History Notes Volume 25, Issue 4 P.O.Box 314, Waseca MN 56093 es k the D Fr o m of aret M ar g

Waseca County Historical Society www.historical.waseca.mn.us

This year we are hosting a “Festival Of Wreaths”. The wreaths will be Sinn decorated by clubs or private individuals to be sold at a silent auction to benefit WCHS. Along with the wreaths we are asking for other donated items for the silent auction. Things that have come in are two antique side chairs, an English tea cart, an antique brass lamp with hand glass globe, and a telephone stand and seat. Please check your basements for items to donate. A major problem that we seem to be having is a shortage of volunteers for the opening on Saturday and Sunday, December 4th and 5th. We are short staffed that weekend because Terri Pribble’s home is one of the houses featured on the Housewalk and Sheila Morris is on her decorating committee. Joan has her annual pottery show and sale in Minneapolis and where will I be? Well as Joan says I always figure out somewhere to go.. I promised my cousin this year that I would be in Texas for my aunt’s 80th birthday. I am the infamous double booker of the world and I have done it once again! Any volunteers will be greatly appreciated. This has been an interesting year in many ways. It has been full of its ups and downs. I have given up a much loved friend and had two grandsons and

Fall 2004 (507) 835-7700

a third on the way. We will have three grandsons in one calendar year! We find that pretty exciting. We are planning to hold a Board of Directors Workshop given by Doris Pagelhoff in December. The workshop is open to members of other boards as well as our own. Doris comes highly recommended from Brown County where she gives her workshop every several years. If you are a board member of ours or a member of another board and you would like to attend please contact me at WCHS. We have three dates to choose from, so the sooner we know what works for you the better. I think that is pretty much what is happening here at the moment. Once again, volunteers are needed for the opening weekend of the Festival of Wreaths. You can call us at the museum to sign up, or to donate an item. Pick up is available for donations. 835-7700.

Boyscout Wreaths For Sale ♦

Door to Door Saturday Nov. 20th. ♦ Walmart, November 26th and ♦ the Waseca County Historical Society after the 26th until gone. $12.00

H

aunting Tales of Waseca County

by Joan Mooney

Fall begins with the kids returning to school, followed by the harvest and noticeably shorter days. Maybe it’s the darkness, maybe the death of green or maybe it’s what you are supposed to think about in October, with Halloween and all; so it’s no surprise to encounter the perennial topic of ghosts in casual conversation. Everybody loves a good ghost story! It seems our fascination with the unknown is reflected with year round listings on our cable TV network. There are two shows currently listed for busting ghosts and for busting ghostly activity which can be proven to be something else. There are paranormal investigators spending many hours documenting ghostlike activity in places all over the world. For many a skeptic, like myself, I find myself drawn to the phenomenon and also to the disclaiming explanations of what the activity really is or could be. Nevertheless, last October we put the feelers out into the community to gather stories on the subject. The information was used in our “Rite of Fright, Haunted History” exhibit. Besides a small coffin and some burial shrouds we didn’t have much information gathered, so we decided to document the tales of the region we had heard and leave the believing or not up to you. The following stories appeared in our newspapers: Janesville Argus, July 13, 1886 Janesville has a ghost, a genuine ghost, we are told. It has been seen in several different places in the town, on different occasions, and by different persons, young and old, all of whom vouch for the fact and swear by everything holy or unholy that it is a spirit, clothed in the habilments and garb of the grave. It shows itself in the dark hours of the night, revealing itself to the timid in out of way places. Numerous have been the hair breadth escapes from its palling touch. It was seen the other night by a gentleman leaning against a fence post near his barn. The gentleman procured a revolver and proceeded to test of what material the spirit was composed and whether it could feel the effects of powder and lead. But it moved away, flitting mysteriously over fences and out into the darkness. The faster our gentleman moved the more rapidly the ghost disappeared. Somehow it didn’t rise higher than a fence, but skimmed along the surface with drooping shroud and death like face, ghostly beyond all expression. It was seen two or three times in the vicinity of the saw mill and several times flitting around Town

2

Hall. Men, women and children have been turned from their course, frightened beyond endurance and the all absorbing question is, who will solve this mystery, analyze the ghost and save the timid from further concern. We don’t propose to have any white-haired or white livered spirits from the other world monkeying around our town. The following article appeared nine years later: Janesville Argus, September 6, 1895 The good people residing in this part of the county have been treated to something that does not happen every day and that comes to the experience of but a few people—a genuine ghostly sensation. Some time ago a rumor came from that direction that a ghost had been seen on the farm of a Mr. Bushaw and that its frequent appearances and peculiar antics had frightened the whole neighborhood to say nothing of the scare to the family who resided in the house where the ghostly apparitions were seen. Strange noises were heard about the house, knocks on the doors, tapping on the windows, creaking of the walls, groans and last but not least the image of a dark figure darting about first at one window, then another and over the roof boards where he was frequently seen peering into the chimney. One strange feature of the apparition or whatever it might be termed was that the image could be seen from the outside and not the inside of the house. People came from a distance to see, the curious spectacle and all went away firmly convinced that the house was haunted and in reality a visitor from the spirit world was making itself visible to human eyes. Several gatherings of neighbors was had to solve the mystery and the more the talk and investigation the deeper and more incomprehensible became the mystery. The “ghost” could be plainly seen but when approached it would disappear. Several times parties got near enough to strike it with a club but it would invariably avoid them. On one occasion it took two bars of a fence and drove them two feet into the solid road and other mysterious things were laid to its charge. So intense became the feeling that on last Saturday night a party of about sixty went to the place determined to catch the intruder and solve the mystery and according to Raymond Doyle they were successful. The same flitting figure was seen by the whole crowd at the windows and over the chimney, darting hither and thither and around the corners of the house and in the air. Finally one man more brave than the balance with a stout club approached and struck but quicker than a flash the figure perched himself high in the air above him plainly visible. The man with the club gave one long look and fainted. Amid the excitement some one spied an apparatus in a tall thickly studded tree

and then the secret came out. It was all the work of two “Sheeneys,” who had engaged to work for the farmer assisted by the farmer’s daughter who had been let into the secret and had enjoyed the fun. One of the men secreted in the big tree with a powerful magic lantern cast the figure on the ground while the other played his part to carry out the deception. It is said the old man on the farm was so badly worked up over the matter and so thoroughly scared that he was on the point of selling out. Raymond did not tell what became of the two Sheeneys but it is presumed they were ridden out of the neighborhood on a rail. If they were not they ought to have been. Using our “search collection” system, I checked the name “Sheeney” in the census, newspaper and death indexes and found no records listed for Waseca County in that name. I also looked in a reference book entitled The New A to Z By Barbara Jean Evans. This wonderful publication is a dictionary of terms and words used a century ago that now may be misinterpreted when read today. I thought perhaps “Sheeney” may have been a name for a person known for mischievous behavior, but found no such listing, however my editor informed me the term “Sheeny” was a derogatory name used for traveling junk dealers long ago. Perhaps that is what was meant in this 1895 article. ? The next story comes from a Janesville person who experienced these events. The story was compiled from an interview taken by staff and the person asks to remain anonymous: A haunted house in Janesville? Several people who have lived in this lovely old house continue to attest to the strange happenings they experienced during their residence there. “Jane” and her husband lived in the third floor of this 1903 mansion in Janesville for one year in 1982. A wealthy mill owner had originally built the house. Several of the early residents were reported to have had unusual and unhappy life changing experiences involving diseases and accidents. In the 1930s the house was converted to a hospital: the first floor housed an office, waiting room, and administrative space for Dr. O’Hara who reportedly was a pipe smoker with a preference for cherry wood tobacco; the second floor held a sick ward; and the third floor was dedicated to new babies and their mothers. Some say that the history of past residents linger in this house. After the hospital closed, the house once again became a family home. In the 1970s and 80s a rather large family lived there and leased the third floor to apartment dwellers. It was during this time in 1982 that Jane and her husband lived in the apartment. Jane witnessed several unexplainable

events and felt an unknown presence. Her husband did not, or wouldn’t admit to anything unusual while living there. The rumors persist, however, from other former residents of the house. Here is Jane’s (anonymous) story: Climbing the stairs to her apartment, she would occasionally catch the distinctive odor of cherrywood tobacco as she approached the third floor landing. Household lights sometimes mysteriously went out for which no logical explanation was found. Two or three rooms on the same electrical circuit would go dark, leaving one room lit. One night when this happened, Jane was standing in the kitchen washing dishes; suddenly the lights went out in the other rooms. She distinctly felt a presence directly behind her. She was washing a sharp kitchen knife at the time, and swung around, knife in hand, fully prepared to defend herself . . . no one was there. Another night in March, two of Jane's friends had spent the evening in the apartment planning and making St. Patrick’s day posters. After they had left about 11 p.m., Jane set about the task of straightening things up, putting away card tables and chairs. As she was carrying an especially large chair through a doorway, she was suddenly violently thrown back, chair and all into the center of the room. She could never account for the force that resulted in injury to her back . . . no marks were ever found on the doorframe or on the chair that would indicate it simply had been caught on something. Others living in the house have spoken of hearing late night footsteps overhead and a rolling sound . . . could it be the echo of hospital patients . . . restless spirits still milling around in their wheelchairs? As the landlord’s children grew up and began their own families, none of them would consider buying the house. One of the new daughter-in-laws when asked if she and her husband would want to buy the house said, “Are you crazy? There are too many strange things happening here.” Jane says that she always felt a presence the year she lived in this old mansion. She defines the presence of a negative, unfriendly energy and definitely a man. Dr. O’Hara, the unsettled spirit of the first owner, or the restless souls of those suffering in the old hospital? I’m guessing the anonymous identity of Jane is for obvious reasons. It’s a story like others I’ve heard that until you yourself have experienced, you may find hard to believe. Perhaps our Janesville readers may know more about this house and its unusual activity. The following information was gathered on September 2, 2003, from an interview I conducted myself. The person prefers to remain anonymous. The story of the County Courthouse Ghost is one I’ve heard many times since I moved here in 1990. I 3

decided to go right to the source, the Waseca County Courthouse, to get information concerning the ghost. I was surprised how willing people were to share their stories. The first employee I interviewed works early mornings and again after five o’clock. He has experienced the entity “about four or five times.” I asked him if he had any knowledge about the ghost prior to the sightings and he said he had heard stories but had no physical description of the apparition. He tells me about his first experience which took place in the winter of the early 1990s. It was sunset, about six or seven in the evening. He was on the lower level facing the north parking lot when he noticed in the reflection of the glass, a figure standing behind him near the elevator, staring at him. He was too startled to turn around, he froze. He described what he saw in the reflection as a man, like a statue, with arms down at his sides just standing near the doorway. He ran into the License Bureau and called his wife to tell her to come and get him, that there was someone in the building. I then asked if the figure vanished, and he replied, “No, I peeked out the door and he was still there, so I got brave enough and walked down towards the elevator towards him. I got just down to the bathroom and he just kind of went . . .” When asked what made him think it was a real person, he reported he thought it was a reflection; but when he turned around and looked, he described the figure as being approximately 5'5" tall and was wearing a pinstripe suit, vest and black suspenders, a high collared starched shirt. He was wearing wing-tip shoes. His hair was all slicked down and black. I asked the time period, thinking the poor soul could be stuck in the 70s, with one of those bad 70s suits; but no, he had gone to the library and found a book on period clothing and was sure it was attire from the early 1900s. The spirit he described is thought to be one of Deputy County Auditor Ralph Garland, who committed suicide in one of the stairwells of the building in 1919. Six months later he saw him again. This time it was on the main stairway going upstairs by the courtroom. He decided to say something, so he said, “Hello Ralph, how are you?” He just stood there, he didn’t move, he

4

just stared at me. Then he was just . . . gone.” I asked him how fast he ran out of there, and he said he didn’t run this time. He actually went looking for him. He saw the ghost three times after that, and the last sighting was approximately five years ago. He said since the remoldeling of the jury room and the judge’s office, he hasn’t seen him again. However, he still feels a presence once in awhile, and doors will slam, lights turn on after he knows he has turned them off, and footsteps can be heard on the stairs when no one is there. The ghost has been spotted by other employees in the building who give the same description of the clothing. I interviewed another employee who has worked in the courthouse within the last twenty years and also asked to remain anonymous. Here is her story: “The talk, is that Ralph Garland is the one who haunts the courthouse.” You have experienced unusual things? Yes, I would say it’s not something where we actually thought it was a haunting, but it’s been things that have been a little unusual, where it keeps you wondering—hey, what’s going on? Like when the Kleenex box flew across the room . . . when your brother was being . . . Yes, my brother was being disrespectful and skeptical about the resident ghost, and the Kleenex box flew off the desk and landed on the floor. And you’ve heard doors slamming? No, I haven’t had doors slam, but when I’ve come back, they’re closed. And you know, it could be air vents moving around, but I always take my keys when I’m up here alone, and I head out of the office. I always take my keys with me. Well, when you work in a vault, I can understand. Have you ever felt a presence? I’ve never felt anything, but I’ve heard when we were doing the history of the courthouse, I remember, nobody ever wanted to be named; but I remember some would at least, one of the people that worked down in the basement, near the caretaker’s part, the assessor’s office, zoning, and that area . . . had said that some unusual things had happened in that area. She didn’t go into specifics, but she had felt like cold spots, where you know it would be warm in the office, and all of a sudden, there would be this . . . you would just sort of feel something cold, out of the blue, and then it would go away again. And I thought someone had said that up in the courtroom area, years ago, there would be papers out of place, or they would come back into the courtroom and files would be someplace different, and of course, Ralph was always mentioned! Was there another county assessor who had done something?

There was another deputy county assessor, and I’m thinking it was sometime in the 1930s. I’m not sure, it was in Frank Papke’s notes, and I remember my dad talking about it, but there was another deputy auditor who committed suicide, and his name was Marks, and I can’t remember what his first name was. My dad thought he had committed suicide in the clock tower, but when we were researching it for the history of the courthouse, we couldn’t find anything to support it . . . and I think someone may have come up with something to indicate that he didn’t. I can’t remember the details . . . and what is now the County Recorder’s office, that used to be the Probate Judge’s office, and Dr. Lynn died, maybe of a heart attack. I know it was a very sudden death, and he died in that office. So there have been at least two people who died in the courthouse. And then two employees that have committed suicide, both County Auditors. When we were doing the history [for the courthouse 100 year anniversary], at the time when Ralph Garland had committed suicide, they investigated to see if there might have been some improprieties—that was the first thing they thought of, you know, stealing money or something. But they couldn’t find anything wrong. So they were thinking he must have been very ill, maybe dying of cancer and wanted to end it. Isn’t there a plaque? Yes, there is a plaque donated by one of his daughters or grand-daughters, and it hangs right by the staircase in the hall. Another thing I thought I remembered, (1950s) and it was someone who had seen something near where the caretaker’s area is, where they’ve felt the cold spots, down near the pop machine . . . in that hallway, before the break room. It was of a guy not overly tall, dressed in black, old-fashioned suit, with white shirt collar and dark hair. I do know, too, of one other person that a door did slam on, and it was a door we didn’t know was there! It’s in the hallway where they cut into the newer building [addition] and there’s storage there, and I think the door went into an area where, years ago, the superintendent of the country schools—it would have been Herman Panzram’s office. Anyway I know the door slammed shut on somebody, and they didn’t even know the door was there . . . Here’s what we know about the Courthouse ghost: In 1919 Ralph Garland was the Waseca County Auditor and County Treasurer. He was known as one of the “Wilton Four,” one of the first four boys born in Wilton Township in the 1860s as Waseca County was being settled. He grew up in Waseca the son of Nathaniel Garland, the first Waseca County Sheriff. He married

and had three children, though one daughter died of typhoid fever at the age of six. For many years he was in the hardware business with his uncle, P. C. Bailey. The business, called Bailey & Garland Hardware. While in the hardware business he was elected Alderman of the 2nd Ward which he held until 1905. He was well-liked, respected and worked for his community. On a cold day in January 1919, he said good-bye to his wife and children, walked to the courthouse and hung himself in the staircase of the vault—shocking all who had known him! Since then, Ralph Garland’s ghost has been seen or felt in Waseca County courthouse halls. Regarding another suicide involving a Deputy County Auditor referred to in the last interview, was that of Edward A. Marks. He was Deputy County Auditor from 1931 until his death in August of 1947. He was a very well-loved member of the community. His death brought much surprise and sorrow to those who knew him. He had attended service at St.Paul’s Lutheran Church on Sunday morning and in the afternoon and evening assisted at the county fair with his wife and children. After his wife retired around midnight he went into the basement and ended his life by hanging. It was later learned he suffered from nervousness and mental exhaustion which is thought to have led to his death. The death of Dr. J. F. Lynn did Dr. J. F. Lynn indeed occur in the courthouse. He died on March 23, 1954 after suffering a heart attack. Dr. Lynn was a physician in Waseca from 1900 until his death in 1954. That’s about all the ghost documentation we have to date. Readers are welcome to add to our Ghost File. Remaining anonymous seems to be preferred, if the story is yours. As for myself, I remain willing to listen, but I do ask a lot of questions, since I have yet to encounter such a thing as a ghost. Well, come to think of it, I remember one day, while leaving the courthouse lower level with my arms full, I turned around to push open the door with my backside . . . much to my surprise, the door pulled open. I turned around to thank the courteous individual, but no one was there! If I knew then what I know now, at least I would have known who to thank . . . !

5

N

OW: The old corner building has been divided up for apartments and offices for many years, housing an employment service, shops, a radio station, and even a KFC restaurant. Last year the Jevnings bought the building to move their successful Daily Grind restaurant and espresso shop from across Elm Avenue. They have undertaken extensive renovation of the interior spaces as well as the exterior. All windows were replaced, exterior tuckpointing is being done, and the original front facade including the tympanum, the arching feature over the original front-centered door which was broken long ago. Completion is planned for early 2005.

The original First National Bank building State Street at Elm Avenue By Sheila Morris

T

HEN: The First National Bank opened its doors for business January 1, 1903, succeeding the old and successful Citizens’ State Bank of Waseca originally organized in 1892. That bank succeeded the bank of C. Hardin & Sons which started in Waseca in 1872. The first bank officers of the “new” First National Bank were E. A. Everett, president, James E. Child, vice-president, J. B. Sullivan, cashier, C. P. Sommerstad and Gene Miller, assistant cashiers. This building housed the bank for many years. The barber shop in the basement was accessed through the exterior stairwell on the Elm Avenue side of the building. See the barber pole on the corner. (Photograph circa 1915)

6

Curator’s Corner

The Festival of

by Teri Pribble and Pauline Fenelon

Wreaths and Garlands will be

The museum’s summer and fall visitors signed in from Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin as well as Bangkok, Thailand. Dozens of local and Minnesota visitors stopped by also, many for the first time. Museum attractions include the current main floor displays, the balcony displays featuring Waseca County history collections of early American Indian artifacts, pioneer days, the Bierman Room, the E.F. Johnson Co. display, UMW artifacts and the railroad and depot artifacts. The vignette displays in the museum lower level feature historic items from a kitchen, a doctor’s office and a general store. Also on display are immigrant trunks, clocks, the Herter collection, office equipment and a huge loom that was built by a Vista community resident. Thanks to our many patrons for recent artifacts donated including: a beautiful brown bombazine 1890 wedding gown from Alton Township; a commemorative plate from a local church; a Waseca souvenir cup; a 1950s typewriter; a country school teacher’s desk bell; an honorary sheriff’s badge; and high school yearbooks from Waldorf-Pemberton. These and thousands of other artifacts and photographs showing the history and culture of Waseca County may also be seen on our Website www.historical.waseca.mn.us.com The museum is open every weekday from 8 a.m. to noon, and from 1 – 5 p.m.

held Saturday and Sunday, December 4th and 5th at the WCHS Museum. This year we decided to do something a little different by asking area individuals, businesses and organizations to donate decorated wreaths and garlands to be auctioned opening weekend. No theme has been assigned and individuals are encouraged to decorate and donate their own creations. Also up for silent auction will be miscellaneous donated items. So far we have for auction two side chairs from Dr. Elgens estate, and English tea cart, a 1940’s telephone stand and a beautiful antique brass lamp with a handpainted glass shade. We are currently seeking donations and will accept items up until the show opening. Pick-up is available. This is a great opportunity to exhibit your creativity or to donate an item for auction and support WCHS. We hope to see you in the upcoming weeks. Happy holidays to all our

Volunteers Needed For the opening Festival of Wreaths weekend. Saturday and Sunday December 4th and 5th. Time slots are as follows: Noon to 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Duties include cookie baking, serving refreshments, giftshop sales and hosting. If you are interested in volunteering please call in for a time slot and orientation. We are greatly in need of help this year. Please call early! We really appreciate your time given.

Whats Happening at WCHS THE MUSEUM GIFTSHOP is filling the shelves with wonderful items for gift giving. These seasonal items are perfect for holiday decorating or for someone special on your list. We specialize in vintage jewelry, cards and other items. Our prices are reasonable and your purchases help support the Historical Society. We are open through the noon hour Monday through Friday 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and special hours on Saturday and Sunday December 4th and 5th from noon until 6pm. 7

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PD. WASECA MN.56093 PERMIT # 41

WASECA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY P.O. BOX 314 WASECA MN. 56093 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Membership renewal date

Memorials Hulda McCarthy, Joe Powell, Lawrence Frisk, Slim Radach, Bonnie Priebe, Cecil Bennett, Stan Nyquist, Mrs. Frank Sheeran.

New Members and Renewals Ardella Draheim, Betty Lou Farber Bannick, Al Butler, Barb Gauger, Barb Noble, Betty Hoffman, Bonnie Gallagher, Brown Printing, Bonnie Born, Boyd Fuller, Bruce Wick, Bob and Lois Chaffin, Bonnie Lewer, Claire Wynnemer, Cookie Rausch, Charles Espe, Corchran Inc., Dennis Christensen, Cynthia W. Cummings, Dennis D. Knutson, Emil Meyer, Gail A. Stanley, George B. McCarthy, Hazel R. Olson, Gladys Carlson, Gregg Rosenthal, Helen Greenwood, James G. Holmes, James W. Dey, Janet R. Welch, James P. Fox, James and Moira Tippy, Jean Horn, Judy Wells, Joni Klide, Jody Johnson, Joe and Marjorie Britton, John and Marilyn Teske, John Ehlers, Kathleen Rosenthal, Lavern Ewert, Leta Clemons, Kathy Lindner, Lenore Clunis, Les Tlougan, Linda Knauss, Laurie Velett, Grant Scheffert, Lloyd Schoenfeld, Luella Selvik, Manley Youngberg, Margie Arndt, Marion Oman, Lois Manthe, Loren Hecht, Lois Manthey, Margaret Horner, Marjorie Ross, Marjorie Gores, Michael Hecht, Mary Lund, Michael Clemons, Myrna Wright, Merle Houdek, Margaret Hasslen, Nan J. Ames, Otto Newman, R.Rosalind Peterson, Robert Dahl, Round Bank, Ruth Kozan, Robert Schmidt, Ronald Johnson, Steve Johnson, Trevor Kanewischer, Sharon Wilker, Steve DeLaitsch, Tim Flor, Tom Hagen, Selma Reb, Tim Penny, Vernon Ferch, Virginia Swenson, Warren Krienke, William Burns, Vernon Fratzke, W.H. Rethwill Jr., Warren Routh, Waseca Lions Club, Wendell Armstrong, Vida Ahlman, Walt Kinder, Wayne Connelly, Michael Gallagher, Helen Roe, Erin Benbennick, Deb Dobberstein, Ann Berrie, Linda Waggoner, Pauline Fenelon, Lyle Olson, Janine Burr, Karl Jones, Alice Tharp, Dorothy Tuttle, William Sudduth, Debbie Gitthens, Kelly Erickson, Patricia Masberg, Claudette Bagan, Barb Herme, William Hawkins, Leslie Loveless, Pat Thue, Sharon Beseler, John Schuette, Jean McCarthy, Trudi Remund, Susan Eckert, Wayne Ganzel, Sarah Behrns, Diane Forsythe,

Life Members 8

9