716 Minnesota Avenue

Excavation has begun for two new elegant residences on the corner of Minnesota avenue and Eighth Street. The firm of O’Leary & Bowser will each construct one there. (Aug 22, 1901)

Lots purchased by Nellie O’Leary from Townsite Co. on  April 7, 1902. Lots 21 & 22, Blk 2, Original Townsite. P.J. O’Leary came to Bemidji in 1898 and opened a general store together with W. N. Bowser. The two gentlemen retired in 1909 although their store continued in a new brick block under the corporation name of O’Leary-Bowser Corp.

P. J. O’Leary was born about 1867 in Canada, married Nellie Doran, and was one of the leading businessmen of the town for several decades. The O’Leary family lived in this house until his death in 1929. 716-Minnesota-Avenue

P. J. O’Leary is another of the oldest old-timers. He might even admit that he has been here so long that he knows of no other place where he could live that long. Not any more at least. He is another one of those fellows who might be induced to take part in the pageant. (Aug 8. 1922)

P. J. O’Leary (1927-1928) He died in 1929.

Mrs. P. J. O’Leary and her son Arthur, a county engineer, moved to 722 Minnesota Avenue after Mr. O’Leary’s death.

Rev. Wellington Boyle (1934-35)

Carl S. Ludvigson (1956) (1970)(1974)

Ethel Ludvigson (1982)