davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1928-06-07
Water; Light and PolDer Commission is One
of Sank Centres Greatest Institutions

side of the N. P. tracks, near the
depot. The motive power for the
dynamos was furnished by Diesel
oil engines. The vibration of the
engines caused considerable an
noyance to private property own
ers, particularly st. Paul's Cath
Ollie Home. The matter was even
tually satisfactorily settled by the
commission paying the damages
agreed upon.
At a meeting of the commission
held June 2, 1918, Mr.. Bailey, of
the Little Falls Power Co., appear
ed before them with a proposition
to sell the city electricity at whole
sale.
A joint meeting of the Com
mission and City Council was held
June 20 to consider the advisable
ity of purchasing current at whole
sale and retailing to the consum-
er. A contract was eventually
signed up with the St. Cloud Pub
lie Service Co. for a period of
five years at a price Of Csc per Kill
owat. The maximum price to the
consumer was 10 cents per kilo-
wat.
At the meeting of the Commits
sion April 20, 1920, George O'Gara
succeeded L. w. Gingery as a
member of the Commission. J. F.
Cooper asked to be released as
clerk, and Victor T. Conklin was
named as his successor. H. Fl.
Hennemann became chairman of
the commission.
M. Sprague became chairman
of the commission April 4, 1921.
April II. 1922, F. w. Perry sue
ceeded Mr.. Sprague as a member
of the Commission. George
O'Gara automatically became pres
ident.
For many years there had been
an agitation for hotter water for
Sank Centre. The water had been
taken from Sank lake for years
but it was so full of vegetable
ingredients that it was not fit for
domestic use.
At a mass meeting to discuss
the matter held at the Junior High
School auditorium John N. McGib-
bon said there was low place on
the north side of the river that
was always wet. He was of the
opinion that springs might be de-
veloped. Investigation proved
that the gentleman's contentious
were correct.
A bond issue of 100000 was
fioated for the building of a new
water system. J. F. Coyle was
given the contract to sink a SER
les of shallow wells, and Anton
Nelson had the contract to build
the large concrete reservoir.
The contract for the laying of
the water mains was let to L..
Goldstein, St. Paul. Eventually
the bondsmen were compelled to
complete the contract. The water
The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1928-06-07

With the adoption of Sank
Centres present charter, early in
1913 the Water, Light and Power
Commission was created.
The duties of the commission is
to supervise and operate the light
and power plant and the supply
of water for the city.
Under the charter the commits
sion is appointed by the thre,
District Court Judges of this judic
ial district. The idea of the char
ter trainers was to put the COM
mission personnel beyond the pale
of petty politics thus insuring
that competent men would handle
this branch Of this city's business.
Time has proven that the
trainers of the charter acted wisely
in making this provision as the
commission has, without exception,
been made up of strong men who
have ever safeguarded the best
interests of the citizens, and light
and power has been furnished the
homes and business places at a
cost much below the average.
The commission has a member
ship of three. 1t was organized in
May, 1918 when A. F. Moynihan
was appointed for a one year
term, L. w. Gingery for two years
and H. F.. Hennemann for three
years. Mr.. Moynihan was the first
president of the commission. I'm
der the provisions the senior men,
Der of the board automatically be
comes chairman. A new commits
sioner is appointed each year for a
three year term.
The first meeting of the COM
mission was held at the office of
City Clerk J. F. Cooper May Is,
1918. The organization was per-
fected by electing J. F. Cooper
clerk at a salary of $4,000 per
month. John N. McGibbon was
appointed superintendent of the
light plant at salary Of $4,000
per month. George Rice was made
waterworks superintendent at
salary of $500 per month. Mr..
Rice divided his time between
handling the waterworks and act
ing as street commissioner.
Very soon after the commission
was organized arrangements were
made to supply electric current to
the farms of F. P. Minette & Son,
Louis Bergman and Alex Brom-
enschenkel.
Aug. 5, 1928, DR.. Moynihan hav-
ing offered his service to his coun-
try in the World War, rendered his
resignation as a member of the
commission. The District Court
judges appointed F. w. Sprague to
succeed Mr.. Moynihan and he be-
came president of the Commission.
Several years before the COM
mission took over the electric
plant the City Council had erected
a generating plant on the north
The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1928-06-07
Italians Origin ShoWn
by Method of Eatins

The way of eating Parmesan
cheese tells the place of origin of
an Italian, according to a generally
accepted theory. Not only that, but
it indicates also his brOadminded-
ness or stinginess in money mat
ters, it is claimed.
If a person pares the covering OF
his cheese without regard to los
ing a little OF the cheese itself, as
a wasteful cook might peel pOta-
toes in New England, that person
comes from Rome, one who cares
little for money.
However, if the person scrapes
the cheese carefully, so as not to
waste any of the inside portion, he
is a FIorentine, careful but not
prOdigal.
But if the person takes up his
cheese in his fingers and merely
blows whatever will blow from the
outside of the cheese, then he comes
from Genoa, never wasting a cen.
tisimi, according to the prOverb.
The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1928-06-07

President-Dr. ]. A. Dubois.
Vice president - Miss Esther
Sprague.
Secretary and Treasurer-Mr.
F. w. Sprague.
Librarian-Eva M. Davis.
Present board of directors are
F. w. Sprague, DIR. J. A. Dubois,
Mrs. C. E. Bohall, Mr.. L. L. Kells,
DR.. Moynihan, Mr.. V. C. Conklin,
Miss Esther Sprague, Mr.. H. A.
Falk, Mrs. H. S. Halverson.
Much of the success of an Or
ganization of this kind depends
upon the secretaries. The COM
pleteness of the records of the
Bryant Library Association testi-
fies to the faithfulness Of the par
ties who have served in this ca
pacity. The following are we'll
known citizens who have served {:
Hon. f.. E. Searle, now of New
York City; DR.. IL. &c. Rich; L. R.
Barto, M. Hogan, M. C. Kelsey.
George A. Stanton, and F. w.
Sprague.
The following have acted as Ii
brarians: Miss Alice lobby Miss
Mollie Tobey, Miss Louise G. AL
len, Miss Janis Petit, Mrs. J. l..
Mullen, Miss Bessie Robbins, and
Miss Eva M. Davis.
No public institution in this or
any city has been better differed
and managed than the Bryant Ii
brary since it's beginning, SO years
ago. The leading business and
professional men of this city have
gratuitously devoted their time and
talents to it's advancement. All of
the citizens have taken pride in its
efficiency and make use of it's ad-
vantages and opportunities.
(Statistics of the Public Ii
braries of Minnesota recently
compiled give some very interest
ing information and reflects great
credit on the Bryant Library of
this city and the literary taste of
it's citizens. The Herald is making
a few comparisons herewith: Long
Prairie's population at the last CEN
sus was 1916, there are zoos
books in the library; the total cir
culation for the year was 4,751.
Glenwood had a population of
2,187; there are 4,048 volumes,
and the circulation was 1923.
Alexandria's population is 1888;
there are 10,107 volumes, and the
circulation was 20,896. Sank Gen.
tres population is $500; the Ii
briry has 1913 volumes, and the
circulation for the year was 49,
sos volumes.-Editor)
The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1928-06-07
PAGE THREE

payers a good many thousands Of
dollars. The policy followed in
making the new contract for cur
rent was the safe one adhered to
by the commission during it's en-
tire existence.
The careful management had
kept the lighting system on a very
profitable basis. At this time the
$4,000 cost of tile new pole sys-
tenn had been paid out of the
earnings Of the plant and the light
bonds had been taken up except
$17,5OO.
H. F. Hennemann became pres
ident of the Commission April IA,
1926. 1t was decided to take up
SIS, 900 of the outstanding bonds
July 1, although they were not
due. Later this motion was recon-
sidered as there was a strong prob
ability that the dam and water
rights would be purchased from
the Central MINI. Power & Milling
Co.
When the negotiations for the
dam were first considered Mr..
Parker asked $25, 900 for the prop
erty. At a meeting held Aug IA,
by 2 to 1 vote of the commission
it was decided to set aside $17,5OO
for the purchase of the dam. Mr..
Hennemann and Mr.. O'Gara ia
vored the plan; Mr.. Perry was
opposed.
Mr.. Parker eventually accepted
the offer of $17,500 for the dam
and water rights. The resolution
to purchase the property for ST.
500 was passed Sept. 80, 1926.
At meeting of the comm!s-
sion held Jan. 8, 1927, it was vot-
ed to sell the surplus water not
needed to maintain the lake level
to the Central MINI. Power &
Milling Co.
w. F.. Perry became president
of the Commission April 10,
1927. At this meeting it was vot-
ed to retire the $27,5OO outsrand-
ing electric light bonds July 1. The
dam and water rights had been
purchased and paid for in the
meantime without a bond issue.
At the annual meeting April 10,
1928 Geo. R. Bergman succeeded
w. F. Perry as a member of the
Commission. George O'Gara be-
came president. At this meeting
it was voted to place $4,000 of the
earnings of the plant on time de-
post.
The above review of the Water,
Light and Power Commission since
it's organization in 1918, is a splen-
did tribute to the efficiency, and in
tegrity of the commission. They
serve the city without pay, and at
no little personal inconvenience
The record made by the Commis-
sion should be a source of gratifi-
cation to the citizens.
When one discusses the success
of the plant with any of the COM
missioners, they disclaim any
personal credit, but point their
fingers at Supt. John N. McGibbon
as the one man responsible for the
splendid showing. He has lead the
way and the commission has Coop
Grated.
The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1928-06-07
Bryant Library History

and to the school. Several years
ago Miss Davis was instrumental
in obtaining for the small children
a Saturday afternoon story hour.
This is a regular event from No
vember 1 to March 1. At first, be-
cause of no financial aid, she found
it difficult to sponsor the children's
hour, but it became easier when
many women in town who were in
terested in her project volunteered
their services as "story teller
This procedure was carried out
until Miss Alice Mossford of the
high school normal department ex-
pressed a desire to have her pu-
pills obtain some practical knowl-
edge of library management. Con-
sequently Miss Davis made pro-
visions whereby the Normal girls
would have charge of the chill
dren's Saturday story hour in re-
turn for which they would receive
thorough instruction in library
management and control. Miss
Maud Davis of the normal depart
ment has efficiently and success
fully continued this service to the
present time.
For years the continual growth
of this Saturday story hour has
been a hobby with Miss Eva Davis,
for she says, 81 believe that the
habit of reading and of coming
periodically to the library is form
ed in a child before he becomes
ten years of age"
The high school has been Tn
usually fortunate this year because
each English class has had had the
opportunity of receiving library in
structions from Miss Davis, for
which credit was given. The
course was planned primarily to
give the best and most useful SER
vice to the pupil from the stand
point of the reader and not of the
administrator. They learn how to
find fiction and non-fiction on the
shelves by the use of the card cat
alogue, and how to find any book
on any topic.
At the present time Miss Davis
has many progressive plans for the
future development of the library.
There are many and varied needs
growing out of its rapid growth.
There are at the present time ap-
proximately $4,000 volumes upon
the shelves, and clipping and pic
ture file will some day be at the
disposal of the reading public.
There is the best cooperation be-
tween the town and school needs.
Inasmuch as Miss Davis meets
these needs so VERY efficiently, she
has a library which emanates the
atmosphere of quiet which is al
ways an inducement to remain and
enjoy the written accounts by
great authors. Much credit be-
longs to Miss Davis for her effic-
lent service and pleasant person
ality.
The library stands as a monu-
ment to the civic and social zeal
of Michael Hogan as well as a
testimonial of the liberaiity of Mr..
Carnegie.
In 1907 Mr.. F. w. Sprague who
was Secretary at that time, Sc
cured an additional $1,000 from
Mr.. Carnegie to repair and re-
build the roof of the building
which was the last of the donations
granted by Mr.. Carnegie in the
aid of libraries.
The present officers of the board
are:
The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1928-06-07
CONTINUED From Page One)

the law which permitted that COM
bination of public and school IL
brairies.
A resolution was passed turning
over all the books and property of
the Bryant Library Association to
the Village Board on condition that
they pay the Indebtedness of the
Association. On May ID of the
same year this offer was accepted
by the Board of the Village Lii
brary and it was merged into the
Village Library which was located
in the High School building. The
name was changed to the Bryant
Library of Sank Centre, and the
constitution and bylaws of the old
Association were adopted, practic-
ally without change. A. Barto
was elected President; F. E. Searle,
Secretary; Alice Tobey was con-
tinued as Librarian. The first Of
fetal report of the Librarian was
filed March 26, 1881, and showed:
Number of Books and Period
lcdlS 90
Number of Books taken first
3 months go. ATT
Number of Books taken Sec
ond 3 months :. ......... 618
Number of Books taken third
8 months ~. :. 1923
The growth of this library has
been a rapid one. Its size in
1883 can be estimated when it is
cited that upon a day late in No
vember of that year committee
composed of ex-Lieutenant Govern
or, E. P. Barnum, J. F. Cooper,
and J. A. Dubois conveyed the
books in an ordinary dry goods
box from the high school building
to the small brick building former
ly occupied by J. D. Carr as al.
office. This small building was
just west of A. Dahlem's OLD
clothing store on Third Street. In
May 1896, these headquarters were
out grown and the library was
moved into the City Hall.
Early in 1908 principally
through the efforts of Mr.. Michael
Hogen, then secretary of the board,
correspondence was entered into
with Andrew Carnegie relative to
donation for a Library building in
this city. He worked so quietly
and skillfully, that, almost before
the citizens were aware that ne
gotiations were pending, he had
secured a donation of $4,000
which made possible the building
now located at the corner of Main
and Fifth streets library's
present home. This low, gray brick
building presents a most comfort
able and interesting appearance as
il settles among embankments of
shrubbery, and flowers. It stands
as a silhouette against the Junior
and Senior High schools which
serve as a background toward the
west.
The interior of the building is
also attractive. On either side of
the main room and charging desk
there are open and closed reading
rooms. The fire place room con-
tains current reading material and
suitable furniture for both adults
and small children. On the oppo-
site side of the building is shelved
the children's books and reference
books.
The library under Miss Eva
Davis capable direction gives "a
great service to the community
The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1928-06-07

is piped from the reservoirs across
the river into large standpipe To-
Gated at a high point in the ex-
IRENE south part of the city.
Today Sank Centre has one of
the modern water system in the
state. The supply is ample, and
repeated tests by state chemists
pronounce it as pure and health
full as it is possible for water to
be.
D. A. Pangburn had the con-
tract for building the brick pump
ing station near the wells.
For years there had been a de-
mand for a White Way system on
the main business streets of the
city. The White Way was erect
ed in 1922 by G.. Hillerud, Sank
Cen1re hardware man.
In April, 1923, George O'Gara
was reappointed for a three-year
term as commissioner. DIR. Hen
nemann became president OF the
Board. Oct. 1, 1923, the " ster-
works system was accepted from
the contractor.
Prior to this time the water
works had been a source of ex-
pense to the city. The Commits
sion decided to put the users on
the meter basis. Supt. McGibbon
figured out a rate that his ex-
perience laugh him would be equit-
able and the meter rate became
effective. At the present time the
system is paying it's own way and
there is a sinking fund provided to
care for depreciation and to pay
thu bonds as they become due.
The pole system of the city had
been obsolete for years. The leak
age was very heavy, causing the
city much loss. Nov. 3, 1923, A.
R. Brucker, of st. Paul, was en-
ployed to superintend the re-
building of the lines, placing the
poles in the alleys. This improve
ment cost the commission $4,000.
w. F. Perry became president
of the commission April 8, 1924.
June Is, 1924, the purchase of
the dam and water rights from the
Central Minnesota Power and
Milling Co., was first discussed.
DR.. H. F. Hennemann was re-
appointed a member of the COM
mission April ID, 1925, and George
O'Gara became president.
Oct. 22, 1925 the Northern
States Power Co., purchased the
business of the St. Cloud Public
Service Co., and took over the
contract to supply the city with
electric current.
Oct. %, 1925, representatives of
the Northern States Power Co.
met with the commission to dis
cuss a new contract. The price
for current was too high for the
Commission to consider, and the
proposition was rejected.
At a meeting held Dec. 20, 1925
the Northern States Power Com
pany made a revised offer. The
rate being considered satisfactory
a 10-year contract was signed, eff
fective Jan. 1, 1926.
The cautious manner in which
the commission proceeded in max.
ing this contract saved the tax.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-07-25
COOLIDGES PLAN
trip TO WEST
Expect to Visit Yellowstone
Park in August.

By United Press
CEDAR ISLAND LODGE, Wis,
July 25.-Tentative plans are being
made for the departure of President
and Mrs. Coolidge for Yellowstone
National Park between Aug. 10 and
Is, it was learned authoritatively
at. the summer White House today.
The President and his official
party would leave their lodge here
Aug. IL. though no official plans
have been formulated.
Mr.. Coolidge has not decided, it
was said, whether he will remain at
his fishing retreat on the Brule or
make a protracted visit to the Ma
itonal Park.
The condition of Mrs. Coolidge's
mother, Mrs. Lemira Goodhue, who
is i'll at Northampton, Mass, may be
a deciding factor in the late sum-
mer plans of the presidential party.
1t is known that the Coolidges are
planning visit to New England. Mr..
Coolidge is said to wish to visit his
boyhood home at Plymouth, VT.
The President and Mrs. Coolidge
have expressed delight with their
experiences in the Yellowstone last
summer.
Mr.. Coolidge is not expected to re-
turn to Washington before Sept. Is,
regardless of final plans for his sum-
mer vacation.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-07-25
Friendship for New Regime
Prompts Withdrawal
by Washington.
BY MAURITZ A. HALLGREN
TTnitad prees staff CorreNnondeut


WASHINGTON, July 25.-Con-
crete evidence of the new Ameri-
can policy of positive friendship"
for the Chinese Nationalist govern
ment, details of which soon are to
be made public, was revealed today
in the Navy Department order
calling for immediate withdrawal
of 1850 marines from Tientsin,
China.
These sea soldiers made up part
of the force of $500 sent to the
Far East in March and April, 1927,
after the Marking incident Of
March "a and other serious anti
foreign outbreaks in South China
and the YangtZe valley.
When the remaining marines will
be brought home has not been de-
termined, although in considering
the question here officials decided
the wisest policy would be to re-
tain sizeable force on Chinese soil
until they feel more confidence in
the ability of the Nationalist
armies to afford full protection to
foreigners.
Withdrawal of the marines was
strongly urged upon the State and
Navy Departments by Rear Admiral
Mark L. Bristol Immediately upon
his arrival in the Far East to take
command of the American Asiatic
fleet.
He was supported by Brig. Gen
Smedley D. Butler, commanding the
marines, but was opposed, accord
ing to reports received here, by
Minister John Van A. MacMurray.
Eventually the 500 marines of the
Pekin legation guard and the 900
regular soldiers of the 18th
Infantry, stationed to guard the
Tientsin-Pekin Railway, also will be
withdrawn, it was said at the State
Department, although they will be
the last to come home.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-07-25
SHELBY BONDS
SALE DATE SET
County Auditor Says Sc
curitieS Will Go Easily.

Sale of a $4,000 bond issue for
Shelby st. improvement has been
set for July 80, Harry Dunn, county
auditor, announced today.
Dunn said he expected no diff
Guilty in selling the county bonds
for the proposed paving project be-
tween Troy and Madison AYES.
The improvement has been
ordered under the connecting link
law which provides the county and
city shall share the costs.
There were some objections to
the improvement but the twenty
nine-day period fer filing a re-
monstrance has passed and no one
opposed the project" Dunn said.
The city failed to get bid on the
$4,000 issue to pay the city's share
because the Interstate Public Serv-
ice Company, objecting to spending
money for new tracks, protested
the issue.
Oren S. Hack, works board pres
ident, said he would attempt to
sell the city's bonds to south side
taXpayerS,