The Army and Navy club, the recreation center for returned soldiers and sailors is going to be a great credit to the city of Bemidji and play an important role in the work for which It was established, occupying as it does the former location of the Penney store on Third street, ideally adapted for the Club headquarters. The store is spacious, has a fine appearance with tile ftoor, heated by furnace and well lighted. Bemidji business men have rallied to support and several private families have been generous properly furnishing the quarters. Here’s Co-operation. The lighting and fixtures were furnished gratis by the Minnesota Power and Light Company and current is also being donated. The city is furnishing the wood for the furnace, Baker’s jewelry has donated a piano, Barker has contributed a Victor machine and clock, Troppman has donated the use of a desk, Huffman & O’Leary has contributed a heavily upholstered davenport, the Northern National bank has helped, with several heavy chairs, and so has Mrs. Nangle and the Penney company that has the lease on the store is letting the club have the quarters absolutely without cost. Pennants have been donated for decoration and two large artificial palms add to the decorative features. Many chairs, several upholstered, have been donated, games have been supplied and what is wanted are newspapers and magazines, also musical records. The working committee In charge of the club is composed of returned soldiers from both camp and overseas service, and are in position to take good care of the returned comrades and look well after their comforts In a spirit of community and comradeship. Lieut. Tom Swinson Is chairman of this committee, and he is ably assisted by Harold White, Herbert Warfield, Elbridge Lord, Earl Thurber, Norman Kittleson and Nat Given. Other Minnesota cities are providing just such service and Bemidji should be one of the best in the state. (Feb 12, 1919)
Exploring the Rich History of the Bemidji Area