In the late 1890’s, a village school was located on the corner where the Fire Station is now located on the corner of 5th Street and America Avenue. A new school was built, but In 1899, there were so many primary students that showed up for school in September, that Miss Moon was assigned to teach the primary students in the old building on America Avenue. To the surprise and shock of the school board, over 70 students showed up for each of the two primary rooms, and they quickly had to decide to hire another primary teacher. (Sept 7, 1899).
By 1914, it was just a vacant corner lot on America and 5th with small dwelling at back of lot with entrance at 310 5th St. (Sanborn, 1914)
A dwelling was built there in the 1920’s and occupied by Mrs. A. M. Garland (1927-28). In the 1930’s, it was occupied by the Chris Becker family, and as I grew up, it was a popular corner for the neighborhood where many ball games were played.
Chris Becker was a disabled World War I veteran. In 1961, a new roof was put on the Cliff Becker house at 422 America thanks to an all-day roof-raising given him by the Bemidji Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 160. Becker purchased the materials for the new roof and the Vets, under Commander Warren Soli, volunteered to put on the shingles. (Sept 1, 1961)
Christoph Becker died in 1963. His wife, Marie, died Oct 11, 1968 at Bemidji Hospital. Her home was still at 422 America Ave.