14/02/2021
Check out visitors post, which follows photos by MMHM on the page. 1969 6th grade class with names in comments.
McGrath Minnesota Historical Memories
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- McGrath Minnesota Historical Memories
A page for memories to be shared about McGrath, Minnesota from past years and now for future.
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17/01/2021
Bernhard Bloemendal
Bernhard Bloemendal
Bernhard Bloemendal completed his 7th grade Education. He married Charlotte Louise Heller January 14, 1940. Charlotte was born August 21, 1920. They moved to St. Paul where Bernhard worked in war related factories. He was classified 3A because he was married and had a bad knee. While working the factories brass poisoning forced him to quit and start working for Schmidt Brewery. For a time he made bomber racks until war wound down. Moved back to home, Bloemendal. In 1945 built a house a quarter mile north of the homestead. Bernard had a homemade sawmill and made his living. One child, Marlys and her husband Stewart Crawford have a home at the site.
Before 1940, electricity would cost $10.00 a month by co-op electrical. Instead Bernhard had two gasoline-powered generators as a power source, along with propane for the stove and refrigerator.
Bernard was well known for his hammer handles. An ax, some broken glass, sandpaper and an emery wheel bench grinder are the tools he used.
The choice wood seasoned two years with a straight grain is used. It took an hour and a half to make a handle. The glass was used for final shaping and smoothing. A knife tended to cut into the grain. Sandpaper to finish it off.
Bernhard died February 3, 1994. Charlotte passed on March 19, 2004.
06/01/2021
Lucas H. C. Bloemendal
L. H. Coenraad Bloemendal
Coenard Bloemendal
Conrad Lucas Hendrick Bloemendal
Coenard Bloemendal came from Amsterdam, Holland. He was born May, 1862. Coenard and his wife Lena (Albrecht) homestead near George Schwartzbauer. Bernhard was born April 9, 1906 in the home his father, Coenard, built with his fellow workers, a logging crew. The boss helped too. It took several Sundays to build.
A Post Office was needed in the area to cover the territory between McGrath and Finlayson. Coenard volunteered his home and Johnny, his son, volunteered to carry the mail. First on horse and later a buggy. Lucas H. C. Bloemandal was the first Postmaster. That was the start of the town of Bloemendal. Besides the Post Office there was a store which was managed by Lena and her daughter Anna Anderson.
Their son Bernhard remembered how wild the land was when he was a child. The children of Coenard and Lena were Hendrick Johan (Johnny), 1888, Anna, 1892, Conrad, 1894, and Otilda, 1896 and Bernhard 1906.
Bernhard spoke of the four tents of Indians right north from the house. They had a chief there. Chickie was his name. Nice guy. Nice Indians. They done what they could for the Bloemendal family.
With all the work homesteading, Coenard finally quit the Post Office in 1914. The Post Office was moved to Giese where Fred Henkel and his family ran it until it closed in 1953. The store ended and in the late 1930’s the log home was dismantled and a new home built at the same site by Bernhard and his brother Johnny.
Lena passed away February 4, 1927.
Conrad Lucas Hendrick Bloemendal passed on June 1, 1934.
16/09/2020
The photo was taken before the bank was built in 1912. Anderson Hotel is standing.
17/08/2020
Oscar Bakke
Oacar Bakke has been known to live in the City of McGrath. The home he lived in was next to Vivant’s blacksmith. It is used as a storage shed in 2019.
He was known to have sawmills and was into a big business. Oscar married Sopha Boles July 1, 1935 at Athens, Tennessee. At the home town charivari Oscar favored the crowd with candy and ci**rs. The crowd demanded a few vocal selections or they would stay. Oscar did favor them.
Oscar did have many mishaps. One happened when he was following Lester Babbitt in a station wagon. Drove on the ice, the station wagon broke through the ice and Oscar in his Buick followed. With the luggage rack on the station wagon, Babbitt was able to get out and he helped Oscar out. Oscar left his car in the 17 feet of water until Spring. When car was removed it was stated that 11 walleyes were trapped inside. Oscar stated he was worried they would be caught illegally. It has been stated that Oscar Bakke was more readily identified with tall tales, tall timber and an almost limitless number of friends.
Oscar Bakke was in the contest of carrying railroad ties across the road from the liquor store to Firminhac and tripped and tie hit him in the head. It took a few weeks to get back in shape. He did make the remark, “that you can’t kill a Norwegian by hitting him in the head.”
Oscar’s travels were to Virgin Islands, Alaska, Hawaii, and areas of U. S. & Canada. On trip to the Virgin Islands, Oscar took along his lady friend Vie Borg.
The 1935 Seavey Township board mentioned Oscar Bakke as Treasurer. With M. H., Severin as supervisor, Axel Simonson as Assessor, Elmer Arneson, Jr as Constable and Fred Bishop as Justice of the Peace. In 1964, Oscar was elected County Commissioner for Aitkin County. Served four years. Oscar build a road from old Hwy 47 to his first on-the-lake development, Bakke’s Woodland Beach. In time Bakekville was noted and Oscar as Mayor.
After lumber business, Oscar got into raising beef cattle and buffalo. A couple of years later he dropped raising buffalo and continued with beef cattle.
Sopha passed away October 8, 1975. (Oscar’s birthday)
09/08/2020
Reier Bakke
Reier and Barbra (Lostegaard) Bakke from Norway were the first residents of Seavey Township. They arrived with George and Liv (Bakke, cousin) Arneson. Homesteading in 1887. Children born to Reier and Barbro were Arne in 1893 and died four months later, Helen in 1894, Clare in 1896, Arnt in 1898, Oscar in 1900, identical twins Ingeborg and Bertha 1903 and Lilly in 1905 who died at one and a half years old. The children walked two miles to school. All four girls went on to be teachers. Arnt became a real estate agent and Oscar was known for becoming big in the sawmill industry.
Reier and George worked in the James McGrath lumber camps while improving their land for farming. In 1927 Reier and Barbro saved enough money to take a trip to Norway. Reier caught a cold and caught pneumonia on the boat. He died the first day they entered Bergen, Norway and was buried in the old family cemetery.
Ingeborg was a teacher and also became a principal. Both Ingeborg and her twin Bertha celebrated their 100 years old birthday together. Both celebrated with their several Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.
02/04/2020
From Marcy Stulc, To our friends of McGrath School Get together due to covid-19.The Organizing committee has decided to cancel the Get -Together for this June. Plan to meet again on Wed.16th, 2021.Please share on your page and with anyone you can think of. Thank you for your understanding and help with this.
14/03/2020
Simon Gilbertson
Simon Gilbertson and Olava Thorgason came over in 1882. August Kornelius Gilbertson was born on the ship, August 1, on the way from Norway to United States. They settled in Wisconsin and additional children born in Wisconsin were Arthur, Tilda and Adolph.
In 1895 they bought from J. B. Arnold 80 acres in Idun Township. In 1904 they received a land grant from President Roosevelt for 160 acres. On September 7, 1918, Simon move again to his final resting place.
Arthur became a chiropractor and practiced in McGrath before moving to Michigan. Before move, in 1925 Arthur was elected Constable for the Village of McGrath. Adolph, after Army service life, became a chiropractor in Iowa. August farmed the homestead, worked in James McGrath’s lumber camp with foreman Frank McGrath. August also worked for the railroad.
August Gilbertson married Olga Otterson (daughter of Peder Otterson) in 1916 in McGrath. Their children, six daughters and three sons were; Melvin, Gladys, Eleanor, Stanley, Pearl, Gean, Lorranine, Dorothy and one more daughter. (If anyone know her name plus add it to the comments.)
1925 elections Gust Gilbertson was elected Justice of the Peace for Idun Township. In February 1926 statements from school board members about no high school in McGrath next year found August Gilbertson stating “We can not get state aid as a state high school, unless we have more building, but I suppose we will have high school just as we always have.”
November, 1926, home of August Gilberson destroyed by fire, but help arrived in time to save a large part of the furniture and vegetables. About a week later (even with their insurance) the benefit dinner and dance for August Gilbertson was well attended and greatly enjoyed. August past away July 28, 1968.
August and Olga’s daughter Eleanor Gilbertson married Lester Johnson, July 9, 1939. Their family was with five sons; Billy, Robert, Richard, Jimmy and Melvin and four daughters; Judy, Marie, Dorothy and Carol. Leslie carried mail around McGrath and Arthyde for 29 years. Lester and Eleanor purchased the Old Log Cabin from Schoenerts and sold to Francis Schwarzbauer. As for the mail route, their son Jimmy Johnson has taken over. Along with being the Mayor from 1983 through 1994, Fire fighter, and school bus driver
01/03/2020
Jake Evens Sons
Jake H. Evens and Lottie oldest son was Arthur L Evens. Arthur and Elmer Bullen took a trip up north after deer in December, 1926, returned with the vension. In June, 1929 Arthur and his wife, Adeline, left for a motor trip to points in Nebraska. In 1930, Mrs. J Evens and daughter Lillian made a visit to Omaha, Nebraska. Creston, Nebraska was Jake and Lottie’s residence, where they owned a hotel. Also in 1930 Art Evans was appointed to fill one of the vacancies on the school board in McGrath.
Jake and Lotties’s 2nd son Myron lived to the age of about 20 years and died from heart trouble. Daniel the youngest took a trip to Idaho in 1929, not to stay. Dan did move to Washington and became a police officer. Arthur and his family also moved to Washington.
Clarence Elmer Evens was born in Creston, Nebraska. At the age of about 12, Clarence arrived in McGrath in 1913. In 1929, Clarence took trips to Montana and Idaho. In 1943 he married Elizann Schade and took over the homestead. Clarence was on the school board for 19 years. The couple had four children; Fran, Betty, Scott and Marcella. They graduated from McGrath and married. In each family it was all girls or all boys. Fran and Lloyd had three sons, Betty and Steve had four daughters, Scott and Winona are parents to five daughters and last Marcella and Jack are parents to two sons.
Jacob H. Evans passed away in 1942 and Lottie in 1951.
16/02/2020
Jake (Jacob) (J.H.) Evens (Evans) and daughters
Jacob Harvey Evens was born March 3, 1873 in Missouri to Joseph Louis Evens and Annie Eliza Herron. Jake married Lottie Patmateer in 1893 and took up residence in Creston, Nebraska. In 1905 they moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho and after two years moved back to Nebraska for one year and next to South Dakota for five years. In 1913, at about age 40 Jake moved to McGrath with his wife, Lottie and seven children; Verna, Ester, Arthur, Myron, Lillian, Clarence and Daniel. As for service, Jake was a Nebraska-Spanish American War Veteran. After arriving in McGrath Jake became a Forest Ranger. In December, 1927, Jake Evens reported seeing a moose on Highway 5 by the twin bridges. It’s rather unusual to see moose in these parts; however one is seen occasionally.
Jake ran the Harness shop on Main Street which later became the home of Mr. and Mrs. Pete Larson, mail carrier. It now is used as a storage area. Jake and his sons, Clarence and Art built the Livery Stable for August Hengel.
Jake and Lottie’s three daughter became school teachers. At 16 years old, Verna Evens’ teaching job was the Riverboat Teacher. An article may be found in the NewsHopper with four or more parts in difference papers.
Verna married Barry LeVesseur, who began carving when he retired. A wagon of his may be found at the Mille Lacs Lake Historical Society.
Ester became Mrs. Payne and moved to Ohio, and Lillian became Mrs. Thomsen and moved to Wisconsin.
03/02/2020
Maps from early years show Highway 5 before the main drag became Highway 65. Also a map with many of the early towns listed including Tonnes and Blomendahl.
01/02/2020
Dave did an excellent job co-chairing the McGrath 4th of July celebration for over 25 years. Sorry to hear of this loss.
19/01/2020
Traveling Gospel Wagon visited Logging Camps also and were known at Sky Pilots.
05/01/2020
McGrath Fire Department
McGrath Fire Department was organized March 1, 1926. Two 45 gallon chemical fire engines were purchased with aid from SOO Line Railroad of partial payment of $290.00. In September the Ladies Improvement Club donated Lot 9 of Block 8 as a site for town hall. Town Hall housed Fire Department. First Fire Chief was Peter Klingl, assistant chief was Emil Bobrowski, Captain Oscar Hartz and Lieuteuant Max Raduenz.
July 1, 1926 date listed in paper. Fire at 5:00 Wednesday morning was discovered by Dan Bashore at the Motor Inn garage. It is assumed the fire was started by mice chewing matches in the desk in the corner of the office. The prompt and efficient use of the new fighting apparatus justified the investment. (Article attached.)
Oct 28, 1926 Several fires within a week and half. Frank Schwarzbauer home burned to ground, club room and store at Veteransville burned to the ground, home of John Anderson burned to the ground. (Article attached.)
April 5, 1928 Fire Department called into service due to overheated stove in William Herwig’s grocery store. Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Ruud lived in the back and were not home. Ruud lost everything. Building was saved yet interior total loss.
10/11/2019
Recipes from Past McGrath Residents
Martha Laswell was well known in the McGrath area. She was mentioned in a previous post and was the special lady to live to be 102. Included with this post is her recipe for Apple Sauce Bars. Recipes from Sophie Walters are also included. Her son Gerald Walters did make a statement about the recipes. The “molasses cookies” were GOOD. Being the jokester he is his statement about the Drop Donuts was “Drop on the floor”. Others who included recipes in the 75th Anniversary cookbook for Holden Lutheran Church were Bertha Iverson, Martha Johnson, Helen Ruud, Carole Germain, Alice Peterson, LaConne Cooper, Adeline Mickelson, Olga Anderson, Dorothy Earsley, Mrs. Elmer Eklund, Marilyn Anderson to name a few.
03/11/2019
Last of the Then and Now. 1st photo is then and 2nd photo is now.
27/10/2019
Then and Now photos. 1st photo then and 2nd photo now.
20/10/2019
Then and now 1st photo is then and 2nd photo is now. On school three different times.
14/10/2019
Then and Now 4th group 1st photo then and 2nd photo now. etc.
13/10/2019
Then and Now 3rd group
07/10/2019
Then and Now 2nd group 1st photo then and 2nd photo now 3rd photo then and 4th photo now.
06/10/2019
Then and Now 1st then 2nd photo now 3rd photo then 4th photo now.
29/09/2019
G. G. McCrory & Daughters
General G McCrory born August 24, 1863 and married Letitia Walker March 1, 1893. Together their children were Floyd H., Baby Boy (stillborn) Laura L., George E., Donald Clinton., Sibyl Estella, and Jean. G G McCrory past on December 1, 1942.
In 1925 Mrs. McCrory cooked for the sawmill crew at the Spur and was relieved by Mrs. Ernest Zimpel. Mrs. McCrory retired to the farm.
Laura the oldest daughter married William Micharl Weinard on June 18, 1924 at age 28. Bill died in February, 1965 after 40 years of marriage. Laura returned to Minnesota and lived to age of 92. She died on August 28, 1988.
Sibyl McCrory worked at the McGrath restaurant. She enjoyed a week’s vacation at home at Christmas time when Agnes Otterson relieved here at the restaurant. Jean McCrory was elected secretary for the Busy Bee Girls club in 1926. Laundry bags will be made with later projects of gift articles, lessons on crocheting and lessons on yeast and baking powder.
The year of 1927 Sibyl McCrory suffered from a fractured bone in the are when Ralph Garrity had misfortune to upset, damaging the car and injuring the occupants following the dance at Silver Star. After 2-3 weeks Sibyl was back at restaurant.
Sibyl’s marriage to Marshall Hall took place on March 12, 1927 at the age of 21. They live in Broken Bow, Nebraska in 1930. Marshall died on January 19, 1989 after 61 years of marriage. Sibyl past on June 6, 1996 at the age of 91.
In 1928, Jean McCrory attended State teachers’ college in Duluth. Agnes Otterson stop to visit with Jean.
In 1930 Jean McCrory returned home as Mrs. Sam Sleeth of Bemidji with their baby daughter Jacqueline. Mr. Sleeth taking care of getting ready with a new home. Samuel Raymond Sleeth and Jean were married April 22, 1930. Jean was 20 years old. They had one child together. On June 30, 1937 Jean, at age 27, married Alf Thomsen and they had three children together.
Jacqueline did spent time with her Grandmother Littie, who keep busy. In 1941 Littie was chairperson for the Red Cross group in McGrath.
22/09/2019
G. G. McCrory & Sons
In 1935 Donald McCrory took over the Motor Inn Garage. In 1937 George McCrory took over the garage from his brother. In 1941 the garage burnt.
General G McCrory born August 24, 1863 and married Littie Walker March 1, 1893. Together their children were Floyd H., Baby Boy (stillborn) Laura L., George E., Donald Clinton., Sibyl Estella, and Jean. G G McCrory past on December 1, 1942.
In 1925 Mrs. McCrory cooked for the sawmill crew at the Spur and was relieved by Mrs. Ernest Zimpel. Mrs. McCrory retired to the farm. Also that year Donald enlisted in the U. S. Marines. That same year, G. G. McCrory had his oats cut by J. E. Hatfield.
In 1926 E. J. Cressman had McCrory outfit saw his wood. Also the same year George joined Floyd in Rockford for work. Floyd was in WWI with Departure date September 19, 1918. Two years later he married Ione N Frederick on August 20, 1920 at the age of 31. On January 15, 1927 Floyd was appointed Postmaster for Rockford, MN and also appointed February 25, 1931.
In 1926, G. G. McCrory was a witness for Elsie Wood and Herbert A. Wood who were charged with withholding food, water and shelter from stock. (Cruelty to Animals). The jury disagreed six to six.
Donald McCrory returned home after four years of service and being one of the guards at the presidential inauguration for President Herbert Hoover. Last three months Donald was on duty at the President’s summer camp.
After release from service in November, Donald started taking an electrical course in Chicago.
In 1934, March 31, Donald, at age 31, married Martha Cecilia Prendergast
The year of 1935 when Donald took over the Motor Inn Garage, he and Martha received a baby girl was born September 25, 1935. The child lived only one day.
George was 37 years old when he married Harvine Hall in 1938. George did live in the house in town built by Peter Anderson, the hotel owner. His life continued until January 29, 1979 when he died at the age of 77 years old.
30/06/2019
SOO Line thru McGrath
When James E. McGrath learned in 1907 of the SOO Line plans to enter the area, McGrath donated 40 acres of land to form the town site named after him. Successful negotiations with the SOO Line lead to the construction of a 3-mile spur track from Solana to his sawmill site on Snake River at White Pine. A 649 foot run-around track enabled the locomotive to pull, rather than shove loads back to Solana on the return trip. In addition four other tracks were completed in the White Pine mill complex.
With the trains tracking thru McGrath a viaduct south of McGrath was constructed. On completion of the tracks for the railroad the trains went as far as Moose Lake. The depot was built very soon after and became the center of the shipping out of wood products and the shipping of camp supplies. As a result of the railroad, McGrath was a thriving village. Besides the wood products, potatoes were a product to be shipped out.
Homesteaders supplemented their income with cutting and shipping saw logs, bolts, ties etc. It was a common sight to see teams and loads stretch for two blocks waiting to unload. The Williams’ townboard passed a resolution “to not allow anyone to leave their teams or horses standing out for an unreasonable length of time in cold weather or without their meals at the McGrath station, and the constable is hereby authorized to find shelter and feed for such horses at the expense of the owner.” Peter and Emma Klingl left southern Minnesota to seek fame and fortune here. They opened a restaurant on Main Street to serve SOO Line passengers while the trains replenished coal and water.
23/06/2019
SOO Line Depots
In 1908 the SOO Line laid it’s tracks in the northern counties in Minnesota. The blue prints were the basic building plans for the majority of the Depot Stations. The photos that following shows the basic plan used by most of the stations. The Arthyde station is one that did not use the basic blue print. It was a box car. Due to the need for water, when the stations locations were decided upon in the past, the stops were made approximately eight miles apart. When building the stations in the early 1900's the crews working the tracks came into consideration. And the trains ran about once or twice a week when the train system started.
09/06/2019
Howard Simonson
Howard Irving Simonson lived in the house in McGrath that was first Robert Zimpel’s and after Curtis Woods. He was the youngest of Lewis Tobias and Lena Simonson. Lewis was born in Harrison, MN in 1873 and lived to July 20, 1958. Lena (March 5, 1879 - March 8, 1971) was born in Norway. They married January 13, 1895 and with a land grant for 160 acres they traveled with their belongings in a covered wagon to their homestead in Aitkin County. Lewis was a farmer and a logger. Lewis Simonson is also found on the photo of the Co-op Creamery board members as Vice President. He also was on the school board, Town Board and church council. Very busy, active citizen.
Howard’s oldest brother Arthur Dedrick Simonson born June 1, 1895, became a serviceman for our country and was Killed during WWI, October 5, 1918 in Esnoms, Haute-Marve, Champagne-Ardenne, France.
Howard’s other siblings were Bertha Elisa, Axel Dahl, Lillian Pearl, Leon Thorvald, Melvin John, Elmer Ga***rd, Geraldine Alathia, Silas Emil, Ethel Selina, Chester Arthur, and LeRoy Lewis. Most traveled out of state. The states being California, Oregon, Wisconsin, Indiana and Howard did have addresses in Arkansas. Bertha married into the Iverson family and Axel also stayed in the McGrath area.
Howard was in the Navy from February 22, 1944 to May 19, 1946. Married Frances Delaney August 7, 1965. Her life was from 1928-1966. His 2nd wife was Roe Jean Coppess in November, 1966. Arkansas addresses for Howard were listed as one year being 1984 and another 1993. Howard’s last residence was in Cedar Rapids, Iowa (February 23, 1926 - February 7, 2007).
On Facebook you will find The Simonson Page.
02/06/2019
Coop Creamery
The Coop Creamery was established in 1915. It was hard and trying work at first and the coop closed during the winter months. It done the best that could possibly be done. In 1923 Frank Peter Worm was hired and in 1925 he said, “It is good policy to test for T. B., especially If one is planning on selling breeding stock, as the statement that a herd is free of tuberculosis is a splendid selling point. This is a point to think of, aside from the value to a farmer’s own family of having milk and cream from cows that he knows are free from disease.”
In the early 1920’s Mr. Worm stated he will test the milk free of charge for the patrons of the creamery. By having this done the patrons can find out which cows are paying, and which ones are not. With the testing patrons are able to w**d out his unprofitable milkers.
In 1926 butter maker Worm paid one or two cents more per pound for butter fat over local cream station.
At the 1929 annual meeting the following officers were elected. J. H. Crouch, president; Herman Eppenberger, vice president; Frank Worm, secretary; Louis Simonson, director for three years; A. D. Peterson, director for two years and John Krause, auditor.
See photo for elected officers for 1930. In October of this year 1930, Frank Worm took an week long advanced course in butter making in Minneapolis.
It was noted that Mr. Worm won awards from the Minnesota Creamery Operations and Managers Association for butter making. He also took awards at the Minnesota State Fair.
In 1933 the new elected officers were Ed F. Schispansky, president; Andrew Swanson, vice president; F. P. Worm, re-elected secretary and treasurer; and Herman Eppenberger was re-elected director for three years.
Frank Peter Worm and his wife Magdalen lived near the creamery. Their children of nine were Antoinetta A. born about 1919, Lorrine M, Joseph A., Jack F., Henry Michael born in 1925, Mildred Elenor May, Francis H, Donald John born 1930 and Bernice Catherine. Antionette and Lorrine were 4-H members.
Henry Worm, Frank’s brother, lived in Mora and did visit and handled the operation of the Creamery when Frank was out and about.
In the 1940’s Harold Bullen was President and Mrs. Leslie Roy was Secretary according to the shares of stock in the creamery. The creamery did close in 1949.
26/05/2019
Military
A very huge THANK YOU for the service men in our country. So many wars, so many heartaches, so many young residence going off to war and McGrath was a part of the fighting for our freedom. Freedom was very expensive. From a drummer boy in the civil war to a soldier who received seven purple hearts. Yes seven. Yet the biggest sacrifice a few of our men gave marching off to war was their lives. The wars never go unforgotten. Parades will be led by the veterans carry the flag down the street with pride. Flags are placed on the gravesites of veterans for Memorial day celebration. Many of the Military Soldiers who were buried overseas during the war were brought home following the war. Some the families could not afford this special event. Memorial Day started out as Declaration Day following the Civil War. Many veterans came home with a disability and this is when Silver Star and Veteransville communities began. It was for veterans starting over after the war. On the Veteransville Roster the men lived in many different location (states) before the war. Fred C. Thomson was the only one listed as being from McGrath, MN. It was very hard farming with all the tree stumps in the fields. A special table (fallen comrade table) (missing man table) is set for the men who did not make it back. An upside down glass, a single rose, a slice of lemon on bread plate, salt sprinkled on bread plate, a Bible, a lit candle and an empty chair. Each has a very special meaning.
Again a huge THANK YOU to our Veterans.
19/05/2019
McGrath Tribune
The McGrath Tribune paper was published for a short while during 1924 - 1926. The editor was R. L. Nedry, and the publisher, Booster Tribune Publishing Co. Subscription for 6 months was $1.00 and for 12 months $2.00 and it was delivered every other Tuesday.
The paper did contain local news on front page and in each issue appeared the wise old owl with a special saying. Included was, as what many will find in newspapers today, a section on recipes. It was in existence for about two years. Middle of 1924 to the middle of 1926. Copies of these papers are on microfilm and available at the Aitkin county Historical Society. McGrath Historical Society does have the microfilm yet a working machine would be needed. The first paper following was saved by a Klingl family member with the Grocery Special ad from P. P. Klingl was included.
12/05/2019
Olaf Eken
Olaf was born in the United States while most of the family was born in Norway. Olaf was born January 24, 1910. Attended Wilson School. After many years of working in Canada the Depression Era arrived and Olaf worked at CCC Camps. Was in WWII Army in Germany and Aleutians. After his service to our country Olaf began working for the Aitkin County Highway Department. He married Ruby Grace Winsor, known as “Grace”, on February 26, 1949 and homestead on 80 acres near Dad’s Corner. Two children were born to this union. Gaylen Eken and Lynelle Eken Bartelma. Grace was born October 23, 1912. Moved to California for 10 years. When she returned, Grace worked at Woods Store. Grace’s parents were Roy Winsor and Nellie J (Jones) Winsor. Gaylen’s son, Cory Eken, lived in McGrath and owns a saloon. He was voted in as Mayor of McGrath for six years.
Olaf died July 17. 2001. Pallbearers were; Cory Eken, Corey Ulrich, Calvin Ulrich, Gary Louks and Scott Kemen.
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