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Kandi Express

County News . . .

With a Historical Train of Thought

Kandiyohi County Historical Society

Willmar, Minnesota

September 2013

Serving the

Communities:

Atwater

Blomkest

Hawick

Kandiyohi

Lake Lillian

New London

Pennock

Prinsburg

Raymond

Regal

Roseland

Spicer

Sunburg

Svea

Willmar

Death of a Dream :

One Family’s Experience of the 1862 U.S. Dakota War.

Presented by Author Paul Lundborg

Thursday, September 12

7pm in KCHS Community Room Author Paul Lundborg presents his book, Death of a Dream, a family

story centered on his great, great grandparents. Leading an extended

family of 21 people, they left Sweden to settle near present-day Sun-

burg, Minnesota in the summer of 1861. One year later their dreams

were shattered when 13 family members were killed on the third day of the U.S.-Dakota War of

1862. Hear a true story of courage in the face of tragedy right out of Minnesota History. Paul

was raised in Milan, MN and is a retired Lutheran pastor who served churches for 37 years.

Lundborg will speak about his book and autograph and sell books at the program.

You and your family are invited to the Kandiyohi County Historical Society’s

117th Annual Meeting & Program Thursday, October 17

5:30pm-8:00pm KCHS Community Room

Featuring

Custom Combining by Pastor Tim Larson A ham supper will be served starting at 5:45pm. The cost of the meal is $10 per person.

Following the meal, the annual meeting will be conducted. After the short annual meeting, Pas-

tor Tim Larson of Willmar will present on his first hand experiences with custom combining.

The Sperry House Raffle winners will be drawn that night so be sure to buy your ticket soon!

This year we will be asking our membership to help vote on our new logo. Find details for the

logo contest inside this newsletter!

Please RSVP by Friday, October 11th! Please call 235-1881 or email us at

[email protected] to reserve your spot! Prepayment is required. Our address is KCHS, 610

NE Hwy 71, Willmar, MN 56201.

We hope to see you there!

Kandiyohi County

Historical Society

610 NE Hwy 71

Willmar, MN 56201

Telephone: 320/235-1881

Fax: 320/235-1881

E-Mail: [email protected]

Website: www.kandiyohicountyhistory.com

Board of Directors

2012-2013

President - Richard Falk

Vice President – Dennis Peterson

Secretary – Marilyn Johnson

Treasurer – Larry Macht

Board of Directors –

Connie Wanner

Shawn Mueske

Louise Thoma

Diane Shuck

Mary Ryks

Carol Rambow

David Danroth

Gregory Harp

Honorary – Harlan Madsen

S t a f f

Executive Director - Jill Wohnoutka

Resident Caretaker – Andrea Maertens

Maintenance - Joel Bruse

Collections Assistant – Robert Larson

Work Study– Hilsida Tersteeg

Experience Works-Beckie Johnson

Kandi Express

A Quarterly Newsletter of the Kandiyohi County Historical Society. September 2013, Vol. 50, Issue 3. Non-profit postage paid at

Willmar, MN. Reprints with permission, please. Membership in the Kandiyohi County Historical Society carries with it a subscription

to the Kandi Express. Stories about local history can be submitted to Jill Wohnoutka-

editor, KCHS.

Discovering, Preserving,

and Sharing the Story of

Kandiyohi County and Its People.

Kandi Express, September 2013 —

Volunteers

Archives/Office: Carolyn Kneisl,

Molly Larson, Dorothy Olson, Terry

Stein, Marilyn Johnson, Linda Maurer,

Aaron Jensen.

Building/Painting/Thursday Crew: Elmond Ekblad, Pinky Fostervold,

Elroy Gast, Dale Johnson, Jerry John-

son, Don Niece, Loren Luschen, Rollie

Boll, Gayle Larson, Harley Aalfs, Lar-

ry Scholla and Loretta Fenske.

Summer Weekend Volunteers: Lin-

da Maurer, Marlene Brown, Pinky Fos-

tervold, Jerry Johnson, Allan & Wanda

Zaske, Ken & Dorothy Peterson, Don

& Phyllis Shaw, Richard & Delores

Hoglund, Terry Stein, Roma Foster-

vold, Connie Wanner, Marilyn John-

son, Alice Van Ort, Diane Shuck, Al-

len & Carol Rambow, Louis Thoma,

Kathy Johnson, Evelyn Paulson.

Kandiyohi County Fair: Pinky Fos-

tervold, Don Niece, Loren Luschen,

Gayle Larson, Harley Aalfs, Richard &

Delores Hogland, Allen & Carol Ram-

bow, Dale & Judy Johnson, Evelyn

Paulson, Carol Nielsen, Ken & Doro-

thy Peterson, Mary Ryks, Connie Wan-

ner, Nancy & Chuck Gustafson, Dean

& Diane Shuck, Roma Fostervold,

Greg & Maggie Harp, Linda Maurer,

Richard Falk, Bob, Mary & Molly Lar-

son, Dennis Peterson, Marilyn John-

son, Jan Sietsema, Larry Macht, Jerry

Johnson, David Danroth.

In-Kind Donations

Kandiyohi Co. Community Service –

Grounds Work/Snow Removal

Engan Associates P.A. —

Architectural Services

Kandiyohi County

Historical Society’s

Wish List

8 1/2” x 11” white office copy

paper

Stamps –regular and post card

Flat computer screens

Newsletter Email List Please let us know if you would

like to receive your newsletter over

email by sending your request to

[email protected]. Remember if

you want to be included on our

email list for upcoming news and

programs, please let us know.

During Give to the Max Day 2013, the


will be eligible for prize grants in the

form of hourly Golden Tickets–hourly

drawings to add $1,000 to a donor’s

gift, randomly selected from donors

who gave during each hour of the event.

One donor giving to a nonprofit and one

donor to a school will be drawn in the

evening for a Super-sized Golden Tick-

et and have $10,000 added to their do-

nations. There is a direct link to donate

at www.kandiyohicountyhistory.com

Betty Hagen

Kay & Peter Hansen

Roger & Barb Bengtson

Walt & Kay Nelson

Mona Nelson Fund

Jack Huisinga

Ron & Dee Erpelding

Marilyn Dunn, Sunburg, MN

Kent Skoglund, Willmar, MN

Myron & Carolie Carlson, Willmar, MN

Barbara Tornquist, Willmar, MN

Elgin Skluzacek, Kandiyohi, MN

Kristi Tornquist, Brooking, SD

Pastor Amy Juel-Palmer, Willmar, MN

Suelana Kinney, Pennock, MN

Norma Holmgren, Atwater, MN

Tom & Peggy Steinman, Willmar, MN

Mike Jacobson, Raymond, MN

Gary Johnson, Missoula, MT

Elden Pickle, Atwater, MN

Kim Robnik, New London, MN Larry & MaryEllen Selchow, Willmar, MN

Paul Kokesch, Danube, MN

Allan & Carol Rambow, Willmar, MN

Kevin Halvorson, Willmar, MN

Tom & Deb Arends, Raymond, MN

Michael & Brenda Tait, Kandiyohi, MN

Roger & Mary Barnes, Willmar, MN

LaVerne Johnson, Minneapolis, MN

Loretta Fenske, Spicer, Mn

Robert Feichtinger, Willmar, MN

June Thompson, Park Rapids, MN

Susan DeGennaro, South Windsor, CT

Marlin Pauly, Belgrade, MN

Michael Pauly, Belgrade, MN

Liala Ray, Willmar, MN

Sandy Anderson, Redwood City, CA

Melodee Dorn, Anaheim, CA

Jack Huisinga, Bainbridge, WA

William Dowdell, Willmar, MN

Jesse Shuck, Los Luna, NM

Jordan Shuck, Shakopee, MN

Katie Ross, Spicer, MN

Virginia Ansorge, Willmar, MN

Gertrude Blue, Rosholt, SD

Dale Hedlund, Spicer, MN

Judy Foley, Willmar, MN

Special Donations: Member Contributions:

For Operating Support

Mary Jane Rice

LaVerne Johnson

Engine #2523 In Memory of William Tayler

Burt & Toots Lundberg

Gary & Diane Fortney

Lloyd Osborn

Janet Parker

Harriet Molenaar

Berge & Peggy Johnson

Tom & Julie DeBoer

Ron & Jane Ronning

Glen & Cheryl Danielson

Thank you Your gifts help preserve our

heritage for future generations!

New and Renewal

Members:

Supporter: Doris Hennen, Willmar, MN

David Sattman, Raymond, MN Wallace & Donna Gustafson, Willmar, MN

Sam & Barbara Modderman, Willmar, MN

United Prairie Bank, Spicer, MN

Shawn Mueske, Willmar, MN

Don & Zona Niece, Willmar, MN

Friend: Home State Bank, Willmar, MN

C. Suzanne Torgerson, Spicer, MN

Mary Schnell, Willmar, MN

Richard Falk, Willmar, MN

Paul Jensen, Akeley, MN

Mildred Robbins, Cedar Hill, MN

Dale Boxrud, Willmar, MN

Family: Dan Ahlquist, Willmar, MN Marlin & Corrine Henjum, New London, MN

Monroe & Irene Wallin, Willmar, MN

Darrel & Jeanette Larson, Willmar, MN

Rick & Darla Fagerlie, Willmar, MN

Chuck & Nancy Gustafson, Willmar, MN Lyle & Sandy Simenson, New London, MN

Paul & Jane Hedin, New London, MN

Ralph & Judy Anderson, Willmar, MN

Gordon & Betty Behm, Atwater, MN

Russyl Emberland, Willmar, MN

Alan & Mary Quale, Henderson, NV

Ron & Mary Ryks, Prinsburg, MN

Don & Jean Holmgren, Willmar, MN

Gayle & Linda Larson, Willmar, MN

Loren & Judy Schultz, Willmar, MN

Carol & Lee Roisum, Sunburg, MN

Lyle & Gerry Nyberg, Willmar, MN

Jerry & Dixie Tilden, Montenvideo, MN

Sue & Keith Morris, Willmar, MN

Andy & Jean Berg, Willmar, MN

Melville & Marie Linn, Little Canada, MN

Ron & Dee Erpelding, Willmar, MN

Curt & Erna Engstrom, Brooten, MN

Individual: Neil & Mae Gustafson, Willmar, MN

Dan & Marlene Hovland, Willmar, MN

Dale & Tami Tagtow, Atwater, MN

Stan & Sandy Wubben, Raymond, MN

Bonita Kallestad, New London, MN

Paul & Deb Krueger, Svea, MN

Merle & Charlyn Sietsema, Raymond, MN

Lyle Huseby, Sunburg, MN


Our Sympathy To Family and

Friends- Marguerite Hansen Kvam, 90,

KCHS member since 1997, passed

away on June 3, 2013. She is survived

by husband, Ivan, five children, and

four grandchildren.

Vernice Allinder Gatewood, 83,


away on June 8, 2013. She is survived

by three children, and five grandchil-

dren. Her husband Stanley passed

away on May 22, 2013.

August “Gus” Hoffer, 93, KCHS

lifetime member since 1981, passed

away on June 21, 2013. He is survived

by three daughters, six grandchildren,

and six great-grandchildren.

Ione Anderson Swenson, 85, KCHS

lifetime member since 1983, passed

away on June 24, 2013. She is sur-

vived by two children, three grandchil-

dren, and two great-grandchildren.

Patricia Bauch Magnuson, 81,


away on July 2, 2013. She is survived

by husband, Bill, two children, and

five grandchildren.

William D. Tayler, 93, KCHS mem-

ber since 2002, passed away on July

19, 2013. He is survived by wife,

Madalyn, four children, eight grand-

children, and six great-grandchildren.

David Ceske, 85, KCHS member

since 2004, passed away on July 28,

2013. He is survived by wife, Violet,

two daughters, and three grandchil-

dren.

Ruby Larson Freeberg, 80, KCHS

member since 1999, passed away on

July 30, 2013. She is survived by two

children and two grandchildren.


Donations to the Multi-Purpose Room: Thanks to all of the donors who have given a donation to the KCHS Building Fund. With your support, we

will be able to build a room for the entire community. We are looking to facilitate a place for young and old

to gather and share the stories of Kandiyohi County.

Individuals: Louise Thoma

-In Memory of Ben Thoma

Sandra Curran

Dale & Judy Johnson

Gary Nielsen

David & Wendy Larson

Jerry & Ruby Johnson

Dean & Diane Shuck

Businesses/Organizations: North American State Bank

Stacey’s Landscaping

Multi-Purpose Room Update The general construction of the multi-purpose commu-

nity room is completed. A new deck, ramp and steps have

been built off the schoolhouse. The ramp now connects to the

log cabin like an old fashioned sidewalk. In July, the land-

scaping was put into place. The next item is a new parking

lot. This will be coming in September! We would like to

thank everyone for their support and patience during our con-

struction phases. The community room has been bringing in

about 400 additional people a month (on average). This is a

wonderful new asset to our facility!

Challenge: Accepted

In the June newsletter, we issued a challenge to purchase a new

refrigerator for the new community room. You will be happy

to know we were able to buy a new fridge with the generous

donations from our membership! Thanks to everyone who do-

nated towards this challenge.

Sperry House Dinner

Friday, October 25

Try for a chance to win an elegant dinner for two at the Sperry House, with Walleye and Bison catered by

the 19th Avenue Grill & Lounge. Tickets are on sale at the Kandiyohi County Historical Society for a sug-

gested donation of $5.00 per ticket, with the proceeds used for restoring the Victorian Sperry House. The

next big project at the Sperry House will be the store room. We have plans drawn up for a new storage sys-

tem. The storeroom houses the Christmas decorations, the Sperry House tea and supper supplies and our ed-

ucation collection. We are in need of the reorganization of the store room. The proceeds for this year’s raf-

fle will go towards this project. The drawing will be held at the KCHS Annual meeting on October 17th in

the KCHS Community Room. Tickets will be available through October 17th.

Stop by the KCHS Museum to buy your tickets or call for more information, (320) 235-1881.


Chappell Central, Inc. 2101 Gorton Ave NW

PO Box 916 Willmar, MN 56201

(320) 235-2151

www.chappellcentral.com

Archive Additions

By Linda Maurer

Greetings to old friends! Some of you will remember

that I used to work part-time at the museum from 1998 to

2002. I’m back again as a volunteer. Since I knew how to

catalogue objects on Past Perfect from before, Jill gave me a

wonderful task to do!

Last year Doug Mossberg donated a number of objects

from the Spicer family to KCHS. Doug’s mother, Mary, was

a descendant of the Spicer family. Mary is a granddaughter of

John M. and Eliza F. Spicer, the original Spicer family in this

area. The Spicer family, of course, was very influential in

the development of Kandiyohi County. The following is a list

of some of the types of items donated: information on family

land purchases; early maps of the area; and personal items

from the children of John and Eliza Spicer. Each item donat-

ed has been given a number and put in our archives room. These items are available for view-

ing whenever the museum is open.

Our thanks to Doug Mossberg for having the foresight to preserve and to donate these

items to KCHS as they are important parts of the history of this area.

If you have any questions about donating items to the museum, please stop by the office

or give us a call at (320) 235-1881. Thanks!

New in Our Gift Shop!


BOTTLED IN KANDIYOHI COUNTY By Boyd Beccue

About the Author:

Boyd Beccue is a former member of the KCHS Board of Directors and is a past President of the

Board. Beccue holds a degree in history from the University of Minnesota and has collected bottles for over 45

years. He has written articles on bottle collecting and history for several national publications including The

Old Bottle Magazine, Antique Bottle & Glass Collector and Bottles & Extras, the journal of the Federation of

Historical Bottle Collectors. He has also written previously for the KCHS newsletter, including an article enti-

tled “Solomon Foot and Monitor Liniment” which appeared in the July, 2008, edition of the Kandi Express.

Continued from July 2013 Newsletter…..

DRUGGIST BOTTLES

In one way drug stores in the late 19th Century were very much like chain drug stores today. That is,

they did not restrict their trade to pharmaceuticals and patent medicines. They often seemed to have been more

like general stores, selling everything from paint to groceries to hammocks. Think of Walgreens as a modern

example. In 1895 Willmar druggists Carlson Bros. & Frost even advertised fishing tackle and “Base Ball

Goods”. The competition between the stores was very intense, and newspapers like The Willmar Republican

Gazette were full of clever advertising. A Dale & Truedson ad appearing on April 10, 1884, was typical, begin-

ning with a bold headline stating “Do Not Read This!” The ad went on to describe many products being sold

by the firm, but made no mention of drugs or medicines.

C. F. Clark and Clark & Frost. Charles F. Clark opened the first drug store in Willmar on Pacific Av-

enue, across the street from the depot, in 1870. By January of 1871 he was advertising in The Willmar Republi-

can Gazette. In 1878 he was joined by W. A. Frost, a 24 year-old Canadian-

born pharmacist and graduate of the Pharmacy College of New York. W. A.

Frost was the younger brother of pioneer Kandiyohi County physician Dr. E. S.

Frost. On December 14, 1880 the Clark & Frost store, on Pacific Avenue be-

tween 3rd and 4th Streets, was one of those destroyed in a fire which struck

downtown Willmar. The pair rebuilt in Willmar and also opened a store in St.

Paul, Clark’s former hometown, where they operated a drug store from 1882 to

1888. Clark died in 1888 and his interest in the Willmar store was purchased by

the Carlson Brothers. Frost continued as a pharmacist in St. Paul for many

years. His St. Paul building, constructed in 1889, is now the site of a popular

restaurant bearing his name. Some sources state that the Frost involved in the

Willmar firm of Clark & Frost was Dr. Edward Spur Frost, who arrived in

Willmar in 1872, but this is not correct. Pharmacist W. A. Frost was Clark’s

partner until Clark’s death in 1888. While the available records are not com-

plete, it appears that after the death of Clark in 1888 Dr. Edward S. Frost pur-

chased the Willmar interests of his younger brother W. A. Frost. After the sale

of his interest in the Willmar drug store W. A. Frost was only involved with his

store in St. Paul. Dr. E. S. Frost was a partner in the reorganized firm of Carl-

son Bros. & Frost after 1888. There are no known Willmar bottles embossed

with the firm name of Clark & Frost. The only bottles bearing that embossed name are from the St. Paul store.

Two Willmar bottles are embossed with the name of C. F. Clark. The earliest of these is dated 1867 and is just

over 4 inches tall. (Photo 7) The date is a bit of a mystery, since Clark did not arrive in Willmar until 1869. It

Photo 7


may be a simple error by the bottle mold maker, or possibly indicates when

Clark completed his pharmacy training. The second Clark bottle appears to

be somewhat later and is approximately 5½ inches tall. (Rubbing, Photo 8

left)

Carlson Brothers & Frost. The Clark & Frost interests of C. F.

Clark were purchased by the Carlson brothers in 1888 following Clark’s

death. Swedish-born Charles B. Carlson arrived in Willmar that year and

formed a partnership with his brother Swan B. Carlson, who already lived in

Willmar, and Dr. E. S. Frost. Later the Carlson brothers also purchased the

business of The Lion Drug Store, operated by the Truedson Brothers from

1885 - 1889. With this purchase they also acquired the early pharmacy rec-

ords begun in 1874 by Dale & Roise. (The record books survived until they

were donated to the Kandiyohi County Historical Society by the Carlson

family. Today they are one of the treasures of the KCHS collection.) For a short time, starting in mid-1889, Li-

on Drug Store prescription slips carried an over-stamped legend: “Carlson Bros. & Frost, Successors to.”

Charles Carlson was a graduate of the Minnesota Institute of Pharmacy. We do not know where his brother

trained to be a pharmacist. Dr. Edward S. Frost sold his interest in the Willmar store to the Carlson brothers in

1910 following his retirement from the practice of medicine, but it appears that the business continued to carry

his name until at least 1916. By 1918 the store was simply known as Carlson Bros. The business was initially

located at 421 Pacific Avenue. In 1909 the firm opened a new building at 202-204 4th Street South. In the ensu-

ing years three sons of Charles Carlson, Albin C., Edwin and Archie H., joined the firm. Then in late 1919

Charles Carlson bought his brother Swan’s interest and Swan Carlson left the firm. Charles Carlson died in 1928

and the drugstore continued as Carlson Brothers Rexall un-

til 1975. There are several known bottles from Carlson

Bros. & Frost. The two earliest designs (Photo 9 a&b) are

in a style of bottle patented in 1888. Some in this style

show capacity in ounces on the shoulder, while others do

not. They are found in several sizes ranging from 1 ounce

to a pint. Two later designs are also known. (Photo 9 c&d)

The newest design (9d) was hand-blown and shows gradua-

tions on the sides in cc. This bottle was probably the final

design from this firm and dates to 1916 or slightly earlier.

S. B. Carlson & Son. After leaving the Carlson Brothers firm in 1919

Swan Carlson purchased the A. E. Mossberg drug store and moved to Litchfield

Avenue. At that time his son Arthur E. Carlson joined him and the firm was

known as S.B. Carlson & Son. The store was located at 424 Litchfield Avenue

West. They remained in business until October 9, 1933, when the business was

sold to pharmacist William Rask. No embossed bottles bearing the name of S.B.

Carlson & Son are known. However, one bottle has been found which has a la-

bel with the firm name and is embossed with one word: SVEA. The label states

that the content was denatured alcohol from S. B. Carlson & Son, Druggists,

Willmar, Minn. Why the embossing names the village of Svea is a mystery. The

bottle is hand-blown and probably dates to the early 1920’s. (Photo 10)

Photo 8

Photo 9

Photo 10

Kandi Express September 2013 —

Dale & Roise. In 1874 this partnership established the second drug store in Willmar. The business was

located on the corner of Benson Avenue and 5th Street. Hans J. Dale was born in Norway in 1849 and came to

the U.S. at age 11. Before coming to Willmar he had clerked in a drug store in Sparta, Wisconsin. It appears

that he did not have formal training as a pharmacist. P. H. Roise was born in Norway in 1848 and came to the

U. S. in 1856. The Dale & Roise drug business was sold to Dale & Truedson in 1884 and by 1885 it was known

as The Lion Drug Store, Truedson Bros. Druggists. The Dale in the partnership of Dale & Truedson was John

Dale, not Hans Dale. It is believed that Hans Dale was John’s father. The Truedson in the partnership was Eric

Truedson. Dale & Roise continued in the dry goods business for many years after leaving the pharmacy trade.

One druggist bottle by Dale & Roise has been found. It is the most ornate of the Willmar druggist bottles, dis-

playing a mortar and pestle, the date of 1874 and the intertwined initials of D&R. (Rubbing, Photo 8 right)

Mossberg & Brother and A.E. Mossberg. Nils M. Mossberg opened a drug store in Willmar in 1878.

He was born in Sweden in 1849 and came to the U.S. at age 20. He was joined by his brother, Axel E. Moss-

berg in 1879. A. E. Mossberg was also born in Sweden and came to the U. S. in 1875. The firm was first

known as Mossberg & Bro., but by 1889 was simply

Mossberg Bros. In 1890 Nils Mossberg left the busi-

ness and sold his share to F. W. Kraes, who was a regis-

tered pharmacist. A. E. Mossberg and Kraes split in

1891. A. E. Mossberg then moved his business to 315

Pacific Avenue West while Kraes maintained his drug

and general merchandise business at the old Mossberg

Bros. location. Kraes was still in business as late at

1895. The A. E. Mossberg Drug Store continued until

October 1, 1919, when it was purchased by S. B. Carl-

son, who moved the business to Litchfield Avenue.

In addition to filling prescriptions A. E. Moss-

berg also manufactured patent medicines. His line of

patent medicines included Mossberg’s Cough Remedy,

Mossberg’s Wonderful Healer (a veterinary product for

barb wire cuts), Mossberg’s Cholera Carminative,

Mossberg’s White Camphorated Oil, Mossberg’s Corn

Cure, Mossberg’s Toothache Drops, Mossberg’s Toilet Cream and Mossberg’s Headache Tablets. Of these the

only medicine sold in an embossed bottle appears to have been Mossberg’s Cough Remedy. (Photo 11d) It ap-

pears that Mossberg was bottling the patent medicines by 1898, as the 1898 Polk Directory listed him as a

“manufacturing druggist.” One Mossberg & Bro. embossed druggist bottle has been found. Featuring an ornate

intertwined M & B, it is known in several sizes. (Photo 11a) A. E. Mossberg druggist bottles are found in two

basic designs, the square design being older. (Photo 11 b&c) These are also found in sizes ranging from ½

ounce to 8 ounces.

Elfstrum & Co. and Elfstrum & Weedall. In 1891 Axel

F. Elfstrum and George W.T. Taylor opened a pharmacy in Willmar.

The business was located at 204 5th Street South. The partnership

operated as Elfstrum & Co. Taylor was still a partner in 1898, but

left the firm at some later date. By 1910 Elfstrum had relocated to

421 Pacific Avenue. In 1913 the company returned to the 5th Street

location. On September 9, 1914, the business was sold to J. E.

Seagren. During one short period, the date and duration of which

has not been determined, the firm was known as Elfstrum & Weed-

all. A bottle exists for this partnership. (Photo 12, left) The Elf-

strum & Weedall bottle is in a style popular in the 1890s. So far no Photo 12

Photo 11


further information has been found concerning Weedall. Elfstrum’s other bottles are embossed with the name of

Elfstrum & Co. and come in several sizes with script lettering popular in the early 1900s. (Photo 12, right) There

are no known bottles bearing the name of Elfstrum & Taylor.

Olaf Olson & Co. and Olson, Styles & Co. Little is known

about these companies. Old prescription forms in the Kandiyohi

County Historical Society collection reveal that Olaf Olson & Co. was

in business by 1888. A bottle is embossed with the name of Olson,

Styles & Co. Based on the prescription records this firm was in opera-

tion by January 1, 1889. It is likely that Olaf Olson was the Olson in

Olson, Styles & Co., but nothing else is known of either company.

(Photo 13a)

Union Clinic and Hospital. The Union Clinic was estab-

lished in 1920 or 1921 by three Willmar physicians, Doctors Benson,

Hansen and Anderson. They purchased an established hospital called

the Rest Hospital for use as a clinic at 206 5th Street South. That building was renamed the Union Hospital in

1923, which is likely the earliest date of use for the Union Clinic and Hospital bottles. In 1927 the Hospital por-

tion of the business was moved to the Bonde Building and renamed General Hospital. The doctors involved at

that time were Jacobs and Anderson. The Clinic continued to operate at 206 5th Street until at least 1929. Three

sizes of Union Clinic and Hospital bottles are known, almost certainly from the 1923 to 1927 period. Other sizes

are likely. The bottles were hand-blown at a time when virtually all other bottle production in the U.S. was fully

automated. (Photo 13b) The Union Clinic and Hospital bottles are included here even though they did not come

from a druggist, since it is likely that the clinic included a dispensing business, similar to that found in some

large clinics today.

S. E. Peterson. The only known embossed druggist bottle from Kandiyohi County that did not originate

in Willmar is S. E. Peterson of Atwater. Peterson began doing business in Atwater in 1900. He was still in busi-

ness in 1905, and his bottles are of a style that was more common around 1910. He may have purchased the

business of a prior Atwater druggist, John O. Nelson. Nelson’s first store burned in the Atwater fire of January

15, 1891, which destroyed several businesses. Nelson rebuilt and was soon back in business. The Peterson bot-

tles (Photo 13c) had a number on the shoulder indicating capacity in ounces. Four ounce and 16 ounce sizes are

known and it is likely that other sizes will be found.

OTHER BUSINESSES

In addition to Alexander Marlow there were other Kandiyohi businesses which may have produced an embossed

bottle, although no examples have been found thus far. While it is likely that these used un-embossed, labeled

bottles they are listed here with approximate years of operation. The following firms will require further re-

search if embossed bottles are found.

William Gilger operated a brewery on the site of the present Kandiyohi County Fairgrounds from about

1879 until 1898. His main business was the Central Hotel, which was constructed in 1891. The Stella Opera

house, named for his wife, was located in the hotel. While Gilger may have bottled beer using un-embossed

bottles and labels, it is more likely that the bulk of his beer production was sold in kegs intended for use in area

saloons. There were several druggists in Kandiyohi County for which no embossed bottles have been identified.

In Atwater the earliest druggist appearing in the records was A. J. Greaves, who was in business by

1870. Dr. Lonna B. Woolson had a drug store on 3rd Street in Atwater from 1879 – 1888. Woolson also manufac-

Photo 13


tured a patent medicine called “Universalve”. From 1883 until at least 1885 the partnership of Anderson, Nelson

& Co. was in business in Atwater. It appears that by 1888 Anderson was no longer involved in the business.

John Nelson may have also purchased the Woolson drug store in 1888. This business later burned in the Atwater

fire of January 15, 1891. Nelson was back in business shortly after the fire and until roughly 1900. N. L. Larson

had a drug store in Atwater affiliated with The Rexall Company, probably around 1930. No embossed bottles

have been found for these Atwater businesses. One example of a labeled bottle identifying N. L. Larson as the

proprietor appears to be of 1930’s vintage.

In Kandiyohi (Kandiyohi Station) James J. Greaves of Atwater started a drug store in Kandiyohi Sta-

tion in 1871. The exact connection between James and A. J. Greaves has not been determined. In any event

Greaves only ran the store for a short time before selling to Dr. Harrison Adams, who then sold the drug store to

M. Abbot in 1874. E. P. Blomgren & Co. had a drug store there in 1885-1886. No bottles have been found nam-

ing any of these businesses.

In Spicer the village appears to have had a drug store in 1904, but the owner has not been identified.

In Willmar a druggist named W. H. Benbow was in business in 1870 - 1871, known only from a pre-

scription form in the Historical Society collection. The Dale & Truedson drug store was in business from 1884

to 1885, also based on the old pharmacy records in the Historical Society collection. By April, 1885, the store

was simply known as The Lion Drug Store, Truedson Bros., Druggists. Druggist F. W. Kraes was in business in

Willmar from 1891 to at least 1895. From 1918 until 1922 druggist F. J. Hallin operated at 202 5th Street South.

In 1922-1923 Hallin’s store was at 300 Litchfield Avenue. There is no record of him after that time. William O.

Rask operated The Rask Drug Store at 314 Litchfield Avenue West from about 1926 until he purchased the S. B.

Carlson & Son business in 1933. No embossed bottles are known from any of these Willmar businesses.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Illustrated History of Kandiyohi County, Ed. Victor Lawson, 1905

The Centennial History of Kandiyohi County, Ed. Oscar Augustson, 1970

Medical History of Kandiyohi County, Dr. Lloyd Gilman, 1987

The Bottles, Breweriana and Advertising Jugs of Minnesota, Ron Feldhaus, Vol. 1, 1986; Vol. 2, 1987

American Glass, George S. McKearin and Helen McKearin, 1948

Minn. Soda Water Works, 1850 - 1920, Austin Fjerestad, 2012

HutchBook.com, Hutchinson Bottle Collectors Assn., 2013

At The Sign Of The Mortar, Kay Devner, 1970

Newspapers, directories and other material in The Kandiyohi County Historical Society collections

Wanted:

Barn Wood

We are currently redoing the

display in our agriculture building. We

would like to use barn wood as the

backdrop for this display. Please

contact Jill at 235-1881 if you have any

to donate. Thanks!!!

Rural School Districts of

Kandiyohi County

Fahlun Township

School Districts

Written by Carolyn Kneisl

District 39

This district was established in 1866 as District Number 3 with the follow-

ing territory: Sections 1 to 24, inclusive, Fahlun; sections 30 to 34, inclu-

sive, Kandiyohi. On Jan. 1, 1868, the entire south half of Kandiyohi

Township was made a part of the district. The portion of the district in

Kandiyohi Township was later set off to form new districts and the greater

part of the district in Fahlun has been set off to form parts of Districts

Number 68 and 79.

The first school in the district was taught in 1867 by Miss Lutina Lind-

quist, later Mrs. Solomon Porter, and then a mere girl. She was induced,

much against her will, to teach a six months’ term. There was no schoolhouse and the school was held in the

cabins of E. P. Wickland, Peter Norberg, Peter Olson and Andrew Johnson—six weeks in each place, thus giv-

ing all the pupils in the large district a chance to attend long enough to draw the apportionment money. The sec-

ond teacher was Miss Alzada R. Weaver of Gennessee. It fell to the lot of Noah W. White, the sturdy young

pioneer, to bring the teacher and with his ox team he performed his mission. He then frequently took her to her

home on Sunday and the first romance of Fahlun resulted. On November 30th of the same year (1868) Noah

White and the school ma’am appeared before Rev. T. Libby, a pastor of the M. E. church, who spoke the words

that made them man and wife.

The first schoolhouse in the district was a log structure, built in 1868. The logs were furnished free by citizens

of the district, but the cost of other materials and of labor amounted to about $175. This building stood at a point

about a quarter of a mile south of where the M. E. church is now located. This building was used until 1880,

when the present frame schoolhouse was built on the site it now occupies. The total cost of the building was

about $600. The building is one of the largest country schoolhouses erected in the early days and is well

equipped for work. The school is located in section 4 about 3 miles south of Kandiyohi on County Road 8 then

just to the West on 71st Avenue SE. A library was purchased for the school in 1904 and a basement added in

1958. A number of shade trees adorn the grounds. The school was active through the 1969-70 school year.

District 43

This district was established on June 2, 1869 as District Number 7. In renumbering the districts in old Kan-

diyohi County it was renumbered Number 43. The district was organized at a meeting held at the residence of

John Johnson Vick on March 26, 1870. Nels A. Anderson served as moderator and was elected director; John

M. Johnson was elected clerk, and Emil Hanson as treasurer. George Hart and Emil Hanson were the most ac-

tive workers in pushing the establishment and organization of the district.


District 39


The first school was taught in the spring of 1870, in a log house on Wil-

liam Lund’s place. Henry Baker of Greenleaf was the teacher, and re-

ceived $20 per month. A schoolhouse was built in 1871, at a cost of

$700. It site was on the SE ¼, NE ¼ section 2, Lake Lillian Township.

Christine Olson taught the first school in this building in the fall of 1871.

In the spring of 1882 the schoolhouse was moved to lot 1, section 35,

Fahlun Township, in a grove on Soren Johnson’s place on what is now

Big Kandi Drive on the East side of Big Kandiyohi Lake In 1900 the

schoolhouse was torn down and rebuilt on N. M. Gabrielson’s land in NE

¼ NW ½ in section 36, Fahlun Township about 2 miles north of Lake Lillian on the East side of County Road 8

and about ¼ of a mile south of 134th Avenue SE. The cost of rebuilding was $300 and that gave the district a

fine well equipped schoolhouse. There is a stone curbed well on the ground and a number of trees have been

planted. A library was purchased in 1901.

The district was consolidated with the Lake Lillian village district in 1953. Pupils who attained note in public

life later in life were State Representative Hemming Nelson and W. E. Frederickson who became county super-

intendent of schools. Three generation families attended this school; the Larsons, Nelsons, Vicks, Bomstads,

Lunds and Gabrielsons.

District 68

A petition dated July 18, 1873, asked for the formation of a new school district from the following territory:

Sections 18, 19, 20, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, town of Fahlun. The petition was signed by B. Selvig, O. Norling, F.

O. Anderson, I. Norlander, P. Backlund, J. M. Johanson, A. Skoglund, Nils Trulson, Peter Person, and Peter

Felt. There was opposition from thirty-three citizens of district No. 39, from which the territory was to be taken.

The petition was granted Jan. 8, 1874, and the new district established as Number 68.

The district was organized at a meeting held at the home of B. Selvig, March 23, 1874. Nils Trulson was chosen

moderator of the meeting. B. Selvig was elected clerk, Nels Trulson, treasurer, Erick Hegstrom, director.

The first term of school was held in the fall of 1874. Miss Carrie Mattson taught one month. The school was

conducted for a certain number of days each at the homes of F. O. Anderson,

B. Selvig, E. Hegstrom, L. Norlander, P. Backlund, A. Skoglund, J. M. Johanson, Nels Trulson , L.J. Nordstrom

and Peter Larson.

In 1876 a schoolhouse was built. The size of the building was 16

x22 and the cost about $400. In 1884 the schoolhouse was rebuilt

making it 18 x 30, with a hall 14 x 14. The cost of rebuilding was

$300. It was located in section 19 about ¼ mile south of County

Road 84 on 37th Street SE on the west side of the road. In 1899 the

building was re-shingled, as a part of the roof had been destroyed by

a stroke of lightning. In 1892 a library was purchased, the money

being raised by an entertainment given by the school. In 1904 a

number of trees were planted on the grounds with money being

raised by a basket party given by the young people of the district. A

pupil of this school who attained note in later public life was Otto

Trulson who became county Register of Deeds. Three generation

families attending this school were the Skoglunds, Holtins, Lind-

blads, Petersons, Hansons. The school closed in 1959.

District 43

District 68


Calling all Kandiyohi County Residents!

Kandiyohi County Historical Society is looking for a new logo and needs your help. We are seeking

residents of Kandiyohi County of all ages who can design a creative, innovative and professional logo

design. The logo should be recognizable and help promote our organizations mission, “To collect, pre-

serve and tell the story of Kandiyohi County and its people.” The rest is up to you! Please read below

for more details regarding logo design, contest rules & submission requirements.

How to Enter the Contest Submissions will be accepted through October 11, 2013. Winners will be announced via our website,

social media and direct contact to the winners. Artists may submit up to two entries and must complete

an entry form for each. Electronic entries should be JPG or PDF with 300 dpi or higher. All formats,

including drawings, sketches or paintings are eligible and may be submitted by mail. Print submissions

should be no larger than 8.5” X 11”. Submit contest artwork along with completed entry form by

e-mail to [email protected] with subject line KCHS Logo Contest. Entries may also be submitted via

US Mail or in person to:

Jill Wohnoutka


610 NE Hwy 71

Willmar, MN 56201

Logo Requirements

Professional: This logo may be featured on our website, our social media platforms and other mediums

(stationary, pamphlets, t-shirts etc). As a result, while we want the logo to be eye-catching, it must

still be legible.

Theme: Logo must promote the mission of Kandiyohi County Historical Society, “to collect, preserve

and tell the story of Kandiyohi County and its people.” While not required, participants are encour-

aged to provide a brief written explanation of their chosen logo design.

Color: There are no limitations on how colors may be used. However, logo must look good in color (if

any) or black and white.

Integrity: Logos cannot contain copyrighted material. Logos must have been created and edited by the

contestant(s). Logos may not include images or licensed images that have been previously published.

Must be easily reproducible and scalable for large and small formatting.

Contest Details Winners will be selected by the Kandiyohi County Historical Society Special Committee and its mem-

bership. Contestants agree that Kandiyohi County Historical Society may publish their logo and name

(s) and may use both for advertising campaigns and/or marketing materials in the future. Contestants

assign all ownership rights, including all intellectual property rights to the logo, to Kandiyohi County

Historical Society. Additionally, Kandiyohi County Historical Society may alter, modify or revise the

logo as it sees necessary to achieve the goals of the museum. Kandiyohi County Historical Society re-

serves the right to not select a winner if, in its sole discretion, no suitable entries are received.

Prize Contest winner will receive $100.



Logo Contest Contestant Entry Form

COMPLETE THIS FORM AND SUBMIT IT ALONG WITH YOUR ENTRY AS INSTRUCTED BELOW.

Artists may submit up to two entries and must complete an entry form for each.

Submit contest artwork (electronic entries should be JPG or PDF format with resolution 300 dpi or

higher) along with this completed entry form by e-mailed with the words “KCHS Logo Contest” in the

subject line to [email protected]. Entries may also be submitted via US mailed or in person to:

Jill Wohnoutka


610 NE Hwy 71

Willmar, MN 56201

Contestant Name: ______________________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________________

Phone Number: _______________________________________________________________

E-mail address: _______________________________________________________________

Age if under 18: _______________________________________________________________

Parent or Guardian Name: ______________________________________________________ (if contestant is a minor under age of 18)

Signature: ____________________________________________________________________

(contestant signature or parent/guardian signature if contestant is a minor under age of 18)

Name of Entry: ________________________________________________________________

Please choose a name for your entry. This name should coincide with the file name

of electronic submissions or included on drawings and/or sketches.

Deadline for submission(s) is Friday, October 11, 2013

While not required, participants are encouraged to provide a brief written explanation of their chosen

logo design.

By participating in the contest, finalists and winners release and agree to hold harmless the Kandiyohi County Historical

Society, their affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, sponsors, and prize suppliers, and all their respec-

tive directors, officers, employees, representatives and agents, from and against any and all liability for any loss, property

damage, or damage to person, including without limitation, death and injury, due in whole or in part, directly or indirectly,

from or arising out of participation in the contest, or participation in any contest related activity, or the receipt, use or mis-

use of the any prize(s).


436 Litchfield Ave SW - PO Box 1037 - Willmar, MN 56201

Phone: 320-235-2212 - Website: www.corneil-elkjer.com

Insurance Since 1942

Kandiyohi County would like to thank these local businesses

for their continued support of the preservation and sharing of

Kandiyohi County history!

www.insurancebystrehlow.com

716 First Street S

P.O. Box 953

Willmar, MN 56201

Office: (320) 235-1091

(800) 735-1939

Fax: (320) 235-2804

We’ll be here when you need us Since 1956!

320-235-1322

OPEN DAILY ~ 10AM-5PM

~ Largest One Owner Shop in Minnesota ~

www.longlakeantiques.com

Primitives, Ceramics, Glassware, China, Silver, Books,

Furniture, Vintage and Collectible Jewelry

Closed Mondays & National Holidays

Daily Breakfast,

Lunch & Dinner

Specials

Hours:

Sunday: 6am-1:30pm

Mon-Tues:6am-2pm

Wed-Sat: 6am-8pm

Located in

Downtown Spicer

S P I C E R

Bell Tower Antiques

4th of July Flea Market

Glassware * Toys

Furniture *Collectibles

Fishing Lures* Decoys

We Buy & Sell

Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10-5

Sun. Noon-5

Hwy 23 in Spicer (2 blocks north of Dairy Queen)

320-796-5515

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage Paid

Willmar, MN

Permit No. 484


610 NE Hwy 71

Willmar, MN 56201

KCHS Membership HEADQUARTERS: 610 NE Hwy 71, Willmar MN 56201

Phone: (320) 235-1881 E-Mail: [email protected] Office and Museum Hours: 9-5 Weekdays

MEMBERSHIP FORM - Send to Kandiyohi County Historical Society, 610 NE Hwy 71, Willmar, MN 56201

INDIVIDUAL - $15 FAMILY - $25 FRIEND—$50 SUPPORTER—$100

PROFESSIONAL/BUSINESS - $100 PATRON—$250 BENEFACTOR - $500

Membership Category_________________________ Amount Enclosed________________

Name(s)___________________________________________________________________________________

Address_______________________________________________________ Phone______________________________

__________________________________________________________ e-mail_________________________________

Thank you for joining our venture, “discovering, preserving, and sharing” the story of Kandiyohi County and Minnesota.

MEMBER CONTRIBUTION FORM - Send to KCHS, 610 NE Hwy 71, Willmar MN 56201

As a lifetime or long-term member of the Kandiyohi County Historical Society, I appreciate the membership benefits I’ve

(we’ve) received through the years, and the enclosed donation is an expression of my appreciation.

Name(s)_______________________________________________ Amount Enclosed________________

Address______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________ Phone_________________________

Comments____________________________________________________________________________

kandi express · 2013-09-05 · kandi express, september 2013 —page 4 donations to the...

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