Three Guardsmen, 205 Second Street
“Three Guardsmen” — This is the romantic name to be given to a first-class saloon to be opened to the public soon on Second Street. The building which has been used since last fall as a billiard hall and bath parlor, and owned by Ted Smith, is being refitted and made modern in every respect. Messrs. Conley, Moe and Smith constitute the firm, and they are all hustling, courteous and popular gentlemen, which will redound to the popularity of the new saloon.
The pool tables will be bidden goodbye, but the bath parlors will be continued up stairs, much to the accommodation of the public who have been educated where to go when their hide needs an outside polish by a hot or cold bath. Internal baths of the finest imported and domestic liquors can be found down stairs. (April 4, 1901)
Benny Moe, one of the genial members of the Three Guardsmen, took a flying trip to West Superior, Wis., last week to visit relatives. (Aug 1, 1901)
James Conley, Ben Moe and Ted Smith, doing business under the firm name of Conley, Moe & Smith, have this day dissolved said co-partnership and hereafter Ted Smith will conduct the saloon business at the same place, and all accounts due to said firm are owned and will be collected by the said Ted Smith and all debts against said firm are assumed and will be paid by said Ted Smith in consideration of said dissolution of partnership. Dated this 4th day of March, 1902.
JAMES CONLEY,
BEN MOE
Attested: TED SMITH
Charles W Scrutchin,
John M. Martin.
The Three Guardsmen opened on June 1, 1902 under new management, with a first class stock of liquors and cigars. The new management has concluded to retain the services of Ted Smith as manager, and hope for the patronage of their old customers in the future. (June 5, 1902)
Bennie Moe, formerly of the Three Guardsmen, but who is now running a saloon in Crookston, was in the city the first of the week. (Aug 1902)
James M. Connelly, of Hibbing, is in the city renewing acquaintances. Mr. Connelly was formerly one of the firm of the Three Guardsmen. He may decide to locate in Bemidji again. (July 7, 1904)
The bath room at the Three Guardsmen will be open today. Numerous repairs have been made to the interior of the rooms and they present a much neater appearance than heretofore. (Dec 3, 1904)
Ted Smith Sells Out.
Ted Smith, proprietor of the “Three Guardsmen” saloon and bath rooms on Second street, has disposed of the property to the Fitger Brewing company, who have leased the building to Stearns, Bamber & Manchester of Detroit, Mich. The new firm took charge of the establishment today and will conduct a first class establishment. A grand opening of the establishment will occur within the next week. (July 3, 1905)
Ted Smith was the first Mayor of Bemidji. His wife, Mrs. Cora Kincannon, was a Spiritualist and as a medium, conducted services in Bemidji and later in Spokane, Washington. Ted Smith was also a Spiritualist.
Ted Smith was one of the first white men to locate in the vicinity of Bemidji. He came to this city prior to the advent of the railroad, and was prominently identified with the growth and development of the city. Mr. Smith was a member of the first village council, being elected president, and being known as “the mayor.” He was one of the most prominent residents of the early days in this city. Together with his wife, he moved to Spokane, Wash., and made his home in that city ever since.
Ted Smith committed suicide just before Christmas in December 1907. It was known that he had been unable to raise sufficient money to complete the payment on the bar fixtures in the Spokoma bar, which he owned, and for several other small debts, but as he had refused only a week before $8500 for his property on Moran prairie, he was considered well to do. Mr. Smith was 47 years old and a native of England, where he is said to have a sister, who is wealthy. (Bemidji Pioneer, Dec 24, 1907)
Lost in Woods.
While returning from a visit with friends in the northwest part of the city, William Stearns of the Three Guardsmen last night became lost in the dense woods which characterize that vicinity and was unable to find his way down town until he was directed by a passing pedestrian. (Aug 28, 1905)
The Three Guardsmen Saloon was next managed by Carl and Annie Borsvold, who had previously managed the Peerless Saloon.
The property eventually became the Olson Cafe, Dahl;s Cafe, and then Snider’s Cafe.
All the quoted information is from the Bemidji Pioneer, and the Bemidji Daily Pioneer, from the website http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/