History of New Rockford: March 2, 2020

The Jan. 23, 1903, “Transcript” contained a letter from owner C.J. Maddux dated Jan. 17 from Washington, D.C. Maddux talked of the slow progress on the treaty to open the Fort Totten Reservation to settlement by whites with a payment of $3 per acre to the Indians by Congress with settlers then reimbursing the government at $3.50 per acre. Maddux also mentioned that Francis A. Sebring, former New Rockford postmaster [Sept. 13, 1883-March 31, 1887], and cashier of the Bank of New Rockford, was the clerk of the police court in the nation’s capital. The Sebrings had two daughters, one born in New Rockford and the other seven years old.

An ad— D. Labhardt, shoe-making and repairing, opposite the Manly Law Offices. Another ad— Elite Barber Shop, Geo. Brazee, prop., in John Wenz’s shoe store.

Prussian Stock Food and Prussian Lice Killer for sale at J.W. Rager’s. “Get your coal and wood at Starks’ yard. Lowest price and delivered free to all parts of the city. Telephone 64a.” P.J. Shanahan had a fresh milch cow for sale “for cash or on time.”

John Jensen was learning the cigar trade in the cigar shop. Two new cigar makers were due at the cigar shop in a few days.

James G. Dailey had $500 in subscriptions toward a telephone line for the Superior district, which might be extended to McHenry.

Former county residents Mr. and Mrs. E.E. Anderson were in Medical Springs, Ore., where he was about to put in a sawmill with a daily capacity of 30,000 feet.

On Jan. 23, Nels K. Mattson was down on business from the Sheyenne Valley. George Morris left for six weeks in the Twin Cities. That afternoon Mrs. J.R. Beebe entertained her Sunday School class of 14 young ladies at her home on Villard Avenue. That evening the Yeomen held a masquerade ball with the lady members serving refreshments at midnight. Also that evening the Christian Endeavor met at Mrs. May M. Keime’s for a business and social session.

On Jan. 23 and 24, J.J. Anderson was in from eastern Eddy County on business.

On Jan. 24, Frederick Fife of the Fife & Turner general store in Barlow returned from a lengthy visit to Canada, during which time he was married. State Representative M. Mattson returned from Bismarck. William Thorn and Jacob Roffler were in town. Isaac Walden came in on business as did Martin Anderson from Plainview, Sidney Hewes from Tiffany, Ed Nystrom from the Sheyenne Valley, J.E. Renfrew from northwest of town, Paul Noack from east of town, Philip Ackerman and William Erdelbrock from west of town, and Jacob Allmaras and Jacob Valer from southwest of town. That afternoon Christ Fahrner’s team ran away, pulling a wagon behind them. They started in front of Rood’s Livery Barn and headed for home, but were caught in a wire fence which cut both of them badly.

On Jan. 24 and 25, State Senator J.D. Carroll was up from Bismarck.

On Sunday, Jan. 25, Presiding Elder Moore preached in the Methodist Church; the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was celebrated at the morning service. Barlow barber Granville Egbert was in New Rockford. At 6:30 p.m. the Christian Endeavor met, with Mrs. J.R. Beebe speaking on “An Evening with China Missions.” That evening August Swanson, Mark Canning, and Otto Burger were up from Barlow.

On Jan. 26, E.H. Martin returned from his old home in Ontario. H.A. Buffington was in on business. Merchant H. Arveskaug of the Ose Hardware Store returned from his business trip to Leeds and Brinsmade. Dan Condling or Condlin, the Carrington cigar maker, was in New Rockford visiting the local cigar shop of Lyman & Ellis. S.J. McCue came up from Carrington. R.F. Rinker went to Sheyenne on legal business. J.L. Kinnaird left for a three-week trip to Kansas City and Springfield, Mo., and other towns in that state; the trip turned into six weeks and he returned on March 9. G.J. Schwoebel left for a visit of a couple of weeks visiting with friends in the Twin Cities and in his old home, Fountain City, Wis.

On the evenings of Jan. 26 to 28, the Crows Imperial Stock Company appeared in the Opera House. On Jan. 26 they performed “The Count of Monte Cristo.” On Jan. 27, they presented “Fanchon, the Cricket.” On Jan. 28, they did “Faust,” which Mr. and Mrs. E.B. Thomson attended. Tickets were 25, 35, and 50 cents.

On Jan. 26 and 27, John T. West was in from eastern Eddy County. Col. Barton of the Great Western Elevator Company was in New Rockford, looking after business for the company.

On Jan. 27, H.P Halverson was down from the Sheyenne Valley. Timothy O’Connor was in from west of town on business. Frank L. Reynolds arrived from Pulaski, N.Y., to take over the management of the creamery after the resignation of H.B. Herberson due to his father’s illness and the necessity of his leaving for his old home. Arthur Swearinger came up from Carrington to work in the cigar shop.

That evening about 10 p.m. a shooting took place at McHenry. Dr. T.M. MacLachlan’s brother got into trouble with a “blind pig” who had set up shop in the village. The blind pig left the building and came back with a rifle he pointed at MacLachlan. Foster County Deputy Willoughby ran between the two men, knocked the barrel of the gun upward, and the bullet went into the ceiling. Almost at the same instant, Dr. MacLachlan, seeing his brother in danger, drew his revolver and fired. Instead of hitting the blind pig, the bullet struck Willoughby. The doctor treated the victim while station agent Moulder telegraphed for a special train to bring a Fargo doctor to McHenry. Willoughby, who had farmed near McHenry for several years, was taken to Fargo for an operation.

On Jan. 28 Fred Zimmerman, Jr., and Peter Michel were in on business, the latter from the Guler district. Mr. and Mrs. A.J. Ford and Mr. and Mrs. David Carlton of Barlow were in shopping. Misses Martha and Freda Zimmerman were in from southwest of town to visit. W.C. Schwoebel returned from Oil City, Penn.; his wife would remain there another month. Mrs. R.P. Allison went to Jamestown to visit her son Ed and his family. Former creamery man H.B. Herbeson left for Hoople, due to the illness of his father. That evening the third annual Barlow AOUW Lodge Ball was cancelled due to the death of member Matt Wiltschko, who lived 5 miles southwest of that town; it was rescheduled for Feb. 27.

On Jan. 29, Frank Thelander was in on business. Mr. and Mrs. Ed Stitzel and family returned from their eastern trip. Veterinarian F.W. Tompkins was down from Oberon on a professional visit. That evening there was a special meeting of New Rockford Camp #2214 of the Modern Woodmen of America. William Johnson took the delayed train that night to Fergus Falls and then to the Twin Cities on business.