GREAT NORTHERN RAILROAD Dec 4, 1897 The Great Northern Extension. Bemidji, Minn., Special, Dec. 4. —The construction work on the Great Northern in this county […] Read More
Hon. M. A. Clark was born in Dane County, Wis., in the year 1869, and, came to Bemidji in 1899 from Norman county. He remained […] Read More
Edwin Trask – Early pioneer of Bemidji. His land was later occupied by the Chicago Box & Crating Company and Crookston Lumber Co. Mill No.2. […] Read More
John F. Eichstadt of Bemidji township was born in Germany Nov 10, 1857. He came to America when 25 years of age and about ten […] Read More
Its tale begins in 1919, when the land was purchased by Morris Kaplan with the intent to create a manufacturing plant. When he grasped how […] Read More
Name is often misspelled but should be Marion Ellsworth Carson. In his obituary, it is spelled M. Ellsworth Carson. Born 1863. In May 1890, M. […] Read More
Carl Carlson, blacksmith, built the first dwelling house on the west side of the river in the late fall of 1896 near the lake shore […] Read More
904 Mississippi Avenue This house was built in 1900. The neighborhood got a little attention in the fall of 1912 when two three-year old boys were […] Read More
E.J. Swedback was the first resident at 201 Irvine Ave S. Swedback moved that house to the corner of Eleventh and Bemidji and remodeled it […] Read More
The Boston Block was located at 321 Beltrami, on the southwest corner of 4th & Beltrami. This block was constructed very early and houses the following […] Read More
John W. Wilcox had the first agency in Bemidji for Overland cars. His agency was in Room 1 of the new Troppman Block in May […] Read More
George Cochran, the Bena logger has purchased the residence belonging to George Tanner at 500 Minnesota Avenue, and will hereafter make his home in Bemidji. […] Read More
Three Edwards sisters came to Bemidji in 1912 from Watertown. They opened a millinery shop and were respected seamstresses for decades. Agnes, Fayal, and Real […] Read More
Bernard Strand was born July 10, 1921 in Bemidji to Burnt and Mabel (Sather) Strand. Grew up in Blackduck. During his high school years, he […] Read More
Harry F. Geil was a very involved citizen of Bemidji. He moved with his family from Millbank, South Dakota to Bemidji, Minnesota on May 31, […] Read More
Born in Torven Norway on June 19, 1874. According to alien registration form, John Adams entered the U.S. via Boston on June 1, 1905. He […] Read More
A big military triplane, accompanied by ten men from the Overland Aviation Mechanics Training School on the midway in Minneapolis, left Minneapolis by motor truck […] Read More
Maddie Kincannon was born on one of the Thousand Islands near Cape Breton, Nova Scotia on October 19. 1865, and came to Wisconsin with her […] Read More
Saloon Changes Hands. Hyland & Thompson have disposed of their saloon at the corner of Minnesota Avenue and Second street to John H. Sullivan, who […] Read More
Knights of Pythias Choose Officers at Meeting Held Last Night. At a meeting of local Knights of Pythias lodge last night, the following officers were […] Read More
A. Royal Arch Masons Masons Occupy Their Beautiful New Temple on Beltrami Avenue. The new Masonic Temple at the corner of Beltrami avenue and Fifth […] Read More
St. Philip’s Court No. 1294 St. Agatha Court No. 739 United Order of Foresters
Trondelagen No.42, meets at Sons of Norway Hall
Bemidji Lodge No. 17, meets at Sons of Norway Hall
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 […] Read More
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 […] Read More
John Moberg started a logging operation south of Bemidji in 1899. Coming from the lumber camps in Wisconsin, Moberg had performed every logging job there […] Read More
Kate Braton married an Irishman, Isaac Michael Gaffney, and started out married life. Their first child, Martha, was born on May 1898 but only lived […] Read More
A Common School provided an education through 12th grade and graduates received a high school diploma. A Normal School provided a two-year program to prepare […] Read More
First graduate of Bemidji High School in 1901. Nellie Shaw was a member of the Literary Society which held debates open to the public with […] Read More
The John Larson Saloon was located at 214 Third Street from about 1910 to 1914. It was mentioned frequently in the Dumas trial as a […] Read More
W. A. Gould and J. M. Richards were employees of the Crookston Mill until 1907 when they split from Crookston Lumber Company and opened their […] Read More
This was originally the home of Melancthon and Gertrude (Colby) Ibertson from 1910 to his death in1939. She continued to live here until her marriage […] Read More
George Smith purchased Lots 11 & 12, Block 4 and also Lots 11 & 12 in Block 3 for $470 on June 20, 1904. I […] Read More
E.J. Swedback purchased lot 3, Block 5, Second Add’n from the Townsite Co. for $75 on Aug 21, 1905. E. M. Hoff owed tax and […] Read More
Albert Halverson moved here to 1110 Minnesota Avenue before 1910. He & Hattie Halverson were already living nearby in 1905 at 1215 Beltrami Ave. He […] Read More
This was the home of Ralph “Oscar” Zachman and his wife Mary Anne. According to real estate records, the house was built in 1965. He […] Read More
The house was built about 1910. Karen Rood, widow of Edward Rood, and her son, Ludvig Rood, who was a traveling salesman, were living here […] Read More
F.A. Beroud, a single man residing in Bemidji, transferred this property to Nels Loitved for $150. Nov. 7, 1912. No Listing in 1916-17. On July […] Read More
This single-family home was built in 1939. It sets back a bit from the street and has a huge yard. It was the home of […] Read More
According to real estate records, there was an earlier house here and then a second one built in 1948. J. L. Kemp (1910-1911) Mrs. C. […] Read More
This neat little home was built about 1910. It had a series of owners until owned by James Heggie. Benjamin Erickson (1910-1911) Henry Revoir (1916-17) […] Read More
Elmer Heggie married Dorothy Waldron on June 11, 1939. He built this home and they lived here from 1939 until his death on May 20, […] Read More
Dr. Lewis Ward and his wife Jennie Ward, both homeopathic doctors, came to Bemidji about 1899. They had received their degrees at the Hahnemann Medical […] Read More
Sam Marin was born on Jun 16, 1866 in Michigan. Sam Marin, a prominent saloon keeper, was shot and fatally wounded on Feb 1, 1913 […] Read More
Mr. Schultz was born in Hinchinbrook, Canada, April 8, 1848. He was married to Arbelle McKnight on Nov 29, 1868. To them 11 children were […] Read More
While in mid lake before noon today, the 26-foot $600 launch, “Keemar” owned by Harry Masten, director of the Bemidji band, was caught in a […] Read More
M & I Train Races Mules from Bemidji to Farley (1913) Trainmen on the M & I road are laughing at the crew in charge […] Read More
Falling Tree Kills Torkel Hagen, Lumberjack (1913) Torkel T. Hagen, a lumberjack employed in one of the Crookston camps at Island Lake, was instantly killed […] Read More
James Noonen was run over last night by a Great Northern train and decapitated. The accident occurred about 200 feet east of the depot and […] Read More
Power Dam Completed by Warfield Electric The big power dam, which has been in process of erection at the rapids in the Mississippi river, some […] Read More
William Henry Halladay was born June 22, 1857 in Pennsylvania to Joseph G. Halladay and Mary Martha Strong. He first came to Bemidji in 1893 […] Read More
Considerable talk arose Sunday morning upon the discovery of the death of Sjur Tong, whose sudden demise gave evidence of foul play. Several outside newspapers […] Read More
The only original “Pine Tiger,” famous to local police circles and around the row, was in police court this morning to answer to a charge […] Read More
John S. Smith, Lumberjack, Interred near Camp John S. Smith was taken sick at Foy’s camp Saturday morning while eating breakfast. He commenced to choke […] Read More
Thomas Woods Bell was born in Mercer County, Pennsylvania in 1852. In 1872, he married Marguerite Brown at New Bedford, Pa. He came to Bemidji […] Read More
After a long and painful struggle with a serious complication of diseases, resulting at last in typhoid fever, Bert Sisley passed to the silent beyond […] Read More
Charles C. Woodward was born in 1857 in Illinois. He moved to Todd County as a child with his parents and siblings and was located […] Read More
The remains of George Grett, who had been working in the woods for the Red Lake Transportation Co. at Nebish, was brought in to Undertaker […] Read More
John Washburn of this city died at 3 o’clock this morning after being ill with diabetes for over a year. Mr. Washburn was confined to […] Read More
Dr. W. R.Morrison graduated from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, then served a year at the Northern Pacific hospital at Brainerd. He came to […] Read More
First Brew of German Champagne Will be Made at Brewery Soon. Contractor Greenlaw Hurst arrived Saturday night from Wadena to put the finishing touches on […] Read More
Herbert Warfield and Harold White have purchased the sailboat “Squall” from C. D. Lucas, and already have the boat in the water and ready for […] Read More
Tonight will see the formal dedication of the new Carnival association toboggan slide at the foot of Tenth Street and the lake, and the event […] Read More
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 […] Read More
Complaint is being made of a band of gypsies that came to Bemidji a few days ago in eight covered wagons and camped on the […] Read More
Harry Geil was born April 14, 1850 at Clayton, Iowa. The Geil family came to Bemidji May 31, 1895 and were active in affairs here […] Read More
Born at Pine Island, north of Rochester, Feb. 28, 1871, Mr. Geil moved to Bemidji in 1895. A graduate of Milbank, S.D. high school, Mr. […] Read More
Henry Fallon (1864- 1934) James H. “Henry” Fallon was born in Reedsville, Mass. He came to Bemidji about 1904 to work as a scaler in […] Read More
Next Saturday, February 11, seventeen of Bemidji’s brightest young ladies’ who comprise a Sunday school class of the Methodist church, under the instruction of Mrs. […] Read More
Angvall Brothers, wholesale bakers located on Third Street at Bemidji are benefiting by the continuation of the C.C. camps in this region. They have the exclusive […] Read More
Miss Casindana Brown was born in Watertown, N.Y., Feb. 19, 1824. She was married to Mr. J. F. Remore on Feb. 1st 1848, at Pillar […] Read More
BRILLIANT ILLUMINATED ARCH IS AN INNOVATION Barker’s Drug. Store and Brinkman Family Theater Are Made Centers of Attraction. In these days of the coming of […] Read More
Franklin Gardner Willsey, 87 years of age, a resident of the Bemidji vicinity for about 30 years, passed away Sunday afternoon, April 14, at the […] Read More
Omund S. Huset, one of Bemidji’s early days rural mail carriers and a pioneer farmer of Frohn township, died at his home on August 21, 1943, […] Read More
Caps Stolen From Crookston Lumber Co. by Mill Park Boys.—John Lindvall Injured. An explosion, of a dynamite cap blew the flesh off the thumbs and […] Read More
Old Plantation Quartette and Jubilee Singers at City Hall Tomorrow. The concert to be given tomorrow night at the city hall by the Old Plantation […] Read More
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 […] Read More
Falling Tree Kills Lumberjack While acting in the capacity of under-cutter, while cutting trees, at Crookston Lumber company camp number 5, near White Fish Spur, […] Read More
Thos. Walker, Hurt While Loading Logs, in Very Critical Condition. Thos. Walker, aged 23, lies at St. Joseph hospital in St. Paul in a very […] Read More
Frank Dumas Meets Death in Waters of the Big Fork River. Remains Taken Downstream – Not Recovered. Frank Dumas, a woodsman, was drowned at Ripple […] Read More
Pioneer Tailor A. D. Moe, 1900 Census for Bemidji. Tailor. Born in Norway March 1866. Wife Martha, b. May 1874. He immigrated from Norway in […] Read More
The Lutheran congregation of Ten Lakes township lost their church Thursday night by fire. The building had been used during the week for school purposes […] Read More
Oscar M. Johnson and Agnes Melhorn were married on Dec 8, 1922 in Bemidji. They built their home in Bemidji on 15th Street. Oscar was […] Read More
217 Beltrami Avenue Bemidji Club Saloon, Charles Campbell (1904) John Dalton has accepted a position at the Bemidji Club saloon. (Sept 1904) The application of […] Read More
A large party from Grand Forks Bay were passengers on the Yankee Doodle Friday afternoon to the dam. The dam is from five to seven […] Read More
Capt. W. B. MacLachlan has made arrangements with G. W. Cochran, Sr., to take care of his hotel boat service. The “Yankee Girl” is the new […] Read More
Graham Torrance, County Attorney It was Mr. Torrance who secured the first conviction in Minnesota under, the I. W. W. law passed by the state legislature […] Read More
RAISING FLAT CARS FROM LAKE Crookston Lumber Company Men Hoisting Cars at End of Dock Many Crookston Lumber Company employees together with the crew of […] Read More
“Naish” McKinnon, Colorful Bemidji Resident Dies at His Home Here. Ignatius (Naish) McKinnon, retired pioneer, who has watched the steady growth of Bemidji since the […] Read More
This was the home of Isaac Streeter in 1904. Oliver Anton Rudhe married Hilda Hartin in Bemidji on May 16, 1908. Myrtle was born May 31, […] Read More
Major Adam E. Otto was born Jan 1, 1876 at Milwaukee, Wis. He joined the army when he was 22 years old, going with the […] Read More
The Lake Bemidji passenger boat Bemidji Star will be stationed at Birchmont this summer, according to announcement made by George A. Port, licensed operator. The […] Read More
William H. Elletson was born at Kingston, N.Y., June 7, 1863. He was 58 years and 24 days old at the time of his death, […] Read More
This was the home of Paul and Anna (Peterson) Foucault. They were at this address by 1920. Paul Foucault was born in Canada. He moved to Bemidji […] Read More
This was the single family home, built about 1910, where the Collard family lived for decades. They were there by 1912 and were in the […] Read More
Sam Collard moved to Bemidji about 1903. He established a Harness Repair Shop in the rear of the city hall in 1905. “Mr. Collard has had […] Read More
ANTON ERICKSON TAKES CHARGE OF POSTOFFICE (1908) New Postmaster Assumed Position Last Night. Will Make No Change in Present Corps of Employees. Office Is in Excellent […] Read More
This was the home of Dennis Considine and his family for nearly 50 years, although the property was first owned by Mrs. Harriet Clark [1906-1912] prior […] Read More
1113 America Avenue This was the home of William and Otto Grimm. They built the house about 1920. A complete surprise to Mrs. P. M. Dicaire was […] Read More
The steamboat “Viking” will make trips to Hanson’s place, north end of the lake, every Monday and Thursday hereafter. Will arrive at Hanson’s place at 1 o’clock p. m. […] Read More
Judge Hiram A. Simons, a resident of Bemidji, for 22 years and one of the oldest members of the local bar, passed away at his […] Read More
Wm. P. Foley, Pioneer Bemidji Businessman, Died at Age 88. Mr. Foley came to Bemidji in the early lumbering days. He was born in Underhill […] Read More
The Bemidji Bluebird Orchestra went up to Big Falls yesterday where they played for a dance last evening. The orchestra consists of four high school […] Read More
The park board is now fixing up the old high school site on America avenue between Sixth and Seventh Streets to be used as an […] Read More
Champions of the United States are glorying in their triumph over championship dairy demonstrations teams from practically every state in the Union. The Bemidji Dairy […] Read More
Andrew A. Warfield, pioneer businessman and banker, died at his home, 711 Lake Boulevard, at the age of 87 on Nov 4, 1955. Mr. Warfield […] Read More
A.O. Akre, 85, a pioneer Bemidji business man, died Nov. 3, 1955 at Lutheran hospital. He had lived in Bemidji since 1903, when he purchased the […] Read More
Mrs. A. A. Warfield, widow of a pioneer Bemidji banker, died on Jan 11, 1957 at her home at 711 Lake Boulevard after a prolonged illness. She […] Read More
The “Stone Front” is the name Al Robbins has given his new saloon on 3rd Street. It opened for business Monday. The structure is a […] Read More
Bartlett was a pioneer resident and veteran Bemidji barber. As noted by the Bemidji Weekly Pioneer, “Fosston is losing two first-class tonsorial artists. Messrs. Bart […] Read More
Charles Frederick Schroeder was a pioneer settler of this district and one of the best known farmers in the state. During Mr. Schroeder’s long residence […] Read More
This was the home of George Deibert and his family from 1964 until at least 1989. Wednesday, May 8, marked the tenth anniversary for Deputy […] Read More
City Directory Entries: Albert T. Stevens (1939-40) (1942) Douglas Sommerville (1946) (1951) (1956) Leo Cooper (1964) (1967) (1970) Thos. L. Strowbridge (1974) (1978) (1982) (1989)
This was the home of James J. Deneen (Who’s Who in Minnesota 1958). He moved to Bemidji in 1953 and became the City Manager. He […] Read More
This was the home of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Rood from approximately 1912 to 1927. Oliver C. and Lewis. E. Rood, were, previous to the establishment […] Read More
Lots 1 and 2 were sold to Rose Winter for $500 on Oct 18, 1921. The home is best known as the home of the […] Read More
The Hamm’s Brewing Company of St. Paul is erecting a warehouse on the shore opposite the B & N depot. The building will be 16 […] Read More
Frank E. Dudley is a prominent business man of Bemidji, a member of the board of county commissioners, and an all around hustler. He came […] Read More
A stalwart woodsman was put down and out in one of the fastest rough and tumble events which has recently occurred at Jens Hansen’s saloon, early this morning. Henry […] Read More
A stalwart woodsman was put down and out in one of the fastest rough and tumble events which has recently occurred at Jens Hansen’s saloon, early this morning. Henry […] Read More
Joshua Miller, a woodsman, who has been employed at one of camps on the north line was found wandering about at Nymore yesterday in a demented condition and was […] Read More
Martin Kruger, a woodsman, was slugged with a sling shot and robbed of $6 in the rear of a Minnesota avenue saloon last night. A man named McGuire, who followed […] Read More
Fred M. Malzahn came to Bemidji from Niagara, N.D. in 1895 and his shrewd business insight was such that he saw a bright future for […] Read More
The title to the land where Bemidji now stands was originally acquired in 1883 by Philip Reilly, of the John Martin Lumber Company of Minneapolis. […] Read More
This was the home of Earl and Vesta Kerns. Earl Kerns came to Bemidji in 1939 as director of the band and the orchestra at Bemidji […] Read More
This was the home of Chauncey and Golda Prange for over 50 years. Chauncey Prange was born on Christmas Day, 1903 and married Golda Getty […] Read More
G M. Carson, Judge of probate, was a resident of this locality since the spring of 1894, and a resident of the timbered country of […] Read More
The firm of Naylor & Young consists of E. L. Naylor and H. M. Young, who came here from Wadena, Minn., in May, 1898, and […] Read More
The Beltrami County News is owned and edited by C. R. Martin, one of the bright editors of the state. He established his paper here […] Read More
The Bemidji Pioneer is one of Bemidji’s excellent newspapers, and is published by Edward Kaiser and A. M. Greeley. Mr. Kaiser cae to Bemidji Feb […] Read More
(Information quoted from A History of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Seventy-Fifth Anniversary by Philip von Rohr Sauer, booklet held in the research room of the […] Read More
Swedback Block, 401 Beltrami Avenue, later the site of the Johnson Corner Drug in the 1950s. John Swedback and E. J. Swedback purchased Lots 23 […] Read More
Iver B. Olson was born in 1866 in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota to Norwegian parents. He was married about 1896 to his wife Inga. They were […] Read More
Ted Smith’s Three Guardsmen/ Dahl’s Cafe/ Snider’s Cafe/ Clementine’s The building which has been used since last fall as a billiard hall and bath parlor, […] Read More
Ole E. Anderson and John Croon purchased Lot 1, Block 19 on May 4, 1899 from the Bemidji Townsite & Improvement Company (1/481) and paid […] Read More
Scott T. Stewart, Bemidji Pioneer Businessman, Dies. Death came to Scott T. Stewart, one of Bemidji’s long time residents and a former business man on […] Read More
This beautiful corner residence began with the delivery of lumber and materials by Swedback Brothers to George W. Stone and the Bemidji Townsite & Improvement […] Read More
John Steidl has commenced operations at his sawmill on Lake Irvine. Mr. Steidl will run his mill from now on, to its full capacity, sawing […] Read More
L. H. Bailey has platted the 80-acre tract lying just north of the Carson Addition. The lots in this new addition will be out on […] Read More
The Bemidji Baseball Club was organized last week with the following officers: E. V. Coon, manager; Allie Brenner, Captain; Fred Nason, Secretary and treasurer. The […] Read More
Jesse H. Scarrott, formerly of Crookston, has secured one of the best locations at the foot of Third Street on Lake Bemidji and will run […] Read More
At a meeting of the school board held Tuesday, the new school house was accepted. It is a beautiful two-story brick structure, with a seating […] Read More
This home was built in 1937 for Anton Hoganson. He lived there until he retired in 1949. Anton O. Hoganson was born in Spring Valley, Wisconsin […] Read More
Lots 5 & 6 were sold to Glenn R. Martin on April 11, 1913 for $250 from the Bemidji Townsite Company. Baptist Bible training class at […] Read More
George W. Slater bought lots 7 and 8 on Oct 7, 1911 for $350 from Townsite Company. George Slater, an employee of Ottertail Power, and […] Read More
Built about 1920. It became the home of Dr. Vandersluis in 1936. Charles Wilson Vandersluis, Jr. was born in Walker on Nov. 8, 1906. He […] Read More
Albert Treichel of Ada purchased the corner lots from C. E. Battles. Mr. Treichel expects to commence building on these lots at once and complete […] Read More
The Ladies’ Aid of the First Scandinavian Lutheran Church will be entertained at the home of Mrs. I. Nygaard, 1217 Bixby Avenue, on Wednesday afternoon […] Read More
Tent of Maccabees (K.O.T.M.) Edward J. West, after putting in two weeks in Bemidji, succeeded in organizaing a very good tent of the order of […] Read More
The Order of Benedictine Sisters has decided to open a hospital in Bemidji at once. Mother Scholastica was in town on Saturday last, and rented […] Read More
At a meeting of the Bemidji school board last week, the contract for the new school house was let to W. H. Cordin of West […] Read More
Swedback Brothers yesterday dismantled their mill on the edge of the marsh and completed its removal to Lake Irvine, where they will in a few […] Read More
The sale of the Hotel Remore property to Geo. McTaggert and Earl Geil has been practically agreed upon, though not yet closed up by transfer […] Read More
The Lady Bemidji Carl Carlson, Admiral, the Head of the First Steamer on Lake Bemidji – The Lady Bemidji Launched a Week Ago Carl Carlson, […] Read More
Home built in 1910. Bemidji City Directory Information: P.A. Hoffman (1912-1913) (1915) Mr. and Mrs. P. A. Hoffman moved to Virginia. Mrs. Hoffman was the […] Read More
Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Witting have moved into one of their houses at 1211 Bixby Avenue. (May 22, 1912) Adolph Edward Witting (1861-1941); Alice Porter […] Read More
Mrs. Sam Olson advertised to sell some furniture at this address (1910) Mrs. Fuller is guest of Mrs. G. H. Strickland (Oct 17, 1913) W.A. […] Read More
This home was built in 1910. Reese Loranger was the resident here in 1920-1921. Mrs. Reese Loranger won several prizes at the county fair in […] Read More
A. P. White came back from Deer River on Tuesday, and on Wednesday the fixtures for the new bank building arrived. Today the carpenters were […] Read More
This was the home of Leon M. “Pinky” Johnson and his wife Lois from 1939 to his death in 1987. Leon Johnson was born April […] Read More
The site for the college was selected by a committee and presented to the state legislature. The tract chosen comprised from forty acres and ran […] Read More
FAMOUS SUMMER SCHOOL TENT — The old timers at Bemidji State College always will tell the new faculty members about teaching in a tent during […] Read More
Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Mathews, who form the very popular vaudeville team of Mathews & Mathews, have returned to the city from a trip through […] Read More
During the coming year, school will be held in the three buildings belonging to the district as last year also in the Meyer’s dwelling at the […] Read More
1001 Mississippi Avenue AYB 1920, EYB 1983 Miss Vera Campbell entertained a few friends at a fudge party at her home, 1001 Mississippi Avenue, Monday […] Read More
Marion A. Aldrich, a pioneer resident of Bemidji, was born in Barron County, Wis., Aug. 2, 1878 and his marriage to Glendolia Sprague took place […] Read More
Frank Freeman, teamster, reportedly lived at this address in 1907. In testimony given regarding a neighbor, he said that he had lived at the address […] Read More
Animals Driven By Frank Freeman Narrowly Escape Drowning. Lake Bemidji is still unsafe for teams. After making six trips with tamarac wood from Diamond point to the north […] Read More
The Hillgrove/Huck Family owned this home from 1904 to 1975. William Hillgrove was a stone mason. He and Elizabeth lived at 707 Irvine in 1904. […] Read More
Lot 4 sold by C. F. Ruggles to Harry M. Young on Sept 16, 1899 for $35. (7/238) For Sale: Six-room house at 1103 Mississippi. […] Read More
D. G. Miller was listed as a blacksmith on the June 1, 1900 census. He owned the D. G. Miller Blacksmith & General Repair Shop in […] Read More
Charter Has Arrived and Bemidji’s Latest Fraternal Order Will Become Reality Enthusiasm Sworn by team Members Causes Other to Join First Officers Selected. Stein Dictator […] Read More
“White Plague” Snuffs Out the Life of Popular Young Man. Untimely Demise. Age 33. Wagon Maker. Chronic heart disease and tuberculosis. Morey Miller, son of […] Read More
Reuben Miller was born Jan 15, 1868. He came to Bemidji in 1900 with his parents, D. G. and Anna Miller, and operated a gunsmith […] Read More
After having advanced well on the road to recovery from injuries received from a fall on cedar poles July 31 at Turtle River when four […] Read More
Florence Lorraine Huck, 92, of 707 Irvine Ave. died June 4, 1975. She had been a resident of her home on Irvine Avenue since 1904 […] Read More
Chinaman Sent Back Home. Tong Yong, an oriental who has been employed at the Sam Kee laundry in this city for some time past, was taken away by Inspector […] Read More
C,W. Jewett closed a. contract with Alex J. Sloan, the well known Chicago auto racing manager, to tour the West with Mr. Jewett’s special Ford […] Read More
Henry P. Minton, Frank Minton, and Stella Minton were all teachers living at this address in 1904. Henry P. Minton, 90, one of the few […] Read More
In 1901, a builder completed the big white house at the corner of Bemidji and 8th Street. Ole Gennes was the owner of the Svea […] Read More
803 Bemidji Avenue In 1901, a builder completed the big white house at the corner of Bemidji and 8th Street. Ole Gennes was the owner […] Read More
Malzahn Block An organizational meeting for the First Presbyterian Church was held on August 24, 1896 in the Malzahn building. This building was purchased by […] Read More
The Nangle Block was listed in the city directories at 217-221 Minnesota Avenue for the older building (1898-1911) and at 300 Third Street for the […] Read More
Owing to the crowded condition, the Board was authorized to purchase the Catholic church which is being fitted up to accommodate two grades. Two very […] Read More
Fred Foote, the self confessed murderer of Matt Gannon, who was shot at the Cathcart hotel bar in Baudette on April 9 1905, this morning […] Read More
The only original “Pine Tiger” famous to local police circles and around the town, was in police court this morning to answer to a charge […] Read More
After completion of the third floor of the new hospital, the delivery room moved to a small room beside the operating room. Because of the […] Read More
202 Minnesota Avenue, Blk 18, south end of Lots 13-16, Orig townsite Merchants Hotel, Merchants Saloon (1904) Matt Mayer is getting along nicely with the […] Read More
Andrew Aubolee was born in October 1872 in Norway. He was naturalized in 1892. He came to Bemidji about 1898. Acquired a patent for land […] Read More
John Larson Vinje was born in Vinjeora, Norway in 1874. He came to the United States in 1888, settling in Bemidji in 1898, where he […] Read More
William H. Roberts was born in New Richmond, Wis., in May 1863. Prior to coming to Bemidji in August 1897, Mr. Roberts lived at Hamilton […] Read More
Leo Poppenberg was born in Stillwater, Minnesota in 1881. Mr. Poppenberg came to Bemidji in 1899. Since the age of sixteen, he had worked for […] Read More
Original lot (Block 2, Lot 16) sold by the Bemidji Townsite Company to Joseph S. Swan on Mar 27, 1901, for $125. J. S. Swan […] Read More
Built about 1910. This was the home of the Tom Symons family. In 1909, Tom Symons moved with his wife and daughter, Margaret, to this city. The year […] Read More
Gibbons Block, north of the Markham, 214 Beltrami Avenue Delay Caused In Placing Front In Gibbons’ Block. When placing one of the large plate glass […] Read More
“Tip Toe” is the name of a cute launch owned by the City Boat House people. A large row boat has been fitted up to be […] Read More
The Mayflower has begun its regular ferry trips to the head of the lake. (May 2, 1901) Some invited guests were generously entertained by the […] Read More
Among the better boats are those owned by John Kelsey, “The Beltrami,” a new $4,000 boat he has built this winter, when completed will be the […] Read More
M. S. Titus who has a cottage at Lake Side, has launched his new boat “Lavinia” on Bemidji and will no doubt have many pleasant trips with it throughout […] Read More
A merry party started out in the “Swallow”, with their lunch baskets, from Grand Forks Bay this morning and went to the Mississippi outlet to picnic […] Read More
LAUNCH “LUTEFISK” NO. 2 New Steamboat Built By Lumber Company In Water “Lutefisk” number two, has been launched and will be put into use this […] Read More
Temporary Hospital Equipped for Twelve With five patients being cared for, and equipment and room enough to comfortably care for twelve, Bemidji hospital located at […] Read More
Forty Year old Tug Belonging to the Lumber Company Sinks in Fifty Feet of Water Lutefisk Goes to the Bottom. The good ship Lutefisk, operated […] Read More
When the ice in Lake Bemidji went out last week, it took the W. L. Brooks $150 sailboat along. Mayne Stanton and A.L. Barker attempted […] Read More
Neil McDougal was born on the Island of Morrell, Scotland on January 27, 1829. He emigrated to the United States of America from Kenora, Canada […] Read More
George Rhea was born in Illinois in 1878. Mr. Rhea came to Bemidji in 1903 as an employee of the Great Northern Railway. He resigned […] Read More
FIRE ON THE HILL Four Houses of Prostitution Went Up in Smoke This Morning About Three O’clock. The first really destructive fire in the history […] Read More
Tho 100-foot ladder from which the high dive is made into a net at Minnesota avenue and Fourth street, fell to the ground last night, and Mrs. J. P. […] Read More
Carnival Grows in Interest With Balloon Ascension and Other Attractions. This has been the best day of the carnival. Ideal weather, increasing crowds, and growing […] Read More
Bank Saloon Mr. A. Clavin of Little Falls, bought the Ed. Boyd lot on Third street and is putting up a building for a first […] Read More
Philip O’Leary was born about 1867 in Canada and was one of the leading businessmen of the town for several decades. O’Leary came to Bemidji in […] Read More
O’Leary & Bowser Block, 202 Third St. P. J. O’Leary came to Bemidji in 1898 and opened a general store together with W. N. Bowser. […] Read More
Blk 2, Lots 23 & 24, Original Townsite. Purchased by Philip J. O’Leary from Townsite Co. on April 7, 1902. Excavation has begun for two new […] Read More
Excavation has begun for two new elegant residences on the corner of Minnesota avenue and Eighth Street. The firm of O’Leary & Bowser will each […] Read More
J.A. McDonald purchased Lot 6, Block 3, Original Plat on June 5, 1900 from Bemidji Townsite Company for $125. E.H. Smith, C. M. Smith (1904) […] Read More
Lots 13 and 14 were sold by Bemidji Townsite Company to W. F. Street on Sept 3, 1898 for $175. He then sold lot 13 […] Read More
John Parker was born in Stillwater in 1859. He was first engaged in logging and ditch contracting work throughout Northern Minnesota. He moved to Solway […] Read More
Thomas Maloy, 79 years of age, one of Bemidji’s oldest and most respected citizens, died at his home on Beltrami avenue April 3, 1914 following […] Read More
School District #4 was organized. Pearl Geil was hired as teacher for two months, to end Nov 1, 1896. Ida Olson, Anne Nelson, Laura Nelson, […] Read More
A school meeting was held Wednesday and decided to build school house, cost not to exceed $800.00. Site was not decided on. Bond district $400. […] Read More
Joseph Steidl was one of the earliest settlers in Bemidji, arriving in 1895. Frances, daughter of John and Julia Steidl, is the first recorded white […] Read More
This house was built about 1900. It was owned by Arthur Corcoran (1904) Little Miss Lorraine Aldrich entertained a few little friends at her home, […] Read More
This family home was built in 1912. Mr. and Mrs. M. Eastman of Superior, Wis., arrived in the city yesterday to make their home at […] Read More
This property appears to have been owned by the Irwin family. John W. Irwin was a Scotsman, born in New Brunswick, Canada. [or Maine] He […] Read More
Waldron W. Browne was born in Georgia in Sept 1867. Married to Bertha Mehring on October 16, 1899 in Hennepin County. They lived in Bemidji […] Read More
John W. Irwin was a Scotsman, born in New Brunswick, Canada. [or Maine] He became known throughout northern Minnesota as a partner in the Irwin […] Read More
Roy Bliler built a house there before 1910. His daughter Ardath was born there in 1910. That was before there was running water, sewer or […] Read More
Roy Kasson Bliler was born on December 8, 1874 in Minnesota. Roy Bliler came to Bemidji in 1898 when he was 22 years of age. […] Read More
Kelsey’s “Indian Girl,” One of Fastest on Lake, to Make Regular Trips. The “Indian Girl,” a new power boat, built by its owner, John W. […] Read More
A great deal of interest has been taken by the younger people of Bemidji in a-new toboggan slide in front of the Andrew Warfleld residence on Lake Boulevard. […] Read More
P.J. Russell was known as the pioneer lawyer of Beltrami County. Patrick Jerome Russell was born in Belle Plaine, June 6, 1862. He took a […] Read More
John F. Essler was born in St. Peter, Minnesota on May 13, 1870. He had been in the clothing business for many years before coming […] Read More
Andrew and Grace Warfield came to Bemidji about 1899 from Duluth. Andrew Warfield bought lot 8 and 9, Blk 22 in July 1901 for $500. […] Read More
This house was first owned by E. F. Crawford, an attorney. The house was a log home built about 1895 that was moved in from […] Read More
Charles Miles was born about 1873 in Winston County, Mississippi. He came to Bemidji and purchased the Great Northern Saloon. He built the Golden Club […] Read More
Mrs. J. J. Jinkinson Thwarts a Would be Thief in the Carnival Crowd Last Night, and Teaches Him a Lesson That Should Last for a […] Read More
Blue Front This corner, lots 11 and 12 of Block 17, on the southeast corner of Minnesota Avenue and Third Street were sold by the […] Read More
Three Guardsmen, 205 Second Street “Three Guardsmen” — This is the romantic name to be given to a first-class saloon to be opened to the public soon […] Read More
F.A. Mayo first owned this property. He has had plans drawn for additions to his residence which will make it one of the most handsome […] Read More
In 1915, J. M. Richards lived in a two story home and in 1918 sold it to Q. A. Brooks, who added an apartment to […] Read More
This house was built in 1900. In Sept of 1912, the neighborhood was worried when two small boys, age three years, were lost for several […] Read More
New High School Building Is Now Occupied, and Congested Conditions Are Relieved. Removal and Changes Made Very Expeditiously. Bemidji’s New High School Bemidji’s three public school […] Read More
This quality article on the early history of Bemidji’s schools was found in an early edition of the Bemidji Pioneer (May 2, 1901) and gives a fine history […] Read More
This quality article on the early history of Bemidji’s schools was found in an early edition of the Bemidji Pioneer (March 21, 1901) and gives a fine […] Read More
This quality article on the early history of Bemidji’s schools was found in an early edition of the Bemidji Pioneer (March 7, 1901) and gives a fine […] Read More
J.J. Trask next season will launch on Lake Bemidji the swellest kind of a steamer. Mr. Kelsey, our local designer, has built for him a […] Read More
The pupils in east Bemidji, from the first to the sixth grades, until the new building is completed, will attend school in the Poor Farm building, […] Read More
Mrs. F. H. Lambert and Mrs. W. B. McLachlan entertained very prettily yesterday afternoon at a boating party. The City of Bemidji, which had been chartered for […] Read More
NORTH STAR Mr. MacLachlan operates the spic and span steamer, the North Star, which plies between the various resorts and beaches skirting Lake Bemidji. The […] Read More
NEW PASSENGER BOAT Former Bemidji Man Places New Service on Lake From Walker Dean Reynolds, formerly of Bemidji, but for ten years a resident of […] Read More
ICE BOAT WRECKED GOING AT EXPRESS TRAIN SPEED Crookston Lumber Co. Boys Have an Exciting Spill Damage Soon Repaired. John Lucas’ big ice boat, “The […] Read More
The “Moose” was built in 1900. The “Moose” had a mast, and was used as a sail boat and that MacLachlan had used it on […] Read More
Edward Jerrard was born about 1870 in Wisconsin. He came to Bemidji from St. Cloud in August, 1899, being one of the first to arrive […] Read More
“SEE JONES” GONE Steamboat Belonging to W. C. Jones Has Been Lost Since Last Sunday. The “See Jones”, a valuable steamboat of which W. C. […] Read More
A pleasure party of 32 Bemidji people chartered the Shadow for an afternoon’s outing, Tuesday. (1900) I.O.O.F. Picnic Fair and smiling was the day which […] Read More
222 Minnesota Avenue Saloon (Sanborn Map, 1909) Saloon was destroyed by fire in January 1912. The new building put up by George Kreatz at the […] Read More
Grand Forks Saloon, 220 Third Street Grand Forks Saloon, owned by E. K. Anderson (1904) Ed Anderson, the genial proprietor of the Grand Forks saloon […] Read More
Conley & Dudley, 220 Third Street. Conley & Dudley’s new saloon on Third street was opened in due form Tuesday night, and the Bemidji band […] Read More
Peerless Saloon, 201 Minnesota Ave. The Peerless saloon on Minnesota avenue has been closed by the sheriff. A. E. Gauvreau was the proprietor. (Feb 11, […] Read More
Arcade Saloon, 400 Minnesota Ave. (1904) The fire department was called out last night at 3:30 to extinguish a blaze in the rear of the […] Read More
E. J. Swedback was the first resident at 201 Irvine Ave S. Swedback moved that house to the corner of Eleventh and Bemidji and remodeled […] Read More
406 America Avenue Samuel Robinson and Agnes McConnell were married in 1898. They were two of the earliest residents of Bemidji. He purchased a business […] Read More
On the west side of Irvine Avenue there was a very large house which was owned by Fred W. Rhoda in 1904, and next by […] Read More
417 Irvine Avenue The first resident listed in the 1904 directory for this address was Joseph Barney, a local bartender and his wife. By 1907, […] Read More
421 Irvine Avenue Matt Thome, a saloon owner, moved to Bemidji in 1899 and settled with his family at this address. You may have noticed […] Read More
The original house at 608 Bemidji Avenue was owned by E. M. Bigelow, head bookkeeper for the Crookston Lumber Company. He put it up for […] Read More
BUS LINE A SUCCESS Auto Service to Nymore Made Use of By Many. The three Carter boys, who recently established an automobile bus line between […] Read More
This was the home of Dr. George Palmer and his wife Mable Palmer and then of H. Z. Mitchell. Dr. George M. Palmer moved to […] Read More
Anyone who has walked or cruised up Beltrami Avenue has surely noticed the beautiful stone house on the northeast corner of 10th Street and Beltrami […] Read More
This house was built about 1905. Anton R. Erickson and his wife Carrie were at this home by July 1907 and lived there until about […] Read More
At first this was the home of A. D. Moe, who was regarded as the very best tailor in Bemidji. His business was located downtown. […] Read More
The Elletson family resided at 1110 Beltrami Avenue from 1910 into the 1970s. W. H. Elletson, a carpenter by trade, wife Emma and two sons […] Read More
This was the home of Jens Opsahl in 1909. Accordin to the 1910 census, Jens Opsahl, Wife Clara; Sons Roy, Leo, and Morris were at […] Read More
The Ladies Aid society of the Presbyterian church will meet at the home of Mrs. H. N. Douglass, 1100 Beltrami avenue, Friday afternoon at 2 […] Read More
In 1912, the large white house at 1001 Beltrami Avenue was the home of Charles and Lela Vandersluis, owners of the Bemidji Hardware. It next belonged […] Read More
Dr. Justin T. Tuomy was born in Scio, Washtenaw, Michigan on Nov 30, 1876. He was a graduate of the University of Michigan at Ann […] Read More
This property is a small house built in 1908. It was owned by A. L. Bergum in 1912; L. A. Runyan in the 1920s, and by […] Read More
This house was built in the 1940s. It was the home of Ray and Dorothy Stephenson until his death in 1983. They owned Steve’s Grill […] Read More
417 Beltrami Ave. This lot was one of the few lots on the block still unsold during World War I. Charles Battles purchased the lot […] Read More
The Bemidji Townsite Company sold these two lots 13 and 14 to Christa Wallace, a single woman on October 1914 for $300. She built the […] Read More
This local church was organized on May 16, 1925. The first meeting place was at the church built on a corner lot at 824 America […] Read More
Methodist Episcopal Church/First Methodist Church/United Methodist Church In 1898, some citizens of the community started working on establishing a new Methodist congregation and appealed to […] Read More
The several ice boats now on the lake are doing a thriving business, judging from the jolly crowds that go skimming over the ice almost […] Read More
W.B. MacLachlan, who owns the large launch, “North Star,” on Lake Bemidji, has prepared an excellent skating rink on the ice at the end of Third […] Read More
“LUTEFISK” NO. 1 “Lutefisk” Goes to the Bottom. The good ship Lutefisk, operated by the Crookston Lumber company as a herder of stray logs, went […] Read More
Father Philip Murphy was the first priest to hold services in Bemidji. He was educated in Brooklyn, New York, and completed his studies at St. […] Read More
An unknown man, apparently in the middle stage of life, is dead at the Blackduck hospital, where he suffered with typhoid fever, the result of exposure and privation sustained while […] Read More
The promoters of the building of a new boat house at the foot of Fourth street expect that the building will be constructed next winter, and if the success which […] Read More
Joseph M. Markham was born at Chester, Mass., Jan. 24,1858. He came to Minnesota in 1877 and worked on a farm, subsequently going to the […] Read More
George Markham was born at Holyoke, Mass., Nov. 9, 1885, and came to Bemidji at the age of 15 with his brother J. L. Markham, […] Read More
Paul Foucault was born in 1875 in Canada. He was a resident of Duluth in 1900, but moved to Bemidji on April 2, 1902. He […] Read More
This was the home of Cliff Morlan, the beloved Pioneer sports writer in Bemidji from the late 1930s to the 1970s. He played football for […] Read More
The Aardahl Lutheran Church, which is located in Section 30 of Frohn township, was organized in 1896 at an organizational meeting held in the home […] Read More
The work at Northern was started in 1928 when Oak Hills Fellowship entered the willow grove area, four miles northwest of Northern. Ten years later, […] Read More
Rev. Lars O. Opsata held the first public service of this congregation in the home of Syvert Dokken on August 4, 1898. At this service […] Read More
Ensign Miller and Lieutenant Worman organized the local branch in 1899. “The Salvation Army started work here Dec 6, 1899 under Ensign I. G. Miller of […] Read More
Christ Markusen was born in Goodhue County, Minnesota on May 19, 1869. He grew up in the area and married Marie Bergum on June 6, […] Read More
The Nymore Lutheran Church had its beginning in 1905, when a small group of devout Christians met at the home of Mathew and Marie Larson […] Read More
Masonic Block, Block 11, Lot 1, Original Townsite The Masonic Block, built at the corner of Fifth & Beltrami Ave., was one of four handsome […] Read More
W. D. Ford, who was connected with the Turkish bath parlors here last winter, has been in the city the last two days. He has circulated a paper among […] Read More
The Knopke block was at 319 Beltrami Avenue. Charles Knopke and John Graham had the Bemidji Meat Market in this block. Gust Brown then ran […] Read More
Gypsies Here Again. Five wagons carrying a large gypsy band, stopped on Fourth street this noon until a new wheel was fitted to one wagon. While the blacksmith […] Read More
F.D. Coleman & Co., General Merchandise (Nov 27, 1902) Dr. A. Ray, a dentist of Minneapolis, was in town this week, and has secured rooms […] Read More
Were there really 50 saloons in Bemidji, 100 saloons? Or just how many were there really? When Charles V. Vandersluis was mayor, there were 28 […] Read More
The large amount of home-grown strawberries that are being brought into the city by local horticulturists are a source of considerable pride to not only the parties who grow […] Read More
Mr. Goodman was born in Iceland on April 17, 1873 and came to the United States in 1878. He settled in Bemidji in 1898 and […] Read More
Earl Ames Barker, born in Iowa on Jan 27, 1879. Mr. Barker came to Bemidji in August 1900 and engaged in the jewelry and watch […] Read More
The First Presbyterian Church of Bemidji, Minnesota, has the distinction of being the first pioneer church in Bemidji. It had its beginning when a group […] Read More
Earle Barker came to Bemidji in 1900. He started business as a jeweler and watch repairer in 1900, and in June of 1903 purchased the […] Read More
This home was first owned by Andrew Clavin. It was sold to Fred Rhoda in 1907. The postal address for this corner lot has changed […] Read More
Fredrick William Rhoda was born on July 19, 1869, on a farm where the village of Swanville is now located in Minnesota to Albert Julius […] Read More
The new townsite of Nymore has been making quite a stir in real estate circles. The rather unique name arises from the fact that the […] Read More
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 […] Read More
The first mention of this residence in the newspapers is an announcement of the upcoming marriage of Otto Johnson and Miss Lavinia Arnitz. Their marriage […] Read More
In 1905, this house was occupied by Richard O. Richardson, and it was also the residence of Dr. G. A. Jones, a practical chiropodist, who advertised […] Read More
Charles Smith Dailey was born In Oakwood, Wabasha County, Minn., on July 13, 1877, and his childhood days were spent in Grafton, N.D. At 18, his family […] Read More
M. S. Maltby is the new proprietor of this popular hotel, which is conveniently located on Beltrami avenue, between Third and Fourth Streets. Mr. Maltby […] Read More
Henry Buenther was born in Germany in 1861. He was married to Louisa Maack on Jan 18, 1900 in Salt Lake City, Utah. They moved […] Read More
Samuel Cutter was born August 9, 1870 at St. Peter in Le Sueur County, Minnesota. He married Minnie Walker in Hennepin County on Sept 5, 1893. […] Read More
I.O.O.F. Picnic (1900) Fair and smiling was the day which the Bemidji lodge No. 119, and I.O.O.F., had chartered for their first annual outing on […] Read More
Alfred Collard was born in Arkwright, Ontario, Canada. He came to the United States in 1887, settling at Hillsboro, N.D. Later he moved to Halstead, […] Read More
One of the better-known Lumberjack Queens, who operated out of the Great Northern Restaurant in Bemidji, was “Dutch Mary.” She was not Dutch but had […] Read More
Peter Dahlquist, a lay missionary from Warren, Minnesota came to Bemidji in the spring of 1905. He was 61 years old. Bemidji was a rough […] Read More
Thomas Arthur Wheelock was a Bemidji resident since 1898 and was long associated with the city’s business life. Thomas Wheelock was born in Keene, New […] Read More
Dayton M. Larsen, Bemidji, recently stepped from the rank of cadet into the rank of the army air force fighter pilot, graduating from Eagle Pass […] Read More
The Chief Theatre was purchased from the Berger Amusement Company by the Baehr Brothers, A. W. and E. J., owners of the Bemidji Theatre. The […] Read More
Mrs. Ralph Grover was honored by being the most outstanding volunteer worker of the war service and rationing board at their award presentation meeting in […] Read More
GOING TO PARIS. Mart Adson, traveling passenger agent for the Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic Railroad, was in town last Friday, distributing literature and jarring up business for his […] Read More
Strangers who visit our beautiful little city, either on business or for pleasure, are not content until they have meandered along the banks of Lake Bemidji […] Read More
A. H. Jester, who took charge of the Bemidji Brewing Company July 9, 1912, has effected a number of changes in this institution which will […] Read More
Margaret Hultgren was born in Vadstena, Sweden on April 22, 1851. She emigrated to the United States in 1874. By 1895, she was a nurse […] Read More
The Cherished Hope of Local Masons for Year Past Has Been Realized. Commandery Instituted and Officers Installed Last Night. The showing made before the Grand […] Read More
A wind storm of unusual severity accompanied by a deluge of rain and an incessant flashing of lightning and roll of thunder, struck Bemidji Tuesday […] Read More
Mr. Omich was born in Oakland County, Michigan in 1846, and was married to Miss Rhoda Beebe, October 9, 1870. He was a graduate of […] Read More
City Scavenger Censured – Aug 13, 1903. The business section of Bemidji is in a very unsanitary condition, and the man supposed to look after […] Read More
Bemidji was known all over Northern Minnesota as the home of some of the fastest horses in the entire Northwest, and horsemen gave this city […] Read More
John A. Ludington had one of the best known hardware stores in Beltrami County. He conducted a hardware store known as the Builders Hardware and […] Read More
Bids for Sale of Old Water Tower and Tank. Notice is hereby given that the city clerk of the City of Bemidji will receive bids until 8 o’clock p.m. […] Read More
Charles Theodore Gould was born Oct 16, 1889 in Litchfield, Minnesota, the son of Edmund and Anna Gould. He moved to Bemidji with his parents […] Read More
Dana Silverius Gould was born in Litchfield, Minnesota on June 20, 1891. He moved with his parents to Bemidji about 1900. He attended the Bemidji […] Read More
Friday morning at 2 o’clock the gasoline in the city waterworks pump house exploded, sending the majority of the engine and pump house beyond reach of the naked eye, […] Read More
Miles Block, 3rd and Beltrami Ave, 301 Beltrami Ave. Workmen began tearing away the building on the corner of Beltrami avenue and Third street Monday morning […] Read More
The first meeting for the winter of the First Spiritualist Church was held at the opera house Sunday evening, November 22, 1902. The Bemidji orchestra […] Read More
The best definition I can find is that a “block” was a multiple occupancy building. In Bemidji, a block such as the Battles Block might […] Read More
John E. Flatley was born at Holland, Brown County, Wisconsin on January 16, 1873. On March 15, 1895, he was appointed U.S. post master at […] Read More
William McDonald was born in Canada about 1881. He married Margaret, born in Canada about 1880. By 1904, they were operating an ice cream parlor […] Read More
A buckeye by birth, Harrison Bailey came west in 1851, settling in Cedar County, Iowa, where he remained until 1886, then he went to Faulk […] Read More
Yesterday morning a baby, not more than a day old, was found near the Great Northern Railway track in this city. The baby had been placed in […] Read More
N.W. Brown is comfortably installed in the Ross building west of the Bazaar and “Brown’s Restaurant” is now open to trade day and night. (Aug […] Read More
All Men Are Urged to Respond. Tonight at 7:30 o’clock the first meeting of the local civilian military company will be held at the Elks temple […] Read More
W. F. Street was born at Council Bluff, Iowa, October 30th, 1854. He received a common school education, and at fifteen years of age went […] Read More
The Beltrami county training school began in this city last Monday with a substantial enrollment, fifty-five teachers being present. This is the first school of […] Read More
The wagon bridge which spans the Mississippi river at the outlet of Lake Bemidji, on the east side of the lake from the city, is being […] Read More
James Doran was born in 1841 in Emily, Victoria, Ontario, Canada. Mr. Doran came to Bemidji with his family about 1898 and was formerly engaged in […] Read More
John J. Doran was born in Hallville, Ontario, Canada July 27, 1873 and moved to North Dakota in 1896. In 1898 he came to Bemidji where […] Read More
The First Baptist Church had its beginning on Sept 22, 1898 when a small group of people met in the chapel car, Glad Tidings, with […] Read More
“King of Lumberjacks’ is Dead; Was Legendary Figure Here for Over Fifty Years Charles Patrick Donovan, well known as “Paddy the Pig,” died Monday at […] Read More
Absie Partee Ritchie was born in New River, Allegheny county, North Carolina, May 19. 1869. When 3 years of age his parents, Moses and Rebecca […] Read More
The First Seventh Day Adventist Church Bemidji was organized in 1918 as an associate of the Seventh Day Adventist organization. Elder M. Ruskjer was the […] Read More
Charles Wilson Vandersluis was born on Nov 7, 1877 in St. Cloud. He worked in stores there and at Brainerd before becoming a traveling salesman […] Read More
Thomas Phibbs, a younger brother to Matt Phibbs, was born in Jarvis, Ontario, Canada on Aug 30, 1870. He married Lulu Jeffries, also born in […] Read More
When it comes to old timers, Matt Phibbs’ name must be included as one of the first settlers. Matthew Phibbs was born to Irish parents […] Read More
To Fence Grounds. The board of county commissioners this morning awarded to Boyd & Erickson, of this city a contract for constructing a fence of brown sandstone around the court […] Read More
Francis Spinner Arnold was born Mar 1, 1867 at Washington, DC and attended law school in Georgetown University in 1892. He was a member of […] Read More
Creation of City’s Paul and Babe By N.E. Given In the early fall of 1937, the Paul Bunyan Carnival was organized with Hector Brown in […] Read More
Many immigrants came to this country in search of a better life. Some of our pioneers found it; others worked hard but never found the […] Read More
More than 4,000 trees, mostly jackpines, were set in the Paul Bunyan forest on the lakefront, according to W. A. Engstrom of the U.S. Forest […] Read More
Beltrami County purchased the Nursing Home located in East Bemidji which was operated by Mrs. Gerta Peterson under a license issued by the Minnesota State […] Read More
After tonight Bemidji will be served by two motion picture theatres instead of three as has been in the past. A deal was consummated Saturday […] Read More
Judge Hiram A. Simons, a resident of Bemidji, and one of the oldest members of the local bar, passed away at his home at 1403 […] Read More
Lafayette Johnson was born in Marion, Ohio in 1852 and came to Princeton, Minnesota in his early manhood and came to Bemidji in 1902. He […] Read More
Leslie Bailey was one of Bemidji’s most prominent and progressive citizens. Bailey was born at Wilton, Iowa, Feb. 25, 1860, the son of Harrison and Catherine […] Read More
Oscar Houske, one of the pioneer residents of Bemidji, died yesterday afternoon at his home at 504 Minnesota avenue. The cause of death was tuberculosis, from […] Read More
Mr. Sprague was born at Menominee, Wisconsin in 1863. He was married to Carrie Merriam in 1885 and came to Bemidji with his family in […] Read More
Frank J. Sprague, custodian of the county poor farm and one of the pioneer residents of Bemidji, died at St. Anthony’s hospital on July 2, […] Read More
James B. Sprague was born in Oakland County, Michigan in 1838, where he was raised until 18 years of age, when in company of another […] Read More
A special school election was held at the high school building for the purpose of bonding the district for $5,000 and purchasing two sites for […] Read More
A number of launch owners of the city are now planning to erect a large boat house on the shore of Lake Bemidji, and indications […] Read More
A meeting was held yesterday at the Commercial club by the merchants of the city and an organization was formed. The next meeting of the […] Read More
The long sustained effort of the people living on the stage route from Bemidji to the Red Lake Agency have at last resulted in having […] Read More
Erection of a modern downtown baseball park moved forward at the Athletic club meeting held April 12, 1914. The location favored for the new park […] Read More
George Cochran, Prominent Bemidji Contractor, would donate a site and purchase $1,000 in stock to establish a summer hotel on the shores of Lake Bemidji. […] Read More
One of the biggest mercantile deals ever consummated in Bemidji was closed, when D. S. Segal of Superior, became the new owner of the Berman […] Read More
Three hundred feet of channel will be dynamited by the Aetna Powder Company at the outlet of Lake Bemidji soon. The new bridge which spans […] Read More
Building will cost approximately $50,000. Will be Built on Share plan. Committee Names. Annual Charity Ball to be held on Lincoln’s Birthday will be Bigger […] Read More
Bemidji organized a hockey team and held its first practice of the season on Jan 8, 1914 on Lake Bemidji. Stanley Watt, for several years […] Read More
By the untiring efforts of J. J. Ellis, a drum corps has at last been organized with a membership of sixteen. Manager, Mr. Ellis; instructor, […] Read More
The first harness maker to open up for business in Bemidji was Frank J. Longcoy, who came here in the fall of 1895, and has […] Read More
Unimproved property is selling at high prices in Bemidji. Mrs. M. E. Brinkman purchased three lots at the corner of 3rd and Bemidji Avenue for […] Read More
In the coming to this city of Dr. Roland Gilmore, Bemidji has not only gained a physician who comes recommended as one of more than […] Read More
Crookston Lumber Co. began this morning to clear off the timber from the 100 acres of land on the south end of Lake Bemidji upon […] Read More
The Shevlin-Carpenter Lumber Company closed a deal with the Bemidji Townsite Company, whereby the former come into possession of over a hundred acres of land […] Read More
George Knight retired as Soo Line freight agent on October 18, 1960. He came to Bemidji when it was a thriving lumbering center in 1915 […] Read More
Peter M. Dicaire was born Jan 29, 1851 in Ontario, Canada. Peter moved to Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin in 1867. His brother and he worked at […] Read More
May McGregor came to the Bemidji area about 1908. On June 4, 1918 she was sent overseas to care for American soldiers fighting in World […] Read More
Ariston Lord wasa pioneer resident of Bemidji and a veteran employee of the Shevlin Carpenter Co. with which he was connected since he first went to Minneapolis […] Read More
Aardahl Cemetary was associated with the founding of the Aardahl Free Lutheran Congregation. Many of the first members were from a place called Aardahl in […] Read More
Hugh Wesley “Wes” Wright was born at Markdale, Gray county, Ontario, on April 11, 1870. When he was about 17 years old, he crossed over […] Read More
Callie Hazen was born Aug. 18, 1889, in Columbus, Kan., the daughter of Calvin and Mathilda Arnold. She came to the Bemidji area while young […] Read More
Euclid (Ernie) J. Bourgeois was a civil engineer who came to the Nebish area and worked as a surveyor in 1896. In 1898 he moved […] Read More
“I’ve worked all my life,” said 98-year-old Fred Troppman in an interview in 1970. “I guess that’s my bad habit.” Fred Troppman was in business […] Read More
Porter Nye, one of the earliest pioneers of Bemidji, died at his home, corner Eighth street and Beltrami avenue on Nov 8, 1905. Porter Nye […] Read More
Prior to coming to Bemidji, Al Jester had been sales manager for the Cudahy Packing company of Sioux City, Ia., and later traveled on the road for […] Read More
Anton O. Hoganson was born in Spring Valley, Wis. on June 4, 1878. He grew to manhood there. He and his brother, John, established the […] Read More
John O. Hoganson was born in Spring Valley, Wisconsin in 1877. He went into the dry cleaning business at Bemidji with his brother Anton Hoganson […] Read More
Agnes McConnell Robinson lived in this house for 42 years until her death on May 5, 1941. Samuel and Agnes Robinson built the house about […] Read More
Charles Edward Albrant was born in Dundas, Ontario, in May 1869, the son of Ezra and Susannah (Johnston) Albrant. He came to Bemidji about 1899 […] Read More
Richard J. Albrant was born at Winchester, Ontario on October 10, 1875. He moved to St. Thomas N. D., in 1893, then lived in Fargo, N.D. and […] Read More
J.P. Taylor was born at Augusta, Maine, in 1841. He came to Minnesota in 1884 and lived at Anoka, later at Elk River and Brainerd […] Read More
A pioneer resident of Bemidji, Mr. Skinvik played an active part in the organization of Bemidji and Beltrami county. Coming here from Crookston before the […] Read More
Mrs. Achenbach, whose maiden name was Maldie M. Kincannan, was one of the earliest pioneers of Bemidji, having bought the first lot on the platted […] Read More
Tom Fenson was born in China Sept. 24, 1887. Mr. Fenson came to America in 1914 to San Francisco, Calif., moved to Moorhead and later […] Read More
Tom Smart was born in Canada and came to the U.S. at the age of nine. He arrived in Bemidji at the age of 18, and […] Read More
John Patrick “J. P.” Pogue was a native of Vermilion County, Illinois. He came to Bemidji in 1898 even before railroads entered the Paul Bunyan country. He […] Read More
Graham McFarlane Torrance was born in Missouri in 1871. He started in 1903 as a member of the law firm of Gibbons & Torrance in […] Read More
A.B. Hazen was born in Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin, April 4, 1852. During the Civil War, he was left to help his mother as the […] Read More
Caroline Margaret Schmitt was born in 1896 in Wahpeton, N.D., to John and Christine Schmitt. In the spring of 1898 she came to Bemidji with her […] Read More
Nicholas Hirt was born in Minneapolis in 1873. He spent his younger years working at the harvests in North Dakota. He married Orissa Arnold at […] Read More
Clyde Bacon was born in 1869 in Ridgeway, Orleans County, New York. He was married about 1896. He and Emma made their way to northern Minnesota […] Read More
Familiarly known as A. A. Carter, one of the first mayors of Bemidji, and one of the city’s early real estate dealers. He came to […] Read More
Charles W. Scrutchin was the first black lawyer in Minnesota to practice outside of Minneapolis. He worked as a Pullman porter and hotel waiter in […] Read More
Thomas Johnson was born in Norway. He was an architect and contractor in Bemidji. He was an early resident. He was married on Oct 6, […] Read More
Alexander Duncan Cameron was born in Ontario, Canada of Scottish parentage. He left home while still very young to follow work in the early logging […] Read More
Earl Geil was Beltrami County treasurer for 34 years. Born at Pine Island, north of Rochester, Feb. 28, 1871, Mr. Geil moved to Bemidji in 1895. […] Read More
A full crew of 25 Bemidji firemen battled throughout the night to extinguish two disastrous fires, one of which wiped out the Stone-Ordean-Wells wholesale grocery […] Read More
The work of a budding young artist signing his name as Buddy was prominently displayed to all Bemidjians in red enamel against the aluminum background […] Read More
The Trondhjem Hotel was operating at this address as early as 1904, owned by H. M. Johnson. Ole Erickson purchased it and renamed it the Erickson […] Read More
Two hotels once existed on the east side of America Avenue between Third and Fourth Street. The Minnesota House at 314 America Avenue was operated […] Read More
The interesting yellow brick house at the intersection of America Avenue and Fourth Street was built by Frank Silversack. He was born in Wisconsin, homesteaded […] Read More
Amanda Grodland lived at this address in 1910. Joseph and Alvina Wells lived there in 1912-1913. Mrs. Wells had worked as a cook for Joe […] Read More
This was the home of John and Mathilde Thompson in 1910. John was a bartender for Ole Anderson in 1910. Ole Anderson and John Croon […] Read More
Cemeteries of Bemidji Four cemeteries served the Bemidji community. If searching for a burial in the Bemidji area, these four cemeteries would be the most […] Read More
Greenwood Cemetery Greenwood Cemetery is the final resting place for over 8,000 people who either lived in or had some tie to Bemidji. Greenwood has […] Read More
State approval was given to a WPA project to construct up to 30 modern homes in Bemidji to be rented at rents not to exceed […] Read More
A pair of Detroit Lakes steeplejacks were the center of attraction in Bemidji as they perched atop the 130 foot steeple of St. Philip’s Church […] Read More
The city council agreed to lease the American Legion building on Midway Drive to BSC for use for student housing. It was to be converted […] Read More
The west side of America Avenue was residential but also offered lodgings over the years. The first residents that we know of are Anton and […] Read More
A new retail store for the city of Bemidji, the Gibson Discount Center, will open to the public on Tuesday, Nov 15. The Center is […] Read More
A long standing chunk of the Nymore skyline was being dismantled uner the wrecker’s hammer. It was the large black coal dock astride the Northern […] Read More
Gas prices are falling again, as most Bemidji stations are now displaying the 28.9 signs. Bob Hiltz, Deep Rock proprietor, stated that two or three […] Read More
Indian leaders at the Red Lake Reservation led a boycott against Bemidji businesses because of what they consider an inflammatory radio broadcast about welfare programs. […] Read More
The Heldstab brothers of Crookston arrived in Bemidji to take over operation of the Bemidji Ice Co. after purchasing the firm from Tom Smart. Ted […] Read More
Flashing a red hot passing game, the Bemidji Lumberjacks closed out their season with a 5-3 record, downing Brainerd 24-0 at Brainerd. Bill Lawrence passed […] Read More
Bemidji was a bulls-eye as a parade of 36 fast new fighters roared in over the Municipal Airport during a three-hour period in a practice […] Read More
Bemidji Roller Rink, under direction of R. C. Sermon of Hibbing, has been leased for the winter and bids fair to become one of the […] Read More
Bemidji Airlines, Inc., the local company operating flights to the Twin Cities during the past summer, announced it would close down the business officially before […] Read More
One of the area’s oldest landmarks was razed in June 1966. The Beltrami County jail, first placed into service in 1899, was replaced early in […] Read More
For about ten years, I have been researching the buildings, residences and growth of Bemidji by reading old newspapers, city directories, and public records. The […] Read More
Of four Johnson brothers, two sets of twins who went to the war from Bemidji, three were killed in battle. The fourth, George Johnson, was held in this country […] Read More
HINES PURCHASES TRACT TO BE USED AS CEMETERY The town of Hines has purchased a five-acre tract one and one-fourth miles west of Hines on the Babcock road to be […] Read More
Blaze at Hakkerup’s Studio. The fire, which was discovered about 8:30 last evening, destroyed practically everything of value in the photograph studio of N. L. Hakkerup, on Third street, […] Read More
St. Philip’s church mixed the solemn and the zany in celebrating its 75th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Sunday. The solemn included a procession through a raw […] Read More
The city council moved to abandon the airport hanger project at the meeting held at the city hall in June and expressed their intention of […] Read More
Reconstruction of the Rex theatre building, which was burned to the ground Thursday of last week on June 19, 1919, was begun this week, and […] Read More
The Ralph Gracie post of the American Legion was temporarily organized at a meeting held at the club rooms of the Bemidji association Tuesday evening […] Read More
President Pennington of the Soo ordered the chief engineer to put a viaduct over the Soo at the Irvine avenue crossing. Mayor Parker pointed out […] Read More
Playing seven innings, four of which were during a heavy downpour of rain, the “Big Bemidg” and Crookston Lumber company baseball teams played a game […] Read More
Baseball enthusiasts of Bemidji have secured a lease for the coming summer upon block H, between Second and Third streets and between America and Irvine […] Read More
The handsome and exquisite dock that was constructed at the foot of Third street last spring by order of the city council, is at the […] Read More
A baseball club was organized last week with A. T. Wheelock, manager and J. Gibson, captain. Grounds for a diamond have been secured on Beltrami […] Read More
A new publication about Bemidji in the 1960s and 1970s is in the works. Some of the topics in the book will be the Bemidji […] Read More
I. L. Baptie, a brother of Baptie the skater, has started a first class skating rink near the dock at the foot of Third Street. […] Read More
Photographer Reed has rented office room above McLennan’s hardware store, opposite the courthouse, and will remodel it for his studio. He will remove from the […] Read More
After 42 years of living on the same farm, sharing the same seasonal workload, Mr. and Mrs. George Russell, Sr., decided they might be missing […] Read More
Members of the local auto club are working furiously in an attempt to keep some prized auto parts out of the iron jaws of the […] Read More
The first post office was established on June 18, 1894 at the Carson Trading Post on the south shore of Lake Bemidji. It was supplied […] Read More
A wind storm of unusual severity accompanied by a deluge of rain and an incessant flashing of lightning and roll of thunder, struck Bemidji Tuesday […] Read More
Welcome to BemidjiHistory.com. This site focuses on the rich history of Bemidji and the surrounding area. It is meant to provide “I remember that! moments for […] Read More
The trading post was running well in 1894 when Merian Carson wrote to Washington City and applied for a postal office for their store. Weeks later […] Read More
Do you remember Diamond Point Park, the Bemidji Belle, Tipperary, Library Park, the Timberlane Drive-In, The Red Onion, Herb’s Popcorn Stand? If so, then you must […] Read More
Featured are local news items from more than 40 years ago.