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1943: No truth that James jumped Devil's Gulch

The following article is part of the Diamond Club Member group that began in the January 7, 1943, issue of the Rock County Star Herald. Members of this group consist of persons of age 75 and older.
The visit of Jesse and Frank James, two of the most noted robbers in the 1870’s, to Rock county was recalled this week by James P. Kennedy, Luverne.
Although he did not actually see the men, he recalls how a neighbor came galloping to their farm on a gray horse to spread the news that the James brothers had eaten breakfast that Sunday morning at the Charles Rolph home in Battle Plain township, about 12 miles north of Luverne. It was Mr. Rolph who notified Ezra Rice, then sheriff of Luverne, according to Mr. Kennedy, and a posse was formed to apprehend the bandits. As the story goes, only one Luverne man got close enough to see them. He was Jack Dement. They trailed them to a point near Larchwood, Ia. And there one of the brothers fired at Dement, hitting the horse he was riding.
There’s no truth in the stories that James hid in a cave in the Mounds or jumped the Devil’s Gulch at Garretson with his horse, Kennedy states.
Mr. Kennedy was a boy of 12 when the famed desperadoes made their escape after the Northfield bank robbery. Born in Clayton county, Ia. Jan. 26, 1864, he came with his father, a brother and a neighbor to Rock county in March, 1876, which was the same year as the robbery. That same year, the railroad was built into Luverne from Worthington.
Mr. Kennedy’s father had bought a farm two miles north of Luverne near the Mounds, and this was their home for six or seven years.
Mr. Kennedy had attended school about three terms in Iowa, and after coming to Rock county, resumed his education when school was in session. The building in which he first attended school was constructed like a chicken coop with one side high and the other side low. It was located on the south side of the Mounds, a short distance from Luverne.
In 1883 or ’84, Mr. Kennedy’s father filed a homestead and tree claim in Pipestone county, northwest of Edgerton, and sold his Rock county land. Mr. Kennedy lived at home with his parents and helped with the farm work until he and his brother bought a farm near Hardwick in 1891, to which they moved the following spring. They farmed in partnership until after they were both married, and they then divided their property and began operations individually.
The two brothers did some “railroading” on the side. One winter, they hauled lumber and timber for the branch railroad between Hardwick and Wilmont. Every bit of piling, lumber and ties that is used in the bridge across the Rock river east of Hardwick was hauled by Mr. Kennedy, brother, and two other men who had been hired to help them with the hauling.
This, however, was not Mr. Kennedy’s first experience working on a railroad construction crew. The year the Great Northern built the line from Sioux Falls to Ihlen, he helped haul rock for every culvert and bridge for the entire stretch of track. He was paid at the rate of $3 per day, and board, but he had to furnish feed for his horses.
         This article will continue in next week’s publication 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.

1902: Summer school training for Rock County, area teachers continues

The following appeared in The Rock County Herald on July 18, 1902. This is continued from the March 31 edition of the Star Herald.
Summer Training School
For Teachers of Rock County and Vicinity—Four Weeks’ Term Begun Monday.
READING.
The study of some good selection as Vision of Sir Launfal.
With this I plan to give outlines of work from Clark on “How to Teach Reading” applying the steps from day to day, as we read.
GEOGRAPHY.
The earth as a globe.
1. Form, size and movement.
2. Longitude and latitude.
3. Composition and general structure.
4. Distribution of land and water.
5. Movements of air and water.
6. Climate and weather.
Study of the continents.
1. North America.
a. Position, shape, size, zones bodies of water.
b. Surface, distribution and extent of mountains, highlands, lowlands; drainage and the continental slopes.
c. Physical features with reference to their relation to life-relations, productions, industries and trade.
d. Location of places with special reference to their physical and industrial relations.
1. Subdivisions of North America.
Unit of work based on relief. Special detailed study of the United States following the outline for N. A. as given above.
2. South America studied in the same manner as North America. Comparisons.
3. Eurasia, Africa and Australia. Line of work as for N. A. Comparison.
PHYSICS.
This subject will be taken up in what seems the best way for the class.
ARITHMETIC.
Decimals, Percentage and Mensuration. There will be two classes in this subject.
PRIMARY METHODS.
Training of the child in first, second and third grades.
MUSIC.
Music for all the students taught in a way that will help teachers in giving proper directions to pupils in the common schools.
a. Elements of music as taught in the first four grades.
1. Ear training.
2. Rhythm.
3. Tone work.
4. Notation.
b. Sight reading of simple exercises from music readers, supplemented by chart and black board drills.
c. Chorus work.
DRAWING.
FIRST WEEK.
a. Landscape studies in water color. Simple water color washes to represent different phases of nature.
1. The sky.
2. Sky and background.
3. Sky, foreground, line of distance.
b. Simple charcoal sketches from nature, teaching principles of proportion, growth and proper filling of space.
SECOND WEEK.
A. Charcoal. Drawing of sphere and hemisphere. Studying the effect of light and shade to express surfaces. Study of spherical objects.
b. Water color. Stained glass effects. Flower, sedge and grass study.
THIRD WEEK.
Simple growing of still life, teaching proportion, distance and space filling.
Mediums. Charcoal or color in flat tones.
FOURTH WEEK.
a. Principles of perspective as exemplified in the cube and cylinder.
1. Foreshortened surface.
2. Convergence of parallel lines.
3. Direction of lines when seen at an angle above, an angle below, or on a level with the eye.
b. Figure posing. Pose in landscape.
c. Imaginative drawing.
PHYSICAL TRAINING.
General Exercises—Correct position, correct. Walk.
Stretching exercises.
Lifting and dropping of arms. Hand work. Chest movement of arms. Arch movement of arms. Shoulder movement of arms. Swimming movement of arms. Head movements. Knee movement. Hip movement. Foot extension in 1st and 2nd attitudes.
Arm whirl—finger work. Pivot with arm work. Body over, arms back. Head down, arms up. Free leg, forward bend. Chart work.
Arm swinging; from chest; from shoulder; oblique; front and back of hip.
Body bending.
Several good lectures will be given during the course of the term and a day for an outing has been proposed, but the plans as yet have not been fully matured and will be announced later.
To arouse as interest in the subject of agriculture, Prof. Wm. Robertson, of the State Agricultural school, will occupy a part of the time July 19th and 21st.
The school is in session from 8:00 a.m. until 12:25. The work of the term will be concluded August 9.
         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.

1902: Summer teacher training begins in area

The following appeared in The Rock County Herald on July 18, 1902.
Summer Training School
For Teachers of Rock County and Vicinity—Four Weeks’ Term Begun Monday.
The Rock County Summer Training school for teachers opened Monday in the High school room with Prof. E. M. Phillips, of Albert Lea as conductor, and Estella Scofield, of Ortonville, F. E. George, of Pipestone, and Ella Probst, of Minneapolis, assistants. The work was begun in the usual manner with registration on Monday. Sixty-seven teachers were registered as follows:
Luverne—Luverne Kreps, May Brewer, Jennie D. Wright, Francis McDermott, Deila Blodgett, Margaret Williams, Clarinda B. L. Stoughton, Viola Hvid, Nellie Ramsey, Vena L. Brockway, Maud M. Brockway, Luella Stoughton, Alma Haga, Merble Herrick, Anna Armstrong, Rosalie Teetor, Alma Heinz, Mrs. Myrtle Calhoun, Hanna M. Brady, Bertha Scott, Nora V. Adams, Harriet L. Henton, Blanche E. Abbey, Beatrice Angell, R. May Walters, Tillie Dietrich, Margaret Scheehan, Nellie E. Schellhamer.
Adrian—Christine Nash, Isabel Egeland.
Hardwick—Emelia Heiden, Louise Mannigel, Emma Hauger.
Magnolia—Evelyn Bareley, Mabel L. Ehlers, Theresa Barclay, Allie B. Adams, Ida H. Miller, Ettie M. Ehlers, Essie S. Pickett.
Ransom–Bessie Sorem, Clara Guernsey.
Hills—Christine Severtson.
Sioux Falls—Edith C. Cox.
Kanaranzi—Ethel G. Rowland, Zula M. Bowen.
Jasper—Mabel La Martine.
Sherman—S. D.—Dora E. Davis.
Ellsworth—Daisy Walker, Erie Rolfe, Bertha Buechel, Fred A. Buechel.
Edgerton—Vileta B. Nichols, Anna E. Carberry, Blanche Rogers.
Worthington—Mattie Bryan, Edna Goodrich, Alma Anderson, Janet K. Billington, Juanita Harden, Maud Ayer, Ella Cloud, Ella M. Wood.
Beaver Creek—Charlotte Snow, Maud Chesley, Francis Chesley.
Rushmore—Lulu L. Putnam.
The term will occupy four weeks and the general plan of the work is outlined in the following:
Elementary Algebra.
 The amount of work covered in this subject will be determined when the class is formed.
Plane Geometry.
The needs of the class will govern the outline in this subject.
U.S. History.
Period from 1765-1800. Establishment of Independent Government.
Period from 1800-1865. Industrial Development.
Any Eighth Grade Text.
ENGLISH GRAMMAR
I. Brief review—The parts of speech and their uses.
II. Verbs, verb phrases, participles, infinitives and gerunds.
III. Analysis of different passages.
Note. III Will be carried on with each day’s work in I and II. Each member of the class will be asked to get “Exercises in Syntax” published by Hyde and Manuel.
CIVICS
The Government of Minnesota.
I. History (studied with maps).
1. As a territory.
2. As a state.
II. The State constitution.
1. History of Written Constitution.
2. The contents of the Union Constitution.
3. Laws amended or revised.
III. Departments of Government.
1. Legislative.
2. Executive.
3. Judicial.
IV. Taxation.
V. Educational System.
SPECIAL SUBJECT
The School System.
PHYSIOLOGY
A brief review using any good text, taking the work by subjects. (Designed to help teachers prepare for the August examinations),
One or two subjects taken thoroughly as Digestion and Assimilation of Foods, with some simple experiments.
This will continue in next week’s article of Bits by Betty.
         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.

1902: Skeletons, relics found near Kanaranzi hill

The following appeared in The Rock County Herald on June 13, 1902.
Relic hunters have been busy the past week unearthing Indian skeletons which were discovered by a road crew engaged in excavating a road through Kanaranzi hill, about two miles north of town, says the Rock Rapids Review. “The skeletons found are similar to those found in the mounds on the Sioux river in the west part of the county, save for the fact that their condition would indicate that they have been longer in the ground than have those on the Sioux. Another difference is that in the instance of the remains found no beads or other relics with the skeletons, while these are almost invariably found in the mounds in the west end of the county. Altogether since the first discovery of the relics nine or ten skeletons have been excavated, several of them having been found in the pasture of the poor farm. Old settlers state that in the earlier days of this community it was nothing uncommon to find these skeletons at this location, ‘but it has been so long since they were known that the recent find created quite an amount of excitement. The skeletons  thus far found have been placed with the heads to the north, a characteristic common wherever the remains of deceased Indians have been found.”
         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.

1902: Luverne wins inter-scholastic athletic meet

The following appeared in The Rock County Herald on May 23, 1902.
Luverne Was Victorious
At the Inter-Scholastic Athletic Meet
The Luverne High School Team Captured Everything Worth Having and for the First Time Wrested the Championship from Marshall—Special Credit for the Victory Due to Hyke and Hulett—Royal Reception for the Victors.
Luverne’s High school team returned from the 4th annual field meet of the Inter-Scholastic Athletic League of Southwestern Minnesota “covered all over with glory.” They won first place in the meet and captured the championship, which, for the first time in the history of the association was taken from Marshall. The record was 38 points for Luverne, 25 of which were won by Ray Hyke a 13 by Dwight Hulett, against 20 for Marshall, 20 for Redwood Falls, 18 for Tracy, 10 for Pipestone and 1 for Sleepy Eye. Among the trophies of their victory was the banner offered by Prof. Rae, of the Marshall business college. The notable features of this year’s meet were the splendid achievements of Ray Hyke and Dwight Hulett shown in the subjoined record. Lynn Gillham officiated as judge. The events and the results were as follows:
50 yd dash, Hyke, Luverne, 1st. 5 4-5 sec.
12 lb. shot put, King, Redwood, 1st; Morton, Pipestone, 3rd. 37 feet.
100 yd. dash, Hyke, Luverne, 1st. time 10 2-5.
Half mile run, Hulett, Luverne, 1st. time 2:12.
Running broad jump, Hyke, Luverne, 1st. 19 feet, 9 inches.
220 yd. dash, Young Pipestone, 1st. 2 54-5 sec.
Pole vault, Knox and King, Redwood, tie, 1st. Germain, Pipestone, 2nd. 9 feet.
Half mile walk. Persons, Marshall, 1st. 3:42.
Hammer throw, Butson, Marshall, 1st. 107 feet, 3 inches.
Running high jump, Hyke, Luverne, 1st. 5 feet 4 inches.
440 yd. dash, Hulett, Luverne, 1st Young, Pipestone, 2nd. 59 2-5 sec.
Hop, skip and jump, Hyke, Luverne, 1st. 40 feet 9 inches.
The boys left Marshall at 3:34 Saturday afternoon by way of the Great Northern, and arrived at Luverne on the Burlington freight about 8 o’clock in the evening. They went directly to the high school building where they were met by members of the class and were honored with a royal reception. Refreshments were served under the direction of the girls of the High school class, and a very fine musical program was presented in the main hall on the second floor. There was, of course, great rejoicing among the members of the class, and the victors who had so successfully represented Luverne received in full measure the honors to which they were so justly entitled. The boys are certainly deserving of great credit for their splendid victory, and all our people will unite with the numbers of their class in giving them unstinted praise for Luverne’s share in the honors of their success.
Our boys were very handsomely entertained by the citizens of Marshall, and are enthusiastic in their praise of the Marshall High School class for their hospitality. A grand reception was given for them at the High school auditorium Friday evening, and a class play in three acts was presented. Other entertainments and social events served to make their stay in Marshall a very pleasant one.
The old officers of the association were re-elected, and Marshall was selected as the place of the next meet.
Further particulars are given by our High School reporters in their school notes.
         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.

School funds appropriated in 1902

The following appeared in The Rock County Herald on March 28, 1902.
Money for the Schools
March Appointment of the School Fund Made on a Basis of $1.43 for Each of the 2,281 Scholars in the County
The semi-annual apportionment of public school funds was made by County Auditor C. S. Bruce and Treasurer P. O. Skyberg according to the provisions of the statutes on the 26th of this month. The total fund was $3,274.13, to be apportioned among 2,281 scholars, leaving an indivisible over plus of $12.30, which will be carried over to October, and making the amount actually apportioned $3,261.83. The amount on the account of each scholar is $1.43, which is slightly larger than the usual amount for March. The school fund was secured from “the following sources: State fund, $2,965.30; fines, $305; balance, $3.83; total, $3,274.13. Following is the apportionment in detail: District number 1, 22 pupils, $31.46; number 2, 565 pupils, $807.95; number 3, 11 pupils, $15.73; number 4, 33 pupils, $47.19; number 5, 74 pupils, $105.82; number 6, 22 pupils, $31.46; number 7, 18 pupils $25.74; number 8, 17 pupils, $24.31; number 9, 8 pupils, $11.44; number 10, 31 pupils, $44.33; number 11, 27 pupils, $38.61; number 12, 32 pupils, $45.76; number 13, 26 pupils, $37.18; number 14, 34 pupils, $48.62; number 15, 106 pupils, $151.58; number 16, 36 pupils, $51.48; number 17, 15 pupils, $21.45; number 18, 36 pupils, $51.48; number 19, 21 pupils, $30.03: number 20, 22 pupils, $31.46; number 21, 10 pupils, $14.30;number 22, 22 pupils, $31.46; number 23, 40 pupils, $57.20: number 24, 19 pupils, $27.17; number 25, 27 pupils. $38.61; number 26, 25 pupils, $35.75; number 27, 11 pupils, $15.73; number 28, 13 pupils $18.59; number 29, 12 pupils, $17.16; number 30, 9 pupils. $12.87; number 31, 18 pupils, $25.74; number 32, 8 pupils, $11.44; number 33, 22 pupils, $31.46; number 34, 7 pupils, $10.01; number 35, 30 pupils, $42.90; number 36, 47 pupils, $67.21; number 37, 19 pupils, $27.17; number 38, 13 pupils, $18.59; number 39, 20 pupils, $28.60; number 40, 26 pupils, $37.18; number 41, 23 pupils, $32.89; number 42, 18 pupils, $25.74 number 43, 23 pupils, $32.89; number 44, 29 pupils, $41.47; number 45, 44 pupils. $62.92; number 46, 0 pupils, 8—number 47, 19 pupils, $27.17; number 48, 59 pupils, $84.37; number 49, 15 pupils, $21.45; number 50, 16 pupils, $22.88; number 51, 24 pupils, $34.32; number 52, 14 pupils, $20.02; number 53, 1 pupil, $1.43; number 54, 18 pupils, $25.74; number 55, 26 pupils, $37.18; number 56, 19 pupils, $27.17; number 57, 15 pupils, $21.45; number 58, 29 pupils, $41.47; number 59, 11 pupil, $15.73; number 60, 27 pupils, $38.61; number 61, 22 pupils, $31.46; number 62, 14 pupils, $20.02; number 63, 11 pupils, $15.73; number 64, 21 pupils, $30.03; number 65, 30 pupils, $42.90; number66, 71 pupils, $101.53; number 67, 42 pupils, $60.06; number 68, 22 pupils, $31.46; number 69, 18 pupils, $25.74; number 70, 26 pupils, $37.18; number 71, 20 pupils, $28.60.
         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.

1902: By-laws adopted by Breeders Association

The following appeared in The Rock County Herald on Feb. 21, 1902.
Breeders Association
Officers Elected and By-Laws Adopted—Next Meeting March 15
The meeting of the Breeders’ association was held at the court room last week, when constitution and by-laws were adopted and an executive committee elected.
J. B. Dunn was elected vice president and N. R. Reynolds recorder. Members of the executive board were elected as follows: Kanaranzi township, Wm. Martin; Clinton township, James Fitzgerald; Martin township, J. R. Wright; Beaver Creek township, A. B. Price; Luverne township, R. E Moreland; Magnolia township, I. Krimball; Vienna township, Kittel Olson; Mound township; Ira Sanders; Springwater township, W. P. Noble; Rose Dell township, Alexander Mitchell; Denver township, E. T. Thorson; Battle Plain township, not represented and member from there will be elected at the next meeting.
The following section of the by-laws was regarded with more interest than any other provisions:
Section 5—It shall be the duty of the recorder to provide himself with a suitable book in which to record horses, cattle, sheep, hogs and poultry which is eligible to or has been registered in the various standard or national registers of this kind. The parties offering such stock for record must furnish such proof of purity as that required by the rules of the various associations and to the satisfaction of the recorder; also to pay for each entry a recording fee of 25 cents for horses and cattle and 10 cents each for sheep, hogs or poultry, above fee to include transfers by sale.
The association had more than fifty members at the time of the meeting last week. The next meeting will be held Saturday, March 15.
         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.

1902: Rural Route mail delivery begins in March

The following appeared in The Rock County Herald on Jan. 17, 1902.
Rural Route Established
Will Begin Operations First of March
Hon. Gilbert Gutterson, Special Agent of the Department, Goes Over the Route and Makes Appointment of Carrier and Substitute—Route Will be Twenty-Five Miles Long and Will Serve More Than One Hundred Families.
The first rural free delivery route to be established in this county will begin operations about the first of March.
Hon. Gilbert Gutterson, of Lake Crystal, Minn., special agent of the department of rural free delivery, arrived in Luverne according to appointment Tuesday morning from Sioux Falls and in the afternoon went over the route proposed in the petition seat to Washington some months ago. He found that the proposed route exceeded in length that permitted by the regulations of the post office department and made the necessary reduction, adhering in the main in other respects to the original route. Mr. Gutterson appointed Horace Goodale as carrier and James Jack as substitute carrier and received their bonds and oaths.
The route as established may be described as follows: Beginning at the postoffice in Luverne and thence to the southwest corner of section 3, Luverne township, on the section line. Following the road the route runs north one mile, thence one mile west and one mile north to the Dennis McCarthy corner at the northeast of section 33, Mound township. The route continues west two miles to the Quindland farm, thence north to Brandenberg’s corner and west two miles past the Ellithorpe place to the Roach farm in Springwater township. From the latter point the route runs one mile north to the northeast corner of section 23, Springwater, and thence west two miles in the Pengra school house, south one mile to the southeast corner of section 21 and west one mile to the most extreme northwest point reached by the route. The direction of the route thenceforth is south two miles, east two miles, south one mile, and thence east six miles to the point of beginning. At the Pengra school house and at the southeast corner of section 20, Springwater government collection boxes will be located in addition to the mail boxes provided by the patrons of the route. The route is the limit of 25 miles permitted by the government, will reach 107 families and an estimated population of 482. A request had been made that the route be extended to the Springwater townline on the west, but such an extension would have made the length of the route too great and Mr. Gutterson was compelled to refuse the request.
The sum now allowed for carrying the mail is $500, but it is expected that this allowance will be increased to $600 soon. It is also anticipated that the carrier will be placed under the civil service law.
Mr. Gutterson forwarded his reports to the department at Washington immediately upon the completion of his work, and when his appointments and reports have been accepted the postmaster at Luverne will be directed to begin operations. The carrier will leave this office at about 8 o’clock in the morning, taking with him the mail that arrived during the day and night previous and a supply of money order blanks, stamps and other supplies. The service of the carrier except as to money orders, will be the same as that given at the post office.
It is understood that the mail boxes purchased by persons on the line of the route some months ago will be acceptable to the government.
There are fourteen styles of mail boxes permitted by the department.
Mr. Gutterson went from here to Madelia, to establish a route. Next month he will attend a session of the special agents which is to be held at Denver, Colo., the headquarters of the western division. He states that 300 petitions are now pending in this state, one-half of which were filed previous to the application from Rock county.
         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.

1095: Luverne's Fourth of July celebration brings governor to town

The following appeared in The Rock County Herald on July 7, 1905.
Was a Grand Success
Such Was Luverne’s Celebration of the Glorious Fourth
6000 People Were in Attendance
Notwithstanding Preceding Unfavorable Weather Conditions, Luverne Observes Our Nation’s Birthday With a Notable Successful Celebration—Occasion Graced by Presence of Governor John A. Johnson Who Delivers Inspiring Address—Splendid Program Carried Out to the Satisfaction of All
This article is continued from last week.
Ring Ride
While the ring ride on Main street was in progress, the streets were fairly packed with pleasure seekers who divided their time between watching the riding and the other attractions on the streets. There were a large number of entries for the ring ride and this popular sport provided much enjoyment for all present. The prizes for the contest were awarded as follows: First prize, double driving harness, to Julius Wiese; second prize, riding saddle, to Will Sodemann; third prize, riding bridle, to Fred Lutgens; fourth prize, whip, to Ed. Biss.
Street Sports
The various street sports took place on Main street immediately after the ring ride. The result of the races was as follows: 50-yard free-for-all, Irving Jargo first, Percy Mingus second; 100-yard race for boys under 12, J. R. Jones first, Walter Robinson second. In the 400-yard relay race there were three teams of four men each. In the first team, which won the race, were Irving Jargo, Martin Snook, Geo. Gilbertson, Percy Mingus; in the second, Albert Helling, A. Schaeffer, Ed. Wiegel, Frank McClintock; in the third, Dewight Hulett, Verne Canfield, Chas. Preston and F. Brown.
Tug of War
The tug of war between the north and the south ends of the county was won by the south side. There were ten men on each side, the team from the north being captained by Wm. Goettsch, and that from the south by A. W. Scott.
Greased Pig Chase
The chase for the greased pig closed the sports. The pig was turned loose in front of the Vienna bakery and was captured by one of the contestants before it had scarcely left the box and also before the starters had given the word. It was accordingly again started and after a spirited chase was captured by R. S. Bailey. The pig mounted the sidewalk and ran through the crowd, scattering the people right and left and was caught in the doorway of the Eagle Clothing store.
Band Concert
The program of the day’s entertainment closed with an hour’s concert by the South Dakota Fourth Regiment band and the Luverne band at 7 o’clock in the stand prepared for the purpose at the bank corners. The concert won high commendation for both bands and was greatly enjoyed by all who heard it.
Carnival of Fun
Contrary to general expectations the crowd did not greatly diminish at the close of the sports, but nearly all remained to participate in the fun looked for in the evening. And all who looked for fun found it in any quantity desired. From early in the evening until 11 o’clock it was fast and furious. All along Main street “confetti battles” raged furiously, and those who had restrained themselves from shooting fire crackers during the day indulged in that sport to their heart’s content. While no public fireworks were displayed, a number of excellent displays were made by private parties in various parts of the city, which were greatly appreciated by those who had the opportunity to witness them.
Indoor Entertainments
The indoor entertainments also drew large crowds. The vaudeville show in the Opera house by the Novelty Vaudeville company called out a packed house and all who witnessed the performance were well pleased. The dance in Union hall under the auspices of the Luverne band and Hook and Ladder company No. 1, furnished amusement for a crowd which taxed the capacity of the hall to the utmost. The music for this dance was furnished by the Hyke-Millhouse orchestra. Another dance, given by the Fourth Regiment band in the Opera house after the show, also entertained a fair-sized crowd and added to the evening’s enjoyment.
All Are Pleased
So far as the Herald can learn, all are pleased with the celebration. The program of entertainments was an excellent one, everything promised was given, everything came off promptly on time, and everything was free. If in the judgement of those in attendance the celebration was worthy of the day and creditable to Luverne, the object sought has been accomplished. To the credit of those who planned the celebration and did vast amount of work required, it is only fair to say that the celebration was most admirably conducted.
         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.
 

1905: Luverne's July Fourth celebration 'was a grand success'

The following appeared in The Rock County Herald on July 7, 1905.
Was a Grand Success
Such Was Luverne’s Celebration of the Glorious Fourth
6000 People Were in Attendance
Notwithstanding Preceding Unfavorable Weather Conditions, Luverne Observes Our Nation’s Birthday With a Notable Successful Celebration—Occasion Graced by Presence of Governor John A. Johnson Who Delivers Inspiring Address—Splendid Program Carried Out to the Satisfaction of All
This article is continued from last week.
The Picnic Dinner
The picnic dinner which followed immediately after the exercises was one of the most enjoyable events of the day to those who were so fortunate as to be able to take their lunches under the beautiful shade trees of the school and court house grounds. The school house grounds were filled with merry picnicking parties and many who were unable to find room there went across the street to the court house grounds, which were equally well shaded and adapted to the purpose, the only drawback being that the latter grounds were more remote from the free lemonade stand. Some idea of the number of people who availed themselves of the opportunity to take their dinners on the grounds may be gained from the fact more than five barrels of lemonade were dispensed.
Vaudeville Show
The program for the afternoon events opened at 1 o’clock with the vaudeville show at the pavilion on the school grounds, with a large crowd in attendance. The show consisted of monologues, comic songs, bag punching, etc. The bag punching exhibition was given by Harry Burns, who holds the American championship in this art.
Ball Game
The next events on the program were the ball game between Luverne and Hills at the improvised grounds in Parriott’s addition on North Freeman avenue, and the ring ride on Main street, both of which started at the same hour and both drawing large crowds. Owing to the short time intervening after it was found necessary to abandon the Driving park grounds it was impossible to erect a grand stand or seats at the new ball grounds. Nevertheless the consequent unavoidable inconveniences did not apparently deter many who wished to see the game from attending, for fully fifteen hundred people were in attendance and the crowd was dispersed in such a way that all were able to witness the game with comfort. Hills was first at bat and made one score in the first inning, while Luverne drew a goose egg in her half. Both sides drew blanks in the second inning and Hills continued the circle score feature in her half of the third. In her half of the third inning Luverne connected with the horse hide often enough to bring in one score and tie the game. Hills again drew a goose egg in her half of the fourth inning, but Luverne had gotten a taste of the elusive little sphere and wanted more, and, of course, got it, landing on the ball with an earnestness and frequency that allowed three men ample time to amble across home plate. The score was then 4 to 1 in favor of Luverne and remained unchanged at the end of the sixth inning. In the first half of the seventh inning with two men out and one man on first base, Feay, of Rock Rapids, who was playing first base for Hills, drove a two-bagger into the left field, sending it over the line of carriages and spectators, and before the fielder got the ball both men crossed the home plate. This ended the game. Umpire Amos Scott called the ball foul. The Hills players immediately swarmed around the umpire and a rag-chewing match succeeded the National game. Feay became abusive, called the umpire an odious name and promptly received a well directed jolt under the right ear. The Hills players then walked off the diamond and refused to play. Later they agreed to finish the game if they could have a new umpire, but as they had deferred this decision until the ten minutes had expired allowed by the rules in which a team shall play after having once left the field, the Luverne players refused to continue the game except on the basis on which it was begun. Hills refused to accede to this condition and the game was declared forfeited to Luverne by the score of 9 to 0. The incident was most unfortunate and was deeply deplored by all. As to the correctness of Umpire Scott’s decision there appears to be a wide difference of opinion. Many who were in position to see declare that the ball in dispute was foul, while perhaps an equal number who were in equally as good position to judge declare that it was fair. The word of J. S. Joles, who found the ball and placed his foot upon it pending the umpire’s decision, is undoubtedly correct and should be authoritative, and Mr. Joles’ statement is that the ball was fully ten feet outside the lines. But regardless of this point, the fact remains that the Hills players should have abided by the umpire’s decision. Another point is that if the ball had been declared “fair” neither of the scores run in under it would have counted. The ball was what is termed a “blocked ball” and a player is not entitled to more than two bases on a ball of that character, while as it was one man ran from first base and the striker from the home plate. Several ifs naturally arise but the most important one is that “if” the Hills nine had been playing their own team instead of a pick-up team from the various surrounding towns, the trouble most likely would not have occurred.
         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.