jiljliljll'l'f;;,'!::::!;'; ;, }■ ;'r',' '■' !!';''•' '' m'''', : ";'.i;:':^f;-t ,;-.;(, 1;-:: ■■ ; ';■'!!;•';;;<■! !|i ill*''- :- ■• 1:.:;....,!" :,.!^^':,;-; • :',' ; i,-;.'jiM<,.,...i.,'.r.;ii' . '.: ] : " il?! ;*;l't' i! V G\\ Class. Book ■^4"S4 - Gopight'N" COPYRIGHT DEPOSrr. - / ^he Bexnidji Pioneer cvotcd to the Financial, Industrial, Agricultural and Landed Interests of Beltrami and Surrounding Counties 'ourteenth Year. Published Daily and Weekly. Bemidji Pioneer Pub. Co., C. J. Pryor, Mgr. / -■ BEMIDJI he Acknowledged "Hub" of the Great Northwest; the IdeaHstic Pleasure and Health Resort of the Great Northwest; the Bread Basket of the Great Northwest and the Center of the Picturesque Lakes of the Great Northwest. (Copyrighted by tbe Bemidji Pioneer Pub. Co.) ^6c Pioneer Printery As publishers and printers, and as a supply house for every known stationery want, we rank pre-eminent. We carry ledgers and journals, a varied line of high and nominal priced stationery, pencils of every sort, which you cannot procure elsewhere in the northwest, printed blanks of every description, note books, diaries, material of all sorts, and divers and sundry goods which we alone can furnish for the convenience of the business man, regardless as to the _______line_he carries. IBRARY of CONGRESS Two Copies Received MAK 12 lUO^ Our Job Department Copjru-ni entrv DLASS a^ XXc. Nu, ctfpy^.^ W p boast of our job department, because we own the largest assortment of the most up-to-date faces and series to be found west of the Twin Cities. The fonts we utilize are new; they are complete as to graduation (or size), and the printers who put up the work in our office are high-paid and skilled in their craft. Typewriter Supplies In this line we offer everything known to the users of typewriting machines, inclusive of machine ribbons, carbons, oil and suitable papers, eyelets and eyeletting machines, cus- tom paper, inks of all colors, typewriter erasers, and all other requisites known to sten- ography. As to office stationery and perquisites we are stocked to the limit, and any order, regardless as to its magnitude or diversity, will find a ready filling at our hands. Our StocK in General As to note books, check books, legal blanks, writing material and bank and office- stock we have no compeer. Ours outshine any stock in the great northwest. We charge a fair price, we accord fair treatment to all, and we endeavor to demonstrate that every transaction on our part is conducted on a fair basis. At any rate, drop in and see us. You can't lose; but you may gain. A word to the wise is sufficient. Thanking you for past favors, and hoping for a continuance of the reciprocal feeling which has obtained between this office and the thousands of its patrons, we remain, Yours fraternally, BEMIDJI PIONEER PUBLISHING CO. CHIEF BEMIDJl (Cha-now-ish-kung) In Whose Honor the City of Bemidji Was Named. OUR MAYOR JOHN P. POGUE Served as Chief Executive of Bemidji during 1907-1908. Re-elected Mayor February 16, 1909. ^6e Bemidji Pioneer Devoted to the Financial, Industrial, Agricultural and Landed Interests of Beltrami and Surrounding Counties Fourteenth Year. Published Daily and Weekly. Bemidji Pioneer Pub. Co., C. J. Pryor, Mgr. ANENT THIS COITION OF THE: PIONEER THE PIONEER, in this supplement to its regular edition, comes before the people of the State of Minnesota on the theory that Bemidji is indeed the "Hub of the Great North- west," and the one city of northern Minnesota which is destined to lead all competitors in industrial, commercial, educational and philanthi-opical development, as well as all other desir- able attainments. Bemidji is a universally-recognized pleasure resort of the most popular sort. Bemidji is a railroad center second to no city in Northern Minnesota. Bemidji is penetrated by two different systems of the Great Northern railway, both of which have close connections, both going- and coming, with transcontinental lines of this great road. One is the Grand Forks-Dulvith system extending from Grand Forks to the head of the lakes and returning, making connections at Grand Forks with the St. Paul-Pacific Coast through trains. Another branch is the Sauk Center-Bemidji branch with daily trains running between these two points. At Sauk Center, the trains on this line connect with the coast trains of the Great Northern. The Minnesota and International extends from Brainerd through Bemidji to International Falls on the Canadian boundary line, making connections at Funkley with the Funkley and Kelli- her lines. Connection is made at Bemidji with the Northern Pacific railway company's trans- continental system. Then we have the Minneapolis, Red Lake and Manitoba railway, an independent line extend- ing from Bemidji northward to Redby on Red Lake. This latter line taps the great Red Lake Indian Reservation, which reserve is tributary to Bemidji. There is every reason to believe that the Soo railway will extend its road from Thief River Falls to Duluth. and preliminary surveys have already been made of a proposed route, extending from Thief River Falls in a southeasterly direction, tapping Bemidji and the north country inter- vening and go east in the direction of Duluth. There is also another survey which connects the road wdth the Minneapolis, Red Lake and Manitoba railwaj' at Redby. The Wilton and Northern, but six miles west of Bemidji, is another road which vrill undoubt- edly be extended to this city in the near future. This road now extends from Island Lake to Wil- ton, at which latter point cars are transferred to the Great Northern and logs, etc.: are hauled to Bemidji. It is the intention to extend this line from a point north of Wilton to Bemidji in order that timber may be brought from the section north of Wilton direct to the mills at Bemidji. In addition to the railroads, an electric street railway encircling Lake Bemidji is an enter- prise which W3S very nearly matured during 1907, but was dropped on account of the universal "money panic." It is more than likely that the enterprise will be resurrected within the next few years. This will confer upon Bemidji a chain of railroad and commercial communication which can- not be overlooked from the standpoint of importance. While industries and wholesale houses are daily being established in Bemidji, it must not be forgotten that in addition to the city's matchless transportation facilities, Bemidji enjoys an admirable climate. Its geographical position is available for every known purpose, from con- venient railroad connections to commercial pursuits, facts which are of extreme economical worth to the student, as well as to the investor and home-seeker. The Pioneer is speaking in terse terms. It is endeavoring in few words to elucidate its esti- mation of Bemidji as a summer-vacation and health resort and a commercial and industrial center unequaled in North-central Minnesota. Bemidji is located in a portion of the state which must appeal to all who think. In the heart of the grandest scenery of the state ; situated o n one of the most beautif id lakes of the country. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. rich in Indian legend and historical sentiment, Bemidji can indeed push herself to the fore as a suitable location for any person, in whatever walk of life — homeseeker, tiller of the soil, dairyman or stockman, manufacturer, professional men, tradesmen in all branches, the tourist and the seek- er of health and contentment which is contained to the full in the pine-laden air of Bemidji and her beautiful surroundings. The railroad facilities of Bemidji alone should serve as convincing evidence of the city's energy, its availability, its public-spiritedness and strenuousness as a city which is entitled to anything it goes after. The present prosperity of Bemidji, the vigorous activity of its business men, the substantiality of the city proper, the elegant streets and sidewalks it has to present; its industries, its rapid devel- opment, its generosity, its school possessions, along with its rich allotments, as to dairying, stock- raising and farming, all portend the importance of the claims which Bemidji has to afford. No- city in North-central Minnesota is mere familiar to either the business or the traveling pub- lic than Bemidji. From a mere hamlet it has generated into a city of the first class — one com- manding recognition from the most apathetic sources. To illustrate: Bemidji is the "Hub City of Northern Minnesota," a city that is making greater strides in public and private improvements than any city in the state. This locality is the best place for investments in the state. One Hundred and eighty-nine thousand dollars is paid out every thirty days in this city for wages ; The finest and cheapest farming lands are tributary to Bemidji; We have fourteen manufacturing concerns that employ Thirteen Hundred and Seventy-five men; We have Twenty-three teachers and Eleven Hundred pupils in the public schools of our city; The population of this city has increased over Six Hundred a year for four years ; Twenty-seven Hundred men are drawing salaries in this city on an average of Seventy Dollars per month; The bank deposits of Bemidji exceed over One-half Million Dollars. Bemidji offers greater inducements to investors and business ir en than ever before ; We ship in and out in carload lots more than any city in the state outside of Duluth and the tv/in cities; We have a terminal point for three railroads and a hundred railroad and commercial men make this their home; We have sewers, electric lights, waterworks and about Ten Miles of Cement Sidewalks and much more will be built during the coming year; We have openings here for all kinds of business. If you want to buy city property come to the "HUB CITY" of Northern Minnesota. Property bought now will double in two years; We have completed a dam on the Mississippi river that will furnish 2,200 horsepower for the use of small factories. Bemidji is the "Hub City of Ncrth-central Minnesota." She has the population, the men and the money, the prosperity and scenery, the geographical position, natural resources, and all other elements which should influence the minds of those who are looking for ideal environments for a home, a place to engage in business, farming, dairjang, stockraising, manufacturing, practice of the professions, change of climate for benefit of health, or to while away a few weeks in the heat of the summer amidst pine-laden air. cooling, clear waters, inhabited with the gamest fish to be found in Minnesota, and forests abounding with big and small game that excites the hunter and causes his pulses to thrill with the ardor of the chase. Bemidji courts acquaintance and investigation of claims made herein. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. BEMIDJI The Biggest Little City in The Great Northwest Readiirs of this number of The Pioneer: Do you desire an ideal city in which to live? Uo you desire to live in a land of milk and honey? Do you desire to live in a county which has never known a crop failure? . Do you desire to live in a county where each and every man is virtually sworn to loyally to the county's best interests? Do you desire to live in a community where congeniality, generosity, patriotism and public spiritedness abound? Do you desire to divert the minds of jour sons to mechanical pursuits and tiJdes? 1)0 you anticipate speculating in real es- liiio which is bound to increase ten fold within the next five years? Do you desire to take up your residence in a city surrounded by farm land which is incalculable in value, the which the owners thereof know not the real value? Do you desire to be one of the yeomen who will reap the golden harvest which is offered by the fertile and prolific fields of Beltrami County? Do you desire to increase your holdings and annual increment in the way of farm lands? Do you desire to provide your children with a homestead of an eighty, or a him- dred and sixty-acre tract of land? Would you enjoy the possibilities ot own- ing a greater area of productive land than you now own, and would you rather expand and extend the confines of your present farm? If so, come to Beltrami County. At present your farm (if in one of the older states) Is worth from $100.00 to J250.00 per acre. Perhaps it is worth from $75.00 to $150.00 per acre. In any case, you can better yourself by purchasing land in Beltrami County, because, whereas, you are holding your lands above the stipu- lated figures, you can secure land in Bel- trami County at from $5.00 to $60.00 per acre — land as rich or richer than you now own, a land which is destined to double and treble in price within a comparatively few years. Minnesota lands are famous for their productiveness. The official report of the commissioner of immigration of the State ot Minnesota, proves beyond a doubt, that Minnesota farmers and stock and grain growers have fully realized on all outlay I hey have made. Beltrami County fortunately is situated in the most fruitful portion of the state. It is also one of the most generally moist- ened counties in the state. It will give a big yield for any seed planted. Moisture is imperative to the creation of good crops, and Beltrami County has plenty of it at all seasons of the year, conferred, as it were, by the all wise hand of a generous Deity. In the midst of all this bounteousness, and in the midst of all the incomprehensible fertility of the soil of this county, Be- midji. the county scat, serves as guide for all the county's population. Bemidji is a town of approximately 6,000 people. She ranks second to none in the United States with cities of her size, •whether it be in the way of public im- provements, public utilities, schools, churches, hotels, public buildings or en- thusiastic endeavor. Bemidji is a marvel ot activity and pros- perity. All the merchants are prosperous. The major portion of the residents own ihcir own homes. The city owns its own water plant — information of which is given bslow — and miles of sanitary sewer. It maintains a superb fire department, and the c.tizenship ot the town is of that sturdy, ii.dt pendent and law abiding element which makts thin,, s hum. BEMIDJI IS THOROUGHLY LIGHTED. In the matter of lighting, Bemidji ranks second to none with other cities her size in the universe. In fact, the city council, re- alizing the importance of well lighted streets, and the safety which illumination, during untoward evenings affords, have been lavish in their appropriations in this direction. There is not a dark street in Bemidji within its corporate limits. A glaring elec- tric light of high power can be discerned both to the right and to the left. Visitors to the city as well as transients, never fail to commend this city for its excellent illumination, and the com- pany which furnishes the same, mention of which is made elsewhere, is to be con- gratulated upon its faithfulness in carrying out every provision of the franchise under which it was estabjished. Bemidji is unusually fortunate in having enlisted the efforts of the well known gen- tlemen who superintend the workings ot the lighting plant, as they have, by ocular demonstration, proved their worthiness of the trust imposed in them. THE WATER SUPPLY. With this necessary commodity Bemidji is more than abundantly supplied. The Father ot Waters, the Mississippi, flows through and practically forms Bemidji lake and is capable of furnishing water in a volume wholly inconceivable in its supply and utility. This fact, as a mat- ter ot course, summarized, means fire pro- tection and a low rate ot insurance, ele- ments wnich enter largely in the question ot settlement in a new country. Bemidji is not only coursed by the Mississippi, but is surrounded on the south by Irving Lake and on the east by Lake Bemidji, and while Be- midji is not an island, by any means, it can, by a show of its perennial water sure- ty, convince the most apathetic and skep- tical of its lasting existence and inexhaus- (ibility. The city water works is city property, and that means much to every resident. The water mains have been extended to every part of the city, and the city council has recently placed $50,000.00 worth of bonds on the market in order to construct a water w-orks system in keeping with the needs ot the city and tor the supply ot the rapidly increasing population. With the acquisition of this modern water sys- tem Bemidji can place herself in the front rank of her sister cities so far as perfect and adequate water supply goes, and this fact should not be lost upon the thinking man. SEWERAGE. On this important matter the wisdom of Bemidji's city council is also shown. In- stead ot proceeding, like so many cities do, to put in a small, inadequate sewer, they wisely expended enough money to con- struct a Twentieth century sanitary sewer — one capable of meeting the exigencies o£ a city of 25,000 population. While the sewerage convenience has not as yet been extended to all parts ot the city, it should be remembered that Bemidji is, compara- tively speaking, an infant in the city class, even though she is active and prosperous. The sewer of which Bemidji boasts serves as another illustration ot Bemidji's ginger and get-there-ness, and it must be conceded that a city which has recently voted $35,000.00 for a new high school building, $50,000.00 for a modern water works system, and has installed a sewer with a capacity for accommodating a town ot 25,000 people, is one which is composed of men who do things and do them right. TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES. There is perhaps no city in the United States ot 6,000 population^the size o£ Be- midji — which can exploit either in number or availibility the number of railroads and branches which we have to offer. Both the Great Northern and Northern Pacific trav- erse the city's limits, as does the Minne- apolis, Red Lake & Manitoba. The former named road has two branches entering the city, in addition to its main line, while the M. R. L. & M. is now busying itself with an extension to connect with the Soo Line. Bemidji has also been created a terminal point on all lines reaching the city by the State Railroad and Warehouse Commis- sion, thus equalizing rates and hauls to a legal status, a fact most impressive and beneficial. AS AN INDUSTRIAL FIELD. Nowhere can be found a city which can offer more enticing inducements to the manufacturer and capitalist. Bemidji, ly- ing as it does on the west side of the Miss- issippi river, offers an ocean ot water; being situated in the pine timber district, fuel is plentiful; being a northwestern city, there is no reason why she should not be- come a key city and an industrial whole- sale and distributing point of vast volume. With her many railroads, Bemidji offers unparalleled transportation facilities. Jjo- cated on the Great Northern and Northern Pacific railroads, both transcontinental systems, besides on six other railroad in- lets, mention of which is made elsewhere, there can be no justifiable reason why the capitalist should not establish his pro- posed industrial plant here. Land is cheap, labor conditions are peaceable, the city has a growina future before it, and manufactur- ing undertakings would undoubtedly yield a commensurate dividend. Especially will this fact occur to the makers of boxes and crates, sash doors and blinds, staves and headings, turpentine, boats, pickles, sugar and starch. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN IMINNESOTA. With plenty of lumber and available wood material for the manufacture of smaller articles of every day use, the field Be- midji offers tor the special industries here- in enumerated must appeal to all interested. SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES. Of both schools and churches Bemidji has a wealth. There are nine religious denominations here, and the school enroll- ment amounts to 1,100, an attendance phenominal in volume, considering that the children of this commonwealth are not forced to be breadwinners at an early age a fact which also reflects the pros- perity of our population. As a city's thriftiness is judged by the soundness and resources of its banks, in proportion it is judged by the number of its educational buildings, and church edi- fices, its school enrollment and the btrength of its church congregations. At present Bemidji is wrestling with a 135,000.00 proposition for erecting a new High School building, in which event the present building will be used as a graded school. The people of Bemidji are extremely gealous as to their educational and re- ligious institutions, generous to a fault in their support of them and patriotic in their protection of them. THE CITY IN DETAIL. Bemidji is a city built after the most substantial fashion. There is no other city of her size which can exhibit greater num- ber of substantial buildings or a fewer number of shacks. Substantiability is the watchword in all that she does, and her people are of one accord in maintaining the enviable reputation which the city has earned as to spontaneity of putting up suitable and modern buildings and such as contribute to the advertisement of the city. The clogged and muddy streets, so char- acteristic of many growing towns, are con- spicious by their absence. While no streets have as yet been paved, it will be but a short time before the city council will is- sue bonds to secure this much desired im- provement. As to sidewalks, Bemidji ranks among the /irst cities in the Northwest. She is girded with cement and flagging from one end to the other, and no dangerous pitfalls lurk in the way of the stranger who arrives after dark, neither in the pathway of any one else. The city council has been com- mendably industrious in its enforcement of sidewalk ordinances, and the people who use 'them most — the wage-earners — are thus protected against treacherous planks, dangerous protruding nails and spikes, and rotten or worn out lumber. As to newspapers, Bemidji has four, chief of which is The Pioneer, the only "daily and weekly" paper published in this section of the state. Bemidji has also been designated as the city for holding the county fair, and in manifold other ways has proven her claim to priority over all other cities in Northwestern Mirmesota. Bemidji also possesses adequate tele phone facilities, is the County seat, and consequently serves as the mentor of the County's official affairs. As Bemidji is a diligent and coming city, it will readily be seen that she has no idleness or poverty to contend with, and that her people must of necessity be prosperous. The public improvements daily being made absorb the number of laborers who might, perhaps, otherwise be without an occupation, while the fertile fields and numerous industries which abound in and about the city are in a most flourishing condition. * PATRIOTIC BUSINESS MEN. This is where Bemidji Is strong. Her business men are patriotic, energetic and liberal. They go deep into their pockets whenever any needed public improvement becomes apparent, and they work in accord, one with the other at all times, a circum- stance which goes a long way toward ex- ploring the city's prosperity and the bright future which is in store for her. ST. ANTHONY'S HOSPITAL. Even though the city of Bemidji is young in years, she is old in benevolence and charitable work. This truth is typified by the existence of St. Anthony's Hospital, con- ducted under the direction of the Bene- dictine Sisters' Benevolent Association. The hospital was erected iu the year 1S99, with the advent of the first construction train. Of course it was then operated on a small scale, but since that time its success has attracted such attention and good will that it is now distinguished by a three-story building. It provides sixty beds, fine gen- Last Resting Place ot Chief Bemidji. Monument to Cliief Bemidji, standing in Greenwood Cemetery, Remidji's "City of ttie Dead"; Erected by tlie Citizens of Bemidji. eral wards, ten private wards. Its own laundry plant, the which contains modern machinery operated by electricity, and spacious quarters for the Sisters in charge. The building is steam heated, it is cap- able of comfortably accomodating seventy patients, it is thoroughly lighted by in- candescent lights, and is constructed along the lines of the most scientific and sanitary deductions and regulations. St. Anthony's Hospital is another institution which conveys the generosity and patriotism ot Remidji's people, and is one which is of extreme credit to the city. SECRET AND SOCIAL ORDERS. Visitors and prospective homeseekers need not fear the lack of secret, civic and social orders. Every well known secret society has secured a meeting place here; civic bodies, such as business clubs, literary bodies, social bodies and musical com- jianies are found in plenty, and good fel- lowship and a fraternal spirit pervade , the place. All in all, Bemidji is a model city, a prospereous city, and a city with a bril- liant past record, as well as a brilliant future. St. Anthony's Hospital, The citizen who "knocks " his home town should be ostracised. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. Phenomenal Changes on Same Site in Bemidji. CARSON TRADING POST, 1891. THE MILES BLOCK, 1909. (Owned by C. M. Bacon.) BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. GLIMPSE OF THE CITY PARK. BRIEF HISTORY OF BEMIDJI. There comes a time in the history o£ every young city when an enthusiastic and spontaneous forward movement on the part of its citizens becomes necessary in order that the attractions and advantages, indus- trial and commercial alike, lying dormant for want of proper publicity, may become known abroad. This condition of affairs having come to pass in Bemidji, this Souvenir Edition of The Pioneer was inspired in the hope that it may in fullest measure, accomplish all that the enterprising and astute citizens of the beautiful city of the lakes could de- sire, in making known to the outside world the real conditions, economical, industrial and educational, as they exist in Bemidji today, to the end that new capital, new in- dustries and new homeseekers may be at- tracted to our city to aid us in developing our limitless resources and thus add to our progress and prosperity as well as their own. The prediction that this city is certain to become within a few years, one of the most important commercial and industrial centers in the state is not based on mis- directed zeal and unthinking enthusiasm, but rather on the solid groundwork of manifest promise. The city has now outgrown its element- . ary stage and advanced to a position of prominence that places it in the category of the leading and most progressive cities of the state. CITY WELL GOVERNED. Bemidji is well governed, and adequate- ly protected in the maintenance and equipment of both the police and fire de- partments, which for general efficiency are unsurpassed by cities of much greater size and population. The opportunities and advantages offered here to investors or manufacturers as well as a number of jobbing lines, should not be passed over lightly. No section of the Northwest today presents greater induce- ments than Bemidji to anyone seeking a lo- cation for either hard or soft wood manu- facturing plants. The raw material is here in limitless quantities, and so will continue for many years to come. The recently organized Business Men's Association had for its prime object in so organizing the promoting and encourage- ment of new industries to locate in this city. Every leading business and profes- sional man in the city who has the city's welfare at heart, is a member of this or- ganization, and the secretary is ready to furnish full information to any one prop- erly interested, as to the inducements which are offered, available sites for fac- tories, and any other necessary details. A BEAUTIFUL SITUATION. The city is charmingly situated on the shores of two beautiful and picturesque bodies of water, the larger, Lake Bemidji, being something over six miles long and from two to three miles wide; it borders the eastern edge of the city extending north and south. On its beautifully wood- ed banks, which rise abruptly some fifty feet from the water's edge, is the lake shore boulevard, forming a most delight- ful drive in summer, and one which is cool- ing and exhilirating. Adjacent to the boulevard are situated some of the most elegant and substantial homes in the city, and the immediate vicinity is regarded as the most desirable residential section of Bemidji, reproductions of which are to be herein observed, although other sections as well, possess numerous fine dwellings. Lake Irvine skirts the southern boundary of the city and is about one mile in di- ameter, presenting an almost complete circle. The social, religious, educational and charitable features of this city, notice of which is to be found in another column, are epitomized in necessarily brief form, and it may be added in passing, that an atmosphere of wholesome religious senti- ment pervades the dominant element in this community, as indicated by the Be- midji Bible Conference, which annually holds its sessions here! The school curri- culum and advantages, grade for grade, will compare most creditably with any in the state, as proved by the recent election, allotting $35,000.00 for the construction of a new high school building. AN IDEAL SUMMER RESORT. As a summer and health resort, Be- midji stands pre-eminent. The summer sojourner will find ready at hand an al- most infinite variety of inexpensive ways and means with which to while away the hours of the long summer day, and the de- votee of rod and reel and the chase could scarcely choose a more inviting point than that offered by Bemidji. The expert angler has a number of lakes and streams in which to indulge his fav- orite sport, each abounding with a variety of the gamy members of the finny tribe. In the hunting season the habitat of a con- siderable range of wild game, large and small, from the moose and deer to the fox and smaller fur-bearing animals, may be invaded by trips to the neighboring for- ests, and the feathered game, common to this latitude, are always plentiful in sea- son. Every hamlet, village or town through- out the country has possessed or presented some one or more attractive features to the first white visitor to the locality. INCORPORATED AS A VILLAGE. Bemidji was incorporated as a village May 20, 1S96. The first meeting of the village council, of record, was held Aug 24, 1S96, at which date Fred N. Malzahn was president of the village council; Ed- ward Kaiser, recorder, and George Mc- Taggart, G. E. Carson and Guy Remore, trustees. The motive that prompted the first white man to settle in Bemidji was, that it was a BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. good point at which to establish a trading post to barter with the Indians, who were at that time living on the south shore of what is now known as Lake Bemidji, and so it came to pass that in May, 1890, M. B. Carson blazed his way and cut a wagon road through the primeval forests to the present site of Bemidji, from his trading post called Moose, twenty miles to the west, and from that point hauled in a wagon load of supplies wilh which he started in trade, in the meantime having built himself a rude log house of small dimensions, in the immediate vicinity of where his prospective customers were dwelling in their teepes and wickiups on the lake shore. This building was located close to where the Mississippi river joins together Lakes Irvine and Bemidji; and has long since ceased to be a landmark. FIRST SETTLERS. In the spring of 1S93 the first settlers began to put in appearance; at that time Freeman Doud came here and settled at the north end of Lake Bemidji. He was closely followed by Thomas Joy, John Spaulding, Porter and Willis Nye, father and son, who came from near Fergus Falls. The Indians were peaceable and well disposed toward the whites; Chief Bemidji was at the head of a tribe of about fifty Chippewas, most of whom dwelt on the south shore of Lake Be- midji or between that and Little Bemidji Lake, (as Irvine was then called) and up to their final removal , to the Cass Lake reservation, always retained friendly rela- tions with the early settlers. To this fact, no little credit is due the old chief, who at all times was found to be reliable and in every way trustworthy. The present city of Bemidji is named in honor of the old chief, who died April 19th, 1904, at the advanced age of eighty-five years. He made his home with his son and kinsfolk on the Cass Lake reservation, and was among the most beloved Indian chiefs who ever lived, being respected, as he was, by his tribe and the white man alike. EARLY SETTLEMENT OF BEMIDJI. In 1896 Bemidji became the Mecca for many settlers from all sections of the south and west, and the tide of immigra- tion has ever since surged this way, re- sulting in one season in locating on the present site of the city a sufficient popu- lation to justify the organization of a vil- lage government, and later on incorporat- ing as a city. Ever since its organization as a village Bemidji has forged to the front, until now it is one of the most crowded marts of trade in the Northwest, boosting as she does all the modern improvements listed in other columns. So much historical lore is associated with Bemidji that it would require volumes to properly depict it in all its elements of bravery, vigor, spontaneity. romance, richness and beauty. We, therefore, mere- ly gloss over the chief historical features relative to Bemidji, only adding in con- clusion that within the span of. say twelve years, the city has graduated from a ham- let to a first-class city and one which has now such unprecedented recognition for progressiveness and energy, that within comparatively few years it has won the nom de plume of "The Hub City of the Northwest," a brief and appropriate phras, and one which thoroughly reflects the value of Bemidji's location, possibilities and possessions. BEMIDJI COMMERCIAL CLUB. In consonance with all cities which are up-to-date and doing, Bemidji boasts of a Commercial Club, which has become noted for the activity it exercises in matters of moment to the city. Nearly every business man in Bemidji is a member thereof, and by their consolidated efforts and unity of action they have caused the city to attain to its present position of prominence among the cities of the Great Northwest. There are no clans or cabals to be found in Bemidji's Commercial Club. Each mem- ber has appointed himself a committee of one to advance the city's interests in every legitimate way, and no stone is left un- turned and no expense spared to achieve every laudable purpose which tends to- wards the city's betterment. These rea- sons portray the success of Bemidji. Within a few years this commonwealth has developed fropi a hamlet to a city of the first class, hustling, progressive, snappy and alive to all modern conven- iences and methods. Btmidji, young though she is, has al- ready been honored with a number of im- portant conventions of varied kinds. She nas induced the most important railroad systems to pass through her limits, and I he best attractions for amusement recog- nize the city as one well worthy of play- ing to. It was partially through the efforts of the Commercial Club that Bemidji has be- come the recognized pleasure resort she is. liealizing her many other advantages, they did not overlook this feature for bringing money into the city, and how well their judgment was founded is apparent by the reputation Bemidji is gradually earning as an ideal summer resort. The Commercial Club ot Bemidji fully pppreciates the benefit of bringing in ex- cursions, of furnishing suitable and suffi- cient amusement for its residents, of bid- ding for industries, of striving for state and federal buildings, of encouraging emi- gration, of keeping pace with the times in all things, and above all, of advertising the ponderous resources which lie at the city's door. ■The officers of the Bemidji Commercial Club are: President, F. S. Lycan; vice president, E. A. Schneider; secretary, Clyde J. Pryor; treasurer, G. E. Carson. The directors are: P. S. Lycan, E. A. Schneider, G. E. Carson, W. N. Bowser, W. L. Brooks, A. P. White. J. J. Opsahl, W. E. Neal and William McCuaig. All these gentlemen rank among the first men of the city, and it is a safe pre- diction that under their able management the interests of the city will be conserved in a fitting and beneficial manner. Bemidji may well boast of her Commer- cial Club, as it not only stamps the city as one of enterprise, but one owning a galaxy of men who have no peers as men of sterling worth and commercial wisdom. DRIVEWAY ON LAKE SHORE. BEMIDJI, BELTRAJII COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. RUNNING LAUNCHES ON LAkE BEMIDJI. BEMIDJI AS A PLEASURE RESORT Yes, Bemidji is a pleasure resort of widespread fame. It is here the devotees of angling and hunting find surcease from the humdrum annoyances and turmoil of every day life. It is here that the hard finds inspiration for his poetical effusions, and where the student and lover of nature finds his cup of curiosity and research filled to surfeit. Bemidji, as the photos herein contained indicate, is a veritable Garden of Eden so far as natural scenery goes. The hand of Dame Nature, as it were, evidently intend- ed this section of the state to be a land of transcendant beauty, inasmuch as Beltrami County has had magnificence in verdure and rambimg beauty thrust upon it, and occupies the very center of the scenic glories which abound in this vicinity. It is not surprising that the Red men made this soul-stirring portion of Minne- sota their rendezvous, for here they found fish, game and fuel in plenty, cool summers and crisp, healthy winters. Neither the heat of midsummer's blazing sun ever be- came oppressive, nor did the hoar frosts of Yule Tide or the New Year chill the mar- row to such an extent that was uncom- fortable. Thus it was that the red child of the woods adored this territory, and for that he is to be appreciated for his taste and foresight. It was here that he brought down the deer, the monarch of the forest; the ferocious bear, the caribou, and small game, valuable for its pelt; it was here where he supplied himself with superb fish, Indian corn and fruits, and it was here where he hopelessly yet valiantly resisted the selfish encroachments of the white man. To continue, it was here where the low sighing of the trees, the gentle mur- muring of the leaves and the ripple of the Father of Waters lulled him an his into a deep, restful sleep from springtime to the autumn season, and it was here' where he entered his tepee, rolled himself in his warm blanket, and dreamed the dreams of the just. It was here where he stalked forth in the springtime and received the affectionate greetings and odoriferous rerfume of the pansy, the violet and the morning glory, each clothed in their God- given raiment of purity and incense, and each responsive to the wild nature which they greeted. It was here that he wan- dered beneath the sheltering boughs of the giant trees as he repeated in warm, ardent and soulful terms the old, old story to the dark-eyed maiden of his choice. The Indian divided his possession& with hjs brother, because he knew no lack, so productive was the soil and so benign the climate. Being Nature's child, he reveled and dreamed over Nature's sublimity and beneficence. It was here he lived like a child, meting out justice to his brethern, but brooking no interference with his right to pursue the chase. It was here that Mother Earth supplied him with everything from meal and meat, to the log which blazed in his tepee, and it was here that he hunted in order to support his be- loved squaw and his offspring. No wonder then, that Bemidji has at last been recognized as an ideal and all- satisfying pleasure resort. With the wealth of stately trees which by their beck seem to bid the .stranger welcome; with Bemidji lake lying before her like a silver sheen; with a balmy, exhilarating climate during the summer, and moderate and steady weather during the winter, what more could be desired? Surrounded by crystal lakes, in which abound myriads of the finny tribe; skirted by woods ♦o the northward, wherein roam the doc and her mate; blessed with chemi- cally pure drinking water and scores of romantic and rustic nooks, walks and driveways; wealthy in legend and Indian lore, sad yet impelling; situated on the bank.s of the Father of Waters, the river the Indians loved so well, and command- ing r, view which for heartfelt gratification is unsurpassed, Bemidji is destined in the near future to become one of the most widely-known and highly accounted pleas- ure resorts west of Lake Michigan. In and about Bemidji lie Big and Lit- tle Bass Lakes, their names being taken from the plump and gamy fish of that name which fairly swarm in their depths. Just a short distance from the city will be found Irving Lake, a favorite place for both residence and sportsmanship, and a watering place claiming a number of ele- gant summer homes. Then there Is Lake Marquette, some few miles away, one of the most inviting spots that camping par- ties or newly married couples could desire. All these lakes afford excellent fishing and hunting, and while we refrain from relat- ing fish stories, we can positively assert that the government makes a practice of replenishing these lakes with speckeled trout and black bass, and is now arranging to supply this portion of Minnesota with Chinese pheasants, a bird admired for its appearance as well as for its toothsome qualities. LAKE BEMIDJI PROPER. However, Lake Bemidji proper excells all the others for pleasure purposes, beauty and expanse. The Mississippi River courses directly through it, although the lake itself occupies a deep natural basin. It is about one and one-half miles across, and presents a picture which any artist could afford to paint. It offers sport and pleasure of every character, and especially does this apply to the bathing places which line its shores. It is skirted by a hand- some boulevard, which is lined with pa- latial residences and which constitutes a drive which once seen, will never be for- gotten. To demonstrate the popularity of Be- midji as a watering place and pleasure re- sort generally, we need but asseverate that during the heated term there are, on an average, about 500 people who daily sojourn here, if only for a few days or a week. Again, Bemidji is the popular rest- ing place and "stop-over" for the hundreds who annually journey from Lake Itasca to St. Paul by canoe on the Mississippi river, a trip weil worth making. As known to all. Lake Itasca represents the source of the majestic Mississippi, and leaving out the historical value of the trip just cited, the sceuery along the route is simply be- yond human power to depict. Lovers of Nature's tenderness and inex- orable rules; the mighty hunter and the enthusiastic angler; those who dote on a season's outing; those who seek health; those who desire to spend some little idle time in profit and enjoyment, can do no better than pay a short visit to Bemidji, the pleasure resort of the Great Northwest. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. A HUNTING AND FISHING CAMP NORTH OF BEMIDJI. THEY LIKE BEMIDJI. VIEWS OF A BANKER. To illustrate the attention that Be- raidji is impelling throughout the coun- try the following letter, published ver batim, is somewhat impressive. This let- ter mas indited by the vice-president of The First National Bank of Petersburg, Indiana, the recipient thereof being our esteemed mayor, J. P. Pogue. The letter was mailed fix)m Petersburg, Ind., as the date shows. If this letter does not tend to show the universal interest being manifested in the possibilities of Bemidji, and the esti- mation of our citizenship, we miss our guess. Here it is: "Petersburg, Indiana, Jan. 1, 1909. "Hon. J. P. Pogue, Bemidji, Minn. "Dear Sir. — After having spent some time in your city a few days since, I ar- rived at home safely, and I write now to thank you for your corteous treatment while in Bemidji. While my pleasant recollections wander back to .Minnesota, and more especially your surroundings, and the beautiful little city ot Bemidji, I am most favorably impressed with the <)|)inio nthat Bemidji is destined to be one ot the metrojjolises of the Northwest, as all your citizens seem to have joined hands with but one object in view, viz: to build a city without a doubt. It was an interesting sight to see the opening up of your streets and boulevards, the build- ing operations in progress and the radi- cal changes that are being made in the appearance of things. "The great number of people coming to your city all the while, swelling its population and adding to its wealth at such a rapid rate was a source of won- der and admiration to me. ■ Yur large lumber mills, shingle mills and hard wood handle factories together with your various other manufacturing industries, as well as being located in your city, is in the very heart of a rich producing agricultural section, which to my surprise, I find is the home of all kinds of mead- ows such as clover, timothy hay and all kinds of sweet grasses; and small grains such as wheat, barley, rye, oats and speltz which grow to perfection and yield abun- dant crops, such as potatoes by the hun- dreds of bushels per acre, all of those things were a most pleasant surprise to me, but ray greatest surprise was to find your land so cheap. I was shown hun- dreds of acres of perfect lying land — rich producing black sandy loam soil, that I was told could be bought at from $S to $1.1 per acre only a short distance from your city, which is so fortunately blessed with a good market for all products pro- duced for many miles around. "With your four railroads and a bright prospect to secure the fifth, with your pine and hard wood forests, with your location amid the beautiful lakes, and your city located along the lake shore, all of which goes to make up a marvelous scenery of wonderful beauty. With prop- er energy and push it is easy to forecast the future of your little city. "Thanking you again for past favors, I am , "Yours very truly, "H. R. SNYDER, "Vice President, "First National Bank." ONE FROM MINNEAPOLIS. This letter is also clincher, and goes to show that persons from this state, as well as from other portions of the coun- try, appreciate the unusual resources of Bemidji and Beltrami County: "Minneapolis, Minn., Dec. 25, 1908. "My Dear Pogue: — I write to thank you for the courtesies shown me and my friends during our recent visit to your beautiful little city. "Your people are justly proud of their city — I know of no place that can show a more rapid and substantial growth. Your public buildings, business blocks and private residences are splendid and would do credit to a much older and larger city. "The growth and prosperity of Be- midji read like a fairy story — in less than a dozen years a forest has been converted into a magnificent city of 8,000 prosperous, happy people, but when we stop to look for the reason, it is not hard to find. You are surrounded by great forests of pine, and hard wood, which is being manufactured into building material, poles, posts and cordwood, and shipped all over the country, thereby giv- ing employment to thousands of people. "Then, too, your soil is very rich and will produce in abundance all kinds of crops and where the forests give way, farms are appearing and in the near fu- ture Bemidji will be surrounded by one of the most prosperous agricultural sec- tions in the state. "Then you have good railroad facilities, and you are a distributing point for a large section, so taking every thing into consideration there is no reason why you should not have made a great growth, nor any reason why you should not continue to grow. "Yours very truly, "MART FLEENER." BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. PRODUCTS OF CUT-OVER LANDS OF BELTRAMI COUNTY. Exhibited at County Fair, Held at Bemidji, 1908. GREAT LAND VALUES IN BELTRAMI COUNTY The following article, which appeared in the columns o£ this paper under date of December 10th, 190S, is by a state official and hance authentic: George Welch, director of the state im- migration bureau, has prepared an address for the Academy of Social Science of the Minnesota university, which says great things for the natural resourses and future of northern Minnesota. Mr. Welch tells of the opportunities awaiting acceptance at a merely nominal price, in a most convincing way. "No greater field tor agricultural de- velopment is to be found," says Mr. Welch, "than is offered by this state. Minnesota has, approximately, 50,000,000 acres of land, 90 per cent of which is capable of agricultural production. Of this, not to ex- ceed 18,000,000 acres has ever been plowed." Relative to north-central Minnesota, he says: "The northern section of our state is but little known to the people of Minnesota, and not at all to the inhabitants of other states. This region was originally covered with a dense forest, the popular opinion being that it was all pine, but I am In- formed by our state engineer that not to exceed 10 per cent of northern Minnesota ever had pine on it. "I mention this because it is a popular im- pression that pine grows only upon sandy soil— which is erroneous in the extreme. Pine timber may be found on soil so sandy that it is valuless except for reforestation, and it may be found on the heaviest of clay soil. Tests have been made in this dis- trict in the production of all kinds of pro- ducts, and it is today the universal opinion of those who know that there is no section in America that equals this nothem part of Minnesota for production of root crops and tame grasses. "Nor do I wish to be understood that this section has failed to produce cereal crops, for such is not true; but the place to pro- duce any given commodity is where it can be produced the best and the cheapest, and for that reason I state that this region of Minnesota is particularly adapted for dairy products and root crops. I contend that a given tract of land in northern Min- nesota will pasture nearly double the amount of cattle or any other live stock that will !be the same area in the more highly developed sections of the Mississippi val- ley. "We have upwards of 6,000,000 acres of ;iand in this region known as 'swamp lands,' all of which can be easily drained; and as a large part of them are now de- nuded of timber, when drained, can be im- mediately turned into farms. This state is doing magnificent work in this direc- tion, which is aiding in a large measure the settlement of this district of Minne- sota. The cheapness of the land, the pro- ductiveness of its soil, the timber thereon which can be used for fuel and building material by the incoming settlers, makes this a most desirable location for a man of limited means to build a profitable farm home. "No better opinion can be formed of the capabilities of Minnesota to produce agri- culturally than by a short review of what she has accomplished. In 185S the entire farm products of the state amounted to less than $7,000,000, while in 1907 the com- bined products of the farms amounted to $265,000,000. nothwithstanding the small per cent of land under cultivation. "From the foregoing it will readily be seen that there are two propositions con- fronting the Minnesota people to bring her agricultural products to where they should be; first, more people to till the soil; sec- ond, a more scientific method in tillage by specializing products." In giving brief examples of wonderful showings made in northeastern Minnesota, Mr. Welch says: "G. G. Hartley of Duluth opened up a farm in the swamps of western St. Louis county, and after draining land which was not valued to exceed $4 per acre, the fol- lowing year produced on a tract of 10 acres, $10,000 worth of celery." A FITTING CORROBORATION. We request the indulgence of your time to the extent of "wading through this ar- ticle," so to speak, in order that you may get an inkling of the fabulous worth of the lands which form a part and parcel of Bel- trami county. As a prelude, let us state that The Pioneer for many years has been the of- ficial paper of Beltrami county and the leading newspaper of this north country, as well as the recognized mouthpiece of Bemidji and Beltrami county. This being true. It is an accepted fact that whatever state- ment we make, broad as it may seem, is authentic and authoritative, and may, therefore, be relied upon as being well founded and truthful. To commence with we ask the question: What is the value of farm land which contains a rich black loam from fourteen inches to three feet in depth, and a vig- BEmDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. oious clay subsoil which penetrates, in some places, to the astonishing depth of eighteen feet? And pray, where will you find, outside of Minnesota, land to compare with Bel- trami county land, either for productive possibilities or remunerative results? We answer, nowhere. ■As the question magnifies before us. as indeed It must before all who give the problem their earnest thought, the farm lands of this county are likened unto the everglades of Florida or the dense forests of the extreme northwest — which are in- calculably rich in rare woods and timber, but which, up to a few years ago. compara- tively speaking, were never given the con- sideration their value demanded. Beltrami county farm land has never been estimated at its true worth. Even the farmers who have earned a competence in this county have but recently awakened to the inordinate value of the lands with- in their domain. Every farmer in the coun- ty is and always has been prosperous, whether he be a renter or owner, and this fact perhaps explains why the average Beltrami county farmer has never exerted himself to ascertain or speculate upon the true worth of his holdings. Coming here, as most of our farmers did. with but a small or nominal sum of money, they were blessed with bounteous crops, and they never weighed the question whether their prosperity was derived from their methods of farming or whether the beneficient hand of Dame i\ature had been instrumental in enriching them. This being conceded, the average farmer in Beltrami county re- mained in the same old groove until the agricultural richness of even his own piece of land forced itself upon him. and today there is not a farmer in the country who can lay claim to a more fertile and prolific piece of land than is to be found in Bel- trami county. Thus it is that we come be- fore the farming world and request that they investigate Beltrami county before deciding to take up land elsewhere. THE SOIL. Is a rich and exceedingly fertile dark loam. The subsoil is clay, retaining moisture, the whole formation comprising a soil which withstands drouth or excessive wet in a remarkable degree, and produces abundant crops of Wheat. Flax. Oats. Rye. and all Crops of Grain and Vegetables of all kinds. Corn is raised to quite an extent and the same matures in ample season. NATURAL ADVANTAGES. This is convenient to consuming markets. Duluth and Superior, with 150.000 popula- tion are 180 miles to the east: St. Paul and Minneapolis with .500.000 population are 230 miles to the south and the broad farm prairies ot Minnesota and Dakota lie at our door to the west. The markets of the northwest are the very best, as they are reached by numerous railroads with lines running direct. TO RENTERS. Why do you rent? You can have a farm of your own in a few years. Why give the best years of your life to working for some- one else? Why pay yearly for living on someone's farm as much as will buy a farm? Do you want to work during your whole life and give the lion's share of your harvest to others? Are you not tired of moving from farm to farm until you have plowed, planted, and cultivated the whole vicinity and yet not own enough of this earth to be buried In when you die? Or do you want a farm, a spot to raise your cattle and pigs on. and harvests which will be your own? You can have it at low prices and on easy terms. You can be independent in a tew years. TO YOUNG MEN. Are you married or single? Well, It doesn't make a particle of dif- ference. Beltrami county offers you the most in- ductive chances you will ever bump against. Here we have water, and timber — a world of both — skirted by railroads representing both branch and transcontinental lines, ex- haustive notice of which will be found in the city article of this edition. The Great Northwest has for years been the Mecca for young home-seekers, owing to its unlimited resources in the way of farm- ing, cattle raising, water power, timber and mineral wealth. Today development is still in its incipiency, and there are mil- lions of promising openings for the young people who will vie with the elder who have already earned a competence in this beneficent sphere. The Pioneer does not attempt, in this article, to elaborate upon the multitudinous openings offered to the newcomers to Beltrami county, but it does most em- lihatically declare that the young man or couple who decide to make their home here, will not be disappointed, nor fall short of their most ardent realizations. Here we have a healthful and invigorating climate, work for ail, an annual golden harvest, an abundance of timber which means cheap fuel and comfort when the Hoar Frost is thick upon the window pane: where scenery and good fishing and hunt- ing are to be had to surfeit : where the people are congenial and law-abiding, sub- stantial, generous and progressive; where every known agricultural product will be- come vigorous and give a commensurate yield, and, in short, as we have hereto- fore asserted, a land that will well war- rant investigation. Today is the accepted hour for decision for the young man. Procrastination is the thief of time, and is relentless in its doings and everdoings. The young man who fails to avail himself of a glowing future has only himself to blame. We are not going to have two crops of land. Get a home before it is exhaused. Settle in Beltrami county. Before you conclude to settle, come and look over the field. It won't cost much and may prove a windfall to you. Our lands in Beltrami county, Minnesota, lie from one to seven miles from new, thriving towns. A large number of people in your own and neighboring counties were out last year and secured tracts of these valuable and productive lands. If you want a tract of land where Wheat No. 1 hard can be raised year after year, without exhausting the boundless fertility of the soil, or where two or three crops of flax or wheat will pay for your land, this is the place and now is the time. DIVERSIFIED FARMING. The farmers of Beltrami county who have always devoted their fields to cereals are rapidly awakening to the importance and profit of diversified farmers. Hundreds of Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana farmers are coming into this sec- tion and "MAKING GOOD." It is well known that diversified farming insures the tiller of the soil at least good return, every year, to predict that this system of farm- ing, coming gradually Into vogue as it has, will prove the general within a compara- tively short time. Land can be purchased in this county from $5.00 to $25.00 per acre, according to improvements and location as to mar- kets To tlie man who has devoted his life to either farming or the raising of live stock, the import of these figures are plain. They prove beyond doubt that the soil of Bel- trami county will produce anything which will flourish in a temperate zone, and that the yield which rewards the husband- man is enriching and unfailing. FARM HOME OF DR. BLAKESLEE, On Cut-Over Land, One Mile West o( Bemidji. BEMIDJI, BELTRAJII COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. TO INVESTORS. With 0111- recent rate of increase of im- E-igration, about 2,000,000 a year, just tliink o£ it! Encugh people every twelve months to furnish a family of six persons for every quarter sect. on of land in the entire state of Iowa, and with 600,000 people to spare to fill up its towns and cities. Thus, with our public lands practically exhausted, the question in the near future will not be where to get people to work our land, but where to get land enough to give employment to our people. The wise man, therefore, at the present time, is he who puts every spare dollar into farming land before the advance in price sets in. You want a sure place to put your money; a safe investment; railroad and big corporations are mana^^ed by and for the large stockholders. They manipulate sometimes to the ruin of several holders. An investment in a farm is safe. Farm lands are more than ever in de- mand and the demand will always he in- creasing and the value enhancing and be a safe, sure, profitable investment. Farm lands return big interest. LIVE-STOCK. The rich, natural and tame grasses and abundance of pure water are especially and favorably adapted to the development of live stock interests and dairying. With the increasing demand for good stock, it is indisputable that Minnesota offers great- er inducements than other localities. Thomas Shaw, professor of animal hus- bandry at the University of Minnesota, de- clares that, "to say we cannot grow beef as well as the people of the corn belt, is a libel under the producing powers of our state." Minnesota is rapidly winning its way to the front as a beef-producing sec- tion and it is an acknowledged fact that finer beef is not grown than that raised in the North Star State. The raising of sheep and hogs is a success, the time and money devoted to these branches of hus- bandry have proved very profitable. Sheep are free from hoof-rot and other kindred diseases, so fatal in damper sec- tions of the country. Hogs can be raised and fattened here as easily as in the older states, without loss by cholera. AGRICULTURE IN GENERAL. It is conceded that Beltrami county, like all Minnesota, raises the best No. 1 hard wheat in the world, and that in plenty. We pass over the subject of small grains be- cause Minnesota stands before the world as the grower of the best cereals obtain- able, and a state which has never yet failed to produce big crops. In vegetables and garden truck generally Minnesota has invariably compensated the gardener and farmer, and this fact is also common prop- erty to the world in general. DAIRYING. Remembering the above reference to an abundance of natural and tame grasses and a plentifulness of pure water, it may readily be imagined that Beltrami County is matchless in its endowment as a dairy- ing field. The State experimental dairying station at Grand Rapids, this state, has done much to stimulate and foster dairy- ing interests throughout this portion of Minnesota, and that it has proved a remun- erative undertaking is attested by the com- pensation which has rewarded those who have been wise enough to include dairying in and with their live stock interests. Beltrami County is destined beyond cavil to be a pre-eminent field for dairying purposes, and rieht now th€ farmers here- abouts are yearly increasing the number of cows much over and above the number tliey previously pastured. NO FERTILIZERS HERE. Fertilizer is an unknown quantity in Bel- trami County. Instead of having occasion to superficially, enrich their lands, the soil hereabouts is pregnanted with a vigor and progenitiveness that is beyond belief or comprehension. The land of Beltrami County is practically virgin soil, the major portion of it unfilled, and the man who is well informed knows what depth and scope this condition implies — ^an abundant and sure yield, a high grade product and one much sought for. They who would reap the gilded pro- ceeds so lavishly proffered by Mother Earth should at once repair to Beltrami County. Faith and perseverance, conscien- tious endeavor and industry are the only qualifications demanded to realize a com- petence from the soil of Beltrami County. These averments may appear rather strong, but since the proof of the pudding is in the eating thereof, we have no qualms, but that all who investigate will be satisfied that we do not exaggerate. THE CLIMATE. For healthfulness, the climate of north- western Minnesota is too well known to require comment. The air is clear and dry in the winter, and the mud and rain and chilly, penetrating atmosphere, so dis- agreeable in moist and warmer climates, are unknown here. No malaria, no ague, but all enjoy that greatest blessing pos- sible to mankind — clear heads and healthy bodies. Among domestic animals disease is practically unknown, unless imported from the East and South. In proof of this, we refer our readers to the descriptive article on Bemidji. setting forth her possessions as a pleasure resort, and to the reproductions appearing herein of the various and beautiful scenes which abound in this vicinity. We call attention, for the third time in this edition of The Pioneer, to the abund- ance and nutriment of the tame and wild grasses which thrive in this portion of Minnesota, in order that we may convince the prospective dairyman and stockraiser of the possibilities open to him as to these two industries. The following official excerpts denote the availability of this portion of the state as a dairving and stockraising center, and ap- pended will be found official reports from the state immigration office. They offer food for reflection to the prospective home-seeker: From' A. J. McGuire, superintendent of the North East Experimental farm at Grand Rapids, and who is a recognized authority on dairying, we have the follow- ing: THE CALL OF NORTHERN MINNE- SOTA. There is a call for farmers in Northern Minnesota. The increased demand for farm products, due to the development of the mining industry, and the assurance of profitable returns from the soil are reasons whv this section of Minnesota should be settled. The fact that of the ten million acres of high land in Northeastern Minne- soto, less than ten per cent is in the hands of actual farmers, gives no logical proof that this land is unfit for agriculture. There were natural causes for its late set- tlement. The forest was a barrier to the emigrant wagon of the farmer, with his family and all his belongings. He was forced to follow the trail of the prairie to locate a permanent home. It was the ad- venturer with his pack sack who took up the land in Northeastern Minnesota, not as a farmer, but for the possession of the tim- ber, and when that was sold he could again pack his sack and drift out of the country with the logs. THE SYSTEM OF FARMING FOR NORTHERN MINNESOTA. During the past four years the Experi- ment Farm has been given largely to working out a system of farming for this section of the state. Dairying is the base of this system of farming. Any one who has made a careful study of the natural conditions of the country and the crops that do best, could come to no other con- clusion than that dairying will be the most profitable system of farming for the aver- age farmer. There are two very good reasons for ad- vocating dairying in a country so favorable to that industry as Northeastern Minnesota. The dairy cow is the most productive of all farm animals, and in dairying less of the soil fertility is removed than in any other branch of agriculture. The demon- stration of this may be seen in the fact that the dairy farmers are the most pros- perous the world over, whether in Minne sota, Vermont or Denmark. In this section of the state where the acres under cultivation must necessarily be few, what crops are grown should be made the best possible iise of, and that is in feeding. Feeding on the farm, and sell- ing a finished product, and butter is the highest finished product of the farm. The creameries that have already started in Northeastern Minnesota and having suffi- cient patronage, paid over 27 cents per poimd for butter fat during the past year. In a certain town of this section of the state located In a community where the farmers have gone into dairying, the bank paid out over 1 80,000 for cream checks: over $7,000 a month during 1907. In this same town five years ago, before the farm- ers had a creamery or made a business of dairying they did not receive a dollar in cash for dairy products. Dairy farming Is the system of farming to which Northeast- ern Minnesota is best adapted, it is the most practical and profitable system for the average farmer. The strongest endorsement for the dairy industry of the county is in the growth of clover. This wonderful plant, so difficult to .grow in some sections of the state, finds a native habitation In Northeastern Min- nesota and yields as high as four tons of cured hay per acre at a single cutting. A twelve acre field on the Experiment Farm that had only its natural fertility, having never been manured, yielded 3% tons of cured hay per acre in a cutting in 190fi, and the following year fl907) 3.65 tons per acre. • Two tons of hay per acre is consid- ered a large yield. Clover, unlike the prairie grasses, grows from early spring until covered with snow in the fall, making a longer pasture sea- son for the dairy cow than in sections much farther south. Wherever dairying has been intelligently conducted in Northern Minnesota, it has proved profitable. The cows kept on the Experimental Farm average over $35.00 a year net profit for butter alone. They are common cows and kept under conditions BEMIDJI, BELTRAJII COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. practical for the average farmer. Many dairy farmers with only the help of their own family are doing equally well. With only ten cows a farmer can make a good living even though he devoted his entire time to the production of their feed and their care. Ten cows producing 250 pounds of butter each per year will pro- duce 2.500 pounds of butter. This at 25c per pound, which is below the average price, will amount to $(i2.'j in a single year. Fifty farmers with ten cows can sue cessfully operate a creamery. The butter would amount to 12.5.000 pounds per year and at 25c per pound would amount to $.31,500. The reason the dairying com- nnmilies so quickly prosper. CARL OPSATA. While still a young man. Mr. Opsata has been keen enough to develop a new field of industry in his section of the state. While well aware of the fortilily of the virgin soil hereabouts, his ingenius mind conceived the practibility of the raising of bees, being guided as he was by the nutritive and abundant verdure and grasses which abound in this locality and by the various plants which contain the saccharine so es- sential to the production of hone>\ Mr. Opsata came to Beltrami county twelve years ago. at which time his parents settled here. Endowed with a fertile mind and ob- servant of nature's productiveness, it was not long before he conceived the idea that the production of honey was not only a possibility hut a remunerative industry. That his conclusions were well based is evi- CARL OPSATA Who Has Made a Success o( Raising Bees. dent from the fact that today he is among the most extensive producers of honey in North Central Minnesota, having last year shipped 5,000 pounds of honey to various markets. Any one familiar with the bee in- dustry can readily perceive the enormity of this amount of honey, as there are few bee raisers throughout the great Northwest who can lay claim to a larger sale in a single year. That Mr. Opsata has made a technical study of this branch of farm lite is indicated by the success he has achieved, both as a breeder of bees and by the enor- mous quantity of honey which he offers to the trade. It is fitting, at this juncture, to commend Mr. Opsata for his foresight, along this line, as by his participation in this business he has developed an entirely new field of activity in this county. Mr. Carl Opsata is a son of the Rev. L, O. Opsata, the well known pastor, who has of- ficiated in numerous churches throughout this district. He is a young man who is rapidly forging to the front in all matters pertaining to the development of this vicin- ity. He is generous and public-spirited, and he is of that calibre of man who is des- tined to make his influence felt at no far distant day, not to mention the fact that he has "opened the eyes of the oldest inhabit- ants to the importance of bee raising in Bel- trami county. The Pioneer is elated to accord this brief mention to Mr. Opsata because he. like this publication, is endeavoring to open new fields of occupation and development in this territory. Mr. Opsata is not only to be commended for his thrift and the success that has attended his eitorts as a raiser of bees, but also because he has opened a new field of occupation. FARM OF CARL OPSATA IN TOWN OF FROHN. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN ]\IINNESOTA. DAIRYING IN NORTHERN MINNESOTA. We call attention, for the third time in this edition of The Pioneer, to the abundance and nutriment of the tame and wild grasses which thrive in this portion of Minnesota, in order that we may convince the pros- pective dairyman and stockraiser of the possibilities open to him as to these two industries. The following official excerpts denote the availability of this portion of the state as a dairying and stockraising center, and ap- pended will be found official reports from the state immigration office. They offer food for reflection to the prospective home- seeker. FVora A. J. McGuire, superintendent of the North-East Experimental farm at Grand Rapids, and who is a recognized authority on dairying, we have the following: "The state legislature of 1895 passed a bill providing for a dairying experiment station for Northeastern Minnesota. Grand Rapids was chosen for the location. A Minneapolis firm in sympathy with the movement later donated 80 acres, making 455 acres in all. "The Experiment Farm was opened dur- ing the spring of 1896 under supervision of Warren W. Pendergast, a graduate of the school and college of agriculture of the University of Minnesota. The state established tiie Experiment Farm in order to determine the dairying possiblities of the country, and to work out a system of farming that would be practical and most profitable under the natural conditions peculiar to Northeastern Minnesota. "The strongest endorsement of the agri- cultural merits of the county is in the growth of clover. This wonderful plant, so difficult to grow in some sections of the state, finds a native habitation in North- central Minnesota, and especially Beltrami county, and yields as high as four tons of cured hay per acre at a single cutting. A twelve acre field on the Experiment Farm that had only its natural fertility, having never been manured, yielded 3% tons of cured hay per acre in a cutting in 1906, and the following year (1907K 3.65 tons per acre. When it is considered that two tons of hay per acre is considered a large yield, the possible prodigality of milk and butter production is indeed won- derful. "The great value of clover is not so much in its production of feed as in its effect upon the soil. Clover leaves the soil richer, having the power to draw an element of fertility (nitrogen) from the air, and leaves it in the soil stored in its abundant roots. "But this is another story. With the ex- ception of corn safely maturing, every crop that is essential to successful dairying and farming has been grown on the Experiment Farm with good results. While com as yet may not be grown successfully for grain, it produces excellent fodder, and for this purpose from ten to fifteen acres is grown on the Experiment Farm every year. It is used for both fodder and ensilage, yield- ing from 5 to 8 tons per acre of cured fod- der, and from 10 to 15 tons per acre of en silage. "All kinds of root crops find the soil and climatic conditions of Northeastern Min- nesota especially favorable to their growth. Potatoes is the great money-making crop for the farmer of few acres under cultiva- tion. Stock roots, such as carrots, mangles, and rutabagas yield from 12 to 20 tons per acre. Roots may be made to take the place of grain to a large extent in feeding live stock in the winter, and their food value in comparison with high priced grain makes them a valuable crop. "There are two very good reasons tor advocating daio'ing in a country so favor- able to that industry as Northeastern Min- nesota. The dairy cow is the most pro- ductive of all farm animals, and in dairying less of the soil fertility is removed than North-central Minnesota, through the per- sistent and able efforts of Mr. McGuire, now in charge of the station, and all of them, having sufficient patronage, paid over 27 cents per pound for butter fat during the past year." To indicate the value of the dairy pro- ducts of this portion of the state. The Pioneer need but say that of all the creameries in Minnesota their product Is '?:'i9)^rr^,- j.,."^ -. -^f^Ci^J.'-- A. J. McGUIRE. Superintendent of Northeast Experiment Farm, who has done much for the Dairying and Farming interests of Northern Minnesota. in any other branch of agriculture. The demonstration of this may be seen in the tact that the dairy farmers are the most prosperous the world over, whether in Min- nesota, Vermont or Denmark. "In this section of the state where the acres under cultivation must necessarily be few, what crops are grown should be made the best possible use of, and that Is in feeding. Feeding on the farm, and sell- ing a finished product, and butter Is the highest finished product of the farm. The creameries that have been established In annually contracted for by the merchants of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and other eastern centers of importance, thus securing the highest market price for every pound of butter that is shipped. In a certain town of this section of the state located in a community where the farmers have gone into dairying, the bank paid out over $80,000.00 for cream checks; over $7,000.00 a month during 1907. In this same town five years ago, before the farmers had a creamery, and made a busi- ness of dairying, they did not receive a dollar BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. in cash for dairy products. Dairy farming is the system of farming to which North- central Minnesota is best adapted, It Is the most practical and profitable system for the average farmer. It is a true fact that the adapt ibility for dairying does not disparage the agricultural richness of the soil hereabouts for farming purposes, as it is well known that Minne- sota is the wheat state of the world, the soil of which will raise anything from tobacco, coffee, peanuts, crops which have bejen exhibited and crops which have at- tracted widespread attention. In conclusion, let it be Itnown that as far as dairying goes the grasses of this state are not like Buffalo grass, which thrives but for a few months in the fall, but are one perennial growth. Without exaggera- tion or with the sinister motive to deceive. The Pioneer can unreservedly aver that the soil of Beltrami county has produced three crops of clover in a single year. The above facts speak their own piece for the dairying interests possible in this country. However, if you are sceptical, write the Immigration Bureau at St. Paul for a corroboration of what we have here- in asserted. BEMIDJI'S CREAMERY. This is one of the most important es- tablishments in this section, and one which goes to forcibly illustrate the pos- sibilities of Beltrami County's dairying interests. When the fact is realized that the Bemidji Creamery daily turns out about 8,000 pounds of butter, a slight inkling of the worth of our grazing lands and cattle raising can be drawn. The Bemidji Creamery Is also a strictly home concern, owned by Melges Brothers, the proprietors of the mammoth fruit and commission house which bears their name, notice of which is given in another col- umn. Too much stress cannot be laid upon the dairying opportunities available in this county, as the people hereabouts are just awakening to this highly to be ap- preciated resource. Beltrami county truly offers hopes for success along these lines The geological conditions are ideal, all conditions are propitious for the raising of cattle which will produce milk of rich- ness and in great quantity, and it is a foregone conclusion that the Bemidji Creamery has not only filled a mtich needed field, but that It will develop Into one of the greatest plants of its kind in the Great Northwest. Its reputation for a pure, sweet and clean butter production is widespread. Its trade yield extends to everv section of the cnuntrv. and It con- stitutes a factor which greatly advertises the city. Farmers in this vicinity should realize the full value of the Bemidji Creamerv. and give to it their most consistent sun- nort, for they will then not onlv benefit themselves financially, but will have done their share toward fostering an in- dustry which means much to this city and county. MR. A. J. McGUIRE. In bringing the name of this gentleman before the thousands of readers who will lieruse this edition of The Pioneer, we do so because he has been one of the most prominent factors In the Northwest In bringing the dairying Interests to the high plane and prominence with which they are now accredited. Mr. McGuIre Is superintendent of the ex- perimental station at Grand Rapids, a posi- tion he has held for five years, and that he is amply qualified for the position, Is indi- cated by the results of his work and the development of agriculture throughout north-central Minnesota during the past few years, and along the lines he has advocated, based upon his work on the experiment farm. He Is a graduate of the school of agriculture and State University and also from the "school of hard knocks." That Mr. McGuire's distinctive choice as head of the experimental station was a stroke of wisdom on the part of the Board of Regents of the State ITniversity can be imagined from the extent of the interest he has aroused in the dairying and cattle industries, and by the enormous sums of capital which his voluntary efforts and tech- nical knowledge have brought into the state. Through his conception of the dairy indus- try and by his Impressive demonstration of the possibilities of agriculture in northern Minnesota, he has attracted homeseekers and cattle men In manifold numbers. We refer the reader to the special article on this subject, desiring as we do, to merely reflect Mr. McGuire as he really appears before the public. Mr. McGuIre is one of those men who Is destined to rank among the first of those who have permanently benefited this state. He is tireless in his efforts to produce scientific results; he has devoted the last iota of energy to the matter of dairying, and The Pioneer can unequivocally assert, before the legislature and individuals alike, that Mr. McGuIre has not only earned posi- tive distinction which has come to him by virtue of merit and learning, but that he is among the most useful men in the state. AS TO LIVE STOCK. Correllative with dairving. here is a salacious morsel for the live-stock breeder: taken from the records and absolutely bona fide. Minnesota has a large variety of soil, but all of a highly productive character, and scientific examinations show that the soil In Minnesota contains more plant food than the average in other states. To be- gin with, prominent cattle breeders are feeding stock In this state — cattle brought from other localities. A fact which proves that stock-raising is a sinecure in this vicinitv. At the World's Fair In Chicago, samples of Minnesota soil, which were ex- hibited there, were awarded the prize for containing more plant food than any other state In the contest. This fact helps some. But further: Dairving and the raising of live-stock have become important industries here, and herds of the very best blooded stock can be found on almost everv farm, with creameries and cheese factories in many villages Statistics from the recent report of the state dairy and food commissioners present some Interesting facts, relative to Minnesota's dairying, and are as follows: nurlne the year 190fi the 82S creameries In Minnesota made over 78,455 pounds of butter and seventv-two cheese factories made over SI .732 000 pounds of cheese. These few figures show that Minnesota Is a dairy as well as a wheat state, and the dairy business Is increasln o z 111 < UJ < Q UJ DC H < UJ o z < Q Z < Q Z BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. LUMBERMEN AND LOGGERS ■'ft 'i-'M^ '^ ■■ -^■'*n^^J'''fA' GETTING OUT "RAW MATERIAL." THE CROOKSTON LUMBER COMPANY. This couceru is among the largest of its kind in the Great Northwest. Maintaining a lumber mill at this point which employes upwards of 600 men, the Crookston Lum- ber company ranks pre-eminent as a home industry whici is entitled to the unalloyed co-operation of all our people. This com- pany annually puts thousands of dollars into the pockets of our working people, thus materially benefiuing the home mer- chant, and so comports itself in a manner which has won general approbation. It has proved itself a public-spirited concern, and the incescant struggle on the part of The Pioneer for the securing of home pat- ronage, of home industries and wide- spread advertisement of Bemidji has been greatly benefited by this notice of the Crookston Lumber company, which. While it requires no publicity, is nevertheless more than willing to be slated among the enthusiastic "boosters" of their home city. The company fully realizes the immersur- able importance of publicity proclaiming the city's resources, natural and creative, as it is a foregone conclusion that universal advertisement means an increase in popu- lation, more new buildings and additional prosperity, which means, of course, a per- septible increase in value of city and county realty. The Crookston Lumber company, as we have before asserted, is mammoth both as to capitalization and output. They operate two huge mills in the north halt o"t Minne- sota, one at Bemidji and one at Crooks- ton, their headquarters being at this point. Inasmuch as they employ (iOO men in this city and an equally large force at Crooks- ion, it can be readily discerned that they are factors worth considering in all mat- ters pertaining to a public character. The Crookston Lumber company is own- er and controller of timber, landed and railroad interests to the amount of hun- dreds of thousands of dollars. The officers of the company are men of acknowledged Integrity and such who have done their share toward developing the country con- tiguous to Bemidji and Beltrami county. They have always been generous to a fault in the aiding of every enterprise, and their influence has always been lent to the cities in which they operate and in which they are interested. The Crookston Lumber company is a concern whicn is indeed deserving of the popularity it has impelled, both here and elsewhere, and The Pioneer is gratified to make this point patent to its thousands of readers. Then, again, the Crookston Lumber com- pany is noted for its generous treatment of its employes. They have provided every devise for the protectioti of life and limb, and in every other way they prove their claim to justice and equity. Under the present management the af- fairs of the company are prospering to a degree flattering to the ability of the executive who oversees its processes. The business of the firm has been greatly in- creased, new fields have been established, and the policy of the company has been brought to that high plane which has made the Crookston Lumber company so power- ful and widely known. The members of the Crookston Lumber company are, individually and collectively, potential factors in the business, industrial and public of the Northwest, and they represent one of the pushing concerns which have made Bemidji great. CLARK POLE & TIE COMPANY. This concern represents another inviting ])hase of the varied resources of Bemidji and Beltrami county. Its existence is a positive bid to the investor who is seeking a filed for the purpose of manufacturing wood products, inasmuch as the Clark Pole & Tie company annually transact business in poles, posts and piling, and this year expect to increase their sales by one-half over and above their last year's business. This company, while It has been in business about two years, has already extended its trade to Illinois, Iowa, Ne- braska, Kansas, Missouri and the Dakotas, not forgetting that they have an extensive trade in this state. Their rapidly increas- ing trade, and the short time that was re- quired to build it up, can be accounted for by the fact that the company offers only the highest grade timber to prospective buyers, quotes prevailing prices — and per- haps a little bit better— and delivers ac- cording to contract. This company constitutes an important adjunct to Bemidji's business interests, and verifies the sentiment for which the Pio- neer so insistently contends — that Be- midji is a railroad center of general avail- ability. The presence of the Clark Pole & Tie company is also evidence of the confidence which business men repose in this terri- tory. Let us digress long enough to state tbat the Clark Pole & Tie company has de- monstrated by its continuance in business that Beltrami county is bedrock in solidity and thrift and that all industries which lo- cate here bid a field of remuneration com- mensurate with their investment. BEMIDJI LUMBER COMPANY. This is another home concern which richly merits mention in the columns of The Pioneer, so that our thousands of read- ers may become more familiarized with the spontaneity with which this company as- sists all moves of a public nature. Like other mills in the State, this one produces lumber in enormous quantities, depending upon competent workmen and peaceable labor conditions to produce their high-class output. They utilize up- wards of 400 employes, with whom they work hand in glove, and there is yet to be heard the first complaint as between mast- er and man so far as this lumbering mill is concerned. There is nothing else to say relative to this lumbering mill except to add that it BEMIDJI, BELTRAJMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. constitutes one of the potentials which an- nually add to Bemidji's greatness as a city and general prosperity. The Bemidji Lum- ber company requires no introduction or further magnification, inasmuch as its busi- ness methods have long since won for it the exalted position it now occupies in the business world. Personnel of its officers, its field trade, its high grade products, its promptness in filling orders and its status as an indus- trial institution withal do not stand in need of superlatives. Suffice to say that the of- ficers of the company rank among the first business men in the county, they use their help after a humane fashion, paying them living wages and providing every conven- ience demanded for safe and profitable work, and in every other way they strive to live up to the live and let live plan. The members of this concern, Messrs. W. A. Gould and John Richards, are "boosters" of their home city, and influential factors in the commercial and financial life of this state. They never withhold assistance from any move which has for its aim the furtherance of the aims of Bemidji, and The Pioneer, in this vast edition, is more than gratified to allot the brief space here given to the enumeration of the Bemidji Lumber company. GRAND FORKS LUMBER COMPANY. Bemidji is the headquarters for the log- ging department of this prodigious lumber- ing concern, which has the incomprehen- sible annual capacity of 20,000,000 feet of finished product. The chief mill of this con- cern is located at Grand Forks, N. D., al- though Bemidji has been the recognized fountain head for its general operations for over ten years. The Grand Forks Lumber company has extensive holdings in Beltrami county, and they Ion? ago realized the mani- fold advantages this city and county had to offer as a point of ingress and egress, owing CHAP.LES GARDNER. to its railroad facilities as well as to Its unlimited volume of water. This company is also exceptionally active in Itasca and Koochiching counties, and the way they have conducted their business is prima facie evidence of their fairness and enterprise. The Grand Forks Lumber company also offers another illustration of the fertility of this "cut-over" section, as well as reflect- ing the fact that Bemidji is a most available point for unequalled transportation facili- ties, elements which are daily contributing M. E. SMITH. in a material manner to the growth of our thriving city and county. Mr. C. H. Gardner, local manager of this mammoth concern, is an experienced lum- ber office manager, having come here from Stillwater, Minn., where he had been in the employ of William Kaiser, one of the heav- iest and most influential independent lum- ber operators in the county. By his tact and knowledge of the lumber industry, by the training acquired with every day contact with this specific line of building material Mr. Gardner has become a valuable adjunct to the company's affairs, and he is to be commended for the record he has earned by dint of hard, and conscientious work. The people of Bemidji are indeed elated when they contemplate that the headquar- ters of this vast concern is located within the confines of the city which they are so persistently boosting from half a dozen points of vantage, inasmuch as its presence means widespread advertisement, recogni- tion of the city as a wholesale and railroad center, and an element of prosperity which cannot be disputed. From the day of its organization, the Grand Forks Lumber company has pro- gressed and prospered. They have built up a business which touches hundreds of cities and many estates; they stand upon the rec- ord they have made as business men and competitors and The Pioneer is profuse in its laudation of a firm so large, so just and so beneficial. M. E. SMITH RETAIL LUMBER COMPANY. This lumber concern is a strictly home institution, and one which deserves the im- stinted patronage of our thousands of" readers. The company are extensive deal- ers in lumber. lath, shingles, ties, posts, sash, doors and blinds, and they also fur- nish mill work of every description, whether it be for bar, bank or office fix- tures, interior finish, special work or mold- ings. They also handle cement, plaster, coal and wood in quantities to suit, and impose prices merely commensurate with a safe business policy. Mr. M. E. Smith, the manager of this Im- portant business house, is an experienced lumberman of years standing. He has been engaged in this line in Bemidji for nine years, hence he can lay claim to being one of the oldest resident lumber experts in this section. Since he assumed the man- agement of this concern the business has expanded to such an extent that the com- pany was compelled to enlarge their build- ings to a mammoth scale. This circum stance indicates the popularity of the M. E. Smith Retail Lumber company, and also strengthens the contention of The Pioneer that Bemidji is an adaptable field for every known class of business. Mr. Smith is among the foremost men in Bemidji interested in commercial pursuits. He is liberal to a fault, patriotic as a citi- zen and as a first-water "booster" he has no peer. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. L. K. DEAL LUMBER COMPANY. The L. K. Deal Lumber Company is the successor to the old Church-Deal Lumber Company, of Des Moines, Iowa, the former company taking over the interest of the Church portion of the company four years ago, the Church-Deal Company having been in existence some three years prior to that time. The L. K. Deal Company is one of the most active companies vk-hich operate in the territory adjacent to Bemidji. The com- pany has headquarters at Des Moines, Iowa, and deals exclusively in cedar poles, posts, ties, etc., in which commodities the com pany has extensive holdings throughout north-central Minnesota. The company has extensive cedar yards ut various places along the line of the Min- nesota & International railway, north and south of Bemidji, also along the Great Northern and Minneapolis, Red Lake & .Manitoba railways. At these yards the rep- resentative of the company collects the lies, poles, posts, etc., belonging to the farmers, giving the highest market price therefor, the product being shipped direct to the persons desiring the same. The great success of the L. K. Deal Com- pany's operations in northern Minnesota is due to the activity of Otto Peterson, the north-country representative of the com- pany, who is ever alert to his company's best interests. Mr. Peterson came to this section from Minneapolis, about twelve years ago, and he has always been identified with the industries of this vicinity. Mr. Peterson was in the employ of the Church- Ueal Lumber company, prior to the change into the L. K. Deal company, and from the beginning of his conuectiou with the com- liany he achieved marked success as a buyer of timber and shrewd dealer in all cidar products. Mr. Peterson stayed with the L. K. Deal company when that company took over the Church interests, and his good services have resulted in rare success tor the Deal people. Otto Peterson is one of the most loyal supporters of the many Bemidjians who ■'boost" their home town. He has always been in the front rank as a supporter of northern Minnesota and especially Beltrami county and the city of Bemidji, as to future greatness in the commercial industry of the state. Mr. Peterson's friends are legion, and he is justly popular with all classes of citizens in this territory. L. F. JOHNSON. After a varied career in the business world, Mr. Johnson finally located in Be- midji. as he, in consonance with many DOUGLASS LUMBER COMPANY. The Douglass Lumber company's plant is located in the city of Bemidji, on Lake Ir- ving. Over two years ago they erected a lath mill and manufactured lath exclusive- ly. Owing to the demands of their trade they soon found it necessary to have a complete stock of lumber and shingles as well as lath, so in order to supply this want they built, in the year 1908, a com- plete saw mill, shingle mill and planing mill. They make a specialty of shipping mixed cars of lumber, lath and shingles to the retail lumber dealers. Last year they opened a retail lumber yard in Bemidji, and are at the present time handling all kinds of building material. They are log- ging quite extensively this winter, and they will run their plant to its full capacity during the coming season. They employ about 100 men in the mill and the woods. The officers and directors are: H. N. Douglass, president; F. R. Patterson, treas- urer, and J. J. Anderson, secretary. These men are rated for the prominent part they take in all matters pertaining to the city's welfare. They have a well es- tablished business, their credit is gilt- edged, their trade field ramifie^s all sections ot the county and they are citizens and business men who are highly estimated for their sterling worth and enterprise. other good judges of productive country, concluded that Beltrami county offers as much profit for conscientious effort as any spot in the universe. Mr. Johnson has been in this state for thirty years, during which time, for the most part, he has made this section of the state his field of activity in forestry and land research. While he has been a per- manent resident of Bemidji for but three years, he has hovered in and about Bel- trami county for twenty-two years, and has been engaged in these lines in every coun- ty of the state, which has been able to dis- port timber. At present he is the northern representative for the Smith Timber com- pany, with whom he has been for twelve years. He was off and on, one of the corps employed in the land department of the Northern Pacific for approximately ten years, and has been closely identified with numerous other w-ell known land and tim- er industries, and his wide knowledge of these two important factors of the North- west has gained for him lasting standing as an authority and promoter. Mr. Johnson at present represents the First ward of Bemidji in the city council. .Nothwithstanding that he has been a per- manent resident but for three short years, he has wielded an influence which has had a telling effect — this because of his knowl- edge of this territory; his active partici- pation in its development, and his unshak- en confidence in its ultimate bountifulness. As a land owner and taxpayer, Mr. John- son has proved an exemplory illustration of what perseverance and faith in an un- developed, yet wealthy country begets. He is to be commended for the vigorous policy he has pursued, relative to the coimty's welfare, for the able and conservative man- ner in which he has served his constit- uency, and for the way he has comported himself under every condition which arose. What do you think of this edition ot The Pioneer? It you like it, tell your friends, it not, tell us. JOHN MOBERG. A self-made man who achieves splendid success in any one undertaking or partic- ular line of business is a most desirable citizen, and can always be depended upon to be a prime mover in enterprises which benefit a community. Such a man is John Moberg, the logger, whose perseverance and determination have won for him both financial independence and the respect and admiration of all who know him. Mr. Moberg is a pioneer resident of north- ern Minnesota, and has always been fore- most in promoting permanent industries that presage the permanent prosperity of this section. Mr. Moberg is a logger ot all kinds of limber, and is regarded as one ot the most proficient lumbermen who operate in these northern woods. Mr. Moberg gained his early experiences in logging in the timber camps ot Wisconsin, where he served in nearly every capacity as a woodsman, from "swamper" to contractor, and he filled all of these succeeded positions with great credit. Mr. Moberg came to Bemidji ten years ago, from Wisconsin, and he immediately identified himself with the logging interests of this section. As a foreman, Mr. Moberg had charge ot many men and successfully carried out plans of contractors. Later he accepted subcontracts and in all cases was very successful and showed great ability in logging. During the past few years, Mr. Moberg has logged on some extensive contracts, and in every instance has not failed to do well. He has built many miles ot railroad, in connection with his logging work, and is regarded as an authority on successful rail- road building. Much of his recent work has been performed for the Red River Lumber company and the Walker & Akeley logging interests, by which companies he is regarded as one of their most successful contractors, both tor logging and railroad building. Mr. Moberg is one of Bemidji's most pro- gressive residents. He owns valuable city property and is identified with many local enterprises. Home patronage means perpetual pros- perity. If you patronize the mail order oc- topus you lose money and progress to the city in which you live. When a city grows to o.uOO people In a spot where a dense forest existed twelve years ago. the natural inference is that such a city is founded on solidity and is rich In natural resources. Well, Bemidji has done this, and then some. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. 'LUMBERJACKS" DOWNING TIMBER. ST. HILAIRE RETAIL LUMBER COMPANY. This concern has been in business in Be- midji for three years. The local branch here is one of thirty similar kinds, dis- tributed at convenient points throughout Minnesota and North Dakota, including Grand Forks, Fargo, Warren and other im- portant points, with headquarters at Crookston. It has been aptly said that the St. Hil- aire Retail Lumber company is in position to furnish everything in the way of bmld- ing material necessary from roof to gar- ret, including sash, doors and blinds, in- terior finish, mill work, moldings, window glass, cement, coal and wood and every other general commodity requisite to the building or supplying the building or heat- in? needs of the home. The St. Hilaire Retail Lumber company is positively the largest lumber establish- ment in the Northwest. By virtue ot the enormous scale upon which it is conducted, and also because of its equitable transac- tions, the business has been rapidly in- creasing, and they expect the coming year will even excel the receipts they have en- joyed in previous periods. The reputation of the company for prompt deliveries and high grade lumber has become widespread and the proprietors of this immense concern may well feel elated at the growth in their business and the satisfaction their sales have invoked. Mr. L. E. Frost is the local manager of the St. Hilaire Retail Lumber company. He has been with the concern for a num- ber of years, both In this state and North Dakota. During his years of service in the inter- ests of this company, Mr. Frost has ac- quired a wide knowledge of the lumber business, and his popularity as a local salesman has long been known to those who patronize this house. Mr. Frost is a gentleman of the first water, one who takes a personal interest in all sales he makes, and the head officers are to be congratulated upon their good fortune In having secured his services. L. AMADON. 'SWAMPING' One of the pioneer residents of Northern Minnesota, who has at all times been an exponent of the wonderful future that was in store for this section of the state, and who has, by investments of his own money, time and concentrated labors assisted in the development of this part of the state is L. Aniadon, who has resided in Bemidji and other points hereabouts for some time past. Mr. Amadon came to Northern Minne- sota ten years ago, and at once became prominently identified with the enterprises and pursuits ot the early residents. He en- gaged quite extensinvely in the buying and selling of timber and logged his timber, with considerable profit to himself and en- tire salisfaction to his associates and those with whom he had business relations. Mr. Amadou's logging operations were confined largely to points along the Mis- sissippi and Schoolcraft rivers, above Be- midji, to the south and southwest. These operations were* successfully carried out, as had been all other business in which Mr. Amadon had been engaged, and he was successful, financially, and has accu- mulated considerable property and is well- to-do in "this world's goods." Mr. Aniadon has the utmost faith in Be- midji and Beltrami county and the north- central portion of the state, and is especial- ly enthusiastic relative to the agricultural 'and dairying possibilities that are awaiting development, and he freely predicts that this section will rapidly take front rank as the leading dairying and diversified farm- ing community of Minnesota. "As a summer resort location, north-cen- tral Minnesota is unequaled," says Mr. Amadon, "and as for game and fish, this section is the only real hunting and fish- ing ground that will not be depleted with- in the next few years. This is the natural habitat for big and little game." BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. THE BEMIDJI POSTOFFICE ANTON ERICKSON. Postmaster of Bemidji. Mr. Erickson is postmaster of Be- midji, and has been since April last. Like the bulk of the population of the great northwest, he comes of that sturdy and substantial Norwegian stock which has developed this section of the 'United States to the extent that has been brought about the perennial prosperity it enjoys. Mr. Erickson, upon his arrival from his native land in the year 1882, first settled at Crookston, where he resided until 1897, -when forecasting the numerous op- I)ortunities of this county he "pulled up stakes" and became a citizen of Bemidji, a distinction he has since claimed. His busines career as a storekeeper at Crooks- Ion, in which city he was also deputy sheriff for three years, is one of an en- viable character and commendation. Hav- ing always been active in public life, it was not long before Mr. Erickson earned recognition in this city, with the result that he forged to the front in Republican ranks until he gained his present posi- tion, one indicative of public approbation and general endorsement as a worthy and useful citizen. Mr. Erickson is among our large land owners in this vicinity, both as relates to city and farm property. He is also one of those men who roll up their sleeves, so to speak, and get busy with the vital and pushing questions of Bemidji. In politics he is inordinately influential, he is as popular as he is astute and busi- ness-like, and this paper takes this occa- sion for crediting him with the regard that is due him. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. ADAM E. OTTO, Assistant Postmaster. This is a gentleman with a war record, who, as assistant postmaster, and as Cap- tain of the local M. N. G., permits the pre- sentation of his name in this Souvenir Edition merely as a matter of co-operation so that The Pioneer may present to the full all prominent personages the city has to offer in order to convey the importance of the city. Mr. Otto has nothing to advertise, noth- ing to exploit. He is merely a plain citizen who never refuses to shoulder his end of responsibility and hard work when it comes to furthering the interests of Bemidji and Beltrami County. As loyal and patriotic as he was when volunteers were called tor in the Spanish-American War, Mr. Otto allows his name used in order to propogate the suc- cess of this number. Mr. Otto is a graduate of Marquette Col- lege, located at Milwaukee, Wis., of which state he is a native. In this high-ranking college he took a thorough academic course, and his abilities as a scholar may be judged. Mr. Otto moved here in 1903, and since the iirst day of his arrival here he has been one of the popular young men of the city. He was appointed assistant postmaster about two and a half years ago, and since that time neither citizens nor postmaster has had cause to regret that he became such. As a citizen Mr. Otto's record is unim- peachable; as a soldier he entered the ranks and became conspicuous in the Phil- ippines to such an extent that he was mus- tered out with the commission of Sergeant- Major. This fact speaks volumes, and it does not require belles lettres to further compliment Mr. Otto, who, having won his spurs and prominence, stands in no need of further commendation. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. FRANK H. SLIPP. Mailing CMerk. SAMUEL, A. CUTTER, Money Order and Register Clerk. ABERT W. WORTH, Stamp and General Delivery Clerk. EDMUND P. GOULD, Distributing Clerk. BEMIDJI, BELTRAill COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. HARRY F. GEIL, Carrier No. 1. JONATHAN C. COBB. Carrier No. 2. DENNIS C. CONSIDINE, Carrier No. 3. RALPH L. GROVKR, Rural Carrier. THOMAS G. BISIAR, Sub Carrier. BEMIDJI, BELTRAJMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. PATRONIZE HOME INSTITUTIONS MAIL ORDER HOUSES DOOMED. The Knell of Destruction Has Fallen Upon This Octopus of Commercialism and City Ruin. Merchants, Newspapers and Magazines Everywhere Now Aligned Against This Blighting Factor so Impoverishing and Deterrent to Public Improvement, Schools, Churches and Home Prosperity. Citizens of Bemidji and Deltrami county, do you patronize home industries, or do you remit your good, hard money to a lot of grafters who have no interest in your home city? Do you contribute to the coffers of those who are, through various "catch-penny" schemes, annually piling up millions of ill- deserved profits, or are you confining your money to home circulation? These are leading questions, but since the Pioneer Is, by general concession, the recoenized mouthpiece of Bemidji and this section of the Northwest, we have the un- reserved right and prerogative of making these inquiries, in the Interest of home merchants and general residents as well. A TALE WITH A SEQUEL. It Is well known that mail order houses, in high-sounding terms, flout the fact that they annually expend upwards of $25,000,- 000 for advertising purposes. Taking it for granted that their vaunted assumption is true, how many millions of dollars of trade does this fabulous sum represent, all at- tracted from out-of-town trade, and how much does It represent to the cities which are burdened with that class who make a practice of buying from a rank outsider In- stead of the home business man? Well, this prodigious sum spent with mail order houses means lasting loss to schools and churches, local properity and public improvement, successful labor and the much-desired sentiment of harmony and co- operation. In fact, the patronage extended to mall order house grafters Is extremely detrimental to every known local Interest. Think about it, and then determine whether we are right or not. AN IMPRESSIVE DEDUCTION. It Is a fact familiar to all that schools and all desired public Improvements, such as paved streets, perfect sidewalks, parks, city buildings, schools and colleges are wholly dependent upon the tax levy. This being true. It necessarily ensues that if the local business men are prosperous they are Invariably disposed to deal generously with public clamor for needed conveniences and beautification of their respective baliwicks, where,as, on the other hand, business stag- nation and depression In commercial circles unfailingly cause every taxpayer to become a watchdog of the city exchequer. This il- lustration of taxation resolves itself into but one conclusion; when the home mer- chant is not earning the profits his business warrants he becomes either antagonistic or apathetic to any publlc-splrltpd movement .' *iicb may be suggested, regardiess of Its soiirce nf emanation or intent. How necessary it becomes, then, that each person should buy his commodities from the men who have invested their money in their midst. Of course. The Pioneer Is not upbraiding the out-of-town buyer, but Is endeavoring to guide and Influence home patronage of home merchants by citing the manifold evils which germinate from such a perni- cious practice. And In this undertaking It Is not alone. Nearly every legitimate newspaper and magazine has Joined In a ciusade against the mail order house im- position, while, as a matter of self-protec- tion, business men's organizations have banded themselves as one man to crush the octopus which is daily sapping the life not only out of their own business, but of that future greatness of their place of resi- So many people fail to consider the fact dence. that the occasional dollar they send to a mail order house cuts any figure with the welfare of their home city. They do not comprehend, evidently, that they may be only one of the many who do the same thing. They should ponder this matter earnestly and then sum up what the aggre- gate amount of their occasional dollar sent to mail house ledgerdermains represents within a year. A dollar given to a mall order house Is a dollar forever lost to the city. And a dollar lost to a city means per- manent detriment to both a city and its people. Remember that, also. AS TO SCHOOL GIRLS AND BOYS. This class of America's coming citizens we must also admonish. They are, of course, In a plastic stage of wisdom, and should thus be adequately advised as to the duty they owe the home merchant. While they are sending their dimes, quar- ters and dollars to the deceivers who mall to them the well-known alluring catalogs, they should not neglect the thought that It is the local business element which makes their education and fitting and training for future responsibility possible. The money expended by the school children and more advanced students represents a ponderous sum at the end of the year, and the said sum means a corresponding loss to their own individual advancement, from the fact that if the various boards of school direc- tors possessed more resources, they would be able to supply a more thorough curricu- lum. While, as we aver, we do not chide the juvenile and student, we desire to im- press upon their minds the necessity of supporting their home schools by supplying money to their respective boards of edu- cation through the medium of home mer- chants. Adults, as well as school children, should recall the fact that the home business man Is the one who stands behind every sale he makes. If he misrepresents an article, he will lose In the end, unless he makes good on whatever he hands over his coun- ters. With the mall order house It Is vast- ly different. Many Invariably palm off an Inferior article as genuine, they never fulfill their claims unless by accident, and the buyer has no redress. ITe receives goods from the bunco steerers C. O. D. — as a pig in a poke, so to speak. If they .nre not as expected, the money for them has already been paid. There is no resort to the coiirts possible because of the expense involved, there Is no sense of morality weighed by the mail, order house, and thus the deluded and gullible are filched of their money with- out a hope of getting return. If you wish to retard public splritedness. reduce taxation to a losing level; If yon wish to do that, patronize the mail order house parasites. On the contrary. If you desire to build up your city, cut out the mall order house shell game artists and keep your money at home. If you are in need of some certain article which you can not procure In your home city, and which you know can be secured from a mall or- der house, so Inform your home business man and thus give him the benefit of any profit he may be able to make. Remember this, also. If a city is good enough to hire In and thrive In, II is good enough to support by your individual and unstinted co-operation. AS TO THE FARMER. The farmers are among the most remun- erative patrons of the mail order houses. This is a sad commentary, but is true, nev- ertheless. This statement is suggested by reason of the fact that farming communities comprise the bulk of population. But let us not digress. Every farmer delights in driving over good roads, and in trading in a prosperous city or town. He glories in the fact that he transacts his business in a mart of trade that Is thrifty and enterprising, where all available labor Is employed, where the spirit of good fellowship obtains and where every citizen Is loyal to the best Interests of the city. But Is the farmer In question loyal? Does he patronize home interests? If he does not, he is guilty of a public short coming. And if he does not. he will have ample opportunity to still further deprive his home city of purchase money, for It Is a foregone conclusion, judged from the re- cent message of President Roosevelt, that the parcel post will soon become a reality as well as an incalculable convenience. However, how can the farmer expect the highway commissioners to expend vast sums on roads and bridges when they have not the wherewithal and how can the said officials be expected to be in control of suf- ficient funds for needed Improvements when the tax levy or the county debt has been depleted or heavily burdened by rea- son of Its people having sent their money beyond recall to a point from whence it will never return? IN CONCLUSION. When a church Is being built or Is be- ing contemplated; when an additional school or public parks become a crying need; when water works, lighting or sewer extensions are imperative, do the patrons of the mail order houses appeal to these purveyor of second-class junk for assist- ance? Ah, no! It Is the home business rnan who Is expected to approve of the plans submitted, throw himself Into the financial breach, and make the expected contribution requisite for the consuma- tion of anticipated structures or extensions. How about you? Do you realize these facts as potentials in this direction? This question is hypothetical in scope, even though it possesses but one phase- that of loyallty to home merchants. The Pioneer, therefore, contents itself by charg- ing Its thousands of readers to faithfully subserve the interests of their home city by buying their goods at heme stores, and by pointing out the depression which will surely follow in case they do not. In brief. If a city is to be blessed with a sentiment of amity and concord; if it is to be provided with beautiful church edifices and commodious schools: if it expects to expand and broaden by virtue of thrift and its attractions: if it is to be given the ap- pearance of up to-datenesR. which goes to make a metropolis; if it is to have paved streets, cement sidewalks, public parks, unexcelled lighting facilities, a pure and adequate water supply, a spirit of thrift and progresslveness. the people thereof must keep their money at home, and knock the mail order octopus every Jump In the road. Remember that. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AXD NORTHERN MINNESOTA. BEMIDJI CHURCHES AND PASTORS FATHER JOHN O'DWYER. Father John O'Dwyer, chaplain of St. Anthony's Hospital and priest ot St. P(hillip's Catholic Church, photos of which are shown elsewhere in this edi- tion, is a native of Kilshany, foimty Glare, Ireland. He received his early training under John McGrath, then prin- cipal of the National school of that lo- cality. After a six years' course at this seat K)t learning. Father O'Dwyer entered Saint Flannan's college, Ennis, and spent five years there in a classical course un- der the tutelage of Dr. Kelly, now bishop of Ross- County, Cork. He then attended All Hallows' College, Dublin, where he remained for seven years, this course including sacred and profane history, holy scripture, philosophy, moral and dogmatic theology. June 24, 1901, he was ordained a priest, coming to America the same year. After serving for three years in the Cathedral at Du- luth and a year in the suburbs of Du- luth, he was transferred to this field. How well he fulfills his duties in Bemidji is attested by the friendships he has made since he has been here and by the esteem in which he is held. He is a learned and dignified man, one whom it is a pleasure to shake hands with, and a priest who is daily doing invaluable service for the creed he represents. NORWEGIAN LUTHERAN CHURCH. This church was established in the year 1901, Rev. John Wilmann, now county auditor of Beltrami county, hav- ing the distinction -of being its first pastor, in which capacity he served two years, acting as supply for the church at Blackduck for one year. Upon his re- signation Rev. H. Holm was assigned to this pulpit, and he was followed by Rev. E. M. Peterson, Rev. Kolste, the present pastor, suceeding him. The Bemidji Norwegian Lutheran church, which has one of the largest and most representative congregations in the city, has in the neighborhood of 5 00 members. This denomination has an elegant edifice in which to worship, con- structed at a cost of nearly $3,500. Rev. Kolste was assigned here from Howard, S. D., where he held a pastor- ate for four years. Rev. Kolste is a graduate of the Chicago Lutheran semi- nary and was ordained at Calumus, Iowa, after which he studied for two years at the Leipsic and Halle universi- ties, Germany. After his return to America he occu- pied, for a time, the chair of theology at the seminary from which he matri- culated. Mr. Kolste is a conscientious and ardent Christian man, an active worker as well as a profound thinker, and is greatly appreciated by his con- gregation. THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. The First Presbyterian Church has the distinction of being the pioneer church of this city. It was incorporated August 24, 1896. and had for some time previous been holding services and rallying the forces for organzation. The first pastor was Rev. Yoll, who was succeeded by Rev. Frank B. Higgins, ST. PHILLIP'S CATHOLIC CHURCH. NORWEGIAN LUTHERAN CHURCH. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. i|K i tiimuikm r FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. better known as the "Lumber Jack Sky Pilot." Mr. Higgins resigned the churt-h- to take up camp work, and Rev. F. .1. McLeod was called to the pastorate in 1902, and continued as pastor for two successful years, when he resigned, and the present pastor. Rev. S. E. P. White, was called to take charge of the work. The first church home was a small chapel erected among the jack pines on the site of the present structure; this home was soon found to be inadequate for the needs of the church and the present building was erected. The work 'Of the church has always been forward and each year has marked an advance. Under the present pastorate it has reached self support, beside in- creasing its benevolences and charities and meeting the needs of a larger work. The Sunday school enrollment is 264, the church membership 135. The church enjoys large congregations and a marked spiritual life. Rev. S. E. P. White was born at Ash- land, Ohio, January 1, 1S70. He spent his early life on his father's farm and received his early education at a district school; later he attended the Ashland Normal, and prepared himself for teach- ing. After teaching a year he entered the University of Wooster, from which he graduated in 1896 with a bachelor's degree. His theological training began at Princeton university. N. J., and was completed at the McOormick Theological seminary at Chicago, from which he graduated in 1899. The same year, by Bupplemental study, he gained the Mas- ter's degree from the University of Wooster. Rev. White's ministerial work has all boon confined to Minnesota. He was ordained by the Presbytery of St. Cloud in May, 1899, at Harrison. Minn., and installed pastor of the Atwater and Harri- son churches. His next charge was Kerk- hoven and stations, from where he was called to the charge in Lakefield, Minn., from which place he was called four years ago to take charge of the First Presbyterian church of Bemidji, where he is still pastor. FIRST METHODIST CHURCH. BEMIDJI METHODIST CHURCH. The Methodist Episcopal church in Bemidji was organized May 24, 1898, by Robert Forbes, D. D., then presiding Elder of the Dulnth district. The present house of worship was erected in 1901. It is a commodius building, with oak pews and pulpit furnishings, seating 200 in the auditorium and 75 or 80 in the lecture room. The church has a parson- age adjoining. The church building Is valued at $6,000 and the parsonage at $1,500, exclusive of the lots upon which they stand. John Howard Dennison. pastor, is a native of Wisconsin, and comes from a family that has been Identified with the religious development of the great northwest. As to his education. Rev. Deniston holds two degrees, taking his baccalaur- eate at Cornell college. Later he took advanced cources in the university of Wisconsin. He came to Bemidji from the pastorate of the Western Avenuf church 'in Minneapolis, where he added 1 00 members there in eighteen months. He came to Minneapolis from Pittsburg, Pa., where he was pastor of the Cen- tenary church, one of the oldest churches of that city, leaving this congregation with a membership of nearly six hun- dred, and a church property value at $.^>5.000. Mr. Deniston regards the endorsement of his work by the public and press of Pittsburg as evidence of his character and worth. Coming to this great city a stranger and a westerner, his sermons were soon reported as often and as fully In the dallies as those of any of his colleagues. During his last year In Pitts- burg he delivered the Memorial Day ad- dress In the great Allegheny cemetery for the G. A. R. In the morning, and an address for the Sons of Veterans In St. Peter's cemetery in the East End In the afternoon. The same year he was In- vited bv the Pennsylvania Cavalrymen's association to prcvduce and deliver the quinquennlel oration at their five-year re- union upon the field of Gettyshurg July 4. the anniversary of the victory. For the past ten years he has con- tributed more or less to the magazine literature of the day. gaining recognition through his training when he had an interest In a news sheet and a lob office. His "Strenuous West." a little poem which was written at the time of Roose- velt's Chicago speech, and published from the Lakes to the Pacific, called forth a letter from the White House, bearing the signature of George B. Cortelyou, then secretary to the president, saying that the president read the verses of the poem with Interest and thanking the author for them. Mr. Deniston was a ranchy In Nebraska, attained his majority In this vocation. He later owned and managed a weekly news sheet and job office In one of the western towns, and withal he Is a gentle- man who is amply qualified to fill the position he now holds. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. REV. JOHN O. DWYER, Pastor St. Phillips Church, REV. DBNISTON, Pastor Methodist Church. REV. KOLSTE, Pastor Norwegian Lutheran Church. REV. H. ROBINSON McKBB. Pa.-stor First Baptist Church. BEMIDJI, BELTRAIMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. REV. S. E. P. WHITE, Pastor Presbyterian Church. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF BEMIDJI. The Baptist Church was organized here In 1898 with just a few members. At present there are about 100 members and one of the best all-round Sunday schools in the state. Bemidji can claim the banner Sunday school of the state of Minnesota, having won the "State Banner" for three successive years. It now has it to keep. Every department of the work is well organized and making steady progress. H. Robinson McKee, the pastor, came upon the field in September 1907. Mr. McKee was born and educated in the FIRST BAPTIST CHfRCH. North of Ireland, where he had a few successful years in evangelistic work. As a young man he came to the United States in 1902. After working in con- nection with Dr. J. Wilbur Chapman in the eastern states, he came out to Min- nesota to accept a call to the First Bap- tist church of Parkers Prairie, where he latwTed for almost four and one-half years, from whence he came to Bemidji. Mr. McKee Is a gentleman who im- presses one with his presence. He is accomplishing excellent results in this comparatively new field, and he is to be congratulated for the persevering tenden- cies he has manifested in the work he has in hand. THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH. Rev. Ernest M. Davies, the clergyman in charge of this work at Bemidji, is a graduate of St. John's Seminary. Win- nipeg. Manitoba. He came to Bemidji under direction of the Rt. Rev. J. D. Morrison. D. D., L. L. D., bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Duluth. who In re- sponse to an appeal for a missionary in this city, assigned Mr. Davies to this post to organize a church, he having been ordained to the deaconate at Du- luth before his advent here. The services of the church are at present held in the Odd Fellows hall, and Episcopalians ev- erywhere are to be congratulated upon the attendance of both the regular serv- ices and the Sunday school, and a grati- fying amount of enthusiasm is being manifested in the furthering of the work here. The Venerable Archdeacon Parshall of Cass Lake is in charge of this diocese, and some time since he inaugurated a move which had for its purport the building of a church in Bemidji — a move which -will be brought to fruition within a short time, winter having hampered the consummation of the plans of those who had the matter in hand. The con- gregation owns two nice lots on Beltrami avenue, specifications for a church to cost $6,000 have been drawn and sub- mitted, and a portion of this sum has already been raised, thus showing the fervidness and zeal of the members In this civlnity. Although handicapped by the absence of a church, Rev. Davies has demon- strated beyond cavil that he is a faithful and painstaking clergyman as well as a gentleman of Impressive personality and original ideas, and when the church shall have been built, as it will, all those -who participated in erecting it will have every reason for self congratulation. REV. PARSHALL. Rev. H. F. Parshall is at present serv- ing in the capacity of one of the arch- deacons of the Duluth diocese. At pres- ent he officiates at Cass Lake, both as rector and general director of the church affairs of this Immediate territory. Rev. Parshall. prior to his selection as executive church head of this section, was for twelve years pastor of the St. Cloud Episcopal church, one of the most powerful religious denominations of the northwest. Rev. Parshall worked the be- ginning of his career as a missionary in the State of Colorado, where he covered and conquered to a gratifying extent, an enormous territory in the face of the most discouraging vicissitudes. His pa- tience, indomitable will and penchant for organization and his natural inclination for meeting his fellow men soon won recognition at the hands of the executive powers, and he was henceforth promoted to the exalted position he now occupies. BEMIDJl, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. REV. E. M. DAVIBS, Pastor Episcopal Church. Rev. Parshall is a graduate of Seaburg Divinity Institute at Faribault, Minn., from which he acquitted himself with several special degrees, chief of which was that of B. D. At the moment of his graduation and ordination he was selected as a fit and qualified missionary for the western field and that his achievements have met the most ardent anticipations of his clientele and legion of friends is evident by the spontaneous moral and material support which his efforts have invoked. Further comment is lutlle. Rev. Parsh- all has more than proved his claim to the hlgli position he now occupies in church circles and it is only necessary for The Pioneer, to recite that intel- ligence, along with the commentary that Mr. Parshall, acoordlng to the signs of the times is destined to ibe numbered among the most astute and successful churchmen who have ever graced the northwest. thus provide near ait home advantages for Bible study, similar to those enjoyed at the large conferences of the East. It is the purpose thus to prepare THE BEMIDJl BIBLE CONFERENCE. The Bemidji Bible Conference was established in 1905 and was brought aibout through the efforts of a number of ministers. Christian workers and lay- men. For several years previous to its organization such a conference for bible study and training was in the minds of these workers; but it was not until 1905 that it took shape in the establishment at Bemidji as its permanent home, of the Bemidji Bible conference. It is the purpose of this conference to bring to Bemidji. each season, men of wide reputation, ability and power, and REV. BARACKMAN, Preisident Bemidji Bible Conference. Christian workers and train Christian laymen and thus increase their useful- ness and effectiveness, to cement the bonds of brotherhood between Christians of different name, and thus be helpful to all denominations. It is therefore non- sectarian and inter-denominational. Its chief aim is the study of the Word, with a view to spiritual attainment. Bemidji was chosen for its home be- cause here are found such a happy com- bination of natural advantages and scenery which are so important for the success of such a conference. The location is easily accessable from any of the four points of the compass. The pure pine-scented air is invigorating and a delightful change for those who come from less entrancing parts. Our "Gem" of Minnesota's lakes. Bemidji, and the historic "Father of Waters" afford an endless round of enjoyment and exer- cise for the oarsmen, the bathers and the lovers of scenic beauty and pleasure seekers. The conference has steadily grown in attendance and influence. It has proved its right to live and to be fostered by devotional people. The season of 1909 will be held July 2 7 to August 1st. The I)rogram promises to be one of unusual merit and great strength. To this end neither pains nor money will be spared. Mark these dates on your calendar and spend them in Bemidji, and enjoy a helpful, delightful and restful vacation. The public-spiritedness of Bemidji's busi- ness men is a convincing criterion of the success and future outlook. The only way to advertise a city is to do so in a fitting manner, regardless of the cost. The Pioneer believes it has done this with this edition. BEMIDJI. BELTRAMI COUiVTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. BELTRAMI COUNTY BOARD ^ •v 1 \ ^^ '^^^^^^^^^^1 has held coutiniiously since that time. Mr. Banaher served the county well, and at the .lainiary, 1909, meeting of the county board, he was elected chairman of the board. His slogan is "economy in the administration of the county's affairs," and in this he is ably seconded by the other members of the board. Mr. Uanaher has always been a true- blue Republican, a good politician, and one who has always been loyal to his friends. Mr. Danaher is a pioneer of Beltrami county and one of her tiiost respected and ])i-ogressive citizens. .\. W. DANAHEK. Chairman, Fifth District. VIGGO PETERSON. Mr. Peterson is serving his first term as one of the county commissioners, hav- ing been elected as an Independent can- didate. He represents the town and township of Durand, where he is now a supervisor of that place. Previous to his selection to the latter-named office, Mr. HELIC CLBMENTSON, Second District. A. W. DANAHER. A. \V. Danaher, more intimately known to his close personal friends as "Andy," is the present chairman of the Board of County Commissioners of Beltrami county, a position which is deserving of compliment to one who is serving the county for the best interests of the tax- payers. Mr. Danaher comes from good old Irish stock- — the kind that is always "true blue" and always dependable, a trait which is one of Mr. Danaher's principal characteristics. .Mr. Danaher came to Beltrami county some ten years ago, and for a time was a resident of Bemidji. Seven years ago he moved to Tenstrike and has made his home in the community since that time. In 1904 Mr. Danaher was elected coun- ty commissioner to represent the Fifth commissioner district, which position he VI(J(JO I'liTERSON, Fourth District. "WES WRIGHT, First District. Peterson had served in the capacity of chairman of the village board, distinctions which indicate the genuine worth of Mr. Peterson as a citizen, and his attainments as a business man and executive. Mr. Peterson has been a resident of Durand for seven years, where he settled in order to homestead a section of timber and farm land. A native of Denmark, he migrated direct to the place where he now resides, and his jirosperity in his present location affords Out another ex- ample of what Beltrami county has to offer to the true husbandman of the soil. Mr. Peterson is among the county's most responsible and able men. Public- spirited to the last letter, a firm believer and advocate in and for the greatness of this county. Mr. Peterson is indeed to be appreciated not only for his quali- ties as a resident of Beltrami county, but because he has so rapidly ascended the ladder of success, an element which goes to show how he is esteemed by his neighbors. WES WRIGHT. Having been one of the county com- misisoners for eight consecutive years, Mr. Wright requires no frills to com- prehensively elucidate his virtue as a servant of the people. Mr. Wright was elected from Bemidji, a city noted for its critical observance of the public policy of its representatives, and that he has fulfilled the most ardent expectations of those who placed him in office is apparent by his return to office year after year. Mr. Wright was a res- ident of Beltrami county before it was organized — about nineteen years ago. He is a homesteader, having taken up a claim near Kelliher. Coming to Bemidji, he engaged in the business of draying, and continued in that occupation until he took up street work contracting, a business he followed for some years. Later he represented the Standard Oil company in this field, a position he held for eight years, resigning a few months F. O. SIBLEY. Third District. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. JOHN "WILiMANN, County Auditor. ago so that he might follow farming pursuits and logging, the latter industry in which lie is at present engaged. Mr. Wright is a deep thinking and conservative official. He is ever alert to the county's needs, liberal in his ideas as to granting necessary improvements, yet harboring the thought of retrench- ment uppermost. He is a man of means who is anxious to see things move along toward the goal of progress and develop- ment, and is an officer who has fully qualified for all the anticipations of his constituents. FRED O. SIBLEY. Mr. Sibley has ben one of the board of county commissioners for over ten years, representing all that time the town- ship of Alaska. He has been a resident of Beltrami county for nineteen years, some time before the county was or- ganized. He has resided in Island Lake village, his present home, for about three years, although he has lived in otber parts of Alaska township. At present he Is engaged in farming, dairying and stock raising, thus proving the claim of the Pioneer that Beltrami county Is an ideal section for the pur- suits Mr. Sibley Is now engaged in. Next spring, Mr. Sibley proposes build- ing an individual creamery so as to demonstrate the richness of this territory for dairying purposes. He has extensive landed interests, he operates a saw mill ajt his home town, and he conducts two large general merchandise stores, one at Island Lake and one at Kelliher. Mr. Si'bley has been a resident of Min- nesota for 52 years, having come from New York with his parents when he was a child of four. His people first settled in Wabasha county, afterward moving to Crow Wing county, thence to Fosston, Minn. Later Mr. Sibley came to Beltrami county, and since his coming has made a goodly fortune, another spoke in the wheel of conviction as to the opportuni- ties of Beltrami county. Mr. Sibley is an ardent and active Republican; he has represented his party in county and state conventions. He is one of the most useful and astute men in the county, and has proved himself an able member of the board on which he is now serving. HELIC CLEMENTSON. Mr. Clementson is the county commis- sioner from Gudrid township, in the Sec- ond district. He is a native of Goodhue county, this state, the same county from which Judge Stanton hails. He began his career as a farmer, but at a suitable age he became an apprentice in a boiler making establishment. Mastering this trade to an inordinate degree, Mr. Clem- entson was honored with the appointment of deputy boiler inspector in both the states of Minnesota and North _ Dakota. At present he is engaged in logging, al- though he is an extensive farmer as we'll. Mr. Clementson had previously been a bridge oontractor and a builder of power plants, and even now he controls a natural water power which is incalcul- able in its efficiency and availability. Mr. Clementson owns immense tracts of tim- ber land, he operates a saw mill, planing mill and shingle mill, and in all that he has achieved he did so with an eye single to developing this section. As the town of Clementson was named in appreciation of him and his brother, his standing in the community in which he lives can readily be inferred. Coming here in 1884, Mr. Clementson must be considered an old settler. He came to Beltrami county to homestead and how well such men as Mr. Clement- son oon reflect the greatness of Beltrami county is attested by the vast holdings which are his, both in timber land and lands for cultivation. Mr. Clementson is well-to-do and liberal in al Imatters which pertain to the public good; he is a powerful factor in all pub- lic affairs, and The Pioneer is more than gratified to include biis name in the vast edition. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT FRED W. RHODA. Clerk of Court. Beltrami County. HON. W. C. McCLENAHAN. Judge Fifteenth Judicial District. HON. B. F. WRIGHT. Judge Fifteentli Judicial District. HON. C. W. STANTON, Judge Fifteenth Judicial District. BEMIDJI, BELTRMII COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. BELTRAMI COUNTY OFFICERS JOHN WILMANN. Mr. Wilmann, as county auditor of Beltrami county, has proved his business ability by the fact that he has been elected for three successive terms, hence we need add nothing on this score. Mr. Wilniann's success both in public and financial life, fully illustrates the profit- able opening's which present themselves for those of small means who are wise enough and sufficiently industrious to avail themselves of the county's richness, inasmuch as he has earned a competence and plenteous public favors as well, since his settlement here. Coming to Bemidji in the year 1900, Mr. Wilmann, who is an ordained minister of the Norwegian Luth- eran church, accepted the pastorate of the Norwegian Luthea-an church of this city, serving as such for three years, when he resigned to take up a home- stead, the which he nww owns and one which conclusively proves what one can achieve when they set out to perform things. Mr. Wilmann is a native of Norway. He came to America in 1S91. He has lived in various cities, but has come to the conclusion that Bemidji and Beltrami county are more prosperous than any section of the country he has ever visited. Previous to his removal here Mr. Wil- mann lived in Mitineapolis, and the metro- politan training he received there has seized him in good stead in his official duties. He has served his constituency in an admirable and capable way. as a heavy taxpayer he is a staunch advocate of all propositions which have for their aim the furthering of Bemidji's interests, his purse strings are always long when material aid is required to "boost" his home city and county, and The Pioneer willingly endorses Mr. Wilmann as an office holder, a citizen and a patriot worthy of the name. FRED W. RHODA. Born on a farm in Todd county, Minn., July 19, 1869, Mr. Rhoda was a farm boy until he attained the age of fourteen. Armed with but a common school educa- tion he became an assistant in the office of his father, who was for fifteen years auditor of Todd county. Materializing into an expert mathematician and ac- countant, Mr. Rhoda attracted the at- tenition of the officers of the Bank of Staples, an institution in which he was retained for two years. Resigning his position there, he accepted a desk with Davis and Tabor, bankers at Park Rapids, and in 1S97 was sent to this icity to superintend the first bank established in Bemid.ii, and known under the title of "The Bank of Bemidji." Mr. Rhoda has always been in the van of public move- ments, he has always contributed his share to every move which had for its aim the furtherance of Bemidji and Bel- trami county, and he has so comported himself that he is now one of the rec- ognized influential factors of this section, not only as an authority upon expert accounting, but as a man of energy who performs what he sets out to do. Mr. Rhoda has been clerk of the district court for the past five years. His record during the interim has greatly inured to his personal worth and value, nnd The Pioneer need not further expa- tiate upon either his merits or standing. J. O. HARRIS, Register of Deeds. Beltrami County. A. B. HAZEN. Sheriff Hazen has been a resident of Bel- ti-ami county for upwards of twelve years, and of course must be classed in the cate- gory of our pioneers. He was here when Bemidji was a trading post, and although he suffered the rigors incident to frontier life, he has no regrets to express, as the terri- tory hereabouts has been developed until it is now one of the garden spots of the west. Mr. Hazen came here from Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he had resided tor thirty-five years. Four years after he located here he was selected as one of the city alderman, an office from which, after four years' service, he acquitted himself creditably, both to himself and his constit- uency. Afterward he was appointed street and water commissioner, another public posi- I ion he held for four terms, and one which still marks the perfection of the improve- ments he installed during his incumbency. Mr. Hazen has roughed it throughout the entire west, during the early '70's. He has undergone experiences which will never again be witnessed in the land of the Set- ting Sun. He has experienced hardships and danger, has superintended the conduct- ing of wagon trains across wild and hostile sections of the west, and he is therefore amply able to fill the sheriff's office with that sturdiness and fearlessness which has characterized his entire life. Mr. Hazen is extremely popular in this county. He was elected by a flattering plurality in the general election, and won out in a four-cornered fight at the primaries, and his high standing is further attested by the general approbation with which his election met. Mr. Hazen is a taxpayer, a hustling citi- zen, a useful one and a fearless one. The Pioneer predicts for him a gratifying career and the fitting accomplishment of every duty assigned to him. The following excerpt, clipped from one of our neighboring contemporaries, fully elucidates the prowess and experiences of Mr. Hazen as a patriot and citizen, and is well worth reading: "A. B. Hazen, elected sheriff of Bel- trami county at the election Tuesday, is a native of Wisconsin, being born in Crawford county, April 4, 1852, and has been a resident of Beltrami county since 1898, and was during the early days engaged in the hotel business. Succeeding years he was a logger, and during the BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. A. B. HAZBN, Sheriff Beltrami County. C-mUST. OLSON. Deputy Slieriff. ANDREW JOHNSON, Deputy Sheriff. "JOE- MARKHA.M. Deputy Slu-riff. (Recently Ue.signed.) BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. past few seasons he has devoted his time to farming, having one of the best de- veloped farms in this section on the banks of Lake Plantagnet. "Mr. Hazen's life has been one of stren- uous endeavor. During the war of '61-65 he was left as the head of the family with his mother, and during that period of strife, while his father was fighting in defense of the Union he was the mainstay of the home. "Later years saw him in various capa- cities in the west. In 1875 he was steward on the old river steamer Selkirk, which plied between Moorhead and Win- nipeg, before the advent of the Northern Pacific or Great Northern railroads across the Red River. "In 1877 he went to the Black Hills and was for several years engaged as freighter and stage driver for the old .Xorthwestern Transportation company be- tween Bismarck and Deadwo'od. During this time his mettle was tested by fre- quent hold-ups and trouble with Sioux Indians, who were then scaljiing advent- uresome frontiersmen on that lonely trail for pastime. "After years, until his removal to Be- raidji, Mr. Hazen was farming at Parkers Prairie, Otter Tail county. During his long residence here he has been actively engaged in politics and taken a keen in- terest in every election. Me is a staunch, life-long Republican and has besides al- ways supporting the straight ticket, been a liberal contributor to the Republican campaign fund, "That Mr. Hazen will make an able and competent sheriff is a foregone con- clusion. He is a man of mature years and ripe judgment, and his election is a crowning tribute to his worth." CHRIST. OLSON. A pioneer of the city who has watched Bemidji grow from the cradle epoch to a city of gigantic possibilities, is Christ Olson, the present deputy sheriff of Bel- trami county, who is doing such excellent work under Sheriff A. B. Hazen. Mr. Olson came to Bemidji eleven years ago from Little Falls, where he had been engaged in business tor some time. Mr. Olson, being of a progressive disposition, at once took his place with the early residents of the place and entered active- ly into business for himself, being identi- fied from the start with every movement calculated to advance the welfare of the city, and each succeeding year has added to Mr. Olson's intense loyalty to Bemidji. until "Chris" is regarded as one of Be- midji's staunchest citizens. Mr. Olson has invested quite liberally in real estate and other property in Be- midji, thus attesting his sincereity in de- claring that this city is destined to rank first among the cities of ths great north- ern domain. Mr. Olson was appointed deputy sheriff by Sheriff A. B. Hazen, when the latter assumed the duties of sheriff, at the be- ginning of the present year. Mr. Olson has taken hold of his official duties with the same energy that he has always ex- hibited in private life, with the result that he is making a very valuable assist- ant to Sheriff Hazen. ANDREW JOHNSON, Andrew Johnson, deputy sheriff and night watch at the Beltrami county jail, has proved himself to be one of the very best deputies that has served Beltrami county, and his retention to his old posi- tion tor another year, under Sheriff Hazen, is a just tribute to his worth as an official, Mr. Johnson came to Beltrami county GEORGE FRENCH. County Treasurer, Beltrami County. in 1900, from Minneapolis, and settled on a homestead in the Battle River coun- try, west of the village of Kelliher, where he stuck to his claim and got one of the best farms in that famous section. The trials of the border settlers were born in patience by Mr. Johnson, who comes from the "good old stock" that knows not defeat or set-back, and who always perform what they undertake. Mr. Johnson was appointed deputy sheriff by Sheriff Thomas Bailey, the predecessor of Sheriff A. B. Hazen, the present incumbent of the sheriffs office. From the start of his service, Andrew Johnson "made good" as an official who was fearless and never shirked any duty imposed upon him, no matter how ar- duous. His worth w'as recognized and appreciated by Sheriff Hazen, and Mr. Johnson has been retained as deputy and night watch at the jail. One of the irksome duties which Mr. Johnson encountered while he was serv- ing with ex-Sheriff Bailey was as death watch for two murderers who were con- victed and condemned to hang for mur- ders committed in Beltrami county. Mr. Johnson's cheerful attitude and kind words did much to lift the drooping de- meanor of the condemned men until their sentences were commuted to life im- prisonment by the state pardon board. J, O. HARRIS, Mr. Harris is a native of the Pine Tree State, but evidently heeding the admonition of the immortal Horace Greely to young men to "go west, young man, go west," he settled in Foxboro, Wis., from whence, in 1902, he located in Beltrami county. Being one of our many citizens who appreciate a ,£jood thing when they see it, Mr. Harris pur- chased such realty, including both farm and city property, which his means permitted, and his judgment has resulted in the extent of his present holdings, which are consider- able. In the last election he was elected for the third time to the office he now holds by a plurality of 1,200, and won out in a most stubbornly contested primary cam- paign for renomination. Mr. Harris since his incumbency has proved an exemplary official, and during his tenure of office has put into vogue a system of entry whereby all danger of errors in titles and ether doc- uments is wholly eliminated. He is a loyal republican, he has represented his party as a delegate to city, county and state conven- tions, and has proved himself a forceful man in every undertaking he h?s essayed. He is an enthusiastic lodge man, he is broad in his ideas both as a citizen and official, and is an acknowledged factor in all matters of public weal which pertain to Bemidji and Beltrami county. Mr. Harris has a pleasing personality, and any one can enjoy a handshake with him. He is extremely careful as to how the af- fairs of the register's office are conducted, and every caller receives the same marked attention from him. He is a hail well-met fellow, a man who "knows a few," and the voters of the county by retaining him in office have demonstrated that they believe him to be just as The Pioneer reflects him. A good thing to remember: Be on the "level" with your home city. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. G. H. FRENCH. Mr. French, the watchdog of the coun- ty's treasury, has commenced his third term In this office. Like the other good Republicans in the court house, Mr. French is as popular as he is well known. Mr. French, although a young man, is what might be called an old settler in this county, having resided here for thirteen years. Mr. French was one of the first commissioners ol Cass county, his appointment to that responsible posi- tion having come through Gov. Clough. He always faithfully served the party with which he affiliates — the G. O. P. — and is a leader in the ranks of that party in this section of the state, having many times been selected as a delegate to its various gatherings. Since his incumbency he has vastly improved the working system of the treasurer's office, and to such extent that Deputy Public Examiner Kain recently paid him, in oral terms before the county commissioners, the highest compliment that could be conferred upon an official • — that because of Mr. French's executive ability and systematic work and conserv- ative policy as affects the county funds. It is upon such men as County Treas- urer French who are developing and l)uildiug up this city and county, by rea- son of their public-s.piritedness, liberality and foresight. The Pioneer is always gratified to laud such men and extend to them unlimited space and laudation. W. B. STEWART. County Superintendent of Schools W. B. Stewart has officiated in his present posi- lion for three years, being annually returned to the office of coimty superintendent of schools on the groimd of capacity and pro- gressiveness. Since his incumbency the work of the schools of the county has been improved and extended, and school condi- tions generally have been advanced to a perceptible extent. Mr. Stewart has proved himself a thor- ough and capable educator, a scholar who received his training in the Edinburgh State Normal School in Pennsylvania, the Minnesota State Unversity and other noted institutions of learning, and as a promoter of educational and twentieth century ideas he ranks among the first tutors of the coun- try. Mr. Stewart is, in reality, one of the fore- most public instructors in the Great North- west. Alert to the exigencies of the times, painstaking in his efforts to bring about de- sired advancement and improvement in the educational world, he has filled a niche in the world of learning which will be remem- bered long after he vacates his present position. M. A. CLARK. Hon. M. A. Clark is Probate Judge of Beltrami county, repreisenting another man of calculative genius who has figured out the great future which lies before this section of Minnesota. He was born in Dam ecounty. Wis., in the year 1869, and. coming to Bemidji in 1899 from Norman county, he remained one year, after which time he settled in Blackduck, where he made his home for four years, returning to Bemidji in 1903 to assume the responsible office of which he is now the incumbent, and a position to which he has since continually been elected. The following clipping, taken from the Bemidji Pioneer, is self-explanatory, ex- cept that since its publication in the year 1904, Judge Clark has immeasurably endeared himself to both The Pioneer and the public alike: M. A. Clark, Judge of Probate of Bel- W. B. STEWART. County Superintendent of Schools. trami county, was born in southern Wis- ponsin, 34 years ago. Judge Clark claims to be of American descent, as both his paternal and maternal grandsires foughi in the revolution and in 1812. Nine years have elapsed since he left his native state, and settled in" Xorman county, this state, taking up the first em- ployment that was offered, that of district sc.liool teacher. Teaching winters and working on the prairie farms in the sum- mer, was his occupation for some years, for which he was peculiarly fitted, having graduated at a Wisconsin high school at the age of 16, and also been a farmer in that state for about six years. The judge says he first saw beautiful Lake Bemidji on the 2 4th day of May, lS9r.. while on an exploring expedition, and had "hiked" it from Fosston, over what he then thought to be the worst roads that ever lay out doors, but has changed his mind since his experiences with the roads in the Blackduck country. He remained at the lake ten days, and would have stayed longer but had to return to FVJSston on account of an in- jury to his right hand. But he always had a "hankering" to return and did so in the fall of 1899, and has been a permanent "fixture" in this country ever since. In the month of January, 1901, he cast his lot in the new town of Blackduck. where he still has inter- ests, and was a member of the first council of that flourishing burg, and prominent in the organization of their fire department and board of education, of which latter he was secretary until his election to his present position. Although he claims to be the youngest jirobate judge in the state, he is old in experience and knowledge of his work, having served two years as clerk of the [irobate court of Norman county, and nearly one year in the same capacity in this county, under the well-known Judge of Probate, "Pap" Carson, now deceased, who gave him full charge of the probate work, which was then small in comparison to the work now. Beltrami county may well feel proiif" having so competent and well qualified a probate judge as the present incumb- ent of that office. His kind and cour- teous treatment to all, his careful and painstaking administration of the affairs of his office, and his patience in instruct- ing and explaining their duties to those in- trusted with the administration of estates, has won for Judge Clark none but kind wx)rds, many friends and much praise. BEMIDJT, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. M. A. CLARK, Judge of Probate, Beltrami County. M. E. IBBRTSON, County Coroner. BELTRAMI COUNTY COURT HOUSE. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. OUR REPRESENTATIVE This is the legislative representative from this district — the Sixty-first. Mr. 0|isahl is now serving his second term, and the manner in which he has com- l)orted himself, the credit he has received for his nnflagging faithfulness to his con- stituenc.v, the important work he has accomplished since his ineumbenc.v, and the inipoi'tant committees to which he has been assigned, all portend his re- tention in office so long as he conducts himself along the lines he has observed since his election. Mr. Opsahl's popularity is reflected by the fact that in his contest for er-election last fall he vanquished his party op- jmnents in a three-cornered fight, at the Ijrimaries. and polled practically 7.5 per cent of the votes cast at the last general election. Mr. Opsahl has been a resident of Be- midji since 1901, whence he removed from Clay county, this state, where he was an extensive merchant. Perceiving the alluring o|)i)ortnnities of Bemidji and Beltrami county, Mr. Opsahl disposed of his interests in Clay county, bought up farm lands and timber tracts in this sec- tion, purchases which finally culminated in the organization of Selkce Land Com- I)any. a concern owning and controlling an endless number of farming and tim- ber lands, and one which is noted for its conservative and progressive business policy. Representative Opsahl also proved the depth of his conception of the value of this section as a pleasure resort when he platted Lavinia. a beautiful hamlet situ- ated on the Minnesota and International road six miles from Bemidji, ornamented with a nuinber of palatial summer houses. While has has disposed of much of his property in Lavinia, he retains a few choice locations which will bear inspec- tion, and such as will increase in value at no far distant day. Mr. Opsahl also platted out Riverside addition, forming, while so doing the Bemidji and Mississippi Improvement CompaTiy. Riverside is another spot for recreation and healthful living, and, like Lavinia and Bemidji, is destined to be- come a popular rendezvous for sojourners from other climes. It is said that Mr. Opsahl has consummated more transac- tions relative to realty than any one man in Beltrami county, and the material benefit these sales have been to this section is mirrored by 'ncrease in Be- midji's population, develcopmftnt, industry an.1 thrift. As a legal representative from this district, although he is now serving hi-^ second term, Mr. Opsahl is to be extolled for the lasting work he has accomplished and for the recognition he has achieved at the hands of the powers that be. As a member of the House Committee creat- ing the State Board of Immigration, of Mr. Ojisahl it may be said that he was one of the influential mentors and fathers of that extremely Important bureau. As all are aware, the State Immigration Bureau consists of men highly versed in the science of agriculture, horticulture, dairying, live stock interests, vegetation, timber, water and all other subjects re- lated to geological conditions and survey. This bureau has earned millions of money for the state since its establish- ment, and the advertisement it has disse- JENS J. OPS.4HL, Representative .Sixty-firsit District. minated is incalculable in value and ex- tent. It can be truthfully asserted that the State Bureau of Immigration is the most important department Minnesota can claim, inasmuch as it gathers statis- tics, after the most careful research, pertaining to soil, growing plants and trees, water, mineral wealth, the propa- gation and proper care of every living thing, exports, imports and consumption, and in fact every economical subject of interest to every citizen of the stati"". Phis board has developed territory, prevl- cusly considered iiractically valueless, to a paying degree, while the effect of Its general existence is of the greatest im- port to all interests, regardless as to their number. Mr. Opsahl, along with the many other brainy and ri'sourceful men of Beltrami county, is also entitled to warm praise for the increase in farm and city realty values his efforts have brought about. Working in harmony with our leading business men and capitalists, Mr. Opsahl has fiilly done his share toward develop- ing this territory, with the result that city and town property has increased from 100 to 500 per cent, according to location, while farm lands have been enhanced fully 100 per cent. This ma- terial showing in realty values and the rapid development and growth of Bel- trami county is of extreme einterest to every person in the county, and Mr. Opsahl can be congratulated upon the part he assumed in bringing about of these happy and profitable conditions. In closing, let us say this: Representa- tive Opsahl has won public favor without currying it. and he is willing to rise or fall by the records he has made. BEMIDJI, BELTRAJMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. OUR CONGRESSMAN HAI^VOR STEENERSON, Congressman, Ninth Congressional District. OUR STATE SENATOR A. P. HANSON, State Senator. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. BANKS OF BEMIDJI ^Hfft-^^^^^nJ^^^a AN AB-ORIGINAL SETTLKR ON LAKE BEMIDJI. A city is to be judged by the soundness of its banks and the personnel of their board ot directors and officers. As a piece of mechanism is judged by its construc- tion and the material which enters into its composition, so is a bank considered by its transactions, conveniences, clearings, rates of interest, methods of business and general conduction. Remidji can well boast of the banks within her confines. No city this size in the United States can claim as high an average capitalization, while the trained financiers at the head of them rank among the leading and most sagacious business men of the nation. The banks of Beniidji, as may well be imagined, have been the cause of widespread advertisement of our city, and the productive farm lands con- tiguous thereto, and they have also been the means of bringing hundreds of thou- sands of foreign capilal to this and sur- rounding counties. This financial showing is one which cheers the hearts ot the populace of this locality, as it represents an influx of prospective homeseekers and investors, and a status of commercial affairs which in- dicates the high class of business men to be found in Beltrami county, as well as the ideal character of the citizens as a whole, reflecting, as it does, frugality, good judgment, integrity, open and above board transactions, and a local spirit which is withal commendable. It is also well to observe that the Remidji banks did not issue any script during the financial flurry. They paid with but little reservation as the money wais demanded, and after it was all over, they were in position to judge the unflag- ging faith their depositors had in their ability to weather the storm and the stolid honesty of the men who had control of their affairs. The proof of the pudding is the eating, and thus it is that the banks of Remidji have rapidly forged to the front; explains why this young city is growing at such a rapid and substantial pace, and why the farmers from other states are taking up land in this section. Too much stress cannot be laid upon the importance of reliable banks, for poor, in- deed, is the community which lacks stable and solidly founded clearing houses. An- other point which should not be overlooked is that no account is too large or too small to receive proper and painstaking atten- tion at the hands of our two banks. Be- sides, the officers of our banks, namely, the First National and the Lumberman's National, are always desirous — -even anx- ious—to advise with their patrons rela- tive to investments and all other monied interests, and their counsel, aside from be- ing positive and impeccable in import and spirit, is imparted free of cost. FIRST NATIONAL BANK. National Banks, as is well known, con- stitute an integral part of the United States Treasury. Their transactions and entries are under the strict susvillance of the national government, and their deal- ings are an open book to the general pub- lic. This potent fact demonstrates why lodges, labor organizations and other civic bodies require their treasurer to deposit their funds in national banks, and this being true, it can be readily inferred why the majority of people arrive at the same conclusion. The First National Bank is among the oldest established monied institutions in this portion of the northwest, and its assets i)rove the enormity of its annual business and its popularity as a financial concern. From the day of its inception, in the year IflOO, its progress has been rajiid and substantial. It is among the most powerful banks in northern Minne- sota, as indicated by its capital stock and surplus, and is as popular as it is power- ful. This fact may be partially ascribed to the following terse excerpt issued by this bank in its officially published state- ment, bearing date of November 27, 1908: "Under government supervision we aim to offer the most liberal accommodations consistent with legitimate banking. Our stockholders and officers are people ot BEMIDJI, BELTRAIiII COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. recognized standing in our community and their interests are identical with the de- velopment of Beltrami county." AnA in this the First National Bank officials sounded the keynote of home patronage and success, inasmuch as its stockholders are made up of men whc have the true interests of this section at heart, and responsible men who have caused the city of Bemidji to expand and broaden to its present enviable limits. The officers of the First National Bank are: F. P. Sheldon, president; A. G. Wedge, Jr., vice-president; R. H. Schu- maker, cashier. These gentlemen, in con- junction with Messrs. P. J. Sheldon and W. A. Gould, constitute the board of di- rectors of the First National, and their names alone are sufficient to inspire con- fidence that the depositors' interests will be safeguarded in every respect. Attention is called to the last statement made in response to comptroller's call on November 2 7, 1908: Report of the condition of the First Na- tional Bank, at Bemidji. in the State of Minnesota, at the close of business. Nov. 27, 1908. RESOURCES. Loans and Discounts $243,579.92 Overdrafts, secured and unsecured 739.67 U. S. Bonds to secure circulation.. 25.000. 00 Bonds, securities, etc 55.953.37 Banking house, furniture and fix- tures 14.000.00 Due from National Bank's (not leserve agents) $6.370.3S Due from approved re- serve agents 99.559.34 Exclianges for clearing- liouse 740. sn Notes of other National Banks 645.00 Fractional paper curren- cy, nickels and cents.... 44.1(5 Dawful Money Reserve in Bank viz: .'Specie $23,301.15 Defral-tender notes 4.465.00 135,025.92 Redemption fund with U. S. Treas- urer (5 per cent of circulation) 1.250.00 Total $475. 548. SS LIABILITIE.S. Capital stock paid in $ 50.000.00 Surplus fund 10. 000. 00 and taxes paid 3,747.17 T^ndivided profit's, less ex enses National Bank notes outstanding.. 25.000.00 Due to other National Banks $ S. 607., SI Due to State Banks and Bankers 11.150.27 Savings deposits 7.077.90 Individual deposits sub- ject to check 222. 510. S9 Demand certificates of deposit 11.4S7.77 Time certificates of de- po'sit 123.407.09 Certified checks 710.00 Cashier's checks outstand- ing 1.849.98 386,801.71 Total $475,548.88 STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OP BEiL- trami. — ss. I, R. H. Sohumaker, Cashier of the above- named bank, do solemnly swear that the above statement is true to the best of my knowledge and belief. R. H. SCJHUMAKER, Cashier. Subscribed and 'sworn to before me this 2nd day of Dec. 1908. (Seal) H. J, I^OTTD, Notary Public. Beltrami Co.. Minn My commission expires Aug. 25. 191.^.. CORRECT — Attest: P. P. SHELDON. W. A. OOTTDD A. G. WEDGE. JR.. Directors. LUMBERMEN'S NATIONAL BANK. The Lumbermen's National ranks among the soundest financial interests of the state. Founded on the solid basis of governmental strength and control, it is wlioly immune from loss or disaster, a fact which commends it to all who have any legitimate banking business to trans- act. Special attention is directed to the personnel of the officers in control of the Lumbermen's National, as their higli standing and sterling worth illustrate the bank's reliab'lity and capacity in all matters pertaining to mortgage loans, foreign and domestic exchange, and a general banking business. From the day of its organization the Lumbermen's National Bank has rapidly forged to the frcmt rank among similar establishments. By dint of unquestion- able methods, unimpeachable transac- ti'ons, and a sense of business born of true knowledge for 'banking, it has filled a niche which is highly convenient for our people and fully appreciated by them. The Lumbermen's National Bank is one of the pre-eminent business houses of which Bemidji delights in exploiting, inasmuch as it advertises the city, con- tributes to the maintenance, growth and prosperity of the the city. Like all sound banks throughout the Northwest, the Lumberman's National paid readily and without restriction during the money flurry of a year ago, and every day adds to its strength and reputation. The Lumberman's Nati'onal is itvoTdi- nately pushing and modern in its policy, it may be reli'd uoon to pronerly and safely conserve all business and deposits entrusted to it, and The Pioneer, in its "Booster" edition, is gratified to allot this brief space to this worthy concern. The officers of the Lumbermen's Na- ticnal Bank are: A. P. White, president; A. D. Stephens, vice president; Vi. L. Brooks, cashier; L. L. Berman, assistant cashier. The appended statement mutely at- tests the solidity of this bank, and we invite the readers to glance over it, as it affords much food for reflection. Report of the condition of the Lumber- men's National Bank at Bemidji, in the state of Minnesota, at the close of business, .\"ov. 27, 1908: RESOURCES. Loans and Discounts $117,849.55 Overdrafts, .secured and unsecured 81S.31 IT. S. bonds to secure circulation.. 20,000.00 Premium,.; on U. S. bonds 320.00 Bond.s. Securities, etc 41.495.73 Banking Hou'se, Furn. and Fixtures 12.500.00 Due from National Banks (not re- serve agents) 2,846.04 Due from State Banks and Bankers 1.457,85 Due from approved reserve agents 28.659.91 Checks and other ca.^h items 1,048.90 Exchanges for clearing house 259,62 Notes of other National bank's,,,, 545,00 Fractional paper currency, nickels and cents 402.38 Lawful money reserve in bank, viz; Specie $11,076.40 Legal tender notes 4,980.00 16,056,40 Redemption fund with U, S, treas- urer (5 per cent of circulation) , . 1,000.00 Total $245,259.69 LIABILITIES. Capital stock paid in $ 25.000.00 Surplus fund 10,000.00 Undivided profits, less expenses and taxes paid 2.280.91 National bank notes outstanding. . 20.000.00 Due to other National Banks 3.821.99 Due to State Banks and Bankers 2,123.73 Individual deposits subject to check 119,729.94 Demand certificates of deposit.... 3.824.00 Time certificates of deposit 53,968.06 Certified checks 615,00 Cashier's Checks outstanding 3,896,06 Total $245,259.69 WARFIELD ELECTRIC LIGHT CO. ST.'^.TE OF MINNESOT.A., COUNTY OF BEIv traml, — ss, I. W. L. Brooks, cashier of the above- named bank do solemnly swear that the above statement is true to the best of my knowledge and belief. W. L, BR-OOKS. Cashier, Subscribed and sworn to before me this 1st day of Dec. 1908. (Seal.) GR.4.'HAM M, TORR.\NCE, Notary Public, Beltrami Co.. Minn. Mv commi'ssion expires Sept, 10, 1910. CORRECT— Attest: A. P, WHITE, G, E, CARSON, A, R. BROOKS, Directors. And Bemidji can justly boast of the light- ing facilities which are hers. In connec- tion with her up-to-date business houses and thoroughly equipped industrial estab- lishments, the Warfield Electric Light and Power company has provided every essen- tial for the perfect and complete lighting of the city, the home, and the business house, as well as supplying motors and power to all industries requiring it. Nowhere is there to be found a more thorough lighting or power system, and in no plant of this kind is there more adept and skilled men in charge of similar institutions. The result is obvious — Bemidji is among the most gen- erally lighted cities in the country of her size, a fact which has called forth expres- sions of the highest commendation from all who have ever visited the city, either as a guest or transient. And it is easy to ac count for tne metropolitan and ample ser- vice rendered the public by this lighting plant, in that the company is composed of home business men — responsible and in- fluential citizens who are personally inter- ested in the city's growth and welfare. An- other impelling feature relative to the light- ing plant of Bemidji is to be found in the fact that the company is extremely gener ous and considerate in its transactions with the public. The illumination they supply is furnished at rates way bel.w the average cost, and the treatment accorded their pat- rons is of the most solicitous and liberal. They have equipped their liebting plant with the most costly and up-to-date machin- ery, and have spared neither pains nor ex- pense to bring the plant up to the most ap- proved standard. It is also important to note that the company carries, for the con- venience of its numerous patrons, every- thing in the way of electrical appliances for use in the home, chief of which may be mentioned electric fiat irons, elctric heat- ing pads, elctric fans, elctric egg boilers, electric baby milk warmers and electric cof- fee percolators, conveniences which give birth to the trite phrase, "No match, no scratch, no smudge, no smoke." Taken all in all. Bemidji can unhesitating- ly invite an inspection of her excellent lighting plant — a feature of any city which is bound to attract attention to an inordin- ate degree of those who comtemplate a change of settlement. The officers and stockholders of the Warfield Electrical com- pany are universally known and esteemed as men of the highest inteerity and men who materially further every move ■which tends to advertise and build up their home city. Every innovation in the electrical world is immediately adopted by them, and The Pioneer enjoys a keen pleasure In bringing this company to the utmost limit of pub- licity, first, because of the personnel of the company, and secondly, because it has wroueht so much benefit to the city and her people. The present management of the concern also comes in for credit for the good he has accomplished during his in- cumbency. The firm are alert to the needs of the people, ther are expert In the busi- ness with which thev have been entrusted, and co-operating as they do with those un- der their direction, thev naturally secure the best results and willing efforts of the men who perform the manual labor for the company. In conclusion, let us sav to the thousands of persons who will read this souv- enir number of The Pioneer that we know of no firm which we can more heartily or fittingly endorse. If you fail to toot your horn for your home city, you won't find others losing their breath in doing so. BKMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. BEMIDJrS LEADING HOTEL HOTEL AEARKHAM. LOBBY OF HOTKL MARKIIAM. F. S. LYCAN. F. S. LYCAN. Popular Hotel Man of the Great Northwest. Mr. Lycan has been a resident of lie- mid ji for two years only, coniini; her from Crookston. where he dis|)oso(l of his hotel interests in ordei- to assume the manage- ment of the Markhiim hotel, the largest and most luxurious hotel in the state, bar- ring the Twin Cities and Duluth. The Mai-khani hotel, interior and exterior views of which apiiear in these pages, is a three-story building, not counting the basement. It contains eighty-two rooms, aside from those assigned to the. help, nnd i»s furnishings are superb in every way that that term implies. Every room in the house is c^Jmmodious. clean and perfectly ventilated, the furnishings of each are conducive to absolute comfort, while the bedding is all that could be de- sired by the most fastidious or affluent, both as to freshness, cleanliness and tex- ture. The hotel contains private bath rooms, an exceedingly spacious office, and a dining room sufficient to accommodate, in an emergency, several hundred persons. It is steamheated, the service afforded is of the sort that all high-class hotels ob- serve, and every detail for the convenience and comfort of guests is painstakingly attended to. The cuisine of the Markham hotel should be esjiecially noted, as should also • he table service. One of the best chefs ob- tainable is retained to produce the apiie- tizing dishes for which the .Markham is noted, plenty of help is employed so that |)romi)tness as well as gratification may enter into the preparation of a meal, while the culinary equipment lacks noth- ing which facilitates service and improves the cooking, baking or roasting of edibles. The table service is metropolitan in every ■.■esi)ect, elegant silverware and immacu- late linen forming imiwrtant adjuncts. The tables are conveniently arranged, thus allowing either privacy or party gather- ings, and a corps of polite waitresses serves the guests. The Markham hotel is indeed a decided credit to the city of Remidji. as it re- flects the fact that this city is an impor- tant railroad center and distributing point, else how could a first-class hotel exist here? The citizens of Bemldji are correspondingly vain in their boast that they possess a hotel of this magnitude and class, and for this they can be par- doned without comment. F. S. Lycan, the proprietor of the Markham hotel, is a man of many years of practical hotel experience. He can comprehend the neds of his guests, and he sees to it that their wants are at- tended to. 'Although having been here for but two years he has exhibited a busi- ness sagacity that has served as the me- dium which impelled his election to the l)residency of the Bemidji Commercial Club, and he is conded to be one of the most useful and progressive citizens Be- midji can claim. He is not only alert to I he exigencies of this day of grace, but he continually puts into practice all feas- ible theories which are suggested or which may arise. By virtue of his tenure of service in the hotel business, Mr. Ly- can can claim legion friends, he is one of the most widely known men in his business to be found in the state, and The Pioneer can untiesitatingly endorse Mr. Lycan as one of the most energetic and ingenious men that the city affords. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. THE PIONEER PRINTERY ALBERT KAISER, President. A. G. ("DOC.") RUTDEDGE, Managing Editor. ABOUT OURSELVES. This newspaper and printing and stationery plant has been established for the past thirteen years — from the time when Bemidji was a hamlet. During its six years' ot existence as a daily publica- tion and thirteen years as a weekly, it has exploited every real advantage, both natural and creative, that Bemidji and Bel- trami county has to offer and for which they are noted. During its tenure of service The Pioneer has been loyal, patriotic, clean, neatly printed and public spirited. At no time has it condescended to stultify its reputation as an honorable publication, neither can it be accused of the sins of ommission or commission. The legion friends ot the Pioneer concede that The Pioneer is the most influential and the best-gotten-up newspaper in North-Central Minnesota, and that -the matter contajined in its columns daily tend to benefit the locality. They confess that The Pioneer has served as a potent factor in bringing prospective home-seekers to Bemidji and Beltrami county; that it has built up men who were deserving and relegated those who were not worthy ol public esteem. Withal, The Pioneer has been a loyal public servant, doing yeoman serv- ice whenever called upon, and reflecting news in a manner which has won for it widespread notice. The Pioneer Printery employs from 2 to 25 persons, constantly, seven ot whom support families, and the balance are all home people who are firm believers in patronizing home industries and home in- stitutions. During the past year. The Pioneer paid out in salaries for labor alone over $10,000, all of which sum went to sup- port these patrons of home industries and home institutions. The Pioneer is exceedingly loyal to its home city and to the merchants of Be- midji. The Daily and Weekly Pioneer are much sought after by foreign adver- tisers, many of whom produce articles and goods which come in direct contest with local concerns. Such class of adver- tisers are firmly refused space in The Pioneer, although we have frequently been offered as high as 50 cents per inch for advertisements. The Pioneer carries the largest stock of stationery, supplies of all kinds, print- ers' stock, etc., of any similar concern in northern Minnesota, and is always pre- pared to furnish all classes of stock to its patrons. In the matter of commercial printing. The Pioneer Printery is unexcelled in northern Minnesota. We have the very latest in the line of presses, and we are constantly adding new and up-to-date type faces, with the result that our print- ing is modern in every particular; and our prices are right. Satisfaction goes with every order for printing which is done at the Bemidji Pioneer Printery. CLYDE J. PRYOR. Secretary and Business Manager. V. L. ELLIS, Traveling Salesman and Sulicitor. J. EVAN CARSON. Job Foreman. HERBERT WOOD, News Foreman. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. W'ALTER MARCUM. Press Foreman. ERNEST ANDERSON, Pressman. CLARENCE SHANNON, City Reporter. DAILY PIONEER CARRIER BOYS. INGA C. BRYNILDSON, Stenographer and Bookkeeper. MRS. AVIS GUYER, Compositor. \ \*f BLMA MANDT, Compositor. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. IDA ALLARD. Compositor. GERTRUDE McL.AUCHL,IN. Compositor. MRS. J. E. CARSON, Compositor. GEORGE SMITH. Custodian of Building. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. SCHOOLS OF BEMIDJI HI ■^JMnr- ""* ^ -^^i^,.^^^^^. 1 1 ■■ III L KB ■« ^ * 'ii. s 1 ::ass CICNTRAI, SCHOOL BUILDING PROF. A. P. RITCHIE. City Superintendent of Schools and a Widely Known Educator. Minnesota is known throughout the land for the large number of educators who are to he found within her borders, aad among those eminent in this field is Prof. A. P. Ritchie, superintendent of the city schools of Hemidji. Mr. Ritchie is now serving his fifth year as the head of our schools, and that he is capable, intellec- tu;il and an executive of no nieaii calibre uiay be gleaned from the appended illus- tration of his rise to recognition in the educational world. Horn on a farm in the State of North Carolina, Mr. Ritchie at an early age was brought to the State of Minnesota by his parents, who settled in Wiight County. Plodding along as a farmer boy until he had attained his majority, Mr. Ritchie, having mastered the three R's through a country school attendance, after a fash- inn plienomenal to general training, con- cluded to hew out a reputation in the world of learning. Beginning as a school teacher, his ability as a tutor' soon at- tracted the attention of the school boards within the vicinity, and he was proffered the ])osition of superintendent of schools at Cokato, a post he filled for four years. .\t the expiration of that time he was called to >Iilaca. where he labored in the same caiiacity for two years, at the ter- mination of which he was tendered the snperintendency of Itemidji's schools, a position which, as we have heretofore stated, he has held for five consecutive years, and one in which he can remain for an indefinite time if he so desires. Since his incumbency as superintendent of Hemidji's schools. .Mr. Ritchie has not only inaugurated new and up-to-date meth- ods of training, but has been the means A. P. niTCHii: of introducing new and further advanced studies and installing comfortable and more healthful surroundings for pupils. Through his efforts and solicitation an adequate heating and ventilating plant, costing $3,.')no has been installed, a new high school building to cost $35,000 to $40,000 is now assured, and the school system generally has been greatly strengthened by virtue of Mr. Ritchie's conscientious and tireless work. In the event of the erection of the proposed High school building, the present quarters will be devoted to a grade school, thus adding another seat of learning to Bemidji. Prof. Ritchie has also been the means of in- troducing the Storms' Business Course in the high school curriculum, a training invaluable to qualified students, and econ- omical in cost as well as valuable. Next year Prof. Ritchie proposes to establish a manual training school, the which would long since have been a reality had con- ditions been propituous. Prof. Ritchie is one of those astute men whose presence is impressive by reason of both his strength of character and his known achievements in the interests of education. To indicate his executive and impelling force as supervisor and director of school affairs it is but necessary to re- late that when he became superinten- dent of Bemidji's schools, there were but eleven girls and one boy in the High school. Now there are 103 pupils in daily attendance. Quite a showing, to say the least, and one commendatory to the fore- sight and study of Prof. Ritchie relative to cause and effect. Again, the increase of pupils in all the schools, graded and high, since Prof. Ritchie's assumption of the reins, amounts to 400. No further words need be add- ed. Increase in enrollment of schools, while natural as it may be by virtue of increase in population, cannot be main- tained unless the proper influences and methods of learning prevail, so it is plain that Prof. Ritchie has, by his knowledge of school children and curriculi, greatly benefited both the city and the pupils of the schools by the application of practical teaching and tolerable conditions. Competent educators constitute the bulwark of our vicilization. They are to be highly rated among the genius of the nation. The Pioneer is free to confess that it discerns in Prof. Ritchie an exem- plary and able educator, a man of ideal precepts, and a gentleman who can be trusted to creditably dispose of any re- sponsibility pertaining to education which may be thrust upon him. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. JOHN L. BROWN. G. il. TDHitAXCE. Ji>HN GIBBiiNS. P. J. RUSSELL. CHESTER McKUSICK. A, A. ANDREWS. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. THE BAR OF BEMIDJI p. J. RUSSELL. Altorney Russell can undoubtedly claim one of the largest law practices in the Great Northwest, the which includes a number of cases which have attracted widespread at- tention and comment. He is also the pio- neer lawyer of Beltrami county, having served as" village as well as city attorney for a period of six years. Mr. Russell is a true product of Minnesota, having first seen the light of day at Belle Plains, this state. After receiving a common school education, Mr. Russell took a course at the St. Paul Business College, after which he entered the Sault Center Academy. Admitted to the bar at Crookston in the year 1S91. Mr. Rus- sell has. without intermittance. practiced before our courts ever since. In the year 1899 he settled in Bemidji, where he at once impelled notice by reason of his conception of Hlackstone and his ableness as a debator and pleader. Prom the hour he arrived in Bemidji, Mr. Russell forged rapidly to the front in the ranks of his professional breth- ren with the result stated in the opening phrase of this article. Mr. Russell is a man of unusual tact, of much business ability, a systematic worker, eloquent in argument, spotless as an attor- ney, a first-water "booster" for his home town, and The Pioneer, in the spirit of its thousands of readers, appreciates him tor his worth as a citizen and his ableness as ii lawyer. JOHN L. BROWN. Mr. Brown was admitted to the bar dur- ing the month of January, 1899, at Des Moines, Iowa. Afterward he practiced law in Hancock and Story counties, Iowa, com- ing from Huxley, Iowa, to Bemidji about six months ago. Upon his arrival here, Mr. Brown was attracted by the natural rich- ness of this portion of the state, and con- cluded to settle here. Since his location in Bemidji Mr. Brown has made a host of friends, as he is one ot those who possess the happy faculty of impelling friendships, and impressing his personality upon all those whom he greets. Mr. Brown is undoubtedly destined to be- come one of Bemidji's foremost attorneys, while he has not yet been honored with any celebrated cases, owing to the scarcity ot their existence, it is a matter of general concession that his colleagues as well as those who know him best, give him credit for being a capable student of law and lileader. The Pioneer need not extol Mr. Brown in this Souvenir Edition. His past record is all sufficient to commend him to the confi- dence of all his acquaintances, and we pre- dict that the practice which will come to him in the nera future will rank on a par- allel with that of any attorney in the county. Mr. Brown is conscientious, a hard worker, an enterprising citizen, a faithful advocate of the city's best interests, and we can with- out gainsay, confer upon him this passing notice. E. E. Mcdonald. Mr. McDonald graduated from the Law Department ot Wisconsin University in 1883, and entered upon the practice ot his profession at once, and continued to prac- tice in St. Paul for nineteen years. He moved to Bemidji about five years ago, and has continued to practice here ever since. He has well appointed offices In the Post M.4.RSHALL A. SPOONER. Office building and a large law library. He is a member of the Commercial Club, and has always been active in all matters per- taining to the city's welfare. He has served the public in the capacity of a member of the Board of Education of St. Paul, and a member of the Legislature of Minnesota, and County Attorney of Beltrami county. He was sent to the Legislature to aid in securing the necessary appropriation for our present new capitol building and rep- resented his constituency well. He took a prominent part in the St. Paul Ice Carnival vears ago, which was famous as an attrac- tion tor St. Paul. Since coming to Bemidji he has taken an active part in every move- ment to advance the best interests of this North country, including among other things Bemidji's efforts to secure the Land Office, its efforts to secure and aid in the construction of the Red Lake Road to Red Lake and its efforts to secure wholesale houses for Bemidji, and is now giving up some time in other matters which will bene- fit Bemidji greatly, and has taken an active interest in matters pertaining to farming and cultivation of the land in this vicinity. He recently deliveered the Memorial Ad- dress tor the Elks Lodge at Crookston. It speaks well for the county of which we write that a man of Mr. McDonald's ability and training should select Bemidji as the place in which to follow his chosen profes- sion, and also proves that Beltrami county has inducements to offer to persons in every walk of life. GIBBONS & TORRANCE. This influential law firm gained promi- nence from the first day of its formation, not only because of the personnel of the Iiartners, but by reason of the natural pro- pensity on the part of each for winning friends and by the demonstration of their latent talents as disciples of Blackstone. They have handled some of the most im- portant legal cases in this section, their reputation either as lawyers in criminality or equity is unsurpassed, and the firm in question represents one of the most influ- ential law concerns in this portion of the state. Mr. Torrance is a graduate from t he Minnesota State University ot the class of 1900. He was a practitioner in St. Paul after his matriculation, for a period ot four years, when, becoming cognizant of the in- ducements offered by Bemidji, he located here, and a short time after became a part- ner with Mr. Gibbons. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. The latter gentleman is also a product of the State University, graduating two years prior to Mr. Torrance. This law firm is rapidly coming to the front in the legal realm, the members there- of are bustling and energetic young men who are causing things to move along, and they are more than entitled to the notice here given. MARSHALL A. SPOONER. Hon. IWarshall A. Spooner wa* born at Lawrenceburg, Indiana. May 18, 1858, and resided in his native city until he reachtt. the age of twenty-two years, when he left home to take up his residence in the North- west. He received his education at Hughes college, Cincinnati, Ohio, from which ht- graduated June 23, 1876, taking part of the honors of his class. He was then eighteen years of age. and immediately took up the study of law, afterwards attending the Cin- cinnati Law School. While pursuing his course of law, he taught one term at Spring Lake Seminary. When only three weeks over twenty years of age, on June 4, 1878, young Spooner was taken into partnership by Addison Williams, counselor-at-law, and at that time circuit prosecutor and city attorney, who had take.i a great fancy to the young collegian, and looked for him to attain eminence in his profession. Ill health soon after necessi- tated the retirement from active duties oi Mr. Williams, who, having faith in the tact and capacity of his junior associate, en- trusted to his charge legal matters of im- portance. The young lawyer entered upon his new duties with zest and, taking up the cases of his senior, prosecuted them; tried several cases before the criminal court and secured the conviction of and state's prison sentences for five malefactors; and this before he was twenty-one, when most embryo attorneys are sUU at their law studies. Mr. Williams died in December, 1878, and his law business was continued by Mr. Spooner, who was admitted to the bar on motion of Congressman Holman (the great objector), at the suggestion of the presiding iudge. May 17, 1879. In the spring of 1882 Judge Spooner re- moved to Moorhead, Minnesota, where he shortly afterwards formed a law partner- ship with Edward E. Webster. Mr. Web- ster left Moorhead in the spring of the fol- lowing year to take charge of the business of Mr. Kindred, and Frank D. Larrabee be- came a partner under the firm name of Spooner & Larrabee, which partnership continued until the spring of 1885, when Mr. Spooner removed to Minneapolis to con- tinue the practice of his profession. While located in Minneapolis, Judge Spooner had associated with him at various times able attorneys, the firm styles being Spooner & Taylor; Spooner & Flaherty (the latter now district judge) ; Spooner & Laybourne, and Spooner & Hutchinson. During the period of his residence in Minneapolis, the judge's practice was largely outside the city, as chief counsel or ad- visor and on appeals to higher courts for cases of outside attorneys. In October, 1895, he appeared before the supreme court of the United States in the famous North Dakota prohibition case. His practice at this time was of a general character, he having cases before the federal, state supreme and the trial courts of Minnesota, the Dakotas and Wisconsin. A glance through the Minnesota Report.s shows Judge Spooner as a practitioner in many cases; and his record as a successful ])leader at the bar is known to the attor- neys of the state at large. judge Spooner came to Bemidji in April, 1902, and formed a partnership with L. H. Bailey, which continued until he was ap- Iiointed to the bench March 24, 1903. He D. H. FISK. Ijresided as judge of the Fifteenth judicial district, which covers an area of one-fifth of the state of Minnesota, and it is safe to say that there is probably not another district in the United States in which there is such a diversified character of litigation before the court as in this district. Judge Spooner served as judge of the Fifteenth judicial district until the spring of 1908. when he tenedered his resignation and moved to Spokane. Washington, for the purpose of practicing law in that city. The many friendships which Mr. Spooner had made in Bemidji and all over the Fif- teenth judicial district appealed so strongly to him that he decided to return to Be- midji. The decision was followed by imme- diate action, and Mr. Spooner and wife are again living in Bemidji. Mr. Spooner has resumed the active prac- tice of law. and his well known ability as a counsellor will undoubtedly result in a large and remunerative practice throughout Min- nesota, and more especially the Fifteenth judicial district. At present Mr. Andrews is " attracting a gordly share of the legal business in this vicinity. Success has crowned his under- takines in a number of important cases, and The Pioneer can openly commend him to the thousands of readers of this Souvenir Edition. A. M. CROVVELL. A. A. ANDREWS. Mr. Andrews is one of the thousands of young men w-ho have demonstrated that there is always room at the top for those who asiiire thereto. A graduate of the law school of the Minnesota State University. Mr. Andrews was admitted to the bar in the year 1902, from which date he has since practiced in the state courts. Hang- ing out his professional shingle in Bemidji but two years ago, Mr. Andrews has made his ])ower felt as a pleader and debater, and aside from that he has made a host of friends in every circle, , a circumstance which tends to show his personality and attainment as an attorney. Attorney Crowell has been a resident of He luidji for about nine years. He was ad- miited to the bar at St. Cloud in the year 1874, moved to Todd county the same year, where he practiced law for sixteen years. In 1884 he was admitted at St. Paul to Ijractice before the United States District Court. He maintained a law office at Long Prairie for sixteen years, where he was slate's attorney for a period of six years, fifter which time he moved to Dawson, Lac Q'.'i Parle county. In each place of his rtsidence Mr. Crowell has made his mark in the legal realm, and proved himself the learned barrister that he is. Since his advent in Bemidji Mr. Crrwell has been one of the leading counsel in many important cases, he is well known throuhgout the state, and his ability as a liraclitioner before the bar has been fit- tingly recognized. D. H. F\SK. An.oiig the attorneys of Bemidji, of which there are many, Mr. Fisk lines up among the first. By dint of hard strug- gling he managed to pave the way to the securing of a common school educa- tion, and by vii^tue of aptness mastered the intricacies and usages of Blackstone. Mr. Fisk has studied law in both Wis- consin and Minnesota under numerous BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. CHARLES W. SCRUTCHIN. learned men in the legal realm, of whom may be mentioned in particular the re- doubtable Frank P. Chapman, then dis- trict attorney of St. Croix county, Wis- consin. In the year 1S80 Mr. Fisk located at Ada, Minn., and he was admitted to the l)ar in ojien court at Crookston in 18S1. In recognition of his ability as a pleader and analyticad prowess he was chosen as the first county attorney of Norman coun- ■ ty. which, through his influence became an independent domain or county of itself in 1881, having been sperated from Polk county. Mr. Fisk also practiced law throughout the state of Washington for a period of ten years, but the year 1900 witnessed his settlement in Bemidji, as he, in com- mon with the thousands of others who have settled in this city and county, fore- saw the vastness and scope of this field as a place to live. Mr. Fisk is prominent in public life, he has accomplished much good for this section of the state, and is recognized among Minnesota's most profound and successful lawyers. CHARLES W. SCRUTCHIN. Well Known Colored Lawyer Who Has Earned Widespread Fame. It will do the student of Nature a world of good to analyze the trials, virtues and attainments of this gentleman. From an ordinary street gamin, Mr. Scrutchin has risen to the apex of one of the most widely known criminal lawyers in the Northwest. Struggling against ad'versity; being de- prived of those privileges which the Consti- lution of the United iSates warrants; with no |)rofessional opportunity before him, taken in a general sense. Mr. Scrutchin be- gan hewing out a reputation in the face of the most obstinate and discouraging cir- cumstances. He managed to secure a pub- lic school education, then aspired for an academic and law graduation, which he ac(|Uired by dint of hard work, overlooking the shortcomings of other men as affects congeniality and felicitous and generous ircatment. and by persevering to I he last degree of patience, stolidity and a respon- sive spirit. .Mr. Scrutchin. like the village smith whom the immorlal Longfellow idolized, "owes not any man." By virtue of his winning licrsonality. his astuteness, his strict ai)pli- ( at ion to business, his ableness as a pleader and assimilator of Blackstone, he has gained an exalted position in the legal realm, and today he is recognized as one of the most forensic and facile practitioners before courts ranging from Municipal to Supreme Court, possessing as he does in abundance, all the (pialifications therefor. I'ersonally, Mr. Scrutchin is a veritable "good fellow" all the way through. As above asseverated, he owes not any man, inasmuch as the niche he occui)ies in the legal sphere has been achieved through his own individual efforts, business acumen and endowed brilliance as an orator, rea- soncr and recontaur. and as a man who impels the wholesome admiration of all who meet him. Mr. Scrutchin is especially famed through- out the Great Northwestern country. He hr.s been retained in the majority of the most sensational criminal cases which have ever come before the Minnesota courts of late years. That he has proved successful ill his management of the various cases with which he has been entrusted is evi- dent by the universal approbation which his methods have invoked. Superlatives would fall far short of intelligent elucida- tion relative to the conception of law and its majesly as possessed by Mr. Scrutchin, thus The Pioneer desists from delving into them. Mr. Scrutchin's success and stand- ing are gauged by his career as a success- ful ijractilioner. as one who has accom- plished results, not omitting his generosity and willingness to serve as a humanitarian and a law-protecting and law-abiding citi- zen. lie is esteemed for his morality and the clean, manly life he observes; for his en- lliusiasm as a citizen; as a man of inordi- nate intellect; as a liberal man in every sense of the word, and as one whom every one is glad to greet and exchange the tid- ings of the day. The Pioneer could con- tinue for an indefinite time to laud Mr. Scrutchin. Columns could be devoted to his merits and deservingness as a citizen, professional man and scholar. But why, forsooth, should we essay to do so? Mr. Scrutchin is universally known. That is sufficient so far as popularity goes, and all satisfying to those who read as they run. In some cities merchants refuse to buy from farmers who patronize mail order houses. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. BRINKMAN FAMILY THEATER. MRS. A. THOMPSON. BIJOU THEATER. G. A. LASHER. BIJOU THEATER. MRS. MABEL YOUNG. BIJOU THEATER. BEMIDJI, BELTRAJVII COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. BIJOU THEATRE. Bemidji people, as well as visitors to this thrifty city are constrained to wonder how the Bijou Theatre maintains the high class of entertainment furnished by this widely known and popular play house. This vaude- ville house books none but recognized art- ists, and hence it is plain why the manage- ment succeeds. They have played such people as The Henningtons, Temple V. O'Brien, Oxman & Oxman, Prazo Trio, Joseph Gay, the world- renowned banjo player; DeLaceys, The Wenwoods, Harry Mayhe, all artists with national reputations as comedians, acro- bats, musicians and -teams. They have al- ready booked for future appearance such celebrities as The Musical Pearsons, The Bennet Sisters, The Morses, The Nelsons, The Parkers, and a score more other uni- versally known entertainers. The manage- ment of the Bijou also furnishes the latest and most costly pictures to be seen west of the Twin Cities, and in greater number than any amusement place in Bemidji. The performances and pictures witnessed at the Bijou are clean, and diversified; they change weekly, and three perform- ances are nightly given. This play house does the bulk of the show business in Be- midji, and has, from the day of its open- ing, engaged the best talent obtainable, and still continues to do so. Mr. G. A. Lasher and Mrs. A. Thompson are the controlling factors of the Bijou, and to what extent their comprehension of the show business has achieved in the public mind is manifested by the glowing success. They are conducting a thoroughly metro- politan vaudeville house and theatre; they have publicly proved their right to public favor and general patronage, and the re- spectability of the house is such that it is regularly visited by our best people. Mr. Lasher is an experienced theatrical man. He is familiar with the names, repu- tation and drawing powers of the high class histrionic world, not to mention his per- sonal acquaintance and contact with hun- dreds of them. He is careful as to his selection of the artists whom he bills, tak- ing note of diversity as well as of the at- tainment of those whom he books. Mr. Lasher and Mrs. Thompson have proved that Bemidji is a desirable and re- munerative place to live in, and that Beltrami county is O. K. in every re- spect. This they know from the immense trade they enjoy from our amusement lovers. They are also aware that Beltrami county has a class of people who patronize home interests, and that they are a good class to tie to. Mrs. A. Thompson, the business partner of Mr. Lasher, is among Bemidji's most estimable ladies. She is well acquainted throughout this vicinity, and her kindly mein and ideal precepts have had much to do with the success of the Bijou. She is the quintesence of circumspection and pos- sesses all the lady-like attributes which go to make up true womanhood. It is greatly owing to these truths that no one hesitates to attend the Bijou, regardless as to their youth or sex. Taken all in all. the Bijou represents the real amusement place in Bemidji, its man- agement is enterprising and moral to the last degree, and The Pioneer, in bringing this worthy vaudeville house before its readers, can do naught but heartily com- mend it to the confidence of all. FRED E. BRINKMAN. This is another gentleman who had faith in Bemidji's future greatness, and who has realized on his judgment. He is a citizen who is an extensive real estate owner, and consequently he is deeply concerned in all matters pertaining to the advancement of Bemidji. Mr. Brinkman has been a resident of Bemidji from the time that this city was a hamlet. More than that, he was selected to represent his wardspeople for two terms, a showing which in itself is com- mendable. Mr. Brinkman is among our most abU and prosperous business men. He con- ducts a high class cafe and rooming house, and in addition thereto he directs the pop- ular amusement house known as The Fam- ily theater. The last mentioned medium of enjoyment is one well worthy of consid- eration, inasmuch as Mr. Brinkman pro- duces the best that money will procure. "Punk' companies and cheap acts do not obtain in his theater, and neither are boisterous or maudlin spirits ever permitted to interfere with the completion of a set piece. The Family theater is an ideal play bouse in every way. It is well lighted, well ven- tilated, the seats have been arranged for comfort, the ushers are courteus and accom- modating, and the music furnished is par excellent. There is nothing of a metro- politan character which has been overlooked by Mr. Brinkman. Being as he is, on the Webster circuit, he is in a position to exhibit the most popular attractions and notable people possible of securing, satisfying the public desire for good clean theatricals. The program of the Family theater changes twice a week, none but recognized artists are permitted before its footlights, and the general management of the place in its entirety is characteristic of dispatch, metropolitan spirit and knowledge of the business. Mr. Brinkman, commonly known as "Fred," is one of the leading and in- tellectual lights of Bemidji. He is not only a heavy taxpayer, an exemplary citi- zen and "booster," but a good fellow withal. The Pioneer is siatisfied to allot to Mr. Brinkman the space here awarded and calls particular attention of its thousands of readers to Mr. Brinkman and the widely known playhouse he so ably manages. LAKE BEMIDJI. FROM BASS CKEEK. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. Eight-Acre Current Field. Itasca Park Region Nursery Company. Apple Orchard. Itasca Park Region Niir.sery Company. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. ITASCA PARK REGION NURSERY COMPANY Field of Imhlias on Farm of Itasca Park Region Nursery Company. This is not only the most extensive and important institution in the Great North- west, but is also one which impressively leflects the prodigality of the soil in this legion. The mere existence of this nursery proves beyond cavil that the soil of this portion of Minnesota is capable of pro- ducing anything, measure for measure, heaped up and running over. This nur- sery also goes to show that this locality is rapidly being develo))ed by way of ver- dure, farming and grazing. The Itasca Park Region Nursery Com- pany also indicates the faith that has been inspired by prosjiectire homeseekers and moneyed men. in the fabulous worth of the soil of this territory. The Itasca Park Region Nursery Com- pany, came, or rabher made its advent, under the impression that this field was idealistic in resources and ijroductiveness. That its judgment was based on wisdom and soundness is mirrored in the phe- nomenal s\iccess which has attended every effort it has made towards furthering and perfecting the nursery that it now owns. The Itasca Park Region Nursery Com- pany has sufficient holdings to supply in abundance every tree and shrub known to this climate. It has selected one of the most desirable sections of this vicin- ity to raise nursery stock, and it has made a scientific study of the intricacies of forestry, agriculture, horticulture and gardening. It is an appreciable fact, therefore, that it is in a position to furnish the most pro- genitive plants that can be desired; and by personal knowledge, can benefit, in a compensatory manner, all the i)atrons who are so fortunate as to purchase theii' needed i)lants. This nursery is not a mere bagatele. It was not founded on the basis of penury or restriction, but was established on the broad iilane of up-to-dateness and with a disregard to expenditure. These facts must appeal to the most apathetic as to the capacity and prolific- ness of the Itasca Park Region Nursery Company. .\n inventory of the cuts contained in this edition will greatly tend to demon- state the beauties and the resourcefulness of this nursery. Therein can bo seen some striking illustrations of what the nursery produces and is capable of pro- ducing. Special stress is laid upon these illus- trations, inasmuch as they magnify the real worth of the Itasca Park Region Nursery Company for the production of their stock in trade. The Itasca Park Region .Nursery Com- pany, in order to indicate the inexhaust- able resources and richness of the soil of Beltrami county, is more than anxious to submit estimates of any variety of vege- table species contiguous to the northwest. Its specimens indubitably assert their own value and finesse, while their profitable worth has long since become known to all its patrons. While we could devote folunins of space to the merits of the products of this company, as well as to its personnel, we desist for lack of space. Let us conclude by saying that the Itasca Park Region Nursery Company was first established at Shevlin eight years ago, when realizing the limitless op|)or- tunities of this locality, it bought up land and established at this point one of the largest nurseries in the Northwest. That it has been compensated for its investment, is, as we have above stated, indicated by the half-tones which we sub- mit to the view of our thousands of readers. No further comment is necessary. Ocular demonstration is convincing evi- dence. The Itasca Park Region Nursery Com- l)any is comi)osed of Louis P. Anderson, Ole Stave and Florenze Anderson, repre- senting respectfully, in turn, president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer. lyouis P. .Anderson serves as the chief mentor of this concern, and that his busi- ness judgment, executive ability and ex- tensive knowledge of the nursery business has proved remunerative to the company is evidenced by its success. When you "boost" your city you enhance the value of your business. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. Field Scene, Itasca Park Region Nursery Compan\ Ornamental Trees and Hussian Golden \V illow and Windbreak, on Farm of Emil Nelson, Minot, N. D. — Trees from Itasc a Park Region Nursery Company, Bemldji. BEMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY AND NORTHERN MINNESOTA. BELTRAMI COUNTY ABSTRACT COMPANY C. A. HUFFMAN This well-known abstract and title company has existed from the time Bc- midji was a hamlet, and even before that. The original eompan.v was cora- I)Osed of F. S. Arnold, Matt Phibbs. Frank Snyder and L. H. Bailey, who con- diipted the business up to the time they transferred their interests to those nnw in control. The Beltrami Abstract com- pany is incorporated for $12,000; it owns considerable tracts of farm lands in Beltrami county and the members of the company are familiar with very foot of ground in the county. Maintaining an office in the county court house, this imi)ortant concern is in daily contact with all important docu- ments filed in the office of the register of deeds, and they are consequently in a position to examine titles and oomijile extracts in not only the shortest possible time, but with unfailing accuracy. Hav- ing a knowledge of the county records possessed by no one outside their offices, and being daily called upon to wade through deed entries and the like, the liollranii County Abstract company can in- deed claim precedence for ex|)edition and authenticity over all others engaged in a similar Iiusiness. Their hi.«tury as an abstract and title company is untarnished, their long years of conscientious service, and satisfying and reliable results have invoked the supreme confidence of every citizen in this section, and the fact that they perform the bulk of business con- nected with real estate transactions is bona fide evidence of not only their un- questioned integrity, but of the confidence reposed in them by the public as a whole. C. A. Huffman is the guiding mentor of the Beltrami County .\bstract com- pany. Since his induction as manager he has simplified the general workings of the office, making it to secure access to and solution of technical or doubt- ful titles, while the compiling of abstracts has been s)-stemized to the degree of per- fection and great saving of time, which necessaril.v means a saving to those in- terested in the work desired. Mr. Huffman, before being selected as the chief executiv eof the Beltrami Coun- ty Abstract ccmpany. had been for ten years previous, occupied as an abstractor at Ladysmith. Wis. With his past ex- perience, and with alacrit.v and ability he has demonstrated since his connection with the firm he rei)resents at present, he may be relied upon to dispose of all business entrusted to him in the most approved and unmistakable manner. Mr. Huffman is als-o to he appreciated from the fact that he has had sufficient confidence in Beltrami county lands to the extent of investing his money among us, another fact which evinces his fore- sight as well as his knowledge of pro- lific lands. As a citizen Mr. Huffman is classed among the most eminent and industrious, and The Pioneer, without quibble or re- servation, can freely laud both Mr. Huff man and the company he manages. BEIMIDJI, BELTRAMI COUNTY ANTD NORTHERN MINNESOTA. 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