The following appeared in The Rose History in 1911.
 
Rock County Village (continued from 11-05-20 edition of the Star Herald.)
 
         During the summer of 1884 an event occurred which resulted in the death of one proposed town and the birth of another. The victim in this case was Drake. That point had proven to be an undesirable location for any expansion on the part of the railroad company, in the way of building side tracks, as it was situated at the end of a long cut. So when a movement to found a town a half mile farther west was launched, the railroad authorities offered their co-operation. The plan for the new town was largely the idea of Ex-Lieut. Gov. W. H. Yale, of Winona, who had large farming interests in Magnolia and Vienna townships, and who was desirous of founding a convenient market. He came to the site on July 16, 1884, prepared to plat the site of the proposed town.22 Any plat that may have been made at this time, however, was never placed on record. Yet there was a start made of the town. The railroad company secured ground at the new location and erected a depot building in October, 1884. The station was opened March 13, 1885, and a Mr. Cook, formerly of Ashton, Iowa, installed as agent.
         The year 1885 witnessed the complete abandonment of all private and railroad interests at Drake station. The grain warehouse was moved to the newer Drake (as it was known for a while), and in October Ira Crosby moved his store building. There was one building on the townsite selected, a building that had been there for many years prior to the more recent activities. That was the residence of George Phinney, who had taken as a homestead the land on section 11, Magnolia township, which was included in the townsite. At the close of the year 1885 a correspondent reported two elevators, a depot and a store in the new town. The Peavey company put up the second grain house.
         Every indication for healthy growth was evident in 1886. The postoffice, which succeeded the old Westside office, was established in February with Ira E. Crosby, the pioneer merchant, as postmaster.23 A third grain warehouse was erected in the spring by Jones Bros., of Adrian, and in the same season the railroad company established stock yards on its property. On May 2 an order was issued by the railroad authorities which officially changed the name of the station from  Drake to Magnolia.24 M. T. Hough established a blacksmith shop in May, and during the year residences were erected by P. Phinney, M. Pickett, J. Bill and C. E. Rolph. Early in 1887, O. R. Brooks, grain buyer for the Peavey company, engaged in the fuel and flour business, and in May A. J. Bonnett opened the town’s second general store. Beyond that the town experienced no growth for several years, or until the awakening which the early nineties held in store.
         The new order of things in the history of Magnolia dates from the fall of 1891, when the platting of the town became an actuality. The townsite was still in the possession of Ex-Gov. Yale, and it was by him, with the co-operation of Frank A. Johnston, that this important action was taken. The survey was made in October by W. N. Davidson, and on the 19th of that month the plat was filed for record in the office of the register of deeds. The original townsite was made to consist of nine blocks and four outlots. The streets running north and south were named Garfield, Broadway, Washington and Lincoln, and they were intersected by Luverne, State and Main.25    
                  22“Ex-Gov. W. H. Yale arrived at Drake station Wednesday evening, bringing with him the plat of a new station which the Sioux City railroad officials have concluded to locate on the old Hovey farm. The engineers will arrive at Drake Thursday evening, July 17, to stake out the town plat. This will, indeed, be a benefit to the citizens of our township in the way of raising the valuation of adjoining lands, and will be a help to the county generally.” — Correspondence in Rock County Herald, July 18, 1884.
         23Succeeding postmasters of Magnolia with dates of service have been: A. V. Lyle, December, 1890, to July, 1891; M. J. Phinney, July, 1891, to March 1898; M. Pickett, March, 1898, to 1911. One rural route, established in June, 1907, is in operation. 
         24The town was named from the township in which it is located. The township was named Magnolia at the time of its organization, November 27, 1872. The name was selected by Philo Hawes, after his old home in Rock county, Wisconsin. That place was named directly or indirectly for Pierre Magnol, in whose honor the Magnolia tree was named.
         25Two additions to Magnolia have been platted, as follows:
         Kleine’s, by William Kleine, July 11, 1894; surveyed by W. N. Davidson.
         Gutzaler’s, by Harriet Gutzler, May 1, 1899; surveyed by W. N. Davidson.
 
         The story of the village of Magnolia will continue in the Nov. 19 edition of the Star Herald.
         Donations to the Rock County Historical Society can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, 312 E. Main Street, Luverne, MN 56156.
Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.

The following appeared in The Rose History in 1911.
 
Rock County Village (continued from 10-29-20 edition of the Star Herald.)
 
Magnolia
         Magnolia, an incorporated village of eastern Rock county, is a station on the Worthington-Mitchell branch of the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha railroad, seven miles east of Luverne. The line separating sections 11 and 14, Magnolia township, passes through the center of the village, which is situated one mile from the boundary line between Rock and Nobles counties. Magnolia has kept pace with the development of the county in general. In a business way it is well represented by lines usually found in towns of a few hundred inhabitants.
         Though the Magnolia of today has been the development of the past two decades, the town was in the process of formation for approximately fifteen years before it received the impetus which ushered it in as a promising Rock county village. Its career has since been one of continued progress.
         We may go back so far as 1872, several years before the first railroad found its way into the county, to commence tracing the course of events which have directly concerned the building of this Rock county village. In the spring of that year a postoffice, which the Magnolia office later succeeded, was established just over the county line on section 18, Westside township, Nobles county. This office was in charge of Rensellear Simmons and was known as Westside. It was a station on the old Worthington-Sioux Falls mail route, and for a number of years numbered as its patrons the early day settlers of the territory in which the future town was to be located.
         The branch road of the Sioux City & St. Paul railway from Worthington to Sioux Falls was built into Rock county during the summer and fall of 1876. Luverne was the only established town and for awhile remained the only station on the line in the county. Before a year was over, however, the railroad officials selected a site for a second station on section 13, Magnolia township, in close proximity to the large farm owned by Hon. E. F. Drake, the president of the company. In his honor this “town” was christened Drake, or as it became more commonly known, Drake station. There was no idea at the time of founding a town, not even the first step of making a survey given a consideration. And during the eight years of its existence Drake developed but little beyond its original condition.
         A depot was never built at that point, simply a platform. During its history only two business enterprises were established there, and then not until it was about to be forced to resign in favor of a newer rival a half mile to the west. When trains were put in operation on the new railroad the overland mail route from Worthington to Sioux Falls was discontinued, and after the establishment of Drake station, that was made the receiving point for the mail consigned to the Westside postoffice.
         There were signs of activity at Drake station during the winter of 1882-83. In its issue of December 1, 1882, the Rock County Herald said: “The alleged village of Drake, commonly known as Drake station, is enjoying a real estate boom. The first lot ever sold in the place was transferred this week for the princely sum of $1.” In the course of the year 1883 Thompson Bros. erected a grain warehouse at Drake, and on October 1, of the same year, its only store opened for business. It carried a general stock of merchandise, flour, feed, wood, coal, etc., and was established as a branch store by Patterson & Walters, of Luverne. This firm conducted the business only a few months, selling to Philander Phinney, who later, in turn, transferred the business to Ira E. Crosby, who placed George Crandall in charge. There was some talk of moving the Westside postoffice to the Drake store, but the plan did not mature.
        
         The story of the village of Magnolia will continue in the Nov. 12 edition of the Star Herald.
         Donations to the Rock County Historical Society can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, 312 E. Main Street, Luverne, MN 56156.
Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.

The following appeared in The Rose History in 1911.
 
Rock County Village (continued from 10-22-20 edition of the Star Herald.)
 
The Lodges
         Three secret societies maintain active organizations in Beaver Creek. They are the Ancient Order of United Workmen, Degree of Honor and Brotherhood of American Yeomen.
         For fifteen years Beaver Creek was the home of one of the leading posts in the county of the Grand Army of the Republic. John Buford Post,21 No. 166, G. A. R., was mustered in August 19, 1887, by Inspector W. H. Halbert, assisted by Comrade Philo Hawes. The new post commenced its existence with thirteen members and the following officers: Col. Harrison White, commander; Abram Osmun, senior vice commander; J. A. Hulett, junior vice commander; A. W. Hadwick, quartermaster; J. M. Park, surgeon; O. A. Hulett, chaplain; A. G. Gilbert, officer of the day; Theodore Winchell, officer of the guard; C. R. Henton, adjutant; Niels Jacobson, quartermaster sergeant; E. C. Conant, sergeant major, Death and removals caused a depletion in the rank of members, and on November 18, 1902, the post surrendered its charter.
         Beaver Creek Lodge No. 121, A. O. U. W., was granted its charter of organization July 30, 1890, The following were the first officers chosen: Harrison White, P. M. W.; C. Conant, M. W.; Edwin F. Baker, foreman; John H. Williams, overseer; George E. Mather, recorder; George B. Whitney, financier; Frank E. Welker, receiver; Frank J. Rabbit, guide; Andrew G. Gibbest, inside watch; Clarence A. Dike, outside watch. The lodge has a membership of about thirty at present.
         An order of the Degree of Honor, auxiliary to the Workmen, Beaver Lodge No. 202, was instituted March 19, 1903. The first officers were: Mary C. Chaflin, P. L. of H; Bertha Henton, L. of M.; Ida Carney, recorder; Amy Perry, receiver; Jennie Carney, I. W.; Nannie B. Welker, C. of H.; Mary C. Lukensmeyer, C. of C.;  A. Gilbert, financier; Helen Toss, S. U.; Mary J. Raw, O. W.
         The most recent society organized was the Beaver Creek Homestead No. 1958, B. A. Y., which at present has thirty-five members. The lodge was organized with the following ten charter members: Charles A. Baker, Otto A. Bowmen, Delmer J. Bowen, Fred Connell, Edward J. Dunbar, Walter J. Feurhelm, H. R. Ohs, Percy A. Story, James Vopat and Charles H. Whitney.
 
Fire Department
         The matter of securing fire protection for Beaver Creek was first considered by the village council at a meeting held May 6, 1885. Harrison White was appointed fire warden, and authority given to a committee to purchase a complete outfit of hooks and ladders, hose and accessory equipment. A water supply was secured from a large force pump placed in the public well. A volunteer fire department was organized October 23, 1885, with Harrison White as chief and A. J. Daley as assistant. The facilities have since been improved, and now Beaver Creek is well prepared to combat the destructive flames.
 
Banks
         Two banking institutions have found a home in Beaver Creek but at different periods of the town’s history. F. S. Gibson opened a private bank in the village October 14, 1885. In the summer following this concern was merged into the Beaver Creek State Bank, which commenced business September 1, 1886, with a paid-up capital of $25,000. The first officers and directors of the State bank were F. S. Gibson, president; E. D. Hadley, vice president; J. O. Brictson, cashier; P. J. Kniss, George D. Dayton, Daniel Shell, C. H. Smith. The bank was operated for a number of years.
         The First National Bank of Beaver Creek, incorporated for $25,000, has been operated since January 1, 1909. At that time it succeeded to the business of the Bank of Beaver Creek, a private institution founded in September, 1902, by M. O. Page, Charles Shade, B. L. Richards, S. S. Wold and W. H. Bradley. Following the reorganization the following first officers and board of directors were chosen: Charles Shade, president; J. S. Crawford, vice president; M. O. Page, cashier, E. J. Dunbar and Andrew Ingelson.
21Named in honor of Gen. John Buford, who was the commander of the New York regiment to which Col. Harrison White was attached.
 
         The story of the village of Beaver Creek will continue in the Nov. 5 edition of the Star Herald.
         Donations to the Rock County Historical Society can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, 312 E. Main Street, Luverne, MN 56156.
Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.

The following appeared in The Rose History in 1911.
 
Rock County Village (continued from 10-15-20 edition of the Star Herald.)
 
Churches (continued)
         The first permanent house of worship was the school house erected in the Grout neighborhood during the spring of 1875. Services were later held in a newer school building closer to Beaver Creek village. The present church edifice was erected during the summer of 1886. It was dedicated free of debt by Rev. J. N. Liscomb, presiding elder of the Mankato districts, on Sunday, June 19, 1887.
         The Presbyterian church of Beaver Creek dates from May, 1878. During that month, at the solicitation of a number of followers of that denomination who had settled in the young village and vicinity, services were conducted in the old school house west of town by Elders D. C. Lyon and Edward Savage. Several weeks later Rev. Charles Thayer, who had been assigned as state synodical missionary for Rock county, made arrangements for services at Beaver Creek at stated intervals. It was through Rev. Thayer’s efforts that a deputation from the Mankato presbytery came to Beaver Creek and organized the Presbyterian church on June 5, 1880, with about a dozen members.
         In November of the same year it was decided to erect a church edifice. To this end of a board of trustees, consisting of James Marshall, J. H. Stearns and J. D. Campbell, with Harrison White as treasurer, was elected. Within a few months a sum sufficient to build and furnish a church costing in the neighborhood of $1400 was subscribed, and the railroad company donated a site of three blocks. Building operations were commenced early the next summer. The corner stone of the church — the first erected in Beaver Creek — was laid on June 27, 1881. The first service in the church was conducted by the pastor, Rev. J. J. Munro, on Sunday, October 9, and the formal dedication occurred December 14.
         The Baptist church of Beaver Creek was also established early. Rev. A. W. Hilton, the first pastor of the Luverne society, during the closing years of the seventies, organized a branch of that church. A formal organization was later perfected by Rev. Cyrus Thomas, and in 1886 the Beaver Creek Baptists erected a church edifice. The society was for many years in a flourishing condition, but in 1902, because of great loss in membership, principally by removals, it was deemed advisable to give up the organization. The church building was sold to a Valley Springs congregation and moved to that place. The proceeds of the sale were donated to the Luverne church, with whom most of the remaining members allied themselves, and were used for building purposes.
 
         The story of the village of Beaver Creek will continue in the Oct. 29 edition of the Star Herald.
         Donations to the Rock County Historical Society can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, 312 E. Main Street, Luverne, MN 56156.
Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.

The following appeared in The Rose History in 1911.
 
Rock County Village (continued from 10-8-20 edition of the Star Herald.)
 
Beaver Creek — School
         When Beaver Creek was founded late in the year 1877, it was in the territory of school district No. 15, the school house of which was located one-half mile west of town. In 1878 the old building was sold to another district and a one-room building was erected in the village. The school was opened in September, 1878, with nearly fifty pupils in attendance and with Miss Jennie Grout as teacher. Other early teachers of the school were A. H. Grout, O. E. Ferguson, W. H. Hummell, Robert Ord and Laura Ord. An addition to the school house was made a few years after its erection, making a two-room building. This pioneer structure served the district until the present school house was erected, twenty-seven years later.
         Late in 1904, by a vote of 64 to 10, the electors decided to erect a two-story, four-room brick building the following year. The contract for its erection was let in July, 1905, to Otto Miller on a bid of $6500, and the building was dedicated November 11 of the same year. The total cost of the building, heating plant, and furnishings was about $10,000. A two year high school course was established in 1909. There are now four departments, the enrollment, according to the annual report in June, 1910, being as follows: High school, 27; grammar department, 13; intermediate department, 29; primary department, 40; total enrollment, 109.
 
Churches
         The church history of Beaver Creek antedates that of the founding of the town by a number of years. Three church organizations have been founded during the forty years that have elapsed since the first religious services were held. Two of these organizations, the Methodist and Presbyterian, are still represented at Beaver Creek. The Baptist society gave up its organization nine years ago.
         The Methodist society was the first organized. The church of that denomination came into being following the first religious services held in Beaver Creek township. A tent, pitched near the habitation of A. H. Grout, was the temple of neighborhood devotional services so early as the summer of 1871. New settlers, most of whom had left church affiliations in the east, became members of the Beaver Creek settlement in the course of another year, and one of the first concerns of the pioneers was to provide regular worship.
         On Sunday, June 2, 1872, a meeting held at the sod house of B. I. Crossman resulted in the organization of a Sunday school. On the same occasion a Methodist class was also formed with William Grout as leader. Until the fall of 1872 the occasional services of the little congregation were conducted by the lay members. The first minister of the gospel to visit the Beaver Creek settlement was Rev. William Bear, of Worthington, who preached the first sermon in the township in the sod house of E. L. Grout. Rev. Bear at that time gave his official sanction to the class already organized. That same fall Dr. B. H. Crever, also of Worthington, preached to a large gathering at the home of William Grout.
         The congregation became anxious for the services of a regular pastor, and in accordance with this desire a petition was prepared asking for the transfer of Rev. E. H. Bronson, the pastor of several of the settlers in their former home, from the Wisconsin conference to serve the new charge. The request was granted and Rev. Bronson, on the first Sunday following his arrival in the new country, June 20, 1873, conducted the first pastoral services in the open air before the home of William Grout. At the close of this meeting a formal church organization was perfected with a large membership. Among those most influential in bringing this event to fulfillment were William Grout, E. L. Grout, Charles Williams, F. Miercort, B. I. Crossman, Moses Ferguson and G. H. Henton. Rev. Bronson, later assisted by Rev. J. M. Bull, continued in official charge of the Beaver Creek church, in connection with his other ministrations in Rock and adjoining counties, for a period of four and one-half years.
 
         The story of the village of Beaver Creek will continue in the Oct. 22 edition of the Star Herald.
         Donations to the Rock County Historical Society can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, 312 E. Main Street, Luverne, MN 56156.
Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.

The following appeared in The Rose History in 1911.
 
Rock County Village continued from 10-1-20 edition of the Star Herald.
 
Beaver Creek
         The first fire occurred April 9, 1889, when the roller mill, an elevator and several sheds, in addition to several thousand bushels of grain, were entirely destroyed by the “lurid leveler.” The destruction of the town was threatened, but by hand work the flames were confined to the structures mentioned. The loss was $25,000. Following the fire came agitation for installing a system of waterworks, but at an election to vote bonds for the purpose on September 5, the proposition was defeated by five votes out of a total of forty-three.
         The next conflagration came early on the morning of December 3, 1889, when seven business houses on the north side of Main street with their contents were consumed. The fire is supposed to have been of incendiary origin and was started in a vacant store building owned by J. O. Tyler. Although the alarm was sounded at once, the people were not able to stay the progress of the flames with the force pump and the one line of one-inch hose, which constituted the town’s fire fighting apparatus. The total loss was placed at $9000, covered by only $3500 insurance. The losses were as follows: Harrison White, store building, machine shed and outbuildings, $4000; E. C. Conant, damage to general merchandise stock in Colonel White’s building, $1000; L. S. Welker, meat market building, $400; E. A. Baker, fixtures and meat stock; $200; J. O. Tyler, vacant store building, $1200; T.O. Meyers, vacant store building, $500; Nels Clemetson, hotel building, $1000; Thomas Evans, saloon building, $600.
         The burned district was not rebuilt; the new town of Hills, six miles south, cut off a valuable part of its trade territory; the promoters of the town of Manley, only three and one-half miles away, were boldly planning the removal of the unfortunate town to their site; local jealousy divided the town into factions in considering matters of public benefit20—and Beaver Creek came upon evil days. Dwellings became tenantless and some were moved away; store buildings became vacant and dilapidated, and the business interests in the town were threatened.
         The census of 1890 gave Beaver Creek a population of 232 people. In the spring of the next year the business portion of the town consisted of a hotel, lumber yard, cheese factory and creamery, three general stores, a bank, three warehouses, wagon shop, two blacksmith shops, drug store, two saloons, hardware store, harness shop, shoe repairing shop, livery stable, barber shop and meat market.
         Not until 1898 did Beaver Creek show signs of gaining its former prestige. Then came the turning of the tide. It had weathered the days of adversity and was once more gaining ground, starting out on a new era of growth and development which has not since been checked. A directory in the fall of 1898 listed the following business firms: F. E. Welker, Dunbar Brothers and G. F. Chisholm, general merchandise stores; Sage Brothers, hardware store; Dr. W. T. Berry, drug store; John B. Obele, harness shop; William McCurdy, meat market; Tuthill Lumber company, E. C. Brooks, manager; Lukensmeyer & Hettinger, blacksmith and wagon shop; F. E. Henton, blacksmith shop; Colonel Harrison White, implements, A. E. Jordahl, manager; Henry Olson, shoemaker; William J. Weston, saloon; St. John Brothers, grain, M. C. Reeder, manager; Hubbard & Palmer, grain, George Dunbar, manager; Peavey Elevator company, grain, Sol. Sage, manager; E. C. Pluedeman, depot agent.
         The population of Beaver Creek in 1900 was 186, and this was increased to 202 in 1905. The 1910 census showed a population of 195.  Within the last decade many public and private improvements have been made. The village has broad streets, lined with shade trees, and cement walks. It has church buildings and one of the finest school houses in the county. It has mercantile establishments that would be a credit to a town many times its size.
                  20“Just so long as every enterprise or scheme for the improvement of Beaver Creek is made subservient to personal preferment, just so long will Beaver Creek retain its present high rank among the few imbecile towns of the state. It is high time that the spirit of jealousy is subdued and everyone join in a united effort to boom the town. In fact, it is imperatively necessary in the present case, and unless a policy different from that heretofore pursued is adopted, little good will be derived from the enterprise, however promising the outlook. Lay aside all matters of pique and work for Beaver Creek”—Beaver Creek News-Letter, December, 1889.
 
         The story of the village of Beaver Creek will continue in the Oct. 15 edition of the Star Herald.
         Donations to the Rock County Historical Society can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, 312 E. Main Street, Luverne, MN 56156.
Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.

The following appeared in The Rose History in 1911.
 
Rock County Village continued from 9-24-20 edition of the Star Herald.
 
Beaver Creek
         The banner year in Beaver Creek’s whole history was 1885. A correspondent writing in October said: “Business lots on First avenue are in demand. An addition to the town plat is talked of in order to supply the increasing want. Buildings are going up in every direction and we haven’t mechanics enough to supply the orders for work.” The Herald on June 12 told of the progress the town was making:
         There is no mistaking the fact that Beaver Creek is enjoying a lively “boom.” To one who has not visited the place for a few months the transformation wrought during that time is surprising. In fact, Beaver Creek of a year ago is practically a thing of the past, and in its stead a new town has appeared. New buildings appear in all parts of the village and the business lots which but a short time ago were vacant are now, particularly along the portion of the business street east of the corners occupied respectively by Colonel White and K. N. Knudtson, covered with substantial business houses. Moreover, the town authorities have been active and enterprising in the matter of public improvements. The streets have been graded, the public buildings and grounds improved, and new sidewalks have been built along the entire length of First avenue, as well as upon other streets.
         An even thirty buildings, the total value of which was $30,000, were erected during the year 1885,18 of which sixteen were business houses.19 A business directory published in June (after which a newspaper, bank and several other enterprises were started) gave the following list of business men: L. C. Mittelstadt & Co., lumber yard (A. C. Goltz, manager); J. O. Brictson, hardware and implements; John Obele, harness shop; Harry Kiffe, wagon shop; Dr. W. T. Berry, physician and drug store; A. E. Patterson, implements; J. M. Park, drug store; George B. Roderick, groceries and provisions; K. N. Knudtson, general merchandise; J. M. Bennett, saloon and billiard hall; Pat Toohey, saloon and billiard hall; George Tunstall, carpenter and cabinet maker; Dr. Cummings, physician; Jacob Hettinger, blacksmith shop; A. Hess, shoe shop and boarding house; L. S. Welker, meat market; J. O. Tyler, postmaster; Mrs. J. O Tyler, millinery store; Mr. Evans, temperance saloon; Colonel Harrison White, general merchandise, grain and live stock; Hume & Campbell, lumber and furniture; A. Obele, blacksmith shop; John Gassoway, barber shop; Fred Scott, dray line.
         During this period in the career of the town, when it boasted a population of 165, according to the census of 1885, in the winter of 1885-86, its residents sought to wrest the county seat from Luverne. An active campaign was waged for a few weeks, but the obstacles to be overcome were too great and the effort was abandoned.
         During the latter half of the eighties, before the railroads brought competing towns, Beaver Creek continued to be a thriving and progressive village. The fast developing country surrounding brought prosperity to its merchants, and the little town continued its forward march until a series of events occurred which put a damper on all progress. The building of two new lines of railway, both of which passed close to town, and the founding of Bruce, Manley and Hills in its former territory were serious blows. Then came two fires, destroying many of the business houses and entailing losses of many thousand dollars, which added to the retrogression.
                  18Figures by the Sioux Falls Press, January, 1886.
         19Among those who erected business houses were L. C. Mittelstadt & Co., John B. Obele, Henry Kiffe, K. N. Knudtson, J. M. Bennett, Pat Toobey, Dr. Cummings, H. Hess, J. O. Tyler and J. A. Hettinger. Among those who erected residences were E. C. Conant, J. D. Campbell, Abram Osmun, C. C. Cox, O. A. Hume, William Carney, Thomas Carney, R. Reitz, John Michelson, G. B. Roderick, Will Leavans, A. C. Goltz, J. O. Brictson and Harrison White.
         The story of the village of Beaver Creek will continue in the Oct. 8 edition of the Star Herald.
         Donations to the Rock County Historical Society can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, 312 E. Main Street, Luverne, MN 56156.
Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.

It was while these conditions prevailed that Beaver Creek became an incorporated village. In the summer of 1884 the residents petitioned Judge Severance of the district court for an order declaring the village incorporated. The court heard the petition August 27 and on September 19 issued the necessary order. Colonel Harrison White, J. M. Park and Abram Osmun were named a committee to call the first election, which was set for October 2. Forty-two votes were cast at the first election. Following is a list of Beaver Creek residents who have been elected to office from the date of incorporation to the present time:8
         1884—President, Harrison White; trustees, Abram Osmun, C. C. Cox, Andrew Obele; recorder, John Park; treasurer, James D. Campbell; justices, Oliver A. Hume, George B. Roderick; constable, John Carney.
         1885—President, Harrison White; trustees, A. C. Goltz, C. C. Cox, Andrew Obele; recorder, George B. Roderick; treasurer, J. O. Brictson; justices , Oliver A. Hume, J. B. Obele;9 constable, John Carney.10
         1886—President, Harrison Whit; trustees, A. C. Goltz, Andrew Obele, John Carney; recorder; George B. Roderick; treasurer, J. O. Brictson.
         1887—President, F. D. Ressegieu; trustees, J. H. Gibson, Fred Ward, A. W. Hadwick; recorder, C. H. Humphrey; treasurer, J. O. Brictson; justice, Sam Henderson.
         1888—President, F. D. Ressegieu; trustees, J. H. Gibson, Fred Ward, J. A. Shaver; recorder, J. B. Obele; treasurer, J. O. Brictson; justice, W. H. Leavens;11 constable, C. C. Cox.12
         1889—President, Harrison White; trustees, Fred Ward, J.W. Leslie, Thomas Weston; recorder, J. B. Obele; treasurer, I. H. Burt; justice, A. J. Daley; constable, B. F. Gibson.
         1890—President, Fred Ward; trustees, J. W. Leslie, Thomas Weston, G. C. Tunstall; recorder, Olaf Skyberg; treasurer, J. P. Richardson; justices, J. H. Adams, Leon Carr; constables, C. C. Cox, R. Reetz.
         1891—President, Harrison White; trustees, Theodore Winchell, Thomas Weston, G. C. Tunstall; recorder, J. B. Obele; treasurer, J. P. Richardson; justice, James Marshall; constable, G. C. Mather.
         1892—President, Fred Ward; trustees, E. H. Moreland, Jacob Hettinger, Andrew Obele; recorder, J. B. Obele; treasurer, J. P. Richardson; justices, J. H. Adams, James Marshall; constables, C. C. Cox, A. B. Price.
         1893—President, Harrison White; trustees, E. H. Moreland, Jacob Hettinger, E. F. Baker; recorder, H. J. Smelser; treasurer, J. P. Richardson; justice, L. H. Owen; constable, A. E. Jordahl.
         1894—President, Harrison White; trustees, E. H. Moreland, Jacob Hettinger, G. H. Worley; recorder, L. B. Sage; treasurer, I. H. Burt; justices, J. H. Adams, A. B. Vines; constable Theodore Winchell.
         1895—President, Abram Osmun; trustees, W. T. Berry, Ira Crawford, Theodore Winchell; recorder, J. H. Adams; treasurer, O. B. Bratager; justice, L. B. Sage; constables, A. E. Jordahl, E. C. Conant.
         1896—President, Abram Osmun; trustees, Ira Crawford, Theodore Winchell, G. C. Pluedeman; recorder, A. B. Vines; treasurer, O. B. Bratager; justices, J. H. Adams, Seth Crawford; constables, A. E. Jordahl, John Carney.
         1897—President, Abram Osmun; trustees, Theodore Winchell, G. C. Pluedeman; E. J. Dunbar; recorder, A. B. Vines; treasurer, O. B. Bratager; justice, E. C. Brooks; constable, F. E. Welker.
         1898—President, E. J. Dunbar; trustees, Theodore Winchell, J. S. Crawford, John Carney; recorder, W. J. Kinne;13 treasurer, O. B. Bratager;14 justice J. B. Obele; constable, F. E. Henton.
         1899—President, E. J. Dunbar; trustees, Theodore Winchell, J. S. Crawford, John Carney; recorder, J. B. Obele; treasurer, F. E. Welker; justices, E. C. Brooks, J. S. Crawford;15 constable, F. E. Henton.
         1900—President, E. J. Dunbar; trustees, Theodore Winchell, J. S. Crawford, H. R. Ohs; recorder, J. B. Obele; treasurer, F. E. Welker.
         1901—President, E. J. Dunbar; trustees, Theodore Winchell, J. S. Crawford, John Carney; recorder, J. B. Obele; treasurer, F. E. Welker; justice, E. C. Brooks.
         1902—President, E. J. Dunbar; trustees, John Carney, Samuel Loe, W. A. Speed; recorder, J. B. Obele; treasurer, G. F. Chisholm; justice, Ira Crawford; constable, Knudt Loe.
         1903—President, H. J. Ferguson; trustees, Samuel Loe, W. A. Speed, F. E. Welker; recorder, J. B. Obele; treasurer, M. O. Page; justice, E. C. Brooks; constable, W. A. Weaver.
         1904—President, H. J. Ferguson; trustees, Samuel Loe, F. E. Welker, A. J. Tangeman; recorder, L. Misener;16 treasurer, M. O. Page; justice L. Misener; constable, T. N. Adams.
         1905—President, F. E. Welker; trustees, A. J. Tangeman, S. L. Todd, F. E. Henton; recorder, F. M. Jones; treasurer, M. O. Page; justices, E. C. Brooks, G. B. Whitney; constable, O. H. Hazel.
         1906—President, F. E. Welker; trustees, A. J. Tangeman, S. L. Todd, F. E. Henton; recorder, W. E. Leeman; treasurer, M. O. Page; justices, G. B. Whitney, E. C. Brooks; constable, T. N. Adams.
         1907—President, F. E. Welker; trustees, H. R. Ohs, J. C. Claussen, T. A. Gout; recorder, J. R. Doan; treasurer, M. O. Page; justice, E. C. Brooks; constable, G. B. Whitney.
         1908—President, F. E. Welker; trustees, J. C. Claussen, F. E. Henton, L. M. Merkel; recorder, B. R. Page; treasurer, M. O. Page; justice, E. C. Brooks; constable, G. B. Whitney.
         1909—President, F. E. Welker; trustees, J. C. Claussen, F. E. Henton, L. M. Merkel; recorder, H. S. Cragg; treasurer, M. O. Page; justice, E. C. Brooks, constable, James Vopat.
         1910—President, F. E. Welker; trustees, L. M. Merkel, James Vopat, A. G. Gilbert; recorder, H. S. Cragg; treasurer, M. O. Page; justice, E. C. Brooks; constable, G. B. Whitney.
         1911—President, H. S. Cragg; trustees, James Vopat, Henry Nowka, Frank Loose; recorder, E. J. Dunbar; treasurer, M. O. Page; justice, F. E. Welker; constable, N. L. Merkel.
         8The license question has a number of times been submitted to the voters. So early as the spring of 1878, when the town had just been started, the matter of license or no license was submitted to the voters of the township, no-license winning by a vote of 79 to 34. During most of its incorporated history Beaver Creek has granted license. Following is the result of the vote on the question at the times it was submitted (perhaps not complete): 1887, for license by 15 majority; 1888, for, 39, against, 27; 1891, for, 21, against, 17; 1893, license carried; 1899, for, 18, against, 21; 1900, license by 6 majority; 1907, for, 14, against, 35.
                  9A. J. Daley and J. O. Tyler were elected justices at a special election November 17, 1885.
         10Resigned February 4, 1886, and was succeeded by J. B. Obele.
                  11At a special election in July, 1888, H. Kiffe and A. W. Hadwick were elcted.
         12B.F. Gibson elected at a special election in July, 1888.
                  13Resigned in September, 1898, and was succeeded by J. B. Obele.
         14Resigned in September, 1898, and was succeeded by F. E. Welker.
         15Did not qualify.
         16Resigned in June.
         The story of the village of Beaver Creek will continue in the Oct. 1 edition of the Star Herald.
         Donations to the Rock County Historical Society can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, 312 E. Main Street, Luverne, MN 56156.
Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.

The following appeared in The Rose History in 1911.
 
Rock County Village continued from 9-10-20 edition of the Star Herald.
 
Beaver Creek
         For a few months the youthful village was the terminus of the railroad and it at once came into prominence as one of the most lively communities in this part of the state. Being the end of the railroad, it became the distributing point for the frontier towns of eastern Dakota, and the business transacted by the pioneer firms was marvelous. Its trade territory extended so far north as Flandreau; west, halfway to Sioux Falls, and south for many miles. With the extension of the railroad westward in the summer of 1878 the village was shorn of some of its former activity, and the business houses that had been established temporarily were removed. Thereafter it settled down to normal conditions, and, although there were a few new business enterprises launched in the next few years, the town continued to be a prosperous one, drawing trade from a very rich and rapidly developing territory, almost illimitable to the north and south. The census of 1880 gave the village a population of thirty-seven.
         A directory of the business enterprises of the village in the summer of 1881 shows only the following: Harrison White, general merchant and grain dealer; Cox & Knudtson, general  merchandise (established in June, 1881); Berry & White, drug store; Dr. W. T. Berry, physician; J. O. Tyler, proprietor of a cheese factory, landlord of the Beaver Creek hotel and postmaster. From this directory it will be noted that there had been a falling off in the business houses of the town from the first year of its existence. But in 1882 began a more prosperous era, which extended over a period of several years and in which Beaver Creek advanced to a point never before attained.
         Among the new enterprises started in 1882 were a harness shop by John Obele, a hardware store by J. O. Brictson, a grocery store by B. F. Roderick & Co., and a drug store by J. M. Park. A directory of March, 1883, furnishes this list: A. G. Seney, general merchandise; K. N. Knudtson, dry goods and groceries; Harrison White, lumber, fuel, grain and livestock; J. O. Brictson, hardware; J. M. Park, drug store; A. Obele, hotel; John B. Obele, harness shop; Kiffe & Obele, blacksmith and wagon shop; Mrs. J. O. Tyler, millinery store.
         The year 1883 was a very prosperous one and many new buildings were put up, including three store buildings, a warehouse and several residences. The Herald at the close of the year of a visit:
         A visit to Beaver Creek, after an absence of a year, will discover to the visitor numerous changes and improvements. Indeed, he will find that the town has nearly doubled in size, and that its importance as a business point has materially increased. . . . There is no mistaking the fact that Beaver Creek is enjoying a very substantial “boom” and that its prospects are brighter than ever before in its history. As a matter of fact, there is no town of its size that receives more grain and stock, and no town of its size that does, in a general way, a larger business.
         The activity continued during 1884 and almost took the nature of a boom. New buildings went up all over the town and several new business houses were established. Rock county in general was enjoying prosperous times and good crops, and Beaver Creek kept pace with the general advance.7 At this time five warehouses were required to take care of the grain that poured in.
         7“Beaver Creek, in respect to general improvements and the erection of new buildings, is coming rapidly to the front. The growth of the town during the past year has been considerably greater than that of the previous year and it enters upon the present season with increased vitality and enterprise. There is no reason apparent why Beaver Creek should not become a town of no inconsiderable importance.”—Rock County Herald, September 19, 1884.
 
         The story of the village of Beaver Creek will continue in the Sept. 24 edition of the Star Herald.
         Donations to the Rock County Historical Society can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, 312 E. Main Street, Luverne, MN 56156.
Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.