How did our ancestor's spend July 4th?

On July 4, 1883,
Starting from Crookston at the crack of a rifle, there was a barn storming rush of men eastward. Men rode behind ox teams, or came on bouncing buckboards, with others on horseback or even riding mules, each eager to have for him a choice piece of land to claim as his homestead.

JULY 1903
Several Indians indulged on the point on Saturday night. One of the Indians is reported to have a severe cut to his head when he was struck with an axe.


JULY 1909
A law was passed requiring a death certificate be issued before a body can be buried. That may account for the large number of deaths in the last two years. All births have not previously been reported.


JULY 1910
A man by the name of Daly made a deal with Fred Zaisner for the purchase of a team of horses for $350.00. He gave the man a check for $425.00 and got cash of $75.00 from Mr. Zaisner. The check was not honorable and Daly is bound over for trial.


JULY 1915
Frank Toudell drowned in river. Drink and worry caused loss of mind. High water and swift current make recovery of the body impossible at this time.


JULY 1916
Rosewood News Mrs. B Ranum and children Harry and Stanley came down for the visit at the A Opseth place

Seven year old drowns in open cistern.

Complaints have been registered with the mayor that men and boys are swimming nude at Squaw Point.

Boy drowns at Squaw point while trying to swim too far.

JULY 1917
Rosewood News Picnic scheduled on the school grounds on Sunday afternoon.

July 1916
A business meeting at the Rev OA Anderson parsonage Tuesday evening for the purpose of arranging an ice cream social in connection with the Congregational Church.


JULY 1918
Gust Olsorf, farmer from Argyle, was found dead under an overturned Ford car about five miles east of Warren. The discovery was made by Dr. OF Mellby of this city who was returned from a visit at the county seat. Death was by strangulation as the side of the automobile rested across the man’s neck and the discoloration of the face gave every indication that this was the cause of death. The neck was NOT broken in the opinion of the doctor, although no through examination to determine this deemed necessary. The man had been dead about six hours when discovered. He had “Booze aboard”


While in route to TRF, Emil Bloom had the misfortune of running his motorcycle into a barb wire fence. He has nasty gashes on both arms, breast, and the forehead.


JULY 1919
Fergus Falls has tornado. 52 dead, 300 injured
Dealers protest soda fountain tax
Giller the candy store man, who set fire to his own store, sentenced to hard labor


Jens Prestby returns from serving his country was instantly killed by the lightening while mowing hay on his father’s farm in Kratka Township.

JULY 1921
Lover's Lake Park improved


JUNE 1922
Rosewood News The lively men of Rosewood met at the bank to discuss plans for the fourth of July. They plan street attractions during the day and a baseball game in the evening. The day promises to be successful.


Public Fourth of July is scheduled at the Ranum Brothers Farm with a barn dance in the evening


How will you spend yours?