Minnesota weekly times. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1859, 1856-05-24
EXCELSIOR.

l
of what people say is the most popular Journal
in Minnesota, to make few notes by the way
for the special benefit of settlers in this new Ter
ritory, and to give expression to my feelings as
to the comparative merits of different localities
that have come under my observation. 1t has
been my good fortune to spend few daye at this
pleasant village of Excelsior, and notwithstand-
ing the many, places have visited in the Terri
tory since arrived, mono has met my expecta-
tions SO fully rs this. Some persons may differ
with me in what constitutes the true elements of
comfort, happiness and prosperity, and that
may not be misunderstood, will in a word give
my ideas on this point: First, wish to live
where it is decidedly healthy; then want good
soil and good water next good school, post
Office and good minister; to have plenty of
lumber for building and fencing and wood for
fuel to be out of the way of wind and last
| though not least, the amusements Of hunting and
fishing. The possession of all these advantages
constitute, in my opinion, the chief elements of
comfort in this life. Having defined my position,
let if all these advantages are found in any
one place. Some persons are so foolish as to
suppose that they will find in western town of
one or two years growth, duplicate Of Albany,
Cincinnati or Buffalo, with fine brick houses all
finished and waiting for them-lots obtained for
a song and plenty of land joining town all fenced
and partly broken, for dollar and quarter per
acre. A little experience will teach such people,
what common sense ought to, that all places rs
well as all things, have beginning.
EXCELSIOR is situated on the south shore of
Minnetonka Lake, one of the most remarkable
and beautiful sheets of water have ever seem
l am tod the town has been settled between two
and three years. All the advantages mentioned
above, the settler will find in and around this viii
lage. The point appears quite as good if not SUI
peror to any in the Territory. post Office,
Hotel, and store are in full operation; also a
| good school and steam saw mill that turns out
its thousands of feet of lumber daily and as to
religious privileges, they have preaching every
| sabbath by their pastor, the Rev. Charles Shell
don, man whose talents, manners and courtesy,
judging from so short an acquaintance, would do
| honor to any society and be an ornament to any
association. Some seven or eight buildings have
been erected here this spring and as many more
| contracted for. There is one popularity about
this town with which am well pleased, which is.
| good building spot but also room for a good
garden with shade trees, is obtained. The settler
has az advantage here which he cannot get in
other towns. Good lots Of this size can be pur-
chased here at much less price than lots of one
fourth of an acre in many towns of ooe half its
size which have visited. A Bible Class and
Sabbath School are in operation. Most Of the
| trades are represented here, but they need car
riagc and cabinet maker. The men who first
start these branches of business cannot help but
make handsome fortunes. Farming would, /
think, be good business, as there is any guam
ty Of oak in this vicinity. This town is the Sec
ond in size in the county, and from its location
and ether advantages, bids fair to be place of
much notoriety for both business and pleasure.
said Minnctonka very remarkable lake.
| 1t is indeed so. 1t is not single lake, as one
would suppose, but succession of lakes connect
cd together on one level, interpreted with beau
tiful islands, varying in size from 20 rods Of
| ground to 275 acres or more. An idea of its
size can best be had by stating its circumference,
According to the surveys, it is over one hundred
miles, measuring around the shore. Bass and
pickerel are caught in abundance, and if sailing
| at pleasure with the hook and line, possess any
charms for pleasure seekers, they can have them
| here. Most of the inhabitants of Excelsior
are from New England and should judge they
brought with them their intelligence, enterprise,
| and habits of Industry which are the striking
cha racteristics of the Yankees. Perhaps You will
Judge from this that I am Yankee, which
| I am not ashamed to own. Excelsior 10 Is
miles from St. Anthony, a little south Of
west, and 25 miles from st. Paul. 1t may be
reached from the latter place by way of Fl.
Smelling, or from the former through Minneapo-
lis, the present county seat, direct. It is also
miles north of Shakopee, a 6ne town on the st.
Peter river.
Young men, if you wish to locate in a moral,
thriving, business town, go to Excelsior. Me-
chanics and men of business bring your families
along; your children can be educated, and you
can find plenty Of business that will pay well.--
Lovers of pleasure, there is room for you =, the
fish are not all caught and Eolus has many .
breeze with which to GIL your sails. Gamblers,
legs, and scarlet they say you are not
wanted and had better stay away. There are
a great many towns on paper from which eman-
ates much gas, bat have net seen any here, al
though tell them in justice to themselves and
for the benefit of settlers, that they should take
SEINE pains to let the whereabouts Of their places
be known. For the benefit of .emigrants from
the East, would here state thai the soil Of MIN
nesota is fine, quick, and very productive. Craps
Il - Ill xk~E I:.k