Argyle Minnesota History

Argyle's Beginnings

In the beginning, there was silence except for the lapping of the waters of Lake Agassiz. This ancient lake, the result of the melting of the glacier, covered all of the Red River Valley to a depth of 600 feet in places. But, about 11,000 years ago, the silence must have been broken by the frightened cry of a young girl who was drowning -- because her skeleton was found in 193 I near an eastern beach of old Lake Agassiz.

With the dating methods available. they determined the approximate time of her death - which gives us a clue to the date when the first human beings arrived in the Red River Valley. She was probably a descendant of the primitive Mongoloid nomads who crossed the Bering Straits land bridge from Asia to North America, And she was named "Minnesota Man".

Silence descended again. Eons passed, and the lake finally receded into Hudson Bay after laying down a rich deposit of soil throughout the valley which is the source of the prosperity of this entire region.

In this soil the grasses came first and covered the valley with lush. thick grazing -- grasses that grew as tall as a man. Along the streams, trees flourished and spread, and the silence was ended forever because this rich pasture attracted the thundering herds of buffalo that passed through the valley by the hundreds of thousands on their annual migrations. And the buffalo brought men -- Chippewa, Sioux. and others who depended on the buffalo to sustain their way of life.

No one can be certain who the first white person was who came to the Argyle area. He may have been a hunter, trapper. trader, land speculator, surveyor, or someone passing through from one settled area to another. It is interesting to speculate that it might even have been the blue-eyed Indian known as "Falcon", who hunted and trapped in northwest Minnesota and Canada and took his pelts to Alexander Henry's trading post at Pembina. Falcon's real name was John Tanner. He was a white boy stolen as a child for a grieving Indian mother who had lost her son. Much of his adult life was spent in the Lake ot the Woods and Pembina area.

Whoever the first white man was, his name is lost to history. But it is generally accepted that Peter Jarvis (Gervais) was the first person to settle in the village of Argyle. His homestead claim to the SW1/4 of Section 10, Middle River Township, was filed in 1878. Like many other settlers, he did not stay long. Six years later, he bad already gone west and had given his wife power of attorney to dispose of any holdings in his name in Marshall County.

The village of Argyle is located on Section IS and the south half of Section 10 in Middle River Township, IS6N, Range 48W, Marshall County, Minnesota. The first settlement was made in Section 10, and the name Louisa appears on a contract between the railway company and the school board in 1880. In a petition to the school board to use the school for religious services, dated April 3, 1881. it is referred to as Middle River. However, the village was incorporated on December 12, 1883, as Argyle.

The name Argyle is said to have been proposed by the Hon. S. G. Comstock, who was an attorney for the Great Northern railroad. There are several versions of the source of the name for the village, but all the stories are unsubstantiated as far as anyone knows, with the exception of the one given above, which was taken from Warren Upham's book, "Minnesota Geographic Names". In later years, "Louisa" or "Middle River" was called "Frenchtown", and is still called by that name today.

Before 1878. there were very few settlers on the land. The first real influx came with the completion of the railroad, although many settlers came in by wagon train, as well. Peter Jarvis was settled in Argyle (Louisa) in 1878. and Ferdinand (F.D.) Keye had a log cabin store in Argyle (Louisa) on lots 23 and 24. Block I. on what was later the site of the Longerbone house. In fact. F. D. Keye's store is the only building listed in Argyle (louisa) in 1878. It had an assessed evaluation of $450. That was Argyle in 1878! When Henry Keye (F.D."s brothers) came by wagon train in 1880. his family lived above the store until he got his house finished.

On September 9, 1878, the railroad reached Argyle (Louisa). There was no station.. not even a platform. The train simply stopped at the river. This train had no schedule, as it was a construction train with passenger car attached. Nils Malm tells of coming to Argyle (Louisa) in 1879. He missed the construction train and had to walk from Crookston. He said he saw only two buildings between Crookston and Argyle (Louisa). One was a shanty southwest of Euclid, and the other was the railroad sectionhouse in Warren.

Some time in 1879. Antoine Lafferior built a store in Argyle (louisa). The site is given as Lot 3. Block 3 in the tax records. This would be near the location where the Argyle Roller Mill was built later on.

By 1880 there were still only seven lots occupied in Argyle. which by this time was in the present location on Section I5, Middle River Township. On the cast side of the railroad tracks, there was only one building on Lot 6, Block 2 -- Augustine's Hardware. On the west side, F. D. Keye had moved his store from Frenchtown to Lot 1, Block 5, now the location of the Communitv . Room in the Argylc Mall.

The next lot north of Keye's store was a saloon called "The Sample Room" owned by Sam Connors, a black man. The name derives from the fact that salesmen in those days traveled by train. . . When they arrived in a town, they rented a room in a hotel to . . display samples of the goods they sold. Buyers were invited to the "sample room" to select their merchandise and place their orders.

The lot north of Connors was also a saloon owned by Hayes and Kivel. Next to that was thc Menzel House, a small hotel. and beyond that on Lots 11 and 12 in Block S, J. J. Stone had his farm headquarters. It included a machinery shed, granary, and stable. The next block north had only one building, which was A. D. Verboncoeur's store on Lot 4, Block 4 -- the present site of Lindstrom's Pool Hall. Argyle -- 1880!

That doesn't seem like an impressive beginning, but there were about 300 people in the Argyle area at that time. and changes were coming fast. A school was organized in March of 1880. and the director of the school board was a woman. Mrs. F. D. Keye. If that seems surprising, be prepared for another surprise. One of the first private bankers was a woman. She was Mrs. Karl or Charles Menzel (Fredericka Keye) , who operated the first hotel and rooming house in Argyle. Her brother, F. D. also acted as banker for the community. In the first issue of the Marshall County Banner, printed December 23, 1882, F. D. Keye advertises his "general store and private bank".

By 1881. religious services were being held in the school house and, according to the obituary of Wiliam Carrese, Argyle had a post office. Mr. Carrese was the post master.

The following year. the Marshall County Banner began publication. H. W. Brown and A. J. Clarke, who were practicing attorneys in Argyle, were its founders.

The year 1883 was an eventful one for the community. In February, the county bought the SW1/4 of Section 12, Middle River Township, from W. T. Lackey, who was Marshall County's first sheriff, for a "poor farm" for the sum of $2,200. It was rented out for cash, and the money thus obtained was used for indigents in the county. The first Roman Catholic church was built in that year, also.

On December 13, 1883, the village of Argyle was incorporated, and on December 26, the following officers were elected: President - F. D. Keye; Trustees - Andrew Olson, Joseph Dalpay, John Augustine; Recorder - Louis Decker; Treasurer - J. J. Stone; Justices of the Peace - Moses Allard, Octavo Barker; ConstableOtto Stoltz.

Later, Peter Kirsch was named village attorney, and J. J. Stone resigned as treasurer and was replaced by William Carrese.

The first order of business in January of 1884 was to set the liquor license fee at $250. The first license was issued to Emma Vellieux, wife of Henry. In the elections, the village and the township were separated, so Octavo Barker could not take office, as he lived on the NW1/4 of Section 26, Middle River Township (where Gene Crummy lives now) and was not a resident of the village. He was replaced by E. M. Richardson. They ordered two pair of shackles and two pair of handcuffs and planned a jail measuring 16'xI6'x8', which Henry Keye built for $375 on Lots 7 and 8, Block 9, First Addition. Dan Beaudry and Ray Pagnac have residences on these lots at present.

The Roller Skating Rink was one of the highlights of 1884. It was a busy social center and was the largest building in town. It was located on Lot 3, Block 10, First Addition. There is a story that the men got tired of having their wives spend so much time at the rink with the babies parked outside in their buggies, so they burned the rink down. It's all pure speculation, but the rink did burn down a few years later.

In 1885 the Presbyterian Church congregation was formed, and they held their services in the school house until the church was built in 1886.

Argyle opened its first bank -- the Farmer's and Merchant's Bank -- in 1886. In the bank's advertisement in the Banner, it asserted that it was the oldest bank in Marshall County. Hans L. Melgaard was president of the bank, and Ole Melgaard was cashier.

The Warren Register of July 7, 1887. reports that Argyle had been named a U.S. weather station, and J.J. Stone was appointed observer.

The first piece of equipment purchased for Argyle was a road grader. Good roads were important for a growing community. It was not until 1888 that Argyle had a fire engine. This was a horse-drawn hand pump. Also in 1888, six cisterns were dug in strategic locations around town. They were curbed with planks and filled with water. This was the water supply in case of fire -- there being no water system at the time. The Warren Register for May 2, 1888, reports that a mill site had been secured on the Middle River in Argyle and grounds for a public square and city park had been purchased. A later issue of the Register reports that the Argyle Roller Mill was to open on October 1, 1888.

By 1891, many changes had taken place in Argyle, The village had a population of some over 300 by this time. The Menzel House, Argyle's first hotel, had changed hands. It was no longer a hotel. Herman Meisch had a small grocery downstairs and slept upstairs. Also in the building was Doug Farrell's jewelry store and small restaurant, Colin Robertson's tailor shop, and at the rear of the building Joseph LaBelle had a bakery.

On December 4, 1891, at 3 a.m.. Herman Meisch was awakened by the smell of smoke. He found the bakery in flames and could not use the stairs, so he jumped to the ground and ran to ring the fire bell, which was at the fire station (where the present senior citizen's homes are located). It was bitter cold; there was a blizzard from the north, and deep snow. It took half an hour with four horses on the fire engine to make the one block to the fire. Then the men had to bodily lift the engine into place next to the cistern which was in the alley back of the bakery. Because of the storm and the difficulties in getting the fire engine in place, the two buildings north and all the buildings south to Second Street were destroyed. This would represent the entire area covered by the Argyle Mall at present.

In many ways, the fire may have speeded the development of Argyle. It necessitated a lot of new construction, and probably forced Argyle to move ahead faster than it might otherwise have done. A letter printed in the Marshall County Banner describing Argyle as it was on March 1 of 1894 -- two years and two months. after the fire -- states: " In Argyle there are now many brick buildings and stores with up to eight clerks. They are: two drygoods and grocery stores, two grocery stores, two furniture, two millinery, two hardware, one confectionary, one drug store, one bank, one clothing store, two implement shops, one notions, one lumber yard, a flour and feed store, one flour mill, one stationery and boots and shoes, five elevators, two butcher shops, four livery stables, two barbers, four hotels, one tin shop, one restaurant, four blacksmiths, three saloons, one bakery, one horse sale barn, a fire department and fire station, two physicians, an opera house, three churches, and a two-story four-room school. The town hall is a handsome brick structure though hardly large enough for the growing requirements of the place. At night the town is well lit with street lights. Yesterday morning after the storm, city horse snow plows promptly cleared the snow off all the walks in city fashion."

Argyle had come a long way in the 16 years since 1878 when F. D. Keye's log store was the only building in town! The writer of the 1etter from which the above quotation was taken was visiting Argyle and writes about what he found here, but the Banner did not print his name, so we have no way of knowing who he was.

By this time (mid-1890's) the early period of Argyle's development had passed. Argyle had officially separated from Middle River Township in March of 1894. The town was established, and every year brought improvements of one kind or another -- telephone, cement sidewalks, electricity, running water and sewers. There were farmer's institutes, concerts, plays, lectures, and entertainments of various kinds at the Opera House and later at the City Hall. Some of this was home talent, but public speakers and traveling entertainers were brought in and well advertised in the Banner.

Argyle had an orchestra and a cornet band. In the Banner of December 18, 1892, we read that a new four-string double bass viol had been purchased for the Argyle Orchestra, and in March of 1893, a new bass tuba for the cornet band. The tuba cost $75. This may not seem like a big expenditure, but when you realize that men's shirts were advertised in the same issue of the Banner at 38 cents, and jean pants at 75 cents a pair, it shows the high regard they must have felt for music. As early as 1884, a Mr. J. Trembley advertised that he was offering instruction in the violin. Later, a Prof. Milne offered courses in vocal music and voice culture two evenings a week for a ten-week period. Also, there were local singing groups.

Lodges and clubs flourished. The churches with their various organizations were active. Argyle was not the cultural wasteland one might have supposed it to be. The isolation of early days was gone, too. Issues of the Banner reveal that people were constantly traveling about. A lot of it was local: to Stephen, Warren, Crookston, Grand Forks; but almost as much involved trips to Canada, various places in the U.S., Norway, Scotland, Germany, etc. for winter visits or even longer.

In less than twenty years, Argyle's frontier days were over, and a stable and prosperous little community looked toward the promise of the future in the Twentieth Century.

[Sources: Howard Chandler's notes, obtained from Banners; Information on "Falcon" found in "Red River Runs North" by Vera Kelsey, Harper c1951.)

"Peter Jarvis, resident of Williams County, North Dakota was found dead last week on the prairie and is supposed to have been murdered. Some of our older citizens will remember Mr. Jarvis. He was one of the early settlers here and laid out the part which is now known as French town." (Taken from the July 4. 1895. edition of the Banner.)

The Coming of the Railroad

Although the railroad was built from Crookston to St. Vincent in 1878. white men had been in the area years before. As early as 1750 there was a white trader at Pembina -- across the river from St. Vincent. Alexander Henry. Jr. was stationed at Pembina from 1800 to 1808. and he and his men made many trips to fur posts on the Red Lake River. Thief River. and elsewhere in the area. In the early 1840's. Norman W. Kittson and Joseph Rolette. agents of the American Fur Company at Pembina, launched their ox-cart trains from that point to St. Paul carrying fur. The main route followed the high land some distance east of the river through central Marshall County.

In 1872. the St. Paul and Pacific became insolvent. When the panic halted railroad building. James J. Hill began to look into the possibilities of railroad promotion. He interested three Canadian financiers. Donald Smith. George Stephen. and Norman Kittson. They acquired the defaulted bonds of the company in 1878 and in May of 1879 organized the St. Paul. Minneapolis. and Manitoba Railway Company to take over St. Paul and Pacific holdings. This system became the Great Northern and eventually the Burlington Northern.

Construction work began again in 1878. and the Canadian border was reached that year. Many settlers who had come into the country found employment on the railroad. and news that it was built built spurred settlement.

About this time. Hill and his associates began to circularize Europe with literature telling of opportunities in northwestern Minnesota. The result was that thousands of settlers flocked to the area. One such group settled east of Argyle. and the Marshall County Banner for May 19. 1910. reports "Twenty-four Belgian families along with a priest and a Belgian count arrived in Foldahl Township. The party was in charge of the D.S.B. Johnson Land Company. They will make Argyle their trading point so as to affiliate with the Catholic Church here."

The railroad had obtained large land grants along the right-of-way. and this land was sold to settlers at $5 per acre, with a rebate of $2.50 per acre if 3/4 of the land was broken and another rebate of fifty cents for every acre cropped. This was a great incentive for settlers. Argyle was one of the many towns that sprang up as a direct result of the coming of the railroad. (The above information was taken from the pamphlet. "After Sixty Years -- When the Railroad Came". commemorating the projection of the line from Crookston to the Canadian boundary in 1878, bringing into existence the towns along the route. 1938.)

Poor Farm

In 1883. in an effort to provide for welfare cases. the county purchased the SW 1/4 of Section 12 in Middle River Township for $2200 from W. T. Lackey. who had originally obtained it from the railroad. The farm was to be rented out to farmers. and the money thus obtained was to be used for indigents in the county.

There seems to have been some difficulty with the project right from the start. because the county records for June 10, 1884, report that bids had been called for on cash rent for the Poor Farm, but none had been received, and they were trying to sell the Poor Farm. Six months later it was noted that the Poor Farm commissioner had been fired.

In June of 188h, E. C. Peck rented the Poor Farm, and the Marshall County Banner for June of 1895 reports that the "Committee on the Poor Farm is authorized to sell the buildings on the farm to Mr. H. (Henry) Belisle in payment of hauling and spreading manure on said farm," The following year, the Banner reported that Henry Belisle was given a $64 reduction on his Poor Farm rent on account of a poor crop.

Mr. Belisle continued to rent the Poor Farm for another two years, but by the end of 1899. this method of providing for the poor was abandoned, and in January of 1900. the farm was offered for sale, It was bought by John Robertson of Argyle, whose land adjoined it.

County Seat

Taken from the "Sheaf" and "Marshall County Banner" April 20, 1881,)

A motion was made by F. D. Keye that the County Seat of Marshall County be and the same is hereby located in Township 151'1, Range 48 in Section 15 on the townsite of Argyle in the town of Middle River, County of Marshall and state of Minnesota, It was seconded by A. Diamond, A. Mcintyre refusing to entertain the motion. Deeming it out of order that we place the safe and contents in the Sheriff's charge and have it immediately conveyed to the town of Argyle.

A special session in November. A special law 41 said that the county seat of Marshall County be established at Warren.

The county board on March 12. 1882, moved that the safe at Argyle be replaced in the County building at Warren at the expense of the County with A. P, Mcintyre appointed to move the safe to Warren.

The safe had been placed in the building of J.J. Stone.

In May of 1881. the attorney salary was stopped. The Register, Clerk of Court and Treasurer was moved to Argyle in the J. J. Stone building. McIntyre was absent from the Argyle meetings. The George U. Holcomb building was leased for County Officers at $I2 per month. Titus must get new treasurer's bond for SI0,000. In October, the room over Trautman's Drug Store was rented for Auditor and Treasurer. Titus refuses the bond, and so Trautman was appointed as Treasurer.

On January 3, 1883, bonds were rejected for Eston Rayon, Auditor, and H. J. Bennewitz, Sheriff, J. P, Nelson, Clerk of Court, and Peter Dalquist, Surveyor, They also set the liquor license at $IOO.

Swanson, Hanson, and Keye were not elected commissioners.

On February 27, 1882, the meeting was at Warren. The board resolved to hire men and teams to haul the safe back to Warren, It was returned on March 7, 1882. The matter was not fully resolved until October IS, 1890, when it was brought to a vote. Warren got 1268 votes to Argyle's 941 votes

The Argyle Post Office

The first post office in Middle River Township was established January 19, 1880, and William (Carrens ?) Carrese appointed postmaster July 26, 1880, according to records of the General Services Administration, Federal Archives and Records Center.

The Argyle Post Office appears on these records on September 12, 1882, with William Carrese the appointed postmaster of the Argyle office. Other persons to serve in this capacity were: William Hazel -- 1884-89; Donald Robertson -- 1889.94; Burt Bivins1894-98; P.S. Nelson -- 1898-1900; B.S. Buckingham--1901-15; H. R. Meisch -- 1915-18; E. G.Lasha (acting postmaster) -1918; Ruby Anderson -- 1918-21; C. M. Krogh--1921-31; Nora Skarstad (acting postmaster) -- 1932; Grace Headrick (acting postmaster) --1933; C. A. Hedquist -- 1934-51; and M. Dale Swanson-- 1951 and presently serving in this office.

The office started out as a fourth class office and is now a small second class (J) office.

The first RFD (rural free delivery) Route #1 at Argyle was estabalished in December, 1905, with I. August Anderson being the regular carrier. Mr. Anderson served this route until his retirement in 1925. Others to serve this route were Ed Steinbauer (retired in 1953), C. A. Hedquist, Hervey E. Carlson, and C. Donald Hedquist. This route served the southeast Argyle rural area.

March of 1907, RFD #2 was established, Richard Hunt, George Stewart, William Marlette, Alex Deschene, C. A. Hedquist, and Hervey Carlson have served as regular carriers, Route #2 served the southwest Argyle rural areas.

March of 1913, RFD #3 was established, with Paul Krogh being appointed as temporary carrier. E. G. Lasha, O. P. Olson, and Olai Anderson served the route as regular carriers. When Olai Anderson retired in 1950, Olaf Hedlund served the route as temporary carrier until C. A. Hedquist transferred from postmaster to this route in 1951. February of 1955, Route #3 was consolidated with routes #1 and #2. C. A. Hedquist was then assigned to Route #1, and Alex Deschene continued to serve Route #2 until he retired in November of 1955. Later C. A. Hedquist carried Route #2 until his retirement in July of 1970. Route #3 originally served the northeast Argyle rural area.

The last route to be established was RFD #4. Two carriers that I can name were Conrad Johnson and Charles Dundas. When Charles Dundas retired in 1948, George Stewart served as temporary carrier until the route was consolidated with Routes #2 and #3 in September of 1949. Route #4 served the northwest Argyle rural area.

As the routes were established, each regular carrier had a substitute to serve the route during their absence. Through the years, many persons from the community served in this capacity. As the farms grow larger, rural population decreases, better roads and automobiles are built, and economics considered, rural routes continue to be consolidated.

We now have Route #1, 121 miles in length, 156 families, served by C. Donald Hedquist, who was appointed carrier in 1959. Route #2 is now classified as an intermediate route and is headed out of the Stephen Post Office. The part of this route that serves the Argyle area is 61 miles in length and serves 67 families. Chauncey Benson, Stephen, Minnesota has served this intermediate route since the consolidation in 1975.

Since the beginning of postal service in Argyle. many persons have served as temporary clerks without career status. Career clerks to serve in recent years were Nora Skarstad, who retired in 1948; Hervey Carlson. who served as regular clerk and rural carieI' and later transferred to Shevlin, Minnesota retired in 1979; Allard Swanson, retired in 1979; Dale Swanson; and Beverly Fulks, who is the present Career Clerk.

For many years, the mail was received by the Great Northern Railroad. but this service was discontinued in October of 1968. The mail is now trucked to area post offices from the Thief River Falls Sectional Center Post Office. The Post Office has been quartered in various locations, and in May of 1970 was moved to its present location on the south side of Third Street, between Pacific and Jefferson Avenues.

A special centennial postmark will be used in cancelling letters from January IS. 1983. to July IS. 1983. to commemorate Argy'le's big event.

Sources of information for this article were received in part from Marshall County Banners, notes from Howard Chandler, old post office records, and General Services Administration., Federal Archives and Records Center, Chicago, Illinois.
--M. Dale Swanson September 25. 1982

"On the second day of June. A.D.. 1907, without grace, for value received, we promise to pay to Farmers and MerchantBank of Argyle on order the sum of $1.000.00 at it's office in Argyle with interest from the date here of and until fully paid at the rate of 6 percent per annum, interest payable annually on January 2 in each and every year."

Besides this note and mortgage. the Woodmen have paid $700 toward their share in the building and about $600 for furniture and paraphernalia, making their interest in all about $2.300.

The Royal Neighbors bought and paid for paraphernalia. furniture. etc.. including a $125 carpet, to the amount of $200. On Tuesday evening. January 25, it is the purpose of the camp to extend invitations to its 84 members, their families, and the Royal Neighbors to be present and to participate in the burning of the above quoted mortage and note which will blot out all of the indebtedness of the Camp. Entertainment will be provided for and everything possible done to impress upon the minds of those present the importance of this event.

Truly speaking, Argyle Camp has reason to feel proud of its great accomplishment in such a short space of time, and those members who took upon themselves this great obligation should be awarded space on the charter of the great American lodge.

January' 13, 1910
On Monday, George L. Demers (Argyle local clerk), Argyle Camp No. 2338, Modern Wood Men of America, paid last installment on their portion of the magnificent building which was erected in 1902 and which now serves the purpose of a magnificent opera hall, the property of the City, on the lower floor, and also comfortable as well as elegantly provides lodge rooms for the Masonic, and the Woodmen, Eastern Star, R.N.A. orders on the upper floor. The building was erected by contractor C. N. Morin.

The building is 115 feet by 32 feet on the ground, with 30 foot studdings, is modernly finished, and contains a splendid heating plant in the basement. The building was erected at the cost of $6,500 by the city and a continous lease granted to the Masonic Lodge and the Modern Wood Men of America for the use of the upper floor, which was finished in every way to suit their convenience.

Argyle, Pacific Ave and Third Street

Streets 

Before its incorporation as a village, Argyle's streets and roads were a part of Middle River Township, and the village shared in obligations for any bonds issued for roads or other purposes. At a special meeting March 10, 1884, the Village Council notified the Board of Supervisors of Middle River Township that from that time on, the village regarded itself as a separate road district and would not be liable for taxation for road purposes outside of the incorporated village of Argyle.

To finance the building of roads and streets within the village, a road tax of SO cents per $100 of valuation was assessed against all real estate and personal property. There was also a poll tax that could be paid by a day's work on the roads or payment of $1.50. In 1885, the poll tax was increased to two days of work or $3. Maintenance of the streets was done with a horse-drawn grader or the use of teams and scrapers when it was necessary to fill low places or to make ditches.

In 1894, the Council decided the old wagon bridge north of town should be tom down and replaced by a stronger one. This bridge would be approximately 90 feet long and 1 foot higher above the streambed. It was also decided to replace the bridge going east. The north bridge remained in service until1912, when a contract for construction of a new steel bridge was let to the Continental Bridge Company for $3300. Argyle's contribution to the cost would be $800.

A new steel bridge across the river east of Frenchtown was built in 1916, with Argyle contributing $800 toward its cost. Two years later, the east abutment of the bridge had to be rebuilt because high water washed away the soil. Both of these bridges were built under the supervision of the County Commissioners.

In 1914, the railroad planned to build a new depot on the same site as the old one that blocked off Third Street. The village opposed this and suggested that the Fourth Street crossing be vacated instead and the depot built there. With the Third Street crossing open, travel between the two busiest parts of town would be simplified. The railroad opposed the change, but after the Council appealed to the State Railroad Commissions, they agreed to build a block farther north. A committee of two councilmen had been appointed to offer the Great Northern Railway $1000 for positive assurance that the Third Street crossing would be opened, but there is nothing in the Council minutes to indicate that this was done.

Because of the nature of the soil Argyle was built on, street maintenance was difficult, especially in the spring. Some consideration was given to the idea of paving the streets, and on February 7, 1966, the Village Council, consisting of Virgil Peterson - Mayor, Ralph Przybylski, Charles Anderson, Dan Beaudry, and Frank Borowicz, met to hear a report by Mr. Douglas Stewart of the engineering firm of Sewart and Walker of Thief River Falls. The Council was advised that the proposed improvements were feasible and should best be made as proposed by the engineer's report.

The improvements would consist not only of paving, but also putting in concrete curbs, gutters, storm sewers, and the replacement of some sewers and water mains. Water and sewer connections would be extended in some areas to the property lines in lots that did not have them.

At the Council meeting of July 11, 1966, a resolution was introduced approving plans and specifications and ordering advertisement for bids on bonds to finance' '1966 Street Improvements" as the project was known. A total of $375,000 worth of general obligation bonds were sold at 4.8 percent and 4.9 percent, to be redeemed over a period of twenty years. Of the total obligation, bonds plus interest, assessments would pay for $288,824 and the Village would pay the balance through general taxes.

Northern Improvement Company of Fargo, North Dakota, was the low bidder for the construction job, with a bid of $357,766. Work was begun in the spring of 1967 and when finished, 50 blocks of streets had been paved at a total cost of $450,000.

"The drainage of the coulee west of town has been successfully accomplishcd by the laying of tiling. Last Friday the main coulee was reached with l2-inch tiling and in 24 hours nearly all the water was drained. Six-inch tiling will be used through the two blocks south of the main coulee. To complete the work two carloads of tiling was necessary. The improvement is a valuable one and is highly appreciated by the residents. The difficult task was under the able supervision of Street Commissioner Boyce, who deserves much credit for his efficient services." (Taken from the Marshall County Banner.)

Sidewalks

All wooden sidewalks were to be built to conform to specifications approved by the Village Council. They were to be 5 feet 4 inches wide, of 2 inch planks not more than 12 inches wide and were to be securely nailed to three stringers. The stringers were to be of 2 by 6 inch planks set on edge on a bed of stone or gravel. There were to be three stringers, one in the middle and the other two set in I foot from each outer edge of the walk. The sidewalk was to be placed 8 feet from the edge of the street, leaving a berm upon which trees were to be planted. The cost of the sidewalks was assessed against the person or business whose property it fronted, usually 30 cents a foot -although in later years the price rose to 4() cents. Anyone planting trees on his berm was given credit of 25 cents per tree against his taxes.

The wooden sidewalks rotted rather quickly. and at a special meeting called by the Council on July 11, 1910, a resolution was adopted to condemn all wooden sidewalks and replace them with concrete walks.

Power

Argyle received electric lights in 1897. making it the first community north of Crookston to do so. In August of that year, James Scott, a local businessman, purchased a twenty-five horsepower gasoline engine driven generator and nearly two hundred 16 and 25 candle power incandescent light bulbs. The expectation was that by October I, every business place in town would be using them.

On October 7, 1897. the village council granted Scott a franchise to erect, maintain, and operate an electric power system and by October 14, 1897, electric lights had become a reality. After the generating system was going, the village contracted with Scott to install 23 street lights of 25 candlepower each at 75 cents per light per month.

By 1902, with the demand for electricity growing, the council decided that the village should install a larger generator, to be owned by the village, and asked the community to vote on a $12,400 bond issue to finance the project. The voters favored the proposal and voted for it. The new light plant would be built on lots 6-12, block 1. original townsite, purchasing the site from the St. Paul. Minneapolis, and Manitoba Railroad for $275.

A new 125-horsepower steam engine driving a direct drive 75 KW generator was purchased and installed along wtih the necessary switching equipment and an enlarged electrical distributing system. It was atthis time also that Scott sold his generating equipment. as well as his franchise, to the village.

With increased generating capacity, there were requests that the street lights be left on all night, and there were promises to do so, but apparently all night lighting didn't last long .- perhaps for economic reasons.. because the request was repeated a number of times, It is interesting to note that the generator was run on Tuesdays to accommodate housewives who were fortunate to have electric irons.

The direct current generated by the village plant had limitations to its usefullness that led the council to consider changing the electrical system from direct current to alternating current and purchasing the current from an outside source. This would also involve moving all the poles and lines from the streets to the alleys wherever possible. An election was held on June 28, 1920. to determine if the voters were in favor of making the change at a cost of $30,000. A total of 121 ballots were cast, and all voted in favor of the change.

Minnesota Electric Distributing Company of Crookston, with a bid of $30,000, was hired to change the system to the use of alternating current and to move and make improvements on its distribution wherever possible, In addition, M.E.D. would furnish the aiternating current. and on August 12, 1920, work was begun on a powerline to run from Crookston to Argyle. In February of 1921, Argyle received its first alternating current, and the local power plant was shut down for good.

Argyle's "Whiteway" was installed by businessmen in September of 1923. The "Whiteway" consisted of large lighted globes on attractive fluted columns, Eight of these were installed on Pacific Avenue, and six were placed on Third Street. An arrangement had been made with M.E.D. Company whereby they would install the wiring without charge when the lights were put up.

M.E.D. Company had approached the vilIage several times with offers to buy the electrical system, but had been rejected each time. In April of 1931, the council decided to call an election to determine if the village residents would consider selling the system for the sum of $19.000 plus lower electrical rates. A total of 162 ballots were cast in favor of selling. and 41 ballots against. The sale was completed, with a favorable reduction in rates, and the village was relieved of the responsibility of maintaining the distribution system.

Minnesota Electrical Distributing Company was succeeded by Ottertail Power Company as the local power source. Ottertail was represented in the community for many years by Van Mossefin until his retirement. He was replaced by Charles Swendsrud. who was followed by Ed Heggen, the present day lineman for the company.

Gas

On October 31, 1956, the Federal Power Commission approved the sale of natural gas to the Village of Argyle, making it one of the first in northern Minnesota to operate a natural gas system. The gas would be purchased from Midwestern Gas Transmission Company of Houston, Texas, with the pipeline company to deliver the gas to a point approximately 13/4 miles west of the village. From there, a pipeline built by the village would bring the gas to the distribution svstem.

Midwestern's gas supply would be purchased from TransCanada at the international border under a firm 25-vear contract. The gas reserves relied on by Trans-Canada are located in the province of Alberta, and it is one of the largest fields in North America.

The village approved the sale of $150,000 worth of municipal bonds to finance the construction of the transmission main and distribution system. Construction contracts in the amount of $103,452 were awarded August II. 1960. to the Harbert Construction Corporation of Birmington, Alabama, and the Rockwell Manufacturing Company of Chicago. The work covered by the contract included all labor, material. and equipment needed -- including the 179 service connections, The balance of the bonds would be used for legal, financial. administrative, interest, working capital and contingency purposes.

The engineer estimated there was a total potential for the gas services area of 270 customers, Many new homes have been built since then, and most of them use natural gas. Even with the increase in price in recent years. it still has a small competitive edge over fuel oil and electricity.

Telephone

On June 23, 1898, work was begun on a new telephone exchange in Argyle. This was being built by James Scott, a local businessman. Work progressed rapidly, and by August 25, the telephone exchange was in operation and working satisfactorily. By March 30, 1899, thirty telephones were installed in the village, with orders for many more, especially from farmers in the surrounding community.

During the year of 1900, Northwest Telephone Exchange Company built a long distance line that connected Crookston, the company's headquarters, with all the towns north to St. Vincent, across the Red River to Pembina, and south to Grand Forks. Later tbey extended their lines to Greenbush and Roseau. This company became the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company.

Dan Robertson purchased tbe Argyle Telephone Exchange, as it was to become known, from Scott in 1902, and the next year he installed the central office upstairs in his new O.K. Pharmacy building. After June I. twenty-four hour service would be provided. With 325 telephones in operation by the end of 1913, the service needed to expand its facilities and a new. larger switchboard was installed. It was about this time that louis Cerny was employed as a lineman, and he remained with the company in that capacity for many years.

The Exchange suffered a disastrous blow in November of 1930 when a severe sleet storm hit this area. Between four and five hundred poles were broken, along with countless breaks in the wires. In the eight miles between Argyle and the Alma Creamery, only six poles remained standing.

The Argyle Telephone Exchange was owned by Dan and Walter Robertson as partners from 1913 until Dan retired. Walter became sole owner and continued in that capacity until his death in 1943. The business was then purchased by Vic Bradley. The Minnesota Telephone Company bought the business from Bradley in 1947, and in 1953 spent $70,000 in Marshall County on a modernization program that included automatic dialing. There was no longer a need for operators because long distance calls were handled by the company exchange. When Lake State Telephone, a subsidiary of Continental Telephone, took over the business in 1963, direct distance dialing became available. Continental Telephone is the present owner.

Among the many people who worked as "'Central Girls" were: Effie Menzel. Margaret Kurz, Ann Hammerback, Rose Gagnon, Agnes Nelson and Mrs. Bill Berry. Those who deserve special recognition for their many years of service are Clara Toftner and Clarice Anderson.

Radio

Radios were still a novelty in 1925, but that was the year Argyle was to have its own radio station, 9BZW. Herman Fellman, an employee of the H. P. Krogh Hardware Company, was a man of many talents and interests -- one of which was radios. He built a radio transmitter that could be used on a commercial frequency. This transmitter was located in the hardware store. Two towers were built on the roof to carry the antenna. The transmitter was quite successful. although of low power and unable to reach out for any distance. In 1926 he remodeled the equipment which gave its signal greater clarity and volume, increasing its working range to 50 miles or more. The station was also given new call letters and would be known as 9CZX. The station resumed broadcasting in November of 1920, and it is not known how long it remained on the air.

Water and Sewer

It was not Argyle's good fortune to be situated over an aquifer that would be a source of good, clear water, so the community had to depend on cisterns or shallow wells from which water had to be hauled or carried. With the expanding population and in the interest of public health, the village council decided to look into the possibility of installing both a water and sanitation sewer system.

In June of 1918, the Argyle village council received plans for a complete water and sewer system that proposed taking water from the Middle River at the foot of Second Street and, through a six-inch pipe, pump it into two underground settling basins. The unlimited supply of water would greatly reduce the fire hazard, as well as cut the insurance rates.

The sewage would be gathered through 10, 12, and I5-inch pipes from all areas of town and emptied into a sink at the west end of Fifth Street. Here it would be automatically lifted by an electric pump into a 12-inch main that would carry it to a septic tank located on the riverbank and from there into the river.

A special election was held on June 27. 1918, to determine if there was public support for the installation of the water and sewer system. The voters strongly favored the project. as well as the sale of $40,000 worth of bonds to finance the construction. With the approval of the people. the council was empowered to proceed. and the work got underway as soon as possible.

The contracting firm of Schmuth and Jackson was the successful bidder on both projects. By early September. their trenching equipment had arrived and was at work on the sewer system. The pipes for the water had not arrived yet, but work was to be pushed as rapidly as possible, with the view of having everything completed by freezeup. Because of break downs with the trencher and the delay in getting repairs, work did not move as fast as had been hoped for, and most of the work had to be delayed until the following summer.

The installation of the two svstems at the same time was costly. - . and it was necessary to raise money through the sale of bonds. With the voters' approval, the council arranged for the sale of $42,000 worth of waterworks bonds and $17,000 worth of sewer bonds. These bonds would be retired through the assessment of all property served by the utilities.

By late November of 1918, work has been discontinued on the sewers due to frost. bUt continued on the reservoir by the river in . hope that the water line to the power plant could be completed. With the coming of winter, this too came to a halt before completion.

The original plans for the water plant called for the use of a pneumatic type system to provide water pressure. There were to be large tanks, one for household use and the other for fire fighting. The water would be stored in these tanks under air pressure, the tank for fire fighting to be under much higher pressure than the one for household use.

This plan was dropped in favor of building a water tower instead. Bids were called for, and the bid of Des Moines Bridge and Iron Company was accepted, They offered to build the tower, complete with necessary piping. for $8.885. The tower was to be 100 feet high with a 50,000 gallon tank, adding another 18 feet. On top would be installed a large electric light that would be visible for many miles. Work was begun on the tower March 20, 1919, and was completed April 24, 1919. All that remained was the installation of the main from the river, and the tower would be ready for service. Work continued all that summer, and by October, both the water and sewer systems were. for all practical purposes, complete.

The water system served the town well, but the river was not a dependable source, for it was often low, and in winter would quit flowing - causing oxygen to become depleted. and the waters to become stagnant. At times it was hardly fit to use. The problem came to a head during the drought years of the 30's. In 1934, the situation became extremely critical, when the water at the supply intake became exhausted. It became necessary to use the fire engines to pump water from the pools formed by the dam which was built in 1916.

In the meantime. there was a hurried search for a possible source of water within a practical distance. It was decided to dig a well cast of the river on land owned by Pete Kurz. A good flow of water was found there. but it would be necessary to put in a pipeline from the well pump to the existing line on the other side of the river. This would involve burying the pipe below the riverbed. a project that had to be done before spring in order to avoid the need to build expensive coffer dams. Help was available from the federal government through the Civil Works Administration. The P. W .A. would pay the wages of those employed on the condition that the village furnish the materials. Through the work of a large crew, the hookup to the new well was completed. and the water shortage averted for the time being. It was necessary to continue looking for a better source, as the flow from the new well was found to be barely adequate.

Test wells along the road a half mile east and a half mile north of the town showed there was a good source of water in that area, and in 1936, an acre of land in the northeast corner of SE II4 of Section 10 was purchased from the Robertson Brothers. A well drilled there provided an abundance of good water. A pipeline was put in from this well three quarters of a mile south to the pipeline at the Kurz well. The trench was dug by hand by men employed by the Civil Works Administration. This well and another that was added later will assure Argyle of plenty of sparkling, pure spring water in the future.

Argyle Dump

A notice appeared in the October 1895 issue of the Marshall County Banner, to wit: "Notice On account of opening the new plat of Park Addition, the dumping ground on the river has been discontinued, and all persons are hereby notified not to dump any substance, or in any manner trespass on any part of Section 15. All offenders will be prosecuted. "

The village purchased two acres of land in NW1/4 of Section 10 from Alphonse Beaudry in 1895 for $120. This was used as the city dump until 1981, at which time it was covered up and closed to future dumping. About 1975, a sanitary landfill system came into being, and all the garbage is now being trucked out of town.

ARGYLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

The city of Argyle bought their first fire engine in 1888 for $1152. It was not until 1893, however, that Argyle organized an official fire department. On May 9, 1893, a group of citizens of Argyle met at the Argyle opera house to organize a volunteer fire department.

Before the evening was over. they organized a fire department consisting of 24 members. They wrote a book of by-laws and picked their own officers. They followed their by-laws very strictly, helping them to be a successful department. The department has always tried to keep their equipment at its best. They have changed trucks, hoses, uniforms, etc. as the years went by. They also tried to improve their department in any way they could. Two great improvements were made in 1921. In this year, the Argyle telephone company agreed to call the firemen in case of fire. That same year, the city of Argyle purchased a fire siren. The two used together proved to be a great help to the firemen in responding to a fire. They are both still used today.

Today the department has 25 members. They have two fire trucks, a rescue van, and a water tanker truck. The rescue van was added in 1975, allowing the department to answer emergency medical calls.

The department's equipment is stored in the Argyle Fire Hall, built in 1971. Through the years, the department fought many fires in their area and assisted neighboring towns in fighting fires. They always tried to do their best, and in doing this, have proved that they are a very efficient and dedicated department.

THE OLD MILL STATE PARK Situated in Foldahl Township on the bank of the Middle River, twelve miles east of Argyle, this site was always popular as a picnic and swimming area, Floyd B. Olson, speaking at a Historical Society picnic in 1934, suggested the place become a State Park, In 1937 it did, Earle A. Barker of Bemidji also was one of the first to suggest it become a State Park. It was first known as the Middle River State Park, but was changed in 1951 to the Old Mill State Park. The state bought the site in 1937 for $II,OOO; the federal government added $17,000 for construction of the buildings, and the W.P.A. spent another $11.107 for work in 1940. The project gave much needed jobs to many local people, and the benefits have been enjoyed ever since. Lars Larson built the original water power mill in 188n. He built the second water powered mill a half-mile up the river in 1889. John Larson, his son, built a mill at the same place using an old Case steam engine which was moved by oxen, In 1897, the location was changed to the present site, where the remaining ruins of the mill are still standing in a fair state of preservation.

The mill stones are two large native rocks, three feet in diameter and eight inches thick, each bound by heavy iron. One is stationary and the other revolves rapidly above it by means of a perpendicular shaft four inches thick. On the stones are hand carved grooves which allow space for grain that is being ground. A tube carries the grain down to the grinding stones. A sacking device is arranged below the stones to care for the ground grain as it comes from the plant.

When the plant was first constructed, a water wheel was built in the Middle River to furnish power. The mill was operated by that means for many years, and later when steam threshing engines became common, a steam boiler was procurred and used for power. Wood gathered from the nearby forest was the fuel.

Located on a picturesque site, the mill grounds in past years have been used as a picnic spot for large crowds of people.

Ernie Jewell and Albert Skoglund started putting the old Case steam engine together in 1957. Pieces of the engine were located, rebuilt, and refashioned after being out of use for 60 years. It is now in good running order and is being used to grind flour four or five times a year. Members of the Marshall County Historical Society, along with other volunteers, help run the operation under park supervision.

Oscar Bjorgaard was the first Park Superintendent from 1937 to 1942.

Middle River Township

Middle River Township was the earliest organized township in Marshall County. by virtue of the fact that the county commissioners acted on the request of the citizens of Middle River Township first. the two other townships organized on the same day were Tamarac and Warrenton. in that order. The date was October 14. 1879. The township was named Middle River after the stream that runs through the central part from east to west. According to Upham's book, "Minnesota Geographical Names", the stream was named by fur traders whose trains of Red River carts crossed it on the Old Pembina Trail about halfway between Pembina and their crossing of Red Lake River. The first township meeting was held on October 25, 1879, at the F. D. Keyes store. It was called to elect officers for the township. W. D. McClintock was chosen clerk, and O. Taylor was moderator to preside at the meeting. The election judges were: William Caresse. Joseph Lafond, and George Morin. The men elected to office were: three supervisors - Octave Barker. Peter Jarvais. Zephrin Dion: assessor - George Forsythe: town clerk - O. Taylor. justice of the peace - Frank Runnels. two constables - J. Daignault and Philo Stone. overseer of highways. Carson Fedderson. and treasurer - J. Trembley. In 1879. communication was difficult because of lack of telephones and rural mail delivery. One of the first pieces of business of the newly organized township was to establish sites where official township notices were to be posted. They were: F. D. Keye's store. the corner of Peter Jarvais' field. and Zephrin Dion's land. The first by-law passed concerned the impounding of any animals (mules. horses. cattle. sheep. hogs) permitted to run loose between April 1 and October 15 of each year. Stray livestock damaged the hay and grain crops and were the cause of many disputes. Peter Jarvais was the first pound master. Much of the business conducted at the meetings in those early days dealt with disputes over strayed livestock. the building of drainage ditches. and the building of roads and brid,ges. The township also acted as welfare agency to the destitude. Every community was responsible for the care of their own poor. Middle River Township in the 1890's authorized Hedquist and Moline to give a certain named pauper food in the amount of two dollars and fifty cents per month. as long as he required it. The townships to reimburse the store for the food. County welfare cases were provided by funds from the Poor Farm. which was located on SW1/4 of Section 12 in Middle River Township. In 1883 Marshall County purchased this parcel of land from a private party who had originally obtained it from the railroad. The farm was rented out to farmers and the money thus obtained was used to provide for indigents in the county. By the end of 1899, this method of providing for the poor must have been abandoned. because on February 13. 1900, the land was sold to John Robertson of Argyle. whose land adjoined it. The township records are not without their touch of humor. At the annual township election of March to. 1883, one of the persons running for office of township supervisor was Mother Hubbard; she received one vote and lost to Dr. Belcourt. the local doctor. Middle River Township hall. which is situated at the comer of Highway 75 and Third Street in Argyle. is the original town hall which was bought from H. A. Wilson for $25. It was first moved to the southeast comer of Section 16. Middle River Township. for $5. On March 12, 1889. A. D. Verboncoeur offered to move the town hall to his lot north of Craig Bros. Blacksmith shop. free of charge to the township. and the next meeting was to be held there. In 1900 the building was repaired. renovated. and moved to its present location. The entire cost of the operation. including the lumber. the lot. the paint and carpenter's labor. amounted to less than $175.

Several new bridges. culverts. and roads have been built and maintained through the years. The present officers are: John St. Germain. chairman; Leo Crummy and Frank Yutrzenka - supervisors; Bernard Crummy- treasurer; and Daniel Deschene-clerk.
..John St. Germain, 1983

"The History of the church in the Red River Valley section of Minnesota is an adventure, and the clergy and laity who thread its pages are heroic men and women," Father Foley in History of the Diocese of Crookston.

One hundred years, a century, from infancy to its present maturity, marks the present life span of the Parish of St. Rose of Lima of Argyle in Marshall County, Minnesota. From its humble origins, the parish and church, have struggled, grown and prospered to its present fullness as a vigorous, moral, inspirational and sustaining force for the people, and the community. This was made possible only by dedication of the early pioneers, priests, and laity, who ventured to the northern Red River V aIley, seeking the fulfillment of a dream. Priests with burning zeal to bring the enrichment of the Ministry of God's Work, and of the church serving the needs of the settlers, laity, driven by a quest for a "Good life" to live in freedom the fullness of their Catholic christian heritage.

No doubt, the early French Canadian settlers to arrive in Marshall County, were persistent in their search, drawn by the dream of the "Good life" where the deep roots of their Catholic faith and heritage would be a tribute to the many hardships and sacrifices they would be called to endure to assure the reality of the "dream". For them, their parish, their church, was an engrained part of their life. Their very existence was molded around it.

Basil Gervais (Jarvais) and his son. Pierre, who had come from the province of Quebec, Canada, (many others to follow them) ventured to Marshall County in 1877 where the virgin soil of the valley held its promises of the future.

When Pierre Gervais (Jarvais) filed his homestead claim (first in township) for the Southwest Quarter of Section 10 of Middle River Township, Marshall County, on May 25, 1878, many other family names soon appeared. The ox cart trail (Pembina) and the Red River were the basic routes of travel. In a short time, numerous families had migrated to this area and filed Homestead claims.

So. just in two years. by 1879, Pierre Gervais (Jarvais) divided a portion of his property along the south edge of the Middle River into lots for his "dream town called Louisa". As circumstances forced the main part of the town to locate a little further to the south as the railroad came through the town named" Argyle". This part of the village retains the nickname "French Town" even today.

Missionaries attended to the spiritual needs of the settlers up and down the Valley. With the influx of French Canadian families. their needs were attended to by Father Fortier. O.M.I., who fourneyed from St. Boniface, Manitoba, Canada, by canoe on the Red River to Argyle then on to Crookston, then head of the railroad. By 1879, with arrival of the railroad, the French Canadian segment. of the community had sufficiently grown that they began to identify themselves as a congregation, a parish. And thus was organized "The Catholic Society of Argyle" the formal organization as a French speaking congregation becoming the legal arm for the parish of St. Rose of Lima, named after the first American Saint.

This congregation, as all others in the Red River Valley, were at that time under the jurisdiction of Bishop Rupert Seidenbusch, Vicar Apostolic of Northern Minnesota with residence in St. Cloud, Minnesota. (On October 31,1879, it came under the jurisdiction of the newly formed Diocese of Duluth, and in 1910, the newly established Diocese of Crookston.)

Father Fortier said Mass in the home of Pierre Jarvis, then in the homes of other settlers. Assuming the assignment, Father Brunelle in 1800 journeyed from Crookston, as did Father Lariviere (1881-1882) to take care of the needs of the budding Catholic parish of St. Rose of Lima in Argyle. With the railroad now a reliable means of transportation, there came a greater influx of settlers into the area, so much so, that the story and half granary building which had been converted for temporary use could not begin to meet the needs of the congregation. It was at this time that a group of persons in Argyle and vicinity signed a petition requesting permission to use the school house for religious services. Record shows the names of the signers included the following list of men:
Joseph laFond, Jr., W. R. Hayes, Dick Kivel, Gaspard Ethier, DosetheTessier, Eugene LaBine, John M. Ryan, E. J. Webstcr, H. Morin, Alex Chouinard, Octive Barker, Pierre Gervais, Z. Dion, Michael Troumble, Levia Sourdine, George Prenevoux, Xavier Legault, George Senson, Ernest Mass, Alfred laFond, William Martell, Geo. Morin, Albert Proulx, Challe Choinard, Samuel Cormier, J. F. Runnels, Otto Stolz, Joseph Beauchemin, John Augustine, Aristide Sourdine, Joseph LaFond, Sr., Basil Gervais, William Caresse, J. A. Morisette, Fred Barsaloux, Donald Currie, A. Scott, W. L. Lackey, Geo. W. Peck, Edward Hancock, Louis Gervais, Medard Landerville.

As indicated by the County Records, the Catholic Association of Argyle bought a tract of land (5 acres) from the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba Railroad, tract description being the extreme southwest comer of NW1/4 of Section 15, Township 156, Range 48; the local records indicate 1880 as year of purchase and duly recorded on July 18 of 1882. This tract of land was designated as a cemetery. Since the congregation of 51. Rose of Lima had grown very rapidly with the railroad passing through Argyle in 1878. so did its spiritual needs. Missionaries journeying throughout the northern area of the Red River Valley ministered to their needs more frequently.

In 1883, Father Champagne saw the need of building a church and was instrumentnl in its construction. Thus, the church was built that year on lots I5, 16, and 17 of block 4 of the original townsite of Argyle. These lots were deeded to Bishop Rupert Seidenbusch of St. Cloud by the St. Paul, Minneapolis, Manitoba Railroad from whom the property had been purchased (deeded for one dollar.. $1.00) and deed to this property was later transferred to the Catholic Association of Argyle, then, to St. Rose of Lima Church of Argyle. With extensive immigration of French Canadian and Catholics of other nationalities in the vicinity of Argyle, and the building of the church facUities to meet their needs, a resident Pastor became a necessity.

Thus, Father Beland in 1884 became the first resident Pastor of the congregation. Father C. A. Carufel of Crookston purchased the residenceof M. D. Allard and wife on lot 14, block 4, adjacent to the church as a parish house, the deed bearing the date of September 1, 1885. On the death of Father Carufel, the property was transferred to the church of St. Rose of Lima by Louis A. de Carufel, administrator of the estate, on December 17,1892. (County record)

Various priests served the congregation as pastors: Father Beland 1883 to 1886; Father J. B.M. Genin in 1886; Missionary Apostolic Father Fiege in 1887; Father Arpin in 1887; Father Fayolle 1889 to 1890; Father Tapin in 1891 and 1892; Father L. D. Guillaume from 1892 to 1899.

With the establishment of the Diocese of Duluth in 1889 with Bishop James McGolrick as the first Bishop, the parish of St Rose of Lima of Argyle now came unoer the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Duluth. On August 26, 1892, the church of St. Rose of Lima was incorporated with James McGolrich, Bishop of Duluth, Joseph Buh, Vicar General of the Diocese, L. D. Guillaume, Pastor of the Parish, O. E. Belcourt and George Morin, lay members of the Catholic Church, residing in Argyle, Marshall County.
Bishop McGorick visited the Parish of St. Rose of Lima on July 5, 1894. It was on the occasion of this visit that the congregation was advised to change the location of the church in favor of the tract of land that was being used as a cemetery because it would permit future expansion. The future plans included the building of a parochial school. This necessitated the change of the location of the cemetery to a new site. Three acres of land near the northeast comer of section 22, just west of the village cemetery, were purchased from Gedeon Dion and his wife as the new cemetery site. The deed to this property bears the date of August 10, 1894. The task of removing the bodies began that fall. Plans to move the Church in the spring were made. The exact date of its moving seems a little uncertain, only that it was in its new location a few years later.

Since the moving to a new site involved the parsonage (priest's residence), Bishop McGolrick was somewhat dismayed that the instructions given at the time of his visit to Argyle were not being carried out. The building of a new parsonage was a real need. So. his letter ofSeptember 13, 1894, brought the matter clearly to the attention of the congregation. (Parish Archives)
Bishop's Residence
Duluth. Minnesota
September 13, 1894

Mr. Geo. Morin
My Dear Mr. Morin:
The matter of removal of the Church and house, the putting up of a suitable building for the Priest's residence ought not to delay the people for one hour. The thing ought to be done, and all except Pavillars, who are never content with any good work unless it is done their way, will see the advisability of that work.
I cannot and I will not leave the priest in such a den as he now lives in. It is a matter of justice that the man who gives his life to the spiritual word of the people be not allowed to suffer in health through carelessness of a few. Many places are crying out loudly for a priest and promise to build a house for the priest I send.
I am afraid that some of the people in Argyle are loud talkers and declaimers who desire to hear themselves on any question of this kind. I took it for granted that the work suggested when I visited Argyle was well under way.
Now I close by stating that I will remove the Priest early in October if the suggestions made arc not carried out.
I am yours sincerely in Christ,
t James McGolrick Bishop of Duluth

Upon receiving the Bishop's letter, the congregation voted to carry out the instructions given earlier, and notified the Bishop of the action taken .. to build a suitable house for the priest. The parsonage was built on lot 13 near the church. (In 1906 it was moved back from the street and put on a new foundation and also enlarged.) Notation: Lot 6 through 13 (approximately 3 acres of land) included in block 23, Williams Addition lying between the original five-acre tract and Third Street were purchased from Ira Bradford and wife, the deed bearing the date of October 15, 1894, made to St. Rose of Lima Church.

Consolidation
The important meeting of February 1, 1896, called by J. O. Forest, Secretary, was for the purpose of establishing regulations for the greater good of the Catholic Church of Argyle, to assure the means necessary for the maintenance of the Church. A committee of parishioners was elected to assist in this task: J. O. Forest, O. Perreault, J. Parent, Alex Morin, John GooIer, G. Dion, C. Proulx, Joseph Roy, and C. Morin. John GooIer was elected chairman, and Chas. Morin, secretary. The intentions of this committee was to discuss the necessary procedures of assembly, requiring the minority group to conform itself to the will of the majority.
On February 16, 1896, the meeting with Father L. F. Guillaume presiding and M. Beaudry, acting Secretary, was called to order to approve the necessary committee to lay the ground work for the desired regulations desired formulated with a resolution of two-thirds majority of committee to change, or to amend them with consent of the committee and the Pastor of the parish. The hopeful result desired was to bring a greater unity and understanding on the part of all segments of the congregation. And after approval of the Bishop and acceptance by the congregation with all necessary corrections made by the Bishop, they then became the governing regulations of the Parish in these matters .. submitted by Oliver Perreault, treasurer, and J. O. Forest, secretary.
This action brought about the gradual consolidation of the Catholic Association of Argyle with the congregation and it lost its former identity, this for the greater harmony and unity of the congregation of St. Rose of Lima. Bishop's Residence
Duluth, Minnesota
February 25, 1896

My Dear Mr. Forest,
The rules with two exceptions are for the benefit of the Congregation, and worthy of adoption. Weare not permitted to rule people out of the Church, and the priest cannot refuse the Sacraments to anyone properly disposed. The devil is driving people out of the Church fast enough, and we are not to aid him.
Everyone in the congregation should know down to a cent what has been done with the money of the parish and printed statement of receipt and expenditures should be given to all members.
With a little patienec and some foregiveness on all sides, there is no reason why the Argyle congregation should not be in a flourishing condition. I hope when 1 go there for Confirmation to find everything well arranged and all working together for the common good. I have a whole basketful of complaints, and it pains me to hear these things. I hope that our dear Lord may bring a better spirit to us all.
I am Yours Sincerely in Christ,
t James McGolrick Bishop of Duluth

The county records also show a deed made on May 25, 1896 by the Catholic Association of Argyle transferring property to St. Rose of Lima Church, a tract of five acres in section 15, and lots 15, 16, and 17, block 4 of original townsite of Argyle. Officers of the Association being Rev. L. F. Guillaume, president; Goo. Morin, secretary, and O. E. Belcourt, treasurer.

When the decision was made to move the church, the future plans included eventually a parochial school. The formal announcement of intention to build a Catholic Parochial school both in September and November of 1898, the work to begin in the spring of 1899. Meanwhile the task of moving the church building had begun on July 10, 1899. Having reached its destination, it was painted and ready for winter in November of that year. The exact date of start of construction on the school is not clear. It appears that it was only after Father Barras succeeded Father Guillaume as pastor that the main thrust was made with a bazaar held in the fall of 1900.
It was held for the benefit of the Catholic school (convent) building, which was already started and which had been contemplated for many years. Father Barras' effort in mating a start in construction was worthy of every effort. The bazaar receipts were $800, a complete success. Work was started in earnest under the supervision of O. Perreault in charge of the crew. The school was placed under the direction of the Sisters of St. Benedict of Duluth, who staffed it. Due to poverty and other circumstances, it was given up. Father Barras found himself with an empty building which for a time made his hopes for Catholic Parochial school futile, But, learning that the St. Joseph Sisters of Bourg Ain, France, were looking for a site, the opportunity presented his chance to provide a staff for the school. The related story of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Bourg in Argyle speaks well of the hopes and dreams of Father Barras for the Catholic school and education in the parish of St. Rose of Lima.
Argyle, August 17, 1903
Marshall County
Minnesota U.S.

Very Reverend Mother Marie Angele,
Bourg, France

Very dear Mother,
I sent you a telegram telling you that had been worked out. Glory to God! I know you were anxious concerning your sisters and I sensed a tightening of the heart, especially that these sisters have not traveled before. Sunday from the pulpit I announced the arrival of our Sisters. The people are in joy. Flags fly from the towers of the convent.
Hoping, most Reverend Mother, that God will continue to bless our efforts and that we will always be worthy of them,
I sign myself Yours very humble in our Lord Jesus Christ,
J. M. Barras, Priest-pastor

The building of the Convent had put a heavy burden on the Parish, as the times were still difficult for the strUggling parish. At the meeting on February 12, 1903, the suggestion was made of the possible sale of the Convent to the Sisters. A resolution was made that the Pastor with the consent of the Bishop and the trUstees offer the Convent to the Sisters. The motion was made by John O. Hollam, seconded by F. Xavier Legault. Father Barras took up the matter with the Bishop and obtained his approval. The Board of Directors concluded the final sale of the Convent. The transfer of ownership to the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Bourg Ain, France, took place on October 22, 1903, with Father J. M. Barras, President, with the authorization of Bishop James McGolrick, and the Vicar-General of the Diocese of Duluth, Rev. Joseph Busch, and John O. Hallam, secretary, and F. Xavier Legault, treasurer, completing the transaction. The Provincial House of the Sisters of St. Joseph was in New Orleans, Louisiana, at that time. The description of the property shows that Lots 10 and 11 of block 24, Williams Addition to the Village of Argyle, were excluded from the transaction. (Future site of the present church building -- Abstract of Title No. 37). The name of the Convent was "Villa Rosa". There was one stipulation: namely, that should the Sisters at a future date desire to sell the property, the Parish of St. Rose of Lima reserved the right to purchase it at the current price at the time of the proposed sale.

In 1905, Father Tapin succeeded Father Barras as pastor of St. Rose. And Father L.M. Boiseau in September 19, 1907 takes charge of church in Argyle. Serving as chaplain of the hospital in Crookston, prior to his assuming the duties of pastor at Argyle, he was acquainted with this northern area of Minnesota after having spent the early years of his priesthood in frontier areas of Canada. Being of enormous stature, over six feet tall and over 300 pounds and elegant in appearance, he endeared himself to all who met him, and his friendliness and congeniality found no equal in his out-going personality. A true man of God in every aspect of life, dedicated to the Love of God and of neighbor.

It was at this time, 1910, that the Diocese of Crookston was founded with Bishop Timothy Corbett as Bishop. He appointed "a dean of Crookston Diocese." Only in the following year, 1911, did his sickness, Bright's Disease, became known. His untimely death came on April 29, 1911, Bishop Corbett officiated at his funeral Mass, and burial was in the St. Rose Cemetery. He was the first priest to be buried in the Parish of St. Rose of Lima Cemetery. (Marshall County Banner)

Father Villeaux became pastor in 1911 and took care of the spiritual needs of the congregation until his resignation was requested by Bishop Corbett On January 5, 1915, at which time Father Stanislaus Beaulieu was appointed pastor. Priests of French ethnic background had exercised the Ministry to the people. With the continued growth and immigration of families to this area of Marshall County, other needs began to appear. A larger group of English speaking parishioners existed, and their needs were not being met as language barrier posed its problem. For St. Rose of Lima parish continued to identify itself with the French element of parish, and its language remained the French language. This was maintained for some years.

So on September 30, 1915, after consultation with Bishop , Corbett, the English Catholic Church to be known as St. Mary's Church of Argyle was founded. Lots 6 and 7 of Block 26, Williams Addition, were purchased as the site for the new church. Ground was broken on April 20, 1916, for its construction. A total of $12,000 had been raised towards this project through subscription. Father Joseph Fraling, pastor of St. Stephen's Church of Stephen, took charge and erected the church at a cost of $2,500. The comer stone laid on June 8, 1916, and dedication of the church took place on August 31, 1916. Father Joseph Fraling remained pastor of St. Mary's until1918.

Father Nicolai became the first resident pastor of St. Mary's in the spring. The building of the rectory was started under his administration. In October of the same year, Father John O'Dwyer became the pastor and completed the structure at a cost of ,000. Father O'Dwyer remained pastor until 1946, when the parish was closed and consolidated with the parish of St. Rose of Lima. The Rosary Society orginated at St. Mary's as an effective fund raiser for the parish by the women of the parish through their arts and crafts.) Erma Carmens was until its closing faithful housekeeper to Father O'Dwyer. Throughout the thirty years of its existance, this small parish had established itself also as an efficient, sustaining force in the local community

With the English language gradually assuming its predominant roll in the community and becoming the accepted language of the local community, the need for two parishes in this small community ceased to exist. With the retirement of Father O'Dwyer in 1946, it closed its doors, grateful for the service it had rendered in the thirty years of its existence. And once more the local Catholic communitY was united in the mother parish, St. Rose of Lima.

With its closing, an assistant pastor (associate) was appointed to St. Rose of Lima. And St. Mary's church of Radium transferred to the care of the St. Rose parish. With need for a rectory at Oslo, St. Mary's rectory was moved to Oslo to serve its needs. When the church of 51. Joseph in Oslo burned down, the church followed the way of the rectory and became the parish church of Oslo to this date. Having given its faithful service throughout the years, it is now being retired by the building of a new brick structure.

Shortly after St. Mary's church was built, the congregation of St. Rose of Lima also decided to build a more permanent structure of brick. This was organized during the administration of Father Stanislaus Beaulieu in 1916. The Johnson Construction Company of Bemidji was awarded the contract. The work progressed satisfactorily, with foundations laid and laying of comer stone dedicated on June 8. After the funeral in mid June, 1916 (recorded in the Marshall County Banner, June 21, 1916), the church built in the mid 18805 was completely destroyed by fire. The congregation of St. Mary's offered the use of their facilities to the parishioners of St. Rose until such time as their new edifice would be serviceable for use. In January of 1917, Father Paul LaFloch succeeded Father Stanislaus Beaulieu as Pastor and supervised final erection and completion of the church.

With the work progressing at a good pace, the new St. Rose of Lima Church witnessed the installation of the new bell with its solemn blessing on June 28, 1917. The crowning dedication of this Dew House of Worship was on August 28,1917.

A total of $30,000 was collected in three years .. paying all indebtedness on church and furnishings. Bishop Timothy Corbett, the Bishop of the Diocese of Crookston, presided at these solemn functions and manifested his pleasure at the achievements and dedication of the congregation which sacrificed so dearly to attain this goal, a landmark of Christianity in this small but dedicated community.

Every parish goes through many frustrations, uncertainties, and anxieties .. even at times quite pronounced.. during the course of its growth and development. And St. Rose of Lima was no exception. The good times, the war, the great depression of the 30's, all these factors seem to leave their marks. With the succession of the different administrations carrying on forseeably the responsibilities and duties encumbent upon it, from Father Paul LaFloch up to 1921. through the pastorates of Father J. B. Fonmasse, 1921-26, Father Mose Dufault, 1926-1929, Father D. J. Paquin, 1929-1930 and Father Paul LeFloch, who, for the second time, assumed the administration of the parish from 1930 to 1933. In the height of the depression on July 1. 1933, Father Henry Rousseau assumed the responsibilities of administration. A challenge lay before him of such dimension not yet fully understood. Only the test of time could forsee what lay ahead. The trying years of the great depression of the 30's was enough to try the fiber of any pastor and cause him to cry out in anguish, "why me?". Persistent in his determination, he weathered through those turbulent years that were to come to a full realism that God's way prove the test of dedication and fortitude to carry out the many duties encumbent upon him. He would later envision such a growth and fulfillment not believed attainable at first. It marked his ability in diplomacy and statesmanship, his congeniality and yet firmness in need to pour out the extent of his abilities in service for the greater honor and glory of God in the spiritual welfare of the flock entrusted to his care, a true shepherd to his flock.

On August 30, 1933, the 50th Anniversary of the formal organization of the parish by Father Champagne with Joseph Delpay and Zepherin Dion as trustees, was celebrated with Bishop Timothy Corbett officiating. It also commemorated the building of the first church edifice in Argyle, serving the spiritual needs of the Catholics of the community administered by dedicated Priests. On this occasion, Bishop Corbett commented on the number of vocations the parish had given to the church; five vocations to the priesthood: Rev. Francis Baskerville, Rev. Henry Cormier, Rev. Edmund Belcourt, Rev. George Proulx, and Rev. Louis Proulx. Over fifteen young ladies entered the Sisterhood.

After twenty-eight years as the Bishop of the Diocese of Crookston, Bishop Timothy Corbett resigned in July of 1938. The great pioneer of the Church of Crookston had completed his stewardship and was awaiting his fmal crown'. On November 9 of that year, Bishop John H. Peschges succeeded him as the second Bishop of the Diocese of Crookston. Bishop Peschges was a great advocate of Catholic rural life, with intense concern for the future of our farming communities. Hence, he was a great asset to this rural Diocese in the Red River Valley.

In 1946, with the English language being adopted more and more, it effected the Americanization of the parish. The French identity was gradually subdued, and the parish forsook this ethnic trait. With the retirement of Father John O'Dwyer, Pastor of St. Mary's since 1918, St. Mary's Parish reunited itself with the mother parish, St. Rose of Lima, after an absence of 30 years. It is at this time that the services of an assistant priest (associate pastor) became a need, as the Mission of Radium's St. Mary's Church was attached to St. Rose. Father George Reese was appointed the first assistant, followed by Father Henry Carriere, now pastor, '50-'52; Father Lawrence David, '52-'53; Father John Steams, '53-'56; Father Arthur Foury, '56-'57; Father Claude Donndelinger, '57-'58; Father Denis Blank, '58.'60; Father Patrick Kelly, '60-'62; Father Joseph Kieselbach, January of'63; Father Eugene Connely '63-'64; Father Donald H. Krebs, '64-'66; Father Frank Reid, '66-'68; and the last assistant in the parish, Father James Ditzler, '68-'71. Father A. J. E. Leveque, who has assisted in the parish at regular intervals and still does, especially at Christmas time and Easter.

Changes resulted in 1945 that affected both the parish and the congregation of St. Joseph Sisters of Bourg. Up to this time, the sisters owned and operated an academy and school whose facilities the parish utilized in the education of the children of the parish. Bishop Francis J. Schenk. Bishop of Crookston, purchased the buildings and site, relieving the sisters of an oppressive burden, as the sisters could no longer maintain a boarding academy without building a complete new facility which was out of the question, as these facilities already existed in Crookston. The property was later transferred to the ownership of the parish of St. Rose of Lima by the Diocese (May 5, 1949).

This laid the ground work for the next course of action to be taken by the parish. building of a new school. In 1948, the congregation decided this issue. The Walter Butler Construction Company of St. Paul was awarded the contract, and construction began in 1949.

Structure of contemporary design with ground floor of social function and first floor for class rooms. Building begin of masonry construction with provision made for expansion to a second floor if the need ever arises. The heating plant also was equiped to service the parish church adjacent to the school, which it is still continuing to do at present. It resolved the need of replacement of the heating plant in the church proper. Even part of the old academy building had to be removed in order to permit designated construction of the building.

January of 1950 witnessed the transition of the old to the new. The new school facilities were a reality. The building also provided an apartment on ground floor for the sisters. With spring arriving, the final stage of construction, dismantling of the rest of the old convent, and landscaping. A call to the parishioners resolved the problem of salvaging worthwhile materials which were later sold. Removal of rubbish and leveling of the grounds completed the last stage -- landscaping of the premises.

Time always takes it toll. The years had rolled by since the interior of the church had seen the newness and freshness of paint. So, the fall of 1951 witnessed the aggressive and concerted interest of the parishioners in the decorating and refinishing of the interior of the church. New pads, thanks to the men Foresters, were installed on all kneelers, and are still serviceable even nearly thirty years later. The maple flooring was completely refinished, and new aisle runners were installed.

The Diamond Jubilee celebration on July I5, 1954, with Bishop Francis J. Schenk officiating was an historical milestone in the history of the parish of St. Rose of LIma. Seventy-five years' journey through turmoils, hardships, anxieties, depression, now a crowning jewel, a testament to a determined flock that their posterity would share in an inheritance befitting the People of God -- their stature measured by the endurance of their faith, and its lasting fruits. They had met the challenge and conquered led by a stalwart shepherd leading his flock in safety. For their faith withstood the test of time -- they were not found wanting.

Continued vigilance spoke of other needs. A new residence temporarily intended as the pastor's residence and eventually to become the convent for the sisters, the teaching staff of school. This was realized in 1957. With sisters still residing in the apartment in school, now the old rectory, renovated somewhat to fill their needs, became their convent, With years passing swiftly by, 1968 became another time of concern, the church building was renovated in the main by interior decorating and installation of carpeting throughout, Even the exterior.. the roof was renewed.

With the dawning of 1971, an era came to an end. After serving the people of God for over 38 years as their shepherd, and limited in health, Father Henry Rousseau tendered his resignation upon request of Bishop Kenneth Povish and retired to a private residence in the town he loved and that loved him so well. He had met the challenges of the years, dedicated to the growth, spiritual and temporal, of his charges, and had given unstintingly of himself throughout these many years. And now an earned rest from his labors.

In September of 1971. Father Paul A. Cardin assumed the pastorate, Because of limited health and sickness often demanding his absence, he resigned his charge in the following spring, All were saddened by his death in June,

No stranger to Argyle, as he had been as assistant pastor under Father Henry Rousseau from 195010 1952, Father Henry Carriere accepted the appointment to this post, effective June 1, 1972, He was acquainted with many of the older parishioners, and recalled from past experience the response and willingness of the parishioners to meet the needs of the parish as they arose. Equal to this task, they demonstrated this in July of that year by assuming whole-heartedly the task of painting the rectory.

Some of the societies active within the parish structure were limited in their activities, as the whole school building was being used completely for education of the children. An assembly place was needed to advance the fuller potential of these societies (organizations) in an atmosphere more conducive to their purpose. So, the decision was made to utilize the rectory (now the sister's convent) ground floor as a Parish Center. Finishing the unit with the generous labor of parishioners, it became a very suitable meeting place for the CCD and release classes; for the Rosary Society, for the monthly meeting of the Knights of Columbus, and also periodic adult education sessions. This utility has proved most beneficial to the parish.

Time marches on. Overjoyed at the news that the teaching staff of sisters in the school could bc incrcascd if adequate living quarters could be provided for them, the parish set about evaluating the possible avenues at hand, First, the old convent had seen its days and would be too costly to renovate. Second, building of a new convent with suitable facilities quite costly, left only one alternative, the present rectory had all the requirements. After presentation of the issue to the Parish Council and submission of the request to Bishop Kenneth Povish, the following decision resulted: namely, to build a new rectory on the site of the old convent, ample enough to meet the administrative needs of the parish while the older rectory converted to the sisters' convent more than met all their needs and became a very satisfactory residence for the sisters.

Plans made and approved left the only avenue of action .. build! With decision in hand, the wheels of construction were put in motion. So, May of 1974 saw the first step -- materials contract issued. Next, the clearing of the site for construction followed by a razing of the old convent early In June, a task assumed and swiftly completed by the parishioners. Construction began in July and was completed in December, with occupancy on December 19. It was again a tribute to the parishioners who donated time and talent in building this parish facility under the supervision of the pastor, and at considerable savings to the parish. Landscaping and renovation of the parish utility building in the summer of 1975 completed the project.

Man's attempts to foil the elements are always futile. For the winds, the rains, cold and snow, diverse elements of our climatic conditions made no exceptions. Often, times wreak havoc with many constructions, and St. Rose of Lima Church didn't escape. Moisture accumulations in the masonry with excessive cold and heat cause deterioration of the mortar and brick in some areas of the building very noticeably so. Upon recommendation of Bishop Povish on the occasion of his visit in the summer of 1975, the following course of action was proposed: complete grouting, cleaning, and tuckpointing of all masonry and renewal of the face trim on the eaves, the upper tower hail damage repaired, and painting. The Mid-Continental Water Proofing Company of Scottsville, Kansas, was awarded the contract for the amount of $20,358 and the work done in the summer of 1976.

The work would not have been complete without the repair and restoration of the stain glass windows, some of which were damaged by the heavy hail storm of August 31, 1975. The outer protective glass shields were broken on many windows. The Hauser Stain Glass Studios were retained for this work, and weather-proof "Lexan" shields were installed on all the stain glass windows at a cost of $14,675. Damage done to the roof was also repaired. With this, the restoration of the exterior of the church was complete. The interior of the church, particularly the sanctuary. drew our attention. After studying the renovation of 1968, when the Hauser Stain Glass Company was consulted on the window work, it was advised to restore the two stain glass sanctuary windows, which had been concealed. This also required remodeling of the sanctuary woodwork to fit the architectural designs of the church. The main altar and side pedestals were also included in this restoration. The Last Supper Statuary which was part of the former main altar was restored to a place of honor in the decor of the present plan. much to the satisfaction of the parishioners.

The school had extensive damage, not due to any weather element, but rather to defective materials. C. L. Linfoot Company of Grand Forks, being awarded the contract, renewed the complete roof in July of 1977. Finally, evidence of a dedicated people is evidenced by the willingness to give and share in the enrichment of the Lord's abode. A call. a response resulted in the completion of the interior of the church edifice, that part that is so frequently left untouched, the balcony. Through the generous giving of time and talent, it was completely renovated with carpeting installed, the stairway strengthened and carpeted to make it as noiseless as possible. A new cabinet installed to care for all books and music used in the celebration of the liturgies. Thus, the last year of the century ended as the first begins. A people dedicated in mind, heart, and soul to greater honor and glory to God in His house of worship. What is more conducive to selfless giving than an atmosphere of quiet, subdued, serenity manifest by the beauty of the surroundings in which we pray, offer and share ill the Mystery of God's abundant love.

Every parish witnesses its joys and its sorrows. Such was the case on Sunday, October I. 1978, when tragedy struck at the roots of its soul. Four of our wonderful young men and women called so suddenly from us by God. People of God prayed, they mourned this loss. And a community acknowledged in solemn tribute the going forth of the youth to their eternal reward.

A note of joyous celebration, a blessing to the parish community, the parish honored the Sisters of St. Joseph on Sunday, November 5, 1978, on the occasion of their 75th Jubilee, the anniversary of their arrival to St. Rose of Lima Parish. Seventy-five years of dedicated service in the parish aDd in the diocese. A song of thanksgiving and gratitude to God for the blessing their ministry has brought to St. Rose of Lima Parish and the surrounding community.

Thus came to a close the year 1978, with the celebrations of joy, Thanksgiving Day and the Solemnity of the Lord's Birth, Christmas. Day. indeed a fitting tribute to God by his family united in spirit echoing the ageless" Amen. honor. praise. and glory to Our Mighty God, who has been, and is, and will continue to abide with his people through the ages."

....St Rose of Lima Book, 1979

With the transfer of the cemetery' site in 1894 to the newly purchased land west of the Village Cemetery, the plot was surveyed by P. Kirsh, establishing the outer boundaries, laying the general draft of lots and strects, the task of removal of the bodies from the old site was accomplished. Each family assisted in the work and designated their lots in the new cemetery. The dates given on grave markers and stones show which ones had been moved.

In 1897. evergreen trees were planted along the designated streets. and have acted as lot boundaries, many are still in existence today. Age added an air of dignity to the cemetery - somber calm and restfulness of repose. In 1912, the cross was installed at the south end of the main street. a memorial to Fr. L. M. Boisseau.

As years passed by, ordinary maintenance was the attention given it in 1928. Fr. Mose Dufault was instrumental in having a beautiful chain-linted fence installed with an ornate entry gate. Normally the church custodian had the responsibility of its care. It was with Esdras St. Germain who became custodian (Janitor) in 1950, that a greater interest began to be shown in supervising and maintaining the cemetery as an attractive and inspirational sanctuary of repose. In the succeeding years this was maintained by the diligent work of Mr. Raymond Pagnac and his sons, Allen and Dale. After his retirement. the task was assumed by various young men ofthe Parish. In 1976 the cemetery had to be reappraised in its needs, as years do change the contours of the land; much leveling was needed, removal of the cement curbs which had been installed by families around their lots. Calling upon the parishioners, the work was done by machines, trucks and manual labor.

The greatest task still lays ahead establishing the exact sile of every lot boundary, and setting concrete marters - over 1,560 in number--This demanded the complete surveying of the cemelery over again. The summers of 1977-78 saw the realization of this goal. Besides this. there were other needs: the crucifix had deteriorated completely and had become, in fact, a disgrace. With memorials specifically given for this purpose, the summer of 1978 witnessed Ihe complete construction of a new shrine and the installation of an Italian marble crucifixion set, and a new entry constructed.

Memorials given in memory of the following made this possible. namely:

LeRoy Bergeron           Pauline Pagnac
Jeffrey Bergeron              Frances Proulx
Michael and Roger Hebert Larry Rapacz
Lila Jorgenson                            Fred Rivard
Winnifred Osowski               Lynelle St. Germain
Allen Pagnac                            Carl Kroll. Sr.