This home was first owned by Paul and Irene Winklesky. He was born in Germany and was a freelance carpenter and contractor. They were a Catholic family and members of St. Philip’s parish.
We know when the house was built because of two mechanic’s liens on it. This was customary and is helpful in learning the history of homes in Bemidji. The Smith-Minor Lumber Co. filed a lien against Paul Winklesky for $69.25 and interest accruing from Jan 1, 1908, for delivery of building materials, to-wit: doors, windows, flooring, sheeting, dimension, boards, and supplies used and now built in and about that certain one and one half story dwelling house situation upon the premises of lots 3 and 4. The first delivery of such items was Oct 5, 1907 and the last item of such materials was furnished Dec 12, 1907.
The Smith-Minor Lumber Co. filed a lien against Paul Ed Holmes for $76.66 and interest accruing from Jan 1, 1908, for delivery of building materials, to-wit: doors, windows, flooring, sheeting, dimension, boards, and supplies used and now built in and about that certain one and one half story dwelling house situation upon the premises of lots 3 and 4. The first delivery of such items was Oct 5, 1907 and the last item of such materials was furnished Nov 27, 1907.
It seems a little backward but his purchase of the two lots actually came after he built the house. Winklesky paid $300 to the Bemidji Townsite company for these two lots on Dec 14, 1909. Perhaps a realtor can explain why this was common practice.
In 1910, they lost their first-born child, Harold. Just four years old, his death was attributed to Bright’s disease, an old-fashioned medical term for kidney disease. The little one had been ill for several days and everything was done for his relief. Earl Geil, fire chief, requested all members of the Bemidji Fire Department to meet at the fire hall for the purpose of attending in a body the funeral of the little son of Paul Winklesky. The funeral was held at the relatively new St. Phillip’s church with Rev. Father O’Dwyer officiating.
In 1916, Paul Winklesky was pleasantly surprised with a birthday party at this address. He was born June 8, 1888. Cards were played at four tables. A buffet luncheon was served. A color note of pink was carried out with spring flowers. The guests presented Mr. Winklesky with a handsome writing desk. Among the guests were Florence Jackson, Carroll Hill, William Laliberte, Scott Stewart, Gregg Malone, William McDonald, Herbert Doran, John DeRushia, Mr. and Mrs. Halvorson, Miss Lida Ecklund, Agnes Peacha, Mr. and Mrs. C. G. Ecklund and Mr. and Mrs. D. Gainey.
Between 1919-1920, they moved and were renting at 417 Minnesota Avenue with their three children, Elizabeth, Lester, and Earl. Elizabeth was a piano music student of Sister Dorothy’s at St. Cecelia Music Studio conducted by the Benedictine nuns on Bemidji Avenue. The students held their music recital on June 2, 1919 at St. Philip’s Hall. Oh, how I remember those music lessons in the basement of St. Philip’s School. Sister Gertrude was very demanding, but she also was a good teacher. And the recitals – waiting off stage to walk out there and play the piano with no music. I always wondered why organists get to use music at their recitals, but pianists had to play from memory!!
Willian and Bertha Currie moved into the home. Tragedy struck the home again when Jack Currie, nine-years-old, passed away at the Lutheran hospital after undergoing an operation. His death was a shock to the community as he was ill only a short time. Funeral services were held from the Presbyterian church. Interment was made in Greenwood. Jack had a brother Archie and a sister Grace.
Paul and Irene Winklesky sold the property for $2200 to Byron Dilley on August 21. 1923. Byron and Burdena Dilley sold the property to Joe McGrath on Aug 11, 1926 for $3400.
Joe McGrath was full Irish. He and Ida bought this house as a relatively young couple. Joe and Ida Hartje were married at Pennington in 1921. He owned a furniture store and was an undertaker. His business was at 323 Minnesota Avenue. They moved to 600 Bemidji Avenue about 1941.
Joe and Ida McGrath sold the house to Morris and Esther Grandlund for $1 and other valuable considerations on June 26, 1945.
Morris and Esther sold the property to Paul and Eleanor Patnode for $7000 on June 17, 1947.
The home then stayed with the Patnode family. The family moved to Bemidji in 1947 where Paul Patnode began employment with the Nash Finch Company which lasted until his retirement. He was an excellent cook, loved telling stories and always enjoyed a good laugh. He enjoyed working as handyman and craftsman of wooden toys in his shop and working at the parish clothing depot. He was an active member of St. Philip’s parish and the Knights of Columbus. As a member of the Knights for 56 years, he achieved the honor of a Fourth Degree Knight and for many years he took pride in his management of the Knight’s hotdog stand. Within the parish, he served as a Eucharistic minister, usher, greeter, and he helped with the school marathon. He had a “green thumb” and took pride in the lawn and garden. Mrs. Eleanor Patnode taught fifth grade at St. Philip’s School for 11 years, retiring in 1980. She was on St. Philip’s parish council, served as an officer and committee member for St. Ann’s Guild and taught in the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine program. She worked with Meals on Wheels and was active in Delta Kappa Gamma. Five Patnode children grew up in the home. Dianne, Robert, Michael, Mary, and Charles. Rev. Msgr. Michael Patnode, age 73, passed away at his home in Bemidji.