The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1880-12-02
LAKE CRYSTAL.
One Of the Most Progressive Towns In
Blue Earth County--Our Observances
nm tho Ma


Blue Earth County-Our Observancss
on the Why.
Taking advantage of leisure day last
Thursday, We drove across the snow-clad |
country TO Lake Crystal, 10 make the ac-
quaintance OF our many patrons thcrc,as well |
rs To familiariEc ourselves with the typo
graphy Of tho country. Tho drive was rather |
interesting the entire distance by the con- |
slant change Of scenery, which was rs varied |
az one could wish. Crossing the Blue Earth |
river, whose present frozen current IL span |
nod by one Of those fine bridges that Blue |
Earth county has 80 literally provided, we |
encounter the hills, the wooded ravlncs and |
the level plateau that forms the Typography |
Of South Bond township. Here, upon the |
great south bend of the Minnesota river lies
the now deserted. but once ilourishng village
Of South Bend, whose vacant but well-built
houses reminded us "a We passed along, of
Goldsmiths deserted Village" where he
says:
Sweet, smiling vilagel lovelicst of the lawn,
Thy sports are fled, and all thy charms with
Amidst thy bowers the tyrant's hand is seen,
And desolation saddens I'LL thy green!
About one mile from South Bend Is the
beautiful and picturesque Minneopa Falls,
whose glades, wales, and cozy hooks cntices
the numerous picnic and other parties during
the summer months. Leaving these behind,
we enter tho rolling AMI undulating prairics
Of the town of Judsun, passing many well
cultivated farms, farm houses ana herds OF
sleek looking stock, and finally discry the tall
tower IN the elevator at Lake Crystal, our
destination. Emerging from our wrappings,
and thawing out from our ride Of thirteen
miles, with the thermometer twenty degrees
below zero, We sailed forth upon our mission
and learned what perhaps many others knew
| before US, that the village OF Lake Crystal
was laid out in tho spring of 1853, under the
direction OF the So. Paul a. Sioux City rail-
| road company, whose line Of road runs
directly through the place, and NJ which point
the Blue Earth branch DIVORCES. Riley Rob
inson decided TO the above company at tho
| time they surveyed the plat, tho undivided
half OF sixty acres. ana l.. o. Hunt the unGi-
vided half Of fourteen acres. Mr.. Hunt also
donated the company sufficient land upon
which % build their grain elevator and depot
buildings. This magnanimty on the part OF
the above gentlemen, is something beyond
the usual order Of things, but from which,
they have reaped many advantages through
the natural increase of business produced by
their railroad facilities.
THE VILLAGE
| Il beautifully located upon gradual rise Of
ground. whose facilities for drainage Is UNI
| surpassed. A broad expanse Of undulatng
prairie bounds the village on three sides, and
| whose surface IL dotted with comfortable
farm houses and commodious barns. The
farming community that seeks this place as IA
market for their produce Is quite extensive.
One Of tho most admirable features Of the
place and which attracts multltudes Of
strangers annually, is the magnificent lakes
that lie in close proximity to the place. Lake
Crystal upon tho east, is Il pretty sheet OF
water, and IL bordered with fine growth of
timber. This lake Is about one and half
mile wide, has u beautiful sandy beach, and Is
literally supplied with boats. Moon Lake,
still farther east, is about 2H miles across,
and Lilly Lake covers some 100 acres.
CHURCHES AND BUILDINGS.
There are two denominations that have
| buildings, viz: the Methodist and Prcsbyte-
rian. Rev, q. ). Innis prcsidcs over the
Methodist, and Rev. Il. +. Anderson over the
Presbyterian.
LAWYERS
The legal fraternity is ably represented in
Loran Cray and W. ii. Cole. Mr.. Cray is fa-
vorably known throughout the county, while
both do an extensive collecting business.
PHYSICIANS.
The Materid Medica finds responsible dispen-
sers in Drs. Herring, Cullen & Prees.
HOTELS.
The Oakley House, the largest, il presided
over by s. J. Oakley, one of the oldest resi-
dents of the place. This Is the retreat of the
commercial tourist, who can find Il good table
and ample accommodations.
The Lake House, with Joseph Keiffcr as
proprietor, is well located and attracts the
farming community.
Then comes the Union House, kept by &.
Dossett, and the Washington House, by Peter
Keiffer.
NEWSPAPERS.
The journalistic field Is occupied by the
Public Spirit, edited and published by Jno. ID.
Duane, who closed his first years labor last
week, and announces that his expectations
have been realized aud that ne has come to
stay.
GENERAL STOCKS.
This branch of industry Is well represented,
and the farming community can find supply
for all their needs. Jones & Williams have
been established some three years, and carry
a well selected stock and enjor u good trade.
Larson & Davis occupy commodious quarters
and have been identified with the place since
its first inception. They do II large business
and keep u stock that compares with their
trade. NJ. w. Kelly has been doing business
fot about ten years and enjoys good trade.
Marston d Perry occupy large store and
succeed In retaining share of the country
trade. The present Arm have only been I'm
business about 1--WE years. but Mr.. Marston is
one Of the pioneers.
HARDWARE DEALERS.
Hero We find Il. J. Lewis Il Co., compare
lively new men, but live, energetic, and full
Of business. They not only carry well sc-
lected stock of hardware, but are extensive
dealers In agricultural implements.
w. &. Davis handles everything appertain-
ing to the hardware and timers line; has u
large store and keeps in connection with his
hardware, II full line Of pumps and other
farm necessaries Mr. DAVIS IL an old resi-
dent, responsible and reliable.
DRUGS.
The dispenser of pills and poisons and all
other curative comp ,unds, rs l.. Franchere y
Son., on Main street In Connection with
their stock Is a full limo Of druggist sundrieS,
stationery and musical merchandise.
Crane Bros. handles groceries, and In con-
nection herewith, the United States mail, Onc
of them being the village postmaster.
William Seeger Is proprietor of the harness
shop, and does all kinds uf repairing.
Thomas Morton, keeps neat stock Of toys
boots and shoes and does little cobbling for
diversion.
IL. Humphry ia also a dealer in harnesses
and articles appertaining To that line.
Several new buildings have been put up
this season, and we are informed that many
| other improvements are contemplated anoth-
or season. The future prospects for the
place are indeed promising, and us the large
country tributary to II IL developed, thepown
will consequently keep pace, and ere long
compare fayorably TO many Of the towns in
older and better settled States.