The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1921-07-02
LlM! bEMIDJI
CLAIMS LOCAL
BA1HERFRIDAY
w. Fl. Elletson, Expert Swim
mer, Fails to Return From
an Afternoon Swim
LAST SEEN ENJOYING
SWIM IN DEEP WATER
Efforts of Searching Party
Have as Yet Proved Futile;
Search Continues

While bathing in Lake ,Bemidji
near Diamond Point Friday after
noon, w. II. Elletson, lilo Beltrami
avenue, drowned, apparently within
sight of hundreds of men, women and
children, who were enjoying the
warm waters Of the lake.
Just how and when and where the
accident occurred no one seems to
know. His clothes are still in the
bath house and his bicycle on the
bank of the lake, but his body is miss
ing.
He left home shortly before d
o'clock Friday afternoon, riding his
bicycle to the bathing beach. He in
quired of Archie Uatty, who is in
charge of the point, about a dressing
room. He engaged a free dressing
room, where he left his clothes, and
then plunged into the lake for u
swim. "
He was noticed by several friends
as he entered the water. Being an
exceptional good swimmer, he pre-
ferred the deep water, and usually
swan out into the lake beyond the
safety line.
A young couple, who are spending
several weeks at Grand Forks bay,
were seated on bench at the apex
of the point and noticed someone
swimming out into the lake on a line
directly between the point and the
Crookston mill No. 2. .-...
According to their story, Mr.. Ellet-
son was out nearly a half mile, but
from all appearances was enjoying
himself in the deep water. They
watched for about five minutes and
then Joined the bathers along the
beach. Naturally they cast their
eyes out toward where he was swim
ming fro milne to time and when he
could be seen no more they concluded
that he had come in and Joined the
throng on the beach.
His household became worried
about him when he failed to appear
for the evening meal, but it was not
until about Gas when they began to
make Investigations. Parties went to
the point in an effort to locate him.
They were informed that he was still
in the lake, but owing to the large
crowd on the beach, it was quite i'm
possible to distinguish any single per-
son. Others remained in the water
for hours and it was not strange that
one who loved the water so we'll and
who was such an excellent swimmer
found delight in remaining overtime.
1t was not until about 8 o'clock,
when call came to the Odd Fellows
hall, inquiring if Mr.. Elletson was
present---he was a faithful Odd Fell
low and apparently had made plans
to be present at the meeting Friday
night. When his home was advised
that he was not there, committee
was sent to the point. to begin active
search.
Word was sent out to the police
station and the entire lodge of Odd
Fellows joined in the search for the
body. Andy Lee hurried to the
scene with his launch and search
light and a number of rowboats were
rushed to the rescue. Ropes and
graphing hooks were put into action
and the lake was dragged all night
long and all morning. UP to press
time, all efforts to locate the bory
have proved futile.
Mr.. Elletson was SO years of age,
and is survived by his wife and three
sons, William of Carem, Neb., George
Jcf Minneapolis and Delbert of Be-
midi. He also leaves his mother Of
Blur River, Wis. He had lived in
Bemidji about 20 years, having been
employed as carpenter.