Farmers Mutual Insurance Association

The Martin Ruud home built near the Sioux River in Sioux Township. Pictured are Martin Ruud, Grandpa Ruud, Mrs. Ruud and Grandma Nels Peterson holding Hilda Ruud.

The Larchwood pool hall. James Perkinson Sr., center, and Mr. Crandell, a drayman, seated. Irving and Wilbur Wightman using gang plows, each with a five-horse hitch.

Larchwood’s Breuer family: Mrs. Breuer, Tillie and Agnes in the car; William with a team of horses; Marie with horses; Lambert; and Everett in the buggy.

A local implement dealer showcased new drills and seeders in the streets of Larchwood in 1898.

established. Crowds of more than a thousand attended and betting on races was common. With the exodus of English sportsmen from Larchwood came the great game of baseball, which became an important part of the town's history. The 4th of July celebration in Larchwood featured baseball games, foot races, carnival rides and fireworks. Each summer for many years, Chautauqua furnished educational and entertaining programs. It was a highlight of the summer when the big tent was erected and the wonderful singers and speakers appeared. Stage plays were also included in these programs. Telephones made their appearance in 1897 and expanded rapidly in the early 1900s. The city of Larchwood built a direct current light plant in 1912-13 to serve the community. By 1900, the population had grown to about 500 people, creating a need for businesses such as livery stables, grain dealers, lumber yards, dray lines, stores, millinery, drugs, hardware, feed, hotels, broom factory, creamery, banks, saloons, restaurants, law office, butcher shops, nursery and seed company, photography shop, harness shop, land loan and insurance agency, implement dealers, newspaper, meat market, shoes and clothing, blacksmiths and woodworkers and jewelers. Both the Farmer's Savings Bank and the Farmer's Coop Elevator opened in 1906.

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