Have you ever considered donating items to the Renville County Historical Society? While cleaning out your closets, attics or garages keep RCHS in mind for Renville County related items. RCHS preserves the history of Renville County from yesterday until tomorrow. It is the Mission of RCHS to discover, preserve and share the history of Renville County. Before you throw it away give Nicole a call at the Museum to see if it is needed for the RCHS artifact or archive collection.
Keep the following list in mind:
· Obituaries & funeral cards, feature stories from across the county, church anniversary booklets, graduation & wedding invitations, wedding & birth announcements
· Yearbooks for ALL schools in Renville County. See the RCHS BLOG for a list of the Yearbooks we have in the research library.
· Items that have business names on them and given out as gifts/premiums (prior 2019)
· Renville County Related Photographs (family, sports, activities, businesses, churches, etc.)
· Additional history & photographs on the ‘Old Villages’ of Renville County
· Renville County Related Military items & photographs and Legion & VFW histories
· Renville County Platbooks & Maps. See the RCHS BLOG for a list of the platbooks in the Research Library.
RCHS also accepts Day-to-Day items
· Office Supplies: 1/5 Cut Manila File Folders, #10 Envelopes and First Class Stamps, Copy Paper (8 1/2” x 11” & 11”x17”, 110# 8 1/2” x 11” multi-colored cardstock); 9”x12” manila envelopes
· Other Supplies: toilet paper, paper towels, dusting wipes, antibacterial wipes, bathroom & kitchen cleaning solutions, toilet bowl cleaner, etc.
Married on November 21, 1959 at Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Sacred Heart, Minnesota.
Published in the Sacred Heart News on December 10, 1959, is the following about the wedding. Marilyn’s family donated her wedding dress and veil to RCHS March 2021.
Marilyn Jacobson and Harvey Vosika wed November 21
The marriage of Marilyn Betty Jacobson and Harvey William Vosika took place Saturday, November 21 at 7:30 p.m. in Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Sacred Heart.
The parents of the bride are Mr. and Mrs. Millard Jacobson of Sacred Heart; the groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Vosika of Danube.
Pastor Donald A Borlaug conducted the double ring service in a setting of candlelight, ferns, and bouquets of yellow and white mums. The pews were marked with white bows.
The bride entered in the arm of her father, to the music of Gounod’s Marche Romaine processional, played on the organ by Mrs. Rudolph Nelson. The recessional was the Mendelsohn wedding march. John Isaak, a soloist sang “O Perfect Love and the Wedding Prayer.
The bride’s gown was fashioned with a floor-length skirt of nylon tulle, tiers outlined in imported Chantilly lace over bridal satin. The molded bodice was of Chantilly lace over satin with a Queen Victoria collar and traditional long sleeves. The bodice and collar were embroidered in iridescent sequins. Her veil was a coronet of lace embroidered in pearls, with a fingertip length veil of silk illusion. Her flowers were white-feathered mums and talisman roses. Her gift from the groom was a pearl necklace and matching earrings.
Maid of honor was Dorothy Meyer, friend of the bride. Wanda McBroom, cousin of the bride, and Janet Vosika, sister of the groom, were bridesmaids. They all wore gowns of copper crystallite fashioned with a square neckline coming to a V in back, with full puffed sleeves and full ballerina length skirt with a cummerbund. They wore matching headpieces with crown and veil and carried yellow and bronze mums. Their gifts from the bride were pearl necklaces and earrings.
Pamela Blagsvedt, a friend of the bride, was flower girl. She wore a floor-length gown of silk organza, full-skirted on a molded bodice with bell sleeves and a small collar. The taffeta midriff ended in a bow with drape ends at center back. She carried a cascade bouquet of yellow and bronze mums and wore her gift from the bride, a pearl necklace.
Mrs. Ben Bersle, aunt of the bride was her personal attendant.
The groom’s attendants were his brother-in-law, Ardell Lossow, as best man, his friends Norman Blume and Richard Tauber as groomsmen, and the bride’s little friend, Del Ray Lecy as ring bearer. They all wore white dinner jackets with midnight blue trousers, black cummerbunds and bow ties. They wore white carnation boutonnieres. The groom wore white gold cuff links and tie clasp given him by the bride. His gifts to his attendants were gold cuff links and tie clasps.
Orlando Johnson, classmate of the bride and Dale Klemenhagen, cousin of the groom, were ushers. They wore white dinner jackets and black cummerbunds and bowties, with white carnation boutonnieres.
The bride’s mother wore a two-piece suit dress in royal blue and black, with matching accessories. The mother of the groom wore a blue and black-figured dress with matching accessories. Their corsages were of white mums and talisman coursages.
Corsages were presented to the three grandmothers, Mrs. Inger Jacobson of Sacred Heart, Mrs. Mary Vosika of Olivia and Mrs. Fred Schmidt of Danube.
Two hundred and fifty guests were received in the church parlors following the wedding. A four-tiered wedding cake and candles formed the centerpiece of the bridal table. Mrs. Ardelle Lossow, sister of the groom, was in charge of the guest book. At the gift table were Mrs. Vyonne Dickey, cousin of the bride and Mrs. Dirk Allen, Mrs. David Albu and Miss Barbara Kvernes, friends.
Mrs. Ben Bersle, aunt of the bride and Mrs. Bill Schmidt, aunt of the groom, had charge of the coffee service. Cutting the cake were Mrs. Guy Jacobson, aunt of the bride, Mrs. Al Klemenhagen, aunt of the groom. All were presented with corsages.
The waitresses were Sharon Schmidt, cousin of the groom, Dianne McBroom, cousin of the bride, Marilyn Vosika, sister of the groom, and Marlyn Eliason, Evelyn Hardy, Elsie Olson, Mrs. Roger Robinson and Henrietta Meyer, friends of the bride. They were presented with nylon aprons by the bride. The ladies aid of the church took care of work in the kitchen.
Mr. and Mrs. Vosika are now at home in Olivia, after a wedding trip to Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Iowa and Illinois.
Guests who attended the wedding were from Willmar, Granite Falls, Danube, Olivia, Renville, Bird Island, Montevideo, Hendricks, Lake Lillian, Cottonwood, Belview, Clara City and Stillwater.
Mr. and Mrs. Sid Blagsveldt, friends of the bride, assisted as host and hostess.
Editor’s Note: A big thank you to our volunteer, Linda Balk for typing up this from the newspaper. RCHS continues to work on the Wedding Dress exhibit. RCHS received over 10 new dresses for the collection to fill out the decades. We will be publishing a press release when the exhibit is complete.
Townships of Renville County information from History of Renville County 1916 Volume II
Bandon Township was organized on January 4, 1871, and the first election was held a few months later at Jeremiah Farrell’s house in section 18.
Beaver Falls Township was to be named Upson but after the county was organized the name Beaver was given. Organized April 2, 1867, the first township election was held in 1867 at the store of C. Prignitz in the village of Beaver Falls, then the county seat.
Birch Cooley Township was organized on April 2, 1867, and the first election was held fall of 1867 at the home of Joseph L. Preston. The present boundaries were organized on July 28, 1874.
Bird Island Township was organized on October 2, 1876, and the first election was held at the home of Joseph Feeter on October 21, 1876.
Boon Lake Township was created on September 6, 1870, at the time included Brookfield. Present boundaries since 1874. The first election was held fall of 1870.
Brookfield Township was organized in 1874 and the first election was held on April 7 at the home of Charles Foster.
Camp Township was organized on April 2, 1867, having failed to hold an election, Halleck Peterson, was appointed assessor on May 21, 1867. A town hall was erected in section 15 in 1904.
Cario Township was organized as Mud Lake and the first election held on April 2, 1867.
Crooks Township was organized as Aurora in November 1884 and the first election was held December 9, 1884. March 1885 name was changed from Aurora to Crooks as there was already an Aurora township in the state.
Emmet Township, named for Robert Emmet, the Irish patriot. Organized September 7, 1870, first election September 21, 1870.
Ericson Township, named for Eric Ericson, County Auditor
Flora Township organized in 1867 the first election held in the house of James Gaffney. Named after Francis Shoemaker’s horse.
Hawk Creek Township was organized on April 2, 1867, an election was held on April 6, 1867, at the home of Henry Wilson. 1906 a town hall was erected in section 14.
Hector Township was created April 7, 1874, as Milford, on July 29, 1874, the name was changed to Hector, a town in New York from which many of the settlers had come. There was already a Milford township in the state. The first town meeting was held on June 30, 1874, at the home of James Cummings.
Henryville Township was originally assessed as part of Beaver Falls township in 1869. Took its name from Peter Henry, one of the best known of the pioneer settlers. Organized March 16, 1871, the first election was held on March 23, 1871.
Kingman Township was organized on September 3, 1878, and an election was held at the home of H.W. Jones in section 20 on September 24, 1878.
Martinsburg Township was organized on September 3, 1878, with an election held at the home of J.B. Mohan in section 22 on September 24, 1878.
Melville Township was organized on January 1, 1878, with the first town meeting at the home of Albert Brown on January 21, 1878.
Norfolk Township’s first election in March 1875 was originally organized as Houlton on July 26, 1869. Various changes both in name and territory took place after that and it assumed its present boundaries on October 2, 1876. The name was changed to Norfolk in 1874.
Osceola Township was organized on September 30, 1879, at the home of J.F. Lucas, Sr. The first annual meeting was held on March 9, 1880.
Palmyra Township was organized on January 2, 1872, and an election was held on January 30, 1872, at the home of E.H. Olson.
Preston Lake Township was organized on September 7, 1869, the first town meeting held September 28, 1869, at the home of William Phare. The township hall was built in 1900.
Sacred Heart Township’s first town election was held on April 6, 1869, at the house of G.P. Greene.
Troy Township was organized on March 21, 1876, and the first election was held on April 8 at the house of Ira Everson.
Wang Township was organized on July 28, 1875, and the first election was held at the home of Elling Johnson on August 16, 1876.
Winfield Township was created as Liberty township on April 17, 1878, the first meeting held at the home of Ulrick Julson on May 4, 1878. Another petition was granted on December 8, 1878 organizing and naming the township. The town was duly organized at a meeting held on December 27, 1878.
Wellington Township was organized on June 4, 1873, the first election held June 17 at the William Carson house.
Cities of Renville County information compiled by county.
Bird Island was incorporated in 1881
Buffalo Lake was incorporated in 1891
Danube was incorporated in 1901 first call Miles
Fairfax incorporated 1888
Franklin incorporated 1888
Hector incorporated 1881
Morton incorporated1884
Olivia incorporated1881
Renville incorporated 1881
Sacred Heart was incorporated in 1883
If you have information to add to this article please email Nicole [email protected]
Left: J.M. Bowler Right: Lizzie S. Caleff Bowler with granddaughter, Helen Law (daughter of Victoria Law).
J.M. Bowler was born in Lee, Main, on July 10, 1838. Educated in common schools, Lee Academy and Westbrook Seminary. Worked on his father’s farm, in his store and lumber camps. Taught country school in Lee in 1855 and Falmouth in 1856. Came west in March 1857. Taught school in Hales Corners and Lynn, Wisconsin, and McGregor, Iowa. Came to St. Anthony Falls, Minnesota, in April 1859, taught school several times in Nininger and Grey Cloud. Carried a Torch in the Wide Awakes, and voted for Abraham Lincoln for President in 1860. Enlisted in Company E, First Minn. Vol. Inf. in April 1861, and was discharged up the re-organization of the regiment for the three years service. Enlisted as private in Company F., Third Regiment Minnesota, Inf. Vols., Sept. 23, 1861; was promoted to corporal and sergeant, and in October 1862, was commissioned Second Lieutenant and December 1, 1862, captain of the company and served as such until April 1, 1865; was commission Major of 113th U.S.C.T. and was mustered out with the regiment April 9, 1866. Was on detached service at different times as a member of the General Court Martial, Military Commission, and Post Adjutant on the staff of General C.C. Andrews at Little Rock, Ark., and was also appointed assistant general superintendent of Freedman’s Bureau for the same district. Major General Reynolds offered to recommend him for second lieutenant’s commission in the regular army. He declined the office, preferring to return to his home in Minnesota. November 30, 1862, married Lizzie S. Caleff at Nininger, Minnesota. She and their daughter, Victoria, were with him during his stay at Jacksonport, Ark. After leaving the army, he taught school several terms at Nininger and Hampton and followed farming until he moved to Minneapolis, October 1901. Besides he was in the farm machinery business at Bird Island for a short time and for a few years traveling collection agent for the Northwestern Manufacturing and Car Company of Stillwater and Minneapolis. Harvestor Company, Minneapolis. He worked two summers as a right-of-way agent for Chicago, Great Western Railroad Company. At different times held various town and school district offices; was representative in the legislature of 1878, speaker’s clerk during the session of 1891, and State Dairy and Food commission two years under Governor Lind. Was a nominee for Lieutenant-Governor on the ticket with Governor Lind in 1896 and 1898; also for Railroad Commissioner on Democratic State ticket in 1902. As an earnest friend of good government—government of, for, and by the people–has always taken a lively interest in politics and never missed an opportunity to vote at elections. Since coming to Minneapolis in 1901 has done some business in real estate and insurance. In 1881 and 1882 was editor of the newspaper, the Bird Island Blizzard.
This publication was shared by Rick Bonlender, Economic Development Professions of the Mid-Minnesota Development Commission on 1/28/2021. He requested anyone to feel free to use it as a template to write up your own Op-ed and post/circulate in your area.
In the small towns of Bird Island, Olivia, and Willmar, residents are deeply invested in their communities. Many return home to find work and start a family after graduating college, while others choose to stay local after retirement. Meanwhile, civic groups, entrepreneurs and city officials are actively engaged in these communities—each of which depends on central commercial districts as a magnet to bring people together. Whether it’s a local cultural center, treasured coffee shop, or family-owned restaurant, small businesses are at the heart of Bird Island, Olivia, Willmar, and other small towns like them.
Over the past year, these small businesses have been severely tested. Foot traffic is down, funding is scarce and local entrepreneurs are hurting. Yet, throughout the pandemic, Main Street groups have been—and continue to be—a critical lifeline, helping to direct local businesses to grants and other resources, guiding them through COVID-safe operations, and continuing to work toward a long-term vision of economic development for each community’s downtown. These groups leverage the support of the nationwide Main Street America network and the Main Street approach, which empowers communities to transform their economies, leverage local leadership, and improve overall quality of life. Today, Main Street programs like those in Bird Island, Olivia, and Willmar are vital—now more than ever.
In Olivia, for example, the local Main Street group is playing a pivotal role in the effort to find new buyers for Master’s Coffee Shop, which was a downtown staple for decades before it closed for good in December. Master’s is important not only because it is the sole dining option in downtown Olivia, but also for its time-honored role as a beloved community gathering place. While the owners had been trying to sell the business for years, the economic toll of the pandemic was the final straw. With the help of Olivia Main Street, the owners have already found a potential buyer and are in the process of negotiating a deal.
Meanwhile, Willmar’s Main Street group also remains focused on economic development—even as it assists businesses with the pressing concerns of the pandemic, like navigating grant options and applying for funding. Over the past year, Willmar Main Street has continued the downtown assessment it began in 2020, albeit with modifications. Through virtual focus groups with stakeholders, Willmar Main Street is quickly identifying a priority for downtown development: creating more green space. Before the state had even begun to shut down indoor dining last spring, Willmar was already at work creating outdoor seating options on sidewalks and street parking spots. The energy that effort generated continues to inspire their work. Willmar Main Street will begin exploring solutions for a more permanent green space downtown, ideally with a playground and other amenities to attract families.
Long-term planning has also continued in Bird Island, where the Main Street group is working to repurpose a shuttered elementary school that occupies a full city block near the heart of downtown. Along with a devoted group of community members, Bird Island is trying to save the building from demolition, transform part of the property into open space and find local entrepreneurs to occupy the remaining structure. Through that project, Bird Island Main Street built a network of community members who are committed to downtown revitalization—and that group was a critical asset in December, when the town had to pivot its traditional “Olde Fashioned Christmas” celebration, typically held indoors at a local bank. Working with the residents, the city’s cultural center and a family-owned B&B, Bird Island Main Street was able to host the event outdoors on the B&B’s circle driveway.
These examples demonstrate just a few of the ways Bird Island, Olivia, and Willmar Main Street groups serve as a vital support for small businesses and the community—both in response to the pandemic and in ensuring long-term economic development. While Main Street groups provide fundamental assistance to local businesses, these communities are still at risk. Too often, small businesses are overlooked in favor of big-box stores and online retailers that have greater resources at their disposal. Yet the entrepreneurs that make local communities special are also a powerful economic force—employing nearly half the workers in Minnesota.
State and local elected officials are the next—and last—line of defense in protecting Minnesota’s small businesses, the people they employ, and the beloved downtowns they sustain. In future budget negotiations, lawmakers must recognize that recovery depends on Main Street groups and the small businesses they support. Cutting funding for such programs would be a grave mistake, resulting in lost jobs and reductions to state and local revenue. Before, during, and after the pandemic, Main Streets have proven themselves to be an essential partner to downtown businesses—and those small businesses are essential to the recovery of Willmar, Bird Island, Olivia, and other communities like them.
Sincerely,
Rick Bonlender, economic development professional, Mid-Minnesota Development Commission; Mark Glesener, director, Bird Island Main Street; Susie Lang, director, Olivia Main Street; and Sarah Swedburg, director, Willmar Main Street
Posted: October 21, 2021 by Renville County Historical Society Leave a Comment
Donation Items for the Museum: RCHS preserves the history of Renville County from Yesterday until Tomorrow
Have you ever considered donating items to the Renville County Historical Society? While cleaning out your closets, attics or garages keep RCHS in mind for Renville County related items. RCHS preserves the history of Renville County from yesterday until tomorrow. It is the Mission of RCHS to discover, preserve and share the history of Renville County. Before you throw it away give Nicole a call at the Museum to see if it is needed for the RCHS artifact or archive collection.
Keep the following list in mind:
· Obituaries & funeral cards, feature stories from across the county, church anniversary booklets, graduation & wedding invitations, wedding & birth announcements
· Yearbooks for ALL schools in Renville County. See the RCHS BLOG for a list of the Yearbooks we have in the research library.
· Items that have business names on them and given out as gifts/premiums (prior 2019)
· Renville County Related Photographs (family, sports, activities, businesses, churches, etc.)
· Additional history & photographs on the ‘Old Villages’ of Renville County
· Renville County Related Military items & photographs and Legion & VFW histories
· Renville County Platbooks & Maps. See the RCHS BLOG for a list of the platbooks in the Research Library.
RCHS also accepts Day-to-Day items
· Office Supplies: 1/5 Cut Manila File Folders, #10 Envelopes and First Class Stamps, Copy Paper (8 1/2” x 11” & 11”x17”, 110# 8 1/2” x 11” multi-colored cardstock); 9”x12” manila envelopes
· Other Supplies: toilet paper, paper towels, dusting wipes, antibacterial wipes, bathroom & kitchen cleaning solutions, toilet bowl cleaner, etc.
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Posted: October 16, 2021 by Renville County Historical Society Leave a Comment
Marilyn Betty Jacobson marries Harvey William Vosika on November 21, 1959
Published in the Sacred Heart News on December 10, 1959, is the following about the wedding. Marilyn’s family donated her wedding dress and veil to RCHS March 2021.
Marilyn Jacobson and Harvey Vosika wed November 21
The marriage of Marilyn Betty Jacobson and Harvey William Vosika took place Saturday, November 21 at 7:30 p.m. in Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Sacred Heart.
The parents of the bride are Mr. and Mrs. Millard Jacobson of Sacred Heart; the groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Vosika of Danube.
Pastor Donald A Borlaug conducted the double ring service in a setting of candlelight, ferns, and bouquets of yellow and white mums. The pews were marked with white bows.
The bride entered in the arm of her father, to the music of Gounod’s Marche Romaine processional, played on the organ by Mrs. Rudolph Nelson. The recessional was the Mendelsohn wedding march. John Isaak, a soloist sang “O Perfect Love and the Wedding Prayer.
The bride’s gown was fashioned with a floor-length skirt of nylon tulle, tiers outlined in imported Chantilly lace over bridal satin. The molded bodice was of Chantilly lace over satin with a Queen Victoria collar and traditional long sleeves. The bodice and collar were embroidered in iridescent sequins. Her veil was a coronet of lace embroidered in pearls, with a fingertip length veil of silk illusion. Her flowers were white-feathered mums and talisman roses. Her gift from the groom was a pearl necklace and matching earrings.
Maid of honor was Dorothy Meyer, friend of the bride. Wanda McBroom, cousin of the bride, and Janet Vosika, sister of the groom, were bridesmaids. They all wore gowns of copper crystallite fashioned with a square neckline coming to a V in back, with full puffed sleeves and full ballerina length skirt with a cummerbund. They wore matching headpieces with crown and veil and carried yellow and bronze mums. Their gifts from the bride were pearl necklaces and earrings.
Pamela Blagsvedt, a friend of the bride, was flower girl. She wore a floor-length gown of silk organza, full-skirted on a molded bodice with bell sleeves and a small collar. The taffeta midriff ended in a bow with drape ends at center back. She carried a cascade bouquet of yellow and bronze mums and wore her gift from the bride, a pearl necklace.
Mrs. Ben Bersle, aunt of the bride was her personal attendant.
The groom’s attendants were his brother-in-law, Ardell Lossow, as best man, his friends Norman Blume and Richard Tauber as groomsmen, and the bride’s little friend, Del Ray Lecy as ring bearer. They all wore white dinner jackets with midnight blue trousers, black cummerbunds and bow ties. They wore white carnation boutonnieres. The groom wore white gold cuff links and tie clasp given him by the bride. His gifts to his attendants were gold cuff links and tie clasps.
Orlando Johnson, classmate of the bride and Dale Klemenhagen, cousin of the groom, were ushers. They wore white dinner jackets and black cummerbunds and bowties, with white carnation boutonnieres.
The bride’s mother wore a two-piece suit dress in royal blue and black, with matching accessories. The mother of the groom wore a blue and black-figured dress with matching accessories. Their corsages were of white mums and talisman coursages.
Corsages were presented to the three grandmothers, Mrs. Inger Jacobson of Sacred Heart, Mrs. Mary Vosika of Olivia and Mrs. Fred Schmidt of Danube.
Two hundred and fifty guests were received in the church parlors following the wedding. A four-tiered wedding cake and candles formed the centerpiece of the bridal table. Mrs. Ardelle Lossow, sister of the groom, was in charge of the guest book. At the gift table were Mrs. Vyonne Dickey, cousin of the bride and Mrs. Dirk Allen, Mrs. David Albu and Miss Barbara Kvernes, friends.
Mrs. Ben Bersle, aunt of the bride and Mrs. Bill Schmidt, aunt of the groom, had charge of the coffee service. Cutting the cake were Mrs. Guy Jacobson, aunt of the bride, Mrs. Al Klemenhagen, aunt of the groom. All were presented with corsages.
The waitresses were Sharon Schmidt, cousin of the groom, Dianne McBroom, cousin of the bride, Marilyn Vosika, sister of the groom, and Marlyn Eliason, Evelyn Hardy, Elsie Olson, Mrs. Roger Robinson and Henrietta Meyer, friends of the bride. They were presented with nylon aprons by the bride. The ladies aid of the church took care of work in the kitchen.
Mr. and Mrs. Vosika are now at home in Olivia, after a wedding trip to Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Iowa and Illinois.
Guests who attended the wedding were from Willmar, Granite Falls, Danube, Olivia, Renville, Bird Island, Montevideo, Hendricks, Lake Lillian, Cottonwood, Belview, Clara City and Stillwater.
Mr. and Mrs. Sid Blagsveldt, friends of the bride, assisted as host and hostess.
Editor’s Note: A big thank you to our volunteer, Linda Balk for typing up this from the newspaper. RCHS continues to work on the Wedding Dress exhibit. RCHS received over 10 new dresses for the collection to fill out the decades. We will be publishing a press release when the exhibit is complete.
Share this:
Posted: September 16, 2021 by Renville County Historical Society Leave a Comment
Renville County Township & City Dates
Townships of Renville County information from History of Renville County 1916 Volume II
Cities of Renville County information compiled by county.
Bird Island was incorporated in 1881
Buffalo Lake was incorporated in 1891
Danube was incorporated in 1901 first call Miles
Fairfax incorporated 1888
Franklin incorporated 1888
Hector incorporated 1881
Morton incorporated1884
Olivia incorporated1881
Renville incorporated 1881
Sacred Heart was incorporated in 1883
If you have information to add to this article please email Nicole [email protected]
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Posted: July 9, 2021 by Renville County Historical Society Leave a Comment
J.M. Bowler excerpt from the History of Renville County Volume II: 1916
J.M. Bowler was born in Lee, Main, on July 10, 1838. Educated in common schools, Lee Academy and Westbrook Seminary. Worked on his father’s farm, in his store and lumber camps. Taught country school in Lee in 1855 and Falmouth in 1856. Came west in March 1857. Taught school in Hales Corners and Lynn, Wisconsin, and McGregor, Iowa. Came to St. Anthony Falls, Minnesota, in April 1859, taught school several times in Nininger and Grey Cloud. Carried a Torch in the Wide Awakes, and voted for Abraham Lincoln for President in 1860. Enlisted in Company E, First Minn. Vol. Inf. in April 1861, and was discharged up the re-organization of the regiment for the three years service. Enlisted as private in Company F., Third Regiment Minnesota, Inf. Vols., Sept. 23, 1861; was promoted to corporal and sergeant, and in October 1862, was commissioned Second Lieutenant and December 1, 1862, captain of the company and served as such until April 1, 1865; was commission Major of 113th U.S.C.T. and was mustered out with the regiment April 9, 1866. Was on detached service at different times as a member of the General Court Martial, Military Commission, and Post Adjutant on the staff of General C.C. Andrews at Little Rock, Ark., and was also appointed assistant general superintendent of Freedman’s Bureau for the same district. Major General Reynolds offered to recommend him for second lieutenant’s commission in the regular army. He declined the office, preferring to return to his home in Minnesota. November 30, 1862, married Lizzie S. Caleff at Nininger, Minnesota. She and their daughter, Victoria, were with him during his stay at Jacksonport, Ark. After leaving the army, he taught school several terms at Nininger and Hampton and followed farming until he moved to Minneapolis, October 1901. Besides he was in the farm machinery business at Bird Island for a short time and for a few years traveling collection agent for the Northwestern Manufacturing and Car Company of Stillwater and Minneapolis. Harvestor Company, Minneapolis.
He worked two summers as a right-of-way agent for Chicago, Great Western Railroad Company. At different times held various town and school district offices; was representative in the legislature of 1878, speaker’s clerk during the session of 1891, and State Dairy and Food commission two years under Governor Lind. Was a nominee for Lieutenant-Governor on the ticket with Governor Lind in 1896 and 1898; also for Railroad Commissioner on Democratic State ticket in 1902. As an earnest friend of good government—government of, for, and by the people–has always taken a lively interest in politics and never missed an opportunity to vote at elections. Since coming to Minneapolis in 1901 has done some business in real estate and insurance. In 1881 and 1882 was editor of the newspaper, the Bird Island Blizzard.
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Posted: February 12, 2021 by Renville County Historical Society Leave a Comment
The Importance of Main Streets: Bird Island, Olivia and Willmar FINAL
This publication was shared by Rick Bonlender, Economic Development Professions of the Mid-Minnesota Development Commission on 1/28/2021. He requested anyone to feel free to use it as a template to write up your own Op-ed and post/circulate in your area.
In the small towns of Bird Island, Olivia, and Willmar, residents are deeply invested in their communities. Many return home to find work and start a family after graduating college, while others choose to stay local after retirement. Meanwhile, civic groups, entrepreneurs and city officials are actively engaged in these communities—each of which depends on central commercial districts as a magnet to bring people together. Whether it’s a local cultural center, treasured coffee shop, or family-owned restaurant, small businesses are at the heart of Bird Island, Olivia, Willmar, and other small towns like them.
Over the past year, these small businesses have been severely tested. Foot traffic is down, funding is scarce and local entrepreneurs are hurting. Yet, throughout the pandemic, Main Street groups have been—and continue to be—a critical lifeline, helping to direct local businesses to grants and other resources, guiding them through COVID-safe operations, and continuing to work toward a long-term vision of economic development for each community’s downtown. These groups leverage the support of the nationwide Main Street America network and the Main Street approach, which empowers communities to transform their economies, leverage local leadership, and improve overall quality of life. Today, Main Street programs like those in Bird Island, Olivia, and Willmar are vital—now more than ever.
In Olivia, for example, the local Main Street group is playing a pivotal role in the effort to find new buyers for Master’s Coffee Shop, which was a downtown staple for decades before it closed for good in December. Master’s is important not only because it is the sole dining option in downtown Olivia, but also for its time-honored role as a beloved community gathering place. While the owners had been trying to sell the business for years, the economic toll of the pandemic was the final straw. With the help of Olivia Main Street, the owners have already found a potential buyer and are in the process of negotiating a deal.
Meanwhile, Willmar’s Main Street group also remains focused on economic development—even as it assists businesses with the pressing concerns of the pandemic, like navigating grant options and applying for funding. Over the past year, Willmar Main Street has continued the downtown assessment it began in 2020, albeit with modifications. Through virtual focus groups with stakeholders, Willmar Main Street is quickly identifying a priority for downtown development: creating more green space. Before the state had even begun to shut down indoor dining last spring, Willmar was already at work creating outdoor seating options on sidewalks and street parking spots. The energy that effort generated continues to inspire their work. Willmar Main Street will begin exploring solutions for a more permanent green space downtown, ideally with a playground and other amenities to attract families.
Long-term planning has also continued in Bird Island, where the Main Street group is working to repurpose a shuttered elementary school that occupies a full city block near the heart of downtown. Along with a devoted group of community members, Bird Island is trying to save the building from demolition, transform part of the property into open space and find local entrepreneurs to occupy the remaining structure. Through that project, Bird Island Main Street built a network of community members who are committed to downtown revitalization—and that group was a critical asset in December, when the town had to pivot its traditional “Olde Fashioned Christmas” celebration, typically held indoors at a local bank. Working with the residents, the city’s cultural center and a family-owned B&B, Bird Island Main Street was able to host the event outdoors on the B&B’s circle driveway.
These examples demonstrate just a few of the ways Bird Island, Olivia, and Willmar Main Street groups serve as a vital support for small businesses and the community—both in response to the pandemic and in ensuring long-term economic development. While Main Street groups provide fundamental assistance to local businesses, these communities are still at risk. Too often, small businesses are overlooked in favor of big-box stores and online retailers that have greater resources at their disposal. Yet the entrepreneurs that make local communities special are also a powerful economic force—employing nearly half the workers in Minnesota.
State and local elected officials are the next—and last—line of defense in protecting Minnesota’s small businesses, the people they employ, and the beloved downtowns they sustain. In future budget negotiations, lawmakers must recognize that recovery depends on Main Street groups and the small businesses they support. Cutting funding for such programs would be a grave mistake, resulting in lost jobs and reductions to state and local revenue. Before, during, and after the pandemic, Main Streets have proven themselves to be an essential partner to downtown businesses—and those small businesses are essential to the recovery of Willmar, Bird Island, Olivia, and other communities like them.
Sincerely,
Rick Bonlender, economic development professional, Mid-Minnesota Development Commission; Mark Glesener, director, Bird Island Main Street; Susie Lang, director, Olivia Main Street; and Sarah Swedburg, director, Willmar Main Street
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