Bemidji Woodmen Cut Out a Wide Swath While in the Twin Cities Last Week. Bemidjians may be few in number, but when they collect in even small squads and go out of the city as representatives of the town, or any organization in it, they seem to attract their share of attention and return with whole hides, and another shingle attaches to their reputations as wide awake, whole-souled, good fellows. Thus has it always been, and may it continue so to be. Last week a large delegation of Woodmen, accompanied by our famous band, went to St. Paul to take part in the national assembly of that organization. They did not make a very imposing appearance, but they gave the large concourse of people there that they were really Woodmen of the most approved pattern. They were not uniformed, but held a prominent position in the grand parade, while they succeeded in obtaining for their band the advance of the Minnesota division in the parade, which was an honor we can all claim a share of. The band was also awarded second money, $75, in the Minneapolis parade, 20 bands being in line. The local Woodmen and band were quartered at the Market hotel, St. Paul, of which Frank Thome is proprietor (brother of our Matt), where they were used like princes. Frank gave the boys a tallyho ride through the principle streets of St. Paul. Thus it will readily be seen that the Bemidji delegations, or even individuals, when they go abroad do not forget their schooling that there is no other spot on earth quite so dear to them as home, sweet home. (June 20, 1901)
Woodmen hold Public Installed. The officers of Bemidji Camp Number 5012, M.W.A. were formally installed last Thursday evening. After supper the tables were cleared away and everyone took part in the dance which followed. The best of good humor prevailed and everyone enjoyed themselves until about 4 o’clock. Many invited guests were present to witness the ceremony. Bemidji band, all for a good Woodmen, were present and gave a concert lasting about an hour, after which supper was called, prepared by the Royal Neighbors for this occasion.
After supper the band furnished a few more pieces select music, after which the tables were cleared away to make room for the dancers. Among the speakers were Deputy John Mickelson, and H. J. Loud Bemidji. The Woodmen is the largest order in the world. The dance was prolonged to the early hours when the gathering dispersed, everyone feeling well satisfied. (Jan 30, 1902)
M.W.A. AT TURTLE Bemidji Officers and Foresters Leave Home to Work. About twenty-five members of the local Woodman camp went to Turtle River Friday night to assist in the reorganization of a camp there, under the care of Deputies Horton and Compton. Great preparations were made at our sister village for the care of the visitors. Th« Ladies Aid and the various hotels and restaurants furnished excellent suppers, and a jovial hospitality pervaded the town. The failure of the Bemidji band, however, to appear was a great disappointment to all. The meeting was held in the large school building there, and scores of visiting neighbors and candidates crowded the room. 20 candidates were adopted, who including the old and prospective members, gives Turtle a strong camp of about forty members. Chief Forester Glidden and his Bemidji team did fine and warm work and old veterans of the lumber camps were willing to admit that Glidden had the huskiest lot of “undercutters” that ever wore mackinaw. Banker Shinn, Clerk Smith and Escort Carson, of the Bemidji camp took these stations at the initiation, Worth Advisor Foster acting as Venerable Consul in the absence of Z. W. Lindberg and A. M. Greeley as Worthy Advisor. This large and enthusiastic gathering showed the growing popularity of Woodcraft. The initiation, followed by election of officers and other business, lasted nearly till dawn, but every moment was so keenly enjoyed that there were no deserters, except your reporter, who upon attempting to get some sleep awoke to find his bedroom full of enraged neighbors and his neck full of Turtle River lake ice. We may add that the ice was not half as hot as the Neighbors.