Swedback Block, 401 Beltrami Avenue, later the site of the Johnson Corner Drug in the 1950s.
John Swedback and E. J. Swedback purchased Lots 23 and 24, Block 11 on June 20, 1898 from the Bemidji Townsite and Improvement Company. This was the headquarters of the Swedback Brothers Construction firm which furnished lumber and materials for many of the homes and businesses of early Bemidji.
Dr. O. C. J. Thomas, osteopathic physician, has secured office rooms in the Swedback block. (Nov. 20, 1903)
Bailey & McDonald, Attorneys at Law; Mrs. Ida Jackson, music studio; Dr. F. E. Brinkman, Chiropractic (1904)
Business Men’s Club held their meeting at the Swedback Block, (Oct 7, 1904)
Fire Destroys Swedback Block — Nov 24, 1904. Damages amounted to:
E.J. Swedback $ 8, 000
Bailey & McDonald $4, 000
Bemidji Merc. Co $3,500
E S. Straw $4,000
Dr. P. E Brinkman $100
Bemidji was yesterday visited by one of the most destructive and obstinate fires in its history. At 12 30 dense smoke was discovered pouring from the basement of the Swedback block on the south side from under the store room occupied by the Bemidji Mercantile Company. The department was on the scene within two minutes but the smoke proved so dense that entrance into the basement and in both f urnace room from which the smoke was pouring proved impossible.
Water was promptly turned on but the building is a brick veneered one, and it was soon evident that the fire had crept up the walls and that the building was doomed. Three streams of water were played upon the building at various vantage points but although no fire whatever could be seen dense volumes of smoke continued to pour from the basement and later from the roof of the building.
An immense crowd had by this time gathered and willing hands assisted the tenants of the block to get out their goods. Dr Brinkman lowered his goods from the front windows and Mrs. Jackson’s household effects and valuable collection of music were quickly taken from the rear. The valuable law library and papers of Bailey & McDonald suffered severely. When it became apparent that the fire could not be stayed the stock of the Bemidji Mercantile company and the shoe stock of E. S. Straw was taken from the building great loss being occasioned by the haste of removal.
The work of removing goods from the second story was attended by great discomfort and considerable danger. The rooms were filled with smoke and several of the workers were nearly overcome.
The day was chilly and the firemen had a most difficult task but every man of them worked bravely and unceasingly. From 12.30 in the afternoon until 11 o’clock at night three streams of water were kept playing on the building. For several hours the flames did not appear at all, but toward night it looked as though nothing whatever could be saved of the building. The firemen kept doggedly at the work, however, and their efforts were finally successful in staying the progress of the flames and saving the shell of the building.
The entire loss, as given above, aggregates almost $20,000 and of this amount the losers will receive about $10,000 insurance which had been carried upon the goods and building by the owners. The building was formerly the court house of Beltrami county and was remodeled three years ago by E. J. Swedback from a wooden building to a brick veneer structure, the lower rooms being occupied by stores and the upper ones for offices. Each of the tenants of the building have already looked up locations. The Bemidji Mercantile company will remove its stock to the building formerly occupied by I. Meyer & Co, Bailey & McDonald, the attorneys, will occupy the Miles block for a short time after which they will remove to the Hotel Markham block, and the other tenants have looked up locations but have not as yet decided where they will locate.
The most serious loss was felt by Mr. Swedback, as he valued the building at $8,000 and it is doubtful whether it could be replaced for the amount. Bailey & McDonald, the attorneys, feel very sorry over the loss of a number of valuable law books which were a part of their large library and which each member of the firm has striven to accumulate during the past twenty years. Many valuable files are also lost
Mr. Swedback will rebuild as soon as possible and intends to make the building a solid brick structure. He has already ordered glass and other material to replace the damage done to the building and will commence the clearing away of the debris as soon as the insurance adjustment is made.
Stray Embers. The crowd was as thick as the smoke.
The fire cut off all lights last night from the Swedback block to the court house on Beltrami avenue. Three fireman remained at the ruined building during the whole night to see that no new fire broke out.
E.S. Straw wishes to extend his heartfelt thanks to the firemen and the citizens who did everything in their power to save his property.
The day was a quiet one. A strong wind from the south would have made it difficult to save the wooden buildings north of the Swedback block.
The Straw shoe stock has been stored in the building formerly occupied by the Ross hardware store, where it awaits the coming of the insurance adjusters.
Bailey & McDonald this morning presented the fire department with a check for $25 in token of their appreciation of the faithful work of the department. Senator Swedback takes his loss very philosophically and speaks in the highest terms of the work of the firemen and of the assistance rendered by citizens.
M. Ibertson was compelled to move all his belongings out of his building next to the burning building. Mr. Ibertson’s building was not at all damaged by fire however.
The cause of the fire is a mystery. Several of the tenants had left the building but a few minutes before the alarm was turned in and none of them suspected fire. A big fire had been built in the furnace in order to carry over from yesterday noon until today. The furnace top is more than two feet from the ceiling, however, and the furnace was tightly closed. All the steam pipes in the basement were covered with asbestos. A rigid inspection this morning failed to give any clue as to the cause.
Swedback Block Rebuilt
The Post office is to be moved from lower Beltrami Avenue to the Swedback block. Result of considerable agitation by residents who live in the residence districts on north end of the city. The building, now occupied by the post office, is part of the W. F. street estate and has been used for a number of years past. The change will be appreciated by residents. (2/24/1905)
Post office moved tonight from present site on Beltrami Ave. to the north room of the Swedback Block – 5 yr. lease (4/1/1905)
Bemidji Townsite & Improvement Co., H. A. Simons, Agent. Swedback Bldg. (June 2, 1905)
Charles Swedback, the census enumerator, expects to open headquarters in the Swedback block where all information relating to enumeration of our people can be given. This is a step in the right direction and Charlie should be encouraged by giving him every assistance. (June 2, 1905)
J.A. Hoff, Painting, Paper Hanging, Located in rear of Swedback Bldg. (1905)
P.J. Russell. Attorney at Law, Bemidji. Physician and Surgeon Office: Swedback Block Residence Phone office Phone 18 (1905)
E.E. McDonald, Lawyer, Bemidji, Office: Swedback Block (1905)
Senator and Mrs. E. J. Swedback of this city left this morning on the south-bound M. &I. passenger train for Minneapolis where they will make their future home. Mr. Swedback stated that he was compelled to make this move on account of the illness of his wife, Mrs. Swedback being afflicted with asthma. The Swedback family leaves a host of friends in this city who are sorry to have them move away from Bemidji. The senator will return in about three weeks and will make an extended visit here. (Nov 07, 1908)