Bemidji Tribe No. 39
The house committee on Indian affairs reported a bill for the establishment of the Independent Order of Red Men in the Indian Territory. (Mar 29, 1900)
Red Men emblem pins for sale at Jones & Ross’ Jewelry store. (Mar 29, 1900)
About twenty Tribes of the Improved order of Red Men will be in Bemidji July 27, 31, [1900] inclusive. There will be an excursion here from all points between West Superior, Wis., Duluth, Minn, and Larimore, N. D., on all roads. Thousands of people are expected. Bemidji will maintain her reputation for hospitality. The citizens will decorate their residences and places of business, and the town will be adorned in her gayest attire. Thanks are due to the city council for donating the bowery and city hall for the amusement of the guests, the Red Men, and “pale faces,” and virtually placing in their hands the key of our city. For kindnesses thus bestowed the local Tribe hereby extends thanks to the city council. Our people in general welcome the coming guests. Let us so treat them that they will speak kindly of our town after they go away.
The occasion of the Red Men’s pow-wow here was as successful as were similar ones undertaken by our people heretofore. All preparations had been made for entertaining all who came and we believe none of the visitors had any reason to kick over the manner of their reception or treatment while here. J. I . Reynolds acted as Big Chief of Reception .and the braves of the local tribe, No. 39, togged up in war paint to guide the visitors through Bemidji’s happy hunting grounds. About 200 visitors from Brainerd, headed by the unexcelled Dreskells Band, arrived on a special car Sunday forenoon and were marched up to the wooden statue of “Chief Bemidji” on 3rd street. About noon the big delegations arrived in 11 coaches from the west. The Crookston and East Grand Forks bands were along and vied with each other in seeing which could furnish the best quality and quantity of music. The Red Men and their local bands fell in line and marched in double ranks over the main street of the town. Their good appearance was greeted with admiring cheers by bystanders all along the way. Three extra coaches from the east brought many visitors from Grand Rapids, Cass Lake.
After dinner the visitors were in a panic to make a sortie against the lake, and the steamers, sail and row boats were captured as contraband. About three o’ clock part of the crowd gathered at the arbor on the lake shore. An introductory speech was made by L. Reynolds, followed by a few words of hearty welcome by Mayor Dudley. Mayor Campbell of Crookston made a pretty reply on behalf of the outsiders. Then the bands lengthened the program with more delicious music. After supper the lake craft united in free rides and wound up with a torch light procession, which made a good showing for our water fleet. The Brainerd train left about nine, taking its band and most of its delegations. The western train left about ten o’clock with the Crookston band , and probably a third of its morning passengers. The Grand Forks band and manv of its people were not satisfied with one day’s pleasure and remained until Tuesday. And we love them all the better for it. Monday forenoon there was another parade and an excellent exhibition given by our fire department at the city hall. The fire boys deserve praise for the spirit they show—in making a showing for the town in fire or peace they are always willing workers. Chasing the greased pig, climbing the pole, foot races and a tug of war were features strung through the afternoon and evening to furnish fun for the multitude. With the circus, street fairs and the prize fight, there were enough attractions to keep the (CONTINUED ON EDITORIAL PAGE) (Pioneer, Aug 2,1900)
Firemen’s Tournament: After the meeting at the hall the procession was formed which, headed by the Bemidji band, marched about the principal streets of the city. The Park Rapids team was accorded the lead, with 18 men; Crookston, 13 men; East Grand Forks, 3 men; Bemidji, 28 men; Red Men, 56; Bemidji’s steamer and hook and ladder truck; Naylor’s furniture float; Fitger’s beer wagon; the ice man; Wes Wright’s Dray line; Three Guardsmen, a comical outfit drawn by one mule, driven by George Kyle. (June 20, 1901)
RED MEN’S ANNUAL BALL Crowning Success of All Previous Years—Another Score for Bemidji Tribe, No. 39. The grand annual ball given under the auspices of the Bemidji Red Men in their new wigwam on Wednesday evening, Nov. 27, was a brilliant affair and exceeded all expectations, both in a financial and social way. One hundred and twenty-three tickets were sold; of these 78 wore taken up at the door. The dance was well conducted throughout, and everyone spoke highly of its management. A goodly portion of Bemidji’s most prominent people were in attendance, and they decided to renew the affair if the present able management will announce and make preparations for a late date in December or New Year. (Dec 5, 1901)
BEMIDJI REDMEN Election of Officers for the Following Six Months. The ceremony of raising up of chiefs for the following 6 Moons Took Place at the Red Men’s hall on January 21. The best of material was selected in the present progress of the growth of the tribe will undoubtedly be greatly increased. The retiring officers are confident of the abilities and qualifications of their successors and will aid the men in their duties to fulfill the requirements of the members. A large class of pale faces are now waiting for the warpath and the warriors are more than anxious to test their power and endurance. They now boast a membership of 150 and a continued flow of applications. Because once installed they know they are members of one of the best and most charitable organizations in existence. The hand of good fellowship is extended to all and will be demonstrated next Thursday at our social at which time the Redmen will extend an invitation to their paleface friends. (Jan 30, 1902)