Douglas County Past: Solon Springs parsonage burns
Dec. 24—Dec. 12, 1913
Parsonage at Solon Springs is burned
Fire, starting from an overheated furnace, this afternoon destroyed the Catholic parsonage at Solon Springs and, according to last reports, had spread to the church building near by, which is now seriously threatened with destruction. The blaze was discovered by townspeople at about two o'clock and a bucket brigade immediately formed; but the flames had gained such headway that it was impossible to save the manse, which burned to the ground. Both church and parsonage are understood to be covered by insurance. The church, located on a hill near the town, is isolated from adjoining buildings and houses.
The pastor was away at the time the fire was discovered, and can account for its start only from the furnace which is thought to have become overheated. The loss to the parsonage is estimated at $1,500, fully covered by insurance.
The church was still burning fiercely late this afternoon.
Photographer takes tumble
While attempting to take a picture of a winter scene at Black River Falls yesterday afternoon Ralph E. Greenfield, a local photographer, slipped on an icy rock and plunged 50 feet to the bottom of the Black River canyon. A protruding ledge broke his fall a few feet above the icy surface of the river and Greenfield has this fact to thank for being alive today. As it was he was seriously injured and was unconscious on the frozen river for a half hour after his fall.
His injuries consist of some bad cuts and bruises. He is confined to his home at 1407 Hammond avenue and will not be out for several days.
A couple of small boys were with Greenfield and hurried to him after his fall which they witnessed. They were unable to lift him from the ice and it was some time before assistance could be secured. They finally summoned Bernard Bernstrom, a Great Northern engineer, Chas. Lagre and Howard Helm, who were in the vicinity and the injured man shortly afterwards was revived. He was able to walk to his machine and drove the car back to Superior.
Dec. 12, 1933
Nelson Dewey pupils exchange Yule gifts
A special Christmas party was held by all the grades at the Nelson Dewey school Friday morning.
In the kindergarten students sang Christmas carols and exchanged gifts with Gail Nelson and Laura Hodsdon singing solos. Poems were recited by Ann Louise Carlson, Laura Hodsdon, Wayne Sheasby, Ruth Reynolds, Gail Nelson, Dolores Johnson, Carol Bullen, Gene Larsen, Betty Bole, Betty Jo White and Russell Erickson.
First grade pupils presented songs and stories to their parents and placed the parents' names on a Christmas tree. A Christmas play written by two pupils, Jimmie Ritchie and Jimmie Grinnell, was presented by the second grade to the parents after which students were presented with bags of candy.
Dec. 23, 1913
The Theater Princess
The new Theater Princess on Tower avenue between Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets is a distinct artistic addition to Superior's "City Beautiful."
In the daytime the theater is a handsome structure; in the evening with the brilliant lighting effects it is more than that. Every available space is used to advantage in the electric lighting from the entrance to the flagpole on top of the building which is brilliantly illuminated with a string of linotype lights.
The impression created by the exterior appearance is emphasized by the first view of the interior which is finished in a color scheme in which ivory and Roman gold predominate. The plaster decorative relief work is one of the features of the interior decorations and is more extensive than any similar decorations in any building of the same size in this part of the country.
Xmas tree for orphan children
Twenty orphan children at the home of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, Bay street, Central Park, will be made happy tonight. There will be a big Christmas tree, books, toys, candies and nuts, and they will be remembered just as the little folks with papas and mamas.
Twenty ladies have volunteered to provide a merry Christmas for the children at the Catholic orphanage, each lady to care for one child.
Dec. 23, 1933
Dorothy Schmidt is ranked first in 4-H
Miss Dorothy Schmidt, Foxboro, has been chosen as the outstanding junior club leader in Douglas county.
As a reward, Miss Schmidt will receive a scholarship of $30 for a special course in leadership training at Madison for a week next June. She is a leader of the Foxboro 4-H club.
Appeals to Santa Claus
The good St. Nicholas at The Telegram office received fully a score of letters this morning from children. Plaintive entreaties were received from some youngsters to whom the Christmas prospect ws dreary and bleak unless Santa Claus comes. Although the letters are tardy and Santa Claus, being a systemic man, likes to plan his campaign early, these children will not be forgotten. The benign gift-distributor will provide for all Superior children.
The appeal of little Lottie Koski is one of the immediate cases that will be provided for. She asks nothing but "candy, apples and nuts." "I always wrote every Chrstmas to Santa Claus," she complains, "but he didn't brought us nothing, just one time, and our nabers girls got lots of stuff from Santa and was laughing from us. And we, on Chrstmas day, cryed outself to sleep. So I hope the Superior Santa Claus will treat us better. Please do not forget us, like the Santa in Duluth did when we lived from over there."
A pair of skates and a doll buggy will help Flora Wright, 705 F avenue, enjoy her Chrstmas. She writes that father has hurt his eye and his face and that her mother has a broken arm and that Christmas this year will be unhappy.
Lucile Giruard, a little girl of decidedly artistic temperament, sends Santa "Claws" several pages of masterpiece drawings of trimmed Christmas trees and a Christmas scene representing a house in a secluded valley. She especially wants a good doll "with no tin head."
An anonymous reminder is received from a little lad who is too modest to sign his name, but who signs himself, Eighteen-fifteen, Eighth street.
Requests for peculiar and individual gifts have been received from Pearl Mormon, who has "no papa;" Helza Torki, whose "ma says we won't get no toys.'" Chester Richards, who "has tried to be a good boy;" George Sundberg, who ambitiously requests at least 15 gifts — almost an entire department store; William Lorette, a future mechanic; Mary O'Malley, who makes requests for the whole family; Dorothy Koehler, who uses tasteful stationery; Mable Olson, a good penman; Loretta Peterson, who asks for a dress for her baby doll; Earl Madison, who amidst that he has been a very good boy, and Lorne Lindberg, an enthusiastic football player, who asks for an inflated pig-skin for next year.
Dec. 24, 1913
First snowless Xmas in 20 years
For the first time in twenty years, Superior will have a snowless Christmas this year, unless it snows tonight. Almost beyond the memory of the oldest citizens at the head of the lakes, no sleigh bells will ring merrily on Christmas morn.
Dec. 25, 1933
32 below this morning, was 34 below in 1879
It's an exceptionally cold Christmas day, but not a record cold day.
About 4 a.m. Monday the U.S. weather bureau in Duluth recorded a minimum temperature of 32 degrees below zero.
The all-time low for December is 35 below registered on Dec. 28, 1917. It was 34 below on Christmas day, 1879.
Articles and pictures courtesy of retired librarian Judy Aunet with Superior Public Library.
