the road will increase from less than fifteen million dollars annually now to more than forty million dollars, and that within five years fully 5,000 men will be employed in the company’s shops here. Within five years the Northern Pacific will be the greatest road in the world. I wish to say, too, that the company feels grateful to its employees for their faithfulness to its interests. While strikes have taken place on nearly every road in the country the Northern Pacific has never had a strike on its line, or even danger of a strike. We have sought to use our employees well, and pay them as much or more than they could get on other roads, and assure them that we shall continue to do so as long as they remain faithful as in the past.

Mr. Oakes’ short speech was greeted with enthusiastic applause, and has elicited much favorable comment from our business men and citizens who feel greatly encouraged. They now feel that it is the intention of the company to keep on in creasing the force at the shops as business of the road warrants, until, as Mr. Oakes remarked, the entire repair work at least, of a company doing a forty million dollars’ business will be done here. Calls were made for Villard who was supposed to be on the train, but he did not respond, for the very good reason that he was not on the train as supposed, but was in Minneapolis. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 October 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


11 October

J. E. Goodman started for Richmond, Va., last night to attend the 25th annual session of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. He expects to be absent about three weeks. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 October 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


12 October

A SHORT LIVED STRIKE.


The switchmen in the Brainerd yards quit work on Friday night last, on account of wages. The Sunday before Mr. Root was informed that the men desired an advance in pay, and on Tuesday the pay of the night force was increased, so we are informed. However, this did not satisfy the men and they all went out. It was necessary to call on conductors to carry on the yard, and two or three were assaulted by strikers on Sunday. Henry Wood, a conductor, was beaten up considerable near the City Restaurant, and he caused the arrest of three of his assailants and they plead guilty and were fined $35 and costs, they not caring to stand trial. The attempt of the defendant’s attorney to make out that the railroad company were trying to put the men in the hole was entirely uncalled for as the company has nothing to do with the prosecution. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 October 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


27 October

Bad Wreck.


On Saturday evening last as No. 1 was approaching a station called Wheelock, four miles this side of Motley, the train ran into an open switch, the engine and four cars plunging off a twenty-foot bank. The engineer had presence of mind enough to put on his air, and this prevented a horrible catastrophe. Fireman Alex. Brown was instantly killed and Engineer Swart was crushed and seriously hurt about the limbs but will recover. Clinton Mayne, who was riding on the steps of a mail car was caught between the car and bank and badly bruised, it is yet uncertain whether he will recover or not. Two mail clerks were injured, but not seriously. None of the passengers received a scratch.

Fireman Brown’s remains were sent to Jackson, Mich., by the B. of L. F. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 November 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


03 November

N. C. Thrall’s Promotion.


St. Paul Pioneer Press, Nov. 4.

The following circular was issued at the Northern Pacific yesterday:

On and after date the official title of Nelson C. Thrall will be “assistant to president,” and in the absence of the president his approval will be necessary upon requisitions, pay rolls and vouchers. In addition to the foregoing, he will continue in the discharge of the principal duties heretofore performed, and of such others as may be from time to time assigned him.

T. F. OAKES,

President and General Manager.

Mr. Thrall’s friends, and they are legion, will be pleased to learn of his deserved promotion. He has been in the general manager’s office for six years, having served under Mr. Haupt, Mr. Oakes’ predecessor, and before that time was secretary to Gen. Anderson, chief engineer of the Northern Pacific. Prior to his connection with the Northern Pacific, Mr. Thrall was secretary to E. S. Bowen, general superintendent of the Erie road. When Mr. Oakes came West in 1883 to assume charge of the Northern Pacific, he found Mr. Thrall chief clerk in the general manager’s office. The two had never met each other, but Mr. Oakes has pursued the same policy in this case which has kept around him perhaps the most loyal corps of subordinates associated with any railroad manager in the country. His invariable custom is, whenever an opportunity presents itself, to promote deserving employees, the result naturally being that there is no half-hearted work for the Northern Pacific. While Mr. Thrall has never had any title beyond that of chief clerk, he has been the trusted assistant of Mr. Oakes for several years, and is now receiving the [cutoff]. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 November 1888, p. 4, c. 4)


04 November

A man by the name of Smith was run over in the yard and his leg and arm crushed on Sunday night, and he died shortly after at the Sanitarium. He was intoxicated at the time and was attempting to climb on a moving train. As he fell he screamed and when assistance arrived he refused to tell his name, but was identified as a man who had registered under the above name at Sanborn’s restaurant that same afternoon. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 November 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


30 November

The Northern Pacific people have sent out a large amount of snow fence from this place. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 November 1888, p. 4, c. 3)


07 December

Railroad Brakemen.


At the convention of the Railroad Brakemen in Columbus, O., last month, the annual report of Grand Secretary O’Shea showed that the cash receipts for the year had been $145,405, of which $123,006 was paid out in the beneficiary claims. The membership of the order was 12,000, an increase of over 3,000 for the year. The membership now is estimated at 14,000. Twenty-six new lodges were organized last year. The number of lodges has increased 206 in the last three years, and the membership has increased 10,000. In the same period the death and disability claims amounted to about $300,000. The next convention will be held at St. Paul, Minn., in October, 1889. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 December 1888, p. 1, c. 3)


07 December

Changes in Railroad Circles.

_____


It is with pleasure that we chronicle the fact of the promotion of N. D. Root from superintendent of the Minnesota and Wisconsin divisions to the assistant general manager of the middle district of the Northern Pacific road, vice R. Law resigned, with headquarters at Helena. This district comprises all that part of the main line and branches lying between Billings, M. T., and Hope, Idaho. Mr. Root’s promotion is deserved, and while we are sorry to lose him and his estimable family from Brainerd, we are at the same time pleased at the gentleman’s good fortune. Mr. Root left last night for his new field of labor.

J. E. Phelan, for some time past traveling engineer of the Northern Pacific road, has been appointed master mechanic of the shops at Mandan and has taken charge. Mr. Phelan’s family will probably remain here for the winter.

R. H. Gilmour, general foreman here for the Northern Pacific road, will go to Winnipeg as master mechanic for the company.

Supt. F. Green, of Mandan, succeeds Mr. Root here as superintendent of the Minnesota and Wisconsin divisions. Mr. Green arrived yesterday and has taken charge.

Mr. Tomlinson, of the machine shops, succeeds R. H. Gilmour as general foreman.

It is rumored that James Goodman has been tendered the position of traveling engineer, vice J. E. Phelan. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 December 1888, p. 4, c. 5)


13 December

CRUSHED UNDER THE WHEELS.

_____


A Prominent Citizen Meets an Un-

timely Death in the Brainerd Yard.

_____


James Meagher's Horrible Death.


The news that James Meagher, of the firm of Day & Meagher, had been run over and killed by the cars spread like wild fire over the city Thursday morning. Later developments corroborated the rumor that his body had been found strewn along the Duluth track, east of the Northern Pacific foundry, horribly mutilated. The coroner was notified at an early hour and the remains were viewed by him and brought to Losey & Dean's undertaking rooms, the head and shoulders being the only parts that were not cut to pieces. The first knowledge that a man had been killed was made known by Engineer A. I. Green, who came into the Brainerd yard at 3:35 Thursday morning on an extra, and when near what is known as the Yellowstone switch, he saw something fly up in front of his pilot that looked to him like a couple of cord wood sticks; not thinking at the moment that he had struck a man he came down into the yard, but he became convinced that he had run over someone and went back and found the body as his evidence, printed below, at the coroner's jury, showed. How Mr. Meagher came to be at that place at that time in the morning was a matter of much conjecture, as he was known to be a man not addicted to dissipation, and various rumors were soon afloat, to the effect that he had been lured to that spot and murdered and his body placed upon the track in front of the incoming train, but at the coroner's inquest that theory was dispelled, as the testimony shows, and in all probability in a fit of mental aberration he wandered out to the place where he met his untimely death, as he left Sixth street at about 2 a. m. and was seen to go down to Laurel street and from there to seventh which was the last seen of him until he appeared at the dump where Switchman Russell asked him where he was going and Mr. Meagher replied "home," and not knowing his place of residence Mr. Russell supposed he lived in East Brainerd, and that was the last seen of him alive.

Mr. Meagher spent the early part of the evening and up to midnight with W. B. Galbraith, a traveling man for Jno [sic]. W. Blaburn, and a friend of his, and they separated, Mr. Meagher going home, as they supposed, and they retired to their hotel and did not know until morning of the horrible fate which had befallen him.

An inquest was held Thursday afternoon by Coroner J. L. Camp and the following testimony was taken.

A. I. Green being sworn said: I reside in Brainerd and am an engineer for Northern Pacific road. Was acquainted with James Meagher. Came in on engine at 3:40 a. m. from Duluth. Saw something, could not say what it was, looked like two sticks of wood, did not get good sight of it, was not two feet from pilot when first saw it. Was at the east switch called Yellowstone switch, and lay between coal dock switch and tallow flat switch. Freight train was an extra, engine No. 81. Came into yard and went back to roundhouse. The more I thought of it, I thought it was a man I had struck. I then examined my engine and found blood on front truck. I went to where the object was and found body lying on left of track, outside of rails. His hat lay near his head. Blood on engine was fresh. I had twenty-seven loaded cars. I reported the matter to foreman of yard crew, when I went to roundhouse after leaving train, also to night foreman of roundhouse. Did not feel of body to see whether it was warm. Mr. Lawrence and one other man whose name I did not know, of yard crew, went with us to look. It was ten or fifteen car lengths from where we stopped to speak to Lawrence to where the body was. I reported to foreman of roundhouse when I registered. He took his lantern and said he would go and see who it was. I went directly to my home at head of Ninth street. Could see an object about 40 or 50 feet ahead. Could see an object farther on dark night than on moonlight. I was constantly looking ahead for switch lights and head lights. If I had been looking down at rails probably would have seen the object. Was running eight or ten miles an hour. Body was lying across rails.

Geo. W. McCormick sworn says: I reside on Grove Street in Brainerd and am locomotive engineer for N. P. company, and was at work switching last night. Was not acquainted with Mr. Meagher. Was somewhere near 4 o'clock when Mr. Green spoke to me about matter. I had been working on St. Paul track and on dump. Saw men going back and forth all night. Saw the body after Mr. Green spoke to me. Saw a man go across the dump at 3 o'clock that resembled this man. Why I knew was on account of his hat and walk. Hat was light slouch hat. He was one-third way across dump when I saw him, going east. Paid no further attention to him. Was at east end of yard when Mr. Green spoke to me. He said "boys I think I've run over some one and wish you would go back and see." Mr. Lawrence and one other got on and went back with Green. I did not go. Saw the body at 6:30 a. m. It was torn to pieces and mangled. Shoulders, part of trunk and head were together, balance of body was mangled. Head and shoulders were 10 or 12 feet from balance of body. Man I saw was alone when he crossed the dump.

Thomas Russell, sworn, says in substance: I reside in Brainerd and board at Sanborn's city hotel. Am night switchman in N. P. yard. Bought a pair of overshoes at Day & Meagher's last night and saw Mr. Meagher sitting at desk in his store. I went from there to work and at 15 minutes of 12 I went to supper, and when I came back I saw Mr. Meagher standing at corner 6th and Front streets. Two men were with him. Turned up my lamp to see who it was and recognized Mr. Meagher. Was working at dump about 3 a. m. and saw Mr. Meagher coming down path headed towards dump. I spoke to him and told him to keep in the path. I then said "which way now," and he answered something which I understood to be "home." One of the switchmen was standing at the end of the switch and I told him to step out and let the man pass as I was afraid, if he attempted to crowd in he would fall under the cars or, if on the outside, he would fall down the dump. He was alone when he crossed the dump. Did not see him alive after that.

Then [William H.] Lawrence was sworn and stated that he saw Mr. Meagher at the time Mr. Russell spoke to him, and recognized him.

W. B. Galbraith, sworn, said that he resided in St. Paul and was traveling man for Jos [sic]. W. Blabun. I was in Brainerd last night and saw deceased. I left the store with him at 9 o'clock and went over town with him and stayed until 12 o'clock, there was another traveling man named French with us. We started for home about 12 o'clock and walked as far as the new hotel with Mr. Meagher. We parted with him and he went towards home and that was the last I knew him until I heard this morning that he had been mangled up. He had few drinks but could not tell that he was under the influence of it. We were walking along with him for company.

Several other witnesses were examined but nothing new was developed.

The coroner's jury went into secret session and after deliberating for some time rendered the following verdict:

THE CORONER'S VERDICT.

STATE OF MINNESOTA,} ss.

County of Crow Wing. }

At an inquisition taken at Brainerd in said county and state, on the 18th day of December, 1888, before J. L. Camp, coroner of the said county, upon view of the body of James Meagher, lying there dead, by the oaths of the jurors whose names are hereunto subscribed, who being sworn to inquired on behalf of the state of Minnesota, when, how and by what means the said James Meagher came to his death, upon their oaths do say that said James Meagher came to his death in the Brainerd yard by being run over by a Northern Pacific freight train at 3:30 o'clock on the 13th day of December, 1888. No blame is attached to the railroad company or its employees.

In testimony whereof the said coroner and jurors at this inquest have set their hands this day and year aforesaid.

A. E. TAYLOR,

WM. STEELE,

C. D. JOHNSON,

ADAM BROWN,

BILL ROBINSON,

R. CAUGHIE.

J. L. CAMP, CORONER.

Mr. Meagher's death has cast a gloom over the entire city. He was a prominent citizen and universally known and liked. He was a member of the firm of Day & Meagher, and had been in business here for nearly five years, coming to Brainerd in 1882, and he was employed for some two years with Linnemann & Koop. The deceased had many traits of character that commended him to the friendship and good will of all with whom he came in contact. He was a leading member of the board of trade and a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He was also a prominent member of the Catholic church. Mr. Meagher was kind hearted and generous to a fault. He leaves a wife and six small children to mourn his untimely death.

The funeral services were observed this morning at St. Francis church, Rev. Father Watry, officiating. The members of the board of trade and A. O. H. attended in a body, headed by the city band with muffled drums. The remains were laid to rest in Evergreen cemetery. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 December 1888, p. 4, c.'s 5 & 6) 


1889

05 January

Fast Running.


On Saturday noon last, No. 2, the through passenger from the west, arrived in Brainerd over two and one-half hours late, and as this train connects with the fast evening trains for Chicago, it is desirable to get into St. Paul before or by 7 p.m. Accordingly, orders were given to Engineer Pat Carney, in charge of Engine 404, who coupled his engine on at this point, to make up as much time as possible—an hour at least. Mr. Carney was equal to the emergency, for instead of making up and hour, he gained one hour and twenty-four minutes, making the run to North Town Junction in two hours and fifty-six minutes, and to St. Paul, in three hours and thirty-seven minutes. This is better time than was made in his famous run last summer, when he made the run to North Town Junction in two hours and fifty-eight minutes, with seven coaches, while Saturday he had nine coaches. To make this run required an average speed of 50 miles an hour including [cutoff]. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 January 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


11 January

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Engineer Jas. E. Goodman to the position of traveling engineer for the N. P. company. Mr. Goodman is a first-class mechanic and merits the promotion he has received. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 January 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


12 January

Probable Changes on the N. P.


Last Saturday’s Pioneer Press contains the following concerning probable changes by the N. P Company:

The resignation of Assistant General Manager Buckley, of the Northern Pacific, will in all probability be followed by important changes all along the line; changes, however, more of title than anything else. It is understood that the unusual and rather awkward arrangement of officering the line will be transformed into a more common and more systematic state of things. Heretofore there have been three assistant general managers (the third being created last year) with equal rank, each having charge of a grand division of the road and each reporting to the general manager. Mr. Buckley’s retirement affords an opportunity to change all this and the office of assistant general manager will be abolished. Mr. Ainslie, who has had charge of the eastern grand division, will be made general superintendent and his jurisdiction extended over the whole line. Mr. Root, now assistant general manager of the middle division with headquarters at Helena, will be given the title of assistant general superintendent, although his duties will not differ materially from what they are now. The office of assistant general superintendent of the Pacific division will probably be left vacant for the present, Vice President Prescott of Tacoma, looking after that end. The plan simply abolishes the office of assistant general manager, and creates that of general superintendent and two assistants, titles that more nearly represent the duties performed. The change will give Mr. Ainslie entire charge of road and transportation. It is understood that these changes will go into effect about Jan. 20, although nothing has been officially announced, and even Mr. Ainslie’s new title has not been definitely determined. The change has long been thought desirable by nearly all the officers of the operating department, and will promote uniformity and harmony all along the line. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 January 1889, p. 1, c. 4)


18 January

Northern Pacific YMCA located on the west side of 6th between the railroad tracks and Front, ca. 1895.
Source: Postcard

The new Y. M. C. A. building will be open to the public for the first time on Tuesday evening of next week, the occasion being a fine oyster supper, given by the Ladies Auxiliary. The proceeds will be used for the benefit of the association. Supper will be served from 6 to 10 p.m. Let everybody get their supper at the new Y. M. C. A. building on Tuesday evening. Price 50 cents. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 January 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


The YMCA building is located on the west side of Sixth Street between the railroad tracks and Front Street, its address is 124 South Sixth Street. The railroad contributes $500 a year toward its support. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 83)


It is reported that work on the YMCA building is still going on in 1889. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 50)


21 January

Ed. Hawkins left on Monday noon’s train for Missoula, Mont., where he is employed by the N. P. company. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 January 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


25 January

A railroad engineer is authority for the following rule by which the speed of a passenger train may be determined: Take out your watch and observe the number of clicks made by the trucks on the end of the rails. As many clicks as you count in 21 seconds is the number of miles per hour you are traveling. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 January 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


A number of prominent officials of the N. P. were in the city today making a tour of inspection of the shops. The party included W. T. Small, superintendent of machinery, J. E. Barber, master car builder, Master Mechanic Bean, of the Dakota division, Master Mechanic J. E Phelan, of the Missouri division and Mr. Ristine, road foreman of the western division. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 January 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


The Oyster Supper and entertainment at the new Y. M. C. A. building on Tuesday evening was a success in every particular. The tables were crowded constantly from 6 to 10 p.m., and all went away well pleased with the manner in which they were provided for. Supper being over the guests were entertained by the following literary and musical selections: Song, by male quartette, piano solo, by Miss Carrie Martin; vocal duet, by Miss Spears and Harry Craig; song, by male quartette; recitation by Miss May Gleason; song, by Miss Spears and Miss Martin. The association will clear at least a hundred dollars from the supper, which will be used to purchase furniture for the new building, which is almost completed and ready for occupancy. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 January 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


31 January

As to the Syndicate.


It is not known as yet what date the members of the syndicate will visit Brainerd, H. C. Davis [Northern Pacific Railroad], whose return from the coast was looked for before anything definite could be stated, is back but he will go to New York immediately, and it is not known whether the party will come before he is able to accompany them or not. He stated to a couple of gentlemen from this city, however, that the deal has been closed. Wm. Seelye, who is in charge of the men in the woods, went to St. Paul yesterday and on his return will go up to be absent three weeks. Geo. S. Canfield has not yet returned from Chicago,, but it is understood he has sent some very encouraging news by wire to parties in this city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 January 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


04 February

The Northern Pacific has been making a great many improvements in its passenger service. On Monday this company began running an elegant new reclining chair car between this city and Duluth, which certainly ought to satisfy the most fastidious Duluthian. A new combination baggage, mail and express car was also put on this route. By the St. Paul Pioneer Press we also see that beginning Monday night the night trains haul vestibuled dining and sleeping cars to Grand Forks and Winnipeg. The N. P. certainly.... [cut off] (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 February 1889, p. 4, c. 3)


05 February

A Magnificent Gift.


Supt. Frank Greene, of the Northern Pacific, who but a few months ago came here from the Missouri division of the road, was, on Tuesday the victim of a conspiracy, which certainly has not caused him much pain or occasioned any regrets. On going to his supper at half past five o’clock on the evening mentioned, he was dumbfounded on entering his home to find the interior so changed in appearance as to be unrecognizable. In the place of the articles of furniture that usually greeted his gaze on entering, he saw an elegant parlor suite, new carpets, beautiful Turkish and Smyrna rugs, and other adornments such as gave the rooms an entirely Oriental appearance. Calling on Mrs. Greene for an explanation, he was confronted by a group of gentlemen, representing every department of the Missouri Division of the road and the businessmen of Mandan. There were present, E. R. Knowlton, formerly assistant superintendent under Mr. Greene, and who succeeded him as superintendent at Mandan, Paul Murn, representing the roadmasters of the division, O. P. Hall and A. L. Nichols, representing the conductors, Charles Cannon, representing the engineers, and Mr. A. C. Lawrence, Esq., a prominent businessman of Mandan. In bandit like tones Mr. Greene’s watch, (a former present of the employees of that division) was demanded and given up, when a massive and elegant gold chain and charm were produced and attached to the watch, and the whole returned to Mr. Greene by O. P. Hall, the spokesman of the party, who made a graceful speech, expressing the high esteem in which the recipient is held by his former employees of the Missouri division, and in their name presented the elegant furniture, etc., together with the chain and charm, as a token of that esteem. Mr. Greene made a fitting reply after which the party dined and spent the evening until the 9:40 train arrived, when the visitors proceeded homeward.

It must be particularly gratifying to Mr. Greene that his former employees should hold him in such high esteem as to send a delegation nearly 400 miles bearing such gifts to him and his estimable wife. Mr. Greene has resided in this city but a short time but has already become very popular with his employees here and our citizens in general. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 February 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


14 February

Asst. Gen. Supt. Root Dead.


N. D. Root [Newton], assistant general superintendent of the Northern Pacific road, with headquarters at Helena, Mont. was seriously injured at Tacoma on Tuesday of this week while inspecting the operations of a new steam shovel, which was being introduced on the road. At the time of the accident it was not thought that Mr. Root's injuries were necessarily fatal, and he seemed to be recovering nicely until yesterday forenoon, when a change for the worse suddenly occurred and he died before noon. Mr. Root came to Brainerd in 1881, and resided here continuously for over seven years. He began work here as a dispatcher, but has been rapidly promoted from one position to another, until he reached the honorable and responsible place occupied at his death. He was one of the best railroad men in the Northwest, and his death will be a great loss to the corporation he has so faithfully served. His loss will be keenly felt by the citizens and railroad employees of this city, by whom he was held in the highest esteem. The following is an account by a press correspondent of the way he received his injuries:

TACOMA, Wash., Special Telegram, Feb. 12—Assistant General Superintendent N. D. Root, of the Northern Pacific railroad was seriously injured by a peculiar accident to-day in the railroad yard in this city. He, with several other officials, were witnessing the working of the steam shovel and patent plow used to unload dirt from cars, which has been employed for some time by the company in excavating a site for a new freight depot. The plow is operated by means of a steel cable attached to an engine. Mr. Root attempted to cross between the engine and cars just as the engine started. The cable was drawn tight and struck Root in the abdomen throwing him several feet. He was carried to his car. He did not lose consciousness, but suffered great pain. The doctors express some doubt of his recovery. Root was but recently appointed assistant general superintendent of the western division of the Northern Pacific, with headquarters at Helena, Mont. His wife and family live there. He had only arrived this morning on a tour of inspection. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 February 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


19 February

Burial of Superintendent Root.


The remains of Assistant General Superintendent N. D. Root, of the N. P., whose unfortunate death was recorded in our issue of last week, were brought to this city from Tacoma on Monday last by a special train of eight coaches. The train arrived at about 1 o'clock. A large number of our citizens were at the depot on the arrival of the train and were permitted to pass through the car and view the remains, after which the car was placed on a side track, where all who desired were given an opportunity to view the features of the deceased. About three o'clock the remains were taken to the residence of B. F. Hubbard to await the funeral, which had been arranged to take place at 3 p. m. on Tuesday, at the Episcopal church. On Tuesday afternoon the shops shut down and all the employees attended the funeral in a body, the delegation from each department being headed by the foreman. The business houses of the city were also closed and employees and clerks generally attended the funeral. A special train of seven vestibuled coaches arrived from St. Paul at 2 o'clock, containing N. P. officials, foremen of the Como shops and delegations from the headquarters of the several other roads which center at St. Paul and Minneapolis. These visitors repaired at once to the church, where they reviewed the remains before the funeral ceremony. Immediately after the arrival of the special from St. Paul, the railroad employees formed at the depot in the following order: Roadmasters, train dispatchers, operators, engineers, firemen, conductors, brakemen, and then the delegations from the different shops. The Brainerd Board of Trade marched over from town and formed in the rear of the railroad men, who marched to the church, where the remains had already been taken. The church was decorated with many beautiful floral offerings, which were gifts of employees of different departments. The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. Geo. H. Davis in an impressive manner, after which the remains were escorted by the procession to Evergreen cemetery, their last resting place.

Mr. Root was one of the best railroad men in the northwest and had the confidence and respect of those in authority over him, as well as the regard of those employed under him. As an indication of the respect and regard in which he was held by the company, it has caused all its buildings in this city to be draped in mourning and President Oakes has issued the following circular:


AN IRREPARABLE LOSS.


On the afternoon of the 12th instant, at Tacoma, Wash., in the discharge of his duties, Mr. N. D. Root, assistant general superintendent, was fatally injured, and survived but a few hours.

This is a grievous loss, personal and official, and is scarcely less keenly felt by the undersigned and other associates of the deceased than by the bereaved family; while to the Northern Pacific Railroad company it seems almost irreparable.

Mr. Root entered the employ of the company in December, 1881, as chief dispatcher of the Minnesota division at Brainerd, having previously served the Michigan Central and other companies in similar capacities. His excellent qualities of mind and heart were soon discovered by his new employers, and he was in the following year given the title of train master, and in 1883 that of assistant superintendent. A vacancy occurring in May, 1887, he was appointed superintendent of the Montana division and branches, but in the following fall returned to assume the full title of superintendent of Minnesota and Wisconsin Division and branches, this in many respects being the most responsible office of that grade on the line. In December, 1888, he was selected for the office of assistant general manager in charge of middle divisions by reason of his eminent fitness for such preferment, and on Feb. 1 instant, under a reorganization of the operating department, his title was changed to assistant general superintendent, involving materially extended jurisdiction and responsibilities.

While the loss of so estimable a husband and father, so amiable an associate and friend, so efficient an officer, is sincerely mourned, it should be a source of consolation to his family and others that his professional success was well ended, and that his character and career were not only above reproach, but are to be remember with pride and satisfaction.

T. F. OAKES.

President and General Manager.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 22 February 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


SEE: 12 July 1889


22 February

Supt. M. C. Kimberley, of the St. Paul division, succeeds Mr. Root as Asst. Gen. Supt. of the N. P., and J. R. McCabe, heretofore chief dispatcher for Mr. Kimberley, succeeds him as superintendent of the St. Paul division. Both Mr. Kimberley and Mr. McCabe are well known in this city, Mr. Kimberley having at one time been stationed here as superintendent of the Minnesota division, and Mr. McCabe as a dispatcher. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 February 1889, p. 4, c. 3)


New Car Shops.


Rumors of all kinds concerning the building of new car shops here have been circulated on the streets the past week. It is reported that a prominent official of the company is authority for the statement that the Como shops had been sold, and that new shops would be erected here early in the spring and the entire Como force moved here as soon as they were completed. However this may be, it is certain plans have been drawn for a large shop 250 feet in length and wide enough to contain four tracks, which the company proposes to build here this coming summer. The building will be of solid brick and as substantially built as the other buildings of the company here. This means a largely increased force. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 February 1889, p. 4, c. 6)


01 March

Dr. D. P. Bigger, who has been residing in St. Paul in needy circumstances for several months past, has made a raise of $1,000 on his life insurance policy, consequently the genial doctor and his affectionate son, will be in clover for some time. The doctor, according to the Pioneer Press has left St. Paul to visit a sister in Des Moines, Iowa, who he has not seen for 17 years. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 March 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


C. H. Bevington, who was employed in this city several months last summer as a dispatcher for the N. P., returned to this city Monday, and will probably accept his old position. Mr. Bevington and son returned with him. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 March 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


08 March

Changes on the N. P.


Several important changes are about to be made by the Northern Pacific road. The first will be the removal of all the car repairing to West Superior, which is now being done in Duluth, and the second and most important change will be in the regular train service between Ashland, West Superior and Brainerd. Two trains will be run, as at present, but they will be continuous between the points named, Duluth passengers being transferred to short line trains either at West Superior or Allouez. The probabilities are that the trains will leave both ends of the line at about nine in the morning, the one from Ashland reaching here at about noon and the one from Brainerd about two in the afternoon.—Duluth Herald. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 March 1889, p. 1, c. 3)


N. P. and Wisconsin Central Consolidation.


The Minneapolis Tribune of Sunday contains the following concerning the proposed consolidation of the Northern Pacific and Wisconsin Central roads. Reports concerning such action on the part of the companies have been published from time-to-time, but have never been confirmed by those in authority, consequently these reports have been considered as simply the vaporings of overzealous correspondents. But it seems to us that where there is so much smoke there must be a fire, and we would not be surprised if the report published below should be true:

It is now conceded among many railroad men that the consolidation of the Northern Pacific and Wisconsin Central railways is an assured fact. The date set for the assumption of the Central line by the Northern Pacific is March 15, and the Tribune is informed by reliable, though not official, authority that many of the minor details have been arranged. The re-lettering of cars and engines at the Central shops at Stevens Point with the Northern Pacific trademark has been going on some time. It is claimed that no changes will be made in the train forces of either line, though additional trains may be put on should the business require it. Pullman sleepers will be run through from Chicago to the Pacific coast and the Pullman company will also put on a second class sleeper service. The round trip for a sleeper is to be 15 days, equaling the long run on the southwestern lines. The new passenger station in Chicago will not be completed in season to begin the Northern Pacific through business, but the heavy immigrant traffic that has already begun can be handled directly through from Chicago without stopping for changes and layovers at the Twin Cities.

The absorption of the Burlington & Northern by the Manitoba is also a subject for discussing again. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 March 1889, p. 1, c. 5)


On account of the enormous passenger business now being done by the N. P. company, it was necessary on Tuesday evening to run Train No. 1 in two sections, the first section being composed entirely of emigrant sleepers, nine in number, loaded with emigrants going to Montana and the coast. Every night this train is so heavy that one engine can scarcely draw it, being made up of from 12 to 17 coaches. It is wonderful the amount of people going west on the N. P. line. However, we are informed by an official here, that the freight business on the west end is equally good, the company doing more business there at the present time than on this end. Coming statehood for Montana and Washington territories, has had a great deal to do in stimulating immigration. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 March 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


11 March

Killed in a Tunnel.


On Monday, the 11th inst., Plin Bacon, a son of Joseph Bacon, of this city, was knocked from a car and instantly killed in the Mullan tunnel, near Helena, Montana. Bacon was attempting to climb from a flat car to the top of a box car by the side ladder as the train was passing through the tunnel, when his head struck an upright piece in the tunnel with the above fearful result. Mr. Bacon has long been in the employ of the company, having worked in Brainerd for some time. His remains arrived in this city this morning and were taken to the residence of his parents at No. 55, 5th street south. The funeral will take place this afternoon, Rev. E. J. Brownson conducting the ceremonies. The deceased was a brother.... [cut off] (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 March 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


12 March

President Oakes, of the N. P., passed through this city in his special car on Tuesday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 March 1889, p. 4, c. 3)


14 March

A lively little fracas occurred on the Northern Pacific Brainerd train yesterday. A big, burly lumberman, who was making himself obstreperous generally, was asked to stop his noise, and upon his refusing to do so, the chief bouncer, good-natured Joe Lavalle, was sent for. Joe interviewed the disturber for a couple of rounds and the lumberman emerged from the encounter considerably the worse for wear. Both eyes were blackened, his face pummeled, and he remained quiet for the rest of the journey.—Duluth Herald. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 March 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


15 March

A Merited Promotion.


W. S. Martin, who has had charge of the freight department for the N. P. company in this city for three or four years past, has been offered the much more responsible and lucrative position of freight agent at Minneapolis for the company, in the place of A. H. Canfield, the present incumbent. Mr. Martin has accepted the position and will begin his new duties next Monday morning. Mr. Martin is an obliging, capable and courteous official, and richly deserved the promotion he has received. Mr. Martin will be succeeded here by Mr. John Bradford, who has long been a resident of this city, and consequently is well known. Mr. Bradford is familiar with his new duties, having been employed in the freight office for some time. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 March 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


22 March

Lost a Leg.


On Friday of last week, John Brooks, a switchman in the N. P. yard, fell from the front end of one of the switch engines while in motion on the brick yard track in East Brainerd, and although the engine did not run over his leg, it was caught between the foot board and rail and crushed to atoms from the knee down. George Bertram, the engineer, saw him fall, and having air brakes, applied them, and stopped the engine inside of ten feet. Had it not been for Mr. Bertram’s quickness and presence of mind, Brooks would undoubtedly have been run over and horribly mangled. Brooks was immediately taken to the Sanitarium, where his leg was amputated above the knee. He is now doing nicely, and unless blood-poisoning sets in he will speedily recover. Brooks is a married man, having a wife and two small children, who live near the opera house in this city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 March 1889, p. 1, c. 5)


SEE: 02 August 1889


Change of Time.


There will be several important changes made in the running of trains on the N. P., to take effect April 1st. The most important change will be the putting on of an additional train on the Duluth branch. One train will leave at 2 a. m. as at present, and the other will leave Brainerd for Ashland and Duluth at 1 p. m. The time of No. 1 will be shortened, and will haul nothing but first-class cars, this train arriving in Brainerd about an hour earlier. No. 3 at night, will be made a through train and haul emigrant sleepers. Nos. 1 and 2 will be composed entirely of vestibuled coaches. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 March 1889, p. 4, c. 6)


25 March

Killed on the Track.

_____


The foreman of the section which extends south from this city on the Northern Pacific, brought the news on Monday morning that he had found the remains of a man on the track about a mile and a half this side of Crow Wing. Coroner Cross was immediately notified, and together with Dr. W. Hemstead, Undertaker Dean and the writer, proceeded to the place indicated by the section foreman. The remains were unknown to any of the party and were in a horrible state of mutilation, the body having been crushed by the cruel wheels of some passing train into a thousand pieces. A jury was summoned and the testimony of the section men taken, the verdict being in substance that the deceased came to his death by being run over by a Northern Pacific train during the night of the 24th or the morning of the 25th, and no blame was attached to the company. The body was lying across the west rail and fragments of his clothes were strewn for some rods along the track; on the track also was found some gold and silver coin and a five dollar bill, amounting in all to $15.85. The remains were picked up and placed in a coffin and brought to the undertaking rooms of Losey & Dean, where they were viewed by many, and among the curious was Charles Shontell, who lives in Crow Wing, and who had a desire to see if the remains were not those of a man who had called at his house on Sunday evening and asked for shelter during the night. His suspicions were correct and he identified the man as being the same. Mr. Shontell states that when the man called him out that evening, he stated that he was sick and wanted a place to sleep and as he was talking he fell to the ground but revived, and he was given a comfortable place to rest in and also some warm drink. In the morning he was gone, and had left without notifying the Shontell family. From this statement the conclusion is arrived at that the man, who has since proved to be Mr. F. Erath, of Deerwood, got up in the night and wandered out on the track and was unable to go farther and that an incoming train ran over him.

Mr. R. F. Walters, who runs a boot and shoe establishment on 6th street, identified the remains as those of F. Erath, and stated that he had worked for him in his repairing shop since the middle of January. On Saturday at about 11 o'clock in the forenoon he got up from his work and put on his coat and went out of the back door without saying anything and he did not return. Mr. Walters is of the opinion that the old gentleman's mind was affected and in a fit of temporary aberration he wandered out towards Crow Wing where he met his untimely death.

The deceased had lived at Deerwood some time, coming there from Wright county with his son, where they took up land. About two years ago his son was drowned, and since that time he has rented his farm and followed his trade as a cobbler. He has relatives living in the vicinity of Deerwood who took charge of the remains, and had them buried in Evergreen cemetery. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 March 1889, p. 4, c. 6) 


29 March

Thinks It is Time.


Supt. Greene of this city, had the following to say to a Duluth Herald reporter concerning the proposed consolidation:

“I have had no official information of the reported deal between the Wisconsin Central and our line,” he told a reporter. “But I think the report is true and expect to hear of its confirmation. I think all the Wisconsin stockholders regard it as a very politic move and would make no objections. Even this early I see the mention of this matter has raised Central stock several points.

“It would be most important for Duluth. Shipments via Duluth over this line can be made to more advantage than through St. Paul, especially on freight going beyond Fargo. Therefore it would be necessary for us to increase our warehouse and terminal facilities, employ more help. But what is of equal interest is to have the council pass the Sixth avenue bill. Then the public need not kick about poor depots and we can give you traveling facilities equal with the importance of this great city.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 March 1889, p. 1, c. 3)


They Have Been Consolidated.


As predicted by the DISPATCH a couple of weeks ago the N. P. and Wisconsin Central railroads have been consolidated, the N. P. company having leased the latter road and all its branches for the term of ninety-nine years. The following dispatch from Philadelphia tells the tale:

PHILADELPHIA, March 24.—A reporter of the Inquirer to-day learned from a well known railroad man that the Northern Pacific Railroad company has at last secured control of the Wisconsin Central railroad, and through it an entrance to Chicago. The directors of the company will hold a special meeting in New York on Wednesday to formally approve the lease, but it will be purely a formal matter, as the directors are a unit on the question, and the company is already in practical control of the Wisconsin Central’s lines. C. C. Wheeler, formerly general manager of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad, has spent three months in an examination of the Wisconsin Central company. He went over every mile of the main line and its allied branches, inquired into its resources and traffic connections, and finally made a detailed inventory of the property, even down to the number of gallons of oil in the supply shop. The result of his investigation has been compiled in an exhaustive report, which will be submitted to the board on Wednesday. In it he recites the reasons why the acquisition of the Wisconsin Central road


WILL BE AN ADVANTAGE


to the Northern Pacific company. The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, the Northwest, the St. Paul and other lines entering at Chicago are reaching out westward for traffic, and will, in his opinion, ultimately reach the Pacific coast and become transcontinental lines. The Canadian Pacific has a Chicago outlet and so have all the Pacific coast lines. If the Northern Pacific is to maintain its position it must have equal facilities, and Mr. Wheeler sees no other line but the Wisconsin Central that can afford the Northern Pacific its needed outlet. The road, he says, is in first-class condition, it possesses good terminals, has a growing local trade, and is self-supporting. With the influence of the interstate commerce law to steady rates he believes the road will be a profitable one. The lease is for a comparatively short time, either for thirty-three or ninety-nine years. The period has not been determined yet. It is an operating lease, that is, the Northern Pacific is to operate the road and pay as rental 35 per cent of the gross receipts.


A PROFITABLE INVESTMENT.


President Oakes, after studying the detailed reports presented by Mr. Wheeler of the amount and direction of traffic and of the operating expenses, has come to the conclusion that the Northern Pacific can operate the road for 60 per cent, and at the outside for 62. He believes the Northern Pacific can make a profit on the lease independently of the advantage accruing to the company from the possession of a through line. Of course, all the Northern Pacific’s Chicago business will be thrown upon the Wisconsin Central’s lines instead of being divided up between all the roads running between Chicago and St. Paul. The Northern Pacific makes no guarantee as to interest upon the Wisconsin Central company’s obligations, and, in fact, guarantees nothing at all, except the prompt payment of the rental. The lease adds to the Northern Pacific system 767 miles of road, including 344 miles of the Wisconsin Central railroad, 187 miles of leased lines and 236 of affiliated roads. With it also comes the possession of the extensive terminal facilities at Chicago formerly owned by the Chicago & Great Western railroad, which are constantly increasing in value, as well as the very valuable terminals at Milwaukee. The Northern Pacific executive committee, to which the lease was referred, has studied most carefully Mr. Wheeler’s report and will report upon it most favorably, and the opinion of the other members of the board has already been expressed in favor of the measure. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 March 1889, p. 1, c. 4)


A Model Institution.


The writer had occasion to call at the N. P. Sanitarium the first of the week to visit one of the patients of that institution. While there, Dr. Courtney, the chief surgeon in charge, kindly showed us through the various wards and departments of the building, and we were deeply impressed with the excellent manner in which the institution is conducted. The entire building from basement to garret has been recently renovated and repainted, and a great many convenient and necessary articles of furniture have been added. The entire building from the laundry and kitchen in the basement, to the upper wards is at all times kept scrupulously neat and clean, and in perfect order. Everything seems to have a place, and is always to be found in that place. There are now about thirty patients in the hospital, all of whom are getting along nicely. This, we were informed by the Doctor, is about the average number of patients on hand. The hospital is capable easily of accommodating 75 patients, and on a pinch room could be made for at least a hundred. All employees of the company east of Helena are brought here for treatment in case of sickness or injury. Private individuals, that is, persons not employed by the company, desiring treatment can enter, the charge being only one dollar a day for nursing and lodging, and a doctor’s fee of 50 cents per day. Employees of the company having homes in the city and who do not care to go to the hospital are attended by the physician in charge at their homes and all the medicine and drugs necessary for their treatment can be obtained at the hospital dispensary without additional cost. As one passes through this institution and observes the model manner in which it is conducted, and notes the air of cleanliness and order that pervades the whole institution, he cannot help but be impressed with the wisdom of such an institution and the manner in which it is sustained. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 March 1889, p. 4, c. 6)


03 April

Train No. 1 on Wednesday evening consisted of 24 cars and was run in two sections, 12 cars in each section. This is the largest passenger train ever run over the Northern Pacific. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 April 1889, p. 4, c. 3)


05 April

Four passenger trains now meet here every noon, and business at the depot at that time appears very lively. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 April 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


07 April

Switch engine No. 78 jumped the track last Sunday afternoon, and the way it buried itself into the sand was a caution. The work of jacking it up and putting it on the track again excited no little interest, as the immense crowd of spectators that crowded around the helpless machine indicated. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 April 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


08 April

A Serious Accident.


On Monday John Welch fell off the coal dock at the shops and was seriously injured. As a result his right leg was broken twice between the knee and the thigh and two of his ribs were fractured. He was placed on an engine and taken to the Sanitarium for treatment. The broken bones were set and the gentleman is doing nicely and his recovery is only a matter of time. Mr. Welch is a man about 50 years of age, and has a family residing on north Ninth street in this city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 April 1889, p. 4, c. 6)


09 April

President Oakes’ private car containing N. C. Thrall, the president’s assistant, and H. C. Davis, the president’s chief adviser, was in the city Tuesday forenoon, and left for Duluth on the noon train. While here the car was visited by a great many of our prominent citizens, to whom Messrs. Thrall and Davis expressed themselves as being much pleased with the prospects of our city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 April 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


11 April

Coast Business is Booming.


The west-bound train on the Northern Pacific is a sight well worth going down to the depot to see. Every afternoon the depot is thronged with hundreds of passengers for the Pacific coast, and the train has been run in two sections consisting of from twenty cars and upwards, for several months. Yesterday afternoon, when the giant ten- wheeled engines pulled out, the first drew eleven cars loaded to their fullest capacity with first-class passengers. The last four cars were vestibuled cars, running through solid to Winnipeg, and the balance went through to the Pacific. But the second section was the most interesting, consisting as it did of thirteen emigrant sleepers, containing 700 second-class passengers. A. H. Anderson, of Tacoma, who owns the largest saw mill there, was standing on the platform waiting for the cry of “All aboard,” and asked what class of people were the majority of the emigrants. Ticket Agent Stone said for the most part they came from Wisconsin and the northern peninsula of Michigan. “These are the men,” replied Mr. Anderson, “that we want out there. We can find work for any number of lumbermen you can send us.” As the long train pulled out it was noticeable that not a seat was vacant, and crowds were standing and sitting around anywhere, being unable to get berths.—Globe. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 April 1889, p. 1, c. 4)


12 April

We understand that President Oakes donated $250 to the Y. M. C. A. of this city a few days ago. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 April 1889, p. 4, c. 3)


18 April

ROBBED THE EXPRESS.

_____


$15,000 Stolen From the N. P. Ex-

press Office in this City.

_____


A Most Mysterious Affair.—No Clue

to the Perpetrators of

the Theft.


This city early yesterday morning was thrown into a state of intense excitement by the startling announcement that the N. P. express office in this city had been robbed of $15,000 in gold. A DISPATCH representative repaired at once to the company’s office where the report was confirmed by Agent Reuss, who seemed to be very much agitated that such a thing should occur at this office. From Mr. Reuss, we gleaned the facts in the case which are as follows: Yesterday was pay day, and as is customary every month, sufficient money to pay the men was shipped from St. Paul to the First National Bank in this city for this purpose, $31,500 having been shipped on Wednesday evening, and arrived in this city on No. 3 yesterday morning at 2 a.m. The express messenger on the train delivered this money, which was all in gold and put up in four bags, to the night clerk at the express office, Louis Hohman. Two of the bags contained $15,000 each, one contained $1,000 and the other $500. These bags Mr. Hohman placed with other express matter on a truck and wheeled them to the express office door. Holding the door open with his foot, he says he placed the bags two at a time within the door. He then carried the bags one in each hand and placed them in the vault, making two trips. He thus claims he is positive that he placed the four bags in the vault because he remembers distinctly the manner in which he carried them. He then locked the vault door and went out of the office, locking the office door after him, and attended to the three trains which probably took him half an hour. He then returned to the office and to all appearances found everything as he had left it, the office door and vault door both being locked. Having occasion to open the vault he was horrified on doing so to discover that one of the large bags containing $15,000 was missing. He immediately dispatched a messenger to awaken Agent Reuss who arrived at the office about 3 o’clock, and instituted a thorough search but could find nothing of the missing bag. Thinking that the clerk might be mistaken in his statement that he had received four bags, Mr. Reuss telegraphed to the messenger on the train at Wadena, who replied that four bags had been delivered. Mr. Reuss then caused telegraphic inquiries to be made at St. Paul, and found that that amount had been sent and shipped on board the train. This information destroyed all hope of a mistake and made it certain the money had been stolen and from this office. The stealing of this money is very mysterious indeed, and greatly puzzles the officials here. They have the utmost confidence in the clerk, Mr. Hohman, who has been employed by them for some time, and consider him innocent in the matter. What steps have been taken to discover the thief cannot be learned, as all questions for information are met by the answer that there is nothing new.

One of the effects of the robbery will be the postponement of pay day for the car shop employees until the 20th, a notice to that effect having been posted yesterday at the shops. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 April 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


The employees of the N. P. company of this city will be paid at the shops hereafter instead of at the bank. The company claims that they lost $150 each pay day from loss of time and this is done to stop the leak. A neat office for paying has been fixed up in the store house, and Cashier Ferris of the First National, officiated for the first time there yesterday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 April 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


26 April

The Agreement Reached.


The long-considered Northern Pacific-Wisconsin Central agreement has finally been concluded. The Northern Pacific assumes the management of the Wisconsin Central, thus acquiring a line of its own by way of St. Paul or Ashland, and extending from Chicago through to Tacoma. This is by far the longest line in the world under one management, the distance by this route from Chicago to Tacoma being 2,398 miles. The company will exercise its own option whether its traffic shall be handled by way of Ashland or St. Paul. The distance by way of Ashland is twenty-two miles further, but the difference is probably not enough to compensate for the extra cost of handling the traffic through the crowded yards at St. Paul and Minneapolis. The Ashland route would give the Northern Pacific forty-six miles more haul and save this expense. The contract fixed no limit of time for its termination, but provision is made for its revision if necessary five years hence, and for arbitration in case any unforeseen contingencies arise. The unanimity with which the agreement has been made is the best proof that it is satisfactory to all parties.—Press. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 April 1889, p. 1, c. 4)


The fellow who stole the $15,000 in gold is still in peaceful possession of the express company’s property. The job was done with such cleverness that it is doubtful if the thief is brought to justice. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 April 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


The statement in the Journal that Coroner Cross was on trial charged with stealing a lot of brass and copper is erroneous, as Mr. Cross is not charged with the theft. The property was found in his possession and he was summoned before the court to give testimony. The case will probably be concluded to-day. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 April 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


The ball given by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen at the rink on Monday evening was one of the pleasant occasions that one enjoys to attend, and as on all former annuals, the gentlemen who had the details in charge did themselves proud. The crowd was so large that the spacious rink was taxed to its utmost. Everything passed off smoothly and without a jar, the members of the order were highly flattered at the attendance and the public were entertained in a royal manner. The B. of L. F. boys know how to manage a ball. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 April 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


03 May

The express company are willing to give up $1,000 for the return of $15,000 stolen from them recently. It is not thought that the gent who has the “stuff” will be willing to make the trade. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 May 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


05 May

A Bad Wreck.


A misunderstanding of train orders by the operator at Steele, caused a collision between two trains near Crystal Springs, about thirty-five miles west of Jamestown, Sunday. A Northern Pacific passenger train and freight train No. 18, in charge of Conductor Schep, met while rounding a curve, and Engineer Bass, of the passenger train, and Chief Clerk Slatterly were killed. Slatterly resided at St. Cloud, Minn. Baggageman Nichols, of St. Paul, had one of his arms broken in two places, and Clerk Lounsberry, a nephew [sic] of Col. Lounsberry, had an arm broken and was badly scalded. None of the passengers were injured. Both engines, a number of freight cars, and the mail and baggage cars were destroyed. Three of the freight cars contained horses, and nearly all of the animals were killed outright or had to be shot. Engineer Bass was engaged to a young girl at Jamestown, and she has been made dangerously ill by the news of her fiancee's death. This is the first accident of any consequence that has taken place on that division for several years.

The Minneapolis Tribune contains the following from a Brainerd correspondent: The injured persons from the Crystal Springs wreck reached the Northern Pacific sanitarium at Brainerd this morning, excepting the firemen and brakemen, whose injuries were slight. An interview with Postal Clerks Lounsberry and Evans and Express Messenger Nichols, enables us to present some facts of interest not heretofore published. The mail car was next to the engine and the tender and engine telescoped the mail car smashing it all to pieces, the boiler stripped of its jacket had a hole broken in the end, from which boiling water was thrown over the unfortunates, and steam escaped completely enveloping them. Slatterly’s fatal injuries were principally internal, though during the six hours he lived he suffered most fearfully from scalds and burns. Lounsberry lay near him, with his leg thrown upon Slatterly’s body. A piece of the wreck had fallen upon his leg, breaking it square off just above the ankle, his arms, face, head and back were terribly scalded, and there were other slight cuts and bruises. Evans lay farther back, literally buried in mail sacks and debris also burned, scaled, scratched and bruised. The burns and scalds are painful, but the injuries are not otherwise serious. Nichol’s arm was broken in two places, and he was bruised about the shoulders but not injured internally to any great extent. Before leaving St. Paul Lounsberry said: “I don’t know why but I feel just as if something is going to happen on this trip” and as a result of that premonition he left his money and all valuable papers which he had been in the habit of carrying with him, at home, a thing he never did before. Though suffering from the burns and scalds the boys are all right and cheerful and have the best of care. They will all get well. They have been given a “lay off” for sixty days and may have their leaves extended from time to time for one year, then if unable to resume their duties they are dropped from the rolls.

The percentage of clerks killed or injured in the railway mail service is nearly as great as the percentage of soldiers meeting with casualties in time of war. There was not a piece of the mail car left, aside from the trucks, that a child 12 years old could not carry. Lounsberry and Slatterly were buried under four feet of debris. Two engines and 15 cars were piled up in one broken mass, in some places 35 feet high. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 May 1889, p. 1, c. 4)


SEE: 17 May 1889

SEE: 31 January 1890


10 May

Pullman Cars for Emigrants.


The Western immigrant is becoming yearly more luxurious in his taste and has now reached a state when nothing inferior to a Pullman will satisfy his demand for sleeping cars. The Northern Pacific is putting on a new outfit of free sleepers that combine all the comforts with many of the luxuries of life. Finished in polished hardwood and supplied with the latest improved Baker heater, air brakes, marble finished ladies’ toilet room, large storage and smaller ice water tank, each train will be in charge of competent porters. Among the special improvements are sliding end-boards instead of wire netting, a contrivance for raising head-boards in the berths, car or lunch table for each double seat, large cooking range in one end of the car for coal or wood, closet or pantry, safety chairs on the upper berths and a seat box under each seat for bedding or provisions. The cars are admirably adapted to hunting parties as hunting cars.—Tribune. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 May 1889, p. 1, c. 3)


Supt. Greene is having the lawn east of the depot laid off into a beautiful flower garden. The effect will be very pleasing when the details are completed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 May 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


14 May

The Northern Pacific-Wisconsin Central

Transcontinental Line.


CHICAGO, Ill., May 14.—Railroad circles here are greatly worked up over the report that the Wisconsin Central will in the very near future consummate a deal which will make it the first transcontinental line in the country.

“The scheme is a stupendous one,” said a prominent railroad official to-night, “but it is a feasible one, and I fully believe that something of the kind is on foot. I believe that the Wisconsin Central, the Northern Pacific, the Oregon Transcontinental, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe and the Baltimore & Ohio railroads are about to join hands and form one of the most gigantic railway combinations in the country.

“The Wisconsin Central people have been quietly at work trying to bring about this combine, and by going over the ground the foot prints show plainly where they are bound and what they are after. Here we have Colby resigning the presidency of the Wisconsin Central to become a Northern Pacific director; Mr. Abbott breaks into the hitherto select Atchison circle; Mr. Hoyt goes from the Wisconsin Central to become the vice president of the Oregon-Transcontinental. The Villard-Smith element in the Northern Pacific, I am positive, are on the best of terms with the Wisconsin Central people, and here is another significant fact. The Wisconsin Central’s depot in Chicago built by the Great Western Company, which it controls, is large enough to accommodate six railroads. Its situation is unexcelled, and offers unlimited terminal facilities. Both the Baltimore & Ohio and Atchison will use this new depot.—Press. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 May 1889, p. 1, c. 2)


17 May

TO BOOM BRAINERD.

_____


A Monster Mass Meeting at the Opera

House to Consider a Pro-

position.

_____


Capitalists With Unlimited Means Want

the Electric Light Plant.

_____


In Consideration They Will Build a Mil-

lion Dollar Manufacturing Establishment.


The meeting at the opera house last night was one of the most harmonious, for a mass meeting, that it has ever been our pleasure to attend. Nearly every man, woman and child in the city knows by this time what the meeting was for. A syndicate of eastern capitalists having secured an option on nearly all the available property at the dam, including the Swartz property, the Rice lake property, the water power proper, the city water works and valuable pine land, desire the city of Brainerd to turn over to them the electric light plant and franchise and pay all claims against it, they in return to give to the city fifty arc lights free for twenty years. This was what the people were called together to consider, and as the company do not ask the city to turn over a dollar’s worth of property to them until they have fulfilled their part of the contract by erecting manufacturing establishments on the power to cost in the neighborhood of a million of dollars and to employ from 300 to 500 men the year round, the matter is looked on with favor by nearly every man in the city:

The opera house was filled to its utmost capacity and C. L. Spaulding was chosen chairman. In order that the people might know that there was sufficient evidence of good faith telegrams were read as follows:


To S. R. AINSLIE, St. Paul:

Mr. Koop says the following was the proposition of Mr. Canfield last night and the people are anxious to know if it is bona fide. That is, that in case the electric light franchise is turned over to the syndicate, that the city will be furnished free fifty arc lights for the streets and rental of the water power company now in force will cease, and city continue to pay interest on bonds and bonds at maturity.

F. GREENE.


Mr. Ainslie replied as follows:

F. GREENE.—Proposition as stated in your telegram is correct and authentic. The syndicate is a powerful one and if it is a go will result in great benefit to Brainerd. It is strictly a business transaction, however, and I would suggest that the city execute contract in proper manner so that stipulations can be fully enforced.

S. R. AINSLIE.


A telegram from N. C. Thrall, Mr. Oakes’ private secretary, reads as follows:

“It is suggested that I should express to you for the information of interested parties at Brainerd an assurance of the fact that the Northern Pacific people are cognizant of the efforts that are being made to secure industries for Brainerd. I therefore hasten to do so and also to say that I have no doubt if deal is consummated the results will be far more advantageous to Brainerd than have probably this far been intimated. Arrangements, however, are still in embryo and the idea of electric proposition is to strength probabilities, in fact I think the grant will insure success of scheme.”

N. C. THRALL.


Speeches were made by Supt. Greene, Leon E. Lum. L. P. White, J. H. Koop, A. P. Farrar, H. C. Stivers and others and after a thorough discussion of the matter the following resolutions were adopted:

WHEREAS, in the present condition of Brainerd and the necessity for its growth of securing manufacturing enterprises, a proposal is made for acquiring the city’s electric light property as a condition precedent, or means of securing such enterprises, and

WHEREAS, the city council has no authority to dispose of said property unless empowered to do so by a vote of the people, therefore be it

RESOLVED by this mass meeting of citizens:—

First—That it is the sense of said meeting that if the city can secure fifty or more lights for its streets and building, without any expense save the payment of the interest upon the present electric light bonds and the bonds when they mature, and can by the sale or granting of its electric light plant, secure the improvement and utilization by reliable parties, of the Brainerd Water power and boomage, and the establishment of manufacturing industries in connection therewith, that it would be the best policy so to do.

Second—That the chairman of this meeting is hereby authorized to appoint a committee of five whose duty it shall be to confer with the parties who are making said propositions to the city, and report the result of such conference to the city council, and that, if such council shall then deem it advisable a special election be ordered at which the question of the disposition of the electric light plant shall be determined upon.

In accordance with the above Mr. Spaulding appointed as the committee L. P. White, Sr., John N. Nevers, Mayor Hemstead, J. J. Howe and W. S. McClenahan, and they went to St. Paul on the night train and will return and report to the council to-night in special session, when further steps will be taken. It is quite probable that a special election will be called. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 May 1889, p. 1, c. 3)


Have They Got Him?


The statement has been freely circulated in this city during the past twenty-four hours that a gambler, known in Brainerd as “Kid” Moore, has been arrested for the theft of the $15,000 from the express company. Whether there is any truth in the statement or not we are unable to say, although we were informed last night through a reliable source that Moore had been arrested and jailed at La Crosse, and that his arrest came about by his betting $2,000 in gold on a game of chance in that city, which led to the suspicion that he might have had a hand in the Brainerd robbery. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 May 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


Tough on Postal Clerks.


“The Northern Pacific is a good road for passengers, but tough on railway postal clerks,” said an employee of the railway mail service. “Let’s see, there’s a big list of them who have been killed or hurt in the last two years. There’s Tennis, who was killed at Muskoda, and Slattery, whose death in the Crystal Springs wreck a few days ago is still fresh in everyone’s mind. There’s Lounsberry with a broken leg, and badly scalded on his face, arms and chest, who will never be able to resume his duties, and who will sue for $100,000 damages, alleging criminal negligence on the part of the road. Then there’s Second Clerk Evans, who is badly used up, will have to stop railroading, and will ask for $50,000. O. R. Stevenson, who was hurt in the Brainerd wreck in October, 1888, will sue for $1075 damages. J. A. Hattery no relation to the dead man, hurt in the same wreck at Brainerd, has a title bill of damages amounting to $1565, and the list winds up with Chief Clerk C. M. Browne in the same wreck who will ask for $12,000 for almost total disability. The Northern Pacific is a Jonah for mail clerks.—Duluth News. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 May 1889, p. 4, c. 6)


SEE: 05 May 1889

SEE: 31 January 1890


24 May

The N. P. company has recently put on porters on all through trains, whose especial duty it will be to look after the comfort of the occupants of the colonist sleepers. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 May 1889, p. 1, c. 2)


Railroad Picnic.


The executive committee to perfect arrangements for the fourth [sic] annual picnic of the railroad employees of the N. P. company in this city has been appointed, and consists of the following named gentlemen, Fred Allen, Tom Mooney, Frank Smeltz, Tom Watts and N. W. Wheatley. This committee has power to appoint all other committees necessary to make the picnic an enjoyable success. The executive committee have had a meeting and have decided to hold the picnic on Saturday, June 22nd. The committee has also selected Glenwood, on the Little Falls & Dakota, was their first choice for the place to hold the picnic, and Detroit [Lakes] as second choice. It is though the latter named place will be selected, as two trains would be necessary it it was held at Glenwood, on account of the heavy curves and grades on the L. F. & D., while all could be taken on one train to Detroit [Lakes]. It will definitely be known in a day or two at which place the picnic will be held. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 May 1889, p. 1, c. 3)


SEE: 08 September 1883

SEE: 07 April 1884

SEE: 30 January 1886

SEE: 11 March 1886

SEE: 27 May 1887

SEE: 04 June 1887

SEE: 24 March 1888

SEE: 07 June 1889

SEE: 17 January 1890

SEE: 01 August 1890

SEE: 22 May 1891

SEE: 30 September 1892

SEE: 07 October 1892

SEE: 14 September 1894

SEE: 21 September 1894

SEE: 04 December 1896


ALMOST UNANIMOUS,

_____


Was the Vote Last Wednesday in Fa-

vor of Accepting the Proposi-

tion for

_____


The Disposal of the Electric Light

Plant.


The committee appointed by the mass meeting held at the opera house last Thursday evening, an account of which appeared in our last issue, to go to St. Paul and confer with the parties making the propositions to acquire the electric light plant, returned on Friday evening and met the council convened in extra session immediately on their return. The committee reported having had a conference with Mr. Ainslie and Mr. Thrall, who assured the committee that the syndicate making the proposition was acting in good faith and had ample means to make the proposed improvements. Mr. Ainslie denied having any personal interest in the matter, but Mr. Thrall, so the committee reported, finally told them that he was personally interested. As these gentlemen are well known to our citizens to be men of the strictest honesty and integrity the assurances they have given of the good faith of the syndicate are perfectly satisfactory to our people. Accordingly the council determined to submit the question of disposing of the plant to the people, and called an election for Wednesday, May 22nd. They also passed a resolution setting forth the conditions of the disposal of the plant, which were printed and posted in all parts of the city. The election occurred on Wednesday, and as was predicted in these columns, the vote was almost unanimously in the affirmative. The following is the vote by wards:


First Ward No—0 Yes—234

Second Ward No—0 Yes—245

Third Ward No—7 Yes—164

Fourth Ward No—6 Yes—115

Fifth Ward No—2 Yes—168


Total No—15 Yes—926

(Brainerd Dispatch, 24 May 1889, p. 1, c. 3)


31 May

Brainerd Will Prosper.


A couple of years ago C. F. Kindred succeeded in constructing the dam at Brainerd, and the hope was entertained that the water power and the flowage would secure the City of the Pines numerous saw mills. But the mills have not come, and the water power is without tenants. But some of the officials of the Northern Pacific are about to organize a syndicate to utilize the water power in a line distinct from cutting lumber, and Brainerd is likely to prosper accordingly. The syndicate have secured an option for the purchase of the dam and water power upon condition that the city will grant the syndicate the electric light plant and franchise as a bonus. The city under the terms of this proposition, is to pay the interest on the electric light bonds, amounting to $3,600 per annum, and the principal of the bonds when they mature. The company in return furnish fifty arc lights for street illumination for Brainerd for twenty years without cost to the city.—Minn. Lumberman. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 May 1889, p. 1, c. 2)


KINDRED

SEE: 07 November 1874

SEE: 14 November 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 07 June 1876

SEE: 23 March 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 18 January 1879

SEE: 31 May 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 20 September 1883

SEE: 23 September 1883

SEE: 26 August 1885

SEE: 13 December 1887

SEE: 25 March 1898

SEE: 05 February 1917


07 June

The Northern Pacific people are fixing up their depot and grounds in nice shape. The building is being painted this week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 June 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


The Railroad Picnic.


Through the courtesy of Mr. N. W. Wheatley we are able to give a list of the committees who have charge of the railroad picnic which will occur on Saturday June 22d at Lake Minnewaska (Glenwood) as follows:

Executive Committee—Fred Allen, N. W. Wheatley, T. Mooney, T. Watts, F. Smeltz.

Transportation—F. Greene, A. Bardsley, G. W. Vanderslice.

Music—N. W. Wheatley, G. W. Ames, Ed. Breheny, J. McGivern.

Ground—F. Smeltz, L. McPherson, F. W. Malott, N. W. Wheatley.

Amusements—F. Wehrle, W. Williamson, A. Wallace, T. Watts, Geo. Forsyth, J. Bradford, Geo. Wilson, R. M. De Lambert, J. McMullen.

Decorations—J. C. Small, T. Tomlinson, W. Percy, E. Crust, Joe Kiebler, T. F. Willis, J. Canan, B. McGivern, G. Hastings, Jas. Davis.

Printing—W. D. McKay, J. W. Porter, Jas. Willis, A. Forsyth.

Dancing—Geo. Watts, Geo. Stroner, I. E. Fox, Val. Smith, D. Doran, F. F. McGinnis.

Marshal of the day—W. P. Spalding. Chief Assistant, W. Meekins.

Law and Order—John Willis, Seth Tennis, J. Metzger, Nels Johnson, P. Olson, O. Erickson, W. Priest, Jas. Towers, T. Crawford, J. Roberts, T. Blackburn, Thos. Willis, J. C. Small, C. B. King, H. Robson, C. Grenell, J. Lowey, J. Douglas, S. Quinn, Jas Clark, B. Webb, L. Johnson, K. McDonald.

Fred Allen, Chairman, Jas. McMurtry, Secretary, and N. W. Wheatley, Treasurer.

_____


Bids Wanted.


Bids will be received for the right to sell refreshments on the train and also on the picnic grounds by the secretary of the committee up to the 18th inst.

JAS. McMURTRY.

Secretary R. R. Picnic

(Brainerd Dispatch, 07 June 1889, p. 4, c. 7)


SEE: 08 September 1883

SEE: 07 April 1884

SEE: 30 January 1886

SEE: 11 March 1886

SEE: 27 May 1887

SEE: 04 June 1887

SEE: 24 March 1888

SEE: 24 May 1889

SEE: 17 January 1890

SEE: 01 August 1890

SEE: 22 May 1891

SEE: 30 September 1892

SEE: 07 October 1892

SEE: 14 September 1894

SEE: 21 September 1894

SEE: 04 December 1896


14 June

The round house heretofore located at Little Falls is being removed to Staples from that place. It will contain fourteen stalls. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 June 1889, p. 4, c. 3)


Satisfactorily Settled.


The deal will undoubtedly be completed in a short time whereby the syndicate will become the owners of the dam property and the entire Swartz [sic] interests in that neighborhood. Mrs. Robinson [Magdalena Schwartz married Andrew Robinson on November 28, 1887.] has received $5,000 of the $30,000 that she is to have, and there is probably nothing that can now happen to stop the improvements at the water power, although it is not expected that immediate work will be commenced, as Mr. H. C. Davis was in Brainerd last night and in consultation with Leon E. Lum told him that they were not quite ready to close the deal, and that he was on his way to the coast to see Mr. Oakes in regard to the matter that concerned the railroad interests probably in regard to the N. P. pine. However, he left word for Mrs. Robinson that everything was all right and that she would get her money, but for her not to stop operations at her brick yard. That is exactly the way the matter stands at present, and although we may not see any active operations for some weeks, there is no doubt but that these things will all come. A good healthy growth will be worth more to Brainerd for time to come than a wild cat boom. The Weyerhauser Lumber Co., a firm with unlimited means and probably one of the largest institutions in the United States of its kind, are interested in this deal, and their mill which is to be located here will employ from 400 to 500 men. Large bodies move slowly, and in a business transaction of this magnitude it takes time to complete all the details and get things in shape. Our people can congratulate themselves on the bright prospect for future prosperity. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 June 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


For the Johnstown Sufferers.


Pine City Lodge No. 81, B. of L. F. of this city have arranged for a grand ball at the rink this (Friday) evening, the proceeds to be given to the unfortunate sufferers at Johnstown and vicinity who have been left penniless and in great destitution by the late floods. The object is a deserving one and every person in the city can surely afford a half dollar to help swell the fund. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 June 1889, p. 4, c. 6)


21 June

Work has been commenced by the Northern Pacific road on its connecting link of tracks uniting the terminus of its leased line, the Wisconsin Central, and the system at Ashland. Within a few days a continuous line of railway between the west and the east will have been formed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 June 1889, p. 1, c. 2)


The Northern Pacific will begin running solid vestibuled trains from Chicago to the coast July 1st. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 June 1889, p. 1, c. 2)


The appointment of S. R. Ainslie as general manager of the Wisconsin Central road is certainly one of the best selections that could have been made. Mr. Ainslie has many warm personal friends in Brainerd who are pleased to note his prosperity, but who are sorry to see him placed in a position that will attract his attention from this section. However, it is among the probabilities that with the next change he will occupy a similar position on the Northern Pacific. He is a thorough railroad man and capable to fill any position in the gift of the company. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 June 1889, p. 1, c. 3)


About $75 was realized by the ball given by Pine City Lodge, B. of L. F., for the benefit of the Johnstown sufferers. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 June 1889, p. 4, c. 3)


The railroad picnic tomorrow will probably be attended by the largest crowd of people that has ever left this city on a similar occasion. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 June 1889, p. 4, c. 3)


H. C. Davis, of the Northern Pacific, one of the syndicate who have acquired the water power privilege at Brainerd, is endeavoring to interest P. Musser, of Muscatine, and other of the Middle Mississippi lumbermen, in the opportunity presented at Brainerd for the development of the lumber business at that point. Mr. Musser looked the property over last week.—Lumberman. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 June 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


The Railroad Picnic.

_____


Tomorrow morning at 6 o‘clock the railroad employees of this city will leave for Glenwood for a day’s outing at the beautiful lake, Minnewaska. This is the fifth annual occasion of the kind and every effort is being made by the N. P. officials to give the men in their employ a good time. The train will be run in two sections and it is expected that they will reach Glenwood at about 9:30 a.m., which place is on the L. F. & D. road, about sixty miles west of Little Falls. The people of Glenwood will endeavor to make the occasion one of pleasure for the excursionists and will provide free transportation for them from the depot to the picnic grounds, and will practically turn their town over to our people for the day. The programme at the grounds has been arranged as follows:

Boys’ Foot Race, for boys from 10 to 14 years old, 50 yards. First prize $1.00. Second prize 50 Cents.

Girls’ Foot Race, for girls from 9 to 12 years old, 50 yards. First prize $1.00. Second prize 50 Cents.

Boys’ Foot Race, for boys 10 years and under, 40 yards. First prize, $1.00. Second prize 50 Cents.

Mens’ Foot Race, for men, open to all. 100 yards. First prize, $2.00. Second prize, $1.00.

Fat Man’s Race, 100 yards. First prize, $1.00. Second prize 50 Cents.

Sack Race, 25 yards. First prize $1.00. Second prize 50 Cents.

Running High Jump. First Prize $1.00. Second prize 50 Cents.

Vaulting with pole. First prize $1.00. Second prize 50 Cents.

Double Shell Race. Three-fourths of a mile and return. First prize $2.00. Second prize $1.00.

Tub Race, 50 yards. First Prize, $2.00. Second prize $1.00.

Walking Horizontal Greased Pole. Prize $2.00.

Cricket Match between the All Brainerd Eleven and the All Comers Eleven, wickets pitched at 12 noon sharp. Geo. Forsyth, captain of the All Brainerd Eleven. A. Bardsley, Esq., umpire.

There will also be a game of base ball, and dancing at the pavilion on the grounds. Boats will be for rent at 25 cents per hour. The Third Regiment Band will accompany the excursionists from this city. On the return home the train will leave Glenwood at 6 o’clock p.m., and will reach Brainerd at about 10 o’clock. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 June 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


22 June

The Railroad Excursion.

_____


[5th Annual Picnic] The excursion of the railroad employees of this city to Glenwood on Saturday last was one of the most pleasant occasions of the kind that has yet occurred. The committee could not have selected a more lovely spot and the day was perfect—two very important things. The first section of the train left at 6:10 in charge of Conductor Daley, and Conductor Rhodes started with the second section at 6:30, and both trains were crowded to their utmost capacity. The run from Brainerd to Glenwood, a distance of 91 miles was made in less than four hours, and without mishap. At the latter place the farmers for miles around had turned out with their teams to take the picnickers from the station to the lake, a distance of a mile and a half. Glenwood and Lake Minnewaska lie in a basin 200 feet below the point where the station is situated and the view obtained from that place is magnificent. Around the lake is a delightful drive shaded by overhanging branches and which was taken advantage of by many of the pleasure seekers. The day was spent in sports and games, boating and dancing. The return trip was made in safety and the trains reached Brainerd at 10 p.m. The excursion was enjoyed by all. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 June 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


The Brainerd Folks.

_____


From The Glenwood Minnesotian:

Well, Glenwood has opened the door of the destiny which awaits her—tho it would be more truthful to say that Brainerd pulled the latch-string. Her excursion last Saturday was the first of its character that the Glen has had; but the chrysalis broken, the incomparable charms of the Glen will refuse longer to rest obscurely in their encircling bluff.

The sun rose with his usual majesty Saturday morning, on time, and with its game eye open for “warm meals at all hours.” Everybody about the Glen was transformed into a flag station, and waited to hear the 4 o’clock morning gun go off at Brainerd.

At 10:15 the first contingent arrived. Ten cars wheeled up to the depot, and 110 wagons, etcetera, waited the coming. The Glenwood Brass Band mounted a freight car with their hair combed and their mother’s blessing, and tooted a resounding welcome. About 800 people, white haired babies and black haired daddies, all with good nature streaming from bright eyes, tumbled out and tumbled into wagons, and the cavalcade marched down those magnificent bluffs through glens and valleys, down 250 feet to the village and thence to the lake shore, where a picnic grove of eight miles of leafy beach awaited them. Forty-five minutes later the second train pulled in, and 600 more scrambled into the wagons and led by the magnificent 3rd Reg. M. N. G. Band, marched and marched away.

Right in this spot, before we lose our grip, we’re going to have a little mad all to ourselves. Why didn’t the Marshals, or somebody, say the editors, for instance, have that string of opaque freight cars shoved west of the depot? If there is one thing this wonderful Glen is proud of it is that vista from the N. P. Depot—and yet, there were 1,400 people cooped up between the train and the freights totally shut off from one of the finest landscapes in the world.

At the Pavilion we understand some exercises of an oratorical nature were indulged in, when everybody “scattered.”

The games were carried out as nearly as could be, tho want of time prevented the Cricket Match, and the girls would not run that champion petticoat race.

By two o’clock there were just about 2,500 people on the streets of Glenwood, the grounds round about, and along the eight mile drive, scattered over a distance of five miles and every boat was in use all the time.

After all the high-jumps and the high-jinks were properly perpetrated, the throng sought the base ball grounds, and there the fun began. All preliminary matters were merely preparatory. The genuine, all wool, yard-wide, ripped-wide-open, fun came when the ballbangers brung their bugles.


THE BALL GAME.


Brainerd sent down as fine a class of people as ever saddled a steam horse and picnicked abroad. Every one spoke in praise. No troubles, no scraps, much joy, but no jawy; everybody said “thank you” when you accidentally stepped on their toes, and then smiled if you replied “you’re welcome.”

And the uniformed Ball Nine, too, were fine looking fellows, and were really gentlemen. That they unfortunately forgot that they were among strangers instead of on their native heath, and began a fusillade of “guff,” “sass,” “chin,” and brag, against the quiet and inoffensive farmer boys who picked up a nine to give them the $25 prize with—was unwise and ended most ridiculously. Yet, Glenwood people, all and every, looked upon the matter kindly, and as soon as they were very fortunately punished for their overbearing manner we were all extremely sorry that the chin challenge was taken up.

The umpire was an unfortunate choice. He did not intentionally act hostile to Glenwood. We, of course, suppose he never umpired before. And as he soon found that the “Potato-diggers,” as the Renos had been called, were “up to snuff” on the fine points, he showed to great disadvantage. One point he certainly over-looked: That decisions should lean to the runner. At least two of his decisions were so gross that he ruled back on them. Credit is due Sam Blair for the firm stand he took in the first circus which occurred.

The game was over, and cheerfulness resumed its sway. The defeat of the visiting club would have caused no special remarks but for the unusual comments made by the Brainerd team, and the evident inefficiency of the umpire. His decision permitting two runs in on a blocked ball on the plea that the catcher took the ball from the ground, weakened his standing at once. Much credit was due Sam Blair, and the Captain, Pete Ferguson, for the firm stand taken against the first of these remarkable decisions.

It is doubtless true that the “guff” got off at the farmer boys was meant in good nature. But those farmer boys were our guests, too, only one being a villager. No humiliation follows a defeat, but we advise the young men to be a little more quiet and unassuming on the grounds, and let their friends do the “rattling.” We are sure the young men are gentlemen, and it was the desire of all that they might secure the prize if it could be won in a good-natured hard-fought contest.

The Brainerd boys were good batters, but were not up on base running. They didn’t begin stealing their second base until the fourth inning, when they appeared to “catch on.”

Johnnie Wilson made a splendid catcher. Blair’s pitching was all right. The B’s were sent to grass twice under it. But he did not vary the speed or delivery, and they caught on. Then Geo. Senson tried it, and he worked the perspective racket for all there was in it. It was just fun to see the batters shy at the ball about a foot over it.

Senson did splendid work, but one of his loose balls was taken up most be-a-u-tifully by a Brainerd boy, on the end of the bat, and a sky-scraping south-pole raker sent out.

Many good points were made which we would refer to had we known the names better, of both teams. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 July 1889, p. 1, c. 3)


23 June

Death of Dr. Bigger.


Dr. D. P. Bigger died at Kansas City on Sunday last. The deceased was for many years in charge of the Northern Pacific Sanitarium in this city and was instrumental in building the institution up to its present standard. He was succeeded by Dr. Courtney about a year ago and immediately left for St. Paul where he opened an office and practiced during the winter but his health failed and he was obliged to give up work entirely and went to Kansas City, where his wife was living with her aged mother. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 June 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


26 June

C. Fredlund crushed his foot quite badly in the turn-table at the shops Wednesday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 June 1889, p. 4, c. 3)


04 July

They Tied ‘Er Loose.


Yankee Doodle takes the cake,

Ice cream, sweetmeats and candy.

The festive cracker bursts with joy

For Yankee Doodle Dandy.


The American bird was tied loose in Brainerd yesterday, and it was by no means a dull Fourth of July. A good many people sought the cool retreats offered by the many lake resorts in this vicinity, but there were enough people left in the city to celebrate in good style. The small boy with the deadly toy pistol and nerve-shattering cracker was ever present. Not only did the small boy show that he was wonderfully pleased to think that this was a free country and that yesterday was the Nation’s holiday, but the large boy, with hair on his whiskers, got out and consumed beer with an appetite that would almost convince a man that two holidays had been boiled down into one—they also contributed to the pleasure of the day. There was not a still moment during the day, from early morn till late at night the cannon boomed and people roamed the streets with flags stuck in their hats bent on enjoying themselves. The day at Rice lake was an enjoyable one and it is estimated that fully a thousand people were in attendance. At the driving park there were races, ball games, club shooting and all manner of sports, and the Northern Pacific people ran an excursion train to accommodate those who desired to attend. There were three thousand people on the grounds at one time. In the evening fire works were displayed in the park fronting Main street, and a grand ball was in progress at the rink. Take it all in all the celebration of 1889 in Brainerd was quite a gorgeous affair. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 July 1889, p. 4, c. 6)


05 July

A Northern Pacific dining car was burned near Jamestown while being used on the limited express. The loss is reported to be $20,000. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 July 1889, p. 1, c. 2)


We understand that a party of gentlemen interested in the improvement at the dam are expected on the noon train tomorrow, (Saturday). (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 July 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


07 July

They Saw It.


A party of business men, accompanied by H. C. Davis, of the Northern Pacific, and three brothers of the Musser family, members of the Weyerhauser Lumber Co., made a trip to the dam and Rice lake on Sunday morning, these gentlemen having arrived the night before in their special car. After thoroughly viewing the improvements at the water power the party was invited aboard the steamer Lotta Lee, and were taken around the lake and up the river some six or seven miles. As the gentlemen had never seen the excellent advantages that we possessed in the way of boomage, etc., they were surprised and pleased with the facilities offered for safely handling an immense amount of logs. The gentlemen express themselves to individual members of the party in the strongest terms regarding the boomage as they had nowhere seen anything to equal it and they are lumbermen of experience. There is no doubt but that as soon as the question of timber can be settled that these gentlemen will begin the construction of mills as that appears to be the only matter now to be considered. It is expected that they will be here again on the 27th, when the estimates of stumpage, etc., will all be in and some definite understanding will be arrived at. An extract from a private letter to the editor by a gentleman who accompanied the party of mill men from Brainerd reads as follows:

“I came down with the gentlemen last night and feel certain that the matter is a go. They are well pleased with Brainerd and the people, and the only thing it hinges on is the amount of pine the Northern Pacific has tributary to the Mississippi and Brainerd.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 July 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


SEE: Steamboats in the Bridges, Mills, etc. in Brainerd page.


12 July

Baldwin Engine No. 10,000 built for the Northern Pacific in June 1889.
Source: Unknown

Engine No. 10,000 which was in Brainerd last week was of the new consolidated pattern, built especially for the Northern Pacific for mountain traffic, and was a perfect leviathan. It was one of 73 ordered from the Baldwin works. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 July 1889, p. 4, c. 3)


Railroad work is progressing rapidly at Staples. The track for the yards has been laid, the foundations of the round house have been completed and the brick walls are up several feet. The prospects are that it will be quite a good sized town in a few months, as it will be the end of three of the best divisions on the Northern Pacific line. The railroad yards and buildings are on the south side of the track, and it is expected that the town will be built on the north side. Several lots have been purchased by parties intending to put up stores, hotels, saloons and other business houses and several residences will soon be built.—Transcript. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 July 1889, p. 4, c. 3)


Benefit for Mrs. N. D. Root.


A telegram from Jamestown, Dakota, says:

N. D. Root, assistant general superintendent of the western division of the Northern Pacific road, was accidentally killed in Montana last winter. Shortly after his death the employees of the road began to raise a fund among themselves for the benefit of his widow. The committee having the matter in charge reports that on July 1 the fund had reached the gratifying amount of $8,496.66. Of this sum $2,000 has been invested in a house for Mrs. Root at Brainerd, and the remainder will be converted into good securities and turned over to her in a few days. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 July 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


19 July

A New Style of Cars.


The N. P. has just received twenty new colonist sleepers from Barney, Smith & Co. that are models of beauty, convenience and comfort, and contain many improvements over the ordinary colonist sleeper, or so-called tourist car, generally in use. Each car has fourteen sections with gentlemen’s toilet room in one end, and the ladies’ room, supplied with marble-topped washstand and force pump, in the other. In one end of the car is a Baker fire-proof heater, which heats the car by means of hot water conducted through pipes. In the opposite end of the car is a cooking range surrounded by good kitchen facilities. Opposite this range is a twenty gallon cooler for drinking water, also a large tank holding seventy gallons of water for general use. These cars are finished in natural woods—ash, maple and butternut, beautifully polished, and at night are lighted up with eight Acme lamps exactly similar to those in use on Pullman sleepers. The sections are divided by sliding head-boards, effecting a privacy not possible in the present style of cars where the sections are separated by a wire netting. An ingenious arrangement of the seats enables them to be extended flat or with head rests when prepared for bedding, and under each seat is a box in which can be stored bedding or small baggage. In each section there is also provided a moveable table similar to those in use in Pullman cars, which is extremely convenient for many purposes. All cars are provided with curtain rods. Notwithstanding the fact that the Northern Pacific employs a porter to look after these sleepers, all holders of second class Montana and Pacific Coast tickets are allowed to use them FREE OF CHARGE. The Northern Pacific has a greater number of these sleepers in service than any other transcontinental line, their total equipment now amounting to 63 cars. It is clear that in providing for the comfort of the traveling public, the Northern Pacific, with its new vestibuled dining and sleeping cars and superior accommodations for second class passengers, leads all its competitors.—The Independent. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 July 1889, p. 1, c. 2)


26 July

The Duluth Herald credits Supt. Greene with saying that the Northern Pacific has ballasted the Wisconsin division so well that trains can make fifty and sixty miles per hour. It is intended to put on fast through service between Duluth and Chicago in a few days which will be a permanent thing. These trains will be run in connection with the overland trains. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 July 1889, p. 1, c. 2)


The track of the Northern Pacific cut-off from Little Falls to Staples is being laid at the rate of a mile per day. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 July 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


The cruisers who have been looking over the N. P. lands estimating the timber for the Weyerhauser Lumber Co., have completed the job and returned to this city. It is said that the amount of timber is fully up to the expectations and that the mills will be built. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 July 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


A Woman’s Taste.


Rear of the NP Depot and grounds facing west toward the Arlington Hotel, July 1889. A 1930x961 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
NP Depot grounds, July 1889. A 973x582 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
NP Depot grounds, July 1889. A 947x422 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The Duluth Herald says that the value of a woman’s taste and refinement in railroad work is perhaps more fully illustrated in the case of Mrs. F. Green, wife of Superintendent Green, of the Northern Pacific, than in any other person in American railroad circles. When she went to Brainerd the grounds about the old general office, now the depot, were an eyesore to all residents as well as the traveling public. Then they were a dumping ground and the smell rose with a rankness that indicated the spot with unfailing accuracy. Now the place is a beauty spot, with beautiful walks, young trees, a profusion of flowers, an elegant rockery and a large bed of foliage plants arranged so as to form in the rich light and dark shadings an attractive station sign, of standard arrangement and proportions and about sixty feet long. The name Brainerd appears in dark relief in the center while on the ends are the words “St. Paul 138 Miles,” and Tacoma 1800 Miles,” all in flowers. Everyone notices it and carries away a pleasant memory of the place. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 July 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


Through Trains.


General Manager Ainslie, of the Wisconsin Central, says that the running of through trains over the Central and Northern Pacific will commence about August 1st, which will include through trains between Milwaukee and Duluth. The through trains to and from the Pacific coast will start and stop at Chicago, but there will be no through train between Milwaukee and the coast unless it is demonstrated that there is business enough between Chicago and St. Paul for two sleepers.—Stevens Point (Wis.) Gazette. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 July 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


01 August

General Superintendent Kimberley.


Today’s St. Paul [Pioneer] Press contains the following:

The official circular was issued by General Manager Mellen yesterday appointing M. C. Kimberley general superintendent of the Northern Pacific. He will have direct charge of the operation and maintenance of the road, and will report to the general manager. The position of general superintendent has been vacant since S. R. Ainslie resigned to accept the office of general manager for the Wisconsin Central. The appointment of Mr. Kimberley will be satisfactory to everyone. He is very popular with all connected with the road, and has been in the service of the company for a long time. For some time past he has been assistant general superintendent, with office at Helena. There is much speculation as to who will succeed Mr. Kimberley. T. J. DeLamere’s name is prominently mentioned in this connection. Mr. DeLamere is at present superintendent of transportation. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 August 1889, p. 4, c. 6)


02 August

A well-grounded rumor has been dodging about railroad circles for the past week that Supt. Kimberley, of the Northern Pacific, would succeed to the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of S. R. Ainslie as general superintendent. Nothing definite could be learned until yesterday, when the rumor was confirmed by several of the Northern Pacific officials. Mr. Kimberley has been considering the duties of the new position, and will probably enter upon and assume them in a few days.—Globe. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 August 1889, p. 4, c. 3)


Stole a Watch.


About two weeks ago Wm. Kimpson, an employee at the freight house, lost a nice gold watch which was taken from his vest pocket, he having left the garment hanging on a nail during the morning. John Maloney was also working in the office, but suspicion did not attach to him until he left the employ of the company and accidentally laid a pass and pawn ticket for a watch down in the post-office and forgot them. They were sent over to the office and Mr. Kimpson recognized the description of his watch on the ticket. In the meantime Maloney had gone to St. Paul, but he was detained and brought back to Brainerd yesterday and acknowledged his guilt in the municipal court and was fined $60 which he paid and was glad to escape a term in the penitentiary. Maloney has heretofore borne a good name and himself says he cannot see why he stole the time-piece. Supt. Green had given him an excellent letter of recommendation when he left the city a few days ago, but it was returned to him on his request by the sheriff. It will probably be a good lesson to the young man. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 August 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


Wants Damages.


John Brooks brings suit in the district court against the Northern Pacific Railroad company for $20,000 damages for personal injuries sustained. On March 21 [sic] [March 22], while Brooks was a yard switchman at Brainerd, he was riding on the front foot-board of an engine when it struck a plank flooring between the tracks and threw him under the engine. His left leg was cut off above the knee and he sustained other serious injuries. In his complaint Brooks claims that the plank flooring was not properly constructed and the foot-board on the engine was too low to be safe.—Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 August 1889, p. 4, c. 7)


SEE: 22 March 1889


09 August

A car containing sheep was thrown from the switch track this morning and thirty-five of the animals killed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 August 1889, p. 4, c. 3)


Joe Harmon while crossing the railroad track on Sixth street Friday evening of last week was struck by a passing locomotive and thrown some distance, but received no further injury than a few slight bruises. He was somewhat intoxicated, which probably accounts for his not being killed instantly. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 1889, p. 4, c. 3)


12 August

An Elegant Train.


General Manager Ainslie, of the Wisconsin Central road, was in Duluth Monday. He said that unless the Northern Pacific road was slow in getting out the time card, the new Duluth and Chicago vestibule train over the two roads would be running on Sunday next. The train will be a very fine one, with dining cars, and an extra sleeper for Milwaukee will be attached out of Duluth. It will make the run to Chicago in about sixteen hours.—Press. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 1889, p. 1, c. 4)


16 August

It is rumored that Mr. Villard has a plan for the issuance of a consolidated mortgage of $160,000,000 to settle the indebtedness of the Northern Pacific. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 1889, p. 1, c. 2)


The Crookston people expect that the Northern Pacific road will enter that city this fall and it is reported that ground for terminal facilities has already been secured. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 1889, p. 1, c. 2)


B. of L. E. Auxiliary.


An auxiliary to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, Division No. 144, was organized in this city Aug. 8th, 1889, by Mrs. C. G. Clark, of Winona, Minn., special deputy of the Grand International Auxiliary at Chicago. This G. I. A. was organized with eleven charter members under the name of Murdock Lodge No. 43. The following officers were elected:

Mrs. Geo. H. Wilson, president.

Mrs. Y [sic]. P. Willis, vice president.

Mrs. Chas. Metcalf, Jr., secretary.

Mrs. James Stewart, treasurer.

Mrs. Walter Hammond, chaplain.

Mrs. C. C. Farwell, guide.

Mrs. T. E. Jones, sentinel.

Mrs. J. C. Harris, deputy.

Mrs. Geo. Wilson, delegate.

Mrs. James Morton, alternate.

The object of this organization is to assist the Brotherhood. Wives and widows of B. of L. E. in good standing are eligible to membership. The ladies are highly pleased with the manner in which Mrs. Clark conducted the organization of the lodge and wish to express their gratitude for her kindness. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


20 August

A Phonographic Entertainment.


There will be a phonographic entertainment and exhibition in the Y. M. C. A. hall next Wednesday evening, Aug. 20th. L. H. Everts, of St. Paul, will be present and conduct the entertainment. He will explain the construction and use of the phonograph, and the machine will reproduce singing, speaking, band and piano music, etc. It exactly reproduces every sound, and is the only means by which you can hear your own voice accurately reproduced. Nearly everybody knows something of the phonograph in a general way, but comparatively few have ever seen one in actual use. The entertainment will therefore be an exceedingly interesting one. The price of admission will be twenty-five cents. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


The entertainment given at the Y. M. C. A. rooms by H. L. Everts and his phonograph were not as well attended as could have been desired although it was probably one which the people would enjoy more than that of the average traveling troupes. The association realized a small sum over expenses. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 August 1889, p. 4, c. 3)


22 August

Will Shorten the Line.


H. C. Davis, of the Northern Pacific returned yesterday from an extended trip over that road. He says he never saw the country looking better. It will be a prosperous year with everyone. The grain has harvested well, and everyone looks for much better times. The construction of the line from Gallatin to Butte is progressing rapidly. The grading is completed and the track laying well underway. The length of the line is eighty miles. It will be ready for operation the latter part of next week. This line will shorten the Northern Pacific’s line to Butte 126 miles, and will give it the short mileage between St. Paul and that great mining camp. Butte is at present reached by way of Garrison. The distance will be further reduced when the Little Falls [Staples] cut-off is completed.—Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 August 1889, p. 1, c. 2)


23 August

How the Trains Will Run.


We are informed by a railroad official that [when] the Northern Pacific cut-off is turned over to the operating department all St. Paul trains will run over it, and that the trains that now run from Brainerd to Duluth will then run from Staples (the junction of the cut-off and main line) to Duluth, also that the Little Falls & Dakota trains will then run from Morris to Brainerd, via Little Falls.—Transcript. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 August 1889, p. 1, c. 2)


The Northern Pacific will on Sunday next inaugurate its through passenger service from Chicago to the coast. The daily Wisconsin Central train for Chicago from St. Paul will carry of the Northern Pacific’s equipment a first-class coach, a colonist sleeper and a Pullman for return on a through schedule. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 August 1889, p. 1, c. 2)


Steel rails are being laid on the Northern Pacific between Detroit [Lakes] and Fargo. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 August 1889, p. 4, c. 3)


The Northern Pacific people have recently strung a copper telegraph wire from Brainerd to St. Paul. It is claimed that a copper wire is the proper kind to use for that purpose and the matter will be tested. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 August 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


29 August

Railroad News.


Two freight trains collided on the Northern Pacific railroad yesterday forenoon, a few miles out of Duluth, toward Northern Pacific Junction. Trains were delayed ten hours, but the wreck was cleared away early in the afternoon, and trains are running as usual. Two Northern Pacific freight locomotives are nearly ruined, for both were going at a good rate of speed. A number of cars of each freight train were derailed and ditched, their contents spilled and spoiled. Northern Pacific freight No. 21 was run into by an extra. The accident happened near Carlton and is said to have been caused by mistakes in reading signals. As near as can be ascertained both engines were badly broken and five cars from the regular train knocked from the track.—Duluth Herald. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 August 1889, p. 1, c. 4)


30 August

The new Northern Pacific service between Duluth and Chicago was inaugurated Monday. The train was well patronized, carrying about twenty-five passengers, many of whom were en route for Milwaukee to attend the Grand Army encampment. There were five coaches, three of them Wisconsin Central—the baggage car, smoker and the vesitbuled car and a Northern Pacific first-class coach. Superintendent Greene’s private car made the run to Ashland. The vestibule car, Lake Villa, is finished in antique oak and cherry, the upholstering in old gold plush and leather. Cars that are being built especially for this run by the Northern Pacific are not yet out of the shops, but will be ready for use in a short time.—Herald. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 August 1889, p. 1, c. 2)


The N. P. R. R. is taking out all the old wood culverts and replacing them with solid stone between Brainerd and Fargo. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 August 1889, p. 4, c. 3)


A moulder named Costello, employed by Parker & Topping in the N. P. Foundry, was taken violently insane the first of the week, and it was first thought that it would be necessary to send him to an asylum, but on examination Dr. Camp thought that the attack was only a temporary one, produced by overwork, and recommended that he be kept at home for a few days, and he thought he would speedily recover. At last report he was resting quietly and was quite rational. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 August 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


On Tuesday another party of cruisers of the Weyerhauser Lumber Co., left for the woods. It is evident that the company means business, and actual work on the establishment of a saw mill will probably be commenced in the near future. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 August 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


SEE: 13 September 1889


Another Bank.


Preliminary arrangements have been completed the past week for the forming of a new banking company in this city and the immediate establishment of a new bank. The capital stock of the new bank will be $35,000 all of which has already been subscribed for. The prime movers in the matter are Parker & Topping, J. N. Nevers, Sam Walker, Koop Bros., J. H. Koop, J. J. Howe, and several other equally prominent citizens. Although no organization has yet been effected, it is understood that J. N. Nevers will be the managing officer, and the bank will be located in the room next to Cohen’s dry goods store, now occupied as an office by Postmaster Koop. The name of the new bank will be the Mechanics’ Bank, of Brainerd and will be incorporated as a state bank. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 August 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


06 September

A Big Suit Against the N. P.


On December 1st 1886, Thomas Hefferon, then 16 years of age, and employed in the Northern Pacific shops at Brainerd, lost the sight of one of his eyes from injuries received from a flying piece of steel which became detached from a piece of machinery. Young Hefferon subsequently lost the use of the other eye and became insane in consequence and was confined in St. Peter asylum for about four months. He is now sane and his attorneys, Adams & Quinn, of St. Paul, have begun an action for $100,000,000 damages. His father, Patrick Hefferon, also sues for $3,762.50 for losses sustained by reason of the injuries. The action was transferred to the United States circuit court in St. Paul on Monday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 September 1889, p. 1, c. 2)


SEE: 21 March 1890

SEE: 27 March 1890

SEE: 06 March 1891


11 September

The Woolly West.


Passengers on the Northern Pacific road are accustomed to all the delights of modern travel, another little innovation was given to east-bound passengers at Kimberley station Wednesday afternoon. A baggage man at Aitkin and the postmaster at Kimberley have long cherished a grudge, and they met Wednesday while the passenger train was at the latter station and fought it out according to the latest Northern Pacific Junction rules. Meanwhile the train was being delayed—but a hot box opportunity developed itself—until seven rounds had been fought and the spectators declared the affair a draw.—Duluth Herald. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 September 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


13 September

The Northern Pacific is having its track fenced from Brainerd westward to Aldrich, beyond that point being already fenced. The crew has reached Motley.—Register. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 September 1889, p. 4, c. 3)


The work of cruising the lands belonging to the Northern Pacific in Minnesota, which it is proposed to sell to Peter Musser and others, is still in progress.—Lumberman. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 September 1889, p. 4, c. 3)


SEE: 30 August 1889


Northern Pacific Bank of Brainerd.

_____


A meeting of the stockholders of the new bank will be held on Monday next to perfect a permanent organization and elect a president, vice president and cashier, and at which time the final arrangements will be completed for opening the institution for business. It was first thought that the name would be the “Citizen’s Bank of Brainerd,” but upon further consideration it has been decided to call the bank “The Northern Pacific Bank of Brainerd.” At the meeting held on Monday last at which C. N. Parker presided, it was decided that $25,000 was all the capital that would be required at present and accordingly the subscriptions, which amounted to $33,700, was cut down to that amount, but the right is reserved to increase the stock to $100,000 at any time should the business require. The amounts subscribed by stock-holders will be paid in on Monday next. The board of directors consists of C. N. Parker, H. W. [Herbert W.] Topping, Sam. Walker, J. J. Howe, J. W. Koop, J. N. Nevers, M. Hagberg, J. L. Camp and A. V. Snyder. A committee consisting of J. N. Nevers, H. W. [Herbert W.] Topping and L. E. Lum was appointed to secure suitable rooms for the bank with full power to act. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 September 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


19 September

Wm. Mahood met with quite a serious accident at the shops yesterday which will lay him up for some time. He was working near a circular saw and in some manner his thumb came in contact with it and the member was nearly severed from his hand. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 September 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


20 September

The influence of the big crop is being felt by the car builders. The Northern Pacific has recently ordered 3,000 freight cars to be delivered this month, and the company is under contract to keep on ordering until it has been furnished 25,000 cars. It will take about 225,000,000 feet of lumber of all classes to fill that little order, says the Lumberman. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 September 1889, p. 1, c. 2)


Melvin Walker, of Brainerd, who was firing engine No. 151 on the cutoff the other day when the collision occurred, says he thought he had been sent for. Mel. had worked hard and had old 151 shining like a new dollar. A man who works as hard as he does to keep his engine looking neat deserves something better than firing on a gravel train.—Little Falls Herald. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 September 1889, p. 4, c. 3)


The new bank will be opened in part of the building occupied by Wm. Hack, next door to the postoffice, instead of the room just west. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 September 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


01 October

Just as a Northern Pacific freight train was pulling out of Glendive Tuesday night a brakeman heard groans coming from a Blue line tank car. Investigation showed that two men who were stealing a ride had been overcome by the fumes arising from the crude oil in the bottom of a tank. One was already dead, and the other died to-day. At the coroner’s inquest it developed that the first victim was John Brandon, a stonemason from St. Louis, where his widow and family live. The other was Harry Ledgerwood, a boilermaker, who formerly lived at Mandan, Dak. Brandon had $25 on his person, and Ledgerwood $34. Both were buried in the town cemetery at Glendive this afternoon. It is thought the men got into the tank just as the train was pulling out, and were immediately overcome. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 October 1889, p. 1, c. 3)


02 October

Y. M. C. A.


The annual meeting of the Y. M. C. A. was held Oct. 2nd. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: President, H. C. Craig; 1st vice president, Prof. A. B. Gould; 2nd vice president, R. F. Walters; recording secretary, F. E. Potter; treasurer, F. M. Cable; directors, D. A. Potter, Rev. G. H. Davis, J. E. Ireland and Rev. C. G. Miller.

The reports of the officers show a very successful year’s work.

The building committee report the building as costing $4,600, with a debt of $835, and needing $1,600 to complete the basement for the gymnasium and the second floor for bath rooms, etc. The secretary’s report shows that part of the building has been occupied since April 1st, and that 7,549 people have visited it during the past six months. The social and entertainment work has been six entertainments and two receptions, with an attendance of 1,490, and a net profit to the Association of $132.50.

A large amount of work is being planned for the winter in the social, physical, intellectual and spiritual departments. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 October 1889, p. 1, c. 3)


04 October

A Very Gauzy Rumor.


A rumor that the Northern Pacific railroad has decided to remove its car shops from Brainerd to East Superior is afloat. The rumor has not been traced to any substantial authority, but many claim the statement came semi-officially from Northern Pacific men. It rests, however, on a very gauzy foundation, but may possibly be true.—Duluth Herald. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 October 1889, p. 1, c. 2)


07 October

The Northern Pacific Bank of Brainerd filed their articles of incorporation with the state public examiner on Monday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 October 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


22 October

BRAINERD, Oct. 22—The new state bank, to be known as the Northern Pacific Bank of Brainerd, opened for business today in the rooms of the Lumbermen’s Exchange Bank, with J. N. Nevers as cashier and Capt. I. Seymour, late of the Northern Pacific, as teller. The bank starts with large deposits and has fine prospects of successful business. (Minneapolis Tribune, 23 October 1889, p. 6)


The newly organized bank which goes under the name of the Northern Pacific Bank of Brainerd, began business on Tuesday in a part of the room now occupied by the Lumberman’s Exchange Bank. J. N. Nevers is cashier, and I. Seymour, formerly N. P. store-keeper, is teller. The Lumberman’s Bank is still doing business at the old stand, although we understand that Mr. Spaulding will close up his banking business as soon as possible, and devote his whole time to the post-office. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 October 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


25 October

And now the newspapers have it that the N. P. is attempting to secure a direct line of its own to the seaboard by way of Quebec and Montreal. The N. P. seems to be quite a prominent factor in railroad circles in late years, and is astonishing slow going eastern roads with its wonderful push and activity. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 October 1889, p. 1, c. 2)


It is reported that the N. P. will begin to run trains over the cut-off the first of the coming month. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 October 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


31 October

The case of Joseph Guyett [sic] vs. the Northern Pacific R. R., was on trial in the municipal court yesterday, and resulted in a verdict of $100 for the plaintiff. J. N. True conducted the case for the plaintiff, and G. S. Fernald appeared for the defense. The cause of the trial was the killing of a horse belonging to the plaintiff by the defendant’s train near Crow Wing last July. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 November 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


01 November

The Little Falls cut-off will be opened for traffic on the 15th inst. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 November 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


06 November

Will Build at Staples.


A St. Paul paper under date of Nov. 6th has the following telegram from Brainerd: “A number of misunderstandings and several disappointed hotel ambitions are developed over the hotel or lunch house the Northern Pacific railway desires constructed at the Staples or west end of the Little Falls cutoff. But at the right moment R. R. Wise, proprietor of the Arlington Hotel of Brainerd turns up with a document in his favor signed by President Oakes. He went there yesterday with full plans of construction.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 November 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


15 November

R. R. Wise, the popular landlord of the Arlington Hotel at Brainerd is putting up a two-story eating house just west of the depot at Staples. Work began Tuesday, and he expects to have it completed by the 17th inst. The building is 30x50 feet in size, brick veneered, and the kitchen will be on the second floor, thus avoiding all disagreeable odors.—Register. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 November 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


After the 24th inst. when trains begin running on the cut-off, Brainerd will have but one passenger train each way a day. This will be extremely inconvenient for our people to do business in St. Paul and Minneapolis. The scheme to put on a train to leave here early in the morning and return in the evening, should be urged on the company by our business men, and we have no doubt but that the company, with its well known disposition to accommodate its patrons, would favorably consider the matter and furnish the desired transportation facilities. Official action by the council and board of trade in the matter would, no doubt, have a good effect. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 November 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


23 November

A Lively Run Over the Cut-off.


LITTLE FALLS, Minn., Nov. 23.—Through trains commenced running over the Little Falls cut-off, on the Northern Pacific, to Staples, to-day. Yesterday Division Superintendent McCabe’s car made the trip between Staples and this city, thirty-four miles, in thirty-six minutes, the last eighteen miles being run at the rate of sixty miles an hour. The “cut-off” is said to be the best built of any portion of the Northern Pacific. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 November 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


In the late eighties, the next serious setback to the Brainerd interests took place when the Northern Pacific built a cut-off line from Little Falls to Staples, thereby taking away many high-priced men—engineers, firemen, brakemen, and conductors. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923; pp. 20 & 21)


29 November

A collision between an incoming freight train and a switch engine occurred at noon inside the yard limits on the St. Paul track Tuesday and both engines were quite badly damaged. A car loaded with boiled oil for Spokane Falls was totally wrecked. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 November 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


04 December

Conductor Jerry O’Connor was quite badly injured in a collision near Cromwell on Wednesday evening. His train was endeavoring to get over a heavy grade and the first attempt was unsuccessful, accordingly they backed down to make another run for it, and an extra going in the same direction ran into the rear of his train demolishing the caboose. Mr. O’Connor was in the cupola which probably saved his life. As it was he was bruised about the hips and lower limbs and laid in an unconscious state for three hours. He was brought to his home in this city and is slowly improving. Engineer Geo. Hass, of the extra, sustained a badly sprained ankle but was otherwise uninjured. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 December 1889, p. 4, c. 7)


06 December

Installation Ball.


James T. Hughes, Northern Pacific Conductor, ca. 1889.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Invitations have been issued for a grand installation ball at the Armory on Monday evening, Dec. 16th, by the Order of Railway Conductors and elaborate arrangements are being made in order that it shall be the event of the season. Supper will be served at the Arlington and a grand good time is looked for. The committee consists of Sherman Corrigan, W. H. Cummings, J. T. Hughes, Jas. Furlong, I. C. Loomis and E. A. Ball. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 December 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


Assistant Superintendent Vanderslice has changed his headquarters from Brainerd to Staples. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 December 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


For Better Train Service.


A meeting of the citizens was held at the municipal court room on Wednesday evening to consider the matter of endeavoring to get better train service between St. Paul and Brainerd. The situation of affairs was discussed and it was the opinion that if the Northern Pacific people were made aware of the inadequacy of the train service by resolution from a representative body of business men of the city, that they would remedy the matter. Hon. Leon E. Lum presided at the meeting and H. C. Stivers acted as secretary. The following resolutions were presented by Hon. W. A. Fleming and adopted:

WHEREAS, The Northern Pacific Railroad company has recently made certain changes in the passenger trains on its road between this city and St. Paul, causing great inconvenience to the traveling public, therefore,

RESOLVED, That, not forgetful of past favors conferred upon our city, the management of said road be respectfully asked to provide additional passenger service from and between said cities, for the better accommodation of the public, and to facilitate travel to and from St. Paul and Minneapolis; and that a copy of this resolution be transmitted by the secretary to W. S. Mellen, Esq., General Manager, with such explanations as he may deem proper. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 December 1889, p. 4, c. 6)


13 December

Last month’s payroll of the Northern Pacific was the heaviest that has been made in Brainerd in five years, amounting to nearly $70,000. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 December 1889, p. 4, c. 3)


Not as Bad as Reported.


Gen. Supt. Kimberley, of the Northern Pacific, states that the reports received here of a strike on the Cascade division of that road is greatly exaggerated. Freight traffic at Tacoma and Seattle is not affected and the strike is confined to a certain portion of freight brakemen and conductors on the Cascade division. Officers of the local branch of the brakemen’s organization are not in sympathy with the strike, neither are the public and officials of the road on western divisions, who say there are plenty of men to take the places of the strikers. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 December 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


16 December

Thomas Martin, an employee in the railroad yards, was seriously injured on Monday evening, and very narrowly escaped death. He was making a coupling on some freight cars and when they came together the link broke, a piece striking him in the face and knocking him insensible. He was taken to the hospital and an examination showed that his face and forehead were terribly bruised and the bone was taken out. He will be badly disfigured but the probabilities are that he will recover. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 December 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


The ball given by the Order of Railway Conductors at the Armory on Monday evening was a very enjoyable affair. The newly elected officers were publicly installed before the dancing commenced and the ceremonies were attentively listened to. The room was artistically decorated, a miniature caboose on an elevated track of evergreens hanging suspended in the center of the hall. The supper at the Arlington was quite an elaborate affair. The crowded condition of our columns prevent a more extended notice but we will add that Division 197 can congratulate themselves on the success of the event. The following officers were installed: C. C., A. O Harrison; A. C. C., J. B. Dumly; S. & T., I. C. Loomis; S. C., S. Corrigan; J. C., S. C. Hannan; I. S., J. M. McGanan; O. S., M. F. Hannan; Delegate, W. H. Cummings; Alternate, Jas. Smith. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 December 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


26 December

A Magnificent Gift.


Secretary Van Campen, of the Brainerd Y. M. C. A., yesterday received a telegram conveying the good news that Henry Villard, formerly president of the N. P. company, had given $2,000 to the building fund of the Y. M. C. A. of this city. This sum is amply sufficient to put in steam heating apparatus, bath tubs and gymnasium. As Mr. Villard is the guiding spirit of the N. P. company, this indication of his faith in the future of Brainerd is received with delight by our citizens. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 December 1889, p. 4, c. 5)


27 December

About 5,000 miles of railroad track was constructed during the year 1889. This is the smallest amount that has been constructed in any one year since 1885, when the amount was less than 4,000 miles. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 December 1889, p. 1, c. 2)


This is Our “Pat.”


The Railway News-Reporter, published at Denver, on the occasion of the 26th annual conclave of the International Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, contains the following complimentary notice of P. H. Carney, of this city, and although the name and location is somewhat indistinct it is not hard to understand who is meant:

Pat. Kearney [sic], of the Northern Pacific, who joined the Brotherhood in 1870, was in attendance. He has run an engine for the past eighteen years between Brainerd, Dak., and St. Paul, Minn. He was chief engineer of Brainerd Division 144 for fourteen years. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 December 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


1890

01 January

To Meet the Popular Demand.


Commencing Wednesday the Northern Pacific made a further attempt to introduce a new measure to please the tourist in the manner of conducting their colonist or second class sleeper service to the coast. The Pullman Car company operate and equip 40 cars which run daily between Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and the Pacific coast. These cars are furnished with bedding and are in charge of a porter, a nominal charge being made for berths—$3 from St. Paul to the coast. Unfurnished cars will also be continued on the line, so that all who do not desire the superior advantages of the new system will still be placed in a comfortable position, supplying, of course, their own bedding. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 January 1890, p. 1, c. 2)


02 January

F. E. Potter, who has for two years past been assistant chief train dispatcher for the N. P. Co. in this city, has been promoted to chief dispatcher and transferred to Glendive, Mont., for which point Mr. and Mrs. Potter left Brainerd yesterday. Mr. and Mrs. Potter have a large circle of friends in the city who greatly regret their departure from our midst. Train Dispatcher Williams has been appointed to the position vacated by Mr. Potter’s promotion. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 January 1889, p. 4, c. 4)


10 January

They are Troubled.


A good many contradictory reports are afloat concerning the proposed purchase of the Northern Pacific pine by Mr. Weyerhauser and his syndicate. The trade two weeks ago was declared off, because a condition of the proposition was that the timber should be manufactured at Brainerd. If the negotiations have been resumed, as it is asserted is the case, it can be put down as a fact that there has been important modifications in the terms, and, especially, in the condition as to where the timber should be converted into lumber. In the meantime a trade is pending for other pine on the upper Mississippi not included in the scattered holding of the Northern Pacific, and which cannot bring their real value without the purchase at the same time of contiguous tracts belonging to private parties.—Northwestern Lumberman. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 January 1890, p. 1, c. 4)


He Wants Damages.


Frank B. Hooper, well known in this city, now traveling for the National Cash Register Company, is about to sue the N. P. Company for damages. The Pioneer Press says:

He alleges that he boarded a Northern Pacific train, Charles Waterman, conductor, at 2:45 A. M., getting on at the front end of the train, between the baggage car and first passenger coach; that he had on his arm two light overcoats, and carried one small and one large grip. The wind, he claims, was blowing a lively gale, so hard, in fact, that one of the grips blew off the platform and caught on the coupling between the cars. Mr. Hooper says that the door to the passenger coach was locked; that he tried to open it, and that a brakeman said, “You can’t get in at that door.” According to Hooper, both the conductor and brakeman tried to open the door from the inside for a few moments, and then went back and sat down, leaving him to ride on the platform to Moorhead, a distance of ten miles or more. Hooper alleges that he became so benumbed with cold that he was obliged to cling to the brake standard by one hand and one leg; that when he arrived at Moorhead his face, one hand and one ear were badly frosted. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 January 1890, p. 1, c. 4)


SEE: 24 January 1890


The Northern Pacific foundry has been leased by Parker & Topping until January, 1895. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 January 1890, p. 4, c. 3)


12 January

The Northern Pacific road has more trains derailed with less accidents to passengers than any other road in the United States. On Sunday a train ran off the track near Tacoma and six cars went over, but no one was injured. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 January 1890, p. 4, c. 3)


17 January

THAT PINE LAND DEAL.

_____


The Weyerhauser Syndicate Have

Closed the Contract for all the

Northern Pacific Pine Lands.


Frederick Weyerhaeuser, lumber baron, ca. Unknown.
Source: Unknown

A meeting of the citizens of Brainerd was held at the council chambers at 4 o’clock on Monday afternoon, which was called to consider matters concerning the purchase of the Northern Pacific pine lands tributary to the Mississippi river and Brainerd, by the Weyerhauser syndicate. The meeting was called to order by J. H. Koop, president of the board of trade, and Mayor Hemstead was called to the chair to preside, A. J. Halsted being elected secretary. Geo. S. Canfield, who was instrumental in calling the meeting, was called upon to explain the object, and in detail he took up the matter of the negotiations from the start down to January 7th, of the present year, at which time the contract was closed between the syndicate and the company, and $150,000 was received by the Northern Pacific as first payment on the purchase. On January 10th the syndicate held a meeting in Chicago and arranged their business in a manner to begin operations. The gentlemen who are connected with the enterprise are: Frederick Weyerhauser & Sons, of Rock Island; the Mussers, of Muscatine, Ia.; Sauntry & Tosier, of Stillwater, and the Messrs. Lamb of Davenport, Ia., and Stone, of Winona. The plan of the syndicate was [to] put in a mill here that would be similar to the one at Chippewa Falls and that the amount of lumber to be manufactured was fully twice as large as had ever been expected by the parties who have been on the inside during the negotiations. Minneapolis parties have endeavored to head off this deal and have done everything in their power to defeat Brainerd’s chances of getting the location by stating that the town was a place inhabited only by thugs and toughs and not a place in which the gentlemen would desire to live with their families, that trade had been retarded and business men driven out by the Knights of Labor who were in power here. Parties who are acquainted with the status of things here have disabused their minds of all these malicious falsehoods and the crusade against Brainerd by Minneapolis will cut no figure in the case. The syndicate, according to its contract, are at liberty to do their manufacturing at any point on the Northern Pacific road, but it is now the intention to locate at Brainerd if everything is as has been represented to the gentlemen, and they will be here within a week to look the ground over and examine into the details. The matter of appointing a committee to meet the gentlemen was suggested and it was left to the chairman to appoint a committee of twelve. The matter of exempting the plant of the company and their logs from taxation for a number of years was then discussed and it was the general impression of those who spoke on the subject that there would be no opposition to such a move if it could be legally done. The matter of labor and labor organizations was touched upon and it was the universal sentiment that there was no city in existence where there had been so little trouble between laboring men and employers, in fact, there had never been an instance in the history of Brainerd, and the N. P. company would confirm the statement. Several gentlemen were called on for expressions and after a general discussion the meeting adjourned. Chairman Hemstead has furnished the names of his committees as follows to the press for publication:

On reception—J. H. Koop, A. L. Hoffman, J. J. Howe, L. P. White, Sr., Dr. A. F. Groves, J. N. Nevers, A. F. Ferris, M. Cullen, Geo. N. Day, R. R. Wise, H. Spalding and J. M. Elder.

To confer regarding property—J. H. Koop, Sam. Walker and H. C. Miller.

The reception committee held a meeting on Wednesday and agreed that said committee should be a working committee, but that besides such working committee a considerable number of names should be added to the list, and that the persons whose names were so added would be expected to be present at the reception and assist in carrying out the arrangements. Mayor Hemstead was added to the working committee, and the additional list agreed upon was made up as follows:

C. N. Parker, Sam. Walker, H. J. Spencer, Judge W. A. Fleming, N. McFadden, Hon. Leon E. Lum, Geo. S. Canfield, Wm. E. Seelye, D. D. Smith, J. B. Douglas, H. C. Miller, W. S. McClenahan, E. W. Lynch, W. P. Spalding, Walter Davis, W. P. Percy, John Willis, Dr. J. L. Camp, M. Hagberg, H. C. Stivers, A. J. Halsted, N. H. Ingersoll, D. M. Clark, N. W. Wheatley, A. P. Farrar, Judge G. W. Holland, E. M. Westfall, Wm. Paine, C. H. Douglas, D. E. Slipp, Ed. Hazen, R. J. Hartley, S. F. Alderman, Dr. J. R. Howes, D. S. Forgy, W. M. Dresskell, J. M. Gray, John Bubar, A. E. Veon, C. E. Cole, F. M. Cable, J. J. Kennedy, Henry McGinn, Thomas McMaster, H. I. Cohen, Wm. Koop, C. D Johnson, W. E. Campbell, I. T. Dean, A. F. Leopold, G. S. Fernald, Con. O’Brien, James Dewar, F. G. Sundberg, Geo. Forsyth, E. Y. Farrar, R. Parker, A. V. Snyder, C. M. Patek, J. S. Garner, G. H. Burton, Thomas Crawford, Adam Brown, Peter Walters, John Parsons, R. F. Walters, Wm. Hack, Ole Erickson, Wm. Bredfeld, J. E. Wilson, J. A. McColl, Fred. Luken, Wm. S. Brockway and P. H. Carney. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 January 1890, p. 1, c. 2)


SEE: 08 September 1883

SEE: 07 April 1884

SEE: 30 January 1886

SEE: 11 March 1886

SEE: 27 May 1887

SEE: 04 June 1887

SEE: 24 March 1888

SEE: 24 May 1889

SEE: 07 June 1889

SEE: 01 August 1890

SEE: 22 May 1891

SEE: 30 September 1892

SEE: 07 October 1892

SEE: 14 September 1894

SEE: 21 September 1894

SEE: 04 December 1896


A Complete Surprise.


If Wm. Seelye was never surprised before in his life he had the pleasure of experiencing that agreeable sensation for the first time last evening. “Bill,” as he is commonly known, has been instrumental in bringing certain matters about relative to the Weyerhauser pine land deal which bids fair to be of so much importance to Brainerd, and some of his friends, under the leadership of Henry Spalding, conceived the idea of presenting him with a gold watch and chain as a token of their regard for him and his untiring efforts in behalf of Brainerd. Accordingly a paper was quietly circulated around among a few of his friends and the required amount was soon subscribed. In the evening Mr. Seelye was asked to attend a meeting at Lawyer Lum’s office, in the bank block, where his friends had assembled, and Mr. H. C. Stivers at the proper moment stepped out and addressed him with a neat presentation speech in which he stated that he had been requested by the gentlemen present to express for them their feelings of gratitude for his untiring energies in the matters now underway in regard to the present deal, that they had a kindly interest in his welfare and as a token of their regard they had prepared a present in the shape of a gold watch, chain and charm, which he presented to the gentleman. Mr. Seelye was so completely taken by surprise that he could hardly find words to express his thanks, but he finally managed to collect himself and did credit to the occasion, one which he will probably remember as long as he lives. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 January 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


Actual Cost of a Locomotive.


One man can build an eight-wheel passenger locomotive for a standard-gauge railroad in 1,500 days; it will require 1,650 days’ work for him to build a consolidated ten-wheel locomotive for a standard-gauge. The wages of skilled labor run from $2 to $4 a day; this would give an average of $3 a day, or $4,635 for the engine. The cost of the necessary metal to build a locomotive is usually estimated at about $2,000. The profit may be put down at another $2,000, which would include the expense of sale and delivery. This would make an engine when absolutely ready for service and complete in every way, worth about $8,635. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 January 1890, p. 4, c. 5)


24 January

Frank B. Hooper, well known in this city, has commenced an action against the Northern Pacific for $10,000 damages for personal injuries. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 January 1890, p. 4, c. 3)


SEE: 10 January 1890


Col. Geo. S. Canfield was presented on Friday evening last with a beautiful gold watch and chain at the rooms of Lawyer Lum, he having been led to believe that there was a real estate syndicate to be formed there that evening. The presentation was made on the same grounds that Wm. Seelye received his the night before—for services rendered in the late syndicate deal. Alderman Koop was the prime mover and H. C. Stivers made the presentation speech, to which Mr. Canfield feelingly responded. He was completely taken by surprise but was none the less pleased over the occasion. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 January 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


As to Taxation.


The city council held a special meeting on Tuesday evening, all the councilmen being present, the object of which was to consider the exemption from taxation of the Weyerhauser Lumber Co.’s property, should that company locate in that city. The following resolution was unanimously adopted:

RESOLVED by the council of the city of Brainerd, That it is the sense of this council that, in the event of the location and establishment in the city of Brainerd, by the Weyerhauser Lumber company, or those associated with said company in business, of a manufacturing enterprise of the character and extent referred to and contemplated by the resolution of this council passed May 17, 1889, the plant of said enterprise, if located within this city, and the logs owned by it or them; if the business be for the manufacture of lumber, and said logs be properly taxable in this city, be exempt from taxation for a reasonable period of time, not less than five years. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 January 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


31 January

The name of Staples has been changed to Presto. It is said the railroad company does not take kindly to the change. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 January 1890, p. 1, c. 3)


A. C. Van Campen has completed arrangements for the gymnasium and bath rooms at the Y. M. C. A. building and they both will be ready for use by March 1st. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 January 1890, p. 4, c. 3)


Man With a New Skin.


C. M. Lounsberry, who is to be transfer superintendent in the post office at Minneapolis, is a man with a history. Mr. Lounsberry was in the famous collision which occurred on the Northern Pacific in Dakota some two years ago, says the Star. He was removed to the Northern Pacific Sanitarium at Brainerd, where he remained eight months, and finally partially recovered. His case is considered one of the most remarkable on record. The flesh which had been destroyed by scalding was replaced by the process of grafting. In fact Mr. Lounsberry may be said to be in another man’s skin. Over 100 grafts were made, the flesh being taken from other persons. The Northern Pacific company stood the expense of medical attendance, which was very great, and gave the patient $8,000 besides. Lounsberry was a postal clerk at the time of the accident and the government continued his pay and now gives him a good position. Mr. Lounsberry is a son [sic] of Col. C. A. Lounsberry, the well known politician and newspaper man of North Dakota. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 January 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


SEE: 05 May 1889

SEE: 17 May 1889


And Still They Sneer.


The citizens of Brainerd are still clinging fondly to the belief that the Weyerhauser syndicate are to purchase the Northern Pacific pine, and will manufacture it at Brainerd.—Minneapolis Lumberman. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 January 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


14 February

The Weyerhauser Deal.


Several prominent pine land owners of Minneapolis will meet Frederick Weyerhauser at Brainerd in relation to the proposed great pine land deal, and it is quite probable that the Minneapolis men will sell their land to Weyerhauser.

The above item is clipped from the local columns of yesterday’s Minneapolis Times. The report is current that the Pillsbury’s have sold their pine to the Weyerhauser syndicate and the above item would tend to confirm the report.

The following is from the local columns of the Minneapolis Tribune:

It is highly probable that the Weyerhauser pine land deal will go through. Several of the local pine land men have been notified to meet Mr. Weyerhauser at Brainerd very soon, and it is likely the deal will be talked over. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 February 1890, p. 1, c. 4)


It is quite generally understood that the Northern Pacific will soon run No.’s 3 and 4 around by Brainerd again. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 February 1890, p. 4, c. 3)


WILL THEY DO IT?

_____


How Gilbert Lake May Be Used for

Log Storage.


BRAINERD, Feb. 12.—Wm. Long, of Stillwater, representing the Weyerhauser Lumber Syndicate, is here again to investigate further the matter of location of the syndicate’s mill or mills at this place. It seems that the Ahrens Bros., owners of lands on Gilbert Lake, made such representations as to turn the flowage of the dam into that lake for a log storage, as to induce investigation. Mr. Long came here last week and made a partial examination and returned yesterday to run a line of levels from the dam flowage over to the lake level. He is non-committal as to results. Such use of Gilbert lake would dispense with the necessity of acquiring the Mississippi Water & Boom Company’s property.—Minneapolis Journal.

Mr. Ahrens interviewed as to the above states that some talk has been indulged in as to the feasibility of the scheme, and while something may come of it it will not interfere with the original arrangements. If it should amount to anything Mr. Ahrens thinks it would be of vast importance to this part of the city as mills would be built on the opposite side of the river just above the old ferry or in that vicinity. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 February 1890, p. 4, c. 5)


21 February

Minneapolis is Frightened.


The Minneapolis Lumberman is very much disturbed over the recent developments in the Weyerhauser syndicate deal by which they are to locate a mammoth plant in this city. The fact that when the arrangements are completed and operations are commenced at this point it will forever place Minneapolis in the shade as a lumbering center is enough to put the people of that city on their mettle. This extract, from the columns of that paper, shows how badly they dislike to admit the facts:

There has for a long time been a current rumor that is conceded to have an element of probability about it to the effect that the Weyerhauser syndicate would erect a big mill at Brainerd and acquire large tracts of pine land in that vicinity. The Brainerd people have all the time referred to these possibilities as a fact settled beyond all dispute instead of as a rumor.

Following this is another article intended to show why it would be the height of folly for any one to build mills at Brainerd, but a careful perusal of the article dispels the terrible hallucination. The article is as follows:

The Gull River lumber company at Gull River and Curtis & Lawrence whose mill is at Motley, Minn., are not to operate their mills during the coming season. This conclusion has been reached in view of the fact that the lumber trade in North Dakota, upon which these manufacturers must be necessarily dependent, is pretty sure to be limited during the coming season. The owners of these mills are probably wise in their conclusions. The circumstance only demonstrates, however, that manufacturers who are dependent upon a single market are at a disadvantage by the side of the lumbermen located at other points, where if one market fails another becomes available. The day will undoubtedly come when there will be business enough for the mill men now located on the Northern Pacific, but until it comes it will be folly for Mr. Weyerhauser or anybody else to build mills at Brainerd or any other point where the product must be distributed over the line of a single road. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 February 1890, p. 1, c. 4)


The sixth annual ball of Pine City Lodge, No. 81, B. of L. F., will be given on the evening of Easter Thursday, April 10th, and already the members of that organization are making arrangements for a grand good time on that occasion. The committee of arrangements contains the following names: J. F. McGinnis, chairman, Geo. Watts, E. Simmons, Geo. Hass and E. Efner. The reputation which this organization has established for first-class parties in all particulars by their previous efforts will insure them a large attendance. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 February 1890, p. 6, c. 4)


07 March

Still Squirming.


The Lumberman says: It is understood in this city on exceedingly good authority that the purchase of the Northern Pacific pine by Messrs. Weyerhauser, Musser and others has finally been affected, although the contract does not carry with it the obligation to build at present. It is estimated that there is in the contract about 275,000, 000 feet of stumpage. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 March 1890, p. 1, c. 4)


The N. P. R. R. dancing club are making arrangement for their first ball which will take place at the Armory on April 21st. Three hundred and fifty invitations have been issued. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 March 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


21 March

The District Court.


Court opened in this city on Monday with Judge Mills on the bench. The entire week has been consumed in the trial of the Hefferon cases against the Northern Pacific company, and only one case besides those has been tried. The first case, which was by Patrick Hefferon for damages incident to the care and expenses of his son, who was rendered totally blind by an accident at the shops, and the jury assessed his damages at $3,000. The second case has been on trial the past two days, in which suit is brought for $50,000 by the guardian of the boy, and the case has gone to the jury. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 March 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


SEE: 06 September 1889

SEE: 27 March 1890

SEE: 06 March 1891


The invitations for the B. of L. F. ball, which takes place on Thursday evening, April 10th, have been issued. This ball promises to be the event of the season. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 March 1890, p. 4, c. 3)


27 March

Court Adjourned to April 21st.


The cases tried after the DISPATCH went to press last night are: Thos. Hefferon vs. the N. P. Railroad, verdict for plaintiff in sum of $7,000. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 March 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


SEE: 06 September 1889

SEE: 21 March 1890

SEE: 06 March 1891


28 March

Among the many balls which will be given next month the ninth annual, given by the B. of L. F., is one of the first, which will take place on the evening of April 10th. Elaborate invitations have been issued to about six hundred people and it is expected that the occasion will eclipse anything of the kind before given in the city. The hall will be elaborately decorated, that part of the work being in the hands of W. E. Mason, Geo. Bertram, John Worrell, Hugh Flatley, Geo. Snyder, Ed. Willis, S. Boody, M. C. Walker and Al. Menzer. Every possible means will be taken advantage of to give those who participate a first-class time. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 March 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


04 April

The Y. M. C. A. bath rooms and gymnasium are now in perfect running order. Drills are held every Tuesday and Friday evenings. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 April 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


10 April

The B. of L. F. ball last evening at the Armory was as every one expected, the event of the season. The spacious rink was crowded and every available inch of dancing space was occupied while the galleries groaned with the weight of spectators. The room was finely decorated with evergreens and emblems of the order and many compliments were paid to the artistic taste displayed. There was not a jar of any kind, the music was excellent, the calling was distinct, and everyone seemed bent on having a good time. The attendance was probably the largest at any party in the history of the city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 April 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


11 April

The stationery engines at the N. P. shops in this city will shortly be run with crude oil for fuel instead of coal and a large tank is being built near the engine room for the purpose of holding the oil. The tank will hold between 500 and 700 barrels. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 April 1890, p. 4, c. 3)


18 April

On Monday evening the N. P. R. R. Dancing Club give their first ball and the management have endeavored to make arrangements for a very pleasant evening. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 April 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


It is now claimed that the Weyerhauser syndicate will visit Brainerd next week, and look the ground over preparatory to commencing work. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 April 1890, p. 4, c. 5)


21 April

The ball given by the N. P. Dancing Club on Monday evening was a very pleasant social occasion. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 April 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


09 May

It is reported that the Weyerhauser syndicate has purchased the Pillsbury property at Rice Lake for a mill site. We hope so. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 May 1890, p. 4, c. 3)


16 May

Railway Notes.


First class fare Brainerd to Denver, Pueblo or Colorado Springs, or intermediate points in Kansas, Nebraska or Colorado, $20.52.

First class fare Brainerd to St. Louis, $15.62.

Second class fare Brainerd to St. Louis, $14.62.

First class fare Brainerd to Sioux City, $10.20.

First class fare Brainerd to Chicago, $11.12.

Second class fare Brainerd to Chicago, $8.12.

These rates apply to any point between where the local fare is greater, and are basing rates for all points beyond, but are not likely to prevail after the 25th inst.

First class fare Brainerd to Kansas City and intermediate Missouri points including Council Bluffs, $14.12.

Second class fare to same points, $11.12.

Second class fare to San Diego, Los Angeles and intermediate California points, including Sacramento, $42.

Round trip tickets Brainerd to Perham, $2.85.

Round trip tickets Brainerd to Detroit, $3.70.

Tickets to Perham and Detroit and return good for thirty days, and on Saturday to same points good for return on Monday following at one fare for round trip.

On May 20th an excursion rate to points south and west of the Missouri river, of one fare for the round trip, will be made; tickets good for return within thirty days.

A new time card on the Northern Pacific will go into effect on Sunday, June 8th.

The Pullman coach between St. Paul and Portland, via Wallula [sic] Junction, has been temporarily withdrawn, but one or more will continue to run through via Pasco Junction and Tacoma.

Clergymen holding half-fare permits of the Northern Pacific can now use them for all stations on the Wisconsin Central. Northern Pacific mileage is also good on the Wisconsin Central.

The sale of excursion tickets to the “World’s Wonderland, the Yellowstone National Park,” will be resumed on May 30th. Stop-over privileges will be allowed at any points of interest, at pleasure of the tourist, within the lifetime of the ticket. New and improved hotel accommodations have been provided, and a steamboat with accommodations for 150 people has been placed upon Yellowstone lake. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 May 1890, p. 4, c. 6)


13 June

The excursion of the Northern Pacific employees will occur on Saturday of next week, and will be to Glenwood instead of Cedar Lake. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 June 1890, p. 4, c. 5)


20 June

The Annual Excursion.


NP Shops employees, ca. 1890. A 1958x1407 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

[6th Annual Picnic] The annual excursion of the employees of the Northern Pacific railroad takes place tomorrow and the destination will be Glenwood, on the L. F. & D. branch. This is the second trip to Lake Minnewaska and a more beautiful place could not be selected—in fact, we think it would be a good plan to make this the permanent place for holding the annual picnics of the employees as in that case permanent fixtures could be made for the entertainment of the pleasure seekers and in more ways than one would it be beneficial The train will leave Brainerd at 6 a. m. sharp, and will consist of sixteen coaches. Every arrangement possible for the enjoyment of those who expect to participate has been made. There will be plenty of teams at the depot in Glenwood to convey the visitors and their baskets of provisions to the picnic grounds. An official programme has been prepared which gives the list of games, etc., and the prizes which we publish below. It will be seen that the prizes are nearly all donated by our merchants and business men, as the name following each prize indicates who it was donated by:

1. Tug of War between Glenwood and Brainerd teams. One Ham. M. Hagberg.

2. Tug of War between Locomotive and Car Dep’t. Teams. One Box of Cigars. A. Purdy.

3. Girls’ Race, for Girls under fifteen years of age. First—One Pair of Gloves. Brainerd Co-Operative Mercantile Co. Second—Bottle of Perfume. Johnson & Bain. Third—One Fan. H. Rosenblatt.

4. Boys’ Race, for Boys under fifteen years of age. First—Pocket Knife. D. M. Clark & Co. Second—Pocket Knife. R. Parker.

5. Gents’ Smoking Race. First—Smoking Set. W. Hack. Second—Box of Cigars. P. M. Johnson.

6. Three-Legged Race. Box of Cigars. Ed. Cullen.

7. Married Ladies Race. First—Sateen Dress Pattern. H. I. Cohen. Second—Lady’s Pocket Book. A. J. Demeules.

8. Foot Race, 100 yards, Open to all. First—Original Package. J. A. Dennis. Second—Box of Cigars. Geo. Merriott.

9. Foot Race, 100 yards, Employees only. First—One Hat. Geo. N. Day. Second—One Scarf-Pin. F. G. Sundberg.

10. Young Ladies Race. First—One Hat. Mrs. Theviot. Second—Bouquet Holder. F. M. Cable.

11. Young Ladies Race, Open to all. First—One Picture. J. A. McColl. Second—Music Book. W. Davis.

12. Apprentices Race. First—Order for $5 on Campbell & Smith. Second—Order for $3 on Leopold Bros.

13. Old Ladies Race. First—One Picture. Losey & Dean. Second—Three pounds of Tea. T. McMasters.

14. Old Gents Race. First—Box of Cigars. Hazen & Co. Second—Lawn Tennis Shoes. Leopold Bros.

15. Committee Race. First—Box of Cigars. Petrie & Co. Second—Original Package. R. R. Wise.

16. Hop, Skip and Jump. First—Order for $2 on N. McFadden. Second—White Shirt. E. M. Westfall.

17. Running High Jump. First—Pair Slippers. A. V. Snyder. Second—White Shirt. J. J. Kennedy & Co.

18. High Kick. First—Original Package. Frost & Kellehan. Second—Book of Poems. Keene & Nevers.

19. Boys’ Race, under 15 years of age, open to all. $2 in Cash.

20. Girls’ Race, under 15 years of age, open to all. Pair of scissors. Slipp Bros.

21. Single Scull Race, open to all. Box of Cigars. C. H. Douglas.

22. Double Scull Race, employees only. Two Cabinets. Jim Dewar.

23. Tub Race. Cuff Buttons. F. Luken.

24. Best Lady Waltzer. First—Pair of Slippers. Wm. Bredfeld.

25. Climbing Greasy Pole. First—$5 in Cash.

26. Bicycle Race. First—$3 in Cash. Second—$2 in Cash.

__________


Additional Donations.


BRAINERD, JUNE 19, 1890.

Editor Dispatch: The committee on games for the N. P. employees’ picnic desire to state that owing to a slight misunderstanding some of the donations for prizes were omitted from the published list. The following were donated and will be arranged as prizes for swimming and hurdle races respectively:

One World’s Fair by D. M. Gray.

One box of cigars by Jerry Crowley.

One cabinet by A. Purdy.

Respectfully,

FRED. WEHRLE,

Chairman.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 20 June 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


Watches and Syndicates.


It is now stated authoritatively that the Weyerhausers have closed the deal with the Northern Pacific company for lands between the 20 and 30 mile limits.—Exchange. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 June 1890, p. 4, c. 5)


21 June

The excursion of the N. P. employees to Glenwood last Saturday was a very pleasant occasion. The appearance of the clouds before the train started indicated a rainy day and kept many from enjoying the trip, although there were two good trains loads as it was. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 June 1890, p. 4, c. 3)


26 June

The Syndicate Arrives.


A special train arrived from St. Paul at 4:35 yesterday afternoon having on board members of the Weyerhauser syndicate, who have been expected for some time. The gentlemen of the party were Messrs. Weyerhauser, Sauntry, Musser, Davis [Northern Pacific], Laird and Pillsbury. Immediately upon the arrival of the train the party went by carriages to the dam, where the improvements were looked over and the party returned to the city, and Messrs. Weyerhauser and Davis boarded the special, which was awaiting them, and were immediately taken back to St. Paul. The balance of the party remained over night, and in company with J. J. Howe this morning went to Gull River to look the plant over at that place. The party are on a tour of inspection, and what conclusions have been reached or just what the import of the visit means has not been disclosed. It is stated, however, that the trip to Gull River this morning is with a view of accepting a proposition which has been made by the proprietors of the mill at that place and the site at Rice Lake which they are desirous of selling in a lump. If the proposition is accepted the plant will be removed to this city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 June 1890, p. 4, c. 5)


27 June

The headquarters of Brainerd Division 197, O. R. C. [Order of Railway Conductors], has been removed to Duluth. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 June 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


11 July

Railway Employees Club.


R. J. Eggleton and W. S. Reed were in the city yesterday and made arrangements for a meeting tomorrow night at 8 o’clock, at the N. P. Library Room, for the purposes of organizing a Railway Employees Club. W. S. Boody, of Minneapolis, will arrive in the city tomorrow and assist in the organization of the club. All railway employees are invited to attend. The object and principles of this organization are fully stated in the following preamble that precedes the constitution governing clubs:

“The highest court in several of the states has decided that the Railroad Commission may make, according to the present laws, any rate they please for the railroads, whether it pays for the service or not. A majority of the legal voters make the Commission by electing the Governor. The railroad employees are voters, and have the right to help make the rates. We are entitled to a fair day’s wages for a fair day’s work, and we cannot get, or expect it, unless the roads get a fair price for services rendered. The tendency of late is towards a heavy reduction in rates. Those who make such demands of the roads do not stop to consider the vast army of employees and their families who are directly dependent upon the earnings of the road which employs them. This condition has assumed such proportions that our railways are getting neither fair not living prices, and, as a result, their employees cannot get fair wages or steady employment. In union among ourselves we shall find strength to protect our interests, and we shall find it in no other way. We, the Railroad Employees in the United States and Territories, agree to form an association to promote our interests, and our social and intellectual improvement, and to prevent by all legitimate and honorable means, any hostile action from the Legislatures, the Commission and the Courts, and invite the earnest co-operation of all railroad employees in American for those purposes.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 July 1890, p. 4, c. 7)


25 July

Quite extensive improvements have been made in the road bed of the N. P. between this point and Little Falls during the past month, two work trains being employed during this time, leveling grades and widening the road bed on heavy fills. The trestle over the creek at the Driving Park Grounds, and also the one at Buffalo Creek have been torn out and heavy stone culverts put in their place. It is evident that the company expects very heavy traffic over this part of the road this fall. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 July 1890, p. 4, c. 3)


01 August

Will Build Additional Shops.


A rumor has been current for some days that an addition was to be built to the Northern Pacific blacksmith shops in the city, and a reporter interviewed Mr. Wheatley, foreman of the blacksmith shops, this morning in regard to the matter, and the fact that an increase in the size of the shops was contemplated was confirmed by that gentleman. Work has been accumulating in this department for some time to such an extent that Mr. Wheatley was convinced that more room was necessary, and he laid the matter before W. T. Small, superintendent of motive power, rolling stock, and machinery, and submitted plans to him of the proposed shops which met with Mrs. Small’s approval about a week ago. The new shops, if built, and there seems but little doubt of it in the minds of the gentlemen in a position to know, will be 80x100 feet, and will be directly east of the present one, and will be known as a hammer shop. A new furnace of larger capacity than the present one will be necessary, and an additional 3000 pound hammer will be used. The fact that the old scrap iron, which was formerly sent to Chicago and other points, is being manufactured into useful material at the Brainerd shops has made the increase necessary, and has made additional work for men at this point which was formerly done elsewhere. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 August 1890, p. 4, c. 5)


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08 August

More of the Syndicate.


The estimators of the Northern Pacific who have been so long in the timber region south of this place, estimating timber on the Weyerhauser purchase, have been increased by an additional force to the westward, in vicinity of the headwaters of Willow river. Their work about Pokegema has been highly satisfactory, they finding some very fine timber there. On Wednesday of last week, Mr. Sauntry of that concern, was in St. Paul continuing negotiations regarding their location at Brainerd for manufacturing. The difficulty now as was foreseen, appears to be as to the Brainerd dam and its control. As matters crystalized, the point was reached, substantially, that if the Brainerd people would secure land for a mill site to be given the company the company would, if within reasonable reach, undertake to secure control of the dam and flowage. There was another concession asked, however, regarding the electric light plant which has been given by Brainerd as a bonus—that the plant should be given without reserve—that is, the city pay for public light it uses.—Grand Rapids Eagle. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 August 1890, p. 4, c. 7)


09 August

Rejoicing Over Shorter Working

Hours.


The Northern Pacific shop employees at Brainerd were rejoicing and firing salutes Saturday afternoon over the reduction of working hours given them by General Manager Mellen, by which they get a half-holiday every Saturday afternoon, beginning last Saturday. They are to work through the noon hour Saturdays, closing at 1 o’clock, making six hours work, and are allowed eight hours time for it. Previously the company had closed the shops at 5 o’clock Saturday, getting in ten hours time. Thus by the change, the men get half a day to themselves each week, and get within two hours as much time as if they worked the whole day. The matter was adjusted by the committees through Supt. Small.—Wadena Tribune. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 August 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


15 August

W. H. Morehouse, chief surgeon of the Wabash line, at Danville, Ill., inspected the Sanitarium in this city the latter part of the week, with a view of recommending plans to his people who are about to erect a Sanitarium on their line of road. The institution in Brainerd is a model one of its kind and its reputation is widespread. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 August 1890, p. 4, c. 3)


29 August

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen give an informal hop at the Armory this evening. The invitation and floor committee are W. J. Bain, G. F. Watson, Paul Braden and Wm. Mason. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 August 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


19 September

A New Fad.


Patent cash registers and automatic ticket takers will be put on the Northern Pacific trains next year. The company hopes that thereby its earnings will be increased from $10,000,000 to $20,000,000, inasmuch as there will be no conductors on the trains.—Minneapolis Times. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 September 1890, p. 4, c. 7)


26 September

A train will leave the depot for the Fair Grounds at 1:30 p.m., tomorrow (Saturday). Fare 15 cents the round trip. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 September 1890, p. 4, c. 4)


01 October

Pine Tree Lumber Co.


The members of the Weyerhauser syndicate arrived in Brainerd on Wednesday morning. The members present were the locating committee and the object of the visit was to examine as to a site for their mills. The party consisted of Frederick Weyerhauser and F. C. Deuckman [sic], of Rock Island, M. G. Norton, of Winona, Peter Musser, of Muscatine, Iowa, Wm. Sauntry, of Stillwater, E. Rutledge, of Chippewa Falls, and H. C. Davis [Northern Pacific]. The dam and the works in the river were carefully examined. The party went up eight miles on the Lottie Lee to give the party a chance to obtain some knowledge of the log storage. The party were interviewed on their return but nothing definite as to the location could be learned, except that the company would build their mills where the best facilities were offered, and that the talk of bonuses cut no figure at all. They did not want a bonus and would not accept of any such offering in selecting their site. This is the last trip of the party and as soon as they have returned home a decision will be made. The party were to stop at Little Falls and St. Cloud. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 October 1890, p. 4, c. 6)


03 October

The Brainerd department of the North-Western says: “P. H. Carney, one of our oldest and most popular engineers, is giving up his engine and going into the real estate business.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 October 1890, p. 4, c. 5)


In Fine Shape.


The annual report of the Northern Pacific Beneficial Association for the year ending June 30th, shows receipts to be $88,451.95; expenses, $83,211.78; balance, $5,242.17 [sic]. The assets are $63,840.79; liabilities, $52,545.14. Patients treated during the year, 13,276, of which 1,680 were treated at Brainerd, and 1,169 at Missoula. Employees died at Brainerd, 9; at Missoula, 10; elsewhere, 35; discharged as recovered, 12,855. The whole number of patients treated is over eight-tenths of the average number of men in the employ of the railroad, an increase of nearly 50 per cent over the previous year. The allowance paid for benefits was $12,671.02, an increase of $5,859.95 over the previous year. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 October 1890, p. 4, c. 6)


24 October

What it Means to Brainerd.


The Northwestern Lumberman publishes the following article which shows what Brainerd will gain when the syndicate officially announce their intention of locating in this city:

It is doubtful whether the lumber trade as a rule fully comprehends the meaning of the purchase by the Weyerhauser syndicate of all the standing pine in Minnesota acquired by the Northern Pacific road with its land grant. The timber upon which the syndicate begins operations will approximate 600,000,000 feet. The deal will net the Northern Pacific a million dollars on the sale, something like $400,000 of which has already been paid. This timber by the terms of the contract must be manufactured at some point on the line of the Northern Pacific, although any point for manufacture that will guarantee to the Northern Pacific the hauling of the product will be deemed a sufficient fulfillment of the terms of the agreement. This is a plain statement of a simple contract, bargain and sale, but examined closely it will be found to be a transaction of importance to more than one interest in the northwest. First, the amount of pine purchased is about equal to the total cut of two whole years on the Mississippi above Minneapolis, and is certainly of great importance to the lumber market generally. Second, the purchase contract requires operations to begin at once and it puts actively at work $1,000,000 of new capital controlled by such conservative lumber kings as Messrs. Weyerhauser, Denkman [sic], Musser, Norton, Rutledge and Sauntry. Third, it means the absorption of a considerable amount of surplus labor and the securing of fat contracts for machinery and equipment by some of the Lumberman’s lucky advertisers.

But it is not lumbermen alone that are interested in the syndicate deal. The general public can see that the Northern Pacific officials had a business head on their shoulders when they inserted the clause in the contract which secures the traffic to their road. It is figured that one acre of average pine land will produce as much revenue for one year for a railroad as 100 acres of agricultural land. These figures were also prominently in the mind of the Milwaukee & St. Paul management when it recently acquired the Milwaukee & Northern. It preferred to extend northward and secure a heavy and well paying lumber traffic rather than to cross the Missouri river and push westward through a sparsely settled agricultural county. In line with the Northern Pacific-Weyerhauser deal also, is the action of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe road, which on Oct. 2, sold to Mitchell Bros., of Michigan, at $10 an acre, 300,000 acres of pine land at Grant Station on the Atlantic & Pacific. The terms of this sale likewise provided for the adding of the manufactured product to the tonnage of the road, as soon as possible, and the fulfillment of the contract may make considerable difference in the vexatious question of lumber rates as between northern and southern points.

With the railroads pushing for the timber rather than the prairie country for their sources of revenue, Minnesota and Wisconsin are likely to experience years of unparalleled activity and business enterprise. Manufactories will follow as a matter of expediency and economy, and the prevailing universal prosperity will be doubly manifest in the northwest.

As a straw which shows which way the wind blows the Weyerhauser syndicate Northern Pacific deal has a public importance outside of itself. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 October 1890, p. 4, c. 5)


28 November

Instructions to Settlers.


The General Land Office has issued a circular of instruction to registers and receivers of land offices on the bill for relief of settlers on Northern Pacific indemnity lands, which Mr. Comstock introduced and worked for at the last session. About 220 settlers in Northern Minnesota are interested, inasmuch as the bill allows them to select other government lands than those where their homes now are. The commissioner now says that the new selections must be made within twelve months. In case of death of any person who has improved and made final proof for land within the second-indemnity belt, the transfer may be made by the legal representative of the deceased, but the right given is personal and cannot be transferred, or the selection made by an attorney. No final proof shall be approved by the land department except where it is shown that the law has been complied with as to residence. The settler must file an affidavit showing whether he has received a return of fees paid and commission on purchase money. If so payment must be made again. Those settlers who failed to make final proof for any reason other than voluntary abandonment will be given credit for making new proof for the time they lived on land first selected. Their first improvements also will be credited, but final entries will not be permitted except upon proof of continued residence on the land to which the transfer is made for three months.

The above will be of interest to quite a number of people from this county who are interested in the matter. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 November 1890, p. 4, c. 5)


Broken Out Again.


The Duluth and Superior people who for some months past have been claiming that the Northern Pacific people would remove their entire plant from Brainerd to the head of the lakes, but which has been each time vigorously denied by the officials, now come to the front with the following in the Duluth Tribune:

It is now settled that the divisional headquarters of the Northern Pacific road will be removed from Brainerd to Superior. While the shops will not be located here for probably a year, it is known that the offices will be in Superior by the first of the year. Divisional Superintendent Green arrived here in the morning and spent the day in a general survey of the Northern Pacific system. In the evening an important conference was held between Mr. Green and local Superintendent Eldridge. The meeting was in reference to the removal of the offices. For over an hour the officials were closeted together and it was learned after that the arrangements for the removal were completed. The unfinished second story of the Union depot is to be materially changed and will be occupied as offices by the Northern Pacific. While the officials of the road have hitherto been very reticent in speaking of the matter they now confirm the report. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 November 1890, p. 4, c. 6)


12 December

The general manager of the N. P. has issued an order directing the machinery department at the shops to do all repairing required by the superintendent of electric light of this city. This will save many vexatious delays when breaks occur. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 December 1890, p. 4, c. 5)


19 December

Is it any use to remark that all trains on the trunk lines going west are odd numbers, beginning with No. 1, the fast passenger train out of St. Paul. East bound trains are even numbered. Freight trains follow the same general rule, even numbers go west and odd numbers go east. There is a rule about numbering cars, even numbered being box, odd numbered flat and so on, so that the car reports made by telegraph each day, locate every kind and description of car and its capacity and usefulness.—Fargo Argus. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 December 1890, p. 4, c. 4)

1891

16 January

There Will Be Dances.


The members of the Northern Pacific Library Association have made arrangements to give a ball at the roller rink on the evening of January 23rd, and are already busy selling tickets. There is one feature of this dance that will induce many to purchase tickets, and that is the fact that every holder of a ticket is entitled to a year’s membership in the association and will have the privilege during that time of reading any or all of the numerous literary productions contained on the library shelves. A coupon accompanies the ticket and on presentation of that to the secretary your membership certificate is issued. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 January 1891, p. 4, c. 6)


25 January

Repair Shop Burned.


The ringing of the fire bell on Sunday evening at 10:45, brought the populace out on double quick time, and the lurid flames that shot skyward indicated the fire to be among the Northern Pacific shops in East Brainerd. The blaze was located in the large wooden structure known as the old paint shop, but which for some time past has been used as a car repair shop, and the fire department was quickly on hand. The inflammable material with which the building was filled made it impossible to save the building or any of its contents, and the attention of the firemen was directed to saving the surrounding property, and confine the fire to the one building. Inside the building were twelve flat cars undergoing repairs, besides a quantity of lumber and some paints and oils, which were stored in a room on the north side of it. So quickly did the fire burn that several box cars standing on the tracks near the building were badly damaged before they could be removed. We are informed that the company’s loss is estimated at from $10,000 to $12,000 which is fully covered by their blanket insurance.

In this department there were about ninety men at work, and every one of them lost their kit of tools, which were kept in the building when not in use, the value of the entire lot being nearly $4,000. It may not be generally known that in many branches of work in railroad business the workmen have to furnish their own tools and this was one of them. The loss is a serious one to the men, and some of their friends have started a benefit for them in the shape of a ball to be given at the roller rink on Friday evening, February 6th, the music, the rink, and the printing all having been donated free of charge, so whatever sum is realized from the sale of tickets will be a new profit, and the amount will be used towards helping them to replace the tools destroyed.

The building burned was nearly the last of the original shops built by the company at this point under the Jay Cooke regime, and stood in a very central position, but the shops which have been built since that time are of fire-proof construction which greatly lessens the danger of the flames spreading. The company will rebuild the shop destroyed and in a large and more substantial manner, as the work in that department is pressing, and all the men are at work now out of doors, something that cannot always be done in this latitude at this time of the year.

The origin of the fire has not yet been traced to any authentic source, but from what we can glean it is quite evident that it was not the work of an incendiary as at first supposed


SCHOOL HOUSE FIRED.


Some six hours after the fire above recorded occurred, the school house in East Brainerd was discovered to be on fire by Mr. Eastman, who gave the alarm, and by diligent work the blaze was extinguished before it gained sufficient headway to materially damage the building. The building was set on fire by some evil minded person by filling the space between the storm and inside doors with waste, saturated with oil and then firing it. The building would certainly have been destroyed if it had not been discovered just at that time, as the hose of the fire company was still at the scene of the fire of the night previous. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 January 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


02 February

The ticket office at the depot was broken into on Monday night between trains but the light fingered gentry found only thirty coppers to reward him for his trouble. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06, February 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


06 February

The Northern Pacific people are filling their ice houses along the line from Detroit Lake. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 February 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


06 March

A new platform has been built around the freight depot this week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 March 1891, p. 4, c. 3)


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The supreme court has handed down a decision in the Hefferon case, tried in this city some time ago, in which a decision was given against the Northern Pacific railroad, reversing the ruling of the lower court. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 March 1891, p. 4, c. 3)


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17 April

Local News Notes.


The Northern Pacific Railroad company having secured the contract to carry the mails between St. Paul and the coast for the ensuing year has made arrangements to put on the fastest train ever run across the continent. The time to be made between terminals is to be something phenomenal, the attention at present contemplated being to make this distance in sixty hours. It will be a special train service independent of and in addition to the regular trains of the road, and will be known as “The White Mail,” the cars to be attached to the engine to be painted pure white.—Northwest Magazine. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 April 1891, p. 1, c. 4)


Quite extensive repairs have been made at the N. P. freight office in this city, and Agent Bradford now prides himself on as convenient and well arranged quarters as any point on the road. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 April 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


The old smoke stack at the shops which burned out last fall, is being taken down and a new one will be erected in its place which will be considerably higher. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 April 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


24 April

Pine City Lodge No. 81, B. of L. F., will give their 10th annual ball at the roller rink on Tuesday evening, May 25th. No pains are being spared by the members of the lodge to make this a more brilliant and enjoyable affair than any similar occasion in the past, if such a thing is possible. The rink will be elaborately decorated and the best of music will be secured. Tickets $1.00. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 April 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


08 May

A special train carrying railroad officials among whom are Messrs. Mellen, Hickey, Hannaford, Barber, Kimberley, Pierce and Davis, are expected to arrive this afternoon with a view of looking over the N,. P. shops in this city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 May 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


15 May

A social dance and supper will be given on Monday evening, May 25th, at the residence of Mrs. Chas. Sunley, in East Brainerd, for the benefit of the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the B. of L. E. A cordial invitation is extended to all. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 May 1891, p. 4, c. 3)


22 May

The tenth annual ball of Pine City Lodge No. 81, B. of L. F., will occur at the roller rink on Tuesday evening of next week, and all possible arrangements are being made to make this the most enjoyable occasion yet given. The invitation committee consists of James Mackey, Harry Gross, W. E. Scott and Fred Trinder. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 May 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


A party of Brainerd gentlemen went to Aitkin the first of the week on a fishing trip and the Age, of that place, anticipated their coming as follows: “Tomorrow the finny tribe of Cedar Lake will have to submit to the inevitable and become the property of a party of anglers from the N. P. shops. Brainerd, led to the attack by Station Agent Rice, of this city. The party will arrive at the lake on the 5 a.m. train, and spend the day in fishing, sailing, etc., and will be composed of L. McPherson, foreman roundhouse; N. W. Wheatley, foreman blacksmith shop; F. Allen foreman carpenter shop; G. F. Watson, fireman, and five or six other noted anglers of Brainerd.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 May 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


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29 May

The 10th annual ball of Pine City Lodge No. 81, B. of L. F., which took place on Tuesday evening was one of the social events of the season. The spacious rink was gorgeously decorated for the occasion and the effect was very pleasing. The number in attendance was all that could be accommodated and the members of the organization feel highly gratified at the patronage accorded them. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 May 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


They Are Hot.


Our railroad boys chaperoned a party of gay fishermen from Brainerd to Cedar Lake last Sunday, and after helping them convey their traps and provender to the grounds, and procuring sail and row boats for them, were regaled with the edifying spectacle of seeing their guests make away with the eatables and drinkables without as much as offering a mouthful to their hosts. Perhaps the boys will entertain them again.—Aitkin Age. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 May 1891, p. 4, c. 6)


05 June

Distinguished Visitors.


A distinguished party of N. P. railroad officials were in the city on Wednesday, consisting of Thos. Oakes, president; W. S. Mellen, general manager; M. C. Kimberley, general superintendent; and S. L. Moore, assistant general freight agent. They were on an inspection tour and visited the shops here. Mr. Mellen stated that the improvements contemplated at the Brainerd shops would not be commenced before the middle of July as it was the intention to ascertain what the wheat crop would be before any steps were taken. The party left for points on the L. F. & D. at 2 p.m. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 June 1891, p. 1, c. 5)


Arrangements have been made for the annual railroad picnic to take place at Detroit [Lakes] this year the date having been fixed for Saturday, June 27. There will be excursion trains run from Fargo to that place as well as from Brainerd, and it is expected that something like 2,500 people will be present. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 June 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


12 June

The general emigration agent of the Northern Pacific railroad has just returned from a trip over the line of road extending to the Pacific coast. He reports all of the crops in excellent condition throughout the whole extent of country traversed by the Northern Pacific and branch lines. The crops in Washington, Northern Idaho and Montana give promise of good yields. In North Dakota the condition of the growing crops was never better at this season of the year than they are at this date, and all indications are favorable for large yields. In Northern Minnesota the grain fields are also looking fine. The rains this season up to the present time in each of the states through which the Northern Pacific railroad passes, have been seasonable and abundant, the grazing ranges are unusually well grassed, and all live stock is in the best possible condition. There have been large additions to the flocks of sheep in North Dakota this spring, upward of 50,000 head having been brought into that part of the state lying west of the Missouri river and large numbers into the counties situated east of the river. Emigration to the Northwest continues good. There is a steady flow of the best class of settlers locating in the agricultural districts of the Northwestern states, fully as many as at any period since the settlement of the country commenced. Lands are being taken up in large quantities and are bringing better prices than ever before, both agricultural and grazing lands. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 June 1891, p. 4, c. 3)


19 June

It is said that all the train dispatchers at Brainerd have been transferred to West Superior, and that Supt. Greene will remove his office to Staples as soon as rooms can be fitted up for him. F. Davis, the superintendent of bridges and buildings, was in town Saturday taking measurements in and around Wise’s eating house, and he says it will be remodeled and used for the superintendent’s office and others. While we are pleased to receive these additions to our growing little city it will cause much regret if, as seems likely, it will necessitate the removal from our midst of Mr. G. W. Vanderslice, the obliging assistant superintendent and president of the village council.—Presto Change. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 June 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


26 June

[7th Annual Picnic] Tomorrow, Saturday, June 27th, will occur the annual excursion and picnic of the N. P. company employees of this city. The picnic this year will be held at Detroit Lake, near Detroit [Lakes], Minn., one of the most charming spots in Minnesota. The excursion train will leave Brainerd at 6 a.m., sharp. A cannon will be fired at 4 a.m. to arouse the excursionists. The Third Regiment Band and Whitford’s orchestra will accompany the excursion. At the lake perfect arrangements have been made for the pleasure and comfort of the picnickers, the use of the dancing pavilion having kindly been granted for lovers of the terpsichorean art. The steamer Minnie Corliss will make excursion trips about the lake at a fare of 20 cents for the round trip. Row boats can be had at 25 cents for the first hour, 25 cents for two hours, and 50 cents for the afternoon. All manner of games, races, etc., will take place at the picnic grounds. The following is the programme that will be observed:


1. Tug of war between locomotive and car department. First prize, two boxes of cigars.

2. Girls race, for girls under 15 years of age. 1st $3.50 album, 2nd one bottle perfumery.

3. Boys race, boys under 15 years of age. 1st, $2 in cash, 2nd, pair shoes.

4. Men's smoking race. 1st, box of cigars, 2nd original package.

5. Married ladies race, 1st dress pattern, $3.50, 2nd silk fan and handkerchief, 3rd, clock bracket.

6. Foot race 100 yards. 1st, shaving set, 2nd, original package.

7. Young ladies race, over 15 years. 1st, gold watch, $25, 2nd album, $3, 3rd, silver napkin ring, $2.50.

8. Apprentices race. 1st, $3 in cash. 2nd, knife.

9. Old ladies race. 1st, one ham. 2nd, pair slipper.

10. Old gents race. 1st, $2 in cash, 2nd box of cigars.

11. Games and amusements commit the race. 1st, case of Milwaukee, 2nd, box of cigars.

12. Hop, skip and jump. 1st, $2 in cash, 2nd, briar wood pipe.

13. Running high jump. 1st, original package, 2nd, one hat.

14. Single scull race. 1st, $3 in cash, 2nd briar wood pipe.

15. Double scull race. $3 in cash.

16. High kick. 1st, Salvado beer, 2nd, 4 bottles of wine.

17. Best lady waltzer. One lamp.

18. Girls race, under 10 years of age. 1st, hammock and wallet, 2nd bottle cologne.

19. Boys race, under 10 years of age. 1st, knife, $2, 2nd, wallet.

20. Climbing greased pole. 1st, original package, 2nd, briar wood pipe.

21. Donation to executive committee. One box of cigars. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 June 1891, p. 1, c. 4)


Saturday excursion tickets from Brainerd to Detroit [Lakes] and return at one fare for the round trip will be available for any one to the Railroad picnic, but will not be accepted for passage in either direction on the special train. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 June 1891, p. 1, c. 4)


The N. P. will give a one fare rate from Brainerd to Detroit [Lakes] on Saturday next, good to return the following Monday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 June 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


Mr. G. W. Vanderslice, assistant superintendent of the Northern Pacific, will go to West Superior tomorrow to accept the same position which he holds here [Staples]. Supt. Frank Green will remove from Brainerd to this place [Staples] with his corps of assistants. F. Davis, superintendent of bridges and buildings will also make headquarters here [Staples] immediately, and others will be transferred to this place [Staples] as soon as quarters are provided.—[Staples] Change. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 June 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


June 27th will be a great day in Detroit [Lakes]. Representatives of the N. P. Employees, both at Brainerd and Fargo, were in the city last Saturday and arranged for holding their annual excursion at Detroit Lake on the date above named. From the two cities there will doubtless be two thousand visitors, and three special trains will be required to bring them here. Our citizens should, and doubtless will, do all in their power to make their visit a pleasant one.—Detroit Record. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 June 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


Twenty-six new locomotives have been received at the N. P. shops in this city the last few days. They will immediately be set up and made ready for use for the rush of fall business that usually begins about August 1st. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 June 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


03 July

Several peculiar incidents occurred in connection with the railroad picnic of Saturday last. In the rush to get aboard at Detroit [Lakes] for the home run, a six-year-old daughter of the drayman at that place got into the crowd somehow and aboard the cars and came to Brainerd. The police found her behind the hose house asleep and took care of her until Sunday night when she was sent home to her anxious parents. Another incident is related when a Brainerd gentleman left his baby asleep in its carriage on the depot steps at Detroit [Lakes] and did not miss the infant until he got to Perham where he got off and went back after the baby. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 July 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


10 July

The fifty new locomotives ordered by the Northern Pacific are being delivered. Among the drivers at this place [Staples] who get new machines are: F. H. Hepburn, No. 588; W. A. Vangant, No. 590; F. R. Hoge, No. 591; Wm. Chambers, No. 592; C. L. Snow, No. 598. Business on the road is now improving and the boys on the extra lists are correspondingly happy.—Change. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 July 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


24 July

On Monday evening, August 3rd, a meeting will be held in Miller’s hall for the purpose of organizing a Railroad Employee’s Club. W. G. Thorpe, of St. Paul, has been here in his capacity as organizer, and will return at that date. The meeting will be addressed by Hon. H. C. Stivers and others, and will be of interest to every railroad man in the city. The object and benefit of the organization will be explained at the meeting. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 July 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


Mrs. W. A. Murdock, grand president of the Ladies’ Auxiliary to the B. of L. E., will visit Brainerd the last of this week. Saturday evening a reception will be held in her honor by the members of Division No. 43, at the house of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Wilson, 8th street north. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 July 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


28 July

Charter No. 197 was issued to the local Northern Pacific Machinists Union. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 84)


07 August

Mrs. Murdock, of Chicago, Grand President of the Ladies’ Auxiliary to the B. of L. E. in the United States, was in this city over Sunday. A reception was tendered her on Saturday evening at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Wilson, on Eighth street north, music being furnished by the 3rd Regt. Band, and fine refreshments served. The lady was entertained on Monday at Sylvan Lake and a very pleasant time enjoyed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 August 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


Done in Council.


[...]


A committee of one appeared before the council in regard to electric light for the Y. M. C. A.


[...]


(Brainerd Dispatch, 07 August 1891, p. 4, c. 6)


14 August

The grievance committee, representing the Northern Pacific engineers, is in St. Paul again and will hold a conference with General Manager Mellen. The exact nature of the possible grievance is not known. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 August 1891, p. 1, c. 3)


11 September

The first annual ball of the Northern Pacific Fire Department will occur at the Armory on Sept. 25th. The organization is of recent origin. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 September 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


19 September

A DISASTROUS COLLISION.

_____


An Incoming Freight and a Switch Engine Collide in Front of the

N. P. Sanitarium.

_____


Both Engines and Three Cars Demol-

ished, But No Lives Lost.


NP engines No’s. 723 and 76 collide in front of the NP Hospital, 1891.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
Collision of engines No’s. 723 and 76 in front of the NP Hospital on the west side of the Mississippi River, 1891.
Source: Ron V. Nixon Collection, Museum of the Rockies, Montana State University
Engine No. 723, a Mogul, was rebuilt in Brainerd in 1897 as Engine No. 432, a cross-compound, 1902.
Source: Ron V. Nixon Collection, Museum of the Rockies, Montana State University

About three o’clock Saturday afternoon an incoming freight train drawn by engine No. 723, and switch engine No. 76, collided immediately in front of the Sanitarium in this city with terrific force, completely demolishing both engines and one car loaded with wheat, and derailing two other cars besides tearing up the track for a considerable distance. Just how the accident occurred, and who is at fault is not yet known, although it is claimed the immediate cause was the failure of the air brakes on the freight.

It seems, from what we could learn, Switch engine No. 76, with Engineer H. R. Stebbie in charge, was switching a long train-load of wheat at the west end of the yards, and had pulled out on the main track nearly across the bridge, when the freight came in sight around the curve just beyond the Sanitarium, moving about 8 or 10 miles and hour. The engineer on the switch engine seeing that he could not stop and back out of the way of the swiftly coming freight, and knowing that a collision was inevitable, pulled right ahead a few rods so that the meeting would not occur on the bridge which probably saved the bridge and all the cars in both trains. The engineer of the freight, on seeing the switch engine, applied the air brakes, but for some reason or other they would not work, so the train sped on with undiminished speed to the horror of the trainmen, who, realizing that a collision could not be averted, jumped off in time to save their lives. The freight engine struck the switch engine with terrific force, completely destroying the front end of the boiler and turning it side ways on the track; and then as the weight of the heavy train of wheat was added to the shock, the forward end of the freight engine was forced up on the debris of the wrecked switch engine, which had been thrown cross-ways of the track, with the tender in the Sanitarium yard. The engineer of the switch engine, on reaching the other end of the bridge, stopped his engine, and with the fireman also jumped off just in time to escape the wreck. The crash of the two engines was distinctly heard all over town, which, with the noise made by the steam escaping from a broken whistle of one of the engines, soon brought a large crowd of people from the city to view the wreck. As the wrecking trains were not available for several hours, a track was laid about the wreck as soon as possible, and by 8 o’clock that evening the running of trains around the wreck was commenced. The wreck was cleared away on Sunday and Monday, considerably over a day being required to do the work. All the men on the two trains are at work as usual, except George Gavin, the engineer of the freight, who has resigned, and who is generally considered at fault. It is reported that the speed recorder of the freight showed a speed of 28 miles and hour just a moment before the accident occurred, but this cannot be verified.

It is exceedingly fortunate that the switch engineer had sufficient presence of mind to run forward a few feet so that the collision took place on the bank of the river instead of on the bridge, for had it occurred on the bridge, not only both trains, but probably the bridge itself and the men on the switch engine would have gone down about 80 feet to the bottom of the river. As it was, it is the worst wreck that has occurred in this immediate vicinity since the bridge went down in 1877 [sic] [1875]. The loss to the company is estimated to be $15,000. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 September 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


NOTE: Engine Number 723, a Mogul above, was rebuilt in Brainerd in 1897 as a cross-compound.


NOTE: The 1883 Laurel Street Wagon Bridge is in the background of the second picture above.


25 September

A grand ball will be given at the roller rink to-night for the benefit of the newly organized N. P. Fire Brigade. Dresskell’s orchestra will furnish music for the occasion. A good time is anticipated. Tickets $1. Let everybody attend. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 September 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


28 September

The world’s greatest actress, Sarah Bernhardt, passed through Brainerd Monday noon in a special train. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 October 1891, p. 4, c. 3)


16 October

The ninth annual report of the Northern Pacific Beneficial Association just issued, shows the society to be most prosperous, says the Minneapolis Journal. The receipts were $105,201.01, an increase of nearly $17,000, while the disbursements were $89,149.72. There were 620 benefit allowances paid, aggregating $10,972.20. The Brainerd Sanitarium was maintained at an expense of $21,937.53, and the Missoula institution cost $19,133.76, the office expenses being $3,510.18. During the year 367 patients were treated at Brainerd, and 364 at Missoula. On the entire system 2,639 patients were treated, the line surgeons treating 12,000 additional. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 October 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


30 October

The Ladies auxiliary of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, has issued invitations for a Halloween party, at Odd Fellows hall, (tomorrow) Saturday evening, Oct. 31st. Refreshments will be served, dancing will be indulged, and a good social time is expected. Tickets, including supper, 75 cents per couple. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 October 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


04 December

The first annual ball of the International Association of Machinists will be held at Gardner’s hall on New Year’s eve. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 December 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


11 December

W. G. Thorpe, traveling organizer of the Railway Employees’ Club, will on Tuesday evening, Dec. 15th, at Gardner’s hall give a stereopticon entertainment in this city, showing more than a hundred views of interest to everybody, but especially to railroad men. Views will be given of the first locomotives and cars, and of those used later, showing the progress of railroading along down to the present time. Notable bridges, depots and a great many things historical, biographical and instructive will be pictured and explained. It will be an entertainment that a railroader cannot afford to miss. Admission, children 15 cents, adults 25 cents, reserved seats 35 cents. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 December 1891, p. 1, c. 4)


18 December

W. G. Thorpe, in the interest of the Railway Employees’ Club, gave an entertainment at Gardner Hall on Tuesday evening. The attendance was not what it should have been, considering the high class of the entertainment which was in a sense due to several other attractions on the same evening. Over 100 stereopticon views were shown which were highly enjoyed by those present. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 December 1891, p. 4, c. 4)


Y. M. C. A.


Did you notice those enameled letters over the door of the Y. M. C. A.? They were presented to the Association by J. C. Congdon. They are initials and mean Young Men’s Christian Association, which, when interpreted aright, means large, well lighted and heated, social and game rooms, reading room with over fifty of the leading papers and magazines on file, free to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Membership cards at $5 will entitle you to bath rooms with three fine tubs and one shower, hot or cold, gymnasium with three sets of standard pulley weights, parallel bars, traveling rings, Indian clubs, dumb bells, etc. The Association at Brainerd desires through these methods to reach young men, and every young man is invited to the rooms. Young men away from home influences will find a warm welcome within its doors. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 December 1891, p. 4, c. 5)


1892

In 1892 the steam locomotive breaks the hundred-mile-an-hour-barrier.


01 January

The dance given last night by North Star Lodge, No. 197, International Association of Machinists, was a very pleasant affair and largely attended. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 January 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


08 January

The New Year’s reception given by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Y. M. C. A., was a success in more ways than one. About 300 men visited the rooms during the day and evening, and partook of the light refreshments provided by the ladies, and enjoyed a social visit. In the evening an impromptu programme was arranged in two parts. The first part consisted of an exhibition of gymnastics, under the directions of Mr. Tracy. This was followed by a well rendered programme of singing, reading and recitations. All of the participants won the hearty applause of the audience. The following persons took part: Misses Brockway, Ware, Gleason and Clark, Mrs. Alderman, Steadman, Cable, Thabes, Craig, Larson and Koefoot. The Bartelle family furnished the instrumental music. The Association entertainment committee have arranged a course of popular entertainments for the winter, the first one will be held on Wednesday evening, Jan. 13th. Mr. J. C. Small, chairman of the committee, promises a new departure along this line. The admission to non-residents will be 10 cents, and we hope to have our hall filled at these entertainments. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 January 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


15 January

HORRIBLE RAILWAY ACCIDENT

_____


Two People Burned to Death While a

Score More are Seriously

Injured.

_____


A Broken Rail Causes the Accident.

_____


One of the most horrible railroad accidents in the history of the Northern Pacific road occurred this morning six miles east of Brainerd, near Jonesville. A 12 o’clock last night a special, the second section of No. 9, left West Superior. The train consisted of a baggage car and sleeper, the latter coach being occupied by the Andrews’ Opera Co., who were on their way to Grand Forks where they were to appear this evening. The train was in charge of Conductor Eugene Ball and Engineer Charles Leek. The night was one of the coldest in the season, the thermometer making as low as 52 below zero. When about a quarter of a mile this side of Jonesville, at 3:25 a.m., the train struck a broken rail, the engine and baggage car passing over in safety but the sleeper was derailed. No one but the occupants of the sleeping car knew there was anything wrong, and quicker than it takes to write of it the car toppled over on her side and broke loose from the balance of the train sliding down a five foot embankment and lying in that condition. The jar occasioned by the car breaking loose notified the engineer and conductor, the train was stopped and hurrying back to the scene the wildest commotion was witnessed. The car lay on her side and several people had already made their exit through the windows which had been broken. At this juncture the flames broke out, fanned by the draught and fed by the coal oil from the lamps which had broken and saturated everything. Heartrending shrieks rent the air, women screamed, moaned and called for help. Brave men paled at the sight and commenced with resolute hand to rescue the perishing. It seemed to those who were outside that surely many must be burned to death before they could possible get out. By this time the whole car was a mass of flames and women clad in scanty garments were being taken from the seething mass with their hair and night clothes in flames. It was a sickening sight. Finally it was reported that every one had been rescued, but upon a count it was discovered that Mrs. Edward Andrews and Mrs. Lillie Wallace, her maid, were missing. It was thought for awhile that the former lady had escaped from the fire and wandered into the woods in a dazed condition. There was no use to stay longer at the awful scene, as every possible effort had been put forth, and if any one had perished it was not for lack of willing hands and courageous hearts. The severity of the weather made the sufferings of the injured more intense, and the members of the troupe were placed in the baggage car and brought to this city, where they were housed at the Arlington hotel and physicians summoned from the Sanitarium, as well as the local physicians, to relieve the agony of those who had been burned and injured.

While this was being done a train was made up to go to the scene of the wreck, and the DISPATCH scribe accompanied it. The car was completely burned up, only the trucks remaining. Under the burned mass was found the charred remains of the two victims burned beyond recognition, the head, arms and lower limbs being entirely gone. What was left of them was tenderly placed in a box and brought to the city, being taken to Losey & Dean’s undertaking rooms where they now are.

The list of the killed and injured is as follows:

Mrs. L. F. Barker, broken arm, injured internally.

Marie Rae, shoulder blade broken.

Florence Joy, badly burned, back and arms.

Josie Shearer, badly burned about head.

Miss Lou Harris, badly burned and feet cut.

Miss May Douglas, badly burned and cut.

Charlie Andrews, manager, head badly cut and burned.

Geo. Andrews, leg broke and badly cut.

Jay C. Taylor, hand severely cut and burned.

Fred Allen, back injured, head and feet cut.

C. A. Parker, back burned.

J. L. Watson, feet frozen.

Bert Lincoln, arm fractured.

Geo. E. Moody, head and both hands badly burned.

At this writing the accident seems to have been one which could not have been avoided. The train was running at the usual rate of speed, 25 or 30 miles an hour, and Engineer Leek says he did not notice anything only a bad joint when his engine passed over the rail. Immediately after the wreck in company with Conductor Ball he did everything in his power to make the sufferers comfortable, and both were active in rescuing the unfortunates from the flames. Certainly no one could do more.

The members of the troupe lost all their clothes, jewelry, money and other effects, the majority of them having to send out from the hotel for wearing apparel before they could appear in public. Besides those who were severely injured nearly all were more or less bruised and those who are not in bed are limping around the hotel with courtplaster adornments.

The Pullman car conductor, Herbert C. Scott, lost his fur coat and cap and about $90 in money which was in his coat in the locker.

The remains of Mrs. Wallace will be sent to Minneapolis, her former home, for burial.

The remains of Mrs. Andrews, who was known to the profession as Nannie Wilkinson, will be taken to Mankato, where she formerly resided, for burial.

The company will reorganize as soon as possible. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 January 1892, p. 1, c.’s 4 & 5)


SEE: 05 February 1892

SEE: 29 December 1893

SEE: 12 January 1894

SEE: 09 February 1894

SEE: 23 March 1896

SEE: 31 March 1896


Staples expects to capture Division 144, B. of L. E., the headquarters of which are in this city, according to the Change. Bro. Drawz seems to think they ought to move us all up there ever since he was made an oriental prince in Brainerd some time ago. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 January 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


New Officers.


Pine Tree Lodge, No. 58, Brotherhood of Car Men, of this city, have elected the following officers for the ensuing year:

C. C. M.—A. E. Thayer.

V. C.—Robert Johnson.

R. S.—J. W. Martin.

F. S.—C. F. Miller.

Treasurer—Henry Mahle.

Guide—R. C. Walrick.

Warden—Ole Gardner.

Sentinel—Oscar Sundberg.

Chaplain—D. J. Snell.

G. Agent.—Henry Percy.

Meetings are held on the first and third Thursday in each month at Angel’s hall in Southeast Brainerd, where all visiting brothers are invited to meet with them. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 January 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


SEE: 02 July 1881

SEE: 05 November 1881

SEE: 05 January 1893


22 January

THAT FATAL WRECK.

_____


No Blame Attached to the Railroad

Company or its Employees. The

Injured will all Recover.


The terrible wreck of a week ago this morning is still fresh in the minds of many people, especially those who were occupants of the car which was overturned on that fatal occasion. The remains of Mrs. Edward Andrews were taken to Mankato, and from there to St. Peter and buried at Greenwood Cemetery on Wednesday morning. Those of the other victim, Miss Lillie Wallace, were sent to Minneapolis for interment. The fate of both ladies was a horrible one to contemplate, but there is a peculiar sadness in regard to the death of Miss Wallace that caused many a tear to come unbidden. She was the seventeen year-old daughter of a widowed mother, a beautiful young woman, and the main support of her mother’s family, there being two younger children. Her mother was in straightened circumstances and in poor health, and while the young woman was receiving but $5 per week salary, as maid for the unfortunate lady with whom she met her death, she managed to send home the greater part of this amount to keep the family from want, she, herself, going without the necessaries of life to do so. The day before the fatal accident occurred she had written her mother that she expected to be able to send $5 as soon as she reached Grand Forks with which to buy coal, and while the mother looked for the remittance that was actually necessary to keep the little home warm, came the cruel news that her daughter had been burned to death in the railroad disaster. The shock was so great that her mother’s life was despaired of. Kind friends, when they learned the state of affairs, lent willing hands and a subscription of several hundred dollars was raised for the destitute family, but while the necessaries of life were supplied and provisions made for the future, no earthly hand could ease that mother’s aching heart.

Many of those who were injured in the wreck have so far recovered as to be about the hotel lobby and even out of doors. Mr. Ed Andrews, the gentleman whose wife was killed, and who was so prostrated as to be unable to accompany the remains to their last resting place, was out yesterday. Miss Joy, the most severely burned of any of the survivors, is still quite ill, but we are informed by her physician that she will recover. Luckily none of those seriously injured were burned about the face, and few received their injuries when the car overturned.

It is now generally accepted that the two unfortunate ladies who were cremated, never knew the horrible agonies of death that they would have experienced had they been conscious of what was going on about them. It is thought that they were either stunned or killed when the car turned over, as their bodies lay side by side and parts of the covering of the bed was wrapped around both of them when their remains were taken from beneath the wreck on Friday morning.

Mr. Andrews says the railroad company has done everything in its power to make the members of the troupe comfortable, and he has but the kindliest feeling and words for them and their agents. General Claim Agent Ford arrived on Saturday last and has settled the personal damages with many of them, although some of the more seriously injured are not disposed to settle until they see what the outcome will be, and it is probable that the matter will cost the railroad company a very considerable sum. Very liberal settlements have been made with those who felt so disposed as high as $250 and $300 being paid to some.

Besides this the railroad company completely re-clothed the troupe, expending probably $2,000 in doing so. They were allowed to purchase what suited them, the gents’ underwear, shoes and hats being bought at Geo. N. Day’s, suits at Campbell & Smith’s, and overcoats at E. M. Westfall’s, while the ladies’ wants were supplied at Cohen’s. The railroad company pays all hotel bills until the troupe is re-organized, which we are informed will be as soon as possible under the circumstances, and in all probability in this city. In that case the opening play will take place here, and it goes without saying that the opera house would not have seating capacity to accommodate those who would desire to attend.

A coroner's inquest was held over the remains of Mrs. Andrews and Miss Wallace on Saturday afternoon, at which time the following verdict was rendered:

“We, the jury, from the facts presented and the evidence submitted, find that Mrs. Edward Andrews and Miss Lillie Wallace came to their deaths by the derailment of a sleeping car on the Northern Pacific railroad, seven miles east of Brainerd, caused by a broken rail, on the morning of January 15th, 1892, and that no blame is attached to the railroad company or any of its employees.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 January 1892, p. 1, c. 5)


29 January

Bazaar and Art Loan.


The Ladies Auxiliary to Div. 144, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, in this city, will hold a bazaar and art loan in the Y. M. C. A. building on Friday and Saturday evening Feb. 19th and 20th. The first evening an excellent New England supper will be served, and the second evening there will be an oyster supper. Tickets for supper on each evening will cost the moderate sum of twenty-five cents. On the second evening a fine literary and musical entertainment will be given. The art loan is expected to be a decided success, and no trouble will be spared to make it so. The committee on arrangements consists of Mrs. T. Hooker, Mrs. M. N. Geiser, Mrs. R. Gilby, Mrs. Geo. Bertram and Mrs. G. H. Wilson.

This organization is a very deserving one, its purposes and objects being of a charitable nature. Each local organization in the entire country is raising money to build, equip and maintain an orphans’ home for the children of members of the B. of L. E. who are left unprovided for. The home will probably be built in Chicago, although the location has not yet been fully decided upon. Nothing appeals more strongly to the sympathy of charitable people than a homeless child, and the noble work that the Ladies’ Auxiliary is engaged in is worthy of every possible encouragement. The coming bazaar and art loan should receive the hearty support and patronage of the community. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 January 1892, p. 4, c. 5)


05 February

The recent railway wreck by which two people were killed and many injured, near Brainerd, was recalled in the probate court yesterday, when Mrs. Lizzie Wallace, the mother of poor Lillian Wallace, who was killed and then horribly burned, petitioned for letters of administration. Her purpose is probably to bring a heavy suit for damages against the Northern Pacific road.—Minneapolis Tribune. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 February 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


SEE: 15 January 1892

SEE: 29 December 1893

SEE: 12 January 1894

SEE: 09 February 1894

SEE: 23 March 1896

SEE: 31 March 1896


19 February

The G. I. A. to the B. of L. E. Enter-

tainment.


The Dispatch of recent date gave at some length an announcement of the approaching entertainment and suppers to be given by the above named very worthy organization, and a statement of the very useful and charitable work being accomplished by it. It is an organization well worthy of support. The suppers and entertainment will be given in the Y. M. C. A. building, opening with an oyster supper on Friday evening, Feb. 19, from 5 until 8:30 o’clock. On Saturday evening, Feb. 20, there will be a New England supper during the same hours. Supper tickets each evening will cost twenty-five cents. On Saturday evening an admission fee of ten cents will be charged, on account of the musical and literary entertainment to be given immediately after the close of the supper, as shown in the following


PROGRAMME.

Address—H. C. Stivers

Overture—Prof. Coutu

Recitation—Miss Clark

Duet—Miss Mamie Mitchell and Miss Ethel DeLambert.

Recitation—Georgia Alexander

Instrumental—Miss Lillie Wilson

Recitation—Miss Amy Lowey

Song—Mrs. Alexander

Reading—Miss Morser

Duet—Mr. Hay and Miss Gilby

Song—Mrs. H. Robson

Recitation—Miss Nellie Nelson

Song—S. F. Alderman

(Brainerd Dispatch, 19 February 1892, p. 4, c. 6)


04 March

The main line of the Northern Pacific between Duluth and Brainerd, is to be re-laid with new steel rails. The rails are made in this country and cost just about one-fifth as much as they did when the tariff went into effect upon them. Then we paid $150 a ton for English rails and made none ourselves. Now we make them at a profit for $30 a ton. This great increase (?) in price is due to the tariff.—Milnor Teller.Grand Forks Plaindealer. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 March 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


18 March

Officers of Div. No. 144, B. of L. E.


At the regular meeting of Div. 144, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers held at Brainerd Sunday afternoon, says the World, the following officers were elected: S. O. Snyder, C. E., Walter Scott, F. E., Geo. M. Haas, S. E., E. E. Daniels, F. A. E., C. N. Swart, S. A. E., J. J. Hickey, T. A. E., Wm. Chambers, Guide, G. W. Rapp, Chap., Geo. Carr, Delegate, H. H. Scobie, Alternate, A. Lepper, Col. Ins. Arrangements were also completed for the removal of the headquarters of the division from Brainerd to Staples, and the meeting on April 3rd, will be held at this place. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 March 1892, p. 4, c. 5)


Their Eleventh Annual.


Pine City Lodge, No. 81, B. of L. F., will give their 11th annual ball on the evening of April 26th, at Gardner Hall in this city, and arrangements are being perfected to make it one of the most enjoyable occasions of the season. The committees are announced as follows:

Arrangements—C. T. DuBois, James Mackey, R. W. Thompson, H. Woods and J. F. McGinnis.

Floor—Geo. Haas, Geo. Harter, D. C. Warren, John McGinnis and Fred Ames.

Ladies Reception—Mrs. J. F. McGinnis, Mrs. D. C. Warren, Mrs. C. T. DuBois, Mrs. H. Woods, Mrs. E. B. Davenport.

Gents Reception—Geo. Morton, A. M. Fuller, L. Otis, F. W. Dunlap, H. J. Gross. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 March 1892, p. 4, c. 5)


01 April

The bills incurred by the Northern Pacific road at the time the Andrews’ Opera Troupe were wrecked near this city, were paid by check yesterday through their agent, W. D. McKay. The merchants in this city realized quite a little sum. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 April 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


08 April

The members of Div. 197, O. R. C., of Staples are making elaborate arrangements for a grand ball in Brainerd on the evening of May 4th. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 April 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


11 April

Division No. 144, B. of L. E., held its first meeting at Staples Monday afternoon, in Miller’s hall, says the World, and the future meetings will be held on the first and third Monday afternoons of each month. The Division has also elected H. H. Scobie as representative to the grand lodge which meets at Atlanta next month, in place of Geo. Carr, deceased. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 April 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


15 April

Third Annual Ball.


Arrangements are now all completed for the third annual ball which will be given by Division No. 197, O. R. C., in Gardner Hall, Brainerd, on May 4th. A pleasant time is guaranteed to those who attend. Dresskell’s full orchestra will furnish the music. Tickets $1.00 each. The following committees have been appointed:

Arrangements—J. B. Quimby, H. J. Porter, John Hoffoss, F. C. Jones, Wm. J. Flynn, J. A. McDonnell.

Invitation—J. B. Quimby, Wm. J. Flynn, C. A. Collins, Martin Cline, E. A. Ball, Phil McToggart [sic].

Reception—Messrs. S. Corrigan, C. A. Harrison, Robert Tuffs, S. A. Coulter, A. T. Jernigan, George Haas, Fred Westbrook. Mesdames H. J. Porter, E. W. Thompson, J. R. Quimby, J. King, F. C. Jones, R. C. Wescott, Robt. Gilby, and Misses Sadie Reilly and Maggie Johnson.

Floor Manager—J. A. King, F. D. Stillings, J. L. Henderson, Wm. Fox, E. H. Simmons and George Harter.—Staples World. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 April 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


26 April

The ball given by Pine City Lodge, No. 81, B. of L. F., on Tuesday evening, was one of those enjoyable occasions which the organization is noted for giving annually. The attendance was large and the lodge will realize a nice sum from the proceeds. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 April 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


29 April

Invitations have been issued for a benefit ball to be given by the Northern Pacific Library Association at Gardner Hall on Friday evening, May 6th. The ball will be a very interesting affair. Every person purchasing a ticket is entitled to a years’ membership in the associating with free use of the books and periodicals. Music will be furnished by Whitford’s orchestra, and the grand march will begin at 9 p.m. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 April 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


04 May

The conductor’s ball, given at Gardner Hall last Wednesday evening, was one of the most largely attended balls yet given this season, and in all respects was a complete success. The members of the O. R. C. are always royal entertainers and this occasion was no exception (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 May 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


20 May

The electric light committee recommended that $50 be donated to the Y. M. C. A. The recommendation was adopted, and the clerk was directed to issue an order for the amount. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 May 1892, p. 1, c. 4)


17 June

Railroad Picnic.


Engine No. 167 decorated for the eighth annual NP employee picnic, 23 June 1892.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

[8th Annual Picnic] On Thursday, June 23d, the N. P. railroad employees of this city, by courtesy of the company, will have their annual excursion and picnic at Detroit [Lakes], Minn. The Brainerd City Band And Whitford’s orchestra of this city will accompany the excursion. At the picnic ground games, races and sports of all kinds will be indulged in. The following is a program of the games and the prizes to be awarded to the winners:

1. Foot race, 100 yards. First prize, $3; second, $2.

2. 3 legged race for men. First, $3; second $2.

3. 50 yard race for boys under 15 years. First, $3; second, $2.

4. 50 yard race for girls under 15 years. First, $3; second, $2.

5. 20 yard potato race. First, $3; second $2.

6. 100 yard smoking race. First, $3; second, $2.

7. Double scull race. First, $3.

8. Tub race. First, $3.

9. Apprentices’ race. First, $5; second $2.

10. Running broad jump. First $3.

11. Running high jump. First $3.

12. Hop, step and jump. First $3.

13. Running high kick. First, $2.

14. Hitch and kick. First, $2.

15. Climbing greased pole. First, $5.00.

All sports will be open to the competition of N. P. R. R. employees and their families only. First race at 1:30 p.m. sharp. Judges of sports are Jos. Kiebler, W. Smith, Joseph Hunter and G. C. Hastings.

The steamer Minnie Corliss will carry excursionists at 25 cents per round trip. Children under 10 years of age, 10 cents. Charges for row boats will be $1.00 for the day with all tickets transferable. Charges for open conveyances to and from the picnic grounds will be 10 cents each way. Hacks and carriages, 25 cents each way. Meals will be served at Hotel Minnesota at 50 cents each.

The cannon will be fired at 4 a.m. Trains leave at 6 o’clock sharp.

The ladies auxiliary of the B. of L. E. will have charge of the refreshment car, where lunch and hot tea and coffee can be secured. Lunch will also be served upon the picnic grounds. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 June 1892, p. 4, c. 5)


24 June

A Model Locomotive.


Several prominent railroad officials were at the Union depot yesterday to witness the performances of the Vauclain compound locomotive in starting out with the Northern Pacific trans-continental train. This engine was built by the Baldwin Locomotive works to be tested by the American Railway Master Mechanics’ association, and she has already been tried on a number of Eastern roads. It is said that this is the best example of the improved locomotive engine that has ever been built. The engine is a 10-wheeler, has drivers 6 feet in diameter, boiler 62 inches and carries 190 pounds of steam—from 40 to 50 pounds more to the square inch than customary. The high-pressure cylinders at 14 inches in diameter and the low-pressure ones 24 inches; the piston stroke of all of them is 24 inches. When in service the total weight is 136,000 pounds, and, while the machine is massive, there is nothing clumsy or awkward in its appearance or action. The start was made at 4:20, five minutes late, with an eleven coach train. From the Union depot to Como, up the heavy grade, the running time was twelve minutes—schedule time—from Como to the Minneapolis Union station the time was thirteen minutes, five minutes less than schedule time. In the cab were James Goodman, traveling engineer of the Northern Pacific, P. J. Conley, engineer, P. Kelly, fireman, from the same road, and H. G. Purall, engineer, and Charles Keen, fireman, from the Baldwin Works. On the platform of the pilot were: O. H. Reynolds, master engineer, and C. J. Wilson, assistant division superintendent of the Northern Pacific; E. A. Custer, engineer of tests of the Baldwin Works, and D. W. Meeker, correspondent of the Railroad Gazette. Among the Northern Pacific officials who witnessed the start were M. C. Kimberley, general superintendent; T. J. DeLamere, superintendent of transportation; J. C. Barber, master car builder; and C. C. Commisky, auditor of freight accounts. This trip is the first of a series of tests which are being made under the direction of O. H. Reynolds, M. E. for the purpose of determining the measure of economy over an ordinary engine.—Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 June 1892, p. 1, c. 4)


Two train loads of excursionists left yesterday morning for Detroit [Lakes], spending the day at that place, returning last evening at 10 o’clock. The occasion was the eighth annual picnic of the Northern Pacific employees. A very pleasant time was enjoyed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 June 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


Losing No Time.


The Lumberman says: The Northern Mill company is losing no time in making its proposed improvements in and about Brainerd. The Gull River mill is to be removed to Brainerd immediately, and is already half torn down. The company had planned to run the mill until fall at the old stand and move it after the sawing season closed, but it finally decided it to be better economy to put the necessary new machinery in the mill at the new site than at the old. It will be a complete two-band-and-gang mill with every modern improvement. Its capacity will be 200,000 feet in ten hours. The Northern Pacific road is putting in a new spur to the mill site by which the old mill machinery will be carried to the desired location. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 June 1892, p. 4, c. 5)


At the Mill Site.


The preliminary arrangements for the removal of the Gull River Mill and the erection of the new one here have been completed and the work will proceed more rapidly from this time on. A DISPATCH scribe was at the site on Rice Lake yesterday and found the work of extending the railroad track to that place progressing rapidly, the grading to the mill grounds being nearly completed, and a crew of men were at work repairing the line already constructed. The land owned by the company has been nearly all cleared and the brush burned. The machinery is nearly all loaded on the cars at Gull River and only awaits the completion of the track to the site before it can be shipped. We understand that the company yesterday closed a contract with J. J. Howe & Co., for twenty-five car loads of heavy timber and dimension stuff for immediate delivery at the point. Three car loads of granite arrived yesterday to be used in constructing the bridge. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 June 1892, p. 4, c. 5)


01 July

Northern Pacific Changes.


The following circular was issued Saturday from the general manager’s office of the Northern Pacific:


The following changes in arrangement of divisions will take effect July 1, 1892: The Minnesota division will embrace the lines heretofore known as the St. Paul division from St. Paul to Staples and Little Falls to Brainerd, the West Minnesota division from Staples to Fargo, the Little Falls & Dakota railroad from Little Falls to Morris and the Northern Pacific, Fergus Falls & Black Hills railroad from Wadena Junction to Milnor. This division will be in charge of Supt. A. E. Law, with headquarters at Minneapolis. The Lake Superior division will embrace the lines heretofore known as the Wisconsin division from Ashland to South Superior and the East Minnesota division from Duluth to Staples. This division will be in charge of Supt. F. Greene, with headquarters at West Superior, Wis. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 July 1892, p. 1, c. 6)


The Pioneer Press says that a new express car has been turned out by the Northern Pacific work shops which possesses decided improvement over the old style of car. The lavatory arrangements have been perfected, a complete system of illumination introduced and many other details attended to which will contribute to the comfort of the expressmen. An iron hood under the ventilator will make it impossible for train robbers to fire in upon the messengers. A safety appliance of a simple character devised by General Manager Mellen, has also been introduced for the protection of messengers during accidents. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 July 1892, p. 4, c. 3)

22 July

The railroad park south of the Y. M. C. A. building has been opened. An entrance has been placed on the southeast corner, the trees have been trimmed, and seats have been placed on the grounds. The public generally are cordially invited to make use of this park. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 July 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


09 September

The railroad company has made some needed improvements in sidewalks and platforms around the depot grounds during the past week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 September 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


16 September

Amicably Adjusted.


For some time past negotiations have been in progress between the N. P. officials and a committee representing the telegraph operators on the line of the road with a view of settling their differences without resorting to a strike. The operators through their committee asked for a new schedule giving them increased pay, and also pay for all over time. The matter was adjusted by the company granting the claims of the operators. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 September 1892, p. 1, c. 4)


President Oakes and General Manager Mellen of the N. P. were in the city on Tuesday, on their annual tour over the road. They inspected the shops while here, and witnessed the calling out of the fire brigade there. They left in the afternoon for St. Paul. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 September 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


19 September

The first of the new engines for the B. and N. M. railroad arrived in Brainerd on Sunday, and was taken to the N. P. Shops where it was put in shape for business. Other engines will be here in a short time. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 September 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


30 September

N. W. Wheatley, who has been foreman of the N. P. blacksmith shop for over ten years, has resigned his position. His successor has not been appointed yet. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 September 1892, p. 4, c. 5)


SEE: 08 September 1883

SEE: 07 April 1884

SEE: 30 January 1886

SEE: 11 March 1886

SEE: 27 May 1887

SEE: 04 June 1887

SEE: 24 March 1888

SEE: 24 May 1889

SEE: 07 June 1889

SEE: 17 January 1890

SEE: 01 August 1890

SEE: 22 May 1891

SEE: 07 October 1892

SEE: 14 September 1894

SEE: 21 September 1894

SEE: 04 December 1896


07 October

N. W. Wheatley has been offered a position in Minneapolis similar to the one he has held in the shops in this city, but he has not yet decided to accept it. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 October 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


SEE: 08 September 1883

SEE: 07 April 1884

SEE: 30 January 1886

SEE: 11 March 1886

SEE: 27 May 1887

SEE: 04 June 1887

SEE: 24 March 1888

SEE: 24 May 1889

SEE: 07 June 1889

SEE: 17 January 1890

SEE: 01 August 1890

SEE: 22 May 1891

SEE: 30 September 1892

SEE: 14 September 1894

SEE: 21 September 1894

SEE: 04 December 1896


28 October

The Railway Age of this week contains quite a lengthy notice of an air hose fitting apparatus which has recently been perfected and is now in use at the N. P. Car shops at Como. Speaking of the new device, the Age says: “It is simple in construction and positive in operation, and is giving great satisfaction. With it three pieces of hose can be fitted per minute. A decided contrast to the results of the old time pottering methods. The device was developed by the mechanical department of the Northern Pacific from original designs of Mr. E. W. Kaley, foreman of the tin shop at Como. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 October 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


02 December

Invitations will be issued in a day or two by the International Association of Machinists for their annual ball which will take place December 30, at Gardner hall. The occasion will be a very enjoyable one. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 December 1892, p. 4, c. 3)


30 December

The dance to be given this evening by the International Association of Machinists will be a very fine affair and will be attended by a large number of people. The gentlemen who have charge of the details have spared no means to make it a success. The committee on arrangements is: D. C. Henton, W. P. Robertson, Robert Fox, J. P. Anderson and Frank Whittaker. Reception.—Thomas Bailey, John Metzer, A. J. Forsyth, W. F. Murray and W. F. Keyes. Floor.—T. F. Mooney, J. P. Anderson, George Stoner, Wm. Jones and Edwin Edwards. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 December 1892, p. 4, c. 4)


1893

04 January

Engineer Henry Barnes was quite seriously injured on Wednesday while running his engine from Little Falls to Brainerd. When near Ft. Ripley the side bar of the engine broke and Mr. Barnes jumped from his engine to the ground. In so doing he fell on the frozen ground, which caused him to dislocate his shoulder and sprain his ankle. He was brought to the Sanitarium in this city where he is reported doing nicely. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 January 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


05 January

Installation.


Pine Tree Lodge No. 58 of the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen installed the following officers on Thursday evening, Jan. 5, for the ensuing term:

Chief Carman, J. W. Martin.

Vice Chief Carman, D. Pool.

Recording Secretary, H. Percy.

Financial Secretary, I. Christenson.

Treasurer, H. Mahle.

Guide, Nels Wilson.

Warden, C. W. Sunsdet.

Sentinel, M. Olson.

Journal Agent, H. Percy.

Chaplain, T. Johnson.

Trustees, A. Saunders for six months term. Nels Wilson for year term, and B. Sabin for eighteen months term. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 January 1893, p. 1, c. 3)


SEE: 02 July 1881

SEE: 05 November 1881

SEE: 15 January 1892


06 January

N. P. Tie Contracts.


All ties and railroad timber used along the line of the Northern Pacific in Minnesota will be furnished by E. C. Long & Co. of St. Paul, this season, the company have abandoned its old plan of dividing its contracts among a number of buyers. Last year J. C. Flynn & Co. of Little Falls, E. G. Holmes of Detroit [Lakes], and E. C. Long & Co. all had contracts. Last year the company contracted for 150,000 hardwood ties and 300,000 soft wood, and none of the contractors were able to supply the amounts agreed. This year the road wants 200,000 hardwood and 300,000 soft wood ties, and insisted that one firm bid on the entire amount. The timber is getting scarce in the vicinity of the road, and the railroads are more particular than formerly about the quality of ties.—Lumberman. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 January 1893, p. 4, c. 6)


10 January

The annual meeting of the stock holders of the Northern Pacific Bank was held on Tuesday, and the following gentlemen were elected directors for the ensuing year: C. N. Parker, J. N. Nevers, J. J. Howe, S. Walker, J. W. Koop, H. Ribbel and E. M Westfall. The election of officers was postponed for some future time, so the present officers continue in their respective positions. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 January 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


14 January

Got 12,000.


The case of Andrew Mortenson, of this city, against the Northern Pacific railroad was on trial last week when the Dispatch went to press. On Saturday the jury returned a verdict [of] $12,000 for [the] plaintiff. This is the fourth time the case has been tried, the jury disagreeing in all previous trials. Mortenson, it will be remembered, was a brakeman employed by the Northern Pacific, and sustained serious injuries by being knocked from the top of a freight car by a bridge between Fargo and Moorhead. Hon. W. A. Fleming and W. S. McClenahan, of this city and Judge Severance, of St. Paul, were the attorneys for the plaintiff, and T. D. O’Brien and T. R. Selms, of St. Paul, for defendant. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 January 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


20 January

Every week or two the Tribune, of this city, takes it upon itself to abuse the Northern Pacific railroad company for what it terms its outrageous passenger service for this city. As far as we can learn the Tribune reflects nobody’s opinion except its own. The company’s passenger service to this city, considering Brainerd’s location to the main line and the amount of traffic this city affords, is generally considered good. It would probably give much better satisfaction to our business men if No. 5 left St. Paul in the morning and brought the morning papers and morning mail from the Twin Cities, but this change could be secured more promptly, probably, by conferring with the company instead of abusing it as the Tribune does. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 January 1893, p. 1, c. 3)


Sometime ago the B. & N. M bought two locomotives of the N. P., but one having been found too heavy for their track, the N. P. company has taken it back. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 January 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


Says the Fergus Falls Journal: “Wm. S. Mellen, general manager of the Northern Pacific, is in Washington and his presence in the east is connected with the monetary difficulties of the Northern Pacific. Financial men say that the road has been bankrupted by reckless expenditures and mismanagement. There is general dissatisfaction among the stockholders, who claim that they are deprived of dividends by [the] extravagance of the Northern Pacific managers.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 January 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


27 January

The property occupied by Redding & McCarthy at the corner of 7th and Front streets has been purchased by the N. P. bank officials and it is probable that the bank will be removed there some time in the near future. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 January 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


03 February

Brainerd all Right.


Editor Dispatch: We are informed that one of our “republican politicians” had a talk with a prominent N. P. official the other day in regard to the company’s intentions as to the future of Brainerd. The company does not know and cannot say certainly when the Brainerd shops will be enlarged. They hope to do something there in the near future, but it is one of those things that cannot be hurried. It takes time. It became quite evident from what was said that the company has been importuned so much that more harm than good is likely to be the result. There are so many Brainerd’s along the line of its road wanting this, that and the other thing, that it is simply impossible for the company to please them all. Promises have been made it is fair to presume, and encouragement's given, for the purpose of getting rid of this annoyance. It was policy to do so. There is a kindly feeling however, toward Brainerd, and the company realizes that she cannot be ignored. But the company is pulling hard all along the line, and cannot, at present, direct its attention to any particular town. It wants to help them all. Another thing not particularly relished is the idea that the company wants to ruin the whole country from Duluth to the coast. It is to the company’s interest to have all these towns grow and prosper, and this sentiment, that the company’s anger, like the wrath of God, is to be visited upon those towns that do not dance to its music, is disgusting to the whole management. In this connection it was remarked that Mr. Stivers seemed to have a pull on the road. “Stivers be blowed. We owe him nothing,” said the official. “He tried to help us some two years ago, but was handicapped from the start by overdoing the thing. His change was so sudden and complete, that the alliance very naturally lost confidence in him, and of course the republicans were opposed to him, and then he was in a hopeless minority. We have heard of Stivers’ recent pretenses, but, as far as the N. P. is concerned, there is no foundation for his claims. We aim to use everybody well, and have no favorites to reward or enemies to punish.” All of which goes to show that there is no immediate danger of Brainerd going to the dogs, even if Stiver’s is displeased. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 February 1893, p. 4, c. 7)


17 February

Frank Bennett, a switchman in the yard, had his left hand quite badly crushed while coupling cars. The accident was caused by lumber projecting over the end of the car. He was taken to the Sanitarium where the injured member was dressed, and is now doing nicely. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 February 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


24 February

Pine City Lodge No. 81, B. of L. F. will give their 12th annual ball at Gardner hall on Wednesday evening, April 5th, 1893. Elaborate preparations are being made to have the 12th annual surpass any former occasion. A special train will run from Staples to accommodate the large number who will attend from that burg. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 February 1893, p. 4, c. 6)


Important Railroad Changes.


Several very important changes in the operating department of the Northern Pacific railroad have been announced the past few days to take effect March 1st. Supt. Green, of the Superior Division, has resigned. F. W. Wilsey has been appointed to succeed him. Supt. McCabe, of the Dakota Division has also resigned and will be succeeded by C. J. Wilson, assistant Supt. at Staples. Mr. Wilson’s position will be filled by transferring assistant Supt. A. J. Sovereign from Fergus Falls to Staples, with authority over the main line from Staples to Fargo, and also the Black Hills Branch. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 February, 1893, p. 4, c. 6)


03 March

Passenger train No. 5, due here at 10:30 p. m. got stuck in the snow three miles below Crow Wing station on Monday eve., and laid there all night and until noon the following day, when an engine and snow plow arrived from this city and dug them out. No trains came or went to St. Paul on Tuesday and the Morris trains did not run on Wednesday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 March 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


10 March

Homes at the World’s Fair.


There is no reason why anyone should be deterred from visiting the World’s Fair by reason of possible inconvenience and uncertainty attending the securing of satisfactory hotel accommodations.

The Northern Pacific Railroad will in due time publish low excursion rates to Chicago and return for this occasion, while its double daily passenger train service, including through sleeping cars of both classes (Standard and Tourists) to Chicago, will as usual be at the head of the list in every particular.

To help you in fixing in advance upon your place of residence while attending the World’s Fair, we have placed in the hands of our agent at your station a book compiled by perfectly trustworthy parties, called Homes for Visitors to the World’s Fair. This little book, which you can purchase for fifty cents, contains a list of about 9,000 private families who will accommodate visitors in Chicago during the time of the Fair, viz: May 1st to October 30th; gives their names and addresses, and number of rooms each will have to spare. The book also gives a list of the hotels and their locations; has twelve full-page large-scale maps, each representing a section of the city, so that with this information before him the intending visitor himself can, at leisure, select the quarter of the city in which he would prefer to stop, corresponding IN ADVANCE with one or more families in that locality with regard to rates and the accommodations desired. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 March 1893, p. 4, c. 6)


24 March

A Deserved Promotion.


Clyde Warner, who has been employed with the Northern Pacific shop force for the past four or five years, and who has been time-keeper at different places on the road for about eleven years, has been appointed assistant superintendent of motive power of the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh. He was called to his new place by W. T. Small, superintendent of motive power, who formerly held the same place on the Northern Pacific. A large number of the friends of Mr. Warner gathered at the Como shops yesterday and presented him with a handsome token of their esteem and best wishes for his good fortune, Mr. Egleston making an address on behalf of the employees. His departure, which will occur today, will be greatly regretted.—Pioneer Press.

The information contained in the above item will be very gratifying to the many friends of Mr. Warner and his estimable wife who reside in this city, who wish them success and happiness in their new home. The Press is in error in regard to Mr. Warner’s title. He will be chief clerk of Mr. Small, instead of his assistant. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 March 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


31 March

A fine supper will be prepared at Quinn’s restaurant on Sixth street, on the night of the B. of L. F. dance, to accommodate all those who desire refreshments. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 March 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


Don’t forget to attend the Twelfth Annual Ball of Pine City Lodge, No. 81, at Gardner Hall, next Wednesday evening, if you are so fortunate as to have received an invitation. The dances of this organization are invariably most pleasant occasions, and are always well attended as a consequence. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 March 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


03 April

The Yardmaster's Ball at Gardner Hall on Monday evening was well attended, special trains bringing large crowds from Staples and St. Paul. Over $100 above expenses was realized. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 April 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


05 April

The B. of L. F. Ball at Gardner Hall on Wednesday evening, like all preceding balls of this organization was a great success in every particular. The hall was crowded by the best people of the city and Staples and a most pleasant evening was spent by all in attendance. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 April 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


14 April

Commencement at the Y. M. C. A.


The members of the mechanical drawing class of the Y. M. C. A. and their lady friends had a social reception on Friday evening April 14th, which was a success in every way. The ladies were out in force, which added to the cheerful atmosphere of the building.

Mr. J. C. Small, the president of the association, presided at the meeting and introduced the speakers. Prof. E. K. Cheadle spoke of the work done by the association all over the country along the education lines, and commended the work done by the Brainerd association. Mr. W. C. Cobb was next introduced and spoke of the extension work of the colleges of this country and England.

Mr. Schumacher spoke of the work done by the class, and presented Earnest Richardson with a case of drawing instruments as a reward for proficiency in the first year’s course.

Messrs. Nichols, Louis Wheatley, Jno. McKay, Bartle, Tower and Richardson each received honorable mention for punctuality, and will receive books on mechanical drawing. Refreshments were served by the Ladies Auxiliary of which Mrs. B. A. Ferris is president. One of the features of the evening was the exhibition of the plates drawn by the class, which attracted quite a little attention. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 April 1893, p. 1, c. 3)


21 April

The fourth annual ball of Div. 197, O. R. C., will be given in Gardner’s Hall, Brainerd, May 5th. These annual social gatherings of the conductors and their friends are always looked forward to with pleasant anticipation by those who have attended them in previous years, and the arrangements now being made for the forthcoming event give promise that it will, if possible, exceed all previous efforts.—Staples World. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 April 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


22 April

J. J. Hill lodge, Div. 137, G. I. A. to B. of L. E., was instituted in this city on Saturday evening of last week, with Mrs. J. A. Morton as president and Mrs. Geo. Bertram secretary. The officers of Murdock lodge, of Staples, were in attendance. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 April 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


28 April

O. R. C. Ball.


The fourth annual ball of Brainerd Div. No. 197, O. R. C., will take place at Gardner Hall on Friday evening of next week, May 5th, and promises to be a very fine affair. A special train will run from Staples to accommodate those who desire to attend from that place. The following are the committees:

Arrangements.—J. B. Quimby, W. J. Flynn, E. A. Ball, Chas. Farmer, C. A. Collins, John Hoffos, Chas. Chase, J. M. Glunt, J. H. Burton.

Invitations.—C. A. Harrison, Robert Tufts, Wm. Allen, John Straub, F. Whipple, E. Gladman, F. B. Thomas, D. Darrah, J. Nelson.

Reception.—Messrs. J. J. Rhoads, H. J. Porter, Jas. King, F. C. Jones, J. McClain, E. S. Zebrung, J. R. Nichols, W. C. Young, John Hickey. Mesdames, W. J. Flynn, John Hoffos, H. J. Porter, S. A. Coulter, F. C. Jones, J. A. King, C. A. Collins, Thomas McGinnis, J. Coulter, Fred Westbrook, J. M. Glunt.

Floor Managers.—John Hoffos, S. Corrigan, F. D. Stillings, S. A. Coulter, J. L. Henderson, J. T. Hughes, J. McDonald, Geo. Harter, W. E. McCabe, Fred Zimmer, Wm. Chambers. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 April 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


01 May

The Northern Pacific Bank will be moved and ready for business in their new quarters next Monday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 April 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


05 May

The Northern Pacific Bank is now nicely located in its new quarters at the corner of Front and Seventh streets. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 May 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


A BUSINESS SESSION.

_____


Street Paving Ordered—The City

Assessor’s Salary Fixed.

_____


[...]


The [street] committee also reported that the N. P. R. R. Co., would build a sidewalk on Sixth street from Main street to the north end of the [depot] platform to the railroad track. The report was accepted.

The matter of paving Front street being under discussion the chair on motion appointed aldermen Ferris, Paine and McMurtry as a committee to confer with the N. P. Ry. company in regard to the improvement. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 May 1893, p. 4, c. 5)


12 May

Several Northern Pacific officials have been in the city during the past two days, among the number being W. G. Pierce, assistant general manager, W. P. Hickey, supt. of motive power, J. C. Barber, master car builder, C. C. Cummisky, general store keeper, and O. H. Reynolds, draughtsman. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 May 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


J. P. Varney, night foreman in the yards here, lost the thumb on his left hand Wednesday. He got it caught between the bumpers. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 May 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


13 May

DEATH OF THOMAS McGINNIS.

_________


He is Frightfully Mangled by an

Engine at Staples and Lives

But a Few Hours.


News reached Brainerd on Friday evening that T. L. McGinnis had been run over by a passenger engine and both legs cut off at Staples. This was the startling message that flashed over the wires to his brother James McGinnis, in this city, coupled with the fact that a special was conveying him to the N. P. Sanitarium here as fast as steam could drive the locomotive. The accident was a peculiar one. Mr. McGinnis is himself a locomotive engineer and was at work in the Staples yard. The evening passenger having arrived from St. Paul he jumped off his engine, which was temporarily idle, and ran over town to the news stand to get his Globe as he was in the habit of doing. He got his paper and was returning with it, but in order to reach his engine, which he was hurrying to do, he had to cross two side tracks. The engine from No. 1 on the St. Paul division had been cut off and was backing rapidly down through the yard. At the point where Mr. McGinnis started to cross the first track was a box-car and he came out from behind it and jumped on the other track right in front of the engine which was backing down. He either stumbled or was struck by the engine and fell on the further rail the wheels crushing over his body cutting one leg off a little below the thigh and the other at the ankle. The accident was witnessed by a traveling man and the alarm was at once given and everything possible was done for the suffering man. A special was at once made up and he was brought to the Sanitarium the run being made in 35 minutes. At the hospital everything possible was done for the injured man but it was evident from the start that he would not survive his injuries, and death followed on 7:40 on Saturday morning, the 13th., the accident occurring at 9:35 the evening before. His wife and three brothers were with him from the time he was hurt until he died and he was conscious up to within a very short time before he breathed his last.

Thomas L. McGinnis was born at Caledonia, Minn., Oct 6th, 1861, and was at the time of his death 31 years and 6 months old. Here he lived with his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick McGinnis, on the old homestead until he was 21 years of age when he went to La Crosse, Wis., and clerked in a grocery store for a year or two, finally going to work for the Winona and St. Peter road on bridges. In the fall of 1883 he came to Brainerd and accepted a position with the Northern Pacific railroad as fireman and he worked his way up to the position of freight engineer having been in their employ continuously since that time. He was considered one of the most careful and considerate men employed on the line of road and was universally liked and respected by officials and associate workmen. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, White Cross Lodge, No. 30, Knights of Pythias and Brainerd Div. No. 7, U. R. K. of P. He was married Nov. 10th, 1886, to a daughter of T. M. Reilly of this city, and to them were born three children, the youngest of which is but 8 months old.

The funeral was held on Monday at 10:30 from St. Francis Catholic church, being under direct charge of the B. of L. E., the other societies attending in a body. Rev. Fr. Zumbush [sic], of Staples, and Rev. Fr. Lynch, of this city officiating, after which the remains were laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery. The father of the deceased, Patrick McGinnis, of Caledonia, and Mrs. Geo. Samples, of Houston were in attendance.

The sympathy of the entire community goes out to his wife and fatherless children in their great sorrow and affliction, as well as to the brothers of the deceased who reside in this city.

We are requested to state that the Northern Pacific road is entitled to thanks for the courtesy and favors extended and in their endeavors to do everything possible for the family and friends, a special being sent down in the evening with the children and also one on the day of the funeral from Staples in which about 150 people were accommodated.

The Staples World says of the accident. The genial Thomas L. McGinnis is no more. The news of the accident which cost him his life made many a stout heart sick and faint. He was running one of the switch engines in the yard here last Friday evening, and just before No. 1 came in he ran over to the drug store to get his paper. While there No. 1 came in and he started to run for his engine. Freight cars stood on the first side (house track) with only the crossing walk in the clear, and as he passed between them and stepped upon the next siding he was struck by the engine that had just unhooked from No. 1 and was backing down to the roundhouse. Pat Conley was the engineer. Mr. McGinnis had both legs cut off, one below the knee the other close to the hip. A special was immediately dispatched to Brainerd with the injured man where an attempt was made to save his life, but without avail. About 8 o'clock the next morning he passed away. The funeral was held Monday morning in the Catholic church at Brainerd, Father Lynch officiated, assisted by Father Zumbusch of this place. Between 200 and 300 of the railroad boys went down on a special Monday morning to attend the funeral, while a large number of other citizens went down on N. 14. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 May 1893, p. 4, c. 5)


NOTE: Brother of Matthew L. McGinnis


SEE: 06 March 1894


19 May

The first annual ball of Pine City Lodge No. 91, Brotherhood of Locomotive Boiler Makers, will take place at Gardner hall on Friday evening, May 26th. All are cordially invited. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 May 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


23 May

A. F. Ferris, R. H. Paine, Jas. McMurtry and H. C. Stivers, as a committee to lay the matter of paving Front street before the N. P. officials, started for St. Paul on their mission last Tuesday, but were detained all day at Rice’s on account of the wreck, returning on the evening train. They will go to St. Paul at some future time. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 April 1893, p. 4, c. 5)


26 May

The employees of the Northern Pacific road will probably hold their annual picnic at Gull lake this year. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 May 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


01 June

FIRE FIEND’S FIERCE FURY

_____


A Blaze At the Northern Pacific Shops

Last Night Consumes $25,000

Worth of Property.

_____


Prompt and Energetic Action Saves

the Lumber Yard.

_____


It Means New Car Shops For Brainerd.

_____


NP lumber yard, ca. Unknown. A 826x639 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

At 7:30 o’clock last night the alarm of fire was given, the blaze being in the Northern Pacific car repair shops in the Third Ward. A general alarm was turned in and soon the entire department of the city was at the scene of action. The blaze had started inside the building, which being saturated with oil and paint was a veritable tinder box, and it was no sooner discovered than the building was enveloped in a mass of flames. It was impossible to save the building and all efforts were bent on keeping the blaze out of the lumber yard and dry kiln which contains about $75,000 worth of stock, and in this the department were successful, and much credit is due to the efforts.

The freight repair shops, a structure 80x160 and the last of the old wooden shops was entirely consumed, together with ten cars, two refrigerator, one furniture and seven box cars. In this department some fifty men were employed and all the tools of the workmen were burned averaging about $30 to a man, as a reporter was informed this morning.

The cabinet shop, a building 30x46, and the bolt house, 16x30, were burned to the ground. The workmen in this department saved most of their tools.

The car foreman’s office a building 20x40, went with the rest, but Mr. Percy informs us that the records were nearly if not quite all saved.

The origin of the blaze is a mystery and can be attributed only to spontaneous combustion, as no workmen had been around the building since 5 o’clock two hours and a half before it was discovered, and no fire of any kind had been used about the building where it originated. When the fire was first discovered the inside of the building was a mass of flames.

The destruction of the car repair shops will certainly necessitate the building of new substantial structures to do the work in. Brainerd has long looked forward to the building of new car works and the people of our city will probably see work commenced on the improvements before many weeks. The men now employed there will be kept at work to the best advantage until better arrangements can be made.

The freight repair car foreman’s office has been moved into the store house for the present.

The total loss to the company is estimated at $25,000. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 June 1893, p. 1, c. 2)


02 June

The annual picnic of the N. P. employees of Fargo and Dakota points will be held at Detroit [Lakes] on June 24. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 June 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


Yesterday was payday at the Northern Pacific foundry. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 June 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


09 June

The new engines which run between St. Paul and Brainerd are superb looking pieces of machinery. They weigh 128,000 pounds and the wheels are 5 feet 9 inches in diameter. Their rate of speed is guaranteed at 60 miles an hour. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 June 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


16 June

Three very neat folders have been sent the DISPATCH by the Northern Pacific passenger department. This company issues the finest advertising literature of any road in the country. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 June 1893, p. 1, c. 3)


The Railroad Picnic.


NP Locomotive Department Employees, 1893. A 2042x1214 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

[9th Annual Picnic] The railroad picnic which takes place each year will probably occur July 1st, although the day is not definitely settled on. It was thought that June 24th would be the day but on account of the Idaho division having their picnic on that date it will be impossible to secure the necessary cars. The place selected on Monday evening last was Glenwood, on the L. F. & D. branch. The following officers were elected and appointed on the same evening:

Wm. Percy, President.

Wm. C. Dothie, Secretary.

Jas. McMurtry, Treasurer.

Loren Cooley, Marshal of the Day.

Thos. Crawford, J. A. McCullough and Frank Schmelz, Assistant Marshals.


DEPUTY MARSHALLS.

Bert Claflin,

Bruce Parker,

Frank Brandt,

James Stewart,

Owen McCann,

W. R. Heron,

John McGuire,

G. W. Putz,

Chas. Gustafson,

Olaf Brackner,

Louis Sherland,

J. W. Martin,

J. B. Williams,

Edward Crust,

Dan Doran,

W. S. Kellogg,

Robert Turret,

H. C. Hoag,

Wm. Pratt,

Bert Sabin,

J. B. Douglas,

Ole Landmark,

John Hanns,

James Willis,

Robert Fox.


COMMITTEES.

Executive—Wm. Percy, President, Thomas Crawford, J. C. Davis, Wm. Mahood, S. H. Robson, Thomas Bailey, W. H. Thompson, Henry Bartel and David Cohen.

Transportation—A. Bardsley, Chairman; W. D. McKay and A. J. Sovereign.

Ground—J. B. Rodger, Chairman; Fred Wehrle, C. W. Grinnell, George McCullough and E. J. White.

Music—Henry Bartel, Chairman; A. J. Wilson, Joseph Kiebler and H. A. Lyddon.

Dancing—Thomas Bailey, Chairman; Samuel Thompson, C. E. Wallinder, T. F. Mooney and H. F. Pegg.

Printing—S. H. Robson, Chairman; Q. A. Parker and W. C. Dothie.

Amusements and Games—David Cohen, Chairman; W. G. Percy, D. J. Snell, Wm. Jones, J. D. McDougall, J. J. Miller and J. P. Anderson.

Decorations—J. C. Davis, Chairman; W. H. Thompson, R. M. De Lambert, Alfred Sheard, J. D. McDougall, Godfrey Lindholm, J. R. Pegg, Geo. Mahood, Frank J. Hinman, Edward Durgan and Wm. Brown. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 June 1893, p. 1, c. 4)


23 June

It has finally been arranged to hold the railroad picnic at Detroit [Lakes] on Friday of next week June 30. There will be two sections and the trains will leave here about 6 a. m. It was thought during the week that Deerwood would be the objective point but a careful survey of the grounds by a committee resulted in the decision that there was not enough room without cleaning more ground and it was impractical. A very fine time is anticipated. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 June 1893, p. 1, c. 4)


New Shops and Street Paving.


The committee who waited on the Northern Pacific people in St. Paul last Saturday in regard to the paving of Front street, were not successful in securing the end sought, although Manager Mellen was not seen and what business was transacted was done with Assistant Manager Pierce. That gentleman did not think the company would care to invest any money in street paving at present. A proposition was made by the members of the committee representing the city council that if the company would give the city a 99 year lease of ground in the rear of the Y. M. C. A. grounds with 100 feet front on Front street on which to erect a city hall that the city would do the paving themselves. This was looked on favorably and Mr. Pierce [sic] agreed to have the matter looked up at once and report to Messrs. Ferris and Sanborn.

The gentleman also informed the committee that the plans and specifications for new shops at Brainerd to cost $55,000 had been made and forwarded to New York for approval and that work would be commenced on them inside of a month. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 June 1893, p. 4, c. 5)


30 June

H. C. Stivers, of the Journal, yesterday received a letter from W. G. Pearce, assistant general manager of the N. P., in which the gentleman says the company cannot afford to spend any money this year in paving Front street, considering the large expense the company will be under in building new shops here, and Mr. Pearce rightly says “the people will appreciate the expenditure better in this way than in street paving.” Mr. Pearce also says it will be impossible for the company to accept the council’s proposition to lease a portion of their right of way for the building of a city hall. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 June 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


Fifteen coaches and eight cabooses filled with merry excursionists, left this morning for Detroit [Lakes] on the annual railroad employee’s picnic at Detroit [Lakes]. Two or three more coaches will be hitched on at Staples. The Third Regiment band accompanied the excursionists. They will return home about 10 o’clock tonight. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 June 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


07 July

World’s Fair visitors traveling via the Northern Pacific railroad and Wisconsin Central Line, are landed at the Grand Central Station in Chicago.

This magnificent fire-proof building, located in the heart of the city has been fitted up as a hotel, run on the European plan, with about 200 rooms handsomely furnished, and each room is supplied with hot and cold water, electric lights, etc.

The charges for accommodations are reasonable and parties can secure rooms in advance by calling upon agents of the Northern Pacific railroad.

By taking the Northern Pacific through line to Chicago, visitors will avoid the discomfort of all transfers in that city, and can also travel between the Grand Central Station and World’s Fair Grounds by trains which run direct between the two points. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 July 1893, p. 1, c. 3)


Are They Locating the Shops.


General Manager Mellen, of the N. P., accompanied by General Supt. M. C. Kimberley, Assistant General Manager W. G. Pearce, Master Car Builder J. C. Barber, Chief Draughtsman O. B. Reynolds and Div. Supt. A. E. Law came up from St. Paul to this city this afternoon on a special train. Before arriving here they sent a message to Station Agent McKay requesting C. N. Parker and other representative citizens to meet them. They arrived at 3 p. m. and went to the Sanitarium for a few moments, when they returned and went over to the shops, where, it is generally believed, they are laying out the new shops that will undoubtedly be constructed here immediately. They will return to St. Paul tonight, making the trip here evidently for this purpose alone. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 July 1893, p. 1, c. 4)


A very pleasant and enjoyable time is reported by all who attended the railroad picnic last Friday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 July 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


14 July

NEW RAILROAD SHOPS ASSURED.

_____


Their Construction Ordered and Mon-

ey Therefor Appropriated.

_____


Work on Them Will be Commenced

This Month Says General

Manager Mellen.


In our last issue we published a notice of the visit of a party of N. P. railroad officials headed by General Manager Mellen, to this city, and stated then that in all probability they were locating and measuring off the ground for the location of new shops in this city. Our prediction proved to be true. The party arrived here as stated and after inspecting the Sanitarium they went over to the shops accompanied by H. C. Stivers and Hon. L. P. White. Arriving at the shops they proceeded to stake off and measure ground on which to locate the mammoth new shop, plans for which have been made for some time. The new building will be of the size and shape shown in the diagram [on the right]:

New Northern Pacific Shop, July 1893.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch

In addition to the diagram [to the right] a new power house will be constructed, 47x54 feet in size. The buildings will be of solid brick, and it will cost $55,000 to construct them. Mr. Mellen stated that the money for the work had been appropriated and placed at his disposal, and that work on the new buildings would be commenced just as soon as the contract for their construction could be let. Bids have already been advertised for. Mr. Mellen further stated that the company would ask, in return for the construction of shops here during the terrible financial stringency, that they be relieved from any special assessments for improvements for a period of three years, and permanently relieved from paving Front street between Fourth and Eighth streets. Also that no further streets be opened across the track here for a period of three years, for the reason that if this is done the company would have to move its yards which would be a greater expense at this time than they would care to meet. Mr. Mellen saw President Williamson, of the council, and stated the wishes of the company in the matter, and asked that a resolution embodying these requests be passed by that body. The council accordingly held a special meeting on Monday night and passed the following resolution which meets all the requirements of the company in the matter:

Whereas the Northern Pacific railroad company is contemplating an enlargement of its car shops, in order to meet the demands made by the destruction of [the] old shops by fire and by the natural increase of work, which enlargement, if carried to completion upon the plans now under consideration, will involve an expenditure of not less than $50,000 and add proportionately to the growth of a permanent industry.

Therefore let it be resolved by the council of the city of Brainerd, that in the event of the location and completion by said Northern Pacific railroad company of its car shops of the character indicated in the preamble to this resolution, at the city of Brainerd, during the current year, it is hereby declared to be the sense of this council that said Northern Pacific railroad company be hereafter perpetually exempt from all special assessments for paving Front street between Fourth street and Eighth street, in said city; and that said Northern Pacific railroad company be exempt from all other special assessments for public improvements, within said city, for a period of three (3) years from and after the date hereof; and that no street or streets be hereafter opened across the right of way of said Northern Pacific railroad company within said city.

This finally settles the matter and the new shops will be up in readiness for the fall work, when, Mr. Mellen assures us, the men will all work full time and many additional men will be required. The greatest benefit to the town from the construction of these new shops, however, will be the restoring of confidence in the minds of some of our citizens concerning the future of our city. It is positive proof that the railway company does not and never did seriously contemplate their removal from here, notwithstanding several tempting offers they have had. And although there is undoubtedly more new improvements being made now in Brainerd than in any other city in the state in proportion to her size, this action on the part of the company will greatly stimulate the construction of new buildings and make the next few years the best Brainerd has ever seen. The council did wisely when they so readily and unanimously took the action desired by the company, for the N. P. railroad always has been, and is to-day, especially under Mr. Mellen’s management, Brainerd’s best friend. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 July 1893, p. 1, c. 4)


While at the shops in this city last week, the fire company there was called out and gave the general manager and his party an exhibition of their efficiency. The general manager was not satisfied with the pressure on the city water works, and directed that an engine be put in the new power house, and a stand pipe be erected with sufficient capacity to furnish all the water desired in case of fire. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 July 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


26 July

It was reported Wednesday evening that some 60 men were discharged from the offices of the Northern Pacific in St. Paul on that day. It is said that the action is the result of the new policy of rigid economy which the road has decided to adopt, and that the wages of the men remaining in the service of the company have been cut about 10 percent.—Minneapolis Journal. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 July 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


28 July

A Base Stander.


A. Cosper [sic] was in town today and stated that the saw mills in Brainerd had shut down and the Northern Pacific had discharged 250 hands, and as a result of all this Brainerd was the dullest town in the state. It is said the mill people made an offer to pay the men half cash now and the balance in the fall, but they concluded that no money at all was better than half cash, so they shut down.—Little Falls Transcript.

It is peculiar to what extent some people can, and do, stretch the truth. The facts in the case are that 150 men have been laid off at the shops in this city, the reduction having been made in every place along the line where the road has men at work. The saw mills in the city are running with full crews. On Wednesday the Northern mill did not run because some forty men refused to go to work under a proposition made them the day before by the company, to the effect that they would pay their employees half cash and the balance in time-checks due on or before six months. On Thursday morning, however, the men went to work and the mills will continue cutting until the first of December.

You people at Little Falls don’t worry about Brainerd being “the dullest town in the state,” for you have trouble enough of your own. There is more business and more work going on here today than in many towns three times its size in the northwest. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 July 1893, p. 4, c. 6)


An official circular announces the appointment of J. W. Kendrick to the position of acting general manager of the Northern Pacific road, leased and operated lines west of St. Paul and Ashland, vice W. S. Mellen, deceased. Mr. Kendrick will continue in the discharge of his duties as chief engineer. The appointment takes effect immediately, according to the circular issue by President T. F. Oakes. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 August 1893, p. 1, c. 3)


NOTE: W. S. Mellen died on 26 July 1893 in Victoria, British Columbia.


29 July

Not Bad Signs.


The bids for building the Brainerd shops were opened last Saturday, and the contract will be let this week, probably today.

Northern Pacific stock is on the up grade, having advanced five points yesterday.

The Northern Pacific have completed their collateral trust loan and the company gets $15,000,000. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 August 1893, p. 4, c. 6)


05 August

James Haney of this city was thrown from a box car on the N. P. road at Wadena on Saturday last and received quite serious injuries, dislocating his hip and fracturing his thigh bone. Haney was stealing a ride at the time. He is in the Lumbermen's Hospital and is getting along as nicely as possible. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 August 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


11 August

THE NEW SHOPS

_____


Active Work Commenced On Them

This Morning.

_____


A. Tollefson Has the Contract and

They Must Be Completed by Nov. 1st.

_____


Division Engineer Darling is Laying

Out the Grounds To-day, and

Men Were Set at Work Ex-

cavating at Noon.

_____


The best news that Brainerd has received in many a day came this morning, when it was known to a certainty that the contract for the car shops had been let and that active work had been commenced. A. Tollefson, the gentleman who is putting up the four new school houses here, has secured the contract and has been in St. Paul all the week settling the details. His bond was accepted yesterday and the entire matter was closed. In company with Division Engineer W. L. Darling he came up on the 11:30 train last night and this morning Mr. Darling went immediately to work surveying the grounds and getting arrangements perfected for the contractor to commence his labor. The contract calls for the completion of the same ready for occupancy November 1st. Mr. Tollefson informed the writer that he would put a force of men to work at noon today on the excavating.

This forever silences the idea that any removal of the shops from Brainerd is contemplated, and the croakers must crawl into their holes and stay there. In the meantime the people of Brainerd will continue to rejoice and enjoy the prosperity which will surely follow. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 August 1893, p. 1, c. 3)


Another Reduction in World’s Fair

Rates.


Commencing Saturday, August 12, the Northern Pacific railroad will inaugurate the sale at all coupon ticket offices in Minnesota, North Dakota and Manitoba, of excursion tickets to Chicago at the uniform rate of one fare for the round trip, plus two dollars additional.

These tickets will be on sale daily until further notice and are limited to 30 days from date of sale.

These are the lowest rates yet announced and coupled with the splendid through Pullman sleeping car service, both first-class and tourist, operated by the Northern Pacific railroad to Chicago, offers the residents of the Northwest the best possible facilities to visit the world’s fair—one of the wonders of the age. tf. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 August 1893, p. 4, c. 5)


15 August

In Receiver’s Hands.


The people of this city were greatly surprised on Tuesday evening to hear by wire that the Northern Pacific railroad had gone into the hands of receivers. Some doubted the report but the arrival of the Twin City evening papers the following morning confirmed the report. It was then definitely learned that such action had been taken and that President Oakes, Henry C. Payne, of Milwaukee, and H. C. Rouse, of Cleveland, Ohio, had been appointed receivers. The cause of such action is briefly told by Vice President Williams, of New York:

“In consequence of the extraordinary depression of business and the stoppage of shipments along its line, the Northern Pacific Railroad company has been forced to acquiesce in an application for appointment of receivers. No company could long stand such severe pressure. The falling off in earnings is owing to several causes. The money stringency prevents the marketing of crops, cattle and products of all kinds; consequently the road is not getting the traffic usual to this season of the year. The failure of banks has tied up money upon which we depended for cash. The depression prevailing over the whole country has been exceptionally severe in the younger states so that general business along our main and branch lines has been practically at a standstill. Payment of bond interest under such circumstances could have been carried out only by borrowing money and increasing the floating debt, which would have entailed heavy sacrifices upon the bond and stockholders of the company. The receivership means, therefore, the preservation the property and a conservation of all interests until better times.”

What effect this move will have upon the building of the new shops here and upon business interests in this city, is very uncertain. It seems to be the prevailing opinion that the contracts having been let and the work under way the shops will be completed, especially as they are almost indispensable to the making of repairs. Otherwise we have no fear of a receivership making any material difference, as repairs must be made, and the shops must be operated on a larger scale than at present to keep the rolling stock in ordinary repair. If it does not stop the construction of the new shops the receivership business will not hurt Brainerd any is the general opinion. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 August 1893, p. 1, c. 3)


18 August

Mellen’s Policy to Be Continued.


J. W. Kendrick, the new acting general manager of the Northern Pacific road says that there is little probability of any change in the personnel of the staff in the traffic department. He thinks that all of the employees are eminently qualified for their duties and will probably continue the same policy carried out by his predecessor.—Minneapolis Times. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 August 1893, p. 1, c. 4)


25 August

A special meeting of the city council will be held this evening for the purpose of reconsidering the action on the bill of the N. P. company for lengthening the electric light shaft. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 August 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


The city has entered into a contract with the N. P. Sanitarium, whereby they light the same with 120 incandescent lights for $50 per month. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 August, 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


26 August

R. F. Walters has a Brush with Train

Robbers.


On Saturday night last the Northern Pacific passenger train was held up by highwaymen at Gray Cliff, 50 miles out from Livingston, and R. F. Walters, of the Big 9 shoe store, in this city, was a passenger. The adventure was one more to be appreciated after the thrilling incident was over than at the time of the occurrence. Mr. Walters had been at Hunter’s Springs and was returning to this city. At Gray Cliff two men got aboard the front end of the baggage car, crawled over onto the tender and compelled the engineer to go ahead to a point where a bright light was burning by the side of the track. Here the train was stopped and three more robbers appeared. The express messenger was ordered to open the safe, but he had only the combination of the outside door and could not get at the valuables. There was a good deal of money and some valuables which they did not get. Three of the robbers then stood outside, while the other two went in and passing down the aisle of sleepers and coaches collected such cash and jewelry as the passengers were frightened into giving up. Before they entered the car where Mr. Walters was, the passengers all knew what was in store for them, and they held a “council of war” to decide whether to fight or give up part of their valuables. It was decided to accept the latter and those in the coach hid what they could without exciting suspicion and when the robbers appeared in that car the passengers were thoroughly composed and shelled out what they had made up their minds to donate without objection. When it came Mr. Walters’ turn to drop his mite into the open sack which was passed around he deposited twenty cents, the rest of his money being secreted in his boot leg. The robbers kicked somewhat, asked for his watch which they took but retuned as he stated it was a keepsake from a dead brother. Every passenger in the train was subjected to the same treatment. Ex-Gov. Pillsbury was on the train and was relieved of $25, his diamonds, watch, etc., having been given to his daughter, and as the ladies were not molested he did not lose them. All this time a brisk fusillade was kept up on the outside and occasionally a shot was fired inside the car just as a reminder that the operators would not hesitate to shoot if any resistance was made. The incident will long be remembered by Mr. Walters, but we doubt if he cares to repeat his experience. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 September 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


01 September

The N. P. Railroad company is charged by Pres. Abbot, of the Wisconsin Central, with attempting to defraud the latter company. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 September 1893, p. 1, c. 3)


The receivers of the N. P. have asked permission to issue certificates for $5,000,000 to pay urgent charges against the company now due. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 September 1893, p. 1, c. 3)


Leon E. Lum, who has been for some time past local attorney for the Northern Pacific road, has resigned that position. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 September 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


25 September

The courts have finally decided that the lease of the Wisconsin Central by the Northern Pacific should be terminated. There is now talk of an alliance of the Central lines with the Great Northern. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 September 1893, p. 1, c. 3)


The N. P. and W. C. Part Company.


MILWAUKEE, Wis., Sept. 25.—Judge Jenkins handed down his decision in the Northern Pacific case at 3 o’clock this afternoon. The decision terminates the lease of the Wisconsin Central road by the Northern Pacific and gives the property back into the hands of the Central company.

In rendering the decision, Judge Jenkins said that an examination of the accounts submitted to the court showed that since the lease took effect, in 1890, the Wisconsin Central had been operated at a loss of $1,142,316, and the Chicago & Northern Pacific at a loss of $1,304,169. With regard to the Chicago & Northern Pacific Judge Jenkins held that the company was simply a contract creditor and that its interests could not be considered paramount to those of other creditors. He said that the $19,000,000 of Chicago & Northern Pacific stock held by the Northern Pacific were practically worthless. The gist of the decision was that the lease and the payment of the rentals and expenses which its continuance would involve constituted a burden which the Northern Pacific was unable to bear. The judge said he would hear counsel at once on the question as to whether the cancellation should take effect at once or not.

Edwin H. Abbot, president of the Wisconsin Central company and the Wisconsin Central Railroad company, tonight issued general order, No. 1, as follows:

The United States circuit court having this day granted the petition of the Wisconsin Central companies for possession of all the railroads covered by their lease to the Northern Pacific Railroad company, these companies will now resume the operation of their respective railroads. The operating offices are re-established in Milwaukee. Henry F. Whitcomb (formerly manager of the Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western) is appointed general manager, and will make all necessary arrangements for receiving surrender of these properties from the receivers of the Northern Pacific company, and for the operation thereof. The financial and accounting departments in Milwaukee will be in charge of Vice President Frederick Abbot. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 September 1893, p. 1, c. 3)


29 September

In the case of Andrew Mortenson against the Northern Pacific Railroad company, in which a verdict for $12,000 was obtained last winter in the United States circuit court, the company made a motion for a new trial which was argued before Judge Edgerton at Sioux Falls, S. Dak. The motion was denied on condition that the plaintiff accept $7,000 which condition will be accepted by the plaintiff’s attorneys, W. A. Fleming and W. S. McClenahan, of this city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 September 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


20 October

It is altogether probable that Brayton Ives will be chosen president of the Northern Pacific road at the election which occurs today, the Villard faction having been knocked out at a meeting of the stockholders. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 October 1893, p. 1, c. 3)


27 October

Are These Things True?


The Minneapolis Tribune in its Saturday edition among other things of the Northern Pacific, has the following to say of the “cut off.”

Another thing invested or to be examined, according to these reports, is the famous “Cut Off” line from Little Falls to Staples, on which many hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent, a new town built up at the division and the injury of others, as claimed and on the further charge that there was a very neat little speculation in the scheme of the town lot order. The points in this were, it is said, furnished for use in the late hustling for stock to be voted in the election. Enough was furnished to the Tribune regarding this to afford a sensation, if it proved to be be well founded. It is said that persons holding high positions in the company came in for their share in real estate speculation, in return for secret information given out, or tips, on the purposes of the company as to buildings and improvements after it was commenced. It is said that the line has proved of doubtful utility, and was constructed at a big price by favored contractors. In other words that there was sharing of profit among certain men connected with the company. Other rumors of disclosures relate to operations on the coast suggestive of the same sort of business. It is said that some officers of the company are charged with having been “in it,” in the ownership of many of the enterprises started all along the line, for which, however disguised the money in one way or another can be traced to the treasury of the company. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 October 1893, p. 1, c. 3)


A Narrow Escape.


The morning train from the west was five hours late on Monday, and pulled in just behind No. 6 from the same direction. Quite a large crowd of people were on the platform between the two tracks, and as No. 12 came in several people crossed over in front of it to the platform proper. Among them was a young man, a Scandinavian, whose name we could not learn. As he appeared to be in no hurry several people yelled at him, as he evidently did not see the incoming train. This did not help the matter, for he looked in all directions to see what the trouble was, and before he could find out the engine struck him. Engineer Coventry was running slow, however, and the fellow grabbed hold of the pilot and rolled out on the platform escaping injury excepting a pinched heel. No one who saw the fellow go down expected he would get out of it without the loss of a leg at least. It was indeed a very narrow escape. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 October 1893, p. 4, c. 6)


30 October

A party of N. P. officials came up from St. Paul last Monday to inspect the shops here, and to look over the five or six hundred back order cars side tracked in this city, with a view of having them repaired. The party was composed of John Hickey, superintendent of motive power and machinery, J. C. Barber, master car builder, O. H. Reynolds, mechanical engineer, J. J. Thornton traveling blacksmith and Howard Curry, traveling engineer. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 November 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


03 November

Mr. H. J. Small, a former resident of Brainerd, accompanied by his wife, was in the city the first of the week, shaking hands with old friends. Mr. Small is a brother of J. C. Small of this city and at present holds a position as superintendent of motive power and machinery on the Southern Pacific. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 November 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


10 November

500 Cords of Wood.


Bids will be received for 500 cords of green jack pine wood to be delivered at N. P. Foundry. Bids will be received until Nov. 10th. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 November 1893, p. 4, c. 5)


24 November

The new N. P. car shops are fast nearing completion. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 November 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


The members of the Northern Pacific Library Association will celebrate their eighth anniversary with a grand ball to be held in Columbian hall on Friday evening, Dec. 22nd. During the past year the library has been improved by the addition of a number of the latest and best mechanical works and it is the desire of the board of directors to still further increase the usefulness of the association by the addition of more new books from the best authors during the incoming year. Tickets are now on sale at $1.00 each, and all are cordially invited. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 November 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


01 December

W. Williamson, general foreman at the N. P. shops, has resigned his position. His successor has not yet been appointed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 December 1893, p. 4, c. 3)


08 December

N. P. Employees Uneasy.


The Duluth Tribune says: “The Northern Pacific employees’ conference at Staples, Sunday, was attended by delegates from the engineers’ firemen’s, conductors’ and brakemen’s unions. It was resolved to resist the ultimatum of the company abolishing the old schedules and to do this the trainmen will confederate. Very little in this section of the country is being said against the ten per cent cut. Committees will be sent to St. Paul to confer with the company.

“If the men on the west end of the road feel the same as those on this end,” said a railroad man last night, there is likely to be serious trouble unless the company gives in. And as the west end men have been making the greater noise and claim greater grievances, because of the hardships of mountain railroading in winter—and summer, too, for that matter—it is almost certain that they feel as we do, only more so. We don’t want to strike at any time of year and least of all in the winter, but we feel that the company has gone too far in abolishing the schedules. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 December 1893, p. 1, c. 4)


22 December

...Ed Bigger, son of the late Dr. Bigger, and who was sent to Fergus Falls some time ago is hopelessly insane with no prospects of ever recovering his reason. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 December 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


29 December

From the present outlook it is probable that there will be no strike on the N. P. road January 1st. The employees will appeal to the courts for relief and inasmuch as the controversy could not be settled by arbitration or compromise it is thought to be the best way of disposing of it. If the courts can be convinced that the reduction is unjust and ill advised an order will be secured forbidding it. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 December 1893, p. 1, c. 3)


John F. Hurley and Dr. W. Courtney have received by wire notice to appear in St. Louis, Mo., as witnesses in a damage suit arising from the Jonesville wreck, which occurred on Jan. 15th, 1892, at which time the Andrews’ Opera Co. were ditched, and the car burned, two people being cremated and several others injured. The gentlemen expect to leave tonight. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 December 1893, p. 4, c. 4)


SEE: 15 January 1892

SEE: 05 February 1892

SEE: 12 January 1894

SEE: 09 February 1894

SEE: 23 March 1896

SEE: 31 March 1896


Not Enough Funds Taken in by the

Association.


The seventh annual report of the Northern Pacific Beneficial Association conveys the information that for two years past the outgo has exceeded the income. This led the board of managers to discontinue the sick and accident allowance. Members are now entitled only to moderate burial allowances and necessary medical and surgical care in case of illness. In the association’s hospitals at Missoula and Brainerd within in a year 2,399 cases have been treated, in addition to 16,407 treated outside. The average cost per patient per day in thirteen months has been $2.26 at Missoula, and $1.67 at Brainerd; office and out door patients, 82 cents. During the same period the receipts were $103,934, $92,640 of which came from ordinary membership revenues. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 December 1893, p. 4, c. 5)


1894

12 January

Came to a Sudden Stop.


The St. Louis Globe Democrat has the following to say in regard to the damage case on trial in the above city and in which several Brainerd gentlemen were summoned as witnesses:

The trial of the case of Mrs. L. F. Barker vs. the Northern Pacific Railroad Company, for damages for injuries sustained in the railroad wreck at Brainerd, Minn., in January, 1892, came to a sudden stop yesterday morning. The case opened on Wednesday afternoon with reading to the jury the plaintiff’s causes of action as embodied in her petition. Then was read the answer of the defense, setting up that Mrs. Barker had signed a release to the company, relieving them, on payment of $500, of all liability for the accident. Next came the replication of Mrs. Barker’s attorney, who admitted the fact of the release, but claimed that it was extorted from the lady under duress. To this replication Mr. Campbell, for the company, interposed the objection that it presented an issue not to be determined before a jury in a court of law, but before a chancellor in a court of equity. This proposition struck Judge Phillips forcibly, and he suggested that now was the time to dispose of it; whereupon counsel settled down to argue the question, while the jury was released until this morning.

When court convened yesterday morning Judge Phillips indulged in a long but a very clear and interesting discussion of the principles involved. He showed from leading equity cases decided by the highest courts that the circumstances under which such releases were often obtained were such as to render the validity of such agreements a proper subject of examination by an equity court, and the pending cases fell within this class. The trial now in progress would, therefore, be suspended, and Mrs. Barker’s counsel would be at liberty to bring in a cross-bill in equity to have the release canceled. Judge Phillips suggested, also, that it would be the correct thing for Mrs. Baker to tender to the railroad company the $500 which she received as a consideration for the release. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 January 1894, p. 4, c. 5)


SEE: 15 January 1892

SEE: 05 February 1892

SEE: 29 December 1893

SEE: 09 February 1894

SEE: 23 March 1896

SEE: 31 March 1896


Endorse the Governor.


To the officers and members of North Star Lodge 197, I. A. of M.

We, your committee, appointed to draw up resolutions endorsing the action of Gov. Lewelling, of Kansas, herewith submit the following for your consideration:

WHEREAS, we the members of North Star Lodge 197, International Association of Machinists, having read your distinguished and able proclamation in regards to inaugurating the “bull pen” and “rock pile” and

WHEREAS, we recognize the fact that the “tramps” and unemployed are made such by our present unjust competitive system of production which does not give to the producers of wealth the full value of their product, and thereby reducing the purchasing power of the masses, and producing under-consumption, which forces many willing and able men to be idle, and

WHEREAS, we condemn any form of government that is elected for the protection of all its people, and which uses its power through class legislation to protect the wealthy and punish men for being poor and out of work, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that we, the members of North Star Lodge 197, International Association of Machinists, located at Brainerd, Minn., hereby extend to you our hearty approval for the firm stand you have taken in this direction and hope that all your official acts in the future will be for equal rights, and be it further

RESOLVED, that we publish a copy of these resolutions in the “Journal” the official organ of our order; also in the papers of this city, and send a copy to Gov. Lewelling.

Fraternally your committee,

CHARLES BANKS,

W. S. KELLOGG.

Approved as read Jan. 1st, 1894.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 12 January 1894, p. 4, c. 6)


19 January

The Northern Pacific people are filling their ice houses in this city from Detroit Lake. On Monday 94 cars of ice was received here for that purpose. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 January 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


The employees who have been conferring with the officials of the Northern Pacific are waiting in St. Paul for their reply. It will probably be several days yet before the receivers will be heard from. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 January 1894, p. 4, c. 4)


A Deserved Promotion.


The Pioneer Press says:

G. S. Fernald has been appointed special counsel of the Northern Pacific, with jurisdiction over the main line and all the branches operated as a part of the Northern Pacific system. This appointment does not affect Mr. Fernald’s present position as tax commissioner of the entire Northern Pacific system. Mr. Fernald has been connected with the Northern Pacific for the past ten years, and since April 1890, has filled the important position as tax commissioner.

Mr. Fernald was formerly a resident of Brainerd, and his many friends in this city and county will be pleased to learn of his promotion. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 January 1894, p. 4, c. 7)


26 January

Two Receivers Agree.


The telegraph brings the news that two of the N. P. receivers, Messrs. Oakes and Rouse, have already looked over the mass of testimony submitted to them by the engineers at their conference about ten days ago in regard to the proposed sweeping reductions in the schedule of wages, and yesterday sent in their replies, in which, it is understood they endorsed the modifications which the engineers proposed. Receiver Payne, is, however, in the south and the word that was expected from him did not arrive. Whether or not he will agree with the other two receivers in the matter is not known. As soon, however, as his reply comes, it will be submitted to General Manager Kendrick, and another conference will be held. In case of a concurrence of opinion between the receivers and the men—and there seems to be little doubt that an agreement will be easily reached—a joint petition will be presented to the court having jurisdiction over the affairs of the road to have the original decree in regard to the schedules modified accordingly. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 January 1894, p. 1, c. 3)


02 February

The Y. M. C. A. rooms are being papered and painted in very fine style by J. C. Congdon. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 February 1894, p. 4, c. 4)


09 February

Wants $25,000 Damages.


A telegram from Mankato says: Mrs. Jessie Andrews, wife of George Andrews, of the well known opera company is about to bring an action against the Northern Pacific Railway company in the United States court for $25,000 for personal injuries received in the wreck of the opera train at Brainerd two years ago, when Mrs. Ed Andrews met death in a burning car. Plaintiff received permanent injuries, and has retained Pfau & Young and W. N. Plymat as attorneys. Another action will be brought by George Andrews against the Chicago & Northwestern railway for injuries received a few weeks ago at Elroy while bringing the remains of his brother Charles Andrews, to this city, who was killed at Morrison, Ill. The company’s private car was demolished and plaintiff had several ribs broken, for which he asks $5,000. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 February 1894, p. 4, c. 7)


SEE: 15 January 1892

SEE: 05 February 1892

SEE: 29 December 1893

SEE: 12 January 1894

SEE: 23 March 1896

SEE: 31 March 1896


16 February

Tie Business Tied Up.


The tie business, which has been a large one in this city and in fact all along the N. P. line this winter is practically at an end as no more ties will be taken by the contractors. There has never been such an output of ties since the road was built, the estimate during January being 25,000 per day. From information gathered from Holmes & Brown at Detroit [Lakes] the Record says:

It is estimated that there are now over three hundred thousand surplus ties banked along the line, and in view of all the circumstances it would seem advisable for all parties to save their timber, as there is no prospect whatever of a market for ties during this winter or the next. This sudden stoppage of work will cause no little hardship to farmers and business men along the line who have depended almost entirely upon it for support and trade during the hard times when all other business is practically at a standstill. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 February 1894, p. 4, c. 7)


23 February

An action has been commenced to foreclose the mechanics liens which were filed recently against the Northern Pacific car shops, the trouble arising from the failure of Contractor Tollefson. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 February 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


Gus Sikenen [sic], an employee in the car department at the shops, had the misfortune to break his wrist on Wednesday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 February 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


Chess at the Y. M. C. A.


A remarkable contest was witnessed in the rooms of the Young Men’s Christian Association on Friday evening last when Mr. T. T. Warren engaged six members of the association simultaneously at chess and won four out of six games. Among the gentleman's opponents were some of the best chess players in Brainerd. Mr. Warren stands ready to repeat the contest at any time. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 February 1894, p. 4, c. 4)


Columbian Mystery.


The ladies of the G. I. A. of the B. of L. E. will give an entertainment on Tuesday evening next which is termed “A Columbian Mystery” and considerable guessing is being done as to what the mystery is. The admission will be 25 cents for gentlemen and ladies free, while all children accompanied by parents will also be admitted free. The entertainment will take place in the Davis building, next door west of Sanborn’s City Hotel on Front street. Music and dancing and a general good time is promised with the mystery to unravel. The attendance will undoubtedly be large. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 February 1894, p. 4, c. 6)


06 March

FATALLY INJURED.

________


Matthew L. McGinnis is Run Over By

the Cars at Sylvan Lake and

Dies from His Injuries.

________


It is the sad duty of the Dispatch to chronicle the sudden and violent death of Matthew L. McGinnis in this issue. The deceased was a brother of J. F. McGinnis, the clothing dealer, and on Monday afternoon he boarded the freight train which leaves here at about 4 p.m. for Staples. When the train arrived at Sylvan Lake it stopped to do some switching, and although Mr. McGinnis was a passenger on the train, he went onto a flat car that was to be set out on the side track. In some manner he was thrown from the car on the track and his right leg was run over and crushed between the knee and thigh. The train crew, Conductor Hughes in charge, as soon as the accident happened set their train in on the side track, and with the engine and caboose came back to the Sanitarium as fast as steam could bring them with the injured man, where he received all the attention that human hands could give, until his death, which occurred at 4 o'clock the next morning. The young man was conscious from the time the accident occurred until within a short time before he died, and conversed with his wife, brother, father and friends. He did not realize that he was fatally injured, and seemed to think that he would get along all right.

The deceased was born at Caledonia, Minn., on March 22nd, 1869, and was in the 25th year of his age. He had lived in this city for some time having been employed at the shops, and with the B. & N. M. Ry. In October 1893, he was united in marriage to a young lady at Aitkin, and had made his home at the latter place since that time. His twin brother, John McGinnis, being seriously ill at the Sanitarium in this city during the past three weeks, he had been here in attendance on him. His father, Patrick McGinnis, of Caledonia, was also here when the sad accident occurred on a similar mission. The deceased was a young man of sterling integrity, and was universally liked by all who knew him.

The funeral services were held on Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock from St. Francis Catholic church, Rev. Fr. Lynch officiating, under the auspices of Division No. 1, Ancient Order of Hibernians, of which he was an honored member and the remains were laid to rest in Evergreen cemetery. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 March 1894, p. 4, c. 4)


NOTE: Brother of Thomas L. McGinnis


SEE: 13 May 1893


12 March

At a meeting of the board of directors of the Northern Pacific Bank on Monday. H. J. Spencer, formerly president and cashier of the 1st National Bank of this city, was elected cashier of the Northern Pacific and will assume the duties of his new position immediately. The former cashier, J. N. Nevers, has been elected vice president. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 March 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


23 March

F. W. Mallott, for many years employed with the Northern Pacific company in Brainerd returned on Wednesday from Great Falls, Montana, where he has been for some weeks past. He is now in the employ of the Great Northern road as general foreman of its machine ships in the above named city, and has returned for his family, expecting to leave for his new field of labor again the first of the week. The many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Mallott will wish them success in their new home. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 March 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


20 April

A literary entertainment and social dance will be given by North Star Lodge No. 197, I. A. M., on Friday evening, April 27th, at the N. P. Library Hall. Luncheon will be served. Tickets $1.00. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 April 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


Dr. R. D. Campbell who has been one of the physicians at the N. P. Sanitarium here for some time leaves tonight for Grand Forks where he will associate himself with Dr. H. M. Wheeler in the practice of medicine. Dr. Armstrong of Toronto, Can., succeeds him here. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 April 1894, p. 4, c. 4)


Superintendent Kimberley, General Manager Kendrick and General Freight Agent Hannaford, were in the city on Tuesday with other officials on a tour of inspection. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 April 1894, p. 4, c. 4)


23 April

On Monday morning fire destroyed an old store house of the Northern Pacific near the dump in which was a quantity of moulding, dry lumber and paint. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 April 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


27 April

This evening occurs the entertainment given by North Star Lodge I. A. M. at the library hall. Luncheon will be served and will be followed by a social dance. Train will leave the depot every 20 minutes commencing at 8 o’clock. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 April 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


The ball given by the B. R. T. at Gardner hall on Wednesday evening was a very enjoyable entertainment and well attended. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 April 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


...The reports of the committees of the Y. M. C. A. was as follows: Attendance at rooms for 6 months 7483 persons or on average of 48 per day. The educational feature of the association was five lectures with an attendance of 480 persons, or an average of 96. 269 letters were written the rooms and 793 baths taken by members of the association. The membership of the association at present is 101 persons. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 April 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


The lien cases against A. Tollefson for work on the N. P. shops here, some fifty in number, have been on trial before Judge Holland this week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 April 1894, p. 4, c. 4)


11 May

The Railway Yard Masters will give their second annual ball at Gardner's Hall Thursday May 24th. The Yard Masters are sparing no expense to make this the grand social gathering of the season. Music by Whitford’s orchestra. Special train leaves Staples 7 p. m. Returns after the ball is over. Supper at the Arlington Hotel. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 May 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


Mrs. Geo. Bertram is in St. Paul in attendance at the national convention of the Ladies Auxiliary B. of L. E. being a delegate. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 May 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


H. J. Gross, an N. P. fireman, has moved his family from Staples to Brainerd. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 May 1894, p. 4, c. 7)


18 May

The railroad company has this week set out 250 trees in the park between Sixth and Eighth streets. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 May 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


01 June

The N. P. employees will enjoy their annual excursion this year on June 23d, and will go to Glenwood. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 June 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


07 June

Railroad Picnic.


[10th Annual Picnic] June 7th the grounds committee, consisting of W. H. Thompson, Edward Crust and Claud C. Kyle went to Glenwood for the purpose of arranging for the railroad picnic to be held in that place on June 23rd, 1894. The city council had held a meeting previous to their arrival and appointed a citizen’s committee consisting of Judge Tory Thorson, Frank H. Gordon, C. H. Minton, Matt Ward, A. H. Hilderbrand, Geo. C. Gauge, F. L. Bradley and L. T. Stodder, who met the grounds committee at the depot and conveyed them in carriages to the picnic grounds, where the necessary arrangements were made for dancing, use of boats and the privilege of using water from an artesian well located on the grounds. The citizens committee also made arrangements to furnish free transportation for all baggage and lunches from the depot to the grounds. Mr. Matt Ward and Mr. C. H. Minton are proprietors of two fine hotels in Glenwood and will be fully prepared to entertain any who may wish hotel accommodations. The Glenwood people are very anxious to extend their unlimited hospitality to the railroad picnickers.

The following is the programme of games and sports as arranged:

Base ball, Brainerd vs. Morris $50.

1 mile boat race, $10

25 yard tub race, 1st prize $2; 2nd $1.

Tug of war, 12 men on each side, locomotive and car department, $10.

100 yard foot race open to all employees, 1st prize $3; 2nd prize $2.

Potato race, 6 entries, 1st prize $3; 2nd $2.

Ladies spoon and egg race, 50 yards, 1st prize $2; 2nd $1.

Sack race, 50 yards, 1st prize $2; 2nd prize $1.

Smoking race 50 yards and return, box cigars.

Hop, skip and jump, $2.

Standing long jump, $2.

The committee on games and sports is composed of the following gentlemen: J. P. Anderson, chairman, C. R. Pegg, secretary, Ralph Robinson, J. D. McDougall, Edwin Evenson, F. W. Edgerly and J. B. Rodger. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 June 1894, p. 4, c. 5)


14 June

Death from Dropsy.


Los Angeles, June 15.—Charles W. Mead, a well-known resident and business man, died suddenly of dropsy yesterday. He was formerly general superintendent of the Northern Pacific Railroad, one of the proprietors of the Omaha Smelting Works and brother of millionaire George W. Mead. He left a card stating that he anticipated death from dropsy. (San Francisco Call, Volume 76, Number 16, 16 June 1894)


22 June

The annual picnic of the railroad employees occurs tomorrow and at 6 o’clock the train will leave Brainerd for Glenwood accompanied by the Third Regiment band. The train will be made up of twelve passenger coaches and three cabooses and it is expected that every seat will be occupied. The train bearing Staples excursionists will be run over the cut-off and will not come this way. A very fine time is expected as every possible arrangement has been made for the comfort and convenience of the participants. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 June 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


23 June

The N. P. Excursion.


[10th Annual Picnic] The employees of the Northern Pacific road enjoyed their annual outing last Saturday, the trip being to Glenwood. The train from Brainerd consisted of seventeen coaches and every coach was filled to overflowing with good-natured people bent on having an enjoyable day. The engine was decorated in holiday attire, being festooned with bunting and decorated with flags, and presented a very pleasing effect. Engineer Scougale and Fireman Hughes were in charge and Conductor Corrigan looked after the comfort of the passengers. The train pulled out at 6:30 and made the run to Little Falls on schedule time, where a stop of half an hour was made during which time the Third Regiment Band, which accompanied the excursion, rendered some excellent music. The train from Staples having arrived over the cut-off, four of the Brainerd coaches were attached to that section to lighten the load, and the two trains sped on to their destination, arriving at Glenwood at a little before 11 o’clock. Here the picnickers were met with teams and conveyed from the depot to the grounds at the lake side, where every arrangement for their comfort had been made. Dinner was the next order, and the party scattered over the vast area of shady beach in parties, and to partake of the noonday meal in real outdoor fashion, which would have been enjoyed to a greater extent but for a furious wind and rain storm which came sweeping across the lake at 1 o’clock. This scattered the crowd and although nearly all the ladies and children found shelter in convenient houses and under cover of buildings erected for use of the party, many were obliged to take a soaking. The rain lasted until 2:30, and the result was that the games advertised were declared off on account of the muddy condition of the roads and grounds.

The Brainerd and Wadena bands furnished music throughout the afternoon on the grounds, and dancing was enjoyed in the pavilion, while many enjoyed boating, etc. The principal attraction was the ball game between the “Browns” of this city, and the Morris nine, in which our boys came out victorious by a score of 7 to 3, the game being a very exciting one. The Morris team claimed they did not come over to play with “kids,” and wanted to call the game off, but before it was over they discovered the “Browns” were giants at ball playing.

The last section left Glenwood at 6:30, and arrived at Brainerd at 10:10 making the trip without an accident of any kind.

The excursion was voted by all who attended to have been one of the most delightful in their experience, and the gentlemen who had charge of the arrangements are to be congratulated over the successful manner in which the programme was carried out. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 June 1894, p. 2, c. 5)


29 June

NEWS OF THE STRIKE!

_____


THE GREATEST RAILROAD STRIKE IN

THE HISTORY OF THE COUNTRY

IS NOW IN FULL FORCE.

_____


All the Leading Roads Centering in Chicago are

Tied Up and Not a Wheel Moving.

_____


THE NORTHERN PACIFIC FIRST AFFECTED.

_____


The Switchmen and Shop Employees in Brainerd

Go Out and the Business of the Road at this

Point Practically at a Standstill.

_____


Latest Telegraphic Reports.


Special Telegram in the DISPATCH.

MINNEAPOLIS, June 29.—Dispatches from Chicago say two great railway systems, Santa Fe and Northern Pacific shut down. The Illinois Central is at a stand still north of the Ohio River, and local troubles exist on the Baltimore & Ohio, Chicago & Northwestern and Monon lines. This was situation early this morning.

At Headquarters of A. R. U. it was stated that a general strike had been ordered on Milwaukee, the reason for this being that officials of the road agreed not to put non-union men at work in place of union men who had struck.

About 100 men engaged in Baltimore and Philadelphia to take the place of strikers are expected to reach Chicago to-day. They are being transported over the Baltimore & Ohio and Pennsylvania roads. On their arrival the men will be taken care of by the association bureau and assigned as needed to such roads as may call for them. Mr. Egan declares that there will be no difficulty in getting all the men wanted to fill vacancies.

SAN FRANCISCO June 29.—At a meeting of the railroad men last night a general strike on the Southern Pacific system was ordered. All the operators of the great corporation will walk out, so that not even coal trains will be run. It is learned that all the Santa Fe telegraph operators and station agents will quit.

MINNEAPOLIS June 29.—Affairs at the union station this morning were carried on about as usual. All the passenger trains with the exception of those of the Northern Pacific arrived and left practically on schedule time. The Pullman cars were in their accustomed places and were not interfered with. Not a single Northern Pacific train of any description has moved in the yards to-day and a dead silence prevails. All the employees with the exception of those detailed to watch the property, refrain from going near the yard or buildings. The stalled overland train is still on the side track and the passengers on board are being cared for by the executive committee.

When the Wisconsin Central drew in large red placards were tacked on both sides of the two Pullman sleepers containing the following notice:

Public Notice is hereby given that all cars, rolling stock, docks and property of the Wisconsin Central railway are in possession and under the exclusive control and management of the undersigned as receivers and as officers of the United States Circuit courts for eastern and western districts of Wisconsin and that injunctions have bee issued by said courts restraining all person whosoever from in any manner interfering with the management of said property. All parties are hereby warned that any attempt to interfere with such property or molest or intimidate the employees or brakemen whether by threats or violence will be summarily dealt with by said United States Courts.”

Signed, H. F. WHITCOMB.

HOWARD MORRIS.

Receivers.


AT FARGO.

At 6 o’clock tonight officers of the local A. R. U. received orders to quit work on the Northern Pacific road and the men went out in a body. There is not a man in the car shops or roundhouse, and not even a coal shoveler at the docks. No one but the yardmaster is on duty in the yards. Early this evening trains left on time, but No. 2 from the west has just arrived, three hours late. As fast as crews come in they quit work. Trains are being run by the Brotherhood men.


AT HELENA.

The first effect of the Pullman boycott was seen here today when the east-bound Northern Pacific train arrived. Last night the west bound train was bound up at Livingston, and the superintendent of the Montana division ordered the east-bound train to be “killed” when it got to Helena. On the Montana division, extending from Helena to Livingston, not a wheel is moving. This due to the fact that the shop men at the latter point have taken advantage of the Pullman boycott to present their demand for an increase of pay, and on account of sympathy with them, other employees have gone out on that division.

For the first time in her history the people of Brainerd are experiencing the sensation of being in the midst of a great strike, which was inaugurated on the Northern Pacific road at noon yesterday with the prospect ahead of a long and tedious struggle.

The strike which is on with the great railroad systems of the country originated with the strike inaugurated by the employees of the Pullman Car company, at Pullman, Ill., where are located the greatest car works in the county and at which place some 4000 men are employed. Pullman, as is well known, is named after Geo. M. Pullman the head of the company which own the town body and soul. Men employed there are forced to live in the houses of the company at an exorbitant rent rate which is deducted from their wages on pay day. Single men are compelled to board at the Pullman boarding houses, and the employees must buy their groceries at the company’s store. Privileges, such as as gas and water are charged extra for and at a price almost double paid by the citizens of Chicago only fourteen miles away.

Wages had been reduced from time to time to such an extent that it was impossible to exist on the slim pittance allowed them, and they engaged in a strike which they carried on alone for some weeks, unequal though they were to the occasion, until the railroad men throughout the United States espoused their cause and offered them aid. The American Railway Union ordered their members to refuse to handle Pullman cars, and the companies on whose lines these cars were used began to discharge the men who so refused to do this work. This caused a general strike on these roads. At noon Thursday a telegram was received by the officers of the A. R. U. in this city from President Eugene V. Debs, ordering them out, and they promptly quit, the number at that time being about 115.

At three o’clock yesterday a public meeting of the local branch of the A. R. U. was held at the Olympic Theatre, at which President Banks presided. The situation was explained in a very comprehensive manner as outlined above by J. P. Barney. He also stated that the A. R. U. was in the fight to win, and that the sympathy of the public was with them, illustrating that a Brainerd gentleman had already offered to donate 150 sacks of flour should the occasion require it. At this meeting 85 new members joined. A motion carried unanimously to the effect that every member of the A. R. U. in this city should be a committee of one to see that the company’s property was in no way harmed.

At a public mass meeting held last evening over which J. W. Martin presided until Robert Turner arrived 125 new members were taken in and the greatest enthusiasm prevailed.

The situation at the shops this morning is that not over a dozen men are at work, if indeed there are that number and the strike in Brainerd is complete.

No trains have arrived from St. Paul since Wednesday. The Morris train came in on time last night and left this morning with the mail and passenger cars. The Duluth train went west at 8 o’clock last night with a Pullman car attached and returned to Duluth at 3:30 this morning with a Pullman attached and unmolested, but it is not expected that the train will run tonight. The road west of Fargo is tied up and not a wheel is turning. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 June 1894, p. 1, c.’s 3 & 4)


06 July

TWO KILLED

_____


Mob Stone an Engineer

to Death at Chicago.

_____


U. S. MARSHALS FIRE

INTO THEM KILL-

ING TWO MEN.

_____


Trouble at Spokane Falls

_____


KILLED BY MARSHALS.

Special Telegram to the Dispatch.

CHICAGO, July 6.—A mob began overturning cars this morning at Kensington, suburb twelve miles south of the junction of the Michigan Central and Illinois Central and half a mile from the town of Pullman. Company of troops were immediately dispatched to the scene of trouble. The mob wrecked two trains and stoned an engineer to death. The deputy marshals fired on them killing two men. More troops are hurrying to the scene.


SHOOTING AT SPOKANE FALLS.


Special Telegram to the Dispatch.

SPOKANE, Wash., July 6.—The first train to arrive in this city for over a week bristling with deputy marshals came in from the west over the Northern Pacific at 5 o’clock last night. The depot was immediately surrounded by a crowd of over a thousand people and the deputies were hissed and abused. The mob then began to ditch cars, three engines and two freight cars being treated in this manner. The deputies were stoned, Deputy Martin and two others being struck and seriously injured. Many women and children were in the crowd and for safety the sympathizers and strikers mingled with the women knowing that the deputies would not fire upon them. At a late hour this morning shooting is going on at the depot.


IN THIS CITY.


The strike, locally considered, is in the same condition as it was one week ago today. No mail has been received in Brainerd since Tuesday night and there are no very bright prospects of any trains for some time. Nos. 5 and 6, the regular Brainerd trains are being run over the cut-off and have been since Wednesday for some unaccountable reason and we are informed that they are to run that way until further orders. The Duluth train has not run since Tuesday night and that leaves us practically on a side track as far as any communication with the outside world is concerned. No acts of violence have been offered or considered by any of the strikers in this city, in fact, the U. S. deputy marshals who were left here on Tuesday expressed themselves as very much surprised to find so orderly a city where there were so many men on a strike and two of the original number went to Little Falls while the balance are anxious to be transferred to some other place where their presence is needed. On Sunday evening an extra man on the engine, a scab, who was shoveling coal was suddenly let down from his lofty position, but he was in no way molested and furthermore was given a square meal and we are informed that he applied for admission into the A. R. U. On Tuesday a regular fireman took No. 6 from here to St. Paul knocking the scab fireman out of his job. A large crowd had congregated and considerable excitement prevailed but no acts of violence were offered.

The marshal who pulled a gun on the crowd Monday was let out as soon as he reached St. Paul. His act was uncalled for as the people who had assembled when the train pulled in were peaceable and orderly.

At Staples last night an engine ready to go out was “stripped,” as the railroad men call it. Some one placed a nut or piece of iron on the machinery in such a manner as to disable her on one side. The engine was brought to Brainerd this forenoon. It is a relief to know that such acts [are not] chronicled in Brainerd and it is more than probable that it was the work of some outsider. When the whole trouble is settled Brainerd will come forward with the cleanest record of any place on the line of the road.

The clerks at the shops were let out last night with the exception of two men. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 July 1894, p. 1, c. 3)


GRAPHICALLY DESCRIBED.

_____


Pullman, the City where the Great

Strike Originated is Discussed by

Ministers of the Gospel.

_____


They have Lived There and Roast the

Man who Owns the Town to a

Turn.


The Minneapolis Journal says:

Just now the little town of Pullman, Ill., is the source of an agitation which bids fair to cause widespread and severe financial loss. Aside from the question of justice involved in the tying up of business, in a large portion of the country, on account of a purely local grievance, there is certainly some cause for speculation as to the correctness of the theory upon which the model town of Pullman is built and operated. When the place was first started it attracted wide attention among students of sociology as being a unique and thoroughly practicable solution of the working-man’s home problem. The social experiment cost $5,000,000 in the inception. How it has worked is graphically described by Rev. D. S. McCaslin, who for two years [was] pastor of a Presbyterian congregation at Pullman and who now presides over Bethlehem Presbyterian church in Minneapolis.

“I paid $1,800 a year for two years,” said Mr. McCaslin this morning, “for the privilege of preaching the gospel at Pullman. It was a high price to pay. The men at Pullman really have a grievance. When Pullman built their town, handsome rows of brick dwellings housed with all modern conveniences were erected, together with a theater, market house, hotel, library, church and saloon. All these last were ostensibly for the free use of the Pullman inhabitants. Beautiful streets were laid out, nicely macadamized, lawns were made and gas and water were furnished. Now what is the result? Men of all except the very cheapest grades of labor in Pullman are obliged to live in houses erected by the company. The men have to pay a steep rent, $25 a month for a seven-room cottage with small rooms. They cannot even dig in their back yards for the purpose of planting vegetable and flowers without first securing proper authority from the Pullman company. They must take water from the Pullman company at rates fixed by the corporation and they pay $2.25 for illuminating gas and $1.75 for fuel gas.”

“In order to obtain these privileges each man has to sign a lease which binds him to all the foregoing, but reserves to the company the privilege of canceling the lease and ejecting the tenant on 10 days’ notice. You do not hear a great deal of dissatisfaction expressed at Pullman in ordinary times, for a man who talks is sure to be spotted sooner or later and just as surely his discharge is forthcoming very speedily.

“Just to show the hypocritical philanthropy of the scheme, take the churches there as an illustration. The company erected the church and a saloon. Both were to be run by the company for exactly the same purpose—to make money. For three years the church stood vacant. The rent was practically prohibitive, being $1,200 a year, with gas and water bills, bringing the total expense up to $1,800. The men paying heavy were not able to take the church until the Presbyterian society organized a congregation at Pullman and guaranteed the expenses to the company. Even then it was necessary for the Chicago churches one year to chip in $700 to make up a deficit.

“The Pullman scheme is particularly hard on the men because their expenses are large and constant, while their work is piece work and their income consequently fluctuates a great deal. The gas used is made at Chicago gas works and the Pullman’s retail it to their own men at a much higher figure than the consumers in the city pay. The same is true with the water. When you consider that so large a proportion of a man’s salary must be paid directly back to the company and that the company has taken the surest way to recover the largest percentage of this money. It is not strange at all that the employees are dissatisfied.”

Mr. McCaslin has a copy of the Pullman lease. It is the style commonly known among real estate men as a “cut throat lease,” containing 20 clauses and binding the tenant to hopeless fetters. In addition to the money exacted from the employees for living expenses there is a complicated and extensive system of fines which is as liable to catch a man at his home as on the street or in the shops. Mr. McCaslin says that the system of spying and surveillance has no equal in the United States and is not excelled anywhere in Russia. This system is necessarily extensive and complicated because the calendar of offenses punishable by fine is large and applies to usages in the homes, the library, the parks and all places provided by the company.

Very much in line with Mr. McCaslin’s view is that taken by Rev. W. H. Carwardine, past of the Methodist church at Pullman. In a recent sermon Mr. Carwardine declare it his duty as a minister of the gospel to discuss the strike.

“You need not fear,” he said, “that the company will retaliate upon us as a church for anything I may say. It dare not in the face of public opinion. And, let me add, if the fears of some of you should ever be realized, better a thousand times that our church be disorganized by the company than that we truckle to them, forego the God given and American right to free speech, smother our convictions, muzzle our mouths, fawn beneath the smiles of any rich man or corporation. Better to die for the truth than be surfeited by a lie.”

Taking up Geo. M. Pullman, Mr. Carwardine stated that there was no cause for regarding him as a philanthropist, notwithstanding Mr. Pullman’s aspiration to be classed with Peter Cooper, Geo. Peabody and Geo. W. Childs. The town of Pullman was characterized as a relic of serfdom and thoroughly un-American; the system was called a hollow mockery girdled with red tape,” and Mr. Carwardine’s address reached its climax in this series of questions:

“Why does Mr. Pullman, in the midst of a hard and rigorous winter, when the hours of work were few and the wages at their lowest ebb; when whole families were in want; when the churches burdened with their heavy rents were seeking to relieve the poor, and that noble organization, the Woman’s Union—which we were not allowed to call the ‘Relief’ union for fear of hurting Mr. Pullman’s pride—was doing all it could to help the destitute; why was it that our cry for help was unheeded and no large amount was given by Mr. Pullman or the company?

“Why did he permit one of his officials to publish a statement that there was no destitution in Pullman, and that there could not be as long as $720,000 was deposited in the bank to the credit of the laboring men, a statement which I have reason to believe was, in effect, false and misleading?

“Why does not Mr. Pullman do something for the moral and educational development of this place? Why does he extort such exorbitant rents from the churches of this community? Why does he not assist the Young Men’s Christian Association just a little? Why does he not give us an emergency hospital, of which we stand so much in need? And last, not least, why, let me ask, does he not, as a man of flesh and blood like ourselves, bring himself into a little closer contact with the public life of our town cheer his employees with his fatherly presence and allow the calloused hand of labor occasionally to grasp the gentle hand of the man who professes to be so intensely interested in our welfare?

“Never until George M. Pullman can give a satisfactory answer to these questions will I account him a benefactor to his race, a lover of his kind, a philanthropist, or one who has done anything for posterity which will cause mankind, when his dust slumbers beneath the sod to rise up and call him blessed.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 July 1894, p. 1, c.’s 4 & 5)


O. C. Foster has started a stage line between this city and Little Falls which will continue until the strike is over. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 July 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


13 July

The Strike Situation.


To all appearances the backbone of the great railroad strike, as far as the N. P. road is concerned, is broken. Trains are running as regularly as ever through Brainerd and have been since the first of the week. The Morris train is making its usual run, having been sent out yesterday for the first time. The engineers have returned to work and of the switchmen in this city five have reported for duty and the day crew is at work.

The situation on the western divisions is yet critical and trouble is expected there from time to time until the conditions becomes settled.

In this city last night the first real serious offense was committed. The Morris train had been made up ready to go out and during the night some one whose zeal was in excess of his good sense removed the coupling pins from the cars and hid them and cut the rubber hose which connects the cars with air brakes. This delayed the train a couple of hours in getting out. It is unnecessary to state that the same thing will not occur again.

Washington, July 12.—Attorney General Olney has offered a reward of $2,000 for testimony which will lead to the arrest of the persons concerned in the Sacramento wreck in which four people were killed.

Chicago, July 12.—4 p. m.—The employees of the Pullman company have been asked by some of the strike leaders to make an appeal to Debs to call off the boycott on the ground that the damage to the country is too great. The Pullman operatives have consented to do so. It is not improbable that this request may be made publicly and that based upon it the boycott may be officially declared off.

Chicago, July 12.—It was reported this afternoon that strikers and deputies had engaged in a conflict at Sixteenth and Morgan streets on the Pan-Handle tracks. Two deputies were reported to have been killed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 July 1894, p. 1, c. 6)


Drowned While Bathing.


W. H. Jones was drowned at Gilbert Lake on Wednesday afternoon and the sad affair has cast a gloom over the city. In company with W. G. Percy and J. P. Anderson. Mr. Jones was enjoying an afternoon's outing and the three were in a boat not over 30 yards from shore when the accident occurred. The young men were in swimming attire and the boat was upset putting the three into the water accidentally. Mr. Percy could not swim and he clung to the boat while the two others started for shore, Mr. Anderson arriving ahead and looking around for Mr. Jones who was nowhere in sight. As the deceased had always been considered an excellent swimmer his two companions could not think it possible that he had been drowned, but a search revealed the fact that such was the case and the body was found in six feet of water. The deceased was a son of J. W. Jones, street commissioner, and was a young man highly respected by a large circle of friends in this city and elsewhere. Funeral services will be held from the Congregational church to-day, Rev. T. M. Edmands officiating. He was a member of North Star Lodge No. 197, I. A. M. [International Association of Machinists] and also of the Y. P. S. C. E. of the Congregational and Presbyterian churches and these societies will attend the funeral in a body. The deceased was 22 years of age. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 July 1894, p. 4, c. 4)


20 July

The Strike.


On Friday last General Manager Kendrick issued a circular announcing that persons who entered the company’s employ during the strike had been guaranteed continued employment during faithful service, but that as there were many of those who struck did so through lack of proper appreciation of the circumstances, no new employee would be taken up to 12 o’clock Sunday noon, the 15th inst. and applications from old employees would be received and given proper attention, provided they had not engaged in riotous demonstrations, or interfered with other employees during the strike, and that after that date the assignment of places would begin, and seniority would date from the time of such assignment.

Accordingly the employees in this city considered the matter, and while the A. R. U. as a society decided not to report, many of the men applied, the number being as follows: Machinists 40, machinists’ apprentices 13, boiler makers 10, boiler makers’ apprentices 6, car shop men 11. Nearly all the blacksmiths reported. Since that date we are informed by reliable authority that many of the men have asked for their old positions, but it is a question as to whether they will be taken back, the company claiming they had ample opportunity to report for work before the limitation fixed expired. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 July 1894, p. 1, c. 4)


R. M. DeLambert, of this city, has been appointed general storekeeper of the Northern Pacific road with headquarters at St. Paul, and is succeeded as division storekeeper here by E. O. Parks, of Hamline. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 July 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


Adam Bardsley has been appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the death of W. T. Small, as superintendent of motive power on the B. R. & P. railroad at Rochester, N. Y. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 July 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


Among the Brainerdites who have been appointed to do service as deputy marshals along the line of the Northern Pacific road watching bridges are A. Robbins, Thos. C. Fernald, Geo. Merriot, Wm. Bredfield, Frank Bredfield, G. H. Stratton, Alf. Brockway, E. J. Fulton, Chas. Elliot, R. G. Sparks, Robt. McLaren, Frank Jentz, O. C. Foster, G. G. Pierce, J. J. Howe, Jr., Frank Thomas, E. W. Lynch and W. H. Guthrie. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 July 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


SEE: 10 August 1894


Resolutions.


At the regular meeting of North Star Lodge No. 197, International Association of Machinists, held July 16th, the following resolutions were adopted:

WHEREAS, God, in his all wise providence has by the hand of death removed from our midst our worthy and beloved brother, W. H. Jones, and,

WHEREAS, North Star Lodge No. 197, I. A. of M., sustains in his sudden death a loss which is felt by each and all. Kind and genial in all his intercourse and associations, he won the respect and esteem of all his shop mates and acquaintances, who deeply deplore the lamentable manner in which he was taken from our midst, while the shadows were yet falling toward the west in the forenoon of life, with apparently his best days before him; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That we, the members of North Star Lodge No. 197, I. A. of M., extend to the bereaved parents and relatives of our deceased brother our heartfelt sympathy and condolence in this their hour of trial and tribulation, commending them to the Almighty King who bears our sorrows; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the bereaved family, and that they be spread on records of this lodge, on a page dedicated to that purpose, and that a copy be forwarded to the Journal, the official organ of the order, also to the other Brainerd newspapers, for publication; and that our Charter be draped for a period of thirty days.

J. P. GARDINER, Chairman;

J. P. ANDERSON,

THOS. HALLADAY,

Committee.


RESOLUTION OF THANKS.


NORTH STAR LODGE No. 197, I. A. of M.

BRAINERD, Minn., July 13, 1894

To the Members of the Brainerd city Band.

Gentlemen: At the meeting of the above named Lodge, held after the funeral of our late brother, W. H. Jones, it was resolved that we, the members of North Star Lodge No. 197, I. A. of M., extend to you a hearty vote of thanks for the prompt and cordial manner in which you placed your services at our disposal on that occasion. On behalf of the said Lodge we beg to remain thankfully yours.

J. P. GARDINER, Chairman;

J. P. ANDERSON,

THOS. HALLADAY,

Committee.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 20 July 1894, p. 4, c. 6)


27 July

It is estimated that between $68,000,000 and $70,000,000 have been lost as a direct result of the strike, including the loss in wages to employees and railway and factory earnings. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 July 1894, p. 1, c. 3)


Arthur Wilson has been given the position of cashier with the N. P. company at Grand Forks. His brother Charley takes his position here, and Harry Kelley is now night seal clerk. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 July 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


10 August

The Northern Pacific railroad is making some extensive improvements at the depot, a new platform being laid entirely around the same. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 August 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


The railroad company will at once fix the side walks on Sixth street. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 August 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


Nearly all of the deputy marshals sent out from this city have been recalled. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 August 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


SEE: 20 July 1894


Railroads have had such hard times lately that their managers resort to every economy possible says an exchange. One of these is economy in fire making. It used to take as much as an eighth of a cord of wood to kindle a fire in a locomotive. This costs anywhere from 11 cents to 35 cents. Now the coal is started to burning by kerosene. A bed of coal is spread over the grate bars of the firebox. Some old waste is thrown on top of it. Upon the coal and waste is then sprayed a fine stream of oil till they are saturated. Then the fire is lighted. The oil spray answers the purpose of kindling wood and only costs 2 or 3 cents. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 August 1894, p. 4, c. 4)


17 August

A Petition for Reinstatement.


The following petition will be presented to General Manager Kendrick, of the Northern Pacific road, in St. Paul as soon as he returns from the Pacific coast.


PETITION


To General Manager J. W. Kendrick, of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company.

We, the undersigned merchants, business men and professional men of the city of Brainerd, wish to respectfully submit to you the following: We wish to state in a preliminary way that we have no desire to make any recommendations not in line with your policy as General Manager, and that the object of this petition is simply to place in your hands such information regarding the facts connected with the recent strike here on your road, and regarding the sentiments of the business element in Brainerd, as we believe you may desire to have; and we wish to say further that this petition is prepared, circulated and signed voluntarily by business and professional men, without any influence or pressure having been brought to bear on the case by the recent employees of your company. The facts we wish to present are as follows:

1. During the strike there was in this city no violence, no destruction of property and no breach of the law, with one or two very trivial exceptions, and no arrests or attempted arrests.

2. The officers of the local A. R. U. insisted throughout the strike, and frequently instructed their men, that there should be no disorder and no infractions of the law, that the strike was a sympathetic one, and that there was no cause for complaint against the Northern Pacific Company.

3. By reason of the prevailing excitement some indiscreet language was used, but in no case, so far as we know, was the language so extreme as to encourage outbreak and actual disturbance.

4. The business men of Brainerd believed from the outset that the strike was a great mistake, and all the railroad employees now admit that it was. The feeling among all classes here is such that another strike upon your road in this locality can never again occur as long as the company continues to follow the just, liberal and considerate policy that has always been prominent in its dealings with its employees.

In view of the foregoing we respectfully petition you in behalf of your recent employees here, and of their families and homes, and the children who sit around their tables, to reinstate in their employment all who were not guilty of violation of the law. We know these men, they are good citizens and many of them own their homes here, and we would earnestly advise a liberal and magnanimous policy that will allow them to remain here. Believing that this would be for the best interest of all concerned, we remain.

Very Respectfully Yours,


S. & J. Koop, Merchants.

L. J. Cale, Merchant.

J. F. McGinnis & Co., Merchants.

W. Hemstead, Mayor and Physician.

C. D. Johnson, Druggist.

A. Rosenberg, Cigar Manufacturer.

Henry I. Cohen, Merchant.

N. H. Ingersoll, Editor Brainerd Dispatch.

Beach, Cole & Beach, Merchants.

James L. Camp, Physician.

M. K. Swartz, Druggist.

E. M. Irish, Druggist.

H. C. Stivers, Editor Journal.

R. K. Whiteley, City and Co. Surveyor.

G. D. LaBar, Cashier First Nat’l. Bank.

M. Hagberg, Merchant.

R. F. Walters, Shoe Dealer.

J. H. Warner, Att'y. at Law.

Slipp Bros., Hardware.

J. T. Sanborn, Proprietor City Hotel.

J. A. McColl, Photog’r. and Merchant.

E. D. Wilkins, Merchant.

Wm. Williamson, Pres’t. City Council.

Ed. H. White, Merchant.

John Bubar, Prop. Exchange Hotel.

James New, Plumber.

S. J. Greer, Blacksmith.

J. Kelleher, Proprietor Hotel Globe.

H. Rosenblatt, Merchant.

D. M. Clark, Merchant.

M. J. Quam, Mgr. N. Y. Mercantile Co.

J. M. Johnson, Real Estate.

J. M. Hayes, Merchant.

C. B. White, Merchant.

Redding & Reilly, Merchants.

T. M. Reilly, City Assessor.

Mahlum & Vallentyne, Merchants.

C. A. Walker & Co., Meat Market.

Geo. Keough, Prop. Central Hotel.

A. P. Riggs, Ins. and Real Estate.

A. F. Ferris, Pres’t. First Nat’l. Bank.

Geo. A. Keene, Real Estate and Ins.

A. J. Halsted, Editor Tribune.

C. E. Chiperfield, Attorney.

Louis Tache, County Auditor.

Chas. M. Patek, Furniture.

W. S. McClenahan, Lawyer.

Milton McFadden, Judge of Probate.

W. A. Fleming, Lawyer.

J. M. Elder, Real Estate and Ins.

A. F. Groves, Physician and Surgeon.

W. H. Mantor, Lawyer.

Henri Ribbel, Dentist.

S. R. Adair, Jeweler.

S. F. Alderman, Clerk District Court.

Jno. T. Frater, County Treasurer.

J. G. Hessel, Agricultural Machinery.

F. W. Wieland, Publisher Brainerd Dispatch.

G. W. Holland, Judge District Court.

W. E. Campbell, Merchant.

A. P. Farrar, Real Estate.

T. McMaster, Merchant.

Jno. N. Nevers, V. Pres’t. N. P. Bank.

Leon E. Lum, Attorney.

Frank Mattson, Merchant.

A. Mahlum, Register of Deeds.

J. R. Smith, Real Estate and Ins.

S. W. Gray, Butcher.

A. Olson, Tailor.

H. McGinn, Grocer.

Molstad & Zakariasen, Tailors.

Rostad, Bane & Co., Butchers.

Fred Stropp, Stratton House.

F. B. Johnson, Drugs.

D. D. Smith, Merchant.

H. Drapeau, Flour and Feed Dealer.

Peabody & Baker, Butchers.

Katz Bros., Hardware.

Albert Angel, Grocer.

J. S. Gardner, Ex-Mayor.

Gergen & Purdy, Livery.

A. Lessard, Montreal House.

I. U. White, Hardware.

Con. O’Brien, Merchant.

I. T. Dean, Merchant.

A. E. Losey, Merchant.

F. E. Tiffany, Merchant.

Richard Parker, Merchant.

Andrew E. Veon, Jeweler.

C. G. Mooers, Livery.

J. F. Doran, Meat Market.

A. G. Lagerquist, Tailor.

J. Martin, Dentist.

Geo. Woodling, Harness Maker.

J. J. Howe, Lumber.

Wm. M. Dresskell, Jeweler.

G. S. McPherson, Physician.

J. H. Koop, Merchant.

A. Z. Renslow, Merchant.

C. Cross, Veterinary Surgeon.

John Orth, Tailor.

H. Spalding, Sheriff.

Krauth and Kerner, Butchers.

John McNaughton, City Blacksmith.

J. S. Drysdale, Photographer.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 17 August 1894, p. 1, c. 4)


24 August

The Staples World says: We are informed that the Northern Pacific bank, of Brainerd, is making arrangements to start a branch at this place to be in charge of J. N. Nevers. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 August 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


A match game of base ball will be played between the office men at the depot and the office men at the shops on Saturday afternoon at the fair grounds. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 August 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


25 August

A head end collision at Tamarack on Saturday last did considerable damage to the engines but no one was injured. Traffic was delayed ten hours between this city and Duluth in consequence. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 August 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


30 August


Shop Men at Work.


A bulletin was posted at the N. P. railroad shops in this city on Wednesday announcing that work would be resumed in them on Thursday morning Aug. 30, and accordingly the whistle blew for the first time since the latter part of June on that date. A large force of men are now employed again and there is no reason to doubt that it will be greatly increased as work is piling in at a rapid rate. The road is doing a rushing business and many extra trains are being run to take care of the freight traffic. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 August 1894, p. 4, c. 4)


31 August

Held Up and Shot.


Conductor Straub, son-in-law of Mrs. C [Clara]. Dressen and well known in this city, had quite an experience at Helena last week, being held up by a highwayman, relieved of his money and shot through the thigh because he refused to turn over his watch. The Helena Independent says of the affair:

While at the task of checking up the car numbers preparatory to leaving on his trip, Conductor Straub was confronted by a masked man who stuck a gun under his nose and in a forcible but quite inelegant language gave the command “hands up.” Mr. Straub looked at the big gun just a moment and then his hands went up which seemed to meet all the requirements of the other man. The robber then asked the conductor for his money and Straub at once handed over $2.50 which happened to be all he had. The smallness of the haul seemed to anger the man with the gun, who next ordered the conductor to give up his watch. This Straub refused to do and began to argue the matter with his new acquaintance. Just then the switch engine with the caboose appeared close at hand on the sidetrack and the highwayman knew that the light from the headlight of the engine would discover him to the others of the crew and with an oath he took a step back, drew his gun down on a line with the conductor’s body and fired. His victim dropped to the ground and leaping away from the light of the approaching engine, the rascal made his escape into the darkness. When the trainmen arrived Straub had risen to his feet and a hasty examination of the wound was made, the conductor declaring it a mere scratch. The ball was from a 44-caliber gun and struck the lower part of Straub’s thigh, and passed clear through making a deep flesh wound, but as no large arteries were severed the doctor believed the wound would not be a very serious one. Conductor Straub resides at Missoula. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 August 1894, p. 4, c. 5)


14 September

Short Many Thousands.


It has been known for some days that ugly rumors were afloat regarding shady transactions said to have been done by N. W. Wheatley previous to his departure some weeks ago, but until the whole matter was unraveled and the exact condition of things ascertained it was thought best to keep the matter from public print, and such being the case those in a position to know the exact state of affairs have been reticent about giving out the facts. The Minneapolis Tribune’s Brainerd correspondent to-day, however, gives the following information to the public:

N. W. Wheatley, who has been a resident of this city for several years, and for the past two years a dealer in farm machinery and implements, left the city two months ago to sell some stock he owned in the Mesaba Iron range. Since then nothing has been heard of his whereabouts. He was treasurer of the Brainerd Building and Loan Association for some time past, and so far as the investigation has been carried is found to be in default of about $20,000. The investigation is being continued by the officers and directors and will be finished in a short time.

The figures in the above are not correct as the board of directors have not yet finished their investigation but will undoubtedly get through tonight. There will probably be other developments in the case later on that will be fully as startling as the above. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 September 1894, p. 4, c. 5)


SEE: 08 September 1883

SEE: 07 April 1884

SEE: 30 January 1886

SEE: 11 March 1886

SEE: 27 May 1887

SEE: 04 June 1887

SEE: 24 March 1888

SEE: 24 May 1889

SEE: 07 June 1889

SEE: 17 January 1890

SEE: 01 August 1890

SEE: 22 May 1891

SEE: 30 September 1892

SEE: 07 October 1892

SEE: 21 September 1894

SEE: 04 December 1896


21 September

DEFAULTER AND FORGER.

_____


N. W. Wheatley, Treasurer of the

Brainerd Building and Loan

Association

_____


Is a Much Wanted Man.


As was stated in this paper last week, N. W. Wheatley, has been found to be a defaulter and forger and is now a fugitive from justice, and his strange disappearance is accounted for. Mr. Wheatley was one of the best known men in Brainerd, has held some of the highest positions of trust and until recently was held in high esteem by his associates and fellow citizens. Early in July Mr. Wheatley went to Duluth for the purpose, as he stated, of disposing of his stock in iron mines on the Mesaba range, he owning a 24th interest in a certain mine there. Failing in his endeavor there he went to Chicago where he finally effected a sale, he having been heard from at that place August 15th. But as he did not return suspicions were aroused, and the Brainerd Building and Loan Association, of which he was treasurer and which office he has held since the society was organized in 1887, began an investigation and found a state of affairs which surprised them. It was discovered that notes which the association supposed were paid and which were entered as paid on his book, had been renewed by Wheatley and the money appropriated to his own use. Orders issued by the secretary on the treasurer were taken by Mr. Wheatley, the parties being told there was no money to pay them with, and then entered on his books as paid and the money taken and squandered in real estate transactions. The amounts stolen in this and other ways are as follows:

S. Lind—$505.62

Mrs. W. J. Thompson—$891.25

W. J. Thompson—$891.25

Fred Allen, note—$1000.00

Aug. Darrel—$50.00

Total—$3338.12

Cash taken—$4365.00

Notes held by First National and N. P. Banks—$7000.00

Total—$14703.12

Besides the embezzlement of this amount it has been found that he has forged the name of Thos. Halladay to two notes one of $400 and one of $500 held by the First National Bank, the notes having been renewed as recently as June 25, 1894.

The treasurer’s bond to the association for the past year had been neglected, his previous bondsmen being Werner Hemstead and W. D. McKay for $3000, and there is a question as to whether these men can be held for the amount. Mr. A. G. Mitchie, the secretary of the association admits to the directors that he had known of Wheatley’s shortage for over a year and showed a letter under date of April 5th, from Wheatley to him in which the former admitted his trouble but wanted a little time to turn himself in. Mr. Mitchie in explanation says Wheatley threatened to kill himself if he was exposed, and said he could straighten up everything if he was allowed a little time to sell his iron land interests. With this explanation Mr. Mitchie says he thought it was best to keep quiet and did so.

Mr. Mitchie has signed all of his real property, building stock, etc. over to the association, and we understand that Mr. Halladay, president of the association has done the same, although they had no part in the transaction, nor received any of the missing cash. All of Mr. Wheatley’s property has been attached and also $2500 due him on sale of his Mesaba property. It is understood that the shortage will not cripple the association as under the circumstances they will realize a sum on the sale of real estate.

In the meantime Mr. Wheatley is hiding in some remote corner and it is only a question of time when he will be arrested and brought before the bar of justice to answer for his crimes. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 September 1894, p. 4, c. 4)


Business of the Court.


District court opened on Monday morning with a light calendar, Judge Holland presiding. The grand jury was in session until yesterday afternoon and indictments were brought against the following persons:


[...]


N. W. Wheatley, grand larceny in the first degree and forgery in the second degree, three indictments. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 September 1894, p. 4, c. 5)


SEE: 08 September 1883

SEE: 07 April 1884

SEE: 30 January 1886

SEE: 11 March 1886

SEE: 27 May 1887

SEE: 04 June 1887

SEE: 24 March 1888

SEE: 24 May 1889

SEE: 07 June 1889

SEE: 17 January 1890

SEE: 01 August 1890

SEE: 22 May 1891

SEE: 30 September 1892

SEE: 07 October 1892

SEE: 14 September 1894

SEE: 04 December 1896


28 September

S. H. Robson, employed by the Northern Pacific at this place since 1882, and at the present time holding the position of engineer and firemen’s time keeper has been promoted to the position of storekeeper at Missoula, Montana, and leaves for his new field of labor tomorrow. Mr. Robson has many friends here who, while they will be pleased to learn of his promotion, will be sorry to see himself and family depart from the city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 September 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


14 October

Wm. Cole, a fireman, met with a serious accident at the shops on Sunday. Mr. Cole was at work on his engine which was moving at the time and in some manner fell striking his head which rendered him insensible for a moment and his left hand was run over by the wheels severing all the fingers and the thumb. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 October 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


19 October

The Northern Pacific railroad has decided to move its station at Gull River to Sylvan Lake, a distance of two miles, and work on the sidetracks for the new location is now in progress. The company gives as a reason that the former place is practically no longer in inhabited and the location is unfavorable to the passage of trains. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 October 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


09 November

Mr. Arthur Hull, of Spokane Falls, Wash., recently removed here and is now employed in the N. P. shops. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 November 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


A concert and ball will be given by the N. P. Library Association at their rooms on Friday evening Nov. 23. Special trains will be run from the depot for the accommodation of those who desire to attend. A very enjoyable evening is guaranteed those who are fortunate enough to be present. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 November 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


30 November

The library concert and ball on Friday evening last was a very pleasant affair and largely attended, and the audience was very much pleased with the readings and singing of Miss Harris, of Minneapolis. The members of the N. P. Library Association never fail to make a hit with their entertainments. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 November 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


13 December

No More Garnishment.


MILWAUKEE, Wis., Dec. 13.—Judge Jenkins has issued an order prohibiting the garnisheeing of wages of an employee of the Northern Pacific road during the life of the receivership. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 December 1894, p. 4, c. 6)


21 December

The order issued by Judge Jenkins, prohibiting the garnisheeing of wages of the employees of the Northern Pacific during the life of the receivership, pleases some and displeases many. It will be particularly hard on new men employed by the road who will be unable to get credit owing to the order. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 December 1894, p. 1, c. 3)


Lands are Cheap.


J. M. Elder is the agent for the sale of Northern Pacific railroad lands in Crow Wing and Cass counties. Having had inquiry regarding the terms of pay, etc., a DISPATCH reporter called at his office in the Bank block on Wednesday and obtained the following information: The company has reduced the prices on all their lands one-half and they can now be purchased at from $2.40 to $4.00 per acre, only one-sixth of the purchase price being required to be paid down, the balance in annual payments at 7 per cent. Mr. Elder locates settlers on these lands free of all expense to the purchaser, and sends a cruiser with them in order that they may see the land and be entirely satisfied with it. If a man wants a farm now is the time to select the land while there are yet choice pieces left. You can make the down payment for a trifling sum and the balance in five equal payments. Mr. Elder has charts, maps, and all necessary information which will be freely given to applicants. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 December 1894, p. 4, c. 4)


Railway Conductors’ Ball.


We received a pleasant call from Conductor W. J. Flynn yesterday. The gentleman was in the city completing the arrangements for the fifth annual ball of Brainerd Div. No. 197, O. R. C., which occurs at Gardner Hall on Monday evening, Dec., 31st. A special train will be run from Staples to accommodate the large number of people from that place who will be in attendance. The parties heretofore given by the conductors have been among the most pleasant and successful that it has been the pleasure of the Brainerd people to attend, and the coming event will be no exception to the rule. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 December 1894, p. 4, c. 5)


28 December

Tickets for the coming O. R. C. ball can be procured at Barney & Bell’s news stand. A special train will be run down from Staples to accommodate those from that burg who desire to attend. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 December 1894, p. 4, c. 3)


30 December

The O. R. C. Ball on Monday night at Gardner’s Hall was as great a success as all similar events by this organization has been. A special train from Staples brought in over a hundred people to attend, while large numbers came in from Duluth, Superior and other points. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 January 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


1895

02 January

R. M. DeLambert, of St. Paul general store keeper, J. C. Barber, master car builder and J. J. Hickey, superintendent of rolling stock of the N. P. were in the city Wednesday on railroad business. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 January 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


04 January

The record of railroad constructions for 1894 is the lowest in twenty years, only 1919 miles of new track having been laid, and the only exceptions in three decades were in 1875, 1866 and 1865. When this showing is compared with that of 1887, in which year 13,000 miles were constructed, it will be seen that the business of railroad-building has declined more than any other form of enterprise in the country. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 January 1895, p. 1, c. 3)


J. L. Adams, foreman of the car shops here, has resigned his position to accept a position in Denver as joint car inspector for several roads centering in that city, and he left for his new home on Tuesday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 January 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


24 January

Engineer Mike Grace has resigned his position on the N. P. and left for Mexico yesterday where he will run an engine on one of the roads in that country. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 January 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


04 February

N. P. Oil Tank Destroyed.


Last Monday evening, about seven o’clock, a terrific explosion occurred that was felt in all parts of the city. A few minutes later the hoarse blast of the shop whistle and the shrill shrieks of the yard engines sounded the alarm of fire, and huge flames were seen leaping high in the air at the shops. A DISPATCH representative hurried to the scene of the trouble and found that the large oil tank in which was stored fuel oil for the stationery engine at the shops, had exploded and the oil was on fire and was burning fiercely. The fire department was already on the ground, but it would have been silly to try and extinguish the flames, so the firemen confined their efforts to prevent the fire from spreading, and in this they were successful. It was also stated at the time that John Headman, the night engineer, had been fatally injured by the explosion, but this was exaggerated, as Mr. Headman, though badly injured, will recover. He was taken to the Sanitarium as soon as possible after the injuries were received. It has since been learned that Mr. Headman opened the manhole of the tank and inserted his lantern for the purpose of seeing if oil was still running in from a car that had been unloading during the afternoon. Of course, when the lantern was thrust in the tank the gas that had generated from the oil exploded with terrific force, throwing Mr. Headman, it is reported, 80 feet, and setting the oil on fire. The tank contained 12,000 gallons of fuel oil which was all burned. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 February 1895, p. 4, c. 5)


15 February

John Headman, the man who was injured in the oil tank explosion at the shops, has already recovered sufficiently to be able to leave the Sanitarium. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 February 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


Railroad News.


John Dorsey, Supt. of the Yellowstone division of the N. P. at Glendive, died the first of the week after a short illness. He was road master of this division at one time during which time he resided here, and he has many friends here who are very much grieved at his death. His remains were interred at Detroit [Lakes] yesterday, a great many of the officials of the east end of the road being present.

E. G. Pearson, formerly assistant division superintendent of the Yellowstone and Missouri division of the Northern Pacific at Glendive, Mont. has been made superintendent of the same, vice John Dorsey, deceased, Mr. Pearson is a young man, and has risen rapidly in the railroad service. Before last summer he was principal assistant engineer of the Wisconsin Central, when the Northern Pacific was operating that line. Afterwards he was chief engineer of the Chicago and Northern Pacific. In 1882 he commenced service, at the age of eighteen, as engineer in the construction of the Rocky mountain division of the Northern Pacific. He was assistant superintendent of the Portland terminals from 1882 to 1884, and supervisor of bridges and buildings of the Minnesota division from 1884 to 1889 and division engineer between St. Paul and Livingston between 1889 and 1891. He is strictly a Northern Pacific man.—Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 February 1895, p. 4, c. 5)


21 February

The side rod on the engine of the Duluth train broke Thursday morning a short distance east of the shops, throwing the engine from the track and badly damaging it. It is fortunate that a high speed had not yet been attained, or the whole train would have been ditched with great loss of life. The coaches were brought back to this city until the track was cleared. The train was delayed about six hours by the accident. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 February 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


08 March

Mr. John McGivern, formerly road master for the N. P. at this point, but lately a resident of Montana, was in the city the first of the week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 March 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


Will Hold a Mass Meeting.


The railroad men of Brainerd and Staples, we are informed, will hold a mass meeting at the opera house in this city tomorrow evening for the purpose of protesting against the passage of the bill before the legislature reducing rates, which, if it goes into effect, would so reduce the earnings of the company that a reduction in the pay of the employees would also be necessary. It is expected the meeting will be generally attended by railroad employees here, and a large number is expected from Staples. The meeting will be called to order at 8 o’clock sharp. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 March 1895, p. 4, c. 7)


09 March

SHE SAVED A TRAIN.

_____


Did the Station Agent at Kimberley on

the Northern Pacific.

_____


A Duluth special to the Pioneer Press on Saturday last says:

“There is a brave little woman at Kimberley, on the Duluth-Staples division of the Northern Pacific, who saved the express train which arrived in Duluth at 7:25 this morning, from wreck and robbery. Her name is Mrs. Richards and she is a station agent at Kimberley, which is a small station, 75 miles west of Duluth.

About 11 o'clock last night, Mrs. Richards was awakened by the sound of voices close by on the platform. There were two men, and they were were planning to rob the east-bound express, which passes Kimberley at 4:30 a. m. They argued some time as to the best plan to get what booty there might be in the express car. One wanted to place ties on the track at a point where the speed would be good, but the other wanted to throw the train off the east end of the long curved bridge, over Lice River, as in that case the passenger coaches alone would go into the river, and the express car would be thrown only to the embankment, where it could easily be plundered.

Just then one of the men, not suspecting that there was anybody inside that station, proposed that they go inside for a few hours, and commenced battering in the door. The little woman, who had just crawled out of her bed to sound the alarm over the wire, instantly seized her revolver and sent the four bullets it contained crashing through the door, causing the would-be robbers and murderers to flee. Then she seized the key, but she was so overcome with excitement that it was a long time before she could make herself understood, and the operators along the line were dumbfounded over the peculiar streak her telegraphy had taken. Her husband is night operator at Aitkin, the nearest station, and he reported that the village marshall had during the night driven two tough looking tramps out of town. The episode caused demoralization to the freight service in the vicinity for a short time, but no obstructions were found on the track.

The train crew that arrived next morning says the depot door gives ample evidence of the woman’s courage. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 March 1895, p. 1, c. 1)


The resolutions adopted at the mass meeting on Saturday evening, ought to meet with the approval of every citizen of the city and state. It is not only wise, but eminently fair and right that a protest should be made against legislation which practically confiscates railroad property. Railroads are public servants and should be subject to public control, but that does not mean that such rates should be enforced as would be ruinous to these properties. They should be allowed to charge rates high enough to enable them to pay good, living wages, besides paying fixed charges and receiving a reasonable return on money invested. A different policy towards these corporations has resulted disastrously in other states, and will here. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 March 1895, p. 1, c. 1)


Railroad Employees Protest.


A mass meeting of the railroad employees of this city and Staples was held at the opera house Saturday evening, to protest against the passage of several bills now before the legislature whose object it is to arbitrarily fix freight rates below what the railroad companies can afford to do the work for, and also to annoy the railroad companies, in other ways. These bills are introduced for what the boys would call “leg pullers,” and as a matter of fact have never really stood much chance of being passed, but it was thought advisable by the employees to hold a meeting and protest against their passage, for if they should by chance be enacted into laws, the companies would have to reduce wages in cutting down expenses to meet the new situation, which would result in great suffering among this class of workmen and their families, as wages are very low as it is.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Halsted, who briefly referred to the object of the meeting, and then introduced Judge Fleming. Mr. Fleming spoke at some length on the situation, and explained in the light of his experience on those matters, the injustice of the proposed legislation. Mr. Fleming was followed by H. C. Stivers in a lengthy speech on the railroad problem in general. Mr. Stivers, while a member of the legislature, was chairman of the railroad committee, and made a study of the subject, hence he was well qualified to throw a great deal of light on the subject. J. H. Koop was also called upon, and made a neat little speech endorsing the object of the meeting. Engineer Horn, of Staples then spoke of the distress that would result to railroad employees and their families if the proposed bills were enacted into law, and called upon all employees to use all the influence in their power to defeat them. He offered a set of resolutions addressed to our representatives in the legislature to oppose it, and asked their adoption, which was done by a unanimous vote, fully 500 men being present. The resolutions are as follows:

“WHEREAS, we, citizens of Brainerd and Staples, together with the employees of the Northern Pacific Railroad, having learned that there has been several bills introduced into the state legislature having for their purpose the reduction of the tariffs now in effect, thereby reducing the earnings of the railroads and making it necessary for them to further reduce the wages of employees to meet the losses in revenues which this would cause, therefore be it.

RESOLVED, That we earnestly protest against the proposed legislation, which means so much to many thousand railroad men in this state and those depending upon them, and so little individually to those whom said legislation is proposed to benefit, and we believe that the railroads of this state are not now, and have not for some time past, been earning more than operating expenses, and if said legislation is enacted it will work a great hardship on us and those dependent upon us. We believe that there is not any great number of citizens of this state asking for this legislation, and we do not believe there will be any when it is shown the hardship it would involve on thousands of railroad men and their families in this state. Further, that a copy of this resolution be sent to our representatives of the Forty-sixth legislative district, requesting that they do all in their power to defeat said legislation and protest to your honorable body and his excellency, the governor of the state.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 March 1895, p. 4, c. 5)


22 March

Andrew J. Johnson vs. Northern Pacific Railroad Company. Verdict for plaintiff in the sum of $986.00. This suit was to recover wages since July, 1893. Plaintiff was injured in 1889, and settled with the company for $4,000, which was paid. In addition he claimed there was a verbal agreement to give him an artificial limb and steady employment at wages he earned before his injury. The limb was furnished and the plaintiff employed until July, 1893, when he was laid off and now he sues the company for wages from then until the present time. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 March 1895, p. 4, c. 5)


29 March

Consolidating.


The N. P. Express Co. is consolidating its offices all along the line with the freight department. Even in Little Falls and Bismarck this has been done and the delivery wagons taken off. While the express wagon will be continued here, it is probable that the office will be consolidated with the freight office. This is not yet definitely known, but Agent Reuss expects at any moment to get instructions deciding the matter definitely. In any event the company will provide a position for Mr. Reuss, who has for years been one of the most efficient and faithful employees the company has had. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 March 1895, p. 4, c. 5)


12 April

A Duluth dispatch to the Journal says that next Monday the Northern Pacific will begin certain road bed betterments that will take nearly all summer and cost over $66,000. As fast as possible the various trestles and bridges of the system are being rebuilt, the heavier grades pared down, and the sharp curves lessened. A large part of the work in hand comprises the filling in of the 85 bridges of all sizes on the line from Ashland to Staples and seven work trains handling three steam shovels will be needed for equipment. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 April 1895, p. 4, c. 6)


15 April

A small frame structure at the N. P. shops, used as an office for the coal docks and to accommodate the switchmen, was discovered on fire Monday. The shop department was called out and the flames extinguished without much damage being done. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 April 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


19 April

Pave Front Street.


A reference to the council proceedings elsewhere in this issue will show that the council is contemplating the improving of Front street by grading and curbing it, and covering it with a foot of gravel. The railroad company has offered to furnish all gravel necessary on board cars in the yard. This is at least one-half of the expense necessary, and the council should lose no time in accepting this offer. Of course it would be better if these streets could be paved with cedar blocks, but gravel 12 inches deep will make a splendid street after it is worn down. The city engineer is now making an estimate of the cost to the council and will report as soon as possible. Let us hope that the improvement will be made. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 April 1895, p. 1, c. 3)


23 April

The valuable horse owed by the N. P. express company in this city died suddenly on Tuesday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 April 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


25 April

Cars were stopped for a short time yesterday while the new smoke stack was placed in position at the power house. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 April 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


26 April

The Northern Pacific will set a crew of men at work tomorrow at Deerwood hill and the track will be lowered some twelve or fifteen feet. The job is a big one but the advantages to be obtained are such as to warrant the work. “Deerwood hill” will no longer be a terror to the railroad boys after the job is completed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 April 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


29 April

The Duluth passenger train on Monday morning killed four horses a short distance east of the shops. Two of the animals belonged to Jas. Cullen and two to James Parker, of East Brainerd. It is thought that the horses got through the shop yard gate on the right of way. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 May 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


02 May

John P. Gardiner left last evening for Cincinnati, where he goes as a delegate of the International Association of Machinists, representing the Northern Pacific road of Missoula. The convention opens next Monday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 May 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


03 May

The Northern Pacific depot will be treated to a new coat of paint, inside and out next week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 May 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


09 May

Removed the Roof.


A Northern Pacific freight train which reached Duluth at 9 o’clock last night met with a peculiar mishap yesterday afternoon, says the News-Tribune. The train, which contained a number of wheat cars, had just left McGregor when it was struck by a windstorm. With the exception of one car the train was not affected, but the wind removed the entire top of one car loaded with wheat, and carried it a considerable distance. The accident was not noticed until the next station was reached. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 May 1895, p. 4, c. 5)


10 May

Took His Foot Off.


On Monday evening as the Duluth passenger train was starting out from the depot west a tramp by the name of James E. Costain, attempted to swing under the sleeper, by means of the rods which run under the car, onto the brake beam. Being somewhat under the influence of liquor he missed his hold and fell onto the track between the rails, the wheels crushing his right foot so that amputation at the ankle was necessary. He was taken to the Lumbermen’s Hospital, where the operation was performed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 May 1895, p. 4, c. 5)


11 May

Youthful Train Wreckers.


Three boys by the names of Joseph, Fred and Lewis Demos [sic], aged 8, 10 and 12 years, were arrested at the instance of the Northern Pacific Railroad company and brought to this city on Saturday, charged with attempting to wreck a train near Motley, in Cass county. The boys were brought up for examination on Monday, and admitted that they were the ones who placed the two ties on the track, claiming that they did it in order to make the engineer get off and remove them and make him mad as he had thrown coal at them. On the day the affair occurred an engine and caboose was going over the road and the engineer, Paul Braden, noticed something on the track ahead of him but not in time to stop and struck the ties when going at the rate of 15 miles per hour. Luckily the engine was not derailed, the only damage being the breaking off of the step on the engine near the cab. The boys are the sons of E. Demos, and do seem to understand the enormity of their crime. The examination resulted in binding them over to the grand jury, and they will have to remain in jail until the September term unless their father succeeds in securing bail in the sum of $300 for their release. The crime is one over which the municipal court has no jurisdiction, and the lads could not be sent to the reform school or reformatory unless convicted of the offense. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 May 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


SEE: 30 May 1895

SEE: 18 November 1895

SEE: 10 September 1896

SEE: 16 November 1896


24 May

Payne Not Posted.


When the percentage plan of reduction was adopted by Northern Pacific receivers immediately after they took charge of the road, August 1893, all employees getting $100 or more, were reduced ten per cent; from $50 to $75, 5 percent, and from $75 to $100, 10 percent. On account of this many inequalities developed, and adjustment was made necessary. The adjustment began some time ago, that affecting employees of the road and building departments becoming effective the first of last month. Beginning June 1st, an adjustment of all other employees not paid according to schedule, will go into effect, including those of general office employees, agents, etc. Altogether the adjustment involves more reductions than advances and is done with some idea of retrenchment along the line of policy adopted by Northern Pacific receivers in all the company’s affairs.

MILWAUKEE, May 22.—Receiver Payne says that the report that wages of employees on the Northern Pacific at Brainerd, Minn., have been cut ten to twenty-five per cent is untrue; that no wages of any of the employees of the company have been cut and that no reductions are contemplated.—Pioneer Press.

The employees of the Northern Pacific road in this city would be very much pleased if the latter part of the above item was true; but the fact is a sweeping reduction in wages has been made, ranging from ten to twenty-five cents per day and as high as $12 per month in some cases. If Receiver Payne made the statement credited to him above, he evidently doesn’t know what he is talking about. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 May 1895, p. 1, c. 5)


Monday was pay day with the Northern Pacific people and also with the Brainerd Lumber Co. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 May 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


The superintendent of the express department of the N. P. road has issued orders to the agent at Brainerd and all other points along the line of the road in Minnesota that no fish should be received for shipment until the consignor had filled out a certain blank form, which, when properly filled, is substantially an affidavit in which the shipper swears that the fish have been caught in a legal manner. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 May 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


The Northern Pacific employees are arranging for their annual picnic and excursion which will be held at Detroit [Lakes] this year, the decision having been arrived at on Wednesday evening at which time a meeting was held to discuss the matter and vote on the place. The date has been fixed for Saturday, June 22. Officers were elected as follows: Fred Barnes, president; Chas. McCarthy, secretary; T. F. Mooney, treasurer. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 May 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


30 May

In Trouble Again.


The Staples World says that a man named Demos [sic], who lives in Cass county, about a mile from Motley, had a little unpleasant experience at the latter place last Thursday evening. For some time the citizens of that place have had trouble to find their cows, and even when they did the lacteal fluid was not forthcoming when milking time arrived. It is alleged that the above named party was responsible for this unsatisfactory state of affairs, and last Thursday evening he was attacked and pretty severely handled by one of the citizens who had a grievance. He might have fared worse but for the fact that he ran into the N. P. depot at that place and sought the protection of Agent Campbell. This is the same man whose three boys are under arrest for attempting to wreck an N. P. train as noted in these columns. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 May 1895, p. 4, c. 5)


SEE: 11 May 1895

SEE: 18 November 1895

SEE: 10 September 1896

SEE: 16 November 1896


31 May

Joseph Martin, an old employee of the Northern Pacific, had his foot crushed on Friday near Brule where he was employed on the work train. He was taken to Superior where the foot was amputated, and he was brought to his home in this city on Saturday night. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 May 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


SEE: 23 October 1895


The N. P. shops closed down Thursday on account of Memorial Day. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 May 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


07 June

The railroad picnic which was to have taken place on the 22nd inst., has been postponed one week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 June 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


14 June

The railroad employees picnic will take place on Wednesday, June 26th, the objective point being Detroit [Lakes]. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 June 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


17 June

Gus Erickson had his foot badly crushed at the N. P. blacksmith shop on Monday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 June 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


20 June

Yesterday was pay day for the Northern Pacific, the Brainerd Lumber Co., and the Brainerd & Northern Minnesota railroad, and about $40,000 was distributed among the employees of those institutions. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 June 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


21 June

RAILROAD EMPLOYEES WILL PICNIC.

_____


The Annual Outing of the N. P. R. R. Em-

ployees Takes Place June 26.


[11th Annual Picnic] For ten [sic] consecutive years the Northern Pacific road has given its employees an annual outing, furnishing transportation for all who desired to attend and this year will be no exception to the rule, Wednesday next, June 26th, having been fixed for the date and a splendid time is anticipated. The excursion will be to Detroit [Lakes] this year and a better place could not have been selected. The arrangements have all been completed and the following programme outlined:

Baseball, Brainerd vs. Staples, for a purse of $10.

Bicycle race, 500 yards, free for all, $4.

Boys’ running race, under sixteen years, 100 yards, first prize $2, second $1.

Standing long jump, free for all, $2.

Running long jump, free for all, $2.

Three legged race, boys 16 years, 25 yards, first prize $2, second $1.

Girls’ running race, under 14 years, 50 yards, first prize $2, second $1.

Men’s race, 100 yards, free for all, first prize $3, second $2.

None but railroad employees can participate in the games for prizes.

The city band and Dresskell’s orchestra will accompany the party and furnish the music. Two trains will be necessary to carry the people, section one leaving Staples at 6 a. m. and section two leaving Brainerd at 6:30. The drowsy citizen will be awakened at 4 a. m. by a furious cannonading. The train will be gaily decorated and if the weather is favorable the merry makers expect to eclipse all former efforts in having a good time. The officers in charge are David I. Cohen, president; Charles McCarthy, secretary; Thomas Mooney, treasurer. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 June 1895, p. 1, c. 5)


26 June

The Railroad Picnic.


[11th Annual Picnic] The eleventh annual picnic of the Northern Pacific employees, which was held at Detroit [Lakes] on Wednesday, was one of the most pleasant, enjoyable and successful of any that has yet been given. The day was perfect, and not an accident occurred to mar the pleasure of the excursionists. The first section left Brainerd at 6 a. m. with seven coaches, and at Staples picked up five more all loaded to the fullest capacity with people bent on having a good time if such a thing was possible. The second section followed with twelve coaches, and in the two trains there were 1840 people. Detroit [Lakes] was reached at a little before 10 o’clock, where conveyances were in waiting to take those who desired to ride to the lakeside, many preferring to walk the distance, which is only a little over a half mile with good sidewalks the entire distance. Once at the lake the people scattered in all directions in knots of from five to ten to select an inviting place to spend the noon hour and devour the good things that had been brought along to refresh the inner man. Luncheon being over the lakeside was lined with a mass of human beings such as beautiful Detroit Lake had never before been honored with. There was every convenience for enjoying one’s self. Those who loved to row or ride upon the lake availed themselves of the opportunity, while many made trips in the steam launches and sailing boats. The water toboggan was new to most of our people, and it was well patronized. The ever-present merry-go-round was there and picked up many a nickel, and those who loved to dance were accommodated in a bower especially erected for their pleasure, Dresskell’s orchestra furnishing the music. The programme arranged was observed, the following receiving prizes:

Boys’ race under 16 years—Robert Percy first prize, H. Jones, second.

Standing long jump—J. C. Congdon, Jr., first.

Running long jump—J. C. Congdon, Jr., first.

Three legged race—Robert Percy and G. Sundine first, B. Canaan and Fred Griffin second.

Girls’ running race under 14 years—Miss J. Hansen first, Miss D. Nyndmere second.

Men’s running race—J. C. Congdon first, Joe Early second.

The ball game which had been arranged between Staples and Brainerd drew the crowd from the lake to the ball grounds near the Minnesota hotel at 3:30, and those who saw it witnessed a very exciting game, resulting in a victory for Staples by a score of 13 to 9. At the close of the game the cars began to fill up with the weary pleasure seekers, and at 6:15 the first section pulled out, followed a half hour later by the balance of the party, the home trip being without incident, and at 10:15 all had reached their homes, and were glad of it, not because they had not enjoyed the day immensely, but because “there’s no place like home” when one is weary.

The gentlemen in who hands the excursion was deserved much praise for the successful manner in which it was carried out. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 June 1895, p. 4, c. 5)

19 July

John Hickey, superintendent of rolling stock of the Northern Pacific, has been spending several days in the city this week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 July 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


J. C. Barber, master car builder of the N. P., is spending a few days with his family at his summer cottage at Nokay lake. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 July 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


It is understood that 100 new freight cars are to be constructed at the Brainerd shops at once. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 July 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


The Ladies’ Auxiliary to the B. of L. E., will give a lawn fete on Tuesday evening, July 23rd, at the residence of Mrs. J. M. Hallett, corner Third and Main streets north. All cordially invited. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 July 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


31 July

The time of the municipal court was occupied on Wednesday by a jury trial, wherein Michael Weichselbaumer, of Wheelock, brought suit to recover damages from the N. P., for the loss of three cows. A verdict of $90 for the plaintiff was rendered. A fine of a hundred should have been assessed for inflicting that name on the public. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 August 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


02 August

Several changes have been made in official circles on the N. P. west. W. H. Brimson, superintendent of Rocky Mountain Division, has resigned, and Supt. Pearson, of the Yellowstone, succeeds him, while F. E. Potter is acting superintendent of the Yellow- stone. All these gentlemen were former Brainerd residents and are well known here. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 August 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


SEE: 25 October 1895


Work at the shops is increasing and forty new men are being engaged. Quite a number have been brought up from the Como shops and others are to follow it is reported. We understand forty new freight cars are to be built, besides the repair work is increasing on account of increasing business on the road. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 August 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


10 August

Crushed by the Cars.


A sad accident occurred on Saturday afternoon by which Willie Covert, son of W. E. Covert, lost his life. The lad, in company with two or three companions, was playing around the railroad track in the vicinity of the cattle yard near the dump, and was amusing himself by catching onto the cars that were being switched from one track to another there. He had been warned by his parents that he must not play near the track nor attempt to get onto the cars, and the same afternoon that the accident occurred his mother had come to the place and taken him home and punished him for disobeying her. But the lad, who was ten years old, did not seem to pay any attention to what was told him, for in a short time he was back again, and in attempting to get a ride on a moving car he slipped and fell under it, the wheels crushing his his left leg from the knee to the body. His mother was notified and she was the first on the spot, picking the poor boy up and carrying him home before assistance arrived. The lad did not rally enough to speak and died in about an hour after the accident occurred. The remains were taken to Mooersville for burial on Tuesday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 1895, p. 4, c. 7)


16 August

It is reported that J. C. Barber, recently master car builder of the N. P. has been offered the superintendency of the Yellowstone division. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


17 August

Appointment of N. P. Receivers Illegal.

_____


A decision was rendered in the United States court of appeals in Chicago on Saturday, which showed the opinion of the court to be that the appointment of the N. P. receivers was illegal. The case was not one against the receivers calling in question the legality of their appointment, but was a suit for satisfaction of judgment against the N. P., brought by Charles Scott, which the company resisted on the ground that the company was in the hands of receivers, and it was in deciding this case that the language was used which showed it to be the opinion of the court that their appointment was illegal. The court said: “It is obvious that if an individual or private business corporation had conveyed its property to another for the same purpose and upon the same trusts that the court was asked to take this property, and did take it, the law would have stamped the conveyance as one made to hinder and delay creditors, and fraudulent and void for that reason.” Under any circumstances this would be strong language. When used by the court of highest jurisprudence in the United States it will undoubtedly be made the basis by the Ives interest in the Northern Pacific in a suit to have the appointment of the receivers vacated. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 August 1895, p. 1, c. 3)


23 August

The Northern Pacific railroad company is preparing to fit up four cars with the products of the western states through which their lines run, and these cars will be exhibited in various parts of the country. No better advertisement for any locality could be devised, and the people of Crow Wing county have a chance to be represented. J. M. Elder has received cards which will be attached to the different exhibits, which gives the name of the man growing the grain or whatever the exhibit may be and various other data. Those who desire to be represented can leave samples at Mr. Elder’s office on Sixth street, who will send it in free of charge. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 August 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


The Northern Pacific has adopted a new rule in regard to carrying bicycles. It checks them as baggage, but charges an excess baggage fee, the minimum of which is 25 cents. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 August 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


A Prominent Citizen Leaves.


Ex-alderman Wm. Williamson, of the grocery firm of Smallwood & Williamson, will shortly leave Brainerd after a residence here of over eight years. He has had two very fine positions offered him, one as general foreman of the Duluth & Mesaba railroad shops at Duluth, and another as superintendent of the Minnesota Iron Company’s new plant at Minneapolis. The latter company is a new concern, and expects to have nearly 500 men employed when it gets in full operation. Mr. Williamson was at Duluth the first of the week when the Duluth position was offered him, and is now at Minneapolis looking over the ground there. He will return home tomorrow, when he will definitely decide which position he will take. Mr. Williamson is abundantly capable of filling any position of this character. He has a splendid record here as a mechanic, having entered the shops here as an ordinary machinist, and rapidly won his way to the position of general foreman. He has also been active in public affairs, representing the Third ward for several years in the city council, of which body he was president for a couple of years. He has sold his interest in the grocery business to Mr. Smallwood, his partner, and will leave for his new field of labor before the 1st of September. His departure will be greatly regretted by all classes of citizens. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 August 1895, p. 4, c. 5)


30 August

Geo. Ames, a Northern Pacific engineer and well known in Brainerd, met with an accident recently by which his arm was broken. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 August 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


06 September

It now looks as if the N. P. receivership will shortly be terminated by the courts. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 September 1895, p. 1, c. 3)


Northern Pacific exhibition car, interior. Glass cases line both sides of the railroad car, pictures hang above the glass cases and several stuffed animals stand near the glass cases, 1895.
Source: University of Montana, Missoula, Mansfield Library

In J. M. Elder’s office can be seen an exhibit of potatoes raised from one hill that can’t be beat. The potatoes were raised by J. A. Chase, a farmer in Oak Lawn township, and are of the Late Rose variety. There are 17 potatoes in all, weighing over 19 lbs., and will more than fill a peck measure. They are intended for the Exhibit Car, which the N. P. railroad is fitting up for exhibition throughout the eastern states. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 September 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


The new public drinking fountain, given to the city some time ago by the W. C. T. U. [Women’s Christian Temperance Union], was placed in position, in front of the Y. M. C. A. building, the past week, and is already appreciated by the public. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 September 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


John Willis left Tuesday evening for a trip to the coast in the interest of the N. P. company. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 September 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


20 September

The N. P. depot is being treated to a new coat of paint this week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 September 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


11 October

New receivers are being appointed for the Northern Pacific almost daily, and a court that can’t boast of having added to the number isn’t strictly in it. There are eight now, and the courts are still in session. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 October 1895, p. 1, c. 3)


16 October

Elected Officers.


The annual meeting of the N. P. Library Association was held on Wednesday evening, Oct. 16th, and the following officers were elected for the ensuing year:

President—J. C. Small.

Vice President—J. N. Warner.

Treasurer—John Lowey.

Secretary—E. A. McKay.

Directors—Geo. Hass, J. C. Fullerton, James Willis, Chas. Metcalf, W. D. McKay and Timothy Toohey.

The Library Association propose giving an entertainment in aid of the library in the near future. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 October 1895, p. 4, c. 7)


17 October

An Unkind Uncle.


One of the freight conductors on the Northern Pacific tells of a very despicable action on the part of one of our citizens. He states that on last Thursday evening as his train was running between this place and Staples, he discovered a small boy about ten years of age, in a badly crippled condition on the rear platform of the caboose. The boy’s story, told to the conductor, was that his name was Dunn, and his parents lived somewhere in the vicinity of Brainerd and he had been sent by his mother, who was very sick, to his uncle named Lynch, who lives in Little Falls, to be cared for until she got better. The uncle would not accept the charge and took the boy and put him on the platform of the caboose without any money to pay his railroad fare or buy him anything to eat. The boy was so badly crippled that he was compelled to walk with crutches, and could not even get into the caboose. He had ridden some distance before he was discovered, and as the night was quite cold he was badly chilled. The unfortunate boy was cared for by the train crew and his fare paid by the conductor from Staples to his destination.—Little Falls Transcript. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 October 1895, p. 4, c. 6)


23 October

Jos. Martin, a bridge carpenter in the employ of the N. P., who resided on Ninth street south, died at the N. P. Sanitarium on Wednesday afternoon of blood poisoning. Mr. Martin was injured some time last spring, having his toes crushed, which necessitated an amputation. He has been under treatment ever since. He leaves a wife to mourn his loss. Mr. Martin has resided here for many years and has many friends here to whom his death will be a severe blow. Funeral services were conducted at the Catholic church this morning by Rev. Father Lynch. His remains were shipped to Lapear [Lapeer], Mich. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 October 1895, p. 4, c. 6)


SEE: 31 May 1895


25 October

A Good Appointment.


W. H. Brimson, recently superintendent of the Rocky Mountain division of the N. P., has been appointed general manager of the Brainerd & Northern Minnesota railroad, vice F. W. Kimball resigned. Mr. Brimson is a railroad man of large experience and ability, and the B. & N. M., is fortunate in securing his services. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 October 1895, p. 4, c. 6)


SEE: 02 August 1895


01 November

The N. P. Library Association will give a musical entertainment and ball in Gardner Hall on Tuesday evening, November 26th, for the benefit of the Association. All employees purchasing a ticket will be entitled to a yearly membership card. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 November 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


Morris Train Wrecked.


The Morris accommodation train which leaves here every morning at 6:30 o’clock, was wrecked at Buffalo Creek, four miles south of Brainerd, this morning. The train contained thirteen logging cars from off the B. & N. M. road, one of which jumped the track while going at full speed, piling the rest of the logging cars in a heap and tearing up the track considerably. No damage was done to the mail or baggage car, or to the engine. One foreign flat car and one N. P. box car were considerably damaged. The wreck was not cleared until late this afternoon, hence Nos. 5 and 6 were run over the cut-off to Staples. No St. Paul mail has been received as a consequence. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 November 1895, p. 4, c. 5)


07 November

A man whose name we could not learn very narrowly escaped death on the Sixth street crossing yesterday. He was knocked down by a passing engine and dragged along the track for some distance, but was not seriously injured. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 November 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


15 November

A DECISION has just been rendered by the secretary of the interior declaring that the eastern terminus of the N. P. is at Thompson, Minn., or Superior, Wis., and not at Ashland, Wis., as claimed by the company. This decision deprives the company of about a million acres of land. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 November 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


16 November

Another Small Wreck.


The Northern Pacific is having a series of wrecks in this vicinity of late, which, though fortunately not causing any loss of life, have been quite expensive to the company. The last one occurred at Spalding, a small siding on the Little Falls & Dakota, the first switch this side of Sauk Center, at about 2:00 o’clock Saturday night. The train was an extra going west, in charge of Conductor C. L. Smith, and was thrown from the track by an open switch. The engine went off the track but did not tip over, and the next three cars were piled up and quite badly wrecked. The pilot of the engine was knocked off and the tender badly damaged. The wrecking crew went out yesterday morning and cleared the track and brought the disabled engine here, and it was sent to the Brainerd shops today for repairs. The blame for the open switch has not been located, but it is probable that it will cost some employee his job. The engineer saw the open switch, but not in time to bring his train to a full stop, but had so diminished the speed that a serious accident was averted.—Little Falls Transcript. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 November 1895, p. 1, c. 3)


18 November

Would Kill His Sister.


The following from the Cass County Pioneer relates to one of the boys who were in the county jail here for attempting to wreck a train on the N. P. last fall [spring]:

A little boy by the name of Demars [sic] living in Cass county and on the banks of the Crow Wing near Motley, is gaining a great deal of notoriety as a desperate character. Last spring he and his brother placed ties on the railroad track near their home and which came near wrecking the passenger. The boys were arrested but got clear in some unaccountable way. He has been guilty of a few minor depredations before and since, his last occurred last Monday morning when he tried to take the life of his 16-year-old sister. This is her story for it when she arrived at a neighbor’s house all out of breath and so frightened that she could hardly speak: “My brother shot me in that finger and said he would kill me.” When asked how the trouble began she said that it was caused by their not wanting her to eat there, and after a few hard words her brothers commenced to throw things at her, a stick of wood, a wrench and a few other “little” things, when the 14-year-old brother got the revolver and declared he would kill her. She says she was running from the house when one of the bullets struck her finger as she was going through the door. The other bullets passed close, too, but without touching her. The finger does not look as if it had been shot, though badly hurt, but she declares that was the way it was done. No action has been taken and the young man will be let to go his own way until he has murdered some one, and then his life and the life of his victim will pay the penalty for the neglect of others. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 November 1895, p. 4, c. 6)


SEE: 11 May 1895

SEE: 30 May 1895

SEE: 10 September 1896

SEE: 16 November 1896


27 November

Jack Chamberlain had his right hand so badly crushed in the railroad yards here Wednesday that amputation will probably be necessary. He is a son of John Chamberlain, of this city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 November 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


06 December

Good for the Tie Men.


The agreement of the Northern Pacific railroad company to take up all ties promptly and from any seller, is very satisfactory to the settlers, and more will be placed along the track this year than usual by the owners of timber.—Little Falls Transcript. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 December 1895, p. 4, c. 5)


13 December

John Willis’ office will be removed from the office building at the shops to the second story of the depot building, in the room formerly occupied by the superintendent’s office. Mr. Willis is timber purchasing agent of the N. P. company. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 December 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


20 December

The I. A. M., North Star Lodge No. 197, have issued invitations for their fifth annual ball to take place at Gardner Hall on Tuesday evening, Dec. 31st. Whitford’s and Coutu’s orchestra will furnish the music. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 December 1895, p. 4, c. 3)


21 December

A Very Narrow Escape.


On Saturday noon news was received here that P. H. Carney had been seriously injured in a railroad accident at Anoka, and his family was sent for to meet him. The accident occurred some four miles this side of Anoka while the train was running at a speed of 25 to 30 miles and hour, the side bar breaking and demoralized the right hand side of the engine, tearing up the running board, shattering that side of the cab and otherwise damaged the engine so that the steam was escaping. Mr. Carney, who was the engineer, applied the brakes and jumped through the fireman’s window head first to the ground. The fall was the cause of his injuries, his collar bone being broken and he was injured about the head. He was brought to Brainerd and taken to the Sanitarium where he has received every attention, and will recover although it will be some time before he is about again. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 December 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


27 December

Sketches of Wonderland.


Is a publication of magazine size—has more than thirty full page illustrations of Yellowstone Park and Northwestern scenery—seventy odd pages of descriptive matter—has a handsome, shaded bronze cover and is both useful and ornamental. Send Chas. S. Fee, Gen’l. Pass. Agent, Northern Pacific Railroad, St. Paul, Minn., six cents in stamps, and he will send it to you. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 December 1895, p. 4, c. 4)


1896

07 January

On Tuesday a head end collision occurred at Muskoda on the Northern Pacific, in which Engineer Geo. Ames was quite badly injured. Mr. Ames is the regular engineer on the passenger train which runs between Brainerd and Fargo, and on this morning as he rounded the curve at the above point he saw a light engine coming towards him at a good rate of speed, but not far enough away so that either engine could be stopped in time to avert the collision. Mr. Ames applied his brakes and jumped as did also his fireman and the two men on the approaching engine, but before he touched the ground the crash came. In the jump Mr. Ames covered about 18 feet and struck on his back, and was the only one injured to any extent, and his injuries are only such as he will recover from, consisting of a general shaking up. Although he is confined to his bed at present, he will be around again in a few days. He was brought to Brainerd Tuesday afternoon and with assistance walked to his residence. The two engines were badly wrecked. The fault of the collision is attributed to the engineer of the light engine, as No. 6 was on time and had the right of way. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 January 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


17 January

For several years every spring a rumor has been started by West Superior real estate boomers that the Brainerd railroad shops were to be removed to that city, and 1896 is no exception. H. C. Stivers, who is in close touch with Northern Pacific officials, has taken especial pains during the past week to ascertain from these gentlemen what the foundation for such rumors were, and announces as the result that “there is no more prospect that the shops will be moved than there is that the earth will open and swallow them.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 January 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


24 January

W. D. McKay informs the DISPATCH that a special car will arrive from Staples on Friday evening, January 31st, at 7:30, to accommodate those who desire to attend the Jack Pine Minstrels show, and that the car will be attached to No. 53 on the return trip. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 January 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


Mr. and Mrs. Gust. Simchen desire to express their thanks to the employees of the Northern Pacific shops for a nice sum of money donated to them a few days since. Mr. Simchen has been on the sick list for some time and he and his family appreciate this kindness very much. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 January 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


31 January

W. G. Holmes, who was for several years superintendent of the pumping stations on the Northern Pacific and located in this city, is now representing a hand grenade company. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 January 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


12 February

An open meeting of the International Association of Machinists was held at Peabody & Baker’s hall on Wednesday evening and was addressed by D. Douglas Wilson, editor of the official journal of that society which is published at Chicago. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 February 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


25 February

Chas. Hagberg met with quite a serious injury at the N. P. shops on Tuesday, losing the index finger of the right hand at the second joint, and the second finger being badly lacerated. He was working on a torch handle, and a knot jerked the stick so as to throw his hand against the knife with the above result. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 February 1896, p. 4, c. 3)


28 February

J. C. Warren, of St. Paul, succeeds C. C. Kyle as clerk in the office of Master Mechanic Bean. Before Mr. Kyle’s departure the foreman and office employees presented him with a substantial testimonial of their esteem. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 February 1896, p. 4, c. 3)


23 March

Milton McFadden went to Chicago on Monday night to testify in a law suit brought by one of the Andrews’ Opera company against the N. P. railroad, as a result of injuries received when that company was wrecked here some years ago. Dr. Camp, Dr. McPherson and John Hurley, of this city, have been in Chicago for more than a week past on the same business. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 March 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


SEE: 15 January 1892

SEE: 05 February 1892

SEE: 29 December 1893

SEE: 12 January 1894

SEE: 09 February 1894

SEE: 31 March 1896


27 March

Jas. E. Goodman will go to Boston the first week in April to attend a meeting of the National Railroad Men’s Air Brake Association. Mrs. Goodman will accompany him as far as Chicago, where she will visit her brother. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 March 1896, p. 4, c. 3)


31 March

Florence Joy Renard, the lady injured in the N. P. wreck at Jonesville at the time the Andrews’ Opera Co. sleeper burned sometime ago, received a verdict of $8,000 against the company at Chicago on Tuesday last. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 April 1896, p. 4, c. 3)


SEE: 15 January 1892

SEE: 05 February 1892

SEE: 29 December 1893

SEE: 12 January 1894

SEE: 09 February 1894

SEE: 23 March 1896


07 April

Series of Accidents.


On Tuesday morning Wm. Luchsinger, an employee of the Northern Pacific at their machine shops in this city, received injuries about the head which resulted in his death the same day. Mr. Luchsinger was working in the pit over which engines are run for the purpose of removing the drivers. There is also a track that runs into the pit at the side, and on this track stood a push-car, which, in some manner started, and run off into the pit onto Mr. Luchsinger, striking him on the head and fatally injuring him. He was immediately taken to the Northern Pacific Sanitarium where everything possible was done for him, but he died at 8 p. m., the accident occurring about 8 o’clock in the morning. A brother of the deceased arrived from Fargo Wednesday morning, and his father, Hon. John Luchsinger, on Wednesday noon, to accompany the remains to Monroe, Wis., the former home of the deceased, for burial. Services were conducted from Losey & Dean’s undertaking rooms yesterday, North Star Lodge No. 197, I. A. M. being present in a body, and a large number of railroad men also assembled and escorted the body to the 12:45 train, the shops having been closed from 11 until 2 o’clock out of respect for the deceased. He was a member of the Machinist’s Union and also of the Y. M. C. A., and was an exceedingly bright and popular young man whose death is sincerely regretted by a large number of acquaintances and friends in this city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 April 1896, p. 1, c. 4)


17 April

In the future the Northern Pacific passenger trains will arrive and depart from the platform in front of the depot instead of the Arlington Hotel as has been the custom for some years. It seems that a government official in the mail service missed his train here on account of not knowing that the trains started from the platform 100 feet from the depot and in consequence brought suit for damages, and is the cause of the change, and he has the thanks of the traveling public. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 April 1896, p. 4, c. 7)


SEE: 16 November 1896


01 May

Wonderland ‘96 has been received at this office and it is a very interesting publication, issued by the Northern Pacific railroad. For the tourist this book is indispensable and can be had by forwarding six cents in stamps to Chas. S. Fee, Gen. Pass. And Ticket Agent St. Paul, Minn. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 May 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


04 May

Serious Accident.


Arthur Schuls, a young man about 18 years of age and an employee at the Northern Pacific shops, was seriously injured on Monday. In company with three other men he was carrying a heavy car sill having it on their shoulders. His three companions threw the sill before Schuls was ready and it caught him on the side of the head carrying him to the ground and causing a fracture of the skull. For a time his life was despaired of but we understand that there are hopes of his recovery now. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 May 1896, p. 4, c. 7)


21 May

The N. P. pump house caught fire yesterday forenoon from the smoke stack, but the fire was put out without the aid of the department, which responded promptly to the alarm. It was very fortunate for the city that the fire was extinguished so easily, as the water supply of the city now depends almost entirely on this station, the high water preventing much help from the regular pump house. A fierce wind was blowing at the time, hence, if the fire had got a start, nothing could have prevented the destruction of the building and machinery. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 May 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


27 May

Out of Sight.


A section of track 400 feet long on the Northern Pacific road between Deerwood and Cedar Lake on Wednesday night sank out of sight. The place is a filled swamp and the high water and heavy rains had weakened the grade until the weight on it was sufficient to cause the above result. An engine is in the same predicament that the track is, only that the iron horse is not out of sight, but is mired in the same place. The train east yesterday morning to Duluth went only as far as that place, and passengers were transferred, but by train time last night a temporary track had been built around the soft spot, and trains were run over. It will take some time to repair the damage. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 May 1896, p. 4, c. 6)


29 May

On June 6th the Northern Pacific road will run an excursion from Brainerd and intermediate points to St. Cloud on which date Ringling’s circus exhibits in that city. Round trip tickets from Brainerd will be sold at $1.50. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 May 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


In 1896 a fire destroyed the lumber mill at Boom Lake and in June, the Northern Pacific began pulling up the “Mill Spur” trackage west of South Sixth Street to Boom Lake. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 40)


NOTE: The “mill spur trackage” above refers to the 1871 Northern Pacific Railroad spur running to an early sawmill located on the river flats near Boom Lake, in later years it served the J. J. Howe mill.


SEE: 17 May 1871


06 June

Ringling’s Circus and Menagerie


will exhibit at St. Cloud Minn., on Saturday June 6th, and the Northern Pacific will run a special train for the occasion. A special rate of $1.50 for the round trip, including price of admission to the show has been made. Now is your chance to take your family to see a good show. Lions, tigers, bears, elephants and lots of other wild animals can be seen. Then there are the clowns and trained ponies, etc. If you are not married tell your sweet heart to get ready and go with you. She will enjoy it, so will you and the cost won’t hurt you. See the Northern Pacific local agent and he will tell you a lot more about it. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 June 1896, p. 4, c. 8)


19 June

T. J. Sharkey has resigned his position with the Northern Pacific as traveling auditor, and will go to Anoka as station agent. The change was necessary on account of the gentleman’s health. The many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Sharkey will regret their removal from Brainerd. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 June 1896, p. 4, c. 3)


D. B. Ogsbury succeeds T. J. Sharkey as traveling auditor of the N. P., with headquarters in this city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 June 1896, p. 4, c. 3)


Oscar Hagberg, who works in the car shops, lost the first finger of his left hand on Monday by getting it too close to one of the circular saws. The young man is a son of Chas. Hagberg. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 June 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


The Railroad Picnic.


[12th Annual Picnic] The employees of the Northern Pacific railroad will enjoy their 12th annual picnic on Saturday, June 27th, 1896, the objective point being Detroit [Lakes], at which place all arrangements have been made for the comfort of the excursionists. The cannon will be fired at 4 A. M. to awaken the drowsy ones and the first section of the train will leave at 6 o’clock, sharp, followed in thirty minutes by the second section. Stops will be made at Staples and other points to take on employees of the road and their families. Dresskell’s orchestra will furnish music for the dances and the band will accompany the excursion train. The program of sports and the prizes offered will be as follows:

Base Ball, Brainerd vs. Detroit [Lakes], for a purse of $10. Game to be called immediately upon arrival of second section.

100 yard dash, first prize $3, second $2.

Long jump standing, first prize $2, second $1.

High kick, first prize $2, second $1.

Hop, step and jump, first prize $2, second $1.

Putting shot, first prize $2, second $1.

Throwing hammer, first prize $3, second $2.

Pole vault, first prize $3, second $2.

High jump, first prize $2, second $1.

120 yard dash, for apprentices, box cigars.

Egg race for boys, first prize $2, second $1, third 50 cents.

100 yard dash for apprentices, box cigars.

Half mile bicycle race, handicap, free for all, first prize silk umbrella, second cyclometer, third bicycle belt.

Swimming race, 50 yards, first prize $2, second $1.

Half mile boat race, first prize $3, second $2, third $1.

Foremen’s cigar race, box cigars.

Tug of war, box cigars.

The committees that have been appointed are as follows:

Executive committee—T. Canan, president; J. P. Gardiner, secretary; T. F. Mooney, treasurer; W. Thompson, O. Brown, G. L. Daniels, Wm. Soderholm, R. W. McKay and C. Morse, of Staples.

Committee on Sports—O. Brown, chairman, James Towers, Jr., Dave Cohen, Geo. Johnson, Joe. Murphy, and Wm. McCabe and Hiram Leak, of Staples.

Dance committee—G. L. Daniels, chairman, C. Rowan, Ernest Jones, Frank Aspholm, Tom Willis, Ed Evanson, Sandy Armstrong, and C. F. Hall and S. Corrigan, of Staples.

Printing committee—T. Canan, chairman, T. F. Mooney, W. Thompson.

Music committee—Wm. Soderholm, chairman, John Voerge, Martin Nelson, Wm. Martin, Harry Titus, and Alex. McCarthy.

Ways and Means committee—Wm. Thompson, chairman, Justin Smith, Wm. Brown and W. J. Wood, C. H. Blanding and D. C. Carson, of Detroit [Lakes].

Transportation committee—S. L. Bean, chairman, W. D. McKay, Supt. Wilsey and A. J. Sovereign.

Marshal of the Day—Edward Crust.

Assistant Marshals—Sam. Johnson, Ed. McKay and H. McCulloch.

Deputy Marshals—A. Wright, J. McGuire, W. J. Davenport, C. Green, T. Johnson, L. P. Johnson, A. Duffy, D. C. Hinton, E. Nuttbohm, P. Bisiar, John Murphy, John Cuddy, W. J. Smith. C. McCarthy, H. Blackburn, John Russell, Andy Robertson, Chas. Penton, Gus. H. Woerner, J. A. Johnson, Stonewall Jackson Dickenson.

All the sports will take place at the fair grounds which has been especially arranged for the occasion. A. L. Nutting will cater to the wants of the people on the train and at the grounds in the way of fruits, refreshments, etc. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 June 1896, p. 4, c. 6)


26 June

The Northern Pacific re-organization managers have selected General Manager Winters, of the Omaha road, as president of the Northern Pacific. It is claimed that the selection is advantageous in many respects, especially as Mr. Winters is a practical railroad man. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 June 1896, p. 1, c. 4)


The R. R. Picnic.


Tomorrow the Northern Pacific railroad employees of this city and their families will enjoy their annual outing and picnic, going to Detroit [Lakes] for the day’s sport, a complete programme of which was published in this paper last week. The cannon will awaken the people at 4 a. m., and the first section will leave promptly at 6 o’clock, the second section leaving the depot at 6:30. Everything points to a grand time and undoubtedly the attendance will be larger than on any former occasion. All arrangements have been made at Detroit [Lakes] for the reception and comfort of the excursionists, and if the prediction of the committee who has had charge of the details is correct, the excursion of 1896 will go down in history as the most happy event of the kind. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 June 1896, p. 4, c. 6)


30 June

S. L. Bean returned from Saratoga on Tuesday, where he had been in attendance at a convention of master mechanics. The gentleman was greeted on his return by a new son, which was born on Monday last. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 July 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


03 July

The Picnic.


The railroad picnic was a decided success, it taking twenty-eight coaches from Brainerd and Staples alone, and even then the platforms were crowded with people unable to get a seat. The match game of ball between the Brainerd Browns and the Detroits was won by the latter after eleven hotly contested innings, by a score of 9 to 7. Brainerd lost the game in the first inning. They had two men out and two strikes, and when at the third strike the ball was batted to second, a fumble was made and then a wild throw to first. Later in the day the Brainerd “kid” team beat the Detroits bad. John Schmelz won the half mile bicycle race, the prize for which was a handsome silk umbrella. With riding on the steamer, launches, rowing and sailing, with two dances going on in full blast, everybody and his neighbor seemed to enjoy themselves. The band boys acquitted themselves admirably, and deserve credit for the music renders.—Staples World (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 July 1896, p. 4, c. 6)


21 July

Chas. McCarthy left on Tuesday for Missoula, Mont., where he has been tendered the position of engineer’s timekeeper. His many Brainerd friends while pleased to hear of his promotion are sorry to see him leave the city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 July 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


24 July

Henry Schilb leaves this evening for Livingston, Mont., where he will be employed by the Northern Pacific. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 July 1896, p. 4, c. 3)


Judge L. R. Lothrop, of Walker, and well known in this city, has accepted a position as road master on the Northern Pacific with headquarters at Glendive, Mont. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 July 1896, p. 4, c. 3)


25 July

The Northern Pacific railroad, including all franchises and all branches of the same was sold at Superior on Saturday morning last, by a representative of the United States court. The property was bid in by President Winters for the newly organized Northern Pacific Railroad Co., which it is reported, will assume control of the property about September 1st. It was the greatest sale of property on record. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 July 1896, p. 1, c. 3)


31 July

Card of Thanks.


The Northern Pacific Library committee wish to express through the columns of the DISPATCH their sincere thanks to the Northern Pacific Railroad picnic committee for donating to the library and reading room fund the sum of $38.

COMMITTEE.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 31 July 1896, p. 4, c. 6)


06 August

Free coinage means a reduction of 50 per cent in the purchasing power of the wages of every man employed at the N. P. shops or in the mill in this city. Do free coinage advocates think they can get laboring men to vote for such a proposition? (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 August 1896, p. 1, c. 3)


Kendrick Still General Manager.


A report comes from Tacoma that President Winter, of the Northern Pacific, has announced that J. W. Kendrick would continue as general manager of the re-organized properties, with O. W. Bunn, general counsel, and E. H. McHenry, chief engineer. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 August 1896, p. 4, c. 7)


10 August

A Very Serious Accident.


James Willis, foreman of the planing mill at the N. P. shops, at about 11 o’clock last Monday morning, met with an accident that, it was first thought, would necessarily prove fatal. The machinery that works the fan that carries the shavings from the planer to the furnace got out of order, and Mr. Willis, with his brother, Tom, was on a platform some 15 feet above the floor, fixing it. He took a wrench to tighten a nut, when the wrench slipped, throwing Mr. Willis headfirst to the floor below. He struck his head on an iron jack, fracturing the back part of his skull. Notwithstanding the awful blow, Mr. Willis was conscious, and with the assistance of a man on each side of him walked to the engine that took him to the Sanitarium, and also walked from the engine into the Sanitarium on arriving there. He was immediately placed under the influence of ether, and his injuries treated by Dr. Courtney. It was necessary to remove some broken pieces of the skull and clotted blood from the brain and raise the skull which had been depressed by the blow. The injury was of such a serious character that it was at first thought that he could not possibly survive, but Mr. Willis has regained consciousness, and is so much better that hopes are now entertained of his complete recovery. He has hosts of friends who earnestly hope so. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 August 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


17 August

John Armstrong, an employee of the car department at the railroad shops, met with quite a serious accident while at work on Monday. He was employed on a car and was underneath the same when it was set in motion by a switch engine, his foot being caught between the wheels and rail and badly mangled. His comrades pulled him out from under the car where he was hanging on or he would undoubtedly have met with a more serious, if not fatal, accident. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 August 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


21 August

Waiting for Developments.


The chairman of the Northern Pacific re-organization committee, Edward D. Adams gave out the following interview to a reporter for the Duluth News-Tribune on Friday last on his return to that city from an inspection trip over the line:

“The re-organization has planned extensive betterments but which will be deferred until the result of the election is known. Perhaps we may not consider it feasible if the result is not satisfactory to make these improvements for an indefinite period. If the platform adopted at the Chicago convention should be endorsed by the people the railroads of this country would be seriously affected and the Northern Pacific would reserve its resources instead of making the betterments which have been planned on an extensive scale. You will readily see that we would be unable to increase our tariffs while it is equally certain the prices for supplies and material would increase. Our revenues would come in the shape of silver, and to pay the interest on our bonds we would have to buy and pay a premium on gold. It is a very simple proposition, and I trust the people of this country will see the fallacy of the free silver ideas and vote accordingly. If McKinley is elected the Northern Pacific will proceed at once with the betterments of the system which are contemplated.

“The Northern Pacific stands ready to distribute a great deal of money if the financial policy of the country is not disturbed. Preparations are now being made for the construction at St. Paul of a new office building, where in future will be located the executive powers of the Northern Pacific instead of in New York. The financial headquarters of the road will remain in New York and the executive department will be transferred to St. Paul.

“Among the new improvements proposed by the Northern Pacific railway is the re-laying of a very large portion of the main line and branches with new steel, exchanging wooden bridges for steel bridges, important improvement of terminal facilities at various points, adjusting grades, curves, etc. Contracts have been let for some of the work proposed, such as for the new office building and some of the changes I have mentioned. Where contracts have been made the work will be completed, but no new contracts will be made until the financial policy of the country after next November is known. New projects are necessarily held in abeyance and unless confidence be restored in the financial communities by the result of the election, new capital will not be forthcoming for improvements and new industries that are needed in the Northwest. The country is now in the very best of shape to recover quickly from the depression which has affected it for the past three years. The crisis has been reached and the endorsement of the St. Louis platform by the people would restore confidence and set the wheel of industry quickly in motion. Manufacturers and business men and men in all branches of activity would take courage, and in a very short time we would find the country restored to its former condition of progress and prosperity.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 August 1896, p. 1, c. 4)


The Western Union telegraph office will occupy new quarters in the office of the Arlington Hotel within a few days, Manager Craig having received orders to that effect. The railroad office will handle the night business after 8 o’clock, as heretofore. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 August 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


Change of Northern Pacific Depot in

Minneapolis.


On and after September 1st all Northern Pacific Passenger trains will arrive at and depart from the C. M. & St. P. Railway passenger station, corner Washington and Fourth avenues south, Minneapolis. Passengers alight from trains on a level with the street and will not have to climb a flight of stairs in order to get out of the depot. This change will land passengers nearer the business part of the city. Street car lines are immediately in front of the depot entrance, thus giving quick and easy access to any part of the city. When you want to take the Northern Pacific to or from Minneapolis, remember the change of depots. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 August 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


A Premeditated Collision.


Engine “46,” which was used on the L. F. & D. branch for some years, went south on Monday, bound for Minneapolis, where it will be used on Saturday next in the collision at Minnehaha Park, and represents “gold.” The “63” will represent “silver,” and is one of the old-time N. P. passenger engines, worn out and of no value except for scrap iron. It is claimed the engines will come together at a rate of speed of 45 miles per hour, and both engines will have three cars of sand behind them to give more force when the engines come together. The sight of two railway engines coming together at a full rate of speed will undoubtedly attract a large number of people. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 August 1896, p. 4, c. 5)


01 September

Lightning Played Havoc.


A severe electrical storm visited this section on Tuesday afternoon during which time the Northern Pacific refrigerator building standing near the railroad track between Fourth and Fifth streets, was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. Immediately following the blinding flash came the terrific thunder, and many people saw the bolt strike the building splintering it in many places from top to bottom, and in an instant flames of fire burst out of the roof and cupola. The department turned out at once in the blinding storm and did effective work in saving the ice house and adjoining buildings. The building was owned by J. H. Koop and contained 600 bushels of oats in bins. It was insured for $800. During the progress of the fire lightning struck in several places in the city, splintering many electric light poles, and in one instance knocking two men down who were in the Last Turn saloon, but no serious damage resulted.

On the same afternoon the depot at Crow Wing was burned caused from lightning and much of the contents of the building destroyed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 September 1896, p. 4, c. 6)


08 September

Chas. Millspaugh received an injury to one of his hands in the railroad yards here while coupling cars on Tuesday by which he will lose a finger. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 September 1896, p. 4, c. 3)


Ira White, an employee of the boiler shops, accidentally received a blow from a sledge hammer on the back of his left hand Tuesday, breaking some of the small bones. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 September 1896, p. 4, c. 3)


Andrew Erickson received a severe scalp wound at the car shops on Tuesday, a heavy plank falling on his head and shoulders. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 September 1896, p. 4, c. 3)


10 September

H. M. DeMars and his ten-year-old son Fred were before the municipal court yesterday morning charged with receiving and stealing a quantity of brass castings from the Northern Pacific railway and the examination was continued until Monday at 10 o'clock. The lad is one of the three boys who were held in jail some time ago for putting obstructions on the track near Motley. Bail was fixed in both cases at $400. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 September 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


SEE: 11 May 1895

SEE: 30 May 1895

SEE: 18 November 1895

SEE: 16 November 1896


18 September

Good Reasons for Railroad Men.


The Railway Age gives six reasons why a railroad man should not vote for Bryan:

1. Because my present pay will not quite enable me to buy everything on earth, and I have no desire to have that cut in two.

2. Because I prefer to have the few dollars I earn worth 100 cents a piece, not 53 cents.

3. Because I do not see why I should be any better off if the price of everything I had to buy was doubled.

4. Because I have no idea that it would profit me if the whole country went bankrupt.

5. Because, though the ration may now be 16 men out of work to 1 who has a job, I have no desire to swell the ration by turning tramp myself.

6. Because, though I do not happen to be general manager of this road, I am still no blooming fool. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 September 1896, p. 1, c. 6)


Adam Bardsley, of Bradford, Pa., was in the city for some days the first of the week renewing old Brainerd acquaintances. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 September 1896, p. 4, c. 3)


02 October

The City Council.


The city attorney was instructed to notify Supt. Wilsey in regard to the obstruction of street crossings by railroad trains.

A resolution was introduced and adopted granting the N. P. Ry. Co. the right to relay such portion of the “Boom Lake Branch” that crosses South Fifth and Sixth streets at any time, if relaid to correspond with the grade of the streets. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 October 1896, p. 4, c. 6)


09 October

The railroad employees all over the country will be more directly affected should by any chance this country go to a silver basis than any other class of workmen. In almost every other branch of business the price of commodities could and would be double but as the rate for freight and passenger service is fixed by law the railroad companies would be powerless to advance their rates themselves and in all probability there would be no change. Hence the railroad companies would be compelled to reduce their expenses proportionately and the men in their employ would be the first to suffer by a reduction in wages which are low enough at the present time. In the meantime the price of all commodities would advance one-half and a laborer only getting half pay would be obliged to pay two prices for the necessities of life. It is a matter that faces many men in this city and there is no doubt that if they thoroughly understand the question there will be few votes cast for the Bryan free silver and free trade ticket by that class of men at least. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 October 1896, p. 1, c. 3)


The Northern Pacific Library Association will hold their annual entertainment and ball in Gardner Hall on Tuesday evening, Oct. 27th, and a very pleasant evening is promised. All are invited. Tickets, $1. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 October 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


21 October

N. P. Library Association.


The annual meeting of the N. P. Library Association was held October 21st, and the following officers were elected for the ensuing year:

President—J. C. Small.

Vice President—J. C. Stewart.

Secretary—E. E. McKay.

Treasurer—John Lowey.

Board of Directors—Tim Toohey, F. P. Barnes, George Halladay, D. K. Fullerton, Jas. Willis, Chas Metcalf and W. D. McKay.

The N. P. Library entertainment and ball was postponed until Friday evening, October 20th. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 October 1896, p. 4, c. 5)


23 October

Tourist Car to California.


An upholstered Pullman tourist car is run every Wednesday by the Northern Pacific. This car leaves St. Paul at 2:45 p. m., Minneapolis at 8:20 p. m. reaching San Francisco the following Monday morning. Double berth only $6.00. For tickets and reservations write to W. D. McKay, ticket agent, N. P. Ry. Co., Brainerd, Minn. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 October 1896, p. 1, c. 8)


16 November

District Court.


H. M. DeMars, receiving stolen goods. Plead, not guilty. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 November 1896, p. 4, c. 6)


SEE: 11 May 1895

SEE: 30 May 1895

SEE: 18 November 1895

SEE: 10 September 1896


John E. Paul vs. N. P. Railway Co. Tried by jury and verdict for plaintiff in the sum of $425 returned. Mr. Paul sued the company for damages sustained by him by being ejected from the train at Crow Wing. It seems that on February 20th last, Mr. Paul, who was in the city on mail business, having finished his business, bought a ticket to St. Paul and sat down in the depot to wait for the train. He waited for some time, when he saw the train go past without stopping. On inquiry he found the train stopped at the Arlington Hotel, consequently he missed it. He boarded the same train the next day, but was told by the conductor that the ticket purchased the day previous was not good that day, and he must get off at Crow Wing or pay his fare. This he declined to do, so he was put off at Crow Wing. He returned to this city and brought suit against the company. Since then the company has been stopping its trains at the depot. W. A. Fleming and Leon E. Lum appeared for the plaintiff, and J. H. Mitchell, of St. Paul, for the defendant. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 November 1896, p. 4, c. 6)


SEE: 17 April 1896


27 November

N. P. White, a clerk in the storekeeper’s office at the shops, has taken a vacation until January 1st, and will start in a day or two on a trip to the Pacific coast, visiting Portland, Tacoma, Seattle and other points. He will also go to San Francisco and Portland, where he will visit his sister, Mrs. Chas. Grennell. Returning he will stop in Ogden, Utah, to visit his brother, Wm. White. Mr. White is now in St. Paul making arrangements for his contemplated trip. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 November 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


Change of Time.


A change of the time of running trains will take place on the N. P. on Sunday next. The Duluth train, which passes through here at 6 o’clock, will arrive here at 10:30 p. m. No. 5 from the south, will get here one hour earlier, at 1:15 p. m., and No. 6 will arrive from the west at 12 noon, instead of 12:15 as at present. The train going to Duluth will run as usual, at 3:15 a. m. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 November 1896, p. 4, c. 5)


30 November

A Frightful Wreck.


Telegraphic communication from Missoula, Mont., brings the news of a bad wreck which occurred on the Northern Pacific road Monday and says: A runaway train incident is unparalleled in the history of railroading in Montana. It occurred on the Northern Pacific railway last night near Mullen tunnel, east side of the main range of the Rocky mountains. The fatal train, an extra freight, left here early yesterday morning. At Elliston it changed engines. The train passed through the tunnel and began to make the descent down the winding mountain grade which is beset with deep rock cuts and numerous trestles. It is supposed the air brakes refused to work, allowing the train to rush down the mountain side with lightning like rapidity. Cars were thrown right and left, and crushed into kindling wood in the gulches below. The engine and several cars held to the track until Butler station, about seven miles down the mountain, was reached, where they were ditched. Fireman Young jumped and escaped with a broken collar bone, several scalp wounds and other injuries. Engineer John Flynn’s leg was broken, besides internal injuries. Conductor John McBean’s thigh is broken, his back wrenched and his shoulder thrown out of joint. For a distance of eight miles the track is badly torn up and it will be forty-eight hours before the damage is repaired. In the meantime through trains are sent around by the way of Butte. It is the worst wreck ever known on the Northern Pacific railway in the point of damage to track and rolling stock. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 December 1896, p. 1, c. 4)


04 December

The many friends of F. E. Potter in this city will be pleased to learn that the gentleman has been appointed superintendent of the Yellowstone division of the N. P., a circular to that effect having been issued by the general manager. Mr. Potter has been acting superintendent for some time. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 December 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


In Receiver’s Hands.


The Brainerd Building & Loan Association has gone into the hands of receivers, Geo. D. LaBar and John N. Nevers having been appointed receivers by the court. The Association was at one time the strongest and best in the state, and as far as the management is concerned, would have continued to be so. Some years ago, as our readers all know, the treasurer [N. W. Wheatley] absconded, having used or taken with him about $15,000. This so badly crippled the Association that it was thought by many that a receiver ought to be appointed and the affairs wound up, but it was decided to continue the business. Since then so many stockholders have withdrawn, that for the protection of the balance it was deemed best to place the Association in receiver’s hands and terminate the business.

The affairs are in fairly good shape. The assets amount to about $25,000, $15,000 worth of property and $10,000 due on mortgages. The Association owes only about $5,000 to outside parties, the balance of the liabilities being the money due the stockholders. There are at the present time 344 pledged and 516 unpledged stockholders, who will have to bear what loss there is, if any, but it will be very small as the total assets and liabilities, we are informed, are about the same. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 December 1896, p. 4, c. 6)


SEE: 08 September 1883

SEE: 07 April 1884

SEE: 30 January 1886

SEE: 11 March 1886

SEE: 27 May 1887

SEE: 04 June 1887

SEE: 24 March 1888

SEE: 24 May 1889

SEE: 07 June 1889

SEE: 17 January 1890

SEE: 01 August 1890

SEE: 22 May 1891

SEE: 30 September 1892

SEE: 07 October 1892

SEE: 14 September 1894

SEE: 21 September 1894


21 December

Harry Titus received a painful injury to one of his feet on Monday at the Northern Pacific shops, a heavy casting falling on it and which will lay him up for some weeks. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 December 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


23 December

Supt. Finn and E. M. Herr, superintendent of motive power and machinery, were in the city on Wednesday looking over matters at the shops in the company’s interest. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 December 1896, p. 4, c. 3)


25 December

As has been their custom for many years Messrs. Parker & Topping, of the Northern Pacific foundry, presented each one of their employees with a nice fat turkey for Christmas dinner yesterday. The street car company also made their employees happy in the same manner. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 December 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


J. P. Anderson is in the city from West Superior renewing old acquaintances. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 December 1896, p. 4, c. 4)


Don’t forget the New Year’s dinner at the Y. M. C. A. hall. Roast turkey and cranberry sauce, plum pudding, made of “Sugar and spice, and everything nice.” Tickets can be obtained from members of the society or at the door for only 25 cents. Dinner from 12:30 to 2:30. There will also be a 15 cent lunch served at the same place in the evening from 5 to 8 o’clock. So don’t forget the time or place but come everyone. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 December 1896, p. 4, c. 5)


North Star Lodge No. 197, International Association of Machinists, will give a New Year’s party on Thursday evening, Dec. 31st, at Gardner Hall, which bids fair to be a very enjoyable occasion and one which will be well attended. The committee on arrangements are: Wm. Martin, C. E. Rowan, J. W. Percy, J. P. Gardiner, C. G. Poppenberg. Floor—J. W. Percy, L. W. Wheatley, E. E. Rowan, Wm. Martin, J. P. Anderson. Reception—F. W. Murray, John Metzger, M. H. Nelson, J. N. Warner, Gus. Woerner. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 December 1896, p. 4, c. 5)


Gets a Promotion.


The many friends of E. C. Blanchard in this city will be pleased if the following telegram from Duluth is correct:

It is generally expected here that E. C. Blanchard, chief dispatcher of the Northern Pacific in Duluth, will be appointed superintendent of the Lake Superior division, to succeed F. W. Wilsey, who was lately appointed land agent. Mr. Blanchard is making a tour of the division in company of Supt. Kimberley and other officials. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 December 1896, p. 4, c. 6)


31 December

The Sixth annual ball of North Star Lodge No. 197, I. A. of M., was held at Gardner Hall last evening, and like all preceding ones, was a splendid social success. All attending report a most enjoyable evening. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 January 1897, p. 4, c. 4)


1897

01 January

Northern Pacific Appointments.


E. C. Blanchard, of Duluth, has been appointed acting superintendent of the Lake Superior division, Northern Pacific, succeeding Mr. Wilsey, promoted to the general land department. Mr. Fowler, Minneapolis, becomes assistant superintendent of the Minnesota division, with headquarters at St. Paul. The circular announcing their appointments, and also that of Harry J. Horn, Jr., as superintendent of the Montana division, vice J. D. Finn, resigned to become superintendent of the Lake Superior Terminal and Transfer company, was issued from the office of M. C. Kimberley, general superintendent, Saturday night. The appointments are effective January 1st. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 January 1897, p. 1, c. 3)


11 January

E. M. Herr, superintendent of motive power and machinery of the N. P., accompanied by General Storekeeper DeLambert and General Foreman Childs, of the Como Shops, were in the city on Monday afternoon, inspecting the shops. This is Mr. Herr’s first visit to the shops since his appointment. The party left for Fargo on the Duluth train at 10:30. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 January 1897, p. 4, c. 7)


15 January

B. & N. M. Depot Burned.


On Friday night the B & N. M. passenger and freight depot in this city was entirely destroyed by fire with all its contents. Two N. P. box cars that were standing on the side track by the depot were also consumed. How the fire originated is a mystery, but it had made considerable headway before being discovered. The stores of the company were in the depot, and they, together with considerable freight, were a total loss. Agent Smith places the loss of the B. & N. M. between three and four thousand dollars, which is fully covered by a blanket insurance on all the company’s property.

Temporary arrangements for depot facilities have been made until spring, when a fine new depot will be erected. A small building that stood near the mill boarding house has been moved up to the place where the depot stood, which will be used as an office, while another old shed has been moved up to store freight in. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 January 1897, p. 1, c. 2)


C. C. Kyle returned from Denver, Colorado, on Wednesday, and resumed his old position as master mechanic's clerk at the shops. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 January 1897, p. 4, c. 4)


16 January

Annual Meeting.


[...]


The annual meeting of the Northern Pacific Bank was also held the same day, but on account of the absence of C. N. Parker, the principal stockholder, from the city, the meeting was adjourned until tomorrow. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 January 1897, p. 4, c. 6)


18 January

Brainerd Hockey Club.


Monday evening several young men of this city held a meeting at the Y. M. C. A. parlors and organized a Hockey Club. The following officers were elected:

President—Sam. H. Parker.

Vice Pres.—E. H. Simmons.

Sec’y and Treas.—O. M. Green.

Captain—J. M. Johns.

Asst. Captain—Chas. Mitchell.

Patrons—C. C. Kyle, Frank G. Hall.

Committee—Frank Howe, Jno. Congdon and Will Nicols.

The club has secured the use of the center sheet of ice at the Athletic Ice Rink three nights a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings, from 7:30 to 8:30 o’clock, for practice nights. Following is a partial list of the members: Frank Howe, H. M. Johns, James Casey, Jas. Murphy, Nora White, Ferdinand Boor, James McPherson, Chas Mitchell, O. M. Green, Chas. Miller, Lou Wheatley, John Congdon, Will Nicols, Bert Cole, Fritz Tilquist, John Armstrong, Fred Ross, Jack Gidders, James Towers, and Will Georgison. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 January 1897, p. 4, c. 5)


20 January

Wednesday was pay-day at the N. P. shops. The amount distributed was $4,000 more than at the December pay-day. This is quite an increase, and will make money easier. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 January 1897, p. 4, c. 3)


26 January

A dance was given at Gardner Hall on Tuesday evening under the auspices of the N. P. machinists, for the benefit of a son of Mr. and Mrs. John Boyle, who recently had his leg amputated. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 January 1897, p. 4, c. 3)


H. A. Lyddon, draftsman at the N. P. shops in this city, has been appointed general foreman of the company’s shops at Mandan, to take effect on February 1st. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 January 1897, p. 4, c. 3)


31 January

J. H. Burton, N. P. yardmaster, is in the Sanitarium, afflicted with appendicitis. A successful operation was performed on Sunday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 February 1897, p. 4, c. 3)


08 February

Supt. Joseph McCabe, of the Tacoma division of the Northern Pacific, was in the city on Monday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 February 1897, p. 6, c. 3)


10 February

LARGEST IN THE WORLD

_____


Four New Freight Engines Ordered by

the N. P. are Monsters.

_____


NP Mastodon built in 1897 in Schenectady, NY, ca. 1925.
Source: Ron V. Nixon Collection, Museum of the Rockies, Montana State University

On Wednesday evening No. 4 the first of four new freight engines ordered by the N. P. for services on the mountain divisions, arrived in this city, and was taken to the shops to be set up. These are the largest engines ever constructed, and were built by the Schenectady Locomotive Works.

The height limit is 14 feet 10 inches, a couple of inches above the tops of the three sand boxes. The total length with tender is 62 feet 1 inch. Loaded the engine will weigh about 93 tons, and including the tender about 105 tons. There are 332 flues, 2 1/4 inches in diameter, 13 1/2 feet long. The high pressure cylinder measures 24 inches; the low pressure cylinder 34 inches, and the stroke is 28 inches. The diameter of the boiler is 80 inches, and the driving wheels are 55 inches in diameter. There are twelve wheels, including four pair of driving wheels and the truck wheels. The engine can maintain a steam pressure of 200 pounds. The weight on the drivers is 148,000 pounds. The rigid wheel base is 15 feet 6 inches; total wheel base, 53 feet 8 inches. No engine ever constructed possesses the weight on drivers of this engine, the next largest being one built for the Southern by the Richmond works, with 138,000 weight. The boiler of No. 4 is constructed after the wagon-top style.

For comparison the following dimensions of an average standard passenger engine used on the trunk lines’ fast trains are given: Weight on drivers, 90,000 pounds; driving wheel base, 15 feet; cylinders, 18x24 inches; diameter of driving wheels, 68 inches; 249 two-inch tubes; total wheel base, 24 feet 9 inches.

They will be used exclusively for freight service, and the average time on the mountains will be eighteen or twenty miles an hour. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 February 1897, p. 1, c. 3)


SEE: 15 February 1897


12 February

Master Mechanic S. L. Bean, of the N. P., and Master Mechanic Sanborn, of the B. & N. M., were in St. Paul in attendance at a meeting of the Railway Club of the state. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 February 1897, p. 6, c. 4)


15 February

Another large locomotive like the one described in last week’s issue arrived at the shops in this city on Monday to be set up. This is known as No. 5. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 February 1897, p. 4, c. 3)


SEE: 10 February 1897


17 February

Engineer J. O. Stewart, of the N. P. met with a bad accident on Wednesday morning, while pulling No. 3, west. The engine struck a snow-drift and the flying pieces of frozen snow broke the cab window, a piece of the glass entering his eye, and cutting his cheek. He was brought to the hospital in this city by No. 5, but the physicians here after examination ordered him sent to St. Paul, to an eye specialist, No. 5, being held here 30 minutes to get him ready. It is hoped by his many friends here that his eyesight is not destroyed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 February 1897, p. 4, c. 3)


SEE: 18 March 1897


19 February

Fred Wehrle left Wednesday noon for Bradford, Pa., where he has accepted a position under Adam Bardsley, formerly master mechanic of the N. P. shops in this city, but now holding a position of superintendent of machinery on an eastern road. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 February 1897, p. 4, c. 3)


Mr. A. G. Mitchie, of this city, has been appointed land and immigration agent of the N. P. for Scotland, with headquarters at Aberdeen. Mr. Mitchie is a native Scot, and a capable business man, one peculiarly adapted for the work he has undertaken. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 February 1897, p. 4, c. 4)


26 February

Master Mechanic Bean is in Livingston to attend a meeting of the master mechanics. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 February 1897, p. 4, c. 3)


Supt. and Mrs. E. C. Blanchard, of Duluth, accompanied by their children, Chester and Callie, were in the city on Saturday renewing old acquaintances. They came down Friday evening in Mr. Blanchard’s private car, and remained until the early train Sunday morning, attending the Jack Pine Minstrel entertainment Saturday evening. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 March 1897, p. 4, c. 4)


05 March

The Minneapolis Lumberman says: The Brainerd & Northern Minnesota Railway is now hauling about sixty cars of logs per day from the woods in the neighborhood of Lathrop [aka Lothrop] and Walker. About all of these are for the Brainerd Lumber company and are dumped into their logging pond, Rice lake. The passenger traffic on the road is beginning to pick up, and is expected to improve from now on. The company has erected a temporary depot in the place of the one that was burned, and expects to make arrangements with the Northern Pacific to use their track and depot. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 March 1897, p. 4, c. 4)


10 March

Mr. E. M. Herr, superintendent of motive power and machinery, E. H. McHenry, chief engineer, and W. S. Darling, division engineer of the N. P. Ry., came up from St. Paul on Wednesday in Mr. Herr’s private car. Their business in this city was to witness a test of one of the new mammoth locomotives the N. P. has recently received. The engine, with the above gentlemen, and J. E. Goodman, traveling engineer, on board, went to Aitkin, where 68 loaded cars were coupled on, and the engine had no difficulty in bringing this immense load into the city. An ordinary train load is about 32 or 33 cars, hence these engines are equal to two large moguls in drawing power, and the fuel consumption is but very little larger. The test is said to have been very satisfactory. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 March 1897, p. 4, c. 6)


11 March

Last night this section of the country was visited by one of the worst snow storms we have had this winter. The fall of snow was not very large, but a high wind prevailed, filling the roads and paths with snow, and filling in cuts on the railroad to such an extent that no trains have arrived here or left today. The Morris accommodation tried to get out of the yard but was unable to do so. A snow plow sent out from here got stuck fast in the snow at Lennox, and another plow was sent out from Staples with men to shovel out the first plow, but the second engine and plow are also fast in the snow, and it is not known when they can be gotten out. No’s. 5 and 6 have been abandoned for today, hence no mails have or will arrive or depart today. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 March 1897, p. 4, c. 7)


12 March

The draftsmen at the N. P. shops, Joe Lyddon and L. W. Golder, will be removed to the general offices at St. Paul the first of the month. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 March 1897, p. 4, c. 4)


15 March

The men at the shops all began working ten hours on Monday morning after several months of 8 and 9 hour days. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 March 1897, p. 4, c. 4)


18 March

Engineer J. O. Stewart returned from St. Paul last Thursday morning. It is a pleasure to all his friends to learn that he has not lost the use of his injured eye. It is troubled somewhat with photo phobia at present, but in a short time will be as strong as ever.—Staples World. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 March 1897, p. 4, c. 4)


SEE: 17 February 1897


19 March

The Northern Pacific Railroad Co. has purchased eight large new passenger engines for use on the Montana division of the road. They are considerably larger than engines 629 and 630 that now pull No. 1 and No. 2 out of St. Paul. The first of these engines arrived here the first of the week and is now at the shops where it is being put in running shape. The other engines will follow in a few days. Unlike the big freight engines, they are not compound, but have an unusually large grate and heating surface. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 March 1897, p. 4, c. 4)


25 March

A Railroad Race.


Passengers on the Great Northern No. 2, the local train, and the Northern Pacific’s coast train from the west, had exciting rides yesterday. The N. P. was about fifty minutes late and in making up time overhauled the Great Northern soon after Elk River was left behind. For some five miles the trains sped along side by side, both engines being called on to do their best, and the firemen putting the coal into them until the poor fellows almost dropped. Old trainmen on the Northern Pacific estimated the speed of the two trains at from 64 to 68 miles an hour and the passengers had no doubt of the estimate. Supt. Law, of the Northern Pacific, was on his train and Engineer Pat Connally could never permit the G. N. man to beat him. Therefore the Northern Pacific pulled slowly away from its Great Northern running mate and the fun was over.—St. Cloud Journal-Press. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 March 1897, p. 4, c. 7)


26 March

The main shafting in the blacksmith shop at the N. P. shops had to be taken down to be repaired, hence the blacksmith shop employees had a vacation last Saturday and Monday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 March 1897, p. 4, c. 4)


30 March

Engines Nos. 150 and 151, two of the new engines recently purchased by the N. P. left for Tacoma, Wash., on Tuesday evening. One of them was in charge of Engineer Wm. Thompson and Fireman Ben. Smith, of this city, who will go clear through with them, and return on the overland passenger. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 April 1897, p. 4, c. 4)


31 March

Engineer Coventry, who has been in the N. P. Sanitarium here for several weeks, was able to be about the streets on Wednesday. He left that evening for his home, accompanied by Mrs. Coventry. They will leave today for Hot Springs, Arkansas, where Mr. C. will receive treatment. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 April 1897, p. 4, c. 4)


07 April

Lost a Finger.


Jasper Carlton, foreman of a switching crew in the N. P. yards, had the misfortune to lose the first finger on the left hand Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Carlton was coupling cars, and in some manner his hand was caught between the bumpers. He was taken to the Sanitarium and his injuries dressed. It was at first reported that he would lose his entire hand, but it was found on examination that only the first finger would be lost. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 April 1897, p. 4, c. 7)


20 April

Tuesday was pay day at the N. P. shops, and the company disbursed something like $25,000 among the boys. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 April 1897, p. 4, c. 3)


21 April

Lost a Foot.


Fred Engle, formerly of this city, but for the past three years employed by the N. P., at Livingston, Mont., as a brakeman, was brought to the Sanitarium on Wednesday with his foot so badly crushed that amputation at the ankle was necessary. Mr. Engle, it seems, was engaged in coupling cars, when the accident occurred. The coupler stuck fast and Mr. Engle gave it a kick with his foot to loosen it, but his foot was caught in the coupler, and before he could release himself the approaching car which he was to couple on struck the coupler and crushed the foot. The unfortunate man’s people all live here, who, with his many friends will sympathize with him in his unfortunate accident. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 April 1897, p. 4, c. 7)


01 May

That the Northern Pacific will greatly improve their roadbed the coming season is evidenced by the fact that they received bids on Saturday last from various railroad contractors at St. Paul for moving some 500,000 cubic yards of earth on that line. The improvements to be made this summer contemplate a considerable work in reducing grades and surfacing the track between Staples and Little Falls; the reduction of the grades at Winnipeg Junction; the same at Mandan, and the widening of the cuts along the Yellowstone river in Montana. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 May 1897, p. 1, c. 3)


07 May

An exchange says there will be no pay car on the Northern Pacific henceforth, employees being paid off by draft direct from headquarters instead. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 May 1897, p. 4, c. 3)


04 June

The date of the annual picnic and excursion of the Northern Pacific employees has been changed from June 26th to June 22d. The change was made necessary on account of the inability to secure passenger coaches for the occasion on the date first selected. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 June 1897, p. 4, c. 3)


12 June

Fred J. Sheppard and Arthur Guy, of the N. P. general offices, St. Paul, arrived in the city Saturday, and went to the Club House on Gull Lake, in company with Sam. H. Parker, Geo. Smith and Frank G. Hall, of this city, on a fishing trip. They returned on Monday with over 200 pounds of fine pike and bass, which were barreled and shipped below, to show the city folks how fish are caught in this locality. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 June 1897, p. 4, c. 4)


18 June

Railroad Picnic.


[13th Annual Picnic] The railroad employees of the Northern Pacific from Brainerd and Staples will hold their annual picnic at Detroit [Lakes] next Tuesday, June 22nd. Arrangements have all been completed and if the weather is favorable a grand good time is expected. The people of Detroit [Lakes] have made extra preparations for the occasion, having fitted up new picnic grounds fronting on the lake, erecting pavilions, etc. A fine programme has been arranged and a large number are expected to participate. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 June 1897, p. 4, c. 4)


25 June

The annual excursion of the employees of the N. P. to Detroit [Lakes] was somewhat marred by a slow rain lasting nearly all day. The usual large number were in attendance, 20 coaches being required to accommodate the crowd. A fairly good time is reported, notwithstanding the rain. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 June 1897, p. 4, c. 3)


01 July

More Men Put At Work.


On Thursday morning seventy additional men were put to work in the N. P. shops, 30 in the blacksmith shop and 40 in the car shops. The company is building a large number of new cars for the fall trade, and it is thought quite a good many more men will have to be added to finish them before cold weather. The force in the blacksmith shop will also have to be increased to get out the rapidly accumulating work. 106 men are now employed in this shop. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 July 1897, p. 4, c. 4)


02 July

On Monday evening the trainmen of the Northern Pacific will give a dance at Gardner hall in this city. A special will be run from Staples. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 July 1897, p. 4, c. 3)


05 July

The annual ball of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen held at Gardner hall on Monday evening was a great success. A special train came from Staples bringing a large delegation of the brotherhood and their ladies, and the attendance of Brainerd people was large. A splendid time is reported. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 July 1897, p. 4, c. 4)


Larry McPherson left Brainerd on Monday evening for Livingston, Mont., where he takes a position in the N. P. shops as machinist. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 July 1897, p. 4, c. 5)


07 July

Dr. Clark, of the N. P. Sanitarium, left Brainerd on Wednesday evening for a trip to the coast. The Dr. will also make the trip through Yellowstone Park before returning. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 July 1897, p. 4, c. 6)


08 July

Superintendent of Motive Power and Machinery Herr and General Superintendent Pitkin of the Schenectady Locomotive works were in the city on Thursday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 July 1897, p. 4, c. 6)


09 July

C. E. Sherwood Insane.


The many friends of Engineer Chas. Sherwood will be greatly pained to learn that he has become demented, and has been taken to a hospital for treatment. For a month past those associated with him have noticed that he was acting strangely. About three weeks ago he failed to report for duty on his regular passenger run from St. Paul to this city, and for a week he wandered about the Twin Cities before he reported for duty. It was then noticed that he was acting very strangely. He made a couple of trips then disappeared again without permission. He went to Montana and on Tuesday of this week the local Masonic lodge, of which he is a member, received a message saying that he had been found wandering about the country about 20 miles from White Sulphur Springs, Montana, in a demented condition. He has been taken charge of by friends and taken to a hospital for treatment. Mr. Sherwood was a most excellent engineer, and apparently was free from any trouble that would affect his mind, hence his condition was a great surprise to his many friends. It has been reported, however, that he has been concentrating his mind for some time past on a proposed invention, and it may be that constant and untiring thought on this one subject may have caused his deplorable condition. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 July 1897, p. 4, c. 4)


13 July

To Beautify the City.


On Tuesday evening a meeting was held at the Y. M. C. A. for the purpose of organizing a society that would agitate the movement of keeping the streets of the city clean. Dr. A. F. Groves, who issued the call, presided and in calling the meeting to order made a few very pertinent remarks as to the object, stating that the rubbish thrown into the streets in front of residences and in all parts of the city made it hazardous for bicycle riders and also for horses. While there were ordinances prohibiting such a state of affairs he believed that more good would result in educating the public, and thought if a society was organized and a concerted effort made, the evil would be remedied. E. M. Westfall, A. L. Hoffman and others spoke on the same line of thought and it was decided to call the organization the Brainerd Improvement Society. The membership roll was signed by those present who desired to join in the movement and after electing A. F. Groves chairman and A. L. Hoffman temporary secretary and asking the aid of the press of the city in bringing the matter before the public the meeting adjourned subject to the call of the chairman. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 July 1897, p. 4, c. 4)


Engineer Fred Dunlap left on Tuesday for Schenectady, N. Y. in charge of two Northern Pacific mogul engines which are being taken east to be remodeled. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 July 1897, p. 4, c. 5)


16 July

To Amateur Photographers.


All young men of this city who are interested in amateur photography should now avail themselves of the splendid opportunity afforded them and become members of the Y. M. C. A. Camera Club. By so doing they will have a most excellent opportunity of becoming enlightened in the mysteries of this most fascinating art. Arrangements have been made for free lessons in developing, etc., to be given on Friday evenings of each week at the rooms of the club in the Y. M. C. A. building. Several events particularly interesting to lovers of the art are already slated, one of which will be a picture fair to be held in October, and prizes will probably be awarded for the best work. We cordially invite those interested to join our ranks.

Yours truly,

H. L. CASEY, Pres.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 16 July 1897, p. 4, c. 4)


21 July

The crossing case which has been a bone of contention between the railroad company and the town board of Oak lawn for some time has been amicably settled, the railroad people agreeing to put in the crossing at a point one mile west of Jonesville. The matter was taken up Wednesday at which time Division Supt. Blanchard and W. S. McClenahan, local attorney for the road, and the Oaklawn town board with their attorney, W. A. Fleming, went over the ground and made a personal inspection and at the close of the conference the company agreed to put the crossing in at the place selected by the board. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 July 1897, p. 4, c. 3)


22 July

Conductor Corrigan’s Injuries.


Conductor S. Corrigan, of the Fergus branch train, was injured at Wadena Junction last Thursday evening. He was looking out of the side door of the combination car to see that everything about the train was all right, when the handhold on the side of the car pulled out and he fell to the ground. He was not missed by the train crew until they reached Wadena, and the train was backed up until they found him beside the track at the Junction and still unconscious. He was brought to Wadena and Dr. Babcock attended him, accompanying him to Brainerd on the special. He was badly bruised about the head, and it was over a day before he fully regained consciousness. At present he is doing well, although unable to be up, and he still suffers with severe pains in the neck. W. J. Flynn, J. H. O’Brien and other members of the O. R. C. have been down at different times during the week to inquire about his condition, but they did not feel easy concerning him until Monday when he “cracked a joke” and they knew that Sherm was himself again.—Staples World. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 July 1897, p. 1, c. 4)


SEE: 04 March 1898


Brainerd is to have a new cornet band, the instruments for which arrived yesterday. The name of the organization is the Northern Pacific Band and Wm. Graham will be the instructor and leader. There are twenty-two members and the first meeting for instruction was held last evening at the band room over Mattson’s store in Southeast Brainerd. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 July 1897, p. 4, c. 3)


23 July

The Northern Pacific employees received their checks to-day. The regular pay day is on the 20th, but on account of the checks having been mis-sent, a delay of a day or two occurred. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 July 1897, p. 4, c. 3)


C. D. McKay received an injury to the thumb on his right hand at the machine shop today which nearly cost him the loss of that member, by getting it pinched in the gearing of a machine. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 July 1897, p. 4, c. 3)


04 August

Master Mechanic S. L. Bean, Fred Barnes, general foreman of the machinery department, and Wm. Percy, general foreman of the car department, left on Wednesday evening for Livingston to attend a convention of superintendents of machinery, master mechanics and general foremen. Mr. Bean’s daughter, Miss Alberta, accompanied him on the trip. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 August 1897, p. 8, c. 4)


06 August

The numbers on all locomotives of the Northern Pacific are being changed and the number plates on all boiler heads have been removed and sent to the shops for the change according to the new scheme recently adopted. It is stated that the small engines will hereafter have the largest numbers. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 August 1897, p. 8, c. 1)


07 August

Moguls in Brainerd.


Ten-wheeler built at Schenectady in 1897 and scrapped in Brainerd, photo ca. 1897.
Source: Unknown.

Two ten-wheel mogul engines reached the Northern Pacific shops in Brainerd Saturday last from the Schenectady works. This makes four of the eighteen engines of this class ordered that have arrived on the Northern Pacific system, the first two having gone west for service on the Idaho division six weeks ago. These engines are built after a pattern and plan submitted by Superintendent of Motive Power Herr, and are the second largest freight engines in the world, the mastodons taking first place. The other fourteen engines built on the same plan will arrive shortly and be distributed on various mountain divisions in the west. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 August 1897, p. 1, c. 4)


13 August

Brainerd’s Union Depot.


The Brainerd & Northern Minnesota railroad have made certain arrangements with the Northern Pacific people by which they will run their passenger trains to and from the depot of the latter company in this city, the same having become necessary on account of the discontinuance of the street car service. The freight and passenger business of the B. & N. M. will be handled by the Northern Pacific agent, Mr. W. D. McKay and his corps of able assistants in connection with their other work. The change will be one that the traveling public will appreciate, as it will avoid the transfer of baggage and passengers coming and going will be landed in the heart of the city. The company has also made some changes in the running time of their train shortening the time between Brainerd and Walker nearly one hour, leaving Walker at 7:40 a. m. instead of 7 and arriving there at 6:35 p. m. The change takes place on Monday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 August 1897, p. 1, c. 3)


The Northern Pacific band is reported to be progressing finely under the leadership of Prof. Graham. The band is giving a series of dances at Mattson’s hall in Southeast Brainerd which occur every Friday night. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 August 1897, p. 8, c. 1)


20 August

Yellowstone Lake.


“There is an individuality about lakes. Perhaps the most striking thing about Yellowstone Lake is its high altitude. It is up among the mountains and clouds in Yellowstone Park nearly a mile and a half—7,741 feet—above where the sportive summer girl sits on the beach at the Atlantic Ocean while the lazy wavelets ripple about her dainty toes. But as high as it is the mountains rise higher still by thousands of feet. In a solemn, owl-like fashion they blink down at the lake, and the lake winks back at them. These mountains are well defined peaks, and cones, and turrets, and nearly all are named. Some of them are in this way redolent of the old explorers, the men who first braved the perils and difficulties of an unknown, untrodden wilderness.”

The above is taken from Wonderland ‘97, a beautiful new Tourist Book Published by the Northern Pacific Railway. It will be mailed to any address upon receipt of six cents in stamps by Chas. S. Fee, Gen’l. Pass. Agent, St. Paul, Minn. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 August 1897, p. 8, c. 4)


27 August

A penny-in-the-slot weighing machine has been placed in the waiting room of the N. P. depot. Every depot on the line of the road has been provided with like machines. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 August 1897, p. 8, c. 1)


30 August

A Destructive Fire.


Southeast Brainerd was visited by the fire-fiend on Monday morning at 4 o’clock, at which time the store building owned by J. G. Bakkali and occupied by Hogberg [sic] & Johnson with a stock of groceries, and Frank Mattson’s dry goods stock, was completely destroyed, together with both stocks of goods. A small hand lamp was left burning in the dry goods store, and the fire is thought to have originated from the explosion of the lamp. When the blaze was discovered the entire building was a mass of flames, and the fire department could do nothing to prevent the destruction of the property so far advanced was the fire when they arrived. There was $4,500 insurance on the building and stock, the Keene & McFadden agency having $750 on the building, $250 on the Good Templars outfit in the second story, and $2,500 on the dry goods stock, while the Elder agency had $1,000 insurance on the grocery stock. The new Northern Pacific Band lost several cornets which had been left in the hall up-stairs. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 September 1897, p. 1, c. 3)


02 September

E. M. Herr, of St. Paul, superintendent of motive power of the Northern Pacific, was in the city yesterday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 September 1897, p. 8, c. 3)


24 September

It is reported from Little Falls that D. S. Mooers has settled his case against the Northern Pacific company, to recover for four horses killed by a locomotive at Ft. Ripley, out of court. Mooers is said to have received $400 and court costs. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 September 1897, p. 8, c. 1)


29 September

Mr. Stewart Resigns.


On Wednesday afternoon J. C. Stewart, who has been foreman of the N. P. blacksmith shop since 1892, was the recipient of a very handsome present from the employees of that department, in the shape of a silver tea set elaborately engraved. The presentation took place at the office where his friends had assembled, John Clark, engineer of the shop, in a neat speech giving him the token of esteem. Mr. Stewart was completely surprised, but responded at some length.

Mr. Stewart has decided to give up his position on account of his health, and will shortly leave for Washington, and the presentation was made on his return from an outing at Gull Lake. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart will leave Brainerd with the best wishes of a host of friends for their future welfare. Alderman Edward Crust succeeds to the position made vacant by Mr. Stewart’s resignation. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 October 1897, p. 8, c. 8)


02 October

The Northern Pacific depot and freight house at Little Falls burned on Saturday last with all the contents only the records being saved. That city has long prayed for a new station and their prayers will now be answered. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 October 1897, p. 8, c. 1)


08 October

The N. P. has consolidated the Dakota and Minnesota telegraphic divisions, and instead of having a wire chief at both Staples and Jamestown, will have one located at Fargo as the most important point. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 October 1897, p. 8, c. 1)


17 October

Fifteen big dogs were on board the Sunday evening Duluth train in charge of two men who were taking them to Seattle, for a New York mining syndicate. From Seattle the dogs will be sent by boat to Juneau and will be used for hauling supplies in the gold country. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 October 1897, p. 8, c. 1)


20 October

Elected Officers.


On Wednesday at the annual meeting of the Northern Pacific Library Association the following officers were elected for the ensuing year:

President—J. C. Small.

Vice Pres.—D. K. Fullerton.

Secretary—E. A. McKay.

Treasurer—John Lowey.

Directors—W. D. McKay, Charles Metcalf, James Willis, F. P. Barnes, Ed. Crust, T. Toohey and A. A. Bander. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 October 1897, p. 1, c. 3)


21 October

Two men attempted to hold up Paul Betters, an engineer on the Northern Pacific, as he was walking in the yards last night to take out his train. Mr. Betters ran on hearing the command of the robbers to give them his money, and escaped into the roundhouse. Mr. Betters says that he was a short distance from the roundhouse when two men called to him to stop, saying at the same time, “give us your money.” Without stopping to argue the matter the engineer started to run. The men followed him some distance, but gave up the chase when they saw him go into the roundhouse.—Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 October 1897, p. 8, c. 2)


22 October

A RUMOR that the Northern Pacific people will remove the division headquarters from Staples to Wadena has gained considerable circulation during the past week and also that when the change comes the headquarters at Fargo will go to Valley City. This would cut out one division entirely and would be in the line of retrenchment. The arrangement would be a death blow to Staples. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 October 1897, p. 4, c. 1)


The Northern Pacific road is having new and more modern boilers put in some of the older locomotives, with the result that the power of the machines in each case is increased about 12 per cent says the Duluth News Tribune. A number of engines that were given new boilers as an experiment are doing such good work that it is expected that a large number will be treated in the same manner. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 October 1897, p. 4, c. 2)


Key to the Klondyke.


The Pioneer Alaska railway is the Northern Pacific, and to that company belongs the credit in connection with the Pacific Coast Steamship company, of having inaugurated the sale of through tickets to points in Alaska. The Northern Pacific was the railway to issue a map of Alaska showing the inland passage from Puget sound to Sitka, Juneau and Chillkat [sic].

Those intending to go to Alaska early next spring, after the snows on the Dyea and Skaguay passes are packed down and the lakes frozen, or at a later date via St. Michael's and the mouth of the Yukon, should remember that the Northern Pacific is the Pioneer line; runs steam heated trains with dining cars, Pullman Standard and Tourist Sleepers from St. Paul to Tacoma, Seattle and Portland; passengers having the option of going via Helena and Butte City, the latter the greatest silver mining camp in the world; also via Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho, or through the famous Coeur D’Alene mining country.

Early in November we shall issue an illustrated folder replete with Alaska and Klondyke information up to date. Send Chas. S. Fee, General Passenger Agent, St. Paul, Min., two cents in postage, and he will forward you this map. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 October 1897, p. 5, c. 4)


24 October

A daring highway robbery occurred Sunday evening at 9 o’clock near the N. P. dump. Alfred Johnson and a companion by the name of Gus Nelson were returning to the Mahlum house where they board and were accosted by four men who demanded their money and before the two men fully realized what was going on they were pounced upon and beaten over the heads with the butt end of revolvers, knocked down and robbed, the fellows who did the job taking to their heels as soon as the pockets of their victims had been searched. The sum of money taken amounted to $3.10 which was the property of Mr. Johnson and besides being the only loser he received a cut on the head which required a physician to sew up. The matter was reported to the police but no clue to the perpetrators has been discovered. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 October 1897, p. 1, c. 2)


29 October

The N. P. Library Association is making arrangements for its annual entertainment and ball, which will be held at Gardner hall on Tuesday evening, Nov. 23rd. Tickets will be $1 which includes membership in the Association. This is the method employed by the Association to raise money to meet its yearly expenses, hence a liberal patronage should be extended. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 October 1897, p. 8, c. 2)


12 November

The coming annual entertainment and ball of the N. P. Library Association which takes place at Gardner hall on Tuesday evening, Nov. 23, will be a very enjoyable affair. Dresskell’s orchestra will furnish the music. Tickets $1.00. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 November 1897, p. 8, c. 1)


19 November

Athletic Ice Rink


C. G. McDonald expects to give a grand opening at his ice rink, corner of Sixth and Main streets, on Thanksgiving afternoon and evening, if the weather permits. The Northern Pacific band under the leadership of Prof. Graham has been engaged to furnish music twice a week on Tuesday and Friday evenings. The rink bids fair to be the popular place of amusement the coming winter. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 November 1897, p. 1, c. 2)


The entertainment and ball by the N. P. Library Association on Tuesday evening next at Gardner hall will be a very pleasant social occasion. Over 200 tickets have already been placed. You will miss a very pleasant evening if you do not attend. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 November 1897, p. 8, c. 1)


Library Entertainment Program.


The following is the program for the N. P. Library entertainment on Tuesday evening next:


Song—Selected.—Ladies Star Quartette.

Solo—Selected.—S. F. Alderman.

Recitation—Rajput Nurse—Edwin Arnold.—Miss Cameron.

Solo—Selected.—Miss Edwards.

Solo—”Out on the Deep.”—R. W. McKay.

Duet—Excelsior—W. W. Balfe.—Miss Mitchell and Mr. Alderman.

Solo—Selected.—Mrs. J. C. Atherton.

Solo—”Sleep well Sweet Angel.”—Mrs. H. Theviot.

Cornet Solo—Selected.—Mr. Graham.

Song—Selected.—Ladies Star Quartette.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 19 November 1897, p. 8, c. 4)


23 November

The entertainment and ball given by the N. P. Library Association on Tuesday evening was a very pleasant affair and as usual was well patronized, the society clearing something like $200 from the sale of tickets. The entertainment was of high class and fully enjoyed by those present if the frequent applause was any indication. The annual parties given by this organization are always looked forward to with pleasure by the public. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 November 1897, p. 1, c. 2)


09 December

A fire at Baxter last night destroyed two Northern Pacific freight cars and 400 cords of wood. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 December 1897, p. 8, c. 1)


10 December

The Athletic Ice Rink, at the corner of Sixth and Main streets, is now ready and open to the public. The ice is in excellent condition. Mr. McDonald has engaged the Northern Pacific band for Tuesday and Friday evenings of each week and from time to time will have special features at the rink. A lunch counter has been put into the waiting room where hot coffee and lunches will be served. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 December 1897, p. 8, c. 2)


The seventh annual ball of North Star Lodge No. 197, I. A. M., will be held at Gardner hall on Friday evening, December 31, New Year’s eve. The “twilight waltz” will be a special feature among the dances. The social parties given by this society are always pleasant affairs and looked forward to with pleasure by those who enjoy dancing. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 December 1897, p. 8, c. 2)


The railroad station at Crow Wing has been closed and Agent Pool transferred to Belle Prairie. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 December 1897, p. 8, c. 1)


1898

Northern Pacific Hospital Operating Room, ca. 1898.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
Northern Pacific Hospital Laundry, ca. 1898.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

A new operating room and laundry are added to the NP Hospital. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 22 & 23)


14 January

It is rumored that the recent meeting in St. Paul of the division superintendents of the Northern Pacific was for the purpose of arranging a new schedule of wages to compare in essential respects to that of the Great Northern. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 January 1898, p. 4, c. 1)


The Northern Pacific boiler makers of this city gave a dancing party at Gardner hall on Friday evening of last week it being the first annual. Robert Percy and James Somers “took the cake” in a contest participated in by twelve couples. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 January 1898, p. 10, c. 2)


27 January

The east bound Duluth passenger train met with an accident at Pillager Thursday morning, the crank pins giving way releasing the side rods on the engine which in turn demolished the cylinder and cylinder head and air pump. Luckily no one was injured and the disabled engine brought the train into Brainerd four hours late. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 January 1898, p. 8, c. 2)


31 January

J. C. Stewart left on Monday for Spokane, Washington, where he expects to locate. The gentleman was formerly foreman of the N. P. blacksmith shop in this city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 February 1898, p. 8, c. 3)


02 February

A telegram from St. Cloud says the section men on the Northern Pacific have been notified of a reduction in wages from $1.20 to $1.10 per day. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 February 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


Claud Burton, who had the first two fingers on his right hand crushed late last Friday night while coupling cars in the railroad yard, is at the N. P. sanitarium and it is expected that the injured members will be saved. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 February 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


15 February

Chas. E. McMullen, chief train dispatcher of the west Minn. division went to the Brainerd sanitarium Tuesday for medical treatment. He expects to remain there about two weeks and will then go to California for his health. Night chief Husted will work in his place during his absence and Mr. E. W. Thompson will act as night chief. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 February 1898, p. 10, c. 5)


18 February

The Northern Pacific will put on a fast train from St. Paul to Tacoma, shortening the present time five hours. The change is made to accommodate the increased Alaska travel from Tacoma. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 February 1898, p. 2, c. 3)


25 February

Joseph McCabe, for many years superintendent of the division of the Northern Pacific centering at Brainerd has been appointed general manager of the Washington & Oregon railroad, a newly-acquired branch of the Northern Pacific. McCabe has for some months been with a transportation company. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 February 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


04 March

Sherm. Corrigan, an N. P. conductor well known in this city and who was injured last summer by falling from the door of a combination car is being treated in a private hospital in St. Paul, says the Staples Tribune, and his case is an unusually pitiable one. He will probably never again be able to resume his duties on the road. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 March 1898, p. 10, c. 1)


SEE: 22 July 1897


11 March

Engine #41, Y Class. The brand new engine in front of the Brainerd Depot, 1898.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

New Engines Received.

Brainerd, Minn., Special.—The first delivery of the new modern engines recently purchased by the Northern Pacific Railway company from the Schenectady Locomotive works, have arrived at the shops of the company in this city to be finally put together and tested. The company has purchased a large number of these engines, which will be put together here and thence distributed to all parts of the system. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 March 1898, p. 3, c. 6)


The Northern Pacific Company have received the first delivery of the new engines purchased from the Schenectady Locomotive Works. The engines are tested and put into final shape for business at the Brainerd shops. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 March 1898, p. 10, c. 2)


The Northern Pacific band have ordered new uniforms from Philadelphia which are expected to arrive early next week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 March 1898, p. 10, c. 1)


C. C. Kyle, stenographer of Master Mechanic Bean at the shops, is at the Sanitarium critically ill with typhoid pneumonia. His mother was summoned from her home in Mausten, Wis., and arrived on Tuesday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 March 1898, p. 10, c. 3)


17 March

The Northern Pacific Band appeared in their new uniforms for the first time last evening. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 March 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


25 March

The Northern Pacific will begin the construction of a large number of freight cars at the Como shops, the cars to be of large capacity. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 March 1898, p. 1, c. 2)


The Little Falls Herald says: “Chas. F. Kindred, formerly of Brainerd, is in trouble in Philadelphia. He is now general agent of the Reading railroad, and is charged with bribery in offering an alderman $5000 to vote as Kindred directed.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 March 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


KINDRED:

SEE: 07 November 1874

SEE: 14 November 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 07 June 1876

SEE: 23 March 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 18 January 1879

SEE: 31 May 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 26 June 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 20 September 1883

SEE: 23 September 1883

SEE: 26 August 1885

SEE: 13 December 1887

SEE: 31 May 1889

SEE: 05 February 1917


28 March

C. C. Kyle left on Monday for his home at Mauston, Wis., where he will remain for a couple of weeks until he has fully recovered from his recent illness. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 April 1898, p. 8, c. 3)


31 March

Prof. Wm. Graham left yesterday for Spokane where he has been engaged as leader for the city band at that place. The gentleman will be greatly missed in musical circles in this city. Prof. Imgrund has been engaged to fill the vacancy as leader of the Northern Pacific Band. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 April 1898, p. 8, c. 3)


06 April

New Y. M. C. A. Officers.


The Y. M. C. A. on Wednesday evening elected officers for the ensuing year as follows:

President—S. L. Bean.

1st Vice Pres.—Joseph Warner.

2nd Vice Pres.—R. G. Vallentyne.

Secretary—C. D. McKay.

Treasurer—A. E. Losey.

Trustee—R. F. Walters, Prof. Bigg, John Larson and Prof. J. A. Wilson. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 April 1898, p. 8, c. 3)


08 April

A Good Move.


Commissioner Joel Smith informs us that there is a movement on foot to build a bridge across the thoroughfare between upper and lower Gull lake in order to provide an outlet for the people of that section of the country. As it is now it is impossible for them to reach Brainerd in the summer season without going many miles out of their way and as a result this city loses a valuable trade which they would get if the conditions were different. The bridge will be constructed on the piling formerly used as a bridge by the B. & N. M., railway before its route was changed and will cost about $1800. The Gull River Lumber Co. and the N. P. Railway Co. have agreed to give liberally towards the construction of the same as have also several other parties and a subscription will be circulated among the business men in this city for donations. The right of way has been secured and a petition signed by nearly every legal voter in the Stony Brook country has been secured. It is a movement that should be encouraged. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 April 1898, p. 8, c. 2)


Master Mechanic’s Association.


The Master Mechanics Association of the Northern Pacific system will hold a two days’ session in this city next week commencing on Thursday, April 14th. The meeting will be held in the N. P. Library rooms, and it is expected that about 20 officials will be present. The membership of this association comprises the master mechanics, mechanical engineers, engineer of tests, general foremen and road foremen. The subjects assigned the different gentlemen and on which papers will be read are:

A system for a more intelligent report of engineers when reporting the work needed on their engines.

The limit of wear of locomotive tires.

Best methods of handling soda ash for best results in preventing corrosion accumulations, this subject to cover boiler washing.

The handling of our power for most economical results. Is it advisable to chain gang engines.

Best method of lubricating valves under all conditions, especially to high pressure engines.

System of caring for our passenger trains to avoid delays.

System for a thorough inspection and mounting of wheels.

How much variation in the height of draw bars may be due to track conditions, shrinkage of truck timbers? Is it wise to raise cars to full limit of 341/2?

The papers will be read and discussed at some length. On Thursday the board of directors of the Y. M. C. A. will tender the convention a banquet at the rooms of the association. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 April 1898, p. 8, c. 3)


11 April

C. C. Kyle returned on Monday evening from his home at Mauston, Wis., and has resumed his position in Master Mechanic Bean's office. His friends are pleased to note that he has fully recovered from his recent illness. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 April 1898, p. 8, c. 3)


30 April

STAPLES NEWS.


The Northern Pacific employees will hold their annual picnic at Perham June [sic] 25 [sic], the place having been selected at a meeting held at Brainerd last Saturday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 May 1898, p. 8, c. 4)


01 May

Harry Edwards returned to Brainerd on Sunday morning last from Rochester, N. Y., where he has been employed for some time past. The gentleman has accepted the position of foreman of the Northern Pacific boiler shop. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 May 1898, p. 8, c. 3)


02 May

We Celebrated.


When the news of Commodore Dewey’s famous victory at the Philippine Islands reached Brainerd on Monday morning and the announcement was made that the Spanish fleet had practically been wiped off the face of the earth or sunk to the bottom of the sea, the city went wild. At the Northern Pacific shops the enthusiasm knew no bounds, the steam whistles were blown continuously until noon and a half holiday was given the employees. Cannon boomed from the first announcement until nightfall and business was practically at a standstill. At one o’clock Dresskell’s City Band paraded the streets followed by an impromptu procession of citizens on foot and in carriages everyone displaying the national colors. The Northern Pacific Band with a procession of people from East and Southeast Brainerd also paraded the streets and taking it altogether it was as lively a day as Brainerd has seen in many a year. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 May 1898, p. 1, c. 4)


06 May

PRESIDENT MELLEN, of the Northern Pacific railroad, has issued a circular to employees of the operating department stating that any men who may be members of the National Guard, or who feel it their duty to enlist in the volunteer service, will have their positions held for them until they return. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 May 1898, p. 4, c. 1)


STAPLES NEWS.


Wm. Foord [sic], a machinist in the Mandan shops of the Northern Pacific, was a passenger on No. 2, Friday on his way to Brainerd, where he will work hereafter. The shops at Mandan have been closed, only a few machinists being retained to do repair work. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 May 1898, p. 1, c. 4)


13 May

Wm. Durham now has charge of the Northern Pacific freight house. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 May 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


09 June

The new cannon which the railroad boys have had cast at the N. P. foundry was tried yesterday and it proved all that could be expected of it. It is mounted on wheels and is a very fine piece of work all around. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 June 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


10 June

James McNaughton, formerly general foreman of the Northern Pacific in this city, but who has been superintendent of machinery on the Wisconsin Central railroad with headquarters at Waukesha has resigned to accept the position of general manager of the Brooks Locomotive Works. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 June 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


J. P. Gardner, A. A. Merrill and Robert White left for Perham this afternoon to arrange for the annual excursion and picnic of the Northern Pacific railroad employees which will occur on Saturday, July 2d. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 June 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


17 June

On July 1st the Northern Pacific railroad company will restore the old schedule of pay to engineers which was in force some four years ago, the rate being four cents per mile. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 June 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


During the month of May the largest amount of supplies was shipped from the Northern Pacific store rooms in this city in the history of the road, representing an outlay of $185,000. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 June 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


24 June

Dr. Cameron of the N. P. Sanitarium is spending a three week’s vacation at Chicago and other eastern points. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 June 1898, p. 8, c. 4)


29 June

Jas. McPherson had the misfortune to accidentally cut off one of his fingers at the shops Wednesday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 July 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


30 June

Brainerd Labor Conditions Fine.


Mr. Julius Moersch, of Duluth, assistant state factory inspector was in the city yesterday on a tour of inspection. He visited the shops, mills and other manufacturing and industrial institutions in the city, and was very much pleased at what he saw. He pronounced the Brainerd shops very fine ones, and said the conditions there were very much superior to similar shops in the state. He reported 475 men employed at the mill and a little over 600 in the shops, and between eleven and twelve hundred men engaged in shop, mill and factory in Brainerd. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 July 1898, p. 4, c. 1)


01 July

The Railroad Picnic.


[14th Annual Picnic] The 14th annual picnic of the N. P. employees of this city, will be held at Detroit [Lakes] July 2d. The employees had voted to go to Perham, and plans had been made to picnic at that point, but the citizens of that village instead of making concessions to secure the picnic there, appeared utterly indifferent and would do nothing to make the thing a success. Detroit [Lakes] at this juncture offered $100 in cash for prizes, and other concessions if the picnic would be held there, and a second mass meeting of the employees largely attended on Monday, voted almost unanimously to make the change, hence the picnic will be held at Detroit [Lakes]. The first section of the picnic train will leave at 6 o’clock arriving in Detroit [Lakes] at 10 a. m. Dresskell’s band will accompany the excursion.


PRIZES FOR ATHLETIC CONTESTS.


The following prizes are offered for the various races and athletic contests:

100-yard dash for employees, 1st, hat, J. F. McGinnis & Co.; 2nd, barber’s ticket, L. A. LaJoie.

100-yard dash for apprentices, 1st, Y. M. C. A. ticket; 2nd, briar pipe, F. E. Tiffany.

100-yard dash, boys under 16, 1st, one ham, Bane & Bane; 2nd, one box bon- bons H. H. Highfield.

100-yard dash, girls under 16, 1st, one pair slippers, R. F. Walters; 2nd, one bottle perfume, Johnson’s Pharmacy.

Running, hop, skip and jump, 1st, shaving set, Slipp Bros.; 2nd, shirt, A. E. Moberg.

Running broad jump, 1st, box of groceries, Abbott & Wilkins; 2nd, pair of shoes, E. M. Westfall.

Running high jump, 1st, silver cup, Wm. M. Dresskell; 2nd, box of cigars, A. L. Nutting.

Three-legged race, 1st, sack of flour, Koop Bros.; 2nd, knife, D. M. Clark & Co.

Sack race, briar pipe, M. K. Swartz.

Fat men’s race, Japanese set, C. M. Patek.

Egg race, beef roast, Henry Bierhaus.

Tug of war, Brainerd vs. Staples, box of cigars, James Dewar.

Putting the shot, fishing rod, McFadden Drug Co.

Throwing the hammer, 1st, $2.00 due bill, Beach & Son; 2nd, $1.00 worth of sugar, F. W. McKay.

Boat race, $2.00 cash by committee.

Tub race, 1st, $2.00 cash; 2nd, $1.00 cash by committee.

Swimming race, $2.00 cash by committee.

Ladies’ bicycle race, 1/2 mile, 1st,  ladies’ guard watch chain, S. R. Adair; 2nd, ladies’ umbrella, H. I. Cohen.

Gents’ bicycle race, 1st, $5.00; 2nd, pair of shoes, L. M. Koop; 3rd, one doz. photos, A. M. Opsahl. 50 cents entrance fee.

Baseball game, Brainerd vs. picked nine, $25,00. One box of cigars to the losing team, C. H. Kyllo.

All sports will begin at 10 a. m. except the baseball game, which will start promptly at 2 o’clock.

There will be dancing in the pavilion on the lake shore, to Dresskell’s music. Refreshments will be on sale on the trains and at the grounds under the personal direction of Fred Luken.

The trains will leave Detroit [Lakes] for home at 7 and 7:30 p. m. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 July 1898, p. 5, c. 3)


07 July

NORTHERN PACIFIC'S EXHIBIT


The display in this car is highly interesting and instructive and is open to the public for inspection free of charge, 1898.
Source: University of Montana, Missoula, Mansfield Library
The car contains samples of wood, wool, building stone, coal and in fact specimens of all industrial products to be obtained along NP line. The numerous scenic views and collections of mounted birds and animals add greatly to the interest and variety of the display, 1898.
Source: F. A. Rinehart
The car contains a comprehensive collection of the fauna and flora, cereal, fruit, mineral and vegetable products of the states traversed by the line of the Northern Pacific railway, comprising Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon, 1898.
Source: F. A. Rinehart

A special exhibit car of the Northern Pacific arrived in Omaha yesterday and has been taken to the exposition, where it will remain during the exposition. In the car all the various products of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana and North Dakota are shown. The woodwork on the interior of the car is of the different kinds of timber found in those states, beautifully inlaid and polished. Samples of the fine fruits grown in Washington, of Minnesota and Dakota grain and of Montana ore are displayed in cases and pictures of the beautiful scenery along the Northern Pacific give an idea of the beauties of the territory it traverses. Fine specimens of deer, antelope, elk and other game show the opportunity afforded for hunting in the west. Pictures of many of the best known Montana mines are shown, together with samples of ore taken from them. The car has glass sides, so that most of the exhibits can be seen from the outside, and is the same car which the company had at the Columbian exposition. (Omaha Daily Bee, 07 July 1898, p. 5)


SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 27 August 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 01 October 1880

SEE: 02 October 1880

SEE: 28 August 1885

SEE: 20 September 1911


08 July

Y. M. C. A. Notes.


We need a good library badly.

Howard Isham speaks at the men’s meeting Sunday at 4 o’clock.

J. N. Warner, foreman of the tool room at the shops, has charge of shop list.

Our two croquet sets were busy all day the Fourth, and A. Angel is the champion.

In another week we will have a fine new tennis court on our lawn and the young men are anticipating some splendid games.

This week H. I. Cohen very kindly presented the Association with a fine book entitled “The Upper Mississippi Valley” for which we are grateful.

Prof. Coutu has consented to organize a class in music for our young men to open Wednesday evening, July 13th, and is for members only.

Something like 1,000 people visited our lawn and building on the Fourth and our ice water fountain was the best patronized place in the city. We are always glad to supply pure spring ice water to all comers.

Our genial townsman, A. E. Moberg, is taking great interest in painting our building. Mr. Moberg has faith in Brainerd, having recently purchased a home here and doubled his stock of goods, and he is thoroughly interested in any thing that will improve the looks of our city. R. F. Walters and A. E. Losey have been appointed by the president to arrange for the painting of the building and will be glad to receive your subscription.

SECRETARY.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 08 July 1898, p. 1, c. 4)


Wages are Advanced.


As far as could be learned at Northern Pacific headquarters yesterday the reports from the far West in dispatches published yesterday that Northern Pacific employees’ wages are to be advanced this month are correct, says the Pioneer Press. A reduction was made in 1894 affecting the enginemen and trainmen and many other classes of employees on all parts of the system and General Manager Kendrick is accredited with an announcement of the company’s intention to restore the old scale throughout without any request by the men. Engineers and conductors were affected most and the former’s wages are, it is said, to be advanced 15 per cent. This policy will please all affected beyond measure and reflect great credit on a company that has earned immensely and could have declared a special dividend on preferred and a dividend on common within the past month, but did not do so. This company has always had the reputation of being good to its own people. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 July 1898, p. 4, c. 2)


Lunch Counters Barred.


It is reported that at a recent meeting of the board of directors of the Northern Pacific it was decided that R. R. Wise who has a number of lunch counters along their lines, in the stations, would have to discontinue business on their property, for the reason that the dining car company complained of the lunch counters as being a menace to their business and contrary to the terms of the contracts. Mr. Wise has lunch counters at Brainerd, Staples, Fargo, Jamestown and Valley City.—St. Cloud Journal Press. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 July 1898, p. 4, c. 3)


F. P. Barnes for some time general foreman at the Northern Pacific shops in this city leaves on Monday for Missoula where he goes to accept the position of master mechanic. He is succeeded here by H. A. Lyddon who has been located at Mandan for some time but who formerly resided in this city. The changes are made on account of the resignation of Angus Brown, well known in Brainerd, who has been master mechanic at Missoula for some time and who has been tendered the position of superintendent of motive power and machinery of the Wisconsin Central railroad with headquarters at Waukesha. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 July 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


15 July

It is predicted that the Northern Pacific will wind up its financial year with gross earnings the largest but one in the history of the road. The net earnings available for interest, rentals and dividends will aggregate $11,000,000. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 July 1898, p. 4, c. 1)


The Northern Pacific increases its pay roll over $300,000 a year by the recent raise in the pay of trainmen’s salaries. Advancement in the pay of other employees is contemplated. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 July 1898, p. 4, c. 1)


On Sunday evening at 8 o’clock James McConnall, of Chicago, grand master of the I. A. of M., will speak by invitation of the local organization in Gardner hall. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 July 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


Celebrate Santiago’s Fall.


An impromptu celebration in honor of the American victories is in progress as we go to press. The Northern Pacific shops are closed down for the afternoon, bands are playing, cannon booming and a general jollification is being indulged in. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 July 1898, p. 8, c. 4)


20 July

D. K. Fullerton, foreman of the car department at the Northern Pacific shops, had his foot severely injured Wednesday evening, a car sill falling on it. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 July 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


22 July

Boys Were Fined.


The railroad people in this city have been bothered for some time past by petty thieving of articles belonging to the company and last week three cars standing on the side track were broken into, some of the contents being taken and goods destroyed. The company decided to find out who the culprits were and they sent their detective here which resulted in the rounding up of a gang of boys ranging from 7 to 16 years as the parties who had broken the car seals. The boys were arrested and this morning had a trial before Judge Alderman which resulted in the conviction of nine of the youngsters and they were fined from $5 to $12 each according to the share they had in the operation. The boys made a confession stating how they broke the seals and went through the boxes. The value of the stolen goods was not great, consisting of cigarettes, jelly and writing paper, but the railroad company has decided to put a stop to the matter and the next time the thing occurs the full extent of the law will be applied. The names of the lads mixed up in the affair were Louis and Arthur Thurston, Louis Pontleau, James Cofield, Alfred Swanson, Geo. Johnson, Chris. Kerr, Peter Kerr and Geo. Mayhew. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 July 1898, p. 8, c. 2)


29 July

The Northern Pacific has raised the pay of section men from $1.10 to $1.25 per day. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 July 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


02 August

Fred Voerge, formerly of Brainerd, arrived in the city Tuesday noon from St. Paul, where he held a position in the N. P. machine shop, he being transferred from there to Brainerd. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 August 1898, p. 8, c. 3)


07 August

Prof. Wm. Graham returned on Sunday from Spokane, Wash., where he has been filling an engagement as cornetist, and has signed a contract with the N. P. band as instructor for the next year and a half. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 August 1898, p. 8, c. 4)


09 August

F. G. Prest [sic], general purchasing agent, C. A. Clark, treasurer and L. Chamberlain, counsel of the Northern Pacific railroad were in the city on Tuesday. They are making a tour over the road in private car No. 7. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 August 1898, p. 8, c. 4)


22 August

L. B. Ledman, who burned his hand severely at the N. P. blacksmith shop last week, left on Monday for Elroy, Wis., and will remain there until he is able to resume his work. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 August 1898, p. 8, c. 3)


25 August

A gentleman of the tramp genus was cozily nestled away in a box car yesterday afternoon preparatory to taking a free ride to Duluth. The door of the car stood open and some boys happening along they began throwing stones at the open door and unluckily for the occupant one of the missiles struck him fairly on the forehead cutting quite a gash and the blood flowed freely down his face. He emerged from the car and started after the boys capturing one of them and turned him over to the chief of police but the boy’s statement that he was not mixed up in the stone throwing game was taken for granted and the man resumed his position in the car. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 August 1898, p. 8, c. 2)


27 August

On Saturday evening last the Northern Pacific band gave an open air concert in the band stand opposite the Y. M. C. A. and it was thoroughly enjoyed by the public. A great improvement is noticeable under the leadership of Prof. Graham and the time is not far distant when the gentleman will bring the band to a high standard among the musical organizations of the state. The open air concerts will be repeated each Saturday evening, weather permitting. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 September 1898, p. 8, c. 2)


02 September

The Northern Pacific company are considering the feasibility of wiring the Sanitarium, depot, grounds and shops for electric lights and have an electrician on the ground with that object in view. The company also propose to put in an electric plant which will be utilized to drive the machinery on the motive power side and also pump the water for the company’s use and tests are now being made with wells for that purpose at the shops. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 September 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


07 September

Jas. McMurtry left Brainerd on Wednesday for Waukesha, Wisconsin, where he has accepted a position as Chief Clerk of the Superintendent of Motive Power, of the Wisconsin Central railway. Mrs. McMurtry and daughter will not leave for several days. This is a much better position for Mr. McMurtry, and his many friends here will be glad of his promotion, while at the same time greatly regretting his departure. Henry White succeeds to Mr. McMurtry’s position as chief clerk at the shops. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 September 1898, p. 8, c. 4)


12 September

New Burglar Proof Safe.


The Northern Pacific Bank has added a new Mosler screw door time lock safe which was put into their vault the first of the week. The safe is one of the best made, and so far these safes have withstood all attacks of burglars, and are guaranteed to be absolutely burglar proof. This handsome piece of furniture cost over $1600, but its usefulness will repay the owners for the outlay. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 September 1898, p. 8, c. 4)


13 September

Both Legs Cut Off.


On Tuesday morning a man named John Grady was run over by the cars in the Brainerd yard and both legs were so mangled that amputation was necessary, one being taken off above the knee and the other close up to the body. According to Grady’s story he boarded the freight train at Staples and gave the brakeman of the train 50 cents for the privilege of riding on top of a box car to Brainerd. Grady says that when the train entered the yard the brakeman came along to him and wanted him to get off the train before it stopped and as he refused to do so the fellow kicked him off and he fell between the cars with the above result. The accident happened near the Northern Pacific ice-house on Fifth street, and the cries of the injured man attracted the attention of Policeman Derocher [sic] who went to his assistance at once and had him conveyed to the Lumberman’s hospital where his injuries were attended to. In spite of the shock to the man’s system and the serious nature of his injury he is improving and the chances are that he will recover. The only relatives he has live at Worcester, Mass., and they have been communicated with. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 September 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


SEE: 06 March 1900


22 September

The remains of a man were brought to the city yesterday from near Motley by the noon passenger train, the man having been run over by the cars and horribly mutilated. He was a stranger and up to this time nothing has been discovered that would lead to his identification. The remains are being held until word is received from the Cass county officials as to its disposal, as the accident happened in that county. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 September 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


23 September

The Northern Pacific has received a consignment of the 1,000 new freight cars recently ordered from the Peninsular car works of Detroit, Mich. The cars are of 70,000 pounds capacity. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 September 1898, p. 4, c. 1)


30 September

Wm. Percy, for many years general foreman of the N. P. car department in this city, has resigned his position and will go with the Wisconsin Central road as general car foreman with headquarters at Stevens Point, Wis. His many Brainerd friends will regret to learn of his early departure. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 September 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


05 October

Farewell Reception.


On Wednesday evening White Cross Lodge No. 30, K. of P. [Knights of Pythias] gave a farewell reception in honor of W. G. Percy, one of its most valued members, who leaves the city for Stevens Point, Wis., where he has accepted a better position. About 80 Knights and a few invited guests from Mr. Percy’s business associates and personal friends were present. A beautiful past chancellor’s jewel was presented to Mr. Percy, C. D. Johnson making a very appropriate and impressive presentation speech. A sumptuous supper was served by the Ladies Aid of the Congregational church, and a fine program of vocal and instrumental music was enjoyed. Speeches were made by Rev. Gallagher, Hon. W. A. Fleming, S. L. Bean, Geo. Mitchell, Justin Smith, J. T. Frater and others. It was a most enjoyable occasion. Mr. Percy left for his new field of labor yesterday noon. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 October 1898, p. 8, c. 2)


14 October

N. P. Library Ball.


The 14th annual ball of the N. P. Library Association will be held at Gardner’s hall on Friday evening, Oct. 28th. A fine literary and musical program will precede the dancing. The annual balls and entertainments of the Library Association are very pleasant and enjoyable affairs and funds are raised yearly for the maintenance of the association in this manner. Every employee of the company and everyone else interested in maintaining a library for the workingmen should purchase a ticket. Tickets are $1.00 including a year’s membership for an N. P. employee. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 October 1898, p. 8, c. 3)


28 October

The N. P. Library dance at Gardner hall on Friday evening last was a social and financial success. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 November 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


18 November

An artesian well has recently been sunk at the N. P. shops. At a depth of 371 feet a plentiful supply of water was found. The flow of the well is estimated to be over a barrel a minute or 70 barrels in an hour. The well was completed last week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 November 1898, p. 8, c. 2)


01 December

Henry Bartle was quite seriously injured at the Northern Pacific car shops last week Thursday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 December 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


The employees at the Northern Pacific shops are now working eight hours a day, beginning yesterday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 December 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


09 December

North Star Lodge, No. 197, International Association of Machinists, have issued invitations for a grand ball to take place on Monday evening, January 2nd, 1899, at Gardner Hall. Tickets are $1.00, and dancing will begin at 9 o’clock. The occasion will be one of pleasure as the members of this Association always succeed in making their parties a successful social event. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 December 1898, p. 8, c. 4)


20 December

STEPPED TO HIS DEATH


Car Inspector Nils [sic] Wilson Killed in

the Railroad Yards

While Crossing the Tracks

in Front of a Switch Engine.


Nils [sic] Wilson, night car inspector in the NP railroad yards here, while crossing the railroad tracks in front of the company's ice house early Tuesday evening was struck by switch engine 971, which was backing toward the west, and received injuries from which he died shortly afterwards.

W. H. Lawrence was the engineer and W. A. Goodale the fireman of the engine, and Fred McGivern, a switchman, was riding on the front end of the engine when the accident occurred. From the evidence of these men at the inquest it seems that the engine was backing to the west about 7 P. M. As it approached the ice house Wilson was at work on the platform in front of the building, on the north side of the track, with his back to the engine. When the engine was within about ten feet of him he picked up a piece of ice, turned around and started to cross the track to put the ice in the Little Falls and Morris accommodation train. Goodale saw him stop on the track and spoke of it to Lawrence, asking if he got across. Lawrence at once applied the air and stopped the engine. The train was then running about five miles an hour.

Wilson was found lying by the side of the track with one foot on the rail, crushed, and his body on the south side of the rails. He was picked up and taken to the NP Sanitarium, [NP Beneficial Association Hospital] where it was found that the right foot was cut off, and his skull was crushed in front and behind. He died about 9:30 PM.

Coroner Dean held an inquest at Losey and Dean's undertaking rooms on Wednesday afternoon when the facts above given were brought out. The jury consisted of S. L. Thomas, Sidney Hockridge, A. P. Farrar, Silas Hall, John Parsons, T. E. Smith. The verdict was as follows:

"We find that Nils [sic] Wilson came to his death by being struck by a switch engine in the NP Yards, the result of his own indiscretion; and we further find that the Northern Pacific company or its employees were in no ways to blame for the accident."

Deceased was a Dane, 42 years old, and leaves a wife and five children, who reside on Quince street between Eighth and Ninth streets. He is said to have carried $1,500 accident insurance. The funeral took place yesterday afternoon at 2:30, from the Swedish Mission church, where services were conducted by Reverend A. P. Sjoblad. (Brainerd Tribune, Saturday, December 24, 1898)


23 December

The Northern Pacific’s total for the fiscal year is $13,295,500, an increase over last year of $1,204,592. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 December 1898, p. 5, c. 4)


30 December

North Star Lodge, I. A. M., will give a social dance Monday evening, January 2nd, at Gardner hall. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 December 1898, p. 1, c. 3)


According to the St. Paul Globe it is rumored that the Northern Pacific is contemplating the building of a cut-off from Staples to Crookston in order to shorten its line from St. Paul to the wheat fields of northern Minnesota and Dakota, and also to Winnipeg and other points in Manitoba. It is probably a mere rumor. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 December 1898, p. 8, c. 1)


1899

The NP Shops consist of 25 acres with 10 to 12 acres covered with buildings. Some 650 men are employed.


02 January

The men at the shops began working nine hours a day on Monday morning. Only a half hour could be allowed the men at noon, because it was not light enough to begin at 7 o’clock. This was unsatisfactory to some of the men, and they were again put on eight hours. There is a great press of work and the company desired to work as many hours as possible, hence nine and then ten hours will be worked as soon as daylight will permit. We understand those of the men in the machine shop who desired it were put on 10 hours this morning, using lamps, morning and evening. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 January 1899, p. 8, c. 1)


06 January

A dispatch from New York to the Minneapolis Journal says that the Northern Pacific railroad company has placed an order for 10 postal cars and 500 flat cars, and is also asking for bids for 20 first class coaches. The dispatch further states that the B. & N. M. is reported to be in the market for from 50 to 75 cars for carrying stone and lumber. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 January 1899, p. 8, c. 1)


10 January

Annual Bank Meetings.

_____


The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Northern Pacific Bank was held on Tuesday afternoon, at which the old board of directors was re-elected as follows: C. N. Parker, J. J. Howe, W. S. McClenahan, S. Walker and H. D. Treglawny. A dividend of 8 per cent was declared. At a subsequent meeting of the board of directors the old officers were re-elected as follows: President, C. N. Parker; vice-president, S. Walker; cashier, H. D. Treglawny; assistant cashier, R. L. Georgeson; teller, Henry Linneman. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 January 1899, p. 1, c. 4)


22 January

KNOCKED OFF THE N. P. BRIDGE.

_____


M. A. Ralston, a Gull Lake Farmer,

Met Death as Above Stated on

Saturday Evening.

_____


M. A. Ralston, a farmer living on the south shore of Gull Lake, and well known in Brainerd, was knocked off the Mississippi railroad bridge in this city Saturday night about 10 o'clock by the engine of freight train No. 58, and instantly killed. The accident occurred on the east end of the bridge, just over the pier on the bank of the river. The unfortunate man fell a distance of over fifty feet, striking the frozen ground just at the water's edge. His skull was crushed to such an extent that his brains were knocked out, and scattered over the ground. Both legs were broken, one above the knee and the other between the knee and the ankle, and the body was otherwise, bruised and broken. Death resulted instantly.

A coroner's inquest was held at Clark's undertaking rooms, where the body was taken, on Monday, at which the particulars of Mr. Ralston's death were found to be as follows:

Mr. Ralston came to town that day with a young woman by the name of Aurora Sabina Bytynen, and after doing some trading he hung around the saloons for several hours, getting quite badly intoxicated. About 7 o'clock he started home with the young lady. The horses were high-spirited and ran away immediately on leaving town. They ran down Laurel street across the bridge and across the N. P. tracks at the Sanitarium, where Mr. Ralston and the woman were thrown out, the team continuing out the Gull Lake road. Mr. Ralston was stunned and the girl went to the Sanitarium and got help, but when she returned to Mr. Ralston he had gotten up. The men advised Ralston to return to town, which he did, while the girl went on to a friend's and stopped for the night. Ralston came back to town, and was around town until 10:30, when he was seen at the French saloon on East Front street. He must have started to walk home and taken the railroad bridge instead of the wagon bridge. On the bridge he was met by freight train No. 58, coming east, and shoved off the bridge to his death. The engine of the train was in charge of Engineer George Craig and Fireman William Kearns. They both tell the same story in regard to the accident. Ralston was first seen when they were about 200 feet from him, the train at that time having a speed of from four to six miles an hour, and gradually slowing down. The engineer whistled and Ralston, who was in between the tracks, stepped out on the north side close to a platform where the water barrels are kept in the summer time, and where the engineer supposed he intended to stop while the train passed, as people crossing the track sometimes do. Instead, when the train was only a few feet from him, he stepped between the tracks and the pilot struck him and threw him off the bridge. The train was stopped at once and the engineer and fireman ran down to where Ralston lay. He breathed twice after they arrived and then died. They came on into the yard, leaving the body as it lay, and notified the conductor, who notified Policeman Hurley, and the coroner was called and took the remains to Clark's morgue. At the inquest, after hearing the testimony, the coroner's jury returned the following verdict:

"That Anderson Ralston came to his death at the city of Brainerd, in said county, on Saturday, January 21st, 1899, at about 11 o'clock p.m., of said day, by being struck by a locomotive on the bridge between the Northern Pacific Hospital and the yard of said railroad company in the city of Brainerd, said bridge being known as the Mississippi railroad bridge. That the said Anderson Ralston came to his death by and through an accident in which he himself was the only person at fault."

Deceased was 69 years of age, and leaves a large family of grown children. The funeral services were held on Wednesday afternoon at Clark's undertaking rooms, Rev. W. E. Loomis conducting the services. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 January 1899, p. 1, c. 3)


09 February

The heater in the smoking car on train No. 11 from Duluth which arrived here at 6 p. m. last evening exploded when the train was near Kimberley, and quite badly damaged the car. The windows in the car were blown out, the end of the car was blown open and a hole blown through the roof. Fortunately no one was in that end of the car and no one was hurt. The car was brought here and sidetracked. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 February 1899, p. 10, c. 2)


10 February

Monster Engines.


Of the twenty-one immense compound locomotives ordered of the Schenectady Locomotive Works by the Northern Pacific seven have been received and fourteen will arrive early in the spring, says the Pioneer Press. In some respects these engines resemble the heavy Great Northern engines that have been in service on most difficult grades more than a year. Their dimensions follow: Weight, 189,000 pounds; cylinders, 23 and 34 by 34 inches; boiler, diameter, 72 inches; tubes, number, 330; tubes, diameter, 2 1/4 inches; firebox, length, 120 3/16 inches; firebox, width, 42 inches; working pressure, 225 pounds heating surface, 2,923.4 square feet; driving wheels, diameter, 55 inches. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 February 1899, p. 7, c. 4)


17 February

The issuing of calendars for advertising purposes in recent years has got to be quite common, and some very pretty and artistic designs are found, but for original conception and artistic design and finish, the one issued by Chas. S. Fee, general passenger and ticket agent of the N. P. road ranks above all others. It consists of a series of feminine beauties dressed in the various uniforms of the army and navy, with the figure of cupid in attendance. They certainly are beauties, and are much sought for. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 February 1899, p. 10, c. 1)


26 February

Martin Nelson left Brainerd on Sunday night for Missoula, Mont., where he goes to accept a position of general foreman of the N. P. shops there [works for F. P. Barnes, Master Mechanic]. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 March 1899, p. 10, c. 3)


03 March

Change in Time.


A new time card will go into effect on the N. P. on Sunday March 12th, at which time the company will put on two through trains to the coast shortening the time seven hours making the fastest trains to the coast, not excepting the “Great Northern Flyers” which are so extensively advertised. To do this the trains will have to make an average run of thirty-three miles an hour including stops. This will mean an average speed, while running, of over 40 miles an hour, and on the plains of Minnesota and Dakota a much higher rate to make up for time lost in the mountain districts. The time of the local trains will not be changed a great deal. No. 5 will leave St. Paul at 8:15 arriving here about 1 p. m., instead of 1:50 as at present. No. 6 will leave Fargo at 7:30 arriving here as at present about 12:00. The train from Duluth will arrive at about 12 o’clock noon instead of 5: 40 p. m., and the other Duluth trains will run about as at present. The DISPATCH will publish the corrected time card next week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 March 1899, p. 10, c. 3)


15 March

District Court.


The March general term of the district court closed on Wednesday morning, the calendar having been disposed of and the jury discharged the previous evening. Several very important cases have been disposed of since our last issue. The case of Libbie E. Everest vs. the N. P. Ry. was on trial when going to press last week. The jury in this case returned a verdict of $1000 for plaintiff. The defendant was granted a stay of 30 days pending an appeal. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 March 1899, p. 10, c. 2)


17 March

Fourteen Trains Each Day.


This is what it means. On and after March 12th, 1899, the Northern Pacific Railway will start two trains each day flying westward from its eastern terminals. At the same time—not at exactly the same hours—two trains will also leave its western terminals from the east. There will then be, each day, moving over the 2000 miles of main track between St. Paul, Minneapolis and Duluth at the east, and Seattle, Tacoma and Portland on the Pacific Coast, fourteen of these trains—in both directions—going at the same time and this in a country where 20 years ago the buffalo were roaming. These trains will be known as No. 1, the Puget Sound Limited, No. 3, the Oregon Limited, going west, and No. 2, the Twin City Mail, No. 4, the Twin City Express, going east, and will contain in the aggregate more than 100 cars of various sorts. Each train will have a mail car, a baggage car, first and second class coaches, a Free Colonist Sleeping car, a Pullman Tourist Sleeping car a Dining car, and one or more Pullman First Class Sleeping cars, so that everybody’s pocketbook can be accommodated. The Dining cars are a part of the solid through trains and so no one need therefore go hungry.

Train No. 1 will leave St. Paul at 8:55 a. m.; train No. 3 at 10:45 p. m., after all trains have arrived from the east and south, morning and evening. Train No. 2 will leave Portland at 11:30 a. m., and train No. 4 at 11:00 p. m., arriving at St. Paul 2:00 p. m. and 7:30 a. m., respectively, in time for all departing trains eastward. One train goes via Helena, Mont., and one via Butte, in each direction. These trains run through the most important cities of the northwest and are hauled by new and enormous Schenectady locomotives, making, when necessary, 75 or 80 miles an hour.

These diurnal trains will amply accommodate the large immigration and tourist travel that seems probable this year.

During the Yellowstone Park season one train in each direction will carry a Pullman First Class Sleeping Car, especially for Park travel.

Inquiries regarding this new train service may be addressed to any Northern Pacific Agent, or to CHAS. S. FEE, General Passenger Agent, St. Paul, Minn. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 March 1899, p. 7, c.’s 3 & 4)


20 March

Frank Scherman, who for the past seven years has been express messenger on the Little Falls & Dakota branch of the Northern Pacific running between this city and Morris, left on Monday for St. Paul where he takes his new run, having been promoted to express messenger on the main line between St. Paul and Fargo on Nos. 5 and 6. Mr. Scherman has been in Brainerd since 1882 in the employ of the company and has earned his promotions from time to time by close application to his work. The new route will take Mr. Scherman and his estimable family from Brainerd, as his headquarters will hereafter be in St. Paul, to which city the family will remove soon after the close of the school year in June. The many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Scherman will be pleased to learn of the promotion but at the same time will be loth to see them leave the city. L. J. Apall [sic] succeeds Mr. Scherman on the Morris run. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 March 1899, p. 8, c. 3)


05 April

George Schoonmaker, the veteran bridge man of the N. P., had the misfortune to break his leg between the knee and the ankle, while alighting from a moving train near the Eighth street crossing on Wednesday. He was taken to the Sanitarium by a switch engine for treatment. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 April 1899, p. 8, c. 1)


20 April

Swift Work.


Yesterday was pay day for the N. P. shop employees, and Geo. LaBar, cashier, and Geo. Brown, assistant cashier, of the First National Bank, went over to the shops to pay the boys. In two hours and ten minutes they paid 540 men, disbursing in that time over $25,000. The men drew from $25 to $225, and in each case change had to be made, as the amounts paid are seldom in even dollars. It will be readily be seen that Messrs. LaBar and Brown had to handle the “filthy lucre” with a rapidity that is surprising. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 April 1899, p. 8, c. 2)


21 April

Northern Pacific shops employees, ca. 1890.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The Northern Pacific granted its machinists a raise of 1 1/2 cents an hour. For some years the company has paid its machinists 27 1/2 cents an hour. The request for 30 cents an hour was not granted but a satisfactory compromise was effected providing for a rate of 29 cents. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 21 April 1999)


28 April

Wm. Forsyth, superintendent of motive power of the Northern Pacific road has resigned on account of ill health and his position is temporarily filled by A. Lovell, his former assistant. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 April 1899, p. 8, c. 2)


12 May

Detroit Selected.


[15th Annual Picnic] The employees of the Northern Pacific shops will hold their annual picnic at Detroit [Lakes] this year, and the date being set for Saturday, June 24. The matter was settled at a meeting held on Saturday last, the vote standing on the first ballot, Detroit [Lakes] 27, Glenwood 24, Minneapolis 7. On the second ballot 32 votes were cast for Detroit [Lakes] and 26 for Glenwood. Officers were selected as follows:

President—Wm. Herron.

Vice President—Bert Smith.

Treasurer—Wm. Brown.

Executive committee—Timothy Toohey, machine shop; Merrill Hontosh, car department machine shop; John Murphy, boiler shop; Harry Simpson, tin shop; Robert Ozark, blacksmith shop; John Thier, car shop; Mat. Gorman, planing mill. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 May 1899, p. 1, c. 3)


That Change of Time.


It is stated on what appears to be reliable information that there is to be a radical change in the train service of the Northern Pacific in regard to Brainerd. The change, so the story goes, will be to take off Nos. 11 and 12, the two noon Duluth trains and also Nos. 5 and 6, the local day trains between St. Paul and Fargo and in the place of which Nos. 7 and 8, the Winnipeg trains now running over the cut-off, will be run this way arriving here sometime about midnight leaving Brainerd without a day train in either direction. There is some change contemplated and if the arrangement is carried out as above stated Brainerd will get decidedly the worst of it. By that schedule the morning papers from St. Paul and Minneapolis would not reach us until 24 hours old, besides the inconvenience of being obliged to travel by night in going from or coming to the city. The arrangement would also be greatly to the disadvantage of the B. & N. M. people as passengers bound for the Bemidji country, and the travel is very heavy, would go by the Great Northern before they would wait twelve hours here to continue their journey north. If the change is made it is bound to be a very unpopular one. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 May 1899, p. 1, c. 3)


The Northern Pacific examining board, for that part of the system east of Helena, consisting of F. N. Risteen chairman and master mechanic at Fargo, J. H. McGoff general foreman at Staples, and Howard Currie traveling engineer have been in session here during the past ten days examining firemen for promotion on the Minnesota and Lake Superior divisions. The board will finish its work here tomorrow and will be in session at Fargo next week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 May 1899, p. 10, c. 3)


13 May

The Committees Selected.


At a meeting held on Saturday last the following committees were selected for the Northern Pacific employee’s excursion to Detroit [Lakes] on June 24th:

Transportation—S. L. Bean, E. C. Blanchard, A. J. Sovereign, W. D. McKay.

Grounds—Wm. Herron, Timothy Toohey, Merrill Hontosh.

Ways and Means—Wm. Brown, A. J. Thayer, John Murphy.

Printing—Bert Smith, David Cohen, Ed McClary, David Snell.

Music—Harry Simpson, William Evans, Herbert Spears, Oscar Hagberg.

Dancing—Mat. Gorman.

Sports—Robert Ozard.

The membership of the last two committees has not been fully decided on, only the chairman being selected. No other business was transacted at the meeting. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 May 1899, p. 10, c. 2)


19 May

Brainerd’s New Train Service.


The Northern Pacific will put a new time card into effect on Sunday which will materially affect the train service of this city. Trains No. 11 and 12 on the Lake Superior division, and which arrive and depart for Duluth now at noon, and Nos. 5 and 6, the noonday trains to and from St. Paul, will be taken off. Trains No. 7 and 8 which now go over the cut-off, will be run this way and No. 7 will arrive in Brainerd from St. Paul at 12:25 a. m., No. 8 departing for St. Paul at 2 a. m. No. 12, the train for Morris, will leave at 7:40 a. m., and will connect with No. 2 at Little Falls for St. Paul. No. 11, the train from Morris, will arrive at Brainerd at 3:15 p. m., and will connect at Little Falls with No. 1 from St. Paul. The following table will give a correct idea of the arrival and departure of trains on the Northern Pacific when the new card goes into effect:

No. 12 for Morris departs at 7:40 a. m.

No. 11 from Morris arrives at 3:15 p. m.

No. 13 from Duluth arrives at 12:15 a. m.

No. 14 for Duluth departs at 3:40 a. m.

No. 7 from St. Paul arrives at 12:25 a. m.

No. 8 for St. Paul departs at 2:00 a. m.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 19 May 1899, p. 10, c. 4)


26 May

The ‘99 Wonderland.


Too much cannot be said in praise of this delightful publication—the illustrated guidebook of the Northern Pacific railway company, which is issued annually—and this year it seems to have reached the acme of the art of book making, at least guide book making. It is printed on heavy book paper and enclosed in an artistic cover design of rich colors and gold that would do credit to any of the high priced magazines. It’s author is Mr. Olin D. Wheeler, and he has made it read like a fascinating book of travels. The illustrations are fine and are used lavishly throughout the book. The descriptions, particularly of the Yellowstone Park, are perfect in beauty of language, in point of accuracy and in that rare quality one meets with so seldom even in stories,—the personal, with its humor and incident, which is always of keen interest to the reader—making him forget he is not reading a brightly written description of somebody’s personal experience. Wonderland can be had by applying to Chas. S. Fee, N. P. R. R. offices, St. Paul, Minn., and enclosing 6 cents. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 May 1899, p. 4, c. 1)


Wm. Graham, the popular leader of the Northern Pacific Band, has written a piece of music which has been dedicated to Capt. S. R. Adair, of Co. L, and is titled “The Brainerd Boys in Blue.” The music has been published by Dyer & Bros., and the front page contains a handsome picture of the company. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 May 1899, p. 10, c. 2)


Two Grand Excursions.


The Northern Pacific people have arranged two excursions which will undoubtedly be taken advantage of by many of our people. The first one will occur on June 9th, the excursion train leaving Wahpeton at 5 a. m., and arriving at Brainerd about noon for Duluth, leaving the latter place for the return trip on the 11th at 4 p. m.

The second excursion will be from Morris to Duluth and the train will leave Morris at 5 a. m. June 16, passing through this city about noon, and returning will leave Duluth June 18th, at 4 p. m.

As will be seen by the above two days will be given the excursionists to devote to business or pleasure in the city at the head of the lakes and surrounding country. The rate made for round trip tickets on each occasion is $2.50 from any point, children between the ages of 5 and 12 years, $1.25. The exact time of the arrival and departure of the trains from Brainerd will be given next week, and all parties who desire to go should advise with Mr. McKay in order that proper transportation facilities may be provided. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 May 1899, p. 10, c. 4)


31 May

Samuel Michaels, foreman of the Northern Pacific pile driver on this division, was seriously injured while at work near Fergus Falls Wednesday. He was brought to the Sanitarium here and it is thought he will recover. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 June 1899, p. 8, c. 2)


09 June

The Northern Pacific Bank is being treated to new paper and paint this week and the interior will present a very neat appearance when finished. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 June 1899, p. 8, c. 1)


While not officially announced it is considered as good as settled that trains Nos. 5 and 6 will be put back on the Northern Pacific, commencing Sunday June 18. The present arrangement has not proved a success. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 June 1899, p. 8, c. 1)


16 June

A change of time of running trains will occur on the N. P. again on Sunday. The present arrangement was very unsatisfactory to the traveling public, and was especially objectionable to the interest of Brainerd. The N. P. company at all times tries to accommodate the public, and there has been no doubt from the start, but the present unsatisfactory service would be changed as soon as the company saw the effects of it. The old time will be restored. Nos. 5 and 6 will again be put on, but will run daily, Sunday included. Nos. 11 and 12, the Duluth trains, will also be put on again, on about the same time as before. We have not been able to get a new time card and cannot give the exact time. The new coast rain will be taken off as it was found that it did not pay. These changes will be gladly welcomed by all patrons of the road. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 June 1899, p. 4, c. 2)


23 June

The New Time Card.


The new time card which went into effect on the N. P. on Sunday is the best for this city and the traveling patrons of the road in general ever in force, and the company deserves the support of all, for giving such excellent service. In Brainerd connections can be made in every direction at noon, and the time of the arrival and departure of the mails could not be better for business purposes. It is hoped the company will continue the present time card indefinitely, as it cannot be improved upon. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 June 1899, p. 1, c. 2)


The annual excursion and picnic of the N. P. shopmen of this city will occur tomorrow, and will be held at Detroit Lake, Detroit [Lakes], Minn. The excursion will consist of two trains. The first will leave Brainerd at 6 a. m., and the second at 6:15. Returning the trains will leave Detroit [Lakes] at 7 and 7:30 p. m. The usual splendid programme of sports has been arranged, and the usual good time is assured. Dresskell’s City Band will accompany the excursion and furnish music. F. Luken will be in charge of the refreshments on the train. No one but shop employees and their families will be permitted to accompany the excursion. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 June 1899, p. 8, c. 2)


30 June

The annual excursion and picnic of the Northern Pacific employees occurred last Saturday, and the day was perfect. The train was run in two sections the first containing thirteen cars, and the second eight. Dresskell’s City band accompanied the excursionists and furnished the music. The entire trip was made without accident of any kind and those who attended enjoyed the day exceedingly. The base ball game between Brainerd and Detroit [Lakes] resulted in a victory for the latter the score being 6 to 9. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 June 1899, p. 8, c. 1)


J. A. McKay, who has been at Livingston for some time, has accepted a position at the Northern Pacific shops, and will reside in Brainerd in the future. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 June 1899, p. 8, c. 4)


31 July

A Frightful Accident.


A terrible accident occurred at the Northern Pacific planing mill on Monday afternoon by which John Worden lost his left arm. Mr. Worden, who is a tinner, was engaged in arranging a blow pipe over a planing machine. The job was about completed when Worden's left hand was caught in the knives and his arm nearly to the elbow was pulled into the machine and literally chopped to pieces before he could be extricated from his perilous position. A switch engine was called and the injured man was conveyed to the Sanitarium where his injuries were attended to, the arm being amputated at the elbow. Mr. Worden has been an employee at the shops for five or six years and lives on Pine street in Southeast Brainerd. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 August 1899, p. 1, c. 3)


10 August

Two young men from Iowa, land seekers by the name of Partridge, were struck by an engine at Staples yesterday morning one of them being instantly killed and the other so badly injured that he will die. The mother of the young men was waiting for them in a covered wagon at the outskirts of the village when the sad news was conveyed to her. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 August 1899, p. 8, c. 1)


07 July

Conductors Let Out.


“For the good of the service” is the reason given by the Northern Pacific for the discharge of Conductors Patrick Corcoran and Arthur Sharp [sic], of St. Paul, and Conductors Farmer and Denny, of Duluth. They have all been in the service of the company from 15 to 20 years. The men have strong hopes of being reinstated as their friends are making an effort to have the trouble cleared up. The company claims that they were not desirable employees, says the St. Cloud Journal-Press. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 July 1899, p. 4, c. 2)


SEE: 06 October 1899


08 July

Two fire alarms were sounded from the Northern Pacific shops on Saturday, the morning blaze being in the boiler shop which was extinguished before any material damage was done. The afternoon fire was at the coal dock, the roof having ignited from sparks from an engine and it gained considerable headway before it was finally gotten under control. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 July 1899, p. 8, c. 1)


11 July

Among Our Neighbors.

_____


Shovelers on the Little Falls grading for the N. P. Tuesday demanded an increase of 25 cents per day and got it. They were receiving $1.75.

The N. P. weed burner which is clearing the track between Fergus Falls and Wahpeton receives the following notice from the Journal: The machine, if it may be called a machine, attracted considerable attention here. A tank of petroleum is placed on a car and from this tank pipes lead to the huge burner, which works somewhat on the principle of a combination of torches with the blazing ends turned downward. When in operation the burner is drawn along at the rate of about six miles an hour, and clears the weeds from between and about the rails very effectively. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 July 1899, p. 4, c. 2)


21 July

A notice will be posted at the N. P. shops notifying the employees that any of them who desire to go on the Bemidji excursion next Tuesday will be granted permission to do so, practically closing the shops on that day. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 July 1899, p. 8, c. 3)


31 July

A Frightful Accident.


A terrible accident occurred at the Northern Pacific planing mill on Monday afternoon by which John Worden lost his left arm. Mr. Worden, who is a tinner, was engaged in arranging a blow pipe over a planing machine. The job was about completed when Worden's left hand was caught in the knives and his arm nearly to the elbow was pulled into the machine and literally chopped to pieces before he could be extricated from his perilous position. A switch engine was called and the injured man was conveyed to the Sanitarium where his injuries were attended to, the arm being amputated at the elbow. Mr. Worden has been an employee at the shops for five or six years and lives on Pine street in Southeast Brainerd. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 August 1899, p. 1, c. 3)


A Farewell Banquet.


Justin Smith, who for some years has been connected with the Northern Pacific road in this city, has accepted what promises to be a better position as chief clerk to the general store keeper of the Wisconsin Central road took his departure Monday for Waukesha, Wis., which will be his future home. On Saturday evening a few of his friends to the number of about twenty tendered him a farewell banquet which was given at the Arlington and which was quite an elaborate affair. After the “feed” cigars were passed and Dr. W. Hemstead, as toastmaster, called the guests to order and the following toasts were responded to: “Our Guest,” C. A. Allbright; “Remarks from Our Guest,” Justin M. Smith; “What will we expect from Justin in the future,” H. T. Skinner; “The Young Men,” C. D. Johnson; “Words of Wisdom and Advice,” Hon. G. W. Holland; “How He has Grown,” H. P. Dunn; “A Diagnosis of Character,” Dr. A. F. Groves. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 August 1899, p. 8, c. 4)


04 August

Fifty years ago the railroad freight car cost $700 and had a capacity of eight tons, while today the latest improved freight car costs $1,000 and carries fifty-five tons. In a like manner have improvements been made in all branches of railroading. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 August 1899, p. 4, c. 1)


The Northern Pacific band will give a social dance every Saturday evening at their hall in Southeast Brainerd. First-class music in attendance and everybody invited. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 August 1899, p. 8, c. 1)


11 August

Two new mogul freight engines were received here by the Northern Pacific Tuesday from the Schenectady Locomotive Works. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 August 1899, p. 8, c. 1)


15 August

A Close Call.


A telegram from Frazee says that on Tuesday the front truck of the baggage car on the west bound N. P. train mashed off, broke the car up and tore the track out for quite a distance. All the passenger cars were shaken up, but none derailed. It was a close call, and the passengers were very thankful it was no worse. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 August 1899, p. 4, c. 2)


21 August

Ed. Mahan, who has been working with the Northern Pacific bridge crew for some days, met with a painful accident at Pillager on Monday. While attempting to get off a moving train he slipped and dislocated his left knee. He is at the Sanitarium. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 August 1899, p. 8, c. 2)


01 September

The Northern Pacific company are looking up the names of men who are now returning from the Philippines who were in the employ of the company at the time of their enlistment that they may furnish them free transportation from the Pacific coast to their homes. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 September 1899, p. 4, c. 1)


15 September

Support by Allowances.


In the case of Kittie Mattson against the Northern Pacific Beneficial association the defendant has filed an answer in which it alleges that it is not a corporation and is supported by monthly allowances from different persons who incur no liability and receive no profits, says the Duluth News-Tribune. Miss Mattson brought suit against the association to recover $15,000 for injuries received in laundry machinery in the hospital at Brainerd. Miss Mattson’s attorney, C. A. Allbright has filed an attorney’s lien on the prospective judgement for her. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 September 1899, p. 4, c. 2)


22 September

Over $2,000,000 has been expended by the Northern Pacific for improvements on its line of railway during the past year. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 September 1899, p. 4, c. 1)


The Northern Pacific has commenced a $3,500 depot at Staples which will be steam heated and lighted by electricity. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 September 1899, p. 8, c. 1)


26 September

New Superintendent.


Alfred Lovell was on Tuesday appointed superintendent of motive power of the Northern Pacific. The office of assistant superintendent is abolished. Mr. Lovell succeeds Wm. Forsythe, who was appointed to the position April 1, but the arduous nature of the work impaired his health and he was compelled to resign. Mr. Lovell has been with the Northern Pacific for fifteen years. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 September 1899, p. 4, c. 2)


Fined a Conductor.


Conductor Jurnegan, for whom a warrant was issued for blocking a street crossing here Tuesday, plead guilty to the charge, and was fined $10 and costs. It is quite probable that the other trainmen will take this case as a lesson and less complaints in regard to the blocking of street crossings will be heard in the future.—Little Falls Transcript. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 September 1899, p. 4, c. 2)


04 October

John Murphy had the misfortune to meet with quite a serious accident while at work on Wednesday at the Northern Pacific shops, losing the index finger and a part of the second and third fingers of the right hand by coming in contact with a saw. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 October 1899, p. p. 8, c. 1)


06 October

Will Please His Brainerd Friends.


Pat Corcoran, who several months ago was suspended from his position on the Northern Pacific Passenger trains, has been we are pleased to state, reinstated and was collecting fares as usual on No. 2 Sunday morning. Conductor Sharpe [sic], who was also suspended at the same time, has we have been informed, been tendered his old position, but it is not known whether he will accept or not. He has secured another lucrative position, that of train master on the Omaha road, and may not care to accept his old position. The many friends of Mr. Corcoran in this city are highly pleased to learn that he has been reinstated.—Little Falls Transcript. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 October 1899, p. 4, c. 2)


SEE: 07 July 1899


13 October

McKinley was Pleased.


E. C. Blanchard, superintendent of the Lake Superior division of the Northern Pacific road, who accompanied the presidential party on its trip over that line from Duluth to Fargo, is much pleased with the compliments that the road received through him as its representative on that occasion says the News-Tribune. President McKinley told Mr. Blanchard that the trip from Duluth to Fargo was one of the most comfortable runs that he had experienced since starting on the Northwestern tour. The train left Duluth two hours late and 25 minutes more were knocked off the regular schedule by stops at various places, which occupied more time than was expected. But the train went into Fargo five minutes ahead of the actual time that had been allowed for this part of the president’s journey. The train traveled at a rate of 45 to 60 miles an hour. Mr. Blanchard says that of the 10,000 people in Brainerd fully 9,000 were at the depot to see the president. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 October 1899, p. 4, c. 1)


N. P. Library Entertainment.


The 15th annual entertainment and ball for the benefit of the N. P. Library Association will be held at Gardner Opera House on Friday evening, Nov. 3. These annual entertainments are the only means employed by the association to raise money to meet the expenses of the association, hence every citizen should contribute his mite to such a worthy cause by investing in a ticket whether able to be present or not. These entertainments each year are very pleasing and entertaining, the best obtainable local talent being secured for the literary and musical part, and the dance is always one of the most enjoyable of the season. The tickets also entitle each N. P. employee to one year’s membership in the association. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 October 1899, p. 1, c. 3)


18 October

The annual election of officers of the Northern Pacific Library Association occurred on Wednesday evening with the following result: John Lowey, president; Timothy Toohey, vice president; Ed. Crust, treasurer; E. A. McKay, secretary. Directors, locomotive department, Wm. Brown, John Williams, Ode Brown; car department, W. J. McClelland, Mr. Angel; engineer and firemen’s department, Lawrence McPherson; transportation department, Jay Bachelder. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 October 1899, p. 8, c. 2)


20 October

On Friday evening, Nov. 3d, the Northern Pacific Library Association will give their 15th annual entertainment and ball at Gardner Hall. Tickets are $1.00 and entitle employees to one year’s membership in the association. Kelsey’s orchestra will furnish the music. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 October 1899, p. 8, c. 1)


24 October

Seventeen members of the junior and sophomore classes of the State University, who are now studying machine construction, came to this city on Tuesday for the purpose of seeing how the work is done in the N. P. machine shop. They were accompanied by Prof. Gill, engineering instructor, and Prof. Tate, instructor of carpentry. They spent the afternoon at the shops, and were entertained in the evening at the home of Master Mechanic Bean, Messrs. Will and Guy Bean of this city, being of the party. They brought the University yell with them. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 October 1899, p. 8, c. 1)


27 October

The Northern Pacific has donated the city of Brainerd the use of two rooms in second story of the depot for a public library. (Little Falls Transcript, 27 October 1899)


SEE: Carnegie Public Library in the Buildings & Parks of Brainerd page.


29 October

N. P. White came down from Fargo on Sunday, where he has been employed in the N. P. offices. Mr. White has severed his connections with the N. P. and will go to Sacramento, California, in about three weeks, where he will be employed by the Southern Pacific railroad. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 November 1899, p. 8, c. 3)


10 November

The N. P. Library entertainment and ball at Gardner Hall last Friday evening was a most pleasant and entertaining occasion. An exquisite musical program was rendered, and a pleasing and instructive address was made by Rev. Geo. Gallagher. After the exercises dancing occurred to the delightful music furnished by the Kelsey orchestra. A larger number of tickets were sold than to any previous entertainment. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 November 1899, p. 10, c. 1)


Y. M. C. A. NOTES.


At the first meeting of the class in mechanical drafting, which occurred last Monday evening, an unusual interest was manifested. Mr. O. O. Winter, general manager of the B. & N. M. R. R. Co. gave a very interesting address on “How to Use the Leisure Hours, and Advancement in Life and Profession.” His address was full of advice, and was greatly appreciated by the men, which was shown by their attention and hearty applause. Mr. H. A. Lyddon, general foreman at the shops, followed Mr. Winter with a few well chosen sentences which inspired the men, and 40 joined the class.

At the regular monthly meeting of the board of directors last Wednesday evening a motion was passed to place two new porcelain tubs in the bath room, and make other necessary improvements. These and other improvements in the gymnasium and elsewhere, will add to the comfort and convenience of patrons. To do this the board will need the co-operation of the members, and we trust that those who are delinquent will meet their part of the obligation, and those whose tickets have expired will renew and others join.

There is nothing being done for the juniors at present, neither can we until the gymnasium is completed and other repairs made. The juniors however can come to the rooms every day from 4 to 6 p. m., that is those holding membership tickets in the association, and on Saturday from 9 to 11 a. m., but will not be allowed any privileges in the rooms Saturday afternoon. These rules will apply to all boys’ tickets and these hours for the boys will strictly be adhered to throughout the winter. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 November 1899, p. 10, c. 3)


22 November

The board of managers of the Northern Pacific Beneficial Association held their regular meeting in Brainerd on Wednesday. This is the first time the board has met in this city, and it was for the purpose of giving the Sanitarium a visit of inspection. C. C. Kyle is the resident member of the board in this city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 November 1899, p. 8, c. 1)


23 November

A Visit of Inspection.


A special carrying the division superintendents of the Northern Pacific arrived in the city from the west yesterday morning at 10 o’clock and spent an hour here looking over the shops and other railroad interests. The party was composed of M. C. Kimberley, general superintendent, W. G. Pearce, assistant general superintendent, W. L. Darling assistant chief engineer, F. W. Gilbert, Spokane; A. E. Law, Minneapolis; A. J. Sovereign, Staples; C. J. Wilson, Jamestown, N. D.; G. W. Vanderslice, Winnipeg; Chas. Russell, Missoula; E. J. Pearson, Tacoma; N. Kline, Glendive, Mont.; H. J. Horn, Jr., Livingston, Mont.; E. C. Blanchard, Duluth. The party left for Duluth and Ashland and will go to St. Paul and Minneapolis. The inspection trip is an innovation with the road and is made to give the different superintendents a chance to see what is being done on other divisions, methods employed and the results obtained. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 November 1899, p. 1, c. 4)


08 December

The total net income of the Northern Pacific for October was $1,900,411, an increase of $207,506 over October 1898. From July 1 to October 30 the total net income was $5,478,374, an increase of $481,594 over the same period last year. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 December 1899, p. 10, c. 2)


21 December

Iron Moulders Present a Grievance.


The iron moulders employed by Parker & Topping at the Northern Pacific Foundry quit work yesterday forenoon at 11 o’clock and walked out. A grievance in writing was handed to E. O. Webb, secretary of the firm. We are informed that the trouble the workmen complain of is the smoke which fills the shop from the drying of the ladles, and the unsatisfactory heating of the foundry. Mr. C. N. Parker, who has been absent in St. Paul, returned on the noon train today, and the matter will undoubtedly be amicably adjusted. The Iron Moulder’s Union will hold a meeting this afternoon at 3 o’clock to consider matters. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 December 1899, p. 1, c. 4)


27 December

BAD RAILWAY WRECK IN IDAHO.

_____


An Extra Freight Train on the Northern Pacific Branch

_____


Gets Out of Control of the Trainmen and Dashes Down a Steep Grade.

_____


Two Engines and Nineteen Cars Loaded With Steel Completely Wrecked, and Two Engineers, a Fireman and a Brakeman Killed, While Another Man Was Fatally Injured.

_____


LEWISTON (Idaho), Dec. 15.—Piled up at the bottom of Kendrick Hill, on the Northern Pacific branch, are two engines and nineteen cars loaded with steel. In houses near by are the dead bodies of Engineers Arthur E. Bain and John A. Ogden, Fireman Earl Bradshaw and Brakeman A. Judge [sic] [John B. Budge], all of Spokane, and the fatally injured body of John Parson [sic] [John E. Peterman], also of Spokane. The train was an extra with a load of steel for the Northern Pacific extension. The rails were covered with ice and snow, and in descending the long grade leading into Kendrick the train got from the control of the trainmen, and dashed madly down the steep grade about 7 o'clock this evening. A mile and a half east of Kendrick the four cars were ditched, and the track torn up for a quarter of a mile. When the rest of the flying train struck the yards the engines and all the cars were ditched and completely wrecked, and the track torn up for 200 yards. Work trains have been sent from Spokane and Lewiston. (Sacramento Daily Union, 16 December 1899, p. 8, c. 3)


Four persons were killed in a Northern Pacific wreck at Lewiston, Idaho, Saturday. A train load of steel became uncontrollable on a steep hill owing to snow and ice with the above result. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 December 1899, p. 5, c. 10)


DISASTROUS RAILROAD WRECK.

_____


Graphic Story of the Kendrick Canyon

Tragedy on the Northern

Pacific.

_____


A telegram from Lewiston, Idaho, to the daily press under date of Dec. 27, thus describes the awful wreck that occurred last week on the mountain division:

There have been countless railroad wrecks in the Rocky Mountains, but none like the tragedy of the Kendrick canyon. A week has passed and the wreck is not yet cleared, but the body of the fifth and last dead trainman has been taken from beneath a mass of railroad iron that was piled so high that it turned the channel of Potlatch creek. The Northern Pacific has never had such a wreck in the history of the system. Although extreme caution governs the operating department of the road, the elements conspired to make this wreck an awful catastrophe. The first brief telegrams simply gave notice of the accident. It has taken a week for the details of the disaster to be revealed. It was known that a train of eighteen flat cars loaded with steel rails and drawn by two locomotives had been dashed to destruction and five men killed. Day by day the fragments of the tragedy had come to light. “How did it happen?” has been asked by railroad men everywhere.

Before a coroner’s jury the evidence of the disaster has been gathered. The loaded train left Spokane for a run of 130 miles, with steel rails to be used on the construction of the Clearwater short line. Not quite 100 miles had been covered when darkness came on, accompanied by a fine snow that was driven before a terrific wind. Before the train lay the most precipitous declivity on the entire Northern Pacific system. It was in reality a descent from the mountain tops to the water level of the Potlatch. It led down a walled canyon, with a fall of two feet in every 100 feet of track, which is known in railroading as a two per cent grade. The train was drawn by two superb mountain-climbing locomotives, the highest type of the locomotive builder’s art. When the top of the grade was reached a full stop was made, and the air brakes thoroughly tested. Had the trainmen believed the load too heavy to make descent in safety, they had full authority to divide it. They failed to comprehend the danger, and their lives paid the penalty.

It was about 7 o’clock in the night when the train began to move down the grade. For a distance of twelve miles the descent was along the canyon bottom, when the track made an abrupt curve as it approached Potlatch creek. The train had not gone more than half a mile when the conductor noticed by a swaying of the caboose that he was running at a high rate of speed. He climbed into the cupola with some difficulty. It was then that he became conscious that the heavy train was running away. The brakes were set tight and on both sides of the train there was a glare of light. Showers of sparks shot out from the wheels, illuminating the walls of canyon. The conductor had one brakeman with him, and it took but an instant for the two men to decide to cut off the caboose and save themselves. It was only by the greatest exertion that they were enabled to make their way to the forward platform of the car and pull the coupling pin. By setting the brakes on the detached caboose it soon slowed down, and the flying train vanished in the darkness between two lines of sputtering fire. The tremendous crashing of the loose steel rails against each other created a deafening roar as the train swept out of sight. The conductor intuitively pictured the awful scene that must soon take place. He had not long to wait. The noise of the train grew fainter in the distance when there was a final crash that ran through the canyon and froze his blood with its horrible roar.

Seldom has such a scene ever been witnessed as the one presented by the wreck when the morning came. The two locomotive boilers lay some distance from the track, stripped to their jackets. One of the tenders had been hurled fully 100 feet across the Potlatch. Railroad iron lay piled in fantastic shapes, or driven lengthwise into the side of the mountain. So great was the shock that steel rails shot out 250 feet in the air and fell in heaps in the bed of the stream. Five men were killed and $100,000 worth of property destroyed. The condition of the track on account of the storm made it impossible to hold the train on the grade. No blame is attached to the railroad company, but the train men were in error for not dividing the train at the top of the grade when they knew there was a slippery track ahead. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 December 1899, p. 1, c. 4)


An Incident of Railway Life.


The Gazette, of Kendrick, Idaho, gives the following graphic description of a mountain run-away and wreck which will doubtlessly be of interest to the many readers who have spent their railroad days on level track:


One of the most disastrous and ill-fated wrecks that ever happened on the Palouse branch of the Northern Pacific occurred on the curve just above the depot at Kendrick on last Friday evening at 7 o’clock. The train consisted of two engines, eighteen cars of steel rails, one car of iron pipe and a caboose, and was in charge of seven men, five of whom are dead. The dead are: A. E. Bain, engineer; John A. Ogden, engineer; Earl Bradshaw, fireman; J. E. Peterman, fireman; J. B. Budge, brakeman.

Conductor Galbraith and Brakeman Baker saved themselves by detaching the caboose from the run-away train. The heavily loaded train left Vollmer and was lost control of on the first steep grade, two miles this side. The crew then began to realize the perilous position, and in response to signals from the engines for brakes, the brakemen double “clubbed” them, but without avail Their hope then was to gain control over the train on a level stretch of track about four miles further. The track was slick and over this only piece of level track they flew, increasing the momentum of the train as it sped down the mountain grade towards destruction. Around curves and over bridges they sped, with the friction of the brakes on the wheels making a blaze of fire that illuminated the whole canyon and struck terror to the hearts of those who saw it and knew what it meant. The entire distance of twelve miles was covered in ten minutes, so that at this end the speed must have been terrific. The scene of the disaster shows this to be true.

When the train reached a point about one mile above town, four cars broke loose and left the track, going over an embankment about fifty feet. Just before the train broke Brakeman Budge stepped upon the first of the four cars and was making his way to the rear end when the cars left the track, precipitating him down the embankment, among flying rails, where he was picked up by J. W. Davis, an eye witness to his accident, in an unconscious condition. Both of his legs were broken below the knees, his left are was broken and badly lacerated above the elbow and his left side was horribly mashed in. He lived about an hour, but did not regain consciousness.

The remainder of the train sped on down the grade like a flash of lightning, and with its heavy, roaring noise attracted the attention of those living in sight of the track, who were just in time to see the terrible accident. So great was the momentum of the train that when the curve was reached the track was carried on a straight line from the roadbed and the train went off into the river with the track at a right angle The brave crew stuck to their posts heroically and met their death doing their duty. The bodies of Engineers Ogden and Bain and Fireman Peterman were recovered soon after the wreck, that of Ogden being horribly mutilated, while Bain's’ neck was broken, but his body was not disfigured. Fireman Peterman was found about fifty feet from the track, where he had been thrown, sitting in water to his waist, with his right thigh broken and badly injured internally. He was removed by willing hands to the St. Elmo hotel, where our local physician rendered him all possible assistance. He was taken to Spokane the next afternoon, where he died at the hospital a few hours after his arrival. Though very weak he retained consciousness to the last.

The body of Fireman Earl Bradshaw lay under tons of steel rails until yesterday evening, some fifty feet from where the engines lay, and was first discovered by Dr. Worthington, of Moscow, who, in company with W. E. Bradshaw, have kept up a most faithful watch for the body. Coroner Owens [sic] [Owings] has been notified and will arrive on today’s train and hold an inquest this afternoon.

The work of clearing up the debris is still in progress and will occupy a few days yet. The entangled shape of a mass of rails, car beds and engines, who knows with what force the train was running. Some of the rails were found as much as 155 feet ahead of the wreck.

Only a year ago, the 12th of this month, a freight train had a run-away, because of the frosty track, that caused an accident just below the scene of last Friday’s. The train rain some three hundred feet on the ties and resulted in the demolishment of nine cars.

It is said the engineers were loth to make the trip down the hill with such a load on such a track, but accepted the duty when assured by the confidence of the conductor that the trip could be made.

The distance between Kendrick and Vollmer is twelve miles, and the fall is said to be one hundred feet to the mile.

The coroner’s jury sat behind closed doors and rendered a verdict that attaches the blame to no one, and called it an unavoidable accident. On this question there is a wide difference of opinion existing, which will no doubt be brought out in the settlement of the results of the disaster.

As usual there are numerous rumors current as to what the men said before leaving Vollmer. One is that the engineers were fearful of the results, and told a party that if they took the train down they could come down and gather them up.

Imagine the thoughts that came to these men as they sped down the mountain side, crossed bridges, rounded curves, and the station almost in sight; the last curve reached, and then the awful moment, that the next was destruction. God only knows the anguish and burden of their last thought.

It may be only a matter of opinion, or a business proposition with some people to care for the dead as one would a side of beef, but that doesn’t make it so that all share the same opinion. No wonder corporations are sometimes called “heartless.”

Imagine two engines and sixteen cars of steel rails piled in an area 100 feet square and you have the picture drawn—all it lacks is the horrors of reality.

The dismembered foot and lower limb of Earl Bradshaw was found this morning about twenty feet from where the body was found.

Coroner Owens [sic] [Owings], of Moscow, came in on the train this afternoon and immediately impaneled a jury from the representative business men of Kendrick, to inquire into the cause of the death of Earl Bradshaw. The jury was sworn in and viewed the remains and wreckage, and began hearing the testimony at 3:30. The taking of testimony was concluded at 11:30, and the jury were out about half an hour when they brought in the following verdict:


“We the undersigned jurors sworn to inquire into the death of Earl Bradshaw, on oath do find that he came to his death by a railroad accident on the Northern Pacific Railroad at Kendrick, Idaho, on December 15, 1899. We further find that the direct cause of the accident was through the negligence of the employees of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company.”

The verdict gives general satisfaction among all who heard the testimony of the different witnesses. (Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen’s Magazine, Volume 28, January 1900, pp. 393-395)


...There were two inquests held, one on the 16th over the remains of those first recovered and one on the 22d over the remains of Earl Bradshaw. The inquests were held by Coroner Samuel T. Owings, of Moscow, in the city hall at Kendrick. The first jury was composed of Charles Hamlin, D. E. Thames, W. O. Long, Lewis Hunter, J. H. Ellis, S. Mellison and W. G. Campbell. This jury termed the wreck an unavoidable accident.

The Bradshaw jury was composed of L. L. Carmean, Math. Jacobs, John S. Crocker, S. A. Kerr, J. Kasper, T. H. Powell and John Mark. Their verdict was that the deceased came to his death through negligence on the part of the employees of the railroad company. There has always existed a difference of opinion as to where the responsibility for the wreck should rest. The railroad is censured for running such a heavy train down so steep a grade in such weather as was prevailing and with crews that, although they had been over the division a few times previously, were not regularly on this branch and therefore could not have realized as fully as would a regular crew the risks they were facing. The company discharged Conductor Galbraith and Brakeman Baker, on the grounds that had they not cut off the caboose the speed of the train would not have been so great on reaching the Kendrick curve and would probably have passed it in safety. While a number of minor accidents have since occurred to freight trains on this grade, this is the only one of great magnitude since the building of the road in 1890. (An Illustrated History of North Idaho, William S. Shiach, John M. Henderson, Harry B. Averill; Western Historical Publishing Company (Spokane, Wash.), 1903)


29 December

The Northern Pacific has invested $200,00 in dock property at Duluth. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 December 1899, p. 1, c. 4)


HIS WORK

IS FINISHED

_____


E. V. Smalley, Editor of the

Northwest Magazine, and a

Well Known Minnesotan,

Passes Away.

_____


He Had Been Identified With Leading Newspapers of

the Country Nearly

40 Years.

_____


Eugene Virgil Smalley, who had a national reputation as a journalist, died at his home in St. Paul last midnight. He was 58 years of age.

The cause of Mr. Smalley’s death was nervous dyspepsia. He made a trip to Oklahoma during the autumn, but returned to Minnesota about six weeks ago. For the past month he has been a sufferer from the illness which resulted in his death. He leaves a wife, a son, Victor, and a stepson Stephen Conday.

During the period following the civil war Mr. Smalley was a prominent Republican journalist in Washington and New York. In later years he earned fame as an author, magazine writer and publisher. He was born in Randolph, Portage county, O., the son of a small farmer who was interested in the anti-slavery movement, and who wrote articles to back up his sentiments. When the son was 11 years old, the father died, and two years later young Smalley became a printer’s apprentice at Fredonia, N. Y. He completed his apprenticeship at Painesville, O., and secured a little education by attending an anti-slavery college at McGrawsville, N. Y. He taught school and set type part of the time. When 19 years of age he was part owner and local editor of the Press and Advertiser, Painesville, O.


HIS LIFE AN EVENTFUL ONE.


When the civil war broke out Mr. Smalley enlisted in the Seventh Ohio infantry. He was discharged in 1863 on account of wounds received in the battle of Port Republic. After working for a time on the Cleveland Herald he was appointed to a clerkship in the treasury department at Washington. In 1865 he left this position to purchase the Register, Youngstown, O., which was in Gen. Garfield’s congressional district. After being clerk of the military committee of the house at Washington, he sold his newspaper in 1868. The next year he made a tour of Europe, and in 1870 took the position of Washington correspondent for the New York Tribune.

A year later Smalley secured a place on the Tribune’s reportorial staff, and he was sent South to investigate the outrages committed by the Ku-Klux. His correspondence led to the suspension of the habeas corpus in five counties of South Carolina by President Grant, and also to the arrest and conviction of a number of the leaders in these outrages. In 1876 his field of work was at the Centennial Exposition, and in 1883 he attended the world’s fair at Vienna.

As a political correspondent Mr. Smalley traveled extensively over the United States, and frequently he campaigned as a speaker. A Brief History of the Republican Party was written by him in 1889. This and a history of President Garfield’s life, had a large sale. Excepting one year spent as managing editor of the Cleveland Herald, he served 12 years continuously on the New York Tribune. The Century Magazine commissioned him in 1882 to write a series of articles after taking a journey through the northern states from the Great Lakes to the Pacific. Following this he became the author of a History of the Northern Pacific Railroad, in 1883.

In 1884, Mr. Smalley moved to St. Paul establishing the Northwest Illustrated Monthly Magazine. His purpose was to assist in promoting the interests of the Northwestern states. During his long years of experience Mr. Smalley frequently contributed to the Atlantic, the Forum, the Century and many other leading periodicals. His extensive travels and his close acquaintance with the northwestern part of the United States made him an authority on anything pertaining to the western country. Mr. Smalley enjoyed the acquaintance of several presidents of the United States, and he was the trusted friend of both Hayes and Garfield. As a newspaper man, he was brought intimately into contact with the prominent leaders of the Republican party and with those men who helped to organize it. (Minneapolis Tribune, Saturday, 30 December 1899, p. 7, c. 2)


DEATH CLAIMS E. V. SMALLEY.

_____


National Sound Money League Secre-

tary Dies at St. Paul.


ST. PAUL, Dec. 29.—E. V. Smalley, the editor of the Northwest Magazine and Secretary of the National Sound Money League, who has been suffering with nervous dyspepsia and nervous prostration for some time, died here tonight. (New York Times, Saturday, 30 December 1899)


31 December

A PROPHET

_____


The Late E. V. Smalley Was

Known Far and Wide for His

Ability to Forecast Election Results.

_____


“I have some very earnest recollections of E. V. Smalley,” said Col. E. D. Taylor, of the Tribune, yesterday, speaking of the demise of the St. Paul editor. “He was chiefly remarkable, in national history, from his ability as a political prophet.

“I remember distinctly when he was on the New York Tribune, and I was city editor of the Utica Herald. In those days every one waited to see what Smalley, would say before finally making up their minds as to the results of the election. No man was ever more successful as a prophet than he was during the last Grant campaign. All through that time he was sizing up situations and giving his views, and they were about as nearly correct as could be possible. He hardly made a mistake. He was invaluable to send into a country for information. He was sent South considerably, I remember, and he would go into a congressional district, remain there a week, and have a better, clearer idea of what the situation was than an old inhabitant.

“This faculty made him a very valuable man, and I know that he was generally thought well of in New York politics, and the press of New York generally banked upon his opinion. He knew politics and knew men, and he had a wonderful memory. He was a great admirer of Garfield. They came from very nearly the same place, and had many points alike.

“He was a wonderful help to St. Paul, never being selfish, and the only thing he would personally try to push along was his magazine. He was always up ahead in public affairs; his judgment was invariably sound, and that city has suffered a great loss. He has never been quite the same since the death of his daughter.

“Down in New York state his reputation as a political prophet will outlive his memory in other ways, for it was always spoken of as something nothing less than wonderful.”


ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FUNERAL.


The funeral of Eugene V. Smalley will take place at 2:30 o’clock this afternoon from the family residence, 633 Holly avenue, St. Paul. The service will be conducted by Rev. C. D. Andrews, rector of Christ Church. The service at the house will be public, but the interment in the family lot in Oakland cemetery will be attended only by the family.

The pall bearers will be Austin L. Halstead, E. W. Peet, Charles S. Fee, T. L. Schurmeier, Gen. J. W. Bishop, Maj. John Espy. Gen. Bishop and Maj. Espy are representatives from Acker Post, G. A. R., of which Mr. Smalley was a member.

Among those expected from a distance to attend the funeral are Walter M. O’Dwyer, assistant general secretary of the National Sound Money League, and Edward H. Smalley, both of Chicago. A telegram conveying his sympathy was received yesterday from Henry Villard, New York. (Minneapolis Tribune, Sunday, 31 December 1899, p. 7, c.’s 5 & 6)


The Northern Pacific gross earnings for the six months ending Dec. 31, were $16,000,000. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 February 1900, p. 4, c. 1)


1900

09 January

The annual meeting of the stock-holders of the Northern Pacific Bank was held on Tuesday afternoon, at which the old board of directors was re-elected as follows: C. N. Parker, J. J. Howe, W. S. McClenahan, S. Walker and H. D. Treglawny. A dividend of 8 per cent was declared. At a subsequent meeting of the board of directors the old officers were re-elected as follows: President, C. N. Parker; vice-president, S. Walker; cashier, H. D. Treglawny; assistant cashier, R. L. Georgeson; teller, Henry Linneman. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 January 1900, p. 1, c. 4)


13 January

An employee at the shops by the name of Lecault had the misfortune to get his left hand caught between two rollers on Saturday and before he could extricate it the thumb was injured to such an extent that amputation was necessary and his hand was otherwise injured. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 January 1900, p. 1, c. 2)


19 January

George Brockway, who was seriously injured at the N. P foundry last week is getting along so well as could be expected, and it is probable that his leg will be saved. The bone was broken near the hip joint and a delicate operation was performed on the patient Sunday at the Lumbermen’s hospital. The gentleman’s father arrived on Sunday morning from Champlin. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 January 1900, p. 1, c. 2)


SEE: 15 March 1901

SEE: 19 July 1901


BRAINERD & NORTHERN’S FUTURE.

_____


Northern Pacific Said to be Coveting

the Property of the B. & N. M.

Railroad.

_____


The Minneapolis Journal contains the following comments on the future of the B. & N. M. road which will be interesting to many of our readers:

Since the election of E. A. Merrill, president of the Minnesota Loan & Trust Company to the presidency of the Brainerd & Northern Railroad company a short time ago, a rumor has become current that the move was preliminary to the purchase and absorption of the road by the Northern Pacific; that Mr. Merrill will simply represent Northern Pacific interests in the matter and would step down and out as soon as it was seen fit, by the Northern Pacific people, to take charge of the Brainerd & Northern. The rumor was perhaps strengthened by the fact that the Northern Pacific was just coming into possession of a large block of cash through the sale of timber lands on the Pacific coast and that there was evidence of a policy on the part of the company of meeting the many advances of competing roads by improving its own lines and invading new territory where it saw a chance of securing good business and meeting competition.

In the absence from the city of Mr. Merrill and Vice President Carpenter of the Brainerd & Northern, E. P. Welles, a prominent director in the company, was asked today what there was in the rumor. He said that he knew nothing of such a deal. Some months ago the Brainerd & Northern directors were considering the plan of bonding the road to meet outstanding indebtedness incurred in the Bemidji extension and with the idea of building further to the north. Mr. Merrill was interested in financing this bonding deal, but before it was brought to a consummation, he came in with a proposition for the purchase of the road, or of a controlling interest. The stockholders being mostly lumbermen and having use for their money in the lumber business concluded to sell. They protected their logging interests by making contracts covering the time which would be necessary in which to get out their logs. Mr. Merrill paid the cash and that was all there was to it. Mr. Welles said that that was all he knew about the deal and he had no knowledge as to Mr. Merrill’s purposes as to the destiny of the property. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 January 1900, p. 4, c. 2)


27 January

Miss Maud Evans, for some time day operator of the N. P. in this city, has been transferred to Duluth, and left for that city last Saturday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 February 1900, p. 8, c. 3)


31 January

BRAINERD & NORTHERN CHANGES.

_____


Northern Pacific Man Chosen as General

Manager, Which is Significant.

_____


General Manager O. O. Winter, of the B. & N. M. Ry, has resigned his position with that company, and Wm. H. Gemmell, assistant secretary of the N. P., has been elected to succeed him. Mr. Winter’s resignation took effect on Wednesday, Jan 31st, and the new general manager is now in charge. Mr. Winter and family will remove from the city leaving next Tuesday. He has worked very hard and confined himself very closely for several years past, and feels the need of rest and recreation before again getting into the harness, hence he and Mrs. Winter have planned a two month’s trip through the eastern states, visiting all the principal eastern cities. They have made many warm friends during their residence in this city who greatly regret their departure. Mr. Winter will also be very much missed by the Public Library board, of which he was an active and energetic member. Indeed it might be said that he and Mr. Cohen have done more to make the library a success than all others, hence his departure will be a serious loss to the association.

The new general manager has had no experience, we understand, in the operating department of a railroad, but he will have the able assistance here of Chief Engineer W. O [sic]. Smith and other officials here, and will no doubt soon become familiar with the duties of the position, as he is said to be a man of great force and executive ability.

The Minneapolis Journal, under a Brainerd date, has the following to say in regard to the recent changes that have taken place in the management of the road:

If recent developments do not connect Northern Pacific interests with the purchase of the Brainerd & Northern Minnesota, they at least indicate that relations between the two roads are to be cordial. Following the announcement that E. A. Merrill, of Minneapolis, has purchased a large block of B. & N. M. stock comes the resignation of General Manager O. O. Winter and the election of Assistant Secretary Wm. H. Gemmell of the Northern Pacific as his successor. The meeting of the board of directors was held in Minneapolis Saturday, Mr. Winter being summoned by wire from Brainerd. Preceding the meeting Mr. Winter and Mr. Merrill were engaged in a brief conference. What transpired is not public property, but on the conclusion of their confidential talk, Mr. Winter stated that his resignation would be forthcoming at once. When the directors assembled it was awaiting their action. Its acceptance was followed by the nomination and election of Mr. Gemmell. The meeting Saturday was an adjourned session. Mr. Merrill was named as president at the recent annual meeting, but beyond that point it was not deemed wise to go. At the time the failure to re-elect Mr. Winter was not considered as significant, and the few who had acquired knowledge of the fact gave it no second thought. Neither Mr. Winter nor his friends anticipated that another would succeed him. Assistant Secretary Gemmell is not reported to be a practical railroad man; that is to say, he is not an operator. For this reason there is some doubt expressed that he will remove to Brainerd, or even sacrifice his position with the N. P. W. C [sic]. Smith, the chief engineer of the Brainerd & Northern is very capable, and it is possible that the operating department will be left in his hands, while the general policy of the corporation is determined by Mr. Gemmell. If this is the outcome it will be conclusive evidence in the minds of many that the N. P. has absorbed another of its connections. Mr. Gemmell is a comparatively young man. He was in service with the N. P. at the time of the receivership, though in a modest capacity. His work stamped him as a man of force and intelligence, however, and a promotion was shortly forthcoming. A little later he was made assistant secretary, his knowledge of the affairs of the system being so exhaustive that his services were, in measure, indispensable. He is a graduate of the law department of the University of Minnesota. Mr. Winter has been with the Brainerd & Northern just a year. He was previously with the Great Northern.


BOUGHT IT FOR HIMSELF.


According to the Pioneer Press the new president of the B. & N. M. denies he bought his interest in the road for the N. P., but says he bought it for himself. To a Press correspondent he said:

“I have been watching the Brainerd & Northern for some time,” he said, “and have been aware of its earning capacity and its value as an investment, and am perfectly satisfied. The purchase is so recent that I have made no plans, and am in no hurry to do so.”

The road, he said, would maintain its present relations with the Northern Pacific, as well as its traffic agreements with other roads. It had been the expectation of the former owners of the road to make extensions north of Bemidji this year or next, but Mr. Merrill says that he has made no plans for extensions, and can’t say at present what will be done. The resignation of General Manager Winter and the appointment of William H. Gemmell, late assistant secretary of the Northern Pacific, Mr. Merrill says, has no significance. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 February 1900, p. 1, c.’s 3 & 4)


A Possible N. P. Change.


A telegram from Fargo says for some days it has been reported that Superintendent Wilson of the Dakota division of the Northern Pacific was slated to succeed Mr. Law on the Minnesota division. It is said the latter will retire to engage in a private business venture, and other rumors have him in line for an important promotion. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 February 1900, p. 1, c. 2)


16 February

The vault at the Northern Pacific depot remained closed from Monday until Tuesday night, and then was opened by the assistance of L. W. Burrell. The combination was lost and it could only be opened by drilling. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 February 1900, p. 16, c. 2)


02 March

The new through train to be put on by the Northern Pacific will be known as “The North Coast Limited.” It will be one of the very finest trains in the country. It will begin running April 29th, and will leave St. Paul every morning at 8:55. Returning the train will arrive at St. Paul at 3 p. m. It will be lighted by electricity throughout and carry an observation car. Passes will not be good on tis train. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 March 1900, p. 8, c. 1)


06 March

HANGS HIMSELF.

_____


John Grady, Who Lost Both Legs Here,

Ends His Life in Minneapolis.

_____


The Minneapolis Times yesterday contained the following notice of the suicide of John Grady. Grady, it will be remembered, was stealing a ride on a freight train in this city about three years ago, when he was knocked off the brake beam and run over, both legs being crushed. He was taken to the Lumbermen’s hospital and cared for by Dr. Camp, both legs being amputated. He recovered, and for a long time, considerably over a year, was a bone of contention as to who should care for him, the county not being responsible as he was not a resident of the state or county, and the railroad refused to do so. In the meantime Dr. Camp cared for him at the hospital, as the doctor could not bear to turn a helpless man away to starve. Attorneys Leon E. Lum and C. A. Allbright brought suit against the company for him, and the case was finally settled for $3,250. Grady then having money left Dr. Camp’s kind hospitality and now he has ended his troubles. The Times says:

John Grady, a railroad man who lost both his legs about a year ago by being run over by a train, committed suicide Tuesday night by hanging himself with a trunk strap to a bed post in his room in a lodging house, 1020 Washington avenue south. The bed is near the window and people passing along Washington avenue yesterday morning noticed the body, partly shaded by the curtain. Grady had fastened the strap about his neck and to the top of the bed post, the lack of limbs enabling him to hang from such a low elevation. Grady was about 35 years of age and was evidently despondent. He has a suit pending for $30,000 damages against a railroad company. Both his parents are dead but he is thought to have two half sisters in Chicago. Coroner Nelson took charge of the body and will endeavor to communicate with relatives. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 March 1900, p. 1, c. 4)


SEE: 13 September 1898


16 March

The N. P. company is about to commence the construction of 500 new box cars at its shops in this city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 March 1900, p. 8, c. 1)


The N. P. company has purchased fifteen large new engines to be delivered in time for the fall business. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 March 1900, p. 8, c. 2)


20 March

John Corkrey, an apprentice at the shops, had the misfortune on Tuesday afternoon to lose the first finger of his right hand by having it caught in the gearing of the lathe he was operating. It was crushed off above the second joint. He was taken to the Sanitarium for treatment. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 March 1900, p. 8, c. 1)


21 March

BIG FLY WHEEL BURSTS

_____


At the N. P. Shops, Causing a Shut

Down for Several Days.


On Wednesday afternoon shortly after dinner the mammoth fly wheel of the big engine at the shops burst and the pieces were hurled with terrific force in all directions, practically demolishing the engine, partially destroying a dynamo, cutting a big steam pipe, and making a complete wreck of the engine room generally. Several pieces weighing many hundred pounds were hurled like a cannon shot straight through the roof many feet in the air, and fell fully 150 feet from the building.

The engineer, August [sic] [Adolph] Ausdahl [sic] [Ousdahl], was between the two engines when he heard the governor of the big engine break, and he sprang in an instant for the throttle to shut the steam off, knowing that the engine under the heavy steam pressure would get beyond control, but by the time the throttle was closed the speed of the engine had become so great that the fly wheel gave way. One piece cut the main five inch steam pipe, and the vast force of steam poured into the engine room. Fortunately for the engineer the blow that cut the steam pipe knocked it away from him or he would have been scalded to death in an instant. He crawled out of the cloud of condensed steam and feeling his way to the boilers shut off the steam that was escaping through the pipe. The cool, clear headed action of Engineer Ausdahl [sic] [Ousdahl] on this occasion was as brave and courageous as any act ever performed on the battle field. He escaped with no injuries except the scalding of the insides of his hands.

The engine is almost a wreck and the foundation is partially demolished. One of the dynamos was quite badly injured but can be repaired in a short time. The small engine was injured some, but not badly, and it has been repaired, and will be used to run a portion of the machinery, that most badly needed. As a result of the accident the men in the machinery side of the machine shop and the blacksmiths and mill men in the car shops were laid off and will be until such time as the engine can be repaired and the broken parts replaced, at least several days. Master Mechanic S. L. Bean estimates the damage at $1,500. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 March 1900, p. 1, c. 3)


SEE: 21 August 1901


No More R. R. Employees’ Picnics.


Master Mechanic S. L. Bean the first of the week received a circular from N. P. railroad headquarters stating that owing to the increasing demand for rolling stock occasioned by the putting on of the new coast trains it would be impossible for the company to furnish rolling stock for the annual employees’ picnics this year, consequently no more picnics will be held in the future. These annual outings of the shop men and other railroad employees have been very pleasant affairs, and have been very much enjoyed by the employees and their families, hence it is to be regretted that they will be discontinued. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 March 1900, p. 1, c. 3)


30 March

NEW N. P. TRAIN SERVICE.

_____


The Finest Trains in America Will be

Put on April 29th.

_____


A new schedule is to go into effect on the Northern Pacific April 29 next and the schedule will make a distinct advance in Northwestern railroading. Waiting until the fullness of time had come, until the field was ripe for the sickle, it has had constructed for it a transcontinental train, or, rather ten trains, to speak more accurately, that take advantage of all modern improvement, both in ideas and construction, of railway car builders. In addition to the regular trains now running, and which will be continued on practically the present time card, a new train which will be known as the “North Coast Limited,” will be put into service on the date mentioned.

These trains will be hauled by ten-wheeled Schenectady engines, weighing, exclusive of tender, 160,000 pounds, or eighty tons. Each engine has six driving wheels, the diameters of which are either sixty-nine or seventy-three inches or as high as a tall man, and will carry the train nearly twenty feet at each revolution of the wheels. The steam pressure carried is 200 pounds to the square inch, which will enable these monsters to pull the heavy trains at a high speed, even eighty miles an hour, if necessary. These engines will also supply steam for heating the train and operating the dynamos to supply electricity for lighting the cars.

Each North Coast Limited train will have eight cars, i. e., express, baggage, second-class coach and combination smoker, first-class coach, tourist sleeping car, dining car, Pullman standard sleeping car, and an observation car, each of which will be lighted by electricity. The whole train will also be equipped with wide vestibules, steel platforms, M. C. B. standard couplers, Westinghouse air brakes, Westinghouse air train signals, the Gold system heat, and paper wheels with steel tires. The new baggage and express cars will be seventy feet in length, and the baggage car will contain at the front end the electric plant. This consists of an eight and a half by eight-inch cylindered steam engine, a twenty-five Kilowatt Westinghouse dynamo with complete switch-board apparatus. This plant will generate an electric current of 300 amperes at a pressure of 125 volts. The smoking cars, or second-class coaches, are divided by a partition, one-half being for the use of second-class passengers and the remainder used for smoking car. The first-class day coach, sixty feet in length, follows the smoking car. These coaches are of recent manufacture and along the most modern lines, well ventilated, roomy, finished in mahogany, with separate and comfortable toilet rooms for men and women. A sixteen section tourist sleeping car, finished in mahogany, upholstered in dark green leather, with aisles carpeted, follows immediately after the first-class coach, and will prove a source of surprise and delight to those who cannot afford the luxuries of a first-class Pullman sleeping car. Immediately back of the tourist sleeping car will be a standard Northern Pacific dining car with appointments complete in every detail. Next in order comes the Pullman first-class car, which will be as finely finished and as handsomely decorated as any sleeping cars in the country. Two electric berth lights in each section will enable the passenger who desires to while away an hour with his book, to do so at his ease and comfort. At the rear end of each train will be found the crowning feature, i. e., an observation car, seventy feet in length. These cars will be entirely new and finished in mahogany, with Persian brass trimmings throughout; the exterior finish will be of standard Pullman color. It is claimed for these cars that they will combine all of the comforts of the library car, so called; all the good points of the old-style observation car, and new features never introduced in car building heretofore. At the forward entrance of this car, along the side of which runs a corridor forty-two feet in length, will be found two smoking and card rooms, seven by eight feet, with folding tables, and six upholstered wicker chairs. These smoking rooms will be entirely shut off from the remainder of the car, and with excellent ventilation, will prove a new and striking feature that will appeal to the lovers of the weed. Adjacent to the smoking room will be found the gentlemen’s toilet room. In the center of the car will be the barber shop, bath room and buffet. At the end of the corridor and at the entrance to the ladies’ parlor will be found a reading room, writing desk, and library of 125 carefully selected volumes of the most recent literature. On the reading table will be such standard monthly magazines as Harper’s, Scribner’s, Century, McClure's, and such illustrated weeklies as Frank Leslie’s, Harper's, Pucks, Life and Judge. The ladies’ parlor will be nine feet in width by twenty-three feet in length. This parlor or observation room, will contain fourteen portable wicker chairs, upholstered in plush of a color that will harmonize with the dark green willton carpet on the floor. The plate glass windows will be large—four feet wide—thus giving the traveler every opportunity to see, at his leisure, the country through which the train is passing. Electric fans for ventilating purposes will keep the air of this car sweet and pure. The rear platform, surrounded by a handsome brass railing will be six and a half feet long, partially enclosed by the extended sides of the car, and entirely covered by a dome.

Attached to the center of the rear railing of this car there will be a trademark of the Northern Pacific. This will be illuminated at night by nine electric lights, and being thus lighted all night, will be a unique feature of this train as it speeds across prairies and mountains.

With such trains as these running between St. Paul, Minn., and Portland, Oregon, it is certain that the people of the northwest will feel that the enterprise of the Northern Pacific Railway, in thus providing such splendid accommodations, will merit its full share of the passenger traffic. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 March 1900, p. 4, c.’s 3 & 4)


06 April

EXPENSIVE NEW MACHINERY

_____


Now Being Installed in the Northern

Pacific Shops in the City.

_____


A view to the north of the NPRR shops from the southeast taken from the roof of the original Harrison School building. The blacksmith shop and roundhouse and a portion of the clock tower are visible. Many of the homes in the foreground are still standing today and are located along Norwood Street and near the intersection with SE 15th Street. The second St. Francis Catholic Church building stands in the far left background, ca. 1910’s. A 2466x1272 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The Northern Pacific railroad company is putting in some very fine pieces of new machinery in its shops in this city. Yesterday a mammoth new wheel lathe arrived and will be placed in the machine shop as soon as possible. The shop is so crowded that other machinery will have to be taken out to make room for the lathe, which is a magnificent machine costing $5,000. It was made at Newark, Ohio, by the Neiles Tool Works.

Two other very fine pieces of machinery have been received during the week, and foundations for them are now being built, and when completed they will be placed in position. One is a bar punch and shears for the blacksmith shop, and the other is a plate punch and shears for the boiler shop, the former machine costing $3,200 and the latter $3,400. These machines are all electrically operated by independent motors attached to each machine, and are great labor saving devises.

The shops are crowded with work. Every available man that can be found is put to work, and all are compelled to work overtime, and still the work piles up. The blacksmith shop now has more work than the present force could do in eight months, and the shop is worked to its full capacity, and yet the work accumulates more and more. Something will have to be done soon to relieve the congestion. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 April 1900, p. 1, c. 4)


09 April

Switch engine No. 993 under the control of Engineer Geo. Bertram ran off an open switch in the N. P. yard on Monday and several hours were devoted to get it back on the track again. The engine was only slightly damaged. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 April 1900, p. 10, c. 1)


12 April

IMMENSE LAND SALE.

_____


The Northern Pacific Sells All Its Land

in Minnesota.

_____


Yesterday’s Minneapolis Tribune contains a notice of the sale of all the N. P. railroad lands in Minnesota to three Minneapolis men. It has been generally known that negotiations have been in progress for some time for the purchase of these lands by a Minneapolis syndicate, composed of such men as J. S. Pillsbury, Fred B. Snyder, Judge Jamieson, and J. L. Smith, formerly of this city. In fact the negotiations went so far as to be completed and approved by President Mellen and General Land Agent Wilsey, but the directors in New York disapproved, and now, according to the Tribune, other parties have secured the lands. J. L Smith was to have been general manager of the first company, and J. M. Elder and J. R. Smith local agents. The lands comprise about 700,000 acres, for which $1,000,000 was paid. About 130,000 acres are in this county, 150,000 in Aitkin and 180,000 in Cass. The rest is scattered through the counties along the line of the road. J. M. Elder, will continue as local agent for the new company. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 April 1900, p. 10, c. 5)


13 April

BRAINERD’S FUTURE PROSPERITY ASSURED

_____


Capacity of the N. P. Shops

in this City to be

Doubled.

_____


Plans Drawn and Approv-

ed by President

Mellen.

_____


And an Appropriation Made

_____


A Quarter of a Million Dollars for

New Building, and $50,000

for New Machinery.

_____


Contracts for Construction Will be Let

in a Few Days.—Will be Com-

pleted this Summer.

_____


The DISPATCH has received information from below from a reliable source which means much to the future prosperity of our city, and although all the details have not been received it is nonetheless accurate and authentic.

The Northern Pacific shops in this city will be enlarged and improved fully doubling their present capacity. The improvements contemplate the enlargement of both the machine shops and the car shops. Plans have been drawn and approved by President Mellen, and an appropriation for this purpose has been made. Como shops in St. Paul will also be enlarged. The plans for the shops in this city contemplate an addition to the machine shop just the size of the present one, an extension of 80 feet to the blacksmith shop, which about doubles the size of the present building; an enlargement of the tank shop to cover six additional pits, the present shop having five; and the building of an addition on the mill and car shops which will enlarge them by one half. These improvements will cause an expenditure of $250,000 by the company for new buildings, and $50,000 for machinery, the money for which has been appropriated. The plans were approved by President Mellen the first of the week, and the contracts for construction will be made in a few days and the work will all be completed this summer.

An attempt was made to get some information from the local official concerning the matter, but they were as dumb as oysters. The above information is nevertheless accurate and reliable.

The above improvements mean more to this city than the mere expenditure of the large amount of money necessary to make the improvements, or even the increase in our growth that will be caused by the additional men continually employed to operate them. It means that the N. P. company has no other idea than the continual enlargement of the shops here, making this the chief manufacturing point of the company, hence we say again, Brainerd’s prosperity is assured. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 April 1900, p. 1, c. 3)


16 April

N. P. BANK SOLD.

_____


C. N. Parker Sells His Interests to Dr.

Hemstead and J. F McGinnis.

_____


A most important business change occurred on Monday afternoon. On that day Mr. C. N. Parker, who organized and for several years as president has controlled this popular banking institution, sold his interests to Dr. Werner Hemstead and J. F. McGinnis. The sale included 288 shares of $50 each owned by Mr. Parker and 15 shares owned by P. S. Ware, formerly of this city, and 15 shares belonging to F. S. Parker. This gives these two gentlemen a holding of 318 shares out of a total of 500. The stock was sold at par. As this leaves Mr. Parker without any interest in the bank, he will, of course, at once retire from the presidency of the institution. At the annual meeting held in January no directors or officers were elected as the change was then contemplated, so an adjourned meeting of the stockholders will be held Tuesday, April 24th, when new officers will be elected. Dr. Hemstead will probably be elected president and Mr. McGinnis vice president. The present force of employees will undoubtedly be retained.

Messrs. Hemstead and McGinnis are two of Brainerd’s most substantial and enterprising citizens, and their connection with the institution cannot help but strengthen its credit and increase its favor with the business interests of this community and the northern part of the state.

Mr. Parker’s object in disposing of his banking interest is to retire from active business as much as possible. He desires to feel free to come and go as he pleases, and to spend his winters in a warmer climate if he desires, which he could not do if he was actively interested in the bank. He expects, however, to make his home here in the future as in the past, and will always lend his aid and experience in forwarding any movement for the benefit of the city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 April 1900, p. 1, c. 3)


20 April

Will Build New Cars Here.


The Duluth Tribune contains the following:

The Northern Pacific road has decided to give the logging industry of the Lake Superior division the recognition that its growing importance seems to warrant. A short time ago the company made a requisition on the eastern divisions for 2,000 flat cars, and several hundred were expected to come from the Lake Superior division if they could be spared. The cars were all actively engaged in the logging industry at the time the order came several weeks ago, and since then the company has curtailed the business as much as possible. But the demands of the industry are great and will be for years to come on the Lake Superior division of the road, and the company, according to an announcement yesterday, has decided to build cars at once to take care of it.

The cars will be manufactured at the company’s shops at Brainerd, where facilities exist for turning out 25 cars a day. The shops are very busy on general work at the present time, but arrangements will be made to turn out the cars. The new flat cars will be 41 feet long, and each of 77,000 pounds capacity. It is not known exactly how many of the cars will be built to meet the demands of the logging traffic, but it will be ample. About 500 cars have been engaged in the transportation of logs to Duluth, Superior and Ashland mills. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 April 1900, p. 6, c. 1)


25 April

The N. P. freight depot caught on fire on Wednesday from a spark from a passing engine. The department was called out, but the flames were extinguished by a chemical fire extinguisher before the department arrived. For effective work at short notice the chemical extinguisher seems to be the proper thing. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 April 1900, p. 10, c. 2)


SEE: 12 October 1878

SEE: 06 March 1891

SEE: 18 October 1901

SEE: 31 March 1902

SEE: 02 May 1902

SEE: 11 July 1902

SEE: 29 July 1902

SEE: 23 August 1902

SEE: 02 November 1902

SEE: 17 November 1902


26 April

Hans Peterson had his foot quite badly crushed yesterday while unloading kegs of spikes in the N. P. yard. The B. & N. M. train switched a car against the car in which he was working, with such force as to knock a keg of spikes down on his foot. He was taken to the Sanitarium for treatment. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 April 1900, p. 10, c. 2)


27 April

New Time Card.


A new time card will go into effect on the N. P. road next Monday, when the new “North Coast Limited” trains will be put on. The time of the arrival and departure of trains from this city will not be materially changed. No. 6 from the west will arrive a few minutes later than at present at 12:35, and depart at 12:55. No. 5 will arrive at 12:55 and depart at 1:15. The trains from Duluth will run about as at present, except that No. 15, the noon train, will run daily and go through to Staples, arriving at 12:05 and departing at 12:15. Returning to Duluth the train will arrive here from Staples at 12:55 and depart at 1:05. This arrangement will give as good connection in all directions as at present. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 April 1900, p. 4, c. 3)


The DISPATCH was in error last week in stating that 13 shares of the N. P. bank stock bought by Messrs. McGinnis and Hemstead was owned by P. S. Ware. The stock was at one time owned by Mr. Ware and was by him sold to Mrs. Ellen Carney, who sold the same to Messrs. Hemstead and McGinnis. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 April 1900, p. 10, c. 2)


It has been rumored about the city for some days that a new double track steel bridge over the Mississippi at this point would be constructed by the Northern Pacific this season, but the rumor has not been confirmed. It is known that the N. P. intends soon to replace the present wooden structure with a steel bridge, but as yet no material has been ordered or contracted for the same. The company two years ago actually gave an order for the necessary material for the bridge, but afterwards countermanded the order. It is very likely the work will be done this summer, but it is known that the material has not yet been ordered. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 April 1900, p. 10, c. 3)


01 May

Swallowed a Tin Whistle.


About two weeks ago, the four-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Winterstein [sic] [Wintersteen] swallowed a tin whistle, which resulted in the child's death on Tuesday morning last. Dr. Groves was called at the time, but the whistle seemed to have gone down into the child's stomach, and it was thought would be passed through the bowels. This did not occur and the child soon seemed unable to swallow solid foods, and developed a disordered condition of the stomach. It was then decided that the whistle had lodged at some point. The Sanitarium has recently acquired an expensive X-ray apparatus, and it was decided to locate the whistle by this means. On Sunday Dr. Groves took the child to the Sanitarium, and after a little search the whistle was located in the esophagus, near the collar bone. An effort was made to extract the whistle, but all efforts in this direction proved futile. It was finally decided that a surgical operation was the only means of removing the whistle and relieving the little sufferer, and an operation would have been performed Tuesday morning, but the child died that morning. The funeral occurred on Wednesday at St. Francis church, Rev. Lynch conducting the services. (Brainerd Dispatch, Friday, 04 May 1900, p. 7, c. 1)


04 May

RAILROAD RUMBLES.

_____


The Railroad Gazette says the Northern Pacific has ordered 500 gondola cars from the American Car & Foundry Co. We understand that this road has also ordered from this company 400 flat cars.

According to the Railroad Gazette the Brainerd & Northern Minnesota, has ordered two compound mogul locomotives from the Richmond Locomotive & Machine Works. They will have 18 1/2 in. x 29 1/2 in. x 26 in. cylinders; 56 in. in diam. driving wheels; extended wagon top boilers, 54 in. in diam. at smokebox end; steam pressure 200 lbs., and will weigh in working order 104,000 lbs., with 85,000 lbs., on drivers. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 May 1900, p. 4, c. 2)


The N. P. road has bought a majority of the common stock of the St. Paul & Duluth road, thereby securing control of the latter system. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 May 1900, p. 10, c. 1)


06 May

Not Small Pox.


Brainerd has had a small pox scare, which, fortunately, has proved to be merely a scare. Dr. Campbell, formerly a physician of the Sanitarium, but for several years located at Grand Forks, was visiting at the Sanitarium when he was taken ill last Sunday, and a rash looking very much like small pox developed. A car was placed on the side track at the Sanitarium, and the doctor was quarantined immediately, the hospital was thoroughly disinfected, and every precaution taken to prevent the spread of the disease. A further examination by most of the physicians of the city was made, and they all agreed that it was not small pox, but in order to be safe Dr. Bracken, of the state board of health, was telegraphed for, but did not arrive until yesterday, and he agreed that it was not small pox, and the doctor was released from quarantine. It was decided that the rash was produced by a form of blood poisoning, the infection being received through a wound on his finger. The doctor will go to St. Paul for treatment. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 May 1900, p. 1, c. 4)


18 May

The N. P. company will build cement sidewalks eight feet wide from the track to Front street on both sides of 6th street. The company appropriated sufficient money to build a plank walk, but Alderman Henry I. Cohen thought a cement walk would look better for a growing, pushing city, and hustled around and secured subscriptions enough to put in cement, which will make a great improvement in the appearance of the street here, and Mr. Cohen will deserve the credit therefor. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 May 1900, p. 10, c. 2)


06 June

General Manager Kendrick was in the city on Wednesday and visited the shops. He realized how badly overcrowded with work they are, and sent a message to Chief Engineer McHenry to expedite matters with reference to building the new shops planned in order to provide more room as soon as possible. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 June 1900, p. 10, c. 2)


11 June

Struck by an Engine.


Henry Hendrickson, a track man, was seriously injured at the N. P. shops on Monday a few minutes after dinner. The passenger engine that brought in the St. Paul train in charge of Engineer R. H. Carr was backing into the round house when Hendrickson stepped so close to the track that the corner of the tank struck him, throwing him to the ground, but fortunately not on the track. The blow broke seven or eight ribs and gave him a very serious injury on the head. He was taken to the Sanitarium at once by the switch engine for treatment, where his injuries were pronounced very serious but probably not fatal. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 June 1900, p. 1, c. 2)


14 June

Superintendent Blanchard, of the Superior division of the N. P., and Supt. Brown, of the St. Paul & Duluth, were in the city yesterday, on their way to Minneapolis, where Mr. Blanchard takes charge of the Minnesota division today, in the place of Mr. Law, who takes Mr. Kimberley’s [sic] place. Mr. Brown will take charge of the Superior division in addition to the St. Paul & Duluth. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 June 1900, p. 10, c. 2)


22 June

SIXTEENTH ANNUAL PICNIC.

_____


N. P. Shop Men Will Enjoy Their

Annual Outing This Year.

_____


The N. P. railroad shop men will hold their annual picnic this year notwithstanding the fact that the company is unable to furnish cars to transport them to some suitable place to hold the same, and they have gotten out posters for their 16th annual to be held on the flats on the river front at the west end of Kingwood street (tomorrow Saturday), June 23. A magnificent grove of hardwood trees cover a portion of the flat, which is free from all underbrush, and is large enough to accommodate as large a crowd as usually attend. Indeed, it is doubtful if a finer place for a picnic could be found anywhere. There are not many boats on the river, but if a few were provided boating could be enjoyed just as well as at a lake. The usual programme of sports has been arranged, including a sack race, climbing a greased pole, fat man’s race, children’s race under 12 years, men’s 100 yard dash, boys’ 100 yard dash under 16, married men’s race, girls’ race under 16, women’s race, tug of war between car department and locomotive department, swimming race, log rolling contest between the champions of the northwest, throwing weights, vaulting contest, high jump, hop, skip and jump, three legged race, etc. Dresskell’s City Band will furnish music for the occasion. A grand ball will be given at Gardner Hall in the evening. Kelsey's orchestra will furnish the music. The executive committee in charge of all arrangements is as follows: Wm. Herron, president; Thos. V. Grant, secretary; Wm. Brown, treasurer; E. A. McKay, Chas. Penton, David Cohen and Ira White. The boys intend to have a good time just the same as though they had gone to Detroit [Lakes] or some other resort. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 June 1900, p. 4, c. 2)


23 June

A PLEASANT OCCASION.

_____


Was the Railroad Employee’s Picnic

Held on Saturday.

_____


The 16th annual picnic of the railroad employees of the city was held on the flats of the west end of Kingwood street on Saturday last, and was a very enjoyable occasion, notwithstanding the excursion feature this year had to be omitted. A very large crowd was in attendance, as many as 1,500 people being on the ground at one time. The grounds were found to be delightfully suited for picnic purposes, hence all present enjoyed themselves very much. Dresskell’s band was in attendance all day and enlivened the occasion with delightful music. The programme of sports was observed as published, and the following is a list of the prize winners:

Boys’ race under 16—John Templeton, 1st, Frank Sundine, 2nd, and Hugo Sundberg, 3rd.

Girls’ race under 16—Bert Gaffney, 1st, Mabel Serguer [sic], 2nd, Mabel Canan, 3rd.

Boys’ race under 12—Will Schilb, 1st, David Arundel, 2nd, Will Elliot, 3rd.

Boys’ race over 16—John Bayle [sic], 1st, C. W. Carlson, 2nd.

Girls’ race under 8, May Hastings, 1st, Minnie Winter, 2nd, Lizzie Hudson, 3rd, Rose Olson, 4th.

Swimming race—Arthur Hastings, 1st, Will Bean, 2nd.

Ladies’ walking race—Mrs. Drake, 1st, Mrs. T. E. Chase, 2nd.

High jump—Ira White, 1st, C. A. Fox, 2nd.

Hop, skip and jump—Ira White, 1st, Judd Wright, 2nd.

Three legged race—Vorge and Halladay, 1st, Reinstadtler, and White, 2nd.

Gents’ smoking race—Ed. Dressen, 1st, Jas. McPherson, 2nd.

Men’s 100 yard dash—Fred Vorge, 1st, Ed. Dressen, 2nd.

Fat man’s race—Joe Hutchinson, 1st, J. P. Anderson, 2nd.

Married man’s race—C. A. Nichols, 1st, Ira White, 2nd, Jas. Towers, 3rd.

The tug of war contest between the car and locomotive departments was won by the latter, Messrs. Herron, White, Grant, Burns, Hutchinson, Miller, Pegg, Butler, Anderson and Vorge comprising the locomotive team and Messrs. Penton, Bergman, Setna, Morglan, Burdett, H. Lee, Dickson, Johnson and Olson doing the heavy pulling for the car side.

The log rolling contest was won by J. Davis.

A grand ball was given at Gardner Hall in the evening and was well attended. The Kelsey orchestra furnished the inspiration. The prizes awarded were:

Best lady waltzer—Maud Titze, 1st, Nora Theviot, 2nd.

Best gent waltzer—Earl Benjamin, 1st, E. S. Mitchie, 2nd.

Best lady two step—Mrs. Thos. Canan, 1st, Miss Maud Titze, 2nd.

Best gent two step—Thos. Canan, 1st, Chas. Hoffman, 2nd. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 June 1900, p. 1, c. 5)


30 June

J. H. Constance, engineer in charge of the construction of the new steel railroad bridge over the Mississippi, and assistant professor in the mechanical department of the State University, was taken in late Saturday night by special bicycle patrolman E. H. Simmons, for riding his bike on the sidewalk. On Monday he admitted the offense in the municipal court, and at the suggestion of Judge Mantor detached $2.50 from himself to swell the city coffers, and went on his way poorer but wiser. H. H. McDonald, president of the Fargo Supply Co., also contributed a like amount for the same offense. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 July 1900, p. 8, c. 1)


06 July

New Bridge Commenced.


The construction of the new steel railroad bridge over the Mississippi river which was announced in the DISPATCH some time ago would be built, has been commenced, the work of building a temporary structure for the use of trains while the new bridge is being constructed is now underway. The new bridge will be a model structure in every way, and will be a permanent improvement in the roadway that will be appreciated by the trainmen, who have always been suspicious of the wooden structure that has served since the one that fell into the river in the seventies. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 July 1900, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: 27 July 1875


03 July

D. C. Carmichael, of St. Paul, arrived in the city on Tuesday, and has accepted the position of chief clerk at the shops. Mr. Carmichael, at one time, was the champion amateur bicycle rider of the state. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 July 1900, p. 8, c. 2)


05 July

Two monster new compound engines were received yesterday in the city by the N. P. from Schenectady Locomotive Works. They are the first of 30 engines being built by the company for the N. P. An ordinary passenger engine looks like a toy beside them. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 July 1900, p. 8, c. 1)


17 July

The Minnesota & International Railroad became a subsidiary of the Northern Pacific Railroad.


Will Build to Red Lake.


Wednesday’s Pioneer Press contained the following item in its railroad news column:

The Northern Pacific will build a road from Bemidji to Red Lake. Articles of incorporation were filed with the secretary of state yesterday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 July 1900, p. 1, c. 3)


20 July

NEW LINE TO RAINY LAKE.

Articles of Incorporation of Minnesota

& International.

_____


A new line of railroad is to be constructed from Bemidji to a point on the Canadian boundary at Rainy Lake. Articles of incorporation have been filed with the secretary of state. The incorporators are president Mellen, of the Northern Pacific, General Council Bunn, Assistant Secretary Corbett, H. A. Fabian, private secretary to Mr. Mellen, and Emerson Hadley, of the legal department. The new corporation is known as the Minnesota & International.

The proposed line will form a continuation of the Brainerd & Northern, which is now under Northern Pacific control. Bemidji is the northern terminus. The company will build a bridge across the Rainy river into Ontario and will operate steamer lines on Rainy lake, Lake of the Woods and tributary waters.—Minneapolis Times. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 July 1900, p. 1, c. 5)


Logs by Rail.


The Northern Pacific railroad is hauling this week several million feet of logs to Little Falls for the Pine Tree Lumber Company. Everyday one or two trains of logs of 30 cars each are brought into this city by the B. & N. M. Railway, and are taken to Little Falls by the N. P. The cost of transporting the logs by rail is about $2.50 per thousand, while they could be driven down by the river if there was water and time for about one-fourth the amount, but the lumber company figures that the saving in loss by deadheads alone will probably pay the difference in cost of transportation, and the saving in time with the low stage of water is very great. However, it is the first extensive shipment of logs made by the N. P. on the upper Mississippi. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 July 1900, p. 1, c. 6)


27 July

New Equipment for the N. P.


Says the Pioneer Press: The Northern Pacific has not only not countermanded any orders for equipment, but is purchasing more. One of the latest contracts was with the Lackawanna Iron and Steel works for $400,000 worth of steel rails, with the Illinois Steel company for $200,000 worth of rails and with a Chicago firm for 400 flat cars. The new rails are intended for the extension now being constructed in North Dakota and the flat cars are to be used in hauling logs from the woods in northern Minnesota. Other heavy purchases of equipment were recently made for the traffic anticipated during the coming year. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 July 1900, p. 1, c. 5)


New Steel Railroad Bridge.


The work on the new N. P. steel railroad bridge over the Mississippi at this point is progressing finely. Immense storage and work sheds a block long have been erected, and temporary piers, to support the bridge while new substantial concrete piers are being built, are now being constructed. The work of building a big bridge in the same place as an old one, and keep the trains running all the time, is no mean engineering feat, but it is being done in this case.

The new bridge will consist of four spans, two 80 feet in length, and two 65 feet, in addition to short steel trestle work approaches. The bridge will be supported by four piers, that will be built of concrete 50 feet above the water on which the steel work will rest.

Considerable difficulty is being experienced in keeping the water out of the excavations for the foundations of the piers, and a pump of large capacity is being put into position for that purpose. The engine to run the pump is placed on the river bank, while the boiler to supply the steam is beside the track on the top of the hill. The work is being pushed rapidly, and should be completed in a few weeks. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 July 1900, p. 1, c. 6)


The piston rod of the big steam hammer at the shops broke on Saturday, and a gang of men were compelled to work all of Saturday night and Sunday and Sunday night to get the hammer ready for work on Monday. The shops are so crowded with work that the loss of the use of the hammer for a day even is serious. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 August 1900, p. 8, c. 1)


28 July

An empty oil car was badly damaged by fire in the N. P. yards Saturday afternoon. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 August 1900, p. 8, c. 1)


A party of N. P. officials were in the city on Saturday and went through the shops. In the party was President Mellen, General Manager Kendrick, General Superintendent M. C. Kimberley, General Traffic Manager Hannaford, General Passenger Agent Chas. S. Fee, and several minor officials. They were conducted through the shops by Master Mechanic S. L. Bean, and were much impressed by the crowded condition of the shops, and the urgent necessity for the immediate construction of the new shops as contemplated. The party had been up over the B. & N. M. to Bemidji, where work on the extension to Rainy River by the N. P. is about to begin. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 August 1900, p. 8, c. 2)


30 July

WILL REMOVE THE SHOPS.

_____


Brainerd Will Get Those Now Located

at Gladstone.

_____


Change to be Made Soon as Plans

are Perfected.

_____


Under the above heading the Minneapolis Times on Monday publishes the following notice of the intention of the N. P. railroad to concentrate all their shops in this city as soon as it can be conveniently done:

The plans of the operating department of the Northern Pacific regarding the old St. Paul & Duluth line are, in a sense, chaotic, but a number of changes are known to have been decided on that will be of vital concern to those affected. One of the biggest bears directly on the shops at Gladstone. As soon as proper arrangements can be made they will be closed and the machinery and the force of employees transferred to Brainerd.

The change will not be made for some little time. The policy of the Northern Pacific is to have its larger shops at smaller towns, away from the cities. In the first place this principle has been found to result to the benefit of the road, for all supplies which employees need must of necessity be transported over the line and another consideration is that, being away from other railroad men and from city life, employees are more likely to attend to their work in the manner required.

The Times announced two weeks ago that the St. Paul & Duluth was to be double tracked from the Twin Cities to the head of the lakes as soon as traffic warranted such an expenditure. With the Milwaukee alliance, including the additional business that is certain to be thrown to the road, and the possibility that the Great Western and other Chicago lines may seek the same arrangement with the Northern Pacific as the Milwaukee covets, the double tracking is not regarded as a remote possibility. During the past two or three years many improvements have been made to the roadbed of the Duluth short line, and the double tracking simply means the connecting of long sidetracks. The cost would not be as heavy as might be supposed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 August 1900, p. 1, c. 6)


03 August

In Their New Quarters.


The offices of the B. & N. M. were moved into the N. P. depot building last Friday afternoon. They occupy the east half of the second story, the most desirable portion. The auditor’s office has been moved up from Minneapolis, and will be located in this city hereafter. C. W. Schneider has resigned as auditor and has been succeeded by M. W. Downie, who has arrived in the city and assumed the duties of the office. Mr. Schneider was also in the city several days the first of the week, returning yesterday. All the officers of the company are now located here except the president, who has his office at Minneapolis. The old depot building, as a result now presents a livelier appearance than it has since the division headquarters were removed to Staples ten years ago. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 August 1900, p. 1, c. 2)


NEW TRIAL.

_____


Judge Holland Reversed by the Su-

preme Court in the Martin-

Courtney Case.


Information was received in this city by wire this morning that the supreme court had reversed the decision of Judge Holland in the Martin-Courtney personal injury case and had ordered a new trial. In the district court Mrs. Martin was given a verdict of $2,000 from which Dr. Courtney appealed. The new trial was granted on account of misconduct. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 August 1900, p. 8, c. 4)


SEE: 29 March 1901

SEE: 13 May 1901

SEE: 16 May 1901


A workman by the name of Rowell was quite badly injured last Friday afternoon while at work on the new railroad bridge. A large piece of timber 12 inches square and 16 feet long was being hoisted, and when 10 or 12 feet in the air fell and struck Rowell across the body, pinning him to the ground. It was at first thought that he was killed, but he was taken to the Sanitarium for treatment and is now doing nicely. He had two ribs broken and was otherwise injured internally. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 August 1900, p. 8, c. 2)


09 August

Work begun on new shops. Machine shop, blacksmith shop and boiler shop to be more than doubled. Contract requires all to be under roof by January 1. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 09 August 2000)


10 August

WILL BE BUILT THIS SUMMER.

_____


New N. P. Shops to be Built Immedi-

ately—Ground for Them Now

Being Cleared.

_____


The DISPATCH early in the spring contained a lengthy notice of plans being drawn and money being appropriated by the N. P. company to build extensive new shops in this city. The matter even went so far as to call for bids for the work, when the whole thing was delayed and postponed by the company because of the immense loss of revenue the company expected to sustain by the wheat crop failure. But the loss has not been as great as expected, and has been made good by the increased through business due to the Chinese trouble, hence the demand for rolling stock is as great as ever. The shops here are inadequate to turn out the required work, so the company has concluded to go on with the erection of the shops here immediately. Master Mechanic S. L. Bean was called to St. Paul the first of the week in regard to the matter, and the work of clearing the ground for the blacksmith shop was immediately begun on his return. The boiler shop and blacksmith shop additions will surely be made before snow flies, and as much of the other work as is possible. The matter has now gone so far that we can assure our readers on the best authority, that nothing can delay or stop the work of building them.

These improvements will make Brainerd the best business point in the northwest. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 August 1900, p. 1, c. 3)


24 August

Beginning August 1st.

The Northern Pacific adopted the plan of serving breakfast and luncheon on all its transcontinental trains on the a la carte plan—pay for what you eat; dinner will be served as heretofore, table d’hote, $1.00. This applies to both “North Coast Limiteds” and the Pacific and Twin City Express trains. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 August 1900, p. 5, c. 3)


31 August

ASSURED at LAST.

_____


N. P. Shops to Have Extensive Addi-

tions Made.

_____


They Will Thereby Become a Perma-

nent Feature Locally.

_____


Brainerd is open to congratulations. The shop improvements, which early in the season were sacrificed to the necessity for retrenchment, have been formally approved a second time by the Northern Pacific management and work under the contracts will begin at once. This settles for all time the possibility of a removal of the extensive plant already located here.

From most authentic sources it is learned that late this week the contracts were signed. The building is to be conducted on a most extensive scale, and car shops will present one prominent feature of the plans. The total expenditure will represent over $300,000. Butler & Ryan, one contracting firm, are said to have been awarded work aggregating $200,000. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 August 1900, p. 1, c. 6)


03 September

A new idea in a compound engine arrived in the city on Monday from the Schenectady works. The cylinders are placed tandem, two on each side, instead of over each other, or one on each side. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 September 1900, p. 8, c. 1)


07 September

WORK BEGUN ON NEW SHOPS.

_____


Contract Requires All to be Under

Roof by January 1st.

_____


Machine Shop, Blacksmith Shop and

Boiler Shop to be More Than

Doubled.

_____


The actual work of building the new shops has been commenced. The foundations of the blacksmith and the machine shops are now in process of construction, and the engineers are laying out the other buildings.

Plans for the shops have been on exhibition this week. The machine shop will be increased 150 per cent. The present shop is 230 feet long. The new portion will be 330 feet, making the total length of the new shop 560 feet. The new portion will be two stories high and contain 15 pits. The present shop has only 10.

The blacksmith shop will be increased 90 per cent, and the boiler shop 100 per cent. The present boiler shop will be used for cab construction and paint shop, and the boiler shop will be in the new portion. A riveting tower for hydraulic riveting will be constructed on the east end.

The car shops will be increased about 80 per cent. An entirely new building will be constructed east of the present shop, with a transfer table between. The engine rooms, boiler rooms and all other portions will be enlarged to correspond with the increase made elsewhere.

When completed, Mr. Bean informs us, they will have a capacity for twice the present force. What this means for Brainerd can easily be imagined. Of course the force will be increased only as required by the work on hand, but there is no doubt, in a year or two, all will be operated to the full extent.

Great credit is due to Mr. Bean who constantly urged upon the higher officials the necessity of building the new shops. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 September 1900, p. 1, c. 6)


08 September

DROWNED IN THE RIVER.

_____


Jas. McKeever, of Superior, Aged 35,

Loses His Life.

_____


James McKeever, of West Superior, a common laborer, employed in constructing the piers of the new railroad bridge over the river, was drowned Saturday afternoon last. McKeever and another man attempted to the cross the river in a skiff by holding on to a rope stretched across the river. Instead of holding the bow up and stern down stream and allow the current to force them across, as in a ferry, they held the boat straight, and the current tipped the boat over, throwing them in the water. McKeever’s companion held on to the boat and was rescued, but McKeever sank and was not seen again. His body was recovered at the wagon bridge about an hour and a half later. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 September 1900, p. 1, c. 2)


18 September

Four new locomotives, numbered from 106 to 109 were received at the N. P. shops in this city on Tuesday from the Schenectady Locomotive Works. They will be placed in running order and sent west for use on the Montana divisions. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 September 1900, p. 8, c. 1)


05 October

Work on the new Mississippi railroad bridge is progressing slowly. Two of the four main concrete piers have been constructed and work on the other two and the two end piers are now in progress. At the present rate the bridge will not be completed until very late in the fall. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 October 1900, p. 8, c. 1)


A. E. Law, recently superintendent of the Minnesota division of the N. P., has been appointed assistant general superintendent, with headquarters at Tacoma. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 October 1900, p. 8, c. 2)


12 October

Good Progress Being Made.


Work on the new railroad shops is progressing nicely. The brick work of the blacksmith shop is entirely completed and ready for the roof. The foundation of the machine shop is completed and the foundation of the boiler shop is well underway. These foundations are being made of concrete entirely. To realize the magnitude of the improvements being made one must view the extensive foundations. It looks as though the works would be more than doubled, and indeed this is a fact. On the car side foundations for the new mill and machine shops are about completed, as well as for the pattern shop and various smaller buildings. It looks very much as though the contractors would have no difficulty to comply with the terms of their contract requiring that all buildings be under roof by January 1st. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 October 1900, p. 8, c. 3)


19 October

The 16th Annual.


The 16th annual entertainment and ball of the N. P. Library Association will be held at Gardner Hall on Friday evening, Oct. [sic] 9th [Nov. 9th]. The annual entertainments are the only means of raising revenue to defray the expenses of the association, and provide new books, hence all should purchase a ticket and thus assist in a good work. To railroad employees the purchase of a ticket means a year’s membership in the association, and access to the books and periodicals in the library. All should purchase a ticket at once. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 October 1900, p. 1, c. 2)


L. P. Johnson, Sr., had the first two fingers of his left hand quite badly mashed at the shops last week, and as a consequence is not working these days. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 October 1900, p. 12, c. 1)


26 October

The brick work on the new machine shops is very nearly completed. Great progress is being made, notwithstanding the difficulty the contractors are having with their bricklayers. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 October 1900, p. 12, c. 1)


New Time Card.


A new time card goes into effect on the N. P. next Sunday. The two new through trains put on last spring, known as the “North Coast Limited,” will be taken off for the winter, leaving only one through train each way a day. The time of the local trains will not be materially changed, except probably the noon trains from and to Duluth will be taken off. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 October 1900, p. 12, c. 2)


02 November

Won’t Move Til Spring.


Under the above head the Minneapolis Times offers the following:

The shops of the Northern Pacific at Gladstone will not be removed to Brainerd until next spring. Extensive improvements are now in progress at the Brainerd shops. That work will first be completed and ample accommodations for the Gladstone shops secured. As the improvements will not be done with for some time yet, additional time must be allowed for removal. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 November 1900, p. 1, c. 4)


03 November

Ernest Jones had the misfortune to have his right eye injured in the N. P. blacksmith shop last Saturday, and has been receiving treatment at the Sanitarium since. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 November 1900, p. 12, c. 1)


09 November

General Foreman H. A. Lyddon, of the N. P. machine shops, is at the Sanitarium receiving treatment for an injury to his leg sustained some time ago by falling from his bicycle. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 November 1900, p. 12, c. 1)


Annual Library Ball.


The annual entertainment and ball of the N. P. Library Association will be held at Gardner’s Hall this Friday evening. As the association is maintained during the year principally by the receipts of the entertainment and ball, every citizen should assist by purchasing a ticket. Shopmen are entitled to a year’s membership in the association by the purchase of a ticket in addition to the entertainment. Let everybody attend. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 November 1900, p. 12, c. 1)


13 November

C. H. Gephart, for some time yardmaster in this city, has been transferred to Duluth as general yardmaster there, and G. H. Williams, of Duluth, took charge of the Brainerd yards on Tuesday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 November 1900, p. 8, c. 1)


30 November

The Northern Pacific has announced that hereafter no more female stenographers will be employed, and those now employed will be discharged March 1st. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 November 1900, p. 8, c. 1)


M. C. Kimberley, general superintendent of the Northern Pacific, will retire from that position in the immediate future owing to ill health, says the Minneapolis Times. A. E. Law, assistant general superintendent, with headquarters in the west, is understood to have been selected to succeed Mr. Kimberley. The official circular announcing the change is expected this week. The retirement of Mr. Kimberley is believed to be conditional in the sense that he has been prevailed upon to take advantage of a pension clause of inviting proportions. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 November 1900, p. 8, c. 2)


07 December

A contract has been let to F. H. Gruenhagen to equip the Y. M. C. A. building with a complete steam heating plant, and the work of putting in the plant will begin at once. This is a great improvement, as it was impossible to properly heat the building with stoves. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 December 1900, p. 8, c. 1)


According to the daily papers the Northern Pacific will put in a system of long distance ‘phones to give train orders and conduct the business of the road instead of using the telegraph. It is said to save time and expense, the telephone system being adopted on many eastern roads. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 December 1900, p. 8, c. 1)


Will Not Accept.


It is learned that A. Ousdahl, elected electric light superintendent by the council on Tuesday, will not accept, as the N. P. company in order to keep him, raised his pay from $80 to $100 a month, and as the city pays only $85 a month, Mr. Ousdahl will continue in his present place at the increased pay. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 December 1900, p. 8, c. 5)


14 December

BUYS MANY ENGINES.

_____


Heavy Purchases of Rolling Stock by

the N. P. as Reported by the

Duluth Herald.

_____


Duluth Herald: The Northern Pacific railroad is planning great additions to its equipment. In addition to the forty passenger cars, two dining and two combination cars, which have been ordered as reported in the Herald a few days ago, the road has contracted for about $600,000 worth of new motive power, which will be built at the Schenectady works. The order includes fifty engines, and the company has reserved the right to order seventy-five more locomotives at the same contract price if the condition of trade warrants the additional order. The entire cost of new engines and cars will not be less than $850,000 to $900,000. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 December 1900, p. 2, c. 2)


A report was circulated last Friday and Saturday that the N. P. company objected to their employees in this city serving as aldermen. There is not a particle of truth in it. Some of our best officials are now employees of the company, and it would be poor policy for the company to object to them serving the city, which it does not. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 December 1900, p. 8, c. 1)


17 December

C. B. White on Monday began the construction of an isolation ward at the Sanitarium for the treatment of contagious diseases. The ward will be located a couple of hundred feet in the rear of the Sanitarium, and will be 18x24 feet. It will contain a ward for patients and a closet, and room for a nurse. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 December 1900, p. 12, c. 1)


21 December

The B. & N. M. Railway has issued a bulletin announcing that after January first the employees of the company will become members of the N. P. Beneficial Association and will receive medical treatment at the Sanitarium of the association in this city, instead of St. Joseph’s Hospital as heretofore. The cost will be 50 cents a month to each employee, just the same as the N. P. employees pay. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 December 1900, p. 12, c. 1)


The N. P. telegraphers have asked for an increase in pay, and say they are supported by five other organizations in their demand. It is thought that the recent announcement of the company to put in a telephone system for train orders, was to forestall the action of the operators. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 December 1900, p. 12, c. 1)


25 December

H. E. Edward, foreman of the N. P. boiler shop, had the misfortune to slip and fall in the shop yard on Christmas day, and a broken leg is the result. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 December 1900, p. 8, c. 2)


28 December

The annual ball of the machinists will be held at Gardner Hall on New Year’s Eve. A large and select attendance is expected. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 December 1900, p. 8, c. 2)


1901

07 January

The N. P. machine shops began working ten hours a day on Monday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 January 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


18 January

A. M. Peterson has filed a lien of $50 on the new N. P. shop buildings, yards, etc., for a claim of $50, which he claims the contractors, Butler & Ryan, owe him for labor performed thereon. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 January 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


The first span of the new railroad bridge was placed in position last Friday morning. The work was completed so that the noon passenger train passed over it after a delay of only a few minutes. It is the first span on the west side of the river. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 January 1901, p. 8, c. 6)


24 January

The fire department was called out last evening to extinguish a slight blaze at the railroad bridge set by a spark from a passing engine. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 January 1901, p. 8, c. 6)


01 February

Pillager now has a Northern Pacific agent for the first time since Henry Villard controlled the road. E. P. Bacon has charge of the railroad business at that point. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 February 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


07 February

Shop Men Must be Vaccinated.


Yesterday an order was posted at the shops issued by the general management at St. Paul, requiring all men in the employ of the company to be vaccinated at once, to guard against an epidemic of small pox. The company takes this action at the request of the State Board of Health, which considers it a necessary precaution. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 February 1901, p. 1, c. 4)


08 February

The Northern Pacific, it is understood, will again place the “North Coast Limited” in service about May 5, although the exact day has not been decided. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 February 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


15 February

Henry Birman, an employee in the mill at the N. P. shops, had the misfortune to have his wrist and arm badly crushed by being drawn into the rollers of the planer. The bone of the arm was not broken, although the flesh was crushed nearly off, but a couple of bones in the wrist were fractured. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 February 1901, p. 16, c. 1)


21 February

W. J. Smith was injured in the shops yesterday by a block of wood striking him near the eye. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 February 1901, p. 16, c. 1)


22 February

The notice posted at the shops last week does not require the employees to get vaccinated as stated last week, but requests them to do so. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 February 1901, p. 16, c. 3)


25 February

A Narrow Escape.


Ira White had a very narrow escape from a frightful death on Monday noon. He was returning from the shops at noon for dinner and with several other shop men was running between the tracks on the dump. As it was a very cold raw day he had his cap pulled down over his ears, and did not hear a B. & N. M. engine backing up behind him at a considerable speed. Just as the engine was about up to him he ran on the track and glanced back to see how far behind him the other men were, and was horrified to see the swiftly moving engine so close to him that escape was impossible. He instantly jumped high in the air and sideways, when the engine struck him and knocked him a considerable distance, but fortunately his entire body except the heel of his foot fell outside the rail. The engine crushed off the heel of his shoe but his foot was not badly injured. He was so badly bruised by the blow that he has been confined to his home ever since. The men who were with him, and saw the engine strike him, supposed of course he had been run over and killed, and were surprised at his escape, which was truly miraculous. Mr. White thinks that his leap into the air so that the upper portion of the tank struck him and not the trucks, is what saved his life. It certainly was a lucky escape from a horrible death. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 March 1901, p. 1, c. 2)


01 March

Little Falls Transcript: Chas. Gravel has just completed the shipment of a number of cars of oak lumber to Brainerd, to be used in the Northern Pacific shops. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 March 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


The shafting and machinery has this week been installed into the new blacksmith shop at the shops, and it is now ready for occupancy. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 March 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


08 March

The roof of the new machine shop is being put on after a delay of several weeks waiting for the structural iron composing the same. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 March 1901, p. 8, c. 2)


15 March

DISTRICT COURT.

_____


The Jury in the Brockway-Parker &

Topping Case Disagrees.

_____


The case of George Brockway against Parker & Topping occupied the attention of the court for four days, from Saturday until Wednesday night, when the jury retired. Mr. Brockway brought suit against defendants for $25,000 damages for the loss of a leg as the result of an injury received while employed by them. He was injured by a flying fragment of iron, from a large hammer with which old iron castings are broken into pieces. Plaintiff charges his injuries were caused by improper and dangerous machinery, and defendants maintain it was his own negligence. When the plaintiff rested the defense moved to dismiss on the ground that the allegations of the complaint had not been proved and contributory negligence was shown. The motion was denied and the defense proceeded and the case went to the jury. The jury deliberated from 5 o'clock Wednesday night until 10 o’clock last night, when it was decided they could not agree and the court discharged them. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 March 1901, p. 1, c. 2)


SEE: 19 January 1900

SEE: 19 July 1901


27 March

FELL OFF THE TRAIN.

_____


Probably Fatal Accident to Brakeman

Martin on the Morris

Train.

_____


Thos. F. Martin, of this city, brakeman on the Morris train, on Wednesday afternoon fell off of a car about one mile east of Morris. He was not missed by the crew until the train reached the latter point. They immediately went back and found him lying beside the track. He was taken to the company doctor’s office, and upon examining him he was found to have a terrible scalp wound and also internal injuries. He is still unconscious and not expected to live. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 March 1901, p. 8, c. 2)


SEE: 05 April 1901


29 March

Judge Baxter has rendered a decision transferring the Martin-Courtney case to Sherburne county for trial, hence the case will not be tried at Elk River, before Judge Giddings, at the term commencing the first Monday in May. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 March 1901, p. 1, c. 4)


SEE: 03 August 1900

SEE: 13 May 1901

SEE: 16 May 1901


Louis Hohman, for several years express agent on the Morris train, has exchanged his position with Hiram Moore, night express agent in this city. Mr. Hohman made the change in order to be at home continually. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 March 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


05 April

Two Trains a Day.


On May 5th a new time card will go into effect on the N. P. railroad, when the famous “North Coast Limited” trains will again be put on. A double train service will also be put on between Staples and Duluth, just the same as last summer. The night trains will run about as at present, and the extra trains will arrive and depart from here at noon as on last summer’s time card. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 April 1901, p. 4, c. 3)


05 April

T. F. Martin, brakeman on the Morris train, whose severe injury was mentioned last week, was brought to the Brainerd Sanitarium on Tuesday. He has recovered consciousness and is improving and will probably recover. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 April 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


SEE: 27 March 1901


09 April

General Manager and Second Vice President J. W. Kendrick, General Superintendent M. C. Kimberley, Supt. E. L. Brown and Chief Draftsman Brettenger, of the Northern Pacific, were in the city on Tuesday and inspected the new shops and the new bridge. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 April 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


10 April

Pulled the Conductor.


Conductor Wm. Hessmer, running a freight train from Duluth to Staples, was arrested on Wednesday night by order of Mayor Halsted, for blocking the 6th street crossing. He was released and allowed to proceed on his promise to appear in court this morning to answer the charge.

The arrest took place after 11 o’clock on Wednesday night. A large crowd of people who attended the entertainment at Gardner Hall were compelled to wait nearly half an hour, it is reported, by the train blocking the track. Among the number was Mayor Halsted, and he became indignant at the nerve of the trainmen in blocking the crossing so long, and he summoned an officer and ordered the arrest of the conductor.

The action of the mayor will be commended by everyone. It is the first time in years that an arrest for this offense has occurred in the city, although the law has been violated with impunity. Scarcely a day passes that a train does not stand across the 4th, 6th or 8th street crossings anywhere from 10 minutes to half an hour, while pedestrians and teams are delayed that length of time, and it is about time that an end is put to the practice, and it is to be hoped the arrest on Wednesday evening will have that effect. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 April 1901, p. 4, c. 2)


12 April

INVADING NEW TERRITORY.

_____


Northern Pacific Heading for a New

Timber Region.

_____


There is ample evidence that the Northern Pacific and the Great Northern are preparing to invade territory in Northern Minnesota. Engineers surveying north from Bemidji, the terminus of the Northern Pacific’s Brainerd & Northern Minnesota line, say they are running a line for the Northern Pacific and that the survey will extend to Winnipeg. Such a movement is subject to two constructions. Either the deal for the sale of the Northern Pacific’s line to the Manitoba government has fallen through or the Northern Pacific has not obligated itself to keep out of the province in the future. The proposed line, it is claimed, will be a short line from Duluth to Winnipeg, shortening the present route by two hundred miles. Railroad men are puzzled. They can see good reason for extending the Northern Pacific to the northern boundary of Minnesota, but none for an extension beyond that point unless the Manitoba deal has failed. The country north of Bemidji offers inducements in the way of lumber traffic.—Pioneer Press. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 April 1901, p. 1, c. 4)


WILL CONSOLIDATE.

_____


The B. & N. M. and Minnesota & Inter-

national to be One Company

Owned by the N. P.

_____


The St. Paul Dispatch last evening contains the following:

The Northern Pacific Railway Co. will apply to the state authorities for permission to increase the stock of the Minnesota & International Railway company, of which corporation C. S. Mellen is president, from $100,000 to $600,000. The purpose is to absorb the Brainerd & Northern Railroad company.

It is the intention of the Northern Pacific to merge the two roads into one, to be known hereafter as the Minnesota & International company. The Brainerd & Northern will pass out of existence.

The step is another move forward toward ultimately pushing construction of the Minnesota & International straight to the Canadian border at Koochiching, through the immense wealthy timber country, into the lake region.

The Brainerd & Northern railroad is largely owned by the Northern Pacific, although the original owners, who were extensive lumber dealers, own considerable stock. The president of the Brainerd & Northern is C. A. Merrill, of Minneapolis. Much of the remaining stock is owned by the Messrs. Backus, Merrill, Carpenter, Lamb and others. The Northern is capitalized at $500,000. There are ninety-one miles of track in operation, extending from Brainerd in a northerly direction to Bemidji. At this point the Minnesota & International line commences. Thirty miles of new roadbed are built and practically ready for rails. Beyond this the Northern Pacific has pushed its surveys, and it has been practically decided to crowd construction northward toward the boundary.

This road, although called the Minnesota & International, is a Northern Pacific company. Its capital stock is $100,000, but as soon as the Minnesota & International is permitted to increase its stock to $600,000 the Brainerd & Northern will be taken over.

The total mileage of the combined roads will be 123 miles, but this will be rapidly increased as the road is pushed northward. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 April 1901, p. 4, c. 3)


Anton Sheflo had the ends of two fingers on his left hand taken off at the shops last week. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 April 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


The mayor has instructed the police to promptly arrest all trainmen obstructing any street crossing in the city more than five minutes. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 April 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


15 April

Sold Box Cars.


General Manager E. B. Hanna, of the Canadian Northern, was in the city on Monday. While here he purchased forty old flat cars of the Northern Pacific to be used on construction work on his line. This is the company that will probably lease the former N. P. lines from the Manitoba government when its deal with the Northern Pacific for their purchase is completed.

It is understood the N. P. has a complete traffic arrangement with the Canadian company by which its passenger cars will run through to Winnipeg as at present, and by extending the B. & N. M. to the boundary a short through freight route from Winnipeg to Duluth will be secured. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 April 1901, p. 4, c. 3)


On Monday the Northern Pacific filed with the state railroad commission a petition asking for permission to amend the charter of the Minnesota & International railroad that it might be able to increase its capital stock and absorb the Brainerd & Northern, as has been announced. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 April 1901, p. 8, c.1)


19 April

OVER TEN MILLION DOLLARS

_____


Will be Spent by the Northern Pacific

this Year in New Improve-

ments.

_____


St. Paul Dispatch: President C. S. Mellen today authorized the Dispatch to make the first announcement relative to enormous expenditures which the Northern Pacific will make the coming season.

The expenditures will aggregate $10,250,000.

It sounds almost inconceivable, but the sum of $5,250,000 will alone be spent for rolling stock and similar equipment. It is the largest equipment order placed by a railroad company west of the Mississippi, and few Eastern roads can duplicate it.

The other five millions will be spent in permanently improving the roadbed from St. Paul to Portland, in order that the line from end to end will be in perfect condition to bear the heavy strain of an ever-increasing volume of business.

These expenditures are the logical result of the rapid development of the northwestern and the extreme western country. The business of all the northwestern railroads has developed to such an extent, and the future shows such large increases still in sight, that the Northern Pacific feel that only by making such extraordinary additions to its equipment can it keep pace with the times. The expenditure of so much money on rolling stock is not looked upon in the nature of a risk. The business to keep the new equipment in active service is actually in sight, if not waiting.

The first item in the new equipment budget is sixty new cars for the various branches of passenger service. These cars will be built by the Pullman company. Included in this order are two solid new vestibuled trains with observation cars for the Duluth short line. All of the new passenger cars will be lighted either by electricity or acetylene gas excepting the second-class cars.

There will also be eight new sleepers, thirty-two modern day coaches of the best type, fourteen finely finished combination cars, two baggage cars, two extra line dining cars, two parlor cars and two observation cars, fitted up in the sumptuous form of those in use on the North Coast Limited trains, and also between the Twin Cities and Duluth.

The additional freight equipment will consist of 5,000 cars. They will be built by the American Car & Foundry company in St. Louis, and Detroit, Mich.

The new equipment is classified in the budget, as 800 extra long flat cars (41 feet) for use under the log hauling contracts now in force with big Minnesota lumber concerns, 3,000 standard box cars, 450 coal cars, 150 refrigerator cars and 550 stock cars, a total of nearly 5,000 cars.

Two large steam shovels of the modern design will also be purchased, also two rapid ballast unloaders. The purchase of these would indicate considerable construction and betterment work.

The heaviest single item in the long list, however, is that of new locomotives. Seventy-five locomotives will be built, a contract having just been closed with the Schenectady Locomotive works. It is the largest single locomotive order placed by a western road. All classes of engines are represented in the order, including fast passenger engines, heavy freight engines, switch engines, and locomotives designed for special service.

The item for 450 coal cars will arouse especial interest as it denotes that the Northern Pacific has determined to develop its coal fields in Montana and Washington, not only for the purpose of supplying coal for its own consumption, but for commercial uses. The coal fields in these two states are quite extensive. The increase in the stock car equipment of 550 cars shows that the Northern Pacific is now enjoying a steady increase in that class of traffic, and that more equipment is needed to care for the volume already offered.

The Northern Pacific will also buy six complete new wrecking outfits, of the most modern type. The outfits which include the most powerful steam lifting cranes, etc., will be made by a Bay City, Mich., concern. The fact that the Northern Pacific is now using heavier locomotives and freight equipment than ever renders it necessary to buy heavier wrecking apparatus for use in case of accident and derailments.

The magnitude of the above order, covering a million and a quarter dollars, can be realized when it is stated that it will furnish employment for over 5,000 men in various parts of the country, for a period of six months.

The Northern Pacific will not undertake any extraordinary pieces of construction in the way of new lines. The five millions will be used almost entirely for improvements to the permanent way, such as reduction of grades and curvatures, bridges, culverts, grading, ballasting, etc. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 April 1901, p. 2, c.’s 1 & 2)


The lumber district of Northern Minnesota now so well covered by the Northern Pacific road is to be traversed also by the Great Northern and surveying parties are now out north and west of Cass Lake, Bemidji and other points. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 April 1901, p. 4, c. 1)


Dr. Hemstead has given up his office as physician and will discontinue the practice of medicine. He will devote his entire time to the business of the N. P. bank, of which he is president. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 April 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


20 April

Yardmaster Williams, of the N. P., has been appointed station agent and yardmaster of the Great Northern at Willmar, and left on Saturday last to take the position. Claude Burton was appointed by Superintendent Brown to take Mr. Williams’ place, and now has charge of the yard. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 April 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


22 April

Nearly Fatal Accident.


Nick Betzold met with an accident at the shops on Monday that nearly cost him his life, and may yet prove fatal. He was running a lathe in the old machine shop, and while at work at his machine a bar of iron weighing 27 pounds was accidentally dropped by workmen in the employ of the American Bridge company, who are putting in a trestle for a traveling crane that is shortly to be installed. The bar fell about 30 feet and struck Betzold on the head felling him to the floor and crushing a portion of his skull into his brain. A switch engine took the injured man to the Sanitarium as soon as possible, where he was given surgical treatment. Several pieces of skull were picked out of the brain, but notwithstanding these injuries Mr. Betzold is alive and improving, and may possibly recover.

He is a man about 30 years old and has a wife and two children dependent on him for support. That he may recover is the wish of his many friends. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 April 1901, p. 1, c. 3)


26 April

The Bridge Completed.


The new steel bridge over the Mississippi river is completed, and is a handsome, solid and substantial structure. The new bridge was built on the exact site of the old one which was removed and the new bridge built without delaying traffic an hour. When one considers that the bridge is over 600 feet long and about 75 feet high, it was an engineering feat of no small proportions. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 April 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


29 April

Thomas Neville, an employee of Butler & Ryan, while painting the cornice of the new machine shop on Monday fell from a ladder about 16 feet high, the force of the fall breaking his right leg between the knee and hip. He was taken on a switch engine to the Sanitarium for treatment. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 May 1901, p. 10, c. 2)


02 May

The N. P. shops in this city yesterday turned out 30 new refrigerator cars, out of an order for 75 now being constructed. The rest must be finished this month. Great speed has been made in building the cars just completed, as they are wanted for use on passenger trains to bring the Oregon and Washington berry crop to the eastern markets. They are a great improvement on the old refrigerator cars the new Bond patent being used. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 May 1901, p. 10, c. 3)


05 May

Change of Time.


A new time card goes into effect on the N. P. railroad on Sunday, when the new transcontinental trains will again be put on. There is no material change in the running of trains into Brainerd, except there will be a new train to and from Duluth at noon. No. 5 from the south will come in ten minutes later than at present. The time card published elsewhere has been changed to the new time. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 May 1901, p. 4, c. 4)


06 May

The police picked up a drunken cripple in the railroad yards Wednesday night, laying across the tracks. He had both legs off as a result of a former railroad accident. He was jailed and is now quite sick. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 May 1901, p. 10, c. 2)


09 May

Northern Pacific common stock sold at $1000 a share in Wall street yesterday, as the result of rival interests trying to get control of the road. it was a crazy speculative deal, the price being totally unwarranted by the earning capacity of the stock, and dire results will follow to the country. The Wall street gambler should be treated like any other. (Brainerd Dispatch, 10 May 1901, p. 4, c. 1)


17 May

The Northern Pacific is making half million dollar improvements in the Duluth yard and terminals according to the daily press. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 May 1901, p. 4, c. 1)


Machinists’ Strike.


Next Monday, May 20th, is the day the machinists throughout the land were ordered to strike for a nine hour day and 12 1/2 per cent increase in pay. The papers on Wednesday stated that railroad machinists were not included. The machinists in this city have an organization, but it is not anticipated they will strike, although they are known to favor the demands of the national organization. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 May 1901, p. 4, c. 3)


Herbert Hurley, who has been fireman on the switch engine, has taken one of the branch runs and Thos. Gorman, of Staples, is now on the switch engine. Ben Smith who has been on the branch runs, is now firing on the main line. Clinton Foster is on the branch run and Wm. Moore is on the main line, says the Little Falls Transcript. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 May 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


Michael Corrigan, of Fargo, has sued the N. P. company for $20,000 damages for the loss of a leg. Corrigan was under a bad order car in Fargo making repairs when other cars were backed against it and the wheels ran over and crushed his leg. He was brought to the Sanitarium in this city and his leg amputated, and he now sues the company for the loss of that member. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 May 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


13 May

The Martin-Courtney case is being tried in Elk River this week, and interested Brainerd parties went down there on Monday, including Dr. Courtney, Mrs. Martin. Miss Whittaker, Miss Strangway, Con O’Brien and E. W. Lynch. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 May 1901, p. 8, c. 4)


SEE: 03 August 1900

SEE: 29 March 1901

SEE: 16 May 1901


16 May

DISMISSED.

_____


The Martin-Courtney Case Taken from

the Jury by Judge

Giddings.

_____


The Martin-Courtney case which has excited so much interest in this community in the past, was taken from the jury by Judge Giddings at Elk River last Thursday and dismissed on motion of the attorney for the defendant. The evidence of both the plaintiff and defendant had been given when the motion was made, and the case disposed of as indicated above. All the readers of the DISPATCH are familiar with the facts in the case. It was twice tried here and a verdict given each time for the plaintiff, which was reversed each time when appealed to the supreme court. As Judge McClenahan was one of Dr. Courtney’s attorneys, it could not again be tried here by him, and a change of venue was taken to Sherburne county. This disposition of the case is probably final. Dr. Courtney feels elated at the result, as he considers his professional honor has been vindicated. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 May 1901, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: 03 August 1900

SEE: 29 March 1901

SEE: 13 May 1901


24 May

An attempt was made this morning in the railroad yards to shove several car loads of logs off of a side track on the main track while two loaded cars of logs were standing right at the switch. The result was the usual one, the cars collided and one left the rails before a stop could be made. Over an hour was consumed in getting the trucks back on the track, and ties were smashed galore. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 May 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


29 May

A. L. Hubbard, an electrician employed at the new shops in installing the new light plant, fell from a ladder on Wednesday afternoon, and so seriously injured his back that he was taken to the Sanitarium on a switch engine for treatment. No bones were broken, although he fell about 12 feet. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 May 1901, p. 8, c . 4)


31 May

DOUBLE THEIR CAPACITY.

_____


Parker & Topping will Make Castings

for Entire Line of the

Northern Pacific.

_____


Parker & Topping have been notified the past week by the N. P. that their contract to furnish castings for the company for work east of Helena, Montana, has been extended to the entire line of the road, which will increase their business at the foundry in this city from 50 to 100 per cent; and, of course, their force of employees will have to be increased accordingly. The castings for the road from Helena west have heretofore been made by the foundry in Tacoma, formerly owned by Messrs. Parker & Topping, but for some reason the company has seen fit to take the work from the Tacoma foundry and give it to Messrs. Parker & Topping here.

Mr. Parker says they had not applied for the work and do not know why the company favored them unless it was because the work can be done here at a figure that will warrant the company in paying it and hauling the castings there at a profit. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 May 1901, p. 1, c. 6)


The machinists strike still continues throughout the country, although in many instances the demands of the machinists have been acceded to. (Brainerd Dispatch, 31 May 1901, p. 4, c. 1)


03 June

Secretary Wilhelm, of the Y. M. C. A., has had all the old lights taken out of the Y. M. C. A. building and new ones substituted. The building has been renovated, the wires now being concealed. It makes a decided improvement in the appearance of the rooms. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 June 1901, p. 2, c. 3)


06 June

Butler & Ryan have completed their contract at the N. P. shops and the last crew of men left for St. Paul last evening. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 June 1901, p. 8, c. 4)


07 June

AN OBSTRUCTION TO HIM.

_____


J. H. Hallett Objects to Having Streets

Blocked—Warrants Issued for

Arrest of Conductors.


J. H. Hallett is up in arms and does not propose to dally with the matter which is most vividly impressed on his mind these days. He has taken a hand in organizing against a class of men commonly called conductors and intends to have them incarcerated unless they desist from stopping their trains on crossings.

The city ordinance provides that the trains shall not stop longer than five minutes on a crossing unless they are working. This is the bone of contention. And it is not presumed that Mr. Hallett would object to this if it was any other than the measly log train that blocked First street for a short time a few days ago.

Mr. Hallett has had three warrants sworn out and as soon as the three conductors who violated the ordinance can be secured they will be taken before a justice. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 June 1901, p. 1, c. 6)


JURISDICTION EXTENDED.

_____


Master Mechanic Bean Now has Charge

of Three More Round Houses

and Additional Trackage.


Master Mechanic S. L. Bean has been notified that his jurisdiction has been extended to include all of the Manitoba or D. & M. division of the Northern Pacific south of the boundary line. Heretofore Mr. Bean’s jurisdiction did not extend further than Winnipeg Jct. and this did not even include the round house at the junction. The new addition adds three roundhouses to the present number under the supervision of Master Mechanic Bean, one each at Winnipeg Jct., East Grand Forks and Pembina.

This action was taken as a result of the sale of the N. P. line in the Dominion of Canada to the Canadian Government.

Saturday officials of the road returned from over this line having been at Winnipeg making final arrangements for the transfer of the line. The party consisted of President Mellen, Third Vice President Hannaford, General Auditor M. P. Martin, General Store Keeper R. M. Lambert and G. K. Pierce, assistant to the president.

Second Vice President J. W. Kendrick and Supt. of Motive Power A. Lovell are in the city today conferring with Master Mechanic Bean.

Mr. Bean’s jurisdiction now extends over 231 miles and includes something like 1300 miles of track. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 June 1901, p. 3, c. 2)


Agent McKay has received orders to increase the force on the N. P. Depot one man. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 June 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


The large traveling electric crane, weighing twenty tons, was started at the N. P. shops this morning. The crane is a wonderful piece of machinery and is so constructed that it will traverse the entire shop buildings, both old and new. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 June 1901, p. 8, c. 2)


The date has been fixed for the seventeenth annual picnic of the employees of the Northern Pacific. It will be held at Deerwood this year and the committee on sports is preparing an excellent program. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 June 1901, p. 8, c. 4)


13 June

HAND BADLY CRUSHED.

_____


An Employee at the N. P. Planing Mill

Taken to the Sanitarium Last

Night.


While at his work in the planing mill at the Northern Pacific shops yesterday afternoon John Kohlaan caught his hand in some machinery and the member was quite badly crushed.

He was hastily removed to the Northern Pacific Sanitarium where the wound was dressed. He is resting well this morning and while the bruises are very painful and he will be laid up for some time, it is not thought that an amputation will be necessary. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 June 1901, p. 6, c. 1)


14 June

IT WILL BE A HUMMER

_____


Annual Picnic of Northern Paci-

fic Employees at Deerwood

This Year

_____


THREE HUNDRED TICKETS SOLD

_____


Merchants Contribute Generous-

ly Toward Prizes—An Excel-

lent Program


The executive committee who have in charge the arrangements for the annual picnic of the employees of the Northern Pacific to be held at Deerwood on June 22, have been doing some hustling the past few days and from present indications the event this year will far eclipse anything of the kind ever attempted.

The members of the committee have been around among the business men of the city and considerably over $100 has already been contributed by the merchants toward prizes. The program which is now in the hands of the committee will be one of the best that has ever been given.

There will be an unusually large attendance this year, something like 350 tickets having already been sold, and it will be a gala day. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 June 1901, p. 1, c. 1)


J. E. Phelan, in Fargo Forum: In the retirement of J. W. Kendrick from the service of the Northern Pacific Ry., the northwest loses one of its best friends and most able men. To Mr. Kendrick more that any other one man the N. P. Ry. owes the inauguration and development of the policy of improvement in operation that has placed it on the present dividend paying basis. All who are identified with the northwest cannot help but feel that the loss of such a man is much to be regretted. (Brainerd Dispatch, 14 June 1901, p. 2, c. 4)


19 June

STRING OF “FLATS” HIT.

_____


“Someone Has Blundered” and There Will

be a Seance on the Carpet as

a Result.

Wednesday about 10 p. m. there was a bump and a crash in the Northern Pacific yards that startled the natives and for a few minutes the air seemed blue. The noise was caused by the colliding of a switch engine and a string of flat cars used for hauling logs.

It was engine No. 181 and the night switching crew was engaged in pulling up a line of empties from the west side. The engineer, of course, thought that the switch ahead was all right, but it was not, and before he knew it he had run amuck of a string of moving flat cars in front of the depot, and the cylinder box of his engine was badly riddled. The engine will have to be laid up for repairs. No one was hurt. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 June 1901, p. 1, c. 6)


21 June

AN APPROPRIATE LIST OF EVENTS

_____


Announced for the Annual Picnic

of the Northern Pacific

Employees.

_____


THEY WILL REST FROM LABORS.

_____


The Location will be in Brainerd

Instead of Deerwood

This Year.


The seventeenth annual picnic of the Northern Pacific railway employees will be held in this city Saturday, the first announcement that it would be held at Deerwood this year to the contrary notwithstanding. It was first intended to hold the picnic at Deerwood but the employees have been unable to get the cars this year and this project had to be abandoned.

There will be no change in the general arrangements of things, however, and in all probability there will be a larger attendance than if held at Deerwood. The committee met last night to complete finally matters pertaining to the event. It was decided to give the picnic on the “flats” at the west end of Kingwood street. The entrance will be at J. M. Elder’s residence. This is a very nice place and will afford ample room for all.

The picnic will be free to all ladies and children, but gentlemen are required to pay fifty cents. Anyone, either lady or gentleman, wishing a stand will have to pay fifty cents.

The Northern Pacific shops will be closed all day Saturday and the large concourse of employees will have a day off. It will be a gala event for Brainerd, and with the very splendid program it will be an enjoyable one. The Aitkin band has been secured for the day, and this popular organization will discourse music on the picnic grounds.

One of the best programs in years has been prepared and the committee feel grateful to the merchants of the city and others who contributed so liberally for prizes. The names of those who contributed will be published later.

The following is the program of sports:

One-hundred-yard-dash (over eighteen years of age)—First prize, one pair of $9 pants, second prize, due bill for $2.

One-hundred-and-fifty-yard-hurdle race (over eighteen years of age)—First prize, $4 umbrella; second prize, $5.00 membership in the Y. M. C. A.

One-hundred-yard-dash (boys fifteen to eighteen years of age)—First prize, $3.50 pair of shoes; second prize, due bill for $2.

Seventy-five-yard-dash (boys 12 to 15 years of age)—First prize, 22 caliber rifle; second prize, $1.50 ham.

Fifty-yard-dash (boys under eight years of age)—First prize, best knife in Clark’s store; second prize, fifty cents in cash.

Three-legged race for men—First prize, $3.50 pair of shoes; second prize, $2 package.

Standing jump—First prize, $3.50 fishing pole; second prize, $3 box of cigars.

Running jump—First prize, $2.50 pair of cuff buttons; second prize, $1.50 ham.

Running hop, skip and jump—First prize, $3.50 bicycle lamp; second prize, due bill for $2.

High-jump—First prize, one-half dozen photographs; second prize $2.00.

Pole vault—First prize, 100-pound sack of flour; second prize, $2 package.

Sack race—First prize, $3.50 bicycle lamp; second prize, $2 package.

Egg race (for ladies)—First prize, $2.75 bonbon dish; second prize, $1.50 fan.

Seventy-five-yard-dash (for ladies)—First prize, $3.50 perfume cut glass bottle; second prize, $2 hat.

Swimming contest—First prize, $9 pair of pants.

Ladies walking contest—First prize, $3 hat; second prize $2 umbrella.

Ladies potato race—First prize, $2.50 umbrella; second prize, $1.50 bottle of perfume.

Girls’ foot race (age from eight to twelve years)—First prize, $1.50 doll; second prize, 50 cents in cash.

Gents smoking race—First prize, $3 box of cigars; second prize, $3 picture.

Fat men’s race—First prize, $3 robe; second prize, $3 box of cigars. Men over 200 pounds eligible to race in this event.

Tug-of-war (between locomotive and car departments at N. P. shops)—Prize, $10.00. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 June 1901, p. 4, c.’s 2 & 3)


HUNDREDS WILL ATTEND.

_____


The Picnic of the Northern Pacific Rail-

road Employees at Deerwood [sic]

will be a Success.


The committee who has in charge the arrangements for the employees picnic, of the Northern Pacific, is meeting with great success and the prospects are good for the largest attendance since the inauguration of these pleasant pastimes.

The program is being prepared and it will consist of sports of all kinds and will not only be interesting but will be amusing in the extreme. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 June 1901, p. 6, c. 4)


HE GOT HIS NAME.

_____


A Warrant Issued for the Arrest of F.

W. Hall Charged with Blocking

Crossings.


O. G. Graham, the water man, got the name of the man who had charge of the log train which blocked First street a few days ago and kept him waiting for about fifteen or twenty minutes, and yesterday he had a warrant sworn out for the man’s arrest.

The complaint is made against F. W. Hall and he will be held and tried under the city ordinance regulating the time that trains are supposed to stop on the crossings, when not actually engaged in doing work. (Brainerd Dispatch, 21 June 1901, p. 6, c. 4)


24 June

TESTING THE BRIDGE.

_____


Assistant to the Chief Engineer of the

Northern Pacific in the City

with Supt. Brown.


NP Bridge and Hospital, ca. 1908. A 1600x1002 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Postcard

Monday afternoon Assistant Chief Engineer Ballinger, of the Northern Pacific, will conduct a test of the Northern Pacific bridge across the Mississippi.

The bridge has just been completed after a year’s work, but during all that time not a single train has been delayed. During the course of construction the old bridge was removed piece by piece until the new one was put in.

Superintendent E. L. Brown, of Duluth will witness the test. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 June 1901, p. 6, c. 4)


TEST VERY SATISFACTORY.

_____


Supt. Brown, of Duluth, Witnesses the

Test of the Northern Pacific

Bridge Monday.


Monday afternoon Assistant Engineer Ballinger of the Northern Pacific, conducted a test of the Northern Pacific bridge across the river, the same being witnessed by Superintendent Brown, of Duluth.

This was the first test made of the bridge since it was built. The test proved very satisfactory and the bridge pronounced perfect. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 June 1901, p. 2, c. 2)


WAGES RAISED AT N. P. SHOPS.

_____


Many Employed in the Motive

Department Notified

by Letter.

_____


THE ACTION IS VOLUNTARY.

_____


First-Class Machinists, Black-

smiths and Boilermakers

on the List.


Monday noon the hearts of about 150 men employed in the motive department of the Northern Pacific shops of this city were made glad, each one receiving a notification from Master Mechanic Bean, that their wages had been advanced voluntarily by the company.

The raise affects all the first-class blacksmiths, machinists and boilermakers; some of them having their wages advanced from $2.90 to $3.00 per day, and others getting an advance from $2.95 to $3.00.

There were also some few others who received the raise and of course there is a general good feeling prevailing. The fact that the raise comes wholly unexpected and voluntarily on the part of the company, makes it the more appreciated by the men.

Each one of the men were given a letter, notifying them of the raise and it will take effect from the first of the month. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 June 1901, p. 2, c. 3)


25 June

STRICKEN WITH PARALYSIS.

_____


Day Watchman James Clark Drops at

Shops Late Tuesday

Afternoon.


Late Tuesday afternoon James Clark, well known in the city, day shop watchman for the Northern Pacific, while in the act of driving out two fellows at the shops who were trespassers, fell to the ground and when picked up was found to be in an unconscious condition.

The old man was removed to his home on the north side and Dr. Mowers was called and it was found that Mr. Clark had suffered a paralytic stroke. His left side was completely paralyzed and for a time it was though that he would not pull through, and while he is doing very well today under the circumstances, he is not entirely out of danger.

Mr. Clark is very well known in Brainerd, especially at the shops, where he has been employed for years. He has reached the age of seventy-six and on this account the stroke is a hard one for him.

      Dr. Mowers was called this afternoon just before the DISPATCH goes to press and he said that the patient was doing nicely. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 June 1901, p. 1, c. 5)


27 June

The train bound for Duluth, which is due to leave Brainerd after 1 o’clock in the afternoon did not reach here until 6:45 last night. The delay was at Staples, where they were compelled to wait for the North Coast Limited, which was five hours late. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 June 1901, p. 4, c. 3)


28 June

A building will be erected in a short time as an addition to the N. P. Sanitarium which will cost in the neighborhood of $5,000 to be used as a nurses’ training school. The building will be brick, and two stories high. The building will accommodate about twenty people. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 June 1901, p. 3, c. 2)


Chas. B. Bean has arrived in the city from Duluth, to accept the position of car accountant in the Northern Pacific office. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 June 1901, p. 4, c. 2)


29 June

Monday noon the hearts of about 150 men employed in the Motive department of the Northern Pacific Shops of this city were made glad, each one receiving a notification from Master Mechanic Bean, that the wages had been advanced voluntarily by the company. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Friday, 29 June 2001)


04 July

The converter at the N. P. depot burned out during the storm on 4th of July morning. A new converter was secured from the city electric light plant, but this proved too strong and all the lights were burned out, and for a time darkness reigned about the place. (Brainerd Dispatch, 05 July 1901, p. 8, c. 6)


17 July

JOKE RESULTED SERIOUSLY.

_____


Louis Carleton, a Switchman in the N. P.

Yards Injured Wednesday

Afternoon.


Louis Carleton, the well known switchman, in the Northern Pacific yards, was quite badly hurt Wednesday afternoon, as a result of a joke one of his fellow workmen played on him. One of the large torpedoes used by the railroad for signal purposes was placed on the track and it exploded not far from where Mr. Carleton stood and a part of the explosive struck him on the left arm just above the wrist.

Mr. Carleton was standing on the back step of the switch engine at the time and the very queer coincidence is the fact that two large wheels passed over the torpedo before it exploded. It is not thought that Mr. Carleton’s injuries will prove serious but he will suffer much pain and will be laid up for some time. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 July 1901, p. 1, c. 6)


19 July

BROCKWAY GOT $5000.

_____


As Predicted in the Dispatch the Defend-

ant in the Celebrated Suit Gets

this Amount.


George Brockway, who lost his leg while working in the Parker & Topping foundry in this city, has received in cash $5000 for the loss of his limb. The DISPATCH stated after the termination of the settlement that this was about the amount that Brockway received and it has since developed that this was the exact amount.

It is understood that the insurance company which insures all of Parker & Topping’s men against injury paid half of this amount. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 July 1901, p. 4, c. 4)


SEE: 19 January 1900

SEE: 15 March 1901


20 July

Saturday afternoon Emil Hedman, a young boy employed at the N. P. shops had the misfortune to get his hand caught between a center pin and sill in the car department. The first finger of the hand was badly crushed and he will be laid up for sometime. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 July 1901, p. 8, c. 4)


25 July

WALLACE DAORST HORRIBLY MANGLED.

_____


Fell Beneath the Cars at Deerwood

Station Last Night at

11:30 O’clock.

_____


ARM OFF AT THE SHOULDER.

_____


Brought to the Northern Pacific

Sanitarium and His Mother

Sent For.


A very sad and deplorable accident occurred Wednesday [sic] as the 11:20 train was pulling through Deerwood coming this way and Wallace Daorst, of Duluth, will probably lose his life as a result.

The young man got caught on the railing of the passenger coach as he was getting off the train and fell beneath the car between the platform and the track. It is not known whether the wheels of the car passed over the part of his body which was injured, but it is thought that they did.

The young man accompanied by his companion, Chas. Nolan, also of Duluth, arrived in the city this morning about two o’clock and he was taken to the Northern Pacific Sanitarium where he underwent surgical operations. His right arm was horribly mangled and crushed and it had to be amputated at the shoulder. It is also thought that his shoulder blade has been broken. It cannot be stated whether he has been hurt internally or not. The young man has been unconscious most of the time since he has been at the hospital, although for a long time after the accident occurred he was conscious and talked about matters. The doctors at the Sanitarium stated just before noon that the patient had rallied somewhat since he was first brought in but the decisive point had not been reached and nothing definite could be given out as to the outcome.

Mr. Nolan states that he, young Daorst and another young companion from Duluth by the name of John Linbeck came out to Deerwood last Sunday for a week’s outing. They had spent a very enjoyable week and intended leaving for home this morning on the early train. They went over to the train which arrives at Deerwood from Duluth at 11:30 o’clock to meet a friend who was going west. At the station they all went in the car and when the train started to pull out they bid their friend goodbye and stared to get off. Young Daorst was the last to get off and in some manner his coat caught in the railing of the car and he fell off and stumbled beneath the wheels. His companions were almost frightened to death and tried to signal the train to stop but could not. They were left with their injured companion at the Deerwood station without medical aid and hardly knew what to do.

They found, however, that a through freight was coming to Brainerd in about an hour, and they made arrangements to bring the injured boy in on that. The wait for the train was a long one, the injured young man suffering untold agony from the wounds. They did not get him to the hospital and in the hands of the doctor until after 2 o’clock.

This morning Nolan telegraphed the boy’s mother. She lives at Duluth and is a widow. She telephoned to the hospital authorities at an early hour to ascertain the condition of her son and said she would be here on the first train. The family are well known in this city. At one time the injured boy’s father was hurt about the same way, and was brought to the Northern Pacific Sanatarium, where he was a patient for a long time. While he was sick his family came to Brainerd. The old gentleman died shortly after that, having been killed in another accident.

Charles Nolan will remain in the city until there is a change in his companion’s condition either better or worse. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 July 1901, p. 1, c. 6)


SEE: 13 September 1901


26 July

THE BIG EXCURSION.

_____


It is Predicted that the Largest Crowd

Ever Will Take it in Saturday—

Great Time in Sight.


Those in charge of the big excursion which is being given by the Y. M. C. A. and the People’s church on Saturday of this week are very much elated over the manner in which things are progressing. There is no doubt at all but it will be one of the largest excursions ever going out of Brainerd.

The train will leave at a very pleasant hour in the morning and all will have an opportunity of enjoying a morning ride through the beautiful plains of Northern Minnesota. At Walker those who have ever been to a watering place or who have gone on excursions will find that this place compares favorably with anything in the United States. There is something wonderful about the place, the scenery being beautiful and there being all the privileges of fishing, boating, etc., making it ahead of anything in these parts.

The round trip is only $1 and when it is considered that the regular fare up to Walker and return is something over $2.00 one way it will be seen what a grand opportunity this is. It is expected that there will be over a thousand going on this excursion. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 July 1901, p. 1, c. 3)


The passenger department of the Northern Pacific road has issued a miniature “Wonderland” containing the “history of a trademark.” The booklet is designed to meet the demand for a complete history of the peculiar design used by the Northern Pacific Railway and is certainly an interesting chapter. Four cents in postage stamps with a request for it sent to Chas. S. Fee, St. Paul, will procure this interesting book with its colored illustrations and lucid explanations. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 July 1901, p. 4, c. 3)


A very heavy steam wrecker has been received at the Northern Pacific shops and in a few days Master Mechanic Bean will test the machine. It is one of the latest models and is a mammothly constructed machine. The wrecker is to be sent west on the Rocky Mountain division as soon as the test is made. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 July 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


Secretary Wilhelm has just completed the report for the month of June of some interesting data in reference to the work at the Y. M. C. A. Five men’s meetings were held during the month, one hundred and twenty-five young men used the gymnasium, ten took instructions in the gymnasium, 2,888 men visited the rooms, 169 attended the Sunday meeting, 475 availed themselves of the bathing privileges and 125 people wrote letters from the writing desk. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 July 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


Master Mechanic Bean, of the Northern Pacific shops stated last evening that business in all the departments was especially active at the present time. The work has piled up to such an extent that orders are quite a little behind. There is a demand for men and this is especially true regarding the car repairing department. Master Mechanic Bean states that he could use from twenty-five to forty men in this department alone. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 July 1901, p. 8, c. 4)


29 July

Northern Pacific Bank to Have

Entire New Plate Glass

Front.

_____


OTHER ALTERATIONS MADE.

_____


Several New Houses Will be Erected at Once by Minne-

apolis Firm.


Workmen commenced tearing down the front of the Northern Pacific Bank building this Monday and some extensive improvements are to be made in and about the building. The entire front of the bank will be torn out and new plate glass put in which will cost several thousand dollars. It will take sometime to make the repairs but when completed the building will present a very handsome appearance.

A crew of men was at once put at work tearing up the old walk in front and around the side of the bank, and new cement walks will be put down to conform with the new ordinance recently passed by the city council making the walk on Front street 16 feet wide and on Seventh street 12 feet wide. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 August 1901, p. 6, c. 3)


01 August

SHOP LABORERS ARE SCARCE.

_____


The Demand in the Harvest Fields for Men

has Created a Scarcity in

this City.


Master Mechanic Bean stated yesterday afternoon that men were particularly scarce in the city this year, and especially is this true in lines where many laborers are needed.

The scarcity is ascribed to the fact that there is a greater demand this year than ever before for men in the harvest field of Northern Minnesota and North Dakota. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 August 1901, p. 1, c. 2)


08 August

E. P. Mallory had the misfortune to get his hand caught in a band saw in the planing mill at the N. P. shops yesterday afternoon. He has a very bad wound and will be laid up for some time. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 August 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


09 August

THE CONTRACT IS LET.

_____


Contractor C. B. White of This City is the

Successful Bidder for N. P.

Sanitarium Addition.


Contractor C. B. White was notified this afternoon that he was the successful bidder for the contract in the construction of an addition to be made to the Northern Pacific Sanitarium.

The new building is to be used as a nurses’ training school and is to be one of the most modern buildings yet erected in the city. The contract price was just a shade below $5,000.

The work will commence on the new building Monday morning and it will be rushed to completion as rapidly as possible. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 August 1901, p. 3, c. 3)


12 August

TWO OTHER BOYS IN IT.

_____


The Story Given by the Transcript as to

How the Hand Car was

Taken.


W. J. McFetridge, detective for the Northern Pacific Railway company, was in the city Monday and caused a warrant to be issued for the arrest of Edward Rolph, Ole Anderson and Hugo Peterson upon a charge of breaking into the company’s hand car house and taking a hand car.

On Sunday, Aug. 5, the boys broke into the company’s section house in this city and took a hand car and went to Swanville. The boys returned in the evening and when a short distance west of the town they struck a tie that had been put on the track by some other boys who wanted to have some fun with them. The car was thrown into the ditch and badly broken up. The matter was at once communicated to the general office and proceedings instituted to bring the boys to justice. After some trouble the names of the boys were secured and the company’s detective caused a warrant for their arrest.—Little Falls Transcript. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 1901, p. 1, c. 6)


13 August

WOOD ATTEMPTED TO WRECK TRAIN.

_____


Sheriff Tanner, of Little Falls,

Looking for a Bold

Bad Man.

_____


TRIED TO WRECK A TRAIN.

_____


The Young Man’s Father Lives

Near Pillager but the Boy

was Not Home.


Tuesday afternoon Sheriff Tanner, of Little Falls, and Inspector W. J. McFectridge [sic], of the Northern Pacific, were in the city and drove out towards Pillager to try and locate a young man by the name of Ed. Wood, who has a rather game reputation in and about Little Falls.

It is reported that Wood sometime ago stole a hand car from the Northern Pacific and rode a few miles from Little Falls and carried a lot of ties and piled them on the track. No one knows what his motive was in doing this and why he should want to wreck the train.

Fortunately someone happened along and saw the obstruction and notified some of the officials.

The sheriff and inspector drove out to the boy’s home this side of Pillager Tuesday afternoon but the boy was not there and could not be found. They returned to Little Falls last evening.

It is understood that Wood is also wanted for stealing candy from a car. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 1901, p. 1, c. 3)


16 August

THEY ARE THREE VERY TOUGH KIDS.

_____


Young Louis Houston Sentenced

to Serve Twenty Days

in County Jail.

_____


BOYS STEAL BRASS GALORE.

_____


“Saginaw Kid” and “Muskrat”

Have Skipped Out—Were

Badly Wanted.

_____


Louis Houston, the young lad who was arrested Friday night last by Officer Hurley charged with stealing brass off of engines in the Northern Pacific yards and around the shops was brought before Judge Mantor Saturday morning to be sentenced, he having plead guilty to the charge Friday morning. Houston was fined $25 [sic] and in default of same he was sentenced to serve twenty days in the county jail.

In this connection there is quite a long tale connected with the stealing of brass around the shops. It seems that there has been a well organized gang of young men who have been principals in these depredations for some time and the strange part of the whole matter is that all three young men who were wanted by the police are not residents of the city. Young Houston is although young lad and when asked if that was his right name he said this morning that he had rather be called “Montana Kid.” He said the names of his partners were “Saginaw Kid” and “Muskrat Kid.” The police had expected to get the other two boys before this morning but they failed to locate them and it is thought that they got out of the city.

The stealing has been carried on for some time and it is feared that the young men are wise enough to stay in the clear and not get caught. Several hundred dollars worth of brass has been taken from the engines at the shops. From one large engine alone something like $80 worth of brass was taken.

The man who has been buying this brass from the kids would seem to be as guilty as anyone. It is claimed that he has been buying the brass from the boys, melting it down and selling it again. The county officials are very anxious to get the two boys who have escaped and every effort will be made to corral them.

_____


Chief Nelson Saturday night succeeded in locating the two pals of young Louis Houston, who was arrested a few days ago and sentenced to serve time in the county jail on the charge of grand larceny. The two young fellows arrested Saturday night were pretty badly wanted and all the officers, county and city, were looking for them. It was thought at first that they had taken a cue from the arrest of young Houston and had ducked out of the city.

The boys’ names are Charlie Stephens and Frank Harms. They were brought before Judge Mantor Monday morning and both entered a plea of guilty. The court asked both where they had come from. Young Stephens stated that his parents lived at Floodwood. He had met Houston, or the “Montana Kid,” shortly after he came here and they had become close chums. Harms stated that his home was in the southern part of the state. He stated that he had been at Floodwood working for a man by the name of Stephens, father of the other defendant. He had been in Brainerd all last winter but went to Floodwood early in the spring, returning here about a month ago.

The two kids are about as tough as can be found. Neither one is much older than 15 years and the astuteness which permeated their bearing as they appeared in court would compare favorably with that displayed by the hardest of criminals. They did not seem to mind the proceedings and were as unconcerned as anyone.

The court imposed a fine of $35 [sic] but of course they did not have the money and they were sentenced to serve thirty days in the county jail. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 1901, p. 3, c. 2)


The Northern Pacific and Great Northern will have 3,000 or 4,000 new freight cars for use this fall. The new equipment is expected to discount the tremendous extra business anticipated in the way of grain and lumber as well as general merchandise.—Crookston Journal. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 1901, p. 4, c. 5)


N. P. SHOP GOSSIP.

_____


Master Mechanic Bean Says Something

Must be Done to Keep Men in the

City—Scarcity of Houses.


Master Mechanic Bean was very much wrought up Tuesday when two or three of his best men at the shops walked into the office and tendered their resignations and when asked the reason for this they stated that they could not get houses in the city to live in.

_____


Mr. Bean stated this morning to a representative of the DISPATCH that it behooved the businessmen of the city to make a stir in the direction of building houses. Men who want to come here and locate are turning their backs on the city for the reason that they cannot find homes for their families. Houses are needed badly; and houses which would rent for a reasonable amount of money within reach of working men.

_____


The first large tandem compound engine was sent west from the shops this morning. It was a hummer and is to be used for heavy work on the rocky Mountain division.

_____


Yesterday Frank Larison, road foreman of the N. P. between Mandan and Billings; Howard Curry, road foreman of the N. P. east of Fargo; and Mr. Swan representing Manning, Maxwell & Moore, of Chicago called on Master Mechanic Bean at the shops. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 1901, p. 6, c. 2)


The Misses Tate and Whitaker, nurses at the N. P. Sanitarium, went to Long Lake this afternoon for a few days outing. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 1901, p. 8, c. 2)


A large vertical mill has been set up in the N. P. shops. It is a great piece of machinery. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


This noon Ed. Miller realized what it was to be within a hair’s breadth of meeting his death. Just as the Duluth train was pulling out of the yard someone on the train held a letter up in his hand and told him to come and get it. Just as Mr. Miller went to cross the main track the train from the west pulled in and he did not realize that it was so near. The engine was almost on top of him and he even had to put his hand on the cowcatcher to help himself out of the pernicious position. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


Foreman E. M. Brown of the electrical department of the Northern Pacific is in the city installing some new machinery and overhauling the old electric light plant at the Northern Pacific shops. The old plant long ago became inadequate for the increasing demand for more lights. When the work is completed and everything is in good running order five hundred horse power will be furnished from the plant. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 1901, p. 8, c. 5)


17 August

Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Laidlaw and Mrs. M. C. Kimberley, of St. Paul, arrived in the city this afternoon. Mr. Laidlaw is secretary of the Northern Pacific Beneficial association and is up on business connected with the new nurses’ building at the Sanitarium. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 August 1901, p. 4, c. 3)


21 August

BAD ACCIDENT AT THE SHOPS.

_____


Large Corliss Engine Breaks Down

and Work was Sus-

pended for Time

_____


ENGINEER OUSDAHL IS INJURED

_____


He Tried to Shut Off Steam and

His Hands were Bad-

ly Burned.


There was a very bad accident at the shops Wednesday afternoon but fortunately no one was seriously injured. The cross head to the big Corliss engine broke and the force of the steam jammed the piston rod with great force and smashed the engine in bad shape, blowing out the cylinder head.

Engineer A. Ousdahl was in the building at the time but did not happen to be near the engine. Of course as soon as the cylinder head broke the steam began to escape and the room was soon filled. It at once became very dangerous to go near the machinery as the steam was boiling hot. With his usual nerve Mr. Ousdahl climbed up the ladder and turned off the steam and in doing so he burned both his hands in horrible shape. The burn is not serious, however, and he is on duty today but is not able to do much.

The whole shop was shut down for a short time after the accident occurred until another engine in the boiler room could be started up. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 August 1901, p. 1, c. 3)


SEE: 21 March 1900


27 August

TRIO OF ACCIDENTS.

_____


John Robinson Badly Bruised by a Cable


Tuesday afternoon while some of the section men were working on the “y” that is being constructed this side of the shops a large cable which is used to pull cars became loosened from its moorings and struck John Robinson felling him to the ground. His arm was badly broken and he was otherwise bruised about the body. He was taken to the N. P. Sanitarium and is feeling pretty well today. He is a married man and lives in East Brainerd.


[...]


(Brainerd Dispatch, 30 August 1901, p. 6, c. 1)


13 September

N.P. BUILDS NEW SHOPS.

_____


The Company to Build to the Extent of

$50,000 Not Far from Duluth—

Bids to be Opened.


The Northern Pacific railroad will open bids in St. Paul today for the erection of buildings for shops, oil houses, etc., in Duluth, on Rice’s Point. These are to be part of the large plant which that road is to have in Duluth. The contract for a large round house was let some weeks ago to Geo. Deeks & Son, of St. Paul, but that constituted only a part of the large improvements contemplated. Construction on that building has already begun, at least the property is being made ready for the erection of the building.

The buildings for which bids will be opened today will cost in the neighborhood of $50,000 and will be substantial and permanent in character. It is not, of course, designed to have any such system of shops as exists in Brainerd for the general repair shops of the road are there, but they will be very complete and will be able to make extensive repairs on disabled rolling stock.

The Northern Pacific railroad has up to this time had very little in the way of improvements at Duluth, but one work which has been inaugurated this summer will give it facilities second to none.—Duluth Herald. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 September 1901, p. 1, c. 6)


R. H. CARR PROMOTED.

_____


He Will be Traveling Locomotive Engineer

for the N. P. on Ashland and St.

P. & D. Divisions


R. H. Carr, of this city, one of the oldest engineers, running into the city, has received word of his promotion to the position of traveling locomotive engineer on the Ashland and St. Paul & Duluth divisions of the N. P. road.

Mr. Carr has been with the Northern Pacific for years and has been on Nos. 5 and 6, between St. Paul and Brainerd for a long time. His many friends in the city will congratulate him on his advancement, which is considered a deserving recognition of a worthy employee. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 September 1901, p. 2, c. 3)


MAY LOSE AN EYE.

_____


Louis Hogan an Employee at the Blacksmith

Shop Meets with a Painful Accident

Tuesday Morning.


Tuesday Louis Hogan, an employee of the N. P. in the blacksmith shop, had the misfortune to catch a flying steel in his eye and it is feared that the injury will prove fatal to that member.

His helper sort of missed his blow and chipped the steel which was on the anvil, a fragment flying in Mr. Hogan’s eye. He was sent to St. Paul this afternoon and will be treated by a specialist with hopes that the sight of the eye may be saved. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 September 1901, p. 2, c. 3)


EYE INJURED.

_____


Jacob Moilanen is the Victim of a Serious

Accident at the

Foundry.


Jacob Moilanen, an employee of the Parker & Topping foundry, while cleaning one of the grate bars sustained serious injuries to his right eye which may result in the loss of the sight of the eye.

He will be treated for a time by local physicians with the hopes that the sight may be saved. He will not be able to attend to his duties at the foundry for some time. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 September 1901, p. 6, c. 5)


Contractor C. B. White has pushed the work on the building being erected near the N. P. Sanitarium for a nurses’ training school with great rapidity. It is expected that the crew of men will be far enough along by Saturday night so that the plasterers can commence operation. The roof is on and most of the superstructure has been completed. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 September 1901, p. 8, c. 5)


A three-year nurses' training school is added to the NP Hospital. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946; pp. 22 & 23)


The nurses’ quarters were designed in 1901 by Reed and Stern of St. Paul. The same architectural firm that designed the Grand Central Terminal in New York. (Brainerd Dispatch, Sunday, 06 December 2009; “BIZ BUZZ: Ad Agency Making Move to West Bank”)


Wallace Daorst, who was so badly injured sometime ago at Deerwood and who was confined in the N. P. Sanitarium for sometime, was down town today. He expects to return to his home in Duluth tonight. His recovery is almost miraculous, his life having been despaired of for some time after the accident occurred. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 September 1901, p. 8, c. 6)


SEE: 25 July 1901


18 September

STRUCK BY TRAIN.

_____


Nels Johnson Thrown from His Wagon and

Badly Injured by Engine

on No. 5.


Wednesday shortly after 2 o’clock the engine on belated No. 5 struck the wagon of Nels Johnson, who lives five miles south of the city, at the Quince street crossing and Mr. Johnson, who was in the wagon was hurled with terrific force to the ground. He struck on his face and it is feared that he will lose one eye and may be otherwise injured. He was at once removed to the N. P. Sanitarium where the wounds were dressed.

The engine struck the rear end of the wagon completely demolishing it. The horses broke away and started to run but were finally caught and taken care of.

It cannot be ascertained definitely how badly Mr. Johnson is hurt. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 September 1901, p. 4, c. 4)


“BATTLESHIPS” ARE CORKERS.

_____


Claimed that the Big Engines are Too

Large for One Fireman to

Handle.


Class Y-2, consolidated, built in 1901 at ALCO Schenectady, June 1937.
Source: Ron V. Nixon Collection, Museum of the Rockies, Montana State University

The Northern Pacific is having trouble with its new freight locomotives of the Y-2 and Y-3 classes, of which nearly all the twenty-six ordered last year have been sent west to the mountain divisions. The big machines called “battleships,” by the enginemen, the firemen say, are too large for one fireman to handle says the Pioneer Press.

Class Y-3, consolidated, built in 1901 at ALCO Schenectady, 07 March 1943.
Source: Ron V. Nixon Collection, Museum of the Rockies, Montana State University

Eight of the best firemen under Master Mechanic Barnes at Missoula, Mont., have already left the road, and other men, who have grown up in the Northern Pacific, threaten to take the same action on the grounds that they are unable to handle the engines. Engineers complain that the big locomotives cannot be kept “hot.” A general demand for two firemen for each locomotive is made.

The new engines are the heaviest in service in the west. They weigh in working order 178,000 pounds for the Y-2 class. They have 52.30 square feet of grate service and should carry a working steam pressure of 225 pounds, which is from 25 to 55 pounds greater than the heaviest engines in common use in the Middle West. The engines require a constant supply of coal, and the firemen assert that even with the greatest exertion they cannot keep up steam without help. On several recent runs engineers have been compelled to assist exhausted firemen.

It is probable that the Northern Pacific, after obtaining data regarding the work the firemen are compelled to do on the new engines, will grant the additional help, working the engine by reliefs on severe runs. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 September 1901, p. 6, c. 2)


A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Conductor Nesbett, on the charge of blocking a crossing in the city for more than five minutes. It is understood that the superintendent of the road will be notified and then if Mr. Nesbett fails to appear he will be placed under arrest the first time he passes through. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 September 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


27 September

NORTHERN PACIFIC’S THIRD SANITARIUM.

_____


The Proposed Structure to Cost

in the Neighborhood of

$100,000.

_____


GROWING DEMAND FOR ANOTHER

_____


The New Hospital to Fill a Long-

felt Want at

Tacoma.


The Northern Pacific Beneficial Association has about decided to build another hospital, and if the project now being talked of is carried out, the association will control three hospitals for the employees of the company instead of two.

The new hospital is to be located at Tacoma, Wash., and the proposed structure will cost in the neighborhood of $100,000. The other two hospitals are located at Missoula, Mont., and in this city.

The growing necessity for a third hospital is generally realized, and the members on the western end of the system are supporting the project. They urge the inconvenience of transporting patients from Tacoma and Seattle to Missoula, and it is said that the rarified air passed on the way to Missoula has a bad effect on the patients.

There is a rumor that the Northern Pacific company may be prevailed upon to donate the site of its former hotel at Tacoma for hospital purposes. It will be recalled that the railroad company a few years ago attempted the construction of a hotel there, but fire prevented its completion. The site is an admirable one. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 September 1901, p. 2, c. 3)


TAKEN A GREAT JUMP.

_____


The Annual Report of the Northern Paci-

fic Railway Company Will be

Issued Next Saturday.


The Northern Pacific’s annual report to be issued Saturday will show that in increase of equipment the road has taken a long jump. When the road was taken over from the hands of the receiver, Sept. 1, 1896, it owned 574 locomotives. Up to Nov. 1, 1900, 114 new locomotives had been added, or an increase of 19.9 per cent. Since that time many more locomotives had been added, bringing the total increase up to about 22 per cent. The number of new passenger cars up to November was 144, or 32.9 per cent. The total number at that time was 582. The total number of freight cars at the time was 25,530, an increase since 1896 of 7,098 or 39.4 per cent. The increase in miscellaneous equipment was 40.2 per cent. The increased horse power of the locomotives is 62.2 per cent, by reason of the purchase of heavier engines.

The average train load of revenue freight increased in the same period 69.57 per cent, or from 193.52 to 328.16 tons, which is a very remarkable gain for such a short period.

General Manager W. G. Pearce says in his report that business is such that it is evident additional locomotives and cars must be purchased in the near future. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 September 1901, p. 6, c. 1)


A NEW FREIGHT TRAIN

_____


Put on Between Staples and Brainerd,

Thus Making the Terminus for

Regular Freight Here.


A new freight train has been put on between Staples and this city and now the regular freight which heretofore run between Staples and Duluth, will run between Brainerd and Duluth, making Brainerd the terminus of the line.

It is not known whether this is permanent or not, it having been stated that this arrangement was made for the busy season only. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 September 1901, p. 6, c. 1)


The N. P. carpenters employed on the water tank at this place, have completed their job and leave tonight for Brainerd, where they have two tanks to construct and from there they go to Duluth. Ben Thomas and Charlie Williams, who have been working with the crew at this place, will accompany the boys and expect to have an all-winter’s job.—Motley Citizen. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 September 1901, p. 7, c. 4)


04 October

Superintendent Brown, of the Superior division of the Northern Pacific has had posted in prominent places over the division a circular calling attention to the nurses’ training school to be conducted in connection with the N. P. Sanitarium in this city. The circular calls for applications of young ladies who desire to take a course in training for this profession, and all other things being equal it is preferred that they be members of families who are employed with the Northern Pacific. Applicants must be over 21 and under 35 years of age. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 October 1901, p. 8 c.’s 1 & 2)


Y. M. C. A. Report.


Statistical report of the Brainerd Railroad Y. M. C. A. for the month of September, 1901:

Daily attendance at rooms, 3065; attendance at six Sunday meetings, 197; number using the gymnasium, 197; number of baths taken, 286; letters written in rooms, 95; cottage meetings, 1. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 October 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


11 October

Former Brainerdite Promoted.


The Stevens Point, Wis., Journal has the following to say regarding a gentleman who for years was connected with the Northern Pacific railroad in this city and who has many friends here who will be pleased to learn of his good fortune:

Fred Allen, for the past seven years foreman of the Wisconsin Central car shops, resigned a few days ago and left the employ of the company at Fond du Lac last Saturday night. He has accepted the offer of a position as yardmaster for the Brooks branch of the American Locomotive Works at Dunkirk, N. Y., and will remove his family to that city in a week or two. In his capacity as yardmaster he will have charge of all shipments in or out of the big plant, will keep account of the supplies, etc., and have direct control of a gang of about 100 men. There are about 2,500 men employed in the various departments of the plant and new buildings are still going up. His new position carries with it a handsome increase in salary. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 October 1901, p. 2, c. 4)


NEW LINES AND EXTENSIONS.

_____


The Northern Pacific will Construct Many

During the Coming Year to

International Boundary.


The annual report of the Northern Pacific, given out for distribution recently, contains a very interesting map which shows by means of dotted lines some of the new lines and extensions which the company intends to build. It appears from the map that the lines have been planned without any great amount of fear of encroaching on the Great Northern territory.

The extension contemplated in this state, which attracts most attention is that by which the Northern Pacific will obtain a much shorter line to the international boundary line than now in use. This will be secured by two cut-offs—the first from Parkton a few miles from Staples, northwesterly to Fertile, thus cutting off the haul via Winnipeg Junction, the second between Grand Forks and Dayton, cutting off the crescent piece of track on which Grafton is located.

These cut-offs will place the Northern Pacific on even stronger terms than now with the Great Northern for business between this section and the Canadian boundary. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 October 1901, p. 2, c. 5)


A force of men are at work rewiring the N. P depot building. (Brainerd Dispatch, 11 October 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


18 October

MEETS DEATH IN A TRAGIC MANNER.

_____


Peter Easton while En Route to

Brainerd Hurled Under Mov-

ing Train.

_____


UNIDENTIFIED FOR TWO DAYS.

_____


Several of His Friends who Had

Known Him Did Not

Recognize Him.


The man who was en route to Brainerd from Aitkin on a freight on Monday night and who was thrown from the train and instantly killed near Cedar Lake has been identified as Peter Easton, a well known logging contractor of Aitkin.

A queer coincidence connected with the death of this man was the fact that, although he was well known in Aitkin, his remains would have been interred today in a pauper’s grave had not a friend with whom deceased was well acquainted happened to view the body last night at Aitkin.

Any number of people living in Aitkin had seen the man, but on account of his badly disfigured face he could not be identified. Last night K. Olson, with whom the man boarded, happened to go to the morgue with the undertaker, and he was amazed and dumbfounded when he learned that the dead man was his old friend.

Mr. Olson is in Brainerd today and he said that Easton ate his dinner and supper with the family Sunday, but had not been seen since that time. Nothing was thought of his absence, as it was his custom to go out in the country for days at a time without leaving word.

Mr. Olson did not know that Easton was coming to Brainerd, but he was told last night by someone that that was where he was headed for.

It is not known how he fell from the train, but when his body was found it was severed in two, several cars having passed over his abdomen. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 October 1901, p. 1, c. 3)


TAXPAYERS WILL VOICE SENTIMENTS.

_____


Meeting of Taxpayers Called for

This Evening in Council Chambers.

_____


DEPOT SITE WILL BE DISCUSSED

_____


The Special Committee of the

Council Wishes the Ex-

pression of All.


A meeting of the citizens and taxpayers of the city will be held in the council chambers on Friday evening for the purpose of considering the matter which came before the city council at its last meeting, in connection with the vacating of Seventh street between Front and Main streets, it being understood that the Northern Pacific is desirous of building a modern freight depot in the park and want this street vacated.

A resolution was presented at the last meeting of the council to vacate the street, but it did not pass, the matter having been referred to a special committee appointed by the chair and they were instructed to interview Superintendent Brown on the matter.

There are any number of people who object to this improvement in the middle of the park, and especially is this true among merchants and taxpayers, whose property is in close proximity to the park. They claim that the improvement will greatly lessen the value of their property. There are on the other hand others who think that their property will be greatly benefited.

The meeting on Friday evening is called by the special committee in order to get an expression of the businessmen of the city, and it is hoped that there will be a good attendance.

There are a few who believe that the company can go ahead and vacate the street anyway without the consent of the council they having occupied the same for fifteen years and therefore can claim the right of possession by law. (Brainerd Dispatch, 18 October 1901, p. 8, c. 5)


SEE: 11 December 1901

SEE: 03 July 1914


FREIGHT DEPOT

SEE: 12 October 1878

SEE: 06 March 1891

SEE: 25 April 1900

SEE: 31 March 1902

SEE: 02 May 1902

SEE: 11 July 1902

SEE: 29 July 1902

SEE: 23 August 1902

SEE: 02 November 1902

SEE: 17 November 1902


19 October

E. M. Brown, electric light superintendent for the Northern Pacific, accompanied by Bayley Carmichael and Harold Smith, left Saturday night for Bismarck, where they will do some work in that city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 October 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


24 October

Yesterday Alfred L. Meekel, who had the misfortune to lose a thumb and finger while working in the machine shop for the Northern Pacific, was presented with a purse of $65 from his former fellow workmen. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 October 1901, p. 8, c. 2)


Yesterday was pay day among the employees of the Northern Pacific and the Minnesota & International. The pay roll on the Northern Pacific for the past month amounted to something like $50,000. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 October 1901, p. 8, c. 2)


Ed. Johnson, who was recently let out at the Northern Pacific shops, on account of his trouble with A. E. Gustafson, also an employee in the machine shop, left last night for St. Paul where he expects to make his home in the future. (Brainerd Dispatch, 25 October 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


31 October

HE WAS TOO FOXY FOR HIS CAPTORS.

_____


Man Caught Carrying Away Cop-

per from the Northern

Pacific Shops.

_____


BUT MADE GOOD HIS ESCAPE.

_____


A Large Amount of Valuable Ma-

terial has been Stolen

at Intervals.


There was quite a sensational catch at the Northern Pacific shops last evening and as a result a young man well known in this city is being shadowed by the officers of the law and his arrest may be consummated at any time.

For sometime Master Mechanic Bean has been annoyed by petty thieving about the shops, large quantities of brass, copper and other metals being taken at different times. The guilty parties have often been suspected but they have never been caught in the act. Last night, however, as Engineer Clark, who works in the blacksmith shop, was near the shop, he detected a well known young man with a gig piece of copper in his hand. When the culprit saw him he dropped the copper, but Mr. Clark made for him and he and another employee at the shops were trying to bring him downtown, but they could not hold their prisoner. He broke away from them and made his escape. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 November 1901, p. 1, c. 1)


SEE: 01 November 1901

SEE: 06 November 1901

SEE: 11 November 1901

SEE: 14 November 1901

SEE: 29 November 1901


01 November

W. E. BARBER ARRAIGNED.

_____


He is the Man Charged with Swiping

Copper, Etc., from the Northern

Pacific Shops.


This morning Deputy Sheriff Winter caused the arrest of W. E. Barber, charged with petit larceny. Barber is the man who is said to have been captured night before last near the shops, with some copper in his possession.

It is understood that the police have suspected him for sometime although they have never been able to get any evidence that would warrant an arrest.

He was arraigned before Judge Mantor this morning and entered a plea of not guilty. His case was continued one week. He claims not to have been connected with the theft of any material from the shops and is positive that he can clear himself of the charge. He was admitted to bail in the sum of $25. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 November 1901, p. 1, c. 5)


SEE: 31 October 1901

SEE: 06 November 1901

SEE: 11 November 1901

SEE: 14 November 1901

SEE: 29 November 1901


There was an incipient blaze at the round house near the shops this afternoon but no particular damage was done. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 November 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


Howard Curry, of the Minnesota division of the Northern Pacific, has been promoted to the position of master mechanic of the Northern Pacific at Fargo to succeed Master Mechanic Ristee, resigned. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 November 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


The Northern Pacific will place a large order for equipment again this year. Estimates as to cost are now being secured. The order will be for fifty giant locomotives, ten first-class sleepers, ten tourist sleepers, twenty first-class coaches, four dining cars, six baggage cars, 2,000 box cars, 1,000 flat cars, 300 ballast cars and thirty cabooses. This will be one of the heaviest orders placed by any of the western roads. The value of the company’s equipment in the past five years has been increased over 50 per cent. (Brainerd Dispatch, 01 November 1901, p. 8, c. 4)


03 November

A Bad Wreck.


There was quite a serious wreck on the Northern Pacific Sunday night near Clearwater a few miles beyond St. Cloud, and as a result the west bound train was held up for hours and many passengers who were en route to Brainerd, as well as other places, were delayed.

The wreck was caused by a broken rail. The train was north bound and when the engine struck the rail it went over into the ditch.

Some fifteen cars followed and were in a few minutes massed into a heap of debris.

Conductor Charles Wilson, who was in charge of the train, was somewhat injured but not seriously. No other injuries occurred. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 November 1901, p. 6, c. 3)


05 November

BAD WRECK IS NARROWLY AVERTED.

_____


Northern Pacific Officials in This

City Think Switch was Turn-

ed for Spite.

_____


CARS TOTALLY DEMOLISHED.

_____


The Switch was Turned About the

Time the Passenger was

About to Arrive.


What appears to have been the work of some individual who has a spite resulted in a disastrous accident in the Northern Pacific yards in the city Tuesday night at 12 o’clock, and it was no fault of the instigator that serious injuries did not result and mayhap fatal ones as a result of his revengeful nature.

Freight No. 53 was pulling into the yards from the east and as the train was about half over the switch, which is located at the east end of the platform at the Northern Pacific depot, was turned. There was a sudden crash and under the strain the earth shook for rods around. Two large cars jumped the tracks and turned and of course the train stopped at once. The two cars were utterly demolished and it was quite a loss to the company.

The passenger from the east is due about this time but it was two hours late that night. Those about the depot cannot but believe that it was the intention at first to wreck this passenger train.

The wrecking train cleared away the debris and by the time the passenger reached the city the track was cleared. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 November 1901, p. 1, c. 1)


BOLD THEFT OF VALUABLE PAPERS.

_____


Several Hundred Dollars in Checks

Stolen from Office of

Agent W. D. McKay.

_____


JOHN PARSONS BIT ON ONE.

_____


Papers Were Taken Off Agent’s

Desk Monday Afternoon

Between 4 and 5.


One of the boldest thefts reported in this city for some time occurred Monday afternoon in the office of Agent W. D. McKay, of the Northern Pacific, when some light-fingered individual made a big haul of time checks, vouchers and pay checks which aggregate several hundred dollars. The time checks, of course, are worthless to anyone, but the pay checks could be cashed by simply committing a forgery and this has been found to be the case in one instance already.

A gentleman walked into Mr. McKay’s office Monday afternoon about the time mentioned above, but did not appear to have any particular business. The bundle of checks and vouchers was laying on the desk unconcealed but Mr. McKay did not notice anyone take them.

Shortly after the gentleman had been in the office he had occasion to refer to the papers and found that they had disappeared. He at once realized that a theft had been committed and started to investigate.

Mr. McKay was not sure but that he had misplaced the papers until one of the checks was located this morning. A man walked into John Parson’s saloon last night and got an N. P. pay check for $60.64 cashed.

A special detective of the Northern Pacific has been notified and the matter will be investigated at once and the guilty party brought to justice. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 November 1901, p. 6, c. 3)


SEE: 15 November 1901


BOLD BAD MAN IS ROUNDED UP.

_____


Man Who Stole a Bunch of

Checks from Agent McKay

Arrested Tuesday.

_____


BRAKEMAN ON DAKOTA DIV.

_____


He is Charged with Grand Lar-

ceny in the Second Degree—

Hearing November 11.


Sheriff Ole P. Erickson, 1899.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Tuesday evening Sheriff Erickson arrested D. L. Richardson at J. K. P. Grasser’s home at Gull lake, charging him with the theft of the pay checks, time checks and vouchers taken from Agent W. D. McKay’s office day before yesterday. Richardson was brought to this city and was locked up in the county jail.

The sheriff had quite an exciting time in making the arrest. He went to the Grasser home and inquired for Richardson but was informed that he had gone to the home of a many by the name of Quinn. Sheriff Erickson, however, was confident that his man was in the house and his theory proved only too true when he saw the man trying to get out of the window of a wood shed near the house. Mr. Erickson pulled his gun on the man and he was willing to give in at this juncture.

It seems that Mr. McKay’s suspicions pointed to this man Richardson and that he wanted to officers to go out and locate him the night before. Richardson’s home is at Jamestown, N. D. He had been a brakeman on the Northern Pacific but was injured sometime ago and was brought down to the Sanitarium in this city for treatment. He was released from the hospital on October 18 and it seems since then has been leading a rather precarious life. As is the custom with the Northern Pacific in this city Agent McKay had this man’s check for work done on the Dakota division, Superintendent Wilson, of that division, having forwarded it to him.

This man Richardson while at the hospital called on Agent McKay several times and asked if his check had arrived. It did not come for a long time and in the interim the brakeman would come around the office of Mr. McKay quite often and inquire about the matter. Finally the check did come, but when the young man called he was told by Agent McKay that instructions had come from Superintendent Wilson to hold the same. The man continued to come around the office after this, however, and kept on inquiring about his checks. Other men were in the habit of coming in the office at the same time with Richardson for the same purpose. Day before yesterday Richardson came in again and inquired about his check. There were others in the office at the same time. Mr. McKay had occasion to step out and Cashier Wilson was called to the phone. Just before this Richardson had asked Mr. Wilson for some paper and an envelope; that he wanted to write a letter. When Mr. Wilson went to the phone Richardson went over towards Mr. McKay’s desk and seemed to be standing there it is thought he got hold of the valuable papers. They were in a pass book which Mr. McKay keeps for that purpose and the book and all was taken. It has proved a very great inconvenience to Mr. McKay, and in all his experience with the company he has never lost anything of this kind before.

Detective McFetridge, of the Northern Pacific, arrived in the city Wednesday to work on the case. He states that he has known this man Richardson of yore and that he is a crook and a thief. He states that he was waiting for him to get out of the hospital when he would have arrested him anyway on the charge of breaking seals and robbing cars on the Dakota division. He was taken before Judge Mantor that morning and was arraigned on the charge of grand larceny in the second degree. A hearing was set for 10 o’clock, November 11. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 November 1901, p. 1, c. 3)


SEE: 15 November 1901

SEE: 18 November 1901


06 November

STILL MORE SERIOUS CHARGE.

_____


Case in Which W. E. Barber is Charged

with Petit Larceny is Dismissed

but He is Rearrested.


Wednesday there was a hearing in the case of the state against W. E. Barber, charged with petit larceny. Barber, it will be remembered, was arrested a short time ago on the charge of stealing copper, brass and other valuable material at the Northern Pacific shops.

On motion of County Attorney Alderman the case was dismissed this morning but Barber was at once rearrested on the more serious charge of grand larceny in the second degree. He was admitted to bail in the sum of $150 and his hearing set for Nov. 11 at 10 o’clock. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 November 1901, p. 1, c. 4)


SEE: 31 October 1901

SEE: 01 November 1901

SEE: 11 November 1901

SEE: 14 November 1901

SEE: 29 November 1901


07 November

NORTHERN PACIFIC TANGLE.

_____


Authoritatively Stated That a Basis of

Settlement Has Been Reached.


New York, Nov. 7.—The Times says: The main points in the settlement of the Northwestern railway tangle have at last been agreed upon. This statement was made by a member of the Harriman syndicate and also by James J. Hill, president of the Great Northern railroad. Many minor details remain unsettled, however, and it is possible some of the main features may be slightly modified. It is expected, nevertheless, that the plan in its entirety will be completed by the end of the present week.

The principal features of the settlement plan are the reorganization of the stockholding company and the decision not to retire the Northern Pacific preferred stock. The latter proposition was the one on which centered the major part of the discussion, and it is stated that contention of the Union Pacific interests that permanent peace could only be obtained by the recognition of their rights finally won. In the new stockholding company by which the various stock issues are to be funded the former contending interests will be equally represented. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 November 1901, p. 4, c. 3)


08 November

N. P. LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.

_____


Their Annual Entertainment this Year

will be in the Shape of a

Grand Ball.


The officers of the Northern Pacific Library Association are making extensive arrangements for their annual conclave, which heretofore has been in the shape of an entertainment of some kind followed by a grand ball. This year the ball will be given without the entertainment and the date fixed is November 22.

The ball will be given in Gardner hall and it will be a great event. Every Northern Pacific employee who buys a ticket to the ball will be entitled to a year’s membership in the association. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 November 1901, p. 1, c. 4)


F. D. Secoy, who had his leg broken sometime ago and who was removed to St. Joseph’s hospital, is not getting along too well. The pain from the injured member at times drives him nearly mad. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 November 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


11 November

BARBER IS HELD

_____


To the Grand Jury on the Charge of Grand

Larceny in the Second Degree

Monday Afternoon.


W. E. Barber has been held to the grand jury on the charge of grand larceny in the second degree, the particular crime with which he is charged being the theft of brass, copper and iron from the Northern Pacific shops in this city.

After all the evidence had been adduced in the case, Attorney Polk, who appeared for Barber stated that they did not wish to offer any evidence at the time, and if the court saw fit to hold the defendant on the evidence submitted they would not object. Judge Mantor therefore held the defendant and fixed his board at $150.

Officials of the N. P. state that from time to time articles have been taken from the shops that would foot up to $1,000 in actual value, but in the case of Barber, he is charged in the complaint with taking only about $37 worth, just enough to make it grand larceny. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 November 1901, p. 2, c. 3)


SEE: 31 October 1901

SEE: 01 November 1901

SEE: 06 November 1901

SEE: 14 November 1901

SEE: 29 November 1901


13 November

BRAKEMAN RECEIVES SERIOUS INJURIES.

_____


Was Thrown from the Top of a

Freight Car Near

Deerwood.

_____


UNCONSCIOUS THIRTY-SIX HOURS.

_____


He was Hit by a Water Stand-

pipe and Thrown Vio-

lently Down.


Walter Cameron, of Duluth, a brakeman on the Northern Pacific, who has been working between this city and Duluth for sometime lies at the N. P. Sanitarium in a critical condition and he may not live, the physicians reporting that he had concussion of the brain.

Wednesday morning he was on a freight train coming this way and as the train was passing through Deerwood he had occasion to go out on top of a car. While standing on the car a large water pipe struck him and he was thrown violently to the ground. This was about 12 o’clock at night and it was sometime before the trainmen missed Cameron. The train was backed up and when Cameron was found he was in an unconscious condition and it was at once discovered that he was badly injured.

He was brought to this city and taken to the Northern Pacific Sanitarium where everything in the power of medical aid is being administered to restore him to consciousness. It is not thought that he will live. His people live at Duluth and they have been notified. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 November 1901, p. 4, c. 4)


SEE: 06 December 1901

SEE: 14 December 1901


14 November

PRISONER AFFECTED WITH DIPHTHERIA

_____


W. E. Barber Taken from the

County Jail to the Pest

House.

_____


HAS BEEN SICK A LONG TIME.

_____


Many People in the Court Room

and Prisoners in Jail

are Exposed.


A rather serious condition was found to exist yesterday in regard to the case of W. E. Barber, who was arrested and on hearing before Judge Mantor was held to the Grand Jury, charged with grand larceny in the second degree.

It seems that Barber, since his arrest, has not been feeling well and on the Monday afternoon in court he had a flannel cloth tied around his throat. After the hearing he was taken in custody by Deputy Sheriff Winter and locked in the county jail. There he remained over night. Yesterday he complained of a very sore throat and asked that he be given permission to go and see a doctor.

Dr. Thabes was called in and upon examination it was found that Barber had a very bad case of diphtheria. During the hearing in the small court room at the court house the room was packed, and then again he was turned in among other prisoners in the county jail where he remained overnight. As many as twenty-five or thirty people have been exposed and it cannot be stated what the results may be.

Barber was at once ordered taken to the pest house and Deputy Sheriff Winter took him out Tuesday night. Several of those who have been exposed have been to see a physician and have received injections of anti-toxin, and the spread of the contagion may be abated to a degree in this respect. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 November 1901, p. 1, c. 3)


SEE: 31 October 1901

SEE: 01 November 1901

SEE: 06 November 1901

SEE: 29 November 1901


15 November

The case of the State of Minnesota vs. Richardson set for a hearing this morning before Judge Mantor was on motion of County Attorney Alderman adjourned for one week. Judge Fleming is defending Richardson. It will be remembered that Richardson is the man who stole the checks off Agent McKay’s desk in the Northern Pacific office in this city. Many of the checks and vouchers that he took have been found. Special Agent McFetridge, of the Northern Pacific was present in the city this morning to be at the hearing. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 November 1901, p. 2, c. 4)


SEE: 05 November 1901

SEE: 18 November 1901


17 November

WHEAT SHIPMENTS UNPRECEDENTED.

_____


About Eleven Hundred Loads of

the Cereal at Staples Sun-

day Morning.

_____


TRAINMEN USHERED INTO LINE.

_____


Crews from the M. & I. and from

the St. Paul & Duluth

are Secured.


Sunday’s business on the Lake Superior division eclipsed all records in the traffic line for the same period, twenty-four hours. The train register at the Northern Pacific telegraph office in this city shows that something like thirty-two freight trains passed through the city during the day. Of course, many of these going west were empties but there were in the neighborhood of nineteen trains loaded.

This sudden spurt in business is due to the large volume of wheat which is being shipped at this time from the Red River valley to the head of the lakes. It is estimated that yesterday morning there were 1,200 loads waiting to be hauled from Staples to Duluth.

The demand for trainmen is unprecedented in the history of the division. Three engines with their crews have been secured from the M. & I. and six or seven crews without engines have also been pressed into service on this division. Train crews from the St. Paul & Duluth line are also worked on the deal and seven men who are running passengers out of this city have been doubling up on this division. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 November 1901, p. 2, c. 3)


18 November

Got Off Easy.


The case of the state against D. W. Richardson, the man who was charged with stealing valuable papers from the desk of Agent McKay, of the Northern Pacific sometime ago got out of a pretty bad hole Monday although what he did get was not a pleasant morsel by any means.

The case of grand larceny against Richardson was dismissed but another complaint was served on him immediately on the ground of petit larceny. To this charge he plead guilty and Judge Mantor imposed a fine of $50 or 40 days. As he has no money he will probably do time for the next forty days in Hotel de Erickson. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 November 1901, p. 6, c. 2)


SEE: 05 November 1901

SEE: 15 November 1901


19 November

HURLED BENEATH FLYING TRAIN.

_____


A Man Killed Tuesday Morning at

an Early Hour Near

Brainerd.

_____


DEATH WAS INSTANTANEOUS.

_____


Papers on the Person Indicate

that His Name was

Chas. Groshing.


Tuesday morning G. Johnson, section foreman on the Lake Superior division near Jonesville, came to this city and notified the officials that he had discovered a man who was evidently dead lying near the track about a mile this side of the station. He did not go to the body and examine it but came at once to Brainerd to make the matter known.

Coroner Reimestad was at once notified and he with the section foreman left about 11 o’clock on a handcar for Jonesville. Dr. Reimestad returned to the city on the noon train with the body of the man and it was removed to the Losey & Dean morgue. When Dr. Reimestad reached the scene he states that upon examination he found that the man had not been dead many hours, as the muscles of his body had not relaxed at that time. The doctor is of the opinion that the man was either pushed off or fell off the passenger train which passes through this city en route to Duluth about 4 o’clock in the morning. When the man fell he struck his head on the ground and his skull was fractured, death resulting instantly.

The man was fairly well dressed, but indications are that he was a working man. From papers on his person it is thought that his name was Chas. Groshing and that his home is in Minneapolis. There was a receipt given for rent in his pocket which was given to “Chas. Groshing” and signed by R. W. Randall. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 November 1901, p. 6, c. 3)


20 November

HORSES HAD TO BE SHOT.

_____


A Team Belonging to T. Barrett Overtaken

by Switch Engine at Eighth

Street Crossing.


Wednesday about 7:30 o’clock considerable excitement was created about the Eighth street crossing when a switch engine rammed into a wagon and team of horses owned by T. Barrett, the milkman. A young son of Mr. Barrett was driving the team and on the wagon were large advertising signs of the Lion Clothing Co. The signs were placed on either side of the wagon and the boy sat between them. As he was going over the crossing he did not see the engine coming.

The engine hit the horses, throwing them down and dragging them for a short distance. The wagon was not injured a great deal excepting the front end. The boy jumped and escaped uninjured.

Both horses were badly injured and as they were led from the crossing the blood oozed from the cuts and gashes which made a pitiable sight. Dr. D. M. McDonald was called and in order to save the poor dumb brutes further suffering shot both of them, as they would have been worthless even though the wounds would heal. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 November 1901, p. 1, c. 4)


21 November

Yesterday the Northern Pacific machine shop was open all day. There is a rush of business just at present and many more men could be used. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 November 1901, p. 8, c. 1)


MACHINIST INJURED.

_____


John Rigdon Falls from an Engine Cab

at the Northern Pacific Shops

and Injures Skull.


Yesterday about 10:30 o’clock John Rigdon fell from an engine cab at the Northern Pacific shops and was slightly bruised about the body besides having his skull injured. He was removed to the N. P. Sanitarium, but upon examination it was found that the injuries were not serious. (Brainerd Dispatch, 22 November 1901, p. 8, c. 5)


23 November

EDWARD FINN SERIOUSLY HURT.

_____


Caught Between a Car and a Building

at the Northern Pacific Shops

Saturday Afternoon.


Saturday afternoon about 5 o’clock a switch engine flying through the Northern Pacific yards at a breakneck speed gave the signal of distress of some unfortunate workman for the company. It seems that Edward Finn who works at the shops in this city was working near a car which was standing near the boiler shops. A switch engine came along to take the car out and in some manner Finn was caught between the car and the building and in this precarious condition was badly squeezed.

The engineer of the switch engine heard the cries and stopped at once but not before Mr. Finn had been quite badly hurt. He was taken to the N. P. Sanitarium where an examination was held. It was found that one or two of his ribs were broken and he sustained other injuries about the body. While his wounds are thought to be quite serious it is not thought that they will be fatal. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 November 1901, p. 3, c. 2)


24 November

ENGINEER LEAKE KILLED.

_____


His Engine Hurled Down an Embankment

and Several Cars with Merchan-

dise are Demolished.


A Northern Pacific engine and caboose running at a high speed, struck some freight cars about two miles east of the depot at Minneapolis [sic] [Helena, Mont.] at about 6:30 Sunday morning. The cars were demolished and the engine hurled from the track down a fifteen-foot embankment. Coal from the tender was piled into the caboose and instantly killed the engineer, Hiram Leake, injured the fireman and Fred Turner. The dead engineer came here recently from Staples, (Minn.) division of the Northern Pacific. He was about forty, unmarried and a native of Michigan. How the freight cars got out on the main line is unknown, but it is supposed that they broke loose from other cars on a siding during the severe windstorm, and the grade may have carried them down to the main line. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 November 1901, p. 3, c. 3)


SEE: 28 November 1901


28 November

The remains of Hiram Leake were brought from Montana last night and passed through Staples. Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Rowley, of this city, who were old time friends of the deceased, went to Staples to meet the remains as they went through. Mr. Rowley states that the accident in which Leake lost his life happened near Helena, Mont. and not Minneapolis. Leake, he says was well known in this city having lived here at one time. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 November 1901, p. 8, c. 2)


SEE: 24 November 1901


29 November

WILL BE TAKEN OFF.

_____


The North-Coast Limited Trains will be

Taken Off the First of

Next Week.


The Northern Pacific will discontinue the North-Coast Limited trains, but will maintain a double daily service through to Seattle and Portland as at present. The last North-Coast Limited train to leave for Portland will be next Sunday, and the last train of this class to leave Portland will be Dec. 4. During the season, the North-Coast Limited trains have enjoyed a phenomenal business, the receipts being greater than for almost any similar train in the United States.

The trains which the company will put on in place of these will be first-class Pullmans, but will be without the observation car, and electric lights. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 November 1901, p. 1, c. 4)


Fee’s Anniversary.


Charles S. Fee, general passenger agent of the Northern Pacific, has completed his twenty-fourth year in that capacity, and is receiving the congratulations of his friends. He has been with the company for twenty-six years. Older residents of the city will remember how diminutive the Northern Pacific was a quarter of a century ago, in comparison to its present size. One of Mr. Fee’s first official acts was to place in commission two sleeping cars. The company now operates 66 sleepers and 66 tourists’ cars, or practically 132 sleepers in its daily service. The two porters which Mr. Fee first employed on the pioneer sleepers are still with the company. Twenty-six years ago the volume of passenger business was ridiculously small in comparison to that of the year closed, July 1. It is expected that the earnings for 1892 [sic] [?1901] will be two million more than those of 1900. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 November 1901, p. 3, c. 3)


W. E. Barber, who was arrested sometime ago on the charge of grand larceny and who was held to the grand jury, the particular crime charged against him being the theft of some brass, copper, etc., was released from the pest house this morning. Shortly after his trial and after he had been in the county jail for a day or two it was found that he had a very bad case of diphtheria. He was removed to the pest house where he has been for two weeks. Barber furnished the $150 bond which was required for his appearance in the district court and was released this morning. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 November 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


SEE: 31 October 1901

SEE: 01 November 1901

SEE: 06 November 1901

SEE: 11 November 1901

SEE: 14 November 1901


DISTRESSING AND PAINFUL ACCIDENT.

_____


Young Son of Mr. and Mrs. N. M.

Lease Has a Leg Taken

Off Yesterday.

_____


RUN OVER BY STRING OF CARS.

_____


He and Other Lads Were Sweep-

ing Wheat From Cars in

N. P. Yards.


A most distressing accident occurred Friday about 5 o’clock near the Fourth street crossing and as a result young Fred [sic] Lease, the eight year old son of Mr. and Mrs. N. A. Lease, who live on Second street south, lost a leg and his life may yet be sacrificed.

Young Lease with a number of young boys were sweeping wheat from some cars standing on a siding near the Monarch elevator where they had been for several hours. There was some wheat underneath the cars and one of the older boys is said to have asked the young boy to crawl under and get some of the cereal. This the young boy did but while he was under the car a switch engine hooked on one end of the string of cars and without the least warning started to pull them out. The boy tried to make his escape from the death trap and got part way out but one of his legs got caught beneath one of the wheels and he fell fainting. Several cars passed over his leg and it was crushed to a jelly, the flesh hanging in shreds from the bones.

The boy was removed to his home and afterwards to St. Joseph’s hospital. Dr. Thabes and Batcheller were called and amputated the shattered member above the knee. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 December 1901, p. 2, c. 4)


THE BOY WILL LIVE.

_____


Young Scott [sic] Lease, Who Had His Leg Cut

Off, is Much Better Today and No

Serious Results are Expected.


Scott [sic] Lease, the young son of N. A. Lease, who had his leg cut off by being caught beneath the wheels of a car near the Monarch elevator on Friday evening will live.

The leg was amputated above the knee by Drs. Batcheller and Thabes, as was stated Saturday [sic], but at the time it was not known what the effect of the shock would be on the young man. The many friends of the family will be pleased to learn, however, that the boy is improving today and he will be all right in a few days. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 December 1901, p. 6, c. 4)


05 December

FREIGHT WRECK ON NORTHERN PACIFIC.

_____


Eight Cars and an Engine are

Derailed Near Sylvan Lake

Thursday Morning.

_____


PASSENGER TRAINS ARE HELD.

_____


Considerable Damage Done but

No Lives Were Lost by the

Accident.


There was a very bad wreck on the Northern Pacific at an early hour yesterday morning near Sylvan Lake which delayed both the west bound and east bound passenger trains several hours.

The wreck occurred near a siding and it was several hours before the engine and the demolished cars could be cleared. The wrecked train was an extra freight going west and was running at a pretty high rate of speed with the accident occurred.

Eight cars were thrown off the track with the engine. The passenger from the west due here at 3:45 was delayed four hours and a half and the passenger going west was held [Cut Off]. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 December 1901, p. 1, c. 5)


06 December

Walter Cameron, the young man who was thrown from the top of a car near Deerwood recently and quite badly injured, is still at the Northern Pacific Sanitarium. J. A. Cameron, another railroad man and brother of Walter Cameron, who has been in the city attending to the wants of the injured man since the accident occurred, left this afternoon for Duluth. He goes to consult with relatives regarding his injured brother. He stated this morning that while the boy has received the best of care and the best of medical attention is being bestowed, he does not think that he will ever recover. He will bring his mother to Brainerd tomorrow and in all probability she will remain here for sometime. It will be remembered that young Cameron was thrown from the top of a freight car in the middle of the night be being hit by a standpipe. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 December 1901, p. 8, c. 2)


SEE: 13 November 1901

SEE: 14 December 1901


11 December

SUPERINTENDENT WAS INTERVIEWED.

_____


Committee of Citizens Interviewed

N. P. Official on Front

Street Paving.

_____


SEEMED FAVORABLE TO HIM.

_____


Committee Will Make a Proposi-

tion to the City Council

at Next Meeting.


Wednesday the committee consisting of J. F. McGinnis, as chairman, R. R. Wise and G. W. Holland, appointed sometime ago at a mass meeting of citizens, to interview the Northern Pacific company regarding the matter of paving their portion of Front street, met by appointment with Superintendent E. L. Brown, of the Superior division and talked the matter over with him. From the interview with Mr. Brown the gentlemen formed some opinion as to how to proceed and what can be expected from the company, and from this they will be able to report to the city council, and recommend, what, in their judgement, would be a good proposition to make to the railroad company. Until the meeting of the council the exact result of the interview with the superintendent will not be made known.

One member of the committee stated that they were received very cordially by Superintendent Brown and he stated that he would do anything in his power to help the city in its project, but that he could not speak authoritatively on the matter as yet.

It will be remembered that this committee was appointed at the time the meeting of the taxpayers was called to consider the matter of vacating Seventh street. Some businessmen at the time were in favor of making the paving of Front street a condition before they would consent to vacate Seventh street but it was finally decided that when the street was vacated that no strings would be tied to the concession, but it was deemed advisable to appoint a committee to interview the superintendent. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 December 1901, p. 1, c.’s 5 & 6)


SEE: 18 October 1901

SEE: 03 July 1914


14 December

WALTER CAMERON FINALLY SUCCUMBS.

_____


After Weeks of Patient Suffering

His Soul Takes its Flight

Late Saturday.

_____


INJURED BY FALLING FROM CAR.

_____


Friends and Relatives Present at

Death Bed—Remains Taken to Duluth Sunday.


Walter Cameron, the young man, whose home was in Duluth, who was injured near Deerwood in November, died Saturday night at the Northern Pacific Sanitarium at 11 o’clock.

Deceased was twenty-nine years of age and was a son of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Cameron, of Duluth. Mrs. Cameron and three sons, J. A., Dan and Angus Cameron, were at the bedside when death knocked at the chamber door.

Walter Cameron was a brakeman on the Northern Pacific running between Duluth and this city. On the night of November 12 he was headed this way on a freight. When approaching Deerwood, about 12 o’clock at night, young Cameron stepped out on top of the caboose of the train to watch for signals. A standpipe caught him and threw him to the ground with violent force. His head hit the hard ground and he was rendered unconscious for quite awhile. It was sometime before the train crew missed him but when they did the train was stopped and the unfortunate man was picked up and brought to the Northern Pacific Sanitarium in this city, where, although under the best of medical care, he has suffered untold agony. It is thought that he had a slight concussion of the brain.

The remains were taken back to Duluth that night where they will be interred. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 December 1901, p. 6, c. 1)


SEE: 13 November 1901

SEE: 06 December 1901


17 December

TWO N. P. ENGINES CRASH TOGETHER.

_____


Three Injured Trainmen Brought

to this City from North

Dakota Tuesday.

_____


THE ENGINEER IS TO BLAME

_____


One Engineer Had Both [sic] His Legs

Badly Fractured in the

Smash Up.


John Boyle, an engineer, Albert Rietsch, a fireman and Chas. Scott, a brakeman, were brought down to the Sanitarium Tuesday from the west. They were victims of a wreck on the N. P. Sunday morning.

There was a head end collision on the Northern Pacific at an early hour Sunday morning which occurred a short distance this side of Jamestown. Two light engines crashed into each other while going at a high rate of speed. The cause of the accident is reported to have been a failure to notice signals on the part of the engineer on the west bound engine. The engines were badly wrecked and the track blocked for hours. Trains from the west were obliged to switch at Jamestown going around by Oakes on the Southwestern and Jim River Valley branches running into Fargo. John Boyle, suffered two fractures of his left leg. Chas. Scott had his face badly cut, while Albert Rietsch sustained a badly sprained leg. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 December 1901, p. 6, c. 3)


20 December

Dr. W. Den Bleyker, of the N. P. Sanitarium, left today for Kalamazoo, Mich. to spend the holidays with his parents. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 December 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


BAD ON RAILROADS.

_____


Cold Wave Has Been Delaying Trains

Throughout the Northwest

Past Few Days.


The cold wave which has swept over the northwest during the past few days has been making considerable trouble for government mails. The north bound, No. 5, has been very late for the past four or five days and has caused considerable delay in the mails. The Twin City papers report that the fast mails with tons of mail are all delayed.

Operating departments of the lines feel the cold wave severely. The chilled rails need especially careful inspection, engines steam badly and train steam-heating lines freeze up in spite of all attention. Coal consumption of locomotives, an operating official says, has increased from 8 to 10 per cent. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 December 1901, p. 8, c. 6)


27 December

During this year ending July 1, 1901, there were but five passengers killed on the railroads in Minnesota, and the number is exactly the same as that of last year. The number injured was 109. The number of tramps and trespassers killed was 52. The number of employees killed was 33.—Fergus Falls Journal. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 December 1901, p. 4, c. 2)


The eleventh annual ball of North Star Lodge, I. A. of M., will be held at Gardner’s hall on New Year’s eve. The committees in charge are: Arrangements—H. F. Pegg, H. Echemond [sic], Geo. Johnson, C. D. McKay, E. S. McDonald, H. Poppenberg, George H. Johnson, Henry Schweer, O. Anderson, T. Jones, H. Poppenberg, J. F. Casey; Reception—G. A. Johnson, Kenneth McDonald, Robert Fox, R. Bock, E. S. McDonald and J. A. McKay. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 December 1901, p. 8, c. 2)


William Deering, who worked in the N. P. shops in this city, left this afternoon for Duluth where he will make his future home. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 December 1901, p. 8, c. 3)


“An order has been issued from the headquarters of the Northern Pacific and goes into effect the first of the year,” stated a railroad man of this city, “Whereby the services of all newsboys will be dispensed with.” The measure has been under consideration by the officers of the road for sometime past and the first of the year chosen as the time for doing away with the sales department. Arrangements will, however, be made with the dining department to carry a small side line of articles and papers which can be procured by going to the porter.—Fargo Morning Call. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 December 1901, p. 8, c. 6)


1902

25 January

VERY BAD WRECK ON NORTHERN PACIFIC

_____


Thirteen Cars of a West Bound

Freight Derailed not Far

From Glyndon.

_____


ONE MAN BROUGHT TO BRAINERD

_____


Passenger Traffic Hindered for a

Time and All Trains

Were Late.


There was a rather bad wreck on the Northern Pacific on Saturday near Dilworth, a side track this side of Glyndon, and for several hours passenger traffic on the main line was badly hindered.

Thirteen cars of a west bound freight were derailed on account of a broken switch, and all passenger trains during the rest of the day were transferred to the Great Northern tracks at Moorhead and Glyndon, going by the way of Barnesville.

While the wrecking train was at work at the wreck the boiler of the engine attached to the hoisting derrick exploded and the engineer, A. E. Partlow, was badly scalded about the head and body. He was brought to this city and taken to the Northern Pacific Sanitarium, where he is receiving the best of care, but he is a pretty badly injured man. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 January 1902, p. 3, c. 1)


29 January

Parker and Topping have renewed their lease for the Northern Pacific Foundry for another five years dating from Dec. 1, 1901. The renewal of this lease will start the company out on a term, which when completed, will have run 21 years. This makes a total of 16 years in which Parker and Topping have been the lessees of the Northern Pacific Foundry in this city. From time-to-time the capacity of this large industry has been increased until at the present time the firm employs 150 men.

The contract which Parker and Topping enter into with the Northern Pacific Railway Co. is to furnish all of the latter’s iron and brass castings and other metals. The prices under this contract are adjusted every six months, the first day of December and the first day of June. (Brainerd 25 Years Ago, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 January 1902, p. 4, c. 4)


13 March

FREIGHT WRECK ON THE CUT-OFF.

_____


No. 37, the Northern Pacific

Freight, Had Several Cars

Ditched at Lincoln.

_____


MUCH DAMAGE WAS DONE.

_____


Stake on a Logging Flat Broke

Resulting in the Ditching of

Several Cars.


This morning about 2 o’clock there was quite a serious wreck on the cut-off of the Northern Pacific near Lincoln, resulting in the complete destruction of several cars.

The train was running along at about twenty miles an hour when a stake on one of the logging cars broke thus precipitating the logs in the front of the car. The car was thrown from the track with seven other cars and in less time than it takes to tell the tale there was a mass of debris in the ditch. Luckily no one who was working on the train was injured, the trainmen all happened to be in the caboose.

It caused quite a serious delay in some of the trains. This morning both of the coast trains, No’s. 3 and 4 came by the way of Brainerd and all the south end freights have been coming this way.

The cars which were thrown into the ditch are almost a total wreck, so much so in fact that it is thought that it will be some time before the same can be cleared away. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 March 1902, p. 2, c. 4)


31 March

IMPROVEMENTS AT BRAINERD’S DEPOT

_____


Some Extensive Alterations Are

Being Talked of the Com-

ing Year.

_____


THE NEW FREIGHT DEPOT.

_____


Plans, it is Said, Have Been Ap-

proved and Work Will Com-

mence Shortly.


Northern Pacific Freight Depot was built in 1902, photo ca. 2003.
Source: NPRHA

While Superintendent G. W. Vanderslice, of the Lake Superior division was in the city Saturday, he had a long conference with Agent. W. D. McKay of the Northern Pacific anent improvements which are to be made by the company in this year.

Agent McKay has asked that as soon as the new freight depot is completed that extensive improvements be made in and about the passenger depot. In all probability his requests will be granted and the now overcrowded depot will be converted into a thoroughly modern railway station. It is suggested that the waiting rooms and ticket office be rearranged and that other arrangements be made for the ticket and other offices on the ground floor. There are also some other exterior improvements contemplated.

It is understood that the plans for the new freight depot have been approved and that work will commence on the foundation in a short time. The building will be a solid brick, fire proof warehouse, 300 feet long and 50 feet wide. Further than this no information has been given out. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 March 1902, p. 2, c. 4)


SEE: 12 October 1878

SEE: 06 March 1891

SEE: 25 April 1900

SEE: 18 October 1901

SEE: 02 May 1902

SEE: 11 July 1902

SEE: 29 July 1902

SEE: 23 August 1902

SEE: 02 November 1902

SEE: 17 November 1902


20 April

TWO TRAINS MEET ON SAME TRACK

_____


A Rather Disastrous Wreck Oc-

curred Yesterday Morning on

the Northern Pacific.

_____


FREIGHT & PASSENGER COLLIDE

_____


Several Cars and Engines were

Wrecked But No One was

Seriously Injured.


The Northern Pacific coast train which leaves Minneapolis about 10 o’clock in the morning collided with a freight train near Watab yesterday morning. Watab is a small station between Little Falls and St. Cloud and peculiar as it may seem this little way station has been the scene of many more just such accidents as the one which occurred yesterday morning.

The freight train was being pulled by Engineer Vetters and Engineer Conley was on the passenger train. It seems that the freight engineer was to blame from all reports. There are two west bound trains on the Northern Pacific that run pretty close together. The passenger train that was wrecked is known as No. 11 and the other is No. 3. Engineer Vetters is said to have had in mind No. 3 which does not reach St. Cloud until shortly after the 12 o’clock, forgetting all the time that No. 11 reaches that place about an hour earlier. He was trying to make St. Cloud before the passenger and this is said to be the cause of the mixup. Passengers who came that way this morning state that the ruins of the collision were still burning.

Several passengers were slightly injured by the shock, but none suffered severely.

The engine crews jumped and, although the locomotives were telescoped, the enginemen escaped injury.

It is claimed by some the crews of the two trains were not to blame. The freight had orders to sidetrack at Watab and ran past the station in order to back in on the switch.

The train was too heavy for the engine to back up the grade, and before a flagman could be sent out the passenger train crashed into the freight.

The first car back of the freight engine was loaded with lumber, and the car behind it contained horses.

The second car was thrown on top of the car of lumber, and it was necessary to build an inclined plane to bring the horses from their car.

One woman was cut about the head, and all the passengers were attended by doctors from Little Falls, Sauk Rapids and St. Cloud. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 April 1902, p. 3, c. 1)


02 May

GETTING READY TO BUILD

_____


Crew of Men at Work Removing the Trees

Where the New Freight Depot Will

be Erected.


A crew of men has been at work the past day or two taking out the trees in the Northern Pacific park on the site of the proposed new freight depot and in a few days it is reported that the work on the excavation will commence. The trees being taken out are being reset at the west end of the park in places where the old ones have died out. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 May 1902, p. 1, c. 2)


SEE: 12 October 1878

SEE: 06 March 1891

SEE: 25 April 1900

SEE: 18 October 1901

SEE: 31 March 1902

SEE: 11 July 1902

SEE: 29 July 1902

SEE: 23 August 1902

SEE: 02 November 1902

SEE: 17 November 1902


21 May

THIEF NAILED BY BRAKEMAN

_____


Quick Work is Made in Shoving Theo.

Hartman Through the Mill

of Justice.


Yesterday afternoon Theo. Hartman had a hearing before Judge Blewitt on the charge of grand larceny and was held to the grand jury.

Hartman, day before yesterday stole a suit of clothes belonging to C. A. Halverson, a brakeman on the Staples-Duluth passenger train. He got on the same train and attempted to get off at Deerwood but was nabbed by another brakeman, taken to Aitkin and held there until yesterday afternoon, when he was brought down to this city.

He told some conflicting stories, but was finally held. Now the brakeman is in a quandary. His clothes he cannot get until after the July term of court, as they will cut some figure in the case against Hartman. He also had to put up a bond of $100 to insure his appearance in this city against the defendant at the July term of court. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 May 1902, p. 3, c. 2)


02 June

TRYING TO FIX YEARLY SCHEDULE

_____


Committee of Machinists Return

Tonight from St. Paul After

an Extended Conference

_____


MEETING TO BE HELD TONIGHT

_____


Understood That Machinists of

N. P. are Trying to Arrange

a New System.


The committee of machinists from the Northern Pacific shops is expected to return this evening from St. Paul where they have been for three or four weeks in consultation with similar committees from the Great Northern and the Burlington roads and also the Northern Pacific—the three merger roads. The committees have been in conference trying, if possible, to secure a satisfactory schedule for all the machinists on these systems.

It is understood that they are after a complete revision of the present schedule and among other things will ask for a nine-hour day wages at 35 cents an hour, the abolishment of all handy men as soon as vacancies occur, doing away with the age limit, to have the ratio of apprentices to finished workmen cut, that they be not required to make out a personal record or furnish service letters. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 June 1902, p. 2, c. 4)


11 July

Men are at work running the spur from the main track through the N. P. park this afternoon preparatory to starting work on the new freight depot which will be erected in the park this summer. (Brainerd 25 Years Ago, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 July 1927, p. 2, c. 4)


SEE: 12 October 1878

SEE: 06 March 1891

SEE: 25 April 1900

SEE: 18 October 1901

SEE: 31 March 1902

SEE: 02 May 1902

SEE: 29 July 1902

SEE: 23 August 1902

SEE: 02 November 1902

SEE: 17 November 1902


29 July

Work has commenced on the excavation for the new Northern Pacific freight depot. (Brainerd 25 Years Ago, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 July 1902, p. 3, c. 2)


SEE: 12 October 1878

SEE: 06 March 1891

SEE: 25 April 1900

SEE: 18 October 1901

SEE: 31 March 1902

SEE: 02 May 1902

SEE: 11 July 1902

SEE: 23 August 1902

SEE: 02 November 1902

SEE: 17 November 1902


23 August

The foundation for the new N. P. freight depot is about completed. (Brainerd 25 Years Ago, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 August 1927, p. 2, c. 4)


SEE: 12 October 1878

SEE: 06 March 1891

SEE: 25 April 1900

SEE: 18 October 1901

SEE: 31 March 1902

SEE: 02 May 1902

SEE: 11 July 1902

SEE: 29 July 1902

SEE: 02 November 1902

SEE: 17 November 1902


22 October

ANOTHER VERY BAD WRECK ON THE N. P.

_____


Sunday Afternoon Near Baxter

But Fortunately No One

was Killed.

_____


ENGINES UTTERLY DEMOLISHED.

_____


Engineer Carlson is Said to Have

Run by His Orders and is to

Blame for the Affair


Railroad sign announcing the small siding of Baxter, 1906. A 828x578 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Another disastrous wreck has occurred on the Northern Pacific, this time within four miles of the city of Brainerd and the only feature which it can be said to be unlike many others during the past few months in the northwest is the fact that no one was killed, which seems like a miracle in view of the fact that things generally were so badly smashed up.

Train wreck west of Baxter, 22 October 1902.
Source: Ron V. Nixon Collection, Museum of the Rockies, Montana State University

The wreck occurred just a mile west of Baxter, a small siding three miles west of this city, at a point where there is a curve in the track, another fortunate thing for the trainmen and passengers as many of them would surely have been killed or seriously injured had the wreck occurred on a straight away track. It was head-on collision between the engine of No. 12, which is due to arrive at Brainerd at 12:45 and a light service engine which was being sent from the Northern Pacific shops in this city to Staples. Engineer Carlson was on the light engine while Conductor Whittie had charge of No. 12 and Engineer Scobie was at the throttle. Both engines at the time of the wreck were running at the rate of forty-five or fifty miles an hour and seldom ever in the history of the road has there been a wreck when everything was so completely demolished about the engines which came in contact with each other. So badly were the engines wrecked that they will have to be brought to the city on flat cars in small pieces of iron.

Engineer Carlson, who is a south man, left this city with his engine at exactly 12:40 p. m. He was supposed to know the running time of No. 12 and was to meet her at Baxter. Instead of stopping there he plowed right on forgetting entirely that the passenger was due at this point about the same time. He had been given orders to pass a freight at Sylvan Lake and perhaps this had to do with his forgetting No. 12. He was driving the engine at about a fifty mile an hour rate at the time. There is a curve in the track about a mile west of Baxter and it was right at this point that the two trains met. Neither engineer had a moment to think about trying to stop the trains and all hands jumped. The engines crashed into each other and in less time than it takes to tell it they were a mass of steaming, foaming, broken steel and iron.

Train wreck west of Baxter, 22 October 1902.
Source: Ron V. Nixon Collection, Museum of the Rockies, Montana State University

The first thought was of the passengers and the engineers, who crawled out from under the debris uninjured, went back to look after their comfort. It was found that the curve in the track had the effect of stopping the force of the crash to a considerable extent and beyond being thoroughly shaken up none of the passengers were killed, and few were at all injured.

The fireman of the light engine, whose name is Lawson, had the closest call and he tells a thrilling story. He says that he went over with the engine and he thought everything was over with him. He lay buried beneath the debris and finally began to feel some warm steam but did not move as he felt partially stunned. Finally he felt cold water pouring over him and he started to crawl out, finding no difficulty in doing so.

The members of the crew who were injured slightly were taken at once to the Sanitarium in this city and their wounds dressed. There is no one hurt seriously and not even a man was compelled to be in his bed today.

The condition of Engineer Carlson, however, is rather unfortunate. It is understood that he is nearly crazed over the unfortunate affair and it is feared that he will lose his mind entirely.

A young girl, a passenger to Duluth, whose name could not be learned, had her shoulder bone dislocated but this was set and she will be all right.

The damage to the passenger cars was slight considering the force of the crash, but the baggage car was completely riddled and the baggage strewn in four different directions. The work of clearing the debris is in progress today, under the supervision of Roadmaster Tyler. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 October 1902, p. 7, c. 3)


01 November

MET DEATH IN A TRAGIC MANNER

_____


Charles Goff and J. C. Congdon,

Both Known Here Killed

This Morning

_____


ANOTHER COLLISION ON THE N. P.

_____


Trainmen Get Mixed in Signals

Resulting in a Serious Catastrophe


THE DEAD.

Charles Goff, Staples.

J. C. Congdon, Jr., Staples.


Another disastrous and appalling accident has occurred on the Northern Pacific and the result is especially horrifying to the people of Brainerd as the two men killed were old residents of the city and very well and favorably known, J. C. Congdon, Jr., and Chas. Goff.

The wreck occurred at a small siding known as Watts two miles west of Glyndon at 7:12 this morning and both Goff and Congdon were instantly killed. Charles Goff was conductor on the local way freight between Staples and Fargo and J. C. Congdon, Jr. and John Ryan were brakemen. The wreck was a rear end collision between the second section of passenger No. 3, the coast train, and the local freight which was running between Staples and Fargo. Engineer Dagman was on the engine of No. 3 with Fireman Berryman, but they both escaped with slight injuries.

It seems that Conductor Goff was not aware that No. 3 was running in two sections. They were on the siding at Glyndon when the first section went through but as the freight crew had been out for twenty-four hours they were pretty well fagged. The first section of No. 3 passed through and as she did so the whistles sounded the signals for the second section. Engineer Green and his fireman on the freight discussed these signals between themselves and were not positive about the matter but finally decided that they were whistles for the crossing. So they pulled out and reached Watts, a small siding, two miles west of Glyndon. Here they had a car of wood to switch out and while this was being done the second section of No. 3 came along.

The passenger was running at the rate of about thirty-five miles an hour and she smashed into the caboose of No. 57 with terrific force, as Engineer Dagman had only just time to apply the air. Both he and his fireman stuck to the engine but they were but slightly injured. Conductor Goff, and Brakemen, J. C. Condgon, Jr., and John Ryan were in the caboose at the time and the two former were killed in the twinkling of an eye. John Ryan escaped with slight injuries.

The caboose and three freight cars were piled in a heap on top of the fifth car and instantly the mass of equipment caught fire and started to burn. The engine of No. 3 was derailed, as also was the tender, and were thrown into the ditch.

The body of Conductor Goff was picked up a few paces from the scene of the wreck, an unrecognizable mass of flesh and blood. For sometime the remains of J. C. Congdon, Jr., could not be found but were finally found underneath the tender, one arm and one leg being burned off. It is thought that he was killed instantly.

The freight which left Staples with the conductor and his brakeman on their last rip pulled out at 8 o'clock yesterday morning. They were due at Fargo last night at 6 o'clock, but an overabundance of work kept them on the road all night. It seems after the first section had passed them at Glyndon that Engineer Green and his fireman discussed the signals and it is said that the fireman was positive that the signals were intended for a second section but the engineer thought it was simply for the crossing.

The remains of both men were taken to Moorhead and will be brought down to Staples tonight on No. 8. The remains of Mr. Congdon will be brought to Brainerd accompanied by his wife and brother Harry Congdon and wife. N. M. Paine and Miss Clara Paine left for the west this afternoon. Conductor Goff was a nephew of N. M. and C. H. Paine.

Charles Goff was well known in this city. He resided here a number of years, but moved to Staples later where he has been working as brakeman and conductor for several years. He leaves a wife and two small children.

J. C. Congdon, Jr., was a young man 26 years of age and has been brought up from childhood in this city. He attended the University and graduated from the course in pharmacy but never cared to engage in this business, and a few years ago started railroading. Only last summer he was married to a prominent young lady of Montevideo and the young wife has the sympathy of all in her bereavement. "Jack" Congdon, as he was familiarly known here was liked by all, and he had a bright future before him, had he lived, in the railroad business, being especially bright and adapted to the work. His father, J. C. Congdon, is in the east visiting, but has been wired for. Mrs. Congdon received the sad news here to-day and is almost heartbroken. The funeral will probably be held in this city Monday. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 November 1902, p. 5, c. 3)


02 November

Teams are at work hauling gravel for the grade on the approach to the new Northern Pacific freight depot. (Brainerd 25 Years Ago, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 November 1927, p. 2, c. 4)


SEE: 12 October 1878

SEE: 06 March 1891

SEE: 25 April 1900

SEE: 18 October 1901

SEE: 31 March 1902

SEE: 02 May 1902

SEE: 11 July 1902

SEE: 29 July 1902

SEE: 23 August 1902

SEE: 23 August 1902

SEE: 17 November 1902


05 November

REMAINS LAID TO REST IN CEMETERY

_____


Funeral of the Late J. C. Cong-

don, Jr., One of the Largest

in Many Months.

_____


MANY STAPLES PEOPLE PRESENT

_____


Services at the Grave Under the

Auspices of White Cross

Lodge, K. P. This City.


Wednesday the funeral of the late J. C. Congdon, Jr., was held from the First Congregational church and it is seldom that so large an attendance at a similar even has been noticeable in Brainerd, which attests to the general popularity of the young man. Besides the large number of his friends from this city who were in attendance, many from Staples and Fargo came down this morning.

Brief services were held at the house and the remains were removed to the First Congregational church. The church was crowded and the services were very impressive. Revs. M. L. Hutton and A. H. Carver officiated and the Aeolian quartette furnished the music.

The floral contributions were profuse, large collections coming from old friends in the railroad business here and elsewhere.

The members of White Cross Lodge, K. P. [Knights of Pythias], of which deceased was a member attended in a body and they had charge of the services at the grave.

The following were the active pallbearers: Leslie Morton, Staples; Dr. Coventry, Duluth, and George Grewcox, J. F. Murphy, James McPherson and E. H. Jones of this city.

The honorary pallbearers were F. A. Bradbury, Thomas Blackburn, James Towers, Sr., W. A. M. Johnstone and J. T. Frater. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 November 1902, p. 1)


The wooden freight depot on the North Eighth Street side of the tracks is discontinued and a long brick building is opened for use in 1904 [sic] [1902]. This building is located on the northeast corner of Front and Eighth Streets. The wooden building is razed about four years later. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 87)


NOTE: The information from Zapffe, above, regarding the year the freight depot was built is INCORRECT.


17 November

Agent G. W. Mosler and his office force were busy all day yesterday moving from the old office in the depot building to the elegant and commodious offices in the new freight depot on Front Street. The freight house is one of the most modern and up-to-date in the state and the merchants of the city are particularly pleased over the shipping facilities. (Brainerd 25 Years Ago, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 November 1927, p. 3, c.’s 2 & 3)


SEE: 12 October 1878

SEE: 06 March 1891

SEE: 25 April 1900

SEE: 18 October 1901

SEE: 31 March 1902

SEE: 02 May 1902

SEE: 11 July 1902

SEE: 29 July 1902

SEE: 23 August 1902

SEE: 02 November 1902

SEE: 17 November 1902


21 November

Quite a change is to be made in the arrangements of the Northern Pacific depot now that the freight office of the company has been moved to the new building. The partitions between the present waiting rooms and the old freight office are to be torn out and the waiting rooms entirely changed. The waiting rooms will run north and south with a commodious and well-arranged ticket office in the center. (Brainerd 25 Years Ago, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 November 1927, p. 2, c. 5)


1903

07 June

RAILROAD GOSSIP.


A special arrived in the city yesterday morning carrying officials of the Northern Pacific who are on a tour of inspection. In the party was President Mellen, General Manager Cooper, General Superintendent Gilbert, Assistant General Superintendent Kline, Chief Engineer Darling, Supt. of Motive Power Mitchell and Tax Commissioner Fernald and Supt. Vanderslice of the Superior division.

The gentlemen spent most of yesterday morning inspecting the shops in this city and left in the afternoon for the west. No intimation was made by Supt. Mitchell who the successor to Supt. Bean at the shops in this city would be. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 June 1903, p. 3, c. 4)


08 June

RAILROAD GOSSIP.


Alfred Childs has resigned as general foreman of the N. P. Como shops and W. G. Percy, now master car builder for the Wisconsin Central, and located at Fond du Lac, Wis., has been offered the position left vacant by the resignation of Mr. Childs. Mr. Percy was at one time general car foreman in the shops here, being succeed by D. K. Fullerton, and is very well known in Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 June 1903, p. 3, c. 4)


10 June

RAILROAD GOSSIP.


Supt. S. L. Bean, of the N. P. Shops in this city, leaves on Wednesday for his new field of activity in New Mexico. Nothing has been given out regarding Mr. Bean’s successor, but it has been intimated that it would be a man who is in line for promotion, and not some one from another road. It is rumored that Supt. Clarkson, of the Livingston shops, is booked for the position here. There is an unfounded rumor that Mr. Bean was asked to resign his position here, but this is not so. Mr. Bean resigned on his own accord and the report does him an injustice. He has held the position of master mechanic here for about eight years, and has been a most capable and efficient official, and his departure with his estimable family will be greatly regretted by their large circle of friends made during their residence here. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 June 1903, p. 3, c. 4)


26 June

DR. WATKINS’ GOOD BERTH.

_____


He Will Sever His Connection With the

Northern Pacific Hospital July 1 to

Go to Missoula.


On July 1 there will be a change again in the staff of physicians at the Northern Pacific Sanitarium in this city. Drs. Chas. F. Watkins and C. W. Jump retiring.

Dr. Watkins goes to Missoula where he has taken the position of first assistant surgeon of the Northern Pacific Sanitarium there, a similar position held by Dr. Mowers in this city. Dr. Watkins is a graduate of Ann Arbor and has been in the hospital in this city for two years. Few men during that time could have made more friends in the city and there will be general regret over his departure. He has become a popular attache of the N. P. Sanitarium, where by his courteous and gentlemanly manner he has won the respect of all, and his diligent service has won the confidence of those with whom he has been associated.

The doctor will be missed also in local baseball circles, especially on the Elks’ team. He was at one time a professional baseball player and he has been induced from time-to-time to pitch in the local contests and it has been a great drawing card.

Dr. Jump, who leaves on the first also, is well known and has made many friends here. He has been here but a year.

Two new graduates of Ann Arbor will fill the vacancies, Drs. Chapman and Peck. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 June 1903, p. 3, c. 4)


27 June

THE EXCURSION TO WALKER.

_____


Over Two Thousand People Leave the

City for Walker and Leech Lake

This Morning.


It is estimated that there were over two thousand people who left for Walker this morning on the big N. P. employee excursion. This is the annual picnic of the employees of the shops in this city, and it is estimated that it is the largest that has ever been held.

There were more people around the N. P. depot than has been seen in a long time, this morning. The first section was packed and left a few minutes after 6 o'clock, and the second section was made ready and was also quickly filled, almost to overflowing. This section left about 6:45. The reports from the passengers on the regular passenger from the north are to the effect that the excursionists all arrived safely and the town of Walker is in gala attire.

A ball game will be played this afternoon and the other sports will be pulled off. It is a little windy for boating on the lake, but notwithstanding this, many are taking advantage of this recreation and hired boats early and were off.

The picnickers will probably reach Brainerd on the return trip about 11 o'clock tonight. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 June 1903, p. 3, c. 2)


18 July

ORGANIZED BAND OF CAR THIEVES

_____


Thought to be Working Along the

Northern Pacific in Squads of Two and Three

_____


AND MUCH STUFF IS TAKEN.

_____


Officials Said to Be On the Alert

and Arrests are Expected

to Follow.


It is reported that there is systematic thieving and robbing along the Northern Pacific and that strenuous measures are to be taken to apprehend the guilty parties. It is believed from the class of work that has been done that there is a common band of robbers who have planned carefully and wisely. Several cars have been broken into in this city during the past six months and such stuff as meat, merchandise, etc., have been taken.

The officials of the road have been worked up over the matter and some strenuous measures are to be taken. Brainerd has been considered a pretty bad place and many petty thefts have been reported from cars. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 July 1903, p. 3, c. 1)


RAILROAD GOSSIP


There is a move on foot, it is understood, to renew a request made to the N. P. some time ago to put gates at the Sixth and Eighth street crossing by some people of the city. It is thought that the building of the platform in the center of the yard between the tracks has increased the danger.

_____


O. J. Egan, of Brainerd, was in the city Tuesday for the purpose of organizing a union of freight handlers. It is expected that the organization will be completed by Saturday night. Little Falls Transcript.

_____


Thousands of yards of dirt have been hauled to make the grade for the widening of the yards this side of the shops.

_____


Business at the shops is unusually brisk just now. Superintendent Wheatley has not made any particular changes in the regular order of things.

_____


Work has already been commenced on the block system between Staples and Jamestown.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 July 1903, p. 3, c. 2)


23 July

JOHN ANDERSON TO BE

GENERAL FOREMAN

_____


He Will Succeed A. Dinan as Gen-

eral Foreman of Northern

Pacific Shops.

_____


W. W. MURRAY IS PROMOTED

_____


To the Position of Gang Foreman

to Succeed Mr. Anderson,

Promoted.


A. Dinan, who has resigned as general foreman of the Northern Pacific shops in this city, expects to leave for his new post of duty on the Santa Fe in a few days. It has been announced that John Anderson has been promoted to the position left vacant by the resignation of Mr. Dinan and that he will take charge at once. W. W. Murray succeeds Mr. Anderson as gang foreman.

Mr. Anderson has been with the Northern Pacific a long time and he is one of the most popular men in the shops. It is a well-deserved promotion and Mr. Anderson is to be congratulated, as the importance of the shops in this city are recognized throughout the land in railroad circles and to be at the head of a department of this kind is a positive assurance of success. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 July 1903, p. 2, c. 2)


13 October

JERRY GLUNT FOR BRAINERD.

_____


He Will Succeed S. Carr as Yardmaster

in This City—The Latter Will

Go South.


There is to be another change in the N. P. yards in this city. S. Carr has resigned as yardmaster and will go south to accept a position with another road. With this change Jerry Glunt, who is very well known in this city, but who has been making his home at Staples for years where he has been yardmaster, will come to Brainerd and have charge of the yards here. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 October 1903, p. 5, c. 3)


03 November

ENGINE OF NO. 14 GOES INTO DITCH

_____


Side Rods on the Engine Break

and She Jumped the Track

Near Carlton.

_____


ENGINEER GRIMES WAS SCALDED

_____


No Other Part of the Train Was

Wrecked and None of the

Passengers Injured.


There was quite a bad wreck on the Northern Pacific three miles this side of Carlton this morning at 6 o’clock, and Engineer Grimes was badly scalded about the hands, arms and face, but it is not thought that the injuries are serious.

It was the engine of train 14, which leaves Brainerd for the east about 1 o’clock in the morning that was wrecked, being thrown into the ditch by the breaking of both side rods. Water from the engine caught Engineer Grimes, but he managed to escape before being scalded to death.

None of the cars jumped the track and the passengers were not at all injured. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 November 1903, p. 2, c. 4)


SEE: 05 November 1903

SEE: 10 November 1903

SEE: 08 December 1927


05 November

WILL REWARD HIS BRAVERY.

_____


John M. Grimes Will Be Recog-

nized by Northern Pacific

Officials for Bravery.

_____


PROBABLY WILL BE PROMOTED

_____


His Bravery in Sticking to Wreck-

ed Engine and Saving Pas-

sengers Unparalleled


The Northern Pacific will recognize with a substantial reward the signal bravery of John M. Grimes, the passenger engineer who Tuesday averted a wreck near Carlton and saved the occupants of a heavy train. No official action has been taken, but headquarters officials say that it will follow within a few days. It is considered probable that Engineer Grimes will get a promotion.

Mr. Grimes’ condition is quite serious in some respects. His face and other parts of the body are not so bad but it is said that his hands are in bad shape.

Mr. Grimes is well known in Brainerd, having at one time been a resident here. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 November 1903, p. 3, c. 3)


SEE: 03 November 1903

SEE: 10 November 1903

SEE: 08 December 1927


09 November

THE TRACK IS CLEAR.

_____


No. 11 Did Not Arrive in the City From

the East Until Way After 7

O’Clock Last Night.


The wreck this side of Cedar Lake yesterday morning proved even more disastrous than was at first thought. The engine of the extra was so badly smashed up that it is thought it will be worthless. The work of clearing the track was continued throughout the afternoon with diligence, but it was not until after 7 o'clock that No. 11 was able to pull through and reach Brainerd.

She left at once on her return trip to Duluth. No. 13 arrived in the city on time last night. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 November 1903, p. 4, c. 2)


10 November

GRIMES GETS A LETTER

_____


Supt. Blanchard Writes the Engineer That

He Will Not Lose Anything for

His Bravery Recently.


The bravery of John M. Grimes, the engineer who stuck to his wrecked engine near Carlton, Minn., on the Northern Pacific road Tuesday and probably saved a few score of lives, has been recognized by the company in a letter written to Mr. Grimes by superintendent Blanchard, says the Duluth Herald.

In the letter Mr. Grimes’ action in risking his life in his devotion is highly commended and the tone of the letter is such that it is taken for granted that Mr. Grimes will not lose anything for his bravery.

The report that Mr. Grimes was to be rewarded by the company for his acts has no foundation as the company does not think that such action is best for the interests of the company and railroads in general.

Mr. Grimes is recovering from his injuries but it will be some time before he will be able to resume his run. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 November 1903, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 03 November 1903

SEE: 05 November 1903

SEE: 08 December 1927


19 November

THE WHISTLE BLEW AT SIX

_____


Hours on the Car Side at Northern Pacific

Shops Increased Again to Ten

Hours Per Day


Some time and the hours on the car side of the Northern Pacific shops were reduced to nine hours a day, following the example of the south side. The work of late has been rather rushing in the car department and yesterday the men were placed on a ten-hour schedule again, which is good news to them as well as others in the city. It is thought that it will not be long now before the entire shop force in this city will be put back on the old schedule of ten hours. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 November 1903, p. 3, c. 1)


20 November

MACHINISTS ARE ALERT

_____


This Body of Men at the Shops, Realizing

Their Own Comforts, Will Do

Charitable Work


The members of the machinists union at the Northern Pacific shops in this city are making arrangements to make the homes of the poor and needy in the city happier and brighter on Thanksgiving by augmenting some of the delicacies of the season to the family cupboards. They are now procuring a list of the worthy poor throughout the city and these will be carefully compiled and on Thanksgiving eve they will all receive a basket laden with good things. The boys have collected something like $100 from different sources in the city to help the cause along and they expect to add a further large amount before Thanksgiving. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 November 1903, p. 3, c. 2)


1904

17 January

DEATH REMOVES CON. POPPENBERG

He Succumbed at the N. P. Sanitarium

Last Evening After a Brief Illness.


It would seem as though Brainerd has more than its share of affliction these days, for it is seldom that so many deaths have occurred within a short space of time. The last to be added to the list of the dead was Conrad [sic] [Cornelius (Con)] Poppenberg, who passed away last evening about 7 o'clock at the Northern Pacific Sanitarium where he was taken a few days ago to undergo an operation for appendicitis. Both before and after the operation was performed little hope was held out to relatives and friends and it was thought from the first that his recovery would be one of the impossibilities, for his case had advanced to that perilous stage when there is very little hope for the patient to pull through.

The young man was taken to the Sanitarium on Friday evening and it was deemed necessary, as a last resort, to perform the operation for appendicitis at once. During the night the members of the family were called and it was thought that he would not survive until morning. He revived, however, toward morning and Saturday was considered some better, but it was only a temporary change for he sank very rapidly and all day yesterday death was momentarily expected.

The deceased was the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Poppenberg, of East Brainerd. He was 29 years of age and those who survive him besides his parents, three sisters and four brothers, are his beloved wife, Mrs. Lottie Poppenberg and two children. The sisters are the Misses Rose, Kitty and Margaret Poppenberg and the brothers Messrs. Henry J., Leo and Willie Poppenberg, who reside in Brainerd, and Matt Poppenberg, who resides at Des Moines, Iowa.

Mr. Poppenberg was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters and North Star Lodge, I. A. of M., of this city. He had been a resident of this city for many years and was universally liked by all who knew him. He learned his trade, that of a machinist, in this city and has virtually grown up from boyhood in the city and had scores of friends. The funeral services will probably be held on Wednesday morning from St. Francis' Catholic church, and it is understood that they will be under North Star lodge auspices.

The DISPATCH joins with the many friends of the bereaved family in extending sympathy. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, Monday, 18 January 1904, p. 3)


15 February

SMALL WRECK ON M. & I.

_____


Engine of Logging Train Bumps into the

“Pusher” on the Hackensack Siding

This Morning.


The M. & I. passenger was delayed several hours this afternoon on account of a small wreck near Hackensack. An engine of a logging train which was being run by Engineer Herrman, smashed into the side of the “pusher” at Hackensack. A few cars and the two engines were derailed but it did not take long to get them on again and very little damage was done. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 February 1904, p. 3, c. 1)


22 February

BAD DAY ON RAILROADS

_____


No. 12, the Duluth Passenger,

Crippled Up Near Pillager

Yesterday Afternoon.

_____


A RATHER EXPENSIVE WRECK

_____


Caboose of Freight Standing in

Yards Burned—Another En-

gine Broke Down.


Yesterday seemed to be a Jonah for the Northern Pacific in the vicinity of Brainerd. There was no end of trouble and while no lives were lost there were some rather disastrous wrecks resulting in the loss of considerable property.

The worst accident occurred to No. 12 near Pillager shortly after 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon. Both siderods on the engine broke and before the train could be stopped all kinds of damage had been done.

The broken rod on the north side of the engine was planted into the ground, just enough of the end protruding to catch all the boxes on the wheels of the tender, the baggage car and the smoker. All three cars were incapacitated. The two big rear wheels, one on either side of the engine, were cracked square in two and the engine was otherwise quite badly smashed up.

After straightening things out Engineer Scobie, who was at the throttle, managed to pull the train slowly into Brainerd, arriving here at about 5:30 o’clock. There was nothing but the rear coach of the train in shape to be pulled into Duluth, so after another engine could be steamed up she pulled out with the lone coach carrying the few passengers who had expected to get to Duluth for their dinner last evening, but who did not arrive any too soon for a midnight luncheon. Conductor Whittle was in charge of the train.

_____


The sight of a burning caboose attached to a Northern Pacific train greeted the eyes of pedestrians in the vicinity of the N. P. yards yesterday morning. The caboose was attached to an extra and was one that belonged on the south end. Nothing but the trucks were saved. The fire department was not called out, and those who saw the fire wondered that some assistance was not asked. It is presumed the fire caught from an overheated stove.

_____


Another freight engine was put out of business yesterday morning. It was bound south and had not made over ten miles from Brainerd when one of the cylinders blew out. Another engine had to go out and yank the train back to town. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 February 1904, p. 3, c. 1)


03 March

At the last meeting of the city council it was intimated that it might be a good thing to tackle the Northern Pacific on the proposition of paying their share of the expenses of constructing the general sewer. Their share will amount to $2,000. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 03 March 2004)


TRAINS COLLIDE.

_____


Near Scanlon and Engineer Chambers Had

His Collar Bone Broken and Was

Brought to Brainerd.


A double header logging train on the Northern Pacific road crashed into a string of cars on the main line in Scanlon yard Tuesday afternoon and William Chambers, engineer of the head locomotive, was painfully injured. The train of 65 log cars was coming down from Cloquet to Carlton and was bowling along at about 10 miles an hour when it ran into the cars which had been set out on the main line by a switch engine. Chambers and the engineer in the second locomotive did all they could to reduce the speed of their train when they discovered the obstruction, but the headway was too great to overcome. As a result of the collision both engines were demolished and ten box cars derailed.

Chambers sustained a broken collar bone and a sprained ankle He was brought to the Brainerd hospital. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 March 1904, p. 3, c. 2)


07 April

A question of great importance is manifested in Brainerd. It will be taken up this year by the International Association of Machinists. It has to do with an attempt to have the regular working day changed from ten to nine hours at the same pay. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 07 April 2004)


15 April

BAD MIXUP IN A RAILROAD WRECK

_____


Westbound Freight on N. P. was

Wrecked Short Distance East

of Wadena.

_____


CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE DONE

_____


Both East and West Bound Pas-

senger Trains are Held Up

for Many Hours.


There was quite a disastrous wreck on the Northern Pacific main line one-half mile east of Wadena yesterday afternoon.

The trucks under the furniture car of a westbound freight broke down at this point and several cars were piled up in a massive heap and the tracks were torn up for some distance. Fortunately for the train crew the speed of the train had been greatly reduced and it was not running very fast, otherwise it is thought that someone would have been badly hurt.

The westbound coast train and No. 5 were held up for many hours at the scene of the wreck. A wrecker was sent out from Staples and it took some time to clear away the wreckage. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 April 1904, p. 5, c. 3)


02 May

A. W. WHEATLEY VIRTUALLY SUPT.

_____


All Matters Pertaining to Office of

Supt. of Motive Power to

Be Directed to Him

_____


MAKES HIM ACTING SUPERIN’D’T.

_____


Rise of Young Man in Railroad

World During Past Ten Years

Considered Phenomenal


Circulars have been sent out from the general offices of the Northern Pacific which would imply that A. W. Wheatley, until a short time ago superintendent of the shops in this city, is now acting superintendent of motive power.

The circular notifies all concerned that until further notice all matters pertaining to the office of superintendent of motive power must be directed to A. W. Wheatley, of St. Paul.

Mr. Wheatley was promoted to the office of assistant superintendent of motive power only a short time ago, his position up to that time being superintendent of the N. P. shops in this city. The position of superintendent of motive power is one of the most important on the N. P. system and coming as it does to so young a man, it is considered a great compliment and a fitting reward for true worth. His career in the railroad business has been of short duration, compared with the army of men who have been employed with the company for over a quarter of a century. Twelve years ago Mr. Wheatley was a machinist in the shops in this city and his rise from that time is considered phenomenal. Since that time he has held various positions as general foreman and master mechanic at different points on the system, returning to Brainerd to succeed S. L. Bean, who resigned to go with the Santa Fe. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 May 1904, p. 3, c. 1)


05 May

BOILERMAKERS WIN OUT

_____


They Have a Grievance Which They Take

to Superintendent of Motive Power

Wheatley.


A committee from the boilermakers union of this city has just returned from St. Paul where they appeared before Assistant Superintendent of Motive Power A. W. Wheatley with a grievance. It seems that the car repairers have been doing some work at the shops which the boilermakers believed rightfully belonged to them. They had the matter before Supt. Anderson but he was powerless as the orders came from higher authorities. The men then sent a committee to St. Paul to interview Superintendent Wheatley with the result that the matter was amicably settled and the committee returned to Brainerd very much pleased. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 May 1904, p. 3, c. 4)


12 May

A. W. Wheatley, acting superintendent of motive power, arrived from the south this afternoon and is spending the afternoon in the city on business. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 May 1904, p. 2, c. 2)


The machinist’s dance given at Walker hall last evening was a success in every particular. There was a very good attendance of the members of the union and their families. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 May 1904, p. 2, c. 3)


24 May

N. P. CREWS SAID TO BE AT OUTS

_____


Northern Pacific Engineers on the

St. Paul Division Said to

be Divided

_____


NEW COMERS FROM SUPERIOR

_____


Old Men Claim That There is an

Unjust Discrimination on

this Division.


The signing over of men from the Superior to the St. Paul division of the Northern Pacific, which at the time gave rise to considerable dissatisfaction, will be made a matter for special consideration at the convention of the Brotherhood of Railway Engineers, in Los Angeles, which is pending says the St. Paul Dispatch. Following the conventions, Grand Master W. S. Stone and other grand officers will visit St. Paul in an effort to adjust the difference between the men and the officials of the system.

When the St. Paul division, reaching from Staples to Stillwater and covering St. Paul terminals, was created, a number of engineers from the Superior division, formerly the St. Paul & Duluth lines, were assigned to the new division and were given runs out of the Twin Cities west over the main line to Staples. Because of the fact that the creation of the new division disarranged all the former division boundaries, reducing the work on the Superior division and in creating the work on the St. Paul division, the men on the former had little work and the men on the latter too much. Transfers were therefore arranged to equalize the situation.

These transfers present the problem the grand officers will attempt to solve. Many of the St. Paul division engineers think an injustice was done in taking men from another division and giving them better rank than their own. The transferred engineers maintain that their rank on the St. Paul division should be at least equal to that which they held on the Superior division. The Northern Pacific took the latter view. The situation is very important to the men because the Northern Pacific uses the graded system in making promotions and advances its engineers by number. The St. Paul division engineers claim a discrimination against them in introducing new men on their division and giving them numbers higher up the scale than those held by men who have worked years in their present positions. The men who were fortunate enough to secure the higher numbers naturally come first in order of promotion.

Several of the Northern Pacific officials are dissatisfied with the results of the transfers made when the division was created, but are unable to determine upon an adjustment between the different interests which will not work injustice to some of the engineers. The matter has been referred by the engineers to a committee, which will present it to the convention for discussion with other important matters, involving conditions of service, and an attempt will be made by the grand officers to secure the assent of the Northern Pacific to the adjustment plan which the convention decides will work out to the best advantage. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 May 1904, p. 3, c. 3)


10 August

The First National and Northern Pacific Banks improve their burglar alarm systems. They will now have a gong on the outside as well as on the inside. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Tuesday, 10 August 2004)


05 September

NP Caboose, Fourth of July Parade of 1904. A 1417x995 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Images of America: Brainerd, Crow Wing County Historical Society

This is a NP Car Department caboose float very likely built for the 1904 Labor Day parade.

Brotherhood of Railway Carmen of America, 1904. A 1868x1152 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Members of the Carmen’s Union who marched in the 1904 Labor Day Parade.


1905

10 January

FOURTEEN CARS WERE DERAILED

_____


On Northern Pacific East of Deer-

wood at an Early Hour This

Morning

_____


BROKEN RAIL CAUSE OF WRECK

_____


No. 14 Tied up at Deerwood Near-

ly All Day—No One Injured

In Wreck


There was a very serious wreck on the Northern Pacific at Cedar Lake a short distance east of Deerwood Tuesday about 6:30 o’clock when fourteen freight cars on No. 53 were derailed and piled up in a heap.

No. 53 is the regular freight from Duluth and is due in Brainerd shortly after 3 o’clock. She was running late this morning. At Cedar Lake where the wreck occurred there was a broken rail, presumably caused by the extreme frigidity of the weather. The cars jumped the track in rapid succession and piled up in a heap of debris. None of the trainmen happened to be near any of the cars and fortunately no one was hurt.

The wrecker was dispatched from Staples but there was considerable delay and No. 14, which leaves Brainerd for Duluth at 4:05 in the morning was held up at Deerwood for hours. The wreck, in fact, has practically suspended business on the Superior division today. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 January 1905, p. 3, c. 2)


17 May

BRAINERD


Bank Closed By Order of Public Examiner Yesterday.


Absence of Cash On Hand Is the Cause Given Out.


Thorough Examination of the Institution’s Affairs Will Be Made.


President Hemstead Says He Has Money Enough To Pay All.

______________


Northern Pacific Bank located on the corner of South Seventh and Front Streets, ca. 1893. A 850x667 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
Northern Pacific Bank interior at 201 South 7th, ca. 1893.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

BRAINERD, Minn., May 17.—Brainerd people were surprised yesterday afternoon to find the curtains of the Northern Pacific bank drawn and the following notice placed on the door:

“Closed by order of public examiner for a thorough examination.”

At this time little was known regarding the affair and it was stated that Superintendent of Banks P. M. Kerst was not in the city, but that the notice had been posted by one of his deputies who was in the city and who had been going over the books of the institution.

Nothing definite was given out until late yesterday afternoon when Superintendent Kerst arrived in the city from St. Paul. He was seen at the bank and gave out the following statement:


Statement is Made.


“The Northern Pacific bank has been temporarily closed by the superintendent of banks for the purpose of making a thorough examination of its affairs. As soon as the examination is concluded a statement will be made to the public.”

This, in brief, is about all that could be secured from Superintendent Kerst yesterday. He did state in answer to the question asking for a reason for the state of affairs, “the immediate cause for closing the bank is the absence of cash means.”

The Northern Pacific bank was capitalized for $25,000 and had a surplus of $13,000. It had deposits of $165,000, including bills payable and its total liabilities are $200,000.


An Absence of Cash.


The superintendent of banks states that there was no other reason for closing the bank than that there was absence of cash. His deputies have been in the city for several days and they noticed a natural drawing out of money, what is termed in banking business, “a still run on the bank.”

The bank officers are among the best known business men in the city.

The president is Dr. Werner Hemstead; vice president, J. A. McGinnis; cashier, H. D. Treglawny.

President Hemstead authorized the following statement:

“I have enough available resources to place the bank on a footing to pay every depositor dollar for dollar and this we will do at once.”


Plan Complete Reorganization.


It is understood that the directors contemplate a complete reorganization and the bank will be opened on a sounder and larger basis than ever.

There are a great many anxious depositors but the bank officials offer encouragement in the fact there is enough of the resources in the way of good paper to meet all liabilities.

It was rumored on the streets yesterday afternoon that the bank would be in shape to open up for business by next Monday morning.


Gov. Johnson Talks of Bank.


“All that I know of the situation,” said Governor Johnson last evening, “is what Mr. Kerst told me before he left for Brainerd a few days ago. I understand that complaints have been received at the examiner’s office that certain funds of the bank had been impaired. The investigation is being made to verify the statements made in the complaints.”

Inquiry at the office of the public examiner disclosed the fact that the public examiner has been in Brainerd for several days. Beyond this, no information as to the details of the complaints filed would be given out. (Minneapolis Tribune, 17 May 1905)


24 May

FIFTEEN YEARS SERVICE

_____


Walter Smith Quit the Northern Pacific

Shops Last Night to Enter the Mis-

sionary Field.


Walter Smith quit the Northern Pacific shops last night to enter the missionary field, having accepted the position of district missionary for the American Sunday School Union. For fifteen years Mr. Smith has answered the toot of the N. P. whistle in this city and his service has been almost continuous. He started in the car department and when he quit had charge of the door work. He has the distinction of leaving the shops without a single enemy and everyone who has worked with him and by him all these years speak of him in the highest words of respect.

Mr. Smith’s labors in the new field will cover Crow Wing, Aitkin and Cass. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 May 1905, p. 3, c. 6)


25 May

PAT O’CONNOR INJURED

_____


While Working On a Crane at the N. P.

Foundry He Got His Fingers Caught

in the Gear


Just before quitting time last night Pat O’Connor had the misfortune to meet with a painful accident while at work at the Northern Pacific foundry. He was working on a small hand crane and somehow got the fingers of his right hand caught in the gearing. Half of the first finger was taken off entirely and the second and third fingers were so badly mauled that it may be necessary to amputate them. He was taken to the Northern Pacific Sanitarium where he is receiving good care and it is hoped further complications will not arise. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 May 1905, p. 3, c. 4)


06 July

NOR PACIFIC BANK OPENED

_____


Under Consent and by the Ap-

proval of the Public Ex-

aminer

_____


M. T. DUNN FOR PRESIDENT

_____


Bank Starts Out Under Conditions

Which are Eminently Satis-

factory to All


The doors of the Northern Pacific state bank of this city were reopened this morning by order of Public Bank Examiner P. M. Kerst and it resumed business after a suspension of several weeks. The bank was opened with the full consent and approval of the public examiner, the reorganization committee having complied with all the requirements laid down for the purpose of reorganization. All the affairs of the bank have been adjusted most satisfactorily.

To the DISPATCH reporter today Mr. Kerst said: “The bank at present is in an absolutely safe condition. The bank has been placed under an entire new management and it is due those who have been diligent in the reorganization that the clientage of the bank be continued as in the past. I have known the new head of the Northern Pacific bank for years and know him to be an able and proficient banker. The conditions which I required have all been met with and in some places the conditions are even better than I anticipated. For instance one of the conditions was that there be at least $35,000 in hand before the bank could open. The fact is that there is at least $45,000 of cash means in hand.

“The assessment of 50 percent of the capital stock of the bank has been paid in in cash. That realized $12,500. This together with the book surplus of $13,000 all of the doubtful assets have been wiped out, leaving the capital stock of the bank, which is $25,000, unimpaired. In addition to that there will be a small surplus already accumulated during the time the bank has been in the hands of the public examiner.”

The stockholders held a meeting last night and the resignation of Dr. Werner Hemstead, president and J. F. McGinnis, vice president were received.

M. T. Dunn, of LeRoy, Minn., a well-known banker was elected president and J. A. Batchelder was elected assistant cashier. The offices of vice president and cashier were left open at the present, but it is understood that some new blood is to be infused into the bank and that the office will be filled from the members of a new board of directors which will be elected in a short time. Mr. Dunn, who was elected president of the bank, is not unknown in this city. He is a brother of H. P. Dunn, and has visited here on various occasions.

The conditions laid down by Public Examiner Kerst before the reorganization committee and under which the bank was reopened were as follows:

“The assessment on the capital stock of the bank had to be collected in cash. I required of them that a large amount of cash must be on hand before the reopening of the bank. This involved considerable time and close attention to the assets of the bank.

“I. That an assessment of 50 percent on the capital stock be paid in cash by the stockholders.

“II. That there be a large amount of cash on hand before reopening the band.

“III. That the depositors give the bank 6, 12 and 18 months time in which to pay them off.

“IV. That a practical and competent banker be appointed as cashier, should appeal to every creditor that by this course his interest is best served.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 July 1905, p. 3, c. 1)


27 July

BENEFICIAL ASSOCIATION

_____


Managers of the Northern Pacific Benefi-

cial Association Elected to Represent

Various Departments


As the result of votes cast for election of the managers of the Northern Pacific Beneficial association, the following candidates, having received the largest number of votes in the various departments of the service, have been declared elected as managers for the next two years:

Conductors—W. J. Hilby, Tacoma, Wash.

Brakemen—B. A. Crummey, Tacoma, Wash.

Station Employees—F. E. Bunney, Tacoma, Wash.

Engineers—E. H. Carr, St. Paul, Minn.

Firemen—J. W. Barclay, Tacoma, Wash.

Shopmen—E. Kronberg, Brainerd, Minn.

Trackmen—M. Webster, Wallace, Idaho.

Bridge and Building Men—E. G. Russell, Jamestown, N. D.

General Offices—J. H. A. Hist, St. Paul, Minn.

Construction—I. D. Koren, St. Paul, Minn.

In addition to the above representatives elected by the members, General Manager Horn, of the Northern Pacific, has reappointed the present managers to represent the company upon the board, viz:

M. C. Kimberley, assistant general manager.

E. H. C. Taylor, auditor freight receipts.

C. A. Clark, treasurer.

L. T. Chamberlain, assistant general counsel.

B. E. Palmer, assistant general superintendent, Tacoma, Wash.

W. S. Hay, superintendent Northern Pacific Express company, Eastern division.

D. Van Alstyne, mechanical superintendent.

Newman Kline, assistant general superintendent.

The annual meeting of the board of managers will be held in St. Paul at 10 a. m. on Wednesday, Sept. 20. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 July 1905, p. 3, c. 3)


31 July

PROVIDENCE INTERVENED

_____


Lateness of a Northern Pacific Coast

Train in all Probability Saved

Many Lives.


One of the worst accidents in the history of the Northern Pacific was the one in Montana a few days ago when a freight train went through a bridge and several cars and the engine plunged into the river. The engineer and fireman and several other people were killed. J. T. Campbell, of Mandan, arrived in the city yesterday with his brother, the latter a brakeman on the ill-fated train. A large bolt was thrust through his arm and it may be possible that the arm will have to be amputated. One of the most fortunate things about the wreck, if it might be said that there is anything fortunate about such a thing, was the fact that the eastbound coast train was fifteen minutes late and the freight was running on her time. If the passenger had been on time it would have crossed the bridge first and the same fate would have been hers that befell the freight train. On this train there was an engine and twelve coaches filled with people, and it is likely that nearly all the people would have been killed. Col. Freeman Thorp, of Hubert, and Mrs. R. A. Beise, of this city, were on this train. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 July 1905, p. 3, c. 2)


02 August

TWO SMALL WRECKS

_____


One in West Part of Yard and the Other

Near the Northern Pacific Shops—

No One Injured


It seemed as though the hoodoo was in the N. P. yards this afternoon. When Engineer Brady was backing his engine to the round house after the arrival of the train from the south the engine jumped the track and plowed into the sand. Neither Mr. Brady or the fireman were injured.

Another small wreck occurred in the west yards, a freight car jumping the track and caused considerable delay and inconvenience. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 August 1905, p. 2, c. 2)


07 August

ALL IS QUIET HERE

_____


There is Little New Doing in the Tele-

graphers’ Strike in This Immediate

Vicinity


There is little change reported today in the local situation as regards the telegraphers’ strike. The company made a slight gain yesterday in reopening the Deerwood office the operator having gone back to work. There is not an operator at work on the main line between Little Falls and Northtown Junction except at St. Cloud, but non-telegraphing agents have been put in all the offices except Rice, which is closed.

The men, on the other hand, claim that the freight business is all tied up, especially on the west end and that the company will have to surrender in a very short time. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 August 1905, p. 3, c. 3)


08 August

BAD WRECK IN N. P. YARDS

_____


St. Paul Train Hits Switch Engine

Just as it Enters Upon the

“Y” Today

_____


SEVERAL PERSONS INJURED

_____


Both Engine Crews Escape Injury.

All Jump Except Engineer

H. J. Cunningham.


The most serious wreck in the Brainerd yards for a long time occurred about 1:30 this afternoon. The train from St. Paul, No. 91, was coming into town at a good rate of speed when just as it turned into the “Y” a switch engine pulling a string of freight cars hove in sight coming around the curve. The crews of both engines saw that it was too late to avoid a crash and jumped, with the exception of Engineer Cunningham, all escaping injury. All of the passengers were badly shaken up and several severely injured.

Conductor John Smith was thrown violently forward, striking his head and hurting him so seriously that he was removed to the Sanitarium on a switch engine. Clint Jones, the brakeman, was standing on the step of one of the cars when the crash came and was thrown against the post of the crossing sign. While able to be around and look after things until the train got into the depot he was badly bruised and thought he had a rib or two broken.

The engines were completely interlocked and the entire front end of one driven in. A freight car was driven clear up onto the tender of the switch engine and stands at an angle of about 45 degrees. It seems almost a miracle that the cars of the passenger train held the rails and had they overturned there must have been fatalities.

A crew of men at once cut the cars apart and backed them one at a time out onto the main track and a switch engine pulled them up to the depot.

As soon as the trains struck, almost, word was up at the depot and uptown and people were there in crowds in short order. Dr. Nicholson was promptly on hand and gave aid to the injured. On the arrival of the train at the depot Dr. Courtney arrived and promptly sent conductor Smith to the Sanitarium. One other person, a little girl, had already been sent there by carriage and several others had been removed to the depot. As most of the injured were able to continue their journeys they were reluctant about giving their names lest word should get ahead of them and alarm loved ones.

The switch crew was in charge of John [sic] [Tom] Pillon with W. H. Lawrence on the engine and Chas. Erickson as fireman. The passenger was reported 30 minutes late and the switch crew attempted to set some cars in on the siding from the “Y.” The passenger which is said to have left Little Falls only 20 minutes late, reached the yards 18 minutes behind time and was running, according to different estimates, from 15 to 35 miles an hour when the freight was seen. Both engines were reversed and an eyewitness states that the passenger train went the last 50 feet with every wheel sliding. Engineer Cunningham had set the emergency brake and stayed by his engine, escaping injury.

Roadmaster Tyler is at work with a crew of men and expects to have the track clear this afternoon.

Those taken to the hospital were Conductor Smith, Minna Olson, age about ten, Chicago, en route to Guthrie, Minn. slightly injured, and Mrs. M. Thoeny, of Glencoe, Minn., was en route to Michigan. She was badly bruised about the face and partially prostrated by the shock and was taken to the hospital. A lady going to Backus, whose name could not be learned was also badly shaken up, but continued on her way home. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 August 1905, p. 2, c.’s 5 & 6)


09 August

CONDITIONS LOCALLY

_____


Supt. Blanchard Stated Yesterday

Afternoon that Freight was

Moving Satisfactorily

_____


OPERATORS ALSO OPTIMISTIC

_____


Traveling Freight Agent George R.

Merritt States that Five Big

Trains Went Through


The operators strike on the Northern Pacific so far as local conditions are concerned remains about the same. Supt. Blanchard, of the Superior division, passed over the line from Duluth to Staples and he stated that all the men that went out along the line are being replaced by new men. George R. Merritt, traveling freight agent for the Northern Pacific, was at Staples with Mr. Blanchard and west over the division also. He stated that up to noon yesterday five big freight trains passed over the N. P. going west and several freight trains went over the Superior division. Mr. Merritt stated that the freight conditions, he thought, had improved slightly within the past few days.

So far as the passenger service is concerned there is but little change. Nearly all the trains are running on time as affecting Brainerd.

On the other hand the operators are optimistic. At Staples there is but very little doing and it is a very important point too. Some five or six operators were at work there and while the company has put several men at work they have been unable to retain them and at times the office has been entirely without operators. The operators claim that the same condition exists along the line. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 August 1905, p. 2, c. 5)


17 August

MANY IMPROVEMENTS

_____


Being Made by the Northern Pacific at

Staples in Buildings and New Track-

age for Coast Trains


The Northern Pacific railroad has purchased two blocks in the heart of the city of Staples and will at once begin laying out what is announced will be the largest yards on the entire system. New buildings including a 60-stall roundhouse, capable of housing the largest engines on the system, will be constructed. A two-story machine shop with offices for the master mechanic and other officials is also to be erected. The present trackage will be extended west one mile and seven or more tracks of equal distance will be laid. When these are completed there will be room and plenty for all coast trains. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 August 1905, p. 3, c. 1)


WAS IN BRAINERD WRECK

_____


Wm. Ebner Tells of His Experience in a

Railroad Wreck in the Brainerd

Yards


Wm. Ebner arrived home Friday from a trip to Minneapolis and Bemidji, says the Wadena Tribune. Mr. Ebner was a passenger on the train which was wrecked in the Brainerd yards last week, the result of coming in contact with a switch engine attached to a long string of box cars.

Mr. Ebner was riding in the chair car which runs through to Bemidji. He had just tilted the chair backward and had settled down to take things easy when the crash came. He was thrown upright and found himself lying across the seat in front of him. He said the impact was terrific and the crash attendant upon the collision was frightful. When he commenced to realize what had happened, the car, although apparently clean, was filled with a cloud of dust and soon the frightened passengers commenced to extricate themselves from the wreckage. The seats were torn up and everything was chaos in the car. There were a number of injured some of them seriously hurt. A little child and the conductor were the most seriously injured. Brainerd physicians were soon upon the ground, but ahead of them came the Northern Pacific claim agents taking the names and addresses of the passengers and ascertaining the extent of the injuries sustained by the passengers. Mr. Ebner, being unhurt himself, lost no time in getting out of the way, as he did not care to remain and take the chances of being called as a witness in damage suits against the company which are almost sure to follow. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 August 1905, p. 3, c. 2)


24 August

ACCIDENT CAUSED DELAY

_____


Engine on No, 91 Incapacitated at Buffalo

Creek and Switch Engine Had to be

Taken Out to Bring Train In


The engine on No. 91 was put out of commission when near Buffalo Creek this afternoon which caused a delay of nearly two hours. This passenger is due from the south at 1:05 and did not reach here until nearly 3 o’clock. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 August 1905, p. 3, c. 3)


22 September

J. W. Willis, timber agent for the Northern Pacific, left this afternoon for Duluth. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 September 1905, p. 2, c. 2)


M. C. Kimberley, general superintendent of the Northern Pacific, was in the city this morning on business. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 September 1905, p. 2, c. 2)


TO GRADUATE SECOND CLASS

_____


Invitations Out For the Second

Annual Graduating Exercises

of the

_____


TRAINING SCHOOL FOR NURSES

_____


At Northern Pacific Railway Sani-

tarium Thursday Evening,

October 5


The invitations are out for the second annual graduation exercises of the nurses’ training school conducted in connection with the Northern Pacific hospital in this city. The first class was graduated last year. This year there are five young ladies who will receive their diplomas as follows: Mary Strickler, Brainerd; Anna E. Rundquist, Winnipeg Jct.; Louise Welbanks Case, Toronto, Can.; Harriet G. Bradley, Osage, Minn.; Anna Pearl Wright, Hubbard, Minn.

The exercises will be at the nurses’ building on Thursday evening, Oct. 5, and an interesting program has been prepared in connection with the same as follows:

Invocation.

Music.

Report of the school, Miss Laura Whittaker, superintendent.

Address to the graduating class, Dr. L. P. Aylen.

Presentation of diplomas and badges, W. A. Laidlaw, secretary N. P. B. A.

Music.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 September 1905, p. 2, c. 4)


05 October

FIVE NURSES ARE GRADUATED

_____


Exercises Attending Graduation

of Nurses at the Nurses’

School Interesting

_____


ADDRESS BY DR. J. P. AYLEN

_____


Report of Miss Whittaker, Super-

intendent of Nurses, Furnish-

es Interesting Data


NP Nurses sitting on the steps of their residence located on the grounds of the NP Hospital, 1902. A 796x596 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Unknown
Nurses in the piano room of the Northern Pacific Hospital, ca. early 1900’s. A 997x674 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
A sitting room in the Northern Pacific Hospital, ca. early 1900’s. A 1014x730 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
A ward in the Northern Pacific Hospital, ca. early 1900’s. A 1017x723 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
Nurses sitting on the steps in a hallway of the Northern Pacific Hospital, ca. early 1900’s. A 1013x712 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The second graduation exercises of the Northern Pacific Railway hospital training school for nurses were held last night in the nurses’ home at the Sanitarium and it was, if such were possible, even more successful than the first graduation exercise last year. In point of attendance it might be said that it is seldom ever that so large and representative a body of people gathered at one time in Brainerd. The small assembly hall at the nurses’ home was packed as were also the reception rooms, halls, etc.

There were five graduates in the class of 1905 as follows: Mary Strickler, of Brainerd, Anna E. Rundquist, of Winnipeg Junction, Louise Welbanks Case, of Toronto, Can., Harriett E. Bradley, of Osage, Minn., and Anna Pearl Wright, Hubbard, Minn.

The class is an unusually bright one and they were recipients of many very flattering compliments from the officials of the road as well as the officials of the Northern Pacific Beneficial Association.

There were several officers of the N. P. who had intended to be present, who were unavoidably detained, but they sent their regrets and in in some cases remembered the class with flowers or some other appropriate present.

The program was most delightfully arranged as to detail and each number was heartily enjoyed. The Rev. Mr. McLeod, of the First Presbyterian church, offered the invocation. This was followed by a violin solo, “Traumerei” by Schumann, given by Prof. H. A. Lenarud.

Then followed the report of the school by Miss Laura Whittaker, superintendent of nurses, which was as follows:

“We are extremely sorry that one of our class is unavoidably absent—Miss Mary Strickler. After the final examination in June, she went to Toledo, Ohio, where she expects to remain until spring, and it did not seem practicable for her to return for the exercises. This she regrets as much as we, and I am sure her thoughts are in Brainerd tonight. She is the only one of the class from our own city, and for that reason too, we would wish she were with us.

“Almost four years have passed since this school for nurses was organized, and during that time considerable progress has been made.

“We have three graduate nurses, two of whom are engaged in private nursing—Miss Emma Clarke in Minneapolis, and Miss Inga Matheson in Fargo, North Dakota.

“Miss Emma Hedden—our other graduate of last year—has recently deserted the ranks for a home of her own, and we join in wishing her happiness.

“We hear from time-to-time very creditable comments upon the work of our graduates, and we trust that as the force increases, the good reports may continue.

“The present class did not reach quite as high an average in their final examination as the class of last year, but on the whole, did well. Miss Anna Rundquist standing highest, Mrs. Case, second, while Miss Bradley stands first in regular attendance, having lost but two days, and Mrs. Case a close second, having lost almost only five days during the three years’ course.

“We are proud of this record, as the life of a nurse is not easy. The hours are long, and many times her feet grow weary with the incessant duties of the day, and her courage ebbs low in the dreary watches of the night.

“In the making of a nurse, it requires a high type of woman, peculiarly adapted to the needs of suffering humanity, with intelligence, patience, cheerfulness, a whole lot of common sense, a world of endurance, and above all, a love for the work she has chosen. What a host of qualifications to expect in one weak woman, and yet, in the majority of the nurses in this graduating class we have all those qualities, and more.

“In the training of a nurse, we consider the practical quite as much as the theoretical part, and these nurses have excelled in their practical work. They have been loyal, faithful, painstaking nurses, and we can heartily recommend them to positions of trust, and whether their lot be cast in hospital or home, we feel assured they will do their duty faithfully.

“We have had illness in the family during the year—two of our nurses had to undergo surgical operations, and on had typhoid fever. We are thankful to state, all have recovered.

“We have enrolled fourteen pupil nurses and one probationer. Our applications are increasing each year. We have no difficulty in filling the vacancies with the right kind of women.

“We fully appreciate the time and labor contributed by Drs. Batcheller and Thabes towards the education of these nurses.

“We want to thank our good staff of doctors, not only for what they have accomplished in the lecture room, but also for their hearty support and co-operation in whatever pertains to the welfare of the school.

“Much credit is due my assistant—Miss Strangways—for valuable help and wise counsel in the training of these young women.”

At the conclusion of this report the members of the class arose and repeated with Miss Whittaker the Florence Nightingale pledge. It was to be regretted that Miss Strickler, the only young lady from Brainerd, was absent.

Miss Georgia Vanderslice then gave two vocal numbers which were exceptionally well rendered. They were, “The Sweetest Flower That Blows,” by Hawley, and “A Necklace of Love,” by Nevin.

Then followed the address to the graduating class by Dr. J. P. Aylen, of Sheldon, N. D. It is regretted that the doctor's modesty would not permit of the address being published, but as he expressed it, “it was a heart-to-heart talk with the nurses.” It was one of the best addresses of the kind ever heard in Brainerd, full of good thought, logically arranged and in a rhetorical style most perfect. The doctor stated that he thought that he had been secured to deliver the address under false pretenses: that he thought he was coming just to talk to the nurses, but that he was surprised to see so many present. He can rest assured that those present enjoyed his address very much.

Judge Alderman in his usual excellent style rendered a group of songs, “The Night Has a Thousand Eyes,” by McLean, and Dennee’s, “Lullaby.” Prof. H. A. Lenarud gave another violin selection, “Ave Maria,” by Gounod, and Miss Vanderslice rendered very effectively, “The Message,” by Cecil Caverly.

This music was followed by the presentation of the diplomas to the graduating class by Secretary W. A. Laidlaw, of the N. P. B. A. In giving these diplomas he made a few remarks which were timely, stating that the officers of the road took a deep, keen interest in the school as well as the officers of the association and as for the men who are cared for by the nurses, they take pride in always referring to them as “our nurses.” His short address was highly appreciated.

Rev. Father D. W. Lynch made a few remarks which were to the point. He stated that mention should be made of the great worth of Dr. W. Courtney, whose ability had made it possible for such an institution to exist. He paid a high compliment to his assistant, Dr. S. W. Mowers and to Miss Whittaker, superintendent of nurses.

The program closed with the singing of, “The Star Spangled Banner,” and the balance of the evening was spent in a social way. Refreshments were served in the dining rooms of the large main building.

Miss Gilbertson played the piano accompaniments for the musical numbers, and her efforts to assist in the musical part of the program were greatly appreciated.

To Miss Whittaker is due most of the credit for the success of this school and she has been ably assisted in the work of instruction by Drs. J. A. Thabes and O. T. Batcheller, whose names were frequently alluded to last evening in appreciative terms.

The doors of the beautiful nurses home were thrown open to the public and all had an opportunity of inspecting the various departments and withal it was an evening of great pleasure.

The following were out of town guests: Dr. and Mrs. J. P. Aylen, of Sheldon, N. D.; W. A. Laidlaw, Sec. N. P. B. A., of St. Paul, Minn; Dr. and Mrs. W. G. Cameron, of Staples, Minn.; Mrs. G. W. Vanderslice and Miss Georgia Vanderslice, of Houston, Texas; Mrs. F. Bolton, Mrs. Frank Lycan and Mrs. Geo. Clifford, of Grand Forks, N. D.; Miss Cora F. Wright, of Buena Vista, Minn. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 October 1905, p. 3, c.’s 1-3)


18 October

Assistant General Superintendent M. C. Kimberley and Supt. Blanchard, of the Superior division, visited at the N. P. Sanitarium today. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 October 1905, p. 2, c. 1)


1000 CARS MAY BE BUILT HERE

_____


Northern Pacific Railway Com-

pany Figuring on Building

Large Number of Cars

_____


AT THE BRAINERD SHOPS

_____


Officers are Figuring on Materi-

al and Order is Expected

From the Company


If the present plans of the Northern Pacific do not miscarry an order will be issued in a few days for the building of 1000 stock cars at the Brainerd shops in this city, which will mean that the shops will be kept busy all winter with a large force.

The officials have been figuring on the material, labor, etc., and it has been about decided to issue the order at once. The company has built a large number of these cars in Brainerd the past year and the experiment has proved a success. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 October 1905, p. 2, c. 4)


01 November

NEW TIME CARD SAID TO BE OUT

_____


And the Rumor From Staples is

To the Effect That It Will be

On Sunday

_____


SOMETHING BETTER FOR CITY

_____


Says the Report and It is In-

timated Nos. 7 and 8 Will

Run Via This City


There is said to be a new time card on the Northern Pacific in course of perfection and the report that came from Staples today is that the new schedule is effective next Sunday. There is ordinarily just about so much railroad dope to be handed out anyway, but anything regarding a change in the present train schedule out of this city is relished very heartily by the businessmen and citizens, and therefore the rumor about a probable change and the details are interesting.

The rumor is to the effect that either Nos. 5 and 6 or 7 and 8 will run by the way of Brainerd instead of by the way of the “cut-off,” but railroad men are inclined to the belief that it will be Nos. 7 and 8 if any change is made at all. There are also said to be other alterations contemplated which will change the whole schedule around. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 November 1905, p. 2, c. 4)


20 November

FIREMAN LOST LIFE IN WRECK

_____


Rather Bad Freight Wreck at

Crossing Near Little Falls

this Morning

_____


F. J. PATVIRS IS KILLED

_____


Engineer on Engine 580 Slightly

Injured and Brought to Hos-

pital Here

_____


KILLED

F. J. Patvirs, Fireman.

INJURED

Engineer Martin.

F. C. Cussler, Brakeman

_____


About 6 a. m. today there was a bad wreck on the Northern Pacific near the crossing this side of Little Falls in which F. J. Patvirs, fireman on engine 580 pulling a freight on the L. F. & D. branch, was killed outright and Engineer Martin and Brakeman F. C. Cussler were slightly injured.

The wreck occurred at the crossing of the Morris line and the main line at Little Falls. There is an interlocking system of signaling trains at this point and but few accidents have ever occurred here. This morning an extra freight was coming out on the L. F. & D. branch with Conductor Gebro in charge. Engineer Martin was at the throttle and his fireman was F. J. Patvirs, the man who was killed.

No. 53, the regular freight on the main line, was pulling over the crossing just before the arrival of the branch train. The interlocking system of signaling here notifies the trainmen from a tower. When train No. 53 was coming from the east this morning the signal was given in the tower on the branch just approaching the crossing, and the derail switch was turned there.

There is quite a grade on the branch just before the crossing is reached and the extra from the south was running about 20 miles an hour and they failed to stop at the derail switch and the train was ditched. The engine was turned over on her side and four loaded cars were badly smashed and two were thrown crosswise of the track.

Engineer Martin jumped but his unfortunate fireman was caught and his body, mangled almost beyond recognition, was taken from the debris having been buried beneath the tank. Engineer Martin had his ankle badly sprained and was brought to the Northern Pacific hospital this afternoon for medical attendance.

Brakeman F. C. Cussler was also slightly injured.

No. 53 was struck, but only slight damage was done to this train.

It is thought that the air brakes did not work when they were coming down the grade and Engineer Martin was unable to stop the train at the derail switch.

The deceased, F. C. Patvirs, was a young man and his home was in Minneapolis. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 November 1905, p. 3, c. 1)


22 November

R. E. McFarland, supervisor of bridges and buildings on the Superior division, was in the city today. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 November 1905, p. 2, c. 2)


MAMMOTH SCALE BEING SET UP

_____


For the Northern Pacific in the

East of the Yards in

This City

_____


ONE OF LARGEST IN THE STATE

_____


Has a Capacity of One-Hundred and

Twenty-five Tons and is

Fifty Feet Long


F. L. Berry, representing the Fairbanks-Morse company, has been in the city for several days superintending the setting up of a scale for the Northern Pacific at the east end of the yards. This scale is one of three of the largest scales in the state, all put in for the Northern Pacific company.

The scale has a capacity of 125 tons or 250,000 pounds and one can realize the immensity of the mechanism when it is realized that a weight all the way from 5 to 250,000 pounds may be taken.

The old scale had a capacity of only 10 tons. The increase in the size and capacity of this scale is made necessary from the fact that the size of all kinds of equipment has been increased in capacity and size.

This new scale will be ready for use in a short time. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 November 1905, p. 3, c. 1)


01 December

THE STORM WAS FAR REACHING

_____


Railroads Not Prepared to Cope

with Such Conditions

Which Came Suddenly

_____


STILL CONSIDERABLE DELAY

_____


Service Wires of the Company

Connected Up at Duluth

Only This Morning


The storm of the early part of the week was much more disastrous than was at first thought and the train service throughout the northwest has been something frightful. The trains running into Brainerd have been all the way from one to four and five hours late ever since the storm and it is thought that it will be a day or two yet before they are running on schedule time.

The train from Staples this morning was several hours late and did not arrive until about 9 o’clock and all the other trains were late except the M. & I. and the train from Duluth. The train from the south was an hour and a half late this afternoon and it was considerably late from the west.

The wires of the N. P., the regular service wires, were not repaired until this morning. There are still all kinds of wires down between Duluth and the Twin Cities.

The Northern Pacific was wholly unprepared for a storm. Very few of the engines had even been equipped with flanges, to say nothing about snow plows, and on this account it has been very difficult for the trainmen to do anything like good work in clearing the tracks and making time. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 December 1905, p. 5, c. 1)


05 December

BAD WRECK ON NOR. PACIFIC

_____


Just West of the Northern Pacific

Depot at St. Cloud, But No

One Was Killed

_____


MRS. A. D. POLK WAS INJURED

_____


Four Passengers Said to be Quite

Seriously Injured But They

May Recover

_____


SERIOUSLY INJURED.

P. A. Taylor, Minneapolis, insurance agent, fracture of the skull.

N. W. Veits, Minneapolis, traveling man, head badly bruised and cut.

G. R. Merritt, traveling freight agent N. P., bad cut on the leg and hip injured.

Victor Robinson, traveling man, head and hip injury.


SLIGHTLY INJURED

Mrs. A. D. Polk, Brainerd, scalp wound.

Mrs. E. E. Blake, Bemidji, cut on arm and leg.

Percy Cunningham, Cunningham, Minn., arm broken.

John Abercrombie, Alexandria, arm injured.


One of the most disastrous wrecks in months occurred today just before noon at St. Cloud on the Northern Pacific and from reports from there the part of train No. 5, which runs to Brainerd, being a part of No. 91 after it leaves Little Falls, suffered the most in the smashup and the particular car which was wrecked contained many people for Brainerd and other northern points.

As near as can be learned an extra freight was running west on the Great Northern at this point and as it was pulling over the cross switch just west of the Northern Pacific depot No. 5 came along. The freight was a very heavy one and the engineer claims that his air brake could not be worked and he was unable to stop his train. The engineer on No. 5 seeing that a collision might result opened up the throttle and tried to speed his train over the crossing. He nearly succeeded in doing so before the freight reached the crossing, but in this case a few feet was no better than a mile for the big Great Northern engine hit the front end of the rear coach and in an instant the coach was toppled over and rolled into the ditch.

The news was first received in this city when a telegram came to Dr. Courtney, of the N. P. Sanitarium, instructing him to leave at once for St. Cloud with a corps of physicians. He left on the 1:30 passenger for the south and took with Drs. [Arthur Wheaton] Ide and Buskirk, of the N. P. Sanitarium, and Miss Strangway, assistant chief nurse at the hospital.

Considerable anxiety was felt by many Brainerd people as there were known to be many on that train en route home. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 December 1905, p. 5, c.’s 1 & 2)


08 December

ANOTHER WRECK NEAR ST. CLOUD

_____


An Accident More Serious Than

That of Tuesday is Narrow-

ly Averted

_____


OPEN SWITCH CAUSES TROUBLE

_____


Victims of Tuesday’s Wreck are

All Doing Well—Leave the

Hospital Soon


The westbound Northern Pacific flyer ran into an open switch at the Sauk Rapids depot yesterday afternoon between 12 and 1 o'clock and collided with the eastbound freight which was standing on the side track. An accident as serious as that which took place last Tuesday was narrowly averted by the presence of mind of the engineer of the passenger, who at once turned on all the air, and avoided a violent impact. As it was, both the pilots on the freight and the passenger engines were smashed, and the passengers on the flyer received a severe jolt. No one was seriously injured, and the man who received the severest bruises was the baggageman on the flyer, who received an ugly gash over the eye.

Doctors were summoned from St. Cloud and the hurts of the passengers were bandaged. After a half-hour delay, the trains pulled out.

The accident is said to have been due to the blunder of the section foreman who was told to open the switch after the passenger train had passed. He got excited and opened the switch before the flyer came in. Just as the train was coming around the curve, the opened switch was noticed by the engineer and the accident averted.

The freight train was in charge of Conductor Caldwell.

George E. Merritt and T. A. Taylor, the men who were most seriously hurt in the wreck at St. Cloud Tuesday, are both improving fast. They will be able to leave the hospital in a few days.

All the other victims of the wreck have left for their homes, all of these in an improved condition. Many of them will be laid up for one or two months, especially those who received fractures of the bones. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 December 1905, p. 5, c. 5)


16 December

E. J. PEARSON MOVES WEST

_____


Northern Pacific Chief Engineer

Resigns to Go with the

Milwaukee

_____


STARTED HIS CAREER HERE

_____


He is to Have Charge of Heavy

Construction Work for West-

ern Railway


E. J. Pearson, chief engineer of the Northern Pacific railway, according to the Minneapolis Tribune has resigned to become chief engineer of the Pacific railway, and will have charge of building the third transcontinental line of the extension of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul to the coast. W. L. Darling who recently resigned as chief engineer of the Pacific railway, will succeed Mr. Pearson as chief engineer of the Northern Pacific.

He will become chief of the engineers engaged on the construction of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul extension from the Missouri river almost due west to the cities of the North Pacific coast. The work involves important engineering problems and the construction of the new railroad will be the most important achievement of its kind of many years.

Mr. Pearson entered the service of the Northern Pacific in 1883, becoming connected with the engineer’s office at Brainerd, Minn. Soon afterwards he was transferred to the Pacific coast, going west to Helena, then the end of the main line, crossed the gap between Helena and Missoula, Mont., by stage, proceeding in this manner over the unfinished portions of the line until he reached Portland, Ore.

After twenty years service with the road he was in 1903 made chief engineer, succeeding W. L. Darling, who left the service of the Northern Pacific to accept service with the Rock Island. During his service with the Northern Pacific Mr. Pearson directed extensive engineering projects in the section of the country through which the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul will first begin the western operations. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 December 1905, p. 5, c. 3)


29 December

RANGE EXPLODED FATAL RESULTS

_____


Miss Emma Peterson, Head Cook

in the N. P. Sanitarium

in this City

_____


MEETS A TERRIBLE FATE

_____


Injuries at First Not Thought

Serious but Proved Too

Much for Her


Workers in the kitchen of the Northern Pacific Hospital, ca. early 1900’s. A 1010x711 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Miss Emma Peterson, age 24 years, a daughter of John Peterson, of Long Lake, died last night at 10 o’clock at the Northern Pacific Sanitarium from the effects of injuries received in a most distressing accident which occurred at the Sanitarium on Wednesday at 12:30 p. m. At this time the range in the kitchen of the general hospital exploded and the officers there are unable to ascribe the cause, although it is probable that it was due to the bursting of the water back or the excessive accumulation of coal gas. However, the stove was blown to pieces almost, and Miss Peterson, who was the head cook, was fatally injured.

At the time the accident occurred Miss Peterson was kneeling in front of the oven door looking at some bread which she was baking. The force of the explosion threw her violently across the room and the flames badly burned her back and extremities.

Before she could be reached in her anguish she ran outdoors, but was brought back again and the covering of one of the tables was thrown over her and another attendant turned the water on her, and it is said that the contents of one of the extinguishers was also turned on her and in this manner the flames were extinguished.

The excellent system of fire protection at the hospital prevented a further conflagration.

While the injuries were from the first recognized as serious, still the officers of the hospital were not apprehensive of such a fatal ending. The shock to the system and burns of the skin proved too much for the physical endurance of the young lady and she died last night at 10 o’clock.

Miss Peterson was a young lady highly respected at the hospital where she has been for about five years and there is indeed sorrow and gloom there today over the affair. Her father is a well-known farmer of this county and he and his family have the sympathy of the community in their affliction.

It was fortunate that someone else was not hurt, and it is really a wonder that there were no other fatalities, for there were several in the kitchen at the time.

The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the First M. E. church and Rev. H. W. Knowles will officiate. The members of the United Order of Foresters will meet at their hall at 1:30 o’clock to attend the funeral in a body. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 December 1905, p. 3, c. 4)


30 December

MACHINISTS’ DANCE

_____


At Gardner Hall on Monday Evening Will

Be One of the Interesting Events of

Holiday Season


The machinists’ ball at Gardner hall on Monday evening will be one of the very interesting events of the holiday season. These parties are always of the kind that attract large crowds and the best people of Brainerd usually attend. The committees are at work doing considerable decorating and the hall will present a beautiful appearance. The music will be the best and withal it will be an interesting event. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 December 1905, p. 3, c. 2)


1906

01 January

The annual ball given by North Star lodge, I. A. of M., in Gardner hall last night, was one of the most brilliant affairs ever attempted in this city and the members of the union are to be congratulated over the success of the affair. There was an immense crowd present and notwithstanding the congestion the dances were very much enjoyed throughout. The hall was beautifully decorated for the occasion. In the corners at the west end of the hall were two headlights and when illuminated the words, “A Happy New Year,” were depicted on the face. In the other headlight was the name of the order with three stars which made a pretty effect when lighted up. From the center of the hall and hanging from the chandelier were hung in entwining gracefulness, long strings or ropes of red, white and blue paper which under the glow of the electric light threw a glow out upon the throng which was very pleasing. At the east end of the hall was the frappé bowl resting upon a bench about which hung red, white and blue draperies. The orchestra, Graham’s, was seated on the platform at the east end of the hall which was banked with evergreen brilliantly lighted by a large number of incandescent lamps. The hall never presented a more beautiful appearance and the people of Brainerd were never more charmingly entertained than last night by this very popular organization. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 January 1906, p. 2, c. 3)


03 January

The Northern Pacific has quite a force of men at work clearing the yards from snow. It is reported that the big snow a few weeks ago costs the company about $500 to rid the yards in Brainerd alone. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 03 January 2006)


10 January

MEN WHO BUILT N. P. TO GATHER

_____


Pioneers Who Helped Blaze

Trail for Civilization

Will Meet.

_____


West Hotel Will be Scene of

Notable Reunion Wednes-

day Night.

_____


THE West hotel will be the scene of a notable gathering next Wednesday evening. The “Northern Pacific pioneers,” who shared in the toils and hardships of the first construction period in 1873, will assemble from all corners of the United States for a reunion. Invitations have been issued to forty-four men, of whom about thirty will attend.

They were comrades when the northwest was in the making, and when their united efforts were bent toward spanning the great Dakota prairies with steel. The wild prairie on which they camped in those days now sustains millions, and the villages of Minneapolis and St. Paul, from which they went out, have laid aside their swaddling clothes and grown beyond recognition. Wonders have been wrought in thirty-three years. The men who in their prime were pioneers are not even now thru their life-work. Men active and powerful yet in the business world got their early training in that rough school of the camps. To live over the days of ‘73 will be to them the keenest pleasure.


No Evening Dress.


The reunion will be entirely informal The invitations stipulate “no ceremony” and “no evening dress.” The dinner will be at 6 o'clock, and no set speeches are arranged for. It will be a long evening of reminiscence and renewal of old ties. The “pioneers” have been talking of a reunion for years, and all are looking forward to it with keen anticipation. It will be a keen regret to all that General T. L. Rosser, the former soldier of the confederacy who headed the construction work, must be absent. He lies helpless with paralysis at his home in Charlottesville, Va., but a brother and son living in Minneapolis will represent him.

The following are invited guests:

General T. L. Rosser, Charlottesville, Va.; H. W. Reed, Salt Lake City, Utah; R. H. Mofford, Deerwood, Minn.; E. G. Russell, Jamestown, N. D.; Dr. J. C. Kurtz, Washington, D. C.; P. W. Lewis, Keo, Ark.; Oscar Swanson, Geyser, Mont.; W. W. Collins, Mason City, Iowa; H. C. Davis, Mr. Graham and F. E. Canda, New York; N. P. Martin, Tacoma, Wash.; E. C. Jordan, Portland, Me.; John H. Clark, Skowhegan, Me.; C. P. Thayer, Boston, Mass.; R. M. Patterson, Philadelphia, Pa.; Calvin R. Wise, Passaic, N. J.; M. Meigs, Keokuk, Iowa; George W. Cushing, W. G. Collins and A. L. Berry, Chicago, Ill.; James M. Hannaford, M. C. Kimberley, H. E. Stevens, O. C. Greene, Dr. C. A. Wheaton, D. C. Shepherd, General J. H. Bishop, R. M. Newport. A. Allen, G. G. Sanborn, Richard Relf, Barker Simonds and E. T. Winston, St. Paul, Minn.; George A. Brackett, G. A. Clark, C. M. Loring, John I. Black, W. D. Washburn, Dr. J. C. Rosser, H. F. Balch, T. L. Rosser, Jr., Loren Fletcher, F. G. Winston and W. O. Winston, Minneapolis.


Built Northern Pacific.


All of these men were associated with the campaign of 1873, when the line of the Northern Pacific was pushed west from Thompson, where it connected with the Duluth line, thru Brainerd and Fargo to the Missouri river at Bismarck. They helped to blaze the way for civilization thru all that rich country, and their work will live after them. The only one who did not actually help was T. L. Rosser, Jr., who was born in a tent somewhere along the right-of-way. The invitation issued bears the Northern Pacific trademark at the top, and is worded as follows:

“The Northern Pacific Pioneers of 1873 and earlier, will go into camp at the West hotel, Minneapolis, on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 1906. The object is to gather round the festive board, renew old acquaintances, and talk over old times. Your presence is earnestly desired. Dinner at 6 p. m.

“George A. Brackett, M. C. Kimberley, F. G. Winston, H. E. Stevens, E. T. Winston, J. M. Hannaford and O. C. Greene, committee.”

Four members of this committee, Messrs. Hannaford, Kimberley, Stevens and Greene, are still officials of the Northern Pacific, and have been identified with the road since that early day. Mr. Hannaford is vice president, Mr. Kimberley assistant general manager, Mr. Greene superintendent of telegraph, and Mr. Stevens on the force of the engineering department. (Minneapolis Journal, 07 January 1906, p. 1, c. 4; p. 2, c. 4)


02 February

IT WAS YESTERDAY’S TRAIN

_____


Good Story Going the Rounds About the

Northern Pacific Train Schedule

Running to the City


As is a well-known fact about two-thirds of the time the Northern Pacific trains running into this city are late, and a traveling man is said to have spun the following yarn to the amusement of a lot of other traveling men in the lobby of the Ransford a few days ago:

“I am told that the trains are never on time here and one day by some hook or crook a train arrived on the dot from the south. There was general rejoicing in the town and so great was the gladness that the Commercial Club called a meeting, thinking that something fitting should be done in recognition of the efforts of the engineer of that train. It was decided to raise a sum of money and present him the purse. This was done.

“When the engineer was offered the purse he politely declined, saying with the tears in his eyes, ‘No, gentlemen, I am an honest man, I cannot take the purse. I must tell the truth. This is yesterday’s train.’” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 February 1906, p. 3, c. 3)


15 February

C. W. Rogers, Frank Rice and F. M. Briggs shipped a car of emigrant movables to Potlatch, Idaho, today. Frank Briggs goes with the car. The families of the gentlemen will go in a few days. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 February 1906, p. 2, c. 1)


LOCOMOTIVE EXPLODES.

_____


TWO TRAINMEN PROBABLY FATALLY HURT

AT FRAZEE, MINN.


Frazee, Minn., Feb. 15.—Freight train No. 162 on the Northern Pacific was wrecked here by the explosion of the boiler of the locomotive.

John Thompson, brakeman, was thrown thirty yards. He suffered a broken leg and internal injuries and it is believed he will die. Engineer Arthur Breen was blown through the side of the cab. He struck an embankment twenty-five yards away and is badly injured internally. He is not expected to survive. The head brakeman was also severely injured.

The engine and cab were demolished and the entire train of seven cars were piled up in a confused mass of debris. The injured men were taken to the hospital at Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 February 1906, p. 2, c. 4)


17 February

HAD HAND TAKEN OFF

_____


John Mattson, Who Works in the Black-

smith Shop of the N. P. Meets

with Painful Accident


John Mattson, who works in the Northern Pacific blacksmith shop, had his hand caught in a cog wheel on Saturday afternoon and had it nearly all taken off. He was taken to the N. P. Sanitarium where he will be laid up for some time. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 February 1906, p. 2, c. 3)


A. W. WHEATLEY GOES WITH U. P.

_____


As Assistant Superintendent of

Motive Power which is Big

Advancement

_____


WAS WITH THE ROCK ISLAND

_____


As Superintendent of Its Shops

Located at Moline—His was

A Rapid Rise


Arthur W. Wheatley, superintendent of the Moline shops of the Rock Island, has resigned his position there to accept the position of assistant superintendent of motive power of the Union Pacific with headquarters at Omaha, and it is though likely that he will have charge of the entire western end of the system.

Mr. Wheatley is well known in this city, in fact, it was here only a comparatively short time ago that he joined the forces at the Northern Pacific shops as a machinist and like many others worked at the lathe. His promotions came in rapid succession from that time and he rose to the position of master mechanic of the shops at Glendive. When Supt. Bean, of the N. P. resigned, he was made superintendent of the shops here, and he had not been here long before he was promoted to the position of assistant superintendent of motive power on the Northern Pacific. During this time the Rock Island was building one of the largest shops in the world at Moline, Ill., and they started to look around for the right man to take the superintendency of the same. A. W. Wheately was decided upon and he was tendered the position which he accepted. He made a great record at Moline and the management of the Union Pacific has been quick to recognize in him one of the brightest young men in the railroad world today.

Mr. Wheatley took with him from the Northern Pacific a large number of good men, including W. W. Murray who was general foreman of the shops here and who was taken to Moline to take the same position.

It is not known, of course, who will be Mr. Wheatley’s successor and it will not be known for some time, but it is generally though by those who know him here that W. W. Murray will succeed Mr. Wheatley. The position as superintendent of the Moline shops is about a $500 a month job. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 March 1906, p. 3, c. 1)


15 September

Public examiner, P. M. Kerst, authorizes the Northern Pacific Bank of Brainerd to change its name to the Citizen State Bank of Brainerd. Every state bank must have the word ‘state’ in its title. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 15 September 2006)


1907

12 March

R. A. Tanner, of St. Paul, arrived yesterday to superintend the completion of the tie plant. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 March 1907, p. 2, c. 1)


SEE: 18 March 1907

SEE: 03 April 1907

SEE: 15 April 1907

SEE: 18 April 1907

SEE: 29 May 1907

SEE: 18 July 1907

SEE: 26 July 1907

SEE: 01 August 1907

SEE: 30 August 1907

SEE: 11 September 1907

SEE: 19 September 1907

SEE: 23 September 1907

SEE: 26 September 1907

SEE: 14 October 1907

SEE: 22 October 1907

SEE: 25 October 1907

SEE: 21 December 1907

SEE: 31 December 1907

SEE: 18 January 1908

SEE: 22 January 1908

SEE: 27 January 1908

SEE: 10 February 1908

SEE: 02 March 1908

SEE: 03 March 1908

SEE: 16 June 1908

SEE: 28 June 1908

SEE: 13 May 1909

SEE: 18 January 1913

SEE: 15 April 1914

SEE: 31 October 1935

SEE: 01 August 1952

SEE: 20 May 1971

SEE: 23 January 1986

SEE: 19 September 1986

SEE: 02 October 1986


The depot lunch counter will hereafter be open mornings and will serve hot coffee and choice lunches before both early trains. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 March 1907, p. 2, c. 2)


No. 13 broke an eccentric strap when near McGregor last night and had to call on a freight engine to bring her in. The crippled engine was put into the round house here for repairs. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 March 1907, p. 2, c. 2)


18 March

R. W. Tanner, the engineer in charge of the work at the tie plant, has been confined to his room at the Ransford several days by sickness, but is improving. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 March 1907, p. 2, c. 2)


22 March

The wrecking crew from Duluth is at work this afternoon between Deerwood and Klondike picking up some trucks and cars left from a slight wreck there some weeks ago. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 March 1907, p. 2, c. 3)


Traveling Auditor White, of the Northern Pacific, is in the city transferring the station at Brainerd from Agent G. W. Mosier to Cashier Chas. E. Wilson. Mr. Mosier expects to leave tomorrow morning for West Baden, Ind., to spend about three weeks at the baths in that city. Herman Davis, the day ticket clerk will be cashier, while Mr. Wilson is acting agent and John Anderson, night ticket clerk, will attempt to hold down the window for all trains. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 March 1907, p. 2, c. 3)


HE WAS HURT AT NOON HOUR

_____


Henry Naeve, Employed at the

Northern Pacific Blacksmith

Shop Injured Today

_____


HE FELL WHILE AT PLAY

_____


Was Romping With Mates in

the Shop Yards and Fell Strik-

ing on His Head


That the danger of injury is not confined to any one occupation or any occupation at all was shown by a peculiar accident which occurred at the Northern Pacific shop yards during the noon hour today. Henry Naeve, 1214 Mill street, N. E., who is a young man in the employ of the blacksmith shop, was romping in the yards with a bunch of his chums and fellow workmen. In some way he stumbled and fell, striking his head heavily and cutting his thumb badly. He was taken to the sanitarium on the dinkey engine and his wounds dressed. It was found that his wrist was sprained and his face scratched badly but his injuries were in no way serious. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 May 1907, p. 2, c. 4)


25 March

W. A. Cummings was down Monday from Staples and held a special session of the Switchmen’s union, initiating six switchmen. The entire force in the Brainerd yards now belong to the union. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 March 1907, p. 2, c. 3)


27 March

ENGINEER AND FIREMAN KILLED

_____


Passenger Train No. 105, St. Paul

to Duluth Went Through

Trestle East of Carlton

_____


EARLY HOUR THIS MORNING

_____


Washout in Big Fill Caused the

Wreck—Baggage Man and

Mail Clerk also Injured


A bad wreck occurred about two miles east of Carlton shortly after midnight last night causing the death of two and injuring two more badly. There is a heavy fill at that place and a culvert pipe runs through it. The pipe had been clogged with snow and ice and the ground not being frozen the water found its way along the side of the pipe and cut a big hole in the dump. The engine struck the hole and went down about fifteen feet killing both the fireman and engineer. The baggage man and mail clerk were also injured. The wires are badly down and but little information has been received here, but the above particulars were brought by the crew on No. 11 today, which was delayed about an hour on account of the wreck and washout. No. 105, the wrecked train, is one of the fast passengers running between St. Paul and Duluth.

The engineer who was killed is reported to have been W. J. Quinlan, while the fireman bore a Polish name resembling Valley, it is said. The names of the baggage man and mail clerk cannot be learned. Conductor John Hurley, who was in Carlton this morning states that the engine rolled down the side of the embankment and lies at the bottom, a boiler and a heap of scrap iron. The mail car stands on end, one end resting on the engine and the other leaning on the dump. The passenger cars are all right side up, but one of them was knocked clear off the trucks. Mr. Hurley states that it is a bad looking wreck. Luckily none of the passengers were hurt.

It is reported here that the sleet and ice were so bad on the wires between Duluth and Central Avenue, Superior, that the train dispatcher and his force were compelled to come out from Duluth and establish temporary quarters at Central avenue last night. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 March 1907, p. 5, c. 1)


RAILROAD NEWS

_____


NEW DIVISION CREATED.


An important change has been announced by the operating department of the Northern Pacific railroad. A new division has been created and with it a new division superintendent.

The new division will be known as the Pasco division and it includes the territory between the most westerly switch at Spokane, Washington, west to the most easterly switch at Ellenburg, Wash. The division is wholly on the main line and is about 270 miles in length. It will also take in the Sunnyside division, a branch about 20 miles in length and one or two other small spurs.

The Palouses and Lewiston and the Washington Central branches will continue to be operated as part of the Idaho division.

J. L. DeForce has been appointed superintendent of the new division. Mr. DeForce has been connected with the company for many years and has lately been the chief yardmaster at Spokane.

It was found necessary to create the division from the Idaho branch because the business had become so heavy in that territory, one force of men could not care for the division. Washington has grown 50 percent larger in the last few years, in population, and business has increased correspondingly. The changes will become effective May 1. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 March 1907, p. 5, c. 2)


03 April

Frank Russell has the contract for a warehouse and temporary office at the tie plant, the building to be 20 by 30 feet. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 April 1907, p. 2, c. 3)


Supt. E. C. Blanchard, of the Lake Superior division arrived in the city on No. 11, in his private car. He was accompanied by T. E. Blanch, general agent of the N. P. at Duluth, and L. F. Newton, assistant trainmaster on this division. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 April 1907, p. 2, c. 3)


12 April

TO BE BIGGEST IN THE COUNTRY

_____


Said that Few If Any Blacksmith

Shops in the Country Will Be

Larger Than at Brainerd

_____


BUILDERS ARE NOW HERE

_____


Will Put on a Heavy Force and

Push the Construction Rap-

idly as Possible


L. D. Libby, son of one of the members of the firm of Libby & Nelson, who has charge of the work of constructing the new buildings at the Northern Pacific shops, was looking the ground over this morning. The first building to be erected will be the new blacksmith shop. This will be 165 feet square and will be built south from the west end of the present shop. This building will be for additional work room and will, it is said, make this one of the largest if not the largest shops in the United States. The building will, of course, be up-to-date and equipped with the latest machinery and appliances. There will also be an extension of 150 feet long and 80 feet wide put onto the east end of the present building. This will be used exclusively for the storage of material. The boiler house will also be enlarged to permit the placing of additional boiler capacity. The tool shed and fuel house will be torn down and rebuilt on a still larger scale, the material being used so far as possible in the new structures. It is reported that the contractors will put on a force of at least 50 men in a very few days and have a large force until the work is completed. There are already ten men from Minneapolis here to begin the preliminary work.

It is stated at the hotel where they men are stopping that the actual labor will commence tomorrow, there being no desire to commences so stupendous an undertaking on Friday. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 April 1907, p. 7, c. 3)


15 April

C. C. Kyle was up from the Twin Cities. The boys are joshing him considerable about having come up to clear off the old Brainerd Lumber company’s land which rumor has it the Northern Pacific has purchased. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 April 1907, p. 2, c. 3)


R. W. Tanner, the civil engineer in charge of the tie plant, who has been in the Northern Pacific sanitarium for the past month with measles followed by pneumonia, has so far recovered that he went to St. Paul today. He expects to return in about a week. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 April 1907, p. 2, c. 3)


18 April

E. W. Turner, engineer in charge of the tie plant, returned today from a trip to St. Paul. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 April 1907, p. 2, c. 2)


TO HAVE MORE YARD ROOM

_____


Reported That There Are to Be

Ten New Tracks Put in North

of the Foundry

_____


HOLD THIRTY CARS EACH

_____


Blue Prints of Proposed Tracks

Said to Have Been Seen in

This City Recently


It is confidently reported among the local trainmen that Brainerd will have additional yard room this summer to the extent of room for 300 cars. These tracks, it is said, will be put in north and east of the foundry. There will be ten tracks and each track will be long enough to hold 30 cars.

The present nominal capacity of the Brainerd yards is 500 cars, yet there were over 700 in the yards yesterday. With the additional trackage it will be much easier to handle traffic. It has been necessary to keep many bad order cars on tracks outside the shop yard heretofore, but it is thought that the new trackage will obviate the necessity of this. The switchmen and yard clerks are much gratified to learn of the new trackage. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 April 1907, p. 5, c. 4)


27 April

TWO WRECKS LAST NIGHT

_____


Hoodoo Gets in Its Work in

Great Shape in Northern

Pacific Yards Here

_____


WRECKER WAS CALLED HERE

_____


One Car Turned Over Onto Main

Track—Two Others Piled

Up in Another Wreck


Last night was an unlucky night in the Northern Pacific yards in this city. There were two wrecks in the west end of the yard, both about ten o’clock in the evening. In one a loose car door in Conductor Crozier’s train caught the corner of a car which was barely in the clear and pulled the car out onto the frog where it tipped over and lay on its side on the main line. The other wreck was caused by Conductor Cheeseman’s train. It was backing down one of the switch tracks and struck another car with such force that a carload of wheat was put on top of a flat car loaded with car trucks. Both cars were broken across near the end trucks. This wreck was cleared away by Roadmaster Tyler and his men, while it was necessary to send to Staples for the steam wrecker to pick up the box car which, loaded with ties, lay on its side. This, however, had been unloaded by the roadmaster’s crew before the wrecker arrived. As the wrecks occurred in the yards, there was no blocking of the tracks which delayed through traffic. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 April 1907, p. 3, c. 1)


05 May

MANY OFFICIALS HERE

_____


Assistant General Manager Kline of

Northern Pacific Joined President

Elliott Here Sunday


Brainerd seems to have been the mecca of all good Northern Pacific railroad men the past few days. First came President Elliott and party, including Mechanical Superintendent Wm. Moir, who returned to St. Paul from Brainerd Saturday noon. Assistant General Manager Kline came in from Staples on No. 14 Sunday morning and joined President Elliott and party here on their return from their trip over the Minnesota & International. The entire party, in a special train consisting of a combination baggage and the private cars of President Elliott and Mr. Kline went to St. Paul Sunday afternoon under the charge of Conductor Jernegan, with Emory Scott at the throttle.

Supt. E. C. Blanchard came down from Duluth this noon, going through to Staples and returning on No. 12. He will remain here until tomorrow morning when he will go to Duluth on No. 14. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 May 1907, p. 3, c. 4)


BIG ENGINES WRECK CARS

_____


Little Old Box Cars are Unable

to Withstand Strain of Big

Engines

_____


FOUR BROKEN LAST NIGHT

_____


Two Draw Bars Pulled Out at

Pillager and Two Cars

Broke in Two Here


The small light built box cars of a couple of decades ago are not only practically useless today but are proving a source of much danger and delay. Extra 1418 east last night had plenty of experience with them. Two draw bars were pulled out at Pillager and one car derailed because the cars were too light to stand the strain. When the train started to pull out of Brainerd two more cars gave way being literally pulled in two. One of them was piled on the main track blocking it so as to delay No. 14 half an hour. Both cars were jack-knifed by the force of the jerk in starting, though only about twenty cars from the rear of the train. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 May 1907, p. 3, c. 2)


07 May

THE LIMITED IS HELD UP

_____


Special to the Daily Dispatch:

Butte, Mont.—The North Coast Limited, the crack train on the Northern Pacific was held up at 2:15 this morning at Welch’s Spur, fifteen miles east of this city. Engineer Frank Cloud was killed and the fireman was shot in the arm. After firing several more shots the robbers evidently were scared out as they fled without securing any booty. Sheriff Webb, of Yellowstone county is now on their trail with bloodhounds and it is expected that the gang will be rounded up in short order. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 May 1907, p. 3, c. 4)


29 May

R. A. Tanner is here for a few days looking after the work of putting the finishing touches on the tie preserving plant. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 May 1907, p. 2, c. 3)


Arthur E. Wheatley left today for Schenectady, N. Y., to assume his duties as assistant vice president of the American Locomotive Works. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 May 1907, p. 2, c. 3)


18 July

INSTALLED BOARDING CARS

_____


Cars Were Installed at the Tie Plant

Last Night to Accommodate Men

Working Peeling Ties


Roadmaster Tyler reports that boarding cars were installed at the tie preserving plant last night to accommodate the men employed at the tie plant at the work of unloading and peeling ties. The men had been kicking for some time about the distance for board, many making that an excuse for quitting the job. Yet when boarding cars were installed and preparations made to serve supper there last night not a single man stayed, all coming to town. Mr. Tyler has given orders that no hand cars be furnished hereafter, except to those actually residing in Brainerd.

The railroad company has for several weeks been sending men here nearly every night in an effort to keep a full gang there, but the most of them, according to Mr. Tyler, have not the slightest desire to do more than work the company for transportation and a square meal or two and a bed. If they can do that they go on their way rejoicing. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 July 1907, p. 3, c. 3)


24 July

HAD KNEE HURT

_____


Mike Hanley Hurt in the Northern

Pacific Blacksmith Shop While

at Work This Forenoon


Mike Hanley, an employee of the Northern Pacific blacksmith shop in this city, had his knee sprained while at work about nine o’clock this forenoon. He was taken to the Northern Pacific hospital on a switch engine. It is reported that while he may be laid up for some time the injury is not dangerous. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 July 1907, p. 3, c. 3)


25 July

FREIGHT WRECKS DELAY MAIL TRAINS

_____


Two East Bound Trains in Suc-

cession Delayed by Wreck

of Freight Cars

_____


NONE HURT IN EITHER WRECK

_____


No. 12 Thursday Afternoon and

No. 14 This Morning Were

Badly Delayed


East bound passenger trains played in hard luck yesterday and today. A broken journal on a freight car caused a mixup at Sylvan which delayed No. 12 Thursday afternoon so that it did not arrive in this city until after 6 o’clock. There were two cars wrecked it is said. No one was hurt and the track was cleared in a few hours.

Last night four or five freight cars were piled up and badly smashed at Frazee, which so delayed the coast trains that No. 14 did not arrive in this city until about 8 o’clock. There was no one hurt in this wreck either it is stated. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 July 1907, p. 3, c. 2)


26 July

FIRST PAY CAR ON THE N. P. R. R.

_____


It was a Hand Car and Brought

$65,000 in Cash from North-

ern Pacific Junction

_____


PAID MEN AT VARIOUS CAMPS

_____


I. U. White was One of Six

Guards—Three or Four Days

Making the Trip


I. U. White was showing some revolvers to a customer this morning when he remarked that he sold a .32 caliber revolver of a certain grade to the First National bank last payday. This caused his memory to revert to the first payday on the Northern Pacific after the tracks struck Brainerd and he told the story of the trip. Ed. White, the father of the White Brothers of this city had charge of the building of the stations and buildings and three of his men were detailed to assist in guarding the pay car. The men designated were Ike, and a couple of men named Eben Young and James Reilly. The track at that time would not carry a locomotive or heavy car and the paymaster, a man named Morfort, traveled on a hand car carrying the $65,000 necessary to pay the men at the different camps along the line of the railroad. There were six men on the car including the paymaster and all were heavily armed, having both rifles and revolvers, but it was a ticklish job at the best as they had to stop at every camp and were over three days on the trip. Ike says he slept sound after the car got to Brainerd and the money was paid over than he did on the trip. The country was then a wilderness with absolutely no facilities for the capture of bandits had they attacked the car and got away with the money and the trip was one that was enough to try the courage and nerves of almost anyone. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 July 1907, p. 3, c. 1)


MORE PILING ROOM

_____


Team at Work Grading Additional

Ground for Piling Ties at the

Preserving Plant


Roadmaster Tyler has a crew of men and several teams at work at the tie preserving plant grading additional room for piling ties. The company is paying $5 per day for teams and drivers and wants several more. There are many thousand ties being accumulated against the commencement of operations at the plant. The date of that is uncertain as no creosote has been received as yet for the treating of the ties. Mr. Ackerman, who superintended the placing of the machinery, will probably come here in the near future to start the machinery. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 July 1907, p. 3, c. 4)


31 July

AVERT DANGER OF BIG STRIKE

_____


Northern Pacific Road Reaches

an Agreement With Committee

of Its Carmen

_____


NINE THOUSAND MEN AFFECTED

_____


Five Per Cent Increase in Pay is

Granted, Which is Satis-

factory


SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH:—

St. Paul, July 31.—A settlement of difficulties has been effected with the union carmen of the Northern Pacific railway and the threatened strike of 9,000 men, has been averted. A committee of seventeen men, representing carmen from all parts of the railroad, have been holding conferences in this city for eight weeks, but their session was adjourned today on account of an agreement being reached with the railroad.

The committeemen had been holding 9,000 men in readiness for a strike order, and they were prepared to walk out at a minute’s notice. If the strike had been called the operation of the railroad would have been almost at a standstill and traffic on the system would have been paralyzed.

Demands were made for an increase of 15 per cent in pay and a closed shop; that is, a shop which is controlled by union interests. The men were not granted either of their demands, but compromises were effected which were satisfactory to both sides. The men were granted, approximately, a five per cent raise in pay and certain conditions in the shop which they desired, although the railroad company made exception to protect the non-union men in its employ.

The difficulty on the Great Northern road was adjusted last week, after conferences lasting six weeks while the Great Western men have, as yet, made no demands.

It is understood that the employees of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway, who are members of the carmen’s union, are preparing to make demands on their line and a committee has been elected to meet in Milwaukee next week, preparatory to holding a conference with the officials. There are about 10,000 men who are members of the union on the St. Paul road.

The difficulty on the Rock Island over the discharging of a union man has been settled and the men have gone back to work.

_____


Local officials at the Northern Pacific shops state that while the carmen here have had men down there negotiating with the head officials they have received no notice here of any agreement or change of wage scale. It is thought here that the men will get the raise as per the above dispatch. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 July 1907, p. 2, c. 4)


01 August

RAILROAD NEWS

_____


ABANDONS LONG TUNNEL.


Mullen tunnel, in Montana, the longest on the Northern Pacific road, is to be abandoned for a new route over the Rockies by way of McDonald pass, west of Helena. The new line is supposed to be built to head off the Milwaukee Road, which had evidently proposed to reach Helena on the Line from Lombard to Garrison. The new route will save ten miles. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 August 1907, p. 3, c. 3)


OFFICIALS VISIT THE TIE PLANT

_____


Prominent Officers of the North-

ern Pacific Railroad Were in

City Wednesday

_____


THERE WERE FIVE IN THE PARTY

_____


Arrived on No. 91 and Went Di-

rectly to Preserving Plant

West of River


A party of high officials was in Brainerd yesterday afternoon. They arrived on No. 91 and went at once to the tie preserving plant. The party included C. M. Levey, third vice president, Tacoma; F. W. Gilbert, general superintendent; W. Moir, mechanical superintendent; F. G. Prest, purchasing agent. Their principal object here is said to have been to inspect the tie preserving plant which is now all ready to commence operations.

The gentlemen later visited the shops and spent the night in this city, leaving this morning on No. 10. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 August 1907, p. 3, c. 4)


17 August

The steel roofs are being rapidly placed on the new buildings at the N. P. shops. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 August 1907, p. 2, c. 2)


24 August

MACHINISTS GET RAISE IN WAGES

_____


Northern Pacific Come to an

Agreement with Committee

Representing Workers

_____


CONTRACT SIGNED SATURDAY

_____


St. Paul Paper States that Agree-

ment Has Been Reached, but

Can Give No Figures


Concerning the outcome of the negotiations between the Northern Pacific and machinists the St. Paul Dispatch of Monday evening says:

“Through an agreement which was signed by all parties concerned late Saturday, the threatened rupture of the machinists on the Northern Pacific road has been averted. Today the committee representing the machinists, which has been meeting at the Foley hotel, for ten weeks, began to disperse.

“The exact details of the agreement have not been made public. A slight raise in wages has been declared, however, and the railroad has given the unions more recognition than heretofore, which is what the machinists wanted more than anything else. An agreement on the Great Northern was reached early last week.

“As the scale of wages is so varied all along the two roads, the raise cannot be definitely stated, but the average is about 5 per cent in all division. There has also been an equalizing of wages and the railroads will increase the pay of some men corresponding to the amount of work done by them.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 August 1907, p. 3, c. 3)


30 August

The Tie Plant is built in west Brainerd it treats railroad ties with oil and creosote. It was located near the corner of Florence and 10th Streets Southwest.


TIE PLANT IS NOT YET READY

_____


Will Not Commence Operations

for Several Weeks Yet at

the Earliest

_____


MEN ARE STILL GRADING

_____


C. A. Akerman, Mechanical En-

gineer Here Putting Finish-

ing Touches on Plant


C. A. Ackerman, representing the American Creosoting company, which constructed the tie preserving plant for the Northern Pacific railroad company, is in the city. Mr. Ackerman, who superintended the construction of the plant is here putting on some finishing touches to the concern after which he will go to Montana to erect another plant for the Northern Pacific. Mr. Ackerman was seen by a DISPATCH representative this morning and in speaking of the plant here he stated that it would be several weeks before it was put in operation, at the earliest. The company is enlarging its yardage there considerably above that at first intended and the work is not yet completed. While the well has been completed the pump has not yet been put in and there is neither coal nor creosote on hand to begin work.

It is stated that Mr. A. Gibson, of Missoula, Mont., who will have charge of the two tie preserving plants is expected to arrive in this city within a very few days and it is very probable that after his arrival the work of getting ready for operation will be pushed much more rapidly than at present. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 August 1907, p. 3, c. 2)


31 August

It will probably be an item of interest to the traveling public to know that beginning August 31st the North Coast Limited, trains 1 and 2, will not carry passengers or baggage locally between points east of Moorhead on the Northern Pacific. The reason is given that the company does not wish to add more equipment to those trains and the through business is so heavy that otherwise it would be necessary. St. Cloud endeavored to be made an exception to the rule but were unsuccessful. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 August 1907, p. 2, c. 3)


03 September

ONLY NINE HOURS

_____


The Tin Shop and Pipe Fitters Share

in the Shorter Day With the

Machinists


Commencing this morning the employees of the Northern Pacific machine shop commence work on the schedule of nine hours on which the committee and the company agreed last week. The employees of the tin shop and the steam fitters and plumbers go on the same schedule of time. It is reported that all will commence at 7 o’clock, as at present, and the men in the machine and tin shops will quit at 5 o’clock. Prominent men in the other unions state that the nine hours day is bound to come in all departments of shop work. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 September 1907, p. 3, c. 1)


09 September

CHANGE IN N. P. TIME CARD

_____


Afternoon Train for Twin Cities

Leaves at 1:20 Hereafter

Instead of 1:30


M. & I. IS NOT AFFECTED

_____


Evening Train Arrives Earlier—

Two More Regular Passen-

gers Put on Main Line


A change in the time card on the St. Paul division, which went into effect at noon yesterday makes the passenger for the Twin Cities, No. 90, leave ten minutes earlier than heretofore, that is at 1:20 p. m., instead of 1:30. The train from the Cities in the evening, No. 9, arrives here at 10:55 instead of 11:15 as heretofore. The time of departure of the morning passenger is not changed, remaining at 5:45. Neither is the time of the arrival of No. 91, from the Cities, its time will still be 1:20, No. 90 pulling out immediately on its arrival.

On the main line the trains which have been run for several months as first No. 6 and second No. 3, are made regular trains and are designated as Nos. 13 and 14. No material changes are made in the time of freight trains nor will there be any change in the time of trains between Staples and Duluth or on the Minnesota & International. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 September 1907, p. 3, c. 5)


11 September

Supt. A. Gibson, of Missoula, Mont., arrived this morning to take active charge of the tie plant. His family was compelled to return to Missoula because of the impossibility of securing a proper house here at present. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 September 1907, p. 2, c. 3)


14 September

T. J. DELAMERE DROPS DEAD


LOS ANGELES, Sept. 14.—T. J. Delamere, chief of the Santa Fe's car tracing bureau, dropped dead in the streets in this city tonight. Prior to his connection with the Santa Fe, which dates back several years, Delamere was superintendent of transportation of the Northern Pacific railway. (San Francisco Call, 15 September 1907, p. 43, c. 4)


17 September

FIRST ATTEMPT TO BREAK STRIKE

_____


Northern Pacific Places Boarding

Cars in Shop Yards and

Brings in Men

_____


NO VIOLENCE IS OFFERED

_____


Said to be About Sixty Workmen

and a Number of Deputies

on Special Train


The first movement in the effort of the Northern Pacific to break the boilermaker’s strike came yesterday when the string of boarding cars in use at the gravel pit near Deerwood was ordered vacated and turned over to Superintendent Anderson of the shops. The track leading into the south end of the boiler shops, which had been taken up while the workmen were building the new shop buildings, was re-laid and the boarding cars, nine in number, were shunted in on the track next to the south fence, which had been built in around the south end of the transfer table so as to enclose that portion of the shop yards.

Shortly before five o’clock a special consisting of two cars filled with men arrived from St. Paul and was held at the south end of the railroad yards, just outside the city until about a quarter after five, when they were brought in and set in on the side track at the end of the boarding outfit and the men transferred.

The party of men it was learned on apparently reliable authority consisted of ten boilermakers, about forty-five helpers, etc., and about fifteen deputies or guards.

Beyond some bawling out by youngsters there was no disturbance reported around the shops last night.

The guards at the yards are in charge of W. J. McFetridge, of St. Paul, a veteran special agent of the Northern Pacific railroad company. The force is composed entirely of regular special officers and watchmen brought from various yards and shops in other parts of the system and all are men who have been with the company for years. There were this morning fourteen men on duty besides Mr. McFetridge and Mr. Mullane, his assistant in charge.

Mr. McFetridge and Mr. Mullane, stated that they anticipated no trouble as the people of Brainerd were law abiding and they should molest no man so long as he obeyed the laws. They were sent here not because trouble was feared but to prevent the possibility of trouble.

J. D. Cline, of Cline & Company, of St. Paul, who have the boarding concession east of Mandan, on the Northern Pacific, as well as on the entire Omaha system, was in the city yesterday and this forenoon making arrangements for caring for the new men. He said in the course of a conversation with a DISPATCH representative this forenoon that he and his company hated anything of this sort, but under their contract with the company they had to feed all the men wherever the company ordered, regardless of conditions.

It was impossible to learn definitely the number of men actually at work and whether or not they are boilermakers, helpers or merely laborers. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 September 1907, p. 3, c. 1)


18 September

ONLY A SCRAP PILE

_____


Small Blaze at the Northern Pacific

Shops This Morning Caused Ex-

citement Down Town


The big whistle at the shops blew shortly before nine o’clock this morning and the entire business population flocked to the doors, not knowing what it might portend. It soon developed that it was only a small blaze in the yards west of the boiler shops. A fire which was burning scrap lumber jumped the track and got started in a pile of unculled second-hand lumber. The pile which was afire was nearly worthless, but as the wind was blowing toward the oil house the shop fire department was called out and soon subdued the flames. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch,18 September 1907, p. 3, c. 2)


RAILROAD NEWS

_____


According to reports from Farmington, Washington, the Northern Pacific railroad has secured the shipment of 4,000 cars of wheat from that state which would have gone to the O. R. & N. had that road not refused to lease its elevators to the farmers’ association. After the deal was made with the Northern Pacific the O. R. & N. became very anxious for the business but the farmers could not see it that way. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 September 1907, p. 3, c. 2)


19 September

TIE PLANT WILL START NEXT WEEK

_____


Supt. Gibson States That It is

Practically Complete and

Ready for Operation

_____


WILL EMPLOY ABOUT 125 MEN

_____


Will Use This Number of Men

From Nine Months to the En-

tire Time Hereafter


The tie preserving plant is now about ready for operation, and will be started the first of the week, if not delayed by the continued wet weather. It will prove a much better thing for Brainerd than has heretofore been expected. Superintendent Gibson, who will have charge of the plants here and at Paradise, Montana, states that the crew will average about 125 men and that the plant will run nearly the entire year. It may be necessary to shut down for about three months during the very coldest weather, but if it is possible to keep the material used from freezing the plant will be operated all the time.

No definite arrangements have been made for permanently boarding the help, but it is probable that the company will erect a boarding house this winter. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 September 1907, p. 2, c. 4)


WRECK ON BROADWAY

_____


Carload of Oats Derailed Near Broad-

Way Crossing Last Night Blocked

Main Track This Morning


A car load of oats jumped the track just west of the Broadway crossing during last night and after crossing the street on the planks plowed into the dirt between the tracks just east of the crossing and completely buried the trucks damaging them badly. The main track was partially blocked and trains were compelled to take the side tracks to get by. Considerable damage was done to the tracks. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 September 1907, p. 3, c. 1)


SITUATION UNCHANGED

_____


Absolutely No Change in Situation

of Boilermakers Strike and

Perfect Order Prevails


There were no developments in the boilermakers strike in the past twenty-four hours at Brainerd. Perfect quiet prevails here. The boilermakers laugh at the necessity of guards, while those in charge of the guards state they have nothing to do and the only reason of their being here was fear that irresponsible parties would take advantage of the strike to do mischief which would be laid to the boilermakers. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 September 1907, p. 3, c. 4)


23 September

Another party of men was brought into the boilershops from the Cities last night. Otherwise there is little or no change in the strike situation. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 September 1907, p. 2, c. 2)


R. A. Tanner returned yesterday from Paradise, Mont., where he is looking after the construction of the tie preserving plant for the Northern Pacific railroad company. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 September 1907, p. 2, c. 3)


26 September

WANT MORE ROOM AT TIE PLANT

_____


Northern Pacific Railroad Said

to be Trying to Secure

More Yard Room

_____


BIG GRADING OUTFIT THERE

_____


Plant About Ready to Run—

Hundreds of Thousands of

Ties Ready for Treatment


Northern Pacific Tie Plant located in West Brainerd south of the railroad tracks and Highway 210, ca. 1912.
Source: Postcard

According to reports the Northern Pacific railroad is negotiating for a strip of land along the south side of its present right of way at the tie preserving plant west of the river. The tract sought to be purchased, it is said, is 150 feet wide and about a half a mile long. The grading outfit belonging to Daugherty & Dempsey, who did the grading on the Minnesota & International extension, is camped there and has been doing a large amount of work. They are working a small crew at present, but have thirty teams and about thirty-five men there.

The company has a boarding outfit at the tie plant capable of accommodating 100 men, but at present there are only about fifteen men boarding there. It is expected, however, that there will be a large number at work as soon as the plant starts.

The plant is about ready to start, in fact could be started at any time, although there are some finishing touches to be put on as is always the case, after a big plant is thought to be ready for operation. The Columbia Creosoting company, which erected the plant is to furnish a man to run it for six days before it is accepted and paid for by the railroad company, and his arrival and that of the railroad company’s electrician, who will have charge of the electric railroad at the plant, are awaited. When they arrive it is probable that the plant will be started at once.

There is now a large number of ties on hand to be treated. There are said to be over 140,000 peeled and piled west of the plant and there are a large number, probably 50,000 unloaded west of the plant awaiting peeling and a yard nearly as large east of the plant is well filled. The work of unloading ties is going on all the time. There are two or three crews working by the day while a number of men are working by the piece. The company pays $1.75 per hundred for unloading birch ties and two men working together unloaded 800 one day recently. It is hard work, but certainly pays well. The men engaged in unloading wear heavy pads, usually horse collar sweat pads, double, on their shoulders to protect them.

The trolley line, which will handle the ties in the plant is now complete and the motor cars are here. The track is a narrow gauge and the cars are of iron built especially for the work. A train of sixteen cars will be pushed into each retort for treatment at one time. All the buildings are of corrugated steel or steel framework and are made as nearly fire proof as is possible.

The big storage tank has been filled with the creosote, there having been ten tank cars of it received, it is said. It is pumped by steam pumps from the tank cars into the storage tanks and from them by the same power into the retorts. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 September 1907, p. 2, c. 1)


A BENEFIT BALL GAME

_____


Boilermakers and Helpers to

Have Ball Game Next Sunday—

Band to Turn Out

_____


PROCEEDS FOR STRIKE FUNDS

_____


Expected That Many Tickets will

be Sold and There Will be a

Good Attendance


The boilermakers have organized a ball team and are to play the boilermaker’s helpers next Sunday to raise funds for the support of the strike. The boys are doing some hard practicing on both sides and expect to put up a lively game. The helpers are congratulating themselves that Baldy Murphy and Tommy Templeton have left town and, with them out of it, hope to win the game. It is reported that the band will assist in entertaining the crowd and a good time is expected A committee of the boilermakers and helpers will probably canvass the city for the sale of tickets and the boys hope to add a neat sum to their treasury. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 September 1907, p. 2, c. 3)


30 September

WENT THROUGH THE TURNTABLE

_____


Big Engine 2367 was too Heavy

for the old Turntable at the

Round House

_____


BROKE IT DOWN MONDAY NIGHT

_____


The Monster Came near Toppling

over—Jerry Flickwir Made

Quick Getaway


The service on the Northern Pacific out of Brainerd has been hampered by a peculiar accident which happened at the round house Monday night.

Engine No. 2360 similar to No. 2367 which broke the turntable, this engine was built in 1906 by ALCO Brooks, ca. 1945.
Source: Ron V. Nixon Collection, Museum of the Rockies, Montana State University

Jerry Flickwir was putting engine No. 2367, one of the new monster “twenty-three hundreds,” so-called, over the turntable when it began to give way and the big engine began to roll from side to side like a ship in a heavy sea. The boys around the round house say that Jerry made a record time in getting out of the cab and onto terra firma. She finally quit rocking and settled down right side up. The engine was then blocked up and finally coaxed onto the solid track. Two of the three switch engines in the yards were imprisoned in the round house as were all the road engines in the city at the time. It looked as if it would be some time before they would get out and orders were hurried to Duluth for two switch engines to be forwarded to this place. It was also thought that it would be necessary to send the M. & I. engine, which brought No. 30 down from Big Falls, to St. Paul with No. 90, while the engine on No. 90, which was an hour and a quarter late, would take 31 north on the M. & I.

Supt. Anderson, just before noon, however, succeeded in getting the turntable patched up temporarily and got the switch and passenger engines out of the round house, and the orders to Duluth were countermanded. One switch engine was already on its way here but it was turned back.

The company has a new turntable under course of construction in the round house at this place and work on it, which is necessarily slow, will be pushed as rapidly as possible. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 October 1907, p. 3, c. 3)


14 October

TIE PLANT WAS STARTED MONDAY

_____


First Train Load of “Niggers”

Pulled From Retort at 5:20

That Afternoon

_____


1,600 TREATED IN EACH BATCH

_____


Creosoting Process Takes About

Four Hours When Ties Are

Well Seasoned


A representative of the DISPATCH was present at the tie preserving plant when the first train load of treated ties was hauled from the retort at 5:20 Monday afternoon. The opening of the plant was attended with no formality, only one or two spectators being present to witness the starting.

The retorts in which the ties are treated, to which the rest of the plant is auxiliary, are immense cylinders of boiler steel about eight feet in diameter and over 130 feet long. They rest horizontally on cement foundations, one end being closed while the other is fitted with an immense circular door held in place by a large number to two-inch bolts carrying heavy nuts, by which the door is hermetically sealed. The ties are loaded on cars each capable of carrying fifty ties. These cars are of steel and iron and are fitted with racks so shaped that the outlines of the load closely follow the shape of the retort. The capacity of each retort is sixteen cars, or 800 ties to the retort and two retorts are used, making 1600 ties treated at one time.

The process consists in forcing a liquid creosote into the pores of the ties, which should be well seasoned, under a heavy pressure, after which the creosote is drawn off into tanks below the retorts and a vacuum created, which draws the surplus creosote from the ties. They are then hauled from the retort and the work repeated with another bath. The actual time for treatment is about four hours.

The cars, which are narrow gauge, are hauled or pushed, as may be necessary by an electric motor having a draw bar power of fifty tons and capable of easily handling 16 cars with their load of 800 ties. The current is supplied by a volt dynamo geared direct to a 50-horse-power engine, and making 300 revolutions per minute.

The ties when they enter the retort are clean looking and sweet smelling, but when they emerge, they are black as an old hat and the odor, faugh! The entire place smells as if all the women in Christendom had stored their furs there and liberally supplied them with moth balls.

In addition to, or rather auxiliary to the retorts, are the big steam pumps which force the liquid into the ties under heavy pressure, and the immense air pumps for use in creating a vacuum. There is also an immense storage tank outside, and two smaller ones which stand on their ends over the center of the retorts. The creosote, after being drawn into the tanks below the retorts, is again pumped into the upper tanks to be used again.

While everything at the plant is working as well as could be expected, there are the vexations and troubles always found to be overcome. It will be running smoothly in a few days, it is thought, however.

The tie preserving department of the Northern Pacific is under the supervision of Thomas [sic] [Andrew] Gibson, formerly division superintendent at Missoula, while the local plant is under the charge of Lowry Smith, formerly with the Columbia Creosoting Co., the owners of the patents covering the process, and builders of the plant. There is also an electrician and engineer and a time keeper employed at the plant, besides the large number of men required to unload, peel, handle and reload the ties.

The institution is one that will mean no small thing for the upbuilding of Brainerd and its starting is of much more significance than many think. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 October 1907, p. 3, c. 4)


16 October

MORE POWER AT THE N. P. SHOPS

_____


Big Turbo-Generator to be Put

in as Soon as it Arrives

in Brainerd

_____


IS A 500 KILOWATT MACHINE

_____


Two Two Hundred Horse Power

Boilers are Also Being Added

to the Equipment


The Northern Pacific shops are very materially enlarging their power plant. Two boilers of two hundred horse power each are being installed. They will be used to assist in furnishing steam for the 500 Kilowatt turbo-generator which is to be installed as soon as it arrives. A turbo-generator is a turbine steam engine and an electrical dynamo combined, the one machine converting the steam into power and the power into electrical current. This machine will be used in place of the steam engines and dynamos now in use. It is said, however, that most of the present power plant will remain as an emergency equipment.

The work on the new shop buildings is progressing satisfactorily and it is expected that they will be completed this fall. The roof of the new machine shop has been completed and the work of installing machinery in both that and the blacksmith shop has already commenced. The new storage buildings are already in partial use though not yet completed. When they are the plant will be one of the best in the country. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 October 1907, p. 3, c. 1)


22 October

INSPECTING THE RAILROAD LINE

_____


New General Manager and Other

Officials Visited Brainerd

Shops Yesterday

_____


ARE MAKING EXTENDED TRIP

_____


Officials Will Visit all Parts of

the System While Making

the Inspection


General Manager Slade made his first visit to Brainerd since assuming his office yesterday. He was accompanied by Mr. Kline, general superintendent, W. C. Smith, assistant chief engineer, Superintendent Fowler, of the St. Paul division, and others and was met here by Superintendent Blanchard, of the Lake Superior division and Trainmaster Nicoles and his assistant and Superintendent Gibson of the tie plant. A local official stated to the DISPATCH that the visit here had no significance as concerning the boilermakers’ strike, that it is simply the trip of inspection which a newly appointed general official always makes to give him a personal knowledge of the physical features of the system. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 October 1907, p. 3, c. 3)


25 October

SHIPPING TREATED TIES

_____


The Shipment of Creosoted Ties

From Treating Plant Has Already

Commenced


The first shipment of ties from the tie preserving plant at this place was made the first of the week and the ties will be shipped as fast as possible from now on. The fact that they are very flammable after treatment makes it inadvisable to keep them stored in large quantities, especially in close proximity to the preserving plant. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 October 1907, p. 3, c. 2)


PROSPECTS BRIGHT FOR SETTLEMENT

_____


Boilermakers Report That Pro-

spects for Settlement of

Strike are Better

_____


CONFERENCE IS IN PROGRESS

_____


Head Men of the Organization

Said to be in St. Paul Hold-

ing Conference


According to the reports of local boilermakers there is a good prospect for the settlement of the strike in the near future. Arthur Hastings, the delegate from this lodge to the district council went to the city yesterday morning, it is said, and is attending a conference there today. It is also stated that the head officials of the Boilermakers union are in the Twin Cities assisting the district council in trying to bring about a settlement. It is even hinted that the details of a settlement are nearly agreed upon, but of course there is being nothing given out at this time. It is thought here that matters will be adjusted in a very few days to the satisfaction of both parties. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 October 1907, p. 3, c. 3)


07 November

The following item for publication reached us from a Los Angeles correspondent just after the magazine had gone to press last month: On the evening of September 14 Thomas J. Delamere expired suddenly on the street in Los Angeles. Mr. Delamere was of Irish descent, born in the East about sixty years ago. He came to the central states in early life, where he commenced railroading, and he was proud that his entire business life had been in that line. He held many positions with different railroads, notably as master of transportation for the Northern Pacific for fifteen years, coming to the Santa Fe about five years ago under Mr. Kouns as chief of the car tracing bureau of the Coast Lines. It was his oft expressed wish that he die "in the harness." Mr. Delamere, by nature, was a forceful man, and his early training at the throttle had nurtured that trait to a noticeable extent, but those who knew him as a friend and employer found him true hearted and whole souled, and mankind is better for his having lived. The world will miss his ever pleasant "thank you," and his dealings with everyone seemed as grateful and as unselfish as his dying words. "Thank you; do what you can, for my family's sake." "In the midst of life we are in death," and we cannot explain why it is those we love so well are taken from us. On the day of his death, Mr. Kouns had called Mr. Delamere to Chicago to do special work and the Santa Fe employees here were sorrowfully saying good-bye when it so unexpectedly turned to farewell. Farewell, Tom Delamere, may we meet again. (Santa Fe Employees' Magazine, 07 November 1907, Volume I, Number 12, p. 503)


26 November

OFFICIALS ARE PLENTIFUL

_____


Three Separate Parties of High Offi-

cials of the Northern Pacific in

the City Yesterday


High railroad officials have been plenty around Brainerd the past twenty-four hours. Mechanical Superintendent Wm. Moir, who arrived Sunday morning, remained until this morning inspecting the shops when he went to St. Paul. General Manager Slade came in from Duluth yesterday afternoon and left a couple of hours later for Morris, returning here this afternoon and going to Staples. Last, but not least, President Elliott and the Minnesota railroad commission came up last night and left by special train for International Falls, reaching there at 6 o’clock this morning. They started on the return trip at 9 o’clock and are expected in the city this afternoon. They went up to make the official inspection of the track, buildings, etc. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 November 1907, p. 3, c. 3)


04 December

LAY OFF EXAGGERATED

_____


Stories that Over 100 Men had Been

Discharged at Northern Pacific

Shops are Untrue


There have been wildly exaggerated reports going around town the past few days to the effect that 150 to 250 men had been discharged the first of the month. A DISPATCH representative was authoritatively informed this morning that the entire lay off in the shops would not exceed 50 men. The men laid off were car repairers and laborers. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 December 1907, p. 3, c. 2)


21 December

Lowry Smith, superintendent of the tie preserving plant went to the cities this morning. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 December 1907, p. 2, c. 3)


Foundry to Be Closed Saturdays

Until Work Becomes More

Pressing


The foundry is not running today and it is stated that it will only work five days per week until business is brisker. In some quarters the short hours in the shops and the slackness of the work at the foundry is laid to the boilermakers’ strike, while in others it is said to be due to the new management of the road and to the fact that the percentage of increase in expenses has exceeded the percentage of increase in net earning. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 December 1907, p. 5, c. 1)


28 December

MAY BE ADJUSTED

_____


Prospects Seem Bright that Boiler-

makers Will be at Work in Very

Near Future


While neither the union boilermakers or their helpers or the railroad company will give out any direct information, yet on both sides there seems to be a feeling that the end of the struggle is about here and that it is extremely probable that the men will be back at work the first of the year or very soon thereafter. No details are being given out on either side as to the basis of probable settlement. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 December 1907, p. 3, c. 2)


30 December

BOILERMAKERS’ STRIKE SETTLED

_____


Terms Satisfactory to Both Men

and Company Were Reached

on Monday

_____


WILL BEGIN WORK THURSDAY

_____


No Stipulations as to the Em-

ployment of Non-Union Men

Were Made


The boilermakers’ strike is settled. The agreement with the company was made and signed between the company and the union at St. Paul last night. The terms are satisfactory to the local boilermakers, who it is reported were averse to the strike in the beginning and only went out because of the agreement of the employees of the ten roads to stand together. It was stated to the DISPATCH this morning that there are four of the ten roads on which no settlement has been reached, but it was voted, it is said, to let the employees of each road deal direct with the company and the Northern Pacific had no trouble in coming to a satisfactory agreement with its men.

According to the best available information the settlement was on a basis of 41 1/2 cents per hour. No discrimination is to be made against any of the strikers and on the other hand the company made no promise to discharge any non-union men now employed. The matter of rehiring the old men at once was left to the heads of shops and Mr. Anderson stated to the Brainerd boys this morning that he would take care of them all.

The settling of the strike is a relief not only to the boilermakers and the company but to the other workmen and the citizens at large and smiling faces were seen on all sides at the shops this morning. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 December 1907, p. 3, c. 1)


31 December

Thomas [sic] [Andrew] Gibson, superintendent of the tie department of the Northern Pacific railroad, returned to the city today after a two weeks visit at Missoula and Paradise, Montana, and at St. Paul. He states that the tie plant which has been shut down for a short time will begin operations again Thursday morning. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 December 1907, p. 2, c. 4)


Extensive Northern Pacific Improvements


A very important source of the prosperity of Brainerd has been the improvements made by the Northern Pacific in the railroad shops at this place. Eight brick buildings of various sizes were erected at the shops and are practically completed at this time. They have involved an expenditure of in the neighborhood of a quarter of a million dollars and are an added evidence of the permanent magnitude of the Northern Pacific payroll at this place. The tie preserving plant, which was completed this year and which began operations on the 24th day of October, is another institution which means much for the permanency of Brainerd as a Northern Pacific industrial center. It employs in the neighborhood of forty men and will, if the weather will permit, be operated the year around. The company has also added materially to the power plant at the shops, in order to furnish power for the additional machinery placed in the new buildings. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 December 1907, p. 3, c. 3)


JURISDICTION EXTENDED

_____


A Circular Issued by the Northern

Pacific General Offices Extends

Curry’s Work


A circular received in this city from the general offices of the Northern Pacific railroad company states that W. S. Clarkson, general master mechanic at Livingston, Mont., having resigned, the jurisdiction of Howard M. Curry has been extended from Glendive to Trout Creek, Montana, thus bringing the Montana and Rocky Mountain divisions under his mechanical supervision.

It is also reported that Willard Lincoln, master mechanic at Staples has resigned and will go to California shortly after the first of the year to live on a fine fruit farm which he owns. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 December 1907, p. 3, c. 5)


1908

11 January

The Northern Pacific is filling the ice house in this city today. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 January 1908, p. 2, c. 1)


17 January

RUMORED CHANGES MADE

_____


Officials of the Northern Pacific

Have Been Transferred as Pre-

dicted Some Days Ago


The rumored changes among N. P. officials published some days ago have been confirmed and gone into effect as follows:

Newman Kline, assistant general superintendent of the Northern Pacific at St. Paul, has been transferred and is now superintendent between St. Paul and Fargo. Previous to this time this has been two divisions. Supt. Fowler, whose resignation has been rumored for some time, was superintendent of the division from St. Paul to Staples and A. J. Sovereign superintendent from Staples to Fargo. Mr. Fowler, who has been superintendent of the St. Paul division, goes back to St. Paul as trainmaster. G. B. Ogelvie, who has been trainmaster at St. Paul, goes to Minneapolis as assistant trainmaster. J. B. McLane, trainmaster at Minneapolis, is put back as chief dispatcher. The dispatcher’s office at Staples will be continued for the present. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 January 1908, p. 3, c. 1)


N. P. NURSES GRADUATE TONIGHT

_____


Exercise Will Take Place at

Elk’s Hall at Eight-Thirty

O’Clock

_____


FOUR MEMBERS IN THE CLASS

_____


An Interesting Programme for

the Occasion Has Been

Arranged


NP Hospital Night Crew, 1902.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

The graduating exercises of the Northern Pacific Hospital Training School for Nurses, will take place at Elk’s hall at 8:30 this evening. A large number of invitations have been issued and a larger attendance than usual is anticipated, as the exercises have heretofore been held in the nurses’ home at the hospital, which deterred many from attending on account of the distance. The graduates this year are Margaret Louise Buchanan, Susan Vivian Miles, Mary Agnes Gavin and Elinor Elizabeth Rose.

The following is the program:

Invocation—Rev. J. R. Alten.

Music.

Report of the School—Miss Laura Whittaker, Superintendent.

Music.

Address to the Graduating Class—Dr. J. A. Quinn.

Presentation of Diplomas and Badges.

Music.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 January 1908, p. 3, c. 3)


18 January

Andrew Gibson, superintendent of tie preserving for the Northern Pacific railroad company left today for St. Paul, Chicago, Galesburg, Ill., and Kansas City, Mo. At the latter place he will attend a meeting of the association of wood preservers. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 January 1908, p. 2, c. 3)


20 January

Payday at the shops today is reported to figure up to about $55,000. The fact that the non-union boilermakers quit the first of the month and were paid off then reduced the payroll about $5,000. With the amounts paid to men working downtown, on the M. & I., the cedar yards and tie plant, etc., in all about $80,000 was distributed for work here today. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 January 1908, p. 2, c. 3)


22 January

BRAINERD MAN GETS THE CONTRACT

_____


Contract for Handling Ties at

Tie Plant is Awarded to

Frank Tomlinson

_____


WILL EMPLOY LOCAL MEN

_____


So Far as Possible Residents of

Brainerd Will be Employed

in the Work


The contract for handling the ties at the tie plant, which heretofore has been held by a gentleman named Johnson from Duluth, has been let to Frank Tomlinson, for several years an employee of the car shops here. Mr. Tomlinson stated last night to a DISPATCH reporter that it would be his aim to employ residents of Brainerd in the work so far as possible. He takes hold of the work on Saturday of this week and will be glad to see anyone desiring work at the plant Saturday. Prior to that time any who wish are invited to call at his residence, 206 2nd avenue Northeast, any evening. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 January 1908, p. 3, c. 3)


27 January

All engineers, conductors, firemen and brakemen on the Lake Superior division, who have not taken a regular examination on the rules and regulations since March 1905, will have to take one commencing February 3. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 January 1908, p. 2, c. 3)


The old log landing dock on the west side of the Mississippi river below the M. & I. bridge has been removed and logs will be unloaded directly from the tie plant spur hereafter. The C. A. Smith lumber company, it is said, expects to land about two million feet there yet this winter. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 January 1908, p. 2, c. 3)


A new time card on the St. Paul division went into effect today. The only change here is that the “Peavine” trains, No. 21 and 22, which have been annulled every day for the past month, are now taken off the time card between here and Little Falls. One of the big “2300” engines has been put on trains No. 44 and 45 and that train is now doing the work of the two, while the “Peavine” runs from Little Falls to Staples, doing the local work on the cutoff. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 January 1908, p. 2, c. 3)


10 February

CREOSOTE IS SCARCE

_____


Tie Preserving Plant Has Been Shut

Down as Have Others in Other

Places for Lack of It


The tie preserving plant in this city has been shut down for lack of creosote and as yet has not a sufficient stock on hand to justify starting up. The plant here uses about a tank carload per day and it seems impossible to get that much. It is also said that the plant in Paradise, Mont., is liable to be shut down for the same cause. Personal letters from John Hageline, who is in Kansas City with the Columbia Creosoting company state that the plant there has been ready to run for over a month, but as yet has not received a sufficient supply of creosote to justify starting up. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 February 1908, p. 3, c. 3)


11 February

FOR SEVERAL DAYS

_____


Work Will be Suspended for the

Rest of This Week After Lincoln’s

Birthday Holiday


The shops will not resume work again this week after the holiday tomorrow. The machine shops, it is said will resume Monday, but the date for resumption of the car shops will probably be a day or two later. This is done, it is said, to keep the payroll within the appropriation for February. One of the switch crews will lay off the rest of this week and another a part of next week, those laying off now working then. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 February 1908, p. 3, c. 3)


14 February

SHOPS REOPEN ON MONDAY

_____


Full Force Will be Put on in All

Departments of Northern

Pacific Shops

_____


WOULD KEEP MEN HERE

_____


Shut Down Instead of Lay Off

Because All Men Will be

Needed in Near Future


The Northern Pacific shops will reopen in all departments on Monday morning. This information was given to the DISPATCH today and is authoritative, and sets at rest the rumors that the car shops would not reopen on that date.

The reason that the shops have shut down for a few days instead of laying off a portion of the men is stated to be because the company expects to need all the men all the time in the early spring and does not wish them to get scattered. In gathering together a force after a reduction it is always the fleeting class which come first, the steady men who have been laid off having usually sought steady jobs elsewhere so that it takes time to get back a good crew. The reduction being only temporary the officers are loth to let any of the excellent force of men they now have scatter to other places.

The switch crew which was laid off a few days ago was put to work again today, an increase in traffic having rendered it necessary, despite the fact that the shops are not running. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 February 1908, p. 3, c. 2)


02 March

NO CUT FOR OPERATORS

_____


No Operators on Northern Pa-

cific Railroad Will be Reduced

in Their Pay

_____


THIRD MAN TO BE PUT ON

_____


Rudolph Jackse Will be Third

Operator in the Northern Pa-

cific Depot Here


The Northern Pacific railroad company and its operators have reached an agreement by which there will be no cut in the salaries when the nine hour law goes into effect. At Brainerd the change will result in an additional operator being put into service at the depot. The three operators will be George Rice, G. Ray Pfoutz and Rudolph Jackse. Jackse goes on at midnight and works until 8 o’clock in the morning. Rice will work from 8 a. m. to 4 p. m., while Pfoutz will have a trick extending from 4 o’clock in the afternoon to midnight.

The Minnesota & International has made no announcement of the arrangements in its office, but there will be no cut in wages nor will the men work longer hours than allowed by law. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 March 1908, p. 3, c. 2)


WILL START TOMORROW

_____


Tie Preserving Plant Will Resume

Operations Tomorrow, It is Hoped

for the Entire Summer


The tie preserving plant will start up tomorrow. There is now a good amount of creosote in sight to run for some time and Superintendent Gibson is of the opinion that it will not be necessary to shut down again on that account. This will be good news to the men who have been idle for several weeks. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 March 1908, p. 3, c. 3)


03 March

One of the pumps at the tie plant gave out yesterday afternoon and it was necessary to shut down until this forenoon. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 March 1908, p. 2, c. 2)


04 March

Peter Garney, of Little Falls, has sued the Northern Pacific road for $50,000 for injuries received at Winnipeg Junction while employed as brakeman. The injuries were supposed to be fatal but he finally recovered after several weeks in the hospital in this city and is able to be about. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 March 1908, p. 2, c. 3)


The St. Cloud Journal-Press is authority for the statement that some radical changes will be made on the Northern Pacific system this spring if persistent rumors are true. According to the report the passenger division point which has been located at Staples for years, will be moved to a new town in North Dakota just outside of Fargo. This will leave but one passenger division between the Cities and Fargo, which is located at Little Falls. The company laid off a large number of men at Staples during the past few weeks. Others have been set back. Some of the oldest employees on the road have been set back eight years in their line of promotion. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 March 1908, p. 2, c. 3)


13 April

CAR SHOPS ARE WORKING 10 HOURS


The first definite step toward the good times which seem to be heading toward Brainerd, when the car side of the Northern Pacific shops went on ten hours this morning. They went to nine hours last fall and have worked on that basis since. At about the same time the engine side went from nine hours, the union day to eight hours. It is hoped by the workmen that the increase in time in the car shops means the resumption of full time in other departments in the near future.


[...]

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 April 1908, p. 3, c. 2)


21 April

About forty box and stock cars were destroyed on the Northern Pacific storage tracks about a mile west of Staples Tuesday night. They were burned by a brush fire which originated in the swamps south of the yards. There were about 600 cars on the tracks, but by hard work on the part of four switch engines most of them were saved. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 April 1908, p. 2, c. 3)


06 May

The Northern Pacific shops have turned out five new oil cars for the use of the store department. They are tank cars, each containing four tanks, two for engine oil and two for lubricating oil. These tanks will prevent much of the wastage heretofore caused from leakage in shipping in barrels, while saving much heavy lifting for the men in charge. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 May 1908, p. 2, c. 3)


07 May

PASSENGER TRAIN DITCHED AT AITKIN

_____


No. 11 West Bound Was Wrecked

at East Switch in Aitkin

Yards Today

_____


SPECIAL SENT FOR PASSENGERS

_____


The Fireman Had Leg Injured

—No One Else Was Injured

in the Least


Word reached Brainerd shortly before noon today that No. 11, the passenger train from Duluth, was wrecked at Aitkin. A special was made up at once and left for Aitkin at 12:50 for the scene of the wreck. The tool car at the shops was ordered out, but this was countermanded and the big wrecker sent from Staples. It passed here just about 1:20 p. m. Up to three o’clock the train had not returned.

According to telephone advices received at this office from Aitkin the engine struck a defective switch and started down the side track, while the tender stayed on the main line. As the train was slowing down Engineer Thompson, of this city, who was on the engine, quickly applied the brakes and the damage was comparatively little. When the train stopped the tender was at right angles to the engine. A portion of the cab was torn away and the fireman, Joseph Stram, of Duluth, who was caught in the wreckage had his knee sprained and was slightly bruised. He was taken to a local hospital. The trucks of the baggage car were displaced but no other damage was done to any of the cars of the train. No one was hurt in the least except the fireman. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 May 1908, p. 3, c. 1)


A MONSTER ENGINE

_____


One of the Biggest in the Service

of the Northern Pacific is Here

for Repairs


Northern Pacific engine No. 3013, one of the largest in the service of the company, if not one of the largest in the United States, is at the Northern Pacific shops here for repairs. The monster locomotive is a double engine of the tandem type. It has two separate sets of drive wheels, of three pair each. Each set has its own cylinder, one set of cylinders and drivers being ahead of the other set. While the engine stands high on account of its monstrous boiler, the drive wheels are comparatively small, it being built for heavy work on the mountain divisions, rather than for speed. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 May 1908, p. 3, c. 2)


15 May

TO BUILD 250 STOCK CARS HERE

_____


Northern Pacific Will build 500

Cars This Summer, Half of

Them Here

_____


MATERIAL HAS BEEN ORDERED

_____


Work Will Commence on Them

Just as Soon as Material

Reaches Brainerd


Word reaches this city from St. Paul, that the Northern Pacific railroad will build 500 stock cars this summer. There will be 250 of them built in Brainerd and 250 in Tacoma. The local officials in the shops here, when asked about the matter refused to talk, but from other reliable sources it is learned that the material has already been ordered and that work on them will commence just as soon as it commences to arrive. This in addition to the regular repair work will insure the car side a good season’s work. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 May 1908, p. 3, c. 3)


11 June

NEW HONORS FOR W. H. GEMMELL

_____


General Manager of M. & I. is

Assistant Land Commis-

sioner on N. P.

_____


DIVIDE TIME BETWEEN OFFICES

_____


Will Continue in Position on M.

& I. and Will Fill Both

Positions


General Manager W. H. Gemmell, of the Minnesota & International railroad has been appointed assistant land commissioner of the Northern Pacific railroad company, with headquarters in St. Paul. This appointment, it is said, is because of the increase in the work of the land and right of way department of the Northern Pacific. Mr. Gemmell will continue as general manager of the Minnesota & International railroad and will retain offices here as heretofore, Chas. McCarthy, chief clerk being in charge in the absence of Mr. Gemmell.

Mr. Gemmell leaves for St. Paul in the morning to take up the duties of the position, accompanied by his family who go to Canada for a month’s visit. The family will then return to Brainerd and make this their home for the present at least. Their many friends here hope they may remain here permanently. While rejoicing in the advancement of Mr. Gemmell his friends in Brainerd sincerely regret that he will be away from here so much of the time. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 June 1908, p. 3, c. 2)


16 June

BRIEF REVIEW OF OUR INDUSTRIES

_____


Something of the Enterprises

Which Give Life to Our

Thriving City

_____


RAILROADS EMPLOY MANY MEN

_____


RAILROAD SHOPS


Northern Pacific Shops, ca. 1908. A 1600x1026 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Postcard

Although there are other manufacturing industries in Brainerd which would be considered as of the highest importance and would be featured in the write-ups of most cities the size of Brainerd, they are so overshadowed by the immensity of the Northern Pacific railroad company’s shops in this city that they are often utterly ignored. The shops are the heaviest on the system and one of the best plants in the United States. Every branch of repair work and construction except in passenger coaches is conducted in this city and the plant covers about 80 acres of land. The entire value of the plant is estimated at $3,000,000, the company having added over a quarter of a million dollars to its investment here in the year 1908, erecting eight large buildings and equipping them with up to date machinery. The average number of men employed in the shop and store departments for the past year was about 1200, while the Northern Pacific foundry employed an average of 200 more. The average payroll of the shops, including the store department was about $60,000 per month during the past year. The plant is running full hours and with a full complement of men and while there was the usual winter curtailment of hours and reduction of outside men during the past winter Brainerd scarcely felt the hard times, as compared with the effects in other places.

One thing in regard to the shops and the shop men of Brainerd to which every citizen points with pride is the intelligent, saving, orderly and law abiding character of its people and especially of the men in the shops. In very few if any towns in the United States where there are as large bodies of men employed is there as little friction between the men and the officials. Brainerd has been afflicted with few strikes, and of the few which have occurred practically all have originated either on other parts of the Northern Pacific system or on other systems. During the few strikes which have occurred there has been nothing approaching rioting and little even of the rowdyism which so frequently is an accompaniment of labor disagreements. This is largely because, not only of the willingness of both the men and the officials to try to get together on all points of difference, but also of the fact that a large portion of the men are owners of their own homes and men of substance in the community, taking a deep interest in the affairs of the municipality and county.


NORTHERN PACIFIC FOUNDRY


The industry in Brainerd next in magnitude to the Northern Pacific shops is the Northern Pacific Foundry. This institution is owned by Parker & Topping and has the contract for all the castings used by the railroad company east of Helena, Mont., and furnishes many of those used west of there.

Last year the foundry employed an average of 185 men and had a monthly payroll of about $12,000 per month. Castings of the largest size, including huge locomotive cylinders and wheels are turned out here. The senior member of the firm is C. N. Parker, of this city who is a director and stockholder in the Citizens State Bank and also a heavy property owner in other lines. H. W. Topping, the junior member, resides in St. Paul, where the company also has an office.


TIE PRESERVING PLANT


One of the most unique establishments in the city is the plant built by the Northern Pacific railroad for the treatment of railroad ties. The plant was built at an expense of over $100,000 and is designed for the purpose of treating ties with creosote to prevent them from rotting. The treatment is said to double the life of the tie and, in view of the increasing scarcity of tie timber, this is an important issue with the railroads. The plant employs about 40 men when running a single shift and over 50 when running night and day. It is situated in West Brainerd, about half a mile west of the Northern Pacific hospital. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 June 1908, p. 4, c.’s 2 & 3)


23 June

WILL BE PICNIC DAY

_____


According to Reports Next Saturday

Will be Picnic Day at the North-

ern Pacific Shops


According to reports next Saturday, the Saturday after the June payday, will be observed by the shop men or a portion of them. While no authoritative information can be had from the officials it is currently reported that the shops will not shut down but that any men who wish to lay off that day could do so. There will be no excursion so far as can be learned, that having been abandoned several years ago. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 June 1908, p. 3, c. 2)


28 June

PARADISE IS ISOLATED

_____


Frank Tomlinson Returned from

There Saturday—Tie Plant

Between Washouts

_____


TRACK IN MIDDLE OF RIVER

_____


Three Hundred Feet in One Spot

Carried Entirely Out of

Right of Way


Frank Tomlinson returned from Paradise Sunday afternoon, Paradise, Montana, not Paradise, the future home of the blessed. In fact the language used by most of those having been compelled to sojourn in the Montana locality begin the description with a lower case “h” followed it with a dash. Frank himself does not seem to want to make Paradise his eternal or even earthly home. The place was cut off from the outside world for over three weeks by the washouts. About three miles this side of Paradise the track for over 300 feet lies in the middle of the river, clear outside of the right of way. The plant had communication to the west as far as Trout Creek, but on this side everything was cut off.

For over three weeks the plant has been shut down for want of material on account of the washout, but is again running full blast. Mr. Tomlinson states that there is nothing at the tie plant in the way of a settlement, the postoffice being kept in the section house and there is one ranch back in the mountains, the only neighbors within six miles. C. J. Cook became disgusted with the place and resigned his position as chief clerk for Mr. Gibson and has returned to St. Paul with his family. Joe LaBlanc is still holding the fort there, however, and Mr. Gibson’s stenographer, Lowry Smith, is also there.

Mr. Gibson is expected here this week and Mr. Tomlinson says he understands the plant here is to be started soon after July first. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 June 1908, p. 3, c. 1)


14 August

The Northern Pacific car shops in this city have established a record in the building of stock cars. Two hundred and fifty cars have been built. One car has been turned out complete every hour. Not one single hour of the working day having been missed. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 14 August 2008)


1909

Another addition is made to the machine shop in east Brainerd.


08 January

The Duluth News-Tribune is starting an agitation for through sleeper service from the Zenith city to the Pacific coast, claiming that the Northern Pacific would largely increase its west bound traffic if it would give through service. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 January 1909, p. 2, c. 1)


The Duluth Herald says:—”The modern electric lighting system will be installed upon every train and upon every branch line of the Northern Pacific railway system. This statement was contained in an order that was received at the Duluth office of the company this morning.

“The work of preparing all the cars of the railroad will be started at once. Heretofore only certain trains of the company have been lighted with the modern lighting system. The new order is comprehensive in that it includes all branches and lines of service of the entire system.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 January 1909, p. 2, c. 1)


27 February

MIGHT HAVE BEEN A BAD WRECK

_____


Baggage Car on Train from

Cities Goes Two Miles with

Broken Journal

_____


HAPPENED SATURDAY NIGHT

_____


Accident was Discovered Near

Watab and Train Delayed

Nearly all Night


One of the most peculiar and fortunate accidents in the annals of Northern Pacific railroading occurred to 9, the passenger train leaving the Twin Cities for Brainerd about 6 o’clock Saturday night. When almost to Watab it was found that one of the journals on the baggage car was broken and the boxing gone. It had run two miles with one of the equalizer rods dragging in the snow and the other broken. When it was discovered and an attempt made to get the car into the clear at Watab it was derailed. The car was pulled into the clear on the ties and as it luckily happened there was a freight train with the wrecker on the side track at Watab. This was switched out, the car picked up and a freight truck placed under it. The car was then brought to Brainerd the train arriving about 5 o’clock in the morning. Old railroad men say that it is not one chance in one thousand that a car with a broken journal would run one-tenth part the distance that one did without jumping the track, and had it done so a disastrous wreck must have resulted. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 March 1909, p. 3, c. 3)


09 March

RAILROAD NEWS


The action of the Great Northern in deciding to construct steel cars in its shops being erected at Superior is reviving talk and speculation as to the proposed erection of a steel foundry in Brainerd by the Northern Pacific and the construction of that class of cars in the shops in this city. It is known that the need of a new foundry here has been repeatedly urged upon the Northern Pacific officials by Messrs. Parker & Topping, the lessees of the N. P. foundry here, and while it has been impossible to get any information from official sources in the matter, there have been persistent rumors that there would be a large up-to-date foundry erected here in the near future.

The fact that the two railroads are so closely allied has caused many to take the decision of the Great Northern to building steel cars in Superior, together with J. J. Hill’s recent prophesy regarding the future of Minnesota’s iron industry, as indicative of an intention to do similar construction for the Northern Pacific at Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 March 1909, p. 3, c. 2)


30 March

ELMER CHURCH KILLED LAST NIGHT

_____


Pine River Man Met Death on

Railway Track West of This

City Tuesday Night

_____


EXACT CAUSE IS UNCERTAIN

_____


Probably was Struck by Special

Train While Walking Beside

Track that Evening


Considerable mystery surrounds the death of Elmer Church, of Pine River, whose remains were found beside the Northern Pacific track about three miles west of Brainerd this morning by Peter Parsons, section foreman, and his crew. It is supposed, however, that the deceased came to his death either by a fall from a moving train or from being struck by a train while walking along the track. Church, who was on his way to Montana, came down from his home at Pine River yesterday and apparently started to go to Sylvan, the first station west of Brainerd. That he was going to Sylvan is evidenced by letters, unstamped, which he was carrying from his daughter, Miss Lottie Church, to friends in Sylvan, and which he would have mailed had he not been going to stop there. His watch was found about 20 feet west of the body, badly defaced and evidently stopped at about 7:20 or 7:30 o’clock. A revolver which he always carried, was found about fifteen feet or 20 feet east of where the body was found. His neck was broken and his left side caved in and his left hand cut. It is not known here at what time he started from Brainerd, or whether or not he started afoot, but no tickets to Sylvan were sold last night and he had no ticket on his person as would have been apt to have been the case had he purchased one for some point west of Staples.

A theory which finds credence among railroad men is that he started out about supper time for Sylvan and met the special train which brought “The Wolf” company to this city, and which made the trip from Staples, 30 miles, in 31 minutes. Church was probably slow in getting out of the way and the engine or some part of the train struck him, caving in his side and breaking his neck.

Coroner Thomas Gibson, who was notified, went out and picked up the remains and brought them to D. M. Clark’s undertaking rooms where they are now awaiting orders for their disposition.

Another theory of the manner of Mr. Church’s death is that he tried to ride on No. 53, the freight which left here at 5:45 this morning, and accidentally fell from the train. Officer Winters, however, states that Church asked him, yesterday afternoon if there was anyone in from Sylvan and finding that the officer knew of no one he said that he guessed that he would walk out.

Church was a rather eccentric individual. He formerly lived, it is said, about seven miles southwest of Brainerd, and went from here to Pine River about four years ago. He has had an idea for several years that someone was after him and always carried a heavy revolver. He purchased a box of revolver cartridges in D. M. Clark & Co.’s store yesterday afternoon, but the box had not been opened and the revolver was loaded with long rifle cartridges. There is no belief here, however, that there was foul play.

He also told Freeman Young that he was going to walk out and visit a friend over night. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 March 1909, p. 3, c. 1)


01 May

RAILROAD SHOPS ON FULL TIME

_____


Northern Pacific Shops in All De-

partments Are Now Working

Every Day

_____


IT IS A PERMANENT THING

_____


Increase Made a Few Days Ago

Was Not Temporary as Was

Then Supposed


When the Northern Pacific shops were put on a nine and ten hour basis a few days ago, instead of working eight hours and only five days, it was currently reported that it was only for the rest of the month of April to use up the unexpended portion of the April appropriation. Such, happily has proven not to be the case and this morning the entire force went to work as usual, making the first week in nearly three months in which all departments have worked six days. The car shops will hereafter work ten hours per day, as was done all last summer and fall and the locomotive side will work nine hours per day and six days a week, which is full time under the agreement between the men and the company entered into last fall. There is much rejoicing among the men and in business circles over the renewed activity. There is lots of work ahead, the Brainerd yards being crowded with bad order cars and locomotives, besides a large number of cars stored on the passing track at Crow Wing. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 May 1909, p. 3, c. 3)


13 May

WILL EXTEND THE TIE PLANT YARDS

_____


One Thousand Feet Will be Added

to West End of Yards at

Preserving Plant

_____


FOUR TRACKS ARE AFFECTED

_____


Two Standard Gauge Tracks and

Two Narrow Gauge Tracks

to be Lengthened


Arrangements have been made for the increase in the storage room at the tie preserving plant in West Brainerd. The four tracks south of the main track will be extended 1,000 feet farther west than at present. The grading will be let by contract and the roadmaster’s office has received no advices as to when that part of the work will be done but it is said to be the intention of the officials to complete the entire work early this summer.

Two tracks are standard gauge heads and two are narrow gauge for the electric-motive.

Roadmaster Tyler states that he has received no notice of the rumored enlargement of the shop yards north of the foundry and is satisfied that no such action will be taken this year.

According to the latest reports it will be nearly or quite the 1st of June before the operating force arrives from Paradise and the plant here is started up.

The work of laying heavier steel between Cedar Lake and Brainerd will commence shortly, the first five cars of steel being on the way. It is expected that the work of unloading will commence on Saturday. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 May 1909, p. 3, c. 5)


18 June

BRAINERD MEN’S INVENTION GOOD

_____


Railway Age Gazette Speaks in

High Terms of Hose Coup-

ler Attaching Device

_____


ARTICLE IS WELL ILLUSTRATED

_____


Machine is the Invention of D.

K. Fullerton, A. Ousdahl and

Erick Kronberg


Hose Coupler Attaching Device patented by D. K. Fullerton, A. Ousdahl and Erick Kronberg of the NP Shops, 18 June 1909.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

The Railway Age Gazette, of New York in its issue of June 11th, gives a good illustrated write-up of the machine for attaching couplers to air brake hose in use in the Brainerd shops, and which is the invention of Messrs. Fullerton, Ousdahl and Kronberg. Through the courtesy of that publication the Dispatch is enabled to reproduce the illustrations as well as the article.

The machine for inserting couplings and nipples in air hose here illustrated has been in use at the Brainerd, Minn., shops of the Northern Pacific Railway for some time. The object of the device is to insert the two fittings simultaneously while giving to the hose a rotary movement to avoid injury to the inner tube.

As shown by the illustrations, the hose is held in a cylindrical casting at the middle of the machine. This casting is journaled at each end and has a gear, cast integral therewith, at the center.

Hose Coupler Attaching Device, 18 June 1909.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

The hose is held near each end by jaws which are pivotally connected to a yoke. This yoke is held in place by two springs bearing on its top, one at each end, which are riveted to brackets secured to the cylinder. The yoke and jaws may be removed readily by withdrawing the former from under these springs. In addition to the holding jaws just mentioned, expanding jaws are provided at each end of the cylinder for holding the ends of the hose. These are connected to the cylinder by springs which allow the end of the hose to expand as the fitting is forced in. The hose is firmly clamped during the operation by an arm at each end of the cylinder, pivotally mounted on the same brackets to which the yoke-holding springs are riveted. The short end of this arm bears upon a block resting on the jaw and secured to the yoke. The long end of the clamping arm is raised and lowered by a short arm secured to a dog mounted on the back of the air-hose cylinder and actuated by a suitable shoulder on the rack-bar. All of this is plainly shown in the sectional views of the device.

Hose Coupler Attaching Device, 18 June 1909.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

The cylinder is rotated by the vertical rack-bar at the back of the machine, which is moved by an air cylinder beneath the machine. The initial upward movement of this bar locks or clamps the hose. Means are provided for holding the bar in the raised position when it has reached the end of its travel; also the necessary dogs and pawls are provided for releasing the pressure on the hose and restoring the parts to their normal positions when the rack-bar descends.

Hose Coupler Attaching Device, 18 June 1909.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

The mechanism for clamping and inserting the fittings is plainly shown by the illustrations. The parts for the nipples and for the couplings are substantially alike. The carriage on which the clamp is mounted is moved by levers from the air cylinder so that it will advance and insert the fitting as the cylinder, and therefore the hose, is rotated by the rising rack-bar. The clamp is two pivoted levers with toggle links at one end to force the jaws at the opposite end together to hold the fitting. Suitable means are provided for breaking the joint formed by the toggle links before the carriage begins its return movement.

The operator of the machine at Brainerd averages about four hose a minute, or 240 an hour, without undue exertion. The cost per hundred for this work is 8 cents. Hose mounted on this machine, on being cut apart, show no injury whatever to the inner tube by the fittings. The machine, which is patented, is the invention of D. K. Fullerton, A. Ousdahl and E. Kronberg, of Brainerd shops, the first-named being foreman of he car department. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 June 1909, p. 3, c.’s 1-3)


21 June

TWO ACCIDENTS AT THE SHOPS

_____


Yesterday Was Unfortunate Day

for Workmen in the North-

ern Pacific Shops

_____


EDWIN CASS LOST LEFT FOOT

_____


George Halladay Had Foot Punc-

tured by Piece of Steel

Just Previous


Monday must have been Jonah day at the Northern Pacific shops in this city. Two accidents one of them resulting in the loss of a foot for Edwin Cass and the other in the injury to the foot of Geo. Halladay, one of the best known blacksmiths in the shop, occurred within ten minutes of one another. Mr. Cass, who is about 20 years of age, was employed as a switchman on the dummy engine, used to shift cars, etc., on the locomotive side of the shops. He was engaged in his work about 4 o’clock in the afternoon and the engine was backing onto the electric transfer between the boiler shop and machine shop. When Cass stepped off the engine he stepped too close to the edge of the transfer and his foot was caught between the transfer and the rail of the track and crushed. He was hurried to the Northern Pacific hospital where part of the foot was amputated, the heel being saved. He stood the shock of the operation well and it is thought will speedily recover his normal strength. He was a quiet unassuming young man, the son of A. R. Cass, of Baxter, and brother of Russell Cass the letter carrier, and is very popular with his associates who sincerely sympathize with him over the unfortunate accident.

About ten minutes before the accident to Mr. Cass occurred George Halladay, one of the best known blacksmiths in the shop, had the misfortune to have a piece of steel driven into his foot. He was taken to the hospital and his foot dressed and it is believed that there will be no serious results, though he will be laid up for some time. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 June 1909, p. 3, c. 4)


25 June

UNKNOWN MAN KILLED BY CARS

_____


Head and Shoulders Found Near

Carleton This Morning, But

Body was Missing

_____


MAY HAVE BEEN PRINTER

_____


Thought Probable That He Was a

Tourist Printer Who Was

Here Recently


Word was received here this morning that an unknown man was killed near Carlton last night. He was beating his way west. As near as can be learned he was a printer who worked in Brainerd a few days last week. He and a pal went from here to Superior and then started to work their way back. They, it is said, attempted to bum their way from Superior on the night passenger. The pal made good but this man was put off and evidently afterwards tried to ride the rods on No. 53, the west bound night freight. His head and body were found near Carlton and section men were sent out this morning to try and find the rest of the remains. He was a small man about 25 years old with a peculiar face and though he worked in both the Dispatch and Tribune offices for a part of a day each no one learned his name or where he is from. He carried a union card, if the dead man is the one he is supposed to be, but no record was made of it by the union here, though it is believed that it was issued by the Elkhart, Ind., union. He stated in Brainerd that he had worked in the office of “The Judge,” New York, last winter.

Reports received here later today state that the man may have been Hans Mattson [sic], a laborer in a Carlton brickyard who left Carlton drunk last evening. The remains found were strung along the track from one mile east of Carlton to one mile west of Wrenshall and blood stains and human flesh were found hanging to three cars on train 53. It is supposed that if it was Madsen [sic] he was struck while walking or lying on the track. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 June 1909, p. 3, c. 1)


1910

The railroad is about to replace the board sidewalk in front of this building [YMCA], when it is discovered that a new cement sidewalk would cost about $120 more, the citizens of Brainerd donate that amount and the first cement sidewalk is laid in front of the YMCA [circa 1910]. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 83)


13 January

POLICY OF N. P. COMPANY

_____


Will be for Greater Effort Toward Se-

curing Settlers and Develop-

ment of the North Country


The policy of the Northern Pacific company will be for greater effort toward securing settlers and development for the north country tributary to its lines, according to the Aitkin Age, which says:

“The editor of the Age was granted a very pleasant interview with Mr. A. M. Cleland, general passenger agent of the road, during the past week, and from that gentleman it was learned that the immigration department of the company is being reorganized with new blood and new ideas. One of the plans is to study the possibilities and needs of this locality and cooperate with local organizations in presenting the advantages claimed for settlements. The N. P. has had a growing business and the claims from all sides have been beyond the capacity of the organization to meet.

“Venturing upon the subject of train service on this division. The Age was told that the company fully realizes the imperfections both in way of local and through service at present but Mr. Cleland says they have been unable to figure out a satisfactory solution of the problem. He says ticket sales from the head of the lakes do not indicate a sufficient business for a coast train at this time and they cannot take one off of the Twin City trains for this run.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 January 1910, p. 3, c. 2)


15 January

SHOPS WORKING TODAY

_____


Northern Pacific Shops are Working

Entire Force for First Sat-

urday for Month


For the first time since the cut in time at the shops shortly after the commencement of the switchmen's strike, the locomotive side of the Northern Pacific shops is working on Saturday. The men are still on eight hours, but are keenly rejoicing over the fact that they are getting in six days per week instead of five. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 January 1910, p. 3, c. 2)


05 February

WRECK BLOCKS TRACK

_____


Freight Engine Struck Box Car in

Brainerd Yards, Derailing it

This Afternoon


The passenger train for the south and the east bound passenger were both delayed by a small freight wreck in the local yards this afternoon. Engine No. 2417 was coming west on the main line at a good rate of speed when it struck a couple of box cars being backed onto the main track from a siding. The side of the engine was damaged somewhat, one of the box cars was side scraped in bad shape and the other had one set of trucks derailed. The passenger train from the south was behind the light engine and was held there for sometime. Finding it a slow job to get the car back on the track, one of the sidings, which was blocked by a long east bound freight, was cleared and the passenger trains were finally let through that. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 February 1910, p. 3, c. 2)


06 February

BAD WRECK NEAR KIMBERLY

_____


Northern Pacific Passenger Coach

Derailed by Broken

Wheel Sunday

_____


FOURTEEN PASSENGERS HURT

_____


Man Named Miller and Mrs. Hud-

son Were Most Severely In-

jured by Wreck


A bad wreck occurred at the siding of Ude, between Kimberly and McGregor Sunday afternoon. A wheel on the ladies’ coach of the afternoon passenger broke just as the train was passing the siding, causing a general mix up. The rear trucks on the smoker were also derailed and the train ran half a block before it was stopped. The rear coach was turned completely over on its side and four of the passengers were more or less severely injured. But two were seriously hurt, according to reports received here. One was Mr. Miller, of Wadena, father of the Northern Pacific agent at that place. He was brought to Brainerd on the midnight train, which did not get here till 3:15, because of the wreck, and placed in the company’s hospital. A Mrs. Hudson is also reported badly injured and was taken to McGregor and is said to be unable to be moved. As soon as the wreck was reported here a special was made up and physicians from the local Northern Pacific hospital were hurried to the scene.

The train which was wrecked left here 15 minutes late and was running to make up time when the accident occurred. Conductor Reed was in charge of the train and Engineer Brightfeldt was at the throttle. None of the train crew was hurt and all the injuries except those of the lady and gentleman named above are said to be slight. The derailed coach tipped over and blocked both the main track and the siding, delaying the night train about three hours. A wrecking train was brought from Duluth to clear the tracks. The track is said to be badly torn up and will have to be repaired before it will be safe for fast running.

The local freight, which has been leaving here at 9 o'clock for the past few weeks, was sent out on scheduled time at 7 o'clock, to take necessary material for making repairs.

Attorney G. S. Swanson, of this city was onboard the wrecked train being on his way to attend the supreme lodge of the Swedish United Sons of America, which meets there Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. Mr. Swanson was not injured being in the smoking car at the time of the wreck.


Another Account

The Duluth News-Tribune has the following account of the wreck:

“The eastbound passenger train on the Northern Pacific due in Duluth at 6:25 p. m. was wrecked four miles west of McGregor yesterday afternoon. Twelve passengers were injured, five of them seriously.

“The cause of the wreck was a broken wheel on the rear coach, throwing that car into the ditch and rolling it over. The smoker also left the track but remained upright. The following were among those injured:

“C. R. Brandt, traveling man, left hand, head and back injured; E. R. Miller, produce merchant of Wadena, injuries to left leg and side; Miss Bessie Nickander, Aitkin, left leg and elbow injured; Miss Alice O’Neil, teacher, Aitkin, back and shoulder injured; a young child whose parents reside at McGregor, name unknown, was badly injured.

“The train was in charge of Conductor Reed. There were about 30 other passengers on the train all of whom escaped injury. They were in the other portions of the train which were not affected by the accident. The injured were attended by Dr. Braden of Duluth, and Dr. Watkins of Carlton.

“The mail and baggage cars, carrying the passengers and the seriously injured with the exception of Mr. Miller, and the McGregor child, who were taken to a Brainerd hospital, were brought to Duluth.

“The train arrived here about 9 o’clock last night. Miss Nickander, Miss O’Neil and Mr. Brandt were taken to St. Mary’s hospital where they were reported as doing nicely last night at midnight. The two former will be able to leave for home this morning, while the latter, who is suffering from severe bruises, may be laid up for several days.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 February 1910, p. 3, c. 1)


WILL SPEAK ON STRIKE

_____


R. J. Martin will Speak on the

Switchmen’s Strike Tuesday

Evening at Gardner Hall


R. J. Martin, chairman of the executive board of the Switchman’s Union of North America, will speak on the switchmen’s strike at Gardner Hall on Tuesday evening, February 8th, at 8 o’clock, under auspices of the Brainerd Trades and Labor Assembly. Admission Free. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 February 1910, p. 3, c. 5)


19 February

The Northern Pacific Railway company is filling its ice house in this city. The ice is being brought from Detroit Lake as usual. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 February 1910, p. 2, c. 2)


22 February

FIREMAN FELL DEAD IN ENGINE CAB

_____


Fred M [sic] [N]. Johnson Expired While

Stoking Engine on Pass-

enger Train

_____


A BRAKEMAN WAS HURT

_____


Arthur Ward Brought Here From

Little Falls With Leg

Badly Injured.


Today was certainly a hoodoo from a railroad point of view in this section of the state. In addition to the derailment which delayed passenger traffic several hours on the Minnesota & International railroad, two serious accidents occurred on the Northern Pacific.

Fred. M [sic] [N]. Johnson, the fireman on No. 55, the west bound Northern Pacific passenger train which leaves Duluth at 8:05 in the morning and reaches Brainerd at 12:05 noon, dropped dead in the cab at Grass Twine Spur, between McGregor and Kimberley. Engineer Craig, who was pulling the train, stated that Johnson had complained of a pain in his chest before leaving Duluth, but that he had made no further complaint. As they were passing Grass Twine Spur, Craig looked over toward the fireman’s side and Johnson was huddled up in a heap in the corner of the cab. Craig stopped the train but Johnson was dead. The remains were placed in the baggage car and Craig fired the train to Kimberley where he picked up a section man who fired for him until the local freight was met at Klondyke. The fireman on that was pressed into service and the section man set to firing on the freight.

The remains of Johnson were taken off the train at Aitkin and returned to Duluth this afternoon.

Mr. Johnson was a son-in-law of W. H. Lawrence, of this city and leaves a wife and children living in Duluth. Mrs. Lawrence left for that city this afternoon.

_____


An engine and caboose arrived in Brainerd from Little Falls just before noon today, bring Arthur Ward, a brakeman on the Little Falls and Morris local freight. Ward, it is said stepped off one track to avoid a freight and stepped in front of No. 8, one of the coast trains. He was knocked down and dragged for several car lengths. It was thought by the crew of the train which brought him to Brainerd that his hip was broken if not badly crushed, but it was impossible to get any report from the hospital before going to press as to his condition.

Ward is a comparatively new man at the work and his people live at Bertram, Minn. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 February 1910, p. 3, c. 3)


01 March

SHOPS WORKING ON FULL TIME

______


TEN HOURS FOR CARMEN

_____


Locomotive Side Put on Nine Hours

and Prospects for Year

Look Good


NP shops, ca 1910. A 1456x1030 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The Northern Pacific shops went on full time in all departments this morning. This means a bigger pay check for at least 800 Brainerd bread winners. The boiler shop was the only department which was on full time and they had been working that way but a few weeks, the entire shops having been on short hours for over two months. Full time in the Brainerd shops means ten hours for the car shops and store department and nine hours for the locomotive shops. All prospects point to the coming season as being one of the best in the history of the city. It is expected that the new foundry, the appropriation for which was approved early in the winter, will be built as soon as spring opens and the present foundry added to the car shops, which will permit the working of probably 200 more men in that department. There are hundreds of “bad order” cars not only in Brainerd, but at other points, held up by lack of yard room here, and with the large amount of construction and improvement work undertaken for the coming season there cannot help but be all the car repairing, as well as locomotive work that the shops can possible do. Under the agreement with the men that there should be reduction of time before there was reduction of force the shops are practically full handed at present and the April pay day will be fully up to the summer standard, something which is not usual the case. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 March 1910, p. 3, c. 1)


TRAIN BLOCKADED

_____


Slight Squall Last Night Sufficient to

Block Track South of

Brainerd


The storm last night apparently did not amount to much, yet it was enough to interfere seriously with traffic. The local freight between this city and Little Falls was stuck between here and Crow Wing and it was necessary to send an engine from here to pull it out of the drift and to send a snow plow up from Little Falls to clear the track. The north bound Minnesota & International train was delayed by the fact that its engine came up from Little Falls in the morning for some repairs and had to wait till the snow plow got here before it could proceed to Little Falls. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 March 1910, p. 3, c. 2)


11 March

The order to remove the car used as a boarding car for non-union switchmen has, it is said, been revoked and the car will remain in Brainerd indefinitely. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 March 1910, p. 2, c. 3)


16 March

MAIL SERVICES HOODOOED

_____


Mail from Duluth is All that Reached

Brainerd by the Morning

Trains Today

_____


THE DIRECT CAUSE IS UNKNOWN

_____


High Water on the Missouri River

Supposed to Have Been Partly

to Blame


The only mail received in Brainerd this morning was that from Duluth. The mail sent out on the midnight train from this place, for train No. 16, at Staples, came back on the 4 o’clock train. There is said to have been none from the north and there is usually a pouch for Brainerd, and No. 33, the Minnesota & International night train from the south, which should bring three pouches, one from St. Paul, one from Minneapolis and one from train No. 7, brought no mail.

The cause of the failure is only conjectural. Nearly everyone's first thought was that the firemen had walked out and that this was the reason the mail did not arrive, but such was not the fact, and agreement for mediation having been reached Tuesday afternoon.

There is a bad flood on the Missouri river at Bismarck and all Northern Pacific trains are being sent around by way of Aberdeen, S. D., over the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul road. This, however, would not account for the mail destined for train No. 16 coming back to Brainerd, because that train starts from Jamestown, which is on this side of the flooded district.

The Minnesota & International train from the south was delayed four hours because of the holding of the coast train at St. Paul on account of the detour over the Milwaukee tracks. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 March 1910, p. 3, c. 1)


SMALL FIRE AT SHOPS

_____


Northern Pacific Department Called

Out by Small Blaze Tuesday

Afternoon


The fire department at the Northern Pacific shops was called out shortly after 5 o’clock Monday afternoon to extinguish a fire supposed to have been set by a switch engine. The blaze caught in the grass south of the coal dock and spread to a small building which has been hauled in from some construction work somewhere and set on the flat to await some future use. The building, worth probably $40 or $50, was destroyed, but no other damage was done. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 March 1910, p. 3, c. 2)


04 April

BIDS OPENED TODAY

_____


Report That Bids on Foundry Will be

Passed on in St. Paul

Today


According to apparently reliable reports the bids for the construction of the Northern Pacific foundry at this place are to be opened in St. Paul today. The appropriation for the foundry is $125,000 but there seems a difference of opinion as to whether this includes the equipment of the foundry. The telephone wires of the company between Brainerd and St. Paul are not working today and the local officials have learned nothing of the outcome of the bidding. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 April 1910, p. 3, c. 5)


09 April

IS KILLED BY ELECTRIC SHOCK

_____


August Westland Met Death From

Live Wire at Northern Pacific

Shops

_____


BOILERMAKER HURT ALSO

_____


A. J. Berthiaume, Working With Him

Received a Shock at the Same

Time


August Westland was electrocuted in the Northern Pacific shops here today and A. J. Berthiaume seriously injured by getting in contact with a live wire while at work there.

Berthiaume is a boilermaker and Westland was his rivet heater. It was not known at the offices at the shops just how the accident occurred nor in what part of the shops the men were working at the time the accident occurred.

Young Westland was an orphan and his closest relative is a young sister who makes her home with Peter A. Erickson, the southeast Brainerd florist. Young Westland was about 18 years of age and was well liked. No funeral arrangements have been made. Berthiaume was unconscious after reaching the hospital but his condition is serious and the surgeons at the hospital are able to make no prediction as to whether or not he will recover. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 April 1910, p. 3, c. 1)


FOUNDRY CONTRACT IS REPORTED LET

_____


Unconfirmed Report from St. Paul is

that Total of Contract is

$400,000

_____


IT MAY BE EXAGGERATED

_____


Some Northern Pacific Officials Ex-

press Opinion that Amount is

Overstated


The speedy building of the new foundry for the Northern Pacific at this point, was assured by the news of the letting of the contract in St. Paul to the W. J. Hoy Construction company. While the amount of the contract, as set forth in the St. Paul News, was considerably in excess of the amount which it was supposed here would be expended the announcement is regarded as reliable by local officials although they express the belief that the figures given, $400,000, are stretched somewhat.

Mr. E. O. Webb, general manager for Parker & Topping, lessees of the foundry, states that he was told in St. Paul recently that the appropriation for the foundry building alone had been raised from $125,000 to $152,000. In addition to this building there will be a power house, a pattern shop, a large pattern store house, an office, lavatory building, coal and coke sheds and other warehouses. He states that while he did not have any definite information the statement was entirely probable and he did not doubt it.

The W. J. Hoy Construction company, the successful bidder on the present work is the same firm that erected the large extensions in the shops in this city in 1900 and 1901.

The St. Paul News says regarding the matter:

“The Northern Pacific railway has awarded the contract for $400,000 worth of work at Brainerd, Minn., to the W. J. Hoy Construction Co., St. Paul.

“The work will consist of building a group of eight buildings at the Brainerd shops, including a new foundry, pattern shop and other structures.

“Prominent contractors from different sections of the country figured on the job.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 April 1910, p. 3, c. 3)


Northern Pacific Library Associa-

tion Entertainment Was a

Great Success

_____


The annual entertainment and dance which was given by the Northern Pacific Library association at Gardner hall Friday evening was a very enjoyable affair. The programme which preceded the dance was very fine and the program as carried out was most excellent. The only disappointment on the program was the fact that Rev. Charles Fox Davis was suddenly called out of town and the company was compelled to forego the pleasure of listening to a reading from him.

Every number on the program was fine and so uniformly so that individual mention would be almost invidious. One number which was out of the ordinary was a character song in costume by Jack McEwan, which brought down the house. Mrs. Geo. D. LaBar and Hon. S. F. Alderman sang “Excelsior,” arranged as a duet, and sang it with the finish and feeling characteristic of their efforts.

The readings and other musical numbers were also of a very high order, and every minute of the program was very enjoyable.

Graham’s orchestra furnished the music for a very enjoyable dance which followed. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 April 1910, p. 3, c. 5)


14 April

INSPECTING TRACK

_____


Officials are Inspecting New Steel

Laid Between Here and

Deerwood


Road Master T. J. Tyler this morning received word that E. C. Blanchard, general superintendent; K. M. Nicoles, superintendent of the Lake Superior Division and J. I. Thomas, general agent, with headquarters at Duluth, would come to Deerwood on the noon train today and instructing him to meet them there. They will take a hand car there and inspect the new steel being laid between that point and Brainerd. The boarding cars of the steel gang are now at Loerch and the crew was working a short distance east of the station yesterday. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 April 1910, p. 3, c. 4)


18 April

A crew of seven men arrived on last night’s train from St. Paul, who, it is said, may commence work on the new foundry. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 April 1910, p. 2, c. 3)


20 April

NEW FOUNDRY BEGUN

_____


Foundations to be Put in by Hoy

Construction Company for

Five Buildings


Nels Eckberg, a foreman of the Hoy Construction Co., has arrived from St. Paul with a large crew of men and will commence the foundation work for the new shop buildings by driving piles for five buildings.

Mr. Eckberg is now engaged in superintending the unloading of his pile driving machinery and other equipment. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 April 1910, p. 3, c. 4)


22 April

THE LIGHT GOES OUT IN BRAINERD

_____


Electric Light Station Burns to Ground

_____


DAM PIERS BURNED

_____


Two Piers and Five Gates of Weyer-

hauser Dam Burned Down—Repair Work

Commenced at Dam—City Will Make

Temporary Connection With Shop

Electric Light Plant.


The city electric light plant at the dam burned to the ground at nine o’clock Saturday night. Nothing was saved, arc machine and alternators, pulleys and shafting being reduced to a tangled pile of scrap.

John B. Lanouette, electric light engineer, was on duty at the time and states that the fire started on the north end of the building near the roof at about nine o’clock in the evening. As everyone who was on our streets that day or evening is aware, there was a fierce wind, and when the fire started it did not take the gale long to envelope the whole plant in a blast furnace blaze. The fire burned from the north end to the south end of the building.

Lanouette states there was no wiring near the fire when it first started. The nearest wiring was over twelve feet away. He telephoned for help and rushed back to save something. Of all his belongings he was able to save only his wheel.

He is not sure how the fire really started and believes it may have commenced from outside sparks, claiming sparks may have come from the saw mill immediately north of the light plant. He said he saw steam coming from the McKinley mill, as it is usually called. Lanouette is an old city employee, having worked for the city over eight years and during that time, as he states, never having had any trouble.


FIRE SPREADS TO DAM.

The building rests on a stone and cement foundation on the east side of the dam and near the two large wooden piers on that side. The fire quickly ate its way through the light frame building of the power house and leaped to the piers. These were soon a blazing mass. When the writer stood on the high bank east of the fire at about ten o’clock in the evening the foundation stringers of the building were reduced to blazing lines of light and the two piers were silhouetted in flame against the dark rushing waters of the dam.


FIRE DEPARTMENT HELPLESS.

The city department could not do much as this territory is out of the fire district. No adequate fire protection seems to have been provided for an emergency of this kind. For a time it looked as though the fire would spread to the Northwest Paper Co.’s pulp mill, which occupies the west bank of the dam. It was reported first that a pile of coal near the electric light plant and at the east foundation of the dam was on fire, but later reports discredit this and it is said no coal was stored near the dam.


PLANT INSURED.

A member of the city water and light board stated that the electric plant and building is covered by sufficient insurance to cover financial loss on machinery and building.

Insurance carried was $4,600 which was as much as the water and light board could place on the building and contents. The new dynamo was insured for $1100, its full value. While this amount is not large it is probably all the old plant was worth.


DAMAGE DONE TO DAM.

The two main piers on the east side of the dam are burned to the water’s edge. Three gates are burned on the outside of the flume. The pier foundations appear to be sound. The wheel pit of the dam is safe, the cogs being burned out.

Mr. Lanouette says he believes the state of water now to be about normal. The loss of the gates released the water and it is said to have fallen 14 inches at a point above the dam.


CITY TO PUT IN PLANT.

As stated by a member, the water and light board will meet the emergency by installing a steam or gasoline plant and providing service just as soon as a new plant can be built, which will be from 60 to 90 days.


TEMPORARY POWER SECURED.

The water and light board is making arrangements with the N. P. railway company to connect with the electric plant at the shops, and it is thought the necessary arrangements can be made by Tuesday or Wednesday. To do this it will be necessary for the board to provide two transformers at a cost of over $3,000, as the current at the shops is a higher voltage and two phase while the city plant was a single phase, but the board has rightfully decided that it was its duty to serve the public no matter if it does cost considerable. However, it is thought that the electrical company will take them back charging only for their use.

The destruction of the plant is a great inconvenience to concerns using motors for power and they have resorted to all sorts of schemes to keep going. The Northwestern Telephone company has a storage battery system that will keep them going for a week, but they got busy and connected with the N. P. wires on Sunday.


FIRE LOCALS.

Koop’s Unique theatre hustled around and installed a gas plant and never missed a performance. They played to crowded houses yesterday.

Mahlum Lumber Co.’s planing mill shut down on account of no power. They always handle a lot of custom work.

The Daily Dispatch is badly put out by the fire as the machinery of the office is run by motors. A gasoline engine has been installed temporarily to run the presses, but we are unable to use the linotype and hand composition must be resorted to which will reduce the local reading matter considerably.

The lecture by Dr. Laura Lane at the Methodist church was in progress when the lights went out, plunging audience and lecturer into darkness. The lecturer calmly continued her address and resolutions were adopted in the dark urging Congressman Lindbergh to assist in establishing a national department of health.

Charles Weyerhauser, accompanied by Messrs. Musser and Richie, came up from Little Falls Sunday afternoon in his Packard automobile and the party inspected the damages sustained to the Weyerhauser dam. The gentlemen returned to Little Falls in the evening.

Fred W. Low, of the new Grand theatre, stated his theatre would open tonight with the usual vaudeville features.

T. L. Truss, of the Bijou theatre said his house would run with the usual vaudeville features.

Thomas G. Johnson, superintendent of the Northwest Paper Co. and a crew of men are engaged in throwing up a wing dam from the east shore of the river to the burned piers. Water has fallen so rapidly that it is necessary to sheer the water to the west bank to keep the pulp mill going. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 April 1910, p. 1, c.’s 1 & 2)


26 April

MAY HAVE LIGHTS BY THURSDAY NIGHT

_____


Will be Connected With

N. P. Shop Plant

_____


POLES ARE BEING SET

_____


And Wires are Being Strung to Make

the Connections. Transformers

Have Been Shipped and Will Ar-

rive Tomorrow, and Will be Put

in Place Immediately on Arrival.


It now looks as though the city would have lights and power by Thursday night or Friday. The Water and Light Board has received official authorization from General Manager Slade, of the N. P., for electrical service from the shop plant until permanent arrangements can be made, and the board today put a force of men at work to set the necessary poles and string the wire for the connection. At the same time a force of men has been put to work at the shops to make the necessary preparations there for the additional service, the capacity of the machines there being more than ample to supply the needs of the city in addition to their own needs.

The board has also ordered two transformers from the General Electric Co., in Minneapolis, to change the current at the shops to suit the local equipment, and they were shipped this afternoon and will arrive in the city tomorrow noon. They will be accompanied by Mr. McMillan, the general agent of the company, who will be on hand to superintend their prompt and efficient installation.

Although the Water and Light Board only promises power by the last of the week, it is the opinion of those doing the work that the connections will be completed by Thursday night or Friday morning and the city will again have lights greatly to the convenience of everyone. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 April 1910, p. 1, c’s 6 & 7)


WORK ON NEW SHOPS COMMENCED

_____


Superintendent of Construction Com-

pany is in City to Begin

Operations

_____


BIG FORCE WILL BE EMPLOYED

_____


And Entire Work Will be Completed

in Three or Four

Months


S. M. Hoy, a general foreman and superintendent of the Hoy Construction Co., is in the city today was seen by a Dispatch representative. The Hoy Construction Co., of St. Paul, has the $400,000 contract for the erection of the eight shop buildings which include a foundry building, pattern shop buildings, pattern store room, an office, lavatory building, coal and coke sheds and other warehouses.

Mr. Hoy will remain in the city three or four days attending to the preparatory work which will be commenced at once. Mr. Hoy states further that a heavy force of men will be put on when needed and that they expect to have their large contract completed in three or four months. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 April 1910, p. 3, c. 1)


29 April

BOARD TILTS THE LIGHT RATES

_____


Increased Cost of Current From the

N. P. Shops Makes This Ac-

tion Necessary

_____


RAISE EQUALS 33 1-3 PER CENT

_____


But Probably Will Only Last For

Short Time Until New Plant

is Built


The Water and Light Board at a meeting held the first of the week decided to increase the cost of electric current to light consumers in the city from 7 1/2 cents per kilowatt to 10 cents, an increase of 33 1-3 per cent. This action was necessary to prevent a deficit, as the cost of the current more than doubled when arrangements were made with the N. P. company to supply current temporarily pending the building of a new plant.

The board figured that the city has been producing current at a cost of only a little more than two cents per kilowatt and the N. P. company charges 5 cents per kilowatt, so a raise in rates was imperative.

The board took no action on the matter of power rates, but will probably raise these rates accordingly.

A notice of the raise of rates is published elsewhere in this issue, and the meters throughout the city are being read preparatory to putting in force the new rates. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 April 1910, p. 3, c. 1)


30 April

Charles Hughes has a regular garden, a wealth of red and white color, in the front windows of room seven, second floor of the depot. They are red and white geraniums and pink hydrangeas. He will transplant them to the N. P. depot grounds in May. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 April 1910, p. 2, c. 4)


12 May

GEORGE KELLAHAN FRACTURES SKULL

_____


Was Climbing Onto Car and Slipped

His Head Striking Timber With

Fatal Result

_____


OCCURRED AT DEERWOOD

_____


Deceased Lived at Aitkin, Was a

Single Man and in the Neigh-

borhood of Sixty Years Old


George Kellahan received injures at Deerwood Wednesday afternoon from which he died about midnight. Kellahan was with a crew of men at the railroad yard where they were unloading timbers from a car, and while he was not connected with the work he attempted to climb on the car of timbers but he lost his hold and fell backwards, his head striking on the sharp edge of one of the timbers lying on the ground. He was picked up in an unconscious condition and given every possible attention, but he died about midnight, an examination showing that his skull was fractured. Kellahan was about 60 years old and resided in Aitkin, but had no family.

Coroner Gibson was notified and went to Deerwood by team this morning where the inquest is being held this afternoon. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 May 1910, p. 5, c. 1)


14 May

MORE PAY DEMANDED

_____


Railroad Machinists Will Present

Their New Schedule to N. P.

and G. N. Ry May 19


A committee representing the machinists of the Northern Pacific and Great Northern railroads has been in session several days at the Foley hotel in St. Paul, preparing a new schedule, which will be presented to the railroad managers on May 19th.

An increase in wages will be the principal demand formulated in the schedule. Thomas Van Lear, president of the machinists’ union in St. Paul, said the committee did not anticipate any trouble in having the new schedule adopted.

Alderman R. A. Henning of North Star Lodge No. 197, is the delegate from Brainerd in attendance at the sessions. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 May 1910, p. 5, c. 2)


24 May

Forty men arrived on the Duluth train from the head of the lakes and will go to work either at the new foundry or one of the numerous work trains near Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 May 1910, p. 2, c. 4)


07 June

The locomotive side of the shops was put on an eight hour basis Monday morning. The car side of the shops was reduced to nine hours per day. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 June 1910, p. 2, c. 3)


25 June

RAPID PROGRESS AT FOUNDRY


At the new foundry being erected by the Hoy Construction Co., about thirty men were at work this morning. The building will be one story high, measuring about 325 feet in width and 340 feet in length. The cement foundation work has been completed and the steel window frames have been placed in position. Running through the center of the building are heavy cement foundations on which will be located the columns supporting the roof of the building. A steam cement mixer is part of the equipment of the company. Sheds have been erected on each side of the foundry building, also a lime shed in the center of the building. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 June 1910, p. 3, c. 1)


01 July

PROMINENT R. R. OFFICIALS VISIT CITY

_____


Toured N. P. System From St. Paul

Through the Dakotas

_____


ARRIVED IN CITY 7:30 A. M.

_____


Inspected Shops—Left for Carlton

and Cloquet and Return to

St. Paul Tonight


A party of prominent officials of the Northern Pacific railway arrived at 7:30 this morning in their special train of four coaches and stopped at the shops where they inspected these and also examined the new buildings being erected.

The party consisted of George T. Slade, third vice president of the Northern Pacific railway system; G. A. Goodell, general manager; H. E. Still, assistant general freight agent; E. C. Blanchard general superintendent and Louis Yaeger, division engineer.

Vice President Slade stated his party left St. Paul recently, passed through St. Cloud, and toured the Dakotas inquiring into crop conditions and examining the railway system. They were now on their way home, visiting Brainerd, Carlton and Cloquet, and arriving at St. Paul tonight.

Accompanying the party over the division are L. F. Newton, trainmaster and T. J. Tyler, roadmaster. The train crew in charge of the special from Staples out is Ed Reed, conductor; Henry Scobie, engineer; G. W. Huey, fireman; and Art Wilson brakeman. When they left Brainerd Conductor Reed was advising Engineer Scobie not to break any records but to let her out easy, say 45 or 50 miles an hour. With the heavy steel now in position and the excellent roadbed built up the Lake Superior division ought to give a good account of itself. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 July 1910, p. 3, c. 2)


NORTHERN PACIFIC FOUNDRY.


Second only to the Northern Pacific shops in magnitude of output and in the number of men employed, is the Northern Pacific foundry. This large institution is owned by Parker & Topping. C. N. Parker of this city is senior member of the firm, and H. W. Topping of St. Paul is the junior partner, and has charge of the office the firm maintains in St. Paul.

Mr. E. O. Webb of this city is the general manager, and has been connected with the firm since 1890 and has full charge of the foundry. Mr. Clyde Parker, the cashier, is a Brainerd boy, born and raised here, and has been with the firm for the last four years.

Herbert W. Topping, co-owner, Northern Pacific Foundry, ca. 1910.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 9, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher
Charles N. Parker, co-owner, Northern Pacific Foundry, ca. 1910.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 9, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher

The firm employs from 150 to 200 men, and has a payroll aggregating over $150,000 per annum. This foundry has the contracts for all the castings used by the Northern Pacific railroad. The foundry building is 80x250 feet, and the pattern room is 40x100 feet. The capacity of the foundry, including both iron and brass, is over 640 tons per month. Some of the finer castings, such as engine cylinders, etc., are now cast at this foundry and compare to good advantage with any foundry casting in the world.

The Northern Pacific Railway Company, who owns the present building and leases it to Parker & Topping, are building a new foundry building that is twice the size of the present plant, and will increase the capacity of the foundry output just double. The new building will be located just across the main line tracks of the Northern Pacific, south of the present foundry. Parker & Topping expect to move to the new building about the first of next year.

Clyde E. Parker, Cashier, Northern Pacific Foundry, ca. 1910.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 9, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher
Edgar O. Webb, General Manager, Northern Pacific Foundry, ca. 1910.
Source: Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 9, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher

It is stated that rapid increase of the number of steel frame freight cars coming to the Brainerd shops for repairs demands a building and equipment especially adapted to the class of work, and that the pressing need of the foundry building for this purpose has been a potent factor in hastening the erection of the new foundry and additional force will augment the pay roll by about 200 men.

A feature of the history of this institution in which Mr. C. N. Parker takes especial pride is that there has never been a strike in its history. The relations between the employer and the employees have been unusually cordial and show that liberal treatment of men is appreciated. (Special Publication, 02 September 1910, p. 9, Brainerd Tribune, A. J. Halsted, Editor and Publisher)


12 July

TYLER GOES TO THIRD DISTRICT

_____


Roadmaster T. J. Tyler Transferred

Temporarily from Second to

Third District, N. P. Ry.


Roadmaster T. J. Tyler, who has made such a good record in the maintenance and constant improvement of the second district of the Northern Pacific railway extending from Staples to Duluth has been temporarily transferred for three months to the third district of the N. P. extending from Duluth to St. Paul.

Roadmaster Tyler’s work has been especially good to this district and was shown in the quick way in which he replaced the road with heavy steel, built up the road bed and made a solid road over the numerous swamps in different sections. Eighty car freights now run this division at high speed. During Mr. Tyler’s work here very few wrecks have been reported and when they did occur his men worked night and day to keep traffic moving and uninterrupted. The third district, where Mr. Tyler will put in three months time improving this branch, is a heavy traffic line extending from St. Paul to Duluth. During his absence there, Joseph Smith, of Deerwood, will have charge of the second district. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 July 1910, p. 3, c. 3)


22 July

NORTHERN PACIFIC PUSHING BUILDING

_____


Work on Branches Out of Mandan

Not Halted Despite Contrary

Reports

_____


75 MEN PASS THROUGH CITY

_____


A Car of Men Shipped From Duluth

via Brainerd to

that Point


The Duluth Herald states the following:

“Despite reports published to the effect that all railroad improvement work was to be abandoned for this year, the Northern Pacific is losing no time on its branches out of Mandan, but instead is working with renewed vigor. The rails are being pushed on toward Mott, in Hettinger county, on the south line, and the indications are that train service of some nature will be established this fall. At the present time the rails on the south line have been laid as far as Cannon Ball Junction.

“There is no work being done at the present time on the north line, the rails being laid as far as Sanger. Orders are expected, however, to continue the work on to Stanton, in Mercer county.

“Reports have been received here of the renewed activity of the Northern Pacific in the vicinity of Dunn and McKenzie counties, where surveyors are supposed to be at work laying out the proposed route for a new line.”

On Wednesday night a car carrying 75 Northern Pacific track laborers was brought to Brainerd and attached next morning to No. 12. At Little Falls the car was sent west to Mandan, N. D., where the men will assist in construction work. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 July 1910, p. 3, c. 3)


25 July

ON SHORTER HOURS

_____


Change of Time at N. P. Shops Cur-

tails All Hours Except

Boilermakers


Commencing Monday working hours at the shops were curtailed in all departments except the boilermakers who remain at nine hours six days a week.

All other departments on the south side or the machine side, are 8 hours. The car side to the north went from 10 to 9 hours per day, six days a week. No explanation is made of the cut, although it is believed a contemplated crop shortage may have something to do with it. It cannot be blamed on a two-cent passenger rate which is now three cents a mile.

It is sincerely hoped by the men and their families and all of Brainerd that the regular hour schedule will be resumed as the reduction in hours means a considerable reduction in wages. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 July 1910, p. 3, c. 4)


27 July

H. W. Topping Visits Brainerd


H. W. Topping, arrived in the city this morning from St. Paul having made the trip in his new 1911 Packard automobile in five hours and forty-five minutes. Accompanying him were E. O Webb of this city and Henry Orme, of St. Paul. The distance traversed is over 142 miles and the car seems to have made better time than the average passenger train. Mr. Topping will remain in the city a week inspecting the new foundry and renewing acquaintances among his many friends. He is president of the St. Paul park board and complimented the city on the endeavors it is making to establish a comprehensive system of parks. He was greatly pleased with the progress this city is making and commented on the many improvements visible. What pleased him especially was the setting of the ornamental lamp posts and the straightening of the curbing on various streets. Henry Orme is one of the oldest foundry men in the business and will look at the plant while visiting in Brainerd. Mr. Topping looks well and his ruddy cheeks show he is enjoying good health. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 July 1910, p. 3, c. 3)


02 August

NO LIGHT AFTER OCTOBER 31

_____


N. P. Railway Serves Official Notice

on City to that

Effect

_____


MASS MEETING CALLED TONIGHT

_____


Representative Attendance of Busi-

ness Men is Expected at Com-

mercial Club Rooms


The following communication was sent the mayor, the members of the city council, city attorney, city clerk and water and light board and its officers:


Gentlemen:—

It being reported to the Commercial club at its director’s meeting last night that the Northern Pacific railway company had served official notice on the city of Brainerd that its own requirements for power during the winter months were such that it would be impossible for it to continue to furnish electric current to the city of Brainerd after October 31, 1910.

The undersigned were appointed a committee to confer with the city authorities to see if the businessmen of the city could offer any suggestions of value to those charged with the duty of furnishing light and power in Brainerd so that it may be made certain that the needed current will be available from some source by the time limit set by the railway company.

With this in view you are cordially invited to attend an informal meeting to be held in the Commercial club rooms tonight, August 2nd, at 8 o’clock.

A representative attendance of businessmen is expected.

DR. W. COURTNEY,

W. D. McKay,

GEO. D. LaBAR,

CON O’BRIEN,

W. H. GEMMELL.

Brainerd, Minn.,

August 2nd, 1910.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 August 1910, p. 3, c. 4)


23 September

BALANCE IS LARGE

_____


Northern Pacific Beneficial Associa-

tion Has Elegant State of

Finances


The 28th annual report of the board of managers, Northern Pacific Beneficial association, was presented at a meeting in St. Paul today. It shows an increase of $28,360 in expenses and $43,036 in receipts. There is a surplus of $14,676.

All officers were re-elected.

Among the representatives from out of town were: J. T. Hughes, representing the conductors; P. McHugh, Duluth, representing the brakemen, and P. S. Chamberlain, Tacoma, representing the engineers.

Dr. Walter Courtney, Brainerd, Minn., and Dr. J. P. Aylen, Missoula, Mont., were also in attendance.—St. Paul Daily News. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 September 1910, p. 3, c. 1)


03 October

GOOD PROGRESS WITH BUILDINGS

_____


Hoy Construction Co. Pushing Work

on Large Foundry, Pattern

Shop and Other Buildings

_____


The Hoy Construction Co. has the four story pattern shop, coal sheds and the power house completed with the exception of some minor inside work. Most of the men are now engaged in putting on the roof for the big foundry building. It will repay any citizen of Brainerd to visit these improvements and see what large investments have been made in the building lines for this year. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 October 1910, p. 3, c. 1)


05 October

H. W. Topping, J. McClure, and H. Orme came up in Mr. Topping’s automobile yesterday from St. Paul. Their chauffeur was Ed. McMillan, and remarkably fast time was made. The gentlemen inspected the foundry improvements. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 October 1910, p. 2, c. 4)


06 October

Fifteen men came up on the midnight train last night to work on the foundry building built by the Hoy Construction Co. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 October 1910, p. 2, c. 2)


13 October

PARKER & TOPPING CO. INCORPORATED

_____


Articles of Incorporation Yes-

terday With Register of

Deeds Trommald

_____


CAPITAL STOCK IS $100,000

_____


Incorporators are Charles N. Parker,

Herbert W. Topping, Clyde

Parker and E. O. Webb


There was filed yesterday with, Register of Deeds, A. G. Trommald the articles of incorporation of the Parker and Topping Co., the general nature of whose business shall be to buy, own, operate or lease a general foundry business, dealing in real estate, acquiring, improving and mining lands and tenements of every kind and nature including iron and other minerals, the loaning of money for itself and as agent for others upon mortgages or other securities.

Brainerd is the principal place of business of the corporation and the duration of its business shall be for a term of 20 years commencing November 1, 1910.

Its capital stock shall be $100,000. The incorporators are Charles N. Parker, Herbert W. Topping, of St. Paul, Clyde Parker and Edgar O. Webb. Its first officers are Charles N. Parker, president; Herbert W. Topping, vice president; Clyde Parker, secretary and treasurer; Edgar O. Webb, general manager. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 October 1910, p. 2, c. 1)


17 October

JUVENILE CASES TO PROBATE COURT

_____


The Boys’ Cases of Seal Breaking of

Box Cars Taken From Munici-

pal Court To

_____


JUDGE OF PROBATE SANBORN

_____


At Suggestion of Special Agent J. E.

Williams, of Northern Paci-

fic Railway


At the suggestion of Special Agent J. E. Williams of the Northern Pacific railway the cases brought by him against several boys for breaking the seals of box and freight cars were taken from the municipal court of Judge J. H. Warner to the probate court of Judge J. T. Sanborn.

County Attorney W. A. Fleming coincided in the suggestions made by Special Agent Williams.

The spectacle seen in the municipal court room yesterday was enough to convince any public spirited man that a juvenile court was a necessity. Here were boys brought up on the charge of breaking a window and committing other minor offenses and brought to the same room where justice is administered to adults guilty of crimes ranging from drunk and disorderly to others worse in the police calendar. There may not be much statute law on the subject, but in the absence of of a juvenile court in Brainerd, it would appear that the proper place to bring these juvenile offenders, many up for a first offense, is to the probate court. Brainerd’s procedure in this case will be watched with interest throughout the state. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 October 1910, p. 3, c. 4)


31 November

FINE GRADUATING EXERCISES HELD

_____


Northern Pacific Hospital Training

School Gives Five Young La-

dies Their Diplomas

_____


LARGE CROWD IN ATTENDANCE

_____


Eloquent Address Delivered by Dr. V.

H. Stickney of North

Dakota


The seventh graduating exercises in connection with the Northern Pacific railway training school of this city, took place at the Elks hall last night, before a representative audience that filled the place. The hall was most exquisitely decorated and the program carried out was befitting the occasion in every respect. A rich profusion of beautiful flowers gave added charm to the occasion, chief among which was a mammoth bunch of varied colored chrysanthemums which had been sent by two of the alumni of the school now residing in the Yakima Valley in the far west.

W. C. Cobb, superintendent of the city schools was chairman of the occasion, and those taking part in the elaborate program were as follows: Prayer, Rev. J. R. Alten; piano solo, Miss Louise Beare; vocal solo, Miss M. Hooper; remarks, Rev. J. J. O’Mahoney, with Mr. W. A. Laidlaw, secretary of the N. P. B. A., St. Paul, felicitously making the speech of presentation.

The address of the evening was given by Dr. V. H. Stickney, of Dickinson, North Dakota, and proved to be an eloquent one. The Dispatch wishes it were possible to give to the readers of its columns the entire address, but owing to its lack of space on account of the many other things calling for recognition makes it impossible. Dr. Stickney possesses an eloquence all his own, deliberate in its utterance, lucid, terse, concise and epigrammatic in its putting, and his rich sonorous voice held both the graduating nurses and the audiences from start to finish....

The following are the names of the graduating class of 1910 of the training school:

Nellie Amelia Kling, Mollie Blanche Matheson, Ethel Marion Dodd, Edith Blanche Fraser and Margaret Cudahy. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 December 1910, p. 5, c. 1)


02 December

ALUMNI BANQUET

_____


Graduate Nurses of Training School

of N. P. Hospital Enjoy

a Banquet


The alumni of the nurses’ training school of the Northern Pacific railway hospital enjoyed a banquet and social session on Thursday evening. The banquet was held in the dining room of the hospital, which was prettily decorated in red and white, roses and chrysanthemums predominating in the color scheme of flowers.

After the charming menu was discussed, the guests present retired to the nurses’ home and enjoyed a social session. Regrets were read from some of the members unable to be present, the one from Miss L. W. Whittaker, of Washington, being in verse. Miss Whittaker’s poem will be published in the Dispatch some time this week.

Among the graduates present were the graduating class Supt. Miss Manning, Assistant Supt. Miss Rose, Mrs. Geo. Grewcox, Miss Eva Marsh, of Fargo, N. D.; Miss Mary Gavin, of Wisconsin; Miss Chloe Stark, of Superior, Wis., and Miss Nelly Kling, of Donnelly. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 December 1910, p. 3, c. 2)


05 December

THROUGH A BRICK WALL

_____


Three Machinists in Thomas Flyer

Damage Brick Front of Rosko

& Liljendahl Garage


John A. McKay, Albert Allen and Frank E. Little, three shop machinists, ran their Thomas Flyer, a fifty horse power five seated touring car, full tilt into the brick front of Rosko Brothers and Liljendahl’s automobile garage, tearing a hole over four feet high and several feet in width.

They were coming along at a good gait and missed the entrance and hit the wall. Pete Rosko, one of the garage machinists, had to do some lively foot work to escape the automobile and the shower of brick bats.

The impact made a noise like a dull explosion. The heavy frame of the automobile bore the brunt of the collision and all escaped injury. This record is only excelled by the Brainerd man out west who went through two sides of a barn and a front gate.

The three young men were endeavoring to enter the garage with their automobile and the machine must have skidded on the slippery street. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 December 1910, p. 3, c. 1)


10 December

Isebell Borkon, junk dealer, is in the county jail after a marvelous chase on Oak Street. Sheriff Claus Theorin and NP Railway Detective F. J. Williams tried to stop Borkon and his one-horse wagon filled with brass. After a horse chase and foot chase they captured him. Much of the brass was stolen from the railway shops. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 10 December 2015)


13 December

Today the eight passenger trains running into and out of Brainerd were right on time to the dot. This coincidence is something remarkable and the Northern Pacific railway and the trainmen are to be congratulated for the good service they are giving Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 December 1910, p. 2, c. 3)


28 December

Machinist’s Elect


North Star Lodge, No 197, of the International Association of Machinists elected the following officers for the ensuing year:

President—Al. Cuskey.

Vice President—G. Wilcox.

Recording Secretary—E. F. A. Evenson.

Financial Secretary—J. G. Kroes.

Treasurer—J. Robertson.

Trustee—A. Lyddon.

Dist. Delegate—R. A. Henning.

Delegates to the Trades & Labor Assembly—R. A. Henning and A. Rudd.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 December 1910, p. 3, c. 5)


30 December

The International Association of Machinists gave their annual New Year’s ball last night at the Citizens Bank hall [Parker Block]. It was largely attended and proved a most enjoyable social function. Graham’s orchestra furnished the music and pleased all by their playing. The hall was nicely decorated and the event, as usual, showed that the machinist’s committees having the event in charge did creditable work in making the ball the grand success it was. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 December 1910, p. 2, c. 3)


1911

30 June

TWO ACCIDENTS OCCUR FRIDAY

_____


The N. P. Road Has Two Trains

Ditched on Same

Division

_____


THERE WAS NO ONE INJURED

_____


But the Delay Incident Occasioned

Very Much Inconvenience

to the Passengers


The Minneapolis train which usually arrives here at 1:25 in the afternoon, arrived at 8 o’clock last night, leaving for the north at 8:30. From those who were on board the cause of the long delay, they said, was owing to two wrecks, but neither one bringing injury to any person on both trains.

It appears that the Brainerd train left St. Paul rather late yesterday morning and was further delayed on arriving in Minneapolis owing to an extra crowd and the adding of another car to care for the large number of passengers. The train was detained still longer for some reason just outside of Minneapolis. Things went well until it arrived at Dayton, a small station south of Elk River, but in going on the side track to allow the flyer to pass, three of the cars became derailed, among them Mr. Gemmell’s private car. Quite a commotion took place notwithstanding the wreck occurred on the side track, owing to the crowded condition of the cars. All left the train at Dayton to await the wrecker or another train, but after several hours nothing arrived to relieve them and the intense heat made things mighty uncomfortable, Dayton being too small a village to care for the large crowd on the Brainerd bound train.

After a long while the passengers were informed that the flyer was wrecked between St. Cloud and Elk River, and it would be a matter of five or six hours before a relief train would be sent to their assistance. When this truth was learned a large number asked that they be taken to Elk River that food might be had and relief given from the intense heat prevailing. This was done but the town of Elk River being unprepared to supply in restaurant haste the eating capacity of the wrecked crowd, quite a scrambling took place to get food to supply the hungry multitude. One of the passengers said it was a sight to notice the crowd, some going to hotels, others to the restaurant, and yet others who flocked to the stores for biscuits, cheese and canned fruits and meats. Notwithstanding the boiling heat of the day, the long delay and other things, the belated crowd kept good-natured, quite a few excited people came hurriedly to the depot yesterday afternoon where it became known that a wreck had taken place. One of the largest crowds of the season was on hand all yesterday afternoon to take the train north, and mothers with their babies and children found the Northern Pacific park by the depot a veritable oasis with its green grass and cool water. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 July 1911, p. 3, c. 1)


01 July

A large number of passengers at the N. P. depot were quite surprised to learn that the traveling public were asked to pay three cents a mile. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 July 1911, p. 2, c. 4)


12 July

WHO OWNS BAND STAND?

_____


Railway, It is Said, Denies Owner-

ship and the City is Also Said

Not to Own It


“Who owns the band stand in the depot park?” This is a question which is agitating the minds of many Brainerd people. A prominent lady of this city said she saw Chief Clerk Kyle at St. Paul and was informed that the Northern Pacific railway did not own the structure. The city was about to repair it when, it is said, they were advised that the city did not own the relic.

It may be necessary to consult some of the oldest inhabitants of Brainerd or insert a “lost ad” to see who really owns the stand. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 July 1911, p. 2, c. 4)


14 July

George T. Conley, special instructor of the mechanical department of the Northern Pacific railway, arrived in his instruction car from Duluth this noon, where he had been giving three weeks instruction to firemen and engineers. Mr. Conley will remain a week in Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 July 1911, p. 2, c. 4)


22 July

DICK McLAGAN HEROIC ENGINEER

_____


His Passenger Engine Strikes Horse

at Little Falls Bridge

Last Night

_____


ENGINE TRUCKS DERAILED

_____


With Only Drive Wheels Clinging to

Rails He Pulls His Train

Safely Across


Dick McLagan, the veteran engineer formerly of Brainerd and now residing in St. Paul, proved himself a hero last night.

With his train No. 11 rushing through the darkness at an easy gait he rounded the curve to cross the long bridge out of Little Falls for Brainerd. One of the lumber company horses, an animal weighing fully 1,500 pounds, had run away from the barn and was scampering along the track. There is no cattle guard at the bridge and the horse managed to get on the end of it.

The engine struck the animal and cut him all to pieces. His head and legs flew into the river. The rest of the carcass was rolled from end to end across the bridge. The front trucks of the engine left the track and bumped the ties.

McLagan felt the shock and saw the horse’s remains fly into the river. In that second of time he acted. Quick as a flash he threw the throttle open and with the trucks hitting the ties, one wheel of the baggage car off the track, and his drive wheels still clinging to the rails, he ran over the long bridge, saving train, passengers and crew from being dashed into the raging river below.

An excited engineer who had lost his head would probably have endeavored to stop his train when he hit the horse. Had this been done the train would have buckled on the engine, it would have left the bridge and a catastrophe would have been the result. Had the train kept its place on the bridge traffic would have been delayed, for it is a serious and tedious matter to get a derailed engine onto a track when she sets on a bridge.

Passengers on the train hardly realized that anything was wrong until the train came to a stop on the other side of the bridge. The rear brakeman J. J. Daly made a hurried run across the bridge to flag any logger from hitting their rear. The train was only delayed one hour by the derailment.

McLagan has been an engineer on the Northern Pacific railway for 35 years and it is in incidents like this that he has shown his nerve and determination. Every tramp or hobo in the country knows him for when McLagan catches a man stealing a ride or riding the blind baggage he goes after him himself with his coal pick. There is no argument. McLagan simply sails into them and they clear out. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 July 1911, p. 3, c. 5)


25 July

ON SHORTER HOURS

_____


Change of Time at N. P. Shops Cur-

tails all Hours Except

Boilermakers


Commencing Monday working hours at the shops were curtailed in all departments except the boilermakers who remain at nine hours, six days a week.

All other departments on the south side, or the machine side, are 8 hours. The car side to the north went from 10 to 9 hours per day, six days a week. No explanation is made of the cut, although it is believed a contemplated crop shortage may have something to do with it. It cannot be blamed on the two-cent passenger rate which is now three cents a mile.

It is sincerely hoped by the men and their families and all of Brainerd that the regular hour schedule will be resumed as the reduction in hours means a considerable reduction in wages. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 July 1911, p. 3, c. 4)


03 August

DEPOT NEARLY BURNED

_____


Cigarette Nearly Caused the Destruc-

tion of the Ancient Landmark

in This City


The watchman at the Sixth street crossing extinguished in the early morning hours an incipient blaze which, if unchecked, would have destroyed the depot of the Northern Pacific railway.

A lighted cigarette had fallen between the planking of the platform near the ticket window and landed at the mouth of the coal chute. The fire charred some of the planks and the cross beam at the head of the chute. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 August 1911, p. 3, c. 4)


04 August

SURPRISED BY FRIENDS

_____


Joseph Schwartz Honored by Foun-

dry Employees at Meeting at

Trades & Labor Hall


Mr. Joseph Schwartz, who has resigned his position as foreman of the Parker & Topping Foundry Co., which position he has held for nearly twenty-one years, was agreeably surprised Friday evening, August 4th, at a reception tendered him by the employees of the foundry at Trades & Labor hall. In a few well-chosen words, J. M. Taylor presented him with a purse of gold as a token of the respect and esteem in which he was held by the men who have worked for him for so many years.

Mr. Schwartz, who was taken by surprise, accepted the gift in the spirit in which it was given. After thanking the men for the respect shown him he advised the men to be faithful and do what was right for the firm of Parker & Topping, as they had always treated their men in a fair manner.

Anton Funk, who has taken Mr. Schwartz’s position as foreman, and many others present made appropriate remarks after which refreshments were served. The meeting adjourned by all present rising to their feet and singing, “Auld Lang Syne.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 August 1911, p. 3, c. 2)


10 August

A DEATH AND ONE INJURED AT SHOPS

_____


Matt Koski, Car Worker, Topples Over

Dead in Car Shops From Heart

Disease at Noon

_____


F. A. GIESREGEN IS INJURED

_____


Giesregen, a Machinist, Struck on

Head by Sledge While Hold-

ing a Chisel Bar


The Northern pacific railway shops this morning were the scene of a sudden death by heart disease and a painful injury. The death occurred in the car shops and the man injured was working on the machine side.

At about noon Matt Koski, single and aged about 30 years, suddenly toppled over while working in Henry Wiedewitsch’s gang. The man was on his way to get a drink of water and dropped to his knees. Fellow workers thought he was about to pick up something that had fallen on the ground and did not pay much attention to him until he straightened out and lay on his back and when they went to him they found him dead.

The deceased had been working for Ritari Brothers at the cement factory and lately started work at the car shops where he had been employed the last month. He leaves a brother, Kust Koski, in Floodwood, near Cloquet.

At about the same time F. A. Giesregen, a machinist employed on the machine side and working for Foreman George Fox, was struck on the head with a sledge wielded by a fellow employee, Giesregen was holding a chisel bar and the sledge slipped and struck him on the head.

The injured man was hastily removed to the Northern Pacific railway sanatarium, the little “dinkey” engine making the trip immediately after the passenger train pulled out for Staples. An examination of his injuries was made at the hospital and they are not considered very serious. Giesregen is a single man about 30 years of age and has worked three or four years in the shops. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 August 1911, p. 3, c. 1)


17 August

See the beautiful Northern Pacific shop pennants at Louis Hohman’s. (Adv.) (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 August 1911, p. 2, c. 3)


07 September

Sock Shower at Shops


An event of more than usual interest in social as well as shop circles, is the sock shower given John A. McKay, machinist foreman of the Northern Pacific railway shops today. Machinists and apprentices to the number of over 150 showered “Jack,” as he is familiarly known, with a perfect stream of green, blue, red, yellow, black, and other colored hosiery of wool, silk and cotton, all bearing the union label, and at last accounts he is so heavily inundated with the socks that he could hardly burrow out from under them. The “dinkey” may be used to haul them to his bachelor quarters. He has so many socks that he won’t have to say “darn” for years to come. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 September 1911, p. 3, c. 1)


20 September

COUNTY EXHIBIT IS SHIPPED TODAY

______


Comprehensive Exhibit of Crow

Wing County Products Gathered

by Messrs. Keene and Elder

_____


PROF. WILSON IS THE ESCORT

_____


The Northern Pacific Railway’s

Special Car Will Display Them

all Over the Country


A section of the sidewalk in the shadow of the First National bank this morning looked like a country fair with George A. Keene and Alderman James M. Elder as directors and Prof. J. A. Wilson as chief packer of the products.

When President LaBar of the bank, looked out of the window he beheld an array of cabbages, potatoes, parsley, onions, sugar beets, table beets, stock beets, carrots, cauliflower, rutabagas, mangel-wurzel, tomatoes, Minnesota No. 13 corn, Northwest Dent corn, Yellow Dent corn, oats, rye, standard apple, crab apples, two varieties of grapes, Freeman Thorp’s renowned plums and even a big, lowly pumpkin.

It proved conclusively that Crow Wing county soil is adapted to raising the finest quality of vegetables and grains and fruits and that intelligent, intensive cultivation brings results far greater than can be achieved in Iowa, the Dakotas and other neighboring states.

This whole exhibit was packed this morning and placed in care of Prof. J. A. Wilson who escorted it to St. Paul.

At St. Paul the Northern Pacific railway took it over and placed it in its display car which will travel all through Iowa, Illinois and many other states in the east and west and will herald to the world what Crow Wing county is capable of doing and the arguments advanced will carry weight, especially that 30 pound cabbage, for Crow Wing county has the goods.

The work of the Northern Pacific railway, performed gratuitously, will do much to attract settlers, especially at this propitious time when there is a feeling of unrest and a desire by many to get back to the land.

The contributors to the exhibit made by the county include Thomas Beare, George Reardon, Wilber Hunt and D. Archibald, of Bay Lake; P. S. Taylor, James Jacobson, R. Wolvert, Peter Stendahl, John Larson, Adam Brown, and others. Many contributed without their knowledge, for when Prof. J. A. Wilson traveled through the country and saw a good looking ear of corn or a hill of potatoes he just grabbed them and took them along to help in the good cause. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 September 1911, p. 3, c. 1)


SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 27 August 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 01 October 1880

SEE: 02 October 1880

SEE: 28 August 1885

SEE: 07 July 1898


22 September

PLAN NEW N. P. RY. HOSPITAL

_____


Beneficial Association of Railroad

Company Decides to Erect

$60,000 Structure at Glendive

_____


2,106 CASES AT BRAINERD

_____


C. C. Kyle, Formerly of City, Elect-

ed Member Executive Commit-

tee at Association


At the annual meeting of the board of managers of the Northern Pacific Beneficial association it was determined to proceed with the erection of a hospital at Glendive, Mont. It will have fifty beds and will cost about $60,000. It will be completed during the summer of 1912 and will be the fourth such institution operated by the association. The other hospitals are at Brainerd, Missoula and Tacoma.

The officers elected follow: M. C. Kimberly, president; Emerson Hadley, vice president; W. A. Laidlaw, secretary; C. A. Clark, treasurer; H. A. Gray, comptroller; executive committee, M. C. Kimberly, C. C. Kyle, E. C. Blanchard.

The annual report for the year ended June 30, 1911, was presented showing a large decrease in receipts compared with the previous year. The ordinary expenses were reduced, but there was also considerable work of repairs and necessary improvements at the hospitals. The medical service has been maintained in the most efficient manner and the railway company has increased its annual contribution to $25,000 per annum. The result was as follows:

Receipts—$257,895.17

Expenses—$272,636.73

Cases treated at Brainerd—2,106

Cases treated at Missoula—2,375

Cases treated at Tacoma—3,792

Cases treated by line surgeons,

Eastern division—17,095

Cases treated by line surgeons

Central division—7,730

Cases treated by line surgeons,

Western division—9,665

Total—42,764

Among the men from out on the road who attended the meeting were: J. T. Hughes, Duluth, representing the conductors; L. Craig, Spokane, brakemen; M. A. Smoot, Glendive, station forces; L. S. Champlin, Tacoma, engineers; H. B. Smith, Spokane, firemen; W. G. Underwood, So. Tacoma, shopmen; J. C. Taylor, Glendive, bridge and building. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 September 1911, p. 3, c. 1)


25 September

HENRY HORN’S PROMOTION

_____


Former Northern Pacific Ry. Man

Slated for General Manager of

New Haven Road


Henry J. Horn, formerly general manager of the Northern Pacific railway and well known in the city of Brainerd, is reported to be slated the position of general manager of the New York , New Haven & Hartford railroad.

Two years ago, Harry Horn was general manager of the Northern Pacific, rising from a draftsman. After graduating from the Boston Institute of Technology he became acting flagman with a surveying crew on the Minneapolis & St. Louis. After leaving the Northern Pacific for about a year he was general manager for the C. Gotzian & Co. But he did not like commercial work and resigned. Charles S. Mellen, formerly president of the Northern Pacific, then took him on the New Haven road as his assistant. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 September 1911, p. 4, c. 4)


29 September

Forty Italian laborers are at work in the yards of the Northern Pacific railway taking out old ties and improving the roadbed. Their foreman is James Gianele [sic] and they all come from the Italian colony at Chicago. They board in a number of cars near the shops. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 September 1911, p. 2, c. 3)


07 October

GROSS EARNINGS DECREASE

_____


Northern Pacific’s Annual Report

Shows Loss of $9,695,173

For Year


Copies of the annual report of the Northern Pacific road, the principal figures of which were published Sept. 23, are being mailed from the St. Paul general offices today. They show the falling off in earnings for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1911, to have been substantially as estimated in figures published Sept. 1. The road earned, gross, $73,763,866 in the year that ended June 30, 1910, and $64,068,693 for the year which is covered by the annual report now being distributed. The decrease is $9,695,173. It represents the results of the poor crop season of 1910.

Howard Elliott, president of the road, is in New York, where he attended the annual stockholders’ meeting yesterday at which William P. Clough, Alexander Smith Cochrane, Amos Tuck French, James N. Hill and Payne Whitney were re-elected directors.

President Elliott, in the supplementary remarks to the annual report, sets forth conditions now existing that promise a better year for the period that will end June 30, 1912, this better prospect arising principally from larger North Dakota and Montana crops. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 October 1911, p. 3, c. 2)


02 December

N. P. NURSES GRADUATION

_____


1911 Class Embraces 8 Graduates,

Exercises to be at Elks Hall

Friday Evening, Dec. 8

_____


ADDRESS BY DR. ARMSTRONG

_____


N. P. B. A. Hospital Training School

for Nurses Has Reputation for

Thorough Teaching


On Friday evening, December 8th, at eight o’clock at Elks hall will be held the graduation exercises of the Northern Pacific Beneficial Association Hospital Training School for Nurses and eight young ladies will receive their diplomas

The ladies in this class of 1911 are Miss Laura Maud Watson, of Aitkin; Miss Edith Mable Pederson, of Duluth; Miss Olga Pauline Landahl, of Little Falls; Miss Katherine Helen McCarville, of Deerwood; Miss Lila Mae Heath, of Little Falls; Miss Vorine Annabelle Taylor, of Glendive, Mont.; Miss Bertha Alice Todd, of Glendive, Mont.; Miss Nellie Aqina Caulfield, of Brainerd.

The class colors are red and white and the hall will be appropriately decorated on the evening of the graduation. The first class in the history of the school was graduated in 1905 and numbered three graduates. Counting the eight in the 1911 class the school has to date 28 graduates.

The ladies have received a general training as a nurse in all lines. They have attended a lecture course and heard addresses delivered by a lecture staff composed of Dr. A. W. [Arthur Wheaton] Ide, Dr. O. T. Batcheller, Dr. J. A. Thabes, Dr. Bert Hemstead, Dr. Francis Bennett and Dr. Theodore Tosch. The course of study covers a three year term.

So far has the fame of the N. P. school for nurses extended that two of the class have already found lucrative positions in Duluth and one in Fargo, N. D. Competent and experienced nurses, such as these young girls are, find themselves in a profession which is not overcrowded and their services are in demand.

Five hundred invitations have been issued for the graduation exercises and the program is as follows:

1. Vocal solo—Miss Hooper

2. Invocation—Rev. J. R. Alten

3. Vocal solo—S. F. Alderman

4. Address to graduating class—Dr. H. E. Armstrong

5. Administration

6. Florence Nightingale pledge

7. Presentation of diplomas and badges—Mr. W. A. Laidlaw

8. Remarks—Rev. J. J. O’Mahoney

9. Vocal solo—Miss Hooper

Dr. H. E. Armstrong, who delivers the address of the evening, is a practicing physician of Billings, Mont., and the local surgeon of the Northern Pacific railway at that point.

Mr. W. A. Laidlaw is the secretary of the Northern Pacific Beneficial Association. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 December 1911, p. 5, c. 2)


12 December

The Northern Pacific railway shops are now running five days a week, eight hours a day. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 December 1911, p. 2, c. 3)


13 December

DIRECTORS RATIFY RAIL AGREEMENT

_____


Northern Pacific and Northwest-

ern Make Traffic Deal.

_____


New York, Dec. 13.—Directors of the Northern Pacific and of the Chicago and Northwestern ratified in this city an agreement which will mean a great deal to both roads from a traffic standpoint.

The Northern Pacific is to run its fast coach train from Chicago over the Northwestern to St. Paul and then over its own line to Spokane to Tacoma. The time of this train will be seventy-two hours each way and it will meet the competition of the St. Paul, which began when the Puget Sound extension of that road was opened last spring for passenger traffic.

The main value of the agreement, however, it is believed, will be in the interchange of freight between the two roads on business which the Northern Pacific hauls from the coast and which is distributed in South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The Northern Pacific makes a physical connection with the Chicago and Northwestern at Oakes, N. D. On the other hand traffic in the territory of the Northwestern bound to the Rocky Mountain or Puget Sound points will be handled via the Northern Pacific.

The effect of this arrangement will be to increase competition for the traffic now controlled by the St. Paul. The Northwestern is the closest rival of that road on local business throughout Wisconsin and South Dakota. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 December 1911, p. 1, c. 5)


30 December

The machinists union will give its New Year dance on Monday evening, January 1st, at the Citizens State Bank hall. These annual events are always largely attended. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 December 1911, p. 2, c. 3)


J. E. KELLER KILLED

_____


One of the Oldest Conductors on the

Northern Pacific Railway Dies

at Dilworth


James E. Keller, one of the oldest passenger conductors on the Northern Pacific railway and known in this city, was knocked down and killed by the engine of a passenger train at Dilworth.

Mr. Keller had made a visit to division headquarters at Dilworth where he had been submitted to some required examination and had received a new book of rules. He had left the dispatcher’s office and was crossing the tracks probably intending to return to Fargo on the train which was approaching. He was walking between the rails of the east bound track, which was clear, but he heard a warning whistle and deliberately stepped from the clear track to the one on which the west bound train was running and was knocked down before he could take a thought of the peril he had placed himself in.

He leaves a wife and seven children, three girls and four boys. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 December 1911, p. 3, c. 2)


1912

07 January

BROKEN RAIL DITCHES TRAIN

_____


Passengers and others on Northern Pacific train, No. 7, traveling west from St. Paul claim a broken rail was struck at three o’clock Sunday morning near Randall west of Little Falls and one sleeper was overturned and all coaches derailed except the engine, mail and baggage car.

No one was killed and none seriously injured.

All coast trains abandoned the cut off between Staples and Little Falls for 12 hours, running via Brainerd until the main line tracks were repaired.

That the accident was not so very serious is shown by the story a drummer told. He was sleeping in an upper berth and the shock threw him into the next berth and he calmly slept on and never awakened until the porter dug him out of the overturned coach.

Inquiries at the local offices failed to elicit any information and the invariable answer was that nothing was known about the wreck. Miss Katherine Howland, a teacher of the public schools, came from St. Paul after the tracks were cleared and said the train traveled very slowly on the cut off, taking four hours to go 30 miles. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 January 1912, p. 3, c. 3)


09 February

BADLY SCALDED IN WRECK IN YARDS

_____


Wm. H. Lawrence Almost Killed in

Collision of His Switch En-

gine and Local Freight

_____


SWITCH ENGINE DEMOLISHED

_____


Accident Occurred Near Foundry

Last Night, Lawrence Having

Orders to Go to Shops


To be badly scalded by escaping steam when his switch engine, No. 996 and the local freight collided in the yards near the foundry, was the unfortunate accident in which Engineer William H. Lawrence came near losing his life at seven o’clock last night.

Upon finishing his day’s work Lawrence received orders at seven o’clock to take his engine to the shops. He ran down the line and when near the curve near the foundry the local freight, running at some speed, struck his engine and fairly demolished it. Lawrence jumped through his cab window and the fireman shot out of the other side.

Lawrence was badly scalded by the escaping steam, his face, arms and hands being severely burned. The fireman was not badly injured. Lawrence was hurriedly taken to the sanitarium where his wounds were dressed. Preferring to be removed to his home, Mr. Lawrence was taken to his residence at 1011 Kingwood street. Later his injuries necessitated his removal back to the hospital where he now is.

The pilot of the big 2300 engine was torn off. Its occupants were not injured. Engineer Lawrence has worked for the company over 25 years and this is the first serious accident he has been in. It is a miracle that he was not crushed to death in the wreckage. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 February 1912, p. 3, c. 1)


10 February

BOILER MAKERS’ BALL

_____


Tenth Annual Ball to be Given by the

Union at Citizens State Bank

Hall Feb. 16


The tenth annual ball of the Brotherhood of Boiler Makers and Iron Ship Builders of America, Pine City Lodge, No. 116, will be given at the Citizens State Bank hall Friday evening, February 16. Music will be furnished by Graham’s orchestra and dancing will commence at nine o’clock. These events of the union are always well attended and this one promises to be as successful as any of its predecessors. On the committees are:

Arrangements—A. J. Witham, W. M. Gustafson, F. Forsberg, I. C. White, V. N. Roderick, J. B. Gabiou, and J. B. Wilmar.

Invitations—W. H. Gustafson, P. Brown, J. Brown, W. Butka, Fred Doepke, J. Giles and James McElroy.

Music—J. W. Gabiou, M. Goedderz, G. Anderson, Emil Gustafson, John Murphy. L. Lolby, J. Nelson and G. Figge.

Floor—I. C. White, L. Bedal, L. Rifenrath, V. N. Roderick, M. Bedal, J. Ellis and Thomas Templeton.

Reception—J. B. Wilmar, John Cuddihy, John Williams, James Shennan, Charles Thorkildson and Martin Wicklund. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 February 1912, p. 3, c. 2)


16 April

The private car of Howard M. Currie, mechanical superintendent of the Northern Pacific Railway, has been in the city several days. Mr. Currie is accompanied by Mr. Gilman, the master car builder, and several other railroad officials. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 16 April 2012)


13 September

AUTO AND SWITCH ENGINE COLLIDE

_____


Car Carrying Paul Perkins and E. O.

Webb Loses Wheel and is Bad-

ly Damaged Yesterday

_____


AT OAK STREET CROSSING

_____


Perkins and Witness Roach Claim

Engine Gave No Signal for the

Crossing


About four o’clock Friday afternoon Paul Perkins and Alderman E. O. Webb nearly lost their lives at the Oak street crossing when the car Mr. Perkins was driving and which is owned by Clyde Parker collided with a switch engine backing north on the St. Paul line of the Northern Pacific.

Mr. Perkins had previously taken Mr. Parker to the foundry and had returned to take Mr. Webb to the same place. They drove east on Oak street and as they approached the crossing heard neither bell nor whistle of the engine.

Mr. Perkins, in a statement he made, asserts he threw on his emergency brake and did all he could to stop his car when the engine emerged from behind the string of logging flats at the south side of the crossing. To further complicate matters there is a large barn on this side of the street which further shuts off the view of an engine.

The auto skidded down the road and the switch engine was struck directly back of the cylinder. The car was sheered to one side, a front wheel clipped from the right side, the engine of the auto wrecked, head light smashed and fender bent, while the axle was twisted out of shape. The jar nearly threw Alderman Webb out of the car on the switch engine.

A lapse of a fraction of a second would have made the accident more serious for it would have meant the cutting to pieces of the car and probably the killing of Perkins and Webb.

Traveling 40 feet back of the Parker car was Grover Koop and a traveling man, F. H. Roach of St. Paul, of the Hathaway-Shaft Shoe Co. Both saw Mr. Perkins slow up and at first though he would clear the engine. They saw the car hit the engine and saw the switch engine toss the auto aside. They were as surprised as Perkins and Webb and also claim that they did not hear the switch engine ring or whistle as it backed up to the crossing Roach claims it was an unavoidable accident on the part of Mr. Perkins.

“Had Mr. Perkins been a fraction of a second sooner on the crossing,” said Mr. Roach, “the switch engine would have cut the auto to pieces and would have crushed the life out of the occupants of the car.”

Five minutes after the car was hit, the tire which had remained intact on the rim of the wheel torn from the car, exploded with a loud noise.

Rosko Brothers towed the car back to their garage and will repair it. The full extent of the damage done to the auto which is a Hudson 33, is something serious. Henry Rosko states that the engine is a total wreck. It will require a new engine, new frame, new wheels, fenders, lamps, radiator, magneto, etc. It is the worst wrecked car which ever came into the Rosko garage. The Parker car was valued at $1600 f. o. b. factory price.

The switch engine which was struck by the auto is No. 1001. The crew on it were William H. Lawrence, engineer; Henry Meyer, fireman; Tom Pillon, foreman; Frank A. Sundine, brakeman.

The engine, it is said, had pushed a train over the hill and was backing to Brainerd. The fireman was ringing the bell. The crew claims that the engine was traveling slowly, just drifting along. Lawrence and Meyer saw the auto come down the hill and at the rate they were going the automobile was due to strike between the tender and engine. Lawrence opened her up and when the shock came the automobile hit the cylinder a square blow.

Had the auto hit the siderods or main rod they would have gone under the switch engine and been ground to pieces. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 September 1912, p. 3, c.’s 1 & 2)


14 October

Saturday afternoon the Duluth passenger train for the head of the lakes had the smoker gayly decorated by the Greek volunteers on their way to the front to fight the Turks. There were 75 on board traveling to Duluth and thence to Minneapolis from which point they will be sent out in companies. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 October 1912, p. 2, c. 4)


20 October

SOME RAILROADING THIS

_____


Lowe, Pillon and Barney Travel on

Tyler’s Gasoline Speeder and

Meet Handcar Blockade


Thomas Pillon, Northern Pacific Switch Foreman, ca. 1914.
Source: Ann Nelson

With Switch Foreman George E. Lowe at the helm and Thomas Pillon and J. P. Barney as passengers, the T. J. Tyler gasoline speeder got a clearance at Brainerd and streaked it to Deerwood Sunday. The speeder was running light and had a clear track. Arriving at Deerwood Barney hopped off and turned the switch which allowed the speeder to take the Cuyuna Northern railway track and on to the clam bake and bear barbecue at the Cuyuna-Mille Lacs mine.

The crew of the speeder reveled in chicken and ate lobsters until they couldn’t rest. They filled their pockets with manganese ore until the speeder listed to an angle of 45 degrees. Waving a farewell to the mine and the common, ordinary humanity which had to ride behind an engine, the Tyler speeder snorted and honked its way down the line to Deerwood. So far the railroading was good.

But presently the trouble commenced. While bowling along at 15 miles an hour they came upon a blockade of 12 handcars which the section crew workers had left peacefully reposing on the track. Lowe put on the emergency and pulled up so tight in dynamiting his special that it stood up on its hind legs and the passenger list was nearly lost in the ditch.

The speeder was stopped, but at what a cost. It positively refused to budge any more. The spark plug hung fire. The carburetor bucked in every way except the right one. The machinery got cold and the engine died. All the flues froze up and the Tyler speeder was stalled at Klondike near the water tank, far from home and friends, wife and babies, N. P. shops and Peerless smoking tobacco.

The machine was taken from the track and the three walked back to Deerwood to catch a freight engine and caboose which they knew was coming through Deerwood on its way to Brainerd. After stumbling along over ties until they felt they had walked to Duluth and back, they heard the soft chug of an engine and saw the headlight of the extra. It was pitch dark. Nobody had a lantern. Yelling was of no avail. Matches were produced and between the gusts of wind they ignited their little hoard of matches, yelled whoa, and wonder of wonders, the engine stopped.

That’s the end of the story and they returned safely to Brainerd? Not on your life. There’s more to the tale. As they bowled along on the way to Klondike, the engineer told the three that he had to stop at the water tank and then return to Deerwood and go over to Oreland to do some switching. And back to Deerwood they went.

There they hung around until midnight after the engine had done a pile of switching, and eventually by easy stages, they arrived in Brainerd. “That speeder was working perfectly until it saw the bunch of handcars,” said Barney. “After that it turned cold and just left us in the lurch.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 October 1912, p. 3, c. 3)


11 November

The south side of the shops, including the machinists, blacksmiths, boilermakers, etc., have had their time shortened to eight hours a day. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 November 1912, p. 2, c. 3)


A freight car broke squarely in two in the yards Saturday where a heavy train gave a jerk and the coupling broke, setting the air [brake] instantly and doing the damage in a second’s time. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 November 1912, p. 2, c. 3)


1913

09 January

The 9th annual graduation exercises of the training school for nurses of the Northern Pacific Railway hospital will be held at the Elks Hall on Friday. Dr. John Thabes will deliver the address of the evening There will be five ladies graduating. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 09 January 2013)


18 January

The Northern Pacific Ry.’s tie treating plant in West Brainerd, Minn. has been set to work. Usually the Paradise, Mont. tie plant and the Brainerd plant worked alternately and the same shift of men worked half a year at Brainerd and then were transferred to Montana, but business presumably has increased so much with the Northern Pacific Ry. that it has been found necessary to work both plants simultaneously. (The Railway and Engineering Review, 18 January 1913. Volume 53, p. 70)


28 January

Leon Lum of Duluth, who has large interests in Brainerd, was interviewed today regarding the need for a new railroad depot. “Brainerd has no need of a new depot. But the one Brainerd now has is in filthy condition, a disgrace to the railway and the city.” (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 28 January 2013)


22 February

At the tie treating plant of the NP Railroad, situated in West Brainerd, 35 men are at work, with A. J. Loom being the foreman. Work has been hampered by a scarcity of cars on which to load shipments. With the plant at full capacity, three times as many men will be at work. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 22 February 2013)


29 April

First Northern Pacific Railroad Depot, ca. 1913.
Source: Postcard, NPRHA

The Northern Pacific Depot is being painted. The body color is to be a deep red and the trimmer a dark green. (Brainerd Dispatch, Tuesday, 29 April 1913)


25 July

Friday, July 25, Barnum & Bailey Circus day, will bring to Brainerd thousands of visitors. It will be the largest crowd and largest circus Brainerd has ever had. Trains are putting on extra cars and a special train is coming from Pine River and area towns. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 25 July 2013)


26 July

Trainmaster L. F. Newton, when asked for an estimate of people attending the circus, said 12,000. Others say the big tent held 14,000. It was an ideal day and the circus parade stretched for three miles out Oak Street. Stores and restaurants did a good business. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 26 July 2013)


14 October

The depot platform is finished and is an excellent piece of work. The brick has been carefully laid under supervision of Sam Sorenson of Superior. There are new water closets on the men’s side, proving the NP Railway is meeting demand for improvements. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 14 October 2013)


25 October

A special agent of the Northern Pacific Railway had caused the arrest of several men and women for taking coal from the company’s tracks and yards. They pled guilty and were given lectures by the judge, who suspended sentence pending their good behavior. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 25 October 2013)


1914

01 January

Charles Hughes, the depot custodian, was considerably surprised New Year’s morning when he entered the ladies waiting room to find that a cocker spaniel had given birth to eight pups. Hughes isn’t sure whether he, as finder, or the railroad is responsible for the pups. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 02 January 2014)


21 January

NURSES HAVE NEWER FIELDS

_____


Dr. W. A. Coventry Recommends Gen-

eral Practice Before Special Work is Taken Up

_____


ENGROSSING HEALTH PROBLEMS

_____


W. H. Gemmell Acted as Presiding

Officer at the Recent Gradua-

tion Exercises


From Tuesday’s Daily:—

Class of 1914:

Bessie Irene Koyl

Martha Bradley Perry

Florence Emily Miller

Bessie Marie Borgers

Mary Lulu Armstrong

Ruth Muriel Armstrong


Northern Pacific Hospital nurses on duty inside the hospital, ca. 1901.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The tenth graduating exercises of the Northern Pacific railway hospital training school for nurses were held at Elks hall and W. H. Gemmell acted as presiding officer. After the invocation by Rev. G. P. Sheridan, pastor of the First Congregational church, Mr. Gemmell said in part:

“On behalf of the staff and students of the Northern Pacific hospital and nurses’ training school, I bid you welcome and thank you for your presence tonight, in such goodly numbers, which is indicative of the keen interest you take in the work being done by that institution. Paradoxically as it may seem, we are gathered together this evening to participate in the celebration of both an ending and a commencement; an ending of three years of hard, courageous and intelligent work and study on the part of this class of young ladies who have undertaken to follow the honorable and beneficent, though arduous profession of nursing, and a commencement of their professional career, which is sealed tonight by the presentation of the diplomas which testify to the faithful work which they have done in classroom and in ward, and are warrants of their authority to claim to be trained nurses.

Northern Pacific Hospital, doctor’s residence in middle and nurses’ residence on far right, ca. 1901. A 1612x912 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Postcard, Carl Faust

“The profession of nursing, as you know, is an ancient and honorable one, dating back as far as the early part of the twelfth century. It remained, however, in its infancy until the middle part of the nineteenth century but has since then been making wonderful progress until now the trained nurse is the indispensable handmaiden of the physician and surgeon. It is not my purpose to enlarge on this subject, as that will be taken care of by another speaker, but I might state that every large and recognized hospital in this country now has a nurses’ training school connected with it, and I think our people of Brainerd should be deeply appreciative of the fact that we have one such here, and we will hope it will continue to prosper and grow as time goes on.

“After 25 years of conspicuously valuable and constructive service to the Northern Pacific hospital here as its chief surgeon and to its hospitals and medical service on the line, Dr. Walter Courtney has decided to take a well earned rest, and resign to the younger but strong and capable hands of our friend, Dr. A. W. [Arthur Wheaton] Ide, the management of the institution which he has built up to its present highest degree of efficiency.

“After many years of the same sort of intelligent, painstaking and faithful service as head nurse and superintendent of the nurses’ training school, Miss Manning also places in the capable and willing hands of our young friend, Miss English, the arduous duties which she has so long and so successfully performed; so tonight we are, in a way, also engaged in commemorating a farewell and a welcome.

“Brainerd has produced many young men who have gone to other centers and made good, but of no one is she more proud than of the gentleman I am about to introduce, or rather re-introduce, for he is already an old acquaintance of most of you. I think it was a very happy thought on the part of Dr. [Arthur Wheaton] Ide to invite as the speaker of the evening who should address the graduating class, our former fellow citizen, former intern at the Brainerd hospital and now a man whose reputation places him at the head of his profession in Duluth—Dr. W. A. Coventry.


[...]


C. W. Laidlaw, secretary of the N. P. B. A., presented the diplomas and badges.

S. F. Alderman sang a baritone solo and Prof. Edwin Harris Bergh played a violin solo. The piano accompaniments for each were played by Mrs. W. F. Wieland. (Brainerd Dispatch, 30 January 1914, p. 3, c. 1)


31 January

The YMCA skating pond is in fine shape. Children use it in the day time and grownups in the evening. It is located on the southwest corner of Main and Broadway. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 31 January 2014)


05 February

COMMISSIONERS PROCEEDINGS


[...]


Mr. Gemmell also called the attention of the board to their [M. & I.] bridge across the Mississippi river above the dam at Brainerd and suggested that it might be used for public travel, as the company had abandoned that part of their road since the building of the Leaks cutoff. The board decided to examine the bridge and the abandoned road bed leading north to the same and enter into negotiations with Mr. Gemmell for its use as a public highway. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 February 1914, p. 3, c. 2)


07 February

McCullough & Cheney, railway contractors who built the Leaks cutoff, were in the city yesterday and returned to Minneapolis in the afternoon. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 February 1914, p. 2, c. 3)


11 February

Charles Hughes, the mail wagon man, was the hero of a rescue at the depot. Two traveling men, unable to see because of steam, stepped in front of the St. Paul train as it entered the yards. Hughes jumped, knocking both men off the track as the train swept by. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 11 February 2014)


SEE: 16 March 1915


16 February

MANY SHOP MEN BACK TO WORK

_____


130 Men on the Locomotive Side of

the Northern Pacific Railway

Shops Will

_____


REPORT FOR WORK ON FEB. 16

_____


The Schedule at the Start is to be

Five Days a Week at Eight

Hours a Day


From Wednesday’s Daily:—

NP Employees, Vic Root, Rudolph Lindberg and Henry Harmon along with four others stand on the bed of a wagon, 1914. A 960x612 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Linda Laurian Gau

It has been authoritatively announced by the Northern Pacific railway shops of the city that beginning February 16, 130 men are to be re-employed on the locomotive side of the shops, the schedule at the start to be five days a week, eight hours.

This is good news to the entire city and is an indication that the short depression which was evident for some days in the country, as been succeeded by a more optimistic note and that eventually, it is hoped, all men who were laid off early in the winter will be re-engaged at their usual employment in the shops.

The cold weather and the snowfall have also been the means of stimulating trade and industry and causing the addition of train crews. A balmy winter may look good in a news column as an oddity, but what Minnesota needs to do business on at this time of the year is cold, snappy weather and snow enough to cause runners to be put on every rig.

The resumption of work at the shops will give a decided tone to business too and everyone will feel the impetus given by the Northern Pacific railway shops. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 February 1914, p. 1, c. 3)


20 February

SHOPS EMPLOY MORE WORKERS

_____


Over 100 Reported as Going to Work

on the Locomotive Side of

Northern Pacific Shops

_____


FOUNDRY MAY ADD MORE MEN

_____


Labor and Business Outlook is Very

Good in the City—Other De-

velopments Apparent


From Thursday’s Daily:—

With the re-engaging of over 100 men by the Northern Pacific railway shops, men who had been idle during a month and a half layoff, the labor and business outlook in Brainerd has materially brightened.

The men are mostly employed on the locomotive side of the shops and will start out with a schedule of five days a week, eight hours a day.

Coupled with this good news comes the report that the Parker & Topping foundry will also soon enlarge its working force. E. O. Webb stated that any big increase of force in the shops meant an increase of the working force at the foundry.

Drills are active in the territory contingent to Brainerd. The farmers anticipate big crops in 1914. The late winter enabled many to get their ground in proper shape for spring planting. The recent heavy snowfall has given and impetus to logging.

In the yards switching has increased and more trains are being run. Extra train crews are being worked. The Northern Pacific has ordered 250 or more steel ore cars to handle its iron ore tonnage.

Much building is anticipated in Brainerd. Bids are being asked for to do the culvert and bridge fill work. The city hall project is now being reduced to comprehensive plans by an architect recently engaged. The street railway company will soon have its surveyors in the field. The gas plant will soon have big gangs of men at work on its gas house and laying mains. Brainerd is busy and it will be a whole lot busier in a few months.

The way to size up your town is to go about and take a look at other towns. See what your neighbors are doing. Then look at Brainerd. (Brainerd Dispatch, 20 February 1914, p. 1, c. 2)


04 March

MORE MEN ON AT THE SHOPS

_____


More Boilermakers, Blacksmiths and

Machinists Being Put to Work

at N. P. Ry. Shops

_____


CAR SHOPS ON TEN HOURS NOW

_____


Their Schedule Calls for 9 Hours in

December, January and Feb-

ruary, Changing March 1


At the Northern Pacific railway shops the boilermakers, machinists and blacksmiths, laid off at the end of December, are being put back to work and the shops will soon be running with their usual complement of employees.

At the car shops the schedule changed to 10 hours on March 1. During December, January and February the men worked 9 hours a day.

The putting on of an extra switch engine in the yards, as previously mentioned, indicates that more freight is being handled in the yards. Large quantities of ties, pulp wood, logs and other timber products are being transported.

Brainerd has every assurance now of having hauled to the city and sawed up here 15,000,000 feet of deadheads picked up from the Mississippi river between the dam and Pine Knoll near Aitkin. This means the establishment of sawing operations in Brainerd which will extend over three seasons or more.

The council, through Alderman Mahlum’s initiative, will see if the Northwest Paper Co. is about to put in its promised paper mill in Northeast Brainerd.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 March 1914, p. 3, c. 3)


06 March

MORE MEN ON AT THE SHOPS

_____


More Boilermakers, Blacksmiths and

Machinists Being Put to Work

at N. P. Ry. Shops

_____


CAR SHOPS ON TEN HOURS NOW

_____


Their Schedule Calls for 9 Hours in

December, January and Feb-

ruary, Changing March 1


From Wednesday’s Daily:—

At the Northern Pacific railway shops the boilermakers, machinists and blacksmiths, laid off at the end of December, are being put back to work and the shops will soon be running with their usual complement of employees.

At the car shops the schedule changed to 10 hours on March 1. During December, January and February the men worked 9 hours a day.

The putting on of an extra switch engine in the yards, as previously mentioned, indicates that more freight is being handled in the yards. Large quantities of ties, pulp wood, logs and other timber products are being transported.


[...]


(Brainerd Dispatch, 06 March 1914, p. 1, c. 6)


ELECTRIC SIGN IS BLAZING UP

_____


George H. Gardner, of the Booster

Club Committee, is Circulating

the Petition

_____


THE BOOSTER CLUB MEMBERS

_____


These are the First to Donate to the

Sign to Advertise Brainerd

at the Depot


From Tuesday’s Daily:—

The Booster club of Brainerd has championed the plan of an electric sign at the Northern Pacific railway depot to advertise Brainerd to the passengers of all trains and to be flashed when conventions and other great gatherings like the Northern Minnesota Development association meet in the city.

The Booster club sign committee is of the opinion that the Booster club members should be the first in the field to contribute towards the erection of the sign which will bear this or a similar slogan, “Brainerd, City of Mines.”

In putting on a slogan it must be remembered that it must be short, distinctive, something that can be swept in at a glance. No long-winded sentence goes, because that will fail to do its work. Of what use are a lot of words if the passenger in a coach fails to catch their meaning.

George H. Gardner has commenced the circulation of the petition for the building of the sign and these are the first to subscribe:

Anton Mahlum—$5.00

George H. Gardner—$10.00

John A. Hoffbauer—$5.00

George Reid—$5.00

Henry P. Wise—$5.00

V. L. Hitch—$5.00

A. L. Hoffman—$5.00

Andrew Carlson—$5.00

S. R. Adair—$5.00

R. R. Gould—$5.00

Henry Roberts—$5.00

It is proposed to build a two-face sign equipped with a flasher, the total cost of which may be $600 or more. It will be a sign which will be new, distinctive, original and the first of its kind, it is believed on any point of the Northern Pacific railway.

The committee will, after all the booster members have had a chance to subscribe, appeal to the city and other organizations and the Northern Pacific and Minnesota & International railways.

President Hannaford, now the head of the great Northern Pacific railway, at one time was a clerk in the Brainerd offices and often looked out of the window to the point where the electric sign will be placed. It would be peculiarly appropriate to have the Northern Pacific give a donation for the sign which advertises Brainerd as well as the railway near which it will be placed and it would also be a very good thing to invite President Hannaford to Brainerd when the sign is dedicated and flashed on for the first time.

It will show President Hannaford that Brainerd and the Northern Pacific are both thriving and both prospering. (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 March 1914, p. 1, c. 3)


16 March

George Bertram, who runs a switch engine in the rail yards, has been laying off several months and said he would not go back to work until the robins returned. Today the yard crew saw a robin on the fence at the depot and told Bertram he’d better find his overalls. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 16 March 2014)


18 March

CAREFUL CLUB OF NORTHERN PACIFIC

_____


Formed to Promote Safety and Effic-

iency in All Branches of

Railway Travel

_____


LAPEL BUTTONS DISTRIBUTED

_____


G. W. Mosier, First Agent of Entire

System to Wear Button—Mr.

Banks in City Today


In its desire to promote safety and efficiency in all branches of railway travel the Northern Pacific railway company has recently established “The Careful Club.” All employees of the Northern Pacific railway are eligible to membership, which is voluntary, and there are no dues or fees. Employees joining the club sign an application which reads:

“I wish to become a member of the Careful Club because I believe it is better to be careful than crippled. I will avoid all risks, take the time to do all work carefully, and in every way possible endeavor to prevent accident or injury to others.”

Charles T. Banks, special representative of the Bureau of Efficiency, was in the city today, having recently completed with W. H. Gemmell, general manger of the Minnesota & International railway, a trip over that system.

Mr. Banks mentioned the lapel button which the members of the “Careful Club” will wear. They were just received by the company on Monday and are now being distributed. They are gold plated and enameled, bearing the Northern Pacific trademark with the words “Careful Club, Bureau of Efficiency” around the edge of the button.

Mr. Banks mentioned that G. W. Mosier, agent at Brainerd, was the first man in Brainerd to wear the button and also has the distinction of being the first agent on the entire system of the Northern Pacific to wear the emblem.

General Manager W. H. Gemmell, of the Minnesota & International railway, wore a button this morning. Conductor John McNaughton, his brakeman and train baggageman, of No. 55 were resplendent with their new buttons.

That the movement for safety and efficiency is gaining ground is noticeable when one reads of the figures given out by Mr. Banks. Statistics compiled show that in 1913 the last six months revealed fewer men killed than in the first six months, the figures showing a 58 percent decrease in deaths.

The Northern Pacific, with a mileage slightly less than the Chicago & Northwestern, had 50 percent less accidents than the Northwestern in the year of 1913.

The establishment of the Careful Club arose out of the work of the Northern Pacific’s Bureau of Efficiency, Mr. Charles T. Banks, special representative. First Vice-President George T. Slade, in charge. This Bureau of Efficiency in the short year in which which it has been in operation has accomplished a great deal in the way of instructing Northern Pacific employees in methods of carefulness, in checking waste and dangerous practices, and in promoting safety. Under the methods adopted by the bureau the men may be said to practically become their own inspectors. By means of bulletins and circular letters the attention of the employees in the railway shops, yards, on and about trains, at railway stations, etc., is called to conditions, habits or practices which endanger life or limb and may result in more or less serious accidents. The pride of the men is enlisted in this regard and they themselves become keenly alive to all improvement in these respects. A few examples will indicate the methods of the bureau:

Attention has been given to keeping railway yards and shop premises clear of all obstructions; to the boxing of guy wires, the removal of old posts and other objects and matter which served no purpose.

Repair track clearance cards have been put into general use. This clearance card is, in fact, a train order—is issued by the car foreman and certifies that no men are working underneath or between the cars on the repair track. The engine foreman or conductor must have one of these clearance cards before entering a repair track. There is no record, up to date, of a violation of this order, and no man has been killed or injured on account of cars being moved on repair tracks since this order became effective.

A system of having all shop tools, jacks, etc., inspected by the rank and file of shop employees and a detailed report made by them of tools, etc., found to be defective or unsafe and the taking out of service of all such was made effective in Feb., 1913, since which time injuries due to defective tools, machines, jacks, etc., have been almost entirely eliminated.

A change in the type of locomotive shaker bars has been made which has resulted in eliminating injures caused by shaker bars slipping off from the nipple.

To eliminate injuries caused by tool handles breaking and to save time, incidentally, in fitting new handles to tools, a superior grade of tool handles has been made standard.

Walks and hand rails have been placed on bridges inside or just outside of the yard limits of station grounds, etc., where trainmen are obliged to work.

All coal docks on the system have been inspected and such changes as seemed desirable made to minimize accidents.

The standard clearance, or distance of switch stands from tracks has been changed from six to seven feet.

Station platforms where passengers might step off and be injured have been protected by railings, and hand rails have been attached to steps, etc.

The walls of turntable pits have been whitewashed to light them up and prevent men from accidentally walking into them and being injured.

As the result of precautionary measures adopted by this company through its Efficiency Bureau, the percentage of fatal accidents to employees has been reduced from .04 percent in January, 1913, to .009 percent in October, 1913, and while this number of injuries sustained in the same period does not show as marked a decrease in terms of percentage the seriousness of the injuries has been very materially lessened.

In January, 1913, 72 percent of those injured were off duty more than three days; the other 28 percent lost less than three days in the time required to recover. In October, 1913, 57 percent of the accidents were slight, and only 43 percent were what might be termed “serious” or which necessitated a layoff of more than three days, a gain of 29 percent in favor of efficacious measures put in use.

Of the total number of persons killed during this period (employees, passengers, pedestrians, trespassers) etc., 97 percent were the result of negligence and but 3 percent could be attributed to physical causes. Eighteen percent of the accidents resulting in injuries only were due to physical causes and 82 percent were chargeable to negligence of the individuals themselves.

The examples and statistical matter here given will tell better than argument can of the general lines along which the Bureau of Efficiency works, of the beneficial results already obtained, and will also indicate how valuable the Careful Club may become in preventing accidents and injuries. The work is yet in its infancy, has been really but fairly established, but it can readily be seen that it will, without doubt, increase greatly the factor of safety and prove a beneficial and valuable adjunct in all lines of the Northern Pacific railroading. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 March 1914, p. 4, c.’s 1-3)


21 March

PASSENGER TRAIN JUMPS THE TRACK

_____


Train No. 57 From Duluth Derailed

at Switch Near Entrance of

Yards at Midnight

_____


FIREMAN HURT WHEN JUMPING

_____


One Passenger Reported Hurt by

Shock—Engine and all Cars

Left the Rails


From Saturday’s Daily:—

Rounding the curve into Brainerd at midnight last night, Passenger Train No. 57, running from Duluth to Staples on the Lake Superior division of the Northern Pacific railway, left the rails at a switch point and ran 100 feet on the ground without upsetting at a point near the old foundry. There were no cars on the siding, otherwise it would have been a disastrous wreck.

Engine, tender and four cars bumped along the ties and tore up about 100 feet of track. Fireman Ben Lambert, of Ude, is reported to have jumped or been thrown from the engine by the shock and bruised his hip. A lady passenger on her way from Duluth to Miles City, Mont., recovering from an operation at Rochester a week ago, is said to have felt the shock keenly. She took the special to Staples later and was able to continue on her way.

The St. Paul night train was sent to the Northern Pacific hospital and returned to the wreck with doctors and nurses.

Miss Martha Keeley and Miss Edith Mantell, of Staples, passengers on the train, said there were not very many passengers. They were scared by the sudden stop but not hurt a bit. Miss Keeley is a sister of E. E. Keeley, of this city.

Charles G. Palmer, of Detroit [Lakes], who travels for the Stewart Sanitary Supply Co., of Minneapolis, said there was not much jar when the train stopped. It had slowed up as it was entering Brainerd. He was not thrown out of his seat.

Arthur Farrar was the engineer of the train. The engine, by the way, is No. 600 and has a record of track jumping. A year or more ago she jumped the track at the Fourth street crossing in this city and the ground being soft, she keeled over on her side. Engineer Leake was running her then.

A special train was hastily made up in the yards consisting of engine, coach, freight car and caboose and the passengers and baggage transferred and sent to Staples. (Brainerd Dispatch, 27 March 1914, p. 7, c. 3)


04 April

UNION PACIFIC OFFICIALS

_____


Visit Brainerd Yesterday, Inspect

the Shops and Foundry—Are

on Tour of Northwest


A party of Union Pacific railway officials touring the Northwest and examining into railway methods and conditions, were in the city Friday, escorted by W. H. Wilson, assistant to First Vice President George T. Slade, of the Northern Pacific railway.

They visited the shops and the foundry and also had time to see quite a little of Brainerd. Mr. Wilson commented on the progressive appearance of Brainerd and referred especially to the Iron Exchange building, which he considered one of the best business blocks for its size of any city in this territory.

Mr. Wilson mentioned the electric sign and said that Pasco, Washington, had a big electric sign, one side displaying the word “Welcome” and the other reading “Kismet.” He thought the idea of an electric sign in Brainerd was a good one.

It was near the dinner hour and an inviting table had been set in Car No. 11 and the Union Pacific men, having breathed in the ozone of the famous Minnesota air, found their appetites had been whetted by their walk through the shops and about town.

“Brainerd is a good town,” said one of them, as he took a last look of our fair city and the train sped on to St. Cloud, where the party will inspect that city and its activities. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 April 1914, p. 2, c.’s 4 & 5)


09 April

LECTURES ON FUEL

_____


George T. Conley, Fuel Supervisor of

the Northern Pacific, at the

Local Shops


George T. Conley, of St. Paul, fuel supervisor of the Northern Pacific railway, is at the shops today and tomorrow and will give lectures in his car on fuel consumption, economy in the use of coal, etc. Lectures will be delivered at 7:30 in the evening. The car is on coach track No. 5 near the general offices at the shops and will seat half a hundred or more people.

Instruction will be given to engineers and firemen of the N. P. and M. & I. railways and to all others interested in fuel questions. The city engineer and other officials of Brainerd and the public in general are welcome to attend.

At Duluth Mr. Conley conferred with the mayor and city council regarding smoke abatement.

The car is fitted up with a chemical laboratory, suitable appliances and apparatus, stereopticon outfit and slides illustrating lectures. The theoretical and practical sides of the question are discussed.

The Northern Pacific railway system annually spends about $8,000,000 for coal. It is proud of the record that it moved more freight per ton of coal used than any other western road was able to accomplish, which shows that instruction in the intelligent use of fuel is accomplishing results.

Mr. Conley gives three lectures, one a chemical demonstration and the stereopticon views. In short, he teaches the proper methods to handle a locomotive by using the minimum of coal and getting the most good out of the coal. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 April 1914, p. 2, c. 5)


15 April

PAYDAY IN CITY SHOWS UP WELL

_____


Northern Pacific Railway Shops Dis-

bursed $70,000, Foundry for Half Month $3,500

_____


TIE PLANT DISBURSED $6,000

_____


City Payroll Was About $2,000, but

Will be Largely Increased

Next Month


From Thursday’s Daily:—

Wednesday, April 15, was payday in Brainerd and a bright stream of golden wealth was disbursed. The Northern Pacific railway shops paid out $70,000. The foundry of the Parker & Topping company paid out $3,500 for the semi-monthly payday. The figures making up the payday are:

N. P. shops—$70,000

N. P. yards—$1,600

N. P. offices—$1,100

N. P. tie plant—$6,000

M. & I. railway—$15,000

Parker & Topping foundry—$3,500

City payroll about—$2,000

Water and light board—$500

TOTAL—$99,700


This does not take into account the lumber companies ice company, cigar factories, brick yards, flour mill and other industries of Brainerd which added to the large concerns would make a much larger total.

The total payroll of the M. & I. system was $27,000 and the Big Fork & International $3,500, making a total of $30,500 of which it is estimated, about half is disbursed in Brainerd. (Brainerd Dispatch, 17 April 1914, p. 1, c. 5)


16 April

“Dad” Willis, who formerly had the Nos. 13 and 14 fast runs on the main line, now has the Morris-Brainerd run and pulled the afternoon passenger into Brainerd. Mr. Willis is one of the best known engineers in the Northern Pacific railway service. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 April 1914, p. 2, c. 3)


01 May

THIEVES BOLD LAST NIGHT

_____


Break Into Freight Car and Steal $100

Worth of Household

Goods


Thieves last night broke the seals of a car of household furniture belonging to Engineer G. F. Willis and stole $100 worth of effects. Mr. Willis is an engineer who was lately transferred from St. Paul where he had a main line run, to the Brainerd-Morris run with headquarters in Brainerd. Seals were also broken on a car of household goods destined for Calumet, Mich., the car being set out in bad order. The seal on a car of flour billed to Snell was also broken into but no flour taken. The company’s yards in Brainerd run parallel to the business section of the city for some distance. Police and special agents of the railway company are now working on the cases. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 May 1914, p. 3, c. 2)


07 May

BARROWS MINE STARTS TO SHIP

_____


First Ore Sent from the M. A. Han-

na Co. Mine in the Bustling south Range Town

_____


INCREASED DEPOSITS IN BANK

_____


Marked Increase of Business in First

State Bank of Barrows and

Other Enterprises


BARROWS, Minn., May 7:—The Northern Pacific Railway steam shovel has arrived and shipping is now in progress at the Barrows mine of the M. A. Hanna Company.


[...]


Austin Mooers, of Sauk Rapids, has accepted the position of agent at the local Northern Pacific railway depot. Twenty-eight tickets were sold the opening day. This station will no longer be a prepaid point. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 May 1914, p. 4, c. 6)


12 June

SHOP PICNIC TO BE HELD JUNE 20

_____


Archibald Park, Deerwood, Will be

the Location of the Picnic

Grounds this Year

_____


ATTENDANCE EXPECTED 1,800

_____


Thomas Deakes is the Chairman of

the Executive Committee,

James Robertson Treas.


From Friday’s Daily:—

The Northern Pacific railway shop picnic will be held at Archibald park, Deerwood, on Saturday, June 20, the company providing two trains of seven coaches each to convey the 1,800 or more shopmen and their wives and children to the picnic town.

From Deerwood the Ingalls Motor Boat Co. launches and barge will take the people free of charge from their Deerwood docks to the Archibald park picnic grounds on the shores of Serpent lake. The Ingalls Motor Boat Co. has made a cheap rate for boat travel during the day, being 25 cents for each person riding.

At the park there will be dancing, boating, sports and other amusements. The Brainerd City band will play a concert program and the Blue Ribbon orchestra will play for the dance afternoon and evening.

Thomas Deakes is the chairman of the executive committee, William Rodenkirchen chairman of finance committee, Herman Weidemann of dancing, John Cummins of sports, Al. Cuskey is the secretary and James Robertson treasurer.

The train schedule will be the same as last year. Two trains of seven coaches each leave Brainerd at 7:30 and 9:30 in the morning, leaving Deerwood on return at 6:30 and 10:30 in the evening.

The “Merry Widow” leaving in the morning and the midnight passenger offer accommodations to carry the general public. (Brainerd Dispatch, 12 June 1914, p. 7, c. 1)


19 June

THE BIG SHOP PICNIC JUNE 20

_____


First Train Leaves Brainerd at 7:00

O’clock in the Morning, Sec-

ond at 9:30 A. M.

_____


TRAINS OF SEVEN COACHES EACH

_____


Extensive List of Prizes Offered for

the Program of Sports to be Held in Deerwood


From Tuesday’s Daily:—

The executive committee of the annual shop picnic is working energetically to put the finishing touches on the last details for the big holiday picnic Saturday, June 20 in Deerwood at Archibald park.

The first train of seven coaches leaves the local depot at 7 o’clock. The second train of seven coaches follows at 9:30. The general public can be accommodated on the “Merry Widow” and the afternoon trains, returning on the midnight passenger.

An extensive list of prizes has been gathered for the program of sports to be held. They are:

Machinists 100 yard dash: First prize, load of wood, by Mahlum Lumber Co. Second prize, umbrella, by J. F. Murphy & Co. Third prize, box of cigars, by George R. West.

Blacksmiths: First prize, a Lampher hat, by H. W. Linnemann. Second prize, 100 pounds of flour, by Brockway & Parker. Third prize, six months subscription to the Brainerd Dispatch.

Boilermakers: First prize, bottle of Warwick whiskey, by Coates Liquor Co. Second prize, a home cured ham, by Hagberg & Schaefer. Third prize, 50 pounds sack of flour, by K. W. Lagerquist.

Tinners: First prize, a box of Schlange Chamber of Commerce cigars, by Wm. Schlange. Second prize, half-ton of coal, by Hitch Fuel Co. Third prize, suit of overalls, by B. Kaatz and Son.

Carmen and carpenters: First prize, a rocker, by C. M. Patek. Second prize, set of crockery, 20 pieces, by Woolworth 10c Store. Third prize, $1 bacon, by Jacob Kaupp.

Painters: First prize, 100 pounds of flour, by John Larson. Second prize, 12 loaves of bread, Ericsson Brothers. Third prize, $2 in trade, by Turcotte Brothers.

Round House Employees: First prize pair of shoes, by Johnson Brothers & Halberg. Second prize, book of poems, by Skauge Drug Co. Third prize, 50 pound sack of flour, by Con O’Brien.

Apprentices: First prize, Stockford Creel, White Bros. Second prize, a pipe, by Louis Hohman. Third prize, pair of cuff buttons, by C. L. Burnett. Fourth prize, umbrella, by B. Solski.

Fat men’s race: First prize, 5 pounds creamery butter, by Brainerd Creamery Co. Second prize, bottle best port wine, by Coates Liquor Co. Third prize, pressing and cleaning suit, by Schwabe.

Fat ladies’ race: First prize, pair $3 shoes, by L. M. Koop. Second prize, $2 water set, by Fred Luken. Third prize, four pounds Empress coffee, by O. S. Swanson.

Ladies’ nail driving contest: First prize, a $5 picture, by D. E. Whitney. Second prize, granite roaster, by M. Arnold. Third prize, 50 pounds flour, by J. W. Koop.

Ladies’ egg race: First prize, $3 rocker, by D. M. Clark. Second prize, wine set, by D. A. Peterson. Third prize, load of wood, by Dower Lumber Co.

Sack race, men over 18 years of age: First prize, umbrella, by John Carlson. Second prize, razor, by George Newgaard. Third prize, $2.50 pipe, by R. A. Campbell.

Nail driving contest for women: First prize, $5 in trade, Mrs. Theviot. Second prize, handbag, by H. P. Dunn.

Free for all men: First prize, case beer, by Holst and Rau. Second prize, six months subscription to the Minneapolis Journal, by F. G. Grant. Third prize, scarf pin, by S. Vanek. Fourth prize, box cigars, by Fred Cook.

Tug of war: Five man team $5.

Married ladies’ race 50 yards: First prize, one celebrated Bonner wringer, by W. S. Orne. Second prize, brooch pin, by A. P. Reymond. Third prize, box candy, by Johnson & Rother. Fourth prize, sterling silver spoon, by A. F. Sorenson.

Young ladies’ race 50 yards: First prize, berry dish, by E. S. Houghton. Second prize, umbrella, by Mattson. Third prize, mirror white enameled frame, by B. C. McNamara.

Free for all women: First prize, $5 hat, by Mrs. Grandelmyer. Second prize $3 hat, by Mrs. Hitch. Third prize, $1.50 Fownes gloves, by Geo. F. Murphy.

Baby contest, most beautiful baby: First prize, a dozen $3.50 photos, by Marie A. Canan.

Children’s race, boys 10 to 15 years: First prize, fountain pen, by Johnson Pharmacy. Second prize, $2 pair shoes, by P. J. Oberst. Third prize, 50 cents cash.

Girls under 15 years of age: First prize, one dozen $5 photos, by A. M. Opsahl. Second prize, handbag, by M. J. Reis. Third prize, $1 music, by Wm. Graham.

Pie eating contest: First prize, three months’ pass, by Columbia Theatre. Second prize, $4 merchandise, by Bye and Peterson. Third prize, knife, by Slipp-Gruenhagen Co. Fourth prize, $2 merchandise, by Luken Grocery. (Brainerd Dispatch, 19 June 1914, p. 1, c. 1)


20 June

RAIN DAMPENS SHOP PICNIC

_____


Ardor of the Picnickers Blazes Forth

Just the Same and Two Trains

are Crowded

_____


THE BAND ACCOMPANIES THEM

_____


Blue Ribbon Orchestra to Play for

the Dance—Believed 2,000

are at the Picnic


From Saturday’s Daily:—

This is likely a photo of the NP picnic held at Archibald Park in Deerwood on 26 June 1914. The Deerwood Depot is in the background. A 815x502 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Over 2,000 people are attending the shop picnic today and notwithstanding rain is falling at intervals, this morning trains were filled to their capacity. The engine was gayly decorated with flags and bunting. The train crew consisted of Engineer Tarune, Fireman Janzig, Conductor Quinn and Brakemen Shafer and Fleming.

The first train left at 7 in the morning and the second at 9:30. The second train bore the Brainerd City band, Director F. J. Sykora said the band would play regardless of the amount of rain falling.

At Deerwood Mayor Archibald, Secretary of the Commercial Club Charles G. Osterlund and the full Deerwood band of 20 pieces met the picnic trains. Each train’s equipment was seven coaches, a baggage car and caboose. A piano was taken along from Brainerd. The trains tonight leave Deerwood at 6:30 and 10:30. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 June 1914, p. 7, c. 4)


03 July

DEPOT PARK NOW OPEN TO PUBLIC

_____


Supt. W. H. Strachan, of Lake Super-

ior Division, Issues the

Necessary Orders

_____


F. E. EBNER’S GENEROUS GIFT

_____


Gives $100 to Buy Seats to be Placed

in the Park and Thus Make

it a Real Place of Rest


From Friday’s Daily:—

Superintendent W. H. Strachan, of Duluth, of the Lake Superior division of the Northern Pacific railway, has issued the necessary orders which make the depot park situated south of the tracks and the depot, open to the public. Two entrances will be made on Front street and one on Sixth and Front.

Attorney F. E. Ebner, of Mantor and Ebner, has given $100 for the purchase of seats to be placed in the park, thus making it a real place of rest and one of comfort to the visitor in Brainerd who may have to wait an hour or so for the next train.

It is needless to say that this act of Mr. Ebner will cause the traveler and casual visitor to carry with him more pleasant memories of Brained and it serves to continually advertise Brainerd and its beautiful little park. It shows also that citizens are awakening to the fact that the extension of the park system and its use by the people makes Brainerd a better and more home-like city. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 July 1914, p. 7, c. 2)


SEE: 18 October 1901


27 July

Commencing this Monday, the NP Railroad shops will go on full time, and the added hours will make a big increase at the monthly paydays. The entire locomotive side goes on 9 hours, six days a week. The car building side is on 10 hours a day, six days a week. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 27 July 2014)


04 December

W. H. Strachan, superintendent of this division of the NP Railroad, announced that on Dec. 6 the flyer, that being passenger trains No’s. 59 and 60, will be discontinued. That was the train deluxe here, with its diner and observation car. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 04 December 2014)


05 December

TRAIN ANNOUNCEMENT

_____


Noon Train from Duluth and After-

noon Train to Duluth to Have

Cafe-Observation Car


Effective December 6, train No. 55, Duluth to Staples, which arrives here at the noon hour and No. 56 Staples to Duluth, arriving here in the afternoon, will carry a cafe-observation car.

The flyer will be discontinued commencing Sunday, Dec. 6. Its cafe-observation car equipment will be added to Nos. 55 and 56.

Passengers should notice the train time, announced some time ago, of the early morning M. & I. train which now arrives in the city at 3 o’clock and leaves at 3:20. This train carries mail.

Effective with train No. 57 from Duluth, Dec. 5, and train No. 8 from Fargo, Dec. 6, ten sections, drawing room, two compartment, standard sleeper will be in the line. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 December 1914, p. 3, c. 3)


10 December

BIG EQUIPMENT ORDER

_____


A Chicago telegram under date of December 10 says that the Northern Pacific road has placed with the Pullman company an order for $1,500,000 worth of rolling stock. Among the pieces of equipment ordered are day coaches and baggage cars. The date of delivery has been placed at March 1. The huge order placed by this road is one of a chain of railroad indications of expansion and certain business. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 December 1914, p. 5, c. 2)


1915

10 February

The engineer of the Staples-Duluth passenger train has a kind heart. As he headed east into Brainerd he checked his train on the bridge as he saw a little dog trotting along in front of him. He slowed and waited until the dog was safely across, and the little dog barked and wagged his tail as the train sped by. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 10 February 2015)


13 February

The ladies waiting room in the depot has been supplied with a convenience appreciated by all travelers and especially by the agents at work in the ticket office. It is a pneumatic attachment to the door which swings it shut. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 February 1915, p. 2, c. 3)


The dance given by the Boilermakers Union, No 116, at the Gardner auditorium on Friday evening [February 12], Lincoln’s birthday, drew a large attendance and the dancers enjoyed themselves to the utmost. The music furnished by the blue Ribbon orchestra, was of the best. Floor arrangements were perfect. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 February 1915, p. 2, c. 4)


06 March

Roadmasters of the NP Railroad’s eastern division held their monthly meeting in Brainerd with W. H. Gemmel, general manager of the M & I Railroad, presiding. There was a spirited discussion on the proper length for track wrenches. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 06 March 2015)


09 March

FOUNDRY MAY ADD MORE MEN

_____


Clyde Parker, Secretary and Treas-

urer of Parker & Topping Co.,

Gives Interview

_____


FOUNDRY EMPLOYS 120 MEN

_____


May Add More Men this Month—

When Working Full Force, 165

Men are Employed


Clyde E. Parker, secretary and treasurer of the Parker & Topping Co., left today to attend to business matters in St. Paul and will be absent several days.

Mr. Parker expressed himself very optimistically regarding business conditions. At the foundry there are now being employed 120 men. The reemploying of many men by the Northern Pacific shops will shortly cause an increase in the number of men employed at the foundry. The full force at the foundry is 165 men.

F. S. Parker and his son, Clyde E. Parker, have shown their interest in public matters by subscribing heavily for stock in the Farmers’ Cooperative Creamery. Young Mr. Parker thought it an excellent manner of showing the bond of business friendship existing between the businessmen of Brainerd and the farmers of Crow Wing county. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 March 1915, p. 3, c. 4)


John J. McGivern, a pioneer resident of Brainerd, died this morning of cancer of the throat, at his home, 509 South Broadway. He was 71 years of age and was born in County Down, Ireland. He came to America 45 years ago and had been a resident of Brainerd 38 years. He was married to Miss Mary McGann at Jackson, Mich.

He was general roadmaster of the Northern Pacific railway for 13 years and later roadmaster of the Minnesota and International railway. For six years he was chief of police under Mayor Con O'Brien and Mayor Edward Crust. He drove the golden spike in Montana when the Northern Pacific railway finished its extension there.

He leaves a wife and three children, Mrs. Eugene Merrill and Mrs. H. I. [sic] Packer of St. Paul and Fred J. McGivern of Brainerd. He was a member of the Catholic church and belonged to the Hibernian order. The funeral will be held Friday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Francis Catholic Church, Rev. Father J. J. O'Mahoney officiating.

Of hale and hearty build, cheery and sparkling with good humor, Mr. McGivern counted his friends by the score. His passing is a blow to his friends who learned to love him and cherish his good deeds. To the sorrowing family the sympathy of the community is freely extended. (Brainerd Dispatch, Friday, March 12, 1915)


16 March

After more than 50 years of ceaseless labor, Charles Hughes, the depot custodian, today took his first vacation and went to Hot Springs, Ark. A large crowd gather to bid Charlie goodbye, resplendent in his blue serge suit. He said he never really needed a vacation but, since everyone else was, he would, too. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 16 March 2015)


SEE: 11 February 1914


25 March

A RAILROAD POEM

_____


“The Conductor Always Helps” is the

Title of the Following Effusion

of the Rail


“The Conductor Always Helps” is the title of this effusion of life on Northern Pacific rails, telling of the troubles of the brakeman and the help which the conductor always gives:


The brakeman heard the music of the

car wheels humming low,

With his head stuck out the window

up in the cupola.

And he heard the merry warble of

the birds up in the trees,

Smelled the fragrance of the flowers

borne upward on the breeze.

All the world seemed lovely,

While his heart with rapture swelled,

Till he heard a hot box howling and

the burning dope he smelled.

He forgot the fragrant flowers and

forgot the birdies song,

When he dug down in the locker to

get a brass ten inches long,

All the world turned dark and dreary

and his heart it felt like breaking,

As he gathered up the [unreadable]

brass upon his [unreadable].

Around his neck he hung the bucket

that was filled with greasy dope,

In each hand a pail of water, in his

mouth a cake of soap.

Then he lifted up and balanced the

“Jack Block” on his nose,

Deftly gathered up the Jack bar car-

ried that between his toes,

Put the Jack down in his pocket, on

his ear he hung the hook,

The CONDUCTOR carried what was

left, the pencil and the Book.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 May 1915, p. 5, c. 2)


01 April

The cleanest, most highly polished, efficient and easy running switch engine on the NP Railway is believed to be No. 1030, at work in the Brainerd rail yards under the guiding hand of Engineer Warner. The interior is as bright and clean as a Dutch housewife’s kitchen. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 01 April 2015)


01 May

SHOPS INCREASE FORCE MACHINISTS

_____


It is authoritatively announced today that 15 additional machinists will be put to work Monday in the Northern Pacific railway shops.

Slight increases will also be made in other departments. Hiring men at the shops speaks volumes for present day conditions, for it shows business is increasing on the lines and territory of the Northern Pacific. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 May 1915, p. 5, c. 4)


COKE SHED BURNED

_____


Flat Car Nearby Scorched and

Foundry Windows Cracked—

Shop Men Put Out Fire


The coke shed situated between the foundry and pattern shop of the Parker & Topping company was destroyed by fire at 11 o’clock last night entailing a loss of about $400. The building measured about 16 by 80 feet in size, containing no coke, but a lot of sand. The shop and foundry fire departments extinguished the fire.

A flat car on a nearby track had its sides scorched and the scrap shed across the track was also scorched. A number of windows in the foundry were broken by water and heat. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 May 1915, p. 5, c. 5)


14 May

NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILWAY FOUNDRY

_____


Leased by Parker & Topping from the

Owners, the Northern Pacific

Railway Company

_____


HAS UP TO DATE MACHINERY

_____


Technical Journals Described the

Plant, for it is the Last Word

in Furnace Construction


Pattern Shop and Parker-Topping Foundry built in 1910 by W. J. Hoy of St. Paul, 14 May 1915. A 1007x332 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Marie A. Canan, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, p. 12

The Northern Pacific Railway Company foundry, leased by the owners to Parker & Topping, and also often called the Parker & Topping foundry, has been pronounced the most up-to-date plant in the whole United States.

Before a stroke of work was done on the buildings, a mechanical engineering expert of the railway company was sent out on a six months’ tour of examination and investigation. He visited every large foundry in this country and Canada and studied every new arrangement and appliance. Everything which would contribute to making the Brainerd foundry the best in the country was carefully weighed and considered. When he returned, his report was turned in and the architects and engineers drew their plans accordingly.

The result attained was most remarkable. Before any wheels moved in the great structure, experts, foundrymen, manufacturers, steel and iron men, special agents wishing to ameliorate working conditions, came to Brainerd and examined the foundry to see how the latest ideas in foundry management and equipment were carried out. Technical journals devoted to the trade and many newspapers have commended this foundry of the Northern Pacific railway.

Electricity is generally used as motive power. It lights the building when necessary, runs the presses, lathes, iron rattlers, emery wheels, elevators, the heavy lifting cranes and the little jib cranes, blows out the accumulated gases or dust, runs the blowers, takes the hot, flowing metal stream from the cupola, does all the drudgery work. The building is about three stories in height and measures 120 by 300 feet, and is built on cement foundations. A ventilating system provides fresh air.

To the west of the cupola are four large sized core ovens and a small core oven for drying molds, with carriages for all. To the north in the west end of the foundry are the pits used for casting. When work is being done here by the molders it is a very interesting sight and one to which all visitors flock. One pit measures 10 by 20 feet and the other 5 by 24 feet. They are made of cement throughout.

The pattern storage house is of brick and four stories in height. In it are stored the thousands of patterns used for locomotive and car castings. Few of these are duplicated at the Tacoma shops of the railway. They represent a value in dollars which can hardly be estimated. The pattern makers’ shop is in the building.

Parker & Topping have a five year lease of the plant. E. O. Webb has been general manager for years. C. N. Parker was president many years until his death. H. W. Topping, of St. Paul, was vice president until he passed away. C. E. Parker, of Brainerd, is the secretary and treasurer. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 May 1915, p. 8, c. 2)


PRES. HANNAFORD PREDICTS

BIG YEAR

_____


business is surely climbing upward. The year 1915 should be a good one for the railroads and the country at large, is the view of Jule M. Hannaford, president of the Northern Pacific Railroad.

“We shall be greatly disappointed if we do not have splendid passenger patronage in June, July and August,” said Mr. Hannaford.

“The United States is in good condition generally. Crop prospects never were better, there is plenty of money in the country and I do not see why business and industry should not move forward.”

Brainerd, where the Northern Pacific railway has its largest repair shops, is vitally interested in the railway and prosperity, as predicted by Pres. Hannaford, will be reflected in large measure in Brainerd.

The shops have recently added men in the machine shop and other departments. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 May 1915, p. 9, c. 7)


04 June

Good detective work by agents of the NP Railroad, with help from the Great Northern at St. Cloud, has located the hiding place of 800 pounds of railroad shop tools worth $400 on a farm near Little Falls. Sheriff Theorin arrested two men who confessed to stealing them over several months. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 04 June 2015)


09 June

In an example of quick justice in this county, the two men, ages 22 and 23, arrested on June 5 for the theft of 800 pounds of railroad shop tools, have pleaded guilty before Judge Wright. They will be taken to the St. Cloud Reformatory on June 10 by Sheriff Theorin for an indeterminate term. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 09 June 2015)


19 June

Two trains left Brainerd for the annual shop picnic at Pequot. The picnic was open to all NP Railroad employees and their families. The sports of the day were boating, dancing and a baseball game between the Brainerd Speedwells and the Pequot nine. Prizes contributed by Brainerd businesses. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 19 June 2015)


21 June

The third and last Sunday of the try-out of a train from Brainerd to the lake resorts on the M & I Railroad from Brainerd showed conclusively that the public desired it and it would be a success. The trains ran as far as Jenkins and returned to Brainerd by 9:00 in the evening. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 21 June 2015)


01 July

The semi-monthly pay day law, championed by Senator George Gardner of Brainerd, takes effect today, July 1st. It requires all railroads and public service corporations of Minnesota to pay their employees twice a month—the 1st and 15th—instead of once a month. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 01 July 2015)


10 July

(Adv.) Just 2 cents a Mile and Less in our New Air-Conditioned Coaches! Now in service on our North Coast Limited. Form-fitting reclining chairs, ladies’ lounge, smoking car—all for your pleasure. Just $48.00 round trip to the Pacific Coast on the Northern Pacific Railroad. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 10 July 2015)


28 August

When shop workers of the NP Railroad were paid monthly, the 1st National Bank would take money to the shops and cash the workers’ paychecks there. Now, being paid twice month, that practice will discontinue and merchants will have to have sufficient means to cash check the night of payday. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 28 August 2015)


21 October

Brainerd and the Cuyuna Range are alive to the fact that on October 24 the “Merry Widow” range train is to be discontinued if protests are not made promptly. It is the only NP Railway passenger train at Ironton, and the only way for range residents to visit Brainerd and return the same day. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 21 October 2015)


22 October

Pres. J. M. Hannaford of the NP Railway answered a flood of telegrams urging retention of the “Merry Widow” train by saying plainly, “It cannot be done.” The train has not met its operating expenses the past two months by servicing the few people left who have not turned to automobiles. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 22 October 2015)


24 October

“MERRY WIDOW” DIED OCT. 24

_____


Ironton News Comments on the Loss

of the Range Passenger

Train Service


Ironton News:—The Northern Pacific Railway company has decided to kill the “Merry Widow,” and today is to be her last one. Her death will be mourned by everyone in this part of the county, for nobody would think of going to Brainerd except in her company, and everybody here has to go to Brainerd once in a while. Some of us go there to trade, some go to see if the place is really and truly as dry as it was going to be, some go because the sheriff insists and some just go anyway, for one reason or another we all go.

Now that the “Merry Widow” is off we can go via Deerwood, and it will be possible to travel in daylight and be in Brainerd between 12:05 and 2:07. that is plenty of time for some people but most will have to go or come in the night, spending the rest at a hotel. The effect is likely to be that more people will go to Duluth. If they have to stay all night anyway they can go to one about as easy as the other. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 October 1915, p. 5, c. 1)


04 November

NATIONAL EIGHT-HOUR DAY

_____


Railroad Brotherhoods Have Decided

Upon Such a Campaign.


Boston. Nov. 4—A long session of the grand lodge and international officers of the five railroad brotherhoods here has resulted in a launching of a countrywide movement for an eight-hour day and double pay for overtime for every man who has to do with the movement of freight and passenger trains throughout the United States. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 November 1915, p. 4, c. 2)


1916

03 January

William Fischer, 37, a blacksmith laborer at the NP shops has been charged with trying to destroy the Northwest Paper Mill dam in Northeast Brainerd on November 7, 1915. He placed 100 pounds of dynamite against the dam, attached a cap and lit the fuse. Providentially, it failed to explode. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 January 1916, p. 3, c.’s 1 & 2)


15 January

HOSPITAL STAYS AT BRAINERD

_____


Absolutely No Truth to the Rumor

Published That Northern Pacific Hospital Was To

_____


REMOVE TO MIDWAY DISTRICT

_____


No Foundation to Report that an

Emergency Hospital Was to

be Established at Midway


There is absolutely no truth to the rumor published that the Northern Pacific railway hospital at Brainerd, the largest on the system, is to be removed to the Midway district of the Twin Cites, neither is there any truth to the report that an emergency hospital is to be established at the Midway, say hospital authorities at Brainerd.

Brainerd people are considerably agitated about the reports and regret the publicity gained. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 January 1916, p. 5, c. 3)


SEE: 25 February 1916

SEE: 26 August 1921

SEE: 31 August 1921


17 January

Riding a switch point in the yards Sunday afternoon, a heavy freight car straddled the crossing planks at Sixth street and then listed over badly when it struck the ground to the west. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 January 1916, p. 2, c. 3)


22 January

AT NURSES’ HOME

_____


The Misses Birmingham and Moeller

Entertain This Evening Near

N. P. Sanatarium


A party will be given this evening at the nurses’ home of the Northern Pacific sanatarium, the Misses Birmingham and Moeller entertaining. These are always social events of rare interest and diversion to the nurses. A sumptuous luncheon will be served. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 January 1916, p. 3, c. 2)


31 January

NORTHERN PACIFIC TRAFFIC DEPT.

_____


Has Moved to New Quarters in the

Railroad and Bank Buildings,

Jackson Street, St. Paul

_____


Brainerd People Occupy Positions of

Trust in the Magnificent

New Structure With Company


Early in the year 1883, the Northern Pacific railway general offices were moved from the old Division block, corner 4th and Jackson streets, St. Paul, to their then new general office building at the foot of 4th street, corner Broadway, where they have remained until the present time. The new building of 1883, however, has twice been greatly enlarged to meet increasing needs.

The Northern Pacific have recently completed a mammoth structure of reinforced concrete, brick and stone 13 stories in height on the half block between 4th, Jackson and 5th streets and this new building is known as the Railway Building.

On Thursday, January 27, nearly 33 years after the Northern Pacific left its old Jackson street quarters, the traffic department of the company returned to the old location except that they are on the 5th and Jackson street corner where light and air are the best and noise the least. Few, however, of those who worked in the old building returned to the new one. Of all who in 1883 moved from the Division block to the foot of 4th street, but four now remain and have returned to the old location. Mr. J. M. Hannaford, now the president of the Northern Pacific company, was then the general freight agent.

The new quarters are, without being ornate, equipped with the latest facilities for successful and expeditious work. The traffic officials will be glad to receive their out-of-town friends, during Carnival or at any other time, in their new offices on the 5th floor of the new building, which is but two squares form the Union station.

A visit to the new home of the Northern Pacific family in the Railway Building by a Dispatch representative last week revealed a hive of industry and a look of satisfaction on the faces of the employees that indicated pleasure in occupying the handsome new quarters which afford light, convenience and comfort as nearly perfect as can be furnished. Some 1,200 railroad men find employment for the company in this building.

In connection with the management is conducted a well-equipped hospital, with operating room and all the accessories and Miss Alice Lyddon, of Brainerd, is in charge as trained nurse. First aid treatment is administered here by a physician who is in constant attendance and then the patients are removed to their home or to a hospital as the case may require.

The superintendent of the Railroad Building is C. C. Kyle, formerly of Brainerd, and under his supervision comes the necessary supplies and the maintenance and care of the building in all of its departments. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 January 1916, p. 5, c. 3)


01 February

SNOW CLEARED FROM THE YARDS

_____


Seventy Men at Work Shoveling the

“Beautiful” on Flats. Later

Unloaded Near Bridge

_____


THE HEAVIEST SNOW IN YEARS

_____


Snow Will Soon Have to be Removed

From Gutters of Streets in

Business Section


As an aftermath of the big snowstorm which had Brainerd in its grip, comes snow shoveling. In the yards of the Northern Pacific railway company 70 men are working in two crews shoveling the “beautiful” on flat cars.

A little switch engine pulls and toils away hauling a dozen at a time to a point near the Mississippi river bridge where the snow is dumped.

“We’re shipping snow to New Orleans,” said Pete Wolvert. “It will all float down the Mississippi in the spring.”

In the city some teams are hauling away snow from blockaded portions of streets in the business section. The movement will soon be general to haul away the snow now blocking the gutters. Carpenters are repairing leaky roofs throughout the city. Householders are shoveling snow from the roofs. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 February 1916, p. 3, c. 3)


05 February

SHOPS GO ON LONGER HOURS

_____


Machinists, Boilermakers and Black-

smiths Go on Nine Hours Com-

mencing Friday Night


Improving business conditions and growing prosperity are reflected in the increase of hours of the Northern Pacific railway machinists, blacksmiths and boilermakers who last night went on a nine hour day. In former years the shops reduced instead of increasing hours in winter months.

The car side continues nine hours during December, January and February. Their regular time is 10 hours.


[...]


(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 February 1916, p. 5, c. 1)


19 February

William Peterson, driver for Dr. A. W. [Arthur Wheaton] Ide, was driving a cutter over the hospital bridge when accosted by three men, one grabbing the horse by the bridle. Peterson leaped from the cutter and engaged all three. Two fled and one was captured. He was arraigned in court on the charge of drunkenness. (This was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 19 February 2016)


25 February

N. P. HOSPITAL TO STAY IN BRAINERD

_____


Construction of Hospital at Missoula

Prevents Change at Brainerd

for Four Years

_____


BRAINERD PEOPLE JUBILANT

_____


G. J. Kroes Represented Brainerd and

These Divisions, the Peti-

tions Presented


Brainerd people are jubilant over the fact that the Northern Pacific railway hospital, one of the largest on the system, will remain at Brainerd four years longer and probably permanently.

At the board meeting of the Northern Pacific Beneficial Association, which conducts the hospitals on the railway system, it was voted to build a new hospital costing $100,000 in Missoula, Mont., thus providing for that end first and not leaving enough of a surplus to build a new hospital at St. Paul, as has been rumored.

The board voted to build a new hospital, but the matter of location of the same was tabled.

Delegations were present from Detroit, Staples, Fargo and Brainerd petitioning to retain the hospital at Brainerd. G. J. Kroes, of Brainerd, represented the Lake Superior division and the Minnesota & International railway. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 February 1916, p. 5, c. 1)


SEE: 15 January 1916

SEE: 26 August 1921

SEE: 31 August 1921


18 April

STEEL CAR REPAIR SHOPS

_____


New Industry in Brainerd Gives Em-

ployment to Many, Quarters are

in the Old Foundry

_____


NEW SIDE TRACKS ARE LAID

_____


Extra Gang Completes Work There

and is Now Engaged in Putting

in Spur to Gas Plant


A new industry in Brainerd is that of a steel car repair shop, the Northern Pacific railway company using for this purpose the old foundry structure. Business has increased so much that more sidetracks were needed.

An extra gang has just finished laying two tracks to the old foundry making three tracks to the place.

The extra gang of 25 men is now engaged in laying the spur track to the site of the new gas plant, the track to extend 400 feet south of Laurel street at a point near the Mississippi bridge. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 April 1916, p. 5, c. 1)


07 June

CLASS OF SIX TO GRADUATE

_____


Exercises Thursday Evening at the

Northern Pacific Hospital Train-

ing School for Nurses

_____


TO BE HELD ON SPACIOUS LAWN

_____


H. B. Smith, President of the North-

ern Pacific Beneficial Associa-

tion, to Preside


Graduation exercises of the eleventh class of nurses at the Northern Pacific Hospital Training School for Nurses will be held on the spacious lawn at the hospital on Thursday evening, June 8. The lawn will be illuminated with red and green lights, a platform will be erected for the speakers and chairs provided for the assemblage.

The members of the graduating class are Miss Georgiana Marie Messier of Brainerd, Miss Katherine Letitia MacFarlane of Peterboro, Ontario, Canada, Miss Dora Lorraine Reller of Grand Forks, N. D., Miss Alice May Lyddon of Brainerd, Miss Dorothy Harriet Burrell of Brainerd, Miss Evelyn Rose Tougas of Cooperstown, N. D.

At the commencement exercises H. B. Smith of St. Paul, president of the Northern Pacific Beneficial association, will preside. This is the program.

Invocation by Rev. G. P. Sheridan.

Music by Brainerd city band.

Address to graduating class by Dr. Wm. H. Buskirk of Miles City, Mont.

Song, “past and Future,” DeKoven, by Al Mraz.

Florence Nightingale pledge, by the graduating class.

Presentation of diplomas and badges, Wm. A. Laidlaw, St. Paul, secretary of the N. P. B. A.

Music by Brainerd City band. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 June 1916, p. 3, c. 3)


17 June

DETROIT PICNIC

_____


Brainerd Shopmen Traveled in Two

Trains and Crowd Estimated

at 1,500 Picnickers


The annual picnic of the shopmen was held at Detroit [Lakes] Saturday and two special trains of ten coaches each carrying 1,500 excursionists enjoyed the day there. There was boating, dancing, roller skating and other amusements. The sports committee will furnish the Dispatch a list of the winners in the various events of the sports to be published Tuesday.

“The Human Sky Rocket,” said one girl, was a “front.” An old man climbed up a rope lashed to a high tree. He was billed to cut the rope at the very top and to come down like a sky rocket. He cut some rope, but not the one he was climbing, and slid down very carefully.

Three young men in a canoe upset out in the lake and a wail went up from the shore and rowboats flocked to the scene. The fellows in the lake kept afloat until one sunk and touched the bottom, the water being waist high. They had settled on a sandbar and walked ashore, scorning all proffers of assistance.

Detroit young men buzzed around the dances like bees in a field of clover. Used to paying 10c a dance, they found it cheap in paying the general admission charged and they got as much fun out of dancing as did the Brainerd people, whose band and orchestra accompanied the excursionists. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 June 1916, p. 5, c. 2)


27 June

OBJECTS TO CROSSING

_____


Ed Levant Says His Little Boy,

Arthur, Wedged Foot in Sixth

St. Crossing Near Depot


Protesting against a railway crossing at the depot on Sixth street which permit children’s shoes to wedge in between rail and plank. Ed Levant said his little boy, Arthur, was nearly run down by a train.

In company with his mother the lad went to the train, his foot caught near the rail and if bystanders had not jerked him free he would have been run down by a coming train. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 June 1916, p. 5, c. 2)


19 July

WANTED—3 helpers for foundry work. Wages $2.30, 9 hour day. Married men preferred. Apply to Mr. Beckley, foreman Parker & Topping foundry. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 July 1916, p. 2, c. 1)


Railroad Time Table

Brainerd Dispatch Time Card

N. P. Railroad Co.


Depot Corner 6th and Main Sts.

To Duluth—4:00 a. m.; 4:10 a. m.

To Duluth—2:27 p. m.; 2:35 p. m.

To St. Paul—5:35 a. m.; 11:50 a. m.; 12:02 a. m.

To St. Paul—1:05 p. m.

Staples—11:53 a. m.; 12:15 a. m.

Staples—12:05 p. m.


M. & I Railroad Co.


Depot Corner 6th and Main Sts.

NORTH BOUND

To Int. Falls—12:10 a. m.; 12:30 a. m.

To Kelliher—1:30 p. m.; 8:25 p. m.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 July 1916, p. 6, c. 6)


26 October

JULE M. HANNAFORD A CARNIVAL BOOSTER

_____


Head of Northern Pacific Railway

Company, Forming Big Uni-

formed Marching Club

_____


Employees of N. P. Ry., Northern Express Co.

and Families to March in Midwinter Carn-

ival Parade at St. Paul


Jule M. Hannaford, president of the Northern Pacific railway company, who served as clerk at the Brainerd station in the early days, is a supreme booster for the Midwinter Carnival to be held in St. Paul January 27 to February 4.

To all employees of the Northern Pacific railway company and Northern Express Co. at St. Paul, Minneapolis and along the whole line, President Hannaford will contribute $5 toward the payment of each carnival suit for employees and dependent members of their families who will become members of the Northern Pacific marching club, being organized in connection with the carnival.

Suit, stockings and cap cost $13 and of this amount President Hannaford will pay $5, making the net cost to marching club members $8 and this balance, it has been decided, can be paid in five installments.

Indications point to the fact that the railway will have the biggest club in line in the whole parade. Brainerd shop men and railway men are taking up the matter and many will be at the carnival. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 October 1916, p. 1, c. 7)


SEE: 27 January 1917


30 October

CAR SHOPS BUILDING 75 BOX CARS FOR N. P.

_____


Contract the First of its Kind in Two

Years, Gives Many Men Work at

Shops and the Foundry

_____


Adds to the Manufacturing Output of Brainerd,

Means Bigger Pay Rolls Disbursed

by Northern Pacific


The Northern Pacific railway company is having built at the car shops here 75 box cars.

The sills come ready morticed from the South Tacoma shops of the railway. All other work is done at Brainerd. This includes much iron work at the blacksmith shop and at the foundry here.

Forty carmen are working on the cars and the finished product is acceptable to the railway company and gives added prestige to Brainerd as a manufacturing center.

It means also increased payrolls and also assists to keep employed a large force at the shops, the backbone of Brainerd’s industrial and commercial life. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 October 1916, p. 1, c. 7)


31 October

PAYDAY’S GOLDEN STREAM IN BRAINERD

_____


Minnesota & International Payday

for Brainerd for the Half Month

of October is Fully $10,000

_____


Northern Pacific Railway Shops Half Month

Payday Approximately $36,000 Store

Room was $2,500


Payday of the Northern Pacific railway shops in Brainerd, of the Northern Pacific tie plant, store room, yards, freight and passenger station and of the Minnesota & International railway for Brainerd territory reached the sum of approximately $55,000 for the half month period.

Added to this is the big payroll of the Northwest Paper Co. where 250 men are employed in construction work. The paper mill will be in operation early in the year.

The Brainerd Gas & Electric Co. has forces at work laying mains, etc. Figures in detail of the railway and subsidiaries follow: Minnesota & International railway $10,000, tie plant $1,500, shops $36,000, store room $2,500, yards $750, freight and passenger stations $600. The half month at the foundry was $4,500. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 October 1916, p. 1, c. 1)


14 December

Machinists Elect


The annual election of the North Star lodge No. 197, International Association of Machinists, was held on Thursday, December 14, the following officers were elected:

President—H. C. Kyllo.

Vice President—A. E. Evans.

Cor. Secretary—W. T. Kelly.

Financial Secretary—F. E. Little.

Treasurer—A. A. Weideman.

Trustee for 18 months—J. Haas.

Grand Lodge Teller—J. Doepke.

Delegate to Trades & Labor—G. C. Wilcox.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 December 1916, p. 5, c. 3)


1917

02 January

BRAINERD TO BUILD EQUIPMENT

_____


BRAINERD N. P. RY.

SHOPS AWARDED WORK

_____


Of $7,000,000 Orders for Equipment

Placed by Northern Pacific, Local

Shops to Build Part

_____


Ore Cars, Box Cars, Automobile Box Cars and

Other Freight Cars to be Built by

the Northern Pacific


Orders for equipment placed by the Northern Pacific railroad, and additional orders which will be placed within a short time, involving an outlay of $7,000,000, have been announced by J. M. Hannaford, president of the road. A portion of the equipment will be built in the shops of the road at St. Paul and Brainerd and other cities of the northwest.

The order is one of the largest ever placed by that road and is, in addition to the large orders for steel and right of way material which were announced several months ago. Steel was bought at that time for both 1917 and 1918.

The order just placed with manufacturers of equipment and with the Northern Pacific shops includes 350 all-steel, 100,000-pound capacity ore cars, 1,000 forty-ton box cars and 500 automobile box cars, 250 60,000-pound box cars, and 750 80,000-pound box cars to be built in the Northern Pacific shops.

Specifications have been prepared and bids asked on 500 all-steel coal cars and 500 refrigerator cars, and 25 freight locomotives, about equal to the Mallet and Mogul types. If the figures on these are satisfactory the order will be placed, and Mr. Hannaford said that he expects the bids to be satisfactory.

The prices at which railroad equipment is now to be had are on a par with the cost of other commodities, and railroads are required to pay an advance of from 40 to 75 per cent on equipment over prices two years ago. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 January 1917, p. 1, c. 1)


04 January

The Brotherhood of Railway Carmen of America elected the following officers:

President—Perry Everett.

Vice President—George Sartell.

Treasurer—L. G. Mraz.

Recording Secretary—C. G. Waffle.

Financial Secretary—K. O. Bergstrand.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 January 1917, p. 5, c. 1)


15 January

ASKS HELP TO LIGHTEN BURDEN

_____


Northern Pacific Railway Co. Asks

the Co-operation of Shippers

in Car Shortage

_____


UNDER LOADING DISCOURAGED

_____


Company Owns 48,000 Freight Cars,

Take One Year and $7,000,000

to Build 4,800 Cars


In a letter to shippers and others interested, George T. Slade, vice-president and J. G. Woodworth, second vice-president of the Northern Pacific railway company, call attention to the necessity of loading freight cars to capacity or maximum weight to thus materially assist in reducing a car shortage. The letter reads:

“Our published rates and rules allow much latitude in the use of freight cars, and we have always accommodated shippers in the handling of their business while expecting them to help us in getting the best possible use of our facilities and avoiding unnecessary increases in operating costs.

Commercial prosperity without adequate transportation is impossible, and at the present time the railroad transportation facilities of the United States are wholly inadequate; therefore, any shipper who under loads or delays a freight car or fails to make any possible readjustment of his business which will lighten the burden now placed upon the railroads is not only dealing unfairly with the carriers, but is also embarrassing the business of the nation, including his own.

This company owns 48,000 freight cars, and it would require at least one year’s time and seven million dollars to build 4,800 more cars, but with the co-operation of shippers we could in one month, and without any expenditure of money, show an increase of ten per cent in the average loading of cars now employed and in connection with the movement of certain commodities it would be possible to increase the loading as much as 25 or even 50 per cent.

It is the duty of all employees to watch the loading, unloading and movement of freight cars, and whenever they see any avoidable under loading or delay they should correct it or report it to the nearest superintendent, sending a copy of the report to the general freight office at Tacoma or St. Paul.

In times of car shortage the failure of a shipper to load cars to capacity or to the maximum weight consistent with safe carriage will be considered as sufficient reason for withholding cars from that shipper in the discretion of the superintendent of the division on which cars are loaded.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 January 1917, p. 5, c. 3)


27 January

BRAINERD—BIGGEST MARCHING CLUB

_____


BRAINERD SECTION MARCHED 8 ABREAST

_____


Brainerd N. P. Marching Club Creates

Intense Enthusiasm in St. Paul

Carnival Parade

_____


Brainerd Band One of Best in Parade, Brain-

erd Outdoor Carnival of February

10th Well Advertised


“Fatty” Wood and “Shorty” Anderson shown in their Northern Pacific Marching Club uniforms for the St. Paul Winter Carnival, 29 January 1917.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Bigger than any other marching club in the opening day parade of the Outdoor Sports Carnival at St. Paul Saturday, Brainerd made a splendid showing with its 600 men, its band of thirty pieces, its pretty queen Miss Edna Orne and her attendants, and “Fatty” Woods and “Shorty” Anderson.

The special arrived at 10 in the morning and was met at the depot by the Northern Pacific officials, Northern Pacific band, Northern Pacific trumpeters and a company of 50 Hussars, the latter being six footers.

Major J. F. Elkins lined up the Brainerd contingent and with standards at the head of each company, announcing company number and Brainerd Division Northern Pacific Marching Club, the parade set out for the office building.

At a park the Brainerd club, two bands, trumpeters, officials and others mounted a semi-circular stand and had their picture snapped.

Lines were formed again and the march continued to the office building. There a luncheon was served.

The Brainerd Dispatch man was loaned a uniform and Major Elkins hopped him into Co., C.

About 1:30 the Brainerd section marched up the hills of St. Paul to its position assigned, to be ready to fall into the parade. While at rest, the Brainerd boys bombarded with snow many of the passing clubs.

On all sides one heard a lot of mention about Brainerd. It was the largest club in line, exceeding in size the largest St. Paul clubs. When the word to march came, Brainerd lost its standards and merged its identity with the Northern Pacific marching club, whose parts included St. Paul, Brainerd and many other points. But the crowd knew Brainerd, saw its badges, heard its yell and recognized many of its marchers.

“Fatty” Wood had been well advertised in advance. The crowd knew him in a minute and where he came from “Shorty” Anderson marched beside him, carrying a small ladder and when stops were made, “Shorty” placed the ladder beside Wood and mounted it so as to reach “Fatty’s” height.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press and St. Paul Dispatch gave Brainerd much advance publicity, but they “fell down” on the day of the parade, passing off Brainerd with but a few lines and then making the awful blunder of according our crowd and “Fatty” to Crookston.

In behalf of the Brainerd Outdoor Carnival committee of February 10 the St. Paul Dispatch has been asked to correct this grievous error and make amends and set Brainerd “right.”

An advance story had been sent them with reams of pictures and everything must have gone down the toboggan, as something must have happened to it.

The St. Paul Daily News, on the other hand, covered itself with glory in boosting Brainerd and the boys appreciated it. Saturday’s edition played up Brainerd on the front page.

Monday’s St. Paul Daily News gave Brainerd more mention and correct stuff too, and ran a big picture, top of the page, inside, of “Fatty” Wood and “Shorty” Anderson.

The Brainerd section was marched eight abreast and in close formation and with a quickstep movement. Many figure we marched some 20 miles. “Homeguard” Bill wore shoes and slipped over many a manhole cover, but there wasn’t room to fall, the next line behind swept him up into place. Semaphores carried at company heads gave the signal “clear” or “blocked.”

Major Elkins is profuse in complimenting the Brainerd marching club. They were a credit to Brainerd and advertised the town well, better than any other agency. St. Paul people appreciated it too, and expressions of good will were heard on all sides. Major Elkins wished to thank all who took part and hopes too, all will be on hand for the Brainerd carnival.

St. Paul Northern Pacific officials, St. Paul people generally, spoke to Major Elkins and gave him assurances that St. Paul will be well represented at Brainerd’s Outdoor Carnival on February 10th.

In the afternoon there were sports to be seen, fancy skating, the little ice palace, the reception and dancing at the Northern Pacific general office building, where many danced until midnight, and the great spectacle at the auditorium where marching clubs and queens were in evidence and where thousands viewed the pageant.

Admission was free and by ticket. The managements waited some quarter of an hour and when absent seat holders did not appear, the house was thrown open and quickly filled.

Boreas Rex presided on his throne, he was given the big key of the city and the whole state of Minnesota. Queens marched in review in fours making a perfect beauty and fashion show.

Ozman Temple paraded across the stage with its patrol and camel and, by the way, the Shriners were the first to stop at Boreas Rex’s throne and give the royal personage the salaam in keeping with his dignity. The camel was slowed up and the imperial officer aboard, descended, and the camel nodded his head and switched its tail, as both salaamed.

Many others marching in review forgot to salaam to Boreas Rex.

Wealth of color, luxuriousness of setting and elaborateness of ceremony characterized the carnival pageant. Northern Pacific trumpeters were in evidence, they opened the entertainment. Then came the heralds, standard bearers, the Hussars and the stage was soon full of marchers, going through various evolutions.

The Hussars lined up on both sides of the stage, the king came forward and at the word, a gigantic American flag dropped from somewhere and the band crashed out “The Star-Spangled Banner” as the audience rose to their feet and cheered wildly.

The Yeomen gave a fine drill, the Cowboys, of Pendleton, Ore., gave a wild west show, the Cherokee Heights Indian club danced, the Black Dodoes brought forth a huge platter from which jumped Miss Lorna Dunn and danced; the Glacier Park Coo Coos sang; a drowsy snowman was brought out in a platter and came to life and evolved two flying pigeons and did other magical tricks, and there was a barefoot dance, too.

A dance concluded the entertainment here.

Throughout the night many of the carnival visitors paraded the streets. “Fatty” Wood went to the dance at the Northern Pacific office building with a line of twenty carnival girls, in a string, hanging to his coattails.

“Are we going to the Brainerd Carnival February 10th?”

“We are,” said the girls and the crowd.

“Fatty” sings all this week at the St. Paul hotel and will attract as much attention as the Boreas Rex throne on which the mighty monarch holds court every afternoon.

The Brainerd carnival committee has had “Fatty’s” picture taken and cards will be sent Mr. Wood for distribution to advertise Brainerd’s carnival here and Tom will thus be doing the city a good publicity stunt.

The special left St. Paul shortly after midnight and arrived in Brainerd about 5:30 Sunday morning, with a tired but happy crowd.

Sunday, many of the marching club had some awful tired feet, but all have revived by this morning.

And now all are getting ready for Brainerd’s Outdoor Carnival of February 10th. Northern Pacific band, trumpeters, drum corps, officials are expected in Brainerd.

Wholesale houses, with which Brainerd does business, have been invited to attend and will send delegations of their marching clubs.

“St. Paul will have 1500 at Brainerd,” said one enthusiast. “St. Paul appreciates Brainerd’s spirit in coming to St. Paul and St. Paul will reciprocate.”

_____


ST. PAUL CARNIVAL NOTES

_____


R. A. Henning met the boys at the St. Paul Northern Pacific office building and was kept busy shaking hands.

Representative H. A. Swanson marched with the Co. C section of Brainerd.

James Stuart of the Duluth Herald and the Brainerd Dispatch man seem to have similar figures, for the dimensions given tallied.

Jack Brown, of the boilermakers, was the head of a quartet which conferred the fourth degree on many candidates as the voyage to St. Paul was made, “Fatty” Wood also received it.

The man who wanted to sleep and especially the marchers who snored were targets in the coaches and had their rest disturbed by flying orange peels.

St. Paul stimulating liquids offered but little temptation to Brainerd boys. Their lines held straight.

And now to clean up the carnival suit. It must be put in good shape for Brainerd’s celebration on February 10th.

Captain Evans of Co. C halted his company on the street car tracks near the N. P. office building and tied up car traffic for a quarter of an hour as he handed out precious cardboard tickets for the dinner.

One thing Brainerd should remember and that is that the marching club hosts get up a regular harvester hand appetite.

Many of the Brainerd marchers were half famished when they reached St. Paul. Some got up in a hurry in Brainerd, made the special in a hurry, there was no chance to get off the train to grab a bite on the road and it was close to 11 o’clock before the luncheon was served at the N. P. building.

Gus Johnson was nearly run over by a street car.

Wink fell off the grandstand just when the panoramic picture was about to be snapped.

There is a report that the “Hook ‘Em Cow” club will have a number of horses and riders entered for the Brainerd carnival. They made a gallant showing in the St. Paul parade and drew heavy applause.

The St. Paul Dispatch was wired to this morning to correct that awful error made in their crediting our “Fatty” Wood to Crookston.

Brainerd’s own carnival of February 10 is taking like wildfire. Just watch the crowd coming. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 January 1917, p. 1, c’s. 1 & 2; p. 5, c’s. 4-7)


SEE: 26 October 1916


05 February

The original depot and headquarters building built in July 1872 and remodeled in 1882-83 burns.


BRAINERD DEPOT

MEETS ITS DOOM

_____


Early Morning Fire Monday Destroys

Every Vestige of the Landmark,

Building Valued $27,000

_____


Fire Started in Ladies Room, Was Apparently

Subdued, Then Flared up with

Greater Fierceness


Brainerd’s Northern Pacific railway station, built in 1872, valued at about $27,000, was burned to the ground at 3 o’clock this morning, the fire starting in the ladies waiting room.

According to a report of the Minnesota Railroad and Warehouse Commission of June 30, 1915, station buildings and fixtures were valued at $26,422.57.

The structure was two and a half stories high. On its main floor were the waiting rooms, ticket office, yardmaster’s office and express and baggage department. On this floor everything was saved, including mail, express and baggage.

On the second floor were the general offices of the Minnesota & International railway. Considerable office furniture was saved, the engineering books, etc. It is believed the claim records and accounting records of the road are lost.

On the third floor were stored old papers, etc. There were three vaults in the building, of which one had a wooden door. If the vaults withstood the fiery siege, many valuable records will be saved.

The safe in the express office was saved. That of the ticket office and auditor are in the ruins.

Many of the department men on the second floor lost personal articles including many typewriters. H. A. Rahler, traveling auditor of the Minnesota & International railway, lost a typewriter. Lowry Smith, superintendent of the Northern Pacific tie plant, lost heavily. I. C. Strout and W. E. Paul lost typewriters.

The switching crew, Pete Wolvert foreman, and Wm. Hogan and D. V. Nies moved out forty cars from the fire district. With the temperature at 15 below and a fierce wind raging, the main business section of Brainerd 200 feet away was endangered for a time.

Sparks and cinders shot up high in the air and made a fiery halo blocks in extent. Many people sat on the roofs of their homes and extinguished the brands.

The Western Union and railway wires came down in the crash as burning walls fell. Linemen from Staples are repairing breaks. The Y. M. C. A. building, near the station, will be used as a temporary ticket office and telegraph station.

The fire was first discovered at 1:15 Monday morning, said D. Van Campen, night ticket clerk. Some one in the waiting room gave him the alarm. Van Campen, Chief Train Dispatcher Edward L. Orth, of the Minnesota & International railway and Pete Wolvert used fire extinguishers and believed it to be put out.

Twenty minutes later it broke out again back of the studdings with great violence, the flames shooting up to the roof.

All express and baggage was saved. Switchmen moved up three box cars and loaded in fixtures, books, etc.

The station had solid beams of white pine, said to have been hauled from St. Cloud. One of its builders was the late candidate for governor, Wm. E. Lee, of Long Prairie. Jule Hannaford, president of the Northern Pacific, worked as clerk in the station in the early days.


BULLETIN ON

RY. SERVICE

_____


Express office of the Northern Express Co. at 512 Front street.

Telegraph offices of train dispatcher at the Y. M. C. A. building.

Freight depot not damaged.

Yardmaster’s office in the switch shanty at east end of station brick platform.

Ticket office will be established Tuesday.

M. & I. general offices will be housed by Tuesday, probably at city hall.

_____


TRIED TO SAVE RECORDS

_____


W. H. Gemmell, Returning From St.

Paul Last Night, Was at Sta-

tion at Start of Fire


The St. Paul train Sunday night, delayed over an hour, ran into Brainerd and past the burning station.

One of the passengers was W. H. Gemmell, general manager of the Minnesota & International railway. Mr. Gemmell, R. E. Quinn and other willing helpers put up a ladder and gained access to the second floor of the burning structure, anxious to recover valuable papers. They were were barely on the second floor when all the lights went out. In the dense smoke it was impossible to see a foot ahead.

A search light was requisitioned and with its rays Mr. Gemmell was able to see his desk and save a few papers.

Then the walls began to crash down, the firemen yelled to them and they barely made safety as the building became a fiery furnace. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 February 1917, p. 1, c.’s 1 & 2)


BRAINERD SUFFERS, $27,000 FIRE LOSS

__________


Northern Pacific Station Is Destroyed and Business Portion Threatened.

__________


BRAINERD, Feb. 5.—Fire starting from an overheated stove shortly before 2 o’clock this morning completely destroyed the Northern Pacific railroad station here, and, with a heavy wind blowing, part of the business section is threatened.

The total loss is estimated at nearly $27,000.

The structure was two stories high. The second floor was occupied by the general offices of the Minnesota and International railroad and many important books and records were lost.

No one was injured. When it was seen that the building could not be saved, firemen devoted their efforts towards protecting other property from the heavy shower of sparks, which were carried far by the wind. (Minneapolis Tribune, 05 February 1917, p. 5)


CHAMBER COMMERCE

AND CITY COUNCIL

_____


Meeting by Chamber to Assist Nor-

thern Pacific Railway Co. to Find Suitable Quarters

_____


Council at Session Tonight to Consider M. &

I. Having Office on Second Floor

of City Hall


A special meeting at the Chamber of Commerce at 8 o’clock tonight to extend assistance to the Northern Pacific railway company!

All having the interests of the railway at heart are requested to be at the meeting and that means every man in Brainerd.

Rooms must be found for the general offices of the Minnesota & International railway company, for the Northern Pacific force, etc.

The Chamber of Commerce promptly wired offers of assistance to President Jule M. Hannaford at St. Paul, and promised its co-operation in every possible way.

Mayor R. A. Beise and members of the city council will tonight consider the plan of having the Minnesota & International railway general office force occupy the second floor of the city hall.

These would make fine quarters, being provided with plenty of light, floor space, telephone, toilet, etc.

The city can do no better deed than to come to the prompt assistance of the railways. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 February 1917, p. 1, c.’s. 6 & 7)


Brainerd citizens, collectively and individually, are alert when it comes to prompt action at critical times, as has been in evidence today following the disastrous fire of last night which destroyed the Northern Pacific building which houses the Minnesota and International officials and force as well as the local business of the former company. Early this morning the Chamber of Commerce called a special meeting for tonight, at which time the consideration of what Brainerd can do to relieve the situation will be discussed, and at the same time the city council will take of the matter of offering the second floor of the new city hall to the Minnesota & International for use of their force of employees. Brainerd’s commercial organization, its civic bodies and its private citizens all feel that every assistance possible should be given the Northern Pacific company in arranging the local business affairs with as little inconvenience as possible. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 February 1917, p. 4, c. 2)


BUILDING A

TEMPORARY ONE

_____


J. E. Hood, of Duluth, Supervisor of

Bridges and Buildings, on the

Fire Scene Today

_____


CARPENTERS ARE AT WORK

_____


Structure to be 24 by 60 Feet, For

Waiting Room, Ticket Office

and Dispatcher


Before the bricks were cold, J. E. Hood, of Duluth, supervisor of bridges and buildings of the Northern Pacific railway, was on the scene and is superintending the construction of a temporary station 24 by 60 feet, one story high, to be built on the old Arlington hotel site across the street on Sixth street from the late depot.

This will house the waiting room for passengers, ticket office, dispatcher’s headquarters, etc.

A shed for baggage is to be built on the old depot site, the platform having been spared by the flames and thus being in condition to be utilized again.

W. H. Strachan, of Duluth, superintendent of the Lake Superior division, will be in Brainerd tonight to take action regarding the new depot and other matters, it is believed. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 February 1917, p. 5, c. 1)


DEPOT FIRE NOTES

_____


One man carried down an adding machine and carefully placed it on the brick platform at the foot of the main stairs. Another helper gathered it to pack it into a waiting freight car, slipped on the ice and wrecked the adder to a finish.

Clarke Henry saved the engineering books of the M. & I.

The vaults withered before the fierce blast of flame and it is thought much of their contents were destroyed.

Barely had the embers cooled this morning before gangs of men were on the site of the ruins, cleaning them up and loading the debris on flat cars.

So hot was the fire that the plank depot platform to the south of the brick was badly singed by the flames and some stringers burned.

Passengers on the St. Paul night train were treated to a view of the burning building.

The shop whistle uttered heavy blasts early in the morning and routed every shop man out of bed.

The Northwestern Telephone Exchange company answered an enormous number of calls in the early morning hours.

Dick Herbert’s lunch room served as a waiting room for passengers bound east on the Staples-Duluth train.

A guest at the Ransford dressed by the light of the fire.

“Fatty” Wood returned home last night on the belated St. Paul train and was surprised to see the structure in flames.

The engineer of the St. Paul night train pulled up at his usual stopping place and then became aware of the fire and moved on to quarters not so hot.

“What will happen to the Brainerd Outdoor Carnival?” asked one enthusiast.

“The carnival will go on just the same. It’s an outdoor affair, you know.” was the reply.

No tickets were sold today.

Forty men were employed by the M. & I. in their offices including operators. Half are men with families. Northern Pacific employed 10 in the depot.

For fire insurance see J. H. Krekelberg and J. F. Hurley at 306 Citizens State bank building, or call N. W. 368-L. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05, February 1917, p. 5, c. 1)


AN HISTORIC STRUCTURE

_____


Gen. [sic] George [sic] W. Meade [sic], of U. S. Army [sic]

Was General Manager of N. P.,

With Office in Station.


The old Northern Pacific station was rich in historic interest and its destruction by fire does away with a landmark known to every railway man in the northwest.

“The Northern Pacific station,” said City Clerk Anton Mahlum, “was built in 1872 by the Northern Pacific railway company on a day basis. Lyman P. Bridges, of Chicago, was the contractor who built the depot on the basis of 10 percent allowance for labor and material expended.

“All lumber material was manufactured and shipped from Chicago and the building completed and occupied by the various departments of the railroad in the latter part of 1872.

“General [sic] George [sic] W. Meade [sic] [The name was Charles W. Mead, General Manager of the Northern Pacific and he was not a general in any army as far as I can ascertain], of the United States army [NO], was general manager at that time. C. T. Hobart was general superintendent, Col. R. M. Newport was the treasurer and Mr. Ford the auditor.

“Jule M. Hannaford, now president of the Northern Pacific railway, occupied a desk in this building in the auditing department. The reputed cost of the depot was about $40,000.

“In the early days the land department with J. B. Powers [sic] [James B. Power] land commissioner and C. F. Kindred chief clerk, was also located on the second floor of this building. M. C. Kimberley of the engineering department, also had an office on the second floor.

“D. W. Smiley, of Brainerd, worked as carpenter on the building. Wm. E. Lee, candidate for governor, helped to build the fancy cupola at the top.

“The building at the time of its erection was the best on the line. The railway then extended from the N. P. Junction near Carlton to Bismarck, N. D.

“Valuable documents were destroyed by the flames this morning.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 February 1917, p. 5, c. 2)


NOTE: I think either the newspaper or Mahlum confused Charles W. Mead with General George Gordon Meade of the Union Army during the Civil War. As far as I can ascertain, Charles W. Mead was not a General in any United States Army, ever.


NOTE: Colonel Reese Marshall Newport, 1838-1912, when the Civil War broke out, Newport joined the army as assistant quartermaster. By the end of the war, he had risen in the quartermaster's department from colonel to chief quartermaster of the Baltimore depot. On March 13, 1865, he received the brevet brigadier general commission "for faithful and meritorious services during the war." After the war he was a banker, real estate agent, Auditor and Treasurer of the Northern Pacific Railroad.


HOBART:

SEE: 24 February 1872

SEE: 16 March 1872

SEE: 15 April 1872

SEE: 27 April 1872

SEE: 04 May 1872

SEE: 25 October 1872

SEE: 16 November 1872

SEE: 14 December 1872

SEE: 29 March 1873

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 05 April 1873

SEE: 29 May 1873

SEE: 31 May 1873

SEE: 17 July 1880

SEE: 17 August 1882


POWER:

SEE: 05 October 1871

SEE: 01 April 1873

SEE: 03 May 1873

SEE: 01 December 1873

SEE: 27 December 1873

SEE: 10 January 1874

SEE: 06 June 1874

SEE: 12 September 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 06 February 1875

SEE: 20 March 1875

SEE: 12 April 1875

SEE: 07 August 1875

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 22 July 1876

SEE: 07 October 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 04 August 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 23 October 1877

SEE: 02 November 1877

SEE: 18 June 1878

SEE: 20 July 1878

SEE: 06 August 1878

SEE: 21 September 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 10 May 1879

SEE: 05 July 1879

SEE: 30 July 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 18 February 1880

SEE: 21 February 1880

SEE: 28 August 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 04 September 1880

SEE: 16 September 1880

SEE: 09 October 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 01 September 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882


NEWPORT:

SEE: 17 August 1872

SEE: 26 April 1873

SEE: 12 December 1874

SEE: 19 December 1874

SEE: 09 October 1875

SEE: 29 January 1876

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 03 June 1876

SEE: 25 April 1877

SEE: 06 June 1877

SEE: 09 June 1877

SEE: 14 June 1877

SEE: 06 October 1877

SEE: 07 February 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 26 February 1881

SEE: 17 March 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 30 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 11 February 1882

SEE: 18 February 1882

SEE: 30 July 1882


KINDRED:

SEE: 07 November 1874

SEE: 14 November 1874

SEE: 28 November 1874

SEE: 19 February 1876

SEE: 07 June 1876

SEE: 23 March 1878

SEE: 28 September 1878

SEE: 18 January 1879

SEE: 31 May 1879

SEE: 27 September 1879

SEE: 26 June 1880

SEE: 31 August 1880

SEE: 09 December 1880

SEE: 25 December 1880

SEE: 17 February 1881

SEE: 21 February 1881

SEE: 09 April 1881

SEE: 13 April 1881

SEE: 23 April 1881

SEE: 19 May 1881

SEE: 11 June 1881

SEE: 23 July 1881

SEE: 03 October 1881

SEE: 06 December 1881

SEE: 30 July 1882

SEE: 02 August 1882

SEE: 20 September 1883

SEE: 23 September 1883

SEE: 26 August 1885

SEE: 13 December 1887

SEE: 31 May 1889

SEE: 25 March 1898


BRAINERD’S ODDEST

STORIES OF TODAY

_____


“Burned up the only fire proof building in town,” said Con O’Brien.

“Why, how’s that?” asked his friend.

“Been standing the same spot 40 years and never burned down until this morning.” said Mr. O’Brien.

_____


I. C. Strout certainly has had some experiences in fires. He lost his home in the Ideal fire, and he lost his desk in the depot fire. He now has temporary rooms at the Central hotel.

_____


Busy times at the Y. M. C. A. One train wire with R. E. Quinn at the key, is handling all train work on the M. & I. line and all commercial work on the M. & I. Herbert R. Denzene, of the Western Union, jumps in whenever he can and gets a message through or off the wires. A side wire to Duluth handling commercial work is operated by I. C. Strout.


[...]


(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05, February 1917, p. 5, c. 2)


06 February

M. & I. RAILWAY

AT CITY HALL

_____


General Offices Established on Sec-

ond Floor of the Building, De-

partments Moving in Today

_____


The Minnesota & International railway company, through its general manager, W. H. Gemmell, has accepted the proffer of the city of Brainerd, of the second floor of the city hall for quarters to carry on its business, the company having lost office room when the Northern Pacific depot burned up.

Today the company is moving fixtures and office supplies to the city hall.

The Bemidji Commercial club wired an offer of offices at Bemidji, and Mr. Gemmell thanked them for the courtesy, but assured them they were already well established at Brainerd.

At the council meeting Monday night the council voted unanimously on the proposition of leasing the second floor of the hall to the railway company. Ninety dollars a month was the concluded price, either party having the option of giving two months notice if the lease was to be terminated.

The council received the deputation from the Chamber of Commerce, which voiced the desire of the Chamber to do everything possible for the railway company.

Routine bills occupied the attention of the council for the remainder of their evening session.

The general manager’s offices will be in the room vacated by City Clerk Anton Mahlum. Auditor Downey’s force will be in the room vacated by council and municipal judge. His private office will adjoin the main room. The engineering department will be across the hall, north of the general manager’s room. The tie treating plant will have its offices just to the east of the engineering department.

City Clerk Mahlum takes the first room north of the water and light board committee room on the first floor. His next door neighbor to the east is the county agricultural agent.

The council chambers and the municipal court will be held in the room occupied by the chief of police. Vacant rooms are being filled with maps and papers hitherto stored on the second floor.

The Minnesota & International people are working energetically and business is going along as usual. The second floor offers them fine vault room, plenty of light, lots of room and is an ideal place for them.

What was considered by many Brainerd people as a disadvantage in the city hall, so much unused floor space, has now turned out to be a real blessing in housing on such short notice the railway company’s departments. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 February 1917, p. 1, c.’s 1 & 2)

_____


THE NEW DEPOT

_____


General Offices at St. Paul Will Con-

sider the Same—Old Site Prob-

ably Used Again


The new depot is something that will be considered by the general offices at St. Paul and they are supreme in deciding what should be built, how, where and when. Many believe the old site will be used again.

At present a coach on a side track is used as a waiting room, also the Y. M. C. A. rooms. Ten carpenters are expected from Duluth, six were hired in Brainerd by J. E. Hood, of Duluth, inspector of bridges and buildings of the Northern Pacific. In all there will be from 25 to 30 men employed. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 February 1917, p. 1, c. 1)


FOUR BANDS, DRUM

CORPS IN PARADE

_____


Brainerd Outdoor Carnival is Assured

of a Fine Parade of Uniformed

Marchers Saturday

_____


Official Program is Announced for the Day,

Offering Amusement for Each Hour

of the Twenty-Four


The Brainerd Outdoor Carnival association has received assurances that there will be four bands, a drum corps, glee clubs, etc., at the Brainerd Outdoor Carnival, Saturday, February 10. These bands include the big Northern Pacific band of St. Paul, the Brainerd Northern Pacific marching club band, the Ironton band and the Deerwood band. The Northern Pacific drum corps of St. Paul numbering 50 will be in the parade, also the Northern Pacific trumpeters, the world renowned “Big Baked Potato” float carrying the queen, Miss Louise P. Schilling; the Northern Pacific hockey club. From Ironton will come the Cuyuna Range Elks marching club dressed in miners’ slicker coats, wearing helmets with head lights. Elks of the Northwest will be largely represented at Brainerd.

Dr. R. A. Beise, mayor of Brainerd, will head the marching clubs with a police escort. “Fatty” Wood and “Shorty” Anderson will march with the Brainerd Northern Pacific marching club of 600 members. Miss Edna Orne, the queen, will be resplendent in her robes.

The Northwestern Telephone Exchange Co., the Tri-State, Purity, Banking Co., of St. Paul, the St. Paul Daily News, Farwell, Osmun Kirk Co. the Duluth News Tribune with 25 carriers, John Wahl Candy Co., of Duluth, large clubs from Deerwood, the Walker Commercial and Automobile clubs, farmers’ clubs of Crow Wing County, the Imperial Trio of Brainerd, and others will be represented.

Stores of the city will be closed during the parade hours, from 2 to 5 p. m. Banks will close at 2 p. m. The queen of St. Paul’s Northern Pacific marching club, Miss Louise Schilling, her maids in waiting, her chaperone, will be house at the queen’s official residence, Clyde E. Parker having given over his whole residence to the queen and party.

The official program provides as follows:

12 noon, meeting of all trains by uniformed reception committee and city band.

12 to 1—Dinner.

1 p. m.—Visitors from range to be escorted to toboggan slide.

2 p. m.—Forming of parade on Sixth, Seventh, Eighth and Front streets.

2 to 3 p. m.—Parade to toboggan slide and to Boom lake.

3 p. m.—Hockey game between Ironton and St. Paul Northern Pacific teams.

Exhibition of fancy skating by professional skater.

Inter-club challenge skating race, 10 laps.

Ladies race, 3 laps.

Free for all boys race (under 15 years), 5 laps.

6 p. m.—Supper.

In the evening parade by Ironton Miners and bands, sliding at the toboggan slide, dance at Gardner hall, open house at Elks hall, Moose hall and Chamber of Commerce. Drill at Gardner hall by Northern Pacific drill squad of St. Paul.

There will be a continuous concert all day by four bands and the Northern Pacific drum corps, glee clubs, etc.

Many may stay over to Sunday night at which time the “Blue Paradise,” St. Paul carnival attraction, will be presented at the Brainerd opera house, the company traveling from Duluth to Brainerd in a seven coach special. There are 30 people in the production.

Arrangements are being made for special train service to and from Brainerd to care for the large crowds expected from the Cuyuna iron range.

Clara Kimball Young will appear all day in the movies, “The Common Law,” at the Best theatre Saturday. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 February 1917, p. 1 c.’s 6 & 7)


SEE: 12 April 1917


MEETING WAS

WELL ATTENDED

_____


Special Call Brought Out Representa-

tive Number of Loyal Citizens

to Discuss

_____


NORTHERN PACIFIC FIRE LOSS

_____


At Chamber of Commerce Last Night

—Railroad Committee Instruct-

ed to go to St. Paul


The call for a special meeting at the Chamber of Commerce rooms last evening to discuss the ways and means in assisting, if possible, in securing quarters for the official family of the Minnesota & International railroad and to express sympathy and offer aid in any manner that the Northern Pacific may need or suggest during the time that their local business is in its present chaotic condition owing to the fire that destroyed the depot building on Monday morning, was well attended and the interest manifested was fully in keeping with the occasion, showing that the people of Brainerd are ready and willing at all times to give the best that is in them to foster and promote the welfare of home institutions and make them feel that their interests are our interests.

The meeting was called to order by President Cohen who stated in a few well chosen words the occasion for the call and also what meetings of this kind mean, especially in connection with the present case. He took occasion to refer in very kindly terms to Mr. Gemmell and his official family in connection with the loss sustained by the Minnesota & International.

C. A. Allbright after a few words regarding conditions moved that the meeting pass resolutions covering the subject that would be fitting and R. B. Withington presented the following resolutions which were unanimously adopted:

Resolved that the Brainerd Chamber of Commerce tender to the Northern Pacific Railway company its sympathy on the loss and inconvenience caused by the destruction by fire of the railway company’s passenger station building on the morning of February 5th, 1917, and that it hereby expresses its willingness and desire to co-operate in every way possible in securing temporary offices for the various departments which have been burned out.

Resolved further that the railroad committee of the Chamber of Commerce send a delegation of five to wait upon President J. M. Hannaford of the Northern Pacific railway company to confer with him with reference to the construction of a depot to replace the burned structure that will be fully adequate to take care of the present and future needs of Brainerd.

Resolved further that it is the earnest hope of the Chamber that satisfactory quarters may be found for the general offices of the Minnesota and International Railway company so that those offices may be retained here.

That these resolutions be made a part of the Chamber records and a copy thereof be transmitted to President Hannaford and other officials of the road.

Following the adoption of the resolutions it was stated to the meeting that the city council was in session and that they had before them the proposition of tendering the use of the entire second floor of the new city hall to the Minnesota & International railway company. The matter was discussed and it was deemed appropriate that a committee of citizens be appointed to wait on the council and urge that such action be taken. Henry P. Dunn, S. R. Adair and F. G. Hall being named by the chair to meet with the council members and inform them of the action. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 February 1917, p. 5, c. 1)


07 February

At the old depot ruins the engineer’s vault held and its contents are in fairly good shape. All the bottoms of the three vaults on the ground floor are gone. The tops of the other two vaults were badly damaged. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 February 1917, p. 2, c. 3)


Mail cars are scarce on the St. Paul Brainerd division of the Northern Pacific as the afternoon passenger today carried none. One or more cars are snowed in on the Morris branch. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 February 1917, p. 2, c. 3)


The Northern Pacific railway has established its ticket office in a freight car on the depot platform. The waiting room is in a refrigerator car. The yardmaster and roadmaster offices are in the switch shanty to the east of the depot brick platform. The express office is at 512 Front street. Thirty carpenters are putting up the temporary structure just west of the depot ruins. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 February 1917, p. 2, c. 3)


08 February

Thirty carpenters are making rapid progress in constructing a temporary train station just west of the ruins of the burned depot. In the meantime, the NP Railroad temporary ticket office is in a freight car on site, and the waiting rooms are in a refrigerator car. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 08 February 2017)


MACHINISTS’ DRUM CORPS

_____


Fife and Drum Corps Organization

Perfected, Officers Elected, and

Instructors Named

_____


G. J. KROES ELECTED PRESIDENT

_____


Twenty-eight Regulation Size Drums,

28 Fifes and Two Base Drums

and Drum Major


The Machinists’ Fife and Drum corps met on February 8th at the machinists’ hall and perfected their organization.

G. J. Kroes was elected president and Captain A. A. Weideman was elected secretary-treasurer. John Lund drum major.

The following members were elected instructors by a unanimous vote of the organization, G. J. Kroes, E. G. Hall, Geo. Bouck and Walter Frampton.

The sentiment of the organization was to have 28 regulation size drums, 28 fifes and two base drums and a live major. Efforts will be made to be in trim for Decoration Day.

“Let the public push and we will respond by blowing and pounding,” said the boys. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 February 1917, p. 5, c. 3)


09 February

DETECTIVES IN TOWN

_____


Investigating to See if Northern Paci-

fic Fire Was Work of

Incendiary


It is reported a flock of Northern Pacific detectives are in town combing clues to ascertain if the railway station was set on fire. Witnesses first on the scene of the blaze have been questioned and much investigating is being done. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 February 1917, p. 5, c. 3)


THOUGHT WAR WAS DECLARED

_____


Small Wreck Near Staples Caused

North Coast Limited and Local to

Travel Via Brainerd

_____


FARMER THOUGHT TROOP TRAIN

_____


Many Cheered the Passing Trains,

One Stayed up all Night and

Rushed to Town


Farmers along the St. Paul division of the Northern Pacific from Brainerd south thought war was declared Friday morning, and that the troop trains had started out.

It happened this way. A small wreck on the main line near Staples cause the big North Coast Limited to be run to St. Paul via Brainerd. A few minutes behind followed the “Jimtown” local for St. Paul.

Farmers heard the unusual tooting and saw the trains early in the dusky morning and hopped to the conclusion that war had been declared and that supply and troop trains were rushing to the front.

Farmers cheered the trains all along the line. One stayed up all night and next morning rushed his team to Brainerd to find out about the war. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 February 1917, p. 5, c. 1)


11 February

FIRE AT MACHINE SHOP

_____


$100 Damage Done to Floor of Tin

Shop, Started from Neglected

Charcoal Fire


Fire early Sunday morning at the tin shop in the machine shop of the Northern pacific railway did from $75 to $200 damage. It burned the floor and ran to the elevator and there was extinguished by the shop force. The fire was caused by a neglected small charcoal furnace, which was alive and heated up and eventually set fire to 25 to 30 feet of floor. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 February 1917, p. 5, c. 3)


20 February

Parker & Topping Co. want six men for general work around foundry, wages $2.30 per 9 hour day. Steady employment. Apply to F. Beckley, foreman. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 February 1917, p. 5, c. 3)


24 February

WRECK BARELY AVERTED

_____


North Coast Limited and Brainerd

Branch Nearly Collide in Little

Falls Yards

(Little Falls Transcript)


A crash between the North Coast Limited and the Brainerd branch passenger train was averted this afternoon directly in front of the passenger station by a quick stop by the coast train’s engineer.

The pilots of the two engines were less than 10 feet apart when the limited stopped and a dozen passengers on the platform were in a near panic. The fireman of the coast train jumped to the platform and very nearly rolled under the wheels of the mail car.

Both trains arrived at about 2:30 and the Brainerd train started down to the water tank at the Broadway crossing to take water. When the engineer realized that the coast train was pulling in just around the corner of the West hotel he brought his train to a stop and reversed the engine. The engineer on the flyer did not see the other train until he had passed the tank and then jammed on the brakes and brought the heavy train to a stop in a remarkably short distance. A second less of time to either engineer would have meant a smash. The Brainerd train was backing when the coast train stopped.

Operator Clyde Bartoe tried to signal the Brainerd train’s engineer that the coast train was coming while the branch train was still well up in the yards, and failing in this, ran across the tracks and tried to stop the coast train, but neither engineer appeared to see him. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 February 1917, p. 5, c. 1)


26 February

MACHINISTS TO ASK FOR 8 HOURS

_____


Also Want Increased Pay and De-

mands Will Hit Nine Rail Com-

panies in Northwest

_____


DISTRICT MEETING AT ST. PAUL

_____


“General Trend Toward Eight-Hour

Day to be Standard of Work,”

said R. A. Henning


(St. Paul Pioneer Press)


Twenty-one delegates, representing 2,500 members of District No. 32, International Association of Machinists are conferring at the St. Francis hotel preparatory to submitting to railroads of the Northwest a new wage scale incorporating substantial increases in salaries and a demand for an eight-hour day.

The conference will last until next week. When the new agreement is prepared, thirty days’ notice will be given the railroads of the desired change. This will be followed by conferences between the men and railroad officials.

“The general trend toward the eight-hour day and our belief that it should be the standard of work have resulted in it being incorporated in our demands,” R. A. Henning, business agent and general chairman of the district, said.

“The increasing cost of living makes necessary a request for higher pay. A material advance over present wages will be asked. We have not settled the exact amounts as yet.”

The railroads which would be affected by the new demands are the Northern Pacific, Great Northern, Minnesota & International, Duluth, Missaba & Northern, Duluth & Iron Range, Omaha, Minnesota Transfer, Spokane, Portland & Seattle and Lake Superior Terminal Transfer. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 February 1917, p. 5, c. 6)


05 March

WAGES INCREASED

_____


Laborers Treated to Agreeable Sur-

prise at the Parker & Topping

Co. Foundry


Laborers at the Parker & Topping Co. foundry were given an agreeable surprise by the company when they found their pay had been increased without solicitation on their part, all checks for pay being considerably larger at the semi-monthly pay day. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 March 1917, p. 5, c. 3)


06 March

M. & I. OFFICES MAY LEAVE CITY

_____


Council Refuses Permission to Cut a

Doorway in Room of Company

Headquarters

_____


OFFER TO RELOCATE THE SAME

_____


Company to Use Same Material for

Door as the Rest of the Finish-

ings in the Room


By a vote of 6 to 4 Monday evening, the city council refused to permit the Minnesota & International Railway company, tenants of the second floor of the city hall, to cut a doorway from Mr. Gemmell’s office to an adjoining room, even after the railway company offered to replace the same when it removed from the building and to further use the same material for the door frame, etc., so that it would harmonize with the rest of the rooms.

When the Dispatch asked Mr. Gemmell this morning what he thought of the city council’s action, he stated that the council undoubtedly knew what was best for the interests of the city and the city’s public building, and had no criticism or comment to make on it.

He added that he was told that during the discussion last night it developed there was a feeling that the rental paid by the railway company was too low.

In that connection he would remind the council that a bargain is a bargain and that the rental was agreed on before the offices were leased.

“It seems rather late and in questionable taste to raise that question now,” said Mr. Gemmell. “However, this company has no desire to be the city’s tenants so long as we are considered unsatisfactory from any standpoint and Mr. Downie, our auditor, and myself are leaving for St. Paul this afternoon to make the necessary arrangements for the early vacation of the building.”

Mr. Gemmell desired the Dispatch to extend to the council the company’s thanks for housing it temporarily at the time it lost its former quarters. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 March 1917, p. 5, c. 1)


REPAIRING TURBINE

_____


Electric Power Shut Off at Shops Be-

cause of Accident Throws Many

Men Out of Work


Men of the machine shops, blacksmiths, boilermakers and the foundry have had a vacation of two days, Monday and Tuesday, caused by an accident to a turbine at the Northern Pacific shops power station, which it is expected will be repaired by tonight.

In order to catch up on their work, the blacksmiths may go on duty tonight.

With the turbine out of commission and the auxiliary not to be relied on, power was out of the question until repairs were made. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 March 1917, p. 5, c. 1)


10 March

Operating with two small engines while the large turbine is being repaired, the Northern Pacific shops now run the machine shop and foundry days and the blacksmith shop at night. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 March 1917, p. 2, c. 3)


19 March

FIRST USE OF ROTARY PLOW

_____


On the Lake Superior Division of the

Northern Pacific, Says Supt.

W. H. Strachan

_____


DESCRIBES STORM CONDITIONS

_____


Some Drifts Between Hugo and For-

est Lake were from Fifteen to

Twenty-five Feet


“Last week was the first time in the history of the Lake Superior division that we had to use a rotary plow,” said W. H. Strachan, superintendent of the Northern Pacific.

“The worst conditions were reported between Duluth and Carlton, Duluth and Poplar, on the Ashland division.

“There was a stretch between Hugo and Forest Lake where there were drifts over the right-of-way of from fifteen to twenty-five feet. A rotary plow was started out of White Bear with two engines.”

“From the Twin City end of the line conditions were equally bad, Mr. Strachan said in an interview published in the Duluth Herald. From Rush City to St. Paul drifts were reported as being exceptionally bad.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 March 1917, p. 5, c. 3)


SHORT OF COAL TIE PLANT QUITS

_____


The tie treating plant of the Northern Pacific railway company in West Brainerd has been shut down since Saturday on account of lack of coal.

The Northern Pacific shops, nearly out of coal Saturday, have received seven cars. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 March 1917, p. 5, c. 4)


29 March

$20,000 ADDITIONS TO RAILWAY SHOPS

_____


Brick Addition Reported Will be Built

to the Tool Room and New Roof

on Old Tool Room

_____


Also Addition to Forsythe Shop—Reported that

Extension will be Built to the

Foundry at Shops


Additions are to be built at the Northern Pacific railway shops costing approximately $20,000, it is reported, the improvements to be completed early in August. All are to be of brick.

The addition to the tool room of the machine shop is to measure 46 by 37 feet, a 20-foot story, and a new roof is to be put on the old tool room. Built in the most modern style, skylights will admit light and air, and the interior will be white, thus facilitating work in that department.

A brick addition measuring 45 by 43 feet, a 21-foot story, is to be built at what is known as the Forsythe shop. Local contractors and others are preparing to bid on the work.

There is a report current in Brainerd that a 180-foot extension may be built on the foundry for the manufacture of steel castings.


[...]


Brainerd is to have a new depot and the Northern Pacific railway company, it is reported, will locate it at some point between Fourth and Eighth streets. It will be so situated that trains to and from St. Paul will pass on one side of the structure, it is said, and Duluth trains on the other side, the plan being to so locate the structure as to facilitate the handling of trains and reduce congestion on the platform at train times. It is to be a modern structure in keeping with increased passenger traffic at Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 March 1917, p. 1, c. 1)


30 March

STACK DAMAGED AT N. P. SHOPS

_____


The heavy wind storm knocked down half the 75-foot stack at the blacksmith shop of the Northern Pacific railway shops. It had a diameter of three feet. Repairs will soon be made. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 March 1917, p. 5, c. 2)


05 April

With the threat of war at hand, notice is given that a detachment of U. S. troops has been stationed in Brainerd to guard transportation lines. No one may approach within 50 feet of the NP Railroad bridge over the Mississippi. Sentries carry loaded rifles and will fire if necessary. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 05 April 2017)


12 April

“FATTY” WOOD IN THE MOVIES

_____


Left Today for Chicago where the

Mutual Film People will Give

Him a Tryout

_____


ALL HOPE HE WINS SUCCESS

_____


Tom Wood is Brainerd’s Best Known

Citizen, was King of Northern

Pacific Marching Club


Tom “Fatty” Wood, actor in seven of Charlie Chaplin’s films from 1916 to 1925, ca. 1916. A 1198x1795 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Tom Wood, known as “Fatty,” just budding into manhood and weighing over 600 pounds, left for Chicago today where the Mutual Film people will give him a tryout. There is no doubt that when “Fatty” plays a heavy lead and takes the center of the picture, precious little space will be left for scenery.

Mr. Wood is Brainerd’s best known citizen and at the St. Paul Winter Carnival attracted wide attention as king of the Brainerd Northern Pacific marching club of 600 members.

He has figured in local movies, has a fair voice and has sung in many performances here, at Crosby, and St. Paul and Minneapolis. All that Mr. Wood needs is half a chance and he will make a hit.

He was Leslie Bush’s first trainer and was the only kid backstop who could stop Joe “Bullet” Bush’s cannon ball heaves. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 April 1917, p. 5, c. 2)


SEE: 06 February 1917


24 April

EDWARD GUSTAD GETS CONTRACT

_____


Crosby Contractor to Build Northern

Pacific Machine Shop and Tool

Room Addition

_____


HEATING SUBCONTRACT GIVEN

_____


Awarded to Henry Blackwood of

Brainerd Plumbing & Heating

Company


To Edward Gustad of Crosby has been awarded the contract for the construction of the Northern Pacific railway company addition to the machine shop and tool room, many contractors of Brainerd and other cities of the northwest having entered the lists of bidders.

The subcontract for heating and fire protection has been awarded by Mr. Gustad to Henry Blackwood of Brainerd, of the Brainerd Plumbing & Heating Co. Work on the general contract is expected to start early in May.

Mr. Gustad had a successful season last year, completing the Northern Pacific depot at Deerwood, a large school house at Lawler and one near Aitkin. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 April 1917, p. 5, c. 1)


03 May

SEVEN NURSES TO GRADUATE

_____


The twelfth annual graduating exercises for the student graduates of the Northern Pacific Training School for nurses will be held this evening at the Citizens State Bank hall.

There are seven graduates this year, Miss Lena Olson, Miss Muriel Ruth Canan, Miss Anna Teresa Maxwell, Miss Marie Zella Clary, Miss Laura Isabella Taggart, Miss Rose Emily Zorn and Miss Lina Edna Orne.

The address of the evening will be delivered by Dr. R. H. Beach of Glendive, Mont. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 May 1917, p. 5, c. 2)


04 May

WANTED—Machinist, boilermaker and blacksmith helpers at Northern Pacific railway company shops Brainerd. Call at office at shops. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 May 1917, p. 6, c. 1)


11 May

CHANGING SWITCH ENGINES

_____


Seven Altered From Compound to

Simple Superheated at

the Shops


Seven switch engines at the Northern Pacific railway repair works have been changed from compound to simple superheated. Work at the shops is increasing and 150 men are needed to fill crews. There is an especially big demand for helpers for machinists, blacksmith and boilermakers. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 May 1917, p. 5, c. 2)


13 May

FAREWELL BANQUET FOR H. A. LYDDON

_____


Brainerd General Foreman Promoted

to Position of Shop Superintend-

ent at Tacoma, Wash.

_____


Officials and Fellow Workers at Shops Banquet

and Praise Him at Banquet at Ideal

Hotel Saturday


Officials of the Northern Pacific railway shops and fellow workers gathered at the Ideal hotel Saturday evening, 36 or more, and gave a farewell banquet to H. A. Lyddon, for many years general foreman at the shops here and recently promoted to the position of shop superintendent at South Tacoma, Wash.

The banquet tables were set in the shape of a letter “T” and flowers graced the tables. G. F. Mitchell presided at toastmaster. The following splendid menu was discussed:

Chilled Orange Punch

Garden Radishes

Consommé En Tasse

Crisp Celery Shelled Almonds

Lake Bass (Grille) a la Nantaise

Parisienne Potatoes

Compote of Fresh Fruit, Chantilly

Rice Rissolettes

Baked Spring Chicken (Farcia)

Cranberry Marmalade

Potatoes en Creme, Asparagus Points

Waldorf Salad, Nabisco Wafers

Fresh Strawberry Sundae

Demi Tasse


L. J. Shugart, chef at the Ideal, outdid himself and gained for the hotel many compliments.

A testimonial signed by all present was given Mr. Lyddon and is reproduced in full as follows:

“It is with great pleasure that we acknowledge your promotion to the position of shop superintendent at South Tacoma, Wash., and wish to assure you that each of us is aware that you certainly are entitled to this office. At the same time we all regret very much your leaving us, for with your gain we must lose your companionship and association.

“For the past 31 years you have been employed at the Brainerd shops and your presence among us will be greatly missed as will also your kindly advice and help.

“We earnestly trust your new surroundings will be an agreeable one and also be the means of your further advancement. Finally we wish you and your family a hearty Godspeed and every success.”

G. F. Mitchell, as toastmaster, made an appropriate opening address. Other speakers following were Martin H. Nelson new general foreman succeeding Mr. Lyddon, J. F. Casey, J. C. Davis, John J. Cummins.

Edward Crust spoke of the power for good exemplified by Mr. Lyddon as a citizen and as a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Y. M. C. A. Through the influence of Mr. Lyddon much had been done by the Northern Pacific railway for the local Y. M. C. A.

J. P. Anderson praised Mr. Lyddon’s qualities, that he was always ready, willing and helpful. His association with him had been most pleasant and he regretted to see it terminated. When at Northern Pacific headquarters and the question of a new shop superintendent at South Tacoma came up, Mr. Anderson had heartily recommended Mr. Lyddon and found railway officials also favored Mr. Lyddon. As Mr. Anderson came to the conclusion of his speech, his voice shook with emotion and many at the table wiped away a tear as they thought of M. Lyddon, soon to leave them on the midnight train.

Mr. Lyddon made a short response and thanked them all for the many courtesies and that he would always have a warm spot in his heart for his many friends in Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 May 1917, p. 1, c.’s 6 & 7)


EMPLOYEES GET NICE BONUS

_____


Northern Pacific Road will Pay Men

in Their Employ Bonus of 10

Percent Excess of Wages


J. M. Hannaford, president of the Northern Pacific railway, on Saturday announced that a bonus of 10 percent of their annual wages will be paid to 20,700 employees of the railway and the Northern Pacific Express company. Every employee drawing less than $3,000 a year salary, is affected the announcement stated.

The increase follows an advance in wages of 5 percent to Northern Pacific employees in October, 1916, and a wage advance recently granted to Great Northern employees. It is the first time in the history of an American railway, President Hannaford said, that two wage increases have been granted in one year to unorganized employees.

The beneficiaries include employees in the general offices in St. Paul, those in Minneapolis, and along the lines in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Manitoba. It also includes those employees represented in the company’s various offices in almost every large city in America. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 May 1917, p. 5, c. 1)


18 May

Women Engine Wipers

are Proposed for N. P.

_____


Livingston, Mont., May 18—Women as engine wipers on the Northern Pacific will be no novelty here if the suggestions of the general office at St. Paul are carried out.

Advices received by local officials urge that women be employed not only in the offices of the road, but in the railway shops. Already five applications for positions by women who want to sweep out cars have been received, and these will be put at work next week. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 May 1917, p. 3, c. 3)


28 May

N. P. to Hire 1,000 Women During War

_____


Women as boilermakers, blacksmiths, machinists, telegraphers and in other capacities, probably to the number of 1,000 will be hired by the Northern Pacific railroad in the next few months, it was announced Saturday in St. Paul. They will replace men called to the colors. Oakley D. Johnson, labor commissioner, said he expected 100 women a day would apply. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 May 1917, p. 3, c. 3)


14 June

The shop picnic, annual event of the Northern Pacific shops, will be held at Lum park Saturday afternoon and evening, June 16. There will be dancing afternoon and evening, boat riding and sports of all kinds. There will be good music in attendance. Buses will run to the park every 15 minutes. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 June 1917, p. 2, c. 3)


15 June

SHOP PICNIC AT LUM PARK

_____


Brainerd shops annual picnic will be held at Lum Park Saturday, June 16. There will be dancing afternoon and evening, boat riding and sports of all kinds. Good music will be in attendance. Everybody is invited to come and have a good time. Buses will run every 15 minutes. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 June 1917, p. 5, c. 2)


07 July

SECOND BONUS ANNOUNCED

_____


To Northern Pacific Railway and

Northern Express Company Who

Receive Less than $3,000


Employees of the Northern Pacific railway and the Northern Express company, who receive less than $3,000 a year, and whose wages are not fixed by contract, will be paid another bonus of 10 percent of their wages for the six months’ period beginning July 1 and ending December 31. This announcement has just been made by President J. N. Hannaford and affects approximately 20,700 employees along the line and in some large cities in various parts of the country. Where service should not be continuous due to reduction of force, the bonus will apply to wages earned during the period of continuous service since July 1. This is the second bonus announced by the Northern Pacific railway in the last two months to be paid to unorganized employees and follows a wage increase which look effect last October. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 July 1917, p. 5, c. 4)


27 July

FORGED N. P. PAY CHECKS

_____


In a notice sent Northern Pacific railway agents it is stated unknown parties have printed a large number of Northern Pacific railway monthly pay checks and have made out and cashed from 15 to 20 in the Twin Cities.

J. H. Hensel’s countersignature is printed instead of being written and under the line on the back of the pay check where it is to be signed, the words, “signature of payee,” one finds the word “signature” is spelled “sic” instead of “sig.”

All pay checks should be carefully scrutinized and if one is found faulty, C. A. Clark, treasurer, and W. J. McFetridge, special agent, St. Paul, should be notified. Merchants of Brainerd are exercising care in cashing checks. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 July 1917, p. 5, c. 2)


UNORGANIZED LABOR BONUS

_____


Organized labor of the Northern Pacific railway having received increases in pay, the company saw that unorganized labor was also dealt with fairly and a bonus amounting to 10 percent of wages for the first half of the year, is being distributed in Brainerd. This amounts to approximately $20,000, made out in 700 checks.

On Thursday the store room at the shops was paid. Wednesday the shops proper, Friday the tie plant. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 July 1917, p. 5, c. 3)


10 August

FIREMAN HURT IN BIG FREIGHT WRECK

_____


James Larkin, St. Paul, Clambered

on Tender at Barrows and Had

His Legs Crushed

_____


FOUR EMPTIES ARE TELESCOPED

_____


Engineer Smiley Sticks to Post as

Train Goes Through Open Switch

and was Unharmed


Fireman James Larkin, age 28 and single of St. Paul, had his legs crushed this morning and is at the Brainerd Railway hospital following the Northtown extra freight train wreck at Barrows eight miles south of Brainerd.

Four empties were telescoped by two carloads of flour as Engineer Smiley dynamited his train and tried to stop as he whirled through the open switch up a spur and off that into open ground. The big locomotive plowed into the dirt up to the running board and kept upright, smashing to bits the section foreman’s gasoline car standing on the spur.

The fireman swung to the top of the tanks and was swept down into the wreckage which piled up like a big wave. He was hurried to Brainerd and taken to the hospital and operated on and at 3 o'clock this afternoon is reported to be resting easy and getting along fairly well.

Trains were routed around the wreck by way of Staples. The St. Paul passenger came in over an hour late. The wrecker from Brainerd is at the scene. The track is not badly damaged, the greatest problem being to get the engine back on the rails.

G. W. Chadbourne motored to Barrows and brought back with him Engineer Smiley, whose parents live in Brainerd. Railway officials will make a thorough investigation of the accident. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 August 1917, p. 5, c. 1)


SEE: 14 August 1917

SEE: 21 August 1917


14 August

FIREMAN LARKIN CALLED TO REWARD

_____


Northern Pacific Fireman Injured in

Barrows Freight Wreck Died

Tuesday Morning

_____


UNABLE TO WITHSTAND SHOCK

_____


Home was in Milwaukee, With Road

Seven Years and About to be

Engineer


James Larkin, Northern Pacific fireman injured in the freight wreck at Barrows, died at a local hospital at 4:15 Tuesday morning, unable to withstand the shock suffered. He was 36 years old and had been with the Northern Pacific seven years and was about to be made engineer. Before that he had worked for other roads out of St. Paul.

His home was in Milwaukee, Wis., and his mother and a brother were at his bedside before the end. He lost his left leg at the hip, was bruised all over and was thought to have also sustained internal injuries.

He leaves a mother, Mrs. Mary Larkin, three brothers, John in the printing business in Milwaukee, George a fireman out of Racine on the Northwestern road and Edwin of Milwaukee and one sister, Miss Celia Larkin of Milwaukee.

The body was sent home today. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 August 1917, p. 5, c. 1)


SEE: 10 August 1917

SEE: 21 August 1917


18 August

Two special agents of the Northern Pacific Railroad were in Barrows the first of the week investigating the wreck of the freight train that killed Fireman James Larkin. Six cars were smashed and the engine and 13 cars went through an open switch and off into a field. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 18 August 2017)


21 August

AUSTRIANS DID NOT OPEN SWITCH

_____


Men Suspected of Wrecking the

Freight at Barrows Proved Inno-

cence in Examination

_____


BY SPECIAL AGENTS ON THE JOB

_____


Investigators Make a Report, Placing

Probable Blame on a Section

Foreman


(Little Falls Transcript)

The Austrians who were seen in an automobile at the scene of the Barrows freight wreck, and who were under suspicion of opening the switch that caused the wreck, have established their innocence. Special Agents Friesinger and Ryan have just completed an investigation of the wreck and have made a report placing the probable blame on a section foreman whose handcar was on the siding on which the train was wrecked.

The Austrians, who live in Crosby, proved that they had been at Brainerd to be examined for the draft and that the sheriff had sent them away and told them to return in the afternoon. They went to inspect some lots which they owned next to the siding at Barrows. An inspection of the county records showed that they owned the lots on which they had been standing that morning, when it was thought they were waiting for someone who was coming on the freight with liquor.

They did not run away when the train smashed, but started to drive their car in to take the injured fireman to Brainerd. Another car got there ahead of them, however, and they followed behind it all the way to the hospital in Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 August 1917, p. 5, c. 1)


SEE: 10 August 1917

SEE: 14 August 1917


RAILWAY REPORTS SHOW WAR AID

_____


St. Paul, Minn., Aug. 21—Definite results are being accomplished by the railways in their war work, according to a statement made by G. W. Murnane, secretary, committee on car service, today. He says further great service will be performed.

“Reports just received by the railroads’ war board show that the railroads of the country, in their co-operative efforts to give the public the greatest possible amount of freight service have effected an extraordinary improvement in the freight car supply,” he said. “These reports show that the excess of unfilled car requisitions was only one-fourth as great on August 1, 1917, as on May 1, 1917. The excess of unfilled car requisitions on May 1 was 148,627; on June 1 it was 196,647; on July 1 it was 77,682 and on August 1 it had been reduced to 33,776.

“This result has been accomplished at a time when the railroads are supplying from fifteen to twenty percent more freight service with the same number of cars than was being given this time last year, for the railroads handled in July a tremendous increase in both government and commercial traffic. The movement of cantonment supplies, alone, occupied the full services of more than 30,000 cars. There was also an extraordinarily heavy demand for cars to transport food products as well as materials to and from munition factories.

“The result above achieved has been accomplished by co-operation with the railroads of shippers, regulating bodies and the public generally. This co-operation has made possible the intensive loading of freight cars, prompter unloading, the elimination of a large amount of unnecessary passenger train service and an opportunity generally to utilize the railroad plant efficiently.

“The aim of the railroads at the present time is to put each car to the greatest possible use, to have empty cars placed where they are most needed, to prevent overlapping and unnecessary service, in other words, to make the entire railroad system of the United States the most effective possible transportation agency in winning the war.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 August 1917, p. 5, c. 2)


11 September

DULUTH RY. SERVICE GAINS WILL AID BRAINERD TOO

_____


CAMPAIGN TO BRING ABOUT MANY REFORMS

_____


Advantageous to Brainerd Giving

Connections with all Northern

Pacific Trains to Coast

_____


Also on Through Pullman Service From Duluth

to the Pacific Coast, Reduction

in Freight Rates


Duluth, in its campaign for better passenger service from the Northern Pacific railway, will, if successful, work about reforms which will directly benefit Brainerd too and it would be to the advantage of Brainerd to give to Duluth its support in their contentions.

As asserted by the Duluth Herald, Duluth is believed to be virtually assured of about all the passenger service that she has been asking for.

President J. M. Hannaford of the Northern Pacific was called upon at his offices in St. Paul by a committee of Duluthians and the requests of Duluth for better service were presented to him.

Especially advantageous to Brainerd would be the points of connections to and from Duluth with all Northern Pacific trains to the Pacific coast, Pullman service to the Pacific coast.

Facts collected by the committee of the Duluth commercial club to prove the need of more and better service over the road were shown and the president of the railway seemed impressed.

He told the members of the committee that he would take the matter under consideration and would look into the matter, agreeing with the committee, on its representations that Duluth should be better dealt with both in regard to rates and service. It was agreed that the road officials, after considering the request, would submit to the Duluth committee proposals for changes and that the committee would consider these and decide whether to accept or reject them. Those present at the conference were the following:

G. G. Hartley, C. P. Craig, A. L. Warner and H. B. Fryberger, representing the Duluth club; President Hannaford, C. W. Bunn, counsel for the Northern Pacific; A. M. Cleland, its general passenger agent, and Oscar Mitchell, attorney in Duluth for the road.

The following details were discussed at the meeting:

Reduction of rates to Duluth from all Minnesota points to the same basis as enjoyed by the Twin Cities.

Connections to and from Duluth with all through Northern Pacific trains to the Pacific coast.

Through Pullman service from Duluth to the Pacific coast or a through train from the Zenith City.

Connections with the Twin Cities-Winnipeg train to give Duluth service to and from Red River Valley points. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 September 1917, p. 1, c. 1)


12 September

KEY MEN TAKE STRIKE BALLOT

_____


Northern Pacific Operators Vote on

the Company’s Raise Refusals

Announced

_____


RESULT KNOWN IN A WEEK

_____


Railway Telegraph Superintendent

Said an 8.32 Percent Increase

had been Offered


Following the refusal of the Northern Pacific to grant the 15 percent increase in pay asked by its 1,300 telegraphers, the men are taking a strike vote among local unions.

The result is expected to be known within a week. It does not necessarily mean the men will strike, but that they will hold out for the increase.

“The average earnings of Northern Pacific telegraphers is $96.51,” said M. H. Clapp, superintendent of telegraph. “We have offered them a 8.32 percent increase, which would make the Northern Pacific scale in excess of wages paid or contemplated by other roads in our territory. The increase we offered, in most cases is greater than granted employees of other organizations the last past six months, and would mean an additional expense to the company of $104,976.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 September 1917, p. 5, c. 4)


26 September

WOMEN BRAKIES ON N. P. ROAD

_____


Their Employment Being Considered

by the Management, Strong Pro-

tests Probable

_____


THE TRAINMEN MAY OBJECT

_____


Draft is Taking Many Brakemen from

the Employ of Railways and

Substitutes Needed


Spokane, Sept. 25—”If necessary, we can use women in the passenger braking service.”

This statement from Trainmaster Douglas of the Northern Pacific division at Pasco is causing considerable discussion in the ranks of trainmen.

The Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen and members of other brotherhoods have been trying to get information concerning the plans and will present to the meetings of the locals a letter from B. B. Johnson, who handles grievance matters for the road.

The comment from Trainmaster Douglas follows a request from Harley Croston, brakeman, asking for an affidavit for his appeal for exemption from draft. Croston was refused, and the intimation was left that the Northern Pacific would consider that brakemen are not necessary to the maintenance of the industry or the prosecution of the war.

Superintendent J. L. DeForce of Spokane says no addition to the working force of women is contemplated. Last spring many were put on wiping engines and cleaning coaches. It is expected the trainmen’s brotherhood will protest strongly if women are prepared for their jobs. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 September 1917, p. 3, c. 4)


01 October

EIGHT HOUR DAY 10 PERCENT RAISE

_____


Operators on Northern Pacific Road

Have Effected an Agreement

With the Company

_____


REGARDING HOURS AND PAY

_____


New Hour Schedule Effective Oct. 1

and the New Pay Scheduled

Dates From Sept. 1


An eight-hour day for all operators on the Northern Pacific system and a 10 percent increase in pay will be effected by an agreement just reached by the company and the telegraphers. Division chairmen met in St. Paul Monday to adjust the new schedule.

The new schedule provides for eight hours’ work in 10 where only one operator is employed, eight hours in nine where two are employed and eight consecutive hours where three or more men are employed.

The new pay schedule provides for a 10 percent increase, based on a minimum of $7.50 per position. The new hour schedule is effective Oct. 1 and the pay increase Sept. 1. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 October 1917, p. 5, c. 5)


05 October

C. D. McKay has returned from Dunkirk, New York, where he has been inspecting engines for the Northern Pacific railway since July 16. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 October 1917, p. 2, c. 3)


STRIKE IS AVERTED

_____


Northern Pacific Telegraphers Sign

an Agreement to Work Under

Provisions of Adamson Law


A strike of telegraphers on the Northern Pacific railroad was averted today by an agreement signed by the representatives of the employees providing a wage increase of 15 percent.

10 percent in cash and 5 percent in concessions. The telegraphers agreed to work under the provisions of the Adamson eight hour law, receiving overtime for all time worked over eight hours. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 October 1917, p. 2, c. 5)


08 October

WOMAN HURT AT THE SHOPS

_____


Mrs. Edith Fourre, employed in the store room of the Northern Pacific railway shops, was severely injured, several bones being broken, when she was caught between a pile of flues and a car. The side of the box, it is said, gave out and precipitated the flues on her. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 October 1917, p. 5, c. 4)


17 October

RAILROAD CLERKS WAGE INCREASE

_____


General Strike of These Railway Em-

ployees has Been Prevented

by Tentative Agreement

_____


NEW WAGE BEING DRAWN UP

_____


Eight Hour Day, Increases of Wages,

New Working Rules Included

in the Demands


A dispatch from St. Paul states that an eight hour day, wage increases in some offices and new working rules were included in the tentative agreement between officials of the Northern Pacific railroad and a grievance committee of Northern Pacific line clerks and station employees, framed late yesterday at a meeting in the office of John N. Rapelje, in St. Paul. The conference will continue today and perhaps tomorrow.

The agreement framed yesterday prevented a general strike of the employees, but is only tentative. A new wage scale and permanent agreement will be drawn up by representatives of the railroad company and the employees’ organization at a meeting December 3. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 October 1917, p. 5, c. 3)


25 October

RAILWAY EMPLOYEES LODGE TO AID FUND

_____


Brotherhood of All Railway Employees

Give Benefit Dance for Camp

Dodge Men Nov. 2

_____


At Gardner Auditorium, Imperial Orchestra to

Play, Will Help Thanksgiving Day

Spread in the Camp


The Brotherhood of All Railway Employees will give a benefit dance Friday evening, November 2, at Gardner auditorium, for the Crow Wing county boys at Camp Dodge.

The Imperial orchestra will play. The proceeds will help swell the fund for the soldiers at Camp Dodge and get there in time to provide extra delicacies for Thanksgiving day.

Dancing commences at 9 o’clock sharp. Tickets will be 75c each, ladies free. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 October 1917, p. 1, c. 7)


10 November

N. P. CARNIVAL SUITS

_____


Conservation of woolen goods is just as much of a patriotic duty as saving food. Bring your Carnival mackinaw to the Model Laundry and have it dyed your favorite color, they can furnish that beautiful new purple shade for the ladies. Ask us for samples. (Adv.) (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 November 1917, p. 5, c. 3)


23 November

MACHINISTS TO AID DISPATCH SMOKE FUND

_____


North Star Lodge of Machinists to

Give Proceeds of Annual New

Year’s Eve Ball to Fund

_____


President Bert Kyllo and Other Members Urge

Public to Respond by Generous

Purchase of Tickets


At a regular meeting of North Star Lodge No. 197, International Association of Machinists, it was decided that the entire proceeds from their annual ball on New Year’s eve, December 31, 1917, at the Gardner auditorium, shall be turned over to the Brainerd Dispatch soldiers’ tobacco fund.

President Bert Kyllo and other members of the union hope the public will respond to this worthy cause by a liberal purchase of tickets. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 November 1917, p. 1, c. 7)


24 November

WEIGHTY SIGNALS

_____


Metal “Stop” Signs Replace the Flags

for Crossing Flagmen, Weigh

25 Pounds Each


No more will the crossing flagman lightly wave a flag and say “Stop” to the automobile man, the lady with the baby carriage and the businessman engrossed in his newspaper.

Instead, he will swing a weighty metal sign on which is imprinted the word “Stop.” The metal standard weighs 25 pounds. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 November 1917, p. 5, c. 1)


27 December

ROADS GO UNDER CONTROL OF U. S.

_____


Government Takes Over Rail-

roads With Secretary Mc-

Adoo As Director General

_____


ALL SYSTEMS INCLUDED

_____


President Issues Proclamation As-

suming Control of Every Trans-

portation Line Engaged in

General Business.

_____


Washington, Dec. 27.—President Wilson proclaims government possession and operation of the nation’s railroads to become effective at noon Friday, December 28.

William McAdoo, retaining his place in the cabinet as Secretary of the Treasury, is placed in charge as director general of the railroads.

Every railroad engaged in general transportation, with its appurtenances, including steamship lines, is taken over and all systems will be operated as one under the director general.

In a statement accompanying his proclamation the President announced that as soon as Congress reassembles he will recommend legislation guaranteeing pre-war earnings and maintenance of railroad properties in good repair.

Government backing will be given to new issues of railroad securities that a ready market may be found.


Move Proves Great Surprise.

The President’s move, though forecast for weeks, came at this time as a great surprise to nearly everybody in Washington, including railroad officials. It had been generally believed he would await the reassembling of Congress before taking any step. He acted under Secretary of War Baker, through authority conferred in the army appropriation act.

Direct management of the roads will remain in the hands of the railroad officials, and the Railroad War Board, comprised of five railroad heads, will continue to direct actual operation under Secretary McAdoo’s general supervision.

The chief practical effect of government operation will be to permit complete unification of all rail systems, impossible under private operation by reason of statutes prohibiting pooling of rail traffic and earnings.

The roads themselves had gone as far as they dared in this direction and it just became known that they had been warned by Attorney General Gregory that a violation of anti-pooling laws could not be permitted. This situation was fully realized by President Wilson, who, in his statement, declared the roads had gone as far as they could and already some systems were endangering their earnings in attempting unification.


Earnings to Be Guaranteed.

Although the proclamation applies to all electric lines engaged in general transportation, local interurban systems are specifically exempted. congress will be asked to guarantee earnings equivalent to the net operating income of each railroad in the three-year period ending June 30, 1917. Railroad experts estimate that this will cost the government next year in the neighborhood of $100,000,000.

The Interstate Commerce Commission and other government agencies, which have to do with the railroads, will continue to perform their functions as heretofore, except that they will be subject to orders of the director of railroads.

The President makes it clear that his decision was not made because of any failure on the part of the railroads to perform their whole duty insofar as they could while hampered as they were by legal restrictions. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 December 1917, p. 1, c.’s 6 & 7)


Employees Will Back Government Control of Railways

_____


(By United Press)


Washington, Dec. 27.—A brotherhood leader here to confer with President Wilson this afternoon told the United Press that the officials and railway employees will back the government control. Railway executives have already expressed their intention of cooperation. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 December 1917, p. 1, c. 6)


29 December

MACHINISTS’ NEW YEAR’S EVE BALL TO AID TOBACCO FUND

_____


NORTH STAR LODGE

ANNUAL BALL DEC. 31

_____


All Proceeds to be Turned Over to

the Brainerd Dispatch Tobacco

Fund for the Soldiers

_____


Machinists’ Drum Corps to Lead Grand March,

Blue Ribbon Orchestra 10 Pieces

to Furnish Music


The Machinists’ ball New Year’s eve at Gardner auditorium will feature a novelty in social affairs. The Machinists’ drum corps will lead the grand march.

North Star Lodge No. 197 annual ball December 31, 1917, will bid farewell to the old year and usher in the new. The function will be given for a patriotic purpose, for all proceeds are to be turned over to the Brainerd Dispatch Tobacco Fund for the soldiers.

This noble determination on the part of the machinists and their hundreds of friends ought to fill the spacious auditorium, and in addition to all in attendance having a royal good time they will be doing the soldiers at the front a good turn.

The Blue Ribbon orchestra of ten pieces will furnish delightful music and the Machinists’ drum corps will play the grand march, a novelty in itself. Chairman Hugo L. Sundberg vouches for a good time. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 December 1917, p. 1, c. 1)


31 December

N. P. EMPLOYEES GET WAGE RAISE

_____


15,000 Will Benefit From the New

Raise Announced, a 10 Per-

cent Increase

_____


BONUS PLAN DISCONTINUED

_____


Those Whose Pay Equals $250 a

Month and Others Named Ex-

cluded From Increase


An increase of 10 percent in wages of 15,000 employees of the Northern Pacific railroad and 500 employees of the Northern Express company on Jan. 1 was announced Saturday by President J. M. Hannaford.

The addition to the annual payroll will total $1,500,000 and is a recognition of the decreased purchasing power of the present wages.

In granting the increase, President Hannaford announced that the bonus plan will not be continued after Dec. 31, the straight raise in pay taking its place. The final bonus, totaling $750,000, will be distributed Monday.

Every employee of the two companies, with the exception of those whose wages are fixed by contracts or schedules, made by collective agreements will receive the increase. Those where pay equals $250 a month also are excluded from the increase and none will be granted which will make the total pay more than $250 a month.

The bonus followed, in a general way, an advance of 5 percent given in October, 1916, to the same class of employees. It is the first time in the history of an American railway that three wage increases were granted to unorganized classes within 15 months.

The majority of those who will receive the new increase and the second half of this year’s bonus, are engaged in office and clerical work. Section laborers, telegraphers, some station employees, general office employees in St. Paul and Tacoma, Wash., and along the line in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon, are included. It also includes company representatives in passenger and freight solicitation offices. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 December 1917, p. 5, c. 2)


1918

01 January

An increase of ten percent in the wages of 15,000 employees of the NP Railroad was announced yesterday because of decreased purchasing power of current pay. This will amount to an additional $1.5 million of payroll. Those making $250 per month or more will not receive an increase. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 01 January 2018)


GOLDEN STREAM OF PAY DAY IN CITY

_____


Northern Pacific Railway Shops and

Store room Disbursing $50,000,

on Semi-Monthly Pay Day

_____


Northwest Paper Co. Payroll Today is About

$7,000—Parker and Topping Foundry

to Pay $6,000


Pay day at Brainerd today is resulting in the disbursement of most satisfactory amounts by the various large industries of the city.

The Northern Pacific railway shops and store room on January 15 paid approximately $50,000. The freight depot received about $1,300 and the yards about $1,500.

The Minnesota & International railway pay day amounted to about $7,000.

The Parker & Topping co. foundry pays out on the 17th about $5,000.

In addition there are many smaller enterprises, stores, laundry, sash and door factory, etc., all helping to pile up the quota of money paid out in wages. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 January 1918, p. 1, c. 1)


24 January

MEETS WITH ACCIDENT

_____


John D. Beugnot Loses Part of His

Left Hand, Wheels From Travel-

ing Crane Running Over It


John D. Beugnot, one of the paint crew of the Lake Superior division of the Northern Pacific, and a son of Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Beugnot of this city, lost three fingers and a part of his left hand yesterday while at work painting at the shops in this city. Mr. Beugnot was on a scaffold near the track on which a traveling crane operates and in some manner the wheels ran over his hand with the above result. He was taken to the Northern Pacific sanatorium for treatment. Mr. Beugnot has a wife and child. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 January 1918, p. 5, c. 2)


25 March

OBITUARY


Stephen L. Bean, mechanical superintendent of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Coast Lines, died at Los Angeles, Cal. on March 24. He was born in Franklin county, N. Y., on March 26 [sic], 1854 [sic]. He learned the machinist trade in the Manchester Locomotive Works and entered railway service with the Wisconsin Central in 1874. He was afterwards employed as machinist and foreman by the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha, at North Hudson, Wis., the St. Paul & Duluth at St. Paul, Minn., and the Northern Pacific. In February, 1881, he was made foreman of that road in charge of locomotives and equipment engaged in construction work in western North Dakota, which position he held until March 1, 1882. On that date he was appointed master mechanic at Glendive, Mont., was later transferred to Fargo, N. D., and from September 1, 1893, to November 1, 1902, he was master mechanic at Brainerd, Minn. On November 1, 1902, he was appointed shop superintendent of the Northern Pacific at Brainerd. Since June 10, 1903, he has been with the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, originally as master mechanic at Albuquerque, N. M., and on April 20, 1904, was appointed mechanical superintendent of the Coast Lines, which position he held until the time of his death. (Railway Mechanical Engineer, Volume 92, Number 6, June 1918, p. 372)


26 March

AUXILIARY RY. HOSPITAL HERE

_____


$350,000 Main Hospital of Northern

Pacific Railway Co. Goes to St.

Paul Headquarters

_____


STAPLES GETS EMERGENCY

_____


Brainerd Auxiliary to Care for Local

Cases, Division Emergency and

M. & I. Cases


Sixteen Northern Pacific shop men of various unions and others who attended the meeting of the Northern Pacific Beneficial Association, in charge of hospital work on the railway lines, assert it is a matter of but a short time when Brainerd will lose its present railway hospital.

The main hospital is to be erected at St. Paul and $350,000 expended. An auxiliary was promised Brainerd sufficient to meet local requirements, emergency cases of the division and cases from the Minnesota & International railway.

Staples was promised an emergency hospital. Brainerd members of the hospital association are anxious to have an oculist and other experts at the local hospital to obviate going to St. Paul for eye injuries, glasses, etc. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 March 1918, p. 5, c. 1)


30 March

The Machinists’ drum corps will play the grand march at the Easter Monday ball of the firemen at 9:45 o’clock. Dancing, however, starts at 9 P. M. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 March 1918, p. 2, c. 3)


Nine Northern Pacific men are taking inventory of rails, tracks, frogs, etc., at Brainerd and are working eastward to Duluth. Hundreds thought they were laying out the grounds for the new depot. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 March 1918, p. 2, c. 3)


31 May

WARNING GIVEN TO RAIL UNIONS

_____


Director General McAdoo Says

That Walkouts Will Not Be

Tolerated.

_____


HOLDING FEDERAL JOBS

_____


Heads of All Labor Organizations

Having Shopmen Among Their

Members Are Notified Government

Cannot Be Intimidated.

_____


Washington, May 31.—Director General McAdoo has reminded railroad employees that they are employees of the United States in time of war and that a strike means a blow at their own government and the hampering of transportation essential to protect the hundreds of thousands of American boys fighting on European battlefields.

In a telegram to the heads of all labor unions having shop men among their members, Mr. McAdoo gave notice that the government cannot be coerced or intimidated and called upon railroad men to remain at their duty and rely upon him and the new board on railroad wages and working conditions for just consideration of their claims. He asked the union leaders to urge upon their men by wire the wisdom and patriotism of this course.


Threats of Walkouts.

A few days ago several hundred machinists and shop men at Alexandria, Va., left their posts in Southern railroad shops in protest against small increases given them under the director general’s new scale of higher wages, and there have been threats of a general walkout of union shop men next Monday unless substantial further pay advances are forthcoming before that time.

“The strike of certain shop men, machinists, etc., in the railroad shops at Alexandria, Va. has created a very painful expression on the public mind,” said the director general’s message, “I cannot believe that these men knew what they were doing. They are all employees now of the United States government. They are not employees of any corporation, therefore this was a strike against the government of the United States.

“This is the first time in the history of our government that any of its employees have attempted a strike against their government. Such action is incredible. For the good of our beloved country and for the honor of railroad men in the service everywhere I hope there will be no repetition of what everyone must condemn as unpatriotic in the highest degree.

“The government cannot, of course, be coerced or intimidated by any of its employees. It is anxious to do justice and will do justice to all, as far as it is possible to measure justice.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 May 1918, p. 4, c. 2)


08 November

KID PARADE GETS AN EARLY START

_____


Nick Christoff Outfits 200 With

Flags, Safety Crackers and

Marches Up and Down

_____


MAKE A ROAR OF VICTORY

_____


Shop Whistles, Paper Mill, Twenty-

Two Mines on the Range, Loco-

motives Let Out Din.


“THE WAR IS OVER!”

The Brainerd Dispatch got the news by telephone from the United Press at a quarter to twelve today. It was almost unbelievable.

The message was repeated to make certain.

Then things began to happen. The Northern Pacific railway shops were notified and they got up a head of steam to blow their whistle.

The Northwest Paper Co. got up steam. The 22 mines on the Cuyuna Iron Range were notified through the First National bank of Ironton. Pequot, Motley, Crosby, Deerwood got the news.

The din started at noon. The shopmen just couldn’t work on such an occasion. It happens but once in generations. They quit work in the afternoon. The big cannon was rolled out and the firing of salutes started. Every train making Brainerd let out an extra long whistle.

“Our boys will be out in the parade,” said E. J. Cook, chief clerk at the shops.

Nick Christoff had the first parade. He equipped some 200 kids with crackers and other noisemakers and flags and they got young Calvin Orth dressed like Uncle Sam to head the procession. Every place in town was visited and serenaded.

Meanwhile, the old cannon is getting heated up from firing. Fire bells are clanging this afternoon. Bells are ringing. Brainerd and Crow Wing county was never so worked up in their lives.

One man ran into the Dispatch office: “Gee, I feel as though I’ve got to get out in the middle of the street and just yell, and yell.”

There was a big run on flags. Every automobile decorated up. Everybody quit work. The court house closed, the city hall closed. It was doggoned hard to get out this paper.


Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber of Commerce will be open to the public tonight and our citizens who are downtown are invited to make use of the rooms to bring their friends. Secretary Lincoln phoned Supt. J. P. Anderson of the shops as soon as the news was received, offering his services in co-operation with the shop boys in putting on the parade tonight.

Business houses are encouraged by the Chamber to decorate with Old Glory and every auto owner urged to be out for the monster parade.

Members of the Brainerd Auto club to a man should be out tonight and in line; it’s a time of general rejoicing and every citizen is urged to participate.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE,

By Fred T. Lincoln, Sec’y.

(Brainerd Dispatch, 08 November 1918, p. 5, c. 4)


TWO NEARLY KILLED FIRING OFF CANNON

_____


Explosion Tears Arms Off Ted Robin-

son, Age 17, Machinist Helper,

at Celebration

_____


NOT EXPECTED TO LIVE

_____


Claud C. Lindsey, Electrician at the

Shops, Had One Arm Torn Off and

Face Injured


Two men were nearly killed by the premature explosion of the Northern Pacific shop cannon stationed at Fifth and Laurel and gave a note of sadness to the peace celebration this afternoon.

Ted Robinson, age 17, a machinist helper at the shops, had both arms torn off and is nearly dead from loss of blood.

Claud C. Lindsey, electrician at the shops, had an arm torn off and was otherwise hurt.

Both were removed to the Northern Pacific hospital.

Four men formed the detail firing the cannon.

It happened about 2:15 P. M. H. L. Sundberg and young Nyquist were the ones swabbing the cannon. Robinson and Lindsey were loading.

A shot had been fired and Sundquist and Nyquist were swabbing and had not finished their work when the other two rammed in a charge. Sundberg said he saw sparks down the barrel and yelled. The fire communicated with the black powder and while Lindsey and Robinson were still ramming the charge, the explosion took place.

Flesh and blood were blown about the corner, making a sickening sight.

Young Robinson is the son of D. A. Robinson, a timber cruiser, of 702 South Fifth St.

Claud C. Lindsey is married and has one child and lives at 825 South Tenth street.

Sundberg and Nyquist, not directly facing the mouth of the cannon were not injured. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 November 1918, p. 5, c.’s 1 & 2)


11 November

BRAINERD DISPATCH FLASHES THE NEWS

_____


Telephone Message from United Press

Received at the Office at 2:30

This Morning

_____


OFFICIAL FROM WASHINGTON

_____


This Time It Was a Sure Thing, and

No Admiral’s Statement About

War—City Celebrates


From Monday’s Daily—

GERMANY SURRENDERS!

The parade celebrating the end of World War I, 15 November 1918. A 1171x699 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The Brainerd Dispatch got the news at 2:30 this morning by telephone from the United Press, and it was the real thing this time, official from Washington.

According to Paris time the Allies and Germany signed the armistice terms at 5 o’clock this morning.

Having had one premature announcement by United Press the Dispatch this time made the announcement by a special edition which was put on the street at 5:50 a. m. and which was backed up by a United Press telegram at 8:11 a. m.

Celebration Accident

Ben Thomas of N. E. Brainerd shot a finger off this morning while celebrating.


Brainerd Goes Wild

The Northern Pacific railway shops ceased work quickly and all downtown was soon black with people. Automobiles were gaily decorated with the national colors. At every home the flags flashed out.


Machinists’ Drum Corps

The Machinists’ drum corps mobilized and marched to the Chamber of Commerce and played in the street.


Nick Christoff

Nick Christoff, who last Thursday staged the kid parade, today got a Ford truck and the orchestrion from the roller rink. No power could be obtained to run the machinery and so volunteers turned the handle.


Big Parade Underway

At 9:15 a. m. the big parade got a start downtown. It was a spontaneous affair. Led by the Machinists’ drum corps, the unions fell in line, some with banners, others with none. Conspicuous were the Steam Fitters, Machinists and other banners.

After them came cars and cars, decorated in patriotic colors. The shop whistle tooted a loud accompaniment to the cheering.

Girl clerks filled several large trucks and yelled and yelled. C. L. Motl staged a new kind of a noise maker. Three sections of curved sheeting had an iron “axle attached” with numerous bells, bolts and other iron scraps and drawn by a Ford emitted one continuous rattle and roar.


Everybody Quits Work

Stores downtown early ceased to function. The boss didn’t show up and the clerks were out celebrating.


Parade Grows Larger

The Brainerd City band joined the parade at the Citizens State bank block. The Star Spangled Banner was the first offering and the crowd bared heads. Cheers split the air at its conclusion.


More Banners

More banners, more men, women and children in the parade. H. W. Linnemann at the rear urged all to come in and they marched. More cars joined.


At the Postoffice

Postmaster H. P. Dunn hoisted to the breeze the flags of all the Allies. At the top of the flagpole floated Old Glory, then the brave Belgian, the vigorous English, the victorious Italian.


“Fat” Wood

“Fat” Wood and friends in a car carried an effigy of the kaiser. “Fat” was one of the first celebrators on the street, covering the town in Henry Johnson’s bus. “Fat” and a few other early birds awoke everybody in the business district and helped spread the first issue of the Daily Dispatch.


Kids Galore

Kids galore were in line. One rig pulled by a lone horse carried 16 kids, their restaurant tom-tom, etc.


Trains Whistle

Yard engines started tooting early, singly and in chorus. Nobody begrudged the steam and coal used.


Shop Whistle

The shop whistle roared at minute intervals during the parade. The Northwest Paper Co. mill tooted. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 November 1918, p. 2, c. 2)


FUND FOR THE CANNON VICTIMS

_____


Started at the Dispatch Office by May-

or R. A. Beise to Aid Rob-

inson and Lindsey

_____


SAD HAPPENING OF THURSDAY

_____


Never has a more worthy appeal been addressed to the people of Brainerd than the fund started by Mayor R. A. Beise for Ted Robinson and Claud Lindsey injured by the premature explosion of the cannon at the “peace” celebration on Thursday, November 7.

Robinson and Lindsey patriotically assisted to fire the cannon and the first lost both hands and the second one hand when the ramrod was discharged.

Mayor Beise was in the Dispatch office next day and deposited $10 to start the fund. The next contributor was E. J. Cook, chief clerk of the Northern Pacific railway shops, who gave $5.

More will be added, all that Brainerd needs is to have its attention called to it.

Prompt surgical attendance at the Northern Pacific hospital and expert nursing saved the lives of the two men injured. Robinson is a mere lad. His older brother is sick with pneumonia. Lindsey is a young man with wife and child.

And when the real news came and the armistice was signed by Germany on Monday, the two on their ‘bed of pain’ gave their thanks too that the war was over and nurses and hospital attaches cried over the occurrence.

F. H. Simpson, vice president of the Citizens State bank added $3 to the fund this morning. Nick Christoff added $2, and F. W. Wieland $2. This makes the total $22 up to 11 A. M. Wednesday. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 November 1918, p. 7, c. 5)


1919

15 January

No event has surprised Brainerd more since the signing of the armistice than the announcement that the Northern Pacific Railway Company budget for 1919 includes a $65,000 appropriation for a new passenger depot for Brainerd. The new depot is to replace the little barn-like contraption that nestles near the Belgian-like ruins of the 40-year-old remains. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 15 January 1999)


20 May

Engineer Hurt


When Road Engine No. 623 backed up in the yards and its cab was sideswiped. Engineer Andrew Eck was badly bruised and removed to the hospital. He is recovering. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 May 1919, p. 5, c. 4)


28 May

WORK TO START ON NEW DEPOT

_____


J. M. Hannaford Makes Announce-

ment to G. D. LaBar, Chairman

Railway Committee

_____


OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

_____


“Necessary Authorization Received

From Administration and Cor-

poration,” is Wired


Brainerd is to have a new railway depot and work is to start on the same this season and carried to completion rapidly is the gist of the news, welcome to all Brainerd, as announced by George D. LaBar, the chairman of the railway committee of the Chamber of Commerce.

Following interminable correspondence and telegrams which would have discouraged many another chairman or committee, success was attained.

In a letter to R. H. Aishton, Regional Director of the Railroad Administration, Northwestern Division, Chicago, Mr. LaBar recited conditions in Brainerd, the fire of February 5, 1917, which destroyed the depot, the efforts made to get a structure adequate for the needs of Brainerd, the promise made to build and the setbacks experienced.

In paragraphs of such letter Mr. LaBar stated: “We here in Brainerd cannot believe that the Railroad Administration or the Railway Corporation are in such financial straits that they cannot, in some way, arrange for the comparatively small amount of money that will be required to furnish the kind of a passenger station which should be provided for Brainerd, and I am taking the liberty of calling your personal attention to this important matter so that immediate steps may be taken to reinstate the Brainerd depot in the work that is to be commenced this spring and brought to completion in the early fall. If prompt action is not taken, we are liable to be told a little later on, that harvests will cause a shortage of labor and that the work will have to be deferred for another year.

“While writing this letter personally, I am voicing the sentiments of the people of Brainerd (we are prepared to send in petitions and delegations, to St. Paul, Chicago and Washington if you so desire) and sincerely trust you will give this matter, which is of the utmost importance to our people, your earnest consideration and that you will forthwith order the immediate beginning of the of the work so that it may be completed during the summer...”

Mr. Aishton referred the letter to J. M. Hannaford, Federal Manager, Northern Pacific railroad, St. Paul.

In a telegram dated May 13, Mr. LaBar again reminded Mr. Aishton, Regional Director, R. R. Administration, Chicago, that “to provide Brainerd with badly needed depot facilities before winter it was absolutely necessary that construction be commenced at once.”

On May 13 Mr. Aishton wired in response: “Construction of new depot at Brainerd is actively under consideration and expect to reach decision in a few days.”

On May 21 Mr. Aishton wired: “I have today advised the federal and corporate officers of the Northern Pacific railroad that, provided they can make the necessary arrangements regarding financing, the railroad administration, realizing the necessity for a new depot at Brainerd, will approve the construction of same, and I have asked Mr. Hannaford to communicate direct with you in the matter.”

In a letter Mr. Hannaford stated that Mr. Stevens, chief engineer, had been working on the depot plans, doing engineering work necessary before bids can be obtained.

On May 27 J. M. Hannaford wired: “Have received the necessary authorization from administration and corporation and have made necessary provisions for financing and work in connection with Brainerd station will be commenced at an early date and prosecuted as rapidly as is consistent with reasonable economy.”

Mr. LaBar wired in return: “Hurrah for Brainerd! Hugely gratified at progress. Appreciate your efforts and congratulate you. Anxious to announce publicly in press. Any objections?”

Mr. Hannaford answered by wire: “Brainerd people have waited long and patiently and it is appreciated. I have no objection to your announcing the result.”

The following is the report submitted the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce at Wednesday afternoon’s meeting:


Brainerd Chamber of Commerce,

Brainerd, Minnesota.

Gentlemen:

The Railway Committee of the Brainerd Chamber of Commerce has been actively at work ever since the destruction of the Brainerd station on Feb. 5th, 1917, with the constant aim of having a new depot built at the earliest possible date and furthermore a structure in keeping with the size of Brainerd, its present and future requirements.

The project progressed fairly well for a time, a site was selected, plans and specifications prepared; but war conditions made it necessary to put off the work until the spring of 1918. But when that time arrived we were shown that it was our patriotic duty to waive our demand for a depot that year. Early this year, however, we were advised by Mr. Hannaford that the plans were completed and approved, and that an appropriation for same had been allowed by the Federal Administration, and that work would commence early this spring.

Our hopes of the completion or even the start of the structure were completely shattered in March when we were informed that the Federal Railroad Administration had definitely excluded the Brainerd Depot from the 1919 work on account of the serious shortage of finances which required the elimination of a large amount of work, among which was the Brainerd depot.

From the attached copies of letters and telegrams exchanged with R. H. Aishton, Regional Director of the Railroad Administration, and also with Mr. Hannaford, Federal Manager, you will note the progress of the Railway Committee’s efforts in connection with this matter.

We are greatly pleased to advise that we have succeeded in getting the Brainerd depot reinstated in the 1919 work. Provision has now been made for financing same and we are assured by Mr. Hannaford that work will be commenced at an early date and prosecuted as rapidly as is consistent with reasonable economy.

Respectfully,

GEO. D. LaBAR,

Chairman Railway Committee,

Brainerd Chamber of Commerce.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 May 1919, p. 5, c.’s 1-3)


PAYDAY TO BE THURSDAY


Payday at the Northern Pacific railway shops will be on Thursday, May 29. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 May 1919, p. 5, c. 3)


04 June

Work is in progress on the depot grounds. Trees are being chopped down on the new site. Old buildings will soon be removed. A corps of four surveyors arrived today from St. Paul. A side track is to be put in for handling building material. Supt. W. H. Strachan of Duluth was in town. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 June 1919, p. 2, c. 3)


11 June

A crew is removing debris and oil houses from the new depot site. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 June 1919, p. 2, c. 2)


16 June

Excavation of a basement for the railway depot has been started under the direction of H. J. LaValley, foreman of St. Paul. Four teams are at work and a corps of men. The basement will measure 162 feet in length extending east to west and 40 feet 2 inches width. Next week twenty carpenters and fifteen bricklayers are to be put to work. A crew is unloading building material. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 June 1919, p. 2, c. 4)


28 June

Work on the new depot is progressing rapidly. All the excavating for the basement has been done and the cement foundation is being poured today. The boiler for the heating plant has been unloaded ready to be put into position before the concrete slab for the first floor is poured. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 June 1919, p. 2, c. 3)


United States Railroad Administra-

tion—Northern Pacific Railroad


Effective Sunday, June 22nd, Yellowstone Park sleeping car service is restored and important changes in train schedules have been made. For new folders and information apply to ticket agent. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 June 1919, p. 2, c. 3)


16 July

RAILWAY MEN VISIT BRAINERD

_____


Party Included Thomas Cooper, Vice-

President; Grafton Mason, J. M.

Hughes, Carl Zapffe

_____


MR. COOPER ONCE LIVED HERE

_____


He Rose from Clerkship to Vice-Pres-

idency, Much Credit Due Him for

Gaining New Depot


In the party of railway men in the city recently were Thomas Cooper, Vice President and Land Commissioner, Grafton Mason, land attorney, J. M. Hughes eastern land agent and Carl Zapffe geologist. The party inspected the company’s iron ore properties on the Mesabi and Cuyuna ranges. Mrs. Cooper accompanied Mr. Cooper.

Mr. Cooper is one of the Northern Pacific men longest in the service of the company and has risen from a clerkship to vice-president. In the early eighties Mr. and Mrs. Cooper were residents of Brainerd, Mr. Cooper at that time being chief clerk in the headquarters building, the depot building recently destroyed by fire.

It is not generally known that to Mr. Cooper goes much of the credit for obtaining for Brainerd a suitable depot; also, more recently, for granting Brainerd the privilege to put the new water tower on the railway right of way and without charge.

Brainerd, at this late date, sends its greetings to Mr. and Mrs. Cooper, and hopes that they will often share their time with us.

It was erroneously stated last week that George T. Slade, of the N. P. Railway company, was here inspecting iron ore properties. Mr. Slade is no longer with the Northern Pacific Railway company, having resigned a year ago to join the army having been given charge of the operation of Uncle Sam’s railways in France. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 July 1919, p. 5, c. 3)


30 July

At the new depot site the cement was poured for the first floor, men working until 9 o’clock last night to complete the pouring and made it a solid piece. Rain following did no damage to the cement work which had set before the rain came. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 July 1919, p. 2, c. 3)


31 July

LUCIUS F. HALL N. P. CONDUCTOR

_____


Forty Years Ago Employed as a

Brakeman at Brainerd, then

Promoted to Conductor

_____


AND AT HIS JOB EVER SINCE

_____


Known as “Lou,” He has Been for

Many Years Conductor on the

North Coast Limited


(From United States Railroad Administration Bulletin)


Forty years ago, an experienced conductor named Lucius Franklin Hall was employed by H. A. Towne, superintendent at Brainerd as a brakeman. During the same year (1879) he was promoted to conductor, and with practically no time out for illness, he has been successfully piloting Northern Pacific trains over the St. Paul and Minnesota divisions. This is surely a remarkable record, of which he can well be proud.

Mr. Hall, better known as “Lou,” has for many years been on trains one and two, the “North Coast Limited” and enjoys the distinction of being the oldest active employee. The word active is used, as no casual observer would judge him to be some eighty years old and going strong—walking as straight as one of Pershing’s own.

Here’s continued health and good luck to the grand old man of a good railroad. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 July 1919, p. 2, c. 4)


01 August

Bricklaying has started on the new $100,000 depot of the Northern Pacific railway at Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 August 1919, p. 2, c. 2)


05 August

N. P. SHOPS WALK OUT AT 10 A. M.

_____


About 1300 Men Involved

All Except the Store

Room and the

Foremen


About 1,300 shopmen of the Northern Pacific railway shops, all crafts and their helpers except the store room employees and the various foremen of crafts, walked out at 10 o'clock Tuesday morning, after serving notice on Superintendent J. P. Anderson.

For the first time in the history of Brainerd and the local shops such a walk out has taken place involving all mechanics of the shops, being blacksmiths, boilermakers, machinists, pipefitters, electrical workers, tinsmiths carmen and their various helpers.

The only men remaining at work are employees in the store room of the shops and the various foremen of departments. These foremen also have a union of their own and are also identified with various mechanical trade unions.

It is reported that the offer made by Director General of Railways Hines to the national federated crafts committee was turned down today.

The local committee consists of J. V. Otis, president; O. H. Oelwein, secretary, and John J. Roney, treasurer. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 August 1919, p. 1, c. 4)


07 August

Brick work has started at the new depot. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 August 1919, p. 2, c. 2)


11 August

At the depot brick work on the main floor is progressing well. Door frames are being placed in position. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 August 1919, p. 2, c. 3)


15 August

R. R. SHOPMEN DECIDE TO RETURN TO WORK

_____


MAYOR THANKS MEN

_____


As mayor of the city of Brainerd, I wish to thank the strike committee and the strikers for the gentlemanly manner in which the strike was conducted. This is the first time in the history of strikes that no arrest was made and no violence of any kind committed.

Signed,

F. E. LITTLE,

Mayor.


The president of the local federation of shop men, J. V. Otis, received a telegram from the convention at Chicago this morning ordering the men back to work. The order came from the Chicago council and it will be obeyed and the men will report for duty tomorrow morning at 7 o’clock. The men quit work Tuesday, August 5.

It was one of the most quiet and orderly strikes on record. There was no violence of any kind and the men conducted themselves in perfect order. Signs were becoming more and more apparent of the crippling of the roads although the Northern Pacific was affected less than other roads owing to the good condition of engines and rolling stock. It would not have been long, however, before all service would have had to be curtailed and in some cases suspended altogether.

People about town are breathing a sigh of relief for the whole situation was full of dangerous possibilities.

The demands of the men will now be taken up by the president and the question of wages and other demands will be considered in an impartial manner. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 August 1919, p. 1, c. 4)


16 August

ISSUE NOT SETTLED

_____


The streets of Brainerd are quiet this morning. During the strike the streets were full of men walking about or standing in groups. At the sound of the whistle work was resumed this morning at 7 o'clock in the shops and the wheels of that great institution, for over a week idle, were humming with activity.

August 24 the official strike vote will be made. This is a referendum vote for all railroad employees and will determine what further steps will be taken.

The fact that the men went back to work this morning does not settle the issue. This is only an ominous lull in the storm. It is felt everywhere that there must not only be an investigation of high prices but something must be done else the next walkout will be generally by all railroad men.

The story of food profiteering, hoarding and excessive profits as it has been brought forth in the investigations so far made, has aroused the fighting spirit. A radical leader of ability could seize such a situation to fan the flame into a conflagration.

The labor convention now being held in Chicago will determine largely the action of the men till the official vote is taken. After that the result of the government’s attempts to bring about an adjustment in prices will determine the future.

In the meanwhile the only certain thing is the uncertainty of the situation. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 August 1919, p. 4, c. 1)


BRAINERD MADE ATTRACTIVE

_____


With the Tearing Down of the

Shacks Used as Depots the City

Will be More Sightly


When the new depot is completed the old building that now mars the landscape at the site of the old depot will be torn down and the grounds cleared up and parked. For nearly three years now these shacks have been used for the accommodation of the Brainerd public and it will be a glad day when something of beauty takes their place. Many believe that the water tower with its stuccoed exterior and red limestone windows will be attractive and command the notice of every passerby. Ultimately the company will extend its parking system to the river thus wiping out the ugly features of this district as it now appears. The city is being made attractive in many ways this summer with its new buildings, new roads and streets and well deserves the name given to it, “The City Beautiful.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 August 1919, p. 5, c. 2)


20 August

Construction of the second NP Depot, ca. August 1919. A 850x671 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society, Courtesy of the Birney Wilkins Family

Brick work at the Northern Pacific depot is ranging to the top of the first floor windows. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 August 1919, p. 2, c. 2)


23 August

Brick work at the Northern Pacific railway depot is progressing most favorably and the second story will soon be reached. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 August 1919, p. 2, c. 2)


28 August

At the Northern Pacific depot brick work of the first floor is about completed. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 August 1919, p. 2, c. 2)


24 September

Carpenters are framing the dormer windows at the new depot. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 September 1919, p. 2, c. 2)


03 October

TWO IMPORTANT CIVIC CEREMONIES

_____


Laying of Corner Stone of New Court

House, Official Dedication of

Northern Pacific Depot

_____


CHAMBER COMMITTEE MEETS

_____


Speaker at the Corner Stone Laying,

New Depot Dedication May Take Form of Banquet


The Public Affairs committee of the Chamber of Commerce will meet at 7:30 sharp this evening, to discuss plans for two important community functions, the laying of the corner stone of the new court house and the official dedication of the new Northern Pacific railway depot.

The board of county commissioners have requested the chamber to suggest plans for the laying of the corner stone and speaker for the ceremonies. The building has so far progressed that these ceremonies may be held at any time and it is planned to set the date for the present month, extend a county-wide invitation to the exercises and secure a speaker of state-wide reputation.

The official dedication of the new depot will probably be in the nature of an elaborate banquet at which President Jule M. Hannaford and officials of the road will be the guests of honor. These details will be taken up at the meeting of the committee made up of the following, this evening: Chairman Henry I. Cohen, W. H. Cleary, Mons Mahlum, R. R. Wise, L. B. Kinder, A. L. Hoffman. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 October 1919, p. 5, c. 1)


04 October

At the depot carpenters have completed putting on the roof boards and are now adding the cornice. In a short time the roof tile will be laid, being similar to that of the county jail. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 October 1919, p. 2, c. 3)


PREPARE FOR THE CIVIC CEREMONIES

_____


Date, Plans and Details Soon to be

Announced for Exercises at the

Opening of N. P. Depot

_____


At a special meeting of the Public Affairs committee of the Chamber of Commerce last evening, W. H. Gemmell, general manager of the M. & I. railway company, was made chairman of the committee in charge of the reception and exercises to be held in honor of the opening of the new Northern Pacific depot here. The date, plans and all details will be announced in the near future. President Jule M. Hannaford of the Northern Pacific and other officials are expected to be present.

It was suggested that the observance of the realization of the long-cherished hope of Brainerd citizens include an elaborate banquet and, if agreeable to the officials of the railroad company, that the new depot be opened to the public for inspection in the early evening, the banquet to follow at a place to be decided upon later. The secretary will confer with Chairman Gemmell and further announcements will be made soon. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 October 1919, p. 5, c. 1)


07 October

At the new depot carpenters are at work on the roof and have started on one of the porches. Cement workers are putting in the curb for the brick platform. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 October 1919, p. 2, c. 3)


08 October

At the new depot the cement curb for the platform is being poured. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 October 1919, p. 2, c. 2)


13 October

Cement workers have completed the first curb of the new depot platform. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 October 1919, p. 2, c. 2)


15 October

At the new depot two curbs have been laid for the first brick platform at the depot and ground is being leveled of preparatory to laying the brick. Another curb is to be put near the depot. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 October 1919, p. 2, c. 3)


25 October

BRICKLAYER DOES WORK OF 4 MEN

_____


William D. Saum, of St. Paul, a Hu-

man Dynamo Laying

Paving Brick

_____


TO WORK AT N. P. DEPOT HERE

_____


Takes Gang of Men and Wagon to

Feed Him Stream of Brick

for Laying


William D. Saum, of St. Paul, paving expert, will lay bricks Monday for the depot platform of the new Northern Pacific depot in Brainerd. Saura has a record of laying as much brick as four ordinary men and keeps four men busy packing brick to him from a wagon six feet away.

Saum laid the platform and the Northern Pacific depots in Jamestown, N. D., Staples, Bemidji, St. Cloud, etc. At Jamestown he also laid a block of sandstone paving.

Saum carries press clippings from the various cities where he worked. He is a spare built, wiry man of medium size, with muscles developed like iron and as springy as the finest steel. When in action he has been dubbed a human dynamo, and no one has ever disputed his claims to being the world’s champion paving brick layer. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 October 1919, p. 5, c. 2)


04 November

At the new depot the boiler steamed up Monday. Connections will soon be made so that plastering will be underway Tuesday. Roof tile will be laid this week. About half of the depot brick platform has been laid. An extra gang will soon lay the additional trackage near the depot. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 November 1919, p. 2, c. 3)


08 November

At the new depot tile roofing is being laid. Painters, carpenters, and steam fitters are at work in the interior. The weather has moderated so that the painters can also handle the exterior. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 November 1919, p. 2, c. 3)


13 November

William D. Saum, champion bricklayer of the world, who laid part of the new depot platform, has gone to St. Paul where he will lay the wood block floors of two large factories. The depot platform will be completed in the spring when the cold moderates. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 November 1919, p. 2, c. 3)


22 November

At the new depot two-thirds of the roof tiling has been laid. The weather has moderated and enabled the roofers to work to better advantage. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 November 1919, p. 2, c. 3)


25 November

Roofers were putting the finishing touches to the new depot tile roof Monday. Work will soon be carried to completing the porches at the east and west ends. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 November 1919, p. 2, c. 3)


1920

9 HOUR DAY IS NOT RELISHED

_____


Brainerd shop men did not relish the extension of an eight hour day to nine hours, even if the extra hour brought time and a half overtime, and on Friday, first day of the order, no one remained at work over eight hours.

The company made the request for a longer day, asserting the Northern Pacific railway company was short on power. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 February 1920, p. 5, c. 2)


10 February

NEW DEPOT READY BY MARCH 1ST

_____


To be Occupied by Northern Pacific

and Minnesota & International

Railway Offices

_____


General Contractors of Three Story

and Basement Structure are

McManis & Tarnoski


Brainerd’s new Northern Pacific railway depot an imposing structure built of brick, three stories high, is expected to be occupied on March 1 by the Northern Pacific and Minnesota & International railway offices and other forces.

The building measures 162 by 40 feet in size, has a full basement and at its east and west ends large covered platforms. Railway men and others have viewed it and declared it one of the best depots on the whole Northern Pacific railway system.

The general contractors are McManis & Tarnoski, of 484 Endicott building, St. Paul. The general foreman in charge is Val Gersbach. The railway inspector is J. Lie.

The main floor is distinguished by the fine artistic treatment accorded. The floor is of reddish quarry tile, the wainscoting is of a mosaic of terra cotta shade resembling that used in all station terminals in New York, the walls are a buff shade and the ceiling, ornamentally beamed, is of a cream shade.

At the east end, track side, is the women's waiting room 18 by 40 feet in size with toilet. On the opposite side is the men's smoking room 16 by 16 feet with toilet. In the center of the building is the main waiting room 40 by 60 feet with caged ticket office, paneled in oak sides and three windows. The baggage room is 40 by 40 feet in size and attached to same is the baggage and express office.

The second and third floors will house the Minnesota & International railway forces. The rooms are finished in birch with tinted walls. At the east end second floor is the auditor clerks’ room 33 by 40 feet in size with vault attached and nearby the auditor’s private office. Men’s and women’s toilets adjoining. The dispatchers’ office is in the center of the building overlooking the tracks. There is room for nine operators. Other offices are the bulletin room, yard clerk, roadmaster, superintendent tie treating plant and private office, general manager clerks’ office, general manager’s private office, trainmaster, car clerk, engineer of bridges and buildings, etc. The third floor has six offices and large attic for storing at east and west ends of the building.

In the basement is the steam heating plant, Keewanee tubular type. Attachment can be made at the west end to heat coaches in the yards. There is coal storage facilities, stationery storage, vault room, pipe tunnels all around the building.

The roof of the building is of Ludovici [sic] [Ludowici] tile. Brick platforms in front of the depot measure 50 feet wide and beyond the building 16 feet wide with a total length of 600 feet. Another platform of brick extends between the first and second tracks and measures 600 feet long by 16 feet wide. There are also platforms under the covered sections at the east and west ends of the depot and also around the depot.

McManis & Tarnoski, the general contractors of St. Paul, are builders of wide experience. At Albert Lea the firm is putting in a concrete water tower and tank of 125,000 gallons capacity and a reservoir of 1,500,000 gallons capacity. They recently completed the Moose Lake depot, Bellefield, N. D., and depot and blacksmith shop at Como. They have built many large schools in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Mr. Tarnoski is at Brainerd for the week and giving his personal attention to details necessary for the completion of the depot. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 February 1920, p. 5, c.’s 1 & 2)


24 February

A gang of men is cleaning up rubbish near the new depot. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 February 1920, p. 2, c. 2)


06 March

A freight wreck at the north switch in Pequot resulted in an over-turned immigrant car and the dumping of three Titan tractors off a flat car on to the main track. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 March 1920, p. 2, c. 3)


12 April

HOW TO GET MORE TRAIN

SERVICE

_____


Brainerd in the past has had added passenger train service when an evening passenger run continued for a period on the Lake Superior division, Duluth to Staples and return. In the summer months observation cars and additional sleepers are provided on the Minnesota & International railway to handle tourist travel for the lake regions.

The incident of Sunday when coast trains were routed through Brainerd to make a detour of the wreck at Cushing, gave the Dispatch an idea. Why not ask the Northern Pacific train officials to increase Brainerd train service by routing two trains through Brainerd evenings.

That would give the city added service and further take care of lake travel at no added cost for equipment or train crews. Nothing would be more appreciated than a passenger train in the early evening say 6 o’clock, arriving in Brainerd from St. Paul. And another train directed from the main line arriving at 6:30 P. M. from the west and continuing on to St. Paul.

Brainerd has never appealed to the Northern Pacific railway heads for such an arrangement, but if concerted effort is made some results may be achieved. The track is in the very best condition. The trains routed by way of Brainerd would stop, of course, at Staples. Brainerd, Little Falls and then follows, as usual, their main line schedules.

It offers a solution of the problem to gain more train service commensurate with the splendid depot facilities which Brainerd is now blessed with, and can be accorded Brainerd with the least incursion of expense to the company.

Lake travel would have the advantage of a night’s rest in Brainerd, if so desired, and Brainerd hotel service is ample indeed and high class enough to take care of the travel. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 April 1920, p. 4, c.’s 1 & 2)


13 April

ROUTING TRAINS THROUGH

BRAINERD

_____


The editorial in the Dispatch of Monday evening on the plan of routing two main line trains through Brainerd and thus diverting to this section considerable travel which in the past has never seen this region is an idea which caused considerable attention and comment.

It means a difference of 30 miles in train mileage for the company. On the other hand it will bring to Brainerd and this section much summer tourist travel.

Here’s another angle to look at. If the price of gasoline is to advance in prohibitive heights and a shortage also occurs, people will travel by train instead of automobile. A summer vacation once spent in the lake region will be repeated whether the vacationist travels by automobile or train.

Routing those two main line passenger trains through Brainerd will bring this town to the attention of main line travel which probably never before saw this town or section.

It means getting range business to travel via Northern Pacific to the Twin Cities.

A concerted effort should be made to get those two trains before May as that is the usual portal when railways get out their time tables. If town and shops and countryside join in the appeal to the passenger department of the Northern Pacific, we may get those two trains for Brainerd and they mean a lot for Brainerd.

Without a bit of friction Sunday afternoon and evening the main line passenger trains traveled via Brainerd because of the Cushing wreck and travelers took a good look at Brainerd, the new depot, and surroundings. Several commented on the fact that the Northern Pacific depot, situated near court house, city hall, Park theatre, hotels, etc., was certainly in the heart of the city and that the depot shown out like a diadem of stars in the night.

Let’s get those main line passenger trains for Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 April 1920, p. 4, c. 1)


N. P. Stockholders Meeting


St. Paul, April 13—Officers of the Northern Pacific here today were watching with interest news from New York concerning the annual meeting of the road’s stockholders.

Officials have denied there would be any important changes in personnel, but there have been rumors of prospective changes.

The road is expected to prepare for a new era of development as a result of recent relinquishment of federal control. A locomotive program already has begun.

One of the biggest prospects is said to be preparation for development of oil fields in Montana where oil was recently discovered. The Northern Pacific owns 3,000,000 acres of land in western Montana optioned by the government many years ago. All the land now withdrawn is from the region following the oil land.

James N. Hill, son of the late James J. Hill, J. P. Morgan, George F. Baker, Charles Steele and Howard Elliott are reported to have rounded up all the principals available to be in the New York meeting today. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 April 1920, p. 4, c.’s 2 & 3)


24 April

It is expected that the new depot will be open May 1. Brick at the old depot is being removed and shipped to Montana. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 April 1920, p. 2, c. 1)


William Saum will complete laying the brick depot platform early next week. From Brainerd he will go to Minneapolis where he will lay 4,300 yards. The brick taken up at Brainerd will be shipped to Park City, Mont. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 April 1920, p. 2, c. 2)


26 April

The depot platform is being torn up and a large crew is at work laying the new track near the depot. By Tuesday they will be working across South Sixth street and that will then be closed to traffic near the old depot. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 April 1920, p. 2, c. 1)


27 April

A railway crew is today putting in the new track across Sixth street at the old depot. It is expected to reopen the street for traffic tomorrow. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 April 1920, p. 2, c. 1)


28 April

First trains of the Lake Superior and M. & I. divisions to stop at the new depot and discharge passengers were the Duluth passenger this morning and the M. & I. train from the north. Track crews have completed laying track across North Sixth St. and the street is again open for traffic. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 April 1920, p. 2, c. 1)


04 May

LET’S HAVE A CELEBRATION

_____


The Northern Pacific railway depot at Brainerd, one of the finest on the whole system, is to have its official grand opening on May 15.

There should be a civic celebration in which every interest of the city joins—shops, town and country side. Hon. Jule M. Hannaford should be invited and all the rest of the Northern Pacific railway officials to attend the celebrations.

Brainerd cannot overdo itself with this celebration. The new depot means a lot to the city and the first impression it gives to the stranger in the gates of Brainerd is that here is a link of a live railway system, and a live town too or the railway company would not so favor Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 May 1920, p. 4, c. 1)


DROP LETTER BOXES AT DEPOT

_____


Drop letter boxes at the old depot numbered two, one at the west end near Sixth street and one at the east end of the depot. At the new depot the west end box has been placed in position. The east box has not been placed as yet and businessmen and others are anxious to have it located. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 04 May 1920, p. 4, c. 2)


07 May

FORMAL OPENING OF NEW DEPOT

_____


President J. M. Hannaford and Offi-

cial Staff of Northern Pacific

to be Honored Guests

_____


ON SATURDAY, MAY 15TH, 1920

_____


Celebration Commensurate With Ac-

quiring Passenger Facilities of

Most Modern Type


The handsome and commodious passenger station just completed by the Northern Pacific Railway company will be opened for public use on the afternoon of Saturday, May 15.

At that time J. M. Hannaford, president of the railway company with several of his office staff will be present and it is intended to make the occasion a memorable one, and one befitting the celebration of the acquisition of passenger facilities that are second to none for a city of the size of Brainerd anywhere in the country.

A citizens’ committee of which George D. LaBar is chairman, is being formed to take charge of the affair. Its membership in part is as follows:

S. R. Adair, S. F. Alderman, J. P. Anderson, Dr. R. A. Beise, W. H. Cleary, W. C. Cobb, Henry I. Cohen, Dr. Walter Courtney, Edw. Crust, Elmer Dahl, H. P. Dunn, Joseph Gabiou, W. H. Gemmel, A. J. Olmsted, Dr. A. W. [Arthur Wheaton] Ide, Thos. G. Johnson, H. L. Jones, G. D. LaBar, Mayor F. E. Little, Mons Mahlum, Judge W. S. McClenahan, Con. O’Brien, J. W. O’Brien, J. P. Prosser, M. E. Ryan, R. M. Sheets, F. H. Simpson R. D. Stitzel, Dr. J. A. Thabes, E. O. Webb, F. W. Wieland, R. R. Wise, Carl Zapffe, R. K. Whitely.

Others will be added and a full meeting of the committee will be held in the Chamber of Commerce rooms at 8 p. m. on Monday, May 10 to complete all necessary arrangements for the decoration of the waiting rooms of the new depot, the public reception there after the arrival of the railway officials and the dinner to be given the visitors at the Ransford hotel in the evening.

As the time for getting out notices of meetings is short it is hoped that all whose names are listed above and others who have suggestions to make, whether they receive a notice or not will attend the meeting Monday night so that nothing may be left undone to show the railway company and its officials that Brainerd is appreciative of the provision of a building of which it will be proud for generations to come. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 May 1920, p. 5, c. 1)


10 May

Black dirt is being hauled to the depot grounds to lay a foundation for lawns. Cinders are being hauled there for the roadways. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 May 1920, p. 2, c. 2)


DEPOT CELEBRATION COMMITTEE MEETING

_____


Important Session at the Chamber of

Commerce Rooms Tonight to

Complete Program

_____


May 15TH A DAY OF REJOICING

_____


On Saturday Afternoon New North-

ern Pacific Railway Depot to

be Formally Opened


An important meeting will be held in the Chamber of Commerce rooms this Monday evening to complete arrangements for the dedication of the new passenger station.

The people of Brainerd on Saturday afternoon, May 15, will have the opportunity of participating in the ceremonies of turning over to their use the new depot, giving them more convenient public facilities than ever afforded by a depot of any other town of like size in the United States.

Brainerd has secured one of the most artistic, commodious and conveniently arranged passenger stations that is located on the line of any railroad and now is the chance for Brainerd people to show their appreciation by arranging for a suitable program for the afternoon of Saturday, May 15, and then turning out in full force to carry it through.

The citizens’ committee which has volunteered its services in planning for the event desire and solicit the advice and suggestions of all persons in Brainerd who are interested in the matter.

All other engagements should be put aside and a full attendance recorded at the meeting in the Chamber of Commerce rooms at 7:45 o’clock this evening.

The following is a list of the committee as at present constituted and others are expected to tender their aid:

S. R. Adair, S. F. Alderman, J. P. Anderson, Dr. R. A. Beise, W. H. Cleary, W. C. Cobb, Henry I. Cohen, Dr. Walter Courtney, Edw. Crust, Elmer Dahl, H. P. Dunn, Joseph Gabiou, W. H. Gemmell, A. J. Halsted, Dr. A. W. [Arthur Wheaton] Ide, Thos. G. Johnson, H. L. Jones, G. D. LaBar, Mayor F. E. Little, Mons Mahlum , Judge W. S. McClenahan, Con. O’Brien, J. W. O’Brien, J. P. Prosser, M. E. Ryan, R. M. Sheets, F. H. Simpson, R. D. Stitzel, Dr. J. A. Thabes, E. O. Webb, F. W. Wieland, R. R. Wise, Carl Zapffe, R. K. Whitely, Senator Hilding A. Swanson, C. D. Johnson. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 May 1920, p. 5, c. 1)


11 May

OFFICIALS IN SPECIAL TRAIN

_____


Northern Pacific Railway Men Head-

ed by J. M. Hannaford to At-

tend Opening of New Depot

_____


BRAINERD BAND TO PLAY

_____


High School Orchestra to Give Selec-

tion, General Reception Follow-

ing for Mr. Hannaford


PIONEER RESIDENTS

_____


The Citizens’ Committee is anxious to get the names of people who resided in Brainerd in 1872. These include, so far as known, Anton Mahlum, I. U. White, R. K. Whiteley. They will have honored seats at the dinner in the evening.

A large and enthusiastic Citizens’ committee met in the Chamber of Commerce rooms last night to make the necessary arrangements for the exercises in connection with the formal opening of the new passenger station on Saturday next. Judging from the interest displayed and the suggestions offered, the affair is going to be one of the most interesting that has taken place in the history of the city in many years.

Briefly the programme will be as follows: The Northern Pacific officials will reach here on a special train, Saturday, May 15 at 3 p. m., their train being the first one that will officially use the new depot premises. They will be met by the Brainerd City band, which will render appropriate music as the train pulls in. The reception committee will greet the railway officials and escort them to the designated places in the main waiting room of the new station. When they reach there and as soon as the room is filled with as many as conveniently can get into it, the high school orchestra will render a selection. The mayor will then deliver his address of welcome to the visiting officials and Mr. Hannaford, President of the Railway and an old-time resident of Brainerd, in which city he has never lost interest, will tell the citizens how glad he was to be able to bring about the construction of the new building and how pleased he is to be here to meet them on the occasion of its opening, and he will then declare it open for public use. After that the Chairmen of the Citizens’ Committee will announce that a reception will be held in the same room and that Mr. Hannaford and other visitors will be glad to meet the people of Brainerd.

In the evening a dinner will be tendered the visitors at the Ransford hotel. As the railway officials will not be accompanied by their ladies, the dinner will be for men only. The accommodations at the hotel being limited, only those who arrange for their tickets in advance will be sure of securing seats. Tickets will be printed and sold at a rate of $2 each. They will be placed on sale at Dunn’s Drug Store and at the office of the Shop Superintendent of the Brainerd shops on Wednesday morning, May 12, at 9 a. m. and will remain on sale there until Thursday evening 5 p. m.

The number of tickets available exclusive of those reserved for out of town guests and old settlers who lived here during Mr. Hannaford’s residence in this city will be approximately 70, which will be divided equally between the shops and downtown citizens, so those desiring to attend the dinner should secure their tickets promptly. The following committees for carrying out the arrangements were appointed:

Decorations of the new station—Mrs. G. F. Murphy, G. A. Beale, J. E. O’Brien, Mrs. D. M. Clark.

Finance—To cover expense of band, decorations, printing, etc.—J. W. O’Brien, W. H. Cleary, H. A. Swanson and Carl Zapffe.

The Reception Committee will be appointed later in the week. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 May 1920, p. 5, c. 3)


12 May

A GUEST OF THE CITY

_____


On Saturday afternoon, May 15, the keys of Brainerd will be virtually delivered to Hon. Jule M. Hannaford on the occasion of the formal dedication of the new Northern Pacific railway depot in Brainerd.

President Hannaford, more than any other man of the Northern Pacific railway company, is acquainted with Brainerd and he needs no introduction to Brainerd citizens.

Brainerd has a passenger depot of which it is proud and it is glad to honor the man through whose instrumentality it was largely able to secure this splendid public improvement.

The celebration on Saturday is one in which the entire town will be represented, shops, businessmen, schools countryside, etc. And as in the olden days when knighthood was in flower and when the gates of a city were its most important point, so in Brainerd the gate to the city is one which now carries that whole-hearted spirit personifying a town of action, of accomplishments, of the supreme power to DO THINGS and be successful. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 May 1920, p. 4, c. 1)


12 May

SHOPS TO JOIN IN CELEBRATION

_____


Mayor F. E. Little Named Committee

to See Foremen and Shop Men to

Close Early Saturday

_____


ON DEPOT DEDICATION DAY

_____


Business Houses Asked to Decorate—

Citizens’ Committee Meets Again

Friday Evening


LIST GROWS OF 1872 MEN

_____


The list of 1872 residents has gained new members and completed to date in Anton Mahlum, I. U. White, George Bertram, Tim Brady.

Plans for the dedication of Brainerd's new depot on Saturday afternoon are fast nearing completion. Committees named by the citizens’ committee are working hard on their respective tasks. It is hoped to make this opening the biggest event in the history of Brainerd. Certainly the occasion deserves a big turn out. Few realize the amount of effort put forth to secure this building during war times when practically all government construction was a standstill. It was through President Hannaford’s insistent demands upon the Railroad Administration that finally brought their consent, directing the building of this, the finest depot along the Northern Pacific line. Mr. Hannaford was at one time a resident of Brainerd, working here for the Northern Pacific railway company in the early 70’s and he has since always entertained a warm spot in his heart for this city.

Now comes Brainerd’s opportunity to show her appreciation by turning out 100’s Saturday afternoon to greet Mr. Hannaford and show him that Brainerd really deserves what he has done for her. The shop men are showing the true Brainerd spirit in connection with the Saturday’s program. Regularly they work until 3 o’clock on Saturday but on this Saturday they are making a request that they be allowed to work through the noon hour in order to get off an hour earlier so that they can be downtown when the program starts. Mayor F. E. Little was named to see foremen and shop men if this arrangement can be perfected. This mark of appreciation on the part of the shop men should not go unnoticed. It is a most commendable action which they are taking and it is hoped that other organizations will follow their example.

It has been suggested that even though Saturday is a busy day among the merchants, especially so because this Saturday is also payday, still the downtown district should close for perhaps one hour at 3 o’clock, not only to allow the merchants and their clerks to attend, but also because of the fact that if the stores are closed and business stopped for that hour more will attend the dedication, who might otherwise spend that time in shopping which could easily be deferred until later.

If the weather is favorable each business house is asked to make appropriate decorations on the fronts of their buildings.

Another big meeting of the citizens committee will be held Friday evening at the Chamber of Commerce and every member is urged to be present to complete final preparations for the events of the next day. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 May 1920, p. 5, c. 1)


13 May

SPECIAL TRAIN TO COME IN AT 3 P. M.

_____


Saturday Afternoon Bearing Presi-

dent Jule M. Hannaford and Staff

of Northern Pacific

_____


DEPOT AND CITY DECORATED

_____


Addresses to Follow, Depot to Be In-

spected and Visitors Introduced, Dinner in Evening


The committee of decorations for the dedication of the new depot this Saturday kindly requests the hearty cooperation of Brainerd citizens to that end. The committee asks the merchants in all parts of the city to decorate their store fronts. Banks and public buildings will also do their part. Saturday should be made a gala day, was the opinion of the committee: Mrs. George Murphy, Mrs. D. M. Clark, George A. Beale, J. E. O’Brien and Henry I. Cohen.


General Committees

The various committees appointed to perfect the arrangements for the exercises in connection with the formal opening of the new depot Saturday afternoon, May 15, are actively at work and the occasion is going to be a memorable one in the annals of Brainerd.

It is suggested that merchants and others in the downtown district decorate their buildings with flags, etc., in order that such portion of the city may assume a gala aspect. Such decorations are always effective and it is hoped there will be a general compliance with the suggestion.

The station building will be suitably decorated, and thrown open to the public when the special train arrives at 3 p. m. Saturday. After the reception, the station and offices portion of the same will be ready for inspection and all are cordially invited to look them over.


Dinner in Evening

The dinner in the evening will be a most enjoyable affair. It will be entirely informal and business suits will be worn. There are still some tickets left and those desiring to attend should call for them without delay.


Reception Committee

The following reception committee has been appointed to meet the officials on their arrival and escort them to the new building, and after the speaking is over, introduce them to the people as they come up to meet them.

The committee includes Mayor F. E. Little, Dr. Walter Courtney, J. P. Anderson, R. R. Wise, Con. O’Brien, W. H. Cleary, E. H. Jones, E. O. Webb, Anton Gilbertson, H. P. Dunn, D. K. Fullerton, Dr. R. A. Beise. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 May 1920, p. 5, c. 1)


14 May

FINISHING TOUCHES FOR THE CELEBRATION

_____


Citizens’ Committee on Depot Open-

ing Celebration to Meet at

Chamber Commerce Tonight

_____


ALL MEMBERS BE PRESENT

_____


Committee on Decorations Has Mat-

ters Well in Hand. Many Mer-

chants to Decorate Too


Remember meeting of Citizens' committee on depot opening celebration tonight at 7:45 in Chamber of Commerce rooms. Important that all members be present.

The preparations for the exercises in connection with the opening of the new depot at 3 o’clock on Saturday afternoon are progressing rapidly and favorably. The Committee in charge of decorations has their matter well in hand, and the merchants around town are arranging to decorate their places of business so that the city will present a pleasing aspect when the visitors arrive.

The Committee has just been advised that a special train consisting of five business cars will leave St. Paul at 10:45 Saturday morning and reach Brainerd at 3 p. m. sharp. If the weather man does his part it is hoped that a large part of the population of Brainerd will turn out to greet the visitors and inspect the new building. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 May 1920, p. 7, c. 2)


15 May

“DEPOT DAY” CELEBRATED TODAY

_____


Second Northern Pacific Depot, ca. 1920.
Source: Postcard

Today, this 15th of May, A. D. 1920 is “Depot Day” in Brainerd. The civic celebration is one commensurate with the importance of the occasion, the formal opening of the new passenger depot of the Northern Pacific railway company.

Brainerd now possesses a depot which is the equal of any town of its size in the United States. Situated in the heart of Brainerd, easy of access, Brainerd’s new depot gives the visitor in Brainerd a good impression, for her, he reasons, is a live, progressive city and a railway which favors a town with depot accommodations to match up to its importance.

The weather man gave Brainerd today the finest weather in his whole category. A light breeze blew and the sun shone warm and bright.


Special Train

The special train carrying Hon. Jule M. Hannaford, president of the Northern Pacific railway company, and his staff, left St. Paul at 10:45 this morning and was due to arrive in Brainerd at 3 p. m. sharp. The train consisted of five business cars.


Honored Guests

The honored guests of Brainerd included President J. M. Hannaford, Charles Donnelly, W. T. Tyler, J. M. Rapelje, D. F. Lyons, R. W. Clark, H. E. Stevens, H. M. Curry, M. C. Kimberley, Newman Kline, W. H. Strachan, W. J. Bohan, Silas Zwight, Louis Yager, B. Blum and C. C. Kyle, D. C. Pettibone, A. M. Cleland.


City Decorated

The depot has been decorated until it is a mass of flags and bunting. Merchants of the city caught the spirit of the depot and have also decorated their places of business. Every flag in Brainerd has been impressed and is flashing a welcome to the distinguished visitors.


Inspection of Depot

Upon the arrival of the distinguished party, all of Brainerd being at the depot to meet them, the Brainerd Municipal band playing appropriate music, there will be welcoming addresses and then will follow the official inspection of the building. The Brainerd high school orchestra will play within the building.


Dinner in Evening

The complimentary dinner tendered to Mr. Hannaford and official staff will be held at the Ransford hotel at 7:45 o’clock. This will be the menu:

Celery Hearts Salted Almonds

Cream of Tomato

Broiled Trout Shoe String Potatoes

Fried Chicken Maryland Style

Snow White Mashed Potatoes

French Peas

National Punch

Lettuce Salad

Thousand Island Dressing

Glacé la Cream—de Vanilla

Angel Food Macaroons

Demi Tasse

Music, High School Orchestra.

W. H. Gemmell, general manager of the Minnesota & International railway, will be the toastmaster at the evening dinner.

George D. LaBar was the general chairman of the citizens’ committee and shops, town and country side gave united support to the depot celebration. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 May 1920, p. 1, c. 4; p. 5, c. 2)


17 May

FORMAL OPENING OF NEW N. P. DEPOT

_____


Ceremonies Saturday Were Largely

Attended, Every Detail Care-

fully Executed

_____


J. M. HANNAFORD IS HONORED

_____


Public Reception Accorded Him in

Afternoon, Complimentary Din-

ner in the Evening


Second Northern Pacific Depot built in 1920.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Brainerd’s new passenger depot was dedicated and opened to the public on Saturday afternoon. As the special train of five coaches bearing President J. M. Hannaford and party entered Brainerd, whistles roared a welcome, the crowds cheered and the Brainerd Municipal band played.

As President Hannaford alighted at the new station he was first greeted by George D. LaBar, chairman of the citizens’ committee and Mayor F. E. Little. The depot was gaily decorated with flags and the interior was beautiful with cut flowers and ferns. The city itself was gay with bunting and flags, even the water tower carrying the American colors.

In the large general waiting room of the depot, Chairman LaBar called the assemblage to order after the high school orchestra played a selection. Mr. LaBar expressed his pleasure at having President Hannaford the guest of the city and here to witness the opening of the new depot.

Mayor F. E. Little gave the address of welcome and praised the beauty of the new depot and hoped citizens would reflect the beauty of the structure in their homes and streets.


President Hannaford

President Northern Pacific Railroad, 18 May 1920.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

President Hannaford thanked mayor and citizens and reception committee for the hearty welcome accorded him. Just 48 years ago on May 17 he got off the train at Brainerd and as a young man went to work for the Northern Pacific. The Headquarters Hotel then housed the depot. After the hotel was burned the general offices were removed to St. Paul. It always gave him great pleasure remembering his stay of 14 months in Brainerd in those early days. When he came to town he weighed 132 pounds and by the following Christmas he had gained until he tipped the scales at 175 pounds.

The depot planned for Brainerd after the recent fire was a structure costing $86,000. Higher costs and material betterments planned brought the cost of the new depot to about $166,000.

“I now declare this station yours and not ours,” said President Hannaford in closing, and the crowd cheered him. Forming in line the assemblage pressed up and greeted him most cordially.

During the afternoon President Hannaford and official party visited about Brainerd. Accompanying President Hannaford were D. F. Lyons, general solicitor; R. W. Clark, assistant to the president; H. E. Stevens, chief engineer; H. M. Curry, mechanical superintendent; M. C. Kimberley, fourth vice president, Newman Kline, general superintendent; W. H. Strachan, superintendent of the Lake Superior division; W. J. Bohan, assistant mechanical superintendent; Silas Zwight, assistant mechanical superintendent; Louis Yager; B. Blum, engineer maintenance of way; C. C. Kyle, superintendent of office building at St. Paul; D. C. Pettibone, manager mail and baggage traffic; A. M. Cleland, general passenger agent. Chas. Donnelly, W. W. Tyler and J. M. Rapelje were unable to come.


Complimentary Dinner

Claud C. Kyle, superintendent of office building, St. Paul, ca. 1920.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

At 8 in the evening a complimentary dinner was tendered Pres. Hannaford and his official staff. The menu discussed was an excellent one and faultlessly prepared and served by the Ransford hotel.

Short addresses were made following the dinner, W. H. Gemmell, general manager of the Minnesota & International railway presiding. “This gathering,” said Mr. Gemmell, “speaks louder than any words of mine in showing our high regard for President Hannaford. Coming to Brainerd in 1872, President Hannaford rose in rank on the Northern Pacific, witnessed the binding of the Lake Superior to the Puget Sound territory, assisted in placing thousands of settlers in new homes, rose from clerk to chief executive, beloved by his men, and known to most of them and the people served on the railway. It was due largely to his planning and persistence that the new depot was secured for Brainerd,” said Mr. Gemmell.


Pres. Hannaford’s Response

President Hannaford, in his response, dwelt on travel in the early days. When he left St. Paul for Brainerd when first working for the Northern Pacific, it took almost three days to get to Brainerd. “The Northern Pacific has been my whole life,” he said, “and I have enjoyed my labors.” The line grew from 127 miles to 6,600 miles with 34,000 employees. There was as much harmony and pull-together feeling on the Northern Pacific as any railway in the United States. The officers have always been supported by the men.

“There is just as much opportunity for the young men starting in railway service today as there was in my time,” said he. He appreciated coming back to Brainerd and being accredited with building the first real passenger depot. In closing he thanked all for the courtesies extended him and thanked especially the many pioneers at being present.


Pioneers Present

Among the pioneer railroad men of Brainerd present were Richard Ahrens, who first came to Brainerd July 2, 1870, and now in charge of a supply cars; Anton Mahlum, former register of deeds, county auditor, city clerk, alderman, also formerly in the M. & I. auditing department, who came to Brainerd September, 1870 and boasts the longest continued residence in Brainerd from the date named; J. S. Gardner, former locomotive engineer of the Northern Pacific, former mayor of the city, county commissioner, alderman; Tim Brady, an efficient passenger locomotive engineer; George Bertram, an efficient engineer of a locomotive in the Brainerd yards; R. K. Whiteley, former city engineer, surveyor, etc.


Col. C. D. Johnson

Col. C. D. Johnson gave a witty and humorous address. He came to Brainerd at a time when there were 37 houses north of the tracks, 36 south and nothing in Northeast or Southeast Brainerd. He enumerated the business and industries in the town in 1877 when he came here, winding up by mentioning five churches and eight saloons. He paid a tribute to the pioneers of those days from Judge Holland to Judge Sleeper, and paid his compliments to the mothers, too. When the high cost of living came they wore their old clothes, while now the women combat it by wearing less clothes.


Howard Curry

Howard Curry, mechanical superintendent, told of coming to Brainerd in 1880. He was always proud of his association with the Northern Pacific. Anton Mahlum gave him his first letter entitling him to ride on a train without paying fare.

“Brainerd people are broad-gauged,” said Mr. Curry. “My people rest in the cemetery here and one of my requests when I die is that I shall be buried in Brainerd. The cemetery shows no distinction in regard to religious denominations,” said he.

As a youngster Mr. Curry started cleaning engines in Brainerd. He recalled the old Headquarters building, Villard Hotel, skating rink, the Arlington hotel. He was delighted to see the new depot in Brainerd.


R. R. Wise

R. R. Wise told of the faculty J. M. Hannaford had of meeting friends and keeping them. He sketched his career as well as that of many Brainerd men who have also “made good” in the railway world. And many of the Northern Pacific officers had chosen Brainerd girls as their wives.

“We have watched Pres. Hannaford and noted his achievements,” said Mr. Wise. “Money was no object to him, but his friends were. Mr. Hannaford declined an eastern position, content to remain with the Northern Pacific.”

Mr. Wise gave a list of Northern Pacific men and commented on the spirit of loyalty which permeated the whole force.


D. F. Lyons

D. F. Lyons, general solicitor of the railway company, made a happy speech. He told of generally speaking to select audiences in Brainerd being 12 men in a jury here. The officials had no worried look on their faces this evening, because it was to be a talk not delivered in court.

Brainerd’s prosperity, he said, was interwoven with and depending generally on the prosperity of the railways of the United States and particularly the Northern Pacific.

The railway problem was to give efficient and sufficient transportation under government supervision and direction. He wanted to visualize the Northern Pacific to his audience and so asked the general auditor for figures. There were 6,600 miles of railway line in operation, 1400 locomotives, 56,000 freight cars, 1000 passenger coaches. If these were coupled up in one train, it would be 440 miles long with the head engine in Dickinson, N. D., and the caboose in Brainerd. Putting Curry on as engineer, it would take some time for Rapelje in the caboose to walk to the head end and give the engineer his orders.

Under federal control the government virtually paid rent for the use of the roads. There were only five other roads in the United States that equaled the record of the Northern Pacific, being the New York Central, Pennsylvania, Santa Fe, Southern Pacific and the C. B. & Q.

If the Northern Pacific had problems, one can quickly realize how much greater were the problems of roads not as favorably situated as the Northern Pacific.

“I asked the auditor for some figures which I could understand as well as the general baggage agent, for if we two could understand them then any child could,” said Mr. Lyons, “and here they are.”


Operating Revenue

In 1915, the Northern Pacific received in operating revenue $63,000,000. In 1916, it was $80,000,000; in 1917, $88,000,000; in 1918, $103,000,000; in 1919 it was $101,000,000. The expenses were in 1915, $37,000,000; 1916, $42,000,000; 1917, $52,000,000; 1918, $72,000,000; 1919, $78,000,000. Taxes assessed from $5,000,000 to $9,000,000.


What Was Left

Here is what was left each year. In 1915—$21,000,000; 1916—$32,000,000; 1917—$28,000,000; 1918—$13,500,000. The Northern Pacific pays in interest and funded debt and bonds $12,000,000. The Milwaukee road in 1918 and 1919 had left $3,000,000 and it takes $15,000,000 to pay interest on bonds.


Expenses Increased

Expenses have increased in greater degree than revenue coming in. “There has been an increase of labor and materials. What is paid labor should not be decreased, nor is there any hope of reduction in cost of material. Either revenues must be increased or expenses decreased. Facing such a situation,” said Mr. Lyons, “railways of the country must do something to avoid bankruptcy and that something will have to be increasing revenues.”


Arteries of a Nation’s Life

President Wilson had well said that “the railways are the arteries of a nation’s life.” “At present,” said Mr. Lyons, “there is not enough transportation for the country.” “If transportation is stifled,” said he, “starvation follows.” “The interstate commerce commission, in the past, has curbed the ‘horse’ and tamed him, now it may have to feed him.”

“No sane man will say the railroads are not entitled to a raise in rates,” said Mr. Lyons. “We are reaping the harvest of the world war. True, the engineering department may be pessimistic on financial questions, but President Hannaford is an optimist. The Northern Pacific is not afraid of the future. We have confidence in the American people and their sense of justice and when the facts are fully known we will have no trouble and the railway problems will be solved satisfactorily to all concerned.”


Edward Crust

Edward Crust, foreman of the blacksmith shop, county commissioner, former mayor, spoke of coming to Brainerd in 1883 when the shops were only a third of present size. Many improvements and betterments have been made. At the last inventory, Storekeeper Jones had in charge total supplies of $2,000,000.

“If it were not for the blacksmith shop,” said Mr. Crust, “all industry would stop, every wheel quit turning.” “We would have no railroad, no depot, or president.” The whole foundation of the railroad rested on the blacksmith shop. The blacksmith shop department of the shops in Brainerd contained more old hands than any other department of the Northern Pacific.


Anton Mahlum

Anton Mahlum spoke in behalf of the pioneers. Himself one of them, he did not look it, for standing erect like a soldier, speaking entirely without notes and with grace and facility of a finished orator, for one could believe that he had lived continuously in Brainerd since September, 1870, which lacks just four months of being half a century.

He referred to old timers about him and complimented them. The wood depot, the predecessor of the new brick one, cost the company $50,000 was built on the day labor plan and white pine was used throughout. It was the best building on the line in the old days and accommodated the general offices from the president down.

Acting as a clerk in the freight and passenger department was Mr. Hannaford. Beloved by all his friends then as now when at the pinnacle of success, he practiced then as now these same indestructible principles. He always had a kindly eye on Brainerd an it must give him pleasure, said Mr. Mahlum, to see the consummation of the depot project so largely fostered by him.


R. W. Clark

R. W. Clark, assistant to the president, voiced the general appreciation of the official party of the courtesies extended to them during their stay in Brainerd, thanked the citizens’ committee and all who contributed in the success of the day. He voiced the regret of those who were not able to be present.

The Northern Pacific, said he watched with interest the development of Brainerd and the territory on the Minnesota & International to the north of Brainerd. In closing he said the program of afternoon and evening was a balm to everyone in their experience and would always be recalled with pleasure. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 May 1920, p. 5, c.’s 1-4)


22 May

BEAUTIFYING GROUNDS

_____


The beautifying of depot grounds at Brainerd by the Northern Pacific railway company has shown itself to be part of an established policy of the company to beautify the whole line.

At Pillager, west of Brainerd, the company has leased land between the land company office and the depot to the village for a park. The plan for planting trees has been submitted to a landscape architect and as soon as received work on beautifying the park will be commenced. It is expected that the trees planted will be named after local boys who served during the world war, and act as a tree memorial, a plan which is spreading throughout the country. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 May 1920, p. 4, c. 1)


FAST TRAIN FOR COAST THROUGH CITY

_____


Northern Pacific Railway Company

Will Put on New Service Du-

luth, Brainerd, Staples

_____


IS EFFECTIVE ON JUNE 13th

_____


Train Connects With North Coast

Limited, for Which Duluth

Has Been Clamoring


(Duluth Herald)

A train connecting with the North Coast Limited, for which Duluth has been clamoring for the past five years announced by J. L. Thomas, district freight and passenger agent for the Northern Pacific. The train will be a fast express, leaving Duluth at 10:30 a. m. and reaching Staples, Minn., in time to make connection with train No. 3, which passes through Staples for coast points, at 3:10 p. m. It will carry a cafe and parlor car.

The new train will leave Staples on the arrival of No. 2 at 7 p. m. and will reach Duluth at 11 or 11:30 p. m.


Old Train Remains

The only Northern Pacific train now available for Staples and western connections is one leaving at 7 a. m. Passengers wishing to transfer at Staples must wait there three hours for the west bound train. The new order of things, however, will not eliminate the 7 o'clock train, which will be continued as at present, a local train.

The new service resulted from negotiations of Mr. Thomas with the railway management, designed to give Duluth the best facilities for making trips to the West and coast cities.

_____


Note—The Lake Superior division had this train about four years ago and it was a very popular one, arriving in Brainerd about 2 p. m. on its way west, and leaving Brainerd at 7:50 p. m. for Duluth. The Brainerd schedule has not yet been announced. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 May 1920, p. 5, c. 1)


03 June

NURSES’ SCHOOL GRADUATION JUNE 4

_____


Northern Pacific Beneficial Associa-

tion School For Nurses Exer-

cises at High School

_____


ASSEMBLY ROOM FRIDAY, JUNE 4

_____


Commencement Address Will be De-

livered by Miss Eva Anderson,

Red Cross Director


The Northern Pacific Beneficial Association School for Nurses will hold its graduating exercises at 8 o’clock tomorrow evening, June 4, in the high school assembly hall.

The graduating address will be given by Miss Eva Anderson, Director of the Nursing of the Northern Division American Red Cross.

Following is the program:

Invocation—Rev. Frederick Errington.

String Trio—Kathleen Gemmell, Alice Johnstone, violin; John Gemmell, cello.

Graduation Address—Miss Eva Anderson.

Solo—”Invictus,” Bruno Huhn by Dr. G. I. Badeaux.

Presentation of Diplomas and Pins—W. A. Laidlaw, Sec. N. P. B. A.

Chorus—Student Nurses.

Benediction—Rev. Father J. J. O’Mahoney.

Nurses receiving diplomas are:

Margaret Eleanor Brady, Brainerd.

Hazel Loretta Crotty, Cloquet.

Delia Mae Dewaid, Brainerd.

Jeannette Eleanor Haggart, Moose Lake.

Emma Hebert, Brainerd.

Fledine Antoinette Mueller, Minneapolis.

Ida Leonora Ordahl, Grafton, N. D.

Mary Grace Reynolds, Mankato.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 June 1920, p. 5, c. 2)


06 June

NEW TRAIN GAINS MANY PASSENGERS

_____


Initial Run Sunday of New Afternoon

and Evening Train Duluth to

Staples and Back

_____


A CAFE AND OBSERVATION CAR

_____


Conductor John McNaughton, Engineer

Bardsley, Fireman Sundine,

Brakemen Wilkins and Parnow


The new passenger train on the Lake Superior division of the Northern Pacific railway, Duluth to Staples and return, connecting with the coast trains, etc., had its initial run Sunday and was well patronized. On the first trip out it carried ten passengers for the coast.

Known as Train No. 59, it leaves Duluth daily at 10:30 a. m. and arrives in Brainerd at 2:10 p. m. and makes Staples at 2:55 p. m. making close connections with coast trains.

On the way back, as train No. 60 it leaves Staples at 6:15 p. m., leaves at Brainerd at 7:05 and arrives in Duluth at 10:25 p. m. the cafe-observation car formerly on 55 and 56 has been transferred to the new trains.

The train crew on the first trip were Conductor John McNaughton, Brakemen Art Wilkins and Paul Parnow, Engineer Thomas Bardsley and Fireman Frank Sundine. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 June 1920, p. 5, c. 3)


19 June

PECULIAR ACCIDENT

_____


Ring on Finger of Martin Sorenson

Caught in Bolt of Box Car and

Stripped Flesh Off


A peculiar accident happened to Martin Sorenson while he was climbing between two box cars, costing him a finger. He wears a ring on the middle finger of his left hand and while climbing between the cars, he slipped and a bolt caught his ring, tearing the flesh from the finger. Amputation had to be performed by a surgeon. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 June 1920, p. 5, c. 1)


SHOP PICNIC ATTRACTS 2,000

_____


Two Special Trains of Ten Coaches

Each Leave in Morning for Pic-

nic Grounds at Detroit

_____


BRAINERD BAND, ORCHESTRA

_____


Ideal Weather Graced the Occasion,

Picnickers Make Merry Throng

at the Depot


Traveling in two special trains of ten coaches each, 2,000 or more Northern Pacific railway shopmen and their families left Brainerd early this morning for Detroit [Lakes], Minn., scene of the annual shop picnic.

The Brainerd Municipal band and the Blue Ribbon orchestra accompanied the party. Ideal weather graced the occasion. At Detroit parks and lakes there will be dancing, fishing, boating, launch riding and scores of other amusements.

At the shops everything is quiet, with not a soul at work, the shop whistle even quit blowing. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 June 1920, p. 5, c. 2)


22 July

INCREASE IN SHOP PAYROLL

_____


Railway Wage Increases Will Raise

Monthly Payroll at Shops Close

to $200,000

_____


PRESENT PAYROLL IS $157,600

_____


Oldtimers Remember When $60,000

a Month Was Considered Quite

a Payroll for the Shops


Brainerd gains its share in the railroad wage increases, and the shops’ payroll of approximately $157,600 is raised to about $200,000 a month. These are estimated figures.

A general payday at the Northern Pacific railway shops in Brainerd is apportioned about $145,600 for the shops in general, $6,000 for the men paid monthly, $6,000 for the store room.

The increases amount to about $35,696 for shops in general, $1,500 for the men paid monthly, $1,500 for the store room.

Oldtimers remember the days when Brainerd considered $60,000 a month a big payday at the shops.

The increases made are retroactive, dating from May 1. Back pay will come in separate checks for the men.

Included in the railway increases in addition to the shops are many other classes represented in Brainerd’s industrial world, ranging from maintenance of way men and structural and bridge workers to telegraphers, agents, passenger and freight engineers, firemen, etc. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 July 1920, p. 5, c. 2)


25 August

BACK PAY FOR RAILROAD MEN

_____


Great Northern, Northern Pacific

and Omaha Railroads in St.

Paul to Pay Out $7,000,000

_____


TO OVER 100,000 R. R. EMPLOYEES

_____


May Claims Generally Come First,

Followed in a Couple of Weeks

by June Pay


The Great Northern, Northern Pacific and Omaha railroads in St. Paul will begin within a few days to pay out more than $7,000,000 back pay to more than 100,000 employees.

The Great Northern and Northern Pacific roads will pay out about $3,000,000 each to about 40,000 employees on each system.

“It is our plan,” George R. Martin, vice president in the executive department of the Great Northern, said, “to pay May claims first and then to follow in a couple of weeks with June pay. We expect to pay out about $1,000,000 a month for May, June and July.

Mr. Martin said the greatest difficulty lay in compiling the rolls for the first months.

The back pay, due under the recent ruling of the Federal railroad labor board, averages about 21 per cent. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 August 1920, p. 5, c. 4)


30 September

N. P. RAIL CHIEF QUITS; DONNELLY NAMED FOR JOB

_____


J. M. HANNAFORD WILL RETIRE

NOV. 19; POLICY TO BE

MAINTAINED


St. Paul, Sept. 30—Policies inaugurated by his predecessors will be continued in the management of the Northern Pacific railroad. Charles Donnelly announced late yesterday after he had been named to succeed J. M. Hannaford.

Mr. Hannaford, whose resignation is effective on November 19—his seventieth birthday—will remain with the road as a director and vice chairman of the board of directors.

The new president became identified with the Northern Pacific 17 years ago when he was made assistant divisional counsel in Montana. He remained in that state until 1908, coming to St. Paul as assistant general counsel.


Is Rate Expert

Mr. Donnelly who has gained a reputation as one of the leading rate experts in the country, became executive vice president of the road one year ago.

_____


Helena, Mont., Sept. 30—Charles Donnelly, elected president of Northern Pacific, succeeding J. M. Hannaford, who resigned, is widely known in Montana and especially in Helena. He was a member of the law firm of Wallace and Donnelly for about three years, leaving in 1908 for St. Paul, where he became assistant general counsel for the road. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 September 1920, p. 5, c. 1)


02 October

CLASSES HELD IN FIRST AID

_____


Inaugurated at the Northern Pacific

Railway Shops, Doctors Giving

Instructions

_____


FRACTURES ARE EXPLAINED

_____


Skeleton “Jimmie” Taken to the

Demonstration and Bones From

Head to Toe Shown


First aid classes are being instructed at the Northern Pacific railway shops.

In the presence of a large group of interested shopmen, Dr. B. I. Derauf of the Northern Pacific hospital brought in “Jimmie,” the hospital skeleton, and he explained all the bones from head to toe and showed the seat of every possible kind of a fracture, described bandages, etc.

The shops have been divided into teams. The machine shop has seven first aid men, roundhouse one, new machine shop one, boiler shop three, blacksmith shop three, mill three, old car department three, steel car department three, old foundry three, office one. Six lady clerks are also receiving instructions.

The first aid box in each department is kept filled and equipped and is in charge of one man in each department. Each department also has a stretcher. It is hoped to add a motor ambulance to the equipment within the next 60 days. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 October 1920, p. 5, c. 3)


05 October

NIGHT FIRE DESTROYS OLD CAR SHOPS OF NORTHERN PACIFIC

_____


19 Freight Cars Consumed—Loss of

Building Set at $20,000 and

Equipment at $15,000


Fire of unknown origin starting at 10:10 Tuesday night destroyed the old car shop brick building 200x300 feet in size, a story and a half high, of the Northern Pacific railway shops. This section of the railway shops repairs freight cars, etc. Nineteen freight cars, some timbers, lumber, steam heat pipes, etc., were burned.

The NP fire truck parked in front of the clock tower at the office building at the shops. A 1254x856 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The city fire department assisted the shop fire department to fight the flames. Immediately north of the burning building is located the planing mill and power plant of the shops. Efforts were centered on saving these. The power plant houses dynamos, etc.

Heavy power lines running from the power plant to the rest of the shops burned. The watchman making the rounds at 9 P. M. saw no fire. Men working overtime in the store department heard the shop whistle alarm and saw flames coming through the roof of the old car shop. The loss is estimated at approximately $35,000.


Origin of Blaze

As to the origin of the fire, Supt. J. P. Anderson, Wednesday morning, was unable to give any idea. The watchman, John Walters, a faithful employee of the company, had made his rounds and saw no trouble of any kind at 9 p. m.

When discovered after 10 o’clock flames were bursting through the roof. The shop whistle alarmed the shops fire department and the whole town.

Some Brainerd citizens, Fred I. Sanborn, Louis Hohman and others, ascended the water tower and said the sight which met their eyes was wonderful. Flames shot up and showers of sparks were thrown.


Fire Departments

The men of the shops fire department acquitted themselves admirably and it is due to their intelligent, well-directed work that the rest of the plant was saved. At times the sparks set fire to various places in the roof of the planing mill and scorched the sides of the power plant.


Power Lines Burned

Power lines leading to the locomotive department burned. Lines supplying the railway depot, the N. P. hospital, the Y. M. C. A. and various crossing lights ceased to function after the fire and were dark.

At the dispatchers’ office in the depot lamps and candles were used.

There was no work except fire repair and line work at the shops Wednesday.


Tool Chests Lost

Men employed in the old car shops number 150 and half of them are reported to have lost their tool chests and in some instances working clothes. The loss of each burned out will run from $60 to $75 or over.


Loses Estimated

J. P. Anderson, superintendent of the Northern Pacific railway shops, estimated the loss conservatively. As to building it amounted to $20,000 and the lost equipment including 19 freight cars he set at $15,000. He said there was no oil stored in the buildings.

He praised the work of the shops fire department, and was grateful also for aid and service extended by the city department. The pumping crew was a valiant one and kept the shop pumps at high pressure in spite of oily smoke, flames and showers of sparks.

Switch engines were early on the scene with two fire cars and sprayed the south side of the burning building and saved scores of cars sidetracked in the vicinity.


All Brainerd at Fire

All Brainerd turned out for the fire. Automobiles were parked thick on the fill while occupants viewed the scene. Hundreds of people perched on box cars. Others stood on the ground and hugged the fire as closely as possible. As the roof gave way, heavy rafters swayed and amid a shower of sparks launched into the furnace blow.


Going Hunting

Some of the men, out of work, said they would occupy their forced layoff by going hunting and hunting licenses were being issued at the county auditor’s office.


Largest Fire Since New Shops Built

The fire of Tuesday night is the largest in the history of the new shops. Some thirty years ago most of the original wooden shops were destroyed in a fire.

Since the advent of the brick shops fire losses had been kept down to a minimum.


New Tank Used

The new concrete tank of the city was impressed into use at the fire. The valve was opened and a third of its contents poured to the shops, aiding in fighting the fire and furnishing high pressure.


Officials Arrive

Howard Curry, superintendent of motive power, and F. W. Reed, chief electrician of the Northern Pacific arrived on the afternoon train from Staples and inspected the burned area and damage to electric wires, etc. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 October 1920, p. 1, c. 3; p. 2, c. 3)


07 October

BUSY REPAIRING LINES AT SHOPS

_____


Old Machine Shop of the Northern

Pacific Shops Connected Up and

Men Working There Thursday

_____


LIGHT WIRES ARE RESTORED

_____


Depot, Hospital, Y. M. C. A., Crossing

Lights Again on Circuit on

Wednesday Night


The electric light and power wires burned out at the Northern Pacific railway shop fire of Tuesday night are being quickly repaired.

On Thursday morning the old machine shop was connected up and the work of the machinists was going on full blast. By Friday morning it is expected the whole shops will again be at work.

Wednesday night the light circuit was again established and the depot, hospital, Y. M. C. A., and railway crossing lights were again illuminated.


Regarding Insurance

The railway company carried its own insurance which covered its buildings and equipment. The provisions of this blanket insurance, however, did not extend to any personal belongings which workers may have kept stored in the old car shop, according to a statement from the shop office.

The insurance of the railway company is carried in a special fund. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 October 1920, p. 5, c. 3)


09 October

CITY AIDS THE NORTHERN PACIFIC

_____


Linemen and Polemen of the Water

and Light Department Labor-

ing With Shopmen

_____


TO RESTORE THE LINE SERVICE

_____


Fire of Tuesday Night Burned Out

Many Cables, Power Lines,

Light Wires, Etc.


Linemen and polemen of the water and light board are aiding the Northern Pacific railway shop crews to restore electric power and light service at the Northern Pacific railway shops.

The fire of Tuesday night was a disastrous one insofar as power and light lines are concerned and every effort has been centered on restoring this service, so that all shopmen can speedily resume work. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 October 1920, p. 5, c. 1)


30 December

RUMOR OF NEW RY. POWER PLANT

_____


Rumor that a $500,000 Plant May be

Added to the Northern Pacific

Railway Shops

_____


WITH MECHANICAL STOKERS

_____


Located at Some Point Near Shops,

But Independent of Any Other

Buildings


There is a rumor circulated in Brainerd that the Northern Pacific railway shops may have a new power plant in an independent building located some distance from the shops and costing within the neighborhood of half a million dollars.

Inquiry at shop headquarters elicited no information, as they were not aware of any such improvements contemplated. But what gives some color to the rumor is the fact that a new power plant so located would largely reduce any fire hazard and make the new plant much safer than the old one now snuggling against a planing mill.

If it is ever constructed it goes without saying that the latest improvements including mechanical stokers burning coal dust, etc., will be installed. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 December 1920, p. 5, c.1)


1921

23 March

RADIUM DRAWS MANY TO N. P. HOSPITAL

_____


Said to be Only Hospital on Northern

Pacific Railway System Which

Has Radium

_____


USED TO TREAT MANY CASES

_____


Believe Efficacious for Cancer, Rheu-

matism, Goiter, and Kindred

Diseases


The Northern Pacific railway hospital at Brainerd is the only hospital of the extensive railway system which has a supply of radium and in consequence it is receiving patients from every section of railway territory for radium treatment.

Radium is used for treatment of certain cases of cancer, rheumatism, goiter, etc. The supply was obtained about a year ago. As it is more valuable than gold, platinum or silver, only a small quantity is necessary. It is quoted at $52,000,000 a pound.

In a recent article in the St. Paul Dispatch reference was made to radium sources. Some of the specimens belonging to the Clarke geological collections now on display in the St. Paul Institute museum have been found to contain traces of radium.

Some years ago the Brainerd Dispatch published the finding of traces of radium near Brainerd. The pitchblende located was used as a means of photographing on an ordinary photographic plate a key. A common key was placed on the exposed plate and on top of the key was placed a specimen of pitchblende. These were then placed in a drawer from which all light was cut off. Within forty-eight hours the key began to photograph on the plate, and from this a print was made on paper. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 March 1921, p. 3, c. 1)


10 June

Moving pictures were taken of the Northern Pacific railway shops today noon by Manager Hiller of the Lyceum theatre and the same will be shown next week in the news weekly at the Lyceum. The weather conditions were good and the pictures are expected to show up clear and good and reveal in interesting pictures the chief industry of Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 June 1921, p. 2, c. 3)


13 June

BOOKLET DESCRIBES STATE LAKE REGION

_____


An illustrated booklet, prepared by the Northern Pacific, Minnesota & International and Big Fork & International Falls railroads, and descriptive of Minnesota’s lake region, has just been issued. The booklet will be ready for general distribution shortly, according to G. F. McNeill, assistant general passenger agent of the Northern Pacific. The cover of the booklet is done in colors, depicting a Minnesota lake view. The interior of the book contains numerous illustrations, a chapter devoted to Minneapolis and St. Paul, another chapter on the lake park region, detailed information concerning hotel rates, kinds of fish and miscellaneous information concerning individual lakes, together with a lake map. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 June 1921, p. 3, c. 3)


21 June

N. P. B. A. HAS 8 GRADUATE NURSES

_____


Northern Pacific Beneficial Associa-

tion School of Nursing Grad-

uation Exercises

_____


WEDNESDAY EVENING JUNE 22ND

_____


Dr. George Brown to Deliver Gradua-

ting Address, Dr. Walter Court-

ney to Preside


The Northern Pacific Beneficial Association School of Nursing will hold its annual commencement exercises Wednesday evening, June 22, at 8 o’clock in the First Methodist church of Brainerd.

Dr. George Brown, of Rochester will give the graduating address. Doctor Walter Cortney will preside.

The nurses receiving diplomas are:

Martha Jane Brown, White Bear.

Agnes Germaine Emerson, Fargo, N. D.

Francis Ingeborg Linn, Brainerd.

Mrs. Mayme Vance Reynolds, Minneapolis.

Florence Anita Perry, Duluth.

Jessie Lois Smith, White Bear.

Aimeé Isabel Watson, Grand Forks, N. D.

Ida Lydia Mattson, Eveleth.

The public is cordially invited to attend. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 June 1921, p. 4, c. 2)


22 June

DR. GEO. BROWN SPOKE ON NURSING

_____


Topic was “The Orgin of Nursing, a

Biological Explanation,” Com-

mencement Address at

_____


N. P. B. A. SCHOOL OF NURSING

_____


Dr. Brown is Now Connected With

Mayo Clinic at Rochester, Pays

Tribute to Dr. Courtney


At the N. P. B. A. school of nursing graduation exercises, the commencement address was delivered by Dr. George Brown, now of the Mayo clinic of Rochester. His topic was the “Origin of Nursing, a Biological Explanation,” a very thoughtful and scholarly address. He first paid the following tribute to the school and Dr. Walter Courtney:


Introduction

It is with a great deal of regret that we commemorate this graduation year of the N. P. Training School. This year marks the passing from Brainerd of one of the historical medical landmarks of the Northwest. I do not think we realize the far-reaching influence that this institution of learning has exerted. From its inception as a hospital and from the time of the establishment of the training school in 1902, a group of disciples have traveled East and West and have spread the doctrine of better medical and surgical practice. To Doctor Courtney, who raised and matured this medical prodigy, and to those faithful apostles of competent nursing, Misses Whittaker and Strangways, we, who have had the pleasure of receiving a portion of our medical training here extend our thanks for the privilege.

We, of the medical fraternity who have had ample opportunity of comparing the standards of the nurses who have received their education in the N. P. hospital, are in one voice when we state—no hospital has turned out of its gates, a higher type. To the present medical and nursing staff, we realize that a broadening of the work and opportunity has been opened to them, and we know full well, that the work as initiated by the founders will be carried on to a ripe completion.


[...]


Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 June 1921, p. 3, c.‘s 1-3)


21 July

A new water tank of 20,000 gallons capacity is being erected between the “Y” and the Lake Superior division main line. It will be supplied with city water and have an automatic shut-off. The height from ground to bottom of the tank is 36 feet. Engines can be quickly “watered” and with the utmost economy. In the old days a stand pipe was used which wasted water and which required forty minutes to fill the tender of a big locomotive. City pressure will save the need of any pumping equipment. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 July 1921, p. 2, c. 2)


17 August

MORE MEN ADDED AT THE RY. SHOPS

_____


As an evidence of the large amount of work handled by the railway shops and the way it continues to increase is the fact that more men are being added to the force. On Wednesday 16 men were added to the car shop forces. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 August 1921, p. 5, c. 3)


26 August

NEW HOSPITAL WILL OPEN SEPT. 1

_____


$600,000 Railway Institution With

225 Beds Rapidly Approaches

Completion in St. Paul

_____


AT CHARLES ST., SIMPSON AVE.

_____


New Northern Pacific Hospital is the

Base Hospital of the Railway

System


NP Hospital built in 1921 at 1515 Charles Street in St. Paul, ca. 1925.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

St. Paul’s newest hospital, the Northern Pacific Beneficial Association hospital, is virtually complete and will be open for patients September 1, H. B. Smith, president of the association and chairman of the building committee announced today.

The hospital will be open for inspection and visitors from August 26 to 28, from 9 A. M. to 9 P. M.

The structure, at Charles street and Simpson avenue, has been erected at a cost of $600,000. It has 225 beds, and is said to be one of the most modern in the country. It is a three and four-story structure, covering an entire block. Construction started two years ago.

The new Northern Pacific hospital is the base hospital of the railway system. The company has branch hospitals at Glendive and Missoula, Mont.; Tacoma, Wash.; and Brainerd and Staples, Minn. The hospital at Brainerd has been the base, and with its removal to St. Paul, Dr. A. W. [Arthur Wheaton] Ide, in charge there, will become the surgeon in charge here.

Lambert Bassindale of St. Paul, who assisted in planning the Railroad building, is the architect. (Brainerd Dispatch, 26 August 1921, p. 2, c. 2)


SEE: 15 January 1916

SEE: 25 February 1916

SEE: 31 August 1921


31 August

HOSPITAL SHIFTED TO ST. PAUL TODAY

_____


Northern Pacific Railway Hospital

Doctors, Nurses, Patients, Em-

ployees Leave Wednesday

_____


IN FIVE CAR SPECIAL TRAIN

_____


Brainerd Loses an Institution Estab-

lished Here for the Past Half

a Century


A special train of four coaches and baggage car left Brainerd at 8:50 o’clock Wednesday morning bound for St. Paul and carried the Northern Pacific railway hospital staff of doctors and nurses, a number of employees and 20 patients. It marked the closing of a wonderful hospital which for half a century had flourished in Brainerd, which had established a national reputation in cases successfully handled and which during that period had three chief surgeons, Drs. [David Proudfoot] Bigger, [Walter A.] Courtney and [Arthur Wheaton] Ide.

NP Hospital and doctor’s quarters, ca. 1908.
Source: Postcard

So long has this hospital been an institution of Brainerd that it seems hard to accustom one’s self to its loss. Brainerd people stood on the depot platform and tears were shed as the train sped out.

On board were Dr. W. A. Ide, chief surgeon, Dr. J A. Evert, and Dr. M. A. [illegible]. The nursing staff led by Miss Irene English, superintendent of nurses; Miss Bessie Borgers, night supervisor; Miss Ethel Howard, X-ray technician; Miss Margaret Brady, supervisor. The nurses in training included the Misses Alice Anderson, Germaine Emerson, Ida Mattson, Mabel Ordahl, Mayme Northridge, Frances Brown, Kathleen Wise, Selma Krogstad. Eight other nurses in training preceded the train to St. Paul several days ago. Nurses and other employees on the train numbered 45.

The special’s engineer was George Johnson, fireman John Smith, conductor George Patterson.


Old Hospital

At the deserted hospital in Brainerd today two employees remain, a day and a night watchman.

Arrangements have been made in Brainerd for handling emergency cases. These will be taken care of by local hospitals. Surgeons in Brainerd hitherto having charge of emergency eye and other cases will so continue.


Organization Complete

“Our organization goes to the new general hospital at St. Paul complete,” said Dr. [Arthur Wheaton] Ide. “Not a maid, orderly or doctor of the Brainerd staff has been left in Brainerd.” (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 September 1921, p. 3, c.’s 1 & 2)


NOTE: A handwritten note appearing on the 1917 Sanborn fire map claims that these hospital buildings were torn down in 1922.


PATIENTS ARRIVE TO ENTER NEW HOSPITAL

_____


Northern Pacific Special Train From

Brainerd Arrives Safely in St.

Paul Wednesday

_____


MET WITH AMBULANCES, VANS

_____


At Snelling Avenue, and Patients Im-

mediately Transferred to Nor-

thern Pacific Hospital


(St. Paul Dispatch)

A special hospital train from Brainerd, Minn., carrying sixty patients and forty employees of the Northern Pacific hospital there, arrived in St. Paul at 1 p. m. Wednesday over the Northern Pacific.

The train was stopped at Snelling avenue, near the new Northern Pacific hospital, and was met with ambulances and vans. The patients immediately transferred to the Northern Pacific hospital Charles street and Simpson avenue. Six coaches, including two sleeping cars, were required to transport the patients from Brainerd.

When the patients arrived at the new hospital they were greeted by bouquets of flowers which had been placed at the head of every bed in the wards and in every private room. The flowers were the gift of employees of the general office of the Northern Pacific railroad here.


Hospital Now Complete

Finishing touches were completed this afternoon, and the hospital now is ready to receive patients.

“The institution will be somewhat public,” H. B. Smith, president of the association and chairman of the building, said this morning. “We will take care of our own employees first and the remaining rooms will be thrown open to the general public. We do not expect more than 125 railroad patients at one time and this will leave 100 beds for the public. The maternity suite also will be open to the general public.”


10,000 Visit Hospital

When the hospital was opened for inspection Aug. 26 to 28, 10,000 visitors registered at the desk and inspected the institution. Five thousand visited the hospital Sunday.

The building, containing 225 beds, was erected and equipped at a cost of approximately $600,000, Mr. Smith said. it contains all appliances known to modern surgery.

The Northern Pacific has branch hospitals at Glendive and Missoula, Mont.; Tacoma, Wash., and Brainerd and Staples, Minn. The hospital at Brainerd has been the base, but with the transference of patients and employees to St. Paul, the new institution will become the base. Dr. A. W. [Arthur Wheaton] Ide who has been in charge at Brainerd, will be the surgeon in charge here. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 September 1921, p. 5, c. 1)


SEE: 15 January 1916

SEE: 25 February 1916

SEE: 26 August 1921


01 September

RAILWAY MEN INSPECT SHOPS

_____


Party Here Since Tuesday Night In-

cluded Four Prominent North-

ern Pacific Men

_____


LEFT ON THURSDAY NOON

_____


In Party Were H. M. Curry, H. M.

Robertson, John J. Davey and

H. M. Smith of St. Paul


Prominent railway men of the Northern Pacific who have been inspecting the shops included Howard M. Curry, general mechanical superintendent; H. M. Robertson, master car builder; John J. Davey, general boiler inspector; H. M. Smith, formerly chief clerk of the store department in Brainerd and now traveling storekeeper of the eastern district.

The party came to Brainerd Monday night. They left for Staples on Thursday noon and will swing back to Duluth on Friday morning, returning to St. Paul by the week end. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 September 1921, p. 5, c. 3)


03 October

A new connecting platform has been put in at the depot, for the convenience of travelers shifting from one train to another. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 October 1921, p. 2, c. 1)


07 October

N. P. RAILWAY TIE PLANT STARTS MONDAY

_____


SILENT SINCE APR. 1

IT WILL GIVE WORK

TO CREW 40 to 50

_____


DAILY CAPACITY OF PLANT

IS ABOUT 3,000 TIES TREATED

WITH CREOSOTE

_____


THE MATERIAL ON HAND TO BE

TREATED INSURES AN EIGHT

MONTHS’ RUN


The Northern Pacific railway tie treating plant will resume work on Monday, giving employment to a crew of from 40 to 50 men. Practically all the men of the organization will be back to work. The plant has been idle since April 1.

The daily output of ties treated with creosote is 3,000. Material on hand to be treated, including ties, switch ties, bridge material, the plugs, etc., insures a steady run of eight months.

Levi Johnson is the superintendent of the plant, G. H. Stone is foreman, Carl Anderson engineer and electrician, Bert Edwards treating engineer, Frank Roberts motorman, Seymour Clark, boiling and adzing machine operator, C. D. Clark helper. Other workers are the firemen, laborers, the handlers, etc.

The tie plant is the big industry in West Brainerd and the resumption of work will give that section of the city of Brainerd a great impetus. Appeals have been made by West Brainerd for water service, for additional electric light service, etc. The Riverside school of West Brainerd is one of the imposing buildings of that part of Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 October 1921, p. 1, c. 7)


1922

22 February

Northern Pacific Locomotive, 1922.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society


27 April

The general spirit of optimism and increase of business is reflected in Brainerd, one of the largest railway shop towns on the Northern Pacific Railway System, where on May 1 the whole shops will go on a six-day schedule. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 27 April 2002)


29 June

Promptly at the stroke of 10 o’clock Saturday morning Northern Pacific Railway Shopmen numbering approximately 1,250 laid down their tools and quit work. This walkout takes out all shopmen except laborers, clerical force, storeroom and roundhouse. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, 01 July 2002)


30 June

ENDS 54 YEARS AT ENGINE THROTTLE

_____


T. H. "Tim" Brady Has Been Running

Engines for Northern Pacific

the Past 54 Years

_____


MADE LAST RUN ON SATURDAY

_____


First Came to Brainerd When It Was

But a Tented City—Never In-

jured Passenger in Career


Timothy H. Brady retires after 54 years as a railroad engineer, ca. 1922.
Source: Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923

T. H. Brady of 516 North 9th street, known to the people of this city as "Tim" Brady left yesterday, June 30, for his last run as an engineer on the Northern Pacific railroad. This last run took him to Morris and from there he returned Saturday arriving at Brainerd at 2:10 p. m. when he completed a stretch of 54 years on the railroad.

       Mr. Brady, who has been running engines for the past 54 years, came to Brainerd and entered the service of the Northern Pacific railroad in 1871 when Brainerd was a city of tents. He has watched the city's growth through all these years, retires voluntarily on pension and will be at leisure to help celebrate the Fiftieth anniversary of the incorporation of the city whose growth he has noted with interest and pleasure.

       One who has been so long in a town becomes in a special sense a representative citizen and Mr. Brady is a representative of the solid citizenship which makes for the stability and security of the old home town. He has a warm affection for the city in which he has spent so many years and in turn has won the appreciation of his fellow citizens of Brainerd who are ready to congratulate him on his long service to the railroad and his contribution to Brainerd's growth.

       When Mr. Brady came to this city there were two banks which, said he with a smile, were faro "banks which were open both day and night." He used this in illustration of the contrast between things as they were then and things as they are now at the time of Brainerd's Fiftieth anniversary.

       It is practically certain that Mr. Brady is the oldest engineer in the State of Minnesota in length of service. At the time of his retiring and it is probable that he is the oldest engineer in actual service in the United States. For the veteran will have reached the age of 79 on his next birthday.

       Mr. Brady has considerable pride in his record through all these years and as is natural is deeply attached to his work at the throttle of the engine. One can well believe that it is not without a sense of loss that he retires at this time to enjoy the rest which is his by right of long and meritorious service.

       On the editorial page of the Locomotive Engineers Journal for the month of May, 1922, there appeared under the caption "The Golden Rule Exemplified" the following:

Minneapolis, Minn.

Mar. 13, 1922

Mr. T. H. Brady,

Engineman,

Mississippi Street,

St. Paul, Minnesota.

       I have your letter of the 9th inst., explaining the derailment of engine 726 on train No. 20 at derail, end of track No. 1, Sauk Center, March 9th.

       I note your acknowledgment of the responsibility, your regret and statement that the derailment was undoubtedly due to your head not working very well on that particular day.

       After going over your personal record, which takes in fifty-one years of service, and finding it clear, I cannot bring myself to believe that a head that has worked so faithfully for fifty-one years should go wrong on March 9th, therefore, the occurrence will be placed in the unavoidable class and your record will remain as it was before.

       It certainly gives me great pleasure to write this letter in a sort of a return for the good service that you have given this company since entering the service in 1871.

                       Yours truly,

                       (Signed) T. F. Lowery, Supt.

       We take great pleasure in publishing the foregoing letter, it rings so true with kindness, consideration and appreciation.

       Men will take off their coats to give the best they've got for an official so broad and so appreciative of good work as Superintendent Lowery, for with the spirit he has shown in his letter to Brother T. H. Brady goes other qualities that are bound to command the respect of the men in their work and their loyalty to the company."

       This is signed "Editor" by the editor of the Journal which is published at Des Moines, Iowa.

       Seven girls and two boys have been born into Mr. Brady's home. One of the boys, John, was the first boy to respond to the call for men for service on the Mexican border. he then came home but soon left for France for service with the A. E. F. He is now a student of mining engineering at Houghton, Michigan, and is paying his own way through school. John was for some time a clerk in the First National bank here.

       Four of the daughters are married and are living in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Miss Gertrude is cashier in a bank at Arville, North Dakota, and Margaret is receiving nurse at the Northern Pacific hospital in St. Paul.

       The Lions' club members went in a body Saturday afternoon to the 2:10 train and met Mr. Brady at the conclusion of his last run after 54 years of service on an engine. A large bouquet was presented to him and he was conveyed to his home in an automobile by members of the club. Mr. Brady was invited to be the guest of the club at its next luncheon and regular meeting on Monday evening.

       The Fiftieth anniversary advisory committee were at the depot this afternoon to meet the train on its arrival and to congratulate Mr. Brady on the completion of his long service. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 July 1922, p. 5, c.'s 1-3)


01 July

A major strike against the Northern Pacific Railroad takes place from 01 July of 1922 to 05 February of 1923. (Brainerd’s Half Century, Ingolf Dillan, General Printing Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1923, p. 22)


Railroad Strike Of 1922 Split Brainerd


A nationwide railroad strike in 1922 set Brainerd in a turmoil. Unrest and bitterness prevailed in the angry town for years to follow. Of the 1,400 strikers, many were black-balled from Northern Pacific shops when the eight-month strike closed. During the ordeal, the real story of the strike—street fights, bloody brawls, and bitter feelings between the strikers and the strike-breakers were concealed in an attempt to ease the tense situation. Embittered over the cut in pay claimed necessary by railroad officials who were forced into a rate cut by the government, the railroad unions waged one of the bitterest strikes in history.

Strikers walk off the job at the NP Shops in Brainerd, 05 August 1922. A 1380x563 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Brainerd, Minnesota 1871-1971, Centennial Edition, Brainerd Dispatch

After months of negotiation, word came on August 5, 1922 that eastern machinists were striking. Union workers throughout the country followed suit in sympathy with eastern unions. There were other unions, however, that did not strike and a split between workers resulted. Many workers, figuring that the strike was a lost cause, started trickling back to their jobs before it was over. The strike was never really settled and thousands across the nation were left jobless.

In Brainerd, disagreements between men who did and those who did not believe in the strike caused many hard-feelings. Some believed the strike was imperative; others were content to work at reduced pay since there were no other jobs available and there were families to support. Men were shipped into Brainerd daily, from points along the Northern Pacific lines to “scab” the Brainerd strikers. Many scabs or strikebreakers, stayed on after the strike, under a veil of resentment from Brainerd regulars who did strike and by friends of strikers who were left without jobs. Carloads of scabs were dropped off at Brainerd and taken directly to work in the shops or escorted under a heavy railroad guard to fenced-in accommodations for sleeping and eating. Some strike-breakers were union men themselves who did not approve of the strike. They came from towns along the railroad line to scab the Brainerd strikers. Brainerd men, in turn, “scabbed” fellow union workers in other towns. There was a large exchange of strike-breakers between Brainerd and Livingston, Montana. One ex-NP worker in the shops at the time of the strike said the scabbers didn’t care how they got along with the strikers in Brainerd as they disagreed with the strike or grabbed at the opportunity for employment. Street fights broke out nightly in Brainerd between the strikers and non-strikers. Gangs of strikers waited for scabs to leave their quarters and fights broke out. Most scabs stayed about a week at the most because the confined quarters were too much, especially for the younger men. The bloody fights, the rock throwing, the beatings were worse than most townspeople ever knew, said one former railroad worker involved in the strike. J. P. Anderson, superintendent of the shops at the time, not wanting to alarm the townspeople, requested the Brainerd Dispatch to minimize the strike and not to “play it like it is.”

There were displays of guns, but not much shooting, said another former worker. Men took out their animosities with their fists instead. Strikers did, on one occasion, it was reported, fire a few shots into the barracks of the scabs. There were, however, no killings. The gun carrying was against the orders of the Strike Committee that ran the strike in Brainerd. Bad feelings continued for a long time after the strike and many jobless Brainerd families left town. Some strike-breakers defiantly remained on the job and put up with the hard feelings toward them from their fellow workers.


Recollections of the Strike


There are several men in Brainerd who recall how times were during the 1922 strike. Some of the recollections are as follows:

Roy Warnberg, 74, 717 South 5th Street, who retired in 1958 after 40 years with the NP in the bridge and builders division, a non-striking group of about 18 men, said the railroad took back anyone who wasn’t black-listed, or near pension. But many in Brainerd were out of jobs, he said.

Warnberg worked for David Rundquist, 1423 Quince Street, who worked for the NP for 55 years, retiring at the age of 78 in 1966. He was the painter Foreman for the bridge and builders division.

Warnberg, who was in town putting a new roof on the machine shop, said machinists in the east settled, but without the approval of the western unions and a controversy raged within the inner circles for years. “The strike was never settled,”

Warnberg said.

He said there were a number of Pequot Lakes men who scabbed the Brainerd NP shops. Embittered by Brainerd railroad strikers who took construction jobs in Pequot Lakes, the Pequot Lakes men scabbed the NP shops in Brainerd.

Warnberg said it was good to know the men who were striking. One night he and several others from the bridge and builders division found themselves surrounded by about 50 strikers who mistakenly thought them to be scabbers. “We were on our way to the laundry,” said Warnberg. A boiler-maker friend of Warnberg recognized the mistake and the attack was called off. He said Brainerd businesses were boycotted. One that went out of business was a millinery shop owned by Mrs. Ernest Jones, wife of the assistant superintendent of the NP blacksmith shop, a non-striking official. Even after the strike, she could not get enough business to keep going and was forced out.

After the strike, there were no national unions in the Brainerd shops due to the split among the workers. However, a company union was formed until the settlement was reached. Brainerd Mayor Frank Little, worked in the shops and “he was in a ticklish spot,” said Warnberg. Little, also a striker, did not go back to work in the shops; he later became sheriff.

Married in 1920, Warnberg’s family has lived in Brainerd since that year.

During his career with the NP, he worked the lines between Duluth and Grantsburg, Wisconsin, to Taylors Falls, to Staples and Brainerd doing bridge work and building repair work.

In talking with other Brainerdites, it was learned that Rudolph Creger, a boiler-maker Foreman, was threatened by strikers, who attempted to paint his home black. Creger, father of former Brainerd mayor, Harry Creger, now deceased, had just been married the day before the strike started. Creger was an official and not subject to the strike.

James Alderman, Sr., 78, owner of Alderman’s Hardware store of 616 Laurel, remembers one night in particular during the strike when a carload of strike-breakers were dropped off in Brainerd.

“The town must have know they were coming,” said Alderman. The streets were lined with angry strikers and others who were there for the excitement.

Some had guns, but he said there were no shots fired. While strikers shouted and threw rocks; scabs walked, under heavy guard, down 8th and Front Streets to shacks built for them by the railroad. The businesses depended heavily on the railroad workers and the workers depended upon the businesses so most businesses were treated with respect, said Alderman.

Fred Eckholm, 86, was president of the machinist’s union in Brainerd’s NP shops at the time of the strike. He said the railroad workers were making 72 cents an hour at the time of the strike. The railroad wanted to reduce salaries to 70 cents an hour. “The whole thing occurred because of the proposed pay cut,” said Eckholm.

The strike lasted until the following spring and 1,400 men in Brainerd were affected. Those on strike included the blacksmiths, the boiler-makers, the machinists, the sheet metal workers, pipefitters, car men and all others in the shop trades. “Some scabbed, but not very many from Brainerd,” said Eckholm. Some strikers got cold feet and went back to work before the strike was over, but about 75 percent of the Brainerd NP strikers were still out on strike at the end. Some also scabbed the Milwaukee and Great Northern lines in St. Paul. Eckholm also verified the fact that the strike was never settled. The unions were too disorganized,“ he said. “We were just as militant then, as unions are now, but we had no backing, and couldn’t get anywhere,” he said.

The nucleus of the workers kept their union allegiances and started the unions up again in Brainerd after the strike. Eckholm described the strike as “pretty peaceful” since there were federal deputies patrolling all along the railroad lines. He said he remembers that about 25 scabbers were beaten.

There were daily meetings of the Strike Committee composed of representatives of the various unions including Eckholm. Union men, for the most part, went back to work without a contract and most members were paying their dues undercover as the strike drew to a close. Most strong union men were left without jobs after the strike. Many were told that they would never again be hired by a railroad in the United States, said Eckholm. (Brainerd, Minnesota 1871-1971, reproduced from the Centennial Edition of the Brainerd Dispatch; pp. 53 & 54)


07 July

The city welcomes men of Northern Pacific!

Since 01 October 1870 Northern Pacific Railway synonymous with growth of city. New passenger station, pride of Brainerd, is completed in 1920 at a cost of $116,000. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Sunday, 07 July 2002)


The Wandering Spike.


“Little Johnny” Stanton drove the last spike in the Northern Pacific track to Brainerd ca. 1870. Sketch by Frank Wing, St. Paul Pioneer Press.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 July 1922

...“Little Johnny” Stanton drove the last spike in the Brainerd branch of the Northern Pacific railway. When we asked him about it, he said, “No, it wasn’t no gold spike, but jest a commonarn one. I driv it, but it ain’ there no more. They tuck it up and driv it ag’in, out west of Helena.” He said it was “driv” a third time, somewhere but we’ve forgotten where. He’ll be pointed out to everybody as “that man that—, etc.” This is always a pleasant experience. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 July 1922, p. 5, c.’s 1-7)


N. P. READY TO MEET PROSPERITY

_____


St. Paul, July 7—Additional equipment to handle increasing business in the Northwest is being ordered by the Northern Pacific, President Charles Donnelly announced today.

One thousand 50-ton box cars of the finest construction obtainable are being ordered. Forty-ton cars are standard in this type. Two hundred and fifty stock cars of 80,000 pound capacity, 250 convertible all-service cars, 250 gondolas and 70 express refrigerator cars are included in the new orders. The refrigerators will be built on passenger-car standards so they can handle western fruit on fast schedules. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 July 1922, p. 7, c. 2)


10 July

GEORGE BERTRAM IN REMINISCENCES

_____


Only Man in Engine Service Now

Who Was Active in That Service

in the Year 1871

_____


FIRST WORK FOR N. P. IN 1871

_____


Mr. Bertram Saw First Rail Laid at

Northern Pacific Junction on

August 20, 1870


The Minnetonka was the first engine on the Northern Pacific line. As a saddle tank it was the first of four of this type of locomotive constructed by Smith & Porter of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for the Northern Pacific in 1870. The Minnetonka’s three sister engines were named Itaska, St. Cloud, and Otter Tail. The saddle tank is the large box straddling the boiler that carries the name Minnetonka. A 750x461 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Unknown
Another example of a saddle tank engine is the Itaska, one of the four purchased by the Northern Pacific in the 1870’s for use in building the railroad out of the Junction, otherwise known as Carlton. A 1000x687 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Unknown

Another old timer gave the Dispatch information Friday which will be appreciated by those home comers who lived here many years ago and by the older residents of Brainerd.

George Bertram was the man who was interviewed, a citizen who has been in the city most of the time since the year 1871 and who is very well known to railroad men and citizens generally. Said Mr. Bertram, speaking of the days of the seventies, “Brainerd was a wild town in those days.” He is the only man in the engine service now who was active in that service back in the year 1871. It is 51 years since Mr. Bertram first went to work washing engines in the yards of the Northern Pacific at Brainerd.

When Mr. Bertram saw the model of the old engine Minnetonka, pass along the streets of the city in the parade of Tuesday, he had reason to feel a deep interest in the old engine it represented, for he had watched that engine away back in those days when First Master Mechanic Charles Wylie, stood at the throttle and Adam Brown was the fireman.

Mr. Bertram saw the first rail laid at the Northern Pacific junction on the 20th day of August 1870 when Mr. Kimberley was the chief engineer of the railroad.

Mr. Bertram readily gives the names of those of the old days who were with the Northern Pacific railway company here. Among those he named Bob Carr and L. M. Low, engineers, and A. C. Coventry who at that time was firing.

Of the engineers of those earlier days, Mr. Bertram is the oldest engineer now in service since the retirement of “Tim” Brady on the first day of July 1922. Since 1879 he has been an engineer on the Northern Pacific railroad with the exception of a few years when he was with the Canadian Pacific railroad. He has been engineer on an engine for the past 37 years running on the tracks in the Brainerd yards. His present engine is No. 1030.

The new pension law makes it likely that Mr. Bertram will be retired soon on pension.

In speaking of his son Val, he reminded the Dispatch that Val was born on the same day as Walter F. Wieland. He is now earning a splendid salary with the Universal Files Co.

In speaking of the men in 1871 Mr. Bertram recalled the names of Mike Grace, Johnny Hall, Johnny Heath, Wash. Snyder, Tim Brady, Jimmy Little, John Fulton, whose wife’s sister was killed by the Indians in an uprising here. Andy Swift, Ed. McReath, N. B. Church, Jack Craig, Charles Winslow, N. C. Whatebone, John Hobart, whose brother C. T. Hobart was superintendent here in those days, and P. H. Carney.

Such accounts of the doings of Brainerd’s citizens are always interesting and are of more than usual interest during this time. Mr. Bertram is another of those citizens who have been here from the beginnings of the city’s life.

The Dispatch wishes him long years of rest and enjoyment following that day when he will take his hand off the throttle and cease grinding the tracks of the railroad which he has served for so many years. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 July 1922, p. 5, c.’s 4 & 5)


FORD DEMOLISHED ON 8TH ST. CROSSING

_____


Was Struck by Passenger Train No.

57 [sic] and Hurled Width of the

Street

_____


ESCAPE OF OCCUPANTS MIRACLE

_____


Was Occupied by Three Persons From

Royalton Who Were Only Slightly

Bruised


No. 55 [sic] this morning when passing the Eighth street crossing hit a car occupied by Carl and Fred Nuehring and a daughter of Carl Nuehring who are from Royalton.

The car bore the number M. A. 84,111. The girl had her face scraped slightly, Fred Nuehring’s ankle was bruised a little, while Carl Nuehring was unhurt.

It is a modern miracle as to how they escaped with such slight injuries. The automobile, a Ford, was hit about the middle of Broadway and whirled until it landed at the west side of the street, alongside of the track, with the engine facing east.

The car was demolished, the two rear wheels being completely smashed off, one front wheel was smashed, the radiator smashed in, the windshield completely shattered and both lamps broken. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 July 1922, p. 5, c. 1)


18 July

The Northern Pacific Railway Company will employ men at rates prescribed by the United States Railroad Labor Board as follows:

Machinist, 70¢ per hour

Blacksmiths, 70¢ per hour

Sheet metal worker, 70¢ per hour

Electricians, 70¢ per hour

Freight carmen, 63¢ per hour

Helpers, 47¢ per hour

(This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 18 July 2002)


10 August

LARGE TRAINS PULLED ON NORTHERN PACIFIC

_____


Large trains are being pulled on the Northern Pacific. For instance, extra 1834 pulled right through uptown without stopping last Thursday and had one engine, one caboose and 95 empty refrigerator cars, making a total of 100 wagons. They are being moved to the western fruit district on account of the car shortage there. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 August 1922, p. 5, c. 2)


17 August

MORE REPLACEMENT MEN AT N. P. SHOPS

_____


A special train brought in 59 replacement men believed to have been recruited in the east and unloaded them at the Northern Pacific railway shops. There was no disorder of any kind. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 August 1922, p. 5, c. 3)


16 September

PARRANTO AND GEMMELL CONFER

_____


General Chairman of the Boilermak-

ers of Northwestern Roads Meets

M. & I. Head

_____


ABOUT STRIKE AGREEMENT

_____


Mr. Parranto Will Speak to All

Strikers Tonight at Labor Hall

at 8 O’Clock


W. A. Parranto, of St. Paul, general chairman of the boilermakers on northwest roads, arrived in Brainerd Saturday morning and went into conference with W. H. Gemmell, president of the Minnesota and International Railway, and other officials of that road, looking toward an agreement settling the strike of the shopmen in the Bemidji shops.

It was reported Friday that the strike on the M. & I had been settled and that the men would go back to work on Monday, Sept. 18th. It is hoped that this will be possible and that an agreement will be reached today.

Mr. Gemmell came down from Bemidji Friday evening, his car being attached to the local freight. He has been kept busy in Bemidji since the beginning of the strike, this being his first official visit, since the walkout.

Mr. Parranto will speak to all strikers tonight, September 16th, at the Trades and Labor hall at 8 o'clock, on matters pertinent to the strike situation. All shopmen are urgently requested to be present at this meeting.


Meeting Successful

The meeting this morning between officials of the M. & I. and William Parranto, representative of the strikers was successful, in that an agreement was signed by the contracting parties, and the men put back to work Monday.

Officials state that many returned to their duties in the Bemidji shops this morning, in anticipation of an agreement being signed.

As to just what terms were reached it is not known, other than the fact that M. & I. shopmen are to do no work on defective rolling equipment belonging to the Northern Pacific or other railroads that have not yet come to an agreement with their men.


Agreement With N. P. Seems

Remote

An agreement between the Northern Pacific and the striking shopmen seems to be as remote as ever.

Carpenters arrived this morning from Duluth and are commencing work on another set of buildings for housing replacement men on the shop grounds.

Plans call for six bunk houses and a large dining hall and kitchen combined to be erected just south of the foundry. Each bunk house is to accommodate fifty men.

These buildings, in addition to similar ones already built on the north side of the shops, provide quarters for quite a number of men, and it is rumored that by Monday, Sept. 18th, there will be at least seven hundred men at work in the Brainerd shops.

Quarters have already been erected on Garfield avenue Duluth for housing 200 men at work for the Northern Pacific there, and further quarters at Staples and it rather looks as if that company were preparing a long fight over the strike question. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 September 1922, p. 5, c. 4)


27 September

J. P. ANDERSON APPEALS TO MEN TO RETURN

_____


NORTHERN PACIFIC SHOP

SUPERINTENDENT GIVES

TACOMA, ETC. REPORTS

_____


Mr. Anderson Claims to Have Been Reliably Informed that

Shopmen at South Tacoma are Going Back Into

Shops at Rate of 30 Per Day

_____


As Citizen and Fellow Worker of Former Employees He Urges

Brainerd Shopmen to Take the Opportunity Now

and Return to Work in Local Shops


COMMUNICATION

_____


Brainerd, Minn. Sept 27, 1922.


I have been reliably informed that the shopmen at South Tacoma are going back into the shops at the rate of thirty per day, and also at Seattle all machinists who have been out are back, with the exception of two.

This clearly indicates to me that the men on the Northern Pacific have come to the conclusion it is to their interest to consider the strike at an end.

As a citizen of Brainerd and have at heart the interests of the city and especially the older employees with whom I have worked in the shops in the days gone by, it seems that you should take upon yourselves the opportunity that is still before you and return to work.

I feel perfectly satisfied in the very near future the Northern Pacific will take a stand, as the Great Northern has done, and deprive the men of their pension and pass privileges.

J. P. ANDERSON,

Shop Superintendent.

_____


A survey of the Northern Pacific railway shops, made by a Dispatch representative in company with Superintendent J. P. Anderson, showed all the shop departments operating.

Wednesday morning it was reported some 441 men were at work. Many of these have had experience as mechanics and as house carpenters and have come with the intention of continuing at work in the shops.

At shop headquarters it was reported that a telegram from the South Tacoma shops of the Northern Pacific stated men were going back to work at the rate of 30 a day.

At Seattle, it was reported at the shops, all machinists were back except two, and the latter would be placed as soon as vacancies occurred.

_____


Flag at Half-Mast

The flag at the Brainerd shops was at half-mast Wednesday, honoring the memory of Peder Olsen, a local shopman who for many years had been employed at the Northern Pacific railway shops and whose funeral occurred this afternoon.


At the Car Shops

Extensive crews were at work in the car shops repairing and rebuilding box and flat cars. Some were being built from the ground up, everything being supplied locally except the trucks.

A large fleet of refrigerator cars was being rebuilt. Among the new cars just turned out were No.’s 96,774 and 97,069.


The Planing Mill

In the planing mill end sills, center sills and other work were being gotten out. Last week the planing mill shipped five carloads of side sills, center sills, decking, etc., to Duluth.


Car Machine Shop

At the car machine shop 500 pairs of wheels were gotten out in September. this compares well with the 600 average for a month. Fifty new axles were also gotten out in September.


Camp at North Side

At the northeast side of the shop grounds are the bunk houses, kitchen, etc., recently completed to house men. The camp is equipped to take care of from 350 to 400 men. Sleeping quarters are clean, light and airy. They are swept out and cleaned daily. There are steel cots provided with mattresses, springs, pillows, sheets and cases, and army blankets. In the center of each sleeping room is a large table, electric lights, benches, etc.

The cook house and dining room can quickly serve meals. Everything is scrupulously neat. A part of the kitchen equipment is a large refrigerator well iced. Kitchen waste is carted away daily and the whole camp kept in a sanitary manner. A wash room and bath room is being constructed, containing also shower baths and will soon be in readiness for the men.


Duplicate Bunk Houses

A duplicate camp is being erected south of the tracks and east of the foundry. With these two camps in operation, the company can care for 800 or more men.


Building New Dry Kiln

West of the planing mill the railway company is building a new dry kiln of brick which will have four times the capacity of the present kiln, one with a capacity of a million feet of lumber a week.


On the Machine Side

Three locomotives have been turned out since the strike started and have been given a general overhauling. Some of the work on the same, it should be stated, had been done by old shopmen before the strike was inaugurated.

The writer observed crews at work on four or more engines. At one job they were changing from saturated type to super-heated. Old compound cylinders were being taken off and new ones put on.


New Machinery in Machine Side

Three new machines have been received on the machine side, including a boring mill, axle turning machine and lathe. Eighteen engines were counted on the machine side.


Tin Shop Working

The tin shop was busily at work, five men being employed there.


Men in All Departments

“We have mechanics at work in every department,” said Superintendent J. P. Anderson.


Extension Building

The airbrake repair room needs more room and a brick extension is being built to the east.


Manufacturing Machine Shop

At the manufacturing machine shop 15 men were employed. They were fixing engine rods, etc.


At the Round House

At the round house was pointed out a switch engine recently finished which goes to Duluth Thursday.

Engines were steaming up preparatory for runs on the Minnesota & International and the Morris branch.


At the Store Room

At the store rooms was shown a wealth of castings, supplies of all kinds. New methods are used in filing away bolts, gaskets, etc. These are placed in pan tiers, with numbers attached, so that it becomes an easy matter to take inventory monthly.


Castings from the East

“Fifty percent of Northern Pacific patterns have been sent east and castings are now being made there which formerly only came from the Brainerd foundry,” said Supt. Anderson.


Million Dollar Power Plant

Supt. Anderson admitted hearing of plans for building a million dollar power plant and reclamation rolling mills as an integral part of the Brainerd railway shops. He could not state when such work was to commence.


At the Boiler Shops

At the boiler shops men were busily at work and jobs are being turned out.


Few Cigarette Smokers

“The cigarette smoking worker is being replaced,” said Supt. Anderson, “and men now working are in large measure dependable men who take an interest in their work.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 September 1922, p. 1, c.’s 1-3)


Shopmen’s Side of Controversy As

Given by Publicity Committee

_____


“WE WILL STICK!

AND WE WILL WIN!”

_____


Regardless of all propaganda (paid and otherwise) being circulated thru the medium of the press, down right falsehoods emanating as we are told from Railroad officials and others who may not be in sympathy with the striking shopmen we wish to state here that the Federated Shop Crafts will not be led into anything but a fair and just settlement of the present controversy and then only will we pay attention to possible settlement plans after they have been submitted to us by our chosen representatives who represent all the crafts and whose headquarters are at St. Paul, Minn.

Wish further to advise that several dates have been set as to the time the former employees could report for work and not lose their seniority, pension and other rights and no doubt October 1st will be set as a further date. There is only one answer to this coming from all striking shopmen, “That when an honorable and just settlement can be reached, then and then only will the men even consider returning to their former positions with the Northern Pacific Railroad.”

We are going to stick as always!

And we are going to win!

Sept. 27, 1922.

BRAINERD FEDERATED SHOP CRAFTS,

Per PUBLICITY COMMITTEE.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 September 1922, p. 1, c.’s 3-5)


28 September

ANOTHER CAR OF PATTERNS SHIPPED

_____


Patterns Used in Brainerd Foundry

of Parker & Topping Co. Sent to

Eastern Foundries

_____


WORKED TURNED OUT THERE

_____


Castings Moulded Outside of Brain-

erd and Are Later Shipped in

All Over System


The Parker & Topping Co., said Clyde E. Parker, has shipped another carload of valuable patterns east where they are used in foundries to turn out castings.

Before the strike of the moulders, the Brainerd foundry made castings for the Northern Pacific railway. Now this work is being apportioned out at eastern foundries, the patterns travel east, too and Brainerd’s prestige as a foundry center is daily diminishing. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 September 1922, p. 3, c. 4)


ROARING, ROASTING TIME

_____


Annual Wiener and Potato Roast,

With Onions Substituted for

Potatoes Enjoyed Last Night


The “When Do We Eaters,” clerical organization of the N. P. railway force, had their annual wiener and potato roast Wednesday night, on the river flats. However, owing to their inability to secure potatoes, at the last moment, onions were substituted. A roaring, roasting time was had by all.

The morning after the night before, they were a strong bunch, and strangers kept at a distance. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 September 1922, p. 3, c. 5)


13 October

FOUNDRY IS BEING

BOARDED UP TODAY

_____


Northern Pacific Railway Company

Rescinds it Contract With

Parker & Topping Co.

_____


NO MORE CASTINGS MADE HERE

_____


Eastern Concerns Will Henceforth

Make the Brass and Iron Cast-

ings for the Railway


Lumber was being hauled to the foundry buildings of the Parker & Topping company Friday, October 13. It was an unlucky day for Brainerd.

The foundry employees who went out on strike in June [sic] [July] will have no opportunity to come back, as there will be no local foundry operating.

The Northern Pacific railway company has rescinded its contract with the Parker & Topping company and henceforth, for a year, at least, bass and iron castings will be made in eastern foundries.

E. O. Webb, of the Parker & Topping company, confirmed the closing of the foundry.

J. P. Anderson superintendent of the Northern Pacific railway shops said the railway company for sometime past has had its castings made in outside foundries, and it is claimed, said he, such work has resulted in a saving to the company of $60,000 a year.


Status at the Railway Shops

The situation at the Northern Pacific railway shops, said Superintendent J. P. Anderson, is also an uncertain one.

He had reports that the Minneapolis Steel & Machinery Company is bidding to repair twelve heavy locomotives a month for the Northern Pacific. If that should be accepted by the company, the work at the Brainerd shops would be limited to cleaning up odds and ends and that job would be finished in less than six months. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 October 1922, p. 5, c. 1)


21 October

Lorenzo V. Whitmarsh Gets Flesh Wound

_____


SATURDAY NIGHT BRAINERD

WAS CHARGED WITH EX-

CITEMENT

_____


POSSIBILITIES FOR TROUBLE UN-

LIMITED, BUT SITUATION

KEPT IN HAND


Three hours after Brainerd’s widely heralded so-called “riot” the town was as dead as a door nail and so far as further news events are concerned, has so continued. Out of the whole excitement one traces up Lorenzo V. Whitmarsh, age 21, and married, a man neither a striker nor railway shop employee, as reported by Deputy United State Marshal Leo Mayer, who got a slight abrasion in the leg near his peg leg and who was around again shortly after it was dressed; one H. B. Gorman, a replacement man from Jenkins, employed as an engineer at the power house of the Northern Pacific shops, lodged in the county jail and charged by the police with shooting at Whitmarsh; one Warren L. Harter, replacement man, who had his eyes blacked in a fight with two men at the entrance of a movie show and who then ran a half block to a hotel followed by a crowd where Deputy United States Marshal Mayer took him under his protection.

Today Whitmarsh is out on the streets again, Gorman is in the county jail where he wanted to go for protection anyway and now by advice of his counsel refuses to talk, and Harter, with his optics dimmed, has gone back to work as a machinist helper at the shops.

The place charged with excitement and possibilities for trouble was not in the town of Brainerd, but within the barracks of the replacement men at the shops, who tumbled out of bed when Gorman was to be taken by the city police force. After some talking they were quieted and a force of deputy United States marshals, police and guards then lodged Gorman in the county jail.

Deputy United States Marshal Mayer, in charge at Brainerd, had five assistant deputies which later were reduced to two. Brainerd’s police force consists of seven men. Mayer has asked for more marshals and also asked the sheriff to put on deputies, which the latter will take up with the county commissioners.


What Brainerd Gains

Out of the whole series of events Brainerd gained a lot of undesirable advertising. Erroneous reports were sent out, for instance the Minneapolis Journal printed a report that a mob of about 100 strikers chased six strikebreakers to the Northern Pacific depot and that three shots were fired and no one injured. The strikebreakers escaped.

Happening at the close of the State Sunday School Convention when many delegates were assembled in Brainerd, the events of Saturday night will receive further publicity.


Story of the Police

Captain Risberg and Officer Abrahamson were on duty when the first call came about the shooting at the shops, which occurred between 5:30 and 6 p. m. Officer Abrahamson arrived shortly after and was followed by Captain Risberg. They saw 20 men around the front of Ebinger’s shoe store. Officer Abrahamson went after the car, said he, which was back of the boiler room in the shop grounds.

Three replacement men from Jenkins, said Officer Abrahamson, had been in the automobile which had entered the north gate of the shops where the shooting occurred.

The police claim, said Captain Risberg and Officer Abrahamson, that Gorman has made an admission that he had done the shooting.

Lorenzo V. Whitmarsh, who it is reported is neither a shopman nor striker, was standing near the gate with the two pickets and others and the shot struck him in the leg above his artificial leg, producing a slight flesh wound.

Chief Erick Graff made the arrest and with him was the whole police force. Gorman was taken out towards the foundry and out at 18th and Laurel, where taxis took them to the county jail. A crowd had gathered at the gate on 13th street.

When Gorman was taken in charge, said Captain Risberg and Officer Abrahamson the replacement men sought to retain Gorman and made a threatening demonstration. Eventually they were quieted and Gorman was placed in the county jail about 8:30 p. m.


Deputy United States Marshal

Pierce’s Story

Deputy United States Marshal Paul Pierce said the officers had a great time for an hour getting Gorman away from the shops. The replacement men did not wish to give him up, expecting that harm would be done to him downtown. They did not trust the city police force, said Deputy Pierce. Several hundred, said Mr. Pierce, crowded around.

The people gathered at the gate in Northeast Brainerd were quiet and awaited developments inside.

Deputy United States Marshal Pierce, Louis Poppler and Special Agent Jacobson of the Northern Pacific were in the main office at the shops talking, when Officer Abrahamson came running in and said a man had been shot and wanted to find the car in which the men were. It had a home-made body.

Gorman, said Deputy Pierce, is the engineer at the power house and has a lame leg. Gorman’s home is in Jenkins. He has been employed at the shops since August 1.


Deputy United States Marshal

Mayer’s Story

Deputy United States Marshal Leo Mayer said there were three men in the car and that one of them did the shooting. All three men were from Jenkins, he said. Cecil Hand who is firing in the power house, was driving the car, said Deputy Mayer.

Both Deputies Mayer and Pierce said Whitmarsh, who was hurt, was no striker and did not work for the Northern Pacific. There were not over six men at the gate, said Deputy Mayer, at the time of the shooting. Part of the six were the two pickets. Later several hundred people congregated at the scene of the shooting.

Whitmarsh, said Deputy Mayer, was merely a bystander.

Deputy Mayer said he asked a guard what reason there had been for the shooting and was answered there was none at all.

By 11:30 p. m., said Deputy Mayer, the town was quiet again.


Warren L. Harter Matter

The assault of Warren L. Harter, a replacement man, occurred at the Lyceum theatre about 8 o’clock on Saturday evening, said Captain Risberg. Harter, as he understood it, was about to buy a ticket to the show when a couple of fellows grabbed him. Harter fought back and was holding his own, when several more “jumped him.” Then about a dozen chased the replacement man as he ran westward to the Harrington hotel. As is usual in Brainerd, a crowd gathered and followed to see what happened.

Harter suffered two black eyes and a bloody nose. He burst into the lobby of the hotel and Deputy United States Marshal Leo Mayer took him under his protection.

Chief Graff, Captain Risberg and Officer Squires were eating supper at the cafe in the hotel at the time and they ran to the assistance of Deputy Mayer, and assisted him in dispersing the crowd which had gathered. Deputy Mayer took the man home.

Harter, said Deputy Mayer, is from Utica, N. Y., and for the past three weeks had been employed as a helper in the machine shop. He is 21 years old and single.


Brainerd Police Force

Regarding queries as to the extent of Brainerd’s police force, it may be stated it is composed of Chief Erick Graff, Captain Oscar Risberg, Patrolmen Henry Abrahamson, John Beaugnot and three extra men hired during the strike, being Patrolmen Henry Squires, Wm. Sassor and Henry Stein.


Deputy United States Marshals

There are three deputy United States marshals, being Leo Mayer at the head and two assisting him. He has applied for more assistants. At one time Brainerd had five deputy marshals.

The guards at the shops, it is said, number 35.

Deputy Mayer has asked Sheriff Claus A. Theorin to put on deputy sheriffs to assist, and the sheriff will take this up with the county commissioners.


“Our Greatest Trouble”

“Our greatest trouble,” said Deputy United States Marshal Mayer, “is caused by young men, say from the ages of 18 to 20, full of moonshine, many of them no strikers whatever.”


Lorenzo Whitmarsh’s Story

Lorenzo Whitmarsh, of 411 Farrar street N. E., when questioned by the Dispatch this morning, stated that only one shot was fired, and this shot hit an iron strop which attached his artificial limb to the remainder of his left leg. The impact of the bullet on this metal strap was so hard that it left a black and blue mark on the flesh underneath. This bullet fell to the sidewalk and was picked up and retained by the police. It is believed to have been fired from a .32 caliber weapon.

Cecil Hand, was the name of the driver of the car which carried Harry B. Gorman and one other occupant at the time of the shooting. The car was a Ford with a home-made body, a one-seated affair, with a box on the rear. The one occupant in this box was the one alleged to have done the shooting.


Gorman in Court

Harry B. Gorman is charged with assault in the second degree for this shooting. He was defended in court by M. E. Ryan and county Attorney S. F. Alderman appeared for the state. The penalty carries a maximum of five years imprisonment or $1,000 fine. In municipal court this morning the case was continued until Thursday morning, October 26th, at 10 o’clock. Bail was fixed at $500 but at this writing had not been furnished.


A Colorful Writeup

The St. Paul Daily News, in its Sunday edition of October 22nd, gives Brainerd a very colorful write-up on the front page, under a seven column scare head, making a number of statements which are greatly exaggerated.

Says the News: “Opposing mobs of strike sympathizers and strikebreakers kept Brainerd in terror up to midnight Saturday night.”

This is a misstatement, as at no time did the two factions oppose each other or clash in mobs, nor were shots exchanged by the two sides or by U. S. Marshals, still the News states: “Two men were seriously beaten and many shots fired by both sides and by U. S. Deputy Marshals.”

In the Gorman case, the News reports that, “Deputies were forced to draw their guns in order to get Gorman out of shop yards. That threatened by strikers within and strikebreakers without, the deputies, flourishing revolvers and firing a few shots escaped with their prisoner through a rear gate.”

On inquiry this morning the deputy marshals in question stated to the Dispatch representative that at no time during the arrest of Gorman did they or the city police, who were assisting in the arrest, draw a gun or fire a single shot.

The News further says that “Saturday night a number of strikebreakers came in from the harvest fields to enter the shops. A mob of strikers surrounded the shops to prevent them entering. In a clash with guards several shots were fired.”

This statement, according to authorities, is decidedly contrary to facts, as no shots were fired, and the shops were not surrounded by a mob of strikers, either on Saturday or at any time since the strike started on July 1st.

This kind of publicity is giving the public an exaggerated view of the conditions as they exist in Brainerd where to date no mob riots have taken place. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 October 1922, p. 1, c. 4; p. 5, c.’s 3-5)


MUST PROTECT BRAINERD’S GOOD NAME

_____


BRAINERD has always been as law abiding a community as there is in the country. Men have always been protected in this city in pursuing their daily work or while enjoying their homes or indulging in lawful and innocent amusements, and it is up to every citizen in this community to see that it shall continue to be so.

It is therefore with deepest regret that we have had to record, the last few days, some cases of unprovoked and vicious assaults upon men who have chosen to accept work in the shops while the strike is in progress.

It is true that these lawless acts are condemned by the great majority of the members of the Federated Shop Crafts, who are now on a strike, and whose members are among our most respected and law abiding citizens. Knowing that in so large a number of men there are always many irresponsible and impulsive individuals, respect for law and order has been urged by the leaders at their daily meetings, and it is to their credit that up to this time they have been able to restrain the irresponsible element in their ranks.

It is just as well for this element to understand that lawless acts will get them nowhere—that they only harm themselves and their craft. Any settlement made by Mr. Jewell so far, provides that those guilty of lawless acts shall not be re-employed, and they certainly will lose the respect of the people of this community and do lasting harm to the city’s good name.

And in the end law and order will prevail here, if not by our own efforts, then by outside help, which all will deplore and resent. Let us see to it that this is not necessary, but that everyone will be protected in his lawful rights by our own people, now as in the past. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 October 1922, p. 4, c.’s 2 & 3)


24 October

MINNEAPOLIS AFTER BRAINERD BUSINESS

_____


Minneapolis Steel and Machinery Co.

Enlarges Its Shops, and Adds

Equipment

_____


TO REPAIR LOCOMOTIVES THERE

_____


Brainerd Dispatch in Issue of October

13 Mentioned This Company Bid-

ding on Such Repairs


On October 13 the Brainerd Dispatch published the loss of the foundry contract and this paragraph:

“The situation at the Northern Pacific railway shops, said Superintendent J. P. Anderson, is also an uncertain one.”

“He had reports that the Minneapolis Steel and Machinery Company is bidding to repair twelve heavy locomotives a month for the Northern Pacific. If that should be accepted by the company, the work at the Brainerd shops would be limited to cleaning up odds and ends and that job would be finished in less than six months.”

This paragraph from the Minneapolis Journal is therefore significant:

The Minneapolis Steel and Machinery Company is preparing to engage in the repair of locomotives on an extensive scale, it was announced by officials of the company. Several locomotives have been put in order in the yards of the company, and the success with these has prompted the company to enlarge its repair facilities. A score of pits are being dug and necessary repair equipment being assembled. Locomotive repairs quickly run into a large volume of business because of the nature and size of the work. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 October 1922, p. 5, c. 2)


26 October

MINNEAPOLIS WILL REPAIR N. P. RY. ENGINES

_____


C. C. KYLE, GENERAL

STOREKEEPER OF N. P.

MAKES STATEMENT

_____


MORE THAN TWO-THIRDS OF THE

BRAINERD SHOPS OUTPUT

SO HANDLED

_____


FIRST CARS OF MATERIAL LOAD-

ED FOR MINNEAPOLIS ON

WEDNESDAY


Minneapolis will in the future do the repairing of Northern Pacific railway locomotives and much other equipment.

According to a statement made Thursday morning by C. C. Kyle, of St. Pal, general storekeeper of the Northern Pacific railway company, the Northern Pacific railway company has entered into a contract with the Minneapolis Steel & Machinery Company to do general repairs on 150 of its heaviest locomotives. This is more than one-half, probably two-thirds of the output of the Brainerd shops. It would run, said Mr. Kyle, from 250 to 300 locomotives if of lighter type.


Material Shipped

Seven carloads of material were loaded at the shops store room on Wednesday for shipment to Minneapolis to be used in locomotive repair work. Such shipments will continue, said Mr. Kyle.

A main store room will be established at the Minneapolis Steel & Machinery Co. Lots of material will be shipped directly to Minneapolis which will never again be routed via Brainerd to be reshipped here, said Mr. Kyle.


Contract Entered Into

The contract with the Minneapolis Steel & Machinery Co., said Mr. Kyle, was entered into two or three weeks ago. They first contracted for the repair of 72 engines and this was later increased to 150 engines.


First Engines to be Repaired

The first engines to be repaired, which had the strike been settled would have been repaired in Brainerd are several T and W engines. The T’s are numbered from 2300 to 2500 and the W’s from 1500 to 1800. They are two of the largest type of freight engines, being the Prairie and Mikado engines.


Brainerd’s Output

J. P. Anderson, superintendent of the Northern Pacific railway shops, said Brainerd’s biggest output ran from 12 to 14 engines a month. The contract with Minneapolis almost equaled Brainerd’s whole output.

The labor item, said he, which was lost to Brainerd, ran from $4,000 to $6,000 an engine or at least $50,000 a month.


Reduction in Manufacturing Plant

There will be a great reduction in the manufacturing plant at Brainerd, said Mr. Kyle. Material formerly manufactured at Brainerd will be made in other places, said he.

“In my opinion,” said Mr. Kyle, “the foundry at Brainerd will never be re-opened.


Other Railway Repair Work

The Minneapolis Steel & Machinery Co., said Mr. Kyle, will also repair 72 engines for the Great Northern, also various engines for the Rock Island, Great Western, Minneapolis & St. Louis.


Not Depending on Brainerd

“For a great many years,” said Mr. Kyle, “the Northern Pacific has depended very much on Brainerd, but we will not do so in the future.”

“Of course we have a large investment in Brainerd. There will continue to be shops in Brainerd, but there will be much less work done and I doubt if they will ever again attain the size and importance they had in the past.”

“Much material will also be made outside and much other material will never again be shipped into Brainerd and distributed from Brainerd,” said Mr. Kyle. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 October 1922, p. 1, c. 1)


TWO MEN BEATEN UP IN BRAINERD LAST

NIGHT; STATEMENT BY U. S. DEP. MARSHAL

_____


In spite of the fact that the streets of Brainerd Wednesday night were patrolled by an increased police force, sheriff and deputies and deputy United States marshals, two replacement men were beaten up in front of a pool room, according to a statement made by Deputy United States Marshal Leo Mayer in charge of deputy marshals here.

“These two men” said Mr. Mayer in his statement, “who were assaulted last night at the Walsh & Anderson pool hall were ex-service men and men who are entitled to the fullest protections on the streets of Brainerd by the local authorities. They have just as much right in that employment as though they had been employed in any other industry. If the local authorities do not see fit to furnish protection for such men and do not enforce the ordinances of the city and laws of the state then, as deputy United States marshal, it becomes my duty to do so. The disgraceful affairs that have occurred on the streets of Brainerd within the last few weeks are a menace to the citizenship of this city. I want to request the cooperation of all the law-abiding citizens to bring an end to the present state of affairs.”

Three men in an automobile parked on the railway right of way, when requested to move on last night and refusing to do so, were arrested by Deputy United States Marshal Mayer on the charge of trespassing and will be brought before United States Court Commissioner A. D. Polk for arraignment.

The replacement men, in a large body, visited the business section of Brainerd and of the two men injured in fights, one sustained a bump on the head and the other had his lips cut and some teeth knocked out.

Deputy United States Marshal Mayer has two assistants, and two more deputy marshals arrived this morning, being sent after appealing to United States Marshal Edward Rustad at St. Paul. More are coming, for the latter said he would send enough to cope with the situation at Brainerd.


Names are Given

The three men charged with trespassing on railway right of way, as given to the Dispatch by Deputy United States Marshal Leo Mayer, are Henry Goltz, Edward Elling and Frank Kaufman, all of Brainerd. They were brought before U. S. commissioner A. D. Polk this afternoon, charged with the violation of the U. S. injunction and bonds were fixed at $500 each.


Trial on Today

In municipal court this morning Harry B. Gorman, charged with assault in the second degree, was bound over to the district court which convenes next month, his bail being fixed at $500.

Gorman is charged with shooting Lorenzo V. Whitmarsh, the bullet hitting a metal strap which attaches an artificial limb to Whitmarsh’s body, only leaving a black and blue mark on the skin. The shooting is alleged to have occurred on Saturday night. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 October 1922, p. 1, c.’s 2 & 3)


28 October

ARE WARNED NOT TO CONGREGATE IN STREET

_____


PUBLIC SAFETY

COMMITTEE TAKES

QUICK ACTION HERE

_____


DEPUTY UNITED STATES MAR-

SHAL MAYER ASKED TO GET

MORE DEPUTIES

_____


MAYOR MORE POLICE AND SHER-

IFF TO PUT ON MORE DEPUTY

SHERIFFS


The safety committee named at the session of Brainerd business and professional men got down to action as soon as appointed. Sessions lasting all morning and much of the afternoon Friday resulted in the issuing of several orders which were quickly taken cognizance of.

The chairman of the committee is R. R. Wise, and not George D. LaBar as was first reported. The secretary is A. L. Hoffman.


No Crowds in Streets

The public was warned not to congregate in crowds on street corners or other places in streets or on sidewalks, because in case of trouble innocent people may be injured.


U. S. Marshal’s Statement

The statement of United States Marshal Edward Rustad demanding that law and order be preserved at all costs in Brainerd was read and noted by the committee.


Deputy Marshal Reports

Deputy United States Marshal Leo Mayer, who has charge of deputy United States marshals here, reported he now had eight deputies and he was asked to get sixteen more.


Detectives, Plain Clothes Men

The committee discussed the matter of employing detectives or plain clothes men to assist in the preservation of peace and to ferret out perpetrators of disturbances.


Sheriff Reports

Sheriff Claus A. Theorin reported he had 12 deputy sheriffs. The list of these was published in the Brainerd Dispatch Friday evening. He was asked by the committee to appoint 23 more. He was cautioned to get only such men as are not in any way interested in the railway.


Mayor Reports

Mayor F. E. Little reported to the committee and said he had seven men on the police force. A discussion followed as to their actions and their sympathies in this strike.

The mayor was asked to add seven men to the present force and was cautioned, like the sheriff, to get men not in any way connected with the railway.


One Paragraph Omitted

By an oversight in proof reading the Dispatch omitted one paragraph of the resolutions adopted by the Brainerd business and professional men at their meeting Thursday evening. this was in the body of the resolution and read:

“Be It Further Resolved, That we call upon the sheriff, county of Crow Wing, state of Minnesota, demanding him to use every possible advantage his office gives him, to assist in maintaining order.”


Committee Meeting Fruitless

At the same business and professional men's meeting Thursday evening, the committee of twelve named to meet with twelve of the Shop Crafts reported their inability to effect any settlement of the strike locally.


Special Meeting City Council

There was a special meeting of the city council this morning at 10 o’clock in Mayor Little’s office, to take up the matter of increasing the city police force to cope with the unusual conditions now existing.

This meeting, it is understood, was the outgrowth of a meeting of the mayor with the special safety committee appointed at the Thursday session of the business and professional men, who held a conference concerning the policing of the city.

The result of the council meeting this morning was a motion, duly passed, leaving the matter of policing the city in the hands of the Mayor, with power to act, and to hire more police as he deems necessary and occasion demands.


Liquor Primal Cause

The council agreed that most of the trouble caused by crowds assaulting innocent individuals is the result of liquor, and it was decided that the mayor should be given greater power against those selling intoxicants. Therefore, the council will hold a special meeting on Monday evening for the purpose of passing an ordinance which would strengthen the mayor’s power in this work.

_____


Four Locomotives to Minneapolis

Four large locomotives were boarded up at the local N. P. shops this morning, and prepared for shipment to Minneapolis, where they will be repaired under the new contract the Northern Pacific has with the Minneapolis Steel & Machinery Co.

The engines numbers are 1660, 2216, 2447 and 2371. The first named is of the “W” class, the other three belong to the “T” type.


Sheriff’s Statement

Sheriff Theorin in a statement to the Dispatch said the railway company in July wanted six of their guards made deputy sheriffs and on Monday wanted ten guards made deputy sheriffs. The sheriff claims he did not so appoint them because he did not know the men, and that upon suggesting he would appoint men of the county for duty inside the fence, that Special Agent Ryan did not want such men. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 28 October 1922, p. 1, c.’s 1 & 2)


1923

02 January

SHOP EMPLOYMENT FIGURES OF TODAY

_____


According to figures given out by the superintendent’s office at the Northern Pacific railway shops, there are today 879 men employed, being 356 old men and 523 new men. Applications of old men on file and pending number 83.

Ten men were put to work this morning. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 January 1923, p. 5, c. 4)


CITY COUNCIL’S BUSY MEETING


[...]


A letter was read from the shop crafts, addressed to Alderman Quanstrom and a petition included, relative to what is known as the “Minot Plan” of settling the railway strike in Brainerd. Alderman Brusegaard offered a resolution concerning this matter and moved its adoption. On roll call all members present voted aye. The resolution will be published in detail in this paper. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 January 1923, p. 6, c. 1)


05 January

BURLINGTON ORDERS

60 BIG LOCOMOTIVES

TO COST $3,180,000

_____


ACTION IS IN LINE WITH PLANS

FOR MORE ROLLING STOCK

ON OTHER LINES

_____


NORTHERN PACIFIC, MILWAU-

KEE, ETC., CONFIDENT OF

A BRISK YEAR


Minneapolis, Jan. 5—Preparing for “big Business” in 1923 and confident of general prosperity through the year, the Burlington railway has placed orders with the Baldwin Locomotive works to build 60 huge locomotives of the newest type, at a cost of $3,180,000, and is making other large additions to its rolling stock, J. A. Parker, Minneapolis commercial agent, announced.

The order is in line with large orders placed or under consideration for additional rolling stock on the Northern Pacific, Great Northern, Milwaukee, Omaha, Minneapolis & St. Louis and Soo line systems.

The order calls for delivery of the locomotives to the Burlington road early in the spring, to be put into use immediately. They are of the Mikado type, similar to a lot of 38 delivered recently, equipped with automatic coal pushers which mechanically feed fuel from the tender toward the fireman, an appliance by which water is heated before being pumped into the boiler, saving a large amount of fuel, and other features.

“These engines are so well designed and carefully proportioned that they will haul more tons of freight at a higher rate of speed, with less fuel, than any other engine of the same class ever constructed, and can be effectively employed in fast freight, slow freight or heavy passenger service,” Mr. Parker said.

In addition to the locomotives, the company has just received 2,000 reconditioned steel coal cars, 500 new automobile cars and 5,500 reconditioned boxcars, and has let a contract for the reconditioning of 200 refrigerator cars. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 January 1923, p. 3, c. 1)


06 January

RESOLUTION

_____


Whereas, a petition signed by a large number of citizens of the City of Brainerd and vicinity has been presented to the City Council asking that resolutions be passed by this Council seeking a speedy settlement of the prolonged railroad strike, and

Whereas, knowing that action of this nature is outside the province of its regular and prescribed duties, this Council has throughout this disagreement between railway companies and striking men, tried to be fair and impartial to the two parties involved in the controversy and has at all times hoped for a settlement that would be satisfactory to the striking shop craftsmen and that would be satisfactory to the railway companies and which would restore employment to experienced workmen, and

Whereas, the officers representing the striking shopmen state they are ready to meet management of the railways in conference to negotiate a settlement of the present strike,

Now Therefore Be It Resolved by the City Council of the City of Brainerd, that we urge further conference between the railway companies and the striking shopmen to the end that a speedy and satisfactory settlement may be effected thus bringing about a solution of the problem of unemployment, and

Be It Further Resolved, that copies of this resolution be delivered to the railway companies, the striking shop craftsmen and to the Railroad and Warehouse commission of Minnesota.

Adopted 2nd day of January, 1923.

ANDREW ANDERSON,

President of the Council, pro tem.

Approved 6th day of January, 1923.

F. E. LITTLE,

Mayor

Attest:

E. T. FLEENER,

City Clerk

Published 6th day of January, 1923.

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 January 1923, p. 5, c. 2)


08 January

Official End Of N. W. Shop Strike Near

_____


FORECAST BY TWIN

CITY SUNDAY PAPERS

JEWELL IN ST. PAUL

_____


SAY SUCH EFFORTS PRIMARILY

DIRECTED AT GREAT NOR-

THERN, NORTHERN PACIFIC

_____


CLAIMED FINAL DECISION ON

THE MATTER IS TO BE REACHED

THIS MONDAY


The Minneapolis Journal and Minneapolis Tribune of Sunday carried this story, virtually all of the substance given:

Official termination of the shopmen’s strike in the northwest within a few days was forecast in the Twin Cities Sunday, as the probable outcome of conferences at which B. M. Jewell, national chief of railway shopmen, who has been in St. Paul since Thursday under an assumed name, is the dominant voice. Efforts officially to call off the strike are directed primarily toward the Great Northern and Northern Pacific railways, but minor strike leaders said the move, undoubtedly, will extend to other companies in the northwest who have men still out on strike. Final decision is to be reached Monday, officials of the shopmen’s union said.

Shops on the Great Northern, Northern Pacific and other roads now are operating virtually at capacity and many strikers have returned to their old jobs.

_____


U. P. Report from St. Paul

(By United Press)

St. Paul, Jan. 8—Settlement of the shopmen’s strike within a week was predicted today by well-informed labor leaders.

This follows conferences held in St. Paul last week at which B. M. Jewell, president of the railway employees, American Federation of Labor, and several of his representatives were present.

Chairmen of the brotherhoods on the Northern Pacific and Great Northern lines were at the conferences. These are the two major railroads which have failed to settle with the workers since the strike which started July 1, 1922. Chairmen of the brotherhoods continued to refuse to make any statement today although they admitted that the meetings had been held. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 January 1923, p. 1, c. 4)


10 January

OVERTURES STARTED TO END SHOP STRIKE

_____


St. Paul, Jan. 10—Definite announcement of the outcome of negotiations for bringing to an end the railroad shopmen’s strike on at least two Northwest lines, the Northern Pacific and Great Northern, is expected within 24 hours.

Reports in railroad circles were that the strike would be terminated on the Northwest lines but official comment was withheld pending the formal announcement.

Nearly 75 employees of the Great Northern and Northern Pacific from all parts of these systems, assembled here yesterday in executive conference to discuss the matter.

This meeting follows last week’s conference between B. M. Jewell, national head of the shopmen, and local union heads. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 January 1923, p. 1, c. 7)


12 January

GREAT NORTHERN SHOPMEN STRIKE MAY

BE CALLED OFF SOON IT IS REPORTED

_____


(By United Press)

St. Paul, Jan. 12.—Striking Great Northern shop crafts workers will begin returning to work Monday.

The strike was officially called off at a mass meeting on recommendations of union heads. R. A. Henning, district shop crafts chief, explained the situation fully to about 1,000 strikers.

The men, who have been out since July 1 last year will return to work in the order of their seniority as fast as vacancies occur, according to officials.

Negotiations looking to a similar settlement of the Northern Pacific strike are underway. A settlement is expected within a few days. Union officials predicted most of the strikers will be back at work within three weeks.

_____


St. Paul, Jan. 12.—Great Northern shopmen are ready to return to work. Although no formal vote was taken, more than 1,000 former shop workers of the road endorsed the decision of union officials in calling off the strike which has been in effect since July 1.

The workers met last night at Trades Union hall and heard the situation fully explained by R. A. Henning, district chief of the shop workers. The workers will be taken back as fast as vacancies occur, according to Ralph Budd, president of the Great Northern. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 January 1923, p. 1, c.’s 2 & 3)


938 MEN ARE NOW

ON N. P. SHOP ROLLS

_____


The Northern Pacific railway shops this morning had on their payrolls 938 men, highest total since July, according to figures furnished by the superintendent’s office.

Two new rivet heaters were put on the locomotive side. Five old men started work on the car side.

On the locomotive side there are now employed 327 new men, 265 old men.

On the car side there are now employed 194 new men, 152 old men. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 January 1923, p. 5, c. 1)


13 January

N. P. RAILWAY BUYS $17,000,000 NEW EQUIPMENT

_____


FAITH SHOWN IN

GREAT NORTHWEST

WHICH IT SERVES

_____


THOUSANDS OF CARS AND 49 LO-

COMOTIVES BOUGHT BY THE

RAILWAY COMPANY

_____


HALF MILLION ORDER ALSO IS

PLACED TO COMPLETE AUTO-

MATIC BLOCK SYSTEM


Equipment purchases by the Northern Pacific railroad totaling $17,000,000, largely for delivery this year for the service of the northwest, were announced by R. W. Clark, assistant to the president.

The order includes 3,000 heavy freight cars, 1,000 freight refrigerator cars, 70 express refrigerator cars, 250 convertible freight cars, 250 steel gondolas, 1,000 automobile and lumber cars and 49 locomotives of three types. Four of the new locomotives are to be the Mallet, or mountain service type.

“The Northern Pacific also has placed a $500,000 order to complete its automatic block signal system all the way to the coast,” Mr. Clark said.

“The equipment order is an indication of our faith in the immediate prospects for big business and heavy traffic in the northwest. The additional refrigerator cars, some of which already are being received, will give the Northern Pacific a total of more than 5,000 refrigerators for all year round service, and another 1,000 which are leased for the heaviest movements.

“The Northern Pacific feels that business prospects are very good.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 January 1923, p. 1, c. 1)


16 January

RAIL PEACE PARLEY

IS REPORTED BEGUN

_____


NORTHWEST SHOP EXECUTIVES

SAID TO BE CONSIDERING CASE

OF NORTHERN PACIFIC MEN


St. Paul, Jan. 16.—Northwestern executives of the railway shopcrafts unions which declared a strike July 1, were reported to be in session in St. Paul to consider the case of the former employees of the Northern Pacific railroad, the only group of rail workers in the Northwest not authorized by the unions to seek work with their former employees.

Dissatisfaction among the former Northern Pacific employees is said to have been greatly increased by the recent ratification of the end of the strike by former employees of the Great Northern railway. The action of the Great Northern group allows the former employees to seek re-employment in accordance with a seniority list established by the union. According to Great Northern officials the status of those employed before the end of the strike was ratified by the union men will not be affected. A number of the Great Northern strikers have been given work since the action of the union officially ended the strike on that line.

Action of the Northern Pacific group of strikers, which is expected to be announced within the next two days, will follow closely that of the Great Northern workers, it is reported. The settlement will be merely ratification by the union of terms offered by railway executives early in the strike. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 January 1923, p. 1, c. 6)


18 January

150 Seek G. N. Jobs at

Shops in Grand Forks

_____


St. Paul, Jan. 18.—With the strike of the railroad shopmen on the Great Northern railroad declared officially over, 150 strikers applied for jobs at the Grand Forks, N. D., shops today, according to dispatches from the city.

C. O. Jenks, operating vice president, said that the same conditions apply to all other shops of the railroad from Duluth to Vancouver. The men are being taken back as rapidly as vacancies appear, it was said.

While the Northern Pacific railroad has made no settlement with the strikers, the settlement on the Great Northern is causing many former Northern Pacific employees to apply for their old jobs, it was stated at the general offices of that railroad. These applications are being treated as from new men, with no seniority status. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 January 1923, p. 1, c. 3)


19 January

BRAINERD NORTHERN PACIFIC SHOPS

TODAY EMPLOYING 962 RY. SHOPMEN

_____


Northern Pacific railway shops in Brainerd today are employing 962 men, being 523 new men and 439 old men. These are divided as follows:

On the locomotive side there are employed 329 new men and 282 old men; on the car side 194 new men and 157 old men.

When the walkout occurred in July 1175 men were employed. This makes the present high winter total come within 213 of the summer total. The highest average for the winter has usually been 900 men.

Under the direction of J. P. Anderson, veteran superintendent, good work is being done and has been so commented on by officials of the railway company.

Of the new men, about 200 are still using bunk houses and it is reported the two camps will soon be reduced to one camp. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 January 1923, p. 1, c.’s 5 & 6)


AITKIN JANITOR’S SUICIDE ATTEMPT

_____


Oliver Chatell Batters His Head on

Safety Bumpers at N. P.

Depot

_____


THEN CRAWLS UNDER TRAIN

_____


Trainmen Pull Him Out and His

Scalp Wounds are Dressed

at Hospital


The Brainerd Depot was the scene of much excitement on Friday evening when Oliver Chatell attempted suicide by battering his head against the safety bumpers at the end of the passenger spur track just west of the depot, where extra coaches are sidetracked.

After several such attempts which failed to accomplish the desired results, Chatell lay down beneath the baggage car of the north-bound train, with the hope that this means would be more successful. Train men and police rescued him before he could carry out his gruesome undertaking.

Chatell is the janitor of the Aitkin schools, and had been in Minneapolis for several days, returning to his home by way of Brainerd on Friday evening. It was just after his train pulled into the station that he attempted to take his own life.

It is stated that this is not the first time he has tried to commit suicide. He is inclined to periods of melancholy and recently suffered a nervous breakdown from which he is just recovering.

Chatell was taken to Northwestern hospital where several scalp wounds were dressed. Sheriff Reid stayed at his bedside during the entire night only leaving when he was assured that all danger of further attempts at suicide were over.

Joshua Chatell, father of the injured man, arrived from Aitkin Saturday morning, and it is expected that it will be possible for him to take his son home this evening or Sunday morning. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 January 1923, p. 5, c. 1)


20 January

GATEWAY TO PLAYGROUNDS

_____


Northern Pacific Railway Company

Photographed Beauty Spots of

Brainerd Lake Region

_____


USED IN RAILWAY LITERATURE

_____


Will be Broadcasted Over the System

and Gives Brainerd Much

Valuable Advertising


Brainerd is to receive her full share of publicity the coming season, in advertising the “Gateway to Minnesota’s Playground.”

Last season the publicity committee of the Chamber of Commerce did a great deal of good work in this direction, and Brainerd was given more than passing mention in a large number of city dailies.

The Northern Pacific Railway Company, realizing the beauties of this particular section of Minnesota, sent their official photographer to get the story in pictures for use in literature broadcasted by the company.

These pictures made such a good impression that the camera man made a second trip to Crow Wing county for more, and it is understood that a large section of the company’s literature will be taken up with these views as well as a printed description of the advantages of this territory.

An article on Brainerd and vicinity, enumerating not only the playground facilities, but the commercial and agricultural possibilities was written by the Chamber of Commerce and will be given an important place in the Northern Pacific's booklets. A letter acknowledging receipt of the article and the promise to use it in the company’s publications was written by A. B. Smith, passenger traffic manager. This literature is sent far and wide, which means that Crow Wing county will probably be heard from in every state in the union. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 January 1923, p. 5, c. 3)


26 January

982 MEN NOW AT WORK IN NORTHERN

PACIFIC RAILWAY SHOPS; ROLLS BEAR

NAMES OF 451 OF THE OLD SHOPMEN

_____


(By United Press)

According to figures furnished the Dispatch by the superintendent’s office, the Northern Pacific railway shops of Brainerd are now employing 982 men. These are distributed as follows:

Car side, new men 194, old men 159.

Locomotive side, new men 337, old men 292.

At the time of the July walkout 1175 men were employed. The highest winter average, as a rule, is 900 men and accordingly the present figure of 982 men is a very good record for winter work in Brainerd.

The shops were recently inspected by Howard Curry, of St. Paul, superintendent of motive power, and by W. H. Strachan, of Duluth, superintendent of the Lake Superior division. The quality and magnitude of the work turned out at the Northern Pacific shops here, the largest repair shops on the system and the largest, as stated by some, of any western railway, is of the best and has earned the commendation of railway officials.

With the improvement of the industrial situation it is considered probable that a half million dollars in improvements planned last year to include an independent power plant, reclamation plant, rolling mill, etc., may soon get underway and thus give employment to many men in the building industry.

The St. Lawrence-tidewater project, when eventually established, will bring immense tonnage from Duluth-Superior ocean ports to be handled via the Lake Superior division of the Northern Pacific, in fact traffic experts consider this division will have a tonnage equaling or even exceeding any main line division. The European tourist traffic will also swell passenger totals during the lake navigation period. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 January 1923, p. 1, c.’s 5 & 6)


30 January

PAYDAY TODAY ABOUT $64,000

_____


Northern Pacific Railway Shops are

Today Employing 988 Men, More

Men Being Added

_____


LOCOMOTIVE SIDE HAS 627 MEN

_____


Car Side is Now Employing 361 Men,

Large Amount of Work is

being Turned Out


At the Northern Pacific railway shops the semi-monthly payday today will equal approximately $64,000.

Today there are 988 men employed at the railway shops, some having been added since Saturday.

This gives 627 men on the locomotive side and 261 men on the car side. A large amount of work is being turned out under the direction of Superintendent J. P. Anderson. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 January 1923, p. 5, c. 4)


01 February

NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILWAY SHOPS

TURN OUT 11 ENGINES REPAIRED IN

JANUARY; SAME AS JANUARY, 1922

_____


The Northern Pacific railway shops superintendent and men, are proud of the January record attained. Eleven engines, complete repair jobs were turned out in January, 1923, equaling exactly the amount of work turned out by the shops for the month of January, 1922.

There are today 980 men in the employ of the company, as announced by the superintendent’s office. These include 521 new men and 459 old men. The total number of applications filed by the old men is 506. Yesterday 17 old men filed applications.

On the locomotive side today there were 321 new men and 298 old men working, a total of 619.

On the car side there were 200 new men and 161 old men, a total of 361. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 February 1923, p. 1, c.’s 5 & 6)


03 February

DONNELLY’S LETTER TO THE CITY COUNCIL

_____


President of the Northern Pacific

Railway Answers Council’s Res-

olution

_____


REFERS TO RAPELJE LETTER

_____


Position of Railway Company in Re-

gard to Recent Strike is Offic-

cially Stated


The following letter was received by the city clerk from Charles Donnelly, president of the Northern Pacific Railway Co., in answer to a resolution adopted by the city council some time ago. This letter was received on last Friday, but could not be made public until after the meeting of the council Monday night.

“Dear Sir: On my return from the east I find your letter of January 20 enclosing copy of a resolution adopted by the city council of Brainerd at a regular meeting held January 2, 1923, to which resolution is attached the names of the petitioners.

“I feel that I can make no better reply to this resolution than to give you a copy of a letter I wrote to Mr. J. M. Rapelje, vice president in charge of the operating department on January 9th. This letter explains fully the position of the Northern Pacific management. I enclose a copy of it herewith.”

The letter to Mr. Rapelje referred to in the president’s communication, is as follows:

“My dear Mr. Rapelje: Referring to the question which has been submitted to us by Messrs. Morgan, Gorman and Bishop of reaching an agreement under which the strike of the shop crafts might be called off.

“I wish you would say to Messrs. Morgan, Gorman and Bishop that, while I appreciate very much the tender of their good offices in this matter, and realize that they have been moved to offer them only by a sincere desire to bring about better relations between this company and the men who left its service, we cannot enter into any agreements or understandings with representatives of the old shop crafts organization, or with anyone acting for them. This decision has been reached only after weighing very carefully the whole subject.

“As you know, we are now employing, as they seek employment and as positions are open, any of our old employees except those whose unmistakable hostility to the company’s has forfeited all claim to re-employment. We shall continue to do this, because it is our earnest desire to get back into our employ as rapidly as possible the men who for years rendered us faithful service. The fact that these men struck has not given rise to the slightest feeling of ill-will towards them; and I may add that there is not, on the part of the management, the slightest feeling of ill-will towards the old shop crafts organization, or towards their official representatives.

“But the facts must be faced as they are. After the strike was called, on the first of last July, the Northern Pacific, moved by a desire to preserve what were, on the whole, the very satisfactory relations existing between its management and its old employees, delayed longer than any other line in the northwest the work of filling the places which the strikers had vacated. It took up at once with their local representatives the questions of the slight differences existing, and it reached with those representatives an understanding so satisfactory that they sought from Mr. Jewell authority to call the strike off. Desiring to force a nation-wide settlement, Mr. Jewell refused to give this authority, and thus drove us to the very action we had been seeking to avoid. He drove us to the alternative either of employing new men or of allowing our operations to break down. We chose the former and today what with new men employed, and the large number of striking employees who have returned to work, our forces in most departments are full manned, and we are giving to the public a transportation service which is in every way satisfactory.

“The request now made upon us through Messrs. Morgan, Gorman and Bishop is a request with which, considered in itself, it would not be difficult to comply because it is merely a request to do what, in matter of fact, we are now doing and will continue to do, that is, to re-employ the men on strike as rapidly as places can be found for them. We are asked, not merely to do this, but to make an agreement with the old shop crafts organizations to do this, and thus to give official recognition to these organizations. In the meantime, however, the men now in our employ have created an organization of their own which we are bound, under the law, to recognize, and which we have in fact recognized. This organization is one of our employees’ own creation. Men coming into our service are free to join it or ignore it as they see fit, though the large majority of our shop craft employees, both old and new, have in fact joined it. We cannot, while thus recognizing the organization which our employees have brought into existence, give formal, official recognition to another organization, representing only men who are not in our employ, yet the only thing which would be effected by the agreement which we are asked to make would be to give such recognition.

I know well enough that our actions in taking this stand will be misrepresented. It will be said that we are engaged in an effort to break up union labor organizations, and to destroy the principle of collective bargaining. There are many men in the employ of the Northern Pacific who know you well enough, to know that this is not so; but there are others who do not and who may believe the charges that are thus made. However this may be, our indicated course is clear. We are ready and willing to take back former employees as places are open for them, but we cannot under conditions as they now are, enter into an agreement with the former shop crafts organizations.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 February 1923, p. 5, c.’s 1 & 2)


05 February

STRIKE CALLED OFF IN BRAINERD

_____


FEDERATED SHOP CRAFTS

TAKE DECISIVE VOTE ON

MONDAY, OUT 7 MONTHS

_____


Labor Hall, Occupied by Various Unions of the City, Was

Crowded to Its Capacity by Men and Women;

Estimated 600 Were Present.

_____


A Standing Vote Was Taken, Sentiments to Call Off the Strike

Being Almost Unanimous, But 25 Out of Entire

Number Voting Against It.


The Federated Shop Crafts strike, so far as the union men in Brainerd are concerned, was called off at 11 o'clock Monday morning, after one of the longest walk-outs in the history of the city. The men have been on strike since last July 1st.

Rumors have been prevalent for several days that a decision would be reached soon, but not until this morning was definite action taken.

The large hall occupied by the various unions of the city was crowded to its capacity by both men and women, it being estimated that at least 600 were present.

No demonstration was made either before or after the decision was reached. A standing vote was taken and it is reported that the sentiment to call off the strike was nearly unanimous, but 25 out of the entire number voting against it.

The strike leaders in the Cities at their meeting early last week failed to reach an agreement, so that it was decided to send word out to all points on the Northern Pacific system, requesting the men to hold mass meetings at once and form their own conclusions, taking whatever action seemed to them most suitable for their particular locality. These directions were sent out to the extreme western points on the Northern Pacific several days in advance of closer centers, so that the vote would be taken at about the same time at all places. It is believed that in nearly every other point on the railroad a like action will be taken to that arrived at in the Brainerd meeting this morning.

The directions reached the Brainerd strikers in the morning mail today and after a lengthy discussion the vote was taken which ended the seven month’s walk-out.

Applications for employment, when made at the superintendent’s office in the shops, are sent to St. Paul for approval. When returned, and if accepted, applicants are assigned positions as fast as there are openings available. It takes a week or more for an application to come back from St. Paul. So far, as reported at the superintendent’s office, no preference has been shown older men over younger men in the service.

The car side Monday had 263 men and maximum capacity is 464, thus permitting of engaging 128 men, if required.

The men and women will continue to hold their regular morning meetings as heretofore until such time as all business connected with the recent strike has been disposed of, and the men who are accepted are taken back to work. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 February 1923, p. 1, c. 1)


Build Steel Cars in Brainerd, Reported

_____


INSTALLATION OF SUCH

DEPARTMENT MAY SOON

BE ADDED TO SHOPS HERE

_____


Report Comes From Laurel, Montana, That Three Such

Departments Are to Be Established on the Northern

Pacific, Being Laurel, Brainerd, Tacoma

_____


Northern Pacific Railway, Anticipating Increased Business

in the Northwest, Has Made a $17,000,000 Pur-

chase of Boxcars, Steel Gondolas, Etc.


From Laurel Montana, comes the newspaper report that the Northern Pacific railway company contemplates the installation of three steel car building plants located at Laurel, Brainerd and Tacoma, Wash.

The fact that it is reported that additions are also to be made to the regular shops at Laurel would support the idea that additions may also be contemplated in Brainerd.

Anticipating increased business in the Northwest, the Northern Pacific railway company, has purchased $17,000,000 worth of new equipment. Its purchase is one of the largest in the history of the road.

The $17,000,000 will buy 3,000 boxcars, 1,000 freight refrigerator cars, 70 express refrigerator cars, 250 convertibles, 250 steel gondolas, 1,000 automobile and lumber cars, 250 stock cars, 20 Pacific type locomotives, 25 Mikadoes and four Mallets. The 50 foot automobile and lumber cars are said to be the largest ever contracted for in the northwest.

This buying movement has not been confined to the Northern Pacific railway alone. Seven other roads will make purchases of equipment amounting to $36,500,000, showing that the realization of increased business in the great Northwest is shared by all eight roads. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 February 1923, p. 1, c.’s 6 & 7)


06 February

NORTHERN PACIFIC REPORT FAVORABLE

_____


New York, Feb. 6.—Northern Pacific’s preliminary statement for 1922, published yesterday, shows 6.07 percent earned for the $248,000,000 stock against 8.89 percent for 1921. Despite this smaller return, however, the statement at hand is very favorable. For 1922 there was an increase in gross of $1,500,000 to $96,076,000, which, with a saving in operating expenses, brought net to $19,450,000, against $10,847,000. For 1921 Northern Pacific received $12,451,000 in extra dividends from Burlington, bringing “other income” to $26,552,000, against only $11,271,000 for that item last year. In view of this heavy falling off in “other income,” Northern Pacific makes a very good showing for 1922. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 February 1923, p. 1, c. 3)


AN EPOCH IN BRAINERD’S HISTORY

_____


CITIZENS of Brainerd will measure time by its relation to the shopmen’s strike of 1922. It will mark an epoch in the city’s history. Anything that affects so many lives and the relations of so many people, is bound to serve as an occurrence, in relation to which, other things are arranged. Brainerd’s citizens will think in terms of before and after the strike just as the people of Fergus Falls talk about what happened before or after the cyclone.

A conflict of viewpoints was bound to result from such an interference with the normal relations of the population of our city. Organizations do not exist in which all of the people look at things in the same way. And the strike was certain to cause unfortunate situations through emphasizing the particular viewpoint held by this or the other party.

But now is not the time to re-state viewpoints or to say to the other fellow, “I told you so!” The strike has been called off and our people will hope that the unfortunate clashing of viewpoints will be forgotten in the attempt to get together again in an effort to promote community harmony.

There is a prevalent regret that many of our citizens will not be employed for some time to come, and those who are not prejudiced against labor will hope that as soon as possible all of our fellow citizens may be at work again. The best thing that can be done in these days following the strike is to forget it in looking to the future with the hope that the futility of the strike, for in it neither side won any advantage, will lead to more satisfactory relationships between employer and employee.

Those who have kept advised of the developments of the strike will feel a sense of respect for the men of the Northwest who might have gone back to work but held out in the hope of effecting a national agreement and were themselves the sufferers because of their willingness to help their fellows whom they had never met. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 February 1923, p. 4, c.’s 1 & 2)


07 February

N. P. SHOPMEN ASK RETURN TO OLD JOBS

_____


St. Paul, Feb. 7.—Northern Pacific railroad shopmen who went on strike July 1 have called off their strike and are asking to be returned to their old jobs, it was announced in St. Paul. It was the result of action taken by former employees voluntarily, and is being acted upon by unions, shop officials describing the move as in effect a repudiation of strike leaders. No agreement and no concessions were made by the Northern Pacific, it was reported. Men who went on strike have lost their seniority ranking.

The shopmen’s strike, according to company reports received in Brainerd, has also been called off by the men in Livingston, Montana and Staples, about the same time action was taken in Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 February 1923, p. 1, c. 6)


08 February

JEWELL’S STRATEGIC BLUNDER

_____


THE letter of Charles Donnelly, president of the Northern Pacific railroad, sent in reply to a letter and petition received from the city council of Brainerd asking the railroad to confer with its striking employees with a view to the settlement of the strike, points out a number of things that have been obvious to unbiased and intelligent observers for many months.

While the Dispatch consistently supported the men of the shop crafts through the summer it was not blind to the position assumed by the Northern Pacific and was forced to the conclusion that there was a certain amount of justification for the position taken by the railroad. More than once this column affirmed that Mr. Jewell had made a strategical blunder, and Mr. Donnelly’s letter bears out that contention. If a general refuses an armistice when it is offered it is quite likely that the general of the opposing force will refuse a like request when made by the side that has already turned down such an offer.

There is no shadow of doubt that had it not been for Mr. Jewell the men of the Northwest roads would have been back to work in July or August. The Northern Pacific was hard hit because it was completely unionized and after Mr. Jewell had refused to allow a regional settlement this railroad, whose workers stood solidly behind Mr. Jewell, had reason to feel resentment. The Northern Pacific felt that it could have made terms with its own men but was prevented from doing so by an outside labor leader whom the railroad considered outside of the negotiations carried on between the railroads and the representatives of the shop crafts’ unions of the Northwest. When prejudices are cast aside it must be admitted that what the railroad has done since Mr. Jewell’s refusal to allow the men of the Northwest to agree to a regional settlement is no more censurable than Mr. Jewell’s decision.

The men of the Northwest have paid the price of Mr. Jewell’s strategical blunder. Not only did this mistaken strategy alienate the sympathies of the railroads but it put leadership in a position to allow the strike to drift on month-after-month without any recommendation to the men that they go back to work. Sympathy for the strikers has never covered up the mistaken policies of the leaders of the men.

It is a serious reflection on leadership when it allows men to stay out month-after-month and has not the stamina to declare that because the strike has failed to accomplish its purpose the men should return to work.

Leaders claim that such decisions must come from the men whose vote alone can decide an issue. Technically this is true, but leaders agitate situations, recommend strikes, send out ballots to get the sentiment of the men as to whether a strike is or is not to be. They are not as active in admitting failure as in agitating men and disturbing relations.

Leadership that enthusiastically encourages a strike, fails to lead to a successful outcome, and vacillates month-after-month over the question of recommending that it be discontinued has been discredited.

The spirit of Mr. Donnelly’s letter seems to show that when the men have returned to work there will be no hard feelings over their cessation of work. In fact, Mr. Donnelly says this right out in public. Therefore, it may be confidently expected that it will not be long until a better spirit prevails on the railroads of the Northwest. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 February 1923, p. 4, c. 1)


10 February

CALL OFF FEDERATED SHOP CRAFTS STRIKE

_____


BY VOLUNTARY ACTION

ON PART OF STRIKERS

SAID N. P. OFFICIALS

_____


Officials Said Few Places Remained to Be Filled, and Orders

Have Been Issued to Give Preference to Married

Men and Heads of Families

_____


It is Said Northern Pacific is Only Railroad in Country on

Which Strikers Voluntarily Voted to Return

to Work Without Any Agreement


(By United Press)

St. Paul, Feb. 10—The Federated Shop Crafts strike was officially declared off on the Northern Pacific railroad by voluntary action on the part of the strikers, according to Northern Pacific officials today.

Officials said few places remained to be filled, and orders have been issued to give preference to married men and heads of families.

It is said the Northern Pacific is the only railroad in the country on which the strikers voluntarily voted to return to work without any agreement with the railroad managements.

_____


Conditions in Brainerd

Since Monday 425 applications for work were registered at the Northern Pacific railway shops in Brainerd. These have not yet been acted on in St. Paul.

Forces employed in Brainerd shops at present are:

Locomotive side new men 298, old men 300, a total of 598.

Car side new men 201, old men 162, a total of 363.

The present total strength is 961. The railway company, it was stated at the superintendent’s office, is authorized to employ a maximum strength of 1188 men. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 February 1923, p. 1, c. 1)


14 February

NORTHWESTER PILES SNOW, DELAYS TRAFFIC

_____


TRAINS ANNULLED,

NORTHERN PACIFIC

AND M. & I. RYS.

_____


LAKE SUPERIOR DIVISION CON-

TINUES BREASTING THE

STORM

_____


NORTH AND SOUTH LINES DRIFT-

ED WORSE THAN EAST AND

WEST


Train service Tuesday night and Wednesday morning was more than crippled. With the exception of the line between Staples and Duluth, all traffic was at a standstill.

One of the first trains to be annulled was the afternoon passenger north on the Minnesota and International Tuesday afternoon. This train was abandoned at Brainerd, on advice from trainmaster G. H. Warner. Mr. Warner was aboard a freight that experienced great difficulty in reaching Bemidji.


Russell Snowplows Working

Passenger service between Staples and Duluth was maintained with the aid of large Russell snowplows. The early morning train to Duluth Wednesday went through Brainerd about 7:30. Numbers 55 and 59 left Duluth for Staples on time Wednesday morning. These trains are due in Brainerd at 11:10 and 12:15 respectively. The first lost 45 minutes in going 37 miles.

Advice from Staples is to the effect that everything on the Minnesota Division, between Staples and Fargo, is tied up entirely. The Fergus Falls-Oakes branch on this division was snowbound Tuesday afternoon.

Officials were making every effort to renew service on the St. Paul Division toward Staples. Numbers 1 and 3, the fast trains to the coast left St. Paul at 9:30 this morning. these are heavy trains and will make slow progress against the strong wind. Service out of the Cities, including the midnight train into Brainerd, was annulled on Tuesday evening.


M. & I. Feels Effects

The Minnesota and International Railway is feeling the effects of the storm probably worse than any division in this section of the state. Lines running north and south are drifted worse than east and west roads, and the M. & I. has a great many bad cuts that have filled in. Also in the country north of Bemidji there is a very heavy snow, reported by officials of the road as being at least four feet deep on the level. No trains were run since Tuesday noon with the exception of a snow plow, which left International Falls Tuesday evening and got as far as Mizpah, where they stuck in a drift. Advice from G. H. Warner at Bemidji is to the effect that the storm raging on Wednesday morning was worse than that of the night before.


Snow Drifts, Packing Hard

Employees of the railroads state that this storm is much harder to cope with than the one of a year ago, even though more snow fell that time than has fallen in the past two days. The difficulty being experienced now is with the snow drifting and packing so hard. Last year’s deposit lay loose on the ground and was easily plowed to one side. Fear is expressed on the M. & I. that there is no equipment heavy enough on their road to handle this snow. Relief will no doubt be given by the Northern Pacific.

Orders were received at the dispatcher’s office in Brainerd at 9:30 from Minneapolis headquarters that no trains would be run in or out of Brainerd until further advised. this does not apply to the Lake Superior Division.

No trains on the main line of the Northern Pacific between Fargo and the Cities were put into service on Wednesday. Two coast trains started from St. Paul, but had to be abandoned at Elk River.


Hotels in Brainerd Crowded

The annulment of train service kept many transients stalled in the city, and both the Ransford and Harrison hotels were crowded to their full capacity. Many reservations had been received for guests that expected to arrive on trains that were later abandoned, and this reserve was used to take care of those who could not leave the city. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 14 February 1923, p. 1, c.’s 1 & 2)


15 February

NO PAYDAY IN CITY TODAY

_____


Pay Checks of Northern Pacific

Shops Were Delayed by the

Storm

_____


PAYDAY TO BE ON FRIDAY

_____


Banks of City Tomorrow, Under

New Plan, to be Open to 6:30

P. M.


Up to late afternoon today the pay checks for the Northern Pacific railway shops had not arrived. The first train from St. Paul was expected about 3:20 P. M., and if it carried the checks it would not give time to arrange them.

Payday will be Friday and according to the new plan of the banks because the men now work to 5:30 P. M., the banks will be open to 6:30 P. M.


Other Storm Notes

T. B. Brusegaard, who has been in the west for several weeks, called Mrs. Brusegaard Thursday morning from Staples, where he arrived after being snowbound in Mandan, N. D., for thirty-six hours. He came on to Brainerd this afternoon.

The Northwestern Bell Telephone Co.’s lines are down between Brainerd and Little Falls. Their linemen left early Wednesday morning on skis to look for the break, and stayed overnight in Ft. Ripley.

Maurice LeMoine had to cut wire fences in three different places and follow the open field in driving into town from his farm four miles south on Thursday.

A snowplow came up from Little Falls early Thursday morning, opening that line for train service. The Minnesota and International has also been opened.

During the storm the fire department answered a call to the A. G. Trommald home on North 7th Street where a chimney fire was in progress. No damage was done.

The main line of the Northern Pacific from St. Paul through Dakota is open and trains put back on their schedules. The Winnipeg line is open to Grand Forks, but the Morris-Brainerd and the Fergus Falls-Oakes line are still snowbound. A rotary plow is working on the latter.

Men working between Brainerd and Little Falls, making the trip on skis, and inspecting the telephone lines en route, arrived in Little Falls at 3 o’clock Thursday afternoon. They found six lines down in that distance. Tomorrow they will work west toward Staples where much trouble has been experienced. Lines between Brainerd and the Cities are now in very good shape, according to officials of the telephone company. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 February 1923, p. 2, c. 3)


26 February

OLD MEN GETTING BACK IN SHOPS

_____


The superintendent’s office at the Northern Pacific railway shops is hearing from applications for work filed since the local strike was called off February 5th. Ten such were received from St. Paul, favorably acted on, and the old men placed at work on the locomotive side.

On Saturday there were employed 987 men in the shops. On the locomotive side there were 298 new men and 210 old men, a total of 608. On the car side there were 200 new men and 179 old men, a total of 379.

The payday for the first half of the month of February, disbursed Wednesday, February 28th, is expected to total close to $75,000 when one adds up shops, store room and yards, etc. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 February 1923, p. 3, c. 2)


07 March

HITCH HOME FIRE IN WEST BRAINERD

_____


Valuable Residence Formerly Occu-

pied by Chief Surgeon of N. P.

Hospital, Now Only a Shell

_____


ORIGIN OF FIRE IS UNKNOWN

_____


Fire Department Hampered in Its

Work, 2,000 Feet Hose Needed

to Get Water to Fire


Fire at 10:12 this morning destroyed the former chief surgeon’s home on the old Northern Pacific hospital site, of late the V. L. Hitch property and in which Mr. Hitch resided.

Northern Pacific Hospital, railroad bridge and doctors’ residence, ca. Unknown. A 794x548 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The fire was of unknown origin, starting in the roof of the building, either from sparks from the chimney or a passing train, or perhaps by defective wiring in the attic. It burned down through the second and first floors, leaving only a shell of the first story standing.

Mrs. Hitch was alone at the time the fire was discovered, her husband being out in the country. Most of the furniture was saved, however one bedroom suite, an old family heirloom and much prized, was burned.

The fire department was much hampered in its work, due to the fact that there is no water service in West Brainerd. Two thousand feet of hose was required to reach from the nearest hydrant at the corner of Second street and Laurel across the wagon bridge to the scene of the fire. Since only fifteen hundred feet is carried on the fire truck, an extra trip back to the station for more hose was necessary.

The hydrant used is at the end of the mains, where water pressure is always very poor, and by the time the water had been carried through two thousand feet of hose, no force remained with which to fight the flames. The chemicals were also pushed into service, but little could be done with them in a fire that had gained the headway that this one had attained.

Mr. Hitch carried $4,000 worth of insurance on the dwelling and $1,000 on his personal property.

This fire brings very forcibly home the fact that water mains such as the residents of West Brainerd are requesting, and which will be voted upon at the coming election, are very badly needed in that section of the city, and also the fact that additional apparatus, such as has been recommended by the recent insurance investigation committee, would be of much value.

This apparatus suggested would be kept at the central fire station, and in the instance of the Hitch fire, could have saved an extra trip back to headquarters for more hose. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 March 1923, p. 5, c. 3)


15 March

OVER 1,000 MEN ARE NOW EMPLOYED

IN THE NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILWAY

SHOPS AS REPORTED AT HEADQUARTERS

_____


Over 1,000 men, or to be exact, 1004, are now employed at the Northern Pacific railway shops in Brainerd. The number of old men employed is gradually gaining in ascendancy over the new men.

In the car shops there are employed 209 old men and 193 new men.

On the locomotive side there are employed 343 old men and 259 new men.

The last payday was for a short end of the month and totaled $50,347, which does not include store room, yards, etc. For the half month previously the payroll amounted to $67,324.

Conditions are daily improving in Brainerd, thus insuring a better industrial and business situation. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 March 1923, p. 1, c.’s 2 & 3)


07 April

VICE PRESIDENT RAPELJE OF N. P. IS OPTIMISTIC

_____


BUSINESS GOOD ON

NORTHERN PACIFIC

MAY ADD TO SHOPS

_____


RAILWAY COMPANY HAS UNDER

CONTEMPLATION IMPROVE-

MENTS AT BRAINERD

_____


CHANGES MAY BE MADE TO BOIL-

ER ROOM RUNNING OVER COU-

PLE OR THREE YEARS


That improvements at the Brainerd railway shops are destined in the near future was evidenced by the interview gained by the Dispatch from J. M. Rapelje, of St. Paul, vice president of the Northern Pacific railway company and in charge of operations of the railway.

“The company is considering an improvement to the boiler rooms to run over a couple or three years,” said Mr. Rapelje. “I do not know if it will be started this year or not,” he said. Final action rested in the hands of the board of directors.

It has been known locally that the Northern Pacific railway contemplated a quarter of a million dollars in improvements in Brainerd early last year, including the start of the power plant, and this was checked upon the beginning of the strike.

The fact that the railway company has now again under contemplation improvements in Brainerd is heralded as a very good sign. under the budget plan of the company, as is usually done, an allotment is made each year to carry out improvement, thus making possible the carrying out of a large project in several years.

Accordingly if a large improvement of a half million was contemplated, it would be covered by two or more annual appropriations.


Business Good on Railway

In Vice President Rapelje’s party were H. E. Stevens, chief engineer and Silas Zwight, mechanical superintendent for lines east of Paradise, Mont.

Their tour of inspection of the entire system has covered three weeks and Brainerd and its large shops visited yesterday, was on the last lap of the journey.

Business on the system was reported as good. There is great activity in the lumber business on the coast.


Local Conditions

Conferring with him at Brainerd was. W. H. Gemmell, president of the Minnesota & International Railway.

The party traveled in two business cars. It was really an office in transit, for the vice president and other officials had stenographers, and other assistants and each stop made included inspection of railway properties and conferences with local officials.

It is such trips as these, carried out faithfully in every detail, which gives Vice President Rapelje such an insight in the actual working of a transcontinental railway system.


Some Railway Figures

Some figures on the immensity of the Northern Pacific railway are of interest. The following gleaned cover conditions as of January 1, 1923 and do not include the large purchases of additional equipment recently placed.

The system has a mileage of 6,656. It has approximately 1,800 stations.

Locomotives of all kinds number 1,439. There are 46,559 freight cars, 1149 passenger cars and 4,323 miscellaneous cars. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 April 1923, p. 1, c. 1)


11 April

Northern Pacific Railroad Sees Big Year Ahead

_____


$5,000,000 TO BE

SPENT IN VARIOUS

IMPROVEMENTS

_____


ORDERS FOR EQUIPMENT PLAC-

ED IN 1922 REPRESENT

$14,500,000

_____


N. P. WILL SOON HAVE ENTIRE

MAIN LINE EQUIPPED WITH

AUTOMATIC BLOCK


Improvement work totaling $5,000,000 has been authorized for 1923 on the Northern Pacific Ry., R. W. Clark, assistant to the president announced recently.

Among the railroad betterments items in the 1923 program are:

Rail relays—$1,500,000

Signal construction between Spokane and Pasco—$500,000

Sewer construction, St. Paul—$260,000

Line change in Tacoma—$200,000

In addition orders for new equipment placed in 1922 representing an investment of $14,500,000 will be delivered this year.

Equipment purchases include expenditures in 1923 for:

Three thousand 40-foot box cars with a capacity of 80,000, 70 express refrigerator cars, 250 Hart convertible cars of 100,000 pounds capacity, 250 steel gondolas of the same capacity, 1,000 50-foot automobile and lumber box cars of 100,000 pounds capacity, and 250 40-foot stock cars are included in the orders for new cars. Forty-nine locomotives include 20 Pacific type engines, 25 Mikados and four Mallets.

The additional refrigerator cars are 50 feet in length, constructed and equipped for operation in steel passenger trains for handling express service.

The 50-foot automobile cars are larger than cars generally constructed for freight service and while they are termed “automobile” cars, are particularly suitable for handling general merchandise and lumber.

With the equipment on order, the Northern Pacific will own a total of over 52,000 freight cars.

The 20 Pacific type engines are intended for heavy passenger service. They have four-wheel leading trucks, three pair of drivers, and a two-wheel trailing truck. All are equipped with superheaters, coal pushers and steam grate shakers and three will be equipped with locomotive boosters, a recent invention for increasing the starting power of a locomotive. The engines and tenders weigh 509,700 pounds.

The 25 Mikado engines will be used for heavy freight service and have a two-wheel leading truck, four pairs of drivers and a two-wheel trailing truck. All are equipped with super-heaters, stokers and steam grate shakers. Eight of them will have, in addition, feed water heaters. Each weighs, with tender, 549,000 pounds.

The four Mallet engines are intended for heavy mountain freight service and have two-wheel leading trucks, eight pairs of drivers and two-wheel trailing trucks. All will be equipped with superheaters, stokers and steam grate shakers. These engines, with the tenders, will weigh 740,100 pounds.

With the completion of the signal construction of 1923, the Northern Pacific will have automatic block signal protection for its main line for the entire distance across the continent from St. Paul-Minneapolis to the North Pacific coast. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 April 1923, p. 1, c. 7)


16 April

ALUMNI OF N. P. NURSES

_____


Annual Meeting of Graduates of

Northern Pacific Hospital

Training School

_____


MRS. NEIL O’BRIEN PRESIDENT

_____


Business Session Followed by Ban-

quet, After Dinner Talks and

Reminiscences


The Alumni Association of the Northern Pacific Hospital’s nurses training school held its annual meeting on Saturday afternoon at the club rooms of the Business & Professional Women.

The usual routine business was transacted and matters of importance to the association discussed.

Those living in Brainerd who belong to this organization and who were present at the meeting include Miss Ida Ordahl, Mrs. Neil O’Brien, Mrs. M. E. Stauner, Mrs. Walter Fall, Mrs. Charles Gustafson, Mrs. Earl Koop, Mrs. Ray Long and Mrs. George Denis.

Those who came from the N. P. Hospital in St. Paul for the meeting were Miss Margaret Brady, Miss Martha Brown, Miss Irene English, Miss Ordahl and Miss Smith.

The officers of the association are Mrs. Neil O’Brien, president, Mrs. Walter Fall, vice president and Miss Ida L. Ordahl, secretary and treasurer. There are about one hundred members on the roll.

Following Saturday afternoon’s meeting, the alumni enjoyed a banquet and after dinner speeches, of which time the members told of the interesting and humorous events that transpired during their training days. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 April 1923, p. 7, c.’s 4 & 5)


11 June

PENSION RIGHTS

HELD RESTORED

_____


N. P. RULE REGARDING STRIKING

EMPLOYEES TO BE CONTINUED,

SAYS OFFICIAL


Pension rights of Northern Pacific employees who went on strike July 1, 1922, have been restored to employees who have returned to work, and the company expects to continue the policy of restoring pension rights to the striking employees as soon as they return to work, according to a letter received by J. M. Rapelje, vice president in charge of operation, from Charles Donnelly, president of the N. P. road.


Forwarded to President

Officers of the Northern Pacific Shop Crafts organization addressed a letter to H. M. Curry, general mechanical superintendent of the company, asking that the pension rights of the striking employees be restored when the employees returned to work. This letter was forwarded to Mr. Rapelje, who in turn forwarded it to President Donnelly, whose reply was made known Friday.

According to President Donnelly’s letter, the company has been doing what the shop craft’s officers asked. In restoring the pension rights to the returned striking employees. Mr. Donnelly’s letter follows:


Mr. Donnelly’s Letter

My Dear Mr. Rapelje:

“Thank you for sending to me the letter addressed to Mr. Curry under date of May 14 by the officers of the Associated Organizations of Shop Craft, and signed by Messrs. Rushmer, Reeves, Stanky, Nixon, Parker, Williams and Camner.

“The sentiments expressed in that letter, of sympathy and goodwill toward our former employees, are certainly most creditable to its authors, and these sentiments, as you know, are cordially shared by the management of the company.

“I am surprised, however, that the writers of the letter are not aware that we are now doing exactly what they ask us to do. I think that every single employee who went on strike and who has since resumed his employment, has had his pension rights restored; and we expect to continue this policy. Of course, we have not been able to give employment to all of our former employees, and a time must come when, by reason of the long interruption of their services, it would be absurd to regard that service as having been continuous; but that time has not come as yet. For the present my aim is to give our old men employment whenever and wherever it is possible to do so, and to see to it that faithful men, against whose record there is nothing except the fact that they went on strike, shall suffer no loss of pension rights because of that mistake.

“I return herewith the letter to Mr. Curry of May 14, and will be glad if you will give this information to the gentlemen who signed it.

“Yours very truly,

“CHARLES DONNELLY.”

(Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 June 1923, p. 7, c.’s 3-5)


13 June

THE NORTHERN PACIFIC AND PENSIONS

_____


THE management of the Northern Pacific railroad has done the generous and sensible thing in restoring pensions to its old employees. This decision proves that this railroad is attempting to forget the past as it looks into the future which is big with promise, unless aggressive spirits who are carried away by a sense of their own untried abilities are able to put obstacles before the railroads in their efforts to promote efficient service by receiving adequate rates.

More and more the leaders of great enterprises are coming to believe that a kindly and generous attitude wins better results than a spirit of continuous hostility. Whatever hardship the railroads may have known as a result of the strike of its employees, the employees also knew hardship, and if both sides will forget resentments and work together for the service that is the reason for the railroad’s existence a spirit will be generated that will promote better work resulting in larger service.

It is to be hoped that the Northern Pacific will continue this policy of restoring pension rights until many of its old employees who have not yet been placed are at work, and in return it is to be expected that the employees will be as generous in their service to the railroad as it has been in forgetting the past.

Mutual justice, and a little of the spirit that goes beyond what is expected, will bring about a better spirit that must issue in satisfaction to both management and workers. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 June 1923, p. 4, c. 1)


1924

22 January

$600,000.00 POWER HOUSE, ETC. AT N. P. SHOPS

_____


RAILWAY AGE IS AUTHORITY FOR STATEMENT MADE

_____


INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION AND

EQUIPMENT PROGRAM AS

OUTLINED LATELY

_____


WORK IS PART OF A GENERAL

IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

REPORTED DEC. 29


The Northern Pacific Railway company has prepared plans for the construction of repair shops and power house at Brainerd, estimated to cost approximately $600,000, including equipment. This work is a part of the general improvement program reported in the Railway Age of December 29.

At shop headquarters here nothing definite could be given out. However, it is known that an engineering expert has been at the shops over a month checking up steam and pipe lines. A large tunnel carries steam pipe lines from the present power house to points needed.

It is believed the new power house will be located southwest of the new foundry and that it will carry all modern improvements. (Brainerd Daily Daily Dispatch, 22 January 1924, p. 1, c. 1)


SEE: 25 January 1924

SEE: 06 June 1924

SEE: 12 July 1924

SEE: 21 November 1924

SEE: 27 October 1925

SEE: 26 January 1926


25 January

SHOP IMPROVEMENTS

_____


SHOP improvements such as contemplated by the Northern Pacific railway company mean much for Brainerd. The building of the power plant and other structures will give employment to many men. The construction of the power house, as reported, is so planned as to add to the convenience of handling power so as to gain the maximum results.

With the shops as the backbone of the city’s industrial life, shop extension and improvement is something that indirectly affects all interests and every citizen of Brainerd. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 25 January 1924, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 22 January 1924

SEE: 06 June 1924

SEE: 12 July 1924

SEE: 21 November 1924

SEE: 27 October 1925

SEE: 26 January 1926


11 February

UNION HAS ELECTION

_____


Brotherhood of Ry. Clerks, Freight

Handlers, Express and Station Em-

ployees Elect Officers


The Brotherhood of Railway Clerks, Freight Handlers, Express and Station Employees elected the following officers for the year 1924:

President—Lee Mattson.

Vice President—Alfred Holden.

Chaplain—Clarence Fox

Sergeant at Arms—Clarence Hornby

Recording Secretary—W. D. Soliday.

Financial Secretary—R. L. Kuehmichael.

Inside Guard—Archie Sylvester.

Outside Guard—Fred Larson

Chairman Protective Committee—Martin Anderson.

Executive Committee—Peter Fourri, 3 years; John Fourri, 2 years; J. A. Larson, 1 year.

The union is affiliated with the American Federation of Labor, Minnesota Federation of Labor and the Trades and Labor Assembly of Brainerd.

The organization also claims to have one of the best schedules now in force with the Northern Pacific Railway Company. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 11 February 1924, p. 5, c. 3)


14 February

RETIRING SHOP FOREMEN HONORED BY ASSOCIATES

_____


G. F. MITCHELL AND W. E. CORKREY ARE

GUESTS AT BANQUET

_____


SILAS ZWIGHT, J. P. ANDERSON

AND OTHERS COMPLIMENTED

THE TWO MEN

_____


MITCHELL SERVED NORTHERN

PACIFIC 33 YEARS, CORKREY

25 YEARS


Silas Zwight, of St. Paul, general mechanical superintendent of the Northern Pacific railway; J. P. Anderson, shop superintendent of the Brainerd railway shops of the company and other local shop foremen and visiting officials of the Northern Pacific, vied in paying compliments to the two guests of the evening, G. F. Mitchell, shop foreman, who had served the company 33 years without interruption as a foreman, and W. E. Corkrey, foreman of the tool room, who has served 25 years, and whose retirement, under pension rules of the company, recently took place.

The scene of the happy occasion was the banquet tendered Messrs. Mitchell and Corkrey by the shop foremen’s association at the Ransford hotel Thursday evening and the large assemblage was a notable one and was especially pleased with the way the toastmaster of the evening, J. F. Casey, officiated.

The banquet was not attended by men alone, for some of the officials brought their wives and two of them, Mrs. J. P. Anderson and Mrs. C. D. McKay delivered pleasing talks.

At the head of the banquet table were seated the two guests of honor, G. G. Mitchell and W. E. Corkrey. Among the officials and shop foremen present were:

St. Paul—Silas Zwight, general mechanical superintendent; his assistant, C. E. Allen; John Davie, general boiler inspector; J. E. Neish, master mechanic; Harry Robertson, master car builder; W. S. Brown of the drafting department.

Staples—F. L. Newman, general foreman, N. P. White, master mechanic; G. E. Lynch, assistant round house foreman; G. A. Smith, boiler shop foreman.

Duluth—John Marshal, master mechanic.

Brainerd—J. P. Anderson, shop superintendent; H. L. Jones, division storekeeper; M. H. Nelson, general foreman; George Fox, assistant general foreman; D. K. Fullerton, general car shop foreman; John Russell, car foreman; Tom Willis, mill foreman; Nels Jepson, assistant car foreman; William Smythe, assistant car foreman; Edward Crust, blacksmith shop foreman; Lloyd Jones, blacksmith shop assistant foreman; R. E. Creger, boiler shop foreman; J. F. Elkins, assistant foreman boiler shop; W. H. Canan, round house foreman; Wm. Brown, machine foreman; J. A. McKay, assistant machine foreman; H. L. Paine, rod foreman; Al Forsythe, assistant. machine foreman; Ralph Stricker, pump room foreman; John Hill, painter foreman; C. D. McKay, erecting foreman; J. F. Casey, erecting foreman; George Bisiar, erecting foreman; Robert Crust, tool room foreman; Asher McKinley, chief engineer; Joe Midgley, car wheel foreman; Erick Kronberg, air brake foreman; Erick Westerberg, pattern shop foreman; Oscar E. Tillquist, tin shop foreman, Dan Doran, foreman.


The Talks Given

Toastmaster J. F. Casey said the assemblage was honored in having as its guests Messrs. Mitchell and Corkrey, the occasion being their retirement from active service in Northern Pacific railway shop work. He introduced as the first speaker of the evening, J. P. Anderson, superintendent of the Brainerd shops.

Superintendent Anderson said: “While other large railroads in the country were establishing pension systems to take care of their old employees, we were very anxious to know what the old Northern Pacific railway was going to do to take care of their old, faithful employees.

“We now have a pension system which provides that employees who reach the age of seventy years are to be retired.

“Our records show that you, Mr. Mitchell, entered the service of the Northern Pacific railway company as foreman of the pipe and tin shop, June 21st, 1891, and you, Mr. Corkrey, as tool room foreman, Dec. 9th, 1898. This gives Mr. Mitchell a continuous service record with the company of a little better than thirty-three years, and the distinction of serving the company in the capacity of foreman at the Brainerd shops a longer period of time than any other foreman on the job at this time, his entire career with the company being that of foreman.

“For your good and faithful service you are now rewarded by being retired with pay that will take care of you for the rest of your days, and as both you gentlemen are blessed with exceptional good health, for men of your age, we sincerely hope that your good health may continue and that you may enjoy to the fullest extent the fruits of your labors.

“During the time of your employment you have always been found dependable and loyal to the company, as well as to your organization and the men you represented. Your counsel was always found timely and good, not only as foremen but to the members of this organization, and I feel safe in saying that no doubt your counsel and good advice at times when good judgement was necessary has had a great deal to do with keeping the ship off the rocks and steering it to safety.

“Do you all realize that government, that home, that family, and even industrial enterprise cannot long endure or be successful without loyalty? It is necessary to a real civilization. While on this occasion I experience both feelings of regret and pleasure—regret because of your leaving the active service of the company and pleasure because this event is the fruition of honorable, loyal service—nevertheless, to me the pleasures experienced far outweighs the feeling of regret because this event shows plainly the value of loyalty both on your part and on the part of the company. The company has shown that it has not forgotten.

“Now that we have quite a number of Northern Pacific employees pensioned. I would suggest you two gentlemen interest yourselves in forming an Old Timers Organization, such as is, or similar to that now in office on the Great Northern. This organization, I understand, is for the purpose of caring for employees’ widows who might be left to be cared for, which is a worthy cause, and I feel you could make such an organization a valuable one to the Northern Pacific railway in promoting its interests to the fullest extent of your power.

“Now Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Corkrey, on behalf of the foremen’s organization at Brainerd I am asked to present to you these small tokens of esteem and appreciation, and hope you may enjoy them to the fullest extent.”

The gifts were watch charms, that of Mr. Mitchell’s being Masonic design, and Mr. Corkrey, Knights of Columbus.


Responses Made

G. F. Mitchell, in his response, thanked the friends for the present given him and attention shown him. His association with all had been kindly and enduring, said he. True, there were five different times when things looked gloomy, the first being the A. R. U. strike and the and the fifth, the last one. During all that time he had tried to be loyal.

W. E. Corkrey said it also gave him great pleasure to receive the gift and he thanked all for the courtesies shown him. Railroading, said Mr. Corkrey, has passed the experimental stage and a higher mentality is now required for successful operation. It required study and observation to insure fitness and it was in such gatherings as the foremen’s organization that plans can be studied and carried into effect, he said.


Good Work at Brainerd Shops

Silas Zwight, general mechanical superintendent of St. Paul, said he was pleased with conditions at the shops here and the spirit that prevailed. He praised Foremen Mitchell and Corkrey for their service record. The management was pleased with the record now being made at the shops here and he echoed the sentiment of one of the supervisors who said: “We are all doing fine and turning out good work.” The company had gone through several trials. All hoped the good feeling and spirit now engendered would endure.

Harry Robertson, master car builder of St. Paul, said the two men honored this evening were the finest in their line. We lived in the finest country in the world and worked for the finest railroad in the world, he said. Then he followed up with a scientific discussion laid out in long-syllabeled words which in subject matter and rendition stamped him as a second cousin of Col. C. D. Johnson. When he got through with his dazzling deluge of words the company gasped for breath and the reporter had collapsed.

Brief talks were made by John Davie, general boiler inspector; J. E. Neish, master mechanic and C. E. Allen, assistant to Mr. Zwight. Mr. Neish said he heard of Mr. Mitchell before he started work with the Northern Pacific, being well acquainted with his son in the west. When he came to Brainerd, the first men he met were Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Corkrey.”

John Marshall, master mechanic of Duluth, and N. P. White, master mechanic of Staples were the next speakers. both added their tributes to the guests of the evening. Other speakers following were F. L. Newman, general foreman of Staples; M. H. Nelson, general foreman of the Brainerd shops and D. K. Fullerton, general car shop foreman.

Edward Crust was introduced by the toastmaster as the man who believed the blacksmiths were responsible for building King Solomon’s temple. He didn’t refer to it, as he said it was self-evident that any day the blacksmiths’ ceased to run their forges and handle their tools, then the Northern Pacific would quit running trains. He recalled old history of the railway and gave the lines of successions of the shop superintendents and superintendents of motive power. It was hard work in the old days where there was no electric light to guide the workers, when shops were a third of the present size and power one-third of the present ratio. “We are like spokes in a wheel,” said Mr. Crust, in conclusion, referring to the various foremen, “and J. P. Anderson is the ‘hub.’”

R. E. Creger, boiler shop foreman, and H. L. Jones, division storekeeper, were the next speakers. Mr. Creger referred to the team work and efficiency which the foremen’s organization contributed to and Mr. Jones when asked to explain why there wasn’t more prompt delivery, said: “We are certainly getting a lot of delivery tonight.”

The ladies, called upon by the toastmaster, responded briefly. Mrs. J. P. Anderson expressed her pleasure at being at the gathering and Mrs. C. D. McKay told of early acquaintances in Brainerd from 1873 on. Before they even came to the town they had stereopticon views showing the round house, depot, headquarters hotel, etc. She was well acquainted with Mr. Mitchell and family and Mr. Corkrey and family.

Robert Crust, youngest member of the shop foremen’s association, added his tribute to the two guests, as did J. F. Elkins, assistant to the boiler shop foreman, and C. D. McKay, erecting foreman. Mr. Elkins expressed his pleasure at having Mr. Zwight present, talking to the men at the shops and to the foremen at the banquet. “The two men at the head of the table, Messrs. Mitchell and Corkrey, have worked hard to keep your organization together. If it wasn’t for the old men, the young men wouldn’t amount to much,” said Mr. Elkins in conclusion.

Silas Zwight, in conclusion, concurred in the good spirit shown and said the men had a good organization in their mechanical department. The two gentlemen, honored this evening, represented this shops, initiated the organization and made it possible to survive. He hoped the good spirit and good fellowship shown would always continue. He congratulated the ladies on their presence.

Toastmaster Casey thanked all for attending the banquet, added his testimonial to those of other speakers in praising Messrs. Mitchell and Corkrey and the banquet came to an end. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 February 1924, p. 1, c.’s 5 & 6; p. 6, c.’s 2 & 3)


29 February

$6,000,000 Outlay for N. P. Building Program

_____


St. Paul, Feb. 29.—The Northern Pacific railway has a roadway and building program, including work not completed in 1922, totaling $6,000,000, A. M Bart, assistant vice-president, said today.

Nearly $1,000,000 of this total fund is to be expended on the Montana division, in the vicinity of Livingston. This work includes the building of a new boiler shop.

Virtually all of the money is to be spent in ballasting and the laying of heavy rails, replacing the lighter rails.

By midsummer the railroad plans to have between 3,500 and 4,000 additional men engaged in the new construction work. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 March 1924, p. 6, c. 4)


28 March

MOVING PICTURES OF THE SHOPS

_____


Taken by Northern Pacific Railway

Company to Show Supply

Train Operations

_____


1000 FEET FILM TAKEN

_____


Show Electric Magnet Crane Work-

ing, Division Storekeepers

Headquarters, Etc.


C. C. Kyle , general storekeeper of the Northern Pacific, and party arrived in Brainerd Thursday evening and spent Friday in Brainerd getting motion pictures of supply train operations for use along its lines and in the East.

Mr. Kyle is chairman of the committee on supply train operation of the American Railway Association, and these motion pictures are to form a part of the committee’s report at the association’s annual convention in Atlantic City this summer.

There are to be about one thousand feet of film taken in all, some 300 feet of which were taken Friday in Brainerd. The work started in the morning with moving pictures taken of the electric magnet crane loading supplies on cars. Other views were taken of the division storekeeper’s headquarters, where H. L. Jones’ staff were getting supplies ready for the train.

This supply train is scheduled to leave Brainerd on March 31st, for its regular trip over all lines east of Mandan, N. D., which trip is made every sixty days. Mr. Kyle and his staff will meet the train at Little Falls on Thursday morning, April 3rd, and pictures will be taken that day of the distribution of its supplies, consisting of track tools, station and section equipment.

With Mr. Kyle on April 3rd will be officials of various large railway systems, including the New York Central Lines, the Illinois Central, Baltimore and Ohio, New York, New Haven and Hartford, Southern Railway, and the Union Pacific.

These pictures are to be shown in every terminal along the lines of the Northern Pacific system, stated Mr. Kyle, and Brainerd people will have an opportunity to view them. It is the intention to feature Brainerd in the titles that will be used with the films.

The films are being taken by Charles E. Bell, secretary, and his assistant, Frank Sussenguth, of the Mills & Bell Motion Pictures, Inc., of St. Paul. This company has produced the famous Burlington Library of motion pictures for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, the Great Northern and the Northern Pacific Railways.

Brainerd is especially interested in these supply train pictures, since the headquarters for the system is in this city. There are three such trains operated over the system, one out of Brainerd which takes care of the lines east of Mandan, N. D., the second supplying the central section of the lines from Mandan to Paradise, Montana, and the third the remainder of the system to the Pacific coast. Richard Ahren, now retired, has been for many years in charge of the first named train.

Mr. Kyle stated that these three trains pick up annually and distribute along the lines of the Northern Pacific railway about three-quarters of a million dollars worth of supplies, which gives a fair idea of the enormous amount of work which is done in this one department alone.

With Mr. Kyle, in addition to the motion picture men, were H. M. Smith, traveling store keeper, and H. M. Carlson, secretary to Mr. Kyle

Brainerd people will watch with interest the showing of these pictures which will be made at one of the local theatres as soon as the films can be prepared. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 March 1924, p. 5, c. 1)


18 May

The Brainerd YMCA has undergone extensive repairs, improvements, and alterations during the past month and will be opened on Friday, May 23 with appropriate ceremonies. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Tuesday, 18 May 2004)


06 June

New $250,000 Power Plant For Brainerd Shops

_____


LONG HERALDED IMPROVEMENT NOW TO BE REALIZED

_____


BOILERS FOR POWER PLANT ARE

HERE—WORK TO START

MONDAY

_____


J. T. DERRIG, DISTRICT ENGI-

NEER, TO BE IN CHARGE OF

OPERATIONS


According to reports confirmed by local Northern Pacific shop officials, the boilers for the new power plant at the Brainerd shops have arrived and work on this long-anticipated improvement is to begin at once.

This announcement is accompanied by much satisfaction, both by those connected with the Northern Pacific and by residents of Brainerd generally. For several years, the railway company has planned a new power house for its Brainerd shops, in fact four different times the work has been ordered started, and then immediately canceled. This time operations are to start forthwith.

J. T. Derrig, district engineer of the Northern Pacific, is to have charge of making the improvements, which it is expected will total about $250,000. Mr. Derrig will be in the city the first of next week, with four carloads of material for the new power plant, it is said. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 June 1924, p. 1, c. 7)


SEE: 22 January 1924

SEE: 25 January 1924

SEE: 12 July 1924

SEE: 21 November 1924

SEE: 27 October 1925

SEE: 26 January 1926


21 June

Walter Courtney was operated upon Thursday [sic] at the Northern Pacific hospital, St. Paul, and is reported as getting along as well as can be expected. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 June 1924, p. 2, c. 2)


23 June

DR. W. COURTNEY DIED IN ST. PAUL

_____


Prominent Brainerd Surgeon Passed

Away at Northern Pacific

Hospital

_____


INTESTINAL OPERATION

_____


Performed Tuesday Failed to Relieve

Him and End Came Monday

Evening


Dr. Walter Courtney, prominent Brainerd surgeon, passed away at two o'clock Monday evening [sic], at the Northern Pacific hospital, St. Paul, following an operation performed last Tuesday [sic], according to a telephone message from Dr. A. W. [Arthur Wheaton] Ide, Chief Surgeon, to F. A. Farrar, an hour after Dr. Courtney's death. The operation was performed to relieve and intestinal trouble, it is said.

As near as can be learned, Dr. Courtney came to Brainerd in 1882 or 1884. He conducted a private practice here for several years, and was then made Chief Surgeon of the Northern Pacific hospital, then located in Brainerd.

He held this important post for twenty-five years, resigning at that time, and has since lived retired. He was very well known throughout the Northwest because of his long service at the Brainerd hospital. His skill as a surgeon was highly recognized by prominent men in his profession.

Dr. Courtney's wife passed away several years ago. Last year he was married again, spending a long honeymoon in California. He is survived by his widow and a daughter by his first marriage, Mrs. R. S. Jordan, of Chicago, Ill.

Dr. Courtney, so far as could be learned, was about 68 years of age. He was always keenly interested in sports, fishing, hunting, and golfing being among his favorites. He was prominent in Masonic circles, being made a member in Aurora Lodge, Brainerd, in December, 1885. He had held membership in the Chapter, Commandery and Shrine. He was one of the early members of the local Elks lodge, also.

Nothing has been learned as to the funeral arrangements, or where burial is to be made. These will be announced in the Dispatch later. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 June 1924, p. 7, c. 1)


10 July

N. P. Foundry is to Reopen August 1st, is Report

_____


INDUSTRY WILL

BE IN CHARGE OF

STOREKEEPER

_____


BRASS CASTING FIRST TO BE RE-

SUMED IS THE RE-

PORT

_____


IRON WORK MAY FOLLOW AS

FACILITIES ARE IN-

CREASED


Unconfirmed reports are current that the Northern Pacific railway will in the near future restore its foundry operations in Brainerd.

This report comes as good news to citizens of this city, who have been looking forward to the time when this industry would again be listed among Brainerd's business activities, and be the last step in restoring conditions as they were before the recent strike.

Northern Pacific officials would not confirm the report, although several stated that they had heard it seriously discussed, and feel that it will soon be a reality.

According to rumor, the foundry has just been cleaned up, and toilet facilities improved. It is expected that brass casting will be started about August first and iron casting may follow later.

The report is that the Northern Pacific Railway will conduct the foundry itself, operating under the management of the store department, instead of contracting the plant to outside companies as in the past.

If this report is true, H. L. Jones, storekeeper at Brainerd, will be in charge of operations, with no doubt a foundry superintendent under him.

The foundry before the strike was leased under contract to the Parker-Topping Company, who furnished both brass and iron castings to the railway company as needed. It was closed about two years ago. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 July 1924, p.1, c. 7)


C. L. Nichols, general superintendent of the Northern Pacific, and Silas Zwight, mechanical superintendent, visited Brainerd today on a tour of inspection. Mr. Nichols left on the afternoon train for Morris. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 10 July 1924, p. 2, c. 2)


12 July

Work Starts on Power Plant at Brainerd Shops

_____


CHAS. SKOOGLUN HAS CONTRACT FOR NEW PLANT

_____


THE WORK IS TO BE RUSHED AS

RAPIDLY AS POS-

SIBLE

_____


BIG BOILERS TO BE IN PLACE BY

DECEMBER

FIRST


The two story Northern Pacific Power Plant, ca. 1923.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Surveyors are laying out the site for the new power plant at the Brainerd shops, and actual construction is to be started soon, is the report.

It is said that Charles Skooglun, St. Paul contractor, has secured the contract and will rush the work as rapidly as possible, with the idea of having the big boilers in place by December 1st.

This power plant will be 101 feet by 109 feet ground measurements, and is to be located near the site of the old scrap dock. It is said to be planned for brick construction and to cost complete with equipment over a quarter of a million dollars. Sigurd Anderson will be inspector for the company, with an office on the site of operations.

Mr. Skooglun is well known in Brainerd, where he did excellent work in his contract for erecting the big addition to the Northwestern hospital. Other contracts which he has completed and which have gained no little fame for his ability include the library at the University of Minnesota, said to have cost over two million dollars, the Stearns county court house at St. Cloud, a million dollar contract, and the athletic club building in St. Paul.

Mr. Skooglun is just completing a contract for the Northern Pacific railway at Livingston, Mont., where a 400 foot boiler shop is being erected, said to be a hundred thousand dollar proposition. A new oxy-acetylene plant is also being constructed at Livingston.

Headers for the big boilers to be used in the Brainerd power house have arrived, as have also the stokers for the boilers, and it is expected that much new material will be unloaded daily. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 12 July 1924, p. 1, c. 7)


SEE: Northwestern Hospital in the Buildings & Parks of Brainerd page.


SEE: 22 January 1924

SEE: 25 January 1924

SEE: 06 June 1924

SEE: 21 November 1924

SEE: 27 October 1925

SEE: 26 January 1926


September

Northern Pacific steam whistle, it blew at 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Source: Pam Nelson, Crow Wing County Historical Society

The Northern Pacific Shops install a steam whistle in the power plant; it blows at 7 a. m. and 4 p. m. every Monday through Friday until 1983. The whistle is now located at the Crow Wing County Historical Society Museum. (Out of the Woods, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 1994; p. 58)


12 September

ROAD FINISHES SIGNAL SYSTEM

_____


N. P. HEADS ANNOUNCE FETE

TO MARK BLOCK SIGNAL

COMPLETION


Little Falls, Sept. 12.—Railroad and local citizens will stage a celebration of the completion of the railroad’s automatic block signal system between St. Paul and the west coast at Little Falls, Monday, September 15.

Arrangements are being made for a program to be given on the railroad company’s property near the freight depot at 3 o’clock that afternoon which will include music by the Little Falls band and speeches by Mayor Bergheim and prominent Northern Pacific officials.


First Complete System

On that date the Northern Pacific will have completed the last signal tower on its entire 2,800 miles of road and the entire system between St. Paul and the coast will be protected by the automatic signals after that time. The stretch between Little Falls and Staples has been completed this summer, forming the connecting link. this is said to be the first complete automatic block signal system in the northwest.


Movies of the Event

Representatives of the five twin city papers will be in Little Falls as well as representatives of the Associated Press and motion pictures of the celebration will be taken so that Little Falls will gain nationwide publicity concerning the affair both through the newspapers and the motion pictures.

Arrangements are being made to have the Boy Scouts of the city attend the celebration and are asked to handle the large crowd which is expected. President Tanner of the Board of Commerce will appoint a committee to work with Station Agent Ruth of the railroad company in completing plans for the event. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 September 1924, p. 3, c. 4)


15 September

Speed, Comfort, Service in New Rail Motor Cars


New NP gas car B-3 just put into service, 15 September 1924. A 667x427 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 September 1924

This gas electric motor car just put in service by the Northern Pacific Railway is one of the newest developments in rail transportation. The car, B-3, is electrically driven, the power being generated on board by a marine type gas engine. The B-3 is the first of a series that will be used to provide additional service on Northern Pacific main and branch lines. It seats 55 people, has a baggage compartment, and is so powered that it will pull a trailer, (a regular passenger coach) if desired. Immediately following delivery, this car went into service on a main line run between Staples, Minn, and Fargo, N. D., a distance of 111 miles. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 15 September 1924, p. 3, c.’s 3-5)


SEE: 02 October 1952


16 September

HIGH OFFICIALS OF RAILWAY HERE

_____


Howard Elliott, Chairman of Board

of N. P. Directors and Staff,

Inspect Railway Property

_____


CAME BY SPECIAL TRAIN

_____


Spent Wednesday in Tour and In-

spection of the Cuyuna

Iron Range


Brainerd was visited on Wednesday by high officials of the Northern Pacific Railway, headed by Howard Elliott, chairman of the board of directors, who are just completing a survey of conditions along 4,500 miles of the company’s lines.

The party arrived in Brainerd on Tuesday evening, by special train, remained in Brainerd over night, inspected the railway property on Wednesday morning and motored to the Cuyuna range. They met their train at Deerwood about noon and continued to Duluth, leaving that city late in the afternoon for St. Paul, which concluded the long tour.

Mr. Elliott expressed himself as very much pleased with the results of this trip, which took the officials as far west as Portland, Oregon. They took side trips on branch lines and have been traveling for the past three weeks. The company’s roadbed and other property was found in excellent condition, and the chairman was especially gratified with the fine spirit of loyalty which he found exhibited among employees of the railway.

As to crop conditions in the Northwest, Mr. Elliott said that small grain is fulfilling the predictions made for it earlier in the season, and as a consequence there is a more optimistic feeling all through the country than has been evident for a number of years.

The corn crop has been hit by frost in parts of the Dakotas and Montana, said Mr. Elliott, but even a part of that can be saved.

The Northern Pacific is in the midst of its grain crop movement, and a large percentage of this grain is going through Brainerd to Duluth and thence by boat down the great lakes. With the heavier power that the company now has, these trains carry as many as eighty cars of wheat at a time going east through Brainerd, and return with as high as one hundred cars, empty, for reloading in the wheat district.

Included among the railway officials in Mr. Elliott’s party were J. M. Hannaford, vice chairman, J. G. Woodworth, vice president, traffic department, J. M. Rapelje, vice president, operating department, A. M. Burt, assistant vice president, Silas Zwight, general mechanical superintendent, C. C. Kyle, general storekeeper, H. E. Stevens, chief engineer, Newman Kline, general superintendent, C. R. Lonergan, general freight agent. Officials from the Lake Superior division included W. H. Strachan, superintendent of the division, E. W. Lostrom, road foreman of engines, J. T. Derrig, district engineer, and H. J. Councilman, trainmaster.

The official party also included Joseph Lovering, vice president of the Hanover National Bank, of New York, and Robert Struthers, Jr., of Woods, Struthers & Co., New York.

This tour of inspection is an annual trip made by Mr. Elliott and his associates. They visited Brainerd on the 1923 tour last fall, arriving in the morning and leaving shortly after noon. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 September 1924, p. 7, c. 2)


18 September

$2,000,000 IN INSURANCE PLACED

_____


Huge Group Insurance Plan of

Northern Pacific Ry. Co. Be-

comes Effective in Brainerd

_____


SOLICITORS COVER FIELD

_____


Brainerd Shops, Yards and Other

Sections Sign Up Practically

99 and 8/10 Per Cent


Group insurance, as first suggested by the Northern Pacific Railway company, was brought to the attention of its employees some months ago. The company proposed taking out a blanket policy to cover all its employees, some 30,000.

To make this effective requires joint action on the part of the men. They were solicited by insurance representatives of the contracting Aetna Life Insurance company. The Brainerd shops and yards and other sections, so solicited since September 9th, have responded practically 99 and 8/10 percent.

Each man gets from $1,000 to $3,000 life insurance, with disability benefits attached, depending upon his salary classification, at a cost of 70c a thousand monthly. The Northern Pacific Railway company carries $500 of such policy, for more than a year’s service, and $250 for six months or less than a year’s service. That accounts for the cheap rate offered the men.

The estimated amount of insurance carried in Brainerd is $2,000,000. No medical examination was necessary. Special solicitors, P. Embury and Paul S. Burt of the home office of the Aetna in Hartford, Conn., covered the Brainerd field. They state that the Brainerd shop and railroad men were generally well posted on the proposition and not much explanation was required on the part of the solicitors.

The policies become effective October 1. No distinction is made regarding hazard incurred or age of policy holder. The whole plan is one of the greatest possible benefit to the policy holder, creating as it does an estate for his family or other dependent ones.

Even, should a man leave Northern Pacific company employment, he has the right to convert to any old line policy of the Aetna Life without physical examination, and will continue at the regular commercial rate.

The disability clause covers any permanent disability from any cause whatsoever which will incapacitate a man from earning any wages or profit. In such event, the face of the policy is paid in lump sum or installment, at the option of the insured. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 September 1924, p. 7, c. 1)


29 October

FIRST LOSS PAID GROUP INSURANCE

_____


Death of Wilhelm Schilb Occurred on

Saturday Afternoon, October

25, Near Brainerd

_____


CLAIM PAID WEDNESDAY NOON

_____


Policy Taken by Mr. Schilb Was For

$2500, of Which N. P. Railway

Co. Carried $500


The first death loss under the Northern Pacific railway company group insurance in the Aetna Life Insurance company was paid this noon when a check for $2,500 was handed Mrs. Wilhelm Schilb, beneficiary of Wilhelm Schilb who met death in an automobile accident late Saturday afternoon.

Had Sunday not intervened and a further delay occurred waiting for the official death certificate, the claim would have been paid a day or more earlier.

In this policy, on which a payment of $1.40 premium was made, the insured paid for a $2,000 policy value and the railway company carried $500 for its employee. This is but one of the thousand or more policies carried in the huge group insurance plan made effective by the Northern Pacific railway company in Brainerd.

Proofs for the Schilb death claim were perfected by the shop superintendent’s office and the office has received much commendation for the dispatch shown in conducting their work. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 October 1924, p. 7, c. 1)


21 November

NORTHERN PACIFIC HUGE POWER PLANT

_____


Charles Skooglun, Contractor, Takes

Full Advantage of Fine Weather

to Push Work

_____


ROOF ON BY MIDDLE DECEMBER

_____


New Building 110 Feet Long, 100

Feet Wide, Reinforced Concrete

Smokestack, 201 Ft. High


NP power house sometime after it was closed, ca. Unknown. A 960x751 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Kat Beireis

Charles Skooglun, contractor on the new power house that is being erected at the Northern Pacific shops, is taking full advantage of the good weather to push the construction of this important unit and latest addition to equipment of the Brainerd shops. Mr. Skooglun is working a force of some sixty men and is putting in much overtime during the favorable weather, in the hope of having the roof on the building by the middle of December.

Many Brainerd people have seen the two mammoth smoke stacks that were erected about a month ago at at the shops, but few realize the size of the power plant for which they were built. The building is 110 feet long by 100 feet wide and stands between the two smoke stacks. It will be 72 feet high on the north side and 45 feet high on the south. In addition to the main building there will be a coal hopper, 20 feet by 62 feet, with special trackage and equipment for unloading coal in carload lots.

The power plant building is constructed of light colored brick. Some difficulties presented themselves in finding a suitable base upon which to build the foundation, both for the building itself and the smoke stacks as a vein of quicksand underlies this site. It was necessary to drive piling through this quicksand, in many places to a depth of 40 feet, before a hard base was reached.

The smoke stacks are a novelty in this section of the country. They are constructed of reinforced concrete and are 201 feet in height above the foundation. The contractor feels that he made record time in erecting these stacks, as only 27 days were consumed in the pouring of the cement.

It could not be learned just what equipment will be installed in the new power plant as the contract for this portion of the work is not included in Mr. Skooglun’s contract. It is known that there will be four large boilers, two connected with each smoke stack. The electricity will be furnished by three large generators of the steam turbine type, it is said.

In addition to furnishing electric power and light to all of the railway properties in the city, this power plant will furnish steam heat for the shops and other buildings at the shops location. The old plant now in use is entirely inadequate for both power and heat, and its equipment is not of the efficient, modern type that will be used in the new plant.

Mr. Skooglun is giving the contract for the power plant his own personal supervision and is out among his workmen practically all of the time, keeping in closer touch with the progress of the work than is usual with large contractors. This is his second contract in Brainerd, his first being the Northwestern hospital’s new building. He also had the contract for the building of the Stearns county court house at St. Cloud. Mr. Skooglun is from St. Paul. S. Anderson is the Northern Pacific’s inspector on the power house job. It is hoped that the new power plant may be ready for operation early in the spring. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 November 1924, p. 7, c. 1)


SEE: 22 January 1924

SEE: 25 January 1924

SEE: 06 June 1924

SEE: 12 July 1924

SEE: 27 October 1925

SEE: 26 January 1926


1925

03 January

N. P. ORDERS 500 NEW BOX CARS

_____


CONTRACT LET FOR $1,000,000

EQUIPMENT TO BE DELIVERED

IN APRIL


St. Paul, Jan. 3.—The Northern Pacific railway has placed an order for 500 box cars with the Pacific Car & Foundry Company of Renton, Wash., as the first contract of a series of new equipment purchases to be made by the road during 1925, it was announced Friday at the offices of Charles Donnelly, president. The cost of the 500 new freight cars will approximate $1,00,000 and delivery will be begun in April. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 January 1925, p. 1, c. 6)


02 February

NP SCRAP YARD IN NEW LOCATION

_____


New Facilities Added For Unloading,

Large Traveling Crane

Added

_____


SCRAP WEALTH IS SORTED

_____


Then Taken to Various Foundries

and Smelters to be

Recast


(Contributed)

Most of the Brainerd people have read articles in the daily paper regarding the Northern Pacific shops, such as the “Machine Shop,” the “Blacksmith Shop,” “Boiler Shop,” “Car Shop,” etc., but incidentally little has been said about the “Scrap Yard” which is now in its new location.

This yard is located east of what was formerly known as the Parker-Topping foundry. All of the scrap and old material is handled and taken care of by a large crew of men. It is collected in and around the shops at Brainerd and points along the Northern Pacific railway system, and is a sub-division of the store department.

For many years the loading and unloading of these tons and tons of scrap have been taken care of by three locomotive magnet cranes, but due to this particular division of the store department, it has been necessary to enlarge these facilities.

Recently the Northern Pacific railway has installed a large traveling crane, with which the cars are unloaded and the scrap passed to various tables or benches, where a large crew of men are employed sorting the material.

This scrap wealth is sorted into different piles, according to its classification, such as scrap iron, cast iron, malleable iron, cast steel, formed steel, copper, brass and other various classifications, too numerous to mention.

After it has been thus sorted, the traveling crane loads each different class of material into separate cars, and it is finally taken to various foundries and smelters to be recast or re-smelted for further use.

Some of the old material which reaches the Brainerd scrap yard is reclaimed directly at the new reclamation plant that has already been inaugurated as one of the branches of the store department. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 02 February 1925, p. 7, c. 1)


26 June

TRAIN CHANGES ARE RUMORED

_____


Passenger Train 31, Made up at Lit-

tle Falls, May be Dis-

continued

_____


ALSO ITS OPPOSITE NO. 32

_____


In Their Place Main Line No. 9 and

10 May be Operated, St. Paul

to Brainerd


According to information brought to the city by trainmen, but which could not be substantiated, there will be a change in train service between St. Paul and Brainerd, probably about July 5th.

Rumor has it that passenger train No. 31, now made up at Little Falls from equipment from the Morris branch and from main line train No. 9, will be discontinued, as will also the opposite train, No. 32.

Train No. 31 now arrives in Brainerd at 2:20 o’clock in the afternoon, and goes up the Minnesota & International railway to Kelliher. Train No. 32 comes from Kelliher in the morning, arriving at about 11 o’clock and goes south at 12:50 o’clock in the afternoon.

It is believed that in place of these trains, the main line passenger trains No. 9 and No. 10 will be operated between St. Paul and Brainerd on approximately the same time schedule that No. 31 and No. 32 now use. Trains No. 9 and No. 10 now operate between St. Paul and Fargo, the equipment going on to Jamestown, N. D. During the strike three years ago these trains were operated by way of Brainerd.

If the above change is made it will do away with the passenger train service on the branch line from Little Falls to Morris, and it is expected that a mixed freight and passenger train will probably be the result.

Whether the equipment from trains No. 9 and No. 10 will be used on the Minnesota & International Railway to Kelliher, thus maintaining the present service on this line, could not be learned. It is thought that such will be the case for a time at least, with the possibility of a gasoline propelled coach being substituted later.

Passenger travel through Brainerd to points north has increased greatly the past few weeks, due it is believed to summer tourist travel. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 26 June 1925, p. 7, c. 1)


01 September

DR. DERAUF TO LEAVE BRAINERD

_____


Will Soon Become a Member of Staff

of N. P. Hospital in

St. Paul

_____


HONORED GUEST AT BANQUET

_____


After Dinner Program With Frank

Lowey as Toast-

master


Dr. B. I Derauf, who leaves the city soon to become a member of the staff of the Northern Pacific hospital at St. Paul, was honored on Monday evening by Aurora Lodge No. 100, A. F. & A. M., of which he has been an officer for the past four years.

The lodge served a banquet at 6 o’clock in the Masonic parlors to which all members were invited. Following the repast an after-dinner program was carried out, with Frank Lowey as toastmaster. Speakers included Judge L. B. Kinder, Worshipful Master, M. E. Morrison, Edward Crust, and others. G. F. Mitchell, in an eloquent presentation address, presented Dr. Derauf with a set of cuff links, bearing the Masonic emblems, as a slight token of the esteem in which the doctor is held by his lodge brothers.

Following the banquet work in the third degree was exemplified.

Dr. Derauf has been a very faithful member of Aurora lodge, and closely associated with its work for a number of years. Had he remained in the city he would no doubt have risen to the highest office in the lodge, being at the present time Senior Deacon. His leaving will cause a vacancy that will be hard to fill, and the voice of last night’s meeting was to the effect that he will be greatly missed, both by his lodge brothers and by the community in which he has a large circle of friends. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 September 1925, p. 7, c.’s 4 & 5)


27 October

NEW POWER PLANT SOON OPERATING

_____


Northern Pacific Railway Shops

Plant to Be in Full Swing

in a Few Days

_____


ALREADY SUPPLIES HEAT

_____


Westinghouse People to Inspect

Their Switch Boards in

a Few Days


It will only be a few days now when the new power plant at the Northern Pacific shops will be in full swing. At that time Brainerd will be relieved of the dirty, black smoke from the old plant, and the housewives won’t have to worry about which way the wind is blowing when they start their Monday work.

The new plant is now furnishing heat for one or two departments, and as soon as the Westinghouse people inspect their switch boards, which will probably be next week, it is understood the whole plant will be in operation. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 October 1925, p. 7, c. 5)


SEE: 22 January 1924

SEE: 25 January 1924

SEE: 06 June 1924

SEE: 12 July 1924

SEE: 21 November 1924

SEE: 26 January 1926


1926

04 January

Address Delivered by J. P. Anderson

_____


Supt. J. P. Anderson of the Northern Pacific shops of Brainerd was present [at the American Legion] and gave the following short sketch of the railway company and its shops.

The Northern Pacific railroad company was originally organized in the year of 1868 starting at Duluth with an aim to reach the Pacific coast. In 1897 the company went into the hands of receivers and when reorganized was known as the Northern Pacific railway company.

The original repair shops were located at Thompson, Minn., which shops were later moved to Brainerd about 1870. At this time a complete set of wooden buildings were erected on the same site as at present, only that everything, at that time, was located on the north side of the main line. These wood shops covered car shops, locomotive repair shops and roundhouse; all of which were destroyed by fire on March 6th, 1886. However, prior to this fire, or in 1881, new modern shops of brick were being constructed, which were completed the latter part of 1882, or the first part of 1883. These new shops consisted of a complete set of buildings, such as boiler shop, tin shop, paint shop, blacksmith shop, etc., corresponding in size, and a roundhouse of forty-four stalls. Prior to the fire all wooden buildings were used as a car repair shop, which were replaced by modern brick buildings in 1886, with a capacity of about twenty cars per day.

At the time these shops originated at Brainerd a C. D. Whiley, known as master mechanic, was placed in charge, who served in that capacity until March 1st, 1873; then succeeded by R. B. Small, who had charge about one year, at the end of which W. H. Lewis managed the plant until December 4th 1877; at which time A. P. Farrar succeeded him, who held this position until June 17, 1882, at which time H. J. Small took charge for five years, or until June 5th, 1887, when Adam Bardsley appeared, he being in charge from June 15th, 1887 until August 31st, 1892, when S. L. Bean continued with the duties until June 10th, 1902. During this period his title was changed to shop superintendent, and is so known at the present time. He being succeeded by A. W. Wheatley, who was in charge from June 11th, 1903 to February 1st, 1904, at which time my supervision originated.

During Mr. Bean’s administration the entire plant was increased about 150 per cent, which improvements were made during the years 1900 and 1901; increasing the machine shop from ten pits, 300 feet long, to twenty-five pits, 700 feet long, and increasing all other buildings accordingly, which increased the capacity, or the output, from 80 engines per year to 250 engines per year. This figure covers only the general repairs, that is, engines that receive general overhauling and are turned out practically as new engines. In addition to this, numerous light repair engines are handled. Of course, the size of the power also increased from time-to-time. In 1898 the largest freight engine on the system weighed complete, 175,000 lbs. while at present the largest freight engine weighs 766,300 lbs. The same may be said of passenger engines, the largest at that time weighed 187,100 lbs. against the modern passenger engine of today weight 530,500 lbs. The same increase took place with regard to freight cars, increasing the output from 6,000 cars per year to 19,000 cars. This is merely repairs to cars. New cars are of late not built at this point. However, in 1906 we turned out 1,000 new cars at the rate of one car per hour.

During the year 1906 the shops were again extended to the extent of $125,000.00 by adding a manufacturing shop for finished material; increasing the capacity of blacksmith shop, and other improvements. Certain classes of manufactured parts are furnished from Brainerd for the entire road.

In fact, each year thousands of dollars are spent in maintaining up-to-date machinery. Oftentimes single machines cost as high as $25,000. We are just about completing a new power plant which will cost in the neighborhood of $700,000. This project was started about a year ago and as stated above is nearing completion, in fact, all power used at Brainerd shops is now being developed in this new power plant.

At this point is also located the general store for supplying practically the entire system, carrying a stock reaching in the neighborhood of $1,300,000 at all times. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 January 1926, p. 3, c.’s 1-3)


15 January

SHOPMAN INJURED IN FALL AT SHOPS

_____


Fred Kraklau, 1009 South 10th

Street, Suffers Broken Arm

and Injured Spine

_____


TAKEN TO ST. PAUL SATURDAY

_____


Is Stationary Engineer and Well

Known to Brainerd

Citizens


Fred Kraklau, 1009 South 10th street, was transferred to the Northern Pacific hospital at St. Paul on Saturday, after injuries sustained in a fall at the new power plant at the local shops.

Mr. Kraklau is a stationary engineer at the power plant, and on Friday fell from a ladder, suffering a broken left arm and serious injuries to his back. He was taken to St. Paul for further X-ray and care.

The injured man is well known in Brainerd, having lived here for many years. He has been ill for several years, and only lately has recovered sufficiently to work full time. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 January 1926, p. 7, c. 1)


26 January

ROTARIANS VISIT NEW POWER PLANT

_____


Accept Invitation of Shop Superin-

tendent Anderson to Inspect

New Unit

_____


The Rotary club Tuesday accepted the invitation of Superintendent J. P. Anderson of the local railway shops to inspect the new power plant of the Northern Pacific here. Mr. Anderson made a statement to the club previous to their trip that in the month of December, 1925, the new power plant made a saving of $5,100 in fuel alone, and then continued his description of improvements made:


Basement

The room on the right with the higher doors is the coal receiving room. This once had a trestle that elevated coal trains over it, so they could dump into basement silos, ca. Unknown.
Source: substreet.org

Coal is brought up the incline by a switch engine and dumped into concrete hoppers of which there are two, with a capacity of 200 tons each. Below the concrete hoppers coal passes to the shifting table which supplies a traveling conveyor that carries coal to the coal crusher. From the coal crusher, coal drops to the traveling conveyor that takes it to overhead bunkers. It is carried by gravity through swinging spouts to hoppers in front of the boilers and is fed to the Harrington traveling grate stokers. The operator of the coal handling machine is able to start and stop the machinery from three different points by pushing a button. This is a safety precaution and also for ease of handling. The storage capacity of the concrete hoppers and overhead bunkers is about 100 tons.


Ashes

The ashes drop from the stoker grate into ash hoppers, located in the basement. These hoppers have doors in the bottom which are opened and closed by compressed air and ashes are dropped into cars located below the hoppers. There is a spray of water into the ash hopper which cools the ashes and keeps down dust. There is no handling of coal or ashes by manual labor in the plant. In the second section of the basement is located the water, air and low pressure steam piping. All exhaust and low pressure steam is passed through an oil separator before going out through the steam heating mains. In the third section of the basement under the engine room are located the fire pump, condenser and condenser pumps, gland water tank and stand water pump. There is also in this section a room partitioned off where all high voltage wires leaving the building are placed as are also the controllers for the power generators. All high voltage wiring is located in the plant so that only men who have experience can get at them. From the basement there is a stairway to both boiler and engine rooms. All of the stairways and platforms in the building are Irving subway type which are considered the safest made. Special attention has been given to make everything as safe as possible in the entire plant. Special attention has also been given to the ventilation of the building.


Boiler Room

The side of Boiler #3's Wilting firebox, where it meets the boiler (between the cylinders). The top piece is where the exhaust is sucked into the chimney, one chimney for each pair of boilers, ca. Unknown.
Source: substreet.org
NP power house gauges, ca. Unknown.
Source: substreet.org

In the boiler room there are four six hundred horse power Badenhausen vertical tubular boilers with an overload capacity of fifteen hundred horse power each. Harrington chain grate stokers are used with both forced and induced draft. The chain grates are operated by small upright engines and the blower fans by steam turbines. The boilers operate on both forced and induced draft. The stoker engines, draft fans and dampers at the stack are handled automatically. As the pressure of the steam increases, the fans slow down and the draft decreases; the stoker engines slow down and feed less coal and the dampers close. The water is fed to the boilers automatically, keeping a certain level of water in the boilers. If, for any reason, the water gets too high or too low, an alarm whistle blows until the condition is normal again. Water is fed to the boilers by centrifugal pumps running at 360 revolutions per minute. There is also a reciprocating pump that can be used if wanted. The temperature of the feed water is 218 degrees. On the front of the boilers are instruments showing the steam pressure, the boiler horsepower each boiler is developing and draft gauges showing the air pressure that is being used. There are five places under the traveling grates where air pressure can be applied and pressure can be regulated. At the back of the boilers, instruments are located showing the gases escaping to the stack, the temperature of the gases escaping and the pressure of the draft at the damper. This enables the fireman to know just what his boilers are doing in burning the fuel. By opening a valve at the side of a boiler, the soot is blown down from the tubes automatically. Steam leaves the boilers through an automatic valve that, in case of a broken tube in the boiler, closes the valve automatically and prevents steam from other boilers escaping through the break and, in case of a broken steam main in any part of the plant, causing a sudden flow of steam from the boilers, the valves on all the boilers in the operation will close.


Engine Room


Inside the power house, on the turbine room floor, one old Worthington steam pump still remains, ready to pressurize steam pipes throughout the NP shops and boilers, ca. Unknown.
Source: substreet.org
Inside the NP power house, ca. Unknown.
Source: Krista Johnson-Copa
The fifteen ton Whiting crane swung on better days over the Worthington Steam Pump, ca. Unknown.
Source: Unknown

There are two air compressors in the engine room, one a 4,000 cubic foot uniflow steam feather valve. This is the largest air compressor in the northwest and there is only one larger in the country. There is another of 600 cubic feet for night loads when the shop is not operating. There are at present two turbine-driven power generators, with the foundation for the third which will be moved from the old power plant. This will give us 1,550 kilowatt capacity. The 750 K. W. unit is a mixed pressure turbine running condensing. This machine will operate either high or low pressure steam or both. In warm weather when we are not using the steam exhaust from other machines, it will be used to operate this turbine at three pounds pressure and will mean a great saving in fuel.

There is a 15-ton traveling crane in the engine room which is used in making repairs to machinery.

The switchboard for power distribution is of a special design and has several new features. It was designed by Fred Reid, chief electrician of the N. P. Ry. Co., and is considered one of the safest and most complete ever built by the Westinghouse Electric company. It is divided into twelve panels, six for the control of the power generators and exciters and six for the control of the power distribution to various departments of the shops.

Each department is separately metered, so that power consumption can be charged direct. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 27 January 1926, p. 7, c.’s 1 & 2)


SEE: 22 January 1924

SEE: 25 January 1924

SEE: 06 June 1924

SEE: 12 July 1924

SEE: 21 November 1924

SEE: 27 October 1925


03 May

85 JOBS FOR BRAINERD MEN

_____


Northern Pacific Construction Gangs

Will Recruit Men in the

City Tomorrow

_____


SEE C. B. JACOBSON, AGENT

_____


Will be at Police Station in City

Hall 3 to 5 P. M. to Receive

Applications for Work


Northern Pacific construction gangs will start work in the vicinity of Randall about May 6 and some 85 Brainerd men are sought by the company. Because of the recent layoff at the shops, Brainerd men will be given the preference. The work will last three months or longer. Boarding cars are attached to the outfit.

C. B. Jacobson, special agent of the Northern Pacific railway company at Brainerd, will receive applications for work and will be at the police station in the city hall on Tuesday afternoon, May 4, from 3 to 5 p. m. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 May 1926, p. 7, c. 1)


05 May

IRON DROPPED ON HIS HEAD

_____


M. B. Hively Hurt at N. P. Shops as

Traveling Crane Drops

Iron

_____


FACE AND HEAD ARE HURT

_____


Had He Been Standing Upright Im-

pact Would Probably Have

Killed Him


M. B. Hively, workman at the N. P. shops was hurt yesterday morning when the traveling crane dropped a piece of iron on his head.

Mr. Hively was stooping over a pile of iron at the time and the contact of the iron falling drove his face into the iron pile. His face and top of his head were badly hurt.

It is believed that had Hively been standing upright and not stooping over, the impact of the iron might have killed him. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 May 1926, p. 7, c. 2)


15 June

NP VETERANS MEET

_____


Convention Held June 15 at Seattle

Attended by Brainerd

Men


The N. P. Veterans convention held on June 15 at Seattle, Wash., was attended by six representatives from Brainerd and their wives. An enjoyable trip was reported by those who attended.

Those who were at the convention from Brainerd were: Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. T. Blackburn, Mr. and Mrs. Al Forsythe, G. F. Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. Dan Doran, and Mr. and Mrs. John Headman. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 June 1926, p. 7, c. 2)


1927

18 June

N. P. VETERANS ENJOY TOUR

_____


Veterans Association Hold Third

Annual Meeting at St.

Paul, June 15

_____


JOURNEY TO DULUTH

_____


Large Delegation from Brainerd

Takes Part in Enjoyable

Activities


The Veterans Association of the Northern Pacific railway held their third annual meeting at St. Paul June 15 with a fine business and social program.

In the afternoon nine busses took the members on a sightseeing tour through Minneapolis and St. Paul parks and boulevards, also visiting the Ford plant. At 7 p. m. a banquet was served in the Palm Room for members, over 500 taking part, crowding the large hall to overflowing. President Charles Donnelly and Mr. Hannaford, chairman of the executive committee spoke. Dancing followed the session.

Thursday morning a special train took the members and their families to Duluth. After dinner at the Spalding Hotel a motor trip was arranged over the fine Duluth boulevards, visiting the large ten-furnace steel plant at West Duluth.

The following Brainerd delegates were in attendance: Mr. and Mrs. H. I. Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Crust, Mr. and Mrs. George Mahood, Mr. and Mrs. C. Bruhn, Mr. and Mrs. A. Bacon, Mr. and Mrs. A. Peterson, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Maier, Tim Toohey, G. N. Grant, Alfred Erickson, Matt Olson, Joseph Kiebler, John Aro, A. Gibson, Al. Forsythe, G. F. Mitchell, D. K. Fullerton, Anton Gilbertson, J. P. Johnson, Thomas Willis, T. T. Blackburn, E. Kronberg, A. Sheflo, Tim Brady. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 18 June 1927, p. 7, c. 3)


08 December

ENGINEER HERO OF 1903 RETIRES

_____


John M. Grimes Pulled His First

Engine, A Wood Burner Out

of Brainerd

_____


46 YEARS WITH N. P.

_____


Received Recognition for Heroic

Work in Saving Lives on

Derailed Train


No more snow drifts to buck, no more singing rails to tingle his blood as the steam monster hurls itself over the track at a mile a minute. John M. Grimes, veteran engineer of the Northern Pacific Railway who retired last week, sighs.

In spite of the hardships of the road it has a fascination and Engineer Grimes is another to have answered to that call. He brought his engine into Duluth last Saturday after 46 years of service in Minnesota for his last run. He signed the engineer’s book in the roundhouse clerk’s office while many of his friends gathered around him who congratulated him on his long service. Grimes accepted the congratulations in a wholehearted manner but he looked longingly at a young fireman hustling through to stoke up his engine at the start of a run. He thought of his early railroading days when he pulled his first engine, a wood burner, out of Brainerd in 1881 on a trip to Duluth. The days were changed. He longed to do it all over again.

Mr. Grimes, whose home is in Duluth, was born January 25, 1858 at Galena, Ill. He came to the northwest just before he reached his majority and went to Winona, Minn., where he was employed in the bridge and building department of the Winona and St. Peter railroad, now a part of the Northwestern system. He remained there about two and one half years when he moved to Brainerd. He was well known by old timers here.

One of his possessions which came to Mr. Grimes following his heroic work during the “big snow,” is a watch charm presented in recognition of his bravery by Rosalie Knott, the actress made prominent by her play, Alice Sit by the Fire. A “record of commendation” filed at that time by the superintendent of his division credits him with having saved the lives of everyone in his train.

November 3, 1903, E. C. Blanchard, formerly superintendent on the Lake Superior division, issued this order:

“You will please enter a record of commendation for Engineer John M. Grimes for his prompt and heroic action in stopping his engine while handling train No. 14 west of Carlton early today. With side rods broken and the engine derailed and working under difficulty of escaping steam, he succeeded in applying air brakes, opening sand pipes, and doing everything possible to stop the train, which was done successfully. His actions probably save the lives of everyone on the train as well as his own.”

Mr. Grimes was injured and remained in the hospital for three months. The train was traveling 50 miles an hour at the time. Miss Knott and her company occupied a special coach on the rear of that train and while he still was in the hospital he received the watch charm with an engraved inscription commending him highly. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 08 December 1927, p. 7, c. 3)


SEE: 03 November 1903

SEE: 05 November 1903

SEE: 10 November 1903


1928

2 RETIRE FROM N. P. SERVICE

_____


E. O. Parks, Auditor of Disburse-

ments, Albert E. Fortune,

Stationer

_____


COMBINED SERVICE 90 YEARS

_____


Mr. Parks Entered Railway Employ

in 1881 at

Brainerd


Two veteran employees in the general offices of the Northern Pacific at St. Paul started the New Year by retiring from active service.

They are E. O. Parks, auditor of disbursements and Albert E. Fortune, stationer, whose combined service is nearly 90 years.

Mr. Parks entered the Northern Pacific employ in 1881 at Brainerd and Mr. Fortune entered the service in 1884. Both men were presented with tokens of appreciation by their friends last week.

F. W. Stetckluh, assistant general auditor, has been appointed to succeed Mr. Parks and C. C. Anderson will be stationer, succeeding Mr. Fortune.

Mr. Anderson has been the assistant stationer for the Northern Pacific railroad for several years. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 03 January 1928, p. 7, c. 2)


1929

24 April

A BIG LOCOMOTIVE

_____


Northern Pacific “Yellowstone” Locomotive, ca. 1928. A gigantic 5,000 Series Locomotive built for the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1928 by the American Locomotive Company [ALCO]. It was called the "Yellowstone." Only one of these 2-8-8-4 Yellowstone locomotives was built for the NP by ALCO. In 1930 the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania began building them for the Northern Pacific.
Source: Out of the Woods, Brainerd Dispatch

THEY do things on a grand scale out west.

When the Northern Pacific railway desires a large locomotive for the heaviest kind of hauling, its engineers study the transportation problem and topography of the road carefully.

The largest steam locomotive in the world, weighing 1,116,000 pounds and measuring 125 feet in length, today is in regular freight service between Glendive, Mont., and Mandan, N. D., and has been pronounced a success by H. E. Stevens, vice president in charge of operations of the Northern Pacific.

The locomotive, which was constructed by the American Locomotive Company, was experimental and it was placed in service on a 216-mile stretch through the North Dakota Bad Lands, where there is an undulating profile with controlling grades of 1 percent so separated over the territory that it is impractical to establish helper or pusher districts.

Two locomotives, each with a train, heretofore were required to pull over this district the same tonnage that could be handled in one train east and west of this district. The monster locomotive has demonstrated its adaptability in every test so far. It starts quickly and is easily handled. The engine crew is relieved of virtually all manual labor by the mechanical equipment and accessories with which the engine is equipped. It has handled without difficulty 100-ton loads at 30 miles an hour. The locomotive was broken in and placed in regular service sooner than had been anticipated, Mr. Stevens said. While experiments still are being made with the locomotive, its success now has been proven, he said.

Of course, such a monster engine does its work on the main line, and if it ever struck a light-steel siding, it would probably crumple it up. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 24 April 1929, p. 4, c. 1)


SEE: 22 February 1952

SEE: 31 May 1957


20 May

WOMEN DINING CAR WAITRESSES

ON NORTHERN PACIFIC

_____


St. Paul, May 20.—(UP)—The Northern Pacific will try something new in the way of an experiment this summer—women dining car waitresses, cooks and hostesses.

A. W. Thompson, superintendent of dining service, announced today that the women would be placed in charge of the dining cars on the Livingston to Gardiner line on June 20.

Gardiner is the gateway to Yellowstone National park. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 20 May 1929, p. 3, c. 5)


01 July

TO BE RETIRED ON HONOR ROLLS

_____


Albert J. Forsythe Served N. P. Rail-

way Company for Nearly

49 Years

_____


GIVEN COMMENDATION

_____


Retires July 1 From Active Service

With Tribute From

J. P. Anderson


Albert J. Forsythe retires, 01 July 1929.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Albert J. Forsythe, manufacturing shop foreman at the Brainerd shops, will be retired on the honor rolls of the Northern Pacific Railway Company on July 1 after having been in the company’s service for nearly 49 years.

Born at Hamilton, Canada, June 26, 1859, he took his first employment with the railway company at Brainerd as machinist July 23, 1880, in that capacity he worked until April 15, 1899, when he became coal dock inspector. On November 9, 1902, he became roundhouse foreman at Staples; December 20, 1902, roundhouse foreman at Duluth; January 15, 1903, roundhouse foreman at Missoula; he then took a three months leave of absence and resumed service as machinist at Brainerd February 4, 1908; changed to night hostler December 9, 1911; became machine foreman at Brainerd July 1, 1912; changed to machinist at Brainerd December 1, 1914; promoted to gang foreman at Brainerd February 1, 1920, and then to manufacturing shop foreman.

Mr. Forsythe retired from active service with the railway company with a tribute from J. P. Anderson, shop superintendent.

“He has performed diligently the duties assigned to him during his time with the company,” Mr. Anderson said. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 June 1929, p. 7, c. 3)


23 July

TO RETIRE AFTER 46 YRS. WITH N. P.

_____


George D. Mahood to Close Many

Years of Service in Active

Service July 31

_____


REACHES AGE OF 70

_____


Two Other Veterans of Road to Be

Retired on Honor Rolls of

Company Same Time


George D. Mahood, tinsmith helper, mechanical department, Brainerd shops of the Northern Pacific railway will retire from active service at the age of 70 years on July 31 after 46 years and 10 months in the employ of the company.

Mr. Mahood was born July 1, 1859 and was employed as a pipefitter helper in 1882. He was promoted to pipefitter in 1885 and became sheet metal helper September 10, 1922.

Two others will be retired on honor rolls of the company at the age of 70 years, July 31. John M. Palmgren, locomotive engineer, has been in continuous service since 1886. Hugh F. Allen, third of the veterans is dock foreman at the Northern Pacific docks at Duluth. He has been with the company 41 years. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 July 1929, p. 7, c. 5)


1930

06 January

Transportation Innovation

_____


THE Northern Pacific railway is to meet motor truck and possible bus competition by using the same kind of transportation to supplement its regular rail service.

The company has filed with the Minnesota Secretary of State a certificate of incorporation of the Northern Pacific Transport Company, a Delaware corporation, through which the railway company is prepared to supplement and augment its steam freight and passenger service with highway motor service.

The transport company will file with the Minnesota Railroad and Warehouse Commission an application for permission to operate highway freight trucks along its lines between the Twin Cities and Duluth, thus initiating this augmented service. No regular schedules are proposed. The new service will be flexible, depending upon the amount of business. Primarily, it is intended to expedite through service and local service. Cars of less than car lot freight will be set out at strategic points where they will be met immediately by trucks for delivery to surrounding points. Only station-to-station service, however, will be performed. The number of stops in the through freight service, therefore, will be curtailed and through service speeded up. The trucks will meet the set-out cars at convenient points, and they may vary from day-to-day.

The company has no definite plans for further similar service on its system, but is prepared to expand when the necessity arises. No motor bus passenger service is proposed at this time. All of the stock of the Northern Pacific Transport Company is owned by the Northern Pacific Railway Company. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 January 1930, p. 4, c. 1)


07 January

BIDS WANTED

_____


The Northern Pacific Railway Company will accept bids on or before January 30 on any one or all of three bunk houses and one dining hall, located north side of Brainerd shops. The Northern Pacific Railway Company reserves the right to reject any or all bids. Any further information can be obtained from T. B. Nelson, agent Northern Pacific Railway company who will furnish a tentative copy of contract. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 January 1930, p. 7, c. 3)


17 June

PRES. DONNELLY INSPECTS SHOPS

_____


Head of Northern Pacific Railway and

Other Officials in

Brainerd Today


President Charles Donnelly of St. Paul, head of the Northern Pacific railway, headed a party of officials who today inspected the railway shops here and also examined conditions in the ore industry on the Cuyuna iron range. They traveled in business cars arriving last night and leaving Brainerd early this afternoon.

In the party were President Donnelly, Vice President B. W. Scandrett, Traffic Manager R. W. Clark, General Manager W. C. Sloan, Division Superintendent of the Lake Superior Division G. H. Jacobus and General Mechanical Inspector H. E. Bersgtrom. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 17 June 1930, p. 7, c. 4)


SHOPS CLOSE FOR ANDERSON RITES

_____


N. P. Officials to Pay Respect to For-

mer Superintendent by

Attending Funeral

_____


MASONS CONDUCT RITES

_____


To be Held From Home, 523 North

5th Street, at 2 P. M.

Friday


The Northern Pacific shops here of which J. P. Anderson was at the helm since 1904 as superintendent will pay respect to the memory of its former chief by closing tomorrow afternoon from noon on.

Masonic rites will be conducted for Mr. Anderson from his residence at 523 North 5th street at 2 p. m. Friday, Rev. N. P. Olmsted officiating. Interment will be at Evergreen cemetery.

Pall bearers will be: E. J. Cook, Martin H. Nelson, John Carlson, Robert W. Crust, Dr. J. A. Thabes, Sr., and W. H. Gemmell.

Out of the city officials of the Northern Pacific railway who will attend the funeral services are: B. J. Johnson, mechanical superintendent; H. J. Gjertsen, master welder; P. L. Butler, chief clerk to the general mechanic and superintendent; N. H. Chase, valuation engineer; N. E. Entriken, master mechanic; J. E. Vanni, draftsman, all of St. Paul; L. J. Gallagher, master mechanic, W. J. Rigley, road foreman of the Fargo division with headquarters at Dilworth, Minn.; and Fred Newman, roundhouse foreman at Staples. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 16 October 1930, p. 3, c. 1)


23 October

NEW N. P. TRAIN SCHEDULE FIXED

_____


Affect Three Trains Entering and

Leaving Brainerd Starting

Sunday

_____


PRACTICALLY OLD SCHEDULE

_____


Two Hours Cut From Leaving Time

of Train No. 32 to Mill City;

Leaves at 1:50 P. M.


Returning practically to its pre-summer schedule, three Northern Pacific trains affecting Brainerd will have new time schedules starting Sunday, Oct. 26, according to T. B. Nelson, N. P. Agent here.

Train No. 57 from Duluth going to Staples arriving here now at 11 p. m. and leaving at 11:06 p. m. will leave here on the new schedule at 11:28 p. m.

Train No. 31, daily except Sunday, will arrive from Minneapolis at 1:25 p. m. in place of 12:55 p. m. and will leave on the M. and I. at 1:45 p. m. instead of 1:30 p. m.

Train No. 32 from Bemidji on the M. and I. will arrive at 1:20 p. m. in place of 3:30 p. m. and will leave for Minneapolis at 1:50 p. m. in place of 3:50 p. m.

Trains No. 5 and 6 have been cut off from the main line, Mr. Nelson also reported.

Current with the announcement by the Northern Pacific, the Brainerd Post Office department advised citizens to take into consideration the new time schedule in the placing of mail. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 23 October 1930, p. 7, c. 2)


30 October

H. E. BERGSTROM ACTING SHOP HEAD

_____


General Mechanical Inspector, Super-

intendent of Shops Until

Appointment Made


H. E. Bergstrom of the St. Paul Northern Pacific office, general mechanical inspector, took over duties here today as acting superintendent of the N. P. shops and will continue as such until the successor to the late J. P. Anderson is named.

Mr. Bersgtrom was accompanied on his trip to Brainerd by special car by Silas Zwight, general mechanical superintendent; J. J. Davey, general boiler inspector; and F. C. Moody, master car builder. The three officials will return to St. Paul tomorrow after an inspection of the shops here. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 October 1930, p. 5, c. 3)


05 December

BERGSTROM NAMED OFFICIAL SHOP HEAD

_____


Acting Superintendent of N. P. Shops

Here Since Nov. 1 Becomes

Official Head


Announcement was made today by Northern Pacific officials at St. Paul of the appointment of Harry E. Bergstrom as official superintendent of the Brainerd shops.

Mr. Bergstrom had been acting superintendent since November 1. He was named successor to J. P. Anderson following his death. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 December 1930, p. 7, c. 2)


1931

13 March

H. E. BERGSTROM TO ADDRESS N. P. VETS

_____


Railway Shop Superintendent to

Speak at Meeting Saturday

Evening


The regular meeting of the Northern Pacific Veterans will be held Saturday evening, March 14, at 7:30 p. m. in the club rooms over the depot. H. E. Bergstrom, railway shop superintendent will be present, and will give a talk of interest to all.

A well-arranged program will also be given, including instrumental and vocal music and a surprise number. A dinner will be served by George Mahood. At the last meeting 29 were present.

G. N. Grant is the secretary-treasurer. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 13 March 1931, p. 7, c. 5)


26 May

Business establishments in Brainerd were at a standstill for nearly four hours today after lightning struck the switchrack at the Riverton electric station. The NP railway shops and the Northwest Paper Mill continued to operate using their own power plants. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 26 May 2011)


07 October

The finest music heard in Brainerd recently was that summoning a thousand men to work at the Northern Pacific shops Monday via the big whistle. The shops had been idle two weeks and it is uncertain just how steady work will be during the months to come, but men and those dependent upon them will hope that layoffs will be few and short. The whole town suffers when the N. P. shops are not operating, though immediate want comes most directly to employees of the road, of course. Let’s listen for the whistle every morning for it’s a most pleasant sound. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 07 October 1931, p. 4, c. 1)


31 December

Shops to Build 600 Cars


H. E. Bergstrom, superintendent of the Northern Pacific Shops: “We look to the new year full of hope. We have chalked off the old year. We can say that we turn our faces to the east and look for a brighter day, hoping that day will materialize this year. The Northern Pacific, known as a grain road, will rejoice with the farmer in prospects of good crops and higher prices. The shops will complete 600 cars this year, the final construction development in the 1,000 car order of 1931.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 December 1931, p. 1, c. 2)


1932

04 January

One thousand Brainerd men, employees of the Northern Pacific shops, prepared to resume work tomorrow morning. They had been without work since December 17. They will build the final 600 cars of the 1,000 car order placed last year. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 04 January 2012)


1933

26 July

Join the Northern Pacific special train excursion to Duluth-Superior on Aug. 6th. Only $1.25 round trip from Brainerd. Light lunches and beverages for sale on board at reasonable prices. (This was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 26 July 2013)


1934

28 December

A New Year’s gift that will gladden the hearts and fatten the paychecks of nearly 1,000 employees of the NP Railroad working in and from Brainerd was announced today. The company restored another 2.5 percent of the 10 percent wage cut suffered in 1932. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 28 December 2014)


1935

31 October

TIE PLANT GIVES WORK TO 70

_____


NP to Operate Tie Plant 8 Months; Opens Friday

_____


Recall of Regular Employees to Release Payroll Estimated

at from $6,000 to &8,000 per Month

_____


Tie plant employees loading ties for shipment, ca. 1928. A 640x348 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

Idle for the last four months except for what odd jobs they could pick up, fifty men Friday will march back to work at the Northern Pacific tie treating plant where operations will be resumed. This number will be swelled to perhaps 75 or 80 men when the operations reach their peak, probably within the next few weeks.

Not only was the announcement that the tie treating plant would open encouraging news to the regular employees but it also boded well for business conditions, releasing a huge payroll in Brainerd. Although officials would not be quoted, close observers estimated that the payroll would total between $6,000 and $8,000 per month.


Eight Months Operations


Schedule of operations calls for a six day work week. The operations are expected to continue for eight months.

Throughout the last week, a crew of five to ten men has been busy preparing the plant for resumption of operations.

Reopening of the Brainerd plant will also mark resumption of operations at the Paradise, Mont., and Seattle, Wash., tie treating plants, A. J. Loom, Brainerd, general superintendent of all the plants, said.


Call Regular Employees


Larger operations will be carried on at the Brainerd plant in the railroad’s program of treating 1,100,000 ties this year. Approximately 500,000 ties will be run through the local plant. Raw stock estimated at 572,000 ties has been contracted for and is arriving daily. When the new green stock starts arriving, Loom said, operations will be stepped up to employ the peak number of 75 to 80 men.

Workers called to report for duty tomorrow are regular employees who have been on the staff at the tie treating plant for years. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 31 October 1935, p. 1 c.’s 7 & 8)


1937

10 February

Employees at the NP Railroad shops returned to a six-day work week, up from a five-day week in place the last 18 months. Before that the work week was only three or four days due to the depression. Additionally, 35 workers have been called back for car repair work. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 10 February 2017)


11 September

Undoubtedly destined for munitions factories, where it will be turned into shrapnel, scrap iron is being loaded on rail cars in Brainerd at a feverish pace the past few weeks. The same conditions exist throughout the nation. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 11 September 2017)


1939

01 November

M. H. Nelson Named New Head Brainerd N. P. Shops

_____


THIRTY-SEVEN YEARS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE BRING HIGH PROMOTION

_____


An ad for the North Coast Limited roundtrip from Brainerd to Spokane, 23 July 1939.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Martin H. Nelson, general locomotive foreman in the Northern Pacific shops has been named acting superintendent.

Mr. Nelson’s appointment was announced by H. E. Stevens, operating vice president of the railroad in St. Paul. He will replace Harry Bergstrom, superintendent for nine years, who resigned last week.


Veteran Employee

The acting superintendent is a veteran employee in the local shops. He had held various positions there since 1902. Mr. Nelson will assume his new duties on November first. It is a fitting tribute to Martin for his fidelity to the organization he has worked for, giving all his energy and consideration of the best part of his life to the Northern Pacific Shops in Brainerd. He has been faithful and deserves the promotion. (Brainerd Tribune, 31 October 1939, p. 1, c. 1)


1941

01 February

The full force working full time at the Brainerd Shops of the Northern Pacific is indicative of present activity along the entire system as it shoulders its part of the war load. The 1941 payroll in the Brainerd Shops is $1,800,000. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Friday, 01 February 2001)


22 October

The Minnesota & International Railroad, which had operated as a subsidiary of the Northern Pacific since 1900, became part of the Northern Pacific’s Lake Superior Division with division headquarters in Duluth, Minnesota.


01 December

VANNI REPLACES NELSON AS SHOP HEAD

_____


Nelson Retires, Ending 55 Years of Rail Service

_____


Change of Superintendents at Brainerd’s Largest Industry Effective Today

_____


Superintendent, Northern Pacific Shops, ca. 1941.
Source: Nelson Family Archives

John E. Vanni today succeeded Martin H. Nelson as superintendent of the Northern Pacific railway shops in Brainerd.

The change in leadership of Brainerd’s largest single industry and one of the largest shops in the entire N. P. system was announced by E. L. Grimm, general mechanical superintendent of the Northern Pacific, with offices in Saint Paul.


Nelson Retires


Mr. Nelson, head of the shops since November, 1939 retires under the 70-year-old clause of the N. P. system after a 55-year career in the railroad industry.

Mr. Vanni, 48-year-old locomotive shop foreman at the Brainerd shops since January, 1940, becomes superintendent to climax 28 years affiliation with the Northern Pacific railway company.

Heading an industry employing over 900 men, Mr. Vanni takes one more step forward in a career marked by steady advancement and highly satisfactory service.


Ends 55-year Career


For the retiring superintendent, Mr. Nelson, the change in management brings to a close the active career of one of the oldest veterans of the Northern Pacific.

Mr. Nelson began his career as a machinist’s apprentice Sept. 6, 1886. Upon completing his apprenticeship he worked for a time with the Union Pacific at Pocatello, Idaho, then for the Southern Pacific and Newport News and Mississippi Valley railway, since a part of the Illinois Central System at Paducah, Ky.

Returning to Brainerd in February, 1902, Mr. Nelson spent the next 40 years in the N. P. shops here. He served successively as machinist, erecting foreman, assistant general locomotive foreman and general locomotive foreman.

When H. E. Bergstrom resigned as shop superintendent Nov. 1, 1939, Mr. Nelson was elevated to that position. His retirement today comes as the result of a railway ruling retiring employees reaching the age of 70 years.


Vanni Started Here


An aerial view of the NP Shops showing the roundhouse in the center, 1940. A 885x567 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

Mr. Vanni also began his railroad service in the Brainerd shops. He was born and educated in Michigan and came to Brainerd in 1913 at the age of 20 to take a position as boilermaker helper. He held this position until April 1, 1917, when he was advanced to shop draftsman.

On July 16, 1926, he was transferred to St. Paul and given a position as draftsman in the mechanical engineer’s office. In 1934 he was promoted to a job as chief locomotive draftsman.

When Nelson became superintendent, Vanni returned to Brainerd to become general locomotive shop foreman, taking that position in January, 1940.

Mrs. Vanni is the former Vivian Bloomstrom, a Brainerd girl. The couple have two children—John, a junior in Washington high school, and Jeanne, an eighth grader in Franklin junior high school. Mr. Vanni is a member of the Rotary club.


Praises Predecessor


Accepting congratulations on his appointment as head of the N. P. shops, Mr. Vanni today paid tribute to his predecessor, Mr. Nelson, and promised the fullest co-operation between the shops and the business interests of the city. “I hope that I can serve as well as did Mr. Nelson. I want to congratulate him on 55 years spent in railroad service and to wish him well. He has certainly earned a rest and I hope that it is a most pleasant and enjoyable one.

I know that the shops and the city will continue to work in harmony as they have in the past.”


To Stay in Brainerd


Mr. Nelson, a widower, lives with his son, Henry, at 302 North Ninth street. He also owns a home on Gull Lake where he plans to spend most of his summers.

“I’ve greatly enjoyed my long association with the Northern Pacific extending over a period of some 50 years,” Mr. Nelson said today. “My associations with the men with whom I have worked will always be most pleasant memories.”

No successor to Mr. Vanni as general locomotive shop foreman has yet been named. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 December 1941, p. 1)


1944

27 October

In the immediate Brainerd area, a present labor shortage does not exist. Laborers are still needed at the Northwest Paper Mill and the Northern Pacific Shop, but that is practically all the hiring that is being done. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 27 October 2004)


21 December

Brainerd and the N. P.—

Guest Editorial


Instinctively, mention Brainerd and up bobs the Northern Pacific shops; the two terms are synonymous.

A week ago the Northern Pacific Ry. Co. released for publication certain data pertaining to an award of a construction contract in the sum of one million or more for a new car shop in Brainerd. Even in these days of billions, an expenditure for a plant in Brainerd amounting to a million is quite comparable to a billion spent by the government for several defense plants. At least we feel that puffed up about it. In appreciation of such consideration for Brainerd, we have compiled a few pertinent historical facts about the Brainerd shops.

On March 11, 1871, the first construction train rolled into Brainerd, from Duluth; three days later came the first passenger train. Immediately the company built the Headquarters Hotel, where the present depot stands, and started the first shops on the grounds where they now are, but wholly on the north side of the track. The layout was completed in 1872 and consisted of an engine house, a machine shop, a blacksmith shop, and a boiler house. This combination was designed to repair locomotives and cars, and manufacture repair parts. At that time the railroad system had 22 engines and all were wood-burners.

In 1872 a combination 3-story office building and depot was erected where the water tower now stands; but a year later came the Big Panic (1873) and these offices were moved to St. Paul and work in the shops was stopped. [NO!]

In the ‘80s the railroad took on new life and under the presidency of Henry Villard the shops were enlarged. Again things went to St. Paul, for in 1883 the main car shops were moved to Como, taking also about 500 men with them. That tended to label the Brainerd shops as a locomotive repair shop,—the largest on the system.

In 1893 a new chapter was started, by instituting building the new wooden box-cars; and in time a maximum of 500 per year (almost 2 per working day) was attained. This got another boost when in 1918 building the combination wood-steel box car was introduced.

Repairing locomotives never ended, but new types of locomotives acquired of late years necessitated expanding shop facilities elsewhere. These heavier freight cars and the increased train-loads led to purchasing huge locomotives, far larger than the Brainerd facilities were planned for; also, being mainly for service in mountainous terrain, expansions in locomotive repair facilities very clearly occurred in shops in such states, meaning Montana and Washington. The Brainerd shops will continue to work on the smaller types.

We now come to the so-called new shops about to be erected. They are being designed to expedite repairs to all classes of freight cars, to keep pace with the greater wear resulting from the heavy duty imposed by our war requirements. The shops will be so designed and equipped with tools that as soon as the present heavy maintenance work decreases, new cars can be built in the released space and by the same working force. This new capacity for cars will then be 1,500 per year, or about SIX CARS per working day.

It will interest many of our older residents to read the names of the seven men who in 63 years have served these shops as superintendents. Apparently, before 1887 such an office did not exist and supervision was maintained on a different basis.

Unknown—1872 to 1887—15 years

Adam Barclay [sic] [Bardsley]—1887 to 1893—6 years

S. L. Bean—1893 to 1903—10 years

A. W. Wheatley—1903 to 1904—1 year

J. P. Anderson—1904 to 1930—26 years

H. E. Bergstrom—1930 to 1939—9 years

M. H. Nelson—1939 to 1941—2 years

J. E. Vanni—1941 to date

Yes, time marches on; and as it does, Brainerd and its N. P. Shops march on together. If new construction to provide postwar employment is a basic need to aid returning veterans, then this expansion is, indeed, in keeping with postwar programs and Brainerd be today the envy of all other small cities in Minnesota. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 21 December 1944, p. 11, c.’s 1-4)


28 December

Authorities Check Skeleton Found on Railroad Property

_____


Crow Wing county authorities today were pondering the case of a skeleton found in excavations being made in the Northern Pacific railroad shop yards here late yesterday in preliminary grading preparatory to the construction of the railroad’s new $1,500,000 shops here.

The skeleton was found near a fence on the railroad property within about 60 feet of the grave of a railroad worker who has been buried on the property and whose gave has been cared for by the railroad since 1872.

A pair of heavy moccasins with leather soles, was found in the excavation.

Dr. John Thabes, Jr., Crow Wing county coroner, said today that a court order would be sought permitting the reburial of the skeleton in Evergreen cemetery.

In the meantime, railroad officials are checking to learn if at any time in the past this property might have been occupied as a cemetery.

John Vanni, superintendent of the shops, said that in 1872 a man named Bennett [sic], employed by the railroad, had been fatally injured in the shops. Because of the lack of a cemetery here at that time. Bennett [sic] was buried on the railroad property. A picket fence was built around the grave which has been cared for since by the company.

Finding a skeleton near the Bennett [sic] grave is the problem facing authorities. Dr. Thabes said that he had asked that the Bennett [sic] plot be excavated to learn if the skeleton found might be that of Bennett [sic] or if it is the skeleton of another man. The coroner said he did not believe the skeleton to be that of an Indian. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 December 1944, p. 1, c.’s 5 & 6)


Mystery Surrounds Skeleton

Found in N. P. Railroad Yards

_____


A new note of mystery today surrounded the finding of a skeleton on Northern Pacific railroad property, which was brought to light through excavations being made in construction work late Thursday.

The finding of the skeleton took on a new version today when workmen at the order of Dr. John Thabes, Jr., Crow Wing county coroner, opened the grave of John Bennep [sic], a railroad worker who had been buried on the railroad property since 1872, and found the Bennep [sic] remains intact and in the grave where he was laid to rest. His grave had been guarded and cared for by the railroad company through the years.

With the finding of the skeleton Thursday night about 60 feet from the Bennep [sic] grave, a pair of moccasins with heavy soles was unearthed. Dr. Thabes, who made a study of the skeleton, said that he did not believe that the first skeleton found was that of an Indian. How the body came to be buried on the railroad property will never be known. It might be that of an early pioneer or it might be the victim of an unsolved murder.


Two New Graves


Dr. Thabes said that both remains would be reburied in Evergreen cemetery by the railroad company and that preparations for the burials were underway.

Bennep [sic], whose grave has been protected and cared for by the railroad company, was employed in the shops here in 1872. He died Feb. 10, 1872, of injuries received in the railroad yards, and it is said that he was buried on railroad property at his own request to “be near the place of his work.”

While through the years the Bennep [sic] grave has been cared for in the yards, with the excavations underway for the new $1,500,000 railroad shops construction, it has been deemed advisable, a railroad spokesman said, to remove the remains to the Evergreen cemetery.

As to the identity of the skeleton found near the Bennep [sic] [Bennett] grave—that will always remain a mystery, Dr. Thabes said. He added that the skeleton “was considerably older than Bennep’s [sic]. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 30 December 1944, p. 1, c.’s 5-7)


NOTE: On May 16, 1879 Evergreen Cemetery was established. Should anyone wonder where they had been burying people up to that time, we need only say that most of them had been interred among the trees in the northeast corner of the Railroad company's shop grounds. Most of these were transferred later to Evergreen Cemetery; also in 1944 when earth was borrowed at this earlier burial place to fill in low ground east of the shop buildings, the excavators uncovered a dozen or so skeletons. In all likelihood more could be found. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 13)


1945

04 January

FIND ANOTHER SKELETON IN N. P. PROPERTY

_____


A second unknown skeleton was removed from Northern Pacific grounds yesterday where excavations are being made for the construction of a new shop.

Finding of the second skeleton near where the first was found a week ago, is believed by authorities to be that of a pioneer resident who occupied a grave on the property which was then the city’s public cemetery.

The skeleton was reinterred in Evergreen cemetery.

Remains being unearthed now while construction operations are underway are believed to be those of bodies overlooked when the old cemetery was removed to the present Evergreen plots. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 05 January 1945, p. 1, c. 1)


05 January

FIND TWO MORE SKELETONS ON N. P. PROPERTY

_____


The remains of two additional unknown bodies were excavated by workmen Friday at the Northern Pacific shops bringing the total to four which have been discovered since work as been started on the construction of a new shop.

Findings of the remains yesterday, located near where the first two were found are believed by authorities to be those of pioneer residents which were interred in graves on the property which was then a cemetery. One of the skeletons was wrapped in a blanket which was almost completely deteriorated. The remains were removed to Evergreen cemetery. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 06 January 1945, p. 1, c. 4)


1944-45

The Tie Plant operation in west Brainerd is enlarged. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 180)


A new steel and brick building 916’ long is added to the east shops, this location is one of the largest steel freight car building shops in the country. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 180)


The power plant in east Brainerd is also upgraded. (Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946, p. 180)


1947

23 February

One of the largest industries in this northern and central Minnesota area this winter has been the cutting and movement of pulpwood into the paper mills of the nation. During the past week this commodity has been moving through Brainerd over the Northern Pacific Railroad on an average of 40 carloads daily. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 23 February 2007)


1948

21 August

The city of Brainerd and employees of the Northern Pacific Shops were paid a tribute today by the Northern Pacific Railroad when a new lightweight streamlined pullman car named “Brainerd,” went into service out of St. Paul, west-bound. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Thursday, 21 August 2008)


1949

24 May

NP Bridge, 24 May 1949.
Source: Ron V. Nixon Collection, Museum of the Rockies, Montana State University


28 June

NP Engine No. 10 at the Brainerd Shops on 28 June 1949.
Source: Ron V. Nixon Collection, Museum of the Rockies, Montana State University
NP Engine No. 10 entering the roundhouse at the Brainerd Shops, 28 June 1949.
Source: Ron V. Nixon Collection, Museum of the Rockies, Montana State University

NP Engine No. 10 was a shop engine built by Baldwin in 1896. Engine No. 10 was actually cut down from NP Engine No. 927 and renumbered No. 10. This is the same engine that was consigned to Lum Park and later sold by the city of Brainerd on eBay for $5,000.


SEE: 2004

SEE: 2006


1952

22 February

Monster of Power Ends Career


Northern Pacific “Yellowstone” Locomotive built by ALCO in 1928, 10 October 1941.
Source: Ron V. Nixon Collection, Museum of the Rockies, Montana State University

From power to scrap iron—that is the story of what was declared to be the largest steam locomotive in the world when it was built. And its end is destined to take place in the Northern Pacific railroad shops in Brainerd.

This monster of power costing $171,000 when it rolled off the assembly lines in the American Locomotive Works in New York back in 1928, now stands humbly and without dignity awaiting the blow torch, the hammer and the chisel in the Brainerd yards.

The locomotive was given the number “5000” and was used for helper service in the Livingston, Mont., area on the Northern Pacific line.

The huge engine with a total weight, including engine and tender, of 821,800 pounds, almost 412 tons, was indeed the largest in the world, at that time.

LARGEST IN THE WORLD—The largest steam locomotive in the world at the time it was built in 1928 and purchased by the Northern Pacific railroad for helper service in the Livingston, Mont., area, number "5000," the “Yellowstone,” has been returned to the N. P. shops here where it will be scrapped. On the catwalk of the 412 ton giant is Russ Paulson, and on the ground is Norman Bellefeuille. The two men are employed in the reclamation plant of the N. P. shops, 22 February 1952.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch

Five tons of coal was necessary just to start the fire in the fire box. It burned 25 tons every time it traveled 50 miles, or a half ton per mile.

The weight of the locomotive and tender, fully loaded, was 1,118,000 pounds.

This massive power creation is 16 and a half feet high, 85 and a half feet long, and weighs 650,800 pounds. Its water capacity is 21,200 gallons.

The tender is 44 and a half feet long and has a capacity of 54,000 pounds of coal. The coal was fed from tender to fire box with a screw type mechanical feeder.

Engine and tender together give a total length of 130 feet.

The size of the extraordinary fire box was evidenced at the Railroad Show in Chicago several years ago when 16 men were fed at a table inside the giant box.

The box measures seven feet high, a little over seven feet wide at the top and nine and a half feet wide at the bottom with a grate area of 183 square feet.

The engine has 16 massive drivers where the ordinary engine of that period had only 12. There are 92 large flues and 280 small ones, all 22 feet long. There are no rivets in the entire engine as all connections are welded.

And now the massiveness of old “5000” has spelled its own destruction for officials say the tremendous cost of an overhaul job would not prove worthwhile.

So the huge engine has been brought to the Northern Pacific shops at Brainerd where it awaits the “cutting down” process. All useable materials will be saved and the rest cut down for remelting. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 February 1952, p. 1, c.’s 1-3)


SEE: 24 April 1929

SEE: 31 May 1957


01 August

Tie plant employees, August 1952. A 1349x990 version of this photo is also available for viewing online.
Source: Kim Sears Finch & Crow Wing County Historical Society


02 October

Front of the Northern Pacific “Gas Car,” B-18, parked in front of the Brainerd depot, ca. 1952.
Source: NPRHA
Back of the Northern Pacific “Gas Car,” B-18, parked in front of the Brainerd depot, ca. 1952.
Source: NPRHA

The "Gas Car" is parked in front of the Northern Pacific Depot.


SEE: 15 September 1924


03 December

More than $7 million will be spent on construction of 200 70-ton ore cars at the NP Railway shops in Brainerd in 1953 and in purchase of 500 refrigerator cars. John Vanni, superintendent of the Brainerd shops, said there would be no additional employment. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 03 December 2012)


1954

24 January

(Adv.) Northern Pacific Railway’s 3rd Annual Excursion—Saturday, January 30. Leave Brainerd at 8 a. m. See the St. Paul Winter Carnival Parade, then attend the Minnesota-Michigan basketball game. Train leaves St. Paul at 11 p. m. to return to Brainerd. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 24 January 2014)


26 February

The Northern Pacific today completed part two of its three-part promise to Brainerd of a year ago, putting into operation the first railroad crossing gates ever to operate here. Flasher signals are already at Oak and 13th Streets, and gates at 4th, 6th and 8th Streets. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 26 February 2014)


14 March

If 350 Brainerd people are interested, a “Brainerd Special” train will be run by the Northern Pacific to Moorhead for the Region Six tournament game between Brainerd and Starbuck. Tickets are $4.03. Make a reservation by call the Dispatch at 3511. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 14 March 2014)


27 July

Over 2,500 Brainerd residents visited the new Vista Dome railroad passenger car which was on display here Sunday. The glass-topped cars are part of Northern Pacific’s North Coast Limited service from Chicago to Seattle. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 27 July 2014)


1955

22 September

Two old pals will end over half a century of railroading tomorrow. Tom Walsh, yard engineer for the NP here will retire after 52 years, and his steam engine “Dinky,” will be retired after 59 years service. All steam engines are giving way to diesel now. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 22 September 2015)


03 November

The NP Railroad shops here announced a contract to build 1,000 all-steel box cars and 200 ore cars as soon after Jan. 1 as steel is available. The shops have built 7,524 cars since 1947, but this $9.5 million order is the largest single contract ever received. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 03 November 2015)


1957

24 January

A spectacular 28-car derailment near Pillager cut off all rail transportation between Brainerd and Staples until at least tonight. The cause is unknown, but it appears the locomotive and eight cars passed the spot before the final 28 cars leaped the tracks into a snow-covered pile of wreckage. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 24 January 2017)


03 May

A. J. “Goldie” Loom, general superintendent of NP Railway’s tie treating plant here, has retired from the railroad after 51 years. Loom was born in Motley in 1887 and joined the NP as a Brainerd yard clerk in 1906, rising rapidly through promotions. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 03 May 2017)


31 May

Last of Locomotive Giants Scrapped at NP Shops Here


Workmen at the Northern Pacific Railway’s shops here finished scrapping the last of the giant “Yellowstone” steam locomotives yesterday.

In all 12 of these huge giants have been scrapped here during the past five years.

At one time the “Yellowstones” or Z-5’s as they were called, were the largest steam locomotives in the world. Built for pulling heavy loads over the mountains in the western part of the country, the engines gave way to more modern diesel locomotives which are much cheaper to operate.

The massive engine, when loaded with water and coal tender, weighed 5662 tons. combined length of engine and tender was 125 feet. Loaded it could carry 27 tons of coal and 21,200 gallons of water.

Last jobs for the giants were in the helper service out of Livingston and Helena, Mont., where they pushed trains over Rocky Mountain passes. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 01 June 1957, p. 2, c.’s 1 & 2)


SEE: 24 April 1929

SEE: 22 February 1952


13 November

A total of $8.2 million will be spent by the NP Railroad in 1958 to construct 1,000 boxcars at its shops in Brainerd, said Robert Macfarlane, president. The Brainerd program will consist of 500 40-foot cars and 500 50-foot cars. Material has already been ordered. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 13 November 2017)


1960

Date Unknown

BRAINERD CARMAN DESIGNS “CAR STOP”


R. W. Tessmer examines his “car stop,” 1960.
Source: Unknown

Men at Brainerd Shop are always on the lookout for new and better methods to use in the performance of their work.

Carman R. W. Tessmer, at Brainerd Shop, is shown holding a “car stop” of his own design which has contributed much to safety and efficiency in moving the assembly line of new freight cars. This eliminates the use of wood blocks which become wedged under the wheels, thereby fail to stop the car at the right spot and are expensive to maintain. Mr. Tessmer’s “car stop” stops the car at a predetermined location, after which the car rolls back several inches, releasing the stop.

The use of this seemingly unimportant piece of equipment is of significant importance in view of the hourly schedule of building new freight equipment, requiring the movement of 25 cars on the assembly line every hour of the day.

The “car stop” is a product of Mr. Tessmer’s thinking and action consistent with his perfect safety record since he was employed by the Northern Pacific Railway in 1953. (Publication Unknown)


1962

07 August

Two old friends meet again, but in new surroundings. They didn’t shake hands or say anything. They just looked at each other. “She looks exactly the same only cleaner now,” said Tom Walsh, Sr. The “she” is Northern Pacific yard engine number 10, which is on display in Lum Park. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Wednesday, 07 August 2002)


SEE: 28 June 1949

SEE: 06 October 2004

SEE: 03 November 2006


1968

29 June

NP TO MOVE DEPOT MONDAY


Building on Front Street Remodeled


Old Depot Coming Down—Demolition Begins—A large crane, swinging a heavy steel wrecking ball, started the Northern Pacific Railway depot crumbling in a cloud of dust today. The depot will be demolished and the site will be used for construction of a National Tea shopping center. The demolition work will take about one week, 15 October 1968. A 1990x1318 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch

The Northern Pacific Railway Company announced today that on July 1, it will move its passenger service operations from its present depot building on Washington Street to new facilities at Eighth and Front Streets in Brainerd.

The Washington Street station facility was constructed by the railway in 1919 and 1920 at a cost of just under $100,000. It was the headquarters of the Minnesota and International Railway, a subsidiary of the Northern Pacific which was later absorbed into the parent company.

When the depot opened in May of 1920, it housed the office of the general manager of the Minnesota and International Railway, and offices for the engineer of structures, the railroad’s superintendent, auditors, roadmaster, yardmaster and dispatcher.

These offices were all closed in 1933, and from that time throughout the late 1940’s, some of the office space on the upper two floors of the building was leased to the U. S. government. Occupants have included the Farm Security Administration, the Census Bureau and the Works Progress Administration.

Northern Pacific also announced plans to lease the old depot location for development of a modern shopping center. The railway’s properties and industrial development department said details concerning development of the property would be released when lease arrangements have been concluded.

The main part of the old depot is 40-feet wide and 162-feet long, with 30-foot by 40-foot covered platforms at either end.

The two-story structure is of classical depot design, with third-floor space in six dormers, three on each side of the building. The exterior is of brick and West Bedford cut stone, and the interior is of lath and plaster with oak trim. The roof is of tile, and platforms are of red brick.

The waiting room and public service areas of the building interior are wainscoted with Ludowski [sic] [Ludowici] Imperial French tile.

The building was constructed by McMannus [sic] [McManis] and Turnowski [sic] [Turnoski], a St. Paul contractor, as part of a depot facility improvement program costing $114,800.

Northern Pacific has completed extensive remodeling of its building on Front St., including glass and stainless steel entrances at the front and back of the building and decorative wood-paneled waiting room and offices.

Furnishings from the old depot have been moved to the new location for temporary use and will be replaced in the next few weeks by modern office furnishings and equipment. (Brainerd Dispatch, 29 June 1968, p. 1, c. 1-4)


NOTE: I don’t know how or where the Dispatch came up with the spelling of the builders’ names or how they came up with the spelling of Ludowski Imperial French tile or how they decided this tile was used for the wainscoting inside the depot. This information is NOT CORRECT. The builders were McManis and Turnoski, the tile was Ludowici and it was used on the ROOF, NOT on the wainscoting of the depot and it was allegedly the same tile used on the ROOF of the Sheriff’s residence and jail built in 1916, now used by the Crow Wing County Historical Society.


28 July

Tom Walsh, who has been retired for eleven years, once more got into the cab of a locomotive and gave Sally Fawcett and her fiancé a ride. The ride was to keep a promise made seventeen years ago by Walsh on Miss Fawcett’s fifth birthday. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 28 July 2008)


18 October

The Northern Pacific depot is demolished circa 18 October 1968. A strip mall and a grocery store replace it.


In 1968 an air brake shop was added to the facilities handling the air brakes for all of the cars in the system. (Brainerd Dispatch, Centennial Edition 1871-1971, Thursday, 20 May 1971)


1970

02 March

The Northern Pacific was combined with the Burlington and Great Northern Railroads to form the Burlington Northern [BN] Railroad.


1971

20 May

A wheel shop was completed which takes care of half of the freight wheels for the system. (Brainerd Dispatch, Centennial Edition 1871-1971, Thursday, 20 May 1971)


In 1971 the shops include the car shop, the locomotive shop, the timber preservation plant, the air brake shop, the wheel shop and the store department, plus switch and section crews.

The car shops both builds and repairs freight cars. Since 1947, more than 13,000 new cars have been constructed including freight, ore, gondolas, box, freezer and flat cars.

The locomotive shop, until 1955, did repair work for the whole line, but now repairs only its own yard engines. The Livingston, Montana shops, more centrally located for the line, have taken over this function.

The blacksmith shop used to finish and assemble all locomotive wheels and axles for the line, as at one time, the special equipment required for that task was located only in Brainerd.

The district store department at Brainerd is the largest store room on the line and distributes a high percentage of the material used for maintenance of the tracks, building and car repair. Employing about 125 at present, the department receives about 5,000 cars of material annually and ships about 3,500 carloads. A shop which has been part of the Northern Pacific layout from the beginning, it distributes various types of material including small items in the stationery division to the needs of the dining car division.

The Brainerd shops are the largest in physical area in which the Northern Pacific maintains and employs the largest number of men, although the Livingston shops are approaching the same figure. Employment here now approaches 270 men, plus 125 in the store department and up to fifty at the tie plant for an approximate total of 540. When comparing the current employment numbers with those of the late 1800’s when close to 1200 men were employed, it must be remembered that mechanization has changed employment patterns. (Brainerd Dispatch, Centennial Edition 1871-1971, Thursday, 20 May 1971)


1972

Water Tower, Railway Shop Named State Historic Sites


The old Brainerd water tower and the headquarters building and shops at the railway yards here have been added to the State Inventory of Historic Sites by the State Review committee for the National Register of Historic Places.

The naming of these sites is part of a nation-wide move to identify and preserve historic spots across the land.

In 1966, Congress enacted the National Historic Preservation Act in which a request was made that each state prepare a state-wide survey of historic sites.

In Minnesota, the job was turned over to the Minnesota Historical society. The society’s director, Russell W. Fridley, has asked county historical societies, public and private institutions and groups and individuals to suggest sites for inclusion in the inventory and consideration for nomination to the National Register.

The old tower and the shops were nominated and are being considered by the National Register.

A listing in the National Register is one of the points used in determining whether the historic site qualifies for fund grants to maintain it.

Once a site is accepted by the National Register, it immediately comes under some state and federal protections. The Minnesota Historical society must be notified immediately of any threats or proposed changes which may affect a National Register property. The society will then review all proposed projects which conflict with the property’s historical value to determine if these conflicts can be avoided.

Federally funded projects which involved the alteration or destruction of a National Register property cannot proceed without the written permission of the state liaison officer. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 29 November 1972, p. 1, c.’s 2-4)


1975

09 February

(Photo) The smokestack for the old BN Railroad power plant, along with the planing mill and wheel shop, came crashing down over the weekend. Officials say the facilities haven't been used in some time, especially the planing shop because of few wooden boxcars. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 09 February 2015)


1977

18 July

(Photo) Twenty-four BN Railroad rail cars loaded with coal derailed two miles east of Brainerd yesterday. The coal train was on a regular run from Montana to Superior, Wisc. when the accident occurred. Railroad authorities gave no time frame for clearing the track. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 19 July 2017)


1982

09 October

Eight BN Buildings Face Wrecking Ball


END OF AN ERA—Bob McGinnis, material manager for Burlington Northern Railroad, takes a last look at buildings scheduled for demolition this year at the Brainerd shops as part of a $1.7 million improvement project. Among the structures slated for the wrecking ball is the main office at left—better known as the "Tower"—a part of Brainerd's railroad history since 1881, 09 October 1982.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch, Steve Kohls

The Burlington Northern Railroad shops, those massive stone [sic] [brick] buildings that date back more [sic] than 100 years, have a date with the wrecking ball.

Eight of the 12 buildings at the shops—everything south of the railroad tracks—will be leveled this year in a $1.7 million modernization move.

The historic buildings, seven of which date to 1881 and one to 1871 [sic], have become costly white elephants, said Bob McGinnis, material manager at the shops.

“They’ve out-lived their usefulness,” he said. “We’re looking at buildings that are 100 years old.”

History is one thing, McGinnis said. Economic survival is another.

“They say we’ve got to save these majestic old buildings,” he said. “Well, who is going to pay to maintain them?”

“Yeah,” said McGinnis, a 30-year railroad man. “I feel bad about it.” But, he added quickly, “If we didn’t do this, we wouldn’t be around next year.

“This is a progressive move on the part of the railroad. What it boils down to is, we’re spending $1.7 million for improving these structures, relocating machinery and personnel.

“We anticipate that we can recover the money we’ll spend in nine to 12 months, so it’s a very profitable thing to do.”

Here is what will be demolished:

—The main south store building, better known as the “Tower 7,” built in 1871 [sic] [1881].

—The boiler shop.

—The machine shop.

—The former blacksmith shop.

—The pattern shop.

—The Bridge and Building Department headquarters.

—The power plant.

—The former paint and sign shop.

Here is what will stay:

—The storage shed for the Bridge and Building Department.

—The main car shop. Bridge and Building will be relocated to this structure.

—The main car store, with the system’s electricians housed here.

—The surplus shed.

The downtown depot, which will house communication, linemen and signal maintainers, will also be kept, McGinnis said.

“This whole side of the property will be vacated,” he said, his arm sweeping the area south of the tracks. “We’re putting the entire south side into the north side.”

McGinnis conducted a tour of the shops, to show what he meant when he said that “things are bad” with the shops’ buildings.

In the old boiler shop, $300,000 has been appropriated for roof repair.

“People are getting afraid to go up on the roof on this thing.” McGinnis said.

In the power plant, coal boilers provide the shops with steam heat and compressed air for pneumatic tools.

“Steam heat involves water treatment, maintenance, return lines,” McGinnis said. He pointed to some nearby tracks, where steam hissed from the ground.

“When you’ve got a steam leak out between the tracks somewhere and it’s 40 below it’s a miserable job,” he said. “There’s a tremendous expense in a system like this.”

Lighting in most of the buildings is inadequate, McGinnis said. The water filtration system is obsolete. The engineering department has people going back and forth from one building to another.

The modernization will update the air brake department and make the engineering department more cost-efficient. Different departments will no longer have separate machines, but instead each machine will be “community property,” used by both departments.

The coal-fired power plant will be replaced by boilers using diesel fuel and natural gas, with offices heated electrically. Foremen’s offices will be relocated to the departments which they oversee, and materials will be housed closer to the work site.

“My maintenance for this facility,” McGinnis said, “is going to be cut right down.”

WORKING FOR THE...RAILROAD?—Ray Espersen, has an unusual job for a railroad man. He repairs desks and upholstered chairs used in offices throughout the Burlington Northern system, 09 October 1982.
Source: Brainerd Daily Dispatch, Steve Kohls

A native of St. Paul, McGinnis started with Northern Pacific in 1944, and moved to Brainerd from Chicago in 1977. He has seen the times when Burlington Northern had more cars in storage than other systems owned and, now, the rumors that the shops might disappear entirely from Brainerd.

“Right now, the thing that is confronting all of us is the economy,” he said. Also, large power and grain companies now own their own cars, instead of using railroad-owned cars.

“If I were in that business I would be doing the same thing,” McGinnis said. “But it hurts the railroad because we’ve lost a lot of repair business.”

The shops at one time employed 1,200 people, with an annual payroll of $2.9 million. The current head count at the shops is about 180, McGinnis said.

He didn’t say so, but a streamlining of the operation at the shops obviously means fewer people. McGinnis made no predictions on numbers, but said that “Whatever is going to happen should happen this year.”

“We anticipate that our manpower situation will be stabilized by the first of the year,” he said.

Despite the drop in railroad employment here, the shops still remain a potent force in community buying power, McGinnis said, with a $500,000 annual payroll.

“Yes, there’s less people employed here, but we must be number 4 in terms of payroll,” he said.

Burlington Northern has instituted packet purchasing, buying supplies locally if possible. McGinnis estimates that the material department spends $4,500 locally per month, while the tie plant spends $1,000 a month.

The shops’ refuse bill, landfill charges and utilities total about $16,000 a month, he said.

“These are some dollars being pumped into the community by the BN system,” he said.

When he moved to Brainerd, McGinnis said, one of the first questions he was asked was why the railroad moved him here from Chicago when the shops were going to eventually close anyway.

Plans to modernize the shops, he said, should help squelch those rumors.

“The positive thing about all this is that, if BN is spending $1.7 million here, they’re obviously not going to shut us down next week.

“The railroad is not going to disappear. It would be senseless to spend this kind of money on our facility if you were in fact going to shut it down.” (Brainerd Daily Dispatch, 09 October 1982, p. 1, c.’s 1-5, p. 2, c’s 1 & 2)


21 December

Burlington Northern, Inc., in Brainerd and Baxter is one of the most dangerous hazardous waste sites in the country, according to a list released by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. All 418 sites are eligible for federal cleanup money. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 21 December 2012)


1983

The steam whistle at the Northern Pacific Shops blows for the last time. It is donated to the Crow Wing County Historical Society and is currently on display there.


1984

05 January

Brainerd’s 83-year old railroad bridge is getting a face lift. The bridge’s three 95-ton truss spans will be replaced with 160-ton girder spans. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, Monday, 05 January 2004)


06 January

(Photo) Huge, 120-ton girder spans were readied for installation yesterday by a giant crane at the Mississippi River railroad bridge in Brainerd. The 1901 bridge, receiving a 2-year, $2 million renovation, will be closed to rail traffic for a week this month. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 06 January 2014)


15 June

(Photo) A pile of twisted metal marked the site of a head-on collision of two 130-car coal trains east of Motley. The 1:00 a. m. crash of the BN Railroad trains left one dead and two missing. Five men survived the fiery crash. Officials puzzled as to how two trains were on the same track. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 15 June 2014)


1985

The Brainerd Shops employed a total of twenty-five. (Railroad and Brainerd 1871-2000, Roger Beuning, Editor, Brainerd Shop Newsletter, p. 6)


27 March

The BN Railroad will pay government agencies $117,000 in penalties and reimbursements for the costs of investigating the hazardous waste site at the railroad’s Baxter tie-treating plant. This money does not include the actual cleanup costs, of which there is no estimate yet. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 27 March 2015)


12 June

The BN Railroad line from Brainerd to International Falls will be abandoned effective on June 24, it was learned today. A letter to the county board from Mn-DOT told the news. This clears the way for the Bluewater Line, a proposed steam excursion railroad to perhaps move forward. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 12 June 2015)


15 August

All things eventually end, BN Railroad locomotive No. 2037, four empty freight cars and a caboose left the Brainerd rail yards this morning bound for International Falls. It would be the last freight train for that stretch of track before the track is abandoned. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 2015)


NOTE: This was once the Brainerd & Northern Railway, aka the Minnesota & International (M&I)


1986

23 January

BN Tie Plant Will Close


The Burlington Northern Tie Treating Plant, a fixture in the Brainerd area since the early 1900s [1907], will be closed by the end of the year, railroad officials announced Wednesday.

Northern Pacific Tie Plant, ca. 1950.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society
Dinky engine used at the N. P. Tie Plant, donated to the Crow Wing County Historical Society and located at the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds.
Source: Crow Wing County Historical Society

The closure will result in the layoff of 14 of the plant’s current 24 workers.

Brian Sweeney, manager of corporate communications for Burlington Northern, said the railroad announced to state officials and its employees Wednesday that the plant will be closed by the end of 1986, and probably before that.

The announcement brought a sharp response from Milli Michaelis, a Brainerd city Council member who formerly worked for the railroad and who has been a vocal critic of recent cuts in railroad employment here.

“I feel very badly about it,” she said of the closure. “I just think Burlington Northern hasn’t done right by Brainerd at all.”

When the Northern Pacific and Great Northern railroads merged in 1970 to become Burlington Northern, she said railroad officials promised that 210 new jobs would result.

“Those jobs were never created, and it (railroad employment here) has been going down ever since,” she said.

The Brainerd plant, Sweeney said, is a victim of a drop in the railroad’s tie renewal program and a switch to the use of hardwoods for railroad ties.

“For Brainerd, the major problem is that we’re reducing by quite a bit the number of ties that we put in the tracks each year,” Sweeney said.

In recent years, between 3.8 and 4.5 million ties were replaced annually under the railroad’s tie renewal program, he said. Because of that ambitious renewal program, in 1986—and for the foreseeable future—only about 2.5 million ties will be replaced annually.

Another factor in the closure decision, Sweeney said, is Burlington Northern’s preference for hardwood, rather than softwood, railroad ties.

Softwoods either cannot be used or are not preferred in certain instances, he said.

“For the Brainerd plant, locally, there are not a lot of hardwoods available,” Sweeney said. He noted that two-thirds of the ties treated here are shipped in from elsewhere.

Burlington Northern, he said, has decided to shift its tie-treating work to plants where hardwoods are available.

Hardwood suppliers in the Brainerd area who ship by rail, he added, will be able to ship ties to other plants in the Midwest, principally to the plant located in Bangor, Wis.

Of the 24 employees at the Brainerd plant, Sweeney said:

—Two are supervisors. One will be retiring and will stay on to supervise the phase-out. The other will be transferred to another facility.

—Eight are protected under the railroad’s 1970 merger agreement, which guarantees their jobs until retirement. They will remain on the payroll, either assigned to other duties or required to report for work.

—Fourteen are members of the clerks’ union. They will be laid off.

One of those 14 men is Jim Brown, a member of the Brainerd City Council.

Brown, who serves as one of four firemen at the plant, said news of the closure was not unexpected.

“It’s not a surprise,” he said. “It’s been something that has been forthcoming.”

The 14 men affected by the layoff he said, include firemen, treatment department workers, heavy equipment operators and laborers—a hard-working bunch of guys.”

Asked for his reaction to the closure news, Brown said, “Of course, I don’t care for it.”

“I was hoping, when I had gotten a job there, that I would have a job permanently until I retire,” he said, adding that he hopes to find another job in the Burlington Northern system.

Burlington Northern also announced Wednesday that it will close its tie-treating plant in Somers, Mont., which has a total of 26 employees, including supervisory personnel.

Closure of the Brainerd tie plant will not affect Burlington Northern’s other operations here, Sweeney said. The railroad currently operates a car repair facility in Brainerd.

Burlington Northern has no plans for the tie-treating plant property at this time, he said. (Brainerd Dispatch, 23 January 1986, p. 1A, c.’s 5 & 6; p. 2A, c.’s 3 & 4)


19 September

The Tie Plant closes.


02 October

Tie Plant Ready for Wrecking Ball


Marc Bourgeault, Burlington Northern tie treating plant manager, worked at his desk this morning in the nearly vacant tie plant office. Bourgeault is the last full-time BN employee assigned to the site, which was closed Sept. 19.

Dismantling of the plant began today and will continue for six weeks, leaving only the plant office and garage standing. Bourgeault will retire when the dismantling is complete.

Cleanup in the area will continue for six years, after which grass and trees will be planted, Bourgeault said. The cleanup was necessitated by the plant’s use of creosote, a liquid preservative used to treat the railroad ties.

The plant opened in 1906 [sic] [1907]. Now empty, the stockyard contained up to 1 million ties at one time, Bourgeault said. During peak production, the plant produced up to 700,000 treated ties annually. (Brainerd Dispatch, 02 October 1986, p. 1A)


1987

20 September

(Photo) Don’t play taps for the BN Railroad here just yet. The company did employ over 1,200 workers here in days gone by, but today they still have more than 100 involved in repairing and maintaining machinery used in track maintenance. (This Was Brainerd, Brainerd Dispatch, 20 September 2017)


1995

22 September

The Burlington Northern Railroad (BN) and the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad (AT&SF) completed their merger to become the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company. (BNSF)


2000

The total number of employees and management at the Brainerd Roadway Equipment Shop is 122. (Railroad and Brainerd 1871-2000, Roger Beuning, Editor, Brainerd Shop Newsletter, p. 9)


2002

16 August

End of an Era


BNSF Switch Crew Moving On


When the orange-striped Burlington Northern Santa Fe engine 2292 left the depot in Brainerd Thursday on a soggy morning, the three-man crew for the switch engine knew their days were numbered.

Brakeman Gerald Blanck, 58, has been working out of the Brainerd depot terminal for a little more than 40 years. Blanck said he is now waiting for the railroad to decide what to do with him.

"It's the end of an era," he said.

As it looks now, the switch crew—the last remnant of the multitude of train crews that operated in Brainerd—will be disbanded and most likely sent to other locations. They expect to leave the switch engine in Staples Saturday after its last run from Brainerd and ride back to the city in a van. Their work will now be handled from Superior, Wis. They learned about the change Wednesday.

"It's over," Blanck said. "It's like when they closed the gate at the (Potlatch) mill. It's over. ... As far as train crews, this is it."

The BNSF Roadway Equipment Shop in northeast Brainerd will still be at work in the community. The shop employs 110 at the railroad yards. And trains will continue to move through Brainerd. Customers have included Manion Lumber at Pillager, Trus Joist in Deerwood, Ferrell Gas, Champion Paper in Carlton, Lakes State Lumber in Aitkin. Now the run is expected to originate in Superior, Wis., with the crew working in the Brainerd area three days a week.

"My first job was in Brainerd," said Engineer Mike Sabyan. The 55-year-old Crosby native has been working out of Superior, Wis., but came back to work out of the Brainerd depot about three months ago. Now he is looking at going back to Superior.

Conductor Rick Strom, 51, worked out of the Brainerd depot on and off for his 29-year railroad career. He came back to Brainerd a couple of weeks ago.

"I had planned on working here longer than Saturday," Strom said.

Strom, with full beard and wearing overalls reminiscent of earlier train days, shrugged at the latest turn in his career.

"You do what you have to do," he said.

Strom used a computer—with a large screen and stylus that looked more like a mini-briefcase with a screen—to keep track of railroad cars picked up and dropped off. The computer was then downloaded with information moving south to BNSF offices. Strom looked about the quiet office and noted that computerization replaced the number of clerks who used to work with paper in the depot.

Sabyan fired up BNSF engine 2292 and then returned to the depot to collect the crew. He's witnessed similar changes tied to losses in the paper industry with Hennepin Paper Co. in Little Falls. He also worked in Sartell and International Falls.

"It's kind of sad to see it," Sabyan said. "Brainerd at one time was a really bustling railroad town."

Red lights and the clang of the crossing alarm responded as the engine passed a Brainerd city street. The lead engine created a great whoosh of airbrakes. The headlight of the rear facing green and white BNSF engine 1533 flickered in the distance as the two engines moved toward the railroad yards. The clock tower stood out as the engines moved east, leaving the depot behind—maybe for the last time with a Brainerd-based crew. (Brainerd Dispatch, 16 August 2002)


2004

06 October

Lum Park Locomotive will Remain in Brainerd


The locomotive that has sat at Lum Park for more than 40 years will stay put, at least for a little while.

The Brainerd City Council Monday, reacting to a request from a railroad museum in Chisago City to buy the locomotive, decided to keep the locomotive after learning that Rhythm of the Rails was interested in the locomotive for its proposed theme park.

The council received a letter from Erik Thompson of the Ironhorse Central Railroad Museum in Chisago City asking to buy the locomotive for $5,000. The locomotive, which was used to bring other locomotives in and out of the Northern Pacific Railway shops in Brainerd, has been deteriorating, Thompson noted.

Bob Endres, a member of a local retired railroad workers group, has offered to restore the locomotive at no cost to the city. However, there would be cost in removing asbestos from the boiler.

Jody Crowe, executive director of Rhythm of the Rails, said the group's first priority is securing the hole located on Washington Street across from Franklin Junior High School as a site for the theme park. That land is owned by Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. After that the group would seek to acquire the locomotive, he said.

"It really is an icon of this town," Crowe said. "I think it really needs to stay here." (Brainerd Dispatch, 06 October 2004)


2006

24 February

City Hesitates at Hefty Price Tag to Renovate Lum Park Locomotive


Tank Engine No. 10 built in 1896 by Baldwin formerly used in the NP shop yards located at Lum Park, ca. 1980’s.
Source: Unknown

The Lum Park locomotive, a mainstay in the park for more than 40 years, may be too expensive for the city to renovate.

The Brainerd City Council Tuesday received a $110,000-$160,000 cost estimate from Iowa-based Miner Rail Service to refurbish the locomotive.

The estimated price provided by Miner Rail Service included asbestos removal, repairing rust, rebuilding the locomotive cab and sandblasting and paint.

The city council took no action Monday. Wayne Mooney, parks and recreation director, said he also was waiting to hear from BNSF Railway about that company's interest in the locomotive.

"I think we've got a lot better places where we can use this $110,000," council member Bob Olson said during the Personnel and Finance Committee meeting before Monday's council meeting.

In 2004 the city council received a $5,000 offer for the locomotive from a Chisago City museum. The council decided against selling because Rhythm of the Rails expressed interest in the locomotive. (Brainerd Dispatch, 24 February 2006)


08 March

Council Votes to Televise Meetings by Committees


[...]


Appointed Koep to seek out a fiscal agent for a fundraising effort to be held over next few months to assist in refurbishment of the Lum Park locomotive. Koep said she has been in contact with Brainerd Community Action to act as a fiscal agent for fundraisers. The city has received two quotes to refurbish the locomotive; a $110,000-$160,000 cost estimate from Iowa-based Miner Rail Service and a $90,685 cost estimate from Mid-West Locomotive and Machine Works, though that quote doesn't include asbestos removal or sand blasting. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 March 2006)


08 July

Council Members Weigh in on Cost to City of Downtown Street Project


[...]


Learned from Koep that the committee set up to look for ways to save the Lum Park locomotive has made no progress. Koep said unless someone comes forward with assistance or ideas the council will have to consider selling it or giving it away. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 July 2006)


09 August

Lum Park Locomotive to be Sold

Refurbishment Costs Deemed too Much


Despite an effort to raise funds to restore it, the Lum Park locomotive will be leaving the city of Brainerd.

The Brainerd City Council Monday unanimously approved selling the locomotive, a fixture at Lum Park the last 40 years, to the highest bidder.

The locomotive needs to be refurbished, which would cost an estimated $110,000-$160,000. The refurbishment includes asbestos removal, repairing rust, rebuilding the locomotive cab, sandblasting and paint.

"The cost ... to restore the locomotive is out of our budget," council member Mark O'Day said in making the motion to sell the locomotive. "At least this way the locomotive will be saved."

A community fundraising committee, headed by council member Mary Koep, failed to find any interest in renovating the locomotive.

"It failed miserably," Koep said of the committee's efforts.

The proceeds of the sale will be placed in the Parks Department funds. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 August 2006)


07 September

City Election Format Unchanged


[...]


In other action, the council:


Learned from Brainerd Parks and Recreation Director Wayne Mooney the Lum Park locomotive was sold Monday on eBay for $5,000 to Ironhorse Railroad Museum in Chisago, which had originally expressed interest in the locomotive. The locomotive, a fixture at Lum Park the last 40 years, sold to the highest bidder, needed to be refurbished at an estimated $110,000-$160,000. A community fundraising effort failed to raise any interest in repairing the locomotive. Mooney said the museum plans to restore the locomotive. "That's good. At least more people will see it there," said council member Mark O'Day following the Personnel and Finance Committee meeting Monday. (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 September 2006)


03 November

Next Stop: Chisago City


A trucking crew made final measurements on the old steam locomotive that was on display at Lum Park in Brainerd for the last 45 years. The locomotive was sold to the Ironhorse Central Railroad Museum in Chisago City. The 45-ton locomotive was in need of a major refurbishing that the Brainerd City Council decided would cost too much and was sold for $5,000 on eBay. (Brainerd Dispatch, 03 November 2006)


SEE: 28 June 1949

SEE: 07 August 1962


2014

04 May

BNSF Honors 27 Brainerd Employees for Outstanding Achievements

TEAM DEVELOPED A HIGH-SPEED

TRACK-LIFTING MACHINE


BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) honored 27 Brainerd employees at its 2013 Employees of the Year ceremony held last week in Fort Worth, Texas.

This 27-member team developed a high-speed track-lifting machine that reduces the amount of time track is out of service for repair. The team was involved in every aspect of the project, including design, construction and placing the machine into service.

Team members recognized for the development of the High-Lift Track Machine included: Michael Anderson, electrical worker; Mac Caughey, machinist; Derrick Cherne, carman; James Cole, boilermaker; Joe Derosier, machinist; Josh Foote, boilermaker; Justin Francis, general laborer; Scot Herron, carman; Greg Hillman, sheet metal worker; Todd Hinch, machinist; Justin Horsman, machinist; Will Horsman, machinist; Joe Hynes, boilermaker; Daaron Johnson, machinist; Travis Larson, machinist; Mark Mankowski, electrical worker; Dennis Mills, mechanical foreman, equipment; Rodney Nelson, machinist; Glenn Newby, planned maintenance coordinator; Jerry Prentice, electrical worker; Corey Rakow, sheet metal worker; Paul Rudolph, machinist; Michael Schlueter, electrical worker; Jeffrey Schurman, shop superintendent; Bruce Segler, carman; James Teas, electrical worker; and Craig Weigel, sheet metal worker.

“BNSF’s dedicated employees fuel the success of our company,” said Carl Ice, president and chief executive officer of BNSF in a news release. “The 2013 Employees of the Year awards honor those individuals who demonstrate BNSF’s vision and values through their integrity, dedication and commitment to working safely and efficiently to meet the expectations of our customers and the communities we serve.”

BNSF Railway is one of North America’s leading freight transportation companies operating on 32,500 route miles of track in 28 states and two Canadian provinces.

BNSF reports it is one of the top transporters of consumer goods, grain and agricultural products, low-sulfer coal, and industrial goods such as petroleum, chemicals, housing materials, food and beverages. (Brainerd Dispatch, 04 May 2014, p. 1C)


11 May

45 Coal Train Cars Derail Near Pillager


PILLAGER — Coal and crushed metal littered the BNSF Railway train tracks early [sic] Monday [sic] near Pillager as crews worked to clear the scene of a massive train derailment.

Fifty train cars carrying coal derailed at about 11:48 [sic] p.m. Sunday in the Sylvan Township, west of Pillager near County Road #101 and the Bigwater Addition Estates.
Source: Jessie Perrine, Brainerd Dispatch

About 45 train cars carrying coal left the tracks at about 11:15 [sic] p.m. Sunday in Sylvan Township, west of Pillager near County Road 101 and the Bigwater Addition Estates.

No one was hurt and there were no hazardous materials or threat to public safety, according to the Cass County Sheriff’s Department.

The 122-car train was traveling eastbound from Montana to Wisconsin, carrying three crew members.

The cars that didn’t derail were moved so crews could clear the disheveled scene.

Crews using excavators and front-end loaders will work day and night removing extensive piles of coal and large pieces of train cars from the tracks, rail officials said.

Amy McBeth, BNSF Railway spokeswoman, said the company hopes to have the scene cleared by Wednesday morning, though that is still an early estimate.

“They’ll work as safely and as quickly as they can,” she said.

Workers use equipment to clear the BNSF tracks west of Pillager on Monday after 50 cars of an east bound coal train derailed.
Source: Steve Kohls, Brainerd Dispatch

Workers set up Monday along Hazel Avenue for the initial cleanup. Sounds of screeching metal could be heard on the side street as machines lifted, removed pieces of train cars Monday.

Coal piled higher than train cars in some places. Other train cars sat smashed together, making it hard to decipher where one car ended and another began.

Once the coal and train cars are removed, crews will repair the main and side tracks, which were damaged during the derailment.

No other property was damaged, McBeth said. The speed of the train was not immediately available.

An investigation into the incident will be completed by the Cass County Sheriff’s Office and BNSF Railway officials.

“BNSF conducts a full investigation so that we can learn from what happened and work to prevent it from happening again. We will evaluate all aspects of the incident, including conditions on the ground, the track and mechanical equipment,” McBeth said.

The railroad company will submit its investigative report on the incident to the Federal Railroad Administration. Until that is sent, it will be considered an open investigation.

Cass County Sheriff Tom Burch is asking residents to stay out of the affected areas until work is complete: Bigwater Drive southwest at County Road 101 (132nd Street) and Bigwater Drive southwest at Arrowhead Drive southwest.

Access to this area using 45th Avenue southwest and Lake Placid Boulevard southwest are still available.

According to the Staples World newspaper, the derailment occurred on the same railway line as a 1984 train collision that killed three railroad workers. In the 1984 crash, two coal trains collided head-on near Motley in a wooded area about a mile south of the intersection of Highway 210 and the Bridgeman Road in May Township. (Brainerd Dispatch, 13 May 2014, p. 1)


15 May

Tracks Open After Pillager Train Derailment


PILLAGER — Mammoth piles of coal still loom next to the BNSF Railway tracks at the site of Sunday’s train derailment near Pillager.

The tracks re-opened Tuesday at about 2:30 p.m., but crews now have the task of clearing the coal, which was moved from the tracks.

There’s no estimate on just how much coal spilled, but the typical car carries 119 tons, said Amy McBeth, BNSF Railway spokeswoman.

With about 45 cars that derailed, that could be up to about 5,220 tons.

The train cars left the tracks at about 11:15 p.m. Sunday in Sylvan Township, west of Pillager near County Road 101 and the Bigwater Addition Estates.

No one was hurt and there were no hazardous materials or threat to public safety, according to the Cass County Sheriff’s Department.

The 122-car train was traveling eastbound from Montana to Wisconsin, carrying three crew members.

Since the derailment late Sunday night, crews have been on-scene cutting the crushed metal cars and removing the pieces.

All of the cars are now removed and repairs have been completed on the main track, McBeth said.

Coal removal will start early next week, but BNSF Railway officials aren’t sure how long it will take.

“We want to get it done as quickly as possible and restore the site,” McBeth said.

Most of Hazel Avenue is blocked off to traffic, and will remain closed until work is complete.

An investigation into the incident will be completed by BNSF Railway officials.

“BNSF conducts a full investigation so that we can learn from what happened and work to prevent it from happening again. We will evaluate all aspects of the incident, including conditions on the ground, the track and mechanical equipment,” McBeth said.

The investigation started the first day, and will likely continue through next month.

The railroad company will submit its investigative report to the Federal Railroad Administration. (Brainerd Dispatch, 15 May 2014, p. 1)


2015

07 June

Train Collides with Car

at West Gull River Road Crossing


Two Pillager residents suffer non-life-threatening injuries after the car they were in was struck broadside by a BNSF freight train Sunday at the West Gull River Road crossing off Highway 210 west of Baxter.
Source: Kelly Humphrey, Brainerd Dispatch

A BNSF Railway eastbound freight train and a car with two occupants collided Sunday at the West Gull River Road crossing just off Highway 210 west of Baxter.

Both car occupants, a man and a woman, were transported to Essentia Health St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd. The two-member train crew was not reported injured, Amy McBeth, BNSF spokeswoman said.

The crash was reported at 5:20 p.m. Sunday in Cass County. Train traffic was halted to allow emergency crews to respond to the scene. The train was carrying a mixed cargo of freight, including lumber.

The car, a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis, was traveling north on Gull River Road toward Highway 210 when it collided with the freight train at the crossing, the Minnesota State Patrol reported. There is a stop sign at the grade crossing for vehicle traffic and signs warning drivers of the railroad crossing. The crossing doesn't have active warning devices like stop arms or flashing lights. The collision ripped off the car's back wheel and back axle, spun the car around and tossed it into the ditch, said Chief Randy Lee, Pillager Fire Department.

Lee said the vehicle's occupants were out of the vehicle and walking when the fire department arrived.

"That was a real relief when we saw that," Lee said.

Paramedics, North Memorial Ambulance, Cass County Sheriff's Office, Minnesota State Patrol, all assisted at the scene. Firefighters took care of a small gas leak from the vehicle and stopped it to prepare the vehicle for the tow truck. Train traffic was resumed on the line shortly after 8 p.m. In Minnesota, there were 59 train and vehicle collisions at grade crossings in 2015, resulting in 10 deaths and 24 injuries, according to information from the Federal Railroad Administration.

Lee said the force of the collision emptied the Mercury's trunk and backseat, sending household goods and debris across the area, everything from a vacuum to canned goods. The train engine was heading back to Brainerd with a small number of cars, Lee said, estimating the train may have had six cars plus the engine.

"So they were able to stop pretty quick for a train," Lee said. "They came out lucky. If it would have been 5 or 6 feet farther on the car, it would have been a whole different story." (Brainerd Dispatch, 07 June 2015, p. 1)


08 June

Victims' Names Released in Train/Car Crash


Two Pillager residents suffered non-life-threatening injuries when the car they were driving was struck by a BNSF Railway train at a crossing Sunday.

The Minnesota State Patrol released the names Monday.

Donald Bolster, 86, and his wife, Mary Bolster, 85, were transported to Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd. Both were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

The Bolsters were traveling north on West Gull River Road and were struck broadside behind the driver's seat by the eastbound BNSF train. The 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis was heavily damaged. The force of the impact spun the vehicle and it landed in a ditch.

Neil Pede, 25, Foxboro, Wis., who was behind the controls on the freight train, was not reported injured. The railroad crossing is marked and has a stop sign for automobiles, but does not have active warning devices of stop arms and lights.

The crash was reported at 5:20 p.m. Sunday. The freight train had nine cars. The train was cleared to leave the crash scene about 9:20 p.m. (Brainerd Dispatch, 08 June 2015, p. A5)


2017

08 June

All Aboard for the 2017 BNSF Railway Special


BNSF Employee Appreciation Day, 08 June 2017. A 1500x1000 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch
BNSF Employee Appreciation Day, 08 June 2017. A 1440x810 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Rick Weiss
BNSF Employee Appreciation Day, 08 June 2017. A 1440x810 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Cheri Woodworth Anker
BNSF Employee Appreciation Day, 08 June 2017. A 860x484 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch
BNSF Employee Appreciation Day, 08 June 2017. A 860x484 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch
BNSF Employee Appreciation Day, 08 June 2017. A 860x484 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch
BNSF Employee Appreciation Day, 08 June 2017. A 860x484 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch
BNSF Employee Appreciation Day, 08 June 2017. A 860x484 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch

Close to 600 people were afforded the chance Thursday for one of two memorable train rides from Brainerd to Staples and back again.

The opportunity for BNSF employees, their families and other special guests to board BNSF's vintage passenger rail cars comes around only every eight years.

"For the past 20 years, we have celebrated our employees for all their hard work that they do to keep their railway going," Jason Lamers, BNSF spokesperson who is based out of the company's Fort Worth, Texas office. "We have so many diverse employees who work hard to maintain the railroad, serve our customers and we want to thank them.

"The kids love it and families like to see some of the work their spouse does."

Families were able to tour the BNSF shops in northeast Brainerd—shops typically not open to the public. Families were able to see what their loved ones do at work, such as making parts for the railroad tracks or trains.

The Brainerd shops have about 100 employees who are machinists, electricians, boiler makers, laborers, carbon painters—each of whom belong to their own union.

Mike Osborne with the BNSF office in Topeka, Kan., said there are six full-time staff members and contractors who help make the train ride memorable and safe for folks. He said staff is from all over, but mostly from Kansas, Nebraska and Texas.

Staff helped around 300 people during each ride find a seat on one of several train cars. The train cars were named after rivers and some included Fox River, Red River, Colorado River and Powder River. One rail car, called Bay View, had an upper and lower deck for people to view during the two-hour ride. Some cars only had cushioned seats, while others had table and chairs or a booth. Walking through from car to car, people had to make sure there was no foot traffic, otherwise they wouldn't be able to get through, as there was not a lot of space in the rail cars.

Once everyone was seated, the train slowly got moving to 10 mph while it went through Brainerd and Baxter, with the conductor and engineer, from Superior, Wis., blowing the horn at every crossing.

With sunny blue skies and large windows from the train cars, employees and their families had a beautiful view of the scenery during the trip to Staples and back.

"This is a good trip," Jeff Schmid, BNSF special operations coordinator from the Lincoln, Neb., office said. "We usually run around 40-45 mph. Employees and their families really enjoy these trips.

"I worked for the railway for 40 ? years and retired in 2009. I still work part-time."

Schmid said BNSF Railway has about 35-40 vintage passenger cars, which they call "business cars." The rail cars are only used for these special events and some are about 50 years old and one dates back to the 1930s. The rail cars came from the Great Northern Railway, Northern Pacific Railway, Burlington Northern Railway and Sante Fe Railway.

BNSF Railway is one of North America's leading freight transportation companies, with a rail network of 32,500 route miles in 28 states and three Canadian provinces. The railroad only transports passengers on these special employee days with their business cars, Lamers said.

Lamers said BNSF transports products and materials over the western two-thirds of the nation and moves those goods more safely and efficiently—on significantly less fuel with fewer emissions—than the all-highway alternative. He said it mainly hauls consumer products, such as toys and computer parts, industrial materials, such as coal and taconite and agricultural products, such as wheat.

Lamers said they plan to have more promotional employee rides for employees in Duluth and Twin Cities and then head to locations in Iowa, Illinois and North Dakota.

Employees and their families were enjoying the view Thursday.

Shane Collins, a machinist for 12 years at the BNSF Brainerd shop, brought his wife Joanna and their two children, Bridget, 11, and Henry, 7.

"It feels great to be recognized," Shane Collins said. "The family got to go to my work and see what I do. It's good for the kids to see what the railroad is all about.

"This is the only time they open the shops to the public."

The Collins and Bridget also went on the ride eight years ago, but Bridget was too young to remember.

"This is fun," she said. "Whenever I have a broken toy my dad fixes it."

"I want this ride to be longer," Henry said with a big smile.

Joanna Collins said, "It is nice for the railway to do this for their employees, it's very sweet of them."

Kelly and Bridget Larson of Pequot Lakes said this was their second ride on the BNSF employee ride. Kelly Larson is in his ninth year as a machinist at BNSF.

"It's nice that this brings all the families together," Kelly Larson said. "We have a chance to meet the other families and they get to learn more about what we do."

Jamie Cole of Baxter has been at BNSF for five years and he brought his three daughters and his mom with for the ride. Cole said he likes everything about his job. He said he is given a lot of freedom in designing parts for the frames and high lift equipment for the railroad. He said some projects take about six weeks to complete.

Kyle and Lori Cherne of Brainerd brought seven of their nine children. Kyle has been a laborer at the railroad for the past 2 ? years. His dad also worked at BNSF but has retired and his brother, Derrick Cherne, also works there. The Cherne's were having a fun family day enjoying the ride.

Brothers Herb and Joe Kometz and Jerry Smitten of the St. Cloud and Rice area also enjoyed the ride. This was the second time they've been on the special ride. Their fathers all worked on the railroad back in the day.

Joe Kometz, who has worked for BNSF for 39 years, said they were told to register for the ride and had to give their employee numbers. He said his is 60 years old. Joe Kometz said he remembers the train crash near Motley in 1984, but said he was not working that day. The train crash happened when two Burlington Northern coal trains collided hear-on near Motley, bursting into flames on a single track line, leaving three men dead.


BNSF Facts

• Length of network: 32,500

• States in network: 28

• Canadian provinces: 3

• Employees: 41,000

• Headquarters: Fort Worth, TX

• Ports served: 40

• Intermodal facilities: 25

• Average trains per day: 1,400

• Locomotives: 8,000

• Capital investment (2016): $3.9 billion

• Bridges: 13,000

• Tunnels: 89

• Grade crossings: More than 25,000

• Packages shipped on time during typical holiday season: 60 million

• Carloads shipped in 2016: 9.7 million

• Distance BNSF hauls 1 ton of freight on 1 gallon of diesel fuel: 500 miles


Additional Facts:

• In 2016, BNSF hauled 950,000 carloads of agricultural commodities.

• BNSF moves enough grain to supply 90 million people with a year's supply of bread.

• In 2016, 5.2 million intermodal shipments (truck trailers or containers) were transported on BNSF's rail lines instead of on the nation's congested highways.

• A new car or truck is loaded/unloaded onto a BNSF automobile train about every 11 seconds.

• BNSF has 1.3 million feet of track in intermodal facilities alone. If spread end to end, it would be the length of 9 1/2 Boston Marathons.

• In 2016, BNSF hauled 1.8 million carloads of industrial products.

• In 2016, BNSF moved more industrial products railcars than the entire population of Nebraska.

• Asphalt hauled by BNSF, is enough to lay a single lane road four times around the equator.

• In 2016, BNSF hauled 1.8 million coal shipments and hauls enough coal to power one of every 10 homes in the nation.


History

BNSF's history dates back more than 160 years to 1849, when the 12-mile Aurora Branch Railroad was founded in Illinois. Over the next several decades, many additional rail lines were built and eventually became part of what is today's BNSF Railway. Some of BNSF's predecessor railroads were Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe; Burlington Northern; Chicago, Burlington and Quincy; Frisco; Great Northern; Northern Pacific and Spokane, Portland and Seattle.

BNSF was created Sept. 22, 1995, from the merger of Burlington Northern, Inc., parent companies of Burlington Northern Railroad and Santa Fe Pacific Corporation of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway.

On Feb. 12, 2010, BNSF became a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. (Brainerd Dispatch, 09 June 2017, pp. 1 & A9)


27 October

Train Hits Car in Brainerd


A BNSF coal train blocks intersections in Brainerd after hitting an empty car, 27 October 2017. A 860x484 version of this photo is also available for viewing on line.
Source: Brainerd Dispatch

An eastbound BNSF Railway train hauling 124 cars of coal hit an unoccupied vehicle Friday morning, blocking several intersections in downtown Brainerd while the track was cleared.

Although no injuries were reported, the blocked intersections caused traffic to build up during the morning commute hours. It took about an hour and a half after the crash before the train was able to move again.

The collision occurred at about 8 a.m. near East River Road in Brainerd, BNSF Railway spokesperson Amy McBeth said Friday. A car attempted to cross the railway where there was no crossing before it was hit by the train, she said. (Brainerd Dispatch, 28 October 2017, p. 1)


SUPERINTENDENTS OF THE NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD SHOPS


George W. Cushing,

Superintendent of Machinery, 1871 to March 3, 1873

Mr. George W. Cushing, formerly Superintendent of Machinery on the Northern Pacific, and for some time past Superintendent of Machinery on the Toledo, Wabash & Western Railway, resigned his position June 15. No successor is appointed, the office being abolished. (The Railroad Gazette, 20 June 1874, p. 237)

George W. Cushing has resigned his position as Superintendent of Motive Power of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad. He has been on the road but a short time, having gone there from the Northern Pacific less than a year ago. (Railway & Engineering Journal, July 1888, p. 334)

George W. Cushing has resigned the position of Superintendent of Motive Power of the Union Pacific Railroad, to which he was appointed in February, 1889. He is for the present residing in Chicago. Mr. Cushing has had experience on many important roads, having had charge of the machinery department on the Kansas Pacific, the Wabash, the Missouri, Kansas & Texas, the Northern Pacific, and the Philadelphia & Reading, before going to the Union Pacific. He also served on the Chicago & Northwestern for a number of years. (Railroad & Engineering Journal, January 1890, p. 331)

G. W. Cushing has been appointed General Superintendent of the American Steel Wheel Company in charge of the Mechanical Department of the Company in South Boston; he will also have charge of the new works about to be erected in New Jersey. Mr. Cushing is well known from his long service as Superintendent of Motive Power on a number of important lines. (The Railroad and Engineering Journal, March 1892, p. 145)


C. D. Wiley,

Assistant Superintendent of Machinery, 1871 to March 1, 1873


William H. Lewis,

William H. Lewis former Master Mechanic, NP Railroad, Brainerd, ca. 1907.
Source: History of Roanoke County, George S. Jack, Edward Boyle Jacobs, Roanoke, Virginia, 1912, p. 177

Assistant Superintendent of Machinery, March 1, 1874 to December 4, 1877

William H. Lewis, master mechanic on the Chicago, Burlington and Northern Railroad, is a native of the Empire State, born in Onondaga county, October 18, 1845, and is of Welsh and English descent, his parents, George and Mary (French) Lewis, being natives of those countries respectively. They were married at Barnstable, Devonshire, England, and crossed the ocean to the United States in the early part of this century. The father was a railroad man, was one of the old conductors on the New York Central for many years, was also in the service of the Delaware and Western, but subsequently returned to the New York Central and remained in their employ until he retired. He and his wife are both deceased, the former dying in 1876, at the age of sixty-nine, and the latter in 1865, at the age of fifty-four. Their family consisted of four sons and three daughters, William H. being the sixth in order of birth. The latter secured a good practical education in the public schools of new York, and is a natural mechanic, learning his trade with the New York Central. In response to Mr. Lincoln’s call for 75,000 men, Mr. Lewis enlisted in April, 1861, and by general order of the War Department was discharged, October 24 of the same year, he being less than sixteen years of age. He stood the service remarkably well, and during that time his growth was marvelous. When he enlisted he measured five feet, five and a half inches, and when he was discharged his height was five feet, eleven and a half inches. From 1862 until 1864 he was in the employ of the United States Government and worked in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. In the latter year he came West and entered the service of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad as machinist and located at Quincy, Illinois. A year later he engaged with the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad, as locomotive engineer, remaining in their employ until 1873, when he received the appointment of master mechanic of the Northern Pacific Railroad. He filled that position, rendering satisfactory service, for over five years.

In January, 1878, when he severed his connection with the Northern Pacific Railroad, he applied to President Hayes for a Government position, as Chief of the Steamboat Inspection Service of the United States. His application was supported by the following endorsements, which speak for themselves. On the back of a letter sent to General Sheridan, this high testimonial was written:

HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION, MISSOURI

CHICAGO, December 22, 1877.

Respectfully returned:

I have no hesitancy in endorsing on the within paper my high appreciation of the ability of Mr. Lewis as a master mechanic, and my confidence in his skill and industry to meet and carry out any work which pertains to his line of business that may be entrusted to him.

P. H. SHERIDAN,

Lieutenant-General United States Army.

From Alf. H. Terry:

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA, January 25, 1878.

To all whom it may concern:

I have known William H. Lewis, Esq., for some years past, as the head of the mechanical department of the Northern Pacific Railroad, and I take great pleasure in commending him as a gentleman of unusual skill in his profession, of high character and ability, and of personal qualities which command the respect and good will of all his acquaintances and associates. Full confidence may be given to any representation which Mr. Lewis may make.

ALFRED H. TERRY.

Brigadier-General United States Army,

WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

February 21, 1878.

Recommended:

W. T. SHERMAN, General.

Among other prominent men who endorsed his application were William Windom, General La Duc, Commissioner of Agriculture, and Alexander Ramsey, ex-Secretary of War.

Mr. Lewis next entered the service of the Kansas Pacific, in charge of the second division west of Kansas City. He remained there four years, and in 1882 was appointed master mechanic of the Oregon Short Line, with which he remained two years. He left them to accept the position of master mechanic of the Nickel Plate, the shops being located in Chicago. Five years later he received the appointment to his present position, November 1, 1888, and has filled this ever since.

Mr. Lewis had but few of the advantages to which systematic schooling is conducive until late in youth. He is well informed and especially so in all matters that pertain to his line of work. He is a master mechanic in all that the words imply.

He was married July 10, 1870, to Miss Ann A., daughter of Wilbur Baldwin of Almira, Missouri. Four children have blessed this union: T. E [sic]. Jr [sic]., a locomotive fireman on the Chicago, Burlington and Northern Railroad; Eddie, who died when a year and a half old; Effie and Archie W. Mrs. Lewis was a member of the Episcopal Church, and her death occurred at Englewood, Illinois, January 14, 1886. Mr. Lewis is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the G. A. R. He has been very fortunate in his business, was never discharged, never hunted for work, and his positions came to him on account of his special fitness. He never worked for a corporation but that he left them on good terms, and with the assurance that he could return to his position if he so desired. He is connected with the American Association of Master Mechanics and Master Car Builders. He is first vice-present of the Western Railroad Club, of Chicago; also a member of the Northwestern Club of St. Paul, and has always taken an active interest in whatever pertains to the best interests of the several organizations of which he is a member. He has furnished several papers on mechanical subjects and other topics of interest. He is a committee member in the association of master mechanics. He is on two important questions in two different committees of the Car Builders’ Association, viz.: “On steam heating, lighting and ventilation of passenger coaches,” and on “compound locomotives.” These are questions of vital importance, and are of notable interest to the railroad world, as it is a departure from former methods. The traveling public are indebted to such productions for the safety and comfort that are enjoyed in the modern coaches as compared to those of of former days. In personal appearance, Mr. Lewis is of goodly size, strongly built and robust. He possesses a vigorous intellect, his perceptive faculties are ever on the alert, and being of a jovial, pleasant disposition he is admired and respected by all. (Biographical History of LaCrosse, Trempealeau and Buffalo Counties, Wisconsin, Lewis Publishing Company, Buffalo, Wisconsin, 1892, pp. 141-143)

...In July 1897 he was appointed to his present position as Superintendent of Motive Power of the Norfolk & Western Railway Company. Since his connection with this road it has made a marvelous increase in power equipment and Mr. Lewis being able to meet all the requirements of his position marks him as a man of unusual ability. (History of Roanoke County, George S. Jack, Edward Boyle Jacobs, Roanoke, Virginia, 1912 p. 177)


Andrew Pierce Farrar,

Assistant Superintendent of Machinery, December 4, 1877 to June 17, 1882

Was born in Meredith, New Hampshire, in 1827 [sic] [1829]. He learned the machinist trade at the Amoskeag Locomotive Works, at Manchester, remaining with the Company eleven years. In 1857, he removed to Detroit, Michigan, and was engaged as general foreman of locomotives for a year; thence to Milwaukee in the same position on the Milwaukee and Prairie du Chien railroad. In 1862, he entered the employ of the Galena and Chicago Union, and two years later, the Michigan Central Company, as master mechanic. In 1872, at the death of A. S. Sweet, Mr. Farrar was appointed Superintendent of the motive power at Michigan City, filling the position till June, 1875. Then, after completing an engagement with the Rockford, Rock Island and St. Louis Railroad Company, he came to Brainerd in December, 1877, and is superintendent of the machine shops of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company at this place. (History of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Winchell, Neill, Williams and Bryant, Minnesota Historical Company, Minneapolis: 1881, p. 647)


Henry John Small,

Henry J. Small former Assistant Superintendent of Machinery, Northern Pacific shops, Brainerd, ca. 1920.
Source: Unknown

Assistant Superintendent of Machinery, June 19, 1882 to June 5, 1887

H. J. Small, for many years general superintendent of motive power and machinery of the Southern Pacific, died October 28, 1920, at Berkeley, Cal. Mr. Small was born at Cobourg, Ont., November 15, 1849, and was educated at Toronto Normal School. He entered railway service in 1868 as a machinist on the Chicago North Western. A year later he became a draughtsman for the Kansas Pacific (now a part of the Union Pacific), which position he resigned in 1871 to become chief draughtsman for the Northern Pacific. In 1873 he went to Texas to become a general foreman on the International & Great Northern, which position he held until 1877, when he became master mechanic for the Galveston, Houston & Henderson. He left this position in 1879 to become master mechanic on the Texas & Pacific. In 1881 he was appointed superintendent of machinery of the Northern Pacific, and in 1887, assistant superintendent of motive power of the Philadelphia & Reading. Mr. Small became superintendent of motive power and machinery of the Southern Pacific in 1888, and, in 1902, was appointed general superintendent of motive power and machinery. He remained in this position until 1915, when he retired on account of ill-health. (Railway Mechanical Engineer, Volume 95, Number 1, January, 1921, p. 65)


Adam Bardsley,

Master Mechanic, June 15, 1887 to August 31, 1893

Last July among our items of personal interest we had occasion to mention the resignation of Adam Bardsley from the position of master mechanic of the Gulf & Ship Island Railway at Gulfport, Miss. Subsequently we received a letter from the general superintendent of the road who indicated to us that failing health had compelled the retirement of a faithful and valued officer. In our August issue we referred to the sincere regret this expressed and which was felt by the officials of the road at the retirement of so valued and skilled a man. Mr. Bardsley retired to Bradford, Pa., where he died [August 20, 1908] a short time after, at the age of 60. He was a native of Kendal, England, where he was born in February, 1848. From his early years, Mr. Bardsley was identified with railroads as an expert mechanic. At the age of 17 years he left England and was engaged in railroad work in Egypt, at Alexandria, Cairo and Suez. He returned to England, and after visiting Continental countries came to the United States settling in Vermont. From there he went to Pittsburgh and subsequently to Minnesota, where he remained for about 20 years, being master mechanic on the Northern Pacific Railroad. He came to Bradford in the fall of 1893 and became master mechanic of the Buffalo, Rochester and Pittsburgh Railroad. This position he held for a number of years, after which he became a traveling representative for the American Locomotive works at Dunkirk. When Captain Jones of Buffalo opened the Gulf road, Mr. Bardsley was given the position of master mechanic of the Gulf and Ship Island Railroad, with headquarters in Gulfport. This position he held until he was obliged to resign owing to ill health. He was a man of most excellent qualities and was held in high esteem by those who knew him. (Railway and Locomotive Engineering, October 1908, p. 451)


Stephen Lyford Bean,

Stephen Lyford Bean, former Master Mechanic, NP Railroad, Brainerd, ca. Unknown.
Source: The Santa Fe Magazine, Volume XII, April, 1918, Number 5, p. 62

Master Mechanic and Shop Superintendent., August 31, 1893 to June 10, 1903

S. L. Bean, mechanical superintendent, Santa Fe Ry., Los Angeles, Cal., was born on March 25, 1851, at Franklin, Franklin County, New York, and educated in the public schools of Manchester, N. H. Upon completing a machinist apprenticeship in the Manchester Locomotive Works in 1873, he entered railway service in Jan., 1874, with the Wisconsin Central Ry. at Stevens Point, Wis., since which he has been consecutively, March, 1879, to Jan. 10, 1880, machinist and assistant general foreman for the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Ry.; Feb. 1, to Feb. 11, 1880, machinist, Northern Pacific Ry., Brainerd, Minn.; Feb. 11, 1880, to Dec. 1881, in charge of locomotive and car repairs for the construction department, North Dakota; Dec., 1881 to June 15, 1887, division master mechanic, Yellowstone Division, Glendive, Mont.; June 15, 1887, to Sept 1, 1893, master mechanic, Dakota Division, Fargo, N. D.; Sept. 1, 1893, to Nov. 1, 1902, master mechanic, Minnesota and Lake Superior divisions, Brainerd, Minn.; Nov. 1, 1902 to June 10, 1903, shop superintendent; June 10, 1903, to April 20, 1904, division master mechanic for the A. T. & S. F. Ry., Albuquerque, N. M.; April 20, 1904, to date, mechanical superintendent. Office, Los Angeles, Cal. (Santa Fe Employees’ Magazine, Railway Exchange, Chicago; Volume IV, Number 4, March 1910, p. 44)


Arthur William Wheatley,

Shop Superintendent, June 11, 1903 to February 1, 1904

Arthur William Wheatley, whose election as president of the Lima Locomotive Corporation was announced in a previous issue, was born October 12, 1870, at Ashford, Kent county, England. Mr. Wheatley began railway work at the age of fifteen years as a rivet boy in the shops of the South Eastern Railroad, and in 1887, apprenticed himself as a machinist, attending the night school conducted by the railroad company. In 1892, he came to America and soon found employment with the Northern Pacific Ry., at Brainerd, Minn., as machinist. In 1893, he was transferred to Staples, Minn., in the same position; in 1895, was made foreman, occupying that position until 1900; transferred to Livingston, Mont., as general foreman in December, 1902, and later was made master mechanic of Yellowstone division, headquarters at Glendive, Mont. In 1904, Mr. Wheatley was appointed general master mechanic of the entire system of the Northern Pacific Railway. February, 1905, he accepted a position with the Chicago Rock Island & Pacific Ry. as shop superintendent, at Moline Ill. In March 1906, he resigned to accept position as assistant superintendent of motive power of Union Pacific R. R., with headquarters at Omaha. He entered employ of American Locomotive Co., at Schenectady, in June, 1907, as general inspector, introducing a system of inspection at the various plants. The following December, he was transferred to Montreal as manager of the company’s plant in that city, and in November, 1910, was transferred to Dunkirk, N. Y., in charge of that plant. June, 1911, Mr. Wheatley received and accepted an offer from the Canadian Locomotive Co., at Kingston, Ont., and was chosen as vice president and general manager of that corporation. [Died on January 4, 1955 in Indianapolis, Indiana.] (Railway Review, Volume 58, 12 February 1916, p. 254)


John Peter Anderson,

Shop Superintendent, February 1, 1904 to October 13, 1930

John P. Anderson, superintendent of the shops of the Northern Pacific Railway Company, was born near Hernösand, Björstad Socken, Norrland, Aldermans Län, Sweden, December 25, 1869. He attended the public school of his native town until ten years of age, and in 1880 came to the United States, locating first in Minneapolis. Here he continued his education and later went to Brainerd, where for five years he was an apprentice in the Northern Pacific Railway shops, as machinist. He spent several years traveling in the employ of various railroad companies, and in 1899 returned to Brainerd and again entered the employ of the Northern Pacific Railway Company, as journeyman. He was promoted to the position of erecting foreman, later to that of general foreman, and in February 1904 was made superintendent of the shops, which position he held until he died on October 14, 1930 in the N. P. B. A. hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota.


Harry E. Bergstrom,

Superintendent, Brainerd NP Shops and former employee of the M. & I., ca. Unknown.
Source: Walter Paul Collection

Shop Superintendent, November 1, 1930 to October 31, 1939

Harry Bergstrom was born in October 1888 in Stillwater, Minnesota. He began his railroad career with the Northern Pacific in November 1905. He resigned as Shop Superintendent in October 1939 at the age of 51 and retired to California.


Martin Henry Nelson,

Shop Superintendent, November 1, 1939 to November 30, 1941

Martin Nelson, was born in Duluth, Minnesota on November 26, 1870. From September 6, 1886 to October 20, 1891 he was employed as a machinist apprentice in the Brainerd shops. From November 1891 through May 1894 he was employed as a machinist with the Union Pacific, Pocatello, Idaho; Southern Pacific, Sumner, California; and Newport News & Mississippi Valley in Paducah, Kentucky. From September 1894 through February 1899 he returned to the employ of the Northern Pacific in Brainerd as a machinist. On March 1, 1899 he was promoted to roundhouse foreman for the Northern Pacific in Missoula, Montana. During 1901 Martin was sent throughout the country to inspect engines for the Northern Pacific, returning to Brainerd as erecting foreman from 1903 to 1912. In 1912 he was promoted to general locomotive foreman and in November 1939 he was promoted to Shop Superintendent in Brainerd. He died at the N. P. B. A. Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota on July 8, 1950.


John E. Vanni,

Shop Superintendent, December 1, 1941 to 1958

John Vanni began his railroad service in the Brainerd shops. He was born on May 22, 1893 in Ironwood, Michigan and came to Brainerd in 1913 as a boilermaker’s helper. In 1920 he became a shop draftsman. In 1926 he was transferred to St. Paul as a draftsman in the mechanical engineer’s office. In 1934 he was promoted to chief locomotive draftsman. In January 1940 he returned to Brainerd to become general locomotive shop foreman and was promoted to Shop Superintendent in Brainerd in 1941, retiring in 1958. He died in Brainerd, Minnesota on June 9, 1975.


Ernest H. Martz

Shop Superintendent, 1958 to 1959

Ernest Martz was born on June 6, 1899 in Galesburg, Illinois and came to Brainerd in 1945. When he retired in 1959 he had been with the Northern Pacific for 30 years and was the Shop Superintendent in Brainerd. He was, at one time, the roundhouse foreman in Duluth, later becoming general foreman of the Brainerd shops. He died in Brainerd on October 12, 1962.


Clarence William Jordan,

Shop Superintendent, 1966 to 1975

Clarence Jordan was born on June 3, 1912 in Brainerd, Minnesota. In 1931 he was hired as a laborer in the Northern Pacific shops in Brainerd becoming an assistant car foreman in 1949. In 1956 he was transferred to Laurel, Montana where he became general car foreman in 1960. In 1966 he became shop superintendent in Brainerd, retiring in 1975. He died on February 21, 2001 in Roseville, Minnesota.


Presidents of the Northern Pacific


JOSIAH PERHAM

December 7, 1864 to January 5, 1866

JOHN GREGORY SMITH

January 5, 1866 to November 1, 1872

GEORGE WASHINGTON CASS

November 1, 1872 to April 23, 1875

CHARLES BARSTOW WRIGHT

April 23, 1875 to May 24, 1879

FREDERICK H. BILLINGS

May 24, 1879 to June 9, 1881

ASHBEL HOLMES BARNEY

June 9, 1881 to September 15, 1881

HENRY VILLARD

September 15, 1881 to January 4, 1884

ROBERT HARRIS

January 17, 1884 to September 20, 1888

THOMAS FLETCHER OAKES

September 20, 1888 to October 19, 1893

BRAYTON C. IVES

October 20, 1893 to June 30, 1896

EDWARD D. ADAMS

July 1, 1896 to July 21, 1896

EDWIN W. WINTER

July 21, 1896 to August 31, 1897

CHARLES SANGER MELLEN

September 1, 1897 to October 23, 1903

HOWARD ELLIOTT

October 23, 1903 to August 27, 1913

JULE MURAT HANNAFORD

August 27, 1913 to July 1, 1918

HOWARD ELLIOTT

July 1, 1918 to February 29, 1920

JULE MURAT HANNAFORD

March 1, 1920 to December 1, 1920

CHARLES DONNELLY

December 1, 1920 to September 4, 1939

CHARLES EUGENE DENNEY

September 28, 1939 to December 31, 1950

ROBERT STETSON MACFARLANE

January 1, 1951 to October 1, 1966

LOUIS WILSON MENK

October 1, 1966 to March 2, 1970


IMAGE CREDITS


ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thanks to the following individuals and organizations who made this website possible:


Crow Wing County Historical Society

Lynda Hall

Lucille Kirkeby

Brian Marsh

Pam Nelson

John Van Essen


Brainerd Dispatch

Mike O'Rourke


Nisswa Historical Society

Dick Carlson, who granted permission to use material from Brainerd 1871-1946, Carl Zapffe, Colwell Press, Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1946 and Oldtimers II: Stories of Our Pioneers in the Cass and Crow Wing Lake Region, Volume II, Carl A. Zapffe, Echo Publishing and Printing, Incorporated, Pequot Lakes, Minnesota: 1988


Minnesota Historical Society


Researched and Compiled by Ann M. Nelson. Last Update: 16 February 2018